It's Always Fun When Grandma & Grandpa Come!

When we found out that both sets of grandparents were going to make it out for Jacob's baptism, we were thrilled! It's a big sacrifice to come out, and we were grateful they could come. Mom & Dad Stevens drove out and made it to our place on Friday evening. My parents flew in a little later on that night. I love that both of our parents are such good friends and get along so well. We loved every minute of them here and only wish it could have been longer- but we'll take what we can get!

Friday night, we enjoyed visiting with parents and stayed up probably later than we should have, but it was fun. Saturday was mostly spent with the baptism, and lunch afterwards. We had planned on going to a movie that night, but everyone was tired enough that dinner and a Redbox movie at home with rootbeer floats was a great alternative option.

(Emily absolutely adores Grandpa Stevens and spent a lot of time on his lap for scriptures, at church, looking at the computer, etc.)

Sunday we attended church- and I even managed to work in a special musical number for Mom & Dad while they were here. Nice of me huh! Dad sang "Face to Face" and although it was some work on his & mom's part- the whole ward sure enjoyed it.

The best part of church on Sunday was watching Jacob be confirmed. It was a sweet confirmation given by Jeff, and Jacob got to sit up on the stand next to the bishop for the whole sacrament meeting.

Grandma & Grandpa Tanner gave Jacob his very own set of beautiful leather scriptures for part of his birthday/baptism gift. Jacob was thrilled to have a quad with his name on it. Jeff and I gave him a case for them.

Sunday night we played games and made a big traditional Sunday dinner- roast, mashed potatoes, rolls, salad, vegetables, etc. It also gave me the chance to try out a new recipe for Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake- it looked pretty cool and was the perfect way the finish the meal. It was so fun to be cooking along side both of my moms- that's always my favorite part.

Mom put Emily's hair in this cute pony tail. It reminded me of many years of gymnastics!

Sunday night was our last night to spend time with Mom & Dad Stevens, but they had to leave early Monday morning to get back and they were trying to avoid some bad weather (we found out later they had a couple scary moments- and we were glad they made it home safely). The kids said their goodbyes on Sunday night to Grandma and Grandpa and to Misti who would be leaving with them. I think Matthew was a little sad- he sat on the floor and just hugged Misti for about 20 minutes. Anyway, we enjoyed visiting together that night and had some good laughs. It was sad to say goodbye to Mom & Dad Stevens the next morning, but we're so glad they were able to come.

Don't these puppy pictures just about break your heart? Don't worry- I'm not giving in- I'm still not ready for a permanent dog. :) Matthew really loved Misti, and I think I'm safe to say that he was probably her favorite too.

Jacob's Baptism

It's hard to believe our Jacob is already eight years old. Even though we've had a lot of time to build up to this, it still seemed a bit surreal that it was already time for Jacob to be baptized. Although I was still in a bit of shock, Jacob was so ready and prepared. Jacob is one of those kids who is mature beyond his years and he was so excited to finally be baptized.

On the morning of his baptism, my mom went downstairs before anyone else was awake and found Jacob sitting up to the table, reading his scriptures. He told her that he loved to read his scriptures, and although he didn't know what everything meant, he wanted to study his scriptures so he could understand everything better. I know he is sensitive to the Spirit, and hope he will always do his best to stay close to it.
The baptism program was a very sweet experience. We had some of our good friends from the ward and our families there. We were so incredibly grateful to both of our parents for making the huge sacrifice to come out for Jacob's baptism.

Mom played the music for the program, and Mom Stevens and I gave the prayers. Grandpa Stevens gave a talk on baptism- it was a very touching moment when Dad recalled that it had been 40 years ago that very week that he himself had been baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He shared his experience and bore his testimony on what a wonderful blessing it had been in his life.

After Dad's talk, we walked down to the font where Jeff baptized Jacob. It was such a wonderful moment- all the kids were pressed up against the glass to watch- and our Dads were the witnesses. Jeff and Jacob both did a wonderful job and got it the first time.

