Just Another Hazy Day

Quilting

2012-02-01T21:26:00.002-06:00

For Christmas Justin got me a new quilting ruler from a quilting blog I love to read. www.sewkindofwonderful.blogspot.com. When I discovered the blogger Jenny Pedigo was creating this new curve ruler I wanted it! I finally had some extra cash to get some fabric to experiment with the ruler. Here is what you can create with it. I am going to put more sashing around it to make it a little bigger but I love it. It wasn't too difficult to get the hang of sewing the curves just took a few tries. If you love to quilt check out her blog.

WOOT WOOT, EMMA!!!

2011-12-07T17:44:00.004-06:00

I am so thankful for our church's youth programs! Emma is a part of a Young Womens organization and they offer a program called Personal Progress. In this program there are 8 values which are: Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virture. Within each value there are items of scripture study and some type of project to do. These projects are large such as making a quilt...something that would take 10 hours to complete. Emma and I started talking about her attempting a quilt several months ago when I was making a few. I showed her a few patterns she could make with the scraps I had and she decided it was something she wanted to do. At first she was really excited and had a great start. After a few hours of working on it she was tired and we put it away. She got it out several other times and worked on it a few hours at a time. In the end I am certain this took her more than 10 hours...probably more like 20 but she finally did it. I told her at the beginning that if she could piece a twin sized quilt top that I would foot the bill to have it machine quilted. I figured piecing it was hard enough for a very beginner sewer that the machine quilting might be incentive enough to finish it. 192 squares=384 triangles! WOW! I showed her how to make the half square triangles and off she went. I tried to teach her about piecing as she went and she caught on fairly well...that is not to say we didn't have to pick apart several stitches! When she was finished with the triangle squares we picked a fabric for the sashing and I helped her figure that out. I have to say she did 95% of this quilt...there were times of frustration where I stepped in and helped her out. I hope she enjoyed doing it and having me help her. She was so excited when I picked it up from the quilters, she was giddy. I did the binding on it last night and she sat with it for the rest of the night.

She did this for the value of Individual Worth...she has tons of worth!!!

So proud of her hard work!
The whole thing! I am in love with it as much as she is!
Way to go Emma!!! I love you!

Piano-before

2011-10-19T20:19:00.003-05:00

This is our new piano...well, new to us. I wish I was better at before and after photos but I always seem too anxious to get started that I don't take the time to shoot pictures. It was a typical 1980's oak piano. It was in good shape but I wanted to paint it so it would flow with the rest of my house. I thought...black, cream, green or blue but since I don't play and Emma and Justin do their vote won out. Black. Here is a pic without the tip piece. I started taking it apart and discovered that all the front pieces either lift off or unscrew and ended up with the whole front bare with just the inside keys and mechanisms showing. I also ended up taking off the harp like piece down by the pedals, I thought it looked better without it.

It was very dusty so I took time to clean it and vacuum out the pianos crevices. I found some interesting things inside...most of the things didn't surprise me like a pencil, paperclip, pennies, whole punches and paper. But there were a few things that I thought were funny...a drill bit, hey, how did that get in there? And dry oatmeal??? As in not cooked, I can just see my in-laws a bit younger: one at the piano practicing and the other stirring a bowl of oats getting ready to cook it and spilling as they are looking over the shoulder of the other at the piano...anyway I thought it was funny.
I took each key out and cleaned it and vacuumed under it. Cleaned the dust off the felts and put it back together. It was so fun! I tried to talk Justin into getting a piano hammer to tune it ourselves but he declined and eventually I will call someone. We do have a sticky key I tried to fix but I think I need a new felt and I don't want to take it apart again and get felt and then have it still stick so when it is tuned then we will get the sticky key fixed.

After pictures...next post!

Piano-after

2011-10-19T19:39:00.006-05:00

OK!!! Here it is! I sat for a while in the living room after we put it in the living room and just looked at it. (well, it took me a few days to get it back together but then I sat) I love how it turned out. My in-laws graciously gave the piano to us. Justin grew up playing it. I had been looking for one for a while and never found one I liked enough to buy. When they offered this one to us I said no because they live in Washington but then my father-in-law was coming this way to go hunting and he said he would bring it to us.

I am glad I went with the black because it really fits my house. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought. With some sanding blocks, tsp cleaner, spray paint (love spray paint) and some polyurethane I was set. As I started to take a few pieces off the piano I realized that most of the front comes off. Once I got everything off and sanded the painting part was easy. We have a lot of construction around us so the hardest thing was keeping it clean between coats. 3 coats of paint and 3 coats of poly and done.

I made this new book stand which I learned is really called a desk. I am not loving it but for now it is going to stay. The original had some cut outs that looked like a t-shirt and then my husband mentioned that the other cut outs where shaped like duck feet and then I really wasn't sure I could look at the desk the same again, hence the new one. I have another vision that I may try later but for now this one is it.
I have been looking at this fabric for a while now wishing I had a great living room chair to recover...but I don't. I was thinking of using it for my dining chairs as well and I think I still might. I thought it would be perfect on the bench to bring in some more green to my living room and it looks great! It is a great shade of green but you can't tell in the picture.

On the original there was a harp looking piece with gold rods running through it down by the pedals that I took off. I thought it looked too 80's and I wanted to bring the piano into 2011's. Now it is just a flat piece that looks cleaner.

Some new vinyl signs...

2011-10-06T16:51:00.001-05:00

Got to

www.sayings4life.blogspot.com

if you want to order just send me an e-mail.

Routine...

2011-09-19T11:05:00.002-05:00

So school has started and all is good. The boys are going to a brand new school this year that is just down our street at the bottom it out hill. They ride their bikes so in the morning it is a quick trip but at the end of the day when they are tired the uphill ride is a little harder. As soon as the snow comes I will drive them but for now they don't complain. They seem to be enjoying their teachers and classmates. The only complaint is the assigned seating at lunch. This year they have a before lunch recess instead of an after lunch recess which is great, why didn't anyone think of this before. You see with the after lunch recess all the kids eat three bites of lunch and throw the rest away so they can play. This way they are a little worn out and sit and eat all their lunch. My boys have even asked for an extra sandwich at times. Emma is in her last year in Junior High and she loves it. It is all about the socialization at this age. She isn't the biggest fan if homework but she doesn't it without complaint. She is in a peer-tutor class where she assist Autistic and mentally handicapped children and I think it is her favorite class. She loves interacting with the kids. She is growing up so fast and before I blink I am sure she will be dating and driving and worrying me to death. As for me, I am enjoying the quiet...noise makes me so anxious! I am working Monday afternoons and Thursday and Friday nights. I am hoping to pick up more days or find another part-time something for days. I have done a little sewing but not as much as I have liked. You would think my house would be spotless but it isn't. I am working on some new vinyl lettering signs to advertise for the holidays...one is so awesome I am hoping it will get me some Christmas money with the holiday orders. Other than all these things are lives are pretty normal...for now.

Alexism...

2011-08-18T14:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I can't wait for Alex to grow up just to see what he will be like...

Alex: Mom, when are we going to move again?

Mom: Never!

Alex: Well, that's bad news!

Mom: Why?

Alex: Because I always wanted to live in Hollywood!

TOO FUNNY!

Random stuff...

2011-07-17T23:20:00.006-05:00

Here is the quilt I made for a friend. It is one of my favorites...I know I always say that but this one really is. I told Justin today that I want to make another one like this and hang it in my upstairs hallway...that you can see from the front door...I have been thinking of something to put there and a quilt seems perfect. We will see. I am out of fabric at the moment but maybe in August I can get some and start another one.

Here is a picture of the blessing dress I made for my niece. It wasn't quite finished in the picture and I didn't take my camera to the blessing to get one of her in it but it turned out so cute. I finished the band with a flower and made a headband with a flower to match. She is a cute little one and has a one of a kind dress to keep forever.

This month Alex went to Scout day camp and Justin got to go with him. He had a great time and got do do some fun things. He is such a handsome boy and he just might sail right past Dylan in the height department this year.

Well the boys played city baseball and made it to the State Tournament. Unfortunately they didn't go very far. Their season this year started out rough. They only had a few returning players and several who had never played. I think we lost the first 4 or 5 games and then made a great comeback that took us to State. We won the first game of the Tournament and then the second game was a big bummer...the pitcher on the other team kept hitting our boys and really shook them. Dylan got hit in the elbow of his pitching arm and still has a pretty good sized bruise. So we lost that game and the one that followed putting us out of the Tournament. We are so proud of the boys anyway. They had so much fun and by the end of the season have made so much improvement that next season should be a great one. Way to go Dylan and Alex!!!

More sewing...it's an illness!

2011-07-07T00:05:00.002-05:00

So with the scraps I had from the first quilt I made I made this one...so I has to pick up a little more fabric in the end but it was worth it! I couldn't decide what to do with this one so I washed it a few times and it now has a home on my couch. I love the bright cheerful colors! It makes me feel good just looking at it.

Here is the whole thing. It is so much better in person!

This one I made for a nephew that is getting married in a few weeks. I loved the fabric and just had to have it. I was going to keep this one for my bed but soon realized I didn't have time to find something new to make so...this one goes to Remington and Megan who will be married in August. I hope they love it as much as I do. The lady who machine quilts for me was loving it too and even asked me to explain how I pieced it. She said I did a good job which was a compliment seeing as she quilts 20-30 quilts a week. I have learned a few things from her as well. I even told her if she ever needed another hired hand to give me a call.

I made this one extra big...I wasn't really thinking about how big it would become, I only wanted to have an odd number of stripes so I had to add an extra one to make it the same design on both ends. It isn't quite a king but it would fit one. Next time I will cut the pendants down just a bit. I really love this one so much I really am thinking of making one for my bed. this fabric also comes in a orange, brown, blue combo that is beautiful.
With the left overs from this one I made another one that is being quilted. When I get it back and bind it I will post the pics. I made it for a friend I have been thinking about lately...what better comfort than a quilt, good book and maybe some chocolate!

More sewing and Bargains...

2011-06-05T22:21:00.007-05:00

I was at the thrift store last week and I ran across this serger...there was no price on it so I carried it around the store for a while debating on whether or not I should ask about the price. Now, I already have a serger but it has been the biggest pain ever since I got it about 10 years ago. It was a floor model and was a good price but it has never worked all that well and when I think of getting it out to use it sometimes I don't bother and use an inside hem instead. It skips stitches and the tension is always off and the thread breaks a lot. I have seen sewing machines at the thrift store and they are always around $30-$40. Sergers are generally more expensive new so I wasn't sure about it. It is a Juki and that is a great industrial sewing machine brand. While waiting in the line to ask the manager the price a women came up and said that she had lost her purse (bad for her, good for me) and the manager seemed so flustered trying to help her that when I asked the price he said $5. Thats right $5!!! I almost jumped for joy. I was thinking I would offer him$10 knowing that he wouldn't take it but I waited on him while he thought about it. $5 is a great deal, unless it didn't work. So finally today I got around to cleaning it up and threading it. It was perfect! I had to mess around with the tension a bit but other than that it was great, even the blade was sharp! I am keeping this baby and the other one it going on ebay! So excited and I even have a blessing dress to make soon that I am going to use it for.

