Connect the Dots

The Boys Artwork

Today we are enjoying a late snow day!  The boys spent a little time playing in the snow, but got a little cold.  When they came in Brian had an idea, that I would have NEVER thought of!!!  He told the boys to grab a marker and play connect the dots on his back with his moles!  Hopefully I can get the video uploaded, because I was laughing so hard!  Daddy, you are a great sport!!!  Thank you Jesus for Daddy's moles:-)

Train Ride

All Aboard!

Port and his friends

Port and Braden

Merry-Go-Round

Fun Slide

On Thursday Port's pre-school took a field trip.  We rode the train to Pauls Valley, went through the museum, played at a park, and then road the bus home.  Port was so excited to ride the train!  I loved getting the chance to meet his friends and their parents, and mostly watch Port interact with his friends.  His friend, Lilly, was so sweet!  She wanted to make sure that they would be in the same "Giant" class next year.  Port loved playing with Max, Brady, and Braden too!  I had a great time and actually would consider taking the train again, it was really great!

Rise and Shine!

Brian and I are usually up around 6 a.m. if not before, but sometimes our kids like to beat us out of bed.  We have created the rule that if the sun isn't up they have to be in their room.  They can sleep or play, but that's Mommy and Daddy's time with Jesus.  On Tuesday morning Brian goes to Early Morning Prayer at 6 a.m., so he was already gone.  I had been up all night with Ella, and just got her to sleep around 4 a.m.  Haynes came into my room around 6 a.m., and I quickly took him back to his room and reminded him of the rule.  I got back in bed trying to rest for just a few more minutes...

Around 6:20 a.m. I can hear a familiar toy, but I can't figure out what toy it is.  Then I start to hear Port and Haynes talking so I decide I should get up and investigate what is going on.  I walk out of my room to see Ella's door wide open!  My heart drops and I go running in there, because I can't figure out why her door would be open.  I quickly find Port, Haynes, and Ella all in her crib.  They have pulled the mobile down and are making the music play for her (the familiar noise) and have brought her a few more toys.  My response is "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?!"  Port immediately realizes this was a bad choice and starts scrambling out of the bed.  While Haynes smiles and says, "Taking pictures Mommy, say cheese!" and holds up his Mickey Mouse cell phone.  

I am constantly telling people that my boys LOVE Ella almost to a fault.  They would never intend to harm her, but they just can't seem to stay away from her!!!

The Foaming Monster

This year for Christmas one of the fun gifts JuJu got me was a basket of different quiet time lessons to do with my kids.  Each month has a theme, different activities to do, books to read, and songs to sing.  It was definitely one of my favorite gifts!  This month we are talking about self-control which is ALWAYS applicable whether you are 1, 3, or 29.  

The boys loved watching our monster foam from the mouth, but quickly decided that it would be pretty gross if that came out of us.  We talked about the different ways we "foam from the mouth" through out our day.  It was a great lesson for all of us!  Thanks JuJu!!

"Always be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger."  James 1:19

Changing Diapers

Port is such a helper!!

On Monday's we usually spend the day at home.  I came in the living room to hear Port ask Haynes, "Do you want me to change your diaper for you, Haynes?"  Haynes responded by, "Yeah!"  I laughed so hard watching Port try to change his diaper, he actually did a great job.  He did have to ask Haynes to pick his bottom up...  Maybe  we are getting close to a Big Boy Potty Party!

Just some stories...

Here's some of the latest Hartsock stories:

Port:  Port has a huge heart and feel emotions quite deeply.  There have been multiple times lately that we have tried to calm him down and then told him he has to stop crying.  He has responded (completely genuinely), "I just can't stop crying!"  

Haynes:  Our boys love to hide...every time someone comes into the house they go hide.  Haynes was hiding under the coffee table and tooted.  He crawled out from under the table and asked Brian, "What's that?"  We laughed so hard, "It was you!"

Ella:  She is such a joy!  She is rolling over both ways, and lots of laughing and smiling.  She is really laid back, but we all can't get enough of her!  She has started baby food...time is flying by!

Port leads worship...kinda

We have started incorporating kids worship into our cluster.  I actually think everyone likes it...even the cool college kids!  Port decided to continue leading as we went into "Mommy and Daddy" worship.  He used his guitar from when we went to Hawaii and a spare pic.  He was completely serious, it was absolutely precious.  It was really fun seeing him contribute to worship with his buddy "B".   

Soccer

Bennett and Hartsock Boys

Haynes pouting because he can't play

This week was Spring Break, so we were missing Braxton, Sutton, and Dax.  The Bennett boys have finally moved back to Norman with their new brother, Brooks, so this was their first game.  The boys had a great time, but definitely wasn't a win.  

