Our Eternal Family

Somebody always has it worse

2011-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

As we were commiserating about how Steph's day went (see previous posts) we were immediately reminded that our problems are small in comparison and there is always someone who has it worse. We got word that Steph's uncle in Missouri was in the hospital having trouble speaking and losing strength on one side of his body. Turns out he had slipped on ice and hit his head last week - he did see the doctor and it was diagnosed as a concussion. Then Sunday and Monday more serious neurological problems began to present themselves and Monday he ended up in the ER then admitted for tests and observation - possibilities seem grim. So as uncle and aunt are at the hospital trying to get answers, my wife's 3 cousins are home alone bracing for what is being billed as the worst storm of the century - state of emergency pre-emptively declared, schools pre-emptively closed for the whole week, everyone stay inside. etc. Yeah, things are going good for us.

Day in the life of ... (continued)

2011-02-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

The previous post was only up to the 1:00 status report that I received and there was more to update as the day progressed that I would be wrong to leave out so you get the whole big glorious picture. First and foremost I'm pleased to announce that the Dentist was able to escape serious injuries despite both kids having cavities that will need attention (and money). Then Matthew threw up in the car on the way home from the dentist and then threw up later that night after going to bed. Other than that, everything is fine.

Day in the life of...

2011-01-31T13:49:00.000-08:00

Guess who's Monday went like this:
Wakes up with worsening eye pain, son wakes up with same type of eye pain, helps catch a cow that got out, helps rescue a horse with its leg stuck in a feeder, makes a special trip to the eye doctor for self and son, special meds are prescribed from eye doctor, finds out that meds are not covered because eye doctor is not a Kaiser doctor, battles with Kaiser, finally just gets meds out-of-pocket, rushes home to get other kids from school for dentist appt that cannot be canceled or missed because they will still charge the visit fee, pre-emptively threatens to strangle the dentist if he finds any dental problems, makes it abundantly clear to her spouse that he will be in charge of dinner and everything else for that matter when he gets home.
Any guesses?

Week 3

2011-01-20T19:53:00.000-08:00

Ok so I forgot to write last week. But this week all the good stuff is happening. Matt has been to the doctor for his asthma. They put him on some crazy meds:) Oh he also had an ear infection. Then Ryan and Lucy went to the doc on Wednesday. Ryan has an ear infection and Lucy was having some difficulty breathing, with a high fever and a cold. Anyway she is now on the nebulizer every 3 hours or as needed. She also has two teeth coming in, that is fun. Emily is healthy. I love that. she has not missed one day of school this year and is working really hard to keep it that way. Wes is healthy and I am sick, go figure.
Wes and the Young Men had an Iron Chef cook out with the Young Women, this week. The boys lost:( But the taste of there food Won. Wes says they lost because of "Stupid Chocolate swirls" the girls food was pretty. We finally got renters into my Grandparents home. Wes has become the Rental Manager and my parents or the Landlords. That will be nice to get something out of that house, in this economy.
Was got a bonus at work, good job Honey. They kids really look up to him for how hard he works. Between work and church getting the house rented and helping around the house it is amazing he even has time to go pee:) Any way another week coming to a close and another week enjoyed by us.

Week 1

2011-01-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the end of our first week of a new year. The kids are back in school and Ryan is setteling back into his rutine. Lucy is growing up so fast, and becoming more of a litttle girl than a infent. Still inly 6 teeth, but she walkes and says "Dadda", and points at what she wants. I have started doing school with Ryan. He loves it. Mainly we learn with legos and cars, it is amazing what you can do with those thing:) Ryan Started Sunbeams, he thinks he is big stuff. He had a great time last sunday, this sunday(today) her gets a new teacher, should be fun. Matthew is doing wonderfuly in school. He is reading some and wants to read everything. He loves learning which is a suprise to me. He has so many friends and loves to play with every one. Emily, em is amazing. She is so helpful, loving and thoughtful. She loves Browns (school) and fits in so much better. She is doing great and Goot a 100% on a spelling test befor christmas! She has been great at helping with her sister and Lucy Adores her.

OK that is the kids. Wes is Young Mens president. And is learning how to deal with teenage boys. Work is good and trying to rent out my Grandparents House takes up all his time, oh and playing with the kids. I am in the prosses of losing weight 12lbs this week. No calling at church so I am on Lucy duty, she is noise. Home with the kids and loving it. I want to try an do new things with the kids this year. But I want to keep them cheap, free would be great.

Any way nothing big this last week we have just been working on a new fence to keep the cows in. We had Lucy's car seat straped to the Trackter. I will get a picture up soon. Emily finally spent her birthday money 50$. God has blessed us so much and we are very greatfull.

Here's an interesting question...

2010-06-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

I’m a nobody in the big world of blogging and I know the very few people that may read this are only family or close friends most of which, if not all, are likely of the same opinion as I am on the topic of gay marriage. So, here’s an interesting question for this narrow reader base…would you attend a gay “marriage” ceremony (or commitment ceremony, etc.)? Someone I know has encountered that very question and they have come to their own decision, so it got me thinking.

