A Surprise Delivery

Several months ago we took the kids to Target. They had each saved up their hard earned chore money and each had around $20 to spend. On the way to the store they were discussing what each of them really wanted. Once we got there, each child went down their own favorite aisle in search of something perfect. Robert and I patrolled the aisles running perpendicular to keep an eye on all of our little shoppers. As I passed the Lego aisle, I saw Peyton on the floor quietly sobbing. He had dropped to his knees across from the $100 pirate ship he had his heart set on. He had no idea it was so expensive but was well aware that he would never be able to save enough to buy it. He'd worked so hard and long to earn $20. He didn't complain. Nor did he end up spending very much of his money. He was heartbroken.

At our house Santa starts shopping early. He has to pace himself. There are a lot of kids in this house. A lot of wishes. Well, he bought the pirate ship about a month ago and had been keeping it well hidden until the time came for him to stay up until 4 am Christmas morning assembling the darn thing so it could be perfectly displayed amongst filled stockings, candy canes and other special goodies. Oh wait, did I say Santa does that? I meant Santa's wife. Santa would just as well leave things in the shopping bags.

A few weeks ago when Peyton started losing control of his right side we had a decision to make. We realized that even if we still have Peyton at Christmas there would be no way for him to fully enjoy the intricate ship. Our obvious option was to exchange it for something else. That just didn't seem fun and I kept thinking of him sitting in target sobbing. So we decided to do something else.

Last Sunday while we were at church Santa made a visit to our house. For the first time in Ricker history Santa was concerned that not all of the Christmas gifts would fit on the sleigh. He needed to bring a few early. In the sweet card he left he apologized if there was any inconvenience. By the fireplace were five wrapped gifts (see, I told you Santa, I mean Santa's wife starts shopping early around here).

Jack got a super cute musical spinner thing, Bailey a Belle doll set, Trey a matchbox airport, Tyler a great magic set, and Peyton the Lego pirate ship.

He and his dad stayed up late putting it together.

Houston Rockets

Last night Robert and Peyton went to see the Houston Rockets play. They had such a great time. Peyton enjoyed everything about it and nearly fell out of his seat he was laughing so hard at some of the break time entertainment. Just before half time Clutch, the mascot, showed up in the aisle looking for Peyton and asking for him by name. They then engaged in a war of silly string. Peyton came home with a stuffed Clutch, a dvd of Clutch's greatest hits, and a number of Clutch books that were a peace offering after the battle. Just before dozing off on the way home Peyton softly said to Robert "can you tell whoever gave us the tickets thank-you?" They really had a great time.

Car Playing Buddies

Today I had a quiet moment with Trey and told him Peyton's tumor is growing. He furrowed his eyebrows and asked "Does this mean he's going to die now?" I told him it would happen soon. His brow softened and tears filled his eyes. "Aw man! He's my best car playing buddy." I told him he still has some time to play cars with him. They fill the upstairs with massive cities. It's great.

Boy Angels

Yesterday morning's phone conversation with the school's librarian left me in tears. We were just trying to finalize arrangements for Peyton making the reading team. It made me cry. I'm much better now. When I got off the phone Bailey asked "mom, are those happy cries or sad cries?" I scooped her up and sat her on the kitchen counter. I told her that they were sad cries because Peyton's tumor is growing. I told her that Peyton is going to get to go live with Papa Owen and Papa Ririe and Jesus. I told her that we'll get to see him again but until then, she's the luckiest little girl ever to get to have a big brother angel to always take care of her. Her response...

"Wait! There are boy angels?"

Yes Bailey, there are boy angels. It made me smile.

Something That'll Make You Smile

How cute is this?

The Texans

We were invited, courtesy of Make-A-Wish, to a Texans practice and their game against Brett Favre and the Vikings. Robert got the kids a Texans football to get signed and they ended up with about a dozen signatures including Matt Schaub (the quarterback), Andre Johnson (Robert says he's good), and some Hall of Fame guy who is coaching now. Clearly this is not my area of expertise.

Understatement

So, a few weeks ago the kids and I were on the way to Peyton's soccer practice. Robert was on his way as well, straight from work.

We were on the phone with each other and he says calmly "shoot, I think I'm stuck. Maybe one of these big trucks can help me." I asked what he's talking about and he says he'll figure it out.

To get to where Peyton practices cars have to cross over a slightly raised sidewalk that does pose a problem for some lower cars. I imagine he's made it over the sidewalk and is afraid he can't make back over to leave. Judging by the calmness in his voice when he says "I think I'm stuck", I figure it can't be that bad.

