Christmas 2011

We celebrated Catherine's 15th birthday on December 24th.  As tradition stands, we started the morning with a crepe breakfast. Joining us was Rylee Winegar,  a friend of Catherine's.  She has attended our crepe breakfast for probably about 10 years.

Afterwards we attended ward choir practice in preparation for the ward Christmas sacrament meeting program.  We returned home, enjoying time together and doing last minute errands.

Luckily, Catherine made it through her birthday but what was awaiting her around the corner was no fun at all.  She awoke at 3:30 with the onset of the stomach flu.  It was a nasty bug causing her great grief and pain throughout Christmas day.  The family enjoyed their Santa gifts throughout the day and then attended Sacrament Meeting.  Finally, around 4:30, Catherine felt like she would be able to participate in opening the other presents.  Everyone had patiently waited throughout the day so we could enjoy gift exchanges together as a family.  We are very thankful she is feeling better because it certainly was no fun at all to be so sick on Christmas day.

Favorite gifts of our clan:
Matthew: remote control helicopter and new blanket
Spencer: binoculars and an electronic playground
Catherine: new dress coat and gift card to get her ears pierced
Sarah: new dress coat and jewelry box
Kirsten: new dress coat and hats
Camille: Quicken and robe/slippers
Mom: luggage and a workout outfit
Dad: luggage and sweater
Sophie: her favorite cat food

I enjoy attending church on Christmas day.  It is nice to get a chance to reflect on the reason we celebrate.  Our choir program was very amateur in presentation but that doesn't make the singing of Christmas carols any less enjoyable.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

These pictures are a little out of order (chronologically), but that's OK!

The "Nativity" actors working hard.

Birthday Party! (Catherine's)

The "Nativity" Cast

Matthew and his new helicopter.

Spencer and his electronics experiment kit.

Catherine and her Brothers

    Who could ask for a better group of boys to spend your birthday with! Love you Brothers!

An amazing man named Dr. Suess

If you didn't know this before I am here to tell you now! I am obsessed with Dr. Suess! He is one incredible guy! I am 14 and still read his cute, fun, and inspiring books. But what do I like mostly about him? His Quotes! They always make my life so bright and happy! Take a look for yourself:

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
― Dr. Seuss

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.”
― Dr. Seuss

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
― Dr. Seuss

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”
― Dr. Seuss

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!

“We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”
― Dr. Seuss

I remember when my dad told us whoever could memorize the entire book of Fox in Socks we would get a blizzard. We all tried and we all failed :) But reading that tiny excerpt from below is hard on its self, don't you think?

“When beetles fight these battles in a bottle with their paddles
and the bottle's on a poodle and the poodle's eating noodles...
...they call this a muddle puddle tweetle poodle beetle noodle
bottle paddle battle.”
― Dr. Seuss, Fox in Socks

“They say I'm old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!”
― Dr. Seuss

“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Oh and I love The Grinch too!

“Just tell yourself, Duckie, your real quite lucky.”
― Dr. Seuss

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.”
― Dr. Seuss

Well, I think you get the idea, but seriously take a look at Dr. Suess quotes whenever you need a smile!

Thats it for now!

Sarah's Distinguished Young Women Dress

Sarah wanted some pictures in her dress that she wore for the Distinguished Young Women program (clear back in March). Here are a few of the images that we took.

Matthew's Intensity

We have Matthew's costume all worked out.  Not because I am on the ball, but because Matthew is so determined to make his plans that he will not give up until mission is accomplished.  This year Harry Potter is what he chose to be.  He found his costume on the internet.  We told him it needed to be cheaper.  He found a less-expensive version.  He said he wanted to order it.  We said not until we have a week of no tantrums.  He agreed but wasn't perfect.  We gave him 3 strikes each day.  Finally, he was good enough to order it.  We found the site.  They were all sold out.  Despair presented itself.  We found another site which was even less expensive.  We ordered it.  It came a few days later.  He said "Can I open it?"  I said no.  He said it 300 more times. I finally gave in.  A week later he opened the treasured package.  I said, "you need to be careful something might break".  Hopefully that tragedy doesn't occur.

His next mission--black hair paint.  After two days of informing us and then pleading with us that he won't really look like Harry Potter because his hair isn't black, I agree to go to Walmart on the condition that we walk.  He agrees.  Paint purchased.  Next project---to sew a pocket in the cape for his wand.  He wants it done now.  I say, "I don't sew on Sunday."  I bet you can guess what I will be doing tomorrow.

Matthew approaches everything with the same energy.  When his mission is to earn a bead in scouts, we have to say "no scouting after 8:30 p.m." We also have to request no discussion of the subject either.  We only go to the extreme to save our own insanity.  Don't get me wrong.  I am thrilled that he is driven, but there are times when parents just need a break.  He is also being the advocate for Spencer who usually doesn't put in any requests for Halloween.  But maybe this year he will be what he so desires because Matthew is on the job.

