Santa's Helpers

Merry Christmas everyone! We hope everyone had the best Christmas ever. We enjoyed our snowy days here in West Jordan. And we are as grateful as ever for the true meaning of Christmas. May the spirit of the Savior be in all your lives year round.

Also, Santa came to our house and we dressed up to help him. Check out our pics below!

Jaker Claus

Jenner Claus

Teanna Claus

Cole Claus

Seven

It's been seven years since Jen and I got married. Seven years, two kids, two houses, three apartments, six years of school (sorry babe), a lot of laughter and a lot of tears later, here we are. I know it sounds cliche, but I love Jen now more than ever. Over the last three years since Teanna came into our lives, I've watched her grown and change as a mother and become an even better companion and someone I'm more than willing to spend the rest of my life and eternity with.

Since I'm writing this blog without her approval, I feel like I have carte blanche to to tell our story with as many liberties as I want!

According to my dad, our marriage goes back to before Jen and I even met. He served as a Stake Missionary in Copperton right around the time I graduated from high school and started attending Snow College. He loves to tell the completely false story that a little blonde-haired, blued-eyed girl would come up to him and say, "Someday I'm going to be your daughter-in-law." Talk about revisionist history...While that's not true, the rest of this is. Kind of.

Despite the promptings and proddings of friends (in particular one Tony Dowse), I hadn't dated since I got home from my mission. I just hadn't met someone that I felt was worth spending time and money on. I was somewhat confused about who or what type of person I really was looking for anyways to be perfectly honest.

And so it was on a fateful Sunday morning in July of 2001 that Jen and I met. I had been assigned to be a companion speaker with Dad (now on the High Council in the Stake) and our assignment was to speak in Copperton that day. Little did Jen know that the person she couldn't take her eyes off as he shared humorous, touching and spiritual experiences about his mission would be her future husband. I swear, she stared at me the whole time. It made me really nervous.

Dad introduced me to Jen and her parents. During his time as a Stake Missionary, he had developed a strong relationship with Jen's family (another story for another day) and made sure that I met them. For me, it was infatuation at first sight. All during the next week, Jen was the only thing I thought of. Tony finally convinced me to organize a date and I immediately decided to call Jen and ask her out.

Little did I realize that Jen had just graduated from high school, just turned 18, and that I'd be completely robbing the cradle. But at the time, none of that mattered to me. All I could think about was blonde hair and killer blue eyes. She of course said yes. (How could she decline?) I scared her half to death by taking her to Park City and running the Alpine Slide. Of course, I didn't even realize then that she was scared to death of heights, roller coasters, and all things adventurous and fast. But she was a good sport. We finished off the night by going to the cabin and cooking some shish-kabobs (sp? Does anyone really know how to spell that?). I won't say what time we got home because I think her dad is still in the dark about that one. I don't want to ruin my good standing...

Looking back, I'm really glad that first date didn't scare her off. Jen and I are complete opposites in a lot of ways. She's very creative, sensitive, patient, full of charity for others, non-musical (at least singing wise), doesn't really like camping, and all the things I mentioned above. On the other hand, I'm not very creative, or sensitive, or patient, or full of charity, I love music and being involved in it, love camping and adventure and all sorts of dangerous and fast things. I'm really lucky she didn't just walk away and never return my calls.

I did go on a date shortly thereafter with a good friend from high school, Kristy Sanderson. Unfortunately for Kristy, all I talked about was this Jen girl that had captured my imagination and focus (Sorry, Kristy).  I still don't think that Jen realizes how much she occupied every waking moment of my life right after we met.  In fact, I turned down other opportunities to go on dates because I was already pretty certain that Jen was the only girl for me.

To be perfectly honest, I probably had our wedding set before the second date.  Which by the way, was a trip to Jordan Commons to watch "Princess Diaries" a couple weeks later.  A chick flick.  Yup.  I really, really, really, really (should I keep going?) wanted to hold her hand.  But she was smart - she employed every feminine trick for keeping her hands out of reach for the entire movie.  I was amazed.  Didn't she get it?  I mean, my left hand had sat on either my leg or the armrest in wide open position the entire time.  I couldn't decide if my mojo was out of wack (of course, seven years ago, I'm not sure "mojo" even existed) or maybe tactics had seriously changed since my dating days before the mission.  Either way, I was one frustrated hombre until after the movie, as we walked out, Jen made the mistake of letting her hands down to her sides.  I seized the moment (and her hand) and never let go.

