Hawks 'n' Sons

Dairy Free Menu

2012-01-08T21:27:00.004-06:00

I have been going dairy-free these days since we figured out Judah has a sensitivity to dairy. So, here is my dairy free menu this week:

Monday-Chicken Noodle Soup, french bread & salad
Tuesday- leftovers (food from the weekend)
Wednesday-5 ingredient soup, tortilla chips
Thursday- datenight!! pizza & corndogs 4 the boys
Friday-Chicken pad thai & oriental salad
Saturday-hamburgers, chips & baked beans
Sunday-Fellowship dinner-Manitoba So up, salad & brownies (all dairy free!)

but my baby is worth all this dairy-free

Owl nursery

2011-08-24T08:47:00.002-06:00

owl crib set

cute owl made by Rachel E.

bassinet

Finally at 5 weeks I put the nursery together for Judah Lee. Big brother Gideon decided to move to a big boy bed and is doing Great, so we went ahead and set everything up in the nursery. I fell in love with owls during this pregnancy so Judah's nursery theme is owl, and I love the blue chevron touches as well. So it is all ready for my sweet boy, but for now Judah will stay in his bassinet in our room close to mom :)

Surviving Four

2011-08-12T21:54:00.004-06:00

wide eyes

'That's how I roll onesie'-Love you Shelby!

my silly "puppy"

such good big brothers

Grandma and Aunt Leah left but we are surviving :)
I am enjoying 4 boys-Judah is eating well and doing 4-6 hour stretches at night :)
Ben & Ash start school next week and Gideon is working on moving to a toddler bed.
Enjoying God's blessings.

Birth Story of Judah Lee Hawkinson

2011-07-31T15:10:00.005-06:00

A lot of peole have heard it-Judah's crazy birth story already but I decided I should write it down, so here we go.
Thursday night I sent Joe to run a few errands, one of which was castor oil and " something yummy to put it in." My mom was planning on coming to stay with me for a week starting on Friday. I had 2 reasons for wanting this boy to be born before she came besides the fact that I was 40 weeks.
; #1. I wanted just a little time with him as a family and #2. My pubic bone separated in labor with Gideon and I could not walk, roll over in bed or put clothes on without assistance so I wanted to utilize the time my mom had in case I was immobilized again after this delivery.
Joe came home with a Jamocha shake and we doctored it up and I had finished it and was in by around 9:30 p.m. I woke up around 11 to use the bathroom :) and walk from the kitchen to the front door timing contractions. They went away at midnight so I laid down and slept until 1:40 a.m. Then I got back up and used the bathroom a few times and went back to walking and timing contractions. They were harder and closer together but not hard enough to stop me in my tracks, I kept walking through them.
Finally around 2:15 a.m. I had 3 three hard contractions that I had to stop moving and breath through. My contractions were 1 minute apart and not sure how long they were. I decided to go wake Joe up after I used the bathroom once more. But after a hard contraction in the bathroom I waited for the next one and it didn't come, so I waited 5 min with no contraction and decided to lay down and see if I could sleep some more ( I thought maybe they were slowing down or stopping).
I laid down and and had a very hard contraction and woke Joe up in the middle of it at 2:50 a.m. He immediately got up and dressed & called the Birth Center. I told him my contractions were a minute apart to which he answered " What?! Why didn't you wake me up?" I got up and went back to walking from the kitchen to the front door while Joe was on hold with the call center for 5 min and trying to get all the bags. Joe talked to the midwife and said we were coming then went upstairs to tell out friend Loyal Olsen we were going and he could take the boys to his sister's house in the morning and get the car seat. While he was upstairs I knew I was going to have another hard contraction so I was on my hands and knees with my arms on the ottoman and had a Very hard contraction so hard, I could have pushed. So I started crawling toward the bathroom to get off the carpet because in the back of my mind I thought "maybe this is transition." I had another contraction on my hands and knees and DID push this time. Joe met me at the bottom of the steps and I told him I had just pushed, and Joe said, "No, no no no no, we have to go to the Birth Center." Then he said," babe your shorts are wet, we have to go." I asked " Are they even there?" because we live blocks away from the Birth Center and I knew we would beat the midwife there and have a baby in the parking lot or the car.
So I stood up and we walked 3 steps and I had another contraction and I told Joe "I'm pushing!" then Judah's head and shoulders were out, and almost immediately I had another one and he was all the way out. Joe was able to catch Judah in my shorts :) and I sat right down, and Joe took my shorts off Judah and handed him to me :) he was crying and breathing perfectly at 3:07 a.m.
After I was holding Judah Joe yelled "LOYAL! Get down here!" And Loyal came down and Joe asked him to go get towels (and Joe covered me right up) and help move some furniture so I could lean against something- I was sitting on the living room floor between the loveseat and side table. Joe went and got the nasal syringe and sucked Judah out and turned on the heater. Then he called the midwife and told them he was here. Joe tied off the cord with a twistie tie and the midwives arrived 20 minutes later and delivered the placenta and moved me onto the couch to do all the necessary checks & stitches.
So Judah Lee Hawkinson was born July 15, 2011 at 3:07 a.m. in our living room, delivered by his parents :) weighing 9 lbs 3 oz and 22 1/4 inches long.
We are all doing great, Judah is a great eater and is such a sweet baby-all his big brothers love him lots and lots.
And just a fyi: the midwife said the carpet Could be cleaned but Joe decided he didn't Want it cleaned so, the carpet was thrown away and I have been promised a new one :)

Happy Mother's Day to me :)

2011-05-08T07:17:00.003-06:00

here are my Mother's Day gifts :) Joe made me two raised beds out of pallets-he did such a great job! I can 't wait to get them full and ready to go. The boys picked me out some beautiful orange roses, York Peppermint Patties and lovely cards.
I am a very blessed woman indeed.

Update-Ben's Birthday

2011-05-07T20:24:00.004-06:00

Ben turned 6 in March!
He chose to go a family birthday at the T-Rex restaurant, in Kansas City. The highlight of the night was the lava chocolate cake and then digging for dinosaur bones with Asher.
All in all we had a wonderful time celebrating Ben's birthday he is such a joy, a great big brother and an Amazing helper to mommy. We are so blessed to have him in our family.
Love you Benny!

2010-2011

2011-01-14T23:08:00.003-06:00

sweet big brother

my 4 favorite men

I do what brothie does

sweetness

sweet Asher Dale

ahh 2010 is over!

We enjoyed 2010, had lot of fun and a lot of laughs. My boys
are so cute and are growing up so fast. I am looking
forward to 2011 and more great memories with my family.
Especially baby #4 due in July :)

Happy Birthday Gideon

2010-09-06T21:00:00.002-06:00

Born Sept 4th 2009

How a year has FLOWN by. Our sweet baby boy turned one year old this Saturday.
We had a few friends over for a little party and cake :) as you can see he enjoyed having his first cake (minus bites from Aunt Leah and Grandma)
We have enjoyed one whole year with this sweet boy and we are looking forward to many more to come.

All Alive

2010-08-17T14:32:00.001-06:00

Don't worry the Hawkinsons are alive and well.
Camps are over so hopefully I will be better at keeping up :)

Time for another Hawkinson Husband Hijack :)

2010-05-13T20:33:00.007-06:00

So a lot has happened lately...

We put our house on the market, decided to take it off the market,

bought a car for no particular reason, (except for the totally great deal part, and the big H on the front. I really love my wife!)

Got a new camera, (A Nikon D3000 see the pics below)

Had a really fun couple move in with us :), then they moved out :(

Our boys are growing so fast! Benny starts school here at home this fall after we come back from the 4 camps that we'll be at this summer.

Whew, well take a look at the pics; and let Jessie know how much you love "her" blog!

Oh yeah, Jessie got really cute highlights

Giddy is still super sweet

The "other two" are still alive... (for now)

And they all love each other a lot

When you have 3 boys...

