Tuesday, December 13, 2011

2011 in Review

The gang doing their thing.
Another year has come to an end, and I wonder where did it go.  If I think real hard I know exactly where it went.  It went to fun times with the gang, homework, basketball games, baseball games, swim meets, camping trips, hanging out with Antsy McClain in Red Bluff, visiting with friends and family, welcoming home Uncle Matt, going to the Dr and dentist, getting a new puppy, and participating in Church activities.  Wow! it sure was a lot.  Here is just a little sampling of what the Hay gang has been up to in 2011.

Buddy at 6 months old.
Buddy - Our newest member of the gang.  We welcomed him to our house last Christmas and he has loved every minute of it.  Even when everybody mauls him.  We have found him with gum, suckers, and drool in his hair.  He loved going on our family camping trip in August, and loves to sleep on the couch.  I need to work on getting him to hang out in the dog bed on the floor.


Finishing off some yummy frosting.
I got a dollar for my birthday!
Henry - We now have an official pre-schooler here.  He goes to Sierra College State Pre-School Monday thru Friday 8-11 a.m.  He loves his teacher, Teacher Joy.  Henry has become quite the entertainer.  He was in the talent show at church where he sang the ABC's.  He could be heard running off stage saying, "That was awesome, can I have a cookie now?" He was the hit of the show. :) He and I are home together for about 4 hours in the afternoons before anyone comes home.  We watch movies, fold clothes, do dishes, and take naps.  (Yea, right)  He loves to help with the cooking.  We think we have a budding chef in our midst. He enjoyed swimming at Grandma's this summer.  He loves it when Pa picks him up from pre-school.  He has even asked me not to pick him up so much. 


Cute as can be and always has something going on.

Loved playing baseball.
Matthew - This year Matthew is in 1st grade.  He is learning to add, subtract, and read.  His handwriting is getting better, and his teachers have nothing but terrific things to say about him.  We are very pleased with his progress.  He still is very funny, and loves to be on the move at all times.  We have recently found him in the tree with an umbrella at the ready.  I wonder when he saw Mary Poppins.  :)  He played basketball and baseball this year.  He is very excited to play basketball and baseball again this year.  We are hoping that he will also be on the swim team with the older kids.  He swam a lot this last summer at Grandma's and became very good at it.  We'll see if he makes the team.  We have a toothless wonder.  He has lost 2 bottom teeth and more recently lost his 2 front teeth.  He now has 2 front half teeth.  Sooooo cute.  :)

Game face on for swim champs!

It's great to be eight!  I got baptized. 
Julia - Our Julia is in the 3rd Grade at Cobblestone School here in Rocklin.  She has been learning cursive, and doing really well at it.  She is now 8 and got baptized on July 2, 2011.  It is great to be eight.  She now gets to go to Activity Days at church and mingle with all the other 8 year old girls and have F U N.  If you know Julia she is all about the fun.  She played basketball last January and February and can't wait to start again.  She also swam for Loomis Basin Dolphins and reached personal best marks.  Way to go Julia.  :)  Buddy is her best bud.  She has taken to him and loves petting and loving on him.  Most of you know that Julia has schizencephaly which causes her to drool.  She has had 5 rounds of botox under her chin.  The neurologist inserts 4 shots each round we do.  She has responded well and has had a better time at school because of not drooling.  She is such a happy child.
First day of 6th grade.

Red Ribbon week at school.
Thomas - We now have a 6th grader in the house.  He loves school and especially loves to read.  This kid has read enough books for AR in school that he has over 150 points so far this year.  He made the honor roll for Parker Whitney this trimester.  We are very pleased with him.  He plays the trombone, sings in the choir (I think he does this for me so I can help direct the choir.  So fun!!!), played spring ball and fall ball this year, played basketball, and swam on the Loomis Basin Dolphin swim team.  He also entered into 11 year old scouts at church and went on an over night camping trip/hike.  He had a ball.  Thomas is a terrific big brother to his little siblings.  They look up to him and he tries to be a good example.  He has discovered that he loves Chinese food, go figure.  :)   Last April Thomas sang with the Parker Whitney Choir at the River Cats baseball game.  They sang the national anthem. 


