Chaotic Contentment

Ryder at 4: an Overload

2012-01-18T15:44:00.000-08:00

Now, if you are wondering if I meant Ryder, at age 4, is an overload or if I meant this post is an overload . . . then YES.

But, just look at this boy.

Here is his self-portrait, drawn almost 4 months ago, when his actual birthday occurred. I'm pretty much behind on everything that you can be behind on.

I especially love that he has around 20 fingers per hand. And the striped pants. . . . . with blood stains on one side? Who knows.

The traditional handprints:

Rich and I say that all of our kids have loads of personality. . . . but this one takes the cake and the crown. Although Sawyer is giving him a run, I dare say Ryder will hold on to his title of "Mr. Personality".

For example, his use of the word "fantastic" has increased dramatically in the past week. Makes for some lively conversations, as he sounds more like a 40 year-old business man than a 4 year-old preschooler ("That is a fantastic lego set you just built, Max.").

He is pretty darn fantastic, if I do say so myself.

Hoppin' back on the bloggin' bandwagon

2012-01-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

One of my New Year's Resolutions (I think there are 132 of them) is to be better about documenting my own kids lives. . . . . what they say, how they look, how nuts they make me (scratch that last one). I don't want to look back and see that I took lots and lots of photographs of other people's kids, yet didn't bring the camera out for my own. Wouldn't that be sad?? And since I'm horrrrible at journaling, here we go . . . .

So, here is my Ryder. Very photogenic. And very everything else. Those of you that know him are nodding your heads.

Overheard just today: "I'll do the honors (while grabbing the remote). . . . that's another word for doing something."

(More of this kid to come. This was one of his birthday photos that I took in September . . . . I'm a little behind to say the least, as the months between posts confirms the obvious! Let's blame pregnancy, shall we?)

It's a . . . . . .

2011-11-18T17:23:00.000-08:00

the June Bride . . .

2011-07-23T20:27:00.001-07:00

Oh, Sarah and Nathan. Such a cute little couple (I can say that because I remember meeting Sarah when she was eight and still liked eight year-old things). And now look. . . . a beautiful bride! All of this means that I must be older than I think I am. Boo.

Here is her big day, condensed to one post (even if it is a little photo-heavy). And you wouldn't even know (if I didn't tell you) that she was horribly ill the entire night before and throughout her wedding day. I must say, she looks better on her worst day than most people at their best. Oh, and you look pretty good too, Nathan.

And I thought I would put a 'before and after' in the mix. It takes a while to get rid of all of those little people in post-processing and the harsh light of high-noon isn't ideal, but with a some time and work in Photoshop. . . . there you go.

And kudos to you wedding photographers out there. . . . . LOTS of work. LOTS. But lots of fun. And worth giving these two something to remember their once-in-a-lifetime day with. Congrats!

Ryder. . . . 'nough said

2011-07-13T17:02:00.000-07:00

Oh, the 'Ryder-isms' are abounding in our house lately. We can't get enough of this boy's personality. . . . . unless we have hit our limit of crazy for the day. That happens sometimes.

But then we put him to bed and laugh some more.

(rubber face, anyone?)

Mom: "Hey, why did you sleep in my room last night?"

Ryder: "Because I was scared of the dark."

Mom: "Well, it's dark in my room, too."

Ryder: "But I'm not scared of your dark."

Ryder: "Mom. . . . he keeps doing that talking stuff and I told him to quit it out."

Ryder's Primary Teacher: "What is something nice you can do for your dad on Father's Day?"

Ryder: "Give him a piggy-back ride. . . . . oh, wait. . . . I'd better have my mom do that."

Mom: "Be careful, Dude. My leg hurts."

Ryder: "How many badlys does your leg hurt?"

Ryder: (calling from the bathroom) "Mom, I have a big poo puddle in the potty!"

Mom: "How many times today are you going to do that??"

Ryder: "We have to go potty everyday. That's what Heavenly Father wants us to do."

Ryder: (with jam on his hands) "Mom, can you get this stuff off of my bones?"

Ryder: "Hey Mom, what does this say?"

Mom: "You know how to sound it out."

Ryder: "Reading too many words makes my tummy hurt."

Ryder: (to Aunt Jenni, after visiting with her somewhat short, Hispanic friend, who had been meowing at Ryder for fun): "Where is your munchkin cat?"

(and later on . . . .) "Was his skin peach?"

And my personal favorite. . . . . he says this whenever he wants me to actually pay attention to what he is saying instead of other things (which evidently I don't do very well):

Ryder: (holding my face 2" from his face) "Mom, look at me and don't ever move your face."

Must be rough being so good-lookin'

2011-07-10T22:42:00.001-07:00

A while back I took a couple of gals out and taught them a mini-class on how to get out of the ever-popular automatic mode on their cameras. (Just do it folks. . . you'll never look back!)

Okay, stepping off of soapbox. . . .

Originally, I didn't intend on posting any photos since I was mainly just focusing on showing them the 'technical' stuff and not so much the creative side of things. However, when you have little models with such photogenic-nicity (just made that up), I couldn't not show the end result. And this is even with a million mosquitoes swarming the joint.

Here we have Miss Anna:

And here is Miss Natalie:

And I've decided that freckles are just about the best things ever.

Max at Five

2011-06-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

I think that this boy gets more and more good-looking as the years go by. So, if we can bypass the awkward "adult teeth coming in sideways" phase, then he will be set! What to say about Max. . . . he is our (mostly) mellow teddy bear. Stubborn as anything I've seen on this planet, but at the same time he is our sweetest (shhh. . . . don't tell the others). Here is a little look at Max, according to him:

Favorite song: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Favorite food: macaroni (the one and only blue box kind)
Yuckiest food: hamburgers
Favorite movie: How to Train Your Dragon
Favorite book: If You Give a Pig a Pancake
Favorite word: rainbow
Favorite thing to do: play with Toy Story Legos
What I want to be when I grow up: a cookmaker (chef---especially a chef specializing in cookies of the chocolate persuasion)
What I am best at: watching movies
Favorite color: green
If I could wish for anything it would be: a star
Favorite place to go: Cafe Rio/In-n-Out

An "almost lifelike" self-portrait:

And this is what a family birthday party thrown together in 15 minutes looks like:

Max wanted Star Wars. . . he got Star Wars, courtesy of big brother Owen. I love this age (when they still haven't realized when a big deal is made. . . and when it is not). Next year, we might not get so lucky. . .

However, we count ourselves lucky to have his smiling mug as part of our clan.

Sarah. . . . the bridals

2011-06-06T17:25:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I have some of these genes, too. But since she is a Wilcox, I can only claim such beautiful genes through marriage. Close enough, right?

Letters to . . . . Everyone

2011-06-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows us slightly well, knows that our Miss Olivia gives us a run for our money. Even when we are all out of money to run. We've decided that every family needs a money runner to keep things interesting. And, boy, are our things interesting . . . .

But, you know . . . . just when you want to sell her to the nearest gypsy, you find "the letters".

Olivia is an avid letter/note/email writer to just about anyone that will open them. And I'm guessing it's hard not to when you get emails with the subject reading, "Thank you again. . ." or "Congratulations!!!!" I found these emails in my sent folder today and couldn't resist allowing the world to see the inner workings of her mind. She doesn't read my blog--or even know what one is--so I won't risk embarrassment (although I might try. . . . heh, heh).

To her teacher, Mrs. Lindeman:

Dear Mrs.Lindeman, Thank you for everything.I wish that you were my Fith grade teacher,so far you've been the best teacher ever.I'll miss you so much ,and just to tell the truth I never want to go.All the things you've tought us was fabulus.Just wanted you know that you were the best teacher ever.From:Olivia Wilcox. P.S. I really made friends this year.

To her cousin, Sarah (who is getting married in two days):

Dear Sara, Congratulations on this big opportunity to get married, I will like to get married too. I am so happy to see your kids when you have them then I will have new cousins.I am so happy to see you and all the cousins and Miranda and Amber are coming.I love you so much and I wish could see you more ofen. Love:Olivia Wilcox. P.S. sent : 6/1/11

Personally, I think the P.S.s are the best part. And she never writes a letter without one.

And, lastly, a letter she asked me to send to the folks at Primary Children's Medical Center. This one is true to Olivia form in every way:

(Ummm. . . . let's hope not.)

The phrase "can't live with her, can't live without her" often crosses our minds, but I think we will keep her. She's worth it. (And maybe I will ask her to stick to writing letters as her main form of communication with me--they are much less moody and I really do enjoy those P.S.s)

P.S. Almost forgot an Owen note that will be filed away in the "he wished he had an eraser, but didn't" folder:

(Phew. . . . that was close. Good thing for blue colored pencils to make it all better.)

Oh, baby. . . .

2011-05-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

. . . I've gotta get me {another} one of these! But just don't tell Rich.

And I think taking baby pictures may just be another favorite thing. It provides the baby fix and the photography fix, all in one!

Favorite Faces

2011-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

A little photo overload, although I'm kind of partial to an overload of the photo kind. But aren't they cute?

He Walked the Walk

2011-04-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

9 1/2 years ago, Rich finished his undergraduate degree at BYU. However, he never "walked", because it was December and he would've had to fly back in April to be able to do so. Too much effort. . . too much money. So, we just got his diploma in the mail, did a little cheer and called it good. Kind of anti-climactic, I'm thinking.

For that very reason, I told Rich he ought to go back and get his MBA. You know, just so we might be able to get some good pictures of him in a graduation cap and gown, as we missed it the first time around. He agreed that it was a very valid reason and decided to put everything on hold for a few years and go back to BYU for a graduate degree. And now I finally have those pictures I wanted.

Take a look. . . .

"Pssst. . . . pssst. . . . RICH . . . . Turn around! . . . . I'm right behind you!" He never did, but it sure was fun climbing over people to get that close.

Speaking of crowds, there was an area set aside on the floor level of the Marriott Center for a family member to grab a quick shot of their graduate when their name was being read and they get their diploma. Come down, take a picture or two, go back to your seat. Or so I thought. As my sister and I raced down to the floor, we discovered that 100 other people were lining the stairs to get to that same point. Only, I'm thinking they were just planning ahead for their graduates who were still 5 million names away. Or more.

