Halloran's FOUR!

Hoppy Easter!

2010-09-12T06:54:00.000-07:00

Waking up t0 Easter treats Look what the Easter Bunny Left outside!!!!!
On your mark get set GOOOOOO!!!!!!

This could take a while :)

I dont wanna get ready for church!!!! So handsome!

Best Buds! One on the hip and one in the oven! :) Love my boys!
Church hunt @ Blue Streak Stadium..Bauer & Hunter sooooo excited to start

Daddy's worked hard holding them back :) (and coaching them where to get the good prizes :)
Eye on the prize...that was all he wanted :) Hunt @ FBC LW w/ cousins, Avery & Hunter Bunnies!
Hard work pays off :)
Happy Easter from Avery, Halle & Hunter :)

March Madness

2010-07-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

Morning madness Potty Training Madness Sebring Races Madness
Loud car madness corn hole madness why wont it go through madness ridin' dirty ;) madness
Lake Wales Art Show: Proud Avery showed off her masterpiece looking at the scary fish yummy chocolate ice cream play park time
Grandpa & Noni

Hallorans FOUR!!!! :)

2010-07-08T06:35:00.000-07:00

I promised to try and catch up this summer, but the latest and greatest news is that Hayden James joined our family on june 10th. he is precious in every way and has been such a good sweet baby! He loves to sleep (thank you god! he gets that from mama!) he also loves to be held and snuggled, but hates the car seat which makes going anywhere a little tense. Hunter was content laying on the floor or in a bouncy, slept little, ate a lot and loved riding in the car and stroller which made going out great. Hunter is not much of a snuggler, he is just too busy, likes to be on the go like his daddy. So Im hoping Hayden will be a laid back snuggler like mommy and hang out at home with me napping while daddy and hunt go out and about! ;) love you sweet baby boy! Welcome to our family!

Most Magical Place On Earth!

2010-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

Back when it was actually beautiful Florida weather, not squelching hot and love bug infested, we took Hunt for his first Disney visit. We got free tickets via their big Give A Day Get A Day promotion so why not go! Well, the park was packed on that beautiful day so what we got to see and do was limited. But none the less I was sooo excited to go and Hunt did enjoy what we did get to see. Also thankful that I felt great and didn't get sick all day! Baby H was enjoying hanging out in my tummy, though I myself was pretty tired by the time we left. I always dreamed of how exciting it would be to one day take my own children to one of my favorite places and it was a special day for our growing little family!

Let the magic begin!
Somebody is excited (I was just as if not more! ;)
Behold the sights! Look At Dat!!! Look at Dat!!!

LOVED Small World
HERE COMES THE TRAIN~
Can't pass up Mickey Mouse Ears ice cream! Got lots of high fives from the characters! All tuckered out from such an exciting-over stimulating day! :)

out with the old in with the new

2010-04-18T17:27:00.000-07:00

Finally closed on our house in January! We were REALLY counting on being moved before Christmas but well....that just didn't happen. But just after the new year we rallied our fam together to load up all our stuff and head down the road a bit. It was bitter sweet in that we were leaving our first home together where Mic carried me over the threshold and brought our first child home to! But now we have a home for our growing family and for the first time in my LIFE I live in house where I cannot hear highway 27 traffic! LOL! We still love to remember the crazy stories from our old house and love to dream up new ones for our new house! We stop by the old house from time to time to check on it and it is sad to walk in and it feel so empty. Looking forward to hopefully getting some renters in there or sell that puppy!!! Here a just a few pics...more to come as we grow and build new memories.
Helping Daddy spruce up the new yard!

Planting his own flowers yes, he thinks dirt should go on top...hmmmm

always wanting to help...I stayed inside where it is warm! HUGE thanks to Nana & Popi Halloran for all their help getting our new house cleaned up and our old house cleaned out and for painting painting painting! Thanks to my parents for keeping Hunter so we could actually get some work done, and to my brothers for using their muscles to move all our crap! haha

Winter break fun time

2010-04-18T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hunter had a very good week at school so he was rewarded with a good boy party at home! haha
Saturday morning regulars at DOTS for breakfast!

Yes, us poor Floridians had a COLD winter and we put on as much as we could when going outside! :)
Bounce house fun in Lakeland at Backyard Adventures! FUN FUN FUN!!!!!! Great indoor fun from the cold

Bok Tower with Nana

WOW that tower is tall I can sit still from time to time......

But I'd much rather be running around
and rolling around

and chasing swans

Children's museum...the grocery store is his fave! Cans go in the cart then back on the shelf then in the cart and over and over and over again!!!!!!!!!!!

Catching Up-Christmas

2010-04-08T15:50:00.001-07:00

Everybody loves Hunter the red head I mean red nosed reindeer!!! (That flashy nose went all but in the bath tub!)
Papa puts all his prizes for Hunter in one box. I giggle because each year he (my dad) is so excited to open the box with hunt, and each year it has contained the same items.. a wooden train whistle, a conductor's hat and a red bandanna!

Getting so fresh and so clean!
OOOOHHHHHH THOMAS!!!!!!! He was really excited about his stocking and that there were lots of prizes inside!

Our beautiful bare tree. In the hopes of being in our new house for Christmas which obviously did not happen, we had a bare tree for the few days we had it and at least put lights up Christmas eve so Hunter would have a twinkly tree in the morning! :) Thank you Nana & Popi!!! That boy knew just what to do!
Hunt loves fire trucks and every boy needs a big loud fire truck of their own.
Wrestling paper is always a good time!

Christmas program at school...uh-dorable!!!!!
Hunter's class! Just before Christmas Nana Halloran retired from Winter Haven Hospital Accounting after about 40 years!!!! We are so proud of Nana and celebrated with a yummy chocolate cake from Texas Cattle Co. YUM!!!

and the "blogscer" goes too....NOT ME!

2010-02-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

worst blogger of EVER... that's me. Well life is kinda nuts lately!
I know pics are what you really came here to see, and I promise to get to some of those. But for my own therapeutic release, here is what Halloran's three have been up to!

Hunter is awesome! Talking so well, quite the chatter box! Getting to be a bit of a clown. Using his imagination more and more every day! Learning so much at school. LOVES to sing God Bless America at the top of his lungs at the most random times and places! Still SLOW going with the potty training though he has peed in the potty 2x and that is hope for me!

Baby still makes me sick...literally. Still on medication that chemo patients take and that i would have (and nearly have had) a panic attack over if i forget to take my pill! Thank God for modern medicine!!! :) Plus side is that at 23 weeks I have gained a whopping 4 pounds! Ha! But baby is healthy and growing and we are already over half way there!

Mic is LOVING his new job and we thank God every day for his perfect timing and his hand in all that transpired with that! I am thankful that he is happy! I am having my best year EVER teaching! I absolutely love my kindergarten class this year, I look forward to work every day and I dread the end of the year coming so soon! The little ones in my class melt my heart (12 boys and 4 girls mind you!) They are precious!

We finally had an opportunity to buy a new house! We never dreamed of living in such a home and wake up every day feeling like we are on vacation at some resort! Sorry for the poor couple who had to short sale their beautiful pool home on the golf course, but thank you God for allowing us to get an absurd deal on an amazing home in a fab community! We feel so blessed and thankful. Staying busy getting settled in making upgrades to fit our liking, and meeting new neighbors. Ones who ride up on their golf carts and bring us cookies and little potted plants and "welcome to the neighborhood" hand shakes! No more "gangstas" and boom boom music till wee hours and other "sketchy" individuals roaming the streets! hahaha

Just kinda a quick recap of Halloran's three plus one.

A LOL Christmas! Part 1

2009-12-27T10:42:00.000-08:00

On the first day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
...a few days with messed up e-lec-tric-i-ty!
On the second day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
...an ER trip complete with EKG!
On the third day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
...remembering when he got down on his knee!
On the fourth day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
...Christmas Eve and lights are finally on our tree!
On the fifth day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
...Christmas day filled with lots of family!
On the sixth day of Christmas break my true love gave to me...
....a day at home to finish laun-da-ry!

...to be continued... ;)

"Merry Miss Mas!"

2009-12-27T09:37:00.000-08:00

Just a few early holiday pics. Fun time downtown on the circle and School Christmas Program!

Pumpkins and Pirates and cowboys oh my!

2009-11-28T17:56:00.001-08:00

Quick trip by the patch after a dr. visit...just like last year! :)
Running....
Still Running...
Stop for air... Where is Hunter's head? hahaha
Had to clothesline him to get this one, he was not happy about it!
On the way to the cousins for some trick-or-treating. Two lollipops to start the night! (See if you can count how many in the rest of the pics...LOL!)
Caught ya! Sneaking treats at Nana's!

A balloon artist came over! (Check out Mic's wig in the back...hahahaha)
Arrrrr..Captian Halle Girl! Hi ho Silver!

"Aunt Jen Jen is my hero!"
Roastin' some dogs.

This and that

2009-11-24T06:15:00.000-08:00

If you know Mic, you know he can never wait till Christmas for a big surprise! Well Hunt, Merry Christmas! Here is your very own big boy "By-buh-cool"

Oh yeah, and a hot date night out @ the Florida Hospital Gayla to see Mark Lowrey.

July/August: Goodbye Summer...Hello new school year

2009-11-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

One last weekend enjoying the Big Blue Beauty! Who needs Cypress Gardens anyway?!
NO FEAR!!!

Get together @ Lightsey ranch to say good bye (for now) to Lauren

Taking BK's truck out to the horse barn

Happy Birthday DADDY!!!!!!

2009-10-31T07:34:00.001-07:00

So I have been a HUGE slacker here lately, this should tell the story why.
We spent our annual trilogy of birthdays @ Texas Cattle CO. with the fam, I would say Mic felt he had the best B Day between he, Matt (our bro in law)and myself! Turned out I had a surprise up my sleeve for the evening! hehehe Enjoy the play by play. :)
(Mic thinking) "Hmmm, Gator tickets? YESSSS!!!!!"

