Jacobs' Castle

Jori's new adventure

2009-07-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been almost 10 years since I graduated from college and I am still not a teacher! LOL!! I have been in retail, the beauty arena, banking, parenting, and wifery. (Is that a word??) I have loved the last two, of course, and the other three have left me wanting. I decided, after much counseling with a friend (thanks Court), that I would go "back to school." I enrolled in Wilton's cake decorating classes and fell in love! I then enrolled in a professional pastry chef program here at a local cooking school, and am one week in and am loving it!! I am anxious to see where this new found passion will take me. The following are some of my assignments and finally, my creation for Brian's graduation party. I will keep you all posted, and if a shopping site is ever available, I will let you all know!!! ;o) Sweet dreams to all!!!
My first cake creation. I learned to do the "Wilton Rose" It needs some work, but it sure is tasty to mess up!!
Another assignment cake...learned different tips and techniques.
My final project for my last class. The flowers are made out of royal icing and are all edible. The birds are also made out of icing and you can eat them. This cake is also basket weaved around the sides...I hate basket weave!! But I passed and learned, so I guess it was worth it! :o)

My creation for Brian's graduation. The bottom of the hat is cake covered in fondant. The top is fondant and I piped "Class of 2009" around it...the tassel is Brian's actual tassel. He loved it, and that is what was important!! Fun to do, for sure!! By the way, my hands are still blue!! Here I am, surrounded by my creations. The cake is center, and all around are cupcakes that I made, filled, and frosted. They were chocolate and orange cupcakes with a smooth butter cream filling and frosting flavored with a hint of orange. Some are topped with little grad caps I made out of sugar frosting. It was a labor of love, and he loved it...and they tasted yummylicious!!! Now to just think of a name for the bakery....HA HA

Skylar 3-4 month pictures and update

2009-07-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

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Skylar has had so many big things happen in the past few months. So sorry we haven't kept you all more informed, so here's a go at catching you up. She has grown so very quickly!!

First things first, we are free and clear of her monitor!! YEAH!! Praise the LORD! She is healthy and completely free of any issues. She has now been monitor free for about 3 weeks. What a relief! The same day we removed the monitor, she started laughing. What a joyous sound. Thank heaven for little girls, that is for sure!!! And a few days later she started rolling over. Funny girl, she is backwards...while most kids start on their tummies and roll to their backs, Skylar is the opposite. She starts on her back, and rolls to her tummy. And then get frustrated because she can't flip back over. Oh well, it will come soon no doubt.

We have celebrated my birthday, mom's birthday, mother's day, father's day, a trip to Legoland, Tim's college graduation, Gracie's preschool graduation, and finally, Brian's college graduation. It has been a crazy 2 months...yes, all that in only two months!!! Can't wait to see what happens in the next few!! Love to all!!

Skylar's first Disneyland trip and Jori's 32nd birthday

2009-07-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

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For my 32nd birthday, we decided to go to Disneyland...I know, tough choice! It also was Skylar's first trip there! What a blast! We spent two days at Disneyland with my two kiddos, hubby, and mom and Don. It was super special, cause Leslie and her mom and dad joined us for the day on my birthday...what fun we all had!!

Skylar just lit up when she was in Small World, worth the whole trip....eyes bigger than saucers and mouth full of smiles!!! Brian and I were also able to celebrate an anniversary. The day before my birthday was 8 years since he proposed to me. He did this inside of Sleeping Beauty's castle, and they closed it 3 weeks later. Well, much to my surprise, they reopened it this Christmas, so we went back and reenacted it with our two kiddos. How perfect was that?!? I was thrilled to be back and able to show it to Gracie. She thought it was just amazing.

And the topper was my birthday gift from Don and mom...a suite for the two nights that was amazing to say the least!! We are totally spoiled now forever and ever!! It was a great birthday for sure, and Skylar's first trip was a super success!! Can't wait to go back!

Gracie's graduation

2009-07-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

Gracie graduated from her Preschool on June 12. What a fun fun day!! Her whole class sang us songs, gave us lunch, and they all got diplomas! I can't believe my little girl is going to start Kindergarten in 6 weeks!!!!! Where did the time go?

