Clausen Family

Caleb's 4th Birthday

2012-01-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

Caleb wanted a Dinosaur Party for his 4th Birthday. So I did some research online and fell in love with DIY at home parties for kids. Some of their stuff I used and other stuff I made up on my own.

When all 12 kids arrived I had set up a table outside so they could color and eat snacks.

Next, I had made plaster of paris dinosaur bones by filling some sand toys and then burying the bones in the sand box. They could only dig up the bones using little paint brushes, like archeologists.

After they un-buried the bones, we brought them on the grass and they had to assemble them into the 2 different t-rexs.

Next, they all got dinosaur masks and gave their loudest roars for a photo op. After that, most didn't want to take off their masks.

Next, the dinosaur pinata, that sucker was hard to break. After all the kids, it took Brandon a few swings to open.

Presents

Caleb was so happy during his party.

We sang Happy Birthday

This is the "Sweetivore" Table, aka the dessert table, there was also a "Carnivore" table, aka lunch table and an "herbivore" table, aka snack table.

Of course Jacob got to attend the party!

Caleb's Preschool Graduation June 2011

2012-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Caleb & McKenna attend Children's Park Learning center since September 2010. They love it there and seem to learn lots.

June 2011, Caleb graduated from the 3's class. This is his 3's class.

His teacher Miss Tia giving him his diploma

Kenna attended and got to play with her best little buddy Mazzin during the graduation. One of Mazzin's first words was Nenna for Kenna.

This is Caleb's best buddy Will. They act alike, sometimes it's almost scary how much they act the same.

Kenna wanted to graduate too.

Congrats Caleb

Late spring 2011

2012-01-05T17:15:00.000-08:00

We try and spend as much time as we can outside as soon as possible, but that is not always the case in Oregon.

We had a warm day and decided to bring out the baby pool that was obviously too tiny for Caleb, but he loved it.

At pre-school one day, all the kids in Caleb's class dressed up for a tea party at school.

Kenna & Caleb getting to play outside, she was feeling a little better this day.

We got out the bikes to play, they love riding up and down the street.

Kenna & Caleb wanting to help us prune trees and clean up the backyard in the spring. It mostly involved them chasing a ball and pulling pruned branches around the yard.

Illness

2012-01-05T16:57:00.001-08:00

We spent most of the winter and spring of 2011 in and out of the hospital with McKenna. She had numerous colds that turned into infections. Ear, sinus, tonsil and intestinal infections. Bronchitis, even some pheumonia. There was another thing, she wasn't talking at all, no response. We couldn't figure out why. I pressed and pressed to have them figure out what was going on. Finally they did, the result, she couldn't hear us, from all the ear infections she had scarring and fluid in her middle ear. After hearing tests and a consult with an ENT at OHSU/Doernbecher. They decided she needed tubes and her adnoids out. In May 2011 she had the outpatient surgery. We were so greatful all went well. From there, her speech began to improve dramatically. She was a totally different girl and best of all, she was no longer ill.

What a helpless feeling it is to watch your child be so sick and feel there is not much you can do, but keep them comfortable. I learned what it is to be an advocate to get her into the right doctors and best surgeons I could find to get her as well as possible as soon as possible. I am so greatful she is so healthy now and so full of energy.

Easter

2011-09-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

For Easter my parents came over and we had an egg hunt at the house and I attempted to decorate cupcakes. I made "grass" with a pastry tip and put little bunnies on them, I also tried to make little bunny faces too.

The beginning of the easter egg hunt. Caleb got right on it and starting collecting eggs.

McKenna didn't get it at first, but when we picked up an egg and opened to show her there was candy inside, it clicked. She picked up as many eggs as possible opened them and stuffed the candy in her mouth as quickly as possibly and then moved on to more eggs. She had a blast.

Tulip Festival

2011-09-12T20:57:00.001-07:00

Each year in April there is a Tulip Festival in Woodburn, OR. I love the flowers and was excited to take some pictures of the kids. I imagined them coming out stunning and the kids wanting to cooperate. I was so off, the kids wanted to do anything but have their picture taken. Nevertheless, it was beautiful there and the kids had fun.

The only picture she stood still for

Once she found the slide, she was so happy and wouldn't leave.

Some of Caleb's little friends

2011-09-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

In the spring, we had fun play dates and birthday parties that Caleb attended, which was good to keep him busy. Caleb and his friend Tyler hanging out here for the day.

McKenna and Tyler's brother Zach hanging out. Zach is the most mischievous kid I've ever met. I love him and love to watch him explore.

Caleb's best little friend Gwyn and him hang out a lot. This is them on her 4th birthday. They play so well together, I love when she comes over, she makes things easier as he has someone to play with and keep him busy.

McKenna and Gwyn's younger brother Sebastian on Gwyn's 4th birthday.

Spring Baby Showers

2011-09-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

In mid March I went back to Sacramento to co-host 2 baby showers in one weekend for two of my dearest friends Sienna and Lindsay, who are both due within weeks of each other with baby boys. I also got to see Jacob and be there when when our grandpa met Jake for the first time.

Sienna, Lindsay and I before Sienna's shower.

Sienna's baby boy Josiah's room is a Idaho State Broncos room with Bronco's colors, so we threw a orange/blue broncos themed baby shower.

Grandpa Mogg with his great grandson Jacob.

Did I mention McKenna came with us to Sacramento? She met Jacob for the first time and was fascinated by him. She kept saying Jacob all weekend over and over.

Lindsay's shower was the following day, with simple, but elegant shower for her baby boy Jameson.

Lindsay and her mom Sue.

McKenna at Lindsay's shower.

Jacob

2011-09-12T20:23:00.001-07:00

In mid February my sister had her first baby, Jacob Sivatjian. He was 9 1/2 lbs and born at 41 weeks. The first week he was born, I went down to stay with my sister and help her with the day to day stuff and of course hold and cuddle that little guy. He was SO alert for being so little. Here he is below, not even a week old.

My sister Jen and her husband Drew at McKinley Park near their house.

Me, Jen and Jake before going back home to my family. We were both crying so much, I miss them so much.

30th Birthday

2011-09-12T20:16:00.001-07:00

In January I celebrated my 30th birthday. It was a great weekend, well Brandon made it great. He bought me a spa package to Coldwater Creek Spa. It was the best pedicure I have ever had and don't think I could ever go somewhere else. I also got a light/flash I wanted for my camera and then Brandon took me to the Portland City Grill. It was an awesome weekend. After dinner, we went back to my parent's place and had cupcakes from a little place in the Pearl.

Snow Day

2011-09-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

We went up to the snow on Mt. Hood to play one day after Christmas. We bundled the kids up and went out to play. It didn't last long, they weren't fans of the snow touching them or being cold.

I sledded with Kenna down the hill, she didn't care for it much.

Christmas Night

2011-09-12T20:07:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

The week of Christmas

2011-05-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Christmas was a little different this year. Brandon had to work on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day so we celebrated our Christmas morning on Christmas Eve night.

Caleb and I made Christmas cookies and delivered them to friends. I did this with my mom since I was about Caleb's age and my mom did this with her mom. Caleb had a great time, he would "decorate" his cookies with sprinkles by throwing a handful of sprinkles in the air and see where they land on each cookie.

Caleb, McKenna and I would go for walks/runs, but due to the below freezing temps the kids sometimes looked like little eskimos. Caleb really got into hats this winter, he loved this eskimo one.

For Christmas this year in our new house, we decided to get a HUGE tree, 13 feet for the family room. After it was lit and decorated, the kids would turn off all the lights in the room and lay under the tree and look up at all the lights.

opening gifts on Christmas eve night, Caleb was really into it this year.

The kids got lots of stuff, including these anywhere chairs, they were a huge hit. Best gift they had ever gotten.

Fall and Early December Fun

2011-01-10T18:45:00.000-08:00

(This is as far as I've gotten blogging about the holidays) Will post Christmas soon.

