Summer

We had a really great summer!

- Swimming for All -

OTG Boy was on the water polo team.

The Professor earned his Swimming and Life Saving Merit Badges.

Bubba found his swimming groove - thanks to his fantastic teachers...

he's actually excited for swim team next year.

After his first week of swimming lessons Junior was pretty sure I was trying to kill him - but he spent the summer singing songs about rowing and kicking and loves being in the pool.

- Scout Camp at Camp Raymond -

Handsome Hubby, OTG Boy & The Professor Spent a Week at Scout Camp

OTG Boy earned Merit Badges for: Archery, Rifle Shooting, Leatherwork, Soil and Water Conservation, Weather, Forestry, Geology and Emergency Preparedness

OTG Boy's favorite memory:  Being the Master of Ceremonies for one of the nightly campfire programs.

The Professor earned Merit Badges for: Rifle Shooting, Weather, Soil and Water Conservation, Geology, Environmental Science, Leatherwork and Forestry

The Professor's favorite memory: Earning his Rifle Shooting Merit Badge.

Handsome Hubby's favorite memory:  Having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend camp with his two oldest sons.

So, Bubba loved having everyone gone for the week... Junior not so much.  He woke up every morning between 5:30 and 6:00 am, walked into my room to see who was there and then yelled at the top of his lungs, "Where's my DADDY!?!"

We tried to have a little fun while the three of us were holding down the fort... we went to the movies, got happy meals from McDonald's, and went to Jambo (an indoor amusement park).

-15 Years of Marriage -

A lot has happened in the last 15 years!

5 Kids * 5 Homes * 3 Cars * 2 Vans * 1 Truck * 2 States (1 twice) * Handsome Hubby's worked for 5 different companies and I'm the Mom (the job I always wanted) I've had a few odd random jobs here and there... law offices, cell phone companies and insurance transcriptionist... even a paper route :) * We've gone on some great roadtrips and Vacations * Had a lot of Church Callings * Good Times * Hard Times * More Blessings than we can count!

 - Summer Vacation -

Our first full day in Utah was spent at Lagoon.  As a kid I remember going every summer for Stake Lagoon Day!  My siblings and I would plan for weeks which rides we'd try and in what order.  As a teenager I spent my summers working there as a ride operator.  Well our kids have never been to a real amusement park - and it was so much fun to take them to a place with so many great memories.  At the end of the day OTG Boy and The Professor were asking if we could move to Utah - they were thinking it might be fun to follow in my footsteps and get themselves some summer jobs :)

Junior's favorite ride - I can't even count how many times he drove the bumper cars!



OTG Boy & The Professor loved everything they tried - they loved spinning & flying through the air!



Day 2 was spent touring BYU, visiting with my Grandma and spending the evening visiting with my dad, brothers and their families!

Next came Handsome Hubby's graduation day!

He learned so much working on his MBA - the boy's and I are extremely proud!

Our last stop?  Grandpa and Grandma's farm.  The kids had so much fun visiting with family, riding horses, climbing haystacks and being around every kind of animal.  They also enjoyed shooting guns and trying out the bow and arrows... but, I think Handsome Hubby had the most fun - living in the city just isn't the same.

  

Now... the Kids have all been back in school for almost a month!



The High School Student





The Middle School Student



The Elementary School Student



3-Year-Old Student of Life

Time is flying by!!!



Anything Happening at HaHa's House?

I never thought I would say it, but I was talking with Handsome Hubby the other day and all of the sudden I found myself saying how much I missed the good 'ole days of having only one car and two kids under the age of two.

Did I just say that?!?

Yeah, I did... WOW.

For me, life seems to cycle. Sometimes I feel like everything is amazing and then I feel like everything is insane. Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed - you can tell by the lack of blog posts :) Professional blogging is definitely not my thing - but keeping in touch with friends and family - I thought that should be pretty do-able... I thought.

So, I thought I better get posting so you'd know what was going in HaHa Land!

Handsome Hubby

New calling in the church, Scout Master! With the new calling a new something to drive. Our little old Saturn was having problems right & left... so he got to get a little something he's been wanting for years!!!

The Professor, Handsome Hubby & OTG Boy

Headed off to the Stake Camporee Last Fall

He loves his new toy!

