tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-204588102024-03-12T21:38:07.766-07:00hobbsandbeanmaggie, calvin, hallie + keelah...stuff about thembeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-52283476619645660862011-05-19T21:34:00.000-07:002011-05-20T01:10:15.205-07:00has everybody picked a moving buddy?Okay. It's kind of completely not finished at the new place, but I'm moving anyway. No more blogspot in my name! Please join me at <a href="http://hobbsandbean.com">www.hobbsandbean.com</a>.<div><br /></div><div>If you are one of the seventy-seven people subscribed to hobbsandbean, please <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/hobbsandbean">update your feed</a>. But seriously, seventy-seven? There is no way that is right. I counted up everyone I could think of and I got six. I think feedburner is broken. And to be completely honest, I *think* you have to update your feed, but I'm not sure. I don't understand any of that stuff and the ever brilliant <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tohuvabohu.org">skh</a> did it all for me. I just know that that really is the right feed. Cause he said so.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you come on over to the new fancy site, you'll get to finally see my six-day-late weigh-in! I know you've been waiting for that. I've also got some completed (yes, that's right, completed) crafty things to show off. But that won't be till tomorrow. Or sometime in November.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kthxbai.</div><div><br /></div><div>NB: I lost the comments on my last few posts when we moved...please note the importance of having a good moving buddy. Sorry about that!</div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-74994317674084149202011-05-07T23:17:00.000-07:002011-05-07T23:28:10.364-07:00160.5 and other pinteresting newsSo, I know I said I'd be updating at the end of the two weeks, but I think the added <s>pressure</s> accountability will help me keep moving along. Besides, the original plan was for me to have a weekly weigh in until I get wherever it is I'm going. I lost three pounds the first week, and I'm very thankful and pleased. The first couple of days were brutal, but I think I'm decently adjusted to the plan at this point. I do really like the structure and am finding that I'm thinking about food a whole lot less than I was, which is a very good thing.<br /><br />In unrelated news, I am loving <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a>. It's great. You can find me <a href="http://pinterest.com/hobbsandbean/">here</a>. Pin awesome things for me to admire. <a href="http://tohuvabohu.org">skh</a> and I were talking about ladies and social interaction and have noticed that just like in real life, it's generally better for us feminas to have something to do while we chat. Keeps our hands busy and our mouths less likely to go places it shouldn't. <a href="https://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a> totally wins in this respect for social media for me, but it's quite yarn specific and Pinterest is doing pretty well in my book. It might be a horrible idea if you struggle with envy, but I love having a place to visually file all the little bits and bobs floating around in my "someday/maybe" list and my bookmarks. And there are lots of people there with really great collections of beautiful things to peruse and be inspired by.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-90741471126296713602011-04-30T22:58:00.000-07:002011-04-30T23:01:39.423-07:00easter happenedAnd I have pictures.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157626542828320/with/5674907382/" title="the winner by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5674907382_4512c4465f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="the winner"></a><br /><br />Click on that picture to see a bunch more.<br /><br />Kit's shrug didn't make it in time. It did get done, but not for Easter. She was very sad. And cold. <br /><br />Not really. Here she is modeling her shrug later.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5674375213/" title="kit modeling by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5674375213_49d2cc363a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="kit modeling"></a><br /><br />Aren't you impressed that I got an American Girl doll to stand in the grass by herself? I was. Calvin was watching and laughed hysterically every time she fell over.<br /><br />I also didn't get any hair things done for the girls, and both of the men's ties didn't get made either. Oh well. Who cares about things like that when this is your pack of kids?!?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157626542828320/with/5674907382/" title="yes, there is spitting going on here by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5674906462_9b9e0015cd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="yes, there is spitting going on here"></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-40249343682374889012011-04-30T21:52:00.000-07:002011-04-30T23:16:04.937-07:00163.5There, I said it.<br /><br />Okay, for any of you who are here for cute children, here you go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157626593218400/with/5674814372/" title="such a cute hat by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5674814372_e9e463b2fc.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="such a cute hat" /></a><br /><br />Now go ahead and skip this post. Not about cute children. Sort of maybe caused by some of the cute children, but not about them.<br /><br />I weigh one hundred, sixty-three and a half pounds and it's time to do something about it.<br /><br />Okay, this is where I typed a bunch of disclaimers. And then I deleted them. And then typed them again. Including this picture of my husband who still registers in some "overweight" categories based on his height.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5674276585/" title="skh at shepherd's conference 2008 by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5674276585_ceca86c17e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="skh at shepherd's conference 2008" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.lukasvandyke.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>by Lukas VanDyke</i></span></a><br /><br />Not exactly overweight.<br /><br />Then I deleted them again. I'm leaving them deleted. Just go with that's how much I weigh and for me to be in good physical shape to give myself to my family effectively, I need to lose some weight.