The Haws' Happenings

An awesome day...

2011-09-28T23:30:00.004-05:00

Today was an awesome day.

Nathan got to school on time with a packed lunch.

Andrew got to school on time with semi-combed hair.

I made it to the library with Maggie and we played puzzles, read some books and even beat our record of being "shushed". Because I can TOTALLY keep my almost two year old quiet while doing puzzles. ;) I did however check out a Spanish work book...Time to pursue some dreams! (Mostly we REALLY had to go to the library because we were accruing fines for being so tardy on returning some *ahem...16* books...And I still missed 2 I left at home!)

I picked up Nate from school on time.

We took Eddie to his campus.

Made it back almost in time to pick up Drew...thank goodness for Amy who saved our behind. The bus waits for no one. I'm just grateful I have friends who are on time and are willing to save my hide. ;)

I packed a stellar dinner meal for my children because Eddie and I both had to be at mutual tonight. Nothing says nutritious like pretzels, string cheese and craisins. (Which they didn't really eat a whole lot of because they were too busy running around in the gym.) Now do you see why it was such a noteworthy item that Nate made it to school today with a lunch? I haven't gone grocery shopping in almost 2 weeks.

I did however, get to teach the young women how to apply make-up and share this quote from President James E. Faust's talk entitled, "Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor":

"In 1916 the challenges of life involved an entirely different focus, such as killing flies, clearing sagebrush, and learning to harness horses. Today such physical needs are met much more easily: flipping on a switch to control the light, adjusting the thermostat for heat and for cold. Modern conveniences grant us more free time to focus on spiritual needs and devote more time to personal service.

In the movie My Fair Lady, Professor Higgins poses the question, “Why can’t a woman be more like a man?” What a terrible mistake that would be. The opportunities for you young sisters in today’s world are endless.

I wonder if you sisters fully understand the greatness of your gifts and talents and how all of you can achieve the “highest place of honor” in the Church and in the world. One of your unique, precious, and sublime gifts is your femininity, with its natural grace, goodness, and divinity. Femininity is not just lipstick, stylish hairdos, and trendy clothes. It is the divine adornment of humanity. It finds expression in your qualities of your capacity to love, your spirituality, delicacy, radiance, sensitivity, creativity, charm, graciousness, gentleness, dignity, and quiet strength. It is manifest differently in each girl or woman, but each of you possesses it. Femininity is part of your inner beauty.

One of your particular gifts is your feminine intuition. Do not limit yourselves. As you seek to know the will of our Heavenly Father in your life and become more spiritual, you will be far more attractive, even irresistible. You can use your smiling loveliness to bless those you love and all you meet, and spread great joy. Femininity is part of the God-given divinity within each of you. It is your incomparable power and influence to do good. You can, through your supernal gifts, bless the lives of children, women, and men. Be proud of your womanhood. Enhance it. Use it to serve others."

It felt good to do service tonight and serve the amazing youth in our ward. I came away feeling enriched and edified.

I got home before Eddie and tucked the wee little ones to bed.

Note to self:
Tracy, tomorrow you MUST spend more time with Drew. When he asks, "Mom can you play (fill in the blank) with me?" SAY YES!!!! While you put him to bed tonight he gently and lovingly called out from the bed while you were shutting the door, "Mom, will you play with me tomorrow? I mean when you're done?" So sad...

Then joy of joys, Eddie got home so I could go play co-ed volleyball at the church. He stayed home to study for his test and I got to be an athlete for the night.

See, an amazingly awesome day right? (Minus the letting Drew down because I was too busy "doing something else" thing)

An honest attempt

2011-09-27T18:20:00.002-05:00

Well...I gave it an honest attempt, but I find myself needing to re-dedicate myself to some goals I have/had. I have learned a great lesson from my husband: it's never the wrong time to re-dedicate and you can never do it too much. He helps encourage me and lift me up when I need it most. So with that, I have some goals...

I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of being sick all the time. I'm tired of being overweight and battling my image issues. I'm tired of not having a clean house and folded laundry. I'm tired of yelling at my children. I'm tired of dropping off/picking up children from school. I'm tired of setting goals and not doing anything about them. I'm tired of having dreams and not doing anything to persue them. I'm tired.

And so, I've decided I'm not going to be tired anymore. I've made up my mind. I feel great. I feel wonderful and alert and energetic and on those rare ;) days that I don't, I will fake it till I make it. I'm almost 30 (yikes!) and I'm not the person I want to be or feel like the Lord needs me to be. I have so much to be grateful for and so much good that has been given me. I truly feel inspired by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's recent address to the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and from the recent Sunday School lesson I gave last Sunday. Life is a journey, and it's long and hard. Each of us come to Earth and face hardships, trials, heartaches and lonely times...but each of us have also been given our agency to choose peace, happiness and joy in our journies. I want to be this woman...the woman who chooses to find "joy in the journey".

I have written my goals down on paper but I want my children and my children's children, etc. to know that I have faith my weaknesses can become strengths as I turn to the Lord and allow Him to change me. Some of my goals have not changed all that much over the years, but I'd like to think I've learned some lessons with my challenges and I'm ready to hand them off now. If it's not the right time to have them removed from me, then I will press on like the prophet Paul and will continue forward with my own "thornes of the flesh" and will dig deep for the humility and faith required to find comfort and peace.

For posterity, some of my immediate goals are:
1. Spend 30 minds each day moving and shaking...either exercise, dance parties with the kids, mopping the kitchen floor (definitely a workout!), etc.

2. Take time out of my day to have quiet time with each of my children...reading, homework, talking, jumping on the tramp, etc.

3. Stay on top of the dishes...Seriously, I'm not ready to tackle the laundry beast yet...baby steps!

Some of my life-long goals:

1. Start and end each day in prayer ON MY KNEES! Kind of rediculous that this isn't already a life-long habit already formed, but it will be. IT WILL BE! I know how much it makes a difference in my life when I do.

2. Learn another language...It's easier for me to understand Spanish than it is Portequese, but I want to be able to serve a foreign mission with my husband but that probably won't happen if I can't speak another language.

I have much more listed in my notebook, but my children have just returned home and it's time to be mom.

Need a boost

2011-08-15T14:23:00.003-05:00

I have a billion pictures I need to post, but if I don't write now, I'm afraid I won't. I need a spiritual boost. I don't have the time to go into it all, but suffice it to say that my soul is drooping. I'm so grateful for a friend I grew up with who has recently posted on her blog a book of mormon challenge for herself. She very bravely posted about her need for her Savior to help her and I came away feeling like it was for me. I needed to hear her brave and insightly words. I needed to hear of her experience. And I needed to come away with a challenge in my soul. So, for accountability purposes...I am going to read 4 chapters from the Book of Mormon every day until I'm done and I will post of my experiences and insights here. I would like to say it will happen regularly this posting, but it may not happen every day. I am so grateful for the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and I'm even more greatful for my Savior's patience and mercy that he daily extends to me. Let the challenge begin!

Nathan-ism

2011-07-27T21:58:00.002-05:00

This last year at school (pre-K) Nathan had this girl in his class that he LOVED...Delilah. We're almost into the next school year (in 2 weeks...Yikes!) and he's still talking about her. Well, to his pleasant suprise he got a telephone call from said Delilah. They talked for a few minutes and the smile on that boy's face caused great fear and trembling in my heart. I got a text from Delilah's mother the next day telling me about her conversation with Delilah after they got off the phone.

Delilah: Mom, how do you know what love is?
Mom: -Pause- Ummmm....
Delilah: Because I think I love Nathan.

When I was telling this story to Eddie, my sweet but hearing like a hawk son responded, "Oh...I love Delilah too."

Fast forward a few weeks to today. My friend K was watching Nate and Drew and when I came to pick them up she had a few 'isms' for me. Nathan had informed K that he had a girlfriend named Delilah...and that he loved her because she was smart...(big pause)...."but not as smart as me" (Nate). K also told me that L and Drew were talking about getting married and Nathan chimes in:

"Drew, you can't marry L because you have to marry someone that Maggie likes and I don't know if Maggie likes L. We should check with Mom."

I'm pretty sure Nathan is a 6 year old going on 56.

Hot Texas Summer

2011-07-19T17:07:00.002-05:00

Well we're well on our way towards the end of July already and I've failed to really take any pictures of our summer adventures. We've gone swimming practically every day, we've gone to the library frequently, and watched entirely too much PBS and QUBO. Doesn't it sound enticing?

Way to go EDDIE!!!

2011-06-28T20:10:00.000-05:00

Eddie would never toot his own horn, so I will do that for him! Eddie met with his committee today to find out if his work is enough for him to graduate and move on to his second year of medical school...and the answer was a resounding YES! The committee seemed really pleased with his work, his PI (his boss Dr. Craig Powell) told Eddie it was the best committee meeting he's ever attended, and they've all agreed that Eddie is ready and scientifically mature enough to move on. Eddie has been putting in some crazy hours and it looks like even with this GIANT leap forward, he still has a long road ahead of him. Bascially, he gets to "graduate" and move on to medical school, but during this school year he is also going to be writing his dissertation and preparing to defend it while also preparing to take his first boards. I'm pretty nervous for him but this last year and half has taught me that we can do hard things and as long as he stays on top of things he should pull through and get his dissertation written before Christmas break. The hope is that he will be done writing and ready to defend by the New Year, but if he doesn't make that deadline for himself, he will put his dissertation aside until he's done taking the boards and will take an elective rotation out so he can finish. Bottom line is, he has done an amazing job and we're soooooo proud of him and all the extremely hard work he's put in to this. (Might I add, he's done all of this while serving as the Young Men's President) Truly, Eddie is amazing and I can't believe how much he's grown as he has had to presevere through this journey called "research" and that he finally gets to move on with his career. At this point, we know for sure that he will be done and graduated in 3 years and ready to move on to his residency. Way to go babe, I'm so proud of you!!!!

Babie's R' Us giveaway

2011-06-07T09:03:00.002-05:00

I read my friend's post, see below, a while ago but for some reason spaced the idea of actually participating to try and win $100 to Babie's R' Us. Well better late than never right? Follow the link below to read all about how you can too!

http://funwithteamboo.blogspot.com/2011/05/please-dont-take-my-sunshine-away.html

Mother's Day 2011 and mini-update

2011-05-09T21:39:00.003-05:00

I have a gazillion pictures and memories that I need to get down before they're lost from my mind but sadly I can't seem to find the time to do so. I think maybe I need to start realizing that each post doesn't need a bunch of pictures...although it's nice but if I wait to post with pictures then I never do it and I don't my children looking back at my "journal" and having complete years missing from their lives.

So with that:

Nathan has been busy with school and playing soccer and tormenting/being tormented by his younger brother. We just found out Nathan got in to the new charter school, Infinity Prep, here in Irving for next year and we are thrilled. We've talked to his teacher and parents of kids in the other charter school and some of the teachers in the Irving ISD and even one in what would be Nate's public school and it all boils down to this: Nate needs to be in the charter school because he needs to NOT be in J.O. Davis Elementary School. From everyone we've talked to, it's one of the worst schools in the district and Nathan is so far beyond where he should be, that he would just get lost. Infinity Prep can provide a more challenging curriculum and more flexibility when it comes to moving him to upper levels for reading and math. Eddie and I know he's a smart kid, but hearing it from his teacher now just kind of solidified for me what I thought I knew about Nate. (It's hard when you're the parent because we're biased and programed to think our children are amazing and wonderful...as it should be...so coming from someone else took away some of my worry,fear,stress,anxiety for Nate next year.) I'm really torn up inside though because I don't know what I'm going to do next year when My Nate AND Drew are BOTH GONE! I love getting to spend time with Nate and listening to his mind work a million miles a minute...It's going to be such a long day for him and such a big change for both of us. It makes my heart sick. Why do they have to grow up so fast? I just pray that I've taught him enough in these last 5 years. He's entering the world where he'll spend more time with other people than with me. And I'm rebelling inside...It's time and the right thing, but it still hurts. He's not liking soccer as much as we had hoped, but at least when he forgets he's miserable, he's having a great time! And oddly enough, every Saturday rolls around and he is dressed and ready and excited for soccer...it's just after a few minutes in the game that he remembers he isn't happy.

Andrew is still the happiest, friendliest child in the world. He is kept busy with pre-school, soccer, loving on his sister (a little too much...according to Maggie at least...I think it's adorable!), tormenting/being tormented by his older brother and eating up every spare second he can with his Dad. Drew went to play frisbee golf one late night with Eddie and some of his friends. He LOVED it! He came home so excited to tell me all about how he had almost made it in. I love Drew because he didn't dwell on the fact that he never made the frisbee into the bucket, but rather how much better he got in the end that he almost made it in. He is always the first to give up or share whatever he has, to make someone else happy. He is our family peacemaker and it kills him inside that Maggie doesn't love his "kisses and hugs" as much as he loves to give them. He is enamored with his sister but she just screams at him when he comes near her. I'm sure as she gets older and can start using her words and Andrew gets older and can start realizing what she likes/doesn't like and what is appropriate "preasure" amounts, they'll have a wonderful relationship. What little girl doesn't love being worshipped by her two big brothers? ;) Andrew is really getting good at soccer and can't wait to get home to tell Dad all about how many goals he made. Nathan and Drew are on the same team and it is the cutest thing to me to watch them walk out on to the field holding hands and cheering for each other. They really can be the best of friends at times...so why is it so easy for them to forget that? Andrew is really coming along in his speech and clarity...I find that I have to "translate" less and less for him to strangers and family. He is really in to music right now and playing the drums (aka pots and pans and tupperware)and he's singing around the house all the time. He even wrote me a song for mother's day:

Love, love, love
I love you song...
A word in Christ
And the word in the song
is for you.

We can't get enough of our Drew-bee-doo and Nate-a-roo and find my heart overwhelmed that I get to be their mother.

But there is no secret that Maggie is the light in everyone's eye. She brings a smile to her brothers, her dad and especially to me. She just has a sparkle in her eye and smile that melt away your stresses and worries. She loves to be tickled under her chin and tossed high in to the air. She has added a few words to her repatoire, but not many. Her favorites are still "hi" and "no" but now she also likes to say "ball" and "bye" and "moo" and "uh-oh" and "eeee" for three and "good" after almost every bite of food. She is in love with the letter magnets on our fridge and will find you anywhere in the house and hound you till you tell her the name of the letter and make it's sound. Then she claps for you and makes you feel like you've accomplished something amazing. She loves to put her diaper in the trash all by herself. She pulls all the laundry out of the laundry baskets daily. She will sit in the boys room all by herself for long stretches of time "reading" books and snuggling their pillow pets. Her hair is finally getting a little longer...at least long enough I can do pseudo-pigtails. She still loves putting anything soft and furry into her face and bites it. She LOVES being outside and any time a door opens anywhere, she is right there to escort you in or out. She is friendly and will wave and say "hi" to EVERYONE! She's not very big, but rather on the tall side for our children. She weighs 26 lbs, Drew weighs 42 lbs and Nate weighs 34 lbs. And each of them have gorgeous, big, round, deep, old-soul eyes. Maggie's are a light brown like her Daddy's, Drew's are a darker brown like my mother's and Nate's are green/hazel just like mine. We've recently started to play the "love bug" game where anytime someone sees a love bug and calls it out then everyone in the car tells that person a reason why they love them. And let me tell you, when I tell my children something like, "I love Drew because he has brown eyes like his daddy" or "I love Nate because he has a nose like Daddy's" they EAT IT UP!!!! Truly, they love any reason we give them; I wish I could capture the smile that lights up their face when I tell them or Eddie tells them why they are loved.