This is a baby quilt I made a few weeks ago for a girl at work. I really love this fabric and had been wanting to use it and thought this was the perfect project for it. It turned out really cute and I whipped it out in about 3 days with piecing and hand quilting. I have another similar one in the works along with a queen sized one for my nephew and his bride who are getting married in August. I will post pics of it when it is done. I love it so much I am going to make myself one just like it.

Drawing to a close...

2011-05-04T08:54:00.003-05:00

As school is nearing an end for the year...only 22 days left...I am glad. I love school and the fact that my kids have some place to go every day to learn and play. I also see them getting tired. I have one that would totally sleep in if he could. I end of having to wake him every morning and it is an effort for him to get out of bed. I also want them to have the break that they deserve after being in school for 9 months and doing so well. Even though we don't have any solid plans for the summer besides chillin' I am glad for the break. We will bowl, swim and just hang out. No where to be at a certain time and just going with the flow. I also know that come August we will all being dying of boredom but that comes with summer. I hope that as my kids are getting older that they don't demand more out of summer. I am so proud of them...

Hobbies and Passion

2011-04-27T15:54:00.002-05:00

Well, when we moved I told Justin all I wanted to do was to quilt. I really haven't had much opportunity since being here but recently I have been able to sit down and work on a few things. I made a queen size quilt for my niece who got married last week and then from the scraps I made another one with a different pattern. Now I must say I am obsessed with looking at quilting fabric and patterns. I love them all I only wish they weren't so expensive. I have plans for 3 more that I hope I can start working on soon. I have been sewing for about 24 years and I love it. Sometimes I make things even though I have no one to give them to. I have even run into people from the past and they tell me that I made their baby a quilt or outfit...I can never remember them but it makes me feel good. Here is a picture of the one I just finished...

Alexism

2011-04-08T19:59:00.003-05:00

So Alex and I have been fighting with allergies this week...Scotchbroom!!! He has been coughing a little and has a stuffy nose. I asked him if he wanted any medicine for his stuffy nose and he said no, he could still breathe out of one NOZZLE! He is so funny!

Working...

2011-03-30T23:49:00.003-05:00

So I am a working mom again! It was so nice to have a year off with the move and getting established here in Utah. I started looking for a job in September and really didn't find anything much that would fit my schedule with the kids. I did apply for quite a few jobs in hopes that something would turn out and even had an interview or two but no offers. So by February I was discouraged and wasn't looking very much. One day out of the blue I sat down at the computer and looked on the LDS website for jobs...I looked there a lot...and saw an opening for housekeeping at the LDS Draper Temple. I applied and the next day got a phone call for an interview. Two days after the interview I was called back for another interview and two days later I was employed. When we moved here I had told Justin that I thought that that would be great job and even saw an opening about 6 months earlier but my recommend had expired and you have to have one to apply and I didn't feel right about applying and then running out and getting it. Anyhow, I started mid February and I love it. The hours are a little rough (9:30pm-1:30am) but I am getting used to it. I was hired to work two days a week but have been working 5 for the last 6 weeks and this is my first week at only 2 days and I have to say that I have missed it this week. It is a calm place to work and strange at the same time. I have been in every single room in the Temple and I am starting to feel at home when I am there. In fact it is like being at home, when I see something out of place I fix it, even if it is just a chair that has been moved or a tissue box that is in the wrong spot. I am loving the people I work with and it has been an easy transition back into the workplace. There are five employees and the rest of the work is done by volunteers. So every night we have between 10-30 people come to clean. I supervise their work and together we get the Temple ready for the next day. I am amazed at what can be accomplished in just 3 hours. We vacuum the whole temple, all the restrooms are cleaned and there are 18 of them, every surface is dusted or cleaned, door handles, scriptures cleaned, floors mopped, things are stocked, fingerprints are wiped away...then when all the volunteers leave we walked around and do a final check to make sure things are done. A lot of the time I am alone and things are quiet...this is a great time to think and just be peaceful. I am always telling Justin that I just want to have a peaceful home which isn't always the case with kids, so when I am in the Temple and all is quiet I find that peace. I have even sat down a time or two for a few minutes just to take it in. Glad to be going tomorrow!

Add-on from the last post...

2011-02-28T22:32:00.001-06:00

I talked to my sister who talked to my dad who talked to my Grandma...she read my blog and said I got all the details right but I left out the fact that she was in her PJ's and house shoes...

Thanks Grandma for the laugh!

My Grandma...

2011-02-17T13:49:00.004-06:00

So my Dad called me today to tell me what my 86 year old Grandma was up to. Let me preface this by saying not long after Thanksgiving she slipped and fell outside on the ice. The doctors told her if she ever fell she would break her hip so when she fell she thought...I must have broken my hip...so she went to the hospital...nothing broken just bruised. Ok, on to the story. My Grandma lives in Massachusetts and they have had a lot of snow so she asked the newspaper people to deliver her paper to the neighbors and the other day she saw it sitting on the icy driveway. She told herself she was not going to walk out and get it so instead decided she would get in the car and drive down the driveway and get it. So off she went but the newspaper was on the wrong side of her car so she turned the car around and backed up the driveway...overshot the newspaper and tried again. This time the newspaper was in reach or so she thought. As she leaned out the car to get it she reached a little to far and fell right out of the car and then watched as the car drove away, across the street and into a snow bank. She laughed and decided she had better crawled to the car instead of trying to walk to it. She did and got in and backed back up the driveway and into the garage. Sucess!!! I can just imagine her laying on the driveway laughing, she has such a positive attitude. She always tells me that if you think positive then good things will happen. If only I could be as positive!

Alexism

2011-01-13T10:36:00.001-06:00

Alex has been bugging me for the last few weeks to get him into see the dentist...I had an appointment and then had to reschedule twice and his patience was waning. I took him on Tuesday and this morning (Thursday) he asked when was his next dentist appointment. I said in about 6 months and he replied...maybe I could go on my birthday, that would be so fun! OK...whatever floats your boat? He is such a funny kid!

Graphic...Rated PG13 material, so if you have a queasy stomach don't look!

2010-12-17T17:29:00.005-06:00

So the past few weeks have been difficult for our family, especially Justin. The Sunday after Thanksgiving he walked out of my sister's house and slipped on the icy stairs and went up in the air and landed on his back. The small of his back and right between the shoulder blades. We went to the doctor a few days later and this is what he looked like...

Then a few days after that we went to get an x-ray and he looked like this...and actually it got worse than this. It wrapped around his belly around front. It was very disturbing to look at, like someone took a baseball bat to his back.

So after the x-ray the doctor suggested that he see a spinal specialist but that she didn't really see anything wrong. Breathe...then after another week of not getting better he went to see the specialist. He said he thought there was something broken and ordered another set of x-rays and an MRI. So while driving home from the MRI place yesterday this happened...

ARRGGHHHH! He feels like screaming and so do I. Could things get any worse? Well, yes. They put him on temporary disability at work until he can return at 100% workablility. We aren't sure when that will be. After 4 weeks he goes down to 60% salary...yikes! We are hoping and praying for the best! What else could possibly go wrong? Well, I ran out of gas today and I thought I was going to have a coronary until I realized it was just an empty tank. Exhale!

The Guest Room is now open!

2010-12-17T00:16:00.003-06:00

Our guest room in the basement is finished and ready for visitors. There is no door knob, no baseboards and no closet doors but it is still visitable. There is a place to hang your clothes.

I am a bargain hunter and I got some great deals for this room. I think it is the best shopping I have done in a long time. Bed, mattress and box spring, dresser, mirror and nightstand for a whopping $107. I had the bedding and things to look pretty on the dresser. The only thing I am missing is a lamp and for now one will just get borrowed from another room. Part of me wished I could buy furniture and refinish and make money...but the other part of me says too much work and mess so I just do it for myself. I repainted the bed, dresser and nightstand to be a little shabby but with a modern twist. The mirror was just plan wood and I used a stencil and some spackle to make a raised design then did some distressing and I think it is so cute. You can't really appreciate it in this picture.

The bed was pine and I took off the wood scroll and painted it brown.
Vinyl! I love doing vinyl and making cool things. I had a friend want these chandeliers and after making them for her this week I decided that they would look cute in the guest room. It is an easy solution for hanging something or buying something. I love it!
So, if anyone is ever in Utah and needs a place to stay...come over to our house!

I wonder...

2010-12-14T09:49:00.004-06:00

I wonder what my kids think when they finally leave for school in the morning? How many times have I asked them to get their shoes on? Or to put their homework in their backpacks...Come on, let's get going! Hurry Up! Did you brush your teeth? No? why not? Go back upstairs and brush your teeth. You don't have any clean pants???? Did you check the laundry room??? See you do have clean clothes. What? You forgot to do a page of your homework? I asked you yesterday if you had homework and you said no. Get it out and try to do it before you have to leave. Yes, you have to ride your bike today, I have the baby (I watch) and it is a nice morning...soon it will be snow covered and I will drive you then. No, I am not afraid for people to see me in my PJ's when I drop you off at school. There are things for breakfast just not your favorite...I will get more this week. You need lunch money? AHHHHH! Ok, I will put some in your account.....and it goes on.

I swear I talk more in that hour in the morning than I do all week. I am sure when they leave they are as relieved as I am to have them out of the house. I really don't understand why this ritual every morning is so stressful. I need to take a nap now!

Dylanism...

2010-12-08T11:58:00.006-06:00

I had to write this down before I forgot it...

So with two active boys in the house we often find ourselves smelling terribly stinky feet or stinky hair after an afternoon outside. Our mudroom smells horrible and I need to get an air freshener for it. So this morning in the car on the way to school I told the boys they are going to have to bathe more...this is not an option anymore! And I asked Dylan if he would like me to get him some deodorant and he quickly said "YES!" and Alex said he wanted some too...OK, couldn't hurt. Under Dylan's breath I heard him say, "I am a grown man now!"

HAHAHA, he's 10. It was so funny.

