Haws Family Blog

Grandma Marie's Life Sketch

2011-09-16T00:54:00.001-06:00

The following is written with information which appeared in the Hooper 5^th Ward Newsletter in 1986 written by Marion about her sister Marie. Some information is added from Grandma’s life history.

Marie Widdison was born in Hooper, the seventh of eleven children in the family of James G. and Lillian Gardner Widdison. She had five brothers and five sisters.

She was given the name Alice Marie, Alice for Grandma Widdison and Marie for Grandma Gardner. At that time their house had electricity and inside plumbing which many families in Hooper did not have.

Hooper, during her young life was like one big happy family. Everyone knew everyone else. Most everyone was LDS and their activities were pretty well centered around the church and the Ward.

She attended school in Hooper through the ninth grade, and she had teachers such as Dawson Hales and Bowman Hawkes, who inspired her to love literature and music. She sang in a girls trio and belonged to a ukulele group that Mr. Hales had them perform on KLO Radio and they entertained in the many surrounding wards.

She loved to play volleyball and softball. They always had good teams and they won occasional championships. One year they played against some Salt Lake teams and won the state championship.

She attended Weber High, where she was on the yearbook staff and belonged to a writing club called Scriptus Magnus. She graduated from Weber High and Weber Seminary in 1937.

During the summer of 1938, Marie, Donna, and Ruth picked beans for Ellis Belnap. Their father had been very ill and they were all worried about him. He was in the Dee Hospital recovering from surgery. They were in the bean field when Bert’s Ruth came and told them that their father had died. That was the first real sadness that had come into their lives and it was a real difficult time for all of them.

After high school, she attended Weber College for two years. Her best friends were Helen McCloy and Aleen Hunt. The next year Marie, Helen, and Aleen went to Logan to Utah State. That was their “fun” year. Six girls, three from Hooper, two from Star Valley, and one from Malad had an apartment right off campus. At first they came home on weekends, but they had such a good time that later they came home only when they were really low on food.

After graduation she got a job teaching in Eden, Utah. The next year she was assigned to be a principal at the school in Taylor. During the summer she had a chance to work at Hill Field. It was war time, and they needed workers. She could make more money at Hill Field, so she gave up teaching. With that large salary, she was able to buy a car—a Chevy coupe with a horn that played Yankee Doodle. Then she could take her family and friends where she liked, such as Logan or Star Valley. Gas was rationed because of the war, but friends could pool their ration stamps, so they could still travel.

During the war, Milt was a chaplain in the Army and spent much of his time overseas. Bert was in the Navy and Don was in the Army. Eventually the war ended, and life became a little less scary. She stayed on at Hill Field.

In December 1945, Bishop Verg Jensen called her into his office and talked to her about going on a mission. After discussing it at home it was decided that she should go.

One Sunday, just before Christmas, Barrett Haws came to their home. He had known Milt in Hawaii and Okinawa. He was not yet out of the navy so he was still in uniform and Marie was impressed. During the next month he dropped in every now and then to see Milt.

On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1946, Marie went to Salt Lake and picked up her mission call at the Church Office Building. It was to the Southern States Mission and she was happy. When she arrived home from Salt Lake Marion said that Barrett had called. He was in Ogden and said that he would call back. He called and asked her if she would like to go to a show. They went to dinner at Ede’s and to a show at the Orpheum Theater. They discussed her mission call, but continued to date. In March they began getting serious so they made an appointment with Joseph Fielding Smith. He encouraged them to get married so on April 16, 1946 they were married in the Salt Lake Temple.

Barrett’s parents were living away from home, so after a three-week honeymoon to the Northwest and Canada, they moved into his parents’ home in Salt Lake City. Barrett went to photography school on the G.I. bill and they moved to Heber and opened a photo studio. Later Barrett was hired by the Genealogical Society to go to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to do microfilming.

After being in Harrisburg for about a year, and having been married nearly five years, Marie was expecting a baby. They were so excited that they wanted to come home, so they returned to Salt Lake. Barrett went to work at Hill Field and life seemed beautiful. On Wednesday November 29^th 1950 they had a son and decided to name him Kenneth Eugene and call him Kenny.

In May 1951 when Kenny was 6 months old they sold their house in Salt Lake and moved to Hooper. They bought the house Grandma lived in from Arch and Elon.

They had fun living in Hooper with Kenny. Marion had Bobby; Ruth had Larry; Margaret had Steven; Lorell had Kent; and Donna, who lived in Farmington, had Ronnie.

Over the next few years, three more sons were added to the family: Greg, Wayne and Alan.

In 1956 they added a double garage onto the house and started a feed business that Marie could handle while Barrett was at Hill Field. They called the business: Haws Sales and Service. A year later, Barrett had health problems and retired from Hill Field. They closed the feed store.

Marie decided to go back to teaching for a year to pay off the medical bills. She got a job teaching first grade at Municipal School. She went to teach for one year, but stayed for twenty-three.

Marie has had a busy, active life teaching in all the ward auxiliaries, being on the Sunday School stake board, president of the Young Women in Salt Lake and Hooper, and teaching the Gospel Doctrine for seven years. She has made books of remembrance, written books of family histories, of family stories, of missionary stories, and published a book of her poetry.

She was editor of the Hooper Messenger, a paper published for service men and town people during the war.

She wrote the Municipal School song and several road shows. She has been president of the Hooper Women’s Club and captain of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

She and Barrett did a lot of travelling. He died on June 4, 1984. After his death, she took trips with her family and saw the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii, New Zealand and many other trips and cruises. She worked in the Ogden Temple and the Computer Center for Church Records.

In 1987 she met Delmont Beecher while working in the Ogden Temple. They were married in March, 1987. They went on trips to Hawaii, New Zealand, London and other places. They served a mission to Billings, Montana working with the Crow Indians. Delmont died in 1997.

Marie loved Hooper, her home, and her beautiful yard. Together with her mother and sisters, their corner of town was always a show place of flowers, green lawns, silver balls, and even Christmas lights.

She and her sisters were famous for their daily meetings on her patio at 10:00am. There was rarely a day that any of them missed their 10:00 meeting. She lived in her cherished home and until recently took care of herself and her yard.

Marie was the unofficial historian of Hooper and the “go-to girl” when it came to Hooper History. She would often get strangers knocking on her door with questions about Hooper. She also has written and published family histories and poems for family and friends. She was a principal writer and publisher of a community history entitled “Hooper, Our Home-Town”.

She was a huge BYU fan and could be found watching, attending, or listening to most BYU sporting events as well as BYU devotionals. She loved the Book of Mormon. She bore her testimony often both in word and by example.

Her teaching career didn’t end when she retired from teaching school. She constantly taught her children and grandchildren about how to live and love.

She now has 22 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren of her own.

She dearly loved her family, especially her sons and their wives as well as their children and grandchildren. Marie made so many true friends throughout her life. With her family constantly growing, she has left a grand legacy and her memory will love on.

Grandma, we love you and will always treasure you in our hearts. May the Lord bless us so to do.

Dove "hunting"

2011-09-08T23:10:00.000-06:00

This is the weirdest story.

Tonight, Grandpa Wayne was sitting on the porch reading a book and Benson was out there running in his new soccer uniform. Grandpa saw a dove and told Benson to run and catch it. Benson told him that he'd have to sneak and catch it. Grandpa went back to reading his book, and looked up to see Benson walking toward him holding this dove. He really caught it with his bare hands!!!!

He was SO HAPPY to be holding this bird. He was even careful not to squeeze too tight.

The funniest part is that Andy was in the field with camouflage and decoys and everything, hunting doves! With no success. We made Andy come up and see what a dove really looks like in case he never gets any.

Benson was so happy to have caught this little bird. He first asked if he could have it as a pet, after that didn't go off so well, he told Andy that he'd say "pull" and throw the dove into the air so Andy could shoot it. That idea didn't go off very well either, so Benson just laid the bird on the ground. It didn't move for a minute, and then once Casey started coming toward it, it flew away like a happy little bird.

4th of July BONFIRE!!!!

2011-07-11T17:09:00.000-06:00

Wax Paper Wonders

2011-06-05T19:34:00.005-06:00

Earlier today, the Schiffman kids came over to enjoy the tower and slide, but they soon realized that the slide was not very fast. Some of the kids started pulling themselves down the slide by the traction on their shoes. Grandpa Ronald had the idea to go down the slide while sitting on wax paper to help slick up the slide. Well, I decided to try it. See the result for yourself...

Memorial Day Festivities

2011-06-02T11:01:00.000-06:00

Every year for Memorial Day, Darlene and Kenny throw a Memorial Day party for the Hawses at their house. This year it was rainy and cold so we moved the party to Mom and Dad's house where there is lots of room. Darlene had stuff for yummy hoagies and we all brought "pot luck" stuff and it turned out so yummy. After we ate, we just hung out and some of us played Electronic Scrabble.

Danny, Brady, Barrett, Andy, and McKenzie

Natalie, Benson, Casey, Shanna, and Nick playing electronic Scrabble

Tami and Shawnee

Kenny and Wayne

(Drinking the delicious Lemonade that Darlene made)

After dinner the little kids went and played upstairs. The girls all ended up in the toy room with the Grandmas.

(Darlene, Carlee, Sophie, Molly, Jan)

And the boys were shooting the fish with the Nerf guns.

(Connor, Max, Brady, Barrett, Benson)

Then we went down to the cemetery to put flowers on Grandpa Barrett's grave. We tried to have Benson pose by himself but he was such a goof ball.

Tami and Benson by Grandpa's grave.

