What a week. Maverick has had the crewp, Rhett the flue, and Madeline, Aurora and I a cold. Today we had a snow day, in the last 24 hours we got 18 inches of new snow. The high this entire week was on Wednesday when we got all of the snow and it was 17 degrees then. MOst other days it only got up to 5 degrees. TODAY Maverick is 8 months - he has been a difficult baby but it has gone by fast. He is doing everything fast, he already stands up to things and has taken a couple of steps around furniture. He is very determined and a Mamas band grandpas boy. Our church building had a pipe break and it flooded the entire church had several inches of water on the floor.
Madeline is very gullable and and I'm sure people have just thought she was lying. On Wednesday she was so excited to go to school and tell everyone that her grandpa Tolman is Santa Claus. He told her that he had pictures of him at the North Pole and would maybe take her there. So she told her friends. Her friend Rachel was so confused and so Mad that her mom wouldn't let her go to the North Pole this Monday with Madeline, after 4 phone calls I think that we have her settled down. Madeline is supposed to be getting baptized on Sunday but we are not sure if everything will be fixed by then.
Megan is trying to get eveything ready for Christmas and entertain her children since there is no school. We are all so excited for Mike to come home tomorrow. Then we are headed to Utah and Wyoming for Christmas and New Years. Every prayer that Aurora says, she says "Please bless dad to be safe at the airport." She isn't quite understanding that he gets on the plane and flys to Virginia. We wish you all safety, good health, and a wonderful holliday season.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Madeline is 8 today!
Wow I can't believe that Madeline is already 8. We are going to baptise her on the 2nd of January, here in Spokane. If any one would like to come that's fine just let me know - everyone is invited. We celebrated her birthday two weeks ago with dad here. We went to the Phillipee's farm. There were pigs, goats, rabbits, horses, ducks, deer, chickens, geese, a box turtle, lama's, and maybe something I forgot. The kids got to feed, ride, and pet the animals. We finger painted on a pony and the kids had their faces painted. It was so much fun adn just what MaDELINE wanted (She wants to be a vet.) I let her invite who she wanted and I guess she made additional invitations because there were way more kids there than the amount of invitations I made. We gave cowboy hats to all of the kids. It was a wonderful time. MIke said that I went way over board - but this is only her second friend birthday party!!!!
Today we are all going to eat school lunch with Madeline and take her class a treat (dirt cups). Then she'll have her favorite poppy seed chicken for dinner. We'll have cake and open a couple of gifts.
I am so lucky to have Madeline. She is helpful, smart, active, beautiful, kind, thoughtful, strong willed, silly, nurturing, artistic, dramatic, cordinated, musical, she is wonderful in many ways. She has a hard time listening and doing anything I ask, and she is working on obeying. She is stubborn just like MIke and I and likes to do everything different - like me. SO I am understanding why I sometimes drove my mom crazy. I love her so much and want he to grow up knowing what is right, to keep being kind to everyone, to always try her hardest and keep doing really well in school and in social settings. Her dad and I are proud of who she is (usually), and want her to know that we love her so much. That we always want to be with her and so we want her to choose the right so that she can return and live with Heavenly Father, Jesus and her family.
Today we are all going to eat school lunch with Madeline and take her class a treat (dirt cups). Then she'll have her favorite poppy seed chicken for dinner. We'll have cake and open a couple of gifts.
I am so lucky to have Madeline. She is helpful, smart, active, beautiful, kind, thoughtful, strong willed, silly, nurturing, artistic, dramatic, cordinated, musical, she is wonderful in many ways. She has a hard time listening and doing anything I ask, and she is working on obeying. She is stubborn just like MIke and I and likes to do everything different - like me. SO I am understanding why I sometimes drove my mom crazy. I love her so much and want he to grow up knowing what is right, to keep being kind to everyone, to always try her hardest and keep doing really well in school and in social settings. Her dad and I are proud of who she is (usually), and want her to know that we love her so much. That we always want to be with her and so we want her to choose the right so that she can return and live with Heavenly Father, Jesus and her family.
Monday, November 10, 2008
So much to say
Well it was absolutely wonderful to have Mike home. Maybe since I miss him so much when we're together I could stop complaining - that sure would be nice. We did fun things every day but this week has been really hard to have him gone, because each time he leaves we have to go through missing him and kids acting up. On the positivie side of things Maverick is wanting to be down now. He is army crawling and has 2 teeth at 6 months!
I have been thinking about old friends and times and I was in Miss Sanpete and just got back from Europe 8 days before competing so I totally focused on my talent and changed my song an everything and no one believed that I could do it- so I had to prove them wrong. Well my talent was perfect but my on stage question - embarrasing. It was what is the power of Music? It was such a broad question that I stumbled and so to clear my head hear is my answer. The power of music is of help a grandma with altizmers (SP) remember, an autistic child move smoothly, a sad child twirl happily around the room, and an outlet for a trouble youth. Music has no bounds, color or age, and is for everyone. I know only 2 things as powerful as music; people and religion. So there it is and maybe I won't ave any more nigtmares about this...
I have been thinking about old friends and times and I was in Miss Sanpete and just got back from Europe 8 days before competing so I totally focused on my talent and changed my song an everything and no one believed that I could do it- so I had to prove them wrong. Well my talent was perfect but my on stage question - embarrasing. It was what is the power of Music? It was such a broad question that I stumbled and so to clear my head hear is my answer. The power of music is of help a grandma with altizmers (SP) remember, an autistic child move smoothly, a sad child twirl happily around the room, and an outlet for a trouble youth. Music has no bounds, color or age, and is for everyone. I know only 2 things as powerful as music; people and religion. So there it is and maybe I won't ave any more nigtmares about this...
Monday, October 20, 2008
Octoberities
We have done lots of things. Where to begin..... Iguess there is too much so I'll just write about this last week. This last weekend we went to a ward harvest/Halloween Party. We have a tradition of the whole family dressing like characters from a movie or book. My kids choice this year was Spiderwick Cronicles. Rhett is Jared Grace, Madeline a Water fairy, Aurora a flower sprite, and Maverick was a green boggart. The party was dinner and trunk or treat. (All I need, more candy around.) Then on Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch, and corn maze. Heidi's family was here for the weekend!