2010-03-26T17:39:00.003-06:00

The babys favorite toy is a gun

and stuffed animals get burned at the stake

poor Frankie he never had a chance...

Hi, I'm Gideon,

2010-02-13T22:45:00.004-06:00

Hi, just wanted to update date everyone on Mr. Gideon.
He is now 5 months-at his 4 months appt. he was 17 lb 6 oz and 27 inches long.

He is currently loving the exersaucer

He has two bottom teeth ( don't look too hard they are not in this picture)
But this smile is always worth it

drooling and working on teeth

He found his thumb and loves to chew on it

And he loves his toes :)

Gideon continues to be such a joy to our family. He is laughing, talking and singing to us everyday. Both Ben and Asher love getting Gideon to laugh and "talk" to them. He is still sleeping about 9 hours at night-I told you he is a joy :)
He is now rolling tummy to back and back to tummy it will be too soon when he is crawling. We continue to do cloth diapers and love them and I might have finally settled on one kind=Grobaby.
At 4 months Gideon started having really dry skin, red and scaly all over his body. So I researched eczema, allergies and oil/lotion. We started using Organic Coconut oil all over Gideons dry skin and I have been dairy free for three weeks. The dry skin might be a milk allergy so if Gideon can't have milk neither can mommy-I am missing cheese :( but Gideons skin looks amazing. No more dry red skin, it has all cleared up.
Gideon continues to grow, and so does our love for this beautiful little gift from the Lord!

Update on the kids

2009-12-18T18:44:00.003-06:00

Ready for a snowball fight

The brothers

Our roley poley little baby

Asher Enjoying the snow

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Two months

2009-11-04T21:07:00.003-06:00

We just love this boy so much he is such a joy to our family.
The days are just flying by and we are trying to savor and enjoy all the little moments with Gideon. Joe and I have realized that this boy is spoiled, he is held, rocked and picked up on every opportunity. I think we now understand how quickly they grow up so we are enjoying this baby stage as long as we can.
Gideon likes:
to eat
to sleep
to smile
to be in the Moby
and to be held

Happy Birthday to Asher

2009-11-01T21:02:00.003-06:00

silly pirate

naughty

My little boy turned 3 today. Asher Dale you make me smile, and make me crazy all at the same time.

Asher Dale Hawkinson
* loves guns and knives
* loves superhero's
* loves to pretend to be a super hero
* wants to be a police officer, army man and a doctor
* loves to wrestle brother Ben and daddy
* kisses baby Gideon every day
* cuddles in bed with mom and dad
* is full of energy
* is loved

I am so thankful for the blessing you are to me.
Happy Birthday sweet boy

Update-new pictures

2009-10-09T15:41:00.004-06:00

tummy sleeper

his shirt says "Major Cutie"

Here are a few new pictures of Gideon. He is such a sweet baby he gets kissed all day long :)
He loves the Moby and falls asleep as soon as he gets in.
He has been sleeping 5-6 hours a night.
And he is loved deeply by his brothers, Benny even said he loves Gid more than Asher ;)
And Asher talks and kisses him every day-and sometimes calls him Giddy-so sweet!
So we are adjusting well and everyone is enjoying Mr. Gideon

Home with baby

2009-09-15T20:30:00.003-06:00

Sept 4, 2009
Gideon Lane - 8 lb 15 oz 22 inches

loving on brother

So we are adjusting pretty well with our new little addition. Gideon Lane Hawkinson was born Sept 4, 2009 at 7:53 a.m 8 lbs 15 oz and 22 inches long.
Gideon is a sweet baby we all love so much. The boys are adjusting and want to hold brother and love on him, Asher sometime a little more 'loving' than he should be.
Today Gideon is 11 days old and his favorite activity so far is eating :) all the time it seems, which is nice because the first week he had a hard time latching on to nurse. So mommy is happy to have a satisfied sleepy baby. Joe and I go back and worth between who he looks like more Ben or Asher. Right away at birth it was Asher, but on any given day he looks like Benny. Pretty soon he will just look like himself.
So now I am just trying to get back into the swing of things like laundry, dishes, sleeping and quality time with Ben and Asher. But overall we are doing good and I am enjoying lots of snuggles with my new boy.

Waiting and waiting

2009-08-21T14:27:00.003-06:00

This is serious!

Waiting on brother

We are just eating, sleeping, walking and waiting on baby brother.
I am getting a little anxious, the boys keep asking when he
is coming and I wish I could tell them. So I just have to
wait on the Lord's timing-I need to remind myself daily.

Feeling Crafty

2009-08-06T21:13:00.003-06:00

Just a shot of the crib bedding

one of 7 blankets

cape-flame side

cape-lightning bolt

Asher's cape

I just recently learned how to use a sewing machine and I have been enjoying this new outlet. Thanks to Alex for letting me borrow her sewing machine for a while. So far to date I have made 7 baby blankets for friends and cousins, 6 burp cloths, 2 bibs sorta-Eunice did most of it and I just recently finished two capes for the boys.
The boys wanted flame capes :) so they have guitar flames on one side with their initial and then another initial on the plain side with a little "sign. " Benny got a lightning bolt and Asher got a POW, Benny calls it a bomb with his initial (which I find extremely fitting for his personality) :)
Joe was the big hero and took the capes to a screen printer he works with and they put the initials and artwork on for free-the boys were so excited when they saw them.
On my upcoming list I am redoing a bookshelf with burlap, and making baby blankets for me, Ashlee, Allison, make a few pillows for my cousin's baby room and make two more capes for the boys. Hopefully my energy holds out before this little boy decides to come-sooner than later.

My Style

2009-07-17T21:11:00.002-06:00

I am not sure if this is my style, I honestly have no clue what my style is but it was a fun quiz to take. Thanks Hope!

What's your interior style quiz?

KBC family fun

2009-06-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

The preggo sis-in-laws

puppet show

spay park

Ash done with the spray park

Paul & Ben wrestling

Uncle Andrew the horse

haha

We had a great time at KBC hanging with cousin's. The kids had a lot of fun and were
worn out every day (my master plan). Here are a few pictures of our activities
through out the week. I missed taking pictures in the pool which we did every day.
Asher learned to jump off the diving board on the count of 1, and Ben used a
floatie to be in the big pool :)
Cousin's colored, wrestled, played and built together-it was a real fun week.
Joe did a great job speaking and had fun as well. Three young women
accepted the Lord which was so encouraging-Praise the Lord!
It was great to be able to serve the Lord and spend time with family.

Happy Birthday to Joe

2009-06-23T21:46:00.003-06:00

the birthday boy

my new hair cut

Alex, Daniella & Thomas

Paul

Heather, Todd & Francis

Happy Birthday to my wondeful husband who turned 26 today. We had a few
people over or dinner and birthday pie. Joe didn't want any one who came
to know it was his birthday-he called it a reverse surprise party :)
We had his favorite, biscuits n gravy, grits, over easy eggs and sweet tea.
(we sound like a southern family)
For dessert we had peanut butter Reeses ice cream pie and
chocolate mirange pie. Then we all played Trivial Pursuit :)
He loved all of it, including his hand colored puzzle from Benny and his
Andy McKee CD.
Love you Babe! I am so glad I can celebrate your birthday with you!
You are a wonderful gift to me.

Daddies are so fun

2009-05-31T22:24:00.003-06:00

A couple of weeks ago Joe made tents for the boys in their bunk beds.
The boys loved it, and enjoyed sleeping in their new tent beds all night.
I am so blessed that Joe plays such an active and vital role in the boys lives.
They just adore him and the time they all spend together is so precious.
I love that man! and those boys!

Update

2009-05-21T09:52:00.004-06:00

Yesterday May 20, at 11:28 a.m.

My nephew

Gibeon David Johnson
was delivered into the world

he was 1 lb 7 oz, 6 inches long

Parents of Elizabeth and David Johnson

He is now in the arms of the Lord.

