Round 1 Snow Storm 2010

We got hit with about 24 inches of snow on Saturday February 6, 2010. The day started with Kevin waking up at 7:00am to shovel a pathway for Roxy in the back yard, so she could go potty. Kevin continued to shovel throughout the day with the help of Mike of course. I couldn't believe how much snow we got and how hard it was for the boys to clean it up. We also had the help from a snow blower that our neighbor had. We are definitely getting one, when we can fine one. Enjoy the pictures of this first part of the storm. I will provide pictures of Round 2 of the storm when it is over.

5 Months and Growing

I am getting really excited about having a baby. I can tell you that the first 12 weeks were horrible. The books and doctors use the term "Morning Sickness", which means sick in the morning right!!! Well I had morning, afternoon and evening sickness for 12 weeks. Then one day during my 13th week all of that sickness just went away and I was so happy for it. I feel blessed every day when I look down and see my little bump growing!!! This week I have really felt the baby move, and it is the most wonderful felling in the world.

We have an ultra sound this Saturday to found out what we are having and I can't wait to find out. I really haven't had a strong feeling about what I think that I am having but I know that what every it will be, it will be our little miracle.

A Blessing from above...

As all of you know my father passed about about 4 1/2 months ago of cancer. That was the hardest time of my life. I miss the times when we would talk and laugh together. I never seemed to have any trouble talking to him about anything and he always had wonderful advice for me. He would never let me give up no matter how much I wanted to!!! I miss his smile and also when he calls me his baby. I miss him more and more each day. There isn't a day that doesn't go by when I think of him.

Most of you know that Kevin and I have been trying to have a baby for about 2 1/2 years. We have been working with a Dr. El-Roy, who is a wonderful and supportive fertility doctor for the past 1 1/2. I had one procedure to clear out my tubes hoping that that would help, but it didn't. We tried 4 times to conceive through artificial insemination, but none of them worked. I then got pregnant and it turned out to be a tubular pregnancy, which I had to end the pregnancy. My doctor said that the only way I could get pregnant was through in-vitro fertilization. He said that with my tubes being so damaged, I would probably continue to have tubular pregnancies. I thought that was the worst time in my life. I remember talking to my father about losing the baby and he told me not to give it, that I was suppose to get pregnant, but it will probably be when he wasn't around anymore. I didn't want to believe him... He has always been there for me and I wanted him to be there for my little one.

After our conversation his condition got worst and he was having a terrible time eating, sleeping and getting around. I could slowly see my father leaving us. A week before my father passed away I had to go in for surgery because the doctor thought the pregnancy was still in my tubes and he had to remove it. I had the surgery and a week later my father died. I remember talking to him in the emergency room and telling him I was angry at God for taking him. He said "don't be angry at him, it is my time to go." I asked him if he was scared and he said " no I am tired and ready to go". I remember whispering into his ear that I love him and it was alright to let go! I would make sure to take care of everyone. I spent the whole weekend with him until he gave his last breath. I never felt so alone then at that very minute. I lost my dad and also my best friend.

Now it was my time to be strong for my family, because that was how my father was. He was always the rock of the family. With the help of my friends I was able to get through this tough time. I know that my father will always be in my heart and soul.


Well..... my father was right about me getting pregnant..... A month after my father passed I got pregnant. I remember taking a pregnancy test and it coming out positive. I sat on the edge of the toilet in shock and then started to cry. When Kevin got home, I showed him in the test and he was in shock also. We weren't as happy has I think most couples are. We were afraid that it was going to be a tubular again. But has you can see from the pictures below it wasn't and we expecting this blessing July 1, 2010, which happens to be the same month as my father's birthday and Kevin's birthday.

I remember my dad saying that things happen for a reason and I never understood that until after I became pregnant. God has a plan for all of us and we just need to try and follow it. We probably won't like some of the bumps in the road but that is life. If we traveled on a straight and flat road we would all have a boring life.


I thank my father and God every day for this miracle growing inside of me and will never regret the time I spent with my dad.

I love and miss you every day day!!!!

Baby Hallowell July 1, 2010

3rd Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

by

The Hallowell and Waas Family

Villainous Hacker...

Heh-hem

**clears throat noisily**


To Queen Stephanie and her court (which is mostly comprised of jesters):


This is to inform you that as of this fine day in NOVEMBER, the people demand an updated post. That requires the members of her highness's high staff to allow the queen serious amounts of rest, relaxation, and adequate access to the royal computer. She shall no longer water low-hanging fruit, cook delicious meals, or pick up the high staff's tinker toys around the castle until a new post has been created.

The people are advised of the Queen's complicated schedule, extenuating circumstances, and the fact that her birthday is approaching lending way to age-related dementia and early Alzheimer's. As such, the people agree to short posts consisting primarily of pictures - we don't even need captions, allowing our own imaginations to tell the story...we have vivid minds, you'd hate to deprive us.

**stares off into the distance in deep, mischievous thought**

**shakes head to clear the naughty thoughts and return to duty**

As is evidence by this post, the people have hacked into the royal blog and will take it over unless our demands are met. Be advised that such a take-over will not be flattering to any Hallowellish parties and may include photoshopped propoganda, Sesame Street characters, gold shirts, or Bohemian Fruit Festivals. You do NOT want to provoke the people. We will rebel and bring down the Hallowell Regime if necessary!

So.........

**heavy sigh**

With love in our hearts and beebee guns at our sides, we post this declaration in hopes of salvaging the fine reputation of a most beloved Queen and her high court.

Signed,
The People

**roll up parchment and return to dirty thoughts**