Jacob's 9!

Jacob turned nine years old yesterday! We had so much fun celebrating. On Friday, Kelly and I brought cake to share with his class. It was twin day, and since he and Ryan have so many of the same clothes, they decided to dress alike (Ryan wanted to take a picture without his glasses on so he could look even more like Jacob).

On Saturday he opened all of his presents, played with friends, had pizza and cake at Olive Garden and spent his birthday money at Toys R Us.

Today, he asked for Cap'n Crunch Chicken Nuggets, french fries, corn on the cob, and of course cake, for dinner. We thought Laynie would have fun eating cake and she seemed to at first, but by the end she was pulling out her hair and crying. Hopefully she will enjoy it more on her birthday!

We love Jacob so much. He is kind, generous, funny, and very handsome! He is a great big brother. He is especially aware of those who have special needs. There is a girl in Jacob's class who he walks to ILC. He helps her with her backpack and makes sure she finds her parents afterschool. He is aware of how blessed he is and wants to bless the lives of others as well. We are so glad he is a part of our family!

Jacob, The Wise

I have constant anxiety about so many things. In particular the economy and for the many people who have recently lost their jobs. This morning I was reminding Kelly to keep up on his paperwork and make sure he worked hard so that he did not lose his job. Jacob turned to me and said (and I quote . . .) "Mom, Jesus speaks to your heart and Satan speaks to your head. When you feel doubt it is because you are listening to your head and not to your heart. Satan knows he can put doubt in your head. You need to trust in Jesus."

If only I could be so wise!

Our Talented Kids

Jacob had his first piano recital on Saturday. He did such a great job! He has a very talented (and very patient) piano teacher. She taught her students how to introduce their piano pieces as well as how to bow when they were finished. When it was Jacob turn he quickly walked to the piano while introducing his piece. He was so relieved when finished that his bow was very big and very dramatic!

And . . . Laynie learned a new trick! Not only is she sitting up by herself, but she claps as well! Can you believe Kelly and I have such talented kids? We are very proud!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

The boys have had the best time playing in all of the snow (while Laynie and I stay safely tucked inside my parent's warm house!). They have built snowman after snowman and have shoveled the sidewalk and driveway of every house on my parent's street. They especially love being pulled behind the 4-wheeler on their sleds!

On Saturday, my parents, the brave souls that they are, decided to take Jacob and Ryan snowshoeing by their cabin (It is just too bad that I had to stay home and watch Laynie, I was just dieing to go with!) My parents could not believe how well the boys did. Ryan told me he was a trooper, and my parents agreed. It was so cold that even their water bottles froze!

So, while my parents and the boys froze to death on top of a mountain, Laynie and I played at home in her new exersaucer (her Christmas present from my parents. How in the world are we going to get this thing home?) We hope you are enjoying all of this cold weather as much as we are!

Jacob's Map

Earlier this week, Jacob was not feeling well. As he was "resting" on his bed he drew a map so that Kelly could easily find him with the much needed Sprite (why is it that all kids think a little Sprite will make them feel so much better?). It really is hilarious, especially the part about it being written in blood. The map directed Kelly through the "Food's Square" (kitchen) past the "Guitar Center Place" (music room) and up the stairs to the "Sick Man's Layer" (his bedroom). Kelly did indeed find the "sick man" and he was soon feeling much better!

Fire Station

As a requirement for Jacob's Wolf Badge we visited the Fire Station with a few friends. It was a good reminder to us mom's that we really do need to have a plan in place in case of a fire, or any emergency for that matter. When one of the Firemen asked how we would call 9-1-1 if we were awaken in the middle of the night to a fire, Jacob said he would just "pull out the cell phone from my pocket and make the call". First, Jacob does not have a cell phone, and second, if he did would he really sleep with it in his pocket (not to mention his PJs don't even have pockets!)?

The boys loved trying on the gear, "driving" the ambulance, and meeting all of the Firemen.

