Christmas Joy!

Christmas morning was a magical one! I just wanted to share this quick video, of Chandler opening his Hobby Horse. It was one of the best reactions I've ever seen. Pure joy!

And here are some pictures. . . the stockings, my crown of spoons the boys made (we just finished reading "the Tale of Desperaux" and then took them to the movie), the Wii. . . it was all so fun! I love Christmas morning!

10th Anniversary

I am ashamed to say this post is a week and a half late. . . but, it's Christmas time. People warned us about this! Christmas anniversary's are always harder to celebrate! But, we love it. We have taken a family picture every year since we were married (minus our 2nd anniversary). Here is a little slide show tribute. . . Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary Sweetheart!

In with the new!

Only 4 months after I wrote this. . .

and after a week of hurty, swollen gums, and a very loose tooth, and a boy who doesn't like to wiggle it. . .

Wii assisted us a bit for the extraction. . .

After a momentary yelp. . . we were back to Lego Star Wars.

It's out. The toothfairy owes big time for a tooth that was loose for 4 months, don't you think?

Merry Christmas

Gordon's family is all here and we are in full celebratory swing. Hope Santa comes to your house tonight and may your Christmas be as white as ours!

The Ice Age

This is what usually happens when it snows in Oregon. . . and then rains. And then freezes. No more snow play for us. It would be painful!

ANOTHER snow day. . .

I am reaching the end of my tolerance for snow. Mostly because unlike other snowy places we've lived, Oregon completely shuts down for an inch. You should hear what people say about a storm like today (almost 8 inches!) Not only have my kids been out of school for a whole week, but now church is canceled, a birthday party for Aidan's friend, caroling at the old folks home, and the ward party. All down the drain. For frost on the road. Well, until today. Today has been REAL snow. Gordon even said, "real Alaska snow." A phrase I have never heard him use to describe anywhere but Alaska.

I have enjoyed it, and taking the kids to the park to ski today was fun. But I'm getting really tired of all the cancel, cancel, cancel. We are starting to feel a little cabin fever. We've been out on the roads every day and they are very driveable. Oh well. . . another hot chocolate and cookie day tomorrow!

Miss Piggy (tails)

My cute niece Carolyn spent three days with us while mommy was at the hospital having baby brother. One of these days Keren will blog about it and you will all know what she named him and how big he was! (no pressure, Horners! :)

Anyway. . .

Carolyn is super cute. She has (had?) but one flaw, and that flaw, is that she would not allow anything to be put in her bouncing curls. No barrettes, piggy tails, nothin'. And you all know how I feel about little girly bows and such now. . .

While she was here, she saw my growing collection of bows. She said she wanted to wear some so I told her she could wear which ever ones she wanted, but she had to let me put in pig tails first. And low and behold, she picked out her bows, and then we did pig tails, and she left them in all day. I was SHOCKED. I've tried to bribe her into letting me play with her hair before, to no avail. Out it would come two minutes later.

The next day she asked for bows again, and I obliged. . . encouraging this most excellent behavior. This morning, I let her pick out some ribbon and buttons and we made a set just for her. She seems to really enjoy them, and I've got to say I think Miss Piggy is mighty cute.

I wonder if this behavior will continue, or if she'll go back to her "wild and free" days once she is home with her parents. I'm curious to see what happens. . . Here she is waiting for her daddy to come pick her up. She stared out the window for 20 minutes!

Party of 5

That's what it's been for us this week! Keren is at the hospital welcoming their newest little edition, so we've had our little Carolyn for the past two days. She's the same age as Chandler, so it's kind of like I suddenly have 2 year old twins, which isn't too bad, so far. They've had a lot of fun in the snow! Here's some pictures:

the 3 Spyders

and here's Carolyn
Emilee watched the fun from the window

School is canceled AGAIN for tomorrow due to the 2 inches we are supposed to get, so we're continuing our snow party tomorrow . . . I'm ready to have the rain back!

It's a Wonderful Life!

