SO, I was prepping to post several pictures from Miles re-enlistment yesterday, when I realized that I am woefully behind in the pics department. SO, in an effort to keep these entries as "in order" as possible...I better start where I left off. Here is Maddie doing a re-play of her Primary spotlight. We were given a piece of posterboard, and I let Maddie tell me what pictures she wanted to put on, and she did an excellent job decorating it. She did even better when she got up in front of the entire Primary, and told them all about herself! What is equally entertaining is how Emma insisted on having a turn...and so you get "Maddie's spotlight" by Emma! :-)Enjoy!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Where have the Maschgers gone?
We are here. I realize that it has been insanely long since I have posted, and I apologize for our prolonged absence from the blogging scene. We have been so incredibly busy with vacation, and doctor's appointments, and general family craziness that carving out even a few moments to jot down the latest has apparently fallen pretty low on our priority list...I'll try harder! :-)
So...what is the latest from the Maschger clan?
Well, we survived the "vacation" of all vacations. It would require a novel of moderate size to relate all of our adventures...so let me sum up! :-) We began with a leak in the hydraulic system of our aircraft, delaying our flight about 8 hours. After such a promising start, you would think we could drop no lower...stay tuned. We spent the next week with Miles' family, and we had a GREAT time! The girls really enjoyed playing with their cousins, and hanging out with Grandma's day care...one of the great things about Grandma's house there is ALWAYS someone to play with and TONS of toys to play with. The girls especially enjoyed the large swing set outside, and spent alot of time in the backyard! After about a week, we made the drive down to Phoenix, AZ to visit Miles wonderful sister Alyssa and family. (We call that a trip-within-a-trip!) :-) It was fun to travel with Grandma and Grandpa, and meet a whole new set of cousins. While we were in Phoenix, we had the AWESOME opportunity to attend the beautiful sealing of two of our dearest friends. It was such a beautiful event, and we enjoyed reconnecting with old friends. Miles and I also took the opportunity of being able to escape "kid-free" and celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Lots happening in Phoenix...and all in 100+ degree heat. (TIP: summer is NOT the time to "enjoy" Phoenix) :-)
CUTE MADDIE STORY: Have to interrupt and share...Upon our arrival in Phoenix, Miles opens the door and lets Maddie out of the car. Maddie steps onto the sidewalk in front of the house, and stops. Miles says to her, "It's warm, huh?" Maddie looks up at Miles and says, "No, Dad, it is HOT!" :-)
However, we had a great time, and it came to an end way to soon. We drove back to Colorado Springs, and then just one day later boarded a plane to head home to Maryland. While our flight from Colorado Springs to Houston came off without a hitch, we got completely hosed in Houston. A major storm system moved in, and after delaying our flight for several hours, they finally had to cancel the flight...along with 33 other flights, and sent us all to one desk to reschedule! We truly have the BEST luck when flying! Anyway, about 3 hours later, we had booked a flight leaving the next morning...and we had two VERY hungry, and tired, and completely disoriented children. (By the time we left the next morning, Emma was crying because she wanted to stay at the airport!) We were very fortunate to book a room at the Marriott hotel that is actually a part of the airport (which was a bonus, because we had no car seats...as we had checked them) Not only was this hotel close, it was actually VERY quiet, and after a little room service, and a movie...our exhausted small ones drifted off to sleep. Fortunately our flight to Maryland the next day was fairly uneventful...Maddie was afraid the plane was going to leave us, so she had a complete meltdown as we got on the plane...and then Emma, suddenly decided during takeoff that she didn't want to sit next to Dad she wanted to sit next to Mom, and a massive temper tantrum followed. Miles and I were sooo relieved when no one asked us to remove ourselves from the plane! Lest you think our adventures are quite over...just a little morsel to wrap up our tale... Upon arrival in Baltimore, we discovered that while we, and our luggage had all made the trips...our car seats had not! SERIOUSLY! So, we had to wait while Miles filed a claim for our missing car seats, and the airline located some for us to borrow so we could get our children home. Needless to say by the time we crossed the threshold of our little home, we didn't leave for several days! :-)
We are now firmly back in the swing of things! I have been averaging about 2-3 doctor's appointments a week...but I am sooo grateful to have a doctor who is being so careful with everything! About a week before we left for vacation, I found out that I have diabetes...and have spent the last month and a half working through that drama. However, it seems that everything is coming together...and that is a relief. Everything else seems to be perfectly fine with the baby...I heard the hearbeat just last Friday, and it is beating strong at 160! :-) I have an ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday...so stay tuned for pictures...maybe! :-)
Miles is keeping busy with work. Probably enough said on that topic... He is re-enlisting this Friday, and we have very mixed feelings about it. By the time this enlistment is up he will have served 14 years, so we are making the Navy a career...a BIG step.