He's studying like crazy to finish-up the MBA - he's doing great - and we are ALL looking forward to graduation! With all of his extra-curricular, life at work is pretty crazy, too... new owners, new bosses, new responsibilities - if you're curious give him a call - he'll tell you all about his adventures.

OTG Boy

On the Go, as usual. Biggest changes - he just registered for high school and I am in total denial! In the meantime, he's doing great with school he's in orchestra and choir and also decided to learn the mandolin for Fiddle Club. And just for fun decided to be part of the Year Book Club, too. He has his eye on engineering, but I have to say he's pretty good with graphic design - yearbook club has brought that out. Summer is over, but he's still volunteering at the library - good kid - works hard.

He also loves to play goalie and took weight training as an elective this year.
It's official - he's a teenager!

The Professor

Absolutely loves his classes for school! Online schooling has been a huge blessing in this kid's life. However, he likes to get out of the house sometimes, too. He has so much fun going to his scout activities and tells me everyday about his amazing leaders. He's worked up to a blue belt in his martial arts class and can make one of the best "intense" faces you have ever seen. The Professor's biggest change?

Braces!

I tried and tried - but no matter how many pictures I took - he still came out looking like a teenager. I guess this little boy is growing-up, too.

Bubba

Bubba loves to have fun! His favorite subject in school is recess and his second favorite is lunch :) You get this kid together with his friends and he does not stop talking! He's been working hard at school and making definite progress with reading & spelling... and the kid is a math whiz! The only day of the week he actually enjoys homework is math day - any other day I think he'd actually prefer having a tooth pulled... if he just didn't have to do homework!

Bubba's biggest news is that he was baptized this past year and it was so fun to have family in town! We were lucky to have both sets of grandparents, a couple of aunts, a couple of uncles and a lot of cousins come by for the happy day... it was really great to see everyone!

Junior

Well, what's not constantly changing about this little man? The one constant? He's still a daddy's boy! A day without Daddy is just wrong! He loves playing High Ho Cherri-o and Candyland. His biggest accomplishment since Christmas - Potty Training! No more diapers at HaHa's House!!!

HaHa

Now you can see why I miss the no car - toddler days. Back then I spent my time, all day - pretty much everyday - at home. No commitments. No craziness. No needing to be four places at the same time while Handsome Hubby is out of town. Just walks to the park with my double stroller and playing in the backyard.

These days I'm driving kids everywhere and trying to organize schedules. I spend my days helping The Professor with school. Reading and singing with Junior. Working on spelling lists with Bubba and trying to keep up with OTG Boy.

Junior, HaHa & The Professor the park in Fountain Hills

It's hard to find a picture of myself - I'm always behind the camera :)

Life is definitely crazy... but... definitely good!

And I am thankful, every day, for the boys who make my life amazing!

Summer Round-up

No need to worry about Junior - he can hold his own just fine!

Dear Family & Friends,
You're probably wondering what we did with ourselves this past summer... especially since we didn't take any big vacations, missed ALL the family reunions, and basically haven't left the state since last summer. (Well unless you count Handsome Hubby - he's been off on business trips to California & Texas... but I don't... I like to travel too!)

If you ask the kids they'll tell you they did chores ALL summer - and they did - but here at HaHa's house we pay on commission so, honestly, it couldn't have been that bad - they were pleased with their summer incomes.

So here's the rundown...

Handsome Hubby - worked a lot, studied a lot, has enjoyed his calling as an 11-year-old scout leader, and is basically functioning on very little sleep - I can't believe how much he accomplishes in the day. Thank goodness the MBA will be done by next summer!

OTG Boy - and the award for "Not Wasting Time" goes to... yes OTG Boy. Not only did he attend Scout Camp for a week, he spent the summer participating in Swim Team, played on a water polo team, had a couple of scout camp outs (in addition to camp), cello lessons, Young Men activities and he volunteered at least once a week at the library. The teenage years are upon us - this is one kid who's hard to keep up with.

The Professor - karate, karate, karate... lots of karate! Also, since he didn't have swimming lessons I "made" him spend time in the pool everyday practicing all his strokes. Don't worry - plenty of free swim time too... I'm not that mean :)

Bubba - took swimming lessons from the best teacher he's ever had! He loved getting his gummy worm at the end of each lesson... such a good little fish.