It's getting really late and I'm past ready for bed, but I had to quickly write down my thoughts and emotions from Mother Day of 2011. Because I have never felt so loved by my husband, my children and especially my Heavenly Father. I was feeling pretty blue and sad the morning of Mother's Day as I thought about my own mother and how much I missed her and ached to be hugged by her. Eddie was so thoughtful to let me sleep and rest in the morning but when the time came to get going, he tenderly nudged me to get going and to forget the sorrow. My children must have told me, "I love you Mom! Happy MOther's Day!" at least 50 times each and everytime they did it melted my heart. In Sacrament meeting (which was amazing!) Nathan came up and asked if he could sit in my lap. He gave me kisses and hugs and kept telling me that he loved me and that I was beautiful and that he was so glad I was his mommy. The other thing he kept saying was, "You're the best date partner." (Side story: I took Nate on a one-on-one date Friday night and Drew got to go out with me on Saturday night, and it was by far the best thing I've ever done with my boys...it was amazing! And it will definitely be something we do each year for mother's day!) I was already feeling so much love and happiness inside and feeling pretty good that I hadn't had a major breakdown yet when Nathan twisted around and whispered in my ear, "Mom, I love you forever and always." I instantly broke down and wept as the pain washed over me...that's what my mom used to say to me. And then I felt my mother's love through Nathan. It was as though my mother was telling me, "Tracy, I love you forever and always. Forever and always my baby you'll be." I'm so grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord that allow us to be comforted and brought peace and love when we need them most. The rest of the Sunday went by so fast and was so fun. I had some great phone conversations with family and loved ones (J it meant the world to me that you called...come home!)and really amazing conversations in person with dear friends that feel like family. I was made and served an amazing dinner and one in which I didn't have to do any prep work or clean up (it was so wonderful). What touched me the most, was that Eddie had called my OA sponsor and friend to find out what he could make that would be allowed on my food plan. I'm telling you, he was so thoughtful and kind and really tried to make it a wonderful day for me. And it was! It WAS wonderful. I'm thankful for my family. I love my life and I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with opportunities to grow and stretch in motherhood. My wish is for everyone to feel as loved as I have.

Anteater in Utero

2011-02-27T10:11:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we got to spend a wonderful day together as a family thanks to the generosity of the UT Southwestern MDPhD program. They let us go to the Dallas Aquarium as a family for free and that night Eddie and I got to go out to eat at a restaurant called "Smoke". (Again for free!) On our way home from dinner Eddie needed to stop off at the lab to check out some brain slices under the EPI Fluorescent microscope. (Whatever that means, I just was along for the ride.) As I watched him fiddle and mess around with the settings of the microscope and change out slides and stuff, I realized how brilliant my husband is. I was overwhelmed with pride for all his hard work and for how much he loves science. And then he wanted me to look at what he was looking at....

Yeah, wanna know what I saw? What looked like a baby anteater in utero. Maybe I spent too much time at the aquarium today.

Tender moments

2011-02-23T08:28:00.003-06:00

So yesterday was a pretty rough day for our little kiddos. Eddie got up for work around 4:45 a.m. and we didn't see him until we picked him up at the train at 6:45 p.m.. I had dinner on a plate so he could eat in the car because he had to go straight to Mutual and then he went back in to work. He didn't get home until 3ish in the morning. (I don't know the actual time cause I was dead asleep but I do remember waking up and seeing him and asking him, "Are you getting home or are you getting ready for work?") Needless-to-say, the kids missed their Dad.

Well, Eddie and I have recently changed our family scripture study to in the morning instead of before bed. It's been really fun as the kids come snuggle us in bed and we read and pray before the day really gets started. Since Eddie was gone yesterday morning, when the kids came in (their usual sequence is Drew, Maggie, then Nate) I knew it was up to me to continue in the way that Eddie had set for our family. And I'm so grateful I did because it was one of the choicest experiences I've had with my children. We are reading in Jacob about Sherem and how he doesn't believe that Christ will come and he wants to dissuade the people away from Christ and how Jacob couldn't be swayed because of the testimony and experiences he had had. As I read to my children the words of Jacob, I was able to testify of the reality of Christ and that I too could never deny the reality of my Savior. I told them how much Eddie and I desire for them to have that same knowledge in their lives and that they can as they pray and listen to the Spirit. It was powerful and my heart was touched as each of the boys talked about how Jesus is their friend and that if someone tried to tell them not to believe, that they would never stop.

I'm so grateful for these little tender moments I get to have with my children.

November & December Events

2011-01-22T10:54:00.007-06:00

In November Eddie and I had the opportunity to go see a Maverick's game for free. It was a great date night! We were reminded not only of how much we enjoy each other's company, but how much we both love sporting events. (Even when it's not our favorite sport.)

For Thanksgiving this year we stayed in Irving and had a wonderful time celebrating with friends. Our pity party for one turned into a rip-roaring good time. I was feeling so sad to not have any family to spend the holiday with and thinking we were just gonna wind up having Thanksgiving dinner by ourselves. Eddie came to the rescue and discovered another family that we're good friends with was also going to be in town without family. From there it blossomed into a "come one, come all" party and it was totally the way we want to do Thanksgiving from now on. We got to know a really cute new couple in the ward who had just moved in, we got to know an older gentleman and his wonderful wife, get re-acquainted with others and ultimately to walk away with an afternoon spent in wonderful company and delicious food.

You can see behind Eddie that we had set up a few kids tables to eat on and then do some fun activities. Allison S. brought stuff to make this really cute candy turkey and the kids "gobbled" them up. (couldn't resist!) I brought some fun coloring pages but mostly the kids just loved running around the building. They did however perform the cutest "Thanksgiving" play. I wish that I could get video from my video camera onto the computer and not just off my camera. But alas, you'll just have to take my word for it...It was AWESOME! I think my favorite part was when they brutally killed the turkey (Kyra) and then proceeded to eat her.

We had so much food! We had to add a second table to just hold it all. It was soooooo good! Thank you to everyone for making it such a wonderful family holiday!

That next day, Friday, otherwise known as Black Friday, was spent in shopping and decorating the house with Christmas decorations. We had so much fun setting up our tree and the kids got to do 80% of the decorating. (Only a few minor adjustments, but for the most part, they did it!)

Maggie really enjoyed the traditional "Thanksgiving Leftover Day" and ate rolls like there was no tomorrow. We did however manage to capture Maggie's first, true walking. We had captured her first steps, but this was really walking.

Just watch this movie on mute okay? If you don't know how to mute it, just please ignore that crazy, high-pitched mom voice you hear...I promise it isn't me. :)

It seemed like after Thanksgiving, Christmas was around the corner and there really wasn't much down time. We had the wonderful opportunity to go down to San Antonio to see the Davidson's and meet new baby Ella and to be with "family" for the holiday. It was an amazing trip! (Minus the puking...more on that later)

We drove down on a Thursday and got up Friday to walk the Riverwalk.

Maggie enjoyed cruising on Dad's shoulders. Why did I lug the stroller around again?

We passed by the "Ripley's Believe it or not" and most of the kids loved all the statues and other creatures.

Andrew did not. This was about as close as he would get to the dinosaur. It looks like he's squealing with delight, but he's not. He's just squealing.

My sweet, sweet baby girl.

Andrea, Nate and Lacey enjoyed the day together. Drew was somewhere near by and we got a really cute picture of them all together but I think it must be on Jeanette's camera.

Our next stop was...

We managed to get a family photo in front of the "closed for the Holidays" Alamo...maybe on our next trip. We did however get to listen to a very animated telling of the events from an off-duty tour guide.

As we walked back to our cars, we noticed some rain clouds were beginning to look more and more scary. We got to our parking garage and "CRACK"!!! The heavens opened and the rain descended and the flood waters came. It was remarkable....HAD I NOT BEEN THE ONE DRIVING! Let's just suffice it to say that I've been traumatized for life from my return trip home from cali in a rainstorm. I think at one point we were going less than 25 mph on the freeway back to the Davidson's house. It started to get a little lighter and lighter the closer we got to home and as we pulled in to the driveway, the rains ceased and we were able to get all sleeping babies into the house and down for naps. It was amazing! If only the rest of the trip could have been that fate-filled! Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way. Poor Hyrum was sick on the way down and Andrea fell victim to it next. That night Andrea got sick, really sick and then poor Maggie woke up puking. And after that it was kind of a free-for-all of puke-age. It got Mark next and then Caleb and then myself and then Jeanette I think. Anyways, it was not a pretty sight. But even with all that ickyness, we had a GREAT time. We laughed, we played games, we ate really good food, we re-newed deep friendships and we came away feeling like it was a wonderful Christmas.

Nate on Christmas morning...Love the new Christmas PJ'S! (I think we have a picture of all the kids in their new pj's, but again, I think it's on Jeanette's camera.)

Drew re-enacting Maggie's Christmas morning.

This is how Maggie spent the entire day...practically catatonic on either Eddie or my chest. Poor baby! It was really, really, really hard to see her whole body convulse trying to get what was in her body, out of it. But thankfully it was a fast bug and was over soon.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you so much to Joe and Sally and Dawn for letting us crash your family Christmas and for making us feel so welcome despite washing 8 loads of pukey blankets and towels in your washer. We owe you big!

October Events part III

2011-01-21T11:16:00.003-06:00

Nathan had his 5th birthday in October too. It kind of got thrown together last minute (a trend in my life) but we had some friends come to the local Chuck-E-Cheese's and help celebrate Nate's special day. He was so excited to finally be 5 and he had a great time with his friends. They got to decorate their own goodie bags and play lots of fun arcade games and eat delicious ghost cupcakes (my first time playing around with fondant...they turned out really cute but I totally forgot to take pictures...also a trend in my life) and a ghost cake with glowing/fire eyes. It was a blast!

Some things about Nate at 5:
He weighs exactly the same as he has for the last 15 months but has grown taller. I've already had to replace his school pants twice.

He still loves to read and color and sort things.

He lights up when we pick him up from school and Drew is in the back seat.

He greets us every morning with a hug and a kiss. He's usually the last one awake too. (Drew is first and then Maggie and then Nate)

He says the most awesome prayers and always look at you like, "Wasn't that a good one?"

He is so in love with his baby sister and get her to smile and laugh almost as much as Eddie can.

He still doesn't eat a variety of food but has added celery and ham to his diet. Baby steps, baby steps. ;)

Nathan is so wonderful and we are lucky to have him in our family. Heavenly Father knew what He was doing sending Nate as our firstborn. We sure need this little man-child in our life.

The last event of October was an amazing Halloween party we attended. It was so much fun and we had to post just 2 more videos of the night. We already posted the one of our "grand entrance" but these were worth not leaving out. (Just ignore my hyena laugh and occasional squeel)

Eddie was the first in his group to get his donut all the way off...

and so we did a match-up between Eddie and Matt...It was pretty entertaining to say the least.

October Events part II

2011-01-19T13:16:00.004-06:00

So also in October we celebrated my 29th birthday. I had been sick all week with some kind of sinus infection/cold type thing and was feeling pretty icky. Eddie was so sweet and really wanted it to feel like a birthday party so he invited over some good friends to help celebrate. It really was a wonderful day.

We also were able to go with our Church play group to the Pumpkin Patch. It's the same pumpkin patch we've gone to every year we've been here in Texas. We love it! Just looking at the pictures and video, Nate informed me that he can't wait to go there again. They always have such a wonderful time.

The orange crew. ;)

Nate and Drew sitting still for the only time that day.

It's hard to tell in this picture, but Drew is running away as I snap this photo.

We have a picture of Drew about this same age in the exact same pumpkin. I'll have to go find it and do a comparison.

The boys all time favorite thing to do there is definitely the bounce house slide and trampoline.

It's not very good video, but here is the crew we went with.

Devereaux, Haws, Harrison, Cavaness, Murphey, Craig, Stratton, Ririe, Trayner, Riding, and Cowan. What an awesome group!

October Events

2011-01-19T10:18:00.008-06:00

I probably should split up the October events into a few different posts. So here is two of the six.

MAGGIE'S BIRTHDAY
The first event in October that we had was Maggie's 1st birthday! It was really very exciting to see our baby turn one. I can't believe how fast the time flew by. We, as in the ENTIRE family, are constantly telling Maggie how much we love her. You'll also hear things like, "Why are you so beautiful?" and "Hi Princess" and "Yeah for Maggie!". The boys are enamored of her and just want to see her laugh and smile and no doubt about it that Eddie and I are completely whipped. She's a great sleeper, a great eater, and very easy going. She loves to cuddle and doesn't cry too much, but definitely has an opinion of how she thinks things should go and will let you know if they don't. It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but she LOVES to watch movies. She absolutely loves anything soft and will squeeze it and put it in her face as she squeels with delight.

We kept her birthday pretty low key and had cake and presents that night as a family.

Maggie with Dad opening her presents.

Singing Happy Birthday to Maggie.

Getting her first bite of cake.

Are you ready for this?

She was definitely NOT shy about digging in.

GREAY WOLF LODGE

The second big event in October was when we got to go the Great Wolf Lodge for free. We had gotten a 3 day/2 night stay for sitting through a really boring timeshare presentation. (Would do it again in a heartbeat!)

Here we are in the front lobby.

And these next ones are of the kids playing in the water park:

Drew going down the slide. The boys really split their time in half between the slide and the wave pool. They were at the slide until they heard the wolf call and then would run over to the wave pool.

Lovin' the wave pool! I wish I had gotten video of Nate without the innertube. He was in the waves up over his head and loving every second of it. Eddie taught the boys to body surf and they got pretty good at it.

The water park was such fun but the kids loved going in to the hotel room just as much. We let them watch Disney (we don't have cable at home) and we brought in all our own food so we would have picnics on our bed. The boys shared a bed and we had a seperate living area where we put Maggie in her pack-n-play. It was perfect!

We can't wait to do this again as a family...Our goal is to get there one more time before we leave Texas. (Which gives us 4 years to save up...and we'll need that time for sure!)

September

2011-01-18T13:18:00.006-06:00

First day of school pics:

Nate is 4 almost 5. He goes to Kinkead Early Childhood Education School. It's a Pre-K class that is Monday-Friday from 11:30 until 3:00. His teacher is Mrs. Dunn and she's amazing. Nathan loves her so much! Nate is also lucky because he has 3 other teacher/aides that are in his class and they're equally wonderful. Miss Rachel, Miss Eden, and Miss Andie.

Drew got to go to a pre-school camp at our local rec center for a few months. It was great while it lasted and Drew loved getting to ride big wheels in the gym.

What generally takes place after school:

Yeah for being silly!

And what post would be complete without a picture of our baby Mags!

I think it is also of import to note that Maggie really started to interact in this month as well. She really loved to mimic and she learned to clap really well this month too.

August Pictures

2011-01-18T12:56:00.003-06:00

On August 3rd we celebrated Drew's 3rd birthday. We are so grateful to have this little boy in our lives. He is the family peacemaker. He LOVES his siblings and will do all that he can to make them happy. He is still a daddy's boy and lights up like the 4th of July when Eddie comes home from work. I'm so grateful that Drew and I also have a good relationship. We are buds. I'm so grateful for all the hugs and kisses I get from Drew each day. He loves trains and cars and balls...but that has been his life's theme since his first birthday. He loves running and jumping and karate chopping and being all boy.

For his birthday dinner he asked for yellow pancakes with sprinkles.

Birthday boy...man what a handsome devil!

Maggie enjoying her pancake.

And Nate with his.

Drew opening and enjoying his birthday presents.

These next pictures were taken just hanging around the house waiting for summer to come to a close and for the school year to begin. Can you believe how brown skinned and light haired my kids get during the summer?

I love reading blogs...

