Huling Haven

Jocelyn Turns 5!

2009-08-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture because Ryan has my phone and her grandma has the camera we used, but I will post. We tried to make it a fun day, but I will have to say I think it was the most humid. We went to Burke Lake park. I enticed Jocelyn with the idea of miniature golf. She's never done it before, so she was intrigued. They also have a little train that goes around the park and a carousel which we have done before! The kids seemed to enjoy it, but you could see the moisture in the air, just tiny barely visible raindrops of moisture. Jacob's long hair was soaked and the babies though interested in the action became a little squeemish. We ended up pickinicking behind the ice cream parlor on their tables, but it was hard to enjoy because we were all being chased by aggressive bees. Grandma had the idea to move us over by the train for cupcakes and that worked well, plus put us under greater shade. Grandma put on the icing right there, since she brought it and I made the cakes. We put a 5 candle on one and tricky candles on the rest. I just loved watching Jocelyn and the little 2 year olds blow out the candles a millilon times and the look of defeat on Jocelyn's face was priceless. She just couldn't understand why they wouldn't go out and she actually sat starting at them at a loss for words (or breath) I think there's a video clip I can link later? Anyway, my only baby girl is 5 now and will go to Kindergarten. I remember sitting up for hours making her birth announcement with the perfect poem that described just her. She's sweet and sassy, gently, and kind, She has strong mind and likes to share it and even though she's little when she wants to be heard she's the loudest! She is already a great mother as she demonstrates each day by helping her brothers. She's beautiful with those ice blue eyes and smile that steals the spotlight. She's more photogenic than me, she must get it from her Grandma Vogel. I can't believe she's five already. Tomorrow will come and she'll be ten. I don't want to think of it, but then again it only makes me better to realize how soon this time will pass...................

Millions of Peaches, Peaches for me!!!

2009-08-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

Jonas was kept content in the stroller with his peach

The kids loved eating the peaches right from the tree!

Jacob shows his genuine concern for others

Jaden's climbing skills come in quite handy here!

Jacob helped Jocelyn fill up the peach bags!

We had lots of fun a couple of weekends ago at Hartland orchard! This is the same place we went to pick apples last fall! It is a great family activity. The kids love picking, eating, seeing where the fruit comes from intrigues them and of course it encourages healthy eating habits! Right? Jaden was in the trees most of the time. Because of him we got the best peaches. After realizing the juiciness of these peaches, I even climbed up the trees to find the best ones. We ended up with about 4 pecks! I enjoyed it and had never been before and of course my brain started churning about jarring them and freezing them, making pie, jam, etc. but Ryan stopped me dead in my tracks and insisted that we'd eat all of them ourselves. Well we still have several and we eat at least a few everyday, so if any of you have any other bright ideas other than the obvious, let me know :)

Summer Fun!

2009-08-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Chauncey and Jaden

From Left: Jaden, Kate,Jacob, Jackson, Chauncey, Jocelyn

Jocelyn and Jackson

Mel and Christina + 8!! (wow!)

Jackson and Jocelyn

I know I've been gone..........For a long time, but please don't give me a hard time, pretty please? I have been sick since the ski pic. It was really crazy and all surreal and actually I think it made me even crazier than I normally am (scary :)) Anyway, I am back on track and feeling so much better. I have been thinking about all of my friends and anxious to share our lives with you again! Life is so busy with 4 kids at home and Ryan gone working many long hours! We have lots of fun though hanging with all of our friends, pool hopping, relaxing at home, being adventurous with lots of berry picking, and now we go to the gym a few days a week. Well, I know that doesn't sound fun, but at least I can earn a few dollars and my kids can play at an awesome gym! I enjoy it and it makes me feel better! Aside from just playing (which is a lot of work, but so worth it!) we are just wondering what it will be like to have Jaden and Jocelyn both in school this fall and mom home with just 2 mello boys? Will I have more time? Will I be more sane? Will I miss them terribly (maybe partially). Having 4 kids is really crazy and exhausting sometimes, but I can't imagine another life more fun and fulfilling. I certainly can't imagine any other way for Heavenly Father to teach me all I need to know (boy does He have his hands full)

We hope all of you whom we love are happy and full and well!

Ski Utah!

2009-02-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Me and Ryan (in our cheesy PWC hats)

shot from the lift (from my cell phone camera)

me stopping down the intermediate slope (yes that's a drop off to the right)

bad pic (but you get the idea)

I was so grateful to get to go to Utah for a day and ski ! Thanks to all of you that helped (or offered to help) get me there!
It's not often that I get a day away and it always seems weird when I am gone for a day. I think it takes about half the day for me to relax.
It was the perfect day to ski. The sun was out and some people were just skiing in their hoodies and hats. I was all bundled up (as I will show you in our 1 picture, thanks to Marcie in Utah)
I really enjoyed the lift rides up and taking in all of the surreal beauty around me. Most of you know that the mountains are just enormous (if you're from anywhere else that's how they seem) I had forgotten how grand they were, but I knew when we left them 3 years ago that I would miss them. I really grew to love the way they just hugged around me all of the time.
Anyway, I am not a black diamond skier or anything (like Ryan) I just did the beginner slope 1st and then Ryan immediately graduated me to intermediate (he was bored). It took me a few times to actually go down without being extremely slow and then after a few more I was going much faster, but still had that rush of fear inside.
I found myself praying for a life lesson that paralled what I was going through skiing. I thought about how the more fear I had and the more I tried to control the situation the harder it was to get down the mountain. If I just let go, focusing ahead and trusting that I could get down I would do it without stopping to think that I couldn't. In life fear can disable us and keep us from progressing. When we try to control our lives too much, we don't let Heavenly Father help us and we make the journey ahead a lot tougher on ourselves! When we don't let go and give ourselves and lives to God we also make it very hard to move forward. We spend so much time thinking about how to do everything that we forget to trust in God and His ability to help us. I think if we just keep going forward with faith (just like skiing down that mountain) we will quickly find ourselves where we want to be. Letting go of the fear and just doing it can be scary, but it feels so good to look back up at the large mountain that we just overcame. In my opinion we can either do it slowly (inching down the mountain, going back and forth side to side across the mountain (these are the things I was doing at first , but only made it no fun and sore muscles too) or we can just go down, trusting in what we know. relax our legs, look at where we want to go and then we will swiftly (and much less painfully) end up at our destination.
I am thankful for the lesson I received! Now the hard part will be trying to remember this everyday and apply it to my life!

OMGosh! Help!

2009-02-17T20:19:00.001-08:00

"HELP I NEED SOMEBODY...HELP NOT JUST ANYBODY, HELP! YOU KNOW I NEED SOMEONE HEEAAAEEELLP MEEEEE ":)

Well did I mention that I was going to Sundance (YES UTAH) for 1 day with Ryan to ski (with his work) on Saturday? WEll once in a lifetime opportunity when you are the mother of 4 small children (right?)