We never knew how big our new yard was until we spent almost a week in the fall pruning and taking out bushes and trees to grow back next year. In genesis it talks about how noxious weeds would grow, can I add nasty spiders also?? We did enjoy the beautiful colors of the leaves and those beautiful fall days we got to spend outside.

For thanksgiving my sister came to visit. It was fun to do some shopping and to also play a little and to relax a lot. Caleb had so much fun seeing his aunt Jen.

I got to spend some time with my friend Sarah and her boys during some weekends thanks to both of our husbands working/researching. Her youngest Zach and Kenna seem to get into mischief, here they got into the laundry room. He's 5 months younger, but is about the same size and walked at 8 months, so they walked at the same time, crazy!!

The day after Thanksgiving we went to a u cut farm, Furrow Farms, out in Helvetia area in Hillsboro. It was a great place to get our trees this year. It was SO cold, it was during our ice/snow storm so it wasn't above 20 that day, hence McKenna's get up.

This is our little tree

and this was our bigger tree. Caleb and Kenna would lay on the ground next to it and look up at the tree with it's lights on and all the lights off in the room, it made the family room glow.

Jen's Baby Shower

2011-01-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

In November my mom & I went down to California to have a baby shower for my sister, who's having my 1st nephew on my side. We also went to see my grandpa and celebrate his 84th birthday.

The shower was hosted at Jen's friend Katie's house, she is an amazing hostess and transformed her house in the "Sugar Shack." The theme for the shower was Boys are Sweet. She had a candy bar and a beautiful cake another friend made. Most of our family and her friends were there to celebrate. It was a wonderful day.

Halloween

2011-01-10T15:27:00.001-08:00

On Halloween we took the kids to my parents place. We had dinner and lots of candy. We took the kids around to a few places in their building. It was fun since it was all indoors, we started with the penthouses and worked a few floors down.

Kenna loved holding the candy, especially ones that rattled.

As good as it gets with the two of them together

My dad and Caleb

All done and Caleb hyped up on sugar!

Halloween Weekend

2011-01-10T15:17:00.000-08:00

We spent Friday night at the trunk or treat and then spent a lot of the weekend downtown visiting my parents and my aunt who was here from California.

Cal near the old church in downtown Portland.

Caleb loves to take my parents dog Marley for a walk, with us in tow of course.

Kenna at the trunk or treat.

Caleb with his best pal Ty at the trunk or treat (Buzz and Woody)

Beautiful Sunday at the Temple

2010-10-28T21:36:00.001-07:00

One Sunday afternoon after church, it was such a beautiful day and we didn't want to go home, so we went with some friends Angie & Matt and their two boys Chance and Max to the temple to walk around. The boys had so much fun playing together, though, getting any of them to stand still long enough to take a picture was near impossible.

Portland, OR Temple

Kenna at the lake

the boys looking in the water, it looks like they are pondering, which they are, but of how to get in there and if there were any fish swimming around.

family picture

Kenna is the only one who sits still during pictures

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2010-10-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

We went to Lee Farm's. We got pumpkins, played with puppies, petted baby chicks, rode ponies, went on slides, played in bounce houses. It was a beautiful, fun day.

so cute together!

baby chick

first time Kenna held a pumpkin, she was fascinated with it and then tried to throw it.

pony rides for the kids

McKenna's First Birthday

2010-10-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

On September 14th McKenna turned 1!! We had a party with our close family and friends. Yes, she was 1, but Carolina made her a cake, and then I made her a cupcake cake. She was spoiled that night :)

Carolina, Luis and Nicole came to the party

Caleb helping Kenna with her piece of cake

happy girl!!

Sarah and the boys came to help celebrate

First Day of Preschool

2010-10-28T20:28:00.001-07:00

In September, the kids started at Children's Park Learning Center. They go 3 times a week, they have adjusted really well and seem to love it. They learn so much and I am grateful for their small classes and amazing teachers.

Caleb was so excited to go on his first day

Kenna was just mad that I woke her up early, she loves to sleep in.

Summer 2010

2010-09-17T22:34:00.000-07:00

I've been a huge slacker at blogging this summer. Things got a little crazy. You'll see more detailed posts below this one. In short, we celebrated Caleb's 3rd birthday, moved to a new home, rented out our previous home (thus became a landlord), went on mini vacations here and there, ran my first race, a 10K, since college with my dearest friend Sarah. Spent many many afternoons at all the parks I could find to keep Caleb and myself sane. We indulged in lots of fruit picking and then canning. Caleb spent many an afternoon playing with McKenna, they have become either cohorts in crime or enemies, depending on what they are doing. We did lots of shopping this summer, Caleb has become very good at it and McKenna is an angel in the stroller. My parents also moved to a loft in the Pearl District and now has a house in the sky as Caleb calls it. It was a good summer, full of lots of action and adventure.

Helvetia Half Marathon & Drop Top 10K

Silly kids playing in the new house

Caleb playing in the water in the backyard with his Cook brothers, especially Tyrr (Tyler)

A sad thing from this summer was the kids leaving Carolina's care because we moved. She is the most faithful and amazing woman.

Fruit picking

View from my parent's new home

Shopping one day, first pair he grabbed, Prada. Good boy :)

Playing with Tyler at the park. One of many days at the park

Clausen Family Reunion

2010-09-17T21:56:00.000-07:00

Brandon's family came to Oregon this year to visit us for their family reunion this year.

We did the Oregon things: farmers markets, Multnomah Falls, boating, swimming, Mt. Hood Adventure Park, berry picking and the kids did lots of playing together. We did lots of cooking and baking of yummy food.

Lots of great berries from the farmers market

Multnomah Falls

Mt. Hood Adventure Park

Kids Playing at our house

Lewis Creek park on Foster Lake

Berry Picking

Family photo

4th of July Weekend

2010-09-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

During the 4th of July the kids and I went to Sacramento to spend some time with family. We had a great time. The kids played in an alligator pool, we went to the Sivatjian's for dinner and Caleb got to play with Ani and Armine, he just loves them. On the 4th we attended the East Sacramento parade. It was so much fun and just made everyone feel so patriotic. It was a great trip and with the heat, it actually felt like summer for once.

Caleb feeding the ducks at McKinley park.

Kenna ready for the parade

Caleb and Nicolette at the parade.

Happy 4th of July!

Caleb, Armine and Leroy

Jen & Kenna

Met my grandpa for lunch, it was so nice to see him

Photo Class at the Japanese Gardens

2010-09-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Portland Japanese Gardens are SO beautiful. A few pictures of these gorgeous gardens.

Caleb Turns 3!!

2010-09-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

On June 25th Caleb turned 3!! We celebrated with a party at Pump it Up (a warehouse full of bounce houses and blow up slides) with 16 of Caleb's friends. It was fun!! We had a little family party on his birthday and Carolina, his nanna, made the cake.

Oh, Kenna tagged along to all the partying and had lots of fun too. She's 9 1/2 months in this picture.

A Day at the Zoo

2010-05-25T20:09:00.001-07:00

We spent a Saturday at the zoo to celebrate Brooklyn's birthday. Caleb, McKenna and I went with the Cook's to the zoo. All 9 of us, 3 adults and 6 kids piled in their car and off we went. We had a good time in all and I can't thank the Cook's enough for all their help.

Brooklyn, the birthday girl!

Caleb pausing for a moment before taking off again to see everything he could.

Kenna and Zach in the stroller. I don't know what Sarah and I would do without this stroller. We use it with the two of them in tow to run several times a week and for outings such as these. Good thing these two love to be in the stroller together so much.

McKenna got out of the stroller at some point and loved trying to eat grass and her sunglasses.

Caleb and Tyler are only a few months apart and have played together since they were so little.

Caleb in a cave with the Cook boys

3 of the 4 Cook boys

I thought this was so cool. One of the new reptiles at the zoo, a crocodile.

My Grandpa's visit Mother's Day Weekend

2010-05-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

My grandpa (the kids' great-grandpa) came to visit during the beginning of May. It was so nice to spend time with him and for him to see the kids. He normally isn't hands on with little ones, but he held McKenna for quite a while and played with her. It just made me so happy to see him with her. Grandpa did spend time with Caleb, but Caleb had his own agenda of things to do and didn't pause for a picture.

