HALLAN Family Council #2

As part of FHE, we were asked to document the household rules.  The tribunal voted on each of the rules.

While we won't list every rule, here are some that tribunal felt it important to document.  Guess which member proposed each rule.

• No farting in the car.  Exceptions must be discussed and agreed upon in advance.
• Bodily functions may not be discussed during meals.
• Bathroom doors are to remain closed while doing one's duty and must be done in an indoor toilet and flushed immediately afterwards.
• Any (over night) house visitors should be announced a week in advance or as soon as possible.
• Amendments may be requested and agreed upon by tribunal.

Proposed rules that the tribunal rejected:

• After Priscilla passes, we will replace her with Ruth (St. Bernard). (Tribunal has not ruled, will re-evaluate when Priscilla passes.)
• It is okay to fart in the car on long trips. (No explanation necessary.)
• We are required to go get fast food dessert at least once a week. (Tribunal agreed on dessert once a week for FHE.)
• Harrison is not allowed to shave the dog. (Tribunal felt common sense should rule.)
• All rule changes should be announced at least 6 hours before changing. (Tribunal rejected this due to past experience with children trying to find a loophole)

Tribunal

Now that Harrison is "an only child" he has decided that things need to run differently around the house.  He has decided that we are a "tribunal".  As part of the tribunal, he decided he gets an equal vote on what the rules are in the house.  We agreed, proving our awesomeness.  Since deciding on the tribunal, he has used his power liberally by calling several orders of business.

First order of business: Who bathes Priscilla.
Proposal: David
Vote: 2-1 in favor of David bathing Priscilla

Second order of business: Whether Harrison can express complaints about his parents.
Proposal: Harrison can express himself as he wishes
Vote: 1-2 against Harrison's full expressiveness (not that it will stop anything)

Third order of business: Whether we will get another dog
Proposal: After Priscilla passes, we get a Saint Bernard named Ruth
Vote: 1-1-1 (yes/no/maybe)

After the third order of business was complete ... he proposed he get more votes. :)

Obedient-ish

That is a picture of Priscilla ... kind of being obedient.  It is a picture of her, just inside of our bedroom.  She is not allowed in the bedroom since she is a smelly girl that is prone to flatulence.  This is a change since I got married.  When David was out of town she sat at the door to see if I'd let her in, which I didn't.  However, when I looked up there she was ... just inside the door.  That's my girl, kind of obedient. :)

We also learned that Brandon has been training her to be disobedient.  She hates baths, and tries fervently to get out of them.  He has been rewarding her with a cookie when she goes and lays in her bed whenever he says "bath".  Now, when she gets a hint of bath-time, she will run to her bed and lie on her back.  We've had to literally pick her up and carry her to the bathroom when it is bath time.  That's my stepson ... :)

The World's Greatest Dog & Her Friends

Aren't they so cute?  Need I say more?  They love picking her up ... she isn't so sure she likes being picked up.

Rabbit

We have a new rabbit in our house.  It is a 2002 red VW Rabbit and it is Brandon's. 

Brandon has been working a ton of hours at Clearwater Research and has been saving his money for a car.  His efforts paid off when he found a fantastic deal and was able to buy his first car.  It is stick, it runs great, and he is having fun doing the upgrades on it.  He has been searching Craig's List for various parts and has been pretty successful so far.  He is currently looking for new rims and is eyeing some in Vegas.  He is set when he leaves for college this fall.

Grandpa Hurst

For those of you who don't know Grandpa Hurst, Grandpa was an avid family historian.  He spent his retirement years working at the family history library and helping people with their work.  He loved it.  The family still jokes that you had to watch out for Grandpa Hurst because he would trap you in a corner and tell you about your ancestors.

When I was in college, our ward was big into family history.  At the time I was feeling overwhelmed with my studies and was unsure about adding more.  When I mentioned this to Grandpa he told me there is a time and a season for family history, and that family history is best for old people like him.  I took it to heart and have never worried about it since. A few months ago I got called as a ward family history consultant.  While the bishop was extending the calling all I could think was, "I guess Grandpa Hurst was wrong."

