Story:The Busy Little Hobbes; by his mom

Hobbes is a little boy. He is very young. He cannot walk or crawl, but does his best to get around. He has several favorite things he likes to do- eat, sleep, play, and cuddle with mom and dad.
Each day, Hobbes tries something new. Sometimes it's a new vegetable, sometimes something he's found on the ground, and sometimes just whatever comes into his head. Most often he goes with the latter. This week, Hobbes decided to do something different every day.
The first day, he stood up in his car seat in the grocery cart while riding in the store with mom and dad- and he didn't even fall down!

The second day, he decided to try to be like his Grandpa Garfield and learn to play the drums-but most of the time he just liked to put them in his mouth.
The third day, Hobbes found an apple a piano student had given his mom-and he decided that he should have it, too. So, he did...yum!
The fourth day, Hobbes got tired of all the hullabaloo, and decided to take all his clothes off and 'air out.' So, once again, he did- but, mom caught him!
The fifth day, Hobbes was just about to take out mom's Subway sandwich and eat it while she was driving, but....he fell asleep.

THE END!!!

PS- This is an actual restaurant near Natchez, that Bray and I accidentally found a week ago- it's called 'Mammy's Cupboard.' Fun, eh? We love you all! Oh, and for those of you who are wondering, I'm not computer illiterate, we just had to get a different modem, so our internet is still 'on the way.' We'll let you know when it's actually up and functional.

INTERNET ON THE WAY!!!!!

Well, we SHOULD have our internet set up by Thursday of this week, cross your fingers, and then I shall be connected to the world once more. We are about to head back home, so this is just a quick update until our internet is set up. Things have been crazy as usual- but the new part of the crazy is that the weather has been strange and spontaneous.
One day it was perfectly sunny, I was inside with Hobbes, and all of a sudden I heard a pounding and thundering on the roof. I ran to the window, and saw HUGE pieces of hail pouring down, like thousands of mini golf balls that had escaped out of their cart.
It was insane! I wanted to run out in it, but was afraid of getting bruised on the head, so instead I went out after it had stopped and took the picture down below. It was after it had melted a bit, so it's not quite as big as it was....but it was nice to see the ground 'white' again!:)
The 2 pics of Hobbes in his sailor suit I just had to take because he was super-cute. Anyhow, we send in the video for the comp in New York this week, so pray for that, and that we would keep everything in perspective, and above all glorify God. We love you all! Hope to update you more at the end of this week!:)
By the way, for those of you who know me REALLY well, does the face at the top of this post look familiar of days gone by? Don't answer if you know.:)

Southern Beauty...

Hello everyone! Things have become insanely busy....or maybe, they just haven't stopped being busy.:) Anyhow, we are in the midst of the new semester, and with it has come several changes and exciting new things. We got our computer, and our in the middle of getting set up with bellsouth, so soooonnn I shall be online all the time!!! Also, for those of you who have tried to call me recently, I have had much cell phone troubles, and thus have been without a phone until hopefully tomorrow. So do not think me rude if I have not replied to a message.:)
Well I have started a new job at the school doing some secretarial/computer work up at what we call the 'White House.' The reason for this being that it actually is an old, beautiful, southern white house. I work from about 9-12 am, and then Bray begins teaching at about a quarter to 12, so Hobbes takes his nap and stays home. Because of the different scheduling, Bray's day starts later and goes later. It has been really great for me to have something structured in the day, and I am enjoying it so far. I will also be playing for the upcoming children's musical they have, so I am looking forward to the interaction with the kids, as well as warming up my skills on the ivories once more.:)
Bray has been steadily teaching, practicing, performing, driving the bus, you name it, he's doing it. On Friday his choir had a performance a few hours away, at which, I might add, they did amazingly well, so we drove there, got home late, then got up early to drive 3 hours to Cleveland, MS for the regional Metropolitan Opera competition. We brought Charity along to babysit, as I was playing. Bray won one of the 3 awards, and although we will not participate in the next level, did very well, and found out some good info for teachers for Bray, young artist programs,etc.. We have a Kurt Weill competition in February which we have to send a video in for, so that is our next focus on the opera side of things. Other than that, we are looking forward to visits from parents and relatives, and just keeping on top of everything. We miss you all as always, and shall keep you updated as often as possible!





for the pics:Bray & Archer throwing sticks in the river by the levy, Hobbes and I watching the water, and a beautiful reflection of a tree in the water. Down below, a pic of us one gorgeous Sunday morn, and Hobbes and Bray celebrating at the Met competition yesterday. Enjoy!

