the haines family

Post Much?

2011-08-13T22:51:00.003-05:00

I know, I know! It has been WAY too long since my last post. I have thought about it many times over the summer but then think of all the time pressing tasks at hand and put it off (again).

Well get ready for this... a SUPER Summer Update! (Mono-Blog!)

May 28th - (the date of my last post) Was Noah's 11th birthday. We went on a date to celebrate!

The first week of June was filled with field days and school recognition ceremonies. We spent the weekend with family at my nephew's baptism!
The second week we had Noah's moving on (to middle school) ceremony. And watched him perform in the 5th Grade Talent Show!

I will post the video here soon!

(Ryan on guitar, Noah on drums and Andy singing the song he wrote!)

We spent the 20th - 24th of June at Cub Scout Day Camp with over 200 boys ages 6 to 11. I was the program director, Garrett volunteered at the BB range, Evan worked with the kids in the Me Too (siblings) camp, Noah and Eli participated as campers. My dad even helped out all week as a Quarter Master. He kept the coolers full of ice water, transported equipment, plunged toilets... you name it, he did it and with a smile to boot! I love my dad!

July brought an addition to our family with my baby sister's wedding to Dustin Marshall.
We all worked tirelessly to put together a reception for her and it turned out great! The days following the reception the rest of us Woodward kids and our families spent at a beautiful house on Lake Wylie. I love my family and am so grateful for each and everyone of them. My siblings taught (tried to teach) Garrett how to dive. Erin and I bravely performed back dives! I hadn't done a back dive since I was a teenager at girl's camp! We had cannon ball contests and the kids fished off the dock. Monday evening my parents stopped by on their way home from dropping the newlyweds off at the airport. Not having their swim suits with them, my dad borrowed some trunk and my mom just jumped in fully dressed! I can't say that I blame her. We were having a lot of fun and she was missing out.

After my family left (boo hoo) we spent a week gearing up for home school. Yes, you heard correctly. We decided early last year that we would home school the boys this year.

On August 1st Garrett and Evan headed for a week at Scout Camp and Noah and Eli and I started our first day of home school. Currently we school Monday thru Thursday. We aim to start at 8am everyday but letting go of the summer schedule has been difficult for some of us, including me!
We are learning Spanish, Math, Science, and for Literature the older boys are currently reading The Giver by Lois Lowry and the younger boys are reading The Secret School by Avi.
So far it is going well, not without some hiccups, but well.
I am staying busy with the planning and "teaching". I hope that once we get into a groove, my planning will be easier/less time consuming.

Well that is all we did this summer! It went by way too fast.

How was yours?

Nine Days

2011-05-28T10:06:00.003-05:00

There are only nine days left of school for CMS. The kids have taken their EOG's (End of Grade Tests) and are now finishing up the missing work and preparing for Field Day, the 5th grade moving on (not graduation) ceremony and talent show.

Noah has been upset because his teacher (couldn't ask for a better one) said while the other classes are watching movies he wants to give them his all so they'll be working until the end.
Imagine doing school work at school!?

Eli and Garrett are just ready to be done. Garrett's exams start this week.

Evan has had some pretty easy days in the last month as I have been swamped with meetings for PTA and Day Camp.

Nine days isn't a long time. I have a lot of items on my list of things to do. I'd better stop blogging and get to work.

Conference Weekend

2011-04-02T07:30:00.003-05:00

I've been ready for General Conference for a couple of weeks. As quickly as daily life passes (can you believe it is APRIL!?) the six months between Conferences seems to have taken a long time to get here. My spiritual bucket is in need of a refill.

We still have a few things yet to do before conference starts at noon. Normal Saturday things like mowing the lawn, buying snake food, laundry, bathrooms, and cleaning bedrooms, but when Conference starts the rest of the world stops. We graze all day and eat yummy snacks. Lots of tailgate party foods. When we wake up tomorrow we get to do it all over again! :D

What will you be doing this weekend?

Happy Happy Birthday!

2011-03-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

My baby boy turned 9 today. We celebrated by inviting a couple of his friends to the movies and coming home for some cake and ice cream.

Happy Birthday Elijah!

Atlanta

2011-02-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

Over President's Day weekend we decided to get out and go somewhere.

We went to Atlanta and spent the weekend seeing some of the amazing things the city has to offer.

The Coco-Cola Polar Bear (and some random dude)

One of the coolest dudes I know!

We went to the World of Coca Cola where we tasted sodas from around the world.
Best Soda... each member of the family liked something different.
Worst Soda... something we all agreed on, Beverly from Italy (VERY Bitter Achk!)

We toured the Georgia Aquarium and saw some amazing fish.

We saw Peter Pan... The show was FANTASTIC and an added plus...

after the show we got a backstage tour! Too Cool.

Garrett with the Crocodile backstage

Bryant feeding birds in the Parakeet House

We became members of the Atlanta Zoo and saw some pretty funny things.

The best part was feeding time at the Gorilla House. Those Gorillas sure like their citrus fruits!

We are going back to Atlanta in a few weeks for the Atlanta Temple Open House

Past Blast Wax Museum

2011-01-17T22:18:00.004-05:00

Today my 5th grader became a historical figure for a few hours.

The 5th graders at McAlpine Elementary were all assigned a historical figure to learn about and become at the Wax Museum they held today. My Noah was assigned Nelson Mandela and he was AWESOME! Did you know that Nelson Mandela's middle name, Rolihlahla, means "stirring up trouble" in Xhosa (his tribal language).

(The resemblance in uncanny!)

Here is a link of the local news station's coverage... yup, we made the morning news!

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/rising/History-Comes-Alive-at-McAlpine-Elementary-113871289.html

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T22:23:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since I posted... sorry about that. I have been a little busy.

There was Thanksgiving, and then Christmas, and right after that there was New Year's Eve.

And between the BIG things I filled my time with laundry, homework, reading, PTA, dishes, cooking, watching Cam, shopping, church responsibilities (like Cub Scouts, and Stake Primary), attending Eli's Holiday concert, cleaning, decorating for Christmas, wrapping, planning, and sleeping (a little).

We had a great time over the Holidays. The boys were out of school for only a week and a half but we filled it with family. Christmas morning we had brunch with my 4 NC siblings their spouses (3) and kids (3), my parents (2), my grandmother (1), and missionaries (4) for a grand total of 23 people.

It snowed Christmas night and we woke up to about 4 inches. It was perfect!

THEN my sister and her family (6) came from Alabama, and my Uncle and his family (4) came from NYC and we played games (Scrabble, Spaids, Kings Corner, Laser Tag, Scattergories, Kick Ball, Qwelf) and went to dinner (party of 12), had a family photo shoot, had sleepovers, went to lunch at 5 Guys (thanks Mom and Dad!), and then had 30 people for dinner on New Year's Eve.

Just part of the crew waiting for lunch.
As we all walked in the guy in the background (brown coat) asked "Where's the bus?".

Number of times people confused me for my sister's mother... at least 7!
Number of fights between the cousins... maybe 4. (surprisingly few!)
Number of hugs, kisses, laughs and all around good times... countless.

What a great way to transition from one year to the next. I can't wait to do it all again next year!
(although it is nice to have my house back!)

Field Trips

2010-10-29T16:13:00.008-05:00

Week Two or Tow depending on how I type it.... both are applicable.

Monday I had a Parent Teacher Conference at the Elementary School, with his mom.

Wednesday I took Gran to the dentist. We drove to Matthews and back. (and then again without Cam!)

Thursday he accompanied me while I went Visiting Teaching. We went to see Jen S. at 9am, Jen M. at 10am, and Michelle at 11am. (That was too much for the adults let alone the toddler!)
We went home and he took a short nap before it was time to pick up the kids at school(s) for dentist appointments. Then we went to the dentist where we colored (he's 19 months old and needs help!) and ate snacks (him, not me)

Friday was the best day of all. It was a teacher workday. That means my boys are home but Cam's mom (a teacher) is at work! My boys have been so excited about our plans for today.
We discussed taking Cam to the Discovery Place Museum but our plans changed because the weather cooled down. It finally feels like Fall so it was the perfect day to check out the Charlotte Nature Museum.
We saw Live Owls, a possum, a skunk, a crow(?), turtles, snakes, spiders (eeew), butterflies, fish, and birds (Quail to be exact). There were plenty of dead things (stuffed and skeletal remains) too, hence the Museum part of the name. Cam wandered about exploring and seemed to have a pretty good time. So did we. Here are some photos to prove it.

Noah and Camden on our Nature Walk.
We found LOTS of acorns for a future project.

Cam investigating the quail eggs in the incubator.
Pretty boring really which explains
the "what's the big deal?" expression.

Evan outside on the trail.
(I LOVE this picture of my boy.)

Camden digging in the sand.

After we got home and Cam had a nap
he wandered to the pots and pans and
started drumming with pencils ( not sharpened!)
The kid has some skills.

Week One

2010-10-25T14:35:00.007-05:00

When I was a young mom (young in years, experience, and patience) there was nothing that would have convinced me to watch another person's child(ren). None!
My sanity was hanging on by a thread and how was I to know that that kid wouldn't have scissors?
Anyway, now that my kiddos are all in school and I have been child free during the day for 4 years or so, I have my sanity tied up real tight (though it threatens to unravel daily around homework time) I am loving having Camden here with me during the day.

Last week was our first week and it went off without a hitch. We had a playdate, took" field trips" to Walmart and Michael's (cuz that is where all toddlers want to be), had a parent/teacher meeting at the middle school, and had a nap everyday. Well, I did nap with him a couple of times but not everyday. (oh, the life!)
On Friday afternoon when Camden's mom came to pick him up he had a fit. I'm talking a drop to the ground, feet kicking, screaming fit when it was time to go. Did you read that? He didn't want to leave!!??

Needless to say, we had a good first week.
(that light saber didn't leave his hands,
he even took one home Friday!)

Answered Prayers

2010-10-16T13:51:00.005-05:00

I LOVE how prayers are answered.

As of late we have been in a financial bind. For those of you who know me finance's make me CRAZY. I recall a time early in my marriage (college students with a baby to feed and clothe) when I curled up in the fetal position, sobbing while my sister brushed my hair back from my face and shoosh'd me. (BTW, thanks Jess!)

Anyway, I had been praying to find the way to keep a budget and make a dent in our debt. I thought about how next year (after I finish my year as PTA President) instead of going to school I would have to get a job. But what job could I get with my minimal education that wouldn't require working on Sundays (Chick-Fil-A), and that would still let me be here after school with the kids (substitute teacher, oh, but the school system isn't taking applications anymore)?
AS I mulled my dilemma over in my mind I continued to pray.

