Attackne, Back Aches, Black Eyes, Fat Lips

Things have been crazy around our house. Between a bun in the oven, an almost-three-year-old with feet into which she hasn't yet grown, and another toddler who climbs on EVERYthing, we've had our share of visits to the doctor's office and bloody paper towels. Yikes.
Never have I experienced a full-on case of acne until now. How I pine for those poor junior high students who have cystic acne! It is terrible! I'm discovering huge cysts all over myself, including the dreaded back-ne (although that is easier to cover than facial acne), zits on my legs (it's as gross as it sounds) and all over my face. Additionally, I have just begun the wonderful sciatic-nerve-irritation phase, which will likely last for at least 39 more weeks. I can't wait to have this baby and be done with pregnancy forever!
A week ago, Karli rolled off her bed and hit her eyebrow on the edge of the dresser. She sustained a very impressive black eye (fortunately, no stitches, phew!), after which she tripped in the family room and knocked her cheek on the corner of the coffee table. The poor child looks like an abuse victim, and I think all of our neighbors are wondering. She just needs to grow into those beautiful, ballerina feet.
As I've mentioned before, Rex is part-primate. He has further convinced me of his primal/ancestral awareness by climbing up anything and everything. Sunday night, he climbed up the outside of the staircase and did a wonderful swan dive off the edge. He knocked one of his front teeth straight back into his mouth, bruised his whole upper lip and gums, and bit a huge chunk out of his bottom lip. Even worse, though, was that he bled all over his darling, white, U of M jammies! The nerve.
Fortunately, none of us has contracted H1N1 flu and we are all surviving the rigors of life with kids under age 5. Let's hope these phases fly by.

Happy to Be Happy

Here are ten things that make me happy in life:

1. Adam. He's funny, smart, brutally handsome, helpful, and balances me out in ways I never thought possible. He's the best husband I could ever ask for, and I'm thrilled to have him for a best friend. He's awesome!

2. Amber, Karli, and Rex. They are hilarious and mischievous and adorable. Even when they do naughty things, I have to secretly laugh inside because they think things through with magnificent, childlike logic.

3. Great food. Salmon grilled on a cedar plank, taco salad, fresh blue cheese dressing, strawberries, ice water, good steak cooked just right, home-baked carb-laden items, homemade jam. I could go on and on.

4. Excellent music. Symphonic to acoustic guitar and across all genres, I love my music and relish the way a certain song can evoke so many memories, smells, tastes, and feelings in my mind.

5. Nature. I love to be outside, off roads and in the mountains especially. Fresh air is something I always took for granted until I lived in Michigan, and now I value every breath of crisp, mountain air I can gulp. I love the colors in nature and the peace of being away from everything.

6. Art. Any genre, any medium...I love it. I could saunter through museums and county fairs all day, just taking in the glory of something made by another human.

7. Painted toenails. I have to have my toenails painted in a bright, fun color at all times. Lately I've been really into glitter toes; it's a great way to add some bling without having to add weight to my body (that's the last thing I need!).

8. Attending concerts. There's nothing like live music, especially when the band is actually good and I get to see the effort that goes into producing a song that is radio-quality.

9. My testimony. Knowing that Heavenly Father loves me and is looking out for me just makes life so much better.

10. My friends. It's great to have wonderful people in my life who encourage me, entertain me, and educate me. Thanks, everyone!

My Son Must Be a Monkey

"If you have any poo, throw it now."

Rex may have learned it from Karli, but the other day, instead of lying down and napping like a good little boy, he removed his diaper, defecated all over, and managed to throw the results everywhere. It was beyond disgusting, and, like Karli's incident of a few years ago, I had to clean it up while being pregnant. AWFUL! At least this time, Adam helped me and we had a yard and a hose in and with which we could do most of the work. The day I never have to clean up my children's bodily byproducts will be a grand one indeed!

