Mike, Jen, McKenna & Jackson

Jen Zen Yoga

2009-07-11T21:41:00.005-04:00

I know its been awhile....I have been spending sometime thinking and searching. I am proud to announce the birth of, www.jenzenyoga.com This has been a collabration of all that I love and will be spectacular. Please check back, the journay has just begun.

This ones's for you Deborah Michelle.....

2009-06-02T19:39:00.009-04:00

Heres a few pics of the latest happenings in the Haire household. My mother came for a week and shared mothers day with us. We had a wonderful day. Mike and the kids went all out. We had a super fun week. Kathy our sweet 22 year old "daughter" also spent a week end with us. Kathy watched the kids for us in Utah when I was working and she really is a part of the family. Enjoy the pics :)

Mothers Day Breakfast

Croquet in our PJ'S

Queens in a Central Park Castle

Isn't he handsome????

Princeton with Kathy

NYC with Kathy

Cute Family Pic

uh-oh broken arm

2009-03-29T19:33:00.002-04:00

McKenna had a little basketball mishap...this is what happens when you fall and catch yourself with your arms! After a week of her being in pain I took her to the doctor and guess what...we have our first broken bone. She will have to wear the cast for 4 weeks and we are hoping it is off before the start of soccer season :)

At Last.....

2009-03-15T19:33:00.007-04:00

Here is my excuse...my camera broke and I have yet to buy a new one. I am wanting to talk to the Apple guys and find out what type of camera will be most compatible with my new MAC...I have had no time to do that so yes I am typing on my laptop that steams when in use and I am posting pictures taken with Elskas camera. We have had a most wonderful first quarter. We were treated to a vacation in Utah where we saw family, friends and loved ones.Below are a few pictures of the trip. We had a wonderful time. All it takes is a little bit of distance to realize how great you had it......we love our family and friends.

List of Favorite things:

1.) Delta--direct flight from Newark to SLC....the flight was nice. The kids are big now and I read an entire half of one novel.....

2.) Elska- picked us up, feed us and let us sleep. We then "borrowed" here extra car and left for the week end. I showed up on Monday moved lots of furniture and had a blast watching the Bachelor...he is still and class "A" jerk.

3.) Park City- It was great to come and be a true visitor. Great food and nighttime fun. Christi and Carlos made the trek to see us...we had a blast.

4.) Mimi- she insisted that she would watch the kids, fine be my guest.....they live with us we are over it :)

5.) Lindsey- She really should be first. She packed her 3.5 babies....half for the one in her belly and drove from Witcha Kansas to Utah just to see us. Her babies are blonde and WONDERFUL...I loved the morning we spent doing yoga...thanks for the trip and next time you pass a kidney stone make it at home and not 5 hours away from it. I love you more than you know.....

6.) Baby Lexi- I have a new niece and my bro is a new daddy. Jill was a trooper and chilled in the room while Ryan and the fam skied. The baby is more than perfect and Jill's family was so hospitable....

7.) Jo Jo- what can I say she looked great and was nothing but excited for her new Texas adventure.

8.) Dad and Pam- all I have to say is Chinese food and a good old hotel hallway. I should have taken a candle to burn and remember the week end by..... thanks for everything.

9.) Friends- other than family they made it fun....jelly beans and all :)

enjoy the pics and lets hope I get a new camera soon

Ski Utah

One Pregnant Lady To Go

These things keep your pants up!!

Aunt Jo Jo the kiddos and baby Lexi

Call me and I will tell you the story

Who's in charge here????

My favorite Picture

Are you guys sisters???? NOT SHE'S MY MOTHER!!!!

We love our Friends.....

NEW YEAR!!! NEW FUN!!!

2009-01-26T09:16:00.003-05:00

My camera broke during Christmas so I have not been able to take pictures of anything. We really haven't had much going on. Mike has been busy at work and I am busy with the kids. I volunteer at the public library helping out with the used book sale they have every year and that is in full swing. I will post pics once I fix the camera issue. Jackson is busy learning to read and loves bringing "homework" home to work on. McKenna has played her first indoor soccer games and loves it. She loves that it is the perfect temp and fast paced. Hope everyone has recovered from the holidays and taking time to renew things. Mike and I have been running but I fell off the wagon last week.....that and my knees were killing me. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

An extra present for the family

2008-12-28T16:38:00.003-05:00

My brother and his wife Jill received and extra Christmas present-- Alexandria Joy Coil was born a few weeks early on December 26th around 3:30 in the morning. She is a little over 5 lbs and 19 inches. She also has huge feet like her dad. Mom and baby are doing well.

