Bacons-Bits

Mother's Day

2010-06-17T10:39:00.004-06:00

Lovey was in heaven eating a cleaned off chicken leg!

Good thing Grandpa has big arms to snuggle in!

Erin & Russell

Grandma Lake, Dad & Lovey*

I got to spend Mother's Day with my mom in Palm Springs this year. The whole Lake Family went to O'Donnell Golf Club for Lunch (thanks dad). I hadn't been with my mom for Mother's Day in a few years. Of course, I also got to be a celebrated mom with my kids. They gave me the greatest cards and Jon wrote me a traditional poem. Thank you family for a wonderful Mother's Day.

* Don't you worry - she is drinking breastmilk!

Seth's black eye

2010-06-17T10:20:00.004-06:00

Poor Sethy! He seems to be a bit accident prone! He was running in the entry way and fell and bumped the corner of his eye, a big goose egg formed and the next day he woke up with no goose egg and a big black eye. Between the blue eye, the hot flushed cheeks and the dry red lips he looked like he was wearing make-up!

Sunday Family Picture

2010-06-17T10:15:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday we were all sitting together in the family room Marcus says "I know a good Sunday activity. Take a Family Picture, that's good to do on Sunday." So we all gathered in front of the couch and pushed the timer on the camera. The picture didn't turn out too bad!

Saftey Town Graduation

2010-06-15T23:19:00.004-06:00

Marcus, Grant & Easton participated in Safety Town together. Everyday for two weeks they would have lesson about fire safety, stranger danger, when to call 911 , how to cross a street and many other lessons on how to be safe in the neighborhood!

Lovey's First Bike Ride

2010-06-13T22:59:00.000-06:00

Jon and Lovey did some bike riding together. This is Lovey's first time on the ibert. She didn't hate it but I wouldn't say she was ecstatic over the whole thing!

Then she fell asleep in daddy's arms watching the Laker-Celtic basketball game.

Sand Hallow Lake

2010-06-12T23:04:00.000-06:00

Rob (jon's co-worker) and his wife Holly invited us out to Sand Hallow Lake to play on their boat. We had a great time! The weather wasn't exactly cooperating with us - a huge storm rolled in a few hours after we got there. But the lake was so nice, the boys had a wonderful time playing in the water. They went out on the innertube pulled SLOWLY by the boat. Jon & Rob went out early and did some water skiing and wake boarding. And yes, yours truly also went water skiing! Rob asked me if I wanted to ski, I said I was okay then Jon says "You know how to ski?" And that was that. I was out on the boat, jumping into freezing water and yes, I got up my very first try! It was awesome! I want to buy a boat and go every weekend!
(Sorry I only took 2 pictures!)

Happy 32nd Birthday to Jon!

2010-04-13T22:50:00.004-06:00

Marcus & Cayson

2010-04-13T22:46:00.002-06:00

I was so glad to meet Cayson's mom Emily at a Relief Society activity. She gave me the information to get Marcus into her son's preschool and the two have been great friends since. This is a picture of their Easter Eggs the decorated at preschool.

Happy 3rd Birthday Seth!

2010-04-13T22:42:00.003-06:00

We took our cousins Jake and Cade to Pirate Island for Pizza & Arcade Games!

Happy Birthday Sethy! We are so grateful that Heavenly Father sent you to our family!

Grandma & Granpa Bacon's Trip to St. George

2010-03-10T13:24:00.004-07:00

We had a fun and eventful visit with Ruth & Ted the beginning of March.

#1: We Celebrated Ted's 70th Birthday! We Had a pizza lunch, played pin the tail on the donkey and sang Happy Birthday with candles in a Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Cake (A Bacon tradition)!

That evening Jon and I Took Ruth & Ted to a very nice dinner at Catherine's in the Casablanca hotel in Mesquite, NV. It was a very lovely evening!

#2: Jon & the boys took Ruth and Ted to Zions National Park for the day.

#3: No Picture but John & Ellie Miller, Jon's Uncle and Aunt, came down for the weekend. We had a wonderful time with them.
#4: We got to see a different view of Mesquite, NV. That is were Ruth & Ted Stayed. Usually we just see it driving by on the I-15 (of course that's what I said about St. George too!)
#5: We went swimming at the Holiday Inn
#6: We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful St. George weather
#7 We found were to buy gluten free food in St. George
#8 We visited the Dinosaur Tracks at the Johnson Farm, which Marcus still talks about almost daily.

Thanks for the Visit Ruth & Ted!

Lovey and her bear...

2010-03-01T13:21:00.003-07:00

As a point of reference, check out the first photos of Lovey and her bear:
http://bacons-bits.blogspot.com/2009/08/baby-girl-bacon.html

Getting Stronger!

2010-02-28T21:18:00.001-07:00

January 20, 2010
Lovey is rolling over and holding up her head.

Cute little clothes...

2010-02-28T21:12:00.002-07:00

Aunt Natalie made Lovey this little skirt and matching shoes.
Thanks Aunt Natalie!
Lovey is 5 months old at the time.

And of course Seth needed in on the picture...

Oh Canada!

2010-02-27T09:54:00.004-07:00

We are cheering for Canada during these Olympics for the following reasons:
1. Our Dad is Canadian and it makes him happy
(no one likes to be around Jon when he's grumpy)
2. Aunt Wendy sent us Canadian Olympic shirts
(Thanks for the Christmas presents Aunt Wendy)
3. It would be really cool if the Canadian Hockey team won gold on their home soil.
(No other hockey team has won gold on home soil,

except the US of course has done it a couple of times)

4. We could not help but cheer for Canada in the Curling Gold Medal Match - it was very intense (seriously!!) Unfortunatly Canada lost:(

Go Team Canada!

A Perfect Day...

2010-02-26T22:44:00.006-07:00

It started out with Russell & Erin's Temple Sealing at the Newport Beach Temple:

It was a beautiful ceremony. Erin looked stunning in her mother's wedding dress. I love my brother and his wife so much, I am so glad I could be a part of their special day.

Then all to Aunt Laura's House for Lucy Eliana's Baby Blessing:

Lovey is wearing a blessing dress that my mom and I made out of my Grandma Payne's Temple Skirt.

We are a Happy Family! (Sing it to the tune)

Dad, Marcus, Great-Grandpa Lake, Grandpa Lake, Uncle Russell

Marcus loves his little sister.

So, you can see it was a perfect day...

Lovey's Hand and Foot

2010-02-26T22:06:00.002-07:00

These are prints of Lovey's hand and foot when she was about 5 days old.

Marcus' 5th Birthday

2010-02-24T23:49:00.006-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCUS!

We had a Birthday Party at the Thanksgiving Point Farm.
(It was great at that time, Lovey was still in the hospital, they did everything for us we just had to show up)

Ashton DeRose & Marcus

Abby Mabey, Mason Tanaka, Ashton DeRose, Marcus & Caleb Smith

Addison & Tim Shirley

Yee-Haw!

Feeding the goats - one of our favorite things to do at the farm.

The Round-up Gang!

Searching for treasure (candy).

Elly Mabey

Earlier that day Marcus got to come down to the hospital with dad and we took him for a birthday lunch at Brick Oven. He got his favorite - pineapple pizza!