Playing Catch up

So much to blog, so little time. Here for your viewing pleasure, is Emilee, saying "no."

And, if you're a grandparent, you'll probably want to watch this whole concert. If you're not, it's a bit long, but you might just enjoy it anyway!

Adult Onset Hyperactivity?

I have this little quirk. If I get going on a project, particularly something new I'm learning or something I'm enjoying, I get going and can't stop until I'm done. It's usually a dress, or a quilt, catching up on the scrapbooking or something. Maybe a cake. I have to do it right, and I'd prefer to do it right now. This past week, I started making bows for Emilee. They are going to be one of her presents under the tree (shhh!!! Don't tell!) I started with this pair.

They turned out so cute! So, I kept going. And before I knew it, I had all these. . .

That's normal, right? Even though my daughter has almost no hair, for her to have like, say, 25 bows for her future pigtails? It wasn't until I saw them all lined up on this ribbon that I realized how hyperactive I'd been in the bow department.

Now all we need is some hair! Her current bows are the stuck on variety! I could always attach these new ones to a headband, but still, what do you think?. . . hyperactive, or just a good mama?

It's a Marshmallow World

We woke up this morning to flurries. Then, they called church after Sacrament meeting. We Oregonians are total wimps when it comes to snow. But, we didn't complain too much! We had the whole day ahead of us for shoveling driveways (the boys love this), drinking hot chocolate, and having a nice dinner. The cold snap is supposed to last and school is of course canceled for tomorrow (yes, for 4 inches of snow). We just don't have the plows here. I'm praying for a melt by tomorrow afternoon or the kids could be getting out of school a week before I was expecting! I needed this week to finish Christmas prep! Oh well . . . Hopefully some sledding and maybe even some skiing at the park tomorrow. . . Happy snow day!

Little Miss Tiny

Who. . . me?

Yes, you, little miss. After Emilee's 9 month appointment today, I drove straight to Costco, where I purchased a giant thing of baby formula, which will now be mixed with most all her food. Then, I drove straight to Fred Meyer, and bought whole milk yogurt. You may have guessed by now, Emilee could use some fattening up. She gained a whopping. . .

1 oz

over the last two months. One. Ounce. Putting her at 14 lbs 9 ounces, and below the growth charts for weight. That little stinker! The good news is she has grown in height and head circumference and is developmentally doing just dandy. Just not much of an appetite. The doc would like to see a little chunking up, if you know what I mean. Too bad she's too little for all these Christmas cookies that seem to chunk up the rest of us!

Anyway, that's the update today. I've had quite the blogging hiatus. I hereby pledge to do better. See you later this week. . .

Thanksgiving, Wilde Style

We had a great day! We started with a family jog (the boys rode their bikes) which totally messed up Emilee's naps for the whole day, unfortunately. So, we had a cranky baby. But, we still had a great day, including much food, much pie, and ending with some Wii at the Horners. The kids had a great day. I had each child choose one dish to help with. Aidan made the deviled eggs. Ethan cooked the turkey, and Chandler made the chocolate pie crust and threw the potatoes into the pot as I chopped them. I think it helped them feel involved with the process and enjoy the meal a bit more. It was a fun Thanksgiving and we have much to be thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Turkey for you, Turkey for me

I totally forgot to put Emilee in the turkey costume today (it's like I have four children or something!), so we'll just have to reminisce about when Chandler fit in the roaster pan. He was a cute little turkey!

Chocolate Mousse Pie Recipe

Here it is, by popular demand. . .

Oreo Pie Crust

2/3 of an oreo package, blended to crumbs (literally in the blender)

1/4 cup butter, melted

mix the two, press into a pie crust, bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Done! (and Yum, Yum!)

And yes, Dina - way better than store bought

Chocolate Mousse Pie

Combine in a saucepan, over low heat:
1/4 cup plus 2T water
1/4 cup plus 2T sugar

When Sugar is dissolved add:
4 oz semi sweet baking chocolate

When Chocolate is melted, stir a little into:
3 beaten egg yolks
Put back into the pot, bring to a gentle boil, boil two minutes more. Let cool to luke warm.

