Hello, Carl here:

In my quest to become, at the very least, an amateur photographer I have been practicing a lot with lighting. I am terrible in low unnatural light.

BUT... I have developed a new appreciation for my three most beautiful (and overly eager to help) models. So here is a tribute to them to say thanks!

Jacob's Aspirations

Up until a few months ago, it was Jacob's dream to be a cashier, namely one at Aldi's. Why you ask? Well, it's because they get to sit down while they work of course! Well, now he wants to become a nurse, so he can help other kids with diabetes. :) But, this morning I found this in Jacob's backpack and it seems that he might be reaching toward some higher goals. Of course the reasoning behind it seems to be from the less noble side of Jacob we are used to! ha ha

Poor Man, we hardly knew you

For Jacob's birthday as previously noted, he got a tank and 3 fish from the Williams'. He was super excited to be able to feed them and take care of them. Well, after a whole lot of hullabaloo, we convinced him that they shouldn't be fed until morning. Well, he got himself up and fed those fish before we had all come downstairs the next day. The problem was, he was a bit too generous with the food. I thought it would be ok since he had got a bottom feeder. Figured he would take care of the extra that fell to the bottom. Well, this morning we woke up to find that the water was all cloudy and gross. We had to run to church, but I was planning on cleaning out their tank as soon as we got home. Well, that didn't happen until later in the afternoon and by that time it was discovered that Man was dead Yes, he named him Man. The others are Friend (or Fred depending on which child you are asking) and Buddy. Well, let me tell you there were a lot of tears shed by both boys. Turned out to be a great time to talk about the Plan of Salvation and resurrection though!
Grandma and Gramps were coming for dinner and so we postponed the funeral until they got to our house. Jacob was appalled by the idea of a toilet burial so I dug a hole outside in the back and we made a headstone. It reads,

MAN

Beloved Fish

I think that the cutest and saddest part was Jacob saying his final words to the poor fish that he hardly knew and his brother patting him on the back the whole time to comfort him, tears streaming down their faces. They didn't even notice that my Father-in-law was laughing the whole time! They got me though and I actually shed a tear or two in Man's honor. Now I hope the others last more than a day and a half!

Jacob's Birthday and Party

Jacob's birthday was on the 4th of November, and since that was Super Tuesday we decided to have his birthday on the Friday following. On his actual Birthday we took him to a few fun places. Jake, Al and I met up with the Williams' at the fabulous new park that is in Westland for a picnic. Then after Carl got home from work, we headed out to the Henry Ford Imax theater to see "The Miracle of Flight". It was a film about the Blue Angels and was really interesting when you weren't dzzy from all the spinning! After that we went for a spending spree in the bulk food warehouse, then onto Pizza Hut for dinner. It was a super fun night!

So, Friday we had the actualy party. Jake invited a friend from school to come. The funny part was that he didn't tell me about it! So, when his friend called for directions, I was a bit suprised. But, we worked it all out and Brad was able to join us after-all. jake got a lot of cool stuff. 3 new games for his DS, a few board games and even fish! It was a super fabulous night.

Jacob's party was Spongebob themed, so we made a cake that looked like Spongebob. Carl has the idea to make it a neopolitan cake, and I think it turned out really wel!

Jake with one of his DS games he got.

Jake and Bradley. Jake pulled the glass up right before Carl shot the picture. I think it looks really cool myself!

Goofing around with the camera

technical difficulties

Seems the link I sent was bogus, but not to fear, here is the legit one. Sorry about that!!

Gator Jacks Sub Shop

Sisterly Pride

My brother's business is flourishing! I am so proud of him and his Family. THey have had to put a lot of hard work and sacrifice into starting up their own restaurant. I wanted everyone to know that they now have their own website, and while it is still "under construction" I think that it looks really great! So, here it is, and for those of you back in Idaho check him out and tell him I sent you!!

Gator Jacks