Howdy from the Halls

A few February updates

2012-02-13T20:56:00.005-05:00

A shoutout to my mom, whose birthday is today! Happy Birthday mom! I hope you had a great great day!!

Tomorrow, for Valentines Day, I'm excited to scoot into Reagan's school and enjoy her Valentines party with her class. I was in charge of the drinks and cups, and instead, I decided to buy juice boxes for ease, and then wrap them with some pretty valentines paper I had lying around. I thought they turned out really cute!!
Friday night Reagan and Jason went to a daddy/daughter ball through Reagan's dance studio. Reagan just felt so special and I know she had a blast spending the time with daddy by herself. She got a corsage at the dance, as well as a professional pic (I'll have to share it when I get it!), and dessert, and LOTS of dancing. She just smiled the entire night. I'm so glad Jason is willing to take her, her face just beams on these times with her daddy.

On Saturday, as I was looking for a project to do, Reagan and I decided to do something with all the bits of crayons we have laying around. We cut them all up, put them in mini-muffin tins, threw them in the oven.....

and voila, we have new fun looking crayons. They turned out better than I thought and it was free activity and we are reusing something that's just laying around!! Way fun!!

So, that's a glimpse of our February so far. Stay warm....and be blessed!!

Happy Monday

2012-01-30T12:53:00.006-05:00

Ugh...a little out of order, but you'll catch the drift. We had Bryce's birthday party on Sat., but also celebrated my neice Katelyn's birthday too!
Hope you had a great weekend. We enjoyed quite a bit of snow around here, I think maybe 8" over the entire weekend. When my parents drove up Friday, we had absolutely nothing, thanks to a thunderstorm in mid-January. By Sunday, when they left, they were glad they brought their 4 wheel drive vehicle.
We moved the rocking horse into Ruthie's room, since she is the one using it right now. So much of the time, when I sneak up to see what she's doing, she's either sitting in her rocking chair reading or on her horse. So precious!

We had Bryce's birthday party on Saturday. We had a dinosaur themed party, complete with dinosaur masks. The kids (and well, adults too....ahem, Jason) had fun with the masks!

Bryce had a great time, and so did we! It's always good to be together as a family. I'm in a bit of recovery mode today, trying to get the house reset and off we go to another week.

I've had a huge boom in my teaching! I've had 6 students for the longest time, and I've acquired 7 students in the past week. That's seriously amazing! I've had to do a little fanagling to get them all in, but we are lookin' good. I do enjoy, it but I'm really at the max at this point. I'm thankful for the sudden influx, it's always nice to have a few extra $ roaming around here week by week. I'm taking it as a blessing!

Hope you have a great week.....we plan on it!!

dominoes=Grandma

2012-01-25T12:32:00.002-05:00

In the past two days, I've taught both Reagan and Bryce how to play dominoes. I specifically remember playing dominoes with my grandma as well as buying them with her on one of our many trips to Arizona. So, as I'm playing, I'm missing her today. It's funny to miss her from my home, because I saw her on my trips to my home home (where I grew up), but nonetheless.....I'm remembering how much fun we had together and how much I loved her! So, grandma, I hope there are some good bridge and dominoe games in heaven for you!!

Happy 4th Birthday Bryce Jon!!!

2012-01-22T00:01:00.004-05:00

To my precious Bryce Jon....happy 4th Birthday. I can hardly believe it, 4 years old already! You are my best boy and I love you so very much. I'm thankful you are still cuddly and love mamma's kisses (although you like to wipe them off!). You are tender hearted and are such a good big brother to Ruthie. We love you sweet boy and are proud of the little man you are becoming! And for now, it's okay if you live here forever, because I can't imagine you anywhere else!

Bryce's favorite things right now are dinosaurs, superheroes (especially Iron Man, Captain America, and Superman), and David and Goliath. Most of the time Bryce says he wants to be either a football player or a firefighter when he grows up. We know God has BIG plans for him.

Happy Birthday son!!! (and Dad, take notice, I used his middle name today when I'm praising him, not just when he's in trouble!!)

January recovery

2012-01-21T10:30:00.006-05:00

Well, I just realized, it's January 21st, and I've been a bit absent from my blog. I have just needed a chance to recoup and regroup here from all the busyness (and sadness) of December. We are also in a fasting time at our church again, which has included limited computer time for me. But, today, I'm taking a little break to give you an update on what's the latest in our home.
Here's a pic of Ruthie with her new bathrobe on. She absolutely LOVES this thing and cries when I take it off her to get her dressed. She tells me "go" for "let go" of her arm so she can keep it on. Big score there Aunt Jessie!!
And little Ruthie just loves Griffin. You can often find her hugging him, or laying on him, etc, most times of the day. He is such a good dog and after 3 kids, he's used to it!

Reagan is doing great at school. She was named her classroom's first Voracious Reader. I went in to help out in her classroom and saw her pretty picture up on the wall. If you are wondering, what does a Voracious Reader look like in First Grade, here's what her teacher wrote....
We decided that a Voracious Reader…
*is always reading!
*chooses “Read to Self” often!
*gets right to work quickly and quietly during Daily 5!
*tries new CAFE strategies!
*listens and participates during strategy lessons!
*always does their personal best!

We are so proud of Reagan Joy!!

Think Bryce has been left out....stay tuned tomorrow for his birthday message....

I actually have quite a newsworthy tale around here....we had pheasant for dinner for the first time this week. Jason went hunting with my Uncle Jim and came back with some pheasant meat. Thank the Lord, it was already processed, but still made me quite squeamish....It was on the menu for Tuesday and I managed to delay until Thursday. After some internet searching on how to prepare it, we put it on a grill with some spices and BBQ sauce. To tell you the truth, I didn't want to have anything to do with it, but for my kids I had to put on my brave face so they too would try it! It really does taste like chicken, and little Reagan, my squeamish child, was asking for 2nds and 3rds. Amazing!! I'm really okay with not having it again for a while, but I survived! Jason wants to get back into hunting (he did it alot as a kid), and so I have a feeling I might need to get used to this. There might be some venison here next fall.....I guess I have some time to prepare myself. Now a dead deer hanging in my garage....yikes....I'm okay with not seeing where my meat comes from, really. But, we gotta let our boys have their adventure, so I'm all for it!!

Have a great weekend!!!

2011 wrap up

2011-12-31T15:36:00.006-05:00

Well, hang on and see if I can't give you quick recap of our last couple weeks, before we say goodbye to 2011. (In no particular order....)

We celebrated Christmas with Jason's family yesterday, on the 30th. Ruth got some cute hair accessories, as well as an adorable bathrobe!!
One of the treasures I returned with from my grandma is this ceramic Christmas tree. My grandparents spent the winters in Mesa, Arizona, and for years, my grandma made these beautiful trees at the ceramics lab. I am so thankful to have one of my very own in my home. I know it's after Christmas, but I've kept it lit all day long while I'm home. Just makes me happy thinking of her...

Here are a few pics from Christmas with my parents. With all the sickness, there's not a whole lot of pics, and not a whole lot of many of us together. My sister's family and I got my dad this giant camping chair, and it was plain hysterical watching him open it up and climb into it. It was quite a hit with the grandkids too!!

I had known my grandma was not well, and I sent ahead early her Christmas present from us and my sister. I just love these personalized ornaments....These are all 8 of her grandkids, and I bought her a little hangar for it to hang on her ledge outside her apartment. It's now on my tree, and something I really treasure.

The day my grandma died, Jason brought home these beautiful flowers for me. I just love fresh flowers and it made such a sad, hard day a little more bearable!!

These last few pics are of our home, decorated for Christmas. My friend, Sharon, never disappoints, with her amazing sense of style! I so appreciate her help getting my house all ready for Jason's work Christmas party.

Sharon made this incredible artwork to hang from our kithcen chandelier. I thought it was stunning, and I received so many compliments on it!!

So, that about takes care of our last couple weeks. I just figured out, out of the last 15 nights, we have spent more than half of them away from home. To Illinois for 2, then home for 5, back to Illinois for 5, home for 2, to Detroit for 1....now home! Please don't ask us to visit, unless you live in town!!! I am looking forward to staying put for a while, that's for sure. But, I have treasured all the time with our families.....looking forward to all that 2012 will bring our family. Be blessed!

the Christmas Recap

2011-12-25T14:23:00.006-05:00

Well, it's been an eventful few days here....let's see if I can share.

We arrived in Illinois on Thursday. Seems like we were just there (oh wait, we were!!). Friday night we did the Christmas program where my grandma lived for 16 years. We had a few tears, but we had fun overall sharing our music with the people there. It was our 12th program there, and many people remarked that they have not missed a single year! At the end, we were even given a beautiful fruit/nut basket. It's sad to close that chapter of our lives, but I really treasure all the memories of our years there and sharing our love of music and our grandma with the other residents.

Let's see if I can set the scene for our next event. Mom and I were upstairs cleaning some things out of my grandma's apartment....we were actually waiting for the elevator to fill up with boxes to be loaded. Open comes the elevator, with Jason, Bryce, Reagan, Ruth, and Jeff. As it opens, Bryce is emptying the contents of his stomach, Reagan is gagging and screaming, and Ruth is crying (what in the world is going on??). The poor little guy got sick all over himself on the way home and numerous times throughout the night. By the time I awoke Saturday morning (Christmas Eve), I was not feeling so hot....which led to my experience with the stomach bug. I missed all of the festivities with my extended family on Christmas Eve. Bryce was with me until dinner. I thought we had escaped any further transfer, but Reagan woke up sick Christmas morning, as well as a few hours later my mother. Awful and disgusting! So, we cancelled our Christmas company, postponed the ham dinner, and were washing, disinfecting and praying for this to leave! Merry Christmas to us! Oh, let's keep going, shall we??? My neice Anne woke up late Christmas night sick, then followed by my dad, Reagan again, Jason, then Jeff (my brother-in-law). So, at this point 8 out of 11 people staying at my parents house got sick. In addition my cousin (who apparently spent quite a bit of time playing with Reagan on Christmas Eve) and his girlfriend came down with the wonderful bug too. I'm not sure I can adequately apologize for infecting 10 people (myself included) with this awful nastiness! I suppose it will be one of those things you will always remember and look back and laugh about, but right now Christmas was kinda stinky....

We did enjoy spending all that time together, although much of it included yucky cleanup and lots and lots of laundry. It was a Lysol Christmas....

Merry Christmas from the Halls

2011-12-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Hall family wishes you a blessed Christmas! We are rejoicing in the birth of Jesus....our Savior, our King, our Emmanuel, God with Us! Thankful for all my family and friends....thanks for coming along side our family. Can't wait to see what 2012 has in store for us.

We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!!

remembering grandma

2011-12-21T12:54:00.002-05:00

We had such a nice visit home, honoring my grandma's life. All 6 of her grandkids were there for the services, from Colorado, New Mexico, Massachussetts, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. It was sad to think of her gone, but I'm so thankful that I am 35 years old and got to have my grandma all these years!!

We had her luncheon at the retirement community where she lived, and the dining room was JUST PACKED with people there. Bryce sat down with another gentleman, who was 107 years old!!! As Jason introduced him and told Bryce how old he was, Bryce remarked...."wow, he's older than me!!". So many people came up to us and asked if we were still doing the Christmas program this year. I know it will be hard to do it without my grandma smiling and teary eyed in the front row, but I also know it's the right thing to do to honor her life and all she meant to us. It's also a way for us to thank the community that she has called home for the past 16 years. So, if you think of it, say a prayer for me and my family as we honor her on Friday evening. I know they are so looking forward to our visit!!

I always have given my mother a hard time for corralling us all for pictures on Christmas Eve....but now that I've looked back through pictures the past few days, I realize how many wonderful pictures I have myself with my grandma, as well as my children. Precious memories of all the great times we've shared with her. So, mom, apologies for the hard time....because now I can treasure all those pics!!

So, as we head towards Christmas, my kids are so excited. It is bittersweet to think of celebrating it without grandma, but I know this is the natural course of life. So, we say goodbye for now....

Goodbye Grandma......

2011-12-09T08:53:00.007-05:00

Pictures from July 2011

Well, on December 8th, the world lost another great woman. My grandma, Helen Caroline Darmon Knox drew her last breath. I am just going to miss that lady!!

She had such a long, wonderful life. She died just a few days short of her 92nd birthday. And with the exception of the last few months, lived her entire life with very few health problems, no hospitalizations or extended illness. Even when she was sick the last few months, she would comment on how thankful she was for her health. And she has lived the last 17 years without her husband, my grandpa Vincent.