Gibeon was delivered with his umbilical cord wrapped tightly around his neck.
The doctors think he died 2-3 weeks ago.

Please pray for Elizabeth and David.
They told the boys yesterday about the Gibeon, and Elizabeth is being released from the hospital this afternoon.
Please pray for their continued strength and encouragement from the Lord as well as their emotional support.

I think it's funny

2009-05-11T20:37:00.002-06:00

I went to Kansas Citytoday to pick up a Black and Blue Travel System (stroller, carseat and base) off Craigslist, after much search and skeptisism from Joe. I had shown it to Joe he said it looked nice and I was happy with the price.
The stroller has hardly any wear, it is very clean, very light and maneuvers extremely well. But to my surprise when the gentlemen pulled it out of the garage to put in my car it was not blue and black it is purple and black. I almost laughed out loud in his face.
So here is my dilemma, do I keep this System? Do I try to resell it?
Would you put your son in a black and purple car seat and stroller?
Do I say it is a K-State Travel System?
Joe does not really care at all mostly he says I can't have another because all this searching has been such a hassle. And he has not said weither or not he would care if boy #3 could use a black purple car seat.
But to be honest I think it is really funny. When I told Joe about it I could hardly keep from peeing because I just think it is so funny that it is purple. Because, this has been such a big ordeal to find, ask about and go get-says Joe. So all in all, I think=funny.

Gotta say Goodbye

2009-04-24T12:09:00.003-06:00

farm house,
6 bedrooms 2 dining rooms,
living room, kitchen, playroom
summer porch and 2 full baths

Silo's

I used to mow that

The barn where the
trampoline resided

This weekend my family and I have the hard job of saying goodbye to our family farm. My great grandfather owned and lived here, my grandfather lived and worked here and my father and our family lived and worked here.
I have been trying to rationalize and keep things calm in my head about the facts but this afternoon as we are getting ready to drive to Iowa to pack years of history and memories, emotions are starting to take over. I always thought Benny and Asher would get to come and play at Poppy's farm and experience what I loved about it. Build hay forts, jump in the creek and climb trees but only the Lord really knows what is in store. And I know that this earthly place is not my home, but it was an amazing place to grow up.
I am very thankful to many of you for your thoughts and prayers for us. I think maybe writing some of it down might help me and asking for more prayer to help sustain my family. I know that all of my family is feeling this loss but no one more than my dad. If you would lift him up in prayer I would appreciate it. Talking to my sister today and she said he is worn down, tired and feeling defeated. Please pray for his encouragement and wisdom. And I would ask prayer that I will not wear myself out physically and emotionally.
I am encouraged in the Lord knowing this His ways are no mine and that His thoughts for His children are so many they could never be counted or comprehended.

Sono says...

2009-04-15T14:04:00.002-06:00

We are happy to say

we are having
.
.
.
.
.
.

a
.
.
.
.

BOY!!!!

Everything looks great he is very active and had a hard time holding still to get his picture taken, but there is no doubt he is all boy :)
Benny was a little sad he really wanted a sister, but daddy told him all the things he could teach little brother and at the end he said "yeah, I want a brother."

So I am going to be a mother of 3 boys you can start praying for me know.
I am looking forward to painting the nursery and getting ready for our little blue gift in Sept.

Working on a Room Makeover

2009-04-12T15:58:00.003-06:00

Here is the before
no paint and off center window

Here's the after

I am still working on it. First of all I am wanting to put one more color behind the brown curtains, I am thinking a light blue and hopefully add a decal on that. What do you think?
I also need a curtain for the other window. What color would be best? Brown? Light blue? Off-white? And debating on that color I need some throw pillows for the bed and I would love a ceiling fan.
So far I am very happy with it and I am looking forward to getting it finished and having a cozy retreat of a room. So give me some options ladies-or just come over and see for yourselves and then help a girl out :)
And Happy Easter!

Just a few Pictures

2009-03-19T20:19:00.003-06:00

he is actualy faking-he totally fooled me!

These boys of mine make me smile, they are ALL boy. Asher is always a soldiger, police officer or super hero. Here he is being a soldiger complete with the outfit and sword.
Ben takes after is parents and loves to sleep ;) not really but he is so sweet when he is asleep. Every parent should look at their children sleeping at the end of the day a remember how sweet and innocent they are.
I am looking forward to new sweet baby pictures this summer.

I have 4 yr old

2009-03-10T13:51:00.002-06:00

All our friends at the museum

lot of fun

Last week Benjamin Wayne Hawkinson turned 4! What a joy he is to us.
We had a very busy day for the special boy. We went to the gymnastic open gym in the morning and burned of some energy. Then, home for lunch and off to the Mulvane Museum to meet our friends in the children's art room. The kids got to make paper airplanes, draw on the plexiglass, make funny faces, play in the sand and design with shoes just to name a few. After an hour at the museum we went home and had Johnson cousin's over for a while. Then later that night we had cake, ice cream and presents after prayer meeting Wednesday night.
I am pretty sure he head a great birthday-thanks so much everyone who came and celebrated with us and for all the birthday wishes.
So I have a 4 year old a 2 year old and a 14 week 3 day baby on the way :) What a blessing!
Life just keeps getting interesting. We are so thankful for them all.

UltraSound Day

2009-02-23T12:18:00.003-06:00

Today we had an ultrasound to determine how far along I am.
According to my knowledge, my last period was Dec 10 which put my due date on Sept 10- and me being 9 weeks and 6 days. But at my first OB appointment Norla, my midwife said my uterus felt more like I was 12-13 weeks as opposed to 9. So after much speculation as to why I might look and measure bigger; twins, having my third child, I'm fat and extra amniotic fluid. Well we got our answer today.
I am sorry to disappoint some of you but we are having one very active baby.
I am 12 weeks and 4 days which puts my due date on Sept 4th-Labor Day. The baby looks great, (I am going to default to saying 'he'-come on I have 2 already) he flipped all over and never stopped moving. He gave the tech a hard time getting some measurement. We were very excited to see him tiny and perfect. Joe was happy to see just one :)
Thanks you all for your thoughts and prayers I guess we'll all just have to wait 6 more months to see what we are having. I am glad to know about when he will be coming. We are very excited for number three and are very thankful to the Lord for another little blessing.

How do you know??

2009-02-16T15:42:00.003-06:00

How do you know he loves you?
Have you seen the movie Enchanted? I love the song "How do you know he loves her?" It is such a fun movie I highly recommend it to anyone.
So I decided to let you know how I know Joe loves me.

How do I know that he loves me?

he buys take out when I'm too tired to cook
he does not care about a "clean" house all the time
he comes home from work whenever he is needed
he gives me naps
he tells me to go shopping and have "me" time
he gets up every day and goes to work
he refused a CAT scan because of the cost & because we just found out we are expecting #3
he is understanding of my moods and weeping
he thinks I am beautiful in the morning
he thinks I am beautiful all the time
he cried with me in labor
he cried when our children were born
he holds me and lets me cry
he understands me
Just a kiss
Just a touch
A hug
Just a look
his excitment over the news of out third child on the way

Here are only a fraction of the things Joe does to show me that he loves me. I hope this post might encourage you to think of some different ways "he shows you that he loves you."

On the farm with Poppy

2009-01-30T21:02:00.002-06:00

Asher wanted to be held by Poppy all day :)

Pushing snow

The boys had a lot of fun on our trip to Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. My dad had a great time spending time with the boys and sharing his "toys" with them. Asher had a sweet attraction to my dad, he kept asking for my dad to hold him all day. I loved watching him cuddle up to dad and talk to him-he is getting so big but still a sweetie.
So beside it being super cold the boys were able to play outside and enjoy some "Poppy time."

