Jakey's Baptism

Jacob's Baptism, that happened on July 11, 2009. I am just going to move on past the fact that I am 5 1/2 months late posting this & give myself a pat on the back that I am posting it now. Because my 2010New Year's Resolution is to catch up on my blog/history of our family. And it's December 30th, still 2009. So technically I am actually posting this early. (don't stop to think about it, just go with it) Also, I am going to write this blog like I am actually writing personally to Jacob. Since this blog is in place of (oh thank you! thank you!) a scrapbook.

Jacob.

I am not quite sure what you are doing in the following picture. Unfortunately, that is what happens when your mother waits 5 1/2 months to blog about your baptism pictures. But an interesting fact...do you remember when we did the science club experiment to see how much air everyone could fit in your their lungs, that you could fit like 5 times as much as any of the other kids? I think this picture is further evidence of that fact :). It must be why you are such a rockin swimmer, too.

You and your dad. He even shaved off his beloved beard for the occassion of your baptism.

Some things to remember about your day...

1st) You were really prepared to be baptized. Sister Jarvis is your primary teacher this year, and you really love her. She really helped you prepare to get baptized. Also, you are careful to study the scriptures often, and you know your stuff. We are seriously proud of you. And learn from you.

2nd) We decided that instead of having people over to our house after your baptism, we would all go out to Chuck O Rama afterwards. This accomplished two things. First, it made it so we could have a special, quiet morning together instead of rushing around making preparations. There was a special peace that permeated our home that entire morning, and we got to have some special time together to talk about things.

Secondly, it introduced you to the world of buffets. You had no idea anything so wonderful existed on this planet. Spaghetti noodles with chocolate sauce. Mmmm....

Jake, you are a really special big brother, especially to Nick. He really looks up to you, well idolizes you, really. He thinks you are like cooler than a Jedi Knight (I'm pretty sure that's a direct quote :)). We are so glad he has someone to look up to everyday that is as classy and smart and soft-hearted and always wanting to do the right thing as you. He jumped in this picture when I was taking pictures of you and dad. He always wants to be right there with you...thanks for letting him be.

Look at that smile!! You are (may I quote the Christmas letter that you recieved from your friend Makenna....) J - Just cool A - Awesome K - Kind E - Exciting. Our thoughts exactly. We Love You!

Savannah, Fireworks, and Chloe

I am blogging again. I am going to think of the bright side and say that I have not blogged for three months because the summer has been so fabulous that I just haven't wanted to take the time... that's a good thing, right?

And also I am looking for brilliant suggestions on what is the best way to schedule in blogging - like is there a certain time you always blog, so it has just become habit? I am talking to you amazing bloggers who hardly miss a week - I really need some advice!

So.... To my Beautiful Daughter Savannah, on your 10th birthday... (which actually occured June 27th - details... details!)

What I love about you:

1. You are absolutely beautiful - inside and out.

2.You are kind - you are always aware of other people's feelings. Compassionate.

3. You are an amazing friend.

4. You are a free-spirit.

5.You are an "old soul" - you have wisdom beyond your age.

6. You pick up on things - you are well aware of what's going on all the time.

7. You know how to be yourself (which if I was one of Sleeping Beauty's fairies blessing you at your birth, is exactly the quality I would have given you.)

8. You are incredible with little children.

9. You are super-duper talented (singing, acting, cheerleading, cake decorating, sewing, dancing, music, taking care of children... seriously!)

10. You are thoughtful - the sweet things you do for all of us - the notes you leave on my bed...

Happy 10th Birthday, Savannah - I love you truly!

4th of July

Sitting on the front porch swing, right before fireworks and after floating down the Boise River on inner tubes. Nick informed us that he officialy was Mutt Jones (Indiana's son) after his tube flipped through some minor rapids and he handled it with true bravery. He also warned us of those approaching rapids by yelling "Bunnies! Watch out for the bunnies!" (it took Jake interpreting for him to figure out that he thought rapids were actually called rabbits)

This year we went downtown to Ann Morrison Park to watch Fireworks. It was AMAZING!

This is Clara as soon as the fireworks began. She went facedown inside the blanket until they were over. Did not move a muscle. Incredible - I have not seen her that still for that long - well, ever. Fireworks apparently is the key. Who knew?

The other kids mesmerized by the fireworks. Magic.

Just a random picture of Clara.

And...Introducing Chloe!

This is our new bunny, which Jake (with some help from Savannah) used all of his birthday money for.