Personally, I oppose gay marriage and strongly support the traditional definition of marriage as man and woman (and what I strongly believe is God’s only acceptable definition). And to be clear, I hold no hatred (as some extremists may claim) to those that follow that homosexual orientation. I may not like what people do, but that doesn’t automatically mean that I hate them – throughout life we encounter people at work, at church, even our own kids that do things that annoy us, upset us, or we disagree with, but that does not mean we immediately shun them or treat them disrespectfully.

So, do you not attend because it is in essence supporting a life style and an event that you strongly oppose? Or do you attend simply because it is an important life event to this couple and they have been gracious enough to invite you to be there to see it – kinda like being invited to an important award ceremony or a party celebrating a new baby? Is because it is a marriage-type ceremony that it is in a different context than the other examples provided? Do recent political events sway you to take a stronger stand or be more lenient?

Now, does it make a difference if the couple getting “married” is a close friend versus an actual family member? Would you attend neither, both, or only if its family because it is your family?

Now, what if you have very little children, does that make a difference in your decision to attend because now you have to explain why it’s not a man and woman and how they can get “married?” Certainly, they will be exposed to it at some point in life, so does it matter if your kids are 5 yrs old, 8 yrs olds, 10yrs old, or older?

I’m curious about your opinion and your reasoning.

Correction for Mike

2010-04-02T08:25:00.001-07:00

So the word thru the grapevine is that I'm on Mike's poop list. Who's Mike, you ask? If you look at the pics in the previous post, he is the handsome devil sitting on what I referred to as the "piece of crap Russian made motorcycle with sidecar." Mike is my father-in-law's best friend and cohort at work and he came over to show off his new toy.

To clarify what I meant by "piece of crap," I was referring more to the mediocre workmanship of a communist nation - Mike even admitted and explained some of its quirks and inadequacies. Really it was more of a commentary of my disdain of how communism and socialism can cripple work ethic and innovation. But overall, honestly it was awesome to see that piece of history and it was really cool when they drove up in it. My boys loved going for a ride and we had a hard time getting them out afterwards.

So Mike, my apologies, but if I still need to make it up to you, maybe I can come over and caulk your house for free. =)

How 'bout some photos?

2010-03-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

We've recently taken some pretty cute photos so I figured I would share some with you.

First, we have little Lucy. Steph took several pictures of her and finally got this little smirk. We've actually been able to get her laughing pretty hard - its so cute. Usually, its in the bathtub and when Steph or Emily flips their ponytails around her face - weird what triggers it.

I just thought this was cool. Steve's best friend from work bought this old piece of crap Russian made motorcyle with side car and brought it over to show the kids. The boys didn't want to get out.

Here are a couple "Easter" Family photos. Even though its not Easter, Sunday was our Easter program because Easter actually falls on General Conference weekend. These are the new coordinating outfits that Steph put together for all of us.

And last but not least. Here is Emily mowing the front yard for the first time. Oh how they grow up so fast - one day you turn around, and you're screaming at them to get off their lazy butts and go outside and mow the yard - where has my baby gone. =) Steph decided to put her on it and show her. Its even harder to steer with the vacuum attachment behind it.

And as you can see, she mowed it perfectly with diagonal criss cross pattern like MLB diamonds to give our yard a professional manicured landscape look.

Now mommy can wrestle, too

2010-01-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

So, some of you know, one of our kids' favorite thing to do is wrestle with daddy - tackling, rolling on the floor, tickling, squashing, jumping, screaming kind of wrestling. Well, after dinner, the kids started to ramp up with daddy, but daddy quickly turned all three of them on their mommy as we ambushed her, began to tickle her, knocked her to the floor, and the kids created a dog pile on her. Of course, all this amidst mommy's screams of joy...or maybe for help, it was kinda muffled at that point. As I walked away, pleased with my successful manuever, I announced to the kids, "Hey, now that mommy doesn't have baby Lucy in her tummy anymore, she can wrestle with you all the time." Again, it was hard to hear Steph's response from her defensive position at the bottom of the pile, but I'm sure she was elated.

Unfortunately, the wrestling abruptly ended with Matty doing a flying butt drop on top of Emily on top of mommy. Ahhhhh, good times.

What!?!, its not Family Home Jesus

2010-01-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

Its always amazing how a child's mind works but more importantly its always funny what a child says. Let me share with you something Emily said last night, Monday night, Family Home Evening night.

When I got home, we had turned the music on and Emily was showing off all her wild dance moves (in fact, Steph was also showing off some of her moves). Then she had to sit down and do some homework while Steph and I were working on dinner. She then said, very excitedly, "Oh, I know what we can do for Family Home Evening! We could turn on the music and we could all dance. I mean, we're a Family, we're in our Home, and we do it tonight. We're not breaking any rules. We don't always have to do something about Jesus." I was just smiling at her out of amusement but she must have interpretted it differently because she defended her idea to the next level, "What? Its not called Family Home Jesus."

