Silver Lake

We had another busy but fun weekend. Actually this one wasn't quite as busy as last weekend, although it did involve another 6 hour car trip-- each way. For years my family has gone up to Silver Lake (in the June Lake Loop of the Eastern Sierras) for the opening of trout season and this year we were able to join my Dad & Cheri for the weekend. John and I have been up before and we had such a nice, relaxing time we knew we wanted to go again.

We arrived Saturday around noon and spent the rest of the weekend fishing, visiting with Dad & Cheri, Aunt Linda & Alan, Nan & Bob, Dawn & Terry, Christine & Jeff, Jim & Carolyn, Carol & Dick, Uncle John, and Wendy; watching the ducks, birds, squirrels, & deer; chasing Jake chase the previously mentioned animals, and just relaxing. It was perfect, even the weather was perfect. Usually it is snowy and cold and the lake is half-frozen (if not completely) but not this year... we had on t-shirts and shorts! My dad says it was the warmest year since he's been going, and that's like 40 years! (He's been going there since he was a little kid with his family... it's a family tradition that lives on.)

It was a wonderfully relaxing weekend and we're so glad we went. Thanks to Dad and Cheri for letting us stay with you in beautiful cabin #3. We love it there and hope to return for years to come. We love you!!

Grandpa, Jake and Daddy relaxing after a long drive

Jake checking out his first fish (one not big enough to eat)

My fisherman. Check out that catch... weeds!

Mommy & Jakey watching the ducks

Jake chasing the duck

Silver Lake

Grandma, Jacob, & Grandpa

And you can't go to Silver Lake without stopping for lunch at Schat's Bakery in Bishop! yumm!

Day of Three

3 rides. That's right, three bike rides. Once this morning at 8:30 with Heather & Ella. Then at 4 this afternoon to the pool (it was HOT here today!!!). And again this evening with John, we rode to the bank to deposit a check. So that's three bike rides today. Yah for me! :) (that's not my bike but would you think differently of me if it were? it's awesome, huh!)

3 years. Marcia Update: her court-date on Wednesday was pointless. Apparently the DA still has not filed charges... but he (?) has three years to do it! Unbelievable! Today she met with the medical board and the judge has five days to make a ruling about whether she will keep her midwifery license or not. Please continue to keep Marcia in your prayers, as well as the judge. His heart needs to be softened and his eyes opened to the gift that Marcia is.

3 plans. 1. We were supposed to leave for Silver Lake this afternoon but John's schedule changed and so now we're going in the morning. I'm excited to spend the weekend with my dad. 2. Jake and I were supposed to go to the LA Zoo today with some friends from the ward but he was having a total and complete break-down as I was trying to get out the door. Instead he took a 2 1/2 hour nap and I was (finally) able to get to editing all the pictures of his life. 3. My mom was going to come and spend the afternoon with us but wasn't feeling well so Jake and I headed to the pool without her, but she came over this evening instead... just as John, Jake and I were leaving for our bike ride to the bank. *sorry Momma.*

--- congrats to my bro, way to get that new job ---

Funny Things

I wish I knew how to post video -- home video-- on this blog because today I took the cutest video of Jake standing at the computer and dancing while listening to the Sesame Street songs on the PBS Kids website. It was adorable. And the kids got moves.

Another funny thing is this:

Homer's chia is all grown out.

Cute Kids

These'll take you back... Who do you think Jake looks like??

Auntie Marcia

Many of you have heard the story of Jake's birth and heard me rave about how wonderful my midwife is. She truly is amazing. I cannot imagine having another baby without her. We've even talked about what we would do if we moved and had to leave Marcia... who would deliver our babies? Would our experience be as spiritual as it was with her? Would we be able to find another midwife as caring, kind, and professional as she? These are the thoughts we have when we contemplate moving. There are many reasons I want to stay in Southern California and Marcia is close to the top of the list.

But recently Marcia was falsely accused of terrible things by doctors who don't approve of natural childbirth outside of a hospital (like you can even get a natural childbirth in a hospital! Don't get me started....) Currently her midwifery license is suspended and she faces many trials to prove that she did not do what she was accused of. It truly is unbelievable what she is going through.

Today Jake and I went to support her at a prayer group at her church. We hope that through the prayers of those who love and support, trust and rely on her she will be strengthened, comforted, and have clarity of mind and peace in her heart as these next few weeks unfold. It is our prayer that Marcia's case is resolved quickly and that she returns to the birth center immediately. We love "Auntie" Marcia.

(Funny side note, we haven't seen her since last June and today Jake could not take his eyes off of her. He must remember her from the womb. Honestly.)

