An Evening At The Symphony

Over the weekend we attended an amazing symphony made up of top high school musicians from all over the region. My nephew Michael was on the trumpet and Caleb the trombone. Maybe I don’t get out much, but honestly it was one of the best performances I’ve ever been to.

All of my extended family was there and we had all four of our kids as well. When the Master of Ceremonies asked that we try to refrain from coughing because it was being recorded live, David and I immediately regretted our decision to not get a sitter for Nicholas!

When the music began Cole did exactly what you would expect Pavlov’s dog to do if he had been conditioned to go to sleep every night of his life listening to classical music. Cole was out like a light before the second song! A true blessing given our need to be very, very quiet.


Fortunately for us, Nicholas wasn’t fussy. Unfortunately for us, he picked that particular afternoon to start practicing his syllables! David had to take him out.

The symphony was a great time for all. I’m so proud of my nephews—they are blessed with boatloads of talent. (And have practiced their instruments incalculable hours). The first picture is when they were the ring bearers in our wedding 13 years ago. The other is them just after the symphony. They were so, so cute . . . and now they are so, so handsome!

Talkin’ Smack!

Have you seen these “Hair Balls” in stores? They are great for toddlers—both easy to throw and easy to catch.

After Cole had been playing with his for awhile he threw it at Jonathan and yelled, “Think fast, Jay!”

The ball landed nearly two feet short of Jay—impossible to catch. But that didn’t stop Cole from placing the blame elsewhere. He yelled out, “Bad catch Jay!”

Those Colts!

It is always best to accept an invitation where the TV is a big screen plasma and the food is exceptional . . . which was certainly the case at Jon and Kelly’s yesterday. Hot wings, pizza, chips and dip, spicy meatballs and chocolate pie—a perfect superbowl party!

And for those of us who don’t even like football . . . the Doritos commercials made the watching worthwhile. It is new day in advertising!

Home Inspection Anxiety

I always want to have my house PERFECT when they come which is why I schedule both our fire inspection and health inspection on the same day. The fact they are obligated to look in ALL of our cabinets, closets, bathtubs, toilets and sinks only adds to my angst. Though I doubt they would give someone a failing grade for disorganization or clutter, it’s rather nice to give the impression one day out of the year our home is perfect from top to bottom.

By the time the doorbell rang I was breathing a sigh of relief—I was actually ready for their white gloves and magnifying glass. Nicholas started crying so I picked him up on my way to the door. While greeting our county fire marshall I had the thought, “That’s a strange cough coming from my little son.” The thought was followed by a moment of horror. Just as our guest was walking into our living room, Nicholas lost the ENTIRE CONTENTS of his lunch all over me!

The fire marshall was very gracious and even held Nicholas while I ran upstairs to change clothes. We passed with flying colors and are now ready for a phone call (usually comes in the middle of the night) from the state of Texas asking if they can place a child in our home immediately.

There is song by John Michael Montgomery called, The Little Girl which reduces David and I to tears every time we hear it. It is based on a true story and is a continuous motivator for us in being foster parents. These are the words . . .

Her parents never took the young girl to church
Never spoke of His name
Never read her His Word
Two non-believers walking lost in this world
Took their baby with them
What a sad little girl

Her daddy drank all day and mommy did drugs
Never wanted to play
Or give kisses and hugs
She’d watch the TV and sit there on the couch
While her mom fell asleep
And her daddy went out

And the drinking and the fighting
Just got worse every night
Behind their couch she’d be hiding
Oh what a sad little life
And like it always does, the bad just got worse
With every slap and every curse
Until her daddy in a drunk rage one night
Used a gun on her mom and then took his life

And some people from the city took the girl far away
To a new mom and new dad
Kisses and hugs everyday
Her first day of sunday school the teacher walked in
And a small little girl
Stared at a picture of Him

She said I know that man up there on that cross
I don’t know his name
But I know he got off
He was there in my old house
And held me close to His side
As I hid there behind our couch
The night that my parents died

We have no idea which child will come through our doors next—but we do know they will be walking through a nightmare no one should have to endure. We hope our home can be a place where they feel safe, secure and loved.