I am thankful for the relationship I had with her, and that my kids got a chance to know their great grandma. She has 4 kids, 6 grandkids and 8 great grandkids. Every year we have done the Christmas program at her residence (a retirement community), and she always looked forward to us being there. She was like a rockstar there; every year since 1999, we have put on our annual Christmas Variety show with everything from mandolin, recorder, clarinet, trumpet, guitar, piano, and even my kids starting to get up and sing for everyone. I am hoping this year, I can pull myself together and do one last program as a tribute to her life and all she has meant to us.

So, yesterday was a sad, hard, day and as I found myself crying, Bryce asked me why I was crying and so sad? I told him why and he said so plainly, "but mom, we will get to see her in heaven again some day". I told him, yes, that was true buddy. He then proceeded to let me know he was going to do something to help cheer me up and put a smile on my face. I'm telling you, these kids are such a light and such a great example of what the Bible says when we are told to have childlike faith. It is so natural for him and "just the facts, ma'am". I am so thankful for Jesus and the hope we have in Him.

So, as we say goodbye to my grandma here, I'm so thankful for her life, and I'm thankful for her almost 92 years to be here with us. What a blessing! Love you grandma!!

Where, oh where, is Ruthie now???

2011-11-29T13:16:00.003-05:00

Ruthie has been a busy girl as of late. It is not uncommon for her to be on separate floors within seconds (it seems) from the rest of us. Usually I can find her easily, because she will "answer" of some sort with a giggle or chitter chatter. Today was the first time she was silent, and I soon found out why. This video was taken the 3rd time I found her in this location. I wish for your viewing enjoyment I would have kept recording to get the emphatic "NO" at the end when I asked her to get out. (I apologize for the little cutoff on the side where you can't seem to see her face...it's because of my blog layout...still enjoyable though!)

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

to all my blog readers. We have so very much to be thankful for, not just today but every day. We are happy to spend this time remembering all God has given us. We are so richly blessed!

We hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving and enjoy the time with your family and friends. We love you faithful readers!!!

Well, how is November sneaking away.....

2011-11-16T10:44:00.004-05:00

Time for an update.....ta dah!! Today was Reagan's VIP day at school, and her Great Aunt Kris and Great Uncle Jim were up for the task. She was thrilled to have them with her this morning and Bryce was thankful they came back afterwards and played with him too.....Ruth, well, she's just getting in some major practicing saying the word "no". I hate that it sounds so cute when she says it, although it's getting more emphatic and appropriately timed. Ahh....another bout in parenthood that I will yet win!!

We got a great report from Reagan's conferences this year. All of these things that I have spoken over her in prayer....her teacher confirmed to me that she was those things. I can't tell you how humbling that has been and how in awe I am of God and the work He does in us and through us. This precious girl.....her teacher says she's a role model in behavior in her classroom, that she is respectful and thoughtful. If anyone ever needs assistance, she is always the first one there to lend a hand. I am teary eyed again as I type the words....She is a leader in her classroom and she's very mature (again from her teacher!). Our words have brought life to her and life to her classroom. I am so thankful!!

2 weeks ago, we celebrated Great Grandma Ruth's 98th Birthday! This woman still lives on her own and carries on incredibly intelligent conversations!! We love her so much and are so thankful that we live in the same town as her and our kids can know her!! During her party, Ruthie escaped away to play in the spot she knows best....the closet, where all the toys are!!! She's a smart cookie!!

Here's Grandma with Jason's mom, Dianne, Jason and our 3 kids, and his sister Laurie and her 3 kids.....oh yes, and scowly Bryce!!

And Ruthie....she's just a treasure. A super sweet personality and full of spunk! How we've enjoyed her growing into a little person!!

It's so hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner...and Christmas soon after that. I really love this time of year and all it means to us as a family. We are thankful all the time, but especially this time of year for all our blessings! God has been so very good to us!!

As we cruise towards November...

2011-10-28T09:59:00.004-04:00

We have been starting to give Reagan an allowance and I'm determined to help train my kids how to care for your money. So, we have started giving her choices as to how to spend her money. We have started with the tithe for Jesus every week, and then talking about how to use the rest. The first week she blew almost the entire thing on a pack of gum ($1.15 for one pack!!). I tried to convince her to buy the same brand, different flavor that was on clearance for .54, but she wouldn't have it, so I let her do it. There was an American Girl dog that she really wanted, so as incentive, I went ahead and bought the dog. I showed it to her, as well as let her know how much $$ he was. Week after week, she saved her $ instead of spending it on smaller items, and after 6 weeks or so, she was able to purchase the dog, Pepper, back from me. She was SO thrilled!!
Last week I took the kids to Boo at the zoo. I love dressing them up, and they had a great time. Here is Captain America, our little duckie, and our cowgirl!!

We stopped in to see Grandma Ruth on our way to the zoo, so she could see them all dressed up!!

Ruthie was so darn cute, I just kept giggling at her. Even the bum on this costume is padded so it wags when she walks!!

At the zoo...

Our little duck with the fishies!!

And our little duckie was tired out.....

This week, Reagan ran in a trick or trot at her school. She did a great job and we were so proud of her! Bryce certainly had some kind words to say as she finished, he told her "Reagan, you won" (she didn't). "Reagan you did awesome, you did such a good job". I'm proud of my little encourager and my runner!!

I'm off....be sure to keep reading to watch these videos I just posted of little Ruthie!!

Hey you...

2011-10-28T09:44:00.002-04:00

Jason got such a kick out of Ruthie this week. He taught her to say "Hey you" which is often what we say to her as she appears in and out of rooms. It is SO cute to watch her begin to talk. And as you can see from these videos, she's getting quite a personality! She is so fun!

The odds and ends of October

2011-10-19T09:05:00.003-04:00

Well, fall is truly here, as I look out the window at the rainy, cool day. I'm glad I got out yesterday to trim all my plants down for the winter.

Last Saturday, I took the kids to a pancake breakfast at the township fire station. The kids had a blast climbing into the truck!
The wheels on the truck are the same height as Bryce!!

Here are a couple items from Reagan's school. I just had to take a pic of this paper; it just made me teary. The middle says, write two words that tell about you, and she put "happy and loving". She knows who she is!! The bottom says write two things that make you happy, and she put "1st grad and family". Love that girl!!

Here is part of Reagan's progress report from school. I'm not sure if these two papers came home on the same day, but another teary moment for mom!! Couldn't be prouder of who this little girl is becoming!!

And here is a little snippet of how Bryce spends some of his day while Reagan is at school. He is really enjoying YouTube as of late, watching his favorite music videos and singing (and strumming guitar) along. I'm hoping this video will flip upright by the time you see this, but if not, turn your head and enjoy!! I have a feeling we might have a little rock musician on our hands!!

Devil's Lake 2011

2011-10-11T14:46:00.004-04:00

No fall is ever complete without our trip to Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin. And the weather was just beautiful....wonderful camping weather. The kids had such a blast and were such troopers on all the hikes. I was so very proud of the way they hiked, hiked, and hiked all weekend long. It's so fun to see all our family and friends again and reconnect like we have every year for so many now!!
My beauty...and God's beauty...

We managed to get a family pic with Ruth awake in this one...

Well...I'm in mounds of laundry right now...and Ruthie is stirring, so off I go. Thanks for the great memories, family and friends....see you next year!!!

a couple odds and ends

2011-10-11T14:34:00.004-04:00

Well, I figured, I'd give a little update on our little Ruthie. She is getting quite the personality and sometimes, the best way to describe it is "crazy". But fun crazy, not lunatic crazy. She is silly, a ball of fun and busy busy busy. She just can hardly sit still. I am literally in one room picking up one mess, and she's in the next making a new one. Her current fun is emptying drawers or anything that has stuff in it....then onto the next one.

She is starting to talk more and more and we were delighted last night when we told her to say "bubba" for brother, and she did it....and pointed to him and said it. She's saying sissy for Reagan and the usual mama and dada. Over the weekend she was saying meme and papa for my parents. I can really see the wheels spinning in her head and she's starting to say more and more. What fun she is!!
Being a big girl in her rocking chair in her room. I put her in here, but she's quickly learning she can climb into most chairs now.....uh oh is all I have to say!!

We had the most beautiful double rainbow out our backyard last week. Jason caught some great shots of it...here's one. They were 2 complete ones too....beautiful!!

Our Bucket Filler

2011-10-04T10:01:00.003-04:00

Reagan's school theme is being a Bucket Filler. There is a book apparently about it, and the school desires that every student does something to fill one another's bucket (as opposed to being a bucket dipper). They had their first character assembly last week and Reagan was one of 2 children selected out of her class as being a "Bucket Filler". Her certificate says, "for consistently showing good character".

WAY TO GO REAGAN JOY!!!

We are uber proud, of course! She is a delight to us and is loving school! Still missing her at home, but I'm not sure that will change. Bryce can't stop talking about going to school....and when I say how much I'll miss him too, he reminds me that I will have Ruthie at home.....I really just want them to be little forever....

it's a zoo in here!

2011-09-20T10:30:00.008-04:00

Well, we have some more catching up to do...and what fun we've had. Our annual nursery outing to the local Pony Farm was a couple weeks ago, and my parents even got to enjoy the fun with us. Here's Reagan on the hay ride, complete with new bunnies to hold!!
Ruth was SO excited to see the bunnies with my dad!!

And everyone got a turn on the horses, TWICE!!

This was Ruth's first time on a horse, and she was thrilled!

Bryce all decked out to support his team that Saturday!!

We had told my parents that the kids could use new bikes for Christmas. My dad was all in for that gift, but didn't want to wait to give it to them at Christmas, when there was no hope to ride them outside, so they brought them along. The kids were SO excited and have been riding them like crazy!!

Last weekend we took the kids to a zoo a little farther away from home, but they have giraffes there, which is so cool to see them up and close. Reagan and Bryce both got a chance to feed them.

Um....Bryce would wear this jersey every day if I let him. He asks me the very next day after he wears it, and insists, "can't you just wash it?". I didn't realize that would complete his fall wardrobe and he didn't need anything else!

Yes, they really were this close!

The kids took a spin on the carousel at the zoo...and Ruth loves the pretend horse just as much, I think.

And Bryce, riding the Michigan horse, of course!

Well, my favorite season has arrived, fall! I love pant weather and the cool crisp mornings. I'm not sad to leave summer behind (besides having Reagan home!)....fall just makes me happy! Hope you enjoy our updates of the goings on here! Having a grand ole' time, as always!!

i have a little backlog

2011-09-09T16:23:00.002-04:00

of pics I have realized I didn't sort through for my blog...so hopefully I can add a few gems here as I find them. In August, the kids asked me to make them a tv out of cardboard...and this is what I came up with. Even made some seating for the audience, and a remote control. The kids enjoyed me giving a daily update on the tele as to what was going to happen each day. They were so entertained with it...I loved it! Reagan even did some HGTV for me...and Bryce just liked the transformer channel (if there ever was such a thing!!). Love to see their imaginations...

time to release my precious butterfly once again...

2011-09-06T08:50:00.003-04:00

Today is Reagan's 1st day of 1st grade. Really, how can it be? I've enjoyed this summer so much, and I just really want to lock her in her room and never let her grow up!! I've realized that parenthood is just a gradual release of her into the world, and I'm not sure I'll ever be ready. She's such a precious little girl and she was excited for her 1st day of school. I couldn't help but have a few tears as I hugged her goodbye this morning. I think deep down, to hear me say over and over how much I was going to miss her, made her feel precious, which she is!!

Well, I'm off to start my day with 2 little ones. I am looking forward to one less person during my errands, though. Although, she is probably the easiest, and the most helpful. Have a great great day Reagan, and I can't wait to hear all about it when you get home!!

and yesterday I sold my clarinet....

2011-08-25T09:57:00.006-04:00

Well, yesterday was a big day of sorts. I sold one of my clarinets. Mind you, I do have 3, all different....but all 3 sitting around here collecting some major dust. So, a couple months ago, I decided the idea of new granite countertops sounded better than a dusty old clarinet....so onto craigslist it went.

And, as I agreed to the sale, and packaged up my beloved instrument, I got a little nostalgic. For, the clarinet BJ (before Jason) was my dream. I distinctly remember even in my undergrad days saying to my teacher, "I just want to be a mom", but until that reality came...the clarinet encapsulated my future and dreams for that time. I taught the clarinet to 30+ students at one time....I practiced it 4 hours a day pretty regularly. I was actively taking auditions, trying to win a job in an orchestra.