Mic thinking..."hmmm iPhone, she made a big purchase without me?!" Mic thinking....."OH SNAP!!!!"
Mic thinking...."AAAHHHH YEAH"
Nana thinking...."Are ya gonna tell us already?!!!!"
SURPRISE!!!!!!! Happy Birthday DADDY!!!!!!!
I had come home from school that Friday we would be meeting for dinner. I had a hunch due to the, um, well, quite upset stomach I had had for several evenings prior, and remembering my misery the entire pregnancy with Hunter I could not mistake the signs. So I thought on the way home from school..."I'm gonna take one and if it is + I'll wrap it up as a surprise for Mic (and the whole fam) at dinner". And thus begins our journey! HALLORAN'S THREE PLUS ONE!!! :)

Special Secret Delivery!

2009-09-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Wake up from nap and check the mail.
Find a box on the door step with Hunter's name on it!
Think twice back to recent "anthrax" envelope delivered to our house.
Looked it over and decided I had a hunch where it came from.
Allowed Hunter to be surprised by his special secret delivery.
He was only concerned with the box and not the magnetic calender inside.
I shed a tear as I realize what I believe to be story behind the delivery.....

I believe the box came from Miss Ethel. I have introduced Miss Ethel before but if you are not familiar Ethel lived a few doors down and was 92 years young. We would take Hunter to visit on evening walks and Mic took care of her yard and little projects around the house. Anyway...Miss Ethel passed away a few months ago when we were out of town. We were very sad to learn of this. Her daughter comes to her house once in a while to go through things in the house. Well...I believe the box was in Miss Ethel's home waiting for Hunter and our next visit because it was in her handwriting and not the daughter's! I believe her daughter found it and dropped it off for hunter! So sweet and so sad at the same time! We miss you Miss Ethel but thank you in heaven for thinking of little Hunter who you loved so much and his special surprise!

hUH-LaRiOuS

2009-09-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

SEVERAL different people we know have sent this to us and said they think this will be hunter in another year or so!LOL! WOW! Maybe he will live out my dream of being a back up dancer in music videos! But I still have time right guys???!!!! hahah Anyway, this kid DOES have moves. Enjoy! (FloRider!!!! NOT CENSORED!)

Family, Fun and Sun

2009-08-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Spent a week down in Englewood with the whole fam. Stayed at a new condo that we LOVED!!! Barefoot Beach. (Usually stay at the Boardwalk). Daddy made it down by Wednesday night and we were excited for him to leave work and come hang out with us. Spent lots of time eating yummy snacks, drinking Matt's Costa Rica coffee that he brought back from his mission trip. Read more of my Twilight books, Jen played lots of Ping Pong (World Champ!!!!) and Matt played lots of Flick Fishing (on the iTouch!)! Nana and Popi got lots of lovin in on the grand babies and Hunter, Avery and Halle had LOTS of cousin time. Hunt loves playing with them...just didn't like sharing so much! Had GREAT weather all week! Lots of beach time and pool time as well. Though Hunter hated being down at the beach during the day, he loved the pool and playing in the shade of the building. Def gets that from Daddy! I just wanted to sit in the sun all day! We got a boat one day and cruised the coast and around Boca and Little Gaspirrilla, such a fun time! Girls had their shopping day for back to school and got some great deals. Boys had their fishing day and brought home quite a catch. We took some of it to a local restaurant and they cooked it up for us and we got to dine their and eat our own catch! (Lock and Key Restaurant). That was a special treat! Another great beach vavay with the fam!

Viva Las Vegas

2009-08-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Spontaneous and less likely to do ever again...those were the criteria for our anniversary get away...FIVE YEARS of wedded "bliss" :). So Vegas it is. Quick notes from the trip and lots of pics.

-GREAT, very inexpensive trip all packaged via Southwest (nonstop flights, hotel, shows and tours)
-on the flight over sat behind a make a wish family leaving Disney (Give Kids the world) where I had done an internship...shed a tear, so precious
-landed in Vegas and saw a plane where there was a processional for a fallen soldier being brought home, shed a tear, again
-Vegas was freaking hot
-stayed at New York New York which was apparently the "happening" place for young folk, did ride the roller coaster that wound in and out of our hotel...it was NOT a pleasant experience but kinda cool!
-we quickly determined we are old farts
-in bed by midnight and on the strip by 9 am hahaha(i think that is against Vegas law)
-ate buffets for breakfast and dinner and snacked on treats in the afternoons
-walked more the first few hours than in my whole life and spent way too much in taxis to get back, feet had heat blisters, you know me, flip flop queen (are there other shoes really?)
-figured out public transportation next day, good thing cause I wanted to come home :)
-Saw "O"... O-MAZING!!!!!!, and "LOVE", never done drugs..imagine it was something like watching that show!
-we secretly liked riding the double decker city bus and did it several times for fun up and down the strip
-Did I mention it was freaking HOT, even for a Florida girl, OMG, spent all my winnings in bottled water
-my biggest win was $8 bucks on the penny slot. I acted and made a scene as though I won the jack pot, and WAS really that excited, I have no clue how to gamble but can somewhat manage the slots
-Loved spending a whole afternoon in "the venetian" riding the gondola and sitting in the "Plaza" watching entertainers and eating ice cream...cause it was HOT outside
-our last night met up with our old neighbor and his new bride Kris and Kristen(live in Vegas) on Freemont street, boys played black jack at the Golden Nugget, girls went and ate deep fried Oreos, yummy, well the first bite anyway :)
-ate breakfast one morning in Paris and went up the Eiffel Tower, both very neat
-other than nudie cards on the ground in old parts of the strip, Vegas was very clean and non trashy, they really are trying to clean it up, just stinkin' hot (what do I expect in mid July in the middle of a desert?)
-did love the dry dessert air and the fact that when I straightened my hair and walked outside...IT STAYED STRAIGHT! I know you Florida girls feel me on that one!!!!!
-never saw a celeb and was disappointed (i was at least, mic could care less!)
-LOVED watching the water fountain @ Billagio at night...such a beautiful spectacle

GLOW IN THE DARK

2009-08-03T18:12:00.000-07:00

Work Camp 2009: Matthew 5:14-16 13
14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

So glad to get to participate in another summer of three great work camps. I love being "camp photographer" and getting to see the kids in every setting. So proud of the campers and leaders (from many differnt churches) hard work and didication serving thier community and sharing God's love.

WORK

Loaded a semi w/ clothes for overseas

New siding on a home
Fresh paint on a home (several homes actually)
Completly demolished and got rid of this entire old crack house for the city if LW. All that was left by the end of the camps was an empty grassy lot! :) Praise the LORD!!!! Amen!

Brand new roofs on several homes
PLAY

After dinner each evening teams followed clues on their "GEO Hunt" DVD to find their destination and task.

Paddle(w/ your hands) out to the middle of Lake Wailes to get your team flag and rest of team on shore pulls you back in by rope

Lake Time on Crooked
As a team, roll your bowling ball up spook hill then launch it back down again(kids dont try this at home) Plant your flag where your ball stops at the bottom
Nothin like a little ultimate frisby in the middle of orange groves
More R&R on lake easy

Launch water balloons to target on top of Care Center down town
GROW

Morning and evening devo/worship sessions

FBC LW Band

First Christian Church Band

A City On A Hill!!!!!

Freedom, fire crackers, fishin' and fun!

2009-08-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

Year two @ Bk's for the fourth. He out did himself yet again on the "TOTALLY LEGAL" hahaha fireworks display over the cove which were enjoyed by all residents on Crooked Lake I am sure! :) Great time w/ fam and friends. Hunt enjoyed the boat ride until BK floored it and we all about lost our hair right off our heads. Hunt also enjoyed watching fireworks from INSIDE the house looking out the window shouting "boom boom!" each time they went off. Then he crashed hard for the night, as did we all.
The Party Barge :)

Sweet cousin Avery

The two men in my life

Summertime storms and shiners!

2009-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:00

Hunt got his first shiner at school. Same day summertime storm landed yet another tree on our house~ At least this one was less than a ton and did not fall through the roof as in hurricanes past! Neighbor was able to have it cleared by the next day as it was his tree and my husband so gentle and kind spoke with him about the incident! LOL!

...by the old hollow log....

2009-07-03T06:40:00.001-07:00

Hunter's end of the year program at school was "Down By The Creek Bank". When they first sent a notice home in his back pack about it I got all misty eyed! Michael and I were both in that program as tots! So we were thrilled that little Hunter was about to do the same. He had a little stage fright so he proceeded to play peek a boo with the audience! ALL of the children were adorable and the program was great!

Woo Hoo Hunter's 2!!!!

2009-06-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Such a special day in spite of all the chaos surrounding it. Our precious little man turned two on June 7th. We had a back yard splash party and thanks to our fam and friends who splashed with us! I had no plan than to hang out and have fun and that is what we did. Hunter laughed and squealed the whole time and THAT made my heart happy! Enjoy some of my fav pics from the day! Happy Birthday my little man!

PROOF!

2009-06-13T18:27:00.000-07:00

OK here is proof that I DID do some work at work camp besides just photography and video! I still have black roofing tar on my leg, primer on my arm... and I've just about stopped sweating. So when I get a few naps in and laundry caught up I'll share more if yet another AMAZING High School Work Camp! Stay tuned!

CAMP ONE PROJECTS COMPLETED IN A WEEK BY 72 CAMPERS:
3 HOMES WITH NEW ROOFS
3 HOMES PAINTED
1 HOME PREPPED AND PRIMED FOR PAINTING @ NEXT CAMP
1 HOME NEW SIDING
1 PROPERTY MOWED, TRIMMED AND CLEANED UP
1 SEMI TRUCK COMPLETELY FILLED WITH CLOTHING TO SEND OVERSEAS
and this was just the first camp y'all! I can't wait for the next two!!!!!!
So proud of these students for letting their lights shine!