Junior - well he spent a lot of time with mommy in the car driving to everyone's activities. However, he played in the pool every day, too - he loves jumping off the side and swimming to the steps (still needs help, but he's doing great)!

HaHa - driving, driving & driving. In between activities we managed to throw in our weekly Summer Fun movie at Harkins, plenty of trips to the AZ Science Center (one of our favorite places), a wild morning at BounceU, oh and we can't forget, plenty of trips to the library - the kids completed the both the Mesa & Phoenix summer reading programs (and yes, if you are wondering, I am "that" mean - they had to read separate books for each - but my kids love books so really it's better to have a challenge) - can't wait to take the kids to their free Diamondbacks game!

Also, Handsome Hubby and I had tickets to see "Little Shop of Horrors" - Handsome Hubby thinks I'm so funny but, I love that musical.

And to top off the wonderful summer "break"? A family camping trip - that will get a blog post all it's own.

Very great summer! I'm trying to enjoy them and keep track of the memories - my little boys are growing-up - I love it, but I hate it.

Hope you all had wonderful summers, too!

Love,

HaHa

P.S. We hope to see a lot more of you in the next year!

He's Alive!

OTG Boy had a wonderful time at scout camp!

He said the weather was perfect...

only a little bit of rain : )

He worked hard and completed 8 Merit Badges:

Astronomy

Environmental Science

First Aid

Indian Lore

Mammal Study

Nature

Wilderness Survival

&

Wood Carving

Handsome Hubby and I are very proud of all his hardwork!

Mighty Fishermen!

It's been years in the making - but Handsome Hubby and OTG Boy have finally experienced a successful fishing trip!

Good thing, too - OTG Boy was trying to finish up a pre-requisite for scout camp.

Thanks Handsome Hubby for taking care of our boys!

Dinner was delicious!

Trying to Let Go

OTG Boy walked out the door, today, at 4am!

Off for a week of Scout Camp!

Handsome Hubby drove him to the church, while I waited at home watching the lightening light up the walls and listening to the thunder crash. Then the rain started pouring down...

My mind was racing...

will he be warm enough?

will any of his belongings stay dry?

why am I letting him go away for a whole week?

Handsome Hubby has done his best to calm my fears and remind me that this week, both the good and the bad, will be important experiences for OTG Boy. He promised me he'll survive.

He better be right... it's going to be a very long week for mom!

Time Flies

When we moved back to Phoenix in 2004

I thought my little boy was so cute swimming in the pool!

Then

OTG Boy

Now

My cute little swimmer has turned into a crazy cannonball,

very grown-up, "almost" teenager!

What Mom's Don't Want to Know

About two weeks ago OTG Boy went on his first Scout Campout as a Deacon.

I was good with 11 Year Old Scouts - Dad's tag along.

Now the dad is optional and for this campout Handsome Hubby had to opt-out (had to work most of the day Saturday starting at 3am).

So, after school OTG Boy grabbed his pack and headed out the door.

Did I mention it's January and this was the "wilderness survival" campout?

So, off I send my son... no dad... no tent... nervous mom!

Let me just add... I've been attending the scout planning meetings and roundtable for the last year and a half as part of my calling (very different from cub planning & roundtables) - when the brethren start sharing their stories of all the "fun," the "games", the injuries and they're laughing and talking about how awesome it all is... all I can do is sit there thinking, "I'm the mother of four boys... four boys! Do I really need to be hearing all this!" I think I was better off in my ignorance :)

So, when OTG Boy came home the next day (Handsome Hubby still at work), I smile, trying to remain calm - but inside super excited to have him home alive! The first thing my son says is, "Well, I stepped on a nail last night. Don't worry, it's not hurting today." Second thing out of his mouth, "I cut myself twice - don't worry, it wasn't with my knife - it was the can opener." Nice!

So, as he unpacks and shares his stories... I feel proud. He's a good kid and I'm glad he had a good time.

And then he says, "let me tell you about the scorpion."

Four boys!!!

I hope we all survive!

My Young Man

It's official... OTG Boy is no longer in Primary... he's a Young Man now! He's growing up way too fast.

I am so proud of this boy... he's loving Jr. High, he uses his time wisely, he is diligent at practicing the cello and piano, he likes to sing in the choir and he is doing a great job with his sports this year.