The Best Photogapher in the West

One of the reasons I was sad to leave Michigan was that Jeanette couldn't take our pictures any more, but I was thrilled to find out that my friend, Trina, is branching out into family photography. She came to our house and did the best photo shoot! I am thrilled with the result and will give anyone my highest recommendation of her talent. She is amazing and I can't believe how awesomely everything turned out. She has a blog at http://trinaharrisphotography.blogspot.com, so give it a look.

A Wonderful Way to Spend Memorial Day

Last week, my dad told us about a movie he'd seen advertised about a Marine who escorts a fallen soldier's remains home. It sounded good, and then I noticed Kevin Bacon appeared on Leno's show to promote the film. The next day, my dad emailed me the manuscript that Mike Strobl wrote about his journey and I cried through the whole thing. Then I was really interested, so Adam and I watched "Taking Chance" last night.

It's one of the best movies I've ever seen, and I highly recommend it (especially this weekend). Beware, though: this movie is a tear-jerker! With Adam's brother, Dave, arriving in Iraq this week (he's a Marine), the movie really moved me. I was touched to see the portrayal of honor, humility, gratitude, and respect by every person involved in the process of getting PFC Chance Phelps' body from Iraq to Wyoming. I definitely give this movie five stars!

Nausea, Heartburn, Narcolepsy, Upset Stomach, Claustrophobia...Oh yes, I'm Pregnant

That's right, folks. Clark nino numero quatro is due on December 28, 2009. That makes me almost nine weeks along, and while this pregnancy is easier than, say, my first because I'm not constantly thinking about how far along I am, what's going on developmentally, and worrying about every single thing I do and eat, etc., I have to admit that it is a nightmare to be pregnant and have three other kids to look after. I feel awful because I've been completely irritable, and when I'm nauseous, no one in the family gets dinner, attention, anything (Adam has really been Super Dad lately, for which I'm beyond grateful!). At least I can say that I'm relieved for one reason: this is going to be the family finale, so if I can make it to December, we'll be over a huge hurdle. Here's to more diapers, all-nighters, and frantically struggling to regain the universal balance once bambino arrives!

I love that doctors in Utah do an 8-week ultrasound...it makes the beginning of pregnancy a little more exciting and offers some kind of pay off for all the sickness. Isn't our little peanut cute?

Falling Off the Face of the Earth

Whew! Where have the last 20 days gone? We celebrated Rex's first birthday, had twenty people living under the Clark roof for eleven days, I enjoyed Mother's Day, and we still haven't washed all the sheets and towels that seem to multiply exponentially each day. Clearly, I haven't had time to blog (breathe?), but it's been a great 20 days.

We are all still alive, and now that my teaching schedule is winding down, I promise lots of informative, back-dated blog updates. Stay tuned for action!

Reunion

Adam's youngest brother, Dave, is a Marine who just deployed to Iraq. All of the Clark families gathered for a week or so to hang out together before Dave left. It was riotous and cacophonous and delightful. We especially loved seeing the results of cramming six under-three-year-old children together without naps; I've never heard so much screaming/whining/crying/yelling/swearing (that would be my kids)/playing/laughing in my life! It was great fun to play Guitar Hero Metallica and horseshoes together, as well as catch up on every one's happenings and see how all of my cute nieces and nephews have grown. The "older girls", meaning the first four nieces born in the Clark family, were so amazing to help with all of the little kids (thanks, gals!). I need them to move in with me!

Among the highlights of the reunion were a family picture that actually turned out really well, Ashley's Hannah Montana/Jonas Brothers birthday party (Rob obviously really enjoyed the premiere of the T.V. show "Jonas"),

finding out four families are expecting babies this year, hitting the Snoasis shaved ice stand, racing at Burgess Park, eating a wonderful fillet of grilled salmon, and the most adorable tribute to Uncle Dave by the nieces.

Last year, Kinzie wrote a song for him entitled "My Marine". Kinz, Brooklyn, Alyssa, and Ashley secretly put it to music (my sisters helped) and sang it for him during family home evening. There was not a dry eye in the house and it was so sweet!

