I Believe

Santi bore her testimony for the first time in Sacrament meeting today. I had no idea it was coming. In fact, I was in the foyer with little Halyn when I heard her tender voice from the speaker.

I'm so proud of you sweet Santi. For a while now, I've wondered and even asked if you were ready to give your testimony in church. But as most things with you, it has to be on your own time and when you see fit. You've always been like that.

Dad and I tried to teach you your letters and sounds when you were very little. You would have nothing to do with it. We even tried to disguise learning by playing games, but as soon as you discovered the facade, you'd get up and move on to something else. We thought you didn't know your letters or even like learning. Soon after that, we realized you already knew most all your letters and sounds, you just seemed to resent being taught them to you in a childish way. Dad and I were surprised what a little firecracker we had for a daughter. Now that we know you better, we wouldn't have it any other way.

We are grateful for who you're choosing to become and happy that you have a zest for life and for the gospel.  You are a wonderful part of our family and a dear friend to us all.

Santi's testimony:
I know the gospel is true. I know Heavenly Father is pleased with my righteous choices. In the name of Jesus Christ.

The Hulse Family Way

Play. Play. Play.

Is it even a remote possibility that we took family pictures without our dear photog friends Angela and Gerardo Garmendia? Barely! We did it, but we didn't like it. Well, we liked it a little. The truth is, we can't fly to Texas every year for family pictures, or every time we need to capture an important moment. And since no one could ever surpass Garmendias in our minds, Aynn did a great job. Especially with what she had to work with -- us!

Marin

STOP growing up Marin!

She doesn't listen.

She just doesn't listen.

Santi

A girl without freckles is like a night without stars.

I've heard that quote several times before... it just never looked so good as this.

Abram

You want some of this?

How about some of that?

Halyn

Here's our little bundle at just 3 weeks.

How could we be this lucky?

Abram fell down, and bumped his crown...

...and the girls came tumbling after.

Actually he didn't bump his crown, but he was stung by a bee. Poor kid.

When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder,

who has a chance against us?

I have NO idea.

Being a father of four is so becoming on Brian.

Abram turning it on. Mostly for the ladies, but for anyone who's looking. There's more where that came from.

My boys. Any more would be too much. Really. I'm quite serious.

And I don't want to toot my own horn but, I just did.

Braggadocio.

Day One

First day of school for these girlies was harder for me than for them. I kept running through all the obstacles they'd be facing (like a new school in a new state, fifth grade girl drama, etc...) and hoping neither would come home in tears. However, it was I who left the school in tears, though I held it all in until I got to the car and half way down La Paz before I exploded. Brian, from the driver's seat, just sort of looked at me as if my body had now been inhabited by an alien being -- perplexed and curious. He was probably wondering what my reaction would be come the high school years. Maybe he'll be conveniently be out of town on business that day.

One of the coolest things about moving in with Grandma Nae this summer is that when the fall came, the girls got to register at Dad's old elementary school. In fact, all the Hulse aunts and uncles went there. What a treat. And come to find out, Mrs. Stratford, Marin's reading teacher was also Aunt Amy's fifth grade teacher! That sure was a delight for us all.

I'm so glad these girls have had each other through all these girlhood experiences.

Oh yeah, little guy wanted to come along with his very own lunch box. Poor thing thought he was actually going to stay for school. It has not been easy for him to be separated from his sisters for so long. He often goes to the door and asks if it's time to get the girls. He sure enjoys the attention when they come home. I suppose Aunt Squirts and Unkie Chrisses will have to do. And maybe a few visits from Woody too.

Wicked Awesome

The girls and I saw Wicked in San Diego. What a treat! Dad was working and Abram was too little, so it was just the three of us. It was such a fun girls night out. I hope there are many more to come. Thanks girls for always being willing to try something new. And thanks for all the endless renditions of Wicked you've performed since. I haven't seen musical theater like that since the KMQ one-gal shows of Joseph at M2. Good times.