<br /><br />I'm not sure how much I need to lose. I'm thinking somewhere between 20 and 30 pounds. And for those wondering, no, I am not basing this on my pre-baby athletic self. I am, however, basing this on my pre-two-rounds-of-hyperemesis self, so it still may not be realistic. I guess we'll see.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Step One.<br /></span><br />Two weeks of relatively intense (for me) focus on getting rolling down the weight loss hill. I'm bodybugging, staying active and (again, for me) on a tight food plan. A smoothie for breakfast, a Lean Cuisine for lunch and dinner and approved snacks up to 1500 calories. I'm hoping to lose four pounds in these two weeks, putting me under 160. Then I will blog the results, reevaluate with my very wise husband and go from there. Oh, and I do get one freebie meal per week. Sadly, I started this yesterday and used my weekly freebie yesterday on my date night with skh. But today I was very good. And my freebie was yummy. Olive Garden.<br /><br />Alright, there it is. My extremely silly post about how much I weigh. Thanks for reading! Feel free to encourage or kick me if I need it.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-11461763877723666532011-04-20T18:10:00.001-07:002011-04-20T22:42:15.388-07:00easter sweatshop<a href="http://www.feminagirls.com/2011/04/14/easter-is-coming-guest-post-blog-party-invite/">Femina</a> (love it over there) is hosting a little Easter blog party, and check it out...I'm participating! This will make four entire posts for this year. Maybe this will develop into a pattern! Maybe not.<br /><br />Speaking of patterns, oddly enough I have actually blogged two other Easter related posts in previous years. Any sort of pattern on a blog that gets updated twice a year is strange, really. Remember <a href="http://hobbsandbean.blogspot.com/2007/04/enjoying-happy-easter-process.html">tiny(ish) Calvin who hated his tie</a>? And <a href="http://hobbsandbean.blogspot.com/2010/04/easter-kids.html">last year's skirts</a>?<br /><br />Anyway, my original Easter blogging plan was to post pictures of the creations once they were finished, but this blog party sounded like fun, so here I am, taking a break from endless knitting to give a few shots of the WIPs ("works in progress" for you non-Ravelry-ers).<br /><br />First up, THE DRESSES. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5639450590/" title="dresses by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5639450590_3fd982e38c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="dresses"></a><br /><br />You may wonder how, exactly, it is that all the dresses are actually completed sewing-wise. It is not 2am on Easter morning, you know. Well, for some reason I thought Easter was at the end of March...no idea why, but I'm glad I did, cause this is the first sewing project I've ever had done really early. I likey. But that had it's own drawbacks...it allowed time for me to decide they needed embroidery. And then decide that the Target sweaters I bought weren't nearly as cute as hand knit shrugs. And of course we need a matching tie for Cal. And matching hair things. And so it goes.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(Quick question about the dresses...please weigh in on this vastly important matter. Have I crossed the cute matching line into embarrassing territory? It's cute to me, but is this weird mommy behavior? Hey, I should figure out how to add a poll or something. Back to the post now.)</span><br /><br /><br />Here is Cal's tie. And the girls' hair things.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5639452232/" title="tie + hair things by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5639452232_966a192678.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="tie + hair things"></a><br /><br />Just a little left to do there.<br /><br /><br />And the shrugs? Here's Keelah modeling hers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5639448278/" title="teepee torture by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/5639448278_3dc391b4c4.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="teepee torture"></a><br /><br />And yes, that's probably dangerous.<br /><br />For any interested parties, the pattern for the dresses can be found and purchased <a href="http://www.thehandmadedress.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54">here</a> (proceeds go to the designer's family's adoption!), the shrug pattern is <a href="http://hyenacart.com/DaKineKnits/st/3514/50983/Something-Beautiful-Shrug-Pattern">here</a> (or on Ravelry - Something Beautiful Shrug) and the tie pattern is over <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/little-boys-tie/">here</a>. And big thanks to Ginger and Sage for teaching Maggie and I how to embroider. Every single time I start embroidering I can hear Mr. Bingley saying "You all paint tables, and play the piano, and embroider cushions! I never heard of lady but people say she is accomplished." It makes me laugh. If I turned these dresses into cushions, I'd be accomplished now. <br /><br />One last thing. Just so you know that I do have the ability to say no, when I stumbled upon these last night, I decided to save them for next year instead of staying up all hours of the night to make fifty gazillion of them for Easter baskets. <br /><br /><a href="http://mochimochiland.com/2011/04/free-pattern-tiny-baby-bunnies/" title="Tiny Baby Bunnies by Mochimochi Land, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5539413061_d9a7fa963c.jpg" width="500" height="351" alt="Tiny Baby Bunnies"></a><br /><br />Besides, they totally would have ended up in Hallie's mouth. <br /><br /><br />Alright, thanks for stopping by! See you after Easter!beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-90975691487220773722011-04-15T22:31:00.000-07:002011-04-15T22:36:28.073-07:00chicken feetYep, chicken feet.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5623529058/" title="Chicken feet. by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5142/5623529058_3e5a55d06b_o.jpg" width="600" height="600" alt="Chicken feet."></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-80706134426639059472011-03-28T22:30:00.000-07:002011-03-28T22:39:34.437-07:00first braids, first bike and...i'm out of alliteration<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157626252636837/with/5570012491/" title="perfect model by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5021/5570012491_9347da031c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="perfect model" /></a><br /><br />Not amazing, but it's something. Three box braids to be precise.