After Jeff and Jacob made it back, Dad Tanner gave a talk on the Holy Ghost, including personal experiences and the story of Great Grandpa Watkins and the haystack. I know Jacob was inspired to ask each grandpa to give a talk on their particular subjects. The spirit was so strong during the entire program. At one point, I was trying hard to hold back tears. I was doing pretty well until I looked at Jacob and saw the tears in his eyes. Then I couldn't help it. The messages shared and the music sung were both powerful and beautiful.

I honestly couldn't have imagined a more perfect baptismal program- not because it wasn't a busy morning, not because there weren't little things that didn't work out just perfectly, not because we were scrambling last minute, and certainly not because I had an amazing set-up complete with coordinated treats and a huge crowd- I didn't. It was perfect because the Spirit was felt so strongly by everyone present. Even Caleb, Matthew, and little Emily were so good and sat attentive the entire time. It was a perfect, beautiful day and I will always remember it. More importantly, I think Jacob and probably some of our other kids will too- and that is what is important.

Emily and Alish. We absolutely adore these girls!

Some of our good friends who made it to the baptism. (minus the 10 kids who were playing in the gym) We didn't get everyone in the picture, and we had some friends who were out of town who couldn't make it to the baptism, but we loved having everyone who could make it.





After the baptism, we went to Red Lobster for lunch. We didn't do a birthday party for Jacob this year- and what he really wanted more than anything was to be able to go to Red Lobster as a family. It was certainly a fun afternoon- especially when you have a delicious lunch and don't have to prepare or clean-up. The waitress was really fun with the kids and even took out a live lobster for them to pet. They thought it was pretty amazing and Caleb is already talking about going to Red Lobster again when he gets baptized. We sure appreciated everyone's help and participation in the baptism. It was a perfect, beautiful day.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day this year was very fun, but also very busy. If you would have been at our place the night before Valentine's Day, this is what you would have seen.

Jacob & Caleb working on valentines for thier classmates, Jeff helping Jacob with his Valentine box. Matthew helping me make a couple batches of sugar cookies, and Emily right in the middle of all the action.
Caleb & Matthew's classes were making Valentine boxes at school, but Jacob's teacher asked the kids to make their own and bring them. I showed him some cool ideas, but Jacob wanted to have a Perry the Platypus Valentine box. Seriously? A platypus!? Lucky for Jacob, he has a super awesome dad that was ready to take on the challenge. I helped with the supplies, and this is what they came up with. We were all pretty impressed!
Jacob was so excited to take 'Perry' to school. All the kids thought it was great and loved sticking the valentines into his mouth. I'm grateful that Jeff was so willing to take on the project!
These are the valentines that we did for Jacob, Caleb, & Matthew's classes. I probably should have just done some easy store bought cards, but I thought the idea was cute and the boys were helpful in putting them together.
I volunteered to make cookies for Jacob and Matthew's classes, and we decided we might as well do a few more for teachers, friends, and neighbors.
It was fun to watch the kids come home with all their cute valentines. They had fun opening up all the cards and reading the notes. (and eating the candy...) This was Matthew's first year of a Valentine's Day party and he was so excited. I loved watching him open all his cards and say, "This is for me!?" and "____ is my friend!" Sweet little guy.
With everything else going on, I didn't plan too much of a Valentine's Day for us, but I have a super sweet husband who spoiled me this year. A couple days before Valentine's Day, Jeff set up a manicure & pedicure for me. My very first experience ever! Not only did I get to go spend an evening getting pampered, but it also happened to be the same night as Parent Teacher Conferences & Book Club. So Jeff took all four kids to the conferences by himself! To top off his night, he got called in for an emergency right before the parent teacher conferences, so he took the kids to his office with him first and then to the conferences. I was feeling a little guilty, as I said goodbye for the manicure/pedicure and book club night, but I was also grateful for a sweet husband.
On Valentine's Day, Jeff left me some beautiful flowers and a card that morning, and I gave him my gift . He also set up a couples massage for us. So we dropped the kids off, had some lunch, and spent the relaxing afternoon together. It was perfect. When it comes to being romantic, Jeff is pretty much the best. Happy Valentine's Day!