For more information check out my "Support Marcia!" link at the top of the page

Twenty-two Hours

What a crazy weekend we had!! We decided last Thursday to head to Utah for the weekend to celebrate Miles' 1st birthday and spend time with all of John's family: mom, dad, brothers and families. We are so glad we went. It was a lot of fun seeing everyone together and watching the kids play. How blessed we are to have such incredible people to share life with. It was a quick trip with 22 hours of it spent in the car, but well worth the effort. We left here Friday afternoon around 2pm and drove as far as our tired little bodies would allow. We stayed the night in Cedar City and got up the next morning and headed to Salt Lake. We arrived just in time for lunch at Noodle Co. in Sugarhouse. It was so fun walking in and seeing all of the family!

After lunch we all went to Sugarhouse Park for a birthday party for Miles. The last time we were all together was at Miles blessing and we've had another member of the family born since then. Each of the three Mxxxxxx brothers added a member to their family in 2006, we lovingly call them the 2006 Babies. Jake was born in February, Miles in April, and Hadley in September. George and Judith went from 2 grandchildren to 5... in one year! We all loved being there with everyone to celebrate Miles' 1st year and spend time together as family. Moments like those are so important and remind us of Heavenly Father's plan for families. The few hours we had together were spent playing baseball, throwing the frisbee, watching the ducks, climbing on tables (that was the way Jake spent the day!), eating cake and ice cream, chatting, and just enjoying each others company.

When the time came to leave the park it was sad to say good-bye to Scott, Gretchen, Sterling, Abi, and Miles... we don't know when we'll get to see them again. Soon, we hope! By the time we left the park we only had time to quickly stop in and say hello to Great Grandma Buhler and then off to a bbq at Uncle Grants. We loved being able to see Paul & Julie, Grant, and Joel & Julie. How blessed we are to be part of such a great family.

Saturday went by far too quickly and before we knew it the day was over. Dan & Megan invited us to stay at their home that night (which we love doing... and it gave us a little more time to visit with them!). Sunday morning we started heading south with a stop in Midvale to say good-bye to Grandma, Grandpa, Great Grandma & Ross. Once lunch was over we were on our way home. The drive home always takes longer then the drive there, doesn't it!? We spent Sunday night in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand. Jake was completely overstimulated after a day in the car and went CRAZY at dinner! He was jumping all over the place, climbing on the table, and clanging his fork on the plate. It was frustrating but we had to keep reminding ourselves (and each other) that he's one and had been in the car -seriously- all weekend. We arrived home this morning at 9am -- yes, that's right, 9am. John began working on the 14 as we finished the last 1/2 hour of the drive and once we were home and the car unloaded he left for the day -- poor guy!

It was a long, but short, crazy weekend... and we're so glad we went! We love you all!!!

Jake was such a little trooper, once again he was great in the car. Of course there were a few break-downs, but he is 14 months... what more can you expect!?! He spent a lot of time reading, seriously. He would reach down, grab a book, and "read" (babble) while he turned the pages. He would do this over and over again. Genius, I tell ya.

Classic

I work with the 10 & 11 year old girls at church and today we had an activity... aerobics actually. The girls are so much fun to be with and always say the most hilarious things, this afternoon was no exception.

Just a few of the classic lines from the mouth of babes:
1. Chase: "Today I ran 11 laps at school, each lap was a mile [5th graders, 11 miles highly doubtful], now this, and I have soccer practice after this. Bring it on!!" (All the while she's doing aerobics like a maniac.)
2. Calli: "I love this song!" and then she proceeds to sing every word to "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield... which totally dates her parents. It was awesome. I hope my kids sings songs like that... with so much intensity. (How many of you know every word to that song?!?!)
3. Calli (again): "I'm sweating. And I have never sweat in my entire life. Not even at soccer practice."

I love these girls. They totally make me smile.

Oh and I did a little aerobics with them AND went bike riding this morning... I am amazing! ha.

We're heading to Utah tomorrow afternoon... it's a long story, but we're going after all and we're excited! I'll be back on Monday... until then, ENJOY!

Good Riddins

FINALLY... Sanjaya gets voted off American Idol! I am so happy. He's needed to go for weeks. Actually, he shouldn't have ever been there. Now, let's see how the rest of the show turns out. I know I should vote for my cousin [melinda doolittle] but I think I want Jordin Sparks to win it; she's cute, young, fun, and sings well to boot. I'd like to see her win it all.

