Aloha!

When will I post again?

2011-12-18T19:48:00.003-10:00

Maybe when Blake gets home. Yeah. That sounds good. See you in April. Maybe sooner if the boys let me sleep.

Update

2011-11-10T17:11:00.003-10:00

Not really much of an update picture wise. That will come later tonight.
We got home from California on October 30. Totally forgot the next day was Halloween (found out when kids started walking up to our door in costumes) so we didn't go trick or treating OR pass out candy. I put out a "no candy" sign, shut the front door and put a movie on so the boys wouldn't hear anything. I figure they're young enough this year for it to not matter much. Next year will be different.
Other then that, we've just been getting settled back in after 2 months of being away. Cleaning up dead Rollie pollies, dead roaches, dead geckos, dead fish, and dead plants. We did have someone feeding the fish and plants but . . . oh, well!
Today is Jacob's 3rd birthday! We were supposed to go out for pizza but all three of us are sick so we went to Target to get some underwear for Jacob (until today he only had a couple accidents), but I did get him a birthday icee at the food place. And I told him he didn't have to share with Josh. But he did anyway. Josh and I were sharing a Pumpkin Spice Frappicino.

Some stats for the boys as of yesterday:
Josh - 24 lbs and 34" tall
Jacob - 42 lbs and 42" tall

They are getting so big!

Pictures from Afghanistan!

2011-08-19T12:02:00.005-10:00

Blake sent us some pictures! Hopefully none of these violate OPSEC in any way. :/ There were a ton more of vehicles and land and soldiers doing stuff, but these were most of the ones he was in.

Jacob saw this picture and said, "Daddy's smiling at me!"

There was one picture that had a ton of soldiers in it and Jacob said, "Wow! That's a lot of Daddy Soldiers!"

Found some pictures!

2011-08-14T11:18:00.011-10:00

Ok. So I kinda lost my camera for a little while and forgot that I had pictures on there that hadn't been posted. Some of these pictures are a little out of order but by the time I realized it I was near the end and didn't want to take the time to fix it. So here ya go . . .

Sorry Mom. I told you I wouldn't post it but I just had to. When Jacob saw this picture this morning he said, "Oooohh! Grandma's a lion!" :)Joshie's first hair cut!! Before and After.

We had a Company BBQ for the 4th of July and these are the cupcakes I made.

Jacob snuck a chocolate Cadbury Creme Egg out of the fridge. He's trying to shove it all in his mouth before he gets in trouble.

This is at the Company BBQ for the 4th of July. Jacob usually HATES (with an extra big H) bounce houses but he LOVED this one. I think he just liked the slide.

Face painting - dinosaur

Here he is making a picture frame.

They had a under 5 pie eating contest. Jacob took one bite of the whipped cream and didn't want any more. He didn't even make it to the pudding underneath.

More camping pictures.

2011-08-04T00:11:00.003-10:00

The sign says "4 weeks of deployment." Ha! I just now noticed. It's supposed to say 4 MONTHS. Oh well! It was still fun. There is a program here called "Blue Star." When soldiers deploy, the families that are left behind receive a special card - the blue star card - which allows them to go to special (free) activities, receive discounts, and (my favorite) 20 hours of free childcare a month. We took this picture last Friday night. We went to a movie night. It was supposed to rain so instead of watching outside, they moved it indoors. We were the third family in line and I ended up getting a free movie ticket (only the first 100 people over the age of 10 got them). While we were here we all got free (<---I really like this word) (gourmet) popcorn (AMAZING! Caramel corn with the bottom half dipped in milk chocolate and the top drizzled with white chocolate), hotdogs, lemonade, kool aid, and otter pops. We watched the movie Megamind. Well, we watched part of it. Jacob was doing so well. He just sat there watching. But Joshie decided to let everyone know (VERY vocally) that he was tired and wanted to go home. So about 30 minutes into it we left. That's ok. We own the movie anyway. I just took the boys for a change of scenery, free dinner and a movie ticket. :)

I'm so far behind it's not even funny.

2011-07-30T22:45:00.013-10:00

Jacob deleted most of my pictures so these aren't the best ones but it's all he left me with.

Every year for the 4th of July Schofield Barracks puts on a spectacular all day event. There are rides, a petting zoo, food, games, live music, a car giveaway, a military working dog show, and the day ends with fire works. We went early in the morning so we would be able to go home (it was a few blocks away) and take a nap before the fireworks.

This is the only animal he touched. He did take a pony ride and I got a terrific video but he deleted that.

There was a family from our ward that we ran into and we spent a little while with them going on a couple rides. I think it's so cute to see them holding hands so they don't get lost.
They went on the helicopter ride and Jacob was loving it until he saw me and then he started crying. (That picture is on my friend's camera.)

Blake said no leash for Jacob but he didn't say anything about Jacob holding us on a leash. LOL!!

This is the boys watching fireworks. Sometimes they liked it, sometimes they didn't.

Did I mention that in the middle of the show it started POURING rain. This picture was taken after just a few minutes.

This is where Jacob decides that he's done and wants to go home.

Our ward went on a camping trip. A few families stayed the whole time - we were one of them. I have to admit I was INCREDIBLY nervous. I wasn't going to go but my mom talked me into it while she was here. It was a lot of fun. We had to buy a tent but I got a great deal on it. $60 for a tent that can hold two queen size mattresses and is 6' 2" high so Blake can almost stand in it. I brought the pack and play for Josh to sleep in and Jacob slept with me on the air mattress. I've discovered I don't like sleeping with him. He gets incredibly warm and is a cuddler. I can't stand having people sleep that close. His elbow in my side, legs draped across me, no thank you. Next time he gets his own bed. But it was was a lot of fun. There were a couple of little girls there to take care of the boys.

Josh discovered chewing on his toes is fun.

His face is messy from eating dirt. You can tell this is my 2nd child. One of the girls ran up to me and told me and I told her that as long as he wasn't eating rocks or roaches I didn't care.

There was a little boy there around Jacob's age. Grant's family lives down the street from us and are in our ward. He's one of Jacob's favorite kids to play with.

One night while we were making smores (again pictures are missing due to Jacob deleting), we found some frogs.

Here Charity is trying to capture it.

Charity and her prisoner.

Clay helped his dad to catch another one and Charity wanted to play.

Making the frogs kiss.

Lately Jacob has been on a fruit kick. His latest discovery is oranges.

On one of our after dinner walks we saw the moon and now Jacob always looks for the moon in the sky. I don't know why but whenever he sees a moon when it's daylight he calls it "Daddy's moon." This is the boys favorite cart because they can "drive". It drives me nuts because there is only one seat belt.

Dinner time fun. At least it was fun for the boys. Not for the Mommy who had to clean it up.

Jacob loved pulling Joshie around in the bucket. Joshie loved riding. I loved that they were playing nicely together.

Randomness

2011-05-30T11:36:00.009-10:00

Jacob writing a letter to Daddy.

We went and walked around the Laie Temple for a bit. Jacob found these flowers and wanted to wear them. Both of them. Kinda makes me think of Princess Leia.
Just woke up from his nap and NOT happy about it. But this is his new church outfit. Totally forgot to buy him a belt though and his pants kept coming down and shirt came untucked the whole time.

Trying to tie his shoe.

"I don't know"

My mom used to tell us that she had kids so we could do chores. I'm starting mine off young.

I found this on ldsresources.net and thought it was funny.

2011-05-06T11:38:00.003-10:00

If Dr. Seuss Wrote the Book of Mormon:

Nephi:
Of goodly parents I was born
I've never drunk, I've never sworn
This is Lehi, he's my dad
Laman, Lemuel, they are bad
And who is this? Why this is Sam.

Sam:
Yes, this is Sam; Sam I am

Laman:
That Sam I am, that Sam I am
I do not like that Sam I am

Sam:
In a tent, my father dwelt

Laman:
And it's so hot, I think I'll melt

Lemuel:
Our father's brain is out of whack

Laman:
Yeah, it's too hot, I'm going back

Lehi:
Then go and get the plates, my dear

Laman:
On second thought, I'm staying here

Nephi:
You said you'd leave and go away
Now all you want to do is stay?

Lemuel:
That Nephi always gets his way

Laman:
Here we are in this damp cave

Sam:
We would not be here if you'd behave

Nephi:
I will go and I will do
There's the angel, that's my cue
Laban's had too much to drink
Now he'll lose his head, I think

Nephi:
Look what I found, a brother from the quorum

Sam:
We will take him home, we will call him Zoram

Laman:
Our gold and silver we have spent
I do not like it in this tent

Lemuel:
I cannot read the Liahona
I must have drunk too much Corona

Laman:
We hate it here, we have no lives

Lehi:
Then go back to the city and get some wives

Lehi:
A tree, a tree, I see a tree!!
The fruit is white, the fruit is free!
A floating building, could it be?
Why do they laugh and stare at me?
Laman, Lemuel, come and see!

Laman:
We will not eat your precious fruit

Lemuel:
We will not wear a tie and suit

Laman:
We will not help you build your boat

Lemuel:
We do not think that it will float

Laman:
No not this boat, it will not float
Not even in a shallow moat
I do not care what Nephi wrote

Lemuel:
We will not eat your fruit I say

Laman:
We will not eat it on a tray

Lemuel:
And we won't eat it in a tent
Not even if your clothes you rent

Laman:
We'd rather have a can of spam

L&L:
We will not eat it, Sam I am

Sam:
You do not like it, so you say
Try it, try it, and you may
Try it and you may I say

Laman:
Sam, if you will let us be,
We will try it, you will see

L&L:
Say, we like this fruit of life
Sorry that we caused such strife
You've saves us from an awful jam
Thank you, thank you, Sam I am!