Marcus' Preschool Class Fall 2009

2009-12-01T21:54:00.002-07:00

Marcus loves his preschool class and his teacher, Miss Dawn. We have been so happy with his progress. He is constantly sounding out the first letter of every word to figure out what letter it starts with. He has learned son very cute songs and done some great art projects. As usual he has made fast friends with the kids in his class and always wants them to come over to play. He has turned into such a grown-up boy. He will miss Miss Dawn and the kids in his class (especially you Elly!).

Halloween Costumes

2009-11-11T10:16:00.008-07:00

BLUE POWER RANGER

CAPTAIN AMERICA

We had a great Halloween! Chris and Tenielle Bender came over and we had chicken noodle soup from costco with cheesy bread sticks then, sent the boys out to trick-or-treat. They came back with bags full of candy. (Which I have been hiding ever since...)

Thanks Tim & Kim Photography!

Lucy Eliana Bacon

2009-10-18T16:04:00.008-06:00

Yes, you read it correctly. her name has been changed.

She is named after her Grandma Lake who is a remarkable women of strength, faith and love.

Lucy Eliana Bacon

7 weeks old

Thank you Tim and Kim for the fabulous pictures.

Lovey Came Home!

2009-09-22T12:47:00.000-06:00

Marcus and Seth love having their sister home. They are such good big brothers. They each take turns holding her and giving her TONS of kisses on the head.
Marcus likes to feed her one of the two supplemental bottles she gets a day (3 oz of breastmilk & 1/2 tsp. neosure) and he always makes sure she gets a burp. She is a really good eater.
She is sleeping well, every few nights she has a bad night and we go downstairs to watch an episode of Law & Order. It's actually really nice that Jon is home and lets me sleep in on those days!
We love having a little girl, she is such a miracle!

Our Lovey...

2009-09-03T16:49:00.002-06:00

Marcus & Seth bought this bear for their sister. Linda, the nurse, took a sweet picture of her holding it while she slept.

The IV came out awhile ago and Eliana was able to start having tub baths. This was her first tub bath.

Grandma Lake & Eliana

2009-09-01T23:13:00.001-06:00

Grandpa Bacon & Eliana

2009-09-01T23:12:00.002-06:00

Many years ago (or so it seems)

2009-09-01T22:36:00.004-06:00

A year after Jon and I were married we went to DC for Jon to do an internship at the French Embassy. We lived in the basement of the Rosenthal's House and I played nanny to their two daughters, Alexandra and Eliana. It was at this time Jon fell in love with Eliana and with her name. Hence, we now have a daughter Eliana!

Here are some flash back pictures...

Jon working at the French Embassy

The White House

We played Mary & Joseph for the live Nativity Scene at the Washington DC Temple

My first time being a spider for Halloween. (I've been that every year since!) I actually bought the hat in Alexandria.

Alexandra Rosenthal

Gettysburg

Eliana Rosenthal

Annapolis, Maryland

She smiles...

2009-08-24T14:25:00.002-06:00

Lovey was born at 31 weeks (9 weeks early)

on August 12th at 4:40 am.

She was 3lbs 7 oz and 15 1/2 inches long.

Bacon Family Reunion

2009-08-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

Jon's whole family came out to Utah for a family Reunion. Even his Aunt Wendy and Uncle Ray came over form England. It was a crazy time with Lovey in the hospital but we loved seeing everyone and being together, it doesn't happen very often.

Bacon Family Reunion

2009-08-20T23:38:00.001-06:00

We were very fortunate to have Jon's family come out to Utah for a family reunion. They were a great support at a difficult and hectic time for us. Tim and Kim took some family pictures for us and as usual they turned out great! We loved seeing you all! We even got Uncle Andrew for a week longer! He stayed to help out with the boys while Jon was working and I was making daily trips to see Lovey in the hospital.

Our Daughter Has a Name!

2009-08-17T22:42:00.003-06:00

Introducing: Eliana Renée Bacon!!

A little background on her name. When Michelle and I lived in Washington D.C. in the latter half of 2003, Michelle was a nanny for the children of the family we lived with. One of their daughters name is Eliana. When I first heard the name I absolutely fell in love with it. Not to mention the Eliana we knew being one of the cutest children I'd ever met (she had me wrapped around her finger! I should add, both of their children were absolutely beautiful!).

Fast forward to our current neighborhood. Our neighbors and friends the Mabey's have the only other Eliana we've ever met (among their four beautiful daughters!). This actually made the decision for our daughter's name a little tough (every girl knows they want an "original" name--even though there isn't such a thing--for their baby) since we didn't want it to be weird having a daughter with the same name as our friends daughter. However, their Eliana is also SUPER cute and sweet as can be (as are all of their daughters!), so again, the name association was positive. It still wasn't an easy decision.

The clincher came through the meaning of her name. Eliana (pronounced, elle-ee-AN-ah) means "God has answered." Truly, we know He has. Renee is Michelle's middle name as well.

So now you know... "The rest of the story!" Feel free to help us spread the news!

Baby Girl Bacon

2009-08-14T13:22:00.005-06:00

Hey all, a more detailed post about the baby is coming soon, but we wanted to get some pictures up for family and friends not on Facebook (pictures are there too under Michelle and my profiles).

We're still working on a name (What? Us having problems picking a name... never!!!), and we'll have one by 5:00 p.m. (MST) on Monday, Aug. 17th since that's the deadline. Anyway, here are a few pictures of the little bug (what we have so far)!

Baby Girl Bacon (this is the night after she was born at the NICU. Thought it was a better picture to introduce her than some of them below)

Here's the little bug straight out of the womb. She went on a ventilator for transport to the other hospital (about 20 miles from here), then went to a CPAP (if you're understanding these terms you're better off than I was!), and by mid-day she was breathing on her own. What a trooper!

Here's the contraption she was hooked to for transport to the NICU at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center (in Provo). It looks more like Ecto 1 than a stretcher!

This is how she was when I gave her a blessing before heading on the road. It was a sweet moment that brought a lot of comfort to Michelle and I and had some kind words for the baby!

Here's "Super Mom!" She lost about 60% of her blood volume but was smiling and doing well. She was actually comforting me the whole time... what can I say, I'm a softy when it comes to my wife and kids. She's doing much better now and is super strong and recovering quickly. As far as I'm concerned, I'm the luckiest man alive!

Posing for the camera! Hairy like her brothers!

Her head is a little smaller than a dum dum lollipop!

I tried to add some perspective with the lollipops. Didn't quite work!

My first time holding my daughter. Few things more special than this moment! Her head is so small it fits easily in just the palm of my hand covering only a portion of it. Tiny little one! She was born at 3 lbs. 8 oz., and was 15 inches long. By yesterday, she was down to 3 lbs. 4 oz. Hopefully she'll start going up soon... mom's been pumping like crazy. I'm the milk delivery guy!

A little better perspective. A "Giant" Symphony bar looks huge next to her! I figured I'd get something to measure her by that I could enjoy eating after :-)

Another look at my little symphony!

Her first teddy bear came for a visit too. She was just looking on to make sure she was ok!

Even the teddy bear couldn't resist a little snuggle with her. About the only time the bear (hope) will be the same size!

They put a bow in her hair yesterday. Still hairy, but looking more like a girl (than her brothers) with the bow!

