the homesley family

camping and other emotions.

2011-01-31T01:37:00.000-08:00

No wild animals. No snakes. No freezing or hot weather. Sounds like perfect conditions for camping. A few weeks ago we ventured out on our very first camping trip. To me, there is nothing like camping. I have adored it since childhood. I love everything about it. Setting up tents, kids exploring, friends gathering, iron skillets and mostly those blue speckle enamel dishes. As for this trip, our first of many camping trip...it turned out to be just perfect-- just right.

I long for my children to have lots of adventures and makes memories they will never forget. Certain things will stand out to them as they grow older. As the matriarch of my family it's up to me to make it happen.

Things like gathering around in a circle as the sky darkens to listen to grown-ups talk, tell stories and sing songs... I hope they remember. Snuggling together on the air mattress and falling asleep to waves crashing in the distance. Exploring through the woods learning to keep up with the little ones. Little ones with their buckets filling them up with treasures found round every bend. Roasting marshmallows and smearing their warm goodness along with melted chocolate all over their faces.

Camping was so 'it'. Just what we needed. Together with our people. Being away from it all and just being. Food to the soul. Yep, it was.

(make-shift sled)

The whole experience was symbolic of our life right now. Building it. A life that is. Setting it up, organizing it and living it. I often forget that our life is one that changes often. I spend so much time making a home for my children I forget that soon it will be time for a change of stations. Not quite yet for us, but soon we will say goodbye to our dear friends. (above)

For me, its okay. But for my precious babies, it just breaks my heart. These particular friends are our next door neighbors. The kind of friends you see every single day. No need to knock before entering kind.:) Lainey's constant really. We have been here her whole life. And Brayden he will say goodbye to his best friend. This part is what is the hardest. The fact that this is 'life'. We have said many so-longs before and will say many more. And my babies will view it as normal.

Once again, like family traditions, it's up to me to see to it that the relationships that are built while my children are young are maintained. It's so very important to me. Memories. And preserving them.

Cleaning up the camp site and driving away. It all represented those farewells. The real ones that really, really matter. It was empty. Just like our neighbors home will be. And a piece of my heart.

I am so thankful for people that truly matter. Oh, and Skype too.

sometimes i look like this when i wake up.

2011-01-02T00:26:00.000-08:00

crib entertainment. clothing rearrangement.

sometimes i sleep this way too.

b-ball and the wrap up of it.

2010-10-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

WARNING! Picture HEAVY post:)

Whew. BASEBALL WAS A BLAST!

watey watey.

2010-09-18T00:50:00.000-07:00

pure

childhood

{fun}

(watey watey) {translation} (water water)

in lainey language.

helper.

2010-09-18T00:36:00.000-07:00

one

happy

helper.

rest sweet happy.

2010-09-18T00:22:00.000-07:00

we miss you.

easter story cookies

2010-09-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

These were just the coolest cookies! The kids totally loved it and it totally helped in explaining the Easter story. Each step (each ingredient) has a verse and explains what Jesus endured and the resurrection story.

In the morning, Brayden unsealed the 'tomb' and we took out the cookies. It's sort of hard to tell by the picture but the inside of the cookies was hollow. They were empty! Really awesome...But not quite as awesome as knowing the truth behind the story. HE is RISEN! Praise God!

A must do! And definitely do this with your children next year!

Here are the ingredients and directions:

To be made the evening before Easter

1cup whole pecans
1tsp vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important, don't wait till you're half done with the recipe!)
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was Beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1tsp vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

my before and after of easter egg day.

2010-09-05T00:58:00.001-07:00

easter eggs.

2010-09-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

up and running. i think.

2010-08-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

3 months of back-blogging isn't that much right? forgive the next posts, they are mostly for my memory (or lack thereof). easter wasn't that long ago...that's what i keep telling myself....

neighborhood fun.

2010-06-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

happy mothers day

2010-05-10T18:28:00.000-07:00

still.

2010-05-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

my computer is still broken. and i am still sad. (ans not to mention way, way behind on blogging--like Easter behind.) hopefully i'll be back in action soon with my new computer that i am totally psyched about. bye, all.

he makes me laugh.

2010-04-14T01:36:00.000-07:00

have i mentioned...

how much i love this boy

and the fact that...

he can always make me laugh...

he pleaded to have his daddy

shoot the ball in the goal...with his head in it

he is pretty much...hilarious

and he thought this was great...

these moments are pretty much...

priceless.

carnival.