I went about my daily routine ignoring the money mess in order to keep the shred of sanity I had left. Laundry, PTA, pick up my son from Driver's Ed, make dinner, check my email... you get the idea, no?
I read thru the email from my son's teacher.... her son is sick (again, poor guy) and she won't be in today... math facts test postponed... looking for an alternative for daycare...
I was in automatic pilot when I shot off an email offering to watch him. After I hit send I started thinking "yeah, sure, like she'll want me watching her kid... she taught one of mine two years ago and is currently teaching a second...".

She and her husband had been praying for a solution to their problem of finding an alternative to daycare as he has been sick constantly since school started and Mom went back to work.
And so, the Lord in all of His goodness heard and answered our prayers.

I will have a job that meets my needs and they will have a place to send their son where he won't be sick or on antibiotics every other week. And as a bonus I will have a little buddy again. :D
Eli is very excited. He said to me that he is glad we'll have Camden around because he hasn't had a little brother to play with. Awwww, what a sweet boy. He gets to be a big brother to Cam.

Now... what about PTA? Thankfully, I have a fully capable and dedicated board. I will still be involved and will take Cam to the meetings I have to attend, it can be done.

I start "work" on Monday!

I am a WINNER! (I have proof)

2010-10-07T15:14:00.004-05:00

Bryant and I often dream of the day we win the lottery. Imagining a life free of debt, the boys' missions and college expenses set aside, a retirement we can actually live on, and the kitchen/master bath renovation makes us giddy.

BUT

It is impossible to win the lottery when you don't play the lottery. Nope, not even those fun little scratch offs. I have been known to throw a couple of raffle tickets in a bag if the cause is good, I know I'll never win. I do play BUNCO with the girls at $5 a month but I'd pay more to go out to a movie with the girls and we'd have way less fun so it's hard for me to call that "gambling", ya know?

My point is, it is difficult to "win" when you don't "play". This time I "played" (for FREE) and it paid off!

I commented (one of 570 people) on C Jane Enjoy It 's blog in hopes of winning a CD by The Lower Lights and I WON!!!

I am almost giddy. I can't believe I actually WON!!

C Jane wanted to know why we, her readers living outside of Utah, thought we deserved to win one of the 10 CD's she was giving away.

This is what I said...

"I live in the South, the Bible Belt. In an effort to keep the spirit of peace with me daily I try to listen to the variety of Christian music stations but the music is twangy, or whiny, or LOUD, or too ummm... different than the hymns of praise I am used to. The music of The Lower Lights is familiar and the Spirit speaks to me in small whispers. Please pick me, fingers and toes crossed."

A Few of My Favorite Autumn Things

2010-10-06T12:09:00.008-05:00

I liked to say this was my favorite time of year but I'd be lying. I love every season. Really and it isn't just the "people pleaser" in me. I love hibernating through the Winter eating soups, stews, and homemade bread. I love when Spring makes it's first appearance with warm breezes, budding leaves, and bright green grass. I love the LONG HOT days of summer at the beach, homemade ice cream and field trips with the kids. As for Fall, I love that school starts and we get a routine again. I love the cool breeze, cold mornings, and the warm sun on my back.

Here are more of my favorite things about this season...

Candy Corn

Cinnamon Rolls
(I know these are a year-round thing but they are great on those cold mornings!)

The CRUNCH of leaves, under foot and in the breeze.

Oh and these too!

FOUND!

2010-09-29T12:08:00.004-05:00

After a couple of days of waiting for Little Mouse to return on her own with no results, I decided it was time to go looking for her.

How do you find a small mouse in a large house? I didn't know so I Googled it. eHow said to make a trap with a bucket, food and books as stairs. Ideally the hamster smells the food, climbs the "stairs", and falls into the bucket and is trapped. Wow, easy enough. I decided to set one up in the bonus room. This was, after all, the place we found her last time she escaped. As I was finishing some of the details I saw a little fuzzy nose and whiskers poke out from under the *printer. Ah-HA! I made a trail of treats to lead her all the way out in the open and then I grabbed her!

I put her into the bucket (cauldron) and brought her downstairs. I was going to put her back into her cage when I realized how dirty it was. No wonder she made a run for it. While I washed out her cage (no small task) I kept her in the bucket. She had stuffed all the food she could into her cheeks and tried like mad to escape.

She almost succeeded.

She is now locked in her cage with food, water, and bedding. She'll get out again I'm sure but let's hope she waits awhile.

*for those of you wondering why I didn't just move the printer.... this is our printer.
Think small refrigerator.

Mouse Musings

2010-09-28T00:01:00.000-05:00

When we got our hamsters we could not come together on what their names should be. When we realized that one was mean and would bite and scratch the other we named them "Mean Mouse" and "Little Mouse".

Mean Mouse died shortly after the naming. We were not that sad, he deserved what he got. Mouse Karma, who knew? (I have always spelled it Kharma, but Wiki says it should be spelled without the h)

Little Mouse was the sweetest little thing, climbing, gnawing, jumping, eating, and escaping.

She is quite a sneaky little hamster. We haven't been able to figure out how, but she can open up multiple pods in her "house" to escape. We have found her in the cabinet under where her house sits, hidden behind an old picture frame. Evan came across her in the bonus room peeking out from under the printer. We didn't even know she was missing and it nearly gave Evan a heart attack. Most recently, one night last week, I was sitting in the iJoy chair hoping a massage would make me sleepy when I saw something move on the floor beside me (in the dark). I jumped up and turned on the light to find our sneaky little hamster doing what looked like the army crawl.

She is gone again. We don't know when she left or where on earth she could be. Well, we have a pretty good idea that she is still in the house BUT we have a rather large house compared to a hamster. We have left her house open in hopes she will return when hungry or thirsty.

Now that we know how good she is at escaping we are clear on what her name should have been...

Hairy Houdini.

We'll keep you posted.

Another way Axe body spray lingers

2010-09-27T13:00:00.005-05:00

Noah's 5th grade teacher has a great hands on teaching method. He is young and fresh and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our kids. In case you don't believe me you can check it out on his website;

http://web.me.com/schoolingwithmra/schoolingwithmra.com/Welcome.html

My reason for this post is not to talk about Mr A, but to tell you what he's done for my son Noah.

Noah came home a couple of weeks ago with the assignment of writing a commercial. To say he was gung-ho about it is an understatement. Writing is not one of Noah's strong suits, but what he lacks in that area, he makes up for in creativity and ingenuity. He decided to make a commercial advertising Bare-A-Cuda man spray (similar to Axe). He and his friend Christopher worked for days on a script and a video. This is what he turned in, early!
(I don't get the tag line "It IS the man" but he's 10. It made sense to him!)

Embarrassing Moments

2010-09-27T12:51:00.001-05:00

I must say I don't remember many "God, please let the earth open up and swallow me" type embarrassing moments. I have been involved in some embarrassing situations but have a bad memory so I tend not to remember them.

This is the only time when having a bad memory is a good thing.

So here is an embarrassing moment I can remember.

As many of you know I don't have much of a filter. I tend to say things as I see them, honestly, good or bad. K, here we go.

I was a missionary in my first area in Oak Harbor, Washington. My companion and I went to a member's house for some reason, possibly a dinner appointment. This member was a terrific woman. She was very crafty, and a great cook. In fact, she ran a catering business (mostly cakes) out of her home. She was the mother of 3 children the oldest of which was 12. She was busy. When we got to her home she apologized for the mess (laundry piled on the couch in the living room).

k, let me explain a little about my childhood. I am the oldest of 6 children. My mother was a very busy woman and there was always laundry either on the couch or in a basket or both. With that said, I will continue.

I said to this sister, "Don't worry about it, my mom is a bad housekeeper too!"

Yes, I did.

What I meant to say is "Don't worry, we have laundry at my house too" or maybe I should have just said 'no problem".

This BEST part of this story is that I didn't even realize I said it. I was oblivious!
My companion told me later on how I embarrassed her.

How's that? I have another one to share but I'll save that one for later!

What do you want to know?

2010-09-22T11:29:00.003-05:00

Okay, I am desperate for a blog post. I can't make you keep looking at Zurg and reading about September 11th.

I have been here for minutes (it seems a lot longer than that) trying to come up with something to blog about. There hasn't been too much happening here. We go to work, school, to school to volunteer, come home, eat dinner, sometimes back out again for scouts or something. But that is it. we are just living our lives here people. Pretty boring stuff if you ask me.

We have celebrated two birthdays this month but have no photos to document. I know, I know!

While I am thinking about what to post about go to the comments and tell me what you'd like to know about. I'll choose one and blog about it.

Never Forget

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Nine years ago today my son Evan turned four years old.
Bryant was scheduled to teach a class at the business college in the evening so we celebrated his birthday at breakfast. We had birthday muffins (instead of cupcakes) and there was a candle in his. We sang happy birthday and he blew (spit) out his candle. He opened his miniature "Toy Story" action figures (complete with Zurg, his favorite). Then we kissed dad goodbye for the day, sent Garrett off to school and went on with our morning routine.
That is as "normal" as the day would be. I turned on the televison to watch Good Morning America a little before 9am to find a LIVE report of a fire/explosion in the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Diane Sawyer was reporting in the studio that the cause of the explosion was unconfirmed but there were witnesses that said a plane flew into the building.

The North Tower

I was curious and continued watching. At 9:03am I watched LIVE as a plane flew into the South Tower. I was shocked, confused, and sick. I immediately called Bryant who was working for a large defense contractor in the Washington DC area. He let me know that there wasn't much work being done in the office he was in as they were all watching the news via their computers but, he was safe. At 9:37am a plane flew into the Pentagon which was no more than 6 miles from my husband's office building and just over the 20 miles from our home. I was no longer a spectator, I was a victim. Of course I had been a victim all along but at hearing the news of the crash at the Pentagon my perspective changed. I knew this was no longer an accident, this was an attack. Bryant called on his way out of his office to let me know he was on his way home. He was one of the first to leave the area so he missed the traffic and he was home in record time. I remember my concern for my sister-in-law and my uncle who both worked in Manhattan. I remember the way I felt; violated, stunned, shocked at the chaos, unsure of the future, sad. The day is a blur except that I remember watching as the video of what I saw LIVE was replayed over and over and over again until I finally turned of the TV. Little good it did, I could still see it in my head. My sister-in-law had nightmares due to what she saw and heard. I still remember vividly the sick pit in my stomach and the vulnerability I felt that day.
I don't know where you were on September 11, 2001 but I know that I will NEVER FORGET.

You Know What We Did Last Summer?

2010-08-27T19:30:00.004-05:00

It has been a LONG time since I have blogged, sorry 'bout that.

My excuse?