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5557826752/" title="ready for the road by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5557826752_c82eb1395a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="ready for the road" /></a><br /><br />Mr. Brian brought over his motorcycle and let Cal sit on it. Later that week Mr. Brian let Cal play with his sword from the Marines. Calvin thinks Mr. Brian is just a little awesome.<br /><br /><br /><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21171568?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=ffffff" width="480" height="270" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br />Hallie accessorized herself. We don't normally keep ear-warmers on our kids when they are inside.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-36754174296863820282011-01-18T23:41:00.001-08:002011-01-19T00:36:59.913-08:00somethingskh says I need to get over how many things I'm not blogging and just post something. So here is something. Two somethings, actually.<br /><br />Hallie is potty trained. Mostly. Yay! I took a couple of pictures of the trainee.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157625858266466/" title="cheesy smile by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5369528164_3f874235bf_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="cheesy smile" /></a><br /><br />By the way, on a mothering note...it adds an exciting and mind-challenging twist to potty training when your subject doesn't speak any recognizable language. The listed definitions for "Mo' mo' mo'" in the Hallie dictionary are getting out of control, and this presents a problem when one of meanings is a very urgent "I need to be put on the potty NOW, immediately, post haste, hurry hurry hurry, can't go fast enough". We're working very diligently on "peeeeeeepeeeeeee" as her next word, but so far it sounds a lot like "Boppa". <br /><br />Potty princess has a pretty cute little sister. Keekster freakster is 5 months old. Actually, she's almost 6 months old, but we'll pretend that's not true.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157625858384982/with/5369648058/" title="smiling by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5170/5369648058_377c13faf8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="smiling" /></a><br /><br /><br />You know, every time I post something, I think about how much I enjoy blogging. I really do. Too bad that I can't keep any thoughts in my head for longer than 3 minutes.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-53220962526160613222010-10-06T00:27:00.000-07:002010-10-06T00:32:54.303-07:00i can't wait any longerWe're not ready to really post anything yet, but I can't stop myself from putting this picture up before I go to bed. She's just too cute. Love her so much my head might pop off.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/5039787973/" title="it's a smile! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5039787973_d70a909913_z.jpg" width="600" height="402" alt="it's a smile!" /></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-53254394700262360772010-05-08T00:21:00.001-07:002010-05-08T00:30:10.440-07:00the costs we've been cuttingI'm not sure how I haven't posted this yet, but here's a little something that's been keeping us busy around here.<br /><br /><a href="http://127adoptions.org/" title="127 postcard by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3328/4583397194_246cb343c7.jpg" width="324" height="500" alt="127 postcard" /></a><br /><br />The fundraiser is next Saturday, May 15th, and I was just saying that I've begun feeling exactly like I did at the end of Calvin's pregnancy. I really, really, really just want to have this baby. Even if it's an ugly baby. <br /><br />In all seriousness, we are so excited by what God has already done and can't wait to see what He has in store. Our passion for adoption continues to grow and we are thrilled to get to be a part of helping make this a reality for Ben and Katie. Hope to see you all at The Farm!beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-35412599273590326122010-05-07T23:58:00.000-07:002010-05-08T00:20:59.068-07:00watering can purses and flower girlsIt's like a garden theme. But not.<br /><br />Here's Hallie, modeling a new-to-her dress passed down to her via Maggie. This dress was a gift from Grandma and when Maggie fit in it, she loved it too. We almost missed the window for Hallie, though - I keep forgetting how much bigger she is than Maggie was and as a result, this will probably be the only time she wears it.<br /><br />The watering can is not a hand me down but is an Old-Navy-clearance-rack-Easter-basket-turned-purse-slash-diaper-bag. Hallie absolutely loves it and whenever she thinks there is a chance we are going somewhere, she runs to get her bag and then stands at the door, ready to go. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/4587999355/" title="loving grandma's dress by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4587999355_0d8e285d37.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="loving grandma's dress" /></a><br /><br />Both girls are going to be flower girls twice this summer, once for Ian and <a href="http://kimberger2.blogspot.com/">Kimmy</a> and once for <a href="http://www.moodyllama.com/">Uncle D</a> and <a href="http://clarissamichele.blogspot.com/">Clarissa</a>. Maggie couldn't be more excited and Hallie has no idea what is going on. However, she does like to try on her dress and spin around in it. I think she'll look lovely even while screaming at the all of the strangers in attendance. Here she is with some residual annoyance at me for making her stop spinning to pin the shoulders...don't worry, I used safety pins.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/4588000197/" title="flower girl dress by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4588000197_f8a05508d6.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="flower girl dress" /></a><br /><br />And finally, here's one I just love, blurriness and all.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/4588000523/" title="flower girls by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4588000523_ace7891532.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="flower girls" /></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-85567132261798311432010-04-09T23:29:00.000-07:002010-04-10T00:01:22.179-07:00easter kids<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157623654900611/" title="hey, i like this one! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2571/4494755633_ddcb3c75d3.