Foodie

For anyone that doesn't know I have a husband who is quite the foodie. After we make something colorful and tasty looking he wants to take a picture of it. So here are a few shots of what we have been eating this Spring. This was an amazing Salmon recipe. Tasted better than it looks.

Fruit is always beautiful. The camera never quite does it justice. Especially in our poorly lit apartment.

Winco had dragonfruit which was crazy and fun to eat. A lot like eating a kiwi in texture and flavor.

The Portland Market always has a beautiful array of veggies. This is for you Jakob!

Spencer's French salad with all fresh produce from the market.

Me thrilled to eat it. The baguette came from the Pearl Bakery, our favorite stop at the Portland Market. Definitely a stop we will miss when we leave.

5 years

Five years ago, March 18, Spencer got down on one knee to ask me to marry him. It was also a Sunday like yesterday was and it was a beautiful sunny day in the Sierra Nevadas. We had just taken a weekend trip from Utah to California for Spencer to meet my parents. We were picked up by my parents in San Francisco and went straight to Derco jewelers where Spencer bought my ring. It all happened in a crazy whirlwind. On St Patricks day Spencer and I spent some time downtown Sacramento and later at the Sacramento temple where we would be sealed in the future months. My family thought we would come home engaged...but we didn't to their disappointment. The next day we drove Spencers' grandpa's car back to Utah from the Bay area. On our way through the Sierra Nevadas, Spencer said he needed to stop to go to the bathroom. Well, we passed an exit with a rest stop and I wondered why he didn't stop. We soon after got off an exit called Rainbow Road. It definitely didn't look like there was a bathroom but I didnt say anything. We pulled over on private road with a beautiful view of the snow on the trees and a little flowing creek. The sun was glistening on the snow and then he got down on one knee and it happened. Sweet thoughts were shared and it was a perfect day. We sat down on some rocks and relished in the beauty of the day. The rest of the 10 hour drive was bliss. I love you Spencer and will never forget the day our lives together were envisioned to be great ones somewhere over the rainbow (road that is). They truly have been great and will continue to be great forever.

A Glimpse Into Eternity

Our little not-even-6-week-old baby just got RSV yesterday. We took her down to Legacy Emmanuel in Portland late last night with a bad cough and slight fever. Normally in the evenings Eva is fussy with colic but last night we rode in the car at 11:00 in peace as our little sweetheart sat quietly in the back seat with RSV enveloping her little body. Spencer and I wondered if we should be making the trip at all with how quiet she was. It seemed as if she was just fine. We pondered on the blessing our little girls are and realized how truly precious they are and how much we want to love and cherish them so we can be worthy to live with them forever. The love we felt for our girls was never stronger. We also pondered on the great friends we have that are true examples of charity. I have learned so much about charity from each and every one of my friends here, especially since having Eva. I have a new resolve to be a friend like them! Thank you for your examples of true charity. It is experiences like this that make us a little more selfless, a little more humble, and a little more aware of our utter dependence upon the Lord. As I stop and look at the situation I feel like I am able to see more blessings than trials. I had a few glimpses into eternity as I pondered on our little family and how trials are but a small moment in comparison to the great joy we have felt and will continue to feel in this life and into the eternities. I am grateful for this knowledge and the peace and comfort that comes through glimpses into eternity.

Eva Update-February

Happy Birthday Mom

63 years ago today, my beautiful mother was born in a small town in Utah. If you saw her today you would never know she was 63-in spirit and in appearance. She was my first best friend when I came into the world and still is one of my best friends today. I couldn't ask for more in a mother. She has understood me in a way no one else can and continues to be a strength and comfort in my life. I love you mom!

I have loved watching her become the grandmother to my children. It has made me appreciate her in an entirely new way. I love to see her find joy in being grandma.

She has been there for us in every way and gives tirelessly of herself to make our lives better. I am afraid I have taken her for granted in my life and hope to redeem myself through acknowledging all the ways she has made me who I am today. The best way I know how to do this is through living my life in a way that can bring her joy and  allow her to feel the blessings and rewards of her labors to raise a good family.

Mom, I know it hasn't been the easiest 63 years but you have been an example of strength and faith that has taught me how to live in the same way. I want to grow up and be like you someday! Thank you for being you! Happy Birthday!

Eva's Photoshoot

When a sweet friend offered to take some pictures of Eva I jumped at the offer. Thanks Kim! She captured some sweet moments of our little Eva after two days of trying to get her to stay asleep and cooperate. Kim was so patient and I am grateful for her willingness to photograph her!

Quotes-February 2012

1. Maren and I were sitting by the baby and she says very matter-of-factly: " I think Eva has my nose." There has been a lot of talk about how Eva's nose is different than Maren's and she has been picking up on the conversation more than we realized. Careful what you say even around a 2-year-old!

2. "Maren when do you think you will go to the bathroom on a big girl toilet?" "When I am 20."

3. Our 2-week-old Eva giggled in her sleep. Cutest sound I have ever heard. 

Eva Joan Garlick

If all deliveries could be like this one I would never fear and be induced every time! I felt alert but without pain throughout the entire process. She came with very few pushes and cried her healthy cry confirming that she was alive and well. I felt an awareness of the beauty of it all that was more difficult to feel when Maren was born because I was so exhausted by then. What a miracle birth is. A time to celebrate. 

As usual a very proud and excited daddy.

I will never forget Maren's face when she first held her sister. I know she felt the spirit of the situation and was excited to have her sister finally come to be with her. The first thing she said was: "She is Snow White" because of her dark hair. She then said: "She's not talking, I want her to talk." I think she was expecting a playmate to come and start playing with her.

It was great to have my mom and dad in town for it all. They were a huge help. I loved having all the one on one time with them. I cried like a baby when they left. Love you guys!

Grandpa and Eva. Classic.

Eva always gives her Mamma a bright-eyed look when she talks to her. Its so sweet!

Maren loves her sister