Joshie's First Birthday

2011-04-30T15:17:00.009-10:00

April 26th was Joshua's First Birthday and we decided to celebrate it today (the 30th). We invited two of our neighbor families - The Crisps and the Dustins. The theme was Smiley Face.

Here are a couple of videos taken. There are a few skips in each video. Our camera has the option to take pictures during video recording and that was what happened. The pictures taken are below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IEPV5u5EuE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dePTvy9CJc

Josh didn't really like the frosting. He ended up not eating ANY of the cake. I guess the frosting was just too gross to him and wouldn't even try the rest.

The party was a lot of fun. We sang "Happy Birthday", ate cake and ice cream, and opened gifts. The kids played in the living room while the Mommys got to chat. It was great.

Figured it's time to post more pictures . . .

2011-04-15T19:46:00.011-10:00

Jacob decided that he was thirsty so he got himself a cup out of the drainer and the milk from the fridge. I had been in the living room changing Joshie's diaper and didn't realize what he was doing. He almost made it. He filled the cup about half way and then I hear "oops". Joshie decided that he was hungry and went and got some baby food. (I do feed my kids, I promise!!) On the way to Battalion the day he deployed. I asked him how he felt at that moment and this is the look I got. A little crazy.

Following Daddy to his office. Our Soldier Blake took some pictures with the boys. Take a look at those eyes! Joshie is wearing Jacob's shirt in all these pictures. He threw up all over his own before we got there and this shirt was the only extra one in the car.

Our last family picture for a while.

Joshie has developed a whine-cry. And it looks like this. I laugh every time. Look at those lips!

2011-04-08T19:40:00.002-10:00

Blake hasn't even been gone a whole week but it feels like so much longer. People are constantly asking how I'm doing and I can truthfully say, "Just fine." He has had so many little (month long) trainings in the two years that we have been in the army that it just feels like that. He's usually gone during the day anyway - the hard part is when there's only me and the boys at the dinner table and after the boys go to bed the house is so quiet. I don't think I've ever watched so many movies before bed before. Since he's been gone I've been watching a movie a night. I have two months free of Netflix so that has been my bedtime companion for the last few days.

We figured that when Blake gets back, he'll have been deployed for half of Joshua's life and time-gone-for-entire-army-time (does that make sense?) for half of Jacob's life. Oh well. C'est la vie!
We knew what we were signing up for and the benefits far outweigh the negatives. And even the negative for us (him being gone for a year and missing so much of our lives) is a benefit for the Afghani people. They get him for a whole year to help their country. I'm so proud of Blake and his willingness to fight for others freedom.

More pictures from Mom and Matt's Tropical Vacation

2011-03-04T10:55:00.005-10:00

One of the things Matt really wanted to do while in Hawaii was to try to climb a coconut tree.

My Mom tried too. (She needed some help.)

Matt and his friend, Brent, learning a Tahitian dance at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

Right before the Luau.

Jacob decided his flowers needed to be cut up into pieces. He didn't actually eat them. Whew!

Matt trying Poi for the first time. He didn't like it.

At Pearl Harbor Memorial there were some fun things.

Jacob's leg got a little dirty. He was NOT happy.

Yummyness in a box

2011-02-10T15:13:00.001-10:00

On my mission I had a German companion who introduced me to tea. This is the only kind that I like. When I asked her recently about the name of it she said she would send me some. She even sent some candies and cookies! So stinkin' excited!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

Mom and Matt's Tropical Vacation

2011-02-01T22:37:00.006-10:00

For Christmas, Melissa and I gave Matt and my mom a trip to Hawaii. Of course I provided them with a place to stay. :o) Matt came late Monday night and we were able to hang out together until my mom came on Saturday night. Here are a few of our activities until this point.

Matt's friend Brent goes to BYU-H and he met us at the temple to hang out for an hour.

We didn't have enough time to go to the beach one day so we went to the pool instead. This was Josh's first time swimming. Didn't like it so well.

After my mom came we went to Waikiki and walked around all the shops. There was a guy with trained birds and he would put them on people (hoping to get money.) He kept calling Matt "my husband" and Jacob's "Daddy". (Sorry Blake!) Probably because we were together and he was holding Jacob's hand. Jacob DID NOT like the birds AT ALL!

Matt took a picture with the Duke.

Matt's First Hawaiian Pineapple. He picked it.

We went to Matsumoto's Shave Ice MANY times during our trip. Jacob's goal was to eat as much as he could from all of us, so while we were taking pictures he was trying to eat.

And of course when you are in Hawaii (especially in January) you need to get to the beach. We went to the Air Force Base where they had a really calm area which was perfect for kids. Josh LOVED splashing in the ocean (guess he just didn't like the pool.)

Alrighty then . . .

2011-01-09T21:04:00.009-10:00

(Images are slightly out of chronological order.)
These past few months have been pretty busy for our family. October was spent with me and the boys in California with Blake in Hawaii by himself. November brought us back together along with Blake's friends, the Huangs, from Bakersfield. Then there was Thanksgiving and Blake left a couple days later for Training in Missouri. He came back in December the same day his parents came to visit us. The day they left, we left too. Back to California. My Dad passed away on December 5th and we had the Memorial Service on December 21st. It was a bittersweet thing. I'm sad that he is no longer with us but he has absolutely no pain and I'm glad for that. I'm so grateful for the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation. We will see him again and that is comforting. We got to celebrate Christmas 3 times. We had a Christmas on December 18th - we opened our gifts to each other. We had Christmas with my mom, brother, sister and her family on December 23rd. (Santa came early for the kids.) And then we went to Bakersfield to visit Blake's family and had Christmas on the 27th. (Santa came again.) We made it home in time for the New Year and then Blake left again. This time for the whole month. He's at NTC (training) and will be home near the beginning of February. Crazy busy!!

At the Memorial Service, Jacob, Aiden and Tia sang "I Am A Child of God" (You can't see Tia)

On the way to the cemetary for the grave dedication (Dad was already buried earlier in the month) the kids fell asleep so we left them in the car.

When Blake's parents were with us, Susan found a coconut somewhere outside so we decided to open it. We don't own any machettes (yet) so we used a saw, hammer and a screwdriver to bust it open. Blake became frustrated at how long it took.

Christmas #1 - Jacob and our tree. (No real tree since we were going back mainland)

Daddy reading the Christmas Story from a picture book.

Joshie's first Christmas! And of course all he wants to do is eat the wrapper.

Someone (Aunt Melissa) gave Josh his first lick of a fruit bar.

Too cold!!

Jacob tried on Grandpa Termeer's cowboy hat and of course hammed it up.

Jacob LOVES to help Josh.

I got Josh's food ready and left it on the table to check on dinner. I hear a noise and this is what I find:

Jacob putting on his shorts for the first time...

2010-11-30T21:18:00.001-10:00

http://

Home again, home again, jiggity-jig!

2010-11-25T23:01:00.006-10:00

Jacob's birthday cakes!

So excited for his birthday cakes.

Jacob and his "fly swatter." He saw me getting the flys with the real fly swatter and he wanted to help but I didn't want him to touch the thing so he improvised.

Joshua's first time with solids!

Jacob REALLY wanted to help make dinner so I had him put the chopped carrots into the pot for me. He was so excited!

We had the missionaries over for a day-before-Thanksgiving-Thanksgiving Dinner. After dinner Elder Higgley said that he forgot something in the living room and this is where we found him a couple minutes later.

Only in the military would you find a child playing with (empty) magazines and IR Chem Lights (Infared Chem Light - can only be seen through night vision goggles)

More California Pictures!

2010-11-25T22:06:00.012-10:00

Well, as promised here is the picture with all the cousins. Even though Tia isn't really smiling and Josh isn't smiling - two out of four isn't bad for how things were going that day. Besides the individual pictures this is the only one where everyone was looking and making a decent face. :o)

The day before Halloween IHOP was giving a free Scary Face Pancake to children so we took the three older kids. They loved it! (Notice Jacob trying not to smile.)

Saturday night was the ward Halloween party. Aiden ended up going home sick so we didn't get pictures of all the kids at the party, but here's me and my little clown.

Lion Melissa and Penguin Joshua.

Grandpa and Joshie

Melissa took the kids over to Aiden and Tia's great grandmas house. These are all different costumes then the ones they wore to the Halloween party. Jacob's gorilla costume jacket is a little small and doesn't quite match the Thomas the Train PJ bottoms he's wearing but he's cute none-the-less.

There are so many birthdays in our family this time of year so we decided to celebrate everyones birthday. We had a pizza party and invited my in-laws (Susan and Stephen) to join us. We decided to decorate cupcakes for each person.

Melissa - January 1 - Rainbow Cupcake

Mom - March 17 - Eyeball Cupcake

Josh - April 26 - Didn't get a cupcake (plus he slept the whole time)

Dad - August 29 - San Francisco Giants cupcake

Zion - September 14 - Laptop cupcake

Aiden - September 15 - Elmo cupcake

Stephen - October 5 - Fishing cupcake

Me - October 6 - Movie cupcake

Susan - November 5 - Music cupcake

Brooklyn - November 6 - Monkey cupcake

Jacob - November 10 - Soccer Cupcake

Matthew - November 17 - Italy Flag cupcake

When we were in Bakersfield Susan and I took Jacob and Josh to the park. He love throwing dirt clods, feeding the ducks (eating their crackers in the process) and sliding on the slide but he DID NOT like the swing! Josh had a great time just looking around at everything.