Pics from Shawna's wedding,Moscow, etc.

Shawna and I right before the wedding!
Shawna and Josh at the reception- cutting the cake...
Bray and I 'gettin' jiggy with it,' and then a crazy pic of me and my dad...
Isaac, Bray and Hobbes, being boys, and last but not least, my mom and Hobbes, saying goodbye at the airport.:(

Home again, home again...

Well, we're back. We had a fairly uneventful trip home, albeit that I was sick the night before, and was dragging my feet a bit on the way. It was hard to say goodbye to my parents, but we cheered ourselves with the hope of a visit from them sometime in March...hint hint!
Jordan picked us up from the airport, and then we went to Monroe for church and the annual pastor's conference. Unfortunately, Bray had to go back to work earlier than expected, and so I stayed the week at his parents' house.

Hobbes and I had lots of fun- playing with the cousins, going to Bethany's for lunch, visiting with the Wilsons (down for the conference) and playing matching outfits with Jaiken and Archer...see left. ( down below is what the back of their outfits say- Hobbes has frogs, Jaiken has snails)

















To the left is a pic of all of Wendy and Steve's kids....we haven't been altogether at the same time since the 2 babes were born. (Going left to right: Caleb, Bray, Matt, Remy, Jordan, Kajsa, Charity, Bethany, Hobbes, Archer, Jaiken)Needless to say, it has been a wonderful vacation, but we are ready to get home and back to the grindstone! Thanks to all who hosted us and entertained us in Moscow....it felt like going home. We miss you all, and look forward to future visits! God bless!

Happy new year!

Hello everyone...I hope you had a great new years...as I mentioned in my previous post, we were in Portland, Oregon with my extended family. It was a short but sweet visit- we spent some time with Hobbes' great-grandma, and 2 of his great aunts.
Although things have been crazy-busy, both Bray and I have greatly appreciated the time we have had with friends and family. As you can see from the pics, we went ice skating, played a hilarious board game called Quelf, had coffee, coffee, coffee...and did wedding stuff for one of my best friends, Shawna.
It will be a bittersweet parting on Saturday, as we head home- although we are looking forward to seeing Bray's family too. Moscow still feels the most like home to us- but it's good to experience new things. So if ever you want a taste of the South-give us a ring, and we'll put you up. Have a great new year, and we miss you all!
Here is a 4-generation picture for my side of the family, with my dad's mom...below is Hobbes experiencing Powell's bookstore ( one of the very be st in my opinion) with his grandparents.The lovely woman giving Hobbes his first lick of a candy cane is my Aunt Jill. Last but not least, is a pic with all of my siblings on New Year's. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

Ho,ho,ho.....here's our Santa Claus! As you can see, he is working on filling out his suit- and believe you me, that belt is already getting tighter.:) Well we are currently in Moscow with the Northern fam and all that beautiful sno...no, rain. Ahh life is humorous- the snow actually melted 3 days before we arrived. Christmas has been wonderful anyhow- we had a shortened church service this morning, then came home, opened presents and ate lots of food. As you can see down below, Hobbes was more fascinated by what was put outside the present rather than the present itself.