Grandpa also took us adults out to dinner for Mother's Day. It was nice to have a nice dinner with him, Lillian, Brandon and my parents.

Happy Mother's Day to me. I made a cupcake cake as my dessert on Mother's Day.

Brandon babysitting

2010-05-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

I had to show these pictures. Brandon was watching the kids one day and I called to make sure they were all doing okay. He said everything was fine and I wondered why, usually it's just chaos, this is why. (Brandon's idea of babysitting)

Sunny Days in the Beginning of May

2010-05-25T19:25:00.000-07:00

May started off beautifully with warm, sunny weather. We spent as much time as possible outdoors. Caleb found he LOVES bubbles and sidewalk chalk. Unfortunately, the nice weather didn't last long, but hopefully we'll have more fun days outside as summer approaches.

I think Chloe likes playing with bubbles as much as Caleb does. She chases the bubbles as she would a ball. Caleb thought blowing them directly in her mouth would save her from having to go after them.

Sidewalk chalk! It let Caleb's vivid imagination out and he got to color on something other than boring paper.

Our driveway and sidewalk all chalked out.

His pants looked like a painter's pants at the end of the day.

While we painted the sidewalk and played with bubbles, Kenna sat quietly on a blanket in the grass and played with toys. Love this girl, she is content anywhere.

Some beautiful flowers I planted in my front yard, anyone know what they are called?

A Girls Weekend in April

2010-05-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

My sister and I went to San Francisco to enjoy some nice weather and some sight seeing.

We enjoyed yummy deserts at Ghiradelli Square (Ghiradelli Chocolate). This is us at Pier 39

We went to the California Academy of Sciences-Science Museum and Aquarium. The aquarium was so much like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but they also had a rainforest, an African serengetti, and so many other cool places.

This was in the entrance of the Museum. I took this picture for Caleb since he LOVES all things dinorsaurs.

Family Vacation to Southern CA

2010-04-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

We went down to visit family in Southern CA and see Brandon's brother Brett who came home from his mission.

Here is McKenna with grandma Clausen and lovin every minute of it.

Grandma Clausen, with some of her granddaughters.

Brandon helping Caleb ride on a skateboard. Now all Caleb talks about is having a skateboard.

Kenna so happy outdoors with her cousins

Evan just loved McKenna and would try to hold her and help feed her, he was great.

Caleb LOVES to be outside and kept trying to go into the pool, here's Brandon trying to keep him out of the pool.

The Newport Beach temple, one night we all went as a family to the temple. I went back the next day when we were in Newport and took this picture of the temple.

Family night portrait at the temple.

The kids ate outside a lot since there were so many of us. Uncle Morgan liked to eat out there with them.

We spent most of Saturday at the beach. McKenna's first time at the beach. She face planted once into the sand and I picked sand out of every part of her for days, but she loved it.

Lindsay playing in the sand

Brandon playing with the boys in the surf

Logan in the water

Family photo

Caleb playing in the surf

The boys in pyramid form

Grandma showing Caleb seaweed

Brett (the return missionary) skimboarding, he loved being back in the water more than anything.

Brandon surfing, I think Brandon enjoyed being back in the water even more.

Evan playing in the sand

The kids buried Uncle Brett (except McKenna of course and Caleb fell asleep in the sun so he didn't help either)

City Lights of Portland

2010-04-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had a field trip with my photography class to learn to take night landscapes. These are some of pictures I took of the city of Portland.

Spring Pictures

2010-04-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

McKenna turned 6 months and is getting so big. She is sitting up, reaching for anything she can put in her mouth, babbling and loving solid food. At her 6 month appt she was 18 pounds and 25 inches long, which makes her in the 33rd percentile for height and 85th percentile for weight, whoa! The kids also got Easter pictures taken, doesn't Caleb look so grown up!

Fun February Play Dates

2010-03-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

In February we had some beautiful weather and made the most of it by going to the park most days, walking the trails near our house and anything else we could find to do outside.

Caleb and his friend Tyler playing at the park

Kenna at the park too!

Caleb and his friend Maddie went to Pump it Up Jr. He had such a great time!

It's a place filled with blow up slides, bounce houses and obstacle courses for kids his age.

Kenna at 5 months and 1st Foods

2010-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Kenna's 5 months old!

What happens when you give a baby her 1st foods? She loves it and makes the biggest mess ever.

She loves to chew on her fingers and they taste even better with food on them.

Happy girl after she eats!

Entertaining Things in January

2010-01-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

January is such a dreary month in Oregon, so I try to find things to keep me busy like taking quilting and photography classes and I try to find the sweet/uplifting things my kids do to smile.

I promise my kids wear clothes, just happen to have been one of those in between times when who knows what had happened to his bottoms and all of her clothes. Caleb decided to read her his dinosaur encyclopedia, she kept trying to grab the pages and he would say, "No Kenna, look this is a...(whatever kind of dinosaur he was showing her).

What do these pj's remind you of?? To me, they look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, but I love them.

Kenna has started to blow bubbles, it makes those kissing cheeks look even bigger.

So, I like to take pictures, just for fun as a hobby and two of my favorite kids were in town for the last month and I spent a morning photographing them. These were a few of the cute ones. It's easy to take cute pictures when your subjects are so adorable. Love you and miss you.

4 Months

2010-01-17T11:37:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe it's been 4 months. She is wonderful and we just love her easy going, smiley personality. The doctor said she is growing well now, went from the 28th percentile to the 58th percentile for height and weight. She's now 13lbs 13oz and 24 inches tall. She still has blue eyes and auburn hair and has "kissing cheeks" now...aka chubby cheeks :).

Holidays 2009

2009-12-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Our Holidays were action packed from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Here's the long post of our festivities:

Cleaning up the house/yard before the holidays, Caleb is such a big helper.

Dan & Grace came for Thanksgiving and they got to meet McKenna. The boys played video games and we had a WONDERFUL dinner with lots of yummy food.

After Thanksgiving, the girls and Caleb went shopping, the boys target shooting and then we all met up and got Christmas trees to start off the season.

After getting the tree, we decorated the house, began shopping and getting everything ready for Christmas. In the middle of December we went to California to celebrate Christmas with my dad's side of the family and then my mom's side of the family. When we got back I did some baking, and then family came and we played games, went to the movies, of course shopped, did more baking and before they left did some bowling. It was a wonderful time and an amazing way to spend the holidays. We felt so blessed to have family come and for their generosity and love towards our kids.

All the kids and all the cousins in California

My grandpa (Kenna's great grandpa) during their first meeting. Caleb learning to play some xbox game with his cousins in CA.

Holiday baking all ready to hand out. (Thanks Sarah for your help)

Family bowling at Big Al's. So much fun, even Caleb got into it for a little while, but he couldn't resist going to the huge arcade.

Hanging at mom and dad's with family. Caleb and his bubbha, Kenna and her great aunt Terre. McKenna started giggling during the holidays. She would only giggle when her aunt Jen or great aunt Terre would talk to her.

Caleb and his remote control car and Jen, Drew and Kenna chillin on Christmas morning.

Christmas morning with Kenna in her PJs and Caleb on his new Radio Flyer trike. The only place to ride it right now is round and round in the house. He was so excited, it was the greatest feeling to see the look on his face when he saw the bike for the first time. Just priceless

Graduation Day

2009-11-14T21:46:00.001-08:00

After 16 weeks Brandon graduated from the Police Academy. We all attended, including my parents. There ceremony was very good. Motivational speakers and the perfect length. There were 40 officers who graduated from cities, counties and even the state police, 17 different departments in all. (Brandon is 2nd from the right front row).

Brandon won the Physical Fitness Achievement Award and was given the award by Portland Chief of Police.

Brandon getting his certificate of completion, presented to him by the academy Lieutenant.

Of course a picture of Caleb at the ceremony.

McKenna being fed by grandma and happy as a clam.

Brandon and a good friend from the academy.

Family picture after the graduation. Oh happy day, I have my husband back!

