The Soffe Family

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL --- (OR SECOND)!

2009-09-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I can tell my kids (and I) are getting older because I forgot first day of school pictures this year, - so we got second day of school pictures instead!
Derek is in big 4th grade now! Didn't he just start kindergarten?

Brett now rules the school in the 6th grade!

Danielle started HIGH SCHOOL this year. She loves it, I am sure because she is learning so much NOT because of social reasons!

Sadly, we were not there to take Jake's first day of college pictures, but we were there to get pictures of him dressing for his first football game.

He is the one in mid-throw warming up AND in red. Weird.

Here he is putting on his helmet and carrying his clipboard. He is number 18.

He did SO good at keeping the clipboard:)! He didn't get to see much of the game though. It was very fun to see him there on the sidelines working hard to pay for his education! Oh yeah and Dixie won!

Summer's Coming!

2009-05-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

You know school is almost out when it is time for the (dreaded):) school carnival!
Brett and Derek were soo excited. AND adventurous!

2009-05-21T13:35:00.000-07:00

Blake told me shortly after Jake was born that he knows just what labor feels like...a sprained ankle. Having never had a sprained ankle, I wouldn't know, but lets just say at the time I didn't appreciate the analagy!

We like to take pictures of Jake's injuries (forget special occasions) and this is his latest. To add insult to injury, he hurt his ankle on the last out of the last inning of his last high school baseball playoff game!:( He tore some ligaments and basically sprained his ankle but we are very glad it is not worse. (Even people in the stands at UVU heard it pop. oww!) Uncle Jimmer says Jake has always wanted to be carried off the field, but it was supposed to be on their shoulders, not like this! Oh well.

PLAY BALL!!

2009-03-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

The Cruise

2009-03-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Blake and I celebrate 20 blissful :) years together this year. We wanted to go on a nice trip to celebrate. Thanks to Great Western, we won a cruise so we got our nice trip and didn't even have to pay which made all the better! We really enjoyed all the great Great Western company. Here we are saying Bon Voyage to San Diego.

One of the highlights of our trip was swimming with the dolphins in Puerta Vallarta. Those that know us and our thirst for high adventure aren't surprised by this!

The dolphins were awefully cute and friendly. Just like you see on tv!This may have been my initial reaction, but it is probably trick photography.
We got Kisses!!

This is Blake and Frank Anderson swimming on the dolphins. We layed on their tummies and held on the the fins.

Here is Robin Anderson and I. It was very cool. I would definitely recommend it.

Our next thrill was the zip line in the Sierra Madre mountains in Mazatlan. Here are Blake and I in all our gear.

This is me on one of the 9 zip lines. Blake made sure to get documentation for the kids. Notice the beautiful green mountains?? I guess it is winter there.

This is Blake and Fernando. We go this picture in honor of Danielle. She would've definately enjoyed the zip-line. I think this is where all the young, hot, hip Mazatlanians work. :)

The zip line ended at the Tequila factory where you got a shot (or two) of tequila, and learned how they make it. Needless to say, we gave ours away. The group on the way home was a little more relaxed than on the way there.

Our next big adventure was whale watching in Cabo San Lucas. This may have been more in our comfort zone. It is so beautiful there. You can see why it is the new hot spot for the stars. We went right around these rocks and saw tons (well maybe 12) whales!

This is two of them. I wish I could've gotten better pictures. They were too quick for the delay on my camera. It was way cool - right Kristy?

We also loved watching the dolphins swim along side our ship. They were jumping and flipping and playing. They were definately too fast for our camera.

We were laughing because by the end of the trip, without our kids there, we resorted to taking pictures of the towell kids our room steward made. I think we missed them more than we thought. 7 days was a long time to be away from them. Thank you Brooke and Bryce. Thanks Ted and Kristy for having them to dinner. It is great knowing we have so much great family we would feel comfortable leaving them with. BUT it was great to spend good quality time with Blake. He is still fun, and kind, and happy, and funny (though I may roll my eyes a little more than I used to) and... I could go on and on. After 20 years, he's still got it! Thanks
for picking me to go on your free cruise with you !:)

SURPRISE!!