Okay, that was overly cheezy.  Sorry.  Now, contrary to my prior dating experiences, I wasn't interested in moving too quickly.  Holding hands and a nice hug were the extent of what I had planned this early in our relationship.  Jen will seriously deny the next part of the story, but I swear it's true.  I took her home and gave her a hug on the front porch.  As we released the hug, I pulled back to tell her thank you for a great time.

The next thing I knew, I had been kissed, she had said goodnight and she was in the house.  I hadn't even caught my breath.  Come to think of it, I hadn't even really felt the kiss.  To this day, Jen denies that she has super powers, but I honestly haven't seen anyone move that fast in my entire life.  Honestly.  I'm not sure if she was embarrassed, scared, or if I had the ultimate case of nasty popcorn breath...

That said, we spent part of the next Sunday discussing the fact that we didn't want to move to fast.  I still felt burned by my pre-mission relationship and Jen had just barely written a "Dear John" letter to a missionary.  Of course, as we walked around Copperton, she still didn't give me a chance to hold her hand again.  Stupid feminine hand hiding techniques.

That talk didn't really change much.  All it took was some flowers when she had her wisdom teeth out, a couple dates to weddings of friends when she was still drugged up from getting her wisdom teeth out, and a Peter Breinholt concert and she was mine.

Of course, we conveniently were both planning on moving down to the navel of Utah, Ephraim, to attend Snow College.  That helped quite a bit.  Jen also conveniently left her pillow at home when she moved down there.  So I had to go up to her house and pick it up, which gave her mom a chance to really evaluate my son-in-law potential.  Not long after that, the next weekend I think, we drove up to American Fork to the wedding of my dear mission companion, Jacob Wright.  On the way home, talk turned to our thoughts and desires for our relationship and not too long after that, we were planning our wedding.

Some may say that it all happened too fast.  That Jen was way too young.  That I was too much of a missionary geek still to fully appreciate the dating scene.  But we don't think so.  Seven years ago, we were both as nervous as could be in the Manti Temple, waiting for our ceremony to start.  It didn't help that the temple worker helping me get ready mentioned that just the week before, a poor young man had been left at the altar...

And here we are seven years later.  We woke up this morning with Teanna in our bed, proclaiming that it was daytime and time to get up.  A lot has happened since that fateful kiss and run in early August of 2001, but at the same time, not a lot has changed.

It seems like only yesterday that we met and fell in love.  And I look forward to each tomorrow that we have to fall in love even more.

Jen, I love you.  More than anything.  Thank you for choosing me and blessing my life with your amazing and profound influence and two beautiful children.  Happy Anniversary!

Jake

For the first time, just like advertised.

On Monday, I had the chance to go to lunch at a place called The Counter. This place specializes in burgers. Your menu consists of a checklist upon which you indicate your choices for the burger you want to stuff your face with. Choices include type of burger (beef, veggie or chicken), size (1/3, 2/3 or 1 pounders), etc. I'm not brave enough or stupid enough to try to gorge myself on anything other than the 1/3 pounder, but when I received my burger, I just had to snap a picture and post it on the blog. And yes, I actually ate the whole thing.

What happened to the fall?

A couple of posts ago I intended to end with the killer continuation phrase: TO BE CONTINUED...

Then I never did. And I never continued. So, here it is. The thing that got me thinking about this was the fact that Christmas is really only 10 days away. What happened to the fall? Where did it go? We had so many plans and so many things to do...

I think it can all be summed up in one picture:


On September 27, the life we lived changed so drastically because of Jen's arm. Let me start at the beginning.

On Wednesday or Thursday of that week, I received a call from Utah Sports Properties telling me that I had been selected to catch punts during halftime of the upcoming Utah vs. Weber State football game. I was ecstatic. This was a chance to win $1000. Jen had entered both of us just the week before for a chance to win and now here I was, poised to show off my killer receiving skills and sheer athleticism to a stadium of 40,000+ rabid Ute fans.

The next three days, all my thoughts were tied up in the dream of catching the punts and winning the grand. Of course, being the natural athlete that I am I couldn't help but think: "Why did I give up on sports? I could have been earning millions in the NFL or something like that. I hope Coach Whittingham gets his eyes on me, cause I still got eligibility baby!"

Of course, those of you who know me will catch the sarcasm. (NOTE: the author of this post has proven that he has severely limited athletic ability. In the words of my dad, "You sure tried hard.")

That Saturday, we'd arranged to go to the game with my dad and brother - Spencer. I returned from a morning meeting to find the family out in the front yard enjoying a nice September Saturday. Out of the blue, Jen decides to put on her rollerblades and skate around the driveway. The next thing I know, she's laying on the ground awkwardly. She didn't even scream. As I helped her up, I noticed the weird configuration of her arm in the picture above and suddenly realized that - gasp! - I wouldn't be catching punts that evening.