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="hey, i like this one!" /></a><br /><br />Is it too late to post Easter pictures? I'm not sure of the protocol here. <br /><br />Well, either way, here are the kids, all clean, shiny and coordinated. I'm not sure how those skirts got done, but I can tell you that <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Peter+4%3A8">a lot of gathering is a close relative of love</a>. Kit got a skirt too, but it was late and I forgot the rick-rack. See?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/4494753227/" title="big hallie tears by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4494753227_93bac137b0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="big hallie tears" /></a><br /><br />Also note that Kit does not have a green sweater. That is because Children's Place doesn't make matchy-matchy things in Kit's size...and apparently no matter how hot the dryer gets, you just can't shrink a sweater for a 6-month old to fit an American Girl doll. I'm sure if you weren't starting this process at 8:30 on the Saturday night preceding Easter you would be able to cut the sweater up and sew it to fit the doll...but I wasn't in that category. Kit also went to church shoeless as no one knows where her shoes are and I drew the line at her wearing Strawberry Shortcake's pink booties. <br /><br />Oh, and just in case you were wondering, I heard over on Facebook that Cal's tie is "tight" and "ballin'"...and now my vocabulary is "fresh". <br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">For any interested parties, these <a href="http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/">Twirly Skirts</a> are pretty easy to make. It's the <a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2797000930_ebd1b0c5f1_o.jpg">same skirt</a> I made for Maggie's 6th birthday...and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/2802016140/sizes/l/">it works with a tutu under it</a> for the poofiness that is much desired at a tea party.</span>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-15122021492536290562010-04-09T22:48:00.001-07:002010-04-10T00:15:07.112-07:00if you can get past the wal-mart attire......this is oddly enjoyable. <br /><br /><object width="440" height="330"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10818285&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10818285&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="440" height="330"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10818285"></a></p>I'm not sure, but I think Hallie's pants were rolled up like that because we'd been trying on sandals. Maybe. <br /><br />If you're really sad that video is done and you're wondering what to watch next, here's another. I wish I'd caught Calvin's expressions the first few times <a href="http://tohuvabohu.org">skh</a> did this. They alternated between horror and glee as he tried to figure out what was really going on.<br /><br /><object width="440" height="330"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10818315&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10818315&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ffffff&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="440" height="330"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10818315"></a></p>And it's always fun to end a post by asking the baby where her armpits are, right?beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-77557338330311822222010-03-02T17:19:00.001-08:002010-03-02T17:29:52.947-08:00hello? any femina partygoers?I didn't really expect traffic via the <a href="http://www.feminagirls.com/2010/02/27/tour-the-readers-blogs/">Femina blog party</a>, but was pleasantly surprised by a commenter (Hi, Marty!), so I wanted to extend a friendly hello to anyone that stops by!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157623385892486/"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/4343028762/" title="hello grandma! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4343028762_df69a125f5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="hello grandma!" /></a><br /><br /><div>Well, I guess it's technically Hallie extending the hello. Either way, welcome! Maybe I should start posting again. :)</div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-22950704093884966302010-02-01T15:49:00.000-08:002010-02-01T16:15:10.427-08:00i lack the perseveranceOur friend Sarah came up with a great idea for a blog post after hearing a little about why I am never, never, never, ever bored around Calvin. She suggested that I write down every question he asked me throughout a day and then post them all for you to enjoy.<div><br /></div><div>So I tried.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was really hard.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't write that fast. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think the internet can hold that much information anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the first attempt. I didn't remember to do it until we were part way through the day...I think we were at the end of lunch, heading into naptime. This series accounts for about 15 minutes, tops. If I have a comment for you, it follows the question in italics.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Have you ever been here before? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Not sure if "here" is the table we sit at three times a day or the universe at large.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Have *I* ever been here before?</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Who was I when I was a baby? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">This one hurt my brain.</span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Still</i> Calvin?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Are quesadillas heathy for you?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">But not all people?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Does he really get germs with it?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Why are you having some?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Because you wanted some?</span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">What is he? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">What is he? What? Who is he and what do you mean what is he?</span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Mama will you turn the hallway light on?</span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Will you leave it on?</span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Will you tell me about the fish not playing drums? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Part of the sleeping routine for Cal, made up by Dada.