2010-04-14T00:18:00.000-07:00

One word: FUN! We love the carnival so much, and what makes it even ~~funner~~ more fun is being there with great friends that we haven't seen in a long, long time. When we were on recruiting duty 3.5 years ago we met this awesome family. Jeremy and Jason worked together...and now he and his family are stationed here in HI with us. How cool is that? We walked to the carnival from there condo in Waikiki (after they cooked us a awesome steak dinner) and even caught some fireworks on the way! Like always we stocked up on tokens and ride coupons and wasted no time before we got started. Brayden went to the first game and like a pro, won that huge Care Bear for Lainey...she was so excited! And he was so proud. We rode rides and played and gobbled up some delicious funnel cakes and cotton candy. Jeremy and I even got to ride a ride ... could you tell we were excited?! We even got some free entertainment from the Rebel Souljahz! We had a blast and can't wait for more good times with those great friends!

walking happy.

2010-04-12T02:05:00.000-07:00

Happy is our bunny. He just had a nice warm bath. This is the only time that he is actually calm enough to let us wrap him up and take him for a stroll. Lainey's maternal instincts kick in and she protects him like he's her own. We walked down to the big tree that Brayden loves to climb and he was happy as a lark.

And as for Happy, he was just happy to be out of the cage.

library.

2010-04-08T01:56:00.000-07:00

eyes widened. curiosity commenced. the possibilities of an ocean full of books. brayden loves books, he devours them. begs to be read to, often times the same books over and over again. he memorizes them. he cannot read yet. but can read to you word for word Henry Box Brown. every. single. word. that thrills me to know end.

i love to see the excitement in his eyes. i look forward everyday to snuggling with him on the couch or in his bed with a great book. i look into his eyes and i see a love for books that i hope will never fade.

he recently became very interested in knowing who the author and illustrator are.

just like me he loves eric carle books. we checked out Little Cloud and The Very Hungary Caterpillar.

one of his recent favorites from our own library is The Very Quiet Cricket. seriously, this is a child after my own heart. this was my book from when i was a child, i adore it and always have. at the end of the book when the cricket finally chirps, the book make a cricket sound. this book is nearing twenty years old, and it still makes that sound. i think that is so neat, he is experiencing that same feeling that i did when i turned to the last page as a child. i love having that bond with him, simple as it may be.

he devours books. and the little sis is following suit. she pulled many a book off the shelves. i am sure the librarian was thankful to her for that. she thought is was delightful and amazingly fun, and that's what really matters, right? i did stack them neatly back on the cart, if that counts for anything?!

i love the library, and so do these littles. to watch tiny fingers being dragged across hundreds of book spines until the perfect one is found and them watching them cart it back to the table or just cozy up on the floor to flip its well worn pages is so sweet.

brayden is so careful with these prized possessions, he makes sure that lainey doesn't hurt the pages

and when she does turn them incorrectly he is quick straighten them out. i guess i have stressed enough to

him that we must take care of them or we may not get any more, and he took it to heart.

look at that face! i could just eat it up. and squeeze those delicious cheeks.

she was so content to sit in that little chair and look at her board book about Easter eggs.
(please ignore the fact that her book is upside down, she didn't seem to mind=)

any ideas or suggestions for a must-check-out?
what good books are your children begging you to read these days?

zoo.

2010-04-05T02:20:00.000-07:00

practice.

2010-04-05T00:28:00.000-07:00

baseball season.

2010-04-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

first practice of the season and the boy is totally stoked!

they spent time practicing the fundamentals.

and getting lots of encouragement.

brayden is a baseball lover. he really enjoyed himself.

and this little senorita loved it too!

she made some new friends and played in lots of dirt.

i can already tell,

there will be lots of fun had here.

and who doesn't love some good

old fashioned fun?!

fun in the sun.

2010-04-01T02:47:00.000-07:00

hello, beach. it's been a while.

we've been missing you.

lainey greeted the day with wide eyes and open arms.

splashing and digging.

and pigeon chasing.

and water wading.

and having an accidental face plant in the water.

brayden was right there to lend a helping hand.

he really is a great brother.

he really is a great kid.

he was so proud to be able to go out so far.

an adventurer is he.

looking forward to many more days

soaking up the sun.

all the while...soaking up the spf.

we sure do love those two beach babes.

therapy.