Beat
3 egg whites and 1/4 tea. cream of Tartar to soft peaks

Slowly add:
3 T. sugar

Beat to stiff peaks.
Fold chocolate and egg whites together.

Whip:
3/4 Cups heavy cream
Fold into chocolate.

Put into crust of choice. I prefer a homemade oreo crust. Refrigerate 6+ hours for best results.

Enjoy!!!

Note: If you're a wuss about eating raw eggs (love you Laura!!!), you can use the pre-pasturized ones :)

Now head over to KEREN's blog and leave her a comment begging for the custard pie recipe (and voting for your favorite baby name) and maybe she'll share for us all! Have yourself a chocolate bake off and then enjoy your chocolate coma!

Chocolate Pie

This could be a long story. . .

This morning I got the news that Ethan was expecting Chocolate Mousse pie for Thanksgiving. I wasn't planning on making one because Keren is bringing her super chocolate custard pie (equally divine!) and I think it's an awesome replacement. But then Ethan gave me that "But mom, it's Thanksgiving!" look and I'm headed to Freddy's today to buy the ingredients. You see, he comes by this very naturally. . . I am after all the infamous "whipped cream snob" of the Wilde bunch.

Long ago. . .

When Gordon and I were engaged we headed to Alaska for Thanksgiving so I could meet his family before the wedding. We headed out to Big Lake for a HUGE thanksgiving feast at Grandpa's giant cabin in the woods. It was so fun! So many kids, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. Having grown up with essentially zero cousins (I never knew ANY, even though there are a couple I believe) we had VERY small holidays. Just the seven of us. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, and the three kids. So, we had fancy meals! China, crystal goblets, fancy homemade pies (pumpkin, pecan, and ALWAYS chocolate mousse - and always with fresh whipped cream - my mom's favorite), the works. It was lovely!

At Grandpa's house in the woods, it was very different. Wonderfully different! There were like 35 people there! It was snowy outside! We all ate on paper plates with plastic silverware sitting on the floor around the fire or Christmas tree. It was wonderful, and I loved it! So many cousins I suddenly had!

After dinner Gordon asked me what kind of pie I wanted. He offered the same as I was accustomed to! Pumpkin, pecan, and chocolate mousse! Of course, I'm a chocoholic, so I said chocolate! But, when he brought it to me, it was not chocolate mousse. It was chocolate pudding, with cool whip on top. (if I had 30 grandchildren that wanted chocolate pie, I'd probably do the same thing, by the way!!!) Later, I told Gordon that someday I would make him a real chocolate mousse pie, with real whipped cream, and as the word spread I was forever known after that as the "whipped cream snob." I relish in that title. So be it. I am!

And since then I have introduced the Wilde kids to the joys of real whipped cream and true chocolate mousse. For years as a rebuttal Keren would always bring a "chocolate pudding pie" just like grandma Claudia's. And the first couple of years it got eaten by Joseph and Spencer and Keren. But in the past few years, it seems that I have converted even them! Last year Keren tried a new chocolate custard pie recipe and it was DIVINE! We loved it, and maybe even more than chocolate mousse! So when she offered to bring it again this year, I was all over it. Simplify. . . it's my new thing.

But, when Ethan explained that he's just GOT to have Chocolate Mousse pie (it wouldn't be Thanksgiving with out it!), I guess I can kind of relate. He comes by it naturally. . .

So I'm off to Freddy's. . .

Monday Night Football

Emilee is our little snuggle bug in the evenings after the boys go to bed. I thought she and Gordon looked so cozy the other night watching football on our "big screen.

9 Months Old

It's hard for me to beleive Emilee has been out of my tummy now for as long as she was in! That's always a funny milestone for me. And it's amazing how much faster the later 9 months go by than the first. She sure is our sweet little pretty kitty. The last few days Gordon and I have been saying that she's almost like having a kitten around. She's so content, but sometimes comes over for some loving and petting and snuggle, and then she's off to explore again on her own. I sure love my little kitten!

