GOLDEN BIRTHDAY!

Eighteen on the 18th -- It's his Golden Birthday!! Happy Birthday, Boy -- you are my favorite, youngest Hulet. Can I still call you the baby of the family even though you are all growed up now :)

PENGUIN BOY

I'm not the one that called him that -- it was Becky. Here is Randy in his first tux. He had a Chamber Singers performance for the Kiwanas Club tonight. Isn't he a handsome fellow. He said I could take his picture, but he wasn't going to smile!

FIVE WEEKS - Final View

This will be the final knee picture posted. The knee is doing well and I am slow, but getting better each day. The cane is only used when I am outside, so people can feel sorry for that slow but fairly young woman. O.K., I'm not fairly young, but I'm definitely not old!
Hurrah for Christmas when my kids will all be home and will pamper their mother to the extreme (I AM SURE!)

KNEE UPDATE

It has been three and a half weeks since surgery and I am doing much better, so this picture shouldn't gross anybody out. The walker has been put aside (except for exercising) and I now use a lovely PURPLE cane - which you can see by the knee shot. The staples are out and I think the knee looks quite respectable now. I have driven a couple of time, but I don't care to because the weather is cold and icy and I prefer to be let out right at the door -- yes, I am a whimp!

ANNIE & ALLIE

Annie came alone with her Dad for the weekend...giving Elizabeth a much needed break, I'm sure. It was the best. Allie even warmed up to her a bit and was tolerant of the little tyke. When Kent told Allie goodbye and hugged her head, Annie got brave and went over, gave Allie a kiss on her nose and laid her cheek on her head for a moment. It was so cute!

NEVER TRUST MEN

Never trust men to say if a picture turns out alright or not -- especially not an almost 18-year-old.

Had my three boys together for the weekend. We had a great time -- Randy and Kent had to get in the competition with The Mom's leg and both injured themselves playing football Saturday morning -- Randy his ankle...Kent his hamstring (you're getting too old, Boy). Dad didn't get injured just because he didn't join in -- he was watching Annie instead.

More To Gwoss Out My Kids

One week after knee surgery -- LOOKIN' GOOD!

WALKER WOMAN

Just wanted to record a memory of my knee surgery not quite as gross as the incision.

IT'S DONE - I HAVE A NEW KNEE

It's done and I survived. Posting a lovely picture so everyone can say "Eeeew, Gwoss," and feel sorry for me! Actually, I am feeling quite well -- and even shampooed my hair this morning. I figure every day it will just keep getting better and better.

"Let's Reminisce!"

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and one of us (a Hulet) had together. It doesn't matter if you knew us a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty fun to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

More of the Amazing 10K

Two trained very diligently for the run: Jen and Julie!
The first 4 (non-training participants) started at 7:00 a.m.
The Biker (The Mom) and the conditioned Js (and Michael - 'cause he has long legs) started about 20 minutes later. The Dad had water for us in two spots along the way and was the official photographer.
Now these are not official times (because we can't quite remember) but they are close:
1 hour 5 minutes - Michael
1 hour 10 minutes - Jen & Julie
1 hour 20 minutes - Buddy & Randy
1 hour 25 minutes - Kaycee & Becky
The Biker - not quite an hour - but I'm a fast peddler

THE AMAZING PAROWAN 10K RUN

Jenny, The Great Organizer, planned a 10K run for the family while we were out in Parowan together in August. Everyone was there, except Kent & Elizabeth. (But Kent ran in spirit with us as he ran 6 miles from his apartment down to the White House on the same morning.)
Mike was the water boy, I was the biker and the rest were the valiant runners. Jen had even done tee shirts and medallions for us. We had a great time! Maybe some of the participants will add their comments to this post.

My Baby Boy is a Senior!!

He will hate me for this, but isn't he a cutie!! I don't think that a mother can say "Hot" can they?
Please vote for your favorite picture...I just can't quite decide

TREK 2008 - Altoona PA Stake

July 24-26 was Trek for our stake's youth. Mike was in charge of equipment (and shadowing the Trek with a 55 gallon container of water in our trailer). I was the tag-a-long, assistant cook (bread maker) and square dance caller/song lady. Randy was the participant -- designated as the Oldest Boy in his family (15 kids). Saturday Dad, Julie and I returned to camp and barbequed 80 chicken halves for their final meal. It was a great trek - beautiful weather - a downpour rainstorm thrown in so they had a little adversity - a great group of kids -- and we are all glad that it is over!