OTG Boy's love of reading, has inspired me to listen to more books on CD, since I spend more time in the car than I do sitting down with a book. I've enjoyed listening to the novels he's been telling me about.

This kid is definitely On The Go... but I couldn't be more proud.

Long Over Due

Updated photos of these handsome little men are long overdue!

So, as we come into the holidays I'd like re-introduce you to a few of my most favorite people.

Time Flies

OTG Boy was thrilled to sit in this simulator...

5 Years Later...

Still loves it.

Kid, you are growing up way too fast!

Home Away From Home

OTG Boy has spent a lot of time at the pool this summer.

He has swim team practice every morning.

Then for two weeks he went back for another hour each day and was able to earn his first two Merit Badges

Swimming

&

Life Saving!

Then back again in the evening for Water Polo...

his team took 3rd Place!

You've been working hard this summer!

Great Job!

Backyard Fun

When it's 104 degrees - the pool is a wonderful place to be!

Junior loves floating around!

Bubba, the noodle thief!

How about a snorkeling adventure with the Professor?

OTG Boy's up for a little one-on-one any day!

And of course Handsome Hubby and I take turns playing and life-guarding...

How 'bout a swim? Come on over!

Better Late Than Never?

You may remember Handsome Hubby and OTG Boy were going to be in the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple this last March. Well they did it... they loved it... and had some amazing experiences!

During the pageant cast members are set apart as cast missionaries - what a great opportunity and reminder to our family that, "it is the Spirit that matters most." Next time you're talking with Handsome Hubby ask him about a few of the miracles he experienced... wonderful times.

So, for those who could not come, this is the pair in their costumes. They did a great job! It was busy, but both will tell you they'd love to do it again!

March Madness

Handsome Hubby & OTG Boy are going to be very busy this month...
subsequently that means the entire family is going to be very busy this month!

Handsome Hubby & OTG Boy are participating in the Easter Pageant at the Mesa Temple this year, which means a lot of rehearsals and 9 nights of performances.

OTG Boy is absolutely thrilled - he's been wanting to audition since we moved to Mesa - so, his dreams have finally come true!

Click here and here for info, dates and times.

The Easter Pageant is AMAZING!

Holes

Keep Digging OTG Boy...

"This ain't no girl scout camp!"

(If you've never read it "Holes" is one of our favorite books - you should give it a read sometime!)

End of Year Round-up - OTG Boy

Boy have I fallen off the blogging bandwagon!

I've tried - really I've tried :(

So, to catch everyone up on what's been going on at HaHa's House I've got a little end of the year round-up planned.

First up, OTG Boy

As usual he's always On The Go!

Here's a sampling of what he's been up to...

First of all he joined a singing group called Up Beat!

He absolutely loved it!

Here are a few pics from their Fall Show.

Here he is singing a song about the misery of raking leaves...

(he's in the green shirt w/glasses)

These boys were very convincing - made doing chores look absolutely miserable!

This is him singing about Zorro

(second one in on the right)

This was action packed - even included a sword fighting scene!

This was OTG Boy's favorite song (I think)

Jelly Bean Blues
He really let his "inner cool" shine!

Gruesome Groaners

Hard to see - but very fun spooky song.

They sang a tribute to the pilgrims.

And of course a grand finale, involving canes and high kicks!

It was a fun night!

Next on his list of things to do...

Earn the Arrow of Light

OTG Boy has always been very motivated and it's been an absolute pleasure watching how hard he has worked to accomplish his goals.

He also crossed the bridge from Cub Scouting into Scouting...

yes, that's right he's officially a Boy Scout now.

Boy time flies (and I feel old)

And I have to brag just a little...

In the Webelos Den you can earn 20 Activity Pins.

OTG Boy earned them all!

Great Job OTG Boy!!!

So, now OTG Boy is another year older

and what did he get?

You guessed it... anything Boy Scout related...

including a tent - he was very excited!

What else has OTG Boy been up to?

Working hard at Math Blasters - he just passed the 7th Grade test...

Participated in the school Spelling Bee...

Just had his Orchestra Christmas Concert and

he's been taking private cello lessons this year...

And don't forget - soccer - he did great this year... his skills have improved

and he's turned in to one tough kid!

Ok, I think we've got OTG Boy covered!

Boy has this kid been busy!!!