Potato Harvest

Well, potato harvest vacation has almost come to an end.  Most of the week has been rainy and cold with a snowstorm hitting us on Wednesday.  Not ideal weather for the potato farmer.  They have to delay digging when it is to wet so many of the high school seasonal employees will miss school next week.  This puts Dave in a bit of a bind because his concert is one week away and he needs his students at school.  He'll have to make the best of the situation.

Yellowstone was quite enjoyable.  Monday was a nice day--the last of the summer days.  Then on Tuesday the cold, rainy weather hit the park.  We saw a lot of animals and beautiful fall scenes.  Dave was able to locate some popular spots where photographers often take pictures.  They were indeed breathtaking views.  We stayed in a log cabin motel/resort near the town of Hatchet (just east of Grand Teton National Park).  The price was good and we didn't have to pitch a tent, thankfully, since the weather was quite chilly.

We missed our older girls.  Of course, they are fully involved in their studies and do not get to enjoy a potato harvest.

Here are a few pictures of the sights in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

All of us at Schwabacher's Landing in Grand Teton National Park 

Pronghorn Antelope in Grand Teton National Park

Bull Moose in Grand Teton National Park

Spencer and Matthew assist the ranger in retiring the flag at Coulter Bay Visitor's Center

Dave and Julie with Jackson Lake in the background (nice bokeh here!)

Early morning at Schwabacher's Landing in Grand Teton National Park

Bison and young in Yellowstone National Park

The family at one of the geothermal features in Yellowstone

Bull elk near Madison Junction in Yellowstone National Park

Mt. Moran from Oxbow Bend in Grand Teton National Park

Panoramic view of Mt. Moran and Oxbow bend in Grand Teton National Park

September Scenes

We are enjoying fine weather here in Rexburg.  We haven't covered our tomatoes yet which is very unusual for October 2nd.  We have nice looking tomatoes but they mostly are still green.  We have enjoyed several red ones.  

Dave and the children will be enjoying the next week off because of the potato harvest tradition.  We are planning to spend Monday and Tuesday in Yellowstone as our year long pass expires this month.   It is a nice time to travel through the park: less crowds, active elk, and last year at this time we came across a grizzly at close range.

Kirsten finally acquired a job down in Provo.  It is probably considered a low-end job but it will provide her with a little income.  Her job entails cleaning the catering kitchen at the end of the day--3 days a week.  One of her most unpleasant tasks is to clean out the drains containing the food of the day.  She says it gives her greater incentive to keep looking.  My advice,  "we all have to start somewhere".  She at least has a job and now can pay for her daily living.  She is taking Chinese which has brought her a great deal of enjoyment.  As far as majors go, she has been looking towards majoring in economics with a minor in Chinese.   But education also continues to come to her mind.  I think she has given herself a month to decide.

Camille just returned from a trip to Utah where they visited 3 hospitals including Primary Childrens.  It was basically a trip to help them learn about availability of jobs when it comes time for them to look.  She will be finishing up in April and then take her test shortly after that.  She said jobs are very hard to come by in Utah and Idaho because there is an over abundance of experienced nurses who are also looking, so jobs don't usually go to inexperienced nurses.  In Texas and California there is a much greater need for nurses.  

Sarah and Catherine are in the high school musical, Footloose.  They get to do lots of fun dancing and dress up in the styles from my high school years. Sarah might even use the bridesmaid dress from my wedding, (if mom can locate it) in the high school prom scene.  

Spencer and Matthew have enjoyed attending local football games and participating in their own neighborhood games.  I have recently been called to two new callings in our ward.  One being the Wolf assistant Den Leader ( I get to work with Matthew) and the other being the Valiant 9 primary teacher.  I teach 7 girls and 2 boys.   Dave is Catherine's Sunday School teacher.  Catherine's only request is that he bring occasional treats.  

Sarah and her homecoming date, Mason Small. 

The Scouts

Sarah in the Homecoming Parade with Distinguished Young Women winners.

Just Sarah (Dad likes to take photos!)

School Again

The 2011 school year has begun for most Hincks.  The local crew started on Wednesday, Kirsten has returned to Provo and Camille still has 2 more weeks before she begins.

Matthew begins his 3rd grade year at Adam's elementary school with Mrs. Denney as his teacher.  He describes his week of school.  "Everyday we do team activities with the other class, centers, and walk to read.  We have had no homework.  There is new people in our class.  My favorite part is team activities.  One game is to say your favorite movie when your thumb lands on the ball."  Matthew likes school.  (His favorite movie is 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2')

Spencer is at the Middle School in 6th grade.  He begins a new phase of Middle School History as there are now only two grades at school.  (It used to house 5th, 6th and 7th, but now 7th is at the newly remodeled Jr. High,)
Spencer is with a team of teachers named Mr. Bates, Miss Dick, and Mrs. Dye.  In his words he likes school because, "I like the lockers.  I like having periods.  I like the handbooks that they give us. It has lots of helps like multiplication tables, calendars, and a sign language alphabet.  I like the library."

