tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72623252011-09-16T09:35:26.169-05:00henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.comBlogger2361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-74777449883724271942009-09-07T23:27:00.017-05:002009-10-07T18:58:25.239-05:00

On my first foray out of our room, I learned that not everyone speaks English and even if they do, the cultural divide means it can still be hard to communicate. We ended up with a delicious omelet for breakfast and the proprietor stopped by to help us plan our day. He hired a driver (who barely spoke English) and told him where to take us for the day. We had made no plans for the day so this was

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-41701571175046557592009-09-07T23:09:00.002-05:002009-09-07T23:43:37.017-05:00

I may actually make time to write up some of our Indian experiences. I'll post them on their proper dates back in August!You'll have to excuse their imperfections -- if I try to get all my words and punctuation correct then the task will be lost in a quagmire.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-36940474324581814942009-08-31T22:40:00.003-05:002009-08-31T22:58:33.325-05:00

Can you imagine? Ziyi was nervous AND Jason and I were nervous! In China, she gets to school at 7:30 am, goes home for lunch and then comes back to school until 10 pm. The 50 kids in her class stay in the same room and same seat all day long. Switching classes in a school with 2,000 kids is like finding your way out of an Amazon rainforest. She also has to contend with a locker and lock for the

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-337230021352883112009-08-31T21:34:00.004-05:002009-08-31T22:06:39.384-05:00

From Monday to Thursday I ran around like a mad woman trying to get ready for Ziyi! I had to unpack and clean up from India, finish unpacking Jonathan from camp and get Lindsay moved out of her room and into what is now called The Girl's Room. It was chaotic!We grabbed Jason from work and we got to the Austin airport with plenty of time to spare before her flight arrived. Here she comes! She got

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-68209075883831532442009-08-25T23:04:00.000-05:002009-08-31T23:20:18.000-05:00

Jon was ready about 2 hours before school started, but I could barely get him to slow down for a picture on his way out to catch the bus. This is his last year of elementary school! Boo Hoo! Already they are out in portables so I'll never see him when I am up there working. What a reminder to enjoy each day since this picture of him on his first day of Kindergarten seems like yesterday.Lindsay

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-42323821335130415372009-08-11T05:30:00.002-05:002009-09-07T23:40:11.972-05:00

We arrived in Delhi at 3:30 am. I was a bit worried about the airport "experience" since Indira Gandhi International Airport was once considered one of the worst on the planet. It turns out that they now hire companies to run the airports and they do it quite well. We easily found our driver and he got us to our bed & breakfast quickly. On the way, we saw autorickshaws and people sleeping in

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-44599462436183867342009-08-10T21:24:00.004-05:002009-09-07T23:09:20.215-05:00

We picked Jonathan up at camp Saturday morning, listened to his wonderful tales on the drive home and then started washing and repacking for India! I'd really put off packing. Eventually I just run out of time and am forced to toss some items together and hope for the best. Lucy got the little kids on Saturday and they happily left as they blew kisses all the way down our street. I think she

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-23812354272923797182009-08-07T22:08:00.002-05:002009-08-07T22:17:06.865-05:00

Jonathan and I had the best time making notecards for him to use when writing notes to family while he was a camp. He was SOOO excited about those cards. Lindsay managed to get two notes mailed from her one week camp so I thought Jon would certainly be able to send four letters to various people while at camp for two weeks. So I waited...and waited. By day 12 I gave up, but just before we hop in

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-82866531351828553722009-08-04T09:03:00.009-05:002009-08-05T05:13:13.639-05:00

Part of our tour of Texas included dropping Jonathan off at a two week camp on the Rio Frio. It was a blast! At his camp you drive through the river, which is all kinds of cool. The crazy staff run around greeting campers with chest bumps and a rear kicking (I promise, it is fun.)Siblings can gorge themselves on cotton candy and snowcones, get their faces painted and decorate cookies. They also

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-36653280576342598062009-07-26T07:27:00.000-05:002009-08-04T15:14:16.303-05:00

What a whirl wind weekend we had! On Friday I dropped the Littles off in Lampasas with Gi and drove three hours to pick up Lindsay in Conroe. Saturday, we took her BFF Hailey with us to San Antonio and then on to Laity Lodge to drop Jonathan off at camp on Sunday. We then got the Littles in Burnet and finally made it home.As for camp, Lindsay did love it! Thankfully, she and Hailey were still

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-86232215162032397642009-07-20T19:35:00.002-05:002009-07-20T21:16:24.034-05:00

Bunk Sweet Bunk Lindsay's first year of overnight camp...I'm only slightly freaking out. I would just LOVE to know what has gone on in her mind during her first resident camp. I enjoyed the drop-off and build-up to one last hug before we just walked away from the campers. I'm not sure if the girls or moms were more excited about them getting to sleep in the treehouses!I worked my tail off

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-7761143207999893112009-04-17T22:13:00.004-05:002009-04-17T23:28:07.276-05:00

Lyvia is finally wheeling around town like everyone else in the family! Nothing pleases her more than being big like her siblings.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-80746558464857017562009-04-17T21:46:00.002-05:002009-04-17T21:50:29.771-05:00

