Hiester Family Antics: 04.10

The Hiester Family in a nutshell - a big one, like a coconut or something

We are a family of a whole bunch of random people, thrown together in one small house, who all happen to look alike. Each member of our family was hand-picked by God... that's the only explanation for the saga that is our family. Here's the story from the beginning... My husband, Todd, was married before me. His wife's name was Carrie, and together they had 3 kids: Tyler, Kurstin & Elissa. Todd's parents were divorced and his mother remarried. Her new husband, Don, had 2 small children: Ally & Wesley. Their natural mother was killed in a car accident when they were 8 & 11. One year later, they lost their dad and Todd and Carrie took them into their home. 6 months after Ally & Wesley were added to the household, Carrie died of cancer at age 26. Her own children were 3, 6 & 9 and Ally & Wesley were 10 & 13. And Todd was alone with them. Think Lord of the Flies. So when I fell in love with Todd, I got these 5 kids as a bonus. We married about a year and a half into our relationship, with the kids as our wedding party. We made it all official with an adoption lawyer and lots of money, ensuring that we are LEGALLY their parents. They even had to take oaths saying they would perform the duties of sons and daughters, which I think means I have someone to change my diapers when the time comes! After 2 years of marriage we added Robben Carey to the mix. And now we've welcomed Livi Claire...the seventh, and final, Hiester kid (unless, of course, God has other plans). Todd and I are 37 and 35, respectively, and our kids range in age from 1 to 21. It's great because we're cool and always the youngest in a crowd of high school parents.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pet Portrait

I like the way this one turned out. This is one of our super-lovable outside kitties Chocolate Chip. As you can imagine she was named by children. We call her CC. (Again my apologies for the lack of commas...it drives me crazy!)

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Sweet Sixteen

This past Saturday we had Ally's birthday party: Her Sweet Sixteen. Hence the "sweet" theme :) Anyone who's ever been to one of my parties knows they must have a theme...

Check out these super cute cupcakes. I made about 70 of them...each with the utmost attention to detail :)

...And my candies...

...Strawberries 3 ways: whole with whipped cream; sliced and sugared; and chocolate-dipped...

...The favors: styrofoam cupcakes filled with candy... even the flowers are sweetpeas...

...Grandma Alice made the cake :) It was an oversized cupcake (as you can see) which is why I made mass quantities of cupcakes for all to enjoy (that cake would not feed 50!)

Happy Birthday Ally! I'm glad you had a great time with all of your friends and family :) (I'm also glad it's over...that was a lot of work for me!!)

Monday, April 26, 2010

Motivating Factors

We all have goals and dreams. Whether we know what they are or not, there are always motivating factors behind those desired accomplishments...to be wealthy, to have, to be loved, to be admired, to be envied, to glorify ourselves, to glorify God...these are only a few of the possibilities. Here is Robben's motivating factor:

"I be pole paulter (pole-vaulter) when I'm big. I be pole paulter when I'm big and old. When I get older, I be pole paulter. And Mommy take a picture of me. And go, 'WOOHOO Robben!!!"

Praise and adoration, please. Thank you very much!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Every Thorn Has Its Rose

(Well every thorn that happens to be on a rosebush anyway)

That's My Girl

Last weekend Ally went to sixteenth birthday party for one of her girlfriends from school. (Forgive me please...my laptop is without a "comma" key :( ) It was quite an elaborate party (with over 200 people including friends and family) and Ally reported that she had a great time. One of the guys that the birthday-girl invited brought an uninvited guest. He was a boy Ally has known since elementary school and has never had a very good relationship with (think principal's office). Well this boy showed up high and proceeded to smoke pot right there at Ally's table. He told her "what's the big deal? It's not even bad for you." To which she replied: "Well I don't see any POSITIVE effects." She did her best to keep her distance as much as possible but when this young man actually tried to get her to smoke with him she'd had enough. She called us for a ride almost a whole hour before the party ended.

It's always good to see your kids' values actually lived out in difficult or trying situations. I'm very proud of Ally for her decision that night :)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Quotes of a 2-year-old Hiester

"Mommy! Get off the computer and come play with me!"

"Mickey Mouse is in the car. He's driving to dance!"

"Oh my goss... my God is mighty to save!"

What did Adam and Eve do? "They ate the fruit. God said NOOOOO!"

Friday, April 16, 2010

A Random Sampling

I'm so sorry. I've been told (by multiply people) that my "Photos of the Day" have been missed (as well as my quick wit and unmatched charm, no doubt). I have had bloggers-block...as well as no time and no desire to sit at the computer. Here are some pictures to make up for the days without photos. And just remember: if you COMMENT, I'll know you are enjoying my efforts!!!