2011-01-18T11:48:00.003-06:00

and yet, when it comes to my own, I'm horrible. I have about a gazillion pictures and experiences to write about, but I don't even know where to start. I kind of want to bury my head in the sand and just pretend that I did it already. The problem is, this is supposed to be my journal for my children and future posterity and it doesn't count if I take pictures and then do nothing with them. But for the sake of time and my sanity, I will try and condense the comings and goings of the Haws family.

After our summer grand tour to see family and friends, we made it back to Irving in time to celebrate Drew's birthday. August quickly passed as we got Nathan ready for his first day of school and Drew for pre-school. Before we knew it, October was upon us and we were swamped in birthdays (Maggie, myself and Nate), holiday celebrations and dance practices (see hoedown throwdown video). November flew by as we made plans to celebrate Thanksgiving here at home and Christmas down in San Antonio. A few days after we returned home from the Davidsons in San Antonio, Magg and I flew out to San Jose to see my family and to help my dad clean out the house. I've just recently returned and now I'm trying to find some kind of order and routine in my life again when all I want to do is cuddle up in blankets and read a good book and take a vacation from all our "vacationing".

It's actually really nice to be back in my life. I've had some great opportunities to be reminded of all the blessings I've been given in my life, to be reminded of all the wonderful people that are involved in my life, and to be reminded that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I so much desire to be worthy to live with my family forever. I didn't take the opportunity to write down my New Year's Resolutions/Goals this year as I was away from my home, but I would like to take the opportunity now. I've been thinking about what my goals need to be and who I ultimately want to be in a year...The problem I'm facing is that there are too many goals to realisically achieve. I've decided to compartamentalize them:

Spiritual
1. Read and prepare my lesson BEFORE Saturday
a. Read all the scriptures listed
b. Ponder and pray for the needs of my class
c. Pray for direction to know the Lord's desires for the class
2. Journal more frequently about my blessings and experiences...Not semi-annually. ;)
3. Be more diligent in my prayers. a. Recognize that I'm a steward/caregiver over Heavenly Father's precious
children and to seek His help to raise my little stewards.
b. Start and end my day in more meaningful prayer...on my knees!!!

Physical
1. To be revised MONTHLY: January
a. No soda
b. Follow my plan with exactness
c. Focus on the 12 steps of recovery, rather than the weight loss aspect.
2. Be more active in my day. a. Gym 3 times a week at the bare minimum.
b. Less "couch time" and more "wrestle time"

Mental
1. Find "Joy in the Journey" a. Find the blessings and ignore the heartaches
b. Look for ways to uplift and serve others rather than my struggles
c. More quickly express my gratitude for said struggles
2. Stop complaining a. Find and complete book reccommended by Meg.
3. Read more non-fiction and biographies of Church leaders a. Before I get to read, have I read my scriptures for the day?

Okay now comes the fun part. Print, READ OFTEN, and put into action the things I need to do to accomplish the goals and desires in my heart.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-09T17:27:00.008-06:00

I wish I could send out Christmas pictures, but we just cannot financially afford it this year. But thanks to our dear and talented friend Chelsea Fullmer we have some wonderful pictures to print someday. We are so grateful to have these pictures that so perfectly capture the current personalities of our children. Nate's pursed lipped smile, Drew's constant tongue sticking out, and Maggie's sweet and even-kiltered personality despite being so cold her lips turned blue. And then there is Eddie and I and I'm so grateful to have a picture of him and I that speaks volumes of our love for each other, our chilren and our blessed life. We are so grateful to be a "forever family" and to have the knowledge of our Savior and Redeemer that brings our life meaning and purpose. Our wish for each of you is one for a joyous and peace-filled holiday season.

Sunday Night Chats

2010-11-21T21:05:00.004-06:00

Eddie has started a tradition with the boys that every Sunday night he'll lay down by them with his laptop and just record snippets of their conversations. Tonight however, he didn't have his laptop because he forgot it at school. We didn't want to forget some of the things said and so we sat down after the kids were in bed to reminisce about our day and some of comments and experiences that stood out to us.

Nate:
Eddie asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up and he replied, "I want to be an astronaut."
"What do you have to do to be an astronaut Nate?"
"I got to go to Pre-K and study lots."

One of the kids favorite things to do is tell "spooky stories" under the blankets with Dad. (Eddie aka Evil Dr. Eddiekins, is an amazing story teller and can really get the kids involved. I don't know how he does it, but he is so creative.) Tonight the kids were taking turns telling stories and Nate shared a story about a monster that liked campfires and would go to campgrounds looking for fires. When he would see one he would say, "Yummy" in a really spooky voice. After he finished his story he turned to Eddie and said, "I think my spooky story made me scared."

Earlier in the day we were talking about something and I told Nate we would "need to talk over it later with Dad." Tonight before bed he reminded me that we needed to talk "under" the problem with Dad.

We've been instructed in the proper names of colors tonight. "Dad, this is Hot Pink. Known as Dark Pink. And this is Pink. Known as Light Pink."

In Primary today Nathan was the reverence example and got to read the scripture. He stood up in front with a big smile on his face and when he saw me he waved at me with his arms still folded. Adorable!

Andrew:
Eddie asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up and he replied, "a giant doctor". (I guess Eddie had told the boys a spooky story about a doctor for giants and Drew really liked the idea.)

I believe we played "This little piggy goes to market..." about a gazillion times today. He LOVES to be tickled and will often come climb into your lap and grab your hand and put it on his belly.

Eddie told Drew that he will get to be a Sunbeam after Christmas, and he got really, really excited. He can't wait to be in primary like Nate. And then Nate of course said, "You'll have to catch up to me cause I'll already be in CTR 5." But Drew still had a grin on his face that you couldn't wipe off.

Every night the boys each say their own individual prayers and tonight Eddie asked Drew if he wanted to go first.
"Sure, but Nate will you help me? I don't have the words."

The next few minutes were precious as a parent to hear...for both Nate's sincere and thoughtful prayer and for Drew's admiration for his big brother and his desire to do what he asked him to.

Nate: Dear Heavenly Father
Drew: Dear Heavenly Father,
Nate: Grateful for Dad and Mom
Drew: Grateful for Dad and Mom
Nate: And our food and drink
Drew: yeah
Nate: No you have to repeat after me Drew. And our food and drink
Dre: And our food and drink
Nate: And our house and home
Drew: And our house and home
Nate: And country
Drew: And country
Nate: And our baby sister
Drew: And our baby sister
Nate: In the name of Jesus Christ,
Drew: In the name of Jesus Christ,
Nate: Amen
Drew: Amen

Maggie:
She is still not walking or talking yet, but man she is adorable! We can't seem to get enough of our little Maggie...Miss Mags...Missy...Mugs...Mag-a-moose...Mags...Mag Pie...Miss...Maggie Lynn...Maggie May...yeah, that one.

One of our all time favorite things to watch Maggie do is when she crawls in her "downward dog" position. In fact, I've had multiple people comment on how funny it is that I teach my daughter yoga at such a young age. No, I don't really teach her yoga and yes her downward dog is better than mine. She plants her hands and feet on the ground, with her bum in the air and her head almost resting on the floor. Think a cross between Mowgli from Jungle Book and his four legged crawl and a gymnast about to do a somersault. It's awesome.

We truly are so blessed with the greatest kids in the whole world. We love every moment we get to spend with them and (well most every moment...there are some moments better forgotten) we are so excited to see them develop and grow.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-30T20:02:00.002-05:00

Tonight at our ward's trunk-or-treat Eddie and I went as stick figures. It wasn't quite dark enough outside yet to really tell what we were, so this is for those of you that had no idea what we were.

Eddie and Tracy present our version of Miley Cyrus' "Hoedown Throwdown".

Grand Tour Part 7: Valencia

2010-10-12T16:38:00.005-05:00

Originally the plan was to spend some time with Kristi on the end of the trip because we went to Yosemite with them at the beginning of the trip. And we did get to spend a few really good days there but in the end Nate started to run a really high temp (got up to 104) and Drew's pink eye had gotten really bad and after all the unexpected money spent on fixing the stupid van, I didn't want to spend the $200 co-pay to go to the ER. Not to mention the cost not covered by insurance. So, ultimately, we decided to cut our trip short and just get on the road home. But not before we had this fun:

PARK
Kristi has an awesome park near their house and the trail to the park is half the fun.

As long as Drew and Nate could hold Aly's hand, they were happy campers. Aly and Ben make them feel like they are so special and important.

Attached to the park are some beautiful soccer fields and the giant soccer balls are a kid favorite. Particularly mine. Here is Nate exclaiming how big it is!

And Aly demonstrating that it's not too big for her. ;)

As a parent, I just have to declare that the swings are not my favorite...unless you have a nephew by the name of "Ben" who will spend his own playtime to push said children and I just get to enjoy the squeals of delight.

Maggie truly loves the swing. She lights up when she sees one and this picture just melts my heart. Enjoy the moment while it lasts, cause I don't do swings. ;)

Nate learning to pump his legs on the giant swing. The swing ended up being to heavy so he needed quite a bit of pushing.

I didn't even attempt to teach Drew to pump; he got lucky. He got a free ride.

PLAYING AND DANCING

My children were introduced to the Barbie movies while we were in Valencia. They are in love. Andrew especially loved dancing with his cousin Elizabeth. I know I posted this movie before, but I think Drew is so cute when he dances. He wants to go all out but you can tell he gets a little embarrassed. He aches to dance, but he's not sure if he should. I think he's got moves.

Still shot of the two dancing kidlets. I think it's good for Drew to watch Elizabeth and her dancing heart. Plus, she can teach him some new moves.

Aly, Elizabeth and Drew posing for the camera. Good friends, good times.

CALASTAIC LAKE

This trip we got to go to the lake again. We were contemplating going to the beach, but Kristi was still recovering from some kind of food bug and it would have required more effort on her part. So in the end, we went to the lake and had a great time just like last year.

Maggie enjoying her string queso con sand. Sounds good right? Ugh. Part of the experience. Just part of the experience.

Seriously, one of the funniest things to watch. At first I wasn't sure what was going on, but these two little munchkins decided it would be fun to cake on the sand onto Drew's back. They spent a good 5 minutes making sure it would stick. It kept falling off his back and it took them a few minutes to discover that if the sand is more wet when it's put on, it'll stay on a lot longer.

In fact, it'll stay on so long that it starts to irritate the skin. In fact, it gets down right itchy.

So of course the best thing to do is wash it off and start again. And again. And again. :)

While these shenanigans were going on, Nate was happy in his own world of building things out of sand and playing in the water.

By the end of the lake visit, we were all tuckered out and exhuasted. Well, at least the mom's were. I think the kids look quite alert and content don't you?

Aly decided she wanted to stay at home and play with her other cousins and so we were all able to fit into one car. Thanks for driving Kris! We missed Aly and hopefully we'll get the Fletchers out here to Texas and so we can all go to a water park together.

Grand Tour Part 5 & 6: Sacramento and San Jose

2010-10-12T16:02:00.006-05:00

SACRAMENTO

After our trip to Medford, we started the trip back home. At this point in the trip, I would like to add that Maggie was teething, Nate was getting sick and Drew had pink eye in both eyes. Really bad pink eye. On our way back we were going to stop in Sacremento to see Tamara, but we had to add a stop to pick up our van and drop off the rental car. (Thank you Bev and Christy for making that a fast, smooth transition!) For the above two reasons, we didn't get to Tamara's on Sunday like I thought we would and therefore didn't get to spend the night into Monday. But we did manage to get there for a delicious dinner and for some awesome catch-up talk. Can I tell you how much I love this girl? It's like no time has passed when we do get to see eachother.

I love that in this picture you will find Tam "barefoot and pregnant". We are so thrilled for Tamara and Curtis to become parents and can't wait to meet this little girl. I love you and miss you Tam!

SAN JOSE
Monday night we made it back to my Dad's around 11 or so and went right to bed. The next morning while I was doing some laundry and re-packing the van, Drew asked to go play at Alisha's house, Nate was content playing dress-up/make-believe and Maggie was busy sleeping away. When I was all done, I went in search of my children. And this is what I found:

"Hi Mom. I'm so excited to see you. Come on in."

"Oh no, I think that is dinner burning."

"Oh that is okay, we'll just order out."

When I went next door to retrieve Drew, I found him in Alisha's room coloring. He clearly didn't miss me at all. ;)

Sue (my next door neighbor mom) has this awesome chest of toys and in there Drew found this Lightening McQueen coloring pad and was busy coloring away with it. He didn't want to leave it...but Alisha said he could take home the coloring page.

Clearly, anything Alisha says, goes. Drew would follow the ends of the earth to be with Alisha. Even now, looking at these pictures Drew said, "That's my friend. Him loves me very much." (He calls everyone "him" right now, including me. I'm told it's a developmental thing...let's hope!)

Drew unpromptedly (is that a word) wanted to give Alisha a kiss/zerbert. He doesn't even do that with me. Just for the record, Alisha has won Drew's affection for life.

Grand Tour Part 4: Medford Oregon

2010-10-12T14:51:00.004-05:00

MEDFORD OR BUST

Well we definitely reached the "or" part and the car definitely reached the "bust" part. As you will notice in the below picture, this car is not the van.

And there is a really good story why it's not the van. See the van was in the car mechanic's shop in Marysville (for the 4th time on this road trip) and my sweet, sweet Grandpa rented us a car so we could still make the trip up to see him. My sweet, sweet Aunt Jan drove the way up with me so I wouldn't have to go alone and it was heaven on earth to be the passenger for once and to just gab away with my Aunt whom I hadn't seen in a while. The kids had a BLAST in the back because they were within touching distance of eachother. Needless to say, I was nervous about the touching distance, but they really did a great job. They were very sweet playing and sharing with eachother, but the noise level was definitely a lot higher than I was used to in the van...man when they're right behind you it gets REALLY loud. And Maggie had no problem joining in with the ruckus.

And this right here is the reason we made the trip up to Oregon. I hadn't been to Medford for almost 10 years and although I got to see my Grandpa 2 Christmases ago, it wasn't a very long visit or a substantial visit on my part because Maggie was just a few months old. This time, I got to spend a few days with them and see their new house and go to church with them. I love my Grandpa Cherry and I'm so grateful that I got a chance for my kids to be with him and Grandma Betty. It was a wonderful trip.

Having Keri's kids there was just the icing on the cake. Keri had just gotten back from a hectic trip to Utah just to return for a wedding shoot and so "Grandma Kathy" (my Aunt Kathy) had volunteered to watch the girls. The boys had soooo much fun with Kate who was kind and patient with them. I think she pushed them on that swing outside for hours.

And this is what happens when you ask for a silly shot. Not much difference for Drew, but I think Kate and Nate gave me some good faces.

Say cheese!

Haylee was perfectly content to cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie.

But truly all four of them had a great time laughing and playing and enjoying the time together.

Grand Tour Part 3: Marysville/Browns Valley

2010-10-03T09:53:00.012-05:00

The next stop on our tour was the John Cherry family in Browns Valley, CA. This is my brother and his family and we loved every second with them. I'm totally bummed that we didn't get more time with them. I didn't really get to spend much time with my brother but we did get to bond over a Man vs. Wild episode that had me running out of the room. I love my brother so much and I love getting to be with him and his family. They make me laugh and make me feel like I'm the luckiest Aunt in the whole world.

WATER PARK

I can never remember the name of this water park because it is something kind of random, but there is nothing random about the fun had by all. It was such a fun water park. We were there last summer with the Cherry's as well and I have to say, this time was much better for the boys. They were one year older and more willing to play in the water without my help and attention. Plus they had just finished their swimming lessons for the summer and were LOVING swimming from the steps to me and back. They also were playing "alligators" and swimming all over the water structure. Here they would lie on their tummies with their faces in the water and float up to the top of the water and use their arms to guide them. It was pretty fun to see how adventurous Nate got in the water. It's the only thing that he has shown such fearlessness in.

