The Hockman Family

Our Easter

2011-04-24T23:53:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful spring break visiting with family, going to the beach, the Avila Valley Barn, and of course a full day of cleaning to get ready for guests. We enjoyed baby chicks, decorating eggs, egg hunts, Easter baskets filled with goodies, family, food, card games, movies, late nights, and lazy afternoons. Here are a few pics from our week.

Grandpa Monchie and Mason enjoying the warm sun.

Children's Day in the Plaza

2011-04-10T15:50:00.000-07:00

San Luis had their annual Children's Day on Saturday, so we headed out for some kid friendly fun. They learned about how much sugar there really is in some of their favorite drinks, what happens to your lungs, teeth and skin to people who smoke, pretended to be superheros, climbed rock walls, some face painting, checked out the fire trucks, made caterpillars and butterflies, and had just a super kid day! It started out chilly, but it ended up being a beautiful day. Here are some pics from a few of our adventures!!

It was only 10:00am and Royal was already getting sleepy.

Honey made Royal a superhero mask!

Grocery shopping for a snack with Daddy.

Mason was super excited to do the rock climbing.

Who needs to use your legs when rock climbing, he's just hanging there, crazy little man!!

Yes! Made it to the top, and rang the bell!

Stop. Drop. Cover. And Roll! A practice run with Velcro flames.

Can't go and not get some face painting! She asked for a Unicorn, of course.

Leprechaun Trap & First Grade Musical

2011-03-21T23:31:00.000-07:00

Mason had the assignment to build a Leprechaun trap to bring to school the day before St. Patrick's Day in order to catch one of those up to no good little green guys. Apparently I forgot the memo about it not to be any bigger than a shoe box...oops! He designed it where the Leprechaun would see a pot of gold when he opened the door and would walk in without looking down and fall into the large box because he didn't see the hole, and not be able to escape. Ah well size and scheme apparently doesn't matter, we caught no such Leprechaun that night, but Mason came home talking of stories of how they messed up and broke a few of the other classmates traps and scattered bits of gold around the classroom. I love this age of mystery and fantasy, surprise and pure belief. I will be sad when it all disappears.

Mason also had a school musical. Yeah a real one all the way across the street at the High School performance auditorium. It was theater seating and it felt like a real production. I was amazed at how well thought out it was and all the kids got a moment in the spotlight to sing a song with their class. Honey was beside herself and asked Daddy if he could sign her up for "this". She was up there singing and dancing right along with them, and had no clue what any of the songs were. I'd better sign her up for something, I swear that child was destined for the stage life.

Mason is Top Left Row, 5th person in. He's got his head turned anyway, hard to see him.

Morro Bay and Salt Water Taffy

2011-03-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

We took a drive to Morro Bay last week since it was beautiful day, no school for the kids, and simply to get out of the house. I hadn't been there for years, and now that we live where we live its nice because its really the closest beach/ocean to us. Enjoy the pics!

Royal and her spatula, inseparable.

The smoke stacks.

The Bay.

Oh, and yumm...Salt Water Taffy! Need I say more?! Probably the entire point of even coming to Morro Bay, lol!

I think I need to go back for some more!

A random pic of honey, I was scoping out a location for a photog session and she was my model!

Holy Elephant Seals!

2011-01-20T16:49:00.000-08:00

We decided to have a family outting on MLK holiday and visit Cambria to see the Elephant Seals. It was a perfect afternoon, lovely weather, my mother was visiting, yada, yada, yada... Half way on hwy 46 Royal starts crying, I swear she's having flash backs of our trip to Texas, she is really upset. We actually pull off the road and take her out. Poor baby, is just not having any fun, and neither are we yet. So we finish our drive and find out that everyone and their cousins are checking out the elephant seals too. Its cool, we find a parking space, Mason and Honey get a kick out of them and their funny sounds and cute little babies. We head back, stop at a beautiful view, snap a pic, get almost home. Royal pukes all over the herself, carseat, and car. Oranges, strawberries, and rice snacks, yummy. That was fun.
And I'm asking myself..."Why do I even try?"

It's sometimes nice to hear the true story behind all the pretty pictures, and realize that everybody has an "off" day and no family is perfect, even if they look like it.

The beach was infested with Elephant Seals, I really can't believe how many there were.

Larry thinks he looks mad in every picture he is in...I think he is right. Try smiling next time sweet heart.

We stopped by the pier on the way home and went into a little nature info house they had there, as you can see I can't remember the name of it. But you got to try on head phones to hear the sounds the elepant seals made.

The pier.

My little tree hugger.

Here is the beautiful view I made Larry stop at for me, he was so nice about it, and even took my pic.

I live here...are you jealous yet? It really doesn't get any more beautiful, does it.

I had to post a few of these...Mason looking too cool, and some of my sleeping one year old. I haven't gotten any of her sleeping because it is such precious time to me, I really don't like to waste it, lol!

Enjoy our "perfect family" pics! LOL!

Hair be gone!

2011-01-04T15:15:00.000-08:00

I have always had long hair, even as a kid I had long hair. Just before I got pregnant with Mason, I got a perm....yeah, you read right, a nasty perm. I don't know what I was thinking. Anyway, I let it grow out and when Mason was about 5 months, I cut the perm out of my hair, leaving me with "short" hair. I hated it! And swore I would never cut it again...

...7 years later. It was getting unmanageable and I couldn't get it to do anything I wanted it to do. So I decided that since I had enough hair I would donate it. I found a donation through Pantene...since "Locks for Love" gets an over abundance of hair, and will be sending on where my hair will help make a wig for cancer patients going through chemotherapy. Its a win, win. I get to help a good cause and look fabulous at the same time.

I am guessing but I think I lost at least 10 lbs when he cut my hair...it was about 17 inches that was cut off. CRAZY....and gross!!
It feels great and I really like the new look, and that is the point...right!!

Click HERE to learn more about Pantene's Beautiful Lengths.

Its a Texas Christmas (Part 1)

2011-01-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

We left the California rain and took the daring 17 hour drive out to Texas this year to visit Larry's family for Christmas. Which part of Texas you ask? Mexico...I mean El Paso. It may as well be part of Mexico, we were only about 5 miles from the border and what the newspaper called the most dangerous city in Mexico, Juarez. The heading on the newspaper read "Juarez hits 3000 murders for the year". Needless to say I did a lot of praying before we left for El Paso, thankfully we were just fine and enjoyed a week and a half of family fun. We enjoyed a day at Fantastico, baking day, Boys day (where the girls tagged along on a shopping trip), Girls day, Mexican food day, playing cards, and of course Christmas eve at Grandma O's house, and Christmas morning.

This was our drive out of California...It was raining when we left and it was raining when we came back.

This is only 30 min into our drive. Both girls passed out, Mason wide awake.

Finally out of California, it was a beautiful sunrise.

Baking day! Cookies, cookies, cookies!

A family friend brought by the stations fire truck to show to the kids.

Christmas eve, Honey took over the karaoke machine

Christmas morning....Thank you Santa for the Pillow Pets. Yes Royal got one too, a white doggie with a red nose.

The Velcro wall!

Fantastico!!!!!

Larry's sisters, Stormy, Misty, and Sandy.

My new favorite picture of Honey. Love that silly face!

Christmas Letter 2010

2010-12-17T21:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Family & Friends, Christmas 2010

Tis the Season, yet again. Time to dust off that fake holiday pine, untangle the nest of lights and teeter on the edge of a roof all for that commercialized idealism of what Christmas should look like. Isn't it pretty!

Royal, just turned one, and is the sparkle in our eyes. She is such a joy to have walking around the house. She makes plenty of messes, whether its pulling all the books off the shelf, spreading all the hair accessories over the floor, or “helping” Cheezy, our dog eat his food. She loves to dance, chase her brother and sister, hugs and snuggling, to show us her new teeth, and cuddle with the doggy. But babies beware, she will eat you up. She loves them and tries to kiss and hug them to death. Its pretty funny to watch.

