Team Hendersons

Halloween Magic

2011-10-31T10:56:00.000-07:00

Banana Pile on Daddy!

Our beautiful Fall colors

A cheerleader...but only because dressing up got her candy!

divvying up the loot

Silly Banana

2011-10-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Kiara in her bunny costume. :)

DADDY IS A BANANA! :)

Enjoying Etsy.com

2011-08-23T01:45:00.000-07:00

I've been hooked on Etsy.com recently and spend my surfing time cruising the various pages of art and creativity. Wow! What a well-spring of inspiration that has got my creative juices flowing. I will be making a shop on etsy before too long as I gather an inventory to get me going. Look for QuiltingThreads as my shop name. Wish me luck =)

hawaiian

2011-07-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one just finished: Hawaiian Wedding Rings

I'm giddy!

2011-07-01T23:45:00.000-07:00

What fun it was to piece this quilt. Is this gorgeous or what! Only took 2 weeks. Definitely look for more of these from me. This one is destined for a quilt show and offered for sale. Could be a wall hanging or a throw blanket. 42" x 68" The photo doesn't do it justice...I wish you could see the nuance of color, and sparkle in some of the fabrics

and more...

2011-06-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

Hunting through the noodle forest at the cool children's museum in Phoenix.

Candy bar gram for the graduate=)

What a gift! Full Storm trooper gear.

Car wash at the children's museum

Proof that I was there. I'm usually just behind the camera.

Opening gifts and stuff. Celebrating the occasion.

Stuff we did: bowling with 7 little boys--too cute!

Budding engineers trying to get the ping pong ball to be pushed up through the tube.

2011-06-10T23:15:00.000-07:00

At the movie in the park--the kids took advantage of the hill behind our blankets.

A line of nephews

Daddy and baby

cute Oliver

This is the fantastic "Grandmothers Victory Garden"quilt my mom made. All hand stitched. She is graciously letting me attach the binding and then enter it into a quilt show for her. I think the judges would be crazy not to give it a ribbon!

Trip to AZ

2011-06-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

So I want to post some pics of my 4-day trip to see family in Mesa. My little (haha 6'2"!!!)brother graduated high school and had his eagle court of honor. I was loving the heat of 95 degree days. Such a change from the cool spring weather we have had here in Spokane.

The "Walk"

white collar in the center

trombone player in the band--back row

Mom and Dad

Bro's and fam

Beautiful outdoor setting. Like I said 95 degrees...glad we got seated on the shady side.

There he is. I couldn't get the focus right. bleh

taking in the view close-up

Wolkenzauber

2011-04-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

Oh can I dream!!! Look at that fabulos black mane and tail.

book club tonight

2011-04-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

I spent a relaxing and engaging evening with my good friends at book club. Tonight's book was Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara. A great read! And good discussion about the American Revolution and the personalities, catalysts, and inspiration behind it. Fun to think about and discuss history when I won't be tested on it tomorrow ;) I love my friends. This is one evening a month that I never miss.

A love Mailbox

2011-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like writing a half hour of love notes from everybody to everybody to make a big girl feel loved again. L was having a "I am stupid and hated" episode this afternoon. But our homemade mailbox did the trick and now we are all heading to bed with warm fuzzys instead of cold pricklys. g'nite

Our House

2011-03-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

The common curse...

2011-02-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

Do you cringe like I do when so many iffy words are flung around. I am so grateful that I grew up in a house where intelligent language was taught and expected, and garbage was left outside.

This is a great article that I ran across:
http://yoursacredcalling.com/blog/2011/02/cursing-im-so-angry-i-could/#comment-9954

Some Winter Woolies

2011-01-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well the flu ran through our whole family ending finally with Lyssa. She stayed home from school for two days--it seemed like it lasted about 2 days for each of us...YUCK!!!

I have been working 5 nights a week since the day after Christmas and it has thoroughly put a kink in our routines. Especially the dinner and bedtime ones. Poor Scott has done a fantastic job of bedtime--putting his own fabulous spin on the job. But his energy has petered out and is ready for this month of work to come to an end. It will slow back down in the next few weeks and I will be back at 2-3 nights a week. Much more manageable.

I aught to at least put up a few winter pics of all of us having fun in the snow, so here you go.
--Lyssa's 3rd grade Winter school program

Scott and Jeannie putting up the tree

Ali helping.

