Blackberries

One of the nice things about having a nature preserve in our backyard is the blackberry bushes. This morning, Mike went out to pick some blackberries for breakfast. Samuel was very interested in the new treat so we decided to let him try it. As you can see, we were at least smart enough to undress him first! He loved them. Of course, they made a horrible mess, but he had a great time and we know now he likes yet another fruit! Too say the least, he went straight into the tub!

Talk...Talk...Talk

Samuel with Nana before she had to leave.

Samuel has become quite the talker. He has developed a pretty good repertoire of signs (eat, more, please, thank-you, drink) and has continued to say more and more words. So far he has dada, mama, hi, bye-bye, car, dog (gog), this (for anything he wants), please (bus), yes (es), duck (guck). There are also a few more, but only recognizable by Mike and I. It is really cute when he really wants something because he will both sign and say please. He has also learned to change his inflection at times. It is amazing to watch his little mind work and see what he comes up with.

This is a video of him wanting to open his water bottle. When I ask him if he wants help he says yes and is shaking his head. He then signs and says please (sign is a circle on his chest). The second time I ask him to say please he pauses to pass gas then proceeds with the sign and word! Yes, he is his father's son!

Last Weekend

This past weekend we ventured back out into the wild. Since camping went so well the first time we decided to try it again. We headed back to the same campground, Gold Basin off Mountain Loop Highway. This time we went with our good friends, Jon and Annie. I have to say that this was probably one of our best camping trips. We were all so bummed be forgot the cameras.

We headed up Friday evening and spent the night setting up camp, eating dinner and hanging around the campfire. Mike and I spent a good two hours trying to get Samuel to go down for the night, but once he was down he was out. Saturday morning we enjoyed breakfast and Samuel had a nap before we headed out for a hike. We went on a pretty easy trail out to Lake Boardman. It was beautiful. Mike, Jon, Samuel and Bailey headed into the water while Annie, Montana and I sat and enjoyed the sun. Samuel loved playing with the rocks and small sticks at the waters edge. I think we could have left him there all day. After awhile we headed back. Jon, Annie, Mike and Samuel headed down to the river when we got back while I elected to rest around camp while they were gone. Saturday night dinner was fantastic and Samuel went to be very easily! Sunday we cleaned up camp then headed over to a swimming hole for a few hours. It was a bit of a challenge to get to the hole, to say the least we were all wet despite not having on swimsuits, but enjoyed sitting and relaxing.

Hopefully, we will have one more trip in us this weekend. Kate and Addison are coming up and we would love to take them out and explore. Hopefully the weather will be kind and we will be able to find a campsite over the holiday.

This is a video from our first camping trip...

Nana's Visiting

Samuel's Nana is here to visit for the few days. He of course is on his best behavior and proving mom and dad wrong right and left! Yesterday, we took Nana to one of Samuel's favorite places, the zoo. This time he actually loved the petting zoo. He chased the goats, stepped in the food dish and even kissed one on the back! He was also very interested in the lady with the poop scoop and the wheelbarrow full of it. Nice!


We also went out to dinner last night at the 5 Spot up on Queen Anne Hill. Nana and I had some fantastic fried chicken. Mike had fish and chips which must have been good because there wasn't a bite left. Samuel loved the green beans and french fries.

Sick Little Boy

Well, we had quite the weekend around here. I was gone most of the weekend at a leadership retreat for Mars Hill (I will tell more later) which left Mike home with Samuel. Little did we know he would be a sick little boy...

Thursday afternoon, Samuel woke up from his nap with a pretty high fever. We gave him Tylenol right away which seemed to help for a short time. He was also running the classic cold symptoms (runny nose, cough, clingy, whiney). Since Mike had practicum until 7:30 and I had the Leadership Retreat starting at 7:00, I took him with me until Mike was finished. Everyone noticed he wasn't himself. He laid in his stroller, drank water and drifted in and out of sleep. That night was the start of hell. We were up and down all night with him between trying to break his fever, control his cough and sooth his molars which are breaking through!

Friday morning, after very little sleep, he headed downtown with me for the retreat. Mike took a half day and picked him up so he could come home and rest. He seemed in much better spirits in the morning, but still was fighting the fever, runny nose and cough. By this point he was also very picky about what he would eat which were blueberries only! Mike controlled his fever all day and finally got him down for bed late that evening. He was up and down again all night.

Saturday morning he woke up and didn't have a fever! It has disappeared as quickly as it had come on. He still was fighting his runny nose and cough but seemed to be on the up swing. He spent most of the day down and out. Lots of sitting on dad's lap watching cartoons. Saturday evening we spent three and a half hours awake with him until I finally put him in the car and drove around for an half hour to get him too sleep. To say the least Mike and I were running on empty as Sunday morning came.