I realized after about a month that I should post something. Since it had been awhile I wanted to make the post a good one. That was my problem. My creative gene was on hiatus. I thought for a long time about how to make my new post SPECTACULAR but nothing came to me.

Then before I knew it the Summer was almost gone and we were on our way to the beach. I might as well wait until I had some good beach photos, right?

Beach photos = spectacular post

So we got home from the beach with some pretty good photos (nothing spectacular) and the PTA school responsibilities hit.

Here it is three days after the first day of school, two weeks after our beach trip, seven weeks since Garrett's week at EFY, eight weeks past Grammy's visit, 10 weeks since Cub and Boy Scout Camps, 11 weeks from the start of Noah's debilitating leg pain, 12 weeks since we said goodbye to the Williams after their visit.

Yeah, it was a pretty uneventful summer.... NOT.

Since we had a SPECTACULAR summer I don't need to think up a SPECTACULAR post!

phew, I can get away with just this photo mosaic! :D
Don't worry, I'll put more up sometime.

Discovery Place

2010-04-10T12:21:00.006-05:00

We took a field trip Friday to Discovery Place and had a blast!

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-07T08:32:00.008-05:00

Our usual Spring Break vacation includes camping. One year we went camping over Easter weekend and the Easter bunny was able to find us. The kids still remember that the Easter bunny used REAL grass instead of the yucky plastic kind.
A couple of years ago we treated our family and went on a cruise for Spring Break. SO FUN!

This week we aren't camping. We aren't cruising. We are staying.

HERE

We made a list of fun local things we could do. The list included a trip to Brattonsville, SC, Discovery Place Museum, Carowinds, Uptown Charlotte to have lunch with Dad, and/or The Raptor Center.

The first to be checked off the list was "lunch with Dad". Friday we rode the train into uptown Charlotte and met Dad for lunch at Brixx Pizza. It was fun and a nice change of scenery.

Since then we have been working on things around the house. Mostly to avoid the unseasonably HOT weather. (I caved and turned the a/c on yesterday) Things like...

early morning prepping the garden for planting

Getting contacts and then being frustrated when we have a hard time getting them in. (no photo for fear of increasing frustration)

Reading books on Pirates,

assembling a ship,

and then pretending to be pirates.

Finishing school projects that are due next week. (again no photos due to frustration levels)

photo coming soon
we are currently without faces

Rocking our faces off with our amazing ROCK BAND skilz!

We are ready for the rain forcasted for tomorrow. We want the 65 degree weather so we can enjoy a day at Carowinds.

Random Photos

2010-04-05T15:28:00.008-05:00

I have taken a few random photos in the last week or so. I thought I would share...enjoy!

Ezra enjoying the bubbles!

a Sunday activity with Banana-grams

Noah came home from school and made this poster.
He wanted to sit at the end of the street with the posters to collect money to "save the tigers"
After acknowledging that the tigers are important and their cause needs to be heard, I told him that most people are donating for the humans in Haiti!
I promised I would put this photo on our blog to get the word out.
Consider yourself informed... tigers need saving!

Eating beets makes your tongue pink... see?
(the photo doesn't do it justice!)

Hope asleep with her head hanging off the landing!
What a wacko. She usually sleeps with her head resting on the step to the left.

The ZIT

2010-03-31T14:06:00.006-05:00

We celebrate a lot of things in this house. We especially like "firsts". The first tooth lost, the first girlfriend, and now the first ZIT!

Here it is up close!

Eight is Great!

2010-03-31T13:40:00.008-05:00

Eli turned eight a few weeks ago and in our family
EIGHT is BIG!

Eight means there will undoubtedly be a baptism. We've done this before (3 times to be exact) so this was old hat except for one thing. This baptism was our last. My baby boy was being baptized by his dad the same way my other boys were. I remember when my first boy was baptized. I was stressed out. I was happy but also sad that we had hit this milestone so quickly. This time I was relaxed. I was happy and not sad. I am so grateful that all of my boys have embraced the Gospel of Jesus Christ and made the decision to be baptized.

Something that goes along with being eight in our house is new scriptures and joining Cub Scouts! The latter is something Eli has been looking forward to for a long time. With 3 older brothers he has been to a lot of pack meetings and camp outs!

How cute is this card that his friend Bennett made for him!

My Faith

2010-03-25T10:13:00.003-05:00

I'll admit that I am happiest when I am helping, serving, and lifting others. That is not the reason I do it though, just a benefit. I serve others for many reasons but the most important is because Jesus Christ served His whole life. He gave His life for others and by doing so He set the perfect example for all of mankind. I made a covenant at baptism to be more like Him and so I serve to make others' burdens light.
I realize that many people don't understand or have been misinformed about my religion. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members of my church are often referred to as Mormons. I hope that while I am serving in the community I can help others understand who I am and what I believe.

I just watched this video and was amazed at how little the people interviewed knew about us, one of the largest religions in the world.

Will you please watch it and let me know if there is something I should be doing to help others better understand my faith?

A Hand Sanitizer Reality Check

2010-03-03T15:16:00.010-05:00

With all of the FLU hullabaloo this year we have used our share of hand sanitizer. Okay, I am a germophobe and we'd use it even without the hullabaloo. Anyhoo!
This year I have sent in more than my fair share of tissues, hand sanitizer, and Clorox wipes to our classrooms.

Yesterday I went with Eli to Sam's and I was considering buying another extra large "price club" sized bottle of hand sanitizer to donate to the classroom. I asked Eli "Do you think Ms. *Teacher needs more hand sanitizer?"
"I don't know" he says, "she keeps it in her desk."

"In her desk?" I asked.

"Yes," he replied. "The health inspector said it has to be put away, it can't be out on the desk because it has chemicals in it."

"Well of course it has chemicals in it. That is what kills the germs!" I said in a louder than usual voice.

He just looked at me with a "Don't take it out on me, I am just the messenger" look.

I asked and it was true...it seems the health department thinks the risk of kids being poisoned by ingesting (eating? really?) hand sanitizer outweighs the risk of kids spreading germs like the flu!

REALLY? Have you ever tasted hand sanitizer? By accident of course... eeew!

*I am sure his teacher (who is a lovely woman) would rather remain anonymous.

I do realize they are still allowed and encouraged to use it, but to put it away, out of sight!?
Who woulda thunk.

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

2010-02-13T09:33:00.004-05:00

We woke up this morning to this winter wonderland.
It is perfect snowman making snow too! :)

Can you guess?

2010-02-12T17:38:00.003-05:00

Can you guess what is happening outside?

Busy in BizTown

2010-02-02T19:59:00.006-05:00

Noah had a field trip today to JA BizTown and I was able to help as a volunteer.

While I was supervising at the Newspaper Noah was busy making deliveries as a Package Handler.

What can brown do for you?

Here he is at one of the town meetings.

Another Drama Geek

2010-01-19T19:45:00.004-05:00

I know that title sounds harsh... let me explain.

I grew up in a big family. I am the oldest of six and we all had different talents, interests, and abilities. I was involved in drama and choir. One sister played softball but was really a Literary type. My brothers liked (and excelled in) baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and music.

My father loving referred to us as "drama", "poetry", "sports", or "music" geeks. He has a weird sense of humor that thankfully all of us have inherited.

With that said, my son Evan has a little of my drama geek gene. At the end if his 9 week drama class this is what he and some friends presented to the parents. (I cut it to just his part 1 min, vs. 7 mins)

Where'd he learn that?

2010-01-13T05:09:00.006-05:00

As the mother of four I am in a constant state of baffle-dom (is that even a word? It is now!)

I am either baffled by my children's stupidity or by their genius.

Yesterday it was genius (so refreshing!)

I was complaining about Hope and her appetite. She can never seem to have enough food in her tummy. I usually feed her once in the morning and once in the evening but she never fails to give me the "I'm hungry" stare at 2pm. I thought I would outsmart her by spreading the wealth out thru the day via breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It didn't work. She gave me the stare all afternoon, but I didn't cave, I was strong.

Anyhoo! As I was discussing this with Eli (7 years, 10 months) he said "it looks like she went over her budget of food". Since I have been actively listening to my children (see here) I heard this and then said "what did you say?" (not because I didn't hear him, but because I wanted him to say it again to make sure I heard him correctly. BUDGETING?)

Yup, I heard him correctly. My 7 year old knows about budgeting. (he didn't learn it from me!)
I asked him if he was learning about budgets in math... "no", "Did we discuss this in Family Home Evening?" I asked. "No".

Apparently he just knew! (I wish he'd teach me!)

CRAZY!

New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-10T22:19:00.003-05:00

I was talking to someone the other day about the resolutions I had made. She shared one of hers. It wasn't one I'd heard before, but I liked it.

Are you ready for it?

She isn't going to bring another plastic bag into her home. Not from grocery stores or department stores! As she told me this, I went into my thoughts and wondered what I would use to line my bathroom trash cans or pick up the dog poo? I don't like them either, but I do re-use them.

My question is...

could you not bring another plastic bag into your home?

Let me know in the comments.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T20:29:00.001-05:00

K, I realize it is the 7th of January and I am a little late with the salutation.
We are still trying to get back into the groove of real life after a wild week long party at our house.

We are still working on our 2010 resolutions. I want to post them all but here are a few just to keep me honest.

Lose Weight. (I know you are surprised.) My weight loss calculator says I will have to lose 2 pounds a week to be back to my newlywed weight by July 12th. Yikes! (unofficially my scale says I have lost 2 pounds already this week)
Listen to my children when they talk to me. I am guilty of uh-huh-ing my way thru most of a conversation only to have to stop and ask them to repeat it all.
Spend more quality time with my family.
Watch less tv.
Read more.
Exercise regularly (ideally 3 times a week)
Better manage my time.

K, this isn't the whole list. I will be working on these for the first few weeks/months and will let you know how it goes.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas

2009-12-24T18:04:00.002-05:00

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

a link to NORAD Santa Watcher... where is he now?

Merry Christmas!

Love,

The Haines Family
Bryant-Laura-Garrett-Evan-Noah-Eli

The Eleventh Day of Christmas...

2009-12-23T06:06:00.003-05:00

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

One day of not having to read this blog!
(I know you are thinking... early Christmas Gift?!)

Go, get, scoot.... do some last minute shopping, baking, or wrapping.

Enjoy your day off, but don't forget to check back tomorrow!

We interrupt the 12 days of Christmas....

2009-12-23T06:01:00.001-05:00

I hate to interrupt but there is a computer I want to win. I have already entered in the comments section BUT if I blog about the entry I get a second entry!

The computer is an HP TouchSmart 600. It looks AWESOME and I have decided that I really want one. I even know where, in my house, it will go!

Although it will lessen my odds of winning you can enter the contest too. Just click below!

