2010 Santa Photo

Halloween 2010

Happy Halloween everyone! I know Micah and Madi have had a very HAPPY Halloween. I will try and walk you through the following pictures, as some of them need some explaining.

The kid visited a pumpkin patch with GG and Papa D a few weekends ago, while Mommy was at work! They got to go on a HayRide, Cow Train, and see lots of animals, which included a CRAZY goat that as Micah has told me a MILLION times “kept jumping on the food”.

Grandma Cheri sent the kids a great Halloween package! We got it Thursday, and I don’t think that Madi has ate anything but straight sugar since then.

Mom has been busy making Halloween costumes. Notice how ours are easy, iron-on “m”s, but for Grace we went all out on fairy wings and tutu!! Jason and Mommy were both brown M&M’s!! After Grandpa D took our pic, Micah decided he need to take a picture too… So those are the close up of me, and the pic of Ash and Jace. GG bought Micah his own camera on Saturday, and notice that instead of participating in the pumpkin carving, he took pictures of me and Madi instead!

Micah has loved looking at all the Halloween decorations, and has even started asking “Can I buy that?” when he really likes one. His favorites had been the blow up decorations and foggy bubble machine. Our neighbors have a huge blow up gargoyle on their roof, and we have to take a nightly drive down to see the “great big kitty”.

Micah picked the glittery kitty to carve on his pumpkin, but as I already mentioned, he didn’t so much like the carving as he did photograph the event!

We were all M&M’s this year. I have had this planned since last year’s Halloween, but Michael thought he would be lucky and get out of it since he is deployed. Not so easy buddy!! I put an “m” on a military issue tee, and Mike was a sand colored M&M (thanks for the idea, Aunt Suzie). He had better get a pic of him in it before he comes home or there will be trouble. Aunt Suzie make the kids candy buckets, and Madi knows exactly what is in it. Can you spot the pic of her when I took the candy away…. GG came to the rescue with more M&M’s

Well, they each filled their buckets, and as a mother, I have developed a whole new hatred for this holiday…

Happy Halloween!

Madison's 1yr Portraits

As most who know me well know, my good friend Dale is my FAVORITE photographer! He has photographed me and my family since my senior year in high school. He traveled out to Utah for my wedding, came the day Micah got home from the hospital for his newborn shoot, and has fit us in last minute more than once for things like family shoots before deployments and now Madison's 1yr pics. He is quickly becoming too good for me... and I don't mean that in a bad way. Check out his blog to see the kind of things he is photographing these days, and you will see what I mean...

benfieldphotography.blogspot.com

Here are my favorites of Madi's shots!

Finally Home.... Well, sort of...

We have finally made it back to GG and Papa D's house. When people would ask me in the airport (we had a more than 3hr layover in Denver) if we were headed home, I didn't really know how to answer... Yes and NO!

We spent the last week of our vacation in Utah, and the kids had a blast with cousin Sopha (pronounced "Sofa" by Micah). Actually, the kids pretty much tortured her. I am sure she was glad to see them go... at least until she is big enough to defend herself. We spent our last night in Utah with Shu Shu and Ayi (Shane and Alisha) at their cute LITTLE apartment. Micah said we were "camping" and he had a blast pillow fighting Shu Shu. They took Micah to Build-a-Bear, and literally MADE him make a bear. It's a long story, but it is an experience and none of us will forget and he had better LOVE that dog FOREVER!! Shu Shu and Ayi also took them to a duck pond on BYU campus the morning of the BYU homecoming parade. He was the only kid that remembered bread, so all the other kids watched him enviously as he fed the ducks. We got some super cute pics of their first day on campus... because of course they will be Cougars someday (Uncle Chris, GO COUGARS).

As I said, we had quite the layover in Denver, so Micah figured out a thing or two... I snapped a picture of him walking the wrong way on a moving side walk... He was in heaven!!

We came home to a new pet... Well, Grandpa D's new pet... a baby squirrel! This little guy comes out daily to talk to Grandpa D and lets him hold him and everything. Micah loves his "rabbit". We can't convince him that it isn't a rabbit. I am sure no one will be surprised that he has been naked, outside, driving his tractor since we got back to Joplin.

