March 20, 2009 - Children's Hospital

Today I headed out with Wil to Seattle for an EKG. I was worried how to help him with this experience and came up with the idea of telling him that we were going to test his Super Hero powers. The kids have recently been watching and LOVING the Super Friends DVD with Super Man, Wonder Woman, Wonder Twins, Aqua Man, Green Lantern, etc. I thought he could relate to this idea, but instead it did the opposite. "I'm NOT a SUPER HERO!!!", he cried over and over. New experiences can be a bit overwhelming for this one. So, I quietly explained that the doctors wanted to see how strong his heart was. :) He quieted down and we headed out. We had to make a return at Land's End on the way and he fell in love with a cute new umbrella. It was on sale. :) I think I would have gotten it for him anyway. Although it wasn't raining, he used it to transition into the building. The folks in the elevator thought he was cute. :) By luck, the cardiology department at Childrens is in the whale wing. Wil thought his umbrella was fantastic as we entered the underwater world. So did the greeters, nurses, and physicians. :) He did exceptionally well with is testing. All were pleased and a bit surprised. After he finished, I said "Wil, you really are a Super Hero and the doctors just tested your greatest Super Hero Power". "What power Mom?" he asked. "Your heart! It is your greatest strength. You are kind and loving Wil Ryan. You are our Super Hero!" *Grin

March 19, 2009 - Bil Headed to CA

Another volleyball tournament this weekend. Bil will be gone from Thursday through Sunday night. I feel like a 16-year-old girl missing her boyfriend. I tried not to cry after dropping him off, but I didn't succeed. :) I miss him. I will miss having his support when the kids won't stay in bed. I will miss his extra set of hands when I'm trying to herd all three into one common direction. I will miss the smell of his cologne in the room after his shower. I will really miss his back when I wake up in the middle of the night and scooch over to connect.

March 18, 2009 - Happy Birthday Marci and Matt

Although we are celebrating Lucky the Leprechaun still in preschool, today marks the special day for both Marci and Matt... unfortunately neither had a stellar day on their birthday. As you grow older, there seems to be a decline in the "star" aspect of the day. Perhaps it is because you don't get to bring cupcakes to share with all your work associates as you did in grade school or that you even HAVE to work on your birthday. When you are young, you celebrate that you are progressing on and reaching new milestones like driving, dating, or adulthood. As an adult, we should be equally as excited that we made it one more year! One more year towards what?? Well, here's the beauty... one more year period! Instead of looking forward, perhaps we should just look at where were are and what we have accomplished!

March 17, 2009 - From 0 to 60 in mere moments!

When Wil mentions that his ear hurts... we know that it can go from 0 to 60 with pain in mere moments. Ten minutes after submitting my last research paper, Wil woke up screaming. After a sleepless night with Wil between Bil and I, there is no question that he has an ear infection; however, we will need a doctor's appointment to confirm and get a prescription of antibiotics. :) We're just hoping that this one stays single versus a dual infection.

March 16, 2009 - My Last Class

Today marks the official last day of my Ashford BA degree. Although I have been taking courses which double for my Masters, I have now officially completed all BA requirements!!!! Bil is just a few weeks behind and we will both fly to Iowa this May to receive our degrees with honor. I believe we will graduate with President's List graduate of Honors.

March 15, 2009 - Sunday Naps

I love the brief time between 3:00 and 4:30 each Sunday when kids are (hopefully) asleep and all is quiet in the home. Even if we can snooze for just 30 minutes, the thought is so exciting that I am giddy enough not to sleep!

March 14, 2009

March 13, 2009 - Date Night

Kentwood is playing in the semi-finals for the Washington State Basketball Championship... Kathryn is babysitting. :) We love that the kids love Kathryn!

March 12, 2009

March 11, 2009

March 10, 2009

March 9, 2009

March 8, 2009

March 7, 2009

March 6, 2009

March 5, 2009

March 4, 2009

March 3, 2009

March 2, 2009

March 1, 2009 - Quiet Time

It is a rare afternoon that we don't have a gazillon things to do AND all three kids nap at the same time! It is my plan to do very little this afternoon, other than spend fun time with the kids and catch up with our 365 journal. Sunday afternoon is always a good time to catch up with this, but we've either been out of state or sick the past few weeks! I love the quiet time... when I can walk into a room and sit quietly with a good book, think about the upcoming week, or even take a nap! :) We'll see how far we get with the journaling today.