The other exciting news is my sister Lindsey is carrying her 4th baby and she and Cory have requested that we all hope and pray she has a boy to add to their 3 girls. She is due in July around the time Corbin comes home from his mission. We are so happy and excited for them.

Santa Made a Visit

2008-12-28T16:34:00.004-05:00

The kids had a great time and were super happy with all that Santa brought. Mike and I were amazed that they didn't wake up until after 7:00. We are so blessed. Hope all of our friends and loved ones had a wonderful holiday and a wonderful new year!!!

Snow fun and Fondue

2008-12-22T21:22:00.007-05:00

I am obsessed with Rachel Ray and look forward to the new magazine every month. This month featured a story about snow activities and then cheese fondue for lunch. The kids and Mike played in the snow while I cooked the fondue. It was super yummy and perfect for a cold day.

Building and snow fort with the fire pit keeping them warm.

Enjoying Lunch

Here is the recipe:

1 1/4 pounds baking potatoes, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch-thick wedges
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
12 ounces gruyère cheese, shredded (3 cups)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 clove garlic, halved
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry white wine
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 pinch ground nutmeg

1. Preheat the oven to 450°. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and arrange in a single layer on a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Roast, turning once, until browned.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix together the cheese and cornstarch. Rub the cut sides of the garlic on the inside of a fondue pot or heavy 2-quart saucepan; discard the garlic. Add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the cheese mixture, then cook for 1 minute. Stir in the nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm with the roasted potatoes for dipping.

Christmas Concerts

2008-12-22T21:16:00.003-05:00

McKenna had a solo as an elf---she did great.

Jackson sang well and played the drum for "The Little Drummer Boy".

Christmas in NYC

2008-12-22T21:06:00.008-05:00

Carriage ride in Central Park--it was freezing.

The famous tree---it was beautiful.

Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall---those girls can kick!

My Angels

Lunch rink side at Rockefeller Plaza

My favorite treat--cupcakes from Magnolia bakery.

Lunch at Rolf's--the entire ceiling is covered in ornaments, garland and lights.

Wreaths on the sidewalk

Thanksgiving in Detroit

2008-12-22T20:37:00.004-05:00

We loaded the car and headed to Detroit to visit Mikes dad and step-mom who are serving a mission for the LDS church. We had a great time visiting, eating and relaxing. The drive wasn't bad. We learned Ohio has really great rest stops and there is not much in Pennsylvania. We read, watched movies and played rounds and rounds of the alphabet game----trucks work great for the letters Q and Z!!!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Jackson had more desserts than turkey

Cute Kids!!!

Ride the horsey into town---favorite thing to do with Grandpa Bob!!

Grandma Jan is so strong. You should how many push ups she can do!

The GM building in downtown Detroit--72 stories high.

Detroit People Mover Station--loved the bright colors.

Maelee Baby

2008-12-02T16:39:00.012-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know of something I am doing. A friend of mine from high school has started a diaper bag company. I am helping her sell them out here in my area. They are great bags, made well and feature a new idea. The inside is customizable with self-adhesive labels to remind you where everything is.They are fashinable enough to use as a large purse and/or travel bag after the baby is grown. Please check out the website and let me know if you are interested. Please tell your friends and family. Visit www.maeleebaby.com for information and other products. New products will be arriving in Janurary of '09.

Cold with a Cold

2008-11-30T15:21:00.008-05:00

We got back from Michigan last night after a 10 hour drive. I started to get a sore throat in Ohio and sure enough by bedtime I had a cold. Top that off with freezing temps and rain and we are hanging in the house all day. The kids are making race tracks for marbles with various toys, Mike is napping, and I spent sometime looking at old pics and thought it would be fun to post some of my favorites. I will blog all about our Turkey day once I get the pics uploaded. Hope everyone had a great holiday and took time to be thankful for family, health and all that is truly important.....lots of love to everyone!!!

First picture taken with a digital camera...Montana 2003

Love this one of Jackson

I miss my babies in cozy PJ'S!!!

