The Bair Den

2010-01-23T14:58:00.000-08:00

Reader's Digest Update!

Okay, so it's been quite a while since an update & someone (Dad) has mentioned that I needed to do it.

Things have been really crazy around our house for the last couple of months. Toph got a new job, I'm currently working 2 jobs, Madison turned 6 & Kaydence is potty trained. There's your readers digest version.

Trista is getting married in February & we are all really excited for her. We went dress shopping last weekend & it finally hit her that this was happening when they placed the veil on her head. Before that moment it was more or less like she was just trying on dresses. It was pretty funny!

We (my whole family) are planning a trip to Disney Land this December & my kids are already totally excited. Everytime a Disney Land/World commercial comes on they start jumping up and down saying "I want to go on that ride." I think it will be a blast!!!

Well, I know that this is short & sweet but hope everybody has a great 2010 but I need to go help Kaydence & Madison put on their dress up clothes now.

Summer is finally here

2009-06-29T15:27:00.001-07:00

So as soon as it decided to stop raining, my kids wanted to go to the water. We took them up above our house to Deep Creek, because Toph wanted to do some fishing, but the kids were way more interested in throwing rocks than fishing. It didn't tak Kaydence but 10 seconds and she was in the water as far as her shorts would allow her. Madison on the other hand was perfectly content to just stay dry and observe everything that was going on. She did throw a rock or 2 after a little while of watching Kaydence.

After our trip to Deep Creek, we learned that people have been having a lot of leeches on the fish that they are catching so we decided that this was not a good place for the kids to play in the water so we took them to Twin Lakes the next time. We enjoy living so close to Twin Lakes and being able to go camping and swimming there and so do the kids. Once again it didn't take Kaydence long at all before she was in the water and wet. Though on this trip she helped her dad actually catch a fish!

Kaydence is 2!!!

2009-06-29T15:20:00.001-07:00

So Kaydence finally turned 2 on the 7th of June. Though she is going on 13, she still had a really nice party. We had a tinkerbell themed party which became rather appropriate considering that she took on the attitude! All of her cousin's were able to make it and it appeared that all of the kids had a really fun time. The day started out rainy and cloudy but cleared up just long enough for Kaydence's party to be outside, which was wonderful for me.

Maggie gave her a jump-o-lene which was a big hit with all of the kids and her Maggie-B gave her lots of toys for her sandbox that Toph and I got her. The kid is always digging up Maggie's flowers and picking rocks out of the dirt. She has really enjoyed the sandbox and the "jump, jump."

A Little Behind

2009-05-21T13:31:00.001-07:00

So, obviously I am a little behind on the updates. Above is a slideshow from Baby Animal Days last month that we attended with Tara and her kids. My kids have always enjoyed this event but this was Tara's kids first experience......I think they enjoyed themselves as well.

Madison's favorite part was riding the horses.......no brainer, I know. As for Kaydence, I'm not sure if riding the horses or recieving kisses from the baby calf was her favorite. You see, Kaydence had been eating cotton candy before we got to the baby calves and as soon as she went in that pen that calf smelled that sugar and it was on. When the calf first walked over to her, she began to give it a love as though she thought that that was the calf's intentions as well. The calf on the other hand had another thought. That calf began tasting Kaydence's cheek and was not about to stop. We finally had to get her out of the pen just so her face would remain intact. After a short period of time of that calf "kissing" her face she decided that the calves were not so cool afterall.

Weekend at Tara's

2009-03-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

A couple of weekends ago we got together with my family and took the kids to Disney on Ice in Salt Lake. Kaydence dressed up as Tinkerbelle and Madison was Belle along with Breklynn. Though Kaydence doesn't quite have enough hair to get into a bun as Tinkerbelle's she definitely has enough attitude to make up for it and therefore played the role perfectly. She loved all of the lights and music. She continued to bounce between me, Toph and my dad because for any of you that know Kaydence, if there is music you just cannot expect her to hold her little shaker still. Not to mention that everytime Mickey or Minnie came out she began to yell "Hot dog." Apparently she has watched a little bit of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney.