Pictures from our California Trip

2010-11-02T07:32:00.007-10:00

Ok. These pictures have been under editing for a long time. I meant to post while I was still in California but that never happened. These pictures were taken the last couple days in Fresno. Melissa got some matching shirts for the cousins and we took some pictures at the park. There was a really cute picture of all the kids but I am too lazy to go and look for my camera right now so you'll get to see them later. In the meantime, individual pictures . . .

Aiden

Joshua

Brooklyn (Tia)

And Jacob wouldn't sit still for a single picture so here are a couple of crazy ones.

While we were there my parents got a new dishwasher. Jacob "helped" install it.

Jacob was Aiden's little shadow the whole time.

One night Jacob and Tia got really quiet. We found them on top of the table eating a Costco muffin. I guess they decided they were hungry and took it upon themselves to get a snack. This is after we already took Tia down.

Ate right through the wrapper he was so hungry.

Cute kids!

Jacob loved to play in the dirt. Until he had it thrown on him. It was in his mouth, ears, hair, diaper . . . he was NOT a happy camper. Until he got a bath and had his ears cleaned out and then he wanted to go back outside and play again. Silly boy

Not the NEXT American Idol but maybe the one after . . .

2010-10-01T14:17:00.004-10:00

Battalion Day!

2010-09-22T16:34:00.006-10:00

Today Blake's Battalion got together and had a family day. The morning was spent watching the soldiers doing things like playing volleyball, Ultimate Frisbee, tug of war, and relays. The kids had face painting and a bounce house. We got to have lunch - hamburgers and hot dogs and there were vehicles that the kids were able to see.

Jacob did NOT like the bounce house.

Playing on the rope bridge. (His feet are off the ground.)

Watching the soldiers run relays with sandbags.

Military cars! FUN!

Getting scooped away? No! Just playing!

This is what Josh did most of the time.

Daddy! I can drive!

This is FUN!

Climbing the rope.

The blanket WAS flat under Josh. Then I came downstairs after putting Jacob down for a nap and this is what I found. Don't worry - I untangled him and let him sleep without the blanket.

Life goes on.

2010-09-19T15:18:00.004-10:00

Jacob decided that he wanted to draw UNDER Blake so he crawled over to where Blake was laying on the floor and forced his way under Blake's arm. He was very content to stay there for a few minutes.

Jacob LOVES to play with Josh.

This was just an accident picture where they're doing the same thing, but Jacob usually mimics Josh on purpose.

I can't believe Josh is 5 months already.

The other day I was sitting at the table reading a magazine and Jacob pulled a chair next to me and started reading a book. Good boy!

I call Jacob my silly boy - and for good reason. Take a look at the face that he's making to himself in the mirror.

Jacob loves hugging and kissing Josh. In the top picture he's kissing (not biting) and in the bottom it's almost like he's telling Josh that he WILL get a kiss whether he likes it or not!

2010-09-02T17:25:00.003-10:00

Terrible twos?? And then, oh, so sweet!

2010-08-24T20:16:00.005-10:00

Jacob decided that he wanted to wear his food instead of eat it. He's NEVER made such a big mess before. Crazy, funny kid!

One of Jacob's favorite songs is the ABC song. You can tell that he is starting to remember it. Sometimes he'll just be playing or walking around and he'll hum the melody. This is the first time that he's tried to sing the words - er, I mean letters. He has P down pretty well. LOL!

2010-08-22T20:46:00.002-10:00

Helping Mommy make a from scratch cake.

Helping Daddy wash the car.

Got a little thirsty.

2010-08-21T21:44:00.002-10:00

Josh turned over today! And I missed it. All day he's been rolling from his tummy to his side and Blake told me tonight that when I was grocery shopping earlier he rolled all the way over. He rolled right on top of his arm so he couldn't really be comfortable, but it was all the way over just the same. Gotta be more careful with him now . . .

2010-07-25T22:35:00.002-10:00

Haven't posted in a while so this is long.

2010-07-25T21:23:00.016-10:00

Jacob loves Ketchup!

Jacob loves his brother!

Mom! He's biting me!

Giving Josh a kiss.

Jacob doesn't like blueberries. He threw them on the ground.

On our way to California! Jacob had his own seat.

My mom started laughing so hard I thought she would fall over.

Happy 4th of July!

I see no cupcake.

You can't prove I ate it!

Gonna grow up to be like Grandpa.

Cousin Tia and Jacob playing the piano.

Olive Garden! YUMMY!

While in Fresno, we were able to take family pictures. Thank you Gwen Hawkins.

Blake's sister Sonnet married Christian Weaver on July 8th.

Daddy was supposed to put Jacob to bed.

That is a trouble-maker look if I ever saw one!

The family for Joshua's blessing. The Weavers, Parks (what is plural for Parks? Parkses? Parkss?) , Dunns, Termeers and Tilleys.

Mom Dunn made the blessing outfit out of the dress that Melissa and I wore when we were married.

Slip-n-sliding at Grandma and Grandpa Dunns home.

Grandpa and Josh relaxing.

Puddles are so much fun!

Jacob did a good job playing air hockey with cousin Jared. (See video)

Picnic, tennis and swimming in Tahoe.

A couple days ago Jacob woke up and had 43 mosquito bites on his body. The next day he had several more.

The Battalion honored Josh at their Hail and Farewell and presented us with a pewter cup with Josh's name and date of birth on it.

Tonight at dinner Jacob started making silly faces.

Josh smiled!

2010-06-16T21:43:00.008-10:00

No gas involved.

Random Pics

2010-06-14T00:21:00.007-10:00

Yesterday our ward had a Polynesian Luau. We had all kinds of traditional dishes - including the Kalua Pig!
This was just the main and side dishes. (Desserts were at another table.) The table started where I was standing and went all the way to where the guy in the white shirt is.
Sooooo much food! SOOOOO GOOD!

We found out that Jacob loves watermelon.

The Elders Quorum led the kids in Limbo.

The Young Women performed a hula dance.

The Young Men performed a Fijian war dance.

Me and the boys.

These pictures were before Blake left for Sapper School.

Daddy reading to his boys.

We bought Jacob a little pool and the first time he got in it he just walked back and forth.

Jacob saw Blake using the Wii Fit and decided that he wanted to exercise too. I didn't take the time to focus the camera so some of the pictures are blurry.

2010-05-27T10:03:00.002-10:00

Well, things have been just truckin' along. Blake found out a week ago that he's going to Sapper school, so he'll be leaving this Tuesday and will be gone for the next month. And I got a new calling. Besides being the co-ward organist and the Relief Society Pianist I am now also the Relief Society Education (1st) Councilor. Busy, busy, busy!

Jacob dropped a toy by the side of the couch and when he crawled to get it he got stuck!

Jacob loves to play by Josh. Sometimes he tries to share and it scares me half to death because he'll drop a block on Joshua's tummy or head but for the most part Jacob is pretty gentle.

One month old now!

We had macaroni for dinner one day and we let Jacob feed himself. When we went to clean him up, we found a noodle on the back of his head. I think it had been there for most of dinner.

We see this look often! I think he needs a diaper change now!

Jacob chillin' with Daddy after work.

So tired!

We usually need to take Jacob's shirt off after breakfast because he gets so messy. On this particular morning, Jacob decided he was going to take his own shirt off. He got his head out but couldn't figure out how to get his arms out.

Jacob put kix in his mouth as he was drinking his milk.

2010-05-04T14:47:00.000-10:00

Taken the weekend before my mom went home and I went into labor.

On Monday, April 26th I had an OB appt. Just the usual past-the-due-date appointment. The Doctor decided to have an ultrasound done to check my fluid levels and it ended up being really low so I was sent to the hospital to be induced. Blake came home from work for lunch and ended up not going back. This is us at around 1-ish waiting for a nurse to come get me.
The labor went a lot more quickly then with Jacob and around 8:30 pm Joshua David came into the world. He was 20 inches long and weighed just under 8 pounds. 7 pounds 15 1/2 oz to be exact. (LOL!!!)

Dinnertime for the new mama.

The next day, my mom and Jacob came to the hospital to see the new baby - My beautiful sons!

With all my boys! (I'm really outnumbered now)

I'm really thankful that my mom was able to come. She left the night after Joshua was born. I'm glad he came while she was still here. Blake was able to spend the first night with me in the hospital.

Blake has been home for the past week and will be home for the next week. He's been taking care of cleaning, cooking (minus the meals the RS brought in - THANK YOU!!) and also entertaining Jacob.

Breakfast with Daddy

Oatmeal? Where?

Jacob has been doing really well with his new brother. He tries to share pacifiers, burp cloths and graham crackers. He sometimes gets a little rough but most of the time, he either ignores Joshua completely or gently pokes or pets him.

Sigh . . . .