So, I missed it. I didn't get any shots of him getting his diploma or doing the hand-shake thing with the Dean. I did, however, hear his name being read as we were attempting the maze. Good wife moment #126.

Anywho . . . . I guess I will get that shot when he gets his PhD. How about it, Rich? Up for it?

In the meantime, maybe our little Wilcoxes can start thinking about carrying the torch their dad lit for them. Until then, we will continue brainwash--I mean encouraging them to set their sights to BYU. We kinda like that place.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2011-04-17T22:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I'm going to gush over the wonders of modern-day medical procedures for a minute here. And probably modern-day miracles while I'm at it. We've had a few the past few months around here. . . .

Rewind about 2 months and we are at a routine physical exam at the doctors office for Olivia. Here I'm going to put a plug in for routine exams--which I previously thought were fluff. The doctor hears a heart murmur (which is, from what I understand, nothing to worry too much about most of the time) and decides to do an EKG, just to be safe. The EKG showed some abnormalities, so we were sent to see a pediatric cardiologist to get her take on it. After seeing her, they found that Olivia has (now had!) a syndrome called Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, which is a condition in which there is an extra electrical pathway/circuit in the heart. This extra pathway can lead to episodes of rapid heart rate, which can sometimes be pretty dangerous or fatal if it doesn't get taken care of. So, we scheduled her for the procedure at Primary Children's Hospital to do just that. We like things taken care of.

We arrived at 7:00 a.m. Thursday morning, the procedure was started at 9:00 a.m. and she was done at 3:00 p.m. 6 hours, with 3 catheters (one going through her neck and two through her groin) making their way to her heart to "cook" the extra pathway with radiowaves. Only, during the procedure, they discover that she had TWO extra pathways--pretty rare we're told. But. . . then again, we always knew that she likes to be different. And rare is different. :)

So . . . just to re-cap: 6 hours, 3 catheters, 2 extra electrical pathways, 1 heart.

And, she got to go home the same day.

(Gushing about to occur.) Are you kidding me?? Doctors can go in, fix a persons heart and they can go home and sleep in their own bed that same night? Why, yes they can.

Here is a diagram of what they did during the procedure (the doctor must've known I'm medically illiterate and would need pictures):

Here is our 'post-operative' Olivia:

And our 'post-post-operative' gal:

And tomorrow, she is allowed to run, jump and play like all those other kids out there. Now, THAT is a miracle of modern medicine.

Pardon Me While I Do Some Bragging. . .

2011-03-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of some BYU photo guy)

This handsome guy is my Rich. And Rich tends to be good at everything. I mean everything.

Mostly I'm okay with this, except for when he is trying to teach me something that I'm destined to remain bad at, like snowboarding. That was a fun day, let me tell you. Since then, our marriage has recovered :) and I have learned to take advantage of his 'perfectionistic tendencies'. If there is something I need done well and I'm just not interested enough to learn how to do it, I just let Rich run with it.

Rich started the MBA program at BYU in the fall of 2009. And I just let Rich run with it. Now, for a little background, I kind of was a school nerd. Let's just say that while at BYU, I retook a class (religion, of all things) because I got a B+ and I didn't want it tarnishing my record. Nerd. (These days, I'm lucky to still be able to add two numbers together and spell correctly. . . . I spend lots of time talking to people under 4 feet tall.) So, these two years of getting to watch Rich go through a pretty rigorous program and not micromanage his grades was a little difficult for me. But, like I said . . . . . Rich tends to be good at everything.

So, here you are looking at one of BYU's Stoddard Scholars, which "recognizes outstanding academic performance, leadership, and service in the pursuit of a career in finance", awarded to only seven in the program:

He ran with it pretty well, didn't he?

Favorite Faces

2011-03-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

I've never done a maternity session before, but you've seen her before. Obviously, it was rather hard to get a bad shot. Not that I try. . . .

And here are a few of my brother and his little (but growing!) family:

Ours Come Pre-wired . . . .

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

for this kind of stuff.

Knows the Darth Vader March at 20 months? Yes. Often defeats his older brothers in a light-saber duel? Yes. When he comes in the room wielding a light-saber twice his size, do others flee? Yes.

Who? Little ol' me?

Yes.

**Did you notice how he nods his head 'yes' in the video? You didn't? Oh . . . that's because he nods with his mouth instead. Picked that up early on -- and we are pretty sure it's because nodding with his whole head was too much work. A boy's got to save his energy for battles and things of that nature.

Favorite Faces

2011-03-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

A little black & white. . . .

And a little color. . . .

(I think turquoise will be the color of choice for our next family pictures. Or maybe I will just photoshop our heads onto this picture and not worry about the annual family picture fiasco this year. YES! Although . . . the numbers are off . . . they need two more boys. Ones that are hanging upside-down from the rafters or head-locking each other . . . . and then we'd be good. Reeaaall good.)

Kids. . . . Don't try this at home

2011-02-28T22:37:00.000-08:00

Ever. . . . ever, ever, evvvvver.

We called it "The Summer of the Piano". And it really was. We estimated that somewhere around 3,500,002 man hours were put into this thing. That's just a ballpark number.

We bought this old piano (from the 1920s) that was in pretty bad shape and decided that it would make a fun project. I love old pianos. And after 3 years sitting in our Washington garage and 2 years in our Utah garage, we thought it was time to get a-goin' on it. You see, projects tend to get better with age.

We went from this (this taken after all the old stuff was stripped and sanded off--I love my Rich):

To this:

And for those of you who are thinking of refinishing anything, much less a piano, take a moment or two to rethink that thought. However, if you have weeks of spare time, muscles that need some toning and ample room to make messes in, then this is the project for you!

One thing you must know about us is that if we are going to do something, we are going to do it right. We call it being 'particular' (or is that 'peculiar'). We took the entire thing apart, sanded each crevice, painted each part (no less than 4 coats) and sealed it (no less than 3 coats). Then we re-keyed it, just in time for Sawyer to bang some blue and yellow toys on it and mark those keys back up for us. Oh, that boy.

Was it worth it? I think so. . . .

My visions sometimes turn into Rich's nightmares, but isn't it pretty? Now, about how it sounds . . . . hopefully the tuner can save it. But if not . . . . isn't it pretty?

He Has a Dream

2011-02-21T22:03:00.000-08:00

Nope. . . . not Martin Luther King, Jr. Today it is Owen. And it's not the usual dream of Legos and Costco hot dogs. It's something much more. Take a look:

As much as I liked the one about houses being 'blowed' up, I really wondered about the last one. I asked Owen what he meant (thinking he was referring to the civil rights movement). Silly me. He said, "You know, so that boys and girls can use the same bathroom at school."

Mmmmkay. . . .

Backpack digging brings some good insights.

A Little Love . . . .

2011-02-13T23:12:00.000-08:00

in honor of that day we all love. Yes . . . . Monday.

Here's a wedding I helped shoot a while back:

Oh. . . and happy Valentine's Day, too!

DIY: Fabric Flower Pillow

2011-02-08T12:06:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love when I find a good do-it-yourself tutorial online. Saves me from having to think too much. Nobody wants that. But I also like creating pretty things all on my own once in a while--that's one way I keep my brain from atrophying during these long winter months. It also helps raise up the frilly ratio in our house of four boys and one girl. Any other girls want to come live at our house? We would love it. . . .

Anyway, I make things all the time, but I never think to write down how I made it until it is too late--sometimes I get asked how and by that time it has long since left my mind, as most things do. So this time I decided to contribute to the wonderful world of D.I.Y.ers and post instructions for this cute pillow I made to go with my sister's new bedding. For all of the babysitting she has done for us, I think I owe her about 54 more pillows after this one. Too bad she has a twin bed. . . . .

And for all of you real sewers out there, I don't claim to be one--just someone who likes makin' stuff up. So, here we go:

1. Measure the width across your pillow, from seam to seam. The pillow I did was a 22" square pillow. If your pillow is not square, then adjust accordingly. For the pillow front, cut one square of material one inch larger than your pillow (the material I cut was 23" x 23"). For the pillow back, I made mine an envelope closure mainly because I avoid zippers. Don't you? Cut the first piece 1" larger than your pillow x half that number + 2" (because I have a 22" pillow, I cut mine 23" x 13 1/2"). Confused? Just you wait . . . . For the second piece, cut it 1" larger than your pillow x that number + 6" (I cut mine 23" x 17 1/2"). On each of the back pieces, fold and sew one of the long sides at 1/2" and then again at 1 1/2" to make a hem. Now onto the flower!

2. For the flower, I cut two strips of coordinating fabric. The strips I cut were each 4" x 65", but you can make the length whatever you want, depending on the size of the flower you want to end up with. I then sewed the two strips together to make one 4" x 130" strip of fabric. Fold it in half lengthwise (you can iron it down to keep it folded if you want--I didn't and it worked fine). Just make sure you fold the part you sewed inside. . . . I had to fix mine halfway through my pinning because I wasn't paying attention. Sounds about right!

3. Figure out where you want your flower located on the front of your pillow using your largest piece of fabric. I started by pinning the end down in a triangular shape, so you wouldn't see any unfinished edges.

4. Then, continue pin-tucking the fabric in a circular pattern until you've come full circle. The closer the pin-tucks, the smaller the flower--the farther apart they are, the larger the flower will be. If you have thinner fabric, you may be able to sew it using a machine to your pillow about 3/4" from your unfinished edge all the way around. If it is thicker fabric, you may have to hand-stitch it, making sure to catch all of the pin-tucks and sew them down securely. I, unfortunately, had really heavy-duty fabric and had to hand-stitch the whole thing. Boo.

5. Continue onto the second layer of the flower, pin-tucking as you go. I brought the strip of material in about 1" from the outer edge of the flower to do the next layer. If your flower is smaller, you bring it in less. Stitch each layer before moving on to the next. Do this until you get to the center of your flower.

6. Make sure the flower is stitched down securely. I had to go back and stitch a few pin-tucks that were hanging loose.

7. Tuck in the unfinished edge of the end of your strip and hand-stitch it closed. And after looking at that photo, it appears I need to go and dunk my hands in lotion. I'll be right back.