Dylan and Lyvia set up a little backyard reading camp one afternoon -- they had a tent, sleeping bags and books. Knowing the two of them, I'm sure food was involved at some point.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-59904238814931949032009-03-27T10:43:00.002-05:002009-03-27T10:50:48.084-05:00

Dylan likes "all the colors of the rainbow...even orange." This is a continuation of a conversation we had in Colorado over Christmas. Dylan said he didn't like orange. Lindsay said she did. It seems Dylan has been grappling with this ever since because he really wants to like the same things big sister Lindsay does. It had been three months since that December conversation. I was tired of

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-37556942523023183992009-03-27T10:11:00.003-05:002009-03-27T10:43:04.938-05:00

We are rocking on in preschool land! I've got kids going every day but Monday. I went ahead and started Lyvia at a second preschool so she can start learning Mandarin. I thought that if I started her in January, she would be talking by next August. She had been mighty slow to warm up to her current preschool teachers.Turns out, she LOVES this preschool and listening to her sing in Chinese

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-16504524556874142142009-01-15T23:10:00.004-06:002009-01-15T23:23:52.987-06:00

THREETWOONEFirst View of Lyvi

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-6981223094565537912009-01-15T22:06:00.004-06:002009-01-16T17:13:04.437-06:00

This was Dylan's first time to participate in the church nativity play.He was adamant that he be an angel. His best bud was a sheep, but he still wanted to be an angel. I have NO clue why.This was all the funnier for me because last year I had to deal with a Jonathan freak out about being an angel. The pastor finally got through to him when he pointed out that all the angels in the bible were

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-70979277004233463862009-01-15T21:40:00.003-06:002009-01-15T22:06:05.935-06:00

I think Christmas at Granny's is always a good time to try and take a picture with all four kids. Unfortunately, they didn't agree. First, no one would sit up properly on the chair, but at least three attempted to smile. Lindsay was a stinker so... she got booted out and I tried again. By this time Jon attempted to comply, but wouldn't actually smile so... I tried one last time, but Lyvi was

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-74953763744167051742009-01-04T22:49:00.006-06:002009-01-05T08:46:38.037-06:00

How lucky are we to have a place to visit in Breck whenever the mood strikes? VERY! We meandered up to Colorado as soon as we could get the car packed after Christmas. Actually Jason and I don't meander on road trips -- we get from point A to point B as quickly as possible since his foot is made of lead and I don't allow lollygagging at pit stops. This trip we did make two sit down and eat pit

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-57039329929495275992008-12-24T22:32:00.002-06:002009-01-15T21:40:43.599-06:00

Some children see Him lily white, the baby Jesus born this night. Some children see Him lily white, with tresses soft and fair.Some children see Him bronzed and brown, the Lord of heav'n to earth come down.Some children see Him bronzed and brown, with dark and heavy hair.Some children see Him almond-eyed, this Savior whom we kneel beside.Some children see Him almond-eyed, with skin of yellow

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-39599652838449824702008-12-05T17:37:00.002-06:002008-12-05T17:40:44.498-06:00

Tonight I get to go hear Jane Brown speak in Austin. I'm sure I will have lots to think about and chew on afterwards. Here is an article she wrote in case you are interested.Racial Identity Development by Jane BrownAs generally Caucasian parents of Chinese children, we are raising children of a different race. While we rarely have to deal with racism or racial prejudice, our children will have

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-79573153631012862612008-11-15T10:18:00.006-06:002009-01-05T08:32:38.249-06:00

Whew! I did it! Somehow. Jason missed Halloween AGAIN (poor guy) and I had to sort out this seemingly simple holiday alone. The week started with the nursing home trip, which I loved and am eternally grateful to my children for behaving. Dylan was kind enough to forgo his Batman costume for the fireman costume, which was a huge sacrifice.The Littles also had Halloween parties and arriving at

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-60962207678646057002008-11-13T08:04:00.002-06:002008-11-13T08:11:46.945-06:00

The Littles keep getting in trouble for this and that mischief. Problem is, I really don't have a clue who is to blame. They have gotten into the horrid habit of immediately blaming each other for whatever trouble I have found. Lindsay's money was missing last night and a chorus of "Dylan did it! Lyvi did it!" started before we even got the entire accusation out of our mouth. I still am not

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-87005768962782999782008-11-06T07:59:00.001-06:002008-11-06T08:01:33.068-06:00

I think a lot of people wish they could do this right now.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-79831548505073270232008-11-04T17:03:00.005-06:002008-11-04T19:28:32.098-06:00

Lindsay and Jonathan got to vote for the president at school today. Jon is hook, line and sinker for Obama, but Lindsay said she just couldn't decide and wanted to vote for both.My finger kept going back and forth and I couldn't decide because I wanted to vote for both of them.So who did you finally vote for?Well, McCain has four boys, three girls, four dogs and a cat. How can you NOT vote for

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-34167426864557423812008-11-03T21:51:00.003-06:002008-11-03T23:07:03.997-06:00