Honey, 4, is enjoying preschool, and playing with her new friends. She is such a silly girl with lots of personality. She has a wild imagination, tons of creativity and says she wants to be a cake maker when she grows up. She is always in the kitchen asking to help. Mommy can’t wait till she really can. She played soccer for the first time this year, and really enjoyed it.

Mason, 7, started out in 2nd grade this year only to find out that our recent move was too much for his little spirit to handle. We let him do another year in first grade and found out that it was the best decision we could have made. He is at the top of his class in reading, and math, and is finally confident in himself for the first time. Mason played soccer again where their team was undefeated and went to the finals this year. He scored plenty of goals, and is growing to love the sport more and more.

Janese, is starting to pursue her passion for everything photography, and trying to live her dream as a family photographer. She is desperately trying to learn the technique of capturing the perfect moment. She has photographed many families and is completely fascinated by all the possible outcomes of each picture. She is busy trying to balance, family, photography and her church calling as primary secretary. She also started running and finished her first half marathon in November in Santa Barbara with her brother. She is hoping to run a full marathon next year, baby steps.

Larry, transferred to San Luis Obispo county where he is now the Public Information Officer for the Coastal Division, covering offices from Santa Cruz to Moorpark. He has made trips to Monterey for the Laguna Seca racing events, set up booths here at the local farmers market in San Luis Obispo, and had an eventful couple of nights working in Isla Vista for Halloween to name a few. Larry was recently called to the young mens at church and is excited to get to know all those rambunctious teenage spirits.

We are enjoying our new home here in (omitted), being closer to family, loving the country and small town feeling here on the Central Coast and right in the middle of wine country. Well at least we get to enjoy the beautiful vineyards, rolling hills and ocean air.

May we try to remember our beautiful Savior among all the presents, lights, and decorations that can blur out the true meaning of why we celebrate CHRISTmas in the first place. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays,

Larry & Janese, Mason, Honey, and Royal Hockman

www.thehockdogs.blogspot.com www.photosbyjanese.com

Christmas out takes

2010-12-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

We took our family pictures down at Avila Beach, and it was a perfect day. Overcast, and just a little breeze, but not too cold. It actually felt a little bit like winter at the beach. Well as much as winter can feel like at the beach that is. It was nice, ok. Anyway, thank you mom for taking our pictures here are a few that didn't quite make the cut into the Christmas card but were still nice enough to show.

I was on Larry's shoulders because I was trying to take a picture that I needed a higher angle for...and this was taken while I was ready to get down!

Here comes Santa Claus!

2010-12-05T20:22:00.000-08:00

We had our ward Christmas party Friday night, with a craft for the kids, some caroling, good food, and a little number by the primary. Then Santa came out and surprised all the kids! It was pretty cute. I had to get one with Santa and Royal, the typical baby screams on Santa's lap picture, it was perfect. Larry thought I was mean, but it was awesomely classic!

Love it! Poor baby, hee hee!

Thanksgiving Fun

2010-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

There is so much to be thankful for I cannot even begin to see it's end. From Family and friends, God and country, to clean water and pumpkin pie with whip cream, the list is endless. We had a low key thanksgiving with family here in SLO, and the dinner as always was fantastic. I do believe that Thanksgiving should be a semi-annual holiday, because turkey dinner with all the fixings shouldn't be just once a year. We went to the Los Osos Sand dunes and hiked to the top, (mind you I was carrying a 20+ lb child), played in the surf, and enjoyed the cool brisk fall sea air. From us to you, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast, complete with full hearts and bellies!

Steven, I think he missed it actually. Nice try. But it looks good though.

Typical, brother throws sister in ocean, kind of love.

I went outside to see if I could get some pictures of the girls for our Christmas cards, but didn't really like the way they turned out, but still liked them enough to post.

Royal is trying to do a somersault.

LOVE, the colors of Fall!

My pretty, pretty!

Picture Shelves

2010-11-27T16:03:00.000-08:00

I saw these shelves on a web site and asked my sweet husband to build me a couple. I have way too many picture frames, and that would mean way too many holes in the walls. I am so happy the way it turned out and he saved us like $150+ by making them himself. He's so handy. Anyway, there are a few that need some pictures, but now at least I have a place to put them all! Thank you, Darling!

Mason turned the big "oh- 7"!

2010-11-21T21:08:00.000-08:00

Firstly I would like to apologize to all my faithful bloggers for my absence. I have only but sad and lame excuses so I won't waste your time trying to explain myself. I think though that it was my sad looking, neglected blog that was essentially keeping me from posting. It needed a little TLC to say the least. So I perked her up a bit, threw out some old and put in some new. Now she is all done up and ready to give all you avid readers something better to look at and read.

Mason had his 7th, (yes I did say 7th), birthday on the 5th. My baby is getting so old. And the sad thing is that the older he gets, the older I get dang it. I hate how that works out like that. Anyway here are some pics from his birthday. It just so happened that I ran my first half marathon that morning in Santa Barbara, so I was a bit tired and sore, so we just threw him a little party and called it good.

My really good friend made these super cute cupcakes, love the edible star sprinkles.

For those of you with kids in school, maybe you can relate to what I would call "the curse of the silly bands"! They are everywhere, the kids trade them, and I only let Mason take one to school and he still comes home with 4 or 5...smart kid. I thought I would post some pics of my half marathon, I feel like it should get proper attention since I trained really hard for it.

My brother, Steve, Me, and Dave (Amber's Hubbie).

Whoo Hoo! I finished, 2:11:18.

I started running with these two girls in order to train for this awesome event, they were the ones who pushed me and said I could do it!

Royal's Discoverey

2010-10-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Royal has been eye-balling the doggy door for quite a while now, and when she finally discovered where it went to I wasn't about to miss it. Now we really have to watch her or she may just disappear on us.

Royal is now 10 months old.

Honey's Tea Party

2010-05-24T22:18:00.000-07:00

Honey officially turns 4 tomorrow but we threw her a birthday tea party on Saturday to celebrate it. She had a wonderful time, sipping tea, chatting with friends, eating strawberry's, and tea sandwiches. It was so cute. Honey has been my baby for the longest time, before Royal, and I can't believe she is already 4...It's crazy fast how time fly's.
Here are some pictures to share of her special day.

Childrens Festival

2010-05-16T23:14:00.000-07:00

I just had to share a picture of Royal's chubby legs. They are so cute, and I just want to eat them up. She is 5 months and is at least 18lbs of pure chubba. She is sitting up now and can roll from her back to her tummy but doesn't like to stay there for very long. She only wants Mamma and if you take her away she has a fit. We can hear a mmmmmaaammmmaa when she is crying, so I count that as saying Mamma. She can't wait to have real food soon, and grabs at my cup or plate whenever it is near enough. She has had a bit of mango, strawberry, avacado, and rice and loved each one. Honey let her suck on her Popsicle the other day and Masons vanilla ice cream, we can tell she's already got a sweet tooth, just like her big brother. Mason hates to hear her cry and thinks I am mean for letting her do so. He gets the stool to get her out of her crib in the mornings and lets me have at least another 30 min to sleep in. He is so wonderful. I love those kids!

And yes Royal has a dreadlock, and you can clearly see it sticking out from the top of her head here. I think its adorable but Larry wants to cut it out. It will stay a while longer I think. She gets little ones all the time, stuffed with lint and what not, we cut those ones out when they get too out of hand.

We went to the Children's Festival on Saturday in Santa Barbara and had a blast. The kids ran down the grass while an officer "radar"ed them. Mason ran 10mph and Honey ran 8mph, it was so cute.

Had to have cotton candy for sure.

Then the kids, especially Honey, couldn't miss out on the pony rides. She had to pee so bad but we weren't about to loose our spot in line so she held it, pretty good too, and waited until she was finished with the ride.

Of course we have to give a shout out to the CHP.

I wanted to try out a vintage looking picture of Honey, thought it was cute enough to share. Playing with photoshop is so much fun.

Updates People!

2010-04-11T00:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry its been so long since I have posted, I've been a busy little bee working on my photography and trying to get it off the ground. I have officially started and am trying to build my portfolio and get myself some experience. If you are interested let me know, I am excited to start living the dream. I photograph families, babies, kids, pregnancy, and engagements.