Madison on the other hand was a different story, as usual. As soon as the lights went out and the music started she said "I'm ready to go." She then continued to clench to my mother as the show began but a funny thing happened. Now we have always known that Madison has always had a special place in her heart for her Uncle Ty (Tara's husband) but I had no idea of the calming effect he has on her. I, as a person who has Madison day in and day out, was in shock. She asked to go to her Uncle Ty and shortly after was completely calm and even began clapping and yelling at the characters. It was truly remarkable to see her enjoying herself so much at something that is so far out of her comfort zone. Usually there are too many people and the music is just way to loud but for a moment she actually relaxed and enjoyed herself. I will never truly understand the influence that Tyler has on my daughter or what it is that makes her feel so secure with him but I am truly grateful that she has an Uncle like him!! He is truly a blessing in her life.

Anyways, after Disney on Ice we spent the night at Tara's house, as it was Derrik's first B-day, and Madison was so excited that that was all she talked about the entire week. We took the kids to Cabela's on Saturday while Tara was teaching school and they had a great time. Breklynn ended up with an amazing shooting score thanks to her Uncle Toph....they are a great team. And, of course, they loved to see all of the animals. I know surprise, surprise on my kids. I can't help it if they know their wildlife, in Toph's words, they are being trained well.

Overall, we had a great weekend.

What a Weekend!

2009-01-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

So, my sister Tara came to visit this last weekend with her kids and I think that we were going non-stop the entire time. It was nice to have them visit. I know that my kids especially enjoy it when they come.

We started the weekend Friday afternoon with lunch at the hospital with Maggie and Pompie (my mom and dad) which quickly continued on at their house while they were both still at work. Next I was informed that Madison would be spending the weekend there with Breklynn so I needed to go and get her overnight bag packed.

Then on Saturday we Tara, Mom and I took the kids cosmic bowling and to McDonalds. I would love to post the pictures that we have of it but we are still waiting on Maggie to send them to us. Hint, hint!! They had a lot of fun bowling and oh yes, I killed Tara and so did Breklynn. :)

At McDonalds Kaydence decided that she wanted to climb in the toys following Breklynn. At first I really thought that I was okay with it but I quickly learned that I was an absolute nervous wreck!! I am so used to Madison being not adventerous in the least that now that I have one that is I'm not so sure that I am as okay with it as I thought. When I told Toph of the nervous breakdown that I was having with Kaydence up in the toys, he laughed. Of course, so did Mom and Tara. She made it back down to my level without a scratch but didn't like the slide all that well and did not decide to venture back up. THANK GOODNESS!! I don't think that my heart could have taken it again.

On Sunday we had an enjoyable family dinner with everybody and finished the night off with a game of Tripoly. Unfortunately Tara had to head home with the kids before we got started but we will get her to play one game with us eventually. We just need to remember to get it out sooner.

To sum it up we had a very eventful and busy weekend but it was all fun!!

Christmas has gone!

2009-01-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone in a blizzard of wrapping paper at our house. Christmas is Madison's favorite time of the year and she talks about it all year around but I can honestly say that this was the first year that she actually got into the whole present thing. She generally just likes all of the lights and music but was really excited for the first time for presents. I think that it would be an understatement to say that her Maggie (my mom) has completely and succssfully incorporated her love for Christmas into her grandaughter and for any of you that know Toph, this has taken some adjusting for him to become excited about Christmas instead of playing the part of Scrooge. I must say that he did rather well this year though he still full-heartedly blames my mother....she doesn't mind.

As for Kaydence, she was so accustomed to being told "NO" when it came to touching the tree and the presents that when Christmas morning finally got here she had no problem telling everybody "no, no" as they were opening their presents. There was actually a moment of hesitation and a bit of coaching before she would touch her presents. It reminds me of a video that we have of Shalie (my little sister) when she was a little bit older than Kaydence is now doing the same thing.

As for the New Years celebration, my kids are not much for partying or being up late. They were in bed by 9:00 p.m. and sound asleep without a fight. I know, lucky us!

From our family to all of yours, we hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and hope that your New Year is filled with happiness and joy!!

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-10T19:25:00.001-08:00

I HAVE THE CUTEST KIDS!!!

Madison's New Set of Wheels!!!

2008-11-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

WATCH OUT EVERYBODY!!!! Madison and Kaydence are out and cruising!

