The Hakes Family

Really - 3 months?

2009-10-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Wow - - so I am busy, busy, busy - better than boredom Right? Ah, what's new? Well, I officially have a sport now and luckily my husband and I share it - - - yes, we love guns. Thanks to Dad, Juli, Dr. Baird, Jacque, Aunt Jan, I got that first introduction and that was all it took. Our trip to Front Sight last month sealed the deal and Ken and I are lifetime members. We will be going down next month for the four-day defensive handgun course with the 30 state concealed permit class. What a way to spend our 31st anniversary. As much as I ADORE the CHIEF, I really felt I needed to enter the Semi-Auto world so I will be taking over Ken's 9 mm XDM and we found him a 40 cal XDM The CHIEF is loaded with defense rounds somewhere in the house ready for any intruder. Got a BIG safe down the basement bolted to the floor, so we have guns upstairs and down - loaded for bear. Another development - - - the ole gallbladder is coming out next wednesday - hooray!!! I have HAD IT with feeling sick and in pain for the last 6 weeks. Enough of that. Should be healed up nicely in time to go shooting:)

Peek a Boo

2009-08-01T21:08:00.000-07:00

Lindsay went in this afternoon to find that Keely has learned to pull down her bumper pads.

Wow Busy Summer - We just got home from Youth Conference.

2009-08-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

This says it all, the kids had fun one and all - - -
The lovely J all decked out in her helmet and - life vest? The staff said they were for the 10 foot deep river the horses would need to swim across. I am guessing to prevent severe back, rib, chest injury when being bucked off.
Off into the sunset!

This is the lovely Tigger from the rider's (my) point of view. A very tall orange horse with a bad reputation (I am a glutton for punishment). Tigger did quite well under my firm and confident hand. Only once did he reach back and try to bite my leg. I gave him a nice little tug on the reins. At the end of the ride, the staff girl came up to us and was going to help me dismount then said, "oh, you may want to wait." Tigger had the last word as he relieved himself just before I had to step off his back, creating a nice little mud puddle just below me.
Yes that is a lovely shot of me - at the top of a hill/mountain - something in between. Our YM Pres., me and the Laurel advisor heard that there were fossils at the top of this mountain - - the youth looked up and felt like they would rather go canoeing, horseback riding or swimming. Hmmm, silly kids.

Tea Party

2009-04-19T10:08:00.001-07:00

It was cold and wet, snowing like crazy but Dr. Baird closed the office for a couple of hours and we all went downtown on trax to the Tea Party on Wednesday. Contrary to the "left wing" media, it was a patriotic, heartwarming event. Many, many people braved the cold and wet to support the values that made our country great! We just want to keep it that way. Wish we had gotten a pic of Nick's t-shirt . . . this is the only picture I got . . . thanks, Michelle.

Keely and the Bunny

2009-04-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

Found this funny little purple bunny at the easter clearance cart at Smith's. Lindsay says that Keely loves it and needed it to go to sleep with last night. Isn't she just a cutie!!! I'm a grandma, I can say that!!!! Well, she IS cute.

Grateful Tonight

2009-04-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday. Got this photo on my phone yesterday. Finally heard the whole story tonight. Mark went down to the dunes this weekend with his quad and some friends. I think the whole world goes there on spring break. It's down by Delta, I guess a massive collection of sand dunes and such. He tried a very high jump a couple of times and decided he needed to give it more juice so the last time really gave it the gas and found himself flying . . . . HIGH . . .! Sounded like some sort of suspended animation as the quad flew way past the landing spot then just fell straight down to the ground . . . he thinks he must have been about 40 feet up. He adjusted his boots so when he landed his legs wouldn't come off the pegs and break but didn't estimate the strength it would take to hold his face away from the handle bars. As I type I just can't help but be a little anxious . . . . hmmm. Anyway, his goggles and helmet took a lot of the blow. He spent some time with the on-site EMTs as they watched his blood pressure and the one girl got really nervous about his pupils. BP finally went down and pupils were responding. This was Friday and he spent the rest of the weekend mechanicking on his friends bikes and didn't really have the desire to do much more riding. Of course I know none of this until yesterday . . . just wondered why the uneasy feeling all weekend. Final diagnosis . . . broken nose, nothing they can do but give him some pain pills and he needs to watch the concussion symptoms. A lucky lucky, blessed, blessed man. Ken has suggested knitting, quilting, sewing, gardening, fishing, ceramics or tole painting as new hobbies for Mark.