February 28, 2009

February 27, 2009

February 26, 2009

February 25, 2009

February 24, 2009

February 24, 2009

February 24, 2009

February 23, 2009

February 22, 2009

February 21, 2009 - Baby Shower for Nora and Jnet

Emma decided that she needed to give a gift to her little cousin. She quickly rummaged through her room and came out with the sock snowman that she made in kindergarten. :) I love the thoughtfulness of this child.

February 20, 2009

February 19, 2009

February 18, 2009 - Baby Nora

Tom and Jennette's second daughter, Nora Evelyn Worton, was born on the 13th of February, Jennette's birthday, while we were in Vegas. A little cutie with brown hair, Harper is now a big sister! We're working on her little baby blanket for the shower this weekend.

February 17, 2009 - Back to Real Life

Laundry, and lots of it, today! :)

February 16, 2009 - Home Again, Home Again Jiggity Jig

After a fun weekend away, it was wonderful to come home to our three little pigs! :) How grateful we are to have our family near by. :) Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, and cousins! How do folks live without this support system??? :)

February 15, 2009 - Bellagio "O"

Still in Vegas... Bil and I went to watch "O". The Cirque de Solei show features water and acrobatics. Unfortunately, our seats were about the third row from the back. The Bellagio show room was enormous and we were not even able to tell if we were watching men or women... :) With little to eat that day, a lot of walking, and a late night show (we loaded into the taxi home around 1 am)... the best part was grabbing a bite to eat at a Hilton cafe before heading to bed. We were so tired, we were giddy... okay... I WAS GIDDY. It made me think back to our teenage years. It was fun hanging out together, holding hands, talking, and laughing loudly.

February 14, 2009... Sweedish Massage

February 13, 2009 - Ballerina Doll house and no sleep

So the ballerina doll house is now complete. Grandma helped me sew around the little fused dolls that I cut out of the fabric while we were teaching this morning. I sewed, packed for the kids, cleaned, packed for myself, and looked for my wallet which has been missing for about three weeks now. No matter how hard one tries to organize and be prepared for trips... it rarely happens. I did get about two hours of sleep! Wheee!!! I'm excited to see what they think when they receive them tomorrow morning.

February 12, 2009 - The Love Bug

The Love Bug came early! Somehow she knew that the kids wouldn't be home for Valentine's day and so she dropped off goodies and jammies for all!

February 11, 2009 - Wil, Mason, and Dallyn Birthday Treats

Tonight was Wil's night to head out for ice cream with Grandpa and Grandma. As two of his cousins are close in birthday dates, they combined all three together and had a great time! Wil decided upon a chocolate blizzard with MnMs... of course.

February 10, 2009 - Construction Sites

Two construction sites down... one ballerina dollhouse to go! :) I hope the boys have fun... I'm not sure if they will recognize that the front area is actually a paved road. Not a lot of fabrics to choose from in this color scheme. Wil had yellow caution cones and Ben had blue. Each received a collection of construction vehicles.

February 9, 2009 - Getting ready for V-day!

I can't believe that we (Bil and I) won't be home on Valentine's Day. I'm already anticipating leaving Emma, Wil, and Ben... missing them... and feeling badly that we'll miss out on the Valentine Festivities. I love watching them pour pink milk out of the milk container or finding their LOVE BUG jammies the night before. In anticipation of NOT spending this weekend with them, I am on a mission to leave a few surprises and am hopeful that we can get it all ready in time. The plan includes, a cute "house" for each with corresponding items inside. Kim shared the idea and I've purchased my materials and am set to go! We found some cute socks, a little teddy bear for each, and treats to share with Grandpa and Grandma for FHE on Monday. We also need to finish making their Valentines. :) Here's a look at this year's Valentine card picks.