Favorite Halloween--McKenna the parrot and Jackson the pirate

Easter 2004

Blog Catch Up

2008-11-19T13:12:00.007-05:00

So I have been busy with kid stuff, Elska and Randy in town, and Christmas shopping and have neglected the blog. I thought I would post a few fun pics from the last few weeks to catch up. Halloween was super fun and the kids had a great time. Can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. We are headed to Detroit to see Grandpa Bob and Grandma Jan---should be a fun adventure. Hope all is well with everyone and taking time to remember what is important in life. Love to all!!!

Jackson as some Star Wars guy (just like all the other boys in his class) and McKenna as a Dallas Cowboy Football player---that's my girl!!!

The "Candy Store" the kids made with all their Halloween treats.

Elska in the belly dancing outfit my mom got in Turkey for her. You should see her dance she is awesome!

This years leave day. We bought the brown paper yard bags and they worked great!

Dad and Pam

2008-10-29T15:21:00.005-04:00

My dad and his new wife just came and spent a fun filled week with us. We watched the kids play soccer and football, had a mad game of croquet,picked pumpkins,had a birthday party for Jackson, made lots and lot of cookies, went to the beach, went to the city, saw Mamma Mia, and then sadly had to say good bye. It was an amazing week and we loved every minute of it. Check out the pics.....

Autumn

2008-10-12T16:44:00.002-04:00

The air is cool and the leaves are changing and that means fall clean up. These are the pictures from last year. We had no idea how much work it was going to be and how many leaves there were. Most of the eaves are still on the trees but give it a few weeks and our Saturday mornings will be spent raking and taking bags and bags to the dump. Lets hope the wind blows them all into the neighbors yard :)

Leaves Leaves Leaves

2008-10-12T16:43:00.001-04:00

Attention Shoppers

2008-10-10T15:19:00.003-04:00

I love the Tide simple pleasures lavender vanilla. It makes everything smell so good and I love climbing into to bed and snuggling up with my scented sheets. Today I scored....I was watching the price of everything as I was checking out at the store and the Tide came up at the wrong price. I said something to the cashier he yelled for a price and check and sure enough they had the wrong price on it. The store policy is to give you the item for FREE!!! So for the next few weeks I will be enjoying my FREE lavender and vanilla. If you have never tried it you should it is wonderful.

Prettiest Cities in America

2008-10-09T12:20:00.001-04:00

With all the madness and worry in the world right now it is hard to find things that make us happy. As I was checking the Internet for the latest news of the election and financial crisis I stumbled on an article from Forbes magazine on the prettiest cities in America. I was so pleased to see that I had lived and or visited many of them. Being out East now has allowed us to experience a new part of our beautiful country. Check out New Hope Pa---Mike took me here for my 30th birthday week end. It is an artsy town full of wonderful restaurants and quaint bed and breakfasts. It was the best week end Mike and I have spent together. Also on the list was Park City Ut!!!

New Hope PA

Park City UT

We really miss spending time here and appreciate how lucky we were to make lots of fun memories in Park City. We can't wait to go back.

New Hope PA

2008-10-09T12:15:00.001-04:00

Lemon Aid

2008-09-26T09:31:00.001-04:00

The kids had many many lemonade stands this summer. A neighbor submitted the pics to the local paper and it was published this week. They were so excited. It was a great way to entertain them and they learned a valuable lesson.

Click on the article to read the caption.

2008 BLoCk PArtY!!!

2008-09-25T13:00:00.001-04:00

How to Catch Fruit Flies

2008-09-25T12:11:00.004-04:00

Everyone knows what happens when no one eats the bananas, oranges, apples and plums we leave out on the counter to encourage our kids to eat healthy.....you wake up and the kitchen is full of fruit flies. I could not get mine to go away after throwing things out, buying a new trash can and wiping down my 30 year old cabinets. So after a quick Google search and a few household supplies I caught every last one of them. Here is how you do it:

Pour about 1/2 a cup of balsamic vinegar or any other sweet liquid into a large shallow bowl---think "what would a fruit fly like" even a few pieces of fruit would work. Cover very very tightly with plastic wrap making sure it is completely covered. Poke 10-15 holes with a toothpick and set out on the counter. Come back later to a bowl full of drowning fruit flies. They fly in but are not smart enough to fly out. Worked like a charm.