A Moment Not Easily Forgotten

(Posted by Request)
A few years ago David was driving in our neighborhood when a tiny, little dog ran out in the street in front of him. Like all conscientious neighbors, he stopped and honked his horn several times so the dog’s owners would realize their precious little pet was in harm’s way.

Unfortunately, no one came running from the house to rescue the little guy. Being such a wonderful and thoughtful guy, he decided to just park there for a few minutes while continuing to honk his horn—patiently waiting for the neighbors to respond as he could see them in their front room.

In the middle of his honking-fest he heard a loud whistle. Looking off to his left, he was quite horrified to learn his honking was not going unnoticed. Approximately a hundred or so confused and angry eyes were fixed on him—he was rather rudely interrupting a funeral taking place in the cemetery on the other side of the street!

A Thank You Long Overdue

If you remember the 80’s then you know how to walk like an Egyptian on the dance floor. Quite possibly you were unknowingly distantly linked to me in “Hands Across America” and you know all the words and motions to YMCA—and can even do them on roller skates. But unless you went to Monroe Central High then you have probably never met Mrs. Washler.

Mrs. Washler ties for first place on my list of favorite teachers along with my fifth grade Social Studies teacher, Mr. Campbell and my college literature professor, Dr. Trimmer. (It has always been kind of hard for me to narrow things down.) Mrs. Washler taught English my sophomore, junior and senior year of high school—all during the 80’s. It’s rather sad when you’re young and take for granted people who work so diligently, often with a great deal of personal sacrifice, to pour into your life. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked her.

I loved Mrs. Washler’s classes. It was there I learned the riches of great literature, how to diagram a sentence, and the depths of poetry. She taught me how to write research papers and to look for greater meaning in the pages of a book than what lies upon the surface. To this day I can vividly see her standing in front of the class with great animation explaining Mark Twain’s bent toward social reform and why “Et tu, Brute?” in Julius Caesar was so significant. It is because of her I love great literature.

It is a very real fear of mine she might actually one day find this site—I’m sure I break the rules of grammar on a regular basis. Nonetheless I am dedicating this post to you, Mrs. Washler. Thank you for the investment you made in my life. Whenever I finish a great book I remember who inspired me to pick it up in the first place. My life is so much richer because of you!

Spirit Day

Our school colors are blue and gold—which is why Ashley and Jonathan had blue hair for Spirit Day. We are so thankful for the small school they go to. Though it is 30 minutes away, we feel like it is worth the drive. As an extra bonus, one of the teachers lives near us and does a lot of the transporting to and from. What a huge blessing she is!

In addition to the emphasis on academics, there is a strong emphasis on building Godly character. They wear uniforms (which I LOVE) and have chapel once a week.

During the recent annual speech meet, Ashley jumped WAY out of her comfort zone and landed herself a place in the district meet. She is working diligently to perfect her speech and bring home a blue ribbon next month. Somewhat to our surprize, Jonathan didn't fare as well. Jonathan is a master at memorization. He memorized every single speech in his class! When our church did a children's play, Jonathan memorized EVERY SINGLE LINE. This proved to be helpful when other kids forgot their cue. Though he had his speech down to perfection in our living room, Ashley said he shifted his weight from his left foot to his right foot over and over as he gave his speech. Jonathan was very sad to not get to represent his school at district.

I have a feeling his day will come. Jonathan just seems to be good at everything he does. (Uh, I know I'm his mom, but that isn't my gene package). Jonathan's good friend Mackenzie will be representing the second grade at district. I was talking with Mackenzie's mom a couple of days ago. She said he told Makenzie to look out next year because, "You're goin' down!" I think that's a pretty good sign his ego is recovering.

Nice job Ashley! We are so proud of you!! And Jonathan, I have no doubt you'll make it next year!

Painting With Cats

I only needed a 10 minute window. Cole had just fallen asleep for his nap and Nicholas had just woken up from his. The paint was open, the twelve foot ladder in place and I have been trying to get this project done since before being pregnant with Nicholas.

