Monkeys in a Barrel

The Little Matching Girl

2012-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

Mara and her Cabbage Patch dolls got a few matching outfits over the holidays. So cute!

Crutches for Christmas

2011-12-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

Two days before Christmas and our monkey Evan decides to jump off the couch and kick the door. He was trying to kick off the door and land back on the couch, but instead he heard a pop, felt a lot of pain, landed on his back, and knocked the wind out of himself. One trip to the ER showed us a buckle fracture on his left foot. He'll be wearing this for a while, and he'll have to wait to play with some of his gifts until after his foot heals.

A NEW CAARRRRR! and an ELEVEN YR OLD!

2011-12-14T18:41:00.001-08:00

Oh My Goodness! He has gotten so big, it makes me want to cry. I made his cake with sour candy. He loved it, and he loves that king crown too. We gave him his own key to the house, and some other things. By his next b-day, he will be as tall as me.

We GOT A NEW MINIVAN! 2011 Kia Sedona. We will be driving it until it dies! Needs to last at least 10 years.

October Lunacy!

2011-11-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

EVAN

2011!

I can't believe Evan is Seven. He has Great taste in cake too. Chocolate covered strawberries. YUM!

He really liked the sparkler candles.

We have a tradition that on your 7th birthday you get your first set of scriptures. We tell our kids they have a year to study and decide if they want to get baptized. Evan has asked me to read to him a lot. He loves his red scriptures.

ALL HALLOWS EVE!!!!!

This was Kenneth's year! He made the best robot costume. He took home the most creative costume at the trunk or treat, and people gave him extra candy because he made it himself. He was very happy!

Sam went with a more traditional costume. A ninja spider :). Thanks mom for letting the kids have these costumes you made for us when we were little.

Evan tried to be a scary bear, but he was toooooo cute! He's a big teddy bear.

I thought Mara was going to be a princess, but ever since she saw this cow costume, she didn't want to be anything else. The silver milk pail was a nice touch. In fact, she tried to milk herself when I gave it to her! XD hahahaha

Spooky pumpkins. The spookiest is the moldy, rotting one in the middle.

Always carve the day before.

Okay, back to August! (and a little Sept)

2011-11-19T20:43:00.000-08:00

I have finally got the pictures onto my computer, so now they may go on the blog. Woohoo!

Our 12th anniversary. We went to Inner Space Caverns, because it was to dang hot to go anywhere else outside. It was really amazing though.

Our Mara girl turned 3! She was thrilled to get more dolls. Especially boy dolls! Rapunzel got Flynn, and she got Belle and Beast. She was a happy grwurill! hahaha. That's how Mara says 'girl', rhymes with squirrel.

Her brothers made her cake again. She loves pink and pink.

In Sept, we went to the San Antonio Temple. I love this picture. My kids are hilarious.

Mad rush of pictures from 2005!

2011-10-15T17:39:00.000-07:00

My boys at the Chicago Temple!

Sam and Dallin at the Fair.

Kenneth and Evan when they got along!

Grandma reading a bed time story. There's a MUCH bigger group now!

Evan and Sam enjoying the sprinkler.

Evan and Uncle Mike. It was uncle Mike that told us we should name him Evan.

ARGH! Pirate for Halloween.

Family Portrait. Nov 2005.

Kenneth up a tree.

Evan with his usual messy face.

Sam in black and white to hide all the black and blue. He had a rough week.

Kenneth/ Noah

Sam and Evan in a box.

Christmas 2005

Kenneth playing Basketball.

Before and after.

Since Evan B-day is around the corner, I thought I would post his before and after shots from his first birthday.

More from vacation.

2011-08-03T12:01:00.000-07:00

Me and my Crazy Sibs. I picked the picture I looked best in.

Evan pulling his sis and cuz, Zoe. He's such a good big brother.

That's me jumping in. I'm attempting to make a big wave. I succeeded.

Mara is just too cute.

Kenneth and Loral. They had a lot of fun.

Kids on a water taxi in Chicago.

We got to wrap a mummy at the museum! It was cool. The best put was taking out the brain which the Egyptians believed to be worthless.

Jeep ride through the pasture.

We're having a great time so far......

2011-07-05T21:29:00.001-07:00

Okay it's not quite in the right order, but here are some things we've done so far.

Smoke tubes last a lot longer.

Silly hats from Holiday world!

Tis was taken as we were leaving. They were exhausted!

Sam is awesome.

Mara bowling with Grandma's help, a ramp, and bumpers. She did very well.

I'm in a lake. That is my awesome sis-in-law, Chantelle, and our babies in a boat.

Kids at Lincoln boyhood home.

Triple piggyback ride!

Bubbles rock!

Visiting great grandparents!

I will post more later but I am tired now.

Family Pic at Pedernales.

2011-07-05T21:24:00.001-07:00

June 2011

2011-07-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

Sam's Baptism.

2011-05-16T18:14:00.000-07:00

I forgot to put these pics up from Sam's Big day back in March. Better late than never.

His Cake!

Daddy and Sam.

Thanks everyone who came. You made it very special for all of us. We love you!

My garden

2011-05-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

I'm picking tomatoes, peas, green beans and zucchini so far. The peppers and the cucumber aren't ready yet. In the planter there are strawberries too. yummy! My water bill is high. It needs to rain here.

Easter Pictures

2011-04-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

Our project.

2011-04-26T06:16:00.000-07:00

Before.

AFTER!

It took a long time and a lot of work but this is what the front/side of the house looks like now.
The fence was the first thing we replaced and then we bought a LOT of sand and patio stones, and made a walkway. The walkway goes all the way to the patio in the back. We made an extension to the patio with the stones. I still have more planting to do behind that gate, but the front is finished. YEAH!

Her First Braid!

2011-04-13T06:07:00.001-07:00

SO CUTE!

What to do with leftovers.

2011-04-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Well, we finished our walkway and we ended up with a HUGE bag of sand when we were done. We over estimated. So what do you do when you have a lot of sand: BUILD THE KIDS A SAND BOX! Brent used leftover wood from building the fence, and pieces of tarp to make a cover. The kids love it. Brent rocks!

OKAY I"M SORRY

2011-04-12T18:48:00.001-07:00

It's been a while and it's all my fault. I will be getting pics up asap!

Kenneth's speech at his school's birthday celebration

2010-10-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

Best Friends and the Outdoors

2010-08-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Oh isn't she cute! We went to Silver Lake with our friends and then took a hike up to Lake Solitude, and then hiked up to Doughnut Falls all on the same day! Whew.