A Funny Caleb Story & McKenna at 2 Months

2009-11-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

CALEB & THE DEPARTMENT STORE

Caleb needed to get out tonight as the weather had been so bad and SO cold so we had stayed inside a lot lately. So, I needed to do some shopping and we went to a department store. Brandon was walking with Caleb and told him to watch out for other people since he almost got mowed down by a couple of women. After that, Caleb continues to keep walking, but this time when he sees people he says very loudly to them, "Watch out people!" Oh Caleb.

McKenna at 2 months. She is the happiest, sweetest, calmest baby. We all just love her and can't get enough of her.

Smiles & Amazement

2009-11-09T16:30:00.001-08:00

Kenna has began smiling last week when you smile at her. It's the kind of smile that just lights up her face and ours to watch.

Caleb tries to snuggle with Kenna, it's pretty cute, she even seems to calm down when he does.

Caleb's cheezy smile :)

Caleb can just amaze me sometimes. Being two is a tough age, trying to assert your independence, beginning to learn consequences, having so much energy and not having enough time in the day to get it all out, despite what mom does to wear him out. But then there are times, like below where I sat and watched him for 20-30 minutes (which is like hours in his time frame) put together, piece by piece the train track, figure out each tongue and groove and then play with it with all his trains on the track. It amazes me, because in a lot of ways, this is a simple toy compared to all the other ones with bells, whistles, talking, computerization, etc. This is a simple wooden toy, with no noises and a lot of patience and focus needed to put it together on his own and the joy he finds in playing with it.

Haloween and Trick or Treating

2009-11-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

Caleb was a train conductor for Halloween, you can see Thomas in his pumpkin bucket. He didn't want to get dressed to go trick or treating, but we told him if he put on his clothes and wore the hat, he'd get candy. That was all it took and he was dressed and ready. Amazing what a child will do for a piece of candy.

My little pumpkin, is exactly what she is. Her little dress said, "So cute it's scary."

We did trick or treating at friends houses. Caleb loved running to houses and getting candy. We would ask him, "What do you say?" He'd say, "Please." We'd then tell him to say Trick or Treat. He would also try to walk in to everyone's home. It was so fun to see him get the concept of this fun holiday.

When Caleb was done trick or treating, he sat down in the middle of the street to examine his goods.

A very happy boy at the end of the night.

McKenna at 6 weeks

2009-11-02T14:17:00.000-08:00

These pictures of McKenna are being posted a week late. She is just the calmest, sweetest baby. She is such a good sleeper (7-9 hours) each night. I had no idea a baby could do that. She does not cry very much and is content to just sit and watch the chaos around her. I am so greatful for her every day.

Content with her binky

Sleeping on grandma, definitely one of her favorite places to snuggle up and sleep.

Family and Friends Visiting

2009-10-14T15:43:00.001-07:00

After Brandon's parents left, my sister Jen came to visit. Her wedding was the week McKenna was born so I was unable to go down and be a part of the occasion, but when she said she was going to come up the week after, I was SO excited. We all had a wonderful time, it was so much fun to talk and catch up. She got to play with Caleb, he calls her his Aunt Jemmi and just loved every minute with her.

Caleb's smiles lately are just hilarious.

We all went to the farmers market in Beaverton and got fresh produce to go with dinner. The farmers markets around here are one of my favorite things about Oregon.

We celebrated Jen's birthday while she was here. Caleb was more into the cupcake than getting his picture taken.

Caleb wanted to blow out the candles, more than sing to her.

The next week Sienna & Lindsay came to stay. It's amazing how a friendship like ours is still so strong after 20 plus years. We may all live in different states and see each other a couple times a year, but it always seems like we saw each other yesterday when we are together. We went shopping, out to lunch, walking, took Caleb to the park, ran errands and helped with the kids. I was definitely sad when they left.

Caleb with Lindsay and Sienna and Chloe at the park.

The three of us and McKenna

Caleb is finally starting to acknowledge McKenna, we got him to hold her hand.

I just love this guy, he seems so big now that McKenna is here. He copies everything you say and how you say it. His newest words, Einstein from Little Einsteins and Octopus since he loves anything from the sea.

McKenna is One Month old.

McKenna's Blessing

2009-10-14T12:37:00.001-07:00

McKenna was blessed the last week in September. It was wonderful to have my parents and Brandon's parents there for her blessing, it made it extra special. Sebastian also was blessed on the same day as it was Jennie & Justin's last week at church before the move. After the blessing we had a big brunch at Kathy's (Jennie's mom) with both of our families. We got some great pictures of all of us.

McKenna in her blessing outfit, I am going to keep the dress for her dolls someday as it is a premie dress.

Jennie & I with the babies after the blessing, Sebastian is 2 months older than McKenna.

Justin, Chris and Brandon

Caleb and Gwyn saying goodbye, such cute little friends.

All the kids at Kathy's house, getting them all together was hilarious and getting Gwyn and Cal to look and smile at the same time was impossible.

Family photo

McKenna's First Week

2009-09-23T12:09:00.001-07:00

Caleb & McKenna when we first came home from the hospital, he's definitely warming up to her.

Brandon's parents are staying with us for the past few weeks, I am so greatful they are here, I can't imagine things without them.

Caleb is also glad they are here, he gets spoiled with attention, which is exactly what he needs.

McKenna at one week

Our Blessing...McKenna Christine Clausen

2009-09-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

McKenna Christine Clausen
Born Monday, September 14, 2009
At 1:29pm
5lbs 15oz
18 3/4 inches long

We are both doing really well, just working on eating. I went in to the hospital at 5am and they started pitosin, at 9:30am they broke my water, which really got things going. At 12:30pm I was at a 4, at 1:15pm I was an 8, 2 minutes later a 10 and by 1:30 she was born. It was the fastest labor and delivery, so much smoother than with Caleb and I felt so much more in control. Also, the fact that she was over 2 lbs smaller and 3 inches shorter than Caleb didn't hurt. She is just so calm and has the sweetest spirit. Here are a couple pictures below:

Just after her 1st bath to clean all the vernix off of her

Caleb came to visit, he didn't want anything to do with her. That's okay, he'll get better with her overtime.

Sleeping in her incubator here at the hospital.

After Much Tribulation...

2009-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

I don't normally blog of my life, but in keeping a family journal, I thought I should record the trials with the blessings. These last few months have been one of the biggest trials I have ever endured. I have been enduring hard labor contractions among a few other complications for 2 1/2 months fairly consistently. Physically and mentally it has exhausted me beyond any point I could have comprehended. It amazes me the extent to which a human body can endure while trying to grow a baby. The blessing is that it does no harm to our little girl. It's just the extreme pain and staying in bed while trying to care for Caleb, who is such an active 2 year old.

Our life got a little more interesting in the middle of July, when Brandon left for the Police Academy and spends the week there and comes home only on the weekends. Since that point in time, Caleb stays with Carolina all day and then in the evenings we stay with my parents, at least during the week, since I can no longer care for him for the most part. I truly am grateful to Carolina and my parents for all they do because without them I wouldn't want to imagine where I would be.

My doctor says my goal has been to "keep her in there" as long as I can. I have done so for almost 35 weeks. If I can keep her in there for just a few more weeks, at least she can be born healthy. I would just like to say thank you to all those who have stepped in to help when I needed it desperately, but didn't want to ask and those who have taken over the many things in my life I can't do for myself right now.

I know she will be a huge blessing in our life, so each day I try desperately to remember the scripture, "After much tribulation...come the blessings."

Our End of June/ July Happenings

2009-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

You would think with all the time I spend in bed, I would blog more. Well, we had a busy last month or so. Caleb turned 2, I can't believe it. He had a couple of birthday parties. On his birthday we did cupcakes with Cars candles as you can see, he didn't care as much about the cupcakes as about getting to play with the candles after he blew them out.

Caleb's next birthday party at mom & dad's, more cupcakes for Caleb, he loves those things.

Caleb had swimming lessons for all of July. He just loved it, definitely a fish in water.

