Clara's Fan Club

We are so blessed to have family nearby.  Since having Clara, we have suddenly become quite popular and our local family loves to visit all the time.  It is a new experience for us, as well as for [both sets of] our parents and [Aunt] Carol to be a short drive away from a sweet new little family member.  I grew up typically seeing grandparents and other extended family for only a week or two in the summer, so this will be a totally different experience for Clara.  Going a week without seeing all four grandparents and Aunt Carol is a rarity!  Not to mention the Great Grandmas, second cousins, and Great Aunts and Uncles we see frequently.  We are thankful that she is surrounded by so many who love her so much and are wonderful influences in her life.

Grandma Carol reading Clara a story

Grandpa Bob and Grandma Carol take a look at a book with Clara

Grandpa Brent heading out with Clara (back in Feb)

Grandma Margie hanging out with Clara at Lagoon

Bear Lake Weekend

My parents decided it was time that our family have an "official" family reunion.  So they went all out and rented a beautiful cabin at Bear Lake.  We all met up on Thursday evening, got settled and enjoyed dinner together.  We played cards late into the evening and then headed to bed.

On Friday we met up with my Uncle Richard and Renae at a beach on the Idaho side of the lake.  My uncle owns a boat, so we were all able to go out on it and enjoy the lake.  Because of the record snowfall and spring runoff this year, the water level was up about 11 feet from last year.  Driving along the perimeter of the lake, there were treetops poking out from 10-20 feet from the shore.  Luckily there was still plenty of beach and nearly 100 yards of super shallow water for the kids to enjoy.  The little kids busied themselves, splashing and digging, while groups of 8 took turns on the boat.  When we arrived at the beach, Clara was happy and fed, so Spencer and I decided to take the first turn on the boat.  We also wanted to water ski and the water is the calmest in the morning.

We all had a turn to ski or ride the tube, but I only had my flip, not my camera -- so no photos.  I was pretty pleased that I was able to remember how to water ski since it had been 15 years since my first and last water skiing trip.  Luckily, I got up on my first attempt.  If I hadn't, I'm not sure I would have been patient enough with myself to try for very long.  Did I mention the water was freezing?  It was about 64 degrees.  It honestly took my breath away when I jumped into the lake.

Friday and Saturday were pretty similar - beach time, boat rides, a few sunburns, kite flying, bike rides, lots of good food, family time, raspberry shakes, pool, ping pong, marshmallow roasting, and movies back at the cabin.  We had a great time!  Thanks again mom and dad!

Our sweet little sailor

Olivia and Sam

Grandma and Grandpa brought peas from their garden - yum!

Clara went for a little dip in the lake

Captain Noah

Emma in her own little tub she created in the sand

Big Spencer, Little Spencer

Uncle Richard and the cool rainbow kite (which sadly met a watery grave)

Clara took a little nap in the shade and comfort of Daddy's lap

Noah and Emma digging together

S'mores at the cabin firepit

Evans Family Photo (and matching sandals to boot!)

Those cheeks are just so kissable - who can resist!?

Day 2 hanging out on the beach

Olivia and Emma

Olivia, the fashionista (Clara benefits greatly from Livi's great sense of style)

Family Photo on the Beach - unfortunately Clara was napping and Nathan and Becky were in SLC taking it easy after an unexpected surgery the day before 

Clara and Olivia

Noah and Harrison enjoying cones at Le Beau's

4th of July

The 4th of July happened to be right in the middle of the Madsen Family Reunion (just our family - not the big extended family from the July reunion) - after Bear Lake and before Lagoon, so everyone was still in town and could celebrate together.

 We headed to Kaysville to watch the parade.  Parades are always fun, and the kids loved snatching up candy that was thrown our way.  A few years ago my dad participated in creating the winning float for the parade (and was the one to come up with the winning theme, "Neighbors helping Neighbors" to represent their stake) so of course none of the floats quite measured up this year. ;)  But it was still fun to participate in the festivities and enjoy a humid morning together to kick start the holiday.