Vacation was great! but we are glad to be home... well almost home. We do have an Arkansas trip planned in a few day, and then I can feel like we are finally really home. Thanks to everyone who made our trip so great! It really made time go by fast, which is important then daddy is gone. I hope before we know it he will be home, too!!

Buffalo, BIRTHDAY, and Big Pumpkins

The first few pictures of this post are pictures I forgot to put up from our trip to Cheyenne. While we were there, we met up with Nana and Papa Smith (Colleen and Randy)and Micah got to explore the Terry Bison Ranch. We saw lots of cows, horses and camels, but the buffalo were too far off to see... Or so we thought... As Papa Smith and Micah were playing at the park, right before we headed out, they found this buffalo heard REALLY close! Micah was excited.

The next pictures are of Madi's birthday party. My sisters (Shauna and Kira) and neices (Ashlynn and Desi) got to come and I was SOOOO excited to see them. Shane and Alisha came up and all the Harris' were here... and we had some special visitors via SKYPE... DAD, GG and Papa D, and I-Love-You-Aunt Suzie (or to Micah... Granny Suzie). It was a very hi-tech birthday party... She had a blast and I can't believe my baby is one!!

Today we went to a pumpkin patch and explored all the fun activities they had. Micah was in heaven, because he found a wagon first thing and got to pull it around the whole time. Madi was in a HORRIBLE mood, so some of the pics of her aren't so flattering. We are having a great time here with the Harris clan and Madi is especially loving torturing baby Sopha...

Cheyenne, Menan, and Highland

This is a photo update of what we have been up to the past few weeks... After spending a few more days in Cheyenne with Aunt Suzie, and crafting like crazy the last few days (cupcake hat...), we made our way to Menan, Idaho where we ate lots of apples off the apple tree, had craft day at Aunt RaeRae's and Micah got to ride a GREAT BIG TRACTOR with a friend, Dee Raymond. Yesterday, we made our way down to Highland, Utah to spend our last week of vacation with the Harris clan! Baby Sopha doesn't know what to think about Micah, but she is scared to death of Madi!! We have had a BLAST! Madi's birthday is Monday, so if you are in the Utah area and want to attend her party, it's Monday night at 6 at the Harris house!!

Cheyenne Trip

First of all... I know on a previous post I made a goal of posting everyday! HA! I realized, probably the next day, that our days in Missouri are filled with tractor rides and hot tub baths... I can only take so many of the same pictures!!

So instead of posting daily, I will go back to posting when we have new pictures...

The kiddos and I decided to spread our craziness around the country while Mike is away, and our first stop is Cheyenne WY! Aunt Suzie's house has always been one of Mommy's favorite places!! We got to Cheyenne shortly after Cousin Robert got his cow elk, so the first few pics are of the proud hunter and his prize! Robert is also a star football player with a large following (GO Varsity #58 and JV #69)! Fans travel large distances to watch him play, and make up more than half of the fans in the stands!! This was Micah's first football game, and he was so excited that he didn't even care we had to drive 6 hours to get there! Madi wore a super cute tutu to show her school spirit until Crazy Aunt Becky stole it from her (they call her crazy for a reason)!! Crazy Aunt Becky also spent lots of time with Micah teaching him all kinds of new tricks. Micah is now a pro "sunflower seed spitter" and "beer glass spinner"! His Aunts bought him this very own "fancy" drink, but the bottom was too wide for him to effectively spin, so he spun Aunt Becky's while eating the cherries and whip cream off of his!

Tractor Time

Micah and Papa drove their tractors till they were out of gas. LITERALLY! Micah is getting so good at shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, and backing up when he gets stuck (which usually happens because he is turned around watching Papa or to make sure his "after market" wagon is still upright). His new trick was driving under the trampoline, but Mommy didn't like that idea, so he only did it when he thought I wasn't looking... When his tractor finally had given its all, Micah just sat on it and cried. Every once in awhile he would get off and look under the tractor, and then get back on to give it another try. Poor guy! Madi loves riding with papa as much, if not more, than Micah ever did!! She gets on and starts kicking her little legs and waving... as though she thinks she's on parade!

Here's what we've been up to, Daddy!

