A Lesson In Flying

I am not a big fan of flying, I do it because I have to.  I would prefer a good road trip...the perfect mixed cd (well I guess all you need these days is an iPod) and an ice chest full of snacks, that spells FUN to me.  Flying is stressful, usually I can pass the time reading, taking a little nap, watching a movie, and before you know it the flight is over.  But with kids...it's a whole other story.  It is hard enough to shove me in those little seats, do it with a giant 20 pound baby and you are asking for a back-ache and a head-ache.  Our trip to Utah and back was eventful, to say the least.  There was screaming, crying and tantrums (and that was mostly just Jason, ha ha).  

Harry was perfect, smiling at anyone who would give him the time of day...just a happy baby.  He did not cry, just slept and ate.  The only thing difficult about Harry is that he is 20lbs of dead weight, my arms were so sore.  Clark, on the other hand, was possessed by the devil as soon as the plane left the tarmac.  I have never seen him act the way he did...saying he threw a tantrum is like saying a hurricane is a little drizzle of rain.  It was the longest flight ever...but it was worth it to go home for Christmas (and the wedding).

To say we were dreading the flight home is an understatement.  When were were at the gate waiting to board, Clark figured out what was going on.  He lost it.  He was so sacred, crying, screaming, trying to run away.  Poor, poor Tuna.  Jason and I were unable to sit next to each other, but I could hear him screaming from 15 rows away.  Once we landed in LA, to switch planes, Clark had had it with Jason.  So I had to carrying him, along with the fatty baby, to the next terminal.  There I was lugging 50lbs of babies, my pants were falling down, I was dehydrated and starving...practically in tears.  I was wishing so bad we still lived in California, then we would already be home (or better yet, we could've driven home!!)  We finally made it to the gate.  Clark's spirits were renewed with a bag of M&M's, and Jason went to get us some food.  We had a good 45 minutes until our next flight to relax.  Imagine my terror when I realized that I left Harry's bottle on the last plane.  I had his formula and water, but I left his bottle.  I had nothing to feed him with.  They don't sell bottles at the airport...you can get diapers, condoms, mustard, sewing kits, and ridiculously priced nuts...but no bottles.  We didn't know what to do.  I was literally having a panic attack, I felt horrible knowing what was to come.  Harry is the best baby ever, he never cries EVER, unless he is hungry.  We got on the plane anyways...I was planning on trying to get Harry to some how drink his milk out of Clark's sippy cup.  Thirty minutes into the flight, Jason found a family that had a little kid, and luckily they had an extra bottle...Thank GOD!  I have never been so relieved in all of my life...I love that lady where ever she is, LOVE her.  

So in conclusion, when the flight attendant tells you to check the seat pocket in front of you for personal belongings, DO IT!

We are home.  We are happy.  In fact, Clark was thrilled to be back home with all of his things.  I know he misses everyone, playing with his cousins and family, but he loved being back home.  I am finally caught up on everything, and I finished my last load of laundry last night (woot!)

I am definitely not looking forward to getting on a plane with Clark anytime soon (it is a good thing we still have about 18 months living here). 

Christmas Time

This was the first Christmas Jason and I have been home since we were married.  It was so much fun to be able to share our favorite holiday with everyone in our family.  We spent Christmas morning at Jason's parents house, and had a delicious Christmas breakfast.  Denne made these tasty eggs that you boil in a plastic bag (kinda like omelets).  I did not think I was going to like them, but mine turned out so tasty that plan on making more for breakfast!  It was so much fun to watch Clark run around with his cousins and open presents.  Harry got an adorable little Giants hat from Aunt Jenny (THANKS!) and Clark go an Aqua-doodle that he loves to color on (and I enjoy not having to clean up the crayon mess so it is a present for me too).  We made it back to my parents just in time to finish off the smashed potatoes and turkey.  All my brothers and sisters were over, and my Granny and Gramps were still in town.  We were all smooshed in the front room (there was 17 of us), Mom and Papa definitely need to get a bigger house!  It was so much fun opening presents and spending the evening together.  Jason got me a necklace from my favorite jewelry store (Na Hoku), I have been wanting this particular necklace for almost 7 years...I was so surprised and excited I cried a little.  He also got me a perfume sample from Sephora with 10 tiny bottles of perfume, and I get to pick my favorite and then go to the store and exchange for a big bottle....yay so much fun!

