Father's Day 2017

Riley sure loves his daddy! They are very close.
Jacob spent the afternoon at Riley's school for their father's day celebration. They made root beer floats. Riley loved them.

Then the kids gave their dad's a book they made just for them.

They also had a relay race outside and the kids also had fun at the bounce houses.
I'm sure Riley was so happy and proud to have his daddy spend several hours in his class.

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Our church acknowledge all the hardworking dad's. All the kids were called up on stage and were told to grab a bag of chocolate chip cookies to give to their dads. Very fitting since Jacob loves chocolate chip cookies.

Jacob has always been such a hard worker. In the beginning of our marriage he worked two jobs to support our family. (seems like a lifetime ago) That is such a selfless act and I made sure I told him how grateful I was often for his hard work which allowed me to be a stay at home mom. It's been years now since he left his second job and we get to do a whole lot more things as a family. Thankful to God for the abundant blessings He has showered us with. Jacob is such a hardworking leader who likes to make his people better by the way he coaches when he needs to which allows them to excel.

But his hard work doesn't stop there. He is intentional about being present in our kids lives even though he's busy at work. When Sydna got in a minor car accident she called him and he drove to the scene to make sure she was alright and to take care of business. Whenever Nathan had football games he usually go see him play. Whenever Riley has a doctor appt (which they seem to be often lately) Jacob finds a way to come along to his appts. And not to mention the times I've needed him he has always been by my side without hesitation. 

I am constantly thanking God for Jacob and my prayers are always for his protection and good health. He's my best friend and the only one who I tell everything to. 

I believe father's are just as important as mother's but when a father is present and active in their children's lives those kids tend to make better life choices and have a healthier positive life.

Although not perfect (but who is?) Jacob (we) continue to strive to implement honorable values and morals on our children. We've faltered as parents but as we grow in His Word we will continue to guide them until the end of time. After all parenting doesn't stop when children become adults because problems will continue to happen and our children will need a shoulder to cry on and guidance to help them through life. And as a team we will continue to love on these kids of ours. Jacob sure brings levity to our family. His personality helps to balance things out, reminds us to not stop laughing, to tell jokes and be silly.

Happy Father's day Jacob. We love you!!! and I will celebrate you as often as possible ... because father's are awesome!!!

Good father's do three things: they provide,

they nurture and they guide.

-Roland Warren

Father's Day 2015

... and the 1st day of Summer.
I asked Jacob what he wanted to do for Father's day and he said he wanted to go hiking at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. What better way to celebrate the outdoors than on this special day.
It was sunny and breezy but the best part was that the trail we hiked was mostly shaded by the myriad of pine trees. This was our first time hiking here.

We began our walk where Jacob's pointing at then we took the orange trail up then cut down the middle {blue} trail then back towards our starting point. It was a little over a three mile walk/hike.

I was ahead because I like to go on a steady pace. Part of the trail along the Puget side was narrow. Jacob made sure to hold Riley's hand extra tight.

This was our favorite part of the trail ... overlooking the Puget and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

Thankfully we didn't come across any raccoons but we did see lots of tiny lizards.

This was the only part of the trail that was steep. It takes determination to not stop in the middle of it, especially if one's not in good shape. Jacob found Riley a stick just the right size. He looks so cute walking up. Walking up this steep hill at a steady pace tired his little legs out a bit and that made him start laughing uncontrollably, lol.

Once we were back on level path he was fine ... he even took the lead and wouldn't let anyone pass him up. But then I had to take initiative and borrow Riley's stick so I could clear out all the spider webs that were in our way hanging from limb to limb. Jacob and the kids are afraid of spiders so it's up to me to do something about them. As long as it's not a tarantula or a jumping spider I will gladly get rid of them.

I was sweating once we got back to the car. That was a good hike! I brought my flip flops so I could be comfortable. After our hike we had lunch. Picked a spot on top of a hill with the view of the water. I made my yummy guacamole. So addicting! For me chips and dip or chips and salsa/guacamole is so dangerous. It is so hard to only eat a few chips. You kidding me?!

I also made s'mores ... always a hit.

It was an enjoyable day celebrating this guy. Can't believe he's been a father for 18 years. And I can't believe that we match. Believe me it was completely by accident. It had been a while since we've gone hiking like this. I gotta make sure that I continue to stay active.

... and yeah, summer has definitely arrived here in WA and you know something, it's been H O T. High 80's and into the low 90's, yeah most definitely! Where's all the rain and cloudy sky that everyone talks about? Ha!

Father's Day 2014

Our plans for Sunday was to go to the Science Center but there was no parking to be found ... at all, so we drove to a park {Discovery Park} that we recently read about. We weren't dressed to go on a lengthy walk. All we did was take Riley to the playground while Sydna and Nathan went on a quick trail.
We got a parks map copy and on there we saw that this park has a sandy beach and a lighthouse a bit further out. Whoa! It would have been so cool if we had been prepared to go on a hike. This place is definitely worthy of a second visit in the near future.

