The Jason Hopper Family

Family Picture Dec 2011

2012-01-19T19:45:00.002-06:00

Jamie's Concert

2011-12-20T15:19:00.002-06:00

Jamie had her first band concert last Thursday. She and the band sounded great! Here are some pictures of the concert.

The Chimer

2011-12-20T15:09:00.003-06:00

Here's Ethan actually playing the chimes and the other photo is of Ethan and Brock. A shock to us, was that Ethan didn't show his goofy side all night during the presentation.

Proud Chimer

2011-12-20T14:35:00.005-06:00

Ethan was invited several months ago to play in the chime choir. He was so proud to be able to do it. He loved his shirt that he got for the choir. He was so proud to be the only person with 3 buttons because that meant that he was the tallest.

Stocking Are Hung

2011-12-02T14:06:00.003-06:00

Jason is happily doing his part by holding the command adhesive to the wall for 30 seconds.

This was before he was happy.

Jamie and Jeffery having fun with stocking preparations. Katherine, strike a pose!

More fun.

Ethan holding 30 seconds.

Jeffery can't quite reach to hold his.

Cute!

Sweet!

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-02T13:50:00.002-06:00

We put the Christmas tree up on Monday night for Family Home Evening. Jamie LOVES Christmas music so I put her in charge of that. Last night we were riding in the van when I turned the radio station to Christmas music. Jamie had the biggest smile on her face. I asked her why she was smiling so big, and she said it was because of the Christmas music. Previously, I had said I would not listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

This is mostly how Ethan helped-in ghost form!

And here are Ethan and Jeffery helping with the Christmas tree.

Yet again, the boys working hard on getting the Christmas tree decorated.

Wendy

Wendy, Katherine and Jamie

Don't you know that it's required to have at least one person have a meltdown while trying to get into the holiday spirit!

Katherine and Jamie "fluffing" the tree.

Oh look, Ethan's helping! Thanks, Ethan! Jason, you and Jamie are doing great!

I took the picture when Jason was saying feliz navidad.

O Christmas Tree

How lovely are thy branches

My favorite Christmas tree ornaments are the ones with pictures of the children. Wow, I sure did use the word "Christmas" a lot!

Favorite Picture

2011-12-02T13:45:00.002-06:00

My favorite picture is the children on the couch in their pjs.

Silly

Whatever you do, don't smile Jeffy!

What are you doing Katherine?

No bunny ears, Ethan.

The girls had the idea to have everyone cross their legs for the picture. I said no.

Lots to Do

2011-12-01T13:45:00.002-06:00

Here are lots of things we have been doing lately.

Ethan climbed a tree. No one freak out! It wasn't very high-maybe 5 feet.

Katherine said, "Anything you can do. I can do better!"

Brian and Luke spent the night we us so Becky and Paul could have a fun weekend together in the Smoky Mountains. The were bouncing off the walls, and I decided to help them focus on something yummy and fun. While I was watching Paula Dean a few days before, I paused the tv and printed out the recipe for the Pumpkin Bars she made.

Ethan, Brian and Luke took turns measuring the ingredients. It worked for a while, then they were bored again. This is Luke breaking an egg.

Ethan, Brian and Luke waiting impatiently.

Brian carefully breaking his egg. The first time he put LOTS of shells in the bowl. The second time he did much better.

I'm pretty sure there were more ingredients than just eggs, but that's all the pictures we have of the boys helping. See the baking soda, pumpkin, vegetable oil, cinnamon, baking powder, flour and salt?

The finished product! Jason loved his! Unfortunately, Becky and Paul came to pick up the boys before we made the cream cheese frosting, but they had some at Thanksgiving.

Uh, Jeffery, you have a little something on your face.

This next one is an I Spy. What can you spy?

It's Jeffery! He came and asked if he could rake leaves, and I was pleased to say YES! Ethan, Katherine and Jeffery all had lots of fun jumping in the leaves.

Jeffy is on his perch while Jason props up his foot and reads.

Jamie had the lesson for Family Home Evening and decided to have everyone write to Elder Bennett. Ethan is working hard in this one.

Slow down Katherine!

The Bishop included several of his favorite scriptures.

Jeffy had loads of fun!

Well, that didn't last long!

Does anyone know why Ethan is looking at this stack of things?

I do. He used this to climb onto the roof to get a football. I'm pretty sure that OSHA would not approve this "ladder."

Yup, Jason is still on the couch! This time reading to the youngest.

The children did not like the way I created the chore chart, so about 3 months ago I threw it away. Now they have the ENTIRE room instead of small parts of different rooms. Jamie had the kitchen in October. Great job, Jamie!

Halloween 2

2011-12-01T07:28:00.002-06:00

I found these pictures and forgot I had them.

Trick or Treating in the Badillo neighborhood.

Amy and Rubi Badillo and Jeffy handing out candy.

Apparently, a fun and crazy picture. I didn't even have to tell them to pose that way!

Are you ready for some candy? Oh, yeah!

Halloween

2011-11-21T14:23:00.002-06:00

We had a Book of Mormon themed fall festival at church this year. I only have pictures of Jeffery doing some of the booths because the others left me, and I forgot to download the pictures to the computer and ran out of memory!

Here is Jeffery doing the fishing game.

This is pin the angel on the temple.

All the pictures are backwards!

Brother Thomas helping Jeffery hit Goliath with David's "stone" which was really a ping pong ball.

Jeffery learning how to use a slingshot. Oh, NO!

Jeffery posing in his cowboy costume with Jason elevating his foot on the couch.

Jamie was already at the church helping set up. This is just before the festival started, and I didn't see Katherine and Ethan for at least 30 minutes. They had so much fun!

Ethan was a gadianton robber, Katherine was a princess, and Jeffery was a cowboy.

Jamie was Queen Ester.

Jeffery met his cousin, Rubi (Rapunzel) while making his own Title of Liberty!