I woke up and thanked the heavens above that Lyvia slept soundly through the night. At one point the little ice cube did crawl over to me and got under the covers, which is uncommon for her. She snuggled in tight and close. When she is still, this is yummy.Dylan started his day by wanting to call his daddy. I explained that I needed to figure out what time it was to make sure daddy might

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-81916571038058911112008-11-02T08:57:00.003-06:002008-11-02T10:31:24.650-06:00

I love, love, love visiting nursing homes with my children. Even my shiest kids break out and participate in handing out whatever goodie or decoration we bring. A Baylor alum group met at a nursing home near me to spread some Halloween cheer so we beelined over there, too.There is a bit of a dance involved when I try to communicate with people in these homes. I don't know what kind of

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-74485925148503390492008-11-02T02:15:00.005-06:002008-11-03T23:08:42.472-06:00

Jason's hotel perched on a cliffJason's pics from Tirandrum, India

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-83293109048649875382008-11-01T14:09:00.003-05:002008-11-01T14:38:13.930-05:00

Completely out of character, but I took my kids to a picnic at a park after Jonathan's football game and did NOT get my camera out of the car. What was I thinking?If I had my camera, I would have snapped a picture as they climbed the embankment that leads to I-35. They were close enough to the cars zooming by at 65 mph that my heart might have stopped a couple of times. They loved it.I would have

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-58420080977870710972008-10-31T08:06:00.002-05:002008-10-31T11:00:56.762-05:00

I think I need to take a breath. Or 2,000. Jason has left and gone to India and I am on my own. This is generally not a problem, but...Jon has projects galore to do at school.Jon miscommunicates with the teacher so I have to sort things out. (No, she did not expect him to make 24 puppets for his book report.)It is Halloween and I had to help four kids carve pumpkins.It is Halloween and the kids

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-34860571739517281422008-10-22T16:27:00.002-05:002008-10-22T16:34:27.795-05:00

I hope you remember the day when I gave you a list of homework that needed to be done before you could play. You did your best until a great wind came along and swept you outside. I could have tethered you down, but instead I let it sweep you outside. The whole neighborhood was outside joyfully relishing the crazy weather. As a child, it must be wonderful to run and become one with the wind.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-6571500307576079642008-10-18T01:06:00.009-05:002009-01-15T22:25:42.462-06:00

When I find a cracked egg in her bathroom sink, I just think, "Oh, Lyvia." When I find the second stopped up toilet of the day, I just think, "Oh, Lyvia."When she screams at me, "I stop crying!", I just think, "Oh, Lyvia."When I clean her pee out of the cup holder in my car, I just think, "Oh, Lyvia."When she makes her own nachos in the microwave without asking and the cheese has fused to the

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-69490807903913324722008-10-14T20:40:00.004-05:002008-10-14T23:16:16.253-05:00

Have you seen me? I have eyes so dark you can't see my pupils. They are beautiful to my mommy and don't miss a thing.My hair is brown and has finally grown so long that now I have a cute little bob. My mommy likes to put things in my hair. I think it is fun, too. But just for a little while.My fingers are long and graceful. They are probably the most amazing thing on my body. I have excellent

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-43993844598750186822008-10-11T10:12:00.006-05:002008-10-11T15:16:26.845-05:00

This is our hamster. I had a long, rough summer. It seemed to go on and on and there was no structure and I had a sick aunt and other family losses. So, the day before school started, Mama Wallis enjoyed herself a bit much at the celebratory family dinner. It was at a Mexican restaurant (that is code for -- I had a margarita......or two.)During dinner Lindsay asked for a fish and I said, "Sure!"

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-43194026433746292662008-10-09T13:15:00.004-05:002008-10-09T14:00:18.370-05:00

Jonathan's football season is off and running. This is the best coach we have had. He is SOO into the game, teaching the boys excellent skills and working them like crazy. He is also the first coach that hollers (in that lovable coachable way.) I heard, "What are you all doing?!?!?! We are better than this!!!", come screaming out of his mouth moments after I thought it. I also love, love him

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-3759578284720832842008-10-09T10:40:00.002-05:002008-10-09T11:12:00.218-05:00

Okay, someone just moaned to me about not having their very own house cleaner so here is how you get one. I know some people need every bit of their paycheck to function (special hugs to you), but for others, budget a house cleaner into your mortgage! It works so well! Say your family can afford a $1200 a month mortgage. If the house cleaner costs $400 a month, then look for a house you can

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-22009547985988078112008-10-09T09:52:00.003-05:002008-10-09T10:15:25.964-05:00

Wednesday is the day we just all have to hold on, charge forth and pray for the end of. In the morning the Littles have gymnastics, which they l.o.v.e. This time isn't so bad because I walk the track with a friend whose son is also in gymnastics and after we go somewhere for lunch. Of course at lunch I spilled my drink all over myself, the kids wouldn't play on the play equipment 'cause

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-2924125457230947612008-10-07T20:27:00.002-05:002008-10-07T20:49:16.353-05:00

Bedtime can be the sweetest, most fabulous time of the day and not simply because you will soon be kid-free. You get to read books and cuddle with your babies, who look at you like you hung the moon. Then there are all those hugs and kisses. I try to make sure they are memorable because the days are so busy that we might have missed out on some of that lovin'. I think even Jonathan loves this