The presents were awesome, the food was tasty....but what I loved the very most about Christmas this year was being with my family.  Those are the best gifts of all, sharing the laughs and jokes and memories.  I am so grateful we were able to fly home, and so thankful for everything everybody did to make our trip possible and more enjoyable.  I honestly can't express how much love and gratitude I have in my heart for our families...Jason and I are so lucky.  I made (another) slide show of the days highlights below.  Thanks again for everything (family and friends) we love you so much (yes, that means YOU!)

My Winter Wonderland

One of my favorite things about going home this winter was ALL the SNOW!  I love winter time so much, and I love it even more when it snows.  It was the first white Christmas I have had in about 6 years, and it was so beautiful.  I know I am in the minority, most anybody I know would die to trade places with me and come to the sunny tropical islands.  But it was so refreshing to have a real winter at Christmas time!!!!  Jason and I are a little out of practice when it comes to driving in bad weather, so we were stuck at home quite a bit, which did put a little damper on all our activities...but it was still fun to have family time.  Maybe next time we will be able to take Clark sledding or build a snowman...I can't wait!

Me and Cody in the snow.

I love it when the snow collects on branches like giant cotton balls.

December 22, 2008

On Monday December 22, we blessed Harrison at church.  We wanted to wait the few extra weeks until we came out to Utah so that my Dad and Jason's family could be a part of the special day.  We were also happy to have Laura's fiance Jamin participate in the blessing as well (we are exited to welcome him to the family).  Emma and Cody also planned to have Reese blessed on the same day.  It was so special to be gathered together, with both of our families and bless the little babies.  It will be a fun memory to look back on...and I thank Bishop Nerdin for doing all he did to make sure we were able to do it together.  Due to the snow storm that day most people could not make it, but we were very thankful for those that did come out.  I was a total space cadet that day and did not take one single picture...so I am very thankful for Gramps who took this family picture of us after the blessing.  

Little Reese looked like a tiny little angel in her giant poofy tutu dress, and Harry looked like a plump little toddler in his overalls.  They are both so precious, and truly a blessing from God.

Don't you just want to love her to pieces...

Mr. and Mrs. BJ Deimler

It's official!  BJ and Sabrina got married December 20, 2008.  It was a beautiful and touching ceremony.  Sabrina looked so pretty and her dress was gorgeous!  BJ looked so handsome in his new suit and cowboy boots.  Clark was not really into the whole wedding scene.  All he wanted to do was run around, and chase the other children, Jason missed most of the ceremony walking around with Clark outside.  Clark did not willingly sit down until the food was brought out...thank god for the cheese and chips!  Harry and his chubby thighs were quite an attraction, nobody could believe the size difference between him and Reese.  Thinking back on it now I should've charged $5 per peek of his fatty legs, I could've raked in a lot of money.  The thing I will remember the most is spending time with my family, I am so thankful that we were able to fly down and be apart of their special day.   

ps. The cake was so so tasty!

Here is a slide show of the days highlights:

Clark's First Hair Cut

We waited for Clark's first hair cut until we could go home and have Auntie Sabrina do it.  I was expecting that I would have to hold him down and sit on him, all the while kicking and screaming.  But he was so good!  He didn't cry, didn't squirm...he just sat in his seat eating his cookie.  Auntie did such a good (and fast) job...not to short and still lots of curls left.  Thanks so much Auntie Sabrina, you are a miracle worker.  Below is a video of his hair cut, further proof that he was a good boy.

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Meeting Reese

We were so excited to meet Little Reese when we went home.  Of-course, Clark couldn't have cared less that she was his newest cousin one look and he was off destroying Grandma's house.  But Harry loves her, and at one point he even tried to eat her little head.  We sized them up all afternoon giggling at the size difference.  Who can believe that they are only 2 weeks apart, Harry is almost 3x the size of her.  She is a tiny little angel, and you can't help but want to snuggle her to pieces.  I am so glad I FINALLY got to meet her, and I hope it isn't too long before I can hold her again.

Harry and Reese.  Littlest Giant.

The Deimler cousins, Clark, Harry and Reese.