Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!


Getting 7 people to look straight and smile is impossible!!


Calendars were a big hit! They loved them!

Enjoying the gifts and trying to tell Tanner there is more to open.
Getting some pictures in before the fun starts!!

Hayden looking at the tree. I love this picture!

Mommy was having fun with Aunt Kellie's new camera!

Having fun with the family. Special holiday memories!!
Merry Christmas !!!! ( Just a few days late) We had a wonderful Christmas with the family. It was great to relax and enjoy some quality time together. Aunt Kellie flew in from Florida to spend Christmas in a winter wonderland. She was cold the entire time. She is trying to convince us that next year Christmas should be in Florida!!! Christmas morning was crazy with paper and gifts overtaking the living room. The kids had a blast and spend the day enjoying their new treasures. I made my mom's famous cinnamon rolls and was reminded why I make these only once a year. They are SO not good for the waistline!! Our big gift this year was the Wii. It has been a huge hit. Watching the kids play is so fun. The kids beat mom in almost every sport and they think that is hysterical. I am practicing and soon I will be able to take them on. Watching Grandma and Papa play is a special treat. I love listening to the kids "talk smack" as they play. Hayden was bowling and got a strike and said, "that's what I am talking about.." Rylee is our little secret weapon. She is amazing! My husband often reminds my that I am getting beat by my 5 year old. Thanks Honey!!! The rest of the day was spent playing, eating, and playing some more. It has been a wonderful Christmas. Thank you Jesus for sending your Son, the reason we celebrate! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. May God richly bless you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

34 is not old, right?


34 is young, at least that is what I keep telling myself. On Friday, December 19th I turned 34. How did that happen! Where did the time go? My birthday was wonderful!! It began with Hayden, Kallie, Rylee, and Emma singing "Happy B-day to Mommy". Tanner was there providing the dancing to go along with the music!! We were spending our morning getting ready to send the kids to school to enjoy their last day of school before Christmas Break. Steve was outside, trying to find the car under the large amount of snow that had fallen the night before. We were a little surprised that school was not canceled!! After the troops left, I called daycare to let them know that Rylee wanted to spend the day with mommy and I was greeted with the answering phone message that daycare was closed due to the weather. I immediately called Steve and told him to turn around, school was canceled. (We have always gotten a call in the past, so we didn't check the website. A lesson we have now learned!!) But do not worry, it was not a total loss, mom got a birthday mocha for breakfast!! Yum!! The kids were so excited when they got home. We spent the morning on the couch watching a movie with the whole family. I opened my presents and received a digital photo frame (love it!) and a set of puzzles from the kids. Now I could spend the day being lazy and doing a puzzle. It was wonderful. Steve was busy on the phone trying to figure out if they could play the b-ball games that were scheduled for that night. I was praying that they would get canceled so that I could go out to dinner with my husband!! My wish was granted!! It was a birthday miracle!! We enjoyed a lovely dinner then went to my favorite store, Target, and shopped. (My husband must really love me) I had a perfect day. As I look back over this last year, I'm reminded that I am not just getting a year older, I am getting the privilege of spending more time with those that I love: my husband, my children, my family, my friends. What greater gift is there!!

Snow Day!!!


There is something peaceful about fresh, fallen snow!


Rylee and Kallie all bundled up!!

Enjoying the winter wonderland!
Nothing is better then the first, big snowfall. The kids beg to go outside. They can't wait to make snow angels and have a snowball fight! They love it!! I love that they go outside and get some fresh air and exercise. It is wonderful to hear the squeals of laughter that come from a day of playing in the snow. The worse part of snow days is getting them ready to go outside to play. It is always chaos no matter how hard I try to organize their snow stuff. No one can find anything!! "Mom, I can't find my hat! Where is my scarf? Do I even have boots that fit? I think it is nice out, I am going to where my light jacket." (Rylee) Steve and I are tired, frustrated, and sweating by the time they are ready to go play. Now, we start praying that no one has to go potty. Taking everything off is another battle!! Our goal is that they are outside longer than it took us to get them ready. Where is Tanner and Emma? They are inside taking a much needed nap. It is bad that we waited until nap time to let them go outside so that we would have less kids to get ready? With 5 kids, you start to learn some tricks :)

















Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I Love "Sugar Pal"




Tanner's new passion is the Disney movie "Cars" otherwise known in our house as "Sugar Pal." Don't ask me how this nickname started, but I do know that Rylee was the mastermind. She started saying it and it stuck. Now the whole family refers to Lightening McQueen as "Sugar Pal." Watching Tanner watch this movie is quite comical. He has seen the movie more times than I can count, but each time I put it in, he is in wonder at the edge of his seat. He asks, "Mom, what happen ... what happen?" He gasps, laughs, and gets so excited during the race scenes as if to say, "I wonder who will win?" I would love to get inside his head and see what he is thinking. Nothing else can make him happier then this movie, except maybe his blanket. We got him a Lightening McQueen blanket for Christmas. That should be a huge hit!!! If you ever have a conversation with this 2 year old, "Sugar Pal" will be apart of it. He wakes up asking to watch it and goes to bed asking if he can watch it tomorrow. When we are at a friend's house and they don't have it, he is totally disgusted. "How can you not own the greatest movie ever?" We are trying to broaden his horizons, but he is not interested. If it is not "Sugar Pal" he is not entertained. What are we going to do with you, son!!