Unfortunately we weren't able to have the bonfire that we had planned for later that evening because it had rained all day and was so cold so we are still waiting for a perfect time to have the bonfire so we can burn the old playground tower and other random garbage.

Thanks for a fun day! We missed everyone who wasn't able to come!

New Tower

2011-06-01T23:57:00.000-06:00

End Of Day One

End Of Day Two

Goodbye Dear Playground Tower

2011-05-23T14:57:00.002-06:00

So those of you who have been to the Haws home have probably noticed the playground. Many of you grew up playing on it all summer long. My grandparents (Barrett and Marie) had the wise idea to take the lot next to my parents house and make it a playground so some 28 (I'm not sure the date... I'll look it up and report back) years ago they built a tower with a slide and balance beam and swings and sandbox and jiggly bridge (not sure what that is really called) and a tire swing. It was pretty sweet and we all love it. Over the years parts have broken down and been removed (balance beam, swings, tire swing) but the tower and super tall, long slide remained. Several years ago Grandma Marie added some tubes mounted to brackets (like a scope) that you could look though to see the various landmarks around Hooper.

Barrett and Marie by the new playground. (That cute little guy in the blue cap just over Grandpa Barrett's right shoulder is me. Emily is just above Grandma Marie. I am pretty sure the little blond girl is Stalee and JB is on the slide.) Thanks Nat for the pic.

I turn 30 tomorrow and it was a fixture in my childhood as long as I can remember (in fact it the first of my many some concussions happened because I fell from the top of the slide.Well today it came to an end! Unfortunately unprotected wood does not last forever in the Utah environment and it got to the point where it was no longer safe for kids. So today, my Dad took his chain saw and weakened the main columns and pulled the tower down.

The slide (as you can see) is still standing but the tower we all remember is gone.

I'm sure that some of us are saddened by this loss. I wish my Barrett would have gotten a chance to enjoy it, but at the same time I am not sure I would have let him up there with the rotten wood like it was.

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Haws for giving us such a wonderful place to grow and develop.

Dear Cory....

2011-03-14T13:51:00.001-06:00

Stretch misses you!

Christmas Drawing

2010-11-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

$20 limit.

From NameDrawing.com:

Emily BUYS FOR Danny.

Johnny BUYS FOR Cory.

Brady BUYS FOR Shanna.

Shawnee BUYS FOR Casey.

Cory BUYS FOR Emily.

Tami BUYS FOR Brady.

Nick BUYS FOR Andy.

Natalie BUYS FOR Nick.

Casey BUYS FOR Johnny.

Andy BUYS FOR Tami.

McKenzie BUYS FOR Natalie.

Danny BUYS FOR McKenzie.

Shanna BUYS FOR Shawnee.

We excluded the parents and the kids... No one is expected to get the kids a gift. Everyone is expected to give the parents a gift.

Johnny and Emily will have their gifts sent here by Christmas. If you have Johnny or Emily, you can have your gift shipped there or you can mail it. Cory should be here for Christmas??? if not, then the same thing goes for Cory. Shipping should be included in the $20 limit.

For Shawnee

2010-10-06T20:05:00.005-06:00

we come to you when our bones are creaky
or when our joints and our knees get squeaky
you fix us up and give great advice
and you are always so sweet and nice
but we want you to know that to us you are more
than a doctor to fix us and help when we're sore
you're our sister, our auntie, and best, you're our friend
who is funny and sweet, and true to the end
on this birthday we hope that you've been super happy
and that you got something to wear that is snappy
we hope baby Barrett was wiggling like crazy
and that Brady just let you sit down and be lazy
we hope all your wishes and dreams will come true
and we hope you know, Shawnee, just how much we love you!

Happy Birthday Shawnee!!

Gramma Jannie

2010-06-15T16:55:00.004-06:00

I'd like to introduce you to the best Grandma in the whole world...

Grandma Jannie!

Missing you...

2010-03-06T14:48:00.002-07:00

Does anyone else miss these people?

Quite Possibly....

2010-03-04T15:20:00.001-07:00

The funniest moment in Haws family history...

Anybody remember?

It's official...

2010-02-07T20:14:00.002-07:00

They're engaged!

Javier's

2010-02-07T19:53:00.004-07:00

We had so much fun last night at dinner and I wanted to post our picture from Javier's. We got as many as our siblings together last night as we could for dinner and we went to Javier's. The food was super yummy and the company was even better.

Movie Night!

2010-02-07T18:33:00.004-07:00

So, Emily and Shawnee went to "Time out for Women" on Friday night so we decided to have a "Movie Night" at Mom and Dad's house. Casey borrowed a projector and we projected some movies on the wall in the big room. Zack and Lila were thrilled with watching TMNT because Zack is totally into "'inja Turtles." Nat made popcorn and Mom made carmel popcorn and we had such a fun night hanging out together. After the kids went to bed, the adults watched "Eagle Eye" and after that Danny, Wayne, and Nick watched "Transformers 2" until 3 am. It was such a fun night and was so fun to just hang out with family. We missed our family members who weren't there.

Here are the popcorn makers.

We spread out blankets and rearranged the couches.

Brady hadn't sat down by the time I started taking pictures but I wanted to document that he was there.

Dan and Shan hanging out (This is their last night of not being engaged.)

Here's the group. Notice that Zack and Lila are completely sucked into the show but Abby's bouncing and running around everywhere...that's how it was the whole night.

I noticed that even though I tried hard to get everyone in the picture who was there, I failed to get a picture of me (Tami) in any pictures, but I was really there!!! I didn't get any of Andy either. I'm not sure what he was doing...probably playing with his new 4-wheeler.

More "like father, like son"

2009-10-20T14:02:00.003-06:00

The latest obsession at the Haws Household.

Yesterday they seriously considered golfing in a hurricane, that's how dedicated they are!

Like Father Like Son

2009-10-15T21:49:00.003-06:00

I think the pictures say it all.

When PEACH was cool...

2009-10-12T18:19:00.004-06:00

Here's to Jan and Wayne and 31 years together.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!!

p.s. Dad, thanks for sharing her with us for the last few weeks.

Camping Craft

2009-08-04T11:41:00.003-06:00

Two things....

1. Is everyone going camping this weekend to Star Valley?

2. Do any of the girls want to do a craft there (like we used to do at girl's camp)? If any of you have ideas of a craft you want to do, let's for sure do it!

Happy 24th Natalie!

2009-07-26T17:21:00.005-06:00

Today is Natalie's 24th Birthday and because of that I want to write a little something to wish her happy birthday.

You're an awesome photographer!!!You are so glamourous!!! I have always tried to be as "stylish" as you but I feel like I never can quite get it right... (Notice that most of these pictures are from our cruise and you are wearing that blue sweater in pretty much all of the pictures...oh well!)

I love that you and Casey are such good friends with Nick and I. (I don't think we could have had as much fun on that cruise with anyone else.)

You are my best friend and always have been. I remember when we were younger we would try and match so that we could look like twins. Even though we really look a lot different there will always be a select few that "can't tell us apart." (As if we were really twins or something? Weird.)

You will always give your opinion on things....

You are seriously one of the best moms I have ever seen. I mean that too, with all sincerity. I am so in love with Benson and I know that he is such a good kid because of you and how you teach him.
You are such a good wife and are always trying to do nice things for Casey. The two of you really were made for eachother and there's nothing better than being with your best friend FOREVER!
You're an awsome sister...And an even better friend!

I hope you have a very Happy Birthday today! I love ya, sis!

Love, Tam

Kokanee

2009-07-20T15:30:00.007-06:00

This post is for all those who haven't seen Cory's new puppy, Kokanee. Cory wanted me to post some pictures of her, so here they are. She is the cutest little thing!!!

The Goldwing

2009-07-13T12:39:00.004-06:00

Tam wanted me to post these pictures so Danny could see them. This was the last day Wayne had his Goldwing. It was fun while he had it.

Ribbet

2009-06-29T08:35:00.006-06:00

Well yesterday we had a fun time just hanging out at Mom and Dad's house. Here are some of the fun things we did...

Ronola gave Mom this stroller and Benson has been infatuated with it ever since. Whenever he sees it he says "stoller" and runs and climbs into it. Funny boy. We had it outside and he decided he needed to sit in it I guess.
We had ice cream. Casey and Nat are enjoying theirs. Casey and Benson both had playdough flavored and Nat had Brownies on the Moon.

Here is Nick and I with our yummy yummy Brownies on the Moon ice cream. (Oh, I could go for some of that right about now...)

Benson loved his tiny ice cream cone. It got everywhere but he enjoyed it.

This picture was actually from Saturday night. I went to the West Haven Days Fireworks with Nat, Casey, and Benson. Benson was so funny with the fireworks. He wasn't sure about them at first and then he started whining and crying and kept wanting to get passed around to everyone.

And of course at West Haven Days he had to get a flag. (Check out the sweet shades.)

And last night was so funny. I actually tried uploading a video but I literally tried for 4 hours and it wouldn't upload so I gave up. You just get pictures.

Nick found a toad by Mom and Dad's hot tub so he decided he needed to show Benson. Bens was so funny. He was screaming and laughing and almost crying all at once. I'm sure he didn't know how to respond. He touched it and then he was done with it.

When we asked Benson what it was he said "fog" and we asked him what it says and he said "wibbet wibbet." I hope I can get the video to load eventually but if not, oh well.