On Friday Maverick turned 6 months and got his first tooth pushing through. (eight months earlier than Madeline got her first tooth.) Aurora is enjoying gymnastics and preschool (mommy and me). Rhett has friends calling him almost daily. He is having fun in kindergarten even though everything is pretty easy for him. Madeline is having a good time in school but is a little too nurturing and social. (helping others do their work). She loves to help with Mav - usually. I had the flu last week and Aurora was sick also, but Maverick was finally happy.
Mike is comming home on Friday for 1 week!!!!
I chopped my hair - over 14 inches on Wednesday.
On Friday Maverick turned 6 months and got his first tooth pushing through. (eight months earlier than Madeline got her first tooth.) Aurora is enjoying gymnastics and preschool (mommy and me). Rhett has friends calling him almost daily. He is having fun in kindergarten even though everything is pretty easy for him. Madeline is having a good time in school but is a little too nurturing and social. (helping others do their work). She loves to help with Mav - usually. I had the flu last week and Aurora was sick also, but Maverick was finally happy.
Mike is comming home on Friday for 1 week!!!!
I chopped my hair - over 14 inches on Wednesday.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Rhett turned 6 today!
Today is Rhett's birthday and he turned 6! On Wednesday night we ate all of his favorites and had his birthday cake because grandma and grandpa Tolman left on Thursday morning. We ate Chicken on the bone, corn on the cob, strawberry lemonade, cantaloupe, primavera, and double layered strawberry short-cheese cake. He is such a funny, good, imaginate, smart kid. He said on Wednesday this is the best day ever, then on Thursday again, today told me "Thank you mom, I had the best birthday ever and we're still going to Chucky Cheese." He has told me probably 6+ times that he loves me today. He is such a good kid. We took ice cream sandwhiches to his kindergarten class today and his teacher reassured me how smart she thinks he is. He got some of the coolest toys - star war micro machines, playmobile, magnets, and a transformer. He likes to play video games and sports; especially baseball and soccer. He is starting tikuando (Spelling) next tuesday and has it twice a week. He really wants to start taking piano from his grandma, but she is very busy with trips, 11 students, and life. He loves PE, kinderbuddies, Math,free choice fridays, callander, show-n-tell, and music at school. He misses his dad, loves his sisters and can always make Maverick smile.
I've been busy the last couple sundays doing music for Relief Society, teaching in Miamaids, and beehives, now this sunday I am teaching Rhetts class. Aurora starts gymnastics on Monday and Madeline will be taking tykuando with Rhett. We do a craft at Michaels each Saturday. On the 11th we are going on a hike with a tour and learning about the Spokane area. The on the 18th we are going to Greenbluff to pick pumpkins and apples and have apple pie. Then at night we have our Ward Harvest and trick-or-treating, I know early. We've had a tradition of everyone in the family dressing up as the same theme. This year we are doing Spiderwic cronicles. Rhett is Jared, Madeline a water fairy, Aurora a flower sprite, megan is Mallory, MIke is mullgarath, and Maverick a troll, or green monster. THe kids are so excited. This theme was Rhett's idea. If you haven't noticed I like to stay busy because I get so much more done. The most exciting thing is that MIke is coming home in 1 month for a visit and will be staying 9 days!!!!
I've been busy the last couple sundays doing music for Relief Society, teaching in Miamaids, and beehives, now this sunday I am teaching Rhetts class. Aurora starts gymnastics on Monday and Madeline will be taking tykuando with Rhett. We do a craft at Michaels each Saturday. On the 11th we are going on a hike with a tour and learning about the Spokane area. The on the 18th we are going to Greenbluff to pick pumpkins and apples and have apple pie. Then at night we have our Ward Harvest and trick-or-treating, I know early. We've had a tradition of everyone in the family dressing up as the same theme. This year we are doing Spiderwic cronicles. Rhett is Jared, Madeline a water fairy, Aurora a flower sprite, megan is Mallory, MIke is mullgarath, and Maverick a troll, or green monster. THe kids are so excited. This theme was Rhett's idea. If you haven't noticed I like to stay busy because I get so much more done. The most exciting thing is that MIke is coming home in 1 month for a visit and will be staying 9 days!!!!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Trying but fun year
Well I am supposed to write a newsletter for the Johnson side but my scanner is not hooked up to the computer, and I don't have all of these fun Layouts like Dacia, or clever with my wording like Emily, nor do I have these heart warming stories like Alycia, so who reads mine anyway? I am basically doing this because I enjoy reading other people's blogs and I want to keep our history - through this and scrapbooking. So here it goes...
This year has been very trying. Mike has been gone since January 09, Megan and the kids have lived with Scott and Linda since January 2007 when we sold our house in Logan UT. We haven't lived in our own home together for 3 years - so thus the depression and trials. It's a bummer that Mike has been working away from home, but we are partying without him. We have done so many fun things, and have been so many places. This year we went to Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Virginia, Maryland, and have done a little traveling in our state of Washington.
Mike graduated from USU in December and then joined the Army in January. He went to Basic Training for 11 weeks at Ft. Benning, GA. Then stright to Officer Candidate School (OCS) for another 12 weeks. Then he came home for 6 weeks and then went to Ft. Eustis, VA to snowbird for 3 weeks before heading to Ft. Sill OK for Basic Officers Leadership Course 2 (BOLC II). He will then TDY back to Ft. Eustis VA for Transportation BOLC III. He is excited and hopes to make the Army his career but is missing family. He like the majority of the training and is doing very well. When he finishes in February we have Perminate Change of Station (PCS) orders to Ft. Hood, TX. We were bummed about this until we found out that Jon and Shannon would be only 1&1/2 hours from us for Jon's flight school. This training will put us apart for a year- so we hope and pray that we'll not just get moved to Texas and then receive orders for Mike to deploy to Iraq.
Megan has stayed very busy with the 4 kids and everything that involves. She was the Activity days leader but asked to be released when she packed up everything because we thought we were moving with Mike to Virginia - nope. She volunteers at the kids school. She is dieting and exercising pretty seriously and is the lowest that she has been in 5+ years but Mikes not here to notice. She feels pretty good except not ever getting enough sleep. She just went to DC and spent a week with Mike, then came home to turn 30.
