Our new lawnmower

                                  

 Jake left on Monday to start his job in Afton which leaves me responsible for holding down the fort here. I have been a little concerned about being a single mom for a few weeks.  Especially because within the next few weeks I need to pack and at the same time keep our house and yard "show worthy".  Our grass grows so fast here because of all the rain so I should be mowing it at least every week. Today I found a solution to keeping our lawn mowed.  Instead of breaking my back, I'll just let our dog, Polly, take care of it. Haha!

11 years and counting

Yesterday Jake and I celebrated our anniversary by going out to dinner and a movie.  I can't believe that it has been 11 years since we tied the knot.  It seems just like yesterday that I was sitting on the couch at my apartment at BYU waiting to see what kind of guy could get two of my roommates so excited. These roommates were sisters from Ohio and they knew Jake because he served his mission in Columbus, Ohio.   Jake was coming to check out UVSC and stopped by for a visit.  When he showed up at our apartment I could immediately see what all the fuss was about.  Jake made a great first impression on me simply because he was a good looking "hat boy".  All of you roommates may recall my weakness for guys who would wear ball caps. (I know, pretty shallow) I must have also made some kind of good impression because after a couple of apartment visits he asked me out. Our first date was a double date with his cousin, Matt and one of my roommates. We had lots of fun bowling and then afterwards got some ice cream at "The Malt Shoppe".  

We dated for about 2 months before Jake proposed to me in my pj's, at my house, on Christmas morning. I was so surprised when Jake unexpectedly showed up and even more surprised when he pulled out a ring.  Having him there with me for Christmas and being engaged was the best present ever.  We were engaged for 4 months, during my last semester at BYU.  One week I was taking finals and the next week I was heading back home to be married in the Idaho Falls temple.  I am so thankful that I met Jake and that we have been able to grow together these past 11 years. 

Easter

On Saturday I put together our traditional little treasure hunt for the kids to find their easter presents.  This year was a little different because this time Brooke could read her own clues and Jake helped Kennady, so I was able to just sit back and enjoy watching them scramble around the house and yard.  

Here they are before they took off to find their first clue. 

Jake helping Kennady with her clues. 

Tyler checking out his "treasures"

The "bunny bubbles" were a favorite.

On Sunday we invited our neighbors over for dinner, colored easter eggs and had an egg hunt inside the house since the weather was not cooperating. It rained almost all day.

Baby Boy

I just have to share the good news that my sister, Stef, had her first baby last week.  I am so happy for her and Jared.  They named him Marcus Jared and he weighed in at 9 lbs. 10 oz., 22 inches long.  To make a long story short, Stef ended up having a scheduled c-section at 35 1/2 weeks because of pre-eclampsia.  I am so thankful that everything worked out and that after only a week in the hospital Marcus is home with Stef and Jared doing very well.  I have seen some cell phone pics of him and he is an absolute cutie!!!