Painful Fun

2011-11-18T13:10:00.004-06:00

I realize the title sounds like a contradiction, but I think Jason just proved it true at the corn maze. You see, my husband asked me to race with him in the inflatable obstacle course. I told him that I'm too old which implies that he is too old also. Anyway, since I wouldn't race him, he challenged Ethan who readily accepted. The following pictures were taken as they made their way through the obstacles.

Now you might think those are Jason's legs, but he's not that flexible, and if you look closely, you'll see Ethan at the bottom of the picture.

Notice the huge smile on Jason's face. He was having so much fun and was far enough ahead of Ethan that he had time to pull his socks up before ascending the "rock wall."

Here comes Ethan! Hurry, Jason! You're going to get beat!

Oh no, now they're neck and... well, chest!

After the "rock wall" is the slide down to the ground and the finish. I wasn't fast enough to get a picture of them sliding down, but this is what I did capture on film-Jason with a sprained ankle! Yes, I still think he is too old, but he just tells me, "Next time, I won't slide down sideways."

I wonder if he just wanted some more attention from me because it certainly feels like it. From making sure he takes his pain pills to icing and wrapping his foot, I have been paying more attention to him. So I guess it worked! Although, he is still recuperating from his painful fun!

Hay Ride

2011-11-09T15:23:00.003-06:00

Ali and Jodi

Ethan and Brian - best buds.

Autumn had WAY to much fun on this ride - eating!

Jeffery and Luke - cousins and friends.

Katherine and Jeffy - awe how sweet!

The Hopper Clan

Aren't they cute! It's the red couple!

The Westenhofers

More Fun

2011-11-09T15:04:00.002-06:00

This is the only picture of Paul I got in the corn maze.

I thought this was a really cute picture of all the kids. On the tires: Brian, Jeffery, Katherine, Ethan, Jamie, Ali being held in place by her mom, Jodi. Behind the tires is Luke walking around and Paul driving Autumn on the bicycle 4 wheeler toy.

Jason and Jeffery taking a gander at the goat.

Jamie (sorry I cut your head off!), Luke, Jeffery and Brian playing in the bouncy inflatable.

I think Ethan and Jamie should have traded seats! This was the Pumpkin Express. A 4 wheeler drove them around and blew dust in their faces too. I think Jeffery had the best spot in the very back because there was less dust. Front to back: Ethan, Jamie, Luke, Katherine and Jeffery.

Corn Fun

2011-11-09T14:54:00.003-06:00

Well, this is hay fun. Jeffery, Katherine, Luke, Ethan and Brian. I guess Ethan jumped before the 1, 2 or 3.

Jamie holding Autumn, Jodi pushing Ali in the stroller, Becky and Katherine.

Jamie, Katherine, Jodi with Ali in the stroller, Becky and Autumn hiding in the shadow and corn.

From back to front: Jason, Jeffery, Ethan, Luke and Brian.

Jeffery, Jason, Becky talking to Brian at the beginning of the corn maze.

It Hurts

2011-11-09T12:42:00.002-06:00

Jeffery had 5 shots yesterday, and now he doesn't have to get shots to start school next year. Anyway, I asked him if his legs were feeling better today, and he said, "No, it hurts when I put my leg here." He pointed to his head! He is very flexible and frequently holds his foot next to his head while sucking on his thumb. This picture is not of him sucking his thumb, but I think you get the idea.

Still Pre-Maze Activities

2011-11-04T07:45:00.002-05:00

Jason and I got locked up for breaking the rules. Yeah right! Maybe Jason, but not me!

Ali and Becky (in her Lady Saints sweatshirt)

I have to tell a funny story about my Lady Saints sweatshirt. I gave mine to Jamie, but Katherine had it on the other day. Jamie was telling her to take it off. When I saw that Katherine was trying to wear that sweatshirt to school (Moody Middle School), I sided with Jamie. I couldn't allow her to get picked on because she had on a sweatshirt of her school's rival! One day she will thank me. Although it wasn't that day.

Katherine and Jamie in the inflatable obstacle course. Well, at least ONE of them was having fun!

It's time for a bathroom break before we get lost for hours on end in the corn maze.

These were the signs at the beginning of the maze. We chose the Long & Challenging route. It wasn't very challenging for me because I just followed everyone else. Jason, Paul, Becky and Jodi kept track of where we were and had been before. I just took pictures.

Maze Slide

2011-11-04T07:33:00.002-05:00

This is the first thing Ethan saw. It is a fun bicycle or rather quadcycle. You have to pedal to make it move. He and Jeffery had loads of fun on this toy. We had to tell Ethan to get off because other children wanted a turn. There were only two.

This is an inside picture of Paul enjoying the super fast corrugated pipe slide. I'm really glad he did not kick me with those two big feet!

This is hilarious! Becky took Autumn down the really fast pipe slide and Jodi was taking a picture of them. That's not just a cute pose. They fell forward after I took the picture.

Now this LOOKS like Paul is posing with Ali, but they just came down the slide. Paul did NOT fall forward with Ali. Notice the deep bend in his knees which Becky was lacking in the previous picture.

This is how everyone ended up - on the ground. Jason, Jeffery and Brian enjoyed it too.

Corn Maze

2011-11-04T07:21:00.003-05:00

We decided to go to a corn maze in Oxford, AL. This is our first trip ever. We went with the Smith and Westenhofer families - minus Adam :(

Jodi was REALLY cold so I gave her a snuggly warm Alabama pull-over. As you can see from the picture, she was not excited about the Alabama part of the pull-over. She didn't want Adam to see her in this so of course I had to post this pic.

Hoppers

Smiths

Westenhofers (sorry Adam was bringing home the bacon)

Jamie took Autumn down the big slide made of pvc pipes.

More Party People

2011-11-04T07:13:00.002-05:00

Carl showing the love.

Luke, Brock, Jeffery, Clara, Benjamin and someone's blue shirt. Look in the previous posts to find out who it is.

Kim is sitting on a stool by the trash can. With this many people that is the only place she could find to rest her toosh.

This was my birthday party. Jamie made my cake. She did a great job! Thanks, Jamie!