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Can I play with that when I get up?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; ">Can I... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">This one was cut off by my yelling "I LOVE YOU! GO TO SLEEP!" through his already closed door.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, so the next day I thought I could do it. I was prepared for a lot of writing this time around. Here is the fruit of my labor...oh, and these are pretty straightforward, so no notes.</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Can you get me some clothes?</li><li>Can I wear my basketball shirt?</li><li>Can I play with this flashlight?</li><li>Can I get my cowboy stuff?</li><li>Where's Maggie?</li><li>Can I go potty?</li><li>Can I take my socks off?</li><li>Can I go get my police stuff?</li><li>Can Maggie go out to play?</li><li>Can I get my 'struction stuff?</li><li>Since my hardhat is in my room, can I go get it quietly?</li><li>Where does my meatball go? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Okay, this one does need a note. This is actually a plastic boulder that goes with a toy dump truck. He is sure it's a meatball.</span></li><li>Whatchu looking at?</li><li>Can I have water?</li><li>Can I have ice too?</li><li>Can I get my water?</li><li>And ice too?</li><li>Can I get some of my cars?</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>I think I lasted for about 6 minutes this time. I couldn't figure out how to do this and actually continue to answer the questions and, you know, care for the other children as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>If someone out there has a plan for me to follow, let me know, cause I do think it would be funny to have an entire day of his four-year-old questions documented for him to enjoy later. </div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-42677157242083063802009-09-23T16:36:00.000-07:002009-09-23T17:48:04.707-07:00mutton bustin'......is awesome. It really is.<div><br /></div><div>About a year an a half ago, the very kind Vanderbeken family <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157604304582840/">took our kids for a few days</a> (with about an hours notice) while we went to our annual Elder's retreat. The most talked about portion of their visit was how they got to watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mutton+bustin%27&search_type=&aq=f">Mutton Bustin' on YouTube</a> and thought it was the funniest thing they'd ever seen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward to a month ago at the HigLig dinner table. Somehow Mutton Bustin' comes up, as it has many times since the kids first learned of it. Geet and Bop decide to declare (out loud and everything) that we should all take Cal to go Mutton Bustin'...mind you, this is before we even knew this was a publicly accessible activity. Calvin could not contain his excitement. Fortunately, Google was able to help us find some Bustin' at <a href="http://www.thefair.com/puyallup-fair/">The Puyallup Fair</a> the following month.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since Calvin had never been around livestock of any sort, we did take him to a smaller fair before committing to the event. We stuck him right next to a sheep, had him grab a handful of wool and he acted like everything was totally normal, no hesitation of any sort.</div><div><br /></div><div>On to Puyallup!</div><div><br /></div><div>We asked a few of Cal's friends to join him as well. Aaron Vanderbeken thought it would be awesome, and we sort of talked Sam Rothenberger in to it as well. To be honest, we didn't think Sam would actually ride, but he did want to come. (When his mom asked him, "But Calvin is going to do it, don't you want to too?", Sam replied with a very final, "Mom, we will sit on the bench and watch him.")<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know who was more excited, the busters, the siblings or the parents. </div><div><br /></div><div>So Monday we all headed down to Puyallup (our van took two potty breaks on the way...that's a detail to make you feel like you were there). As a side note, the Puyallup Fair is killer. Puyallup might be the dumbest city name I've ever heard, but the fair is fabulous. We got the boys signed up and got ready for some bustin'.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't know what cowboy first had his kids prepare for bull-riding like this, but <a href="http://www.tommygproductions.com/events/muttonBustin.php">Tommy G</a> has turned it into a great show. All the people the kids encounter are great at what they do. Everybody has fun...what isn't fun about little kids riding terrified sheep? It's hilarious.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are a few shots before the riding got underway for the three from our posse.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948458509/" title="the sheep whisperer by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2632/3948458509_ec2d7c9cf5.jpg" width="600" alt="the sheep whisperer" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948458509/" title="the sheep whisperer by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949239002/" title="skh really liked this sign by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3536/3949239002_6473fd3c54.jpg" width="600" alt="skh really liked this sign" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949239002/" title="skh really liked this sign by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949241126/" title="seriously. by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/3949241126_d7b0af79f2.jpg" width="400" alt="seriously." /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sam was up first. We weren't sure he was going to go, even here.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948461789/" title="listening to wise council from mom by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3948461789_02c53b45a1.jpg" width="600" alt="listening to wise council from mom" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But he did!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948462607/" title="the sheep is outta here by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/3948462607_10a17e5121.jpg" width="600" alt="the sheep is outta here" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And he did awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949245678/" title="basking in the glory by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3949245678_dfbd0ca3aa.jpg" width="600" alt="basking in the glory" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was Calvin's turn, and he was ready to go.