Anyway, for any of you reading that still live in Utah (hard to keep track of where everyone is now :) i NOW DO NOT HAVE A BABYSITTER FOR OUR NEWBORN JONAS. Ryan's brother was supposed to babysit, but they had something come up last minute and NOW we still have a plane ticket and no babysitter!

Do you guys know anyone that I know out there? I would definitely be willing to pay:)! Oh shoot well, if you do this would be so wonderfully appreciated! He is a VERY SWEET lovable, good newborn (I'm not just biased promise)

Please if you have any suggestions at all email me (YES IT'S THIS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST!)

I know I'm crazy and all because it's so last minute, but hey I already paid for an expensive flight out there. UGH!

THANKS IN ADVANCE YOU GUYS!

Jonas discovers his hands!

2009-02-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Jonas now puts his hands together, in his mouth and up to his eyes to look at them!
We also discovered him trying to kick the toy in his vibrating chair too! (will post pics later)

Jonas getting prepped by his brothers for his "photo shoot"

Jonas putting his hands together!

There's the hands!

"I can actually use these things?

"I guess I'll give my brother a smile"

Jonas drools more than any of his siblings did at this age (isn't 2 months a little young to teethe?)

Jonas looks swallowed up, but he really is a big boy (just on a big couch)

CAN I SHARE ALL OF THIS WITH YOU?

2009-02-03T19:25:00.000-08:00

WHEN I GOT TO THE BOTTOM OF THE ENTRY I COULDN'T MAKE THE PRINT SMALLER. SO, IT LOOKS SILLY THAT IT'S SO BIG :)

I thought I would clear my head a little on my blog. Everything I read on my friends blogs INSPIRE me to be better, so I need to write more of my feelings and thoughts and not just post pictures. Really at this crazy time in my life it's amazing how much it means that my friends that are so far away (yet so close with blogger and facebook :) are such examples to me. Really thank you for all of you that write! you inspire me, you help me, you lift me up. It might sound crazy, but just knowing that you are out there going through such similar things helps me and helps me to figure out what to do! Thanks for all that you do and for keeping in touch and commenting writing, posting etc!

THESE ARE THE THINGS I AM TRYING TO DO RIGHT NOW (I FEEL LIKE I'M CONFESSING IT TO THE WORLD ON HERE (OH CAUSE I REALLY AM SINCE I HAVEN'T GONE PRIVATE :)

I have been feeling so GRATEFUL this year for all that we have, which is a great BLESSING! Actually a big help in that came from reading Kristie lou's blog at the beginning of the year where she posted the article titled "STUFF IS NOT SALVATION" (http://www.newsweek.com/id/174265. ) Thank you Kristie! See! that inspired me to start working on a family motto to really help our family REMEMBER all that we have and to be GRATEFUL

SO, after RACKING MY BRAIN (That's going a million miles an hour already) trying to come up with a jazzy/ cute poem that the kids could memorize to remember to be grateful and humble. I was reminded by the spirit to keep it simple and had the thought that I could just teach them President Hinckley's 6 B's.

1. Be grateful.

2. Be smart.

3. Be clean.

4. Be true.

5. Be humble.

6. Be prayerful.

Right? that's simple enough for little kids to remember? (Well hopefully it works out and they remember and those little words mean so much), but I plan to use them all year in FHE and having us recite them before every FHE to help us REMEMBER

Shew! that was long (and still getting longer)!
SO, I am also working on some behavioral issues (seems i always have some chart, game, incentive system etc. going) with the kids. The newest of which is the "token economy". 2 friends at church gave me this idea (bless them!!!!) (is anyone else doing it?) I am so excited about it, just learning it though. I started last week only giving tokens and now this week I'm giving and taking! I'll let you know how it's going! Seems to be effective so far, but the whole thing rides on my CONSISTENCY (ha, that's my core weakness, lack of it)

The kids and I started reading Book of Mormon stories every night together. Other books are "extra" privilege right now before bed. Scriptures have to come FIRST, right:)? I really enjoy reading the stories to them and teaching them a small piece of the gospel every night (Makes me feel like a decent Mommy)
I've been putting all my recipes in one place and trying the "Once a Month Cooking" idea. What an awesome concept?! to cook extra and then freeze the rest just to heat up for another meal. brilliant! Why didn't I figure that out long ago? I feel dumb! (this makes me feel like my life is in more order too, but I still haven't finished it. hmmm not uncommon for me)

~I guess the rest of the things on my mind don't "matter" as much in the long term scheme of things -

I'm tired and Rambling now

I'm also trying to DE CLUTTER. This involves lots of other small PROJECTS like Sorting kids clothes in the attic (so I don't always have clothes laying around that are worn out, to small, wrong season etc.)this bugs me so much that i just want to go up there everyday and get it done, but can't because that would mean ignoring 4 small children for several hours AND THAT SPELLS DISASTER!
What else what else.........
Oh, I'm dying to paint my entryway and hall (and I have to repaint the whole stinking hall bathroom because a maid came once and splashed toiled boil cleaner all over the wall. (Why would you want a maid to come if you had even more work to do after they left?)

I think I'm still nesting....and still babbling on and on (b/c I'm running out of colors to write what I want to say)

FRIEND TO FRIEND, IT'S OK! TRULY, LET ME KNOW IF I'M GOING CRAZY! (k?)

I guess the LASTS, but not the LEASTESTS would be organizing my papers and DESK/MONEY/BUDGET/ FOOD BILL. ETC. (any great ideas on these are more than welcome !:)

There are probably OTHER little things, Because the list of MOTHERHOOD goes on and is endless (is it this crazy for others of you with 4 kids?) How do I juggle it all? I know it's literally on a wing and a prayer (well, lots of prayers everyday) Really I am so BLESSED by my Heavenly Father, for all of the help that he lends me.... (only He knows how much HARDER it would be without Him)

Thanks for LISTENING or just LOOKING a little or GLANCING. Whatever it is you do (on my not so dazzly/sparkly blog)

And thanks again for all of the HOPE and HELP all of you offer!

Tomorrow is the beginning of another crazy, beautiful, happy, hopeful, tearful, anxious, prayerful, loving, smiling,humbling, laughing DAY! (I know I missed some)

As a reminder I think I'll end every entry with "I am so GRATEFUL"! Because I feel it and really want to REMEMBER this feeling (thanks Mary for your inspiration there and Utahna for posting I am so blessed at the end of every entry!)

I hope you all see the humor in this :)~

SNOW finally!

2009-01-28T19:28:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting and I was getting worried that this year might pass again without snowing enough to go sledding. Well my brother-law took Jaden and Jocelyn sledding behind our townhouses and Jaden busted his lip going down on his stomach. Apparently he went right into the fence. Ouch! He came home bleeding, but when I asked if he wanted to stay in he reassured me he was fine! Ok? Anyway, last year we built a snowman, but this year the snow was way too flaky. I hope you enjoy the pictures!

