Two Plus Five Equals Love

2011 Pocket Calendar

2012-01-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

A pocket calendar tells so much.

As I was cleaning out my purse today I took the time to update my calendar book.However, I still want to keep the old one. Why? It's really quite useless now; the calendar doesn't apply anymore and the address book needs updating.

But it tells so much! I could spend an hour looking back on the pages that tell of kids birthdays, 4-H meetings, and vacations!

So thank you, old calendar book, for helping me look back on the year that has come and gone. To reminisce on the boring meetings, the tedious doctor's appointments and the mundane days. However, you have also reminded me of our two daughters graduating from college, Carly's qualifying for state fair, our vacation to the sand dunes in Florence, Oregon, and our summer with our foreign exchange student from China.

Farewell, 2011. I look forward to filling my new pocket calendar with 2012 events and commitments

A Lesson from Abraham

2012-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

Genesis 22: 1&2

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. 2 Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about."

I struggle with this story everytime I read it. How can a parent even consider hauling their child to a place where they must sacrifice him? I try to understand Isaac's heart and imagine what it must have been going through his head. But I still don't understand. Until today.

It's not that I suddenly feel that this is o.k. I still cannot imagine planning the long journey that would end in my son's death, and the determination to execute it. I struggle with the question of "How could God ask such a thing from Isaac?" Now days CPS would be called and Abraham and Sarah's faces would be plastered all over the national news.

But Abraham believed God in a way that I don't. His faith was such that he trusted in God's perfect plan, and KNEW that his way is perfect, no matter how convoluted the plan seemed to him. You see, God had a ram walking up the other side of the mountain that Abraham couldn't see.God had a sacrifice coming up the other side. Abraham didn't know it, but God was providing.

In the tapestry of my life that has woven into it trials, heartache, broken relationships and sorrow, I don't always see God's hand. I question where He is and why He doesn't intervene. I want Him to fix it.Now.

I need to remember that God has a plan that I don't see.He is working in that person's heart. He is weaving a provision for my situation. He is causing a ram to climb up the other side of the mountain.While I am taking this journey through life, maybe I can stop and consider Isaac's journey up to the mountain. He had a long time to question what he had to do, but he didn't turn back. He didn't know what the outcome would be, but he still moved forward. He simply believed that God's plan was perfect and trusted in Him in a way that I cannot imagine.

I will always struggle with understanding God's plan, and I will always ask the question, "Why is this happening?" But maybe I can stop and consider Isaac and what he went through. His story gives me a bigger picture of God. Because while Abraham was making that long journey up the mountain to sacrifice his son, God had a ram climbing up the other side.

Rock Does NOT Beat Paper

2011-10-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the most enlightening things that I have read about in a long time. Now I truly understand what is wrong with this society. We believe that paper beats rock. We accept it. We grow up believing that this is fact. When all along, we have believed a lie!

From this day forward, I will strive to educate the ignorate population and enlighten them of the truth. Paper does not beat rock. In fact, I will begin proclaiming this on my nearest street corner and knock on every door, all in the hope that eyes will be opened to the truth.

In fact, I will start an after school program to reach the children of our society who have grown up believing this lie! I will make t-shirts and colorful rubber band wrist thingies, all in the attempt to expose the truth.

Join me in this cause and help to spread the word! Reach the masses with the truth! Save the children!

Student Driver-Beware

2011-01-16T18:06:00.000-08:00

This past week our son began driving. This is child #3 on the student driving circuit, so I think that I've finally learned how to push back the images that can flash through my brain. Like confusing the gas with the brake. Rear ending the car in front of them. Pedestrians impaled on the hood ornament. Stuff like that.

But, I reluctantly admit, he's not too bad of a driver. I don't want him to know it; heaven forbid he gets overly confident.

But the other day was his very first drive-thru. He managed to made it up the the window, cautiously inching his way up to it as the two young,ahem, attractive ladies wait. He finds the window button and pushes it down to order, only to have my window roll down.
The young, ahem, attractive ladies wait.
He gives a little smirky smile and pushes the window button down. The back window rolls down.
The young, ahem, attractive ladies wait. Giggle.
Finally, New Driver gets his window down and gazes upon those sweet giggling faces.
"Your his first drive-thru." I have to explain.
"Ohhhh, that's so sweeeeeet! How cute!!!" The young,ahem, attractive girls coo.
New Driver gives his smirky smile. And blushes.

Carly Gets Baptized

2011-01-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here it is, Carly decided to take the plunge in the cold tank and get baptized! What a great way to start the new year.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-31T23:30:00.000-08:00

As the saying goes, what a difference a year makes. This time last year I was trying my best to keep it together emotionally, as I prepared myself for some big changes. The first of the year brought Megan heading off to Uganda, while at the same time, Carly and I were preparing for our trip to meet baby Henry. Talk about an emotional beginning of the year!

And now, Megan is back in the states and we will soon be celebrating Henry's first birthday. What will this year bring? Only God knows. However, this Christmas was truly a relaxing, joyful one.

The beginning of December brought the girls back from college along with lindsey's friend, Preston. We showed him some of the island and enjoyed spending time with this, ahem, friend/boy...

Christmas also brought Carly's big theater debute in It's a Wonderful Life. Her one famous line, "She went looking for you with Uncle Billy" simply stole the show!

Christmas not only brought all the kids back home, but even Grams was here with us to celebrate Christmas day!

And, of course, the star of the show, the king of the castle was Prince Henry!

Henry

Henry

and more Henry!

Oh, how I love having a baby in the house again.

It felt so good to have everyone home.

I hope you had a Christmas filled with family, friends and time spent together, enjoying each other's company!

A mother like me.

2010-11-08T20:10:00.000-08:00

She was a mother, one of millions on this planet. She was not the mother of a president, the wife of a movie star, or the voice of a nation. She was a mother and wife. Like me. Maybe like you. She was faithful to her family; cooking and cleaning for them, loving and laughing with them. Living.

Although she lived in Mokono, Uganda, she became intertwined with my life; me, another mother who lives on the other side of this planet from her. And while I only talked with her once, she was in my prayers and thoughts, for she was my daughter’s Ugandan Momma during her home stay experience in Uganda. Her momma shared her life with Megan. She taught her how to cook Ugandan style, how to wash her clothes Ugandan style, and even shop in the market. Megan didn’t just live with this family; she loved them and grew in Christ because of them.

She was a teacher and a pastor’s wife, but more importantly, she was mother to Isaac, 9 years old and Deborah, 8.

And little Dorcus, just 2 years old. Baby Gloria,born after Megan left, is just 2 months old.

Sadly, Megan’s Ugandan Momma died in a tragic car accident on October 30th. She leaves behind a husband and children who loved her deeply and depended on her incredibly.

Because we live in America, we will never understand the struggle of raising a family in a small village in Africa. But, we as mothers can understand the love we have for our family, and how deeply she will be missed by them.

Jennifer leaves a hole in this family’s life that will never be filled,and Joseph, the father, is now faced with the struggle of taking care of the children alone. Money is never completely the answer to every problem, but it is something that can help this little family. Which is why I ask you, will you help? I have posted below the address of Mark Bartels, the Director of the Uganda Studies Program. He works with placing families with students who attend Uganda Christian University and are in the Home Stay program which Megan participated. His address is in the states because sending money directly to Uganda would probably not get to the family. However, Mark will make sure that the family gets it. Please, consider helping out a family who has helped so many others and who now need our help.

-Kelly Hall

Below is the email I received from Mr. Bartels.

I am writing you all with some sad news about your Mukono host family. Several of you already know that last weekend the family was involved in a car accident and the mother, Jeniffer, died. Rev. John Joseph has a broken jaw, but is on his way to a full recovery. The children are all ok. (John Isaac-9 years; Miriam Deborah-8 years; Miriam Dorcus-2 years; Gloria Jeniffer-2 months;). They were traveling for the baptism of the youngest two children. The youngest, Gloria, has been taken in by another pastor and his wife, at least for the time being.

There are only 4 of you who were hosted by the Bumanye family (Bethany, spring 2005; CarylMay, fall 2005; Abigail, fall 2009; Megan spring 2010) because they spent 2006-2009 in Lugazi, a town about 45 minutes towards Jinja. They also have a USP student with them this semester who is staying with them for the entire semester. She spent the last week on campus but is returning this week to the family.

I am writing primarily just to let you all know about this incident. I realize some of you may have maintained closer contact with the family than others.

A couple of you who already heard of this have asked what you can do. If you are interested (and only if you are interested; don't feel any pressure) there are a couple things that would be appropriate.

First, write them a letter or card. You can send it to us and we will deliver it. Just knowing that you are thinking of them and praying for them will be an encouragement.

Mark Bartels
Uganda Christian University
PO Box 4, Mukono
UGANDA

Alternatively, you could email me a message and I will either print it for them or rewrite it.