Some new quotes

2009-01-23T22:52:00.003-06:00

Benny to daddy, "Do you know what my favorite pop is? Soda pop."
"Well, what is your favorite flavor?" asked daddy
"Umm Beef scents." Smiles Benny.
"Beef scent? " asked daddy.
"Yeah, Beef scents. That's a kind of pop."says Ben
"Great." says daddy chuckling.

Ben and Asher have been playing Prince Caspian all week. Ben is Peter and Asher is Edmund. They have been playing swords and fighting the white witch and other bad guys all week. When two days ago Ben tells me he needs two sisters. One to be Lucy and one to be Susan, so they can all play Prince Caspian. But Asher chimes in and says he only needs one sister, to which Ben begins to argue for two. And so goes the fight one, two, one, two. I look at Joe and say, well I guess we need three sisters ;) So I tell Ben he needs to pray and ask God for this particular wish.
(I thought it was funnier than Joe did)

Kids say the sweetest things

2009-01-15T14:37:00.002-06:00

This morning at breakfast I was reading Bible to the boys (don't be too impressed it is only the 2nd time I have done it this week) and read the passage 2 Cor 9:6-15. And in the latter pat of verse 7 it says, " for God loves a cheerful giver."
Later in the morning the boys run into my room arguing over a plastic tiger toy that Asher is holding. And Ben tells Asher, "Asher you need to share that toy with me because remember God says he loves a cheerful giver. So give me that toy Asher."
It made me so gald that he had heard what I was reading and tried to apply it.

Happy Holidays!

2009-01-13T20:21:00.003-06:00

Can anyone guess the theme of the boys Christmas?

Christmas Party at the Price's

Uncle Nathanael

Super Cute!

Husband Hijack!!!
Here are a few pics from the last month or so...

All dressed up

2008-12-06T11:44:00.004-06:00

Rex & Shawna
(man, she looks good!!)

Last night we went to Joe's work Christmas Party. The new
location this year was at the Top of the Tower. The view
was beautiful, the food was yummy and the company
was excellent. We had a lot of fun, ate, played games and chatted.
I enjoyed getting all dresses up (thanks Rachel!) doing my hair ( I poufed it)
and taking pictures with my hunky husband. We sat with Paul and his
sister Grace, Todd and Rex and Shawna. It's nice to get dressed up and enjoy
a fun evening every once and a while.

Four fun boys

2008-12-06T11:31:00.003-06:00

Right before Thanksgiving we stole the Everhart boys for the a couple
of hours to play. The boys all did great and had a lot of fun.
It was fun to see them play and listen to their different games.
Ben and Ethan played pirate ship with swords on the slide and equipment.
And Simon and Asher wandered around together climbing
and jumping on rocks. But all boys came together
to chase squirrels up trees. Later in the day I told Joe that if we
had 4 boys I could do it :) he laughed
and said "I like our 2."
I agree with him. But having Ethan and Simon was a lot
of fun too :)

Black Friday Madness

2008-11-28T11:39:00.002-06:00

This morning I participated, for the third year in a crazy tradition of
shopping in the early a.m. at multiple stores-Black Friday Madness!
But never have I experienced the madness of Wal Mart first hand.
I woke up at 4 a.m. got ready and left for Wal Mart to try to
get a 4.5 qt 250 watt Kitchen Aid Mixer for $130.
I walked in received a map and proceeded to find the Mixers in
pallets in the center aisles all around the store and wrapped in black plastic.
And there I saw there were four women camped around the Kitchen Aids.
They had been there since 3:30 a.m. and their carts were blocking the Mixers.
Did I mention it was a door buster?
And there were only 10 Kitchen Aids and 15-20 women standing around them :)
As soon as it was 5 I heard a wooshing sound as the plastic was ripped off all the surrounding pallets and then I
was shoved from behind and squished up against another women ahead of me. All the while
I was being pushed hands were reaching around me and grabbing.
People were yelling and shoving it was INSANE.
I got my hands on a mixer, grabbed it by the handles and started to try
and get away. Suddenly another woman grabbed the mixer by the bottom
and started pulling it from me. Praise the Lord I had the handles
because I twisted the box gave it a hard yank and left the lady behind as I
headed up to the checkout. I was DONE with Wal Mart.
But once I got to the next store I realized in the struggle I had lost
my cell phone. So I went back to Wal Mart looked around the scene
of the struggle and didn't find it. So I went to Customer Service left my info
and headed back to Target. All the while I was thinking,
"So I got a mixer and lost a cell phone, is that the price I have to pay for a mixer?"
I was pretty sad but Joe was so sweet he was just happy I had not
gotten hurt by any crazy shopper women.
Later Joe stopped by Wal Mart and they had found it!
So, I am pretty sure I am never doing a Door Buster at Wal Mart again! But I am happy
to have gotten a Kitchen Aid and not a punch in the eye.

What have we been doing? well...

2008-11-07T16:31:00.002-06:00

Sleeping

practicing acrobatics

mountain climbing

gaining weight

hoping to get our license soon

and growing...weird noses

Just thought you all might like an update on the day to day affairs at the Hawkinson home.

The Big 2

2008-11-06T08:20:00.003-06:00

Asher Dale Hawkinson Nov 1, 2006 8 lb 13 oz

The Big 2

Gabriel and Brooklyn
showing off their crafty pumpkins

present time

dirt and worm cupcakes

I was sad to realize I never posted Asher's 2nd Birthday party. We actually did it a week early because of craziness on his actual birthday. But we had a great time with Johnson cousins, the Blooms and Everharts. The kids decorated mini pumpkins and then had cake and hot chocolate. And lots of playing commensed afterwards.
We are so thankful to have been blessed with Asher for 2 years. His sweet face and silly words make me smile. And watching him grow and want to be like his big broher (how he says it) and his daddy is such a joy.
Happy Birthday Asher. You are a sweet, crazy one of a kind wanna be hunter/superhero and I love you sooo much!

99 Balloons - Get ready to cry, and thank the Lord for your Children.

2008-10-28T16:14:00.001-06:00

Such a sweet little boy, his parents are expecting again :)

Boom Baby!

2008-10-18T21:58:00.001-06:00

Watch your step at our house

Are you cheap too?

2008-10-15T21:25:00.003-06:00

I am sitting in my bed cuddled under blankets with the laptop keeping my legs warm and I am COLD! But will I turn the heater on???

A no. I am too cheap!

Joe said. "Just turn it on." I answered, "go find the space heaters."

The boys are bundled and have a space heater in their room as well
(just in case you think I neglect to keep my children warm).

My answer all day= more layers, "keep your socks on" :)

So anyone else cold and not turning on their heaters?

Fun with Friends

2008-10-07T20:54:00.003-06:00

Checking out giraffes

Giddy up bear

Cheese

Choo Choo! Train ride.

A fun day at the zoo and then Gage Park for a picnic and train ride. I honestly can't remember the exact day (I have been meaning to post these for a while) but the boys had a great time with Ethan and Simon. And I liked hanging out with my friend Rachel too :)

Free Muesum Day

2008-09-26T13:20:00.003-06:00

Hey check out my sis-in-laws Michelle's blog for some information about going to a museum this Saturday the 27th for FREE!
We are planning to go to KC to a children's museum because of the free admission
thanks Michelle!

Some new additions

2008-09-24T08:45:00.002-06:00

Here are the new additions to our house, new curtains and a stained water sealed front porch! After living in our house for 4 years I finally have curtains in my house and I love them! Also, after saying 'we should water seal the front porch' 4 years later we finally did it.

Daddy, the Hero!

2008-09-16T12:01:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I took the boys on a walk and we went to the park on 6th and Garfield it is called Willow Park right across the street from the hospital. The boys weer enjoying the merri-go-round and we see a stray dog walking around the park. The boys started asking to pet it and I told them we don't pet dogs that don't have owners because they could bite.
The boys kept playing and I kept watching the dog. It looked like it had left the park so I was encouraging the boys to play on another piece of equipment like the swings or another tire swing. They were very happy to stay where they were and it turned out to be the safest for us as well. The dog came back and came right up about 3 feet from the merri-go-round and started lunging and barking at us. So I got on the merri-go-round and gave us a big push so we would go fast (I figured the dog couldn't jump on if we were going fast). While we were spinning I grabbed my phone and thought, do I call Joe or 911?

