The Haines Family

Jersey Shore

2011-07-21T15:25:00.002-04:00

Home from the Jersey Shore! The kids had soo much fun seeing the ocean and playing with their cousins! We went to the beach 3 days, fantasyland and the park! The best part was loving on Sam and Kinsey. Oh MY goodness they are sweet kids! Check out Brooke's pictures on facebook. too cute! Back home to the swelltering heat...99 today. Still managed to run 3 miles this morning with mom and brooke. Hot toddies!

healthy eating

2011-02-03T22:07:00.003-05:00

Healthy eating.not.a.new.topic.here.
Also not new...going to start tomorrow. But, there it is in writing....Feb.4,2011. I am also starting Beth Moore's bible study, breaking free tomorrow at church. So excited. Really, I am. And Brooke started a blog about being healthy and I will post how I am doing here and follow her blog as well. Very exciting. Kids are back at school after 2 days off for snow. I'm working at the Toledo building this weekend, nervous already. Praying for peace for this crazy world.

FAILURE ALERT

2010-02-12T12:59:00.004-05:00

failure~how many ways I can try this? how many start tomorrows do I get? how many plans for a fast, or a new diet do I get? I'm tired.of.being.out.of.control.with.my.eating. tired of not giving this area of my life completely over to God. sorry that I keep bowing down to lesser gods, things and that for the most part I have to admit, maybe I don't really want to stop overeating. there. said it. maybe I have used this as a stress release, coping mechanism, whatever for so long that it feels safe and warm and like a quiet place to rest. it frees me from being perfect, from trying today and really an excuse to feel sorry for myself and do nothing productive the rest of the day. you know, because I'm starting all my healthy habits like eating when I'm hungry and cleaning the house and being whatever....you know, tomorrow. Just don't plan on dropping by tomorrow, because it hasn't come yet. How do I put myself second and God first? I'm so selfish, wasting all this time,money,effort,healthy years focusing on myself and my problems blah blah blah. This is satans clever way of making me worthless. he doesn't have to stick around to see the results, I keep turning to food over and over again without any poking or prodding from him. I guess I must like this little captivity. but deep inside I don't. I want God to show me the way out, but I'm just waiting for him while I'm stuffing myself and ruining my health and not really LOOKING for him in scripture and prayer. vowing every day to make tomorrow the day. THE day.the day.

60 day challenge

2010-02-05T22:26:00.002-05:00

ok, so its not January 1, 2010 anymore. But I am starting my 60 day challenge that I wanted to start last month. I'm posting everything I do and don't do to make myself accountable to the blogging world. I have had absolutly NO motivation to do anything but overeat. I've had a sprained shoulder and so haven't been exercising and have just been eating everything I can get my chubby hands on. So, my tomorrow has come, FEB.6th, 2010. now, someone please hold be accountable if I start over tomorrow,...again..
Here are my 7 goals for the next two months:
DAILY:

1. READ BIBLE ALONE AND WITH KIDS~30 MINUTES
2.VITAMIN FOLLOWED BY 64 OUNCES WATER
3.EXERCISE 30 MINUTES
4.NO FAST FOOD OR JUNK FOOD~FIVE FRUITS/VEGGIES EACH DAY
5.CLEAN HOUSE FOR 1 HOUR DAILY~FOLLOW CLEANING SCHEDULE
6.NOTHING ON CREDIT CARD
7.CONSISTENT DISCIPLINE OF KIDS

We'll see how I do tomorrow. by God's grace and strength alone.

its only jan. 25th

2010-01-25T21:19:00.002-05:00

ok, what? its only Jan. 25th, 2010 and I already wish this year could either be done or start completly over. Is that too much to ask? Friends with big problems, family with health problems, the earthquake in Haiti....I'm on a personal all-time low with my overeating. feeling hopeless to ever change. Trusting that my God is bigger than my failures and repeating "their is no condemnation to those who are in Christ." over and over. praying for family and friends, and especially Haiti and her people. Maybe my new year will be tomorrow? who knows;)

ready for summer?