SIKE!

2009-06-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

So...Mic did NOT arrive Friday night as thought. He got trapped in Atlanta and had to spend the night in the airport unsure of the next flight that would even leave due to bad weather. however he got a flight the next morning and thank you Popi for picking him up and getting him to Hunter's birthday party just in time for cake and presents! SO GLAD TO HAVE HIM HOME SAFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Where my baby daddy?

2009-06-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Ok I know I am ridiculously WAAAAYYY behind on this thing. But I will say I miss my hubby/ my partner in crime! I have been a single mom this week and it STINKS! I don't know how single moms who work full time, take a night class, get ready for a soon to be 2 year old's B Day party on Saturday, finish her last week of school, get ready for work camp next week, with little kids survive!!!! (Thanks Nana & Popi for coming to the rescue a few times!)I can't wait for Mic's flight to arrive at 11:00pm tomorrow night! Get that boy home from NC (for his new job) so Hunter can stop saying..."Mommy? Where daddy go? Daddy go work?" Well.... "Mommy wanna go sleep!!!!" :)

Psalm 139:13,14

2009-05-14T18:36:00.000-07:00

Saw this idea a long time ago on Livin Lovin and fell in love with it! I totally wanted to try it myself and thought it would be perfect for when mothers day rolled around! I gave it my best effort and was very pleased with the results. Made this for Nana Halloran of all three grand kiddies (made one for my SIL of her girls, my mom and myself of Hunter). Everyone loved it and I must say I was pretty proud of myself! Thanks Heidi for "letting" me steel this idea! :)

...the better to hear you with my dear!

2009-05-02T19:37:00.000-07:00

Hunter had his tubes put in and is doing great. He had had chronic ear infections since being a little guy. Had lots of thick fluid trapped behind his ear drums. We had tried every possible antibiotic, the last one putting him in the hospital. Nothing seemed to completely get rid of the gunk.(My theory is due to c section delivery and not getting all that gunk pushed out) Anyway.....his procedure went great! We went to Arnold Palmer Hospital's children's center in Orlando and they were FABULOUS! Michael teases me because I really enjoyed our updates from the anesthesiologist! (Tall dark and hansom with an amazing Latin accent!) hahaha!!! Anyway, surgery went great and recovery even better! He slept off everything on the way home and was 110% by that evening! Thank you for all of the prayers...so far he is doing great and already showing signs of much better hearing and talking better too!

We really got a kick out of watching the Valium kick in...funny at first but then a little sad and scary too! Hope to never see him like that when he is a teenager! LOL~

Going to the chapel and were gonna get married!

2009-04-28T17:56:00.001-07:00

Yay! My not so little...little bro Daniel married Christi this weekend. Of course she was stunning and they were both so cute and excited! Such a fun time with family! And I know I know...but my little man was such a stud in his tux! Such a special day! I sure hope they are having fun in St. Lucia! :)

Easter

2009-04-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Halloran's Three
So JCrewSweet Avery girl
Silly Halle girl
Easter morning at Grandma & Grandpa Kistner's. Yummy brunch and yay for basket!Hunter LOVED his bubbles and his Cheetos! Our church hunt @ high school football field! Tons of people...tons of fun...very well organized..Hunter LOVED hunting....well...throwing...the eggs! :)
On your mark...get set...I cant wait GOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Mic & I had a blast watching the older kids bow for the prizes...this one was AWESOME!!!! LOL~
Mommy I had so much fun at my first Easter egg hunt!

Dillo Disturbance

2009-04-18T19:03:00.001-07:00

Ok......for you true Floridians...you know how pain in the , well, how unbelievably ANNOYING those pesky and absolutely nasty rodents known as Armadillos can be. We had one a year ago dig several tunnels under our house of which my knight in shinning armour in all of his geniousness (and God knows I love this man) decides to blast firecrackers in the tunnels and then concrete them in! HA. Well a few month ago we have been revisited. Each morning there is a fresh tunnel under our front window and Mic fills it back in only to do this about every day for several weeks. Well, we set a trap to no avail, broke out the BB gun to no avail! (I wont let him keep his other guns at our house, thank goodness). Needless to say Mics dad found us a super large trap to set. Mic and I looked carefully around our property to see where this pain in my...side...was getting in and out. Needless to say night two was success. I had asked Mic to move his car early in the morning so I could leave for work. He came running back in all but break dancing on the floor cause the nasty thing had been caught! Thank You Lord. He drove it all the way out to the race track! (I suggested the middle of lake Jackson but we did not have a boat at the time)! So here is my conqueror and his prize!

Spring Break is GREAT!

2009-04-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Had a very self indulgent spring break if you will! Hunter went to school like normal and mommy had play time! Thank you to my hubby who never complained once about my going and doing and him having extra Hunter duty! I was able to do some fun things and really enjoyed my break that went by WAY to fast. I will try to give a quick recap of the week! I had TONS of great pics. Ill try to share my favs

Monday-Girls Just Wanna Have Fun-A PERFECT day @ Anna Maria Island

Tuesday-Sea World w/ the bestie Laci could not believe how LARGE the walrus was...all of him ;0) LOL!

Wednesday-Haircut & Chuck E Cheese!

Thursday & Friday-Shopping overnight in Orlando with my mama, FLA Mall & Mall @ Melinia

Dinner @ Cafe Tu Tu Tangos w/ Mariachi dancers! :)
Dessert & Coffee@ Cheesecake Factory YUMMY!

Saturday & Sunday chores and rest and pout because Monday back to work!

Safe and Sound

2009-04-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

All has settled down at our home! Though we did have quite the drama for about 24 hours with the FBI, Highlands County Sheriff herself, and lab techs doing an investigation at our home...the only house in our neighborhood to be a "victim"! You can read the link to the newspaper article from today for the stats (sorry but all I can say is what an idiot!) In a nutshell...I was in Orlando for a few days shopping with mom when Mic called my cell phone in a panic!!!!! All I could hear were people talking, asking questions, something about anthrax and FBI at our house! He had come home from picking up Hunter after work, checked the mailbox and saw that we had a white envelope with a smiley face drawn on the front. He had heard of the lock down at our local hospital due to the envelopes with anthrax threat on them so he immediately called 911 and within minutes our house was in a frenzy! Most of you locals know that it was a ridiculous April Fools hoax. Well I hope the suspect can laugh for the next 79threats x 15years per threat (1185 to be exact) he could face in prison for second degree felony hoax of a weapon of mass destruction! Anyway, I am very glad all involved are without worry. Though we do get jittery at night when we hear noises outside. Our once white mailbox is now dirty black from finger print dust. And of course my wonderful husband does not have my instinct to capture on film the men in white suits walking around our house but you could just imagine I am sure! So next year I would much rather have Saran wrap over the toilet seat than have a white envelope in my mailbox! And I really Lord forgive me just want to smack the grin off this guys face! Sorry guys! Mamma is riled up about this one!

http://www2.highlandstoday.com/content/2009/apr/04/041511/la-anthrax-hoax-suspect-faces-75-felonies/

Anthrax attack! Our home was a victim! We got "the envelope" in our mailbox.under investigation. We are "ok" just feeling. Violated

2009-04-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

Children's Museum w/ the cuz's

2009-03-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

Nana and Popi brought Avery and Halle down to the 'Bring to visit with Hunter. We showed them what a typical Saturday morning looks like with the Halloran's Three. Started out at DOT's diner for yummy breakfast. Weather was a little unpromising for playtime at the Hammock so we went downtown to the Children's Museum. All three little kiddies (and Big Kiddie Mic) had a blast. We are so lucky to have such a neat play place right downtown. It was so fun to watch them run around allowed to play with EVERYTHING! :) Enjoy the pics...all smiles! :)

MARCH BUNCO..."Feelin' Lucky?!!!"

2009-03-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

BUNCO Babes!
Cheers SIL's
"My Partner!!!!"
Had a blast hosting March BUNCO @ O'Halloran's Tavern! I never even come close to winning any of the prizes so I make my own fun throughout the evening by cutting it loose and having a great time! Got a little silly....well...maybe a little obnoxious..but hey, fun was def to be had. We all got in the St.Patty's spirit with our GREEN, beads, blinking rings etc. Lots of yummy appetizers and even some St.Patty's green "spirits". Can't believe the neighbors never made a peep cause we were LOUD!!!!! (my cam batt, died so I only got a few pics. Didn't quite "think clearly" enough to use my phone cam....hmm):) I am sure Bonny (most BUNCO's) is sporting her way cute Life Is Good hat, Laci's toes are perfectly pedied pink(most games) and Melinda's sweet baby in her belly happy with yummy Olive Garden(biggest loser)! Great time gals...look forward to the next round!

TGIF

2009-03-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

So thankful tomorrow is Friday. I am already up way past bed time! Yup pretty much delirious at this point and I have spring break on the mind. Just can't seem to get here fast enough! Thankful to get sweet Hunter boy to a specialist in Orlando next week for his ear issues. Looking forward to getting him cleared up so he can hear better and have better language development. Thankful for my hubby who has been so great to me lately for lots of reasons...even when I do not deserve it. Looking very forward to this weekend to hanging with my best boys Hunter and Mic!Now I need to spell check before I post this late night nonsense or else you will all need a translator to read it as I am the world's worst speller...as my BUNCO babes know....'hooked on phonics did NOT work for me!!! LOL I will try to catch up my blog this weekend with BUNCO pics, children's museum pics too! Later gang...for now anyways!

Bok, Bauer and B-eautiful!

2009-03-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Made it to Bok Tower last Saturday morning early. I made everyone book it there to get in before 9:00 am because I thought it was free to locals before 9:00am on Saturday mornings (used to be back in the day). We were there just a few minutes after and I was ticked to see Mic in the car ahead of me having to pay! Oh well. Times change. So FYI if you got to Bok Tower BEFORE 9:00am on Saturdays you get in half price. The gate keeper was kind enough to give us the discount even if it was 9:03! Worth it all together. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning, flowers in full bloom and the boys ran around everywhere! Then took long afternoon naps! YESSS!!!!!

