The Hess Family: May 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

wind in my hair

I started exercising seriously again this week. It has been WONDEFUL! I'm in a contest with a couple friends to see who can lose 10 lbs first. It's a slow go, but I'm doing my best. I've been logging my calories, walking, aerobic dancing, weight lifting and RUNNING! Ok, so I've only run one day so far, but it was FABULOUS! I forgot how much I love the wind in my hair, on a date alone with my ipod. It was a great short escape. I can't wait to do it again Saturday.

darlings

Father and Sons Campout

I think Warren was very brave to taken on 3 boys at the Father and Sons campout. Especially when you have fishing in the plans and when one of your boys is named Jake- or JT (Jake the Terrorist). But Warren was awesome. They fished and played and camped and had a ball. He even took in all the other little boys who also wanted to fish. It was quite the production. They caught somewhere around 17 fish!
Unfortunately, Warren got a migraine at 1am and couldn't sleep all night. So at 6am he finally woke up the boys and packed up to come home. They were all crying their eyes out in the car in their pajamas. They had been looking forward to another day of fishing and fun. Warren came home and crashed until about noon.

Relay for Life- Girls Night Out

A night out with just me and my girls.

These are bags Cassidy decorated for the luminaria ceremony. One for Grandpa Duck who is currently battling cancer and one for my friend, Briana Stephen, who was finally relieved from her fight about a week before the relay. We will miss her, but are glad she is out of pain and suffering now.

We saw a bag with my good friend, Toni Carl's, name on it as well. She is a cancer survivor.

Cass was happy to have a little icecream treat at 10:30pm when we got home from the event.

Our team is the Sole Sisters. This is such a great annual tradition.

While the boys were at the Father and Sons campout- we had our own fun at the Cancer Relay for Life. We didn't stay the full night, but we made it out for a few hours. It is such an amazing thing to see everyone rallying together to raise money to find a cure. It always brings tears to my eyes during the candle luminary ceremony. The other kicker for me seeing the survivors walk the track in their purple shirts. I'm so grateful for the methods we do have for treating cancer. It's a joy to see those strong people who have battled and won.

soccer parties

This end of season soccer party was my style. A potluck dinner at the park. The other 2 parties were at restaurants and so hectic I didn't even get pictures. It was a great season! Thanks to Eduardo, Mike, Mike, Josh and Steven for all their hard work. We've been so blessed to have great coaches.

painting

The kids have been really into painting lately. I love crayola and their washable products!

Muffins with Mom

In celebration of Mother's day, Luke's school held "Muffins with Mom" day. The teachers made a cute slide show videos of pictures of the kids throughout the year. Then the kids did a singing performance, ate muffins and presented us each with a gift: a cast of their cute little hand. Luke was so darling. I really am going to miss hanging out with him when he goes off to Kindergarten in a few months.

playdough date with jake

Jakey and I have been having some fun playdough dates lately. Usually while Luke is at preschool and Hallie is sleeping. His favorite thing to do is make snakes. :)

Monday, May 9, 2011

Lego Date with Luke

During Jake's nap today, Luke and I had a fun time. Before dressing Hallie up for the photo shoot, we had ourselves a lego making date at the kitchen table. I've been trying really hard to say "yes" to my kids more often when they invite me to do an activity with them- even when I'd much rather take a nap or read a book, clean, etc. So when Luke asked me to come play legos with him, I knew I couldn't refuse. He is such a fun date. He is so excited about anything I make. It is so fun to be amazing to somebody! I know it won't last long. Pretty soon I'll be the one begging for the dates. Hopefully if I make the effort to take the time now, he'll take the time later when he feels he has better things to do. Love you, Lukey boy!

tutu a la shelley

I love this tutu Shelley made for Hallie. Luke- our family wardrobe consultant- is beaming!

Jake the polygamist

Jake's marriage plans are to marry Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck. Watch out Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck! You have some feisty competition!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

balancing act

uber updates

I am so behind on my posts, you'll have to click on "older posts" twice to catch all new stuff. Sorry about all the strange spaces between pictures. I couldn't get the format quite right. After hours of messing with it- I've decided not to worry about it. Enjoy the uber updates!!

totally fab mother's day!

I am so lucky to be these kids' mother! They are too fun. Warren and the kiddos have spoiled me rotten. Yesterday they showed up with flowers and chocolate. Today I awoke to lots of notes and hugs. Then after church Warren made me a great lunch: omelets, bacon and hashbrowns. Then this afternoon he spent time with the kids, showing them his old baseball cards and pictures of us from college. Then he busted out the "volcano" BBQ that my dad gave him. We didn't have the right attachment for the propane we were going to use, so Warren used our George Forman grill instead. He cooked up some steak, rice and salad for dinner. It was a delicious day, filled with love from my family!! I have the best husband and the best kids.

I also need to put a little plug in for my own mother and grandmothers. Without whom I wouldn't be here today and wouldn't be the person I am. I am so grateful for them in my life. They have been inspiring leaders and nurtures. I also want to tell my mother-in-law, sisters and sisters-in-law that I am so grateful for them. They may not be my mother- but they have loved and cared for me in so many ways that a mother would. Happy Mothers' Day to all you wonderful mothers out there!!

smiles

Storybook play

Luke's preschool put on some story book plays: Jack in the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Billy Goats Gruff. Luke was in the latter, playing the baby billy goat. He got to walk across the troll bridge- which was very exciting! :) He did a great job. I love his preschool! The kids even helped make their own sets. They did a darling job.

Hallie's baby blessing

I prayed and prayed that Hallie wouldn't cry when Grandpa Duck and Pops tried to hold her. She can be such a colicky little thing. But she was a champ! We got some great pictures.

We spent the weekend going to the kids soccer games and eating. On Sunday we blessed Hallie, had a feast for lunch and followed it up with a family testimony meeting. It was so neat to be with our loved ones! We get lonely for our family out here in TX. It was wonderful to have them here for a long weekend!