2009-04-07T19:08:00.002-04:00

I am soo ready for summer! Of course, I haven't lost any weight, cleaned or organized my house or done anything that I had planned to do in 2009. I am still hopefull that as the spring flowers bloom, maybe I can too! God is a gracious and loving God. Thank heavens!!

COOKBOOK REVIEW

2009-01-09T14:27:00.002-05:00

The Family Kitchen by Debra Ponzek

I discovered this book at the library, and after having checked it out two separate times decided to just buy the darn thing! I love the idea of cooking with my kids...and they love to "help" as they call it! The recipes are healthy, for the most part, fresh ingredients and whole not processed food. We, meaning Jack Jack and I made the banana bread last week, took it to church on Sunday and there was none, not a crumb to bring back home. It was a very easy, two bowl recipe! I made the pasta primevara recipe, lots of fresh vegetables and after some bribing got the kids to eat it! Yummy! My parents and husband also loved it. Last night I made the homemade bread, the recipe made 3 loaves, 1 and 1/2 are now gone. Love that bread with butter! I can't wait to try more recipes from this book. I would highly recommend it to anyone with our without kids who just wants to cook whole, good foods! I hope the library doesn't charge for stains on the pages! Oh, and the cookbook reads easily with lots of pictures and hints to get the kids into the kitchen. Go and buy this cookbook! I hope to see more from Debra Ponzek soon.
~Amy

we survived the holidays!

2009-01-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know we survived the holidays! glad that the rest of you did too! So many of my friends are struggling, and I am struggling with how to share GOD with them and be real with them. heart aches of marriage, babies lost, money problems, kids out of control the list is soo long I couldn't share them all. Our country, our world is hurting and we , WE christians have the answers. I wish I knew how to NOT keep it to myself so much. Jevohah Shalom

jack jack and lily bean

2008-09-19T21:22:00.001-04:00

Where oh where has summer gone?

2008-09-19T21:15:00.003-04:00

Its been a busy summer and fall doesn't look like its gonna slow down anytime soon. Henry and Jack have both started preschool each two days per week. Jack has missed this week because he has been sick with croup and a viral infection. We have been going faithfully to Awana each week and the boys love it! Even Jack didn't cry last week and stayed the whole

time. It was soo refreshing to actually sit in church and listen to some good bible teaching. My heart was blessed! These pictures are of Henry and Hudson! Aren't they cute? love them boys! I am working now at Hospice and it seems like a really special place to be. I have 2 more weeks of the full -time orientation which is really stressing me and my family out. but after that it goes to just 2 nights per week. That is doable and then we can actually stay in our house and pay the bills. I can't complain , though, when I hear what the Haitians are suffering through. my worries can't compare. I got to hold and love on baby Samuel this past weekend and he is such a doll!! Oh my is he a good baby! It was a blessing to have Hannah and Randy here, even if it was too short of a visit. I am trying to really work on starting that diet. who hasn't heard that before:)

summer

2008-08-13T22:47:00.002-04:00

We are so loving summer! Fall is my favorite season, but this year the kids have been having so much fun outside that I am sorry to see it go. and boy, it went so fast. We travelled to California, Lily and I went to New Jersey and we spent so many days just playing! The kids are getting so big, makes me happy sad! Hannah and Randy will be coming home in Sept. with baby Samuel, can't.hardly.wait. Starting yet another new job! My family hopes that I will actually like this one and stick it out. They are getting pretty tired of all the "orientations" and business of it all. Me TOO! This job is with Hospice and I feel pretty sure the Lord is leading me. Father, hear our prayers;) Staying up waay too late watching the olympics. Go USA. peace.

panic mode

2008-05-20T13:51:00.003-04:00

the elton kids home on soul road

ok, only 7 more weeks until the wedding/vacation/humilitation in California. 'nuff said?

I am still looking for the perfect, high paying lowest stress nursing job available. any ideas anyone? I secretly just want to be a stay at home mom, I have been blessed so far to just working less than even part-time. I am thankful for that extra time with the kids. Hannah is getting ready for her big baby debut and I just can hardly wait. Just a teeny weeny bit sad that Brooke and I won't be there for the actual birth. hhmmm maybe we will surprise her, since those jersey folks love surprises. Mike is in the middle of his on week and we are missing him! We have soo much yard work to do, its not even funny.

