traveling saga

I figured it's about time to blog about my traveling saga. Most of you have heard the story now. I woked up last Tuesday morning to a snowy Spokane. Luckily, my flight left on time. The original flight plan was to fly from Spokane to Las Vegas, followed by a one hour layover. Then I would fly from Las Vegas to Kansas City. During the first leg of my flight, the flight attendants asked for a doctor. I perked up and noticed the frenzy in the front of the plane. A few nurses were able to assist the flight attendants with the emergencry. At this point I was still unaware of what was really happening. A few impatient passengers kept asking the flight attendants for peanuts, drink refills, etc. Then I heard one say, "There is a man having a heart attack. We are doign the best we can. Be patient." What!!! A heart attack?? Crazy. The in-flight service was then cancelled and the rest of the passengers were a little more patient. A few minutes later, the pilot says, "We are aware of the noise and we are doing everything we can to figure out where it's coming from." What noise?! I wasn't aware of a noise. Then, I heard the noise....a grumbling from the left side of the plane. An annoucement was made that we would be making an emergency landing in Salt Lake City. Panic!!! I was a little scared at this point. I got some candy out for the kids so that they would be distracted while I tried to find out what was going to happen. We landed safely. The fire department check out our plane, then we headed for the terminal. Heart attack guy was rushed off the plane. We were all told to sit tight while they figure out what to do with us. Finally we exited the plane, my stroller was no where to be found. Luckily I had a baby wrap to carry the baby in. I stood in line at customer service. While standing in line with my 2 little wiggle worms, I noticed a flight close by that was going to Denver and then Kansas City. Right then, a customer service representative asked for all Denver passengers to come forward. I ran to the front of the line as fast as I could. They were bumping people off the flight to fit us on. We boarded the plan and walked all the way back to the very last seats. There were 2 seats available. Actually 1 1/2 seats. It was a little cozy but it was our only option. We flew through Denver and then landed safely in Kansas City with no luggage. We made our report to the baggage claim office where they expected me to be irate. It didn't matter that my luggage and stroller were at 2 different airports. We had made it! My mom was hear to pick us up. She had diapers, food and anything else we would need. My luggage arrived in shifts the next day, along with an email from Southwest. They apologized for the inconvenience and explained the issue with the engine and gave both Madden and I a $100 credit. Woohoo! It was a crazy day but my kids were well behaved. We made it safely and that's all that maters!

The end! ...until we have to fly back on January 5th.

shepherd and santa

Saturday night was our ward Christmas Party. The sunbeam class was asked to put on the nativity. Madden was a shepherd. He planned all week long and was so excited to perform. He did a great job. I probably should not have given him props though. They made him even more wiggly.

We also went to Cabela's to see Santa. I was a little afraid that Madden would be scared but he loved it . He climbed right on to Santa's lap and started to chat. He told Santa that he was going to be at his Grandma Cindy's house and that he needed to bring his presents there. also He told Santa that he's been a good boy and that he wants more cars and trains for Christmas.

babies and trucks

Today at lunch, Madden said the following:

"Papa Bob needs to get lots of money so that he can buy a big truck because Grandma Cindy is going to start having lots of babies!"

Mom, Dad, what do you think? How about another half dozen kids? It could be fun!

In a related note, Matt so badly wants a truck. Not just any truck, a Toyota Tundra. He has wanted one forever but it's just not in the budget right now. Every time Madden finds change around the house, he runs upstairs to put it in Daddy's nightstand. He reminds me that this money is for Daddy to buy his truck.

Halle 1st Birthday!

My baby turned 1 yesterday! Time flies! I can't believe that it's already been a year. She has grown so much. Here are some pics of the fun we had.

The cupcakes!

My cute girl in her Christmas dress

Opening her new baby doll from Grandma Cindy. She loves it. She's been giving the baby lots of kisses.

She also loves her new ball popper toy!

We had cake and presents at Grandma Cheryl's house. Here is our whole famliy! The kids were enjoying their cupcakes despite the sour looks on their faces.

A 1st birthday wouldn't be complete without a picture with cake smeared all over her face. She loved her red velvet cupcakes. She ate all of the frosting first. When she finished her cupcake, she started looking for more! We love you Halle-bear!

A few things about our cute babe:

*she loves clementine oranges

*she loves her daddy

*she has taken a few steps on her own, it won't be long until she is an official walker

*she loves to play with her brother

*she loves to climb the stairs, she just can't climb down

*she has one tooth and another coming in soon

*she has very little hair...I'm hoping to be able to do pig tails by her first day of kindergarten

*she loves her bed, she does not like to sleep in my arms or in the car

*she loves to give kisses

*she loves shoes

*she still takes 2 naps a day

*she answers to a few different names: Halle, Halle-bear, Babe

*She is a wonderful and precious addition to our family.We love our little bear!