Madeline is a dynamic, dramatic, stubborn, smart, beautiful, social, questioning, helpful girl. She did very well in first grade and is liking 2nd grade. She gets very emotional with dad gone and mom spending so much time caring for Maverick. She is starting piano again, and karate. This past year she also played soccer and baseball. She will be getting baptised on January 2nd and anyone who wants to come is invited. Hope you all can attend.
Rhett started kindergarten but smart enough for 1st grade. He is very good at so many things. We have the tradition of the whole family dressing up like characters from a movie or book, this year he came up with the idea - Spiderwic Chronicles. He is starting piano and karate. He also did soccer and baseball this year. He is a funny kid, who loves to play any type of game.
Aurora is a sweetheart. She has had some hard weeks, like this one trying to potty train again; she is usually very good. She is silly, polite, cute, creative, imaginative, animated and tricky. She loves to dance, sing, read and PLAY! She is starting gymnastics, music and doing story time again. She loves to go to nursery every Sunday.
Maverick is Mr. Cranky pants. He has not been an easy baby, but I am highly stressed right now and I am sure he feels it. I have to do most things with one hand (like typing this letter). We'll get through it and he'll start doing things better and feeling better soon (hopefully). He is right on developmentally and healthy!!!! When he smiles and laughs it is contagious and the cutest thing you've ever seen, I just wish he would always be happy.
We hope you are all doing well, we hope to be since this past month we've had the flu and now colds. So if I seem overwhelmed - I am right now but things will change. We are happy and are glad to have Maverick with us and for Mike's training and acceptance in the Army.
This year has been very trying. Mike has been gone since January 09, Megan and the kids have lived with Scott and Linda since January 2007 when we sold our house in Logan UT. We haven't lived in our own home together for 3 years - so thus the depression and trials. It's a bummer that Mike has been working away from home, but we are partying without him. We have done so many fun things, and have been so many places. This year we went to Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, Georgia, Alabama, Missouri, Virginia, Maryland, and have done a little traveling in our state of Washington.
Mike graduated from USU in December and then joined the Army in January. He went to Basic Training for 11 weeks at Ft. Benning, GA. Then stright to Officer Candidate School (OCS) for another 12 weeks. Then he came home for 6 weeks and then went to Ft. Eustis, VA to snowbird for 3 weeks before heading to Ft. Sill OK for Basic Officers Leadership Course 2 (BOLC II). He will then TDY back to Ft. Eustis VA for Transportation BOLC III. He is excited and hopes to make the Army his career but is missing family. He like the majority of the training and is doing very well. When he finishes in February we have Perminate Change of Station (PCS) orders to Ft. Hood, TX. We were bummed about this until we found out that Jon and Shannon would be only 1&1/2 hours from us for Jon's flight school. This training will put us apart for a year- so we hope and pray that we'll not just get moved to Texas and then receive orders for Mike to deploy to Iraq.
Megan has stayed very busy with the 4 kids and everything that involves. She was the Activity days leader but asked to be released when she packed up everything because we thought we were moving with Mike to Virginia - nope. She volunteers at the kids school. She is dieting and exercising pretty seriously and is the lowest that she has been in 5+ years but Mikes not here to notice. She feels pretty good except not ever getting enough sleep. She just went to DC and spent a week with Mike, then came home to turn 30.
Madeline is a dynamic, dramatic, stubborn, smart, beautiful, social, questioning, helpful girl. She did very well in first grade and is liking 2nd grade. She gets very emotional with dad gone and mom spending so much time caring for Maverick. She is starting piano again, and karate. This past year she also played soccer and baseball. She will be getting baptised on January 2nd and anyone who wants to come is invited. Hope you all can attend.
Rhett started kindergarten but smart enough for 1st grade. He is very good at so many things. We have the tradition of the whole family dressing up like characters from a movie or book, this year he came up with the idea - Spiderwic Chronicles. He is starting piano and karate. He also did soccer and baseball this year. He is a funny kid, who loves to play any type of game.
Aurora is a sweetheart. She has had some hard weeks, like this one trying to potty train again; she is usually very good. She is silly, polite, cute, creative, imaginative, animated and tricky. She loves to dance, sing, read and PLAY! She is starting gymnastics, music and doing story time again. She loves to go to nursery every Sunday.
Maverick is Mr. Cranky pants. He has not been an easy baby, but I am highly stressed right now and I am sure he feels it. I have to do most things with one hand (like typing this letter). We'll get through it and he'll start doing things better and feeling better soon (hopefully). He is right on developmentally and healthy!!!! When he smiles and laughs it is contagious and the cutest thing you've ever seen, I just wish he would always be happy.
We hope you are all doing well, we hope to be since this past month we've had the flu and now colds. So if I seem overwhelmed - I am right now but things will change. We are happy and are glad to have Maverick with us and for Mike's training and acceptance in the Army.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Maverick has been in 11 states already, and we'll add Virginia this month!
There are a lot of new pictures at the bottom of all of the blogs so make sure to check them out.
Boy has it been a long time. We had a family vacation. We went to Utah and visited some friends and family, Jon and Shannon, Anne, Katie, Jen and all of their kids. Then we went to the Grand Canyon - yeah in July. We were there for 4 days, with 6 kids. (We took 2 of Justin's kids because he was unable to go at the last minute.) We had perfect weather, it averaged 70 degrees at the north rim. The kids couldn't have been better. It was really nice to see alot of my Cousins on the Farley side that I haven't seen in years. I hadn't seen my sister mandi in more than 18 mo and she was there also. After that we stayed in Sampete with Weston and Justin's families (Megan's brothers) for 4 days. We then went to Megan's mom and dad's in Lyman Wyoming and spent the 24th with them, cousin Coutney, Uncle Fred and Aunt Sue, Mandi and her family were there also. Then we went on to Vernal where we helped Megan's sister Donnell move to a new home. Our travels then took us to Ridgecrest California to see MIke's sister Sherri and whitness Dylan's blessing and Tawny's baptism. We were so glad that we could see every brother and sister and their kids on this trip. That is 11 siblings and 21 neices and nefews! (and some spouces). We are unsure where the Army will take us but hopefully we will have a lot of visitors.