My first born son~Gods promise for all of us.

2008-04-22T21:34:00.003-04:00

Exodus 6:7-8~ "I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord."

2008-04-22T21:28:00.001-04:00

Luke 6:45~ The good man brings good things out of the good stored up inhis heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.

2008-04-10T11:17:00.001-04:00

test

HUDSON and SPRING

2008-04-04T09:06:00.002-04:00

I can't wait to see both. We have had the flu like the plaque around here and so we have missed our time with Hudson. Isn't he precious? We have had rain and our back yard is like a small pond. The boys went fishing the other day:) Lily is the only one left with the bug, oh, besides my mom now. sorry mom.

Cold Tangerines

2008-03-31T19:12:00.002-04:00

Cold Tangerines was an excellent book sent to me by a fellow blogger, shortstop. I can't tell you how excited I was to be in the "book club"! I have always loved books and hey, this one was free. Can't beat that. Anyways back to the book, its cute. The cover is orange of course. but the inside is...well, enticing, juicy, sweet, relateable, and an easy read. Its the kind of book you pass on to sisters and friends, which is exactly what I plan on doing with it. The writer, Shauna spills her stories onto the page in such an easy, likable way that you find you have just read it almost through to the end and you aren't tired of it. She is my age, so many of her stories I can also relate to and I just can't say enough good stuff about this book! I hope that she keeps writing and I would love to read some fiction from her. Also, I loved that she is so honest and telling. Thanks, shortstop or Sarah:) for letting me in on the fun!

baby sister and her baby

2008-03-16T21:11:00.002-04:00

My little sister just emailed this adorable picture of her and her baby!! I can't wait to meet the little one, they aren't finding out if its a boy or a girl and they aren't telling anyone the names they are thinking of! What gives? The east coast people must really be into surprises, as we found out earlier....a long story....anyways....we are just counting down the days until july 2nd when he/she comes! We will hopefully be making the trip to Jersey the first of August. Doesn't she look great?? We miss you and love you Hannah baby!

2008-03-07T13:17:00.002-05:00

I love this picture of Henry in the pumpkin patch. I know, I know, its easter and almost spring. BUT this little guy loves pumpkin pie and we just made 3 of them:) yummy! I was really gonna try and diet today. yeah right. I hope my mother and mother-in-law don't read this!! We head to California in 16 weeks and I seriously need to lose some weight before then. I also need to get Jack potty-trained by then. He just does not want to, he could walk around for hours and hours in wet pants and it doesn't bother him. I think we might have already labeled him problem child. Anyone who knows him, is it too soon?;)

2008-02-27T14:16:00.002-05:00

Just saying hello blog world. Sorry its been awhile. I've been busy but nothing exciting on the homefront. We had a dear friend/cousin pass away last week in a horrid accident. The details are just too unbearable to put here in writing. The showing is tonight and the funeral tomorrow. If anyone stumbles across this post and wants to pray, please lift up the McCabe family. Their sorrow at the loss of father, husband and grandpa is just unimaginable. Praising our Father that in heaven there is no pain, there is no loss and soon we will all be together again.

2008-02-15T12:32:00.003-05:00

Hudson is here today and the kids are enjoying playing together. You know, throwing things like leggos and food! I am trying to get through the day, seems just as soon as I get over one bug, another one comes. double yuck. I won't get into the details. This picture is of Henry dressed up as an indian for his preschool thanksgiving party. He loves guns and bow and arrows. anything violent. Even his favorite bible stories are like that, Daniel and the lions den, David and goliath etc. etc.. boys.