Brandon, Caleb & my dad out on the river in California. We were at my sister's house and we asked Caleb, want to go on the boat? His eyes got really big and said boat, boat and ran towards the door. When they were out on the boat and when my dad stopped Caleb decided to abandon ship and jump in, he just loves the water.

Popsicles on a hot day, what a fun mess!

4th of July at mom & dad's house. Caleb watched the fireworks from the boat in the garage and then rode his bike around the backyard.

My sister Jen's bridal shower in California. It was a great day and so nice to see so many family and friends.

The next day we had a birthday party for Caleb and a baby shower for our little girl. Caleb loved his cake, but we left the sheetcake next to him also, so he would take one bite from his plate and another from the sheet cake. He was so spoiled by our family and we felt so greatful for all they do for us.

Our gardens this year have taken off. It's been so fun to go out and pick peas, carrotts, green beans and tomatoes. Caleb tries to help, he asks when he sees the snap peas or green beans if they are chips, we tell him they're better than chips, he doesn't think so.

Mom's Birthday and some other happenings.

2009-06-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

We celebrated my mom's birthday last week, it was nice to see her, it had been awhile since she had been away for work. We had cupcakes for dessert which were awesome, but it was Caleb who stole the show. To watch that guy eat a cupcake is just priceless, , here are a few pictures from the occasion.

As for Caleb, he will be 2 next week! Just can't believe it, he's talking so much in both English and Spanish and I feel a lot of time that I have to double translate first to normal Spanish, not toddler Spanish and then to English. Thanks to Carolina and Claudia with Spanish translations, sometimes we don't have a clue. He mimics everything you do and is trying to assert his own will and independence, which can be a hard balance as a mom. He says "cheese" now anytime he sees a camera or a cell phone for that matter.

"CHEESE!"

Brandon's job is going very well, he loves what he is doing; even though, it can be physically and mentally exhausting. He works kind of weird shifts, but we are grateful for when he is home, definitely an adjustment for us as a family.

Our new addition is still growing well, I had a 3-D ultrasound a week or two ago, it was amazing, to watch her move around and suck her thumb and kick. To see her face, that she has the same nose and mouth as Caleb and hair too. My contractions have unfortunately come back like my

last pregnancy and the ultrasound was to make sure everything was okay and she is just perfect.

Life's Exciting Changes

2009-05-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

First, we found out we are having a little GIRL who will join our family at the beginning of October. She is very healthy and right on schedule. Caleb calls her a "wa wa." At first I thought he was saying "wouf wouf," and calling her a dog, but thankfully Claudia told me in Chile a term of endearment for a baby is to call them a "wa wa." At least he has baby down in some language. I am so excited for PINK!

Lastly, Brandon started a new career as a police officer with the City of Lake Oswego. They had a ceremony to swear him in as an officer and I got to pin his badge on him. It's not everyday you get to go to your husband's first day of work and they have a ceremony and you get a tour of his department.

Brandon, the chief of police and the other office who started with Brandon.

Brandon & I after I pinned him

Our friends Jennie & Justin who also came to the ceremony.

Our Spring Happenings

2009-05-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

We've had lots of things going on in the last month, here a few of them:

Gwyn's 2nd Birthday-we celebrated Gwyn's birthday with the Dunaway Family. Caleb & Gwyn have grown up like brother & sister and treat each other like well, siblings. They are notorious for pushing, shoving, taking each other's toys and well ending up in time outs after the fact. They are kind of learning to play together, they do chase each other now. Gwyn got her favorite toy, Barney for her birthday, she was so excited. Can't believe she's two!

Easter-we celebrated Easter with my parents on Saturday since my they were leaving on Sunday. We had an indoor easter egg hunt for Caleb. He also got spoiled with gifts, a basketball hoop and got to play with his other new toy, a big wheel. Easter egg hunting was funny to watch, he would shake each egg to make sure there was something in there, crouch down, open it and put the candy in his mouth. After 4 or 5 eggs, he had so much candy in his mouth and he hadn't swallowed any of it. We picked up the rest of the eggs as fast as we could so he wouldn't put any more candy in his mouth. He thoroughly enjoyed all his candy, definitely his favorite thing to eat right now, when we let him.

Handsome little Caleb in his suit on Easter

Tulip Festival-On a beautiful saturday in April Jennie & I took Caleb & Gwyn to the Tulip Festival. The scenery is just gorgeous there, perfect for pictures. Caleb only touched a flower once, in the picture below, otherwise he was off in search of mud puddles and dirt (which there were a lot of too). Gwyn loved the flowers and would pose so nicely for pictures, unlike Caleb. There were little trains there you could ride and Caleb loved that. So, Gwyn loved the flowers and getting her picture taken, Caleb loved the mud puddles and trains, figures.

Arizona-I decided I needed a little break and went to Arizona for a long weekend. The boys stayed at home and I went and spent some time with my friend Sienna. We've known each other since 1st or 2nd grade, we realized it's been over 20 years, kind of makes me feel old. I had never been to Arizona and she lives right outside of Phoenix. She showed me around all over and the weather was beautiful, perfect for being outdoors and soaking up the sun. We went shopping in Scottsdale in an outdoor mall and went to lots of other places. It was so nice to not be rushed to do anything, we had no time table. It was very fun and relaxing weekend.

Other random Caleb things-He's hit a phase of liking to disrobe himself, I am lucky to keep his diaper on him. He loves these rain boots and one night after his bath, he insisted on wearing these only, no pajamas, just his goloshes. The other picture is Caleb with a cookie. This kid is obsessed with cookies (he's only ever had a couple in his life, I promise), but he calls every kind of snack out there a cookie, from crackers, to cereal, to yogurt, to fruit, no matter what it is, it's called a cookie. I think he's hoping each time he gets a snack, it's a cookie.

A Week with Family

2009-03-30T14:31:00.001-07:00

This past week my brother Dan, his girlfriend Grace and my aunt Terre came to visit. We got to spend lots of time together and it was nice to catch up with my brother. I haven't seen Dan in almost a year since that is when he left for somewhere in the Middle East to fight for our country. It was nice to see that he is the same old Dan, full of stories and can always make you laugh. We got to see pictures of some of the places he was and hear of some of the lighter things he can talk about.

Last Wednesday, we took Dan and Grace to the beach, it was spring break week, but it sure didn't feel like spring weather. Caleb had so much fun running on the beach and he kept trying to go into the water, that kid truly has no fear. Here are a few pics.

Dan & Grace

Me & Cal

Caleb taking off down the coast

Oregon coast scenery

Brandon trying to keep Caleb from going in the water

Caleb's Animal Noises

2009-02-26T16:53:00.000-08:00

Parks & Zoos

2009-02-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

I decided to take advantage of the nice weather and Caleb & I went to zoo and the park many times this month. He's at the age where he has learned all the noises that animals make, so the zoo was fun as he realized these animals aren't just on the pages of his books, but they are real. He is active at the park and doesn't really need any help for playing, just supervising as he likes to wander off where you can no longer see him.

Caleb got the see the elephants, including the new baby elephant, he was so excited and the elephant was eating a snack and then making elephant noises, he of course made his elephant sound to the elephant.

The leopard walked right by the glass where we were standing, Caleb raised up his hands in a claw position and made his lion noises at the leopard. It was the cutest.

Caleb & Tyler played with the older boys big wheels at the park the other day. They weren't big enough to reach the pedals, but that didn't stop them from moving them around. They were so excited to play with these.

Caleb on top of the slide with his cracker of course.

January

2009-02-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

This has been a good month and I must say I love Caleb dearly, with all my heart, but I feel he has reached his terrible two's early. There are a few things we and he have learned this past month obviously the hard way:

1) when you don't like your dinner it does not go on your head.
2) Just because you have your own agenda of where you want to go doesn't mean you get to go there.
3) Bed time is not optional.
4) Ovens are for baking things you love, not for storing toys, especially trying to store them when the oven is on.
5) Getting upset when you give your stuffed puppy chloe's bone and she takes it back, is hard to explain.

6) Lastly and most important, tantrums will get you no where in life, except a time out when you stop.