I'm not sure that I have felt the Spirit of Elijah in my calling, but I can say I have felt the memory of Grandpa Hurst.  When I serve at the library or attend in-service meetings I am one of the youngest by 30 years.  This calling is full of "Grandpa Hursts".  Men and women who know more about doing the work than you can imagine.  When I serve at the library, there are 2-3 "Grandpa Hursts" there serving also.  I take my laptop and plunk down right next to one of my favorites.  I soak in the memory of Grandpa Hurst while we silently do our work.   I love it.

I can't say I've found any new names (still hoping Grandpa is working it from the other side), but I have been reminded of the many ways Grandpa influenced me through his family history.  Shortly after receiving my endowment, Grandpa Hurst handed me a stack of 10 family names to take through the temple.  Knowing how precious family names are, and the amount of time it takes to find family names, I still get teary eyed remembering that he allowed me to take part in his work.

As I mentioned, telling stories was a favorite of Grandpa's.  I still remember watching the 4th of July fireworks on the lawn of the Logan hospital, snuggling in Grandpa's arms, hearing him tell me stories about being in the air force.  Or, having him stop by the hospital, family history in hand, and reading me his personal family history stories.

The other day, I did my first bit of family history work.  I sourced Grandpa Hurst's record in FamilySearch, attaching his gravestone to his name.  Miss you Grandpa.

The List

We keep a running list of items we need to buy at the store on our fridge (aka grocery list).  Every once in a while we find unique items added to our list.  Here are a few of the recent ones:

• 8 packages of Chimichangas
• Battlefield 4 (Xbox game)
• An ax
• Dry ice
• Mastiff

Wrestling

Brenna said, "I cannot imagine facing 160 lbs of Harrison coming at you in spandex on the wrestling mat."  That is what his opponents faced this year as Harrison wrestled for the first time.  Harrison was a force to be reckoned with.  What he lacked in experience he made up for in brute force.  He won most of his matches and then came in 2nd at districts. 

Watch below to see him in action, he pinned his opponent in less than 15 seconds. (Harrison is in blue)

Pie

David: "I can't believe you ate that whole pie already."
Harrison: "I didn't."
David: "Well, who else would have?"
Harrison: "Surely someone else had some."
David: "Really, who?"
{awkward silence}

Our Entreprenuer

Brandon came home the other night and informed us he had made the quickest $15 in his life.  He made $15 for only 30 seconds of work.  Want to know how?  By eating a worm. 

Someone had offered to pay him $5 to eat a worm.  Knowing he could earn more, he refused the offer and said he wouldn't settle for anything less than $15.  Two other students ponied up $5 quickly and a large group of students gathered round to watch.  The only stipulation was that he had to chew it and have it in his mouth for at least 10 seconds.  Brandon rose to the challenge and earned his $15.  It was captured on multiple cameras and the video is floating around Twitter somewhere.

Harry

Harrison turned 14 this year.  It has been a great year for him, and a busy one for us.  There are many favorite memories, here are a few highlights of the year.

• One weekend when David was travelling, I asked Harrison what he wanted to do.  The answer was clear: dry ice.  Naively, I agreed.  5 lbs of dry ice later, I was introduced to the many experiments possible.  We did dry ice bubbles, dry ice drinks, explosions, and many more things.  At one point he innocently asked what would happen if he swallowed some dry ice.  Alarmed, I threatened his life if he ever swallowed it, that it would expand in his belly like a bomb.  He then admitted, he had "accidentally" swallowed some.  He then explained that he had some really powerful and painful farts for awhile.  I laughed, and we had a great time.
• We did not use all of the dry-ice on Saturday, and stored the rest in the freezer.  Before leaving for church, I very clearly told Harrison he was not allowed to use the dry ice while I was gone.  I came home to find him smiling like a mad scientist, the sink full of dry ice smoke.  Lesson learned.

• We got a fire pit for our wedding.  Good thing, because Harrison is the #1 user of the fire pit.  A friend had given us a bunch of tree rounds.  When Harrison found these, he chopped the rounds into logs with a hatchet.  That is all we had at the time.  The weekend of the dry ice, Harrison slyly mentioned that we needed an axe and I had promised I would get one.  We headed off to Lowe's.  He was thrilled and couldn't wait to use it.  I was amazed to see Harrison be able to chop the wood with just one swing, wow.