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948465859/" title="cal's up, ready to go by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3435/3948465859_635b65df57.jpg" width="600" alt="cal's up, ready to go" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our boy is bustin'!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949247572/" title="whoa, a little bumpy! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/3949247572_8a65876c01.jpg" width="600" alt="whoa, a little bumpy!" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Cal's ride ended with a nice face full of dirt.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948477689/" title="close up of the landing by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3948477689_832f351c8c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="close up of the landing" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He kind of looks irritated here as he looks back at his wooly nemesis. He thinks the sheep won since he didn't last the six seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949249864/" title="looking back at his wooly nemesis by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/3949249864_8c952495b3.jpg" width="600" alt="looking back at his wooly nemesis" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaron was last from our group to go, and I'm not sure he was ever nervous; he's been waiting for this!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949246108/" title="handsome aaron is observing by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/3949246108_498de7d21b.jpg" width="600" alt="handsome aaron is observing" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Bustin' his mutton.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949250866/" title="holding on... by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/3949250866_87c2d95257.jpg" width="600" alt="holding on..." /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Aaron's dismount was my favorite.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949251776/" title="almost a flip! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2669/3949251776_4af894810e.jpg" width="600" alt="almost a flip!" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3948471347/" title="nice! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3466/3948471347_fa6f8f1e46.jpg" width="600" alt="nice!" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also ran into some friends who were there separately, the Mallory family. They had two riders from their pack of five future men. These are the most manly boys I have ever met. Which is a good thing as one of their two had his sheep roll on top of him. I cannot believe it, but my camera malfunctioned during his ride, so I have no photo-documentation. I did catch his brother, though...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949254146/" title="slippery sheep by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3949254146_f9f323a4be.jpg" width="600" alt="slippery sheep" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Click <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157622442387242/">here</a> if you want to see all of the bustin' pictures. (There are a lot.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Moving on to the video department, I have two perspectives on Cal's ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>The official Tommy G footage...</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="601" height="451"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6705664&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6705664&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="601" height="451"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6705664">Calvin Bustin' Mutton</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/hobbsandbean">Sean Higgins</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p></div><div><br /></div><div>And the official Higgins-Flip-Video version...</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="601" height="451"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6705600&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6705600&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="601" height="451"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6705600">Calvin Bustin' Mutton (Flip)</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/hobbsandbean">Sean Higgins</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p><br /></div><div>Eventually I'll be able to post the rest of the kid's rides, but I have to go pack for the <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/Events/NationalConferences/Archives/2009/">big-time date</a> <a href="http://tohuvabohu.org/">skh</a> is taking me on, and this is not an egalitarian blog.</div><br /><div><br />But here's a great way to end the post...look at all these cuties!</div><div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3949255820/" title="look at all these cute faces! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2624/3949255820_292f87ec02.jpg" width="600" alt="look at all these cute faces!" /></a></div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-20905220733492485792009-08-26T00:16:00.000-07:002009-08-26T00:32:40.703-07:00whoa, two posts within a week?<del>It's Maggie's seventh birthday today!</del><br /><br />Oh, wait, it's already 12:18am.<br /><br />It was Maggie's seventh birthday yesterday!<br /><br /><div>For a multitude of reasons that I may or may not elaborate on at another time when I'm not supposed to be sleeping, we are celebrating throughout the week - Seven Days of Turning Seven!</div><div><br /></div><div>I really can't believe she's seven. We love this girl.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the pictures by clicking below...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157622022689163/" title="once kit was free, she was given a lot of affection by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/3857808635_2d6696d9c9.jpg" width="600" alt="once kit was free, she was given a lot of affection" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, wait! There's more. Video and everything, courtesy of <a href="http://tohuvabohu.org/">skh</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><object width="601" height="451"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6276250&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6276250&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=ff9933&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="601" height="451"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/6276250">Maggie turns seven!