2010-04-24T11:53:00.000-10:00

Apparently, my children have no problem NOT being born. Jacob was 6 days late and Joshua is halfway to following his brothers footsteps. 3 days later and I am still doing whatever just waiting for him to make an appearance.
It's been really nice having my mom here though. She came last Monday and I've been able to sleep until 8 am every day!! Soooooo nice!!!! She takes care of Jacob, I take care of unpacking. Sort of. I feel like a cow so it's a little hard and I get tired, but we're settling in more and more every day.
Yesterday, we all drove to Matsumoto's. The BEST shave ice I've EVER had. Seriously. There is a difference. They shave the ice so fine it melts in your mouth so quickly. And you can get it with a scoop of ice cream or sweetened condensed milk..... ummmmmm!!! I got a Hawaiian blend with ice cream. A scoop of ice cream, covered in shaved ice, covered with banana, coconut and pineapple flavoring. We only got a small and decided that wasn't enough so my mom and I are going to go back today and get another one. :o)

Finally!

2010-04-14T16:15:00.000-10:00

We haven't really done too many "touristy" type things since we moved to Hawaii. We've been focusing on trying to get everything in order - house, car, Blake's job - before the baby comes. The one thing that we have done was to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center. We went with Nick and Christina Clemmer - who we knew when we were at Fort Leonard Wood.

Jacob loved the shows. Just sat and stared at the performers the whole time.

Our dinner!! It was soooooo good!
There was a coconut dessert and Jacob DID NOT like it.

Living in Hawaii has its advantages. You make new friends. Like this gecko that came into our house. We have another one that lives behind the light on our front porch. We see him every night.

We've been wanting to get a fish tank for a while and couldn't resist when we saw a tank kit for a reasonable price.

Ready to go . . . no fish yet.

This last Saturday there was a ward potluck/beach trip. It was so fun!

Jacob and Daddy playing football.

Family Pic

Jacob and Daddy walking along the shore.

We've loved being here so far! Our ward is very friendly and we have callings already! I am the Relief Society Pianist and the Co-Organist and Blake is the Gospel Principles teacher.

Blake likes his job at work. He is an engineering officer but they didn't have room for him in the Engineering Company so he is working as the Battalion Maintenance Officer in the Motor Pool. Usually a warrent officer does that job but until this last Friday they didn't have one so Blake has been learning the ropes. When they got a warrent officer, Blake was told that he would be staying on and continuing to learn that job. We don't know when he'll end up going somewhere else, but it will be a learning experience.

We have a house!

2010-03-16T15:04:00.001-10:00

We shouldn't have gotten this house, but we prayed, fasted, played the pregnancy card and got people to talk to higher ups and now we're going to live in a 4 bedroom townhouse on post! Whoo-hoo!!!! So excited!

Still in a hotel but that's ok.

2010-03-14T18:53:00.000-10:00

No house yet. But it's nice because I don't have to make the beds, take out the trash, vacuum, cook . . . LOL!

Found this picture on Blake's phone. This is right before the Formal Banquet that we went to in Missouri. Thanks Mom Dunn for making me the dress!!

Jacob has an entire crib to sleep in but he chooses to sleep like this for part of the time every night.

We went to the Hawaii Temple to walk around and found this frog in the walk way. Just sitting there. Totally dead. And it was as big as Blake's fist. He wanted to take another picture with his hand in the picture but the camera battery died. That's also why we don't have any family pics in front of the Temple.

Jacob likes to try shoes on.

Jacob and Daddy having fun.

Just woke up. Don't you just love the bed-head look?

Aloha!

2010-03-07T17:00:00.000-10:00

Well, we finally made it to Hawaii. We had an hour flight from St. Louis to Chicago and then a 9 hour flight to Honolulu. I'm really glad that Jacob had his own seat or that would have seemed REALLY, REALLY long. Jacob actually did really well during the whole trip. Only complained a couple of times when he was tired and wanted to sit on our lap.

Once we got to Hawaii we went immediately to the Housing Office to see about getting a place to live. They said that they didn't have any openings right now but put us on the waiting list. We're #2 on the list and we're pretty hopeful that we'll get a house. Some of our friends who moved from Missouri just a couple of days before us were signing papers when we were there and they only had to wait two days. So for right now we're living at a hotel.

Jacob and Blake - enjoying the flight.

Nap-time on the plane.

On the way from the airport - sleepy boy!

Night #2 - Jacob woke up at 5am and when we watched a movie later that night just passed out on me. (7 1/2 mos pregnant - made it out of Missouri 5 days before my "no fly" deadline.)

After church we went to the park by the hotel and let Jacob walk around for a little while.

My cute boys!

2010-03-01T10:58:00.000-10:00

Jacob loves to play with kitchen utensils. His favorites are spatulas and measuring spoons. For some reason, he put the spoon in his mouth and started walked around with it for, like, 5 minutes. Funny boy!

Getting the mail with Daddy.

We had the box of Cheerios on the table and he decided that he wanted some so he got the box, pulled out the bag, and helped himself.

So proud of himself!

Later that night, Blake was "keeping an eye" on Jacob when the room went quiet. When Blake started searching for him, this is what he found. Wipes all over.

Jacob loves to stack the baking containers. Right after I took the second picture, he managed to get the lid off the powdered sugar and started playing with it. We didn't get a picture of that.

We finally got our amended orders today! Just in time. The movers have been packing our stuff all day and we leave at the end of the week. Whoo-hoo!!

Another funny clip of Jacob -

http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f389/sbdunn/?action=view&current=MVI_2213.flv

Fun Stuff

2010-02-21T17:34:00.000-10:00

The other night we had tacos and burritos. I put our food on the table and then went back to the kitchen to get drinks. When I went back to the table, Jacob was sitting on the ground with the edge of my unrolled burrito in his hand, beans dripping onto the floor. I guess he decided that he was hungry and wanted to start dinner. The torn edges in the picture is what he managed to eat before I got to him. I took the burrito from him before I realized it was a good picture opportunity. The look on his face was like "I was waiting patiently and then I got hungry. Why is everyone looking at me??" Blake and I just had to laugh.

For President's Day, Blake had off so we decided to go to the St. Louis Zoo. They always have free admission and because it was starting to snow, they had free parking on that day. It was the first time that Jacob has visited the zoo and he had a lot of fun. (Blake and I did too!)

Jacob walked around the zoo most of the time. There weren't very many people so sometimes we just let him run around.

Jacob had a runny nose and then fell into the dirt. He thought the dirt mustache was funny and complained when we tried to clean it off.

Jacob and I in the monkey house.

Blake thought that these animals were fake. He'd only seen them in pictures and thought that the stripes were photo shopped in. He was excited to learn that they were real.

Jacob and Daddy looking at monkeys.

When we were in the reptile house we found this snake. (Look at the picture below this one.) Named after us???

Jacob loved running around looking into the different tanks.

Jacob's New Chair

2010-02-13T07:25:00.002-10:00

Blake and I decided to buy Jacob his own chair to sit in. When we got it last night, it had rockers on the bottom and he didn't want to sit in it. Probably because he didn't have control when it went forward or back. Blake took the rockers off and today Jacob doesn't want to get out of the chair. Even when he lost his ball he tried to get it and still stay on the chair.

2010-02-13T07:25:00.001-10:00

2010-02-01T07:42:00.001-10:00

Beans, Beans, the Musical Fruit . . .

2010-02-01T05:55:00.000-10:00

We had tacos and burritos last night for dinner and decided to let Jacob try to feed himself beans. As you can see, he managed to get it everywhere. He did try using a spoon for a while but the beans kept falling off so he would use his fingers to scoop them up. Blake ended up feeding him what didn't come out of the bowl. (Yes, Melissa. They are Rosarita. I found out they sell them at the Commissary! :o))

Poor Baby!

2010-01-19T14:50:00.000-10:00

Jacob tripped over Blake's feet and totally wiped out tonight. He bit his lip but fortunately he has such a high tolerance to pain that he cried from the bedroom to the living room and as soon as we started cuddling on the couch, he quit crying. Never mind that his lip is gushing blood and it's dripping on his pants and saturating the washcloth. I knew head wounds were supposed to bleed but never knew how much a lip would. We put ice cold water on the cloth and let Jacob bite and suck on the cloth and about 10 minutes later the bleeding finally stopped. Scared me half to death. Don't know what I'm going to do the first time someone breaks a limb.

Martin Luther King Day

2010-01-18T13:23:00.001-10:00

Today is a holiday, Blake had it off! Whoo - hoo! We decided to have FHE early and make cookies and take it to our neighbors and then go to the park. The cookies turned out fabulous but no one ended up being home. We still ended up going to the park and it was such a beautiful day for that. We stayed for about an hour and then left because a big dog showed up (with it's owner) and Jacob is scared of dogs for now.

Jacob and Daddy getting ready to go down the slide

Daddy helping Jacob to go down by himself

Crawling through the tunnel

Jacob's favorite perch - on Daddy's shoulders

"I'm freeeeeeeee!!!!"

Cute boy!

Shadow Family

Fun on the swings

For those of you who have been waiting for Christmas pictures, they have been posted!!! On Mom and Dad Dunn's blog! LOL! Anyone wanting to see those pictures can look on their blog. It's under Mom and Dad Dunn.

Updated Pics

2010-01-10T13:27:00.001-10:00

Here's just some random pictures that were on our camera and phone.

We're trying to teach Jacob to fold his arms during prayer. It works until we shut our eyes.

Jacob LOVES to watch movies! (You can't tell but a movie is playing.)
Jacob saw Blake using his keys to open the door and he wanted to do the same thing. But on the inside - didn't work so well.