A few randoms

2009-03-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

I think these were from our V Day evening @ Sebring Pier. We picked up some yummy Outback take out and when Hunter went down for the night Mic & I enjoyed our dinner and watched Fireproof.

Na na na na and yum yum!

2009-03-15T16:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks a bunch Stacy and Adam for hooking us up on a trip to The FL Strawberry Fest to see Third Day! Stacy won tickets on the JOY FM's Friday free for all. She and Mic have an underlying competition on who can get through on Fridays. He has won once and now she has. Dinner conversation at Chili's was fun talking about life pre babies...what did we do with all our time and money???? Concert was great and snacks were YUMMY! Very fun night out!

First ER Trip!!!!!!

2009-03-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

Late night, crowded lobby, lots of sick scary people....and Hunter's mama giving people what for because my little baby was having an allergic reaction gone bad! He conclusively had a reaction to medication. He broke out in hives on a Friday night. I wasn't really alarmed because he acted fine. By Saturday night he started looking REALLY scary but the on call Dr. led me not to worry. Sunday morning we drove to St. Pete to my grandma's 92 b day with the whole fam. After we had been there a bit Hunter looked bad and began swelling (feet, hands, face, ears). That is when I started to panic. We left immediately to head back home. I was worried it might be contagious and we sure did not want to put his little cousins we were visiting with at risk! By the time we were home his hands and feet had completely swelled together so we headed to Lakeland's ER because they have a pediatric ER unit and our pediatrician recommended we go there if we think we can make it. So we booked it there of course! Sunday night made for a VERY crowded lobby. It was late and Hunter was so tired and just wanted to sleep. He had developed a high fever and hands, feet and ears began to turn blue. At this point I am FREAKING OUT! And all I can do is pray JESUS JESUS JESUS!!!!!!! Nana and Popi Halloran arrived to be there for their little man (helped mommy and daddy out!)We waited a few hours and finally got back. They treated him immediately (once we got back there) with some steroids ect. Michael and I got to watch Charlie & the chocolate factory in his room while he slept and let the meds get into his system. (Most expensive movie rental ever! HA) We got to leave right at midnight! Took about a week or so for his spots, bruises and swelling to go away but is doing just fine now. Thank you Nana and Popi for being there, thank you Laci for getting my sub and class taken care of and for talking to me while I was freaking out in the waiting room, and THANK YOU JESUS for taking care of my precious angel!
Friday night breakout

Saturday night
Look mom I am just fine!

GymboWEEEEE!!!!!!

2009-03-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

I think Hunter's visit to Gymboree was the most fun he has ever had in his whole entire life! LOL! The kid laughed and giggled and squealed the whole time. We brought our buddies Laci, Rylee and Baxlee to Lakeland on our day off of school. Here is the secret. You can go on line and print a coupon for a free trial class! Such a fun FREE day and worth the trip to Lakeland and you bet we hit Target on the way home! I would totally love to try and get another free class in a few months. But I think they will kinda remember the red head who ran around like a crazy kid the whole time! haha Check out these cuties having SO MUCH FUN!

January/February Winter Fun

2009-03-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

Plenty of exciting things going on Mrs. Halloran's Kindergarten class!
JANUARY
Hibernation Day was soon after we returned from Christmas break. We wore our pj's and slippers to school. We hibernated in our "caves" and played a rhyming game where you only woke up if you heard two words that rhymed! We had a word wall snowball fight and went to recess in a V shape as if we were migrating birds heading south for the winter. After lunch we watched Polar Express and enjoyed hot cocoa with peppermint sticks. The kids had a blast (so did their teacher!)We also learned about snowmen and made pretend snow angels on the floor (since we do not have snow in Florida and sand angels are just gross!):We made snow flakes and mittens too.
February began by celebrating 100 DAYS of school. Their family project for the month was to create a picture sing 100 of anything (some of those were interesting...celery, house keys and a few other odd items were used!)We did 100exercises and were quiet for 100 minutes...SIKE...I WISH...really 100 seconds! HA!We also hunted for 100 Hershey Kisses! We learned about MLK and made our own rainbow of dreams where students wrote their own dream. "I have a dream..."that everyone would come to my birthday party"..."that my mommy will love me forever"...that I could go the whole way on the monkey bars!" Hey...they are creating goals right?! We enjoyed a fantastic Field trip to the children's museum and a Max & Ruby play at the community college. Because of Dental Health month the tooth fairy made a special visit to teach us the importance of taking care of our teeth. Students learned about former presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln and got quite upset about the "l" in Lincoln because you couldn't sound it out!I'm with them on that one!That has always bothered me too! hehe And of course Valentine's Day was a BIG deal where they felt safe to announce the love of their life! They were so excited to share their valentine cards and treats and our party consisted of a chocolate fountain with all the yummy treats to dip! YUM YUM! They teacher really enjoyed that! haha Now we are diving into spring and students are currently working on their leprechaun traps at home to catch that sneaky leprechaun that is loose in our classroom! He keeps messing things up and making strange noises throughout the day. Look forward to posting those pics later..until then enjoy these from Winter!

"Barney's Dream"

2009-02-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Barney is a disabled man who lives in lake wales and has been in a wheel chair his whole life. He is SOOOOO involved in the community if you just say "Barney" nearly everyone knows who you are talking about. Well a new playground was just built that was a dream of Barney's. It was designed so that children with disabilities could enjoy a playground like any other "normal" child. It has ramps for wheelchairs. Larger swings with harnesses etc. It really is a fun, BEAUTIFUL playground for ALL children and we took Hunter opening weekend to play with his cousins (who have reportedly gone nearly every day!) :) So glad the community worked together to live out "Barney's Dream"!

Party Time!

2009-02-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Fun weekend of a carnival birthday party for Hunter's twin friends Calvin and Leah....Highlands county fair where Hunter actually won his first gold fish doing his favorite, throwing balls....Super Bowl party at our friends house. They had Sonny's cater and it was YUM YUM. Thanks for opening up your new home to all our kiddies! (Who could NOT stay out of the Cheetos bowl!)

Cheeto?....what cheeto?
I'll just have one more
Elli sure is sneaky under that table with her cheeto collection Bauer has no shame going in for the kill! half time entertainment

daddy don't you drop my fish!

SEBRING SNOW FEST

2009-02-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

Our Big Brothers Big Sisters program sponsors a SNOW fest each January out at the race track. They ship in several tons of snow for the kids as well as lots of bounce houses. My "little sis" has recently gotten in trouble with the law unfortunately and was unable to go with me so Hunter and I brought some friends with us. We went very early to beat the crowds which was great because the kids could easily play in the snow and bounce houses.Hunter was not so excited about the cold wet stuff but absolutely loved his first time in a bounce house. He kept laughing so hard that he really only got a few hops in before he would fall over in laughter. It was really funny. Anyway...morning was nice and cool and crowd free and overall a fun time.

Quick updates!

2009-02-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

ICE @ Gaylord Palms. Mic and I went on the last night and there were HUNDREDS of people in line and with Nana & Popi's VIP passes (thank you guys!) we went RIGHT IN! WOW! People were not too happy to see us go straight through the doors. It was beautiful and I enjoyed sliding down the ICE slide! :)

oh yeah!

2009-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Got to my car Friday after school to find the following early valentine from my crush!
Very sweet card.....

"P.S. if your phone hasn't been working properly...maybe you should try the one under your seat!"

"YESSSSSS!!!!!!!"

At a boy Mic!!!!!! Way to butter me up before Valentine's Day when you made me give our dog away! HAHA! (I'll post that saddness later...when I stop crying...just kidding...kinda!)
I LOVE MY NEW TOY!

Tagged!

2009-02-07T19:10:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Angie S.
Here were my instructions...
1. Go to the 6th folder in My Pictures.
2. Choose the 6th Picture.
3. Explain origins of photo.

I went to the 6th folder, 6th picture and panicked because it was a shot of hunter and I at the beach(I in my bikini! aaahhhh) While not that horrifying yet NOT wanting to post it to the world...I double checked to make sure I had the right folder /right picture! THANK GOD I had clicked on the 7th folder....HONEST!!!! Finally got it right and came across.....

One of my favorites of Hunt!(His rolls are much cuter than mine!) LOL! Last spring break he and I went to the beach together in Bradenton. A picture perfect day and why I am in love with Florida beaches!So ready for spring break again!
I tag Stacy S, Stacy L, and Shara L.

Christmas In A Nut Shell...A Little Late I know

2009-01-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve
*Baking cookies at Nana Halloran's, delivering cookies and carols to the neighbors

*Listening to Popi attempt to read the Christmas story from the Bible with Hunter going buck wild and Avery asking every five seconds if it was time to open presents YET! Then each family reflecting on 2008.

*FINALLY opening gifts in T minus 7 seconds-PAPER EVERYWHERE! Hunter rolling around in the paper (after he had already ripped the bows off nearly every gift). Lots of surprises and NO disappointments! :)

*Family photo time in our Christmas PJ'S...kids were DONE...Hunter..out of commission..Avery and Halle...Spent..yet another year of great Christmas Eve family PJ Pics in front of Nana's tree
Christmas Day
*Halloran's Three waking up in our own home...warm in our beds and new Christmas PJ's

*Hunter peeking around the corner and running to the tree

*Hunter more into all the hoopla than I thought he would be

*Mic bring out prizes for Hunter and I that we hadn't previously discussed and planned in the "budget"! What a sneaky little elf! Good Boy! :)

*Heading to LW yet again to Grandma and Grandpa Kistner's for Christmas Breakfast

*Laughing at my dad and all of his random "catalog" presents and laughing at my mom...because every Christmas I can ever remember many of our gifts came throughout the course of that day because she had forgotten that she had hid things and didn't remember to find them and wrap them!!!!! LOL

*Christmas dinner @ Nana & Popi Halloran's with the whole gang...One of the best meals I think we have had yet and over the years we have had some GREAT meals!

