Why I Try To Say Yes

When kids are little, they often want to do whatever Mom does. We moms must have a real nack for making the mundane look exciting! Sometimes all that "help" can be overwhelming and it's tempting to just do things yourself. But taking a little extra time now to let little ones help can pay big dividends later because they will learn the skills and they are more likely to be willing helpers later if they have been allowed and praised for helping. That's why tonight I let my well meaning 11 year old male dinner tonight (even if it may have been faster to do it myself).  I also let my 2 and 6 year olds "clean"the floors. I will thank myself someday when dinner is on the table and my floors are clean. And even if that dream never becomes a reality, maybe a future spouse can harvest these seeds.

I Have Something To Tell You

I have a friend who says I should preface every story I tell with, "You know I have 4 boys right?"  There is so much truth to this that I sometimes think I should wear a sticker that reads, "Hello! My name is Mom of 4 boys."  You know for those days where I know I showered SOMETIME this week, my hair is in a ponytail because I don't have time to run a comb through it, I was lucky enough to get deodorant on but the idea of makeup is simply ludicrous and I somehow managed to get dressed in my "good" yoga pants.  And I forgot to mention the snot on my shoulder, something in my hair besides my hair elastic, a questionable smudge on my shirt and bags under my eyes.  Needless to say, I rarely feel attractive and I never feel glamorous.  There are days where I can feel downright repulsive.

It was on one of these such days that I was home with not 1, not 2, but 3 sick kiddos.  I spent a large amount of time rocking a feverish baby, wiping a preschoolers nose and giving neb treatments to a 1st grader.  When the 5 year old started in with, "Mom, Mama, Mommy,"  I took a deep breath and did my best to keep it together.

"Yes, dear?"

"I have something to tell you..."

"And what is that?"

He climbed up on the arm of the chair where I was rocking his baby brother, leaned in close to my ear and whispered, "I just wanted to tell you, (pause), you are beautiful!" 

Sure, the words are sweet, but the squeeze around my neck and ear to ear smile that accompanied it made me believe it.  

You see Moms, you ARE beautiful.  Despite what the mirror, magazines and yourself might say, you ARE beautiful.  And it isn't despite the shower, yoga pants and messy hair.  No, in fact, these very things are part of what make you beautiful because they are part of who you are.  You are Mom, Mama, Mommy. You are the rocker of feverish babies, the wiper of noses, the one who's kiss can heal and soothe better than any medicine.  And to your child, your husband, the grandparents of your children, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.  

I try hard and pray often that God will help me to see and love others the way He does.  Thank you God for using my sniffly 5 year old to help me see a glimpse of myself in that same way.

Grandma's Favorite

This is the eulogy I gave at Grandma's funeral last week.

Growing up, I knew I had a good thing going with Grandma.  In her cupboards I always knew where I could find a special treat.  There was always room in her lap for me and she always took time to sing “The end of the rainbow” song to me.  We were always able to share a good laugh trying to get the last hit in on one another.  Time and time again she did “surgery” to reattach the arm on Button Eyes, my bunnies by Billie original.  She had the patience of the saint when came to teaching me how to ‘gnore my brother, braid hair on my Barbies and  My Little Pony, crochet a set of coasters, tie my first quilt, or bake a batch of buns.  Looking back on all of this, it is easy for me to see why I was pretty sure I was Grandma’s favorite.

As I got older, but not Grandma (she was always 39 you see), I remember having a discussion with some of my cousins about this very thing and we discovered something.  Somehow, some way, we had all come to believe we were her favorite.  It wasn’t that she told us this out right with words; it was in her actions that led so many of us to feel a special connection between Grandma and grandchild that surely must have meant we are favored.  And we were; we were ALL favored.

The special treat that Grandma stocked special for you may have been a tootsie roll, or a Kit-Kat, or a jar of peanuts, or maybe a cherry slice, or a frozen fruit cup, or homemade chocolate chip cookies, but you knew Grandma kept it on hand for YOU. 

She may have sung the rainbow song, the cow shed song, boom ditty or some other tune, but she rocked and sang to each and every one of us at some point.  And you could be guaranteed as you grew up and announced your engagement; Grandma would enthusiastically volunteer to sing “CeCe Oh Playmate” or “Blue Moon” at your wedding.