Jacob and Daddy - just chillin'

One day, Jacob got all quiet - and you know that means trouble. When I called him into the living room, he came as quickly as he could and later when I walked by the bathroom, this is what I saw.

It had been an almost new roll.

When we were in Bakersfield, Grandpa Dunn let Jacob try to feed himself.

We went to a park in Bakersfield. Jacob LOVED the swings!

Aunt Sonnet was nice enough to go down the slide with Jacob.

Mommy couldn't fit through the little opening.

"I'm on top of the world!!!" Or Aunt Sonnet. Close enough.

The Sunday after Christmas, Jacob decided that he needed to walk and just took off. He hasn't stopped since.

Sunflower Butter what???

2010-01-08T13:26:00.000-10:00

So, I receive a lot of free samples in the mail. One such thing was Sunbutter. Basically, it's like peanut butter but made from sunflower seeds. Blake and I tried it tonight on a piece of bread and I could only eat half of it. (For those of you who don't know, I'm allergic to peanuts and all tree nuts. The last time I had a bite of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich I didn't even come to the top of the counter. ) Sunbutter has the consistency of creamy peanut butter and the same look and (to me) smell like peanut butter so as I'm eating my piece of bread with Sunbutter my mind is screaming out that this is incredibly WRONG!! Hence, I only ate half. Blake had a slightly different reaction. After he tried the Sunbutter he had an incredibly confused look on his face. I asked him what was wrong and he said that his brain was confused. In his mouth he registered having the smooth texture and consistency of peanut butter but his taste buds and nose registered large hints of sunflower seeds. And even though he said he liked it he kept that same confused look on his face for the entire piece of bread. Jacob just liked it and kept trying to steal more bites from his dad and me.

Poor Baby!

2010-01-07T11:29:00.000-10:00

I've been meaning to update for so long now but we didn't take any pictures during our California Trip. Moms and Dads did so we'll need to wait until we get some pics to update that. (Mom and Dad D and T - can you email us some pics? Thanks!)
In the meantime, we've been trading colds back and forth. Jacob's had the worst of it though. We found out yesterday he has an ear infection in both ears. Apparently the left one is REALLY bad, but he has such a high tolerance to pain that it doesn't really bother him that much. The only difference between usual and now (besides runny nose and cough) is that he sleeps more and eats less. I didn't realize how picky sick kids can be! Jacob usually eats most things and tries everything but now it's down to oatmeal, fruit smoothies, applesauce, bread and cheese. At least it's healthy.

Life goes on . . .

2009-12-02T16:40:00.000-10:00

We decided to cut Jacob's hair last week because it had been getting so long. Since he's been born, we've cut it twice but only the back. When we washed his hair it would get in his eyes so we decided "it's time."

Before Haircut

During Haircut (not so happy with us)

So glad it's over

Some of Jacob's favorite things:

Eating - pretty much anything

Getting into things (after I took this picture he emptied the drawer onto the floor)

Watching Daddy do things

"Helping" Daddy put the dryer together

Jacob makes the funniest faces! The first one is my favorite!

Thanksgiving was so much fun! But we didn't take any pictures at all. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving I made a turkey and a honey ham and we invited a few of our friends over for a potluck Thanksgiving Dinner. On Thursday we went to Blake's brothers house for Thanksgiving. (Dinner was WONDERFUL Angela! Thanks again!) At 3:30 AM on Black Friday I went with Angela (Blake's brothers wife) and her mom to go shopping. My favorite find - a $250 luggage set for $80. Whoo-hoo! (Ours WAS what Blake had on his mission - starting to get a little worn around the edges.)

We've moved completely from our old house to the new. So much nicer! I actually can see Blake nights now. We've also been able to have friends over for dinner and they babysat for us so we could go on a date. Wouldn't have happened at the old house. It was a HUGE PAIN to pack everything up and move again but it has been well worth it just to have Blake back at home.

We still don't know when/where we're moving.

2009-11-18T12:08:00.000-10:00

IT'S A BOY!!! Again :o)

Our lives have changed yet again

2009-11-11T16:25:00.000-10:00

So many things happening to us in the past couple of weeks. First off - the flood. A couple of weeks ago, it rained cats and dogs the ENTIRE weekend. Blake usually leaves stinkin' early in order to make it to work on time. About 5:45 am he wakes me up and tells me there's an emergency and I need to get dressed and come help him. Because there had been so much rain, the river flooded over and crossed the street. Because it had been so dark when Blake left he didn't notice that the street had become the river's extension. So there ended up being a few inches of water that rushed into his car as he tried to drive down the river . . . I mean street. So he wakes me up and has me help bale water out of his car. He ends up taking my car the other way, realizes that way is cut off too and ends up not going to work until MUCH later that morning. He ended up taking the carpet completely out of the car and for the last two weeks the weather has been beautiful so the carpet has been outside, drying. He put it back in yesterday and there doesn't seem to be anything wrong. No mildew or anything. Such a blessing! (The no mildew part, not the flooding.)

Yes. That is a pitcher I'm using to get water out of the car.

Blake took a wet/dry vac to the carpet to get more water out of it.

The road going away from our house into town.

The other way - away from our house.

Because of that, we decided to move. We were able to get on post within the next week and now we're living in a 3 bedroom duplex which is 5 min away from where Blake works. If we got flooded in (Ha-ha) Blake could walk to work in 15 min. It's nice being in civilization again. And having the Internet back. We are definitely city folk. We spent our time in the country and we've decided that we've had enough.

Yesterday was Jacob's birthday. We ended up celebrating today because Blake had the day off work (Go Veteran's Day!)

We had pancakes for Jacob's birthday breakfast.

Jacob didn't quite get what was going on with the candle on the cupcake and singing "Happy Birthday". He just stared at us like "I'm supposed to be excited about fire on a cake? Just give me the cake!!"

Jacob (Daddy) is reading the card that Momma and Daddy got for him. (He liked the fuzzy duck on it)

Jacob also had his 1 year Dr appointment and got vaccinations. He was so good and didn't cry until the very end. He started whimpering at the 3rd shot and really started crying on the 4th but it didn't last too long. He now weighs 26 lbs 4 1/2 oz (90%) and is 32" long (90%). Still our big boy.
And I got my hair cut! Finally, after about a year. It had been way down past the middle of my back and now it just brushes my shoulders. No pictures of that.

We find out next Wednesday if we're having a boy or girl.

And still no word about where we're going after this.

What I Did On My Fall Vacation . . .Part II

2009-10-18T08:44:00.000-10:00

There were a lot of things that we did on our vacation that I didn't want to put in order in our blog so this is just going to be a hodgepodge of pictures and captions.

One of the things that we did in NH was go to the apple orchard and pick our own apples. There was also a little pumpkin patch and playground.

Jacob's first time on a swing

Picking Apples

Me and Aiden walking to get apples

We ended up traveling to New Hampshire on my birthday so we celebrated the day after. Happy 27th to me!

Tia is NOT eating Jacob's nose. They are giving each other a kiss.

In the pumpkin patch at the apple orchard. Cutie Patooties!!

When Jacob gets tired while shopping he will take your hand, put it beside his face to use as a pillow and will fall asleep. This is in the parking lot after about 10 min of sleeping. Melissa and I had to take turns holding his head while we checked out.

In NH there is a children's meuseum and Jacob went down the slide by himself. In the first picture it doesn't look like he's having much fun but the second picture tells how he really felt.

I took this picture after a bath. Does anyone see a resemblance to the look Robert Pattinson always gives??

THREE TEETH! There are a few more that are SOOO close to popping out but they're not quite there yet. Maybe when Daddy gets home . . .

Bath time with cousin Tia.

What I Did On My Fall Vacation . . .Part I

2009-10-18T07:36:00.000-10:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.............

While Blake has been having . . . (ahem) . . . fun . . . in Georgia, Jacob and I decided to do a little traveling. We first went to California and visited Grandma and Grandpa Termeer and Grandma and Grandpa Dunn. We ended up taking the train to and from Bakersfield. Jacob LOVED the train. Well . . . I guess I should say I loved the train. I didn't have to be stuck in a little airplane seat with a monkey on my lap. Jacob was able to crawl around and walk holding onto seats because there were only 5 or so people in our entire car.

When we were in Bakersfield, we went to the Kern County Fair and saw some chickens hatch.

After California, Jacob, my parents and I went to New Hampshire to visit Melissa and her family. That's where the worst of times kicks in.

Things were pretty good until the Monday after we got there. The origional plan was that we were all going to go to New York to visit my uncle and then, almost at the last minute (ok, so maybe it was before we even bought our tickets), my parents decided to DITCH us and go by themselves!!!

On the Brooklyn Bridge

On Wednesday, we got into a car accident. Everyone was ok. At least all the people. Melissa's car has a missing eye and no nose.

Poor little car!

On Thursday, I woke up at night throwing up and didn't stop until the next night. I got dehydrated so Zion took me to the hospital and apparently, I had some sort of gastroinestinal bug.

I love drugs!!

Which transferred to (or maybe it had been from) everyone else. Tia and Jacob had nasty diapers (no details), and Aiden threw up as well.

On Friday, it was Melissa's turn to be sick. But it was morning sickness and not a bug.

Luckily, my parents came back from their trip Friday night and were able to help everyone out.