*Kids all getting kazoos and giving a concert of Christmas carols

*More presents and paper everywhere

*A long hard night's sleep because we were ALL whooped!
Included in there somewhere was another great boat ride at Uncle BK's on Crooked Lake.

Kiddies Christmas & Play Day @ Hammock

2008-12-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

We got the kiddies...three musketeers... together for their Christmas dinner (us parents got take out...can;t beat that!). They were so cute in their PJ's playing together, sneaking around the tree, chasing each other, climbing over one another, etc. Ellie sure can handle those two boys. They on the other hand had a fit when Ellie got her pink car. As soon as it came in the room she knew it must be hers...those boys had a fit. We made them all happy by taking turns doing wagon laps in the living room! Very cute and great to get them together for Christmas. The next day was beautiful so we met up at the Hammock for a play day!

Hunter's Broadway Debut....sort of!

2008-12-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

Hunter participated in his preschool's Christmas program @ FBC in Sebring. WOW! The whole performance was fantastic. All the children were so cute! Each class had their special part to tell of the nativity story and birth of Baby Jesus. Hunter's class was the angels and that they were! Nana & Popi Halloran brought Hunter's cousins Avery and Halle and Grandma and Grandma Kistner came too! I was so proud of my little angel! After the play we went right downtown on the Sebring Circle to enjoy the fun lights, Santa, fishing and puppet shows....FUN FUN FUN!

Celebration, The Palms & Disney!

2008-12-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

Once again we enjoyed yet another GREAT hotwire deal. $33 for a room at Celebration. We enjoyed the snow on main street while cousins enjoyed ICE @ Gaylord Palms. After the snow and a drive through all of the BEAUTIFUL homes lit up and decorated ever so perfectly:) we met up with the gang (Nana & Popi, Matt, Jenn, Avery & Halle). Michale, Hunter and I enjoyed strolling through Gaylord Palms while the rest of them were freezing:) and having a great time. Hunter enjoyed the laser lights and sounds show and Mommy enjoyed a Godiva liquor hot chocolate! WOW Merry Christmas to myself! Most expensive yet best I've ever had! :) Daddy enjoyed...making his family happy!:) What a good sport all weekend.

Next morning while the cousins enjoyed Disney for Avery's 6TH b day! Halloran's Three along with Nana and Popi enjoyed Disney resort hopping on the monorail (zero dollars). We visited the magic kingdom resorts to see them all gussied up for Christmas (The Contemporary, The Polynesian, The Grand Floridian and Fort Wilderness Lodge). BEAUTIFUL! My fav's were the Wilderness Lodge (even though Hunter was completely passed out by then..I was hoping to get some really cute pics of him at the Lodge)and the Grand Floridan which had a 16 foot tall REAL gingerbread house complete with a chimney that blew out gingery "smoke/steam" every few minutes and made the whole place smell yummy! Hunter had fun running around in the huge lobby and his eye caught a few beautiful little princess that he just could not stop staring at! They had just been to a private tea party with Princess Aurora for a birthday party...So cute! The Contemporary was not much to see really, though that is where we parked and boarded the monorail because it was the least crowded. The Polynesian has lots of little gingerbread houses made by all of their chefs and they were all very tropical/cabana looking. We did enjoy watching a hula class in the lobby. :)Hunter LOVED riding on the monorail from stop to stop! He HATED however having to get on elevators at the resorts to get to the different levels! He totally freaked out every time the doors closed! :( Here are some pics from the day. What a treat for the eyes and a must see sometime during the holidays!

Sebring Christmas Parade!

2008-12-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

off to find our spot that daddy had to save early that afternoon! Nana, Popi and Halle...lookin' good guys! :) Hunter & Halle Fun time with Popi

A kindergarten Christmas~

2008-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

OK...I am loving kindergarten...it's true! I am exhausted...but so worth it. I tried to do as many crafts. projects and activities as I could possibly squeeze in the three weeks after thanksgiving. What fun to watch their little eyes still twinkle at the magic of it all. How still they sit and listen to stories about baby Jesus, Santa and of course the Grinch too! And how their sweet and totally off key voices sound trying to sing Christmas carols that they repeat the same few lines over and over because that is all they can remember. My fav was acting out the nativity with the Fisher Price Little People that Hunter got from Nana last year. I gave each of the kids a piece and we turned the lights off. As I retold the story they brought their part up and placed it where it belonged (with a little help of course). So so precious! Here is a little recap of our classroom @ Christmas!

MY FLU SHOT MUST HAVE BEEN A PLACEBO!

2008-12-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

........And I can't seem to make it go away! Help! Need some home remedy suggestions...ASAP! I feel so bah humbug at "the most wonderful time of the year"!

WOOP WOOP!

2008-12-07T09:10:00.000-08:00

IT'S GREAT TO BE A FLORIDA GATOR!!!!!

Last Day of Hurricane Season HAH!!!

2008-11-30T14:19:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday November 30, 2008....the last "official" day of hurricane season. Had to catch this and post from this afternoon, how I will remember today!!One of THE windiest days of the year! Plenty of storms, power outages, and tornado warnings for today!
Good thing we skipped church (sshhh...Don't tell Andrew!...Although He somehow always knows! HA! :) We ran some early errands including picking out a Christmas tree and "decking the freaking halls" as mentioned earlier! :) Back to reality tomorrow! SADNESS!!!! (At least I managed to tackle most of the things on my to do list for the break including: downloading some new iTunes, started reading The Shack, CLEANED MY HOUSE, watched The Holiday and ate Publix peppermint ice cream..in my pj's of course, lots of Q.T. w/ Hunter, watched ENTIRE Macy's Parade, went Christmas shopping with mom, didn't get a nap that I remember and didn't get that date w/ hubby! :( But had a great week off overall. Back to Kindergarten early in the morning! "YAY"

T is for Turkey Day+Tummy ache+Travel=Tired

2008-11-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

Our turkey day plan was to spend a few days in Lake Wales between both families. You all know how it is. It took most of the day Wednesday to get packed and loaded and actually out the door and on the road. We decided to keep going on to Winter Haven to take Hunter to the doctor for possible pink eye. After finding out he had a mild case in both eyes and $60 bucks later (for the smallest bottle of eye drops I have ever seen but whatever). We finally made it to the Halloran's Wednesday evening just in time for dinner followed by Uncle Mic's laser light show in the living room with the kids.( For those of you who don't know...laser light show commonly called L.L.S . consists of a "jam box", strobe light and color light spinney ball thing. Basically dance party USA...Avery, Halle and Hunter had a blast (so did Uncle Mic). The rest of us had a headache..but again...whatever. Needless to day Hunter got to bed, Michael and I "went necking" (to Publix to get a pack of Turkey necks for gravy) made it back to find Hunter up and his, well...he spewed all over Nana's floor. He had gotten a nasty stomach bug and thus we loaded up the car and drove right home. He made it through the night thank you Jesus but was pretty pitiful most of the next morning. Thanksgiving morning we decided to stay home! Just the three of us. We stayed in our PJ'S and watched the ENTIRE Macy's Parade. By around 2:00 that afternoon I started pouting about missing out on Thanksgiving. We decided Hunter was feeling much better, so we loaded up again..headed to LW....ate...a lot...and headed home AGAIN!
Poor little Hunt watching the Macy's Parade

Friday we slept in..sort of..then packed the car up yet again and made the all too familiar trip back to LW to my brothers on Crooked Lake where we camped out with my mom's family and had a BLAST fishing, boating and four wheeling. Not to mention staying up late around the bon fire on his beach. Everyone was so relaxed and our Clearwater "city slickers" enjoyed the laid back and PERFECT weather. Such a fun relaxing time.

Fun Fall Photo - Op

2008-11-30T11:59:00.000-08:00

Many of you who are local know the spot! There is a home in Sebring that decorates their lawn for the holidays and welcomes the public to take pics. So we did just that(...especially since it is almost time for them to change for Christmas!) We got the kids together for their fall pics. I had to post a few from only one year ago to show how they have grown! Enjoy. Our little photo op was fun and the kids were so stinking cute!
My littel punkin' last year(6 months)- bald as a chicken...hahaha

The three little bambinos

Fire, Friends, Fiasco:)

2008-11-24T18:21:00.000-08:00

We finally had a COLD night recently so Mic and I made a huge pot of yummy chili and our friends came over with the kids. We enjoyed, or well tried to enjoy...well...we had a fire! The kids pretty much hated it. By the end of the night Hunter had done a Pete Rose and split his forehead on the wall, poor Ellie got attacked by Hunter's bear chair and got a NICE shiner on her eye and Bauer, well...that boy is just a tank and always in to something! hahaha Something fun to do anyway..i think. Mic and I have sensed truely enjoyed the fire the last few evenings after Hunt goes to bed!
The Brinling's(Ellie just got her shiner)

Adam getting Bauer's attention
My rugged men

Kindergarten Update

2008-11-24T17:35:00.000-08:00

We recently took another field trip with Kindergarten. First we went to Papa John's Pizza and they got a "behind the counter" tour and then they each got to make their own little pizza! YUMMY! They were soooo good! After we enjoyed our pizzas we went to tour Florida Hospital. The kiddos got to see the nursery where babies are born, the pediatric wing, the ER, warehouse, fitness center, X-Ray center and the lab! We had such a sweet "pink lady" to show us around. I really appreciated the time each station took, especially the pediatric wing. They showed the kids inside a room and told them what to expect if they ever had to come because they were sick or hurt! I think the kids really enjoyed seeing all the neat stuff. They finished off the tour with cookies and milk in the cafeteria.