LAST PROM

2009-03-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

Music was blasting, three girls packed in the bathroom, time running out.

So they primped and teased, tried this and that - with jewelry, a flower in the hair
Hurry hurry hurry, the dates will be here any minute and just as Natalie says "I hate those dreaded words, 'they're here!' her mom chirps from upstairs, "They're here!" and then squeals break out from all three girls. What fun. Do they even realize the significance? Three friends since they were babies, going together to their last prom. All three will graduate in a few short weeks. What a neat time.
And to my relief, the dress was finished right down to the pink Converse
And the gorgeous wrist corsage . . .
We made the deadline
And she liked the dress!

DID I SAY THAT?

2009-03-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is the prom dress I made Lindsay in 2004.

Tuesday evening, J and I were sitting at the computer. She had found the prom dress of her dreams. A great buy at $129 but it is way over in China - 2-3 weeks delivery for a dress that would need to be altered to make modest and prom is in 2 weeks. She looked over at me with those pleading brown eyes and then something took over my body and brain and I heard these words coming out of my mouth. . . "lets just go get a pattern and make it." Oh no, did I really just tell my baby daughter that I would make her a prom dress? How quickly I forgot the prom dress week with Lindsay, working full time and making a prom dress in one week late into the night!!!! So now I am in it up to my neck and maybe soon to be over my head! We went to Hancocks yesterday and found all the fabric, netting, pattern, thread - and what the heck is boning? Anyway here we go. Honestly I am really really excited - - not to mention a baby blessing dress is in the works too. Pics will be posted . . . . soon I hope. Oh and for all you couponing queens out there - total bill for the dress . . . $84!

What Happened to February

2009-03-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

Is there really any month that doesn't just fly by without you noticing. Time goes so fast. I guess I must be having fun! This says it all. Uncle Mark holding Keely on his birthday. Did we ever have a party!!! Everybody in the fam showed up - - - Rob, Jill, Caleb, Spencer, J, Lindsay, Cody, Keely, Mark and also a blast from the past - - Parker Cluff and his wife Lindsey. Oh don't forget Spade. We ate ribs, baked potatoes, salad and the ever famous Better Than cake.

What a Week

2009-01-30T08:34:00.001-08:00

Is she really a week old already? Baby doing so well and mamma and daddy seem to be surviving! They had an opportunity to do a photo shoot with a photography studio looking for newborn models. Keely slept through it all. She is a champion sleeper so far. Here is the website to see some of the pics http://jolleyphotography.com then click on view blog.

KEELY IS HERE

2009-01-23T10:06:00.001-08:00

Our Little Keely Shae Draper arrived on January 23 at 12:11 am weighing in at 6 pounds 11 ounces and 18 1/2 inches long.

Mom and Dad could not be happier!!!

Counters - Woo Hoo!

2009-01-10T13:32:00.001-08:00

After the shower (see post below) Ken tore out all the laminate counter tops, unhooked the plumbing for the installers the next day.
It's pretty shiny so hard to see the finished product with all the reflections . . .
Island before . . .
After . . . note the construction dust and hand prints . . . ha ha I'm a stellar photographer
Bar between kitchen and family room . . . before
After. . . . I am tickled! You'll just have to come over and see it in person. Ha ha

Lindsay's Baby Shower

2009-01-10T13:14:00.001-08:00

She's ready to go! She and Cody have had a motto this year . . . "WHY WAIT?" This past week, Lindsay's motto is "BRING IT ON!"
We had so much fun with family and friends! We are so glad Betsie could join us all the way from Tennessee!
Our Stephanie is just one month behind Lindsay and having a girl too.
Emma and Jennidee were the stars of the show! (no i don't know which is which - I am thinking J left and Emmer's right?)
Thanks so much Juli, Quinn, Jill for helping with the shower. Here is the story of these baby dolls: Last Monday, Lindsay texted me to tell me she had had a terrible nightmare the night before. She dreamed she had given birth to three plastic baby dolls. Everyone around her acted like that was just normal and Lindsay was SO MAD in her dream!!!! Of course these had to be part of the decorations!

Caleb Tastes Peas!

2009-01-10T13:08:00.001-08:00

He is so brave! Even though he gagged a little, he just kept at it wanting more and more!!!

CHRISTMAS DAY!