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-87100960513370057122008-07-02T22:17:00.001-05:002008-07-02T22:18:46.092-05:00

Lyvi has a Tired Tantrum.I finally sit down on the couch and tell her she can sit by me (I’m attempting to not give crazy screaming two year old positive attention, but I understand need to eventually cuddle.)No. She wants water in the cup that already has water.I try to explain this to her. I pop the lid off and show her the water.She is still yelling about water, but I hand it back to her.Her

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-70543562231700753532008-06-25T19:04:00.002-05:002008-06-26T13:33:08.565-05:00

I'll admit it. I signed Lyvia up for the first day of preschool possible. They have a summer program for six weeks and it seemed like the perfect way to make time to spend with the big kids this summer. After everyone was dressed, Jonathan and Lindsay had Dylan and Lyvia posed outside with their backpacks and lunchboxes. They were taking picture after picture before the big send-off. I finally

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-19744611301820241172008-06-25T14:27:00.003-05:002008-06-25T14:53:35.040-05:00

Jason (smart guy that he is) is encouraging me to make one of his treks to India with him. He just got back and already is planning trips for August and October. He works in Bangalore (in the south -- it is on the map), which is right by Kerala. Kerala has all sorts of cool things to do, but I'll have to figure out: If we can do it on our own or if we need to set up a tour. What in the world

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-10064872215191146732008-06-25T14:25:00.003-05:002008-06-25T14:27:35.405-05:00

We are rocking on in the potty training world. Nine years of diapers has come to an end. I feel like I need to visit a landfill and apologize for all the crap I've dumped there.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-90415603061577484492008-06-19T23:09:00.003-05:002008-06-20T08:01:08.120-05:00

Day Two -- not bad! Amazingly she was even sick and still did pretty good (which is fortunate because she was icky sick...and in that department if you know what I mean.) This was great timing! I'm not sure how to make our little home potty set-up translate to life out in the real world, but next week she starts preschool so maybe they can offer some back-up. Hopefully she can wear panties out

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-73632874535110307462008-06-17T19:27:00.003-05:002008-06-17T19:45:44.542-05:00

Today Lyvia proudly announced to one of Jonathan's friends, "Dude! Me, me, poo poo." For some reason she calls two of Jonathan's neighbor friends Dude and she was proud to tell them about her accomplishment. Really, it is tough cookies to potty train. I forgot how exhausting it is. Every fiber of your being goes into the all alert mode. You don't want to hover too much or the kid might snap

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-15026349037500003022008-06-15T10:11:00.004-05:002008-06-15T10:21:06.988-05:00

The newest toy at Creekside is the monster rope swing Jason and his friends hung Memorial Day Weekend. The kids played with it for hours while the little kids jumped from the bridge over and over and over...

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-51314075225677741682008-06-15T10:02:00.000-05:002008-06-15T10:07:28.769-05:00

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-39379381786924997792008-06-09T14:11:00.004-05:002008-06-09T14:29:31.880-05:00

Seven Die in Tokyo Knife AttackGenerally I don't freak out when an event happens in another country and I happen to know someone there. Tokyo's a big city and my brother lives in the outskirts -- why would I worry?Well, as one article reported about the location of the attack, "The area is also a "must-go" for Japanese "anime" fans visiting stores selling comics and figures of various anime

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-47059847229827382682008-06-07T12:07:00.005-05:002008-06-07T12:35:10.463-05:00

We got Seaworld passes for the first time in 2 or 3 years. So far both trips have been a success! The drive is long (and now expensive) and it gets mighty hot there, but I don't mind going at all when the kids are this cute together!I was so proud of Dylan for trying a number of new things -- he went on two pretty intense rides. My favorite was when I did the log ride with Jonathan, Dylan and

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-39643251052650093502008-06-07T11:39:00.004-05:002008-06-07T11:47:23.369-05:00

This summer I know we will be heading to the pool almost every day -- it is so easy to jump in for a quickie since it is right across the street. The last day of school, Dylan and Lyvia and I had some fun pool time before the big kids were home for good. Lyvia yells out to Dylan, "GoGo, Help me!" Sure enough, "Diego" comes to the rescue.These two want to wear bathing suits 24/7. Dylan wore the

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-76326073461338555172008-06-01T22:05:00.002-05:002008-06-01T22:08:12.053-05:00

I had the kids decked out in their Texas garb for a trip to San Antonio over Spring Break. Turns out my camera was on its last leg and then Lyvia was on her last leg so I didn't get the totally Texas pics I envisioned -- hopefully I'll get a mulligan this summer!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-12511350048135809542008-06-01T21:45:00.005-05:002008-06-01T21:59:50.669-05:00

Oh my. While I like to keep birthdays somewhat simple, I have to admit Lindsay's cake this year was beyond pathetic! I bought these heart shaped cupcakes tins for Valentines Day and never got around to using them. Yes, another great idea that got shoved to the end of the to-do list. I thought the sleepover kids would have fun decorating their own cupcakes as part of the evening fun. Well, aside