Katherine

2011-11-03T19:34:00.001-05:00

Jeffery, Rubi and I went to Katherine's award ceremony. She made A Honor Roll and met her reading goals for the nine weeks. We are so proud of you Katherine!

Party Go-ers :-)

2011-11-03T19:22:00.002-05:00

My sister and Mom (Becky and Glenda).

Jamie, Ayden, Brock, Benjamin, Samuel, Sarah, Brian, Mindy holding Ali,

Ellie, Rubi, Jeffery, Luke, Autumn, Katherine holding Clara

Ethan

Silliness

Even sillierness - Benjamin!

My sister and her daughter (Jodi and Ali) in their Auburn attire. Yuck!

Jeffy's 5!

2011-11-03T18:41:00.002-05:00

Jeffery said he wanted a transformer birthday party.

This is my favorite part of birthday parties-playing with FIRE!

Jeffery was extremely disappointed when he thought the Smith's bought him baby wipes for his birthday. It turned out to be LOTS of fun things including cars and a football.

I think it is safe to say that Jeffery LOVED his Cars umbrella. He walked around with it just hoping it would rain so he could use it.

Content 5 year-old. (sigh)

Scary Stuff

2011-11-03T18:18:00.005-05:00

First up - Ethan!

Next is Wendy's birthday cake! Thanks Jamie and Jase!

Then there's...Katherine!

And now...Wendy!

Last of all - the whole crew including Rubi!

New Car (to us)

2011-10-15T09:49:00.004-05:00

This week we had decided to get another vehicle because the truck is costing us too much. We are having engine problems with it and it is on the brink of costing us way too much. So we decided to look for something that I can drive back and forth to work that will save us on gas and would hopefully be inexpensive. We looked at a myriad of parameters on our search for cars.

Wendy woke up yesterday morning and did her routine check on the internet for a good car. She found a new post on one of the websites that she had searched on a regular basis, but it was an outstanding deal that we couldn't pass up. It was a 2000 Toyota Camry selling for $5800 and had 29k miles listed on it. Wendy decided that we needed to go see this as soon as possible. We did and we got it after a long day. Here are some pictures of the new ride.

My Heart's A Stereo

2011-09-15T16:04:00.004-05:00

My kids and I LOVE this song. It really took me back to the 80's.

My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

[Travie McCoy]

If I was just another dusty record on the shelf
Would you blow me off and play me like everybody else
If I ask you to scratch my back, could you manage that
Like it read well, check it Travie, I can handle that
Furthermore, I apologize for any skipping tracks
This the last girl that played me left a couple cracks
I used to used to used to used to, now I’m over that
Cause holding grudges over love is ancient artifacts

If I could only find a note to make you understand
I sing a song and the image grab me by the hands
Keep myself inside your head, like your favorite tune
And know my heart is a stereo that only plays for you

[Chorus]

My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

Oh oh oh oh To my stereo
Oh oh oh oh So sing along to my stereo

[Travie McCoy]

If I was an old school, fifty pound boombox
Would you hold me on your shoulder, wherever you walk

Would you turn my volume up in front of the cops
And crank it higher everytime they told you to stop
And all I ask is that you don't get mad at me
When you have to purchase mad D batteries
Appreciate every mixtape your friends make
You never know we come and go like on the interstate

I think finally found a note to make you understand
If you can hear it, sing along and take me by the hands
Keep myself inside your head, like your favorite tune
You know my heart is a stereo that only plays for you

[Chorus]

My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

Oh oh oh oh To my stereo
Oh oh oh oh So sing along to my stereo

[Bridge]

I only pray you never leave me behind
Because good music can be so hard to find
I take your hand and pull it closer to mine
Thought love was dead, but now you're changing my mind

[Chorus]

My heart's a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note

Make me your radio
Turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

Oh oh oh oh To my stereo
Oh oh oh oh So sing along to my stereo

Nauvoo Pageant

2011-08-21T15:12:00.003-05:00

A few pictures of the Nauvoo Pageant. We were astounded that people saved seats and then they wouldn't show up. This was a really great performance of what happened back in those days.

Nauvoo Trip

2011-08-21T15:06:00.005-05:00

"Rendezvous with Old Nauvoo". This performance was rather funny and informative.

Bishops meeting.

Katherine, Sarah and Sariah eating and talking it up.

Nauvoo Temple

2011-08-21T15:01:00.003-05:00

Pictures of the temple in Nauvoo. Very Beautiful.

Carthage Family Picture

2011-08-21T14:54:00.002-05:00

Brian, Luke and Ethan at a monument at Carthage Jail.

Family photo outside the window where Joseph Smith was martyred.

Flexible Jeffery

2011-07-17T23:20:00.002-05:00

Random

2011-07-11T10:54:00.006-05:00

Jeffery is tired Saturday night at China 1. We are sitting at the Hibachi table. Yes, hibachi at a Chinese restaurant. The man kept asking if we needed help, but we kept saying no. He finally asked if I wanted him to cook for me. He thought the kids would like to see the fire, which they did.

On the way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Yes, Jeffery is sucking his thumb and was holding his foot. It sure is hard to keep that thumb out of his mouth!

Ethan saw this phone booth and had a blast "talking" to his girlfriend. Jeffery was just taking notes.

This picture made me think of Superman coming out of the phone booth.

This this the store that Jason and Katherine picked out a candle for me-pink lemonade.

We were on our way to the car and stopped to watch these cloggers show us their chicken dance.

I forgot to bring ketchup for the hot dogs. I did have mustard for the ham and turkey sandwiches so Jason put a small dab on each of the kids' hot dogs and told them to try it. Jeffery had a meltdown!

I thought this was a pretty rock so Jason took a picture of it. It was at the river of course.

We didn't eat at the Mellow Mushroom, but these statues were too cute to pass up for a photo op.

I LOVE Jamie's face in this one! This HUGE stone or marble is suspended by water pressure. You can push it and roll it around.

Jason saw this t-shirt display and thought it was cooler than the t-shirts. By the way, it is a real car.

