Our Georgia Vacation

We had so much fun on our vacation. Being up in the mountains was absolutely beautiful and the weather was perfect. We went tubing, swimming at the "beach", well Lake Burton. We fished and paddle boated in Grandpa and Grandma Hunt's pond, as well as fed the fish, we got more bites feeding them. We picked potatoes in the garden. Grandma Hunt made us vegetable soup with fresh veggies from the garden, oh it was so good. We even fed goats that live on rooftops of these shops. We spent a day at Stone Mountain and watched the laser show. We had so much fun. I loved being able to get up in the morning and take my breakfast out on the Hunt's second floor porch and look out at the mountains, what a view. I would even eat my dinner out there. The kids loved to be there running and playing outside all day. I am so jealous of their view and their garden. Someday!

What Have I Been Up To?

I have a few reasons why I am posting these pics. One - I thought there were a few of you who could use a good laugh. I spent the last 2 weeks studying for finals and working on projects and this is what has happened while I was buried in my books. Second reason - maye they will make someone else feel like they are not alone or make them feel like it could always be WORSE!!! Third - maybe if I post them, it will motivate me to get my butt in gear and I can post some AFTER pictures. There are lots of reasons - but lastly I am going to count my blessings today. I will whistle while I work even if I have to work until midnight. And I am not always that way - there are lots of times I go into the laundry room and I just want to run out and down the street screaming like a mad woman - like its a bad reoccurring nightmare - Attack of the Killer Neverending Dirty Clothes! Like I am going to drown in them. But no stress today - they will get done and just as I get them done I will turn around and there will be more - so get over it! I have cleaned and cleaned and cleaned the kids room but my 4 and 2 year olds are human tornados and I have allowed the mess to get too out of control for them and I must intercede and today is that day. Maybe today I will simplify and try to get rid of some of it. I am a self diagnosed Pack Rat and I genetically inherited it. Sorry Dad! I do want to know where did all these clothes come from! I really could used a commercial size washer and dryer! I hope you guys have a good laugh and if anyone has free time on their hands - well you know where I live. Count your blessings - you will miss those little clothes piled up, those little toys spread out on the floor, the house will be too quiet some day! We may not always feel that way but it is true. I look at Breana and think back to when she was like Emma and wonder where did the time go. Before long she will be talking about college and going off on her own and I will wonder what did I do with the time we had when she was here. Did I obsess about my house (obviously not!!!) did I work too much - did I miss too much? Don't miss those little moments and "don't sweat the small stuff" I love my family and I feel blessed by my family.

Happy 8th Birthday Meriah

I want to wish my very very sweet Meriah - Happy 8th Birthday. I just love when they turn 8, it's just a special age. I always try to make it a special day. It's Great to be 8 day! We started off by giving her a tiara this morning. Every princess needs a crown. I sent her off to school, only to suprise her by picking her up shortly after. We went to the mall and had lunch. Then I took her to get her first pedicure and manicure. Meriah absolutely just loved it and couldn't wait to show them off to everyone. She was so careful to make sure that she did not mess them up. She was so cute. Maggie joined us and we had a girls day out! Maggie took Meriah shopping for a new outfit to go with her new pink toes! We had such a nice day with all the pampering! We then went to Chuck E Cheese - Meriah's dinner choice! It was a nice day and I absolutely loved spending it with Meriah. Happy Birthday Meriah - thank you for a beautiful day!

IT'S WEIGH IN TIME - LET'S GO LADIES

Alright ladies it's our first weigh-in, though if you ask me - this past week should be a practice week! LOL! But no matter what you did - lose a lot, a little, or stayed the same, I know we are all working hard. If you are like me you probably have some bad habits you're trying to break - dang those hot salty fries and the ice cold Dr. Pepper! If you didn't lose any weight this week, remember it's not a race, it's all about becoming healthier - changing how we eat and adding exercise to our routines. I really hope you will all check in with your progress. You don't have to tell us what you weigh, you can just tell us how much you lost. So, I'll start it of - I lost a big whopping total of....................... 1 lb. Woohooo! You girls really are beautiful - it's not about being skinny, it's about being healthy, for you and for your family. Don't give up - I slipped a couple times this past week, so my goal for this week is to slip up less and push myself a little more. I need to find a little more will power, but I can do it and I know you can to. Good luck to everyone and keep working hard!