And then, I met Jason (insert fireworks!!) and then we got married and started our family. And then, priorities shifted. As I was deeply thinking the past couple days as to the reality of selling one of my instruments and in effect, letting go of part of that dream.....I thought about what I wanted to be remembered for, what my legacy was going to be. And, I knew I wanted it to be for my children to know the Lord, to live for Him, and to live my life with the priority given to my husband and children. And the clarinet just doesn't fit there right now. I'm not saying it will never fit there, but for now, it's all about Jason and the kids and being the best wife and mom I can be, and sowing into our precious family. And so clarinet, we say farewell for now. Thanks for the great great memories...and the awesome friends I have met along the way. I have some major Kingdom work to do in the meantime.

I suppose I could round up an excuse...

2011-08-16T13:24:00.005-04:00

of why I haven't blogged, but we've just been having SO much fun! This has probably been one of the most memorable summers for me. The kids are at such fun ages, and we have just explored so many new and old things. Friday, the nursery from our church had a camping weekend close to town and we went and joined them for Fri afternoon/night. We had such a great time; it brings back such fond memories for both Jason and I with our families growing up.

Saturday, I got free tickets to a Breakfast on the Farm event that was local. They served a delicious breakfast, followed by a tour of the dairy farm. It was so fun, and I actually learned alot.

Bryce and Reagan got to milk a cow.

and little Ruthie...always along for the ride.

We've had quite an eventful summer, as well. Ruth is walking all over the place, and she is getting her top 2 teeth (to finally make 4!!). Reagan is riding a 2 wheel bike and doing great. She was quite hesitant at first, but caught on quickly and is very proud of herself. Bryce I also had to cajole on his bike, but he now loves it as well and is always asking to go on a bike ride. I've enjoyed the exercise, either walking as the kids bike, or biking myself with Ruth in the trailer. Ruth is not terribly fond of the bike trailer, but she's getting better...and the compassionate mom I am, I keep saying "she's just going to have to get over it!!" And she will, I know!

I think that makes you caught up on our end. I can hardly believe school is right around the corner for Reagan. I am sad thinking about sending her away all day, but she's excited to go back. I'm glad she loves it....I'm off to enjoy (work) through my afternoon!!

Family Vacation Up North

2011-07-30T21:55:00.004-04:00

We just returned from another fun family weekend up north. We joined Jason's 3 siblings, families and his parents for 5 nights.

We took the Ironton Ferry over to Charlevoix. The kids thought this was really cool. You can see how short the ride actually is, just a little jaunt and you're back on land. $3.25 bought us that ride!
A little GPS mishap, and we ended up here instead of Charlevoix....it was very pretty, though.

We found the city beach, complete with a playground, so the kids were happy!

Charlevoix has a really cool drawbridge, that we got to see go up for this large ferry to pass through.

Keep on reading for more pics...

Boyne Vacation Part 2

2011-07-30T21:31:00.006-04:00

We had fun watching the big waves in Lake Michigan out on the pier.
Charlevoix has a quaint little downtown, full of charm and great little shops...like Cherry Republic.

On Wednesday, I got to go to a lavender farm with Liz and Dianne, and we went to a lavender wand making class. It was super fun and I enjoyed a little respite from the kids.

This farm was beautiful (and fragrant!). I bought some lavender laundry soap that I'm very excited to try out (I know, I'm excited about a stain remover!). It is all natural and supposed to get out nearly any stain. I'll give you an update after it's had a trial run!

Boyne Part 3

2011-07-30T15:24:00.006-04:00

All 18 of us ventured out to dinner one night in Boyne City and we ate outside on the patio (with a weird red awning!). Bryce is just so cute....

Thursday we went to Fisherman's Island State Park...pretty remote area, but pretty.

The kids/grandpa/dads had fun catching crayfish in the water and exploring to find Petoskey stones.

cutie patootie Bryce again...

we tuckered Ruth right out and she got a little beach nap.

We returned home Friday afternoon...having had a GREAT great time with our family. Thanks for the memories!!

My 6 year old....

2011-07-23T11:46:00.001-04:00

How can it be that Reagan is 6 already? Here are her birthday pics.....she is a beauty if I do say so myself. We love you so much precious girl!

It's SO hot, I might as well update...

2011-07-21T15:03:00.003-04:00

This has been a summer of adventure and I've just LOVED it! We have gone on little trips here and there and it's been so fun to explore this beautiful land together. One Saturday, we had no plans, so up we went to Ludington for the day. It is a beautiful city, right on Lake Michigan. We took the 3.8 mile roundtrip hike out to the Big Sable Lighthouse. Jason was a real trooper and pushed the stroller on the sandy trail out there!

Reagan is standing right beside that large tree trunk.

Jason, Reagan, and Bryce climbed to the top of the lighthouse and waved to Ruth and I below. It is a spiral staircase on the way up, so you aren't allowed to carry anyone, so we stayed behind.

After our lighthouse excursion, we took the kids to the beach and they had such a great time playing in the water. The water was nearly 70 degrees and refreshing, so a great time was had by all!!

On other news, Ruth has decided she's finally ready to walk the majority of the time. It's hard to say exactly when she started "walking", because she's been taking steps here and there since her birthday. But, for most of the time, crawling was faster, so she chose that route. But, now she's walking more and more. She's also quite speedy on the steps and can disappear from the floor you are on in an instant!! She somehow has taught herself how to get down too, and I've also caught her doing the reverse. I'm very thankful that in our home both sets of staircases are broken, so if she were to tumble, it would only be a few steps and she would be on another carpeted landing!! She's a busy little thing...and loves that she can keep up with Reagan and Bryce.

I'm off to make dinner...gotta split!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!

2011-07-14T14:01:00.003-04:00

Today is my daddy's birthday. Yes, you will forever be my daddy! Thanks for being such a wonderful dad and great grandpa! We adore you and pray many blessings over you this year and many many to come. Love you daddy!

A trip to Illinois/Iowa Part 1

2011-07-07T12:06:00.007-04:00

Well, you can never keep the Halls in one place for very long. Over the 4th, we trekked over to western Illinois/Iowa with my parents and had a fantastic trip! On Saturday, we visited the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, in Dubuque, IA, which was just awesome! After that, we went looking for the funicular, or the 4th Street Elevator. My dad remembers riding this when he was a kid (we think he probably paid 10 cents to ride it then!). Story goes, that a banker in the 1800's lived on the bluff, worked in town and had an 1 1/2 hour lunch break. It took him 30 minutes to go 3 blocks around the bluff to his home, which did not leave time for him to have 30 min for lunch 30 minute nap and an hour round trip of driving. So, originally, this elevator was for his personal use, but through many friends asking for rides, it eventually became a public elevator.

doesn't Bryce look like such a big kid here? Oh I want to freeze time!!

The view from above.

We stopped and got ice cream at a cute little shop after the elevator...and Reagan was ready to have tea with Mickey and Minnie!

Keep reading for more fun details of our trip!

A fun weekend in Illinois/Iowa pt. 2

2011-07-07T11:50:00.004-04:00

On Sunday, we stopped at a ski resort to go down the alpine slide. If you have never done this, you MUST! It is so very fun and we enjoyed it so much, we came back up and went again! I just giggled the entire way down, it was such a trip. The kids each took turns riding with us, and they loved it as well.

A Fun weekend in Illinois/Iowa! pt. 3

2011-07-07T11:37:00.006-04:00

After the alpine slide, we went to my dad's cousins home where they had a potluck throughout the afternoon. Then at 4:30 we went to this winery where my cousin got married. What beauty! It's so nice to see open space and farmland!
This is Reagan and my cousin's daughter Shayna. They played all day together and sat together at the wedding. I was thankful my kids had someone to play with that entire day!

Monday, the 4th, we hung out at my parent's home and had my grandma over for lunch. She just loves holding all the great-grandkids, and Ruth cooperated at least for a little while!!

We are back home, obviously, trying to rest up and recover from a great holiday weekend with family!

Happy 6th Birthday Reagan Joy!

2011-07-07T11:00:00.002-04:00

Today is Reagan's 6th!!!! Birthday! I can't believe she's 6 already! She has been so excited to see this day come and we are having fun celebrating. We are planning a little zoo trip this afternoon and a dinner out at Red Robin! Daddy surprised her and bought her some new skates for her birthday so she was excited about that. We love you dearest Reagan and are so thankful that you are ours!!

The days of Ruth Esther

2011-06-28T13:33:00.004-04:00

Our little sunshine Ruth is such a sweet little one year old. Although, at times, 2 tries to creep in and we are shoo-ing it away. God knows...he gives us those first 18-24 months to be completely smitten with the child so that you are ready for 2!!

Little Ruth is starting to climb on things....including the end tables in our living room. She is thrilled with herself...of course!
....and she's climbing into the rocking chair too. If I ever hear a big thud from her bedroom, I know she's successfully gotten out of the chair, but not very gracefully!

I wanted to have a little fun and post a pic of Reagan and Ruth wearing the same dress, and the same 'do. Reagan wore this dress for her 1 year pics, and I find such delight in revisiting all her clothes I loved so much the first time around!

I hunted and hunted for the cd of these pics of Reagan to no avail yesterday, so I had to make do with scanning a hard copy. You get the idea, though....

do they look alike??

I am just amazed at how smart a little one year old can be. I've been teaching Ruth some sign lanugage as of late, and she's really starting to pick it up now, which is always so exciting for me. We started with more and all done, recently adding milk to the list. And over the weekend, I was thrilled to see her almost instantly pick up on please. Cuts down on the screaming and is OH so helpful. She is still not really walking, but I've seen her take 5-10 steps at a time. She is being rather cautious and that's okay for now. Most humorous is her crawling which sometimes takes on a crab walk, on 2 hands and 2 feet. I think this adaptation came while trying to crawl with all the dresses she wears....it's cute nonetheless. She will walk when she's ready!

I'm off to busy myself since I have some down time. Have a great week!

Boston part one

2011-06-14T22:04:00.004-04:00

Reagan's last day of school was Wednesday and Thursday we left for a Girls Weekend in Boston. Reagan, Ruth and I left Thursday around 2:30, with our supposed arrival time of 6:30. We were planning on dinner in Boston with Jody, Jeff and fam. All the major storms that swept through here on Wednesday were making their way out east, and we made it to Baltimore, and actually even boarded for Boston when the weather alert came through and they got us off the plane. From 4:30 onward, we received "updates" every half hour which merely consisted of "you will recieve your next update in a 1/2 hour". Very helpful, you see. We just decided to have a good attitude about it, the kids were fantastic!! They scurried us on the plane shortly after 8 stating that if we didn't depart by 8:30, the flight attendants would "time out" and we wouldn't be able to leave at all. While sitting on the plane, said storm then swept through Baltimore, with pouring rain, winds, lightning etc. This closed the Baltimore gates, while we sat on the plane rocking to and fro with the wind. We finally left around 9:30 p.m. and arrived in Boston around 11 p.m. It was a long day, but the kids were so good, we just decided to make the best of it!

Honestly, so many people offered so much help to me that day...I was so grateful (who says easterners aren't friendly?). Many commented on how good my children were and how I "had my hands full". I had to laugh and tell them I had another one at home, this was nothing, really!! I was thankful for those warm fuzzies....God knows that's my love language and sent a few words my way!!

We had plans for the beach on Friday, and Jody was unsure what we'd be up for with arriving so late...but we didn't have time to sleep all day, so off we went. And we were rewarded with a beautiful day at the beach. Welcome to the East Coast!!

Ruthie loved the beach and sand...what a trooper she was the entire time!

Reagan and I collected quite a few shells to bring home for Bryce to see. The tide was out, so they were plentiful and large. She had a blast discovering the ocean. We even picked up some live snails to take a peek at them too.

Some beautiful garden grounds near the beach....keep reading on, I'll explain in the next post.

boston part two

2011-06-14T21:51:00.004-04:00

This is my sister's home....isn't it lovely?
Alright, just kidding of course, this is an estate near Crane Beach. It actually costs $ just to drive around the grounds and look? Apparently since we paid to go into the beach, that was included. We looked at looked for our beach ticket, but apparently our sand covered selves and worn out sleeping babes was enough for the woman at the gate to believe us!!

Little Anne's birthday is approaching, and we got her some dress up clothes. I had it sent right out to the house in time for our visit. She loved them and her and Reagan had a blast playing dress up.