2009-01-10T12:47:00.000-08:00

We awoke to a cold house (power out) and the wind was howling. You Spokanites will think this whimpy but we did have 8-12 inches of blowing snow. Spence, Mark and Spade came over to help start shoveling. Lindsay and Cody got stuck a couple of times on their way and Rob and Jill had rain at their house just a few miles away - freaky.
Everyone made it through the snow and we all opened presents and ate ham and funeral potatoes. It was a nice, nice day in spite of the weather.

The next day, Ken got the John Deere heavy duty model snow blower. Toni's philosophy on that: either we will have it for the BIG SNOW STORM, or just by buying it, it won't dump snow again this winter - - - win/win either way!

LUX AETERNA

2008-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

We are passengers on this spinning orb. We North Americans begin a rapid tilt away from the sun on June 21st of each year. Along about October, nature tries her best to perk us up with bright gold and yellow leaves but cold soon blows their weakened hold leaving bleak bareness. By mid-December try as it might, sun's rays are weak and short lived and we shiver through dim days. In some bygone century, it evolved that we would celebrate Christ's birth amidst this darkest solstice time. So it happens that we modern North Americans are drawn in from the dark and cold to bask in His light and love--a light that never dims, a love that never fades; eternal in its expanse, brilliant in its warmth! "The Light, the Life, and the Hope of the world!" Merry Christmas ALL!

. . . . try try again

2008-11-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

We have an appointment Thursday 10:30 at the title company. That day happens to be our 30th anniversary. I hope, I hope, I hope. Tomorrow happens to be Tuesday, two days before closing again just like in April, Tuesday, two days before closing (that irony will not be lost on most who are close to me). I went to a funeral last Friday of a dear elderly ward member and was chatting with my good friends the Neiders. We talked about trials, their purpose, their protracted length, their seeming to never end. They know all about trials. Kory said, "after all, this is 'school' and if we got to the end without learning all we were supposed to, we would probably feel left out." I've pondered all weekend that comment. We really would feel cheated if we got to the end and had never been called upon to endure. So we embrace the trial as fiercly as we hate it. We would never knowlingly choose our trials in our human state of mind. Sometimes we just get tired and neither embrace nor hate them, just rest, regroup and hang on. Each trial WILL eventually end one way or another and then we are ready to move on to the next 'class', better prepared for what's ahead . . . hoping for a little 'nap' in between.

GRANDMA GOT TO BABYSIT!!!

2008-10-25T20:17:00.001-07:00

Caleb is actually able to sit up on his own as of yesterday. Still a little tipsy but almost there. I didn't take any pictures while tending him last night because I was so busy just holding and cuddling with him. This was taken last week when they came over to watch the ill-fated BYU-TCU game - see the sad look on his face. His dad has already made him into a major football fan!!!

Come on in folks . . . . .

2008-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

One year ago, today . . . .moving day. I can hardly believe it. A year . . . . and what a year! So I will write my thoughts and tiptoe around the giant elephant in the room. You know the one big thing standing there representing the fact that we have ANOTHER house that is STILL on the market after having caught on fire and blah blah blah. I'm going to just leave that and talk about our NEW house and our NEW ward and our NEW life. This house has 6 bedrooms which accommodated the 6 of us very well on October 27, 2007. Ken and I, Lindsay, J, Mark and Spencer (oh don't let me forget Spade) all had plenty of room and privacy in this house. There is even a built-in dog kennel out back. Little did we know that Cody and Lindsay would get married in April and Mark and Spencer would move out in July. Now Ken, J and I each have TWO bedrooms! Just Kidding. We now will have an exercise room, craft room, guest room etc. We love the space when all the kids come home for Sunday dinners. We are just a little short on furniture but will remedy that . . . . uh . . . . whenever.

We have been truly blessed in so many ways. Our ward is great. It's been a wonderful place for me to heal and adjust. The sisters here and pure and kind. I feel very lucky because I also see my longtime friends from Sandy once or twice a month and they are the BEST. Of course my mainstay is being able to work with my sister Juli every day. We have our own separate bad days . . . I kid you not . . .it always works that way and we bear each other up. Anyway I am so glad tonight that I am not surrounded by boxes and faced with the drudgery of moving in. We are here and hope to be here to stay for a good long time. I went around and took a few AFTER photos of some of the little things we've done around the house and yard. Ken will beg to differ about the word little - - he has busted his tail in the yard and since funds are a bit low, most of it has been just plain old hard work. So grateful for him and all he has done.