Follow my progress
www.photosbyjanese.com
www.photosbyjanese.blogspot.com

In the mean time we celebrated Easter with Larry's sister and family, and his Grandpa. Larry has been on vacation and it is always nice to have him home with us. We managed to get over to the Easter Eggtravaganza here in Buellton, with a 10,000 egg hunt. Its the fastest egg "pick-up" I've ever witnessed. 10,000 eggs gone in under 60 seconds.

Mason lost his top tooth this week and now looks as if he had gotten into a brawl with a bigger kid. It is very cute but oh how sad I am to see those cute little baby teeth become replaced with chiclet sized chompers! Here are some pics of Easter 2010!

Empty eggs, boy that was fast.

My Girls match!!!

Mason loves to hold Royal

Me and my loves

This is what its really like. "Come on Kids!" I'm always dragging them somewhere.

Royal and Grandpa Mounchi

Cousins, and neighborhood kids

Checking out their loot

Pretty Girl.

Weekend at Huntington Beach

2010-02-16T14:03:00.001-08:00

Went down to visit Larry's sister in the good ole HB. Its always a good time there visiting with family, and going to the beach. Here are some pics of our good time.

A Day at the Beach

2010-01-31T19:12:00.000-08:00

We finally made our way back to the beach on Saturday and spent the weekend with the Bennett's. It's always nice to get back to San Luis Obispo and dream of living there again someday. We stopped by Avila Beach to soak up some sun and listen to the waves. I brought my camera and enjoyed taking some pics of the day.

Royal one month

2010-01-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

My littlest girl is already almost two months old and I really can't seem to wrap my head around how fast it has all gone by. I treasure the moments I have with this little bundle of squishy joy. And relish the snuggles, smiles and coo's I have with her cause all too soon they will be but a fading memory. She is truly a wonderful baby and I finally get to enjoy the newborn, infant stage this time around. I love those chubby cheeks and perfect lips, they are so kissable, I just want to eat them up. I am so lucky she chose to be in our family and couldn't imagine a single day where I couldn't hold her close and smell her sweet hair and skin. I realize that being a mother is hard work and is less than flattering especially when it comes to your body, but I am so grateful for my children and all the joy they bring to my life.

Christmas Pics

2010-01-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas up in San Luis Obispo at my brothers house where my parents and my sister her husband and her youngest came too to celebrate with us. It was such a nice time, just lounging and letting all my nieces and nephews tote Royal all around, what a nice break I got. Until I got home and she expected the Royal treatment to be held all day, no I don't think so sweety. The kids had a great time and we ate some good food! Here are some pics of our Holiday! Christmas eve, opening the Hockman tradation of P.J's and an Ornament. Christmas morning at our house to open "Santa's Gifts"! This is the dress Grandma Bennett got for her, she stripped off the one she was previously wearing and put the new one on. She wore it all Christmas day, slept in it that night and wore it again all the next day. It was a struggle getting that dress off of her. She Loved It! This is the quilt Wendi made for my mom, amazing! This needs no explaination. Sassy girl, Alisha! Nice shoes! Daddy and his Daughter, precious! Steven holding little Royal.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-23T11:06:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

It’s that time of year again of Holiday car commercials, mint m&m’s, and cheap white elephant gifts! Time to untangle the bird’s nest of holiday lights, dig out the ornaments, and dust off that fake holiday pine! What a wonderful time of year! It has been a great year for the Hockman family of 5, and here are some of our highlights from this year!

Let’s start with our youngest who is now about 3 weeks old. Thanks to Dr. Haupt who came in to deliver me on his day off and our very own nurse Wendi Bennett, we happily welcomed a new baby girl into our family on November 27^th. Royal Novell Rose was 8lbs. 14oz. and came out forehead first. OUCH! It was a daunting 14 hour labor with over an hour of hard pushing. By far my hardest and most painful labor to date. But she was well worth it and is a wonderful and beautiful baby. Thank you to my dear Husband, Mom, and Amber Hill with helping me push and video taping her birth. (See her announcement on opposite side of Christmas picture).

Honey (3), started preschool this year at the Santa Ynez Valley Presbyterian Preschool twice a week and she is very enthusiastic about going and learning there. She is still as active as ever and she reminds us very much of her Grandpa Bennett, with no shortage of life or energy. She is looking forward to graduating from nursery and going to the sunbeam class at the start of this New Year at church. She has a wonderful imagination, loves to sing and dance, play dress-up, and wrestle with her big brother.

Mason (6), is in the first grade and loves his teacher Mrs. Babcock. He is reading and writing at levels we never thought he’d reach so quickly and is excelling in math just like his Daddy. He played soccer for AYSO this year and scored at least one goal at almost every game. It was so nice to see him come out of his shell and become part of his team. He LOVED it. His newest passion would be his littlest sister. He loves to kiss, nuzzle, and hold Royal all the time. He is very helpful and tries to sooth her when she is crying or runs to grab the pacifier or diaper when she needs it. He is truly the ultimate Big Brother.

Janese, who was prego for most of the year, is getting use to being a stay at home mom of three and has her moments of Mommy melt-downs, and daily hair pullings. She is on a maternal leave of absence from her church calling as the Valiant Girls Sunday school teacher until further notice. Her daily routine, like every mother, includes taking and picking up kids from school and activities, changing newborn diapers, bathing 3 dirty kids, cleaning house, folding the mountain of laundry, cooking a simple dinner, feeding the dog, and most of all, Loving every minute of it. Sadly I admit that I have also gotten hooked on Facebook and you can find me online at least 4-5 times per day. Shhhh, don’t tell Larry, he thinks I’m cleaning.

Larry is still enjoying being employed with the California Highway Patrol and has recently been promoted as the office Public Information Officer. He has been featured on the local news to talk about driver safety during stormy weather, goes to local elementary schools for assembly’s, and informs the media of traffic collisions and disasters. He is also a certified child passenger safety seat technician and school bus officer. He has been pretty busy this year with setting up booths at fairs and festivals, and the annual Christmas fund raiser ‘Chips for Kids’. He is also busy just being a daddy and husband to his family. Unfortunately, Larry lost a fellow officer and friend in a tragic motorcycle accident a few months ago and attended his funeral at the Sunken Gardens in Santa Barbara. It has been a sad reality of his job that he has had to learn to deal with and overcome.

As a family this year we have enjoyed trips to Placerville, Tahoe, hiking down to Emerald Bay, L.A. with three fun days of Disneyland, week long camping and water fun at Lake Nacimiento, and a wedding in Oakland (Dave and Amber Hill).

May your Christmas traditions this year remind you of our beautiful Savior and birth of our dear Lord. Let us remember the true meaning of CHRISTmas and enjoy this season with health, and happiness all year long.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Love,

Larry, Janese, Mason, Honey, and Royal

Hockman

One Week!

2009-12-05T12:25:00.001-08:00

Its already been one week since Royal's birth and I can't believe how great it has been. This third time has really been a treat, even if I've had a few sleepless nights. She sleeps a lot during the day and really well so far at night too. I keep waiting for her to wake up and be a crazy baby like my other two were. I have so much more patients this time around also, which is surprisingly nice, and don't get into a tizzy when she cries for no apparent reason. I am loving and cherishing this short lived newborn stage cause I know it goes by fast. Here are some pics of her at one week!

She's Here!!

