Snow Day

Once again we have taken advantage of David's break from school, and have been in Utah visiting my side of the family. Next week, we will leave for Washington so that we can spend the holidays with David's family; before heading back to LA for another quarter of school to begin.
All I can say of our time thus far is... Utah is COLD! That's right, I have discovered why everyone here is grumpy and full of road rage - -they are FROZEN! It is true... after about 2 and 1/2 years of living in California, I have grown VERY accustomed to the warm weather. For future reference "places I can never live": Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Alaska (though this one pains me to write - I will be content with only visiting). BRrrr...

We have been able to enjoy lots of outings and adventures while here. Lexi had her first encounter with snow; we wandered through the Festival of the Trees; attended the Christmas concert on Temple Square; and still have a cookie exchange and family party to look forward to.

Lex wasn't too sure about the snow - in fact she was not thrilled about it in the beginning. I tried to warn her about the yellow snow...

Ah, Classic

When the double chin comes in handy


Sunday best.


Stylin' Lexi - minus the fashion faux pas white shoes of course...


One day she will realize that by walking, she could carry twice as much.


Stuck on D. Twerp will only cuddle with her Daddy and Duck.

Happy Birthday!

Today marks 25 years that I have had the pleasure of tormenting my younger brother David. Oh my goodness... I can't believe how OLD we are all getting.

David is a perfect example of charity and compassion. he is always willing to help and sacrifice for others. He has a tender caring heart - though I have teased him about this ruthlessly growing up, it's only cause I am jealous!

Years ago in our family, if there was ever a conflict - of course there seldom was - David had the defined role of 'peacemaker'. No matter what the quarrel, he could be heard saying something to the effect of, "come on guys... can't we all just get along?!" Ah, good times, good times. Truth be told, I always thought he would end up as a politician, cause he has a gift of spinning reality so it looks like everyone wins.

Happy Birthday David! I think the world of you, and feel greatly blessed to be your sister. Thank you for always having my back, pretending to laugh at my jokes, and being so gosh darn perfect. Since I couldn't have a piece of the official birthday cake - know that a crepe smothered with Nutella was eaten in your honor! Love you Mav (aka Captain Planet)

Happy Birthday

Today is my sil Dayna's birthday. Dayna joined the family right as I was leaving on my mission, so we didn't get a lot of time to bond in the beginning; but the more I get to be around her, the more I want to be...
Dayna is a professional mom who is always on top of things. I am so impressed with her ability to get things accomplished. During the time it takes me to ponder things I want to get done, she is already finished with her list and more! Not only does she keep track of two kids, but she also keeps tabs on Matt, which in itself is a full-time responsibility.
She is also a great example of genuine thoughtfulness and caring. Whether it's something as simple as sending a birthday card or an email of encouragement, she has a gift at making people feel important. Whether it was a moment of temporary insanity or the ambiguous nature of the question - - I am so glad Matt found you, and you said "Yes" to joining the family.

I hope you have a wonderful day... I hope you didn't have to make your own cake... and I hope you know how much I love you!

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday

Today is my brother Matt's birthday. In complete honesty I can say he is the best older brother I have ever had - lucky, I guess, there really is no comparison group...

Matt is one of those strong quiet types, who is always there for you. Granted I have to tease him that he wont eat anything unless it is in powder form, he has a video game controller permanently affixed to his hands, and his muscles are SO huge that his head looks a little out of proportion... Don't worry Matt the sharp elbow pain will subside soon (hey, it's funny on the inside).

Matt is a great brother, and father; a true modern day hero as he dedicates his life to serving our country. I am so grateful to have him as my brother.

I look up to him, I respect him, and I love him. Happy Birthday Matt!!!

Sugar baby

Here are some of the photos from Lexi's birthday. Grandma and Grandpa took us out for pizza and then we went to Mile Square Park for cake and presents.

Lex loved all of her gifts - and especially the boxes and wrapping paper they came in. By the end of the day she was used to having people break out in song for her and would grin from ear to ear if anyone starting even humming Happy Birthday.

She is not sold on sugar. I had my expectations set way too high for this one... I made a cake all for her, and even tried to make it kid friendly with pink frosting and colorful flower decorations (aside: I am not a cake decorator - I firmly believe it is what's inside that counts. Beware, gospel lessons are all around us... du du dun). However, she was not really a fan. Every time we tried to give her some cake, she spit it out and tried to wipe the frosting from her hands to anything in reaching distance. By the end of the day, David and I had more frosting on us than she had eaten. After slaving away to make her a gourmet raspberry filled chocolate cake, she did end up picking off the candy flowers and eating those. Go figure.

Since sugar has touched her virgin lips, she has been bouncing off the walls. I can see that it is going to take a while to build up her tolerance... hey, Rome wasn't built in a day...