Oh, it was bad. It was very bad. Really sweetheart? "I think I'm stuck"? I'll say ya' are!

Apparently he just drove right into the ditch. Look closely. The rear wheel is completely off the ground. The bumper has a lovely dent in it now however the fact that the bumper is partially disconnected can't totally be blamed on this event. It first came loose when he REAR ENDED HIS CO-WORKER on the way to work a couple of months ago!

And to think I almost didn't pack my camera in the bag.

I laughed. A lot.

Bailey's Family

So, Bailey has a million dolls and stuffed animals and they all have cute, silly little names.
She has recently reserved 5 names for her future family.
She has never talked about the names for her own children before and has become quite defensive of them as her brothers think them down right ridiculous. These are names that have never been used for any of her toys. She speaks so matter of factly about them being the names of her children and husband.

Here they are:

John- her husband (and NOT the name of the 17 year old boy she has a HUGE crush on at church. Scandalous!)
Shyla- her first daughter
Sparkle- her second daughter
Jacob- her first son
and
Dinosaur- her second son

I think she's done a really good job mixing traditional with contemporary/Jurassic, don't you?

Stripling Warriors

My children are all quite familiar with Bible and Book of Mormon scripture stories. I figured the day that a child of mine makes a reference to one of the stories in normal conversation would be a proud moment for me.

Today it happened.

The set up:

Yesterday morning we were all busy getting ready for the day. The kids were in a funk. There was much wailing and gnashing of teeth and a number of unkind things said. Not a great morning.

I know, I know, what would be perfect is if I could write how one of my kids said "Hey guys, we're really acting like Laman and Lemuel. Let's be more like Nephi!"

Nope. This is what we got instead (And yes, all of the exclamation marks are necessary)...

Peyton: "Mom! I'm the only one cleaning upstairs!"
Trey: "No! Liar!"
Bailey: "My room is all clean! My brothers are picking on me!"
Tyler: "No! Bailey's room is not clean! It looks like 2000 stripling pig warriors attacked it!"

Great. We are using the scriptures to insult our siblings.

Not the proud moment I had envisioned.

(What Ty was referencing)

Preschool

I'd decided to keep Bailey home this year rather than put her in preschool as my boys have all done the year before kindergarten. I'd done some planning which included some resources from a website I've used before for a some activities with my kids. A few weeks ago I was back on this website and discovered it had tons more stuff that I'd overlooked before. It has 3 years worth of preschool curriculum all planned out (2, 3, 4-6 year olds). It is Christian based with weekly character traits mixed with academic work and it's completely free! How much better can it get? Check it out, the link is on the right.

A Picture Request

So, a few more pictures...

I had talked to our photographer ahead of time and had a few specific shots that I really wanted her to get. I wanted one of Peyton with each of his siblings. Regardless of what happens to Peyton, these pictures will be a special reminder of this road they are traveling together.

Family Pictures

After the news of Peyton's drastic tumor growth, we knew we needed to do family pictures sooner than later. The last time we had family pictures done Bailey was Jack's age. So I guess we were a bit overdue anyways. We have a good friend/fabulously talented photographer that met us at the Houston Temple on a steamy hot day and still managed to get fantastic shots. We thought this would be a good setting. Aside from the grounds being beautiful, it is because Robert and I were married and sealed in the temple (the Dallas Temple) that we know our family will be together forever. The knowledge of this is what has sustained us through our recent trials.
Thank you so much Stephanie. We love them!

Make-A-Wish Trip (part 2- Disney)

We were able to spend a couple of days at the 4 Disney parks. This was the older four's second time so we asked each one which ride was their most favorite so we could make sure they got to ride it. We were worried that time and heat would be issues since it was quite toasty and during the summer the lines can be very long so we figured as long as the kids each got to ride their favorite once, we'd be doing okay. When we went to will-call to pick up our tickets we were given a special guest assistance pass. This allowed us nearly immediate access to every ride. It was crazy! We didn't wait for anything! We were able to do everything at all of the parks we wanted to.

