We're Back

We're back in town and I have pictures and things that I want to post and update, but I'm busy preparing for Girls' Camp coming up way too fast!!!

* Sammy is sick and can't stop throwing up.  I noticed this morning that she was really disoriented (said "disorientated" with a British accent -- thank you Bear Grylls).  I thought she'd have a seizure.  Instead, while I was holding her, she threw up.  Then again.  Then again.  It's always right after you clean up the kids that they let loose again.  She has an appointment at 11:30am.  I'm thinking she may have strep since my mom got it while we were there in Michigan.  We'll see.

* Callie's struggling with the time change, or maybe she's just struggling with being 3 years old!

* While in Michigan, friends held a silent auction fundraiser -- Strength for Sammy -- and in that one night raised just over $10,000!  Seriously?!  Seriously people.  Insane.  I know I haven't been good at keeping our sidebar fundraising thermometer up to date, but between the 5k and this, that's $22,000!  My heart is so...just bursting right now.  This secures 3 therapies at Now I Can for Sammy, and will pay for the at-home therapy we do with her.  The past few months of fundraising has changed my life...changed the course of my life...and that's a post to come.  I. Can. Not. Believe. This.  There are so many good people in the world who want the opportunity to help and serve. 

* I have had a hard time coming back to California.  It's ok now, but the first 2 days were hard for me.  I really missed my family, a lot.  It's not that I hate California or anything, but I love Michigan and I love my family.  I want to live there.  I do.  So, there we go.  Most likely we won't end up there, but I told Marcus I was looking for jobs there for him, and he's good with it.  So, I go forth, on a mission!  We could be by my family, buy a house (with a 50% down payment practically, not kidding), great schools, seasons, good state for special needs, a great network of friends already there, the lakes, real yards and land, etc etc etc.  But, there is snow. 
* We took family pictures while in Michigan.  I think they turned out semi-ok.  But if what she has posted on facebook are the "best" ones...oh man.  That's too bad.

* We went to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan.  It was so fun!  Indoor water park, slides, pools.  Problem is that Callie loves water but not being splashed.  Try to make that work in an indoor water park.  Her favorite is the "hot water" -- hot tub.  Great.

* A couple days ago, I caught up with Analisa and Bryan.  I like talking to them, so that was really fun and made me happy about being back.  Bryan had my laughing so hard, I was crying and had a hard time breathing at points.  We all need that occasionally. 

Ok, I'm off to check on Sammy and get us ready for this doctor appointment.  Pictures to come, who knows when.

Happy Birthday Samantha

Last year we were in Michigan on Samantha's birthday, and this year it's the case again.  We don't get to be around my side of the family, all of us, that often, so it's kind of nice to be able to share this special day with them.  Today we planned on going boating, but the weather wasn't compliant...so we bowled.  And Sammy loved it!  I plan on making a simple cake, maybe we'll make it down to the beach, and there will be a big "5" birthday candle to blow out.  I think it's a pretty perfect day, rain and all.

Actually Ironic

As far as I know, Marcus doesn't have a thing against Alanis Morrisette -- only her song "Ironic," because simply put, all of the situations in her song are NOT ironic.  There's no irony throughout the song.  There's unfortunate situations, but that doesn't define irony.  This has been bothersome to Marcus since the song came out, and any time we hear it....well, he's irritated. 

One of the main problems with this song, is that is perpetuates the wrong definition of irony.  I remember back in high school learning the definition for irony as "when something happens that you don't expect."  But as time has passed (and I was an English Teaching major), I learned that there is sooo much more to irony than that.  And, I guess Alanis got the same high school definition as I did and put it in a song?  I don't know.  And then, during those same high school years as mine, we could say, "Hey, yeah...see, we totally think this is an awesome song because yes Alanis, it is soo ironic.  Duude.  I hope I don't die after winning the lottery." 

Marcus found this today and sent it to me.  After all these years....

So, without further ado, listen to what is Actually Ironic.

Fear Not

I had some thoughts a couple weeks ago.  I put them into words and they can be read here. 

Why Do It?

Back in the heat of August (in Florida, mind you!), 2008, we headed out to Disney World as a family.  It was quite the Haubert Family Reunion.  Yes it was hot.  Yes it was muggy.  Yes, it was perfect.  Some people wonder why others would go through the stress of planning trips with young children.  Marcus even, sometimes, feels that way.  And I get it.  But I have such fond memories of family vacations growing up, and when I look back at these pictures I found on my dad's computer, I have only fond memories of that week in Disney.  To me, the family vacations, the traveling, the expense, the packing, the luggage, the... is all worth it. 