Grandma and Grandpa Clarke and Lex


The balloon was the real hit of the day - until Mom set it free...










Some stretches to finish off the day

Well Done

Many may have heard that much of the state of California is on fire. This time of year is definitely considered fire season, as it is hot and dry. As we were driving down to OC to meet Grandma and Grandpa for Lex's birthday, we were shocked to see all the smoke - behind the car we had blue skies, but in front all we saw was gray.

The fires are still burning, with new ones starting almost daily. Walking to church yesterday we could smell the smoke in the air and see ash falling. David tells everyone that we are living in Mordor - he's always had an odd connection with Frodo.

Needless to say, my heart breaks for all those who have lost so much from the fires. I can't imagine watching the place you live in go up in flames. I realize though that if anything like this were to happen to our family, as long as we all were safe, there really aren't 'things' that I would die without.

I have heard rumor that one day California will fall into the ocean... maybe that's not necessarily a punishment, but rather the only way to put out all the flames...

this is the view from the hotel


here is Grandma and Grandpa's view

Happy Birthday!

One year old... I can't believe it!
12 months ago at 6:09AM Lex made her way - coming at 6.9lbs and 20inches - into our lives. She has been a delightful addition to our family. She has the uncanny gift of making me feel happy, crazy, excited, exhausted, and complete all at the same time!

Just yesterday as I was trying to make her birthday cake, she would not stay out from under my feet, I was so fed up that I started clapping my hands and shoo'ing her from the kitchen. She of course interpreted this as a game and burst into giggles as she decided I meant for her to chase me... I was powerless to her, and of course started laughing as I dropped to all fours to even the playing field.

I have said it on numerous occasions, but we have been very spoiled to have such an innately happy kid. And though at times I wish she would realize that rocks are not food, diapers have to stay on, the garbage can is not chest filled with hidden treasures, and over-socialized squirrels are not toys just begging to be chased and grabbed... I can't imagine life without her!


Happy Birthday Lexi!!

mommy note: i got a bit nostalgic while choosing pictures, so there are way more included than need be... but, that's the mommy prerogative

Cold Front

Lex woke up with a runny nose yesterday, which seems to have morphed into a full on cold today. I felt really sorry for her up until breakfast. It seemed the need to cough struck her at exactly the moment I put a spoonful of oatmeal in her mouth... The first time the oatmeal flew, I think it was an accident. The 2nd - 10th times, I'm pretty sure she knew exactly what she was doing.

We haven't taken many pictures lately, but here are some of my favorites - she is getting SO big!
EDITOR'S NOTE: these days, she is nude as often as clothed...

Here's the buzz

Yesterday was the annual trunk or treat extravaganza for the Santa Monica stake. We decided that we had better start practicing being involved, because apparently when you have kids, you no longer have a choice.

Lex was the cutest bee in the crowd, and she was more than intrigued as she watched all the kids run around in their colorful costumes. In fact, she took one look at batman's perfect cardboard abs, and let's just say that David is no longer the only man in her life.
To sum the evening up: she thought Tinkerbell was slightly flighty, she wanted to tickle Elmo, the dinosaurs told her they were too old for her, she thought Superman was a little two-faced, and she was not sure why everyone was so impressed with the pirates little booty.

David was very excited to walk her around to the trunks and collect candy. She had no idea what was going on, but that was hardly noticeable to those handing out the treats. I finally caught on to the genius of the whole situation as car after car all anyone asked David was, "what's your favorite?" At least we weren't transparent in our intentions....

Once home we did a careful inspection of her loot - letting her be involved in the process of course. Sadly, there were defects in all her candy, and for her own good Mom and Dad had to confiscate everything. I guess she will have to wait one more year before she can fully enjoy all that Halloween has to offer.

One month to go

As many know, we decided shortly after Lexi's birth that we were not going to give her sugar until her first birthday. It has been a temptation at times - more so when grandparents are around - but, miraculously she has survived 11 months sugar free. I think a lot of her success can be attributed to the support group and 12 step program.

I have no doubt that once sugar and chocolate are introduced, she is not going to need a great deal of coaxing concerning whether or not she likes it... I'm certain it runs in the family. However, David sat Lex down and explained to her than her birthday is coming up, but she can't have any of her cake unless she learns to properly brush her teeth. Tough break kid, guess that means more cake for Mom - that's what happens when your Dad is a dentist - he he he ... ocd dds.

She took this heart-to-heart seriously and makes time daily to practice. As parents we are learning to pick our battles. My question is: why David picked brushing teeth. It's not like it would be helpful for me if she could change her own diaper, get herself dressed, or even drink milk out of the carton like everyone else.

Amber alert

I'm not sure where she gets it, but Lex is what you would call an explorer. She is captivated by seeing new things, going new places, and meeting new people. I can already tell she is going to be one of those kids who takes apart the toaster to see how it works, and is knee deep in another project before remembering to put it back together. (sound familiar Matt?)

