winewilkinsandsong

2012.

2012-01-16T19:32:00.000-08:00

I realize I have not yet even posted Christmas pics (I put them on facebook, but not yet here!) but it is already the middle of January, and we are in the throes of a new quarter, a new year, and new busyness. Good things have already been happening, and we are trying to find more opportunities for Bray, and keep up with all the kiddos' daily activities. So here are some pics from our 'adventure' walk today-I was off of school, so we picked the kiddos up and headed for a walk on the levee in the warm, windy, cloudy 70 degree weather. We used to go on our 'adventure walks' all the time in Seattle, but have not had as much opportunity here. I am practicing different settings on my lovely camera, so bear with the craziness/filters, etc..

coming your way...

2011-12-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

my dear friend, Rachel Huber, who is also a fabulous cake maker, took pictures of us out at Kiroli Park last week for our Christmas cards. So although they may be more like New Year's cards since I am just sending them out, I thought I'd give you a preview! I have several other fun shots I'll probably post, but take this is as the Louisiana Wilkins giving yall a Merry Christmas!!

My name is hobbes

2011-12-21T21:16:00.000-08:00

Another singer in the fam??

2011-12-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

recording.

2011-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I have posted 2 videos of Bray below this post-we had an opportunity for an audition for something in California, and so we had to record 5 songs last week. It is always fun to play for Bray, but I just thought I'd share with the rest of you-some are not on facebook, and I know my Grandma always loves to hear him. "Johanna" is one of the first Broadway songs I ever heard Bray sing, and it has been a favorite of mine since I first heard him sing it. I hope you enjoy!

another recording...

2011-12-15T14:28:00.000-08:00

just because he's SO good.

2011-12-15T14:22:00.000-08:00

Messiah and Elves.

2011-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

With Bray after the Messiah performance last night!
My elf, all ready to dance.:)

The Tree decorating/advent PJs!

2011-12-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

Xmas Tap practice

2011-12-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving.

2011-12-05T19:35:00.000-08:00

I am thankful. Thankful to have too much musical work, thankful that our kids are in school, thankful for the upcoming musical opportunities for Bray, thankful for faithful family-without whom we could not be doing what we are in the music field-thankful for provisions every day. Thankful for 3 living great-grandmothers that our kids have all gotten to know, thankful that all 3 are faithful, godly women. Thankful that we can trust that God has our path in His hand, and we can trust Him to guide us where we need to be.

and as far as the talent goes...

2011-12-05T19:22:00.000-08:00

Isn't he handsome? I must admit, I am always a bit in awe of just how good-looking this man is. And he's my husband. And a singer. AND a good one at that. Alright, I will stop. But, let me just say, I am incredibly proud of Bray. We do have some big news as far as his career goes, and I am sorry I have not let you all in on it sooner. As you may or may not know, Bray quit his Grainger job this past summer to teach voice and audition/compete around the country to further his career/get more operatic work. This has been extremely difficult-trying to juggle travel, my 2 jobs, kiddos, school, teaching, and all the other crazy things in life. Bray has been so patient and hard-working and has been traveling quite a bit! So far he's made it into every competition/audition we've applied for-always a good sign! This past month, we sent in an application to HGOco-a branch of Houston Grand Opera that performs chamber operas and new works to premiere and perform around the Houston area-and this was for a new work called "The Bricklayer." They called and told him he had an audition 3 days later, so off he went, and according to them, was immediately ranked at the top of their list for the lyric tenor lead. They emailed him the following week, and offered him the role, so he shall be in Houston the month of March, and will be the lyric tenor lead! I am so excited for this opportunity-and am praying it will open many doors. The road to operatic success is experience on the resume. This next week he is singing all the tenor solos in the Messiah about a half hour from here, and tomorrow he heads to Fort Worth, TX for an audition with their company. So, he is a busy, talented, devoted husband and father, and we are so grateful for him!!

2 BIG things.

2011-12-05T19:06:00.000-08:00

Hello, all!

So sorry for the lack of updates-I realize it has been awhile. Things have not been slow around here-are they ever?-and we have been trying to keep up with all the upcoming events! I will try to briefly update you on what's been going on. First, the kiddos. As you can see from the above picture, Madeline decided a few weeks ago, that her hair was "in her eyes." I was at work, and had not done her hair that morning. So she, being the innovative, independent child she is, decided it would be a smart idea to just 'cut' the hair out of the way. When I came home and discovered the damage-which made it impossible to keep long, I immediately called my hairdresser friend, and we went in for a fix. I think it turned out adorable, and am hoping the cosmetology side of Madeline will stay dormant for awhile.:)
Hobbes, as you can see from the above picture, has even bigger news. About 2 years ago, if you remember, we had to have Hobbes 4 front teeth taken out due to cavities and a fall when he was 2, and they put a bridge in in Seattle. This was mainly for speech purposes, and served him well, but when we took him in for a checkup a few months ago, it had begun causing infection and was posing a risk to the permanent teeth that are coming in. We decided to take out the bridge, and have a few fillings put in, which, because of his traumatic history at the dentist, meant he had to be put under anesthesia and operated on. Although this was not a fun experience, he did MUCH better than 2 years ago, and has managed extremely well without. He is not self-conscious about his teeth, he just prays to God that "they'll come in in a minute." His speech has not really been affected, something we are very grateful for. So, even more than hairdressers, we are hoping we don't have to visit a dentist for more than a cleaning for the next several years!

someone loves to dance...