2010-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity...
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana.'
6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.
7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.
9. Sing Along At The Opera.
10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.
11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'
12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! 'They're Loose!'
13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

14. PICK UP A BOX OF CONDOMS AT THE PHARMACY, GO TO THE COUNTER AND ASK WHERE THE FITTING ROOM IS.....

i came across this online...i believe its an email circulating--pretty funny stuff!

when will you try some laugh therapy?

end of season.

2010-03-29T03:17:00.000-07:00

Soccer has finished, and we are going to miss it. We had an amazing season, this was Brayden's first time playing a team sport and it was fantastic! He learned so much and made some great friends. This was Jeremy's first experience coaching and we are so proud of the job he did. Every single parent on the team complimented him and was so thankful for their child's experience. We had our last game then headed across the street to celebrate the season ending with pizza, cupcakes and TROPHIES! You would not believe how much these children cherish those. Brayden carries his around all the time and his so very proud. We are all going to miss soccer but look forward to the fall to play again! Right now though, we are moving on...

Brayden is interested in so many things. There is not a single sport that he does not love. We believe that playing sports and being involved with a team is developmental and so important for children, but we hope to never go overboard and always make sure our children have a proper childhood. Growing up at home, not always at practices and traveling in the car is our first priority. Brayden loved soccer and could not decide what sport he would choose next. We gave him a few choices, and he prayed about it and asked God what he should do (so proud of that little guy). I told him to continue to pray about it and wait a few weeks and then he could make his decision. He did....and he chose baseball! We are so excited and to begin this new season and look forward to sharing it with you!

aikahi park

2010-03-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

more nanny love.

2010-03-25T03:06:00.000-07:00

we just enjoyed our menchies frozen yogurt. it was outstanding. oh, man i love that place.

brayden and lainey could have played for hours on the bike stands. its always the small things

that they seem to enjoy the most. the kids were soaking up all the nanny love they could get.

spending time with together and watching these littles and all their expressions was

the best entertainment we could have asked for.

i love days like this.

2010-03-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

mornings at the park.

playing and making memories.

loving every second.

breathing in childhood.

and not wanting to miss a moment.

enjoying the sunshine.

watching these babies grow up right before my eyes.

seeing siblings become best friends.

and big brothers being protectors.

getting a surprise glance at a

submarine pulling into port.

as my children watch

with pure amazement.

oh, how i love these days.

having daddy stop by during lunch.

being here just in time,

to watch the jets practice flying.

these are the days i cherish.

i don't want to take for granted how much God has blessed our lives. and our time in hawaii.

watching our babies become little children. in such an amazing place.

i hope to make time every day, to slow down and enjoy the beauty of it.

we are so very blessed.

and i am so very thankful.

every. single. second.

little missy. you are mine.

2010-03-18T01:39:00.000-07:00

i love this moment captured. you are full of life and full of expressions.

i cannot even recall why this face was made ~ but it is so very you.

my sweet little missy. my sweet little lainey.

i am so glad you are mine.

xo. mommy

she's a mess ... literally

2010-03-16T00:56:00.000-07:00

This fast approaching two-year old has become very independent. And along with this come the messes of that independence. She does not want to be fed...because she's not a baby, right? I personally am not too fond of this...because she is my baby. Who does she think she is, growing up and all? She is actually really good at using her utensils but, as you can see often time she just dives right in! She is as sweet as she is messy. She is our little Lainey love. And as her baby days are fast fading we look forward to all this little toddler has up her sleeve.

{in case you were wondering...the culprit behind these messes...}

{yogurt and mashed potatoes, two of her faves.}

Luau and Ha' ... the Breath of Life

2010-03-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

Polynesian Cultural Center - Laie, Oahu

lunch.

2010-03-15T23:46:00.000-07:00

banana pudding with nanny.

2010-03-07T17:07:00.000-08:00

because.

2010-03-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

because...

when we are sick and feeling down

it always helps

to have our mommas around.

for my memory of this day.

2010-03-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

A busy weekend. Yes, you could say that. This post is to update those who don't already know, to share our story, and to keep this day reserved in my memory. I don't ever want to forget. Even the details.