Shortly after learning to crawl, Lew decided it was time to explore the outside world. Here in Cali the weather is fairly predictable: blue skies, breeze off the ocean, 75 degrees. Often, due to these harsh weather conditions, I leave the door and windows open, so that we don't have the air conditioner running all day.

On one such day, as I was trying to cook dinner, I suddenly noticed that the house was far too quiet: red flag 1. Thinking nothing of it, I called Lexi's name and listened for the sounds of her shuffling away from whatever she was doing, that she wasn't supposed to be doing. Nothing happened: red flag 2.
I quickly pulled my hands out of the raw chicken and looked around the house... still no sign of David Copperfield. I looked outside the door, to cover all my bases, but told myself she wasn't near fast enough to get further than right outside the door, so no need to check around the corner: red flag 3.

I was fairly certain that in order to file a missing persons report I would have to tell the police that I did in fact leave the house to look for her, I decided to check all the hallways. Wouldn't you know, as I turned the corner, there she was just reaching the top of the stairs. As my heart stopped and I yelled her name - she thought it was a game to have mom running towards her, and broke out in grins and giggles as she started down head first. I grabbed her just as she started down, and she got a nice parting gift from the top stair as her cheek connected.

That night when David got home and I retold the story, he was pretty unsettled by the whole ordeal. He had a lot of questions about what had happened. The first as I recall being, "Do you have any idea how dangerous raw chicken can be? You washed your hands right?"

Where have you been

Its been a while, so here's what's going on...

David
Is back in the swing of all things dental. He is really enjoying the chance to be in the clinic, and have patients to call his own - what we're looking for next, is patience with patients. At the clinic, there are 2 appointments possible each day: 9AM-12 and 2PM-5; with class lectures at 8AM and 1PM. On Fridays the clinic is not open, so he is in lectures all day.
With this great new schedule, he is usually able to make it home in time to see Lex for about an hour before bed. He is hard at work on research projects and other extra curricular activities; so make no mistake, he is still crazy busy. Even though UCLA is pass/fail, things are incredibly competitive.
He has also recently taken up swimming. There is a nice lap pool on campus that he uses. He is trying to get me to join him, but the mental image of him doing the butterfly stroke supplies me with all the workout I need.

Me
I am currently working very hard at trying to make my daily schedule sound exhausting and important. So hard that, in fact I think I'd better take a break and get some water before I pass out. Ah, better.
I am still getting the family cookbook together - my partner in crime is holding me back a little. Not to name names of course, but you know who you are and what you did (or aren't doing really). It is coming together nicely, and I have taken the chance to try out a few of the recipes. In fact, now that I have all the recipes - which was what I really wanted in the first place - I'm not feeling the need to rush. Again, may need another break here quick...
My day consists of trying to anticipate the mind of an 11 month old - sounds easy, right? Ya, go ahead and give it a try. I'd be willing to bet a large sum of money the "easy" assumption would lose - however, if by some chance I lose the bet my money only comes in red...

Lexi
Now for the main attraction. Tomorrow marks Lexi being 11 months old. I honestly can not believe how quickly the past year has gone... it feels like just yesterday that I was cussing not being able to see my toes, having a bowling ball permanently attached to my stomach, and drinking caster oil to make it all end! She is finally back on a sleep schedule - and once again sleeping through the night. I swear 3 months of teething were almost more than I could bear. Seriously, so she had teeth ripping through her gums in 6 places - does that mean we all have to be miserable?!
She eats anything she can get her hands on. That includes both edible and non... More than once a day I find myself shoving my finger in her mouth to retrieve something. As I was cleaning the bathroom recently, she took the liberty of washing her own mouth out with my face soap. Masochist or self-starter... tomAto - tomato.
She continues to grow up, but not so much out. I think that she will be crawling till she's about 2, because right now she shows no signs of realizing she is not a puppy. She is still incredibly social - and is able to smile pretty much on command. I think she is destined for the big screen, cause she can't get enough of herself.
She has an appointment with Dr. Jones (her hand surgeon) in November. At which time, we'll plan the first surgery. Everything with Dr. Jones has worked out better than we could have expected or hoped. The new hospital he is at will accept our medical insurance (where UCLA would not have if he'd stayed)... so we feel very blessed that it has worked to have a world renowned surgeon doing the work pretty much for nothing.

I think that about sums up how things are going around here. But, give me time, and I'm sure I can come up with something else...

Hot Headed

Lex woke up with a fever yesterday. She peaked at about 105, but stayed around 102-103 for most of the day and night. This morning her temperature has dropped by a half a degree (102.2); so, that's a start. I think that because there are no other symptoms, this is just another joy of teething. I was hoping that since her sleeping is getting back on track, the side effects of teething were behind us, but looks like I may have been wrong.