We figured we had battled the hard part and how it was just getting back to normal. That was until he woke up for his nap with a rash all over his stomach, back, neck, and face. Mike quickly gave him Benedryl in case it was an allergic reaction. I got home shortly after lunch and called the nurse hotline at the Children's Hospital. The nurse spent a ton of time with me and diagnosed him with a viral infection. There is nothing we can really do but wait it out! Great!

So, Samuel has the viral infection called roseola. There is really no way we could have prevented it and really no way to treat it. The rash will probably continue for another day or so then he should be on the upswing. In the meantime he gets Benedryl and hydrocortisone cream to control the itching and cough medicine at night so he and we can sleep. He is drinking plenty of fluids and is staying hydrated. From talking with others, I guess it is a pretty common childhood illness that has to take its course. Oh! The joys of parenthood!

13 Months

Samuel is officially 13 months old. Hard to believe. We finally got around to taking him into the doctor for his first year appointment. As we all know, he is perfect!

Here is the latest...
Height: 32 3/4 inches (97 percentile)
Weight: 24 pounds 6 ounces (60 percentile)
Words: Dada, Mama, Hi, Bye, Dog, Car, This
Signs: More, Please, Eat, Thank-you, Drink (sometimes)
Teeth: 8 complete, 1 molar almost done, 1 molar just starting
The doctor said he looked great and appeared to be hitting all his milestones perfectly. I guess we will keep him!

Here is a picture of Samuel watching the garbage truck. He is fascinated with cars and loves to point them out to us. Whenever he hears the garbage truck he stands at the window and cannot be distracted for at least 10 minutes! Maybe he will be a garbage man?!

Camping

Last weekend, we ventured out to Gold Basin Campground in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest for Samuel's first camping experience. We arrived Friday afternoon and had a chance to set up camp. We were joined by a few friends of ours and ended up occupying two campsites right next to each other. Friday evening we sat around the campfire, made smores and chatted.


Saturday all the guys went on a hike up Mt. Pilchuck. I guess the hike was pretty strenuous, but the views were beautiful. The girls had the joy of sitting around camp and trying to occupy four children while keeping them away from the hot fire! Not fun! Next time the guys will be on kid duty and the girls will get five hours to play. Saturday night we enjoyed a great dinner then everyone but us decided to leave for the night.


Sunday morning, Mike and I got up, had breakfast and packed up camp. We then went to the Big Four Ice Caves. It was a pretty easy mile into the caves. They were awesome. Samuel loved walking around and picking up rocks. He wasn't so excited about the snow though.



Overall it was a great weekend. We were all a bit tired coming home and enjoyed a good night’s sleep back in our bed. Samuel seemed to love camping, especially the dirt! I guess we will be planning a few more weekends soon! I will post more pictures on the website as soon as I get them all uploaded!

Barney!

Samuel doesn't slow down for much, but Barney has stopped him in his tracks. The other day he watched part of Elmo's World then found a car to occupy him. When Barney came on he quickly set the car down and planted himself in front of the TV. He watched for a good 15 minutes before he got bored and moved on. It's like he knows how much daddy dislikes Barney!

A Great Weekend

The Clark family had a wonderful weekend. We were able to spend a ton of time as a family and catch up on some time that we loose when Mike's semester and teaching job are in full swing. Here is a quick recap...


Friday night, Mike and I celebrated 5 years of marriage. We got all dressed up and went out to a restaurant called the Melting Pot. Fabulous! We had a great chance to reminisce over the past year as well as the last five. We also began to dream about what this next year may bring for us. It was a much needed celebration!



On Saturday, we had the opportunity to go to the Starbucks Company Picnic. Beth invited us to join her for an afternoon of fun. Although the shuttle ride over to the park was not the best, once we were there it was a ton of fun. There was a pirate theme and shortly after we showed up the pirate boat made an entrance. Samuel thought it was great! They had a ton of fun bouncy things for kids to do, chair massages for adults and great food. Samuel had so much fun he fell asleep in Mike's arms and was out cold for a good hour or so.


Saturday night we had friends over for a cookout and a great game called Loaded Questions!



Sunday morning we got up and decided that it had been too long since we had taken a good hike. We decided that after Samuel's nap we would head to Twin Falls for a 3 mile hike. Bailey even got to join us. The hike was great and the scenery was beautiful. Samuel slept for a good portion, but was awake to walk (all on his own) the last bit of the trail. He even wanted to walk holding onto Bailey. I think he defiantly has his dad in him, as we were walking out he kept turning around and trying to go back in! Mike and I can't wait until he can walk the whole way by himself. You would be amazed at how much harder hiking is with an extra 30 pounds on your back!




All is all, it was a great weekend. Too bad tomorrows Monday and it's back to work. I guess you can't have it all!