The house we bought a little over two years ago came with a really, really ugly shed—I’m guessing older than the ages of myself, David and all of our kids combined. Originally we intended to burn it down. But since the roof was intact and no moisture was getting in, we decided it was a rather convenient place to store lots of junk—which one might understandable deduce our garage is therefore junk-free. (Only in my dreams!)

So since the shed was going to stay, I’ve been longing for quite sometime to just complete the paint job and be done with it. Note to all readers considering painting exterior buildings—DO NOT CHOOSE RED!! It is very hard to work with, requires a gray primer first, and if you drip your white trim paint on it . . . it takes several steps to get it red again. Aaaaagggghhhh!!!!

I put Nicholas in his stroller and parked him near my project. As soon as I was on top of the 12 foot ladder with my paintbrush and paint can in hand, I noticed one of our neighbors’ beautiful, indoor cats was eyeing my sweet son the way most cats eye a fat mouse. After ignoring my commands to, “Get lost”, I descended my 12 foot ladder and shooed him away. This scenario repeated itself 3 times before BRILLIANCY took over and the cat became an occupant of the shed I was painting.

Once again I ascended my 12 foot ladder only to find the neighbor’s other really beautiful, indoor cat trying to jump in Nicholas’ stroller. For the 4th time I descended the ladder. I guess he knew he was about to join his fellow kitty inside my shed because he quickly ran under the porch. Once again, the non-blonde side of my brain kicked in. I barricaded the small opening under the porch and for the 5th time ascended my 12 foot ladder.

I was right. Ten minutes was all I needed and the red paint I started nearly a year and half ago is now complete. In case any cat lovers are wondering about my neighbors’ beautiful, indoor cats—I released them to the wild . . . uh, the wild merely being our yard.

Timing Is Everything

Oh sure. It was the day report cards were handed out for the quarter. So during the basketball game, I let my curiosity get the best of me. While digging in Ashley’s backpack for her report card I totally MISSED seeing her make the FIRST BASKET of her life!! The other parents were clapping, screaming (a little out of control) and asking me, “Did you see that?” What is up with my timing?!

Ashley is such a tiny little thing. The fact she is in the fifth grade while most of our opponents are in either 7th or 8th only exaggerates the issue. Watching her in the huddle during a timeout I thought, “How did we get here?” It seems like just yesterday she was a baby. My mind flashed back to her nursery, the toddler years, the day she started kindergarten . . . how is it possible she is now a tween? She still has the little chubby cheeks she was born with and that great big grin she used to greet me with from her crib.

When David (serving as one of the officials) called a foul on her, it brought me back to the present. The growing up years are so short. Each stage is a gift. I don’t want to miss a moment . . . which is why I was overjoyed when I saw Ashley make the SECOND basket of life.

Way to go Ashley! Who says short people can’t be great basketball players?!

Henry’s Here!

Cole and Henry
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

A few months ago something very exciting happened in Cole’s world—his cousin Henry moved to Texas!

Cole and Henry make a good pair. They both love trains, fast cars and Go, Go Diego (the male counterpart to Dora the Explorer).

Cole has spent a great deal of time with Henry . . . visiting the Science Place, the Caldwell Zoo and the Brookshires Museum and the Lindale Park, not to mention the trampoline in his backyard.

The other day Cole was VERY excited because he knew this was the day Henry was coming over to play. From the moment he woke up he kept asking me when Henry was going to get here. I kept replying, “In a few minutes.”

His dad was delayed a little bit because of some cement work they are needing done . . . and the guy stopped by on that particular morning—meaning Cole’s anticipation was drawn out even more. But at last I heard Cole squeal with delight, “Henry’s here, Henry’s here, Henry’s here!” What fun these two cousins have together.

Success!

Cole
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

If you are a regular reader of Hazel and Blue you know Cole is always trying to hone his delivery on a joke. Two nights ago he hit a milestone . . .