Other than that...not much else. I'm going to try and get some pictures up soon, but right now I need to go and clean the kitchen...and eat something! :-)
Love you all!
So...what is the latest from the Maschger clan?
Well, we survived the "vacation" of all vacations. It would require a novel of moderate size to relate all of our adventures...so let me sum up! :-) We began with a leak in the hydraulic system of our aircraft, delaying our flight about 8 hours. After such a promising start, you would think we could drop no lower...stay tuned. We spent the next week with Miles' family, and we had a GREAT time! The girls really enjoyed playing with their cousins, and hanging out with Grandma's day care...one of the great things about Grandma's house there is ALWAYS someone to play with and TONS of toys to play with. The girls especially enjoyed the large swing set outside, and spent alot of time in the backyard! After about a week, we made the drive down to Phoenix, AZ to visit Miles wonderful sister Alyssa and family. (We call that a trip-within-a-trip!) :-) It was fun to travel with Grandma and Grandpa, and meet a whole new set of cousins. While we were in Phoenix, we had the AWESOME opportunity to attend the beautiful sealing of two of our dearest friends. It was such a beautiful event, and we enjoyed reconnecting with old friends. Miles and I also took the opportunity of being able to escape "kid-free" and celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. Lots happening in Phoenix...and all in 100+ degree heat. (TIP: summer is NOT the time to "enjoy" Phoenix) :-)
CUTE MADDIE STORY: Have to interrupt and share...Upon our arrival in Phoenix, Miles opens the door and lets Maddie out of the car. Maddie steps onto the sidewalk in front of the house, and stops. Miles says to her, "It's warm, huh?" Maddie looks up at Miles and says, "No, Dad, it is HOT!" :-)
However, we had a great time, and it came to an end way to soon. We drove back to Colorado Springs, and then just one day later boarded a plane to head home to Maryland. While our flight from Colorado Springs to Houston came off without a hitch, we got completely hosed in Houston. A major storm system moved in, and after delaying our flight for several hours, they finally had to cancel the flight...along with 33 other flights, and sent us all to one desk to reschedule! We truly have the BEST luck when flying! Anyway, about 3 hours later, we had booked a flight leaving the next morning...and we had two VERY hungry, and tired, and completely disoriented children. (By the time we left the next morning, Emma was crying because she wanted to stay at the airport!) We were very fortunate to book a room at the Marriott hotel that is actually a part of the airport (which was a bonus, because we had no car seats...as we had checked them) Not only was this hotel close, it was actually VERY quiet, and after a little room service, and a movie...our exhausted small ones drifted off to sleep. Fortunately our flight to Maryland the next day was fairly uneventful...Maddie was afraid the plane was going to leave us, so she had a complete meltdown as we got on the plane...and then Emma, suddenly decided during takeoff that she didn't want to sit next to Dad she wanted to sit next to Mom, and a massive temper tantrum followed. Miles and I were sooo relieved when no one asked us to remove ourselves from the plane! Lest you think our adventures are quite over...just a little morsel to wrap up our tale... Upon arrival in Baltimore, we discovered that while we, and our luggage had all made the trips...our car seats had not! SERIOUSLY! So, we had to wait while Miles filed a claim for our missing car seats, and the airline located some for us to borrow so we could get our children home. Needless to say by the time we crossed the threshold of our little home, we didn't leave for several days! :-)
We are now firmly back in the swing of things! I have been averaging about 2-3 doctor's appointments a week...but I am sooo grateful to have a doctor who is being so careful with everything! About a week before we left for vacation, I found out that I have diabetes...and have spent the last month and a half working through that drama. However, it seems that everything is coming together...and that is a relief. Everything else seems to be perfectly fine with the baby...I heard the hearbeat just last Friday, and it is beating strong at 160! :-) I have an ultrasound scheduled for Tuesday...so stay tuned for pictures...maybe! :-)
Miles is keeping busy with work. Probably enough said on that topic... He is re-enlisting this Friday, and we have very mixed feelings about it. By the time this enlistment is up he will have served 14 years, so we are making the Navy a career...a BIG step.
Other than that...not much else. I'm going to try and get some pictures up soon, but right now I need to go and clean the kitchen...and eat something! :-)
Love you all!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Disclaimer
The following post represent the views of the speaker only and do not necessarily reflect the views of management. Anybody who knows Miles knows that he had to marry a woman twice as smart and twice as good looking so the kids could have half a chance. Its a good thing he married up.