Young Women in Excellence

2010-10-20T21:49:00.003-05:00

Tonight at church the Young Women's group had their Young Women in Excellence Program. This is the first year for Emma to be in Young Womens and we are so proud of her. She has made great friends and her leaders are great too. They did a spoof on the Oscar's...they called it the Torch Awards and each girl was videoed doing something they love such as jump roping, playing the piano, playing soccer and so on. Emma and her friend Sam played a duet on the violin and viola. They did great. We are so proud of Emma and the choices she makes daily. Some of the girls got together after school to crimp their hair. Then she came home and got dressed in a semi formal dress we picked up at a Thrift store (they really didn't want us to go spend money on a fancy dress). I even let her wear mascara...which in my house you have to be 14 for. She looked beautiful! I think I am rambling...but I just want her to know we love her and are very proud.

You're doing better than you think you are!

2010-09-20T14:16:00.003-05:00

So we had Stake Conference a week ago at church and one of the speakers was Sister Julie Beck. I must admit that from the beginning her talks have left me uninspired. I don't know about you but I like to leave feeling good about myself and not the other way around. Well this last week was the same. Her theme...You are doing better than you think you are...and she spoke about this for several minutes and then she said...(why does there always have to be a BUT) BUT, you could do better than you are doing...I just wanted to crumble in a ball and cry. What happened to you're doing great, keep it up! Make all you can of your day! Go you!!! Anyway on to my point...

I was at Walmart today and I heard a not very happy child which isn't unusual but this was a little different. This child was screaming like someone was hurting her. She was hitting her mom and tearing her glasses off her face. Swinging her arms and screaming, did I say screaming? At one point her mom sat down right on the floor on the frozen food isle and put her head in her hands and cried herself. She also had another child with her who was crying as well. I wanted to help but you never know how that will be received? After a few minutes she got up, child still screaming and walked to the checkout. I circled around trying to think of something to say to help but then the child stopped. I think she was exhausted. The mom picked her up and hugged her. I went down to the other end of the checkout to...checkout and as I was paying I saw she was walking my way to leave. As I walked out behind her I just couldn't let her leave without telling her she did good. She didn't scream at the child, she didn't spank her, she kept her composure the whole time. I can't say that I could have. So as we got out of the store I approached her and told her what a great job she did, that she handled it perfectly! She handed me a look of defeat and sighed with a grateful "Thank You" as she stroked her daughters hair. We talked for a few minutes and both parted to walk to our cars which happened to be parked beside each other. I got into my car and waved, she waved back and smiled.

YOU ARE DOING BETTER THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE...NO BUTS ABOUT IT!

Summer Fun Part IV

2010-09-15T15:09:00.003-05:00

Wildlife...we saw so many things. I had a running list but can't find it but let me see if I can remember. We saw many moose, elk, buffalo, geese, snake, cranes, fish, antelope...and more. We were lucky in Yellowstone since some of our family hadn't been there before...

moose at the river while fishing
hot tubbing!
Can you say bonfire??? The kids went out there one day and built a huge fire...SMORES!!!
washing the four wheelers
Family pic in front of Old Faithful.

We had fun just being together and are looking forward to next time.

Summer Fun Part III

2010-09-15T14:49:00.002-05:00

So we also had a Riggs Family Reunion. We went up to a cabin in Island Park, ID. We played games, hot tubbed, Yellowstone, and just hung out. We had so much fun playing outdoors and just spending time together. We missed Freddy and Nancy but are hoping next time they will be able to come. My pics loaded backwards and I am not going to start over so...

Here is my dad watching the kids fish...nice hat, my dad has a style all his own.
Dylan and Matthew at the river
Horseshoes!
Four wheeling was a big success...I think they could have done it all day long every day!
Getting ready!

Summer Fun Part II

2010-09-15T14:22:00.003-05:00

More of the Hayes Family Reunion...

Family Home Evening
Playing in the sand
Emma wake boarding...go Emma!!!

Summer Fun Part I

2010-09-15T11:27:00.002-05:00

This summer we had many things going on...We had a Hayes Family Reunion at Bear Lake and we had a great time! We had a day of family games and everyone had a great time. We played red rover, water ballon toss, squirt gun war and many others.
Squirt gun war...
The kids got to make a t-shirt and they turned out great. Instead of tie-dye, they rubber banded their shirts and used spray paint. So much less mess and they had fun. I was surprised at how much they looked like tie-dye. They are still soft and washed great.
We rented a boat for the day and some tubed while others wake boarded...or at least some of us tried to wake board. It has been a long time since my kids have been on a boat and they enjoyed it. Bear lake was beautiful and clean. We were there all day and only walked away with the slightest of sunburns. There were sand castles and moats and water guns.
We also had family pics taken. I haven't seen all of them both they turned out good. I can't wait to get the proofs so I can see how they all turned out. Here is Grandma and Papa with all the grandkids. We have added 5 peeps to our family since our last pictures. Amazing how they change in just a few years.

We had a great time thanks to Melanie who planned this year!!!

Alexism

2010-08-25T22:40:00.003-05:00

I can't resist the funnies that come out of Alex's mouth...

Emma and Alex were talking about paint and stuff (a popular topic since the last 2 weeks I have been painting the basement) and Emma said something about plaster. Alex asked what plaster was and then under his breath said, "Man I have a lot to learn."

I love him and he keeps us laughing!

just a few more...

2010-05-12T22:15:00.002-05:00

not so good with the blog...here are more pics

2010-05-12T22:11:00.003-05:00

Our new house...

2010-05-12T22:03:00.002-05:00

Here are some pics of our new house. We really love it and are feeling at home here. I have slowly been putting my mark on decorating it but have come to a stopping point. I did the Living room, entry, Emma's room, kids bathroom, started the family room/dining/kitchen but haven't finished. I told Justin since we move rather often that this time I am going to try to get it all done the way I like in the first year or so so I can enjoy it before we move again. So far I have been pretty successful. For now this is it...more to come...

Things happen for a reason???

2010-04-16T08:38:00.004-05:00

I know that there is a plan for us but sometimes in short scheme of things this seems strange to me. I guess maybe in the short scheme things really don't matter. But here in the Hayes home we are struggling with a problem. You see our home in Katy never sold. It was under contract when we left for Utah and was supposed to close the same day our Utah house did. However, the sale fail thru due to the buyers who weren't really serious about the house that were trying to do something not very nice. Anyhow, because our company gave us the equity money a day before they backed out we were able to get our new house. But the problem lies in that we own 2 houses at the current time...which we don't want. Our company is taking over our payments and the costs of the home but our name is still on the deed. We did have another buyer this last week but they seemed to have backed out as well. I am getting very discouraged as well as worried about the situation. I know that if this didn't happen we wouldn't be were we are today, in a beautiful home and getting adjusted. We were fortunate in that we are together after 7 months apart from our daddy...so maybe that is why this happened. I still am confused about our house not selling, we have gotten such positive feedback since we put it on the market. So, if you think to include us in your prayers we would appreciate it. I will keep you posted. Thanks!

Getting settled

2010-04-02T19:35:00.002-05:00

So we are finally in our new house and have been for about a week. Things are getting into a normal routine and the explosion of boxes has been taken care of...mostly taken down the the basement for future explosions. The kids started school a few weeks ago and have had a great time getting to know friends and a new school schedule (much less hectic than Texas). I am starting to remember what it is like to live in Utah with all the LDS people around. That is a comforting thing. The kids have meet everyone on our block and discovered all the friends at school that live so close. So far we have experienced crazy weather...from sunny and 70 to snowing and 30. We also had a tremendous wind storm the other day and I had to go rescue the kids from the field with the car because it was too windy for them to even get on their bikes. I have been told that that was unusual for our area but it does get windy here. That is what happens when you are in the valley. We are also getting used to the house...there are no closets besides in the bedrooms (who builds a house without a coat closet?) And we are lacking a game room but there is a ton of storage in the basement so I guess that makes up for it. We are hoping to finish the basement one day but I don't think it is as much of a need as we thought it was going to be. Our Texas house was so completed as far a decorating goes that it will take a while for me to get things where I want them and to get used to the space here. I have a great kitchen with lots of space and I am loving that, except for when I have to clean it. I have found some great bargains on a few pieces of furniture and things and am excited to get it all together. For now it is one day at a time...I am hoping to have the house as clean as I can soon so I can take some pics and post a link for those who are interested in seeing where we live now. It has been so great being close to family and being able to do things with them. We can't wait to see more family soon. That isn't to say that I don't miss Texas, I do cry occasionally for the very reason that I am sad to have left my home and friends. This just doesn't feel like home yet and it will probably take a while. One day at a time.

Alexism and on the move

2010-03-10T07:43:00.005-06:00

So the movers came on Monday and packed the whole house in just over 4 hours. WOW! They came back on Tuesday and packed everything into the truck. That took almost 8 hours. But now I know how to pack, wrap and load. It was boring for Justin and I those two days but I am glad he was able to come home. I had a few items of business I had to get too those days so with him here it was easier. Today we are going to eat breakfast at IHOP. (One night I was tucking Alex into bed and he started to cry. I asked why he was crying and he said because you and daddy get to go to IHOP???) I laughed but he didn't appreciate that. So I told him we would go before we moved. Then we have to arrange our airplane backpacks with toys and entertainment and then leave Katy, TX forever. Ok, may be a little premature to say forever but I don't see us coming back here to live. I do hope to visit. As a matter of fact my 20th high school reunion is this summer and I am hoping to come for that. Anyway, we have enjoyed living in Katy. We have enjoyed our ward and hate to leave it. We have loved our home. We are looking forward to the future we will create in Utah. We are excited, nervous and sad all at once. So, ready or not here we come.

Alexism: yesterday when the kids got home from school the movers had already left and there was nothing left in the house and Alex came in and looked around and said, Wow it seems so empty...) Huh, Alex, maybe that is because it is empty.

One more...we checking into a hotel on Monday and the kids were excited because we don'tstay in them often at all. So upon inspection of it and the room Alex stated, "Now this is a life I could get used to."

HAHA, funny kid!

Hey Heather Hansen

2010-03-08T10:50:00.002-06:00

I would love to view your blog...send me an evite:

thehayes05@gmail.com

Thanks!!!

Into the final stretch...

2010-03-04T07:51:00.003-06:00

Justin comes home today, yea!!! We have a few things we need to get done on the house and then on to laundry and packing. I am so thankful that we have movers for this move. This process has already been stressful, I can't imagine having to pack the house and arrange to move the stuff myself. What a blessing. However, I do have to say that some of the stress comes from the relocation company, what a pain to deal with them...you can't do anything without their approval first, which means tons of phone calls and e-mails. (note to self..stop complaining!) We truly feel blessed with this opportunity and what it means for Justin's job and our family. We are so excited to be close to family and for our kids to have cousins to see on a regular basis. They haven't even complain about the move and the friends they will miss. It is all about how they will see cousins and make new friends. I am so thankful for that! We are excited that this time next week we will be in Utah. That the hard part will be over. We will be together again as a family. We should be in our new home the last week in March and then the unpacking begins. I am excited for that, it gives me yet another excuse to purge. Well, more to come on the saga of our move later. I hope getting into the new house goes smoothly and we can start to relax a little but. So long for now...adios Houston, it has been great!