Here are some pics of our different fall activities. Mrs. Halloran's and Miss Bagwell (I mean Mrs. Brooker's) classes got together for a Thanksgiving play. My camera is on it's last leg so unfortunately I only have a few pics. But they were so cute depicting the pilgrim's voyage and arrival in the new world, their encounter with Squanto and the Indians and their thanksgiving feast. The songs they sang were very cute too. We ended with our own feast in the classroom with parents. It was a lot of work (I cooked my FIRST TURKEY EVER the night before. Yes, I was so very proud of myself. haha. I can still remember my kindergarten thanksgiving feast and how fun and special it was!

BUNCO TIME!

2008-11-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

Our November BUNCO night was PJ theme and we enjoyed pizza and other yummy snacks! Laci kept the AC down low so we could enjoy a fire! Enjoy we did! Those logs...WOW! :) We were all a little silly that night! Lots of fun with the gals in our PJ's. I did not win...again...but I did play much better than last time! :)
Winners (and Loser!):)

Care Center annual golf tournament

2008-11-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

By now most of you know my involvement with Lake Wales Care Center. They recently had their annual golf tournament @ Lake Wales Country Club. Michael always enjoys getting some guys together to play and I usually go to help with the drink cart or registration ect. This year I was able to be the photographer and even had a personal chauffeur to drive me around the course so I could get team photos, pics of all the hole sponsors, and some candid/action shots. It was a good thing he knew the rules of the course. Some of those teams were INTENSE!!!!! :) It was a beautiful day for golf. I believe there were aprox. 150 players combined with two flights. It makes me so happy to see people participate in such an event that enables Care Center to help so many people with many different needs! I did not attend the awards dinner that evening (couldn't miss BUNCO!) But Michael and the other guys were excited to get their prizes!

Florida Hospital Gala

2008-11-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

Florida Hospital Gala featuring Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman. It was lots of fun getting gussied up for this year's annual Florida Hospital gala. Dinner was beautiful and the concert afterwards was UNBELIEVABLE. In year's past we have been lucky to see Frank Sinatra Jr. and Sandi Patti. However this time it took me quite a while to believe I was actually getting to see these two incredibly talented artists. While MWS was great to "SEE" (HEHE gals!) Steven Curtis Chapman was actually my fav due to all that he shared personally about his family! What a spectacular evening!
Michael W. Smith (left) Steven Curtis Chapman (right)
My hot date!
Inside @ dinner

hang in there y'all

2008-11-19T19:22:00.000-08:00

I should have gone to bed a long time ago but I already have vacation on the brain! Two more LONG days of Kindergarten for me then a WHOLE WEEK off for Thanksgiving Break!!! Yay! Here is what I am looking forward to hopefully doing (in no particular order of course).......
*catch up on blogging and posting pics
*eat a lot on Turkey day and hopefully take a LONG nap:)& Macy's parade of course!
*clean my house (this will probably happen last or not at all) :)
*download some new itunes (Christmas maybe?...)
*read a book that has been sitting unopened on my nightstand for months(The Shack)
*go on a fun date with my hubby (Orlando?...KOBE?...Downtown Disney(aka FREE Disney!)
*snuggle with Hunter and have a tickle fest on the floor to hear his cute laugh, watch him run around the house butt necked:)hahaha
*watch a Christmas movie in my pj's eating Publix Peppermint ice cream
*Break out the Christmas decorations and DECK THE FREAKIN' HALLS BABY! :)hahaha

Special Delivery

2008-11-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

One evening this week we delivered some cute little pumpkins to some of our neighbors. Miss Ethel wanted the little pumpkin in the wagon! :) She is so cute! It was a VERY nice evening for visiting and was a fun and special memory for our little family.

Catching Up

2008-11-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick recap of what the Halloran's Three have been up to lately!

Pioneer Days In Lake Wales

Class Filed Trip To Pioneer Park

Halloween with my class

Trick-or-treating w/my "lil' stinker"!

Weekend Getaway

2008-11-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago Mic and I were able to get away for a night in Orlando! We really haven't done that since before Hunter was even born! We used to love on Friday's after work hitting up hotwire.com and booking a room for the night. You don't know what Hotel it is until you pay. You only know if it is a four/five star and all the details/prices, location ect. We have never been disappointed in the past, in fact couldn't believe the places we have gotten to stay for the price! Well, this time we booked a room for $40 and it ended up being the Hilton on International Drive!!! WOW! We were pumped! Anyway...we ate our FAV...KOBE Japanese then went to CITYWALK! Slept in the next morning and then hit Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. I got in FREE with my teacher ID nad Mic got in half price. WHAT A DEAL!!! We had a blast on the roller coasters...though my body certainly could not handle them like I could pre-baby! I felt like my insides were all over the place and they probably were! hahaha!!! It was weird not Having Hunter with us and I have to admit I don't know that I ever completely relaxed. Maybe we should do it more often and I will learn how to really "let go" again! Thanks Nana and Popi for letting Hunter come play so mommy and daddy could have a MUCH needed getaway!
band @citywalk-they were AWESOME!

I find it so hard to keep up these days. Here is a quick update on what the Halloran's Three have been up to!

Lil' Pumpkin Time

2008-10-24T16:43:00.000-07:00

YAY!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE a pumpkin patch. Love FALL!!!! (Well, at least the idea of what fall is supposed to be. Down here we make the most of it right?!)

Hunter's Pumpkin Patch @ FBC Pre school I took that day off (mental health day:)...and I felt like crap too!) Needless to say I was lucky to be able to take Hunt to school and hang out for the patch fun!!!!! His Teacher Ms. Christine is GREAT (MS. Sue too!)Hunter LOVED playing at the pumpkin patch at school.

Found this patch in Winter Haven after have taken Hunt to the Dr. For his double ear infection, nasty cough and flu shot round 2...so what better way to cheer him up (well...cheer me up...) then yet another pumpkin patch!:) He was MUCH more interested in the husk he found on the ground and REFUSED TO PUT IT DOWN. You'll see it in most of the pics if you look close! (It even went home with us).

Hunter's Picture Day was this week at school. Daddy got to see him all spiffed up that morning when he got up and got him ready! I HAD to get a few quick pics when Hunter and I got home from school that day! I was crushin' on my handsome little studd!

Mic Live In Concert for "Empty Bowls"

2008-10-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Wales had a Chambers After Hours event down town Lake Wales. It was hosted by Lake Wales Care Center and was their annual "Empty Bowls" event. Area leaders, business people and even some local artists paint bowls to be auctioned off at this event. The first bowl bid for around $550!!!! Care Center uses all the proceeds from the auctioned bowls to help feed hungry families in the area. A soup dinner is served and guests bid on their favorite bowls! ANYWAY.....Michael and his good friend Tommy played for the event and did a GREAT job. It has been a long time since Mic has been able to play at a venue so it as a lot of fun for him! There was a super turn out for yet another great event sponsored by Lake Wales Care Center.

MIC Flashback!

2008-10-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

One of Michael's friends from back in the day.....WAY BACK IN THE DAY...found me on facebook and sent these pics. MUST BE SHARED! HAHAHAHA!!!! Enjoy!

Methodist Preschool-Mic Front Row Last seat on right (suit & tie of course!) :)Little Drummer Boy-back row far R end Nice Kilt Honey! Mic- back row, second in from the right!

Halloween Bunco~

2008-10-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yay! So I finally decided to join a Bunco group with some fun girls! I have several friends who have been in different Bunco groups for a long time. Always sounded fun to me but I just never committed (you know me and having to commit to things!) So I got started in one and we had our first game night a few Saturday's ago and it was a ton of fun! (Even though I was almost but not quite the biggest loser!) :) Laci did a FAB job hosting yummy dinner, dessert and decor! Can't wait til next month to get to do it again!
Bunco Gals
Laci & Laura-old high school buds, new coworkers Biggest Loser, Most Bunco's, Most Games!

"Hunter got his hair did!":)

2008-10-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well.....we bit the bullet and had Hunter's first hair cut today! Mic has been wanting it done for months and I could not bear the thought of cutting off my baby's red locks! We were running some errands today and Mic just "happened" to pull in the parking lot and when I asked what are we doing his response was "I thought you wanted Hunter to get his haircut today so here we are!" What a punk! He knows how I drag my feet and get nervous with big decisions and this one was scary for me...but I thought I better give in now and get it over with cause it will only get harder. Plus Uncle Matt called him "Hunter Ray Cyrus" and that pretty much was enough for me! So we did it. Hunter did not enjoy being held down AT ALL! But Earl did a GREAT job and was so quick! Hunter looks so handsome. I didn't think he could get any cuter...man was I wrong!

After the new do we went down town for just a bit to catch Sebring Bike Fest! There were thousands of bikes and bikers and it was just kinda cool to walk around the circle looking at all the cool bikes. My fav was that someone had parked their beat up old bicycle in a row of some awesome custom bikes. I thought it was pretty funny! They had a stunt biker that Mic enjoyed watching. We didn't stay long...I think I got black lung from all the cigarette smoke and my nose hairs still burn from all the beer breath we had to pass through! hahaha Family fun nonetheless!

Happy Birthday La, Matt & Mic!

2008-10-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated the family birthday week. My b-day was Tues the 30th followed by Matt on Wednesday and Mic on Thursday! Each year on Mic's b day the whole fam heads to Texas Cattle Company in Lakeland for birthday dinner(s) all together. YUM YUM YUM!!!! Wow so GOOD! They actually hooked Matt and I up with a free "cowgirl" steak dinner as well as Mic which was awesome!! They are usually pretty strict about it having to be your actual birthday. But she asked for all three ID'S and worked some magic to hook us up! Thanks Nana and Popi for taking us all for such a fun and yummy dinner together! The kids had fun playing outside at the park by the lake before and after dinner! Another year older for us all!

Miss Ethel!