Yes, I'm ashamed to admit that was the first thought that went through my mind. "What about tonight? I'm supposed to win $1000!" Of course I couldn't let Jen know this was my first concern, so I didn't say anything. I packed her into the car, called her mom to watch the kiddos and took off to the hospital. As I called my dad to let him know I wouldn't be going to the game, the first words that Jen has spoken coherently come out: "You're still going. Now you need to pay for the medical bills." Talk about pressure...

(Side note: I can only imagine what my family thought upon hearing the conversation between my dad and I.

Me: Hey dad. We won't be going tonight. Jen fell and broke her arm.

Dad: Are you sure it's broken?

At this point everyone who heard my dad groaned. Jake broke something. Of course. We knew the klutz wouldn't actually make it. I even think that my siblings had placed bets on whether or not I would break something before or during the punt catching.)

After several hours in the emergency room, many debates and some cajoling on the part of Jen, I ended up going to the game. Dave, my other brother, took Jen's ticket. We rolled in during the first quarter, enjoyed the game for a bit and then it was my turn to be in the spotlight.

As I got down there, the people running the contest told me I'd have two chances to catch some practice punts. I got pretty pysched standing on the sidelines with all the football players. The trainer dude even gave me some killer Powerade - because we all know that no one can perform properly on the field without all the proper nutrition. Halftime rolled around and we walked to the sideline. Right as the dude helping me said, "Only one practice punt man," a ball landed on the field. I looked at him and said, "Was that it?"

"Yup. You're on."

I'd like to say I was amazing. But I sucked. Missed the first two pretty badly. But, I caught the third. For $500. I was amazed. For a split second I thought about running down the field and trying to slamdunk the ball on the goalposts like football players always do. I actually think my legs started moving, but reality grabbed hold and I realized that making a bigger fool of myself wasn't that important. So I proceeded to spike the ball and scream like a banshee.

And that sums up where our fall went. When Jen broke her arm it was like being thrown into a high-speed washing machine. We've been spinning ever since. Between trying to work, go to school, and take care of her and the kids, the last two and a half months have just flown by. Life is starting to get back to normal and here we are. 10 days away from Christmas.

And yes, I had to wrap all the presents.

Happy Birthday Teanna!

Well, keeping a blog up to date is a little like writing in my journal. I feel guilty forever before I actually get something in there. It's now almost a month since Teanna turned 3 and I haven't even taken the time to congratulate her or post some pictures. Some dad, eh? At least I didn't say that I haven't "had time." I'm admittedly a procrastinator extreme.

Okay. Teanna Jean Sorensen was born on November 8, 2005. Just because many of you may not be familiar with her story, I'll tell it here. To be perfectly honest, the one or two of you who read my blog probably know, but just in case...

She came a month early, which I blame on her over-anxiety to get here and get her life started. The weekend before she came, Jen started to feel a little sick. We thought at first that she had some sort of stomach virus, so we didn't worry too much about it. There was still a baby shower to be had and things to get ready as we anticipated Teanna coming to us on December 4 - her due date. I got home from a late class on Monday evening and Jen was feeling even worse than she had over the weekend. She wasn't sleeping well and decided to take a bath. Early Tuesday morning - like 3 or 4 early - she woke me up and told me she had to go the hospital. Nothing had made her feel better and she was worried.

A few phone calls later we had spoken with a nurse and both sets of parents and were on our way to the hospital. The nurse had made it sound fairly urgent, so we got there as quick as possible. Within minutes, they had determined that Jen was in an advanced stage of hypertension (high blood pressure) and had developed toxemia. Our first thought was that she might be on bed rest for the next month and taking it easy. We asked the nurse what this would entail for her and she responded that the only way to make Jen feel better would be to deliver the baby.

As time went on and more doctors came in to see Jen, we finally found out she had developed HELLP syndrome, which means she had anemia, liver and platelet problems. In other words, the hypertension had gotten so bad, her liver was starting to shut down, they were worried about her ability to stop bleeding and she was completely anemic. So, in stead of waiting for normal labor and delivery, they scheduled an emergency c-section that morning.

In order to save mom's life, Teanna was born later on at a meager 4 lbs and 9 oz. As she was born, the doctor discovered that the placenta was almost completely depleted and dry (the umbilical cord fell off in an amazing 2 days because it was already so dehyrdated) and he guessed that it had actually shut down when Jen started getting sick and Teanna had survived for who knows how long on her own stores of fat.