February 8, 2009 - Pink Foam Curlers

I have fond memories of bath night with my folks rolling my long blonde hair up in pink foam curlers, sometimes we'd be watching the Muppets or Lawrence Welk. I thought of those silly pink curlers, which were not very comfortable to sleep in, the other day and bought a package for Emma to try. I cut about two inches off her hair length (she was due a trim) and then began the process of rolling. We were nearly done, when Wil came in.
"What are you doing to Emma, Mom?" he asked.
I responded, "Well, these pink curlers will help Emma have beautiful, curly hair tomorrow for church".
To which he excitedly replied, "Oh Emma, I can see it now! You are almost already quite beautiful"!
"Thank you Wil", smiled Emma.
I wish I had thought to take a picture last night. The results were cute this morning. She didn't seem to mind them at all during the night and posed and flashed her curls around for all to see as we were getting ready for church. We'll give it another shot next Saturday!

February 7, 2009 - Big Ships

February 6, 2009 - Dinosaurs Alive in 3D

We wondered if the IMAX dinosaur movie MIGHT be a bit too much for our kids. After all, they begged us to turn off Robin Hood (yes, the animated Disney version) during their first viewing because it was too scary! :) Ben typically does the best, but it's the music and anticipation that gets the other two. We explained that it might be a bit realistic. Wil is our dinosaur expert and he was adamant that he could do it. Em, who had previously viewed the movie, also agreed. Ben was the least of our worries. :)
We loaded everyone, stood in line for the tickets, stood in line again for the show, and finally found a great seat... right in the middle of the theatre. As predicted, Ben wasn't too ruffled. He was more intent upon touching or grabbing the dinosaurs as the 3D effects brought them right in front of our faces. In fact, at one point we had to physically grab him because he was mauling the head of the man in front of us trying to grab on to the dinosaur (or giantsaur as he calls it) bones. Wil did okay... with a bit of persuasion, he left his glasses on and as long as I plugged his ears when the "scary" parts were on he was fine. Em sat on the other side of Bil. He reported that she didn't watch the whole thing because her head was buried, but she felt that it was a great experience after it was over. My favorite parts: when the paleontologists dug and tossed the dirt.. it looked like it was falling over us (Wil was a bit upset that they would do that), when it rained both boys covered their heads with their arms to shield from the wetness, and the excited comments such as "it's so close Mom". We loaded back into the Terazza and headed off to Red Mill for burgers to end a fun afternoon.

February 5, 2009

February 4, 2009 - Daddy's Turn

Tonight was volleyball practice again! We decided to share some of the heart attacking fun with him! We drove to the dollar store to purchase ten Valentine balloons and more gel hearts before heading all the way out to Kentlake High School where we tied balloons and attached hearts all over his Vibe! We were very pleased with our masterpiece ... unfortunately, I forgot the camera! Apparently, one of the girls caught a shot on her cell phone and sent it to a few others. The kids wondered if Dad was smart enough to figure out who did the heart attacking. I told them that if they were in bed and asleep before he got home, they just might fool him. :) Hehe... who fooled whom? LOL They were asleep!

February 3, 2009

February 2, 2009 - Heart Attacks!

Tonight's Family Home Evening involved quite a bit of driving and sneaking around! :) We began at the Bybee house and then went to the Tyler and Crystal Worton home. As luck would have it, they were easy peasy stops where one at a time, our kids quietly and quickly decorated the doors with little gel hearts before wildly racing back to the van for the getaway. Papa and Ma's stop was a bit trickier. For starters, they were home! :) (Although the first two were as equally exciting as we didn't know the Bybees were gone or when the Wortons would return!) As luck would have it, the Wortons were at Grandpa and Grandmas. Not only were the blinds open, but all were in the front room... Emma and I decorated the cars and left with the hope to return for better success! We drove past the Nordquists, but saw Anna waving at us in the window. Foiled! We drove to the Hunts to see all in the front room and kitchen. Foiled again!! We decided to head to Orting, in the hopes that folks might settle down and we could try again. Uncle Tom and Aunt Jennette were home. In fact someone was in the office and I prayed that Scout the dog would allow us to come and go in peace. Ben and I silently snuck up and attacked without getting caught! Victory! Emma and I decided to give Grandpa and Grandma another shot. We saw a flashlight beaming in the backyard; however, decided to attempt it regardless. We crept up the steps, crawled under the windows, and began quietly applying the hearts. We could see movement just in side the door. Emma giggled nervously as we hurriedly tried to finish our task. Suddenly, I knew we were caught! "RUN!!!", I hollered... Emma froze! "Oh, how nice..." said Grandma. Emma remembered how to run and caught up to me in the van. We completed the list, successfully attacking the Hunts and Nordquists. Emma later that night informed me that we (her parents) were right, "It IS funner to give that receive! Can we do this every year Mom?" Yeah!!! Mission accomplished.

