Funny Girl

Madilyn has been really excited about letters lately. Yes I know, she is 3 years old and she is finally showing some interest in learning her letters. This is very exciting to us because we have tried for months if not years to get her interested in learning. She still has half the alphabet to learn, but its coming along. But today she was looking thru her journal and pointed out the letters which I explained to her, when you put a bunch of letters together, they make words, and thats what we use to talk. So this is the conversation we just had as she looked thru her journal.

Madilyn: Mom, did you do that?

Me: Yes Madilyn I did.

Madilyn: All by yourself?! (In amazement)

Me:Yep, I did.

Madilyn: Wow mom, thats really cool!!

She makes me feel pretty awesome sometimes...other times...not so much, like this time.

There was a beach chair sitting out on our lawn, she wanted me to sit on it, and then she wanted to sit side by side with me. Well this chair definitely wasn't big enough. So explain, "No Madilyn, mommy's bum is too big to fit on the chair with you." Which now has turned into, "Mommy has a BIG bum!" with uncontrollable giggles to follow. And she says it all the time too!

Or the time we dropped Celeste off at the airport, and Madilyn insisted that Daddy turn the car around to drop me off at the airport too. When I asked her if she wanted me to leave, she said, "YES" and then I said, do you want me to go for a year? Her reply, "YES." She loves me right????

And these other things are just for me to remember, I was holding her blanket and she ran up to me and said, "mom, don't let the blanket drag." This is funny only because I constantly remind her to pick up her blanket so it doesn't drag. It is quite amazing how much she listens to, and soaks up everything we say.

We also were driving by a boat, and she said, "look a boat" then with a short pause, "It's AMAZING." She sure is funny, I love listening to her talk!

Learning

My children are seriously adorable sometimes, as all moms will probably say about their own child. But seriously, yesterday Eliza did something that just amazed me.

We were all sitting down in the living room, and I had a picture of Christ. (the one where he is standing at the door knocking) Anyway, it was sitting on the floor leaning against the wall since we haven't hung it yet. Eliza walked over to the picture, looked at it for a min, pointed right at Jesus's face and exclaimed "jeeze." She was so excited with a smile on her face. I honestly wanted to cry, because yes it is a name we talk about in our home. But we haven't really stood in front of a lot of pictures and told her Jesus everytime, or even at all that I can remember. Maybe we have, and we can't remember. Anyway, it was so amazing to me that I little 15 month old that can barely say anything, can recognize a familiar loving face, and even attempt to say his name. It really was a precious moment. I love being a mom more than anything!

As for my other wonderful child. It is so cool to teach Madilyn something about the gospel, something I don't really think she will understand, but I explain anyway. Only to hear her talking about it days, weeks, months later. She is really into asking the "why" question. She really loves hearing stories about Jesus walking on water, or Nephi getting the gold plates. Life truly is amazing, and I am so grateful for my children and my awesome husband who also teaches them so much. They are all such examples to me. Love life!

Big Island Trip

Okay, it is definitely time to update. I just hate getting so far behind that you know its going to take ages to catch up. And the thing is, for awhile there I felt like I had nothing to blog about (no pictures) So I just didn't do it. So I am going to blame it on moving and getting settled to try and make myself feel better about taking so long to update. But I will also post pics of our new little place once I get it decorated and such. As for now, I will update on our trip to the Big Island.

This trip I swear has been planned since at least November or something. My step dad has a time share out there and invited all our family to join. I was so looking forward to this trip because I was getting to meet my two nieces for the very first time. And let me tell you, they are adorable, I can honestly say if I wasn't taking care of one of my kids, I was holding one of their kids. But can you blame me, look at these two cuties!

This is Maren Oltrogge, she is 9 weeks old in this picture, and she looks a lot like her daddy here, I think!

This is Ellie Avis Johnson, and she is 4 months here, and I think she looks just like Cortni

Naturally we started the trip off with some awesome shaved ice. It was in the town of Kailua, Kona area...it is actually one of the places that actually got hit by the latest tsunami.

There was a shark siting sign out while we were there, needless to say, we only looked at the water and enjoyed our yummy treat!

We went to church in Waimea, and then after drove around the island just sight seeing! It has been a very long time since we have had a picture of all of us together like this.