After getting back to Spokane Mike had to leave a couple of days later. We then had Shalynn, Tawny and Kailey stay with us for a week and a half.
Now Megan is preparing for the kids to go to school and for another trip! On Friday she will leave for a week to go see Mike in Virginia. She is thrilled, and has never been there.
Boy has it been a long time. We had a family vacation. We went to Utah and visited some friends and family, Jon and Shannon, Anne, Katie, Jen and all of their kids. Then we went to the Grand Canyon - yeah in July. We were there for 4 days, with 6 kids. (We took 2 of Justin's kids because he was unable to go at the last minute.) We had perfect weather, it averaged 70 degrees at the north rim. The kids couldn't have been better. It was really nice to see alot of my Cousins on the Farley side that I haven't seen in years. I hadn't seen my sister mandi in more than 18 mo and she was there also. After that we stayed in Sampete with Weston and Justin's families (Megan's brothers) for 4 days. We then went to Megan's mom and dad's in Lyman Wyoming and spent the 24th with them, cousin Coutney, Uncle Fred and Aunt Sue, Mandi and her family were there also. Then we went on to Vernal where we helped Megan's sister Donnell move to a new home. Our travels then took us to Ridgecrest California to see MIke's sister Sherri and whitness Dylan's blessing and Tawny's baptism. We were so glad that we could see every brother and sister and their kids on this trip. That is 11 siblings and 21 neices and nefews! (and some spouces). We are unsure where the Army will take us but hopefully we will have a lot of visitors.
After getting back to Spokane Mike had to leave a couple of days later. We then had Shalynn, Tawny and Kailey stay with us for a week and a half.
Now Megan is preparing for the kids to go to school and for another trip! On Friday she will leave for a week to go see Mike in Virginia. She is thrilled, and has never been there.
Friday, July 11, 2008
More Changes . . .
Mike gets to stay with us in Spokane for a month and a half more. He doesn't have to go to Virginia to snow bird, just for the training. So we are very thankful that we will get to spend about three months (all together) with him. So because of this change he didn't go to a wedding in VA this weekend and we didn't go to Utah yet, because we don't know everything that this entails. (Like if he needs to check in daily?) We will be going sometime next week and be spending the 17-19 in Grand Canyon for a Farley Family reunion. Megan is excited because many of her Farley cousins she hasn't seen since 6th grade, or if so only at a wedding or something. My friends who read this might remember Dallin.
The state of Washington has declared emergancy, there has been so many fires in Spokane, Stevens, and Ferry county and lots of evacuations. It has been very windy and the fires are far from under control, we seem to be out of harms way in Mead - we're about 7 miles from Spokane.
We went to a ward party and boy do they know how to have fun, and I guess that the financial status of everyone compared to our old ward in Logan is far different. There were blow up jumping toys and slides, horse rides, carriage rides, a petting zoo, a live band, and a barbeque. We had loads of fun.
On Thursday we went to the mall to see TNMT the movie (for Rhett) and then Mike was excited that we were somewhere to get Aurora's ears pearced. (pirced, spelling?) He took Madeline for her first birthday to have that done and has been wanting to with Aurora. She cried only for a second and then they gave her a mirror and she loved it and would flip her head side to side modeling each ear, smiling and saying "Daddy, I look pretty."
Madeline and Rhett have been fighting like cats and dogs, and so yesterday when Rhett went to sleep Madeline played a joke on him and colored his lips with a red permanent marker. Then she tried to blaim it on Aurora when she was taking a nap and would not have been able to color in the lines of his lips. Mike would not let me take a picture - saying that it would be mean. But it sure looked funny and showed off his shapely lips. The two have stayed away from eachother today and we haven't had one fight? Maybe Rhett is so mad and planing how to get Madeline back or maybe they got in enough trouble that they decided they didn't want to do the same thing today. (Either way today has been much calmer.) Madeline decorated the dinning room as her day care and has played with Aurora and taken care of her all afternoon.
I downloaded and saved my pictures on my computer and then Rhett got on and erased them all. 357 pictures of Mike's OCS graduation, Maverick's blessing, Aurora's 3rd Birthday, Maverick's 2nd Month, Georgia, the 4th of July, Sydnie and Maverick, and my kids with all the Farley Cousins. I am just sick that I have lost all of these pictures so if any of you would give me copies, e-mails, or a disc of any of these that you were at with us I would greatly appreciate them. (Christi, Matt, Heidi, Mom and Dad or any one else.)
The state of Washington has declared emergancy, there has been so many fires in Spokane, Stevens, and Ferry county and lots of evacuations. It has been very windy and the fires are far from under control, we seem to be out of harms way in Mead - we're about 7 miles from Spokane.
We went to a ward party and boy do they know how to have fun, and I guess that the financial status of everyone compared to our old ward in Logan is far different. There were blow up jumping toys and slides, horse rides, carriage rides, a petting zoo, a live band, and a barbeque. We had loads of fun.
On Thursday we went to the mall to see TNMT the movie (for Rhett) and then Mike was excited that we were somewhere to get Aurora's ears pearced. (pirced, spelling?) He took Madeline for her first birthday to have that done and has been wanting to with Aurora. She cried only for a second and then they gave her a mirror and she loved it and would flip her head side to side modeling each ear, smiling and saying "Daddy, I look pretty."
Madeline and Rhett have been fighting like cats and dogs, and so yesterday when Rhett went to sleep Madeline played a joke on him and colored his lips with a red permanent marker. Then she tried to blaim it on Aurora when she was taking a nap and would not have been able to color in the lines of his lips. Mike would not let me take a picture - saying that it would be mean. But it sure looked funny and showed off his shapely lips. The two have stayed away from eachother today and we haven't had one fight? Maybe Rhett is so mad and planing how to get Madeline back or maybe they got in enough trouble that they decided they didn't want to do the same thing today. (Either way today has been much calmer.) Madeline decorated the dinning room as her day care and has played with Aurora and taken care of her all afternoon.