I was a bit surprised that this playground wasn't bigger given that all the others we've been to have been really cool playgrounds ... but I'm sure the views from the trail along the shore are breathtaking. Hope to find out soon.

Then we walked a little. This park has several trails and they're all surrounded by tall pine trees. I've got to remember to bring bug spray next time. I also always worry about ticks. Definitely do not want any one of us to risk getting lyme disease.

picture taken by Jacob

Our park visit was made short because it began to rain. As we were driving we stopped at the Fisherman's Terminal. We had never been here. There was a cafe, pub and grill, market and deli, a restaurant, mail service and a barber shop.

Of course, we had to stop and look at the boats and ducks or geese that were swimming about.

Since we became parents 17 years ago I've seen Jacob turned into a softy throughout the years especially with our third. He's loved on his kids, played with them, taught them prayers, reads bible passages to them and is always involved in their studies. The kids have a great time with their dad. He's always joking around and is pretty witty which has them constantly laughing. A lot of what he says ends up having a double meaning which makes it even more funny and the best part is that this happens unintentionally. He's a genuine goofball.
I love that he's got a great sense of humor. It definitely makes our lives a lot less boring. Life is already serious enough but because of his character it helps us to not get too caught up in the serious stuff.

Funny how one person can make one's life so happy and we keep relying on that person to help us feel better when things are tough or how when life is going so good you credit that person for it. Jacob is my rock. But, we know that we could not do this marriage and life without Him. He's the center of it all. When we're both in harmony with THE One everything is great. I'm determined to always do my part to maintain that strong hold on our triangle.

Happy Father's Day Jacob!

A man of  knowledge uses his words with restraint,

and a man of understanding is even-tempered.

-Proverbs 17:27

Books, A Baseball Game and Jacob

Having to find new doctors after a move is a pain in the butt!

The boys already have a male pediatrician which I thought was very knowledgeable and really listened to what I had to say without feeling rushed. That was a big plus. Sydna has yet to be in to see the doctor which is good because that means she hasn't gotten sick but which she will soon have to go in for her yearly physical.

Jacob and I have always seen an internist. We believe they are more knowledgeable and it makes us feel a lot more comfortable going to one than a regular family doctor.
I still, however need to find an OB-GYN. It's been difficult trying to find a reputable one in my area. I found two offices that are about twenty five minutes away and honestly for an OB it's just too far of a drive but I'll have no choice if I don't happen to find one close to the house.
So, this is what I've been doing on and off lately. Looking for one.

And when I'm not busy online Riley and I have been doing a lot of reading lately. He talks so much now and he also wants me to repeat everything that he says which after three minutes could get a bit tiresome. I have to tell him that he needs to say words once and not twenty times. Still doesn't quite get it.

We went on a walk. It was 54 degrees for the high last Tuesday ... totally surreal. I even had Riley wear his jacket. It didn't feel cold to me just cool and very comfortable.

He had his very first bowl of cereal. It totally reminded me of those cereal commercial where there's hardly any milk in the bowl but it's full of cereal ... that's how his bowl sort of looked like. He ate every single froot loop.

After going through all the books we have unpacked I thought it was time for a trip to the library and look for fresh reads for the little guy. I remember telling him before we got off the truck that he needed to be good, quiet and to not run. He was such a good boy while we were here.

We got an unexpected fun surprise on Wednesday {of last week}. Jacob was gifted two tickets to the Mariners vs the Astros game.

I liked the baseball bats art display hanging from the ceiling. It took Jacob a bit to realize they were baseball bats.

This was our first time at a Mariners baseball game.

We were directed to guest services where he received his very first baseball card that he's so proudly showing us and his very own certificate of attendance to show for it.

Our original seats would have been near first base but since we had the two boys with us and there were no more available seats next to us Jacob exchanged the original tickets for four tickets a couple of sections over.

Proudly looking at his certificate.

Nathan was excited too but he was mostly looking forward to the snacks. It's always fun going to sporting events even if your favorite team is not playing.

Jacob got me my favorite junk food and surprisingly I wasn't able to finish the nachos. It was just a lot but oh, where they good!

The boys were being silly which was fine ... kept Riley entertained.

7th inning stretch.
The sky began to look a bit threatening by this point and by the 7th inning neither team had scored. They finally did in the 8th inning and at the top of the 9th we got up to leave. As we were close to exiting the stadium it began to rain. We left just in time. The Mariners ended up losing 5-1 to the Astros. It was a nice evening out though. We all had fun.

Riley has found a new interest in {race} cars. It all began when he saw a Little Einsteins episode called Carmine's Big Race several weeks ago and ever since then he's been playing with his cars a whole lot more.