Totally Together Reviews: HP TouchSmart Computer Review and Give-Away!

The Tenth Day of Christmas

2009-12-22T14:32:00.004-05:00

On the Tenth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

*Ten Favorite Scriptures

Isaiah 9:6
Jeremiah 1:4-5
Matthew 17:20
John 10:16 (Correlates to 3 Nephi 18:21)
Philippians 4:13
1 Nephi 20:18
Mosiah 2:17
Alma 32:16
Moroni 7:45-48
Doctrine & Covenants 98:12

If you don't have a copy of the Bible, Book of Mormon, or Doctrine & Covenants (standard works for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) you can find the scriptures online here!
(* These are just a few of the many highlighted scriptures!)

recap:

9 Things To Do,
4 New Traditions,
The Christmas Spirit,
Six Silly Faces,
Five Simple Words!
Four Christmas Tips,
Three French Hens,
Two Lame excuses,
and a new Video replacing the one requesting some room!

The Ninth Day of Christmas

2009-12-21T20:07:00.006-05:00

On the Ninth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

Nine things for your family to do!

Watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” together
Go Ice Skating
Play BananaGrams or Scrabble using only Christmas words
Work on a puzzle together while singing Christmas Carols
Go Caroling
Drive around your neighborhood to look at Christmas lights
Watch "The Nutcracker" together
Read about the birth of Jesus in Jerusalem (Luke 2)
Read in the Book of Mormon how the birth of Christ was witnessed in the Americas (3 Nephi 1)

recap:

9 Things To Do,
4 New Traditions,
The Christmas Spirit,
Six Silly Faces,
Five Simple Words!
Four Christmas Tips,
Three French Hens,
Two Lame excuses,
and a new Video replacing the one requesting some room!

The Eighth Day of Christmas

2009-12-20T18:49:00.007-05:00

On the Eighth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

k, this one won't fit within the song but it's a good one (if I do say so myself)

Watch this video and then decide on 4 things (one each night) you can do for others to share the Spirit of Christmas. Try to do something (at least one thing) that is outside of your comfort zone. THEN decide which one(s) you'll do again next year!

Don't forget to tell us what you did in the comments section!

Here are some ideas to get you started...

deliver a Christmas Jar,
Ding-Dong Ditch some groceries to someone in need,
Write down your testimony of Jesus Christ and give it to a friend (if your friend is not a member include a copy of the Book of Mormon or a framed picture of Christ!)
Christmas Caroling!

recap:

4 New Traditions
The Christmas Spirit,
Six Silly Faces,
Five Simple Words!
Four Christmas Tips,
Three French Hens,
Two Lame excuses,
and a new Video replacing the one requesting some room!

The Seventh Day of Christmas

2009-12-19T12:00:00.000-05:00

On the Seventh Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

The Christmas Spirit

recap:

The Christmas Spirit,
Six Silly Faces,
Five Simple Words!
Four Christmas Tips,
Three French Hens,
Two Lame excuses,
and a new Video replacing the one requesting some room! (it was removed by the user!)

The Sixth Day of Christmas

2009-12-18T10:18:00.015-05:00

On the Sixth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

Six silly faces

If anyone out there knows how to make a mosaic with photos (erin?) will you please let me in on the secret. This post looked SO much better in my head!

The Fifth Day of Christmas

2009-12-18T10:15:00.003-05:00

On the Fifth Day of Christmas our family gives to you....

5 simple words!

Oops I did it again! (I forgot to post for the day!)

recap? nahhh it really isn't that hard to remember is it?

The Fourth Day of Christmas

2009-12-16T14:31:00.002-05:00

On the Fourth Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

Four Christmas Tips!

Here are some tips to help keep your holiday Holy.

Remember that Christmas isn't about all the gifts, it is about THE gift. The birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Focus on giving, not getting.
Spend quality time with friends and family.
If you find yourself stressed out... Stop, Look, and Listen.
Stop what you are doing that is stressing you out.
Look at what it is you are doing... Are you focused on the Savior?
Listen... listen to the Holy Ghost and you will feel the Spirit of Christmas.

recap -

Four Holiday Tips
Three French Hens
Two lame excuses
and a video requesting some room!

The Third Day of Christmas

2009-12-15T16:47:00.004-05:00

On the Third Day of Christmas our family gives to you...

Three French Hens!

Did you know that the Three French Hens represent the Three Theological Virtues; Faith, Hope, and Charity? Read 1 Corinthians 13:13, Moroni 7, and this.

Three French Hens
Two lame excuses
and a video requesting some room!

The Second Day of Christmas

2009-12-15T16:36:00.003-05:00

What, you actually expected me to blog on each "day of Christmas"? Yeah, me too.

I could try to come up with something clever... but instead will just give you...

Two Lame Excuses..... sick kids and errands.

Let's recap (come on, you have to sing it to get the full effect)

On the second day of Christmas our family gives to you....

two lame excuses
and a video requesting some room! :)

The First Day of Christmas

2009-12-13T21:34:00.003-05:00

On the First Day of Christmas our family gives to you....

One video "Do You Have Room?"

Slowing Down

2009-12-09T12:01:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or does time seem to speed up between Thanksgiving and Christmas? I don't mean "my watch is fast", fast I am talking about "Warp Speed", fast!

This year I was able to get the advent calendar slips planned and printed before December 1st. (WooHoo) Friday, Dec 4th our task was to decorate for Christmas. We didn't start until yesterday. (Dec. 8th) I think I'll be able to finish this weekend.

As for Christmas shopping... I am almost done. I have one online shopping cart still full, but it should be on it's way on Friday. I also have a few odds and ends to pick up but nothing that can't wait. My hubby and I have said for years that we were going to scale our Christmas budget (and amount of gifts) back considerably. We were never successful. THIS year we told the boys not to expect much... 3 gifts and a stocking. They seemed put out at first, but the more often we talked about it the better their outlook became.

I made a decision earlier this year to focus on needs and not wants. I have told myself "we can't afford it" when I see something shiny and distracting at the store. It didn't seem so at first, but it is really quite freeing. To add to that I made the commitment not to purchase anything but gifts this Christmas. I have passed by candles (I have so many already) and tinsel and though I am sometimes tempted by those darn end caps at the store, I know that I will not make the purchase.

At this time of year it is easy to fall into the "gimme" trap. We have been better this year about shifting our focus to what we can give others. With the Spirit of Christmas (giving, not getting) in our hearts and home we are more likely to focus on the really meaning of Christmas and feel HIS love for us and others.

My point with all of this? Time is still going by quickly, but I am better able to roll with it. :)

Merry Christmas!

Star Wars in Concert

2009-12-09T09:28:00.006-05:00

Evan is one happy kid!

We sure love Star Wars so when Star Wars in Concert came to Charlotte we HAD to go.

Halloween

2009-12-09T08:45:00.014-05:00

Here are some overdue photos of Halloween.

Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T22:31:00.005-05:00

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potato souffle, green beans, carrots, whole wheat rolls, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. Sound familiar?

We had a great dinner with my youngest brother Andrew and his girlfriend Celeste. The rest of our family (with the exception of Kate at college) was in Alabama at our other sister's house. It was the quietest and slowest paced Thanksgiving we've had in a LONG time. That is a good thing and a bad thing. We had a great easy day, but we missed the rest of the family. :(

We are thankful for: (in random order)
Hopey Dog
our amazing family
health
food and shelter
God and His plan for us
employment
opportunities to serve
good friends
happy moments

One down, 205 to go!

2009-10-31T04:55:00.006-05:00

With four boys it was only a matter of time before someone broke a bone.

It is that time.

Yesterday afternoon Eli came in from the trampoline crying. He was knocked down by his brother while they were jumping on the the trampoline. He didn't fall off, he fell down. Apparently he landed wrong. He told me what happened and he said his hand felt like it was too heavy to hold up.
I knew it was something serious when the whimpering and whining continued after ice, kisses and a short nap.
I took him to Urgent Care. At first he was holding his arm, then he was laying on it, using it as a pillow. He held my phone while playing games. As the evening progressed I was kicking myself for "wasting" our time and money at Urgent Care. I kept thinking that I should have waited longer for the pain to subside because he was *obviously fine!

The doctor came in, checked his arm, heart and lungs (?), asked him some questions and left to look at the x-rays.

Imagine my surprise when he returned and said "it's broken!"

*what is obvious is that I have no medical training!

Falling

2009-10-23T11:28:00.004-05:00

I love this time of year. I love the cool mornings, the leaves rustling in the wind, the smell of the air, the feel of the wind on my face.
I love the way I smell after I play in the leaves. I love having to wear a sweatshirt because all of the windows are open and it is just a little chilly.

With all of the things I love about this season there is one thing I don't like.

Depression

My depression is manageable. I take daily medications that make me functional, happy on most days. But every fall around mid-October, without fail, I become sad. I want to lay in bed, snuggled up, hiding from the world. I want to sleep the days, weeks, and months away. I want to hibernate like a bear until the spring comes.
Is it the change in the amount of sun I get? Possibly. Is it the added stress of homework times 4? I am sure that adds to it.

I have my good days and my bad days. I am able to function daily thanks to modern medicine.
The thing that always makes me whole again (even for just a minute) is the Spirit of Christ. I felt it today while I watched this:

Lifting Burdens

I know that true peace and happiness is found from only through Jesus Christ. He is my Redeemer, my Savior, my Advocate with the Father. He knows me and loves me.
He has felt my sadness and is there to comfort me. I am sad, but I won't always be. There is hope in Him. I will one day be whole and it is His gift to me.

PS. Please don't take this as a "pity post". It is a post about how I feel. My love of the changing weather and my dislike of hereditary medical issues. Nothing more. Maybe now you'll understand me (and my moods) a bit better.

Young Love

2009-10-16T23:18:00.006-05:00

There are milestones a mother waits expectantly for her children to pass...
crawling,
the first word,
the first tooth,
the first day of school, the list is endless really.
I passed another first today. K, passed isn't the right word... "crashed into" better describes it.

Garrett (my 14 year old) has a "girlfriend". He had mentioned liking a girl. He sees her a few times a year at church youth functions. Apparently it is reciprocated.

Tonight when I picked him up from a youth dance I asked him to point her out to me. I assumed this would be done from a distance... across the gym, through the dim lighting, I would get a glimse of my son's first love. BUT he went to get her and upon their approach they were holding hands. My baby was holding hands with a girl! We were introduced and I remember talking, but the whole time I was thinking... "be cool, don't freak out about the hand holding, be cool" so I don't remember much of what I said.

I was not prepared for this.

The third time's the charm!

2009-09-29T16:06:00.003-05:00

My phone is fine. It is in brand new condition.