Our townshouse with our pathetic dead tree in the front

Uncle Devin came over and took the kids out to sled and play!

Us - Jonas (he was snoozing inside. warm and cozy)

Me and my sweet sweet Jacob

Jocelyn just wouldn't give up on the snow plowing

Trust me there were about 3 other shots of her doing this!

Even though the snow was lousy for snowman Jaden wouldn't
give up. He did this for about an hour (obviously wasn't getting far)

Jocelyn wanted to clear the neighbors car too!

Jacob in his snow gear (Jaden's old coat and boots) He just
toddled around happy the whole time!

portraits of the kids!

2009-01-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Ryan took these of the kids in our living room with the new camera we got for Christmas! He is still practicing. I am just grateful for his efforts! Pictures mean everything to me, especially when they all grow up so fast!

JADEN

JOCELYN

JACOB

JONAS

funny Christmas bloopers!

2009-01-06T09:03:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

So Funny that we can never get a good picture! Now that we have this many children it's even harder. It's always very stressful, but at least we can look back and laugh at ourselves. We had to bribe the kids with suckers and Jacob didn't know what to do, he just kept crying and begging for Jaden and Jocelyn's suckers. He didn't understand that he had to wait until after the pics were taken. At least Jonas just sat there, but of course he doesn't know how to smile. Oh and I forgot to mention that we will forever know that Jacob was teething (yes STILL). I look gay in my blazer with my hair pasted to my head, but oh well. Jaden is so good looking on camera unless you tell him to smile. I guess that's what friends are for, still loving you even at your worst :)
Anyway, this is the best we can give you again. At least you can get an idea of what we look like together :)
We miss and love all of you! Thanks for visiting!

Finally!

2008-11-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

Jonas Eli Huling

I still can't believe I birthed him naturally! My biggest baby yet!

First few hours.

Sleeping soundly!

Not that great of a photo right after marathon birth!

Jocelyn and Jonas

Funny picture of Jaden! He has such a big smile!

Jacob preferred playing in the curtains to holding his new brother. After all,
he's still a baby too :)

Jonas and mommy!

Jacob is very expressive these days! He really does like the baby
and now he says "baby." It is a big deal for him, since he says very
little!

Well it finally happened. 40 weeks and 5 days Jonas Eli Huling decided to come! I had been feeling some cramping that day. Well I did have the midwife strip the membranes, but really I felt very little because I was pretty ready anyway. Then I went to Shoppers that night because they told me to get in a walk and that was all I could manage to do that day! I couldn't understand why I needed donuts and oreos and chocolate bars. I found myself stopped in the aisle like a child telling myself I had to choose and put something back, but I said "oh well, I want all of it". I had a few other decent contractions in the store, but nothing that different than the norm, so as I was ready to check out I started feeling my eyes close in the store and thought I should get a good nights rest and go to bed. I was tossing and turning a little bit that night, but then when I awoke at 4:30 out of a dead sleep. I wandered if anything was happening (I think I just dismissed it because I had been feeling things for weeks that didn't lead me to the hospital). I dozed back off and another 10 minutes later I was startled by another contraction. I guess I should have thought that it was real by then because I was starting to naturally move to my hands and knees to cope with the contraction. I headed to the bathroom insisting to Ryan that I had to go before we left. He kept standing at the door saying "I think it's the baby". I kept saying "no, I really have to go to the bathroom before we leave." ha ha. Soon after that I yelled out to Ryan to call his mom. I called my neighbor who was going to be my unoffical doula (she was going to come to the hospital, but couldn't that morning due to a work meeting), but she said she was coming right over so I could go to the hospital right away. the contractions wer now 1-2 minutes apart and we were heading to the hospital (30 minutes away by 6 am) The car ride there felt like death. It was so cold and so hard to sit straight up with the contractions. By the time we got there I could barely walk to the front doors. When we got inside Ryan got me a wheelchair and I leaned over the security counter while I waited. The guard seemed unphased (he must see this often). I joked with him and said "I guess you know where we're headed" (suprising that I still had a sense of humor) Once we got to our floor I had a small calm before the storm. I was so anxious to get into my bath, hoping there would be some small escape from the pain. Once I got to the room my midwife came and checked me. She said I was 8-9 cm and my bag of waters was bulging out. She said she didn't think I had time to get into the bath. She offered to break my water, but I was scared of facing any worse pain than I was already in. After 10 more minutes of suffering I decided to let her, because I couldn't hold onto the pain and pressure the bulging water was causing. After she broke the water, everything of course only got worse. I spent most of my time draped over the back of the bed on my knees and then on my hands and knees until right before pushing. Through all of this the sun was rising and that was spiritual and symbolic as well! As I noticed the sun and I felt halfway somewhere else. I could feel the Godliness of the experience within the surreal pain. I could feel my mother's presense and that she was letting go of another part of me that she'd held close it Heaven. I shed a tears and was suddenly very grateful for her sake that Jonas was late. I know that she cherishes every minute with my children before they come here. At least that's what I believe.

The pushing was just as painful, but just a different pain. Well, no it was worse actually! It was a total of 11 minutes! I felt really like I just couldn't do it and I was screaming "just get him out now". Once I had his head out The midwife and Ryan told me to look down at him as a sign that I was almost done, but I told them that I couldn't because I knew that I still had more work to do and I just wanted to get it done! Soon Jonas was out, but I was still gatering myself as he laid on my chest and we waited for the cord to finish pulsing. After about 10 minutes I was able to be a little more coherent and really look at Jonas' beautiful face and feel the fullness of what I had just done. Wow! I did it and now I really could feel that because I did this I could do anything! I knew my mental strength and the strength of my body. Because even though it was an inevitable thing I could feel everything within in determined to do what I had chosen from the beginning of this pregnancy I could feel everything from within (all of my will) going to this child. To bring him into this world. It was truly a Godly experience! I could feel nothing but utter happiness and a great sense of accomplishment and of course a complete love for this baby that I felt I just made a sacrifice for.
My recovery has been great. I have just emotionally been on cloud 9 since Jonas was born and I am up and around mostly around the house. I don't get out much yet, but that's ok. It is so cold here and I want to protect Jonas from the germs of the season. Don't worry I'm not thinking of exercising for at least another few weeks. I've learned that the inevitable really is inevitalbe, so why not enjoy it before it comes and you have to do it anyway (not that I don't enjoy exercising, I love it!) but I want to enjoy this new experience without too much pulling at my time.
I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas and know that I really love all of you and think of you often! I can't wait to catch up on your blogs!!
Thank you for visiting!