I downloaded and saved my pictures on my computer and then Rhett got on and erased them all. 357 pictures of Mike's OCS graduation, Maverick's blessing, Aurora's 3rd Birthday, Maverick's 2nd Month, Georgia, the 4th of July, Sydnie and Maverick, and my kids with all the Farley Cousins. I am just sick that I have lost all of these pictures so if any of you would give me copies, e-mails, or a disc of any of these that you were at with us I would greatly appreciate them. (Christi, Matt, Heidi, Mom and Dad or any one else.)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Aurora turned 3 on the first!
Aurora is my little sweetheart. She is adorable, smart, silly, pollite, yet loud, and bossy. She loves to play with dolls, princesses, read books, sing, color, and dance. She loves her siblings and nursary. She is very active. One day she was roaring and we asked if she was a lion, tiger, monster, or a bear. Her answer was "No" to each of them. She said "I am AuROARa." When we tease and say you don't like cottage cheese (for instasnce) she says "Yes me do." She loves to play like my hand is her baby but we haven't had as much time together with baby Maverick. She is at such a fun stage and we get such a kick out of her and could just watch her for hours and her little mind working.
We should be finding out today if MIke can snowbird with us in Spokane, we still don't know about our PCS. I MIGHT BE LEAVING FOR UTAH TODAY FOR A MONTH! So if you'd like to see us call me and we can try to get together. We are also going to be in Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona? and California - so we'll have lots to write about when we get back in August, unless things change, we might be going a little later on in the month.
We should be finding out today if MIke can snowbird with us in Spokane, we still don't know about our PCS. I MIGHT BE LEAVING FOR UTAH TODAY FOR A MONTH! So if you'd like to see us call me and we can try to get together. We are also going to be in Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona? and California - so we'll have lots to write about when we get back in August, unless things change, we might be going a little later on in the month.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Big Changes?
Well I just typed a page and then it wasn't posted so hopefully I have time to type it again and get everything in. We do not have permanent orders right now but are trying to get a PCS for Virginia because as of now it has MIke going there alone TDY and me going to Texas alone with four kids for the next 8 months so hopefull we can get this changed. We are hoping for some money to help with the move and for a PCS to Colorado instead of Texas - we'll see. Mike has been home for a week doing recruiting here in Spokane.
Last week Maverick and Megan went to Georgia to watch dad graduate and be commisioned an officer. We stayed in a cabin on the Uchee creek. It was a good experience and we met a great LDS family from Missouri. We had great weather while we were there. Megan and MIke had a good time at the ball and enjoyed watching the jumpers and hearing the chorus of bull frogs and bugs at night. While they were in Georgia the other three mutts were in Whyoming with grandma and grandpa Farley. They had a blast there. They went to the MOON!!!! built a fort and playground, went to McDonald's, swimming 3 times, to the park, to Indiana Jones, had a tea party, read lots of books and pretty much partied the whole time. Rhett did clean up some sticks for money of course. They have talked about their times there every day since.
On the 21st we got to see Rhett, Madeline and Aurora again, I was so excited so I cannot imagine being Mike and instead of a week being months. While family was together and we could get a large portion of both of our families together we blessed Maverick. We did the blessing at Jan and Rogers in Sandy and had everything very casual. We went to Chucky Cheese after to celebrate Brenton's 9th birthday. Then we headed up to Logan to go to the Rodeo.
MIke has been with us a week and we have kept busy playing and working. Mike has worked on the deck, sprinkling system, got the suburban registered and new wheels, tires and running board on. While I've packed and serched for appartments. WE've played a lot also. Madeline and Rhett had there last T-ball game last night and were so glad that dad was there. We then all went to a pool/pizza party with 7 other families. We also went to the park with 8 ladies and their kids from the ward and had a picnic. We have also been playing lots of games together and bought Spiderwic Cronicles. Sherri had her baby 71/2 weeks early and we are all very thankful that he and mom are doing so well. Dylan weighs 6 lbs 1 oz and is breathing at 70%. Donnell went to the emergancy room in pain and had to have surgery- her gaulblatter removed.
Madeline has enjoyed her first real week out of school. She wants to help a lot with Maverick and is making books and lots of art projects. Rhett learned how to count by 5's this last week and we are teaching him how to read, he knows at least 16 words. many people have gotten a kick out of Aurora lately. When we've been in public places she will greet everyone and then announce that her name is Aurora. She will turn 3 next week and she wants a princess barbie nutcracker cake. Madeline has been coloring and designing clothes for a paper doll and Aurora saw these, they also have different hair do's but there isn't a face on them. She brought them to me quite up set and said "MOM, there head is broken!" She has had sore legs a lot lately because she will dance for hours on her toes;"
Last week Maverick and Megan went to Georgia to watch dad graduate and be commisioned an officer. We stayed in a cabin on the Uchee creek. It was a good experience and we met a great LDS family from Missouri. We had great weather while we were there. Megan and MIke had a good time at the ball and enjoyed watching the jumpers and hearing the chorus of bull frogs and bugs at night. While they were in Georgia the other three mutts were in Whyoming with grandma and grandpa Farley. They had a blast there. They went to the MOON!!!! built a fort and playground, went to McDonald's, swimming 3 times, to the park, to Indiana Jones, had a tea party, read lots of books and pretty much partied the whole time. Rhett did clean up some sticks for money of course. They have talked about their times there every day since.
On the 21st we got to see Rhett, Madeline and Aurora again, I was so excited so I cannot imagine being Mike and instead of a week being months. While family was together and we could get a large portion of both of our families together we blessed Maverick. We did the blessing at Jan and Rogers in Sandy and had everything very casual. We went to Chucky Cheese after to celebrate Brenton's 9th birthday. Then we headed up to Logan to go to the Rodeo.
MIke has been with us a week and we have kept busy playing and working. Mike has worked on the deck, sprinkling system, got the suburban registered and new wheels, tires and running board on. While I've packed and serched for appartments. WE've played a lot also. Madeline and Rhett had there last T-ball game last night and were so glad that dad was there. We then all went to a pool/pizza party with 7 other families. We also went to the park with 8 ladies and their kids from the ward and had a picnic. We have also been playing lots of games together and bought Spiderwic Cronicles. Sherri had her baby 71/2 weeks early and we are all very thankful that he and mom are doing so well. Dylan weighs 6 lbs 1 oz and is breathing at 70%. Donnell went to the emergancy room in pain and had to have surgery- her gaulblatter removed.