• One evening I heard Harrison running around the house and frantically calling for his dad.  Not finding him, he burst in to tell me that he thought he was in trouble and that there was a man outside threatening to call the police.  A man had brought Harrison home because he and 2 friends had lit a fire in the park and were jumping over it with bikes.  The man was concerned about their house that was near the park.  They had taken lighter fluid from his friend's house to light the fire.  Want to know whose idea it was?  Harrison's, he talked the two friends into it.  He has been suffering as he lost fire for six months because of it.
• Harrison has been working in the office at school as an aid.   He brings them hot beverages and they bring him snacks.  The ladies love him, and he knows it.  We have heard many times how great he is. 
• Brandon found T-Rex in the toy box and Harrison latched on, bringing it with him to run errands.  Do not be fooled by this sweet picture of Harrison hugging T-Rex.  T-Rex makes a squeaking sound when squeezed.  He used this to irritate his parents by squeezing it about 50 times during a 5 minute period.  He got paid $1 to release T-Rex, it is now hidden.

Ericson

We have a new addition to our family.

His name is Ericson, "Leaf" Ericson.

The original Leif Ericson was the Norse explorer who was the first European to land in North America.

Our "Leaf" Ericson is a leaf bug that was found on the porch.

Harrison decided to capture him and he is now living in a jar in our kitchen.  Brandon named him.  He eats leafs, but is picky.  He will only eat tree leafs.  We gave him some water, and he doesn't seem to like it.  I woke up this morning and couldn't find him.  I thought he had escaped.  Nope ... he just blended in with his food.  Can you see him?

Ode to Canned Peached

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

We canned peaches last night,

what did you do?

Roses are red,

Daffodils are yellow.

David helped the whole time,

He is quite a great fellow.

Roses are red,

Dead roses are black.

When it came to peeling peaches,

David had quite the knack.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

It took us 6 hours,

We did not have a clue.

Roses are red,
Brown is the color of wood.
I only called mom 4 times,
I think that is pretty good.

Roses are red,

Chickens don't fly.

If the peaches don't taste good,

the boys better lie.

Roses are red,

All kids love Mickey.

After all of those peaches,

My floor is quite sticky.

Roses are red,

My pants are maroon.

At $4 a bottle,

This may not happen again soon.

Roses are red,

Daisy's are white.

Because they love canned peaches,

I knew the boys would delight.

Roses are red,

Dirt is brown.

When finishing after midnight,

My face wore a frown.

Roses are red,

I know how to skate.

With all of these peaches,

I bet they'll taste great.

The Senior

Brandon turned 17 last week!  He is a senior this year and his time at home is limited.  While we love having him here, we're excited for his next adventure.  Here are a few favorite memories from the last year:

• Brandon loves baseball and has spent many happy hours on the field last year. He played on the Centennial varsity team his junior year.  He plays catcher, 2nd base, and outfield.  He was proud (and David was jealous) of the physique he achieved while training for baseball.  His 6-pack is quite impressive.
• Brandon was elected as Junior class president.  He spent many hours helping with activities, planning dances, and attending high school sports.  They must have been impressed as he was elected again for his senior year without even campaigning.  This year he is student body president again.
• When hunting for jobs this summer, Brandon had quite the network.  At one point he had 3 different job offers and jobs, all in 1 week.  He decided a job with a local health and fitness store was the best option.  He is a sign dancer and sales manager.  You can see him sign dancing on Fairview if you are ever in town.
• When asked to do a project for Calculus, Brandon chose to mix shop and Calculus.  He built a representation of an integral out of wood circles in the shape of a top.  Very clever.
• After taking his construction class last year, we were regularly informed of the many certifications he received.  With a twinkle in his eye, he told us that he is now certified to use a hammer, a staple gun, and a variety of other tools.  His class built a house for Habitat for Humanity.  He is taking that class again this year.
• Our truly favorite memory is learning that he shot himself with Harrison's BB gun.  The boys were outside trying to hit a squirrel.  He had pumped it 10 times when the squirrel ran off.  Feeling Maverick-like, he spun the gun with his finger on the trigger.  It shot him in the hip.  No major damage was done, and Brandon was able to pop the BB out with only a minor flesh wound.  He never mentioned it to us, and we found out from other sources.

The 6-pack (he had painted someone's number on his stomach for a game)

We're looking forward to a great Senior year.