2011-11-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

waiting for her friend, Annabelle and her mom to pick her up...
so pretty.

Halloween!

2011-11-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

an evening at Kiroli Park...

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

fountains, fun and family.

2011-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

Hot Springs, AR

2011-10-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

"don't get lazy when things get crazy!"

2011-10-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hello, all! As you can tell by the date,things have been nonstop...or normal, for us. We have had exciting things happening and we have also settled into the routine of school for the kids. I finished up playing the role of Velma in Hairspray here at the Strauss Theater, and although I had a blast, I am glad to have my evenings open again! Audition/competition season is in full swing for Bray, which means lots of paperwork, mailing, singing and traveling! So far he has been accepted to all competitions we've applied for (which means he's made the semi-finals!) which is a huge encouragement considering these are some of the top competitions in the opera world!

Last week he flew to New York for a competition-and though he didn't make the finals-was heard by 12 judges, which can mean future work if they liked him! He was able to see some old friends and colleagues and get used to the city for his next visit, which he will take me along on!!

This weekend, he travels to Austin, TX for the semi-finals of the Bel Canto competition, and then he has a Fort Worth Opera audition in late November, early December. Most of these come up last minute, so it has been wonderful to have family nearby to help with the kids while I'm solo and working.

The kids have adjusted really well to school-both of them are eager to learn, and excited to tell me all their stories. Last week, while Bray was gone, Hobbes had his best week at school! He got to be door-holder all week, and was SO excited to be the big helper. As a reward, we had a Chuck E. Cheese night, and I don't know who had more fun-me or the kids!

As you can see from the picture above, I am now the happy owner of a Canon EOS 30D camera!! I am reading the manual and figuring out all the fun settings with this wonderful camera, and I am in heaven! I have to get an adapter to upload to our computer, so hopefully I will post pics from our trip to Hot Springs, AR (where Bray's voice teacher lives) and some from the show!

For now, I trust you are all doing well, and we miss you! Please keep us in your prayers over these next few crazy months!!

this is Madeline's 1st official school picture! Hobbes's has not come home yet, but I will post it as soon as it does!!

wow.

2011-09-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe this was 2 years ago?? How big they have gotten....it is my favorite time of year (FALL!) and I cannot wait to carve pumpkins with these 2 crazy monkeys...this was in our Seattle apartment-how much life changes! Have to love it.

evening excursion...

2011-09-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

school days...

2011-09-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

hard to wake up for school...
with my big kids!
handsome boy...
at her desk!

1st Day of School.

2011-08-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday marked a new era for us: school days! Hobbes and Madeline both began Preschool/Kindergarten at Geneva, the local classical school here. I cannot believe they are already old enough to be elementary kids-but I look forward to the challenges and fruit it will bring!!

back in the thick of things...

2011-08-23T12:20:00.000-07:00

we are back from the beach!! It was a wonderful, relaxing, SUNNY week-in which Hobbes conquered his fear of water!! and we all enjoyed each other's company. School started for me yesterday, Bray has his first coaching with a new teacher in Little Rock this weekend, and the kids begin Geneva Monday. Phew! But life is good, and who couldn't enjoy every day with these 2 crazy kids?
enjoying sand & sun.
My amazing hubby.

A smidge...

2011-08-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

well, need I say life is busy? Probably not, so let's just say-life is full. Kids have had Vacation Bible School at our church this week, and they are loving it! They can recite (or shout) their Bible verse, march to their songs, and love earning stickers for extra chores (wow!) at home. Tomorrow is their final day, and it's a 'splash' day, which with this 105+ heat is more than welcome! We head to Gulf Shores for the annual Wilkins' vacation next week, and both Bray and I have had concerts, church services and events lined up this whole month to perform for. School starts in just a few weeks, too, so kiddos are excited!!! So for now, here's a few pics from our daily adventures.

2011-07-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say something about the music-the 1st is a Josh Groban song, and when Bray and I got together, he had just become really famous. Everyone thought Bray's voice was very similar, and so we listened to him a lot together. (Of course, I think Bray's better...:))

The 2nd is a song by Zina Goldrich & Marcie Heisler, and 2 of our best friends sang it at our wedding. Last, we did a humorous tango for our wedding dance, so I thought it appropriate. It's cheesy, but fits us!!:)

the TRAIN.