Fathers Day

2009-06-22T16:17:00.003-06:00

Well, i was going to post a happy fathers day post, but then Tami sent me this. It was so great that i decided to put this instead of my own thing. Isn´t our dad really just the greatest? I love you dad! Happy Fathers Day
Love Elder Haws

"As you probably are very well aware, today is Father's Day.
Don't you think that we have the best dad in the whole world? I really think we lucked out with Dad. He's such a funny, caring, nice guy and I don't think we could have done any better if we tried to hand pick him ourselves. Today as we were just kind of hanging out at mom's we decided to walk down to visit Grandma Marie and we (Cory, Jan, Wayne, Andy, Muck, Nick, Grandma, and I) were all just sitting there visiting and I couldn't help it thinking of what a good Dad we have. I feel like he is my friend as well as my dad and I think that he has that relationship with all of us. He's really the best.
Working at Mountain Alarm has been fun because I get to see mom and dad a lot and I get to eat lunch with them. Well Dad said to me the other day as the three of us were sitting together eating lunch "Can you imagine if you were the only child we had and it was just the three of us all the time?" It has been the three of us a lot lately and you might imagine that it could be a little awkward but it really isn't. We have the best parents in the whole world! I'm so grateful for them, as I'm sure you are too!
Can you imagine if we didn't have brothers and sisters and it really was just you or just me and no siblings? What a sad life that would be. Dad mentioned that if they only had one kid that kid would have to make friends outside of family. That's such a weird concept for me. I thought about that really hard and I don't know what I would have done becuase my friends are my brothers and sisters as well as Nick's brothers and sisters. It would be sad if we didn't have any of you guys. You guys really are my best friends, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
That's dorky, and I'm not sure why I started writing all of that but once I started typing it I felt like I shouldn't stop so I kept going and now that I have it all typed out it seems stupid to just delete it so you're getting it..."

Dad and Bob

2009-05-26T19:03:00.004-06:00

Someone in Hooper got a purple heart on Memorial Day and Senator Bob Bennett was there. (When I saw this picture I had flashbacks to the time when Ronald Reagan visited the good old Hooper Park.) Mom even got in on the action!

Pictures

2009-05-11T08:56:00.007-06:00

Mine & Andy's photographer posted some pictures she took at the reception on her blog, and I thought you all might want to see.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT HER BLOG

Benson meets Danny.... again

2009-04-21T09:45:00.004-06:00

Dad got a new plotter (really big printer) at work, so he has been bringing home random HUGE pictures. Some pircures he's brought home have included: a hawk, Benson, landscape, and a couple of HUGE Dannys.

When we went over to Mom and Dad's, we showed Benson pictures of Danny and he gave him hugs...

And "high 5"

Whenever we ask Benson where Danny is, he always says "buh-bye". Even now, as I'm posting, he is saying it over and over again.

And the winner is....

2009-04-08T10:53:00.003-06:00

Andy Haws (77); (I know, I couldn't believe it either ;) )
Shawnee Haws (74);
Casey Dalpias (71);
Brady Haws (69);
Natalie Dalpias (51);
Tami Jones (48);
Nicholas Jones (45);
Emily Russ (42);
McKenzie Hart (38);
Johnny Russ (144); Johnny had a bit of a late start due to the fact that he thought the brackets were broken because Florida didn't make it. So we are discounting his score...

This was fun, maybe next year we will have to actually have a prize for the winner!

The final bracket update before the winner is decided after April 6th!

2009-03-30T12:07:00.004-06:00

Shawnee (74)
Casey (71)
Utahman24 (69)
MEH (61)
Nat's Bracket (51)
Tam (48)
Crapshack (45)
EmRuss (42)
Muck (38)

These are the names of everyones brackets, so if you can't figure out whos is whos, you don't need to know. :)

MARCH MADNESS: Scores at the end of round 2!!

2009-03-23T09:27:00.004-06:00

Shawnee 50
Natalie 47
Casey 47
Brady 45
Emily 38
Andy 41
Mckenzie 34
Tami 32
Nick 29
Johnny 0 (I forgot to mention last time that Johnny did not fill out a bracket because he was sure the bracket was broken because Florida did not even make it to the tournament. Florida won the tournemnt in 2006 and 2007 and this year didn't even make it. I can see why he is sad. In Johnny's own woefull words "it is tough going from hero to zero in just 2 years")

This is a crazy tight tournament. Remember, for those of you that are a little behind, the scoring goes up every round, so you could easily bounce back.

March Madness Update

2009-03-20T09:27:00.005-06:00

Just thought I would give you a point update on the crazy march madness tournament.
After day 1-
Shawnee 15
Brady 15
Emily 14 (she cheated)
Natalie 13
Casey 13
Andy 12
Nick 12
Tami 10
Mckenzie 10

Here's how it's all scored-
1st round 1point
2nd round 2points
3rd round 4points
4th round 8points
5th round 16points
Final 32points

Random Craft/LAN Party

2009-02-18T08:31:00.003-07:00

Shanna came over on Sunday to hang out with the girls, and she brought her crochet hook and yarn to finish making a scarf she had started on. Her craftiness made all of us girls want to be crafty too, so we all started crocheting our own hats. Natalie made a hat for Benson. Tami made a hat for Nick, and I made a hat for myself.

And since the girls were crafting......the boys decided to LAN party. None of this was planned, but it turned out to be a very fun, unplanned craft/LAN party!

Happy Birthday to Shanna!

2009-02-04T18:33:00.004-07:00

Shanna,
I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday today.
I want you to know how much I love having you as part of our family...(unofficially).
You fit in so good and you feel like my real sister!
I miss spending time with you since you're in Logan all the time (and since Danny's gone), but I know we'll spend more time together someday soon.

Thanks for also being my friend, and one of my best friends at that!
Sure love ya Shan!
Happy Birthday!
Tam

P.S. I tried to load some pictures on here but for some reason it wouldn't let me. Sorry. I have tried multiple times but keeps not working. I will try again later.

The Sky's the Limit

2009-01-30T17:33:00.010-07:00

Andy was supposed to start flight school last week, but the weather was not cooperating with him, and then he was supposed to fly earlier this week and it was too foggy. So needless to say, this day was a very exciting day for Andy. All of his waiting has paid off because at this very moment, Andy is flying! I was able to go take pictures of him before he took off so enjoy the pictures!

Andy, I am so proud of you for pursuing your dream!

(I tried to get a picture of him actually taking off, but I could never tell which plane he was in, but I did a get a picture of someone else taking off--WHOOPS!)

Brittany's Baby Shower

2009-01-25T21:19:00.003-07:00

So, some of you may have heard that Brittany had her baby on Friday. I don't know details but I know she had a little boy and I heard that he weighs something like 8 pounds and that the baby and Brittany are doing well. Last I heard he was going to be named Blake, but we'll have to wait to see what Brittany tells us. Anyway, I took these pictures at her baby shower last week and I thought I would just post them.

Sherri, Jesslyn, and Amber

The pregnant Brittany

Judi left before Hillary got there and before I got my camera out, but here are some pictures of our childhood friends minus Judi. (and grown-up friends too, I guess.)

Amberly, Hillary, Natalie, Brittany, and Brooke

And last but not least, this is a blanket that I made for Brittany. If you can't tell, it's a rag quilt and it is the first rag quilt I've made and it was relatively easy. Hope you liked it, Britt.

Christmas Pictures (in no particular order)

2008-12-28T23:36:00.008-07:00

So I have tons of pictures from this past week with Christmas and all and I thought I would just share them with you all. The first couple are from today but the rest are pretty much from Christmas Day. Enjoy!Benson drumming away. I took this one for Danny (aka Elder Haws).

This is Nick today. Brady gave Nick this suit and I thought it looked fancy on him. He was shoveling the driveway when we got home. Thanks for the suit Brade!

Our "official" 2008 Christmas photo.

Mom's gifts to open Christmas morning. She also got a dishwasher a couple days prior to Christmas. (Santa is very self-less.)

Andy and Cory's piles.

Dad's chair surrounded in gifts.

Nick and Tami's piles. Nick really spoiled me this year, like always.

This is what it looked like after Santa left. Looks nice and clean!

So those of you who live in the area know that we got tons of snow on Christmas night. It was so bad that McKenzie's parents told her not to even try to drive home, and Nat and Casey didn't want to deal with driving in the snow and stuff, so we all had a "sleepover" at Mom and Dad's. Nick and I drove down the street and got our air mattress and then we pulled out some mattresses for Nat & Casey and also for McKenzie. Andy just slept on the couch. It was actually really fun. We watched "Head Over Heels" and then fell asleep!

What would the sleepover be without balloon animals made by Casey? Nick is sporting his super cool crown or hat that Casey made him.

Shanna was talking to Danny. (She doesn't look happy does she?)

Dad sporting his new basketball shoes that Nat & I (and our spouses) got for him.

Shawnee & Brady

Ronola

Shanna and Cory

Nick and Tami

Casey, Nat, & Cory

McKenzie and Andy

Mom went crazy with making quilts for everyone. These are the ones she made for Andy & Cory. Nick says this was a "Quilted Christmas."

Dad with his hot air balloon quilt that Mom made him. (I used this one at our sleepover and it was FABULOUS!!!)

Emily, Nat, and I secretly surprised Mom with making a quilt with some fabric that she used to sew things when we were little. I'm pretty sure she liked it. She started crying when we asked her what the fabric was from. Big hit I think.

Okay this is my favorite picture and this is why I saved it for last. I am posting this mostly for Danny but I thought I would let you all see how much weight Dad has lost. He fits into Danny's leather jacket that Danny wore right before he went on his mission. Dad, that's amazing. We're all proud of you for losing that much weight!

