Happy Anniversary Hot Stuff!

We have a pretty amazing story, one that begins in 1995. Jake hates it when I tell the story, but I think it's pretty great and tell it whenever I get the chance. Plus, since this is sort of my scrapbook/journal I need to get it in writing.

In the spring of 1995 Jake and I were in Mr. Adams seminary class together, he was a Senior and I was a lowly Sophomore. I didn't think he knew I even existed. A year and a half later I receive a phone call from Jake, he's home from Rick's before heading to Italy on his mission and a few of his friends are getting together and setting up dates for each other, would I like to go out with his friend Craig. I didn't hesitate, sure I'd love to go out with Craig and the rest of the group. It was a really fun date, they took us rollerblading, Jake was very helpful at keeping me on my feet, cooked us dinner on the BBQ, and then we let off some fireworks. Jake and I definitely had a connection that night, but he never called me back (at least that's how I remember it, he swears he did 'cause I left my sunglasses in his car). So he went on his mission and I finished high school, went to college and started my life. Eight years later, 2003, I'm single, Jake's single and a few of our friends have talked about setting us up together, but it never happens. We eventually (this is the part Jake hates) I find him on LDSsingles and send him an email. He sends me an email back and asks me to call. I do later that evening, no answer. He was flying a friend to Burley that evening and hadn't landed in Boise yet, once he landed he gave me a call (thanks for encouraging him Bret) and we started talking. While walking back to his car Jake realized that he'd lost his keys. It was 11 o'clock, I figured that his parents were probably asleep so I offered to pick them up, I was so excited that I got a speeding ticket on my way. We talked for over 2 hours in his parents driveway that night. We talked again over the next few days and ended up going out (to thank me for picking them up at the airport). We've been together ever since, and it has been so much fun.

I have learned a lot, grown a lot and loved just about every minute of it. We were talking about things we would change in our lives if we could, the only thing I would change about us is that we hadn't lost those 8 years between 1995 and 2003.

This is our wedding day, December 26th 2003, we were sealed in the Boise Idaho Temple on January 29th 2005.

Top 10 things I LOVE about Jake:

1. His ability to be so grounded and level headed. I have highs and lows and he is always constant, I need that and appreciate it more than he knows.

2. He is a great Daddy, the kids scream in excitement the moment the door opens when he arrives at night and vie for his attention until they go to bed.

3. How handsome he is, every time I see him I get that little fluttery feeling.

4. He thinks I'm funny, no one else thinks I'm funny but he does.

5. Patience, his is endless.

6. His family, they are all great, I'm seriously so blessed to have such fun, smart, loving, giving in-laws.

7. His willingness to serve. I have watched him serve in many capacities and he has a love for everyone and is always ready and willing to share his time, talent, everything with others.

8. His love and dedication for his profession. He loves to fly, he's an amazing pilot and a humble one. If you want to get my husband talking just mention flying, he can talk about it for hours.

9. His kisses.

10. And I think my favorite is his righteous desire to do the right thing.

I love you Jake, happy anniversary!

Our Sugar Plum Fairy

Ella Bella has been taking dance class through The Dance Connection at preschool for over a year now and has had so much fun learning how to dance with her classmates. Each January they have a little sneak peak for us parents to see what our kids are learning and how much fun they are having. It is a lot of fun watching her learn and grow and enjoy dance just as much as I did as a little girl.
This is her dressed as the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker leaping over a snowflake placed on the ground by her teacher. This action shot just makes me beam so proudly!
And here she is letting her personality shine. Ella loves the camera, loves to perform, and seriously adores the stage and spotlight.

There are 5 positions in dance (she knew that when the teacher asked) and she showed us each position, this should be #3.

This was just too cute and such good form. She is doing a butterfly here, they have their butterflies fly, land, stretch their necks while they look for Disney Princesses, and this is her hiding from one of them (such a smart teaching tool).

Ella Bella Turns 4!

Miss Ella turned 4 on Friday! We had such a fun time celebrating this little girl. She woke up early to open her new birthday outfit and was so excited to share cupcakes with her classmates at preschool. Her teachers made her an adorable purple birthday crown which she proudly wore most of the day. For dinner we celebrated at Chuckie Cheese with Pappa and Grammy and her cake of choice, Little Mermaid. She loved her birthday gifts from her Grandparents and spent all of Saturday playing with each one. Ella is such a sweetie pie most of the time, and a drama queen only some of the time. Her Daddy and her are very close and definitely have that special father/daughter bond. She loves playing make believe games with her older sister and is very patient and loving with her little brother. We are so proud of her and love her very much!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Will Walk For Chocolate

At 15 months old you think that this kid would be walking (at least I thought this kid would be walking). Family history: Daddy-14 months Mommy 12-months Uncle Bret-15 months Paislee-11 months Ella-14 months. But no matter what age we started to walk we've all managed to master it just fine, however, isn't it about time?
Ella walked for chocolate and pearls, we figured with Grant's appetite that chocolate would probably be a good motivator for him as well. As you can see he is very interested in what Daddy has.

You can also see that he wants it the easy way, "Hand it over Pops!"

In the end it was worth the effort, he took quite a few steps tonight, way to go Grantster!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

In years past I have woken up in the morning, spied the newly fallen snow outside and inwardly groaned. Now I see the soft fluffy flakes falling and I'm just as excited as my kids are. The reason for this newly discovered joy is that after 14 years of driving in Idaho I am finally comfortable driving on slick roads! Comfortable should be defined as my legs don't turn to jello and start shaking as I approach an intersection. I don't totally freak out when there's someone right behind me. And I actually use my brakes to stop instead of only down shifting 150+ yards from where I need to stop.
The girls received new snow gear from their Great Grandma this Christmas and are delighted to go out and play whenever they get a chance. We've had two snowfalls big enough to warrant "playing in the snow" and this last one offered perfect snowman snow.
Unfortunately after the snow came warm weather and they ended up with slushy snow and a crumbling snowman (moments after he was built).
But these two didn't mind, plus they LOVE to have hot chocolate with marshmallows and whip cream to warm them up afterwards.

In the happenings of Grant he has some new vocabulary words: down, yeah, drink, and mup(up) and he took his first 4 steps at Pappa and Grammy's just before New Year's. He hasn't taken any since, but we know he's just biding his time before he hits the floor running!