It wouldn't be champs without the t-shirt.  :)
Being crafty at camp.  Is that a new hair color?
Macie - Macie is now a Sevie.  Macie continues to work on her art and even took an art class from an artist this summer.  She played basketball and swam for LBD.  We were so happy for her when she made all personal best times and even placed 1st in the individual medley in her heat.  She has really become a good swimmer and loves it.  Macie also loves to cook.  She is our resident cookie maker.  Whenever we need a sweet treat she is right there whipping up a batch.  I love watching her do her homework.  She works very hard and always does her best.  We are very proud of the effort she puts forth.  Macie is now officially in Young Women's at church and has the best time socializing with everyone.  She has been called as the Beehive president and has the awesome responsibility of remembering each girl in her class.  When you enter YW's you get to go to girls camp, and this last summer she went as a first year.  I can't begin to tell you all the fun she had.  I will say that the polar bear swim saw Macie every morning.  Good job sister sue.

Big Basin Redwood State Park

My team of swimmers.  :)
Stacey - I have been doing the same thing I always do. You know, drive kids to practice, pick kids up from school, go grocery shopping, laundry, clean the house, prepare meals, plan camping trips, visit with my family, hang out with the kids, clean up after the dog, and swim at my parents pool.  I also joined with my friend and am helping out with the Parker Whitney choir.  I am having a ball.   One of the best things I was able to do this year was go to girls camp with Macie.  I went as a leader of the 16 year olds, but I was able to watch Macie have a great first year experience.  We put in a new floor in our bedroom and painted the walls.  It feels like a re-treat.  Tom and I will be celebrating our 20th anniversary come April so we are heading off to Hawaii in February for some fun and relaxation.  Can't wait!  I have been called into Relief Society as an instructor.  That has caused me some anxiety, but I am getting over that.  I just am enjoying this phase of my life and hope that I can continue to stay home and care for the family.  I truly am happy that I can be the one the kids come home to in the afternoon after school. 

Putting in our new floor.

Who's that gangster?
Tom - Continues to work for Stantec Consulting.  We are so happy that he has a job and that it is here in Rocklin.  Tom was in Daddy's heaven this year as he was able to watch 2 of his boys play baseball.  He did a lot of coaching of Thomas, and gave Matthew pointers as well.  He is still in the Elder's Quorum at Church, and loves to go to Antsy McClain concerts.  We don't know where we would be without Tom for our camping trips.  He is the trailer packer extraordinaire.  He was the assistant coach for Macie's basketball team last January and February.  Tom put a new floor in our bedroom.  It only took about 4 weeks for him to finish, which for us is fantastic.  We also had a fabulous garden once again because of Tom.  He plants, tends, and harvests all of our veggies.  The dog had a great time in the garden this year and was a constant irritant to Tom.  He had to find ways to keep Buddy out of our tomatoes.  :)
Merry Christmas from the Hay Gang!


If you have gotten this far you are indeed a good friend or a beloved family member.  We love you and wish nothing but a great Christmas for you and your family.  Our family is so very blessed and we hope that you can feel those same blessings of love and family this time of year.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.  2012 here we come!  :)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful Day 24

Happy Thanksgiving!  Today I'm thankful that I can gather my family and enjoy each of them.  I'm thankful that we can gather with other members of our family and enjoy them.  I'm thankful that we can all enjoy a great meal together.  I'm also thankful for our family gift exchange.  I'm also thankful that everyday I can choose to be happy.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful Day 23