CHILDREN SCRIPTURES ON LINE

I wanted to mention to you guys if you didn't know. When we were young we use to have the books for the scriptures that went with tapes, you listened to while you follow along with the books. We bought them for our kids and in one of our moves they got lost. Anyways on the church website, lds.org, they have them all online now. It's not the same as actually having the books that you can look at anytime, but it's still a wonderful resource. Also on the website, they mention that just released a new Nursery manual, that would also be a good resource for Family Home Evening if you have young children. It is also available on line. Take a look and see.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

Meriah made this today for Tucker and I. She is always doing things like this for her family and friends. Breana had the craft box out and was working on a science project and Meriah must have gotten in there too and put this together for us. Tucker and I always marvel at how sweet and thoughtful she is. She is always worried about other people and their feelings. She is also the middle child and they always say it is hard being in the middle, but it doesn't seem to bother her at all.

I just loved Pres. Monson's talk today - he either said Enjoy the Journey Now or Find Joy in the Journey Now, now I can't remember exactly. But he talked about looking around at all the toys everywhere, piles of dishes and loads of laundry, and how they will disappear soon and we will miss them when they are gone. There are days when I think I'll never miss all this laundry - it never ends and then there are days when I do realize what the neverending pile of laundry means and I know that there will come a day when I look around and there are no toys to be found, all the dishes and laundry are done and put away and I will probably feel a little lonely and think the house is too quiet. I love the story the Pres. Monson told about the father taking his boys to the circus. My sister tells her husband the same thing - childhood - they aren't making anymore of it. You can't get those days back. We truely need to find Joy in the Journey - always looking for tomorrow will leave empty yesterdays.

Thank you, Meriah, for your kindness. You truely bring a light and a joy to our family and our home. We love you so much and are very proud of who you are.

I JUST LOVE HIM!!!

After 13 years I still just absolutely adore and love Tucker. He still suprises me and makes me smile and warms my heart. I love his work schedule, it seems to allow us to really spend time together. We both look forward to those days that he has off during the week, when it is us and the two little ones. We just love spending the day together when it is not so hectic and crazy. I can't imagine what those days will be like when all of the kids are in school and it's just the two of us. Yesterday, Tucker was off from work and we decided to go out to eat for lunch. While we were eating lunch he leans over to Emma and asks her if she wants to go pick up some flowers for Ms Gini. I had told him the night before how she had had a bad day that day. We got busy the next day and my mind was on a million other things, but he remembered our conversation the night before. (Okay, he actually listens somethimes, I'll have to give credit now) Anyways that's what we did after our lunch. He went and picked out the flowers himself, while I stayed in the car. He called me and asked me what kind of flowers to get and I just told him pick out something nice, which he did. We went over and had a really nice visit. We just absolutely love their family, we have know them for about 11 years. Anyways after that we then picked up the girls from school and came home. It got late and we hadn't done anything for dinner, so we decided to try a restaurant I had been told about. We went out for dinner and came home. Tucker promised the kids they could have some of his homemade carrot cake he made the night before, while I had been at my presidency meeting. And by the way, it is a very good carrot cake and it is not helping me with my goals. So after the kids were done, I was getting ready to put on my running shorts and shoes and Tukcer said I thought we would go get some ice cream and walk on the beach. We both are in love with the Thin Mint Cookie blizzards at Dairy Queen (not helping!) So, we put Emma to bed and told the kids that mom and dad were going for a moonlit stroll on the beach. Breana was grossed out and Meriah didn't believe that we were really going to do that, she thought we were tricking her and made us promise to take pictures for proof, that explains the pictures below. There was no moonlight, it was completely dark, but there was a really nice breeze and we both enjoyed walking, holding hands, and stopping occasionally for a kiss. ( I know, I know, TMI) But it was really nice. Tucker is so thoughtful and so sweet, though he probably doesn't want anyone to know that. Even after 13 years, he can make me feel like the little girl pictured above, by the way is from a card he got me. I just love this card and keep it in my bathroom where I see it everyday. Thank you, Sweetie, L.Y.F.E.