On our way to the game this week Haynes and I talked about how the soccer game is about Port not him.  His job was to sit, watch, and cheer for his brother.  (Usually I am running up and down the court trying to prevent Haynes from jumping over the barriers so he can play.)  He did much better this week, but started pouting around half-time.  He walks around with his chin to his chest and eventually laid down next to the goal.  Not one of our proudest moments, but really sweet to see he is understanding our conversations.  He is going to be great when it's his turn to play!  

My boys....

I think this should be CBC's new advertisement!

Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!

This last week the weather has been beautiful.  We have been able to play outside almost every day, which we all have loved!  All the water in the back yard drains to the side of the house, so it is ALWAYS muddy.  The boys discovered this for the first time this week, so we had multiple days covered in mud.  At first I tried to stop it, but quickly realized that isn't that what mud is for?!?  I did make the rule that you have to wear the same clothes all day...that rule impacts Port, but Haynes could care less!!! (Who's surprised by that...)

One of the things I love about Haynes is that he jumps off everything!  He will climb up ANYTHING, once he gets to the top he pretends to loose his balance (Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!), and then jumps.  It's really funny to watch if you know him, other people are terrified by every move he makes!

St. Patrick's Day at the ZoO!

Ella's first trip to the zoo

Haynes was so funny watching the monkeys...maybe because he relates!

All our monkeys

Port and Dax

This week was Spring Break, so we tried to do some fun things.  Angie and I decided to take the kids to the zoo...along with all of OKC!  We had a great time trying to keep up with our kids. Port and Dax are great buddies.  Angie and I decided that they can be fighting one minute and kissing each other the next!  I guess that's boys for you!!

Haynes LOVED the snakes and the monkeys!  He was pretty cute to watch work his way to the front of each window, despite the large crowds.  He's definitely growing up!

Ella slept through most of her first trip through the zoo.  I'm sure there will be many more opportunities for her to see the animals. 

I Can Do It!

Haynes new favorite saying is "I can do it!"  We were waiting in the car for Daddy to pick up some medicine for Ella, she has her first ear infection:-(  I handed some mini oranges out to the boys and they both decided they would peal them by themselves.  Haynes did a great job...All By Himself!  He is getting to be such a big boy!!

Soccer Game #3

Benton Family's First Soccer Game

Today we had our third soccer game.  The kids did a great job, but we played the semi-pro 3-4 year old team!  (Kooper told me the final score was 15-1...they scored our 1 point)  The Benton family came out to support Port, it was Baby Asher "Buttons" first soccer game.  Thanks so much for supporting Port!  Soon Baby Asher will be out there!

Cousin Play Date

Haynes and Jade

Anna and Ella

Blake and Marci were leading a trip with Antioch this week, so Judi and Bob took care of Anna and Jade.  I was super excited to get to watch them on Tuesday morning while Judi lead bible study.  Port had school, so Haynes and Ella got to have some time with Anna and Jade.  Anna is going to be such a great helper when her new little sister arrives!  She wanted to hold Ella, rock her, and play with her all morning.  I even took Anna and Ella with me to pick up Port from Gingerbread.  Anna sang and talked to Ella the entire ride over there, it was really sweet.  Haynes and Jade played together really well too!  Haynes can be a little aggressive, but they played golf together all morning.  It was a really great opportunity to get to spend individual time with Anna and Jade.  We love you guys!  

Ella's First Play Date

Ella and Asher

Their feet are the same size!!!

Their hands too!

My friend Brooke came over the other day and brought sweet baby Asher.  Ella woke up from her nap and got to spend some time with Asher.  It was super sweet seeing these two little ones together.  At cluster the other day we realized that Asher's hands were the same size as Ella's, so we had to take a picture.  Brooke has done a great job stepping into the role of Mommy!  Children truly are a blessing from the Lord!

Port's Burn

Port's burn

Mr. Tough Man

Well....Thursday night I was feeding Ella some peas in the kitchen.  Haynes was asleep and Brian was headed home a little early because we were going to the Big  XII Tournament.  I suddenly hear Port scream!  He decided to touch the glass window in front of the fireplace.  I rushed him to get his hand under water and finally got him calmed down.  He finally told me he wanted to check and see if it was really hot!?!  Go figure!?!

Thankfully PaPa Bower (Kourtney's dad) is a firefighter so they told us exactly what to do for his burn.  NaNa Bower (Kourtney's mom) sent over some great medicine that took the burn out and he hasn't complained about it since.  Just when I thought only Haynes would do something like that....they definitely keep me on my toes!  Thank you Jesus for protecting Port! 

