Lisa wrote:

I have been watching Spider Man with my kids, repeatedly, this week. I am a total junkie for comic book turned blockbuster movies, so it hasn't been so bad. I like SpiderMan One because I think there are a lot of interesting moral dilemmas, and I try to discuss them with the kids as we're watching. One is when Spider Man lets that guy rob the wrestling organizer, then he hurts uncle Ben.

Anyway, the other day we were watching the closing scene between Harry and MJ in the cemetary, and Halle announced, I don't like that girl!" I said "really, why don't you like that girl?" Halle said, "I don't want him to marry her." Mom, "Really, you don't want him to marry her?" Halle, "NO, I want to BE that girl with the red hair." Ohhhhh. You want to marry Spiderman? Yes. I see. Can you believe it? My mom always talks about a couple of embarrassing crushes I had As a young child, no I won't say who, and I always thought she was reading into things too much. Now I know better. Now I know that my three almost four year old daughter wants to marry the webslinger! Just like her Mom. Shawn is trying to get into Web design and has done a couple of websites. I call him the webslinger! Anyway enough for now. (blog post on 6/11/05)

Lisa wrote:

Shawn took Luke camping last month and managed to lose all three count 'em three of Luke's favorite stuffed animals, including his favorite, the blue care bear, his moose, that he has had since birth, and his bunny. I was very upset and tore the house and cars apart looking for them. I asked Shawn if he had checked the sleeping bags we borrowed and he said they weren't there, because he had rolled them up. One day out of desperation and much prayer, I went next door and asked to check the sleeping bags. We felt the exterior roll, and sure enough a big lump! We frantically unrolled them and discovered all three snugglies snuggled down in the tow. So here's to my absent minded husband, and my sweet little boy, who giggled with surprise and delight and a big ol' grin when I handed them over. (blog post on 6/11/05)

Here is Liberty when she turned one:

Here is Halle when she turned four:

I wrote about our trip to North Carolina:

Wednesday: "Going on a Airplane"
So we went on a trip to North Carolina with Lisa's family. Nancy has wanted to go there for some time because it has been many years since the family traveled out there. I made a family chart for those who don't know everyone involved in this escapade - Click to see larger view:



We woke up around 5:30 Wednesday (the 6th) and went to Wayne and Nancy's house to pick up Nate and Alayna. Halle and Luke were excited about "going on a airplane." Libby was, too, I guess. Getting to the airport in Greensboro, North Carolina was surprisingly uneventful. The kids were very good on the plane. Halle watched "Mary Poppins" for awhile on Daniel's computer and Libby liked to stand by the window and hop around as she looked at clouds. Shortly after becoming airborne, Halle looked out the window and asked, "Is that the earth?" Everyone took turns playing with the kids. Luke was sitting by Nancy and Amanda when we landed and they were worried that it would scare him, but he said "me like this." We made a transfer in Atlanta and got to Greensboro in the evening. We rented two vehicles and made our way to Mt. Airy. Here is a map:


We arrived in Mt. Airy after dark so we just went to bed. Me and Lisa and the kids stayed at Grandma Sechrests while Wayne, Nancy, Nate, Alayna, Amanda, and Daniel stayed at a motel.

Thursday: The Weather Factor
It rained all day so we just stayed indoors and visited. Grandma lives on a small lot (in Mt. Airy, "small" means 1 or 2 acres) and Adrian and Sharita live on 17 acres. I paid more for my 1/6 of an acre than Adrian paid for his land (although he bought his some time ago). Mt. Airy has many trees and everything is green. The Jarrell's have a creek running through their property. That night we ate a "The Depot." It is a restaurant tucked away in the woods and it was awesome. Lisa and I started staying at the motel.

Friday: The Andy Griffith Show
We checked out historic downtown and ate at Snappy Lunch. We also visited Floyd's Barber Shop. The boys had a good game of ultimate frisbee and the Utah boys were the best.

Saturday: Virginia
We drove up to Virginia to have a picnic along the the Blue Ridge Parkway. Pretty country. We stopped at Mabry Mill, which is an old settlement with a mill. It has cool displays of old stuff. I got really hungry before we reached the picnic area so I stole a piece of KFC.