Besides Caleb, Brandon & I have had some fun date nights this last month, one in particular where we went to the Blazers vs Jazz game. It was great fun, we had club seats which means you get dinner and dessert and free consessions along with awesome seats.

Caleb can be really cute & sweet too of course

Christmas Day

2009-01-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

A little late, but some pictures from Christmas. We couldn't really go anywhere, as everyone knows from our snow. So Christmas Eve night we went sledding down my parents hill near their house and then on Christmas Day we decided to take Caleb sledding. We had so much fun with my sister Jen & Andrew here for Christmas, we were so glad they made it in. There won't be any posts for our New Years Caleb & I were down with a bad cold.

So, Caleb liked sledding down the fill the first time, he laughed, the second time he cried, the third time he screamed. After that, we didn't take Caleb down the hill, when anyone else went down and he was watching he would cry.

Caleb's toy he got for Christmas, a Baby Einstein thing, his favorite. Caleb's favorite place to nap, on grandma.

The weekend Before Christmas in California

2008-12-27T13:35:00.001-08:00

Last Friday, (the 19th of December) we made our yearly weekend trip to Sacramento to visit family before Christmas. We had a wonderful action packed weekend, but the fun really began when we tried to get home on last Sunday. Saturday morning we had a brunch with Andrew's family and his little nieces Armine & Ani. We opened gifts and the kids played. The girls got stickers and wanted somewhere to put them, so Caleb became their sticker magnet. He was covered in princess stickers within minutes and never seemed to notice or mind.

Saturday night we had a huge family dinner at a restaurant towards the Bay Area with my mom's family. It seems like there are more of us each year.

Sunday morning we had a brunch with my dad's side and Caleb got to play with all the boys. The real excitement came on Sunday when I went to check in for our flight and Alaska's website says, "Your flight has been cancelled."
Instead of going to see friends I had to go to the airport, stand in line for 3 hours to be told there are no flights to Portland until the 28th of December!! Considering it was the 21st and I needed to get home, that wasn't going to work.

So, my parents, Brandon, Caleb & I had to trade in the rental car since most rental companies will not allow you to drive a car across state lines one way, we had to get a different car with 4-wheel drive and on Monday morning at 5:30am we were off by car, back to Portland.

At 11pm on Monday night, we arrived at our house. I must say that Caleb was wonderful, I couldn't believe it. We made it home safely. Maybe we can do Christmas with the family in the beginning of December next year.

Caleb & Ani playing

the beginning of covering caleb in princess stickers

the boys helping caleb open gifts

Unexpected Trip to Utah

2008-12-16T16:00:00.000-08:00

We unexpectedly had to make a trip to Utah last weekend. Brandon's grandfather had passed away. He was a man who had lived a long, long time (91 years) and had a great life. One thing grandpa Royle had on his fridge was a saying, "I'll endure to the end, EVEN if it kills me." And he did endure to the end. He was an amazing man, who taught us so much about the scriptures and life. He will truly be missed.

Brandon & I got to go to the Salt Lake Temple on Friday before heading up to Logan for the funeral. The Salt Lake Temple is so beautiful and so are the grounds, especially at this time of year with all the lights. Grandpa and grandma Royle were married here December 9th, 1941 (2 days after Pearl Harbor)

Each one of grandpa's grandsons were palbearers and they each wore a red rose on their lappel at the end of the service, each put their rose on the casket.

It was also unexpected to get to spend an early Christmas with Brandon's family, we didn't think we would see them until spring. All of his brothers came except one, who is on a mission. Saturday night all of us stayed in Springfield with Brandon's aunt and parents. Us girls went to the Orem Mall and the boys went and played including sledding down huge hills in the dark in the snow.

It was so cold & snowy in Utah on Saturday, I don't remember ever being that cold, but when we returned to Portland, there was snow everywhere. I felt like we brought back the weather with us. It's been a few days and we still have snow here in Portland. This picture above is of our front yard when we got home. (Thought we were still in Utah).

PS-Caleb stayed with my parents, I had never been away from him that long, it was weird and great to be with adults for an entire long weekend. I truly missed him and wouldn't let go of him the entire night after we got home.

Our Little Spider

2008-11-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

Some pictures of our action packed Halloween!

In the afternoon we went first to see Carolina, Caleb & my favorite person, she watches him in the morning and is like another grandma to him. Then we went to my work for some trick or treating, he got candy and they let him try each piece. Ummm, a sugar high in a 16 month old by 3pm is not a good thing.

Then we went around our neighborhood so everyone could see him, it was great, no more candy at this point.

Then we went to some friends and had dinner and went Trick or Treating there. I think the guys liked the fact that they got to go trick or treating and get candy more than anyone else. Went to my parents after that.

Caleb the spider & Gwyn the banana

Nicalina & Ethan, just so adorable

Family picture with our little spider

When we got home at the end of the night, Caleb found his friend and passed out on the floor.

Happy Halloween!

Try Not to Laugh

2008-10-29T18:37:00.000-07:00

I just love this kid, he has the most contagious laugh :)

Fall in Oregon

2008-10-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

This has been an amazing fall, (i.e. no rain really) and just gorgeous weather. One Saturday morning Sarah & I were running and saw this driveway up on Gassner. For those who don't know the geographical area where I live, I live at the bottom of a hill or mountain, well it's called Cooper Mountain; anyways, this is someone's drive way at the top. Just amazing!!

Pumpkins & Fall

2008-10-18T16:54:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year here in Oregon, it has been sunny in the afternoons, but still the air is crisp and cold and all the leaves are changing.

Last weekend we went to Sauvie Island with friends Jennie, Justin & Gwyn. It was a beautiful fall day. We took a hay ride over to the pumpkin patch, picked pumpkins of all sizes and then carried them back. It was funny to watch Caleb & Gwyn try to manuver through all the vines, leaves and mud. In the end we were all a huge muddy mess, but it was fun.

Fall has also brought cute boy clothes, I found the cutest plaid shirts, sweaters, boots and jeans for Caleb and the cutest beanies that he actually keeps on, here's a picture before him and I went out shopping for the day wearing some new clothes and boots.

Fall also has seemed to bring on tantrums for Caleb, well maybe that is just his age. I stared at him the entire time when he did this without saying a word. He wanted to go outside with the dog through the dog door, not going to happen. I hope there aren't too many more of these, but I am guessing this is the beginning.

Caleb Chasing Chloe

2008-09-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Last night was a crazy night, Brandon had to work really late and I had gotten my peaches to can and they were ripe, really ripe and had to be done last night or they would have rotted. (Trust me, I never thought I would be this domestic in my whole life).

I was part way through canning and Caleb was doing pretty well letting me work on my project, (except he kept trying to drink the sugar water) when some neighborhood kids came to the door.
When I opened the door Chloe ran out and I couldn't get her to come back. Then Caleb took Chloe's leash off the bench in the entry way and ran out the door after her yelling "dog, dog" "dog, dog" (which is what he calls her).

I told the kids I was sorry I couldn’t help them and went chasing after my toddler and dog. My camera was next to the door and I snapped this picture of Caleb running down the street after Chloe with leash in hand. Did he think he would catch her??

I caught up to Caleb I put him in his little car and we went after Chloe. He kept pointing towards where she had gone and yelling "dog, dog" with leash still in hand trying to push the car forward to go faster after her.

We did eventually catch up to the dog and 30 minutes later we were all back in the house and the two of them went back to playing like nothing had ever happened.

That about did me in for the night.

Wedding and Trip to Massachusetts

2008-09-11T17:57:00.000-07:00

We spent a week in Massachusetts to attend the wedding of close friends Paula & Chris. We also went and saw a few sights in the area. We went to Newport, RI one day and downtown Boston one night. We went to Cambridge and walked around Harvard Yard and to the Cape.

Paula & Chris's wedding was just beautiful, perfect day, perfect ceremony, perfect reception for two people who are so much in love. Congratulations you two!