--Maschger Family Management
--Maschger Family Management
To my husband!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
As this is Miles' 33rd b-day, I wanted to take the few minutes of quiet I have (Backyardigans are on!) and tell my sweet husband how much I love and appreciate him! I will be eternally grateful that this wonderful man was born just 33 short years ago today! There are so many things that I love and appreciate about Miles...to name a few:
1. His sense of humor - it was one of the very first things that attracted me to him. I love his wit, and his sarcasm, and the complete randomness of who he is...there is NEVER a dull moment! :-)
2. His integrity - it is such a remarkable quality to do the right thing, because it is the right thing - it brings me the greatest comfort to know that regardless he will always do the right thing!
3. His commitment to him family - I could not have married a better man, for he is completely committed to fulfilling his role in his family. He is an incredible father, who readily puts the needs of his children first and foremost! He is an awesome husband, who takes such good care of his slightly control-freak, neurotic wife! :-)
OK...so Backyardigans is over, thus closing my window of opportunity! Regardless,
Miles I love you! I love you more and more everyday...as crazy as I know that sounds...but it is true! I love that man that you are! I am soo grateful for every single experience and choice that you have made in your life because I know that each one created the righteous and wonderful man that you are today...the perfect man for me! Happy Birthday, my love! :-)
As this is Miles' 33rd b-day, I wanted to take the few minutes of quiet I have (Backyardigans are on!) and tell my sweet husband how much I love and appreciate him! I will be eternally grateful that this wonderful man was born just 33 short years ago today! There are so many things that I love and appreciate about Miles...to name a few:
1. His sense of humor - it was one of the very first things that attracted me to him. I love his wit, and his sarcasm, and the complete randomness of who he is...there is NEVER a dull moment! :-)
2. His integrity - it is such a remarkable quality to do the right thing, because it is the right thing - it brings me the greatest comfort to know that regardless he will always do the right thing!
3. His commitment to him family - I could not have married a better man, for he is completely committed to fulfilling his role in his family. He is an incredible father, who readily puts the needs of his children first and foremost! He is an awesome husband, who takes such good care of his slightly control-freak, neurotic wife! :-)
OK...so Backyardigans is over, thus closing my window of opportunity! Regardless,
Miles I love you! I love you more and more everyday...as crazy as I know that sounds...but it is true! I love that man that you are! I am soo grateful for every single experience and choice that you have made in your life because I know that each one created the righteous and wonderful man that you are today...the perfect man for me! Happy Birthday, my love! :-)
From the Maschgers...
The BIG news here is that...it appears I am pregnant - AGAIN - remarkably! While we struggled with keeping this all hush hush given the miscarriage LAST MONTH, we decided to follow the counsel of Pres. Hinckley and let our faith exceed our fears! Besides, we can obviously use all the faith and prayers we can get...
We actually found out the 18th. I have already had TONS of lab work done, and LOTS more to come this coming week...however, at this point most everything is looking pretty good. I am fighting the nausea already...and we take that as a good sign. I have never been so excited to be sick to my stomach! :-)
We'll keep you posted as whatever develops! We love and miss and appreciate you all!
The Maschgers
We actually found out the 18th. I have already had TONS of lab work done, and LOTS more to come this coming week...however, at this point most everything is looking pretty good. I am fighting the nausea already...and we take that as a good sign. I have never been so excited to be sick to my stomach! :-)
We'll keep you posted as whatever develops! We love and miss and appreciate you all!
The Maschgers
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Too long...
Here are a couple of pictures of the girls in their "Easter/Conference/Mother's Day dresses" :-) I tried to take these about 3 seconds before we walked out the door, and obviously Emma was extremely upset with me...for what I don't know...but enjoy! :-)
Greetings! Remember us? We wanted to let you all know that we are still here...and doing well. There has been soo much going on in our little family over the last couple of weeks, yet, as always, when I sit at the computer to tell all, I can't remember a thing. Should I be concerned? :-) How about a break down by family member...