The final perspective for now. She's a wee one, but is holding up like a trooper.

We're pretty wildly blessed right now and I'd be ungrateful if I didn't say a HUGE thank you to our friends and family, specifically, the Mabey's, Bender's, Shirley's, Lucy (Michelle's mom), Tanaka's, Arzani's and everyone else who has volunteered their time, energy, prayers and well wishes. The outpouring of love and support has been immense and we both have full hearts because of it. Stories from family and friends of their experience with a premature baby have also helped a ton. It's given us perspective and prepared us that much more for what's going on now and what's to come. Thank you everyone. We are more grateful than words can express.

Rv-ing!!!

2009-07-15T08:43:00.005-06:00

We went with Aaron, Colleen & Ashton RV-ing to the Manti Miracle Pagant. We had a blast. The boys thought driving in the RV not being buckled up was the greatest (and I'll admit it would be nice not to be in seatbelts for long drives). I've always wanted to own a RV (ever since middle school - don't ask!) so it was a dream come true for me too!

The Manti Temple is HUGE and very beautiful up on the hill. We also enjoyed the pageant - I call it the Mormon Revival Pageant. Marcus really enjoyed watching and learning about church history.

Ashton, Marcus & Seth

Unfortunately, the weather was not good for us the next day so after breakfast in the RV we headed home! Thanks for a fun weekend DeWeed's!

Seth - you crack me up!

2009-07-15T08:28:00.004-06:00

Seth obviously spends too much time watching mom get ready in the morning!

Sun, Pool, Hammock, Palm Trees...

2009-07-15T08:26:00.000-06:00

There might be nothing better...

Redlands Temple

2009-07-15T08:24:00.001-06:00

Most of the family at the Redlands Temple for Melissa Lake's Wedding

Itty Bitty Baseball

2009-07-15T08:15:00.002-06:00

Marcus took an itty bitty baseball class for a couple of weeks at the Lehi Legacy Center. He was an awesome player and teammate and had a ton of fun. Thanks to his Grandma Lake he already knew how to run around the bases (something a few of the kids couldn't quite grasp) and he hit a wicked ball form the tee. He was always cheering on his team in the outfield to get the ball. I wish I had a picture of him in the outfield, he would stand by his coach and lean over with his hands on his knees watching for the ball. Can't wait for Itty Bitty Soccer at the end of the month.

My New Ride

2009-07-15T08:03:00.004-06:00

Seth is never happier then when riding in his iBert! I find him in the garage trying to climb up Jon's bike to get in. He tries to get me to take him for a ride so I strap him in and walk the bike around the neighborhood! It's a great contraption because he can see where he is going and he feels like he is steering the bike because he holds onto the handle bars.
www.ibertinc.com

Go Jazzzzz!

2009-07-15T07:54:00.003-06:00

We went to a Jazz party at our friends The Makin's! Good thing Uncle Andrew had bought us these Jerseys!

Aren't I cool!?!

2009-07-15T07:51:00.000-06:00

Easter 2009

2009-07-15T07:49:00.002-06:00

2009-06-10T16:36:00.001-06:00

Happy Anniversay!!

For our 7 year anniversary (June 8th) we had Tim & Kim Shirley take pictures of just US. I know, a little weird! The last time we had just pictures of us was 7 years ago at our wedding but, we had a lot of fun. Thanks Tim & Kim!

Fun with Smoke Alarms

2009-05-27T21:57:00.011-06:00

So in our three years of living in our neighborhood we've never really done anything to embarrass ourselves. Sure we've lost the kids only to find them either hiding or asleep in the house, but nothing to outwardly embarrass us. Well, with Michelle and the boys out of town, it's safe to say I finally did it! Here's what happened.

When I got home from my long weekend in Palm Springs (we were down there for her cousin's wedding--shout out to Melissa and Daniel Lake!) it was late Monday night. I was tired, but all of the fire alarms in the house were beeping. Note: They were not going off, just beeping, like the battery was dead. So off I went to check on all of the smoke detectors and replace all of the batteries. Batteries are easy to find since we keep all of our good ones in a box in the garage. Actually, scratch that. "I" keep all of the fresh batteries in a box in the garage.

I replaced all the batteries in all four smoke detectors, but to no avail as the beeping kept going. By this point it was after 1 a.m., and coupled with my ear ache, an early morning in Palm Springs (for golf! ;-) and knowing I had work to do the next day, I went to bed.

The next day when I got home from work the alarms were still beeping (the beeping went on every minute or so and cycled through each alarm). By this point though I'd gotten used to it and it didn't really bug me. When I spoke with Michelle that night I told her about the beeping continuing even after pushing all the buttons and replacing all of the batteries and that it was kind of annoying. Michelle had the nerve to ask me if all of the batteries were new or old. I replied, "Well I got them from the box in the garage so the must be new." She then went on to tell me how this had happened before and she called the station, which then sent someone (1 person--singular) out to check on it and reset the alarms.

Well, seeing as it was late Tuesday by this point I just figured I'd call tomorrow. So now it's tomorrow, and I'm home after work, running errands and finally sitting down to watch the Manchester United vs. Barcelona game--when I hear the beeping (seriously, I'd gotten so used to it I only heard it every now and then). Being the proud man that I am, I figured there was no need to double check the batteries... it seemed like too much trouble. Afterall, I had just replaced them with the NEW batteries in my BOX in the garage!

I went online and found the AFTER HOURS NON-EMERGENCY number for the Lehi Fire Department. I called the dispatch and explained the situation. A red flag went up when the lady on the other end told me to evacuate everyone out of the house. I explained to her that my family was out of town and that I'd been sleeping in the house for two days now (meaning--if there was a leak, I'd already be dead!), and that it wasn't an emergency. She said she'd send someone over to check on it. I thought nothing of it and went back to my game (Barcelona was now up 1-0).

Here's where I managed to embarrass myself. A few minutes later I heard what sounded like a truck pull up out front my house. The first thought in my head: "Oh no they didn't!!" When I walked up to look out the front window and to my surprise a big red fire truck was parked out front the house with 5-6 firefighters getting suited up with gas tanks and all. I walked out and tried to explain the same thing I explained on the phone: "it's just the smoke alarms beeping like the batteries dead. It's not an emergency."

He replied, "Please step out of the house sir and get anyone else out if they are home." I laughed and said to myself "please don't be the stupid batteries!" Did I mention there was also an ambulance and a police car?! Oh, and every neighbor on the street was out on their driveway looking down at the spectacle and wondering what was going on. I explained the situation to one and he said he'd tell everyone not to worry.

A couple minutes later a cop comes up to me to take down my information. I explained what I did and that all of this (a full fire truck, ambulance and police car) were not necessary. He said, "well that's what happens when you call 911." But alas, I didn't call 911. I explained that I called the after-hours NON-EMERGENCY number for the department. He said this was just protocol. All I could think was that this was not what Michelle said happened last time. One person came. Small pick-up truck (owned by the FD).

When I was allowed back in my house (about 5 minutes), I asked what had happened and if they were able to reset the alarms. Can you guess what it was? Yup, the "new" batteries I replaced in the fire detectors were not so new afterall (expiration said 2006--who knew to read those things!?). Well, at least I gave the guys at the station something to do. Only, I'm sure they weren't that impressed that the damsel in distress was a 31 year-old man. :-)

Oh, did I mention they replaced all the batteries (with fresh-out-of-the-package batteries) and the alarms finally stopped beeping.

