MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas! From the Hootons
Abigail age 11, 5th grade
Clara age 9, 3rd grade
Brianna age 5, Kindergarten
Drew age 3
Mitch and Roanna

Abi Christmas Program

Abi had her Christmas program at school this past Thursday. She is the one to the far left.
Yes she is wearing dress clothes and a princess crown :) All those girls were suppose to be beauty queens. They were doing a song for a "old-time radio show". I think she is getting the singing bug from her mother! We were so proud of her.

Computer Crash

We had a computer crash that is why there is few postings. We are back-up now. We still have snow and lots of cold weather. Mitch is losing work at Richards because of it. Pray that handyman business will pick-up a little to fill in the gaps. The kids have enjoyed sledding. Drew does a running belly-flop on the sled and does he go fast. Speaking of Drew he actually pooped in the potty last night maybe just maybe he will be completely potty trained by Christmas. I guess that is merry christmas to me!!

Now this is lake effect

ok You never really believe the weather guys when they say we are going to get 6-10 inches in one night because they can't really predict lake effect snow. Well this time they were right and we were in just the right direction of it. All school around us only had a delay we got cancelled. Helped dad shovel his way out, kids are out sledding again. Me, I might just get to enjoy one cup of coffee before it goes cold. I am thankful for the little things most of the time.

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

I have to remind myself that it is not even Thanksgiving yet. We got some snow here. Enough that the kids played outside, I had to dig out all the boots, snowpants etc... and they are begging for new sleds. We had a two hour delay today. It is going to be a long winter.

Halloween

Halloween in 70 degree weather can't beat it! We had a 50s waitress, a princess, a volleyball player and a dog. The dog decided he should crawl up the driveways :) We went to a friend's subdivision and to the nursing home to trick-or-treat. Then on Monday they asked where did all the chocolate candy went?? Can anyone guess who ate it??

Tuesday Morning Snow

You know you live in northern IN when you wake up to snow in October!
The little kids wanted to make a snowman so we did.

Fall Events

October is one of my favorite months. We took all the church kids on a hayride on Wed. night. Cleaned out the garden we still have green peppers growing! Took the kids to the pumpkin patch and corn maze. See pumpkins above Mitch said if they could carry it they could buy it. Can you tell who's whos?? Had Fun night at Olive Elementary the kids had a good time playing games, singing karkoke and dancing with strobe lights.
Made two big pots of chili took one to Kris and Sara on moving day and had small group at our house with the other. Took a walk in the woods out at the high school. I had never been down suicide hill now I know why they call it that. Raking walnuts out the yard. I got Drew and Victoria to help me! This weekend Mitch and I are helping Karla shoot family pictures and we are leaving the kids at home! Next week we plan to go to the local nursing home where grandpa used to live and trick-or-treat. The residents love it and then on Friday we are going to a friends's subdivision to trick or treat. Abi decided this year she is too big to dress-up, the middle girls are going to be princess and Drew is going to be Bob the Builder.

Abi - Volleyball

Abi is playing volleyball this year. They have a total of 4 games. Went to one last night, her team won their match. She even hit over the winning point!!

Clara's 9th Birthday

Clara had her family party we served sloppy joes ice cream cake and pumpkin whoppie pies. She got legos, cd player, clothes, Camp Rock.

The next Friday night she had a slumber party with 4 girls spending the night. Not sure how much sleep they really got!!

Clara now has her own room and boy does she love it. She disappears for hours at a time playing legos and polly pockets.

Sunday Paper Front Page

Look who made the front page of the South Bend Tribune this Sunday!!

Uncle Ed's 70th Birthday

It's Raining It's Pouring

We got a little rain over the weekend. Well, more than a little. On Saturday there was a two hour window with no rain and it was nice out so I let the kids play in the mud! They had a great time..... had to use the hose to spray them down when we were done.

Pictures of kids of course

I always seem to posting pics of the kids but these are the "official pictures" of the year.
The individuals were taken at the beach by Karla and the group shot was done by me (the non-professional) Anyway they are growing up........

this is easier???

I thought when the girls went back to school things would get easier around here. Was I ever wrong! Notice the not blogging too often, I have been busy just getting the kids ready for school, dealing with a kindergartener who doesn't want to go to school, the homework of 5th grade, volleyball practice, childcare for extra kids, canning tomatoes, green peppers, green beans, starting up of kids klub at church, helping run pto at the school, starting extra work at the library....
need I say more!!
No one should ask me what I am going to do with all my "free" time!!!!
Don't work too hard this labor day

Back to School

Up and Ready to go by 7 am. The girls were excited about the first day of school.
Abi 5th grade, Clara 3rd grade and Brianna Kindergarten!!
Ready or not here we come!!

End of July

End of July came and went so quickly! We had Karla and the kids here for a week, Joel and Kendall came, left Ollie for 5 days with us and grandma and then came back. We had a great time catching up, playing with the kids and of course eating. How many nights did we have corn of the cob?? I lost count :) I love having family around and wish everyone lived closer
some pictures of the kids.....