Gracie and a few of her girlfriends in front of a wall of their names

Proud girl holding her diploma!!

Gracie's first chalk drawing

2009-05-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Gracie has made HUGE jumps this year. I am just in awe at how much she is learning at preschool and am so thankful that the CVRPD exists so we can afford it. When she started school, we were getting scribbles and messy lines. After a few months, the artwork improved tremendously and I could actually tell what she was drawing. This picture on her chalkboard was the first time she drew a house and the whole family!! Wow! Never thought I would be so thrilled to be a round head on two sticks, but this momma is PROUD!!! So, the circle in the attic is daddy (he is fixing something), the circle to the left of the door is mommy, the shape in the door is Gracie, and the squiggle to the right is Skylar or Minnie Mouse...it changes daily. She also drew a sun for the first time I saw and a flower all on her own! She is just amazing!!! I am so very happy her imagination is developing so nicely. Kindergarten here we come!!!

Easter

2009-05-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

So Easter was fun this year!! Totally different than before -- we had 2 little pretty girls to get Easter dresses for!! Thanks to Aunt Becky, Skylar was taken care of...ain't she cute???

We sure had a grand Easter!! We had our time of celebrating our risen Lord twice!! Once at church, and once with the family! It was a blessed time and sure was fun.

Gracie had a great time at Sunday School making disappearing marshmallow rolls...not only were they yummy, but she learned that Jesus was no longer in the tomb! (I guess when you micro the marshmallow wrapped in a crescent roll, the mallow disappears...what will they think of next???) We still hear about the marshmallow..."its gone mommy!! And so is Jesus!! Now He is in heaven and lives in our hearts!" Woo hoo!! She gets it! Praise Him!

I am blessed to have such a great hubby who loves spending time with all his girls! Even though we outnumber him!! He and Gracie had a great time together...no homework, just time. Our week was sure fun...coloring eggs, going to church all fancy, dinner at Goody's, then lunch at Grandma's with the fam and a HUGE egg hunt!! Thank you, Lord, for the beautiful day Easter really is. Without your sacrifice, there wouldn't be an Easter to celebrate. Your love is overwhelming and we are not worthy...thank you for saving us anyway.

Hope you all had a great Easter too! He is RISEN!!!!

Skylar's new friends

2009-03-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

Over the past 18 days, Skylar has made a lot of new friends. We have tried to capture all these first meetings on film...and to all of you that have helped to make these first few days so memorable, thank you!! We love you all! Mommy, Skylar, and Dr. Lisa Bodon (mommy's doctor...the bestest ever!)
Karen and Skylar...they are so cute!!

Jori's Grandmother and Grandpa...known to the kiddos as Gigi and George (crazy since his name is James...don't ask) and Skylar

James and Skylar...he looks pretty cozy

Stephanie and Skylar...awww...so snuggly!

Dana and Jenna and Skylar...Jenna thought she was cute, but wants Preston to come live with them instead...that ok Ashley? :o)

Miss Courtney and Skylar...so precious!!!

Ashley and baby Skylar in the hospital...she is so tiny!!!

Linda and Skylar...she is so excited knowing she is going to have a great grandbaby soon. She is getting ready.

Auntie Lisa and Skylar...such a sweet face!

Uncle Tim and Skylar...he drove in just to meet his niece, what a guy!!

Aunt Becky and Skylar...can't believe its been over a year since Sydney was this tiny.

Proud Grandma and Grandpa Jacobs and Skylar...now they have two beautiful girls!!

Poppy and Gammy holding their bundle of Skylar...they are thrilled to have two girls, too.

Hello to our new bundle of joy!! Proudest mommy and daddy are so very glad you are here!!!

Let's go fly a kite!!

2009-03-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

Gammy and Poppy got Gracie a kite to play with, but we didn't have a good place to fly it. A few days ago, the wind got so strong we decided to try flying it in the front yard. We had some successes with it going about 20 feet up in the air and then landing on our cars. But all in all, Gracie had a great time and that is what counts!! Next time, we take it to the beach!!