February 1, 2009 - Dino Sunday

Wil received a generous assortment of dinosaurs for his birthday... each one loved and different. Today he took the handmade gift from our neighbor, Kim, to Grandma and Grandpas for Sunday dinner. It was a hit and I was so pleased so note how he shared with his siblings and cousins. He called Kim after we returned from his friend party last night and thanked her sweetly. Before hanging up, his shy side emerged and he quietly told her "I love you Tim" (he can't master the "c"/"k" sound and it comes out "t"). How grateful I am that this patient neighbor has a soft spot for this one.

January 31, 2009 - The Paleontologists

Do you see a trend with our family? :) Uncle Ty, Aunt Crystal, and girls gave Wil a fossil egg kit, complete with brush and wooden chisel. It was quite a feat getting through that egg to the dinosaur inside. The first glimpse Wil had of the dinosaur was a tiny speck of a plate on his back. Without hesitation, he excitedly announced "A stegosaurus!". How he knew, I'll never know. Fun fact: Did you know that the plates on the back of the stegosaurus actually helped heat their bodies. They would sun bathe and scientists believe that somehow the plates were instrumental in absorbing, delivering, or storing the heat throughout the body. :) Anyway, thanks for a fun gift!

January 30, 2009 - The Tyrannosaurus

Here's the second dino from the Lego set. The eyes light up and glow and it's really "quite cool" (as Ben would say).

January 29, 2009 - Christmas in January

January 28, 2009 - The Stegosaurus

The hardest part about having a boy who loves dinosaurs is knowing how to pronounce... much less spell... the appropriate names. I'm great with Long Neck or T-Rex, but most are a bit challenging for me. I readily admit that Wil, at the age of five, has surpassed my abilities in the pronouncing category. It didn't take Wil and his Dad long to begin the Lego project.

January 27, 2009 - Family Celebration

All birthdays are also celebrated with a Worton family dinner. Mason and Wil share this event each year as they are less than two weeks apart in age. Here are a few cute pics of the event. The dinner was Bil's amazing Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Rice and Beans. (Chicken nuggets for the kids!) :)
Mason opening his new welding kit.
Papa showing Wil how his new dinosaur Fuzzy would make sounds and move to his touch.
Mason and his cake
Wil and his Dad with the new Lego dino kit.

January 26, 2009 - Happy 5th Birthday Wil

This post could be extremely long, but I will try to condense! All birthdays in the Caillier house begin with breakfast in bed. What this usually means is that we all join in the breakfast and bed with the celebrating member. This year was no different, even thought it was a school day and we had two kids to get to the bus... on time! It was a bit crazy, but all were present and accounted for at the bus stop before the bus arrived. Joining Wil at breakfast is his new birthday buddy "Fuzzy" the dinosaur.
After naps, we also hustle down to the Auburn station to catch the Sounder, aka Scuffy to our kids. It was freezing cold, but that did not deter the excitement! We made the bus with mere seconds to spare and headed off to Kent Station for dinner at Fondi's for pepperoni pizza with LOTS of Parmesan cheese! Wil had a ball and was tickled to receive a birthday wish phone call from Papa and Ma while there. After pizza, we headed to Dilettante for hot chocolate and froze a bit outside as we sat at the outdoor fire pit. (The fire did not penetrate the cold air or the metal chairs were were sitting on!) On to Cow Chip Cookies, we completed our event and headed back to the station to wait for our return train ride where Wil alerted security by pushing the emergency button. :) Thanks Wil! A wonderful evening to honor a wonderful boy!

January 25, 2009 - The night before Wil was born...

I clearly remember laying in bed the night before Wil was born. As midnight approached, it was as if a timer went off in my head. I knew he was coming and was relieved that the bedrest and toxemia would conclude. Although it was a full month earlier than his due date, I knew we were ready and could hardly sleep. So many memories came flooding through my head, I could hardly sleep and I remember thinking I needed to or I would definitely wish I had caught some rest. I thought back to that very day in 1987 when his Dad kissed me for the very first time. (It had taken him nearly a year!) I tiptoed in to check on his barely one-year-old sister and kissed her, wondering how her life would change with a new sibling. I cried with gratitude as the ten years of waiting for these little miracles seemed to fade into the distance. I was ready!! I am thankful for our Wil Ry.