I'd also like to say "Good Riddins" to these extra lbs. I'm carrying around these days, thus the bike riding continues. Today was freezing cold! It was 49 degrees and 20 mph winds. I thought my hands and face were going to freeze off, we don't have clothes for that kind of weather here! (ok, I don't have clothes for that kind of weather... remember I've got some extra weight so my clothes ain't fittin right... er, at all.)

Other then the biking it's been a fairly quiet day. Jake and I helped GG'ma at lunch-time and then we came back home for Jakey's nap. He took a nice long one this afternoon (i love that!) but I think his 4th molar is coming in so the crying, whining, and grumpiness is here for a day or two -- less would be nice. Wish us luck, all of us.

Harley's Angels?

It appears that I've taken a blog-break for the past few days. I don't really know why or what's going on, but it happened. Sorry. Tonight I'm really tired and ready for bed, but I knew some of you would be disappointed to see another day without your Jakey-fix... so here goes.

I joined a women's biking group (note: biking not biker, no worries!) that rides along the wash behind our house each morning at 8:30. It's a group of women from our ward (at church) most of them are my age and we all bring our kids -- at least the ones not in school. I take Jake in my bike trailer. He seems to enjoy it, thank goodness! Yesterday was my first day and it was really hard! We took the long hilly route and I paid -- seriously. This morning was much easier, although I am so out of shape that it still hurt, and much to my surprise Jacob fell asleep on the way home. He was so cute asleep in the trailer... look at him! Once we got home I was able to bring him in and put him straight down for his nap, start laundry, get my shower and ready for the day... all by 10am. (That's quite an accomplishment for me these days!)

The rest of the day was spent visiting Meme, wishing Norah would hurry and get here, and dinner with Meme and Ruthie at The Habit -- which is really becoming one.

Tomorrow I plan to ride again... I hope my bum gets used to that seat... and soon!

Before I head to bed I wanted to share a picture I snapped this morning of my iris'. They looked so pretty with the morning dew on them. see....

Oh, I forget to mention last week how windy it was... so windy that one of our backyard fence's fell down. Crazy! (And that picture was taken while it was partially propped up, you should see it now! It's completely on the ground. I hope it gets fixed soon! I feel like my privacy is being invaded. I could never live in one of those neighborhoods without fences.)

Saturday Is A Special Day

It was a really good day. I was able to escape for a few hours to attend another baby shower for Meme. Little Norah has soooooo many cute little outfits, now we just need her to get here so we can see her in them!

After the shower (and visiting a little more with Meme, Mema and Lin's mom, Kris, at Meme and Lin's) I drove home to find my two boys laughing and having a good time together. They love Daddy-Jakey time and they just don't get enough of it these days. John's been really busy with work so there's been a few days this week that Jake has gone to bed without seeing Daddy. Those days make us all sad.

It was our ward temple night, but I didn't make it home soon enough to turn around and drive back down the 405 and make it on time to our session but we decided to take advantage of Gramma's offer to watch Jake anyway. John and I had a nice evening sans Jake. We went to dinner and a movie. We saw Blades of Glory... funny, but totally wrong on sooooo many levels! It was fun to get out just us and enjoy an evening. So you see, Saturday really is a special day for all of us; Daddy-Jakey time, a little escape for Mommy, and John and Kelsi time.

John Off The Bench.

Kelsi is too tired to write tonight so she thought it would be a good idea to have me write something. I'm currently watching the fourth quarter of the Laker - Suns game and Phoenix has a ten point lead. It will be interesting to see if the Lakers can fall out of the playoffs. That would be cool. I've had a dislike for the Lakers for as long as I can remember. Anytime they lose I'm happy.

You see I'm a fan of the Utah Jazz. It is the team I've followed since I was a little kid. I remember driving through Idaho with my Dad when they drafted John Stockton out of Gonzaga. I also remember Karl Malone coming to my school when I was in the seventh grade. I'll always be a Jazz fan even in the down years, which seem to be quite a bit lately. The Jazz will be in the playoffs this year,which is good, but I don't think they'll go very far. You never know with the Jazz. They did beat Dallas tonight which ended their five game loosing streak, but they could easily loose to a team like Portland or Seattle.

The Lakers are now down by five with four minutes to play.

Dang, Luke Walton just hit a bucket to bring the Lakers to within three points.

Yes, Steve Nash just scored a bucket, Suns back up by five. Walton has fouled and the Suns score again. Phoenix is up by Seven.

Time out Lakers.

Some people think that TV commercials are dumb. I don't mind them, except for political commercials. Luckily we are not in a voting season right now so I don't have to watch the political ones. Dogs in commercials are always cool.

Anyway, back to the action.

The Lakers have scored again and they are back to within five. And with one minute to play the Lakers have a shot clock violation.