Say hello to...

2009-05-18T11:25:00.007-06:00

BABY GIRL BACON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What can I say!?! When the technician first told us it was a girl I didn't believe her. We had her check 2 more times just to make sure - by the third time she said she was pretty sure it was a girl!! I was astonished. I had told myself that it was going to be a boy and that was that. I was totally taken by surprise. We are so excited.

Our Turn

2009-05-17T20:13:00.003-06:00

Simple post. Jon's guess (which he argues is the correct guess), is a boy. Michelle's guess (which Jon argues is the wrong guess), is a girl. We'll see who's right in about 18 hours! :-)

The Big Question: Girl or Boy?

2009-05-05T21:42:00.007-06:00

(It's Jon stepping in for a turn!) We found out today that May 18th at 10 a.m. we'll find out what we're having. The question for all you readers (if there are still readers out there since it's been so long since we posted anything!!), what will it be? I've got my ideas, but I'll save them till we find out. Let's just say that Michelle thinks it's the opposite.

(No, this is not Michelle posing... she's still not showing!)

So family & friends... what say you? Boy? Girl? Both? Or is she the next octo-mom? ;-)

Mancation 2009

2009-04-05T16:32:00.000-06:00

I added the pictures, Jon wil have to add the commentary

Jon's 31st Birthday

2009-03-31T16:35:00.002-06:00

Jon on the phone getting birthday wishes form all of you.

Jon had a dinosaur themed birthday party - Marcus wanted to do another pinata and the dinosaur was the most grown-up pinata the store had!

This being their 2nd pinata Addison and Ally were not so scared to try knocking out the candy!

Earlier that week Marucs, Jon & Seth had destroyed the transformer/lion pinata. I really think Jon was just letting out some aggression... It wasn't the best actual birthday day. But we made up for it...

...for the 1st time in 7 years I got the right kind of ice cream cake!!! Don't ask me what it is, I have forgotten already... Good thing I have great friends who keep up on that for me! (Thanks to Chad & Amy and Tim & Kim for all the text's and messages about the kind of ice cream Jon likes!) wait... world class chocolate!?! Is that right?
Happy Birthday Jon!

Seth's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-03-18T15:56:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Seth!
No cake - we had mini cupcakes, they were the perfect size.

I transformed the transformer pinata into a Lion pinata form Madagascar. The kids had a great time hitting it and grabbing all the candy.

This video might need to go to funniest home videos!

Thank you to all our friends for the fun presents.

Trip To Palm Springs

2009-03-01T15:34:00.006-07:00

We drove down to Palm Springs to return my mom's minivan that she let us borrow for a few months. The boys did really well on the drive - no one threw-up - and we got to stop in Las Vegas at Aunt Jody's house to see here family and dogs. Marcus had to take pictures of Chole their dog.

As soon as we got to Palm Springs Grandma and Grandpa took us to our favorite restaurant for Jon's Birthday celebration, Kobe's. Marcus and Seth got to come along too. Marcus had been before when he was about 2 months old and they was Seth's first time. They were thoroughly entertained by the man in the funny hat making fire in front of us. Of course when that stopped Seth was ready to go! And FYI - this is the only restaurant where I can eat a California roll.

After dinner we went home and sang Happy Birthday to Jon and Seth . Erin had a friend at work who is a pastry chef make this chocolate chocolate cake for Jon. It was very yummy. It was flavored with fresh blueberries in the frosting which was nice and light compared to the chocolate. Needless to say most of the cake was gone by the time we left...

The most important reason we went down to California: My cousin Jessica's Wedding.

Her dad brought her to the aisle on a golf cart.

She looked beautiful, it was a beautiful wedding and reception.
Congratulations Jessica and Landon!

And we cannot forget the train track that Grandpa Lake built for Marcus and Seth. They had been in storage for years and it was a bit of a trick trying to get it together but Grandpa did and the boys and a great time playing with it.

Oh, What do you do when it's cold and snowing outside?

2009-02-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Marcus:I know, let's tip over the couch and jump off of it onto the cushions!
Mom: Ok, whatever keeps you entertained.

Or, We go to Florida!!! (Where it was also freezing)

2009-02-18T12:54:00.004-07:00

Day Trip to the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine.

We were having a great time and then in good ol' Florida fashion boom, it started raining on us! We had to buy rain gear to keep us partially dry. The kids all had to change clothes once we got back to the car.

Fortunately, they had a couple of animal shows underneath some shelter! Marcus loved seeing all the exotic animals. He got to touch the thing below(can't remember the name of it) and a snake.

On the way home we stopped at a farmers market that the the biggest vegetables and fruits I had ever seen. I was really excited about the brussel sprouts still on the stalk!

PHOTO SHOOT

We took the boys to the mall to have their pictures taken together. They did really good for 5 minutes then we were hard pressed to get them to hold still. The pictures turned out really good - I think they are some of the cutest boys ever!

SETH 23 months, MARCUS 4 1/2 years, MAX 19 months

We treated them to ice cream and chicken nuggets (in that order) when we were done. We decided to wait at the mall for the pictures, which was a bad idea. They boys were ready to go home and Natalie and I ended up spending more money on new hair straighteners. However, I used the "Is that the best you can do"talk technique and was very proud of the fact that we got 2 for the price of one...

MAX

MARCUS

SETH

MIDNIGHT SNACK

There's nothing like a midnight snack, chocolate milk and a movie to keep the troops under control!

Nap Time Is Over...

2009-02-09T15:08:00.002-07:00

And I've almost gotten to Christmas..........Seth is awake so computer time is done!

Michelle at Age 4 & 1 1/2

2008-11-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

Random pictures but I had to scan these in for Wendy so I thought I would post them..

Oh ya...

2008-11-28T14:59:00.001-07:00

Jon's supervisors at his gig with the Utah Jazz also got us tickets to a Jazz game the day after Thanksgiving (Thanks Jazz PR team!)...
Marcus had a great time, although he was disappointed that Boozer was out - that's his favorite player (he has Boozer Jersey his Uncle Andrew bought him when he came for a visit).

Thanksgiving 2009

2008-11-27T14:45:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving was at our house this year. Mom & Dad and Erin & Russell came to our house in Utah. It was a warm one, the boys were outside playing and Jon was fixing the outside Christmas Lights (he already put them up, but he was getting them all to turn on together).

We also put up our very first Christmas Tree. Jon finally had enough of not having our own tree and went out and bought one. It was very nice. The boys had finished decorating it (Seth had fun pulling off the decorations) and it was beautiful to have for the season.

We also visited the Planetarium (and did a little shopping) downtown. It was a fun week with the family. I love the Holidays and the warm memories they make for my family and me.

Marucs Preschool Thanksgiving Party

2008-11-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

Erin came and helped Marcus make his turkey napkin rings. Then She and Russell stayed for the program. Marcus was the Little Indian Boy. He memorized his whole part and was very brave saying it infront of all the mom's and dad's.

WHAT!?!