40 weeks and 3 days

2008-11-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been on here in a while! I will catch you up on all of the details later, but I've been basically laboring since 34 weeks and I'm quite tired of it! Anyway, the plan was to endure and let baby come whenever he wants since I've been induced with all other babies. I really wanted to see what my body would do, but I have to say I'm getting pretty tired of being 3-4 cm and feeling pain and contractions that turn into nothing. I honestly don't know if I can endure another week of this! Let's see what the doctor says tomorrow and I will keep you posted. Again, I am so sorry I've been consumed with the last part of this pregnancy and I will update asap, hopefully with new baby pictures!
I am thinking of all of you still and hope you are well! I will comment on your blogs soon!

40 weeks and 1 day.......

Jocelyn is her Grandma's "mini me!"

She looks more like her than me!

Jaden's surgery

2008-09-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

Just a little blurp to let all of you know that Jaden's surgery and recovery has gone pretty well. It was a little rough, but it's a rough surgery for anyone so I still think he's the bravest 6 year old I know! (He had a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and new ear tubes put in). He was in alot of pain days 7-10 and he missed the first week of school, but that's ok. Luckily we had our good friends, Rick and Amber Swensen here and we still got to do lots of fun things in D.C. Since Jaden was on pain meds still and a strict diet he couldn't go back to school. I was actually grateful to have him home for another week and still having educational experiences. The first 2 days of school were really hard for him because aside from still dealing with pain and discomfort he was dealing with a new teacher and friends (and change has never been easy for Jaden). His second day back to school was his birthday and I pulled him out early for a Dr. appt, so that ended up making it a little easier!
For his birthday we went to Friendly's (a fun ice cream restraunt) with his uncle and ate yummy food! then we went to pick him out a birthday present. He of course chose a large lego set! Jaden will spend hours building legos! I think the day ended up being a good one for him! I can't believe I have a 6 year old! Somehow though I can't imagine life ever without him.

I love this picture of the kids looking out from the house at
Mt. Vernon. It was so beautiful there!

They had a place just for little ones where they could dress-up
That was fun!

The view George Washington's house at Mt. Vernon
(from left: Jaden, Chase, Rick, Amelie, and Jocelyn)

The kids played so well together the
whole trip!

We tried to get Jacob and Amelie to hug and
kiss, but Jacob wasn't really into it :)

The Washington's and their grandchildren (oh, and Jaden
Jocelyn and Chase)

Jocelyn's birthday party

2008-08-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Ok! This really is the last thing about Jocelyn's birthday. Now you all know that she is loved :) I had no idea what I was getting myself into! I thought I would just have a few kids with some cake and ice cream. Simple, right? No, it's never simple when there's lots of little kids running around your house. Since I had myself convinced it was going to be so simple I didn't really start planning until 2 days before. Big mistake! Because I've never been so stressed out about a birthday party and I did it to myself, so now it seems funny. Once I started reading online on all the cute ideas for princess/prince parties I wanted to incorporate them into Jocelyn's party. Let's just say I was at Walmart way too long the night before! ha ha. Anyway, I tried to make it as simple as possible and just stuck with one big activity. We decorated princess tiaras and prince crowns as you can see in the pictures. Then we just ate cake and ice cream, opened gifts and took pictures on our homemade throne and then played outside. It ended up being a fun 2 hours for everyone!

Jocelyn and her cousin Noah

Jocelyn's cake (made by Ryan). She wanted a princess
cake, but we couldn't find a pan and Ryan didn't want to
attempt the 3-d princess yet.

Jocelyn getting ready to blow out candles!

Jocleyn lost in her first gift. ha ha!

A princess crown to go with her princess dress-up!

She loved the kitty purse filled with nail polish, lip gloss and
mini pens!

She took pictures with Jaden and all her friends on her "throne"

Ryan was really tired after decorating the cake for over 2 hours!
He rested on Jocelyn's new pillow.

Jocelyn got a new bike from us and grandma. Her knees
were up to the bars on her trike.

I guess after all that riding she was hot and tired!

All the kids in their tiaras and crowns.

Reston Zoo on Jocelyn's birthday!

2008-08-20T18:54:00.001-07:00

We just gave Jocelyn and individual cupcake since her party is Saturday,
but she was really excited to have it!

This is what Jocelyn thought of getting near the donkey!

Jocelyn practicing beam (that could be scary :)

the beginning of the wagon ride

This is a typical response from Jocelyn to Jaden these days
and a typical face for Jaden if he's interested in something else!
(I think she wanted him to scoot over)

The animals were literally in the wagon with us, this was
as close to Africa as we are gonna get for a while, so it was
definately worth the money!

This is what Jacob thought of the whole ride

This is one of the rare moments Jacob was happy. He loves
to put on sunglasses!

Jocelyn always wondering where she got her brother!

Jacob once again, not so sure!

Cute little lamb.

Feeding the bottle to the goats was so fun for Jaden.

He was laughing hysterically!

Galen and Bonnie, Dad's boat, Joce's Birthday

2008-08-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ryan's brother Galen got married in the Redlands temple!

Here we are at their open house in Virginia a week later.

Hiliarious! Jacob kept loosing his pants!

Jacob decided to walk the whole night! (not the norm)

A priceless Jacob face!

Jacob wearing Jaden's hat (and another one of his sweet faces)

Jaden sunbathing on the beach off the Potomac!

Jocelyn loves her "Nana" (my dad's wife)

It's a tradition that when we go out on my dad's boat everyone
collects sharks teeth. It sure keeps the kids busy!

Jocelyn got a princess dress-up from my dad!

Maybe this can capture how much she loves it!

Lately

2008-08-17T12:39:00.000-07:00

We don't have too much exciting to report lately. Ryan went to yet another brother's wedding in California for 5 days and we decided I would stay here. I didn't like that idea, but it was good since Jaden did get sick again!! Ugh! Poor Jaden has been sick with ear/throat infections since May. He is now getting surgery next Monday. He will get his tonsils and adenoids taken out and ear tubes put in (again). They say this will make him a new man and after being down for a week he can start school. So, this summer has turned out not to be too eventful, especially with me being pregnant and having 3 kids. I'm just not the on-the-go person I used to be at this current stage of life. I guess I shouldn't feel guilty since this is the time the kids probably won't remember. The plus side is that I've spent alot of time with Jaden reading and writing this summer. His reading has really improved. He can read at a 2nd grade level (if he's in the mood of course :) I guess we'll see what they say at school and where they place him.
Here are a few pictures from Ryan's birthday, etc.

Making Ryan's cake

Jacob loved it!

We decorated the cake with lots of sprinkles and love!

Ryan blew out all 29 candles in one breath!

Jacob does the funniest laugh right now. I have video (but can someone tell me how to put it on here?)

Jaden learns to ride a bike!

2008-07-26T19:54:00.000-07:00

Jaden's been begging for us to help him learn to ride his bike. I tried, but it's uncomfortable for me to bend over so much, so Ryan took him out for an hour tonight and he got it! I guess his overwhelming desire helped him to take off fast!

Jaden takes off by himself! Ryan is a really good instructor!

I love the look of determination in Jaden's face!