Lion King!

On Saturday night, we took all of our young women to see Lion King. It was son fun. We had dinner before at the Campbell's house then we piled into a few cars a headed out for our night on the town. The play was amazing...the costumes were incredible...the music was spectacular...the company was wonderful. We had such a good time. The elephants were probably my favorite custume, although Pumba's costume was pretty amazing too. And Nala's voice was breathtaking. This was definitely a memorable night and I'm glad that I got to share it with my beautiful girls!

Me and Haley

The entire group! Aren't these girls gorgeous?!!

Haley, Kenzie, Madilyn, Erin, Gabrielle, Ally, Amy with Chi and Hiromey in the background

daddy's girl

A few weeks ago, I went to LA for a business trip. The kids stayed behind with Matt. While I was gone, they really bonded. Now, she's a true daddy's girl. If you ask her "where's daddy?" she looks right at him with a huge cheesy grin. I am totally thrilled. She was a mommy's girl for the first 11 months of her life, it's daddy's turn. He quite likes it too!

funny pic and favorite toys

This is Madden's new favorite picture. He likes it upside down. I tried to turn it and he threw a fit!

Both of my  kids love to play with my canned food. Here is Maddens tower and bridge. Who needs toys!

snuggles

Halle can be a little shy. When other people try to hold her, she usually snuggles because she doesn't really know what else to do. During the BYU game on Saturday, she gave Grandpa Earnie an extra long snuggle.

Trouble!!!

Madden's 4th Birthday

Yesterday was Madden's 4th Birthday. Wow, time flies. We started the day with one present...the movie UP. He could hardly contain himself when he saw all of his presents. He wanted to open them all now but we made him wait to open the rest. Then we had lucky charms, his favorite cereal.

We headed off to Build-a-Bear next where he received the birthday boy treatment. I had a coupon for a free bear. We paid an extra dollar for the turkey noise! He had a blast! Feathers is a nice addition to his toy collection.

Next we had lunch at Red Robin with Grandma Cheryl and Daddy. I forgot to take pictures though. But here is a picture of  Halle with the Turkey for your viewing pleasure.

We came home and played with his new toys. For Birthday dinner, we had pancakes. Followed by cake and ice cream with the Howell's.

Here are the kiddos playing with the animal doctor kit that he got from Grandma Cindy. Let's just say that all of our animals are now very healthy.

We had such a fun day together. Madden is an amazing kid and we are so lucky to have him.

Here are a few things about him:

*he loves to build forts...everyday

*he loves his baby sister

*he loves to read books

*he has more energy than any kid I know

*he loves to eat snacks

*he loves to play computer games

*he wants to be just like his daddy

*he is a great toy cleaner-upper

*he gives the best hugs

*he is finally fully officially permanently POTTY TRAINED!!! (we've been working on this for over a year now and and he's been offically a big boy for 4 weeks, I was afraid to announce it for fear that he would regress but I think we are safe now! yeah!)

a poodle and a kitty!

This is Halle and her friend Kenley! Kenley is 3 months old. Someday, these two will cause lots of trouble. Can't wait!

Halle still didn't like her costume when I put it on her on Halloween night. She was also a little sick that night. But, she makes one cute little pink poodle!

Girls night and Guys night!

Two weeks ago, Matt went on a campout with his guy friends. Us girls got together for a slumber party while the men were away. We had a blast. We ate, painted, crafted, watched movies, and entertained the kids (all 12 of them). The kids decorated pirate and pricess hats and had a little fashion show and parade.

Here are the kids making their craft.

Argggh Matey!

Portland

A few weeks ago we went to Portland to visit some old friends. We had so much fun hanging out with Jared, Dani, Jacob, Claire, Jarom and Katie.

Here is Madden making his calzone.

Here's the whole group (minus Dani who was taking the pic) at Voo Doo donuts. I think that the maple bacon bar and grape donut were my favorites.

This is Jared, Jarom and Matt. There met freshman year at BYU and continue to be great friends. They are wonderful guys and we always have fun with them.

We went to a beautiful rose garden. The kids ran around causing chaos while we enjoyed the gorgeous scenery.

I just love this picture. Matt truly loves his baby girl. I love watching him make a fool of himself to for a laugh. He is so good to his baby girl.

Halloween preview…trunk or treat

We went to the annual church Halloween party. Madden wore his costume all day because he was so excited for the party!