Tuesday, December 9, 2008

We've been hit... hit hard!

Well, I guess wishing that the flu would pass us by this year is not going to happen. It hit and hit hard. Tanner (2) got it first. I was changing diapers that were making me gag. Just when I thought, well it could be worse... it got worse. At 12:30pm, he was laying in vomit. The smell hit me halfway down the stairs. I knew that what I was going to find, was not going to be good. How do you try to explain to a 2 year old that mommy has to bathe him at 1:00am, while he is half asleep and feeling lousy? I got him dried and changed while Steve was cleaning up the sheets and making him a make shift bed in our room, so that we could be close for the next round. The night was rough. The instructions we gave him on the benefits of spitting up in the bowl were lost on his 2 year old mind. He looked up at us as if to say, "that is a great idea mom and dad, but I would rather you make it stop." I hate watching my kids go through it. It is a form of parent torture!! After the throw up stopped, the diapers came. I have never changed so many horrifying diapers in my life. Saturday night he threw up again. Sunday morning, I stayed home with Tanner and Emma (3) because she started to complain that her tummy was hurting. Nothing happened with her (yet) but she was slightly warm and very whinny. Yea!! Sunday night, Rylee (5) ,who was at church, had to be driven home because she was feeling gross. Thirty minutes later, she started throwing up. Sunday night, Rylee was in our room, sicker than a dog. It was so sad!! She was miserable. Sometime in the night, my husband, jumps out of bed and runs downstairs. (Sonic hearing) Next thing I know, Emma has come up, needing to take a bath. (Mommy is getting so good at this by now!!) Now, Steve and I are trying to make some kind of bed with the remnant of sheets and blankets that are left. (My laundry room is standing room only with sets of sheets waiting to be cleaned) I am finding myself having the same thoughts I had during labor and delivery. "Don't worry, Steph, this will be over soon. You can do it. What is one day of pain and agony." You can imagine that this was a restful night. Every sound, moan, toss, cry, make me jump and ask, "do you need me? are you throwing up?" At one point I am telling Rylee, "grab the bowl, grab the bowl!" and Rylee is sound asleep, Emma would be the one needing assistance. That is what lack of sleep can do to your brain. Just a side note: praise God that Rylee and Emma can spit up in a bowl. This makes clean up so much easier!! Around 3:30am, after another round of sickness, I looked at Steve and said, "who is next?" We both said, "Hayden." We can see the future, because at 5:30am Hayden (9) comes to our room and says, "I am sick. I threw up in the bathroom. Some of it is on the rug." When it rains, it pours. This time, I am upstairs cleaning up the mess. Steve and I thought we would switch things up a bit. I get the mess, he gets the kid and the chore of figuring out where Hayden would sleep. (our room is not that big) We thought that would make it more exciting. Change of pace, always thrilling! (Not really, I was praying that I would not gag. It was a miracle that I did not.) After we all get settled in our new sleeping arrangements, I lean over to Steve and say," I am going to cry when you leave for work in the morning!" Monday morning arrives and Steve takes Kallie to school, the rest of us are on the couch, half dead. Tanner was still asleep. A few moments later, I hear Tanner at the top of the stairs, calling me. When I get to him, he has a huge smile on his face and proclaims, "Mommy, I poopy!" This was a understatement. He was wearing the contents of his diaper. You have got to be kidding me. Another set of sheets need to be clean, my son need a bath, I am going to vomit. I really need a vacation!!!! I know what you are thinking, this nightmare must be over soon, right, wrong!!! Monday after school, Kallie comes home, sick to her stomach. Bring it on!! By Monday night, everyone seems to be better, but now Mom is feeling off. It is starting, so I raid my medicine cabinet to try to prevent it. By bedtime, I feel much better. At 4:30am, a guest arrives at our door. Rylee is burning up. I go get her Tylenol, and she lays down in our bed. Not even ten minutes later, we hear the sound.. you know what I mean. My husband leaps out of bed and turns on the light in one motion. It was very impressive!! Now we are scrambling for the bowl and looking to see if "it" is on our bed. By some miracle, it misses the bed and landed in the bowl. We are amazed. We find ourselves making Rylee a new bed, on the floor, and praying that this would all end. It is now Tuesday and I am wasted. I have nothing left. I want to sleep for a week, but I am a mommy and we don't have sick days.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Sometimes you just need a place to hide...