Jaden giving a thumbs up after he did it!

Jaden brags that he only got one scrape from learning to ride his bike.

Jacob got thirsty while Jocelyn pushed him around in the stroller
(this was all done while Jaden was learning to ride his bike). He
grabbed this cup right out of Jocelyn's hands.

Since Jocelyn loves all of her play babies you can only imagine how much
she loves real babies and somehow they all love her too :) She will be a
good mother someday!

4th of July etc.

2008-07-26T10:26:00.000-07:00

Jacob before his haircut (I really loved it long :( )

Sorry this post is so late guys! I have been a slacker, but I've been caught up in the summer and dealing with feeling too pregnant already. I swear I'm not that old, but I already feel like I'm falling apart. It must just be that having multiple babies really ages you. I don't know how the rest of you feel, but maybe it's because I didn't have enough recovery time in between this time. Still I'm not sure how my body will hold up for another child? If it's meant to be, I guess God will provide a way (not that I'm at all thinking of having another one anytime soon :)
We had a pretty good 4th of July. Ryan was off for a couple of extra days and we went on a hike in the Shenandoah mountains with the kids. It was so beautiful there. Rolling hill everywhere, so green, plenty of wildlife, etc. We thought it wouldn't be bad to do the 3.3 mile hike to the waterfall with the kids. HA! It was all down hill going to the waterfall, but you know what that means coming back. A few times Jocelyn actually laid down on the trail and we even got off the trail about 1/2 mile and had to find our way back. It wasn't clearly marked at a particular crossroads or at least we didn't look close enough. We used it as an example of life and the gospel, how important it is that we read the scriptures (signs from Heavenly Father) everyday for directions in our lives. If I were farther along the whole things might have put me into labor, but then again it's me, so probably not. Our camera died so we didn't get any pictures. Bummer!
On the 4th we decided to take the kids to see D.C. fireworks, since those are worth seeing once and we don't plan on staying here too long. It was quite the trip as well, but worth it. The kids rode the metro for the first time and we set out a blanket on a hill by the memorial Iwo Jima (a war memorial in D.C. where we could clearly see the fireworks going off over the Washington monument. It only lasted about 15 minutes and then we headed back to the metro in the mad herd of rushing people. We didn't get home until almost midnight, but we had a good time.
Saturday we were supposed to go out on my dad's boat, but the kids were sick so we just hung out at his house and grilled out and played the WII. My dad has a projector screen so that makes it even more fun! We sure love the Wii. Ryan wouldn't let us get one, because he thought we might (he) become addicted, but my dad sent us one in the mail because he has it and he thinks it is a great way to bring families closer (thank you Dad!). My opinion on all of this. Well we love the Wii and I think I might be addicted now too. I love tennis. The only problem is the temptation to play it at night and we don't always get to do other things, if you know what I mean :) Ryan and I are very competitive, so we don't hesitate to rematch until satisfied.

Here are the most recent pics!

Jocelyn under her princess umbrella

I found this pool for only $30. The kids loved it!

Jaden and Jake

Jacob practicing walking

some more...

Kids first trip on the metro!

Jaden catching lightning bugs on the 4th of July!

He sure does love bugs and the outdoors!

Jocelyn took this of us. They love to take pictures!

Jacob didn't feel well again. He seems to always be sick lately!

Jacob at the Water mine ( we have season passes the this
great water park with slides and fountains and a lazy river)

Jocelyn all decked out in her swimgear!

Jacob's first real haircut (given by Daddy, our new family stylist)

Jacob is still teething so terribly (how long does it take for those
stinkin eye teeth to come in ?)

Jacob signs all done!

My mother-in-law and two of my sisters-in-law (Heather
in the middle is due next month and we had a shower at my
house)

24 weeks and and feeling closer to 34 weeks! HA!

Baby Gender

2008-06-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

Well as you all know I had the babies Fetal Echo last week to check the babies heart. The good news is that this baby has no heart defects! YEAH! They looked at gender and had a hard time deciding at first because the cord was in between babies legs. After much deliberation they think the baby is a boy. They said I would have to confirm it at my ultrasound next Friday. I have to say I was shocked and still can't believe it's a boy, but I will of course be happy with whatever the gender is. I just really wanted Jocelyn to have a sister. Oh well, I'm sure God smiles at me as I worry about that while He sees the eternal perspective. I still won't be completely convinced until I'm told again that it's definitely a boy. I am mostly happy to know that this baby will be healthy! Thanks all for your love and support. I love you guys!

2008-06-14T12:49:00.000-07:00

1 . YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Misty Sienna

2.GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Sundae Chocolate Chip (I don't have a favorite ice cream right now, but I sure love reeses pieces sundaes!

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of last name) Chul

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) blue bird

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Desiree Alexandria

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Hulch

7.SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The pink vitamin water

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Richard Bill

9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Juicy sweedish fish

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Lynn Thomas

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 6th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Becker Baltimore

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Spring

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now+“ie”) Strawberry flip-flop

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Muffin Cherry Blossom

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)The scrapbooking sunny tour

16. YOUR CELEBRITY COUPLE NAME: (half of your name, half your significant other's name, mixed together in whichever order sounds best.)RyChris

I too want everyone who reads this to do it. It's kind of fun!

Ryan's last brother on a mission comes home!

2008-06-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

Ryan's brother served in the San Fernando California mission. He has 5 brothers and 1 sister and they all served a mission. Wow! We are proud of him. With him being the last missionary of the family for a while, we all feel a little older :)

A FEW MORE PICTURES FROM ORLANDO!

2008-06-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

KIDS CAN'T WAIT TO GET ON RIDES!

JACOB GOING FOR THE "KEITH URBAN" LOOK

SHOULD I CUT HIS HAIR?

KEITH URBAN

BEST FAMILY SHOT AT THE ORLANDO TEMPLE. HA HA

GOOD ONE OF THE KIDS AND I THOUGH....

JACOB, ALWAYS HAS SOMETHING ON HIS MIND?

JADEN CURIOUS ABOUT THE "SPLASH ZONE"

SEE JADEN IN THE WATER?

AND AFTERWARDS, PROUD OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENT!

THEY NAMED THE NEWBORN T-REX AFTER JOCELYN
(they thought it was real, along with several adults, no joke!)

\

JADEN HAD TO CLIMB THE ROCKWALL
(2 out of 3 difficulty)

JOCELYN WANTS TO BE JUST LIKE JADEN :0

2008-06-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Jaden, 14 weeks?

Jocelyn, 16 weeks

Jacob, 15 weeks

Baby J, 16 weeks

I guess it's true what they say, you get bigger with each baby. I was being dumb and trying to compare how I looked with Jocelyn to now hoping that would show if I'm having a girl. I'm so silly. I don't think I can go for Ryan's plan to let the babies gender be a suprise, it would be fun, but I just don't think I can wait. I guess I have 2 weeks to decide, then I will go in for the babies fetal echocardiogram (now all of my babies have to have their hearts checked in utero), since Jacob has 2 heart defects.