Daddy showing her how to hold the line.
Our little fairy kite...her legs dangle in the breeze...so very cute!!
Thanks G & P!!

She is a pro already!

Look mom, I did it!!!

Our family has grown!!

2009-03-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

SKYLAR ADDISON JACOBS IS HERE!!!

Our new little bundle of joy came into this world on Thursday, March 5 at 8:14 am. She weighed in at 7 pounds 14 ounces (small for our family...smallest maybe) and 19 inches long.

We are overjoyed and thrilled our family has grown! She is amazing!! Skylar looks just like big sister Gracie did when she was born, just 3 pounds smaller! Again, she is so small to us, compared to her sister. Her daddy's nickname for her came from this realization, Small Fry.

She isn't home with us yet, she is in the hospital's neonatal unit. She was born with an infection in her body and fluid in her lungs, so she has been under constant observation and care since her birth. But God is good! Her health has improved tremendously and she is scheduled to come home in just a few days!! Skylar has already earned a reputation for being the loudest in the NICU...just like her mommy, no doubt!

We will keep you all updated on her development and growth. Can't wait for you to all meet her!

latest ultrasound

2009-01-28T15:53:00.000-08:00

I know they are a bit blurry, but here is the latest baby Jacobs picture. She is growing great and looks like she enjoys sleeping...I wouldn't know, I swear she is a soccer star already! But couldn't you just pinch those cheeks?? My doctor loved this picture because of the great face close-up. Only a few weeks left and I will be posting live pictures!!!

Baby girl Jacobs coming soon, in less than 36 days!!! Her schduled date is March 5, 2009!! Keep us in your prayers!!

My niece!! Congrats Eric and Kara

2009-01-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well, my darling cousin, Kara, had her beautiful baby girl this morning!! I was so jazzed when I heard. Her due date was in a few days, so this was a nice surprise to the whole family, I am sure. And all we past or current pregnant ladies know what a relief it is to not be late!! Kara is one blessed momma!! I haven't gotten official word on her name yet, but I have my guesses...I'll update when I am sure. This beautiful little girl (who looks JUST like her daddy's baby pictures - my cousin, Eric) was born at 10:30 this morning (Jan 28) and weighed in at 8 pounds 7 ounces...a great 19 1/2 inches long, and is just the cutest!! I know, I am biased...I have been waiting almost my whole life for Eric to have kids...I always knew he would have BEAUTIFUL children, and now I have proof....this little girl is GORGEOUS!! Well, from Auntie Jori to the newly expanded Jung clan, congrats!! I love you all!! And I can't wait to meet little baby girl Jung!!! Kisses!
She is just too cute! Can't wait to pinch your cheeks, baby doll!!

PS...hope you guys don't mind me posting this...I am just too too too excited!! Big hugs!

Our mini vacation to Legoland!!

2008-09-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

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We had such a great time in Carlsbad, CA visiting one of Brian's favorite places of all...LEGOLAND!! We spent two days exploring all the fun and interactive sites, and of course, riding rides!! Gracie was able to go on every single ride but one...she missed it by 1/2 inch, cried, of course, and we told her next time we go she'll be tall enough. She had the most fun I have seen her have in SO long!! It was great being able to tell her, yes, you can go on this one. She was so thrilled to be 4, cause that is why she can ride all the big kid rides. Kids, ain't they cute?!? It was amazing to see EVERYTHING made of Lego's. Honestly, I was expecting the potties to be Lego's too, but to my dismay, regular white toilets. But other than that, tables, umbrellas, rides, streets, everything made of Lego's. So neat and totally cool!! (Yeah, I have a bit of an inner-geek too. He's rubbing off on me!) The weather was a nice change, and we even got to go to the beach for a bit! That was a fun detour. Next time, more beach for sure. Hope you enjoyed taking a walk with us through Legoland. We had so much fun together and hope you did too.

Gracie's first day of Pre-K!!