2011-07-19T14:30:00.001-07:00

Hobbes LOVES my Dad's train. It is quite an amazing set, and my Dad has had it since he was a kid. Every time we go up to Moscow, that's the 1st thing Hobbes asks to play with. My Dad got the engine and lights working, and Hobbes could have just lived by the track.

Grandma time.

2011-07-19T14:22:00.001-07:00

The girls got to spend a lot of time with Ama, but their 2 favorite things were the ladies lunch at Bloom (fabulous new bistro in Moscow) and throwing pennies in the fountain at Farmer's Market. Ida was there, too, but she enjoyed watching from her bucket for now.:)

Da Babies.

2011-07-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful part of our trip was meeting the 3 newest additions to the family! 2 of my cousins have both had babies since we saw them last, and Kathryn and Mike added their newest in May, too. We had so much fun loving on all the little ones-they change so fast, they'll be busy movers next time we see them!Bray with Emma, Peter's firstborn.
Blue-eyed Ida, Kathryn and Mike's newest addition.
Isaac, my cousin Matt's youngest, enjoying some pool time.

Let them eat cake!

2011-07-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

and did they ever! As is always the case with a great vacation, we ate LOTS of good food. Above, the kids are waiting for Seth's 30th birthday cake to come out of the oven.
Amara, eating donuts from Uncle Bray.
Madeline enjoying her 2nd (or possibly 3rd!) piece of cake on the 4th.
Followed by generous helpings of Ama's homemade ice cream!!!

Fireworks.

2011-07-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Waterworks.

2011-07-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

Girls.

2011-07-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Madeline, with her cousins, Amara and Ida.

Fun, Sun and Family.

2011-06-14T06:09:00.000-07:00

Madeline and Grandmommy (Bray's Grandma) at the Pentecost Fish Fry.
2 grown-up beautiful children!

Grilling on a summer's eve.
Found this vintage game at a yard sale-they love it!
Rapunzel.

Tea party.

2011-06-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma! Pics...

2011-06-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

look who got home just in time for the last show-CHARITY!
oh boy...
the nasty pomade for the boys' hair..
fam after the show.
Bray and his #1 fan!

Bray and Megan!
Opening night with the star.

what we've been up to...

2011-05-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

As usual, our life is a freight train of busyness right now...we are in the middle of Oklahoma! performances, in which Bray plays Curly and I am the music director, so we've had many late nights and long days! It is going really well, though, and I took the kids to their 1st official performance of it (they've seen LOTS of rehearsals!) and they loved it! Hobbes had to wear his cowboy hat and 'handerchief' and he went backstage to 'Howdy pardner' it up in a deep voice with all the guys in the show. So, until it's over I won't be able to post much, but here's a few pics for your entertainment!

Handsome, grown-up boy.

2011-05-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Every so often, Bray and I will be looking at the kids, and one of us will say-"Wow! They're looking a lot older/they're looking different this week." This pic was one of those moments for me. This sweet, crazy, friendliest kid EVER is turning 6 in a few months. 6!! And I must say, it's been 6 of the best years of our lives. We love this enthusiastic, imaginative boy-and I must say, he is very handsome, just like his Daddy.

Madelineballet.AVI

2011-05-16T09:50:00.000-07:00

few more bday pics

2011-05-16T08:06:00.001-07:00

my good friend, Rachel Huber, who helped me with the cake, was kind enough to take pics at Madeline's party. These are just a few of them-they were all darling!!

OKLAHOMA.AVI

2011-05-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

Easter 2011

2011-04-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Love-love-love these kids!
Love this-Hobbes is always genuine!
Madeline and I in our Easter hats.
My 2 incredibly handsome men!
Chatting with Grandmommy (Bray's grandma!) after church.
ready to play badminton.
being busy.
the whole fam-unfortunately we took this after church, when both kids were ready to play with their new toys...
Caleb and Taylor.
Matt and Megan.

Madeline's birthday bash!

2011-04-26T05:30:00.000-07:00

Love this little girl's energy, exuberance, enthusiasm and desire to help others-she wants everyone to be happy! So glad you've been with us for 4 years Miss Madeline!
cute little 4 year-old. She was a perfect hostess, and did not have a bad attitude the whole time!
Playing under the table while I was decorating-when I look at this pic, I cannot believe how big they have gotten! They are truly our joy.
2 excited kids.
The party table-ready to go!
1st experiment with fondant, with a huge amount of help from my friend, Rachel Huber!
Apothecary jars, candy and Easter grass. So fun!
I had so much fun with all the Easter/bday decor!
Cousins Madeline and Laura Belle. On Bray's side of the fam (just his Mom's) there are 12 boy cousins and only 4 girls! Guess we need to add a few girls?
Hobbes and cousin Elias, who shares Madeline's bday. Hobbes loved Elias. He kept checking up on him.
Adding legs to Daddy's chalk bunny.
The Easter Egg Hunt!!
The crew. We had 15 kids altogether!