In addition to the laughs we were able to share with Grandma playing dumb like a fox, many also had a special last hit, pinch, or word game (can you say Rats-a-frats and Neh-ner, neh-ner, neh-ner!?) that you played with Grandma that helped you feel connected with her.  We all had a nickname Grandma liked to use: Spoofers, BJ, Phlip, Nana Banana, Jake the Snake, Kit Kat, Danni, Topher, Ash, Lissie, Aimes, Jen Jen, Tiffer. 

Grandma was always eager to help out with mending whether it was a stuffed animal that needed stitching, a hem that needed to be shortened, or a button come loose. 

Grandma taught all of us valuable lessons.  Some were in the kitchen or at the craft table.  We were all taught that if you wanted something clean, warshing was better than washing.  Many other lessons were taught from the heart as Grandma time and time again modeled for us how to care for others, welcome all and love big.  Grandma’s waiting by the window to wave good-bye, forcing us to share her with classmates for Grandparents Day, having a stocking and gift for every, and I mean every, person who came to Christmas, and getting up early to cook breakfast and wish good luck to the hunters are prime examples of her devotion and love for not only her family, but for others as well.

It takes a very special person with a big heart and lots of love to make 13 (plus 4) grandchildren feel that each and every one of them is favored.  And it didn’t stop there.  The same deep love and devotion that Grandma bestowed upon each of us was poured out onto the next generation as well.  With each and every great, we got to see all over again Grandma’s love for these babes.  First there was Lil Ray Ray and Robby, or Scott Robert, who could get her to sit in a parked truck for hours.  Next came Grandma’s Willy Lump Lump.  Grandma was so very happy when she got her 1^st great granddaughter and was able to share her wedding anniversary of March 5 with Danika, also know as little Deana Lee.  Then came Sam I Am, Calvin, Hunter, Dom, Miss Makayla and Miss MaKenzee and Grandma’s love never faltered.  She continued being able to hear and understand babies so well that somehow each and every one of them was heard time and time again saying, “I like my Grandpa, but I LOVE my Grandma.”  When her most recent great was born, Grandma made sure the hospital staff found a way for her and Grandpa to get from his hospital room to the nursery so she could meet her little Teddy bear.  Her adoration for them (and a well stocked freezer) earned her a fitting nickname of her own, Grandma Cookie.

13, plus 4, and 11 more is 28 grandchildren.  And that doesn’t even count all of the nieces, nephews, neighbors, Sunday School kiddos, friends, girlfriends, and boyfriends of ours that she also loved like only a Grandma can.  Each and every one of them loved, cherished and favored.  That takes a lot of heart.  I also think it takes a lot of faith in and love for God because her love was very much like the reflection of His.  I am so thankful that I was blessed to be one of the lucky ones who got to call her Grandma.  Thank you Grandma for the lessons, memories, and love you shared.  I know that each of us will have a freshly warshed room and open arms waiting for us in heaven.

What's in a Name?

Poor Wix #6 may actually have to write that on his kindergarten papers because we are in quite the dilemma trying to come up with a name for baby boy #4.  The boys all have family ties with their names, and we'd like to do so much for this one.  The boys all have names that they can grow into but have nice little nicknames for the times being, we'd like that for this one too.  The problem therein lies with us finding a name that meets these criteria while not causing Michael or I to scrunch up our noses.  I say a name, he responds with silence.  He says a name, I comment about such and such a student.

Add to the mix the opinions of the three boys, whom, for the record, get minimal to no vote, and the conversations get really interesting... Take the other day for example:

We were driving and I brought up the topic of names and even tried sneaking in one or two of my faves that Michael has already less than enthusiastically passed on.  "What is your dad's middle name again?" I know he's said it 100 times already, but maybe this time inspiration will strike and I'll come up with a creative way to make it work.

"Laverne," replies Michael.

I wait for the inspiration bolt of lightening, it doesn't come, I slump in my seat.  "There HAS to be the perfect name out there.  We just need to get creative.  Maybe I can come up with a cool way to combine Dale and Lee..."

"Like what, L'Dale?  Dalee?"

"Okay, maybe not."

"Let's name the baby Apple," says a voice from the backseat. We are at a stoplight near Applebee's.

"What about Target?" says another voice.  Target is kiddy corner from Applebee's.

"Oh!  What about Chip?" I say, "We all love to eat chips!"  A Frito O' Lay truck drives by.