Second, if you are able and willing, you could make a donation. As you know, when something like this happens in Uganda, many people make small contributions to help the family through the time of need. The USP has already made a donation, including buying baby formula for a few months. If you want to send anything, you can send a check to me in the US, and I will give them shillings here. Unfortunately, we don't have a method that is tax deductible, but I am assuming any amount sent will be small, so that probably isn't an issue. If you want to donate something, but don't have much money, even $10 is more than sufficient in communicating your care. You can make the check out to me and mail it to:

(Please leave a comment on my blog if you would like the address.-Kelly)

Again, please don't feel any obligation to do this.

If you all have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me. I don't think all 4 of these addresses are current, so I am sending the same message out via Facebook.

Obviously, this is a tragic loss for the Bumanye family and for those connected with them. Rev. Bumanye has demonstrated faith in many ways throughout this incident, including his gracious response to the young man who was driving the vehicle.

--------------

Mark Bartels
Director, Uganda Studies Program
Uganda Christian University

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

Our church hosted a Trunk or Treat in downtown Oak Harbor. Crazy

buzy! We set up a trunk and passed out massive amounts of candy.

And while you can pretty much guess that my friend Deb is a clown, some had problems guessing mine. No, I am not Michael Jackson. I am Joe Cool, geeeeze!

The Great Pumpkin

2010-10-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Yes, even though the only remaining kids at home are now 15 and 13, they are not too cool to pick out pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. Which makes Momma happy. I even took pictures. And ignored the snarky remarks they constantly hurled at each other.

Look! They give the illusion that they get along!

Last of all, this could simply be the reason why Stevie is at times quite grumpy. We simply don't feed him enough. Good thing he picked out a really big pumpkin. Eat up, Stevie!

Henry Goes to Washington- Part 2

2010-09-29T22:14:00.000-07:00

This past weekend brought Allie and Henry back home. And although the sad occasion was the funeral of Allie's childhood friend, we did have a chance to get away to Port Townsend on Saturday and enjoy one of Washington's very elusive sunny days.

Henry had his very first ferry ride. Although the ride got a little rocky, and Allie questioned the sea-worthiness of the little boat, Henry had a great time!

I also learned another lesson: Never depend on ferry workers to help you when getting around cars with a stroller. G'ma lost her cool and ended up hefting the thing all the way up the stairs. Grrrr.

The day ended with Henry in the pumpkin patch...even if it was in the middle of Albertsons. After calling around to find an open pumpkin patch, we had to get creative. Did he care? No. Will he remember it? No. But at least we got the picture!

Stevie Hits the Bull's Eye

2010-09-21T21:11:00.000-07:00

Check this out! With the beginning of the school year, our program started off with archery in P.E., thanks to my friend Charlene. She has come in to teach the kids, and they love it! And we have discovered that we have a William Tell in our family-check out the apple. He was the only kid who got it!

Karli and Hans Go For a Dip!

2010-08-29T23:41:00.000-07:00

The Big Day

2010-07-15T08:29:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago the sisters pledged to get their ears pierced together.A true bonding moment in the jewelry section of WalMart.

Unfortunately, after Megan's ears were pierced, we realized that they were crooked! Good thing she has a high tolerance for pain.

Summer Mornings

2010-07-15T08:17:00.000-07:00

My favorite place to be on a sunny summer morning.

Last Field Trip

2010-06-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

This past Monday was the last field trip of the school year for us. We visited the sealab at Fort Casey, something that I have been taking the kids to since Allie was little-and this guy is still there growling at the kids and making them laugh. I always enjoy it.

After the class time, we made our way down to the water and slipped among the eel grass and kelp to investigate the tide pools.

And hold kelp crabs.

And sea cucumbers.

Aaaahhhh.......I love my island.

Megan is Home

2010-05-27T22:06:00.000-07:00

Megan is home. She is back to her family, friends, and familiar surroundings.

And while she is here physically,

I sense that she left a part of her heart in Africa.

Death to the Duck

2010-05-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

Get the hint?

One of my pet peeves

2010-05-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have spent way too long laughing my head off at the blog, Hyperbole and a half; Thank you, Allie. But this blogger has inspired me to list some of my pet peeves that I see daily in writing.

Such as using little "i" instead of "I" as a personal pronoun

Using a little i this way says so much about a girl.You don't find boys doing this, do you?

Using the cutesy little i says to me: "Hi! Don't you think im adorable? even though i spend waaaay too long thinking about boys who are hopefully thinking about me, because hey, i think about myself a lot. When i grow up i want to paint toenails for a living. And put glitter on them. When i write my i's, i like to draw a cute circle for the dot. i say that i don't like boys, but i dress like i do. i really like boys. is he looking at me?"

It makes me want to say, "Honey, pull up that little i and cover up that dot! Pleeeeeease!"

The Candy Man Cometh

2010-04-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Candy Man cometh. He lumbers down our driveway in his beat up white van, and hikes up his jeans as he steps out and greets our golden retrievers. To Hans and Luke, he is Willy Wonka, the man to be loved, slobbered upon and worshiped. He is...the ferrier. The trimmer of horse hooves and the one that my dogs adore; for to them, horse hooves are the ultimate in dog chewies.

If you have never experienced the look on a dog's face as he gnaws on a hoof, jowls all frothy and foamy-white, then you do not know the look of heaven on a dog's face.

But to Hamlet, the obese, mini (haha) Dachshund that we are doggie-sitting, this is a new experience. While the other dogs reverently sat around my horse, eager for the Candy Man to throw them a trimming, Hamlet was clueless. Until he happened upon a piece that the others had overlooked. Suddenly, Hamlet was prancing around the yard as if he had just discovered the Golden Ticket. However, this ticket is dirty, smelly, and gross to us humans. And really, it's just a very large, disgusting toenail. eeewwww.

So when Hamlet pranced up to the porch with it, and proceeded to walk into the house, I snatched it from him.Hey, we may be in the country, but THAT thing stays outside.

Yep, Hamlet is a city dog gone country!

Author's note to self: When a doggie over-indulges on hoof chewies, remember to contain him in a room with linoleum. DO NOT put him in a warm car and take him for a jaunt into town. Bad idea. VERY bad idea.

"Ooohhh, my aching belly!"

Henry's First Picnic!.wmv

2010-04-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

Man, oh man. It feels as if it was just yesterday when I was so in love with my little one. And now my "little one" is in love with her little man. Time, you really can fly.

Fat Camp for Ham-butt

2010-04-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

While others travel off to exotic places, I am the one that is called on to dog-sit.

So when my mom and sisters flew off to Spain, Hamlet came to stay with us.

Now, this mini long-haired Dachshund isn't typical. raised primarily by my eighty-five year old mom, he is NOT mini, and he is truly a mama's boy.

But Hamlet catches on quickly, realizing here at the Hall's that he's not the center of the house, as he has two other Dachshunds to deal with! And surprisingly,Hamlet is fitting in nicely; finding that Stevie's bed is the place to sleep, the cat is a fun action toy, and if he gives me a pitiful look while he tilts his head just so, he can come along for the car ride.

However, this week it's fat camp here at the Hall House. Not just for me, but for the... ahem... MINI long-haired Dachshund.

Truly, Hamlet is as big as a Savannah pork-butt roast at a Fourth of July covered dish dinner at The Mighty Lord's Perpetual Grace and Enveloping Arms Church. (How's that, Allie?!) and now that he's here, it's time to whip him into shape! Gone are the cookies and treats; instead it's three mile hikes. Maybe Hamlet and I will inspire one another to lost a few pounds!

2010-04-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

HaPpInEsS is...........

Children that leave such sweet comments that make me tear up!!!!!!

Thanks, Peanut and Loula Bell.....

It's in the Choosing

2010-04-15T07:47:00.000-07:00

"What am I doing wrong as a mother?"

How many times have I assaulted myself with this very question? Too many times. And it is so easy to do. Fearful of making the right decision, I convince myself that their very life depends on the decisions I make.

Or the rant I hit them with the night before comes back to haunt me and whispers in my ear, "They will carry that with them for the rest of their lives!"

I could spend hours mulling it.

But lately when I look at my kids, I see such strength and awesome qualities, inspite of me!(Thank you, God!) And I especially see this in the three that are out on their own. But you know the greatest, most amazing characteristic that blows me away?

It is that they are brave.

Yes, brave! Not brave like, go-off -to-war-and-slay-thy-enemies brave, but step-out-and-choose-hard-things, brave.

I see three young women who are stepping out with much courage into this big world. Sure, at times it can get scary. And at times fear can keep us from doing something brave. But, it's in the choosing where we grow.

like birthin' a baby. Scary.

like leading a worship team. (Don't even ask me to sing in front of people!)

like leaving everything and everyone you know and living in a third world country where cockroaches love to hide in the squatty and jump out at you at night, making you hold it 'till you get a massive headache and are about to wet your pants, until you are able to shoo them all away.