Anyway, we really had a fun Christmas and it was fun to be able to talk to each of you (my family members) on Christmas. I am really grateful for each of you and for all that you've done for Nick and I. We love you all so much!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2008-12-22T14:42:00.006-07:00

Well, it was 5 days before Christmas, and there were still no Christmas lights on the Haws house! Everyone thought someone else would put them up eventually, but that someone is in Costa Rica. Ya, that's right. I am talking about Danny. Tami & I decided that if Danny were here, he would have gotten the job done a long time ago, so we finally put on our warm clothes and put up the Christmas lights. It was freezing and snowing outside, but we still went out, and now that it's done, it's truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!! Here are just a few pictures of our Christmas light fun!

Christmas lights during the day.

Christmas lights at night.

Tami & I found it funny that the two people who don't even live at the Haws house were putting up the christmas lights, but we definitely had fun together!

This is the blow up penguin that Jan got this year. (By the way, Benson is very afraid of it). Tami & I had to take a picture by it in memory of Danny. So, Danny, we hope you like it! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!

LAN Party/ Craft Night???

2008-12-10T09:36:00.005-07:00

I know that there is a lot going on around this time of year, but I was hoping that maybe we could squeeze another craft night in sometime. I don't know if someone has an idea of a Christmas craft to do, or if you guys even want to do it.

Here are some cute ideas I saw from a girl we know who does vinyl lettering. Her blog is: http://chelseys-simpleexpressions.blogspot.com/

We don't have to do these crafts at all, if someone has a different idea, we can do that. My house just really needs something festive!

This one is to hang stockings from. Since I don't have a mantle, I don't have anywhere to hang my stockings. It could say whatever you want. I've seen some that say "And the stockings were hung..."

We Are Finally Engaged!

2008-11-28T12:10:00.004-07:00

I already made a post about our engagement on my Hart Family Blog, but I thought I should post it here too. Andy popped the question this morning when we went Christmas tree hunting. (I had no idea! It was a complete surprise!) We have decided to get married on May 2, 2009. We have also set up a wedding blog that you are all welcome to visit. You can check it out HERE!

Daddy Daughter Date

2008-11-25T06:51:00.005-07:00

So for Dad's birthday tNatali had a great idea to take Dad on a Daddy Daughter Date.
Since Dad has lost a lot of weight, we started off the night by giving him some new clothes that fit (also Nat's idea) and then we went to dinner at Applebees. Our waitress was a girl named Heidi.
After dinner we went shopping and met a very nice lady named Pam. She was the most helpful person I have seen for a very long time. After a fun time shopping, we went to Farr's Ice Cream and got ice cream cones. I splurged and got Brownies on the Moon, Dad got Banana Nut, and Nat and Emily both got some cherry chocolate chip ice cream that had a fancy name. (Sorry I can't remember what it was called.) Then after ice cream, we didn't want to go home yet so we drove around Hooper and talked for a while.
It was such a fun night. I forgot how much fun it is to get together like this. We had really good conversations, nobody said anything negative, and we just really enjoyed each other's company. Natalie said we should do this every year. I'm all for it, but we'll see what happens.
Anyway, Happy Birthday Dad! You really are the greatest dad. I wouldn't trade for anything. I love you so much! I had lots of fun on our DDD!
Love,
your sweetie pie,
TamiP.S. Did you know it's no longer Dan Dan the Maytag Man? I didn't know this until I got the camera out to take a picture and I said something about Dan the Maytag man and I was quickly corrected. Oh well. This picture reminds me of when we went on our trip to San Fransisco and Dad stood by the Six Flags guy.

Happy Birthdaween!!!

2008-10-28T16:14:00.010-06:00

As was previosly mentioned we celebrated Dad's birthday this past Sunday. We also carved pumpkins. Everyones pumpkins turned out very well. Here is what everyone carved:

Tami - Jim Halpert and "Jones"

Nick - Dwight Schrute

Casey - Mario

Natalie - A cute face

Benson - "The Classic" (two triangle eyes and a mouth)

Becca - Elmo

McKenzie - Tux (the Linux Penguin)

Andy - The Earth

Here are some pictures I took. I will put them all on my MobileMe Gallery soon (they may be there so you should check). Enjoy!

Everyone cleaning their pumpkins

Casey Carving Mario (his arm was moving at the same frequency as my shutter)

Natalie teaching Benson knife safety

Benson helping and having a good time

Benson cleaning his first pumpkin

Benson again (admit it... he was the cutest one there)

McKenzie is apparently going to be a Chinawoman for Halloween

Benson with his first pumpkin and his first mom

Tami carving Jim Halpert (so if Tami has a crush on Jim and she carved him into a pumpkin, does that mean Nick has a crush on Dwight Schrute)

Everyone hard at work (Becca was sitting on the couch trying to figure out what to carve)

Andy is ambitious. He is carving the entire world on his pumpkin!!

Everyone and their finished pumpkins

Just the pumpkins

Cory and his budy "Stretch"

The birthday cake part 1 (Dad blew out the candles before we finished singing so I didn't get an action shot.)

The birthday cake part 2 (After Grandma and Granpa Barker got there Dad blew out the "55" candles again)

HAPPY BIRTHDAYWEEN DAD!!

Happy Halloween & Birthday

2008-10-23T07:19:00.004-06:00

Well, I will make this official...

For those of you that don't know, Dad's birthday is on Monday the 27th.
So, we are going to celebrate Dad's birthday on Sunday (the 26th) at Mom and Dad's house. Mom said she will make soup, but everybody try to bring something to help with the dinner if you can. We are also going to continue our annual tradition of carve pumpkins. But... if you would like to carve pumpkins, you will need to bring your own this year. I know, sounds like a pain, but can you imagine getting them for everyone...
Any questions?? Call mom for details. We will start around 5 or so maybe??? Ask mom for sure.
Love y'all.This was last year... sorry Dano. We'll miss you this year.

Deer Hunting

2008-10-22T17:46:00.008-06:00

Well, the boys didn't get a deer, but we had a lot of fun just hanging out! Maybe they will have better luck this next week. Here are just a few pictures of the fun times we all had!

Hanging out by the campfire

Natalie & Casey.
Right before this picture was taken we saw about eight does (Well the boys saw eight, but us girls only saw three). Just seeing the deer that close is exciting!

Benson fell down--A LOT! This is just one of the many times.

Andy & I hiked the hill above our camp. (You can see Casey's parents trailer to the left of me).

Benson, Natalie, & Casey

Andy & Benson

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2008-10-12T14:09:00.005-06:00

For those of you who aren't aware... today is Mom and Dad's 30th Wedding Anniversary.
Mom and Dad, I just want you to know how much I love you and look up to you. You are the best parents anyone could ever ask for, and I am so lucky to have you as parents. You are great examples and I really hope that I can be a good parent someday like you. Thanks not only for being my parents but for being some of my best friends.
I love you guys, and Congratulations on your 30th Wedding Anniversary!!!
Love, Tam & Nick

Craft Night Update

2008-10-10T10:38:00.004-06:00

If it's ok with everyone, I think we will wait for Emily and Johnny to get here for our craft night/ LAN party.

I hope everyone is ok with doing those watches. Unless I hear otherwise, I will just plan on one watch face for each of you, in the pearl color (like mine and Shawnee's). If you want different colors, let me know and I can order them for you on the same order so we don't have to pay more for shipping. This is the website I ordered from, if you want to choose something different. http://www.ewatchwholesale.com/products.asp?cat=74

Also, I have figured out the total cost a little better:
Each watch face will be $6.30
Each watch band to make will be about $.75 (that's without beads).
I have enough stuff for about 50 watch bands total, so I think it is safe to say that everyone can make multiple watch bands if you want.

If you want to get your beads on your own, that's great. If not, we can all go shopping together someday and get our beads together.

Sorry to be so redundant. I know I've already talked to some of you about this, but I just wanted to make sure everyone is on the same page.

My new roomate

2008-10-06T14:22:00.005-06:00

This is weird... me blogging... ewe gross! I must be turning into a girl. But anyway, McKenzie told me I should blog what happened last night. So I was sitting on my bed reading a cookbook about how to cook ducks and geese (I really must be turning into a girl). I saw something move out of the corner of my eye but when I looked I couldn't see anything. I shrugged it off, but then it happened again, but still nothing. A little bit later I got up to go to the bathroom. I saw it again so I took a closer look and this it what I found. (Sorry the pictures suck!)

A FROG!!!!!

I found a plastic bottle in the garbage so I cut it in half and put him outside in the flower bed.

So there it is... my first blog post. Now excuse me while I go throw up! If I was a real man I would have just eaten it! Bear Grills would have!

Craft Night/ LAN Party

2008-10-06T12:34:00.004-06:00

We, here at my house, have been wondering when we are going to do our next craft night/ lan party.

I have some suggestions:

1. We could possibly start doing them at different people's houses, so we don't have to go to Mom & Dad's every time.

2. I would like to make something different than wood to hang on my wall or door. (Although I really love all of the things we've made)... Did you all see the watch I have with different beaded watch bands? I made one for Shawnee's birthday. Anyway, I think that might be really fun. My sister-in-law, Candace, makes them and sells them (that picture is some she made). They are so CUTE! (at least I think so)... They are really easy to make and would only cost about $5 for each watch face and about $3.00 for each watch band we made. We could all pick out our own beads so they would be exactly what we wanted. This place, Bumble Design sells them for over $16 per watch face and $27 for each watch band (see http://www.bumblesdesign.com/), so even if this craft ends up being over our $10 limit, it might be worth it.

Also, using the same watch face, you can make these really cute ribbon watches. They are SOOO easy to make and would probably cost less than $2.00 for each watch band we wanted to make. Once again, everyone could pick out their own ribbon to make their watch bands unique!
3. Casey just got a new graphics card (or something like that) and he really wants to play!