Cole: Knock, knock.
Me: Who’s there?
Cole: Ya
Me: Ya who?
Cole: Mom, I didn’t know you were a cowboy.

It was the first time he told a joke where the punch line made sense!

Winter Wonderland

Jonathan and Cole
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Winter has finally arrived in East Texas! Today it is 30º and the freezing rain left ice on everything—it is beautiful!

I enjoy having winter for about a week. For us, Spring is just around the corner . . .

Baby Noah Steven

Baby Noah Steven
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Sweet Baby Noah. He has lived almost all of his young life at a Children's hospital. Today he will be taken off of life support.

It doesn't take more than a casual stroll down the halls of a Children's hospital to recognize the enemy's assault on humanity is continuous. While he mercilessly reigns in this corrupt and evil world, there is an ever-increasing longing in my heart for Jesus to come and take up His rightful throne. While sitting at this computer I can close my eyes and almost hear in the not so distant distance . . . . 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away . . .’ (Revelation 21:3-4).

I don’t know about all of you, but with renewed urgency, I don’t want to idly sit back and allow the enemy to continue gaining ground. I want to press in ever closer to the Father and live my life in such a way that I play a part in advancing His kingdom on the earth. It was Jesus who said, ‘ . . . the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.’ Oh to be numbered with those who forcefully lay hold of His kingdom!

Is There A Dictionary In The House?

Jonathan
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Me: (Interrupting Jonathan playing, when he is suppose to be cleaning his room) Jonathan, how is your room looking?

Jonathan (age 8): Atrocious, Mom . . . but I’m going to do that next.

Atrocious?! Isn’t that kind of a big word for such a little kid?

Star Light Star Bright

Cole and David
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

David and Cole were driving in the car by themselves last night. Out of the blue Cole said, “Look Dad. It’s the Wishing Star.”

David: “The Wishing Star?”

Cole: “Yeah Dad. You’ve gotta make a wish!”

David: “Ummmm . . .”

Cole: “Do you wanna know my wish?”

David: “Sure, Cole.”

Cole: “I wish I could drive!”

Are We Getting Old?

Ashley, Cole and Jonathan
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Recently David and I watched the movie Walk the Line. It brought back many memories from when I was a kid—Johnny Cash has always been a favorite with my mom and dad. The movie inspired David to download a few Johnny Cash selections for his ipod.

Driving in the van with the kids the other day, he cued up a couple Johnny Cash classics. This resulted in LOUD groans from Ashley and Jay. Ashley said, “We have to listen to that kind of music when we’re with Grandma and Grandpa—NOT YOU TOO!!”

Guess that generation gap just got a little smaller.

Renaming Nicholas

Cole and Nicholas
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

You might recall the difficulty we had in coming up with a name for Nicholas. Cole thinks it is still a work in progress and has renamed his brother several times. A couple of weeks ago he was calling him “Fuzzy Wuzzy.” After that wore off he came up with “Bean Bag.”

Today he told me we should name him “Colie.” Since we often call Cole by this nickname I asked him why. He replied, “So we can have TWO Colies!”

Say It Again, Sam

Jonathan, David and Cole
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Jonathan is an avid reader. In addition to all the really great books I try to put into his hands, he loves checking joke books out of the library and reading them cover to cover. He loves having a joke in his repertoire to pull out at any given moment for anyone willing to listen. David and I try really hard to listen, laugh and not just roll our eyes or tune him out. (This requires a great amount of personal discipline when your child is 8.)

Cole works very hard to be just like Jonathan. He is also working on his joke-telling delivery . . . which might explain the interaction we had a couple of nights ago.

Jonathan (age 8): Hey Dad, what flowers grow between your nose and your chin?
David: I don’t know.
Jonathan: Tulips. Tu—lips. Get it?

Cole (age 4): Hey Dad, what grows between your back and your skin?
David: I don’t know.
Cole: Flowers. Flow—ers. Get it?

Christmas Memories

Ashley
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

It was the day after Christmas and David’s parents had just called saying they were about 30 minutes out. We were celebrating a belated Christmas with all the family in Texas and they were driving from Colorado. I lit several Christmas candles to complete the Christmas ambiance.