News Flash!!!

Extra Extra! Read all about it!
Eye witnesses report that Emilee Jane Wilde, the first daughter in the Gordon Wilde family, was seen yesterday doing big girl things. . .

Crawling on her knees (not her tummy)

And sitting up unassisted!!!

These were both first time accomplishments for the youngest little Wilde, and her brothers were beaming with pride at the new skills. When asked for a comment on how it felt to be such a big girl, Emilee said, "Aaaaahhhhooosh."

We couldn't agree more. . .

Is it Emilee?

Nope! It's my mom. I think they could pass for twins as infants. . ., especially in those black and whites. I think I know what my little Emilee is going to look like when she grows up! What do you think?

Little Buddies

This week we are watching our little friend Jonah in the mornings. Yesterday he arrived in this Lightening McQueen outfit, one that we happen to have as well. (thank you Costco!) Aidan has in the past refused to wear this to school, because it is "like pajamas." Anyway, he had his clothes changed pretty quickly and they were so cute waiting for the bus together I had to take a picture. They are cute little friends!

This is a pretty funny picture of Aidan, but you get the idea!

the Perfect Ending

Gordon started a little tradition a few months ago. Every Sunday night, as the weekend is ending, instead of just putting the kids to bed with a hug he stays and has a "chat." At first I kept thinking, "let those boys sleep for heavens sake!" But now it has become a little tradition and Aidan looks forward all day to "chat time." He always reminds us and makes sure we won't forget it's the special night.

Now I think it's awesome. Who doesn't need a little more time to talk with their kids?

The perfect ending to the week. . .

Feeling Creative

Today I was feeling creative, and I had a problem that needed solving. (yea!) Three weeks or so ago I purchased a running stroller off Craigslist, and I'm loving that I can get some exercise with my kids in tow. (Ethan and Aidan sometimes come for the run too, on their bikes - we're quite a parade!)

Then it got cold! Emilee got a new coat, and that solved part of the problem. She was warm on the top half. But the bottom half was a bigger problem for both babies. Emilee kept her blanket on most of the time, but Chandler was forever knocking his off, and dragging it on the ground. Then I had to stop, tuck it back in. . . over, and over, and over. So today I made this. . .

A deluxe, custom fit, fully lined with cozy fleece stroller boot!

They were very warm and cozy the whole ride, no knocking off, no coming undone! It was fantastic! And the best part was it cost me less than $10, plus a little time. Gordon is just sure I should go into business. :) The fluffy lining I chose made quite a mess in the bonus room. . . it almost rivaled the "blue fuzz disaster of '06." But that's a story for another time.

It's a. . .

And not because the sun is actually shining here. It''s actually pretty cloudy! But because this little bottom has been dry and clean for 4 days straight now. Captain Underpants has also been seen taking himself to the bathroom without being asked, and following through! I feel we're finally over the hump! Hurray! Down to one in diapers!

If you're confused by this. . . and thought he was done a while ago, we had a MAJOR relapse after a stomach bug. I think I never mentioned that here. After a month of NEVER making it to the toilet to poop, I caved, and put him back in diapers. . .

Keren's shower

Here are some images from Keren's baby shower. I could never have pulled it off this nicely without the help of my fabulous mother, who helped with the kids, the food, and the cleaning. We had lots of fun getting ready, and I am pretty sure Keren had a great time too! We served a pumpkin/cream cheese roll, a delicious chocolate cake, fruit, ginger cookies, and some yummy chocolates. Mmmm. . . . one of the many reasons I am hitting the gym a little harder this week!

Bowling

Today the kids were out of school and we really needed some fun. But it was raining! The bowling alley was just what we needed. It was empty for the most part, and everyone had a great time. The little guys (Chandler and Carolyn) did great with the bowling ramp, and the big boys were so helpful loading it with balls for us. We'll definitely be back!