"My faith in you is always strong and always true
When you go out there, I have faith in you!
Every once in a while, I drop a tear when I think of you
Not knowing what you're going through, all those miles
But I know Heavenly Father will keep you safe
You are my uncle, Marine and my hero
Fighting for what we believe
We will miss you so much, Uncle Dave
You're in our prayers, be safe out there
Time will go by fast
And you'll be home at last!"

All in all, it was a wonderful week full of fun, hilarity, delicious food, and great company. Let's do it again next year!

Rex Turns One

We didn't have much of a party for Rex on his first birthday (gotta love the pre-memory stage), but I did make him a cute T-Rex/volcano cake and Amy kindly let us crash Ashley's birthday party (Ash and Rex's birthdays are May 1st and 2nd, respectively). It turned out to be great fun and Rex seemed like he understood that it was his special day.

The birthday boy in his sweet shades, courtesy of Elton John.

Rexy loved his cake! His reaction to the steam from the dry ice and the candle and the dinosaurs was the biggest baking pay-off I've ever received. It was adorable.

He couldn't stop squealing during "Happy Birthday." He kicked both legs and flailed his arms with delight!

Here's the finished product--pretty much a tube cake on top of a 9-inch round cake with chocolate rocks and tinted Dream Whip for frosting. The recipe is Chocolate Sour Cream Bundt Cake from America's Test Kitchen. It was divine!

Rex loved his balloons more than anything else.

It was great fun to have the cousins here to help us celebrate. I can't believe Rex is one. The past year has flown by and he is even more delightful now that he was at birth. We love our little T-Rex!

Seven Fabulous Years

Adam and I celebrated our seventh anniversary on Saturday. Where does time go? I still remember exactly what I did every day for the week leading up to our wedding and I can't believe we've now had three kids, a law degree, eight different domiciles, and so many other fantastic adventures together.

We took the kids to Niel's (a.k.a. Nemo's House) for lunch so we could enjoy those wonderful beer-battered fries and gigantic, homemade buns. Add the delicious fry sauce and it was a delightful way to fill up. We came home, put the kids down for naps, and watched "Quantum of Solace", which I've rented three times but hadn't ever seen. Promptly, we left the kids with Leslie (THANK YOU!) and headed to Costa Vida for dinner. Then, we hit the theatre for "State of Play" which was better than I anticipated. We returned just as it was time for our kids to go to bed. We had a marvelous day with only a little of the usual kid-related stress and it was great!

I feel very lucky to have such a great husband. He makes me laugh, keeps me in line, supports me, and takes great care of me. I love you, Adam!

My Favorite Meal

This lovely creation is my mother-in-law's recipe for taco salad which has now become my favorite meal. I serve mine with Santita's chips (the best!), pineapple, carrots, lettuce, cilantro, cheddar cheese or queso fresco, tomato, avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice. It's muy sabroso, so here's the recipe:

1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 T. chopped and dried onion
8 oz. tomato sauce
6 oz. tomato paste
3 c. water
2-3 T. chili powder, depending on taste
1/2 c. Minute rice (I use brown, but you can use white)
salt and lots of black pepper

Brown beef, stir in onion. Add remaining ingredients, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes (stir occasionally). Serve over crushed tortilla chips, topped with salad fixings of your choice.

Which Is Worse?

By now, you're all terribly familiar with my obsessive habits. Laundry is most definitely at the top of my list, and I recently put my foot down and asked Adam to refrain from folding any of my or the kids' clothes (clearly, I have problems!). Today as I was preparing a batch of dirty things for the washing machine, I performed my ritualistic sorting of blacks, warm colors, cool colors, and whites and thought to myself, "I must be the craziest person on the planet!" So here's my question: Which is worse...having enough dirty laundry in the basket to constitute a separate batch for each segment of the color spectrum, or actually washing loads in separate batches for each segment of the color spectrum. Either way, my practical side (Schizo, anyone?) is screaming to me to get a grip, while my Martha side is saying, "Excellent work. You're maintaining the vibrancy of that orange shirt so nicely!"