I called Joe because I knew he was close to home. He was at 6th and Kansas and got to the park in 2 min :) On the way he called animal control. Joe came to the merri-go-round with a big piece of metal something in his hand which he waved at he dog (he debated getting his gun out of the trunk but thought against it). The dog saw him coming and tried to circle around him and was continuing to bark. So Joe got on the meri-go-round with us and we waited for animal control to show up (they were not quite as fast as Joe was). They came and tried to get him but he ran across 6th and they lost him.
My heart was racing the whole time, I was so glad to see Joe coming like a knight in shining armor. Joe made the comment that if he had to he would have killed the dog, and he told me that he had no doubt that if the dog had tried to hurt the boys I would have killed it as well. I agreed what mom wouldn't defend her children? But all in all it was a pretty interesting day.

Kids Club & a Story

2008-09-10T10:04:00.004-06:00

Last night we started Kids Club at our Chapel. We had a good turn out of eleven kids including Ben, who is offiically too young but his parents are helping so what can you do?The ages are 5-12 but Chapel kids are the exception :)
Scott was the speaker and he spoke to the kids from Luke 18:15-17. About the parents bringing their children to Jesus, and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Permit the children to come to Me," One of Scott's points was, 'Sometimes grownups make it hard' the disciples were making it hard for the children to come to Jesus. But salvation is not hard, Jesus made it easy to come to Him. Believe and Receive-those were two key words Scott impressed upon the kids. He did a great job the kids listened and had a lot of fun. We are looking forward to the rest of the year, and Lord willing more kids.
I give this introduction because I have a sweet retelling of Benny today. I was talking to Benny last night and this morning about how God loves Him, and made him just the way he is, and how God knows all the hairs in his head and the words he is going to speak. So, on with my story :)
Ben got a nerf gun yesterday with two arrows aka "shooters" and he happily played with it all day and lost one of his two "shooters". Today he started looking for the lost one and said to me,
"I have an idea mom, how about we pray and ask God to help us find the shooter." And so he prayed and asked God to help him find it and walked around the house asking,
"Is God helping me?" I said yup, and then five minutes later he found it! He was very excited and then prayed and thanked God for helping him find it. So sweet! I had to share it.

What kind of season changer are you?

2008-09-09T08:33:00.003-06:00

I was thinking today about how much I love Fall weather. Jeans, long sleeves, crisp cool air and cozy nights. But I also started wondering how other people handle the 'change' in the weather. So here is my question to everyone;
"What kind of season changer are you?"
Are you an All- Out kinda person?-all your summer things are already packed away and warmer clothes already fill your drawers.
Are you a Clinger? Are you still doggedly clinging to Summer and all of its accessories? Shorts, short sleeves and flip flops.
Or, are you a Blender? Slowly edging out your summer styles and blending in more Fall type apparel. Jeans with a short sleeved shirt and flip flops. Shorts with a long sleeved shirt.

Personally, I am a Blender. I am still wearing my flipflops and I have not put my Summer stuff away. Mostly out of laziness as opposed to weather change.

Maybe you have your own category. But, let me know I want to hear from all of you out there.
What kind of weather changer are you?

How Boys Play

2008-08-30T20:39:00.003-06:00

bang bang

I took the boys to the park earlier this week and it never fails when ever we go, one if not both of them "shoot" squirrels. This day it was Asher on the hunt. As you can see he did get pretty close.
I love being the mother of two boys but they do me laugh. I have gun shooting, bear fighting, knife wielding hunter boys-we have so many sticks aka guns on our front porch from walks and parks you can hardly walk on the porch without hitting one. But they are treasures and prized guns we can not throw away. I love having boys

Heavenly Deals

2008-08-28T09:55:00.001-06:00

Chair #1

a little ouchy here

chair #2

a little unraveling here

I drove by Big Lot's today and on a whim I turned in. I was looking for a umbrella pot/tin for my childrens sticks that are all over the porch and I found these beauties. I was so excited because I have been praying and checking Craigs List for two white wicker chairs for the front porch. I saw these chairs and chair #1 had a big red sticker on it that said, $10.50!!! Seriously I started shaking I was so excited. Chair #2 had no tag but I saw the unraveling on the leg and I was hoping they would give me a deal. Oh, and Thomasina was my cashier which I thought was pretty fun. So, chair#2 rang up for $17.50! My heart was racing and my hands were shaking I was so excited and I still am because both the chairs were originally $70. Isn't the Lord so good??!!!

Perfect Peace

2008-08-19T13:11:00.002-06:00

Peace, perfect Peace, in this dark world of sin? The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect Peace, by thronging duties presses. To do the will of Jesus this is rest.

Peace, perfect Peace, with sorrow surging round? On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect Peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus' keeping we are safe and they.

Peace, perfect Peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

I have found myself singing this song a lot today. Probably because Peace is not how my day or house is feeling. Lots of crying, meltdowns and discipline are going on here.
I love the third verse of this Hymn. "On Jesus' bosom naught but calm is found." It is reassuring to know that in the Lord calm can be found even in the most chaotic of days and tantrums of children.

Ezra Lee

2008-08-15T08:25:00.002-06:00

Asher holding Ezra

All stretched out

We took dinner to Jeff and Ashlee last night and got to spend a little time with sweet little Ezra. He is so sweet and tiny. While I was holding him Asher asked to hold him, he didn't seem very excited but when Ezra had to have a diaper change Asher was a little upset that he was not holding the baby.
Ashlee looks AMAZING! Joe said she does not look like she just had a baby, and I completely agree. And she told me she weighs less now than before she got pregnant. Can you hear a little bit of jealousy in my voice? Or maybe that is hope, or wishful thinking on my part. :) I am very happy for her. And I guess from what Ashlee says that he eats and sleeps well-what a blessing!
It was so nice to hold a little new baby, Joe told me I couldn't hold him too long-Baby Fever ya know ;)

My Addiction

2008-08-12T16:31:00.003-06:00

I am pretty sure I am addicted. It is all I want to in the last few days;
WATCH OLYMPICS!!!!!!
Seriously, Joe and I have not left our seats after the boys are down
we just sit, watch and cheer. We watched the men's gymnasts last night and cheered and
gritted our teeth and were on the edges of our seats. It is so exciting.
Michael Phelps is also amazing, as is beach volleyball, the US volleyball team,
and I could go on and on and on. It is times like these I am so glad
I have bunny ears on my television.

My Sweet Lu Lu

2008-08-08T12:14:00.005-06:00

My niece Felicity aka LuLu came and stayed with us for two weeks in July. She was able to be at Camp Enosh with and had a great time. We were so glad she was able to hear such great teaching about the Lord. She told me she had a lot of fun and was learning stuff she didn't know about in the Bible. :) (That right there makes it all worth it for me. )
The boys just love her, and she loves them just as much! Asher went around the house yelling "WuWu, where are wu?" And Ben could spend hours playing with his fun fun cousin she was great entertainment for the boys :)
We are looking forward to having her come again!

Fun and Family at KBC

2008-07-24T15:09:00.005-06:00

They are all being doggies in matching shirts

Darling Rachel

Sweet Daniel

Asher wrestling with Uncle Andrew

Mr. Paul

Aunt Michelle and Aunt Magen

Just some pictures from our week at KBC in June. I am pretty behind in posting but so goes life :)
We had a great week and a lot of fun with our family.

A Poopie Day

2008-07-22T08:32:00.002-06:00

Can't see it?