January 24, 2009

January 23, 2009 - Haircuts

It's been quite a while since I gave the boys haircuts. Animals typically allow their hair to grow thicker and longer in the winter... why not my boys! :) Ben has a double cowlick at the crown of his noggin. :)It either needs to be LONG or SHORT. Lately, long has been tricky as it tends to stick straight up after naps and sleeping. I am a no-fuss mom when it comes to their hair. When I have to spend more than five minutes per head, I know it's time to cut! I wish I had gotten better lighting for Ben's "before" shot! He looked like a little hedgehog. Reminded me of his birth. Born five weeks early, he was still covered in fuzz and had long, highlighted fuzzy hair. The "after shot" includes both handsome boys.

January 22, 2009 - Show Time

Bil had volleyball tonight. The kids informed me that they had planned a "show" and invited me to attend. They prepared a seating place and then proceeded to dress up, dance, and whisper directions loudly to each other. Apparently there wasn't a real "plan", but they were having fun. I thought the pics of Ben in his Super Girl outfit quite darling, but REALLY loved when they put on my old Dance Festival costume underskirting (the one with the red and white checkered bloomers and a red shiny vest)and found bunny ears to complete the outfit. I love the world of "pretend".

January 21, 2009 - The Meeting

I had to giggle when Wil announced that his meeting was in progress. Handing me his notepad, he asked "Mom, please write -stop playing toys and listen". I did so and he then took the paper over and instructed his dinosaurs and assorted meeting attendees to read. He conducted the meeting and all were quite attentive. He was pleased.

January 20, 2009 - Migrane

Last night a migrane hit hard and fast with blinding, flashing lights and then ... tunnel vision! I tried to sleep during the night, but was unsuccessful. The alarm went off at 7:00 am and Bil kicked into gear and took over... for the entire day! He got the kids ready and off on the buses, made and cleaned up after meals, kept the noise to a dull hum, and even made a pie! Sorry Ladies... he's taken! I finally crawled out of bed around 5:30 pm. The throbbing pain had subsided to dull pulsing. I can live with dull pulsing. I walked out to find Em and Wil playing happily in the front room and Ben helping Bil make his pie. Ben was quite pleased with his baking contributions!

January 19, 2009 - Birthday Ice Cream

Papa and Ma take each of the Washington grandkids out for birthday ice cream. After a Sunday invitation, she could hardly wait for Monday night to arrive. As she rolled out of bed this morning, she excitedly reminded me "Today is the day I go out for ice cream!" Emma shared this experience with her oldest cousin Alyshia Hunt (Dolly attended as well). Em had a ball and felt very grown up this evening.

January 18, 2009 - Georgie

Our kids have special lovies. Em has Dolly, Wil has Jackie, and Ben has Georgie. They sleep with these special friends every day (naptime and bedtime). They have been known to attend long volleyball tournaments, doctor appointments where shots were to be administered, or long drives to the beach. Heaven help us when one is M.I.A. We have spent many a night looking for these little guys... muttering to each other that they should be restricted to bedrooms only! This week Georgie disappeared. We looked EVERYWHERE... or so we thought. Thankfully, Leo (Georgie's brother) helped weather the nighttime and Wil found Georgie hiding in his jammie drawer. Wil was thrilled to be the "finder" and thought Georgie's hiding place was the funniest ever! Ben was simply overjoyed to have George back for the night!

January 17, 2009 - Tippy Toe and Tappy Shoes

She has anxiously awaited this day! The day of tappy and tippy toe ballet shoes and lessons. The first time Emma put on her ballet slippers, she tried to go up on tippy toe and disappointedly informed me that they didn't work. We explained that special shoes and countless hours were required for dancers to dance on their "tippy toes", but she was saddened nonetheless. Although we must share that at the age of two, we watched as she stood on her tip toes, curled them under slightly and walked across the room. We had never seen anything quite like it and still are impressed when she does it now! She has been leading her brothers in warm up exercises today. We'll have to catch that in action!