My Wake Up Call

So after being lazy and sleeping in late this morning, I heard my phone beeping. I checked it and had a message from Melissa. We are currently counting day the days until Breaking Dawn comes out, which we have decided that one way or another we will be seeing together. For Alissa, we are hoping that she will be able to come here and we can all see it together, if not my wonderful husband has offered to fly me out to Texas to see it with her. Anyways back to my story, she has figured out how many weeks until the movie comes out, which is 8 weeks counting this week. So she has decided since we both have gotten out of shape and put on a few pounds, she has worked out a plan for us over the next 8 weeks until. Our goal is to try to lose 2 lbs a week until then. She says the goal is 15lbs which is my goal also, so she says this gives us an extra pound if we cheat. I will probably need more than one extra pound for cheating and I don't know if I will be able to pull off 2 lbs every week, but I am going to give it a try and do what I can. We have decided that we will have a weigh in on Mondays, so we both checked out our weight and reported today. The reason why I am putting this on my blog is because I think this is going to be good. I have someone to report my progress to and they say that is one of the reasons why Weight Watchers works because you do it in a group and you have to report in on your progress. I had decided on Saturday I was going to start exercising again. So now we tell each other what we did for the day as well as talk about what we eat. I am going to try to post my progress here as well, maybe if I have somewhere else to be accountable for it that will help. If anyone else wants to join us let me know.

So today, I ran 2 miles. (okay I didn't run the whole time) I was thinking about Amanda's blog on running and I have a thought - How can I hear pitter patter of my sneakers hitting the pavement over the screaming in my head - WATER, OXYGEN, WATER, I am going to die out here and my family won't find me for a long time!!! Even the music from my ipod doesn't drown out the screaming. Okay I know I am a wimp, I am so out of shape which is why I am out here. They say it will get easier - so let's put it to the test and see if that's true. And I do have to say at some point I take my head phones out because the music and the screaming become too much noise and my head starts to hurt, or that could just be the lack of oxygen, anyways the quiet is nice and it gives me time to think, quiet time to think and reflect.

Caleb Get Another Haircut

Caleb has been asking me for a long time to cut his hair. He likes it spiked up. It was starting to look cute, getting long again. I really did not want to cut it. I know he looks cute with it short too, but I just love it long. It's kind of a gross picture of his hair on the counter, but when I cut it off, I can't get over how much hair he has for a little boy. Well my handsome man got his spikey hair. Even if I am biased - somethings are still true - he is just so extremely cute!

Family Visit

My brother, Scott, and his family came to visit us a couple of weeks ago. We really miss them so much. We had a great visit, but it was too short. We don't get to see them enough. We tried to take them to the beach, but it kept raining on us, thus the picture of the kids in the back of the van. If you look close enough you can see Emma's little head peeking from beyond the rest of the kids. We grilled out for Father's day while the kids went swimming. Hannah and Gage spent a couple of nights with us. We stayed up late playing games, our favorite was Clue. Then the kids sacked out all in the same room. The pictures of them all crowded together, 4 in one bed, is so funny. I don't know how they slept like that. I miss my family and I was so grateful they drove all the way down here to visit. Can't wait to see them again.

Too Much Wii

Lately, Caleb has really gotten into the Wii. He wants to play it as soon as he gets up in the morning and he would play it all day until it was bedtime it we would let him. Another reason why I like the pool, because it gets them outside. But what does it say when a little boy doesn't take a stuffed animal or his favorite blanket to bed, but the Wii controls. Its sad. I told him today that he might need an intervention.

Our Pool

We decided with the high gas prices we would try to keep our traveling down, but we wanted to keep the kids busy this summer, so we decided to buy an above ground pool. I would definitely say it was money well spent. The kids have been in it everyday, except for when it was raining. It's been nice. We are having a lot of fun. And Emma finally decided that she didn't need mommy or daddy holding her in the pool. She just decided one day that she could swim by herself with her water wings, and she has even tried a couple of times without them, but she didn't like that very much. I love summer, I love being with the kids.