Sunday: Family History
After church, we drove around Mt. Airy and nearby Salem. We saw the house where Wayne's grandparents lived and visited the high school and tossed a baseball around. After that we hung out at Grandma's house for a while. Logan asked Daniel for an autograph.

Monday: Hurry Up and Wait
Lisa and I visited Grandma and the Jarrels one more time (the other had left early in the morning to visit UNC and Duke). I finally saw the creek. It was time to go home. We got to airport around 2:00 to catch our 4:00 flight. The problem was a bad storm had been in Atlanta and many flights were delayed. Our flight was moved back to 4:45. Then it moved to 6:00. We were getting worred because the flight from Atlanta to Salt Lake was supposed to leave at 8:00. After more delays, we left North Carolina. When we got to Atlanta, Daniel ran all the way to the gate to see if we could make the flight to Salt Lake. We all hurried to get there, but we missed it. So we scheduled a flight at 8:50. We waited and waited. The crew showed up. We waited more. We were fixing to board when they announced mechanical problems. We waited, then we were assigned another airplane far away. So we rushed to other terminal and waited for an hour more. I think we finally left around 11:00. Halle, Luke, and Liberty were not so easy on the way home. Libby was bouncing all around and wanted to crawl away. She finally fell asleep but would wake up many times and cry. Halle and Luke did the same. Lisa and I never got comfortable. Wayne sat by us and helped with the kids, so he didn't get any rest either. I hate airports and airplanes. Atlanta is stinky and muggy. I think we should get rid of the whole industry and wait a few decades for the age of flight to resume. Maybe then they will get it right. I got to bed at 3:30 am, woke up to feed Libby at 5:30, and got up at 8:30. I feel lousy.

Conclusion
I am really glad we got to visit our relatives in North Carolina. I enjoyed hanging out with the boys playing games. The country was beautiful. Lisa really enjoyed visiting with the womenfolk, and Halle and Luke had fun with Elise and Ian. Libby was a delight and made us smile many times. Everyone was a big help with the kids. I want to make the trip again after the kids are older. (blog post on 7/12/05)

I made another post about the trip:

.
All of us on the steps of a gazebo.
Back row: Nate, Alayna, Wayne, Adam, Adrian, Kristen (holding Ian), Cory, Logan
Middle row: Daniel, Amanda (holding Libby), Grandma, Shawn, Lisa, Ethan
Front row: Luke, Halle, Elise


Eating at the Depot. Is was a cool place.


Here we are at Floyd's Barber Shop, which is featured in the Andy Griffith Show.


Wayne and Floyd go way back.


This is at the creek on Adrian and Sherita's property.


Here we are eating on the deck at the Jarrell's.


Nancy and Libby and Grandma Sechrest.


Halle and Elise - they became good friends.


In front of Mt. Airy High School, where Wayne attended school.


Amanda and kids.


Nate and Alayna playing with Halle and Elise.


Hanging out on Grandma's back porch.


Picnic at Rocky Knob.


The fire pit at the Jarrel's.


On the porch again.


Eating at Grandma's.


The womenfolk.


My little family. (blog post 7/14/05)

I wrote:

My favorite poet is Alan Jackson. Unlike many singers, he writes a lot of his own songs. Here is a verse from "Where I Come From." It's about Alan driving an 18-wheeler around.

Well I was south of Detroit City
I pulled in this country kitchen
To try their brand of barbecue
The sign said finger-lickin'
Well I paid the tab and the lady asked me
"How'd you like my biscuit"
"I'll be honest with you ma'am
It ain't like mama fixed it"

Ha! It's so funny.

And here is part of "Remember When."

Remember when the sound of little feet
Was the music
We danced to week to week
Brought back the love, we found trust
Vowed we'd never give it up
Remember when

That song makes me cry every time I hear it. I think about my kids being grown up and I am an old man sitting in my chair just thinking about how I miss the good old days. (blog post on 7/27/05)

Lisa wrote:

I have been really sick with some sort of flu or cold lately, and I usually don't get bedridden so this has been hard for everyone. Last night Luke lay on my bed with me and gave me doctor kisses. I told him he was a great doctor, and he said "when me is big me will be a doctor and me will hel mommy" What mom doesn't want to hear that! Liberty finally walked around yesterday, she has had the ability, but not the experience for some time now. hahaha. that is an inside joke about one of shawn's job promotions.anyway, hopefully i will find humor in my day to share! :) (blog post on 8/03/05)