Our chef at the hibachi bar.

The Chalet

Jason's excited to go to Gatlinburg!

Pancakes and Hard Rock

2011-07-11T10:41:00.002-05:00

The first day we were in Gatlinburg, we ate at Flipjack's Pancake Cabin.

That night we went to the Hard Rock Cafe for the first time. Well, at least for me. Jason may have been before.

Jeffery decided to play with the rest of his french fries instead of eat them. He made a ship with a little help from Daddy. It even has a sail!

Here is everyone waiting for food and enjoying the music.

Newfound Gap - Elevation 5,046 feet

2011-07-11T10:20:00.002-05:00

Ethan decided to climb this wall and almost made it to the top. He was up so high that I got scared and told him to come down. He turned around and came down. I asked Jason if he knew he was up that high, and he said yes.

Donuts

2011-07-11T10:09:00.004-05:00

We took a break from shopping to enjoy some fresh donuts.

Katherine was ready for this close-up.

Cute boys!

Uh, Jamie, I think you have a little something on your face.

Ethan got the BIGGEST eclair I have ever seen.

Horses

2011-07-11T09:57:00.004-05:00

While Jamie, Katherine and I were looking for Katherine's souvenir, Jason and the boys were playing on a little horse statue.

Wading in the Creek

2011-07-10T21:15:00.005-05:00

This is Jeffery starting out. His little shorts were wet at the edge, but eventually got soaked. Both Ethan and Jeffery got to take their shirts off to swim in a small chest high (on Jeffery) spot.

Ethan and Jeffery really had a blast. So much that they got wet at this location. Ethan got wet twice at this spot. Friday, we drove up to Cades Cove which is a beautiful plateau that takes about an hour to drive around. We went the 15 minute route. There is a campground up there with bathrooms and several small creeks running through it. We picked out a location where we could walk in the cool creek.

A picture of all four crossing through the creek.

This is Wendy's favorite thing to do.

Six Flags Pics 2

2011-06-25T17:23:00.003-05:00

Ethan and Jamie in the Classic Cars

Jeffery on the Carousel

Katherine on the Carousel.

Six Flags Pics 1

2011-06-25T17:16:00.004-05:00

Jamie on the Carousel

Ethan on the Carousel

Jeffery, Brian, Luke, Katherine and Jamie waiting in line for the bumper cars.

Me and Amy on the Daredevil dive.

PJ picture time

2011-06-25T17:00:00.002-05:00

Here's the good one. We kept taking pictures because Katherine was being pouty.

Here's one where Wendy warned Katherine that she was going to keep taking pictures until everyone made a good picture, smiled and didn't do a goofy pose.

Tonight Tonight

2011-06-14T00:43:00.003-05:00

I heard this song on the radio tonight. It's called Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae. I tried to embed the song on the blog, but it didn't work for some reason.

It's been a really, really messed up week
Seven days of torture, seven days of bitter
And my girlfriend went and cheated on me
She's a California dime but it's time for me to quit her

La, la, la, whatever
La, la, la, it doesn't matter
La, la, la, oh well
La, la, la

We're goin' at it tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop
Top of the world tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

I woke up with a strange tattoo
Not sure how I got it, not a dollar in my pocket
And it kinda looks just like you
Mixed with Zach Galifianakis

La, la, la, whatever
La, la, la, it doesn't matter
La, la, la, oh well
La, la, la

We're goin' at it tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop
Top of the world tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

You got me singin' like
Whoa, come on
Oh, it doesn't matter
Whoa, everybody now, oh

Just don't stop, let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party, dance if I want to
We can get crazy, let it all out

Just don't stop, let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party, dance if I want to
We can get crazy, let it all out

It's you and me and we're runnin' this town
And it's me and you and we're shakin' the ground
And ain't nobody gonna tell us to go
'Cause this is our show

Everybody
Whoa, come on
Oh, all you animals
Whoa, let me hear you now, oh

Tonight, tonight
There's a party on the rooftop
Top of the world tonight, tonight
And we're dancin' on the edge of the Hollywood sign

I don't know if I'll make it
But watch how good I'll fake it
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
It's all right, all right, tonight, tonight
Yeah, it's all right, all right, tonight, tonight

Just singin' like whoa, come on
Oh, all you party people
Whoa, all you singletons
Oh, even the white kids

Just don't stop, let's keep the beat pumpin'
Keep the beat up, let's drop the beat down
It's my party, dance if I want to
We can get crazy, let it all out

Forehead Mark

2011-05-23T14:02:00.003-05:00

A few days ago, Wendy told Ethan to go take a bath again and to wash thoroughly. So he went back to the shower and figured that he would play a little while he was in there. He grabbed the tub stopper, filled it with water and pressed it against his forehead. He must've kept it there for a while because he finished with his shower and went to bed. The next morning, we were having family prayers and I noticed a mark on his head but didn't think anything about it because I thought that it was a sunburned place on his forehead. The day prior, he had field day. Well this mark has been hickeyed (made-up word) on his forehead for several days and counting now. His teachers and fellow students asked him what happened, so he spent the whole day explaining to the teachers and friends what happened. He is so crazy.

Erased

2011-04-26T12:19:00.001-05:00

We had great pictures of hunting Easter eggs at the Bennetts' house on Sunday and our Family Home Evening last night. However, Jeffery decided to play with the camera we left out and erased ALL of the pictures.

Ethan the Bobcat

2011-04-21T14:36:00.004-05:00

We are so proud of Ethan for earning his Bobcat badge for Cub Scouts. He is now working on earning his Wolf badge.

As I was buzzing Ethan's hair, I realized that I had left just a little bit in the front and thought it looked funny.

Brother Jackson, Cubmaster and Ethan.

Ethan built a birdhouse.

Kim (my sister) and Brock (her son) on the left. Me, Jason and Ethan posing for pictures. I got a pin that I put on upside down. When Ethan does a good "turn" for me, then I turn my pin right side up.

Brother Jackson buttoning Ethan's Bobcat badge onto his pocket.