The times we've taken the backroads to get to the freeway we've come across a shady trail that looks quite inviting and I have been telling Jacob that I would like to go on that trail for a couple of months now. So we finally did Saturday morning. It is super shady ... I loved it!

Riley thought it was hilarious that Jacob placed Woody on the handle. He kept looking back to make sure he was still there.

On our way back I found him doing this:

That was funny.

Sydnas orchestra class had to perform for her school graduation that took place at a venue not that far from the house Saturday evening. We dropped her off and headed back home. My life with my kids as I know it is slowly changing. Synda is growing up and having to do things on her own whether it's due to a school function or just hanging out with friends. It has been more emotional than challenging. I have no other choice but to trust her and to put my trust in God that he will protect her. I continue to talk to her, never in an accusatory way but more as a third person. I tell her stories of friendships that I've read in books, some good and some bad experiences and how that person overcame the challenge. I also simply state that she should never feel she has to do anything she doesn't want to do ... and to not let anyone try to intimidate her.

Unfortunately there will be people that will envy another person whether it's her looks, the way she dresses, her personality or her life. I just want to make sure my kids are aware of these possessive people -the so called friends and not allow them to rule their life and to ultimately end such a friendship. No matter how old my children get I will continue to monitor their lives and speak up when I feel something is not right. A moms intuition is almost always right and I think this gift is so keen in me. I know how to read people well.

We went to see our house over the weekend. We were surprised to see that the garage was installed and closed. The excess building scraps were gone. Pretty soon we will no longer be able to go inside. That'll be a bummer. I can't wait to show you all the way it looks once it's finished.

*****
Father's Day.

Jacob had heard from one of his people at work about Dash Point State Park. Apparently when the tide is low you are able to walk way far onto the Puget Sound.

I liked the drive down to the "beach".

Since it was our first time to visit we wanted to scope the place out before we brought out our things.

It was nice that you were able to walk far into the water but still be calf deep. The only downside to this place is that the beach part is way small.

But that didn't bother the kids. No siree! They immediately began walking on the water. Riley found a stick and began playing ........

.......... while Sydna and Nathan were looking at fish.

The sun was in his eyes, lol.

Sydna said that a few fish kept nibbling on her feet. That would have freaked me out a bit.

I asked Jacob why in the world he was holding up his swimming trunks ... after all they WERE swimming trunks and who cares if he got them wet. He's didn't know why. Such a dork.

Looking for rocks ... as usual.

Got one.

The kids wanted me to go in with them so I said I would but not for too long. The deeper you walked the colder the water got. It wasn't cold at all though where Jacob was at so it was ideal for the little kids.

Sydna is always finding either dead or live animals where ever she goes. She found a sand dollar.

After spending some time in the water we had lunch. Riley ended up eating only fruit ... golly, this kid! Hey, but fruit is good right?

The big kids headed back out to the water. Riley stayed and played in the sand. I couldn't find his pail anywhere I looked so I ended up bringing his block bucket. Gonna have to buy more beach toys for this little guy.

We had a nice time out in the sun. The kids could have explored the area for hours. Unfortunately I completely forgot to put sunblock on the nape of my neck and that area began hurting bad. That was my cue to leave. It is so red it's no joke.

They are my world!

Jacob:
Thank you for being such a great guy.
You always make us laugh.
You're sweet, caring and loving.
You're a great father to our children.
Thank you for allowing me to be a stay at home mom all these years. I am very appreciative that you also realize the huge benefit of having me, their mother, raise our children and not strangers at a daycare.
I admire your hard work and dedication in everything you are passionate about.
I love that YOU love your job. That is not always the case with a lot of people but you truly love what you do.
You are an awesome husband and I am most grateful to be sharing this parenting journey with you.
Love you!

*I just realized that all three boys were wearing blue shirts. I did not plan it that way.


Later on Sunday evening after Riley woke up from his nap and after a much needed bath he decided it would be fun to be silly. He would run from the formal to the living room and when he passed us he expected us to reach out and try to catch him. He thought it was the funnest thing ever. Non stop laughing.

Then I guess he got tired and went into the hall closet and took out the Wii guitar. Jacob began making guitar noises and Riley was pretending to play. He really got into it ... it was so funny to see because he usually becomes embarrassed and hides or covers his face. Not this time.

Hilarious!

This was all him.

I was telling Jacob that the time we've been here has really gone by at a normal pace. Not too fast or too slow but I just noticed that the last couple of weeks have gone by kinda fast and the weeks are catching up with me. Once again I have started to hate getting out of bed every morning and I'm becoming sleepy around noon. It's been a while since I've taken naps. It could be hormonal right? or maybe running after a 2 year old is kicking my butt ... who knows.