STATEMENT OF FACT

The bestest thing in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD is:
TO SING AND ROCK A CUTE, LITTLE GRANDGIRL TO SLEEP!

SENSE OF SMELL

As I was sitting by my sweet, ceramic, free standing fire pit (which my Sweetie gave me for my birthday), enjoying a small fire on this nippy (64 degree) June night, I came to the conclusion that there are at least 5 smells which I absolutely love.
Those five smells would be:
1. A camp fire
2. Newly mowed lawn
3. Just before and just after rain
4. Flowers (especially roses and lilacs)
5. The neck of a just-bathed-baby

Anyone have more to add?

Happy Father's Day DAD--We love you!!!

We love our Pops because:

(kent)

-he teaches us the difference between needs and wants
-all he ever wants for his birthday is obedient children, so we never have to get him any gifts, just be perfectly obedie….wait, I lost my train of thought. I love puppies!
-he taught us that excuses are like bellybuttons, except I don't think he said bellybuttons
-he is pro-motorcycle

-down in Rio de Janeiro, beautiful Rio-janeiro, nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah nah, down in Ri-janeero
-he is John Stockton's doppleganger
-he has crazy dreams that make for good stories like spurring the horse or scaring the red-eyed dog
-he made us work in the garden so we weren't completely worthless city kids
-he never swears when he's angry, just when he's trying to tell us a story about Grandpa Hulet
-he knows how to work hard and we've never wanted for any of the necessities
-he gets along with everybody
-most kids had dogs or cats growing up….I had a pet quail
-he never told us what to do as much as he showed us what to do
-burping contests at dinner were moderated with instructions to say "excuse me" and a twinkle in his eye
-he is always willing to humor my arm-wrestling challenges and then grind my puny arm into the table
-he speaks Finnish. How many dads can do that?
-I know he wants me to inherit his foosball table because the Bible says that's birthright son type of stuff
-he knows dogs are superior to cats

-he's more interested in doing the things that will define him, not talking about them
-he loves our Mom and they've both always been there for the kids and kept us a united family.

(kaycee)

-He's bow-legged
-He's down to earth
-He's a turkey herder
-He's one of the friendliest people I know...he'll strike up a conversation with strangers wherever he goes
-He's devoted to his family
-He taught us how to work by working with us
-He'll only ask you to do something once, and then he'll do it himself. And then the next time.... you'll do it when he asks.
-He's the funniest in the family--the founder of the Hulet dead-pan sense of humor
-He always listens to what we have to say, and treats our opinions like they matter
-He encourages us to think critically, not take things at face value
-He believes in us, that we can do anything we put our minds to
-He's always treated our mom with respect, and we know he loves her
-He's a great dancer

-He plays silly games with us. Still.
-He joins in with our antics (usually inspiring a "Michael!" from my mom)
-We learn about the gospel by his example more than his words
-He doesn't aspire to prestige, he just does what needs to be done
-He worries about us (especially if we're in a foreign country or big city)
-His world travels inspire us to be adventurers
-He takes pride in what we do and who we are

(jen)

-He knows everything…about everything (except maybe how to have quiet, obedient children)
-When I call and ask him how he is, he always says “oh...not too bad, for a guy my age”
-Of the way he lives his life as a great example to everyone around him
-Sometimes he’s goofier than his kids, which is really hard to do
-He’s such a cowboy—just look at his cowboy boots & tight jeans
-He still wears short shorts to basketball (and can still show up the 20-year-olds with his awesome cross-over backhand shot)
-He always took us with him on little trips
-He brainwashed me to think that whenever I get gas for the car, I need to smell the gas lid and buy some candy
-He rides a motorcycle
-He always kept our home life light-hearted and full of laughter. A happy place to call home.
-He has a hard time finishing his bananas—we always had to help him eat the other half
-He was my example for the type of man I wanted to marry (and did)
-He is always serving other people, whether it’s staying late after church activities, or giving extra vegetables from the garden to our neighbors
-He is a great grandpa—mostly because it’s so easy to snuggle up and take a nap with him
-He taught all of us to work hard and meet our fullest potential
-He is always there for me—even when it’s my 3 am phone calls that only he can help me get through
-He shaved his mustache for my 16^th birthday
-I never doubt how much he loves our mom
-I never doubt how much he loves his kids (especially the favorite ones..all 6 of us)
-I am so proud to be his daughter and will be forever grateful that I got him as my dad.