2009-11-30T15:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, I cannot believe that I am a mother of three...a family of five! We just barely fit into our 5 passenger car, without an inch to spare. Royal Novell Rose Hockman, born sunny side up (face up), at 10:35pm on November 27, 2009. She weighed in at a hefty 8lbs. 14oz. (That's almost 9lbs, btw) and was 21in. long. It all started at 8:30am that Friday morning with an induction. I was already at 3cm. but was not effaced hardly at all. I do believe that if I had not been induced I would have been preggo for much, much longer, even though she was already over due. Pitocin was given at increasing doses for most of the day and when I hit 6-7cm I went ahead and asked for the epidural. What a nice feeling to go from lots of pain to none at all. But it was short lived and just a few hours of relaxing the pain started to come back, slowly at first but increasing each time. I couldn't figure it out...why was I feeling so much pain, I got an epidural??? Well, I finally felt like pushing cause the pain was overwhelming and pushing felt much better. So on we went to get the Dr. and started the process of making her way down the canal. OUCH!!!! An hour+ of hard core pushing and she was still not here. Something was wrong...I pushed Honey out in like 10min. why was this one taking so long?? I was running out of energy and getting frustrated when the Dr. said she was coming out face up. Which I was the reason of two things, why she was taking so long and why I did not feel my epidural working. Her little head was pressing on my bones and tissue keeping her from making a quicker appearance and keeping all the epidural meds from getting to my special spots. Need less to say I did have her completely natural and not pain free like I had hoped. She came out without more than a little peep and has been great so far, but we all know what happens after the few days of sleeping...they wake up!! Nursing took a little longer and is as painful as ever but will soon be a figment of my imagination. We are so excited to welcome Royal to our family and her biggest fan would be Mason. He cannot get enough of her and wants to hold her all of the time. The smile he gets when he sees her would melt your heart. I am so happy and cannot wait for what the future holds. I truly love my little family. Thank you Alisha for painting my toes before I went to the hospital. A final look before her arrival. A hospital gown a friend made for me to wear instead of the nasty ones they make you wear.

Baby Shower

2009-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

My Good friend Meghan, threw me a baby shower on Saturday, and it was a blast! Many Thanks to her and all of her hard work for putting it all together for me and my new little girl! She will be well dressed and cared for thanks to all the lovely outfits and things that were given to her. Enjoy the pics of the shin-dig! AND...please ignore the double chin!!! Yummy food...Cranberry and turkey croissants, cheese platter, delicious egg salad sandwiches, pineapple punch, artichoke dip, apple pie squares, pumpkin cheese cake tarts, and hot apple cider! Yeah...too bad people who missed it! Holding friend, Monique's little one. She had a perfect little shelf to play on. Eliza, a girl I teach Sunday school to, was really trying to win the "baby" game but I had just caught her saying "Baby" and she had to fork over all of her clothes pins. Elizabeth, a friend from church, whom is also preggers, won the "string" game, and was within half an inch of guessing the right circumference around my belly. Gifts, Gifts, Gifts...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Friend and hair dresser, April! She is awesome by the way with hair color! Even though she lost the clothes pins once she ended up with the most at the end...good job Eliza! That is one determined little girl.

Baby Love

2009-11-08T19:27:00.000-08:00

My dear sweet Husband took these photos...pretty good huh? Here it is in all it's glory! I've got about 2 weeks left, thank goodness, and we still haven't gotten a car seat yet. OOOps! I actually haven't gotten a thing done yet, the crib is just full of baby stuff waiting to be put away and organized. I just keep telling myself... I've got time??!!

Pumpkin Patch/ 35 weeks

2009-10-25T14:39:00.001-07:00

So we did our annual "pick you own pumpkin" at the pumpkin patch. We went through a corn field maze lined with spider webs and scary skulls that ended with a hanging werewolf. I absolutely love this time of year and couldn't resist taking a few pictures of the kids in all the orange and green colors. I am now 35 weeks pregnant and feeling the pressures associated with that. I have been making a list of all the things I want to have done and cleaned prior to our baby's arrival and am also realizing that I may need some help getting some of the things done. Mom...when are you getting here?!!! I can now officially say that I cannot see my feet, shave my legs properly, paint my toes, or put on any shoes that need tying. Other than that, the kids are anxiously looking forward to their new sister and keep telling me that I am getting bigger. Although, Honey told me she likes my big belly, so nice of her.

Halloween begins!

2009-10-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

Halloween has officially begun! We went to a harvest party and silent auction at Honey's preschool last night where the kids dressed up, played carnival games, and had a great time. I had my hands full trying juggle food, drinks, and kids by myself, and wondered how in the world I am going to do this with three! It was an interesting and scary thought.

A Day in the Country Parade

2009-10-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

We took the short drive up to Los Olivos for "A Day in the Country" to see a parade full of old tractors, cars and horses. There was also a huge turkey, that I swear wanted to eat my children, a large fish that was big enough to eat my children, and some construction paper spider hats! It was almost 90 degrees by 11am, then we were off to a scoccer game, and then a baby shower. It was a busy, busy, hot, hot day! Dang, I got some cute ones!!

Baby Shower for a Friend

2009-10-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

Good Friends, Elizabeth and Anthony, had their baby shower Saturday and it was a lovely event. We are so happy for them as they soon approach a new chapter in their lives as Parents. We did not plan it that way but we are only a few weeks apart in our due dates. It was held at an old barn converted for special events, it was so cool and so I got to snap a few pics of Honey and a friend she met there at the shower. I also made my first Baby Diaper Cake, it was so fun to do and Larry even helped me put it together and shared his ideas with me. It actually turned out very cute, I think.

30 Weeks!

2009-09-21T20:47:00.000-07:00

30 weeks has come at last. I am now on the downward hill heading towards home plate. I realize that 20 weeks is half way but for some reason 30 weeks seems like I'm really getting close to being done. I let the kids draw on my belly and the whole time she was kicking away. My Dr. appointments are now every two weeks, which is a trek seeing that its an hour each way. But we do what we must, right? I am trying not to nest, but its really hard not having everything I feel like I need right when I want it. I have time, I keep telling myself. I am putting these pics up for the kids and defiantly not for my own benefit cause dang, that face is almost as big as my belly!

Honey's first day of Preschool

2009-09-17T15:10:00.000-07:00

So Honey had her first day of Preschool today, and boy was she ready. She has been anticipating preschool all summer and was so excited all morning. Big brother Mason was trying to give Honey some advice saying, "Now, don't be scared." She replied, "Scared, I am not scared, Mason." After I dropped her off, I had three hours to myself, WhooHoo!! I did a little grocery shopping, then came home and watched a movie. It was so peaceful, and quiet. Too bad I only get a couple of months of this before the baby comes, then there we go again, starting all over. It should be fun though, and I am ready and looking forward to meeting our new baby girl.

Las Vegas Soft ball Tournament

2009-09-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

The annual CHP, Las Vegas Softball Tournament was last weekend, so we dropped our kiddos off at Larry's Sister's house and headed toward "Sin City" for a few days of sun, ball, and fun! We stayed at Planet Hollywood, and had the "Rambo" room. Go Stallone! Whatever. Saturday, Larry had three games ranging from 8:30am-3:00pm. It was a blistering 94 degrees in the morning and by the time we finally left the field it was 108 degrees and raining. Wierd!! Mamma was done. I stayed in the shade all day and still got a sun burn, now that's what you'd call a "White girl". Next it was time to have some fun. We played arcade games and walked up and down the strip, stopping by the M&M and Coke factories. Larry spanked me at basketball, and air hockey, but I smoked him at the race cars! It was a fun little break just the two of us, especially before the baby comes in a couple of months. My Hottie. It doesn't matter what he wears he is just one good looking man...am I right ladies? Go Santa Barbara!! Won 4 out of 5 games!! These two guys were outside our hotel. They are so talented in such weird ways. Mmmmmmm, M&M's! Its amazing to me that people can build such cool things, and then stick it on the side of a building. So cool! I don't really drink the stuff but it made for one impressive elevator. Here is a really hideous pic of me. Please ignore the double chin slowly making its debut. Skeet-ball, Larry is actually really good at this game. Don't ask me why. Arcade basketball is just one of his many talents. Check out how long those tickets are! Mine aren't nearly as impressive, I'm surprised they even gave me any. I won this toy for Honey out of one of those claw games. I never won one of those ever!! I was stoked! Melts in your mouth...not in your hand. Yummy! Of course I'm talking about the M&M. Again, please ignore the double chin. It won't go away until the turkey is done, dang it. Oh shoot, I didn't mean to put our car on here, how in the world did it make it on this post, silly me. Go Larry!!