Emma has really blossomed over the last month. We are seeing a whole new dimension to our littlest one. While she is still 3 and continues to operate under the principle that the known universe does revolve around her and her needs...and woe to any who happen to be in her way! She has developed this incredible ability to analyze a situation, see a need and assess how to fill that need, and then...under her own power...fill that need. For example, last week we had finished dinner, and in one of my lazier moments, had left the table without clearing our plates. Miles and I were on the couch talking, and Maddie was upstairs playing. Suddenly I realized that there was something going on in the kitchen. I turned around to see my 3 year old clearing the LAST plate off the table. Our little one had come back to the table, and taken each plate...scrapped its contents into the trash (we don't have a garbage diposal :-( ) and then placed each dish in the sink...all without the slightest comment from us. In fact, it hadn't even registered what was going on until she was almost finished. Or, a couple of days ago, Maddie (who is still wearing a pull-up at night) was in the bathroom and called for some help. I left Emma downstairs, and headed up to help. After lending a hand, I turned around to find Emma standing in the bathroom door with Maddie's "big girl" panties in hand. On her own, she had realized that Maddie would need those, and had taken it upon herself to fill that need. Miles and I are in awe of this new dimension...now we must find a way to reconcile the "saint" with the "drama queen"! :-)
Maddie has had a difficult month. She has really felt the stress of the family as we have dealt with the miscarriage, and some issues at Miles' work. However, being aware of it, and how to deal with it are two very different things. Madelynn has struggled and we have seen some drastic regressions in her behaviors. However, after an excellent session with her behavioral therapist, we are very encouraged. We are re-instituting heavy structure...the picture schedules, etc...in the hopes that this will re-center her...and once re-centered the behaviors will recede. Another indication to the extreme intelligence of our little girl, she has apparently decided that writing your name from left to right is too boring...and will write her name right to left, perfectly flipping each letter. SIGH! The therapist was quick to point out that while this involves some crafty thought processes, as Maddie makes powerful associations that are extremely difficult to break down, it would be best if she understood that names are written left to right. :-) A bright, shiny moment in her month came last week. I was watching a friend's son, who is also autistic. At one point a misunderstanding sent this young man bolting out of the house...I, of course, went to the door to call him back in, and was not making any progress...when Maddie darted out of the house under my arm, walked right up to him and said, "It's ok. Calm down. Count to 10...calm down." He looked at her, calmed down and followed her right back into the house, where he sat next to her on the couch as they watched a movie. Not one single problem after that. Again, I am soo often taken back by the powerful spirits my little ones possess and I marvel as I watch those spirits march forward, grow and become who they are to be. It was an incredible moment to witness!
Miles is a very busy man. While we have really enjoyed having him home for the last few months, he has been putting in some extremely long days. He is completely addicted to "CrossFit", a new workout regime that is apparently all the rage. He, my NON-morning person husband, is getting up at 4:45 every morning to get down to Bollings AFB for the CrossFit class. If Miles is at home, chances are he is on the computer researching the numerous facets of CrossFit. At work, Miles found out recently that he is going to be taking on alot more responsibility...while he is waay excited to be stretching himself, there is a steep learning curve, and he is working hard to fill in the "gaps" in his experience! As the ward's mission leader, our ward missionaries are keeping him busy as well. In just the last two weeks, they have committed 4 investigators to baptism! It is sooo awesome to watch the Lord work...to magnify who and what we are...we have been truly blessed to be a part of this process, and are looking forward to a BIG baptism June 7th! As always, Miles continues to be an incredible husband and father...the girls favorite part of the day is when their Daddy comes home. They launch themselves out the front door, down the sidewalk and into his arms! :-) The first question they ask in the morning is, "Is Daddy at work today?" and when the answer is yes, their faces fall, and they say, "I miss my Daddy"! Me too! :-)
Me? Well, besides being a part of all that is my wonderful family, I am really looking forward to taking a vacation in 23 days! :-) Probably my biggest news would be that I finally went to the salon and had them chop a little over 12" from my hair! I LOVE IT!!!!!! I was able to donate the hair to "Wigs for Kids" which was awesome! Emma has told me on several occasions that she doesn't like my short hair, and Maddie hasn't stopped asking when can she get her hair cut short! :-) I had a wonderful Mother's Day last Sunday. My husband managed to surprise me with a gift (this is quite a hard thing for him to do, because I do the budget and I check our account pretty much every morning!) The wonderful man that he is, used money that he had to buy me "Veronica Mars, Season 1", as I am a bit of a Veronica junkie (thanks, Caryn and Crystal!) it was the perfect gift, and made even more special by his sacrifice of using "his" money! And while church meetings precluded any breakfast-in-bed scenario, he really worked hard to make it a wonderful day! :-) I truly married the best of men! :-) That's about it from here...
We love and miss you all! :-)
Greetings! Remember us? We wanted to let you all know that we are still here...and doing well. There has been soo much going on in our little family over the last couple of weeks, yet, as always, when I sit at the computer to tell all, I can't remember a thing. Should I be concerned? :-) How about a break down by family member...