Hartsock Soccer

Hartsock Cousins

Port and the Dudes

Haynes the soccer player

Our Great Fans

Port and Whitney

This week we had our second soccer game and we were a much improved team!  Braxton, Dax, and Thatcher all scored goals.  Anna and Jade are here for a few days so we tried to get Anna to play for a little bit with the boys.  (She later told me that she preferred dance to soccer, that's my Anna!)  Haynes has been wearing Port's shin guards around all week, so I bought him a pair to wear to the game.  He was definitely disappointed he didn't get to play...soon enough!  

We had a great group of fans and it was a great morning.  Our whole family came and showed their support.  Also some of our spiritual family showed up, we were definitely impressed that college students showed up to a 9 a.m. soccer game!

  We actually played Port's other cousin's team, Parker Gladhill.  After the game the whole Hartsock Clan took pictures with Mimi.  

Jamie is coming home!

Jamie Upchurch, one of my best friend's from high school, is coming home from Afghanistan!  Over the last year we talk about Jamie frequently in our house.  We pray for him every time we see a helicopter.  (At one point Jamie told us he was jumping out of helicopters and Port talks about it almost daily)  For Christmas this year Jamie sent the boys a toy helicopter, they were so excited.  Jamie also just sent a video of pictures showing all he's been doing over the last year.  The video was so great that I showed the boys this morning.  

We started talking about all the things we were thankful for since Jamie is coming home safely.  The boys prayers were super sweet, but the best part was our conversation about the bad guys.  In the video Jamie is carrying a gun most of the time, so we talked about how he is fighting the bad guys.  Discussing war with a 3 year old is a little difficult, but basically I told him that the bad guys don't know Jesus.  So when Port prayed he thanked God for Jamie's safety and asked that the bad guys would know Jesus!  I love his heart! 

We can't wait to see Jamie!  Thank you for serving our country!  We love you!

Sunday Walks

Sunday afternoon all the boys went for a walk to the river from Grandad and JuJu's house.  The boys had a great time.  Grandad even made them each a walking stick and a bridge to get over the water.  We can't wait for the warmer weather and we can do more outside things.  Thanks for a fun Sunday afternoon!

First Soccer Game

The boys had their first soccer game Saturday morning.  They were so excited!  We were actually really impressed at how much Port had improved from Fall Soccer.  Sutton was great in the first quarter, he never stopped!  Although I think we lost 10-2 (Kooper kept score for us) the boys had a great time.  Port scored a goal after the buzzer, and he was SO excited!  

After the game the kids were eating their snacks and the wall fell underneath them.  I just happened to be taking a picture, it was pretty funny!

Kooper had a game after ours and he did great too!  

Mom's Prayer

Every Friday morning we host "Mom's Prayer" at our house.  Our community comes together weekly to pray for the church of Norman.  We host the only prayer time that has childcare available, so usually it's just moms.  (We have had a few daddy's come...Mr. Mike and Mr. Matt)  We have two great college girls, Whitney and Chandler, that give an hour of their time to love on our kids.  The boys are always really excited for their friends to get here so they stand at our front window watching.  I walked by them doing it this week and realized that I always want to have a great front window.  It's really sweet to see the kids get so excited for whoever is coming to the door throughout the week.  Also, when it's time for people to go they go back to the window waving and knocking until everyone is gone.  

Haynes the Big Boy!

Haynes likes to do EVERYTHING that his big brother Port does.  Every night before bath time the boys go pee before getting in the bath...for obvious reasons.  Haynes usually just sits on the baby potty and then crawls in the bath.  Tonight he sat down on the big boy toilet and peed!  We were so excited!  He got a sucker for his treat!

Our next step was explaining to Port that he didn't get a treat when he used the bathroom.  After explaining that we are teaching Haynes just like we did Port, Port became a great encourager!  We actually aren't potty training yet, but if it happens...GREAT!

First Soccer Practice

Crew and Ella

Haynes would LOVE to be on the team!

First Practice

We had our first soccer practice last Wednesday night.  Our team consists of Braxton, Sutton, Dax, Port, and Thatcher Ridings.  We also have the Bennett boys and some other new friends.  We also have 3 coaches...Uncle Jake, Daddy, and Uncle Jade.  It's so much fun!  I'm not sure if Preslee and Haynes couldn't join the line up as well, they would LOVE to!  The kids decided their team name would be the "Animals."  We have about six weeks of games on Saturday mornings.  Please come out to see the Crazy Animals! :-)