8. Now you are ready to put your pillow together! With wrong sides facing together, place the smaller of the back pieces first and then the larger on top, so that they overlap. Now pin all sides together and sew, with 1/2" allowance.

9. Trim edges to 1/4" from stitch. This prevents extra bulk.

10. Overstitch (or whatever it is called--I don't actually know the 'real' words) your edges to prevent fraying. I also cut a notch in each of the corners so that when turned right side out, the pillow will have nice, sharp corners. Although, I guess 'sharp' and 'pillow' aren't two words you normally put together. But, trust me, it looks better.

11. Turn your pillow right sides out and add some sort of cute thing to the center of your flower. I got one of those big make-it-yourself buttons and covered it with coordinating fabric. Sew it onto the center of your flower. Insert your pillow form.

12. Ooh and aah at how cute it is! You're done!

Favorite Faces

2011-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

And a sneak peek from a wedding I helped shoot a few weeks ago:

Now if that ain't happiness, I don't know what is!

Max's Two Cents

2011-01-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

Max often has his two cents to throw into any conversation. Most of the time, it doesn't make sense. Or it may make sense, but only if it were part of a totally different conversation.

This morning:

Mom (after Owen got egg and eggshell everywhere when attempting to crack it): "Next time we make something, let's just help out with things you already know how to do. . ."

Max: "Yeah, like buttoning your pants and being mean."

Oh boy, that boy.

Favorite Faces

2011-01-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Black & White style . . . . .

. . . . because it's what I like best today.

Boys will be . . . . Boys

2011-01-15T23:13:00.000-08:00

My "almost Irish twins" couldn't be more different, yet here's hoping that they grow to be the best of friends.

There is too much hitting, kicking, pinching, jumping on and yelling at for that to be true right now. Oh, and hair pulling.

They don't know how to play Battleship, yet somehow Max sunk Ryder's aircraft carrier. Pure luck, since every coordinate Max called was "A8". Yet, he sunk a ship every turn. Amazing.

Here's to lots more years of these boys.
Wouldn't trade them for anything (except on occasion a good nap. . . then you can have them for an hour).

Oh, and just for fun:

We really emphasize not being wasteful at our house. Perhaps a little too much.
(This is what was left of Ryder's apple today. The core never had a fighting chance.)

Favorite Faces

2011-01-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Every so often, I am going to have a 'Favorite Faces' post, where I show off some of my favorites that I've photographed recently. Of course, it may not always be photographs of just faces, but it sounded better than something like 'Favorite Bodies'--that would be a little weird.

So, here is the first installment:

Oops. . . .missed a big day

2011-01-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

My 100th post came and went without me even knowing it! Then again, most things tend to come and go without me knowing it. With that many posts, I guess I have more to say than I previously thought possible. Don't know if that's a good thing or not. . . . .

In other big news, look whose birthday came and went. Unfortunately, he spent his ENTIRE birthday trapped in a Suburban, with one stop at McDonald's along the way, as we drove to AZ for Christmas. Pretty sweet birthday, huh. We tried to make up for it in other ways, but he is such a good sport about most everything, that it didn't seem to bother him at all (other than the "ummm . . . not really" response when asked if he had a good birthday). Next year, buddy, a good time WILL be had!

Here is our Owen at age 7 (insert "Holy cow, where has the time gone?" comment here).

(Yeah, it's kind of cold, so we didn't do birthday pictures. . . .this is just one I quickly took in the freezing cold. We are waiting for some freak day of warm weather to blow in so I can take a few good ones of this handsome guy.)

Good looks are not the only thing he has going for him. . . . he is as smart as a whip (and by the way, how smart could a whip be and who came up with that saying? I must Google it.), he is very artistic and he is (99% of the time) a very easy-going kid to be around. And besides, every family needs a resident Lego-master around, just in case.

Here is the self-portrait he came up with:

(I am loving the sideburns, yes I am.)

These are the responses he had to my yearly "quiz" (with my 2 cents added for clarification):

What is your favorite movie?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

What is your favorite song?
The Darth Vader March (huh??)

What is your favorite book?
(see first answer)

What is your favorite food?
Pizza (Yeah, this would be a good answer for a person NOT allergic to dairy. Owen is one of those that is. And he loves pizza, minus the cheese, anyway. Hmmm. . . .)

What is your least favorite food?
Broccoli and enchiladas (Hmmm . . . . refer to above answer for this one as well. Pretty sure he's never had enchiladas.)

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A pilot, because I like planes

Who are your best friends?
McKay and Miles

What are you good at?
Legos

What are you not good at?
Building a snowman by myself

Are you scared of anything?
The Grinch (the Jim Carrey Grinch, not the cartoon one---and I concur on that one!)

What do you want to accomplish while you are 7?
Read all the Harry Potter books. . . . or just finish the 2nd one

Is there anything funny about you?
I go to different places when I'm supposed to go somewhere else. Like, I go into my bedroom when I need to go to the bathroom. Haaaahahaaa. (This part of the convo went on and on with different examples--which is totally an Owen thing. He must get that from his dad.)

We kind of like having this kid around.

And THAT is How We Do Christmas

2010-12-08T23:30:00.000-08:00

This is how the kids decorate the tree. Safety in numbers. . . .

This is how they help with decorations. I always knew stockings and tree skirts had references to clothing in their names for a good reason.

And this is how they humor me for Christmas card photos. Not bad. . . . but not good.

And I'm still wondering why Ryder dominates the blog pictures. . . . . must be the pretty good-lookin' face. Or that he is easily bribed with gum that he swallows.

So There You Go . . . . .

2010-11-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

More proof that Saratoga Springs water makes for beautiful kids (and parents). Don't you all want to move here now??

(and I could photograph this kid all day long . . . . . photogenic to the nth degree)

The Garbage Man

2010-11-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

The women of the Great Depression in the 1930s knew frugality. One of their battle cries was "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without."

Although I am not one of those who claims to 'know' frugality (I am learning), there is something to be said about teaching your children that concept at an early age.

That being said. . . . .

Who needs a baby walker when you have a garbage can? Our Sawyer Baby . . . . "makin' it do."

About That Photography Blog. . . .

2010-11-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

. . . . this little family blog is starting to become one, eh?

But how can I not show off such stunning subjects as this:

I think my kids may have enjoyed the break from being my main subjects. And I think they wish it would go on longer. Alas, no. A Christmas card is brewin' in my brain . . . .

Look for some more non-related (but still very cool people) to pop up here every so often in the near future. . . I've been busy. 'Tis the Season!

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T21:44:00.000-07:00

Save the Earth. Go Green. Eco-friendly costumes is what it was about this year. . . meaning, "Let's re-use what we already have in the dress-up bag, kids!"

Just to let you folks in on something I find a little funny and a little disturbing, all at the same time. See that costume on Olivia? Check this out:

This is an October 2005 photo of the same gal and the same dress (oh. . . and the same dog). Just had to add about 10 inches of material to the hem and we were good for this year. What does that tell me? It tells me that I need to start feeding her sticks of butter for breakfast. Starting tomorrow.

Another One. . . . .

2010-10-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

Yes--another good lookin' family. I think the ratio of those is higher here in Utah, specifically Saratoga Springs. Must be something in the water.

Meet the Willards. . . a lot of you already know them and are glad you do. When you look up the word 'nice' in the dictionary, I believe their picture is the first thing you come across.

Just a Few Beautiful People. . . .

2010-10-19T22:51:00.000-07:00

Nope! Not us. . . . . fooled ya!

I've been taking lots and lots of pictures lately . . . . the word must've gotten out that Christmas card season is soon upon us. Costco's Christmas decorations have been out since July, you know. And since my own kids have been running away from my camera lately, I thought I'd share some photos of people who were willing to get their picture taken. Well . . . . some of them were (*wink*).

It's too bad when all the good-lookin' genes are taken by one family. See for yourself. . . .

Told ya.

A Baby Boy, Bubbles and a Bath . . . .

2010-10-12T21:44:00.000-07:00

. . . . equals either a new Dr. Seuss book title or a very fun time.

Try out some Toy Story 3 Bubble Bath--you won't be sorry! From the looks of it, the bubbles are both tasty and create a strong desire to not get out of the bath.

It's Official. . . .

2010-10-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

In the wee hours of the morning, I completed the last requirement to become a certified "Model Mormon Homemaker". How does one become that, you ask? Well, there are many requirements--too many to list. I've been working on it for years. Sewing my own curtains for days on end when I could have just bought them at a cheaper price than the cost of the fabric alone. Making healthy dinners that my children never planned on eating. Sacrificing my summer to refinishing an old piano so that I could give my children piano lessons. Walking through Wal-mart, coupons in hand, with the challenge of saving more than I would be spending.

Now, I can proudly say that I have conquered the last goal . . . . canning. And not just any canning. The kind of canning that requires you to spend 3 hours making just six pints of strawberry-peach jam. (Pints are really small, now that I think about it.) The kind of canning that takes days on end, arms and counters endlessly sticky. But, you know. . . . it's kind of rewarding looking at those 120 quarts of peaches, apples and pears. I am a canner. At least once a year. Okay, okay . . . my mom and dad were here and did most of the work (I owe you, by the way), but I helped a lot. And we did it while listening to General Conference. I think that gave me bonus points in my quest to become a "Model Mormon Homemaker".

(Multiply this amount by around 1,000 and that's what we did.)

Now I just need to learn the ins and outs of making my own baby wipes and cleaning supplies. And then I think I will qualify to become an instructor of other "Model Mormon Homemaker" candidates.

They Say It's Your Birthday. . . .

2010-10-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here's a little tribute to our bucket full of personality--that overflows on most days. A little piece of Ryder at three:

Still hungry for more? Here is a little more of our resident nut to chew on:

Did you notice that piece of future blackmail up above. I like to keep at least 10 of each of my kids on file.

And a little third year info to end on:

A Little Personal Ad. . . .

2010-09-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Hello . . . . . my name is Max.

Handsome 4 year-old, 3'4", WM seeking playmate. Someone who likes to be pummeled with foam swords, eat cans of mandarin oranges (straight from the can is a plus) and has a willingness to watch puzzles being put together without helping in any way. I like to travel to the park, read extensively--Blue's Clues books are my passion--and indulge in chocolate chips. Must have a good repertoire of knock knock jokes that make no sense. If interested, please call my mom. I'm not allowed to answer the phone.