The American Village

2011-04-21T12:55:00.002-05:00

I failed to mention WHERE we went on Jamie's field trip. We went to the American Village where actors dress in period clothes and talk with a British accent.

This is Paul Revere's wife. We delivered the secret message to her after it was decided to trust it's authenticity.

This is Mount Vernon, George Washington's house.

This man was holding a meeting in Virginia and asking people to sign a document to be sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This was George Wythe. He explained the three branches of government-legislative, executive and judicial.

This is George Washington's granddaughter. She taught the children to do a dance called George Washington's Birthday.

Jamie's Field Trip

2011-04-21T12:00:00.003-05:00

Jamie with her Language Arts/Reading teacher, Mrs. Wendt.

Jamie and her friend, Delany.

Mrs. Wendt and Mrs. McDonald watching the students learn to use a musket (wooden sticks). The actor who was teaching them had them make sounds for each of the steps in preparing to fire the weapon.

These actors got the kids involved in expressing their disapproval of all the taxes like the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act. With no voice in how these taxes were spent, the people, who didn't have a voice in Parliment, became more and more dissatisfied with the King.

This man took us to a dark room lit with candles to participate in a secret meeting of The Sons of Liberty. Some students received reading parts as contributors to the meeting. He received a secret message from a British general's wife and led the students in a discussion about whether or not she could be trusted.

Powerful

2011-04-13T10:40:00.006-05:00

The following link is the most powerful witness of our Heavenly Father's plan for us on this earth, especially Jesus Christ's role in that plan, that I have ever heard or read.

I've heard Bruce R. McConkie's name all my life growing up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but never understood why so many thought so highly of him. Now I do. I can't imagine being in conference that spring day in 1985 (which I probably was and don't remember it). The spirit MUST have born witness to many that what he was saying was true. I sure felt it 26 years later when I read it.

Elder McConkie's work must have been done here on earth after giving such a power testimony because 13 days later he left this mortal existence.

http://lds.org/liahona/2011/04/the-purifying-power-of-gethsemane?lang=eng&query=purifying+power+atonement

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day!

2011-04-12T12:40:00.002-05:00

Katherine had a ground water festival which I thought was at the Moody Park. I showed up at almost 9am, but no one was there. I felt terrible because I missed Katherine's field trip! I thought that meeting her for lunch at 11am would make up for missing the field trip. When I got to the school, the woman walking out of the office in the back asked who I was here to eat lunch with. I told her Katherine Hopper. She said that the fourth grade was at the ground water festival in Pell City and would probably be there for another hour! What! I thought I missed it! So I hurry (with Jeffery) to get in the van and see if we can get to Pell City before they leave. Last year they came back to the school to eat their sack lunches. I was hoping that this year they wouldn't.

Well, as I'm tearing down the road I see a police officer heading toward me. Sure enough he turns around with his blue lights flashing. Oh, NO! Now not only am I going to miss Katherine AGAIN, but I'm going to get a ticket to boot! I slow down in hopes that he will pass me. NOPE! Once I pull over, I get out my drivers license, insurance card and registration so maybe this will go faster. The officer asks me why I'm driving 61 in a 45! Wow, I was going fast. I explained, and he said, "So then me writing you a ticket for 10 minutes won't help you get there in time will it?" I said, "No." He took my license and insurance card and called it in to see if I was some fugitive, felon, drunk, etc. Since that came back clean he said, "If I let you go with just a warning, then I'm not going to have to pull you over tomorrow will I?" I said, "No." Then he said, "Slow down." He handed me back my cards, and I said, "Thank you."

Since that scared the living day lights out of me, I drove the speed limit ALL the way to Pell City! Did you know you have to drive 45 on the interstate because of construction! It took forever, but I didn't get pull over by a state trooper.

ANYWAY, Jeffery and I jump out of the van and quickly walk to some children who have on the same shirt (ground water festival) that Katherine was wearing today. Apparently ALL of the students that came had the same shirt on! We walked all over that church, but no Katherine and no Moody students anywhere. How disappointing! Maybe Katherine will forgive me.

Wise Counsel from a 4 year-old

2011-04-11T18:54:00.004-05:00

We were driving in the van. Katherine and Ethan were sitting in the very back and fighting. I finally told them if they did not stop, then I would tie them to the rack on top of the van. Jeffery exclaimed, "You will get arrested by the police!"

Fun at the Pool

2011-04-09T15:48:00.004-05:00

Jeffery wanted to take a dip in the baby pool. Mindy, Jamie, Sarah, Katherine and Ethan thought that was a great idea! Jamie and Mindy used t-shirts and shorts because Jamie doesn't have a swimsuit yet and Mindy's was at home.

Every one is wet but Jamie. She heard all the others say how cold it was and took forever to get wet. Katherine (green) is in the middle of a hair flip after wetting her hair.

Jeffery decided more water was needed. Ethan is happy to help.

Mindy and Sarah slept over last night. While they were playing in the water, we thought of Brock at home alone. Jason called Kim and invited Brock so he wouldn't miss out this time.

How many people can you fit in a baby pool? We fit 7 (Later Jeffery was in too).

One of my kids favorite games to play is "I went on vacation, and in my suitcase I took..." You list things you took one for each letter of the alphabet. The first person starts with A. The next person has to say "I went on vacation, and in my suitcase I took..." and say the A thing and add their item for B. The items were apple, beach ball, cloud, dog, evil, flip flops, gorilla, helicopter, ice cream, jelly, kite, lollipop, monkey (or motorcycle), nerds, octopus, panties (It was funny when Ethan and Brock had to say that one!), taquitos (no this one does not start with Q), rainbow, shirt, tent, umbrella, vacuum, wii, x-ray, yo-yo and zhuzhu pet.

Sarah said she was lying in the warm water. We had each of the kids lay in the freezing cold while they said all the items. Ethan took a long time because he had trouble focusing. His lips were purple when he got out!

When the phone rings

2011-04-04T14:11:00.002-05:00

I couldn't sleep at all last night. I tried twice.