You might be wondering why all of the pictures also feature Clara. That is because that is how Chloe lives her life. In Clara's arms. Clara has not really let her out of her sight or arms since we've had her.

Clara truly loves animals with all of her heart. She can't resist them - anywhere and any kind. Sometimes it's in a "Lenny-from-Of-Mice-and-Men" kind of way, but so far Chloe has survived, and actually seems attached to Clara. At least she doesn't run away from her. Hopefully it's not because she is frozen in fear.


And that's our Summer Part 1. Hopefully I'll get the rest of July posted soon. Thanks for reading!

Jake and a lot of mini bike.

Ten Reasons I love Jacob, on his Eighth birthday…

1. He is kind of a genius. I quote him from today, “Hey mom, come into the playroom so I can show you the motorized pulley I just invented.”

2.He asks me questions every day, okay several times a day, that I not only do not know the answer to, but have never really thought about. Emberassing? A little.



3. His uncontrollable laugh when he thinks something is really funny. He has been known to be rendered completely useless laughing on the ground. If anyone ever wanted to beat him up they should start out by telling him a joke.

4. His soft,soft heart.

5. How gentle and kind he is with Clara and Nick and other little children. Always thinking about them.






6. He is – I am not kidding, the leader of the neighborhood boy’s gang. The oldest boy in the gang? Twelve. But he listens to Jake. Is this normal?

7. How he takes his guitar playing and singing very seriously and sounds very similiar to Alfalfa on Little Rascals.


8. He likes to be handsome. He likes to do his own hair, wear his own picks of clothes. His favorite? T-shirts with funny sayings on them and tuxedos.


9. He is a healthy eater. No stress over this boys nutrition. He loves veggie sandwiches with extra sprouts and thinks cake is just okay. I know it seems like a strange reason to love your son, but when you have another child who has approximately three items in their food repertoire, it is pretty endearing.

10. His utter joy over finally becoming a Boy Scout and how he has nicknamed himself "Jake the Snake"

I love you, my sweet boy.

So the mini-bikes... Jake and Savannah got these for their birthdays (early gift for Savannah). This was somehow in spite of my upbringing in which I was taught that riding a motorcycle was equal to imminent death.

Riding in McCall. If you are wondering if these are the same bikes featured in Dumb & Dumber, the answer is Yes. Which is why I have omitted the picture of me riding one.

Nick and his two-wheeler.

Grandpa Dan pulling Clara and our neice, Jessie.

Saturday night in McCall we got a babysitter for the kids and went out to dinner and for a boat ride. This is Chad's parents, Dan and Joan, at dinner.

Chad and I

Todd and Lisa, who came with us to McCall on a farewell trip before moving far away to Arizona...


Joe and Amy - our friends in McCall, the coordinator of our babysitter, and owners of this fine boat. Amy and I met last year at an Arbinger conference, in which we paid a couple hundred dollars to learn how to be nice to people. That one still baffles Chad. We usually just don't talk about it. Especially because I'm so nice now, I really try to avoid conflict.

So this is us, in the middle of the Lake, far away from the boat dock, moments before a torrential rain and lightening storm took us a little off guard.

Chad during the storm

Joe, our fearless captain, being pelted with rain.

And where is Todd? Protecting us girls, of course. Naturally not taking up all of our space and blanket. He just wanted to make sure we were okay up there.

The next day... a campfire at Joe and Amy's

Jake performing Ode to Joy at the campfire.

Savannah and Jessie on the mini-bike. Jenny, if you are reading this, they are not really moving. Like I would do something as irresponsible as letting your three-year-old ride with Savannah with no helmet. If she tells you anything different don't believe her. It's my word against yours, Jessie. :)

The kids taking a bow after their performance of the generationally famous skit, I don't have the money for the payment of the rent.

And a picture of a girl's night Twilight party. At which time we played the Twilight board game which apparently was made for eleven-year-old sleepovers and included such questions as "everyone secretly write down who they think is the prettiest person in the room". Evil game-writer.

And of course they are also not moving, because what kind of mother would let her two-year-old jump on a mini-bike without a helmet, at night, no less?

And why I haven't been blogging... I have been organizing, okay?

Look at this mother of a pantry. And now I can blog in peace.

Random picture of Savannah riding her mini bike because I am still inept at placing pictures. I don't want to talk about it.

We love, love, love, LOVE, summer.

Please don't give up on me my blogging friends, in spite of a broken camera, still unorganized kid's closets, and a recommitment to read New Moon before the movie comes out in November - I will persist until I become a consistent blogger!