It still has that new phone smell.

As great as that is, it is also the problem.

Did you know that a new phone has an empty calendar and contacts list? Yup, it is true. You have to add your own names, numbers, emails, addresses, and other important info to the phone to make it your own.

Here's the problem. My phone was backing up my info onto the server in the office. The server that my husband disconnected and then sold on Craigslist. So, I had no info to put into my phone. DOH!

I went to the apple store to retrieve the data from my old phone. The miracle is that they still had it in the back of the store. The really infuriating part is that the "genius" deleted the info on the phone in an attempt to transfer it from old phone to new phone. It was there... in the palm of his hand and then **poof** it was gone.

I am now starting over from scratch (no pun intended).

If you read this and I know you please send me your contact info! If you read this and I don't know you... give it a shot, what can it hurt?

Bad things DO happen in threes... at least I hope so.

Just My Luck

2009-09-28T14:55:00.005-05:00

I heard somewhere that bad things happen in threes. I sure hope that isn't true.

About a month ago my iphone fell in the toilet. oops. If I close my eyes I can see it happen again in slow motion.
I reach for the handle,
I flush,
I see the phone fall from my other hand,
spinning, falling, spinning,
splash,
I remember grabbing it before it got flushed and thinking I was home free!

I was WRONG... a few minutes later the screen "melted" and I knew it was a goner.

Today, while being a good mom and taking my kids to the park, it happened again. kind of.

I did use the port-a-jon, but left the phone on the open magazine to hold my page. (I've learned the hard way that phones and toilets don't mix)
BUT on my way back to the table my son was smacked in the face with a football.
After applying a makeshift icepack to his face I decided it was time to go. I went to the table and grabbed the closed magazine.
See here is the tricky part. I left the magazine open and the wind blew it closed. I didn't remember that my phone was there!
As I lifted the magazine my phone fell face first onto the concrete below. After it landed, I once again fooled myself into thinking that I had dodged a bullet. There was no shattering and scattering of pieces. It looked fine... until I picked it up.

Good news: the phone still works! I called my hubby with it to share the bad news.

Bad news: the screen is shattered. I need a new phone.

My hubby is coming home early tonight so we can take my phone and get it replaced. I am considering immediately walking to where we parked the car, placing the phone behind a wheel, and backing over it. It would take away the suspense (paranoia) of waiting for my phone to have another (the third) accident. AND we would save gas and time cuz we'd already be at the store!

Hubby wouldn't go along with it. He said the next time I break my phone... it stays broken. :(
I bought a case to help protect it.

Wish me luck!

Random Trip Photos

2009-09-07T09:29:00.005-05:00

This shed? was being moved.

While I was reading, Kate started to laugh. I looked up to read this catchy slogan. What? Really?

While in Burlington, Iowa we went to dinner at "Gators".
The food was good (no alligator on the menu, thankfully).
We found this poor guy in the lobby.
He didn't have room to turn around in the tank.

This is view of the Nauvoo temple from the "Trail of Hope"

ROAD TRIP - Day Four

2009-09-05T21:30:00.000-05:00

Day Four: Cheyenne, WY to West Jordan, UT
448 miles, 6 hours, arriving at my final destination, priceless!

During the day we went from grassy plains to grassy plains with rocks...

to rocks with grassy plains...

to rocks with a little grass

to rocks with brush

to ROCKS!

I don't have all the photos we took today (Kate's camera) But I will explain why I don't have a "Welcome to UTAH!" photo. There wasn't one! Lame, I know. I had the camera ready and waited, and waited, and waited... nothing.
I discovered something about myself. I like variation in landscape. I like rolling hills, trees, mountains, anything really that breaks up the monotony of grassy plains. And at the risk of offending those who love Wyoming, I must say I don't care if I never set foot (or wheels) again in Wyoming. Been there, done that, not too exciting.

ROAD TRIP - Day Three

2009-09-04T22:35:00.010-05:00

We woke up early this morning because we knew we had a long drive ahead of us. 815 miles is what Google Maps said it would be. We did it! We drove from Burlington, Iowa to Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Here are some of the things we did or saw on the way.

The view from our hotel room

What you do when you pack your camera charger in your suitcase, in the trunk!

"I spy something green." "CORN!"
(we said this often... always green, always corn!)

silly girl!

"Oh, look! A missionary truck!"

After the cornfields of Iowa and Eastern Nebraska comes... Western Nebraska.

"Home, Home on the range..." No longer corn, but cattle!

The sunset. Do you see the little smiley face in the clouds? It is directly above the road.

ROAD TRIP - Day Two

2009-09-03T23:00:00.000-05:00

We didn't drive too far today.

We left this morning from St. Louis, MO to stop in Carthage and Nauvoo Illinois. After such a long day of driving yesterday we were moving a little slow but it really didn't matter because we knew we wouldn't get many miles in today.

Carthage Jail
Did you know that this was also where the jailor and his family lived? They had 7 children in a 1 bedroom (k, the kids bedroom(s) were in the attic closed to the public) 2 cell house.

We had a quick tour in Carthage and made it to Nauvoo to see a few things before most everything closed at 5pm. It is amazing to me how hard people worked during that time period. They made their own candles, thread, cloth, clothes, shoes and boots, rugs, bricks, wagon wheels, tin pie pans, pretty much everything. And then to build and rebuild their lives as they (the Mormons) were forced out of town. (Towns that they established and built!)

The schoolhouse.
Did you know that at it's prime there were 15,000 people living in Nauvoo!?

This is the "shoe store", it measures 16 feet by 16 feet, and is the cutest building in Nauvoo.
The sign above the door says "Cheap Boot and Shoe Manufactory".

Did you know that there were no right or left shoes? Both shoes were made from the same cob.

I have it so easy. I drive to a Target that is reasonably within walking distance.

Last night we decided to stay in Burlington, IA. We stopped at the Fairfield Inn and asked for a room. They were booked, and so were most of the other hotels in the area due to some event. So, it was 8pm and we faced driving for hours until we found a decent place to stay. It wasn't ideal, but we knew we could do it. I asked if we could use the bathroom before we left. When I came out of the bathroom, minutes later, the desk clerk told me that they had a guest check out early (3pm) after housekeeping left. If she could get someone to come clean the room then we could have that one. YEAH! So Kate and I went to dinner and when we came back our room was clean and ready to go. We had a much needed sleep in a comfy bed. :)
God is good, all the time!

ROAD TRIP - Day One

2009-09-02T23:00:00.002-05:00

Day One:

Drive to St. Louis, MO was on my list of things to do today.

Get boys off to school
PTA Board Meeting
Media Center training
Drive to St. Louis

Just another thing on my list to check off. (That is how I envisioned the trip at 10am.)

As the day progressed the "vision" changed... a few times...

We made it to Hendersonville in 2 hours... my sister has a lead foot, we'll be there in half the time!

Our first State line crossing... we did it!

Second State line...

I actually said "Bucky Kentucky" (in my mind) as I saw this sign. No lie!
I'll give a stick of gum to the first person (over the age of 20) who can tell me where that is from.

Third state line...
(not our photo. ours is on Kate's camera)

Are we there yet? Really? How many more miles? Check again. Just over half way there?

The St. Louis Arch (not our photo either)

Funny Story - I am driving into St. Louis and Kate says, "Look the arc!" I look at billboards in the direction she is pointing.
"What?", I asked.

Kate says,"The Arc! The St. Louis Arc! "
As the Arch comes into my view, I shake my head and say, "The Ark? You mean the Arch, ch makes a 'cha' sound, 'arch'."
She was thinking arc (like in geometry). I heard ark (like in Noah).
The conversation continues... but I won't bore you.

I was seriously looking for a billboard with a picture of an ark on it! (k, silly I know, but it was late and I was focused on where we were going)

Tomorrow we are off to see some church history sites. More site seeing=less driving!

The MOST wonderful time of the year!

2009-08-25T20:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, today was the first day of school! Our morning went relatively smoothly. I had everything to make lunches except 2 of the 4 lunch boxes. Apparently they took a trip on the last camp out and are still somewhere in the supply mess. (not my camp out, mot my mess) I will make lunches tomorrow with or without the lunch boxes. We have plenty of shopping bags. (ghetto, I know, but it isn't MY lunch!)

Everyone was picked up and dropped off (eventually) by the correct bus and delivered to/from the correct school. They all went to the correct classrooms and brought home the correct homework (for me) UGH!

And in the meantime I was able to vacuum, mop, launder, wash dishes, and get in a little nap!

I give this day a 100% with a big smiley face.

I have no photos of today's "event" because I was busy being the Eagle mascot at the school. I think I lost 5 pounds in that sauna disguised as a costume.

Maybe tomorrow I will take some photos. Maybe not. The suspense is killing you, isn't it?

R.I.P. Poofy

2009-08-19T13:09:00.006-05:00

Poofy the hamster was found unresponsive today. We are all very sad. She was a sweet "little mouse" and she will be missed. A private service will be held in the backyard later today.

Noah and Dad built a box for her and in the box he put a rose and the following letter.

Dear Poofy,

I will always remember you. I wish you were still here, but I know you are happy up in heaven right now. I will miss your tickly little whiskers and the way you stuffed your cheeks full of food and stuff. You were the best little hamster in the whole entire world.

Love,

Noah

The brother I never had...

2009-08-08T23:35:00.000-05:00

Last night as Eli and I were returning home from an evening of fun (and yummy food, thanks Erin) at my brother’s house Eli was telling me how much fun he and Liam (his cousin) had. He said, “I love Liam, he’s like the brother I never had!” to which I replied, “Eli, you have 3 brothers” His response… “Yeah, but Liam is like the brother I never had!” I tried to explain how that didn’t make sense but after more “I know mom, but Liam is like the brother I never had!” I decided that maybe I was the one misunderstanding. He and Liam are only 14 months apart in age they have very many things in common including vivd imaginations! He and Liam aren’t brothers, so they rarely see each other which means they don’t have to share a room, toys, the Wii or personal space, So in a sense Liam is like a brother without the fighting, bickering and competing for mom’s attention. Translation: “the brother he never had!”

15 years

2009-07-22T23:35:00.003-05:00

I can hardly believe it was 15 years ago today that I married my sweetheart. Time flies when you are having fun, having 4 children, moving 7 times, changing jobs, raising children, starting companies, running companies, serving in our church callings, traveling for work, volunteering at school, and being madly in love.