(bebs)

-I'm his favorite :)
-He used to let me fall asleep in front of the TV with him (except when he left the living room and I woke up alone at 2am...which happened most of the time)
-He sings along to the music he likes. I never think of Diamond Girl without imagining him singing and driving.
-He has a tendency to "step on frogs" even when the sound that makes sounds nothing like a frog.
-He pretends to like my jokes
-He's very wise: "He who cooks carrots and peas in the same pot is unsanitary", "You can pick your friends...."
-He needs help: "Always"
-He never misses an opportunity to rub-it-in that we don't wear shoes often enough. Or maybe he's just teaching us to be tough.
-He loves to take me hunting
-He's a great dancer (no one does the "shaking the fists left-to-right" move better)--I didn't know how to describe the signature Dad dance move. If you don't know what I mean, I'll show
you all at Christmastime.

-He's a great gardener. I do missing helping out...even if we did plant the corn WAY too close together sometimes.
-He's a great teacher. If we have questions about things, he'll show us how to do it instead of just telling.
-He's the perfect example of service and generosity: We learned from his example to always give the best part of the dessert to someone else, and to stay after ward activities to clean up.
-He loves bananas. But only if someone eats part of it.
-He takes good care of Allie and tells her why she should like me best [did you all wonder why I'm Allie's favorite? Now you know :) ]
-He's not ashamed to let everyone see his white, hairless legs. If only the world could handle them. (Just kidding, dad! kind of...)
-He's attached to the decades-behind "one-piecer"s. What's better than a butt-flap, anyway?
-He only gets mad when he's REALLY mad. Which isn't often. But it definitely scares us into obeying.
-He keeps hoping to get "happy, obedient children" for Christmas. But even his favorite (the hairy little sister) disobeys.
-He's always supportive no matter what. He makes us want to make him proud, even though we know he always is.

(jules)

-He motivates me to work harder to make him proud of me.
-He's always pushed me to try and reach my potential
-He knows basically everything
-His favorite form of cabbage is....steamed....with cheese
-He has the best puns
-He bought me a motorcycle..oh wait...
-He and mom provide everything for us because grandma did the same for him
-He's pretty chill about everything and doesn't get worked up over people and their pettiness
-He has successfully ingrained me with "needs and wants....needs and wants.."
-He's very unselfish and never lets anyone know what he wants, making presents very hard to pick for him but also admirable that he just wants obedient children (can you really ask for something you already have?)
-He tries to be supportive with each of my career plans and changes
-He is willing to listen to my complaints and says just the right thing to get me to be sensible
-He has always been there for me to talk to and keeps things to himself just because he knows it's only meant to be between him and me.
-He helped me with the paper route throughout all of high school.
-He never asks us to help him, lets us come if we are willing
-He can talk to practically anyone and is always always helping people out and never considers himself first; allowed us to follow his example at church activities by helping put away tables, chairs, etc.
-He taught me, through more than words, the true lesson of "should wear shoes" (we all know the chainsaw was no accident)
-He sets a great example through his knowledge and understanding of the scriptures and his participation and perspective in gospel discussions
-He rides a motorcycle, 'nough said.
-He is handy and knows how to fix things and grow things and has, through his wisdom and cooperative efforts with mom, created a comfortable life for our family.

(rand)

-He is never one to get angry, but if he does, then that's not good.
-He is always supportive when it comes to all the activities I do
-When he and the Rog are in the same room, you'll be laughing all night
-Even though he might not say it tons, you know he loves you by his actions
-He is hard working, never complains, and never asks for help even if he would gladly appreciate it
-He loves my momma even though he jokes with her often
-He is wise and is always there when I need help or advise
-He has endured all of my sports talk since my sisters and mom don't give a hoot

-He has shown me( and I'm guessing my brother too) what a worthy priesthood holder looks and acts like
-He has always been there to help me practice and excel in sports
-He is very generous and allows me to stay up with him and watch tv even when mom says to go to bed
-Whenever anyone needs some help with something, he willingly and lovingly helps
-He is very humble and when I have my own family, I want to be as good a father as he is
-You should have worn shoes is a true concept, as well as needs and wants
-I don't know what I'd do if I had a different one
-He is persistent and never leaves anything until it's done
-He provides everything for our family
-He is always there if you need comfort and always wants people to be happy
-He can grow a sweet mustache
-He has an overabundance of love for his children and has no favorites(i think)--unlike someone else i know:)

Happy Mother's Day MOM--We love you!!!