So, I've made a goal to post lots and lots while Mike is away (like everyday, we'll see how good I do). This is what we've been up to since my last post. Micah and Madi would live in the water! Madi seriously has jumped in twice! Talk about giving mommy a heart attack!! Micah is even jumping in (and going under water) and loving it! The last few pictures are of Micah giving "Snake" a bath. Snake is one of his favorite toys, and after being dragged around EVERYWHERE and getting laid in Dr. Pepper today, Mommy decided it was time "Snake" take a bath.

Parental Supervision Stongly Suggested...

...For two reasons. First, although I picked the most "modest" of these pics, some my still offend. Second, this is what happens with lack of parental supervision! Thanks Papa D!!

See You Soon Daddy!

Michael left for Afghanistan yesterday. I got a few text messages from him this morning, and he is safely in Qatar! He flew into Ireland late last night... so that's one more country on his list (even if all he saw was the airport!). Hopefully this will just be a short trip, but we will miss him like crazy until he gets home! We love you, Daddy!!

Madi's First Tractor Ride

Papa D was in heaven, giving Madi a ride and racing Micah... Micah won!!

Lake Trip

We are just getting home from a fun filled day at the lake! Madi LOVED it, even if she was covered by "polka dots" by the end of the day! Micah was just chill all day, but by the fuss he made when we had to leave, I assume he had a great time too! We have such a great ward here in Arkansas! I am so excited to get to know other couples, and Mike is excited to take advantage of the toys they have that I "won't let him have"! Thanks so much to the Brown's and the Neville's for inviting us! Hopefully we passed the "friendship interview" and will be invited on more outings!!

Menan 4th of July Parade

I say this every year... after every trip, but I am terrible at taking pictures and to anyone who would like to send me pictures they have taken of us during our family vacation, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! Here are the only pictures I took, and all of them are taken during the Menan 4th of July parade! We had such a great time! I wish the 4th of July would never end...

Summer Fun!

Mommy needed a few minutes to clean the kitchen without two "helpers", so daddy had a great idea to set up the kids swimming pool... It was the best idea ever!! I took these pics at the beginning of the swim fun, so Micah was still getting used to the idea. I hear once I went inside he had a real blast (all the pics with his eyes closed are his smile face... or I guess we can just call it his Aunt Cathie face). Madi loved the pool, and we had to MAKE her get out when Micah was done. She'd still be crawling around in there if she could. Mommy just hopes she can talk daddy into making this a daily thing! Can you imagine the cleaning/couponing I could get done....

Micah is TWO!

Micah turned two today, and not only has he acted like a two year-old all day, but he loves to tell you that he is TWO! Our friends, Charlie, Tiffanie, and Olivia Hobartsch, came over to eat cake with us. Don't make fun of my first attempt at a birthday cake... I feel like it turned out ok considering I have NO experience!! Micah and Olivia had so much fun playing on his swing set, and Micah showed off by climbing up his rock wall all by himself for the first time...I guess since he is two he can do that now!
We also want to say Happy Mother's Day to all our mommy friends and family! Thank you so much for all your support and guidance you give me on my own mommy journey! I especially love you GG!! Thanks for everything!!

Madi Is Crawling!!

Ok, so it has been brought to my attention that not only do I not update this blog "enough", but when I do update it, I tend to focus on only one child... this being said, I do know that today is Micah's birthday (YAY!!!) and I will be posting pics of him later (once he wakes up...!)! For now, Madi wanted to share a little something she has been working on!

Micah's John Deere Birthday

Last week was CRAZY! Uncle Shane and Aunt Alisha got married in Nauvoo, which meant a road trip there and back (thank goodness for portable DVD players and Dora!). Michael wasn't able to be there because his grandma past way a few days before, so he headed out to Utah, but got back in time for the reception and Micah's party! Wedding pics to come... and I know there are some amazing ones of my kids! Who cares about the bride and groom, right? Just kidding Shu Shu and A Yi (I hope I got that right Shane)!!

Micah had a blast at this party. Here are a few pics...

Egg-tra Easter Pictures!

Hoppy Easter!

I can hardly believe that it is already Easter...

We expected to be home in Arkansas with daddy for Easter, but the NICU asked me to work another week, so instead we spent Easter with GG and Grandpa D! Madi tried her Easter treat (a baby biscuit) a day early... she liked it until it started breaking into pieces. You can see in the pictures how she felt about it then.

Grace and Austin White hid Easter eggs for Micah. He was so cute once he got the hang of finding them... When we were all done, he asked "Again?" But he quickly lost interest as soon as he figured out there was candy inside the eggs.

