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!

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!!!

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!!

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 

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!