Christmas Photos of the Kids

2009-12-23T08:19:00.000-08:00

Baby Lucy

2009-12-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

Lucy Michel, 5am, 8lb 13 oz, 21 in

FYI

2009-12-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

Just so that everyone is aware, due to the H1N1 histeria, Kaiser is not allowing any children as visitors into the hospital, especially Labor and Delivery - I think the cut-off was 14 yrs old. So that means that our kids will not be able to see their baby sister right away. So Steph and I have decided that we will not have any family or friends visit us in the hospital so our kids can be the first ones to see her. So do not be offended when we turn you down to come and visit in the hospital. Come see us at home once we get home.

Oh, and by the way, Lucy is still her name...for now. =)

Her new name...and a birthdate

2009-12-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

Well, just as I alluded to in the previous post, Hale Baby #4 has changed names once again. I'm telling you, with each passing kid, its becoming harder and harder. I'm afraid if we had another kid we wouldn't have a name picked until after the baby blessing. We've gone around in circles several times starting with a couple stand-by names Steph loves - Samantha Ann, and Rebekah. I can't remember all the different names we've toyed with but instead of narrowing the field Steph just adds more names. I finally settled on Elizabeth and Steph liked Lizzie for short. But just in the last couple days Elizabeth is completely out. Latest list of names is Chloe, Whitney, Annie, and Lucy. From those choices I'm a fan of Lucy and I think that is what we have "decided" for now. But that could change. =)

And we just saw the doctor this morning - everything looks fine. And we scheduled the induction for Dec14th. So baby "Lucy" (heavy quotes due to its tentative nature) could be here Dec 14th or maybe 15th.

What's up with us?

2009-11-28T13:27:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone out there is curious about what we are up to, I figured I'd post some quick comments.

Ryan is still our little toe head and happy as can be. He has been talking up a storm for quite a while now and we can understand him the majority of the time. One of his most recent words he has learned - that we are not so proud about - is fart but he says it more like fark. He is such a copy cat and will watch then repeat everything his brother and sister do, even if they just got in trouble for it. And no he has not swallowed anything dangerous recently.

Matthew is going through some kind of very emotional phase - both positive and negative. He'll be so excited to see you come home even if you have only been outside for a little while. But he is also getting good at pouting and temper tantrums over what seem to be the little things. His favorite thing is to wrestle with his daddy so he'll clear out the floor, make an intimidating face, and punch his fist into his hand in a threatening manner. Steph has been doing "school" with him and they have been learning letters, colors, about frogs and giraffe, and he's very excited to show off his school work on the wall.

Emily continues to grow-up. She can be quite silly sometimes. She loves school and is doing very well. She is participating in a after-school Dance program here and has her first recital in Dec 15th I believe. We went roller skating with Steph's family at Thanksgiving and Emily had an absolute blast and was doing great on roller skates. She had been taking piano lessons with Shirley before Shirley got pregnant and has now re-gained interest on her own because she will pull out the keyboard all the time and start playing things she remembers.

I'm enjoying life after school. I used to always be so worried about getting the kids into bed on time or getting home in decent time so I can do howework and still make it to bed in decent season. That was such a part of my routine that I have to keep remembering that don't have get on the computer as early as possible. But I know the kids miss me sitting at the computer while they go to bed - usually I'll clean up the house or take care of other things after they go to bed. I would really like to start practicing my guitar and start getting back in shape with this extra time but I'm still got plenty to do so I am procrastinating.

Steph is sill pregnant and ready to be done. Her itching has not been as severe this time around but she is still on medication to make it bareable. As usual, the baby is measuring about 2-3 weeks larger than what she is gestationally. We have added one more complication - gestational diabetes. It is normal diabetes but it is brought on by the hormones of pregnancy and can be more difficult to manage because of the hormones. The diet is more restrictive than a regular diabetic diet and she has to report weekly to a nurse. She does the finger prick 4 times a day which is making her fingers very sore. But I am very proud of her - she has been sticking to it and has it under control. So she is doing all she can have a small baby, so the rest is up to genetics and the Lord. So as with Ryan, they will be inducing her on of after 37 weeks - which is Dec 11. Yes, we are getting very close. And as for names, I think we have settled on Elizabeth Michel and shortened woudl be Lizzie. We've had a tough time deciding on this one, but this is a name Steph threw out there and I think I latched on to it so I think that is where we are stuck. But its not official until it goes on the birth certificate so don't be too surprised.

what's up

2009-08-26T06:47:00.001-07:00

Nothing much, Ha!
Em is back in school Second Grade, I can't believe it, my little girl is growing up so fast.
Ryan just turned 2 found out he could talk and now does not stop, sacrament is the best. (were the loud ones in the front-we have to be up front to see daddy the best).
Wes has just started his last school class. I am so proud of him, he graduates September 12,

I just got a new calling 1 coun. in Primary. that will be fun. I will miss music though I was starting to have fun with it (after 6 months) I am getting a little bigger, I still just look fat not pregnant I don't have maternity shorts so I am wearing a size to big shorts and they are to lose, but they work. I have lost ten lbs since I have been pregnant which put my total lost for the year at 20 lbs I am happy with that. Any way we found out we are having a girl so Emily has let us stay living here at the house and even Matthew is totally thrilled.
Matt is doing great by the way, pure boy and loving life and dirt, and lizards, and bugs, and trucks. And annoying his sister. So with that said, I need to get Emily ready for school, pick up be for my first Pres. mtg and try and keep the boys for destruction of property:) today.