Oh she's just adorable, isn't she?

I call this one "Boys on a Log"

Best Friends Forever! Kenneth and Zach.

I call this one "Boys on a Log with a little sister."

My BFF Tara and her yummy baby Josh. Yes I wrote 'yummy'

Family Photo!! I don't think I have a photo where Evan isn't cute.

Boys on Big Rock. They just can't resist.

starting at the left: Zach, Kenneth, Sam, Brent, Mara, Evan, Ben, KC with Josh, and Alex walking around to get a better rock for the sling shot. They loved that sling shot!

This was the river they were sitting by.

We finally made it to Doughnut Falls, and my camera dies. I got a couple of good pics though. After that Evan informed me he had to go poop. So Mara, Evan, and I raced back to the outhouse at the start of the trail. I fell down trying to climb up a rock to the trail. I cut my knee, elbow and hands, so it was a bloody, butt-clenching race that took about a half hour. In the end, Sam had fallen too. When he saw me, he felt better. We had matching cuts and scraps.

It was a wonderful time anyway.

We're going back to Utah as soon as we can.

Family Reunion

2010-08-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm really late putting up these pics. The reunion was a month ago, but I've been preoccupied. I also have to put up Mara's birthday too, but I haven't finished with Utah.

This is the famous Aunt Colleen! I've waited 11 years to meet her and I'm not waiting 11 more to see her again.

This is Uncle Dennis overseeing the big foot race. It was hilarious to watch all those kids run in inflatable feet!

GO!!!

Sam won first place! He loves trophies and was very proud.
Brent put on the feet next and won the adult race.

4 of the 6 Halling kids.

top Reed (who is the spitting image of his dad, Kenneth) and Steve

bottom Gene and Colleen.

A handful of the cousins.

Lori, Charles, Brent, KC, and Robert.

It was a small reunion but we'll try to make it again soon.

Best friends and water.

2010-07-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

One of the best things about our vacation was everyone got to hang out with the best friend. I loved watching the kids play together and really make some memories.

Alex with the hose is always a fun combo. Run Kenneth!

This is Evan wondering why the water stopped.

This is Evan after Alex let go of the hose. Hahaha. Good shot.

Oh how they LOVE to be WET!!

Zach wondering if he throws it, will it really come back.

Sam making his escape from the wild hose madness! Our little friend, Ben, wasn't playing this time, but we have other pics to post.

Mara really loved Tara's player piano. Brent really liked it too.

We miss them so much it hurts. It is so rare to find a family that mixes so well with your own. Wives are best friends, husbands are best friends, and the children all claim a best friend among the family. Truly, they were sent from heaven to bless our lives.

Ensign Peak

2010-07-30T20:12:00.001-07:00

Hiking up Ensign Peak was our warm-up hike for Friday. I have to give Uncle Don kudos! He was quite a trooper.
They waited so patiently for the rest of us to catch up. Wait where's Kenneth? Oh yeah, he didn't wait.

"I made it"

My kids are so awesome!

Brent loves those mountains! He just got tired of smiling for the camera.

Me and my AWESOME mom-in-law.

"You mean we have to go back down now. Oh my gosh!" Sam had a hard time.

Heber City Railroad

2010-07-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

It was exciting to go on an old train ride. The kids we really happy to see all the old trains.
Mara seems a little suspicious of the train. The others don't suspect the danger that lies ahead.

You need sea legs on a train apparently.

OH NO!! WE'RE BEING ROBBED!

Those guns are really loud!

Scary Outlaw!

At least they didn't rob the kids. The actually gave them gold coins.....

......with chocolate inside!!!!

Bye bye bad guys. They took 3 young girls as hostages, but we picked them up on the way back.

It was freezing cold but Kenneth went into that creek. We took a break and got off the train while they turned around for the ride back.

He's gonna make it! He's gonna make it!

Sam found the ride back much more peaceful.

It was a beautiful and scenic ride.

Awesome Grandma Sue!

She loves to play with my jewelry.
I didn't have the best picture but Uncle Don is sitting right next to me.

I love this picture! She's so crazy sometimes. (I DO have a hold of her legs in case you're worrying.)

It was a great ride!

Conference Center and Temple Square.

2010-07-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Together Forever. Craziness.

The waterfall on the conference center is huge. The boys loved all the fountains in this place.

Evan. He's in Heaven. Dancing like a monkey.

This organ is HUGE!!!!!!!

The hall of Apostles. It's a lot bigger than just one hall.

Gordan B Hinkley. I miss him.

I love the Garden on the top of this building. One side is vegetation from the east side of the valley, then you cross over into the vegetation in the valley. Like you're making the pioneer trek.

Boys and water.

The top of the waterfall.

Don't fall in buddy.

Zach, Kenneth, Brent, Mara, Alex, Ben, Tara, Josh, Sue, Don, Evan, Katie, Sam.

What a beautiful group of people!

Tired boys resting in the shade by the temple.

Time for bubbles!

Arches National Park

2010-07-24T11:35:00.000-07:00

We had an awesome hike through the Arches National Park. Behind us is Landscape Arch and off the the right is a double arch with one right inside the other. Really wonderful place.
This was actually outside the park but IT'S A DOUBLE RAINBOW!!!!!!!

Skyline Arch

Brent's load. He's such an amazing man!

A race through Devil's Garden.

The Fiery Furnace

Petrified Sand Dunes.

Sheep Rock

The Three Gossips

Balanced Boulder

We didn't get to stay very long and there SOOOO much to see. We'll be going back again.

Here's some more!

2010-07-23T20:38:00.001-07:00

This was the closest we could get to actually standing in 4 places at once. Oh well.

As we were driving, we saw Church Rock. Just as Brent pointed out the View Area, I took a picture and got the sign in the shot. If you followed the arrow to the top of the rock, it probably would be a nice viewing area.

We found a small temple in Monticello, Utah

Sam was very happy to get an arrow made of bone.

Brent trying to hold Shiprock in the palm of his hand. I'm not a good photographer on sunny days with polarized sunglasses on.

The the Photos BEGIN!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

The ONLY safe place for Mara to eat ice cream!

The Perfect gift for Evan!

The shirt should read Miss MARAvelous!

The start of our vacation to Utah brings us to Four Corners where you can stand in 4 places at once. Well at least you would be able to if the monument wasn't under construction. We stood as close as possible and then got some souvenirs.

Thanks mom!