Today I'm thankful for the neurologist, Dr. Asaikar and the staff at Sutter Memorial Pediatric out patient surgery center.  Julia had botox injections today for her drooling and she did a great job of being a brave girl.  Usually she has a very difficult time of it, but today because of the great staff she was all about doing up right.  She received 2 prizes for being brave, 2 art projects to do, and got to watch movies all by herself.  We hope that she will get some needed relief from this procedure.  Thanks, Dr. Asaikar, you rock!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thankful Day 22

Today I'm thankful for the Internet.  I know that sounds a bit weird, but I am.  I get so many recipes, ideas, and deals from the Internet that it helps my family stay within our budget, eat healthy, and have great family time.  I made cranberry sauce for Christmas gifts and got the recipe from the Internet.  The recipe is super yummy and easy.  What a blessing the Internet is if used correctly and appropriately.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thankful Day 21

Today I'm thankful for my sister.  She is an amazing person and my children all love her to pieces.  Yesterday I met up with her in Folsom and she picked up Macie to come stay with her.  Macie is beyond happy to be spending time with Auntie.  Thanks Kelly you are the best!  I'm also thankful for a driveway full of wood that we can burn in our fireplace.  We had our first fire of the season yesterday.  Warm and inviting!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thankful Day 20

Today I'm thankful Steve Andrews.  He came to our rescue yesterday.  He brought his wood splitter and helped Tom split some wood that received for free.  Now we have a pile of wood in our driveway ready to stack.  If you are in the neighborhood and want to kill some time stop by and stack wood for me, Thanks!  :)  Thanks Brother Andrews for you help and generosity.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Thankful Day 19

Today I'm thankful for school vacations.  How great is it that we get to have the kids home next week all week to celebrate Thanksgiving and being a family.  We have lots of fun things planned.  We will be making our famous cranberry sauce for Christmas presents, going to a play date at the park with friends, going to Thanksgiving dinner at my cousins restaurant, and maybe even getting a Christmas Tree.  Wow, I hope we can fit it all in.  :)

Friday, November 18, 2011

Thankful Day 18

Today I'm thankful for Tom and his ability to work and earn money for our family.  Because he goes to work I am able to stay home and take care of the family.  I get to enjoy the children and keep our home.  I love to learn new recipes and cook for our family.  Tom works so hard for us and I'm thankful I am married to him.  Thanks, honey!!!!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thankful Day 17

Today I'm thankful for the Young Women's program at church.  When Macie turned 12 she got the honor of becoming a Young Woman.  This past Sunday I was able to go to the Young Women in Excellence presentation.   All the young women were able to showcase something that they have done that is "praise worthy, or of good report".  Macie shared that she has been a swimmer for 6 years and that this year at Championships she place 1st in her heat in the IM.  She was very pleased that she could share something that she loves to do.  I'm very pleased that she has this fun talent.  :)

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thankful Day 16

First day of school 2011 - Many great things to come!
Today I'm grateful for school.  This week I get to go to the schools and hear terrific things about my children.  I get to hear about what they are learning and how well they are doing.  I am truly enjoying it this year.  My children are learning and growing, and I get to witness this on a daily basis.  It is sure fun to hear from someone who is with my children the majority of their day about how they see my children growing and learning. 

Monday, November 14, 2011

Thankful Day 15

Today I'm grateful for service.  It is wonderful to be able to forget about ourselves and do for others.  Yesterday I was able to take a friend, who had lost her 20 year old son last week, a meal.  Matthew and Julia went with me and understood why we were there giving them food.  I love that we can teach our kids about service.  I'm also grateful for all the service that has been given to me.  I feel truly blessed.