Ways that this experience has changed Lexi's life: Poor kid is now afraid of the bathtub because her last 3 trips there have been cold. She is surprisingly unaffected when I shove the thermometer up - you know where - to get her temperature. And, she is now addicted to grape flavored Tylenol. On the up side, this has greatly increased her desire to cuddle. She wants nothing more than to lay her head on a willing shoulder, and refuses to sleep alone.

Her fever is very timely, as LA is in the middle of an abnormally hot spell... perfect cuddling weather. See prayers are answered... and, there is a sense of humor involved.

Videos of the week

Having a daughter who thinks herself fairly fabulous, I will admit that it's hard for me not to have the camera on all the time. She is such a cheeser. What I really wish you could see, is a video of her watching herself on the computer playback. She gets a pretty big kick out of how cute she is... and, she is getting very good at the courtesy laugh (as is evident in the video).

She is currently working on tooth number 6, so hopefully she wont look like a vampire too much longer - I think she just wanted to show her dentist father who is boss - can't follow the norm for the order teeth usually come in.

She is also exploring new avenues for getting around. She is quite content with crawling because she can move at lightening speed... but day by day she is getting more adventurous on her feet... now, if she could only remember that her knees bend.

Latest Project

A few months ago, I thought it would be really cool to put together a cookbook with some family favorite recipes. David's mom actually put one together a while back, and we love having the Feller tried-and-true recipes on hand.

Well, you can guess where all of this is leading... I admit that when I started this project, I had no idea what an ordeal it would turn out to be! Already, I have over 75 pages of recipes that need to be polished and categorized; and, that is only half of the list I have requested of my mom.
The goal is to get this all finished before Christmas, so now any spare moment I have is dedicated to things like, "mix till just combined", or "for best results, do not over bake", etc. As anyone can see, it is a glamorous experience.

Thus, if there are not as many bizarre and partially thought out monologues as usual... know that I am blogging in spirit... but for now (and always really) I am centered around food.

Lex-vision

For those who have ever wondered what a camera happy mother and her neurotic perma-grin child do with their time...

Mount Rainer

We decided to spent a day at Mount Rainer... after 2 and a half years of hearing David talk about how wonderful his mountain was, I think I was more excited than him to be there.
It took us about 2 hours to drive to Rainer from the house. The weather turned out to be perfect for hiking; and once we arrived, it was hard to dismiss the grandeur of the mountain. David started by telling me the hike he had in mind took us all around the mountain and was a little over 90 miles. You can imagine my enthusiasm... I felt a sudden deja vu of hiking with my mother.
Through expert communication and compromise, I helped him see that he was out of his mind, and we settled on a pleasant 5 mile hike to a waterfall. Foolishly, we didn't take much water, so we had to ration ourselves. And, David waited till we were sufficiently far from the car to remind me that Rainer is still an active volcano... not something you want to hear when you realize there would be no escape.
In our "what if" evacuation plan, we realized that our lack of water would definitely be a huge problem. To be honest, I'm not sure what Ranger David was so worried about, I told him I brought milk...

Vacation Feller style

When David and I were dating people really didn't start to warn me about being 'sure' until after they learned he was from Washington. It seems there are few good things people have to say about the state of Washington. Most start off the pro list with, "it's green", and there the list seems to die. I have to admit, I have been to Washington 4 times already and really have yet to see what all of the antagonism is about. My extensive exposure has only resulted in 2, maybe 3, rainy days... maybe there is another state of Washington that I am not familiar with?
Over the last week, with David parents, we were able to explore more of what Washington has to offer. We started the trip off by driving to Port Angeles (that's right all you Twilight fans... there were plenty of crooked smiles and heart palpitations to go around), from the port we took a ferry to Victoria British Columbia where we stayed over night. BC was awesome! They had double decker buses, gelato, and other European treats we can't really enjoy in the states.
After ferrying ourselves back into good old America, we had a great time getting together with David's brother and sister (and families). We were especially excited that we were able to overlap a night with Merrilee, as she flew in Friday night and we flew out Saturday afternoon. It was a perfect trip for David to relax away from school, and I was again struck by how pleasant and sunny the weather is.
Ironically, on the flight out of Seattle I sat next to a woman who had moved from California to Washington 4 years previously, and was now moving back to California. "Why to move," you may be asking. Apparently, it rains too much...

Mer, Dad, Lex, and Nana.


Dad, lex and David. Some kids are able to pull off the "I think I was adopted" joke... in David's case, not so much


Does this face say "Nana makes the best spaghetti sauce", or what?


This is what happens when Dad lets Lex decide what movie to watch...

Victoria BC

Port Angeles


On the ferry... BC here we come!




Butchart Gardens






Craigdarroch Castle