January 16, 2009 - Worton Girls

Tonight Tyler and Crystal's girls (Claire and Jocelyn) spent the evening with our crew while they caught dinner and a movie... alone. You forget how small they are, until you catch a glimpse of a bundle held in the hands of your husband!

January 15, 2009 - Secret Agent Ben

Lately, the boys have adopted a new identity... that of a secret agent. They love the new walkie-talkies that Papa and Ma gave them for Christmas, as well as any old cell phone they can get their hands on! They take on secret missions and sneak around, hiding things, from each other. I caught Ben talking into his cell phone, giving directions regarding a bad guy tonight... when he should have been in bed! Mission canceled - busted and sent back to bed.

January 14, 2009 - If a task...

If a task is once begun,
Never leave it 'til its done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all.

Emma trying to blow up one of the ride-on bouncy balls, she giggled more than anything. I think her dad rescued her and finished the job!

January 13, 2009 - Dr. Glass/CTC

Today, after nearly a year wait, we met with one of the top neurological pediatric specialists in the area. He was well worth the wait as he was able to share information that answered all of our questions and concerns. The diagnosis is static encephalopathy. Although it parallels autism, it is not the same. We are thankful for caring support from family, occupational and speech therapists from Children's Therapy Center (see picture), and his teachers from Lea Hill in the ECE program. Thank you all for support and prayers. As shared in the email sent to family explaining this diagnosis...
Tonight as I laid in bed with Wil, I asked if he'd like me to tell him what the doctor said about him and he said he would.
"The doctors said that you are a VERY smart boy and that you will be a VERY smart man. He also said that you would grow up to be a leader... that you could help and teach people."
Wil grinned and replied back, "You are so lucky Mom."
"Why am I lucky Wil?"
"Because you have me, Mom." :)
To this, we wholeheartedly agree. :) We are so very grateful for his wisdom and happy example.

January 12, 2009 - Living Room Beach Party

While I'm working at the computer in the play room, Emma bounds in with her shirt off and San Diego beach hat on..."Mom, can we pack a beach picnic dinner? The boys and I are all set to go!"

January 11, 2009 - President Hinckley

Today we watched the movie "Gordon B. Hinckley: A Giant Among Men". Purchased through Living Scriptures, it was sweet and very well done. I laughed when the young Gordon ate soap after swearing (the Lord's name) in front of his mother, marveled at his idyllic young life, reflected upon viewing his mission experiences, and cried when he lost his dear wife. The title captures the thoughts of many who learned from this gifted prophet. Words to describe him would include: charismatic, humble, active, strong, humorous, poetic, refined and yet simple, and brilliant. I loved hearing his voice and testimony throughout the movie and am grateful that my children had the opportunity to hear and learn from him as well, particularly Emma. We watched the funeral proceedings and cried together. We miss him.

January 10, 2009 - 2 am

Sleep? Who sleeps? I look at my neighbor's house, and closest friend outside of family, at 2 am in the morning and am somewhat comforted knowing that I am not the only dope in the world working on a project when I should be asleep. (No offense Kim or Brett.) I almost consider it slightly silly to try to sleep before the hour of 1 am. I know that I will be tapped back into consciousness by a child who whispers around 2 am (so they don't wake Daddy) that they need to go to the bathroom and would I please turn on the light for them? Amusingly enough, they have to pass the bathroom in the dark to get to my room. The thing is, they are so very sweet that I rarely get cross even if it is the fifth time I have been woken and quietly (so I don't wake their Daddy) slide out of bed and help them remedy their situation. I actually love the quiet conversations that take place when the world is still and dark and we are both drowsy.

January 9, 2009 - Bil's IKEA easel

At IKEA (looking for organizational structures) Bil ran onto this art easel. Our kids LOVE to craft and create. Em asked for and received an art/craft bag from Santa this year, partly inspired from the one that Wil received from us last year. They paint, color, mold, fold, glitter, glue, etc. to their hearts content. We usually have them spread out on Grandpa’s big table that resides in the playroom. Two patricians can pull out to create a table for 12 – 16 people and provide ample space to make grand messes and masterpieces. This easel has been a big hit as another coveted creative space! Our favorite: When they all sit next to each other and work on a collective masterpiece. (This is the beginning of Wil's underwater world - whale, octopus, sea animals... )

