Maddox Family Blog

Thankful for Miracles

2009-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much to all our friends and family who prayed for my Mom a few weeks ago. I know it was a miracle that her life was prolonged and it turned out to be a great blessing for me to be able to spend a few days with her.
I was pondering some of the miracles that have happened in my life this past year and that stands out as one of the most prominent. However, I'm also grateful for the small daily miracles that occur all around me...like when my teenager decides to help without being asked, when my little ones give me a hug or kiss just when I needed a little encouragement, when I arrive home and Ryan has done all the housework, laundry and has the kids handled so I can rest, when my sister in law invites us to dinner on just the exact night that I felt I couldn't do one more thing, when the Lord speaks peace until my soul as I listen to my scriptures on the way to work each day.
I know that God lives, and I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. He knows me personally. He knows my challenges. He knows my weaknesses and he knows my strengths. He makes up the difference when I give my heart and trust in His infinite atonement. I am so grateful for this knowlege. I know that he will continue to bless me with miracles. I pray for strength to recognize them and continue to express my gratitude to Him.
May the Lord bless you with your own personal miracle today.

Get A Broom!

2009-10-18T14:42:00.000-07:00

With Ryan working two jobs, and me working full-time and trying to keep up with my Relief Society calling, we don't get to see each other much. The other day, Ryan and I were hugging in the kitchen and Kathryn yelled over from the family room, "Get a broom!" I think she meant "Get a room"- it was so funny! She thought she was being so clever.

Choose This Day

2009-10-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

Choose This Day

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Dinner Compliments

2009-09-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to commemorate this night, because I rarely get compliments about dinner. Not that I get complaints really, it’s just so funny how tonight unfolded. I was surprised to receive many compliments. Kathryn and Blake raved and raved about how delicious and wonderful the dinner was. In fact, Blake said “this is the best dinner ever!” Kathryn said I should be on a cooking show. Then Blake said I could be in a cooking race. They both asked if they could have ravioli in their lunches tomorrow, Blake wanted some corn in there too, “for a snack”. Wow! The Costco ravioli and store brand spaghetti sauce really paid off. Too bad Blake didn’t eat more than two bites of his…but at least Kathryn cleaned her plate. It was just so cute!

Pictures from the Ward Carnival!

2009-09-16T19:42:00.001-07:00

Winner of the hair clips!

The cutest pie eating contest contestant- and cheater, he used his hands.

Happy Birthday, Austin!

2009-09-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Our cousin, Austin's 9th Birthday!

Our New Niece!

2009-09-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Allison sent some pictures of Brooklyn. She always seems to have a smile on her face, but in this one it looks like she's dancing. Can't you just picture some headphones on her? So cute! Thanks for the pics Allison!

2009-09-07T14:40:00.000-07:00

Kathryn and Blake woke up and went outside to play Saturday morning. Kathryn's outfit was a riot. Blake was running around barefoot hugging this gorilla and acting like it was his baby. We spent the morning watching the kids play on the play set that Ryan built for them a few months ago. It was so nice to have a little cooler weather for a change.

First Day of School

2009-09-07T14:27:00.001-07:00

Blake - Preschool (one more year until Kindergarten!)
Kathryn - 1st grade
Kacey - 8th grade

Brooklyn's Blessing

2009-09-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Bakersfield the first weekend in August to welcome Kevin & Allison's latest edition...Brooklyn!

The Stay-cation

2009-07-21T20:54:00.001-07:00

We decided to try out some local attractions this weekend. We stayed at the Point Hilton Squaw Peak, hoping to check out the Lazy River and the pools. It was way too crowded!
We went to the zoo for the Starry Safari. The next day we went bowling and to see Hannah Montana, The Movie. The kids had a great weekend. Of course, Blake said "this is the best day ever!" So glad they are still at the "easy to please" stage....for now.

Big Bear

2009-07-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

In June, we spent a week at Big Bear with the whole Maddox clan. It was FREEZING! Here are some pictures.

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-28T22:34:00.000-07:00

We have so many Birthdays in May, add Mother's Day in there and we're celebrating practically the entire month! Happy Birthday everybody!
Here are some pics from our recent celebrations.

Kids Easter!

2009-05-27T21:36:00.001-07:00

Ryan's 30th Birthday!

2009-05-27T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took a trip to Las Vegas for a few days to celebrate. Our friends, the Kieren's joined us. The highlight was the Chris Angel Believe show. We really enjoyed it. Here are some pictures- for you Jennie Way :) So you can see how we're aging, ha ha.

This one is on the way home. Ryan doesn't like to use the razor when we are on vacation.

Kathryn Lost Her First Tooth

2009-05-27T21:08:00.001-07:00

March 24, 2009 @ Red Robin while celebrating her cousin, Carolyn's birthday. She was so excited to tell her teacher and get her name on the giant "tooth" with all the other kids in her class who have lost teeth so far.

Worn out

2009-02-24T17:23:00.001-08:00

No fun pictures to post this time- although if I did you would probably find my story quite a bit more entertaining. Just wanted to say that life seems to be moving faster every day. Today, I carried a HEAVY sleeping little boy (Blake) all the way across the school campus to pick up Kathryn- did I mention I was wearing work clothes and heels? I was on the verge of tears when just as we reached the car (still toting my 50 lb. sack of potatoes), Kathryn had to use the bathroom, I still had not been able to locate Kacey and my cell phone battery died. Then, one of the Mom's looked at my sweet sleeping boy snuggled into my shoulder and said, "I miss this stage." It made me put the situation into perspective and appreciate the fact that I still have a little one to snuggle with. I'm not sure how much longer that will last, they are all growing so fast. I guess my prayer is that I will be able to keep up with them...at least for today! PS: I found Kacey.