Easter-1 year ago.

2011-04-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's been exactly 1 year since we moved from Seattle? Boy, does time fly. Hope we can get as cute a picture of them in their Easter duds tomorrow! Happy Easter to yall!

Birthday Extravaganza!

2011-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

The cake-my first experience with fondant-with a HUGE amount of help/instruction from my good friend, Rachel Huber!
Kids, ready to party.

Due to Easter being tomorrow, I will not get all the party pics uploaded/blogged about till Monday or Tuesday, so here's a sneak peek! It was seriously the smoothest kid party I've ever been a part of! All the kids played well, nobody got hurt, and everyone went home happy-what more could I ask for?

4 years ago...

2011-04-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

...this sweet girl joined our family. She has been a constant joy and delight, and we are so thankful for her! So happy 4th birthday to our Madeline Lucy, our Lulu-we love you big girl!
She is so lucky to have a sweet, loving older brother.

Bach, Boots and Busyness!

2011-04-19T09:04:00.000-07:00

Hello all-

well spring 'madness' is truly upon us. I had forgotten just how crazy life gets when doing anything with a university, school, and of course, music. Bray and I have both been involved with a few things together, and although loads of fun, it makes it tricky with the kiddos. Last night we performed Bach's Cantata 140 under the baton of Bray's cousin-by-marriage, Jarrod Richey. It was his graduate conducting recital, and it was amazing! It was truly wonderful to be able to sing together in a choir again. Tonight we are starting rehearsals at the local theater here for Oklahoma! Bray is playing the role of Curly, and I am music directing, so the kiddos will be spending much more time at the theater than ever before! To add to all that, I have many recitals/finals to perform for at the university, and Bray is getting new audition rep. ready. This week is the busiest, too, not only because of Easter, but Madeline's 4th bday/bday party is Friday and Saturday! So I will post pics when we resurface, but for now, Happy Easter to you all!

pals.

2011-04-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

with both kids starting school next year, I know things will change quite a bit-new friends, playdates, etc., but I hope they stay as close as they are. I love how they love to play with each other-with our crazy lives, they've really only always had one another, and it has created quite a bond. So here's to my 2 favorite pals.

little artist.

2011-04-11T07:42:00.001-07:00

Madeline is definitely our artistic child-while Hobbes loves structure and building, she loves drawing....mostly from her imagination. She did these 2 'versions' this morning-in about 5 minutes! 2nd draft-birds were added.
Madeline drew this this morning...this was the first draft.

Before and After: Decor makeover.

2011-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

Kids' dresser as it was before.

After: fixed bottom drawer, new knobs from Hobby Lobby and new paint.

love.

guess whose party is coming up??

2011-04-05T06:04:00.000-07:00

her invitations...

my crazy, nearly-4-year-old.

enjoying the weather.

2011-04-05T05:56:00.000-07:00

we grilled out again last week, and Madeline 'decorated' their table, all on her own. She was so proud to show me the flowers she'd found and put as their centerpiece...makes me so proud!

2 happy, cute kids.

yum. LOVE this grill.

spring things.

2011-04-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

my new, wonderful apothecary jars.

wheatgrass: 5 days growth! It is now about 4 inches taller than that....and we've already given it 1 haircut!

Happy Birthday, Asa!

2011-03-31T08:29:00.001-07:00

Musical beginnings...

2011-03-31T08:29:00.000-07:00

Spring.

2011-03-27T13:54:00.001-07:00

Lucia di Lammermoor!

2011-03-27T13:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Wendy, Steve and I got to go see Bray perform with Opera Birmingham in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. It was incredible! All the principal roles were fantastic, and Susanna Phillips, the girl who played Lucia, has 1 of the best soprano voices I've ever heard! Altogether, an amazing show, and my wonderful in-laws all helped with the kids so I got to stay the whole weekend and have a day of shopping with Bray!! the cast!
With the 'villain,' sung by Corey McKern.
Bray's costumes.
the Mad-scene dress!!
at the after-party.

the lobby of the Wright Center.

Wendy and I before the performance!

where the opera was performed-Samford University, gorgeous campus!

My Madeline.

2011-03-14T21:21:00.001-07:00

In a little over a month, my baby girl is turning 4.....4!! I cannot believe it. She has always seemed much older than she is, but saying it is a completely different matter. I know it is not yet her birthday, but these 2 pics were taken last week, the one I took of her napping and the other a friend's daughter took while she was babysitting for me. If you will allow me to be just a bit sentimental for a moment, let me just say that this little girl lights up a room, is extremely tender-hearted, and loves life. She is a helpful, thoughtful sister, and is a constant encouragement to me. She loves to learn and is eager to share her knowledge with others. Madeline Lucy, we are SO thankful God gave you to us nearly 4 years ago, and we are so excited for the many years to come!!

