Come Together 1 child to 4 in 28 days

Patience is a Virtue

2012-12-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

I must apologize for not getting to our story as of late. We have had lots of sickness at our house the last few months, plus FOUR birthdays, ONE anniversary (15 years), Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. One of my resolutions for 2013 is to get this story down in it's entirety. It's quite a story filled with many miracles along the way.

Thanks for stopping by.

And so it begins...

2012-10-12T09:05:00.003-06:00

Hello Friends,

Well, I'm finally doing it. I'm going to attempt to write down the amazing miraculous events that have occured over the last 9 months. I'm starting today and move forward and will be filling in the gaps as I go.

So check back often, this story is definetley one worth hearing.........

Akwaaba!!! Happy 2011!

2011-01-01T21:07:00.002-07:00

The year of 2011 sure came in like a bang this year! We went to our friends Thomas & Katrina Appiah's house. The Ghanaian community that exists here in Utah has literally enveloped our little family into their group.

They are a fabulous people. They are expressive, kind, laugh a lot. They like to have loud music in the background, people playing the Wii, an intense board game going on, and a bunch of people talking and laughing all at the same time. AND while eating food. This took a little bit of adjusting for me because its joyful chaos going on! And me being the anti-clutter person I am, I had to adjust. And I did and enjoyed every minute of it. We all did!

Jake struck up friendships all over again with the kids that were there that he met originally in October. He was off and playing before I even sat down.

Towards the end of the night some of the men got together and started playing a game called "Drift." Similar to the game checkers but instead of the checkers you play with round thin pieces of wood. It was very interesting to watch. In Ghana although the most spoken language is Twi and in Accra most of them know a good amount of English, there are more than 50 different languages spoken in the country depending on the region. Thomas and Ben we playing and several times they broke out into song and apparently Thomas was trying to speak Ben's language.

We LOVE these people! We are so glad they are going to be around for our Ghanaian children so they can know of their country and participate in some of the traditions from their home country.

We had sooo much fun I took very little pictures! I admit, it made me LONG for this adoption process to be over as I am very weary of not hearing anything for so long. Happy New Year! Make it 2011 the best yet!

Christmas Vacation with Yogi in 3D!

2010-12-29T23:16:00.014-07:00

The days are short, cold, and dreary this time of year in Utah so to liven things up during Christmas vacation, I took Jake and his good friend Dean to see a matinee of Yogi Bear. I got the show times mixed up and actually took them to the show in 3D (Which I did not know until today makes matinees several bukaroos more and 3D gives this Mama a headache). But what was done was done and I was not about to back out after seeing how excited they were to see the flick.

Thumbs up from these two cute boys.

Yes Jake ate that entire tub almost all by himself. Mama is allergic to corn.

These two were being good sports after the show as the snow started dumping on us! Glad Jake has good friends like Dean to be with!

13 going on Forever. Happy Birthday to us!

2010-12-27T23:33:00.001-07:00

The time has flown by and yet barely started. I can't remember what life was like before Jeff was in it. We've been together over 13 1/2 years and have now been married for 13. Oh how I adore this man! He amazes me still just how much he loves me. He knows I am quirky, spunky, high wired, dramatic, opinionated, sometimes neurotic, and have been told I have a "very strong" personality and yet he still loves me back!

We celebrated this year going to The Roof Restaurant. It has a fantastic view down into Temple Square year round, especially during the Christmas Season. The Roof is overpriced for the buffet they serve in my humble opinion. The Little America Buffet beats them hands down. But how to you compare with the ambiance of a Rooftop Restaurant overlooking a an iconic structure that took 40 years to build and is revered by millions of people around the world? You can't. And that's how it stays in business.

It was great to spend time just the two of us. He's still my favorite person in the world and my best friend. Happy Anniversary Babe!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-25T23:01:00.001-07:00

In one of my previous posts this year I spoke about my Uncle Grant passing away earlier this year. This left my crazy, sweet Aunt Valeen all alone for the first time on Christmas. I could not bear for this to happen. This great lady who has shown me so much love and support my entire life and is one of my favorite people in the world was not going to spend the day all alone!!!! So I called her and told her she was coming to stay with us for Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. She grumbled and tried to back out to spare us from her (whatever!) and I told her I would not take no for an answer. She said yes and I quietly went to work to make these two days special for all of us.