Saturday {Feb. 13} we (Jeremy, Jennifer and Lainey) were at Brayden's soccer game. It started at 11am. Jeremy was coaching and Lainey and I along with many other parents were cheering and encouraging the boys. Lainey decided that she too would like to play...she proceeded to run onto the field. I hopped up as fast as I could to grab her, and at that moment something felt wrong. I had no idea why my tummy would be hurting so bad all of the sudden so I blamed it on gas and went on about the game. After the game was over we went to the mall so that Jeremy could use a gift certificate. I told him already that we should probably keep it quick since I was feeling really bad. We walked in and the children requested pretzel bites...so we indulged. I tried to use the restroom with no luck. The mall was totally packed and we made our way through the crowds to let the kids see the Chinese Lion Dance performance that the mall was hosting. They enjoyed it and so did we. Next, we headed into Hollister. We all browsed around, Jeremy picked out what he wanted and the kids and I headed out to sit in those really comfortable vintage chairs that they have. We then headed to the car. I had to fold the back seats up in the van so that I could lay down, still feeling an incredible amount of pain. At home, Jeremy insisted that I lay down and rest. He and the kids would be fine. So, I did. I rested the entire evening in extreme pain throughout my entire abdomen with stabbing pain all over that shot up the ribs and into the neck. No position would help the discomfort. The kids were now in bed ... well wait ... here comes Brayden sneaking down. I was laying on the couch, suffering. I told him to hurry and go get Daddy. He did. Jeremy came down and I told him that I need to go to the emergency room. He quickly put Brayden back to bed and told our friend Neil that we were leaving the kids there with him.
We got to Tripler Emergency Room around 9:30 that night. From our past experiences at Tripler we have always waited at least 3 hours in the waiting room and probably another two once in the ER. This night, they called me back for triage. I told them my symptoms. Horrible, terrible, unbearable abdominal pain. On a scale of 10 they asked, I replied back with 10. It was awful. Stabbing pain and shocking volts that triggered up my entire body, from my neck to my toes. This had been going on all day. Now, though it was at its worst. I was shaking, not from the cold of the ER but from the pain. They asked me if I was always this pale? I replied with a no, I did not have an ounce of color. They told me to go wait in the waiting room until they had a bed ready. Before I even made it to the door someone was there holding me and helping me back to the ER to a bed. They wanted to get me to the back quickly, I am so thankful that I did not have to wait long. They told me this room would be temporary and that they would move me to a more private room. Okay, I thought - anywhere with a bed was fine with me. They put an IV in immediately and asked if I needed anything. Yes...my husband. I need him, he was in the waiting room, probably worried and feeling lost. Someone found him and brought him to me. I was scared. Really scared. It was better now, he was beside me. The Dr. came in and I spoke once again of my symptoms of this day. He replied back with his textbook questions and they did blood work and took a urine sample. Time kept passing as more and more workers flowed in and out of the room. A nurse came in with morphine. A big thank you to her. It took the edge off the pain but the pain was still there. So was the worry, oh the worry. What was wrong? Am I okay? The doctor came in and told me that they would be moving me to the room next door, because it...had a door. They were going to do a pelvic exam and wanted a private room. The Doc began the exam and it was torturous. Really. His diagnosis: Pelvic infection, of some sort? He was not sure, they would have the results back for 72 hours. He then performed a internal sonogram but was unable to see anything because my bladder was full. Because of this pain and for other reasons unknown I was unable to empty my bladder. He was okay with this. This was his diagnosis. He was ready to send me home on antibiotics and move on to the next patient. We were not happy with this.
My body, my head and my heart were all shouting NO! NO! NO! This is not it, I told the Dr. no. It's something more, this is too weird and it doesn't make sense. I was not going to accept this diagnosis. I could NOT leave this hospital not knowing exactly what was wrong. I pleaded with the nurse. Asking her to do a catheter so that the doctor might see something on the ultra-sound. She went and talked to the Dr and he gave her the okay. She did it right away. The doctor came in with a somewhat different look on his face. What was he thinking, I thought. He then speaks the words that would change everything.