Lisa wrote:

This morning little libby was scrambling around, practicing walking, wearing a diaper and being oh-so-cute. I noticed that her diaper was very full, and threatening to sag below her knees. I grabbed another one and told Halle to take off the one she had on,then she could tottle over to me. So Halle did, and as I reached over to guide her to the clean diaper, she peed, right on my flip-flop. It just made a little puddle, right in the middle of my shoe, and I couldn't help but laugh at my skinny little baby, standing there smiling at me with her bottom dripping right into her little puddle. Oh the joys. (blog post on 8/04/05)

Lisa wrote:

Last night driving home from my mom's, shawn and i spotted a young deer on the side of the road. halle became extremely interested in the deer and kept asking us where the deer had gone. we were getting frustrated because we didn't know, and started talking about the deer's home etc. etc.
Anyway, the conversation progressed to hunting and how someone might kill the deer. She wanted to know why, and i said to eat it. i was still thinking this was a purely educational discussion. After i said that, she became stressed and wanted to know where "those" people lived. I said here, by us. She said who??? At this point i said halle, you eat animals. she said no i don't! shawn said you do. I said you eat chickens and cows and pigs. She started crying and yelled "no i don't." at this point shawn and i realized she is very tender hearted and that now is not the time to discuss this topic with our sweet little girl. shawn and i were so sad that she was so upset, we wanted to back up and not pursue the conversation. so no one mention this topic to halle for a long time! (blog post on 8/08/05)

Lisa wrote:

We have some little house guests this week, Jordan and Taylor. Jordan is Luke's exact age, and Taylor is Libby's exact age. They are the children of our really good friends Ryan and Emily. We will have them until Friday afternoon. This morning at about 5:30 Shawn and I woke up to Luke and Jordan carrying on in the bedroom. He went in and found that Jordan had pooped in his diaper while sleeping, and then his diaper had somehow slipped off and made a huge mess. My dear husband did not bother me, he just cleaned up the huge mess, bathed him and got him in clean jammies. I am so touched. Cleaning up a mess like that for my own kids is hard, someone elses is even harder. I sure did pick a great husband! (blog post on 8/10/05)

Lisa wrote:

Luke has developed this funny routine where he takes random things to bed with him. One night it was an unopened box of fruit snacks, another night a tube of Crystal Light. I don't understand this funny business, but he snuggles right up to it along with his Care Bear and goes to sleep. I wonder what he'll think of next! (blog post on 8/10/05)

I wrote:

If we had a digital camera, this post would not be so boring because it would have a really cute picture of Lib. You see, yesterday she was walking around with her "Tuppy" (it's her puppy - it was the very first toy we bought for her) and just having a good time. Halle and Luke were having a bath. Later, I noticed Lib still had her Tuppy, but it was cold and soaking wet. She had thrown it in the tub but was still cuddling it and was happy as she could be. So I put Tuppy up on the counter to let it dry and gave Lib her Glow Worm. I wish I had a picture. (blog post on 8/22/05)

Later, I made this: 

I wrote:

My new favorite song is "Something to be Proud Of" by Montgomery Gentry.... Here is my favorite part:

Well, I fell in love, next thing I know,
The babies came, the car got slow.
Sure do miss that old hot rod,
But you sure save gas in them foreign jobs.
Dad, I wonder if I ever let you down,
If you're ashamed how I turned out?
Well, he lowered his voice, then he raised his brow
Said: Let me tell you, right now:

That's something to be proud of:
That's a life you can hang your hat on.
You don't need to make a million:
Just be thankful to be workin'.
If you're doing what you're able
An' putting food there on the table,
And providing for the family that you love:
That's something to be proud of.
And if all you ever really do is the best you can,
Well, you did it man. (blog post on 9/08/05)

I wrote:

I rode Salt Lake's light rail train a few days ago and Lisa picked me up at the station. On the way home, Luke wanted some candy and I told him "no" because he had already had some. He then said something like, "Me want Daddy to get back on the train." Lisa and I just laughed. (blog post on 9/17/05)

I wrote a family newsletter:

My family has lived in Eagle Mountain for almost a year and a half. Here is what we've been up to.