2008-11-23T23:14:00.001-07:00

We had the Mabey family over the Sunday after the BYU-UofU game and they had the gall to come over dressed all in red! Of course Marcus wanted in on the picture -- because he was wearing red! Well Mabey family, we won't hold it against you that you are Ute fans. We still like you!But... wouldn't you look so much better in Blue?

and yes I know that Utah beat BYU and that Utah did very well this season. But we still have to joke. :)

Michelle & Jon's trip to Florida

2008-11-18T13:28:00.002-07:00

We started our trip in a very dirty and disgusting hotel. After about an hour complaining about the room and not finding it worth sitting through a two hour presentation about purchasing a timeshare, we checked out and headed to Gainesville. We couldn't go to Florida and not visit Natalie, Philip & Max (Natalie is my sister). And feeling like young teenagers without a care in the world (we didn't have the kids with us) we drove until 2 in the morning, checked into a nice hotel and slept the morning away.

The Scherer House

Just like Utah, there is a church on every corner... but unlike in Utah, not all are LDS!

It's so humid moss grows all over the tress

Max & Uncle Jon

We stopped at the Kennedy Space Center on our way back to Miami.

The building where the keep the shuttle - it's HUGE!

A quote I found on a website "Although Canada has been involved with the space race since the beginning, nothing has made our national pride glow like watching the space shuttles and seeing the big letters CANADA written across the Canadarm." Jon had to have his picture taken with the Canadarm and while I was taking the picture I thought...

...oh ya, United States is on the outside of the whole space shuttle.

We had a wonderful time visiting with the Scherer's. Natalie gave us a tour around Gainesville. We saw UF and the many hospitals surrounding it, the fraturnit and sorority houses. We ate dinner on a plantation that had been converted in to a housing development and shopping. It's a fun little college town with more doctors than you would know what to do with (and perhaps a bit too much Gator pride!).

The space center was amazing, I am excited to take Marcus there in February when we go out for a visit.

Miami Beach

2008-11-18T12:37:00.003-07:00

Wednesday we headed back to Miami...and the party began. We hung out at the pool, on the beach and eating dinner (thank you Dale & Henry). Our hotel was awesome, we had a beautiful view of the ocean. I loved going to sleep at night listening to the waves crash on the beach. It took me back to my days in Hawaii (attending BYU Hawaii) when I lived on the point and would listen to the waves every night. However, at a certain point the police and ambulance sirens drowned out the waves...

The Groom - Matt & Jon

The Bride & Groom (Matt & Suzette)

The old married couple on the beach :)

Our hotel from the beach

Bachelor Party

2008-11-17T21:32:00.001-07:00

When Matt asked Jon to be his Best Man, Jon reminded him that he was Mormon and there where going to be tight restrictions on the bachelor party. Matt had a great idea to charter a fishing boat and spend the day deep sea fishing off the coast of Miami! It turned out to be a great day. Everyone caught something - and don't worry Jon brought home a souvenir - a stuffed fish! Where the heck am I supposed to put it? I'll have Jon write more about it later... here are are some pictures.

The bachelor party crew after a long day at sea!

Jon thinks this was a King fish (at least that's what he was told). It was his third fish of the day!

Matt and his durado (also called a dolphin fish).

The Boat (The Reward Fleet... which Jon highly recommends for anyone charting a boat for 12 or more in Miami!)

The party bus that took the gang to the boat!

The Wedding

2008-11-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Matt & His Parents

Suzette & Her Mother

Matt & Suzette pouring their sand into one vase - becoming one.

The Best Man (At Least I Think So!)

The Beautiful Bride.

Congratulations Matt & Suzette!

2008 Family Photos

2008-11-16T21:08:00.000-07:00

What...How...Well, don't fall...

2008-11-13T15:38:00.002-07:00

Oh you mischievous little bugger! The stool didn't get him high enough so one day I found him at the sink like this. He climbed onto the toilet, then the garbage can. Sometimes he makes it all the way up onto the counter. He thinks he is such a big boy.

Brothers...

2008-11-13T15:20:00.004-07:00

Seth loves his brother. He has to do everything his big brother does. He plays the Wii and computer games with him, he tries to go to preschool with him and the other night he even tried to sleep in bed with him. Marcus had passed out on my mom's couch but Seth wanted to play so he kept jumping on him. He thought it was the funniest thing in the world!

Chalk One Up for Men Everywhere

2008-11-12T16:00:00.007-07:00

As some of you may have seen (see the previous post below), my beautiful and loving wife decided to enlist the help of her fellow "mommy bloggers" in persuading me that a kitchen play set would be an acceptable Christmas gift for our boys.

Many comments later you have helped me persuade her that boys SHOULD be boys, even if "some accomplished, (questionably) manly men are successful chefs," "gender roles are (supposedly) out," "you'd (supposedly) buy one for your boys (if you had one)," or "I sound like Tom (who went up a few notches in my book based on that comment)."

Looks like our boys will have a chance to be MEN after all! Chalk one up for the guys!

Next mission: Convincing her Fantasy Football is a wonderful hobby!

*Special props to my co-worker Lindsay (a girl) who was the first to post the idea of a workbench play area for the boys, and provided the link to Toys R Us for this wonderful photo.

All I want for Christmas...

2008-11-10T21:37:00.003-07:00

This is what I want to get Marcus & Seth for Christmas from Santa. They loved playing in the kitchen at the Children's museum in Seattle, they enjoy playing with the little kitchen at Amy's house and it would be a great addition to our playroom and I believe that it would encourage their imagination. I especially thought this one would be great because it is not pink or purple and it comes with a BBQ - a very manly kithcen gadget. Jon, DISAGREES! He is trying to tell me that play kitchens are not for boys. SO, I ask all of you - what do you think?

Preschool Halloween Party

2008-10-30T16:21:00.000-06:00

Marcus' preschool had a Halloween Party. All the kids wore their costumes to school and we made spooky snacks for the party. Grandma Lake helped us make bloodshot eyeball cookies.

Hee Haws Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T15:43:00.000-06:00

Going on a hayride.

Marcus & Seth loved this slide. Marcus kept going and going and going. You would slide down on potato sacks over a bumpy pile of hay and there is just a second of fear until you get to the end. (I know all this because Seth and I went down together a few times)

This was a trip to Hee Haws with Marcus' preschool group. We went through a corn maze in the shape of a spider and it's web. We didn't exactly make it through the whole maze, we had to take a shortcut! We got to see a lot of dirty animals whom Seth wanted to touch and then try to lick his fingers. (I was completely disgusted having just gone through the whole Giardia thing) The boys got to pick a littel pumpkin to bring home. On a side note we had gone to the same pumpkin patch last year wearing sweaters and jackets. This year we were sweating in short sleeves and short pants(as Marcus calls them).

All sudds up

2008-10-17T15:31:00.000-06:00

Marcus and Seth love playing with the pretend shaving cream in the bath. It only takes one bath time to empty the bottle. Recently though, we had to take a break of bath time together for awhile. Seth contracted Giardia - ya even the name is YUCK. I'm not going to explain what it does or how it's passed but it is a parasite that lives in the intestines, I'm sure you can guess the rest. Unfortunately before we got it taken care of we had passed it to a couple of friends. Sorry everyone, it's just gross! Thank goodness for modern medicine... and stool tests!