Lily Love

2008-02-14T20:38:00.005-05:00

Just some Lily LOVE for everyone on Valentines day! Henry had his valentine's day party at preschool today and had so much fun! I was surprised at all the candy he got. Jack also took a special valentine to his speech teacher and that was really sweet. Would have gone better if he hadn't of fallen asleep in the car and then been Mr. grumpy pants during his session. What can you do? We then went and visited my grandma and gave her some heart chocolates. The kids thought that was the greatest and of course, wanted her to open them right then and there. Mike and I are celebrating at a later, kid-free, work-free date. Hopefully dinner and a movie. Our LOrd has really blessed us with love and joy and we have so very much to be thankful for.

our week with the flu.

2008-02-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

here is a brief summary of what we accomplished this week......................nothing but nurse 3 sick kids and one sick mommy. here is a brief summary of what was NOT accomplished this week..everything else, including but not limited to; laundry, cleaning, potty-training, weight loss, de-cluttering, bible reading, organizing, and exercising. I did however manage to overdraft our account by $33.oo. I still don't know how I do it all??

blue tuesday

2008-01-29T13:53:00.000-05:00

Today I am just feeling blue. Its rainy and grey and gloomy and spring seems sooo far away. I need to be grateful for my family, my home, my Saviour who loves me unconditionally. I have so much work to do, on myself it seems.....both spiritually and physically. I know that I will be the better for working through it, it's just hard to get the painful process started. I am constantly finding reasons to put it off until "Tomorrow". Looking at these pictures, I can't believe that the holidays are over already......I never even sent out Christmas cards. Big shock for those of you still waiting!! Well, I'm off to watch Peter Pan with the boys while Lily naps. I just love those boys, those rowdy pirate wanna be boys.....but Lily has such a special place in my heart. I am so thankful for her. I wish somehow she could have a sister. I'm not sure that Michael will ever be open to adoption, although my heart has always wanted to adopt. It might just be up to Aunt Brooke, or Aunt Hannah (due in July) or Aunt Lisa!!:) Don't let me down girls!!!

snow days

2008-01-28T22:45:00.000-05:00

Even the big kids enjoyed getting out in the snow over the holidays! The boys loved making "snowbelle" with Uncle Larry and Aunt Lisa! Even Nona got in on the action, although I don't have a picture here to prove it! The snow has since melted and its been just plain cold. Life continues.....Henry in preschool, Jack in speech therapy and Lily into everything else! Her favorite word right now is.."NO". I can't tell you how cute that is. sarcasim is lost on a 17 month old. Here's hoping we get some more snow instead of just grey coldness.

future Mr. and Mrs.

2008-01-27T15:59:00.000-05:00

We are all very excited about my sister-in-laws upcoming wedding to Larry boy! Some of us, no idea who, are more excited about actually riding on the airplane, than the actual wedding!! Henry and Jack are really missing their "Nona" and Aunt Lisa and Michael and I are just looking forward to getting out of Ohio and enjoying California. Lisa and Larry are the perfect couple, and we were thrilled to get to meet him over the holidays and spend some time getting to know him. He was really super with the kids. They are so cute together and we are really happy for them both! See you in July!

foodies contest!

2008-01-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:
The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!
About the

2007-11-21T21:52:00.001-05:00

Your 1996 Theme Song Is: Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something

And I said "What about Breakfast at Tiffany's?"
She said, "I think I remember the film,
And as I recall, I think, we both kinda liked it."
And I said, "Well, that's the one thing we've got."

What's" Your 1996 Theme Song?

Jeohovah Rapha

2007-11-08T10:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.thesherrillstory.blogspot.com/

Father, with all that we are, let us ask for healing for this little guy. You are the ultimate healer. You alone know his days and our days. We need your supernateral healing and protection for him. He is soo small and so delicate and YOU know that. You created him and You are holding him. We just pray that someday his parents can hold him too. Please protect his brain from any bleeding, let his lungs heal and grow and all his organs form completely. Let the nurses and doctors caring for him have wisdom and let them see your healing completed. Hold his parents and family in your peaceful, loving arms. Protect them from satan and his attacks on their faith during this storm. Let the waves roll over them, but not drown them. Let the sea of your love bring peace and healing. Let your joy and peace be the answer to all those unanswerable questions. Father, our hearts need this healing. We ask boldly, believing that Kyle will one day call your name here on earth. That you will hear his prayers from his bedside at home with his brothers. Kneeling beside his mommy and daddy. That you will heal him today and days far from now when he scrapes his knees or bumps his head. Father, our hearts are heavy for all the sorrow in this world. All the wrongs surely can't be made right. But Father, let this boy live...let us rejoice over him and let your Glory be known. Thy will be done. Thy will be done. bring your healing to this little one. Thy will be done Thy kingdom come on earth Lord, as it is in heaven . Hear our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A TALE OF TWO BLOGS