5 Years

Wow! Five years ago Mike and I tied the knot! Hard to believe it isn't it? I guess it is true that time flies when you're having fun!

It has been an amazing five years. I think back to where we were five years ago and am amazed with the journey we have taken. We have taken roads that I never would have guessed or thought possible. Although there have been tough times and times where we both felt it would have been easier to give up, I am so thankful for Mike and our marriage. I am amazed at how strong our love is and how it continues to grow each day. I knew when I married Mike that I was marrying the best, little did I know that he and us would only continue to get better and better.

So, to the next five years...

I love you sweetpea!

A Beautiful Sunset

In rememberance of Hannah we were able to spend sometime yesterday as a family. Since we were not able to visit Hannah's grave, we took some time to go to the local cemetary to lay flowers on the graves of babies and children. We then took a picnic to Golden Gardens park where we watched the sunset over the mountains. It was beautiful. Although the pictures are beautiful, it doesn't do it justice. Thanks to all of you who said a few extra prayers for us yesterday.

Remembering Hannah...

As many of you are well aware today is Hannah's birthday. It has been two years since we heard the tragic news that our little girl was taken from us. After two years, we don't pretend to understand why, we still question God and we struggle daily as memories of her sweep through our minds. Today we remember how precious and fragile life is. We also remember the promise that God has given us, that life is not all there is. So, as we wipe tears from our eyes and feel the weight and stillness of life in our hearts we believe that Hannah is watching over us all and waiting in great anticipation for the day when we will be reunited with her in Heaven.

As we remember the week that surrounded Hannah's death, we remember the love and support we felt in the darkest days of our lives. We were blessed to have Jon lead Hannah's memorial service. During his service he talked about Hannah's name and its meaning. "Hannah Faith. Her name Hannah means the breathing Grace of God. Her middle name Faith means to trust." As we continue down this road we have come to know more fully how to trust God and have more deeply felt His grace.

As I thought of today’s post and what I would write, I struggled to put the right words together. After two years the pain is still so fresh and deep that I felt as though I couldn't honor her enough by the words that I would write. I then came across a song that was written for Hannah by her Uncle Caleb. Although he couldn't be there that day, this song was mailed to us and arrived right before we were leaving for the cemetery. It not only captures that day, but rings so true in our hearts two years later. Thank you Caleb.

A touch of God came upon me
I held the hand of Grace
Here in my arms I see
A love that won’t be replaced

Heaven help me be strong
I give my faith to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

Faithful you got to hold her
And send her love for me
Tell her when I get older
Together again we’ll be

Heaven help me be strong
I give all my trust to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

When the July sun shines again
We will celebrate her day
Little Grace safe from pain
Blessed us in a beautiful way

Heaven help me be strong
I give this life to you
Heaven help me be strong
I’m giving Grace back to you

Giving Grace back to you
Giving Grace back to you



My dearest Hannah-

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you and think of who you would be today. I miss feeling you move and wondering what you would look like. I miss dreaming of what you would become and what paths of life you would take. I often feel robbed of our short four months together. Yet, I know where you are. I know you are full of life running through the fields of Heaven, playing games and giggling while you roll in the grass. I think of all the people that are there with you and know that you are well taken care of.

I long for the day when I can gaze upon your beautiful face, kiss your piggies, chase you around the yard and rock you to sleep. I anticipate the joy that will be felt when you are reunited with daddy and introduced to your younger brother, Samuel. I understand that you are watching over us and am thankful that Samuel has such a special little guardian angel with him. Yet, I miss you so much.

I will never forget.
Love, Mommy

Happy...

This picture was taken a few weeks ago, but had to be shared. As many of you know, Samuel is just a happy baby. He is generally filled with smiles that can light up a room and turn any bad mood into a better one. A few weeks ago, I was upset at Samuel for doing something he was not supposed to be doing. I had told him "no" and redirected him to his cars. He got the big pouty lip and turned away appearing to be pretty sad. Just then, "If You Are Happy and You Know It" can on. He quickly turned around and started clapping with the biggest smile yet. I quickly grabbed the camera and this is the result. I am amazed at how quickly he can let go of any anger or sadness he has and turn into such a joyful, carefree state. I wish I still had that ability!

Too Hot

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Excessive heat warning in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday. Air stagnation advisory in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday.

Weather Summary: A lttle cooler today, but highs will still be a good 10 to 12 degrees warmer than average. Tuesday looks even cooler with highs in the 70s to low 80s and overnight lows in the 50s (finally some good sleeping weather). However, we start getting hot again by Wednesday... We won't see any real relief until Friday with a strong push of cooler marine air. Highs this weekend should only be in the mid 70s!