Before: Master Bath.
After: RED bathroom - - - Ami I need some sheers like yours above that tub window.
Before: J's "cute" pink room - - no after photo of the nice brown and tan room we made it - - sorry J it was a tad messy when I was taking pics yesterday - - -She's been busy guys!!!!
Before: Nice bedroom - - a little colorless for Lindsay.
After (once removed) - -this was Lindsay's statement - she loved it so much, we painted her and Cody's room that same color. See the bed - - it's a guest bed - hint hint - we welcome Spokane visitors.
Before: That fireplace wall just begged for some color - - I am not a decorator AT ALL - just heard that fireplace wall begging.
After: Just had to have a brown wall of some sort - - -you all might remember I fell off that ledge where the big brown jar is, scraped my shin a good one. All better now.
Before: Giant cottonwood trees - the shade looks nice but you should've seen the roots growing every which way in the lawn - - messy, messy, messy.
After: Cottonwoods gone - purple smoke trees - - - grass greener - lots of weeds gone.
Before: Lots of big aspen trees and their little babies growing in the lawn.

After: Aspen forest gone, replaced by little maple tree!

Check this Out.

2008-10-22T11:47:00.000-07:00

Okay I am hooked on this blog. This girl is an amazing writer, very real and open with her life. She should write a book for sure. Here is the link.
http://10019musings.blogspot.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINDSAY GIRL

2008-10-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

Well Lindsay started her birthday off with a BANG today. Here's the story: She was over at the house on Sunday for the big family birthday party dinner. We were just hanging out after eating when we heard a big crash. Lindsay had tumbled down quite a few stairs. She was shaken up a bit and it was apparent she was going to be sore. Sure enough, yesterday (monday) she was sore. Anyway by Monday night, not only sore but feeling really rotten and Dr. said to head to the hospital. Sure enough, having some mild contractions. Baby looks fine, all the tests on Lindsay are okay so far. She just needs to take it easy. Dr. felt like that fall just shocked her whole little pregnant body. She joked with the doctors and nurses that exactly 21 years ago, she was in the hospital with her mom. I'll never forget that crazy night - - - had her after one hour of labor! Our prayers are with you Lindsay Sparkle!!!!!!

ODE TO . . . CAKE!!!!!

2008-10-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

I can still taste it . . . sitting on Quinn's trunk lid. Lemon, lemon, lemon in all it's flavors, textures and glory. Would've put those fancy shmancy Market Street Grill desserts to shame. That's why they wouldn't let us bring it in for Jacque's party. We know the truth! So we just had our own tailgate party in the parking lot with all looking on . .. envious. It will get me through this long winter of NO SWEETS. Yes, it's true. Me and sis are on a SWEET RETREAT until the Christmas Holidays are over. No candy corn, no popcorn balls or donuts, no pumpkin pie or cookies, no trifles or truffles, no orange sticks, peppermint sticks or dipped pretzel sticks. No colds or flu or sinus infections either (we hope). That memory of lemon cake will see us through. Mmm Mmm Mmm!

WAIT . . . . WHERE DID SUMMER GO?

2008-10-03T12:56:00.001-07:00

It was just spring, wasn't it?
Weren't we just planning a wedding?
Next thing you know, we are grandparents,
And expecting a second grandchild . . . .
Time sure flies!

THIS TRIP WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY!!!!

2008-09-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

Pregnant ladies swapped stories . . . . .
Ami cooked her head off . . . . .
We ate . . . . .
Brinley found a cattail . . . or was that the jumbo corn dog at pig out in the park?
We loved David and Lucy's wedding . . . . .
We had a bridal shower for Lucy . . . . .
We rested (with plenty of pillows . . . . six) . . . . .
We all played that whacky marble game . . . . .
Toni/Alpaca bonding time . . . . .
We shot and shot and shot our guns . . . . .
We had a birthday party . . . . .
Quindsay bonded . . . . .
We ate . . . . .

We visited . . . . . and visited and visited . . . . . .

JUST A SAMPLING OF THE AMAZING PARTY FOOD

2008-09-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

Raspberry, lemon and chocolate creme tarts
Raspberry cheesecake bars . . . . .
Mint brownies . . . . . .
Beef Rouladin with creamy mashed potatoes, gravy and beans . . . .
Rolls . . . .
Tuxedo . . . . .

Chocolate dipped strawberries . . . .