Saturday was pretty fun. We went to the Pumpkin Festival and had a blast. Until we started to freeze. We brought enough clothes for the babies but not for the adults. There were over 29,000 pumpkins.

Tower of Pumpkins

Aiden and Tia - ready to have fun!

Jacob eating bites off Grandma T's hamburger! Big boy!

Today, Sunday it started to snow! The first snow of the season. I wasn't able to get any good pictures.

Not such an eensie-weensie spider!

2009-09-27T15:15:00.000-10:00

So. I hate spiders. We live in the country. Nuff said.

This spider is very common in our part of Missouri. This isn't even the biggest one of these that I've seen. The boards on the left are approx 3" wide.

These little white patches on the ground are spiderwebs.

A closeup of the webs.

This is our mailbox. And our new neighbor. (Bleh!)

A close up. If you look closely at the center of the web, you'll see a brown spider. It's body was the size of a quarter. These particular spiders build webs like these overnight. There was a small one (the size of my pinkie nail) that built a small version of this in our bathroom doorway and we'd only been gone a couple hours.

So . . . anyone wanna come for a visit???

2009-08-25T10:50:00.000-10:00

New house! If you would like our address, email me!

So excited for our soon to be new addition. The latest he/she will be born would be May! We will find out soon enough. Trip to our new OB/GYN is in store!

Our new car. Toyota Avalon 2009. Brand new baby!

Daddy and J-bub after a long day of unpacking!

This is a picture of Jacob right after he has eaten dirt. He is very proud of himself that he got away with it!

Jacob hanging out at the park at his first play date in Missouri!

Homeless

2009-08-07T19:26:00.000-10:00

We find ourselves in an interesting predicament. We just moved out of our apartment yesterday. When most people move, they go to the Post Office and fill out a change of address so that their mail can instantly be forwarded to where they are moving. You can still receive your bills on time. You can still receive your junk mail! And if we didn't have computers, you could still receive letters from friends. Sara and I, however, find ourselves sitting in a hotel room in Gallup, New Mexico. "Where are you moving to," you might ask. "Where should we send the 'just thinking of you' cards?" The truth is . . . we have no idea. Somewhere in Missouri there is a home which will have our name on it. Is that home in a nice neighborhood? Is that home an apartment/duplex/condo/house? Will there be a garage? Will Jacob have his own bedroom or will he sleep in his crib in the corner of the kitchen (due to lack of space) with the hum of the refrigerator to lull him to sleep at night? We don't know. Only time will tell.
This is a strange feeling to be homeless. To not know where you will sleep that night. And then you realize that where ever you stop, as long as you're with your family, you're at home.

Jacob's . . . crawling?

2009-08-03T21:19:00.000-10:00

Crawling? Plopping? Plop crawl!

Actually, it's "the worm."

Jacob can also do yoga . . . the downward dog position.

Our life updated until today . . . bear with us!

2009-07-29T12:20:00.000-10:00

These past few months have been nothing but travel from California to South Carolina to Georgia to New Hampshire - back to California and then from California to Georgia a couple more times. We also travelled to Bakersfield a couple of times to visit Blake's family. AHHHH! Jacob has been wonderful through it all - he is really very good on the 5/6 hour flights. It's me that is absolutely and completely SICK AND TIRED of travelling. But that's ok, one more big trip and (hopefully) we'll be done for a while.
Here are some pictures from our last couple trips.

My handsome boys, ready for church.

Oops! Scared him a little in this one!

Jacob always hated tummy time so we would stand him up on his feet and help him to walk around. He's better with tummy time now but I doubt he'll crawl the normal way. He likes to be on his hands and feet as he tries to scoot around.

Almost an officer!

This is at the Officer Candidate Formal. It was so much fun! I got to meet the faces behind names I'd heard about. My mother-in-law made my dress for me. Thank you so much!

This is Jacob's new travel high chair. It's really very neat. It's entirely made of fabric so that you can fold it up really small (great for suitcases) and it just slides over almost any chair with a back. As you can see - he likes it!

For the OCS graduation, Blake's parents, sister Sonnet and sister Tiffany and her family came. We hung out the week of graduation and did some pretty fun things. We went to Callaway Gardens and walked around for a bit. Jacob had fun being pushed around by Grandpa.

In Callaway Gardens there was a butterfly atrium. (Yes, I took this picture. Turned out rather nice. :o))

Florida State put on a circus act .

Enjoying watching the show with Grandpa.

Our cute 8 month old!

If you look carefully, you'll see two teeth!

After OCS graduation, Blake was able to choose someone to give him his first salute. He chose his Dad - who had been in the Navy. (Hence the uniform)

Trying watermelon for the first time at Grandma Termeer's house. Not liking it at all.

Already loving playing in boxes.

Jacob has had a stuffy nose for a while and it was so bad last night that he didn't sleep at all. At

4 am we gave him Pedialyte just to see if he'd drink anything (he hates water) and he liked it! This is his first time trying it AND his first time holding the bottle by himself.

We finally found out when we're moving . . . in a week! We'll be going to Missouri from August 6 to the end of February. We just got back two weeks ago from Georgia and we spent a couple of days at home and then went to Bakersfield to visit Blake's family and friends there. We just got home on Sunday so needless to say, I've been hard at work trying to get things ready for moving. The army is going to move us so that's one less thing I have to worry about but I've never moved moved so far before (mission and school don't count) so I'm needing to weed things out. Wish us luck!

Jacobs first time swimming

2009-06-22T18:42:00.000-10:00

2009-06-14T16:37:00.000-10:00

Unofficially, we're moving in October - end of. :o)

???

2009-06-10T11:47:00.000-10:00

Ok, I need to update already. I have no CLUE when I get to move. We were told that Blake wouldn't start Engineering school for 7 months but then he got an email that stated he has BOLC II (more training) in Georgia from mid-Aug to end of Oct and THEN he goes to Missouri the VERY NEXT WEEK! Sooooo.......everything is up in the air again. :*o(

Well, do I need to update!

2009-06-05T17:40:00.000-10:00

I didn't believe my father in law when he told me it had been a month since my last post. But . . . oops! I made it back from New Hampshire and a week later went back East (again) to see my hubby! He had Memorial Day weekend off and so I got to spend a week in Georgia and see him (almost) every day.

Jacob and Daddy having fun with the bathroom mirror.

We went shopping at the commissary and this is the first time that Jacob has ridden in a shopping cart like this. He was OK for a minute and then wanted OUT!!

On Tuesday, I took Jacob to the doctor for a well baby visit. At (almost) 7 months he's 29 inches long and weighs 23 lbs 7 oz. Is it bad when the doctor mentions "Jacob" and "Jenny Craig" in the same sentence? (LOL)

Today, Blake called me and told me that he is going to be an Engineer in the Army. He will be going to Missouri for training and I will probably go with him because the school won't start for months so that West Point and ROTC grads can go too. It will be exciting! Church history sites are somewhat close so we'll be able to go visit. Neither one of us have ever been before so it'll be an experience. We won't know for sure what's going on for another month or so until Blake gets official orders but we're thinking I might be able to move right after OCS in July. If that happens I'll be so excited! OK, maybe more like ecstatic! :o)

Updating my life . . .

2009-05-08T04:26:00.000-10:00

There's been a ton of stuff to happen in the last little while. I'll post a whole bunch of stuff to get us up to date . . .

First thing . . . Leo Carrillo!! Melissa's husband, Zion, came with us for part of the time and then had to go home. Blake was in Basic Training, Matt was on a mission, so the whole family wasn't there but it was still a blast. There were a few firsts for everyone as well as things that happen almost every year.

J's first time at the beach

The three babies from left to right . . . Jacob (5 mos), Melissa's daughter Brooklyn (or Tia) (5 mos), and Heidi's daughter Afton (6 mos). (Is it just me or does Jacob seem like the oldest and NOT the youngest?? Tee-hee!)

We always go with the Green family and it always seems to rain at least once while we're there. This year was no different.

J's first time camping

The (almost) Family
Picture

Blake graduated from Basic Training and we went to South Carolina to see him. I was allowed to drive him to Georgia for Officer Candidate School so we were able to spend a few days together before he had to report. He'll be in OCS until July 16.

Jacob's first time in an airport. He did pretty well!

Taking a ride on Grandpa's shoulders.

Blake's in the very back row, second in from the right. You can see his beret sticking up.

removed

"Where's my family?" He hadn't seen us yet.

removed

My cute army man . . . I mean men!

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One of the newest Soldiers for the US Army!! And Jacob :o)

Jacob and I didn't go home after dropping Blake off at OCS. We went to New Hampshire for two weeks to visit my sister and her family. That trip will come later.