</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/hobbsandbean">Sean Higgins</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</p></div><div>If you have a hankering for more moving Higgins children, you can wander around Vimeo a little as we have a few up that haven't been blogged...since I don't blog.</div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-71813992357011564732009-08-20T22:30:00.000-07:002009-08-21T23:21:54.588-07:00hey, i've got pictures!Well, once again, I come saying that I really do have some posts that have been percolating for many moons. Someday, someday, they may actually emerge. Many things, including my absolute lack of writing skillz, are slowing that process...so for now, I bring you...<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><b><i>PICTURES!</i></b></span><br /><br />And really, I know that's why you are here anyway. Who cares about serious, thought-provoking posts when you have kids that look like this?<div><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157622099321122/" title="adustments by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/3841276635_505ee0a883.jpg" width="600" alt="adustments" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Oh, wait, I don't think that was quite what I was looking for. (But if you click on goggle boy, there are more oddly endearing photos just like it.) You may also be interested in <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/6218038">a video of similar ilk</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, let's get going.</div><div><br /></div><div>First up, Hallie is ten months old. How did that happen? I have no idea. I feel like I just took this exact picture of Maggie. (Who, despite all of my efforts to convince her to get younger, is going to be SEVEN on Tuesday.) I have taken a monthly picture of each of my chillens, and this is Hallie's ten-month installment. </div><div><br /></div><div>You may wonder why I haven't posted other pictures from the series...and I wonder that as well. Most of it is because when I start doing that, I think about how cute it would be to post Maggie's and Cal's with Hallie's...and then I start wondering where those (pre-digital, totally unorganized) pictures are and I get up to start looking for them, on the way see a few papers that need to be dealt with, smell a diaper that needs changing...and things go downhill from there pretty rapidly. </div><div><br /></div><div>So...I'm just gonna go with what I have. Here is Hallie. Did I mention that she's ten months old?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157621974662133/" title="this is as good as it gets by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3485/3842028694_c7b8a58b20.jpg" width="600" alt="this is as good as it gets" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Click the picture to see the rest of the shoot. Unfortunately, this was her least happy session so far, but there is one decent shot of where Hallie has eaten away part of her crib.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">****************************</div><div><br /></div><div>Next exciting event! Last week a big giant box of awesomeness arrived at our house from Grandma Higgins. I was waiting to post pictures until I took a picture of all the stuff, just so you could really appreciate how awesome it was, but that just never happened. So I'll have to tell you instead. It had a lot of great things in it for the kids and I. Sean was left out this round, but he had all sorts of Mom Higgins awesomeness all growing up. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, the main event for the kids were the matching cowboy and cowgirl outfits. Anyone who hasn't been here for 15 seconds recently might not be aware of the all-things-cowperson obsession that our children have. Calvin, the main addict, spends 95% of his time holstered and riding some sort of "horse".</div><div><br /></div><div>The outfits, of course, inspired a quick bunch of pictures. And somehow, there is one where all. three. children. are looking at the camera. I know you can't believe it. See for yourself...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157622097794030/" title="ALL THREE KIDS LOOKING AT THE CAMERA! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2604/3840740103_dc3d9a9c36.jpg" width="400" alt="ALL THREE KIDS LOOKING AT THE CAMERA!" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, you can click it for the rest of the pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">****************************</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Last, and certainly least, we have some hair pictures. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, well at least a galaxy before two hyperemetic pregnancies, I used to keep our child/ren immaculate. Immaculate and dressed in non-Wal-mart-shopper-attire. Maggie's hair was also always "done" in some way - never anything elaborate, but combed and out of her face. That has fallen by the wayside for a long time now, but today I was feeling like it was time to start moving that direction again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another benefit to this activity is the <a href="http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/general-view/archive/2007/april/27/capture-the-moment/">string-tying</a> that it accomplishes with my very (very, very) girly eldest daughter. She was thrilled with the adorning and eager to talk about how her heart needed to be even more beautiful than her hair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Awwwwww! Okay, so here is a not-so-exciting picture to prove that I beautified our girls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157621974617213/" title="sisters by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3841221655_4176e8d6d1.jpg" width="400" alt="sisters" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Do you see that teeny tiny ponytail? How cute is that. It's even more Hallie Lou Who than ever. And for more...click on those pretty faces.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now! Hope to (maybe) post again in the somewhat near future.</div>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-74115062591681693152009-07-24T22:19:00.000-07:002009-07-24T22:36:50.670-07:00i can't really tell if he likes it...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3754380716/sizes/l/" title="delighted dude"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3754380716_e944de6c1d_b.jpg" width="600px" alt="delighted dude" /></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-40865366457826750912009-05-26T17:55:00.000-07:002009-05-26T18:04:02.812-07:00amazoning the process<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Enjoying-Process-Sean-Higgins/dp/B002AD5CFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243386168&sr=1-1">Uh, wow.