Phoenix shoots and misses. 43 seconds left.

Lakers shoot and miss. 34.4 seconds left. Still down by five.

Stoudemire is at the foul line and makes his first, but mises the second shot. Phoenix up by six with 33 seconds left.

Back to the commercials.

Kobe only has 17 points tonight. He needs to score at least 50 for the Lakers to have a chance.

Well, the Lakers threw the ball out of bounce and then fouled Nash. Nash makes the first free throw, and the second. Lakers are down by 8 with 18 seconds left.

Enough with the play-by-play. The Phoenix suns beat the Lakers 93 to 85. Another great day in the NBA.

It's been fun. I'll have to write again.

Makes Me Think... Too Much

It was good to see Denny tonight. Although every time that scene where he passes Izzy in the hall is shown... I cry. I think that's how it really is. We get *moments* together. When we can feel each other's presence.

It reminds me of two books I read a few years back. They both dealt with death and what happens when we leave this life. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Both interesting reads, pick 'em up sometime.

The Bandage Comes Off...

...Finally!

It's been a rough two weeks having my foot bandaged and not being able to get the stitches wet. I've felt trapped at home. We had a few adventures out, but nothing compared to usual. So today was the big day! I was excited and nervous as we drove to the doctor's... does it hurt when stitches come out? I didn't know but would soon find out... it does, a little. It kinda stings more then I thought it would. But, they're out, the bandage is off, and I can take a shower and go for walks again! Yipeee!

Sorry the picture is a little out of focus, I tried -- believe me, there are 20 I deleted before I settled on this one. I wanted to post a picture of before I washed it off, with all the blood and yuck on it but John thought it was too morbid. Whatever. It was awesome! :) I like that you can still see a little of the dried blood where I no longer have a toenail. And you can see where the stitches were, they went from the top of my toe down the nail bed to almost half-way down my toe. I still have a little pain and it's a little bruised, but I can "return to normal activity" as the doctor said. I really need to get a pedicure... I think I'll wait a little while for that. Let the rest of the blood come off.

Jake had a little bruising of his own today. Remember how I said he's climbing these days?! Well, he climbed up on one of the outdoor chairs and it fell over. He scraped up his knuckles and got a little bruise on his forehead/eyebrow, but he's ok. He didn't really care --- as long as he could have a banana he was A- OK with the whole thing.

Taco Tuesday

I hate trying to figure out what to make for dinner so for the last month or two (maybe more...) Tuesday nights have been tacos. They're quick, easy, and yum, yum, yummy! Ruthie joined us tonight, we love having her over. We missed Meme though, usually they are both here for Taco Tuesday.

We spent some time at the park today too. It was a beautiful day! And Jake loved playing with all the kids. I think he got a little sunburn too, ooopps. At least he had his hat on.

Tomorrow I get my stitches removed--- FINALLY! I can't wait to have my foot removed from this prison and take a nice, long, hot shower! These baths are killin' me.

PS: sometimes burritos are a substitute for tacos, they were tonight :) but we still call it Taco Tuesday.

Well Aloha!

What a fun day Jake had hanging out with Gramma, Great G'ma, and Momma. We ran errands and played at Gram's house. He even got to swim in the spa. Isn't he the cutest little Hawaiian boy in his red swim trunks.

And I just had to post this one of my two guys working on their computers tonight. It's adorable.

Hop, Hop, Hoppy Easter

This morning started like every other day: wake-up around 7am, eat breakfast, toss (ok, not really toss) Jakey in the tub and then play for awhile before Jake goes down for his morning nap. But today during our morning play time, Jake got to play with his Easter basket while he was dressed in his new church digs. He looked so handsome in his white shirt and tie... and so grown up.

After nap time we were off to church where we learned lots about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We sure are grateful for that, without it we would all be in a miserable situation, but instead we are all able to be resurrected and live in heaven after this life. What a wonderful gift given to us by the Lord, Jesus Christ. How blessed we are to know that He lives.

We celebrated Easter this afternoon with Gramma and Great G'ma. It was a lot of fun watching Jake hunt for eggs in the backyard. He sure is a cute boy... and he's getting so adventurous! He's climbing on everything and trying to eat the Easter eggs, any suggestions?

Lisa It's Your Birthday...

Happy Birthday Lisa!

Happy 29th Birthday Lisa! We love you!!!

Saturday Is A Special Day...

