2nd Grade Bible

Hailey recieved her bible from Orchard Hill Church this past Sunday. The service was held in the Sanctuary specifically for the 2nd grade parents and family. I was shocked at how many 2nd graders there are at OHC! They just kept coming in and coming in...

Judy Walsten led the service by talking to parents and family about what our jobs are as parents to lead our children in their walk with Christ and ensuring that we are giving them the foundations at home that they will require as they grow older. It is our hope as well, as her parents, that we are raising her in a way that compliments and reinforces what she is learning from her Bible. This was a special day for Hailey and for us to see her so happy to be part of this process. Her small group leaders presented her the bible. She was the second one to receive a bible.

As Hailey held her bible, she watched all of her friends receiving their bibles. She had the biggest smile on her face and you could tell that she was just as happy for them as she was for herself. Hailey is one of the most genuine, selfless children I know. She truly wants others to be happy. I once watched her as another little girl won a drawing for a free book. She was so excited, jumping up and down for that little girl and didn't even care that she hadn't won. I wish that I had half the consideration for others that she has. I have a lot to learn from her, what an amazing thing.

Just Like Her Grandma (and mom)

We have figured out that Hailey is a true Hurley. She loves to watch tv with Grandma Hazel, she likes Sci-fi like Grandma Hazel and she now loves to sit on the couch with a laptop, like Grandma Hazel (and really, me too).

Brad left this evening to get his sled from Oelwein and graciously took the kids, minus Hailey. She wanted to stay with me and read. After she was done reading, she asked if she could do her Webkinz. I agreed and did my Soul Food calls, dishes, etc. When I finally checked in on her in the living room, there she was - all comfy cozy on the couch with the laptop. My first thought was, "Oh my! Doesn't this look familiar?!" Of course, I had to take a picture, it was so cute.

New Year's Eve

We got together at the Thompson's to celebrate the New Year. The kids were all invited, so all total we had 10 adults and seventeen kids. Now you might think that would be a recipe for disaster, but amazingly, we only had one child that got tied up (she did it to herself, just ask her!)

Anderson and Katelyn Doyle - Hailey and Megan Doyle

Katelyn Thompson being untied. Ann: "Who tied the knot?" Katie: "I did!" Ann: "Really, all by yourself?" Katie: "Yep, I did it, all by myself!"

The Girls - Can you see the "wine blush"?!

(John Thomas, Brad, Tom Tjaden, Mike Doyle and Jason Thompson)

All the guys in the kitchen. Frankly, I think they would have preferred to be there close to the food all night. Instead of being "forced" to play games. I don't think they can complain too much though. The food was awesome and they won at Pictionary for the second year in a row. Trust me, that won't happen again!

All in all a great evening and a perfect way to bring in the New Year with awesome friends.

Overdue Update!!!

I have been getting a ton of grief for not updating my blog. So, now I have to play catch up and try to remember what we have all been doing the last few months. Fortunately, I took a ton of pictures, so it shouldn't be that hard, right? Okay, here goes...

October

Brad's birthday and Halloween. We missed out on Blocktoberfest, but we are going to have a huge one next year, promise! We carved pumpkins and did the costume thing. I had back surgery on the 29th, so Brad had to take the kids out on his own. They looked so cute!

Pretty easy to figure out Annaliese as a princess again and Anderson as a dog - cutest dog I have ever seen (except when Jackson wore it)!
Jackson as the vampire. Hailey was a cat, but she decided to go with her friends, so we didn't get a picture of her. Isn't she too young to be ditching us for friends?
November

Thanksgiving. Spent brunch with Brad's parents and the evening with mine. Up very early, I think 3:15am on the day after Thanksgiving to go shopping - me, Michelle and mom. That was fun! I know it sounds crazy, but I always have a great time. That evening, Michelle, Ronnie and I went to Smitty's together "bonding"...

Me, Ronnie and Michelle

Me and Michelle

Christmas Card Picture

Once again, hard to get all the kids arranged the right way, but they did smile. Apologies in advance for anyone that didn't receive one. I meant to get out more than I did, I will try harder next year - promise!

December

Sometime in December I decided to change up my hair color a little and go darker with a tint of red. While it took some getting used to, I did like the change. And Annaliese is the perfect accessory for any picture.

Christmas Tree Hunt

Annaliese, Jackson, Hailey and Anderson (not sure why Jackson has the saw, must have been Brad's idea...)

Me and my two Favorite girls!

Brad assuming the annual position. One of these years I will do a comparison of how much his top half has changed year to year.


Annaliese had her first Christmas program at Orchard Hill. She was so sweet and sang with all the other kids in her class. I am really surprised at her willingness to participate in a large group setting. Hailey is so much more reserved than Annaliese.

Jackson celebrated his 6th birthday on December 17th. We went to the Brown Bottle, at his request, where Hailey then lost another tooth!

Brad and boys - pretty handsome!

Hailey minus another tooth!

Christmas Celebrations

This year we spent Christmas Eve with the Hurley's and Christmas Day with the Block's. Ronnie's house was filled with presents and it took a couple hours to get through everything. After carting everything back to the house, we went to the Christmas Eve service at Orchard Hill Church and back to Ronnie's for dinner. You will have to ask him about the baked beans :)This is one of my favorite pictures of Hailey and Michelle. Michelle bought Hailey and Jackson Ipod's this year. The two of them are practically inseparable when she is here.
Christmas Day