I'm thinking 4th grade science fair with this one!!!

Homemade Tepee

2008-09-25T12:06:00.004-04:00

This is what you get after and good storm, dead branches, and very creative kiddos. They did this all by themselves....and experts say kids don't play outside enough. Our kids live outside.

Uncle Corbin, Grandpa Bob and Grandma Jan

2008-09-23T14:16:00.009-04:00

My baby brother is currently serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Guatemala. Mikes dad and step mother are also serving a mission in Detroit Michigan. We love them all and miss them. We do get to go and see Bob and Jan for Thanksgiving this year. We have to wait until June 2009 to see Corbin.

Elder Corbin Coil

Brother and Sister Haire

CHATHAM LASERS

2008-09-23T09:20:00.001-04:00

Vermont May 2008

2008-09-22T17:21:00.001-04:00

McKenna 3rd Grade Clap Out

2008-09-21T19:36:00.001-04:00

Emmys or the Cowboys????

2008-09-21T17:21:00.002-04:00

It's gonna be a late night. The Primetime Emmys are on and the Cowboys play at 8:00. Mike and I have trouble staying awake---we stiil are not used to watching Eastcoast T.V. GO COWBOYS!!!

Image hosted at bigoo

I Love Nancygreat free widgetsWidgetbox

Madonna Countdown

2008-09-20T15:07:00.000-04:00

I made this widget at MyFlashFetish.com.

Blog Blog Blog

2008-09-16T23:21:00.002-04:00

So I gave in and all it got me was an entire day sitting at my computer. My butt is sore and my eyes are burning but oh how I love this technology. We live so far from where came from but yet we all remain connected. To all of our family, friends and loved ones....we think of you often.

First Day of School

2008-09-16T15:00:00.007-04:00

They are off to 4th and Kindergarten!!! We can't believe how grown up they are.

Walking to the bus stop

Best Bus Stop in Chatham

All the new "Big Kids"

Jackson's first trip on the bus

Bye Bye my Baby

30,000 screaming TWEENS

2008-09-16T14:55:00.003-04:00

All you have to do is mention the name and yes the girls scream. For those of you who are wondering who I am talking about it's Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas. The kids loved it---ours ears hurt after for days, and would you believe Jackson fell asleep. All said they did put on a great show.

You Call This Vacation

2008-09-16T14:51:00.003-04:00

After a change in plans and a cancelled summer trip to San Diego we spent the time and $$ fixing up the house. We ripped the doors off the shower and hung a curtain. Thanks to Mike, 2 days of work, and a trip to Ikea the shower looks great. Don't worry we sat by the pool, went to the beach, and slept in. It turned out to be a great vacation, and we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor forever. Or until we redo the bathroom--not sure where the jetted tub will go in our 70 year old house.

Hey Ball Boy!

2008-09-16T14:45:00.003-04:00

The kids both left the Yankee game with game balls. McKenna got hers from a grown-up who was verbal abused for not giving it to a child and Jackson bugged the ball boy until he got his. Persistance pays off---the Yankees lost but the Haire Kiddos scored.

Jelly Fish Fight

2008-09-16T14:39:00.005-04:00

During the summer all of New Jersey goes "down the shore" aka going to the beach. We spent a day at Spring Lake. The beach was covered in dead jellyfish. As soon as we explained to the kids that the dead jelly fish would not hurt them, they had a contest to see who could collect the most in 10 minutes. The contest ended with a jelly fish fight. Not sure who won but is was defiantly not the jelly fish or Spongebob :)

US OPEN

2008-09-16T14:33:00.003-04:00

Mike and I got to attend this years US Open. We got to spend the day watching amazing tennis and relaxing in style. I left early to get the kids settled for the first day of school and he got to stay and watch Serena and Venus battle it out. It was the best sporting event I have ever attended.