Three crazy and wild girls!

Jace and his cub scout troop on Pearl harbor day. Helping place wreaths on the grave stones of veterans of WWII.

Bey Blades was sooooo cool!

Who needs presents...just need a box!

Pillow pets are the best!

Snow Day

Merry Christmas Morning.

Quotable quotes

2010-11-23T22:53:00.001-08:00

The
best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go
outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens,
nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should
be.

- Anne Frank

Cute Kiara

2010-11-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Cats at a Summer Window (4 of 4)

2010-11-17T07:38:00.000-08:00

Ok folks! I have finished a project instigated more than a year ago. Here is the finished product:

Listen to new

2010-10-19T02:41:00.001-07:00

Paper Plate Skeletons--An oldy but goody!

2010-09-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

So, How many of you made one of these as a kid? Paper plate skeleton tute

How to make a Fall wreath

2010-09-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

So I found this fantastic blog to follow. So creative and I love the feng shui energy lessons too. Take a look at this tidbit:
muralmaker1.blogspot.com

JBF sale

2010-09-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

AHhhhhhh! I finally have my sewing room back to myself! I have been gathering and sorting through our boxes of clothing and reducing our toy boxes recently, but that means it all had to sit somewhere until I could take it away. Well we had our garage sale two weekends ago, and this week I sent 5 boxes/bags of stuff to goodwill, and I also sent 4 totes of stuff and a stroller/carseat combo to the Just between friends sale happening this weekend here in Spokane. And so now I can breathe again.

I can sew again.
I can work on my many projects again.
I can plan again ( ie. start on Christmas stuff...)
I can organize again.
I can look in my Green room without eyeball twitching because of all the piles. =)

My Handsome Men

2010-09-07T01:04:00.000-07:00

Oh I am the luckiest woman to have these two guys in my life. What a handsome pair.

Kiara's new look

2010-09-07T00:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the new short-do on Kiara. I absolutely love it!

The bowling was Kiara's 3rd B-Day celebration. We had a great time. However, we should have stopped at 1 game. Stomachs were growling and attentions were waning.

End of Summer

2010-08-28T07:16:00.000-07:00

So the end of summer is upon us.../sigh. Back to school is in full swing. We are thinking about things like new hair cuts, backpacks, what friends will be in their class this year, and who is the new teacher.

I'm thinking about things like oh my gosh I ordered a ton of fruit this year and I will be canning every night for the next week. lol Fresh peaches and pears and stewed tomatoes here we come!

2010-08-12T22:28:00.001-07:00

To view the vacation in chronological order go to the first vacation post and proceed from there. Tons of pictures--can't say they are good, just that there are tons. Enjoy!

Day 6

2010-08-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Day 6 was Sunday and little Colby's blessing in church. It was a beautiful blessing, and a beautiful day, and really enjoyable to be all together with my family. Just a great day and a good way to end the week. The food that Paige put together was fabulous. It looked fabulous and tasted delicious.

Day 5

2010-08-12T21:39:00.000-07:00

Day 5 was the BBQ to celebrate Great-grandma Calapps 85th B-Day over in Bothell at the family house. Again it rained all day. We took it easy all morning and the little girls got a good nap in before we went anywhere. Dinner and chatting with family lasted all evening and then we visited over at Joe and Becky's for a relaxing hour or two before heading back to Dave and Paige's for bedtime. My kids were needing baths by this time, but it didn't happen...oh well, there was always tomorrow.

Day 4

2010-08-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Day 4 didn't go as planned because it rained. hrrrumph +(. Grouchy and drizzly and wanted to get out. Should have gone out anyway, but sat inside most of the day. We played a few games, colored, watched Veggie Tales, read a book, slept. We should have gone to the park and done letterboxing. or something....Scott got out and played Vball a little in the street. I had been going for a run each day for something physical to do, but Scott didn't have his usual things like elliptical runs or vball games with the group back home and he was feeling antsy. The food was great this week. Staying with Paige was awesome. She had things so well planned. We helped out some with meals, I hope it was enough. Thanks so much for putting us up for the week. You guys are the best!