I think Laynie looks especially pleased with her first glimpse of "men in uniform"!

Jacob, the Chef!

Jacob fixed us a delicious dinner last night! As a requirement for Jacob's Wolf Badge, he needed to help fix a meal, as well as set the table and clean up when he was done. For dinner Jacob fixed Pizza Muffins, Salad and Bananas (so that he could cover all of the Food Groups). He did an excellent job and I definitely think I should have him fix dinner more often!

Ward Talent Show

Who would have thought that the Stohl family had so much talent! Not me! Tonight was our Ward Talent Show and the boys showed off their guitar skills! Ryan sang with the boys, then they played the song as fast as they could and of course, the big finish was Jacob playing the guitar behind his head. He once again threw his pick into the audience. He truly believes he is a Rockstar, If fact, he told us that everyone said he was the best act of the night (not too much pride, right?). They did a great job and everyone really was impressed.

Pinewood Derby

Jacob has absolutely loved being a Scout. He received his first rank on Thursday night. He is now a Bobcat! As part of the ceremony, he had to pin a Bobcat pin on my sweater. He pinned it upside down and he must do a "good turn" before he can turn the pin right side up.

The Cub Scouts also held their Pinewood Derby on the same night. It was a lot of fun watching the boys get so excited when their car raced.

The competition was Double elimination. Although Jacob's car won several times, the only good video I got was when his car finally lost. (Sorry, Jacob!). Jacob's car is the gold one.

After the Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, they held a Ward Derby so Ryan was able to race his car. The boys (especially Kelly) had a great time making their cars and even more fun racing them. They picked up lots of good tips and are already planning their cars for next year!

Our Wolf!

Jacob went to his first cub scout meeting last Thursday night. He is very proud to be a Wolf (as you can tell)! We are proud of him as well. He received his Wolf bandana and slide last night at a special presentation so now he has decided he has to take this scouting thing very seriously. He tells everyone about how he can't wait to be an Eagle Scout and we are definitely going to hold him to it!

Jacob's 8th Birthday Party

For Jacob's 8th birthday party the boys became pirates!

I decided the best birthday party for a large group of boys (and especially for me!) would be one that was held outside. So, we gave the boys their first clue to their pirate scavenger hunt in our backyard and then they went around the neighborhood to find the rest of the clues.

Along with each clue the boys received a pirate accessory. It was fun to watch them become more and more "piratey" as the hunt progressed. The treasure at the end of the hunt was a treasure chest pinata. We filled it with so much candy that it only took one hit for it to fall to the ground and break open (I didn't even make it outside in time to take pictures).

Jacob had a great 8th birthday. The day was beautiful (70 degrees, can you believe it?) and the boys had a great time running around the neighborhood and becoming pirates!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

Destination Imagination

I know, I know! Kelly can't figure out why I always volunteer to be in charge of things I don't want to do to begin with. You mothers know. Its the guilt! And, I love Jacob for all of his energy and spunk, but I wouldn't wish it on too many other people!

So, Our latest family project is Destination Imagination. It really is a great after school activity. The challenge is:

Is there really a Loch Ness Monster? Is it possible to stop a shark attack by punching the shark in the nose? If Rapunzel really "let down her hair" could someone actually climb up her hair into a tower? Myths, folk tales and urban legends exist in many nations around the world. How do we know whether they're truth or fiction? By using the Scientific Method! Create a theatrical performance with an original story about a myth set in a nation (and using a landmark from that nation) other than the team's own. Present the results of your investigation as part of your story.

Jacob and his team (of second and third graders) have chosen to investigate whether talking to plants actually makes them grow better. Thay have chosen France as their Nation and the Eiffel Tower as their landmark. How does this all go together? Good Question! The great thing is that parents are there to support but cannot actually help with the presentation, props, etc. Did I mention they have to re-create their landmark out of recyclable materials? Now you can see what a challenge this really is.

We will keep you posted on how things progress (and hopefully they do!).