2008-09-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Well, it is official!! My baby is in "school!" OK, so it is pre-K and it is only 3 days a week, but to me, right now, my baby is in school!!! She has started school at our local community center 3 mornings a week (m,w,f) from 9-12pm. They will be learning all sorts of fun things - numbers, letters, writing, reading, telling time, calendars, and my favorite, how to work together and be with other kids. Gracie has proven to Brian and I that she needs constant activity and challenges. That was a bit of a challenge to mommy, so thank goodness for this program!! She already made two new friends today, and is in class with one of her bestest friends, Preston. She was so glad to go today and see him and her teachers. Afterwards, I picked her up and we headed off to McDonald's for a treat....yogurt parfait, her fave!! That last picture is her just enjoying her special "4 year old" treat. (Her favorite new saying....I am a 4 year old now, ...) Happy first day of school to all you kiddos out there, and happy end of summer to all you mommies!!

Coming soon from a womb near you....

2008-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

So we had our first ultrasound today and found out we are having a healthy baby ??? I am only 10 weeks, so we won't find out the sex for another few months, but let me tell you how relieved I was to see just one baby swimming around in there. (Jen, I know you are super mom, but I was not ready to be that much like you!! :o) ) So our due date is pretty acurate, March 14th, and I am so thrilled to have the next few months to plan for this beautiful baby!! Isn't "he/she" cute??? Look at me, a proud parent already! I also have a new doctor this time (mine retired from delivering) and she is GREAT!! I just got a great feeling when I met her and she put me completely at ease. I told her that any doctor that can make me laugh while I am in stirups, is the best doctor ever!! She agreed, you girls will get that! :o) So join with us as we keep praying for this little one, for the change in our lives which is so welcomed, and for the blessing that God has bestowed upon us. Thank you to Him for giving us this gift!!! Love to you all!!!

4th of July!

2008-07-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fireworks to watch! The kids were in heaven enjoying the beautiful colors and crazy sounds!! Josh and his cousin put on an amazing show for all of us to see. It was great fun!!

The kiddos all got sparklers and were having so much fun making neat shapes with them. Gracie was amazed at the pretty colors and how hot they were.

Paris and Gracie had too much fun making faces at the camera. Those two are hams!! A great friendship starting, no doubt!

The girls are a lot like their mommies...great friends! Ash and I both got to sit and enjoy the fireworks...thanks to our hubbies! We had so much fun watching our kiddos playing and laughing with each other.
A rarity...a picture of me and Brian. Doesn't happen often, so enjoy it! ;o) Usually one of us is behind the camera.
My favorite...See no, Speak no, Hear no, and Smell no evil. Our kids are performers in the making!!
Sparkler city!! Pretty cool time shot!!

Thanks to our dear friends for having us over for a super fun night!! The fireworks were awesome, the dessert fabulous, and the friendship is priceless. We love you guys!!!

Our trip to see the Durkees

2008-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

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Gracie and I were able to spend some great time reconnecting with friends at their home in Arkansas. We spent the time touring their town, going to Branson, going to church for AWANA Sunday, visiting U of A to see Guy's name(totally cool) and hanging back at the homestead spending some quality time together. Gracie and Hope were able to get to know each other as big girls which had its challenges, but was so great to see. When we got back on the plane, Gracie was so sad and misses her friend to this day! When she sees the pictures she cries. That tells me she has GREAT memories and had a super awesome time!! She wasn't the only one! I totally enjoyed getting to pal around with my great friend, Jen! I truly enjoyed the chance to catch up and spend quality time together. Plus, we both got to meet the twins!! Grace and Nolan - 15 months - were so much fun!! I was completely taken by them! I am just amazed at their similarities and yet they are so different. It was so wonderful. Thank you to the whole Durkee family for making us feel so welcome. Thank you for the fun times and priceless memories. Words cannot express how much fun we had and what a blessing you both are to me. Thank you thank you thank you. I hope you all enjoy taking our trip with us...it was such a great adventure!!