Day 3

2010-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was a day at Greenlake. And boy was it hot! We planted ourselves in the shade of a small tree and ate our lunch. Then our kids plus two cousins played to their hearts content on the swings and up the climbing things and in the giant sand box. Apparently this is a new playground. It was well used! We saw at least 4 daycare or YMCA groups along with the moms groups and numerous other families. After a while the kids wanted to go climb the giant tree in the middle of the grass, so we explored that and Kiara was Queen on her branch. We finished off the day with almost an hour on a paddle boat ride out onto the lake. Fun stuff! By the time we got home that afternoon we had 3 sleeping little girls, and 2 parents that wanted a nap too. The sun and the fun was taking it's toll.

Day 2

2010-08-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

So day 2 was a ferry ride over from Mukilteo to Clinton. We wanted to give our kids a taste of Puget Sound beaches. We found an out of the way beach called Possession Beach. They absolutely loved finding clam shells and collecting rocks. We relaxed and watched the water and let the waves lap over our ankles, layed back and just enjoyed the peace and serenity and sounds of nature.

The only kink in the plan was that we missed out on spending the day with cousins. The ferry let us board right away, but too quick for the cousins in the other car to park and walk on. Turns out they had an enjoyable day too, playing in the sun and sand. They caught the next ferry over and played at the tiny park in Clinton, but we had already gone on to find a bigger beach to have our lunch at. So I am sorry we missed them, but the fun part was that after getting enough sun, we all got back home within minutes of each other.

Seattle Vacation 2010

2010-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a liesurely lunch from the cafe inside the zoo and then headed down the trail in our rented double stroller. Alexa was such a hoot to watch as she toddled from scene to scene. She was an energizer bunny and didn't quit all day. She wanted to touch everything and see everything, boy, it was tough keeping an eye on all 4 kids as they went different directions.

Ahhh the relaxation of a real vacation. And not just a quick weekend, which is Not the same! We drove over and spent the week. We saw Pt Defiance Zoo and Aquarium--fun place, kids loved the kids area the best--could have spent the whole time there. Loved the goats, the lemurs, the meerkat display was awesome, saw cool green snakes, sharks, huge fish, tiger cubs, sea otters, elephants, a bald eagle, peacock, clouded snow leopard cubs ( super cute ), an elusive tarantula (ewww yuck!),

Deep Thoughts...(not by Jack Handy) =)

2010-08-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

If I had my child to raise over again,

I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less.

I'd do less correcting, and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I would care to know less, and know to care more.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I'd run through more fields, and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.

I would be firm less often, and affirm much more.

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd teach less about the love of power,

And more about the power of love.

- Diana Loomans

Cats at a Spring Window (3 of 4)

2010-07-28T15:04:00.000-07:00

See earlier posts for #1 and 2 of the series.

Some first steps

2010-06-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

Camping and Dirt biking

2010-06-09T00:39:00.000-07:00

I should start with the disclaimer that we have never been camping in the ten years we have been married. And yet we decided to go on a cold, wet Memorial Day weekend in the northern Washington mountains to give it a try. A little crazy? Yup. The kids were so excited. Even Alexa, at one year old could tell that something was going on and as we loaded the surb she would hand me things or drag things out to the side of the car. I was so excited. I over packed, and took too much food, and didn't pack a few necessaries, and asked advice from everyone. Scott was excited. He loves to go ride in the mud on a damp weekend. He says it is the absolute best time of year to go.
We arrived after driving for about 5 hours ( with kids it always takes longer--but that's ok it's a vacation, and there are no schedules to follow, and I have to add a Mom who likes to take detours to see the sights off the beaten path) to a huge meadow up in the mountains with RV's all around, lots of families hanging around, and most everyone knew each other. I guess this dirtbiking weekend is a big tradition. We set up the tent, which we didn't end up sleeping in -Thank goodness- and gathered some fire wood while the guys went to use the chain saw and get some logs for burning. The kids explored and climbed and rode their bikes, and played Frisbee and soccer a little. We ate some foil dinners- tasty! and then had smores over at the next camp. We all got a bit dirty and stinky from 3 full days of campfires and dirt floors. Who am I kidding---it was more than a little bit. Kiara went barefoot some of the time. Her feet are so tough because she always goes barefoot, and shoes only stayed on a short while before we would find them laying on the ground somewhere. The baby is learning to walk, but she prefered to crawl, and she didn't complain about the grass or dirt, so I let her. lol. Jace took his first solo ride on a little Honda 50 dirt bike, and after that first ride I think he was constantly on a bike, either with Scott going faster or on the little one toodling around slowly. He and Kiara both took a ride on the zip line that some other campers set up. Lyssa loved the smores and talking with people around the campfire. The only thing she detested was the lack of a bathroom. I enjoyed the fresh mountain air, hearing the birds, tasty food, and evening bonfires. We had the best time! Really relaxing. Our friend who we camped with brought up an RV for us to sleep in. The cold would have been too much for the little ones. And we found out our tent leaked. I guess we have to waterproof it?! So I have a little list of things we need to get or do differently for the next time we camp, and the plan is to go a few more times this summer. Yeah! I think the consensus is that it was totally fun and worth it.
It actually felt claustrophobic to come back home and be in the house. It took more than a week to get all the camp gear washed and stowed back away in the garage and out of the living room. The big kids did not want to go back to school the next day. Oh, the moans and groans that were heard!