What do you guys think, should I wait and let it be a suprise?

Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

This is how Jacob felt on his first ride ever!

Jocelyn loves her uncle Jeff!

Disney World (nice Jocelyn!)

Can you tell how Jocelyn feels about Minnie?

But....Jacob didn't mind Mickey!

Jocelyn before the 3-d Disney show

This sums up how Jacob mostly felt about Disney World.

Ice cream at Disney World!

Daytona beach (16 weeks prego, and not feeling cute!)

Jaden and Jocelyn throwing sand at each other (classic)

Being buried by Daddy

Jacob had no problem with the sand....

He made it clear that he didn't mind going to sleep in it!

Jacob's enthusiasm for the beach!

Jaden loved the fountain at the beach!

Here's how Jocelyn felt......

.........and about as far as Jacob would go!

The rest stop on the North Carolina/South Carolina border
(who would have thought we'd have our own side wildlife trip?!)
There were about 20 turtles and Jaden waited about 20 minutes
for this turtle to eat out of his hand!

There was even this wild turkey at the same rest stop
(ironically, this place was one of our fondest memories of the trip :) )

MEMORIAL DAY 2008

This year we had a very inexpensive vacation package deal to Orlando and we decided to take it since Ryan's brother lives there and they just had their first baby (after trying for 7 years). We took a plunge and decided to drive the 12 hours there. I just imagined the worst and it didn't end up too bad. Jaden and Jocelyn can take care of themselves now and were great, but Jacob was miserable being strapped in his carseat. We took our time and took 2 days to drive each way. It ended up being alot of fun! After much advice from others we got through it. Stopping at rest stops and running with the kids proved to be wise and fun! I also got in the back with the kids to play games and teach them/read to them and that helped break it up for them as well. Jacob loved watching baby Einstein right in front of his face! That's really all he had to do after he threw his toys and he had to share the dvd player with Jaden and Jocelyn, but I am happy to say that they didn't even use it that much. I went to the library and stocked up on books on tape and easy reader books for Jaden. I guess that's enough about our drive, but the advice I received really helped and it's always fun to try what others have already proven to be successful!

Once we got to Orlando we went right to Ryan's brothers house and then straight to Ryan's favorite pizza place, Giordonos (Chicago style pizza). We then went to our hotel, which was an Extended Stay. It wasn't that nice, but pretty inexpensive and we were only there to sleep. On Saturday my sister-in-law got us into Universal studios (she worked there). We ran around all day taking the kids to all of the rides they could go on. We spent alot of time in the Dr. Suess land (not sure what it was called) The kids favorite was the flying unicorn roller coaster. I made the mistake of going on it with the kids, after that it was Ryan who had to keep riding it. Jaden couldn't go on the big splash ride, but I think he had more fun discovering the "SOAKED ZONE". It was a fun day even though we had to dodge 5 minute terrential rain storms (have any of you experienced Florida rain? It's pretty crazy!) Oh and of course Jaden had to climb the climbing wall!
Sunday we went to church and the Orlando temple (it was beautiful). One thing unique to Florida is getting used to seeing lizards all over the sidewalks and everywhere you go. Jaden and Jocelyn spent their first few hours in Florida hunting lizards in Jeff's backyard (Ry's bro).
Monday we went to Disney World. This was more fun than Universal. We just stuck to Magic Kingdom, which is geared more towards younger children. The kids met Mickey and Minnie and Jocelyn met "Jasmine", both of which she was scared to death!:) One of their favorites was the castle show where they saw "Peter Pan" and "The Wicked Witch of the West". They couldn't stop talking about her, so we finally had to tell Jaden she wasn't real (we tried to let them be kids and believe the characters were real until they saw her :) After Jocelyn saw the princesses live in the show she became much more interested in them. Her favorite is Cinderella, but if you know Jocelyn she is not a "girly girl" at all! I signed her up for the princess makeover and she cancelled it to go on the Buzz Lightyear ride with Jaden. Oh well, I tried. What can I expect when she has 2 brothers, one of which is Jaden (1000% boy)
We were supposed to start driving back on Tuesday, but Ryan suprised us and took us to Daytona beach for the day on the way home (he knows how much the beach means to me). This was so much fun and probably the most fun for Jacob! He loved the sand and the freedom!
We finally got home late Wednesday night! This was such a fun family trip, driving and all, however I have decided that Disney World and other theme parks are best for 3 years and up. 2 is still too young to appreciate it and 1 just wants to get up and walk away!

We hope you all had just as fun on Memorial Day!

The Biggest news around here!

2008-05-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess it's time to tell all of you the exciting news! I've been waiting until I felt that it was real, but I don't know if it will ever feel real until I have a baby in my arms because this pregnancy took me by complete surprise! This is the closest any of my children will be so far! 20 months apart! I know you're saying that isn't bad, but it's my 4th and I can barely handle the 3 I have. I know most of you can relate, but I really feel that God wanted this and He definitely made it happen! With that being said, I am excited and apprehensive as I wait for God to show me the way and show me how I am going to do this! I'd say this is more than "trial of the month", but "trial of the nine months".
So, you ask, have I been sick? Yes, but not quite as bad as with Jaden and Jacob and now it just gets worse as the day goes on, so by the time Ryan is home I can just lay in bed and do nothing because by 7 I am toast! I think it could also be that I've learned to handle this by now. Although going through it never feels easy, which I know many of you understand.
Oh and yes I did run the marathon 10 weeks prego, but I was training and didn't even know it. Luckily when I work out I can't feel that I'm sick. It's the afterwards that could be tough! I put it in my mind that I was going to finish what I started and not use being pregnant as an excuse for 1 minute. I never let myself think that during the race or I might have quit!
Now I am 13 weeks and not in any rush for the weeks to go by. Right now I am still figuring out how we are going to do this in the fall. The main concern is time and money and yes, did I mention? TIME!

I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF MY LOVED READERS! HEARING FROM YOU MAKES MY DAYS MUCH BRIGHTER!

HERE ARE A FEW RECENT PICTURES!

Huling baby #4. It's not a good one, but all I have right now.

Jacob tries the spoon. Now we'll practice more.

Jocelyn's preschool group playing in the flower petals last week

Joce waiting for her ride to preschool!

Jacob loves to throw anything! We think we'll get him into pitching
because he's actually really good at it!

Turns out Ryan is better at cutting hair than me. Go figure!

Jade's haircut. They are still best friends!

Jocelyn shows off her muscles too

Jaden shows off his muscles

Jacob, our new escape artist. Out the front door with a sucker too!

The kind of food I've been in the mood for. I've really enjoyed cooking lately. Wierd.

Sickies and Ickies

2008-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Above are the belated Easter and Jacob's birthday pictures I promised!