More...

2010-02-25T18:36:00.005-06:00

Well, it has been a very long few days as we have negotiated the inspection repairs...nothing too bad except that the people buying our home have been very hard to work with. We feel that we are giving our house away to a certain extent. We also feel that we need to be in Utah with Justin as soon as we can therefore we need to sell it. Turning their offer down and relisting crossed our minds a few times but the need to be together again was greater. So after all of the praying, pacing, not sleeping, not eating (no I didn't lose any weight), crying it is finally done. (the other day in the car we were talking about Emma wanting to be some kind of doctor when she is grown...I said she could be a psychiatrist and she said what is that? It is when you are having emotional problems or stress you go see someone to talk about your problems...Alex said, "that is what you need Mom, you are a very stressful person." He meant I was stressed out and he was right.) Papers have been signed by both parties and attorneys. I have to say that today was such a peaceful day. No thinking or worrying involved! Well on to bigger and better news. Justin and I put in an offer on a short sale home back in January. If you don't know, short sales can take a very long time and you may have several offers on one home. It can take months...several months. Well we saw this house when I went to Utah in January and we just loved it. We saw quite a few homes and this one stood out to us almost the minute we walked in. I told myself I didn't want the same type floor plan we currently have and this home is like that but it is different enough that it didn't even matter. It has enough finished bedrooms so we won't have to try to finish a basement to fit our needs. That in itself is exciting. So many homes had three bedrooms and unfinished space in the basement. Anyway, when we looked at I was dying, thinking no way can we ever get this house. When we got in the car and drove away our realtor said you would be crazy not to put in an offer. There was no risk involved because you can always get out of a short sale, almost to the last minute so we did it. Anyway it can take a long time to hear if the bank has accepted your offer, not to mention if there are multiple offers...well as crazy as this whole journey has been the day we got an offer on our house we found out that the bank accepted our offer on the Utah home. We are elated and can't contain our excitement to be back together in our own home. We are grateful to my sister for so willingly letting us stay with them for a while and I am partly sad because it probably will be a few days vs. a few months. But we will be close enough to jaunt over to one anothers houses for a visit. I also have another sister that lives overseas and they have a house in Utah that they will stay in during the summer...FUN!!! It'll all work out as Justin always says, not that I argue that but it seemed to have taken forever on this one! More to come...

House update...

2010-02-21T20:33:00.003-06:00

Well, we have a firm offer and papers have been signed. The only hinge now is the inspection. It was yesterday and I have not heard anything yet as to what if anything needs to be done. I am hopeful that there isn't anything that would jeopardize the sell. As of now the movers are scheduled to come on the 8th and 9th of March and we will leave the 10th or 11th. Everything is so confusing but we should have a more definite schedule later this week. I can't believe it is almost over...I can hardly wait for these next few weeks to pass. I will have to find something to keep myself busy. We are so excited to be in Utah near family and especially with our daddy. We have had a crazy 6 months. I have to say that my kids have handled it like champs and I am so proud of them. That isn't to say that we haven't had meltdowns but all in all we have been just fine. It will be nice to not have bedtime duty every single night, as a matter of fact I am thinking about taking a month off. Anyway we are happy to have this time almost past us. That's it for now..more updates to come.

No News is Good News???

2010-02-02T13:33:00.005-06:00

Whoever said no news is good news wasn't waiting on something. For us no news is bad news! Our house is still on the market without a whole lot of interest. We are starting to get nervous, anxious and just plain tired of waiting. We are going into month #6 without Justin home and I think it is wearing on all of us. Bad bedtime last night proves that theory...I want my daddy! Well, I want your daddy too! We are hanging on and praying that things will be looking bright soon. We did have some interest on the house last week but they ended up buying another house. We are hopeful that there will be someone else who loves our home. In the meantime we have placed an offer on a home in Utah that we will be sad to lose it if we can't sell our in the next few weeks. It is a short sale home and one that would be perfect for our family. It has enough finished room that we wouldn't have to rush to finish a basement. Short sales are hard to get but for some reason this one seems to be a piece of cake. I hear stories of it taking people months and months to get a short sale home. This house only had one other offer on it and the bank counter-offered and the buyer backed out. So we are the only offer in the running and that is a big bonus for us. So it is all still a waiting game. That is the update thus far, when there is more news I will pass it on...

Alexism...

2010-01-28T15:05:00.003-06:00

I can never resist these little Alexisms...he is just so sweet!

The other night at about 3am Alex wandered into my room...he said, "Mom, I am lonely. Move over."

Since Justin is still working out of state it is easier for me to let the kids bunk with me when they need to. Alex is a hard one because his arms and legs tend to always drift to my side but that night I just couldn't send him back to his bed. He was after all lonely at 3am. I can't wait until he grows older to see how he turns out. He is certainly a lover and not a fighter!

Visitors

2010-01-17T21:36:00.003-06:00

So I popped on today to check the blog and to read others and I noticed an odd happening...there are about 25 visits today according to our daily map of visitors, most of which are out of the country. This is strange because we really don't have that many regular visitors. There were visitors from places such as Malaysia, Chile, the UK, Moscow, Germany, Mexico, Ecuador, Portugal, Costa Rica, Spain and several places in the US. So I am not sure why we were so interesting today but glad everyone stopped in.

Alexism...

2010-01-05T20:24:00.004-06:00

So today after running errands and visiting with friends I had a migraine. I took some medicine and a hot shower and took a nap and then was feeling a little better but still a little nauseous. So I told the kids I didn't feel well and that they needed to go to bed nicely and be quiet in their beds. Alex told me, "you'll feel better tomorrow and who knows it may be your lucky day!"

He always makes me feel better!!!

House is on the market...

2009-12-22T22:22:00.002-06:00

So I pushed for the house to be on the market before Christmas. I am not sure why but I guess because this whole things has taken so long that I wanted to if I could. Here is the link for anyone that is interested. If anyone knows anyone that needs to buy a house in Katy, TX I have the house for you!

http://search.har.com/engine/dispSearch.cfm?MLNUM=68631145

We hope it gets some activity after Christmas, we will let you know.

Moms gone loopy...

2009-12-19T22:14:00.002-06:00

So this Christmas since we are going to have our house on the market I asked the kids if it would be ok to just have lights and ball ornaments on the tree. They said yes and we then decided to string Fruit Loops to go on it as well. I have yet to find a tree topper that I love and every year seem to go with the bow thingy at the top. So tonight while I pondered this I decided I would attempt a tree topper out of Fruit Loops...here are the results. I will post tomorrow after we finish decorating it. I must say that I love it and I think it is perfect for our loopy family.

Alexism

2009-12-19T20:28:00.001-06:00

I have been asking Alex what he wants for Christmas and he says he doesn't really know. Last week he said he would have to think about it. Today I asked again and he said, "it doesn't matter as long as Santa bring me something I will be happy!" This is so Alex, he is always happy whenever he gets something, it doesn't matter what it is.

El Camino

2009-12-19T17:05:00.004-06:00

Emma and I were driving today and she saw an El Camino. She asked "What is that car/truck thing over there." I said, "That is an El Camino, they came out in the 70's and were way popular." Her response, "That is so awesome!" I thought that was funny.

Oh, and Dylan today said he wanted a leather jacket for Christmas and leather pants to go with it! :)

Wish list

2009-12-16T17:29:00.002-06:00

Don't know how many of you have Qubo. It is a channel on TV that we just started getting with the DTV conversion. Basically it has kids program and infomericals. My kids see all kinds of things they want and things they think I want. Alex once told me I need the miraculous neck cream for my neck wrinkles...thanks Alex. I also needed a rotating curling iron thing because my hair gets smashed between two hot plates when I use my flat iron. So on Dylan's wish list, #9 says this:

Wandarama fun kit dubllit pleece

I am not sure what a wandarama fun kit is and it took me a few minutes to catch what dubllit pleece meant. You know if you order now they will "double it"...

HAHAHAHAHA, thanks Qubo!

MOVING...

2009-12-09T14:10:00.003-06:00

Well, it is official, we are moving to Utah. This is both exciting for me and a little sad at the same time. My kids are thrilled and excited to be closer to cousins. I am hoping to get my house on the market in the next week and see what happens. I hope it doesn't take too long to sell as we are missing Justin and he won't be coming back here to live. He officially starts his job on the 4th of January so until then he is a temporary employee. He will be home for Christmas and we are all happy about that. This is a great opportunity for him and his career and we are all happy that this has finally happened! There are some things I will miss about Houston. I try not to think to much about it because I tend to get weepy. So here is a small list of some of the things I will miss...

* the ability to drive past my childhood home even though no one I know lives there anymore it is still a comfort

* the great family and church friends I have and have made since living here for the past three years

* the area of town we live in has been wonderful and we have had great neighbors and kids for my kids to play with

* I will be sad to leave behind my vinyl business and the contacts and customers I have made and become friends with. I know that I will still be doing this in Utah however I have several regulars that I will be sad to leave. And I am not sure to what level my business will grow there since there are so many already doing vinyl there

* I will miss my quarterly "Girls Night Out" with my high school buddies, we were very close in high school and even though we only see each other every few months it is sooooo fun to catch up and give and gain advice on marriage, parenting and life

* My house, I have really made it my own...okay I am sniffling now...and I hate to leave it since it really says who I am.

* Los Cucos but I am looking forward to Cafe Rio

* My brother, I don't see him all that often but I will miss our visits

* the ocean...I have always said people are either ocean people or mountain people...I am an ocean person moving to the mountains. I will learn to adjust.

* My sewing job. It is a no brainer and great money.

* The way I know my way around Houston...Utah has that grid system that seems so strange to me.

I am sure there are many other things but these are the things I have thought about recently.

There are things I am excited about moving to Utah and being close to my sister tops the list. We plan to stay with her a little while while we are house shopping. It will be so nice to actually see her regularly rather than talk to her several times a day on the phone. Justin also has some family there, a sister and her family and a brother and his family. We are happy to be close to them as well and be able to share fun things like holidays and birthdays and Sunday night dinners. I am anxious to see how it all turns out. I am hoping that my house sell quickly and that we can head to Utah in January some time.

We will miss you Katy, Texas (Houston) but Utah will be lucky to have us!!!