Halle doesn't really like her costume. I'm hoping that she will tolerate it for a few minutes on Halloween night. She looks so cute in it.

Donald Lightyear has also been visiting us!

Primary program

This past Sunday was our primary program. It was interesting. Madden was "that Kid" who couldn't hold still or stop bugging the other kids around him. Let me start from the beginning. Madden wanted me to walk him up to the stand. Then he didn't want me to leave so I sat down on the front row facing him. I happened to be next to the Bishop and his wife. He sits down next to another little boy. Immediately they start showing off their ties and spiky hair and start talking about their toys. I make eye contact and remind him to fold his arms and close his mouth. It doesn't work. His teacher comes over to hush the two boys. It doesn't work. She hushes them again, and again, and again. I continue to remind him to sit down, fold his arms, and take his feet off the wall, keep his hands to himself. It doesn't work. A member of the primary presidency comes to sit by him. By this time, the other little boy is calm and reverent. Madden is not. She continues to try to hush him and get him to hold still and be quiet. It doesn't work. The Bishop's wife leans over and reminds me that she's been in my shoes before. I mouth to the counselor in the primary presidency and ask if she wants me to come and sit with him and she willingly gives up her seat. I take my seat next to my wiggly, noisy kid and he continues to not listen. I start to take away privileges. It doesn't work. I try to physically hold him down, it doesn't work. By the end of the program, Madden lost tv, computer games, books, and candy. And I lost my mind! As soon as they said the closing prayer, I pulled him out of his chair and took him to Matt and told him to take Madden to the car for a BIG time out. I sit down with Halle so that I could cool down. I was angry! While I sat there, four different people came up to me and told me that he was hilarious and cute. I didn't think so at the time. When we got home that night, Madden began to do chores to earn back his privileges. He picked up toys, he ate dinner by himself and cleaned his plate, and he put his pjs on by himself. When I woke up on Monday and continued to find chores for him to do, I realized that this isn't something I need to continue to be mad about. Even though I would have preferred to watch the primary program from my seat and watched my son be reverent, he still learned a lesson about consequences. Our behavior has improved this week. He has been more obedient.

I must mention, when Madden went up to the microphone to say his part, he did a wonderful job. He proudly climbed up the stool and with a loud and clear voice, he said, "I like to keep my body clean (slurp), so I can enter into God's temple."

I can now laugh about the situation. I think that in order to survive motherhood, we have to remind ourselves to laugh. Laugh at ourselves, laugh at our kids and laugh at each other. So….laugh and laugh some more because it will make you feel like a better mother.

my babies

 

Can you tell them apart? I looked back through baby pictures of Madden today and my kids make the exact same facial expressions. I really do have a boy and girl version of the same cute baby!!

my handsome boy!

 

my beautiful girl!

 

marriage

 

Madden: Mom, when babe gets bigger like you, I'm going to marry her in the temple just like you and dad. And babe will wear a princess dress and I will wear a tie.

I felt like I should document this moment so that when they are teenagers and hate eachother, I can remind Madden of this. He will probably hate me for it but I don't care. It's too sweet!

10 months old!

 

Can you believe my baby is already 10 months old?! I can't! It has gone way too fast!! We are just loving our little girl. She keeps us so busy. Here a few things about our silly little Halle-bear:
*She loves to play on the stairs. She can crawl up but has not learned how to crawl down yet. She tends to giggle and wiggle while climbing the stairs so we have to follow her up so she doesn't fall.
*She loves Madden and thinks that he is hilarious. Some days he is the only one who can get a laugh out of her.
*She loves to drink water.
*She loves to eat fruit and is not the biggest fan of veggies.
*She loves pop tarts!!!
*She makes lots of funny noises with her mouth and tongue. She also loves to spit!
*When someone sings, she sings along too.
*She loves to wake up at night....not so fun for me.
*She loves the bath and would stay in the tub for an hour if I let her.
*She wiggles and squirms when I change her diaper.
*She learned how to stand up in her high chair and in the shopping cart.
*She loves her shoes!
*She takes 2 good naps every day.
*She occasionally snuggles.
*She loves her plug!!
*She still has no hair and no teeth. Her first tooth has been trying to come in for almost a month now.

Table for 18

 

 

 

 

One night, we went to Legends for a little shopping and the T-Rex restaurant. We walked in with all of our kids and I was personally a little scared that we were going to have a melt down but the kids were great. The restaurant comes to life every few minutes and all of the dinosaurs move and roar. The have a real shark tank and lots of other life-like animals. It's really cool and the food is wonderful!