2008-09-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

Chocolate dipped shortbread

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

When it comes to Ami . . . . . it's all about the good food

My Last Little Chick in the Almost-Empty Nest

2008-08-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday J. informed me that she remembers what she has worn on the first day of school every year since 7th or 8th grade and then went on to list every outfit she wore on the first day of school. WOW J! So yesterday (her first day of her last year of high school) she wore: Jeans, a white and yellow T-shirt (with this writing on it) and some shoes and socks. I think it makes absolutely no difference what she wears . . . . she looks pretty cute in just about anything. I ask you, what teenage girl with go for a walk around the ward with her mom on a summer's night. I feel pretty lucky she will still hang out. As aunt Juli always says, "GOOD TIMES."

House Pics

2008-08-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the tour of our "new" Locksley House . . . . . post fire. We are pleased with the results. One more leg of the journey now......sell the house.

www.showmethehomes.net/814590.

Dream Car?

2008-08-17T13:57:00.000-07:00

Many might know the history . . . . . Datsun 240 Z comes out just as I am turning 16 . . . turns out to be one of the most popular "girl" cars of the 70s. Dad in one of his brilliant moments makes a deal with me. "Make it to age 24 single and I will buy you one." Ironic, Ken and I met and married when I turned 23 1/2. Don't know if dad had even remembered the deal. Anyway, 30 years later, I have never even ridden in a 240 Z until . . . . YESTERDAY. Mark brought Jim's Z home last night and agreed to take his old mamma on a ride. As we flew down the road, wind blowing in my hair, I kept thinking, "I wouldn't trade my life for ANYTHING . . . ." Glad I met Ken, glad we have Spencer, Rob, Jill, Caleb, Mark, Lindsay, Cody, (_____), J. Fun ride, but made exquisite just having Mark there with me, even if he resisted having his picture taken.

Spade is Moving!!!

2008-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

The days are fast approaching for Spade to move away. He bought a new house and will be taking Mark and Spencer with him. Ken, Mark and I spent Thursday evening finishing his palatial dog kennel in the back yard where he will run the show. He took the liberty this week to prune my pear tree before he leaves. He is such a good helper in the yard. As yet, Ken refuses to even think about replacing our darling gardener.........we will miss you Spade!!!! Good thing your new house is only 10 minutes away!

2008-07-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Just have to put this pretty pic of my sis! You all heard how we kidnapped her with a limo at the airport. Here she is at the restaurant after we showed her the lovely painting we had for her.......FUN FUN TIMES.

2008-07-30T21:09:00.001-07:00

Fun Sunday evening with all the kids together playing Apples to Apples. Spencer just watched from the rocking chair with his little buddy Caleb sleeping in his arms.

2008-07-30T20:47:00.000-07:00

Most of you may know that I HATE camping . . . . nevertheless being in the YW and being J's mom I felt it was what I must do. Just to get I ready, I felt I should get the old tooth extracted so it wouldn't act up during camp. That smart idea backfired as it ended up in a dry socket. Nevertheless, camp turned out great. J nursed the tooth every morning, packing the stuff in there to dull the pain. It was a spiritual high! I don't even recall the sweltering days and freezing nights.. . . just the sweet spirit of kindness and bonding between all the girls and leaders.

Just Checking In

2008-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Okay - another post. Here are a few pics of Caleb. Also J just returned from Spokane and brought some awesome photos of her and her darling cousins. She had such a great time with them. The Locksley house was complete and ready to go on the market but yesterday a flood occurred there which required tearing out sheet rock in both upstairs bathrooms and the family room below. Ken is pretty sure THE BIG ONE is on the way ---fire, flood, earthquake . . . that should about take care of everything that can happen to a poor little old house. It just keeps fighting back and getting healed though.

2008-05-18T18:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Grandma Kunz, Jenadee, Emma and Caleb!!!!!! What a day to remember!!!

2008-05-18T18:13:00.000-07:00

2008-05-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Caleb arrived today at 4:14 a.m. weighing 8 lbs, 8 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. Our first grandchild! What can I say, a blessing beyond compare. J is taking to aunthood quite well here as she had her first chance to hold him.

our family

2008-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

Briefly, we are Ken and Toni (mom and dad), Spencer, Mark, and J living at home, Rob, Jill, and Caleb(new baby), and Cody and Lindsay(newlyweds). One year ago today, if someone had told me all the changes that would have taken place in our lives, I would have a: jumped for joy, b: jumped off a 10 story building or c: run screaming into the night. Of course, we can't see the future but if we could, I would hope we would be able to see the WHOLE future; the bad stuff along with all the many blessings and good stuff that come along. Our assurance is that no matter what happens, God is always there to comfort and bless us. And we HAVE been greatly blessed!!!!!