I have always felt this way, but since Samantha was born, those feelings have been intensified.  Perhaps it's because her life has caused me to think more about living each day to the fullest.  I'm not the best, but I try.  But, I believe having kids in general makes you think more about this kind of stuff.  Ya know? 

So, here's to sweaty August days, waiting in lines, and Samantha throwing up on the airplane.  It's all worth it to me.

Our Tinkerbell meeting Disney's Tinkerbell.

And leaning in for the hug.  This threw Tinkerbell off...but Samantha must have felt close to this little fairy.

See, happy.

Despite Callie's face...and Samantha's...they were happy during this trip.

Can't wait to do it again one day.

Gymnastics Demonstration

Callie, as mentioned, took a stab at gymnastics this year.  It's something that I'd like to keep her in.  She seemed to like it a lot, but if she went a little further, she'd enjoy it even more.  She recently went to birthday party at a gym and LOVED the bars and all that stuff that she hadn't been exposed to in her gymnastics class.  Anyway.  On the last day of class, we were given a "demonstration" on all they had learned.  Callie did awesome.  I loved her cartwheels the best.  Classic.  

Gymnastics

So, Callie wasn't super into dance (I still need to upload some of that stuff).  She was cute, just not into it.  This time, she decided to try gymnastics.  She liked it better, but is still asking me for soccer.  I will get to soccer as soon as it fits our schedule.  Promise.  On the last day of class they had a "demonstration."  I was so impressed with how she did.  She wasn't the best (out of the 4 kids), but she was so serious and proud of herself.  I loved cheering her on.  Oh how I love my Callie.

We got this same picture 3 times.  She's obviously too cool to take a picture with her teacher.  Her little trophy is upside down on her finger.  Nice Callie.  Real nice.  What a goof.

Awesomeness on the Airplane

That's right.  I, Ms. Jenny Pants, was terrified to fly alone with the 2 munchkins.  And Thursday morning, I was feeling oh so sick, and this didn't make me feel any better about the impending doom on the plane.  Everything I pictured was unpleasant.  But, you know what?!

It was awesome!

I could definitely do it again.  Sammy was a gem.  Callie was blissful.  During the layover we enjoyed Subway AND, yes, AND Jamba Juice.  After we landed in Detroit, I had many people approach me and say how wonderful my kids are, how they did such a good job, how they are so cute....and that just makes a big mama proud.  Way to go girlies.  I see more solo flights in the future -- not sure where to yet, but it'll be gooooood.

On a sidenote: a lady approached me to ask if I had been on tv with Samantha.  Yep.  Mistaken for Kenadie again.  That's ok.  She's cute.  People see, small girl, small head and think "show on TLC that I saw!"  That's ok.  I like that she was curious and chatted with me.  Nice woman. 

What I Love About Church

Aside from believing the things I've studied and have been taught, there's one other HUGE reason I love church.  And it's because of these fine young ladies.  For the past 2 years I've been in the Young Women's presidency.  This means that I get to work with these lovely young women who are bright, friendly, hilarious, fun, serving, hilarious (did I mention that already?), cute, smart, faithful, and all around fantastic.  I truly love spending time with them.  Whether it's teaching on Sundays, planning fun activities for Wednesdays, chaperoning dances, or getting ready for Girls' Camp this summer (ahhhhh!  soooo excited for this year!!!), I just love being around them. 

One thing that I am truly impressed with is their dedication to what they believe.  They live what they believe.  Their faith is deep rooted and they are incredible examples to their friends.  When I was in high school, I don't remember sharing my beliefs in the same way that these girls do.  They look for opportunities instead of waiting for opportunities to come to them.  I was always willing to answer questions, but I waited until I was approached.  These girls are always looking for ways to teach their friends what it is that they believe, and stand as examples of what a good member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is all about.  I love these girls.  This has been the best calling ever.  I would stay working with the young women for the rest of my life if I could.



On this night, we were all learning hair tricks from Kelly L.  Fun, easy tips and tricks for the summer.  That's also where I learned about Biosilk's Beach Texture spray.  LOVE IT!  Use it all the time now.  Thanks Kelly!