4. We could wait until Emily gets here in November to do it and maybe carve pumpkins in October, or we could do one in October and then again when Emily gets here, cause I'm pretty sure she'll want to participate.

Anyway, post a comment letting us know what you think. The only thing we, (the Dalpias clan) have to work around for October is the deer hunt from the 18th-26th.

Prize in the Fanny Pack!

2008-10-04T16:40:00.005-06:00

Wayne was not joking when he said there was a prize in the fanny pack!

So now Andy is 100 bucks richer! (Not really! Andy gave the money back to Wayne).

Hiking

2008-10-04T16:33:00.006-06:00

For those of you who don't know, I am doing this assignment for my class where I have to take 60,000 steps or walk/run approximately 33 miles a week. If I reach my goal for three weeks in a row, Andy has agreed to give me 15 dollars (I know that's not very much money, but I originally asked him to give me 5 bucks a week, so I have to stick with it. I should have asked for more!). For some, this may be easy to walk 10,000 steps a day, but there have many nights where I have been up late walking/running on my treadmill to get my steps in. It's been pretty hard. Andy has kind of gotten himself trapped in this whole situation because he has become my official walking partner. At first he really hated going for a walk, but he is really starting to warm up to going on walks.

Anyway, Andy decided to go for a hike yesterday for fun and to help me get my steps in. We went to the famous Waterfall Canyon trail that starts at the end of 29th street in Ogden. The hike was so pretty because the trees are changing colors! (I am pretty sure that Fall is my favorite season because of the amazing colors.) When we got to the end of the trail, there was very little water. We only found the little waterfall that can be seen in the pictures below. Even though we didn't get to see a good waterfall, we had so much fun.

Thanks Andy, for being so helpful with my assignment and taking me on a great hike!

The HUGE(wink wink) waterfall we saw!

Andy playing in the water.

Andy & I in front of the pink tree (as Andy called it).

Me on the trail.

The view!

Pickin' up Sticks

2008-09-18T21:01:00.007-06:00

So I guess we made it sound like we cut the WHOLE tree down but we didn't. We only cut the west 1/2 of the tree down because it was dead. Mom is hopeful that the tree will grow back at least a little, but I'm pretty sure that it won't. Anyway, we finished up the whole clean up process on Monday night for family night. Here's who was there: Wayne, Jan, Cory, Becca, Tami, Natalie, Casey, Benson, and Andy. (Ronola and McKenzie came later and ate dinner with us all.)

Benson and Grandpa Otis
Loadin' up the trailer to haul it in the field to dump it.
Big Boy Benson standing up. He's been walking around like crazy!
This is the finished product. (Johnny this is for you.) Don't be disappointed that there wasn't much more destruction to the tree... sorry I explained it wrong.
The girls raking. Tami, Becca, Natalie, Mom

Dad put a fanny pack at the top of one of the trees. He says there's a reward for whoever gets it.
This was a hard picture to get. I had to walk over in front of the King's house to get the house and the tree in one picture.
When Dad was cutting down some of the big branches, one of them hit the slide and dented it. He fixed it though.
Nat, Becca, Tami
Dad and Benson again.
This is the only picture I have of the slide after Dad and Cory and fixed it. They did something else to it after this picture.
Pickin' up sticks again.
Cory made this little cat house for Becca's cat Panda. I thought it was so cute so I thought I'd let you all see it.
Benson and Grandma Jannie

Cutting Down JB's Tree

2008-09-14T22:35:00.002-06:00

Hey Everybody! Nick just posted videos on our blog of Dad cutting down JB's tree. Go check it out. We hope you enjoy the videos. Also, I didn't realize when I was taking the videos that you can't rotate videos like you can pictures, so you're going to have to tilt your head. I know, I'm as annoyed as you are, but they are really cool, so I'm sorry I messed up. I'll know next time that you can't tilt the camera for videos. Here are some pictures too. Our battery died before we were all done, so I don't have an after picture, but I'll take some tomorrow when we go to play "Pick Up Sticks" for Family Home Evening.
Oh yeah, I wanted to tell you guys what happened too. After Dad cut down the branches and stuff, George Penrod came over with his back-hoe with some forks on the front of it and he totally helped us move all the huge branches. He helped us for a good 2 hours or so and then we all had to leave to go different places or George would have kept helping us! George, I know you'll probably never see this blog, but if you do, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You have no idea how much time, energy, and effort you saved us. We really appreciate you as our neighbor!

Girls night!

2008-09-10T18:08:00.004-06:00

So I don't know if mom will care but I thought I would post what she's planning for Priesthood night while the boys are gone to their meeting. I think it's totally cute and will be a cute fall decoration! She'll probably just cut out one for each of us unless we tell her otherwise. Anyway, that's all. I hope that all you fellow Haws crafting girls can all come.

Happy Birthday, Andy!

2008-09-08T16:02:00.006-06:00

Happy Birthday Andy! Sorry this is such a late post. I just wanted to let you know that I am so happy you are in my life. You are constantly making me laugh (even when I don't want to)! You are a great person & I hope you know that you can do anything you put your mind to. I have really enjoyed these past four years with you! I hope you had an awesome birthday. I sure had fun laser tagging (and I hope the rest of you who were able to come had fun too)! Love you! Happy (late) Birthday!

Happy Birthday Cory!

2008-09-03T21:57:00.003-06:00

Cory, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday! I remember playing when we were little and I was always so fond of you. You were always one of my best friends, and I still consider you one of my best friends. You are a great brother and I love you very much.
I hope today was a good day for you and that you had a good birthday!
I love you Cor!
Tami
These two pictures were from Cory's birthday party. They are the best ones I have. Mom and Dad gave Cory some climbing stuff. The picture above is Cory playing with a rope he got. The bottom picture is the after of the birthday cake. The camera didn't take it fast enough so Cory had to fake it for the picture...
Happy Birthday Cory!

By far my favorite performance in the olympics.

2008-08-22T09:30:00.003-06:00

Crazy Cool Campout

2008-08-19T14:49:00.006-06:00

I know Tami already made a post on her & Nick's blog about our Crazy Cool Campout, but I had a few more pictures I wanted to add. You can see her post HERE. Thanks everyone for all the fun!

The Campers

McKenzie & Andy

Tami & Nick

Casey, Natalie, & Benson

Crazy Cool Campout: You're invited

2008-08-12T16:56:00.002-06:00

Crazy cool Campout
Who: All Available Haws Family Members
Where: North Fork Campground

6413 N. North Fork Road Eden, UT 84310
When: Friday August 15th- Saturday August 16th
Time: We will leave once the majority of the people are off work
(some people can leave earlier than everyone else if they get off work early)
Why: For Fantastical Fun!!!!
AGENDA:
Friday the 15th- Dinner: Hot Dogs, Chips, Soda, Smores (Tami)
Saturday the 16th- Breakfast: Pancakes, Bacon, Eggs (Natalie)
Lunch: Sandwiches, Chips, etc. (Tami)
McKenzie and Andy: Chips and Drinks

Fun during the day- Geocaching, Playing in the river, Games, Croquet, Bocce ball, Nature treasure hunt, Horseballs, Hiking, Shoot guns, etc.
B.Y.O.C.A.T.AG.
(Bring your own Chair and Treats and Games)
THE ONLY RULE: NO USE OF MEDIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(unless it is being used for a group event or to block snoring of fellow "tentants")

Hooper

2008-08-07T14:47:00.003-06:00

My brother-in-law saw this article. Thought y'all might like it! (mom, click in the blue words to get to the article!!)

Every Guys Dream!

2008-08-05T16:37:00.004-06:00

What more would any guy want than to play the classic game of Dream Phone? Well, Andy & Nick were a little hesitant to play with Tami & I, but we talked them into it. As most of you probably know, when calling a number of a boy, there is the chance that they will only answer with, "I know who it is, but I'm not telling. Ha ha." Well, even if you call that same number more than once, you will always hear the same message. Poor Nick thought that the boy didn't answer so he called the same number twice! Needless to say, Nick didn't win. The high pitch screams of the winner did not come from neither Tami or I, but Andy! That's right. Andy beat us all at Dream Phone!

"Dude! That Sounds Broken!"

2008-08-04T20:34:00.007-06:00

Monday night, we were about to play a game when Nick suddenly yells, "Dude! That sounds broken!" We all turn to see Nick pulling out his cell phone, and, yep, you guessed it, he broke it by rolling over on it! We all started laughing so hard. Lucky for Nick, Cory is, evidently, really good at putting cell phones back together, and now it works just fine.

Happy Late Birthday, Nat

2008-08-03T14:04:00.006-06:00

I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday, Natalie. I know it's more than a week late, but I didn't get a chance to post a happy birthday to you. Thank you for being my best friend as we've grown up together. Altough you're younger than me, I have always looked up to you and I still want to be just like you. I hope your birthday was great this year and I hope you are happy! I love you, Happy (Late) Birthday!

Here's a few reasons why I love you:

No matter how hard either of us try, we always have something the same...

You are an excellent photographer!

You're not only my friend, you're also Nick's! (Yay!)

You're a lovely wife!

You're so cute with Benson!

You're just so darn cute!

You're so fun!

You have great fashion!

You're a fun part of our family.

You have one of the cutest babies in the whole wide world!
Happy Birthday!

Craft/LAN Night

2008-07-23T12:46:00.003-06:00

Hey July is almost over.... and we still haven't had a party. So since no one else is taking the initiative I will. When should we have the next party. I think July is too far gone to squeeze one in. What about August? I have scout camp the 11th - 15th and we have an open house for Shawnee's grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary on the 16th. I also would prefer not to do it the 8th since I have to ride the ULCER (Utah Lake Century Ride) on the 9th. How about the 22nd or 23? Or the 1st or 2nd? What do you all think?