Apple, Berry picking

2009-09-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday and well it just feels like one too for once, now that Mason is in school, and weekends are not just every day. So there will be no staying home today, we decided to go to our local farmers and well, pick some berries and apples. It was finally not too hot, thank goodness, so enjoy our pics!~

First Grade!!

2009-08-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

Summer has come and gone like a tornado in a trailer park, and school had taken over, especially my sleeping in. Mason has started first grade, holy cow, I swear I just put him in kindergarten. He said his first day was "Awesome...We have three recesses"! Of course, he's a boy and playing is all that matters to a 5 1/2 year old. He has a great teacher and a DESK! How cool! Ok now lets see how fast this year goes by. I can't believe that my little ones are growing up so fast, and it just keeps on getting faster, and faster, yeah? I love you Mason!!

California Adventure

2009-08-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

We yet again headed down to L.A. for our last chance to visit Disneyland and California Adventure before our tickets expired and school starts. This time we went to California Adventure for the first time and let me tell you the "Soaring over California" ride was the bomb! Even Mason, our little chicken, Loved that ride. We also experienced "Mickeys Fun Wheel", which is a huge Farris wheel that moves your little cage back and forth. Larry didn't like that one very much to say the very least. Ask Larry for the full story. Any way, we tried to get Mason to do the Jedi Academy Training, but he was quite reserved about it, however, Honey stood up and raised her hand to try to get picked but I think she was a little young. She was very bummed she didn't get to pick a light saber. That girl has no fear or reservations about anything. Enjoy the few pics from our Cal Adventure!

25 Weeks and Counting

2009-08-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

So I've officially hit the midway point and am heading full steam in to uncomfortable phase #3. This is the part where tying my own shoes, shaving my legs, and picking up toys becomes an interesting yet complicated art that may never be mastered. Although, this third time around is quite fun with the two little ones kissing and nuzzling, tapping and pushing, running and bumping into the mass protruding from my middle. They find it quite amusing, and Mason is always asking if he can feel it kicking. Its fun, I love to see their reactions and wide eyes when it comes to my growing belly.

Lake San Antonio Ski Week

2009-08-09T15:15:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Bennett family we were able to enjoy their annual Wilde ski/camp week up in Paso Robles, at Lake San Antonio. It was a Monday to Friday camp/family/sun/swim/fun/eat/etc. spectacular. I think there was approx. 54 family/friends to enjoy the time with. We had over 10 camp sites and more than 15 tents to accommodate all of us. We swam all day, and played games and chatted all night. We played a newly wed game for those of us married 10 years or less, and one oldly wed game for those marred 20 years or more. And let me tell you, the songs " I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas", "I Stand All Amazed", and "Great Balls of Fire" all now have alternate meanings thanks to the oldly wed game. Thank you Steve and Wendi for putting on a terrific week for us! Enjoy the pics from the week! This is Honey the first day we were there. It was a prelude to what the rest of the week would look like. The many faces of my daughter, and let me tell you there are plenty more. The Bennett/ Hockman Families. The entire group of us that was there! Yup! That's my brother! Our beach hotel, a little place to escape from the sun, if even for a little while. This is the only way you'll see my son smiling on the weenie dog, as long as its not in the water being pulled by the boat. Way to relax, sweetie! I think Larry was more scared than Honey on this ride. But I am proud he got up there and did it. Mason's turn. It didn't last very long. But again I am proud that he tried it. Can you spot the dog in this Pic. I guess we wore Cheezy out too.

Disneyland round two and Sea Center

2009-08-01T20:14:00.001-07:00

So we went to Disneyland yet again, thanks to the three day passes we got this summer, and still have one more time to go. We also went to the Ty Warner Sea Center with our neighbor friends the other day and thought I'd post some pics of our trips. Click to enlarge pic. The Bennett and half of the Hockman clan roll'n on Thunder Mnt. Ty Warner Sea Center. Yes he is the founder of the Beanie Babies. Maddie and Honey. Petting the mini Sharks. And then the star fish and sea cucumbers. Maddie, Honey, and Mason. Check out my floaters!! Finishing up with some ice cream.

1/2 Way Baby!

2009-07-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

I'm half way finished with this pregnancy already and I can't even believe it! Our sonogram couldn't have gone smoother and the kid couldn't look more cute. It is definitely a Hockman, for sure! Larry couldn't take the suspense any longer and asked the doctor what it was once I left the room. Good luck getting it out of him, I sure haven't yet! But we will see...I'm not sure I can take it any longer either! So what do you think...Girl? or Boy?

Disneyland and More!

2009-07-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

So I packed up the kids and headed down toward L.A. to visit Larry's sister, Misty and Husband, Charles and family, and visiting family from Texas, Larry's youngest sister Stormy, her husband Lenny and their 5 adopted children, Stormy (16), Destiny (7), Kimberly (4), Damion (6), and Cezar (4), and Larry's Mom and her husband, and cousin, Corin....so lets count for a second...that's 18 people in a 900 sq. ft. house. Yes the Mexican was coming out of the Hockmans, but as a true Mexican and good friend pointed out, we had room for at least two more! So our weekend started early with a scheduled trip to the "Happiest Place on Earth", Disneyland. Larry unfortunately could not go to this event with us as he had to work that day. Here are some pics of that. I apologize for the long post of pics, but by all means read on it gets better, or worse if you were in my shoes. Getting ready to ride Peter Pan! The Dumbo ride. Left to right...Honey, Zane, Damion, Destiny, Cezar, Kimberly. The Carousel, Honey's favorite ride. Mamma Sandy, she's as crazy as her granddaughter. Honey and Zane on the sickening Tea Cups. Me and Honey on a boat ride that I have never been on before. "Its a small world after all, Its a small world after all." They should really use that ride as a method of torture. Mickey's House! Mason...maybe the movies are in your future. We waited in line forever to get a private picture with Mickey Mouse and then Honey did not like him very much. Honey's first roller coaster ride at ToonTown with Misty. And of course she loved it! I couldn't go, pregnant people were not allowed. The Buzzlightyear ride. I got to level 4!!! Best ride ever! Honey fell asleep half way through the day! Thanks Charles for carrying her, she's getting heavy! Me and Honey on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" ride. No she was not scared at all. We opened the park and we closed the park, it was a long day but Mason was so proud that he stayed up past midnight. Honey is asleep of course. So here's the "More"... Long story short, Misty and I were in a car accident on Saturday. We were rear ended pretty hard. Luckily a police man witnessed the crash and we had instant medical help. The paramedics were worried about the baby because the seat belt tightened very hard against my belly and how hard we hit our heads against the head rest. So, for precautionary measures I was strapped down and loaded up into an ambulance and taken to the hospital to have me and the baby checked out by sonogram. Everything looked great and the baby is doing fine. Misty and I are a little sore and pretty shaken up but nothing out of normal, thank goodness. We were very blessed in many ways, and thankfully we did not have any other children with us in the car. Poor Larry, he was very worried about his Mamma and Baby, and did not like the fact that this crash involved his wife. He has a new appriciation for people who are involved in an accident and say's he will be a little more compassionate from now on. We count our blessings and are thankful that this wasn't anything serious. Other than that, it was a wonderful weekend.

28

2009-07-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Chipper!

2009-07-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

In the California Highway Patrol there is a mascot, he is a cute little chipmunk...and his name is Chipper... or... Larry, if it happens to be the right day. Enjoy...I sure did!