"Sew" Easy. . . .

2010-09-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

. . . . even a caveman can do it! (Yeah, those commercials bug me, too.) I had some time on my hands while Rich was gone. Mostly in the "after the kids go to bed" hours when things were just a little too quite. Well, a girl's gotta do something, so I put on some BBC movies that aren't quite so Rich-like and broke out the sewing machine. By the way you ladies out there, "Wives and Daughters" is fantastic. And, I had never seen Sense and Sensibility---I didn't have the right to call myself female until I watched that. Also gained a new love for Pride and Prejudice and Mr. Darcy. Aaaahhhh . . . .

Anyway, back to the sewing machine. Usually I only sew out of necessity, and even then I grumble while doing it. Never much cared for sewing. Sorry, Mom! I think it comes from my dislike for reading instructions and manuals -- and patterns are a kind of manual for making things. Blah. One night I came across a tutorial for a really cute little girl skirt that seemed really quick and easy--my kind of instructions. I think I must think just like Alice in Wonderland . . . ."what good is a book without any pictures?" Amen, sister! Ditto for instructions . . . . include some pictures, people! And this blog had plenty of those (check it out--you'll be all sorts of inspired). So, I decided to give it a whirl. And then I gave it another whirl for a my friend Heidi's little girl, Hannah. What do you think of my whirls?

Here is a close-ish-up of Olivia's skirt:

Complete with hair accessories and everything:

Here is the one I made for Hannah (I tried, but Ryder wouldn't model it for me--his father would be proud):

And the extra scraps became this (and from my own brain, nonetheless--mostly I'm just good at stealing others ideas):

Heidi sent me some pictures she took of Hannah wearing all this cuteness, as I think it is twice as a-DOR-able on than off:

And, yes, she's got some mad skills with the camera.

Motto of this post: "If I can do it. . . sew can you."

Gotta go, as I hear Ryder yelling, "Let's make Owen cry!" Yeah, that's my two year-old bullying my six year-old. How proud am I.

Olivia at 9

2010-09-06T22:45:00.000-07:00

We like to make birthdays last a loooong time at our house. Around 4 weeks at least. Olivia turned the big 9 mid-August and here we are talkin' about it today. A running theme around here is "better late than never" if you hadn't already noticed. So, in the great tradition of Wilcox birthdays, we did the handprint, the drawing, the photos and the interview. . . all sorts of exciting things. Who needs pony rides?

A sampling of the photos:

(And, yes, we are practicing the demure "no teeth" smile. . . . I have way too many pictures of myself at this same age that I would like to collect and burn, due to the overly-spaced, every-which-way teeth I sported. I'm trying to save her the headache of photo-burning later on in life. We did save a few teeth ones for posterity. . . and blackmail.)

A handprint:

The drawing:

(Evidently, this is a picture of her at church, where they were talking about sins being likened to going off of a cliff. Love it.)

And here is our little interview. And boy, with these yearly interviews as practice, she will be so prepared for job interviews when she is older. She will just have to throw on a skirt and she will be ready to conquer the world. That is, as long as they ask her what her least favorite food is.

How tall are you and what do you weigh?
51" and 54 lbs.

What is your favorite thing to do right now?
Hang out with my cousins and watch movies

What is one thing you are good at?
Riding my new birthday bike

What is your favorite food?
Muffins, eggs, bacon, sausage and chocolate milk

What is your least favorite food?
Chicken pot pie and tomatoes

Who do you like to play with?
Makenna, Bridget and Maddie Ward

What is your favorite book?
Sideways Stories from Wayside School

What is your favorite movie?
Toy Story 3

What do you like about school?
Meeting new friends and writing

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A pet store owner

What is something you need to work on?
Math

If you won a million dollars, what would you buy?
A pet, a movie and a house

Savoring

2010-08-30T23:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched anyone eat that really savors their food? You know . . . . taking the time to relish every last bite? Typically, at our house we see the opposite. . . . taking the time to leave every last bite on the plate. Ryder (who seems to be getting a lot of press on the blog lately. . . good thing my other kids don't read this) does this, but only with one food in particular. Popsicles. Can popsicles really be called a food? Hmmmm. . . . . food for thought.

I don't think I've ever seen him actually bite a popsicle. Rather, he licks it until there ain't no more to be licked. And it isn't just any kind of lick. . . it's the wide-mouthed kind you really don't want to watch. And it takes him about 30 minutes to do so.

Want one?

I think this is 24 minutes into it. . . . still goin' strong.

And our Sawyer Baby just discovered the joys of popsicle painting and popsicle pasting (putting the popsicle back on the stick).

Looks to me that popsicles must be, in fact, a really good food.

Just Who Does He Think He Is??

2010-08-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Oh. . . . yes, Ryder thinks he's all that and a bag of chips.

First, he plays the diva and pouts when I point the camera at him.

Later on, he worked it like a well-seasoned runway model. And he is only two. Should we, as parents, worry?

Nah.

*More on this fun (well. . . crazy) little photo shoot with my friend, Heidi, myself and our combined 8 kids--7of them being boys. And I got to use and covet her camera. Isn't coveting okay as long as it doesn't turn into stealing?? I think so.

Huh?-isms

2010-08-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Boy, folks. We've turned hibernating into a summer activity at this house. I try going out every once in a while with five kids (all by myself. . . last hint, Rich. . . come home yesterday), but it doesn't work so well sometimes. Oh, except for today--my friend Heather is always kind enough to put up with our chaos at her house. Love her. Anyway, we have brought new meaning to the term "stay-cation" this summer. Meaning mostly in our family room and backyard. With a fence. Nothing says "have fun, kids!" like a fence.

So, with all of that "stay-home-cation" time, I've heard a few good ones. First, we have Owen who is stuffing his six year-old brain with all sorts of new words and knowledge:

Owen: "I read a book today and the author's last name was Wilcox. I'll bet she is addicted to us.
Mom: "You mean related?"
Owen: "No. . . . addicted."

Owen: "You know it's a chapter book if it has cone-nuts."
Mom: "Uhhhh . . . . (thinking). . . . . you mean contents?"
Owen: "Yeah, that."

Owen: "Do you know why dinosaurs lived?"
Mom: "Why?"
Owen: "Because they had to have a chance at life. Just like when we play video games, everyone gets a turn. They had to have a turn. Now it's our turn at life."
Mom: "Ahhh . . . ."

Mom: "What happened to the movie?"
Owen: "I'm fast-backwarding it."

And one from Max, singing in the car to The Police:

Max: "Rox-anne. . . . you don't know how to turn on the red light. . . ."
(Is that bad? A four year-old singing about . . . . well . . . . . you know. . . .)

And our Ryder. . . . there are no words for him sometimes. Mostly because he won't stop talking long enough for us to get a few in.

Ryder: "Turn the loud light off!" (the fan in the bathroom)

Ryder: "Mom. . . you are a super freak."
Mom: "Thanks, Ryder."

And, lastly, one about our fish. Rocky was a good fish. Rocky was a nice fish. Rocky only lived for a few weeks due to overzealous feeding practices. So we had to flush Rocky. A few nights later, as we were getting ready for bed, Ryder hop-skips into the bathroom, lifts up the toilet lid and says, "I'm going to go poop on Rocky." I'm glad he wasn't traumatized by the whole thing.

And just because a post without a photo is like a day without ice cream, here is one I took of a cute mom/daughter that I just think is plain sweet. Speaking of ice cream. . . . must go get some now.

Bridals: Jessica

2010-07-27T23:19:00.000-07:00

Just having a little lull in the activities going on here. . . which means also nothing picture-worthy as well. In those kind of moments (usually lasting for days lately. . . that's code for, "Come home, Rich"), I will post a few past photo session favorites. Jessica had her photos done in April, and let me tell you, the camera kind of liked her.

*I know I put this one up before, but I couldn't resist. . . . it's the personal fave.

Max. . . Our Wild Thing

2010-07-22T15:38:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing he is so cute. Otherwise, we might have to cage our wild thing more often.

Poverty Barn

2010-07-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know me a little better (probably than you want to--heh, heh), know that besides my camera, I have two wordly loves. It's okay to have one or two of those. . . or three. But no more than that. I have a minor obsession with my Gap Card and I love, LOVE Pottery Barn. Whereas I pride myself in finding smokin' deals at Gap (and I justify it with my 5 dress-up dolls. . . I mean kids), it is rare to find a really good deal at Pottery Barn. Yet I love it still.

Now that we have ventured further into cheap living than I ever wanted to, we have had to become creative. A full-time MBA student for a husband and no income will do that to you. And I am no good at no income . . . . my tastes haven't seemed to change. Too bad.

So, my handy husband sometimes caters to my requests to build things. And not just anything--I show him the catalog and say, "That is what I want it to look like." And he is very handy and makes it happen. And there you have it. . . . my very own Poverty Barn.

Let me show you . . . .

Here is the Pottery Barn dollhouse every little girl (and, in my case, big girl) wants:

And here is our Poverty Barn dollhouse:

(And let me tell you, those shingles were fuh-un to hand shape. . . and just look--he installed baseboards. I mean, who does that? I think we may just have one-upped Pottery Barn on that one.)

Here is the Pottery Barn Rustic Ladder, which sells for around $5,000,000. . . . or something like that:

And here is what Rich built for me--a Poverty Barn Rustic Ladder (for I think $25):

This is the Pottery Barn Surfboard Shelf (which for a hefty price, does NOT include the coral):

And here is the Poverty Barn version, which because of the "poverty" part, will remain empty a little longer:

Now what do you think Rich will say to this little project?

Maybe just the table. . . . . okay, okay, the chairs, too.

Lindsay, part 2

2010-07-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm one that has the hardest time narrowing things down. Ask Rich . . . . he loves when I ask his opinion. I think it is mostly because I end up doing the opposite of what he suggests. That's one way of narrowing, though.

I apologize that this post is a little photo-heavy. Rich is not here to help me narrow.

