I Wasn't Kidding...

At noon it was 109, but with the heat index it was actually 112. Way too hot to be outside!

There's a reason I say NO WAY to living in Phoenix, that's it. HEAT. And I know some of my readers live in places that not only have crazy heat like this but humidity too... and that's why I don't live by you. I love you and would love to be your neighbor so the cousins could grow up together but I CAN'T HANDLE THIS KIND OF WEATHER. How you do, I have no idea. I can't. I'm like the Wicked Witch... I melt.

Speaking of the Wicked Witch... we got our tickets for WICKED today!!! We're going on the 19th for our anniversary. I am so excited!!!

Tomorrow Meme & Norah are coming to play... yipeee! We love when we get to spend the day with them.

Hot Out There

It's hot and gross outside. Jake and I are staying inside until it ends. We might go crazy, but it's better than melting. John has to brave the heat but only to and from the car... poor guy.

In case you haven't noticed- I've turned into a wimp.

The Pride of America

You're not going to believe this! She must make her parents & teachers so proud!

Sure glad she didn't win!!

Nielsen Family Day

Today, for the first time in four years, Nielsen had a party where they invited families. (Something that has always bugged me about that company!!) We had a nice day at a park in Yorba Linda watching Jake play with the other kids and make new friends. We're pretty sure his new best friend is Ian, John's co-worker. He was so good with Jake... and since Ian rode with us Jake got to entertain him the entire way home. We may have found a new babysitter :) just kidding, Ian!

I Feel Like a Traitor...

On Wednesday John took the day off work and we headed to L.A. for an initial consultation with a new midwife. (He is such a great man to do that with me. Truly, I am so blessed.) I hate that we even had to look for a new midwife. We love Marcia and wish she were available to us still...

You may be wondering... is there a reason you need a new midwife?? And the answer to that is... YES! We are expecting another baby sometime during the middle of March 2008. I can't believe it either. It all seems so soon and sudden to me too. But Jake and the new one will be 25 months apart, exactly the difference between Ben and I... and I always loved our age difference.

So, we've found a new midwife. I do hate that we even had to look for one, but we really like her and, in time, will most likely love her as we do Marcia. Her office is in Beverly Hills - a serious pain in the behind drive! - but at 36 weeks she starts coming to our home for my appointments so that will be nice! And she does all the post-natal appointments here too. With Davi (her name) our only option is a homebirth. It will take a little getting used to, but we feel like she is a good choice for us and we are excited to get things going. My first appointment is on Sept. 5th. She asked me to allow 2 hours for the appointment so we can do all the testing, check-ups, and talk. Where do you get that kind of attention?!?!? No where but with a midwife. I LOVE IT!

So there's the news. I really do feel like a traitor. I wish Marcia were available, but that is not the case. Davi will be wonderful. We felt such a peace in her presence. I loved when she said that the three most important things in pregnancy are: 1. Exercise, 2. Nutrition, and 3. Prayer. Totally agree.

This news may answer some of your questions as to my lack of blogging lately and in-activity. I've been sick for the last 4 weeks... and not just little sicks, big time sicks. All day sicks. It ain't been fun. Hopefully it's coming to an end. I feel pretty good today. Tomorrow marks 11 weeks. Wish me luck! ;) We're off on another adventure...

Happy Birthday John!!

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband and Jacob's incredible Daddy!
We love you!!

Happy Birthday Megan!

Happy Happy Birthday Megan dear,

Happy days will come to you all year,

If we had a wish then it would be...

A HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to YOU from WE!!!

We love you!

Personal Maintenance Day

Haircuts for the boys and eyebrows for me. Ahhh... to be clean cut.

Now if only I would brave the heat and get the oil changed in my car!

I Feel The Earth Move Under My Feet...

What's going on with the world right now?

Apparently there's a serious imbalance with the plates since all these major earthquakes are happening. We've even had 2 pretty decent one's here in the past two weeks. They scare me-- startle me awake then keep me up thinking for hours-- no fun, especially since I've been taught since I was in kindergarten (27 years ago) that at any time the BIG ONE is going to hit. Not might hit, GOING to hit... there's no doubt about it. So we wait and jump with each movement we feel.

And then there's all the other natural catastrophe's going on... crazy times, I tell ya.

Little Prayers

Jake is so cute. In just the last week he has started to actually participate in our family prayers. When John or I say "ok, it's time for a prayer", he folds his arms and bows his head. It is the cutest thing. I peek to watch him.

Tonight at dinner he folded his arms and kept them there for most of the prayer, he tried to sneak a bite but John said, "amen" so Jake quickly put his arms back together and his head down... like "I've been prayin' the whole time, not trying to sneak food!" I looked at him and he gave me the biggest smile ever. It was priceless.