Grace and Cael...fast friends

2008-06-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Gracie has wanted to meet Cael for so long! She is trying to get the concept of adoption, not quite there yet. But she does know she gets to have a new friend! That is the best part in her eyes. Cael came over to our house and brought his mommy and daddy. The kids were a little shy at first but quickly overcame that. Before we knew it, they were swinging together, eating together, and making BIG chalk prints on our driveway! (Thanks to Betsy, bringing the coolest toys!! Thanks Bets!) They seemed to bond pretty quickly. A few days later, we got to see them all at church and Gracie was SO excited to see her new buddy!! And just a few days ago, Bets and I went on one of our favorite shopping trips, but this time, brought both of our kiddos!! We rented the cool car strollers, went to our favorite stores, and ate a yum-o lunch. The only downer for me, the Disney store is officially closed in our mall. A sad day for all. So we needed to commemorate the event by having the kids stand on Mickey's ears and taking their picture. I will always remember that store fondly....moment of silence for the closed chain....thank you. After we left our friends, Gracie talked the entire ride home of her new friend and how much she missed Cael. I am so glad that our kids love each other. Thanks for sharing your balloons, Cael. You are one sweet little boy! And Bets, you know I love you!! We had so much fun. Thanks again!!

Betsy giving the kids a push.

Grace and Cael swinging in our backyard.

Our kids on the ears of Mickey in front
of the now closed forever Disney store.

Brite Idea!!

2008-05-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

For Christmas, Gracie got her first Lite Brite. How many remember those?!? I totally remember the "classic" version, a flat board, black construction paper (usually left my hands with black all over them), colored pegs, and one single Christmas light bulb illuminating my masterpiece. It fell over a lot, the pieces got lost (the dog enjoyed them, I am sure), and it was sometimes hard to see the depth of my creation. Now, I am not knocking this groudbreaking toy by any means. I LOVED my Lite Brite! Truly, ask my mom. (Mom, tell them.) But I am amazed at how far toys have come in 20 some years. Now, it is a cube, much steadier, the paper is still black, but doesn't come off on your hands. It has a centrally located light, illumens all 4 sides at once, and it shines so brightly, you can actually tell the peg popped paper is a car! As for the pegs themselves, nothing new under the sun there. Same pegs, different dog. Sorry Chewy! But as for the enjoyment of my kiddo, priceless!! Please enjoy Gracie's first ever published Lite Brite materpiece! (If you can't tell, its a butterfly.) Love to all, happy creating!

Mother's Day!

2008-05-17T10:40:00.001-07:00

So Mother's Day was so much fun this year!! We had an AMAZING musical that the K-6th graders put on, and WOW!! They did a fabulous job! I was so excited to see these adorable little ones honor their mommies in this way. I also thought it was a great day to take pictures of some of my buds and their kiddos. I hope everyone had a great and special day, and to all those mommies out there, I love you and thank you for doing a great job doing the hardest job out there!! Love to all!!!

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Our Disney Adventure

2008-05-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

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Gracie, Brian, Gammy, Poppy, and I all went to Disneyland and California Adventure for Gracie and Poppy's birthdays. We all had such a great time together! It truly was a blast! Enjoy the slideshow!

Friends!!

2008-04-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just a few pictures of me with some friends. The first two are Ashley and me. We always seem to be going a little nuts but always having fun!! Love you Ash!! The last is of me and Jessica. Jess you are the greatest! Love you too Jess!! (Jealous of your tan, but I still love you!!) A tribute to my friends...hope you both are blessed and find rest. May God grant you laughter, time, energy, and lots of sleep. He has blessed me with you both in my life, and I am forever grateful! Love you!!!

Heigh-Ho!! Heigh-Ho!!

2008-03-15T17:53:00.001-07:00

Gracie's friend Natalie had a birthday!! She is 3! Natalie wanted to celebrate with her favorite princess, Snow White, so her mommy Christine threw the cutest theme party. Natalie was Snow White and all the guests were to come as dwarfs! Gracie decided she wanted to be "Happy." I figured this is appropriate most of the time, so we did our research and checked out Happy's outfit. Well, at least what mommy could throw together in 15 minutes since she forgot it was a dress up party! Oops!! Anyway, Gracie looked cute and she even got to wear some of mommy's makeup! OOOOHHHH!! (Don't tell Gammy...she didn't let mommy wear makeup until she was 13!) The kiddos all had a great time, they made beards, decorated mirrors, played an apple game, and mined for jewels...just like the real dwarfs. Thanks, Natalie, for having such a great party!! We had a great time!! Happy Birthday!