Lindsay, part 1

2010-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

So, that photography blog I was going to do. . . . yeah, that. Well, life happened and photos just kept stacking up (I really believe files on the computer kind of stack up, like on an over-run desk). So, I've decided that until I really get out and do something with this photography hobby of mine (like when I get a new camera/lens -- which I believe I'm a day late and three-thousand dollars short for), I will just post them on our family blog for now. But something will happen . . . . someday. Like that day when Rich is out of the MBA program and we will be with an income again. Photography is too much a part of me to just be a casual picture-taker here and there. So watch out for things to come. . . .

Here on the fam blog, I'm going to post some past favorites every once in a while to give some folks their 5 minutes (or seconds) of fame. Of course, some may have been taken a while back, like this one from April. At least I posted it before they celebrated their golden anniversary.

So, without further ado, here is my first bridal shoot and the beautiful Lindsay:

She was going for more of a dramatic/Vogue-y look and I think she got it. She worked the camera like nobody's business. Can you tell I'm used to taking pictures of people (little people named Wilcox) that work me and not the camera? This was a breath of fresh air. And because I have lots of favorites from this session, there will be a part 2. I know, I know . . . edge of your seat! :)

Belated Birthday Blogging

2010-07-06T23:09:00.000-07:00

I've been busy. Here a project, there a project. . . . (everywhere a project, project). It's like we were livin' in the Projects. But I took a break today and wasted some time, which was reeaaalll good for my mental well-being. It's highly underrated. . . time-wasting. More on the projects later--'before and after' style.

Today, I'm sharing some 1st birthday pictures of my 'not-so-much-a-baby anymore' boy. Well, as long as he will curl up in the stinkbug position while I rock him, he will still be my baby.

And I think male handsome-ness runs in the family (insert *wink* to Rich).

Aaaaand. . . . . we're done.

Here's when I notice a general trend of avoiding direct gaze at the camera and the same "no-expression" expression. Yep, he's one of ours then!

I spent a little time making a cake for him to smash. Kind of turned into the Wonder Bread cake on accident. Anyway, we discovered in the great tradition of Wilcox kids, he doesn't much care for cake. What is that all about? So, no really good cake shots. But here is the cake, just for fun, in case anyone has a need for ideas if you are doing a Wonder Bread themed birthday party. I'm sure there are just oodles of you out there.

And since we are talking about birthdays, I just had one. How old, you ask? Well, let this card from Owen give it away:

I love being twenty-seven. . . . again.

A hodge-podge of mostly boy stuff

2010-06-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

. . . 'cuz that's what we got most of. Boys. First we have Max's 4th birthday. We kind of love all things Toy Story at our house (and I'll admit, I'm right there with them--I can't resist a good Toy Story Lego set). So that set the stage for Max's birthday mini-theme. I don't think you can really call it a full blown party theme if you only spend 20 minutes on it, do you?

Here we have the cupcakes:

The opening of the presents. . . he looks thrilled, I know. Ahh, that child-like excitement is overwhelming.

The Birthday Buzz:

With his main law-man, Woody:

Speaking of Max, I think he is tired of potty-training. Aren't we all.

Do you ever wonder what your kids do during naptime? I think I may have an idea now.

And lastly, here we have our little man. So many people lately have commented on how tan his complexion is. I then looked a little more closely and realized that, no, he is just orange. A tinge of Oompa-Loompa orange around the edges.

So, until further notice (and until all of the carrot-containing baby food can be cleansed from his system), he will be appearing in black and white.

Goodbye, kids. . . . . Goodbye!

2010-05-30T23:41:00.000-07:00

Do you know that I have never been away from at least one of my kids. . . . even just for one night? Yes. I realize how pathetic that is. Or, was. I'm proud to say that this weekend I crossed something off of my ever-growing list.

~~#382: Go somewhere for 24 hours or more without any kids. And a baby counts as a kid.~~

We were invited by our good friends, the Chaneys, to a cute little Swiss town in Utah called Midway. I love when places just pop out of nowhere and look like they have been transplanted from another country. And can I just say that I love Utah. Where else can a little drive look like something out of Sound of Music? Take a look. . . . .

We stayed at the Zermatt Resort. Gorgeous. And we half-way expected some Disneyland music to start up and Pinocchio to come and greet us. Oh, wait . . . that did happen. Just look at this place.

And here is our crew (minus me--always the photographer, not often the photographed--which is exactly how I like it!). We also joined our good friends, the Rushes. And our laughing muscles have never had such a workout. All of these people should take their act on the road, they are that funny.

And, just for fun, here is a duck with a mullet that we saw on the grounds.

We had such a good time that we thought we should go and do something fun with our kids when we got home. . . . you know, to keep the fun rolling. Bad idea. Too much fun in one day always ends in disaster. We decided to take our kids to play tennis at the high school (because we are sooo good at it--uh, huh). Max was being a stinker--not unusual--and so he got put in time-out in the umbrella stroller for a few minutes. Bad idea #2. Almost 4 year-olds can figure ways to get out of those things, but usually are only partially successful. While trying to weasel his way out of the straps, he stood up backwards and . . . . wham!

Yes, I think we just might win our "Parents of the Year" award again. I'd better start practicing my speech.

Them's Fightin' Words

2010-05-23T22:37:00.000-07:00

This is a composite of 30 seconds of picture taking after giving Ryder access to a squirt gun and a foam sword. Unfortunately, he's one of those kind of boys. At the ripe old age of two, he can make a weapon out of anything. Paint sticks from Lowes, flashlights, crackers, makeup brushes, etc. . . We've learned after four boys that you just can't fight the fighting. It's in their nature to pick up a sandwich and make it into a gun (or a "shooting fing", as Owen used to call it). And the more boys you pack into a house, the more they want to pummel each other with light-sabers made out of PVC sprinkler pipe from the backyard.

But, it's all in good fun. They love each other at the end of the day. At least I think they do.

And don't you love his rubbery face?

Milestones

2010-05-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

We measure milestones a little differently at our house. Yes, we jot down the dates of "firsts" (first tooth, first word, first step. . .), but we take pictures of the really important ones.

First chocolate chip cookie.

And for all of you with allergies (like my lucky kids), I found some non-dairy chocolate chips that have saved my kids from drooling over those yummy chocolate chip cookies they could never have. Until now. And they aren't too bad. Who'd have thunk?

And look how nicely he cleans up.

Angel vs. Demon

2010-05-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

How can somebody so sweet, charismatic, funny and loveable . . . . .

be such a home-wrecker?

(Just a note--stuffing stuffed BACK into the couch never looks as good as it does originally.)

Timeline of Events

2010-04-28T22:04:00.000-07:00

I think we like to pack a lot of adventure into a small amount of time. It seems to usually be the late-night hours. Enjoy this little timeline as much as I did

6:30 p.m.: Owen complaining of a stomach ache
6:35 p.m.: I run upstairs just in time to see buckets of bright red liquid coming out of him and into the toilet. Thank goodness for toilets.
6:36 p.m.: Call 911, as I've never seen that much bright red come out of a person. Assuming it's blood.
6:37 p.m.: Tell the nice dispatch lady, "Never mind", as I soon realize that lots of blueberries coming back up turn bright red. Did you know that? Well, now you do. Also, I don't think 911 likes being told, "Never mind."
6:40 p.m.: Put Owen in the bath just in time to hear Rich Skype us.
6:41 p.m.: Curse the day I told Rich to go ahead and go to Nicaragua for 3 weeks. Say 'hi' to Rich just in time to hear Max throw up in the downstairs bathroom. Tell him I'll talk to him later.
6:45 p.m.: Put Max in the bath while Owen is throwing up next to us.
6:50 p.m.: Go downstairs to mop up bathroom with a whole container of Clorox Wipes.
8:00 p.m.: Get kids to bed, lining their whole bedroom floor with blankets that are easy to throw in the wash. I have a thing for bodily fluids embedded in the carpet. Doesn't everybody?
8:20 p.m.: Hear Max crying. Go upstairs to find that he has thrown up all over his entire bed.
8:22 p.m.: Put him in the bath again and line my bed with towels, so I can hopefully help him before he throws up next time. That doesn't work, by the way.
11:30 p.m.: Listen to my house being lifted off its foundation by a Wizard of Oz-like wind storm.
1:00 a.m.: Owen gets up crying--we hang in the bathroom for a while, while he hovers over the toilet.
3:00 a.m.: Max throws up--holding a bowl while laying down. Hasn't quite caught on that it will just come right back out of the bowl if you are laying down. Wipe him down. My guilty pleasure is going through baby wipes like they are going out of style.
4:00 a.m.: Owen back in bathroom. This bathroom stuff is getting old.
6:00 a.m. Max throws up for the last time. I just pull his shirt off and baby-wipe him off.
7:00 a.m. Ryder wakes up and yells, "Mom, do you hear that loudness outside?" Yep---windstorm has kept everyone in Saratoga Springs company all night.
7:05 a.m.: Everyone is awake and running around and wrestling and screaming. The sickies obviously feel better.

I'm tired.

And to my friend Heather who I talked to just yesterday afternoon about how healthy my kids have been lately . . . . I spoke too soon.

On another note, look at the fun I got to have the last few days (in addition to throw-up). Taking bridal pictures for two bee-you-tiful brides. Loved it! One was going for a more Vogue Magazine/dramatic look and one more traditional. So fun to do both types. I think I have found my photographic calling in life.

Now I just need that new camera. . . . .

Here's Jessica:

And here's Lindsay:

More of these gals later. . . . and maybe on a new photo blog site. I know, I know. Me and 5 million other people out there--but I have to have a spot to show all these great people I get to take pictures of, right? Now they are just sitting in my pictures folder, waiting. They hate waiting. . . .

A face only a mother could love. And maybe a father.

2010-04-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Any other takers?

Olivia's turn to shine. . . . or be shined on

2010-04-18T23:33:00.000-07:00

Reflector, take 2. Olivia evidently has the same mole issues that Owen has, so we snapped a few between squints and went home. Maybe Max will be my golden boy? Golden, with a major 'tude, that is.