L to R: Jill's three kids, Nate, Elly, Lilly, Drew, Maggie, Christy, Lewis, JoWe had so much fun with cousins and with Christy's friend Jill's kids too. It was such an awesome group and we'll definitely have to do it again. Maybe next summer we'll have to do it at our water park...what'cha think Chris?
HANGING OUT WITH COUSINS

Elly and Nate getting absorbed into some cartoon. These two were so adorable together. I had no idea how much they were alike, or rather I didn't believe Christy when she said they were identical. Well I quickly learned on this trip how much these two kiddos act and think alike. They had so much fun pretending and taking turns being "in charge" (aka bossy) and coloring and reading books and running around. It is for this bonding and friendship that I MIGHT consider doing the trip another year. It definitely made this trip worth all the headache and car problems.

Miss Maggie mastered the art of sitting up and reaching for things within a body's length.

These two spent the entire week together. Where one was, the other was sure to be. ;) And since Maggie was still immobile at this time, we know in what order that goes right? Lilly was so tender with her and so loving and wanted to do anything she could to help. She brought me diapers (on many occasions) and wipes, ran to inform me if Maggie fell over, brought her own toys and books to share with Maggie, and mostly she just loved on her...big smooches and hugs. So sweet!

Maggie had a great time sitting in her bumbo looking out in to the back yard to feel like she was a part of things with her brothers. Because this is what they were up to:

Scooters outside! After months of Texas summer heat and humidity, the blistering sun of California didn't keep them from enjoying the outdoors. I don't think they even minded how hot it was. They were just thrilled to be outside riding their scooters. They did get hot and sweaty but they lasted outside for more than 3 minutes like if we had been home. I love that Drew picked out Elly's helmet and you'll notice the butterfly. It was a coveted helmet between Nate and Drew.

Drew also enjoyed the added difficulty of Jonas' scooter, rather a Razor. Andrew had never been on one before and he mastered it within moments. It wasn't too long before he wanted me to take pictures of his "tricks". Gotta love the one leg kiddo!

We love you Drew! When did you get to be so big? It was shortly after this trip that you finally turned 3 years old. It seems like you've been 2 forever because you've always wanted to do big boy things.

one of my all time favorite pictures of Nate. I think it is just one of those quintessential shots of childhood. Hot red cheeked kind of summer. I love the raised shoulders and casual pose. Nate...I think that I just love YOU and that's why I love this shot!

HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO

So it turns out that living in the same home you grew up in creates opportunities to be in charge of stuff that previously just the parents did. For example, Christy has never had to change the water in the water cooler. She was nervous and felt certain she would spill the entire contents of the jug on the floor. Well I have the proof that my sister is really super-woman in disguise. A single drop. Yup. A single drop of water.

"Yes! I did it!"

SWIMMING

It was so hot in Marysville that Christy's friend took mercy on us and let us come swim at her mom's house. It was such a fun house for the kids and so beautiful. They had a trampoline, treehouse, waterslide and diving board. It was perfect for all the kids, including the "big kids" aka adults.

Lilly, Drew and Nate took a little time our from swimming to play on the trampoline.

And of course it would be one of my children that inherited the "Grandma Cherry" gene or the klutzy gene...Here is Nathan who some how found the one hole in the entire padding and almost fell under.

I love these next two pictures of Elly. When we got to the pool, there were two little girls already in the pool playing. They were diving off the board and swimming to the side. Jonas quickly jumped on that bandwaggon and wanted to start going down the slide. (That child is fearless!) Elly wanted to jump off the diving board but had never done it before. She asked Christy if she could do it and of course Chris said, "Yes! Go for it!" When Elly got up to the top of the board you could tell she was super nervous. She looked down at Christy who was in the water waiting and watching with these ginormous brown eyes questioning what she was getting herself into. Christy told her, "Elly you are going to do this and you're going to love it! In fact, I think you're going to want to do it again and again and again." Elly instantly got this determined look on her face and started repeating, "I will do this. Let's do this. I will do this."

And sure enough she did with one last "Let's do this!" I love the look of pure focus and dertmination on her little face.

And just like her mom predicted, she did it again and again and again. So proud of you Eleanor!

Here is Jonas sporting some wicked awesome swim gear. Jo, we love you!

Can we come over and play tomorrow? We miss you Jonas and I wish I could wave back at ya in person.

A little more trampoline fun with Aunt K-whisty Deeeen.

Maggie was an angel on this trip. Seriously considering she wouldn't sleep anywhere other than on top of my chest (basically neither one of us slept the entire trip) and was totally sleep deprived, she was still a content little girl. Here she is sitting on the gorgeous lawn eating grass blades. What more could a little girl want?

Maggie Lynn whatever in the world did we do to deserve you? Don't ever stop smiling my wee little one!

Patiently sitting in the swing while I get the brothers towelled off and changed and everything all packed up to go back to the house...She didn't even get to really swing in it...she just sat there like a perfect angel.

THE CALL
While we were visiting we got to be present when Dean and Bev got their mission call. In fact, I got to be in the car with Bev when she pulled the envelope out of the mail box and I got to help curtail the hyperventilating. They were VERY excited to find out where they were going.

And they weren't the only ones...Everyone was sitting on edge waiting for the big reveal.

Well, everyone except Lewis. He was more than content to sit on Grandpa Dean's lap and eat his hat.

But everyone ELSE was excited!

I thought this shot was so funny! Dean opened the envelope and was holding the letter and Bev reached over to grab it and he pulled it away and told her she got to read the last one...It was pretty funny.

And drum roll please...Elder and Sister Ellyson will be serving in the...Baton Rouge, LA mission...and they leave in...2 weeks!!!!! Yup, that's right. They got their call on a Thursday and they were to report in the MTC one day shy of 2 weeks later.

Grand Tour Part 2: San Jose

2010-08-29T02:14:00.009-05:00

(I vowed I would get these stupid pictures up before Maggie's birthday and since that as YESTERDAY, does it still count if I/we didn't celebrate it and won't celebrate it until Thursday night when we can do it with Eddie?)

After our trip to Yosemite, we drove to Eddie's parent's house in San Jose, CA. And I totally can't believe it, but we didn't take a single picture while we were there. Despite the lack of picture proof, we had a marvelous time! We talked and laughed and learned about family history and played with puppies and watched a new show and really just had a great time with our family. Thank you Haws' for hosting us and letting us hang out. Can't wait for the next time.

Eddie flew home on Monday and we drove over to my Dad's house to spend the week. We had such a wonderful time and I loved showing my kids all the little places I loved as a kid. They loved being able to go outside at any time in the day (unlike Texas where it is too hot to be outside unless you're in water.) They especially love going next door to play with Alisha and their dog Lily.

While we were there I got a chance to connect with some old friends.

Cathy Oliver Percepe (?) and I at her home in Campbell. Cathy and I grew up together from the time we were in Kindergarten. Her brother Mike and my brother Mike were good friends and they lived around the corner from us through elementary school. We would walk to school together and lived for the day we would be in the same class. Hip hip hooray for 3rd and 4th grade! Cathy always managed to get me to try fun and crazy things that I was too afraid to try. She would always laugh when I did stupid/silly things, teach me the lyrics to all the "popular" songs, play barbies in her killer barbie house for hours on end, she never judged me or made me feel stupid, and she always let me tag along with her and her cousin Samm when they got to do amazing things. (I will always remember the time we got to be "sweat girls" for the Stanford basketball game...It was very scary and fun and bouncy.)

Here we are with our sweet girls. The boys were too busy playing outside in the sand box. Thanks Cathy for an awesome trip!

I can't remember the order of my summer anymore, but one of the days we were in San Jose we got to go to my old stomping grounds at Oak Meadow park. My pediatrician used to be across the street from this park and anytime I would have to go to the doctor's my mom would bring me here with a picnic and some playtime. I think her philosophy was, you're already pulled out of school, let's make the most of it. ;)While we were here, I got to spend some time with Janet (Chiba) Williams and Melissa (Panabecker) Altknecht and their adorable children. And thanks to Alisha for coming along to help coral my wild kids.

Nathan and Andrew on top of the old airplane.

Nate, Drew and Claire on top of the old airplane. These three are like three peas in a pod. They LOVE when Janet comes over to play. ;)

Anson and Maggie bonding over some blanket time.

It was so amazing getting to meet Anson and to hold him and love on him...I can't believe he's already so much different from this picture.

My sweet brown-eyed girl.

After a hot day at the park, what better way to cool off than to go swimming in a freezing pool? Lol. The water was so cold the only one wanting to stay in the water was Andrew and I think it was because he has the most body fat out of the three kids. Regardless, they had a great time while it lasted. Here they are toweling off. Side note, if you look in the back you can kind of see Alisha holding Maggie in her arms. Alisha got in the freezing water and played with the kids and helped carry Maggie around and entertained the kids...And I love you Alisha and miss you more than words! Wanna come to college out here in Dallas and live with us? I'd be all for it. ;)

The kids had fun swimming, but they were hilarious in the bathtub. They had so much fun laughing and splashing and playing make-believe with the "little people" in the tub.

My dear, dear Lizzie came over one morning to read to my children. No, she came to play the "catch-up game" and got suckered into reading the boys current favorite book "Going on a bear hunt". She had the boys eating out of the palm of her hand.

Lizzie is soooooo good with children and they respond to her. It makes perfect sense to me that she is a school teacher and she is going to some day be the best mother in the whole wide world. I love her and look up to her and aspire to be as creative and patient and witty as her.

I am so grateful that while I was in San Jose, I got the chance to go to Happy Hollow with Connie and her girls and their children. It was a wonderful day filled with sunshine, laughs, and making new friends. I know this picture is blurry, but it's proof that I was indeed on this trip. The boys, okay Nate, had a great time on the carasol. Drew was scared to death until about half way through the ride and then he loved it too. I don't know what Maggie did...She was on the back. ;)

Scared, but would still take a time-out from crying to smile for a picture. I love this boy!

I think this was the boys favorite thing of the day...the maze! Nate wanted to stay in this maze forever! He loved that he could run around on his own and see me up above him.

Andrew loved the rock climbing wall. Here is Drew's attempt.

And Nate's.

Definitely a highlight of the trip for me was meeting up with Sara (Barnes) Thompsom and Kassie (Doubrava) Grey and getting to meet baby Cooper. We met up in downtown Los Gatos and walked over to the fountains where we sat on a bench and just got caught up. It was heavenly! Plus it was the perfect spot for two little boys to run wild in the water. I let them take off their shirts and go running through the fountains.

I think this has got to be one of my all time favorite pictures of the boys. It just captures their little personalities so well. Nate can be the silliest, happiest little boy when he wants to be. He definitely hams it up for the camera. And Drew just laughs and laughs at Nate. He loves his big brother and wants to be just like him. Overall, they had a GREAT time.

And poor Maggie just sat in her stroller. This was in the pre-crawling era and plus there wasn't really anywhere for her to sit without eating dirt or sticks or grass. She was still adorable and all smiles.

Not a very good shot, but you can see where the boys were running. We'll definitely have to come back to this spot on our next summer grand tour.

I was truly blessed in highschool to have the greatest friends...and to still call this sweet woman my friend. Kassie you are an amazing mother and I can't wait to see Cooper grow and to see you grow as his mom and the wonderful journey you're on. I'm so happy for you!

Sara, Cooper, Tracy and Kassie. Thank you girls for such an amazing afternoon in the glorious California sun. I had a great time and I can't wait to do it again soon. I'm so beyond blessed to have such wonderful friends in my life.

My Babies

2010-08-25T00:18:00.002-05:00

Dear Nathan, Andrew, and Maggie,

There are a million and one things I should be doing right at this moment, but nothing more important than what I need to do, and that is tell you how much I love being your mother. I'm honored and blessed. Come what may in your life, never doubt that I love you and that you are cherished and special. You are my world; and it is a world of light and laughter and joy and tears and overwhelming hope. And the love I have for you is but a small fraction of the love your Heavenly Father has for you. He allows me to have a small token of His love in my heart.

I don't know when you will read this letter...where you will be in your life, what struggles or trials you might be facing, what accomplishments you will have reached, what dreams you may hold, but know my love and never let go. I am not perfect. I make mistakes every day. And I pray that your Dad and I will have taught you through our mistakes to whom to look for forgivness. Life is hard. Really hard. And at times your heart will hurt, your faith may waiver, you will see injustice and pain as well as happiness and joy and kindness. But let me tell you that there is one source of healing and peace and it lies in the arms of our Savior. He lives. He loves you. He is my Savior...He saves me.

You won't remember your Grammy Cherry, my Mom, but it's been almost 3 years since she's been gone and I still ache to see her. And it's hard. Really hard. But I have found solace and comfort. The ache doesn't go away, it's not taken from me, but somehow I breathe through until the ache lessens and my heart is filled with peace and love and an assurance that God lives. We are not on Earth for an easy life or one filled with no turmoil, but we can do hard things. "Come what may, and love it."

Love you. I miss you already thinking about you all grown and out in the world on your own. Don't grow up too fast. And try to listen the first time. :)

Love always and forever,
Mom

Grand Tour Part 1: Yosemite

2010-08-14T23:36:00.012-05:00

I've uploaded entirely too many photos of our trip to Yosemite and I refuse, REFUSE, (are you listening blog spot!) to go back and put them in the right order. They loaded backwards and I'm tired. So here for your backward viewing pleasure, is the first installment of our Grand Tour 2010.

Alyson holding Maggie while I packed the car. Thank you for always being such a wonderful helper and sweetheart. We miss you Aly! And Mags, that tongue!

All the cousins/friends having a blast pushing around the "babies" in the strollers.I think that was the longest Drew sat in one location the entire time we were there.

Speaking of my Drewbie, he LOVED throwing rocks down into the water and couldn't resist telling Mom all about the witch on the path and how there were two paths she could go on. I love how imaginative my kids are and I especially love how it aides Mom in getting two very slow walkers down a mountain much quicker...Gotta love distraction techniques!

This was how Maggie spent the hike back from the waterfall. She was such a trooper on the whole crazy adventure I put her through. She was exhausted and cold and yet never cried.

Yosemite Falls and the Haws family...I think we might have a Christmas card in the making.

I love this one close up where you can see the bright grin on Maggie's face. I love my angel baby and the boys too of course. They were amazing little hikers.

This was how we started out our hike to the base of Yosemite Falls...The boys in their PJ's drawing "pipes" in the dirt. Once we had Maggie loaded up into the backpack, we had to wait another 10 minutes before the boys were ready to relinquish their sticks and drawings.

Here is Nathan on top of Sentinel Dome. The pictures don't do it justice. The sheer power and overwhelming glory of that valley is indescribable. And Nate was loving every second of it. It was a moment of glory for this little 4 year old who hiked to the top all by himself and was a little nervous at first to look around but quickly realized how awesome it truly was.

And really, this hunk of man is the reason we all made it to the top of the mountain alive. Eddie is so patient and kind and has a way of helping me adjust my expectations and attitude without telling me to. I love him. (side note for Maggie when she's older: I promise immediately following this picture I made Dad take you down off the mountain for fear of you getting hypothermia. You can see in this picture how shiny and numb your little arms and legs are. We had no idea it would be so cold up top and I promise your Daddy warmed you up right quick!)

I kind of like this one for our family Christmas card.

Maggie: The adorable, non-crying even though she is freezing and breathing rapidly baby after my heart.

Drew: the flamingo dancing, quick to laugh 2 year old after my heart.

Nate: the pine cone collecting, million questions asking 4 year old after my heart.

Ahhh...melts my heart every time I look at this photo. I have the best boys in my life.