Micah got two Easter baskets this year (GG won one at work), and he had a great time opening all his treasures! When he was finished, he started showing Grandpa D all his stuff... Grandpa D was soon lost in Easter goodies, and had a little childhood flashback. Can you see the enthusiasm and excitement in his face? He started chanting "I've got a golden rabbit (golden ticket)!" Oh, Grandpa D!!

You're Invited...

Micah is turning 2!

Come celebrate with him...

April 17

(Time to be announced)

At GG's house

Happy St. Patricks Day!

It's Terrible being Two (or nearly two)

Because most of you know all about Micah's recent bumps, bruises and breaks, I was hesitant to post this picture!


This photo actually does a great job of hiding an awesome black eye and bruise across his noise, which are the result of two injuries that just so happened to occur within 45 minutes of each other. Micah is way into helping with tools, but got a little over excited with the hammer and nailed his eye while helping daddy on the truck. Then a little while later (while waving goodbye to daddy), face planted into the window sill (don't worry, he caught himself with the bridge of his nose). What I kept giggling about was that every once in a while for the rest of the day he would grab is head and say "ouch". Not once with two scull fractures did he even act like his head might be hurting, but it sure did yesterday! I just have to keep telling myself... "He will survive!" (We are crossing our fingers and praying!!)

Get Off My Back Uncle Shane!!

Uncle Shane has been impatiently requesting an update, so here it is. Just a few pics (mostly of Micah in our unexpected 8 inches of snow last month). It's finally warming up, so Micah has been spending most of his days outside! More pics to come...

Busy Week at the Harris House!

We have had a very busy week at the Harris house. Micah learned to bake brownies, daddy learned how to put bead board up on the walls (our kitchen makeover), mommy learned to paint stripes on the wall (Madi's bedroom makeover)(trim will go on top of the stripes...), and Madi had the biggest week of all... Madi learned to roll over and then got to eat her first bowl of rice cereal! Below are pics and a video to showcase our accomplishments.

For Aunt Suzie and Emily

Just remember... I could always do worse!


For everyone else, please know I would never really make my daughter wear such things!! I'm not that ridiculous!

Bad Habits

Bad habits must run in families... Yep, this is Madi... Same two fingers, just different hand!

Micah Made a Mess!

Life is never boring with Micah around. I'm sure that most have heard by now, but Micah spent last night at Arkansas Children's Hospital! Micah is my big helper around the house, and his favorite chore is doing the dishes... Yesterday, Micah was so excited to do the dishes with daddy, but all fun ended when he pulled a big pot lid out of the sink which caused him to slip and fall backwards off his chair onto the tile. He hit the back of his head on the tile and his face got clabbered by the lid! He cried, but not hard, and he just wanted to be held. About ten minutes later Micah started throwing up. Mike called the base clinic (our pediatrician) and they thought it would be best if we took him to the local ER to get him checked out...just in case. Mike and I both thought they would just look him over and send us home, since by the time we got to the ER he was fine and just wanted a "nack"(snack)!! No such luck!!! They did CT and found "a possible fracture". Dr. Montgomery thought it would be best to send him down to the Children's Hospital in Little Rock to get a neuro consult. So.... Micah and mommy both got their first ride in an ambulance. The docs and nurses at Children's were great, and confirmed that he had not just one but two skull fractures. The fractures should heal on their own, but the real concern was that he had a head injury bad enough to cause them in the first place. We were lucky to have no bleeds, swelling, or for that matter even a bump where it happened. They kept him overnight just to make sure he didn't develop any complications and sent him home this morning. He had a great time...endless ice-cream, huge playroom, and lots of new friends! Mommy and Daddy just hope he didn't love it enough to want to go back any time soon!! He came home and has been going a hundred miles a hour since... Here is a video of how he is spending his afternoon. Thanks again for the tractor Grandpa D!!

Las Vegas

This past weekend, we got to vacation in Las Vegas with the Harris family. The highlight of the trip for Micah was petting a REAL lion!

Micah's first animal sound was "roar", and he loves to play "lion" with daddy, so meeting a real lion was way cool! We spent most of our time just hanging with the fam, but we did spend part of a day down on the strip--wouldn't be a Las Vegas trip without it!