July & August Vacations

2008-08-19T10:04:00.000-07:00

In July we went to Utah to see family and friends. I went to visit an old friend from college and her kids, then went up with Brandon to Logan, UT to see Brandon's parents and grandpa. A few days later we went with Brandon's brothers and parents to Bear Lake, UT.

Caleb got to meet his great grandpa Royle. He loved to play with his cousin Evan, he found someone with more energy than him to watch and play with. In the middle, all the grandkids up in Logan. Have you ever tried to get 5 kids under the age of 6 to sit still and smile? On the right is Caleb with my friend Lorie's girls. Caleb is 6 months younger than her youngest Alexis, but he is so much bigger than her.

Caleb is here with his cousin Brynne, they're just a few months apart. In the middle Brandon is wakeboarding on Bear Lake and on the right Caleb loved being on the boat with his grandma.

Brandon with his brothers mountain biking at Bryanhead in Utah. The 3 of us and then just Caleb and I playing at Bear Lake.

We were in Tahoe for several days in August for my parents 30th Anniversary. We played in the lake, swam, went boating, biking and played. The weather was so beautiful, it was hard to come home.

Caleb during our bike ride in the Tahoe Keys. I loved his mushroom head helmet.
Caleb can never get enough of his grandma.

Jen, Andrew, me & Brandon went out on Saturday night. It was so much fun.

Caleb, his cousin Jude and aunt Jen playing on the beach

View of Lake Tahoe!

The Month of June

2008-07-02T11:28:00.001-07:00

Well, the last 2 months have flown by and my desire to update the blog has been there, but today I decided that it must be done as it is now July. So this post is a little long with all the events of the last few months.

We went camping in May up in Eastern Washington where my parents have a place. It was a lot of fun, except for the weather was kind of bad that weekend. Brandon wanted to go water skiing so my dad took him out. The only thing, it was 45 degrees and just pouring. You can obviously see that Brandon loves to be out on the water, no matter what :)

This was Caleb when we were up camping, he looked like a wild animal!

Jennie, me and Jen took the kids to the Portland Zoo. Some of the animals they like such as the petting zoo, the fish, the giraffes, but us girls had a great time together. Great excuse to hang out. Here's Caleb and Gwyn in Jen's stroller.

A childhood friend Lindsay got married (the one in the middle). We went to California for the wedding. This is at the rehersal dinner at the pool. Below is on the day of the wedding. The three of us have been friends since we were 6 or 7 years old. The wedding was beautiful and so much fun.

While we were in Sacramento we had a 1 year old birthday party for Caleb. 30 of our closest relatives came. It was so busy, but so much fun. My sister bought Caleb his own cake, that had neon blue and other variations of blue frosting. This is the after math of the cake.

Caleb with his cousin Jace

These last two pictures I had to put in of Caleb. He absolutely loves Chloe the dog. Many times when he is tired, he grabs her tail and snuggles up on her. She lets him as you can see. I can't figure out if he thinks she's a pillow.

Caleb has this little car he can go around the neighborhood or "drive" in to the park. He just loves it and he loves to wear his sunglasses outside. So, this is after the park, but Caleb "driving" his car with his shades on. What a ham!

I HAVE TEETH!

2008-05-06T21:52:00.000-07:00

In one weekend Caleb got in 3 teeth! Two top and one bottom. Here are pictures of the teeth, one picture is not so great of him, but you can see the teeth, the other picture, much better of him :)

A Campfire and a Beautiful Night

2008-05-06T21:15:00.000-07:00

For those of you not from Oregon, a nice day is a rare and wonderful thing, this weekend turned out to be just beautiful, so we went up to some friends house who live in the country where we roasted s'mores outside, sat by the fire and then went down to where their horses are.

Caleb had never seen horses, either had the dog Chloe. Chloe just ran everywhere, including around the horses. She's lucky she didn't get kicked. But Caleb just got so excited and laughed every time one of them came near him. It was so cute.

Visiting Family & Friends in California

2008-05-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

While in Sacramento I went to a bridal shower for a childhood friend, Lindsay. I am a bridesmaid in her wedding. It was so nice to spend the day with girlfriends. It was also such a blast from the past as there were people there from high school I hadn't seen since we graduated!

While I was at the shower Caleb's Aunt Jen & Uncle Andrew watched him for the day. They had so much fun and Caleb made great a great new friend with their puppy Leroy.

So, Caleb seems to smile on cue now. This is his smile for the camera face. What a ham!

Snow Caving Trip

2008-04-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

Every year all the boy scouts go to Timberline Lodge for the annual snowcaving trip. They build a snow cave and sleep in it. This is the 3rd year in a row they have gone on this trip. They always have tons of fun, but seems that each year someone gets hurt (nothing ever serious hurt) because of something they did by well, being boys. But this year when Brandon came back he said no one got hurt and they all had a lot of fun. He said and I quote, "No one got hurt, because well no one did anything dumb." Well, I got this picture from Wes Whitnah, someone who went on the trip.

Oh Brandon, well boys will be boys. (This is Brandon doing a back flip off of a hill onto a huge pile of snow below).

Gwyn's 1st Birthday

2008-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Gwyn's 1st birthday with the Jennie & Justin. For those who don't know, Jennie & Justin are like a second family to us. Gwyn & Caleb are about 2 1/2 months apart and more and more they play together. I just can't believe Gwyn is 1! I remember seeing her when she was 1 hour old!

I love these pictures of her with the cake, she wasn't quite sure of the cake at first, in the end she was so proud!

Gwyn got 2 cell phones for her birthday and Caleb tried everything to get at least one from her, Gwyn wasn't too happy about that.

An Early Birthday for my Brother & A Request to Friends and Family

2008-04-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

I had such a great time with my brother here visiting. We hung out, went to find some stuff he needed before he left and we celebrated his birthday.

The thing is his birthday is not until May, but since he is to be deployed to the Middle East in a few weeks, we thought we'd celebrate it a few months early :)

I asked my brother, what do you want for your birthday? The only thing he wanted was for me to send him stuff so he would know we hadn't forgot about him! I was almost in tears. How could I forget my little brother??!! So, if anyone is ever out and about and find something that would be entertaining or sounds good to eat that is non-perishable and could survive in an APO Box for a month, send it my way. I have a box that I will fill each month with stuff and send it.

Easter

2008-03-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

It was Caleb's first Easter, we have lots of family visiting this week so it has been a lot of fun, but very busy.

I was in love with this outfit I found, khakis, argyle sweater vest and blue button down with the loafers. He was spoiled as usual.

My aunt nan & uncle Joe visited for the weekend. My brother also came this wekend and so on Easter we had a big breakfast and then a dinner also at my parents house. Nan & Joe left, but Aunt Terre came this week and Dan is here for a week.

Ross Barfuss

2008-03-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

The tragic loss of Ross to our ward family has been so great. What a great young man he was. The Barfuss family has been in our thoughts and prayers a lot this week. He is a hero and will always be remembered as such.
For those of our friends and family who don't know of this tragic event, here is a link to the news video clip http://www.kgw.com/video/video-index.html?nvid=225888
Also, a link to the news article: http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/03/aloha_students_mourn_teen_who.html
I have read many of your blogs with your thoughts and I had to share this picture we had of him from last summer when Brandon took the Teachers on their high adventure and the last day they went mountain biking. Of the boys there were Ross, Lance Barfuss and Garrett Wilson among many others. I couldn't help but laugh at Ross's shirt in this picture. For those who can't read it, it says, "Ladies, Please there's plenty of me to go around." It just reminds me of his wonderful personality and always full of laughs and making others laugh. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Oh How Big He is Getting!

2008-03-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have not been very good about updating our digital family scrapbook. Caleb is just growing up so fast, he is starting to crawl; therefore, nothing in our house is safe from him. He likes our food more than his and has the cutest little boy personality. I just love it.

Caleb LOVES the bath and he LOVES this towel, he tries to eat all parts of the towel.

So, Chloe realized that Caleb's feeding time is also time for her to eat also. Chloe is going to be SO fat. Caleb has found that feeding her is more fun than feeding himself.