Start of Summer Vacation

2009-06-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

This summer has started out with a bang! Since Larry has vacation this month we decided to do a little vacation. It started with the Graduation of our Neice, Alisha and moved on from there! We headed back to my home town where we stayed a week with my parents and did a little sight seeing. We played at a park we love down in Folsom where the water sprayed from fountains, then moved on to Folsom lake, had a b-b-q and Grandpa took Mason fishing for the first time, but didn't catch anything, bummer. Then we took the beautiful drive up Hwy 50 towards Tahoe and hiked down to Emerald Bay. What a beautiful lake. We packed a lunch down there and we watched the kids play in the freezing Tahoe water. We then headed back toward our home and stopped at San Antonio Lake for some Father's Day weekend camping with some friends of ours. We boated, beached and swam for a whole day, where unfortunately I burned a terrible sun burn. Oh well that's what you get for being a white, red head. Our trip had some interesting events to note, such as Mason crossing paths with a two foot rattle snake, catching mini frogs, feeding geese (which bit me and Mason on the hand), pulling little leaches off our legs (EEEEWWeee!), having Honey cry all night while camping, and getting stung by a bee! Yes for the first time in my life I was stung on the hand by a bee, little bugger. And mind you it HURT! Other than that... it was a great family adventure! Enjoy our pictures ! Alisha and her Daddy, at Gratuation. Alisha and her Mommy! The Bennett fam. We're just missing half of them, where you at Steven and Amber! Grandpa and Mason, just fishin. The crazy geese, they were savages when it came to the bread we were throwing out. Emerald Bay! So pretty! A water fall, that is a little hard to see cause of all the people around us, we couldn't get very close. Grandpa and Honey. Again, in the freezing water. Ouch...I know I've said this before, but I can't help myself. One Hot Mountain Man. I love the expression on Honey's face, sheer thrill seeker, that one. After the Hike back to the top, a view of Emerald Bay. Emerald Bay and a little view of it going into Lake Tahoe. At our favorite park in Folsom. Its where I lived practically when Larry was in the Academy. All WET! The kids were chasing daddy trying to get him wet too. Lake San Antonio. Watch out for the Leeches!!

Bump'in

2009-06-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

The bump is well...starting to bump. 15 Weeks and counting. The morning sickness has almost disappeared, and the second trimester is in full swing. I will say though that this pregnancy is unlike my other two, and therefore we have no idea what could be inside there. We call it a him, but are sure it could be a girl. We'll just have to wait and see!

Happy Birthday Honey Bunny!

2009-05-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Honey! Today you turn 3! Its been a blast having you a part of our family for the past three years. We don't know a life without you. You bring an energy only God could describe, laughter has filled these halls and echoed off of these walls and brought us such joy! We love you more than the water that fills the oceans, and farther than spaceships can fly! Look at how you've grown!! Honey Aloha-Rain Hockman May 26, 2006 9lbs 3oz. 12:25am

Annual Strawberry Festival

2009-05-24T10:09:00.001-07:00

We went to the Annual Arroyo Grande Strawberry Festival yesterday where we met up with my brother and Branden, and friends Monique and her daughter Giselle. It started out cold but by the time we ate lunch the sun had burned off most of the marine layer and we were warm in no time. We people watched, visited all the vendors, and enjoyed the atmosphere the strawberry festival brings. Here are some pics from our adventure. Giving Steve a high five while she goes around. Crazy woman. She has no fear! Like Grandpa, like granddaughter. I can't get her to take a picture either. I think they must have had a good time cause she was asleep by the time we reached the car.

Our trip back home; She's 95!

2009-05-21T09:29:00.000-07:00

Just last weekend we had the opportunity to go back home for my grandmother's 95th Birthday! She is the sweetest little lady and the best Oma anyone could ask for. I am just glad she's stayed with us another year. Anyway here are some pictures from our trip. It was harder to get Dad and Uncle Larry to take a picture than it was for the kids. Mason had a special bond with Oma. He adored her. Brother, Steve, Oma and me. I love this one! Isn't she so cute! Oh yeah and you too brother. This is a dress Oma had made for me when I was a little girl. Oma forgot about it until she foundit one day and sent it to me for Honey. My dad can often be found around a fire. This is one he started from a big pile of brush he's cleared from the property. Mason is helping to keep it in one area, Grandpa showed him how to use the pitch fork. He's a hard worker. My kids had a great time up there, and didn't want to come home.

Honey's Birthday Party!

2009-05-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

We had a neighborhood birthday bash for Honey (I can't believe she's 3 already!), and two other neighborhood kids that all turned 3 within months of each other, last Saturday. At a park in Solvang, Sunnyfields, we had a B-B-Q and cup cakes and presents for the three little three year olds. Wow, what fun they had. Honey's actual birthday isn't until the 26th of May but we celebrated a bit early to accommodate the other friends who turned 3 in March and in April. Thank you to all those who came and had a good time with us. To view the pictures at a closer view, click on the image.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Easter Weekend started out with a bang! My Nephew returned home from his Mission in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Thursday. Congratulations Steven, you returned with Honor, We are so proud! Then it was off to Oakland where on Friday my Niece was to be married for time and all eternity at the Oakland Temple. Here are some pics from that. Congratulations Dave and Amber Hill. Branden, Steven, and Steve. You guys are looking good! Here is a pic of our good friends Liz and Kevin Robertson, and their four kids. I had to get a candid of that family, too cute! 4 year old Jaydn, twin girls 3 year old Maddalyn and Olivia, and 3 month old Gabriella. It was so good to see you guys again! You rock Robertson Family! My two studs, Daddy and Mason! Holy mole, someone go get the fire extinguisher, we've got a hot one here! Dang, I am one lucky girl. All in the family... my brother Steve, Me, and my sister Deena. Here comes the Bride, Amber and her new husband Dave. Welcome to the family!

Thats one Eternal Family!

Then on Saturday, Buellton, had their annual 10,000 easter egg extravaganza. We attended with our neighbor friends Meghan and Robin and their little girl Maddie. Getting ready for the Easter Egg race. These are the gruesome twosome. Good friends Honey and Maddie. Honey actually found a lucky ticket. Out of 10,000 eggs 30 of them had prize tickets in them, and she somehow got one. Lucky girl! Mason, was determined this year...he ran all the way to the end where there wasn't anyone and got a pretty good number of eggs. Good strategy Mason! At the crafts Larry did an awesome job at a tissue paper flower, wow such talent I never knew about dear. Later that day it was back to San Luis Obispo for Amber and Dave's reception. What a beautiful event! You look beautiful Amber! Honey, waiting with all the single ladies to try to catch the bouquet. She did not however catch the bouquet but did manage to get a flower from it. Now its Mason's turn to try his luck with all the single men. Again, no such luck, thats a good thing bud. My handsome little boy! Looks like he's getting daddy's charm. Honey and Steve danced the night away. I don't think she missed a single song to dance to. And she didn't want to leave once the party was over. She is one party animal, huh Steve!? What a great weekend, I Just Love My Family!

Thanksgiving Day TURKEY!!!!

2009-04-03T09:56:00.000-07:00

So what are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? Baking, shopping, eating, I know its pretty far in the future to think about, but its not really if it happens to be your due date! Our 80% effective birth control method finally gave out and that other 20% bit us in the booty big time. Yeah, so I'm pregnant....again. Third times a charm, but in the case of morning sickness its a big fat pain in the gut. I think it gets worse every time. Should be called all day, all night, wanna go into a coma for the next three months-sickness. Its a good thing Larry starts his vacation on Monday, cause mommy has officially checked out. So we were surprised a few weeks ago, with a positive home pregnancy test, a late period, sore boobies, and nausea, to find that yeah, here goes round three. Then my Dr.'s apt. gave the confirmation and said that I am due on the 26th of November, Thanksgiving Day! No need to buy a turkey, I'll make my own, thank you. Now I just need to get through the next six weeks and we'll be all set. I'll keep you all posted on my progress, however I'm not posting any pics today since I haven't combed my hair in approximately four days. Yes, I shower and wash myself, but that has been the extent of my personal grooming. I have the biggest birds nest in my hair right now and will probably have to cut it out later, ha ha ha! Oh well. Ok, I need to go lay down now before I loose what I ate for breakfast all over the screen.

Life this week for Officer Hockman

2009-03-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

What in the world does my husband do at work? Well now I know, kinda, not really. Larry is all over the place lately. He made it in the paper twice in one week. The picture below is of a rollover crash, where the man was being combative and would not come out of his totalled truck. The fire department had to use the Jaws of Life just to get him out, cause he didn't want to. Larry had to ride in the ambulance with him so he wouldn't try to run off and let the paramedics do their job.

Here is a close up of Larry getting into the ambulance with the injured crazy man.