Good Fortune

2009-11-16T16:17:00.002-06:00

So we are still waiting for a job offer. They have extended Justin's temporary position until the offer comes or until the position ends. So I guess that still doesn't answer the question of whether or not we are moving. But a funny things happened to us the other day. Justin was home this weekend and we grabbed Chinese for lunch. He got the best fortune I have ever seen pertaining to someones life. It read:

"A good job and a comfortable salary will be yours."

All I have to say is bring it on...and hurry.

A cute one from Dylan...

2009-11-12T08:16:00.001-06:00

Just to start Dylan wears glasses...

The other day the kids were watching a movie with a friend. Dylan walked over to the TV and stood close to watch. The friend said, "Dylan you'd better sit down or your going to go blind." Dylan replied, "I already am blind."

Funny!
Posted by Stephanie at 9:11

Ready for an Answer!

2009-11-01T20:06:00.002-06:00

I'm quite nervous and excited about this week. I'm expecting a job offer to move my family back to Utah. This move is a little different than the one that took us from Seattle to Houston and I've really struggled with my emotions because of the stresses involved with work and of being away from home.

Since I've been here the company has made several "organizational changes". Every one of them has affected me though. The day after I got here they let one of the 2 buyers go, so instead of working on managing inventory I had to slide back into a buyer role. That was a totally stressful situation since I was buying commodities that I wasn't familiar with and for a product that I knew nothing about. Not only that but I had been away for my family for only a week, so home sickness and loneliness only compounded my emotional state.

Then just 2 weeks ago they let my 2 bosses go, the purchasing manager and general manager....both of whom had an instrumental role in getting and keeping me here. So now I'm totally alone and confused with only an unhappy controller and a distant wife to confide in.

I've been able to escape into the confines of my brother's house, which is in the middle of the Uintah Mountains at the Flaming Gorge National Park. The drive is not the most scenic, but there is abundant wildlife and abundant time for me to occupy my mind. In driving home today I was surrounded by snow covered peaks, deer, elk, pine trees, hay fields, rivers, streams, historic markers, geological phenomenon and lots of sagebrush. The thought came to me that this was the same area that I grew up in and would love to have my children experience. I think I came to the conclusion that this is where we need to be.

So how do you determine what's best for your family, I ask? Is it fasting and prayer? Is it common sense or familiar surroundings? Or is it both? I know people get their answers in different ways and at different times. For me it seems to come as I immerse myself in daily life and activities.

With Samantha being here with me last weekend I felt impressed that she needs to be close to her sister and that my kids need to be closer to their cousins. I've been telling myself that I want to be closer to family because I feel like we've been left out and/or forgotten and right now this is where most of our family is. It isn't the most convenient place for us, but Texas sure isn't.

Needless to say I'm looking forward to spending time in the Temple this week and to finally bring this soap opera of a "short term, temporary" job assignment to a close. And as I proofread this post I can only wonder if I've already made my choice and if it's the right one.

Can't resist...Alex is the funniest kid!

2009-10-12T11:30:00.003-05:00

So I am on the home stretch with the Super Saturday wood cutting. Alex was helping me wipe the saw dust off the blocks and then he started counting them. He made it over a hundred then quit. I told him there were about 350 blocks and he patted me on the back, then put his head on my side and said to me..."WOW, you must be one tired woman!" :)

One more...

2009-09-19T11:40:00.003-05:00

After all our morning chores Alex says he is "poofed!" As for me I am pooped!
HaHa!

One more "Alex"ism

2009-09-10T21:56:00.001-05:00

Today when we got in the car it was really hot and they boys asked me to turn on the air. I turned it on Hi and I heard Alex in the back say, "Now this is the life!"

I love him! He can always make me smile!

From the mouth of Alex

2009-09-09T07:19:00.002-05:00

So yesterday was the first day of Pre-K for me. Needless to say it was terrible! Crying kids, snot, small classroom and just plan disorganized. Anyhow...this morning I was getting ready for the day and was getting my shoes on and noticed something on my shoe. Here is how the conversation with Alex went:

Alex: Gross what is that?

Mom: I think its a smashed raisan.

Alex: Gross, how was snack time?

Mom: Terrible!

Alex: Food fight???

Mom: HAHAHAHAHAHA

He is pretty funny sometimes!

1 week down, 11 to go...

2009-09-07T20:57:00.001-05:00

Justin has been in Utah for a week now and we have been without a dad for a week too. Yesterday when Justin called and talked to Dylan, Dylan said he had forgotten he had a dad until he saw a picture of him on the refrigerator that morning. It made Justin sad but I thought it was funny. Dylan says funny things. He didn't really forget he just has been too busy to remember that Justin is gone. Emma said it is like he is just playing tennis every night. We actually have had a great week. We were gone every night except Monday so there really hasn't been much time to think about Justin being gone. Busy, Busy, Busy. This week will be no exception. I start Pre-K tomorrow and my class has 16 3 year olds...about 5 have turned 3 within the last 2 months. They are young, I am not sure what were are giong to do. Lots of playdough and stringing beads. Tactile stuff. I am not sure how much of the other things they will be interested in. It is a little scary for me since last year our classes were combined ages 3-5, so if you had a few three year olds in the class and they weren't interested in the activity they would just kinda do their own thing. But with them all being so young it will be interesting. Good thing it is only 2 days a week. The kids are doing well in school...Emma is having a hard time getting her homework done. Tonight as I was putting them to bed she said she forgot to do it. Maybe I am a bad mom but I can't remember to remind her. I have told her that this is her responsibility. I remind her when she gets home from school but Friday she said she would do it over the weekend...mistake. Anyway if they don't have it for school they get detention. This scares her to death. I said to her what if I can't come get you from detention...if I am working. Oh...tax payers dollars at work...there is a special bus that takes all the detention kids home. No wonder my property taxes are 3.5% aarrghhh! All in all we doing fine without Justin. We miss him and hope that he does a great job with this assignment. We hope that the loud refrigerator in his hotel will not keep him awake anymore. We hope he gets his fill of nature in case they don't offer him a permanent position. We also hope that he and we will be safe will he is away!

Family Update...

2009-08-31T21:42:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been a while since we have updated on the happenings of our family so here are a few things...

We had a great vacation to Utah this summer and the kids were so great and played so well with cousins. The kids and I stayed with my sister and did some fun things including: the new waterpark in Draper, bowling, Pioneer celebration with the fire department and lots of foam, open house at Oquirrah Mountain Temple, decorating the babies room (my sister is expecting) and just being together. Justin came and took the kids to his brothers and they hiked and fished and had a great time with Uncle Jared, Aunt Kellie, Morlie and Porter. I had a few days to myself with my sisters, Michelle and Stephanie. It has been hard the last few years to be far away.

For us this last week it has been back to school and getting into a routine. Emma started Junior High and seems to like it, which is a relief. Dylan is in 3rd grade and Alex in 2nd, their classrooms are next to each other which they were excited about. They both like school and can't wait to get to the bus stop in the morning.

As for me I haven't had much time to chill in the quiet house. I have been busy with vinyl and getting some shows together. I have had sewing and draperies to do. I am always happy to have the work. Pre-K starts next week and I will be working two days a week. We have a new director this year and it is going to be very different from last year so we will see how it goes. I am a little nervous about it.

Justin is off in Utah working for three months. He left Sunday so it has only been a day or so without him. I am sure after a few weeks I will be tired of being alone. There isn't much time for being lonely except when 9pm rolls around and the kids are asleep...at least I get the bed all to myself. His project is set to end Nov. 20th and then they will re-evaluate the department and then they will or will not offer him a permanent position. So much to think about. I am trying not to for the time being.

So for now we are just plugging along and trying to make things work. We are all well and happy and that is a lot to be thankful for!

Kitchen continued

2009-07-10T09:38:00.004-05:00

So I purchased a faucet off ebay a few months ago. We hadn't gotten around to installing it because...I don't know why. I guess I was waiting to decide on replacing the sink or not. Plus our old one was so corroded that it didn't look like it would be easy to remove. Well last night I turned on the faucet and the handle broke off in my hand. I guess I was tired because it too a few seconds to register what happened...I had a somethings not right about this feeling. So Justin and I pulled out the new one and got to work. It was hard to get the old one off, there just isn't a lot of space down there to work. The new one was easier to install that I thought. All in all I love the new one and I think the kitchen is coming along great. I think it will be a while until we do anything else but I am happy with the progress so far.

New facuet

Old faucet

Another phase of the kitchen

2009-07-05T16:22:00.003-05:00

After the floor was done I got to work on the island. I added beadboard to the island and painted it. I love it. I was never a fan of my backsplash and countertops but they look better with the black on the island and it ties it all together better. So even if I never get around to painting the rest of the cabinetry it will be ok. I am taking a break for now, it's too hot to do anything! Here are a few photos:

Infomercials...

2009-07-05T16:09:00.005-05:00

We do not have cable but since the digital conversion we have had some new channels to watch on TV. One of the kids channels has lots of infomercials. My kids favoritea are the ones for the Hover Disc, Bump Its and the "Instyler". So this morning I was fixin my hair for church and Dylan comes in and this is how the conversation goes...

Dylan: Mom, you really don't need to use your flat iron anymore, you need to get an Instyler.

Mom: Dylan, I like my flat iron.

Dylan: But with the Instyler you have evenly polished hair...it has a heated cylinder.

Mom: Oh.

Dylan: With yours your hair gets crushed between 2 heated metal plates and gets damaged.

Mom: I'll have to think about it. Then I made him repeat the info to Justin.

Then we laughed as he went out of the bathroom.

Here is one more. Alex was just talking about the "BumpIt" which is a hair device that you use to give you a bump in the back (like they did in the 60's) . Alex just told me that "you take your hair and tease it and then insert the BumpIt and lay your hair over it. It gives you extra high volume."

I think if they had access to a credit card they would have purchased these thing already. It is funny how convinced they are. FUNNY!

Kitchen Remodel Part 1

2009-05-24T19:25:00.010-05:00

About 2 weeks ago we decided we were going to tile our kitchen floor. We had nasty linoleum that always looked dirty and Samantha had saved up enough money to have it done. We started by ripping up the linoleum and that was no easy task! I hurt my knee and to this day it is still swollen and quite painful.

It took us about 1 full week to get the linoleum up. We had so much glue to scrape up. I think if we had used the toxic glue remover when we first started it wouldn't have been too bad, but SOMEONE said it wouldn't be too hard because they did it and it was easy. HA!

After we got the linoleum up we had the friend of a friend come over and lay the tile. What a great choice that was! He did an outstanding job and I would highly recommend him to any of our friends. So enjoy the pics. We love our new floor! The next project we tackle is going to be the cabinets. The Golden Oak doesn't look too hot with our new floor.

Here are some before, during and after pics.................