Ok...so it has been way too hot here. Yes, I know it is also hot in Michigan, but you have air conditioning! I know an amazing concept! Everyone here tells us this is way hotter than usual, but since it was like this a few weeks ago also, I am starting to wonder. Anyway, as I sit here, I am watching the indoor temperature along with the outdoor temperature rise. It is currently 76 outside and an amazing 80 inside. We have three fans going, but they just seem to be blowing hot air around. Any ideas?


We have been allowing Samuel to run around in his diaper pretty much everywhere. The other day we pulled out the hose then on Saturday hooked up a sprinkler for him. He was also invited over to the neighbors kiddie pool. He loved it, but seconds after drying off he was sweating again. The other day I took him down to Green Lake to play in the kiddie pool. He loved it. He was pretty amazed with all the big kids who were running and laying down. He tried both and ended up with a mouth full of water each time. It didn't seem to bother him at all though, he got up and tried again. Today we are going to the YMCA with friends. We can work out and let the kids play in the air conditioning. It may end up being a four or five hour workout if the temperature keeps climbing!

Bath Fun

The other night, Mike and I watched Roxy while her parents took a night out. Well, it was time for Samuel to take a bath and get ready for bed and Roxy wanted to join. What kid doesn't love bath time. So we figured what the heck, they are young enough. We threw them in together. They had a ball. Matia heard all the fun and she joined in. It was a riot. Samuel was trying to wash Roxy's hair and Roxy was trying to dump water over Samuel. At least we will have proof when Samuel complains later in life that we never let him do anything fun (around 13?) that we let him bathe with a girl when he was only a year old!

Talking Away

Samuel has a ton to say. When they come out as real words I am afraid we will all be in trouble!

Car

Samuel is learning new words each day. He loves cars right now and points them out everywhere. He will get so excited and start yelling "car" until someone recognizes him. Pretty cute!

Fun at the Mall

This morning, Samuel and I ventured out to the mall. We had a return to make at Gap Kids and needed some time away from the house. As most malls do, Alderwood has a children's play area. A few weeks ago, I took Samuel there for the first time. It is usually so packed, but this morning it was only mildly chaotic. Samuel takes off as soon as he gets set free, running from activity to activity until he can no longer go. There are three tunnels that he loves to crawl through. I generally chase him from one to the next. He then wants to climb up on anything short enough and try and slide down it. Luckily most of the toys are designed with slides so he is not jumping off the edge and crashing to the ground. Today he also found the mirror and talked and waved at himself for a few moments. Then it was off and at it again...

Fun With Water

Today was a pretty hot day around here and since we don't have air conditioning we have to be creative in finding ways to stay cool. We introduced Samuel to the hose today. He found it pretty cool! He loved being sprayed and tried despratly to grab the water as it was coming out of the hose. I think we may have to invest in a kiddie pool! Check out this video!

Just an Update...

Not much has been going on in the Clark family household, but I thought I would take a minute and fill people in on what has been going on with us over the past month.

Mike did take the teaching job at Skyview Junior High for next year. He will be working in a "learning center" with moderatly impaired students. He is worried about it being too much with school, but I am going to try and do some of his paperwork for him and hopefully lighten the load. We do feel very blessed that he does have a full time job that is close to home and is flexible with his classes. We will have to see how it goes. This summer, Mike is working at Bellveue Christian Schools doing maintenance work. The job is great with his class schedule. He basically goes when he can and leaves when he has too. Hopefully it will remain a possiblity for him over Christmas and Spring break and then again next summer.

This does allow me to continue to be home with Samuel which we all feel is so important. I have also decided to pursue the chance to become a doula and am well underway to certification. I have a lot of paperwork to do and connections to make with people in the community (midwives, birthing centers, etc.). I hope to complete at least one of my three volunteer births yet this year. Additionally, next year I have been asked to serve on the Mars Hill student leadership team. I will be representing a group that I have been part of this year called Mosaic. It is intended to provide a community for spouses of students. I am very excited about this opportunity. It also helps me feel a bit more connected with what Mike is going through and how I can be supportive of him during the next two years.

Samuel is as amazing as ever. He seems to be coming up with something new each day. He is trying to communicate a lot more now. He makes all different sounds up that to him sound like words, but to us sound like babble. He does say "mama" "dada" and "bye" very clearly. He is working on both dog, cat and car, but so far only distinguished by mom and dad. He also has increased his sign language. He has added "all done" "thank-you" and occasionally "ball." He is completly walking now, even running at times. The climbing has also started so we have to be very careful of where we leave things. I am waiting for the day I come out of the bathroom and he is standing on the kitchen counter!

When we were back in Michigan we decided it was time to put our house back up on the market. It is in it's third week and has had some decent interest, but no offers yet. We really hope the market is good to us and we are able to sell quickly and painlessly. Please keep us in your prayers as selling the house would be a huge emotional and financial relief to us.

I think that's it for now. I am sure there is more, but it will have to wait. Time to play!
Jenn