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-28013720775867381812008-06-01T21:27:00.003-05:002008-06-01T21:44:24.900-05:00

Jonathan and Lindsay got mighty big birthday gifts this year -- Jonathan got a motorcycle and Lindsay got a piano. This isn't the norm, but Jason and I were smart enough to give items we were getting anyway in place of the usual birthday hoopla. Jonathan had wanted one of those maniacal kid birthdays with a group of energetic boys in a noisy enclosed arcade area. We asked if he would rather have

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-28486419971467765782008-05-14T21:20:00.002-05:002008-05-14T21:24:33.668-05:00

I've had a rough week with my kids this week, but in the midst of it, I do feel so grateful for our easy lives as I think about the horrid tragedies in Myanmar and China. It is almost too much to comprehend and I don't know how all those families will bear their losses. I'm sending love and prayers across the ocean.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-73711708632381242962008-04-11T17:14:00.002-05:002008-04-11T22:06:26.632-05:00

Did I ever post this picture of Lyvia? This was the day she was baptized back in December. Since she is leery of strangers, I didn't have high hopes for the big baptism day. She actually did a wonderful job of letting the pastor carry her all around the sanctuary to let everyone say "hello" or whatever it is they are doing (checking out the beautiful smocking on the dress perhaps?)She is so

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-64221825159416165432008-04-11T13:23:00.004-05:002008-04-11T13:46:26.423-05:00

While I certainly don't want to make a habit of stealing and posting photos of other children, I couldn't pass this one up. This is exactly what I could imagine Lyvia looking like at age 8. Most of the time I see Asian girls, they don't really register as anything other than a cute kiddo. However, this picture is haunting me because for some reason it looks so much like Lyvia! I couldn't find a

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-84443741529967118402008-04-09T16:39:00.003-05:002008-04-09T16:46:20.623-05:00

The house is falling apart -- the AC repair cost $550, we also had a monster cleaning job to do on the outside units (thank goodness my dad was here to help), I got a ticket today for "running a red light" (it was YELLOW) and one of Lindsay's pierced ears has gotten infected now that we are switching out earrings. She makes me SOO nervous with infected wounds because she gets those MRSA

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-70730173802760610692008-03-31T20:35:00.004-05:002008-03-31T22:47:00.937-05:00

"Dylan" got a new toy, but as you can see, the neighborhood gang of 2nd - 6th grade boys took it over pretty quickly. I couldn't believe how much time these boys spent engaged with a toddler's sand and water table! Hopefully Dylan felt like King of the Sand Pile as owner of the "it" toy today. What a soiree! Hopefully the gecko they recruited to captain the boat and dump truck survive the day,

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-91017866144311918222008-03-31T20:03:00.003-05:002008-03-31T20:28:10.926-05:00

I dropped Jonathan off at football practice and left the other kids with Jason so I could run some errands. I stopped by the library to grab some books -- generally it is one of my least favorite places to visit with young children. Lyvia will demand to hold a book I plan to check out then lose it, they push the books back and knock the ones on the other side off, grab books off the shelf and of

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-76697574273803348402008-03-23T15:29:00.000-05:002008-03-28T08:55:33.908-05:00

Happy Easter! I've had some Easter nightmares in past years so I am happy to report that this year we had a relatively flawless year! Everyone had clothes to wear (and seemed genuinely pleased with them), eggs to hunt, a few goodies in their basket, best behavior at church and the icing on the cake was a fabulous Easter brunch. One year I showed the kids what clothes I had picked out for them to

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-58113397372687550232008-03-09T16:51:00.000-05:002008-03-23T17:32:00.272-05:00

Wow do I have connections! My friend in Houston scored four tickets to see the Best of Both Worlds tour ala Hannah Montana (hottest ticket around -- if you don't know who she is, then this coup is lost on you.)Actually, it was a part of the Houston Rodeo and I just couldn't understand how that could make for a "real" concert so my expectations weren't all that high. She also kept telling me how

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-58238503173501547772008-03-09T16:39:00.000-05:002008-03-23T18:16:04.890-05:00

We did all the good fair things rode carnival rides, ate fried food and cotton candy, smelled poo from every imaginable farm animal, etc. They did have a very cool birthing center -- I could have done without the placenta hanging out the back end of a cow and the diagram of how a chicken is processed (it was located above a pen of oblivious chicks.) That's the reality of our circle of life and

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-24900187748157375482008-03-02T11:40:00.000-06:002008-03-02T11:47:37.754-06:00

I LOVE this picture Jason's dad painted. He paints the most gorgeous road runners. It is in a gallery in Ft. Worth and available for purchase. More of his work can be seen at www.charleswallis.com.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-6451530261938711662008-02-29T15:50:00.000-06:002008-03-23T17:32:59.234-05:00

It was successful and Lindsay looks great (except for that big gap in her mouth!) She wants everyone to know that she didn't cry -- I'm thinking she would have liked to.Lindsay's two neighborhood girlfriends traveled with us on our adventure. For some reason I felt very confident in our tough looking, chain smoking Claire's employee. I actually chose the Claire's to visit by calling them all to