'nough said.

I am finally realizing that, while education is very important, there is this characteristic of choosing to be brave that is so incredibly valuable. I don't believe that we are just born with courage in our hearts, but it's in the choosing where it is developed. And without the choosing, we don't grow, learn, experience, change; become an adult.

But fear, self-doubt, and perfectionism can be such a courage killer. It can suck the courage right out of a person. I know that as well as anyone else, and that is why I am so in awe of my brave young women!

Which ultimately leads me to ask myself, "When was the last time I chose to be brave and do something hard?"

Hmmm.

John Bingham said, "The miracle is not that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start."

I am so very proud of you girls for having the courage to start.

***********************************************

Have you ever considered following a blog? How about mine? I mean, not that it matters to me or anything because,hey, it's not about the numbers for me. really. Okay, just a little. What grinds my gears are those blogs out there that are full of simple sentences, misspelled words and run-ons that have a bizillion followers! Unfair! It simply sucks the creative juices out of a blogger. Just thought you'd want to know.

The Audition, Part I

2010-03-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

About a couple of weeks ago Karli decided that she wanted to try out for our town's theater production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. So, she promptly gathered two of her closest friends and convinced them that they needed to as well.Hey, what are friends for, right?

The other mom's were a little concerned about this. What if they got a part? Do you have any idea how much time and work you have to dedicate to a play? But I was able to reassure them that there are lots of kids with tons of talent that woudl be trying out, so their chances would be slim. I was even wondering if Karli would have the nerve to step up on the big stage. "I just want to encourage the kids to do something brave like this." The wise me reassuringly said. "They have little theater experience, and will be competing for a part against other kids that have been doing this for a loooooong time." Silly me.

So, the girls had to first learn a dance routine...

The dance instructor quickly taught them the routine, going through it a couple of times, then had them do it on their own.

2010-03-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Audition, Part II

After Karli learned the dance routine, she had to sing...

then the girls had to read a part of the script.

I have to say that I was quite surprised at how well the girls did! We should know by Tuesday if they got parts in the play. Oooooohhh boy. What have I gotten myself into.

Piano Recital

2010-03-13T16:30:00.000-08:00

Karli had her piano recital a couple of weeks ago. She has been playing for 1 1/2 years-not too bad!

In Need of Paper White Lilies

2010-02-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

unbending beneath steel-lined clouds

that bow to fertile Earth,

and life giving burial grounds.

Endless gray misty mornings

that stretch into the night;

I appraise a sleepy world,

I gaze on the gauze filled sight.

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

whose crowned heads come burgeoning forth

from a quiet slumbering bed,

like a resurrected corpse.

This birth from decaying blanket,

whose fragrance fills the air

and pushes away woolen complacency

that is evident there.

I'm in need of paper white lilies,

that burst up from underground

released from cold, quiet stillness

and unleashes hope from its bounds.

(I love you, Spring!)

It's Megan's Special Day!

2010-02-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Megan's very special day. It is her one month anniversary, and her 21st birthday. If someone had whispered into my ear when she was little all that she would do, I don't know that I would have believed them!

I still marvel when I think back at how her adventure to Uganda came about and smile at all that she is learning. Do many of you know how it came about? Have you heard the story?No? well...

Once upon a time there was a little blondie who was born with a very generous heart. This little girl with the big blue eyes and a shy smile was full of energy and loved to be outside.

During her schooling she was adept at sneaking out of the house and up into a tree whenever I looked away. (and she continues to this very day.)

Or out into the mud puddles.

Or out to...you get the idea: She loved being outside.

Before long she was running long distances and developed a passion for marathons. And while many other girls were hanging out with friends on the weekends, she was running the miles to train for one of the most recognized marathons-The Boston.

At age 18 she ran the Boston Marathon.

But, this little girl also cared greatly for others

and was quick to help those that were hurting. As she grew she learned about the horrors that many children in northern Uganda had to endure due to the demented mind of Joseph Koney and the LRA.

She learned about many in Africa who had very little and yet such a full life. Soon her attachment to this continent grew. And grew.

Determined to go and experience Uganda first-hand, she stepped out and began planning to join YWAM on a trip there. She was convinced that God was calling her to go; but He had another plan for her. A fork in the road soon became very apparent: Raise the money to join YWAM, or accept a scholarship to NCU. Through wise councel and lots of prayer, she layed down her heart's desire and went off to NCU. Though her heart was broken as she believed that her dream was gone, God hadn't forgotten.

While running for NCU's cross-country team and attending classes, she learned of an opportunity to go to Uganda and study abroad there. Soon this determined young lady had the paper work in, half a dozen shots in her arm, and her bags packed! And you know what? Not only did God give her the desire of her heart,

but her scholarships and financial aid covered her trip and schooling.

So you see, God blesses!

Happy Birthday, Megan! We love you so much! And while we miss you something fierce, we know that you are doing exactly what God has called you to do. So enjoy, learn lots, and remember to wear your shoes-you have to watch out for hook worms!

2010-02-02T22:30:00.000-08:00

Hurray! Today I came home to find our luggage sitting on our front porch. After missing our connecting flight in Atlanta (more on that after I recover a bit from embarrasment), we arrived in Seattle late Sunday night to find that our luggage did not. But it's here, along with my camera with MORE pictures of Baby Henry! I know, ya just can't get enough of him!

Will the Real Henry Marr Please Spit Up!

2010-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

Awwwww, just look at adorable little Henry...

Or wait a minute...

Now I'm confused...

Are you just as befuddled as I am? Weird, right? If you haven't figured it out yet, the first picture is of Henry's Aunt Karli when she was about 2 months old, wearing the same gown. I don't know about you, but I think that they have some of the same features!

Some kind of crazy!

Photo Shoot #2

2010-01-31T07:36:00.000-08:00

Today we dressed Baby Henry in a christening gown that I brought from Washington. This gown was given to me from my G'ma, who said that it had been hers. She gave it to me and I have taken pictures of all of our kids in it- although some couldn't really fit! They didn't make 9 to 10 pound babes back then!

This gown is two layers of muslin and homemade lace. I think that this gown must be 100 years old.

Handsome guy-even if he is in a dress!

Today Karli and I head back on the plane bound for Seattle. So sad! Henry has managed to double knot a string around my heart and is holding onto it pretty tightly. That's a lot of string, from Savannah to Oak Harbor.

Baby Henry's Photo Shoot

2010-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Day 10 Baby Henry Photo Shoot

In honor of Baby Henry's 10th day on this earth, we have 10 pictures for you to peruse. But wait! There's more! Your vote is needed! We just can't decide what is the absolute best picture of the Little Man. Maybe someone else who is not so crazy-mad in love can help. Look at these pictures and then post the number to the picture you think is the cutest in the 'post a comment', below this blog. Come on! I know you guys can do it!!!!!!

p.s.
Don't forget to watch the video of the scrumpdilliumptious bundle of sweetness below!!!!

1.

I know it's blurry, but sweet baby kisses are too cute.

He can see straight into your soul, you know.

Look at those eyes!

Such a little man.

I've never met a Who from Whoville that I didn't like.

Ohhh, the eyes again!

Kissable cheeks!

Just ponderin' the mysteries of the world with G'ma.

Wow, those eyes again!

10.

Exhausted after the photo shoot.

The Amazing Henry Wilder Marr

You Don't See That in Oak Harbor

2010-01-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

Today started out with a four hour morning snooze with Master Henry on the couch while mom got some well deserved sleep. It has been such a joy getting to know this little guy, and I lose all sense of time when I'm holding him.

G'ma fits me, right?

___________________________

Yesterday Karli and I took a walk around the neighborhood to soak in some of the Savannah sun and check out the Southern hospitality at the local Ma's Market down the street. Aside from the fresh roasted pecans next to the cases of beer, the place had a "don't mess with me 'cause I got a big ol' gun behind the counter" kind of feel to it. Could also have been the thick black bars on the windows and the hoochy mama posters on the wall.Maybe.

But Savannah does have a certain charm to it.

My dream home!

Enormous brick homes with wrought iron gates, huge oak trees with Spanish moss draped on it like tinsel, and those cement lions that guard the doors really interest me. You don't see that in Oak Harbor.

The Spanish moss is everywhere-literally. It hangs so low that it almost touches the ground, and is scattered all over the yards as if a giant old woman just had a hair cut!

There's also little pocket parks every block or so with ornate lamp posts. You don't see that in Oak Harbor.

But really, life just revolves around Master Henry, and Karli and I know that soon our time with him will be up, so we need to soak up all of him that we can.

You don't see that in Oak Harbor.