Letter from Blake 3/16

2009-03-30T20:06:00.000-10:00

All is well here. Our platoon was moved into white phase which should mean more responsibility for the Platoon Guides (PG) and the DS taking a more hands off or stand back approach. Our leaders were doing good because they had been in for a few days and had an idea of how things need to be done. I had the best position because I didn't actually have an official leadership role but I was the PG's advisor so to say. I was the bug that whispered ideas into the PG's ear.
Our platoon was assigned to stay at the Company Quarters along with Second Platoon. The DS's were out with the other platoons and had a bad day because when they got back DS Harbough fired everyone. It was a shock to us all.
The next leadership group lasted a day and 1/2. They were fired because they lost accountability of two rifles. DS Rosenbough had to go and retrieve one of the rifles from 1st Sergeant. They got us all chewed out and people (privates) fired from leadership. The other weapon owner now has to have his weapon tied to him day and night.
DS was in the middle of yelling at us when he stopped and called out Gray and myself. He said he was tired of experimental leadership and told everyone we were the new PG's. Afterwards he pulled us aside and told us to straighten the platoon out.
That puts us in a tough spot because we don't have any actual authority to enforce our commands. The positive is we have complete support from the DS's. We have been in for around a week now. Maybe a little less. The platoon semi-respects us and we can already see a difference in how we (the platoon) act. They pretty much know if I stand up and face everyone they are getting too loud and need to be quiet.
The past few days I have been intermixed with other platoons in lines and for chow for some reason and I have noticed our platoon rocks. We are rough around the edges but we are the best platoon at getting stuff done.
I like my position because I feel like I'm helping and being useful but I tell you, it is draining. I get to the point where I don't want anyone to call my name or ask me another question. All I want to do is sit in a room by myself in silence.

Blake asked me to post this

2009-03-24T06:43:00.000-10:00

I was sitting in church on Sunday and I had the impression to write down my experience regarding joining the Army. When people would ask me why I signed up to join the Army my first response was "someone has to, why not me?" I said this as a jovial way to skirt the question. I did this because the decision Sara and I made regarding the Army is very personal to me, but as stated I feel inspired to share it.
At the end of summer break 2008 I went on a backpacking trip with some friends of mine and my dad. It was a great trip. The week after was also the week before Fall semester started at Fresno State University. During that week, or rather at the beginning of that week, I had what I perceived as a random thought about joining the Army. I laughed at the notion of me in the Army. Sure, I like to hike and "rough it" but I never saw myself as an Army soldier. Throughout that week the "random thought" kept coming back to the point of waking up in the middle of the night thinking about it. I decided that this thought might not be so random.Once I considered that I might be receiving promptings it became blatantly obvious that I was.
I told Sara on the next Sunday it was that I felt prompted to look into joining the Army. When she knew I was acting because of a prompting she was immediately supportive. We went to the closest Army Recruiting Station to gain information. (Sara's note here - I had him look into ALL the military branches just to be sure.) SSG Williams assisted us and was very helpful and informative. Over the course of the next few months Sara and I met frequently with SSG Williams, fasted (I fasted, since Sara was pregnant she didn't. Jacob's appreciative I'm sure), talked, and prayed about this huge decision we were considering. After talking to countless relatives, friends, and associates who have served in the military and everything above mentioned, Sara and I felt that the Army is where I need to be.
I have always had respect for those who are in the armed services because their sacrifice is what allows me to live the life I do. Since I have been in Basic Combat Training that respect has grown because I have a small taste of what sacrifices service men and women have to make. However, despite patriotism, adventure and duty to country I am here for one main reason. My parents have always told me that Heavenly Father needs good men everywhere. I have tried to live my life to be considered a good man and my Heavenly Father has sent me to the Army for His own purposes. I cannot disobey. I will go and do whatever He commands and do my absolute best because I know His ways are higher then mine and I trust Him completely. What lies ahead I do not know. But I do know I am where my Father wants me to be and with His strength I truly can do all things.

From Blake March 12

2009-03-20T19:18:00.000-10:00

On Tue the 10th I was at my wits end. I was first fed up with members of the platoon who insist on moving slow, not listening and getting us all smoked. That alone was managable. Then the Drill Sgts who were helping the other platoons out on the range came back in a bad mood because the range went bad (disorganized, privates not listening, not enough people zeroing their rifles.) When they came back DS Harbough fired the entire leadership of the platoon. What got to me is that our leadership was good. They were cleaning up the platoon. They had been in long enough to know the system and gain the respect of the platoon. Then for no reason on their parts they were fired. That pushed me over the edge. I grabbed my Book of Mormon and went for a walk. I sat, bowed my head and started praying. It was more of a prayer of emotion. I don't know if I actually communicated words but with prayer that doesn't matter. He understands our hearts. I opened the Book of Mormon to the page I was on in my regular reading. My eyes turned to 1 Ne 18:16. [16 Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.] Afflictions are to be born with patience all the while praising the Lord for all the things we are blessed with. My trust is that the Drill Sgts will recognize good performance and make decisions to help the platoon as a whole is still shattered. As well as my confidence that the platoon can be rallied to perform the way we should. But, with the strength of the the Lord I can do all things. Joshua 1:9

2009-03-08T18:46:00.000-10:00

Another letter from Blake!

2-9-09 - I was able to go to church yesterday. Another private came with me. We have to always have someone with us, called our battle buddy. This particular soldier hadn't been to church in years. He sat next to me in the non-denominational service and agreed to come for the other service as well. He and his wife recently got back together after being separated and felt like he needed to start going to church again. We left for church right as our platoon was beginning to form up for chow. Church was great. It felt so good to be among the Saints. Having the fellowship of other members is so important. I didn't realize that until I had no other members around. I have to always be mindful who I am and what my standards are all the time. It would be so easy to slip because I physically stand alone. Spiritually I am never alone. With Christ I can do all things. I never feel alone. Living my standards doesn't feel difficult to me.

Jacob ready to go for a walk.

Poor guy! He's smiling but I scared him half to death.

Happy again!!

Almost rolling over

2009-03-06T14:56:00.001-10:00

Fun Stuff

2009-02-27T11:45:00.001-10:00

Sorry, sorry, sorry!!

2009-02-27T10:15:00.000-10:00

Ok. So I'm not so great at this blogging thing, but at least once a month you'll get an update. Blake left for Basic Combat Training (BCT) at the beginning of February and I just got my second letter from him. In the first letter, he said that Reception (check in for a week and a half) was like scout camp. BCT isn't like that. Here are some excerpts from his letters.

Letter #1
Feb 12 - I will have 3 new drill sergeants (DSG). The main one is a big black guy who doesn't say much unless you do something disrespectful to him or another DSG. The second DSG is a big white guy who seems pretty cool in the sense that he actually tries to teach you something before he orders you to do it and yells at you for not knowing what you're doing. The third DSG is a scrawny, tall, white guy who is just mad at anyone who is not a Non-Commissioned Officer.

Feb 15 - It is 0114 and I'm sitting at a desk in our bay. I'm on fire watch. There is someone awake in the bay every minute anyone is in the bay. During the night we are in shifts for two hours. There is a little list of stuff we are supposed to do while on shift, for example: Clean showers, mop bay floors, scrub toilets. The idea is that after all shifts the entire area will be clean. It's a really boring two hours but the time seems to pass quickly.

Letter #2
Feb ? - I'm on fire duty again. It's 0215 right now. Life here is good. I'm a squad leader in our platoon. When we first arrived we were herded into a random formation. The four soldiers on the end were designated squad leaders. My squad leader, 4th squad, made the mistake of walking in the kill zone on the dining hall. The kill zone just means walking too close to the DSG table and got fired right there. The DSG called out my name and I replaced him.

Feb 23 - I'm on fire duty again. I almost got fired yesterday. Some of our platoon members didn't pack everything they were supposed to. As a result the entire leadership was put on warning. We only got that one warning. The next mistake like that from any of my squad members means I'm fired. The drawback is that I have some guys whose hand I have to hold. We all expect to be fired in a couple of days. One of our DSG is determined to fire the entire leadership if 1 private makes a mistake. So if one person from another squad messes up we are all done. Life is still good though. I've had a cold since I've reached BCT. Too many germs in one place I guess. Every time I'm starting to get better we get in trouble for not doing something right and get smoked (made to do push ups or something). Usually we get smoked in the cold so I just get sick again. (Note from Sara: I'm sending him cough drops and Vit-C drops, don't worry.) I could go to sick hall and try to get some pills but that would mean missing training. And if I miss required training I have to make it up somehow or get restarted. Restarted just means once I'm done with BCT I would have to do it all over again to ensure I have all the training. I'll live.

No pictures from Blake but here are some recent ones of Jacob.

2009-02-11T09:30:00.000-10:00

For those of you who thought you saw Blake on tv . . . you did! The place to go to (quickly) find it is under Mom and Dad Dunn. You can click on our picture and see the news clip again! :o)

2009-02-09T20:41:00.000-10:00

Ok. I've decided that our blog has looked the way it has for long enough. I'm not a blog guru so I'm figuring things out by trial and error. It's late and I'm tired so this will probably look funky for the next week until I get around to fixing it. :op

Jacob Waking Up

2009-01-31T11:39:00.001-10:00

2009-01-13T18:38:00.000-10:00

Jacob turned two months a few days ago and had his two month check up today. He's 24 inches long and weighs 15 lbs 5 oz. Dad went with him to the Doctors because Mom had to work. :o( But Blake said that when Jacob got his shots he didn't cry very much.

Our big boy!!

(Besides the pacifier looking like it's going up his nose) This is a cute picture!!!

(Mad because he lost his pacifier)

He's official now!

2009-01-06T17:15:00.000-10:00

Jacob was blessed in church on Sunday. We were able to have some family and friends travel for it. The outfit he is wearing is pretty special to my sister and I. When I got married I borrowed my sister's wedding dress. Neither of us wanted to save it for our daughters (who wants to wear a yellow dress?) so we decided to turn it into blessing outfits. Blake's mom, Susan, made a girls dress and a little boy outfit. My sister, Melissa, was able to use the dress to have her daugher, Brooklyn, blessed in while I was able to use the boy's outfit. We're going to pass the outfits back and forth for our children and hopefully we won't bless babies of the same gender on the same Sunday!