Jakey's World

Not a whole lot is going on around here... we've spent lunch with GG'ma the last few days and Jake can't stop talking about Elmo. If I have to watch one more episode of Elmo's World I just might go crazy! The kids even figured out how to turn on the On-Demand and start it himself. He's too dang smart for his own good! Although... I can sneak in a really good nap in one short Elmo's World episode! Maybe I should just be grateful.... hum...

On another note: Tonight was a farewell dinner for Mandy. She will be greatly missed... Best of luck to you, Brandon, and the girls at the Y!!

Also, our niece Loryn started pre-school yesterday. She's the cutest little pre-schooler!

And our nephew Elijah just had to draw a little attention to himself since Caleb & Loryn had special events going on... he crashed on his bike into the storm drain. Poor kid!

Miracle Man

I just have to brag about how great my husband is... today he went grocery shopping (without me!) and bought an amazing amount of groceries for less than $100. I am totally impressed! I wish I had taken a picture of all the food he bought so you could see just how amazing he really is! Let's just say our cupboards no longer resemble Old Mother Hubbard's and our fridge is packed... with something other than drinks. It's seriously amazing. The man is a miracle worker! The real Suburban Fantasy.

This morning Jake and I attended the last ward pool day as the elementary kids start school tomorrow. Jake had fun playing catch with the older boys. He was very happy that they would throw the ball to him.

And last, but not least, our little nephew Caleb started kindergarten today... we can't believe he's so grown up already. We miss him dearly and wish we lived closer, it's been a whole year since we last saw him. We hear he had a great day today, he's going to do really well in school... the kids a genius! We love you Caleb and hope you love school!! Hopefully Mom & Dad (Lisa & Ben) won't have too hard of a time letting you go...

Reunion

It's been a long and fun weekend. Yesterday was a reunion with all the kids from my stake growing up. It was so great seeing everyone that came, although many weren't there and they were missed....

We had a lunch-time picnic for families and you would not believe the amount of kids running around! I suppose when you get 50 Mormon adults together -- all about the same age-- there's bound to be an overload of kids! :) At the picnic there were 100+ people there, which was great. The Listers/Chapmans really went all out and even had a bounce house for the kids to play in. It got a little crazy when I saw a few of the dad's climb in too.

Later that night we all met at the Stake Center for a good 'ole Lancaster Stake dance. Diane and Jason even put together a CD of all the old songs from our dances. It was like we were all teenagers again. I loved being with those friends who had such an important part of my life. It really was quite nostalgic. At one point Amanda said, "I'm 17 again, with a few appendages!" It made everyone laugh.

I'm so grateful to everyone who was able to make it. I hope, maybe 10 years from now, someone thinks to plan another one. How weird will it be to see everyone's kids "our age"? Now, that is something I would like to see!

And... I'm an idiot and left my camera in my purse all day... so for those hoping to catch up on pictures. Shoot me. I am! Although, Robert Owens (the official photographer) was snapping shots all day and night, including a big group photo and I will certainly post those when he sends them! ---- I AM SO SORRY! I wish I had taken pictures!!!!

Now, today... Jake enjoyed the nursery again. Only he was sent out with a poopie diaper. Apparently they don't like stinky kids in the nursery. Maybe next week he'll get to stay and play without any complaints! :)

Eclipse...

Just finished reading Eclipse. Sobbed like a baby at the end. Completely. Tried to explain it to John... his response? "Where does she come up with this stuff?" He just doesn't get it. And that's ok.

Refugio... Wish We Were Camping...

It was such a nice day, totally relaxing and perfect. I love summertime!

We started off with a bike ride with Heather and her kids to AAA to pick up a few maps for the reunion on Saturday then over to Barnes & Noble. Jake and I had to hurry back from the book store because we were expecting a call from Meme about heading to the beach today.

We got home very quickly -- and I could feel it-- and Mem called as I was walking in the door. We got all packed up and headed north to visit Elizabeth & Noelle camping at Refugio Beach. The drive was absolutely peaceful as both Jake and Norah slept while Meme and I finally got to catch up on life. We haven't seen each other in a few weeks... and that's a lot for us! :) We had lots to discuss!

We arrived at the campgrounds, found Elizabeth's site, and then joined her at the beach. I LOVE beach camping and as soon as we arrived Meme and I both wished we had brought a tent and change of clothes. We NEED to go beach camping soon! Our time on the beach was wonderful. Meme was aching to get in the water so she took Jake with her and I watched Norah on the sand. It was fun watching Jake with her. Those two are cute together. He really loves Meme and she loves him. They have a special little bond. And Norah was the sweetest little girl -- cooing and smiling at me. It was a perfect day.

We spent a few hours by the water and then headed up for showers and a campground visit. Even being in the campsite was hard... I so wanted to stay! Elizabeth invited us to go with her for the week a few months ago, but it just didn't work this week. I suppose Jake and I could have gone alone, but at the time... that seemed overwhelming... now I realize, I should've just gone! Next time...