Tortillas!!

2008-03-14T11:38:00.000-07:00

So, not that I am anyway Martha Stewart, but in one of Gracie's books there was a recipe to make tortillas. It seemed easy enough, and looked pretty fun. So we tried it! And let me tell you, nothing tastes as good as a hot, fresh, homemade tortilla. Now, for those of you that have had tortillas in Mexico or in Old Town near San Diego, these are probably not quite the same, but compared to the cold ones in the grocery store, YUMMY!! And, only 4 ingredients that I can even pronounce. So relatively healthy. Anyway, she enjoyed them, I enjoyed letting go and letting her get messy, and the result was delicious!!

Gracie rolling out the dough...she really got into it.

cooking one in a pan...yum! Even Minnie was enjoying it!

Lunch, yum!!!

Awana Grand Prix

2008-03-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

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So the past few weeks, Gracie and Brian have been making their Awana cars for the Awana Grand Prix that happened this past Wednesday. Gracie instantly knew she wanted to make a train like her favorite Emily of the Thomas the Tank Engine series. Emily is green with gold and red...as you can see from the slideshow, Gracie decided to use these colors plus so many others. It was beautiful!! She tied first place with her cousin Ephraim in design, and her super fast train took second in overall speed in her Cubbies category! But Gracie wasn't the only Jacobs in the house competing. Brian also constructed a car, like he has for so many years before. He was a little more excited than the kiddo, but I am told that is normal. Brian made a replica, almost exact, to the new 2008 Knight Rider car...known as the KITT3000! I am so proud of my husband, his car took first prize in speed! YEAH!! So, we brought home three trophies last night. And to make the night sweeter, Gracie's cousins won trophies (Hayden and Ephraim) as did her Aunt Becky and Uncle Mike! Good job family!! Way to go!!

Chewbacca is 2!!

2008-02-28T09:35:00.001-08:00

Our birthday boy turned two a few days ago. We got him groomed and all pretty smelling. I am not usually one for dog birthdays and those kind of celebrations, but Gracie has been so into people's birthdays lately, and she asked about Chewy's. So, long story short, the dog got a couple new toys and a great new collar...camouflage to show he is a big tough boy! (I know, I hear the snickering.) Anyway, he is the BEST dog! We love him and he is a great addition to our family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHEWBACCA!!

Thank you God!!

2008-02-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

God is SO amazing!! We were driving to church last week really early, and it was sort of raining...OK, so it was spitting enough to get the car dirty, but still giving the appearance of rain. The clouds were beautiful, and the sun was starting to shine...and low and behold, a beautiful RAINBOW!! When we first saw it, it was just the right quarter over the mountains, but as we drove closer to church, we were able to see the ENTIRE rainbow!! And it was ginormous! (yes, its a real word!) I was almost in tears just remembering the love that our Father has for us and He chose to display it that day to us in a rainbow. I am always amazed that something the world can see, can also feel like it was just for this one person. I needed to SEE God's love for me that Sunday morning, and there it was. Thank you, Jesus, for your beautiful promise that you love us and that you will never again destroy your creation. Thank you for showing me that you love to give us beauty in the midst of the barren desert. Even in its drabness, beauty exists. Thank you, it was breathtaking!

Gracie's first portrait

2008-02-28T09:18:00.000-08:00

Gracie and her Gammy were drawing, and I guess they decided to draw each other's portraits. The red tall one was drawn by my mom - a portrait of Gracie. See the curly hair and the bow? And the black one towards the bottom is by Gracie of her Gammy. She has drawn these crazy "smiley faces" before, but never one with so much detail that she did entirely on her own. They usually look more Picasso-esque, with ears on top and lips vertical...you know, crazy kid faces. This is a special treat to see, considering we are not the most artistic of families. I was so proud of her, and as you can see, she is quite proud of herself. We will be selling her artwork on Ebay soon. Just kidding...