Picture Update

2010-01-25T18:22:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNjv1WDGxt8

I think that Doris Day sings it best:

I love you a bushel and a peck
A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck
A hug around the neck and a barrel and a heap
A barrel and a heap and I'm talkin' in my sleep
About you, about you
'Cause I love you a bushel and a peck
You bet your purdy neck I do

A doodle-oodle-ooh-doo
A-doodle-oodle-oodle-ooh-doo

DAY 6

Today was Henry's weigh-in, and he gained 5 ounces in just two days! It was a treat to take him out on his first little excursion, even if it was just to the doctor's office.

So all is fabulous with him, and Allie is doing great as well.

He's a smiley little dude, isn't he?

For Karli and I, we are spending the days simply holding him...and trying not to fight over him! We also have been cooking, and Karli made a fabulous lemon meringue pie tonight!

I've had plenty of time to gaze upon his royal cuteness and determine what of his features are Allie's and what are Garrison's. While Allie tells me that he looks just like Garrison's baby pictures, I do know what he has inherited from Allie...

That would be her long fingers...

and her long monkey toes!

But one thing is true-he is pure sweetness; all soft and cuddly. An awesome way to spend the day!

More Pictures of the Little Dude!

2010-01-24T13:55:00.000-08:00

Auntie Karli holding her Nephew, Henry.

This little guy zonked out just when it was time for milk!

Off to the land of nod.

Allie and Karli with the baby.

Pure Cuteness.

Grandma Hall and Mommy Allie with Baby Henry.

Henry's Debute

2010-01-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

Just look at that handsome guy! I'm really just ref erring to the littlest one...

Yeah, this guy...the one with the fingers in his mouth

The one that does an awesome impersonation of Elmer Fudd

The one that is so adorable.

All Rise For the Honorable Henry Wilder Marr!

2010-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

Just look at that face. Adorable, isn't he? That's my grandson, Henry Wilder Marr, if you please. With a name like that there are already high aspirations for him. "All rise for the honorable Henry Wilder Marr!" Or how about, "Critics deem Henry Wilder Marr's novel to be an epic tale that will be cherished for ages." I just know such statements will be said about him. With a name like that, it's his destiny.

And what a trial he had coming into this world!24 hours of labor, only to have an emergency c-section. But all is well, and now a new chapter in their lives begins. For Allie and Garrison, it will truly never be the same.

It's kind of weird, this new role of mine. As I talked to Allie on the phone during labor and listened to her breath through her contractions, it all brought it back again to me, and I thought, "How on earth did I already get here?" Listening to my daughter go through this life changing experience and not be able to be there for her was hard, yet o.k. This is now their new story to write.This is now their new adventure to live.

And you know what? He already has my heart firmly clutched within his little fist. Yep. That he does.

Welcome to this world, Henry Wilder Marr.

You are truly loved.

G'ma Hall

Ode to My Funeral (inspired by a true story)

2010-01-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

When I die, will you dance at my funeral?

Would you have loved me enough to wear your favorite tutu

twirl your very best twirls

and point your toes?

When I die, will you dance at my funeral?

Even when all others will concentrate on suppressing a smirk

Will you proudly resemble a pink jelly bean

up on the stage?

When I die, will you sing at my funeral?

Will you clasp your hands before you

warble your strongest warble

and attempt your best opera?

If you love me, you will dance your best dance

and warble your best warble

and embarrass yourself as much as possible

And hopefully accomplish my goal-

to crack everybody up.

At your expense.

Now THAT would be an awesome funeral.

(Dedicated to the most pious and godly Deb Marth.Amen.)

Hello, Beautiful, Fearless Self

2010-01-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Fearlessness. We all have our own ideas of what that looks like in our lives. For some it may be bungee jumping (I simply call that foolhardy!) while others may find it in the very thought of stepping out of their own front door. But what ever degree of fearlessness that you are challenged with, do you step up to it, or simply let it slip away? And what is it that you know you need to do but are fearful of doing?

And here is the conundrum that we face: There is fear in the fearlessness, but if we don't step up to the challenge then there is simply regret. And isn't life too short for that?

So today when you are challenged to be fearless, ask yourself that very question...What will your most beautiful, fearless self do at this very moment? Come on! I dare ya!!!!!!

Thanks to Lisa at her most fabulous blog, http://curiousgirl-lisa.blogspot.com/

for the picture!!!!

Your Predictions are Needed!!!!!!

2010-01-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Not it's your turn! What predictions do you make for Allie? Her due date was on the 12th.Wanna play? Post it as a comment and I'll put it on....come on, don't be shy!

Debra Keyes says:Jan 23 @ 5:45 am 7 pounds 4 oz 19 1/2 inches long

Jak says: jan. 17th @ 3:27 a.m 5.89 pounds 18 in. long

Megan hall says: I guess 7.15 lbs and 20.26 inches long and the due date of the 19th.

Lindsey Hall: I predict the 20th, 8.9 lbs., 21 1/2 inches, 3:20am

Aunt Debbie posted her prediction, but I think that I must have hit the reject button and not the publish button!!!Yikes!!!Sorry, Auntie Deb!!!! I think that her prediction was............................................01/20/10, 10lbs, 2 oz (Ouch!) and 22 1/2inches..............................In otherwords, a real MONSTER!!!EEEK!!!He might eat you out of house and home!!!!!Garrison, better get a second job!!!!!!! O.k., maybe not...........

Auntie Deb, if you would like to repost for me what you wrote, I will promise NOT to press the "reject" button!!!!!!

Baby Predictions

2010-01-13T20:41:00.001-08:00

So tonight we made our final predictions for Baby H! It will be fun to see who is the closest!

Mom- Weight: 8.9 Length: 21 in. Day: Thursday, 21st Time: 4:25 a.m

Dad- Weight: 7.9 Length: 22 in. Day: Monday, 18th Time: 7:00 a.m

Stevie- Weight: 7.7 Length: 27 in. Day: Thursday, 14th Time: 7:01 a.m

Karli-Weight: 8.5 Length: 21 ½ in. Day: Sunday, 17th Time: 1:08 a.m

We'll have to wait and see who's right!

Goodnight Everyone!

~Karli~

Held Hostage by Babies and Blondies

2010-01-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life feels like it's on hold for me. It's just as if I have been holding my breath for the last couple of days now. Have you ever had that experience before? And yet life is going on around you, and there are things that you need to do, but during that time, you just. don't. care.

My life is on hold. Held hostage by others. Specifically, by a little baby and a girl in Uganda.

Do you realize what an impact you two have on me? And on my family?

Baby Henry, you have no idea the power that you have! Not just on your parents, but on your grandma. For example: The phone rings and it's your mommy calling me. Immediately the question flies at me from those in the room- Is she in labor?! In town people ask-did she have the baby?!When is she due?
Do you see? Waiting around for you is really almost as exhausting as giving birth. Well...not really. But almost.

As for you, Miss Megan, I have been holding this laptop hostage beginning at 9pm every night in hopes that you might pop up on Facebook again. And I can get pretty nasty, too! If someone wants to peruse on the Internet, well, no way, Jose!!! Right now as I'm writing this post I check the Facebook chat in hopes that your name will magically appear. I just miss you.

O.k. guys, I just have to get my head back in the game of life-the other life that is not wrapped around you! But hey, how can I NOT continually think about the cutest baby to be? And I really never tire of pondering about all of the crazy new experiences that Megan must be taking in right now in Uganda. I just marvel at the thought that tonight she is beginning her tomorrow.

But my today continues on, right now.

Megan's Message from Uganda!!!!!

2010-01-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

Well, here it is! Finally Megan was able to send out a message. I cried from relief, happiness, and the ache in my heart knowing that she is soooo far away......

But God is so great, isn'tHe?! Pretty amazing how he works everything for His ( and our) good. I was starting to really worry about her and obsessively check Facebook and Hotmail hoping to hear from her when she popped up on the Facebook chat! We chatted for a bit when she was on (it kept signing her off) and she shared that the first day she went to a HUGE celebration that lasted from 1-8pm!