Alexa Walks!

2010-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! She took her first steps. You should see the proud look she gives along with the giggles of glee.

Blazing Star

2010-05-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

What do you think of this design? I absolutely love it! I made a 6" version in Spring pastels and then wondered how a 12" square would pop with some more vibrant colors. This red/orange/yellow was the result.

Hawaiian style quilt

2010-05-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

Does this look authentic? It sure is a lot harder than I thought it would be.

Cats at a Winter Window

2010-05-08T08:53:00.001-07:00

This is 2 of 4 of my series.

do re mi

2010-04-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

First Birthday

2010-03-27T20:36:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics of our littlest daughters' First Birthday.

Wall project--Fall

2010-03-09T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here is 1 of 4 of my latest project: Cats in a Fall window. All four seasons will complete the wall hanging series.

Our current favorite bedtime song

2010-02-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

Romance

2010-02-11T01:34:00.001-08:00

Romantic Snow Globes by WiddlyTinks.com

New Tricks

2010-01-18T22:25:00.000-08:00

So my baby is absolutely getting so cute! She has dimples and the biggest cute front teeth, and she is trying to talk...lots of babbles right now, but every once in a while it sounds like a real word. Just the other day I yelled downstairs for Jace and Lyssa to come up and Alexa mimiced me so perfectly---made me fully stop and jaw drop.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2010-01-01T00:02:00.000-08:00

2010

2009-12-24T13:41:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

The TV experiment

2009-12-20T23:49:00.000-08:00

This was HARD!
I banned TV for a week. An entire week. The very thought was daunting, but we were out of control--not hardly speaking to each other, just necessary communication and that was grumpily. I had been up nights with the baby and wasn't getting enough sleep,which meant I was gladly using the boob tube as a baby-sitter and the kids had the tv on for most of the evening. Nothing was clean, nobody got along, just grunt shove and mean words. So I said enough is enough. I want my family back. Actually Monday and Tuesday was easy. I had errands that we went on, activities to do, chores and piano to learn. But then Wed I was stressing over my calling-- had to prepare and go buy one more thing for ornament making with Activity Day girls--and hadn't slept, and the kids were whining. BUT! I didn't give in. We forged ahead. Then Thursday was too much and I let them turn it back on.

So three whole days! Are you proud of us. I may make this a habit of sorts. TV only on certain days. It will certainly make little persons a whole lot more reasonable.

I gotta share this!

2009-12-13T21:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAckfn8yiAQ

2009-12-08T08:31:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Advent Calendar to drool over!

2009-12-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

http://www.gingerbreadsnowflakes.com/node/107

New family photo...finally

2009-11-17T21:14:00.000-08:00

Well we finally got us all looking nice all at the same time enough to take some family photos. Here it is.

Christmas stockings

2009-11-17T21:05:00.000-08:00

I finished Alexa's Christmas stocking and it went pretty fast. Scott and I have made each of us a stocking (as each kid came along) and I think this is the best one yet. And I think she likes it!

snow

2009-11-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

It snowed for the first time this winter. already?! uggh! But we are prepared with new coats for the kids. I'll be getting a few sleds soon. Yeah for winter!

even better

2009-10-30T21:27:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Monster Mash

2009-10-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Jace-ism

2009-10-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

This week at FHE:
Dad Q: Who is Jesus?
Jace A: He's that guy in the sky who is so good that we have to do what he says.

The things kids say...just gotta smile!

What is it about a 2-year-old...