2008-10-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

Miss Ethel lives a few doors down. She is 91 years young and a 9o pound spitfire! We love to drop by and say hello from time to time! She loves little Hunter but I think she likes Michael more! :) He is such the charmer you know! He enjoys keeping her grass mowed for her. I had run to the store and when I came down our street Mic and Hunter were in Miss Ethel's drive saying hello! It was such a pleasant fall evening to be out for a wagon ride!

div>

Love Is In The Air

2008-10-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Mic and I were driving through Lake Wales the other night around the lake down town and it was BEAUTIFUL! Mic and I decided to pull off at this special spot where we were engaged about five years ago out in that field. It was sunset and looked just about as beautiful as it does here! Back then there was there was a blanket, lots of candles and rose petals and of course his guitar! We just stood for a moment talking about that night and how special it was and what a special spot this is. His sister and brother in law were engaged on this lake also. We only stayed a minute to take a few quick pics and reminisce because we were on our way to a movie. When we got back in the car my phone was ringing. It was my younger brother so I decided to answer since we don't get to talk much. He was all excited to tell me that he had just gotten engaged to his girlfriend a few moments ago! Of course I demanded details right away. Needless to say...he was just across the lake from where mic and I were reliving our special moment while he was right in the middle of his! hahahah!!! YAY Daniel and Christi! We are so excited for all that is to come and so glad you had your own special moment on Lake Wailes!

kindergarten thus far

2008-10-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am still trying to adjust to my little kindergarten class. But I am finding myself enjoying it more and more. What a great place to have a creative outlet when teaching these little sponges.Here are a few pics of our classroom and a few things we have done thus far.

We are wrapping up our first "unit" on apples. We had fun tasting and graphing our fave, making apple print art, homemade apple sauce, patterns and reading lots of apple and Johnny Appleseed stories...fun fun!

Spoken For

2008-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

(Heard this today, just what I needed!)

Take this world from me, I don't need it anymore
I am finally free, My heart is spoken for

Covered by your love divine
Child of the risen Lord
To hear you say "This one's mine"
My heart is spoken for

Now I have a peace, I've never known before
I find myself complete,My heart is spoken for
Mercy Me

catching up

2008-09-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

thought I would do a quick catch up what's been happening lately amidst the chaos.

*Ellie's first birthday, garden party(hunter's buddy). Her mommy Jen is so creative and had such cute decorations. She even hand made Ellie's cake.It was awesome!

*Back to school bash @ FBC Lake Wales with cousins Avery and Halle

*Hunter's first day of preschool. Yay for him....sad for me. He LOVES school and has adjusted so well! I feel very good about where he is which helps me get through my day. Daddy has stepped way up to the plate and helps out so much getting Hunter up and all ready in the mornings and takes him to school since I have to leave the house so early. Which I am NOT AT ALL...NOT EVEN A LITTLE BIT OF A MORNING PERSON so these early mornings are taking A LOT of getting used to again!

*Labor day @ Florida Aquarium(we were so antsy after a long weekend @ home that we got in the car and just started driving...ended up @ FL aquarium in Tampa.SUCH A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT. I even got in free because I happened to have my teacher ID with me! YES! Hunter loved the otter's.I think because they go back and forth all around so fast just like him! Daddy loved the snook tank. He kept saying so loud..."Awe man I wish I had my pole!" I had to keep telling him to keep it down. He was the loudest "kid" in the whole place! :)

That is pretty much the latest in a nut shell. Of course I'm still adjusting to school...I survived my first week with kindergartners! I think there is hope! :)

I am still here...sort of...I guess!

2008-09-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

I know I have seemed to disappear lately. I do not even know where to begin with all that has been going on in our little family. All is well and I promise to try and update a little this weekend! Notice I said TRY!
In a nutshell.....
I decided to go back to teaching full time kind of at the last minute after being home this past year with little Hunter. I saw a third grade position posted which is what I am familiar teaching and thought I would not be too stressed out doing what I know so I accepted an offer. I got to teach third grade for one week then was told that my unit had to be closed due to class size and budget cuts. I had a few options including going to a different school and still have to teach a different grade. SOOOOOO...I decided to stay where I am and teach kindergarten...YIKES! Don't you worry...I have been dealing with all the emotions that one could possibly go through in this whole situation. I am trying to trust fully in the Lord and tell myself every day that He is in control and has a master plan for me. I am trying to see the positive in it all and anticipate what God has in store. I can do ANYTHING as long as I rely on him! Needless to say I have been a little distracted lately but I am excited to start my new class, new adventure on Monday...HOLY FREAKIN' CRAP!!!! hehehe

Forgot to add the fishing pics

2008-08-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

Matt, Mic and some GOOD eatin'! :)

Nobody knew what the heck this fish was...anybody out there know?The captain has only seen one one other time in twenty something years!

Finally...beach vaca part III

2008-08-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Friday and Saturday were FUN DAYS! We all hung out together at the beach and pool as much as much as we could. We were sad to have to come home where my sis in law Jen & I would both be going back to work after babies. :( It was a great finally to a busy and FUN summer! BACK TO REALITY!

Beach Vaca Part II

2008-08-13T18:35:00.001-07:00

*Girls day out Wednesday!.....YAY~ My self, Mom in law and sis in law got a day away to go SHOPPING! We got to leave the kiddies with the men folk while we BLEW IT UP all over Sarasota and the surrounding area. We hit the mother load at Ann Taylor & Ann Taylor LOFT. We ended up with a lot of the same stuff. Good thing we live in different cities. Wanted to take a pic with all our shopping bags...however, did not have a lens big enough to fit.
*Of course the guys got their day out as well. They spent Thursday deep sea fishing. When I EVER get any pics from my bro in law I'll post their catch! (Hurry up MATT!)They caught about 40 grouper, some snapper, shark, etc.
*Friday was beautiful weather and calm seas so it was a great beach day. Spent a lot of time swimming and snorkeling in the ocean, collecting shells and building sand castles. That evening we had our annual fish fry at the beach with all the fixin's. You know...cheese grits and hush puppies. YUM! After dinner we had our yearly family photo shoot which is always hilarious. We managed somehow to get some great pics for the Nana & Popi's Christmas card.
That evening we forfeit our round of Scrabble to watch the Olympic opening ceremonies....AWESOME!!!!!!!

Beach Vaca! PART I

2008-08-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

We just got home from a GREAT fam vaca @ the beach. Michael's parents, sister & husband w/ their 2 girls and us Halloran's three, spent the week at a condo in Englewood. We have gone there for several years. We had tons of fun in the sun, great weather, great food and lots of fun together. I'll do my best to recap the week though I may not do it all in one sitting!

SUNDAY-TUESDAY
We arrived late Sunday afternoon and got settled in, did the grocery shopping etc. We all went to Chili's for dinner to celebrate Jennifer's birthday (Micheal's sister). Monday and Tuesday we spent time @ the Boardwalk (where we stayed) swimming in the pool and playing on the beach. Monday night Mic & I had dinner night. We made a typical Monday night Spaghetti night with all that goes with it. Stormed that evening so we got the kids to bed and played an INTENSE round of scrabble. Tuesday night Matt & Jenn made enchiladas and quesadillas. YUM! We learned that Hunter is happiest playing INSIDE! The bright Sun and heat were not appealing to him and he was scared of the waves (they were pretty rough). His cousins however, Avery and Halle could not get enough of swimming in the pool and playing in the sand on the beach. They LOVED entertaining Hunter and he loved it too. Tuesday evening we had a rematch round of Scrabble (and did every night thereafter!) :) Tuesday evening was a beautiful sunset!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!

2008-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon I went with my mother and sister in law and her two girls to get mani's & pedi's. We actually had gone shopping in Orlando Friday night while the boys went to the Devil Rays Game. It was so cute watching Avery and Halle get their toes and nails done! They loved it! (So did us big girls!)It was a great way to kick off our vacation to the beach this week. We leave Sunday for a week all together of fun in the sun!

Mommy-To-Be (NOT ME!):)

2008-08-02T20:39:00.000-07:00

Thursday evening I celebrated my very good friend Stephanie...Mommy To Be. My friend Tammy and I got together to so something a little different for a shower for Steph becoming a mommy for the first time! We hired a masseuse to come and give everyone a massage. We wore comfy pj's and ate ice cream and pickles (hehe). We each made lavender salt scrubs to take home and enjoyed watching Stephanie open her mommy gifts. We even played a funny game where you had to wear and pillow under your shirt (so we could empathize a little w/ Steph) and you and a partner were to get a pole between the hole of a roll of toilet paper. I won't go into details about that... but it was HILARIOUS!!!!! It was such a great get together as always is with girlfriends. Congrats Stephanie...Mommy To Be!!!!

Thanks!

2008-07-27T17:53:00.001-07:00

This past week had a few very LONG days. At the end of one of those days I couldn't wait to get Hunter to bed, finish picking up the house and just SIT DOWN. When I finally allowed my body to conform to the couch cushions I could see pretty orange and red streaks of light peering through the living room drapes which I had already closed up for the evening...shutting the world out! My curiosity motivated me to get back up and step out front....AAAAHHHHHHH! WOW! God painted a masterpiece in the sky that evening. I took a deep breath and really felt like that was a special gift from Him to me! A little reminder of how much He loves me even when the days are long and I am trying to find my place. I am glad He doesn't try to shut the curtains on us when things get crazy. He finds a way to reach us through the cracks of our lives and show us His unconditional love in spite of all we screw up OR get right! Thanks God for this beautiful gift in the sky and the gift of yourself given to each of us!

Prizes!

2008-07-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Forgot to mention the prizes we got from my parents trip to Colorado. Hunter got a Coon skin cap (he wouldn't take it off) and a Moose as well as a Proof coin set from the Denver mint from 2007, the year he was born. Great idea grandma & grandpa. Michael & I also got a Proof coin set from our birth year as well as a Proof pure silver dollar 2008 and an ounce of gold. We are not really coin collectors but neat keepsake nonetheless. Glad they had a great trip and are home safe!