So Madison got a Pink Mustang Convertible for her birthday and though I'm not really sure who enjoys it more Madison or Kaydence, they sure do seem to have a good time in it. Madison is still working on the concept of steering and as long as the radio keeps running we don't have too many sudden stops. Kaydence is totally relaxed and ready for the ride though she has recently figured out how to climb in and slide right over to the driver's seat.....it's a good thing she can't reach the gas or I'm afraid we would have a wrecked Mustang.

Madison Turned 5!!!

2008-11-27T21:46:00.000-08:00

So as you can see from our slide show, Madison turned 5-year-old this month and she wanted to go bowling for her birthday party. This is the first year that she has ever had a birthday party with friends and not just a family party. At first she was not so overly sure that this was such a good idea but after the reassurance of Breklynn and Kently as her wingmen she was ready to go. When we got there Toph and I were unaware of the fact that they do "glow in the dark" bowling until 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and that was the highlight of the day.Though the party hectic and at times chaotic, Madison seemed to really enjoy herself. I was definitely reminded why I am stopping at 2 children.....I can't handle that many kids on a day-to-day basis.

Anyways, Madison's birthday came and went without any meltdowns and she had a wonderful time. Breklynn also informed me that she thinks that she would like to go bowling for her birthday also........heads up Tara!

Thank you to all who came or helped!!

On to All Hallows Eve

2008-11-03T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well the day of the souls and saints came and went in a flash. Due to Madison still recovering from the flu she was unable to take part in trick or treating this year. She was more than happy though not to get dirty and let her dad carve her pumpkin....I must say that I was rather impressed. It only took him about 1.5 hours but it turned out to be worth it. Madison was thrilled!

Kaydence on the other hand had absolutely no problem making a mess with her pumpkin and it didn't take her long at all to figure out how this holiday worked. She was on such a mission that when we got to Maggie's house (my mom's) she rang the doorbell, walked in the living room, took candy out of her dish and was on her way back out. In the meantime, my dad is constantly trying to get a picture of her and she just wanted out the door with her bucket and on to the next house.

Though the flu was running through our house, there were a couple of activities that the girls got to take part in.

First was the pumpkin walk. At first the girls were just looking around and not really caring to much about what was going on......except Kaydence, she was bound and determined to take the straw out of each and every bale. Once we got to the end and starting taking pictures of them as characters they started giggling and running around. We should have skipped the pumpkin walk and headed straight for the pictures.

Next thing that we did was go trunk or treating at Hogle Zoo with Tara and Tyler. It didn't take the girls long before they were tired of waiting in line for candy and just wanting to see the animals. There were a few too many people for Madison's liking but she enjoyed being with Breklynn.

Bair Home of the Ill!

2008-11-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

Well, the flu season has come and hopefully gone at the Bair household. Madison started with it two weeks ago, then Kaydence started the following weekend, then Madison started again as well as Toph. Of course, the second time about took Madison right out. She is still recovering....without the throw-up thankfully. She is just totally weak from the dehydration but on the fast track back. We are sure that she is feeling better due to the fact that she starts every morning with the 101.....it's Aunt Shalie's favortie wake up call. I really just don't think that she knows what to do when she comes home to an empty house. She is adapting well to no more silence in her life!

The "Mighty" Hunt

2008-09-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, um, well as you can tell there really isn't a whole lot to post here yet. I say yet because I have'nt had my chance. Don't worry, there will be something, someday. And yes, my background is camo and my text is all in hunting associated colors in true hunter fashion! (My husband is finally proud of me.)

The Kids

2008-09-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Well, September is now upon us and Madison has started school again. She loves going to school and "playing with her friends" as she says. I fear the day that she actually realizes that school is not all about playing..........unless of course she follows after her father.

This will be Maidson's 3rd year of preschool at Harold B. Lee Elementary school. It is a wonderful program that helps kids out with developmental delays. They also take "normal" kids as well but specialize in kids with dissabilities. She has an excellent teacher who was also Toph's preschool teacher when he was little.....no he didn't send her into retirement. Seriously, I know that there was a light bulb that just came on because you all thought that you finally had an answer to why Toph is the way he is but you can turn it back off. Toph does not have any mental disabilities.....documented anyways!! Their teacher used to have a private preschool at her house when Toph was a youngin.