Did you know you were pregnant?? Our answer...no! We had no idea. I had a period this month so I thought the chances of that were over. I always had that in the back of my head...maybe wishful thinking? At that moment a million (probably more) thoughts ran through my head. I was so excited, happy and surprised. I was overjoyed and I was thinking of how our lives could potentially change forever. Its so crazy to think that as a woman and as a mother how quick we are to take ownership over our children and start making plans for there lives. In that very moment I became a mommy of 3. In the five minutes of letting this soak in it was bliss. Then I had to face the opposite emotions. The thought that something could be very, very wrong. They gave us a few moments to sort of take it all in and the Dr. apologized for his previous diagnosis. Things were happening quickly. The nurse came back in and informed me that a ultrasound tech and radiologist had just come on duty and that they were ready for me upstairs. I went in and she began with a tummy sonogram followed by an internal one. I was sort of in and out of awareness, unable to really focus on her or the screen. But, during the moments I did look at her she had that face. You know, the one that says things are not good with no words at all. I do remember asking her if she could see the baby. She said this early along in a pregnancy it was very difficult so see. I wondered if she was really being honest...or just saying what she could legally and all. When she was finished someone from the ER came and got me and took me back. Jeremy sat with me. And we waited together to get the results. The radiologist would have to read them and then tell the ER doc. It took about 30 minutes before the Dr. came in with the news.
He said that the pregnancy was ectopic. Instead of the uterus, the fetus had implanted itself in the fallopian tube and began to grow. Then it had ruptured. He said that that my abdomen was full of blood. That didn't sound good. They wanted to get me into surgery immediately. I was so scared. They went over all the risks and tried to prepare me. Is that even possible...preparation? They took me back to the anesthesiologist and the next thing I knew they were done. The doctor repeatedly told us how lucky we were and that we should be very glad that we came when we did. He had to remove my left fallopian tube and nearly 2 liters of blood from my abdomen. He said nearly half the blood in my entire body was there. Whoa. That is scary. The recovery at the hospital was painful but I had so much pain medication that I slept through most of it. If I was awake it was to see Jeremy and the kids, to take vitals, or to catch tidbits of the Olympics. During my stay at the hospital my mind would only stay on how thankful I was that I was still alive. Things could have been different, praise God for His protection. I never let my mind open the door to the loss that I had experienced. A major loss. That is until I got home. I was broken. I didn't know how to feel...sad or thankful? I was both, my heart was broken. I cried and I cried some more. I rested and I gazed into the eyes of the two miracles God blessed me with already. Oh, how I love those sweet precious angels. I listened to music that made me feel better and I prayed that God would heal my body and my heart. I thought, and I thought. It doesn't seem as if my mind ever rested. I am not sure why God placed this hurt in my hands. But, this was God's plan from the beginning. There was never going to be a moment when this child had a life outside of me. God's plan for our lives is sometimes not our plans. But, I pray for His will over our lives and I would rather it be His way over mine. With that said, I don't believe that God's will for my life would be for me to sweep this under the rug and pretend that it didn't happen. I don't think that He would allow this pain if not for His glory. I know that there are plenty of women who have gone through this before me and many who will suffer this hurt after me. I feel so blessed to know that Jesus is holding in his arms those little ones who never were held here on this Earth. I want others who have experienced this to know that it is okay to feel this and to grieve it. It is a loss that many cannot understand. Let those around you comfort you. If you have gone through this know that I am praying for you and your healing. I hope through reading our story someone is comforted, or maybe someone can relate. Here is a beautiful and moving song that has held me together while I was falling apart.