Thankful Day 14

Today I'm grateful for my husband.  We have been married nearly 20 years and I'm happy to say that we want to be married many more.  To each other, of course.  :)  He takes care of me and our family.  I don't think there is anything he wouldn't do for us.  He is an honorable priesthood holder and sets a great example for our boys.  He also sets an example of what a good man should be like for our children.  I'm so thankful he is in my life.  Thank you Mon for the many good times.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Thankful Day 13

Today I'm grateful for turkey guard dogs and monkey boys. Yesterday we were able to have a turkey for a pre-thanksgiving dinner. I'm thankful that we have the time to spend at home with our family and eat yummy food. Macie cleaned a lot of the house, and Thomas was able to help the new neighbor across the street. She paid him 20 bucks!!!! I found Matthew up in our Muskogee Crepe Myrtle tree. He told me that he was going to use the umbrella in his hand to help him get down. Imagine Mary Poppins here. :) I'm thankful he is a monkey and didn't really need the umbrella to get down. I also looked out the window and saw one happy puppy dog watching over the turkey cooking in the BBQ. It is a good thing we have him or who knows who would get into the turkey. You can never be too careful. What a nice Saturday it was. :)
Buddy,  will you be getting Turkey?

That's a long way down.  Do you need an umbrella?  :)

Matthew has always climbed anything he sees, but he addition of the umbrella now, that's somthing new.  :)

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Thankful Day 12

This is pre-photo session.  I hope it doesn't tell what is to come.  :)
Today I'm grateful for pictures. I was able to have pictures taken of my children yesterday. They turned out great. I will post when I get the actual picture. Every Holiday season I have pictures taken of my children. It is truly great to be able to see the growth of each one and to see the growth of my family. To think that only 13 Christmas' ago we had one child in the picture and today we have 5. What a blessing. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and if you look at each one of those Holiday pictures you can conjure up many words and memories.  Here are some photos I took before our photo session.  I was a little worried going into the session, but I'm very happy with the results.  The Gang came through.  :)
Julia and the littles ready to go.

Waiting for our turn at Target.

Henry you better look at the camera when we get into the photo room.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Thankful Day 11

Today I'm grateful for our veterans who have served this country and helped us keep our freedoms.  I'm thankful for mom's who volunteer their time and provide great activities for my children.  We got to go to a Veteran's Day Ceremony today and Thomas was able to sing with his school choir the National Anthem.  I'm very proud of my son wanting to do things like this and I'm grateful for Emily Matthew's for making it happen.  :)

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Day 10

Today I'm thankful for sweet treats and my food storage.  I was able to make a fresh batch of milk chocolate chip cookies just because.  I had everything I needed to get this sweet treat fix in my food storage, and yes people I do store chocolate chips.  I usually store them in the freezer.  You never know when you might need a little chocolate in your life.  The kids are thankful for my storage and sweet treat cravings too.  :)

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Thankful Day 9

Today I'm thankful for friends who help make things better.  I have a few friends who I rely on to help me fumble through my life.  Whether it be about my kids, dinner selections or keeping house I can expect some sort of help in figuring it out.  Thanks friends, and you know who you are.  :)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Thankful Day 8

Today I'm thankful for modern technology.  I can sit at my computer, pay my bills, transfer money from my savings to checking, and record receipts onto my budget.  I am financially aware of our spending.  I don't even have to get dressed to do this.  Now, that is something to be grateful for.  :)

Monday, November 7, 2011

Thankful Day 7


Our Grandma likes to get into the fun with the Gang.  :)
Today I'm thankful for Grandma's.  My mom is great.  She helps us with the kids a lot.  Last night we took the kids to the 1080 and Pa fed them dinner and Grandma brought them over to our house and gave them Sunday Sundae's then put the gang to bed.  This made it possible for us to go to an adult fireside for church.  It was just what we needed.  Thanks Mom!!!!!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Thankful Day 6

 
Today I'm thankful for our abilities to change our environment if we want. Tom and I have been working on remodeling our bedroom. We have painted and put in new floor. Last night after almost 4 weeks sleeping in the living room we moved our bed back into the bedroom. Now, we aren't completely done, but we slept in our room and it was great.


 

Saturday, November 5, 2011

What Am I Grateful For?