Jack had a great time. He was able to go on lots of rides and when he couldn't he was content hanging out in his stroller or picking flowers for me. Lots and lots of flowers. He's quite quick!
Bailey was able to meet all of the princesses. And what was it she asked each of them? "What color are your p.j.s?" Yep, that's what she really wanted to know. Tyler wanted to meet them too so Bailey did a picture with the princess and then Tyler would have a picture with both Bailey and the princess. When he stepped up to meet Belle, Bailey started singing "Tyler is a girl, Tyler is a girl." Belle sweetly knelt down, held both of Bailey's hands and told her that she's so lucky to have a brother and that she can tell that he takes good care of her and that she should be nice to him, etc. While that is all very true, I did mention that she has three more brothers. Belle looked at Bailey, shrugged her shoulders and said "guess you've gotta be tough" then told her that princesses are still nice, even when they're tough. Bailey missed the 40" height requirement for some rides and at first was really disappointed until she realized that the waiting time could be used for picture taking. Lots and lots of picture taking. We have a picture of Bailey with nearly every character both live and statue plus tons of random things she thought were cute to stand by.

Trey made the 40" cut which let him go on nearly all of the good roller coasters. He loved it! He felt so big. He now spends his days drawing remarkably accurate renditions of all of the different Disney vehicles and rides. I always hear him talking to one of his siblings about how fun the different rides were and all of the things he like about them.

Peyton had a great time. He walked ahead with a map spread out in front of him directing us which way to go. We hadn't seen him have so much energy and endurance in over a year. Guess that does it, we need to go to Disney more! He wore his dark glasses and hat anytime we were outside and that worked great for his eyes and he was really able to enjoy himself. A few times he commented on what a good wish he made because he got to see the manatees AND go to Disney World.

Tyler was so great and helpful. This time he and I rode the Rockin' Roller coaster. He hadn't before. While we were waiting in line he was lightly bouncing up and down with anticipation. He slid his hand into mine and when I looked down, he was smiling ear to ear. I don't think I've ever seen him so excited. After the ride he literally bent over and let out a couple of big 'ol belly laughs. He couldn't believe what he had just gone on. It really is a great roller coaster.

We were able to eat at T-Rex. This was being built last time we were there. It's done by the Rainforest Cafe folks and is super cool. Loud. But very cool. The entire place is loaded with animatronic dinosaurs.

We couldn't have had a more enjoyable trip. We are truly grateful for the Make-A-Wish organization and for all of the different groups that made our trip possible. It was perfect and something we'll always remember.

Make-A-Wish Trip (Part 1- Manatee Swim and Sea World)

We just got back from Peyton's Make-A-Wish trip. His wish was to swim with manatees. That's it. Simple, right? Well, I guess the folks at Make-A-Wish thought it was a little too simple. They went ahead and threw Disney and Sea World in too. We didn't know about this until we got our travel plans 6 days before our scheduled departure. Our trip was perfect.


We were welcomed at the Orlando Airport by a greeter from Make-A-Wish with a sign with Peyton's name on it. She escorted us to the rental car area and we were on our way.
This was on the property of our hotel. We were walking distance to Sea World and 10 minutes from Disney at the largest Marriott Residence Inn in the world. The kids were each in their own queen size bed, even Jack.

Our first full day we drove to Crystal River where we met up with the folks at Manatee Tour and Dive. There we were suited up and taken out on the bay with Captain Mick. This is NOT the best time of the year to do this. We knew this. During the winter there are far more manatees and they are in the crystal clear parts of the river. Being the summer we had to find them in the murkier waters of the bay. The kids were having a good time spotting little manatee heads that would occasionally bob up for air. They were on and off the boat a couple of times before we decided to just send Robert in to go chase down the manatees and see if he could convince them to stay and play. Finally we found one willing to oblige and all the boys were able to pet it. Bailey and I didn't make in time but no worries, she was perfectly content playing mermaid with her pink fins. After Peyton had officially swam with manatees, our captain told us he would take us somewhere to rinse off. He took us down the river where the manatees are during the winter and dropped the anchor. We all jumped in the water, even Jack, and we were directed to go through a passage, stay clear of the rocks on either side, and keep going. Um, okay, I guess. What could possibly go wrong with Robert and I toting 5 little kids down the real life equivalent of Disney's Jungle Cruise? We did as instructed and ended up in a 45foot deep, crystal clear natural spring called Three Sisters. Holy Cow, I'd never seen any thing like it. The water even smelled like the bottled water I buy. We have pictures but they were done with our underwater cameras that haven't been developed yet so hopefully the turn out well. It was such a fun experience for all of us and something I never thought I'd ever do let alone as a family vacation. We will try to make it back for peak swimming time it was that fun. I highly recommend it!

Part of our trip included a day at Sea World. Unique to the Orlando park is the manatee exhibit. What this meant for us was that Peyton could kiss the manatees as he had hoped to do. Granted this was done through glass (thankfully making the interaction a bit more sanitary) but none the less he was thrilled to kiss each of them 3 times.

At the dolphin tank...