I had to include this picture because it sums up not only the entire hike but pretty much the entire Grand Tour! I would say that we spent close to half of the entire hiking time spent on the side of the trail so one or either or both of the boys could relieve themselves of both urine and the other stuff. All I have to say is, thank goodness Eddie was there or I would have had two boys hiking back to the car in their own poop. And not just once, but I do believe it was 2 times for each kids to make a little visit to the back of the log. Nope, I take that back. Drew went 3 times and each time was amazed how much there was. And just for the record, my children are the most "peeing-y" kids ever to roam the earth...I have friends who will back me up in this. It was on this road trip that Nathan learned to pee in a bottle because Mom was not about to stop for the 20th time after having just stopped 2 minutes before and in those 2 minutes the other kids fell asleep.

I love this picture, and let me tell you why. Nathan had found "the perfect pinecone" after having ditched the first 15 "perfect pinecones" (we still have it actually...but what to do with it is the question) and Andrew was feeling left out that he didn't have anything special to hold while hiking. He didn't want to hold a pinecone because somewhere he heard or thought he heard that bees live in pinecones, so he opted for a stick. When I got out the camera to take a picture of my boys they immediately strike a pose with their treasures. Voi la.

Maggie on my back. Lovin' the do!

Nate say "cheese".

Drew say "cheeseburger".

The start of our hike to the top of Sentinel Dome. Notice the smiles on our faces? Yeah, after the 2nd mile, not really there. Although, I have to say that our two little novice hikers did a really good job. It wasn't too hard a climb for the majority of the hike and what parts there were that were hard they took it like champs. We were so happy to be together as a family in "God's Backyard" and to just enjoy the journey. Hopefully we'll get back to Yosemite before another 3 years pass.

Our Grand Tour 2010

2010-08-13T16:03:00.002-05:00

This post will be a work in progress...but before I lose all my links, here are few videos for your viewing pleasure.

While we were at my Dad's house visiting, the boys saw the "Going on a Bear Hunt" book on the bookshelf. They LOVE this book and my Dad read it to them one night at bed time. The next day, I discovered Nathan "reading" this book to Drew. I wish I could have gotten it from beginning to end and in better light, but it's still precious to me.

We were able to spend a few days with Kristi and her kids and while we were there my boys fell in love with the barbie movies. (Thanks Aly...it was a blast!) Here is Elizabeth and Drew dancing to the mermaid barbie movie (sorry, no idea what it's called). At the beginning of the clip Maggie is rockin' out to the music too.

Unfortunately, Nate and Drew got really sick at Aunt Kristi's house and we left early to come home. That meant Uncle Mike and Aunt Natalie and the boys got the shaft this trip. We rushed to get out to Yosemite on the way out and we were rushing to get home on the way back. We did however get to spend a little time in the morning before we left for El Paso to play and goof around outside. Here are the boys driving a mini-jeep for the first time.

This was taken at a McDonald's somewhere in Texas on our way home. We got stuck driving in a storm for close to 3 hours and my nerves just couldn't take it anymore. I pulled over for two screaming boys that had to go potty, one baby that needed a diaper change and a Mom that was losing her mind. You can tell we are all drenched in this video, but after a little food and some "run-around" time, happiness prevailed.

Nate swimming

2010-08-13T16:00:00.001-05:00

This summer the boys took a 2 week swim course and in those two weeks learned how to dive from their knees (although they won't do it for us, just their teachers), how to swim with their faces in the water and how to dive for rings. Here is a short video of Nate swimming to me and Drew showing off his mad diving skills. ;)

Eddie's Birthday Party

2010-08-13T15:09:00.005-05:00

I really need to be better about documenting major family events as soon as they occur, rather than waiting two months...Maybe then I'll have more memories to share. Eddie celebrated his 30th birthday on June 17th and I had kind of last minute decided to throw him a surprise birthday party. His actual birthday was on a Thursday and I decided to throw him a party Friday night. Oh but not just any party, an 80's themed party. Some day I hope to have discretionary funds to spend on a killer party; but until that time, we'll make do with slap bracelets, jelly bracelets, 80's music and movie trivia, awesome prom back drops, hand made posters (thanks M and J!) and totally wicked awesome friends that would come dressed up and partake in the festivities. I wish I had gotten more pictures of the actual par-tay but you can go check out Jeanette's Facebook page for more. ;) We played "The Dance Family Game: 80's Style" and laughed and reminicsed about our childhood, watched parts of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", played with Eddie's new remote control helicopter, ate pizza and snacks and for his birthday cake (he doesn't like cake) we did a strawberry short cake truffle.

I think my brother Mike owned this very shirt...but proud to say, never, never, never these pants.

You can't see it, but the back of my shirt has a heart cut out.

J & M were gracious enough to let us use their house for the party and to help me dupe Eddie into thinking we were just doing a double date. (Side note: when planning a suprise party last minute, it helps to cry a lot and make your husband think you failed in planning him a suprise party for his birthday but in reality you're having it the next day. But the tears have to be real and convincing so that when it's obvious something is going on he still won't have any hope alive that you're doing something special for him.)

A & J. A had the quincessential boots...Loved it!

M & J. I don't know how she did it, but M had the perfect lipstick for the occasion!

Pregnant and still the life of the party! J & N.

M & M. truly the best authentic 80's outfit M! this actually was her mom's workout gear from the 80's.

Maggie's Stats

2010-08-03T00:10:00.002-05:00

Sorry Maggie. We were out of town on your 9 month birthday and so we had to do your 9 month check-up when you were 10 months...but here are your stats:

Length: 28 3/4 inches (90%)
Weight: 17 lbs 6.5 oz (25%)
Head size: 17 3/4 inches (75-90%)

So Miss Maggie, you are long and skinny and I pray that you will be such all your life. You have the most beautiful brown eyes and I just want to scoop you up and carry you around with me everywhere I go. Your Daddy and I often fight over who gets to hold you, play with you, feed you, change you, be around you...We just love you so much! I can't believe in 2 short months you will be 1 year old! Where does the time go? Oh keeper of time, please be merciful and slow down just a wee bit.

Happy Birthday Drew!

2010-08-02T23:50:00.003-05:00

Nope not 2 silly, you're 3!

So it seems inconceivable to me that Drewby is only 3. It feels like this child has been 2 forever! Maybe it has to do with the fact that he was acting like a 2 year old well before he was 2, so in reality he's been 2 for 18 months...Well no longer cause he is finally 3 in exactly 8 minutes. Make that 7 minutes.

Drew absolutely loves his brother Nate. He loves to swim in the water and dive for rings. He is getting more confident in so many areas of his life. He gives us sly smiles that almost always get him out of doing something...such as time outs, naps, cleaning, etc. or getting something he wants...such as more fruit snacks. Drew knows how to work it. He is friendly and kind and out-going. He instantly warms up to people and they to him. He loves to laugh and be tickled and to jump off our headboard onto our bed. He loves to climb and jump and roll around and wrestle.

Some of his favorites right now are:

Favorite song: You Are My Sunshine
Favorite color: it changes and depends on who is around when you ask him. If Nate is around, it's Red, Pink and Purple but if Nate is not around, it's Blue and Orange and Yellow.
Favorite Game: Hide N Seek
Favorite Food: Anything with sugar...Mostly fruit snacks
Favorite Toy: Cars, balls, Daddy, sword
Favorite Person: toss up between Dad and Maggie

His stats at his 3 year well check appt were:

Height: 38 inches (50-75%) (Nate is 41 in and 50-75%)
Weight: 33 lbs (50-75%) (Nate is 34 lbs and 25-50%)
BMI: 16.1 (50-75%) (Nate is 14.2 BMI and 5-10%)

"This is Me"

2010-06-22T14:13:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Joni's big win, I discovered a truly inspired post from Mommy Snark. She creates a list of things that she "is" and then writes:

"And you know what? I like this person that I am. In this skin, in these jeans, I am comfortable. Sometimes though, I slip. I hesitate to embrace the reality of me and instead look at what others are, what others can do."

"I compare."

At times in my life I've been able to say, "I like this person that I am." But mostly, I haven't been able to. I feel like this is part of the journey I'm on. To be able to say it, mean it, and be okay with Me. I have learned that it can slip away all too quickly and I don't want it too ever again. And the fastest way it slips is when I start to compare myself to other people and other standards. I think taht is why I loved Mommy Snark's post so much...she states, "I remember that when I love who I am, it is much easier to love others for who they are." And truly, I'm surrounded by so many people who I love and love me. And so, my journey continues.

Book of Mormon Challenge

2010-05-31T21:02:00.002-05:00

So my Aunt Jan and the young women in her ward have been issued a challenge to read the Book of Mormon in 90 days...Basically to read it through the summer and be done by the time school starts again. This means reading 6 pages a day. She has extended the offer to my family and I'm gonna do it. I've been studying the scriptures by topic lately and this will be a fun change. Anyone up for the challenge?

Cursed

2010-05-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

Well...Maggie is sick. Ugh.

I take it back...

2010-05-25T09:45:00.003-05:00

Remember when I said adding the third child was an easier transition than adding the second to the mix? Well that statement totally doesn't apply when two out of the three are sick and you yourself are worn down. I didn't know having three could be so hard. The boys were running really high fevers (like into the 104's and I was scared to death of seisures)and Eddie wasn't home. I couldn't get their fevers to come down with tylenol and motrin and so I had to administer them much more frequently than I like. (Like every 2 and 4 hours instead of the normal 4 and 6 hours.)

The next day we took the boys in to the doctor and after a round of tests narrowed it down to the croup virus. I'll tell you what, Andrew has cried more from pain from this experience than he did when he got ulcers in his mouth and throat. Everytime he would cough, breathe or swallow saliva he was crying and wanting to be held by whomever wasn't currently holding him. The doctor showed me a diagram of what his vocal chords are doing to him and I totally get why he's crying all the time, but man I'm tired! I hesitate saying anything for fear that it will change, but so far Maggie hasn't gotten it and I'm thanking a loving, merciful Father in Heaven for that blessing. She's teething right now and that is about all I can handle on that front. Although, this is her while teething...I'll think I'll keep her.

I think we might be on the "up and up" though because at 6:30 this morning when Andrew came in to our room, he told us he was hungry and wanted french toast. This child hasn't eaten or slept since Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed!

Mustang Island

2010-05-17T09:27:00.004-05:00

Really late, but here you go.

President Kimball Story

2010-04-28T09:50:00.004-05:00

So one of the benefits to having a family website is I get to hear really awesome stories from my Aunts and Uncles and their experiences growing up as they watch all of their family going through similiar life experiences. It is always fun when you get a story you haven't heard before, like this one:

In the words of my Aunt Becky:
"Jan (my Aunt Jan...sister of Becky) could probably post a more accurate version since her memory is much better than mine! But this is what I remember: We happened to be in Hawaii the same time that the prophet was visiting. We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and found that Pres. Kimball was visiting at the same time. We followed his group around the Center and watched that dear man be covered with leis. They got so high on him that he could hardly see! The next day we went to Stake Conference and guess who was speaking! Anyway, after church, a local family asked us over for dinner. Jan and I were teenagers and they only had young children and we thought we were way to cool and decided that we didn't want to go. So mom and dad took us back to the hotel and extracted the promise that we would not go to the beach. After they left, Jan and I looked at each other and said "the pool is not the beach!" and put on our 2 piece suits and headed for the elevator. On the way down, the elevator stopped and President Kimball and his assistants got on. Jan and I looked at the floor all the way down to the main floor, doors opened and President Kimball got off. We stayed on and went back up to the room and put our Sunday clothes back on and stayed in the room the rest of the day. I didn't get the chance to shake his hand or introduce myself because I was too embarrassed. It was a powerful lesson at the time about how we might feel in front of the Savior. May we not meet Him in metaphorical two piece swimming suits having done what we shouldn't have done!"

Wow! What a powerful image huh? I love my family!

Family Portraits

2010-04-25T15:00:00.005-05:00

We've been here in Texas for 4 years and I have yet to do the famous Texas blue bonnet picture...so this year I couldn't let it pass us by again. Thank you over and over again C for helping us out! So for your viewing pleasure...

So four out five this way...

or four out of five this way...which do you prefer? (Seriously, cause I want to order some prints for our empty picture frames.)

I love making these boys laugh and I love being their mom...I'm overwhelmed with love.

A daddy/daughter shot...one of many to come I'm sure.

Eddie I love you beyond words. Thank you for giving my life meaning.

The Fort Worth Air Show

2010-04-25T14:42:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had a really difficult decision to make. I could either go and support my Stake Relief Society leaders and attend the Stake Enrichment Activity (which looked like they had put a lot of work in to) or spend Saturday morning with Eddie and the kids at the Fort Worth Air show because he had the morning off from work. I promised it really was a hard decision, but ultimately I decided I needed to be with my family. I think I made the right choice and we had a great time. I especially felt like a kid again as the planes flying over head brought me back to the days of going to Moffet Field with my Dad. For some reason, when I look at this picture below I get a lump in my throat and I think about walking hand in hand with my own Dad and riding on his shoulders...and it makes me homesick.

I love that Drew has his hands on his daddy's face...so precious!

Daddy and his little girl.

Nate sporting our alma mater.

Family shot in front of some crazy looking fighter plane.

The boys in front of this really small first aide helicopter...they had just been yelled at for touching it and so we lost the smiles right as I clicked...oh well, they're still cute.

I spoke too soon...

2010-04-23T18:02:00.005-05:00

Maggie rolled over from her back to her tummy and back again this afternoon. Yeah Maggie!

However, not so yeah that it took her a good 1.5 hours to fall asleep this afternoon. But she finally crashed after I laid down with her in our bed. I think she can't sleep unless she contorts her head and neck into the most uncomfortable position and smothers her face into a pillow.

While I was working to get Maggie down I knew Drew needed to take a nap too but he's majorly fighting me on nap time right now and so I just let him stay up. I do have to say, he put up a good fight and then crashed watching "Electric Company".

Isn't Drew adorable? He's so peaceful when he's asleep...and then he wakes up and goes a million miles a minute until he finally crashes for bed.

Tucson

2010-04-22T08:51:00.002-05:00

So it is embarrassing to admit that I spent a full week out in Tucson with my family and didn't take a single picture until the day before we left. And it's a picture that doesn't even have everyone in it.

Here is Andrew, Caleb, Nathan and Maggie taking time out from their show to smile for the camera. Don't the boys look like they could all be brothers?

They obviously didn't give me much more than a moment...this picture was taken quite literally seconds after the first. I did however manage to get a short clip of dinner with four fast friends and cousins...We miss you guys!

Sorry...that's all I've got pictures wise. Hopefully Jason has some more pictures because it was so gorgeous up in Sabino Canyon that it truly is a shame I don't have anything documenting it.

My adorable 6 month old...

2010-04-22T08:38:00.004-05:00

who is actually closer to 7 months now that I've taken so long to post pictures and an update on her.

Maggie had her 6 month well-check about 3 weeks ago and her stats were:

Heigth: 90%
Weight: 20%
Head: 50%

She is basically following the same trajectory since her birth...tall and skinny. Lets pray that continues through her life. ;) I don't remember all the numbers exactly but she weighed in somewhere around 14 lbs.

Eddie just took this clip of Maggie this morning at breakfast...It combines two of her favorite things. Eating and Talking.

Maggie is such a joy in our lives. The boys adore her, Eddie is in love with her and I couldn't do my life without her. She gives me such joy and happiness and calmness. She still hasn't rolled over yet or sat up by herself, but we're working on it. She loves to put anything in to her mouth and lights up when you pay attention to her. She's a PRO when it comes to putting her own paci in her mouth, but still prefers to suck on her pointer and middle fingers.