2007-10-27T17:07:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've been torn between two blogs, or blog worlds, if you will. I daily check blogs about Haiti and those who are giving so much of themselves to help Haiti ,(www.sleepydoctor.blogspot.com/) and those who are super cool, hip moms(http://www.lisaleonard.blogspot.com/ and (www.debraparker.wordpress.com/) who are giving so much of themselves to their children. Then there are those rare bloggers who are actually both (www.livesayhaiti.blogspot.com/) . They are jems, but honestly, who can compete with their blog material? They have 7 amazing children. But, my heart is in both places. I constantly think how can I get back to Haiti and love on all those children there? How can I make a difference in my world, when my passion is Haiti? or is it? because I really would love a new house with white trim and colored walls and not my 70's bathroom yellow. I would love to be my own person in both of these worlds, instead of feeling guilty for not being in one and not being able to have everything in the other. I am trying of course, to simplify all these emotions and feelings that probably stem from my own insecurity and not knowing who I want to be?? Who does God want me to be? Where does he want me to be? Should I work more? less? how do I re-decorate my house with no money? How do I help those in need with no money? Why is money so important? what about my time? my future? My children' s future? I wish that I could be a missionary and still be here, surrounded by my family. God does know my heart and the desires that he has put there. I need to surrender to that and trust that and love HIM more than anything. I think there is beauty in both blog worlds. there is beauty in being a mom who works at home and at her day job. There really isn't an internal struggle here, God needs to be first...whereever, whenever. ok, back to blog stalking and trying to once again dress two naked toddlers. one of whom refuses to be potty trained. yup, refuses. his speech therapist gives him the award for most stubborn and strong-willed children she has ever, in her 30 years worked with. where's the applause? where are the ribbons?? gotta love them boys :)

30 days till Thanksgiving!

2007-10-23T11:42:00.000-04:00

Just a heads up people! 30 days till T-day! I am officially trying to complete the thin within 30 day book during this time and am keeping an online journal at their site. I am hoping and praying for some personal healing and peace during this time, I would really covet some prayers too. My dad is soo wonderful...he watches the kids more than anyone and is always willing to step in at the last minute to watch them for me. He even comes over to watch them while I exercise, how cool is that? He is picking up Henry from preschool right now so that I can sleep, along with the other kids because I have to work the night shift tonight. He is such an awesome "bumpa" and the kids adore him. Jack did awesome at speech therapy yesterday, even went with her without screaming. that is huge for my little guy. He seems to be picking up new words which is such an answered prayer. I've been reading some great blogs this week. Who even watches tv anymore?? I have just stumbled across Gwen Smith and her amazing music. She's at gwensmith.net. beautiful music. well, I'm off to nap........................

2007-10-11T20:25:00.000-04:00

ok, borrowing from some fellow bloggers and posting my random thoughts along with these random pictures. The first picture is of my two gorgeous sisters and Henry when he was a little baby at Christmas time. The second is of my gorgeous friend Ana and her beautiful daughter Paula. Now, on to my random thoughts for today...............

*Henry is still awake at 8:32 and is driving me crazy. "I need something mommy..."

*I have to work tomorrow and I hate work. ( I know, who doesn't?)

*I hate dancing with the stars. sorry people.

*I'm currently reading 2 different parenting books but still feel like I'm failing them.

*I still haven't lost any weight.

*I love halloween!

*Lily is my sweet joy.

*I miss my husband when he works these long hours so that I don't have to work as much.

*I love him dearly and the sacrifices he makes for our family. I just wish it didn't mean him being away from us so much.