Blessings abound.

2011-03-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

I must preface this post with a warning: I am going to, yet again, sing my husband's praises. You may get tired of hearing how talented he is, but I am constantly amazed and inspired by him. This weekend was no exception. As yall know, Bray is currently in rehearsals with Opera Birmingham for their upcoming production of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. Before he was asked to do this, though, we had sent in an application to the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and Bray had made the semi-finals on March 5th. Although he was allowed to go, he had a rehearsal the morning of the competition for 4 hours, and then he still had to drive 3.5- not a good prognosis/preparation day for an opera singer! Typically, before a performance/competition, singers rest, warm-up a lot, steam, etc., as they want their voices in top form. But, Bray rolled with the punches, and was ready to sing at his given time of 8:30 pm. Lo and behold, he was moved on to the finals the next day, and was chosen as the 3rd place winner and also received a scholarship to the AIMS program in Graz, Austria this summer!! I do not know if he will be able to go, but it was a huge honor and we are SO proud of him!!! Blessings indeed abound.

glimmers of hope.

2011-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

Bray has now been in Birmingham rehearsing for a week. With the constant and amazing help of my mother-in-law, Wendy Wilkins, we have more than survived the craze of no Daddy, 2 jobs and everyday life. Today I worked a full day teaching music at the Episcopal School, and was somewhat worn out when I got home. The kiddos were playing in their room, and when I went to go check on them, discovered Hobbes had 'just' begun building a road on their *cream* carpet out of hot pink Playdoh. Thankfully, we salvaged the carpet and reviewed the 'no Playdoh anywhere but the table' rule and went on with the day. I cleaned up the rest of the house while I listened to happy, but probably major-mess-goings-on sounds in their room. When I went to go check on them again, I walked into a spotless room. I mean, beds straightened, animals in their places, all toys put properly in their places, not just stuffed, room. I was literally speechless. We make them pick up all their messes, and they do a good job (with encouragement, most of the time!) but this is the first time it looks like Bray and I picked up the room when they did it all by themselves! As a parent, it's these little moments that assure us we're doing something right-and have amazing children!!!

Sweetest son.

2011-02-25T20:37:00.000-08:00

Hobbes is definitely his own person-and at times can be challenging for me to understand. He is a lot more like Bray-only says what he thinks is necessary (I know, I know, a quality that I should work on) can get lost for HOURS in something he's interested in, and has a creative, fun and wild imagination. But the quality I love the most is his sweetness- it can be a peck on the cheek, a hug around my legs (although it's getting closer to my waist-he's growing so fast!), 1 of his slow-spreading, face-lighting smiles, or just a simple, "Thanks SO MUCH, Mom!" Today, however, I noticed something that truly melted my heart-Madeline had gotten up when we were getting ready for work (around 6am) and had gone and fallen asleep again on our bed. Hobbes woke up around 6:45, and stumbled in to say good morning. But instead of asking for breakfast, he ran back to his room and came out with Madeline's special doll, Jenny (looks like an American Girl doll). He then ran over to Madeline, and laid Jenny next to her, under the covers. When I mentioned this to Bray, he said that whenever Hobbes wakes up before Madeline, he always brings her her favorite doll. It may seem silly, but I thought that was one of the sweetest, brotherly things to do. What a sweet guy-so blessed to call him my son!
In their new spring duds before church last Sunday. Such good pals.

Snippets

2011-02-19T19:52:00.000-08:00

crazy boy who loves to jump

our 1st real Mardi Gras parade!

Bray's 30th bday celebrations!

So I have full posts to do, but since Bray leaves in a week, we're pretty busy getting everything ready...so here are a few snippets for you-till I can fully post about them.

Bray.

2011-02-15T06:10:00.000-08:00

About a week ago, we were carrying on with life as normal-kids, work, eat, practice, play, coffee, etc., when Bray received an email. It was from the director of Opera Birmingham asking Bray if he would be interested/available to play the role of Normanno in Donizetti's opera, Lucia di Lammermoor. The production is set for the 3rd week of March, and rehearsals begin on February 28th. Bray competed and placed in the Opera Birmingham Competition last May, and they had remembered him. This seems to be the way it happens for us!:) However, with 2 kiddos and 3 jobs, it made it a bit trickier for Bray to leave for 3 weeks. But due to the grace of God, and giving, gracious family and employers, Bray is going to do it, and will still have a job when he comes back! My amazing in-laws will be helping out with the kiddos when I go to play at the University in the afternoons, so I know this will be a wonderful opportunity! It is Bray's true first 'debut' as an emerging professional, and with a good company. So thank yall for your prayers and words of encouragement and support-we still need them, and will keep yall updated! Pics will come as Bray gets into rehearsals and production!!

my funny valentine (s).