I love you,

Catching Up

2009-07-11T21:49:00.003-05:00

I know it has been a long time. The more time passes the bigger and better I think my next post has to be. Well, at least that is what I thought. I decided tonight that no one thing that has happened in the last few months is big enough for a post. Here are some of the things we've done:

We finished the school year out, celebrated Garrett's 14th and Noah's 9th birthdays; Bryant stopped traveling for work and is home now; Mom, Garrett, Evan, Noah, and Eli attended (or volunteered at) Cub Scout Day Camp; Garrett went to Gettysburg, PA, Palmyra, NY, and Kirtland OH for a Youth Conference; Noah had his first guitar lesson; Jessica, Paul, Eliza, Sarah, Leah, and Luke spent a week with us; and probably a lot more that I can't remember right now.

Phew, and that is not even close to everything. If I find photos of some of these (or other) events I will post and blog a bit.

My Favorite Job!

2009-03-24T21:39:00.007-05:00

I have had a lot of jobs in my life. My first job (besides babysitting) was at a Farmer's Market. I've waited tables, flipped burgers, run a register for a dept. store, college bookstore, and a gas station (11pm - 7am shift), scrubbed toilets, managed the night shift at a sub shop, and directed traffic around road construction. I have learned a little about what I don't want to do when I grow up but I still don't know what it is I do want to do.

Tonight at Cub Scout Pack meeting Eli was asked "What job would say your Mom does?" and looking at me he answered "PTA?" Give that boy the GRAND PRIZE ~ He is right!

Last week I was busy with The McAlpine Mile fundraiser (we raised over $11,000), this Friday each class has their Spring Celebration (cookies and juice packs) I don't have to be there but I do have to remind the parents who volunteered to bring the stuff. Now I am heavily involved in planning for the Spring Book Fair. I LOVE my job! Next year my life should get a little easier with the change in position from Co-VP of Fundraising, Book Fair Chair, and Room Parent x 2 to PTA Co-President, but for now I am loving every busy minute of my job! Does this count as a job?

Eli and his first grade class after finishing the McAlpine Mile! (Yes, I made the sign too!)

Lions and Tigers and... Wolves?

2009-03-24T21:26:00.004-05:00

Noah has worked very hard this last year to finish up his Cub Scout Wolf badge. We are so proud of the things he has learned and the enthusiasm he has for Scouts. He also was awarded one gold and two silver arrow points.

Happy Birthday Elijah!

2009-03-12T20:08:00.004-05:00

Today my baby turned 7 years old. It sure has gone quickly.

Eli making a BIG wish!

Blowing out the candles.

This week was a big one for him. Not only did he gain a year, he lost his first tooth!

Nope, nothing

2009-03-06T16:48:00.004-05:00

I really hate to look on my list of blogs and see that not one of them has been updated. It is annoying. Though not as annoying as checking your blogs to see that none were updated only to find out that your blog reader was messed up and just not showing you that they were updated. Hello.. why do they think you use the reader in the first place? (they being the blog people who are responsible for any and all blog reader thingy problems)

So let me just say that it hurts me almost as much as it hurts you to see that my blog hasn't been updated since the 18th of February last. (Why don't we still talk like that... it is pretty cool huh?)

I have tried to find something to blog about but can't think of anything. I thought of a few things but didn't think you would care. Oh ok, I will tell you...

1st - I ordered some shoes for Noah from Zappos.com. Noah has wide feet and I figured it would be easier to use Zappos.com with free shipping and return shipping than trying every store in town to see if they had wide widths in his size. It was a breeze except for the part where I forgot to click the "wide width" button and ordered medium widths by accident. oops! I waited an hour to make sure the info was in their computers and then called. WOW! customer service is back baby, I was helped immediately and then given the expedited ONE DAY shipping and VIP site (so I get one day shipping from now on!). My mistake was remedied in less that 4 minutes and the shoes (wide width) were here the next day. FABULOUS but blog worthy? I didn't think so.

2nd- My hubby is coming home for the second weekend in a row. Also Fabulous but didn't think it was blog worthy either.

3rd- ummmm... well there was the pest control guy I waited for all morning .... only he didn't arrive until I was half-way thru my shower. AWKWARD yes, blog worthy, no.

4th- ummmm... nope, nothing.

What a ZOO!

2009-02-18T16:23:00.003-05:00

Call me crazy but we just adopted another pet. Noah has been saving for a hamster and we found a great deal on craigslist. Meet Pooffy (aka Pooffer, Poof Ball, Double Stuff, Mouse) In case you are keeping track the score is: 6 humans - 4 creatures

She is adorable and is Noah's pride and joy.

Look Around... I could have left it anywhere!

2009-02-12T16:35:00.003-05:00

I don't know about you, but this family is good at losing things. Okay maybe losing is too strong a word. We mostly misplace things. Things like shoes, sweatshirts, homework, book bags, keys, and permission slips seem to slither away in the night while we sleep. Funny how the shoes that are put in the "shoe basket", book bags hung up, keys in the purse (yes, I am guilty of burying my keys on the counter), and homework in the binder never slither away.

I have also been known to put important papers in a "safe place" and they are never seen again. I have learned to just stick things on the fridge. I rarely lose something that I put there and as a BONUS I rarely forget to sign, pay, go to, or send it!

Lately though I think I have misplaced my brain. I have a phone with a calendar that has "Alerts" for things on my schedule. The things I record on my calendar I remember to do (actually DO-ing them that is another post altogether!)

So, my brain... yesterday I loaned my sewing machine to a friend. She stopped by the house to pick it up and she went on her way. She called me later to ask if there was supposed to be a power cord. A POWER CORD!? Can't she tell it is a "magic" sewing machine? Oh wait, it isn't magic, it DOES need a power cord.

Then just hours later, I offer to help a friend with whatever she needs... only to be asked to sit her kids the next day and oops... my schedule is full for the next two days with PTA stuff. What a schmuck. A schmuck with good intentions and too many things to do, but a schmuck still the same!

My brain looks like this:

So if you happen to see my brain (any brain really) lying around will you let me know. It might just be mine!

Insomnia has it's benefits...

2009-02-09T20:41:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep. Don't get me wrong, I try. But when I have done all the things to do to try to go back to sleep and STILL can't, then I get up and DO something. Sometimes i just get up and read, or surf the web. But the other night I got up and cleaned my fridge, the junk collecting drawers, and the armoire that held games and more junk. I took an after picture of the fridge. No "before" pic tho... I am not that crazy.

The freezer stuff was moved to the upright freezer in the garage.

Rules for a Perfect Day

2009-02-03T08:12:00.004-05:00

I found this gem while cleaning the other day. This is a list my great-grandmother, my father's grandmother, Gertrude, made. I don't know how old she was, she was born in September 1886 and died in 1980, when she wrote it. I suppose when she wrote it doesn't matter, it is timeless.
I don't remember much about her. In my child's mind, she was the really old woman in the nursing home. This lets my adult mind get a glimpse of the life she led and the strong and wise woman she was. -enjoy

Rules for a Perfect Day

I will try to live through the day only and not try to tackle my whole life problem at once.
I will be happy. It is true that people are as happy as they make up their minds to be. Happiness is from within.
I will adjust myself to what is and not try to adjust everybody to my desires. I will take my family, my business and my luck, as they come and fit myself to them.
I will take care of my body. I will exercise it, nourish it, and not abuse or neglect it, so that it will be a perfect machine for my will.
I will try to strengthen my mind. I will study. I will not be a mental loafer all day. I will read something that requires mental effort and concentration.
I will exercise my soul in three ways, to wit: I will do somebody a good turn and not be found out; I will do at least two things I do not want to do; and I will not show anyone that my feelings are hurt. They may be hurt, but I will not show it.
I will be agreeable. I will look as well as I can, talk low, act courteously, be liberal with flattery, find fault with nothing - and try not to regulate or improve anybody.
I will have a program. It will save me from two human weaknesses - hurry and indecision.
I will have a half-hour to myself and relax. In this half-hour, sometime, I will think of God, so as to give a better perspective to my life.
I will be unafraid. Especially, I will not be afraid to be happy, to enjoy what is beautiful, to love, and to believe those that I love, love me.

As part of my 2009 goals, I will try to have a few more "perfect days".

Aloha!

2009-01-12T18:58:00.008-05:00

This is lagoon (one of the four) that is closest to our hotel.

Aloha Everyone!

Bryant and I are in Hawaii for the week and loving it. I have never been to a more beautiful place in my entire life. It is warm and there is always a sweet smelling breeze blowing.

Here are a few of the views I get to enjoy.

This is a view of the resort we are staying at.

We are staying in the building on the left.

I love the indoor/outdoor living on the islands.
This is the lower lever lobby of the hotel.

This photo is mostly for my kids.

These Koi are in the pond just out side the lobby.

These fish are HUGE. The big ones are about 2 feet long.

a little culture

2008-11-08T22:56:00.005-05:00

On Wednesday night the boys and I (Bryant was working out of town) went uptown to see a performance by Traces see their link: http://traces.7doigts.com/en/index.shtml#the_cast

They were A M A Z I N G!

The boys and I left the theatre in awe. What talented people they are and so awesomely strong. (sorry uncle Jon, they are even stronger than you!) There was so much I tried to capture with my camera, but they moved too fast.

This is Brad spinning on what looks like a large hula hoop. Notice how he's holding on only with his hands. He spun a few times with his feet touching too and he did a wobbling thing (like a coin does when you drop it on a table) Way cool!

This is Heloise! She flipped that chair around like it was nothing.

Check out the website for some cool photos and videos.

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-01T22:33:00.000-05:00

Our Halloween came and went without a hitch. We had a ghost, Jedi (again), motorcycle dude, and a pirate....arrrrgh!

Garrett is a little old to be going door to door, but letting him go was worth not having to go myself.

Hard Hats Anyone?

2008-10-27T23:57:00.005-05:00

Life is busy on a normal day with 4 boys a dog and a snake. We have our mad dash each morning between 6am and 7am for breakfast, shoes, backpacks, lunch, sweatshirts, library books, and then for the bus. Then our afternon routine of snack, homework, reading, more snacks, outside time, and chores (ha, right!) We have our umpteen (yes, that IS a real number) loads of laundry per week. We have an assortment of scout, YM, PTA, HOA, and Primary meetings. There are groceries to buy and put away, dinners to prepare, dishes to wash, trash to collect, bills to pay.

These things make our home a mess. Add to it our recent construction project and hoo-boy, there really aren't words.

I haven't vacuumed in weeks. Why should I, the floors will be replaced any day now. They are covered in saw dust, sheet rock dust, and who knows what else. My sister in law swept my kitchen floor the other night and by the next morning you couldn't tell. (sorry Jen) The doors are off the hinges (except for the bathroom). Most of living room furniture is pushed into the center of the room. What there isn't room for in the house has been moved to the garage... a dust storm waiting to happen. The walls are painted but the majority of the trim is not.