All I have to say is...

2008-10-11T15:18:00.000-06:00

it could be a sign... I'm not sure when I made the comment about having twins but shortly after I cracked open this egg...

My Junkies...

2008-09-25T22:48:00.002-06:00

Milk Junkies that is.
(notice the simultaneous hair twirling)

Transformer Birthday Party!

2008-09-25T22:38:00.003-06:00

What a fun party we had!
Mason Tanaka, Tyler Tanaka, Zack Davis, Ashton DeRose, Jack Perkins, CJ Reid, Caleb Smith
The Autobots where on a mission to save the All Spark form the Decepticons. They had to rescue the minicons from the oven, put bumblebee together so he could help them spary off the cosmic dust, and break apart Optimus Prime to find the All Spark. Then we had cake and ice cream and opened presents. The boys had a great time! Thank you to all our friends for the fun birthday presents.

Where is Marcus!?!

2008-09-25T22:19:00.003-06:00

We have had a few incidents where Marcus has gone missing.
At this point I am almost feeling like the mother of the boy who cried wolf!

The first time was a Saturday afternoon, We were all inside the house doing stuff when all of the sudden I said, "Where is Marcus?" I called for him but no answer. I noticed that the front door was unlocked and thought he must of gone outside. So I looked outside, we knocked on all the neighbors doors, we looked all through the house, twice! We had the neighbors out looking for him and I was just about the call the police when, Jon found him. He had been hiding between the couch and the blanket basket. As soon as Jon saw him and said his name Marcus burst into tears. He knew we had been looking for him.
Then...
One day Marcus wanted to go across the street to see if his friend Jacob could come over to play. I watched him walk across the street then started doing something with Seth. A few minuted later I looked outside to see where they were. No one there... I went and knocked on Jacob's door, no answer. I knocked on all the neighbors door and no answer, I started walking around looking for him, no where to be found. I called my neighbor, Amy, no answer. I kept looking for about 10 minutes then I called Amy again. Marcus had gone over to here house because Jacob wasn't home and May had gotten in the shower so she didn't hear me knock or call...
Then...
It was dinner time, Jon wasn't home yet, I was feeding Seth and Marcus came inside in a tissy. I sent him upstairs to his room and shockingly he went. So I finished feeding Seth, did the dishes when Jon came home. He went upstairs to get changed then came down for dinner. I called Marcus to come downstairs to eat also, no answer, MARCUS, no answer. "I didn't see him up there" says Jon. Where is he, He must of slipped past me and went outside. To which I get in big trouble for not being able to take care of my children. We start looking outside, I search everywhere upstairs. "He's not upstairs" says Jon...
This is where I found him!

Out cold in my bed totally under the sheets!
Oh, Marcus! You make our lives so, so, interesting!

Happy 4th Birthday Marcus!

2008-09-25T21:55:00.004-06:00

In honor of Jon's new citizenship and Marcus' Birthday we had a Red, White & Blue birthday party. We are our friends over for some pizza, cake & ice cream! Thanks friends for coming and celebrating with us!

Happy Birthday Marcus, You are the Best Big Brother Ever!
Can I play with all your toy!?!

Marcus loves pizza. His favorite kind is pineapple.

Marcus was lucky that the Luce's moved back just in time for his birthday so Jaden and Laura came to his party.

For our Dad!

Abby & Elly Maney helped me make this sign for Marcus and Jon. If you zoom in you can see they put there personal touch on it! Thanks girls for helping me get ready for the party! We love you!

Thanks Jaden!

Thanks Ava!

Thanks Anny & Elly

I'm Proud To Be An American...

2008-09-25T21:43:00.003-06:00

Jon is now an American Citizen. On September 10th, Marcus' b-day, Jon was sworn in at the Capitol Theater in Salt Lake City. It was the biggest group they have ever had for a swearing in ceremony in the state, some 700 people from all different countries. Canada had the second highest amount of people, preceded by, you guessed it, Mexico. Jon is mostly excited because he can now vote in the upcoming presidential election(He has really gotten into politics). AND he has an U.S. passport which will make crossing the border only that much easier! Congratulations Jon - the piles of paper work, mean INS agents and spending a ton of money are now over!!
(Can you believe this is the best picture I got! My camera was having issues!!!)

Marcus Starts His Second Year of Preschool

2008-09-21T23:43:00.004-06:00

Marcus was very excited to start preschool especially because he has made fast friends with our neighbor Zack who attends the same preschool. He and Zack were inseperable for about two weeks before school started. He walks to preschool by himself (it's 3 doors down from our house)!

The Boys went camping...

2008-09-21T23:13:00.007-06:00

Jon Here. These are some photos from Marcus' first camping trip. We went with Keith, Mason and Tyler. Kudos to Keith for letting us take his mini-van "off-roading" as we camped up American Fork Canyon (about 20-30 minutes from our home, although it took about an hour to get there because of the trail we had to take to find it which involved driving through a stream and about 40 min. on a tiny, windy, unpaved mountain road). See his car for proof of the trek it took!

We found a small campground that was next to a little babbling brook. I say "babbling" as it provided nice background noise throughout the night... at least when our neighboring campers finally turned their music off at about 4 a.m. The boys had so much fun playing in it though and it was great to see their imaginations, and their bodies running all over the place!

Thanks to the campers who had been there from the night before, Keith and I had the easiest time ever getting the fire going. All we had to do was place some wood shavings on the pit, along with some wood aligned in teepee formation and add wind. Then, poof, we had fire!

The highlight of the night was when Marcus received what we diagnosed later on as a mild concussion. Surprise, surprise him and the twins were rough-housing and he landed pretty hard on his head. He wailed pretty hard for it and kept saying he had to throw-up. I thought it may have been because of the food (chicken tin-foil dinners--thanks Michelle!!) not being cooked long enough... but it was plenty cooked. He did ending up throwing-up, but a few hours later. Poor guy. I felt pretty awful after but he was fine after some good sleep. Good news is, it makes for some sweet memories!

Thanks Tanaka boys for the good times! Marcus, thanks for not screaming to go home in the middle of the night! It was a blast!

Famly Trip to the Farm

2008-09-21T23:02:00.004-06:00

We love the farm! Seth loved the animals, so much so that he tried to feed his hand to the goats - good thing mom is a fast thinker (sometimes)! Marcus is a pro at riding the ponies and Seth got to go for his first time (well, the first time that he actually sat on the pony)!

Rollie Pollies

2008-08-25T23:41:00.003-06:00

Boys are so much fun,you never know what is going to show up inside your house...
Marcus has very deep thoughts about bugs. The only ones he lets live are lady bugs, grasshoppers (which he tries to get to climb onto his finger) and rollie pollies, all others get stomped on numerous times. In fact, we have had a few rollie pollies as pets - for a few hours. Marcus lets them crawl on his fingers than we keep them in a plastic cup with half a ritz cracker until they die. I need to do a little research about the bug, in fact...

"Rollie pollies are land-living crustaceans known as isopods. They breath with gills so the have to stay in low, damp spots. And spots like that are full food for 'em - they scavenge dead or decaying plants and animals, fungal spores, bacteria. Sometimes they'll nibble young plants." -Yahoo Answers

So I think what we will try next is a cup of dirt AND a ritz cracker!