A closer look

Yup that's poop

So, I was upstairs doing Pilates and Ben comes upstairs to play. Asher stays downstairs and then calls for me. I answer, " I am upstairs honey." I continue with my Pilates, and Ben is calling for Asher to come up and asking me to call for him. After I finish my 10 min I decide to walk down and check on him. And I found him lounging on the recliner covered in his own poop, and very happy I might add.
Did I mention that two weeks ago Joe took the boys and LuLu on a dough nut drive and then stopped by the DeGroff's to let the kids play. And Rebekah come down and informs Joe that Asher just ate some of his poop. Apparently he just reached in and grabbed a handful and helped himself. AAAAAA!!! So Yucky!

And all you moms would have been so proud of my reaction. I did not scream, yell or vomit. I just took him off the chair took some pictures :) wiped him down with wipes and bathed him.

Hope you all have a great Poopie Day.

Catch Up Time

2008-07-11T21:50:00.003-06:00

Giving brother some pointers

Rebekah, Daniel & Asher

Cuddle time

The cutest outfit ever!

Happy 4th of July

I was sitting down reading blogs the other day and realized that I am way behind on updating. So, here is the short of it. We were at Turkey Hill the first week of July, Joe directed and we all had an amazing time. The boys golfed 2-3x's a day. It was there favorite thing to do with daddy. We also got in some horse back riding, fishing and only one trip to the pool-Praises! Because I burned the first day and didn't want to go back :)
We happily returned and had a July 4th party out at the Young's and fellowshipped a bit. And then went to church on Sunday and dressed Benny in the cutest outfit ever-seriously check out the picture you can't argue with that. Now with family in town we are preparing for Camp Enosh next week and hopefully I will be diligent in posting :) he he he.. (nervous laughter)

Turkey Hill

2008-05-29T18:09:00.004-06:00

Asher riding all by himself

Benny fell and got scraped up

car silliness

sleeping in the car

just like brother

Just a quick post:
We went to Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp this last weekend and had a great time. The boys had a blast and Ben can 't wait to go back again. I think I am still recovering :)

I've Been Tagged

2008-05-20T16:09:00.004-06:00

Here's the rules:

Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
Let them know they are tagged by leaving comments on their blogs.

Alright.

#1. I am NOT a germ-a-phobe. I let my kids drink from water fountains, and you know what.....so do I.

#2. I am the most girly I have ever been in my entire life right now. I never wore pink, never cared about my hair, (which I am cutting and highlighting tonight !!) burped all the time and liked being a tom-boy.

#3. I peed on a cow once :)...maybe more than once.

#4. I can drive a tractor if I have to.

#5. I don't mind going to the dentist, I love the comfy chairs they have.

#6. I loved New Kids on the Block. I hear they are making a come back now.

#7. I used to love scary movies. My friends and I would stay up all night long watching Jason, Chuckie and Feddie Kruger and laugh. But now I am so freaked out by anything scary. I am a big weenie and can hardly stand anything suspenceful. Probably because movies are so much better and scarier now-anyway me = scared of Horror movies.

I'll tag:

Magen
Michelle
Kristi
Kimmie (we'll see about her she is planning a wedding)
Paul

#8. I break rules :)

Four Years Ago...

2008-05-15T08:27:00.008-06:00

11 yes, 11.
Ok, start on your far left Groomsmen; Micah Hawkinson, Nathanael Hawkinson, Ben Graves, Adam Sallee, Ben Lemmons, Chris Woodhouse, Joshua Schumm, Samuel Hawkinson, Andrew Hawkinson, Timothy Hawkinson.
Bridesmaids far left; Sweet Lois Rust-Mock( I miss you my friend), Mary Jardine, Jodie Stratman, Laura Ubillos, Tabitha Hawkinson, Hannah Lange, Joann Scheppele, Leah Scheppele, Hannah Hawkinson, Naomi Hawkinson in front.
Flower girl, Felicity Scheppele, Ring Bearer Barnabas Hawkinson.
Joe's Groomsmen

Four years really flies by. Joe asked me today if I was happy with our four years of marriage. And I am more than happy. I could not have picked a more perfect match for myself. The Lord's ways are perfect. I have a wonderful husband and now two beautiful boys and a loving and wonderful church family-God is good! It is fun to look back at these pictures--A Mr. Jere Kemper took all these pictures, didn't he do a great job? Thank you Jere.

A new man

2008-05-08T18:44:00.003-06:00

Before-long and in his eyes

And after, a brand new kid!

Asher got a big cut tonight his hair has been down in his eyes for a while. I was joking with Joe telling him I could put a clip in his hair or pig tails, it really was that long. Joe cut two inches off his hair. He looks like a whole new little boy, it's crazy! I am going to have to get used to his new "army" hair cut.

Please Pray

2008-05-04T20:11:00.005-06:00

Please pray for the Mock family.
Lois Mock a friend of mine and a bridesmaid in my wedding died Wednesday. She was 6 months pregnant with their third child, a little boy. She had recently dislocated her knee and a blood clot formed and went to her heart. She leaves behind her husband Joshua and two little girls, Jaydn and Shayla-they are almost the same ages as my boys.
My heart has been heavy all weekend when I heard of her passing. I am comforted to know that my friend is now with the Lord. But I am still missing her-I had just talked with her the day before she died and I am thankful to the Lord for that.
Please keep Joshua and the girls in your prayers.

Project # 3

2008-04-25T21:16:00.002-06:00

White trim

The love seat used to be here

Now it is here

So we finished the trim on Wednesday night and love it! It gives the rooms such a warmer feel. I never noticed how dark it made the rooms feel, I guess that is one of the reasons I wanted to paint a lighter color on the walls but now it looks fine to me. Along with painting I rearranged some furniture. I moved the love seat into the dining room to get it out of the way and really liked how it looked so it's staying there. And I brought a chair up from the basement to put where the love seat was. So all in all I am very pleased with my transformation :)
Now that my trim is painted I want to paint all the doors, which are the same wood trim color that the trim was. So, project #4 painting the doors. Will it ever end?? :)

Project #2

2008-04-21T20:36:00.003-06:00

My new kitchen!

The old kitchen, brown and white all over
The walls are now, Tate Olive

and the cabinets are Cliff Brown

We spent the weekend painting the kitchen. As soon as we moved in 3 years ago I have wanted to paint the kitchen-yes we are procrastionaters. So finally, we did it and I love it. I walk in and it makes me smile. I was really nervous because when we got home with the paint I had originally wanted the cabinets Olive and the walls the brown. But the brown was too dark for the walls and I freaked a bit and then decided to try it the other way and we really like it.

Stay tuned for Project #3 painting the trim in the living/dining rooms white!!

First Set of Spring Projects

2008-04-21T20:23:00.003-06:00

Door knobs before

and after

blinds before-thanks to my boys

and now..Ahh

This was our first set of projects. The blinds were a must, I was going crazy with sections missing out of ALL of our blinds. So hopefully these new blinds are tougher. The doors in our house did not latch. Yes, for 3 years we lived with doors that did not latch. I don't know why because we now enjoy being able to close all of our door completely now. Which is good because Benny needs "privacy" now to use the potty, but still walks in on me :)

Singing in the store

2008-04-09T15:20:00.002-06:00

Today the boys and I went to Hobby Lobby, I know two small boys and all those breakables....but they did great. But for context, Benny has been memorizing Ephesians 2:8-9( which he has memorized we are working on verse 10 now) and I have been singing the KBC song to him everyday. So,while I was looking at baskets Benny breaks out singing Ephesians 2:8-9. And he was singing very loud ( he comes by it naturally) it was so cute I had to join him. So everyone around us heard a really great song being sung for ALL to hear.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not as a result of works so that no one may boast."
Eph 2:8-9

Sweet Boy

2008-04-01T12:13:00.003-06:00

This last Sunday I taught Sunday School and we learned about the widow who gave her two mites to God. She gave all the money she had and God was very pleased ( I said happy in class) because she gave with a cheerful heart. I only had Benny and Asher in class-sickness is going around-but Benny really took this lesson to heart. When we got home he went and got his piggy bank and asked Joe, "Daddy can I give all my money to Jesus when we go to church again?" We both almost started crying, he was so sweet and`so sincere. And yesterday Joe took Benny to the store and gave him the change from his purchase. Benny said, " Oh good, now I have more money to give to Jesus."
I am so thankful for this boy.

