Baseball

Jake Tries Baseball

Jake started out his baseball season never having played before; however, due to an amazing coach, and a lot of heart from Jake--Jake ended the season as a baseball player. I loved watching him grow and develop. His coach expected him to work hard, and Jake delivered. With each practice, small improvements were accomplished. In the beginning, I wondered whether or not baseball was a good idea; however, by the end, I was wishing we could start another season right away.

A Coach Can Impact a Child For Good or Bad. This Coach was the Best of the Best! I Wish Jake Could Play for Him In Every Sport.

Happy Birthday, Jake!

Happy Birthday Jake!

Turning 8 is a big deal at our house. Turning 8 means that baptism is right around the corner. For Jacob, it means the world! He simply is so excited to get baptized. He has a strong testimony of the gospel, and he truly desires to do what is right. As we have prepared Jacob for this important decision, we explained that it was his choice. He was so worried that there was a possibility that he wouldn't be baptized, that he kept asking us, "Can I please? Can I please be baptized?"

I smiled at his innocence; and yet, I also smile at his understanding. He knows the church is true, and he desires to follow God's plan for him. Jacob knows the scriptures well, and he understand them. Jacob listens to the scriptures every night as he falls asleep. One evening while he was preparing for bed, he told me he would like to listen to a certain part of scripture. For a moment, I couldn't' remember the book of scripture that particular story was located. When I started looking in one book, Jacob corrected me and told me where to find the story. My 8 year-old knows things about the scriptures that even adults struggle to understand. I am proud of his decision to be baptized. I am grateful that it is his choice, and that he is choosing to use his agency in this way.

To celebrate Jacob's birthday, we went to Chick Fil-A, and then the cabin with the Pruett Family.

Playing Ninja

Baptism Suit

Jacob thanking Kylee

Jacob received a coupon towards a WiiU. We told him he had to purchase it himself, but we were willing to pitch in just a bit.

Jackson and Jake

The kids slid on their bums down a small hill. Vaughn pushed all the kids down the hill. 

Heather and Austin

We taught the Pruett's how to play "Cover Your Assets"

One on One Date

ONE-on-ONE DATE KNIGHT
CHICK FIL-A

What can I say of my little man that even begins to describe him? I am so blessed. Oh, so very blessed. When I speak of joy, Jacob is very much a part of that description. My little man is sincere, genuine, sweet, humble, kind, and endearing. As I mother him, I learn more about my Savior every day. When he was sent here to earth, Heavenly Father knew exactly what I needed. He gave me a little boy that would pull on my heartstrings one minute, and a little boy that would keep me hopping the next. He gave me a treasure.

Chick Fil-A was having a "date knight" for mothers and sons this month, and we were lucky enough to take part. The tickets were $10 a piece. At first I questioned as to whether or not we should spend that much money to go to a fast food restaurant; however, after taking part in our "knight" out, we felt that our money was well spent. Chick Fil-A definitely did a good job in making their little restaurant something different than a fast food restaurant. Not only were we able to eat anything on the menu, but we were also given our own personal "knight" waiter (he was dressed as a knight) who was constantly checking at our table, we were also given a photo op with the famous Chick Fil-A cow, and we were treated to a limo ride--talk about good treatment! During our meal, there was a question card at our table, and I took the opportunity to ask Jake the questions provided. Here is what was said:

What does a boy have to do to become a Knight?
Listen to his mom--just like the Stripling Warriors.

Do you remember a time when you had to be brave?
Learning to ride my bike, and learning to swim.

If you had to hide something in a safe place, where would it be?
In the attic or crawl space, because no one goes there.

Who is the bravest person you know?
Me. (Meaning: Himself.)

What kinds of things can you protect me (your mom) or others against? 
Satan. I'll read the scriptures to you.

Is being a Knight just about fighting with a sword?
No. You have to fight Satan.

Would you rather have Super Strength or the Ability to Fly? 
Super Strength. I could then lift this whole building, but I would really like both.

Would you rather be a SPIDER for a week, or an ELEPHANT for a year?
I'd rather be a black widow for a week, because they are poisonous, but I wouldn't poison you guys.

Would you rather live on the MOON or UNDERWATER in the OCEAN?
The Moon. I would like to breathe in space.

Would you rather give up Candy or Ice Cream forever?
None. I don't want to do either.

Jacob was told he could order anything on the menu, so he chose a shake as his number 1 priority!

Limo Ride

Sitting by the "COW" in the LIMO

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

I love this little man with all of my heart. Not a day goes by that he doesn't make me laugh. He is the perfect balance to all of the "girl" emotions that reside in our home.

SEVEN THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT JAKE:

~I love that Jacob loves to laugh.

~I love that Jacob is sensitive to other people's feelings.

~I love that Jacob loves his sisters.

~I love that Jacob sincerely wants to be good, and he prays that he will choose the right.

~I love that Jacob is brave enough to trust me when he is afraid.

~I love that Jacob loves the scriptures.

~I love that Jacob loves school, and that he thinks very highly of his abilities.

We spent part of Jacob's birthday in Boise while we waited for Amber to finish with a gymnastics meet. We then headed to the cabin with our good friends to celebrate.

I love birthdays, and I love to do special things to celebrate. Jacob had mentioned that he wanted breakfast in bed on his birthday, and I was happy to oblige; however, he was so tired that he couldn't open his eyes in order to eat.

Its tradition to pop balloons with special notes of love. Jacob wanted to use his new weapon for the task.

 CHICK-FIL-A

Hailey wanted to know if Chick-Fil-A sang to people on their birthday, so as soon as a hostess walked by, she asked. The hostess' response cracked me up! With a slight question in her voice she replied, "We can." Obviously it wasn't something they traditionally did. She then left to gather a team of singers! When they came, they rang a cow bell and announced to the restaurant that here was a birthday in the house. As they sang, they presented Jake with a stuffed cow, and an ice cream sundae. Not only did they sing, but they went above and beyond to make Jake's day special. It was so sweet!

Before heading to the cabin, we ate lunch at Chick-Fil-A.

 CABIN
The snow was really heavy and wet, so while we were playing it was soaking through our clothes. At one point, Jake was feeling done; however, he quickly changed his mind when I mentioned that I needed another beautiful picture of him. Immediately he decided to climb on the tube with Bryan all for the name of a good picture. When he mentioned to Bryan he was wet, Bryan told him he could go inside to which he replied, "But mom needs to get another picture of me." He cracks me up! What a ham!

The Pruett's came to the cabin with us to celebrate. We are so grateful for good friends!

Here's the good picture I promised Jake when he was wet and cold!