2011-02-15T06:06:00.000-08:00

kiddos, ready for their Valentine's breakfast!
deliveries ready!
cookies, made and ready to be delivered.

Happy early Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's official. We have some really cute kids.

Jungle kids!

2011-02-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

another indoor activity: the Jungle Gym. It's an indoor bouncy-castle/obstacle course/ball pit/playgrounhd/arcade from 30 years ago, that kids think is absolute heaven. I try to not think about the germs while there, but they had so much fun, and got out SO much energy, I think it was worth it. I thought this little coin slot-game was fun, though-it was only 25 cents, and they go around in a circle like a ferris wheel.:)

took this girl nearly 4 years to FINALLY go in a jumpy castle-and then she didn't want to get out!

Hobbes LOVED it.

taking a little rest with Tom & Jerry.

Easy-Bake.

2011-02-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

the weather has been terrible the past few weeks, so we've been trying to think of extra-fun indoor activities. I found a recipe online for homemade easy-bake oven cake, and the kiddos tried it out the other day. they had a blast, and it didn't even taste that bad!

Trudging right along.

2011-01-31T16:48:00.001-08:00

I realize my posts have not been as frequent lately-and it is not because of any exciting reason, really, rather just the norm: we are busy people. The New Year is in full swing, and we are trying to keep up with it. Although there are no major plans on the near horizon, we are definitely IN the music business! Bray has been applying to several competitions, and we have some lined up within driving distance (Tennessee, Arkansas, etc) in the next few months. He is also singing with the Monroe Symphony Choir, and has solos for some Ralph Vaughan Williams and other gorgeous music, so I am looking forward to hearing them in late February! We are hoping to have his 1st professional website up and running within the next few months as well, and we are looking to bigger auditions for the next year.

I am still teaching music at the Episcopal School around the corner, and am accompanying like a madwoman at the University here. I absolutely LOVE all the playing, but it is a struggle for us to keep up with 4 jobs, singing stuff and 2 crazy kids. However, this is what we do, and should it not work out, we both agree that being a garbage man is a very lucrative and in-demand position. (everybody has garbage!) In all seriousness, though, we are both extremely thankful for this opportunity to have a steady income, kids near family and time to breathe, plan and prepare for what God may have for us in the next few years. We do pray it will be in opera, and leave that in His hands.

The kiddos, on the other hand, seem to have inherited our love/need for busyness, and manage to keep us running while at home. Hobbes has a fun, creative imagination and continues to show us just HOW good he is at building Lego creations, train track mazes and pretty much anything that can be turned into an airplane, boat, car...we're thinking a career in engineering?:) I am working on capital letters and numbers with him, and he is getting better at writing (a big achievement for a texture/structure kid!) He cracks us up with his dramatic stories (everyday there's a new monster or storm coming to get us) and is still the 2nd sweetest guy I know.
Madeline is too quick for her own good, and is our little helper, and greatest playmate ever to her brother. She memorizes something after just hearing it once (she saw Beauty & the BEast finally, and a few hours later was singing the Gaston song with nearly all the lyrics) and likes to try out any new words she hears right away. (during the sermon yesterday, the pastor mentioned the devastation in Egypt, and Madeline turned to me and said, " oh my! the DEVASTATION, Mom!") She loves to dance, dress-up and cook, and loves to see others succeed. Without these 2 monkeys, our lives would be pretty boring, I must say!
Well, that's all for now-I need to go practice some Bernstein and put 2 kids to bed! Blessings and love to you all!

More from Amara's visit...

2011-01-31T06:04:00.000-08:00

Matching girls=double the fun!

we had tea parties...

and played dress-ups in our PJs...

we had movie/popcorn night...

and fun in the tub.

Altogether, the kiddos had a blast, and we can't wait till they're all together again!!!

love you Mara!

Scary Amara!

2011-01-25T18:51:00.000-08:00

Girls and phones-what more do you need?

2011-01-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

Guess who I have here?

2011-01-08T06:24:00.001-08:00

That's right, Amara and Naphtali!!! So, I have lots of pics and posts, but for now, we have to go have fun! Today we have a tea party planned for Amara and Madeline...so more to come!

Christmas Day!

2010-12-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

All the kiddos with their huge stockings from Gege, ready to dig in!

Matt and Megan!!

Self-portrait of me and the hubby.

no words.

sooo excited.

oh man. he got a Bama snuggie.

Opening the pictures of all her kids and grandkids.:)

Me and Charitay, with the new hats.

Hobbes, riding his new scooter!

showing Grandmommy her new fave presents: her doll and dog.

the table!

Megan's darling cupcakes.

