Christmas 2011

The best part of Christmas this year was that it fell on Sunday. Yes I know it cramped a few traditions but I loved that everyone got dressed up and let Dad take a picture. What a beautiful family.

Abbie may look at this photo and not love it because she had pink eye and thus no make-up. But I see a naturally beautiful young lady whose hair looks gorgeous and was happily done by Sarah. I see a mature young lady who now knows the value of a basic red cardigan. (Four years ago it was an old lady's sweater!) I also see a very smart young lady. Although you can't see her fabulous skirt in this picture, Abbie has discovered Goodwill, I mean THE Goodwill and she loves shopping for a bargain and finds quality, classic clothes. I see a young lady who does things for the right reasons. She has moved on from being obedient and good to please, earn rewards or reap praise. I can't believe she will be seventeen next month and off to college before we know it. I hope and pray she will understand my love and concern for her this next year.

Sarah blends right in with our family. She has the Haynie round face and sparkly eyes. And her pearly whites are gorgeous. She just chooses never to show them in a picture. But her everyday face is usually full of smiles and laughter. She stands out in a crowd with her enthusiasm, joy, strong opinions and of course her flawless skin and blond hair! But I have witnessed her natural easiness with others and know she has a kind heart that looks out for others. She is loyal and I hope and pray that her best qualities will be magnified at home this upcoming year, that she will save some of her best for those who truly matter most.

Everyone else may see a turkey tail and a goofy smile, but I see a young man who likes himself, loves life and laughter and isn't afraid to show it. I see a young man who can tie his own tie, read a book in lightening speed, gets taller by the day and soon will have the responsibility and privilege of holding the priesthood. I hope and pray I can focus on the positive and that those close around him will recognize the greatness in their one and only brother Max.

Izzie B is changing right before our eyes. She is still the ball of energy when it comes to anything related to sports. Her PE teacher says she has the best throwing arm in fourth grade! Recess and play time definitely brings out her Tom-boy side. But as this picture proves she is growing into a lovely young lady. She is organized and the first one ready in the morning. Dressed from head to toe and quick to help others everyday. But as she grows her sweet blue eyes see things a bit differently. Her parents aren't the infallible heroes anymore. But she is quick to forgive and now sees moments when Mom or Dad may need a little TLC. Thank goodness she hasn't out grown hugs and kisses or tuck-a-tuck -a.

Little Mae...like her big sister, roommate Sarah, she won't show her teeth in a picture. But this Christmas she is missing both front ones! It was fun listening to her whistley song "All I Want for Christmas". But as the picture shows she did gain two more eyes this year as she became the seventh to need corrective eye wear. She looks so smart and grown up.

Sweet Sixteen!

Well, in this photo twelve days shy of the big 16! What a beautiful young lady. She is very independant and dependable. She is like her dad and just jumps in and gets it done. She is enjoying school (as much as possible). She is well liked by teachers and class members but sticks to herself and those she knows best from church.

She loves to have fun. But is also content being at home with her family. We are blessed to have Abbie as our oldest child paving the way. She is an example and is learning to be humble with all her greatness! Learning to deal with mistakes and when things aren't going perfectly are helping her become an even more amazing young women with balance and determination to be good and do good!

Sweet Sarah

Sarah has mastered "her look". She is much like her mom in that when she decides to be sweet, happy, helpful, and beautiful it shines naturally through her eyes and smile. She is trying hard to finish out her middle school years. She gets great grades, enjoys her friends, especially Erika, and is looking forward to high school.

Max Michael Haynie!

His family needs to appreciate him more! He is funny, confident, kind, smart and just wants to be part of it all. It has got to be hard being girl trapped at home, church and school! But he is making it work in the real world. The dilemma? How to win over his sisters!

Mrs. Gentzkow, his fifth grade teacher, appreciates and enjoys his sense of humor. She is helping him to set boundaries and limits however because some sensitive 10-year-olds don't get sarcasm yet! He is learning to be more aware of others feelings. But a few girls think he is all that and has been busted sending him notes!

The fam just came in from "Mitt and Ball". Abbie says Max is beast at softball. He just hit 19 in a row. There is hope for his image at home after all!

Being eight is great!

2010 was of course Elizabeth's big year. Age of accountability! She is not our little "B" any more. Although Mom still calls her everything: Izzie B, Bitty B, Liz, Beth, Elizabeth, Lizzie, Iz and just B, her preference is IZZIE. That's what goes speedily on top of every math sheet and spelling test. She is of course a whiz and the challenge from her third grade teacher, Mr. Duer to master the Galileo test this year will probably require just one thing: SLOW DOWN!

She is cruising through books, math tests, and even the scriptures on her own. She has become a pro roller-blader overnight. She is quick on the draw with a kiss, a hug and even a compliment. She has been especially appreciative for and kind towards her mom. Elizabeth has developed a gift of noticing when her mom needs a little love and knows how much a verbal expression of it means to her.

2011 will only bring on more great things for this darling girl who loves to climb trees, play soccer, ride bikes, roller blade, figure out math problems....etc. etc.!

Lil' Mae

January 2011

Mary is six-and-a-half-years-old. She is sweet. She is silly. She is shy. She is spazy! She is our lil' Mae and we love her.

She is enjoying first grade. Her teacher, Ms. Petersen is a spunky blond who cheers the class on. She puts Mary at a table and the baby of our family instantly becomes a leader, keeping everyone in line and on task.

She is a great leader and loves taking her turn in family scripture time reading a few verses. She has long mastered the "and it came to pass" and no longer struggles with great words like iniquities, prophecies, and marvelous.

Mary still loves to create and give. Often times the craft room/guest room turns immediately into a mess room when Mary is in search of supplies to make something. But our youngest is also quick to clean up and loves to have things in order. She is great at doing a sink load of dishes and can still handle the laundry. (She mastered this skill before we moved to Laveen so she was probably only three! Mommy came into the kitchen to the sound of the washing machine running...when asked if she started the laundry she replied "yes, I started a batch of whites". Sure enough she had sorted, put the soap in and remembered what buttons to push! I have never thought a job was too hard for a child since. They just have to know the steps. I think she had learned from me teaching the older girls and just took the initiative to do it on her own!)