It's called Glory Baby. By Watermark.

Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..
You were growing, what happened dear?
You disappeared on us baby…baby..
Heaven will hold you before we do
Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…
Until we’re home with you…
We miss you everyday
Miss you in every way
But we know there’s a
day when we will hold you
We will hold you
You’ll kiss our tears away
When we’re home to stay
Can’t wait for the day when we will see you
We will see you
But baby let sweet Jesus hold you
‘till mom and dad can hold you…
You’ll just have heaven before we do
You’ll just have heaven before we do
Sweet little babies, it’s hard to
understand it ‘cause we’re hurting
We are hurting
But there is healing
And we know we’re stronger people through the growing
And in knowing-
That all things work together for our good
And God works His purposes just like He said He would…
Just like He said He would…

I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies
and what they must sound like
But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home
And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…

Consider it pure joy, my brother, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

oh. BOY.

2010-02-11T01:23:00.001-08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-02-10T13:27:00.000-08:00

a valentines day project for your little ones...

2010-02-09T23:42:00.000-08:00

i came across these on kaboose.com -- which by the way is a great website.

we are using this neat idea as gifts this year.

so sweet and unique. so personal and thoughtful.

give it a go with your little ones.

here are your supplies.

paint, paintbrush, and paper.

and a pair of sweet heart shaped hands.

paint the pinky edges...

to create heart-shaped ~ hand print stamps.

grab your the next hands in line.

but, be careful...

this has the potential to get

out of control really fast---

as you can tell

she was oh, so proud

of her body paint masterpiece.

and we were all proud of these.

aren't they cute?

Lt. Dan Band Concert

2010-02-06T01:39:00.001-08:00

fun. creative. PLAYSILKS!

2010-02-05T03:19:00.000-08:00

happy february.

2010-02-02T00:35:00.000-08:00

crayons

2010-01-29T15:40:00.000-08:00

{soccer}

2010-01-28T00:47:00.000-08:00

Soccer time is here! Brayden is really enjoying it! This is his first time playing a team sport and he loves it so much. Every day he asks ... "Do I have a game today?" (answer-no) "Well, do I have practice today?". He looks forward to it and really loves the game! Jeremy is the coach and he is doing a great job! At this level they only play each other, so it gives the kids a really great chance to learn the basics of the game! Brayden takes it very seriously, he works really hard and always wants to improve. At his 1st game he scored 4 goals, 2nd game-8 goals, and 3rd game-4 goals! After each game we take the kids for a ice cream treat, which they love! Brayden is so proud of himself and has been praying about what sport God would have him choose to play next! He is such a sweet boy...We love you Bubba!

GO TIGERS!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

{swing, babies, swing}

2010-01-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T00:52:00.000-08:00

this boy

loves

baseball

and

this

girl

loves him.

happy birthday to these sweet ladies.

2010-01-25T00:14:00.000-08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2010-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

moanalua gardens

2010-01-20T01:29:00.000-08:00

a fresh shave.

2009-12-31T23:23:00.000-08:00

man, i love those munchkins.

sinkin' it.

2009-12-31T22:31:00.000-08:00

merry CHRISTMAS

2009-12-31T22:01:00.000-08:00

i want to eat this every time i see it.
i love monkey bread.

our buddy neil

these are to too cool.
one is for growing crystals-
the other is for growing prehistoric fish!
should be interesting.

lainey is feeding her baby.
sweet.

vvvrrrmmm!

this thing is AWESOME.
taking a new twist on the classic big wheel.
the back wheels spin...
360s every time your turn on the handle-bar.
it takes some practice.
we all think it rocks!
{crazy videos coming shortly}.

Happy Birthday JESUS!
Happy Birthday Nanny!
Merry Christmas...
Mele Kalikimaka!

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called wonderful,
counselor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father,
The Prince of Peace.
Luke 9:6

'twas the night before christmas

2009-12-30T23:34:00.001-08:00

santa

2009-12-30T23:18:00.001-08:00

this santa makes even me want to believe!
he is an amazing santa,
the best one i've ever seen.
real beard...real fat...real jolly!

i love, love this...
brayden couldn't wait--lainey...
not so much?!
she wasn't havin' it,
not even for a second!
but i think it really captures the moment!
i will cherish it.

gingerbread house

2009-12-30T13:32:00.001-08:00

christmas eve service

2009-12-30T01:11:00.001-08:00

Lainey's cheese face...is too stinkin' cute!

Such a handsome boy...that Brayden!

Brayden's performance of Silent Night...
(he mentioned that it was very loud and
bright, and that he didn't really like it)
So much so that he performed on stage
TWICE! Once on Christmas Eve-Eve, and
again on Christmas Eve.
He was happy to be up there...
and even happier to come down!
That little guy is too funny.

Our family...after enjoying the
Christmas Eve service at
Hope Chapel West Oahu!

Merry Christmas ...
From The Homesley Family!

five amazing years.

2009-12-13T23:09:00.000-08:00

This is still sinking in. My little baby boy is 5 years old. Man, that went by fast.