New Hair

So, I just got my hair cut.  It was time for my 6 month check-up, afterall.  I love getting my hair done, but really, I only do it about every 6 months.  This time, I decided I wanted to go back to being really blond.  I needed a change and I wanted to get away from so drab.  Blond blond.  I liked it way back when -- when it was mostly natural with some highlights.  Pregnancy changed that for me.  Anyway.  So I found an old picture from back when Sammy was a baby and I brought it in.  I told him, "I want to go really blond, like this.  And I like how there's some dark pieces in there to give it depth, but I want to be blond blond again."  I wasn't trying to be cryptic, but he must have thought so, because I'm darker than I've ever been, with a few blond pieces instead. 

Normally, this would have stressed me out completely.  Perhaps I would have even cried.  I'm not sure if it's because I'm sick, or if I really don't care.  But...oh well.  Who cares?  It'll lighten up a little bit, and if I really hate it in a few weeks, I'll have my cousin lighten it up.  Look at me, I'm livin' on the wild side.  I'm exotic.  Ya-ah!

Watching the new favorite, Pinocchio.

Check out the dark hair...I'm so wild.

Toy Story 3 = Tears?

(sigh)

How pathetic am I if I get teary-eyed watching Toy Story 3?  The end?  People.  It's sad.  They say goodbye and Andy, and he drives off.  I'm not the only one, right? 

Lame Lyrics

I'm sorry.  This has been on my mind for some time now.  I mean no disrespect who feel connected to these songs -- if they speak to your heart, then that's great.  These songs were obviously written for you.  But, for me, they make me giggle a little bit.  The drama of it all...ooooh.

Jordin Sparks:  Tattoo "You're on my heart, just like a tattoo.  Just like a tattoo, I'll always have you."  Unless you do laser removal.  The ink can only go so deep Jordin.

Jordin Sparks:  No Air  "Tell me how I'm supposed to breath with no air?"  Well, I don't think you can.  "But how do you expect to live alone with just me?  'Cause my world revolves around you, It's so hard for me to breath."  This sounds serious.  "I walk, I ran, I jump, I flew.  Right off the ground to float to you.  With no gravity to hold me down for real."  For real, yo.   

Mars Bruno: Grenade.  "I’d catch a grenade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)/ Throw my hand on a blade for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)/ I’d jump in front of a train for ya (yeah, yeah , yeah)/ You know I'd do anything for ya (yeah, yeah, yeah)/  Oh, oh/ I would go through all this pain,/ Take a bullet straight through my brain,/ Yes, I would die for ya baby;/ But you won't do the same" This just sounds straight up crazy.  The funny thing about this song, to me, is the sheer drama.  He sings with the intensity of N'Sync or Backstreet Boys (yeah, yeah, yeah).  I mean, listen to him sing it.  He's very very serious about dying for this girl.  Yet all I can do is picture him doing what he says after each stanza -- but coming back to sing the next line.  I can't help it.  I'm insensitive and mean, but this song is just funny to me.  Go through this pain, take a bullet through the brain -- are they just looking for things to rhyme here?

I'm not saying these singers/artists aren't talented.  They have wonderful voices.  I'm not trying to make fun of them personally, or those who really love these songs.  For me, though, they just make me laugh.  Now, if you want to make fun of my music, plenty of people do.  Go ahead.  My playlist there on the side...not a hit with everyone I'm sure.  And that's ok with me.  Still though...if we can't laugh a little, then what have we got?  (yeah, yeah, yeah)

My Girls

Blurry but beautiful. I love how much Callie loves Sammy, and I love how Sammy lights up around Callie. However, in this picture she's just tolerating the love.

In the Park

Other than the fact that Callie's jeans are a little too small, I have to say I'm so impressed with Callie. These park pictures are from a few weeks ago, but just last night we were at the park and the older kids there were so worried that Callie was climbing up so high by herself. Perhaps I should be more careful, but she's got skills -- and she hasn't fallen yet.

There are few parks that have these kinds of swings -- perfect for special needs kids. There's full support, which is so so nice. Samantha can't sit on a "regular" swing, so we often use the small baby swings. But, even though she's small, those baby swings aren't meant for kids like her. It's hard to get her in and out of them and even though we do it, I so much prefer when we find a park with these wonderful swings. Who knew a special swing would change my feelings about a park?

It's not the best picture, but it makes me smile. You can tell Callie's smiling and Sammy's squished in there smiling. It's happy.