Gracie's sweet treat

2008-02-28T08:21:00.000-08:00

Gracie had her first real doughnut experience the other day. We had a special morning together and I treated her to the doughnut shop. Her eyes were HUGE when she entered the shop, saw all the doughnuts and just smiled! She picked her very own chocolate with sprinkles (also her daddy's favorite...guess that acorn didn't fall far). She dove in and took her bites. These pictures say it all...grins and giggles and just sheer enjoyment. I couldn't help but laugh. We had such a fun time together. And to top it off, each time we drive by the store, "Mommy, that is the place we had our doughnuts, the place with the blue letters!" Ahhh, a child's memory, much like an elephant's - never do they forget!

Gracie's Tricycle

2008-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Gracie riding her trike! She just loves to get out and ride. Don't you love her choice for bike shoes? Always the girly girl.

Brian enjoyed walking next to her, getting her used to being on her own. She still can't maneuver a turn, so she needs a little help.

Gracie got a trike from Gigi and George (my grandparents) for Christmas. She just loves the shiny red bike. We don't have any place for her to ride in the back, so Brian took her out into our cul-de-sac one evening for some lessons. She loves to ride it, but still isn't able to do everything herself. She loves to ring that bell!!! I am so glad the two of them got some time to spend playing together.

Our New Garden!

2008-02-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Gracie, Brian, and I did something none of us had ever done before...we gardened!! It was so exciting!! We went to Lowes and bought seeds, soil, and pots. Gracie was so excited to get to plant and can't wait to watch them grow!! She was a little grossed out with putting her hands into the dirt. Sometimes she is such a girly girl. But then the next moment, we noticed her with her hands deep in the pot. Go figure!! I think she was most excited to get to wear gloves...or as she calls them " glubs". Gotta love kids! We planted one pot of flowers, one pot of veggies, and one pot of herbs. Plus mommy finally got her flowers in the backyard. I am so excited, too!! We'll keep you posted on their progress.

Sandbox!

2008-01-02T09:31:00.001-08:00

We got Gracie a sandbox this summer. It has been sitting in our backyard since then and she never even noticed it. Brian and I decided it was about time we filled it up with sand and let her play in it. Brian filled that baby up with 250 pounds of sand (only 5 bags...weird) and then we let Gracie go! She and Brian played in the sand for 2 hours, and started to cry when it was time to come inside. Thank you LORD for sandboxes and the little things a parent can do to make their kiddos happy. I love her wide eyed excitement and how thrilled she gets over the things we so easily take for granted. Grace truly is my amazing little girl...I am so blessed to have her in my life to show me how to live!!!

Christmas again

2008-01-02T09:05:00.001-08:00

Well, we have officially had three Christmases this year. Fun, but so confusing to Gracie!! She keeps saying, "happy new year, and tomorrow is Christmas!" I really don't have the heart to tell her, but I am sure she will find out on her own when we don't open up more presents tomorrow.

On Sunday, we spent Christmas with Brian's parents and siblings. We waited until after Christmas to keep the stress level down, and let me recommend that! It was so relaxing and fun. We were really able to enjoy each other instead of having to rush and get someplace else. The whole gang seemed to have a good time with each other. We exchanged gifts, listened to Christmas music, and then ate a yummy Italian meal! (Thanks Mom!!) It was great...Gracie got some fun Legos...a doll house! She can't stop playing with it! She loves pretending. Brian has already used his new Wii accessories, and after dinner, a bunch of us used our movie passes from Grandma Patti and went and saw National Treasure 2! So much fun! And the movie was great, too. (Go see it...no curse words, great story, just plain fun!)

It was such a fun time. I really enjoyed myself and I know Brian and Grace did too. We were so blessed to be able to celebrate Jesus with every person in our families! All of them...who gets to do that? I know it is a first for us, so thank you LORD!!

I have to say a special thank you to my brother-in-law, Timothy. He did something so creative and so awesome, and it made me feel so special. He made a special hunt for me for a gift. I had clues that were riddles, clues that were map pieces, and clues that were pictures. It took me a good thirty minutes or more to find the last clue, and Tim had gotten all three of us a beautiful treasury of fairy tales. What was the best part for me? Well, the whole hunt reminded me of the hunt-master I grew up with...my dad. I had tears in my eyes as I told Tim that this gift was reminiscent of what my dad would have done for me, and I think that made it even more special. Thank you Tim for not even knowing how special that was to me. I love you, Brother!