Saturday we headed into Boston. We had some lofty goals of the day, lots of plans, and just figured we'd see how the kids did. We had a 5 year old, almost 2 year old, 1 year old and 3 1/2 month old, 2 strollers, and 3 adults, and we were gone from 8 a.m to 6 p.m!!! We had a great day. The above pic is Reagan on her first T ride (the subway in Boston).

First stop was the aquarium. Really fun and the kids had a good time. Next stop, Faneuil Hall for some lunch at Quincy Market. Then, the water taxi over to the USS Constitution and Old Ironsides.

On the water taxi...

Jody, Owen and Reagan on Old Ironsides.

boston part 3

2011-06-14T14:55:00.007-04:00

From Old Ironsides, we proceeded up to the Bunker Hill Monument. Reagan and I were all prepared to walk to the top of it. Unfortunately, the monument is closed for restoration....bummer! This is my 3rd time to Boston...one of these times, I'll have to do it!!

We then walked on to the Old North Church and the statue of Paul Revere.

Even Paul Revere is a Boston Bruins fan....

We went for dinner in the North End and enjoyed some yummy Italian. I'm sure the waitstaff was a little unnerved when we entered with 4 children....3 of them under 2, but the kids did awesome and we had a yummy yummy meal. Lobster ravioli....

Then, we went to one of those iconic Boston places, Mike's Pastry. Reagan and I had cannolis. I had a chocolate chip one and Reagan, Oreo. They were delicious, and I would like another one, right now!!

You see people all over town with these little white boxes (I'm holding in my hand), with the deliciousness from the bakery!!

And Ruthie was a complete ham in the airport in Baltimore on the way home. Still happy after a 3 1/2 hour layover!

We had a great great trip, with lots of memories, but we were happy when daddy and Bryce pulled up to pick us up at the airport. The 3 kids just giggled all the way home, they were so happy to be together again. I was so happy to see Bryce, I missed him like crazy. Don't worry everyone was back to fighting soon after.....ahem...normal life has resumed. What a great start to our summer....thanks Aunt Jody for a great great time!!!

Last Day of Kindergarten

2011-06-08T10:38:00.002-04:00

It's SO hard to believe, but today is Reagan's LAST day of kindergarten. I'm going to have a 1st grader on my hands. Wow! I'm so proud to see how far she's come today. She has just blossomed in school; she loves to be there!! Today they are walking for ice cream as a special treat, so I know her day will be filled with fun! Reagan has lost her first tooth this year, and is sporting her new earrings as well. What a great year. We are excited for the summer and to be able to all be together again. I'm so proud of you Reagan Joy!!

Captain America.....to the rescue

2011-06-08T10:32:00.002-04:00

I relented and let Bryce get out his Captain America costume...which is for Halloween this coming year. (Yes, I am cheap...I buy their costumes a day after Halloween the year before...and much to my delight, there is a Captain America movie coming out this summer, score big for mom this time!)....Anyway, Bryce LOVES dressing up as Captain America or our recently aquired Spiderman costume. We left to go pick up our babysitter (she watches the kids while I teach piano)...and Bryce was so insistent on putting on the costume before we went to show her. Well, he didn't even make the quick drive back home before he fell asleep. Captain America took a short nap on the couch while I taught!

I've just relaxed a little and let him wear it out in public, at friends' homes, etc. He just wants to be a superhero (he's really hooked on the story of David and Goliath now too)...and I love that little boy hero in him. I'm thankful for my sweet little boy who I know would come to my rescue!!

More exciting Reagan news...

2011-06-06T17:51:00.005-04:00

Reagan had decided that she wanted to get her ears pierced for her 6th birthday this July. She had been so excited until about a week ago when she announced she would NOT be getting them pierced. I was really bummed because I was excited to do this with her. All it took was a visit from her cousin Natalia, and she was back to being super excited and ready for it! (thanks Natalia!) Since she was completely revved up, we decided to take advantage of it, and take her a little early. On Sunday, she went bounding into Claire's to have it done.

Much to our surprise, she was so very brave. I fully anticipated some screaming and tears, but after merely wincing, she quickly turned around in the mirror to see her adorable Hello Kitty earrings! She was thrilled and shows anyone who will say hello!

Happy early Birthday Reagan Joy!

Ruth's Birthday Part 1

2011-06-06T17:42:00.005-04:00

Saturday we had Ruth's 1st Birthday party. I just realized it's her Golden Birthday already....wow! Here she is all dressed and ready for the party, in her cute little outfit my sister got her off of etsy.

With Grandpa Jon.

Of course, we had a bowl fun of Baby Ruth candy bars for our Baby Ruth!!

Ruth's Bday Part 2

2011-06-06T11:00:00.006-04:00

Ruth had great fun with her cake....and here she is ready for the tub afterwards...

With Great Uncle Jim...

She got so many wonderful presents. Here she is with her baby doll...

She also received a tub toy, cool converse sparkly sneakers, fun summer clothes, shoes for the fall, headbands and barrettes, some $, and a very special R charm with necklace from Great Grandma Ruth. She wasn't able to make the party due to not feeling well, but sent along a sweet letter and necklace. It truly brought me to tears that her great grandma parted with a sentimental and special gift for our little Ruthie. I will tuck it away for her for the future.

I got her pics taken last week too, and they turned out great. Unfortunately, Target has removed the ability to download all my shots (only found this out AFTERWARDS), so I won't be able to share many here, but I'll try to scan a couple for the blog. I'm kinda stinky about it actually....boo to you Target.

She had her doctor's appt too and was 19 lbs 12 oz and 29 3/4 inches long. She about 50% for length and has dropped down to 25% for weight. If you saw these chubby thighs, you'd find this hard to believe, but I know she is slimming down because she's on the move. She's doing great of course.

Happy Birthday sweet Ruthie!

Some backtracking to do here...

2011-06-06T10:53:00.005-04:00

Well, I have found these pics on my camera and realized I didn't document our fun Memorial Day. I had the kids all decked out in red, white and blue for the parade here in town.
We also spent the weekend with Jason's brother and family. Here's Reagan with her cousin Emily.

We were able to walk down and watch the great parade in our town, and then head over the church who was hosting the Memorial Day party. They had pony rides, bounce houses, games, and a fun little barrel tractor ride. The kids had a blast and we now know where we will be spending all our Memorial Days from now on. Have I said how much we love living here?? We are coming up on a year now and I'm so thankful for our home, neighborhood, school, etc. It has been so great for us!

I think you are all caught up!!

Baby Ruth turns 1

2011-06-01T09:09:00.002-04:00

Today is our sweet Ruth's 1st birthday! Where has this year gone? I'm so sad to see her at a year already....although it's wonderful to watch who she is turning into. She goes to the dr. today for her checkup and shots (poor thing, on her birthday!). We are having a family party on Saturday for her to celebrate. She is still not walking but getting very very close....she will be so fun this summer off exploring everywhere.

Happy Birthday Ruth Esther....to my May baby who I thought would NEVER come!! We love you!

Birthday and other exciting news!

2011-05-26T22:19:00.002-04:00

This year we've purchased a zoo membership, much to the kids' delight. They had a members only event last Friday night that the kids and I ventured out to. They had a blast and I can tell it's going to be great fun going there over and over. They truly don't tire of it!!
Yesterday was Jason's birthday. I attempted (as I do every year), to buy gifts for him....and I returned 2 of them the same day. I know he appreciates the effort, but I just miss the mark!! One of the gifts was actually such a great idea, he bought the exact same one himself about four days before his birthday. He is hard to surprise!

I did whip up a homemade cake...his favorite, yellow cake with chocolate frosting. The kids were so excited to come home from church and enjoy that tasty treat!

And Reagan lost her first tooth today! What an exciting day for her! It has been wiggly for quite a while. I just noticed yesterday her adult tooth was coming in behind it, and at the dentist this morning, he suggested we really try to wiggle it out soon. We took his advice to heart and Reagan pulled it out herself this afternoon. She was so excited!! Unfortunately this same dentist let us know that Reagan has yet another (yes, this is her 3rd one!) cavity in one of her baby teeth. He must think I give her pop every night and right before bed. Reagan has taken it in stride and we'll just do the best we can with brushing and taking care of them. We are praying for strong adult teeth!!

Bryce's funny moments of the week include some interesting song lyrics. As he was singing "Jesus, what a wonderful child"....He said "Jesus, Jesus, where he lay in a manger filled with snakes??" Of course, supposed to be hay! Not sure where he pulled that one from. We were singing "I am a friend of God, he calls me friend", and Bryce says, "He calls me Fred?". Seriously, this child is funny!

Ruthie ramping up to her 1st birthday in 6 days. She is so close to walking! I can't believe it's already been a year. She's ready to keep up with Reagan and Bryce!

Have a great week!

May is a flyin' by...

2011-05-16T09:41:00.004-04:00

May is a busy month here at the Hall house. We had my birthday, then we went and visited my parents for Mother's Day weekend. My sister and family were in town, so we got to meet baby Owen. My mom and I threw a dessert open house for Owen, so that kept us hopping! Jason's birthday is right around the corner, and then our little Miss Ruthie is going to turn 1 on June 1! I can hardly believe it! She is such a good baby and it doesn't even matter that she's #3, every little milestone is still JUST as exciting. She is walking behind a little push toy now and standing up without holding on to anything, so we're getting close to walking. Wow!!
I was trying to get some cute pics for the rep who gave Jason this onesie that says, "My college funds are with Federated".

This is how she was sleeping when I went in to get her for church last night. So stinkin' cute!

Reagan's on her final few days of school here, and I can hardly believe 1st grade is around the corner. Ruth, Bryce and I went up to the school to watch her do her walk a thon last week (Thanks to our family who pledged $$ for her!). She did a great job, completing at least 8 laps (1/4 mile each), and she says she did 10! Bryce ran a few laps with her, and I pushed the stroller and walked with Ruth for a few too. I just love our new home and school, I can walk up to the school, it's so convenient! Yet, she still gets to ride the bus both ways!!

Bryce is doing great as well. He took off from me at church last night (he's rather comfortable there!). We go to a "megachurch" on a huge campus, so there are lots of places to escape to. I ran and got Jason and told him I needed him to help me look for him....very quickly there was an all call out on the radios for him. Of course, the child was on the stage in the main sanctuary!!! When we asked him what he was doing he said "Just hanging out".?????? Wow, this one's giving me a run for my money!! My mama heart is out for a trip!! Still as sweet as ever, though.

Well, that's about it for us. I'm off to make my Monday productive!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T05:00:00.004-04:00

I just love Mother's Day....a day to remember my most special job. A job I wouldn't trade for ANYTHING. And my 3 precious children who I am so thankful for!!

To all the moms in our lives (Jill, Dianne, Helen, Ruth), we applaud you and what you have done for us. We love you so very much and are especially thankful for you today. I hope you know how much you have blessed us!

Reagan brought this special Mother's Day present home to me from school. I just LOVE it! The first line made me so teary....My mom is happy! Lord, help that to be my legacy, that my children remember me as happy....(although the part about me sometimes cleaning the house...hmmm....)
I hope you have a wonderful day...whether you are with your mother or not. We are so thankful for every influential woman in our lives......Be blessed!

what's new here...

2011-05-05T07:59:00.002-04:00

Well, I had another birthday. Somehow they just don't slow down. A great friend sent me this shirt, and I really love it! Bryce was my photographer. Jason bought me a beautiful bracelet, I'll have to get a pic on here...very unexpected and very lovely. Jason has the uncanny ability to "pretend" like he doesn't have anything for me (which sometimes he doesn't!)...and it gets me a little sad and a little pity party for myself, and then he pulls out a big, special gift...he's good like that!
After Bryce took my pic, he wanted me to take his.....you could just gobble up this sweetness!

And Ruth, well she just knows she's hot-stuff. She's standing all over the place, and walking around the furniture, so it won't be long and we'll have a walker on her hands. She will be thriled to even kinda keep up with her brother and sister.

Easter...according to Bryce

2011-04-25T17:38:00.002-04:00

Bryce....singing Oh How He Loves Us

This is currently my favorite favorite song. He asked me to play it for him, and I caught him on camera singing...it was so very precious. I hope you can hear him singing....Here's a little transcript of what he says towards the end...

That's the tomb....
He's gone....
He's alive...He's not in there now. The tomb is empty.
Jesus is not there.
The disciples were very sad when He died on the cross.....(snippets about the sun)

Jesus sleeps in His bed....Yeah....it's funny.

Gotta love 3 year old logic...and sweetness of heart.

Easter Celebrations...