Or maybe I will rent-a-kid for a little while so that I can finally successfully try my reflector out. I hear they are fabulous! Reflectors. . . not kid rentals. Enjoy these few of our pretty gal--with the inevitable future of braces and a hair-do she doesn't like ("too crazy", she said), we still think she is a looker.

Oh, and just who is the handsome guy behind the reflector?

Boys. Boogers.

2010-04-07T23:00:00.000-07:00

Two words that always go together. Kinda like peanut butter and jelly. Okay, that's three words. But, still . . . .

I was reloading my camera battery when I caught this lovely moment. Just a boy and his boogers. I then told Ryder that it was gross to pick his nose. . . and eat it. He then tells me, "It's good for me."

I then wonder what the dinner I make for him must taste like if boogers are 'good' and dinner is yucky.

Owen and the Sun

2010-03-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

You folks who live in Washington know that the lack of sunshine turns people into moles. But you don't actually realize that you are one, too. We were moles. Up until about 2 years ago when we moved to Utah and discovered our long lost friend, the sun. We squinted for a few weeks whenever we went outside and probably got laughed at here and there. After that, the glare seemed to subside and we could once again handle opening our eyes. All the way, even.

Everyone, except Owen. Even in the house, he can't keep his eyes open if he is too near a window. We've been told that it is probably because of his eye issues--major far-sightedness in one eye. And doesn't that just sound contradictory to you? Far-sightedness? I've always thought that far-sightedness didn't make sense. If something is close, you can see it better. . . far away, you can't. Well, we have two kids (so far) that have to deal with that. Oh, to be so lucky to have our genes!

Yesterday, I decided to try my reflector out on Owen, because I don't have as many pictures of him as the other crazies. I guess I didn't think about the reflector as being kind of an 'imitation sun' and the effect it would have on our little mole. So, it didn't stay out too long. We took a couple anyway and here are the few where his eyes are open. We had to do the "1-2-3, ready, open" trick.

Oh, and special thanks to the old guy who found us on his property and just made small talk instead of kicking us off and to my sister Jenni for telling some darn good knock-knock jokes.

Our mole doing some prep to get ready to open his eyes:

Open!:

Cue the Hallelujah Chorus

2010-03-13T12:22:00.000-08:00

Aaaaaand. . . . it's official. We have another member of the 'underwear' club. And he's not even 2 1/2! How's that for persistence? Persistence to the point of exhaustion, even. And look how proud he is of his Buzz Lightyear underwear.

So, for those of you out there aware of our kids names and ages, you know this is Ryder. You also know that Max is 16 months older. We are still workin' on him. He could care less about cool underwear, treats, stickers, offers of large amounts of money . . . nothin'. However, we will prevail! Whether or not it is before he starts junior high , that is yet to be decided.

In other news, look who lost his first tooth!

And look who we love to pieces!

This 'n That

2010-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

After a few nice, 'springy' days, we got hit with a some more snow. So, out I go to take a few shots--only a few, as my camera was getting a little too wet for comfort. Don't you love what Rich refers to as "Max's Rapunzel Hat"? Well, I like it.

Here we have Ryder organizing my cupboards for me. I can't count how many times I have entered the kitchen to find the stool pushed up to the counter and Max or Ryder rummaging through the cupboards. At least he didn't see the can of spray paint on the back of the counter. Nice move, Shar. Could've had some nicely sprayed orange cupboards.

Just recently we have noticed a striking resemblance between Sawyer and Max at the same age. I don't think I would be able to tell them apart if it weren't for Max's bigger, rounder head. And, yes, I know the camera adds 5 pounds.

Here's Sawyer:

And here we have Max:

i{heart}faces: Hilarious Outtakes Week

2010-02-28T22:39:00.000-08:00

I don't know if this qualifies as "hilarious", but you sure can't plan a shot like this. . . . especially when my kiddos are two and three-years old. I really love that I was telling them (over and over, in fact) to look at the camera as I took this. Indicative of every day life? You betcha.

Laugh a little as you check out more of "Hilarious Outtakes" week at iheartfaces.

Beggin' to Be Shared

2010-02-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

While cleaning my kitchen, I was watching our computer screen saver cycle through random photos. Yes, our computer is in our kitchen. And I love it there. After a few "awwww" and "ha ha" moments (in my head--I don't want to appear too crazy), I thought I'd share a few.

Awww: While driving back from AZ, I looked back and saw this. Ryder holding Sawyers hand, as if to say, "You can make it, buddy. . . . it's only another 8 hours."
Ha ha: Max loves normal things presented in weird ways. He doesn't tend to like cheese slices. Nope. . . he loves to eat cheese in its messiest form--shredded. We always have to vacuum after he eats this meal (yes, sometimes this is his meal--picky eaters breed desperation).

Awww: Mom and daughter. . . . with matching haircuts even.

Ha ha: These guys do everything together. They eat, sleep, play and bathe together. The bathing together part just saves me time (wonder how long that will last before it's a little weird). Here we have a little post-bath goofball session.

Awww: Same goofball, different minute.

Ha ha: By my parents' house in AZ, there is a duck pond. Generally kinda gross, but the kids love to feed the ducks. Owen saves all his good baseball skills for the ducks. Too bad 'day old bread throwing' isn't an actual sport. He'd be the first pick on the team.

Now I must really go and clean my kitchen.

Twins, Separated by Four Years

2010-02-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

Lately, we've noticed a strong similarity between Owen and Ryder. They don't look too much alike, but they have very similar personalities. Both genius goofballs (no bias on the genius part), they don't like to be told about things. They like to try it out for themselves.

Here, we have Owen at age 2. He had recently gotten over a case of conjunctivitis ("pink eye", which my optometrist brother-in-law will say is not a real term) and decided that he needed one more dose of eye medicine. It just so happened that we also called Desitin "medicine", except we meant medicine for the bottom region. To him it was just what his eyes needed. This is how we found him--and he didn't get Desitin anywhere but his eyes. Miracle.

This is Ryder at age 2 (yesterday, in fact). He loves to have his hair done--he knows what looks cool. He called to me from the kitchen and said, "Mom, I have a mohawk!" He had used half a container of "hair goop" (a cross between Elmer's Glue and hair gel, in my opinion) on his hair. Looks good, don't you think? At least it wasn't Desitin--I think that might be a little difficult to get out of hair.

And, just a side note. Don't you think it is funny (and a bit of a blessing) that in this wonderful world of blogging, we reach for our cameras first and then discipline or clean up? My kids are thankful.

Our Nicest. . . . but, Shhhh . . . Don't Tell the Others

2010-02-04T21:39:00.000-08:00

You know how they say that 'the squeaky wheel gets the grease'? Well, our Sawyer Baby has gotten no grease lately. . . . or ever. He is soooo low maintenance that I just realized how little I ever show or talk about him.

So, lest you think I only have 4 kids (and crazy kids, at that), here is a tribute to our nicest of the nice little guy. In the way of Letterman, here are the Top Ten Reasons Why Sawyer Could Very Well Be the Nicest Baby on the Planet:

1. Lets Olivia tote him around . . . . 'nough said.

2. When I have had a long day, he will just lay down and watch me, while I watch the inside of my eyelids.

3. Even when the bath gets a little cold, he will just clench his fists and gums and bear it without a peep.

4. Lets Rich blow raspberries all over his face (even after breaking out in hives. . . and he still gives him a nice courtesy laugh).

5. Eats green baby food without spitting it on my face.

6. Smiles when I look at him from across the room (hopefully that means he has beaten the Wilcox Curse of bad eyesight).

7. Lets Ryder pick the boogies ("yuckies") out of his nose--and, boy can Ryder dig .

8. Allows me to forget that I haven't fed him when things get crazy busy (and by how skinny he is, it must be crazy busy a lot).

9. Only spits up and wipes snot on my 'not-as-nice' wear. Never on Rich's suits, either (he must know how expensive dry cleaning is).

10. Lets Olivia tote him around . . . . I decided not enough was said about how nice he must be for that kind of fun. Let me tell you. . . .

What a nice face to wake up to each day!

Converse and the Camera

2010-01-22T23:13:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else out there think that Converse shoes on kids are one of the cutest things ever? Rich thinks that it's pretty funny that I like them so much, because he thinks they look like something out of 'Happy Days'. Hey, the Fonz is cool. I love that they look great in any decade (hence the 'Happy Days' reference) and that both boys and girls can wear them. And let me tell you, Olivia just looooves wearing Owen's shoes to school. It's her favorite.

Surprisingly, my kids have all ended up with a pair and so I had a little fun with the camera one day.

Aren't those some good lookin' feet?

Outtakes and Other Such Nonsense

2010-01-20T07:44:00.000-08:00

"When the Kids are Left to Their Own Devices": Dad doesn't get much sleep lately, which is why having him watch the children while I'm away is probably a bad idea. Here, Ryder got bored watching Dad sleep and . . . this is what I found when I got home. Where are the other kids?

"Brotherly Love": While cleaning out my computer files, I found this gem. Looking at pictures long after they are taken can sometimes be fun---you find little things in them that you never knew occurred. In this one, the kids were playing on my bed, while I was messing around with my new camera remote. Max will love Ryder someday. Not this day.

"The Many Faces of Ryder": I especially love the last one--maybe an ad for wrinkle cream.

"You Want Me to What???": Stand close to Owen?? You've got to be kidding me.

Owen and Legos. . . . a Match Made in Heaven

2010-01-12T20:20:00.000-08:00

Owen had his 6th birthday a few days before Christmas. I know. . . a bummer of a birthday. And we haven't exactly been the primo parents when it comes to making a big deal out of birthdays (I'm not the party plannin' type. . . especially when they fall two days before Christmas. . . I mean, c'mon folks). So, this year we decided to put on a big birthday bash for him and 9 of his buddies after the holidays were way past being over.

Since the boy can spend hours putting together Lego sets with--just a ballpark estimate--around 9,500,042 pieces in them, we thought that might make a great theme. A big shout goes out to my friend, Heidi, and her permission to steal some of her ideas. And to Bakerella (whom I've never met) for her cake pop recipe that we tweaked to look like Legos. Okay, okay. . . . it was Rich that made them. He should've been a baker in another life, because the guy has a serious eye for detail. Bakerfella, anyone? Just look how cute these are:

The goodie bags:

A Guessing Jar:'Don't Eat Pete' (you know, that Lego named Pete) and Lego Bingo (both Heidi's contributions):
Relay races and Lego building contests:
Oh, and the all-important mellow down activity of coloring Lego pictures:

We had a bounce house in our bedroom, too (yep, our bedroom). The kids loved that--in fact, so much so that the noise level prevented me from going in there and snapping a picture.