Chicago and Kirkendall Visit

Busy, Fun weekend. Megan and Kyle came to our house Friday with my mom. We went swimming and played and ate! Don and Vicki came Saturday afternoon. Learned a new game called garbage.
Sunday morning we got on the South Shore train for Chicago at 7:50 (our time) all day we had to remember that Chicago is an hour behind us. The train ride takes 2 hours. We arrived at millinuim park and saw the art and the fountain. We then boarded a free trolley that took us to navy pier. We took a 30 min. boat ride that showed the chicago skyline. It was relaxing. The weather was perfect all day. We then went to get pizza at Giordinos of course we had the stuffed pizza. I think Mitch and Don ate about 6 pieces each!! Then we walked by the sears tower and back to the park (after ice cream at mcdonalds) Train ride home I think everyone fell asleep at least I did!!
Monday we just relaxed (well we did have 8 kids in the house so I am not sure how relaxing that is :) the weather cleared up and we went swimming and the kids played carpet pool and card games. Brianna is learning skip-bo so watch out!!
next week..... Joel, kendall, karla and families come to visit and the big Burger reunion that we are in charge of......

Dog Days of Summer

Not sure why they call them dog days but we have been busy. Took a trip to Karla's over the 4th. Had a good time eating, shopping, playing with the kids even took time to watch a movie.
Came home for one day and then went camping at Potato Creek with the in-laws and then with our small group. We ate hobo dinners, smores, played 10,000 when it rained and tried to keep up with the kids.
The kids had fun riding bikes, playing at the playground, swimming, playing uno and whiffle ball.
We bought a new tent this year and we had plenty of room for all of us.
now for the next adventure a trip to chicago with cousins.

Hooton Boys on the Job

Mitch decided to change the oil in his truck at home. Drew decided to help.

Breakfast Cereal

OK my one weakest in life besides coffee is cereal! When we were young I remember dad eating it for snack even a meal. I have since picked up on that habit. Well, my favorite cereal is always been lucky charms or cocoa puffs. (not the generic :) yesterday I bought chocolate chex and decided it is my new favorite there is a recipe on the back for chocolate chex latte snack mix and a free package of the latte mix is included. made that and it is delicious!! so now I can enjoy coffee and cereal and the same time!! Try it you may like it too :)

Busy Summer Days

Spent a morning at the beach with the Wykoff family, stared swimming lessons, Clara learned to ride a bike without training wheels, Drew mows the lawn with his "tractor", pulling lots of weeds from the garden, visits to the library for Brady Bunch DVDs, playdates with friends, morning chores and homework (the kids love this :) t-ball games and sometimes a little rest!!
Happy Summer!!

Whose Kid is this??

Have you ever seen a kid and thought what were his parents thinking??
This picture is the perfect example........

Ohio visit and Fort Wayne Zoo

Enjoyed spending time with Don/Vicki and kids. Had a great day for Jason's graduation party.

Enjoyed Sunday at Fort Wayne zoo. The weather was perfect. kids loved all the animals

Drew and Mitch looking at the monkeys!!

Bri graduates from preschool

We had graduation yesterday. The kids sang songs and got their diplomas. Notice the graduating year Yikes!! We found out yesterday that they are going to have all day kindgarten. So she will be gone next year sniff sniff! How fast they grow.

May Pics

Brianna and I at the mother's day tea at preschool.
Trip to the zoo.

Things to remember

Remember when we used to make May Day cups filled with candy and then set them on peoples doorsteps, ring the bell and run away.... Wonder if people still do that and would you eat candy if you did not know who left it there??

When Karla and I will kids we made our own museum of sorts. We took all of our stuffed animals and trinkets from our room and set them up in the yard. We then hung signs around town telling people to come look at our stuff for a fee of course (that must of been karla's idea!
I had to remember something I did with my siblings when I was young at small group that is the story I shared. Anyway the kids heard it then after we took them to the zoo. They created their own zoo with stuffed animals. They didn't charge me to come see it though!!

Remember when the school year was ending and how excited you were to be on break. What did we used to do all day? I remember weeding the garden, playing in the yard with neighbor kids, riding my bike to the swimming pool, taking swimming lessons.. Anything else??

Spring Fever

Well spring has sprung...... Brianna started t-ball this past week, Clara had a musical at school, Drew got the summer hair cut! Abi is now learning to cook she made spagetthi and meatballs last night! Tonight is our last night for kids club at church. So we are ready for summer break.
By the way we are renaming our wednesday night clubs any ideas on names would be appreciated.

Brianna's 5th Birthday

Sunday we had Bri's birthday party. She had 5 friends and 3 cousins here. We played games outside then it got too cold, opened presents, ate cupcakes with white and green frosting that Daddy made! Played a few games inside and then everyone went home! She of course got lots of girl toys, clothes and her favorite a Disney Sorry game from Aunt Sara. I think I have played it 5-6 times already. Thanks everyone! My little girl is growing up and ready for kindgarten already.