2011-04-25T13:47:00.004-04:00

We had a very busy Easter here, but it was wonderful. We were at all 3 services at church, with the first one being at 8 a.m. I actually managed to get everyone up, dressed, and IN PICTURES by 7:30 a.m. I know many of you with young kids don't think that's early, but my kids love to sleep, and Bryce is typically not up until 8:30 or so.
Reagan kept telling everyone her dress was a hand-me down from her cousin! Thanks Natalia!

We did our Easter baskets when we got home from church, around 2 p.m. I am such a bargain hunter, I bought most of these gifts after last Easter, and they've been tucked away and went through the move. I was very surprised at all I had bought...I had forgotten. They got lovingly spoiled as a result!

And everyone here (except me) are big fans of the Peeps!

Little Ruthie got her present after her nap, some Little People figures. Reagan loves playing with them just as much too!

We had a great day, the kids got to play some outside, and we did our Easter egg hunt after supper. The kids were so great and flexible, we had a fantastic day!

Easter

2011-04-21T14:22:00.006-04:00

It's hard to believe Easter week is upon us, even with it being so late this year. Last weekend, Jason took the older 2 to an egg hunt, and the kids had a blast. They are all smiles, but the weather was completely nasty, cold and rainy! They were troopers!

Here's a pic of Ruth Esther this morning. I think this outfit makes her look like an Easter Egg!

We decorated our eggs today, which the kids have really been looking forward to.

Bryce with his Michigan egg!

Reagan's egg was beautiful, pink with her name on it, and LOTS of stickers.

We are thankful the tomb is empty and that Jesus is alive! Have a wonderful Easter!

Happy (one day late) Anniversary to us!

2011-04-13T12:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, April 12th, was 8 years of marriage for Jason and I. We have had a wonderful adventure in life, and it truly keeps getting better and better! Jason brought me home 30 tulips. They are my favorite flower, and we had them as centerpieces at our wedding reception 8 years ago. I am so excited because all around a tree in our front yard, we have tulips coming up that I didn't even know were there when we bought the house!

We had a dear friend come and watch the kids so we could go out to dinner together. Jason made reservations at Charley's Crab and we had a delicious dinner. We had some seared tuna, lobster bisque soup, and some delicious seafood....and topped it all off with a molten chocolate cake. It was so refreshing to just sit and talk about our life and our future. I'm so excited we get to grow old together!!

We have BIG things happening!

2011-04-11T13:33:00.004-04:00

Well, look who I found standing in her crib Thursday after nap! She was sure thrilled with herself! This is becoming a regular occurence now...she's ready to get movin'!! And in other earth shattering news (for our family anyways!), Bryce has decided he's done with diapers and is in underwear! Major major excitement around here. The wonderful bonus of having late potty trainers is that they are trained very quickly and the accidents are few and far between. It was so well-timed, it was during Spring Break week, so we were home more, which gave me greater opportunity to get him off to a great start! Things are going well and I'm proud of him. He got to go to Target yesterday and pick out his big Iron Man "potty" present. I'm glad to have only one in diapers now!! Way to go Bryce!! So, the laundry is calling (screaming!) my name...so off I go! Have a great Monday!

Some Spring Break Fun Part One

2011-04-04T14:50:00.002-04:00

Before I get to our little excursion....I'm thinking I never put a pic of my Christmas present on here. I absolutely LOVE this necklace...it is so wonderful, from my wonderful! Friday, Jason had to work in NW Ohio, and he thought, hey, we'll all pile in and go along together, and spend Sat. together at the Toledo Zoo. So, off we went. During Jason's morning appoinments, I surprised the kids and took them to the Spangler Candy Company, where they make the famous Dum-dum suckers! Here's Bryce....

and Reagan posing in the gift shop/museum.

We even got to take a tour of the factory. Unfortunately, many of the really fun kitchen areas are off limits to the tour, the kids loved it and it was really interesting for me as well.

During Jason's afternoon appointment, we went to a nearby park and played. It wasn't great weather, but with the sun, warm enough to play outside for an hour or so while we waited for daddy. We stayed at a hotel with a pool, so the kids had a blast swimming both Friday night and Saturday morning.

I made the unforgettable mistake of drinking some Mello Yello with my dinner...which obviously bothered Ruth, since she was up for 3 HOURS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF MIDNIGHT AND 3 AM...ready to play! I'm usually careful about my caffeine intake, and I only had one glass, but it was enough to make our night less than enjoyable. I was trying to keep her to myself and let everyone else sleep, but our 10 month old has quite an affinity for daddy now and complained quite loudly when I tried to keep her away from him. So, daddy was up for quite a bit of it too. Made for a bit of a sleepy Saturday, but we survived. Lesson learned!

Keep reading for more pics....

A little Spring Break Fun Part 2

2011-04-04T14:39:00.003-04:00

Saturday we took the kids to the Toledo Zoo. The weather wasn't extremely cooperative, but we were well prepared with winter coats and umbrellas, so we made the best of it! We had a great, great time!

And here's sweet Ruthie all ready for church on Sunday. I even got her hair into a little whale spout. And it stayed in all day!! I just love dressing little girls!

This last pic is so sweet...another drawing by Reagan. When I asked her what it was, she said it was mom and dad holding hands and praying! Gotta love that girl!

so proud of reagan joy

2011-03-21T18:18:00.003-04:00

Some days they do things that are just maddening, and you feel that you've repeated yourselves a million bazillion times. And other times, a story comes out of their mouth that makes you just melt and remember the tender heart God has given them....and the fruit of all of our hard work.

Reagan relayed a story of how she was so sad today about her little friend at school, because her glasses broke...the glass fell out and she was missing a screw. Reagan said it made her sad, and that she put her hand on her shoulder as she was rubbing her eyes and looking for the screw.

Then, Reagan said, "Mom, I just then prayed a little silent prayer to Jesus for her. You know, some prayers are loud and some are quiet, but God still hears us." Wow! I'm so thankful for her compassionate heart and her ability to go to the One who can help her when her mommy and daddy can't be there for her.

And I suppose, you could think I'm always bragging on my kids...and I just want you to know that I write these stories down to record them for myself. Reagan has often been seen as a very emotional child...but I know God is growing her into a beautiful little girl and He will use what the world sees as negative for His glory. She's 5 years old...and I'm just amazed at her caring heart. Made this momma proud to call her mine....every day, but especially today!!

Go Blue!!

2011-03-18T20:35:00.002-04:00

Today is a great day to have Michigan fans in the house! The Wolverines really showed up to play today and made for a great game!!

Let's hope my Illini can do the same tonight!!

Arizona #1

2011-03-13T21:26:00.003-04:00

Day #1 in Arizona....Ruth took a nap outside in the stroller, in the beau-ti-ful weather! She was plum-tuckered out! The weather was stunning and we had a fantastic time!

The main timing of our trip was for Jason, my dad, my uncle, Jason's dad and my brother-in-law to hike the Grand Canyon. 13 months ago, they secured reservations for an overnight at the Phantom Ranch down below. So for 4 nights, we had 8 people staying in a very small trailer at my grandma's home. And 4 across the way with my aunt and uncle. I stayed in the Phoenix area with my mom and kids, since I've been to the Canyon a couple times. There is very little to do up there besides continue to tell little ones to "back away from the edge"!!
After the boys left for the Grand Canyon, my mom and I got a chance to visit with some of my dad's family from the Phoenix area. They have 3 girls all similar in ages to Jody and I, so I really love any chance to meet up with them again. This is Shannon and her husband Eric, with their sons, Blake and Chase.

And, who can resist a pic of precious Ruthie? She did so well with traveling, time change, different sleeping arrangements, etc. She is such a wonderful little girl!

So, I hope you enjoy all my updates and pics of our vacation.....keep reading......

Arizona #2

2011-03-13T20:47:00.002-04:00

Here's more pics from our vacation....Ruthie and Bryce...
one of my grandma's relatives also has a place down there. They have a golf cart and treated my kids to a ride. They thought it was awesome!!

My mom and I taught Reagan how to play Yahtzee and she loved playing!

We met up with the guys (who had hiked the Grand Canyon!!) in Sedona on Tuesday night and spent Wednesday sightseeing. We figured the last time we had been there was when I was pregnant with Reagan...so it's been 6 years. Still as beautiful as ever!

Arizona #3

2011-03-13T20:40:00.002-04:00

More pics from downtown Sedona...

Here's the whole gang. Jason's parents on far left, my parents front and center, my brother-in-law, Jeff top (with the crazy Colts shirt), Jason's sister Liz next to him.

Arizona #4

2011-03-13T20:30:00.004-04:00

Beautiful family pic of us in Sedona, Arizona. We are at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
On the way out of Sedona, we stopped for lunch, and Jason enjoyed some fried rattlesnake. Bryce even had some....the verdict is that it's chewy...

Then we had some yummy fried ice cream for dessert...

We got to spend one last day at my grandma's home....high 80's and lots of time in the pool. Bryce really became comfortable in the water and could support himself with his swimmies.

We had a great time (as usual!) and love the break from the winter back home.

Reagan's Dance Recital

2011-03-13T20:22:00.002-04:00

Well, we returned from Arizona just in time for Reagan's dance recital. What a surpise when I looked at her dance calendar for this fall and realized it coincided with our Arizona trip...planned out 13 months in advance. Thankfully, it all worked out well and we were able to be back home for it!
She looked so beautiful and did such a great job. We (of course) are so very proud of her. She continues to amaze me that she remembers the steps and I've definetly seen a progression every year in her skill level. And I reminded her to smile on stage and about 1/2 way through, I could tell she remembered, and on came a beautiful smile! Reagan Joy, you are a precious gift!

Meme and Papa Hall stayed one extra night for her recital...and even drove all the way home late that night...even with the time change! Thanks for coming!!

Reagan with her teacher Miss Kelly.

We love you Reagan Joy!

a week away + an unattended sump pump= wet wet basement

2011-03-12T14:41:00.002-05:00

Well, we returned from an AWESOME vacation to Arizona last night. We had a fantastic time with my parents and Jason's parents. Jason, my dad, his dad, my uncle and my brother-in-law hiked the Grand Canyon, complete with an overnight stay at the Phantom Ranch at the bottom. What an adventure! The weather was beautiful and we had a great time enjoying the sun and pool!!

We got back last night, and around 10:30, Jason wandered downstairs to "check" on everything....and he suddenly found his socks soaking wet. Our sump pump apparentlly forgot to work....and flooded the entire basement with water. Nearly every inch of carpet in the basement is wet!! We were so grateful and relieved to find the rider on our home insurance with the sump pump!! Thanks to our wonderful insurance agent, we are covered! The restoration company is currently in our basement vacumming up loads of water! The pad has been removed as well as the base boards, but the carpet seems salvageable...so another adventure in home ownership! Thankfully, it seems the "flood" happened within the last day or so, otherwise, they have told us the smell would have been remarkable!

I have lots of pics to post from Arizona...and from our basement "remodel"...but for now...I'm off to continue unpacking and resettling into home. I find it very unfortunate to be back in long pants and long sleeves...the sunshine and upper 80's were SO nice!!

Ruthie crawls.....

2011-02-28T10:25:00.001-05:00

time to squeeze in another february post!

2011-02-28T10:03:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure how February managed to sneak by me so fast, but here we are, Feb. 28th! So, I'll do my best to recap what's going on around these here parts.

I finished up my time with little Keturah....it ended up being 9 nights instead of "only" 8! Her parents got fogged into Galveston and the cruise ship was unable to port. I was thankful to return her to her parents, although the poor thing looked rather confused when I said goodbye to her. She was calling me mommy quite a bit that last day, so think she was settling in with us!

They are building a home across the street from us...boooo! We have so enjoyed our view of farmland, but we knew this time would come, although we hoped not for years! But, Bryce has loved getting to watch the bulldozers and cement mixers in and out as they dug the basement last week.
Little Ruthie will be 9 months old tomorrow! She is such a happy little girl, we are so thankful for her. Her favorite thing to do is to get into the basket of diapers in the corner in the living room and spread them all over. Ruthie just yesterday figured out how to properly crawl...so I currently have a video uploading of her this morning. Hopefully I will get that up today...it is so cute to see how methodical she is!

Here are a couple pics of Jason with his friend Eric out in California. He had such a great time with his friend/wife. He said one of the things he enjoyed the most was just being able to get outside and walk to things...dinner, the movie store, etc. The weather was so pleasant for him!

Beautiful, huh?