I got up today to find Jeffery in front of the tv with a spoon in the big yogurt container. I told him to put that away as I walked downstairs to get clothes and a towel so I could shower. (I've been keeping all the clean clothes, towels, sheets, etc. downstairs since the lice episode.) Well, I saw that clothes needed to be rotated, washed, and folded and started on that.

While engaged in folding clothes, I heard the phone ring. I ran upstairs to get it only to find the door locked! Jeffery apparently didn't want to get caught again so he locked me downstairs. I think the only reason he opened the door was that he realized that the screaming and pounding would not stop until he did!

I missed the phone call. I hate to miss calls. Sometimes I even get out of the shower to answer the phone. I have no caller ID because I'm too cheap to pay for that service. When I did have it, I still answered every call. So I have no idea who called because they didn't leave a message on my answering machine.

My four year-old wants to do everything by himself because he knows how. Well, that what he thinks anyway. He even gets upset when we try to "help" him read scriptures! He says he wants to do it himself. I told him that we are not making things up when we read the scriptures. We are reading the words written on the page that the prophets wrote. That didn't deter him from trying.

Bedroom Issues

2011-03-14T19:18:00.003-05:00

You know that saying when you or your parents were growing up and they criticized your room. Well, this is a good example of that "pig stye".

Free at Last!

2011-03-05T16:47:00.001-06:00

I just paid off Jason's student loan! Tuesday we will pay off our heat pump! The only debt we have left is the house! Yeah!

Baptism Pictures

2011-03-03T19:27:00.003-06:00

Granny and Paw-Paw Hopper with Ethan

Grandma and Grandpa Glenn with Ethan

Sister Amanda Swartz - Ethan's Primary Teacher

Those who confirmed Ethan - Paul, Matt, Adam, Myself, Carl, Leroy and Clarence.

Ethan's Baptism

2011-03-03T19:19:00.003-06:00

This was a very special day for Ethan Hopper. He was baptized by the authority of the Melchezidek Priesthood and recieved the Holy Ghost by the same. Ethan was very excited before and after his baptism. It was a most wonderful event.

Our Cub Scout

2011-03-03T19:15:00.003-06:00

This is our new cub scout. He even made something his first night. You can see it hanging around his neck.

The Mountain Climber

2011-01-13T14:43:00.001-06:00

Icicles!

2011-01-13T14:34:00.005-06:00

Ethan eating an icicle from who knows where.

Jamie licking an icicle.

Katherine with her icicle.

Jeffery broke one off the mail box.

I (Wendy) took a picture of our front steps Sunday night when it started sleeting.

Bishop Hopper and Sons

2011-01-13T14:29:00.003-06:00

Ethan, Jeffery and Jason at church.

Jason was called as Bishop of Leeds Ward on 10/10/10.

Here are all the boys with matching ties. Aren't they cute?!

Potty Mouth Surprise

2011-01-09T17:23:00.003-06:00

After a while, we had to give Ethan a concoction that he would remember so that next time he wants to say words that are not kosher to what you should say, then he might think about it. Look at the left of Ethan - red cup and clear container - vinegar.
This is a picture of him taking several trips to the sink in the bathroom and rinsing his mouth out with water and spitting.

It didn't work so well with Jeffery the same day. He decided to vomit all over the kitchen floor, hallway and bathroom. Yea, nasty. Needless to say, we moved on to something else.

Junior Engineer

2011-01-09T17:15:00.005-06:00

Jeffery was really determined to play with my Ipod Touch and wouldn't take no for an answer. So I resulted in putting it where he couldn't get to it.
Here is the engineer building a homemade apparatus to get to the object.

Here he is when he didn't achieve his goal.

He almost got to it at this point.

Spider Man

2011-01-09T17:07:00.003-06:00

Is this the same person?

Jeffery's Birthday Presents

2010-11-12T12:15:00.002-06:00

Money from Grandma.

A fix-it truck.
A few books to read.
Something's in the bag.
His first bicycle. Although, he'll have to ride in the basement until we can go to the park or Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Jeffery's Birthday

2010-11-12T12:10:00.004-06:00

This day, on October 28th, was Jeffery's birthday and he was overjoyed. He couldn't believe that he is 4 years old. He did keep telling us that he was this many - "5 fingers". We had to correct him a few times, but he was happy.

Just before he blew out the candles. His buddy, Luke beside him.
He loved his cake and race cars.

Jamie decorated the cake with Kim guiding her.

Wendy's Birthday

2010-11-12T12:05:00.002-06:00

This day, October 20th 2010, was Wendy's Birthday. So, we baked her a cake and gave her a card and a present.

Jamie wrapped the present for her.
And it was just what she wanted. She loves the waffle recipe that she got from her sister-in-law.

October Get-together 2010 more pics

2010-11-10T08:57:00.003-06:00

Jeffery's boo-boo. They were sitting close to the rail road tracks with big granite rocks that are used for construction. One of those rocks was either pushed down or thrown down. We found out later who was the culprit - Katherine. She didn't mean to do it, though or maybe didn't think of the consequences after.

The siblings together. (Top) Vent, Vicki, Zella. (Bottom) Steve, David and Dad. The age order is David, Dad, Zella, Vent, Vicki then Steve.

The Cousins: Only a few are here. Me, Marty, Carl, then Eric. The age order is Marty, Carl, Me then Eric.

The Grandchildren: Not all are here either. (left to right) Jeffery, Katherine, Jamie, Clara, Lalayna, December, Marshall, Ethan, Samuel, Benjamin and Montana.

October Get-together 2010

2010-11-10T08:48:00.003-06:00

Jeffery kicking the ball. Notice the ball in mid flight. That's why it looks so wierd.

My Dad, Aunt Vicki, Aunt Zella and Aunt Shirley.

Aunt Marissa, Uncle Steve, Uncle David, Uncle Vent and Sandra. There is someone to the left of Marissa, but I can't tell who it is.

Jamie, One on One with Carl.