This is the spot where a very devastating Tsunami hit back in 1949, a school yard sat close to this location and all the kids were looking at the ocean because it had receded back so far, which at the time they didn't know that meant a tsunami was about to hit. I can't remember the death toll, but it was very sad! The ocean was wild too, just crashing like crazy, so I can only imagine what it looked like.

She loved feeding and cuddling the babies, lets just say I was asked numerous times these past weeks to have another baby.

They are so stinkin cute!

The only pic of us before zip lining

We spent a lot of our time at the pool, it was so nice there.

We explored the Hilton, and it was HUGE. We took the boat to get around faster.

Madilyn is really into making silly faces right now.

The sign said, "please do not sit or stand on artwork." we told my mom, but she didn't seem to care. And Madilyn was happy that she didn't.

Just cuddling with baby Maren

Sweet baby Maren

Feeding little Ellie!

Will she be a thumb sucker? We shall see....

Next post I will put up pics of the fam visiting Oahu. And took some cute pics of my cute nieces!

Miracles!

Miracles happen! So this past week we found out that we got into on campus housing...which we were SO excited about. But then we found out that it wasn't until Sept. 10, which was still great, besides the fact that we were moving out of our house in two days, and once we told our new landlords that we would only need their place for 2 months, they quickly changed their minds and dropped us. It was a little strange because they were the ones that originally wanted a month to month lease..I am pretty sure 2 months would fit in that catagory...but oh well. So this was going to leave us homeless for 2 months. We were looking everywhere for housing and everything kept falling through. We were starting to get discuraged and were considering flying me back to the mainland with the girls while taylor lived in a tent. This was our last option left. I ended up talking to a good friend of mine, which led her to giving us a name of someone that might be able to help us out. We emailed him, and within 24 hours we got a notice that we could move into on-campus housing next week(just so you know, its never that easy)!!! What a relief, if anyone has any idea how much money that is going to save us, not to mention we won't be homeless!!!!!!!! Pure bliss is what we feel!!! I really do know that Heavenly Father takes care of us, and is completely aware of our situation..even when we think all is lost, and there is nothing that will work out...it somehow always does. So anyway, like I said, we moved out of our house July 1st, and today is the 8th, so you might be wondering where we are right now. Well we did find one place to sub-lease on TVA housing until July 13th...the same day we move into our new place. The only thing with sub-leasing, the owners leave everything in it while they are gone. So all of their stuff+ all our entire house = hoarders! I know what you are all thinking, we need to be on the next episode of hoarders. Well let me tell you what, I am going CRAZY living in a house that looks like this. But we have no where else to store all our belongings. So our 2 bedroom apartment we are sub leasing is more like a 1 bedroom. Needless to say, Madilyn and Eliza got the room, Taylor and I got a blow up mattress in the living room. Haha what an adventure as Taylor likes to say! I wish I was as positive!

So what do you think?? Horrid right? haha, oh did I mention the family we are sub leasing from the husband makes surf boards...which would be the reason half the room is taken by their stuff. Oh well, its really not the end of the world, its kinda funny looking at it now. And if you were wondering about all our big things like couches, tables, desks etc....they are sitting in a old rundown greenhouse where I am sure every critter on this island is making it their new home. Trust me, another thing we had no control over...and I try hard not to think about it. But we are going to toss the couch, since they have them already in our new place...as for our other furniture...there is clorox wipes right?? Ahhh, I need to stop thinking about it! Anyway, we are super grateful that we are getting in next week. God is so good to us, we feel so blessed!!! Yay for not being homeless!!!!

Happy Fathers day!

Yep, I am going to post about how amazing my husband is!! Taylor is extremely dedicated to whatever he sets his mind to, whether it be family, school, callings...you name it. I am always so impressed with his willingness to help anyone and everyone out, without the slightest hesitation, or complaint. I knew before I married him that he would make an amazing husband and father...but he has even far exceeded what I thought. You should see the way the girls light up when there dad is around. If its not home, Madilyn just talks about him all day. When he leaves she cries, seriously almost every time. And Its so fun watching Eliza act the same way...she isn't old enough to go running out the door when daddy gets home, so she gets stuck behind the glass watching madilyn run into daddy's arms. She squeels with excitement, and then cries out of frustration that she can't get to him. Taylor is extremely patient with all of us, after putting in a stressful day of class and studying he still manages to come home happy and energetic ready to help take care of the girls before bed. I truly love Taylor so much for everything he has done, for being a worthy priesthood bearer, and taking care of his family. I know if the girls could say it in more words they would say how grateful they are to have such an amazing father!!