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-44559044178853188232008-02-28T19:48:00.000-06:002008-02-28T20:49:52.836-06:00

Well, the neighborhood boys (including Jonathan) did it. They got the license plate number of the strange guy in the car. This time when I called the police they sent me straight to a dispatcher and a policeman called me right back. He looked up the address and went to visit the guy (who lives right down the street like we suspected.) I'm guessing his heart is still in overdrive after that

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-16441750274281091742008-02-28T11:04:00.000-06:002008-02-28T15:04:43.916-06:00

My mothering duties have been kicked into high gear this week -- Dylan had to get 5 shots on Tuesday, Jonathan got ear tubes and a frenulumectomy (which Dylan just painfully had a week ago!) and Lindsay lost her second front tooth so she is getting earrings. Lyvia has avoided the stabs and slices so far, but I'm keeping a close eye on her!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-1146095376696080022008-02-26T14:16:00.000-06:002008-03-23T17:33:48.925-05:00

I get such a kick out of his show. I definitely agree with his (I think his) line, "Be a traveler, not a tourist."While he is very irreverent, he is a surprisingly gracious guest most everywhere he goes. He never really sneers at local fare, but does see the humor in some of what he is offered.Some shows aren't as memorable, but because he often visits places off the the beaten path, I learn

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-26616628093110178402008-02-22T10:52:00.000-06:002008-02-22T11:02:33.840-06:00

Earlier this week some creep drove up to our kids at the bus stop (five of them were there) and said, "Going to school? Wouldn't you rather play video games at home in bed?" Of course he was disarmingly nice so the kids fell hook, line and sinker for it. So much for all the Stranger Danger events we've taken them to.There is always a parent at the bus stop, but there was a slight "mislap" and

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-70824850850617746092008-02-21T17:31:00.000-06:002008-02-21T18:16:47.127-06:00

When raising a girl, inevitably the majority of them will ask for earrings and YOU have to figure out when in the world to let them pierce those permanent holes. It didn't sound like a bad idea to earn them like some people told me they do. One person dangled them out like a carrot to get her daughter to be more responsible for herself and that sounded noble. I'm awful at keeping track of

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-42994343854944146182008-02-21T07:20:00.000-06:002008-02-21T07:27:33.197-06:00

"The problem is time. There just isn’t enough time. Men won’t spend a whole day away from their family anymore."WALTER HURNEY, a real estate developer, on the decline of golf.Well, thank goodness. It didn't hit my rader, but come to think of it, I actually know very few people who play golf anymore. The one husband I know has a wife who is so understanding, he must be paying her off in order to

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-49262744370096911722008-02-11T22:20:00.000-06:002008-02-11T23:25:53.146-06:00

Sometimes, while thinking about a little town in Jiangxi, I feel like my mind's eye could almost cross oceans and time to see what happened when Lyvia was born, where she came from and who she belonged to. I've been researching weather, sun and moon records for the day she was born. I stare at Google Earth and have the longitude and latitude of her town memorized. There I can see what we think is

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-15042560080369728902008-02-08T10:00:00.000-06:002008-02-11T23:28:00.915-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone celebrating! This one is bittersweet since we are so fortunate to have friends here to celebrate with, but we were supposed to be in Singapore celebrating!!!Okay -- the new year is supposed to be about happy times so I'll let that go at the moment (it is also a time for letting bygones be bygones so I need to change my feelings towards a few execs at Jason's workplace!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-29704521967418824732008-02-07T18:48:00.000-06:002008-02-07T22:08:39.042-06:00

Click on photo for more picturesBy the way -- Lyvia's look of concern is because she just ain't sure she is ever going to get one of those cupcakes she had her eye on.I have a feeling life is about to really speed up -- that was my last one year old (did you hear the sigh of relief from Jason?) and I have been told that once you stop having babies, it seems your kids start growing at mach

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-86683040621405450922008-02-03T18:07:00.000-06:002008-02-07T18:42:42.897-06:00

Click on image to easily see photos Jonthan thought it was too cool that Dylan's birthday was the same day as the Superbowl. Mr. Johnny and Sharon came to help make it quite the celebration -- they are a husband wife duo that sound eerily like Will Ferrill and Ana Gasteyer when they are the unitarian husband/wife singers. They are great though and the kids eat their gig up. Dylan was

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-36156364743076367722008-01-24T10:44:00.001-06:002008-01-24T10:49:30.213-06:00

I still have a lot to add, but more entries are below. I just wanted to stick them near the date where the event took place!This is pretty much indicative of the state of affairs at our house right now!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-66376034412865636322008-01-16T07:39:00.000-06:002008-01-16T07:55:57.148-06:00

At one point the Japanese must have said, fish head and rice and pickles must not go over well with the American population.Smart people. The quote is from a New York Times article about the origin of Chinese fortune cookies. The funny thing about those cookies is that they don't have them in China, which never made much sense. Now it seems, Yasuko Nakamachi has traced their origins to Japan. The

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-8711342101225279532008-01-15T07:23:00.001-06:002008-01-15T07:52:17.313-06:00

