Maksim Photo Shoot

Maksim

Stangers Welcome Maksim...

Our little precious and beloved Sophie met an untimely demise when she chose to tangle with two giant vicious Huskies... Heartbreak doesn't begin to describe the feelings going on in our collective hearts.  She was  a member of our family in such a real way.  There is truly no way to replace her just hopefully Maksim will aide with the healing that must happen at this point I won't divulge who has cried themselves to sleep at night but it isn't just children. ( I hate to incriminate myself in that way :-)

So a very sad story made short we now have a fun new announcement that our family has grown by one precious little man.  Maksim joined us on Monday exactly one week after Sophie's untimely demise...

Hawai'i

I know what Heaven looks smells and feels like now...

The last month of my life...

Did you see it? It works!!! I can't believe it works! This thing is so old, it was made before Philips head screws. I am not such a fan of flat head screws (the screw driver slips around and can easily damage all the hard work someone just put into making something  look flawless) But this whole thing has been a history lesson. The kids all love it so very much and have seen the great love and care that has gone on to restore it's beauty. We will be having our own "Wizarding Contest" yes, I stole this idea from the Disney Channel... The children all want to inherit this beautiful prized possession from our pioneer ancestors and I have only the one. I told them they will just have to play each other for it. I am keeping score of the hours of time and practice that go into caring for it and making beautiful sounds come out of it. So far, Mr. Band Geek is way out in front, but not to be outdone, Tiny Tim is playing away on his simple Piano 1 book.(He is after all the reason we finally went and picked the beast up.) Princess Piano is also in the running for who can make loud sounds come out as well. The brothers often send her away to continue practicing on her mini Steinway (Fisher Price) deluxe, "In the other room PLEASE!"
Matt has taught himself to play "Book of Mormon Stories" in one day. I must say it is a real treat to hear such beautiful live music here in my home. I had forgotten what it was like. I don't think I will ever take it for granted again.  I absolutely love that my children love music.  They each appreciate it in their own way and style.  I love this about them.  This piano has connected us to our predecessors as well as our future decendents, as we talk about what will become of this old thing...  If any one else will care, the truth is it doesn't really matter.  We care.  Thank You Hale family for the beautiful centerpiece to our family home.  What a perfect time of year for this Piano to join our family.  I am horrified to think I almost passed on it because it didn't quite fit with my decor.  GASP!!!   The ironic thing is, now that it is in our space, I decorated the room around it as the centerpiece it deserves to be.  Here is the maiden voyage of the player piano..

High School Football 2010

Matt had a wonderful time at both scout camp and his high adventure.

2010

swim team 2010

Stanger Family Photo Shoot

Aunt Heather Rocks!  She has the magic touch!

Princesses @ Play

We had a super fun day with some great friends.  We played Bippity Boppity Boutique with our girlfriends primping with hair and nails, then we had a fun little tea party complete with finger sandwiches.