Crazy Cat!

2008-03-30T19:24:00.002-06:00

If this doesn't make you want to adopt from an animal shelter, then nothing will!

When mommy is away

2008-03-27T21:27:00.004-06:00

This is what happens when mommy is distracted by the computer.
I was checking email this morning and didn't notice that Asher had gone down stairs by himself. When I came down about 5 minutes later I was very surprised to see butter smeared all over my table, chair and floor. Needless to say I was not happy with him or myself. So now, mommy needs to use the computer at night and nap time to avoid any future adventures.

Something New

2008-03-26T13:15:00.003-06:00

I have been seeing lots of new backgrounds on everyone's blogs so I joined the bandwagon and got one too. I am more of a follower, not a leader :) Thanks for the ideas ladies.

New Family Member???

2008-03-18T21:22:00.004-06:00

Meet Sprinkles, Sparkels, and Dorothy.
Ben has been asking us for weeks if he could have pets so like all good parents we caved. This last Saturday Joe took the boys for a doughnut drive ( my sleep in day:) and then to WalMart where he bought Benny three goldfish, he is such a fun dad. And yes, Benny named them all by himself. But sadly Dorothy only made it till Monday afternoon and we found her floating on the rocks dead :( Ben still has not noticed so Joe plans to get a new Dorothy-they only cost 25 cents.
But overall they are very good pets and Ben loves feeding them everyday. Maybe someday we will upgrade to a dog, and not name it Dorothy.

Celebrity Morph by MyHeritage

2008-03-12T21:08:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celeb

Hawkinson Look-alike Meter

2008-03-12T20:52:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Family tree - Genealogy - Celebrity - Collage - Morph

Hawkinson Look-alike Meter

2008-03-12T20:49:00.001-06:00

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebs - Collage - Morph

Benny's Birthday

2008-03-11T20:11:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentines Day to ME!!

2008-02-14T10:41:00.003-06:00

I am going to brag a little about my wonderful husband.
Joe came home this morning and gave me my Valentines presents and they are the best gifts in the world!

#1. A one hour Swedish massage
#2. A one hour session of acupuncture

Oh Yes!! I was jumping up and down, I was/am sooooo excited! I have been wanting to try acupuncture for a while, it just looks so interesting and I always mention it when I see anything about it. And well, who wouldn't want a massage? So my wonderful husband did a great job this year. He is the best.

Let's pretend

2008-02-12T20:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, to Ben's sheer joy we found our lion costume. Benny had so much fun pretending to be a lion and roaring and stalking around the house. He and Asher also played "Daniel in the Lion's Den" with Asher playing the role of Daniel, Benny of course the lion and mommy was the narrator. If was great to see them having so much fun acting out the word of God.

Confession of a Stay at Home Mom

2008-01-26T17:33:00.000-06:00

Ok, so for those of you have have not heard we bought a new bed. After sleeping three years on a Full sized bed and mattress Joe got at a garage sale we bought a new Queen sized memory foam mattress. And it is wonderful. But when we tried to take it up our stairs it would not fit....so we are now moving our room to the downstairs guest room.
All week I have been cleaning out closets and finding new places for our "junk". While cleaning I came upon my wedding dress hanging up in the guest room closet. And I thought, " I bet I can fit in it still." :) So, later that evening I tried it on and.... It fit! I was so excited! But mostly I just stood in front of my mirror and stared at myself-for a long time. And I kept saying, "It is so pretty, I love this dress!" I finally relented and put it back but I had it on for about 30 minutes of total vanity.

New....Slip Covers!

2008-01-15T00:27:00.000-06:00

Here are my NEW chocolate brown suede slip covers that I've had for a month, and finally put on while the boys were napping today.
Asher woke up right as I started taking pictures, so you'll see a not quite awake little boy in a couple of the pics.
Benny came down from his nap and exclaimed "Mommy! What are those on my couch?"
Come on by and check them out.
Now all I need are new blinds, some painting and curtains....even though we have lived here for 3 years. :) Oh well, everything including myself is a work in process.

Daddies are so fun!

2008-01-11T20:53:00.000-06:00

Fun @ the park

Asher kisses

The Gonzo snowman

I feel so blessed to be married to a man who is such an amazing father to our children. The boys have so much fun with Joe, and he loves to talk and play with them. Lately we have been noticing how Asher is doing everything that Benny does and how Benny does everything daddy does. It is such an important thing for us as parents to be like Christ, so challenging and intimidating, but so necessary. How blessed to be parents and to show the Lord to our children....I feel like hitting my knees right now and praying just thinking about this.

Fun at the Park

2007-11-20T22:10:00.001-06:00

oops.. Benny missed a step

Asher with no fear, just joy

Yeah, taking turns!

We have discovered that Asher likes to go head first down a slide. It is like he has no fear. He will crawl right up and throw himself down, it is so funny to watch. And Benny the little man is climbing and running all over, not to mention shooting squirrels with his pretend gun-"Just like daddy." We have tried to make the most out of these last beautiful days before it is too cold. I don't even want to think about what they will be doing next year at the park.
But it has been a lot of fun, let's do it again soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHER!!!

2007-11-06T22:28:00.000-06:00

November 1, 2006

One year later

Yum yum cake

We celebrated Asher Dale Hawkinson's birthday on the 2nd of November one day after his actual birthday. We had fun, lots of friends and family and for Asher lots of cake:) It was the first sugar he ever had-what a great gift huh?
It still seem so crazy that just a year ago he was 8 lbs 13 oz and today he is nearly 25 lbs and running and playing with his brother. It truly goes by so fast, but what a joy it is.

Meet Daniel John Hawkinson

2007-09-22T12:42:00.000-06:00

Benny with cousin Daniel

Uncle Joe and an awake Daniel

Meet the newest Hawkinson; Daniel John Hawkinson, he was born Sept 17th 8lbs 6 oz (Q) and 20 inches long.
We drove down to Hutchinson last night to meet Mr. Daniel and the rest of the family. Michelle looked great and is doing well she says Daniel sleeps a lot in the mornings but not a lot at night. So pray he switches his schedule soon :) But we had a great time visiting and meeting Daniel, so far no baby itch for me :) time will tell.

Ummm Corn

2007-09-20T21:13:00.001-06:00

We had sweet corn this week for dinner and Asher especially enjoyed it. He stayed in his chair gnawing away long after we had all left the table and cleaned up.
On a sadder note for me he started walking all by himself today-I can't believe how big he is. It goes by so fast.

Walking Hazards

2007-08-29T21:10:00.000-06:00

Asher has started 'cruising' and has started taking some spills on the hard wood floors. Two days ago Asher fell at Aunt Elizabeth's house and put his top teeth into his bottom lip. And yesterday he fell on our wood floors and put his bottom teeth into his top lip. So poor boy has a fat bottom lip and a fat upper lip. But still so cute and still trying to walk all by himself.

Catch Up

2007-08-29T20:40:00.000-06:00

First hair cut Favorite new place to play
Baby Jake

Since I haven't posted in a while I decided to play catch-up. So, some new things have happened starting from the top, Asher got his first hair cut a few weeks ago. No more curls in the back now he is looking so much older, my big 22lb almost 10 month old baby. Benny and Asher's new favorite place to play is in my pantry in the kitchen. They love to take everything out and then take turns climbing inside-Ben espescially loves to play "Where Benny go?" Asher mostly enjoys pulling everything out and making a mess :) And the cute little guy in the last picture is baby Jake. I have recently started watching baby Jake three times a week from about 8 a.m.-4p.m. His parents Roy and Cindy Tanner have been good friends of ours for about 2-3 years. But so far it has gone pretty well Ben really likes "Baby Jake" not just Jake it is "Baby Jake" when you talk to Ben. And Asher just wants to grab his face off in a loving way. I still have not ventured out with all three of them but I am getting braver by the week. So we are caught up for now hopefully I well be better about posting in the future.