Catherine is now in 9th grade at the old high school, now new Jr. High.  She is not to far from home.  Just a few blocks of walking and she is there.  Her enjoyable Jr. High points are:  "I like my teachers.  I love having different people in my classes not just the same class.  I just like it.  It's so fun."  Catherine auditioned for the high school musical this week and was given a dancing part for "Footloose" which will be performed in November.

Sarah has reached her pinnacle moment of her pre-college education.  She is a senior!  Sarah gets to travel across town to the beautiful new high school.  It is quite a "state of the art" facility.  In Sarah's words, "High school is stressful but it is fun.  I am busy with Calculus, playing the part Erlene in the high school musical, Footloose, being a Sr. Class Senator, being on the National Honor Society Council, and finishing up my summer job at Snoasis.   My favorite part of High School is hanging out with my friends at games and then going to the local ice cream spot."

Dave also began his twenty-first year as a high-school teacher.  He continues to enjoy his chosen career. In his words, "The summer was short, but I love what I do and I am enjoying working with the students."  He is excited about his large men's choir this year which exceeds 30 members.  Great increase!

Kirsten returned to Provo yesterday to reside in Belmont Apartments.  This is the apartment that she camped outdoors for two nights in order to get a spot in the complex.  What was the draw to this location?  I think the price.  In other ways, it will be a bit of a change from her roomy apartment at Wymount.  There she had just two roommates.  But even if the new place is small, she likes her roommates and is looking forward to a fun year.

Camille gets to enjoy two more weeks of summer.  She is working and just doing things that she doesn't get to when school is in session.  She traveled to Colorado Springs during August to enjoy time with Braden Eads, her boyfriend.  She had fun seeing the sights and meeting his family.

As for me, I spend time worrying about my children, running our home, transporting kids, preparing Primary lessons, holding scouts for the Wolves, organizing workshops for our local music association, teaching piano, giving individual attention to all, keeping peace and finding a little quiet time to keep myself in focus.  Not always done, but I just keep trying.

Here are a few pictures of our week.

Matthew's Baptism on July 2, 2011

The most important activity of the summer occurred on July 2 , 2011 in the Rexburg North Stake Center.  This is where Matthew was baptized and confirmed a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by his father.  He was very excited to reach this point in his progression.  He was lucky enough to have many family members present for this special occasion.  Because a family reunion was occurring the same weekend in Island Park for the Thompson clan many of the Thompson relatives were able to be with us.  Matthew had a tricky time keeping his toes from popping out of the water so as a result he was dunked under 3 times.  Finally on the third attempt, he was given the approval of being officially baptized.  Grandpa Thompson and Step-Grandpa Wood participated as witnesses of the baptism.

In Matthew's words, he loved his baptism because "all of his sins were washed away, his family was there, and he received the Holy Ghost."  It was a special day for all of us at the Hinck household.  We are happy about his decision and hope that he will always remember and strive to keep the promises he made that day.

Thompson Family

Matthew and Dave

Matthew with Grandma Hinck and Grant

Hinck Family

Badger Creek

Yes, it has been quite some time since my last post.  I hope to update much of the summer in the next few weeks or so.  This last weekend we had a most lovely time spending two days with Kirsten at Badger Creek, her employment for the summer.  Badger Creek is owned by the church and operated with the intention of giving outdoor experiences to groups and individuals who desire experiences that will strengthen their character and testimony.  Aunt Suzanne and her children were able to join us and Saturday happened to be Suzanne's fortieth birthday.

Probably the most fun was riding horses out on the mountain trail.  Each of us had such a fun time getting to be with our assigned horse.  Matthew's horse was Banjo, Spencer had Jade, Catherine was with Oreo, Sarah's horse was Jake,  Kirsten had Pearl, Camille was with Painted Lady, Mom had Thunder, and Dad had Sugar.  It was a little nerve racking because I was unsure of the horses but they were so good and patient with each of us.

We stayed in tiny cabins with wooden bunks and wooden floors.  Kirsten helped us enjoy a giant swing which gave us quite the drop and swing.  We enjoyed canoeing and a dutch oven breakfast with a simple lunch.  All of us were able to be there and enjoy the day.  Here are some pictures.

A special thanks to Kirsten for sharing Badger Creek with us!

Canoing

Camille

Spencer on the "Giant" Swing.

Sarah is about to be released for her Giant Swing ride.

Sarah flies through the air on the Giant Swing.

Matthew swings...

Catherine just after releasing the swing.

Catherine still swinging

Kirsten making sure that Dad is secured.

Dad preparing to release.

Julie gets in on the action too!

Kirsten shows us some style!

Catherine prepares at the climbing wall.

Catherine begins to climb.

Matthew on the zip line.

Dad and Spencer canoing.

Sarah leads the tail end of a long line of horses (see below).

What a beautiful setting for a trail ride!

All of us after the trail ride.