Nothing important

2009-06-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

So just thought I would up date everything. So Emily has now lost her four top front teeth. We now have to cut every thing up small for her:) She has started piano lessons with her ans Shirley and loves it, we put a keyboard in her room and she is always playing. Matty is a boy, and does boy things, torments his siblings, plays with trains, cars, always in the pool and eats like the is no tomorrow. Ryan is cute but has a very dark side, he loves Emily but is always fighting with Matty(always). He wants you to watch every thing he does and is very vocal(that kid can scream).
School is out so it is mom and the kids all day. And I have been feeling like crap (pregnancy does that to me. But yesterday I finally never felt like throwing up, but I do know have a head cold. Life is fun. But I have to admit even thought I have felt horrid and been cranky, the kids have been great. They play together all the time. I have been giving Matty naps again to get some time with Em. We have been sewing, we are now working on a short out fit for her, Man she is opinionated, I wonder were she get that from!!
For the exciting news, Wes will graduate from school this fall. He has worked his butt of and is almost done!! I have no idea what will be next, I guess we will have to start spending time with each other. Great I won't get to have control of the TV remote, oh well. I'll get over it.
Everyone all ready knows we are pregnant. So that was a bit of a shock. We have always been of the idea that we would take procations and if the Lord wanted us to be pregnant we would. Well the Lord is deffinantly in controll of this family and has his own plan for us, which seams to differ from mine a litttle :) But we are happy and the kids are very happy. So that is the update and now I am back to work, a mothers job is never done.

Newness has worn off

2009-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well, the newness of blogging has obviously worn off and you rarely see any blog posts by us anymore. Shoot, we just just back from a week long road trip to Utah, and you think we could write about seeing my brother's graduation, or new baby Eva, or the 14 temples we saw on the trip, or Grandma Hale, or visiting our friend and former missionary Emilee, or visiting my best friend Jared from years ago and his family, or seeing the Conference Center for the first time, or our totally awesome vacation apartment rental, or having my sister and her kids stay with us, or the freezing cold picnic at the park after the blessing, or the park in Elko on the way home that was literally frozen over, or how well the kids did with so much driving, or coming home to a massive jungle gym in our front yard. Yep, I guess we just don't have anything that inspires us to write about.

Us

2009-03-31T06:15:00.001-07:00

I don't even know if any one looks at this anymore. I sure have not. With the nice weather and three kids we are never in the house. The kids are doing great they are growing so fast. Emily is boy crazy (shouldn't she be older before we have to deal with this). Matty is learning his letters and having fun playing with his two girls (twin sisters from his primary class). And as for Ryan, he is well, I don't know what to say. he is full of life, he's starting to talk he knows the word NO MOM and PAPA real well usually it comes out in that order, we can see who really spoiled him. Wes is working hard in school he will be done this year. He is working a his last class before is break. One week this month, when we get to go see, Eva, and her parents:) Eva by the way is the cutest baby ever. (I can say that because my kids are out of the cute baby stage.) I have already staked my claim on holding her first. We just have to beat his family back to Utah. LOL love you all

Pinewood Derby

2009-03-04T15:01:00.001-08:00

Our ward's Cub Scout Pinewood Derby has come and gone. With all the tools we have access to, our interesting in crafty stuff, and our competitive natures, we are really getting into Pinewood Derby racing. So out of the Klippel/Hale Ranch, we built 5 cars for the Cub Scout/Ward activity. Take a look at the pictures and see if you can guess which car belongs to which Hale or Klippel.

The family to beat in our ward is the Grover family - their cars have won the last several years. So the top 4 cars ended up being 2 Grover cars and 2 Hale cars. Emily came in 2nd and I came in 4th. On the VERY last race, Emily's got bumped off the track by the starting gate and dropped to the ground and completely busted a wheel. But that's alright, Emily was already beat a couple time previously by the competing car. It was a lot of fun making and racing the cars and we're getting better at it...so watch out next year!