Waiting for the parade to start

Patriotic Cousins - Rachel and Clara (oldest and youngest)

In the afternoon we had an all-american meal of fried chicken, mac and cheese, potato salad and watermelon from the new Harmon's near my parents' house.  We headed home before the fireworks began, but it was still a fun day to remember the great country we live in!

Garage Sale

When Mollie came to town we decided to have a yard sale.  Mollie is a great garage saler, my mom had lots of stuff to get rid of, and my house is in a great location for such an event.  I also had some things to sell, so it worked out great.  Mollie and I spent several days earlier in the week sorting and pricing all of our things, then on Saturday morning we got up bright and early to get the sale going.  My mom made some amazing cupcakes and lemonade for Harrison to sell and he was thrilled at the end of the day to have earned quite a bit of money for himself.  It was a lot of work, but we were able to get rid of a lot of stuff and make some money too.  When we called it a day we loaded all the remaning stuff into my mom's SUV to be hauled off for donation.  Here are a few photos from the day.

Mom and Mollie enjoying some shade

Harrison with his Cupcake/Pretzel/Lemonade Stand

Getting tired...

Spencer watched Clara inside while I worked the yard sale outside

I thought this was so cute - when Harrison ran out of lemonade, he made a little "sold out" sign

Love at First Bite

Clara tried her first solid food the day before she turned six months old.  She's been interested in food for a while, but I definitely wanted to hold off until she hit the six month mark.  I knew she was getting all the nutrients she needed from breastmilk, and I wasn't really eager to give up the ease of exclusively breastfeeding (and the not-so-smelly diapers that go with it).  Plus, I was in a bit of denial about her growing up too fast.  Nevertheless, it was time.  Clara's first food was mashed avocado.  I thinned it out a bit for her, and she gobbled it right up.

She seemed to love it and know just what to do - she opened wide as each spoonful was brought to her mouth, and swallowed with ease.  After a bit of instruction during her first meal, she no longer tries to grab for the spoon or put her hands in her mouth while eating.  Since her first meal, we've added brown rice, barley, banana and peas to her menu and she's enjoyed them all!

Father's Day

Clara's very lucky to have a great father.  When I look at the thousands of photos we have of Clara, many of my favorites are of she and her daddy together: on a walk or a hike, snuggling, reading a story together, playing with the kitty, exploring the yard.  I feel pretty confident in saying that coming home to see Clara at the end of a long work day is a daily highlight for Spencer.  They both enjoy each other immensely.  For Father's Day, Clara insisted that we make Spencer breakfast in bed.  She also wanted to get him a 10 pack of Butterfingers that he wouldn't even have to share, and a chimney for the grill so we can continue to enjoy daddy's delicious charcoal grilling skills without the wait (or lighter fluid!).

Madsen Family Reunion

In Mid-June, we attended the extended Madsen Family Reunion.  It's a gathering of my Grandpa Glen Madsen's siblings (only one surviving) and their posterity.  Admittedly, I don't know much of the family beyond my first cousins, aunts and uncles, but it was still nice to get together and meet some other family members as well.  This year my dad was in charge of organizing the event.  The good thing about being in charge is getting to choose the venue - he chose to host the reunion at Nicholl's Park in Kaysville, which is only about a mile from their home.  It was great to see cousins, aunts and uncles and my Grandma Betty. We enjoyed a beautiful day in the park, had lunch, and took Clara to the park for the first time.  She seemed to enjoy the swing and I can see why some parents swear by them for their babies - she nearly fell asleep on her first go!

Spencer tries Clara's hat on for size

First Swing!

 

Week 23 Outtake

5 Month Photos and Thoughts

{written 6/7/11}

It's 6:30 on Friday morning.  The sun is already shining brightly and pouring into the house through the living room windows. Aren't these early mornings wonderful in the spring/summer?  Also, having your baby's room on the west side of the house is wonderful.  Except for in the evenings when the baby is in bed by 7:00 but the sun stays out partying until 9:30 or so.  But I suppose that is why they invented blackout fabric (also wonderful).