Shooting Down the Street

2009-05-24T18:32:00.002-05:00

I found out that living in the suburbs of a city with 11 million people doesn't exclude us from crime.

I went to go rent a movie and grab a refreshment beverage at the gas station down the street from our house Friday night. It was about 7pm and as I pulled into the gas station I noticed a commotion. A guy had just come running out of the store and ran over to this woman that was on the ground next to a parking space. I pulled in and parked my car.

When I got out the lady was screaming bloody murder. The boyfriend was leaning over her asking what happened and trying to calm her down. I asked if she was okay and he said that someone stole her car and had been shot.

Apparently the couple parked their car on the side of the building, but still in plain view of everything and everyone. The man got out and left the woman in the passenger side of the car while he ran in for a beer. He said that as he was going in the store the would be robber was coming out. The guy then ran over to the car, got in the driver side and told the woman to get out. The lady got out just like the robber demanded, but as she was getting out the guy shot her in the back/upper buttock.

So there I was, suddenly mixed in with the mayhem. The boyfriend was kind of in shock and he didn't know what to do. All of a sudden it was like all of my ER training, First Aid, and scout training took over. I told the boyfriend to hold the lady's head still, to keep her calm and not to let her move. I got the nearest bystander to call 911, which was kind of a regret because he spoke with a heavy indian accent and I could tell that the operator was having a hard time understanding him. I was able to get a clean rag from one of the store clerks and I applied pressure to the gunshot wound.

Within about 2 minutes, there were close to a dozen cops. A few of them took off down the road to see if they could find the guy, but they didn't really know where to look. The lady was starting to go into shock, so it was hard to understand her even though she was calming down. Finally the EMS people arrived and took over, gave her oxygen, neck collar and we put her on a backboard.

There was no exit wound and she had swelling and bruising in her belly so they called in Life Flight. I ended up being there for nearly 3 hours. I gave my statement, which wasn't much because I didn't really see anything happen. I guess I was just in the wrong place at the right time?

Having worked in an E.R. I've seen lots of stuff and been around a lot of different situations, but that was always after the event. I've never been in a situation where the event has just taken place. With that said, the gunshot wound was remarkably clean and very little blood coming from the wound. It looked like someone put a cigarette butt on her back. The edges of the skin around the wound were burned. It was very surreal. Needless to say I didn't sleep well that night.

So yesterday we took the kids to a play over where my wife teaches pre-k and the sister of the lady happened to be a volunteer over there. From what she said, her sister wasn't doing too good, but had made it out of the operation okay. She had to have her spleen fixed/removed, her uterus removed because the bullet had perforated it and she had some of her small intestine removed because of damage.

Later that afternoon, Samantha and I went to the mall and we stopped at the store. I showed her where everything happened. As we were leaving the boyfriend showed up and I talked to him for a minute. He sounded more positive than the lady's sister did and it sounds like she'll be okay. The cops did find the car about 10 miles away in a bad part of town, but no sign of the suspect.

People have been telling me that I'm a hero, that I saved her life and I think that's a little overboard, but I am glad that I was able to help. I'm sure that the lady would have been okay even if I hadn't been there. I was talking to my little brother and I was telling him that I always mentally put myself in these "what if" situations.....what if my house caught on fire, what would I do? What if someone broke into my house, what would I do? What if I saw someone robbing a store, what would I do? I don't know that you can ever account for the exactness of a situation because there are so many variables, but I realize that if you use common sense and can remain calm, most things will turn out okay.

Definately an evening to remember.

Dedicated to My Wonderful, Talented, Compassionate, Charitable, Selfless........

2009-05-03T14:04:00.003-05:00

This is a little early/late, but never too early, or late, to brag on your spouse. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful, beautiful, talented wife. She is such an amazing person. For anyone who reads this and hasn't gotten to know my wife better, you're missing out. She really is the quintessential wife and I don't even know what that means!

On top of being a mom, she has been working so hard at her several jobs......sewing, vinyl signs/lettering, pre-k teacher and most recently, painting. She has sewn draperies, pillows, bedroom stuff for an interior designer. She started her own vinyl lettering business. She took a job teaching pre-K two days a week. She started faux painting with her friend during the day and evenings who needed some help, which has led to other "home improvement" jobs.

And NOW? She has saved her money to finally get something for herself. For the last 12 years she has dedicated her "fun-dage" to our family. She has met the temporal needs of others first and herself.........hardly ever. So now she is getting herself/us a new kitchen floor! She saved her money and she'll begin the remodel soon! I am so excited for her. Nothing gives me greater joy than to see my wife and children happy.

I only wish I could give her more. She really is the most wonderful, talented, compassionate, charitable, selfless, dedicated, diligent, hardworking, loyal wife, friend, mother anyone could ever ask for.

I'm Blogging for Leslie

2009-05-01T20:24:00.002-05:00

Leslie,

This post is for you. It is hot in Houston. It rained 11 inches in 24 hours. It is flooding in Houston.....STILL......2 days later. Mosquitoes are out in Houston. And those stupid 2 cycle sprayers still drive around at 2am spraying mosquito food.

It is hot. I am not hot. Brad Pitt is hot.

Justin.

The Illustrated Book of Mormon

2009-03-17T14:31:00.004-05:00

Growing up we had the set of The Illustrated Book of Mormon and I have always wanted a set for my kids. A few years ago I looked into buying a set but never did it. Then while I was at Time Out for Women this weekend these books were mentioned again. Sunday I got on ebay to look at them again but still decided not to buy them. So today after getting home from errands I sat down to check my e-mail and there was just junk mail...but I hit the refresh button for some reason and there was a new e-mail from a woman in our ward saying that she had this set and that she wanted to pass it along to someone who wanted them...I called immediately and got in my car and drove straight over....I can not contain my excitement!!! I can't wait to sit down with my kids and start looking and reading!!! Thanks Sister Monk!!!

Irritations and Frustrations...

2009-03-02T22:36:00.002-06:00

I really hate when I walk into a store at 10PM and there are kids screaming...I was at Wal-mart tonight at 10:15PM and there were at least 7 kids that I could count in the store. What is up with that? Of course several of them where screaming and/or crying, gee what could the matter be, perhaps they are TTTIIIRRRRREEEEDDDDDDD!?!?!?! Maybe it is just me but my kids are in bed and asleep by 8:30 if not sooner. They need their sleep and I need my downtime too. I keep telling Justin, when they start not being able to fall asleep when I get them in bed we will rethink the time, until then they are tired and they go to bed. They are little and need the rest, I always feel so sorry for the ones up so late.

Another thing I don't like is when TV shows you follow don't turn out the way you want. One I have been following had a bizarre ending tonight and I was really frustrated that I have been watching and waiting and then bam...not what I thought. What a bummer!

The last thing that I wanted to blog about is the problem with hard water we have in our area. About a month ago I told Justin that with some of our tax refund money I wanted to get new toilet because they were so disgusting from the hard water stains. I tried several things from he store with not much in the way of results. I even took a knife and tried to scrape off the stains only to just leave scratches in the bowl. I decided on last time to search the Internet for help...and I found it...at Dollar Tree. It is called "The Works" and it is a miracle. I was sceptical at first so I only bought one bottle but the minute you pour it in the stains just run down the bowl. I even left it in the bottom for a few minutes and a miracle occurred. No more stains, not a one. I also discovered some new kind of toilet seats that come on and off with the turn of a dial so you can clean them better and easier (this is a plus with two small boys in the house). So now I have shiny, sparkly toilets that look brand new! I am happy!

I guess that is it for now...

Facebook, Friends and Feeling Sorry For Myself

2009-02-20T19:12:00.002-06:00

What a week or two! I guess I was a little behind the times, but finally managed to get on Facebook. It is totally addicting and I haven't gotten much done at home. Fortunately work has been keeping me occupied during the day, but my nights have been spent looking up friends on Facebook and reminiscing with my wife about all of the memories that flood my thoughts.

I have been so fortunate to find childhood friends, church friends, old friends, new friends, big friends, little friends, and extended family members. I realize how fortunate I am to have grown up and known all of these wonderful people. It has been so much fun to get a glimpse of people's lives and see how they've grown up after being apart for so many years.

In saying that I've been feeling a little sorry for myself. All of these people seem to have wonderful, great, successful lives. Many have become doctors, lawyers, mothers, fathers, police officers, military members, teachers, business owners. I look at them and am somewhat envious. I can't imagine anyone being envious of my life. I feel like I've struggled so hard to get to where I am now. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my life, but I've always felt like there is more for me, like something spectacular is waiting for me.

I don't want to sound down and depressed because I'm really not. I'm so happy inside and just ready to burst with joy to know that my friends and family are happy and healthy. I would be remissed though if I didn't express my deep concern for their eternal happiness. Many friends and family members have fallen away from the gospel, which I love so dearly. I wish there was a way that I could convince them that they can improve their lives by living the gospel.

I hope to continue to find more friends and reconnect and re-energize the friendships we shared so long ago.

"One Day He's Going to Kill Himself"

2009-02-06T15:37:00.002-06:00

As you may or may not be aware, I shave my head. Mach 3 razor works the best. Sometimes when I'm tired or in a hurry, I lose my focus and I nick myself. I usually nick myself behind an ear (seems to be the hardest place to get).

As luck would have it the other day, I was tired AND in a hurry and I nicked myself. I came down stairs with a piece of toilet paper on my cut and Alex saw this. He proceeded to tell Samantha that if I wasn't careful, "one day he's going to kill himself".

Just another cute moment from a cute kid.

Just when I thought I could breathe.....

2009-02-05T07:48:00.003-06:00

After Christmas I was a little bored for a few days, work had slowed and the house was clean and I didn't have much going on. Then it hit...Work is back and a friend asked me to help her paint (that is her business) and through a friend of a friend I got an order for draperies and I also pick up teaching Pre-K at KVPAC again...and I have company coming next week. My house is a wreck, the laundry isn't done, my personal drapes are draped over a chair because I haven't had time to get the rings. I am not sure what day it is when I wake up in the morning and have to take a minute to think about it and what I have to do. I just don't have the time. I guess that is the way it goes.

P.S. Even though I get crazy I am very thankful for the work!

Campout

2009-02-01T16:04:00.003-06:00

I took Dylan on a campout last weekend with our scout troop. It was a wilderness survival campout, so the scouts were told not to bring anything except a sleeping bag. Dylan was excited to go. He loves to "hang out" with the bigger boys and like to use the word "dude" a lot.

We got up to the park late, so it was dark and the first order of business was getting shelters put together. We took the scouts about 100 to 200 yards off the trail back into the brush and left them to fend for themselves for the night. Dylan decided that wasn't his style so we went back to the main camping area.