2009-10-12T00:32:00.000-07:00

...that makes me want to run away to Africa and hide
...that makes me sigh out loud
...that makes me laugh
...that makes me groan
...that makes me pick a box-full of cheerios off the computer room floor
...that makes me pick up 1000 beads off the art room floor
...that makes me scrub the marker off the walls
...that cuddles oh so sweetly when she is tired
...that says more puzzles, Mommy, please!
...that makes me chase her giggling, naked self down the hall after I have dressed her for church
...that makes me ever so glad she is mine

Buckskin colt

2009-09-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

Isn't he fabulous!!! I just love the white socks.

Funky Lunch

2009-09-30T00:25:00.000-07:00

fun edible lunch ideas for the pickiest kids:
http://www.funkylunch.com/index.htm

Savings!

2009-09-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

I have been hyper-vigilant in my couponing, and today did a competitor match at Target for Big G cereal. I bought 6 boxes of honey nut cheerios normal price 2.49. The match price was 1.88. I used 3 target coupons for $1 off 2, and 2 manuf coupons for $1 off 2. Which brought the price to .86 ea. Woohoo! High Five!

Free Friday Chocolate

2009-09-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

go to this link to get Free chocolate vouchers. Every Friday thru September.
https://secure.realchocolate.com/

Marley and me...and tears

2009-08-26T23:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! I don't know the last time a movie has been so emotional. Me, yeah I had a couple tears. What can I say I'm a sucker for stuff like this. Did you like it? I didn't know the kids were paying that much attention, but the kids were bawling at the end when Marley gets sick and it shows the Vet putting him down. Jace actually fainted and Lyssa was inconsolable. I guess TV is still reality to them, especially Jace. So we used this as an opportunity to answer all their questions about graves, and resurrection, and dying, and I told them about my two pets that died. And we just did a lot of cuddling, and talking, and comforting before tucking them in tonight.

The Writing on the Wall

2009-08-05T16:44:00.001-07:00

Oh the creativity of a two year old. Here is some fantastic artwork...at least she thinks so.

Message

2009-07-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Sleeplessness

2009-07-20T02:03:00.000-07:00

I should be asleep right now. There is no real explanation for my alertness at 2 in the morning, except that maybe just maybe it is because I am not being pulled in 12 different directions at once: the baby doesn't need me, the 2 year old isn't pulling me by the hem of my shirt, and the older two aren't bickering... ahh the bliss!

But all that aside, I think the real reason for my sleeplessness is that my oldest daughter is away for two weeks. She left tonight. The first time to be gone for such a long time. Sure she has spent the night many times over at cousins houses, but only one night at a time. This is a new experience for Scott and I. Kind of a strange feeling not having my "baby" at home with us right now. She will be staying with Gma with 4 girl cousins and attending a theatre camp, and performing Alice in Wonderland at the end of the two weeks. They are so over-the-top excited for this adventure. I hope Gma survives. lol. I will be sending care packages to her...such fun! Jace and I will be getting the first one together tomorrow.

7th Birthday

2009-06-30T22:17:00.000-07:00

This is the kitten that Lyssa will be able to bring home in a few weeks. It has a dark stripey tail and those 2 dark spots on her head and the rest of her body is white.

So, Lyssa turned the big 7. She was planning her big party for months! Lists, and lists. Written and re-written. Hmmm, I think she is related to me... here are some pics of the day.
Fruit kabobs. Yum!
Hearts on the cupcakes, in pink of course.
Happy Birthday to you!

Friends and cousins.
Playing Handy Manny-type games.
Mrs Handy Manny herself.
Lyssa, Alexa, and Kasey.

Hand-sewn doll

2009-06-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

What fun! I have gotten the sewing bug. In the past few weeks I have attempted to make dresses for all 3 of my girls, and this doll that I hand-stitched. I have also learned a new quilt pattern and need to finish up Kiara's purple quilt in time for her birthday.

June Birthdays

2009-06-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

I don't know about your families, but ours seems to have a plethora of June and summer birthdays. This past week was my 35th and my oldest daughter's 7th. Now, I love birthdays and I love partys--I just wish someone else could do all the planning and prep work and the shopping. Whew! It wore me out and I was stressed that I wouldn't have enough food and the kids would get bored, but no of course it turned out just fine. Next year I need to remember that kids will be happy just playing in the dirt-- no need to make it a big production. GRIN. Next year I told my husband I'm handing the party planning over to him.