2010-06-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, my mom found an awesome sale and sent Mara some super cute clothes. I tried to take some pics but my camera flash is broken, so I have an outside pic of her new clothes. Why does everything break at the same time?

I tried to put the video I took of Mara opening the box on here but it wouldn't load.

No desserts to myself.

2010-04-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a RS activity, and I told Brent there was strawberry shortcake ingredients in the fridge for dessert. When I got home Brent told me how much Mara loved it. She demanded whipped cream be sprayed on each part. She has such a sweet tooth.
So this afternoon when I decided to finish off the rest of the strawberry shortcake, I tried to be sneaky so Mara wouldn't see. There wasn't much left, and I had been so good, I wanted the treat to myself. Well, I managed to sneak out of the kitchen while she was eating her lunch. I sat on the couch out of her view and starting eating as quietly as I could. Not even a minute later, she flies out of her seat and comes racing into the living room with her mouth WIDE open saying "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" I couldn't help laughing. She got the rest of the dessert, and I lost some more weight!

A couple of cool pics.

2010-04-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

Mara's Easter dress. She borrowed the purse. She is so dang cute!
Kenneth caught his 1st fish over Spring break. It was a small sunfish but a BIG first for him. He and Brent are tied now.

More beautiful pictures of the kids!

2010-04-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

YEAH for Bluebonnets!

Making a whistle

Freckles on Evan and the ladybug

Sam loves the Earth !

Picked roots and all.

OOH this one is yellow!

Yes I'm HAPPY!

The month of Feb!

2010-03-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

On the 5th, Kenneth had his Pine Wood derby. He made a super fast car and named it the Weather Car. You can see the different weather symbols at the top. He came in 3rd overall beating more than 20 cars!

Mara really sat on the potty! On the 16th, right after she turned 18 months, she took off during a diaper change and sat on her little potty. She hasn't gone pee pee IN the potty yet, just around the potty, but it's a start.

WE HAD FULL COVERAGE!! It snowed all day on the 22nd and it was a beautiful sight.

When the kids got home, the 1st thing they did was start throwing snow balls. They quickly turned their attention to building snowmen though. It was dirty work. We decided that gathering the white, clean snow off the trampoline and putting it on the porch would result in a better looking snowman.

We were right! It was amazing to be able to build a snowman in Austin.

Two days later, it was back in the mid 60's, so this is what was left.

Sam's Seven

2010-03-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well it was over a month ago now, but we did go bowling and it was very late when we got back to have cake and ice cream. I love Sam's expression. He gets shy at the weirdest times. Happy b-day my little love.

The scale of the universe!

2010-01-30T07:31:00.000-08:00

Click here and push play under the ad. It's pretty amazing.

It's been a fun 2 weeks

2010-01-29T17:17:00.000-08:00

Yeah I'm 31!

( It still breaks my heart to see this pic. I added it after they lost the Superbowl)

Well, I turned 31 on the 11th and the kids bought me a whole bunch of flowers from hobby lobby. They wanted to get me flowers that wouldn't die. They are beautiful too. Brent got my wedding ring fixed so I can finally wear it again. It was an awesome day.
Brent decided he wanted his own car for his birthday. He found a 96 grand am in good running condition, but needed brake repair. He spent $650 on the car and $725 on the brakes. He is so relieved to have it. Sam's b-day is on the 1st and he wants to go bowling.

Don't Ever let the Zombies ruin your books!

2010-01-08T23:43:00.000-08:00

I just read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and it was a nightmare! Well, I guess it was supposed to be, but I'm not really talking about the gory brain feasting, or martial arts skills, or the whole zombie mayhem. The "nightmare" was the destruction of my beloved characters morals and integrity. Of all the things I could hate about it, I hated the sexual references and infidelity the most. He basically attacked marriage with zombies.
It was interesting to read how the Zombies affected the outcome of certain characters, but mostly it was gross.
The other night I made stroganoff for dinner. I had taken one bite of the meat, when the flavor and texture reminded me of a nasty passage from the book. I couldn't eat. Brent had great fun with this though. He said we should call it 'stroganoggin' from now on and that the 'elbow' mac was a nice touch to the zombie meal. I about hurled.
Just don't read it.

Halling Herald of 2009

2009-11-30T19:41:00.001-08:00

Halling Herald 2009

We've had an amazing year which is best summarized by pictures. Normally I would go person to person, but I'll just start in January and work my way until the present.

I turned 30! I love it too. I'm finally as old as people thought I was since I had 4 kids. You're only as old as you feel and as my friend Jamie used to tell me "You're only young once, but you can be immature forever."

Mara trying some new solid foods.It's amazing how fast they grow in one year.

Kenneth first pine wood

derby car! He was so proud!

In February Sam turned six. He's still into transformers too.

This is our family at the Marathon kids finish. They had 4 months to walk or run 26 miles and they did it!

Brent got the chance to teach Sam Kindergarten class about dry ice last March. It was hilarious!

The video from last March is on the blog, but this is a picture of golf ball sized hail over an hour after it started melting. Some chunks got to baseballs size, and you could hear a lot of stuff breaking. Needless to say, Everyone in the county got a new roof!

We wouldn't be Texans if we didn't have a bluebonnet picture. There's more on the blog but this was taken on our way to Houston for Easter.

Mara's 1st camping trip (again more pics on blog) was a scary night. Bad lightning and pouring rain led to most campers leaving. But the next day was beautiful and the state park practically empty. Despite the mud it turned out to be one of the best trips. This is a pic of my boys after they crossed the river to climb a rock. Boys and rocks!

Thanks to our amazing friend and neighbor, Karen, our kids experienced life on a ranch last May. This was Evan's first horse ride.

Kenneth driving a lawn mower for the first time. He was having a blast!

Sam behind the wheel (and driving) of a big tractor hauling hay for the horses. I love that he wore his cowboy hat to go to the farm! Thanks Karen!

Evan with two of his greatest friends (Ben and Alex) making mud pies in the rain on Memorial day weekend!

Mara discovers a strong love for Watermelon!

Kenneth gets his Bobcat award and later (on his birthday) he got his Wolf.

In June we began a long trip to visit family. Here we are with my awesome dad and his mom at her house in Missouri. It had been 5 years since I'd seen my Grandma Norma. And It was Evan and Mara's first time meeting their Great-grandma.

Here is the Halling group at the Wheeler family reunion. Yes, 3 of us are wearing the same shirt. It's a nice shirt. Brent's family rocks and the reunion was a blast.

Afterwards, we went further north to one of our favorite cities: CHICAGO!