It has been awhile since I was able to write, so I will quickly give an overview of what's been going on. This month has been the month for parties,events, meetings, performances...you name it! We had the Christmas heritage ball in the south the 2nd week of December, and we all danced the night away- I even knew the lyrics to Dixieland! Bray's dad's side of the family came, so I was able to meet the rest of his cousins- and what a fun, yet crazy time it was!
Then there were several Christmas parties and meetings at the school, at which Bray and I performed, so we didn't see the Wilkins again till we had them all over (plus Bethany's parents) last Tuesday for dinner. Although they filled our house, we had a lovely time- and my 1st turkey was actually cooked all the way through!:) Now we are just enjoying being in Moscow, we have a few weddings we are involved with, and we will go to Portland, Oregon for a few days to see my aunts and Grandma.
Altogether this holiday has been one of enjoying each other and counting our blessings...even if we didn't end up arriving in Spokane until 4:30 in the morning on Christmas Eve.:) We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas day, and we shall be in touch!

the toothful wonder

Hello everyone-
I know it's been awhile...but things have been crazzyyy this holiday season, and so I won't really get to post until Christmas- when I'm in Moscow and near a computer. So just a few quick updates as I'm on the library computer right now.
As of yesterday Hobbes cut his first tooth through his gums! And at 5 months...not that that makes him amazing, but it's funny what you get excited about when you're a parent. He can sit up by himself now, and he's only got a few goose eggs- just kidding. Bray's choir boys have several performances within the next week, so we shall be busy with that. Also, the Wilkins and Bethany's parents are coming over next Tuesday to celebrate our early Christmas, and then it's on to Moscow! I shall be sure to post some pics when I get up there, and I will also be sending out a Happy Holidays(in other words late Christmas letter) as well. Till then, Merry Christmas, and God bless!

Bring on the Christmas spirits!:):):)

Merry Christmas to all....let the fun begin! Here is an 'artistic' picture of Bray's and my 2nd Christmas tree- and Hobbes' 1st!!! As viewed here, it is the second time we decorated it. Yes, I had the wonderful experience of the Christmas tree falling over after I had just added the last ornament- ahh- the joys of Christmas. No, after I had cleaned everything up and propped it against the window(Bray was at work) it was quite amusing.

Things have become a whirlwind- mostly an enjoyable one, but crazy nonetheless. This week I helped with the young homeschool kids music group, teaching them Christmas carols as they are planning a caroling outing. Bray's choir had a performance at the local Christmas tree lighting, and let me tell you, it was definitely a cultural experience! We had a small gospel style harmonizing vocal group perform as well, and the accents of the speakers were poured on pretty thick. I had to laugh inwardly at the fact that I was the only one there who was not grooving and mm-hmming everything said. No, I'm joking-I really did get into it, but it was humorous. After that, I was in charge with another lady of throwing a double baby shower for 2 wives of teachers at school. Although fun, it was quite a lot of work to make and decorate over 60 cookies by myself!
Yesterday, we came to Monroe to do the annual Wilkins' family Christmas tree decorating ceremony. They make tons of food, drink some 'special' drinks, and then everyone puts ornaments wherever they find a spot. Caleb even began putting 2 on the same branches...until the women stopped him. Altogether it was a fun evening....as you can see from the pic of Bethany and Remy after we brought the eggnog &rum out....ok, us too I guess.:)

Hobbes is doing well...he has helped me bake some things, mostly by making sure they aren't poisoned by being a gentleman and sucking on them first.... he tasted some of the Christmas alcoholic beverages, and has entertained us all immensely. I shall update more as the holiday festivities continue...but drive safe, and enjoy the season of Christ's birth!

Give Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving all! I hope your bellies are all overly full by now...I know mine is! Well, we have had a wonderful holiday week so far. As I mentioned in my last blog, Charity came and stayed with us for a few days before we all came back to the Wilkins' house for the feasting. We had a great time shopping, watching movies, and cooking up a storm. We came to Monroe yesterday, and the fun began.
Wendy(Bray's mom) had everything organized wonderfully, and so there was not a lot of pressure, but was rather a relaxed, enjoyable day. I know it's not over yet, but I am doubtful as to whether or not I can eat another bite.:) Hobbes unfortunately has a cold, and thus is not enjoying himself as much as the rest of us are...thus the reason for the pseudo-smile in the pic.
Bray and I took a walk today, as it has been beautiful if not somewhat warm down here. It was a good time for us to remember what the past year has brought- and how blessed we have been. There have been hard times in several areas lately, but we are constantly amazed at how consistent and perfect God's mercy, goodness and blessings are. We miss all our family and friends who are not with us, but as is fitting to the day- we are VERY thankful for you all! Love and prayers to you!
A pic of the table before the feasting began... and Bethany smiling for a Thanksgiving memory.:)

Home again, home again....