Today is going to be Happy Birthday to my new nephew Owen. My poor sister (I really feel for you, Jodes), is 10 days overdue with this peanut, so she's having her c-section at 2 p.m. today. He obviously likes his current home! We are excited to see him over the computer for now, and Reagan, Ruth and I have tickets booked to spend a weekend with them out there in June!

So, that's what's been happening around here....we're off to Meijer to stock up the house with food for the week. Make it a great one!!

i know you're all waiting for baited breath....

2011-02-17T13:03:00.004-05:00

for my missing post. Jason says I should just forget it; it's been two weeks! Thanks for the grace, right?

We've kept busy here at the house, so here's a recap of the latest.

I have many things in my defense of my busyness (don't we all!).

Jason went to California for 4 days to visit a dear friend and his wife. We just celebrated their wedding with them out there last March. Jason had a fantastic trip, and was hopefully refreshed from his time in the sun and away from work! I will have pics to share once we get a chance to see them.

Since Jason was flying home through Valentines Day, he brought roses for his girls on the Thursday before. I missed the picture opportunity as now they are about ready for the trash....but I got a dozen red roses, and Reagan and Ruth got a single rose from their daddy. I know I've said this before, but I love that these precious girls got their first flowers from their daddy! And so as not to leave Bryce out, he got a little monster truck, which fit the bill for him!

Jason left on Thursday, and on Saturday night, we welcomed little Keturah to our home. One of my friends from church, she and her husband are off on a cruise this week. Keturah will be 2 in April, and has joined our family for 8 NIGHTS!!! It didn't sound so crazy until they dropped her off here. But, I'm over halfway through and VERY VERY TIRED! I did the first 3 nights without Jason even here. I even managed to get all 4 kids up, dressed, and at church ON TIME for the early service. I am giving myself a WOOHOO! I'm in the final stretch now, so I'm sure 3 will feel like a breeze! I have 3 in diapers this week...but also 2 children that nap, and that nap simultaneously, so I have a bit of a reprieve for now! I will have to snap a pic of her before she leaves to go home to her family Sunday night.

We enjoyed the Winter Carnival at Reagan's school last weekend (again, took 3 kids by myself while Jason was gone.) What memories that brought back from the cake walk, to the bean bag toss, to the lollipops with marks on the bottoms. Reagan and Bryce had a blast and were so very good to stick by me!

The kids are doing great. Ruth is trucking on towards 9 months! She now has figured out how to get from all 4's to sitting up, so it's crazy to walk in her room and see her sitting up in bed! She is only crawling backwards, hasn't figured out the forward part, but between that and rolling she gets the job done. She's starting to pick things up to eat herself, so we've had some Cheerios, and today even some chicken, cantaloupe and cheese on her plate. She is such a happy baby and I'm so thankful for her great personality. I seriously think every one has been happy and joyful and the next even more than the one before. We are so very blessed!

Besides some absent pics of my kids on here, I think you are caught up! I will try to get some snaps of the kids in action this week!

Holy Blizzard Batman! and a few other updates...

2011-02-02T10:41:00.003-05:00

Well, I have a few updates before I get to the snow snow snow!!
I was really bad at getting pics this year at Bryce's Birthday Party. I get so busy hosting, I don't get a chance to grab my camera. There's a little glimpse of my red velvet cupcakes with blue frosting/red sprinkles. All for a Spiderman themed party!!

This is probably one of the cutest gifts he got, it's a hooded towel, that looks like Woody from Toy Story. It is so adorable (and yes, I can call a boy adorable, he's only 3!)

This week was Reagan's turn to be VIP for her class. She got to eat lunch with her teacher and they spend time talking about all her "favorite things" during school. With her VIP priveleges, comes a visit home from Clifford, their class mascot. He came fully equipped with a bed, pillow, bowl, bone, brush, toothbrush, leash, collar, books and a backpack. We had fun writing in the journal about what Clifford has done while he has been here at our home.

As you can see, he went to ballet on Tuesday with the girls. He enjoyed watching them dance, I'm sure! He was supposed to go back to school today, but lucky Reagan gets to keep him home until Friday with her 1st snow day!! What a storm! Since we live out in the country now, we had huge drifts in our driveway (taller than Bryce!)

Of course, this was the night Jason was gone out of town for work...thankfully he avoided all the storm and is safe and sound. This meant that this morning, I tried my hand at the snowblower and got at least one lane plowed out of the driveway. It was really hard work, with the drifts higher than the snowblower!!! I don't remember a snow like this for a LONG LONG time. We're happy to stay inside warm and cozy! Well, I'm off to use my day home to my advantage! Stay warm!!

I find this SO fascinating!

2011-01-27T13:52:00.002-05:00

I just love watching Reagan's mind work and process everything she's learning in kindergarten. This has been one of my favorite papers so far....as she is trying to sound out words, they let them write what they hear. She is doing such a good job and just LOVES to learn.

On a completely separate note, I have to relay a story about Bryce. Yesterday morning he woke up with a little cough and he came into Reagan's room and without prompting, said "Mom, can you pray for me?". Oh I just LOVED it! At 3 years old, he already understands who we go to for anything!! And just Who is our Healer!!! He has such a wonderful tender heart.

An update on the last 3 weeks....

2011-01-24T12:50:00.002-05:00

Well, I'm back...so I suppose you can probably expect more frequent updates from me as I've returned back to a more "normal" daily routine. Although, I must say, the time away from the internet and TV were good for me personally and for us as a family. I didn't do as well as I wanted with the internet, but I definetly restricted my time and began to realize how much time I "waste" on it every day, when I could be doing many more productive things with those minutes/hours. It's actually amazing taking a break from TV and then once you watch it, you realize how offensive so many of the commercials are, whether they are suggestive, violent, crass, etc....I definetly enjoyed 21 days of a clearer brain without all of that extra junk in there. And honestly, eating better and getting into an exercise routine made me feel really great...lots of energy and I'm sure my body thanked me. When we had Bryce's party on Saturday and I consumed LOTS of sugar (in pop and cake), I felt sluggish. But, I do have to say the delicious donut and hot chocolate I had for breakfast, was MIGHTY TASTY!!

So we are venturing on, and hopefully some of those things we gave up in the fast will stick around and become great habits. I got alot of reading done in the evenings, exercised before the kids were up. I find if I can get up before them and get myself ready for the day, I'm much more prepared to be a better wife/mom to everyone else I live with....so I'm hoping that's one discipline I can stick with.

Well, enough about me...here's what the kids have been up to
REAGAN is obviously back to school after Christmas break. I really enjoyed having her home and missed her once she went back. She has such a blast at school and is reading like crazy. I have been bringing home easy readers from the library and she devours them the first night I have them here. She loves to read and is way above her grade level, so I'm proud of her. My mom said I just loved books too, so I guess that's no surprise. Reagan had a fun surprise last weekend, she got to go on a date with daddy out bowling. It was organized through her school and it was fun for her to do something just her and daddy. Let's just say Bryce was less than happy to stay here with us, but he survived!

BRYCE is 3 now! Wow! I took the kids to an indoor play place on Thursday in celebration of his birthday and Bryce sat there and sang "happy birthday to me....." all the way through. We had a family party here on Saturday and he got SO MANY GIFTS, and he's way excited! Everything he opened with an enthusiastic, "WOW , just what I always wanted". Gotta love that! As for the potty training, he has been telling me for weeks "when he gets bigger" (aka 3!) he was going to use the potty...but there's still very little interest. I've actually gotten him to try a couple times, but nothing major yet. I want him out of diapers so very bad...but he simply says "I like to poop in my pants". What do you do with that folks??? It's on the horizon, I know it!!

RUTH is almost 8 months old now! Where has the time gone? She is such a little cherub. She is rolling all over the place, no crawling, but the rolling is serving her just fine. She's on 3 meals a day of baby food and I've been using the food processor I got for Christmas making her all sorts of yummy food to try. She is saying lots of syllables, but the most common one right now is "mama" which I totally love! To give Jason props, she did say "dada" first, but mama is much more prevalent!!

And we shall not forget Jason, he's doing great. It's a new year at the bank, and always with new changes, but things are going great for him. He works hard and I appreciate that so much that I can be home with the kids. What a blessing to be here to watch them grow up. I seriously get teary eyed just watching Reagan walk herself across the street to catch the bus....it's going by so quickly. Jason is playing soccer this winter, so that's been fun for him to play a sport that he's good at and enjoys. He's getting lots of use of the snowblower this winter too, as we're having probably a typical January with lots of snow.

So, that's us in a nutshell. I'll have to come back with pictures from Bryce's party and further updates on our lives. Most of the bit above is for my personal benefit, that I've catalouged our adventure this first 21 days of January, so if you've made it this far with me, congratulations!! Have a great great week!

Happy 3rd Birthday Bryce

2011-01-22T00:01:00.004-05:00

to my wonderful sweet Bryce Jon...Happy 3rd Birthday.

I am so thankful for you sweet, endearing, fun personality. I think you are daddy in a 3 year old body and I love watching you grow up. You are so precious to me, Bryce. I love that you are all boy, wanting to play with cars, trucks, and swords, but yet, cuddly enough to give your mama hugs and kisses.

We are celebrating with a family party here at home today.....Spiderman themed, with a little Iron Man thrown in for good measure. We will share pics next week....

But for today....Happy Birthday to my son!!

a little break

2011-01-12T08:44:00.002-05:00

Well, I suppose if you keep up with me, I'm usually good about weekly updates. But, these first 3 weeks of January, Jason and I are participating in a fast with our church. In addition to food items on our fast, I have chosen to fast my internet time...thus the lack of posts. We have chosen instead to spend this time in prayer, reading the Bible, and with our family. It has been WONDERFUL! I will expound more later (when I have my internet time back!), but wanted to say hello and say we are all doing fantastic! We are readying for one little guy's 3rd birthday!! Bye for now!

Christmas Part 1

2010-12-29T15:11:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. It's always busy busy busy, but so much fun packed into a very short time. The kids were blessed with so many gifts, and I love the delight in their faces when they open them. Especially Reagan, she will squeal with delight and appreciation and literally 5 seconds later say "what is it"? She just loves getting gifts. And according to her, many things got checked off her wish list!!
Here's sweet Ruth Esther this Christmas. She LOVED the wrapping paper!

And it finally found its home...in her mouth!!

Christmas-Part 2

2010-12-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

Bryce is such a sweet little boy and I loved that he was doling out squeezes on Christmas Eve. When he doesn't tell me he's wiped off my kisses, I consider it a success!
I love this pose of Bryce with his cousin's "laptop". He looks very perplexed!

Sweet Ruthie with her Baby's First Christmas PJ's on...

Christmas Part 3

2010-12-29T15:08:00.002-05:00

Reagan got her Pillow Pet and a Princess suitcase for Christmas....culminating many presents she wanted. She got a ballerina music box, a zhu zhu pet and many other wonderful gifts. Reagan could be a salesman for the Pillow Pets, she can recite me all the benefits of this toy and its many uses. Their advertising certainly paid off as many other friends have bought these for their children this Christmas too!
You see, i just can't avoid pics of Ruthie. Here she is wearing a cute headband my sister got her for Christmas.

Here's dad with the grandkids (minus Ruth)....with my sister due in 8 weeks with #5. Little Anne is 18 months old and she is SO good with Ruth, she's going to be a great big sister!

We had to travel to my parents home to have a White Christmas, so the kids enjoyed getting out and playing in the snow. Oddly enough, they have more snow than we do!!

This is Reagan's latest drawing of our family. I'm just in awe of the way she processes everything and learning. At my parents' home she was playing waitress, taking all our orders and figuring out how to spell everything on the sheet. I just loved it!!

Hard to believe that we are trucking towards New Year's already. We have had a fantastic year and made many great memories. Enjoy our pics!!

Merry Christmas from the Halls

2010-12-25T00:01:00.002-05:00

Our family wishes you and yours a blessed Christmas! We have SO very much to be thankful for and today we are celebrating that, along with the most special reason for this day, Jesus' birth. Thank you for coming to earth to save us....Lord we can never do enough for all you have done for us. Merry Christmas!!

bye bye to my jetta

2010-12-20T12:23:00.003-05:00

Last week I said goodbye to my trusty ole' Jetta...back in the winter of '01 I was in an accident. Jason "came to my rescue" and picked me up that stormy night, helped me purchase this Jetta, and we started dating after that....So I'm a little sentimental to my precious Jetta.