Owen sure is lucky to have such cool friends. And maybe six years from now we will be up for another big bash. . . hee, hee--just kidding, Owen. Kind of.

Makin' Up for Lost Time

2009-12-29T23:06:00.001-08:00

It's been a while. So long that you may have forgotten what we look like. So here is a little reminder--a few pics from our visit in AZ. No single pics of Sawyer Baby, as he was blue in all of them. Cold in AZ. . . .what are the odds? He does make a good prop, however, as he hides the fact that I ate much too well and much too much while there. Notice the strategic placement. Darned fudge.

Oh, and I just thought I'd share a post-Christmas funny we overheard--the Gospel according to my kids. While playing with a nativity set I had grown up with, the conversation went as follows:

Max (as a Wiseman): "Mary, thank you for bringing your baby."
Olivia (as Mary): "You're welcome, but it's not just my baby. . . it's Joseph's, too."
Olivia (as Joseph): "Well. . . . . sort of."

Seein' Things

2009-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

Ryder's been seein' things lately. The other day at breakfast, he said "Look, Mom. . . . it's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." Indeed, it was.

Oh, and at our house, a cartoon character wouldn't just be "Mickey Mouse" or "Diego". . . it's "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" or "Go, Diego, Go". You know, like a first, middle and last name.

See it?

After applauding his vision, I took his empty bowl of Fruity Cheerios (love that stuff) and then he said, "Look Mom. . . . it's a dinosaur. Roarrrrr!" Yep. A Triceratops, I think. In all the spilled milk under the bowl, which we always have an abundance of.
We will see what dinner brings.

The '5 Things' Tag

2009-11-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

I've just found that 'tagging' is alive and well in the blogging world. Here you go, Amy!

5 things I don't leave home without:

1. an Olivia
2. an Owen
3. a Max
4. a Ryder
5. a Sawyer

(And what a glorious day it will be when #1 will be old enough to watch 2 through 5. Then all I will have to wrestle with at the mall will be my willpower.)

5 cartoons I used to watch when I was younger:

1. Smurfs
2. Muppet Babies
3. Rainbow Brite
4. Care Bears
5. He-Man (don't ask why)

*Most likely I will find that these cartoons weren't broadcast until the mid- to late-eighties, which would make me much to old for them. Which would make me a geek, because I watched them.

5 things that terrify me:

1. One of my kids drowning in the toilet (which is why I am obsessed with keeping the lids closed. . . . unless in use).
2. Turning around (while Rich is not at home) and finding a strange man standing there just watching me. Years ago, this occurred in our apartment. Only it was Rich--and he wasn't supposed to be there. And he was just standing there watching me. And, yes, he was strange (heh, heh. . .still is). Totally scared me--so I cried and punched him lots.
3. Rich getting a job in NYC and moving our family of 7 into a teeny, 2 bedroom apartment. There's nothing like too much family togetherness to terrify me.
4. Those faces from the movie Polar Express.
5. The arrival of the Second Coming and me being like. . . . wait. . . .hold on just a sec. . . I'm not ready.

5 things that I hate/dislike that other people seem to like:

1. Corn. In any shape or form.
2. Watching the same movie more than once. C'mon. . . . you already know what's going to happen. What's the fun in that??
3. Playing video games. Rich tries to get me to play Guitar Hero or Tiger Woods Golf with him from time to time. I have no desire to win or beat anybody's high score. I think he gave up after I started (begrudgingly) playing Guitar Hero while lying flat on the floor. I don't care too much about my 'correct note percentage' on Alice Cooper's 'School's Out'.
4. Cooking. Really. It takes about an hour to make something that takes us (Rich and I) 5 minutes to eat, the kids 25 minutes to stare at and say, "Can I be done" a bazillion times and an hour to clean up. Good times. Good times.
5. Shopping for myself. I am a self-proclaimed shopaholic---with coupons, of course. They make it all okay. I just prefer to do it for my kids and Rich. They look good in everything, whereas I have nothing but bad feeling towards that evil 3-way mirror. And, hey, when you buy for other people, it's more like being GIVING, isn't it?

5 things I want to do before I die:

1. Go somewhere. Anywhere. Well, anywhere that is known to be cool. And without kids.
2. Get a master's degree.
3. Speaking of mastering, I would like to master photography.
4. Get in such great shape that swimsuit season would be a welcome time of year. And I guess I'd better start sooner than later. Like 10 years ago.
5. Watch my kids become what they are meant to become. . . . fabulous people. (Do normal people still use that word . . . . fabulous?)

And just for good measure, here is the photo of the day. This is what a 4-month old looks like after discovering popsicles, and then discovering that Mom wasn't going to give it ALL to him.

And to keep the tagging spirit alive (isn't it like chain mail?), I tag Heidi, Heidi, Heidi (do any other Heidis want to be my friend?), Lisa and Heather.

Superheroes vs. the Villain

2009-11-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

I think it must be lonely being the only villain in a family of superheroes.

And, yes, our family is big on recycling. Costumes, that is. Poor, poor Olivia. . . . the same costume again. The remedy. . . . growing. We keep telling her that food is a big part of the whole concept of growing.

At least the others got to trade up to their older brothers' old costumes. Except for Owen--he gets everything new, that lucky duck. That's why we made him the villain. It's all got to even out somehow.

And, next year I will be creative like all of you out there.

Big Guy, Little Guy

2009-10-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

We run a little high on the masculine at our house, but let me tell you . . . . I love me some boys!

A Tribute to Aunt Jenni . . .

2009-10-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

. . . . because who else would do this?

Nobody else that I know. Especially on their day off of work.

AND she voluntarily comes to Cafe Rio with all seven of us--a three-ring circus. AND she babysits so Rich and I can enjoy a moment here and there. Now THAT is not a day off of work.

Yet she seems to still like us.

I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge: Pink Week

2009-10-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

I love looking at the entries each week, but have never submitted an entry to the I heart faces challenge . . . . until now. A while back, I bought my son, Owen, a pink shirt. I love pink on the male bunch. Evidently, Owen does not. He likes colors which inspire sword fighting and dirt digging. Nevertheless, I had this shot of him wearing the offending pink shirt -- and a face to match his feelings while wearing it. C'mon Owen . . . wear it for me . . . . please??

An Afternoon Discussion

2009-10-12T22:12:00.000-07:00

Max: "So. . . . here we go again. Mom trying to get us to smile. Look at her. Silly, if you ask me."

Ryder: "Yeah, totally ridiculous. But, I know a few things that will drive her nuts . . . . and then maybe she will leave us alone."

Max: "Really. . . what?"

Ryder: "Well, first, you've got to smile real big. . . just like she says. Only, let's make it REAL big. See, just like this."

Max: "Uh, huh. What else you got?"

Ryder: "Mom is always tellin' us to HOLD STILL, so maybe let's hold still . . . . 'cept for our arms. Get them goin' real fast, like this."

Max: "Got it. I think she finally looks like she is givin' up on us. But. . . just one thing, Ryder."

Max: "Let's keep this little discussion between you and me. We don't want 'you-know-who' to wise up to us. Got it?"

Ryder: "Got it."

The Ones with the White Dress

2009-10-07T08:25:00.000-07:00

I guess you still can find flowers and green grass in October. . . . . who would've thunk it!

Just to be safe. . . . .

2009-09-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

. . . . I like to smell my food before I eat it.

Ewwww

2009-09-23T21:42:00.000-07:00

I like tomatoes, but this is just a little overboard. But, hey, he's getting his lycopene!

And. . . . .

2009-09-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

Blog construction finished (I know more about HTML than I care to now).

We'd Like to Thank the Grandpas

2009-09-10T21:56:00.000-07:00

You know how some people say that they want certain things for their kids that they didn't have? They probably are referring to a loving home life, financial security, self-esteem. . . you know, things like that. Well, I always wanted blue eyes for my kids. I know. . . . shallow. But, hey, I always wanted blue eyes growing up and never got 'em. I got some sort of green concoction. In fact, I wanted them so much that I sank to the levels of getting colored contacts. Not really for the vision, but for the color. Totally shallow. The shame of it all. But that was in junior high/high school and we all regret things about that time . . . . I'm regretting the fact that I didn't own a pair of tweezers back then. I had some sort of eyebrow toupee going on. Or is it a small animal? Seriously. But look at my beautiful friend, Heidi (and her nice eyebrows).

Anywho, our last three have been our 'Little Boy Blues', inheriting their good eye color genes from the Grandpas. Good job, Grandpas! Oh, don't get me wrong. . . we love our Owen and Olivia, too (as well as all those 'non-blue' eyed people out there. . . we're one of you). We just love the sparklers our last few came with. Check them out.

Which One of These Things is Not Like the Other?

2009-09-09T07:47:00.001-07:00

So, can you name that baby?

A.

B.

I still can't believe that we have to use the letters A through E to accomodate our growing crew! Now I know that these aren't the greatest pictures out there---I like doing them myself when I get the chance. BUT. . . . when you start something with the first few, it's hard not to continue it with the last few. I don't want to have to explain later in life to my youngest why they didn't get to be a part of the "fancy chair/blessing outfit" pictures. You moms out there know what I mean. There will be NO preferrential treatment at this house (except for when I feel like it)!

Now, did you guess correctly? Let's see. . . . .

A. Olivia (if you missed that one, well. . . I don't know what to say)

B. Max

C. Sawyer

D. Ryder

E. Owen

Isms, part II

2009-09-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mom: "We need to be quiet 'cuz Dad is on a conference call."
Olivia: "Oh, you mean he's going to be on the phone with the prophet or something?"

Mom: "It's not a good idea to roll your eyes at Mom or Dad."
Owen: "When you roll your eyes when your are dizzy. . . . that's not bad."

