Jake turns 17!

This post is a month after his birthday, but better late than never...
Is this a good looking kid or what? For his 17th b-day party, Jake asked for his favorite mint oreo ice cream cake. It happens to be my favorite as well. That's one of many things I love about Jake.
Here are a few more:
* Jake is an excellent student. He takes his school seriously and in his junior year has a load of AP and Honors classes. He is driven and determined.
* Jake has lots of musical talent. He is an awesome drummer, plays the iPod incredibly well, and has a great ear for the piano.
* Jake has a strong testimony. In an earlier post I mentioned the testimony he shared and what a great experience that was. His prayers are thoughtful and personal.
* Jake has a great sense of humor. I've posted his harmonica solo below and in an earlier post, his dancing skills. He's fun to be around.
* Jake is appreciative. He's written me some thoughtful cards and remembers to tell me thanks for supporting him or feeding him.
* Jake is a good brother. Jyson adores him.

For his b-day, John wanted to give him a harmonica. Very entertaining.



When I first met Jake in 2003, he was in 5th grade and I was his new elementary school principal. The next year I was his principal and step-mom. That's a lot for a kid to have to deal with. Add to that, I had to kick him off Student Council that year. Jake just kept going, taking it all in stride, always kind and considerate with me. Here's a little walk down memory lane with Jake:

Wedding Day, 2004
Jake's 12th b-day
Jake's Priesthood ordination
Trek, summer 2006
ULCER, 2006 - Jake & I rode 78 miles together.
A Sunday afternoon game of Scrabble.
Jake, last Saturday, playing the congas at the Peaks Jazz Festival.
Happy 17th Jake. Love you.

Viva Mexico!

WARNING: LOTS OF PHOTOS...

January 8 - finally the day had arrived. We had planned a week trip to Playa del Carmen, MEXICO trip with John's brother, sister, and their spouses. We went to the airport very early on Friday and found out I couldn't board the plane. My passport is in my maiden name and I forgot to bring my marriage license. I cried. The other 4 boarded the plane and we drove home. We went to lunch and a movie to try and make ourselves feel better. To make matters worse, my suitcase went to Mexico and Julie's didn't. It was a very rough start to our vacation. Luckily we boarded the plane the next morning. We were very happy to be on the plane!



We landed in rain which was a definite bummer. Luckily we did see the sun the next morning.




We took some dance lessons on the beach and ate a LOT of food.

Day 3 - I woke up sick, but everyone else had a great day at Aktun Chen - zip line rides, snorkeling in the natural fresh-water cave, and cool animals everywhere.



Meanwhile, back at the ranch...I spent the day in the hammock.

Day 4 - Tulum. These cool Mayan ruins are located right on the beach. Gorgeous!


John's favorite fruit drink each night - the Copacabana.

Day 5 - Sunshine and relaxation.


Day 6 - Snorkeling in the ocean. We saw cool fish and beautiful corral. It was a little chilly though.



After lunch we went para-sailing. Very cool experience!


Our final meal at the buffet. Yummy!

Returning home was much less eventful. It was a great trip. Viva Mexico!

We picked up Jyson the next day - he loved the real Mexican soccer jersey we brought him.

We're online!!

Taking a pause in my catch-up posts (scroll down to see the 2 latest) to post one current BIG piece of news:

After a very long and slow process, our profile is finally online with LDS Family Services!! Take a peek here. Birth parents who are logged into the site have access to our full profile.

Let me know if you have any feedback. Spread the word to anyone you know.

Jake's tribute to Lord Flatley and Farewell to the gingerbread house

I don't think I've mentioned that John bought a trumpet several months ago and has been taking lessons. He played it when he was in junior high. Here are 2 opportunities to showcase his music.

He was playing along with a Christmas CD and suddenly Jake broke out into a Riverdance. We laughed and laughed and laughed.
It still makes me laugh!


We finally decided it was time to say good-bye to Jyson's gingerbread house. We wanted to give it a proper farewell, so John played Taps. Nice job Johnny! Jyson did a great job of keeping a straight face.
Funny boys.