Madeline has enjoyed her first real week out of school. She wants to help a lot with Maverick and is making books and lots of art projects. Rhett learned how to count by 5's this last week and we are teaching him how to read, he knows at least 16 words. many people have gotten a kick out of Aurora lately. When we've been in public places she will greet everyone and then announce that her name is Aurora. She will turn 3 next week and she wants a princess barbie nutcracker cake. Madeline has been coloring and designing clothes for a paper doll and Aurora saw these, they also have different hair do's but there isn't a face on them. She brought them to me quite up set and said "MOM, there head is broken!" She has had sore legs a lot lately because she will dance for hours on her toes;"
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
MIke got his branch
It is nothing that he really wanted but I guess it'll be OK. It is transportation (logistics). His training will be at Fort Eustis in Southern Virginia. We are unsure when his training will start or if we all get to go along. He is trying to get his training switched to aviation or engineering but we have no word of a change yet.
Aurora emptied 7 drawers and the shoe box. She'd finally found what she wanted to wear. Madeline's ruby red slippers and Madeline's Cinderella swimming suit. (BOth way too big).
Maverick is getting easier, sleeping better and eating less frequantly.
Rhett has his preschool graduation tomorrow and all of his programs have been very entertaining - so we'll see what he has added to his songs this time. Last time he would twirl around and shake his butt when the song talked about a fishes tail.
This week Madelime has a Hannah Montana and a princess birthday party to go to. If we were in Utah she would've celebrated with 4 family members who celebrated their birthdays this past week. HAppy birthday cousin Payton, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Ben and Grandma Farley!!!
Just a thought - you know how if your around other females a lot your period can change. Example a drill team all having their periods at the same time. Well I wonder if the order of your kids can change - yes I know how you get pregnant and the guy determines the sex but me and 4 other close friends from elementay school, 4 from the origional fabulous five have all had babies in the same order - girl, boy, girl, boy. I am curios to see if the pattern will continue with Katie. Lynnell, and Anne. Jessica and Ihave been the same.
Last blog I aounded honery and so here is some good news. I am at my prepregnancy weight and wearing my jeans!!! BUt unfortuately I am still fat and needing to loose more. I feel good though minus my tension headaches that are always lingering on.
MIke graduates from Officer training on the 19th of June and we are attending the formal on the 17th. Rhett, Maverick and I are all going to Georgia to celebrate with MIke. Next weekend Chrisit, Matt, Heidi, Pat, Sheila and Kayla are all coming here for Jared's graduation!
We are all adjustin and doing pretty good but a little overwhelmed - Still in limbo after almost 3 years> between the jobs at Haliburton, Weatherford and Military. We are very eager to be reunited with Mike and be living togther.
Aurora emptied 7 drawers and the shoe box. She'd finally found what she wanted to wear. Madeline's ruby red slippers and Madeline's Cinderella swimming suit. (BOth way too big).
Maverick is getting easier, sleeping better and eating less frequantly.
Rhett has his preschool graduation tomorrow and all of his programs have been very entertaining - so we'll see what he has added to his songs this time. Last time he would twirl around and shake his butt when the song talked about a fishes tail.
This week Madelime has a Hannah Montana and a princess birthday party to go to. If we were in Utah she would've celebrated with 4 family members who celebrated their birthdays this past week. HAppy birthday cousin Payton, Aunt Stacy, Uncle Ben and Grandma Farley!!!
Just a thought - you know how if your around other females a lot your period can change. Example a drill team all having their periods at the same time. Well I wonder if the order of your kids can change - yes I know how you get pregnant and the guy determines the sex but me and 4 other close friends from elementay school, 4 from the origional fabulous five have all had babies in the same order - girl, boy, girl, boy. I am curios to see if the pattern will continue with Katie. Lynnell, and Anne. Jessica and Ihave been the same.
Last blog I aounded honery and so here is some good news. I am at my prepregnancy weight and wearing my jeans!!! BUt unfortuately I am still fat and needing to loose more. I feel good though minus my tension headaches that are always lingering on.
MIke graduates from Officer training on the 19th of June and we are attending the formal on the 17th. Rhett, Maverick and I are all going to Georgia to celebrate with MIke. Next weekend Chrisit, Matt, Heidi, Pat, Sheila and Kayla are all coming here for Jared's graduation!
We are all adjustin and doing pretty good but a little overwhelmed - Still in limbo after almost 3 years> between the jobs at Haliburton, Weatherford and Military. We are very eager to be reunited with Mike and be living togther.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Nothing posted for 2 weeks but have we been busy.
T ball has begun and if 4 kids, 2 at different schools and all their work, a 2 year old, new baby and ward callings didn't keep me busy this does. Thankfully Madeline and Rhett were able to be on the same team. They are the Royals. THere are 13 kids on their team and all except 2 are with in 2 blocks of us. THey have one practice and 2 games a week. Going to games is quite the adventure. Last week there was opening cerimonies, pictures, 2 games and then a birthday partyat the skating rink. This Saturday 2 games again, in 91 degree weather. Maverick was miserable I finally decided I had to strap Aurora down. THe kids were so hot and tired in their uniforms - We do this why?
Actually they usually have fun and after the game they had a blast on the slip and slide and eating ice cream.
To Rhett baseball comes naturally. He is good at fielding, batting, throwing, running. When he gets the ball (which is often) He yells and celebrates "I got it!" We all have to remind him - throw it to first base. Madeline wants to make a fashion statement and asked "Mom why didn't you curl my hair for my baseball game.?"
We have really enjoyed the warm weather, being outside and going to parks. We had a picnic with Laura (Fore) Cleaver and her family last Thursday. She and Dana Walk both live here (from Ephraim). Laura and I each have 4 kids very close in age. I see her at least twice a week and it has been really nice.
Maverick has a cousin that is just two weeks younger than him. Her Name is Sydnie (Heidi's). She is really cute and it will be fun with them so close in age and size, but very different also.