He made a fire, with one match, and we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. Since we didnt have a tent I suggested we sleep under the stars by the fire, but that didn't fly. We ended up setting up sleeping bags in the back of the van. It was cramped but fun to snuggle with my little guy as we gazed at the stars through the back window.

The next morning we ate breakfast and tried to make fire using the bow method. Key word...tried. He was very diligent in getting an ember, but it just didn't work for us. We managed just fine with matches and as you can see, he enjoyed playing with the fire, just like the rest of them.

It was a good experience for him and a fun one for me.

Oooohhhhh Tooth Fairy, where are you???

2009-01-22T08:06:00.003-06:00

Alex finally lost his first tooth. He is 6 1/2 and has been waiting all last year and all this year for it to happen. He was feeling a little sad about it a few months ago and we checked for wigglies and found one to be the tiniest bit wiggly. So yesterday morning I checked it before school and told him it would come out soon. Well, yesterday at lunch while biting into a pizza pocket at lunch it came out. I think it is so cute because if they lose it at school they give them a little treasure box to put it in. So we put it under the pillow and guess what? The Tooth Fairy came!!! However, when Alex went to read the note the Tooth Fairy left he misplaced the money and we can't find it. He wasn't even upset, he just wanted to know what the Tooth Fairy said. So everyone be on the look out for the lost Tooth Fairy money!

Craziness...getting ready for school

2009-01-21T07:51:00.004-06:00

Does anyone else have a crazy time getting their kids ready for school in the morning. I do claim some fault as I am not the most organized person. There are lunches, snacks, breakfast, backpacks, water bottles, homework, books, socks, shoes, and jackets...all times 3 kids, all in 45 minutes...AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHH! Kudos to those who have more kids! When they actually walk out the door I have to breathe a sigh of relief.

Dental Dystrophy Disaster

2009-01-16T11:24:00.002-06:00

We've had our first dental disaster this last month. Dylan, 8, has had several root canals and yesterday was the last day of hopefully a long list of dental work that had to be done.

We started with a doctor closer in town that was recommended to us, but that turned out to be a joke. Dylan went in for his first root canal and only started the second.....DIDNT FINISH IT. Samantha was in there and apparently the doctor wasn't too nice to her. He said that Dylan needed some additional work, but because he was having a hard time that they would schedule another appointment to come back.

Samantha was so turn off by that doctor that she found another one here in Katy and Dylan went in 3 times this week. The doctor was very very nice and we have nothing but good things to say about her. In all, I think Dylan ended up with 3 root canals, had a tooth removed because of an abcess and had one crowned.

Some of you may think we are terrible parents, but we methodically teach our children to brush their teeth in the morning and before bed. Samantha said that while they were there the other day that there was a 4 year old that was going in for multiple procedures too. Oh the joys of dentistry.

Twilight...better late than never

2009-01-08T18:45:00.002-06:00

So I finally saw the movie Twlight today. I am glad I waited, I hate crowded theaters. I am also glad I had a chance to digest all the things I had heard about the movie. The one thing I hate about books and movies is that you always picture in your mind the way things look and then you see the movie and it is different. The house and Bella's room where not what I imagined. Some of the characters took me a while to accept especially Edward. I still am not sure about him but by the end I was getting used to him. To me his body wasn't quite right. I liked Bella and most of the others. Alice was different than I had pictured. All in all I thought it was good...but the sparkly body was a little corny. I left feeling a let down as I think that the story doesn't really begin until book two. So I wanted more. Maybe I should wait until they are all out on DVD like I did with Harry Potter...that is the way to do it. I don't think I will be able to last though. One thing for sure is that all the scenery makes me miss Washington and the family we still have there. The drive to the Cullens house reminded me of the drive to my parents house...so beautiful.

Pot Roast Anyone?

2009-01-05T07:55:00.002-06:00

I have never been a fan of pot roast, I think because cooked carrots are not my favorite. Growing up my mom made it but I have attempted to make it. I am sure my husband has been bummed about this for the last 12 years. So last night I tried it. I put it in the crock pot before church with some onion and garlic herb seasoning. After church I added some celery, carrots and potatoes. Let it cook for another 3 hours then thickened up the gravy and I have to admit it was so tasty. My kids ate it and there was not one complaint. I even have enough leftovers for lunch. I should have taken a picture of it, oh well.

2pm Church Hangover

2009-01-04T08:17:00.002-06:00

I don't know what a hangover feels like, but I think I know now.

Here it is 8am, I am tired, cranky, headache, on a fast Sunday and we're waiting to go to 9am church. I'm looking forward to coming home early and getting a nap on the trampoline in.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T10:44:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting here at 10:45 Friday morning eating Chicago's best cheesecake from Eli's. One of my vendors flew it in for me. I'm on my second piece this morning. So I'm eating well for the start of the new year.

We have had Honey Baked Ham, cajun shrimp gumbo, funeral potatoes and green bean casserole over the past 2 weeks, but it is so good. I think my New Years Goal is to eat what I can when I can the first month of the year and then suffer until my vendors spoil us with more chocolates, truffles, biscotti, cookies, ham, and cheesecake.

At the rate I'm going it'll be 3 years before I get back into my bikini bathing suit.

We had a nice New Years Eve.......Samantha and I had Wii wars to which she beat me at golf and listened to fireworks until about 3am. Her cousins and brother came over yesterday and we had a nice traditional southern dinner with pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, potato salad, smoked salmon and cheese logs with crackers. It was a very filling evening.

But it is still lonely not having many friends and family around. Maybe this year we'll make some more friends and invite people over more.

Wii Fit to be tied

2008-12-29T12:20:00.003-06:00

I made the kids do some Yoga on Wii Fit before bed time the other night. This is hilarious to see them do this.....

I think this is the "where the sun don't shine" pose.

And here is the "tree" pose.

And some Video just to complete the action.

Post Christmas Post

2008-12-29T12:04:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas in Texas. Santa visited us in many forms this year and we are truly blessed with such a wonderful and caring ward family and friends. It has been a struggle this year to keep up with the electric bills, the new air conditioner, the new car, the fixing of the cars, the student loans, and the like.

We had planned on a small, quiet Christmas this year, but it turned out to be one of the better Christmas's we've had just because of the generosity of others.

Here are some pics from Christmas morning:

All the kids got new Razor scooters. The ones they got last year were all rusted up.
Uncle Freddy even got in the action.

We got lots of games this year. We enjoy spending time together playing games. We, Santa, saved up and got us a Wii too!

And my thoughtful wife got me my long lost E.T. t-shirt. (for the story you'll have to look at my prior E.T. post) Thanks babe!

Santa also gave us some cash and a Wii Fit, which the kids are really enjoying. That post to come later on. Thank you to all who made our Christmas so special and meaningful. We love you and hope to be able to repay what you have given us.

Christmas Party w/ Friends

2008-12-24T08:01:00.004-06:00

So we went to our friend's house last night, who also is my boss. Long story made short.....Samantha dated their son, has remained close to the family and that is how I got my job here in Houston.

So we had dinner, played Wii and exchanged gifts. They are very generous and we appreciate what they do for us. They're almost like a 3rd set of Grandparents.

Thanks Barbara and Jerry and Deanna too.

Emma got some Banana Republic....not from us I might add, but very cute.

Here is Alex with a game he got and dresssed in clothes that are too small. (I dressed him.)

Dylan with his new sweatshirt. Can't tell if he knows what Hockey is.

The kids had a great time. Especially with the Wii. Santa needs to be notified of this.

Finally, this is my latest hat. I made 2 of them for a couple of people at work. They've been a hit! (what a cute model)

Cancer or Prancer?

2008-12-21T21:23:00.002-06:00

We were sitting around the dinner table tonight when we started talking about our guests on Christmas Eve. We told the kids that Samantha's brother, Freddy, and her Aunt Sissy were coming to dinner, but that Sissy's husband Bob would not be coming because he recently died. Alex asked why he died and I said that he was very sick and had cancer. Then out of nowhere Alex finished my thought by saying, "Like Prancer and Dancer and Donner and Blitzen?" It was very funny, but sad at the same time.

Christmas Lights

2008-12-18T14:46:00.002-06:00

Here is our sorry attempt at Christmas lights this year. Th lights on our oak tree were supposed to go up the branches because that's what people do here. I overloaded the circuit though and dont have another extention cord so it is what it is.

Even then, I still keep burning fuses on the "candy cane" part. It is still pretty though and still nothing compared to the other houses that are decorated. I guess since we don't have snow, Texans make up for it in lights and electric bills.

The kids "helped", which makes them feel appreciated or involved, but lost interest after going around the tree a few times and getting dizzy.

If I can find another cord, I may put up more lights on the tree, but we'll see. Anyway, thought we'd share.

Emma's Choir Concert

2008-12-18T14:26:00.004-06:00

Emma had her 5th grade Christmas choir concert the other night. Here are a couple of quick clips to share.

Its Been a Christmas-like Week

2008-12-15T17:24:00.003-06:00

It's been a Christmas-like week..............it started with snow earlier in the week, which lasted less than 24 hours and then promptly warmed back up to 70. As you can tell the boys are in shorts. I'm questioning why my mouth is always open and why my head is so fat.
We went to Lowe's this year to get our Christmas tree. Last year it was Home Depot. We got a great deal on this noble fir.......$32 for the tree AND stand! We had a miserable tree experience last year. I actually returned the tree because it was too pokey.

I miss my childhood days of caravanning with 3 or 4 families into the rugged mountains of Wyoming, sledding and building snow caves while the adults hiked through the snow to cut Christmas trees. Maybe people still do that, but this is what you get when you live in a big city.

Samantha made these super cute ornaments for us this year. She actually just made the lettering. She got the glass pieces from Hobby Lobby. But they are super cute and I told her that she needs to sell them at her craft shows next year.

Here is the near-complete decorated tree. I have spent up to 6 or 7 hours wrapping each branch with lights and this year it only took 3. My wife let me cheat. Don't ask why I have to do this, but I suspect it's because my lovely, beautiful wife doesn't want to. We're talking 12 to 15 strands of lights on this bad boy!

In all, it has been a pleasant week and it ended last night with our church Christmas Concert. We combine with the Epiphany Catholic Church, which is just across the street from ours, to sing songs. This is the 15th year of doing this between the 2 churches. We don't have any pictures, but one of our church friends actually has video......Marci Freeman. You can find her link on our blog list under "Day by Day". A big shout out to you Marci and Mike! Thanks!

As we approach the last week before Christmas break and Christmas.....we wish all of our friends and family a very Merry Christmas! Since we didn't do Christmas cards again this year I really want to send out a mass email with a picture and update on our lives for 2008.