Keep her in your prayers. She hasn't been able to run and I know that she needs to. Enjoy the message!!!!!
Kelly

Megan sent you a message. --------------------

Subject: Mommmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello!! I am so excited to finally be able to get online for the first time since I have been here. I have so much to tell. I can't even write in my journals at night because everything that happened in the day is way to much to summarize. And I am so exhausted by the end of the day that its super hard to stay awake and write. But for what you want to here is that I am super safe and well. I did have a head cold for the first 3 days. Thanks Jack :P But today I am almost all well. And I woke up this morning wondering if Allie was in the hospital having little Henry!!!! Is he?! Is he?! I have been enjoying telling my family all about you guys and Allie. Mom, and family, I have been blessed to stay with one of the best host families offered this year with USP. My African momma is a teacher of English and science at a secondary school. And my papa Joseph is a reverend at the St. Phillip and Andrew Anglican church. I went there yesterday. It was very interesting. The church body shows a lot of reverence to God and they preach a lot about having one wife and not cheating on your husband. But also, whenever we travel anywhere the papa (revern) prays for our journey and our protection :). I have a mom and a dad, then I have a little brother who is 8 and his name is Isaac. A sister who is 6 and her name is deborah. And a really little sister named Docus who is 1 :) Then there is a house maid, I think her name is Adison. She doesn't know English. I found that out when I tried talking to her and she just looked at me weird :P. But I have learned that thank you in uganda is Webale. So when she makes food for us I say webale. Aww i have so much to tell..but I don't want to trail off. I think I will have to save some for my blog. Hmm Oh also there is a girl who is just staying for a little while to help around the house. Zuraim is 18 and I wish she would stay. She asks a lot about the US because she has never been. I want to tell her everything! And then one more guy stays with us as well. His name is Charles. He looks like he is at least 26 but he is 34! He looks so young! I have enjoyed talking to them. I have already learned soo much! And mom! Totally God for the gift ideas! If you remember what we got and the people in the family..you will see how perfect everything was. I gave the dad and charles the hats. They didn't know what football was!!! they said maybe on tv..but they still looked confused after I explained and acted it out and told them how much dad loves football and has parties and friends over. The mom loves her little shawl I got her. Zuraim felt really special when I gave her the little anklets, and she shared with the house maid. Then the little kids love the playdough and stickers and coloring book. I am waiting to get out the book and other things for special occasions. and I asked the mom if she would like the letter you wrote her before or after, she said after. so I am saving it. But that was a really good idea. thank you!! I have only been with my family for 1 and 1/2 days but there is sooooo much to tell. and so much that I have seen. I will show you pictures on facebook or blog. but to give you a small summary of where I am staying is: I have a squatty potty for a bathroom. A small bucket kind of like the ones the horses eat their food in to bathe with. So you bend then scoop then throw the water over your body. Good bye long, warm relaxing showers :) But I don't mind it..its like an adventure. Picture standing naked next to a little bucket wondering how you are going to wash your hair :P I didn't know how so I just stuck my hair in the bucket. hahaha. and you are trying to talk to me on facebook and I cant chat and write a message at the same time so I will end this to catch you!. But I am well and love you and have cried missing you guys. But this is good. I havev never smiled so much in a day :) Love you!!!!! Let me know how everything is back at home :) Daughter megan--------------------

New Year Mantra and Dreams of Spring

2010-01-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason.

If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. And enjoy your life."

-Author unknown

My new mantra-even though it's just way too long for my pea brain to remember, but at least I'll try to honor the spirit of it in my life. And isn't it worth that? There was a time when I would have disagreed with some of it; about the forgetting about the ones who don't treat you right. I would have argued that I need to love and care for all, even those who don't like me. But how silly! Life is too short for that, and really, can we all get along all the time? Neah.

On another note, I'm ready for spring! Aren't you? Really, how many of us say, "Wow, this cold, drenching gale that soaked me right through my coat is sooooo exhilarating!" or, "Just LOVE the mud that your stinkin' shoes just brought in! Thanks so much for sharin', Hun!!!"

And don't my pictures below make you long to go on a long hike and enjoy the sun and warm wind? Oh, to wear shorts again!Oh, to be rid of chapped, dry hands!Oh, to banish that wet dog smell from my house!!!!

The pictures are of my favorite place to run and walk. Want to know where it is? Too bad, I want MY beloved bluff to myself, thank you very much. Go find your own.

3am Phone Calls and Momma Guilt

2010-01-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Well, yesterday was THE DAY. The day to see our 20 year old on her way to her next big adventure-living four months in Uganda. And this was a new adventure for me as well.Even though she had been attending college in Eugene, roughly seven hours from us, it is much more unsettling sending your child to a third world country, no matter how old she is!

It's crazy how my mind works. Megan's plan was to call us when she arrived in Dulles airport, her first stop on her way to Entebbe. And she did just that, at 3:00am, which is totally what we wanted. However,I couldn't get back to sleep! I just kept thinking about Megs pulling her big blue bag behind her, wandering around that enormous airport all by herself.The sound of those luggage wheels click, click, clicking their echo as she walked the empty corridors, all by herself. Megan patiently waiting to meet up with her group for those nine long hours, all by herself. You see?! How could I possibly sleep, when she was all by herself and so far away? It brought back that feeling I had when she was five years old and we drove home after church, forgetting her there.Pure momma guilt.

But she survived, reminding me again that she is all grown up and not that five year old that we had left by herself on that pew at church.And God continues to remind me that He has control over every detail.

As it turned out, she finally connected with some of the other students and found instant friends. Her last call to me as she was getting ready to board the plane helped put my heart at ease. I could hear excitement in her voice and a sense of relief at traveling with the others. Her new adventure begins, and I am so excited for her. I think that tonight I'll sleep a little better.

Baby Henry

2010-01-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

O.k.,get the Kleenex out and get ready for a good cry! Or at least that's how it is for me when I watch this video. You see, I am soooo excited about the birth of our first grandbaby! I get so mooshy inside and wet-eyed when I think about him and about all of the new experiences that he will bring to Allie and Garrison (and especially Bunz the cat).

During the holiday break I was priviledged to view the making of this video. It was awesome to listen to Karli and Lindsey practicing over and over again. For those who might be reading this blog and don't know our family, which would actually be a freakin' miracle because, after all, only those people that I have literally given birth to follow my stinkin' blog-literally, Karli is 12 and Lindsey is 18 going to school down in Eugene.

So enjoy this video again, my offspring, and for those who are passing through onto bigger and flashier blogs, take a moment to see the wonder of our oldest daughter and her soon to be baby!

Shoplifting is Easy at Walmart!!!!

2009-12-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

The other day my son and I were in Walmart and observed something that I think really speaks volumes about our country. No, it wasn't one of the many moms doing the, "If you don't get over here by the time I count to three..." to her kid running headlong into the rack of clothes. Neither was it the wondrous variety of furry slipper wear and pulchritudinous ( I LOVE that word) bonanza of pajama pants that I notice people are "brave" to wear out in public that always catch my eye. Instead, it was Stevie who saw a little punk stealing.

As we were in line to check out, Stevie told me that he saw a kid stuff a DS game into his sweater front. Well, specifically, at first he tried stuffing it down his pants. But that didn't work, so he went with plan B. However, I don't think that the kid thought that he would have an audience because he became pretty flustered with Stevie standing there watching.

Anyway, we told the checker about the little 8 year old klepto. She promptly informed us that when that happens, be sure to contact an employee with a blue vest...duh, that's why we're telling you, lady. So I asked Stevie if he saw the cute klepto kid around and, sure enough, he was with his dad and little sister, checking out. Pointing out the kid to the vibrant blue eye-shadowed checker, we felt that surely justice would be served and the sticky fingers would have a bright red butt before that night was out. But, no. Blue Eye-shadow Lady told Banana Yellow-haired Lady guarding the door, who apparently is not the sharpest knife in the drawer because she stood there and watched them walk right out as the alarm was sounding! And here's the kicker: Apparently, according to Blue Eye-shadow Lady, once the person walks out through the alarm door and out, they can't stop them. What?!

So what does this say about our country? Perhaps you can come up with your own opinion, but here's my two cents. We are just too PC paranoid. Don't ya think? Those employees were so uncomfortable about confronting that dad with the cute shoplifting savvy kid that they simply let him walk out the door. Confrontation? uncomfortable. Accusation? No way! The fear of giving offence kept them from doing the right thing, no matter how uncomfortable it might have been.

As we walked out the door, Blue Eye-shadow Lady gave me a sympathetic smile and said sorry. Sorry? For what? For not doing the right thing? For not teaching that little squirt a lesson? Or sorry for teaching my son another lesson: If you can make it through the front doors with the stolen goods, your free and clear. Now isn't that a valuable lesson to learn. Thanks, Walmart.

2009-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

O.k., so this explains what happened to our cat. shaken kitten syndrome.

Thankfulness

2009-12-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Today I'm thankful for:

10.The end of the same, monotonous Christmas carols played over and over on the radio

9.The strength to power shop on the day after Christmas

8.Children who choose to do brave things

7.Massive amounts of leftovers, so that I don't have to cook

6.Brave passengers who tackle insane people claiming to be terrorists on airplanes

5.Daughters who shed happy tears over gifts

4.MY beautiful island

3. Husbands who give Kitchenaids to their wives

2.Baby Henry (of course!)

1. God, who makes ALL of this even possible

Dear Santa

2009-12-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

As you know, I have been fairly well behaved this past year. o.k., aside from the occasional deep hatred felt towards a certain control-freakish, obsessive parent, I do make sure that I ask for forgiveness- after I'm tired of getting myself all spun up thinking about all of the horrid things this person has done. Or at least I think that I've asked for forgiveness for all of those times. I promise I'll pray an all encompassing prayer to cover all of this as soon as I'm done with this letter. And I'll make it a true, heartfelt prayer.