Jacob had been pretty sick since early last week. He wouldn't eat or drink for a few days. I took him to the Dr. and they said he didn't have strep, then they called Monday and said that he did. Poor miserable little guy. He looked so skinny and sad! Jaden also had a fever and pain in his ear that night and we took him in to find that he had an ear infection. So, Jaden was home for 3 days and we were pretty much housebound all week. The only good thing is that I got to spend a little extra time with Jaden.
This weekend was crazy filled with service, soccer and ultimate Frisbee games, and lots of guests over for dinner Saturday and Sunday!
Friday night I volunteered for "Gifts from the Heart". It's a program that our stake started for donating to the needy or anyone (I consider all of us in need of something) I volunteered there thinking it would be great opportunity to scope out what I wanted to come back for the next day and then when I got there my whole tune changed. First of all it looked literally like D.I. in our gym! Crazy! Anyhow there was quite a heavy feeling I had there as I thought of the people that were really in need (having much less than I) that would come there to get things for free. I caught a glimpse of how much that would mean to them to have this resource and the relief they would feel for getting those things. The first hour in the morning was reserved for those recommended by the bishop and then it was open to anyone and everyone, including out of our faith. I heard that people started lining up to go in by 6 am. I had decided I wouldn't take anything or go back to get anything. I am blessed to be able to find enough other ways to get clothes for cheap (like yard sales, which I love). I was glad for the spirit I felt and that I could leave there remembering all of my many blessings!
Saturday night we celebrated Ryan's dad's birthday with KFC (his favorite) and German chocolate cake.
Sunday night my dad came over and brought dinner and we had the yummiest strawberry pie!

Overall we had a very fun weekend and everyone is all better now!

Half marathon or bust!

2008-04-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well I completed the half marathon in Charlottesville, but boy was I in for a suprise. I don't know why I didn't realize that it was all rolling hills. You would think I would do more research on the actual marathon I am agreeing to run. and I didn't realize I was running a marathon labeled, "bad to the bone." Well, little did I know that they were different one from the next. ha ha!! The joke was on me. It was a good thing I opted not to drive the course the night before after hearing about the hills. Suprisingly, I still feel like I did very well for my first half marathon. My friend Stacey and I finished at the exact same time first in our group of 8 women. I think what got me through it without stopping was that I had mentally prepared myself that no matter what I was going to run the whole way through. At about mile 11 my hamstrings started to give out and I made it the last 2 miles with the help of Stacey and that last pack of "sport jelly beans". I also ate 2 power gels at mile 4 and 9. At least the last half mile was not one of the frequent and steady uphills, but downhill. Turning the corner to the finish line, Stacey tells me to sprint to the end. Ugh! and who puts the very end of the finish line up another hill? The whole thing was just crazy, hard, emotional, but fun! I really had no idea what I was capable of. This helps me in a lot of ways to realize my potential. I can't wait to do it again (but not for at least another 6 months!) I highly recommend. It was definately different than anything I've done before. Maybe next spring I will do a triathalon. You never know, but don't worry I have absolutely no desire to do a full marathon. I'm not that crazy :)

I will post the other pictures when I get them of all of the girls who participated! Keep watching!

I know! I am the biggest dork ever!
Kim, me, and Stacey to my left.

Kim and I and Stacey trained together the whole time

Kim and I (and Stacey) were together until mile 11!

Stacey and I finishing together!

I was a lot more tired than I looked. Did I mention that I could barely walk for 2 days and had to ice my knees? Everyone actually finished about a minute before what's posted since we had a delayed start. We all had a microchip on our shoes.

2008-04-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Jacob's face "paints a thousand words". He is the calmest, sweetest baby we've ever known!

Jacob loves daddy, they have so much fun together!

Jacob plays piano in his spare time!

.......and reads

He loves Dr. Seuss!

......,..playing ball is another favorite!

Dress-up? Definitely not!

2008-04-09T06:51:00.001-07:00

2008-04-07T17:57:00.001-07:00

Jocelyn healing nicely!

Kids taught Jacob to go down the stairs in one day!

Jacob loves his new Birthday present!

Jacob eats and "drinks" like a big boy!

Jocelyn at preschool after her stitches were taken out.

Hello! We hope you all had a good last week! We really enjoyed staying home this weekend and watching conference! It was so relaxing. On Sunday we all got dressed up in our Sunday clothes and went down to our basement. The kids worked on their conference packets and stayed pretty quiet. We were impressed! It was a much better spirit at home to pretend like we were at church! It was also alot easier to keep Jacob home so that he could sleep!
There were so many great things in conference! I can't wait to read all of the talks again! I will then post my favorite quotes!
Not much else new to report this week!

We hope you all are well and we love you!

Happy Birthday Jacob and Belated Easter!

2008-04-01T16:17:00.000-07:00

JACOB IS 1 YEAR OLD!!!

THE BEST FAMILY SHOT WE COULD GET!

JADEN GOT A NEW SUIT FOR EASTER.

JACOB'S BIRTHDAY CAKE AT GRANDMA HULING'S

Jacob had plenty of willing helpers to open his gifts with!

Uh, I swear I posted on Sunday and now there is nothing here. Wierd! Well, I guess I have to start over.
Sunday was Easter and Jacob's birthday! Ryan was gone all of Spring break the week before in Kalamazoo Michigan. He came home for the weekend and we were supposed to spend the whole Saturday at my dad's house. That plan got a little changed when Jocelyn cracked her head open at Dick's sporting goods. She had to go to the E.R. and get 4 stitches. Ryan stayed with her the whole time and kept her calm. She was a real trooper and didn't cry much until the stitches were removed the following Friday. I guess she's used to hurting herself, since she had always been very accident prone and had Jaden beating up on her :)
We finally got to my dad's house and dyed Easter eggs and opened Jacob's birthday present. He got a new dump truck that he can sit on, push, and put block in. Right now he's content just sitting on it pressing the sound buttons. Jacob also ate birthday cake for the first time. he was very tired but managed to stuff his face in a dazed stupor. It was really funny to watch him. I will post the pictures when I get them from my dad!
The kids did get a little over-zealous at the park and pushed him so fast he fell right off. I guess he's the new one to get pushed around. He's pretty tough too, but not afraid to call to mommy for help!
Sunday we went to Ryan's parents for more birthday and Easter celebration! As you can see in the picture LaDawn made a bear cake for Jacob, which is a pretty common cake for the grandchildren to get! Jacob was so tired and worn out from his cake at my dad's the night before that he acted like having cake was old news and would rather just go to bed. He chimed in for a few claps and then he was done!

WE HOPE EVERYONE HAD A HAPPY EASTER!

The Latest and Greatest! HAPPY MARCH! (Already?!)

2008-03-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Jaden loves to take photos especially of himself (I refrained from posting the one he calls "snotty nose")

Jaden and Jocelyn love to play "bad guys" lately. They wanted to be robots this week. Jaden made sure to make his "bad guy" face.