This was the best thing to have around the weeks before Christmas -- any time the kids were looking for something to do, I could pull this off the top of the fridge (they just can't resist eating the candy off a "gingerbread" house.) The kids and neighbors had a great time adding decorations to the cottages, which is what Lindsay called them since they didn't have a pitched roof. Jason thought

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-52711820831746641412008-01-09T07:21:00.000-06:002008-01-09T15:04:22.204-06:00

Goodness! Here we are 9 days into the new year. I've got a gagillion events to post about, but first I have to find the floor of my house after Christmas and our ski trip and New Years and Lyvia's 2nd birthday. The new year is supposed to be a time for us to have new beginnings, but honestly I can't even think about that until I find the floor. There is also a tidal wave of things to now go

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-374935915485872172007-12-22T07:57:00.000-06:002008-01-24T09:49:03.199-06:00

Jason has these insanely large families. I'm sure others have larger, but both his mom and dad's families actually get most everyone together for a day each Christmas. In spite of the chaos, it does make for a lot of fun.I have far fewer people in my entire family (21 family members and that includes my family of six, aunts, uncles, cousins and my cousin's children and spouses!) than Jason has at

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-70495659085486507072007-12-22T07:42:00.000-06:002008-01-24T07:57:46.166-06:00

Jason's great aunt and uncle orchestrate a wonderful Christmas tradition that includes oodles of candy -- so of course it is a hit with the kids. They have the Belew Candy Store and dole out candy to kids already hyped up on Christmas excitement. Jason grew up with the candy store tradition so it is all the more special that they continue on with it every year. I really enjoy them and

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-6016263776714621032007-12-20T23:40:00.003-06:002007-12-20T23:47:41.918-06:00

This is what bored housewives who think they are cleaver do to their children... Christmas 2004Kyle (as Santa)Dylan (as the Reindeer)Man...Santa was not happy with his reindeer that day!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-52007202032963645102007-12-20T14:53:00.000-06:002007-12-20T15:15:54.280-06:00

Happy to say that Advent is coming to a close and we are actually heading off on our pilgrimage to start family visits, Christmas celebrations and a trip to Colorado -- Jonathan plans to snowboard for the first time -- pray for me as he will probably be fine. I do wonder how frustrating it will be to start over learning a new mountain skill -- he had been oh so cool skiing those blues with dad.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-46639667283215759682007-12-15T12:38:00.000-06:002007-12-17T20:53:52.293-06:00

Christmas 2006 Christmas 2007I think the only thing to change in these two pictures is the year. Poor Lyvi -- maybe next year.

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-69109740473690743382007-12-04T15:58:00.000-06:002007-12-04T16:25:33.932-06:00

Well, this will be the first year that Jonathan and Lindsay don't see Santa. For one, they aren't going to be around when Santa arrives at the park across the street and for two, I really like them keeping their Santa visions in their head. Lindsay could probably enjoy one more year, but she can conjure fabulous visions all her own. We might read the Autobiography of Santa Claus, which even I

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-46115596289425095242007-11-26T21:39:00.001-06:002007-11-26T21:49:09.387-06:00

While Dylan and Lyvi and I were having fun at the Waco Zoo, a mighty loud helicopter flew by and the littles were so enamoured I took a picture. Jason was looking at our pictures and noticed that it was the helicopter purportedly carrying the president!

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-60835212090330226262007-11-26T20:53:00.000-06:002007-11-26T21:50:31.662-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!Oh my gosh it was suddenly SOOO cold, but we love our weekend place and really enjoyed just staying inside watching the creek and bucks wander by. Friends were there with us and we got the kids out a bit, but mostly we just sat inside and chatted and ate and ate and ate.You wouldn't believe how much fun kids can have on a haystack of all things...

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-18755453238935911792007-11-21T07:33:00.000-06:002007-11-21T08:37:43.834-06:00

Little Lindsay had her first disparaging event with friends at school. While I'm sure little things have gone on, figuring out the playgroup politics has gotten a bit tougher in 1st grade than in Kinder.Bedtime chess has changed a bit in our home. Considering there are four munchkins to send to dreamland, I think we actually do a really good job of reading and one-on-time before bed. We

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-77188901498456220582007-11-17T22:49:00.001-06:002007-11-18T13:14:11.607-06:00

Tonight I got to meet Jane Liedtke in person and hear her speak! She is something of a rock star to me because she started and runs (with a village of help I am sure) a great organization called Our Chinese Daughters Foundation. She also moderates a number of Yahoo groups including a popular one where she will answer questions about China (AskJaneChina). You would have to check their website to

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-80937814121922838582007-11-16T15:42:00.000-06:002007-11-16T16:00:39.419-06:00

As I was organizing Lyvi's memory box, I came across these. I don't think I ever got them posted so I thought I would share a trip down memory lane.While I really appreciate the orphanage for taking photos of Lyvi, I was hoping for some in her foster home to see what her day to day life was like. Of course I'm happy to have these and feel blessed that we were able to visit her foster mother

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-47709253818366997602007-11-13T11:16:00.000-06:002007-11-13T16:55:50.439-06:00