Fish

Our fish died today.  It was a Beta fish named "Fish".  Fish was a good fish.  It survived even when it was not fed and when it's bowl was not cleaned as regularly as it ought.  The Halls brought Fish into the marriage. 

Brandon, Harrison and I shared fond memories of Fish.  I learned that Fish came to the Halls when they were watching Chris' Beta and it died.  Fish was the replacement Beta that they tried to trick him with.  She was originally Chris' fish.  Chris brought her back from college one time and left her.  After Chris left, she didn't get fed for an entire month before David figured out the boys hadn't been feeding her.  But, she survived.  They had a healthy debate about how long Fish had lived.  We think it was somewhere between 3-4 years, which they calculated to be 100 human years.

Some words shared at Fish's passing were: "Finally!  That has been 2 years in coming.", "He lived a full life.  It was time."  and lastly, "It's a girl." (I thought Fish was a boy).

Au Jus

We had French Dip for dinner tonight.  I asked Brandon if he liked Au Jus.  He responded, "Au Jus kidding me?" (He loves Au Jus).  He then told me that he was definitely tweeting that one since it was completely "off the cuff".  He also decided that he is turning into his father.  We laughed pretty hard at his cleverness. He was right, he is turning into his father.  David loves puns.

What Do These 3 Things Have In Common?

And the answer is ...

The first picture is a strawberry with peanut butter hanging from our tree.  Harrison concocted this as a trap to get squirrels to come into our yard.  He was using them as target practice for his Beebe gun.  In this occasion the squirrels got away with the strawberry.  However, he has hit two squirrels since using other methods.

The second picture is his April fool's joke for his dad.  April Fools has been a long tradition in their family.  Harrison spent weeks planning out his joke for his dad.  Thankfully, I got the final say about what was allowed or not.  It ended up a bit tamer than Harrison would like, but his jokes were quite effective.  He built a trap in our bathroom out of shaving cream and duct tape, making it tricky to get into without getting creamed.  Lastly, he created a fake "duty" in David's toilet out of a variety of kitchen items.  It smelled terrible, but he was pleased when David found it.

We found those potatoes in Harrison's room one week after a deep clean.  He had gotten them for Halloween, had stuck them in a box and forgotten about them.  We didn't know they were in there until I insisted on cleaning out the box.  Harrison was delighted, I was aghast and we all got a good laugh out of it.

The last picture is of Harrison in a shirt he found one 4th of July at WalMart.  It is special, it has a horse with flag colors on it.  Unique shirts are a Hall family tradition.  How can you not just love this kid?

Things I Never Thought I Would Google

You may have noticed, I love lists.  A blog entry feels empty without a list.

Here's my latest one, things I Googled that I never imagined I would ...

• "How much does hamster milk cost?" - When planning April Fools pranks for his father, Harrison convinced me we needed to find out how much hamster milk costs.  Did you know you could buy this?  You do now.  He did not end up pursuing this for his April Fools pranks.
• "How to get Pam out of concrete." - We have a pyro in the house, and our little pyro loves our fire pit (thanks siblings).  Anything flammable has been tested.  Yes, including Pam.  After finding out he had gone through 2-3 cans of Pam I noticed grease spots all over the back porch.  Did you know that dish detergent can get Pam out of concrete?  I do.
• "How to dance Gangnam style." - When this first became popular, Brandon insisted I watched.  We have watched this several times at our house.  In spite watching a video how to do this, I am not coordinated enough.
• "How to get silly putty out of clothing." - Need I say more ...

1

We turned 1 today.  I can't believe a year has gone by so fast.

On our trip to DC a few months ago we had a layover at the Denver airport.  We took a picture where we met.  It was at this very spot almost 3 years ago that David handed me his business card.  We have talked every day since.  Here's to 50 more. :)

Baseball

We had our last games of the season this week.  Both Brandon and Harrison had a good season.

Brandon made varsity this year.  Centennial had new coaches this year, which proved to be a good thing.  The team had more wins than last year.  Brandon plays catcher.  Although he played varsity the entire year, for one game the JV team asked him to play catcher since both of their catchers were out.  (This happened to be the game we remembered to bring the camera.)  David captured some action shots of that game.

Brandon is playing catcher in the first picture, and is at bat in the second picture.

Harrison's team did well this year.  While he spent most of his time in right field, his coaches also wanted him to pitch some.  We got some good action shots of him pitching.