*There are soo many places I still want to travel to. Asia, Africa, Europe. Norway to see my dear friends again. Haiti to see the place where we first met again. Out west, Disney with the kids.....Maine....I love traveling!

*I also love being home so much.

*I hope my sister has another baby soon. I love my nephew soo much. He is just pure joy.

*I wish I had a really cool talent that would allow me to follow my dreams and stay at home to work but still be a really cool job. I wish I knew what my dreams really were.

*I would love to read the bible all the way through just once.

*those people, are some really random thoughts. yeah right. more later!

2007-09-21T17:45:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to see those baby blues on my blog! I was talking with a friend the other day and we were discussing our "weight troubles" and she told me that until this last year or so, she has never even thought about her weight. She was naturally skinny but had gained a few "baby" pounds, who hasn't? The thing that made me stop and think was that, I'm embarrassed and ashamed to say that I have done little else but think about my weight for the last 15+ years. I wish I could get that time back. I wish I would think about God as much as I do food and my constant struggle with body issues. But, its almost like a good friend now. Isn't that sad? I wonder, with over half of us Americans overweight, if that isn't true for a lot of people. If I wasn't worrying about being fat and what I would eat next, where would I be? If I wasn't the "fat" one, who would I be? How would I spend my money? my time? my thoughts? if I weren't overweight. If I only ate when I was hungry and didn't care about how much or what it was. Maybe I would spend more time in the Word and more time Living the WORD that thinking and talking about my weight. Just a place to start I guess. Its always "tomorrow" for me and I pray that someday soon I can start living in today, enjoying today, fattness and all. Worshipping God with my entire body, mind, spirit and soul. It is HIS temple afterall.

http://www.thinwithin.org

http://www.Firstplace.org

2007-09-07T22:02:00.000-04:00

Today I am feeling so very blessed! I attended a women's bible study this morning and it was really great to be among women who love the Lord, even though I didn't know any of them. My husband was so sweet and watched the kids including my nephew who we have been watching this week, so that I could go. The pictures are of him and Lillian and then of Henry playing his guitar. He looks so serious! He started preschool last week and seems to be doing great. He doesn't have any problem leaving us and so far no notes home from the teacher!! We both are working this weekend..so I hope it flies by! One of my best friends and I are going to do Kay Arthurs study on revelation, so I hope to learn a lot from that. I am still trying to lose this weight but ate Mcdonalds today for lunch. Not a good choice by any means. Oh, Lily is walking for sure now, not just around the furniture. She is taking lots of steps at one time and is just oh so proud of herself! She is such a joy to have in our family. The boys seem to be wrestling with eachother more than usual this week. Its been so hot and full of mosquitos that we haven't been outside to much. Soo, not much new....just counting my blessings!

Kay Arthur

2007-08-28T14:29:00.000-04:00

No, this is not Kay's baby picture!! This is Henry as a baby...I can't believe he is starting preschool next week. He is soo very excited. Whenever we get in the car, he asks "am I going to school now?". Jack started a little soccer team at the Y today. He had a rough start but then did really great and I was happy for him. Its hard for him not being able to really say what he wants/needs and so that frustration comes out in well...tantrums. not all that fun for mom. BUT the real reason for this post is this book I'm currently reading from Kay Arthur...its called Lord, teach me to pray in 28 days and she goes through the Lord's prayer, verse by verse and uses it as a template for how to pray. WOW. It is soo amazing and enlightening and exciting and I haven't been able to put it down or think about much else. These last few years my prayer life has been one of depression and why not me's? and on and on. This book has given me insight that I only wish I had known sooner. It has lifted years off my soul and given me hope. Hope In God and that HIS word really is alive and real for this moment. Its sooooooooooooooo amazing. She doesn't just write stuff, she follows everything with scripture and gives you stuff to look up in the bible. Its really amazing..again, amazing. so, if anyone is reading this blog and feels like God isn't really listening to their prayers, read Luke and get this book and get into the word of God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh and I just love this smile of Henry's! He is such a joy! His last prayer was..."thanks God, for the guns." he's almost 4 and wants to go hunting with daddy already. Thank you LORD.