2009-03-06T14:56:00.000-08:00

It has been YEARS since Jake had a real birthday party. Since he was turning 18 we figured this was pretty much it for the "friend, kid parties." Plus, Blake and I left the day before his birthday for a cruise (We WON), so we wanted to do something fun for him.
This is the big "Surprise", although he doesn't look that surprised. I think he was a little suspicious.

The party was at a place called Noahs in South Jordan. You rent rooms and have them all to yourselves. It was a cool place. Way cooler than our house! My sister found it and took matters into her own hands and booked it. Our neice Kaley is having her wedding here in May!

Jake is lucky to have such a fun, nice group of friends.

Sammie was a big help because she invited the friends and got them all to be there on time. She hated that he kept asking her so many questions and she had to fib!

The pool table room joined with this raquet ball room. They loved this room. Jake said Tyson's raquet ball lessons really paid off. :) You could also plug in the Wii, and play life size Wii on the wall in there. They let you bring in your own food. AND it was reasonably priced! Sorry, I sound like a brochure for Noahs!
Jake and his new birthday guitar. He is taking it in school. He loves it. We 'get' to hear him often. He has the desire, but we question his talent! Anyways, I can't believe my baby is 18. I am in total denial. Believe everyone when they say it goes too fast. :(

update

2009-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Well, since I have been a slacker, here is an abbreviated update on our family for the past few months.

2009-03-03T12:04:00.001-08:00

Brooke, this is for you!

2008-11-16T13:30:00.000-08:00

Bingham Ball was last night. I am being harassed by Brooke to put these pictures up, because she is out of town. We know she HATES to miss out on things, so here you go.

Of course, Jake had a great time. (It was a girl's choice dance, so thanks to Sammie!) I have to say, I really do enjoy going to take pictures with all the other parents and admiring the pretty girls and dresses and these handsome young men!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-29T20:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween came a little early this year thanks to Westlunds Halloween party. Everyone had a ball!

Brett "John" and tough guy Derek.

Kori and Danielle - aka Warren Jeffs and his child bride.

Sammie got her "Buck" Jake.

Juan and Maria, under much duress!

Dare Graduation

2008-10-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brett had his big Dare Graduation last week at his elementary school. He was very happy because he was one of two kids in his class picked to read his essay. He practiced reading it over and over and did a great job. He was really glad grandma Kay, Grandma and Grandpa Oliver, Brooke and her boys, and of course Blake and I were there to watch. Even Derek checked out for a bit to support his brother.

The day was double fun for us because the Dare officer asked the Bingham football captains if they would come and speak to the kids. So we also got to hear from Jake about the importance of not doing drugs, drinking, Etc... Brett liked that his big brother got to speak. He was a little of a celebrity. Ha ha.

After the talks, the kids graduated and got their shirts signed by the other kids and the football guys.

Dantley signing Brett's shirt.

Here is Jake, LT Filiaga, Remington Peck, Dantley Rogers, Brett, Derek and Jace.We were proud parents. It was great to be able to watch and support our kids doing something besides sports!:)

Homecoming

2008-10-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

The Game

Bingham beat Kearns 42 to 10. Good job Miners!

Jake and Sammie After the Game

Jake called me and said "My own little Sammie is Homecoming Queen!" he was so proud.:)Congratulations Sammie!

The Dance

Awghhh

The Guys

They were so proud of their matching outfits!

The Girls

Oh to be young and beautiful.

Accomplishments aside, we are so proud of Jake and the good kid he is. What a great time of their lives. Or in Danielle's words "UGHH it is like a freaking reality tv show." ha ha

Tagged Again!

2008-09-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

I search: for a good sale

I wonder: about the future

I regret: that I haven't kept up on my kids scrapbooks

I love: my family

I care: about date night

I always: love a good book

I worry: about quarterback sacks

I am not: a morning person

I remember: my twenty year old body

I believe: in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I dance: with Danielle, in the car

I sing: along to Jake's country mix while I clean

I don't always: make dinner

I argue: too much with Danielle

I write: my Christmas lists over and over and over

I win: vicariously through my kids

I lose my temper: too often

I wish: my house was clean all the time

I listen: to rap music against my will

I don't understand: how to write a Mandala poem (Danielle's homework last night)

I laugh: when Blake and I try to help write a Mandala poem!