Apparently the dude that decided to pull out from McDonalds and T-bone Jason didn't know how precious this car was to me. You know, the car that's PAID for, has been super reliable, and the one that doesn't have collision insurance on it.....insert sad face.
So, after an estimate for the damages that is more than the car is worth, we had to say goodbye to the Jetta. Jason is now driving a very nice Ford Fusion. Not great timing for car shopping, but sometimes you just have to have some perspective. He is fine, was not hurt in any matter...we can replace cars...people, not so much! So, bye bye Jetti (pronounced Yetti), you've been a good car!!

So proud of my Reagan Joy

2010-12-17T14:41:00.003-05:00

everyone seems to be asking my kids about Santa SO MUCH this year, moreso than any other year. Even in Hobby Lobby....I had my hands completely full with a frame and Ruth in her carseat when Bryce decided it was a good time to throw himself on the floor in protest to who knows what. The cashier kindly came over and asked Bryce if he wanted her to tell Santa what he was currently up to. Had to let her know that I didn't think that was going to pull much weight, since we don't really do much with Santa....

But my sweet Reagan Joy...we were in Great Clips and the person cutting Bryce's hair asked if we had gone to see Santa, and Reagan (without prompting) responded "We don't celebrate Santa"....little pause "we celebrate Jesus". You want to talk about causing a misty-eye momma moment. Couldn't be prouder of the little person she is...and what a good lesson for me to just have childlike faith and say it and not be so afraid of what someone else will say. She was proud of it and had no thought of trying to be "politically" correct. Reagan Joy you are the bestest!

For He is the reason for THIS Season!!

P.S. I have nothing against Santa or any person who decides to celebrate Santa. In fact, Saint Nicholas was a Christian and as an extension of his faith, he gave gifts, especially to the poor. We just focus on who Christmas is really all about, that's all...

Ruth's 6 month Stats

2010-12-13T15:10:00.003-05:00

Little Ruth is doing great, of course. We are still expanding our food repertoire and she's napping well during the day in her crib. Right now, she's actually flipped over on her belly sleeping, I just love that!

17 pounds 4 oz. (75%)
27 inches long (95%)

We were looking at some pics of Bryce over the weekend, and Ruth has alot of the same features as him. I'm very curious to see what her hair will do; sometimes it seems like it's going to be blond, and other times, dark. Just as a fun reference, here's Reagan's stats from 6 months, 14 lbs. 13 oz, so it's amazing to see 2 girls from the same gene pool...

Zooming through December

2010-12-13T15:00:00.003-05:00

Once I hit Thanksgiving, it just seems to move into fast forward. So many fun activities, parties and fun to enjoy. Reagan had her last week of ballet last week...and we got to go into class to see what they've been up to so far. Here's Reagan with her friend Jayden. I can really tell an advancement in their skills this year, she's in Beginning Ballet.
As kind of an extension of the end of ballet, I took Reagan to see the Nutcracker again. It is a school performance, so I'm able to score tickets for $5. It's only a 45 min production and the music is canned, but Reagan was on the edge of her seat enjoying every minute. I think by next year, she will be ready for the real thing at night.

Here's my beautiful mantle in our new home. It's been fun decorating a new space this year. I had a little help from my friend too...we had Jason's work party at our home Friday night, so her assistance was invaluable!

In addition to readying the house for the party, I took a little trip down pink eye lane. That was a blast! I've had a cold and I noticed my eye was all "pink" on Wednesday, but didn't think much of it until I was about to leave for church and work in the nursery (yes, touch other people's children!!). I started to google eye infections...and I pretty much figured out I had the dreaded pink eye and church was probably not a good decision. By Wednesday morning, my eye had swelled all the way shut and during the day it stayed half shut too....Jason said I looked like Sid's scary toy from Toy Story with the baby doll head and mechanical legs. I had to turn down a cookie exchange in the neighborhood I was really looking forward to (I think Jason was more upset about not getting all the cookies!!). But I'm feeling much better cold-wise and my eye looks rather normal. Bryce has had a terrible cold for a couple weeks now too....so I'm just going to look on the bright side that we're all going to be healthy for Christmas.

And last but not least...here is my newest decoration on my wall at home. I have had this wall art for quite a while and was waiting for a good pic of the 3 kids. I absolutely LOVE it!

Well, I'm going to keep moving today, but wanted to give a quick update as we ready ourselves and our hearts for Christmas!

mystery guest reader update

2010-12-06T15:38:00.003-05:00

I just returned from reading Reagan's class The Pine Tree Parable. If you have little ones at home, I can't suggest enough that you get your hands on a copy. The book is such a sweet story, I cried while I was reading it to the kids. And not just a little...I had to stop to compose myself. I'm sure all those kindergartners thought "Reagan sure has a crazy mom". I really did not expect that reaction, but the story, once I read it aloud, moved me so....oh my. Wait til I tell Jason....can't wait to hear HIS reaction!!

And here is part of Ruth's Christmas present from my parents. I went on etsy and found an artist that did custom canvases. It just came in the mail today and I am thrilled with the outcome. I sent a pic of her crib bedding, and it is so beautiful! I absolutely LOVE it. I also think it will grow with her too, past the crib years. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Well, I gotta run, but wanted to update on my eventful afternoon. Take care...and find that book!

Deck the Halls

2010-12-05T14:48:00.003-05:00

This year we ventured out to a Tree Farm, intending to cut down our own tree. Since we've moved into a more "country" area of town, we thought we'd get the true experience.
You can see little Bryce's head down at the bottom; Reagan was not up for the pic.

We had great intentions, and trudged through much of the farm, but did end up picking out one that was already cut....maybe next year! It's a beautiful tree and Jason did a great job picking it out!

I got to make a visit at one of my favorite places, the not-so urgent care. Reagan woke up at 6:30 Saturday morning with ear pain.... she has an ear infection AND strep throat. Oh the joy. She's on medicine and doing great; she is no longer contagious and even went to church this morning. This is the first ear infection for any of the kids, in 5 1/2 years, so I'm glad to have gone unscathed for that long! She has bounced back very well and will be so excited for school tomorrow.

I'm super excited for school tomorrow too, because I'm going to be the "Mystery Guest Reader". Every Monday they have one...and Reagan has been begging me to be one. Of course, unbeknownst to her, I'm scheduled for Monday and I'm thrilled to come. AND I get to read a Christmas book since it's December, so I'm going to be reading the Pine Tree Parable. I can't wait to see the delight on her face when I show up tomorrow afternoon. Since the school is practically next door, a kind neighbor is going to watch Bryce and Ruth while I run up there.

Well, I'm off to rest on my Sunday....have a great great week!

6 months old!

2010-12-01T13:52:00.003-05:00

Precious Ruth Esther is a half year old today. Where has the time gone? She is sitting on her own in little bits (with some topple over assistance close by), she is starting to move to a 2 nap schedule (with a 3rd catnap after dinner), and is eating baby food. So far she's given the thumbs up to sweet potatoes, peas, pears, and yogurt. Green beans...not so much. We had a great Thanksgiving with Jason's family...lots of yummy food and fun with family. And what do you think little Bryce did during Thanksgiving dinner? He found a place to sleep! Yes, we didn't eat until 2 or so, which gave him plenty of time to tire out while playing with cousins, and subsequently be snoozing on the couch by turkey time.

We were introduced to a game called Catan and successfully hooked Jason's family too, so we played lots of that over the weekend. We celebrated his brother's birthday on Saturday with a trip to a Japanese steakhouse....so so yummy. I got to have some sushi this year with no baby cooking in my belly!

Here is sweet Ruth with Grandpa Earl. We were glad we got a chance to see him too while we were over visiting. This time of year just seems to go in fast forward. I must admit, the snow today has helped me feel more like Christmas is coming...I still have plenty to do, but I'm getting things checked off my to-do list. It is a blessed season and so fun to watch through the eyes of your children. Just Reagan's reaction to waking up to snow helps you rethink the dread you feel at the appearance of it. She was SO SO excited and couldn't wait to bundle up in her boots and snowpants for school. Bryce is itching to do the same and head out and play...Lord, help me to have their wonderment of the world!

Well, I'm off while I have the chance.....enjoy this blessed season!

I want her to be little forever!

2010-11-17T13:00:00.002-05:00

but little Ruth Esther has other ideas. She is getting SO BIG! We've brought up the highchair now, and she loves to sit in it. I've started her on rice cereal, still getting used to the whole texture idea. Reagan was all set to be the big sis and give her her cereal until she realized Ruth was going to spit 3/4 of it out every bite. For those of you who have never seen Reagan's easy gag reflex, she was off and running ..."that's okay, mom, you can do it".
Ruth has also figured out how to get from her back to belly, and I found her in her crib sleeping on her belly this morning. Oh, I love all the new things they discover, but always want to grip a little to the past...I really love every stage, it is so fun, and it has not gotten old, even with #3!

Here is our new Christmas ornament for the tree this year. Bryce was especially glad his little person was orange!!

And what do you think this is? I am making my own baby food...yep, I've decided Gerber doesn't need to get tons of my $$ with this baby, so I've been cooking and freezing food in ice cube trays. I have sweet potatoes, green beans, corn, peas, spinach...next week I'm going to tackle the fruits. I am very task oriented, so I've been busy this week, and I'm excited. I figured out that it took me less than .03 to make a jar of sweet potatoes. I was so thrilled with my little self, and I was bragging to Jason, and all he could remark was..."did you count your time? did you pay yourself minimum wage?". There always has to be a poo pooer!! I'm having fun nontheless. I have put a mini-food processor on my Christmas list so I can just puree our dinners once she gets going. Let's just say it doesn't take much to make this momma happy!

So, I'm off to keep on for the day...have a great one yourself!

A very special VIP day!

2010-11-10T08:54:00.004-05:00

Welcome November! We have had no snow, and are having the most beau-ti-ful week of weather. I can handle that for a LONG LONG time!

I just absolutely LOVE that Bryce wants to be like daddy. When Jason went out to mow last week, out Bryce went with his little John Deere mower.

Here's a sample of some artwork Reagan brought home from school. I was really impressed with her drawing of these frogs. She's really starting to draw on any scrap of paper she can find. We are all potato head people still, but I'm sure that will develop as she gets older.

Today was a very special day at school for Reagan, it was the VIP Breakfast at school. We were so fortunate to have Great Uncle Mark and Great Aunt Laura in from California (they win the award for the furthest traveled for sure!), to go with Reagan this morning. She was so excited to have them with her. I can't wait to hear all about it when she comes home. Thanks Mark and Laura for making Reagan's day really special!! She loves you! They have been in town to help us celebrate Grandma Ruth's 97th Birthday. We had a party for her here at our home on Saturday...and I got such a kick out of watching her use an IPad to scroll around on my facebook page. I'm not sure 1913 could have ever fathomed THAT technology!

Have a great day...and week!!

Our Little Halloween Kiddos!

2010-10-30T15:27:00.003-04:00

We had fun dressing the kids up for Halloween. Our church has an event where you can come and get candy, and so we've already been there and back home. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and it was sunny!
Our little peapod, Ruth Esther, 5 months.

Along with brother Elmo, and Pumpkin Princess Reagan.

The entire event was a bit much for Elmo...who fell asleep mid-sucker on the way home....

Where is he sleeping now?

2010-10-27T09:42:00.004-04:00

I've gotten so many comments on how everyone LOVES the pics of Bryce sleeping everywhere crazy! So, as not to disappoint my fan base, here is Bryce this morning. He was up late, woke up early, and has now taken 2 "naps" in 2 separate strange locations. It is currently 9:43 a.m. and I just snapped this pic of him sleeping on the steps (don't worry he's 1 step away from a very generous landing).

Well, Bryce has a mini-excuse for all these shenanigans today. Our little guy had his tonsils and adenoids out on Friday. He has done very well with his recovery...it has been hard to see my little guy hurt. For those of you that don't know, the surgery is done outpatient and you're home within hours. He has slept with me the past 5 nights, and I've been getting up every 4 hours to drug him up so he can heal and rest. The first night, I must admit, I wasn't scared, but thought, a nurse really should be watching this kid. They always give you the worst case scenario (because they need to prepare you, I understand), but ugh, sometimes you just don't need to know what CAN go wrong!. We are weaning him off his pain medication to see how he's feeling; if it's any indication he was already back trying to wrestle Reagan by Sunday so we knew he was starting to mend. Bryce has always had generous tonsils and he was a snorer and had sleep apnea, so we know both of these things will greatly improve/disappear with his tonsils now gone.

So, I suppose while I've got one in school and the other 2 napping, I must go be productive! Have a great day!

Quick update on the chubber...