Hello everyone-
I hope you are all preparing yourselves for bundles of food this upcoming Thursday- I can't believe it is already Thanksgiving time! It seems like time keeps going faster and faster...they say that happens when you start getting older. I can remember when I was in elementary, and during summer break it seemed like time stopped. Things were always the same in the summer...I never really grew older, and Moscow didn't change. Oh well, enough nostalgia. Well after a wonderful 9 days in Moscow, I have returned home to my very thankful husband, and have been caught up in another whirlwind of fun and preparation for the upcoming holidays. I have dutifully been trying to get my Christmas shopping done, but every time I go out, it seems I think of more things that I need than anything else- isn't that terrible? However, slow and steady wins the race, so I am determined to get it done eventually.
This week, Bray's younger sister Charity has vacation, and so is going to come hang at our house, help me bake several pies, and then we shall all go back together on Wednesday to take part in the feasting festivities. I am looking forward to spending holiday time with family, and to just relaxing a bit before the Christmas onslaught. Well, good luck to you all, eat as much as possible, and enjoy these pics from random times and events. Love you!
Here is Hobbes in his Halloween costume-in case you couldn't tell.:) Above are our pumpkins we carved in a sort of 'artsy' picture. Below are the 3 crazy Wilkins' grandkids! Ohh, boys!:) (Jaiken is under the lionhead- it is very difficult to pose kids under 4 for pics)

Here is Hobbes with Daddy again...so glad to be home!:)

SURPRISE GRANDPA!!!

Well, as you may have guessed from the title, I am currently in Moscow, Idaho, visiting the fam, friends and old places we love. Bray and I decided a few months ago, that, since my dad hadn't been able to see Hobbes in several months, and Christmas was so far away, we would give him a special treat, and surprise him with a visit.
Although Bray had to 'bach' it due to the grindstone, he was very gracious in letting us come up for a week. In order to carry out the plan successfully, we told my oldest sister Carolyn(pictured with Hobbes and her new dog, Maggie), so that she could pick us up from the airport in Spokane. My mom knew as well, but was amazingly adept at keeping it a secret from my dad. Way to go, Mom!
We arrived Tuesday, November 8, and drove straight to Logos, keeping my mom updated on the estimated time of arrival, so she could be there for the fun. When we got there, we met my mom at the door, and went in to find my dad, only to learn he had driven off in the school truck to load some garbage and take it to the dumpster. We saw him driving back up to the gym, so we raced up there, and my mom went around the corner to meet him. She brought him back to where we were, and soon a puzzled but glad look came on his face as it registered that we were actually in Moscow. A joyous reunion followed, and then came surprising everyone else-namely siblings, friends,etc.
It has been a whirlwind time, and I have been enjoying it immensely, although I am missing my wonderful, hard-working husband terribly. As you can see from the pictures we've been playing hard. The one of my dad, little sister Kathryn and Hobbes all bundled up is right before we went to a pumpkin rugby game this morning. Pumpkin rugby is an annual tradition at NSA where, at the end of the rugby season, they have a game just for fun, and they substitute, yes, a pumpkin for the ball. It was very entertaining, and only a few people had bloody noses at the end.
We have also been doing some early Christmas shopping, played an insanely fun game of volleyball, and gone ice skating- see pic of me and Jordan below. The parents have been more than glad to keep Hobbes while I go on hiatus to see everyone, so it has all worked perfectly.



Besides that, the other news from home is that Bray made the finals for the San Francisco Merola program for the upcoming summer- pray that we get in! We should hear back whether or not it's a go before Thanksgiving. I hope you are enjoying life to the fullest, and that you are looking forward to the upcoming holidays. God bless!