Around 6:30 Meme and I decided we should probably get headed home. We had about a 2 hour drive. As we started home there was a little sadness in the car, we both wished we were staying... and Norah and Jake did too, they were both crying! :)

It was a perfect summer day. Thanks for inviting us up Elizabeth. It was just what I needed!

Lazy Days

Nothing too exciting is going on around here lately. I've been getting all the last details and plans finished for the reunion this weekend, John's been working, and Jake's been playing and entertaining himself by pulling every chair in the house into the living room and then dragging them all around. Good times!

It's really been a lazy week... just what I like :)

Kick, Kick

there's nothing like the sound of a baby kicking his crib when he should be sleeping. aagghhh motherhood, ya gotta love it.

Come on Jakey... go to sleep already!

It's actually been a pretty good day. I had a dentist appoinment so my pearly whites really are pearly. yeh!

Another Weekend

sooo, forgive my slackerness. It's been... well, a weekend. We haven't really done a whole lot, but I've been too tired by the end of the day to blog. So tonight, I play catch-up! :)

Friday was a fairly quiet day. Jake started the day with a gross nose and a nasty cough so we hung around here and took it easy. Although we did join Heather & Kyle, Eden & Flynn, and Brianna & Nixon at the pool for a little while... I couldn't stand the crying any longer! I had to get out!!!

Saturday was much the same... except we went on a little adventure (literally) to move our new (to us!) piano. About a week ago I got a call from Heather that her neighbors were GIVING AWAY their old piano... and since we want one, but there's no way we can afford one, we took them up on their offer! So Saturday afternoon John went and rented two furniture dollies and we headed over to get the piano. The plan was to WALK the piano home... three streets over. And that's just what we did! John and Miles looked so silly walking a piano down the street, but they made it here and Jake absolutely loves playing it! It needs some work, the wood is pretty beat up but it sounds beautiful. It's brought a peaceful feeling to our home already. John's been sitting down and playing some. I love listening to him play. Now we just need to get Grandpa down for a little refinishing! (hint, hint... Grandpa!) We'd love to have him and Grandma come and stay with us again and if that would get him here.... :)

Sunday Jake went straight into nursery and never looked back. John went and picked him up at the end of the block and he wanted to stay and play. I guess the kids got no problems being left with "strangers" as long as there's toys around! Although, when we picked him up we got a little talk about how he probably shouldn't have been there today with his nose running and all... Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Next week should be all better.

We had dinner with Gramma, GG'ma, Aunt Linda, Alan, Roxann, Angel & Damien. It was fun seeing Jake & Damien play. They're 3 months apart, but it's amazing the difference in just three short months.

A Year and A Half... Holy Moly!

18 months today. Were has the time gone?

My favorite things:

* eating fruit: especially grapefruit with Daddy, grapes, blueberries, bananas and Mandarin oranges

* climbing onto the couch and then jumping off onto Daddy while he sits on the floor

* watering the grass and getting Mommy all wet while doing it... I think I'm soooo funny!

* singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and yelling "DOWN!" and not letting anyone see me while I do the hand motions

* dancing to every tiny bit of music I hear anywhere I am, including on the kitchen table

* gently placing my teeth on Mommy's legs... I don't bite down, but it sure makes her nervous and me laugh until... (see least favorites...)

* playing Knee Bouncers on the computer

* chasing Roomba around the house while he cleans the floors

* filling my own cups at the Sparklets water to the very tippy top

* the word "No" I use it to answer all questions asked of me including, "Jakey would you like some ice cream?" "no" (with a huge smile on my face, of course)

* talking on the phone... well more like dialing random numbers on the phone while no one is looking

* putting papers, toys, basically anything I can get my hands on in the broiler when Mommy and Daddy aren't in the kitchen with me. I think it adds excitment to our lives!

* Daddy

My least favorite things:

* sitting still --- for anything, including diaper changes and eating

* when Mommy gets mad at me for "biting" her legs (she's no fun)

* eating anything other than fruit, burritos, cheese, yogurt, spinach ravioli, beans, raisins, wheat thins, and ice cream (I only get a little bit every once in awhile, selfish parents!)

* Elders Quorum.. boring. Helllo Nursery!

* the word "No" when someone else says it to me

Down Day

It was a super lazy day around here. John drove Dan, Megan & Hadley to the airport at 5:30am while Jake and I continued to sleep. Once he got home we all got up and had breakfast and lounged around. John was back to work this afternoon and Jake and I relaxed and watched some tv, did laundry, cleaned a little, but mostly just were lazy. It was nice.

Jake's new love... Although it was a down day, Jake was really cranky... I think he misses Hadley. He keeps sitting on his block cart, waiting for her to push him. It's sad.