"Sounds good to me!" says Michael.

"If it's twins, we can name one Chip and one Dale!" says Ray.

Michael and I chuckle, "Maybe, but I don't think it's twins."

"Yea, you're right, but his first name could be Chip and his middle name Dale.  Chip Dale! I like it," says Ray.

"We'll take that name into consideration," I say, trying not to bust out loud laughing.

"If he's anything like his brother, it could be fitting..." ponders Michael.

And consideration done.  I'm sure we'll pick a name before baby comes home from the hospital...

3 Reasons I Love Raising Boys

I can't believe the number of people who act as if I should be deeply saddened by the upcoming birth of another boy.  "Maybe #5 will be a girl."  "It's too bad you aren't getting a girl."  "ANOTHER boy?!  You poor thing."  Would a girl be fun and exciting, sure.  But so will a boy!  I love my boys and can't imagine life without any one of them.  If given a chance to trade one of my boys for a girl, I couldn't and wouldn't.  They are each so wonderfully and uniquely made.  And besides that, don't you know people, little boys love their mamas forever!

Reason #1-Sam
The other day I was getting ready to lay with Sam for what he calls "fake rest time" (nap time, as opposed to "real rest time" or bed time.)  His shorts were damp from sprinkler fun so we left them to dry in the bathroom.  Upon climbing into my bed with me, he started tugging at his t-shirt.  "Mommy, help me.  I need to take this off so I can be your huzzbin."  I laughed as I helped him peel his shirt up over his head and then he snuggled into next to me for a lovely nap.

Reason #2-Robby Roo

"Robby Roo, why don't you stop growing, stay 5 and live with me forever?"

"I can't Mommy.  Everyone has to grow."

"Maybe I can find some medicine to help you stop."

"I have to grow up, but I can live with you forever."

"I think you will grow up and probably get married.  I don't think your wife will want to live with me."

"Yup, she will.  I will find a wife and she can help you with all the cooking and cleaning!"

It wasn't just the words, but look of sincerity and devotion in his eyes as he spoke.

Reason #3-Ray
It was a near perfect summer evening.  Swimming and pizza topped off with a backyard fire.  Michael and I sat on an old beater love seat watching our boys chase fireflies and roast marshmallows.  When Michael got up to assist one of the boys with the roasting process, Ray ran over, snagged his seat, put his hand on his shoulder and pulled me back till my head rested on his shoulder.  It was such a sweet, loving gesture and topped off an evening that will live in my memory forever.

I love my boys and they love me.  I would trade that for any amount of pink in the whole wide world.

You Don't Have One?!?!

Last night the boys wanted to see the pics of their baby brother in the making so I popped in the picture CD that I was given by the ultrasound tech  and we started looking at Wix #6 first photo session.  Using my finger to show, I traced various parts of the baby and said things like, "This is his head, these are his eyes.  See his ribs here?  This white line is a bone in his arm."  (I'm pretty sure the boys thought we were looking at a small alien figure, not their baby brother to be.)

When we got to this pic, they recognized it a lot more as baby and noticed on their own that baby had his hand to his mouth.  "Look, he's sucking his thumb just like Ray!" commented Rob.  

"I am a baby Mom, just like baby in your tummy," said Sam popping his thumb into his mouth.

"These picture all show the baby's head and tummy.  Are there any of his legs?" asked Ray.

"Here's one Ray.  This is a picture of the baby's bottom.  Kind of like he's sitting on the camera.  This is a leg and this is his bottom."

"I am boy 4," read Ray. "How do they know he's a boy?"

"Well, do you see this between his legs?  It is his boy parts."

"That's his penis?!" yells Rob "Sick."

"Our baby has a penis, and I have a penis, and you have a penis, and we all have a penis," exclaims Sam.

"You do, all of you boys do, but Mommy does not," I explain.

Sam first looks horrified with his eyes bulging from his head as he, the boy who adores his penis and has his hand on it more often than not, tries to make sense of what I just said.  "You DON'T have a penis?!"

"No, Mommy is a girl.  Girls don't have a penis." I explain.

"Yea, Mommy has a pee pee," chimes in Rob.  I decide now is not the time to expand vocabulary so I just agree.

As Sam's shock is replaced with sympathy, he looks at me with sad eyes, pats me on the shoulder and says, "That's okay Mommy."