Fun Times

2009-03-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since we last posted. Lots has been happening. So we can start off with Matty, the beginning of Feb he had an ear infection along with asthma problems. Then he was bit by a mouse, yes a real live mouse. Tiger our cat was playing with the mouse and Matty saw that and wanted to "show Mommy", as he picked it up it bit him. It broke the skin but not bad, we were worried about rabies. Did you know that mice or not carnivores thus they do not have rabies. So I took Matty into the doctor the next day they gave him some medicine and I found out the Ryan had a double ear infection. Ya:( Then there is Emily. She has this thing for losing teeth on Sunday's. Well this month she did not disappoint. She lost a tooth at the beginning of the month then lost another one yesterday. She now has a big gap in her smile (top two teeth missing). As for Wes he is great busy but doing well, He his trying to finish his Pinewood Derby car before Tu, well see if he can beat me:) I am busy as ever. I am just trying to keep up with the kids. But am enjoying every minute OK almost every minute. Well enough for now. Love all

Did you know

2009-02-17T06:22:00.001-08:00

I have a wonderful family. But today I am talking about my brother. He has been married for two years and is still completely whipped. Her is so caring and does every thing for Lauren. He works his butt off for them and for others. He has been taking care of my grandmother two days a week and I am so thankful that he can do that. It is wonderful for my grandma to have this chance to spend with Steven. I know that it is hard now but He will later cherish this time he has with her.
His calling in church is Secretary in the Young Men's. He gets to revive their scout program and he loves scouts. This is wonderful for him. And It gives him a new window to make friends and get out of cleaning the house. Steven is hopefully starting the Sheriffs Academy (police I can't remember what it is called).
I am so proud of my brother and have only and will only want the best for him. So Steven I love you a tone, your the best brother I could ask for.

Woo-Week

2009-02-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

I have no idea if the tradition of Woo-Week lives on, but it does for me in my house. Woo-Week was a fun Valentine's Day idea created at the ARC Institute by Bro Watson. Bro Watson felt that we were losing the art of woo'ing your sweet heart. The idea is that for the week of Valentine's Day, Bro Watson would match you up with another willing student of the opposite sex and it was each other's responsible to do something nice and/or smooshy each day for them thoroughout the week - typically anonymously - as if you were woo'ing them. Well, I was dating Stephanie at the time and naturally they matched up us...and on a side note, that woo-week culminated on Valentine's Day when I proposed. Since then, every year, for that week each day leading up to Valentine's Day I have surprised her with something unique, smooshy, cheesy, sappy, simple, embarrassing, and/or romantic for my wife. Gentlemen, if you think you're manly enough, give it a try, she'll be putty in your hands. =) This is just one of several small ways I let my wife know I am still madly in love with her.

Sweet spirits

2009-02-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Today was the funeral of a sister in our ward. She was a native from Liberia, and became a member late in her life. We meet her when we moved into our ward two years ago. Her spiritwas amazing she had a pure love of the gospel and a love for children that I have never seen. She spent a few months in the primary pres. with my mom then was realized but stayed in primary as our version on Sister Friendly (from the friend). She taught sharing time once a month. She was hard to understand and had to have an oxygen tank with her but the children were in love with her. They loved her stories her spirit just pored out and touched every person in the room and because of her most of the children will have a stronger testimony. As her health failed she stopped doing sharing time and started to work with me on helping the children learn their Articles of Faith, she loved that, she loved helping them learn.
Well, I say all this because to day was her funeral and the primary children and there families song at here funeral. It was held at The First Church of the Nazarene (I think). Because some of the children were a little intimidated by the different church and the Black people (I use that word do describe not to be rasised) the parents sang with the kids. As they sang (I couldn't I am sick and have no real voice) the spirit came into that chapel that was stronger than I have ever felt. To see these children sing for a Sister that meant so much to them was amazing. They sang her favorite song I am a child of God. Now they sang this to a congregation of people of many faiths and to Sister Ruhles own family who were not members and were very against the church was even more special than I could have imagined. God can and does use us all even the little children to bring his spirit unto this world. I was blessed by being in the presence of these young angles as they bore their own testimony of God through song. It was amazing.

Fun Times

2009-02-02T09:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday (Sunday) Wes was sustained into the Bishopric and ordained to the office of High Priest by his father. It was really nice to have his dad be able to ordain him. So when they asked Wes to come take his spot on the stand Ryan showed us a small glimpse of are new Sunday ways. He took a little nap on the way to church so he was ready to play when sacrament started. Then when Wes left to sit with the Bishopric, Ryan got real hyper. He could not sit still or keep his mouth shut to save his life, it was not bad but it was different. It was also funny to look at Wes he looked as if he was going to be sick the rest of Sacrament. So now instead of Wes taking Ryan to nursery, I get to. As well as get all my primary stuff done, lets just say I am going to need a little time to get used to things. Luckily my Dad can help the second hour of church with Ryan, but he has to be in Elders quorum the 3rd. We all have callings, Wes 2 councilor Bishopric, Steph Secretary in Primary, Nancy (my mom) Primary President, Steve (dad) 1 counselor Elders quorum. So with Ryan completely terrified of nursery we will see how it goes. I know the Lord will bless us as we follow him so I am not worried about anything. I just am now trying to keep up with every thing. Wes will be gone every Wednesday, and every other Tuesday, on the other Tuesdays I am gone. He will be gone Sunday before church and who knows how long after church, oh and the second Thursday of each month, I think that was all he said, but who knows. Thank you all for your support and prayers. We love you all.