5, 6, 7, 8...Sit Back...Swing Up

5, 6, 7, 8. That is the mantra of my life. I've been hearing it since I was en utero and now my children are garnering the same exposure. It's paying off, though. Recently, I took my girls to an open gym class at The Factory where I coach cheerleading. Amber saw and heard my mom teaching the older girls how to do a back handspring, so she's been imitating Miss Shelley by yelling, "5, 6, 7, 8. Sit back, swing up!" and flailing her arms about like a prep for a back handspring. She's never dared to do it--not that she could...she's progressing well in tumbling but not that well--until today.

I put her down for a nap and went next door into my room to fold some laundry. I heard the familiar count-off and smiled to myself. Then, I heard a bounce on the bed. I couldn't resist, so I sneaked around the corner and saw Amber do a back handspring all by herself! I couldn't believe my eyes. I'm proud of (and terrified by) her for having the courage to try something like that and for knowing all the steps simply from observing other kids do it. She had such a serious look on her face and (this is ridiculous) it brought tears to my eyes! Adorable! Like, totally YAY for cheer!

A Blizzard, A Tea Party, and Ted Nugent

There's nothing like a blizzard in the middle of April!

After several beautiful days of fun and sun, April 15th seems to inevitably bring snow every single year. I had big plans to attend a tea party today, but am too wimpy to brave the snow, hence my protest waged on the laptop from my cozy dining room.

I'm watching Glenn Beck right now, and I have chills because it's crazy and wonderful to see the voice of the people being broadcast to the government. I'm particularly moved today because I believe in the cause that so many people are working to champion, but I realize the blessings of living in a democracy and think it's grand to know that we can express our opinions, vote to change things if we don't like the way they're going, and that we won't be silenced no matter what we believe. I love America!

Since living in Michigan, I've also become something of a fan of Ted Nugent (who is accompanying Glenn Beck), especially his rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner". He's proof that the U.S.A. rocks!

Retro Delight

The lighting of the "Flaming Turtle" fondue was my favorite part of the class.

Last night, my wonderful friend Leslie and I went to a fondue class at Thanksgiving Point. It was great fun, great food, and I even expanded my horizon de cuisine and sampled duck. It was pretty yummy! I learned that meat and veggies can also be poached in broth rather than fried in oil (seems obvious, right? but I'm not very creative these days), which made me love the idea of fondue even more. A gal from The Melting Pot taught the class and I scored several of their yummy recipes. If you want them, leave a comment and I'll email them to you. To have an evening away from the kids with a great pal and fantastic food was delightful and I'm excited to make fondue for my family. Bon apetit!

The Fever is Spreading

Since my brush with "Twilight" last week, Amber and Karli have become obsessed with Edward and Bella. Every time we see a Redbox with a "Twilight" poster, they scream out, "I SEE BELLA! I SEE EDWARD THE HANDSOME VAMPIRE WHO"S NICE! I'M GOING TO BE BELLA FOR HALLOWEEN!" It's a phenomenon and it's so hilarious.

My niece Mckinzie spent the night on Saturday and we rented the movie again. Apparently, Kinzie was the only girl in her grade who hadn't seen the movie. Amber, Karli, Kinz and I watched it (I was the trusty editor of scary parts) and all of the little girls were madly in love with Edward by the end of the movie.

For a craft project during conference, Kinzie helped my girls make picture frames that were immediately dedicated to holding pictures of Edward. Amber told me she was going to put a picture of him in the frame, then add a "true love heart sticker to make Edward fall in love with me!" I nearly died, but it was so cute and funny to hear her gushing on and on about the handsome lad.

Kinzie has a cute pink cell phone, so I made her a ringtone of "Bella's Lullaby", we printed several different photos for the girls' frames, and we even made wallpaper for Kinzie's phone of the precious moment when Edward serenades Bella on the piano. Amber kept squealing with delight, jumping up and down and doing the flittery hand thing, and I think Kinzie was thrilled with her newly-acquired Twightie status.