So here's the deal, Santa. I want somebody to read my blog!Sorry, but my kids don't count because I make them read it. After all, I gave life to them; it is the least they can do to pay me back. I mean really, is this too much to ask?

Now I'm not bragging or anything,but you know that I work hard on my blog, agonize over templates, hunt for the best songs, and I am diligent to use my dictionary like a good student blogger should. I have learned so much in this journey and have learned my lessons well. Some of those being: No matter how tempting it is, do not write a blog site as if it is written by your pet. No matter how cute you may think it is. Because it's stupid. And a lot of people,unfortunately, do. Also, don't put your pet's head onto a person's dancing body, such as, a dancing elf video. Yikes. double weirdness.Last of all, embrace your spell checker, make it your friend! Or at least attempt to make complete sentences.

You see, to be honest Santa, my real problem is blogger envy. Ever since I found the blog Nat the Fat Rat, who happens to have over 1000 followers (1000!! Holy cow!), I long to post such creative wonders. I've even become a blog stalker, reading every post of hers, ecstatic when she puts a new one on! Is it weird that I know so much about her, yet we've never met? Perhaps this is something serious that will soon be labeled a sickness and a 12 step program will be developed.But will my insurance cover it? Or maybe a scientist will proclaim that I simply have genetic tendencies for blog stalking and can't be cured. What then? Will Obama's health care plan take care of me? Is there any hope for me?!

So Santa, all I want for Christmas is some blog followers who are not ones that I have given birth to. Is that too much to ask? I know that you aren't into healing, that's a Jesus thing, or I'd ask you to rid me of this obsession. Until then, see what you can do. You have any elves that might be interested?

-Me

While Others March to the Beat of a Different Drum

2009-12-21T09:28:00.000-08:00

I love the Christmas season, especially the holiday concerts, don't you? You get to see your kid up on stage, doing something that (most) would NEVER do on their own. It was Karli's year to be up there with her choir class. She dodges the camera continuously, but she couldn't avoid it this time!

I especially love this: The teacher said that you must wear a white shirt and black pants or skirt. Karli didn't have any black pants so she had to wear the skirt-a near death experience. But you know, the teacher said nothing about the shoes. Although I packed the nice shoes in her bag, the polka -dotted brown tennies mysteriously made their way onto her feet. ( Note the feet at the end). However, as the picture details the silent shoe rebellion, another set of toes decided to don the similar fair.But hey, at least the kid had red and green socks on, right?

Why is it that when we are Karli's age we love to be just a little bit different, but lose that later? Or at least I have. How many of us are so quick to want to fit in, to be like everyone else, when really, everyone else is just trying to be like everyone else, and really, who is it that we are then following? I mean, really?!

Maybe I need to buy me some polka-dotted brown tennies.

Uhhh... what? I have something in my teeth?

2009-12-11T18:13:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days? Thinkin' that your all that and a bag of chips, only to discover that your zipper is down. Or a big clump of hay is in your hair. Or there is a gross, rotting veggie stuck between your teeth. I thank God that nothing too humilitating has happened to me while teaching...yet.

The other day one of my 8th graders decided to have a staring contest with me...while I was giving them their assignment... very annoying...and I was NOT going to let her win. However, she blinked first (heehee). The next day I moved her cute little sassyness away from her friends...because I can.

Yeah, it's fun being the teacher.

Let it snow!!!!!!!

2009-12-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hooray!!!It snowed!!! Can you see it? Look, the roof is white, o.k.?!

Missed it? still can't see it? O.k., here's a close-up view.

So it didn't snow for very long, but the flakes were huge! and at least for now, for this moment, we have snow. Makes it feel more like Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-03T22:04:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we decided that it was time to haul all of the Christmas decorations down from the attic and really you know what that means...time to haul all of the nutcrackers down. Now last Christmas I got smarter and piled as many of those little men into big boxes and hefted them up into the attic. But I ran out of boxes, so we still had quite a few nutcrackers in their own individual boxes. Good Grief! Loads upon loads of no-necked, hairy little deformed, barrel-chested, skinny-legged men sporting gaudy capes with gold rickrack and plastic jewels all around. It's really enough to give a little kid some intense nightmares.

Allie and Garrison, will you please move back so that I can unload all of your nutcrackers onto you?

Why did it seem such a good idea and so important to start this quaint, homey tradition when the kids were young?Giving a nutcracker to each kid every year times 5 kids equals an attic full of creepy little men. It seemed wonderful at the time.But no more; time to put a stop to it.Which leads me to wonder; what got out of hand, the tradition or the production of kids?

Allie, just look at all these little men, ready for Baby Henry's first Christmas! HeeHeeHee... I can't wait!

Just some cutie-pie Thanksgiving Day pictures

2009-11-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

Lindsey, Hannah, Megan and Erin hangin' out after Thanksgiving Day pie!!

Erin and Megan.

The cutest one of all...just look at those huge blue eyes! And chocolate pie lips too!!! Oliver is turning into such a cutie- pie.Oh yeah, Lindsey doesn't look too bad either.

Thanksgiving turned out to be nice and quite. Mom was supposed to come over, but she managed to do a face plant the day before and broke her nose and cut her forehead. So, she stayed home to heal. Lacy (Megans' friend, and my adopted teenage daughter)was to come over, but needed time with her other family, which is cool.

But Kenneth, a young man we met through a friend came over and experienced his first ever Thanksgiving feast with us. Kenneth is from Uganda, and was a wealth of information! Megan is leaving for Uganda in January ( wow! so soon!), and this was a perfect opportunity to get some questions answered. Not only that, but it was a little convicting for me. This guy has such a love for his country. Currently he is attending SPU and is in the pre-med program. His ultimate goal is to return to Uganda and make a difference. So many people die needlessly, either because they can't get to a doctor, or the hospitals are so poor. But to see the look on his face while he shared about the country that he loves so much was facinating.

And it made me wonder, how many of us consider what we can do to make our country better?

The Duel

2009-11-26T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Beast called from it's cold, dark abyss. In the quiet dawn, it's whisper echoed in the empty halls, up the quiet stairs, and into my room. I awoke, and silently, stealthily, crept to its lair where it waited...patiently...for me.

The featherless Godzilla bird beckoned me to the duel, and I accepted its challenge. Valiantly prying open the gate to its cave, I spied the beast slumbering in its frigid cocoon. Its massive bulk loomed over the pickle jar and 1% jug of milk.

Knowing what must be done, fear gripped my heart and a groan escaped from my lips. I believe I saw Godzilla's skin rise with turkey pimples in the excitement of the coming challenge.

With an expression of grim determination and my pajama sleeves rolled up, I wrestled all thirty-two pounds of turkey flesh out of that cold, carcass lovin' cave. The Beast kicked with its knuckle nubbed legs and pointy beasty wings, but I hefted it into my cage. I was determined to win this battle!

Before the Beast had a chance to escape, I rammed my mighty fist right up that Beasts....well, I better not get into graphic details in order to keep the "G" rating of this post. Anyways, I filled that Beast with my secret ammunition, stuffing its beastly cavity and leaving it defenseless. I do believe that an airy groan escaped from the Beast's headless hole. eewwwww.

But I knew I wasn't done. I needed to finish this Beast off. Imprisoned and stuffed, I tied down the featherless monster, tied his ugly knuckle nubbed legs together. nice and tight. So tight and masterly knotted that he wouldn't be able to slip out and escape from the fiery pit that awaited him.

I had been preparing this beast's fiery hell long before I began the duel, making sure that the pit was nice and hot. But wrestling with the Beast to its final doom would not be easy. I knew that I was close to ending this battle once and for all, but I needed all of the strength that I could muster. Grabbing hold of the mighty cage in which I had snared Godzilla in, I hefted the mass of tied turkey flesh and stumbled the few steps with it to its final resting place. In the padding of my stocking feet I believe that I heard a whispered, "Dead turkey walkin'," echo in the early morning hours of my kitchen.

So I ended the fight, finished the feud, and won. I had conquered. And my reward? I fed that featherless,clammy skinned, Godzilla monster Beast to my little clan. They pounced upon its golden carcass and devoured him up, like hyenas on a gazelle, tigers on a water buffalo, rabid dogs on a cute little defenceless kitten. Yum.

I love being a carnivore. Don't you?

I HOPE THAT YOU ALL HAD A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

Time to Carve the Roast Beast

2009-11-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Roast Beast!

And what happened then...?

Well... in Who-ville they say

That the Grinch's small heart

Grew three sizes that day!

And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight,

He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light

And he brought back the toys! And the food for the feast!

And he...

...HE HIMSELF...!

The Grinch carved the roast beast!

On Saturday, November 14th, we (Jack and I) crammed two monster birds into a large dog crate and drove them to the butchering procession. Gross. I was grateful that we didn't have to do the deed ourselves, but we did participate in the cleaning of the birds. I will say no more. And you can mutter a "thank you, God" under your breath for no pictures posted here to remember the day.

