Jacob is a poet!

(Jacob received his wolf badge last week-- Yeah Jacob!)

Jacob's teacher (who is amazing!) published a book of poetry written by Jacob and his classmates. Jacob has not put it down since he brought it home from school. He is very proud of the fact that he is now a "published author". Here are two of his poems:

Jacob Stohl

I am cool and funny

I wonder how space works

I hear kids yelling

I see the school

I want a four wheeler

I am cool and funny

I pretend I am a dog

I feel smart

I touch the table

I worry about tornadoes

I cry for my dad

I am cool and funny

I understand my homework

I say I'm cool

I dream that I am a Veterinarian

I am cool and funny

Thankful

I am thankful for many things in my life (my brain, my heart, and my sister).

Most of all school.

I am fortunate that I have all the things I need to live a happy life.

I want to end the war.

I strive to make good choices.

I will do the best I can to read a 315 page book.

I know that I can stop pollution.

Because of me school is an exciting place.

I am thankful and always will be because I love myself.

Seriously, is he a good boy or what ?!!!

Laynie is 10 months old! (and a poem)

The Most Important Thing About My Baby Sister Is . . .

The most important thing about my baby sister is that she loves me.

She rolls around the room.

She's always curious.

I love to hold her.

I play with her.

Her face is peach.

Her cheeks are rosy red.

She's hilarious.

She can be annoying.

But the most important thing about my baby sister is that she loves me.

by Jacob Stohl

Pay It Forward

Ok, so I joined my friend, Lorelie, in this fun little exchange, mainly because I truly love handmade things, but also because I love to get real mail! In order for me to receive a handmade goodie in the mail, I need to post this same invite on MY blog. Here's how the Pay It Forward works:
-Pay it Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay it Forward" (which I haven't seen!).
-I will send a hand made gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join the exchange.
-All the gifts will be made and posted out "sometime within the next year." How exciting to not know when your surprise package will arrive!
-What you do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
-This Exchange is only open to those with active websites or blogs.
-ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS PROMISE TO POST THIS SAME 'PAY IT FORWARD' MESSAGE ON YOUR BLOG! THEN YOU WILL PAY IT FORWARD TO 3 PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG.
I'd love for you to join me. What do you think?!
Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be my Pay it Forward recipients.
Sounds like fun, right? No pressure.....just fun!

Last Weekend

Laynie and I spent last weekend in Utah. We were able to attend the blessing of Layna's baby, Logan. We had a lot of fun shopping and eating out (the things that are not as enjoyable with two wild boys in tow!).

The boys had a great time while we were away. The only picture I found on the camera was this one of Jacob and the geocaches they planted, so I am assuming this is how they spent the weekend. Ryan did not want to go to sleep the night before I left because he did not want to wake up and have me gone, but I think his sadness soon passed after all of the fun they had without us girls to mess things up!

While we were in Utah Laynie learned to crawl. She is very proud of herself. We have put off baby proofing the house, but I have a feeling it can't wait any longer!

Laynie is 9 months old!

Laynie turned 9 months old yesterday! She has changed our life in so many ways and we couldn't be more grateful that she is part of our family. She loves to play with toys, try to get her brother's attention, and crawl backwards (now that takes talent!). She is much improved in the sleeping area and she loves to eat. The boys can't wait until the future when she can walk and talk, but I am just enjoying every moment of right now!

100th Day

Ryan was sick last week and had to miss his 100th day of school.

So tonight to celebrate we made a list of

Our 100 Favorite Things:

1. Purell-A
2. bongos-R
3. legos-J
4. Geocaching-K
5. playing at the park-R
6. Heelys-J
7. roller skates-R
8. sledding-K
9. peanut M&Ms-K
10. Clorox wipes-A.
11. red licorice-A
12. lollipops-J
13. Buddha, the glasses holder-R
14. Ranch Dressing-R
15. piggy backs-R
16. peach Fresca-J
17. Crystal Light-A
18. Pizza-R
19. Cafe Rio Pork-K
20. nap time-L
21. Books-J,A
22. Harry Potter-K,J
23. School-J,R
24. Church
25. Friends
26. Ms. Zilk-R
27. the ocean-K
28. Jesus-J
29. Work-K
30. healthy kids-A
31. John Madden Football-K
32. Target-A
33. Los Hermanos salsa-K
34. Jacob-R
35. Texas Roadhouse-J
36. Kelly-J
37. Buzz Lightyear-R
38. sleeping in-K,A
39. swing set-R
40. our garden-K
41. Disneyland
42. Space Mountain-R
43. Pirates of the Caribbean-K
44. sunshine-A
45. anything lemon-A
46. doctors-A
47. garbage disposal-K
48. mom's cooking-K
49. computer-J
50. socks-R
51. cable t.v. (doesn't mean he will ever get it!)-K
52. math-J
53. mom-R
54. my wife-K
55. dinosaurs-J
56. reading in bed-A
57. lights-J
58. new underwear-K
59. recess-R
60. science-J,R
61. music-J
62. guitar-J
63. Denver Museum of Nature and Science
64. when the laundry basket is empty-A
65. Laynie's laugh-K
66. Cheerios-L
67. sleeping children-A
68. eating out-J
69. playing in a band with Jacob and Dad -R
70. obeying mom-J
71. snow caves-K
72. a clean house-A
73. Great Grandma
74. Cammi-J
75. Boys Night Out-K
76. Karaoke-R
77. Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band-K
78. Books on C.D.-J
79. Tooth Tunes
80. mornings-A
81. Colorado
82. camping-J,R
83. garlic-A
84. Curious George-R
85. hide and seek-J
86. soccer-R
87. tackle football-J
88. Grandma-R
89. Cinderfeller slopped her dripper-J,R
90. watching Laynie learn new things
91. conversation hearts-A
92. Sarah-J
93. Vail, CO-K
94. when Kelly does the dishes-A
95. visiting new places-K
96. Starfall-R
97. Skype-J
98. Family Reunions
99. homemade bread
100. cousins

And here is how Jacob entertained himself after dinner

(a girl can never have too many bows, right?!):

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!