This is my Temporary Home

Old man, hospital bed,
The room is filled with people he loves.
And he whispers don't cry for me,
I'll see you all someday.
He looks up and says, "I can see God's face."

"This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong.
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through.
This was just a stop,on the way to where I'm going.
I'm not afraid because I know... this was
My temporary home."
-Carrie Underwood

Grandpa passed away on his 97th Birthday. He left behind his sweet wife of 72 years. I hope she doesn't stay too long. Her loneliness and longing for his companionship is heart breaking.

Death brings a time of reflection on the life that was lived and the legacy that remains. "Remember who you are" is a phrase that should be engraved upon Grandpa's head stone. That, and "Chairs are for sitting on. Tables are for eating at. Floors are for walking on. Take all you want, eat all you take."

As a kid, I rolled my eyes at Grandpa's "words of wisdom". As an adult, those phrases brought about a chuckle. Now, as Grandpa is gone, those "words of wisdom" have found a new fondness as a reminder of a great man. The phrase "Return with Honor" above my front door is a spin off of Grandpa's admonishments.

Amongst the many memories shared of Grandpa during his funeral services, one is most profound in my mind. As a young man, Grandpa dropped out of High School so he could work to help support his family during the early days of the Depression. Over 50 years later, as Grandma and Grandpa were moving out of their life-long home together, Grandpa was adamant about a certain book of papers. In this book of papers was the G.E.D. he earned during his 70th years of life. Education was very important to Grandpa. I now have a new understanding for his riding Paul and I about Paul taking the BAR (even though he has NO intention of practicing Law).

Grandpa was as sharp as a tack until the last moments of his life. I visited him a little over a month before his passing. During our conversation, he rattled which of the nurses and/or care givers were coming on which day. He knew exactly what day it was. He could remember not only my kids names, but a little something personal about each one of them. That says a lot, considering this man has over 40 great grand kids. I don't know any of my cousins kids names.




I love you, Grandpa. God be with you 'til we meet again.

Christmas, Part I

Christmas happened a week early at our house. With our trip to Utah, we figured the kids wouldn't mind celebrating a bit early. (of course we were right)

The traditional unwrapping of the pajamas was done "Christmas Eve",


but no cookies were left for Santa. He would be visiting us on the REAL Christmas day in Utah.

I know it seems silly, but I was super excited to have some BIG presents under the tree. And by "big", I don't mean expensive, but just plain BIG.


Some of the TOP favorite gifts this year were:

(x4 with EXTRA bullets---what were we THINKING?!)


And this...



Once this one was opened, Drake couldn't care LESS about any other gift.

Since our Christmas day didn't fall on December 25, we took the kids to Hometown Buffet for lunch and didn't leave until each of their bellies passed the "fat" test. They were BULGING!!! And they LOVED it!

We finished our "Christmas" day at our ward Christmas party in "Bethlehem" where we ate chicken salad pitas on blankets in the gym and sang Christmas carols all the while Mary and Joseph searched for a suitable birth place for our Savior. I can't think of a better way to end our "Christmas" day.

All Aboard!!!

The McCormick Train park is another Christmas tradition we have established while living in Arizona. There's little question why we (a family with 4 boys) would love this so much!



















Thanks for joining in on the fun, Hall family!

2010 Christmas Card

Once upon a time…

In a land far, far away, 4 young and very handsome Princes lived in the Kingdom Boley with their parents (the King and Queen, of course) Their days were filled with battles and quests that would ultimately lead them to win the hearts of 4 equally lovely Princesses.

Our Tale starts with the eldest of our very handsome Princes, 9 year old Prince Andrew (not to be confused with the Duke of York—remember we are in the Kingdom Boley). Prince Andrew is a very intelligent young lad. When not in school, Prince Andrew dedicates much time to perfecting the techniques of war with other “on-line” friends. The PC is a Master Mentor in the field of battles. When his lessons with the computer are finished, he takes his recently acquired skills to the wilderness where with precision, the fury of the pool noodle (our swords) is unleashed on any unlucky passerby (often his brothers). At days end, Prince Andrew can be found strumming the golden strings of his guitar. Although he’s too young to realize, his guitar skills will work together with his sword-fighting expertise to woo the young Princesses of the Land. The King and Queen are pleased with Prince Andrew.

As our Tale turns to our equally handsome Prince Barik, (6 years old) we find him practicing his battling skills on the T-Ball field where this year he has perfected his swing. Spectators can often overhear the defending coaches telling their players to stand back when Prince Barik is up to bat knowing the ball he hits will fly far. With a powerful swing, this Prince will easily fortify the Castle. Prince Barik is also excelling in his scholarly studies. Reading and math have come easily for our 1^st Grader. The King and Queen are very pleased with Barik’s skills on the field, at school and at home where he responds quickly to requests being placed upon him. With Prince Barik’s gentle spirit coupled with his accomplishments in the classroom and on the field, he will surely attract the attention of the lovely Princesses in the land.

By far the most energetic of our handsome Princes, 4 year old Prince Cooper keeps the King and Queen running. He goes and goes and goes and then STOPS. One might over hear Prince Cooper asking the Queen to carry him because he’s too tired. He finally ran out of steam. Good thing our smallest Prince willingly gives up his stroller for his now too-tired older brother. The depleted King and Queen are very grateful for Prince Cooper’s sense of humor. It’s those one-liners that keep the Royal Family rolling with laughter. In preparation for defending the Castle, Prince Cooper is practicing his hand-to-hand combat skills by wrestling with his brothers and Dad. The King and Queen are very happy when Prince Cooper practices his “soft” wrestling with his younger brother. When he is much older, Prince Cooper’s combat skills combined with his charm and charisma will be most beneficial in winning the heart of one very special Princess.

Although still referring to himself as “baby”, our 2 year old Prince Drake has done quite a bit of growing up this year. The Royal “baby” said good-bye to his pacifiers and his crib. Never far from his brothers, Prince Drake engages them in daily mock-battles. “Wets westle” (let’s wrestle) can be heard as he runs after those big brothers with foot outstretched in kicking form. Prince Drake is also accomplished with any type of ball. His basketball, baseball, football, volleyball and golf prowess still stun the King and Queen. The Royal Parents are very pleased with the youngest of the Princes. Very far in the future, Prince Drake’s sweet snuggles and awesome athleticism will inevitably conquer the heart of one very lucky Princess.

As for the King and Queen of our Fairly Tale, they must stay in shape to keep up with their 4 very handsome, very active Princes. Their love of running has benefited them in this pursuit. This year they competed in another Relay Race (along with 10 other awesome runners) that began in Logan UT and ended in Park City UT. A total of 188 miles were completed through the combined efforts of 12 runners amidst some of God’s most beautiful country. Though running brings the King and Queen much happiness, their greatest Joy stems from their 4 stalwart Princes. They are truly their greatest challenge and their most profound blessing. So it is with foresight that they say (and hope):

And they lived happily ever after…

"Frosty the Snowman"

Was one of Barik's favorite songs in his 1st Grade Christmas concert. He was such a doll (can I say that about a boy?) to watch.


We love you, Mrs. Zsilavec!

I love to see the temple

I'm going there someday...

I love to take the boys there every year at Christmas time. There's something great about living in Arizona and not FREEZING while seeing the Temple lights.