Melissa and Brooklyn

My beautiful boy!

The blanket was made for Jacob by our friend, Edna.

Proud parents!

Family and Friends

Christmas with Jacob

2008-12-30T16:52:00.000-10:00

This was our first Christmas with Jacob. (Obviously, since he was just born [there will be a lot of firsts for a while.]) We went over to Mom and Dad Termeer's for Christmas day and Mom and Dad Dunn's the following weekend.

Jacob helped to open his Christmas present.

Like most babies he was more interested in keeping a vice-like grip on the wrapping paper then looking at the books that Grandma and Grandpa Termeer gave to him.

We didn't take pictures at Grandma and Grandpa Dunns :o(

First Outing

2008-12-17T11:16:00.000-10:00

The other day, Blake was invited to play Rugby with a bunch of the YSA's. Jacob and I went to go cheer him on. This is the first time that Jacob has been out to something other then a family activity and the first outdoor one. Ignorant mom forgot gloves so I had to improvise. I gave him mine and he looked so funny that I had to take a picture.

Kinda makes me think of a scarecrow. But he loved it.

Our BIG boy

2008-12-12T16:40:00.000-10:00

Jacob had his one month birthday this last monday. And his one month check up at the Doctors. He is going to be HUGE unless he just stops growing. He is now 22 1/2 inches long (90th percentile) and 12 lbs 11 oz (the nurse didn't even give me an exact percentile. She just told me over 95%)
Wow!! How big is he going to get???

Milestones

2008-12-06T09:51:00.000-10:00

Jacob went to his first Christmas party last night. He is so cute that we hardly held him all night. Even Santa kept him for 5 min after this picture!

This is an outfit that Grandma Dunn got for him. Too cute!!!

Ok, Ok

2008-12-02T18:47:00.000-10:00

We finally got some more pictures on our blog. (To be honest, we'd forgotten how to put slideshows on.) But with that figured out, things can get fun.

Jacob Aden Dunn

2008-11-10T12:27:00.000-10:00

Welcome little Jacob
Nov 10, 2008
2:23am
9 lbs.
21.7 in.

Come and Gone

2008-11-05T14:39:00.000-10:00

My due date was yesterday. The baby is still not here and the Dr said this morning that there has been no change in the past three weeks. So much for being a ripe banana. {sigh} But that's OK. I've had a million people tell me that usually first babies are late so I kind of expected it. The baby is officially late now so Mom and Dad Termeer and Dunn just because we call you doesn't necessarily mean that I'm in labor but one of these days . . . :o)

There's Strong, then there's Army Strong... and then there's Blake

2008-10-29T19:16:00.000-10:00

Guess what...I'm joining the Army! With all this talk about a baby I'll bet you all never saw that one coming. On Feb 4, 2009 I will be entering Basic Combat Training (BCT) also known as boot camp at Fort Jackson South Carolina. BCT will last 9 weeks and 4 days. On April 27, 2009 I will be entering Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Bennington Georgia. OCS will last 12 weeks. Upon completion of OCS I will be the lowest ranking officer, a second lieutenant. Because I'm going to be going in as an officer opposed to a regular enlisted soldier I don't get the luxury of picking my profession. Once I complete OCS I will begin my commission with a 3 year commitment to active duty followed by 5 years as a reservist. Go Army!

Baby Update

2008-10-29T16:10:00.000-10:00

I went to the Dr today and she said that I'm still at 1/2 cm but that's normal with a first baby. She also said that I'm 60% effaced and that the baby is so low, that if he went 1 1/2 inches lower he'd be coming out. Whoo-hoo! Hopefully we'll have this baby sooner rather then later.

Speak out

2008-10-23T16:43:00.000-10:00

At school today there was a table in the free speech area with Representatives passing out pamphlets and information encouraging students to vote no on prop 8 and 4 (the parental notification prior to abortion amendment). They advertised a discussion panel which would have Representatives from both sides of both issues. I decided that I would go and support prop 8.

I put a bumper sticker on my binder and skated off to school. When i arrived I noticed that there was still no fliers or information regarding yes on 8. When the discussion panel began the moderator announced that no one from yes on prop 8 showed up. Upon questioning it was made known that yes on 8 was contacted in advance and committed to being present then soon declined due to prior debates around town. Another group advocating prop 8 was contacted and asked to participate pretty much with no notification and thus had to decline.

After the no on prop 8 had an opportunity to give their prepared remarks the moderator was about to open it up to Q&A. A man standing against the wall offered to say a few impromptu words about yes on 8. Once the Q&A was opened up those of us who support prop 8 spoke up in defence of the proposition.

I don't know if the organization hosting the discussion hoped that only one side of the proposition would be present or only half attempted to find some one to represent yes on prop 8. But I do know that we all need to stand up for what we believe. In that forum I stood up and commented on the sanctity of marriage and found that I was not alone. I encourage everyone to attend any political function discussing proposition 8 because if we all rely on someone else to fight our cause there may be many rooms with only one side of a panel to be heard.

Ripe banana???

2008-10-19T17:08:00.000-10:00

This last Wednesday I went to my OB and she told me that I was a ripe banana. The baby had dropped way low and I was dilated 1/2 cm. (I know, I know, it's not that much but it's a start.)
My doctor said that she'd be surprised if I lasted until my due date because I look so "ripe". That's when she compared me to a banana. She said that if you think about a banana it goes from green to yellow to brown. So green = early pregnancy, yellow= late pregnancy, brown = ripe = anytime I can go into labor, water breaks, the whole shebang. We'll see.

Temple in Rome!!!

2008-10-05T17:59:00.000-10:00

We were so excited yesterday morning when it was announced at conference that a Temple would be built in Rome, Italy. For those that don't know, my little brother Matt, is currently serving there. A few months ago, he sent us these pictures. He and his companion had visited the temple site and took some pictures.

The Temple Site

Olive trees on the Temple site

Anziano (Elder) Termeer

We're really sorry!!! :o(

2008-10-01T05:10:00.000-10:00

We really do love our family, but lately we've been forgetting about everyones birthday until someone else has already mentioned it. Starting now (it's a new month) we'll turn over a new leaf and we will try to call everyone on their birthday. So, happy birthday to all our family who has had a birthday so far this year.

Go to this website if we missed your birthday. Click play and then chat.
www.123greetings.com/birthday/belated_birthday/birthbtd4.html

The world is NOT going to end!

2008-09-12T06:57:00.000-10:00

I know, this is the second post in what, a week? Things are ok. Don't worry. Blake took a couple of pictures of me the other day and we just wanted to show our friends what his 7 month pregnant wife looks like now. The scary thing is, I'll only get bigger. :o|

Church Welfare

2008-09-10T18:57:00.000-10:00

In the Fresno area the church's welfare project is a vineyard. The members of the 4 Fresno stakes pick grapes and lay them on paper trays to dry into raisins. That gets done toward the end of summer. When it's the end of fall we go back to the vineyard and prune, tie up the vines, and pull weeds and such. I'm in the YW program and for one of our mutuals we went to the vineyard. I didn't do too much. My tummy kinda got in the way. I was just there for moral support and to go fill up water bottles. (I still got Cold Stone after!) So there's my mom and me in a picture.

Don't ask who the other people are in the other picture. They're ward members but the picture is too bad to recognize anyone and I doubt you'd know them anyway ;-) Blake couldn't go until the Monday after - he didn't take any pictures. Funny story - Blake always seems to have problems when he goes to the vineyard. The last season he went, his keys got locked in the car one day and somehow on another day the car decides to take a closer look at the vines. One got destroyed and one seriously injured. This time was a little better but not by much. He gets to our row and he's the only one there that he knows. He works all morning and when finished with the row goes to another one, where, miraculously, there is an abundance of familiar faces who didn't believe that he had been there for an hour and for the rest of the day teased him that he showed up when the work was almost done.

Back to life

2008-08-24T19:24:00.000-10:00

This whole last week Blake's dad, Blake, and a few of his friends went backpacking at Coyote Lake. It took them until the morning of the third day to get to where they were going but by the end of the trip they were so ready to sleep in beds and be with their family that they went the same distance back in only one day. They had such a great time that they decided next year they should get together again. But this time, bring the family and stay in a nice cabin.

That was the last big trip for Blake for a while because school starts for him on Tuesday the 26th.

Another big thing for us . . . we moved!!! We were living in a tiny one bedroom apartment and would've had to have gotten rid of half our living room furniture when the baby came. We decided that it would be a lot nicer to just get a bigger apartment. So we moved to the other side of our complex into a two bedroom unit. It seems SOOOO much bigger then the last place.

Second timer

2008-08-06T18:47:00.000-10:00

At first we thought that we were doing pritty good simply by creating a blog. However, we now know that it is worse to start a blog and not keep it up than it is to not start a blog at all. We will try to update this more often.
Sara is getting big and happy. Pregnancy is probobly one of the only few times a wife will come up and tell her husband with a big smile that she is gaining weight. We are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of Little Jacob

First Timer

2008-06-25T18:54:00.000-10:00

So. Everyone seems to be jumping on the Blog Train, so we decided, "why not?" It's a lot easier then writing a million emails (which we don't do) and people still are able to find out what's new in the Dunn family. What is new????? We are having a BOY!!