Me (Shawn): I am still working for the State Department of Human Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. I've been there four years. After taking an 18 month break, I am taking two classes at UVSC: Astronomy and Organizational Behavior. I deliver pizza for Dominos on Friday nights. Making websites is what I like to do, and I am trying to get a job doing that.

Lisa: She spends a lot of time with the kids. She is essentially a stay-at-home mom, but she sells Pampered Chef sometimes. She also just started working for her mom, who is a lobbyist, doing stuff like making appointments over the phone. Currently the Relief Society secretary, she loves hanging out with the gals. Ballet is once a week.

Halle: Our princess Halle turned four July 13. She has a bunch of friends in the neighborhood and loves playing dress-up. In her second year of pre-school, Halle is shaping up to quite the scholar. She also takes ballet classes and she is very good at it.

Luke: He's turning 3 tomorrow! He loves riding his bike and playing with Alex and his friend Jordan. I took him camping a few months ago and we had a great time. We are going to sign Luke up at the Baseball Academy so he can start pitching like his Uncle Daniel (Lisa's 15-year-old brother who is the best pitcher his age in the state). Lukes favorite thing to do, though, is watch movies. He actually takes DVDs to bed with him and carries them everywhere. Without consulting with me, Lisa shaved his head, so Luke is now bald.

Liberty: Libby turned one July 2. She walks all over the place blubbering. Her favorite thing is Tuppy (her little toy puppy) and she carries it all over the place and throws it in the bathtub. If we would let her stay outside all day, she would do it.(blog post on 9/22/05)

Lisa wrote "Why I love my husband":

I was thinking this morning of all the reasons Shawn makes my life wonderful, and I wanted to publicly praise him, so here goes.
Shawn is:
A hard worker, he works two jobs and goes to school to support us, and he never complains.
A dedicated father, he spends all his free time playing with and caring for our kids. They adore him, and prefer him to me. He never complains about wanting to play computer games, watch football, or just be a guy, when it comes to the kids, it is 100%.
He is a great kisser.
He dances with me in the kitchen.
He listens to me tell him about cooking and ballet, and all the ins and outs of both, and doesn't complain.
He compliments me on my looks, and he is sincere.
He understands that real men don't need to be vulgar, loud, crude, or intoxicated to be fun.
He tickles my back while we watch movies.
He takes the garbage out.
He drives slower and more carefully when I am in the car because he knows it upsets me otherwise.
He is a friend to my family.
He keeps his toenails nicely trimmed.
He cleans up after himself.
He does his own laundry.
He kills spiders and changes poopy diapers.
He is there in the morning, and comes home every night.
He lets me pick the pizza topping.
He shares his ice cream, and sometimes even gives me the best bite.
He lets me sleep when I am tired, and gets up with mid-night criers.
He is dedicated to the cause of truth, and has great integrity.
What more could a girl want?(blog post on 9/27/05)

Here is a satellite image of our house:

Lisa wrote:

Shawn and I recently went country swing dancing. It was a fabulous time, and we are planning on going again this Saturday. In fact, I think I may plan my life around it. It is so much fun. We struggled with our lessons at first, and we still can't do the two-step, but we had so much fun. Our good friends Ryan and Emily went with us. To put it mildly, Ryan did not want to go. After many attempts on his part to convince Shawn to bail for a movie, we ended up at the dance hall. After an hour of dancing, even Ryan was converted, and Emily reported today that he has had her practice with him everyday so far. We took lessons for an hour, then danced for an hour. We loosened up and really enjoyed ourselves. We did lots of swinging and spinning, one line dance, many failed attempts at the two-step, and watched dancers who far surpassed our ability. They are so fun to even watch. The amazing thing was how bonded we felt as a couple. it seems like when we were dating we were always looking into each others eyes and all that mooshy stuff. As a married couple we have become more accustomed to each other. It really (I know this sounds corny) felt like we were dating again, even with all the ummm... unrequited-ness of it. Anyway, I highly recommend it. (blog post on 10/11/05)

I wrote:

Yay, I have a digital camera! Actually, it is just my new phone with a camera (Wayne gave me the phone.) And I figured out how to send the pictures to the T-Mobile Album so I can put them on my computer. So I took the kids to clean the church this morning and here they are helping me. So this is the best quality I can get right now, but it looks better than I thought it would. (blog post on 10/29/05)

I wrote "Little Libby Ladybug":

Look how cute she was at our ward Halloween party! I also have a picture of Halle and Luke but it is not available yet. (blog post on 10/30/05)

I wrote:

This is more than transportation, this here's an American pick-up truck. A 1988 Ford Ranger 2.9 liter V6 4x4. It has a dent on the front panel and the paint is fading. There's not a single cup holder to found in this critter. This truck is from a time when the engineers were still more concerned about building it tough than making it smooth on pavement. It's my truck.