Lillians first birthday party

2007-08-24T12:01:00.000-04:00

These are pictures celebrating Lillian's first birthday at our house! I can't believe that she is one already. Our last baby's first bday party. bittersweet for me. We had a lot of family there and it was a really wonderful day. The boys had such a great time playing with their cousins. Lily got a lot of nice clothes and dolls. She has such a sweet personality, but defiantly her own person! She is gonna be stubborn, oops..strongwilled...like jack jack. why not? Aunt Brooke helped her open the gifts while mooma and I cut the cake. It was nice to have Fred's mom and dad there and my grandpa Elton too. He hasn't been getting around that much since he is about to turn 89. We love you Lily B!!!

2007-08-23T09:10:00.000-04:00

chicago

2007-08-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos from our Chicago trip! I don't know how to delete them, once I have downloaded them, so sorry for the duplicates. Anyone want to tell me how? We had some friends visiting from Norway and we headed out to show them Chicago in July! It was just a girls trip, my sister and her friend also came so there were 5 of us and we had sooo much fun! The trip started out pretty bad though, as we had a flat, or should I say blown tire as we had to call the police because it was just shredded and stuck around the rim and we couldn't get it off. All said and done, we were back on the road with a new tire in 30 minutes. Go girls! We are thankful to God for keeping us all safe! We stayed at the omni hotel, where Oprah's geusts stay and it was just beautiful! We walked out of our hotel and we were right on michigan avenue and close to all the shopping and sites. We must have walked for at least 5 hours each day. whew we were tired. We got to visit Moody Bible institute which was really neat. They have a cool campus and we even got the "official" tour. We had lots of good food at the cheesecake factory and we just had a great time all together. Brooke and Michelle did great driving us around downtown . Can't wait to visit again! Again, sorry for the duplicate pictures!

2007-07-30T00:26:00.000-04:00

wow, this is an oooold picture of Henry. He must have been almost one or so, now he is almost 4. Hard to believe. time really does go waaaaaaaaaay to fast when these little ones are growing up. Just got back from work, pretty good night, I'm usually less anxious once i get there. My sister watched the kids and they were excited to get to go play at her house since she has a little swimming pool with a slide. pretty exciting stuff for a 3 and 2 year old. I'm sure Lillian could care less though. Everyone is sleeping and I am just checking my blogs...its fun to check on those still serving in Haiti, makes me sad that we aren't there but not enough to pack up the family and move there. I think Mike would be fine with that, even happy, but I"m not sure how I could leave my family....isn't that pathetic. something to pray about for sure. well, its late and I better get off to bed. Kristina called from Norway tonight, but of course I was at work. Miss having her here to keep us young and hip:) I'm hoping for a good diet day tomorrow...someone sew my lips shut please:)

2007-07-28T20:12:00.000-04:00

Just trying to get some pictures going on this silly blog! This is of course, my adorable and soon to be 2 nephew, isn't he the sweetest?? He loves hanging out with his "boys"! They are quite the motley crue!! Today I went and jogged at the park with my sister, mother to this sweetheart. We only ran about 30 minutes and walked for 10. At least we are trying, its hard not to be discouraged. I can't believe Lillian turns 1 this week. my little baby girl. Mike reminded me that this is our last first birthday. how depressing is that? Our house needs cleaned and painted before the party. The boys are in bed, playing, but still in bed. Lily is also sleeping and of course, there is nothing on tv. We had a busy last month and now its time to just relax. Our friends from Norway were here and so we tried our best to show them around. fun but exhausting. I get sort of sad to think we may never see eachother again. Praying to see them, but when will we just get on the plane and travel that far?? I made some homemade white bread this morning and it was sooo good! Even Jack asked for seconds and Henry called it "cake". Those boys! I have to work sunday and monday and I am not looking forward to it. I hate work. It makes me so anxious. I am praying for a way out....Jack is adding new words almost daily. I am trying to work with him a little more and be more strict with his behaviour. fun times. I really love being home with them!! We miss daddy when hes gone. Ok, enough depressing rambling! Cheer up me.