I'm so glad it's okay and that the boys will continue letting me live in our home even if I am lacking between my legs. 

Wx #6 Revealed!

We started our evening with our menu of baby cuisine.  Baby carrots, baby pickles, baby cocktail wieners, baby burgers, baby crackers, baby cheese slices, baby pepperoni, you get the idea.  Following dinner, we took the pinata out to the swing set to bust it open!

The boys took turns swinging at the mysterious pinata and Ray took the final swing sending it to the ground.  Upon shaking the pinata, candy, confetti and ribbons oh my.  But what color where they???  That is THE reason you are reading this blog after all right?

Well, frankly, I'm having too much fun keeping you all in suspense!  The texts and alerts have been coming in all day.  (Not to mention and the cameras and computers have not exactly cooperated with me in getting this published.)  Of course I could just tell you, but where the fun be in that?  Especially since the whole reason I wanted to find out was to capture the boys' reactionsI'll show you instead.

Join our family by clicking the link below as we take aim at the pinata and discover as our family finds out if the answer to our question is pink or blue.

Wix # 6 Revealed!

Happy Baby Reveal Day from the Wx Family!

Wx # 6! Boy or Girl?!?!?!

21 weeks today!!!  Wow.  It has gone quickly.  I think each pregnancy gets faster and faster.  (Or maybe time just seems to speed up as I get older and older...)

The gender question.  It has been weighing on us for weeks now.  To find out now or have a surprise later?  Frankly, I hate surprises.  And going that route with Sam was okay, but if the doctor had told me I had a healthy baby octopus after delivery, I think I would have been okay with that. Well, maybe not. But it didn't feel anti-climatic to me, but the bigger drawback in my opinion was not being able to see the reaction on the boys' faces when it was announced their new baby was here and it was a brother.  Grandma got the job.

The boys are split.  Ray wants a boy, Rob wants a girl ("who is nothing like Sam because he a naught little guy") and Sam wants a baby dinosaur he can name Rhino.  Michael and I want a baby.  I think it might be a boy.  Or a girl.  (I had thought maybe an octopus, but the ultrasound only revealed 4 limbs.)

Using my keen debate skills, I used this line of reasoning to get Michael on board.  I laid out some reveal options to him and we settled on the current fad of cupcakes with surprise filling to help us see pink or blue.  Then I logged on to the computer.  Talk about a fad.  It seemed like FB was full or reports of the same idea.  So I got busy thinking.  What else could one use to conceal a colorful surprise that upon opening would be fun for the family??

Box of balloons?  Gift box with pink or blue gear?  Nursery room with a streak of paint on the wall?  These all seemed bad for the environment or lame.  Then I got it!  PINATA!  Who doesn't love a pinata and some candy?!?!

Off to Rochester we headed to buy a pinata and candy at Party City.  We had fun choosing just the right pinata and handfuls of pink and blue candy and confetti together was a family.  We brought the pinata home and had even more fun personalizing it.

Yesterday, at my ultrasound, the first tech had a heck of a time getting baby to cooperate and I was getting anxious that we weren't going to get to open the pinata for months.  After rolling to my side and bringing in a second tech, they were able to write our secret in an envelope and seal it up tight.  Last night the pinata, candy and card were given to our secret under cover agents for pinata stuffing.

Today is the big day.  The baby carrots and pickles are chilling.  The mini cocktail weiners are ready for saucing.  The mini-burgers are ready for patty-ing and we are ready for a baby party like none other!

When the pinata breaks, Rob's still hoping for pink, Ray's still wishing for blue, and Sam would like green.  I'm just hoping for a great picture of their reactions.

Another?!?! Take 2

November 9, 2011.  I posted a blog.  If you don't recall, let me jog your memory...
Rob said a little prayer.  His request was simple enough.  He wanted a new baby.

Well, is this proof enough for you that God hears prayers?  :)

Baby Wicks #4 EDD: October 26, 2012

I had told him to think pink because Mom really likes pink, and I do.  Frankly, I am great either way.  A girl would be fun, but we do know a thing or two about boys around the Wx house!

Welcome Wookiee!

On December 24th 2011, our family welcomed our newest member, Wookiee Wicks.

Wookiee was found wandering around outside our home on Christmas Eve upon our return from church.  Ray noticed, "He has a collar, but no license!  I think that means we can keep him!"