Week at a glance

2008-07-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

*Mon-Tues: Early in the week Hunter and I got our chill on at home and spent a lot of time in our jammies and playing together or splashing in the pool(when it wasn't raining). My Grandma called "are your mom & dad home yet? No Grandma...late Friday night!"
*Wednesday my brothers came down to celebrate my "lil" bro's birthday. The three of us have not been all together in a long time so it was fun to goof off and pick on each other.
Daniel w/ girlfriend Christi "If you think I'm cute you should see my uncle!" (my bros Brian & Daniel) All about the Benji's!

Can't believe I had NO birthday candles in the house! HA HA!

*Thursday I took my "little sister" Arlene and Hunter to Mall At Melinia for a fun getaway. She LOVED IT! She was hilarious the whole time. Later dropped off a birthday balloon to Bauer boy for his first b-day, drove around looking at homes for sale then ordered pizza. "Grandma called...again..."Are your mom and dad home yet?...No Grandma...LATE TOMORROW NIGHT!"
She laid on the beds in every store we went in! Loved Pottery Barn...My FAVE!!!!
Johnny Rocket's for lunch.
"Dis cheeseburger big as my head!" *Friday-Went to my parents to mow and "open up the house" before they got in late that night from Colorado; got take out Fat Boys with my bro Brian. Grandma called three times..."Are your mom and dad home yet?....No Grandma...call them tomorrow!"

*Saturday-Went to Bauer first b-day monkey party. Hunter was a crank pot party pooper! But He tried to hang in there here and there!(He doesn't like the summer heat and bright sun...hmmmm...think he gets that from daddy!) Went to my parent's in LW to see them now that they are home..... GRANDMA!!!! They enjoyed seeing Hunter and passing out prizes YAY!

Wipe out!
"Hehehe Ellie is topless...hehehe" *Sunday- made it to the early service (barely):) then caught up on laundry, naps and even got Hunt in the pool (under the shaded part at least) Daddy got a boys night out with a bunch of guys and saw The Dark Night. He should be home soon to tell me all about it!

What A Weekend

2008-07-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yay! Hunter and I are so happy to be HOME. We made it home Thursday which was Michael & I's four year anniversary. Michael kept asking me what I would like to do. He finally realized I wasn't kidding when I said I wanted to just stay home!!!!! :) I had been in Lake Wales since June8th doing work camps and VBS. While I had a great time I was quite ready to be HOME. So here we are. Thursday night Mic & I got OG take out YUM and rented Bucket List which was pretty good. It was great to just be together in our own house. Friday morning I had a Sub workshop at the School Board and Friday night my bro Brian came down to hang out. We ordered a pizza, played some Scrabble and talked all night about the good ole days growing up. Great time with BK. Saturday morning the Halloran's Three made it back to DOT'S for breakfast then mosied through Wal Mart. That afternoon we had a "Ball" at Cline Pritchett's 1st B-Day party. Saturday evening cousin Avery & Halle came down from LW with Nana & Popi since mommy & daddy (Matt & Jen) were on a mission trip with their youth group. We had a blast playing hat dress up with my crazy hat collection, living room movie theater and then Burger King playground since it was raining. We finally made it back to church Sunday morning and spent the rest of the day chilin' till Stacy Adam and Bauer came over to grill burgers and dogs. All that blah blah to say great weekend back atHOME!
At Cline's b day with Ellie
Having a ball at the party

Firecracker Fourth-What A blast!

2008-07-12T08:19:00.001-07:00

We spent the fourth at my brother's place on Crooked Lake in Babson Park. He lives on Cody Cove across from Bob's landing. My whole family as well as Michael's whole family PLUS some more ...had a great time grillin', chillin' and squealin'. We had the four wheeler cranked, burgers and dogs on the grill, hammocks, poles, boat and water. Not to mention Brian trucking down the hill to the lake with Hunter's wagon loaded down with a surprise secret stash of blast offs. We thought the rain was going to roll in strong from across the lake, but it went right on past us and we stayed high and dry. It was actually pleasantly cool with an awesome sunset and a grand finally enjoyed by everyone there (and around the whole lake I think!) :)

50th Stay At Home Work Camp

2008-07-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

I wrapped up my last camp for the summer this past week. It was the third camp. I updated previously on the first camp-week long high school(aprx 100). The second camp was a four day middle school camp (aprx 80). WOW! I understand why it is only a four day camp. Let's face it...how many people do we know have looked back to their middle school years and said those were the best years of their life? However, they did have a blast working and playing and were able to get SOME roofing, painting and demolition accomplished. The third camp was another four day camp (8-12 grade aprx 70). It was Lake Wales Care Center's 50th camp. They flashed back to the good old days and returned to the HEART Village to stay this time. H.E.A.R.T. is a third world missionary training village behind Warner Southern College. NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER! You read it ride. These campers and leaders were AWESOME TROOPERS! We had a great time working, playing and growing together. I am not sure exact totals of how many roofs, paint sites, demo and wheel chair ramps there were, I'll update when I get a total, but I can tell you it is impressive what these campers accomplish in their very own community. Serving God by serving others.

Camp 2 middle school
Heart Camp 3

Special Events

2008-07-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

We actually got to spend a few days at home in Sebring a few weeks ago and we had several events during that time. Michael had an important Rotary dinner Tuesday evening. Thursday morning we had a family breakfast date to go see Matthew West who was in town. He is one of out FAVE'S!
Headed for a nice adult evening out.

The newest member of Sebring Rotary Board of Directors. Dinner held at historic Kennelworth Lodge.

Matthew West live w/JOY FM Summer Cruise(Dave, Bill & Carmen)@Dee's Place downtown Sebring. My boys with Matthew West.
My two cuties!

Unbelievable talent.

Ellie's Christening

2008-06-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

Ellie bell Smehyl's (Godparents)
The dumping of the water upon thy head!
Holy close up! Love this!
The Brinling Family

Last Sunday I made it back from summer regional just in time to make it to Ellie's Christening. She was beautiful in the dress her Grandma (Jen's mom) made for her to wear. Ellie did great throughout the ceremony up until they poured the water on her head (can you blame her...what girl wants to look that pretty and have water dumped on her head! )hahaha!

Summer Regionals

2008-06-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

Halloran's Three representin' @ family night hat contest! Mic & Hunt cutting a rug on the dance floor.
Awards dinner.

Last weekend Mic, Hunter and I attended Edward Jones' summer regional meeting in Bonita Springs @ Coconut Point Hyatt. The place was beautiful and a great location for the event. Hunter and I however spent most of our time within the four walls of our hotel room. Unfortunately I did not get pictures of the place. (You should look it up on line-great getaway). We got out enough to go eat and that is about it. We did attempt to make it to the pool for about five minutes. Hunt was not feeling well (teething) which made it rough on him (and me). Finally, Saturday afternoon Hunter's nana and popi came all the way from Lake Wales to pick him up and take him back home! They were super heroes who rescued us! I cried when they drove off (our first overnight away!) But it gave Mic and I a chance to "mingle" and interact with the other brokers and families and Hunter was happy to be in his own home and his own bed. I am so proud of my hubby for his character and integrity in his business and personal life.

Outrigger Island

2008-06-26T07:02:00.000-07:00

The week after work camp I stayed in LW to help with FBC's VBS. There were over 100 kids there each day and WOW!!!!! What a great week. I got to run around and take pictures and there was a TON of fun stuff going on. Not the VBS I remember going to as a tot. There were no peanut butter pine cones and birdseed crafts for these kids! And they were not playing duck duck goose at recreation time! haha :)My sister in law Jennifer and Missy put it all together with a bunch of volunteers and it was over the top awesome!

Work Camp

2008-06-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yup! That is right. Each summer for the past six years I attend "Stay At Home Work Camp" put on by Lake Wales Care Center where I used to work (A faith based social service agency supported by local churches, businesses and families). This is the 23 year of work camp. They even take "work camp on the road" to Mississippi after Katrina during the kids fall, winter, and spring breaks. The camp allows high school and middle school students the chance to do home repair projects around the community for disadvantaged home owners who are physically or financially unable to do the work themselves. These kids actually pay to come to this camp. They stay out at Camp Endeavor (A Sertoma camp in Dundee) and all the local Churches and other community businesses and groups provide all the meals each day for the group. The kids come from all the different churches in Lake Wales even a group from NC. Campers get a chance to work on different work sites each day and have evening sessions with area youth pastors and bands. As well as several other special activities throughout the week. There were around 100 campers and leaders at this week long camp for high school students. They completed over ten projects in five days including the following: Completely re-roofed 4 homes, repainted 3 homes, built 2 wheel chair ramps and demolished one home destroyed by hurricanes. They also loaded an entire semi trailer full of donated clothing to distribute overseas. WOW! This was camp 1 for the summer. There will be two others coming up and I will keep ya posted on how they go. I can't wait. I love work camp and just maybe we can get this going here in Sebring!!! It is an awesome opportunity to build relationships with young people by helping them grow spiritually and allow them to share God's love to the community.

Bob& Wendy (Rob Quam-executive director of LWCC & yours truly). This year's theme was "Building Building" (play on words: noun-verb) each night's skit had bob the builder , wendy and the Can Do Gang focus on each day's goal based on 1 Peter 2:5 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (lay the foundation, the cornerstone, building the house, the capstone (Jesus) and curb appeal)

Buckaroo's First Birthday

2008-06-10T11:35:00.000-07:00

We rustled up some fun with some friends and family Saturday for Hunter's first birthday. That was his actual birthday which made it extra special. It was fun visiting with friends and family and all the younguns' were too funny to watch running around with their horsies and hats. It was a little on the hot side but not too bad. Thanks to everybody who shared in Hunter's first birthday. He is quite a little guy and loved by lots! Enjoy the pics from the day!(sorry there is a TON!):)

we <3 daddy

2008-06-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Watching daddy leave for work :(

We surprised daddy @ the office for lunch! What a needed pick me up!

After lunch siesta!

Chasing golf balls around the office is a great stress reliever!

Found daddy's thinking bat.

Home finally for a private concert featuring Itsy Bitsy Spider and Wheels on the bus!