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!

January 3, 2009 - Ben in Sunbeams

Our youngest is officially entering primary. I know that nursery functions under the primary organization, but actually dropping him off for sharing time (without a snack and free play) is altogether a new concept! Today, Bil had a volleyball clinic and so I was solo in waking and getting them ready for their first primary activity as a threesome! Ben was thrilled. “I’m BIG now, Mom! I get to go with Emma and Wil to my own class”. My heart replied with a sigh of anticipation and sadness. This past week, both his dad and I independently noticed that he has made another one of those physical “change in the night” jumps. When they wake up and you notice that they have matured and grown and you wonder if it actually took place during the last 12 hours or if it has been slowly sneaking up over the past few weeks! Their activity was a breakfast, run by the primary president Sister Ishamm, and the bishopric served pancakes, sausages, and orange juice. A very brave adventure for that many parentless children ages three to twelve.
I was so very pleased to find out the teachers for both boys. Ben will have Sister Hansen (who actually offered to pose as a pirate with Ben when he was asked to quit squinting). Wil and his cousin Mason Hunt will be taught by Sister Fullmer. Perfect matches! Em’s teacher is yet to be determined. Brother Barney and Brother Griffith team taught her very ACTIVE class last year and she LOVED them both. (Brother Griffith stood in for the picture). I know she will love whomever they choose!

January 2, 2009 - It is done!

These past few weeks have been largely without schedule. Although we did have a few planned activities such as Christmas Eve dinner with the Worton clan, the ward Christmas party, and a Christmas Day gathering with the Cailliers, it was largely unplanned and wonderful! Bil and I did have homework and assignments to post, but it went fairly smooth without the added pressures of preschool and daycare and we both turned in our assignments December 24th happy to break from school until the second week in January. We were able to enjoy the spirit of Christmas sharing the 12-days of Christmas with a few families, completing the Pocket Change Project from preschool, playing with our children, and with a few last minute shopping adventures. Most of our travels were in Big Grey as snow and ice were evident throughout the second half of December and it was actually fun to travel squished together, without the DVD player, listening to Christmas music. The family favorites are “All I Want for Christmas is my Two-Front Teeth” as Emma lost five teeth recently and the song about wanting a hippopotamus for Christmas.

With the ringing in of the New Year, a routine is in sight and it was with a bit of sadness that I spent the day cleaning, organizing, and returning the home to her before Christmas-clutter status.

It’s always dark before the dawn! Storage tubes lined the family room, the hallway, one bedroom, and the back playroom! Where did it all come from??! Better yet... how am I supposed to get it all back into its storage space?

The final step of moving the couch back into the rightful position where Fuzzy the Tree, named by Wil, reigned for a blissful Christmas month brought a tired, but triumphant sigh of completion. Until next year...

January 1, 2009 - Christmas Outfits

We forgot to take pictures of the kids in their Christmas church outfits and decided to dress them up to capture their cute little smiles on January 1, 2009! The problem with this concept is that taking pictures of our crew is never easy. It is silly to expect them to all look at the camera, keep their hands to themselves, AND smile. We still try! Bil became the silly dad and tied his head up in his hooded sweatshirt. I’m not sure what else he did (at my expense possibly), but the kids were laughing hysterically for the majority of the time. He even got Ben to stop squinting his eye like a pirate, while growling Arrrrrgh! How does one stop the commotion and ask them not to smile or laugh quite so much? Here is a snapshot of the event.

Project 365

Why is it that life seems to speed by faster and faster with each passing year? Is it because we are hoping to miraculously merge multiple schedules and appointments? Is it a lack of organization? Maybe it is a combination of reasons that cause our heads to spin as we look at our three sweet children and wish (as Michele's grandparents and parents used to say) to put a brick on their heads to stop them from growing! We understand and welcome the concept of change. Life must proceed in order to reach eternal goals; however, we wish that time might slow in order to savor certain seasons of life a bit longer. For ten years we awaited the arrival of our first child. We now have a 6, nearly 5, and nearly 4 year old set of wiggles and noise! How clearly we remember praying for these little ones to enter our home and now, even though it can be a bit overwhelming at times, we pray that their departure will never come. Even with cross words and frustration, we could not ask for greater joy!


In our attempt to capture these young miracles and the tender mercies and moments that take place in our home and life during the year 2009, we would like to post an entry and/or picture a day!