Laugh

2009-06-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

ok, I nipped this off someone else's blog, but it made me laugh out loud and who doesn't need a good laugh about nothing every now and again.......GRIN!

What I wish I heard every time I got on an airplane rather than the regular flight attendant spiel:

This flight is a non-smoking, non-crying and non-whining flight"
"We are expecting a smooth flight, if we weren't, we would've called in sick"
"The flight attendants will come through the cabin to make sure your tray tables are locked, luggage is properly stowed, seat backs are up and that your shoes and socks match your outfits."
"Sit back and relax, or lean forward and be tense"
"We are going to dim the lights to enhance the attractiveness of your flight attendants"

Letterboxing discovered!

2009-06-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

We tried something new last weekend with the kids. I want to avoid the long, tedious summer and am looking for ways to keep our minds and bodies active and invigorated. Go to letterboxing.org to get info on this fun treasure-finding activity. We got the clues online and then went a-hunting! lol. The nature park nearby had 3 hidden boxes to find all in a relatively small area. So for our first venture, with all four kids in tow, we gathered our log books and picked our individual stamps, and off we went. The day proved to be HOT HOT HOT. We left the house at 10am and by 12noon it was at least 90 degrees. We were done. But we all had a blast following the clues and counting steps and looking under rocks and in caves.

Turn that crank

2009-05-17T06:37:00.000-07:00

Ok so I was tired and therefore a bit cranky when DH called me from work in the middle of the day on Friday. A new baby, broken sleep, hungry children, all combined to make me a bit short. But he really turned everything around with his comment to "turn the crank the other way!" lol. A good piece of advice to lighten the moment.

Britain's Got Talent--take a look at this

2009-04-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Think you can dance? Take a look at this pair!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gHvATmUsSg&feature=related

Fam Fun

2009-04-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Alexa enjoying a bath--5 weeks old

Oh My gosh! I've taken nearly 100 pictures in the past week! First Jace's birthday then the garden and yard and of course our precious and much loved new baby

We got a free rototiller from someone this past winter when Scott shoveled off their roof of tons of snow--and it even works!

Happy 5th B-DAY Jace! He is riding a new 20" 2-wheeler...no training wheels..

All cuteness

2009-03-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

Alexa at 3 weeks old. The first picture is with her 18 month old sister sitting next to her...I used to think she was small...

Alexa or"Lexi" as she is coming to be called, all bright eyes and cuteness.

New Baby!

2009-03-26T18:17:00.001-07:00

Here she is. Alexa Nikalena Henderson. Born March 10, 7lb 7oz, and absolutely perfect!

The kids are so excited to have a new baby Sister! These are some of the first few days with Alexa. I suppose we need to get some pictures with Mom and Dad in there too...

Final Stretch

2009-03-06T07:54:00.000-08:00

HI, It's now the final stretch of the pregnancy. I feel pretty good all things considered. BUT I want my body back!!! I want to be able to bend and stretch and move and feel normal again...go running, play vball, do gardening, ride horseback...

Yesterday I cleaned the bathroom.
Yes, that was a feat! Well, no one else was doing it, so I had to or else be completely grossed out. I think it had been at least 3 weeks. And let me tell you bending and scrubbing behind toilet and in tub is not easy at 9 months pregnant.

WE bought a steam cleaner for the carpets with the tax return. Yeah!!! All the upstairs LR and bedrooms are done and ready for new baby to come home. Scott got that all done while he was still layed off. then he got rehired and the downstairs is waiting and needing it. I love him for doing that for us.

Gotta run get the kids ready for school. I love them. So sweet and loveable. They all came and joined us on our bed this morning as we all woke up. Good morning. Lots of smiles and laughter. Great way to start my day.

How sweet

2009-01-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

It was the sweetest thing last night: It was evening and we were chatting about the new ward boundary changes and comparing who was where now that the stake has added a brand new ward to the mix. DH layed his head on my lap and as we relaxed the baby started doing tap dances; on one end pushing a foot up under my ribs and on the other end poking him in the head. He was pretty excited to feel all that movement! We call her by her name now. First name is decided but middle name is a toss-up between two family names still. We will let you know.

...Too Bumpy...