Snowy Flagstaff

2009-02-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

This winter we decided to take the kids back to our 'ol stomping grounds in Flagstaff. Kathryn and Blake had never seen snow! Even though the sky was cloudy and grey, and it was FREEZING cold- it didn't snow for us...so we had to play in the week old snow that was left over. They still had a blast and we really enjoyed hanging out with Jared and Rachel.
Here are a few pictures from our trip!

Reflections of 2008

2009-01-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

This was the fastest year of our lives. It seems like we just celebrated the New Year a few weeks ago and here we are again. This year Kathryn started Kindergarten, Blake started going to preschool and Kacey became a teenager. We are so blessed to have happy and healthy children.

Ryan began the year studying for his Life & Health Exams and his Series 6 and 63 exams. It might have seemed crazy at the time that he would go from Management at Enterprise to being an agent for MetLife, but it was definitely the right move for our family. He started the new job with MetLife in July and we've been blessed to spend more time together as a family ever since. It was hard to give up the company car, but we figured things out and it's been worth it so far.

I still work at Troon, as HR Manager and have enjoyed the flexible schedule. It's hard to believe I've been there for three years now.

We are looking forward to an interesting year and hope to stay in touch better with all of our friends and family- keep checking our blog from time to time ;) We'd love to hear from you!

Grandpa Jerry's Bikes

2008-12-30T23:41:00.000-08:00

We visited my Dad in Prescott Valley a few weeks ago. (I just got these pictures today.) He opened up a motorcycle repair shop in October. For as long as I can remember my Dad has loved to build, fix and ride Harleys. This shop is his dream. We're so happy for him- he has wanted to do this for years.
The kids had fun trying out the bikes and eating all of Grandpa's pretzels. Kacey hid in the back texting her friends. They're all looking forward to a their first rides when the weather warms up a bit.

Is that Rose Maddox? I guess he didn't get enough of being dressed up like a girl by his three sisters growing up. Ryan entertained us by trying on Kathryn's hat and scarf.

Family

2008-12-29T22:14:00.000-08:00

Mark and Austin came to visit the day after Christmas. The kids played the Wii because it was so cold outside. Seriously, it was cold in Phoenix!

Kacey is home again! As you can see, she is making quite a fashion statement these days. Pictured below are her hot pink skinny jeans, purple zebra print hoodie and her purple mirrored shutter shades. Now remember, she's in the 7th Grade- she's 13. Remember how weird some of us were in 7th grade? Big hair, etc. Ok, maybe I was the only weirdo. Anyway, we can only hope this is just a phase. She still looks beautiful doesn't she? We love her so much and are glad she's spending New Year's with us.

Christmas Day!

2008-12-29T20:57:00.001-08:00

The kids let us sleep until 7:30! Santa brought them each a fish and a "Big Wheel"
Blake got enough Lightning McQueen clothes and toys that should last him a few years. Kathryn got a laptop, which she pointed out is "fake". Kacey was with Shawn this year but we got to see her the next day...

Kathryn usually witholds affection for her brother but when we asked her why she was being so nice she said, "It's Christmas!" It helped that she really liked the Wii game he gave her.

Kathryn's new Webkin - Chance. Blake's robe to match his PJs and slippers.

Ah, the Big Wheel! Remember that sound of the plastic on the pavement?

No, that hasn't changed, it's still a very noisy toy.

How could we have forgotten that detail? Oh well, the kids love riding them.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Eve, every year we go to Jennie & Shelby's house to play Christmas Bingo. The kids love winning bingo prizes and stealing thier favorite gifts. This year Blake won a "Piston Cup" and fought tooth and nail to keep Uncle Shelby from stealing it. He kept hiding behind Grandma and saying, "No way, Jose!" Ryan really did well this year, winning a necklace and some butter cookies, ha ha!

After Bingo, we read the Christmas story from the scriptures and then open a special gift from Grandma & Grandpa Maddox. We love getting new PJs every year so we look great for the Christmas morning pictures. Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!

Kathryn and Blake getting ready for Santa...

1. Put out the reindeer food.

2. Set out the cookies & milk.

3. Try to go to sleep.

______________________________

Ryan's Christmas lights. He was testing out our new camera. I guess it works OK. I am probably yelling at him to close the door right about now! Geez, it was so cold!

Impromtu Birthday Party for the Dog

2008-11-10T17:02:00.001-08:00

Kathryn & Blake decided that today was our dog's birthday (Chance). We made cupcakes and they threw a party...just the two of them- the invited guests could not come on such short notice. It was fun to see them getting along.

Oh, and Kathryn got a new haircut today. It's short!

Happy Halloween '08

2008-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our first blog posting!!

Here are some pictures of our little gouhls from Halloween. Ryan's did a great job as usual with the pumpkin carvings and I tried my hand at sewing a costume for the first time (the Witch).

Blake wasn't very excited about his costume because he wanted to be Lightning McQueen again this year...but he made a CUTE firefighter anyway.

Kathryn was a very nice witch and she cast only nice spells all night. As she drifted off to sleep on Halloween night, she asked Mommy to sew her a costume again next year.

Kacey was a "Boxer Babe"- complete with boxing gloves and robe. She's not shown in costume here because she went to her friend's house for trick or treating & a sleep over.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!