My Boys...

2008-08-20T22:24:00.002-06:00

This is how my boys are spending their evenings! Eating potato chips and watching the Olympics.

Port Ludlow & Seattle

2008-08-10T17:34:00.004-06:00

Crossing the Puget Sound on the Ferry

Taking a hike in Port Ludlow

After the wedding we stayed with my Aunt Laura at her new home in Port Ludlow, it's on one of the islands by Seattle. It is an absolutely beautiful place. It was very exciting for my mom and I to try and navigate the streets of Seattle to get on the ferry that was to take us over to the island. I must say there was no inspiration in the design of wide roads. The streets were pretty small and most were one way so to get on the ferry we had to drive 5 mins. past the ferry, turn around and come back to it. They actually had a sign telling you to follow the U Turn Ferry Route! Well, we finally made it onto the ferry parked our car and went up top for a view. I told Marcus he was very lucky because I was 30 and crossing the Puget Sound for my first time and he was only 3! Such a lucky boy to have been so many places. Once we arrived on the island it was a whole new place - little town feeling with HUGE trees all around. Every time the wind blew I thought for sure I was going to see a tree snap in half. I couldn't believe it was the middle of summer - there were Christmas trees everywhere and the temperature at it's highest (for only one of the days we were there) was 70 degrees. We went on an interpretive trail hike and I was wearing a sweatshirt AND a jacket! Don't get me wrong I thought it was great - this little desert rat is not liking the desert heat so much anymore.
My Aunts house is beautiful with a view of the woods and the Puget Sound everywhere you look. Every morning we would wake up and look for deer out the windows or boats in the water, we were lucky to have spotted a Mama deer and her baby eating berries! My camera ran out of batteries so I have only two picture of our stay there. But we had a wonderful stay with Aunt Laura & Uncle Larry. Thank you so taking such good care of us and putting up with the screamin' meanies!

We then went back across the ferry and spent a couple of days in Seattle going to the Aquarium and children's museum. May my mom and I never have to drive in Seattle again - it's a maze, that's the only way to describe it! We also went down to the Pike's Place Market one night only to find out that it does close down - I though it was open all the time - so we tried again the next day. Marcus got to see them throw the fish and he even touched a crab! We then grabbed some lunch and treats and headed for the airport!

Needless to say - my mom and I were exhausted!
Thanks mom & dad for a fun trip to Washington!

Russell & Erin's Wedding

2008-08-04T14:14:00.006-06:00

I have to call this post part 1 because most of the pictures I took were with my dad's camera and until I get those these are all I have.

Marcus & Faith ready to walk down the aisle.
I was very happy that Marcus did such a great job. Kim - Erin's sister-in-law - had to bribe Marcus with a Batman ring pop to put on his vest & tie. As soon as he got down the aisle he sat down with me and said mom take this off please! They both did and great job and weren't nervous or scared. I think it really helped that they had gotten to know each other and play together for a few days prior to the ceremony. They became fast friends.

What an adventure it is to make a wedding cake!
I had Amy Landon give me the low down on "How to make a Wedding Cake", that was a tremendous help, she and I made a practice cake about a month before the wedding where I was able to learn the secrets and short cuts of the process. She even loaned me all her baking pans and the saw used to cut the cakes evenly. Thank you Amy for all your help!
I then spent the next month reviewing my notes and mentally making and decorating the cake. I wanted to make another practice cake but that never happened.
Thank you to Russell, Erin & Vickie for buying all the needed ingredients at the store and searching all over for the coconut milk and the last minute Raspberry filling (I had some in a cooler I was taking on the airplane but the TSA confiscated it because it was a gel!!! At that moment I swore off flying. Do you all feel safer knowing they didn't let my huge, not trying to hide it bag of raspberry cake filling onto an airplane?) Also, thank you to Tim & Vickie for letting me use their kitchen to bake the cakes and looking after my boys so I could concentrate. And Dad, Thanks for laying in a hotel bed for 3 hours while Seth took a much needed nap!
Thank you Mom, my soux-chef, for helping me get it done and encouraging me when I thought all was lost...
At one point I didn't think my 10" cake would ever bake completely, then I accidentally turned off the oven and many other little oops' just kept things interesting:)
Thanks Granny Ella for letting me assemble and decorate the cake at your house and thank you for your confidence that the cake would be great! I hope you are still enjoying it for breakfast!
Thank you Shay for your beautiful flowers which certainly made the cake look finished.
Thank you Erin for letting me make you wedding cake.
Thanks Jon for all your praise.
And now it's done. Never to be attempted again - at least this month...

Cousin Megan's Wedding

2008-08-03T22:30:00.002-06:00

My cousin Megan got married on July 18th to Andrew Richards in the Salt Lake Temple. It was a beautiful sealing and we wish the happy couple many years of happiness.
Marcus was so excited to go see the Temple however, when we got there he was very sad that he couldn't go inside. He wanted to go in so he could see Jesus. Uncle Russell & Aunt Erin took him and Seth around the grounds and to the visitors center, that seemed to satisfy.
We went to their dinner reception at The Market Street Grill - with no kids - and had a wonderful time seeing and talking with family we hadn't seen in awhile.

Picnic up the American Fork Canyon

2008-08-02T13:17:00.007-06:00

Tim & Addison, Marcus,Jon,Elly,Chad & Abby

We went up the canyon with the Shirley's & the Mabey's. We picked up Subway sandwiches on the way and ate them on a picnic bench across form the creek. After lunch we went and played in the freezing-fast-flowing-snow-melted creek. However, Seth didn't seem to mind. Seth practically went swimming in the water, I think he was pretty much numb after a few minutes.

Fourth of July

2008-08-02T13:11:00.004-06:00

We (Michelle, Marcus and Seth) made it home from California just in time for the Fourth of July! I love the Fourth of July in Utah because everyone is allowed to do their own fireworks! Jon & Marcus went and picked out some really cool ones and we sat around in the cove with the neighbors and had a great time watching the colors and sparkles! Seth & Marcus loved the sparklers - Seth thought it was great fun to try and touch them - ouch!!

Canada's Wonderland

2008-06-21T12:29:00.002-06:00

Uncle Andrew took us to Canada's Wonderland, an amusement park in Toronto(or at least close to it). The boys had a great time, that's including Jon! Marcus went on his first roller coaster - The Ghoster Coaster. He and Jon went on it 3 times. We meet up with Uncle Andrew so he and Marcus could go on the coaster together but, halfway there Marcus fell asleep! We also took Mabel the Monkey & Sinclair the Lions with us. It was actually really fun and made us take a bunch of pictures except, there is no picture of Uncle Andrew...

African Lion Safari

2008-06-21T12:11:00.003-06:00

We loved the African Lion Safari! I think I liked it as much as the boys. I had always heard about these places but have never been to one. Thanks Grandma & Grandpa Bacon for taking us! Marcus' favorite part was the Baboons sitting on the car. I was even surprised that Seth got a kick out of looking at the animals. Of course sitting in the car on a hot raining humid day was the perfect idea! We did get out to take a boat & train ride...