I can usually be found: at a practice

I am scared: I haven't been a good enough mom

I need: a diet coke

I forget: when my visiting teachers are coming over

I am happy: when my family is happy

Now I tag Tracie!

LAGOON!

2008-08-16T10:22:00.001-07:00

We had a great day at Lagoon on Thursday with the Soffe family. The kids love being with their cousins. We are lucky to have a family that we really enjoy!

The Boys! Uncle Kenny, cousin Parker, Derek and Brett.The Girls! Danielle and cousins Rachel, Paige and Hailie.

The Rides!

Cole, Megan, and Derek

Aunt Simone and Grandma Kay

Thank you Grandma Kay! You are such a wonderful, supportive mom, mother in law, and grandma. (And a great cook!) We really appreciate all of the time and effort you go to to keep the family close and spending time together. We know it is not easy!

We miss Danielle!

2008-08-07T21:44:00.000-07:00

Danielle went with her friend Kori to Oakcrest this week. This is them on our trip to Arizona in the spring.

Here are a few of the things we have missed about Danielle while she has been at Oakcrest camp: Her music, her smile, her asking what she should wear, her babysitting:), her very important social life, her with her friends, her singing to herself, not her in the morning, her texting, her laugh (especially the witch one), her softball games, her at night, her dancing! (their is nothing quite like Danielle dancing for Blake and I LATE at night. Boy can she shake it!) We are glad you will be home soon Danielle! We love you!

Flaming Gorge

2008-07-28T20:44:00.001-07:00

Once again our kids have to look to their aunt and uncle Brooke and Bryce for their fun and adventure. Danielle and Jake and his friends spent the 24th of July weekend with them in Flaming Gorge. Jake drove them up Thursday morning, which made me nervous, but I tried really hard not to worry! Thankfully, they all made it home safe and sound.

Danielle and her cousin Annie loving Jace on the boat.

Jake and his buddies kickin back on their way fishing.

Jake's favorite pastime.

I love how Danielle matches the umbrella!

Mike, DJ, Jake, and Dantley dug themselves their very own kiddie pool!

We can't leave out cute baby Stetson. Again thank you Westlunds for being so good to our kids and making such great memories with them.

Grandpa and his new pacemaker.

2008-07-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

We have been so worried about grandpa Jim and his passing out spells. Every few days he would just unexplicably pass out. Luckily, all but one time he was sitting down. The one time he wasn't he hit his head and hurt his knee falling. Not good. This has been going on since about May, and has had everyone, even the Doctors a little perplexed. Finally last week the Cardiologist put a heart moniter on him to wear around for seven days to try and see what happens during these "episodes". When they took the equipment back on Friday and the Dr. looked at it he became concerned because the monitor showed his heart was stopping when he passed out. The Doctor said he needed a pacemaker and admitted him right then, worried that one time his heart wouldn't start back up. Saturday he got his pacemaker and today he came home from the hospital good as new. Well almost:). It was all very routine, which seemed strange to me. The things they can do now days! The Dr. said their should be no more passing out. Everyone is very relieved and happy about this. (Especially grandma because the Dr. said he can drive now!) They are still going to do some checking on his heart, but we are all relieved that the doctors finally seem to be on the right track. The not knowing is tough. We love you Dad, and grandpa, and are so happy you are feeling better!

My Good Husband!

2008-07-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Last week I very CASUALLY, in a nice way of course, mentioned to Blake something about "remember when you used to do the dishes...". (I don't know, can you say that in a nice way?) Since then, to my surprise, I catch him doing the dishes all the time, at all hours! What a wonderful husband I have!

Busy Summer

2008-07-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our trip to Denver. Danielle had a softball tournament there. I got to take her and Brett. I was glad Brett decided to come along to keep me company when Danielle was playing her games. We all had a great time watching and playing ball, visiting, shopping, going to movies, eating out, driving, and just being together. It was also great to spend some time with the Westlunds and Kaley.

