Bye Bye And Hello!

Well it is a happy but sad time in our house...Jared will be taking a new job!

Wipfli, aka Micheal R. Bell, was where Jared was first hired.  Tyson, a fellow friend and classmate, saw Jared's resume and they interviewed him back in 2006.  

Let's recap.  Jared went to Whitworth in 1999-2004.  He didn't finish his psychology major right away because of well, girl problems:).  Then we started dating and I STRONGLY encouraged him to finish his degree, which he did.  An independent study, women's rights class, and an art class at the Spokane Falls Community College and he graduated, walking with me actually (even though he is a year older).   I was so proud of him, all while he continued to work full time at Walker Construction.  Growing up on the diary, he had lots of "labor" hours and worked with another family friend doing construction in Spokane.  He was then hired by Walker.  Well a few below zero days and lots of rain later, Jared didn't know what he wanted to do with his career.  Meanwhile I graduated and was teaching; I had found my purpose.  After more encouragement, we took a few online personality inventories and they all said he would be a great accountant.  After reviewing these with him, he said "Yeah, my mom told me I would be a great accountant like my Uncle Tom."  Hmmm, would have been nice if you would have listened dearest and saved us a few years of college and CPA expenses:).  Being so similar in personality to his CPA Uncle Tom, Jared decided to pursue an accountant career.  He enrolled in accounting/business classes in order to sit for the CPA.  Jared took a year of classes at EWU downtown while he worked construction but then the elementary school he was building finished up and he quit to pursue accounting options.  

Tyson's company, Micheal R. Bell, hired this construction working, psychology degree major in hopes that he would work out.  Staring at $11 an hour, he interned there the first year.  Then he was officially hired and continued taking classes for a little over a year which eventually merged into him studying for the CPA.  After failing his first CPA exam while I was pregnant with Hudson, he then waited until Hudson was born and then studied and passed his first test.  Almost two years later he had his CPA.  Almost 4 years after starting with Micheal R. Bell, the company was acquired by Wipfli.  The hours increased.  Michael R. Bell, the owner of this small firm and boss, retired.  Jared had started to become one of the "audit" guys which meant lots of travel.  When Hannah was 8 weeks old, he was gone 4 out of 6 weeks in the fall and winter.  It was rough!  Not to mention summer and so on.  His billable hours were higher and even though he did a great job, he knew he had to work way more hours to continue at this public firm, Wipfli.  Almost 2 years after the merger, Jared has worked way more Saturdays than not.  He was starting to get to the point where he had a deadline almost every week which meant working in the evenings, Saturdays, and still traveling.  Hence the backpack in the pictures, his audit gear, that he took home nightly so he could work from home.  We were really missing him as a family.  

After over a year of searching for a new job, we were offered a position with our friend Tyson at a hospital in Davenport.  We were desperate for a change but just didn't feel this is where the Lord was leading us.  Low and behold a Northwest Farm Credit Services position as a Financial Analyst popped up.  Northwest Farm Credit wasn't a company on our radar and who isn't more perfect for a financial analyst than Jared?!  So he applied.  He got an interview, and then a second.  The interview team said they unanimously wanted to hire him.  We couldn't be more proud!  Now he will have a steep learning curve they said his first two years.  He doesn't know the ledger system but rather lots of health care medicare/medicaid and cost reports.  The interview team consisted of the controller and a few others who had worked in public accounting and wanted to see their families as well:).  The hours are supposed to be very family friendly and little to no travel but the best bonus is he still gets the flexibility, which we were fearful to lose.  

While we were excited we also were sad to be abandoning ship on Jared's peak busy season.  Farm Credit was very understanding and offered Jared a 3 week notice to his currently employer to help as much a possible.  With a start date of May 27th, Jared will be working crazier hours than normal, wait maybe this is normal?!:).  He will actually be working both jobs the last week of May.  Wipfli has lost two other managers in the 3 previous months, so to lose a third in a 14 person office is quite the hit.  Jared felt awful leavening them in a pinch so he will be working his tail off to help out as much as possible the last week of May.   Wipfli has been a wonderful place to work for.  The people there are hard working, they care, but we are just not a public accounting firm family.  