Here is my amazing mom and Mara at the Indiana dunes on a rather cold day for the end of June.

The Sarver Seven. Me and my sibs! We all wore shirts that had Our birth order # on the back and our Dwarf name on the front. We were Scrubby, Cookey, Lefty, Lucky, Brainy, Witty, and Spacey.

I'm Lucky. In many ways it fits. I've won a lot of contests and give-aways. But my life seems to be a string of embarrassing moments as well. To balance the powers of my fortune, I put UN in front of Lucky with a sharpie. It works either way.

This is a Sarver Stew in my mom's hot tub. It's always great fun with the cousins.

After we got home, we took another short trip to the Alamo. Again, we wouldn't be Texans if we didn't go to the Alamo. This was Mara's 1st time.

In August there were 2 major milestones. First it was Brent's and my 10th anniversary! WOOHOO! We did it! We had an awesome day. He took me golfing ( I lasted 4 1/2 holes), Then we went to a wonderful resturant where they spoiled us, and our waitress's name was Mara. Then we went to an Improv theater. Funny thing, they were celebrating their 10th anniversary too. Awesome day!

The next day was Mara's 1st birthday! Her brothers helped her make the cake, and she loved the pink. she's all about pink and purple!

Shortly afterwards, Sam lost his first tooth. Strange thing is, he already got two adult teeth behind them. With two rows of teeth, he enjoyed acting like a shark boy, but he was happy to get money from the tooth fairy too. 5 bucks for the 1st tooth!

Evan's 1st day of School! He started Pre-K this year while Sam moved to 1st and Kenneth to 3rd. I can't believe how fast they are growing up.

GOOSEBUMPS! This was taken in early Sept, but we didn't close until mid Oct. We couldn't believe it. We actually had to call our realtor to make sure someone hadn't bought out from under us. To get a better view of the house, there's a recent video tour on the blog.

In Oct. Evan turned 5. He had been asking if he was 5 yet for 6 months. He was so relieved when we told him he was finally 5.

On Halloween, Sam dressed as a surgeon and posed in front of his latest work. I'm hoping he gets a LOT better before he starts working on people. hehe

Mara got the hang of trick or treating REALLY FAST! She Loved it and now she assoiciates dressing up with getting chocolate. She made a cute ballerina. Thanks to my friend Susanna who made this for her. I got it as a baby shower gift.

November brought Kenneth to his 9th birthday! I think he would have eaten the candles along with the lemon cake if we hadn't stopped him.

Thanksgiving was a feast that the boys are really coming to appreciate. I'm going to have to make twice as much once puberty hits!

Well, as we turn to the Christmas holiday, now is the time to count all of these blessings we've had this last year. The Lord has giving our family so much love, guidance, peace, charity, and joy. This year, as we focus on His birth, let us remember what it means to the world and to each of us, to have a Savoir. This year, less Santa, and more of the true meaning of Christmas.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotton Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Have a wonderful Holiday and many, many blessing to all of you. Remember, it's not what you get but what you give, and love is the best thing to give. Feel the LOVE! Give some brotherly love like Evan here. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Evan is adorable... and other things on my mind.

2009-11-22T22:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight Kenneth decided to make dinner and found a recipe in a cook book Tara had given me. Mexican Soup. It was easy and fun to make. Kenneth loved making it and then he called everyone to the table and told his brothers to guess what was for dinner. Evan took one look in the pot and yelled:
WOW! Throw-up Soup. Cool!
soooo gross and sooo cute at the same time. Everyone was laughing and despite the fact that it did indeed look like chunky upchuck, it was delicious.

For those who don't already know I REALLY LOVED NEW MOON! Go see it if you have read the books. Amazingly well done!

Turkey time has come and getting ready is stressful so I'm trying to keep in mind all the blessings that I have in order reduce my own temper tantrums. Nothing gets you through the holidays better than remembering why you're celebrating them.
My sis just sent me this quote: Today's mighty oak was yesterday's nut that held its ground.

Our New House

2009-11-09T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well here it is!! FINALLY!! This is a tour of our FIRST HOME! Yeah!

NEW MOON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

I'm behind I know

2009-09-01T19:04:00.000-07:00

Okay, I haven't finished the summer vacation, Mara's had her 1st b-day, and we're moving because were trying to buy our 1st house right now. Be patient. I don't even do my face book right now! Life's crazy then you die.

Wheeler Family Reunion

2009-08-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

Okay, I kept a lot of names out because it's a public blog, but I hope you enjoy!
If you want any of the pics, leave a comment and I'll email you.
Enjoy the videos. The 1st is so hilarious and awesome! the 2nd is just random.

Make a Smilebox photobook

The first of many photo books for our vacation this summer.

2009-08-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

A little more

2009-07-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

Do you like my hat?

Getting the plane off the roof.

What we've been up to....

2009-07-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

These are not in order.

Hey honey, This is what we've been doing. I'll try to get more up later.

Hyena Kenneth

2009-05-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's been very exciting for Kenneth lately. He was in his first musical and he had a speaking part! (Yes I made the costume from things at home!)

'It's a Jungle Out There' is a deep and moving show about a quest to true happiness. Kenneth portrays a Hyena who laughs at everything and everyone. His performance was clear and hilarious. Enjoy the tidbit. It's the first of many shows for Kenneth H.

Cowboy Sam

2009-05-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

Sam has been having an awesome year in Kindergarten. They recently had their yearly Rodeo and Sam absolutely loved dressing as a cowboy. He even made his own stick horse from one of daddy's socks. He rode a pony and won a wagon race too. He loves pretending! He's my costume boy. Sam is also my reflection lately. He tends to repeat what I say and with the same tone. He'll look at e and put his hands on his hips and say "Are you kidding me?" or dramatically state "How dare you?" It's funny listening to a mini version of me. (a little scary too)

Evan Evan Bo Bevan

2009-05-07T22:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so proud of my Evan boy! He's writing! Today he wrote BINGO and he wasn't copying. He's still working on his name. It's kinda complicated when you think about it (having to go down then up then up and down and over then up, down, up! the V-A-N is the challenge, he's got E mastered)I'm super proud of him. It seemed like he was butting his head against a wall when it came to letters, but he's determined. He makes me laugh everyday. When he shows me his 'homework' and I say "good job, honey." He's says "No Mommy, you need to say 'GOOD JOB!' (more enthusiasm)." So I say it the right way and he smiles. He's always teaching me how to be a parent. He's fabulous.