Halloween, Halloween! For some reason, I haven't a big fan of Halloween. I know getting children to decide what to be and stick with it has been a problem. The cost of costumes (see how appropriate the name is) always shocks me, too. I'm not sure what else got under my skin, however, this year I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire month! I even decorated the inside of the house (have you seen

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-85149645256092705732007-11-13T11:03:00.000-06:002007-11-13T11:16:24.058-06:00

And I hope you know I mean Lyvi!I love this cute outfit I pulled together for her on Halloween. Too bad I didn't think about it earlier in the month so she could strut her stuff more than one day!We went to Dylan's physical therapy today (the 31st). I wish I would have had my camera since we were the only ones there. It is a really incredible center and he looked great "flying" in the net with

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-47938910015845002672007-11-13T10:48:00.000-06:002007-11-13T11:03:30.000-06:00

We hosted playgroup's Halloween party. It didn't require much work, although I had a few things planned. The kids had so much fun in the craft room and outside that they just ran around and played.Lyvi the hula girl and Dylan the patient Power Ranger. He's thinking, "Really, doesn't she know a Power Ranger needs a pirate sword more than some dancing hula girl?!?"Girls gone wild on the trampoline

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-54886468189394110432007-11-06T17:48:00.000-06:002007-11-06T18:04:50.904-06:00

Who would have thought 3rd graders could be this savvy! As far as I can tell, when the students showed up with their campaign posters yesterday, their various platforms came up for discussion and many constituents voiced their preference for doughnuts over M&Ms.Mr. M&M went home very concerned after this initial polling data and CHANGED TACTICS! Today during his speech he said he would bring in

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-89624356033588381612007-11-06T09:45:00.000-06:002007-11-06T09:53:06.901-06:00

Today is election day and Jon is running for mayor! (of his third grade class)My name is Jon and I will be a good mayor because I have good behavior. I have no R,E,S,P, E and T checks and I finish my work on time. I am a nice guy and a good artist. I will bring doughnuts every month if you elect me.Vote for JON!Glad to know the schools are teaching politics as usual at such a young age. The

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-59226916046451262222007-10-28T23:20:00.000-05:002007-10-28T23:45:03.860-05:00

One of my favorite gals is turning 40 way too soon. To celebrate, they hosted a party and we dressed up in 60's attire.I was so excited that I FINALLY had a reason to wear this!Lesli was born the same year my parents were married and this was my mom's going away dress. I can't believe she kept it all those years. It wasn't nearly as funny as many of the costumes, but I loved that I happened to

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-86274696581136298192007-10-28T21:54:00.001-05:002007-10-28T23:08:33.441-05:00

Lindsay and her stuffed animals -- my oh my! These aren't the ones scattered about her room, these are the hunted dove. If you have a problem with hunting dove...stop reading -- really. If you love Ozzy Osborne, you're in luck.Today is the last day of the dove hunting season. While we aren't a BIG hunting family, Jason does enjoy taking the kids hunting if they want and teaching them the

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-34188027049355295852007-10-27T23:45:00.000-05:002007-10-28T23:56:34.530-05:00

Dylan has a pet frog that lives in the backyard. His friends can't imagine what he has in store for them when he says, "Come see my pet frog!" and runs out to the backyard. Being 3, they generally go along with it. Jumping on the trampoline seems to be their favorite activity together. Well, the frog might not agree with that. Another favorite Dylan memory was when he walked into my room

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-30339267057002071842007-10-26T07:41:00.000-05:002007-10-26T07:46:18.484-05:00

All day long I find little "love notes" like this one from Lvyi. Lotion in the shoe...simple, classic and she smelled really good. Later that day I also had to wash a dog who rolled in poo and attempted a clean up after I let the neighborhood kids paint pumpkins (that was pretty much a lost cause -- some things will just never be the same.)

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-24028150582917179762007-10-23T21:49:00.000-05:002007-10-23T22:48:57.153-05:00

Well, I guess it was more a zoo than they normally have at these things since a camel was in attendance. Aside from the "feeding zoo" (there wasn't a whole lot of petting going on, but the kids didn't care), I was happy to be in my children's preschool again. It feels really good knowing that our community is multi-ethnic enough that Lyvi won't be the only Asian in her classes. Dylan's

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-6353448842101074352007-10-22T20:41:00.000-05:002007-10-22T21:05:56.852-05:00

Well, I certainly love our annual pumpkin patch trips. Gotta say these two make it mighty tough though. They are both so clingy and Lyvi just freezes up at busy places like this. I can hardly get pictures taken because I always have at least one kid begging to be held. During the week they are so much happier with simple one on one time with me at home. I spent the majority of my days with my

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7262325.post-54490528287360893592007-10-22T20:03:00.000-05:002007-10-22T20:31:24.369-05:00

I got an email from one of my mom's dearest friends. She and her husband recently took a trip to Japan and got to see my brother (her pic above.) Jealousy aside, I'm excited that brother Bryan and his girlfriend were able to make it to Tokyo to visit Ann. A large majority of my childhood memories have her in them as we spent countless hours with her and her kids in the summer. I know he also has

henna's hearsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11511809631655285307noreply@blogger.com1