2009-01-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

So I woke up at 1am this morning with a very painful hip joint. This baby has been sitting on a nerve running down my right leg for about 2 weeks...ah the joys of pregnancy...making it very difficult to move very quickly or stand for very long, or sleep for that matter. So on the positive side here I am adding a post to my blog =P what else to say other than there is 8 weeks to go and my belly is suddenly in the way. I can't scoot behind chairs at a table, and it isn't comfortable to cuddle Kiara or any of my kids for that matter...I'm "too bumpy" in their words.

~2008 In Review~

2009-01-09T05:37:00.000-08:00

I'm tagging my sis's/ SIL's for this one...

What did you do in 2008 you've never done before? Wore Purple with pride. I was never a pink and purple girl =)

Did you keep your New Year's resolutions and will you make more for 2009? Umm Nope. Sad to say I didn't keep up with my scripture reading, or praying daily with my husband, or the other goal. My New resolutions so far are: start my dressage training, react with more humor with the kids instead of just reacting, finish the 2 quilts that are started.

Did anyone close to you give birth in 2008? 4 friends, and got a new nephew and 2 nieces.

Did anyone close to you die in 2008? No

What countries did you visit this year? Are you serious??

What would you like to have in 2009 you lacked in 2008? Time, sense of humor when dealing with my kids.

What day from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory and why? The day we found out we were pregnant.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Starting this blog...haha, directing a song with with the ward choir, and really learning the Messiah pieces instead of just singing along.

What was your biggest struggle in 2008? Stress from Scott health worries, lack of sleep.

Did you suffer any illness or injury in 2008? Nothing serious, but my lower back gives me problems sometimes.

What was the best thing you bought this year? It's a toss-up between our suburban and Way cute maternity clothes.... It helps me feel good when I look well put together, oh and for Scott's benefit the Elliptical.

Whose behavior merited celebration? Scott--such a trooper

Whose behavior disappointed you? Christine Gregoire

Where did most of your money go? Food! goodgrief!!!

What did you get really excited about this year? DH really surprised me with some bling for Christmas, also Phantom tix

What song(s) will always remind you of 2008? All American Girl/ Carrie Underwood, Pocket Full of Sunshine/ Natasha Bedingfield

Compared to this time last year are you: much happier, much nicer, or richer? Ummm, I guess I'd have to say much happier. Last year at this time we had just found out about Scott's tumor.

What do you wish you had done more of? Quilting

What do you wish you had done less of? staying indoors

Did you fall in love in 2008? Yes, with a blue roan mare /sigh

What was your favorite TV program in 2008? NCIS and House

What was the best book you read this year? The Color of Water

What was your greatest musical discovery this year? No one new, just my favs: Rascall Flatts, Josh Groban, Daughtry,

What did you want and get? New shoes

What was the best movie you saw this year? dont' have time to watch too many movies, I fall asleep by 9pm.

What did you do on your birthday and how old did you turn?Had a nice dinner at home and cake and ice cream of course, then DH surprised me with tix for phantom but I had to wait until his birthday in Oct to redeem them. I am 34.

What one thing would have made this year more satisfying?Starting my dressage training.

How would you describe your personal fashion statement this year? New hair makes all the difference!

What kept you sane this year?going to the gym/ having my own time

What celebrity did you fancy the most? Angelina Jolie impressed me because she is so versatile and strong.

Who did you miss this past year? Our friends Kelli and Alan who moved away

Who were the best new people you met this year? Shawna and Lenae and their families

What is a valuable life lesson you learned this year? Humor can make any situation more bearable.

It's beginning to look like Christmas

2008-12-19T09:07:00.000-08:00

A 2 foot berm out our front door...

Snow touching the bottom of the swings. The news said we got 28 inches over the past 2 days.

Our surb getting a mohawk.

Because I am NOT crazy!

2008-12-13T20:04:00.000-08:00

Have Fun and then post your answers here...

Pick the month you were born:
January-------I kicked
February------I loved
March--------I karate chopped
April----------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June----------I smelled
July-----------I did the Macarena with
August--------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October-------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:
1-------a birdbath
2----- --a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7---- ---m y mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friends' boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19------ - a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an iPod
29-------a surfer
30-------a homeless guy
31-------a llama

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:
White----because I'm cool like that
Black-----because that's how I roll.
Pink-----because I'm NOT crazy.
Red------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----because I'm sexy and I do what I want
Green----because I think I need some serious help.
Purple----because I'm AWESOME!
Gray-----because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow---because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars.
Orange---because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown----because I can.Other-----because I'm a Ninja!
None------because I can't control myself!