With that done and a bird in the refrigerator, which, by the way, weighed in at 30 and 32 pounds each, I can say that we will be enjoying a hormone and antibiotic-free, grossly mammoth roast beast this Thanksgiving!

May yours be a merry, hormone-free holiday!

Sign Our Guest Book!

2009-11-20T21:43:00.001-08:00

On the left of this message there is a thing called: Guestmap. Click on the "View Guestmap" and let us know what you think of our blog! You can do that by clicking "post", which is in the left corner at the top! Then follow the instructions that it says! I hope a lot of people do it! This way everyone can see who visited and what they say about it!

2009-11-16T22:08:00.000-08:00

Rant/ Rave List

Rave

(I am practicing balancing my negative self with my positive self.Therefore, I am beginning this list with something VERY positive).

Karli, without any prompting and with her own money, bought me NEW BARN BOOTS!!!!!! WOOHOO!!!And let me tell you, if you don't have muck and mud to slosh through to feed animals, then you simply have no idea how warm and secure one can feel in leak proof barn boots!!! It made me feel sooo special, and it wasn't my birthday or Mother's Day!!!Totally cool thing to do, Karli.Thanks!

Rant

Local businesses that you want to support, but they really don't deserve it.You know, shop local and all that. But when their attitude toward customers is so pathetic, how can you? Local businesses that I'm ticked off with? The local theater and the local feed store. Goodbye. No business of mine for you.Ever again. Or at least until I run out of pig food unexpectedly and don't want to make a run to Burlington. The theater, however, will NOT be seeing me.

Rave

Steven and I have been married for 25 years on November 17th. Let me ponder this for a moment and try to understand how on earth we got here....(sigh)...I still don't have a clue...25 years?! WOW! Amazing! Truly it is, since very few marriages make it this far these days, or even half of this far.

Rant

Rebel rousers. You know who you are. I'm just soooo tired of people that want to argue and split hairs over things, just because. You people exhaust me! Now I enjoy a good debate as much as the next guy (or gal) , but when you want to argue because you don't like people in authority, you really tick me off. Stop it. Now.

Piggy-back Rant

What makes me doubly mad is the fact that I let these people get to me! I really tick myself off. Stop it, self. NOW. God reminded me that I can choose to serve this frustration and feed into it, or I can let it go. Deep breath; let it gooooooo.

Rave

Husbands that secure pig feeders to buildings the right way, unlike me, who nail it up, wrap some wire around it a couple of times, and believe that it really is going to stay. Enter the Pig, who's snout can lift a one ton horse if he wanted to. And if the horse would let him. Just think how many rebel rousers I could push around if I had a nose as powerful as that! But then I would look like a pig. Not cool.

Rave

Falling in love with baby Henry! I haven't even formally met him yet, but I just know that I'm going to fall in mooshy love with the guy! I can't wait to meet our very first grandson come January. I love you, Henry!!!

O.k., I feel better now. I think that I can sleep. 'night!

Hobby Farm?

2009-11-10T22:59:00.000-08:00

As I waited for my turn to check out at the local Albertsons, I flipped through one of those magazines in the stand so as not to begin tapping my foot and stare a scream at the lady in front of me. Have you ever caught yourself doing that? You know, when the cranky-mean voice in your head is screaming, "Are you serious? You have 20 items in a 10 item express lane, with coupons to boot?!!Your killing me!!" But your careful that your stare doesn't give it away, right? Well, I was about to lose it, so I grabbed a magazine. But that's not what this post is about.

I picked up a magazine titled," The Hobby Farm".Looking through it I saw very clean, very happy,very clean,color coordinated, clean "farmers" on new, clean, shiny clean farm equipment.People who farm for fun and profit. I said fun and PROFIT.Yeah, right.
Our Hobby Farm
O.k., we have
two horses,

one pig ,

two turkeys that will be the center piece for that special feast coming up--don't cringe at me;do YOU know where your turkey has been? I do.,

I don't know how many chickens,

four useless dogs
and one very stupid cat. Stupid cat is not pictured. Note shredded screen door. You see what I'm dealing with here? Stupid cat.

Our little farm (12.5 acres) is fun, especially when the sun is shining and there are fresh veggies to glean from the little pitiful garden I created. Or the times I climb up on my old horse for a ride. But this time of the year, when the pasture is a mud pit and I suddenly discover that there is a leak in my boot,
and it's dark out at 4:00pm and I have to trudge out to feed with a flashlight when it's raining pitch forks (one of many G'ma sayings that I'm trying to incorporate into my daily conversations) it's not what I call fun.
I Must Be a Millionare
And the profit thing?What?!! O.k., so maybe I sell a dozen eggs for 4 dollars. However, I feed about one bag every two weeks at 15 dollars a bag.Not to mention that the few hens that are laying have now decided to hide their eggs from me.
I know that I did this to myself, so I can't blame any one else!In May I picked up two cute turkeys because, after all, our 12 year old never had this experience.Poor thing.And now these two godzilla birds devour a bag of feed a week and scare the poop out of me when they squeeze themselves out of the coop to eat!!I am avoiding the day that we have to do the deed...

But yet I wouldn't trade it for a spec. house in town. Yuck.

I love hearing my Rocky whinny a good morning to me ;watch our son tear up the back acreage on his ATV; hear the squack of a pheasant smart enough to elude the hunters, and pause to enjoy the sun rising over the pasture next door while the fog still lays sleeping on the ground.

O.k., I'll keep my hobbies.

Animated Films

2009-11-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

I've spent way too much time this weekend on this blog and snooping around on other ones! But I found a blog centered on stop motion films that is so interesting! Especially films by Jana Wericha, a Czech film maker. And I'm so stinkin' proud of myself because I figured out how to put it on the blog!! Woo Hoo! So you better take the time to watch it, 'cause it took me a lot of work!!!

Blogger Envy

2009-11-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hmmm... I always have grand ideas of writing long, witty blogs, like the ones that I have flagged and keep up on.

It feels kind of like stalking...I don't know these people, and it amazes me how open some of them are! And through it, I'm kind of getting to know them. Weird. Two of my favorite blogs are both sooo different from each other. Cath's pennies at http://cathspennies.blogspot.com/ is this older lady who is obsessed with creating and designing these candle mats and table runners. (What's a candle mat anyway, and who really needs a mat for their candle? But they are so cute!!) You should look at them. Makes you want to sew something. Or just think about sewing something. At least it makes me feel like I'm being creative just by looking at all of her adorable little fabric scraps.

The other blog that I'm snooping on is by this New York city gal who moved to London. All that I really know is that she is a married Mormon with two really cute dogs. I don't really care about the Mormon thing, but she mentions it a lot. Not to mention that she has this really big bulletin on the side of her blog that says, "I'm a Mormon" and for a while I was misreading it as, "I'm a Moron!"Anyways, that's about all that I know about this gal. But she is funny! and I sooo wish that I could write like her. Just on and on of thoughts randomly running through her brain and out onto her blog, but it is stuff that anyone can really relate to. At least I think so. Her blog, Nat the Fat Rat, has over 1000 followers- isn't that crazy? that means that over 1000 people, who probably don't even know her, know her. Wow.

So I was really hoping that I could be blogger savy and put a link to both of those blogs. Obviously I need to have the "I'm a Moron" in really big letters on my blog.

Mom hasn't...

2009-11-02T18:54:00.001-08:00

Mom hasn't posted anything in a looong time, so I decided to just put up these pics of Hans! The picture of Hans in the wig is at Island County Fair. The one with the Brown Lab has is at Aunt Dawn's house, when we were going to the state fair... the Brown lab is Aunt Dawn's dog, Maggie.

Field Trip to Grouse Mountain

2009-10-12T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today we had the opportunity to travel up to Canada, specifically Grouse Mountain. We climbed onto the bus at 6:00 a.m. Uhgg. But it was well worth it! When the bus pulled into the parking lot at the base of the mountain, Karli looked up the and saw how high it was (Yikes!). But she got the nerve up and climbed on. She ended up enjoying it so much that she sat in the very front to enjoy the VERY steep drop down. If you ever get a chance to go, you definitely should. It was a great experience! We had a special program for our little school, but they also have about 5 ziplines, a lumberjack show, restaurant, ski lifts (of course), and soon an ice skating rink. We had a REALLY long but a great time!

We climbed into this gondola for our trip up the mountain.

The view of Vancouver, WAAAAAY up in the air!

The view from down below. Scary!

Once up on the mountain, we headed over to the Indian chief lodge (oops, in mean First Nation, got to get used to that), where we heard stories, chanting and then had the privilege of dancing as wolves and eagles. Boogie down, Stevie!

After the dancing and signing, we had science time. Learning about the ecosystem and identifying prints and skeletons of animals in the area made for a pretty exciting experience!