We are blessed to be able to do this now. I am not complaining about the constuction, just the mess it has created. I will be happy to get back to our normal mess. In the meantime here are some photos of the project.

My construction workers taking down the half wall between the family room and breakfast nook. If you look through the mess in the background you can see the new built in shelves and cabinets Bryant made.

The soffit above the left cupboard is gone...the others are going soon. Tomorrow maybe?

Good Bye Old Friend

2008-10-13T21:20:00.004-05:00

We have enjoyed long rides on the open road. You and Bryant were HOV partners and commuters. You were loud and a little flashy but OH SO FUN! It was fun while it lasted.

Now you live in Georgia with a new man. I wish you well. I wish you long rides on the open road.

Good-bye old friend.

Bryant sold his motorcycle. He sacrificed his toy for our new floors. We are all a little sad. (except Hope who is glad to have at least one of the big noisy things in the garage gone)

My Mosaic

2008-10-09T20:13:00.007-05:00

The Rules: you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses after each question):

What is your first name? (Laura)

What is our favorite food? (all)

What high school did you attend? (Spaulding High School)

What is your favorite color? (Blue)

Who is your celebrity crush? (Owen Wilson)

Favorite drink? (Diet Dr. Pepper)

Dream vacation? (anywhere but here)

Favorite dessert? (Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream)

What do (did) you want to be when you grow up? (Pilot)

What do you love most in life? (babies)

One word to describe you? (Volunteer)

Your Flickr name? (Laura)

Want to play? Type your answers to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the first page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL's into the Mosaic Maker. (3 columns, 4 rows)

Here We Are!

2008-09-24T12:47:00.011-05:00

For those of you who thought we had fallen off the face of the earth.... nope, we are still here. We are very busy now that school has started.

We do have some things to catch up on though. For instance, the first day of school. It came and went with no ceremony or photos. (bad blogging mommy) BUT I did send them to school with lunch!

Then there was the trip to the beach. We went to the Outer Banks again this year. This was a tradition we started when we lived in Virginia. We LOVE the Outer Banks. We went over Labor Day weekend with Laura's parents, brothers and their wives and "Uncle" Jake. (Jen's brother)

I DID remember to take photos of that trip. (see below) It was SO great to get away. We read, slept, swam, sunbathed, slept, read and ATE.

Did I mention we slept?

the boys playing in the sand

This is Garrett's Cannon Ball in mid-air.
What is with the boots you ask?
We don't know either.

Sutton's toes being eaten by a daddy "shark"

Evan the Mer-Man!

Noah the "surfer dude"

Fay Visits Charlotte

2008-08-28T19:04:00.004-05:00

This is what happens to our backyard when a Tropical Storm comes for a visit. Cool huh?

It gives new meaning to the phrase "natural area". That is what we call that wooded part of our yard. If you look closely you can see the top of the four foot dog fence, the cut logs (that were neatly stacked) floating around, and the tree house ladder to the left. At least we know the tree house is safe in the event of a BIG flood.

Jury "dooty"

2008-07-28T20:40:00.002-05:00

It has been quite some time since I posted anything....sorry. I HATE it when I go to your blog and it is still the same! So now you know how it feels, a little taste of your own medicine.

Anyway, I have been busy trying to keep my house and children in order. I know, it's probably a lost cause, but I am not ready to throw in the towel quite yet.

I had Jury Duty today. They actually call it Jury Service now....whoopee! It doesn't matter what the call it, I am convinced I will never be able to actually sit on a Jury. I spent all day at the courthouse. It wasn't actually a bad thing. I had 9 hours of kids free time. I watched a movie( The Great Debaters) uninterrupted and read my scriptures...I KNOW!, and read a few more chapters in The Host. (I am starting to get into it now)
What I didn't like was having to wait two hours in the court room to be called to sit in the box (as an alternate) and be shot down by the defense. The prosecution didn't have a problem with the fact that my father is a retired police officer and that *Carter (*relative whose name I changed) was convicted of a felony. She said...."thazzz cooo!" (ok, but she rested!) and then BAM! the defense said "we'd like to call a motion to dismiss this juror" no questions, no nothing! RUDE! I am perfectly capable of being fair and impartial. My father chose a career as a civil servant.... SO WHAT? It isn't like he came home every night and told me stories of all those bad bad people that were "allegedly" driving under the influence. And that I was forever swayed to think that the policeman is always right. Hello? I wasn't born yesterday. The saying "Good Cop, Bad Cop" had to come from somewhere!

Anyway, I am hoping that my ranting and raving will help me calm down a bit because what started out as a great day ended with me in a really crappy mood. (mumble, mumble mumble)

Will I ever get to serve on a Jury? I will have to wait at least 2 years to find out! I'll keep you posted.

Happy Fourth!

2008-07-05T23:32:00.006-05:00

The Parade

This is the first year since we moved here that we spent the July 4th holiday at home. We enjoyed the day by first decorating our bikes for the neighborhood parade. We used paper and star garland scraps. Then the parade! Though it wasn't long, it was fun. We walked and rode to the end of the cul de sac for goodies and fun facts. It was fun to get to know our neighbors better.

In the parade

Cooling off with popsicles

Sa-wing batter!

____________________________________________________

At the end of the day Dad showed off his fireworks skills. Some were loud, others annoying, but over all we had a great show.
(It helped that our neighbor down the street had the big fireworks)

(ours)

LOUD!

(theirs)

Rap Stars

2008-06-21T15:22:00.003-05:00

I LOVE that my kids have (and use) their imaginations. We received a few bags if hand-me-downs and the kids found some "rapper clothes" to wear. I took this photo just before they broke into their own form of beat boxing and dancing. I SO wish I had my video camera...While they were mostly just jumping up and down and waving their arms, Evan started doing the robot dance. Ha Ha Ha!

Bird House

2008-06-18T20:29:00.011-05:00

Noah has been a Cub Scout now for a whole 21 days and he whizzed through
the Bobcat requirements and is almost finished earning his Wolf badge.
(He has a year to complete this).

This is the bird house he built for requirement 5. We found a pattern online went to Lowes and bought a cedar fence board....a few hours later (with mom's help with the power tools) ta-da it's a birdhouse!

This is an 'action' shot.
Notice that he's biting his lip...he gets that from me. I get it from my dad.

This is what adorns the inside wall.
Okay, I admit it is cheesey but I couldn't resist (and Noah thought it was cute).

Summer Vacation: Day One

2008-06-11T22:54:00.003-05:00

Today was the first official day of our Summer Vacation. Bryant and Garrett left this morning for Scout Camp. Evan, Noah, Eli, and I went to the pool with Kim and two of her girls. The kids ate watermelon and popsicles and had fun in the pool diving for rings. Kim and I caught up on eachothers lives. Oh! And I got my first sunburn of the summer. I have had worse, but we have another "pool appointment" with Alisa tomorrow. Hmmm.... we'll see how long I last out there!

The kids in the back of Kim's van.

Catching up!

2008-06-07T17:09:00.009-05:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged. I have quite a bit to tell you all. No life changing news....just a lot going on. Garrett (our oldest) celebrated his 13th birthday in May, shortly after my last post. I certainly don't feel old enough to have a teenager. It helps that he doesn't act any older than 2 most of the time!

Here is the one okay photo of him with his cake.
(notice the tealight....I didn't have birthday candles. Classy huh?)

Scripture Olympics

The following weekend we had a Primary activity at church for the kids age 3-12. I was in charge of this one (we have 4 a year) and we picked "Scripture Olympics" as the theme.

The kids had a blast shooting "Goliath" with marshmallows

and "Samuel the Lamanite" with water balloons.

We had a "Nephi's boat race"

and "Noah's Ark" challenge.

The kids had ice pops and water afterwards. We had concerns having an activity on Memorial Day weekend, but all but 9 kids showed up!

Noah's Concert

2008-05-14T12:29:00.010-05:00

Noah "Yankee Doodle" Haines

Noah performed last night in a 2nd grade "Patriotic" concert. He did such a great job! This is the only good photo. He was on the top riser in the back behind the lights. I took some great videos of him singing. As soon as I figure out how to upload them, I will!

It was either out of focus or too dark. He found the hat at Mom's and Dad's last weekend. We borrowed it especially for the concert. It sure made him easy to find!

Noah outside after the show!

Book Fair

2008-05-07T20:19:00.009-05:00

I know you ALL are dying to know what it is I do in my spare time. Some of you may have heard that I am the Book Fair Chairperson for the elementary school's PTA. I have proof now that the frequent excuse "I can't that day I have a book fair thing" is not a way of putting you off. I promise I am not really avoiding you...I actually am busy with the book fair. I have proof (photos) from this Spring's "Take a Reading Road Trip" Book Fair.

I have a great bunch of friends I get to work with. In fact if I didn't work with these women, I probably wouldn't do it. The first thing we do for the book fair is brainstorm for decorations. We don't HAVE to decorate, but it is a tradition that, as stressful as it may get, we love. We decorate the wall just inside the front door and near the entrance to the book fair. The kids LOVE this. They know the fair is coming soon when they see us decorating the wall.

With the "Road Trip" theme we decided on a US map with points of interest you could visit on a road trip. It is hard to see in this photo, but we have the name of each state on a license plate. We thought we might need to help the kids out...heck, WE had a hard time figuring out the states in the mid-west. They all seem to blend together! Plus, there was a kid who asked where Madagascar was.... I explained to him that this was a US map, but he asked again. That is when I realized he thought Madagascar was part of the US, so I set him straight. We all had a good laugh over that and told our friend Tanya (the principal). Funny though, she wasn't as amused as we were.

Here we are with some kindergarteners. They got to help the teacher pick out the books their class won in the door decorating contest. Oh an the adults in the photo are (l-r) Debbie, Me and Elissa. Stephanie either wasn't there or was avoiding the camera.
PS. Elissa's son is the boy with the serious look on his face. He is a cutey pa-tutey. He and Eli get along great.

So there it is. The book fair lasted for only one week (thank goodness) and our total sales were $14, 875 and some change. Not too bad for a few volunteer moms, huh?

2008 Olympic Team Trials

2008-04-26T22:07:00.004-05:00

Garrett had a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with his scout troop at the US National Whitewater Center. The 2008 Team trials for Whitewater Slalom are being held there this weekend. He worked all day in the sun passing out drinks to spectators and athletes. He was able to meet some of the athletes (Kyakers, ages 12 -14). He had a blast! I am so proud of how hard he worked today THERE and then in the garden!

Garden Party!

2008-04-26T21:32:00.011-05:00

The garden is started! I was so industrious this morning and went to Lowe's (and then Home Depot and finally Pike Nursery, UGH!) to get the vermiculite, peat moss, and compost. Oh! and the rest of the plants/seeds. But by the time I got home I was hot and tired and honestly a bit cranky. (Home Depot no longer sells vermiculite? Some garden center!) So I took the afternoon off. Not very productive of me, but hey, it's my garden.