5 years ago, on our birthday, I was a brand new mommy holding a precious bundle in my arms. My life was forever changed. Because of you I am me, a better gift I could never receive. Brayden, I look at you in awe - you are so beautifully and amazingly made. I thank God for you. More energy in a child I have never seen, a dull moment...never! Everyday as I watch you I try to soak it all in, I don't want to forget a moment of your sweet childhood. My dear firstborn, you have captivated my heart. You are so you, and I love every single bit of it. You are so sweet and sensitive. You love to help, no matter what it is. You have a heart of gold, and I love watching life through your eyes.

You do not like to be alone, you love being with your family.
I can remember when you were a baby, you never wanted to leave my side.
Now, you are every bit a daddy's boy. He loves you more than you will ever know.

you love to wrestle and play sports.
you love to learn...you love to paint.
you are a great eater, there is nothing you don't like.
you are 39 pounds.
you never run out of questions.

you love to be outside playing.
you adore other children and love your friends.
you have such a strong spirit and i love it.
its just who you are.
you are you.
and you are so totally...well,
brayden.

we love and adore you so, so very much.

you are our little boy and always we be.
happy fifth birthday sweetie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN AND MOMMY!

2009-12-09T02:06:00.001-08:00

o hawaiian christmas tree

2009-12-08T00:53:00.001-08:00

This year we went Hawiaan! I wanted one of these trees last year but forgot, and I thought it was my last chance...little did I know we would be here for 2 more years~!
It's a Norfolk Pine...and I am totally lovin' it! It is cute and sweet and makes me smile everytime I look at it! Brayden loves it too and was totally offended when one of his buddies called it silly looking, it was really cute! We drove up to the North Shore to Helemano Farms, there we got to walk all around the trees and pick out the perfect one, then a worker cut it down! Some perks of this tree is 1)that the needles will not fall, 2)it will stay green for longer than a month, 3)they aren't shipped in-so no foreign species are brought in that could harm Hawaii's environment, and 4)it channels Charlie Brown's Christmas tree which is kinda fun! What do you think? =)

storytime

2009-12-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

nutella anyone?

2009-12-06T12:38:00.000-08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

sunset beach.

2009-11-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

happy thanksgiving.

2009-11-26T19:31:00.000-08:00

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-11-25T16:16:00.001-08:00

{eighteen}

2009-11-24T23:32:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it.
It has come too fast.
Our little angel is already
18 months old!

{lainey}. {sweet lainey}

adorable. precious.
you love your brother.
and taking rides with him.
you love being outside.
you love animals.
cats, dogs, birdies.

you love oatmeal.
and fruit.
and veggies too for that matter.
you drink water.
you nap once a day.
and sleep all night.
you have stolen my heart.

you love airplanes.
and pointing at them.
and waving bye-bye.
you have just discovered the moon.
you have the sweetest smile.
and you love the pantry.

your hair is growing fast.
you love taking baths.
the water must be running {slightly}.
you like seeing bananas at the commisary.
it makes you happy.
and that makes me happy.

your feet are teeny.
filling out a size 3 shoe.
you love your pink crocs.
you want to be held.
by mommy only.
that makes my heart smile.

you love your baby doll. you like to give her pacis.
you love ace. and you like to sit on him.
no one can make you laugh like your bubba.
it is the sweetest thing.
you watch him in complete awe.
you like to jump in you crib.
you have the prettiest blue eyes.
you like to skip and run.
you like when daddy takes you to the park.
you squeal with delight when daddy gets home.
and greet him with a very high-pitched DA~DA.
you are such a little girl.
but you are so brave.
and fearless, is that good or bad?
you like sidewalk chalk.
you can be whiney.
but that's just one more thing we love.
you are a blessing.
you are special.
you are eighteen months old.
and we love you so much.
our little lainey bug.

Aloha Tower

2009-11-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

I adore this moment.

Aloha Tower

Checking out the sights.

We tried these dogs which were on sweet Hawaiian bread, no less.
They were delish.

Mmmm.

Agreed. These are very yummy

Sharing a bite.

These shoes are made for walking.
Which they did lots of.
And squeaked with every step.

Brayden loved this.

Home. See you soon.

Time for an EXPERIMENT!

2009-11-06T17:18:00.001-08:00

Brayden was so excited to do this experiment! And...it was actually really cool!

I LOVE the surprised look! He thought it was AWESOME!

Lainey...after eating the volcano...OH, NO!

Just kidding! I had to throw that in there! Teehee. This was actually her face earlier in the day after eating her push-up! =)

rhythm of the rain...=)

2009-11-05T19:58:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween 2009...Argh Matey!