As a tradition in our little family we make a Christmas Eve trip to downtown Salt Lake and have lunch or dinner and take in the Christmas lights at the Gateway and Temple Square.

We decided on lunch this year and started our day at the Olive Garden downtown (one of my aunt's all time favorite places to eat). Below is a picture of Jake and Valeen heading into the restaurant.

Valeen is so fun to take places! Her classic "Oh Gad's" and ways she expresses herself and interacts with people is hilarious and uniquely Aunt Valeen. Jake adores her just like I did at his age (and still do).


Here we are in the Olive Garden. Nothing like yummy hot food on a cold day!

Our next stop was The Gateway. We walked around this jewel of the city and took in all the decorations and shops. Coldwater Creek which is on of Valeen's favorite stores next to Nordstroms was having a huge sale and Valeen was able to pick up a few super cute things for dirt cheap. She himed and hawed about buying it but I told her she could make it her Christmas present to herself. While we were inside the store doing our lady shopping bonding thing, Jeff and Jake were outside playing in the water fountain. Jake is definitely my child as he did not care that it was 25 degrees, he still ran through the water. Crazy kid!

Enjoying the fun at The Gateway

The great light rail system in downtown Salt Lake is great because you can ride it for free around downtown. So we parked at the JSMB building and hoped on the train over to the Gateway. Super slick and great for Valeen too!

As I mentioned previously, Jake and Valeen are bosom friends and I caught a fun moment between them on the light rail. See below. You can't beat memories like these!

Our last stop was Temple Square. It was about 5:00 pm and dusk. Valeen was a little tired and the crowd started to accumulate. So I searched around the square for a wheel chair so she could fully enjoy everything and not get trampled or slip and fall.

The new Nativity on the lawn next to the tabernacle is spectacular. Last year I posted a bunch of pictures of it because I loved it so much. Being able to watch the account of Christ's birth with the large statue of the Christus all lit up in the North Visitors Center always makes my heart swell in gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he gave for us. I am in awe! Valeen loved it and got a front row seat because of the wheels. She told us afterward that she had not been down to see the lights in over 20 years. It was a special treat for sure!


Not a bad little photographer if I do say so myself!! Course the subject matter was easy!


Here's another. I LOVE the red lights and the contrast. Magnificent!

All around the square and near the Church Office Building and adjacent gardens were life size nativities from countries all over the world. We looked at all of them. The luminaries were also fun to see the images and words about this glorious season.

I LOVE Luminaries!

We headed for home about 7:00 pm for our "Late Night" Christmas Eve Activity. As the adults all got comfy in our jammies Jake was a busy bee downstairs getting the couch all set up for us to watch the movie "Elf."

Here is our cute boy waiting for us to get started.


My place was next to Jake and Jeff and Auntie Valeen was so sweet to hold Rudolph and Frosty while we watch.

After Elf, Jake scurried to bed and Jeff and I prepared things for Santa to come. Valeen stayed up with us and chatted, told us stories and we had a fun time. 2:00 am rolled around and all was quiet until later that morning.

I promised Valeen I would not post any pictures without her face on, so there are no picture of her opening her presents on Christmas morning, because we did have some for her. She was floored we thought of her and I loved EVERY minute of her surprises! Below is Jeff and Jake opening up the presents!

A Christmas Morning Tradition in our house is a gigantic breakfast with every breakfast food you can think of. This meal is so big, we don't eat until the early evening because we are so stuffed. Jake is old enough now that he asked about this traditional meal way in advance. "It's tradition Mom, and the best breakfast of the whole year!" Love. That. Boy!

Grandma and Grandpa Isom are still serving their LDS mission to Vancover, Canada so we skyped them later in the evening. Grandma and Grandpa Clark came over in the afternoon to see Jake's loot and get their presents!


Jake showing off his new video camera.

Of course the meaning of the season was not forgotten as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ whom we owe our salvation to.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a Good Night!

An Annual Isom Christmas Tradition "Hayrides in the Park".

2010-12-19T21:53:00.021-07:00

We LOVE where we live! Love, love, love it! When you are at my house you feel you are in a rural little town. 2 miles up the road you have pretty much all the shopping you ever want or need. Our town has about 70 thousand people in it but where our neighborhood is situated, it still has that small town feel. I have the best of both worlds. And we have great little hometown burger joints like the Burger Stop.