Aurora has found out that mom is pretty busy and that she can get into more without getting caught as quickly. I just don't know why everything goes into her hair. She has put an entire countainer of diaper ointment, base, concealer, and vasoline into her hair the past two weeks. She has also decided that she doesn't have to wait for mom, that she can climb up onto the counter and get her own snack or drink.
My kids seem to average at least one party every weekend - Why are they so popular? Do all of your kids have so many stinking parties? Madeline was invited to 5 one weekend but I only had her go to one. I guess at least we don't have to plan as many play dates when they see lots of friends at parties.
Madeline designed a dress and picked out the material and then Grandma Farley helped make a patern and sewed it. Madeline loves it. She is so into fashion already. She would rather get new clothes than toys - and she told me that when she was 5.
Actually they usually have fun and after the game they had a blast on the slip and slide and eating ice cream.
To Rhett baseball comes naturally. He is good at fielding, batting, throwing, running. When he gets the ball (which is often) He yells and celebrates "I got it!" We all have to remind him - throw it to first base. Madeline wants to make a fashion statement and asked "Mom why didn't you curl my hair for my baseball game.?"
We have really enjoyed the warm weather, being outside and going to parks. We had a picnic with Laura (Fore) Cleaver and her family last Thursday. She and Dana Walk both live here (from Ephraim). Laura and I each have 4 kids very close in age. I see her at least twice a week and it has been really nice.
Maverick has a cousin that is just two weeks younger than him. Her Name is Sydnie (Heidi's). She is really cute and it will be fun with them so close in age and size, but very different also.
Aurora has found out that mom is pretty busy and that she can get into more without getting caught as quickly. I just don't know why everything goes into her hair. She has put an entire countainer of diaper ointment, base, concealer, and vasoline into her hair the past two weeks. She has also decided that she doesn't have to wait for mom, that she can climb up onto the counter and get her own snack or drink.
My kids seem to average at least one party every weekend - Why are they so popular? Do all of your kids have so many stinking parties? Madeline was invited to 5 one weekend but I only had her go to one. I guess at least we don't have to plan as many play dates when they see lots of friends at parties.
Madeline designed a dress and picked out the material and then Grandma Farley helped make a patern and sewed it. Madeline loves it. She is so into fashion already. She would rather get new clothes than toys - and she told me that when she was 5.
Maverick is 4 weeks old!
Maverick has been a hard baby so far. He wants to eat every two hours and then there is at least one diaper change and burping with each feeding. He thinks that if he is awake he needs to be crying. The other kids aren't acting up as much but don't think that they have to listen. My girls are so bosy and I heard Aurora telling Rhett "Stop being Bosy." Any way I guess he is bosy too. He has been putting Aurora in time out. (And she actually stays there!)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Pictures!
Look at the bottom of the blog to see more pictures, I didn't know how to move them up and keep them where I wanted. I tried to get a picture of all four after getting them all dressed and ready - What a joke, the pictures were pretty funny. Cousin Sydnie will be born tomorrow, or her mom will be induced tomorrow!!!
Maverick's claim to fame.
Today Maverick had his 2 week appointment. He had his PKU, Hearing test and cirrumcision (SP) Thursday after noon and by this morning he had gained 8 oz. He has also grown 1/4". Everything looks good. He seems to be healthy, alert, and handsome.
Today in the Spokane review was another article printed about Maverick and our family. THis is what it said:
"Last Monday, The Slice speculated about how a certain local newborn got his name. After that appeared, I heard from Maverick's mother. She couldn't have been nicer. "I have had his name picked out for more than 10 years and was thrilled to finally use it,"said Megan Tolman. "Many people have told me they love it." Tolman likes that the word "Maverick" refers to nonconformity and independence. She and husband Mike wanted to pick a name that was distintive, traditionally spelled, and not gender neutral. Also, a grandmother lobbied for "Maverick." The baby has a brother named Rhett and sisters named Madeline and Aurora. There names are meaningful and fit them perfectly," said Tolman."
Today in the Spokane review was another article printed about Maverick and our family. THis is what it said:
"Last Monday, The Slice speculated about how a certain local newborn got his name. After that appeared, I heard from Maverick's mother. She couldn't have been nicer. "I have had his name picked out for more than 10 years and was thrilled to finally use it,"said Megan Tolman. "Many people have told me they love it." Tolman likes that the word "Maverick" refers to nonconformity and independence. She and husband Mike wanted to pick a name that was distintive, traditionally spelled, and not gender neutral. Also, a grandmother lobbied for "Maverick." The baby has a brother named Rhett and sisters named Madeline and Aurora. There names are meaningful and fit them perfectly," said Tolman."
Friday, May 2, 2008
Maverick is 2 weeks today!
Well the first two weeks have went pretty well minus lack of sleep, three doctor appointments each week and Maverick having 15-20 stinky diapers a day. He eats and eats and eats so it has to go somewhere. His embilical (SP) cord fell off on Wednesday so he had his first fully submerged bath and he actually liked it, but he still screams during a diaper change. Madeline and Rhett started baseball last Friday and are having fun. This first two weeks we made it to church, the park, shopping three times, the appointments, two story times, and to practices. So I think we are doing well - life never slows down.
My parents came to Spokane and we went to the falls, the movies, out to eat, shopping, the base, and a few other places. It was so good to see them. I haven't seen them since Last November when we went there for Jon's wedding.
Sometimes with MIke gone and having 4 kids I feel very overwhelmed - but it'll get easier with time and when we can get Maverick on a schedual. MIke's mom has been a lot of help and I am so thankful for her.
After dad and my parents left Aunt Christi and uncle Matt came, so it's been really nice for me and my kids to have extra help and company.
My parents came to Spokane and we went to the falls, the movies, out to eat, shopping, the base, and a few other places. It was so good to see them. I haven't seen them since Last November when we went there for Jon's wedding.
Sometimes with MIke gone and having 4 kids I feel very overwhelmed - but it'll get easier with time and when we can get Maverick on a schedual. MIke's mom has been a lot of help and I am so thankful for her.
