"Hazen Christmas 2007"

Not too early but, not too Late! The kids woke us up at 6:00 AM. We told them they had to wait till then. Santa did not miss our house and not one child received coal in their stockings! We all have been very good all year. (wink wink) The kids got what they wanted- R.J. got new Catchers Gear, Madison got a box full of Cat supplies (yes, we got her a cat Heather!) and Payton got more Webkinz and Littlest Pet shops. Santa did even better, R.J. and Madison finally got cell phones! And Payton is a new proud mommy of an Itty Bitty Baby, with P.J.s to match! Santa even brought the whole family a Geo Cache GPS. We couldn't wait to go treasure hunting! And I got a new Camera!!!

After a lazy morning in our jammies we got ready to go to Grandma and Grandpa Melendez house. There we had a huge family get together of about 40 people. We ate, ate and ate some more! The food was delicious. We had the family program, we sang songs and the kids re-enacted the Nativity! And best of all, the "White Elephant" gift exchange. I got a box of six naked barbies (Payton was thrilled, all they needed was some clothes!) We were so grateful for this time to spend together as family and to celebrate the birth of our Savior. This is what the holidays are all about...Family!

"Happy Birthday My 5 Year Old!"

Today is your fifth birthday Miss Payton! You were due on January 6, 2003. But, daddy tried to bribed my doctor to induce you early. As an Accountant he wanted to make sure he got the end of the year tax deduction. But, you did not want to come. And the doctor didn't want to force you. But, Grandma, Uncle Dave, Aunt Laura, Aunt Marie and baby Summer drove 350 miles to welcome you to the world and your momma had a schedule that she was determined to follow. We tried every "Wives Tale" in the book to bring you here! We tried
balsamic Vinegar, Castor Oil, Walking around the block, running on the treadmill (and some other things)! Finally the next morning at 5:00 AM, I woke up having contractions. They lasted all day and finally started to get stronger right at dinner time. Daddy made Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon and wanted to make sure he ate it. Meanwhile, I had to wait for him, I was starving and in a lot pain (I couldn't eat anything before we went to the hospital). We ended up having you early the next morning at 4:18. You weighed 8 lbs. 5.6 oz. and were 19.5 inches long. You did not even cry when you were born. You just looked so upset that you had to leave momma's nice, cozy, comfy belly! You were giving everyone dirty looks. We did not know whether you were going to be... a Girl or a Boy! What a beautiful surprise we got. I can't believe it has already been five years. You were the sweetest baby that had some trials to over come with your cleft palate. You had a strong willed spirit that did not give up. And nothing has changed. You are our bright ray of sunshine that brings warmth and laughter to those who know you. Grandpa says you are just like me, and have the Voice Volume, just like me! You are so special and we feel so blessed and lucky you were born in our family. We love you Sweet Little PayPay! Happy Birthday!!

"Christmas Eve Hazen Style!"

It was our first Christmas Eve that we have ever spent alone in our own house. We had to make up our own new family Traditions. We spent the better half of the afternoon baking for Christmas day. We had to use my Grandma's old recipe book to bake her famous cookies. Since she is no longer with us we have been left to carry out her baking legacy. Each of us sisters chose a couple of different types of cookies to make. I chose her M&M Cookies (my favorite) and Peanut Butter Cookies. The girls helped out quite a bit. We decided together as a family to have Fondue for Christmas Dinner. But, first we had to start with "Christmas Crackers", the kids were a little timid to make them pop, but loved wearing the crowns. The Fondue was delicious and surprise, surprise no one stuck there finger with the sharp fondue sticks! We had a fondue bowl to cook the chicken and beef in. As well as a Fondue bowl of cheese for the red potatoes, asparagus, little onion pearls, baby pickles, mushrooms, sourdough bread, and radishes. I think the kids had more fun cooking the food than eating it!

After dinner it was time to open the Pajamas! The kids thought I did a good job picking out their material for their jammies. Then it was off to the Weenig's for dessert! Thanks Allison for the yummy homemade Mint Brownies!!! We got home with enough time to read our last Christmas Book and open one more present each. The kids started to get worried after checking "Santa Tracker" on the computer, Santa may skip their house because they were still up. After sprinkling Reindeer food and leaving Santa milk and cookies they were off to bed! Then it was time for Santa and his Elves to get to work!

And boy, was he busy!

Christmas 2007

We wish you a Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!!!