Every year the Burger Stop partners with Layton City and does a free hayride in Layton Commons Park. They encourage you to donate $2 dollars to charity as admission to the hayride. This is perfect for little ones as it is not too long and takes about 15 minutes round trip. I usually can get a good round of caroling going on the hayride, this year it feel completely FLAT!!! I mean really, the lights, the hayride, all bundled up with red noses, snuggled in blankets, don't you just want to start humming Jingle Bells picturing it in your mind?? Que the music!

It was still fun and a tradition we will continue year after year. I love my little family and my life! We are so blessed!

On the Hayride taking in the lights.

Don't you feel like singing???


The Burger Stop has the cutest Santa Claus, real beard and everything.

This fun little hometown favorite even has a jukebox. They make fabulous shakes and their 4 cheese grilled cheese is one of my favorites. Yay for the memories! Hope your holiday season is going well too!

Welcome to the world Halle Girl!

2010-12-17T16:58:00.004-07:00

After an exhausting week overdue, my sis Kathy had her long awaited first child. Halle Ann Taylor was born on December 15th, 2010 at 3:23 PM and was: 8lbs. 15 oz. 22 inches long. We are thrilled for Kath and Derrick.

Halle looks a lot like her Daddy but also looks quite a bit like Jacob did when he was little. Kath and I compared Halle and Jake's pictures and some of them are uncanny how much they look alike.

Jake has loved that Halle looks like him. With no biological siblings, this is the first little cousin that has looked like him. We love you Halle Girl and are thrilled you are apart of our family.

This next pic is of Kath's doggy Malone who is getting his first look at Halle. It reminds me of Lady and the Tramp. Maloney is part human, I tell ya!

Jake ADORES Halle!

She's a cutie pie!

Poor Stockton! He is not sure of this new little person who cries a lot

and hogs all the attention.

Jake’s Choir Concert

2010-12-10T10:56:00.002-07:00

While I would love to say that Jake has inherited a fantastic singing voice from the Clark and Jones sides of his family, I cannot. He has to work really hard to sing on key.

His voice has improved greatly and he sings much better on key. This was his concert for his singing group at school. Singing in front of an audience is very scary for Jake, but he seems to be doing much better. I love how hard he tries.

Here are some pictures of the concert.


Can you guess what they are singing?

Below is a clip of the singing...

The Jowdza Fest with the Isom side of the Family.

2010-12-04T23:50:00.016-07:00

Jeff's siblings got together for the annual Christmas Party. They made a family favorite dinner called Jowdza which is a Chinese dish their Dad made for them that he learned how to make while he was in Taiwan serving an LDS mission there 40+ years ago. It's basically a rendition of Asian pot stickers that are steamed instead of fried. The entire family chows on these things. It's hilarious to watch. They eat until they are literally sick to their stomachs and can't move. Adam worked his head off to make this day special for everyone. Kudos to Adam, we love you, you are awesome.

They also exchanged presents. The funniest exchange is when Matt opened his present from his sister Linda and it was Bon Jovi tickets. He was speechless and looked like he might cry. Great night for all the cousins.

See what I mean?? Matt was floored!!!

The Fogotten Carols..... a new Isom Family Tradition

2010-12-03T23:10:00.013-07:00

This year we opted to got the Forgotten Carols rather than the Nutcracker. Although i have loved the music and spirit of this production for almost 20 years, I had never seen it on stage.

We saw it at the Dee Events Center in Ogden, it was spectacular! Totally worth the money. We are now lifers!

A few pictures from the performance. Really makes you think about what is important.

I met Michael McClain (pictured above) about 17 years ago, I sang a solo in his home ward in Heber City at Christmas time. He gave us a wonderful little fireside for the 28 of us who were in the choir. Great memories!

The view outside my Window

2010-12-01T22:38:00.001-07:00

I stepped outside today to see the splendor of this beautiful area of the world in which I choose to live. The air is frigid cold, but the views are spectacular. There is nothing like a winter sunset that fills the the sky and paints the snow-caped mountains pink. Proof to me that their is a God who left his hand print everywhere.

This is my view from my kitchen bay window. Just stunning!!!

I hope wherever you are, you can find beauty in your surroundings, happy winter everyone.