Black Friday

2008-11-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

So I did Black Friday this morning. And it was very entertaining. I went to Kohl's and then Wal Mart and picked up a few things for everyone, including myself =). So we are pretty much done shopping. I do have to go get one more thing for Scott, and stocking stuffers. We can wrap at our liesure. I'm actually doing pretty good at keeping Scott's a surprise this year (something I'm not very good at).

I would like to get Christmas lights up on the house today, but I'm not going to stress about it. Thanksgiving morning was the first snow here in Spokane. Very frosty!

What's new...

2008-11-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Ok, It's been more than a week since I have taken the time to write anything. So, What is new here?? Well, DH felt the baby moving for the first time. My 4 yo and 1 yo went to the dentist--not too traumatic. I've been thawing the turkey--which reminds me I need to stick it in some cold water to speed up the thaw--. And I've been doing my homework singing Messiah choruses all day long to which DS rolls his eyes and stubbornly removes the cd to replace it with Beach Boys or Restless Heart, and then my DD removes That to replace it with Primary songs CD...so life goes on.

Christmas Photos

2008-11-16T23:35:00.000-08:00

Lazy Sunday afternoon

2008-11-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

So today was a lazy Sunday afternoon...I made dinner and then ate by myself because Scott was out home teaching and the kids were being their usual "Yuck, I want corn dogs!" selves, which I refused to react to. After the tantrum by Jace I simply said eat, here is good food...and I took my plate down to watch football. I am soooo DONE with cooking different meals for the little tyrant. But then I never did the dishes, and veged while my food digested and the little baby kicked in my tummy...(always the coolest feeling)(ok, at least at this point...not up in my ribs yet). Do I have any volunteers to come do my dishes??????

Usually I love the holidays. last year was stressful because we had just found out about Scott's tumor, and this year it is the economy and his job...I guess there will always be something to worry about and we simply have to learn how to pull out the smiles and remember our blessings. A few months back he and I were going through a particularly difficult, stressful week, when we had a Sunday with talks all about how blessed we really are and reminding us to speak them out loud to put things in perspective. The conversation we had that night was exactly the medicine we had been needing to smile again and get through the next days.

Tagged

2008-11-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

9. My Dream Vacation: St Lucia in the Carribean

10. My kitchen sink: The after dinner mess...

I've been tagged! (Katie, is this a test? Because I am flunking getting the pics and the text to line up right GEH!)

1. Me right now

2.The Laundry room. Today they are empty because Monday is wash day and today is Wednesday. BUT, there are 3 baskets of clean clothes in the living room waiting to be folded.

3.My Fridge

4. Fav Shoes--New Balance

5.My bathroom--Can you find the frog?

6.The closet: Polly I WANT your walk-in from Reno...drool. Mine is tiny and stuffed mostly with maternity right now.

7. What my kids are up to right now: fighting bed time.../sigh

8. My favorite room: My bed where I read, relax, and put my feet up.

and yes, that is Strawberry shortcake blanket on my bed. What can I say, I was COLD and needed and extra blanket and this was the one most handy.=)

This Morning...

2008-11-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

This morning I was watching 5 extra little cousins. Some because of parent -teacher conferences and no school, and the others because I usually swap watching kids with my SIL one morning a week to run errands. So we had a 1yo, 2yo, 3yo,two 4 yo, a 6 yo, and a 9yo. What a zoo! After two left at 11:00 we made lunch and the boys went outside for recess even though it was sprinkling. Jace had a great time letting the drips from the roof make a puddle on his head then he had to come show me how cool it was. They didn't stay outside for very long--it was pretty cold--before heading back in shedding socks, wet shirts, and coats in various piles through the kitchen and LR. Now it's 1pm and I need to do the small sink of dishes up, and fold 2 baskets of clothes. But when that is done I can recruit the kids to go outside and dig with me to plant the fall bulbs I got yesterday. Daffodils and purple Iris. So here goes.

Carving the pumpkins..We had 8 from our garden!

2008-11-05T12:43:00.000-08:00

2008-11-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

Ok! Day 1 on the blog-o-sphere. I want to create a cool layout and impress all you fellow bloggers out there. The only trouble is that I am sooooooooo slow when it comes to computer techy stuff. But hey it might just give you a laugh at least. So here goes...for starters lets see if I can get some pics to load right, and then I want to get some music on.