Being the youngest child in a family of 5 can take a lot out of you. Tanner is a tropper and plays his role well, but everyone needs a break once in a while. I guess Tanner needed an escape. He wanted to separate himself from those kids and get some peace and quiet. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I found him playing in his "fort" all by himself. He was having the time of his life. He was laughing, talking and chillin' with his sippy cup full of milk. He looked so cute!! I love his imagination. I would love to know what he is thinking inside that cute head of his. Just curious Moms, why do our kids love to play in boxes instead of the toys that we buy them?
Oh well, at least he is happy and entertaining himself. I love that!!! Tanner, enjoy your quiet time in your fort. In this family, peace and quiet is hard to find!!









Friday, November 28, 2008

Things I am Thankful for ...

During this time of year, the question gets asked, "What are you thankful for?" Most of us, including me, would answer, God, my family, friends, etc. This year, I wanted to look for the things that I was thankful for that sometimes I miss because I am busy living life. Here are some of the things that I was reminded of this Thanksgiving ...

* Hugs with Daddy - I am thankful for a husband that loves me dearly and adores his kids.
Emma is enjoying a special hug from Daddy. Everyone knows that Daddy hugs are the best!

* Picky eaters - I am thankful for my little toddler, even when he hates what I am feeding him!


* Our Daughters - I am thankful for quiet, happy playing without arguing!!!


* Hayden - I am thankful for our son and his vivid imagination!!


* Grandma and Papa - I am thankful for Grandma and Papa, always great food, and quality time spent with those we love!

* Sleeping Child - I am thankful for a much needed rest for a very tired little angel!
* Having a camera at the perfect time! What a shot, Mommy!

* Relaxing - I am thankful that the kids get to relax and spend time with daddy!!

* Chocolate - I am thankful for chocolate!! What holiday can be without it!!
This Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the little things in life that make my life so special. May God richly bless your family this holiday season. Take a moment to thank God for the little blessings that He gives to us each day. Happy Thanksgiving to our family. We love and miss you all. Give everyone a hug and kiss from Uncle Steve and Aunt Steph. Love you all!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Lightfest 8k Race


Before the race!


After the race, we did it!!!

We did it!!! We were cold and tired, but we did it. Keri and I were determined this year to get to the race earlier so that we would not have to wait in a long line for the shuttle to take us to the start of the race. (a hard lesson to learn last year as we froze in line forever) The plan was to meet up at the field house at 5:15 and dropped off the kids and head to the race. At 5:25, I come tearing through the parking lot, telling the kids to help everyone get unbuckled and get in the gym. I grab Tanner's hand and pull him along, explaining the whole way that mommy is late and he needs to hurry. The next thing I know, he is on the pavement, face down crying. I gasp, and grab him, expecting his face to be bleeding, but praise God, nothing. Just tears!! I give him a hug, tell him that I am so sorry, and race into the gym to pass him off to dad. (still crying, so sorry dad, Bye) Now, I run to Keri's van and explain why I never seem to get out of the house in the amount of time my mind imagines that I can. We get there in plenty of time! The parking lot is almost empty. We get on a shuttle right away and head to the starting line. (after a short potty break) Feeling so proud of ourselves, we look down at our watch... wait, that is not quite accurate. Keri had a stopwatch that she borrowed from her husband to track our time, but we were not sure how to switch modes to get the time, and we couldn't risk not being able to time the run, so we asked. 6:15!!! What we have 45 min. to sit out in the freezing cold and wait. Somehow this didn't work out as we planned. Luckily, there was a huge, I mean huge (forest fire size) bonfire. We rushed right over to defrost!!! Soon, there were people everywhere, all huddled together, like cattle, close to the fire. The fire was so hot that Keri and I had to keep rotating to keep from burnin' and freezin'. Finally, it was 7:10 (they were running a little behind) and we were off. It is so exciting starting a race. You get this rush. As we began, our toes were numb, but around mile 2 we started to feel them again. I say around mile 2, because we were not quite sure where we were. Last year, they had mile markers, not this year. I swear that the race was almost over in my mind more than a few times, before it was actually over. We did beat our time by 5 minutes!!!! Yes!! We were pretty pumped about that. We went out to eat after to celebrate and to bring our temperature back up to normal. Praise God for heat and warm soup!!!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Mommy's Home!!