Jared's always been told he was a good "leaner"
Backpack in tow!

On one of our Monday's after gymnastics, we popped by Wipfli to bring donuts and give all the hard working employees a pick me up, and to say good bye to a few:).  Hudson really enjoyed picking out the donuts!

We love you daddy!  

We can't wait to spend more time with you as a family!

I'm A Believer

Last Tuesday, May 13th, was Hudson's culminating Awana night.  Then ended with a whole group awards session.  Here are all his leaders:

They were so sweet and passed out awards to each Cubbie along with a cup, crazy straw, and some gummy bears.  Hudson was most excited about the gummy bears.  

This day is very special because it's the day Hudson asked Jesus into his heart.  We have been talking all year about how to be a follower of Christ.  What a Christian is.  How to be one.  I didn't just want him to pray it but I wanted him to understand it a bit more.  His Awana homework was perfect in facilitating these conversations.  I love the Awana program because it's a curriculum.  I love a set curriculum, but I also like to deviate from it:).  Many conversations have happened during Awana homework but tonight's was different.  After finishing our last Cubbie's lesson I asked him if he believed in Jesus.  Hudson replied "Of course!"  So I then asked him if he would like to ask Jesus into his heart and become a follower of Christ.  I modeled a prayer and he just instinctually repeated it, I didn't ask him to, and asked Jesus into his heart.   

So after his Awana awards, Hudson headed with Pops in the hot rod to get some frozen yogurt at my favorite local joint.

We then shared the news with Nana, Pops, and daddy about Hudson's newest accomplishment.  We are so proud of you Hudson.  Welcome to the family little buddy!  

Since then he's been sharing it around town!  At Gigi & Gpas, he saw his Awana pastor at Dairy Queen, this kids on fire.  One of the best parts was one of my Bible Study leaders just published a book.  It talks about being a Christian and armoring yourself with the Lord.  I truly recommend it!  

PS: A few days later while doing night time prayers, he prayed that Hannah would accept Christ as her Savior.  What a tender heart!  I love this boy!

Haak Family Fun

As daddy's hours at work are increasing, he still manages to have a little fun with us:).

Teaching Hudson how to shoot the BIG Nerf Gun:).

Then it went from Batman to Super Daddy to Super Hannah!

"I see him Hannah!  I'll get him!"

Daddy quickly trying to reload...

Some super héros have guns, some have toothbrushes.

But most of all they are  a crime/daddy fighting pair. 

Beyond blessed!

Hudson @ 5!!!

My how time flies.  It seems it was just yesterday and our little guy was the same age as Hannah...

Now he's all grown up!  He even has a mustache:).  

He was brave and got his kindergarten shots like a pro!  He went in brave and wrinkled his nose after the first one but didn't even budge.  Afterwards we went out to get a reward, his choice!  And he chose...

Yes he is all boy!  A gun:).

One activity we have been committed to this past year is Awana.  Hudson loves it and I can't express how much we do too!  He comes home telling us what he's learned and is building a Biblical foundation.  It's so nice to have a "curriculum" to teach your child about Christ!

On this particular night, he came home telling us he wanted to worship God forever because that will make God happy.  What a sweetheart!  I asked him "What is worship?"  He said "Forever."  So then I asked him "How do you worship?"  He didn't know but it lead to a conversation on what worship is.  I love his heart!  I hope we continue to build that foundation and model daily what a life of a follower of Christ looks like.  He has an amazing heart that I hope never changes!

He is also our warrior ninja.  The other day, we were battling, and Hudson got all these weapons and I was able to use my hands.  Hmm, not quite fair.  Finally I was allowed the Ninja Turtle gun:).  He often packs his "weapons" in his shirt like the Ninja Turtles.  