Lagoon Fireworks

2008-07-06T20:13:00.005-06:00

Danny, this is Wayne. (I used Tami's blog)

Here are some fireworks for you.

Enjoy.

4th of July Pictures

2008-07-06T19:51:00.003-06:00

Everyone, I made a new post about our fourth of July fun, but when I was all done and Dad was asking me about it, I realized that I had posted it on my personal blog. No harm done, just go check it out. Sorry! nickandtami.blogspot.com

2008-06-30T15:15:00.003-06:00

Brady told me to blog this, sorry Mom.

Hey Everyone,

In conjunction with the "Greater Haws Family" Reunion and the "Greg Haws Family" Reunion, I am proposing the following for the 4th of July weekend... Possibly even a mini "Wayne Haws Family" Reunion. Please let me know if there should be any changes made to this agenda.

(Brady says we don't need an ajenda cause he likes his freedom and after all, it is "INDEPENDANCE DAY"... but I just thought it would be nice for everyone to know what's going on so we can all participate in whatever we want. If you don't want to do something, you sure don't HAVE to. And if there is something you would like to add, that's fine. We don't have to stick to this, it's just an rough estimate at what will be happening. I just want everyone to be invited to join in on what we're doing. I don't want anyone to feel left out or like they weren't invited. I don't want anyone to feel like they haven't been included in something.)

So, this is what we, the Dalpias Family might be doing. Please join us.

Thursday, 3rd of July:
Swimming in the afternoon... not sure who has the pool, but hopefully it's ok.
7:00 p.m.: Haws family softball game 8:30 p.m.: Hot Dogs and Watermelon @ Greg's9:30 p.m.: Fireworks and creamies @ Greg's
After the fireworks, we will sleep either in Mom & Dad's backyard in our tent or in their basement.

Friday, 4th of July:
7:00 a.m.: Greg's family has invited us to participate in their family fun run (5K). We will either put Benson in the stroller and WALK or in his cart behind a bike. Brady and Dad are planning an early morning bike ride.
Breakfast: Doughnuts Please... :)
10:00 a.m.: Hooper Parade and fun at the park
Afternoon: Swimming and nap time for the babe
Lunch: Mom says everyone is on their own for lunch. We might eat at the park or go to Wendy's or something
Evening: Andy and Brady have promised us a show! We will watch them fly (and maybe crash) their planes.
Dinner: Hamburgers and Hot Dogs in the backyard. I think this is Pot Luck?
9:30 p.m.: Hooper's Fireworks. We might find some more "elaborate" fireworks somewhere else... who knows? We'll go wherever you all go.

Saturday, 5th of July:
Morning: Greg's sons-in-law are having a golf tournament. Dad and Andy (and possibly Casey) will represent our Haws Family.
No other plans for the 5th. Maybe if the planes aren't crashed, we could have another show.
Casey, Natalie, and Benson might go to Logan for our 3rd annual Cache Valley Cruise In" car-show. Anyone who would like to join is welcome.
7:05 p.m.: Salt Lake Bees Game: Greg's Family has invited us to join them in Salt Lake for a Baseball game. The game starts at 7:05 and is $6.50 per person for the grass, $9.50 for reserved seats. I think, but am not sure, that there will be fireworks after the game. We might want to buy tickets sooner rather than later.

Happy June!

2008-06-02T19:07:00.004-06:00

Well, I was just thinking about my schedule and the upcoming busy months and I was wondering if anyone knows if we made plans for Craft/LAN night. I was also wondering if any of you guys are interested in another camping trip like last year.

That's all.

-Tami

Oh and I thought I'd just post this cute picture of Benson. I took this picture at a Soccer game sometime in May.

Happy Happy Birthday...

2008-05-24T22:12:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Brady. It's still officially your birthday in your half of the country, so hopefully you'll forgive me for posting this late... I never was really good at being on time, you know!

I just wanted to wish my little brother a happy birthday. I hope you've had a good day (knowing Shawnee, I'm sure she had something fun planned!) Brade, I want you to know how much I love you. Over the last 27 years you and I have had our share of "disagreements" on things, but we've also been the best of friends. I wish I had a picture of that cute little blonde boy. Man you were adorable (and you knew it!) I see so much of that little boy in my little boy. I only hope that his sisters will love him the way that I love you.

I could go on and on with stories (embarrassing ones) and mushy stuff that would make mom and Tami cry, but I'll keep it simple tonight. I just want to tell you a couple of things. I want you to know how proud I am of you. I know you've always hated that I feel responsible for you and that I always tried (ok, try) to boss you around, but I am so proud of the man you have grown into. I remember trying to teach you to open the doors for girls and when I see the way you treat Shawnee I feel so proud that you're such a good husband (and I totally recognize that the way you treat her has nothing to do with the stuff I tried to teach you in high school!) I also watch you with my kids and know that you're going to be an amazing dad someday. I was talking to our dad today and I think he captured the essence of you... "he's just a little kid in a big kid's body." I love that about you (most of the time!!) :) You're so fun and playful and sweet with my kids and I love watching how much they love you. You're a good kid. You always have had a good heart.

Happy birthday, little brother. I wish I could be there with you to celebrate. I love you more than I can write about in this blog! Know that I've been thinking of you today!

Love, your big sis!

Fun at the Blaze Game!

2008-05-11T20:30:00.007-06:00

Last night, we (Wayne, Jan, Brady, Shawnee, Tami, Nick, Natalie, Casey, Benson, Andy, & Me) went to the Utah Blaze game. We sat three or four rows from the top of the Energy Solutions Arena (formerly known as the Delta Center). It was pretty neat to watch an indoor football team play, but most of the excitement came from the extreme gymnasts, the BMX bikers, the noise makers Nick, Andy, & I found, and, my personal favorite, Jan doing the wave.

Our view of the field.

Our fun group!

Benson cheering on the Blaze!

Tami, Nick, and Andy before the game.

Andy playing with his noise makers.

Brady premeditating his attack on Andy.

The attack.

Jan doing the wave

Oh, and Natalie, if you have any other pictures you would like to add then feel free. Thanks Tami for getting all those free tickets! It was so much fun!

May Craft Night!

2008-05-07T11:27:00.004-06:00

So for this month i thought that we could do this dry erase calender. It has the vinal calender on the back so that you can change the month and days with the dry erase markers. Also, every one will be able to paint their frame in whatever color you choose. I thought that it was way cute, so let me know what every one thinks about. It will cost about nine or ten dollars to complete, and that includes a few markers for each calender. Sorry that the picture isn't that great!

Happy Birthday McKenzie!

2008-04-29T21:38:00.006-06:00

I know it's a little late, and you probably thought that I forgot about you, but...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Nick and I love hanging out with you and Andy all the time!

Good luck with the rest of your finals this week. We can play this weekend to celebrate!

I hope you have had a wonderful birthday today!

Love ya!

Tam

Craft night for May and other stuff

2008-04-28T12:17:00.004-06:00

So.... when's the craft night in May? We could do it Friday the 23rd and then play all night and celebrate my birthday the next day!!! (oh and Nicks) Plus the 26th is memorial day and it would give us all a chance to recover (mostly the guys)? Who is in charge of the craft? Anything else?

My New Digital Scrapbooking Blog!

2008-04-15T09:08:00.004-06:00

For those of you who love digital scrapbooking as much as I do, I have some pretty exciting news. I started my very own digital scrapbooking blog yesterday. You can check it out at kenzidawndesigns.blogspot.com. My blog template is a work in progress, so sorry if it looks terrible. Let me know if you have any suggestions for me. I hope you like it!

Oooh!! I'm modern!

2008-04-06T16:35:00.003-06:00

Okay, so I finally got around to posting these pictures, but for mom's birthday got an ipod and she kept listening to it and when we tried to talk to her, she kept saying "WHAT?" Anyway, then the next day Grandma Nola put them on and was listening to it and she said "Oooh!!! I'm modern!" It was so funny we were practically rolling on the floor laughing!

Craft Update

2008-04-06T12:38:00.003-06:00

Hey girls! I have almost got all of the craft cut out for the upcoming craft, but I thought I'd give you a little bit of info.
After talking to a couple of you, we have decided that we will each have to bring our own paint brushes from now on. We feel that we have ruined many of mom's brushes and although she may say she doesn't care, we should probably use our own. So, for the craft this month, you will need to bring your own paintbrushes (write your name on them if you can so they don't get mixed up). I have paint for this project... just white and yellow, so you won't need to bring paint unless you want to use a different color. Besides brushes, I don't think you'll need to bring anything else. I'm very excited, it will be a fun craft night.
P.S. Boys... you're invited to come too.

Ice Skating

2008-03-26T22:53:00.005-06:00

I know these are super-duper late, but I thought better late than never. Mom and Dad's ward had an ice skating activity at the Ice Sheet, and here are som pictures...

Casey put Benson in the front pack and skated with him.

Here is the Dalpias Family.
Oh Jannie.Greg doing a spin or something.
A good time was had by all.

April 19th Craft Night

2008-03-24T20:53:00.004-06:00

Okay well I'm in charge of craft night this month so this is what I have decided to make this month with permissions from most of you. I need to know how many of these you would like to make. And I need to know if you would like the hearts on the sides of the flowers. I plan on cutting them all out how they are in the picture but you will have to sand them and make them your own. Let me know asap so that I can start cutting them out.

We will have Craft Night April 19th at 6:00 or so.