He loves to read but every time you turn the page he has to talk about everything on it before you can read the words. (his bros find this very annoying) He still makes motor sounds when he's thinking too. And he is by far the most aggressive kisser and hugger I've met! Look out too, because no matter how many times I try I CANNOT KEEP HIS FACE CLEAN! I love him.

More Mara stuff.

2009-05-07T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm very bad at updating my blog everyday. Instead I sit down and do a month's worth of stuff. Well a little while ago Mara had some big milestones. She says 'mama' when she wants me. Yeah! But she's usually crying. I got it on video but it's too cruel to show on the blog. She says 'dada' when she's happy. She pulls herself up on things now, and today she pulled herself up on the stroller and, unintentionally, took a few steps as it rolled away from her. She keeps doing it now. She's working on waving bye-bye, and is now putting EVERYTHING in her mouth. She's been crawling for a long time, but she's getting faster and more daring by the minute. I'm freaking out because the gate I bought for the top of the stairs is too short! I hate stairs. Well that's Mara at 8 1/2 months.

2009-04-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

2009-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Blue Bonnets.

2009-04-21T14:40:00.001-07:00

The state flower of Texas is a beautiful wild flower called the Blue Bonnet. These flowers literally cover Texas in the spring. When we drove through Brenham on our way to Houston for Easter, we saw hordes of people out taking pictures. We managed to find a spot where no one else was and the pictures were cute.

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

Isn't she CUTE!

My wonderful mom's group holds an Easter egg hunt every year and it's nice to go to a small hunt with a lot of fun. It really takes the stress off.
THEY'RE OFF!

His hunting skills have improved.

He's satisfied.

He's done! He'd rather be playing.

Front Yard Baseball

2009-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last post, but it's very hard to type with Mara on your lap. Anyway, this was just before Easter. The boys decided to start Spring training, so they drew a diamond on the driveway and started a game! Brent was an awesome coach! He was too good for his own good, because our Sam struck him out!
He's so proud of himself!

Why you should always park in the garage.

2009-03-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

Well we've had a major hail storm! The biggest I've ever seen. Baseball sized! and we all know what baseballs can do to windows and cars. I'm just glad we parked in the garage. The boys just loved it. Kenneth said it looked like a lot of huge bird poop! Gross! Enjoy the video.

Aren't they adorable!

2009-03-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is the latest pic of our kiddos. Oh they are so cute!

The ultimate grocery list!

2009-03-06T17:48:00.000-08:00

Never forget anything again! just click here. You can save it on your computer and print it whenever you need it. Awesome!

2009-03-04T21:21:00.000-08:00

This site has been attacked by parasitic paramecia. It won't be long until we all perish from the purely toxic paste that is extruded from their probosci

A series of Unfortunate Events (Fortunate in some ways though)

2009-03-02T09:18:00.000-08:00

Its been eventful for us the past week. It started when I realized Brent and I hadn't received our car insurance bill. Sure enough, it had expired according to our cards. When we called to ask them what's up, they informed that we didn't pay last August and we haven't been insured for 6 months! (small heart attack) I went through everything and found no record of payment, then I hit my head. I had gotten online to pay it last July but never finished the process. Being nine months pregnant didn't help. Since the send the new insurance cards with the bill I just out it in my wallet and didn't pay. We'll we got back on and they were kind enough not to raise our rates for going defunct. In fact our rates are lower!
Next one I have mixed feelings about. Every since Brent lost his wedding ring last summer, Kenneth has been praying that we would find it. He just kept insisting we weren't looking hard enough, but Brent and I believed it went down the drain. Well, after getting out to the last pack of diapers under the crib, I found it. This would have been fantastic if I hadn't bought him a new one for Christmas. I guess he has a spare now and Kenneth gets to say "I told you so."
Finally, This morning Brent got to call 911 for the first time. (Everyone is fine) He was riding out of our neighborhood when he heard a scream. When he went around the corner, he saw a girl who had been hit by a car. The driver stopped and the girl was okay but really shaken. Brent was the only one with a cell. Everyone turned out to be okay.
Life's crazy then you die.

So much for equal football rights...

2009-02-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Ever since our children have learned to sit on their own, Brent has tackled each one and they have loved it. Now things are different. Mara has been sitting on her own for a month and Brent won't tackle her. I'm not really upset about it, but the more differences I see in his relationships with our sons and our daughter just tickles me. Today I teased him to the point where he said he was going to do it. He sat her up, did the 'hutting', and charged. Then he collapsed to the floor just before he reached her. Hilarious. He just can't bring himself to do it.

A Poem

2009-02-09T20:49:00.001-08:00

The endless black branches reach high into the gray sky.
Makes me feel like I’m in a black and white photo.
I wish I could capture this moment
but a picture could never capture the layers and depth of what I see
or the warm and cool breeze on my skin.
The stirring in the air is heightened by my rhythmic swing
in an old hammock tied between two trees too close together.
A picture can’t capture the sound of my children laughing
as they play with their dad, my love, out in this breezy atmosphere
or the peaceful rest of our baby just inside our home.
I swing, desperately trying to drink it in
and taste that bit of fresh moisture in the air
before I have to finish dinner.
Life is wonderful because Heavenly Father just told me he loved me
And I felt it, saw it, heard it, and tasted it all around.

Let's compare shall we?

2009-02-07T11:53:00.001-08:00

I hear different reports as to who Mara girl resembles most.

Is it brother number 1

brother number 2

or brother number 3?

You decide by leaving your comments below. The brother who she resembles most will win a trip to Disney World! Well no not really. It was just starting to feel like a game show and I got carried away. Enjoy!

Sam transforms to Six!

2009-02-04T08:27:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Sam!

We had a blast at Sam's Transformers Party. He can't get enough of those robots in disguise! He's very into superheros at the moment.

It took a few tries but we got those candles out.

Whack that Optimus Prime!

Thanks for the gifts everyone!

I can't believe Sam is six. Although he is the most serious, his laugh is still the most contagious. He is a great reader, and he really loves school. He's so good at helping others and he is trying so hard to think about other people. Sweet and passionate are 2 of his strongest traits. We love you so much Sam Man! Happy birthday!

The Amazing Mara!

2009-02-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

Oh my daddy loves me!

I have learned to sit on my own, and daddy is so proud! I've been doing this for a little while and I'm a little early. Having 3 big brothers makes me want to get in on the action. It's a lot easier to reach things now. I really like paper! Mommy lets me play with it before she recycles it. She's so nice (squeal!). I love to talk too. I can babble mamamama and dadadada now. I'm getting so big!