Upon 1st greeting, the boys were all in love.  He is really quite a loveable lug.  But I thought we were getting a dog.  (He has since turned into a horse as he seems to double in size nightly on a regular basis!!)  The cute little furball was 1st thought to be possible be another Ewok, but I quickly pointed out to the boys he was a baby and would surely grow, it was then decided it was then clear that he was a wookiee and hence he was promptly named.

And just as promptly, Wookiee became one of the family.

We Are Fun People

Our neighbors are on a streak lately.  We keep noticing lots of cars at their home, but can't locate the invitation in our mailbox.  The first time, I assumed it was an oversight.  The second time, I convinced myself it was a family only party.  But this last weekend, my boys took notice.

"Mom!  Look!  Tom and Mary are having a party.  AGAIN!  And they forgot to invite us!"  said Ray.

"Yea, we are fun people.  They must not know it," agreed Rob.

"Maybe we should tell them," continued Ray.

"Maybe they think you are a party pooper Mom.  Do they even know what a party pooper is?" asked Rob.

"You are NOT a party pooper Mom.  You are like the opposite of a party pooper," declared Ray.

"Yea, you are the oppostie of a party pooper.  You are a fun person.  We are a fun family!" exclaimed Rob.

Could someone please send the FYI to our neighbors now?!?!  ;)  But I guess I'll forgive them for not inviting me the family bridal shower after all...

Goodbye Grandma

The last few weeks have been difficult in the larger Wx family.  We have had to prepare and finally say goodbye to a staple of the family.  If we are the bread, she was the soft butter that she always kept on the table.  Grandma Wx was an amazing woman and she will be greatly missed.  Michael and his siblings were fortunate enough to have grown up across the road from their grandmother.  With her farmhouse directly across from theirs, there was a great deal of work and visiting to be done with her.  When I joined the family 10 years ago, there were a lot of things that made me feel like an in-law, but Grandma was never one of them.

My children also loved the woman they called Great Grandma so you can imagine that it was with difficulty that they said goodbye.  Ray had experienced a funeral once before with the passing of my grandmother a few years back, but it is a vague memory for him and not a memory at all for Rob who was just a baby at the time.

Grandma lived a full 87 years.  Her love of life affected the lives of her 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and 29 great grandchildren.  (And that doesn't even count the children and grandchildren she gained by marriage!)  One thing that amazed everyone was when she decided in her 60's to go take care of old people at the nursing home.  She never missed a day of work in 16 years and retired in 2003.

In the last few years, Grandma's health was not what it had been.  Two weeks before her death, she fell and broke her hip.  She did well through the surgery but the complications of pneumonia and blood pressure fluctuation proved challenging. As she tried to rally, her family gathered around her bedside and Michael and I tried to explain what was happening to our children.  When we would leave them with my Mom or Sue because family said it might be tonight, Ray and Rob would get wet eyes because they didn't want Great Grandma to die.  In the morning they would climb into my bed and with sad eyes ask if Great Grandma had died.  When I would say no, she was still alive, their smiles and cheers always lifted my spirit.

 Last week, family gathered at Grandma's bedside daily as the end become more and more evident.  I will never forget sitting there Thursday night into the early morning hours of Friday watching her children and grandchildren gathered around her, holding her hands, stroking her hair, telling stories, singing songs and reminding her she had nothing to fear.  Grandma knew Jesus and with that, we all knew where her place in eternity lie.  The love in that room was so powerful and such a testimony to the woman she was and the life she lived.

When Michael and I left at 2:30 a.m., we truly expected to wake up in the morning and learn she was gone.  But she wasn't.  We went off to work and school while her children and some grandchildren stayed at her bedside.  Close to noon that day, we learned that Grandma had left her pain and sorrows behind to join her husband and other family on the other side of the pearly gates.

I didn't plan on telling the boys until we were home and all together, but insightful and sensitive Rob asked when I picked him up from daycare, "Mom, is Great Grandma still alive?"

I looked into his big blue-green eyes and told him the truth.  "No honey.  She died today.  But that's okay, because do know where she is now?"

"She's with Jesus," Robby replied with a sad smile.

"Yes, she is," and I swallowed back my tears.

We gathered as a large family that evening for dinner and fellowship.  Some of us found our way to the floor surrounded by years worth of photos.  As we pointed and laughed, told stories, and remembered, Sam walked up to my mother-in-law, pointed at her and in a puzzled voice said, "You dead?"