Missing Dano

2008-03-18T20:13:00.006-06:00

Well as most of you know, Danny left the MTC yesterday and flew to Costa Rica. While he was at the airport he called home and I talked to him for probably 2 or 3 minutes. He seems happy (although his last meal at the MTC was burritos and beans & rice and he said he was hungry.)
I have this little penguin toy sitting by our family picture on my nightstand because the last night we hung out together with Danny, Shanna, Andy, McKenzie, Nick, and Tami we went to Warrens and the penguin toy was in my kids meal. I have had it on my nightstand ever since and it reminds me of Danny.

Because...

2008-03-17T20:01:00.009-06:00

I know it's late (really late) and you probably thought I wasn't going to remember you, but never fear. Puking babies can't stop me from wishing my sister a Happy Birthday!!

Because it's your birthday I decided to list a few of the reasons I love you...

Because you have big, big muscles...

Because you "love big bugs and you can not lie..."

Because you don't get mad at me when I forget to take a VERY important picture of you putting your token in the slot. (P.S. they don't use tokens on the subway anymore!!)

Because you kind of look like me...

Because sometimes you just can't make up your mind...

Because you would NEVER play favorites!

Because you appreciate a good nap...

Because you're a great sister and an amazing friend...

And because you're just so darn cute!

Happy Birthday to my sister and one of my very best friends!
I love you Tami!
Love, Em

Happy Birthday, to my Mom!

2008-03-15T10:53:00.006-06:00

Mom,

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday.

You're one of the most amazing people I know and I feel lucky and blessed that you are my mother! I think that the older I get the more I appreciate you. You're an incredible example to me. I am so grateful that you are not only my mom, but also one of my very best friends! You are so sweet and kind. I love that you are always thinking of people and trying to help them. I've always tried to emulate that about you. I'm sure that I could type a novel here about how much you mean to me. I hope you know... I think, more than anything, you are the kind of mother I want to be to my children.

Thank you for always being there for me to talk, cry, and laugh with me. Thank you for all the millions of socks you folded and bottoms you wiped. For the times you rocked me (even when I was much bigger than you). Thank you for all the meals you made (even the ones I complained about) and for all the nights you stayed up sewing, cleaning, and worrying.

I love you more than I can say... thank you for not only being the best mom, but for being MY mom! Happy Birthday, Jannie, I love you!

Love, Em

Pictures of Our Latest Craft Night

2008-03-14T18:37:00.005-06:00

The Crafters

Emily's blocks (made by Natalie)
Shawnee's blocks

Tami's blocks (that can spell basically anything)

Natalie's blocks

McKenzie's blocks

Shanna's blocks

From Cory

2008-03-11T11:16:00.003-06:00

Cory emailed this to me.... Very funny!!!!

Click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwMbsz6Yj60

Danny's blog

2008-03-05T18:02:00.002-07:00

Don't forget about Danny's blog!!!

I've put some new pictures on there.

Natalie

Update for March Craft Night/LAN Party

2008-02-27T21:15:00.004-07:00

OK,
Let's plan on Saturday, March 22nd at 6:00 for our Craft Night/LAN Party. Does this work for everyone? I'll do my best to keep cost around $10, but with the vinyl it might be a bit more. When you reply to let me know this works for you, also include:

are you good with having your sign say "welcome" or would you like to have it say something else?

what color do you want the vinyl? (I'm thinking cream, but let me know otherwise.)

how many signs are you making? (like, I might make an extra for my mom, etc.)

do we want a "cutesy" font, plain font, or serious font?

If any of you have special paint needs, bring your own colors. I think there are brushes at the Haws house, but you might want to bring some if you have them. I'll probably cut out shapes to do something for Easter (eggs and bunny), something for spring/summer (flowers, bees, ladybug), and maybe for July (stars and flag). I'll do more if I have time to cut them and we can always paint them for another craft night if we run out of time. Let me know if you have questions or if I'm forgetting something!

March Craft Night

2008-02-25T22:14:00.004-07:00

So, I think I'm in charge of March craft night. I was thinking we could make these "welcome" signs like Jan has at the top of the stairs...the one that has different holiday/season things hanging from it. What do you all think? I don't know the price yet, but the originals were about $7 for the "welcome" part and then about $2-3 bucks per item...and I'm pretty sure we can do it for cheaper. Jan recommended that we have vinyl sayings made instead of having to paint the letters, which I agree with; my guess is that would be a couple of bucks. (If you feel this is too pricey, I have a plan B). So, let me know if you want it to say something other than "welcome" and/or if you have a font you'd like, or if you're ok with me choosing for all of us. I was also thinking we could paint a set or two of the holiday/seasons that night and then be able to do these for future craft nights if you wanted. Tell me what you all think. As for a date, the best time for me would be March 22...I could do the 29th with some creative time management, or we could wait until April 5th for when the boys are at priesthood meeting, but I don't know if you have other plans for that night. Let me know what you think!

Missing Danny

2008-02-20T20:25:00.004-07:00

I was looking through pictures tonight and found a few of Danny from his visit here. I thought you might like to see them!

I thought this was sweet. That "scurvy dog" probably read her a hundred stories while he was here.
This one just reminds me of Danny... I can almost hear him being silly when I look at this picture.

Why I'm Obsessed...

2008-02-20T14:54:00.003-07:00

This is a plaque for my great grandpa Joe that is hanging in the Energy Solutions Arena (Delta Center). This would be the reason I am totally obsessed with bowling. And all of you thought it was just some sick obsession...

February Craft

2008-02-14T09:33:00.004-07:00

Hello girls,

So since I am in charge of the craft this month, I was thinking that we could make these little blocks....

We made them in relief society and there were so many different variations that people did with them.
What you do is get your blocks (4x4) and paint them if you want. Then you mod-podge whatever you want on top of it. For mine, I just put pictures on all the sides. Some people put pictures on some sides and then scrapbook paper with little sayings on the other sides. Another idea is to put a different letter on each block, so I might do 6 blocks and put B-E-N-S-O-N on them. You can also do the blocks seasonal if you want to. McKenzie mentioned the idea to do 6 blocks with S-P-R-I-N-G on them.

I think there are so many different things we can do with these, so it might be fun! So if we all decide this is what we want, I would just get the blocks and have them cut, then everyone can bring whatever they want to put on them... If you would like vinyl lettering, I can order that from Jan's neighbor, so I would just need to know what you want it to say and what color and what font. If you want to do pictures, there are 6 sides on each blocks, so you would just need to bring whatever pictures you want (make sure they are NOT glossy!)

Also, they don't take a TON of time, so if you want to do more than one set, that would be perfectly fine. You can do as many blocks as you want. In my calculations, each block should be around $1.00.

Everyone, just let me know what you think and how many blocks you want.
Thanks,
Natalie

background

2008-02-13T10:04:00.002-07:00

I love the new background!!!

Comments to Brady's Post (below)

2008-02-12T17:59:00.002-07:00

I was going to post this as comments but as I was typing it, it got too long so I copy and pasted it into a post. So… if you haven’t read Brady’s post yet, STOP reading right now and go down below and read…then come back up and read my comments:

Brady, what a sweet post you made! I have been having these same feelings lately so it’s sort of coincidental that you posted your post when you did. It has been the greatest blessing for Nick and I to live so close to Mom & Dad's house. I have felt like I have built stronger relationships with ALL of you since we moved there. I agree with Emily and Brady that you guys really are my best friends. I honestly wouldn't rather hang out with anyone more than my own brothers and sisters (and their spouses and significant others too!) I think we have the best family ever and I love you guys all so much and I know I could count on any of you if I ever needed anything! I hope you don't mind that I tell each of you how I'm feeling...

Em, I miss you more than ever and I hope one day you will be able to move back closer to home! I miss your babies (and Johnny of course) so much too. What lucky kids you have to get to have you as their mom! Thanks for being such a good example to me all of the time. You have been an awesome role model. Remember when you went to BYU and I would write you letters all the time? I always wanted to be exactly like you and do everything that you did because in my eyes you were perfect and you still are. Thank you for being who you are because I wouldn’t be the same as I am right now if it weren’t for you! I love you so much, Em!

Brady, I don't see you as much as I see the other Utahn family members but I love that you are so fun to be around. I don't know how you manage to have the energy of a 5 year old all the time (and trust me...I deal with 5 year olds all day every day!) You’re such a fun person and I really look up to you a lot. Thanks for being so nice to Nick all the time and for making him feel like one of the brothers. I really like Shawnee and I’m so glad you married her! I love you a lot Brade, thanks for all you do!

Cory, I don't know if you'll even read this but I truly am glad that you are living at mom and dad's right now. I know it's probably not a prime situation for you, but I have loved getting to hang out with you lately. I missed you while you were living in Salt Lake. The other day when we were playing in the snow together it was so fun and I miss the days when we were little. You probably don't remember but I remember one time when we were little we were playing downstairs and I told you (before we understood the concept) that we said we would get married when we grow up. You have always been a good friend to me. I love you!

Nat, wow I don't know what to say but that you have been my best friend since the day you were born. We have of course had our moments but even to this day I feel like we are still best friends. Remember when we were little and we would purposely dress the same so we could be "twins"? Now we just wear the same clothes on accident... I love you so much and I love your little family. Casey is so awesome and so perfect for you. Thanks for letting me fall in love with your baby Benson. I love him! You guys rock!

Andy, even though Brady is shocked that you are grown up, I am so glad I have been able to hang out with you and watch you grow up. It's weird because I feel like we are more friends than family sometimes. We get along so well and I love it when you call me to see what we're doing. It's great to have a brother who likes to hang out with me as much as you guys do. Thanks for sharing McKenzie with us too…I’m glad that McKenzie and I can be close friends too! I love you, Chunk!