Jocelyn loves her preschool group. One of her best friends Kyler is missing from the picture.

Jacob really loves to clap and just learned last week!

We have all been busy this week still crossing many milestones everyday. Every night I kiss the kids and say "I love you" in their ears (Hey, I believe in the osmosis thing I guess). I look at them and treasure how precious it is to have them right now as babies. These moments are so fleeting and this is what we must remember through all the stress and busyness!

Everyone has been sick with a cold and Jacob went to the doctor and has an ear infection! He's been miserable and whiny all week (abnormal for this happy go lucky guy). We got him on antibiotics and now we're changing yucky diapers every 30 minutes ( I think I'll take him off those)

Jaden got sent home from school on Friday because he was so congested. His teacher said he just plopped his backpack down and roamed the room in a daze. They knew he wasn't feeling well, but we still managed to go to his school that night for Bingo. It was intense since we had 5 cards going at once. We ate pizza and treats and the kids won prizes a few times. It was a pretty exciting night out for me I must admit (Are you thinking that I need to get out more, maybe so)

Today just sweet little Jocelyn and I went to church and now I am going to go cut, cut, cut because I'm in a FHE packet group and they are due Thursday. The only problem is that the person who took over my group has set such a high level of expectation that there are literally people sick they are so stressed out about it. ugh! I will definately head a new group in the summer. High quality still, but more lessons!

Family home evening makes me and the kids so happy! They love it! I love being able to give them quality lessons from my heart and the hearts of other great mothers!

Hope you enjoy and visit again soon!

Forgot to post balloon pictures!

2008-02-17T15:03:00.001-08:00

Got it!

This is the silent version, minus the screams!

uh oh, where'd it go?

Valentines Day - hope you had a great one!

2008-02-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Hope all of you had a great day and got all of the lovin you deserve!! I just want you to know that I love all of you, so Happy Valentines Day from the Hulings! Thanks for your loving comments so far. I can't tell you how much it eases my mind to hear from all of you!

For Valentine's Day Jocelyn, Jacob and I went to Pizza Hut with Ryan for lunch. I also went to Jaden's school to help out for a while and eat lunch with him. He got to pass out all of his Valentines in bags that were set up on a table. He sure was excited to bring that bag of candy home! While I was out, Ryan came in and put 18 long stem roses on the table for me. I was suprised when I got home. I gave him chocolate and that night we watched Lost. not much celebration, but you know how it can be with all of the family life.

Jaden had his 100th day at school celebration. I have posted the picture below. Since kindergarten started Jaden has learned to read, write, basic addition and subtraction, etc. He has been learning recently "two more than and two less than." He has a chart at school to help him with responsibility. It really motivates him and he's been earning extra computer time and lunch dates with Daddy.

Jacob in just another week can completely stand to the furniture and he now has 2 huge top teeth! It's been rough for him getting all these teeth at once and he's letting us know how he feels! I don't know if he's irritable because of that, but he's started to grunt very loudly to get what he wants. Oh no! He already knows how to do that? I have to curb that right away. He has decided he loves balloons (see below).

Jocelyn went over to a new girlfreinds house last week. She's not used to having many girlfriends. She's kind of a tomboy, since all she's ever known is Jaden and he's 100% boy. She did "dress-up" and learned about nail polish. She now wants to paint her nails and toes almost everyday. Oh, and mine too :)

Jaden wrote us a Valentine's Day Card and sent it from school. It's one of those that just melts your heart when you read it! I know that picture didn't turn out clear, so here is what it says. " Mom and Dad, I hope you have a good new year and a good day and also a good Valentine's Day. XOXOXO Jaden."

Jaden's 100th day school celebration certificate!

Jocelyn decided she needed to hold it too!

Jacob so excited as he's learning to climb stairs (he can make it up the first one now)

Hmm, I wonder if he's asking for a diaper change?

Jacob stands up now!

She never ceases to amaze him!

Jacob loves his new toy we got free from the gym!

Have a great week!!!

What we are working on now

2008-02-01T20:35:00.001-08:00

After realizing that we are in need of greater order, organization and responsibility in our home, Ryan decided we needed a Family theme. We have not finished it, but order and responsibility is what we have so far! We will keep you posted, no pun intended, when we finish the rest of this "Huling Family Theme."

Blog name

2008-02-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

We are in the process of thinking of the perfect blog name and this is what we have now. A haven is a place of refuge or safety and that is what we want our home to be for all of us, a place where we can be set apart from the world! I like "haven" because it reminds me of Heaven, so I just think of our home and this blog as "our heaven or haven away from heaven!" We thoroughly hope that you enjoy it!

The Hulings, lately

2008-02-01T19:17:00.001-08:00

I am just creating a blog and some of you viewing this might already know that I am not a very good blogger, but I needed another place besides my family site to have our current family happenings for my friends and other family. Everyone is doing well! Even though life is busy for us all, Jacob seems to be the most busy most recently. Just this week he started pulling himself up and managed to climb his first step. He is still pretty unsturdy and indicates he doesn't really know what to do once pulled up by saying "eh, eh, eh" in a grunting voice. I guess he is tired of his dirty days on the hardwood floor! He is getting so big and loves to participate in every meal with us! Jaden and Jocelyn can't get enough of him. It is so fun to watch them all interact. Jacob laughs at Jocelyn the most. Somehow she's able to entertain and make babies laugh, including Jacob's friends. Jocelyn is going through her very independent stage. Life is harder at home with her, without Jaden here to play with during the day. We did just find out that Jocelyn recently had mono. That could be to blame for all of her tiredness and weakness over the past few months. She is enjoying preschool twice a week and our mother/daughter relationship is growing. Jaden is progressing and becoming better all the time at Kindergarten. He is very intellectual, but has struggled with the routines and responsibilities expected of him. With a lot of motivation and a rewards program he is moving right along. Jaden can read now and he's a good writer too. He especially loves to draw and make anything out of paper. This week he got to have Daddy come to lunch as a reward for doing so well! Yeah Jaden! Ryan is very busy and gone most nights until 9 or 10 working. It is busy season for him, since he is an auditor. We are both staying active by playing church basketball! I am busy just being at home with the kids and running this household. I am also training for a half marathon in April with several of the girls in my relief society. It is the Charlottesville half marathon. For me it feels good to put my mind to doing something that is hard and seeing myself start to accomplish something that feels far out of reach for me. It is definitely good for my soul! I am still teaching at my gym once or twice a week. It is great to be paid to workout and I have a passion for it! It's so much fun!

Jacob, 10 months old!

Jocelyn, 3.5 years old!

Jacob learning how to pull himself up.
The bath is a real motivator for him

The kids trying to keep Jacob from tearing up the presents!

Jacob's sweet face! Wait till I show u the pics of Ryan as a baby!

Mary, our fitness director, took this of Kim and I training for the half marathon