So, he finds all kinds of things to play with. I was wondering why we buy him expensive toys? This pamphlet he found entertained him for a long while.

THE BEACH & FAMILY

2008-01-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

We took Caleb to the beach when we were down in Southern California. It was his first experience with sand. He wasn't a big fan of the water, too cold for him.

He also got to visit with his cousins and meet his new cousin Brynne. Caleb hasn't been a huge fan of the bath lately, but when we put his cousin Evan in there with him, he had a blast.

THE SUN!!

2008-01-22T11:40:00.000-08:00

We had enough of 30 degrees days, rain/snow and dampness and no sun! So we decided last minute to go to see family in Southern California. On Friday we took Caleb to Disneyland. He was so fascinated by all he saw and experienced.

Christmas Morning and a White Oregon Christmas

2007-12-29T21:26:00.001-08:00

On Christmas morning we got to open gifts with Caleb. Since he is the only grandchild and only nephew he got a tad spoiled, well more like spoiled rotten. He LOVED the paper, a bow and some ribbon. He played with that the entire time we opened gifts. Isn't that typical :)

Caleb with my mom and with Brandon above and with my sister Jen below.

After we finished opening gifts, we looked outside and saw it had began snowing. It snowed quite a bit, it was beautiful.

Family Gathering in December

2007-12-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

We went to California to celebrate Christmas with family. All 34 family members got together for dinner. How our family has grown!

Brandon & Cal at dinner

Caleb with my sister Jen.

All of us kids together at dinner. My brother made it for Christmas, it was great.

4 generations of family together. How wonderful it was!

Caleb's Hair Cut

2007-12-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

So, as most know or have seen, Caleb has hair, quite a lot of it. We decided it was just too long and looked odd. So here are a few pictures of the before and after. We used clippers to cut his hair and he couldn't figure out the vibration going on on his head, he just kept trying to follow the clippers around. It was pretty funny.

BEFORE

AFTER

HE JUST LOOKS SO DIFFERENT :)

First Halloween

2007-11-18T20:20:00.001-08:00

For Halloween we went Trick or Treating around our neighborhood to some friends and then to my parents. It was fun, he got candy, we ate it :) He was the cutest dinorsaur I'd ever seen!

Caleb's Had Some Firsts

2007-11-18T19:33:00.000-08:00

In the last few weeks Caleb has had some firsts in his little life. We photographed what we could of them below:

He has started eating solids, here are a few pictures of the event. Warning, this gets messy! We started with rice cereal then moved on to peas. I think he was more intrigued with the spoon at times and tries constantly to take it away :)

Post eating is this picture, he cleans up pretty well. In the last week he started to sit up on his own and laugh and squeel, it is so fun!

A not so good first of his, was his first cold. He was miserable and so were we. I don't like it when he's sick.

Hanging Out

2007-10-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we were hanging out on the floor playing. Caleb seems to LOVE to stare at Chloe and she seems to try to lick him at every turn. We call it drive by lickings. She'll walk by him, lick him and then run off. He always smiling after he gets licked.

Caleb loves to chill in his swing.

Playing with daddy!

Caleb meets A LOT of Family

2007-10-21T21:30:00.000-07:00

We went to California for the weekend because my brother had come home, it was Jen's 25th birthday and Caleb got to meet all of his relatives. We all stayed at Jen's new house, it was so much fun!

Dan meets Caleb for the first time

Jen & Caleb together

Happy 25th Birthday Jen!

Caleb meets his great grandpa for the first time!

Caleb & His Friend Gwyn

2007-10-21T21:24:00.001-07:00

Gwyn & Caleb have spent the last few months staring at each other as she is 2 1/2 months older. They don't play of course, just interact mostly by trying to touch faces or pull binkies out of mouths.

Gwyn really wanted Cal's socks :)

They are just so cute!

Caleb in the Fall Weather

2007-09-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Caleb is finally getting big enough to go in the jogger when I run in the mornings. It was really cold this morning, so I had to break out some of his winter clothes. Here are some pictures of him in the jogger. He loves being in there, most of the time he just stares at everything going by or he sleeps :)

Friends Friends and More Friends

2007-09-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

We have had a very busy last few weeks. After getting home from Southern California we went up to Seattle a few days later to meet some friends of ours from Massachusetts, Paula & Chris. They came to stay for the week. We stayed in Seattle for the weekend and then drove home Sunday. Monday, Becky flew in with her two kids. So for the last week in our house we had 5 adults, two 3 month olds; yes two of them; and one 2 1/2 year old. Oh our house was so chaotic, but it was so much fun! Here are a few pictures from the week.

Pike's Place in Seattle was a lot of fun, we got to watch the guys throw the fish. Above is Paula & I on top of Seattle's Space Needle. That was the coolest view.

Caleb was such a trooper through all the sightseeing and being in the car for so long.

Out and about for the week with Paula, Chris, Becky, Mykalah and Brody.

For Caleb's Uncle Dan

2007-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

After Daniel's graduation from Special Forces, they sent Caleb a Littlest Green Beret shirt. Here are some pictures of him in it. He just looked so cute I couldn't resist. I called Cal my little military man for the day. Congratulations and we love you Dan!

Southern California

2007-09-06T11:11:00.001-07:00

We spent some time in Southern California visiting Brandon's family. It was lots of fun and got to see old friends and Caleb got to meet his cousins. Here are a few pictures.

Logan, Lindsay and Evan with Caleb

Lindsay just loved her little cousin.

Here we are again attempting a picture with the 4 of them.

Lorie with her little girls Alexa and McKenzie

Lorie and I took the kids with us to 2nd street in Long Beach to shop. We had 3 kids under 3 and two strollers, we were a sight.

Family photo

Caleb's 2 month pictures

2007-09-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

At 2 months we went and had pictures taken. He did really well considering being messed with by the photographer. We didn't get any smiles, but at least there were no tears. Here are two of the many proofs. I'll post more when I get them.

Family Visiting

2007-08-11T11:30:00.001-07:00

Caleb had lots of family to come to visit him. Above is his great aunt Terre and me with him.
We took Caleb to the zoo with us, like all of other experiences, he slept through it.
Jace was the greatest little helper ever. He just loved his cousin Caleb.
Group photo at the zoo.

Grandma & Grandpa Clausen Come to Visit

2007-07-26T12:51:00.001-07:00

Grandma & Grandpa Clausen with Caleb with day before leaving.
One of the days we all went to the coast, it was quite cold and very windy there.
This was Caleb's first time at the beach. As you can see, he slept through the experience.

Visiting With Grandma & Grandpa

2007-07-10T20:47:00.001-07:00

On Sunday my parents took Caleb for the day. He had such a great day with his grandma & grandpa!

Caleb & Chloe

2007-07-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

We were so excited that Chloe is so good around Caleb. We were worried about how she would react to him or if she would become aggressive. Thankfully she has been so good and just stares at him a lot and every once in awhile attempts to lick his feet or hands and tries to lay with him. Here's a cute picture of the two of them.

4th of July

2007-07-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

Caleb's 1st 4th of July! We dressed him up and took him for his first outing to a BBQ and to see some fireworks. He didn't like the noise from the fireworks though, but loved being outside in the warm night air.

First Few Days at Home

2007-07-04T15:52:00.001-07:00

Caleb's Aunt Jen came to visit. She was so excited to meet her first nephew! They had a great time hanging out though he mostly slept.

I put this hat on him at night when I am up with him, he looks just too cute. I can't be frustrated at someone with a hat like that :)
We gave him his first bath! He absolutely hated it, but what we realized was when his hair is wet it is curly! (That's from my side of the family)

Caleb's first day of life

2007-07-04T15:17:00.000-07:00

He was trying to sleep in the incubater, but we kept taking pictures of him and the nurses kept coming in and waking him up every few hours. We can't believe the amount of hair he has, it's almost an inch long!

Caleb's Birth

2007-07-04T15:10:00.001-07:00

Caleb Reed Clausen was born at 2:18am on Monday June 25th, 2007 at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He weighed 8lbs 1 oz and is 20 inches long. Pretty big for being 21 days early!