Dano, I know you probably won't read this but I have to tell you how much I have been missing you. I feel like a baby most days. I sort of feel like you are my own son that I sent on a mission in a weird way. I really have missed you so much and it's weird to have you gone. Everything I do I think of you and I will be happy when you are home to be my bud again around here. Nick and I both miss you very much! I miss Shanna a lot too, which is probably weird, but I feel like when Danny left on his mission, I lost two friends instead of just one brother. I am so glad that we have organized craft night so that we can hang out with Shanna too. I love you kiddo!

Mom, it’s hard to put to words how I feel about you. I am constantly amazed with all that you do for me! I think one of the best things I ever did was got a job working side by side with you every day. I learned so much about you (most of it I already knew) but working with you showed me how truly patient you are. You are such an example to me and I’m proud to say that you are my mother. So many people constantly tell me how much they love you and how wonderful you are, but they only know half of all the wonderful things you do!!! You’re such a good mother and wife. I hope that I can be half of you! You amaze me with how you can just keep going and going and never stop! I really look up to you so much! I love you so much, Mom, and I hope you know how much I really appreciate all you do for me. (Thanks for always feeding Nick and I when we just stop by randomly.)

Dad, I got so lucky to have you for a dad but even luckier because I have you as a dad and as a friend. Thanks for always putting up with me when we just drop in at your house and when I have no volume control. I love being at your house and I love just hanging out with you. I have always felt so close to you and I really appreciate all that you have taught me as I’ve grown up. Thanks for always supporting me in everything I do and for always loving me. You’re such an awesome dad and I got so lucky to have you as mine! I love you!

I love you all so much! WE HAVE THE BEST FAMILY EVER!!!

P.S. Em, it would be fun to go camping whilst you are here. I’m sure your kids would love it!

The Coolest Fam Damily Ever!!

2008-02-12T14:19:00.001-07:00

So I am sitting here at Mom and Dad's all alone. You may ask yourself, "Why is Brady at the Haws home by himself during the middle of the day on Tuesday?" I have classes in the morning and then a class at night at good ol' WSU and it's not very practical to go to work for such a short time to turn around and drive back to school. Anyway I came here so that I could change my clothes and go ride my bike.
When I got back, I was looking at the pictures at the top of the stairs and on Dad's screensaver, and throughout the house and I was just thinking about our family. I decided I needed to write something to all y'all so you could know what I am feeling.
We have a pretty good thing going here. Our family is awesome. I mean growing up, I would have been surprised if you would have told me that all of us would be such good friends. Heck some of us are lucky we are alive. Most people hear that there are seven kids in our family and say something to the effect of, "WOW that's alot" or "Was that hard having a family that big?" I used to really be embarrassed of our family when we would go to the grocery store or Disneyland or anywhere for that matter and see people counting us all. Or when people would ask, "are those all yours?" The fact is though I never had to worry about having someone to play with. I had a guaranteed friend in Cory (when we weren't fighting). I had a big sister to give me advice (even when I didn't always want it). I had two little sisters to tease and protect and to help me fulfill my older-brother duties ;). And then Andy and Danny (I know I miss Danny too) were the cutest and funniest little guys around. I love the picture of all of us standing by the basketball hoop by the chimney... everyone with their own ball. I can't think what it would be like if Mom and Dad had stopped with Tami, or Emily, or Andy. It just wouldn't have been complete.
I think about how hard it must have been for Mom and Dad to put up with, and provide for, all of us. How many women that you know could raise a group like us and only suffer slightly from insanity?;) Even when we were mouthy and rude to her, Mom was always kind and compassionate. And Dad has worked so hard to teach all of us how to work and be responsible. I remember all the times I got to go help Dad as a kid, whether it was pulling wire in the crawl-space in Yellowstone for E.L. Fudge Cookies or wiring houses around here. I wouldn't be who I am without both Mom and Dad's influences and examples.
I guess the real reason I wanted to post this was to tell all of you how happy I am that we are all friends and to thank all of you; Wayne, Jan, Emily, Cory, Tami, Natalie , Andy and Danny for letting me be apart of it all. Now that we're all grown up (yes even Andy is grown up) I hope we continue to do all the fun things we used to do. It might be a little hard for us to all take a road trip to Canada in the same vehicle, but I'd love to still do family vacations along with all the usual family fun.
I love you guys,
#2

Snow Day

2008-02-09T21:07:00.001-07:00

We had a pretty fun day out in the snow today. I had been at home so I missed the beginning, but I guess it all started when Nick and Casey were hot so they went outside and threw snowballs at eachother and then started rolling big balls of snow and putting them in Andy's truck and on McKenzie's car. I guess they decided to make a snowman (pictured below) and as you all know the Haws/Dalpias/Jones boys, you know that they can't settle for anything less than the best.

Cory named him Zeus, Lord of the Jews. He has big pecs, buff arms, two gun holders, six pack, and a smartie necklace for a mouth. (They were looking for something for the mouth and Cory ran in the garage and found it for Zeus.) The snowman even has a small little wife at his side.

After they made the snowman, they started building a hill to sled down... it all just kept getting bigger and better after that.

McKenzie was wearing a garbage sack so she didn't get wet pants.

Nick was working so hard while everyone was playing...

Cory brought out his skis and he and Casey skiied down the hill.

Mad skills Yo!

It got pretty cold so Dad, Nat, and Benson went in the house and watched out the window.

When we were just getting done playing on the snow and stuff, Cory noticed there were 2 deer in the Schiffman's field. I walked over and there were deer footprints everywhere in their yard!!

What an eventful day!

Danny's blog

2008-02-07T16:26:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone.
Please don't forget about Danny's mission blog. He sent an email to me yesterday.
http://elderhaws.blogspot.com/

New Blog

2008-02-04T18:59:00.002-07:00

I'm pretty sure most of you have seen my email, but in case not, we've joined the blogging world with a blog of our own. It's shawneeandbrady.blogspot.com. Feel free to add a link to your own blogs! :)

Happy Birthday Shanna!

2008-02-03T14:05:00.002-07:00

Shan,

It has been so much fun having you (unofficially) in our family the last few years! You have been such a good friend to me and I miss you almost as much as I miss Danny. It has been strange not hanging out with you and Danny lately. I really do miss hanging out and just doing nothing in particular. I am glad that we have been able to keep in touch via texting though. That has been a lifesaver! I have wondered how you are doing without Danny around this last 3 1/2 weeks. I hope you are okay. (I'm sure you have had a huge adjustment without him!)

Anyway, I hope you have a very happy birthday tomorrow!

Let's play sometime!

I love you like you're my own sister!

Happy Birthday!

Love, Tami

Well Shanna, I know your birthday is actually tomorrow, but with a new month and a new week, it will be a little hectic for me tomorrow so I thought I would write a little post today. (Just pretend I wrote it on the right day.)

Change of Craft Night/LAN party

2008-02-03T14:00:00.001-07:00

Hey guys!
We have changed the date that we are going to do our craft night and gaming party. Rather than doing it the 16th, we are moving it to the evening of the 22nd. That should be a Friday night. (Nat & Shawnee, is that what we decided?? I sure hope so.)
Let me know if that doesn't work for someone.
Also, I believe Natalie will be in charge of the February craft, so Nat... we'll plan on that unless we hear otherwise.

K, Let me know if I have something wrong.
P.S. Shanna, do you have access to post on our blog? I would love it if you would post some of the pictures you got from Danny! (if you don't have access, we should grant access, whoever does that.)

Okay, after posting this, I read comments from Shawnee and Shanna saying that it was supposed to be Saturday. SO... I guess it is Saturday. I'm sorry for the confusion.
I will plan on Saturday Feb. 23rd unless someone tells me otherwise.
:)

Cory and Benson

2008-01-31T12:32:00.001-07:00

The other day Cory came home from Skiing and put his beanie on Benson. It was so cute! Cory and Benson have become good buddies!

Dear Danny

2008-01-27T20:59:00.001-07:00

Lila painted a picture for Danny a few days ago. When it had dried she dictated a letter to him. This is how it went (in her own words faster than I could even keep up!! I think that "scurvy dog" comes from a pirate book that he read to her while he was here.)

Dear Danny,
We got your letter. Thank you for giving us... uhm... a letter. Dear Danny. I love you. This day was really great, and I really love you. You are my bestest uncle and you are really funny because I'm not a scurvy dog because that's what you say in Spanish. "Scurvy dog & belmo" means I love you. Dear Danny, we are giving you a message because you are my bestest uncle & scurvy dog is what you called me and you do what I say and I really love you for saving the earth. Dear Danny, I love you scurvy dog. Your mission is really great because you are my bestest in the world and I really love you for days and days and days! Scurvy dog! I want to say that this is from Lila. Love Danny (she wouldn't let me write Love, Lila. Then I helped her draw a heart and write her name.)

Happy Anniversary

2008-01-25T09:58:00.001-07:00

I meant to do this yesterday, but it was a crazy day, so sorry it's late, but I wanted to tell Brady and Shawnee happy anniversary and I hope you're loving Mexico!

CHEESE BALLS!!!!!!!!

2008-01-24T16:38:00.001-07:00

Okay so for any of you who are struggling with motivating youngsters... I have discovered the magical trick.... CHEESE BALLS!!! This is no joke. Melissa (the girl I teach next door to) told me that in January she uses Cheese Balls as classroom management. I thought it sounded weird but I thought I would give it a try. Sure enough... KINDERGARTENERS WILL DO ANYTHING FOR A CHEESE BALL! Yes, ANYTHING for one measley cheese ball. It is hilarious to watch their faces when someone else gets a cheese ball for being good. There is a hush that comes over them and... it's seriously the best thing EVER!!!