"No honey, Grandma is not dead.  GREAT Grandma is dead."

"Great Grandma dead?"

"Yes, Great Grandma is dead.  The only who lives across the road."

"That chair?"  Sam asked pointing the rocking chair where Grandma sat nearly every Sunday and for any other family gathering.

"Yes.  Great Grandma who sat in that chair is dead."

"Oh.  Where she at?"

"She's gone honey.  She's in heaven now."

"She on the roof?"

"No, she is in heaven."

"She in the basement?"

"No, she is in heaven, with Jesus."

"Oh, she with Jesus."

As the time for the funeral drew near, Michael and I discussed if the boys should go and what they should wear.  We decided it would be good for them to go and have the experience now rather than wait and have it for the first time with someone they are even closer to.  When Rob heard Michael was wearing a suit, he got his own ideas about what he should wear.

"Can I dress like a president for Great Grandma's funeral?"

"Sure," I replied too quickly thinking a shirt and tie would suffice.

"I wanna look like George Washington!"  Rob said motioning near his neck,  "I want a fluffy white thing!"

Uh-oh.  "I don't think we'll find a shirt like that."

"Adams?"

"Hmm, no."

"Jefferson?"

"No."

"Jackson?"

"No."

"Who can I dress like?"

'How about Obama?"

"Okay.  Or what about W. Bush?"

"Fine."

The shirt and tie were not enough and my quest for a sport jacket only found one: a Calvin Klein version at the cost of $90.  But Rob was relentless.  We wanted to wear his tuxedo leftover from Ray's ring bear debut.  As I thought about if I should let him wear it or not, I finally asked myself what would Grandma say?  She'd surely say, "Yea, sure, whatever you got it fine."  I smiled as we compromised by letting him wear the jacket.

Word got around throughout the day that a future president was in the midst.  It was nice to see people smile as they told Rob they would be sure to vote for him someday.  I'm sure Grandma would have agreed.

Things I Never Knew I'd Have to Say (Part 2)

We recently had an addition to our family.  Ewok (I know you are all shocked by the name!) is now 10 weeks old and a little tiny ball of fluff.  With this ball of fluff, there have been more things I find myself smirking as I have to say them to the boys...

BTW, This one's for you Nick J!

"Don't put the leash around your brother's neck."
"Don't put the leash around your neck!"
"Don't put the leash around your neck, tie it to the tree and try running around the tree!!!"
"Don't drag the puppy by the leash."
"Don't pick the puppy up by the leash."
"Don't pick the puppy up by her neck."
"Don't carry the puppy upside down."
"Set the puppy down, don't let go till her feet are on the ground."  (Sam is rather good at releasing 2 feet above ground level.)
"If you don't like you nose bitten, don't put it next to the puppy's mouth."
"Don't chew on the puppy's toys."
"Don't put your brother in the dog kennel."
"Don't LOCK your brother in the dog kennel."
"NO BOYS in the dog kennels!"
"The puppy should not take a bath with you."
"Puppies do not take baths in the washing machine."
"Get the dog out of the washing machine, NOW!"
"I think the poor puppy needs a nap."  (and so do I!)

It's All in the Family

Kudos to my cousins Aimee and Jen who recently graduated high school.  I've always been amazed by the fact that they share a birthday and a set of grandparents, but have different moms and dads.  Very early on I dubbed them my twin cousins.  Both are amazing young women with much to offer the world.  God's blessings on them both as they forge into the lives that lay ahead of them.

Jen lived a little further away growing up so I don't have as many stories to tell about her, but Aimee...  Aimee lived a mere 40 miles away and I was old enough to babysit her and her brother.  During their annual daycare vacation week, I would go up and stay with their family and help out with the kiddos.  I have fond memories of making mac and cheese with PBS children's programming in the background, putting Aimee's hair into adorable little piggy tails for the first time and her face lighting up as she flicked them back and forth with her fingers because she liked them so much, playing in the backyard, going for walks, and so much more.

I was preparing my children for our summer vacation plans and mentioned that we would be traveling around the area to attend a few graduations, including Aimee's and Jen's.  My boys love try and figure out the connections within our extended family so they immediately tried to start to figure out "who" Aimee belonged to.