"What's that, daddy?"

That Little Star is Hilarious!

2009-01-26T10:42:00.000-08:00

I know I have a lot of other things to post, but I had to get this one up. It's too cute!

Right after Christmas.

2009-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

We went hiking to enjoy the warm weather. As usual, the boys are the happiest on rocks.

Christmas

2009-01-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks for staying with us Steph. It was awesome having you here.
Brent was so excited to have a new wedding ring. His ended up in the drain we think.
Kenneth did an awesome job making an army for Brent too.

Update

2009-01-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Okay I'm sorry I fell behind. Good thing this wasn't a resolution. We had an awesome Christmas, and really enjoyed having Steph come and visit us. Thanks for helping us make a Japanese dinner of fried grandma! (ask Steph) We had a fun New Year's Eve party. Our regular Fondue with new faces. It was the first time I had to teach the guests how to do it. I hadn't planned on giving a tutorial. I will have pictures soon, and lots more cute stuff. BUT for now I'm getting ready to party hearty on Saturday. IT IS THE LAST DAY I'LL BE IN MY TWENTIES! I feel good and happy. I thought about turning 29 again, but why relive a year I was mostly pregnant!
More soon!

What a busy time we've had!

2008-12-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

We've had a very busy week. Last Saturday Kenneth got to be a cub scout for the first time. They did a service project by going door to door to collect cans. He did an awesome job!

WE GOT SNOW!!!!!!!! It was brief but beautiful. No ground cover, but the roofs were white. If it had been more humid it would have been bigger, still I got what I wanted for Christmas!

Sam was a clown in his first school play. He pretended to juggle onstage while sporting his homemade clown outfit. He was so crazy!

Tonight, Evan went bravely up to sing with the Primary at our ward Christmas party. He didn't sing but he went, unlike his brothers who pretended to have stage fright. They eventually went up but their sour faces didn't fit with the Christmas theme. Kudos to Evan!!

Mara had her first visit with Santa tonight too. She was so good! So far we only have one crying child sitting on Santa's lap. Mara just looked around and yawned. It will be more exciting later.

Well, this Christmas will be very special! I can't wait until Christmas morning when they open their presents! More importantly though, we try to focus on the Savior and his birth and what that means for all of us. That he came here as a mortal man, to perfect for earth, to save us individually, is the greatest and most precious gift of all. Happy Birthday to Our Lord. May we always give as he does.

Our very busy weekend

2008-11-26T10:59:00.000-08:00

Kenneth turned 8 on Nov 14th and you know what that means. He was Baptised and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was so proud that he made that decision. Also, we blessed our baby girl Mara. She is wearing the same blessing outfit my mom made for me. Thanks to Tara and her boys for coming to Kenneth's party. And thanks to all the Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who made the trek to Austin for a few short days. It was so wonderful to have you here. We love you very much, and we'll see you soon!

Twilight review

2008-11-26T10:33:00.000-08:00

I saw it twice! It was incredibly well done with such a low budget. I was very impressed. Nothing compares to the book but it didn't take anything away from it, and it added positively to the whole Twilight experience.

Please leave your review here. I want to know what everyone thought. What did you think?

Also:

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES

TWILIGHT SEQUEL - NEW MOON Los Angeles, CA November 22, 2008 —

Summit Entertainment announced today that the studio is officially moving forward with the production of NEW MOON, the second installment of its filmed franchise TWILIGHT, the action-packed, modern day vampire love story. The movie will be based on the second novel in author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series titled, New Moon. The first movie in the TWILIGHT franchise, the self-titled TWILIGHT, arrived in theaters this weekend to sold-out showings.

Stephenie Meyer stated, "I don't think any other author has had a more positive experience with the makers of her movie adaptation than I have had with Summit Entertainment. I'm thrilled to have the chance to work with them again on NEW MOON."

What would you do?

2008-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

We recently had a cat show up at our door with no collar. It looked rather mangy but he was hungry so we gave him some tuna. A neighbor told us it belonged to our neighbor, Deb, so we took Mittens(aka mangy cat) back home. Deb thanked us and then told us that she was taking him to the vet the next day to put him down. Kenneth caught on to that really fast. She said he was just too old. Almost twenty years old. Anyway, about an hour later Mittens was back in our yard. I haven't fed him, but I haven't taken him back either. I feel terrible about taking him to his death. Kenneth thinks he knows what's going to happen so he's hiding at our place. I don't know. It's been 4 days and he's still here.
Would you take him back?

2008-11-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

Does anybody know what Provisional voting is? I do! It's an excruciating way to vote inflicted upon those whose county screwed up their registration! I will not inflict the details of the process on the readers, but I will say that after checking all 5 databases they could only find my canceled registration from Houston, proving that I sent it in, but no one completed it. So After filling out 3 forms and giving them all my ID numbers, making sure I touched every document "for verification", and making me seal the envelope myself, they got all my info, fingerprints, and even my DNA! I was then allowed to vote but I have to wait 2 weeks to see if they will count it. If I get arrested for a government crime, everyone will know I was framed!
Dead people can vote easier than that!

A Howling Halloween!

2008-11-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

It was a very nice time this year it was Mara's first (obviously).

The boys had three different events to go to so there was a parade of costumes. Evan was the only one who wore his Bumblebee Transformer costume for everything.

For the school Fall Fest, Kenneth was Spiderman and Sam was Bumblebee too.

For the Halloween Bash at UT Kenneth was Superman. Sam stayed Bumblebee.

But for Halloween Trick-or-treating, Sam turned into Batman, Kenneth became a Vampire, Evan was good ol' bumblebee and Mara became a little Ladybug.

For pumpkin carving, we let the boys clean out the goop and draw a face that Brent and I cut out. Brent did Mara's little pie pumpkin. See the resemblance?

They got a fair share of candy but it will be heavily taxed by their dad.

We've had a Birthday! Shout Hooray!

2008-10-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Yea!! Evan is four! Unfortunately, mommy only had one candle, but he didn't mind.

Daddy tried to get fancy with his cake by doing math problems that equaled five. Then Kenneth asked him why they equaled five, and Daddy said "That's how old Evan is, silly."
Kenneth had the last laugh while daddy took off the sugar numbers to make math problems that equaled four.

Evan got loaded with gifts thanks to our friends and family. Thank You for making his b-day so special. We love ya!

Life saving CPR to the tune of "Staying Alive"

2008-10-17T13:48:00.000-07:00

Click here to save someone's life.