We love our Mom because:

(kent)

-some moms will fight to protect their young; my mom dances....in front of the tv
-butt and shut up are bad words but frizzledick and doodads aren't
-all the hulet children were "surprises"
-she's baked enough Texas cinammon rolls to cover the state and help me on my mission
-she doesn't need recipes; she just knows what tastes right
-she's happiest making or listening to music
-of her trixie-Hobbitness. She told me we could go to Disney World when the youngest sibling turned 12.
-she loves my Dad wholeheartedly
-she let me stay home from school when I procrastinated on finishing school projects
-she loves hummingbirds
-she's fun to tease
-she can weed a potato patch with her prehensile toes
-she's Momma Hulet to everyone
-the western girl who couldn't imagine moving east and is now an Easterner who refuses to leave
-she loves being a Grandma
-she says I'm her favorite (even though Julie is)
-she's funny when she jumbles her words like Zummi Gummi
-she's always happy to talk to you on the phone
-she never forgets a birthday
-she never had to teach us the Gospel. All we did was watch her live it.

(kaycee)

-She's tender-hearted
-She always cries when she bears her testimony (talking about her kids)
-She taught us to sing together
-She'll bribe us to do things we don't want to do...even practice piano
-Dishwasher!
-She tells rill funny jokes
-The f-word for her is "fart" (oops...sorry for the obscenity)
-She thinks I'm the funniest, even though Julie and Kent are her favorites
-She's great at finding deals
-She loves our dad more than anyone else, and won't even cook when he's not home
-She loves to be a part of her kid's experiences and loves telling other people about it
-She loves the gospel
-She has sacrificed years of her time, talents, money and sanity to raise us
-She pretends to be shocked when her kids say anything inappropriate, but secretly she loves it
-She adopts our friends and cousins
-She's great at getting things done
-She wants us to be happy. And responsible. And good.
-She loves a good party
-She's not afraid to try new things
-She's an Idaho girl. And as a Brazilian woman told me, "People from Idaho are beautiful!"

(jenny)

-she loves being a grandma—she even went to visit her grandbaby on mother’s day.
-she was great example to me by reading her scriptures every morning (with her homemade hot chocolate)
-she loves to be involved in all of her kids' lives and she wants what’s best for them

-she works really hard to be the best mom she can be
-she takes such good care of our dad and always set a good example by having dinner on the table (unless he’s out of town, then it’s cereal and mac and cheese)
-she likes to read books and do puzzles
-she likes Julie and Kent the best. And probably Randy, too.
-I once heard her tell Claudia or MaryEllen that she loved dad more than when they were first married--nice thing to hear as a kid.
-We would rather have her yelling at us to do our chores than dad.
-she would take us all swimming with her at the hotel pool—we loved that.
-she’s not very good at telling jokes—which makes her joke telling really funny
-she loves to sing and listen to her kids sing
-she bears her testimony anytime anything happens. And we always know it's coming
-Apparently she’s a hootin’, tootin' grandma. Although the tootin' part isn't so cute
-she has great buns. (both kinds)
-she is so great at being a "momma" to other people in the ward--and for the missionaries, a good home away from home.
-she smiles and laughs a lot.
-she doesn't approve of the s-word, the h-word, the c-word, etc. or the simpsons. or seinfeld. or immorality.
-she loves TV guardian because it blocks out all of those words. We all hate it.
-she always keeps me company on the phone, even when we’re talking about nothing.
-She wants to know what is going on in our lives

(becky)