Ashley was two. When I told her Grammy and Granddad would be here in a few minutes, she started running around the house in excitement. When she accidentally ran into the kitchen table, I went over to pick her up assuming she might have a little bruise. Instead, she had a HUGE hole in her head just above her eye! I totally freaked, screamed—lost it. Ashley couldn’t comprehend my behavior and momentarily stopped crying to watch me.

David took charge, gathered up a few things and kept saying, “Go get in the car.” Though I heard him, my brain couldn’t seem to make my legs do what he was saying. He kept repeating it louder, “Go get in the car.” Since I didn’t move, he finally forcefully “helped” me to the car while I still held Ashley in my arms. Finally I was able to say what I kept thinking but couldn’t get out earlier, “You need to blow out all the candles.” David took a last trip into the house to find all the burning candles and then left a note for his parents on the door.

The 30 minute drive to the emergency room seemed like eternity. David tried to encourage me with little tidbits like, “She’s fine. Every other kid in the world has to get stitches at some point in their lives.” The one thought reverberating in my head was, “Maybe I shouldn’t be a Project Director to Nepal next summer after all.” Oddly enough, between the two of us, I was always the one handling medical emergencies in overseas situations. Even in those crazy moments I was aware I wasn’t handling the situation well.

The full waiting area in the ER might have been a little upset they put Ashley at the front of the line, but given the fact I was still crying somewhat hysterically, maybe they didn’t mind so much. The most traumatic thing I’ve ever done is watch Ashley get tied down to a gurney and then get 13 stitches underneath the skin and then on the skin level—all while she was screaming, “Mommy” hysterically. Even the memory makes me tear up.

After it was all over, the hospital gave her a Barbie doll and a Barbie bicycle gift set (really cool), a boo-boo bunny, and a coloring book all about going to the hospital. The ER doctors and nurses were all very, very nice. We finally caught up with David’s parents for a late lunch. Thankfully, that was by far our most traumatic Christmas we’ve ever had. Oh and for the record, to this day Ashley loves showing off her scar and telling everyone the story.

The Highlights

Nicholas
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Since the last time we attended we rocked to Bruce Springstein’s Born In The USA, I shouldn’t have been surprised when the pastor played a Santa on a Harley singing, Born To Be Wild at church on Sunday. With all 25 of the Haszes in attendance, we kind of took over an entire section of my in-laws small church. That’s how we began Christmas Eve and it only got better from there.

David’s mom made the traditional turkey and her house was decorated to die for as per usual. Lisa made all the pies, Kelly and Amy made a myriad of the side dishes, and I brought 3 cans of cranberry sauce, 2 bottles of sparkling grape juice and a pound of butter—my mother-in-law knows me well!

Christmas Day we celebrated first with our immediate family and then all of my extended family at my sister’s house. With all of our families here in Texas, Christmas is just fun—without all of the hassle of traveling. We are so, so blessed!

Last night we brought in the new year with a party at my sister’s house. David and Jon put together their traditional Audio-olympics game—a fun time for all. Though my team struggled with our lack of pop-culture knowledge of recent movies and hollywood bigwigs, we did well in the music section—REO Speedwagon (hello eighties), hymns and Christmas songs. Though there were twenty-six of us in attendance, none of us actually made it until midnight—this is the first year I can remember when I was too tired to stay up.

All in all our holidays were fun and meaningful. We recognize how tremendously blessed we are and are so thankful for God’s goodness in our lives. May each of you have a happy and blessed New Year!

Expectation

Noah Steven
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

It was unfortunate I had just applied my eye makeup as we drove toward David’s parents’ church for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. When I told David what I’d read a few hours earlier on Noah Steven’s blog—I couldn’t even get the words out without totally losing it. So, so sad.