More Christmas

2007-12-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

We are blessed this year with having a few Christmases. The three of us flew out Sunday night the 23rd to visit Jori's extended family in the Bay Area. We stayed for 3 days and had SOOO much fun. Gracie was able to see her great grandparents (Gigi and George), her great aunts and uncles (Aunt Caron, Uncle Frank, Aunt Jannie, and UB), and mommy's cousins, who we call Aunt and Uncle (Eric, Kara, and Cameron). It was the first time we got to spend with Eric and Kara since their wedding in June. What a blessing! I am so proud of my cousin...you chose good, brother!! We had a great time getting to know Kara and submerging her in the Garfield side family Christmas. She survived, so points for her there!! Kara, you are a blessing in so many ways. Thanks for becoming part of our family!! We love you!!

Our weekend was spent playing lots of card games, talking, and just enjoying each other's company. We got to see Grandmama AND Grandpapa play the Wii! I thought the world was ending!! (Mike, it was awesome!) They both held their own, and actually, Grandmama skunked everyone getting a Turkey in bowling. Way to go GIGI!! I am glad Brian brought it with us. And a special thank you to my auntie! The food, AMAZING!!! Your hospitality, gracious. The time was truly priceless. Thank you for the hard work you put into the weekend and spoiling us rotten! You truly are the best!

I loved each minute we spent up north, always do, but this time was extra special for me. It was the first Christmas that Gracie got into the idea of gifts and Jesus' birthday. She was very excited to help UB be Santa and hand out all the gifts. She was on pins and needles waiting for each one to open their gifts, and she was so expressive. Truly attentive to each one's gift and thrilled when it was her turn. I am so blessed to have such a thankful kiddo, too. She made sure to thank each person, yet couldn't figure out who to thank for Santa gifts. Ah, youth! Gracie kept reminding all of us the reason for the season, quoting the whole weekend Luke 2:11 -- For unto you is born this day a Saviour which is Christ the Lord!" Yeah AWANA!!

Thank you to everyone who made this trip a fun time and a great memory. This mommy is truly happy. I love you all!!! I miss you already, and cannot wait for our next trip! Gracie is already asking when we get to go back. Me too!

Christmas

2007-12-29T12:18:00.000-08:00

This year we had a special Christmas. It was Gracie's cousin's, Sydney Rebecca Patterson, first Christmas. Gracie had a great time looking and snuggling the baby. She really had never been around one before. It melted this mom's heart to see how much our little girl already loves their little girl. It is instant bonding. And of course, Brian and I enjoyed ourselves too. We spent a fun evening with Brian's side of the family exchanging gifts, laughing, playing with the baby, and of course, eating. Aunt Ruth and Becky cooked their hearts out, and it was GOOD!!! After we ate, we all watched the kiddos open gifts, and did an exchange with the adults, too. Then we played a gift exchange game. I was hoping there would be more gift stealing, but to my dismay, I was the only thief that night. Oh well, there is hope for next year. Everyone left with pretty cool gifts...I think it was a big success. After our gift opening we played a game, "Would you rather...?" You had to agree as a group which of two ridiculous situations you would rather be a part of. "While you are camping, would you rather have ants crawl in your ears and nose, or wake up with someone else's toe in your mouth?" No real good answers, but the game made for some huge belly laughs. My observation that we are all crazy was solidified. Can't wait for the next game. Thanks to the entire Knowlton/Patterson clan for opening up their home and sharing such a wonderful night. Love you guys!!!

Gingerbread house

2007-12-29T11:58:00.001-08:00

Brian and Gracie had so much fun creating their gingerbread house. Gracie was most excited about the candy, but the idea of being messy and sticky was a close second. Brian was so excited to share this first with his little girl. They had so much fun planning and decorating the yard, house, and even a dog. Gingerbread house making was a long time tradition in my life growing up, and now I hope that it can live on in our kiddo's life. I know she'll be asking for one next year!