He continues to love "schoolwork" and calls it one of his hobbies:).  One of our favorite activities to do is ABC mouse.  Hudson has really learned a lot from this app from letters, sounds, counting, puzzle skills, map skills, and so on.  He does a learning path lesson most days and usual begs for more!

Headphones...not plugged in

He's a snuggler and loves bedtime, still.  Thank goodness one child does!  His pink seahorse is no longer.  He loved it's "soothing music" but alas there was a recall on them, or should have been, and he voluntarily gave it up.  He often mentions how he misses it.  

We have continued gymnastics this whole year and he has grown by leaps in bounds.  He can walk the balance beam, without help!  Still working on his tuck rolls and not using his neck.

He loved the parade this year!  He was so happy to pass out candy but his type A personality had a hard time not passing one out to everyone:).

He went to his first theatre movie, The Lego Movie.  He loved it but did have a hard time falling asleep that night.  He kept mentioning shadows.

Schoolwork is another pastime he enjoys.

Hannah sits with him.  She's say "cheese."

Since I work every other Wednesday, Hudson often asks "Can Hannah come to Lexies today?"  All but one time, he has respond with a "Yes!" when she gets to come but there has been 1 "Yes" to her not coming.  Apparently this was during Mother's Day projects and Hannah enjoys touching other kids projects and knocking down their houses:).  He truly enjoys being with his sister which is a delight for Jared and I!



He continues to love Magic School Bus, Hugs & Kisses, hugging (squeezing) his sister, climbing rocks at the park, Ninja Turtles, friends, he wants to marry his sister, loves nonfiction (Zoobooks, Wild Kratts, Octonauts, mighty machines, blue planet), fish talks with Gpa, loves being daddy's helper, and always wants sister at Miss Lexies asking every time "Can Hannah come?".   There was one day he said "Yes" to her not coming and apparently she was knocking over people's towers of blocks.  Shocker!  

He is just adorable! Smiles, curls, and a sweet personality that seeks to please.

Mornings in our bed are this favorite with a little Curious George for Hannah.

Another thing I started doing this spring was Bible Study at our church.  We get to join our dear friends Colton and Landon.  Hudson loves to hold his sister's hand and lead her in:).  He really loves his sister so deeply.  He is such a caring brother and always protecting of her.

He has been a bit confused by Hannah's "parts."  He asked the other day "Where's Hannah's peanuts?"  I replied with, "Well buddy, she's a girl.  She has different privates and they aren't peanuts, which is pronounced..." and then I explained both parts.  Fun times!  Daddy's turn next time!

He is getting more adventurous!  With little persuasion, he went on the four wheeler!

He has been a bike riding machine, with training wheels of course!  Sister kicked him off the trike and he's taken off!

He even mailed his own birthday invitations!  He loves to go for rides to the mailbox and the big loop.

We celebrated his 5th birthday with his cousin Raylee, 2, in Sunnyside with all the cousins!
Hudson loved pushing the girls in the coup car.

We all chipped in to rent a jumpy house and even Great Grandpa joined in on the fun!

Then the bow and arrows came out, Nerf ones of course!

He was really into opening presents this year:).

Although afterwards he wanted to go back in the jumping house!

Have I mentioned this kid loves sweets?!

This year we had his 5th birthday at Spokane Gymnastics where he attends weekly.  We had it the weekend before his birthday which caused quite a bit of confusion on Hudson's part because he kept saying "I'm not 5 yet!"  "It's not my real birthday!"  Then when his real birthday came, he wanted to know where his party and friends were.  Well buddy, we just had it!

At Spokane Gymnastics, part of the fee is you get a coach.  How awesome is that?!  I didn't have to run the party, the coach did it. She asked what I wanted and I said a little instruction and then some free time to play.  They started off with the obstacle course, trampoline, and ended in the foam pit with a zip line!  So fun!

They always write on the trampoline!

I remember a friend saying this is the last year you can really invite the whole class so I let Hudson pick who he wanted to invite.  He wanted his entire preschool class and a few close friends.  We were still over in numbers but a few didn't end up coming so it worked out perfect!