I was at a baby shower last night, chatting it up with some of my favorite friends in the neighborhood.  We somehow got to talking about babies (imagine that).  One friend I was talking with has a baby who is ten days older than Clara, so it's been fun to kind of fun to go through the same things at the same times.  We were talking about how our babies are approaching the six month mark (!!!) and she kept saying how 6-12 months is her favorite age for a baby.  I kept thinking, "Really? Because it's hard to imagine things being any more awesome than they already are."  Then she was commenting about how it is so fun when you have more than one child, to watch them play together and enjoy life with each other.  So apparently I have some things to look forward to! (this is not an announcement)

Little Clara continues to be the sunshine in my life.  She has the sweetest little giggle and lights up with a  smile whenever I can lock her gaze.  Everyone around me is constantly commenting on what a good baby she is.  I've been around other babies enough to know that this is true!  I realize that she's spoiling me as a mother and I'm just trying to soak in all of her goodness and appreciate each moment.  Almost every night within an hour of putting her to bed, Spencer asks if we can go wake her up.  It's the sweetest thing.  Sometimes we do get her up, just to snuggle.  We're not trying to make a habit of it, but we know her babyhood will be so fleeting.  When we don't scoop her up for a snuggle (and even when we do) she sleeps soundly for 10-12.5 hours at night.

Here are some updates on the babe: She loves having her gums (no teeth yet) brushed before bed.  She loves standing up and has really strong (but short!) little legs.  She does acrobatic moves in her crib while she sleeps; I put her down on her back, but often find her on her tummy, side, or pushed up close to the bars of her crib when she wakes.  She is easily entertained and her favorite toys are a few plastic links strung together, her oball, and her teething rings (usually not all at once).  We go on a walk each morning before her first nap and she seems to really enjoy it!  I still have her stroller in the parent-facing orientation most of the time so I can watch all of her cute little expressions as we go. When she meets new people and they really make an effort to make her laugh or smile she gives them a blank stare, then looks up at me, with her "is this ok, mom?" look.  It is surprising to me just how many people will stop us in the grocery store or on a walk to take a peek at her or comment on her cuteness or her beautiful eyes.  I guess I've just never been one of those people, but if other people were toting around babies as cute as Clara, I guess I might be. ;)

Artisan Bread in Five

Over the past year or so, I've seen various references to a book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  I read quite a few food blogs, and every mention of it was a rave review, but also alluded to some special secret that you'd have to buy the book to find out.  I was a little intrigued and a little annoyed.  But when I saw yet another blogger raving about the bread they had just made (this time not a food blogger) using the books' trick, I decided to look it up.  Turns out the authors have a blog of their own where they have published the master recipe.  I've made bread and homemade pizza crust before, but this bread is by far the easiest I've tried.  Also probably the tastiest.  And definitely the prettiest.

I've still been wanting to get the book (or at least check it out from the library), but from what I can tell, it's filled with variations on the common recipe theme: mix the very simple ingredient list, let the dough sit, refrigerate, and bake whenever you need fresh bread.  The dough from the master recipe can sit in the fridge for up to two weeks.  The only problem with baking bread so pretty and good is that I eat way too much of it...  But I'm also excited to try the brioche dough and use it for some sweeter creations.

The Whole Bowl

Whenever I am in Portland, I have to get a bowl of The Whole Bowl.  I first heard about The Whole Bowl when I worked at Euro RSCG for a summer internship.  It was a food cart in the Pearl District, and it was only open a few days a week for lunch.  After my first experience, I was hooked!  One of my favorite things was to grab a bowl and head to the nearest park to watch locals play bocce on my lunch hour.  Spencer and I have visited Portland twice together.  On the first trip I insisted that he try The Whole Bowl, on the second, it was [one of] our top priority[s] for the trip.