Feliz Navidad

2010-12-01T21:10:00.005-07:00

I volunteered to purchase and decorate the Charter School Christmas Tree at North Davis Preparatory Academy. All 12 FEET of it!

We are required as charter school parents to volunteer 30 hours a school year. Since I have no idea what 2011 will bring regarding our adoption, I knew I could get a bunch of hours by doing this. The vice principal wanted a Spanish theme since we are a International Spanish Academy. She also wanted all the decorations to be the same color's as Spain's flag.

In my research I learned that the three wisemen are celebrated there like we celebrate Santa Claus here. They are on tree's and adorn street decorations, everything. And they don't disperse presents until after Christmas, symbolizing the coming of the three wiseman to visit Jesus after he was born. Since we are technically a public charter school, we tread on dangerous ground putting too much emphasis on religion.

So, I stuck with the glittery colors and did my best to make things look "Spanish". I was pretty proud of my work on a shoe string budget, but the it was obviously not what the vice principal had in mind even though she approved and saw all the decorations before I bought them. Oh well, you can't win them all! Below is the tree:

The ornament balls had a nice mosaic look to them.


Note: I was smart this time and decorated the top piece of the tree before I stuck in altogether. It had to be tweaked a bit once it was on, but MUCH easier than decorating it on a 12 ft ladder.

See the gigantic Spanish roses?? They are my favorite.

The tree received TONS of compliments, just not to the liking of the VP. I think it's pretty darn cute for a public school tree!

A Tour Through our House

2010-11-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

To say I go a little over the top on Christmas decorations would be an understatement. I deck out the kitchen, entryway, front room, family room and Jake even has a little tree in his room because he is after all, "Mr. Christmas."

So come on over! You're about to get a free tour of the Jeff Isom Family's house at Christmas time!

One of the only benefits of being married around Christmas is you get lots of Christmas Decorations as gifts.

Here is the outside. You never know when there will be enough snow to get a good shot . So here is our cute little house.

If you look closely you not only can see the Christmas tree inside, but the glow from the Christmas Village that sits on top of the bookcase.


I always wanted a big porch to decorate with and it's been so fun to dress it up!


Here we are in the entryway. I decided to add some vinyl this year. Not sure if I will do that again.


Here is the ledge above the door.

The Christmas Village: The old church and Tinker's Toyshop

The Hotel, City Hall, & the Bridge & Sleigh

Noble Taylor, Hoffman's Cigar House, Frozen Pond

And the two homes. Christmas is not the same without a village. It makes Christmas magical for me.

The village sits on top of the bookcase because it is all ceramic and porcelain, it kind of looks like a mountain village to me.

My favorite Nativity. Joseph lost his hand a few Christmas's back, but it gets glued back on every year. It's become a tradition!

The traditional Nativity

The Jolly Old Elf Himself

I love my Christmas Plates in my Kitchen!!

This is above the hutch in the kitchen.

This is above the cabinets.


The basement family room tree: This tree I let Jake put all the ornaments he makes at school and all the ornaments Jeff had when he had when he was a little boy.

This saying goes on each tree.

Basement Bookcase


And last but not least, the Precious Moments Nativity for kids. Every year I put the baby Jesus in the manger and every year Jacob says, "Hey Mom Jesus does not go there, he wants his Mommy to hold him." And then he moves Jesus so that he is in Mary's arms. Out of the mouths of babes!! I sure love that boy!

I hope this tour through our home will make you feel just a little more in the Christmas mood and a window into our happy world. Happy Holidays!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T21:58:00.009-07:00

We had a very low-key Thanksgiving this year and it was nice. We rotate dinner between the two families and it was our year to have Thanksgiving with Jeff's family. But with his Mom and Dad on an LDS mission we spent it with my Mom and Dad, my brother Jon and his kids, and my Aunt Valeen.

My Mom, Aunt Valeen and I made the food. Valeen made her famous Shrimp and Cabbage salad which is a family favorite.

The best part for me was watching my 13 year old nephew Taylor (far left) who loved hearing stories from his great Aunt Valeen and his Grandpa. He's a good kid and it was nice to see his interest in listening to family history.

The buffet and kid's table and my cute Aunt Valeen.

Some of the food. Always yummy.

Notice the Thanksgiving garland on the fireplace mantel? Jake worked really hard to put that together for Grandma. Grandma loved it.