I had such a wonderful trip meeting Baby Owen, but I was missing my little ones.
I got home at midnight and I rushed upstairs to give my babies a hug and kiss. My boys didn't even move, but I whispered in their ears that mommy was home. Next, I headed downstairs to see my girls. Emma stirred and said, "mommy is home! I miss you. Don't go.." Rylee said, "mommy, I love you.." and Kallie gave a half, sleepy smile. That was good enough for me. It is good to get a break, but it is nice to be home. The next morning, when my kids were wide awake, they came tearing into our room like it was Christmas morning, "Mommy's Home." It is good to be missed. My many hugs and kisses were a clear sign of that. Thank you to my wonderful husband for letting mommy go. Taking care of 5 kids by yourself is a challenge. Thank you to Grandma and Papa that helped dad survive the week. Thank you Keri for being Tanner's second mommy. He was in good hands. Thank you Marla for your willingness to jump in when needed and providing my family with a meal. My friends are a special treasure. May God richly bless you for your love and care for our family. Thank you Uncle Chase for letting me come and share in this special blessing. You have a beautiful family and God is blessing you. You have encouraged me with your love for your wife and new baby. Keep up the good work! Enjoy every moment with Baby Owen. Time flies with our little ones. Every moment is a memory that we hold close to our hearts. Thank you heavenly Father for every moment that we have together.

Seattle Surprises!!

I had a wonderful trip to Seattle meeting little Owen. He is so precious. A perfect little bundle of joy. Looking into the eyes of a newborn, makes me thankful to the Lord for the many blessings that He places in our lives. It is overwhelming that He entrusts us with His children.

The plane trip was so relaxing. It felt weird that I was not trying to entertain 5 children. I actually got to read a book, and I got passed the first chapter. My second leg of the trip was interesting, to say the least. I was settled in my aisle seat, a little bummed that the seat next to me was filled, convincing myself that it still would be a pleasant flight, when Mr. Personality came bouncing down the aisle. ( literally bouncing) Just my luck, his seat is directly across from me. As he is putting his bag in the overhead compartment, he has completely forgotten that there are other passengers on this flight. I look up to find a large bottom in my face. I panic, and lean in close to the passenger sitting next to me. He was very understanding. As he was struggling to get his bag to fit, the strap was trying to choke me. I barely escaped with my head in tack. I tried to gain my composure, and assure myself that the worst was behind me, but I was sadly mistaken. Luckily for everyone on board, he was a comedian, storyteller, doctor, and pilot in his spare time. This man loved, I mean loved the sound of his voice. He did not take a breath between his many, many stories the entire 2 and 1/2 hour flight. At one point, he did get up and use the restroom and I wanted to stand up and cheer. (Don't worry, I managed to control myself) With 40 minutes left in the flight, a stewardess asked if there were any doctors on board. With out missing a beat, this grown man raises and waves his hand like he just got picked to play on the "Price is Right." (I heard a few chuckles around me) "Superman" runs to the rescue and saves the day. Praise God the women was OK. He got a special invitation to go talk to the pilot so that he could be thanked in person. As the plane landed, EMT rushed on the plane to get the patient. When I left the plane, I was never more happy to have reached my destination.

I meet Jess in the Seattle airport, and then walked out to meet Mom (who did not know that I was coming) at the car. I leaned in and said, "Hi, Mom." She was shocked and thrilled. We called dad to tell him. He was so sad that he didn't get to come. Renae and Chase were getting released from the hospital and we were trying to beat them home. We were at the house for about 20 minutes before they came home. When she walked in, I said surprise and she started crying. It was great!! She was so surprised. Way to go Chase. We got her this time!!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Welcome Baby Owen!!


Welcome Owen Chase Halland!!   
November 5, 2008  6 pounds 6 oz. 19 1/2 inches long

Proud new momma!

What a sweet family!!  Owen our precious gift!

You are such a precious baby.  What a precious addition to our family.  Holding you brings back such special memories of my little ones.  You have been blessed with parents that love you so much.  I love watching your mom and dad enjoy each moment with you.  Thank you, Owen, for letting me come to meet you.  I love you so much and will miss you so much.  Please go easy on your mom and dad, they are new at this parenting thing.  Love, Aunt Steph 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Laughter Falls





Nothing is better than hearing the laughter of my children. This weekend we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went outside to "help dad" rake the leaves. (Play and mess up the pile of leaves that dad worked so hard on was the reality.) Our trees provide more leaves than we know what to do with, but it sure is beautiful. The kids were having so much fun!! Something about watching kids play makes me want to be a kid again. Soon, leaves were everywhere!! It was quite a battle! Poor daddy was working so hard and we were playin so hard. I caught a few special pictures of the kids, enjoying the lazy, fall day!