Young Women's Camp

Breana went to her first Girl's Camp. She really seemed to have a good time. I took a few of the girls up there. I helped Breana get her cabin all set up - okay I was just looking for an excuse not to leave. I tried to hang out as long as I could. Tucker told me I couldn't follow her around at camp. Okay I did have a hard time leaving her there, realizing that my daughter was old enough to be going to Camp and that I was old enough to have a daughter old enough. But I also just have always loved Girls Camp. Anyways after a few tears I finally left. I am glad she had a good experience I can't wait for her to have more.

Husband Tag

Okay I have to say I was really trying to avoid this one, but after Niki and Kelly both tagged me, here I go, but I am treading softly here. Tucker and I have made it 13 years and I want to make it another 13!

1-What's her husband's full name? Tucker Andrew Hindman - if your curious about any nicknames he might have had growing up - BooTuck - his mom called him that. I absolutely loved and had hoped I would have a BooTuck of my own.

2-How long have the two of you been together? As of ths month, June, we have actually been together for 13 years. We spent almost 3 months of that apart while he was in Basic in Texas, which he left for shortly after we started dating, met it's all the same. He came home for a 10 day leave before he had to report to Ft. Hood and that is when we got married, Nov. 11, 1995

3-How long did you date? Here it goes - We started dating mid-June, he left for Basic in August and came home in November. So we actually dated for about two months before he left. Then we wrote each other all the time while he was at Ft. Benning. I wrote almost everyday.

4-Who eats more? I would have to say he does. He always eats after he has eaten dinner. When we first got married - he would have a bowl of cereal, ice cream, and yogurt after dinner. He still has cereal or ice cream or something. I don't know how he does it and still looks so good!

5-Who said, "I love you, first?" Well he is not here to ask and I can't remember exactly. I want to say it was me - but my memory isn't the same as it use to be. Okay I think I may remember - it was Tucker. I'll have to ask him if he remembers!

6-Who is taller? He is taller, but not as much taller as he would like to think.

7-Who sings better? - Hands down - I cannot sing at all! His mother can sing - I'm not saying that gene was carried on to her beautiful son, but he does sing better then me, but then again so does everyone.

8-Who is smarter? I use to feel smart, but after 5 kids I feel like the ditsiest person (see I'm not even sure if that is a word or if it is even spelled right). I am going back to school, so I am hoping if I start using my brain again, I can recover some of it! I am a true believer in brain shrinkage due to pregnancies. Tucker does know a lot of stuff, especially about History, which by the way was my major in college.

9-Who does the laundry? I would say that I do it more, but he does help out a lot. I just wish I could get some fabric softner in with my towels - is that too much to ask? I guess I shouldn't complain I am getting help.

10-Who does the dishes? Same as above - he really does help around the house. Now if you asked who cleans the floors more - Tucker actually wins hands down - he has a thing about dirty floors. I happy if we have clean clothes to wear and clean dishes to eat off of - what more do you need?

11-Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? This has changed as we have moved. In this house, I do. I sleep away from the door. And that has been kind of how it has always been, he always sleeps closest to the door - I guess for protection. I will tell you I read an article - where they did a survey and it showed that in houses with children, usually it is the mother, so the children will come bother her first! I sticking with I need protection!

12-Who pays the bills? This is sometimes an issue for us. I pay the bills and sometimes he doesn't like how I do it and I tell him he can gladly take over any time!

13-Who mows the lawn? He does. I have mowed our lawn one time! He has to start the lawn mower for me. It's this monster thing he got when he had his lawn business and I am a wimp and cannot get it started.

14-Who cooks dinner? We share this. If I had to pick who does it the most, I would say me, but he does really help out alot. I think he kind of likes to cook.

15-Who drives when you are together? He usually always drive. I have driven a few times, when he was just really tired, or he had something he had to do while we were driving. Even on long trips he drive almost all the way. I'll drive for a very short while so he can get a little rest. I use to could drive when I was younger. I could drive 8 or 10 hours no problem, sometimes even 12, but now 30 minutes in the car and I am falling asleep, and that doesn't even have to be driving, I could just be riding!