-she sends random notes/gifts/cds in the mail
-she is proud of her family
-she works hard, and doesn't seem to complain
-she knows the importance of sleep (half an hour nap every day!! :) )
-she likes watching movies with her kids (if the family room is clean)
-she is willing to help. always.
-she is kind and friendly to everyone
-she deals well with being teased
-she is a great Cook, even though she hates thinking of what to make (that IS the worst part)
-she is health conscious (notice how none of us were fatty kids? )
-she isn't above bribing. haha :)
-she always made home a refuge
-she has good taste in sabbath music (I would say music in general, but Barry Manilow springs to mind...)
-she is obedient to gospel commandments
-she is sensitive (isn't ashamed to cry...or maybe she just can't help it :) )
-she is responsible (you can always count on mom to get things done)
-she is financially capable (keeping budgets is not easy!)
-she is capable of Multi-Tasking
* She loves us unconditionally (though I have never tried to test this one, I know it's true)she likes us too much to follow through with her threats

(jules)

-she's rill good at counting to three
-she helped me wrap papers every morning she was up before me even though sometimes it wasn't "very much fun"
-she is the best camp song leader ever
-she took me to movies after my dentists appointments senior year
-she humors me and my pettiness concerning career and relationships :)
-she bribes me with 100 dollars to go on 5 dates

-she's cute when we tease her (specifically dad) and still sticks her tongue out
-she's extremely generous, especially in relation to her kids
-she goes along with people's little whims just because its fun
-shes done an excellent job at "culturing" her kids although it was forced sometimes
-she's made it hard to be sick away from home because she was so nurturing and willing to help
-she has never been afraid to be Momma Hulet and steer people in the right direction when they may be faltering a little
-she always has time for you
-she's happy
-she has made home one of my favorite places to be
-she can come up with a song for any topic/word that comes up
-she likes to irritate people by flaunting her idahoan accent with "ruht" and "ruhf" and "REmote" and "yummers"
-she makes connections with practically everybody based upon her idahoan ruhts and family who knows everyone it seems
-she's a great example for diligent scripture study and she has a great enthusiasm for literature and reading
-she's willing to be a pal but a mother if necessary

(randy)

-she is good at giving massages to my poor sore body
-she deals with my picky eating (I am getting much better though)
-she makes delicious meals
-she is constantly trying to be funny, even though she doesn't necessarily succeed
-she can handle all of my criticism
-she constantly bugging me, but it's all for my own good
-she is always trying to get me to be more responsible and create better habits
-she helps me with my paper route even though she reaps no rewards from it
-she is usually in a good mood which seems to have rubbed off on us, or at least me
-she never seems to whine or mope about anything
-she can be good company in a pretty lonely house
-she does what she can to help us succeed
-she allows me to take my wonderful naps :)
-she is there whenever I need her
-she has done a great job in raising us
-she has taught many much needed lessons that can be helpful in the future
-she is super supportive of my activities even though I might not want her there
-she keeps me going so that I finish what things I have started
-she is loving and would give her life for us
-SHE IS THE MOM!!

Adventure for "The Dad"

The Dad's adventure to the UAE (United Arabs Emerits, I think).
He didn't get to see much because of flight delays -- he was almost
a day late in getting there. I didn't get to go -- but he brought me
home a box of dates!

The Concert is over -
let's get out of here!

Master Sings - Carnegie Hall

This is the whole group - 220 kids - you can't see it, but there was an organ in the orchestra also. Well, you really can't see alot of the orchestra because this was taken during the standing ovation they received. Randy said the standing ovation lasted a really long time! Of course, considering that the Hall was filled with extremely proud parents.

State High Master Singers - Carnegie Hall

Randy belongs to our high school's Master Singers and last Monday (March 10th) after 4 days of combined practice (3 other high schools from the States participated) - these elite choirs held a concert in Carnegie Hall (New York City) under the direction of Craig Jessop (MoTab director). Each choir presented their own 10 minute program and then combined with a professional symphonic orchestra, solo soprano and solo baritone and sang Brahams Requiem. It was fantastic! What an experience for these kids. This is the only picture I have - just our choir - hopefully Kent will get me some of the pictures (or post them himself) of the combined group. He and Elizabeth joined us in New York for the concert on Monday. Small picture, but Randy is on the back row -- 11th person from the left (I think)

More of the wedding (Becky and Buddy Beazer)

I'm trying to learn how to post things correctly. I think I give up with captioning lining up right, so I'll just put in pictures.