We love you Mags!

A Letter from my cousin

2010-04-21T21:35:00.002-05:00

So my cousin Bryan is coming home from his mission this week and he sent home his final letter. His words have been on my mind all week as I've pondered exactly what my "sights" are set on. I think his letter is very indicative of the great missionary he was and the amazing man he's become. It fills me with excitement (and a little bit of dread) at the thought of my children leaving me to go on their own mission and coming back grown, mature men. I know that as we follow the Savior and do His will, our lives will be overflowing with happiness and joy and peace. And as hard as it will be to see my boys go, I can't wait to see them follow in their second cousin's footsteps. Here is a part of the letter that really touched me and made me ponder:

This has truly been the greatest blessing in my life. I have learned so much these last two years and I'm grateful to the Lord for allowing me to have these experiences. I just wish that it didn't have to end. It reminds me of the story in the tenth chapter of Mark. In this story (verses 46-52) blind Bartimaeus is begging by the wayside and he hears that Jesus of Nazareth is coming by. So he calls out, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me." Those around him tried to stop him from yelling, but he persisted and cried louder, "Thou Son of David, have mercy on me." Finally, Christ, as he always does, came mercifully near and asked him, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" Bartimaeus' response was so perfect the Lord could not refuse him: "Lord, that I might receive my sight." Christ responded, "Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole." The story beautifully concludes, "And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way." To me this is a story about us all. We, like blind Bartimaeus, are crying out for mercy because we have become blinded to the things that are most important. And Christ, as he always will, comes tenderly near to hear our plea. But, to be sure we are ready, he asks, "What wilt thou that I should do unto thee?" or in common speak, "What do you want?" And our response must be like the blind man's: "Lord, that I might receive my sight. Please help me to see things as they really are: Thee, myself, the world. Help me to see what's really important." And with a response like that the Lord can't refuse and he will help us see. I feel as though I am in the position of blind Bartimaeus. I have been granted the gift of sight over these two years. Right now, despite my imperfections, I feel that I see things--God, myself, and the world--more clearly than I have ever seen them before. I'm scared to come home because I'm worried the vision I have may become clouded and filled with things that are unimportant. It has been an honor to "follow Jesus in the way" over these last two years. It has forever changed my life. Please be patient with me as I come home and realize that, although I am coming home to many things that I love, I am leaving behind a work, a calling, and a people that I love with all my heart. I am so grateful to have good family like all of you who have showed me all the love and support that I could ask for. I am grateful for the Savior and I know that the only way that we will truly "see" is by living according to His teachings and staying close to His mercy. The Restoration is real and this is not just a church that we belong to, but it is in fact the Kingdom of God on the earth. What a blessing. What a tremendous honor it is to represent the Savior, if only in our small ways.

Welcome home Bud!

The difference between Nate and Drew

2010-03-20T19:44:00.003-05:00

Well one difference of many...

Tonight for their personal prayers Andrew's went something like this:

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank for Daddy, and Mommy, and Dahlia (a friend from church), for Maggie, for Daddy, for my pillow, and blanket and thank for Daddy, and Maggie, and Daddy to be home to play with me and Nate. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

Nate's went like this:

"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and this food. Thank you for big ideas and big imaginations. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

My motivation

2010-03-19T14:35:00.002-05:00

And this is why I will keep going.

I'm in awe...

2010-03-17T18:14:00.001-05:00

I'm in awe of my son Drew. It's been what, a week, and he's totally potty trained. He's pooped on the potty twice now and has had no accidents in three days.

I'm in awe of my sweet husband who gives so much to the kids and to me. Thank you sweetheart for everything you do. And thank you for Lisa. ;)

I'm in awe of a working body. I may be overweight, but my body can still do hard exercise and it feels wonderful. (Sidenote: I've decided to start chronicling this weight loss journey and if anyone is interested in seeing my really boring, probably no point but for me blog, just let me know...)

I'm in awe of Maggie who slept 13 hours the other night and then the next two nights got up twice to eat. ;)

I'm in awe of a Savior who loves me unconditionally and hasn't give up on me yet.

Big Boy Drew

2010-03-13T10:33:00.003-06:00

What have we been up to you ask? Well...

We've been working on helping Drew be a big boy. And I have to say, despite going stir crazy being at home all day, every day, it's been worth it. Drew is doing really, really well. We're so proud of you big boy!

Senator's bear testimony at Congress

2010-02-03T17:14:00.002-06:00

So my brother sent me the coolest email EVER! Here is some of the text from the email, but if you are interested in seeing the amazing pictures that go with it, I'll forward it to you; just leave a comment with your email address.

If you had happened into the Cannon House Office Building on Washington DC’s Capitol Hill a few days before Christmas, you would have heard something amazing and most unusual.

There, echoing down the halls and reverberating up the marbled stairs of the rotunda, wafting into the offices where laws are formulated and the heavy lifting of government is done, were the booming voices of missionaries, singing at the top of their lungs, “We are all enlisted ‘til the conflict is o’er. Happy are we. Happy are
we.”

The missionaries didn’t mean to be singing for all to hear, but the doors were flung open to the elegant Cannon Caucus Room, and they were gathered for what most surely would be the most unusual Christmas gathering of missionaries held this year. Most
mission Christmas gatherings are held in chapels and cultural halls, and an
inspirational speaker may be chosen to address the elders and sisters.

They are warm and uplifting gatherings and the missionaries anticipate them for
many weeks. But taking advantage of their location in the Washington DC South Mission, President and Sister Mark and Karyn Albright held their Christmas gathering this year in this House office building and, instead of having an inspirational speaker or two, the LDS members of Congress came to address the missionaries and bear their testimonies.

Bill and Tammy Nixon, who sponsored the event, said that no matter how pressed the senators and congressmen were in their schedules, they all were pleased and eager to come to address the missionaries at Christmas time. “They wanted to come,” said President Nixon, who presides over the Mount Vernon Stake.

Slipping in to address the missionaries, between votes on the floor of Congress, were Senators Orrin Hatch (UT), Robert Bennett (UT) , Harry Reid (NV), and Representatives Buck McKeon (CA), Wally Herger (CA) , Jason Chaffetz (UT), Rob Bishop (UT), Jeff Flake (AZ); and Dean Heller (NV). Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, the delegate from American Samoa, emceed the program, including singing a Polynesian version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” with his own ukulele accompaniment.

The missionaries were given models of powerful people in the very highest
seat of government, who nonetheless, put their testimonies and their commitment to God first.

Each one obviously relished the chance to change modes for a few minutes and
talk about the laws of the gospel rather than the laws of the nation.

Hoops and Hidden Blessings

2010-01-27T14:35:00.002-06:00

I know I should be blogging about our Christmas adventures but who has the energy to go through all those pictures. (I will post some soon I hope.)

I wanted to record for posterity some "Nathanisms" we've had lately.

Scene:
Mom is resting on the couch after feeding baby Maggie. Nathan enters stage right to blow rasberries in my face, but since he's 4 it's just plain spitting.

Mom: You know how I feel about that Nathan. I hate it when you spit in my face.

Nathan: Well, I hate being in time out for a really long time and no talking. And you hate when I spit in your face.

End scene.

What kills me is how he said it. Like, "now we're even."

Nathan has started taking gymnastics, or "nastics" as he so lovingly refers to it, and he is smitten. After last night's class he came over to the bleachers where the moms sit and proceeds to tell me, "mom, I was the best." I'm glad to see his confidence is growing, but I'm a little concerned that he shoved a kid off the balance beam cause he wanted to finish his turn after a little potty break. This morning I overheard him asking Eddie if it could be Tuesday (gymnastic day) everyday.

Drew is not loving gymnastics so much...only because he has to sit on the bleachers with mom and doesn't get to participate. Yesterday he brought his nerf football and was content to throw, kick and punt it up and down the small walkway. This kid is so totally into sports and Eddie and I are wondering if it could be something he genetically got from my brothers because we're not quite sure where this kid came from. Eddie wanted to get Drew some sports stuff for Christmas and so we got the kids these $5 basketball hoops that get put up in your room. I kid you not, Drew immediatly palms a ball, runs to Eddie and says, "Dad, wanna play hoops with me?" Every morning since, he wakes up, runs to our room, okay, runs to Dad's side of the bed and asks Eddie, "Dad, are you awake? The sun is up. My play basketball."

Unfortunately for Eddie, he doesn't get to play hoops with his boys much cause he is super busy. And for some reason, Mom isn't a good substitute. It could be cause I'm always tired and wanting to lay on the couch and take a nap or always feeding the baby, changing said baby's diaper, or doing laundry from numerous spit up sessions.

We all miss Eddie and feel his absense every day, but we're trying to stay positive and see the end blessings that it will bring to us. In the mean time, I'm trying to see the hidden blessings that come from having your clothes washer break after just replacing it (this will be our 4th one in under 3 years...that's what we get from buying them used off Craigslist), the microwave breaking on the same day, your new van door needing to be replaced, also said van needs an oil change, state inspection and registration and I will stop there cause it's just sounding pathtic to even me. With all the devastation and destruction that just took place in Haiti, I should be grateful for life. For my life. Broken down and run down life, I thank thee.

It's been two years...

2009-11-06T17:39:00.005-06:00

So two years ago today I was sitting by my mom's side as she said her final goodbyes to family and friends. I haven't been able to write down my experiences or feelings about the event and I still don't feel like I can do it. Tomorrow is the official day she passed, but she's been on my mind all day today.

As I was going through my pictures today looking for one of my mom I noticed a theme...She up to the end smiled her true smile for her grandkids.

Holding Drew's hand.

Getting to know his Grandma Cherry.

Giving Nate old sugar-free candy from her purse...

My mom lived her life to be a Grandma. I wish she could still do this...

And the grandkids favorite...The Grandma Train.

We all miss you. More than you know.

But I know I'll see you again soon...like this. Free from pain and suffering and smiling with your whole being. I love you Mom.

Maggie's photo shoot

2009-11-05T12:35:00.004-06:00

Thank you Joni!

Here are just a few of the favorites:

Janet's Visit

2009-11-05T12:20:00.003-06:00

We had such a wonderful time with Janet and Claire and I can't even begin to tell you what help it was to have them both here with us. Thank you Blake for letting them come! We got to go to the Museum of Nature and Science and Janet and her cousin Melanie took Drew and Claire to a horse ranch. (Nathan was already sick with Strep at this point).

At the museum the kids got to play in the dinosaur pit, blow really big bubbles and have fun downstairs in the kids area.

We ended our trip from the museum with this site:

Andrew and Claire throughly enjoyed themselves with the horses at the ranch until they both fell off of a horse that was turning. It sounds like it was quite an adventure for them and for poor Janet and Melanie...at least we had just had a bunch of rain and they fell into a squishy mud patch rather than a hard, dry dust patch.

Nathan turned 4...

2009-11-05T11:20:00.003-06:00

And I haven't blogged about it until now. I feel horrible about that little man. But let me tell you what Nate, Mom loves you more than you know. You are my first born. And I appreciate that so much right now as we go through the growing pains of having a new baby in the home. You are so helpful and bring me diapers and wipes and burp cloths and the phone when it's ringing and you try really hard to get carrots out of the fridge so I don't have to get up and do it for you. Oh, someday you'll be able to pour yourself milk but for now it's just a mommy's job okay?

On his actual birthday we were able to celebrate with some friends for a quick inpromptu party at the tubes. Thank you, thank you, thank you Janet for all your help!

Later that night we opened presents with Dad...

And blew out the candles on Nate's birthday cookies.

The joys of family...

2009-11-03T19:01:00.005-06:00

My sister Kristi and her daughter Elizabeth and my father were able to come out and meet Maggie. We did lots of fun things with the kids and they were such a help to me emotionally and physically. I will forever be grateful that they made the trip out here and to Jason and Norma for making it possible that Kris could be here. I'm running out of steam and so here are a few slideshows and pictures of our week together.

We got to go to the pumpkin patch:

And play at the Grapevine Mill's Mall Carosel:

And play at the McDonald's play tubes:

And it was beyond special to have them here for my birthday and the blessing and giving of a name to Margaret Lynn Haws:

Why is it that you can't combine three pictures into one? I wish I could've taken parts of each of these to make a decent family photo, but ya'll just have to use your imagination.

The crew minus Grandpa Haws who was home with a migraine...Poor Dad!

Abby's Playhouse

2009-11-03T18:49:00.005-06:00

Nana T took Nate and Drew to Abby's Playhouse while we were busy with baby and they had a blast:

Thank you again and again Aunt Tracy for all you did for us...You were truly amazing and I feel honored to be your namesake. I'm so grateful that you were there with me as I went through it all. I love you.

1st week home

2009-11-03T18:41:00.001-06:00

Some pictures of that first week home:

In the hospital

2009-11-03T18:27:00.003-06:00

Some pictures while we were still in the hospital and then as we were leaving.

The birth story...

2009-11-03T17:50:00.002-06:00

Finally right? It's only been a month, but who's counting?

So in typical Tracy style deliveries, I had been having intense contractions all week. (Not to mention the previous weeks of intense contractions but no dilation.)The doctor decided it would be best to induce me on Friday Oct 2nd (a whole week before my due date) since my previous baby was so big and both of my boys have had to be induced...plus he was going on vacation the next week, which we didn't find out about until we were in the hospital. ;) That week and the week before at my normal visits he would keep saying, "We'll see you Friday if not sooner." We seriously had a couple of nights were it was determined we would go in if the contractions didn't die down with some rest, and sure enough with rest they would ease. So Friday morning bright and early we went to the hospital.

We got there about 6:00 am and I was already dilated to a 4. Since Maggie was still floating a little high they put me on pitocin instead of breaking my water and waited to see what she would do. Around 8 they came back and checked on me and she was engaged in the canal enough to break my water...I was a 5. Around 10:30 or so the contractions really were picking up and getting to be a lot and the nurse asked if I wanted an epidural now. I have talked about it a little with other people but I don't think I even realized how stressed out I was about the decision. I really didn't want one and the side effects (whole body convulsions, longer recovery, etc) but I also didn't want to feel that much pain. I think I probably could've kept going without it and so when the Doctor came in I was still undecided. As he was about to leave a contraction hit and so I said yes. He went to go get his stuff and was back in I swear less than a minute. It was as I remembered it with the boys until the pain started. I mean intense lightening flashes of pain down my back and into my toes. Obviously that wasn't right and so he took the epidural out. He put a new one in, but a little bit higher. As my shoulders went numb I seriously started to question my decsion. It took over 20 minutes for the epidural to kick in and even then I could still feel the contractions and what they termed "good pressure". It eased it enough I was able to rest some.

Around 11:00 the nurse came in to check on me and I was a 6 but the baby seemed to be facing the wrong direction; so she had me turn to my right side. After 30 minutes she came back in and checked and I was still a 6 and Maggie was still facing the wrong way so she had me try laying on my left side. The nurse left our room to go call the doctor and give him an update and I swear not 30 seconds after she left the most intense pain I have ever felt in my life hit me full blown. It was like all of a sudden I was feeling this undescribeable need to push and it freaked me out. I started to panic from the pain and yelling at the top of my lungs. "What happened? Why isn't the epidural working?" and Eddie's personal favorite that made him laugh, "Help me!" The nurse came running back in a few minutes later and checked me and I was a 10. So I basically went from a 6 to a 10 in less than 10 minutes...Yeah, it really was as bad as that sounds. Needless to say, I kept telling them I needed to push and they kept telling me I couldn't because they hadn't even called the doctor yet. I kept asking them, "How do I NOT push?" They told me to use my breathing and I just kept thinking, "My breathing? What's that?" They had to show me how. I feel pretty embarrased about it now, but at the time I just couldn't remember what I was supposed to do.