I've Been Bitten

Now, now...before you get all excited, you must know that, of course, I did not read the Twilight series (come on, now!). I did, however, watch the movie last night, and I loved it! Upon pressing play, I thought to myself, "Geez...this is just as bad as suffering through a novel...it's so slow...what's with those eyebrows?" but upon noticing the nuanced, tasteful, and riveting sexual tension strung all through the plot, I was intrigued and drawn in, and even sad when it ended because I wanted to see more.

Adam liked it too, and the movie was so good that I stayed awake until 4:05 a.m. to finish it. I also almost considered trying the novels (only for a moment, though!). Perhaps I still may, but my burgeoning ADD seems to prohibit any action that requires my full attention. I'd much rather scrapbook and enjoy Twilight, so I think for now, I'm stuck in wonder and addiction until the next installment comes out on film. Becky, I'll definitely go with you to see #2 in the theatre!

Walkie-Screamy

This video is about a month and a half overdue, but since it takes a year to upload videos on this computer, I'm just now finding time to do it. Rex is walking all over the place now, and it's so cute to see how proud of himself he becomes when he gets to where he wants to go.

I've been trying to teach him words, signs, actions like blowing kisses or waving, actually anything that seems intelligent, but he is not interested at all! Instead, he just screams when he sees something he wants. It's adorable (can you sense the sarcasm?). I think he's beginning to know to say "dee" for drink, but it's only once in a while that he actually communicates it in a civil manner.

I can't believe how quickly this little, darling guy is growing! He gets a forward-facing car seat next month, and he climbs on everything. He is such a sweetie and loves to snuggle. I was excited for my girls to grow up, but I'm kind of sad that Rex's infancy has flown by so fast. Oh well...I'm stoked to watch him play tee ball and soccer and do all that rolicking boy stuff. Time really flies when we're having fun!

Please Pass the Pink Stuff

The past few weeks at the Clark home have been full of fun and medical moments:
Amber went to the doctor for her 4-year-old check up and we discovered both of her ears were wildy infected. This was a surprise to me since Amber had not complained even once about pain in her ears. Tough gal, huh? Please pass the pink stuff.

Yesterday, Rex wandered away from me while I was picking up toys and he found the Rock Band equipment stashed in the farthest corner of our main floor. He snagged a drumstick, put the pointy end of it in his mouth (of course) and managed to fall on top of it. Yes, (gasp) it did some damage. The good news is he didn't puncture the roof of his mouth and as I found out this morning from Doctor Whiting, he narrowly missed a major blood vessel and several "important things". I about had a heart attack when I heard the doctor say that, but Rex seems to be doing alright and even managed to eat some baby food today (he didn't eat or drink anything but Popsicles yesterday). To avoid an infection, he's on the pink stuff too.

For twelve days now, I have been suffering from a condition that usually goes away in five to seven, so I'm definitely ready to be done with that, and every one of us has had a runny nose for about two months. What's going on? On the sunny side, though, the colds haven't been too bad and it's nothing a little sleep and some chicken soup won't fix.

This Cake is the Ship

I have a cloistered desire to be the next Ace of Cakes; although strictly amature in skill, my aspirations in showpiece cakemaking are sky high. Each of my kids' birthday cakes has been greater than the previous year's, thus this pirate ship cake is my latest masterpiece. I had so much fun making it and it took less time than I anticipated.

Amber said she wanted a "strawberry shortcake girl pirate ship cake", so I made the layers from a traditional shortcake batter, stacked them up with homemade strawberry jam and vanilla pudding mid-strata, gave it a crumb coat of chocolate buttercream, and topped it off with a vanilla buttercream wood grain.

I used mini Reese's peanut butter cups glued together with frosting to make powder kegs and barrels; Pop Rocks and gold icing made rubies and gold coins.

Pirouette cookies made great cannons and chocolate covered pretzels made up the railing around the deck. I used Whoppers for cannon balls and a stick of gum for the plank.

With its dirty pink sails and a killer Jolly Rodger flag, this cake was the perfect ending to Amber's delightful pirate party.