16-Who is more stubborn? Okay, okay I'll tell you that I am. Tucker would be the first one to tell you that too. But he does have a stubborn streak too. Always been that way, just ask my parents!

17-Who kissed who first? Oh my gosh-I waited and waited for him to make the first move. I was 22 and he was 18, I wasn't getting any younger! But I have to say, that I am really glad I did, otherwise he might of went off to Basic and things could have been different!

18-Who asked who out first? No one! In our case we never really actully dated! I came home from college for the summer. My stepbrother, Scott, came home from his dads for the summer before he left for Basic at Ft Benning, which is where Tucker was going to. Same date and everything. My step-mom and Tucker's mom were and are best friends and thought the two of them should meet. So the three of us hung out all summer until Tucker left for Basic. My brother ended up going home to marry his high school sweetheart.

19-Who proposed? I think I will skip this one. Our annivesary is coming up in November, I would like to make it then. It was so long ago! LOL! (Let's just say, I asked him if he was going to ask me!)

20-Who is more sensitive? I'm with Kelly on this one - do we even have to ask this one. I am hands down! I would like to think as I am growing older that I am getting less sensitive. My poor children have inherited this trait!

21-Who has more friends? I would say it is probably pretty close, but if we did an actualy count Tucker probably has more. He has lived here his whole life. Now if we are counting quality friends???

22-Who has more siblings? Okay this could get crazy. I have 2 brothers and 2 sisters and 2 step brothers (who technically aren't my step-brothers anymore, but they will always be brothers to me) Tucker has 1 sister, 1 step-brother and 2 step-sisters. So you do the math?

23-Who wears the pants in the family? I know this may sound corny but I really think we have a partnership. He takes the lead on somethings and I take the lead on others. (while other things we both just throw our hands up and shake our heads)

Alright - I did it and it wasn't too bad. Hope I didn't embarass Tucker or myself too much. I do have to say I love Tucker so much and he is a absolutely wonderful husband and father and I feel so blessed to be on this journey with him! Sorry about the mushiness! Now let's see who I can tag - Lara, Alyssa, Kelli, and Amanda. Let's learn a little more about those men of yours!

Welcome to Summer!!!

I know I'm late but I would like to officially say It is Summer - even if technically it is not until June 19th. For me summer starts as soon as the kids get out of school. I absolutely love summer and being able to spend time with the kids in a laid back atmosphere - no rushing to get homework done, no getting up early and getting ready for school. We go to bed when we want and get up when we want for the most part. And we try to play as much as we can. We had such a blast last summer and I am looking forward to another summer of some good quality family time. The girls did good in school as usual. We are still waiting for Breana's report card to be mailed home but we know she did well. Meriah finished the year out by getting Osprey Student of the Month which is an award given to student for Academic and Character Excellence. Meriah also got an E in Math on her report card which is great. They do not give out Es too often because it means the student is doing everything well and is above grade level expectations. In Kindergartin through Second grade, they are on a E, S, P, N scale. Which means above, at grade level, needs improvement. Regan scored 4s on both her Reading and Math FCATs. Awesome job. Breana got a medal for Language Arts award. It was her and another girl. Her teacher said that she made sure she got both girls autographs before the left 6th grade, because someday they are going to be famous writers. Breana loves to write and she is very creative. I am so proud of all of my girls. So we are off to a great start for summer and are looking to have some fun. It always goes by too fast, we just try to enjoy it while it is here. Hope everyone has a great summer!

Author's Tea Party

I know I am so far behind in my posts. I probably have quite a few things to post about, but I should have put this one up sooner, so you can all have a good laugh. One of the teachers at school told me not to miss Meriah's Author Tea Party because I would want to hear her book. Oh, how I wish she would have given me a little more warning then that. Kids say the darnest things!!!