Christmas Eve at our house.

2010-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

2 cutest kids.

Pretty girl in red.

Talking to baby Tallis.

the table...I was busy getting stuff, so I neglected to take pics of all our fun decor, drinks etc. So this is just a snippet!

Christmas morning, by ourselves.

2010-12-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

Stockings!

crazy stocking.

awake, and ready to open!

SO excited.

Wondergirl!

Wondergirl, dancing with her new dog, Hunley.

Keeping me at bay with the nerf gun...

Cranberry-upside down Coffee cake! A new, delicious tradition.

Days before Christmas...

2010-12-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

Icing train cookies...

being silly with balloons.

chilling at a coffee date.

and being silly at a coffee date.

Watching Daddy warm up for the Santa Bowl-an Auburn Avenue tradition...

Pep talk before the Santa Bowl...

Hanging out at the Santa Bowl-before it started to POUR, and we had to leave.

Pepparakakkar...or Swedish gingerbread. A tradition from my mother.

Cutest kids I know.

2010-12-21T16:21:00.000-08:00

Charity's graduation!!

2010-12-21T16:18:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Charity, who graduated from Delta Community College, and is now off to do an internship at DisneyWorld!! We will miss you!!!

Divinity!!

2010-12-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

This is 1 of my very favorite candies that I first tasted with my good friend, Shawna Casebolt when I was in elementary. Since then, I have tried and failed at making it, but last year, I made it with her and her mom, and discovered what I was doing wrong. So this year was my 1st solo attempt, and it turned out great! You can see the (backwards) evolution of the candy-making process. So thanks Shawna!!!

Ballet!!

2010-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

Ready to go to her 1st ballet-Christmas in Neverland! It was SO much fun.

Enthralled.

Lovely little girl, all dressed up in her Scottish kilt from Aunt Carolyn!

Christmas Fun!

2010-12-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

The long awaited couch...

2010-12-13T06:41:00.001-08:00

After 6 and a half years of marriage, we have finally purchased our 1st piece of brand-new furniture...a lovely leather couch! So now all we need is lots of visitors to come and test it out...I warn you, it's quite comfy!

O Christmas Tree..

2010-12-13T06:33:00.001-08:00

Showing off his handiwork.

helping Madeline with where to put the ornaments...he's good with spacial relationships!

the finished product.

fun and funky-just like us.:)

My monkeys.

2010-12-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Growing up.:)

2010-12-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hello all-

Just a quick update, and exciting news...we are getting internet at our apt. as of 8:00 pm tonight!!! So yes, I will be reconnected to the worldwide web on a daily basis, will be much easier to get ahold of, and will have much more frequent pictures and posts. I may even have Skype soon! Although life is the usual massive whirlwind here, God has blessed us greatly, and we have been able to get things for the first time in our 6 and a half years of marriage! On Black Friday, Bray and I (with the help of our sister-in-law, Megan) stayed out all night to get an amazing deal on a brand new desktop! And about 3 weeks ago, we purchased our first brand-new piece of furniture- a gorgeous leather couch! I will post pics of all in the upcoming days, but also wanted to let you know that Bray made it into the semi-finals of 2 competitions: The Metropolitan Opera Districts in Little Rock, Arkansas, and the Mary Jacob Smith competition in Shreveport, LA. Those are both in mid-January, so we will be prepping over Christmas!

Alright, that's all for now-I have many pictures of 2 cute children to post, so look forward to my internet connection!! Miss yall!

more decor

2010-11-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

Several months ago, before we even found our apartment, Wendy and I were driving along and saw a rather shabby, but still workable dining room-style chair by the side of the road. Around here, you put something out on your curb, and it is usually picked up by someone within a few hours. (that's what I call recycling!) I thought I could paint/recover it as an extra chair in the living room, and I finally got around to it this week (just in time for my parents to come visit!). I of course forgot to take a before picture, but suffice it to say that it was scratched reddish-brown, had a gold/red/brown cushion and the legs were off-kilter! Bray did a fabulous job evening out the legs and sanding it down and then I painted it and recovered the cushion with this IKEA fabric! Isn't it cute? I'm very happy with our 'free' chair!!

decor.

2010-11-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Love this window.

Hawaii!!! (pt.2)

2010-11-17T08:41:00.000-08:00

once again, start from bottom to top. leaving Hawaii. hard to do.

our last Hawaiian shot!

view from around 1000 ft.

sidewalk at our hotel lobby-had the islands on it.

ohhhh the coffee.

our hotel pool.

yes. we take lots of silly pictures. but we have fun.:)

Our last night, we went for a gorgeous dinner! so fun.

Run, Forrest, run!

Bray, trying to look like he's holding the hotel...

view of our hotel

Donkey balls are macadamia nuts, covered in chocolate, espresso powder, etc., and they were amazing!