2010-10-15T12:13:00.002-04:00

Ruth went for her 4 month appt. on Wednesday. She is growing like crazy, and much more along the Bryce lines than Reagan. She was 15 lbs. 5 oz (95%), and 26" (95%). She is doing great of course....She got one shot and didn't even cry, I was very surprised, but also easier on my mama heart. Hard to believe by her next appt. she will be starting solid foods and be heading towards sitting on her own. I want her to be little forever!!!

Great Camping Weekend!

2010-10-12T15:56:00.002-04:00

We just returned from our annual camping weekend in Wisconsin. This is something we look forward to every year, and the weather did not disappoint this year. Beautiful beautiful days and wonderful fun campfire nights. The kids had a blast being outside, hiking and being with 40+ family and friends we so enjoy reuniting with every fall. I was so proud of how well my kids behaved, as well as how they hiked. Reagan is now on year 2 of climbing the bluffs with daddy and all the other "boys" (with cousin Megan in there too!)....something really special for just her, although Bryce is chomping at the bit to be big enough to go...maybe next year!
It's just so beautiful up there, I never get tired of the view....here's my dad and Reagan and Bryce.

We had leaf pile fun...here's Reagan with my niece Anne.

Here's Bryce with my cousin's son Colin. We had 2 new babies this year with Colin and Ruth, and expecting 2 new ones next year with my sister's little boy and another little boy coming any day now.

I never realized how many "lurkers" I have that read my blog from our camping group until they all commented on pics I've had on the blog. Glad to see my time is well spent, and everyone enjoys updates from our family!

Monday we squeezed in a visit to Great Grandma Knox, and she's always happy to see us! The kids sang for her and she wanted to take them downstairs to sing for all the others that live in the retirement complex. We'll save that for Christmas!

As you can imagine, I have plenty to do returning from a 4 night mini-vacation, but wanted to share in our fun. Enjoy!

ruth laughs...

2010-10-04T19:38:00.003-04:00

here is sweet ruth esther laughing...finally caught on film. 4 months old already....flying by and we're loving every minute!!

time for an update....

2010-09-20T09:46:00.003-04:00

hang on tight here...got quite a few bases to cover, but we'll get everyone up to par on what's going on here at the hall house!

you know, bryce doesn't "need" a nap anymore...he just falls asleep at the craziest places in the middle of reading a book, playing, etc. he slept on the LAUNDRY ROOM floor for 2 hours last week.
then i caught him under the end table in the living room...at least he was laying on carpet here!

he loves ruth esther and loves to hold her.

after having 3 kids, you would think i would have thought of this, but i have not given ruth a bottle yet....and now i'm officially in trouble. she wanted no part of it...here's reagan trying. i tried and jason tried the next day. i haven't officially given up, but it doesn't look good, folks!

friday jason came home with flowers just because! flowers just make my heart melt...and it was such a nice surprise.

sunday we had ruth dedicated at our church. here she is all ready to go.

sleeping with meme hall during the service.

we all ate upstairs in the cafe at our church...here's the gang.

and more...

let us not forget the kids table.

i had really wanted to get a good family pic of the 5 of us, since we were all dressed up nice, and of course, i forgot. oh well! here's ruth's cake we enjoyed after our yummy dinner.

we had a very busy sunday and reagan is off to school again today. i am so thankful she loves to go, wakes up cheerful on school days ready to go. i can't wait to see all she learns this year. i think you are officially caught up...

she came off the bus.....

2010-09-09T16:41:00.002-04:00

grinning from ear to ear. She LOVED school, which any of you who know her, find no surprise! She had a great day and is so excited to go back again tommorrow!

Reagan's recap goes as follows: got to play with hula hoops and bean bags in the gym, played outside for recess, got to go to the cafeteria for lunch (found my note that said "Reagan, I love you, Mom" which she now can read!!), went to music class, you know all the important things!

I can't wait to see what this year has in store for her.

reagan's first day of school

2010-09-08T08:43:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe I just put Reagan on a school bus for a full day of kindergarten today!! Wow! I could tell my emotions were giving me a run even yesterday...just the thought of her being gone ALL DAY! My pics are backwards here, but here she is getting on the bus.
As you can tell, she was delighted to see the bus, she couldn't even look at me for the picture!

She was so so excited! Bryce told us (and followed through), that he was going to give her a kiss as she got on the bus. It was SO sweet...I can't imagine her not being home until almost 4 o'clock today. Amazing!!!

Here's a completely random pic of Ruth. We just got out the exersaucer and she LOVES the thing. I have found her giggle spot, in her rolls under her chin. She is such a joy to us!

I'm off to wander around and figure out what to do with only 2 kids, one of whom is now napping! Wow!! I'll give a full report of the first day later today...

Ruth is 3 months old!

2010-09-04T07:54:00.003-04:00

Sweet Ruth Esther is already 3 months old! I got her pics taken on Friday, and they are just so precious. We love her SO much!

She continues to be a great baby. I often get asked "does she ever cry?" by those who spend lots of time with her, and the answer is always 'not very often'. She is a very contented baby and we are so thankful. Hard to tell yet who she looks like, although the majority say like Bryce (Jason). Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

An awesome week "up north"

2010-08-31T08:42:00.002-04:00

We just returned from a vacation with Jason's family. There were 13 of us all together and we had a grand time! Meme Hall brought her sewing machine to teach the girls how to sew (good thing she has undertaken this task, since I haven't a clue!) The girls made little bean bags.
We took the chair lift up and got a great view of the village below. This reminded me so much of our trip to Whistler last July (on a much smaller scale!) On our last full day there, we traveled into Petoskey...what a beautiful city! I love adventures when we are on vacation, so this was my kind of day! We shopped in the little shops downtown and spent some time down by the water.

We are readying for school...having one full week to prepare for a whole new normal. My baby is starting kindergarten, 3 full days a week...she's going to ride the school bus and eat lunch there! Incredible! She is super excited and I know she will do great. Stay tuned for updates on our big girl!!

A great visit to the County Fair!

2010-08-18T12:23:00.004-04:00

This past weekend we traveled home to my hometown for the good ole' county fair. It was quite toasty this year...but we still had a great time.

Since Bryce was too little, Jason had to ride the teacups with them. If you know Jason well enough, you know he gets sick on rides that go around in circles, so I was quite surprised to see him volunteer to ride with the kids. Thankfully everyone was fine!

Riding the motorcycles....Bryce made noises for the cycle the entire time, it was very cute!

And here's sweet baby Ruth...she is just a treasure...she did so well in the heat...and just hung around while we enjoyed the fair.

My mom with all 3 kids....sometimes I have to double take and think...I have 3 kids!! Wow!

Bryce on the ponies.

Reagan giving her beauty pageant wave.

The kids are so good with Ruth. The other night Bryce asked to hold her. Upon having her in his lap, he remarked, "I'm gonna lick her". And he did. That's my boy! He is a trip.

Reagan had her spacers put in this morning marking the 7th appt. on this journey with her teeth. She is now completely set. I only have to take her back in 8 weeks just to check on them. It's been a lot of anxiety for a little girl, and I'm glad it's over for myself too!

We lost a dear friend on Monday from cancer and it's been so sad for us the past couple days. He was Jason's boss and great mentor professionally for him. He was only 44, was diagnosed with cancer in March and is gone.....words cannot express the sadness we feel for his wife and his 2 yr. old daughter. His wife has asked me to pick the music for the funeral, which I am honored to do....we love their family dearly. I picked the music for their wedding just 7 years ago, we got married the same year. It has made us hug our kids a little tighter this week....and more thankful for each and every day. It is such a blessing! If you think of them, pray for Anne and Olivia, his wife/daughter for their comfort....I know she could use it!

I'm off to cherish some time with my kids. Take care.

A quick update on our ray of sunshine

2010-08-05T18:03:00.003-04:00

Little Ruth Esther had her 2 month appt yesterday...she's growing so big, so fast! She is 13 lbs, 2 oz...the 95% for her age. Almost 24 in., again in the 95%.....little Reagan was only 10.13 at her 2 month visit, so she's definetly starting out more like Bryce on the growth charts. I love how they are each so different.

She's giving me stretches of 7-8 hours at night, which is so nice. She's such a sweet baby, and I've nicknamed her my sunshine....Reagan has been Ruby forever, and Bryce I call butter (I combo between brother and buddy, I think is how that started!). She always has a smile for us. We are loving her to pieces.

I love that my dr. commented on how 3rd/4th babies have no concept of personal space...they always have older siblings on top of them, hovering, helping, etc. And this has been EXACTLY what I've said about Ruth, no one gives her an inch to breathe, but she's not too bothered by it (maybe because she can't push them away yet??), and she loves to look at her big sister/brother. She is one loved girl!

Welcome home Wes....and our 2 month old!!

2010-08-01T16:24:00.005-04:00

Yesterday we got the awesome opportunity to welcome home our friend Wes, who just finished a tour in Iraq. We were SO GLAD to see him home! I have never been a part of a welcome home ceremony, so it was very emotional to be there as all these dads, husbands, wives, brothers, sons, etc, got off the buses to their families. Makes you even more thankful for their sacrifice. All these little kids had shirts on that said "welcome home daddy"....you saw babies who had never met their dads....wives pregnant whose husbands will now be home for the delivery. Of course, I cried, it was very sweet. Our friend got married right before he deployed, so we were so happy to see them reunited yesterday. Our kids love him, so they were happy to squeeze him too!

And sweet baby Ruth, she's 2 months old today. Wow! She is a great great baby...easy going, hardly ever cries, a great sleeper. She's been a wonderful addition to our family. She is very smiley now, so we love that! Here's a couple pics of her...

Reagan just went to her first sleepover today/tonight with a friend from church. She was SO excited. Can she really be that old already??? Hopefully we will avoid any late night calls and she will have a blast! She had her 2 teeth pulled on Monday and after 4 of us held her down to get the gas in her (while momma sang every song from Mary Poppins I could think of!), she did awesome! She's had a great recovery, hardly any pain, and is off and running again.

Bryce is just a boy...what can I say? He is singing his ABC's, which go like this....
"ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO POOP" ...at least it starts with P, right? Or it goes like this...Momma says "what's my name" Bryce responds "momma". Momma says "What does daddy call me?". Bryce says "poop!".

I really have been forewarned that boys like to talk about bodily functions, but I was hoping for a reprieve for a couple more years, but it's not to be. He thinks he's the funniest guy around, and he is!!

I'm off to enjoy the rest of my Sunday...

Pics from Reagan's Birthday Weekend

2010-07-19T14:04:00.005-04:00

Well, I guess I'm a week behind on the updating, but I have a spare moment, so here are the pics from Reagan's birthday party. This past weekend we celebrated my parents' 60th Birthdays with a big party, so those pics will have to wait...actually they will definetly wait because my camera battery gave up, so I'm relying on my sister to hook me up with the pics....
Little Ruth with Grandma Dianne...

We had a princess theme party...strawberry cake and cupcakes.

Bryce seemed to appreciate the feather boa Reagan received too!!!

Lots and lots of wonderful gifts. Thank you friends/family!

Reagan loves her Great Uncle Jim!!

Sunday its our usual routine to the beach, and we had another beach baby this year with Ruth and she slept like a champ under the umbrella!

The kids loved the water and sand, the water was a wonderful temp (I think in the 70's possibly), so we all got in.

Here is the one preview pic I managed from this past weekend in Illinois with my family. Griffin in the kiddie pool. Apparently he started out laying beside it licking up the water, to a full fledged bath.....

Enjoy the pics...I have some new house pics up on the post following, so keep reading if you haven't seen those yet.

Long overdue, I know

2010-07-19T13:56:00.004-04:00

I had wanted to put up some before/after pics of the kids' rooms. Jason did such a good job painting them, and what a transformation. The previous owners had 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl, so we had to "girlify" those rooms!!

This was Reagan's room before. A Michigan state/Michigan room.

Now, a girly lilac room....apologies for the messy bed, but I figured if I didn't do it while I was thinking of it, I'd never do it!

Bryce's room actually stayed just as it was. It was a Detroit Tigers room, and since the boy LOVES baseball, the color orange, AND it matched his bedding, it was an easy pick to give him this room. Even has a huge pic of Pudge Rodriguez (no longer playing for the Tigers, but way cool!). Bryce has the laundry chute in his closet too, so I'm sure I'll be finding other goodies besides the dirty clothes down there through the years!

And finally, Ruth's room. It was previously a Star Wars Room, complete with a giant sticker of Yoda on the wall.

Now a sweet little baby retreat with pink on the walls.

It's nice to feel settled in the bedrooms for the kids, and they love their new rooms. Enjoy!