Love, The Hazen Family

Rob, Rachel, R.J. (10) Madison (9) & Payton (4)

"The Nutcracker Ballet and Children's Choir 2007"

This is the third year Madison has performed in the Nutcracker Ballet. First year she was a Sentry, then a Soldier and now she is a Calvary Horseman. Aunt Laura (my sister) is in it too as Mrs. Claus (we have a very talented Family). Madison dances in the Battle Scene and protects Clara against the Rat King and his evil followers. To see Madison dancing on the stage brings tears to my eyes (you know how shy she is!) She steps out of her comfort zone and forgets the 600 people in the audience watching her. She's in her own world on stage and dances beautifully. We are once again so proud of her. This year we had a surprise with the Professional Principal dancer, the San Elijo Dance Academy hired Danny Tidwell, from the t.v. show, "So, You Think You Can Dance?" And let me tell you, he is better in person. Madison got to warm up with him and said he was so nice! You know it was killing me not to be back stage taking pictures of them together! Payton and R.J. also performed that night. They joined the Children's Choir that sang before the performances and at intermission. R.J. got to sing a solo in the song, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." And Payton sang a duet with cousin Emily in "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree!" Boy, my kids are Hams, I don't know where they get it!? It was such a treat to see them all perform this holiday season!

"Christmas Tradition #4!"

Going to see Santa! Check

Every year without fail we have visited Santa to give him our "Christmas Lists" that we've worked so hard on, that has every toy, video game, or doll that we have coveted throughout the year on it! And for the most important reason, to get the "money shot" of the kids on Santa's lap. I personally love it when the child cries when they are passed to Santa. It only scares them for a minute, but then you have years of laughter when looking back on that picture. The ones with with Madison trying to escape with her little Marble Eyes are our favorites. She is the only one in our family who has ever cried! R.J. in the beginning looked a little tense, but powered through it. Payton, never shed one tear and thoroughly enjoyed telling him exactly what she wanted. After seeing this years picture, Rob thinks R.J. may be getting too big for Santa (literally)! Poor Man-Child, he doesn't get to sit on Santa's lap. He was pushed to the side of Santa's seat. I really don't think he minded as song as he got to read his list. I was pleasantly suprised when Santa said, "Now I am going to study your list real hard and decide which things to give you. You may not recieve everything on this list because there are so many children in the world!" Thank you Santa! Actully the kids lists were very resonable. I think Santa will do just fine. Just chalk up these Santa Pictures up to Posterity! We display them every year, tears and all!

"Oh Holy Night!"

We took the kids to the Temple to see the lights and listen to the Carolers sing our favorite Christmas Hymns. Our perfect night was ruined by rain that did not let up for a minute. So, no Carolers and most of the lights at the Temple were off. But, we did not let that spoil our fun. (I hope we don't get in trouble for this!) But, since there was no one around we thought we'd get a really close look at the Nativity. And of course our children had to become a "PART" of the Nativity. They were really careful and gentle not to hurt the Nativity in any way. They loved seeing their faces up close and got a kick out of the animals. Who knows if we'd ever get another chance to be so "hands on" with the San Diego Temple Nativity Scene again!

"Christmas Tradition #3!"

My kids love opening up new Christmas P.J.s on Christmas Eve! So, a few years ago (with the help of my sweetest friend, Allison) I started to sew them their new jammies. I am not the most perfect seamstress, so don't look at them too closely. The kids loved that I made them especially for them, R.J. still won't give up some of his old ones that look like Capris now. I remember growing up and my mom doing the same thing! I'm so glad to be carrying on this special tradition. I made sure not to include any pictures with the "Chosen Fabric", I don't want to give anything away until Christmas Eve (Sorry Kids!!). I can't wait!!!

"Bridging to Girl Scouts"

Tonight we attended the Bridging Ceremony for Madison to become a Girl Scout. Bridging is an important transition in a Girl Scout's life. It's a defining moment when a girl becomes aware of her achievements and is ready for new adventures and responsibilities. She has been with the same group of girls in her troop since first grade. So, it was great to see these sweet Brownies "Fly-Up" to be Girl Scouts. They had the ceremony at the Quail Botanical Gardens. It was the perfect place, the actual ceremony was performed on a deck on the lake. The girls walked over the bridge to get there. After the ceremony the girl's and families enjoyed the holiday activities the garden provided. Christmas music was playing and we were able to roast marshmallows and do some holiday crafts. It was a good night to see Madison progress in something she really enjoys!