IN Earthquake

I felt an earthquake this morning. My dresser was shaking and the house felt like it was moving.
It was 5:30 this morning. At first I thought it was a big truck and then it lasted too long. I told Mitch about it and later he called me and said there had been an earthquake in Ill and we felt the effects here!! Something to talk about in northern IN!!

running

I am sore! I should of never stopped running after Christmas! Next year I am joining some exercise group for the winter. Getting back into shape is no fun!! The weather was great we here in northern IN enjoyed the sun today. I should be back up to my 2 miles in no time right??

Do all men do this?

Do all men read while they are on the throne??

Easter

The crazy weekend!
Friday we dyed eggs. The oil based dye is really messy! The girls enjoyed it though. Then we cleaned house all day.
Sat. we finished getting the house ready and then Mitch and I went on a date! We went to see Blast at the Morris Civic. It was like a marching band on stage the drum line stuff was really cool! We then went out to dinner (sit down) and shopped and had starbucks! It was a perfect date.
Then Sunday, we got to church early. Abi and two other kids from our puppet troupe did a puppet show (using the egg story) in the church services. Abi does a great job with the puppets she has the voice for it. I sang too. I sang Come to the Cross by MWS.
We then had 30 people over for lunch at 3 pm. Well, mom did most of the work!
We had all the Hootons, Davis family and Schrock family.
Sara and I hid over 100+ eggs for the kids. I put money in them this year so they were all excited.
Now if the weather would just turn nice it would feel like spring!!

How Starbucks saved my life

Imagine we are all the same. Imagine we agree about politics, religion adn morality. Imagine we like the same types of music, art, food and coffee. Imagine we all look alike. Sound boring?
Difference need not divide us. Embrace diversity. Dignity is everyone's human right
published on the side of a cup of Starbucks Decaf Grande Cappuccino


Read How Starbucks Saved my life by Michael Gates Gill
Meet a man who had everything power-job, wife, kids, big house, meeting all sorts of celebrities till one day the company decided he was too old and fired him.
10 years later after floundering and living on his savings, he accidently landed a job at Starbucks.
of course, I love coffee so I loved the "coffee talk" in the book. But the true story is one that shows the best work is work where you make other people happy.

(This is not a sappy book and an easy read!)

Sickness and Singing

We had a little sickness around the house this past week. Not only did we have two snow days the girls missed Friday too. Brianna had broncitis, Clara had double ear infection and Abi got pink eye.
Drew is healthly and active as a horse.
Saturday Abi and I went to a Circle the State with song. She tried out for this choir at school and has been practicing every Friday after school. It is where area choirs gather to sing a few numbers with a professional director and pianist. We went to Goshen College. Their hall was amazing for sound. There were about 400 kids in the choir. She spent the whole day singing and getting vocal training lessons. I sat and listened in the back. We will get a copy of the dvd to show off.
Have a great week.

water balloons, shaving cream and a razor!

What do these all have in common?? Mitch and I (and a few other adults) took 25 kids to a event called Cabin Fever. The kids swim, play on inflatables and go to a big concert. This year they brought in Kid Blitz Live. The guy plays crazy games with the audience and teaches the kids important lessons along the way. Anyway, he asked for a husband to volunteer his wife, so of course Mitch volunteers me. Well I go up and then Mitch has to come up to. I get to hold a water balloon over his head with shaving cream on it. Abi then gets to come up and shave the cream off! We were racing against another family. We lost but Mitch still got wet!! It was a fun day.

Hooton Girl #6

Oh yes 6 Hooton Girls. Kailee Ann Hooton was born to Matt and Dana Hooton (Mitch's brother) on Feb. 13th. So here is how it plays out Abi 10, Clara 8, Bella 6, Brianna 4, Jillian 2, and Kailee

What will we do when the weddings start!

Those Hooton Boys don't stand a chance :)

Science Fair Winners

Abi did her project on roller coasters. She and Mitch created a cool marble roller coaster (idea given by GSmith). All the kids loved it at school. She got a third place ribbon.

Clara did her on Mars. She and Roanna created a paper mache Mars. She got a third place ribbon too.

We looked at old movies last night boy do they grow up fast!!

Two girls watching the super bowl?

last night spent the evening watching the super bowl with Abi. Actually we watched the commercials until the 4 quarter. When two people watch football that know nothing about football here are some questions that come up..... why do they wear such tight pants?, why do some kicks score 3 points and others don't, how many points for a touch down, why doesn't the quarter back play all the time, and last but not least what is a first down?
Well, we did enjoy the game and I was a Giant fan for one night having to root on the Manning boy and the underdog.
And all the commercials were terrible I still remember the one where the heart came out of the lady and walked down the hall. I was hoping I would forgot that one!
Have a great week.

I've Got the Music in Me

My kids seemed to have inherited some love of music. Drew dances to music with spoons. Maybe he will be a drummer. Brianna puts on skirts and dances like she is in high school musical. Abi is doing great on the recorder and the piano. Clara likes to dance too. didn't get a pic of her. I'm going to sing this Easter at church any ideas??

Snowing here again. Mitch is going in for root canal today. Got my taxes in to tax people.

Hopefully some good will come of all of it. Enjoy the super bowl!