Released and called

2009-01-25T20:41:00.000-08:00

Well guys, I'm feeling quite stunned right now. I had an interview with the Stake Pres today and as suspected he released me from my current assignment as Elder's Quorum Pres. However, because Stephanie was asked to attend, I knew there was more to it. With the release comes a new calling - 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. Despite my natural reactions to run for the hills, I told him that I have never turned the Lord down in a calling and I don't intend to start today. Yes its a shock, yes its overwhelming, no I don't feel I'm ready. But the Stake Pres said that he and the Bishop know for a surety that I am supposed to serve in this capacity at this time so I will go and do. And I couldn't ask for a better wife to be by my side to help me make this work, but I have to admit Stephanie said she was excited and made sure I said yes because she wanted the blessings - I know, selfish, but all in joking. I learned as a missionary, and I have to keep reminding myself, that despite how critical the work is and how inadequate I may be, if I just do my best with a sincere heart the Lord will make it work.

Can we eat already

2009-01-20T18:21:00.001-08:00

So bo the the kids that can talk have gone through a time where they did not ant to pray. Now that Matthew has hit the"Big"primary all he wants to do is pray. It is very wonderful thing to listen to children talk to God. Tonight Matty say prayer at dinner. He thanked Heavenly Father "for are chickens to go bak-bak. He thanked Heavenly Father "that Emily will sleep good tonight and sleep good in Mommy's room." OK just to be clear Emily does not sleep in our room ever! Wes is very strict;) they have their space and we have are space which is different from theirs. Anyway while I was listening to Matty pray I thought about the inauguration today an the two prayers that were given. To me they were not prayers they did not seam to be communicating with anyone. The were talking, which to me is different. We are so lucky that we know that we are so special to God, that he knows me by name, and that he really cares about what I have to say. I realized that there are so days that I am talking to Heavenly Father and not communicating with him. I think that children are Gods gift to parents to help us remember the true meaning of things. I am so thankful that my children have such a strong desire to Choose The Right and to be willing obey the things they are taught.I know God loves us all and gives us every opportunity to make our lives better and to choose the rigth .

Love my Honey

2009-01-14T19:41:00.000-08:00

So by my title, one could guess that I am waiting this about either my boyfriend or my husband. OK since I have NO boyfriend I guess this is about WES. I don't exactly have a reason for writing this only that I am in love with the most wonderful guy in the world (sorry to burst the bubble of all you other guys). On Saturday it was his birthday, so we worked out side all day (he loves farm life:) then I took him out to dinner, OK so I guess he took me he drove we ate he payed. I have to say that it was the best night we have had out in a while. I was able to tell Wes all the reasons I loved him so I wanted to list them for you so you could all be jealous of what I have, OK that is not true I want him to know how much I truly do love him.
1. Unconditional love
2. Patience
3. Never Lies
4. Priesthood
5. Good Cook
6. Kind
7. Understanding
8. Compassionate
9. Hard working
10. Best father
11. great example of all things good
So that is my list so far. Wes is truly Gods gift for me, I often question why I am so blessed to have his love and him in my life, I am so incredibly Lucky.
Wes I want you to know that I love you more than words can tell. I am not very elegant with words but If I could come up with some amazing way of telling you I love you I would. But like Romeo and Juliet could not live with our each other I can not live with out you.
PS. Wes I love you.
---Love your always amazed wife

this just in

2009-01-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

Were back, So the Doctor said...(pause for effect) Matty has a ear infection. Like I said always more so here it is. Both boys have to start having albutoral every 4 hours and Matty has to go on his higher dose of Flovent. You heard right both boys have asthma. Mom always knows best!!!Emily for now is are only good kid, OK she is are only no doctor needed kid.
So signs of an ear infection: not sleeping through the night (if that is the norm) crying and pulling on the ear, and yes a fever, but not always trust me on that. If you child can talk they will tell you it hurts LISTEN to them. To do at home: give child Motrin the crying will stop with in 30 minutes, at the same time give yourself Tylenol you headache will go away in the same amount of time. If child does not stop crying give to spouse and hid in the shower, you can't hear crying in there. Have child lay ear on a heating pad put it in pillow case so it does not move around or get to hot. And call the doctor as soon as possible.
OK that is my rant. You know even though my kids drive me crazy and I now the nurses and Doctor and they know us by name (with out a chart) I really love being a mother and I love my children even more. Knowing that they are a gift to me from God and that he trust me with his children means a lot to me and I don't want to let them down.

(did you read that Chris)

our medical update

2009-01-09T08:19:00.000-08:00

OK I have decided two things: 1. I hate being sick and I hate my kids being sick and 2. I will never have a two week Christmas break. So yes we are all sick. Emily came home from school with chicken spots (are new name-Emily a few years ago called them that) She was at school for one day. So instead of just 2 weeks of for Christmas she gets three. Yeah me. Then Wes got a upset stomach that lasted about two days, one day two nights. Matty and Ryan started with colds then Emily had a itchy throat and now I have a cold. We like to share things in this family. This morning Matty started crying the his ear hurt. GREAT. I have learned that my kids get really sick on Friday night about 5, right when the doctors office closes, so I am going in this morning. Luckily our doctor knows are kids and helps me out a lot with them. So we shall see, I am going in to have both boys checked for ear infections but we will probable come out with something different or more, we always do.