Haire Family Favorite Adventures '07-'08

2008-09-16T11:06:00.015-04:00

I sat down with the family last night and asked everyone what was their favorite thing we have done since we moved to NJ. I thought that this would be a fun way to share some of our adventures. Part of the reason we wanted to move out here was to take advantage of all the great things this part of the country has to offer. It has been so fun to watch McKenna and Jackson experience more of the world. They love it all. It was a lifelong dream of mine to live in NYC and now we get the best of both worlds. We live in an amazing town and we have spent lots of time in the city. So here goes the Haire Family Favorites---

Jackson

We have had to the chance to attend a few Yankee games as well as spend a day picnicing on the field. This part of the country loves baseball and I have to admit it grows on you. Jackson loved going to the Yankee game with Grandpa Bob, Mike and McKenna. They took the subway, ate footlongs and watched the game.

Nothing like a $10 hot dog at Yankee Stadium.

We were so lucky to have Grandpa Bob come help us move in and see our new home. We love you!!!

Last fall we drove to a pick your own pumpkin and apple farm. New Jersey is the garden state and everything grows to fast and tastes so yummy. While we were paying for our pumpkins I let the kids choose an apple to snack on. Jackson found one as big as his head---it weighed over 1 lb.

"THE 1LB APPLE"

McKenna

Last Christmas Santa brought the kids Hannah Montana concert tickets. That afternoon was McKenna's favorite. The whole family went and it was fun fun fun!!! To see the kids rocking out at a concert was great. The show was great--Mike and I even enjoyed it.

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Mimi (my mom) came out last October. We had always talked about having a girl trip to NYC. We got to do it and we had a blast. We woke up early took the train. We watched the Today show film and made it on camera. Mike and Jackson watched us from home. Then we headed to American Girl. McKenna picked out Kit and Mimi picked up the bill. After that we shopped and headed to see The Lion King. It was a day to remember. Thanks Mimi---we love you and love having you here. Come back soon.

Today Show at Rockerfeller Center

Breakfast at American Girl

The Lion King

Asleep on the train after a long fun day

Jen

Some of you may not know this but I love Madonna. Not as a role model but I just love love her music and love watching her dance and perform. After her last tour I decided no matter the cost I would go to a concert. Last February I read somewhere that she would be doing an exclusive concert for her NYC fans and there were only 2,000 or so tickets being given out. People waited 40 hours to get tickets. Mike made a few calls and surprised me with tickets. I had know idea he had got the tickets---what a fun surprise. Thanks sweet hubby:)I took my friend Courtney with and it was awesome. She sang for about 25 minutes and we were super close. After pushing our way through the crowd and getting lots of dirty looks. What a fun night. Check out the pics......oh yeah Mike got tickets for her current tour and we are going on October 6th. Can't wait

We spent last Thanksgiving in NYC. We went in the night before. Waited in line to see the balloons, had some pizza and headed to our hotel. We went with our neighbors the Kennedy's. We woke up early and headed to the parade. It was great. Lots of people and perfect weather. We ended the day with dinner at the Hilton and then headed home to catch the Cowboy game. It was a day to remember and so fun to watch McKenna and Jackson enjoy the parade. Not sure if we are going back this year. Maybe this year we will watch it from above.

Night before the parade

Macy's Parade (ck out that set up mom)

Favorite Balloon

Dinner--it was mmm mmm good

Mike

Mike spent a full year working without much vacation. One of the first days he had off was Martin Luther Jr day. We decided to take the family to Philadelphia. It was cold but we had such a great time. We looked at all the history. Hung out at the hotel, swam in the pool, ordered room service for dinner. It was a great family week end.

We love hotels!!!

It was Jacksons job to stock the fridge---funny huh! I can't live without my Diet Coke.

Where it all went down---God Bless the USA we are proud to be Americans.

Let Freedom Ring

Banker Boy on the steps of the First Bank of the United States

Betsy Ross House

Longest Continuously Lived on Steet in America

LOVE

That is just a bit of all the fun we have had. Stay tuned for me--have fun catching up. Will do more later---need to get some stuff done.

2008-09-15T19:57:00.006-04:00

Well hello fellow bloggers. You asked I posted....finally. Thanks to Debbie bugging, a pep talk from Lindsay Ashton and 2 hours of fussing with the computer I think I may have figured this out. We have been in New Jersey for 14 months now and I have tons of pictures and adventures to share. Every time we have done something cool, we comment how great it would be on our blog--that did not exist yet. So I think I may spend sometime posting things from the past year. I suppose it will serve as a great tutorial for this blogging thing. We are so far from everyone that this really will be the best way to stay connected. I warned Mike, that when I become obsessed, he encouraged it.