Welcome to The Hartland
The Hartland is our family blog. This is where we'll share what is happening in our lives, big and small, with those who care. Enjoy!!
This past Saturday we had a baby shower for Jennifer and "Finn". Jennifer and Joe are naming their little boy Stephen Phillip but Jennifer has said she wants to call him Finn because his given name is too big for such a little boy.
A good time was had by all. Jennifer had her family, highschool friend, ladies who watched Jennifer grow up and others present to celebrate. I don't think that Finn has much to worry about as far as clothing, toys, and baby items are concerned. Now we play the waiting game and hope that all goes smoothly with Stephen's entrance to his new world!
Wreath made by Alison for Finn's room, hung on front door for the shower.
Guests having a good time!
Jennifer recieving many wonderful gifts.
Men hiding out in the kitchen during the festivities!
In the past month something has occured that has made Jason strangely proud of his son. David has proved himself to be a true Hartman male. For those of you who are not familiar, the Hartman males have a reputation of being able to fall asleep quite easily in all types of situations. Jason was known for falling asleep in History and English classes in high school. Tom, Jason's father, quite often can be found nodding off during a family conversation. More often than not the guys have just recently had a meal and this makes for the situation that I am speaking of. As you can see in these two seperate occasions, David fell alseep at the kitchen table after very recently eating some food. We cannot help but laugh and say, "Yes indeed, he is a Hartman male!"
This week proved to be eventful in our household. Emily started off the week with Jr. High Cross country practice. She thinks she's going to like it but we want her to try a few more practices before we "run" out and buy her special shoes. On Wednesday, Jason's great grandmother (Emily, Ella, and David's great-great grandmother), Grandma Williamson, died. This was not unexpected as she was 90 and had been in hospice for about a week by this time. Friday (which just happened to be Alison's 30th birthday) was the viewing/funeral/burial. With all of this going on not much celebrating occured, understandably.
At the moment Emily is in PA with a friend for a few days visiting Hershey Park and the ocean in New Jersey. Jason is very busy at work and is having to work extra hours to help appease customers. As far as Alison, Ella and David, well we're trying to stay
cool and sane inside the house with all of this hot weather we're having. Hoping things are better with you and that our next post will be more upbeat.
Most of this past Sunday was spent at the local county fair. Emily, as she more and more frequently is now a days, was at a friend's house when we ventured to the fairgrounds. Jason was very excited about the demolition derby and introducing Ella and David to their first taste of redneck entertainment. They enjoyed the beginning of the derby when all 21 cars were driving around smashing one another but lost interest as the sun grew hotter and the moving cars dwindled. Jason decided to stay and watch a couple of other derbies happening and I took the kids to see the farm animals. I think their favorite parts were holding baby chicks that fell asleep in our hands and feeding a horse grapes, at the suggestion of the owner. After about 3 hours at the fair we left feeling very hot and tired but satisfied that our time was well spent.
Watching what the local rednecks do for fun (Jason wishing he was one of them)!
Holding baby chicks!
Going for a ride at the fair!
Today Emily attended a Red Cross babysitting course. She was there all day (just like school she said) and learned all types of "tools of the trade". So, all of you with young children or who know anyone with young children, Emily is now considering babysitting for you. We will consider each job based on her comfort level and availability. Exciting huh? My baby is now ready to babysit!
We think that because she did such a wonderful job that there is no expiration to her card (for those of you wondering).
Ella had a wonderful birthday yesturday despite all the rain we had. We went out to The Old Spaghetti Factory (Ella's favorite restaurant) and had dinner with Mamaw, Papaw, Mimi, Boppie, Didi Jennifer and Uncle Joe. On Thursday we got Ella's new pets. Our new family members are two light grey six week old gerbils. Ella has named them Bella and Madeline. Emily actually found a way to tell them apart. Bella has a small crick in the end of her tail and Madeline's is straight. They are now residing in Ella's room and she is thrilled to death to have some little "creatures" of her own!
Bella and Madeline
Ella holding her new gerbils!
This past Saturday, the 21st, Ella had her 6th birthday party. Even though this was not her "real birthday" (which is the 27th), she was thrilled to have friends and family over to celebrate with her. We had her guests bring over their favorite stuffed animals and had a general animal theme to the party. They started off by playing Hot Potato with a stuffed animal (congratulations Carley for being the winner!). Next was a "birthday egg hunt". Everyone hunted after eggs in the backyard with special animal prizes inside. Our last activity was decorating visors. After opening cards and presents came, of course, cake (actually cupcakes) and ice cream. Overall I think everyone had an excellent time and the remainder of the party was spent outside playing on the playset (why do we even bother with games, they entertain themselves anyway?). Here are a few photos from the day.
Ella opening a present and when Emily became impatient with the amount of time Ella was taking, promptly told Emily, "Emily, you're NOT the birthday queen!"
Mouse, dog, and kitty cat cupcakes (made by Emily and Mommy).
Playing Hot Potato.
The Birthday Queen herself!