Oh My GOSH!! I'm SOOO Excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-10-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

Smile on, Angel!

2008-10-01T22:32:00.000-07:00

We finnally caught a real smile on her face! She doesn't have gas, I swear!

She does smile in her sleep too!
This is Brent trying to get Mara to smile, but he only managed to suck out her brains. He says it's her fault for tasting so good.

Mara loves to lay on daddy!

Supersilious

2008-09-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since my last entry. Sorry, but it's hard to type with a baby on your lap.

Had to share this though. Sam was telling 'jokes' tonight at the dinner table and was getting prouder and prouder of himself as he thought of better and better ones. It kinda went like this:

Sam: Mommy why did the fireman wear suspenders?
Me: Don't know Why?
Sam: to keep his pants on.
Me: oh my (he he he)
Sam: Mommy why did the curtains not move?
Me: Don't know.
Sam: Cause they could move by themselves!!
Me confused: oh okay hahaha
Sam with pride: I am so crazy.
Me: Oh yeah.
Sam: Mommy why did Mara cross the road?
Me with raised eyebrows: Why?
Sam: To jump over the fires and the chickens HAHAHAHAHA!
Me: That's a good one buddy (insert fake laugh)
Sam with more pride: I am so good at telling jokes. I'm the super silliest.
Me: (Real laughter)!

2008-08-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am mourning the potential loss of Midnight Sun. http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/midnightsun.html

For the moment it seems Edward is trapped indefinately.

Mara's birth. Not for the faint hearted.

2008-08-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is rather gruesome but it does have Mara's first cry. It's a C-section, so I'm covered, just really bloody. Plus you can really hear the excitment in Brent's voice.

A lot more pictures.

2008-08-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

Mara Elaine

2008-08-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

Here she is!!! Born Aug 15th at 1:14 p.m. 8lbs 11oz and 21.5 in.

More to come later.

Mara Update.

2008-08-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm very happy to say she is doing very well. She has been in ready position for 3 weeks and today the sonogram showed she had her feet perched on my belly like a spring board! I have a pic of her head that shows a lot of hair. I'm excited about that. I'm considered full term now so any day is fine with me, but Brent keeps asking her to wait. He wants to finish something at work but if she stays in that long, she'll be born on my birthday! Too bad daddy!

I LOVED THIS TWISTED BOOK!

2008-08-05T22:15:00.001-07:00

This was so awesome and freakishly twisted! I didn't see any of it coming! I smiled, I cringed, I threw the book when I got mad, I cried, I laughed out loud. Oh it was just beautiful! I'm ready for Midnight Sun! This is going to kill me. But I have a goal thanks to my hubbie's last post. (grrr) I will look like a hot, sexy vampire for that book release. I'm way too prego!
This is a little pic from the meadow scene in the movie. I'm counting down the days! 12-12-08

2008-08-02T14:18:00.001-07:00

Since Katie is busy with the new book, I thought I'd take the yolk of keeping the site up to date.

At "Twilight" of yester-eve, the vampires emerged to go buy new books. A "New Moon" lurks in the sunny skies. But this was
no ordinary day for our moon, for behold it blocked out the brilliant sun for a full solar "Eclipse" (this week on August 1st--in Asia). Coincidence? I think the vampires are behind setting the stage for a full global feast! But not before the "Breaking Dawn" for every vampire must be fully rested before they embark on the cruel enterprise (the award stands as evidence to prove it).

By the way, here is a belly shot of my eternally beautiful (and pregnant) vampire for those who desperately inquired.

Jupiter

2008-07-27T21:39:00.000-07:00

Once again, our neighbor let us view a planet from his extremly awesome telescope. This is the actual image we saw, with colors and everything. You can see the storm eye a little to the left and down too. Too Awesome.

Twilight Trailer!!!!!!!!!!

2008-07-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

Click Here!

Summer Fun.

2008-07-18T11:30:00.001-07:00

I miss my sisters.

2008-07-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

My sisters, Emily, Ilise, Stephanie, and Charlotte all in Chicago this week. I cried when I saw this on my sister's blog. I really miss them. I should be standing there too, but I'm six weeks from my due date. Alas, they will all have to visit me.

I guess I've been tagged.

2008-07-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Like anyone really cares.
5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Working at Steak and Shake for the summer. Woo-Hoo
2. Picking up a couple of stray cats (remember mom)
3. Moving into an awesome apt right between church and campus.
4. Meeting the man of my dreams on Aug. 17th 1998.
5. Trying to decide what I want to do with my education (still pondering that)

5 things on my to do list:
1. Throw baby shower for a friend (don't have my own baby before that)
2. Pack my hospital bag
3. Clean Sam and Evan's room
4. Help husband stay calm because of stress at work (and home)
5. Completely Potty train Evan. (We're getting close)

5 favorite snacks/food:
1-5 whatever doesn't give me massive heartburn at the moment!

5 things I would do if I was a billionaire:
I'd give it away. I don't want to be a billionaire.

5 bad habits:
1. eating food that gives me heartburn
2. not keeping up with my spiritual priorities
3. spending money to easily
4. snapping to often at my kids
5. putting myself down too often

Places I've lived:
Hanna, IN (the mailbox anyway)
West Lafayette, IN
Several places in Houston, TX
Austin, TX

People I'm tagging:
EVERYONE WHO READ THIS! MUH-HAH-HAH-HAH!

A Rare and Wonderful Experience

2008-06-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, at church, we meet the Apostle David A. Bednar.

His son was in our ward (they moved today) and he came for the blessing of his new granddaughter. He spoke for most of Sacrament meeting, bearing his testimony that Thomas S. Monson is the new prophet, and explaining how the church is organized at the top level.

Since it was the fifth Sunday, we had combined Relief Society and Priesthood meeting. He conducted a Q&A session for just our ward. He said we would never be in the presence of an Apostle with this small of a group again. Every question was answered beautifully, and the Spirit was very strong. The most powerful thing that struck me was "If you don't have the faith not to be healed, you can never have the faith to be healed."

Afterwards, Kenneth was standing behind Elder Bednar. He turned around and asked Kenneth his name. We got to shake his hand and I asked Elder Bednar if there was anything Kenneth could have for his picture book. He very discreetly handed Kenneth his card. It says:

David A. Bednar

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

It has other things printed on there, but I'm sure he doesn't want it published on the web.

Kenneth immediately put it in his book and then called his grandparents.

What an amazing Sunday!

Father's Day.