These two turkeys!!! They made up a song while playing together. They are kindred spirits, they both have very active imaginations and they laugh and laugh and laugh. My cousins Heather and Cameron were like that growing up. Still close to them today.

Jake and Hunter, love them both!

Jacob the Singer. Singing for the Layton City Lighting Ceremony

2010-11-23T23:27:00.004-07:00

Unfortunatly Jake is not a natural when it comes to singing on key. But he is improved greatly this year. He loves to sing and dance but get's scared when they sing in public. I put him in the choir this year so he could get used to singing with an audience. This boy wants to make movies so he might as well get over the stage fright early.

His choir group was one of the groups who sang for the Christmas lighting of the city park where we live.

That boy sang his heart out. He did so good I shed a few tears of pride and a few more that he was 8 and no longer a little boy. We have enjoyed each stage of his life and I love that he is always reading. Jeff and I have worked very hard with him this year to help him be a better reader and it is finally paying off.

No without further adieu, here are the pictures of the event:

Getting ready for the performance. He was so excited to sing a real stage.

He sang his little heart out.

I know I am biased but he is one cute boy,

Basketball Jake

2010-11-20T00:54:00.016-07:00

This year is the first year Jacob is eligible to play Itty Bitty Junior Jazz. He was so excited! It's hard when you are the only child to be able to play all sports well. A lot of kids in the neighborhood have that luxury. Still, Jake has fun and tries hard. At this age it's basically watching ball hogs. Whoever has the ball tends to not pass it to the other teammates too well. All the same, I like that it is Coed and he gets the experience of playing.

The sad thing was the season was short so there were only 5 games. Here's hoping there is more next year.

Waiting for a pass

Mom pllease quit taking pictures of me!

And he's ready to jump

We love our Jake!

The Clark / Jones Combined Baby Shower for Kath

2010-11-13T19:23:00.001-07:00

After sending 60 invites and a lot of food prep, today was the day for my sister Kathy's shower. My sister-in-law Lisa and I worked like slaves to make everything nice. Lisa has a great house and very large kitchen perfect for parties such as these.

Thanks to all those who came and made the effort to come. I know she was extremely grateful for each and every gift. Now onto the pictures!

The Food. We had a brunch, Yummo!

More Goodies

Our sister-in-law Heather made the party favors. Are they cute or what? Thanks Heather! We love you!

Aunt Valeen and Grandma Karen

Kathy opening up her loot.

Cute Kath and in the pink shirt, sweetheart Becca Hoxer

Cousin Heidi looking gorgeous with two cute babies who are cousins, Hadley Jones and Alley Ray

Grandma Karen keeping track of the gifts

Beautiful Aunt Sue. I adore this woman!


Cute as a button Hadley (Paige Jone's daughter)

Now I may be biased but I think we are all quite a cute bunch! Thanks ladies for a great day, we love you all!

Pine Wood Derby “Man” Style

2010-11-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Our men's church group had an activity in which they all made Pinewood Derby Cars to race. The normal rules they use in Cub Scouts were thrown out the window and the only stipulation was that it could not be rigged with any electronic enhancements.

Jeff was in Santa Barbara, CA all week (the poor sap) for business so Jake and I helped out by painting his car while he was gone. Jake insisted on silver so it would be like the Delorean from Back to the Future (he has a thing for 80's and 90's trilogies). So I painted it silver and Jeff came home and added weights to it according to some instructions he read on the web.

For a bunch of dude's in their mid twenties to late thirties, it was hilarious to see how much work they all put into these cars. Jeff put in very little because of lack of time.

After catching flack for his simple car from those who had spend hours and hours working on their cars, Jeff smoked them all. His car came in FIRST place! It all had to do with the weight and the design. Not the simple paint job.

It was a fun activity and it was great to see the different ways the men came up with cars. One of our friends made a car shaped like a hot dog bun, to which he added an edible hot dog for the race.

I should have hooped and hollered when he won but instead I just did a few "Wahoo's." Jeff won the top prize and bragging rights. He's a modest man that does not gloat which made it even worse for those who worked their tails off.

WAY TO GO JEFFRY, YOU ROCK!

It may be ugly but it was FAST!

There he is with his name in lights!