School Sock Hop Carnival

One Friday night this month, we headed over to the kids' school where the PTO was putting on a Sock Hop Carnival. They had the whole place all done up with a carnival theme. There were tons of games and activities for all the kids, lots of food, and a sock hop/dance in the gym.

Emily loved playing all the games and collecting the little prizes in her bag.

The boys had fun playing the games and seeing many of their friends. They had their tickets and their bags and had fun running around the school all night. They're sure getting old and independent!
The musical chairs game was one of the most popular, and it was easy to see why. I was about ready to join in the game myself when I saw that huge table full of amazing baked goods! Matthew was pretty happy with the cake pop he won from the game.

After the kids had their fill of games and activities, we headed into the gym where we met up with a bunch of our friends and watched the kids bust their moves. I've loved getting to know so many families around the area. Anytime the school puts on an event, there is always a great turnout and I think it's just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids because it gives us a chance to visit with friends and neighbors.
It was so funny to watch all the kids. I was dying laughing watching them- especially Caleb. That boy has some serious moves! They did some fun activities during the dance too- Jacob did a great job in the hoola hoop contest.
Emily was a little shy at first, but eventually she too warmed up to the music and was running all around the gym showing off her moves.

I was able to capture a short video of some of her dancing. It was a great night, and I'm glad we were able to go!

Our New Puppy

Our boys have been begging us for a dog for years now. Jeff has been sensitive to their pleadings and might have given in for a dog, but sadly for the kids, I've held firm. I like dogs, but I'm just not ready for the commitment of owning one. I know the work that comes with getting a dog- especially a puppy. It's almost like having another child that needs lots of attention and time and love and work. I also know there's no going back- I don't believe in getting a dog and getting rid of it later because it's more than you can handle. If we get a dog- we're in it for the long haul and I knew I wasn't ready to commit to that-not at this stage in our lives.

Well, it just so happened that Dad Stevens was looking for a new dog. He really wanted to get another German wiredhair pointer after his beloved dog Indy died last year. That particular brand is fairly expensive where they live, but it just so happens that they are significantly cheaper by us. It also just so happened that Mom & Dad would be coming out to our place for Jacob's baptism in February. Anyway, Dad found a man who was selling puppies and we came up with a great idea. We would pick out a puppy for him, and keep it at our home for a few weeks. That way the boys could have their wish of having their very own puppy, and I got my wish of having a puppy without the long term commitment.

We visited the puppies a few times, the kids loved seeing the puppies (all 9 of them!) and finally we picked out this cute little girl. Dad named her Misti, and she became part of our family. The kids were so excited when we brought her home. They loved playing with her and taking care of her.

She's been a really good-tempered dog. She doesn't bark much, and she's been so happy to play with the kids. She's a great sport and doesn't mind being carried around and drug into their games. Matthew especially has loved taking care of her. In fact, the morning after we got her he said to me, "I can't believe we got a puppy!" Hopefully he's not too heartbroken when she goes home with Grandma and Grandpa in a few weeks.

We really think she's a darling little dog, and we've gotten many compliments on what beautiful markings she has. Many of the dogs of this breed have spots all over, but she just has a dark head and dark feet and is gray over the rest of her body. I don't think she'll have quite as thick of a 'beard' as the other dogs either.
Although we have had to get up to take her out at 4am to use the bathroom, she's been pretty good about making sure she goes potty in the right places. Sure she's had some accidents, all puppies will, but I've been impressed how quickly she's caught on.

She loves to play with the kids, and she loves having a soft place to lay. She also loves to run around outside. It's hilarious watching her try to play basketball with the kids- she really goes after that ball. The kids have been helpful with making sure she has food and water and they take turns cleaning up after her as well. Misti has been very popular among the neighborhood kids too- the all love her and will run around with her on her leash for hours. She loves it and will play until she's completely tuckered out. It's so cute.
I'm pretty sure my opinion on having a dog isn't going to change after having a puppy for a few weeks, I'm still not ready to commit to a dog long-term. But we have enjoyed having a cute little puppy. She's been a lot of fun and it's been a great learning experience for our kids. We love our little Misti.