Later in the day (5pm) I finally felt a need to get it done. So here are the photos. Though the garden isn't complete, I am off to a great start!

Garrett hefting and pouring compost for the garden.

Okay, I know this isn't the most flattering photo of me. Keep in mind that Eli took this one and I had pretty much lost all feeling in my face because he took his dear sweet time!

Here's the cukes and beans (seeds planted)

From the top, tomatoes, and onions.

Here is part of the garden behind the family room (where the garden was last year) There is another box this shape and size mirrored to the left. This has carrots and onions in it so far.

Still to plant: zucchini, cantaloupe, watermelon and pumpkin.

Random Thoughts

2008-04-22T14:04:00.006-05:00

So I have been reading a few blogs today. They are written by very funny, talented women. I am a bit jealous. I have my funny moments, but to write about everyday life and have it be laugh out loud funny...well, I won't put you through that. Maybe I just don't see the humor in life and I have turned into a grumpy old person....naaaaaw!

I have some things to blog about...like my garden, or what will soon become my garden. I have pictures of the process but they are on the card in my husband's phone. My husband is currently in Boston which means I can't post any of the pics until later this week. :(

I do have a picture of the poster I made. (Made might be a bit deceiving. I traced it from an overhead projector and then painted it. )
For all of you who wonder what it is I do for the Book Fair...this is one thing. Our theme this Spring is "Take a Reading Road Trip" so we have a wall in the school decorated with a map (photo coming soon) and this sign. I spend a lot of time doing the two Book fairs a year at the Elementary School, but I LOVE it. And I love the girls I work with.

I promised Noah that I would post a photo of this worm.
He is convinced it is a cankerworm that the county has recently sprayed to kill. I don't have the heart to tell him it is just some ugly run o' the mill worm. At least, now when he asks if I posted the photo I can honestly say "yes".

This (left) is a photo of a REAL Cankerworm.

Our Happy Holiday

2008-04-12T11:48:00.025-05:00

The family (and ship) in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Ok, so our vacation didn't start out "happy". It was a bit stressful to drive 2 hours to the airport in Greensboro to find out our flight had been cancelled (thank you skybus!) BTW...our flight was scheduled for 9:08pm on April 4th. The plane had been refueled, our bags were loaded and THEN they made the announcement. On the BRIGHT side...we didn't get to Florida via skybus and then have no way home, and we aren't the employees who lost a job!

So, long story short...we drove thru the night, 13 hours to Miami to meet our cruise ship in plenty of time. We definitely had the help of the Lord. I drove most of the way (11 hours) and didn't nod off once. The weather was abysmal (thunderstorms and hard rain) but the kids slept, we made it safely thru the storms and the traffic was almost non-existent.

The Cruise..... recoup, regroup and relax.

We were on the ship from Saturday to Thursday making stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Georgetown, Grand Cayman. It was a perfect vacation. Enjoy the photos.

Leaving Miami... Bon Voyage!

Noah and Eli in the pool

Sunrise at sea Sunday April 6th.
Yes it is pretty, but I didn't like waking up early on my first day of vacation!

My four sons (Garrett hated the matching shirt thing!)

On Monday we spent the day in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on the beach and playing with dolphins and other exotic animals. Here are two Jamaican drummers.

Laura having her hair braided in Ocho Rios

Sally the dolphin posing for a photo shoot

Evan on the beach in Ocho Rios

Bryant and Noah in Ocho Rios

Eli caught by a pirate's hook

Noah with a bird

The family with Elvis the Iguana

Pretty birds

Eli asleep on the bus back to port in Jamaica.

The guys in snorkeling gear in Grand Cayman

Cooling down in Grand Cayman

Pirate ship in Grand Cayman

Easter Sunday

2008-03-24T01:29:00.012-05:00

Yesterday was Easter Sunday.

The morning was crazy as usual. We share our bulding with 2 other wards so we rotate church times each year. This year our Ward starts at 1pm. I like it because I can sleep in, still have time to add the finishing touches to a lesson, do a last minute load of church clothes (if needed) or like this day clean my house so those coming over for Easter dinner could find their way from the front door to the table (at least!). It started out well intentioned and then the closer we got to 1pm the louder I spoke and the more irritated at myself and others I got. Irritated at myself for waiting until Sunday morning to clean and others because they weren't helping or if they were helping they weren't moving quick enough. BUT, the house got clean (clean enough) and we made it to church in time to hear some (not much) prelude music.

Needless to say my "sabbath morning" wasn't a peaceful time to reflect upon my week and feel of the spirit in preparation for taking the sacrament.

However, the spirit hit me like a brick during sacrament meeting. It was fabulous. I usually don't feel the spirit quite that strong (anti-depressants tend to level out the emotions). We heard about miracles today and how they can help us understand what a miracle the Resurection is in our lives.

Bryant wrote the following piece. It just came to him Saturday.

The Easter Stone

Throughout the life of the Savior here on Earth, and in all the time before and after His life, the very elements of the Earth have obeyed the word of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus said the dust of the Earth was obedient to him - more so even than we are.

The very seas obeyed his calming voice when He commanded them to "Be still."

And yet, immediately after our Savior gave up His life to be crucified for our sins, a certain stone agreed to be rolled up to cover the tomb of our slain Lord.

Hewn from a larger stone by workers hired by a righteous follower of Christ and rolled forth to cover the tomb by a few Roman soldiers, the stone hid the pierced and lifeless body of Christ from a sinful world. I wonder if that stone resisted as it sealed the tomb shut. Or did the elements that Christ formed already know there mission
coming just three days later?

I imagine that stone accepting its call to hide the body of the Creator of Earth from the world that had forsaken Him. I imagine more that the stone had to struggle within itself to retain its shape as it anxiously awaited the moment when the glorified and resurrected God of all righteousness spoke the command to roll aside.

That Easter stone and the elements of every grain that held it fast must have been so wonderfully delighted that it was blessed with the opportunity to reveal to the world and to the eternities the glorified Son of God and the Father of Righteousness as it rolled aside. That Easter stone was blessed to have opened the door and cleared the path as it beyed the Lord Jesus when He waved his hand in glory, commanding or even bidding it to roll back.

Indeed, that stone must have gloried in the light that shined around Him as he approached the opening of the tomb.

We do not know the fullness of the light and might of the miracle that occurred
inside that tomb as the Lord took up His body again, but I pray that I can be a
fraction as obedient as the Easter stone; that I can partake of a part of the light of the Christ; that I can partake in the miracle of the atonement and resurrection of Christ in my own life. I pray that we can all feel the warmth and mercy and love of Him, as the Easter stone must have witnessed as it sealed the tomb of the Lord and then revealed Him to the eternities in all His glory.
May the love and light and mercy of Him who is mighty to save find place in your
heart and life on the blessed Easter Sunday, and may we all be like the Easter
stone in our own way.

While we were at church my parents had arrived at our house to make preparations for dinner. I liked coming home to dinner cooking. Maybe I should think about some hired help. Unfortunatley "think about" is all I am able to afford. Oh well, it was nice for the day. Almost all of my family came to my place for dinner this afternoon. It was great! I know that for some people family gatherings can be a dreaded thing, but I like my family. We all get along well.
We play, laugh and tell stories. The best stories are the funny ones my Dad tells. Even if we've heard them (he's told them) a million times, which inevitably we have, he laughs so hard he can barely breathe (Uncle Andy laugh). This happened at the dinner table. I was away from the table so I have no idea which story he was re-telling, but I heard his laugh. It's hard not to smile
just thinking about it.
We have had the pleasure of Jen's Dad, Perry, at a few of our gatherings. I hope he finds our company as much of a pleasure as we find his. Well actually, I don't care. We'll keep inviting him anyway. I figure if he doesn't like us he won't accept the invite. That's the way we roll around here. (but I really think he likes us!) My point was that Perry joined us for our little get together.

Here are some pics from the day.

Sutton finding a surprise in an egg

Who knew the adults had that much energy?!

Even the adults love surprises!

Party like a ROCK STAR!

2008-03-14T20:25:00.008-05:00

Eli is six years old and he partied a LOT to celebrate.

He shared cupcakes with his school friends at lunch.
He ate the icing and left the cupcake.

The family celebrated with pizza at Chuck E Cheese's.

You are never to old to have fun....

Even BIG kids like Chuck E Cheese's

On Friday he had a party at Sport's Connection with mini-bowling and games.
He got to blow out the "6" candle and make his wish.

Head Gear is Cool!

2008-03-14T20:10:00.007-05:00

At least that's what we are telling him! Garrett got his ortho appliance yesterday. He only has to wear it 12 hours a day. Luckily he can avoid peer ridicule by wearing it while he sleeping.

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T18:33:00.006-05:00

Okay, my amateur photos are good but check out my friend (professional photographer) Jose's many amazing photos. http://www.jlafoto.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=265

Last night we were able to witness a lunar eclipse. We remembered to run out and see it at 9:54pm, just before it fully eclipsed at 10pm. We were able to get a few great shots among many blurry ones (no tripod) Enjoy!

Check out the star in the bottom right corner!

Art

2008-02-17T22:57:00.007-05:00

This is a pretty random post but I thought it was worth the time and effort. I am not an expert in the arts. I appreciate the talent it takes to create art in it's various forms. I think what I like the best is accidental art. Take this photo for instance. My sister-in-law was feeding her 19 month old a last few bites from her plate when this appeared. Our little carrot face. It was worth a quick photo.

Then there is this "mud head" Noah made. Now I realize this isn't a Picasso, but it takes talent to turn mud, grass, and stone into a man.

Enjoy!

Off the couch!

2008-01-29T18:41:00.001-05:00

My brother Michael and I will be running the Cooper River Bridge 10K on April 5th. I used to run... before I started having children some 14 years ago. I am not a stranger to running, just a distant relative.
In order to get my non-running form in shape I started a training program titled "From Couch to 10k in 10 weeks". Today was my second day. This first week is pretty easy; 4-6 days of two miles walking/running an 1/8 of a mile at a time. 2 days down...68 to go!

Tae Kwon Do

2008-01-02T22:37:00.001-05:00

Tonight was our first family Tae Kwon Do class. Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. It uses the legs much more than Japanese Karate. We learned some kicks and punches and even did a few sit-ups and push-ups. I am already feeling sore, tomorrow I'll be referring to it as Tae Kwon DoOohhh! We are all glad that we were the only students attending tonight. None of us had any style and one of us fell during a kick. We all looked a little dorky, but we'll get better!