</a><br /><br />That's <a href="www.tohuvabohu.org">skh's</a> book! I'm so proud. <br /><br />Obviously a lot of info is missing over there, but still, <span style="font-weight:bold;"><span style="font-style:italic;">that's his book!!!</span></span>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-53321991877059605572009-04-26T19:59:00.001-07:002009-04-26T20:04:55.403-07:00this just in...<span style="font-style:italic;">(Yes, I am aware that I NEVER post on my blog. I do apologize. I have a lot of pictures here, three or four posts that have already been started and many more in my head. Getting things to a posting point is the difficulty. I'm working on it, I promise. Until I work harder, here's a quick one for you.)</span><br /><br />skh just got back from evening service with the two older kidlets (the younger was crouping it up at home with Mama) and delivered the following Calvin story.<br /><br />Sitting in church (listening to the sermon like a big boy [!!!]) Calvin tapped Sean's arm, pointed at a few quarter notes in the hymnal he was inspecting and whispered, "Are these golf clubs?". <br /><br />I found that hilarious. Boppa will be very happy.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-2458778473003125932009-02-22T16:25:00.000-08:002009-07-24T22:38:07.137-07:00canadian swim cap<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3301712340/" title="Hallie and hat, ready for the pool in February"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3301712340_e46e895ca9.jpg" width="400" alt="Hallie and hat, ready for the pool in February" /></a>beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-67493033173171952092009-02-05T12:53:00.000-08:002009-02-05T13:38:57.271-08:00andrew markAs many others have already posted, please be praying for <a href="http://graceandrew.blogspot.com/">Andrew, Grace, AJ and Gracie Mark</a> as it is likely that Andrew will be called home sometime today. <br /><br />I feel much closer to the Marks than I really am. My best friend was one of Grace's first disciplers at UCLA - I already cared for them before they moved up to Washington. Once they were here, my parents began discipling them and became good friends. My dad was there for the first doctor's appointments as Andrew and Grace began their battle with this cancer and he is on his way to Minneapolis right now - hopefully to say goodbye to Andrew (for now), but at least to be there for Grace and the kids during this difficult time. I'm praying that God will use him alongside of the family and great church body that are there to bring comfort as it is needed.<br /><br />Just the other night Sean and I were watching Prince Caspian (kinda lousy movie for such a great book, but whatever) and I was so struck by the scene where the Pevensie kids are back in the treasure room of Cair Paravel, remembering back to who and what they were in Narnia. I was overwhelmed by how <span style="font-style:italic;">true</span> it was. God's children <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> do get called back to an amazing place that makes this world look like a dirty subway station. We <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> do go reign with our Lord in glory. That <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> happens.<br /><br />It's happening to Andrew right now.<br /><br />Praise God!beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-11470614983216407722008-12-25T16:52:00.000-08:002009-07-24T23:07:14.834-07:00for the first time EVERI have successfully uploaded pictures from an event...THE SAME DAY!!!<br /><br />Oh, loved ones in Ohio, rejoice with me! Then enjoy the <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/sets/72157611650905220/">pictures from Christmas</a>. Here are a few of my faves...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136023431/" title="grandma's awesome calendar by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/3136023431_8be3c59fbf.jpg" width="600" alt="grandma's awesome calendar" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136028987/" title="attentive kids by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3136028987_e11173f0cb.jpg" width="600" alt="attentive kids" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136843362/" title="grumpy hallie by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/3136843362_592894333a.jpg" width="600" alt="grumpy hallie" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136874272/" title="maybe "hallie" won't cry in the car anymore! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/3136874272_0e664f51cb.jpg" width="600" alt="maybe "hallie" won't cry in the car anymore!" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136904610/" title="it has a remote and everything! by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/3136904610_0c39dff542.jpg" width="600" alt="it has a remote and everything!" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136093595/" title="he's leaping off the couch to get closer by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/3136093595_5e7deed532.jpg" width="600" alt="he's leaping off the couch to get closer" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3136932834/" title=""oh, mama! its a hello kitty something!" by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3136932834_1571a505d0_o.jpg" width="600" alt=""oh, mama! its a hello kitty something!"" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to Grandma for all the fun that came in the (huge) box!beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20458810.post-6173524001646847132008-12-25T15:43:00.000-08:002008-12-25T15:47:57.594-08:00just in case you missed it...For those of you not subscribed to our flickr feed, I didn't want you to miss this picture. It's too cute.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3132180670/" title="Happy Hallie in the Bumbo by hobbsandbean, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/3132180670_853bb94455.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Happy Hallie in the Bumbo" /></a><br /><br />If you do look at our photostream, though, Happy Hallie's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hobbsandbean/3134176965/in/photostream/">neighbor</a> is a little disturbing. I'm not sure I like them next to each other.beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08938586259970492839noreply@blogger.com2