January 8, 2009 - Purge

Today is a day of organization. We love to function within a neat and tidy home; however, it is apparent to any who know our family that we are squeezed into a space that we have outgrown. If we did not own a preschool or the daycare, coach a sport where a minimum of 15 balls can be found in our home, have camping equipment or a year supply of food storage, craft, and lack a garage we would fit nicely. But we do, so we don't. I filled Big Grey to the rim the first week of January with charity items and Bil took a run to the dump. This week we put in new carpet in the playroom and decided that another purge was in order. This task is not for the faint of heart! As one room empties out, it filters into two others. I think we’re in for the long haul… if we can handle the continued clutter that accompanies organization. Wish us luck!

January 7, 2009 - Hot Chocolate

Two of my sisters received hot chocolate machines for Christmas and Maria highly recommended that we acquire one as well. I did not anticipate purchasing one and was pleasantly surprised this last week when Bil did. He knows how much I love hot cocoa with whip. Of course, we can make cocoa at home without this machine, but here’s what I love: 1) The machine came with fun, new recipes 2) It keeps the cocoa warm all day long with an intermittent warming mechanism 3) It comes out frothy! So, each morning, either Bil or I make a batch of cocoa and our family samples throughout the day! Stephens Cinnamon hot chocolate is a current favorite! I also love peppermint. Although it cannot compare to Dilettante's Ephemere hot chocolate, one of our favorite date treats, it's already a favorite family appliance!

January 6, 2009 - Matthew Clair Worton

Thirty three years ago today, my younger brother passed away. Born on December 19, 1975 and named after both grandfathers, he was only nineteen days old when he returned to our Heavenly Father. Matthew was the first son, after three girls, to our parents and his arrival was greatly anticipated by all. I was five and remember the family home evening when we cleaned and prepared his bassinet. Each of the Worton kids and grandkids used the same white wicker bassinet.

With kidney difficulties, he underwent major surgeries; however, he was able to come home for a short time with our family. I remember one evening, at dinnertime, wheeling the bassinet out to the dinner table. I can’t remember if he was fussy (we didn’t have portable car seats, bouncers, or swings back then) or if we simply wanted him in the same room with us, but we ate dinner with him next to the table. His death was shocking to our family.

On the 6th of January, my parents went back to the hospital and found an empty room. The hospital staff did not warn them, they simply walked in and wondered if he had been transferred. I cannot imagine the heartbreaking pain that they experienced. Mom has said several times that folks just did not talk much about their sufferings then. You simply and quietly went on.

I have often thought about how this experience has changed our family. Did it alter the how my parents felt when their next child, a son, was born two years later? How did it affect their interactions with their three daughters then and the additional three children that followed? I would suggest that their gratitude deepened, while at the same time their sorrow increased. The three youngest Worton kids did not have the opportunity to meet Matthew in this life, regardless, his position in our family has helped us all become closer, I believe. Our Ben is named after him (Mathew Benjamin Caillier) and when I use his full name I often connect to his namesake. The good news for our Ben is that this is usually when he is caught in mischief. It might be said that his uncle can intervene on his behalf from the other side of the veil. (Picture is of Ben in the Worton bassinet.)

Interestingly, a few weeks ago, Emma said “Mom, I miss my uncle Matthew”. I thought she meant her Uncle Matt (Maria’s husband) and suggested she call him. “No Mom, my other Uncle Matthew. You know, the one who is with Heavenly Father”. Whether we know him from this side or the other, we are grateful for the connection to Matthew.

January 5, 2009 - Bil the Pie Maker

PIES!
Bil has recently become an apple pie maker! He has combined several techniques and recipes to create his own pie crust, filling, and "topping". Today he created two pies. He eats pie for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This picture does not do the pies justice; however, my kitchen light just blew and I'm waiting for my pie-baking-knight in shining armor to return and change the light bulb. :) I love him!

January 4, 2009 - Recliner

Today I took a picture of our rocker/recliner. Emma turned 6 last month, Wil's 5th birthday is this month, and Ben will follow suit with his 4th. It won't last long, but I can still hold all three and snuggle comfortably in this chair! We watched Scooby Doo (one of their favorites) cuddled under a blanket together. No bickering, poking, or tickling... just pure joy and contentment! I love these moments!