2008-06-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

This was a great Father's day. I went a little overboard with the gifts again, but he deserves them. (Plus he found a couple before Father's day, so I had to get more!)

Breakfast in bed!

Unwrapping some gifts with his little men.

My brother had his kids take a quiz for mom's day so I went ahead and had my boys do one for their daddy too.

Father’s Day Quiz.
1. My dad is ______ years old.
Kenneth: 33
Sam: 18
Evan: one
2. My dad is coolest when______.
Kenneth: he does a handstand
Sam: he’s strong
Evan: popcorn
3. My dad likes to make ______.
Kenneth: playdough food
Sam: pizza
Evan: cereal
4. My dad always says, "________."
Kenneth: Today is the first day of the rest of your life
Sam: you’re silly
Evan: go to bed
5. My dad is funny when ________.
Kenneth: he does something and gets hurt
Sam: he tickles me and Kenneth and Evan
Evan: in pictures
6. My dad is the best ________.
Kenneth: Scientist
Sam: strong man
Evan: duck
7. My dad has ______ eyes.
Kenneth: green
Sam: brown
Evan: 2
8. My dad is _______ tall.
Kenneth: 6 feet
Sam: this tall (reaches very high)
Evan: bigger
9. My dad is handsome when ________.
Kenneth: he goes to church
Sam: at church and in the morning
Evan: yes
10. My dad likes to _______.
Kenneth: spank us
Sam: think
Evan: throw rocks

My completely totally awesome friends.

2008-06-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

I went to Houston last week as a spur-of-the-moment type trip. My best friend, Tara, put us up and watched my boys for me while I went to the temple. Then on Thursday night, I thought I was going to a book group only to show up at a spur-of-the-moment surprise baby shower! My friends ROCK! I was so happy and shocked. Tara sent me some great pics too.

This is a pic of everyone who could make it, including Kristine, Sarah, and Jacob who won the prize for coming the farthest. (besides me :)

This is Amy who was so awesome to get me everything dipped in chocolate! TOO YUMMY!

This is Tara S who made this absolutely adorable duck cake. So talented!

Here is Heather and Lupita. Always nice to see and enjoy dessert with.
This is me absolutely loving the fact I passed my glucose test! Bring in the chocolate covered strawberries and pound cake!

Thanks Susannah for Hosting, and thanks to everyone for the advice on having girls, the clothes and accessories, diapers, and just being there for me. I really miss you all.

Stay at Home MOM Salary.

2008-06-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

This was way too cool not to show all my friends. Check out how much you could be making for everything you do as a stay at home mom. My yearly salary is $160,096!!!!!!http://swz.salary.com/momsalarywizard/layoutscripts/mswl_newsearch.asp
Most of us would be making more than our hubbies!

By the way, we found a home for the dog.

Stupid Dog Owners

2008-06-08T16:58:00.001-07:00

This is the newest stray in ours lives. The last one had a chip in his ear and tags so was home in 8 hours. This dog has no collar and no chip. She is a female bull mix and is very social, so she has won almost all our hearts. We can't find the owners though. We can tell she has been well looked after, her ears and teeth are clean, her nails are clipped, and she's groomed. Her behavior leads us to think she's an inside dog. She tried to sleep in our bed, she absolutely loves the boys, and when we left her in the backyard to go to church this morning, she ripped apart some of the toys in the yard.

Well, I started my search for the owner by going to Petsmart where they had a vet. That's how we found out there was no chip. After I bought a collar and leash for the mutt, they gave me free samples of dog food to feed her for a few days. Then we took pictures and made posters to go up in the neighborhood. I posted her pic on Craig's List and the Neighborhood Association. I sent and email to everyone I know in the neighborhood, and most importantly, I sent her pic and description to the city animal shelter all within hours of finding her.

The depressing thing is this: There are far more found dogs then people looking for them.

Some people leave their dogs when they move, just letting them go in the neighborhood.

Others go on vacation, not giving proper attention to their pets care and they get loose.

With all the free microchiping, why doesn't every dog have one!

Our BIG problem is we can't keep her, and if we take her to the shelter, the owners have 3 days to claim her than she will, most likely, be put down. Since she is part pit bull (although it's hard to believe) she is not likely to be adopted even if she does pass the behavior tests.

Yet again!

2008-05-31T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hottest Chili

That's what I normally go for whenever our church ward has a Chili cook-off. I've won that category 3 times. My chili is called 'The Cure for the Common Cold' and it comes with a warning label. 'Keep away from children and pets. Not recommended for people who are pregnant or nursing, or people with heart problems.' Well I was a little disappointed to find out there wasn't a category for hottest just 'Best Chili.' So imagine my surprise when I won that title! I got a lot of comments and most people were too scared to try it, but enough people voted for it so I won!

I'm thinking of entering other chili contests now.

Oh and my prize was a $40 gift card to Macaroni's Grill. AWESOME!

Baby update! She's doing great and she is three pounds and kicks like crazy, especially when her brothers and father talk to her through the belly button. She's breach at the moment but she'll turn around.

HE'S GOT THE PAPER! IT"S OFFICIAL!

2008-05-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

On May 20th, Dr. D Brent Halling finally graduated with his PhD. He would like to thank his Parents for making the trek to see it, and for all their love and support. Also thanks to our cousins in Houston who threw a party for him and put up the whole family for the night. It is always fun to see you. And thanks to our wonderful friends who watched our boys during the graduation. The boys were very happy to be with you instead. Thanks to all. Oh and I'm sure, he thanks his wife too:).

Mother's Day

2008-05-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

My boys did a fabulous job for M-day. Kenneth probably won most creative present for making me a rock basket out of 100% recyclable material. Brent also got me Josh Groban "Awake" concert on dvd. Sam wrote me a book about a fish, and Evan gave me his hand print. But I think the icing on the cake was coming home after meeting one of my favorite authors and finding my home really clean! Brent said the boys cleaned without complaint too. Oh the joy!

Stepenie Meyer

2008-05-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful experience last weekend. I got to meet Stephenie Meyer! She had a book signing for her new Sci-fi book The Host. I just finished it yesterday and I was impressed. It has nothing to do with her amazing Twilight series, but it was very good.

I couldn't get any of my video clips to download but it's amazing to hear her talk. It was almost like a RS lesson. (Also I think she's pregnant. We both have 3 boys and it would be cool if she got a girl too.) I had a blast with my friends from Houston, and I miss them so very much. Thanks for the ticket Tara, and it was great to see you guys again.