Here's our 2005 family photo:
I wrote:

It's fun to watch Libby play with dolls. She puts them in blankets and pushes them in this stroller at Grandma Peck's house. Grandma watches Luke and Lib every Wednesday while Halle is in school so Lisa can run some errands. (blog post on 11/10/05)

I wrote:

I played with the kids at my mom's house and there are a bazillion leaves in the backyard. So I raked some into a pile and we had a bunch of fun. The picture of me was actually taken by Halle! I taught her how to use my camera phone.


(blog post on 11/11/05)

I wrote:

I am late getting Lukey's pictures up here. Here is our big stud! The first picture is cool because this is Luke's natural pose - sucking his fingers and playing with Lisa's hair. I want to get a picture of me at this age because I think Luke looks just like I did.


 

(blog post on 11/14/05)

I wrote:

Here is Libby eating popcorn off the floor at Chris and Kristal's house. And she is so cute with that hat on, especially when she shrugs her shoulder. I can't wait to get a digital camera!


(blog post on 11/17/05)

I wrote:

Here are some pictures of Halle Wally (that's what Luke used to call her). The first one is a picture of Halle with Santa two years ago! I found it hidden in some archives. The other two were taken recently. She has a great smile and she fell asleep on Lisa's legs.

(blog post on 11/29/05)

I wrote:

Luke sure has grown a lot. He is a handsome fellow, for sure.

(blog post on 11/30/05)

I wrote:

Last night we went to my brother Chris's house next door. Lib was standing on a step-stool watching Chris make a slushy dessert and she fell off. She has complained about her wrist so Lisa took her in for an x-ray. Her wrist is fratured and they don't even have a splint that will fit her tiny little hand. I am so sad for her. She will get a permanant cast next week - it is just wrapped right now.

UPDATE: I got a real picture. She is wearing Halle's Dora backpack.

(blog post 12/05/05)

I wrote:

Libby got her real cast put on today. Lisa told me that she was upset about it. It has to go up around her elbow so it won't slide off. After they left the doctor's office, Libby covered her arm with a coat when they got in the van because she didn't want to look at it. She is doing okay now, though.

P.S. I wrote earlier that she had a temporary wrapping because a splint her size was not available. That didn't make sense because a wrapping without a splint would be too flimsy. I found out the issue was really that the doctor who does the casts was on vacation and Lisa decided to wait a week rather than see a different doctor. (blog post on 12/13/05)

 I  wrote:

The kids watched the new Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last week at Chris and Kristal's house. They love to dance with the Oompa Loompas. From left to right, we have Isaac, Halle, Abby, Luke, and Liberty. The last picture shows Libby after she had fallen down and couldn't get up because she was dizzy from dancing.

(blog post on 12/15/05)

I wrote:

Halle is our little Dancing Princess. She has been in dance class for many months now and she had her first recital Saturday night. All of her grandparents were there, as well as aunt Wendy and Amanda (why didn't Daniel attend the dance recital?). We are very proud of her accomplishments and we loved watching her dance.

(blog post on 12/21/05)

I made this post:

              Wearing Natalie's coat.           At Arctic Circle with Grandpa.

        She likes to sit on the counter.              Sitting at table.

                  She likes suckers.                      She likes lemonade.

            Cheering for Notre Dame.          At IHOP several months ago. (blog post on 12/28/05)

Luke got this truck for Christmas. Santa Claus got a good deal on the parts so the elves could make it. Luke and Halle look like a nice couple.

I had my phone out and Halle said "take a picture of my eye" and made this pose. She is funny!

(blog post on 1/25/06)

I took Halle and Luke sledding today. There is as nice hill just five minutes from our house. Luke was scared on the first run, but after that he was excited and wanted to do it again and again. We only stayed for about 15 minutes, though, because Halle started to cough and Luke was hacking pretty bad. I also took a picture of our winter home.


(blog post on 1/28/06)