Thankfully Dr. Hoffman works across the street and it didn't take him hours to get there, more like 20 minutes. (He was with a patient, someone who will remain nameless but turns out we know her ;) He got there just minutes before 12 and she was out by 12:03p.m. When he arrived and everything was set up the nurse finally told me to push and I just looked at her like, now? I was still freaking out and just started yelling. It's like I forgot how to push because the pain was overshadowing all intelligence. Poor Dr. Hoffman just looked at me and said, "I know it seems like it would help to yell, but I really need you to focus your energy on pushing this baby out." That's all it took. Something triggered in my mind and I remembered what I needed to do. Sure enough, one more push and she was out. The most miraculous experience of my life. It's not cliche, it's truth: the moment she was out and I saw her, the pain was gone. I went from the most excruciating and mind-numbing pain to absolute bliss, in nothing flat.

Because of this:

She was worth it and it looks like I got my natural child birth after all.

Third leg of the trip

2009-11-03T17:45:00.003-06:00

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the whole reason we went out to California to begin with (well the main incentive at least...it helped that we wanted to escape the heat and construction on our home.) Jessica and Stephen's wedding! Eddie's brother Stephen was getting married and I'm not sure why we don't have pictures of the event...You can go look on my facebook and see pictures that others took. ;) I'm too lazy today to go and get them.

It was a wonderful wedding and we're so excited to have another Aunt Jessica in the family. She was beautiful and it was great to see them so happy. We love you guys! We had a great time visiting with family that came in for the wedding too. I literally just started to write down all the names of people we got to see and it was a REALLY LONG list...Let's just say it was a really great time and we enjoyed every minute we got to spend with each of you. I would have to say spending time at the beach was one of our highlights. We love all of ya'll and can't wait to do it again next year! (I'm determined that I will make at least one grand tour each year to get out of the Texas heat...at least next year I won't be pregnant and hopefully Maggie will be a good car participant:)

Second leg of the Grand Tour

2009-11-03T15:56:00.005-06:00

After we stopped off at Dad's for a few days, we went up to John and Christy's in Yuba City, CA. We had a fabulous time...in fact, we had such a great time I forgot to take a lot of pictures. However, I did manage to document probably the best time we had our whole trip. Thanks to Christy and her ever ingenious ideas, I present to you our "Hair-rific" trip to the ice cream parlour:

Supposedly there was a mom and pop shop that made the best bubble gum ice cream near Christy's house. Christy thought it would be a perfect opportunity to go get ice cream and prove it's worthy title of "best ice cream" but the catch was we all had to wear facial hair. Facial hair you ask? Why yes...by going to the local market and buying it from a vending machine as demonstrated by Jonas.

My personal favorites are Christy and baby Lewis who totally looks like Mr. Belvedere or Tom Selek...take your pick. After we put the hair on the kids, they quickly removed them...except for Jonas who then proceeded to put all of the hair pieces on. But all the kids did enjoy their ice cream...which I have to admit, was pretty darn good, except for the whole making your poop grean thing.

And last but not least my all time favorite picture...until I looked closely at Nate...

Playing at Dean & Bev's

One of the days we were with Christy we went up to her parents house to play with Drew's birthday present. It was quite the task to blow up...

Once we had it blown up the kids had a blast playing outside with it.

Lewis, who is not a baby anymore!

Lily and her beautiful curls.

They even got to blow bubbles...

I can't even begin to thank you enough John and Christy for the wonderful time we had. It is so great to have friends for siblings. I love you and can't wait to see you in 2 months...let the countdown begin!

Drew's actual birthday

2009-11-03T15:48:00.004-06:00

We got to celebrate Drew's actual second birthday at Grandpa Cherry's house with a housefull of friends and family...Thank you Grandpa Cherry, Grandap and Grandma Haws, Uncle Nathan and Aunt Montse and Miggy, and Sue, Jerry and Alisha for a wonderful party. Drew got some pretty cool toys...a chainsaw (don't worry a totally safe children's version) which oddly enough he knew exactly what to do with it, a play screw driver, some cars and this really cool water ball that you hook up to a water hose. I unfortunately only got a few pictures of the event, and they only include the birthday boy eating his cake...;)

But he sure did enjoy it. And so did...

Miguel! He was loving it!

Who needs a fork?

Almost there...

2009-11-03T15:08:00.007-06:00

The next leg of our trip took us from Peoria, AZ to Valencia, CA and AUNT KRISTI!!! The boys were so excited to be there and to see Ben, Aly, Elizabeth and Aunt Kristi and Uncle Jason. And why wouldn't they be excited when we get to do such fun things as water parks, Disneyland, playing at the lake and hanging out with great cousins? Here are some pics to document that we did just that...

Water Park

Drew, Aly, Elizabeth enjoying the sun.

The crew minus Nate...actually you can see his orange shorts in the background.

The one and only picture of Nate I got...I actually didn't get many pictures of him not because he didn't want one but because this kid would not stop for anything. He was loving it!

Probably one of my all time favorite pictures from the whole trip...I dub this "Bathing beauty". When Kristi showed this picture to Aly she said, "I didn't know Aunt Tracy was taking my picture. I am a little embarrassed." (all said while nervously giggling) Kristi told her she was adorable and not to worry about it. That the best thing to do when you are embarrassed is to laugh like Grandma Cherry. Truly the best advice you could give anyone...I'm so proud of Kristi and the amazing mother she is.

Disneyland

The only picture I got of me and Nathan...we were riding Autopia and Nathan got to drive...It sure was a bumpy ride!

We went on this rollercoaster ride in TooneTown and Nathan LOVED it...I mean really loved it! He wanted to go on it again and again and again. After the first run, I started to have contractions so bless sweet Nana T's heart, she took Aly and Nate at least two more times.

If you look closely you can see Nana T's arm and the top of Aly's head.

Here they are coming off the ride...It's hard to tell from the pictures, but Nathan really loved it.

And here are the kids running around having a grand ol' time while the adults sat and ate lunch. I wish I could've gotten a picture of all the kids laughing and enjoying the noon show we saw as we ate our lunch. It was a show with a sheriff and deputy putting on a faireytale show with audience participation...It was wonderful!

Calstaic Lake

Sunday Fun

El Paso to Peoria, AZ

2009-11-03T14:55:00.004-06:00

So the next leg of our journey took us from El Paso, TX to Peoria, AZ where we stayed with Eddie's sister. The kids were so excited to be in a house that had real toys and two adorable kids to play with them. And I was so happy to have a real bed and good company. We spent two nights there and had a great time. The next day we went to a water park and the kids had a great time.

This was the only picture I could get of Nathan during this visit...but Andrew, well...

Andrew loved having his picture taken...Here is Drew with his cousins Benson and Grace.

He and Grace became fast friends and he wanted to be near her the entire time. Benson was so sweet too and really helped take care of Nate and Drew.

Thank you Sarah for such a wonderful trip...Drew still talks about Grace and Nate still prays for you in every prayer. It's very adorable. "Please bless Sarah and to see her soon".

"Let it begin, let it begin!"

2009-11-03T14:21:00.005-06:00

Nothing like a quote from "Bolt" to introduce these pictures...because here begins our long journey from Texas to California where the boys watched a LOT of movies. We drove from Irving, TX to El Paso, TX and stopped for the night. It took us about 13 hours...but the boys were so excited to stay in a hotel at the end of the day that they didn't really complain that much.

We drove through a lot of this...nothingness and ugliness.

And so began the phase of the trip where Nathan wanted nothing to do with the camera...In fact he still doesn't want his picture taken which you'll see documentated in the hospital pictures of baby Maggie.

I love it...Gotta love the desert.

We spent a lot of the day stopping at rest stops so Nathan and myself could go to the bathroom. Our bladders were about on par of each other...a three year old and an eight month pregnant woman. Plus I needed to get out and move around to keep from swelling too much. The boys were just thrilled to get out of the car and enjoy a little "line walking".

When we finally got to El Paso, we stopped in at the hotel and the boys played on the bed while I took a quick rest. Then when I woke up we went and found an IHOP for dinner and went back to the hotel. We all took baths and then off to bed where all three of us were asleep by no later than 7:30.

This about sums up how Nathan and Andrew feel about motels...

Drew's Birthday

2009-11-03T14:10:00.003-06:00

So right before we left on our "Summer 2009 Grand Tour" we celebrated Drew's 2nd birthday with Dad.

We had a really low-key dinner of chicken nuggets and french fries...

and cupcakes that the boys helped make and decorate.

Drew loved opening his presents...

and couldn't wait to try out his race track and new cars.

Romantic Get-a-way

2009-11-03T12:10:00.003-06:00

So one of the benefits of Eddie teaching at Kaplan is he gets to know some really cool students. Especially the really cool students that have connections to a "hospitality company" and can get you crazy discounts to amazing first class restaruants and hotels in the Dallas metroplex. Eddie and I decided we needed to take advantage of said connections before the class was over and we never saw these people again...So we spent a weekend away from the boys (Thank you a thousand times over S & L) at the fabulous "W" hotel and ate at this crazy delicious Brazilian steakhouse (I don't know how to spell it but I know what it's called). It was wonderful to have a relaxing weekend away before the baby was due.

The evening starts with a self-portrait of course!

Check out the hotel! Towards the middle of the building there was a hole or piece of the building missing...that's where the pool was and the view was amazing. At the very top of the building there is the "Ghost Bar" and we had heard it was the best part about the hotel so we were so excited to go up and see it when we got back from dinner. Of course when we got back it was closed to the public unless you wanted to pay a $150 VIP pass because the New Kids on the Block had rented it out...I was sorely tempted, but we passed.

The softest robes I had ever felt! And you can't see it but in the bathroom it had this really cool rain forest shower-head and awesome samples of their lemon-zest lotion...which you totally know I took home with us. (We also accidentally took home the remote control...I don't know how.)

A room with a view...Which you totally can't see in this photo cause the window is just glaring, but I promise it was great.

Don't mind the gigantic pregnant belly...The food was amazing and I only wished I had had more room to pack more food down.

A mad dash to the finish line

2009-11-03T12:05:00.002-06:00

So I've been procrastinating on updating pictures that date back to our "Summer 2009 Grand Tour" till our most recent experience of Maggie's 1 month birthday...So I'm determined that while we are homebound today (Nate is recovering from Strep-throat, Drew is recovering from a virus...not swine flu cause we've all already had that... and myself, yup, I have strep throat too) I will make a mad dash for the finish line and post pictures whether they've been edited or not. I just need to be done with it...so here we go.

One day old

2009-10-03T18:27:00.002-05:00

We've survived our first day! Maggie is now a day old and it amazes me that I could already love her this much. She has slept a lot today but that is good cause it means so did I. ;) We get to come home tomorrow morning and then begins the hard work...Thankfully I have the best husband in the world who is willing to do anything to help me and my next-door neighbor from Cali (second mom) coming to stay with us. I'm so blessed.

Margaret Lynn Haws

2009-10-02T14:03:00.005-05:00

She's made it! She was born at 12:03 pm and weighed in at 8lbs 4oz and is 20 inches long. She is beautiful! She already has more hair than her brother's did at their "birthdays" and its a dark brown and kind of wavy/curly. We'll hopefully get to take some more pics and update on the story and stuff when we're in our postpartum room, but for now, here she is!

The never-ending story

2009-09-29T12:32:00.002-05:00

So, on the one hand, these contractions are doing something, but on the other, they're not doing enough. ;) I went to the doctor's today and I'm now dilated to a 4 and 30% effaced and she is head down and engaged, but no consistency. I'm not technically in "active labor" and so I'm home just waiting for a baby to come. I'm scheduled for an induction Friday morning at 6 a.m. but I'm calling on the forces that be to put me out of my misery. I thought maybe this baby would come on Sunday by the sheer intensity of the contractions but I'm still here. I'll keep ya'll posted.

A worldwide sisterhood

2009-09-27T12:41:00.002-05:00

I wasn't able to attend the General Relief Society Broadcast last night, but I was so beyond grateful when I discovered I could watch it live from my home. As I sat in my bed having contraction after contraction, I was overwhelmed with a sense of "sisterhood" and a deep connection to each of my friends and family and those sisters I have not met...and I was grateful. So very grateful. I was especially moved by the second verse of the hymn that was sung, "How Firm a Foundation". In primary we are singing that song, but only the first and third verses and so the second verse just popped out at me and it hit home.

"In every condition, in sickness, in health...at home or abroad...As thy days may demand...so thy succor shall be."

I found it especially amusing as I was listening to these words and watching my children run circles around me crying and screaming at each other that my days do indeed demand a lot from me, but that if I will but be willing, the Lord's out-stretched hand is there waiting to succor me. For every moment of pain or frustration or "demand" on me is equal to my Savior's grace and love and willingness to succor me. Why is it so easy to forget that? Why do I constantly think I can do it on my own? I can't. I've tried and failed and continue to try and fail and all along I've known how much easier it is with the Lord by my side. So, with this knowledge I have a choice. You'd think it would be easy to make, but why is it so hard? I want so much to "choose the better part".

I'm so grateful for my dear sisters in the world that give of their time and talents and testimonies and for brief moments like last night that remind me I am a part of something so great.

Nathan-ism

2009-09-17T19:18:00.002-05:00

Dad: You need to eat your dinner so the nutrients can help your body grow big and strong.
Nathan: Why do "new tramps" help my body grow?
Dad: They just do...eat your dinner.
Nathan: What are "old tramps" for?
Dad: What?
Nathan: What are "old tramps" for?
Dad: Ummm....
Mom: Get it? "New-trients" and "Old-trients"?
Dad: Oh, the old-trients come out of your body as the nutrients go in.

The conversation continued, but I'll spare you the in-depth dialogue. Just suffice it to say that Nathan will use any tactic to not eat dinner (or food in general) and he thrives on asking "why" questions.

Still no pictures...

2009-09-14T08:35:00.002-05:00

Okay so last night Eddie and the boys got into their baking mode and decided to make some cupcakes. However, this was done BEFORE dinner and so you can imagine the numerous fights that were had in our home. We had a wonderful dinner: grilled chicken, red mashed potatoes, artichokes, and cantalope. We are in the process of trying to teach our children the joy of "human food" and not just chicken nuggets. So we have initiated the "no thank you bite" into our daily dinner. I put everything that Eddie and I are eating on their plate (and last night I made an exception and gave them a peice of toast because I knew they wouldn't eat the potatoes and chicken. Oh, and I also gave them carrots cause I was NOT about to give away some of the precious artichoke..ummm). Sure enough, they ate the carrots, toast and cantalope, but refused the chicken and mashed potatoes. (Mashed potatoes! Who doesn't like mashed potatoes?!) We gave them ample opportunity to try a "no thank you bite" and Drew got awfully close to it, but in the end we had total melt down mode on our hands.

They wanted the cupcakes. We wanted them to try ONE, JUST ONE, bite of something they don't normally eat. In the end, we won. If you can call it that. They cried and cried for cupcakes and we ignored them...until they woke up Eddie at 4:30 in the morning asking where the cupcakes were. Eddie goes out to put them back into their bed and notices the kitchen chair has been dragged over to where the cupcakes had been the night before. Thankfully Eddie had the idea to put them up on top of the fridge or we would have had two very sugar hyped boys in the morning. Once they were in bed, and Eddie re-settled, we heard their door open again. Eddie very smartly shut our door (that they can't open) and waited for their little voices. Sure enough, out comes Nate asking, "But you didn't eat them all, right Dad?" Eddie replies, "No. Now go to bed!"