Family Tree

2009-01-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

So a couple weeks ago, we had my parents and brothers and sisters over for family home evening. The lesson was about our family tree. So we rolled out some butcher paper on the floor and drew a big family tree. Each family member present had to draw themselves in the tree. Those absent family members were drawn in on there behalf. Here's how it came out. I thought the best was Eva drawn by Jon. I don't know if you can make it out but Jon drew 2 flowers with roots and all for Eva because as he put it we don't know what she looks like yet

Visit to Placerville

2009-01-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

It's been nice to have this week off of work. We've been able to get a lot of little things done around the house, run some errands, and accomplish some other "to-do's" that we just never seem to get around to. One of those was going up to Placerville to visit G'ma Thueson. We don't see her that often and its hard for her to come this far out to see us. So we drove up, had a great visit, went to McDonalds, and had some G'ma T famous milkshakes. A couple of my cousins were in town with their families so we got a chance to visit with them a little as well. So here's a pic of G'ma and 3 of her many great-grandchildren

Other than that, our New Year's was uneventful - Shirley and Dave and their families bailed on us. But its actually better that way - they were both sick with a nasty stomach bug and we really didn't need that shared with us. But it was a bummer, we were looking forward to hanging out. So we were just at home as our own little family. Thankfully for satellite TV, we showed the kids the ball dropping in NY at 9pm and for all they knew that was ringing in the new year so then they went to bed, =) ingenious, I know. Steph and I lasted until about 11pm and not seeing the point of staying up any longer, we just went to bed. Yes, we are so un-cool, but what can I say, we're getting old.

nothing important

2008-12-29T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it has been a really long time I have actually for gotten my password to login so i am using wesley's login. Thought an update on christmas would be nice. The klids got up twice each in the middle of the night. Emily 1am and 3 am. Matty between 1 and 3 and then after 3. Emily was wide awake at three so I cleaned her room then I gave up on her and went to bed. Every one was up by 6 so we had presents done by 6:45. They are so fun to watch open things. Emily is too cool for anything she loved all here gifts but never really let it show. Matty was way ecited about every thing even my gifts (which were books). Ryan was more interested in Wes's (our) new video camera. Wich recorded only 25 minues of christmas then the tape was full. We did not notice that untill after we were all done though so we need a little practice in recording things. Emily got a webkin from santa (she wanted a new grandpa to replace papa Larry who passed in June) or a webkin. Matty wanted a big truck that hold little cars in it, he got that and Ryan, well Ryangot a crazy car set up that makes a lot of noice. (Thanks Santa)
After presents we had breakfast, Ryan took his nap (very short) andthe kids went to mana and papas. When Ryan got up we had gifts at their house then came home for lunch and more gift with my brother and his wife, my grandmother Deborah (her care giver) and an uncle. Very quiet ok as quiet as it could be with our three kids. The night was ended by watching some repo show marrathon. It was great.
So now we are getting ready to have the big New Years Eve party with the Braun family and The "Dave" Hale Family. We shall see what fun can happen when we have all the cousines (born at this time) together for an entire evening.

Kids

2008-11-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

OK so since we have been home with Ryan, My floor's have never been so clean. Yet that boy can still find something to put in his mouth. Every one is always on watch when he is around. But other than eating every thing in sight, he is doing great. He does not understand that he can't have some things to eat so we try to not let him see those foods, kind of hard when the big kids get cookies and he can't have then. But I guess this might be Gods way of helping us all eat better. My mom says there must be a lesson in this trial. I just hope we have learned that lesson.
OK, I do have to other kids so I should update you on them.
Emily is in first grade and doing great. She is really excelling in math and her reading is improving greatly, she tries to read everything. She loves writing stories, well, she loves to write words. She is getting so big and is growing out of the little kid music. She has a big poster of the Jones Brothers on her wall and thinks their faces are pretty. She has a CD player in her room so she can listen to her music. She is adorable.
Matthew is well, a boy. He is starting to talk clearer and is not as wild, (unless someone mana and papa;) give him soda. He only has two months left in nursery and then he comes into primary. His teacher says he is a great help and very responsible. I can't figure out how she does it but her work is rubbing off at home. Matthew and Ryan have become best buds, Ryan thinks Matty is the best, and wants to do everything Matty does.
I can't tell you how much fun it is having three children, I love being a mother. My kids mean the world to me, and help me to be a better person. OK enough of that, I have to go and check on my kids it is to quiet in the house.
Love Ya All
Stephanie