So, what is in The Whole Bowl that makes it so delicious?  Just by looking at a bowl, you can tell what 95% of the ingredients are: brown rice, black and red beans, fresh avocado, salsa, olives (none for me), cheddar, cilantro, sour cream (I add this, but I don't think it's part of the original recipe) and Tali Sauce.  You've probably never heard of Tali Sauce.  That's because it's a completely inexplicable and highly addictive substance with a top secret recipe that's impossible to find, even on the interwebs (at least until recently).  This is quite a long post about something as mundane as rice and beans, but the exciting news is, I combined a few recipes I found and was able to create something pretty close to Tali Sauce.  After Spencer returned from one of his business trips earlier this year I surprised him with a bowl.

And just in case I forget (or if you want to try it yourself) here's the Tali Sauce recipe:

1/4 C olive oil
1/4 C cashews
Juice from 1.5 large lemons
3 cloves garlic
1 tsp (heaping) whole grain mustard
1/2 C garbonzo beans
1/4 C (heaping) nutritional yeast (the kind in flakes - found at health food stores)
1/4 C water
1/4 tsp turmeric1/2 tsp curry powder

1 sprinkle of dried basil

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper1 pinch of salt

Blend everything in a food processor until super smooth. Store in the fridge!

Mother's Day

This year was my first official Mother's Day.  I was awakened at 3:00 in the morning by the cries of my sweet Clara who otherwise sleeps through the night.  She was up for good. Her cries were punctuated by coughing fits from Spencer who was fighting a terrible cold.  Clara lost her breakfast all over the front of my dress minutes before I headed out to church alone so I could teach primary.  I came home and spent the afternoon preparing a meal for guests while tending to my daughter and sick husband.  

It probably doesn't sound ideal.  No breakfast in bed, fancy gifts, or day off from my typical responsibilities. But at the end of the day, I think everything was just right.  I got to spend the day being a mother. And that is what I've always wanted.

P.S. Spencer, Clara, if you're reading this... this doesn't mean you're off the hook next year. :)

St. George

As a celebration that busy season was over, we took a little trip down to St. George for a long weekend.  It was our first road trip with Clara and I was a little nervous when Spencer suggested going the "back way" (for maximum railroad exposure) as it takes a few hours more than the already-mildly-daunting 5 hour trek on I-15.  Figuring that it would be easier to pull off the road just about anywhere to feed or change Clara, I gave the thumbs up and off we went.  I guess I wasn't too surprised, but Clara did great!  She was totally content in her car seat, whether sleeping or just looking around.

All packed and ready to hit the road!

We stopped twice on the way down.  I have officially mastered the art of changing a diaper on the front seat of a car. :)

Spencer multi-tasking: holding Clara, entertaining her with a toy, checking his email and driving with his knees. :) This is during our first stop on the way down.

Hanging out by the pool protected from the wind and sun by her blanket.

While in St. George, we relaxed in the condo, went on a few drives, ate at Bear Paw Cafe, watched movies and attempted a hike.  I say attempted because we didn't last long on the trail.  It was super windy the whole time we were down there, and Clara still has that infant reflex where she holds her breath in the wind.  In order to keep the oxygen flowing, we headed back prematurely.

Clara's first (short) hike.

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter!  Clara and I stayed home from church (there is a measles outbreak in our neighborhood, it's SUPER contagious, and babies don't get their first immunization until they are 12-15 months) but it was still a lovely day.  The Easter Bunny came and brought some fun things for Clara.  We took a few photos in the sunshine by our newly blossoming tulips and spent the afternoon enjoying a wonderful meal at Spencer's parents house.

 

 

It's interesting how holidays are more fun and even more meaningful as our family grows.  Of course it's fun to start more traditions, but this year it also felt more significant than ever to reflect on the atonement and resurrection in a new light.  I've always thought of Easter as being most significant to those who have experienced tragic loss.  No doubt, the knowledge that death is not the end brings great comfort to anyone who has lost a loved one.  This year Christ's resurrection has become more personally relevant to me as my family has grown and my life continues to fill with people I love.  I have a wonderful husband and darling daughter that mean so much to me.  I guess I have realized that even more than loss, love makes the resurrection meaningful. It is such a blessing to know that because of the Savior our little family can be together forever.  No matter what.