All the lava rock made for fabulous waves!

there were some beautiful old churches there!

the pit (or coffee bean) of the cherries, is laid out to dry in the sun before it is sent off to be roasted!

the workers, drying the beans in the sun

at the coffee farm (I think we both had about 36oz. of coffee that day!!)

Hawaii!!!! (pt.1)

2010-11-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

I of course put these in backwards, so start at the bottom and go up....this is just the first part of the pics! we had a fabulous time, and we thoroughly enjoyed our 1st official 'gig' together!

coffee cherries!

picking the cherries...

Bray, copying me, and trying to show his muscles at the same time...

dragon fruit. old Kona village.

view of Kona-Kauai

old mansion across the street from the 1st Christian church.

1st Christian church in Kona, also where we went on Sunday.

LOVE the flowers.

post concert celebration...food.

after the concert!! it went fabulous!

my silly tenor.

having fun before the concert...

getting ready for the concert in the fabulous locker room at the 4 Seasons country clubhouse...

view from the 4 Seasons.

the concert area.

Momotha-our friend the giant goldfish, outside our hotel room.

the lava crabs (don't know their official name) that were out every morning, and scuttled sideways.

absolutely breathtaking.

when in Kona, drink Kona coffee-which we did, everyday, all day. mmmm...

view from our hotel room.

Madeline, Calvin and Hobbes.

2010-11-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Ever since we picked Hobbes' name out, I have thought it would be cute to have him dress up as Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes (not where we originated the name from, but still...) and then when Madeline was born (and yes, her name is from the story) I thought it would be even cuter if we dressed them up as the cartoons the same year. So this year, we finally did it-I ended up ordering Madeline's outfit from ebay, but made Hobbes. Walmart was unfortunately out of yellow hairspray, so we tried finger paint (which sort of worked) but other than that, they looked really cute! Calvin and his tiger, Hobbes, that was given to him as a baby.

' the smallest one was Madeline.'

SO cute.

and even in character!

Punkin' Patch!

2010-10-29T18:38:00.001-07:00

happy kids.

2010-10-29T18:31:00.000-07:00

for Great-Grandma Garfield.

2010-10-29T18:27:00.001-07:00

My Grandmother is a fabulous seamstress (a trait that unfortunately, did not pass down) and she made all her grandkids Pooh stuffed animals when we were babies. She kept this tradition going with Hobbes, her 1st great-grandchild, when he was a baby. I took these pictures yesterday, just to show her how much we all love them-and more importantly, her! We miss you, Grandma!

kajhall 037

2010-10-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

The hubby and I.

2010-10-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Pretty Girl.

2010-10-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken by Jennifer Lizenby (jenniferlizenbyohoto.com), at a friend's tea party. I thought they were darling!
and below, my dancing girl. ALWAYS loves to dance!

Love this little girl.

Creative boy.

2010-10-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Bray showed Hobbes how to make animals out of legos-and he has been making whole farms of animals!!
My skilled little engineer.
He also combines his Thomas Trains with Lincoln Logs, and created a hold-up situation.

Evening walk.

2010-10-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

Hobbes, pretending to fall down the hill, and Madeline rescuing him.
gorgeous sunset.
2 men in my life.

Who couldn't love these faces?? They are so sweet-and sweet to each other, too!

mommy ballerina.

2010-09-23T09:19:00.000-07:00

family outing-finally!

2010-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

I realize it has been some time since I gave an update, and I do have good reasons for being behind! Life has been the usual whirlwind, and we are minus a computer right now, so it is hard to keep up with all the online things! Monroe has been treating us well (besides the ridiculously hot temperatures) and we are adjusting to life here. We love our apartment, and the kids adore being near cousins and Gege & Bop. It is so great to have family nearby, and they have helped us out a lot!
Bray is working a part-time job at Grainger, and has been doing great! Although totally different from what he's done in the past, he has learned some helpful things, such as unplugging the TV, lamps, etc, can save big-time on the electricity bill! who knew? He is also teaching voice to several people, and is working on some new audition rep. for upcoming competitions.
I have been able to get involved in the music world again as well, and got a job with an episcopal school right around the corner from us, teaching music to Pre-K3-5th graders, and a middle school choir. I am also accompanying for the university here, and am loving it! Although challenging, it is great to be able to work in the field I got my degree in! Bray has been a huge help, and I love that we have a piano at our home where we can work on things together!
The kiddos are growing fast, and I am homeschooling them this year, and hope to put them in a private school next year. Madeline is a puzzle whiz, while Hobbes has recently taken to making spaceships, airplanes and cars out of legos. They are our constant enjoyment and entertainment, and life would definitely be dull without them!
Due to the busyness of the summer, we were unable to go on as many family 'adventures' as we usually do, so we finally got an ice cream night in and I caught a few pics. Hope you enjoy, and we miss you all!!