First time bringing Madilyn home from the hospital.

This was when Eliza was really sick last week.

Being a true Father...letting his daughter bejewel his face!

Life is amazing!

I love you Taylor Burnham, thank you for being the best husband and father!!

Eliza's 1st Birthday

The actual day of Eliza's birthday she was seriously so miserably sick that we decided to postpone her cake. We made the mistake though of trying to still get her to open presents, but she was clearly not in the mood. My poor little baby had a really bad fever for 6 days straight. I finally took her into the doctor on the 6th day and found out that she had really bad ear infections in both ears. Poor little girl, she honestly just clung to me for days. She would just snuggle up to me and sleep on my chest. I have to admit, I loved how much cuddles I got from her that week. But it absolutely broke my heart seeing how sick she was. She was such a trooper though. Any way, the morning of her birthday we pushed thru the presents, Madilyn pretty much opened and played with all of them while she sat back and watched. But after a very rough and sick day we decided we would wait on celebrating. Plus Nicole and Bobby were on there way to come visit so Taylor was gone that evening anyway. So after getting some antibiotics and such by Sunday she was pretty much back to herself. So I got to celebrate my birthday with Eliza. It was so much fun watching Eliza destroy her cupcake, and she loved every minute of it. I had a really hard time deciding on which pictures to post...so sorry if there is a lot!

The morning of her birthday, pretty much the ONLY smile I saw on her face all day. She was such a trooper!

Trying to enjoy her new gifts.

Celebrating a little late, but she didn't mind!

I think she thought it was really funny that we gave that to her and didn't stop her from enjoying it however she desired. So cute!!

And then she just shoved it into her face...I honestly don't know how she could breathe...

Once again looking over for approval that what she was doing was ok. She was lovin life, and kept laughing.

VICTORY!

Madilyn really wanted to try it too, and we decided that would be just fine considering the wind blew her candles out on her birthday. She also enjoyed herself. And please don't judge my almost naked children...I hate getting food all over their clothes...plus we live in hawaii, it gets real hot!

Like I said, completely enjoying herself. We had so much fun watching her, and we were really happy Nicole and Bobby were able to be here for it. Its always so nice having family around!! And thanks for taking so many pics while you were here Nicole...that will be a post in the near future! Happy Birthday to my little 1 year old, like I said about Madilyn... I literally can't imagine life with out this little monkey..she makes things so much more fun and I just love her to pieces!!

Madilyn's 3rd Birthday

Madilyn's Birthday was jam packed with things. We started the day off with opening her presents...and lets just say she is extremely spoiled. Thanks to grandma Crockett she was able to have her dream presents on her big day. She got a tangled barbie doll, Woody, and Buzz. All that a girl named Madilyn could ask for. She was honestly in heaven. She had been asking for a Buzz and Woody for months. So after that we headed into Honolulu to hit up the zoo, another thing Madilyn requested we did for her birthday. Eliza was pretty sick this whole day, she was really fevered and sad...but she was such a trouper, it was such a long day and she handled it very well. After the zoo, my camera didn't have any more batteries so I can't document it with pictures. But we did go back to Mike and Becca's place, had lunch, then we drove around while Madilyn and Eliza took naps, and Tay went surfing. Then we played at Wikiki beach, and then went for some Yogurtland. SO GOOD. Wish I could have gotten a picture of Madilyn's face after eating all that. All in all it was a wonderful day, Madilyn I think had lots of fun. She didn't have any temper tantrums, so that must mean it was good!!

Even though Eliza was sick she couldn't resist chasing the birds.

Bentley finally arrived, and then the went hand in hand running wild. They have so much fun together. So glad the Olsen family and my mom were able to join us!

Haha, she kept trying to stand up...but couldn't quite figure out how.

This monkey kept pounding on the glass at Bentley, it was so funny!!

See the monkey in the background just lounging around.

My Favorite picture, she loved the petting zoo. Can't say the goats enjoyed it all that much, especially with Bentley around. They all went into their sanctuary, and the minute he left they came back out. Haha, he tried riding one of them, and they really didn't like that. Wish i would have gotten a picture of that. But anyway, there is my big 3 year old. I sure love her and and so extremely grateful she came into our lives 3 years ago, I can't imagine life without her!! I love you Madilyn!!