Aunt Jenni: "Hey Max, where do you want to go on your mission?"
Max: "Ummm. . . . . Cafe Rio." (now that's my boy!)

Somethin' is not right here

2009-09-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

So, we are attempting the impossible.

Max minus the diaper is a lofty goal.

Evidently he thought so, too, as his potty successes show. We started last Monday and I seem to sense a negative trend. Friday, Saturday, Sunday. . . . we got nothin'. Must I have three in diapers forever? Maybe.

Any ideas?

Ain't Eight Great?

2009-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Try saying that ten times quickly. Our oldest and "female-iest" one just hit the BIG 8. Although she is quite worried about the 'immersion' part, I think she is excited about her upcoming baptism. Now if we can just figure out that fasting without complaining part. . . .

Here are a few pictures we took in honor of the big day---a few white dress ones will come (when, in fact, I get the white dress). Quite the looker, if you ask me!

Blessing Day (ummm. . . . last week)

2009-08-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Last week, Sawyer (or SoyBaby, as he is affectionately called by Max) was blessed by his dad. It was a good one--looks like he's in for some great things in life! Can't wait to see . . . . slowly, slowly, of course!

Introducing. . . . . .

2009-07-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Rhys Wilcox, weighing in at a whoppin' 9 lbs. 5 oz., stretchin' out at 20 1/2"and lookin' like one of our own (finally. . . one I recognize!).

*He is kind of a naughty little guy when the camera comes out, so I got a few sub-par photos. . . . I'll give him a few more months to aclimatize before I bust him on it, though.

Max and the BIG 3

2009-06-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Max turned 3 on June 3rd, so in the tradition of Wilcox birthdays, I took him out to get his pictures done (well, not 'took him out' as in to a real studio, but 'took him out' as in he and I went outside). We like him lots. . . . don't you?

Wish us luck on potty training. . . . we have 2 1/2 weeks before I will officially have three in diapers. Oh my.

Aaah, the Food of our Lives. . . . . . . I Mean, Food is my Life

2009-05-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

Cotton Candy

Lifesavers

Batman sandwiches, of course!

(Just in case you needed a closer look. . . . hmmmm, what was Owen thinking about during lunch?)

And. . . orange popsicles. Can life get any better?

This is the way we watch T.V.

2009-05-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

Caught red-handed. . . . I mean footed. We get after Max for chewing his socks to pieces while watching T.V. (I know. . . gross), so he decided to take the upper hand and chew on something we can't remove.

Ryder, ever the copy-cat. . . .

Scared to . . . Sparkly!

2009-03-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Olivia made the big jump to "big girlhood" last Friday and got some beautiful sparklies to grace her face. Does she look apprehensive? Yep. But our girl was brave and even put on a fake smile when it was all over. Wear that ear candy well, Sis!

Every Little Boy's Dream

2009-02-08T21:08:00.000-08:00

"Today I think that I want to be an Indian Chief Superhero that fights the bad guys with my Pirate sword."
** Just a side note. . . . it's too bad that I didn't notice that the indian (or Native American. . . whatever works) vest, just made at preschool a half hour earlier, still had a good deal of wet black paint on it. I'm sure it was symbols spelling Owen's indian name "Chief He Who Jumps on Couch". Wet black paint + tan couch = heart failure for Mom. This photo taken in the calm minutes before heart failure occured. HOWEVER. . . . now I have to put my plug out for microfiber. Evidently black paint can come completely out of this miracle fabric. Love, love, love it!

Let It Snow & Ketchup. . . It Eats Like a Meal

2009-01-10T17:14:00.000-08:00

Mmmm . . . .

Happy Belated Birthday, Owen!

2009-01-02T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, it is a little belated (his birthday is Dec. 23rd. . . bummer, I know). We made sure to do some fun birthday things with him so he wouldn't get lost in the Christmas shuffle, though. It's happened before. Owen is our "Nutty Professor" . . . yes, we've labeled all of our kids (is that bad?). He has a brilliant mind, which you usually only find when you get through the "goofball layer". He surprises us with what he knows, what he can do and, often, what craziness tends to come out of his mouth. Here's to many more laughs to come!

Conversation a 1/2 hour ago in the car:

Owen: "Dad, can we go to the carwash?"
Dad: "I don't know where one is."
Owen: "Huh?"
Dad: "I don't know where one is."
Owen: "What?"
Dad: "Owen, turn up your hearing aid."
Owen: "Huh?"
Dad: "Can you hear what I'm saying?"
Owen: "You want me to go into a tornado?"

So, in honor of our silliest son, here are some "through the years" photos to showcase his sillies:

Two "sassas" are better than one! (Rich loves that we call them "sassas")
Yes, here he is proving he can fit almost anything (this time, it's a Smartie) into the gap between his teeth.

The traditional "blue tongue picture" while on vacation.

A few days after completing an eye drop regimand for conjunctivitis, he thought he needed some more medicine in his eyes. Oops, except it's Desitin.

Owen went through a period of making everything he could into a "shooting fing". . . this time it's his sandwich.

Honestly, this shot was not staged. Don't they look like long lost brothers?

Bee-you-tee-ful!

A Little Conversation. . .

2008-12-08T09:13:00.001-08:00

Owen: Mom, where's Dad?

Mom: He is in Draper taking a test.

Olivia: Is Draper in Outer Space?

Owen: No, no. . . . Draper is about 30 minutes away. My friend Aiden moved there.

Now, if a single, short conversation could be indicative of a child's personality, this is it. First of all, Olivia thinking that Dad took a little trip to Outer Space. To her credit, she confused Draper and Jupiter--but to her everything is possible (although we need to work on our Utah geography). Then there is Owen. His friend Aiden moved about 6 months ago, and that's when I told him how far away it was. But he is our elephant and remembers all.

Just one of those days (you know what I'm talking about)

2008-11-06T20:53:00.000-08:00

Please tell me that you've had one of "those" kinds of days. We woke up to a layer of ice outside and a bone-chilling temperature, which my body interprets as "don't go anywhere!" So, on the jammies stay and laziness becomes the order of the day. Some may try to "WOW" their husbands with how beautiful they look, how clean the house is and how many "to-dos" are "to-dones" when those lucky men walk through their doors from a hard days work. I think that today I may have "WOWED" Rich, but more like the "Whoa" kind of "Wow". You know about those. . . . hopefully.

He loves me anyway.

Anyway, as I looked around and started laughing at my self-imposed tornado, I took the camera out to remind myself (and anyone else reading this babble) that a little R & R for us busy moms every once in a while is okay. The kids didn't even seem to mind.

The house was carpeted in a layer of Fisher-Price. Yes, as you can see, my children also followed the "jammies at 1:30 p.m." standard I set today.

I left the dishwasher open solely for Ryder's entertainment value. Sharp knives were removed before any fun was had.

To-do. . . . to-morrow.

I was just thinking that I would make the transition to bed tonight. . . easier. Taking off 10 pillows takes some time!

Now this is a sight to behold. . . . 3 kids watching a little (literally) T.V. on an 8" screen. Especially when the monster below sits just 4 feet away. Oh, except for it blew up internally.

2 1/2 years old. . . in the words of Napoleon, "That's like a dollar an hour!"

Trick-or-Treat!

2008-11-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Normally I am more ambitious and creative (pat, pat, pat on the back) and like to do some kind of costume theme. This year, time was spent and the theme kind of picked itself because of that. . . . . and the theme is "Recycling". I love my friend, Tricia, who thought I meant my kids were going green and going as plastic bottles and glass jars. Instead, recycling means using what we already had. The nice thing was that none of them had to be something they already had been in previous years. . . . just what another brother had been. I guess Olivia got lucky that I didn't make her be Spiderman--instead she got to be a really cute (albeit somewhat creepy) butterfly I found in the dress up bin. Next year I'll go all out and really get creative. . . unless recycling is still the "in" thing to do!

Max's firefighter helmet was made out of fleece. . . . warm, but looked more like a prairie bonnet than a manly helmet.

1 Halloween + 1 Long Sunday Afternoon = 4 Pretty Cool Pumpkins

2008-10-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

Rich spent a good part of our Sunday free time creating . . . is that a good Sabbath day activity? Being creative? Anywho, he came up with some fun and pretty intricate creations. Let's see if you can match the pumpkin to the kid (he did let them participate . . . a little . . . by pulling out the gunk and picking their own design).

A:

Answers:

A: Ryder--well if he could talk, we think he would've picked the "Y" because he really wants to go there, just like Mom and Dad did. Go Cougars!

B: Max--he sure likes "Bedpan". Although, if there was a Diego template, he might've leaned more toward him.

C: Owen--everything is all about Star Wars, and thanks to Uncle Justin, he was given the nickname "Darth Crustache" (on one of his crustier nose days), so it fits.

D: Olivia--not hard to pick out the only girly pumpkin for our only girl!

And here is our Jack-o-lantern-of-all-trades!

Family Pictures = Family Chaos

2008-10-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

We (okay, I) decided it was about time to capture our family in photos again. . . . we tend to go a long time in between. The last was 2 years ago. I'm not a big fan of having a studio do it (unless they are really good and not corny), so we gave it a go ourselves, with the help of my sister, Jenni. Good sport, she is! Everyone did relatively well, except for Max (who wanted to play "hide-seek" more than "sit-smile"). His patience was gone after about 3 shots. Oh well. Jenni took the family photos, while I did the individual--kudos to her for her photography skills. Here's a few (probably a few too many for most of you, but we have the grandmas to consider!):

*The only individual photo of Max without snot or a scowl. He's more of an "action model".

*Ryder was certainly the most animated--he made this weird face in about 1/2 of the photos. What a ham.

Too much orange? Never.

2008-10-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

Another year at the pumpkin patch--we can count the years by this annual trip almost as faithfully as with birthdays. Just no cake and the presents are, yes, pumpkins. This year we switched states to Utah and went with my good friend, Heather, and her cutie, James (see below pic). The temperature was a perfect 75 degrees and the pumpkins ripe . . . just add a nap for the Moose and life is good!

(Not happy about the pumpkin choice . . . wanted one a little softer, rectangular and flat . . . like, you know, a bed.)

(Here's Max and the aforementioned cutie, James.)

(Still crying. . . like a baby!)