Kaydence is not quite sure if she likes the fact that Madison goes to school or not. Oddly enough, on the first day, Madison wanted to come home with me and Kaydence wanted to stay at preschool. To this day, Kaydence wants to stay too. Madison continues to tell me that Kaydence needs to go home and take a nap. I think Madison looks at it as "time off" from the Phuzz! What she hasn't realized yet is that when I do take Kaydence home and give her a nap, she only has that much more energy to torment Madison with when she gets home.

I can say that Kaydence has now found someone new to torment in her spare time......her father! As you can see from the picture, the first thing that she goes for when out of the house, car or on the way to get into the car is the 4-wheeler. She likes to think that she is helping him get ready for his hunting expeditions. He always said that he wanted one of his kids to love the outdoors as much as he does and all I can say is wish granted. He claims that I ruined Madison early on but honestly, is it my fault that the kid likes to shop and try on clothes.......it's in her blood. Kaydence only wants to shop if she can try on shoes and talk on the phone.......hmmm, maybe I got to her a little too???

Welcome to "The Bair Den"

2008-08-24T21:48:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!
Well, my mother has been bugging me to do this for some time now and I have finally given in. The question now is am I really up for the blogging challenge.

Madison, a.k.a. the Stinker

2008-08-24T21:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Madison was diagnosed with Autism last fall and we have just decided that she is going to be our challenge child, although challenge may be the wrong word after having Kaydence, a.k.a. the Phuzz. Madison also has severe anxiety associated with her Autism which can make any of the smallest trips a little difficult. I like to think that Toph is getting a little lesson in patience as repayment to his mother for all of the trouble he caused her in his "angelic" past.

Although Madison has her problems, she handles day-to-day life very well. Madison attends a preschool at Harold B. Lee Elementary school in Dayton, Idaho that specializes in aiding children with developmental delays. She also takes part in different therapies that help her learn how to cope wiht her everyday challenges. She enjoys "playing" with her occupational therapist Debbie and is soon to have a new speech therapist at her preschool (Karen will be greatly missed). Madison loves attending school and fortunately has made many friends.

Madison loves to ride her Maggie's (grammy backwards) horses, look for deer with her daddy, and play with her best friend and favorite cousin Breklynn (my older sister Tara's little girl).

Kaydence, a.k.a. the Phuzz

2008-08-24T21:30:00.000-07:00

Oh how do we begin about Kaydence......wild, crazy, hand full, just like her dad? Seriously, I don't know what we would do without her.

Kaydence is our 1-year-old and the life of the party in our house. She is going constantly and never wants to stop. She wants to do everything that her big sister does, which Madison has not decided if she likes, and is a total monkey. The kid climbs on everything!!!! She hasn't realized that gravity exists no matter where or what she climbs.

Kaydence is our teeny-tiny, but don't be fooled. She is not afraid to pull your hair, hit you, sit on you, or use whatever means possible to get what she wants from you. She has a great face that she uses with everyone to get out of trouble and it usually works.

Kaydence is our dancing machine (though she takes after her Aunt Shalie and prefers her music way too loud), enjoys doing anything outside unless it requires her to hold still for more than 10 seconds, picking on Madison, and making my house absolute chaos.

Toph & Brooke

2008-08-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Honestly, I know that all of you are thinking "whatever, all we really wanted to know about was the kids." I couldn't agree more, trust me. Toph and I are probably just as boring as always.

The hunting season is about to start and so you can imagine what is going on with Toph, nothing but hunting on the brain 24/7!!! His archery season for deer starts on the 30th of this month and he just purchased himself a new Ross bow and can't wait to stick something with it. Toph, his father, and little brother Dave all drew out for antelope in Wyoming starting on the 10th of September. It should be a nice vacation........for me!!

Next on the hunting agenda would be the rifle season for deer. I list this seperately because yes, I will be joining the boys for this.......somebody has to kill something. No seriously, I don't think that I could out shoot Toph for my life (Darren, maybe).

Toph has recently started working for Housley Construction, although for any of you who knew Toph and Darren growing up........do I need to say anymore?

I recently was hired to do medical trascription work for the Logan Regional Hospital Radiology Department. So far so good, but how many people actually get to work in their pj's from home?

Thanks for visiting the Bair Den and we will try to keep you updated as much as possible!