"So she's your cousin, right Mom?" asked Ray.

"She is my cousin, which means she's your 2nd cousin."

"So Grandma Cookie and New Grandpa are her grandma and grandpa too?"

"Yup."

"So one of your uncles is her dad!"

"OH!  Does she go with the uncle who gave us the four-wheeler?"

"No, that's Uncle Bob.  He is Alyssa and Jen's dad."

"Does she go with the uncle who took us to Chuck E. Cheese?"

"No, that was Uncle Dan."

"Is it the uncle who let's us camp in his yard?"

"No, that's Uncle Tony."

"The uncle who gave us the toy motorcycles for Christmas?"

"No, that was Uncle Bob too.  He gave you the four wheelers, and train set, and motorcycles, and bunk beds, and swing set.  Aimee is Uncle Scott's daughter.  Scott and Laurie gave you guys all the games and big bag full of bats and balls and outside toys."

"Oh yeeeeeah!  I guess that's why they're called GREEEEAT Uncles!"

I had to laugh.  I also had to realize how blessed I am to have an amazing extended family who loves their great nephews so much, even if they do spoil them immensely!!!

Happy Father's Day 2011

The beginning of this week marked the annual tradition of Father's day and of course it did not go unnoticed at the W-x household.  Rob was anxious the night before to give his gift to Michael and Michael had to cover his mouth on more than one occasion to stop Rob from spilling the beans.  We remedied the situation by promising Rob that he could give his gift to Michael first thing in the a.m.

As almost every parent of young children will concur, what you REALLY want for a holiday is the ability to sleep in, but Rob stuck to his end of the bargain making sure Michael had a bed full of boy by 7 a.m. will presents to open from all.  Ray and Rob were both so proud to present Michael with the "plaided" shorts they had each picked out.  I'm pretty sure Michael made a sly comment about wishing he had some a month or so back.  Ray and Rob did not pick up on his sarcasm and now he has two pairs!  Styling!  I just told him to be thankful I had led them towards the more neutral colors and less bold patterns.  He's also lucky Sam is still only 2 and so his gift was a polo, which of course coordinates with the stylish 'plaided' shorts so he has complete ensembles to wear.  (My gift?  I opted for a photo poster print of the boys, it's pretty cute if I do say so myself.  It's the boys all wear different shoes of Michael's and captioned with 'We want to follow in our Daddy's footsteps, but he has some BIG shoes to fill!)

I then ushered the boys out so Michael could go back to sleep for a bit and that he did.  By the time we started functioning and getting ready for church, we realized we were a bit behind schedule.  Commenting that we were going to be late, Rob responded with "Oh no!  Pastor's gonna be mad at us!"

I think it had less to with the wrath of the pastor and more to do with fact they were already 10-15 minutes late by the time we loaded everyone in and still had a 10 minute drive ahead of us that led us to opt for a stop at Donut Connection in leu of church.  (Great example to set huh?  I guess we're all entitled to an error here and there....)

The afternoon entailed a visit with Michael's family and some quiet time.  We planned to finish out the evening with a nice dinner out with my mom and grandparents.  That didn't go exactly as planned...  To put it bluntly, by the end of the meal, I was being approached by others telling me "We remember these days, but really they do pass."  We knew one family who has a daughter a year older than Ray.  They mentioned that they've always wanted a little boy and I was ready to give them one.  A 4 year old specifically.

I left the restaurant carrying two screaming and kicking children to the Yukon, Rob broke away.  I sternly said, "Get in the truck now."  A man was leaving his own vehicle popped his own tailgate and said, "Here you go.  You heard your mom.  Get in the trunk now."  You have to love when a stranger can help you smile through the grim circumstances.  Rob wasn't as sure.

When we got to the Yukon he informed me that he did in fact want to go with that new family.  "Okay then, would you like carrying your lightsaber to their car?"  He changed his mind real fast.

The drive home proved interesting as well.  Rob decided to unbuckle himself and unlock his car door.  He was pretty sure he was going to get out and go live with Nana.  We pulled over, re-buckeled and relocked.  The second time I was even smart enough to move the child lock switch up making it impossible for him to open the door from the inside.  He continued unbuckling more times than I can count.  It was a long drive home with us pulling over every 5 feet...

Happy Father's Day Michael!  Happy Father's Day!  At least we got you this nice story to remember forever right???