Mother's Day

2008-05-15T21:55:00.002-06:00

I had a wonderful Mother's Day this year (even though Jon had to work at the Jazz Game). The boys treated me so well! Every year I tell Jon I don't want flowers but this year I changed my mind. I wanted flowers - for my garden. Saturday Jon took me to the store and we got some petunia's , a very pretty looking plant, some herbs and some tomato plants. I even got a special made vase with a pansy plant in it from Marcus! It's just beautiful - my first school made gift! I am so excited to see them all grow! Thanks Jon & Marcus! Sunday I was treated to a very special breakfast - I'll keep the details to myself! Of course the Jazz went into over time so, we didn't see Jon until later that evening but, the boys were just perfect for me that day.

Oh what do you do!?!

2008-05-15T21:43:00.002-06:00

What do you do when your 3 year old decides to color all over his face with a green marker!?! I love my Marcus, he is always full of surprises...He did this without looking in he mirror but by drawing a line or two every few minutes. I saw him with the marker and the next thing I knew he looked like this! LUCKILY it was washable marker - it came right off!

Fieldtrips

2008-05-15T21:34:00.004-06:00

We have been on a lot of preschool fieldtrips lately. We've been to the Fire Station, Provo Airport, Sweet's Candy Factory, Library, Hutchings Museum, there might be more but I can't remember. Here are some pictures...

The Cake!

2008-04-07T23:10:00.002-06:00

Seth destroyed his cake! He started off slow then once the sugar hit him he was having a great time! Pounding then eating then pounding then eating then somehow it got all over him and in his eyes and hair and of course his dad was freaking out about the mess...

Thomas The Tank Engine Birthday Party!

2008-04-07T22:35:00.002-06:00

We had a great time celebrating all the March Birthday's in one day (Natalie & Grandpa Bacon were there in spirit!!) However, I've decided that this year I am going to start buying March Birthday present in July, it was almost as crazy as Christmas! We had my mom on the 7th, Grandpa Bacon on the 10th, Seth on the 18th, Grandma Payne on the 20th, Erin on the 26th, Jonathan on the 31st and Natalie on the 31st!! Wow, what a month!!
Happy Birthday again to you all. We love you!

Growing-up...

2008-04-04T15:13:00.002-06:00

I can't really think of anything to say to add to this picture. I love my Marcus...

Our First Adventure to Chuck E. Cheese

2008-04-04T14:31:00.005-06:00

Do we look like we are having fun or what!?!
Thanks Aaron, Colleen & Ashton for a fun night of pizza and never ending shoe basketball!!

Ashton was the only one brave enough to get his picture taken with the Chuck E. Cheese band. Marcus was, let's just say, a tad bit apprehensive about the larger than life singing animals!

Marcus & Ashton love Monster Trucks. Chuck just so happened to have one you could ride! Hold on Tight!

We loved the arcade games! When I say we, I really do mean the boys: Jon, Marcus, Aaron & Ashton! They had a great time stepping on spiders, bowling for points, seeing who could get the token to roll into the highest amount of points, driving cars and motorcycles, ah, the list goes on...

Seth, of course, wanted to play every game. The kid does not want to stay in my arms anymore. I just wish he would learn to walk so he doesn't have to have his hands on the floor. This is his all time favorite thing to do: Drive!

And the best was we didn't leave empty handed! Jon & Marcus had a total of some 400 tickets. Marcus "bought" a helicopter and binoculars.

All in all it's a great place. The salad bar was a little lacking but, who goes to Chuck E. Cheese for the salad? The pizza was edible, the entertainment was great and the games were sometimes working! We'll see but this probably won't be the last adventure we take to Chuck's place!

Seth's First Barbershop Haircut

2008-03-24T14:11:00.003-06:00

Ok, I know what you are thinking - these aren't pictures of a haircut. Well, you are correct. The reason is: I didn't take any pictures of the first haircut! However, I did take pictures of the first oreo cookie that just so happened to have been eaten on the same day as the first haircut! Does that count? Plus, I was holding Seth on my lap, he was eating a sucker I was trying to keep out of his hair while he was getting the haircut. At the same time I was telling Marcus what a great job he was doing sitting so still and being so brave while getting his haircut! Did you see any possible way a picture could have been taken!?! You'll have to settle for pictures of the Oreo Cookie!

Number 1 Basketball Player...

2008-03-10T21:53:00.000-06:00

Not to be out done, Marcus shows us his basketball moves!

We love our Marcus! He is SO into sports and has somehow acquired sporting gear to go only with all his favorite sports teams!
Jazz - Basketball
Broncos - Football
Bees - Baseball
BYU - Any sport!

more basketball...(as Superman this time!)

2008-03-10T21:47:00.002-06:00

Why is everything upside-down!

2008-03-10T21:45:00.002-06:00

Seth, DON'T EAT THE CAMERA!!!

2008-03-10T21:40:00.002-06:00

Tagged

2008-02-28T23:26:00.003-07:00

Okay, I've been tagged (more than once) so, here it goes...

5 Things I Was Doing 10 Years Ago
1. Enjoying the forever warm weather on the beach in Laie,Hawaii while, occasionally attending classes @ BYU-Hawaii.
2. Trying to decide if I should go on an LDS Mission.
3. Living in the Missionary Training Center trying to learn spanish. (decided to go!)
4. Arriving in Newark, NJ
5. Half the year was in Hawaii, the other half was as a missionary...

5 Things On My To-Do List Today (for tomorrow)
1. Make birthday cards for the grandparents.
2. Take Marcus to the Thanksgiving Point Farm (the weather is so nice we have to get outside!)
3. Put the folded laundry away.
4. Figure out what to make for dinner.
5. Take a nap (of course that is always is on my list but never happens...)

5 Snacks I Enjoy
1. Popcorn
2. Apples & Dulce de Leche
3. Cinnamon & Sugar Toast
4. Barq's Rootbeer
5. desserts that aren't chocolaty

5 Things I'd Do if I Were a Billionaire
1. Buy as many grocery's as I wanted!
2. Get a new car, or two!
3. Get a new wardrobe
4. Hire a maid
5. All of these are so superficial... Donate to the American Idol Charity...

3 Bad Habits
1. Don't put things away when I am done using them. (Why my house is always in disarray)
2. Don't hang up my clothes at the end of the day.
3. OH, the list goes on and on and on...
which is so depressing...

How about 3 things I do well...
1. Quick to forgive and forget
2. Take care of my children
3. Well, I can't think of another one...

5 Jobs I've Had
1. Express Retail Store
2. Receptionist Dental Office (wonder how I got that job...)
3. Secretary in the Religion office at BYU-Hawaii.
4. Data Entry @ Modus Media
5. Receptionist @ QComm International

5 Places I've Lived
1. Palm Springs, CA
2. Laie, Hawaii
3. Stamford, Connecticut
4. Bronx, NY
5. Yonkers, NY
6. Provo, UT
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Lehi, UT

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me
We'll Jon wasn't any help with this list...
1. I can't think of anything... sorry.
It's late - Goodnight.

Future Jazz Player or, even better...

2008-02-11T13:28:00.001-07:00

an L.A. Lakers player!
I know, it's my curse in life. I like all the sports teams that everyone else hates (i.e. Yankees, Lakers & Maple Leafs) All Seth needs is his Grandpa Lake's height! Grow Seth, grow!