Just yesterday, hot off the press. Front page of the Santa Barbara news-press Larry got a call of a hit and run, where the hit, was a house. After the (little) man drove into the house he took off and ran just a few houses down and baracaded himself in his garage. Larry, gun drawn, searched his residence and later learned that he was in the locked garage. Sheriff officers finally showed up, and it took a K9 and a tazer to the chest to finally get this dude out. Larry was assigned to watch the suspect, which he later learned, was a felon and has been on the run since last year. Larry's shift ended at 2:15pm but didn't get home til after 10:00pm. He was very tired last night but still had to get up at 5:45am for work this morning. Poor guy. He was on our local news last night and this morning so I've heard, for this story.

Some random (beach) pics

2009-03-02T15:52:00.000-08:00

We stopped at the beach on the way home from our visit to see Larry's Sister and family and I snapped a few pictures just for fun.

Yes, Honey sat right down on the WET sand. No, she did not wet herself, at least not for this picture.

Mason had a blast climbing the rocks that surrounded the beach.

A bird.

The railroad tracks were right on the beach practically.

Weekend with Snow

2009-02-18T17:51:00.001-08:00

A four day weekend, Valentines Day, a niece's bridal shower, a temple day, and SNOW!!! We had such a fun filled weekend up north at my parents house where we were delighted to find the next morning a white Christmas...in February.

On our way... the clouds were just georgous! We got up before 7am to go out in the snow...Daddy and Honey were still in bed. Beautiful snowflakes that seemed to be endless. Mason LOVED it. Honey and Daddy finally woke up and enjoyed the snow too. Yep...that's my Daddy. A look down the driveway...Just beautiful. Cheezy loved the snow, he was bouncing through it like a little white bunny rabbit. Eating the snow...just not the yellow stuff. Mason showing me his big spoon full of snow. Honey getting Mason with a spoon full of snow. Her face afterward, she is full of it. Yep, she got him, as usual.

100th Day

2009-02-08T15:22:00.000-08:00

Mason had his 100th day of school on Friday. His Teacher asked the class to make a project using 100 things to celebrate the special day. I can remember doing this in first grade and I brought 100 pennies and lined them up across the floor. I waited til the last minute to help Mason start his project and were at a loss of what we could do to represent 100. I had a left over canvas and some project paint and viola a masterpiece, yah? 100 Circles. I mixed the colors and Mason helped me paint it. He was so proud and couldn't wait to show his teacher.

Do you remember what you did for 100th day of school?

Just a few things...

2009-02-03T16:23:00.000-08:00

January has blown by us like a hurricane, and here are a few things we've been up to this past month.

I was asked to coach Mason's basketball team for the YMCA this season, and so far we've had a lot of fun. Coaching the 5-6 year old boys is exciting, even if they have absolutely no clue.

These are pics from the first game, Mason is trying to dribble it up court, and he does pretty well too. Now that we are about four games into our season, we have improved drastically.

A little pep talk before the game. Zach (Mason's cousin) was there to watch his first game. Larry left me for a week to go to San Diego for FTO (Field Training Officer) training and so I enlisted my Mom to come down and help me for the week. We had lots of fun just being silly. Super Star Shadows. Mom on the left, Me on the right! See I told you...We were Silly!

Just pump'in that gas!

Honey needed a fill up I guess.

We are God Parents?

Larry's friend from San Luis Obispo asked if we would be their daughters Godparents. First let me say that I have never met the little girl, and have only seen the parents one time. But we went anyway and found out that they asked like 10 different couples to be godparents. Crazy! So no big deal, I guess. Right?

The "sprinkle".

Jesica and her daddy Joey.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

May this year be even better than the last.

Butterfly Beach...again.

2008-12-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

We finally made it to the Beach. We havn't been in quite a while by our standards. After thinking that we were never going to get to a beach we finally made it to one of our favorites down in Santa Barbra, Butterfly Beach. I realize that I have posted about this beach before so sorry for the repeat. As most of you know who are living just about anywhere in California, this past week or so has been very cold, again to our standards, like...low 30's and 40's. So when the sun came out and the temperature rose (high 70's) out we went to have some fun on the sand.

Yes, Honey was the sandiest out of all of us, as you can see she has no problem laying herself right down in the wet stuff.

A view up the beach, I loved all the round stones that covered most of the beach.

Mason found a cozy little spot up on the cliff.

I am so proud of Mason, he wrote his own name in the sand for the first time.

And he did a good job too, I think.

Our good friends Elizabeth and Anthony met us there and helped us enjoy the beach and weather. Thanks guys.

I got this idea from my sister-in-law, Wendi. I just had to try it too. We came across the coolest thing. Someone or many stacked rocks on top of each other all over the place, and high too. Like trail markers gone wild. There were at least 10-15 stacks of rocks.

Here is another shot of the rock stacks.

They even made little ones on this old tree. It was amazing that they all stayed up. Very cool.

Towards the end of the day, not quite sunset, but the water looked golden.

Special Moments

2008-12-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

Click picture to enlarge.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas,

from the Hockman Family!

Christmas for a Kindergartener

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

Here are pics from Mason's little Christmas concert at school. They sang songs like Rudolph the red nose reindeer, You better watch out and my favorite, Feliz Navidad! He pretty much just stood there very still and mouthed a few words, while all the rest of the kids bounced around jumping from one step to the next. He is just so calm. It will be very interesting and different to watch when Honey starts school.

Christmas with the Bennetts

2008-12-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

We had an early Christmas with my Brothers family ( the Bennetts) last night. What a great time we had, eatting great food, being with family and opening presents, can't be much better. I love the joy dancing across Masons face here.

My brother and his daughter, Alisha, having a slight wrestling moment. Keep trying Alisha, you'll get him eventually.

Honey, screaming, "Merry Christmas", over and over.

Look at the love, Larry and Steve helping Mason set up his car set. Good job boys!

Santa?

2008-12-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

Our annual Ward Christmas party was last night, where the kids met Santa with their usual skeptical and wary eyes. In fact, before we even got out of the car to go greet him, Mason asked us if this was the real Santa or just someone dressed up to look like him. I mean, don't I have like 3 or 4 more years of Santa left, he just turned 5 for crying out loud. Or are the kids just getting smarter and we're just getting older? What is the average age kids stop believing in Santa anyway? Cause this is not the first question Mason has come up with this year. Like, "Is Santa really real?, How does the reindeer fly?, Is there really a Rudolph?" and so on. Oh well I guess we'll keep playing the Santa card til we can't no more.

Mason was asked to play a stable animal in the Nativity Story, I think he was a donky? You decide. And Honey was going to play the sheep but there was not enough to go around so she had to give it to an older child, next year Honey. But she made one cute sheep.

You can barely see Mason, but he is sticking out from behind the girl in the middle with her head turned to the left.

No doubt whatsoever

2008-12-10T20:53:00.000-08:00

Yes as if the wild crazyness, and playfulness wasn't enough however, it is now officially, documented and confirmed that Honey is My daughter. She and I share a common problem that our pants do not fit us when we bend down or over. Hence the lovely plumbers crack. Sorry Honey, my bad. Its much more cute on her though. Don't worry I won't put up a picture of my plumbers crack, you'll just have to take Larry's word for that.

Todays Pictures

2008-12-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

There is a vacant lot just on the other side of our house and the kids like to run around and look for rocks and such out there, here are some pics of our little quest.

j&h Photography

2008-12-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the many encouraging, and sweet comments left by my wonderful family and friends on numerous posts about my photos, I have created another blog dedicated to my hobby of photography. I figure that this blog is for the sole purpose of my family updates and should not be confused with my passion and artistic side for photography. I am hoping that I can use and navigate my creative energy toward my other blog and get a more balanced perspective on something else that holds my attention other than cleaning up after my children, right? Please feel free to visit it and leave honest comments and constructive criticism so that I may have another view on what I can do differently or what I did well. Thank you for all of your optimistic words and positive feedback. www.jhphotography2008.blogspot.com

Family Turkeys

2008-11-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a fantastic feast, full of food, family, and fun. We spent the "giving" holiday with Larry's sister (Misty) and her family in Huntington Beach where we met Larry's moms' new husband, also known as Larry (crazy, right?). Nice guy. After stuffing our bellies with all the fixins' we lounged around until...I know its late...8:30pm. Ok, and here is why. Misty and her neighbor, Brenda, her daughter, and I got up at 4:30am for BLACK FRIDAY x-mas shopping. I know, I'm crazy. But it was the atmosphere and company that made it fun. We went to Khol's first, which was a mad house even before we got there at 5am because they opened at 4am, where after an hour of shopping came the one and a half hour wait in line to pay fun. But wait, check this out before you start to judge, I got ALL my Christmas shopping done, in one day! Ha ha! Now what! Just before we headed home from our early morning day, we stopped by the beach for some fun in the sand. Note the pictures below for that adventure.