It was love at first sight. At least for me. Jen doesn't remember the first time they met because she was still under so much medication. Teanna spent almost the next 3 weeks in an incubator to help her stay warm as she learned to eat - she couldn't suck and instead was fed through a nose tube - and we were finally able to bring her home after she had gained some weight, eaten a few millileters by herself and was pronounced healthy. That was the weekend before Thanksgiving (and also the weekend of the Utah-BYU game, which got me in trouble because I was watching it instead of listening to the nurse's discharge instructions), which made us incredibly grateful to have our small family at home and together for that holiday.

The doctor felt that had we waited any longer, both Jen and Teanna might not have made it. Over the years I have reflected a lot on the fact that Jen felt so strongly that the right thing to do was to go to the hospital. We hadn't discussed it at all until early that morning and she knew it had to happen. I'm extremely grateful to her for listening to the Spirit and following those promptings, because it means I still have both my beautiful girls to love and learn from.

Much has changed for us in the 3 years since that horribly beautiful day in November. Teanna has grown into a beautiful little girl that brings us laughter, tears, frustration and pure parental joy. Happy Birthday little miracle baby. Thanks for choosing us.

Dad & Mom

Happy Birthday Cole!

On Saturday, September 13, we celebrated Cole's first birthday. It's hard to believe that we have gone a whole year with him in our life. Looking back, time has gone by so fast, and yet, it is really easy to see how much things have changed with him around.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that his sleeping habits are entirely different than Teanna's. We struggled a lot more with him at night. And until the last two months or so, we've spent time up with him almost 3-4 times per week. In fact for a while there, we were taking turns sleeping on the couch with him, because that was the only way he'd fall asleep. Ahhhh, the good old days...

Then of course, there is the obvious boy/girl differences between him and Teanna. He likes to bang toys, hit things, jump on things, run around and so on and so forth. Stuff we were never prepared for.

He thinks differently too. He can figure out how to operate almost any toy and he really doesn't like books. Whereas his sister was exactly the opposite. In fact, I think she still can't figure out some of the toys that Cole plays with.

He's mister smiley and we love him. His presence in our house has been purely joyful for the last year. Our life has changed a lot since we had him - new basement, then a new house, Teanna starting school, Dad trying to finish school, Mom breaking her arm (more on that later) - and we can hardly wait to continue watching him grow and learn.

Happy Birthday Coley-o. We love you. Enjoy the slideshow of Cole's first year with us.

Teanna's Back to School

It's rather belated, but late is better than never. I have a lot to catch up on, so we'll start with Teanna. She has started preschool. She loves it. Every day she doesn't want to tell us what she learned or what she did at school, but inevitably, she starts to sing new songs and let slip something that she learned.

Each Thursday she brings home some homework - I know! Already!? - which we help her do over the weekend. She is getting really good at writing her name. And although she is the youngest in her class, her teacher - Miss Joey - says she is doing very well. In fact, she said that all the girls are way into school. The boys just want to wrestle. I'm not so sure I'll be paying money to send Cole to wrestling school...

Here's pics from Teanna's first day of school. We love her and are so proud of her. She is a joy to be around and is learning so much, we can barely keep up with her.

This is her back to school outfit. She was so excited!

What am I thinking?

Well, today is the day. You know, the same day that happened for kids all over the place yesterday or last week or next week. That's right. The dreaded day of - gasp! - "BACK TO SCHOOL!"

The only problem is that I'm 28! What in the world am I doing being back in school? I've thought long and hard about this and I've realized that since I was 4 and going to preschool in our neighborhood in South Jordan, I've been a student with only two real breaks - when I went on my mission 1999-2001 (which could be argued as a different type of schooling) and when I graduated with my undergraduate degree in 2004 until I started working on my MBA in 2006.

So for 20 years of my existence, I've been in school. Some of it was natural and inevitable. There was no way, no matter how hard I tried, that I'd talk my way out of elementary through high school. Although I'm sure I tried. And sometimes I didn't try to talk my way out of it, I just sluffed. (Yes my wonderful children and nieces and nephew - I did. Don't do it. Or else.)

But since 1998 when I started my freshman year at Snow College, I've CHOSEN to go to school!! What is wrong with me? I've honestly chosen to burden myself with homework, term papers, research, dreaded group work and trying to get a grade!?

