Thursday, March 26, 2009

March is ending and so the birthday season is nearing an end at the Hay household. At least until December at least... Here are a few pictures and a brief update on us mostly told by the pictures. We continue to grow, learn and love every day. Some are more challenging than others but we will continue to restart our efforts with every new day. We hope that you are all doing well and hope to hear from you all soon.

Matthew's Birthday was in February, Becky and Trent in March followed by Toby in early April.



Trent's costume birthday party crew.



Matthew enjoying some reading. He is our reader. Just give him a book (or Wii) and he is entertained endlessly.


Trent (and SpongeBob) getting ready for bed.


Bethany is finally starting to look at some books. Sometimes. Here she looked at a book for a few minutes in her bed before going off to sleep.



Finally, here is a picture that clearly demonstrates how Bethany feels about dresses. Even though she was cute she did everything she could to try not to look so... I don't think it worked!
Here's to hoping you are found with happiness and great joy during this last push of winter cold before spring rushes in! God Bless you all,
Dan

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A few pictures today

Hey all,

Just a few pictures of what is going on in our world lately.


Why am I looking at a picture of Dan in red shorts???? I had to post this to appease some of our friends that we met in China. This one is called Dan and the lucky reds... Darryl and Sharon, our travel partners and now friends were with us in the Chinese Wal-Mart. While we were there we noticed a lot of red underwear for sale. Apparently red under-garments are HOT during the Chinese New Year and thus there was quite a market for them. Since I pointed them out Darryl dubbed me Dan, "Lucky Red" Hay. I vowed to live up to my name and when I saw these gym shorts I just couldn't resist. ENJOY! Darryl, this one's for you brother!


The kids holding their PEZ dispensers from the Grimaldi's. They sent them to us along with some other gifts. So nice and what kid doesn't like spending 10 minutes loading those little candies to voraciously consume them from the dispenser in less than a minute?


Matthew's birthday party. Don't worry, everyone had a good time, REALLY! Grandpa decorated the cake in STAR WARS style.


Our good friend Cheri holding Bethany.


Bethany all gussied up to go to a shower that was held in her honor at our church. We are blessed to have so many folks that care for her and our family.
Matthew and Bethany hanging out on Matthew's sick day. He's been better and will finally get to go back to school tomorrow!
We were very excited to see Uncle Jim. The kids introduced him to the Wii!!
Toby and Uncle Jim box each other. (notice Trent in the background)
Toby takes out his uncle with a K.O.!!!!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

A pictureless blog...for now.

Hi!
Well, I have a few things to tell about, but I don't have the pictures to back them up - yet!

First off, Bethany and I were treated to a simply unbelievable "Welcome Home" shower last Saturday - complete with all kinds of treats, gifts and ladybug decorations galore! About 25 people showed up at our church to celebrate Bethany's arrival and "shower" us with love and goodies...clothes, accessories, and lots and lots of great books!! My dear friends Denise, Julie and Gina orchestrated the grand event, and Julie, who is a fabulous photographer, took all of the pictures. I haven't gotten them from her yet, but when I do, I will post some. So tune in! We continue to be blessed by so many and are yet again reminded of God's provision for our family.

Week 2 of being back to work went by quickly but smoothly. It is quite exhausting juggling 4 kids, work, and all of the extra stuff every family does with volunteering and activities...and then it was my birthday this week too...but I am just trying to take one day at a time and see what God has planned for each day. We aren't supposed to sleep much during our 30's anyways, right? Gina and Julie took me out for drinks and appetizers on my birthday after a school meeting, and Dan and I went to dinner on Friday night while our good friends Tim and Roxy played with and cared for the 4 kids.

On Friday Bethany started a gymnastics class, which she will do the next 6 weeks until her surgery. She has such a little gymnast body, and she has tons of energy and flexibility! She loved it and it was funny watching her...she wasn't the best at staying with the group, since she was so excited to try everything out, but the teacher said she listened very well for her first time in this setting. I will try to get a picture of her in her little leotard and shorts next week to post that as well.

This coming week Dan is gone a few days on business...please pray for safe travels, as he will be flying in one of those little commuter planes. YUCK! I am not happy about the arrangement but no one consulted with me on it. :) I have conferences for the 2 older boys this week but that's about it for excitement. Next Friday we'll head to Sioux Falls for a family shower for Bethany on Saturday. March is a busy month for us but we are all healthy and are thankful for all of the many blessings we experience by God's grace every day.

Thanks for checking in on us...drop us a note, please! Lots of love, Becky for the Hay family 6.