Honey was absolutely crazy at the beach today, ask her dad, he could hardly keep her out of the water.

Here we are, sand and all. Just look at Honey's hands.

This is what it was like to try to get a picture with her. She did not want to hold still.

Mason, the calm one, was just looking for shells and such the whole time.

Brothers, Zane and Zach sharing a sweet moment. Bet you don't get many of these very often, huh Misty.

Larry, Mom, and Misty.

Honey, in the sand again.

DANG! Who is that Hottie!

OUCH! Hang on I need a moment...gotta wipe up the drool.

Here we are, still alive.

Mason's toes.

Honey's toes. Happy Thanksgiving, Y'a all!

First Rain

2008-11-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

It started raining this afternoon and the kids

could hardly wait to get out their rain coats

and umbrella's and start sloshing around in

all the puddles.

Drip, drop rain is falling

rolling, tumbling softly down,

on my lashes on my nose

and in my ears the magic sound.

Each little drop, wet and clean

holds within a world unseen.

a million diamonds of wealth untold

sprinkles each flower soft and cold.

~Janese

Family

2008-11-24T09:17:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite like Family. I'm not sure what I would do without them in my life.

The Joy of a Simple Pomegranate

2008-11-18T19:13:00.000-08:00

I was taking some pictures of Mason the other day while he was eating a pomegranate. It was so cute, he had it splattered all over his face. I don't know about you but pomegranate's are such strong reminders of my youth, my parents house has an orchard with few fruit trees and we would patiently wait til they split so we could eat them. The pomegranate that Mason is eating is from that very same tree, my mom brought them down when she and my dad visited us a few weeks ago.

Mason turns 5

2008-11-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

My baby turned five years old on the 5th, so weird, I have a 5 year old. I feel so...old. So how else to you celebrate a five year old's "Golden Birthday" but to go to Chuck E. Cheese of course. Mason and Honey in the helicopter ride, I am so glad they get along so well. Serious competition here. Lame ride, but the kids had to do it at least once. Happy Birthday Mason, wait... the real cake is down below. This one was just temporary.

Mason got a fish for his birthday. He picked it out and named him/her Ruby. We love her, shes so dang cute.

Ok, here is the real cake. My gracious neighbor helped me make this cake for Mason's party we had at our house on Friday. He's leaning a little to the right so instead of Puff the magic dragon, we named him Duff, or Duffy. He's a little chunky around the middle, he either ate too much cake or had a little too much to drink, you can make your own assumptions. But he was so much fun to make, and yes I am a little proud of myself for taking on the challenge.

We played pin the face on the boy, here is Mason doing his best.

Honey's turn, she thought it was so funny to be blindfolded.

Here is how her face turned out.

My brother decided to play too and I think I spun him around a few too many times cause he almost lost his dinner. That's ok though, siblings are suppose to have a little fun, right? Thanks for being a good sport, Brother.

Larry did it too and here is his face...pretty good sweetie.

Next was the doughnut on the string. It was so cute to see the little ones trying not to use their hands. Powder was everywhere, so cute.

Go Honey!

After the doughnut game, look at all the powdery faces.

Happy Birthday Mason. Wow, five candles!

Present opening time. Mason had a blast and is grateful for all the friends and family that came to his party.

A Smorgasbord of Halloween Fun

2008-10-31T22:10:00.001-07:00

My Little Honey Bee!

I made her wings out of fish net tights and two wire hangers.

Her tutu took a little longer to make but was very easy to do. I had fun with Honey's costume this year, I actually put forth effort and made her one. Crazy, I know.

The annual LDS Trunk-or-Treat, Honey with her prize winning Kazoo.

Another annual tradition...Mason's Kindergarten Halloween Parade at school. It made me remember my school parades, and they still pretty much all look the same.

He didn't want to wear the Darth Vadar costume to school cause he was afraid he would be too hot, good idea even since it was cloudy it was still over 70.

Mason's Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Henderson. Isn't she the perfect looking Kindergarten teacher?

And my Dad said he wasn't going to dress up. Ha ha Dad, I always knew you wanted to be a farmer.

Mommy and Darth. Daddy and Darth.

Here's the Darth Vadar costume, there was no way I was making his costume this year, look at all those buttons.

He's the real thing kids.

Mason kept asking me if this was the "real" Halloween today. I guess that after you've dressed up more than three times you kinda wonder when its going to be over. Neighborhood kids about ready to go Trick-or-Treating. Honey, Maddie, Dallas, and Mason.

Family Jack-O-Lantern

2008-10-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

The kids really didn't know what to make of all the gooey innards of the pumpkin. However this is the most that mason has ever done. In past years his hand never got very far into it.

Now its Honey's turn to not be too grossed out by all the slimy goodness. See her hand all balled up in a fist, yeah I don't think so.

We did get it carved though and the kids were proud of their limited but important work on the Family Jack-O-Lantern.

So Proud...and umm yeah... about the sunglasses, they are her favorite accessory at the present. She wears them all day!

It's Pumpkin Time

2008-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our visit to the local Pumpkin Patch in Santa Ynez. It was very quaint and sweet. I have never seen more varieties of the squash group than I did here, absolutely wonderful.

I just loved all the textures, pumpkins, corn stalk, garden, just lovely. I love this picture. Getting Honey to hold still for just one second seemed hopelessly impossible, she was much too interested in all the pumpkins. Mason...cool as a brand new set of wheels. Check out that pose, that cracks me up!Check out my pumpkins!And Larry's huge squash!I simply love my family!

Smile! Mason's School Picture

2008-10-08T12:28:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, my little boy is so handsome.

Here is his school picture, he is just as cute as his daddy!

Chalk-Block Party

2008-09-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

So we busted out the Sidewalk Chalk and all the neighborhood kids had a blast coloring all over their ummm...faces and hands and legs, and of course the sidewalk.

Monkeys at the Park

2008-09-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors and us went to take the dogs to the middle school around the corner for some energy release and we found a few of us hanging from the batting cage instead.

Vegas Baby!!

2008-09-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

So check out how sweet this is...CHP Softball tournament in the City of Sin, Las Vegas Baby! What does that mean exactly? Four days of no work, worries or kids, that's what that means. We dropped the kids off at Larry's gracious Sisters house and headed for three days and two nights at the Luxor Hotel, ya know the one shaped like a pyrimid with that big light coming out the top, yes that one. Larry played softball with the Santa Barbara team, and let me just say that they probably need to keep their day jobs, however they are not complete loosers, yes they did win one of the five games played last weekend. You're a winner to me Baby, no matter what they say. It was very hot during the day and games they played...ummmm, like ya know over 100, no biggie. And who can pass up a buffet in Vegas, its like trying not to breath in the smoke that hung in the air at about noes level all day, can't miss it. No, unfortunatly we didn't win any money either, I mean whats up with the penny and nickle slots, no love..no love I tell you!

Pony farm

2008-09-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

A local pony farm just inside Solvang has acres of these cute little ponys. Some neighbor friends and Honey and I went to check it out one day...here is what we saw. Three little 2 year olds, waiting for the pony's to get a little closer. A Mother and her baby.

They weren't getting very close to us so one of the workers just picked one up and brought it over to us so we could get to pet one. Just picked up a horse, can you believe it.

The three trouble makers. Honey, Dallas, and Maddie.

All three of their hands. So precious.

Oh now you tell us. I am pretty bad at not reading the signs until its too late.