We don't actually know if they ever went back to bed, but by the noise level of their fighting this morning I'm gonna venture a guess and say no, they did not. When they finally came knocking on our door this morning (they know not to come in till the clock in the kitchen reads 7:00) they proudly announced, "Daddy, it's morning time. The time says 7-0-60." Eddie opens the door and in walks two little sleepy eyed boys proclaiming, "Now can we have a cupcake?"

No pictures yet...and calling "Uncle"

2009-09-11T08:06:00.003-05:00

I haven't put up any pictures from our trip...but I'm trying to keep afloat and somehow the pictures keep getting pushed further and further down the "to do" list. I HAVE to get those up...maybe today?

And I'm calling "Uncle" and asking for all moms to give me some help! I don't know what to do with Nathan. He is old enough to start understanding the concept of "lying" and "dishonesty" but no matter how many heart to heart talks, time-outs, and punishments, he's not getting it. Most recent case in point:

J & B came over last night to visit teach (let me just add that it totally changed my attitude for the day and I haven't slept that good in months!) and B brought over a plateful of some super yummy chocolate chip cookies. I left them on the kitchen counter and went to bed. This morning the boys come into our room to wake us up and to tell us "it's morning, you're supposed to be up." Eddie has a major presentation today so I got up (I know, I am spoiled and normally Eddie gets up and lets me sleep a little longer) with the boys and started to make breakfast. Nathan starts to complain of his tummy hurting and doesn't want to eat his Cheerios and peaches. (You thought I actually MADE breakfast?) I take a closer look at his face and there is chocolate all over his lips. I begin to suspect...when I go look for the plate and see that it is gone, I begin to really suspect. But I didn't want to jump to conclusions because Eddie has been known to munch his way through a dozen cookies but the plate wasn't in the trash. I begin a search of the house and for the life of me I can't find them anywhere. I'm getting nervous, because after all, how clean can a 4 year old eat a cookie?

I finally confront Nate, and he just looks at me like, "What? I didnt' do anything?" After some prodding and verbal game play on my part, I finally con him into showing me where he hid the plate of cookies. His defense, "Well I didn't eat all of them." I SHOULD HOPE NOT! There were at least 8 cookies left on that plate last night. And what did he bring me? A plate with 1 1/2 cookies on it. Well no wonder his tummy hurt. And where was it hidden? His current location that I can't get to because I can't bend over...under his bed. He just kept asking me as he was pulling them out, "But how did you see them? How did you know they were under there? How did you see them?" I told him, "I didn't know...but I suspected." I won't go into the "explanation" conversation that then took place as he wanted a detailed explanation of what "suspected" means and then he sat in a time out.

This was all after Eddie had a very long, in depth talk with him LAST NIGHT, as in the last thing he was told before he stole the cookies. It's obviously not sinking in...what do I do?

Disney's "Up"

2009-08-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

I just thought it was too cute to resist posting...so yesterday I took the boys to see "Up" for the first time and during the hospital scene where the wife is sitting in a chair with her husband standing behind her and the doctor standing in front of her, Nathan in his "not-so-quiet-but-trying-to-whisper" voice says, "Look, they're giving her a blessing Mom...right?"

It was almost as good as the boy down the row from us saying in his "not-trying-to-be-quiet-at-all" voice, "Why are we watching this again?"

I enjoyed the movie so much, I might be willing to risk that question from my child to see it again.

As a side note, sorry I don't have any pictures to post yet...I'm too lazy to download them while I'm on vacation, and plus we're having so much fun I keep forgetting to take any. lol. I'm home in a week or so and will hopefully get on top of it.

Our foundation.

2009-07-14T10:54:00.005-05:00

So after, what, 13 months, we've finally gotten our foundation repaired on our house. The builder, Bear Creek Dev., called us and set up an appt. for Monday the 6th to come out and show us what they were going to do. They didn't show up, but called and told us they would be here Wednesday to get started and then show us then what we needed to do to get ready. We had what seemed like a million questions which Evelyn at BCD couldn't answer, but she refused to give us the name or number of the company they hired. This did not sit well with us. Anywhoo, Eddie finally got a hold of Evelyn and got the name of the company finagled out of her and googled them. Late that night he called them and got a hold of the owner of the company, A-1 Pier Installment, and was able to ask all our questions. We looked them up on the Better Business Bureau and they ranked an A+ and had been in business for 10+ years and offer a lifetime guarantee on their beams. So our fears were put to somewhat rest and we awaited their arrival. They showed up Wednesday afternoon and started work right away. Sam, the owner, came in and explained what they were going to do and what would need to be moved/covered to get the work done on the inside. Here are some pic's from that first day:

The iron rods.

Dirt pile up...they hauled out so much dirt it was mind boggling. Of course this picture doesn't even begin to show what they pulled out.

The first hole.

A not very good shot at the hole.

These next pictures are from the next day: All the holes along the side of the house.

Our master bedroom all ready to dig a hole and put in a beam.

My boys modeling the kitchen and it's many drapes.

Drew couldn't get enough of this ladder...he loved climbing up and down it.

These next ones are the finished product:

The kitchen. We have two holes in our floor and a different contractor is coming out tomorrow (Thursday) to look at everything that needs to be fixed and finished.

The Master Bedroom hole.

The holes that were outside are now covered and you would never know they were even back there. It is such a blessing to have this part of our stress over and done with. We feel like the Lord truly has guided us through this "hole" process (I couldn't resist Dad) and that He has watched out for us.

Babysitting

2009-07-14T10:45:00.001-05:00

So the blog entry I'm working up to is about our foundation getting fixed! (Can I get a hallejuiah?) Anyways, the day they started we had our friends come over and play so I could attempt to pack up our master bedroom sans my boys. Does anyone else get more done when they have playdates? X and Nate are the best of friends and put up with Drew following around and they can occupy themselves all day, with the occasional "share you guys" interruption. So this day we were lucky enough to have the D family come join our ranks. D and T were delightful and they all played together really well. Plus with all the loud banging, hyrdolic noises coming from outside, their screaming and yelling didn't bother anyone.

Snack time on the couch.

Showing off their snacks of gold fish in little baggies...

The whole group.

Fun in the sun!

2009-07-14T10:32:00.003-05:00

So the day before the V's left for their trip to UT, we went over and played a little in their pool. The boys had a blast as you can see from the pics. I wish I could have gotten a picture of Nette and I chilling in the shade...It was the perfect set up.

The crew.

Drew getting ready to slide. He'll say "re-re, um, go." Translation: ready, um, go.

L going down in style.

Eating some fresh, delicious strawberries in the cool water...can life get any better?

Nate's turn down the slide.

Fourth of July

2009-07-14T10:29:00.001-05:00

Check out our $2 shirts from Walmart!

Yes, something is wrong with our friend Eric...

On the hill behind Tom Thumb watching the fireworks of various cities.

Meagan and Matt before their little Parker joined the world.

Swim Lessons

2009-06-24T09:05:00.004-05:00

So I got Nate signed up for swim lessons and figured I'd do a mom-and-me class with Drew at the same time. It would have killed Drew to not get to swim if Nate did. So here we are on our way to our first class.

So you either get a turned head picture or...

...a pouty one. Take your pick.

I did manage to get a cute individual picture of each boy. Here is Drew and his ridiculous looking head of hair. Does it remind anyone else of Simon Cowell? And less anyone think I'm leaving it like this, we're waiting for July when I'll have money in the budget to get it cut, and no I will never cut his hair again, or at least not till he's older.

My sweet, sweet Nathan. His hair needs a cut too, but I can at least still make it cute if I'm willing to do it in the morning. ;) Nate is doing so good in his little class. He loves to put his face under water and he jumped into the pool yesterday all by himself and went under water. I was so proud of him!

Right before our class. I couldn't get Drew to sit still long enough to get in on it, but at least Nate co-operated. You can tell by his red flushed cheeks that we were more than ready to get into the water. I think that day it hadn't reached 100 yet, but yesteray it was 103 when we got there. It is hot, hot, HOT!

Father's Day Activities

2009-06-23T09:13:00.005-05:00

I love Sunday's...we get to have Eddie home and we make every moment count.

Father's Day Present Gone Awry

2009-06-23T08:53:00.005-05:00

So for Father's Day my good friend Jami came up with an idea to make matching ties for the father's and son's. Loved it! So we got together to follow our fearless leader Mardi and make some ties. Okay, so in these following pictures you will see that I still need some work on adapting a pattern to fit the recipient. None-the-less, not bad for a sewing novice's first time making or following a pattern.
So Andrew's tie was a little too long, Nathan's was a little too short and fat and Eddie's was so short that I made him button his coat to hide it...In fact, if you look really close, I think you can see his white shirt but no hint of orange at the bottom of his jacket.

And here are some pictures of the not-so-photogenic Haws' family attempting to get a family shot:

Happy Father's day to the love of my life! Thank you for being such an amazing father!

Nee-nee

2009-06-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

Dear C and Mamma-C,

Thanks for loving our boys so much. It lifts my heart to see such joy on their faces when you walk into a room or they see a picture of you or we tell them you're coming over. Pure love.

Love,
Me

Good news!

2009-06-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

So I just got word back from our Peditrician that after three weeks, Andrew is finally cleared! His white blood cell count is back to normal and we're out of the worry zone. Mostly, I'm just grateful I don't have to go through the ordeal of pinning him down to get blood drawn. I don't think Drew is gonna wanna EVER go back to Dr. Jim's office. Poor Drew has gone through enough to last him the next year.

-ism

2009-06-04T08:47:00.004-05:00

Nate: Can I cut your hair?
Me: Sure.
He then proceeds to grab a spoon, fork, knife and brush. Hilarious moments ensue.
Nate: There. You're beautiful. You look like Texas.

Lovin'

2009-06-03T09:03:00.002-05:00

Lest you think Drew was giving me lovin'...

I'll have you know he was going in for a zerbert.

When I'm blogging...

2009-06-03T08:39:00.004-05:00

and forget to shut my bedroom door, this is what happens...

I come out to the family room and see Drew with his trains and this smile...This is his "I got caught" smile and I knew something was up.

So I followed the paper wrappers to my bedroom and this is what I found...

I guess I should be grateful they enjoy playing together. (aka getting into everything and making ginormous messes.)

No pictures yet...

2009-05-29T08:58:00.004-05:00

So I don't have the pictures scanned yet, but I couldn't wait to shout out the news...we're having a GIRL!!! No doubts on our part, but I think I needed to have my feelings confirmed through the sonogram to truly announce with authority that it's a girl...Yeah!

A little late...

2009-05-21T12:35:00.001-05:00

But Eddie passed his qualifying exam! Way to go babe! We are so proud of you and are so glad that it is over. Now we get to move on to the next 2-3 years of continued dreaded research. We love you!

A conversation with Nate

2009-05-18T17:38:00.003-05:00

So as I'm trying to catch up on some blog reading, Nate comes in and tells me he has to go potty. Okay, go right ahead. He comes running in after he's done and tells me, "I didn't put any pencils, or towels, or letters in the potty mom." So I'm thinking, great what did he put in there this time? I go running in to check and he lifts the lid and says, "See, I didn't put anything in there...just my poop."

2009-05-16T19:58:00.002-05:00

So tonight before bed the boys were allowed one story to be read by dad. Nate's choice was a little picture book of Book of Mormon stories. When Eddie got to the story of King Benjamin, he asked Nate "Who is this story about? Do you remember his name?" After some hesitation, I tried to prompt him with "You have a cousin with this name." He quickly replied "King Jo-jo-namin". It was awesome! I almost didn't correct him, but I'm sure if he ever mentioned King Jo-jo-namin in primary his teacher's wouldn't know to whom he was referring.

I have to say, it was kind of fun tonight getting ready for bed because we had set up the tent in the family room to dry out from it's monsoon experience this morning and so read stories inside the tent. Nathan and Andrew had a blast running around and chasing each other in the tent and Andrew said his first sentence tonight. All done time out. Classic. Of course he was referring to Nathan and Drew's desire for Nathan to be done with time out, but in our household lately, the time out could really have been for either boy. We were still proud of his attempt at completing a sentence, mostly he just makes jabbering sounds that are very much Ewok'ish or one syllable words.

My other thought for the night is this: I'm so thankful for such good friends. I'm so grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful women who make this my home. I'm grateful for friends who will call me to make sure I get home safe from a fun night out and to make sure my empty home is safe and sound. I'm grateful for friends who let me drop in and visit and for friends that drop in and visit with me (and still love me despite my messy home). Thank you friends. I love you.

The day has finally come...

2009-05-11T17:05:00.004-05:00

We finally got our TRCC letter in the mail today and here is a small excerpt:

Dear Mr. Haws,

According to our records, the deadline to appeal the third-party inspector's report issued for your home has expired...

The inspection report is now final and unappealable. We fully expect your builder to comply with these findings and make an offer to repair the defects or resolve them in a manner that meets the report guidelines...

If your builder fails to make the repairs suggested in the inspection report, you may consider pursuing further legal action. In fact, the findings and recommendations made in the report create a rebuttable presumption in your favor with respect to the defects identified in the report. This rebuttable presumption may be used in a legal proceeding between you and your builder, which provides an incentive for your builder to make the necessary repairs and avoid legal action...

Sincerely,
Keith Smith, SIRP Program Specialist

WOOHOOOOOO!!! So basically, they have to repair our home and foundation or we are taking them to court. Of course, there really isn't anything basic about the court system, but at least we have done all the steps that were required of us and finally we can move forward. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support...we really needed them!

Prego Pics

2009-05-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

So mostly this is just for my sister who I'm sure is getting tired of hearing me complain about putting on the prego weight and wanted proof. Here it is...sorry the first one is blurry.

Side view...ignore the shadow cast and you can see the belly.

Drew had to get in on the action and since he wouldn't stop sticking his tongue out I figured, "if you can't beat em', join em'."

Our Newest Addition

2009-05-02T08:59:00.001-05:00

So this is old news to most of you but my family hasn't seen pictures of the new car, so here they be. It's a 2004 Chrystler Town & Country (yes I know they just claimed bankruptcy...don't even get me started!) platinum touring edition (it has fun bells and whistles) and the kids love their "new grey car" instead of the "old blue car". We're pretty happy with it too...I have to say my all time favorite is not having to bend over anymore to buckle the kids in their car seats.

Our Christmas Top Ten List

2009-04-03T15:45:00.001-05:00

Number 1

Getting to spend so much time with family...

I love this picture of Aunt M with Nate...And for the observant reader, yes that's rock band to the right and yes we played it everynight into the wee hours of the morning.

Number 2

2009-04-03T15:23:00.002-05:00

Getting to visit the pacific ocean not once, but twice!

The first time we got to spend it with Eddie and his family over in Aptos. Aren't they cute?

It was fun to have everyone there and I wish I had thought to get a group shot, but I thought this was beautiful of J & C.

The second trip was to a beach in Venice, CA and it was gorgeous! Words do not even express the beauty and fun we had that day. Here is a slideshow to demonstrate but a few of those moments:

Number 3

2009-04-03T15:12:00.001-05:00

Spending Christmas day with family and friends in Cali!

Seriously, it was so amazing getting to spend so much time with Eddie's family. And to have the little kiddos running around with M and the family dog Belle was priceless. We had already opened our presents before we left so we wouldn't have to haul them there and back, so I was a little worried about what their experience would be like on Christmas day, but it was overwhelming! The generosity and kindness and love was just tangible. Thank you Haws family for making our Christmas so wonderful.

J and S came to join us as well and brought their little dog that I can't remember her name...but regardless the kids loved her!

J and C and the elders who were so lucky to spend Christmas morning with us.

Grandpa and the boys.

Number 4

2009-04-03T15:09:00.000-05:00

Getting back into my wedding dress after 6 years!

Too bad I still don't have a picture in front of the temple...but at least I know it can be done now.