After dad and my parents left Aunt Christi and uncle Matt came, so it's been really nice for me and my kids to have extra help and company.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Maverick in Spokane Review (News Paper)
Last Monday there was an article on us naming our boy Maverick. The article said: "There was a new born named "Maverick" in the birth list the other day. OK that's fine, There have been pleanty of kids named Chyenne. But I'll know something is up when I see a baby named Sugarfoot. Of course the Old TV western, Maverick is a last name. So here is a scary thought. The parents in this case might have been going for the allusion to the 1986 Tom Cruise movie "Top Gun." Just think. Little Maverick's future siblings could be called Icemand, Goose, Viper, Wolfman, Slider, Jester, Hollywood and so on. Or Maybe if Maverick has a little sister someday, she could be named after the actress Kelly McGillis played in "Top Gun" - Charlie. "
I emailed the auther and he is going to be putting some of my e-mail in the paper again this Monday, of telling why we named our boy Maverick. SO I will type that article when it is printed. It's kind of fun to have this story for little Maverick's book, Spokane is such a big place I would never emagin that we'd be in the paper three weeks in a row! (First was listing Maverick's birth). Paul the Auther of the article could not believe how civil I was being - but I really don't care what people think because all of the names we have chaosen are old traditional names that have a lot of personal meaning to us. I also think that there are many names that are stranger than what we have chosen.
I emailed the auther and he is going to be putting some of my e-mail in the paper again this Monday, of telling why we named our boy Maverick. SO I will type that article when it is printed. It's kind of fun to have this story for little Maverick's book, Spokane is such a big place I would never emagin that we'd be in the paper three weeks in a row! (First was listing Maverick's birth). Paul the Auther of the article could not believe how civil I was being - but I really don't care what people think because all of the names we have chaosen are old traditional names that have a lot of personal meaning to us. I also think that there are many names that are stranger than what we have chosen.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
It's a boy! We sure were surprised. We named him Maverick Scott, he was born at 10:59 am. on April 18th. We didn't get to the hospital until a little after 8am so the induction went rather quick. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and is 21 inches long. He looks a lot like Rhett but has far less hair than the other three had. He has darling dimples on both sides, I think he'll have brown eyes, and blond hair. (His hair is brown now.) He is a very good baby who loves to eat and I think he will be tall. He is long and has very long hands and feet. We are all doing well, Megan can finally get some sleep. Aurora is very jealous and showing us her mean side. It will take a while for her to adjust. All love having a little baby brother and want to hold or help with him constantly.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Like father - like daughter? Mike has been teased a lot about bringing parts of his school lunch home in his pockets. Well last year when Madeline didn't have school lunch she would bring home the brown and black fuzzy caterpillars. This year I have found all sorts of treats, hot cocoa powder, apple slices, and today there was something new, a toad!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
M&M Tolman Family
Mike just started Officer training with the Army on Monday, March 31, 2008. He will finally have three graduations this year! In December he graduated from Utah State University, on March 27th he finnished basic training at Fort Benning in Gorgia. He will graduate from Officer training on the 19th of June. Then he might do jump school or some other training until he starts his in depth training. We are hoping for aviation or engineering. That would mean a move to Alabama (flight) or to South Carolina (engineering).
Megan is ready to pop! Due any day with #4. She will be started on the 18th if she doesn't go by then. We do not know the sex of the baby, but are very excited either way. Megan is the Activity days leader and FHE nursery leader in her ward. She also helps in Madeline's class every Tuesday. She hopes to be writting a book of different ideas for hair styles, she has taken all of the pictures and hasthe styles decided. She has really enjoyed Spokane but is eager to be back with Mike.
Madeline is 7, and is one smart, beautiful, and kind girl. She is doing very well in school. She passed everything off for fist grade in November. She has many friends and had a singing solo in her 1-3 grade school musical program. She has been in dance classes, gymnastics, piano, soccer, and will soon be starting baseball and sign language. She loves to be active and social. Madeline loves animals and wants to be a vet but mom thinks that she has a talent in fashion and art.
Rhett is 5 and usually likes preschool. He is a hit at their performances adding his own actions to the songs. He has made lots of friends. He loves to work with tools, build things, and do puzzles. He is starting to learn how to read. He is a very creative and silly boy. He has had an imaginary friend Sunny for the past three years and has started adding other nintendo characters lately. He is eager to start kindergarten in the fall. Music and Baseballs come natural and easy to him.
Aurora is an active two year old. Just this weekend she got a hold of nail polish (Madeline left the coutainer opened). She dumped out 5 different colors of nail polish as well as painting herself, and moms robe. She loves to read and loves the princesses, Ariel is her favorite. She is smart and her next accomplishment after baby comes better be potty training. Madeline looks a lot like Megan but Aruora is a mini Megan (exactly). Aurora loves to go to music class, story time and nursery.
Megan is ready to pop! Due any day with #4. She will be started on the 18th if she doesn't go by then. We do not know the sex of the baby, but are very excited either way. Megan is the Activity days leader and FHE nursery leader in her ward. She also helps in Madeline's class every Tuesday. She hopes to be writting a book of different ideas for hair styles, she has taken all of the pictures and hasthe styles decided. She has really enjoyed Spokane but is eager to be back with Mike.
Madeline is 7, and is one smart, beautiful, and kind girl. She is doing very well in school. She passed everything off for fist grade in November. She has many friends and had a singing solo in her 1-3 grade school musical program. She has been in dance classes, gymnastics, piano, soccer, and will soon be starting baseball and sign language. She loves to be active and social. Madeline loves animals and wants to be a vet but mom thinks that she has a talent in fashion and art.
Rhett is 5 and usually likes preschool. He is a hit at their performances adding his own actions to the songs. He has made lots of friends. He loves to work with tools, build things, and do puzzles. He is starting to learn how to read. He is a very creative and silly boy. He has had an imaginary friend Sunny for the past three years and has started adding other nintendo characters lately. He is eager to start kindergarten in the fall. Music and Baseballs come natural and easy to him.
Aurora is an active two year old. Just this weekend she got a hold of nail polish (Madeline left the coutainer opened). She dumped out 5 different colors of nail polish as well as painting herself, and moms robe. She loves to read and loves the princesses, Ariel is her favorite. She is smart and her next accomplishment after baby comes better be potty training. Madeline looks a lot like Megan but Aruora is a mini Megan (exactly). Aurora loves to go to music class, story time and nursery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