...it's the day we go visit Grandpa! We had such a nice day today. We met my dad at Applebee's for lunch and then went back to his house to visit for a few hours. While we were there we also made a quick stop by Uncle John's home to say our final goodbye's to his house... (he closes escrow on Friday and then he's off in the motorhome for some time on the road). Our family has had many special times in his home: Family Christmas', baby shower's, and Aunt Alice's funeral luncheon... just to name a few. It was bitter-sweet hearing that Uncle John sold the house, but we understand and wish him well in his travels. (Oh, to be retired and free to roam... someday!) Nancy and Bob were there too and their boys, as well as Jeff so we got to chat with them a little while they finished moving some of the big furniture. Then we headed back to dad's to visit.

I love seeing Jake and my dad play, it brings back so many memories. My dad is great! He was always -- and still is -- so much fun. And Jakey loves his grandpa! We were sad that Grandma Cheri wasn't there to play with too, but she was flying back from visiting in Oregon. (We got to see Jenny though, for just a few minutes.) It was a really fun and relaxing day.

Now... we wait for the Easter Bunny. Was I supposed to call him or does he just know to show up?

Wo, What a Day!

Today was filled with lots of fun Easter preparation activities. This afternoon Jake and I went over to Gramma's to dye Easter eggs and make cookies, John joined us once he got off work (we always love when Daddy gets off work early!). Jake wasn't really a whole lot of help with either, but Gram was so excited to have him there and... helping?. I must say, I think the eggs turned out rather well and Jake sure looks cute sitting by them!

While we were at Gram's she also let Jake have his Easter gift (a few days early) --- how come I don't remember Easter gifts? It's his big Easter egg! Get it, it's shaped like an egg? She's clever that mom-o-mine. Jake loved it - just like he loved Sterling, Abi, & Miles' car while we were in Texas - he drove or pushed it around all day. He was so excited to steer his own car! It was so funny watching him though, he would not use the door to get in and out, nope this kid likes to do things his own way and climbed out the window instead. Apparently he thinks he's one of the Dukes of Hazard!

After our fun time at Gram's we headed to John's most favorite place in the whole wide world... Supercuts! (For some reason John hates getting his haircut. It takes him weeks to get mentally prepared for the ordeal!) I'm fairly certain I was the most excited about this stop in our day. These boys of mine are shaggy in a big way! This was Jake's second time getting his hair cut and he was such a good boy. The stylist was really impressed with how well he sat on John's lap and let her cut his hair. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about how he would behave though... he was tired and hungry and those two together can equal disaster, but he was his perfectly charming self and the cut went quickly. It's amazing how a haircut can make little ones look so much older!

Here are my sharp lookin' men... and we all know, every girls crazy 'bout a sharp dressed man!

(I wish I had remembered to take a picture before she wet Jake's hair, but oh well, you can see what it really looked like before by looking at the pictures taken earlier today.)

After Supercuts we stopped for take-out pizza and came home to rest from our busy day! We are now officially prepared for Easter... well almost, I would still like to find myself a dress! :)

Random Thoughts

First, let me start with a little shout out to the "stalkers"-- thanks for checking in every once in awhile... feel free to comment anytime you'd like! I'm so glad you're stopping in and catching up with our life "In the Wake of Jake". (Hey Megan, which Heather? Kickbuttmommy or Mother of Geese? Both are absolutely amazing gals!)

Second, I had planned to post pictures of John and Jake's haircuts today, BUT John had to work late -- therefore no haircuts today, maybe tomorrow. We'll see. They both need it -- desperately!!

Third, did anyone watch "The Office" tonight? Classic. I love that show. It keeps me laughing for a good couple of days afterwards. (The truth comes out... blogging two days in a row about t.v. shows.... so what! So I am a t.v. addict, whatcha gonna do about it?!?)

Forth, I have the cutest little boy in the whole world -- at least in my world-- tonight at dinner he was totally cracking me up! His little personality is comin' on strong and the kid's hi-lari-ous! (can you believe he's 14 months now! Wow!)

Impossible!

I cannot believe that Sanjaya is still on American Idol! Who is voting for this guy? Apparently the people at votefortheworst.com are doing an excellent job, cause he's still there!

Actually, I think this season is getting boring. The same three girls are great every week and the rest of them are mediocre. I bet it gets interesting again in about 5 weeks. One of those girls (the great ones) name is Melinda Doolittle... any relation? Impossible?? Who knows, it is a possibility! Maybe that's the next place I'll search in the Doolittle family history. :)

These Are a Few of Our Favorite Things

1) Stacking my Baby Einstein DVDs in the window sill over and over again... all day long. ~Jake

2) All things "The Simpsons". ~John

This afternoon John and Jake spent some time planting the ChiaHomer... thanks to Lin & Meme!

3) John and Jake (but not Homer, especially not Homer). ~Kelsi