Pictures at Church

2010-11-10T08:46:00.002-06:00

Wendy's Birthday Party

2010-11-10T08:39:00.002-06:00

Wendy is getting ready to dig into her wonderful, chocolatey, spider web cake. Those are spiders on the side that spell out birthday.

A good shot of Katherine holding Autumn in the Autumn time.

The scary Spider-web cake.

Oak Mountain Hike

2010-11-10T08:31:00.004-06:00

Here is a picture of Jeffery climbing a tree and holding on.

Can you identify the monkey in this picture?

We got our walking sticks and we're ready to go. Jeffery dropped his soon after and didn't want to carry it anymore.

Picture of us before going into the park.

Jeffery's experiment with a Brush

2010-09-26T15:38:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures of Jeffery when he was trying to comb his hair like his big brother. We decided to spike it up to see how it would do.

Bicycles at the park, III

2010-09-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

There's Katherine pedaling like a maniac.

Jamie and her bike.

There's Jason.

We also took the bikes to Grandpa's house to ride and the kids rode a lot. Jason rode with them in the evening a little bit. Then Jeffery joined in later on with his scooter. Jeffery had fun being the arrester man (policeman). He was arresting people.

Bicycles at the park, II

2010-09-14T18:12:00.003-05:00

Ethan's cruising down the path.
Ethan slides to a stop and looks back to see his tracks.

Jeffery driving his truck down the path. Yep, I had to carry it back because he was too tired.

Bicycles at the Park

2010-09-14T18:06:00.003-05:00

This was a couple of weeks ago, but we still had fun doing it.

Jamie's tire is a little flat.

Jamie's ready to go.

We had to stop to talk to Katherine's coach from when she played soccer.

Just about to get started.

Trash Can Duties

2010-08-20T10:02:00.004-05:00

One of Ethan's chores is taking out the trash and putting trash bags back into the trash cans. His normal way of doing it is to open the new trashbag up by putting it over his head, while standing, then putting the trashbag into the trashcan head first. Finally, pulling himself out of the trash can. Well, last night his plan was foiled. He did his normal routine, but while placing the trashbag in the trash can he somehow slipped, fell over the trash can on his back and began to yell for help. It was so funny. He was screaming for help while Jamie, Katie and I were in the kitchen just watching. Then someone said "Get the camera!" and he started squirming to get out so that no one could get a picture. We almost didn't.

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-20T09:56:00.002-05:00

Their annual pose to show their height each year.

School bags and lunches ready to go.

Jamie had to look around our shrub to get into the picture.

Finally a Freezer!

2010-08-10T20:07:00.003-05:00

Yes, we have gone for twelve years without a freezer. I've been telling Wendy that we need to get one and then I would leave it alone for a while and then tell her again. Here recently, I have been cutting up some of the vegetables that we grew in our garden and I put them in our freezer above the refrigerator. Finally, she attended a Relief Society class that talked about freezers, foods and maintenance and she got excited about it. She started to investigate the different types of freezers and the area inside them. So, we finally bought one that she wanted. We put it downstairs in the basement.

It comes with a key and it has a digital reader to see what the temperature is inside. Don't worry we've already warned the kids about using this as a jungle gym.

ER Visit

2010-08-09T08:03:00.004-05:00

Last Thursday was one exciting day! We spent all day in Cave Spring, Georgia (as you can see from previous posts) and most of the night in the emergency room. Around 8:40pm (not even an hour after we got home) Jeffery decided to jump from the laundry basket to Jamie and Katherine's bed but slipped first. He hit the back of his head on the corner of the nightstand and his mouth on the laundry basket. Nicholas came over to watch the kids while I drove to the after hours clinic with Jason holding Jeffery. On the way we called the doctor to see if they could make an appointment at Children's South (off Acton road), but when we got there the nurse and doctor said that we needed to go to the ER because he might need a CT (CAT scan). They didn't even do one anyway.

We were told how to get to there, but with all the construction we missed seeing the ER sign. So we ended up parking in front of Children's Hospital and walking down to the ER. I told Jason he needed to move the van several times, but he thought we would be done soon. When we finally asked someone about parking, Jason hustled because she said they would tow our van if we didn't move it. Children's ER has valet parking (15 feet away on the deserted-closed for construction-street).

Anyway, Jeffery had to have 3 stitches and the busted lip (you know the area where the lip meets the gum above your two front teeth) will heal on its own.

Jason, the nurse practitioner and I were all very impressed at how well Jeffery understood what was going on and communicated the information that was asked of him. He just kept asking, "Are we done yet?"

I was bored and really tired even though we were only in the ER for 2 hours, but I did think to take pictures with my camera on my phone.

This is what the corner of the nightstand will do to a 3 yr old's head. Do not under any circumstances let them play together!

This is how he feels afterwards. He pointed the 5 on the smiley/crying faces pain scale. 1 is a happy smiley face and 5 is the frowny face with tears. They gave him some medicine for the pain.

He got so bored that he started moving stickers to different parts of his body. They didn't have spiderman (He was actually wearing a Spiderman shirt that night.) so he chose Bumblebee.

Instead of injecting medicine to numb the area, they used a gel made of lidocaine and something else. The neon band aid is just to keep it there.

ER Conclusion

2010-08-09T07:23:00.005-05:00

We were there so long that Jeffery got 3 stickers instead of 1. The yawn is how we all felt-tired-even though this was only around 11pm.

Jeffery asking if he had to drink all the gatorade. He had to take 4 bathroom trips while we were there.

The procedure.

The nurse practitioner who sewed Jeffery up said that the sutures were hard to see since they were the same color as Jeffery's hair.

All better!

Cave Spring, GA - Ethan's jump

2010-08-07T13:14:00.002-05:00

Here goes Ethan's jump into the swimming pool.

Cave Spring, GA - Pool 2

2010-08-07T13:06:00.004-05:00

1. Another pool shot with Jamie and Katherine
2. Ethan got in trouble, so he had to sit for a while.
3. This is one of the steps to go into the pool. You can see the pipe where the cave spring feeds into the pool.