Group shot!

The boys had lots of fun!

Although it was a gymnastics party, I still wanted a theme:).  He chose dinosaurs but I would have bet money on a Ninja Turtle theme.  

After some play time, we headed upstairs for some snacks and treats.  Hudson was a big shy while everyone sang:).

We opened presents and then had extra time so the kids ended with more play time.  They had a ball and it was truly the best party ever!

On his actual birthday, this was his party, Hannah and I!  I did make some homemade pancakes with fresh fruit.  It was a relaxed morning:).

Later that night, Pops wanted Hudson to ride the saddle at Texas Roadhouse.  At first he was telling the lady he was 5 and he wasn't too sure about it but then Pops did the cowboy lasso sign and he busted it out himself.  The people were laughing!  Atta boy!

This was by far the best egg hunt we've ever done with Hudson.  I set a goal of 10 eggs for him and he doubled it!

We've had a few doctor appointments for our Hud Bud this year.  Since he gets croup pretty frequently and having a 9-1-1 visit this summer, our pediatrician recommended we visit an ENT.  He did a nose scope and he was so brave.  The ENT said his vocal box was great but his tonsils were odd shaped and he wanted to keep an eye on him.  Recently Hudson said he couldn't hear very well out of one ear saying "The voices are this big in this ear (showing an couple inches with fingers) and they are this big in this ear (couple centimeters with fingers)."  So I called to have his hearing tested.  3 weeks later we got in!  She had ears cleaned out first and then did the test.  His hearing is fine, although I feel I yell at him often when we are outside or in large crowds.  Maybe he's just ignoring me?!  We do have a follow up this summer to discuss tonsils and adenoids.

A few of his favorite phrases are:

"I love that!"

"I just wanted that" "This is just what I wanted"

"Hey Pops!"

"Sure I'll help you!"

"That's what I'm talking about."

"Hannah, let's sing a song Twinkle Twinkle"

"Of course!"

"No way!" - when he is insecure or doesn't want to do something

"Not exactly" - Means no

"Discipline her!" - directed towards his sister

He is using some words/phrases incorrectly like this:

"Are all part of my habitat"

In a conversation with Nana, Nana said she's a toilet paper crumpler.  Hudson replied with "No Nana, you should fold it! I'm a toilet paper folder!"

After much persuasion and 45 minute+ haircuts he let Miss Yvonne buzz his hair!  VICTORY!

Doesn't he look so grown up?!

He loves with his Jaguar T-Rex.  He moves, talks, transforms into a tow truck and states interesting facts.  Hudson even discovered he eats Graham Crackers:).

At 5, Hudson is this big when compared to a Gorilla!

He has really expressed an interest in maps and can read them quite well!

He thinks he wants to be a jet pilot some day.  I hope you realize this means you will go very fast dear boy!

He loves the water lately!  Begging to go swimming in pools and kicking his feet in the ocean.  He is enrolled in swimming lessons for summer.  He kept wanting to go deeper and deeper but he didn't have a life jacket and he doesn't know how to swim yet.  So we're working on it!

His naps are fazing out, which I'm thankful for.  He doesn't take them with me but does for an hour or so at Miss Lexie's.  He does catch a few car naps often though:).

He loved Uncle Joe's cat, Master Chief.  He asks for a dog or cat often.  We keep telling him when we move:).

He loved Star Tours with my brother.  He's totally Joe's twin!

He even tried the swings ride at California Land!

I have never met two guys so similar.  There are so many things Hudson does that reminds me of Joe!

Although he may be switching gears to be a race car driver:).

Hudson we have enjoyed the past 5 years!  You made me a mom and I'm learning right along with you buddy.  Thank you for your patience, kind words, loving attitude, pleasing personality, and desire to follow God.  You are really coming out of your shell and surprise us daily!
We are so proud of you!
Thank you God for this blessing and gift!