If you'd like to be included, please send quick reply to thehayes05@yahoo.com and I'll get you on our list. Love you all, no matter where you are!

Justin and Samantha

Names

2008-12-15T07:32:00.003-06:00

I just thought this was funny and thought I would pass it on...Alex has a kid in his class named...Jack Lantern. I wonder what is middle name is?

What Time Is It???

2008-12-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

On school days my kids wake up at 7am and half the time I have to wake them up. So why is it when there is nowhere to be that they wake up at 6am...and turn on the TV loud and dump all the toys out and go to town. Sundays are the only days I can or do try to sleep in. I do have to say though that they usually leave us alone and let us sleep but this morning I had to ask them several times to keep it down. Then I resorted to the bathroom fan for a little more peace and quiet. Thanks kids for letting me get a few more hours! I also can't wait for the new year and a new church schedule...we move to 9am, yeah!!! I am a morning person and am looking forward to getting up and getting going and coming home and napping!

Snow In Houston?!

2008-12-10T16:43:00.003-06:00

It is snowing right now. It is 4:43pm and it is snowing in Houston Texas. In my prior post, I mentioned that we just celebrated our 12th anniversary. We were married in Seattle and we took a trip down here to visit her family and friends. I went water skiing on December 17, 1996 here. What a trip.

People are freaking out around here...how are we going to get home? I thought Texans were tough. What a bunch of pansies! The only thing I can say though is that as soon as a car goes into the ditch, there will be at least 6 or 7 tow trucks there within 1 minute. What a bunch of rats they are!

Grrrrr....its cold!

Happy Anniversary!

2008-12-09T15:39:00.004-06:00

This is a little late as far as posting goes, but Samantha and I celebrated our 12th year anniversary on Saturday. She spent it at the craft show making some $$$ and I spent it with the Christmas Choir and kids.

We left Emma, 10, at home with the boys and a movie while we went to a Mexican dinner. I wanted to make out in the car, but she wouldn't go for it.

Here is our engagement picture. We look nothing like that anymore. She is much more beautiful and I much thicker in the neck. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful wife. She is such a good mother and wife. It amazes me how much we have become in tune with one another and how we really are one.

I love you honey.

30 Degrees and MISC Thoughts

2008-12-08T21:10:00.003-06:00

Well it finally broke into the 30's this last weekend. We actually lit the gas fireplace and threw in some logs. Its disconcerting though to go back and forth between heat and a/c. It was back up in the 70s today.

I'm missing our family and friends and the snow...BAD! It has been such a joy to find friends blogs and kind of catch up on whats happening in their lives.

Samantha had a great craft show this weekend and sold lots of signs while I kept the kids from fighting and struggled to get Christmas lights up......I'll have to get some pics up.

Alex has been so cute this weekend....Samantha asked him to unload the dishwasher and he threw a fit. She said that he was 6 and 1/2 and was old enough to do it himself. He was quick to point out that he doesn't go by 1/2s any more and that he is just 6 therefore not making him old enough to unload the dishwasher.

Then today he asked us what cumbersome meant.....we gave him a puzzled look and he again quickly responded with "big? heavy? hard to handle?" Go Word Girl....we dont have cable so PBS after school is the kids TV time.

Oh and I filled up my car today for $14.....1.22/gal

99 Cent Store

2008-12-05T18:51:00.002-06:00

I have mentioned before about deals and couponing but did you know that you can get an early morning Sunday edition paper on Saturday at the dollar stores? I didn't know this until I went to the couponing class at church. Anyway we have a great 99 Cent Store I have discovered. I have never been a dollar store shopper but this store has everything. OK some of it is junk but today I bought Emma 3 pairs of good socks for a buck. They also have produce...I got a large bunch of petite asparagus that I cooked tonight and I was great! So you know how much that stuff is at the grocery store? Last week I got baby carrots for a buck and the bag was a pound and a half. They had bags of oranges and limes, lettuce, potatoes and more! They have cheese and milk (the only thing that is more than a dollar) I decided since we are trying to have a light Christmas this year that the dollars stores are the way to go. They have great stocking stuffers! Anyway, just trying to pass on good information.

First "Official" Hat Sale

2008-12-03T21:45:00.003-06:00

I finished a hat for my first paying customer. I even did the embroidering...yuck! I still think it is fun to give my hats away. I get greater pleasure seeing the little kids in my hats. This particular one is for the wife of a guy I work with. Her name is Tiffany. I thought the pom poms were a little over the top, but it works. I have more orders for another lady and a guy at work.

Thanksgiving and Stuff

2008-12-03T16:49:00.002-06:00

We had a great Thanksgiving. Even though I complained about being so far away from family and friends it turned out pretty good.

The kids and I got up and went to the ward Turkey Bowl. We had enough people there to have 2 adult games and 1 kids game, so I didnt have to worry about my kids breaking something. It was a ton of fun had by all eventhough it was 70 degrees and stupid humid! At this very moment, nearly a week later I'm still feeling the pain of playing my heart out. My knee is killing me the most....someday we'll get it fixed. I'm sure if I was 100 pounds lighter and buff that it wouldnt be so bad, but sitting at a desk all day doesnt allow for too much exercise.

We had Samantha's brother over for dinner and we had a good time playing Snorta. We highly recommend this game! It is fun for kids and adults. It was a very laid back, chilled day. Sorry this is late, but I have so much to say and this was the first thing on my mind because everytime I move, I discover a new muscle I didn't think I was capable of having.

Alex

2008-11-26T19:52:00.003-06:00

Today Alex went with me on a few errands and while we were driving home this is what he said...

"I could never be happy without you, momma."

That brought tears to my eyes. When I told Justin about it later, it brought tears a second time. I just love Alex!!!

Gas Prices...

2008-11-25T17:15:00.002-06:00

Over the summer it was costing us close to $100 to fill up our van. We were even thinking about trying to sell it and go to something a little more economical. Well, I am so happy that gas prices have dropped so much. On Saturday I filled up my van for $36. I was so excited! I also heard on the news that Houston has some of the lowest prices on gas in the country. I guess that is one perk about living in Houston.

WE HAVE A BAT!

2008-11-14T19:51:00.003-06:00

There is a bat in our chimney. I don't have a ladder to get on my roof to fix the problem. I'd smoke it out, but it will likely come back plus we don't like smoked bat.

If I open the flue the girls are afraid it will come in the house and bite us all. Typical.

I'm perplexed.

E.T. Memories

2008-11-12T15:09:00.006-06:00

Way back in 1982 this was my favorite film. This post comes about because we recently rented the movie and showed it to our kids for the first time. They loved it. And as I watched it I was reminded of one of the most vivid memories of my life.

Now to my story, at least this is how I remember it...........

I was in Utah visiting family for Christmas and at that time I suffered the first of many detached retinas. I was in the hospital either just before or just after Christmas.

My aunt's mother-in-law, Grandma Kariya, was going to take all of us to the theater to see E.T. I was devastated that I wasn't able to go, but she was so kind and went out of her way to bring me an E.T. t-shirt in the hospital shortly before or after my surgery. I was very grateful and very proud of my t-shirt.

Back home in Wyoming a few months later my family had decided to go to "visit" a family on Sunday that we were friends with. I had decided to wear my favorite t-shirt, E.T. and I think I remember my mom telling me that it would get dirty if I wore it to their house.

When we arrived at my friend's house, my best friend, Boyd, and I and his cousin went out back to play "Army". I was the lookout as they navigated their way through the garden (jungle) to base. I was stationed on top of a work shed with a baseball bat as my sniper rifle.

Suddenly I saw some action in the garden and knew my comrades were in trouble. I jumped up and started to fire my weapon. In doing so and exposing myself to the enemy I was hit by enemy fire and fell off the top of the shed. (I was actually too close to the edge, slipped and fell off)

I remember falling to the ground head first and landing on a board with a nail, which went up through the bridge of my nose. (I still have the scar) I remember laying there in pain unable to scream or cry. Everything around me was vibrating violently. I was able to make out the faint cries of my friend calling inside for help.

Everything was moving so fast and so slow at the same time. There was a discussion between parents as to whether they should call an ambulance or not. They chose not, which after the following description I'm sure they regret. I was loaded into the back of their light blue 1970s Ford stationwagon, one where the seats folded down. As we were driving I began throwing up and throwing up blood as my dad held me in his arms and tried to keep me still and calm.

From that point....I dont remember much until we got to the hospital. I was placed on a table and nurses seemed to swarm me asking me what hurt, where it hurt, how many fingers, lights, probes.......then I saw scissors......to cut my E.T. shirt off. My favorite shirt. I cried and pleaded for them to let me take it off myself instead of them cutting it off. I lost that battle and I lost my E.T. shirt......forever.

In the end, I suffered a fractured skull, concussion, broken wrist....and apparently I have carried with me the emotional pain of losing something so special and sentimental.

Dylan's Baptism

2008-11-07T12:59:00.006-06:00

What a day for Dylan! He was so excited to be baptized. Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle Freddy were able to be there. It was a very intimate and special ceremony for us all.

Literally jumping for Joy!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-07T12:48:00.003-06:00

We had a very productive Halloween. The kids got all dressed up in their costumes, which were really easy to put together and they all looked so cute.

Emma was a not so scary scarecrow.

Dylan was a "Nike" basketball player.

Alex was Harry Potter....."eat slugs".

Staying Little

2008-10-28T14:59:00.003-05:00

I promised a promotion to the owner of "Staying Little" because she has helped me out with some of my crochet hats and she has asked me to help her as she starts her little hat adventure. She specializes in making hats...crochet, sewn or otherwise. She is really super nice and does great work.

Much like when my wife started her vinyl sticker, sign making adventure she too had help from some friends to help spread the word. I'm glad that we all have these fantastic talents we can share with one another to help enrich the lives of those around us.....(okay that was cheesy).

In any case, take a look at her site. I've made some hats, which people have commented they like and want, but she's doing a giveaway, plus she's a pro, so her hats are going to be much better than mine!

(these are actually easter bags I made....but the kids like them as hats)

Coupon Game

2008-10-23T13:33:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to use coupons since we had a class at church about couponing. It has been about a month now and I have used them when I can. My goal was to not buy things that I wouldn't normally buy even if it was a great deal. You can get great deals on a lot things but reality is that I don't need some of those things. So I have been sticking to that goal. Today I went to Randalls with the ad in hand and my coupons. I purchased only things that were already on sale and then had coupons for a lot of those things as well. At the end of the reciept was the savings of...$58.10. I was so excited. The thing I hate though is chasing around to several stores. I would never shop at Randalls normally, their prices are crazy high but when the items are on sale it makes the savings higher. The other thing that I like is that you can accumulate discounts on gasoline. So that saves even more. The more money I save the more exciting it is.