2008-11-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

So today is Thursday November 6th and we just got Ryan out of the hospital today. We thought he was coming home yesterday but no such luck. Well maybe I should start at the beginning. Saturday mid morning Ryan started acting, well not himself, miserable is a great word. I could not get him to calm down at all. I thought he might be tyring to pass so foreign object (Wednesday we were in the ER were we where told he had swallowed some objects the he would soon pass) any way that it what I thought was causing Ryan's discomfort. We tryed an enema, so not cool. He did poop so we thought he was fine. Well, that night on the way home from Chico we stoped to eat, he did not want anything (not normally) when we got home the screaming started again and know he had a fever. Wes called the advice nurse I called Ryan. So by the time we got to the ER he was asleep. Every one looked at us funny bringing a kid with constipation in. but after sometime waiting we got an X-ray. After that the doctor told us to get him to drink and eat and gave him Tylenol and told us about his kid having had constipation and she was fine. We were being treated as crazy parents. But when the X-ray came back we were treated a lot differently and things and people really started moving. The X-ray showed a very nice picture of a button battery. Well, it took the nurse's tow times to get an IV in, I was balling Ryan was balling and Wes fighting off allergies:) Anyway they got the IV in then took him by ambulance with lights and siren's while we fallowed that was crazy hard, to have or child go by himself and not be able to hold him. But they say he did very well, did not cry. I did not tell you where they took him We were in Roseville they took him to Sacramento. There they took him to emergency surgery. They did not have to open him up though. just put a tube down his throat and pull the battery out. The damage it did was electrical burns. Only one side of his esophagus was not damaged and that was because a piece of chicken had got stuck there. Well he was in the PICU for three nights and then one night in pediatrics. He had 6 IVs blood drawn twice. But he came home much better than we were originally told. He can eat but soft food and very small bites. He goes in on 12/01for another endoscope that is when we will find out the extent of the damage and were we go form there. He is doing great, feeling great and happy to be home with his sister and brother. But sick of mom and dad. Thank you all for your prayers and love thank you Polansky family for the pictures and the stuffed animal. Thank you to our ward for bringing in food for our family. And thank you so much to my parents for taking care of the older kids so we could be with Ryan. Thank you Shirley, Anabelle, Linda and Katrina for coming to see Wes and Ryan in the hospital it meant a great deal to wes to feel you love and support in out time of need.
Thank you to very one ----
with all our Love the Hale Family

Given' in

2008-07-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Alright I have given into pressure. Every one seams to have a blog so now we do. To start off lets get up to date on this Hale Family.
We all just got back from a vacation to Missouri, where we stayed with my Aunt and Uncle and their family. That was great. It had been a long time since we have seen them(5 1/2) years. Their youngest is two years older than Emily. they hit it off real well, they also have a 13 year old son and a 15 year old daughter, their oldest daughter died right after Wes and I got married she was I believe 10. OH I could tell you there names oldest to youngest Carli, Mike, and Carryan. Anyway, we stayed with them for two weeks and in the middle of there trip we went to Nauvoo, for three days. That was wonderful.

NOW here is some advice when traveling with kids,

lots of kids music you get sick of the same thing over and over again,
take the shortest route,
give them as much run around time before you leave to wear them out, when you get there let them run again
have a veriety of snacks healthy and unhealthy (they are kids and kids like candy), this usually gives some peace as their mouthes are full and can't talk.
Always keep Toilet paper in the car, you will need it!
When you get to your destination make sure to have kid activites mixed with adult activities, ok make that more kids stuf than adult stuff.

Two tours of old homes is enough to send the kids bonkers and you into over stressed mode

Keep teling your self your are having fun, and that if people are giving your dirty looks they just don't know what fun they are missing out on.
One thing that seamed to work very well with us is take babysitters with you, Grandparents work very well, they get to spend time with there wounderful grandchildren, and you can spend time away from your wounderful children.
Another thing to remember is a vacation is not for adults (unless no kids are coming) a vacation is for the kids, it just means more work for us as parents.

OK enough of the advice. Nauvoo was amazing Wes had never been there befor so it was fun to be with him as he saw and felt evry thing for the first time. We got to go to the Pagent Twice while there, it was wonderful. I cryed the whole time the spirit was so strong, and I got to share my feeling with our kids. The kids were so good and quiet both times we saw it I was truly amazed. They say they have never had to cancle a show because of rain, I was worried it pored the hour befor, sprinkled the first 20 minutes and misted the rest. Until they pulled out the fabric the had ben hand embroidered for the temple a moisture stoped completely, after the fabrice had been put away at the end it started to mist again. Heavenly Father truley had his hand in that evening. Emily got to meet the man who played Joseph Smith, the man who played Hyrum (they are actually brothers) and the man who played Heaber C Kimble. She has decided the next year are family can be in it. I need to get in shape firt, it is to hot to be wearing longsleaved anything back there.
If you ask the kids there favorite thing about the trip was flying on the plane. But theydid have lots of fun the rest of the time. Alright that is enough for now.

Enjoy your family weather you have kids or it is just you and
your honey or even just you. Take pictures put them up in your home, God gave us a special gift, make it count now and see what else we are blessed with latter. The most important thing is what we are doing now!