The Hay Gang on October 31, 2011
Today is November 5, 2011 and we are 5 days into November.  I hope to post each day in November something I'm grateful for.  I have 5 children and on this day November 5th I am grateful that I get to be their mother and serve them.  Each one is blessing in my life.  That big kid in black in the back is my partner in crime and I'm very thankful to have married him.  He takes care of all of us, but especially me when I need buoying up.  Thanks guys for letting me mother all of you.  :)

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Fall Is Here!!!

The first day of school August, 2011
I'm so glad it is fall.  I love the briskness of the mornings and the chill in the air at night.  Soon we will start having fires.  Happiness!  Today is my brother's birthday, and it is the first time in 17 years that we will get to spend it with him.  He is home from prison and we are happy.  He will be getting a Starbucks gift card and brownies ala Macie.  We are supposed to go the Ward Trunk or Treat tonight, but it being Matt's birthday we will not be going.  I haven't broken it to the gang yet. 
 Tom and I are living in the living room due to the fact that we are still remodeling our bedroom. I painted and Tom has been putting in a beautiful laminate floor. The room is looking very pretty, and I can't wait until I can lay in my bed without who ever walks through the front door looking in and saying "Hi". :) The kids love having our bed in the living room because they can play the wii while sitting or jumping on the bed.
Everyone is in school and studying hard. We are waiting anxiously for Halloween to come. We will have a bumble bee, sock man, blue witch, Darth Vader, and a cape wearing karate man. The caped karate man will be going to a birthday party today. He is so excited. :)
I wish I had more of my fall pictures loaded so I could post them, but at least I'm posting. Have a great Saturday and Trick or Treat!
Tom working hard on our bedroom floor.
Matthew is officially wanting 2 front teeth for Christmas!

Our Halloween decorations.  Thanks Auntie and Uncle!

One of our Friday night homemade pizzas.

Who gave Henry that sticker?

Red Ribbon Week and Thomas went all out.  :)

Halloween at Grandma and Pa's.

Before we went Trick or Treating.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Big Basin Redwood State Park

This year we went on our annual vacation to Big Basin Redwood State Park.  It was very fun and exciting seeing the places that Daddy grew up in.  We went on August 1 and came home on August 7.  One whole week of dirt, sun, raccoons, hiking, riding bikes, eating, making new friends, going to Jr. Rangers and Big Basin nature club, and swimming in the ocean.  We had camp visitors on Wed.  Mark and Mary Treuge from Santa Cruz came up and had dinner with us.  It was fun to reconnect with them and have a great meal together.  Buddy went to visit them on Thursday as we went to the Natural Bridges Beach in Santa Cruz.  The kids had a ball in the surf, in fact Thomas went body surfing and Henry  actually "surfed" ( picture to come later).  Every year at the end of vacation I always think to myself, no way am I doing this again next year, but after a few days at home I'm on board again.  :)  We think next year will be closer to water so we can swim most days and lounge by the water. 
Thomas made friends as usual with a little boy and spent time with him.  We got his address and I suspect Thomas will write him.  We also had a young family of a father and son camp next to us for 2 nights.  They were from Minnesota and didn't have much of the camping gear we had.  So we invited them for smore's 2 nights and they shared our campfire with us.  I let Thomas go for a walk on night before dinner and he still wasn't back at camp 45 mins. later.  I went into a bit of a panic.  I could just see us having to send out a search party for him.  I sent Mark and Tom out looking and they came back 30 mins. later with him.  He had hiked all the way up the mountain and saw the ocean.  I think he will have to really think about his scouting skills and remember that you need to go hiking with a buddy. At one point Macie counted Henry's mosquito bites and he had 62.  Yikes! I also had to use the self timer on my camera to make sure there was documentation that I was on the trip.  Here are some pictures of our trip.  :)
Matthew thought every tree needed to be climbed.




Henry "surfing"



I was on the trip.  :)

Macie and Thomas on their hike with Daddy.  The Pine Mountain Trail.

Just some of Henry's mosquito bites.

The Hay gang in camp 110 in Big Basing Redwood State Park.