Grammy

So I've been absent from the blog (I'm sure that's obvious). . . and the reason is because I've been having to much fun with my mom! We were incredibly busy while she was here, potty training Chandler (thanks, Mom!) planning and having Keren's shower, making yarn octopus with the boys, and just having fun on the side. We had a wonderful visit and we can't wait for her to come back again soon! We miss you Grammy!

More photos to follow soon. . .

Boo!

Here are some pics from the harvest carnival at church last night. Ethan's R2D2 impression that goes along with the suit was a HUGE hit, mostly among the adults and older kids. I'll try to get a video tomorrow. . . Tonight we're doing what you're probably doing. . . trunk or treat, followed by trick or treat! Happy Halloween!

Carving Pumpkins

Last night was the annual pumpkin carving FHE, a night the kids look forward to all fall. It went relatively smoothly, with minimal pumpkin guts on the floor. Phew!

Ode to Laura

When Gordon told me he had the opportunity to go to China on business for a week, but that it was very much "not necessary" I really didn't hesitate too much to say that he had to go. What a wonderful opportunity! He was thrilled when it got approved. I was so happy for him, but so overwhelmed at the thought of a week on my own with my four little darlings.

On a whim I said, "I'd have no regrets if I had a buddy. Maybe Laura (Wife of Gordon's brother Joseph) could come!" He was on the phone so fast, and we bought her a ticket later that day, I think! I was so excited!

Laura was SO much fun to have here! The children adore her, and she is the best help I have ever had. I didn't even have to think it, and she was on it. Humm, what are those crumbs under my feet? The next thing I knew she was sweeping the floor. What's that smell? She's hauling Chandler up the stairs for a change. She was right on top of anything that needed to be done, and extra, and I am so appreciative of her willing heart and ability to go the extra mile all the time. She changed many a diaper, kissed many a boo boo, and hugged many a boy goodnight with an "I love you!"

Laura, we had such fun with you! I hope you are not worn too weary from my boisterous crowd. I am so glad you were able to come, so appreciative of your help, and so happy to call you sister. You are a wonderful friend and I can't wait to see you again at Christmas time!

Mommy-Wan Kanobe

Aidan was invited to a "Jedi training" birthday party. He has been looking forward to this for at least a week, and had a wonderful time learning to use "the force."

After coming home, I noticed red frosting all over his face and asked what color the cake was. It went something like this. . .

Master Mama - What kind of cake?
Padawan Aidan - it was a light sabor cake!
Master Mama - was it red?
Padawan Aidan - Yes!
Daddy - Guess how she knew it was red, Aidan. . .
Padawan Aidan - (with all seriousness, and wide eyes) She must have used the force!

Ah yes, the FORCE! I plan on working on my Jedi mind tricks tomorrow. . . With a wave of my hand. . . "you will clean your room without complaining." "You enjoy all of your mothers cooking and wish to thank her for her troubles." Oh, it could be a beautiful thing!

8

I'm just sliding this post in last minute! Today Emilee turned 8 months old. I'm actually not sure I beleive it. She is still my petite little pumpkin, although I do have new tricks to report! She's about got the combat crawl down. She's trying new foods, although she still prefers to nurse and once a day is about all she will tolerate with a spoon. She's still getting up several times a night but we're working on that (always).

Gordon has been in China for the past week, and my dear Sister in Law Laura flew all the way from Utah to spend the week with the children and I. She is a Godsend. I have never had such a great helper! I seriously wish I could steal her here full time (although I think Joseph may have something to say about that)! Anyway, Laura is a fabulous photographer and she took Emilee's 8 month portraits for me today. We just dashed over to the park really quick this evening, and although Emilee was NOT in the mood to have her photo done, she still is a cutie! She kept sucking her bottom lip and making a turtle face. We were laughing so hard! I love the one where her chin is up and you can see her tiny little neck, and the dandylion puff hair! I'm rambling. . . anyway. . . enjoy!!! (and Thanks Laura!)