Though Christmas is my favorite time of year, a heaviness lingers because of the burden I have for this sweet baby in Denver. I hardly even know his parents, yet I’ve come to know them well from reading their blog and praying for their son. I’ve experienced firsthand the overwhelming sadness of a Children’s hospital and the joy on the other side of a miracle. Maybe it’s because our babies are so close in age and it is easy to wonder, “Why theirs and not mine” . . . but I won’t have peace until his miracle comes.

During the service I was ever mindful of Noah. When the pastor’s wife asked if we were EXPECTING the miracle we needed, I had to admit to myself I was not. Tonight I’m trying to do a 180. I want to walk in anticipation of the miracle Noah needs. What a fitting way to celebrate the miracle God gave us on this night so many years ago. Will you celebrate with me and prayerfully EXPECT a miracle for Noah?

Merry Christmas!

Cole
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Cole: Can I give Jesus a present for Christmas?

Me: Cole that would be wonderful. The best present we can give to Jesus is our hearts.

Cole: But Mom . . . I want to give Him a puppy dog!

‘Tis The Season

Jonathan
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

The other day I picked Jonathan up after school. He sang Christmas carols to Nicholas all the way home (30 minutes) while Nicholas laughed and laughed. Jonathan would probably sing 24/7 except for the small fact he has an eleven year old sister who doesn’t tolerate such things. Since she was at basketball practice, Jonathan sang his little heart out uninterrupted.

I was amazed how many Christmas carols he knew by heart. Like both David and I when we were kids, he knew all the verses many adults don’t even know. My favorite one was Angels We Have Heard On High. This was his version of the chorus.

Glor-or-or-or-ia, in a wax museum . . .

My little 8 year old had no idea he was singing it wrong.

Gracious!

Jonathan, Ashley, Nicholas and Cole
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

Over the weekend we spent some time in Dallas. Every couple of years we have a caricature done of the kids. I think this guy really captured their personalities.

On the drive back to Garden Valley on Saturday we made our traditional stop at Taco Bueno. We opted for the drive through instead of going inside because of Nicholas. The Christmas shopping traffic was crazy and all the drive through lines were long. As we sat waiting for our turn at the window, a truck pulled into a side entrance right in front of us and cut the line by several cars—this did not make us (or any of the cars behind us) happy. Since she completely ignored all the loud honking directed her way, David decided to hop out and have a little chat with her. When he got to her window his tone did a 180 when he realized she had no idea she had committed such a fallacy. She apologized profusely and even volunteered to go to the end of the line. He assured her all was well and she might as well stay in the line since there was no convenient way to exit.

When our turn finally came to pick up our food at the window, the employees informed us our meal had already been paid for. The lady in the truck bought our lunch!

What a sweet and unnecessary thing to do. We took the kind gesture as a reminder during the hustle and bustle of holiday madness—take time to be kind to others and be gracious toward people who make mistakes.

Thirteen Years!

David and I
Originally uploaded by °Beth.

It was a Friday night. Our theme was “An Old Fashioned Christmas”. As the guests walked into the church, the path was lit by candles and Christmas music was playing. Adding to the ambiance were top hats, white gloves, tuxedos and floor length taffeta and velvet dresses in a dark Christmas green. Our flowers were all red roses. I hope no one is offended, but it was the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to. I can’t personally take credit for the incredible way it was pulled off so beautifully, and though tons and tons of people helped, it was really my pastor’s wife Cheryl who made our wedding so perfect.

With all the greeting at the reception, we somehow missed eating anything other than the one bite of cake we fed each other. So on the way to our hotel, we went through a Wendy’s drive-thur. Our car was decorated and we were still in our wedding attire, so they gave us our meals on the house—thanks Mr. Thomas!

We had a fun honeymoon in Florida and then headed back to Denver to our tiny but cute apartment. I remember at one of my showers a lady from our church said, “When you start out in life together you don’t usually have much money. Someday you will look back and fondly remember living on a shoestring.” She was so right. I was working for a ministry and living on support and David was teaching at a Christian school. We became pregnant with Ashley that first year and I had to stop working altogether. Money certain was tight, but God always provided. And true to her words, I do fondly remember those days.

Happy Anniversary David! I have so enjoyed these past 13 years of being married to you.