Cave Spring, GA - Pool

2010-08-07T12:55:00.003-05:00

This by far was the treat of the day. After we got done with the cave and pond area, we were really hot and ready to swim. So, we got dressed in our swimsuits and headed over to the pool. When we first got in the pool, it was really cold. After a short while we figured out that we need to move away from the pipe and on out to the swimming area. The area next to the pipe was freezing cold and very slippery. This was like going to your local creek and taking a dip. The pool was very long. If I had to guess, it would probably be around 150 - 200 yards long. The last picture illustrates me standing at the edge of the pool and taking a picture all the way down to the other end. Not many people were there for a Thursday, but I can imagine that it is packed on the weekend.

Cave Spring, GA - Pond 2

2010-08-07T12:50:00.005-05:00

Wendy and I

The pond with ducks and the fish

The children on the swing, we took several pictures to get the right one.

Cave Spring, GA - Pond

2010-08-07T12:38:00.002-05:00

1. Picture of Ethan saluting for no reason
2. Jamie and Katherine posing on the bridge near the pond and in front of the cave
3. Ethan looking at the ducks and the fish.
4. Jeffery washing his hands from the touching the walls and floor in the cave.
5. One more picture on the bridge.

Cave Spring, GA - Cave 2

2010-08-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

Cave Springs - Cave

2010-08-06T11:03:00.004-05:00

We took a picture by the cave. It was a little breezy. The cave is 57 degrees all year round. On our way in we saw a little spring from the cave. Katherine wanted to pose for the camera. On our way in the cave there was a small hole to the left that led to another cavity inside. We also saw a small stream of water.

Trip to Cave Spring, Ga.

2010-08-06T10:48:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago we came up with the idea to take a short trip to Cave Spring, Georgia to swim in their pool and visit the cave. When I was younger, we used to come here on several occasions. I am not sure if my younger siblings remember this or not. I couldn't remember how the pool looked but I just remember that it was cold. With these real hot days it was just perfect. It took us around two hours to travel to this spot.
There is a little stream that travels inside the hill to the pond then from the pond down a branch to the pool. Then after the pool it picks up to the creek again and travels the normal way. It was pretty cool how they had this engineered.
As you can see there is a pond next to the cave. The pond was full of fish. Every where you looked you could see bunches of fish. There were plenty of Ducks there, too. Ethan was surprised to find a duck hiding in the shrubs near the cave. He decided to pet the duck to see if it was real and the duck bit him, not too hard, though.

Jeffery Again

2010-08-01T15:10:00.002-05:00

Yes, we have yet another video of Jeffery being silly and goofy. Watch this "Celebration."

Sounds of the World Cup

2010-08-01T14:57:00.002-05:00

Jeffery and Rubi were playing in the baby pool a couple of days ago with these candy canes. Jeffery discovered that if you dip the end in the water and then blow, the water shoots out like the blow hole of a whale. Rubi got the hang of it too, and we had fun watching them play. In the process they blew on the candy canes without water in them and liked the sound they heard. Now I have my own personal vuvuzela player. Yeah! (NOT!)

Bad Activity

2010-07-28T17:42:00.004-05:00

Last week we had family home evening and it was my turn to choose the activity. Ethan had been asking me to play video games with him for several weeks, but I didn't feel like it. So, I decided to appease him and surprise him by playing a video game for the activity in FHE. Jeffery and Ethan decided to play Fight Night 3. I chose a character for Jeffery to play - Muhammed Ali and Ethan chose a character to play - Ethan "the Bonecrusher" Glenn. In this game, you have to build your character up to make him really good - over time. Ethan's character had not been built up, so you can imagine Bonecrusher vs. Ali. Yes, Ali won the fight and this was the result.

The 8th Article of Faith

2010-07-24T19:02:00.002-05:00

Here is a video of Jeffery repeating the 8th Article of Faith. Turn your volume up so that you can hear him say the whole article.

The Fiery Furnace

2010-07-24T17:38:00.008-05:00

Presenting Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego with the faithful servant of the king who tied them up.

This would be the fiery furnace and the idol that was worshiped.

Here's King Nebuchadnezzar and his servant and the idol.

Here is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that were thrown into the furnace and the servant that burned up when he shoved them into the fire.

Post Gatlinburg Family Picture

2010-07-24T17:33:00.003-05:00

After we got home on Monday, Wendy presented all of the gifts that we got the children - rocks, candy and t-shirts to them and showed them all of the pictures that we took. Wendy wanted to take a family picture with all of our t-shirts on.

There's Goofy

2010-07-23T10:08:00.002-05:00

Ethan acting goofy

Working Out

2010-07-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

Jeffery is doing some training before the siblings go back to school.

Gatlinburg pictures 7

2010-07-12T10:21:00.003-05:00

A bridge just after you go out of Gatlinburg toward North Carolina

We stopped at a place off the road in between New Found Gap and Gatlinburg
Wendy's manicure and peticure

Gatlinburg pictures 6

2010-07-12T10:14:00.003-05:00

At New Found Gap - Tennessee and North Carolina Line.

Gatlinburg pictures 5

2010-07-12T10:10:00.003-05:00

going thru one of many tunnels. People would blow their horns inside the tunnel. This annoyed Wendy.
Before we went into the tunnel.
At mile post 7.

Gatlinburg pictures 4

2010-07-12T10:04:00.001-05:00

nuff said
literally - built upon a rock(s) foundation
front porch

Gatlinburg pictures 3

2010-07-12T09:59:00.003-05:00

Another view of our hotel
Kilwin's a place to buy fudge, ice cream and lemon-ade.
The candy shop - Yum! Yum!

Gatlinburg pictures 2

2010-07-12T09:52:00.003-05:00

The clock peddler shop. This had so many different grandfather clocks and are the #1 seller in the world.
A wishing well from the top floor in the mall.
at the Quest mini-golf
This is the Quest "indoor" mini golf place (to escape the heat)
the ground hog that was friendly on top of the mountain.