The man in the striped sweater takes this track all around. He had it hooked up to the computer and everything. This proves that every man is truly still a little boy in many ways.

I belong……….

2010-11-06T23:16:00.020-06:00

Jacob Jeffry Isom was baptized a member of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints today November 6^th 2010. He had to be baptized twice because his foot shot up the first time. He thought that was pretty cool.

What a bittersweet day for a parent. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost. He now is accountable for his actions. So the innocence of being a little boy is gone. He was prepared and excited to become a member.

I lost it and sobbed when we sang "When I am baptised." I was proud that he alone made this righteous choice and sad he was no longer a little boy.

Part of his birthday present was a party after his baptism. That was what he wanted most for his birthday. So I slaved in the kitchen making six roasts for French Dip sandwiches. We fed over 65 people despite the many who were not able to make it due to illness or other circumstances. Every single bit of the French Dip was eaten with very few leftovers. Jake was in his element.

Jeff stood up to greet everyone and do introductions, and Jake said he wanted to say something so here is what he said "Thank you for coming to my baptism and if you have presents"…… at that point Jeff stuck his hand over Jake's mouth.

He had observed people coming in with presents and wanted to make sure he received them. Eight year olds do not have tact, or rather our eight year old does not. We were mortified but everyone just laughed.
It was a tight squeeze but everyone fit, had a great time, and were well fed.

A BIG HUMONGOUS Thank you goes out to my cousin Heather, and my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Leon who stayed and helped clean up the kitchen. We would have been there hours without you. Another HUMONGOUS thanks goes to one of my Besties, Melissa Hughes who went over to the church early with her family to get everything ready. It's great to have good family and friends. We love you all and thank you soooo much!

I was so busy with everything I did not take good pictures of the dinner after. Here are a few.

Right after Jake was baptised.

The room we held the dinner.

Jake insisted it be decorated too.

Getting ready for all the people.

On days like this it pays to be organized. It makes life so much less stressful.

The guests at the party.

People clearing out after being well fed.

Thanks to all those who came out and supported Jake and help take down chairs or work in the kitchen. We LOVE you! It was a wonderful day.

Happy 37th Birthday to my favorite Man!

2010-11-02T23:38:00.016-06:00

Isn't this a fantastic picture of my sweetheart Jeff? I think so. It shows his handsome kind face, and twinkle in his eye.

I don't think words can express properly what I feel for this great man who is my husband. But I will try.

To my Jeff:

You are my world
You are my heart and soul
You build me up when I'm feeling down
You hold me tight when I need a good cry
You laugh at all my many weird antics and silly habits
You make me smile just seeing your face
You let me spread my wings and fly
You love me in my successes and celebrate with me
You even love me in many of my failures and tell me never to give up
You are a man of God who honors his priesthood faithfully
You are a fantastic father and Jake adores you
You make me feel beautiful despite all my flaws
You tell me when I'm wrong and don't put up with any nonsense
You are every cheesy love song

Our love is special. It is why cheesy songs are written, why Shakespeare wrote what he did. My greatest desire is to be a good enough person so that I can spend the eternities being with you and loving you.

So happy birthday to my best friend, the man who helped me find who I am today and the person I want to be. The person who taught me about unconditional love. I am lucky. I never knew what love was until I met you. Thank you for being my husband, thank you for being Jake's Dad. Thank you for working so hard for us. We have a great, blessed life. And I can't imagine a life without you in it.

Yes I turn into a Cheese Bum when I get sentimental about my sweetheart. I can't help it. He makes every day a great! Love you babe, you truly are the best!

There he is, cute as ever.

Jake and Jeff reading cards.

Jeff's birthday is traditionally busy. Every 7 years it's the day we vote. So

we did our civic duty before we celebrated.

We had the traditional Ice Cream Cake from Baskin Robbins. Jeff's favorite.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T22:58:00.001-06:00

I don't know what happened to me on Halloween this year. I took no pictures of pumpkins! We were glad Jeff was home this Halloween (last Halloween he was at the Ute Football Game) and Jake was the cutest Clone Trooper Ever! Happy Halloween!

Jake’s first Pack Meeting

2010-10-27T22:45:00.030-06:00

Jacob had his first Cub Scout Pack Meeting tonight. Jeff is in Santa Barbara on a business trip so I flyed as the solo parent to the meeting. He so was so stinkin excited! Jeff was the eleven year old Scout Leader for about a year and Jake loved having the boys in our home.