2009-11-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween from All of Us!
We had a fabulous Halloween...We started our afternoon making caramel apples (thanks for the good idea Jenn=)...next we headed straight to the Hickam Carnival. Its was tons of fun. Brayden was super excited about the games and was so proud that he won 2 toys for Lainey all by himself! One game was darts and the other was fishing! Then we went home to get costumed up! This year we went door to door trick-or-treating for the first time and it was a lot of fun! Brayden and Lainey were the two cutest pirates you ever did see! And in true pirate fashion they ended the night with lots of loot and TREASURE! =) HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

oh the joys.

2009-11-04T22:40:00.000-08:00

rainy hawaii days=lots of puddles=lots of fun!
childhood at its best =)

tree house

2009-11-04T16:52:00.000-08:00

2009-11-03T21:08:00.000-08:00

My sister and me

Brayden and Abby

Jeremy with MamMa and PaPa

Rhett

Lainey-Bug

Abby

Brayden and Abby

Trey

My friend Holly and me

Brayden has been swing in this swing since
he was a baby...

Brayden, Lainey and Sugar =)

Major Milestone Accomplished...Way To Go!

2009-11-02T16:05:00.000-08:00

Bye-bye training wheels!

Learned in about 10 minutes!

Awesome job Bubba...you are like a pro now!

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Carving The Pumpkin

2009-10-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, Brayden.

2009-10-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

Lainey and Madi

2009-10-31T16:46:00.000-07:00

The cat.

2009-10-31T01:57:00.000-07:00

Brayden almost 5.

Brayden around 18 months

Lainey 17 months.
The ceramic cat is at MamMa's house. Brayden always loved to sit on it when he was little, as you can see he still does. Lainey loved it too, once she realized that it wasn't real!

is he cute, or what?

2009-10-31T01:42:00.000-07:00

This is my little nephew Rhett...he is the cutest little thing!
He is almost 2 and he is a wild-man!

And we're off...

2009-10-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

After a lot of confusion...we were finally able to hop on the plane and head for Texas! As much as I was looking for to it, it was the flight that kept haunting. 8 hours is a long time. Brayden did awesome, he as always been a good traveler. Lainey on the other hand...well, that's a different story. She wasn't feelin' it--at all. Nevertheless, we made it safe and sound! MamMa and Papa picked us up and we headed back to there house! That night the kids were totally exhausted (as were we) they both fell asleep in unusual ways. Lainey drifted off in the her high chair, which is something she has never done - it was the sweetest thing...Brayden fell to sleep in MamMa's arms! We ended up sleeping until noon (or a little after) our first couple of days there, the 5 hour time change took some adjusting. Everyone is excited and we are so glad to be back for a visit!

2009-10-31T00:37:00.000-07:00

So Sweet.

2009-10-31T00:32:00.000-07:00

USAF - Thunderbirds Air Show

2009-10-31T00:22:00.000-07:00

Labor Day

2009-09-10T00:56:00.000-07:00

Kailua Beach

2009-09-07T03:58:00.000-07:00

Pali Lookout

2009-09-07T03:54:00.000-07:00

Pearl Harbor...Hickam AFB...Ford Island

2009-09-07T03:44:00.000-07:00

Tantalus

2009-09-07T03:33:00.000-07:00

Polynesian Cultural Center Luau

2009-09-07T03:23:00.000-07:00

Dole Plantation

2009-09-07T03:13:00.001-07:00

Turtle Beach...North Shore

2009-09-07T00:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome To Hawaii Toni!

2009-09-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

My cousin Toni is visiting all the way from Boston! I am sooo excited to spend time with her...its been way too long!

why is it so heavy?

2009-09-01T01:14:00.000-07:00

Bowling is for sure one of our favorite things to do! Brayden loves it and this time Lainey got in on the action! One thing we can say already about Lainey, is that she does not give up! She could not figure out why she could not lift that ball. But she kept trying, and adding her signature scream after each struggle to show her frustration! Brayden kept helping her, wanting so badly for her to be victorious. It was so cute.

LEAVE =)

2009-09-01T00:47:00.000-07:00

Relaxing with Daddy.

Brayden playing catch...with his
eyes closed! =)

Not so 'silly' string.

Silly Boy.