Conversation with cousin Rachel

2007-08-13T09:21:00.000-06:00

Visiting with family last week at KBC Benny was playing with his cousin Rachel's doll. He pulled the baby's diaper down and asked,
" Where is the p*nis?"
Aunt Michelle, "Well, that baby is a girl baby so she has girl parts, not boy parts."
Benny, "Oh."
Cousin Rachel, " I like girl peanuts."
Benny, " I like almonds."

Lord Joseph

2007-07-20T09:41:00.001-06:00

Last night the reign of Lord Joseph ended. Originally Lord Joseph was supposed to be disembowled :) but everyone (adults) thought he was so funny they didn't want to see him die so, one of his guardsmen was disembowled in the dining hall. One of the directors "McKevin" threw out spagettti on the kids--it was fun all the kids cheered and lord Joseph screamed like a little girl and then signed over his lands to the Scotts. It has been a lot of fun but Joe is happy that Lord Joseph is all done because he didn't like having all the kids hate him.

We are planning to leave tomorrow and drive to Tennessee and stay with the Baron's . Then leave after the breaking of bread meeting at the assembly in Tennessee and make it home late Sunday night. Please pray for Joe since he will be doing the majority of the driving and then have to go to work Monday morning. God is soooo good-we are so happy to be serving Him at camps.

Camp Hope

2007-07-18T09:05:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Camp Hope in Dalonega Georgia!!
We are all enjoying our time here at camp. Joe is leading music for this Teen 2 week and I am enjoying having him around a lot more. Chris Schroder is the speaker this week and from what I have been able to hear I have enjoyed. The theme this week is a Scottish theme "The Battle of Loch Pony" JOe is playing the part of a pompus British lord, Lord Joseph and he is supposed to get killed later this week :) In the pictures youcan see thy brought in some sheep to make it more authentic-Benny is loving petting the sheep every day.
I am having more of a relaxing time and Joe and I have enjoyed some fishing. Hopefully i can get some good pictures of Lord Joseph dying later and post it.

Busy Busy Busy

2007-06-05T22:24:00.000-06:00

We are still alive. Busy, is all I can say about the last month. And sadly it looks like the summer will be busy as well.
Asher has three teeth right now his top right canine-yes, Joe calls him "Fang" and his bottom front teeth are in. He is now working on his front two teeth one just broke through the other day. At his last appointment he was a very healthy 22 pounds 10 ounces! Yup I have a happy healthy one. He has also started army crawling around the floor. He can't quite get up on his hands and knees so he uses his toes and arms to get to all the things he shouldn't.
Benny is recovering from a rough week last week. He fell down the stairs, fell off the bed head first and ran his face into one of the pews at church :( And he was puckey sick last week too. But he played with his cousins today and went to Chipotle with his daddy and got mommy a free burrito. Hooray!!
Joe is working hard at Kalos and doing a great job. We are getting ready for our church VBS next week. We will be having meetings at night at the chapel and also in the mornings in our backyard. So we would appreciate prayers throughout the week. But in everything God is good-ALL the time.
Well, that's the update for now hopefully I will be more faithful in posting after the summer :)

FACT OR CRAP

2007-05-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

Last night we had Dave and Rachel Everhart over for some fondue fun-it was delicious-and we had a great time. We played a game called Fact or Crap. I thought I would type some of the Question cards and give everyone a little trivia.

Fact or Crap

The Archer Fish can spit water up to 5 feet to shoot down its prey.
FACT
Fact or Crap

U.S. President Martin Van Buren and his wife spoke Dutch at home.
FACT
Fact or Crap
Apart from Pluto, all planets in our solar system were known in the ancient world.
CRAP
Uranus was discovered in the 18thcentury: Neptune in the 19th
Fact or Crap
Before becoming a dictator of Italy, Mussolini worked as a sewer dredger.
CRAP
He was a school teacher

So Cute!

2007-05-02T15:13:00.000-06:00

They are just so cute! That's all I have to say.

Family Weekend

2007-04-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

The lone fish of the trip

Little Fisherman
Don't drop it!
Daddy and Asher

Mommy and Benny on the tree swing

This last weekend Joe's band had a retreat at Living Water Ranch in Manhattan, so we took advantage of the weekend and had a lot of family time. We took Ben fishing, he got a brand new "Cars, Lighting McQueen" fishing pole and tried to catch fish. Mostly he tied himself up in the fishing line, tried to fish with daddy's pole and even threw his new pole in the lake. But he had such a great time. He kept talking to the bait: "Hi, worm how are you? or Hi fish, hi." Joe and I have decided that next time Ben "fishes" we will not. :)

All in all it was a relaxing and fun time. We took walks, swung on a huge tree swing,walked on the beach at the lake as well as went fishing. It was just so nice to be out in nature and enjoy God's creation. And invest time in our family. We highly recommend a family fishing weekend if you (the parent) don't mind not fishing the whole weekend.

Fun with Cousins

2007-04-19T20:11:00.000-06:00

Garrison, Gabriel and Ben
Asher with Aunt Elizabeth and cousins
Asher and Keke
Garrison, Gabriel, Christian and Ben making their own fun in the pack and play

Last week Joe was on a business trip in Wichita so the boys and I had dinner at "cousins' house." Ben loves playing at Elizabeth and DJ's. After dinner we all just sat and watched the boys play it was a crazy time but everyone had fun. Ben always enjoys time spent with his cousins and he asks almost daily to, "go see cousins." It is such a blessing to have family live only a few block away.

He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

2007-04-08T22:23:00.000-06:00

Remembering the death and resurrection of our Savior this Easter. (2007)

Lots of Love

2007-04-05T19:39:00.000-06:00

Does Asher Look Nervous?
Pucker Up!
Ben Is Even Sharing His Toys!

Ben has been loving on Asher a lot lately. He wants to play with Asher, hold him and touch and kiss him all the time. It is really sweet how much he loves his brother.

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

2007-03-27T20:42:00.000-06:00

Great Is Thy Faithfulness written by: Thomas O. Chisholm, inspired by Lamentations 3:22,23

vs3: "Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow-Blessing all mine with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided-Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto me!"

I love hymns. They have so much truth, promise and encouragement in them. I think about this hymn a lot, well I sing it a lot too. It reminds me that the Lord gives me the strength I need for the day. I daily pray and ask the Lord for His strength-because I know that mine is insufficient for for my tasks. Days when I am tired (which are pretty often) I know I can make it to the end of the day because My God is faithful to supply me with His strength. This brings to mind another hymn; Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.

So if you are tired today pray that the Lord will give you His strength- it is more that sufficient. And let us not forget the chorus; "Great is Thy faithfulness! ALL I have needed Thy hand hath provided-Great is Thy faithfulness Lord unto ME! We truly have a faithful God who loves us individually and personally. How blessed we as believers are to fully rest in the Lord and have bright hope for tomorrow.

Thank you Lord that you provide the strength I need for my day.

Thank you that you are so faithful to me.

Pilates

2007-03-18T15:14:00.000-06:00

This week I started exercising and doing Pilates again. So I got my mat out and started up the video and Ben decided he wanted to exercise with me. So now I have a Pilates partner. He layed right next to me on the mat and tried to do everything I was doing. After I was done Ben kept going and did the next video set. I guess it is never too early to exercise and get in shape. The funny thing is that if you look at the T.V. and what the instructor is doing, he is doing a good job of following along with her.