2009-10-12T22:23:00.000-07:00

Gondola track at the top.

One of the ski lifts.

One of the two bears up there.

The gondola when it comes in at the top.

2009-10-12T22:17:00.000-07:00

The kids gathered aroung the "Grandmother Tree". Can you tell that Anna and Stevie were paying attention? Not!

WOW, what a view.

2009-09-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Karli and Hans with their fabulous ribbons!They did so well at the Puyallup State Fair! A blue and merit in fitting and showing, and a reserve grand in obedience! As Lindsey would say, "Woot!Woot!!!" However, the glory will wear off and she will soon realize that she will have to compete off leash next year!Better get practicing, Karli!!!

Mount St. Helen's and Her Little Mascot

2009-08-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

After leaving Fort clatsop, we camped not too far from Mt. St. Helen's and headed up to the Johnson observation center to look at the mountain. It's amazing that even after 30 years since the eruption, there is still clear evidence of the event. Huge trees lay like toothpicks on the hillsides.

Stevie begged me to have a picture taken with him. He loves his mommy so much!

Steam rises from the dome in the mountain that keeps on building.
While Steven and I enjoyed a talk from the ranger, Stevie and Karli found a chipmunk that was happy to hang out with them.

It was as if this little guy thought that all the crowds were there for him! I don't know if when Stevie and Karli are older that they will remember seeing the mountain, but I'm sure that they will remember the cute chipmunk!

Fort Clatsop

2009-08-31T23:25:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after spending some time at the beach, Mom made us stop at Fort Clatsop. Something about Lewis and Clark and them spending the winter there made it important, I guess. The guy in the big funny hat spent some time showing us how the Corps of Discovery started fires back then, and Karli and I got a chance to use flint and steel to try and make a spark, so I guess that was o.k. I just know that Mom was trying to cram some history down us. -Stevie

On To Cannon Beach

2009-08-31T23:16:00.000-07:00

After spending some time at the Dunes at Honeyman State Park, we traveled up the coast to Cannon Beach.

Ecola State Park, overlooking Haystack Rock.

Off to the Dunes

2009-08-31T23:06:00.000-07:00

After dropping off the girls at NCU, and Mom shedding some tears,(sniff, sniff, I still don't want to talk about it!) we headed over to the coast to spend some time in the sun and sand.

Stevie and Karli spent a day learning how to sand board.

Wow! She looks pretty cool!

Arrival at NCU

2009-08-31T22:52:00.000-07:00

OOOOHHHH!!! The balloons really added a festive atmosphere to the registration process!!
The moment of truth...will Lindsey and her new roomie hit it off? Or will Lindsey's family completely embarrass her and convince Keegan that Lindsey is just as odd as her family?

The Big Day

2009-08-31T22:30:00.000-07:00

The end of summer meant the begining of a new adventure for Lindsey and Megan. The family paraded Lindsey across the HUGE campus of NCU and began the process of helping her move into her dorm room. The building in the picture is Lindsey and Megan's dorm. If fact, it's the ONLY dorm. I kept saying, "this campus is so small!" But that's what is so great about it.

Megan had gone a week in advance and had pretty much settled in.

Socks for Baby Marr!

2009-08-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

These are the pair of socks we got for Baby Marr!

Mom hasn't.....

2009-08-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Mom hasn't written anything on here lately, so here is a picture of this bear cub that I like.

Water Slides and Wedding Flowers

2009-07-24T09:26:00.000-07:00

Woo Hoo!!!Today Karli, Stevie and their friends are heading off to the water slides! It's a cold, gloomy day with expectations of it getting nice and sunny though. The girls are higher than kites(especially Renee!). Megan is here for the weekend and plans to help me with the flowers for the wedding that I am doing. A boutaneer and corsage party! Ladies are expected this afternoon to help make them. I just hope that all goes well. I would hate to have the bride cry over her ugly flowers! My greatest fear!!

Bake Sale!!! Get your questionably edible items!!!

2009-07-16T23:44:00.000-07:00

Today we prepared for a bake sale. Stevie has to make money if he wants to go to youth group camp in August, so he's been working mowing lawns, cleaning, washing cars, and now a bake sale.
The funny thing is, the kid doesn't bake.
Gee, I wonder who he thought would do it? Hmmm... well, not me. After he asked the dumb question of,"Can we just buy some food to sell there?" we got busy.Actually, he didn't do too bad! He made Rice Crispy Treats and brownies. He washed his hands before starting, didn't pick his nose during the stirring, and didn't even cough into the bowl! Ah well, cooking kills the germs, right?

Anyways, now all we have to do is pray that the goodies survive the night and hope that people take pity on these kids tomorrow.

Karli and Her Sassy Hair!

2009-07-09T22:26:00.000-07:00

Today Karli surprised is when she arrived home from her friend's house with an awesome new do!!

Baby Marr!

2009-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today we were able to go to Allie's first ever pre-natal check, where we saw the new addition to the family tree-Baby Marr!

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

2009-06-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

We also visited the Bonaventure cemetery, a huge cemetery outside of Savannah, and also a place mentioned in the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". This grave is the sight of a beautiful sculpture in remembrance of a 6 year old girl, Gracie Pulaski, who died in 1889.

Beautiful arches and large, impressive statues.

Tybee Island

2009-06-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today Allie, Karli and I went to Tybee Island and enjoyed the beach. There were dolphins swimming up and down the beach right along side of us!

2009-06-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we drove up to beautiful Charleston, South Carolina, about a 2 hour drive away. The homes are gorgeous!!

This is an old cemetery next to this huge church.

Savannah at Night

2009-06-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

The other night we walked along what is called Riverside, where there are a lot of cute little shops and you can watch the big barges come in with the help of tugboats.

We rode a ferry across the river and saw the city from the other side.

Garrison's office is the window above the M and B in Gamble! He has a view of the street and river! Wow Garrison, your moving up in the world!
The capital at night.

Keller's Flea Market

2009-06-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

After the beach we headed over to the flea market, where they sold things from tires to cats and bunnies!! I found some license plates for Steven that he should be happy with!

After the flea market, Chef Garrison cooked us up some of his special hamburgers-Yummmm!

Enjoying the Georgia Beach

2009-06-27T17:10:00.000-07:00

Today was our day to hit the beach. Garrison and Allie took us to Tybee Island and we got to enjoy some "real" sand and warm ocean water for a change! The sand was so soft, and we spent time shell hunting. At one time we saw 2 dolphins swimming really close to shore, right by swimmers!

2009-06-26T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the heat proved to be too much for Karli, and we made our way to a little store for some water, after she emptied her stomach of its contents at the intersection across the street. After applying ice on the back of her neck, we stumbled back in the heat. We are such Washington wimps.

2009-06-26T12:55:00.000-07:00

This squirrel was enjoying a snack on one of the Oak trees. How he can eat in this heat is a wonder to me!!!

2009-06-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

There are two fountains in the park and the pond is stocked with fish: Bass and Catfish. People come here to sit in the shade and fish.

2009-06-26T12:39:00.000-07:00

Today we walked to Daffin park, not far from their apartment. The Oak trees are HUGE and the Spanish moss hanging down is beautiful.

2009-06-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

We made it to Savannah, Georgia! Allie and Garrison's place is really cute, and thank Goodness for air conditioning!!! We were welcomed by the greeting party of Bunz, their demon possessed cat-seriously possesed. The thing hisses and growls anytime we go by! I continuously look behind me to see if it's going to attack! Today I attempted to make friends with it by giving it a treat. She didn't go for it. From now on I'm carrying a big stick. Irreconcilable differences.

Off to D.C

2009-06-15T10:38:00.000-07:00

On Friday the Boys (Stevie, Danny, and Riley) left for Washington D.C for National History Day! They show today at 10:40 a.m, our time. Good Luck Boys!

I Love This...

2009-04-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Dachshund & Pink the Pig This Dachshund is fostering this little guy for another mom who couldn't take care of him. He had his eyes closed, but now they are open. He is just a little bigger than her other pups. She loves this little guy as much as the other puppies and she is nursing him back to health. He is the cleanest pig-uppy ever because she licks him all the time. HIS NAME IS PINK....

IS THIS NOT THE MOST PRECIOUS THING!!!?

'Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.'

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

The Boys Take 2nd at State National History Day!

2009-04-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

Riley points out to Danny that they made it through to finals.

2009-04-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

Excited participants anxiously await the awards announcements.

2009-04-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

The boys needed to prepare and adjust the equipment for big presentation.

2009-04-26T21:28:00.000-07:00

The guys were waiting for the big announcement.

2009-04-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Aunt Dawn showed up to root the boys on!

2009-04-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Accepting their awards

The Winners!

2009-04-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

The boys looked sooo handsome with their medals!

Boys Staying at the Hotel... And Having FUN!

2009-04-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

The boys had a GREAT time at the hotel- what a treat!