Danielle and Brett showing a little sibling affection.We went to a Colorado Rockies game with Danielle's teammates and their families. Danielle always has a great time with them.
We were sad the whole family couldn't be there, but Derek had his all-star state tournament. Blake got home just in time from Alaska to stay home with him. Good job Derek! His teammates have nicknamed him "Hollywood".:)
We also missed Jake. This is him at football camp at Stanford (he is about to throw the ball). He has been to six different camps in three weeks. We are proud of him for working so hard, but we have missed having him around.

Our Fishermen

2008-06-25T15:41:00.000-07:00

Brett and Derek went camping with Brooke and Bryce last week. They are so good to them (throw-up and all). The boys had a great time. One of the highlights was fishing. Each of them caught a couple of fish.

One of their fishing poles broke so they just used a stick and some line. Maybe the boys could show their Dad, uncles and Grandpa a thing or two!:)

Brett and Derek love to be with Jace and Stetson. Thanks Westlunds for taking them!

Family night

2008-06-17T14:25:00.000-07:00

I had a great night last night. I went to see the play Saturday's Warrior with Danielle, Brett, and Danielle's friend Kori. I wanted the whole family to go but of course we couln't find a night where everyone could go. What a blast from my past. We still listen to the music and watch the corny (but good) DVD, so Danielle and Brett were familiar with it too. I even think they enjoyed it.

Brett, Kori, and Danielle anxiously awaiting Jimmy Flinders.:)

Congratulations Derek!

2008-06-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Derek was baptized yesterday. I can't believe my baby got baptized. We are so proud of Derek. He is such a great, fun, happy, kid. He said after "It feels like there is something like a spirit in my body making me feel good." (Although he did have a little questionable moment when he thought Angel Moroni at the bottom of his tie was a guy shooting a gun.) Blake baptized and confirmed him. He loved that his family got to be on the program. His Grandpa Jim gave a talk on Baptism, and his Grandma Kay gave a talk on the Holy Ghost. They were great. Jake and Danielle said the prayers (without much grumbling). Aunt Simone led the music and Brett even got to hand out the programs.:)

Derek loved that so many of his family and friends were there to support him. Here are just a few of them!

Derek and his cousin Gabby.

Derek and his good buddy George.

Tagged!

2008-06-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

What is your husband's name? Blake

How long have you been together? Married 20 Years next May! Wow.

How long did you date? Just over 2 years.

Who said I love you first? Blake, at the slurpee machine at 7-11. He is terribly romantic.

Who is smarter? We thought we were both pretty smart until our kids hit middle school, now we feel pretty stupid.

Who does the housework? Mostly me, unless I have meltdown. (I save every brochure I get from Merry Maids, wishing and hoping.) Kay taught Blake really well though, he is great at showers and kitchens.

Who sleeps on the right? I do.

Who pays the bills? I do. I have a system too, but I don't think it is working very well!

Who cooks dinner? Jose' at McDonalds.

Who drives when you are together? I can't remember it has been too long. We are always coming from different directions. I hate to drive so it is a big treat when Blake gets to drive us.

Who is more stubborn? We argued over who was more stubborn. I won the argument that he was more stubborn, so it must be me.

Who kissed who first? Blake, It really was terribly romantic.

Who asked out whom first? Neither, we were set up by my cousin Angie.

Who proposed? Blake did at the Temple. I had no idea, I thought we were there for a performance he had to watch for school. It was great.

Who has more siblings? Blake of course.

Who wears the pants? Blake....mostly.

I tag Brooke Westlund. :)

Ironman

2008-06-05T19:45:00.000-07:00

Blake took the day off today because of all of the different places we had to be - and everything got cancelled because of the rain! Blake and I took advantage of this rare occurance and took Brett and Derek to the movie to see Ironman. (Of course Jake and Danielle found something else to do real quick.) It was my idea of a great afternoon. When we got home Derek was busily coloring, cutting and taping. This is what he came up with. (Ironman, in case you couldn't tell). It warms my heart to see that at least one of my children can be creative!

We're Bloggers!

2008-06-01T13:39:00.000-07:00

Blake's sister Mikelle was great enough to get this blog started for us, but I guess she can't do all the work....so here is our life...

I know we are not very well rounded!

In our spare time....

Thanks Mikelle!!!