And so, here I sit this morning, contemplating the fact that in 45 minutes, I'll be starting a class that I CHOSE to take. Somehow, I've got to learn to make better choices. I'm also contemplating the fact that my beautiful daughter who is almost 3 will be starting preschool next week. That's kind of ironic, eh? Here I am lamenting the fact that I have been in school for 20 years of my meager existence, and she's at home, probably dreaming about going to school (I wonder what that is like in the imagination of an almost 3 year old), her lunchbox - which sadly to say she was broken-hearted to learn that she doesn't get to eat lunch at school and use a lunchbox - and the new outfit she gets to wear.

I hate to say I'm having one of those "life has come full circle" moments, but I think I am. So, today I offer a little advice to Teanna after 20 years of schooling experience:

1) Don't sniff the glue. It may sound fun at first, but trust me, the after effects are certainly not worth it.

2) Don't pull the chair out from under the person you like when you're in 1st grade. He'll never treat you the same.

3) Be yourself and forget about what other people think about you. What's important is how you feel about yourself. Always know that somewhere, people love you for who you are and who you can become, not for who they want you to be.

4) Be the class clown. Within reason. Don't think that your uncle Spencer dressing like a girl was a worthy example to follow...

5) Be the class bookworm. Your mom and I think you're the smartest kid in the world. Don't fail us. Just kidding. But it doesn't hurt to also be as studious as you can.

6) Don't fall in love before you graduate and experience life after high school. Trust me. It's totally not worth it. I know you might not have problems with this, but I feel bad for all those little boys whose hearts you'll be breaking for the next 20 years. That's the curse of inheriting your mother's beauty.

7) Stand up for what is right, the picked on, the loners and be a friend to everyone. I may not remember much of first grade math, but I remember who my friends were and weren't.

8) And finally, remember to enjoy your time in school. It won't last forever - only another 20 odd years or so!

I love you,

Dad

Construction Finalized

It's a bit late in posting, but we've finally move into our new house in West Jordan and I think we've about settled in. Jen's back is sore from unpacking and my shoulders hurt from painting, but we feel it was all worth it. We're excited to be here and spend the rest of our lives making this house our home. Enjoy the pictures:

View From the Street

Family Gathering Spot (Hooray! We have satellite again!!!)

Cole's room - Hot Wheel's Colors


Teanna's Fancy Nancy Room
New Spacious Kitchen (Soon to be Ute Red. I mean Italian kitchen style red.)

The best part is that when Jen and I talked about our plans for the backyard the other day and how we could smooth out the hills and make room for a swingset, Teanna said, "Oh that's perfect. That makes enough room for my pony!" We had no idea that buying the house we'd be buying a pony as well. But, I guess that's life. Maybe we can convince her there's an imaginary pony in the backyard. Like her imaginary puppy inside the house!

Walking On

Since Cole has recently started walking, I thought it might be a good time to give an update to our blog. It's really fun to watch your kids start to figure things out. Cole's been pretty impatient on the walking front. I think if he could have figured it out at 6 months, he would have been a lot happier.

He's been using a little walker to go up and down the hall of our apartment. Each time he reaches a dead end, he turns to someone for help turning it around and then he takes of the opposite way.

However, his favorite place to walk is by far on the couch. He goes back and forth across the couch. I think he loves the fact that if he falls, he kind of bounces off the cushions. Of course, it's always scary watching him go back and forth. We're always scared he'll fall, but I guess that's part of learning and growing.

The funnest part of watching him figure everything out is that he inevitably ends up walking to his mom. He has turned into the biggest mama's boy I've ever seen. Even if someone else has their arms wide open, he finds Mom. I don't think she minds too much...

First Post

This feels like a first journal entry. Or that journal entry you start to make after months of negligence. You know, where you start to list everything you've done since you stopped writing and now you feel guilty so you're trying to make up for lost time. I almost feel like I should detail my life up to this point, but somehow I just don't feel that is worth it for anyone else unlucky enough (or crazy enough) to actually read this. Instead, I'd like to introduce my family.

I'm Jake, the husband and dad, employee of the University of Utah (Go Utes!), and current MBA student (part-time and yes, totally insane).

Jen is the wife and full-time mom, beneficiary of my paychecks (we argue all the time about how much she gets "paid"), and incredibly amazing caregiver to our kids.

Which brings us to:


Our amazingly beautiful 2 year old, Teanna Jean. Smart, hilarious, tempestuous, and a joy to be around, she really keeps us on our toes. She has recently discovered spitting, nose picking, and fit throwing. I'll keep you posted.


And our always happy 9 month old, Cole Jacob. He's a typical infant. Smiles easily, laughs easily, and always enjoyable to be with, except the last week when he cut his first two teeth. He's in love with his mom and any other female in general. He has recently discovered crawling, standing up to things, and trying to walk on his own.

So that's us. Enjoy the crazy life we lead.