Chuck E Cheese's

We went to Chuck E Cheese the other day with Melissa and the kids. we were watching Kevin and got to bring him along for the fun. Tucker even got to join us - I'm sure it was just what he wanted to do on his day off. The kids had fun as usual. They went through their tickets in no time but then they are just as happy to run around and play with each other. Kevin was our big ticket winner, playing Slam A Wham, winning 50 tickets! Yeah. Melissa and Tucker had a friendly competition going on the Basketball hoops. I won't tell you who won, because I don't want his ego bruised because he was beaten by a girl! And don't ask him around the Race Cars either! I shouldn't give him a hard time, he is always up for hanging out with the kids and doing things with them, even if it means being surrounded by a bunch of moms. He is really a great dad!

Our Bed???

Night after night

After night

After night

This little monster creeps into our room with a big 'ol grin on his face. He either tells us that he is a little boy and its scary or he tries to sweeten us up by saying mommy daddy you're the best. He doesn't even wait for us to respond, he climbs right up in bed and gets the cold blanket. Caleb decides blankets are either hot or cold ones. He thinks the green sheet is the cold blanket and that is the only one he likes to slepp with and then our other blanket he says is a hot one and he doesn't like it. Trying having that in the middle of the two of you. He keeps kicking of the "Hot One" that the two of you are trying to use. How did our 4th child end up in our bed? Okay don't answer that - I know. We let him wrap up around his little finger - but who could resist the "I'm just a wittle boy and its scary!" He usually falls asleep pretty fast and then Tucker carries him and puts him to bed, but sometimes then between 2 and 4 he comes back. I guess I have my summer cut out for me. Emma will be 2 and she will be needing to leave the crib behind and Caleb will be moved back to his room by himself. That will be interesting.

Blonde or What???

This is a joke my kids told me the other day:

3 girls went to a Magical Mirror. The mirror told them that each of them had to tell the mirror something and if it was true they would be granted a wish and if it wasn't true they would be sucked up by the mirror. The brunette went first, "I think I am the prettiest girl in town." She was sucked up by the mirror. The red head went next, "I think I am the prettiest girl in the neighborhood." She was sucked up. The blonde walked up to mirror and she said, "I think..." She was immediately sucked up by the mirror.

Are my girls trying to tell me something???

I am always telling stories on my poor husband. (Even though as funny as they may be - I shouldn't always share so much information with our friends.) So I will tell on myself and oh trust me there are so many to choose from. So many of our friends have come to my rescue with my numberous outings that ended with me being stranded by the side of road with lack of gas. Yes I know what the E on the gauge means. I have such an aversion to the high prices, but after I have had to call almost everyone to bail me out - simple embarrassment starting winning out and I tried not to press my luck as much. I would say ended my road side events but it hasn't completely. I have run out two times in the past couple of months, luckily I just had to be embarrassed with my own husband. He has even given up getting mad at me. He just shakes his head and makes jokes now. He brings his A.R.C. (Abby's Rescue Can) to my rescue. I can hear you now, Marty - I know I know - all those city planners working so hard to strategically place all those Gas Stations on every corner. How do I drive past all of them and never give them a second glance? I said I would tell a humorous story and this one is probably losing its humor.

So today, I woke up this morning and I was so tired and for a second thought about just sleeping in, but it is Sunday and I didn't want to miss church. so I made myself get up after hitting the snooze button a few times too many. I was running late as usual. I start buckling the kids in the car and realize Emma has been playing with the water on the refrigerator door again and the whole front of her was completely soaked. I grab my keys and run back inside to get another dress. I threw my keys on the counter, ran and grab a dress and ran out the door. Leaving my keys on the counter. I called my dad who has lost my spare key. I called Melissa who comes over and tries to break into my house for me, with no luck. So Dave and Steve leave church to come help me out. A few seconds later with help from a hammer and screwdriver I am back in my house. Thank you!

I swear I feel like I am always forgetting little things these days. I feel more blonder these days then I did when I was younger. So hopefully my family will continue to have a sense of humor and bear patience with me. Can you imagine what I will be like when I am 80?!?! Poor Tucker!!!

Cool Kids or What???

We were at the pool the other day. All the kids put on sunglasses and they thought they were so cool. Okay they are cool!