He had gone to his first scout den meeting the day before and he hardly could wait for the pack meeting the next day. I love this boy. He has so much enthusiasm for life it is contagious. He felt so important too. Here are some picts.

Reading what Cheer the Pack would do.

The Pack giving him a round of applause.

Listening how to play one of the games.

Playing one of the games, having a ball!

There, now Jeff will feel like he was there. I don't really like when he has to travel but I am such and independent person, I can do it. I just miss my best friend and having him sleep next me at night. Jake sleeps there instead but I put a barrier of pillows between us because he likes to kick me in the face, it's not the same. Love you Jeffry, you are the best!

The Taylor Shower for Kath

2010-10-23T21:36:00.019-06:00

My younger sister Kathy has had a very similar struggle trying to get pregnant as I have. After being married six and a half years, she got pregnant. Her baby girl is due the second week in December. I am thrilled for her! She will be a super great awesome Mom.

Here are some pictures of the Taylor family shower. Her husband Derrick's family gave her a great shower and she got some super cute things.

Kathy and our niece Lily. Lily was so excited about all the presents.

Lots of presents!

Cute!

Our Mom makes a Raggidy Ann doll for all the girls born in the family.

This one even came with extra outfits.

Lily the little helper.

Dosen't Kath look so cute?

Super Cute Cake.

Lots of quilts and blankets.

Adorable diaper holder.

We love you Kath! We can't wait to meet Halle Ann!

It’s great to be Eight

2010-10-20T23:00:00.006-06:00

Although this is a very hard blog post for me to write, I am so proud of my it is also a privilege. My baby boy Jacob is now eight years old. Words cannot express the joys that he is brought to me and Jeff these past eight years. The sad part is how fast the years flown by.

Thank heavens he still hops in bed with me every morning and wants to snuggle before going to school. And thank heavens he is still blowing me kisses as he heads off to school. But he is no longer a little boy. He is a boy.

Jake has had to deal with plenty of adversity in his young life. Before the age of three he was in Speech, Physical, and Occupational therapy. Because of my rough pregnancy they had to knock him out at three years old to fix his teeth. At five years old he had surgery on his feet and his eyes. Six months after the surgery his cognitive development took a giant leap forward. A little boy who was barely at the lowest part of the average is now at the top of his class.

Jacob is a very sensitive soul. He can get rowdy, but he is not naturally a rough person. He has an innate ability to chase the blues away and make people around him feel like a million bucks. He seems to sense when someone needs extra eencouragement.

This past fall Jake has struggled with a bully in school. For those of you who know me well you know I will fight to the ends of the earth for my kids, including the ones who are not with us yet. Thankfully the situation appears to be mostly resolved and Jacob's resilience is something to be admired.

Jake is a wonderful little companion. I can throw them in the car and run errands and go about my business and most of the time he cheerfully accompanies me without complaint. He is a great kid who rolls with it. We are fortunate.

Jacob understands the importance of what turning eight means to our faith. And he has taken very seriously the choice to be baptized. And it is his choice. I wanted to make sure he knew that he had a choice; it was not just expected of him.

For the past year, we have been reading with him all of the books of Scripture we believe in. We have read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. In fact, we have read through them twice. This was his request when he turned seven, because he wanted to know that these books were true in order to feel comfortable making the decision to being baptized. He loves these books. He loves hearing about the stories of the prophets and the people. His intellect and understanding of these things far surpasses where I was at his age. But the world that he is growing up in is far different from the world I grew up in. I hope that Jeff and I give him all the tools to succeed in life and help him grow spiritually as a person.

Jacob's request for his birthday was to frost sugar cookies. He's not a dessert person other than cookies. So we put a candle on top of a cookie and sang happy birthday to him. We love you so so much Jacob. Happy Birthday!

Grandma & Grandpa Clark came to Celebrate

Jake received Scriptures from his Grandpa and Grandma Isom

who are serving an LDS mission in Vancouver, BC. Thank you!

Lego Star Wars for the Wii from Grandma & Grandpa Clark

Cub Scout Uniform for Jake. He is so excited to be a Scout!

He is taking this very seriously.

Working in the Sugar Cookies. Serious Business.