fathers day

2007-06-17T16:51:00.000-04:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!! Michael had to work today but I hope that it wasn't too hard for him, this is the first Fathers day since his father passed away last june. That anniversary is coming up soon too. I imagine that will be another hard day for him. He is such a wonderful, loving daddy to our kids. I can't imagine spending my life without him!! Its a joy to watch him interact with them and see how much they love him. When his sister Lisa was here visiting, he took us all fishing and that was a great treat. Everyone caught a fish and it was just great fun!! He is a wonderful dad and had a great father who taught him so many things. Happy fathers day to my dad too, bumpa as the boys call him. Its so funy to hear my kids calling him that and Hudson too. They all adore bumpa and when he is in the room, well, no one else matters! simply. I am thankful for our heavenly Father, who somehow manages to put up with us in all our sin and fallen ways. Thanks dads!!:)

my birthday

2007-06-09T08:35:00.000-04:00

Happy birthday to me!!

I can't believe I am 35 today. I can't put into words how it feels....depressing comes to mind. Or maybe I am ok with growing older. I don't know too many people who are, at least those of us who are "older". I am not where I want to be, physically, financially or spiritually. I am happy though, with my loving husband, my wonderful kids and my sweet little home. So, I can set some goals and maybe, Lord-willing this will be MY year. My year to get back to my healthy pre-kids weight, my year to finally get a savings account and a 401k, my year to get into the daily devotional thing. Those are my goals for my 35th year of life. I am thankful to God alone for all the dreams that have come true in my life and for those that I am still clinging too, hopeful that in God's timing they will come true. I would love to adopt someday, I would love to go back to the mission field, someday and I would love to be confident in my own skin, someday. I love books and have about 30, yes, 30, that I am reading, just a few pages and then I'll get into a different one so I never quite finish them. This is another goal for this year. To read all my books and maybe, put some reviews on this blog. Maybe I"ll start with the shortest one first:) Some titles that I am reading are..."the prayer that changes everything" by Stormie Omartian, "thin within" by Judy Halliday, every book in print by Elizabeth George (LOVE her) and every book in print that I could get my hands on by Catherine Marshall. So, those are the goals for me, if anyone is reading...prayers please!!:) Today is the Cherry fest in our town, complete with parade and fireworks, and of course lots of "fair" food....yeah birthdays! 35 is gonna be the best year yet!!

mil has left the building!!

2007-06-06T10:50:00.000-04:00

Henry says Hi and wants everyone to enjoy his letter, H!!
mil is safely home in California and we are all relaxing.

2007-05-22T21:33:00.000-04:00

My mil is here! That should say it all. End of post. no reason to bore anyone out there in blogger land with my poor me and poor us stories. She actually is a wonderful person, but the stress is causing me physical pain. my neck is soooo stiff and painful that I actually woke in the night and took some motrin. The boys are acting out and fighting just to be crowd pleasers. Lily is too sweet and innocent to play along and she is just pure love for everyone. even Baxter is hiding out in my bedroom. well, gotta go break up the pillow fight, even though the boys have been in bed for almost 2 hours, they are still not asleep. the one downfall of summer and it staying lighter longer.

funny

2007-05-15T13:30:00.000-04:00

This is just too funny. I'm not sure where this post will be posted. I am gonna try and figure this all out later. Not like anyone is checking my blogs or anything anyways. its just me and my thoughts.

2007-05-09T10:17:00.003-04:00

ok, lets see where this posts. oh, and Jack Jack says hi!

2007-05-09T10:17:00.001-04:00

ok, lets see where this posts. oh, and Jack Jack says hi!

blogger confusion

2007-05-09T10:15:00.000-04:00

ok, I am soo computer dumb...I am attempting to have 2 blogs, but now I just have 3? I wanted one for my weight loss/ or apparently gain blog and then one for the family stuff but when I sign in now its this one? I guess I need to go back to blogging school. Any ideas out there?

haines family

2007-03-27T21:52:00.000-04:00

just checking to see if this is working again.