Emma has really blossomed over the last month. We are seeing a whole new dimension to our littlest one. While she is still 3 and continues to operate under the principle that the known universe does revolve around her and her needs...and woe to any who happen to be in her way! She has developed this incredible ability to analyze a situation, see a need and assess how to fill that need, and then...under her own power...fill that need. For example, last week we had finished dinner, and in one of my lazier moments, had left the table without clearing our plates. Miles and I were on the couch talking, and Maddie was upstairs playing. Suddenly I realized that there was something going on in the kitchen. I turned around to see my 3 year old clearing the LAST plate off the table. Our little one had come back to the table, and taken each plate...scrapped its contents into the trash (we don't have a garbage diposal :-( ) and then placed each dish in the sink...all without the slightest comment from us. In fact, it hadn't even registered what was going on until she was almost finished. Or, a couple of days ago, Maddie (who is still wearing a pull-up at night) was in the bathroom and called for some help. I left Emma downstairs, and headed up to help. After lending a hand, I turned around to find Emma standing in the bathroom door with Maddie's "big girl" panties in hand. On her own, she had realized that Maddie would need those, and had taken it upon herself to fill that need. Miles and I are in awe of this new dimension...now we must find a way to reconcile the "saint" with the "drama queen"! :-)
Maddie has had a difficult month. She has really felt the stress of the family as we have dealt with the miscarriage, and some issues at Miles' work. However, being aware of it, and how to deal with it are two very different things. Madelynn has struggled and we have seen some drastic regressions in her behaviors. However, after an excellent session with her behavioral therapist, we are very encouraged. We are re-instituting heavy structure...the picture schedules, etc...in the hopes that this will re-center her...and once re-centered the behaviors will recede. Another indication to the extreme intelligence of our little girl, she has apparently decided that writing your name from left to right is too boring...and will write her name right to left, perfectly flipping each letter. SIGH! The therapist was quick to point out that while this involves some crafty thought processes, as Maddie makes powerful associations that are extremely difficult to break down, it would be best if she understood that names are written left to right. :-) A bright, shiny moment in her month came last week. I was watching a friend's son, who is also autistic. At one point a misunderstanding sent this young man bolting out of the house...I, of course, went to the door to call him back in, and was not making any progress...when Maddie darted out of the house under my arm, walked right up to him and said, "It's ok. Calm down. Count to 10...calm down." He looked at her, calmed down and followed her right back into the house, where he sat next to her on the couch as they watched a movie. Not one single problem after that. Again, I am soo often taken back by the powerful spirits my little ones possess and I marvel as I watch those spirits march forward, grow and become who they are to be. It was an incredible moment to witness!
Miles is a very busy man. While we have really enjoyed having him home for the last few months, he has been putting in some extremely long days. He is completely addicted to "CrossFit", a new workout regime that is apparently all the rage. He, my NON-morning person husband, is getting up at 4:45 every morning to get down to Bollings AFB for the CrossFit class. If Miles is at home, chances are he is on the computer researching the numerous facets of CrossFit. At work, Miles found out recently that he is going to be taking on alot more responsibility...while he is waay excited to be stretching himself, there is a steep learning curve, and he is working hard to fill in the "gaps" in his experience! As the ward's mission leader, our ward missionaries are keeping him busy as well. In just the last two weeks, they have committed 4 investigators to baptism! It is sooo awesome to watch the Lord work...to magnify who and what we are...we have been truly blessed to be a part of this process, and are looking forward to a BIG baptism June 7th! As always, Miles continues to be an incredible husband and father...the girls favorite part of the day is when their Daddy comes home. They launch themselves out the front door, down the sidewalk and into his arms! :-) The first question they ask in the morning is, "Is Daddy at work today?" and when the answer is yes, their faces fall, and they say, "I miss my Daddy"! Me too! :-)
Me? Well, besides being a part of all that is my wonderful family, I am really looking forward to taking a vacation in 23 days! :-) Probably my biggest news would be that I finally went to the salon and had them chop a little over 12" from my hair! I LOVE IT!!!!!! I was able to donate the hair to "Wigs for Kids" which was awesome! Emma has told me on several occasions that she doesn't like my short hair, and Maddie hasn't stopped asking when can she get her hair cut short! :-) I had a wonderful Mother's Day last Sunday. My husband managed to surprise me with a gift (this is quite a hard thing for him to do, because I do the budget and I check our account pretty much every morning!) The wonderful man that he is, used money that he had to buy me "Veronica Mars, Season 1", as I am a bit of a Veronica junkie (thanks, Caryn and Crystal!) it was the perfect gift, and made even more special by his sacrifice of using "his" money! And while church meetings precluded any breakfast-in-bed scenario, he really worked hard to make it a wonderful day! :-) I truly married the best of men! :-) That's about it from here...
We love and miss you all! :-)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
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