The Wood Family

Bouncing Boy!

2011-06-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Literally...

My Boys!

2011-06-22T10:06:00.001-07:00

2 words... LOVE.THEM.!

Day At the Lake

2011-06-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

FINALLY... we got weather nice enough to spend a day on the lake in Matt & Natalie's new boat! Although the water is still a little too cold for most, Mike wasn't going to let that stop him! He was the only one that braved the water, the rest of us just cheered him on from the boat!

These 2 little stinkers... not sure who yelled "stick your finger in your nose" right as I took the picture, but to whomever it was, Thank you!

CHEESE!

Mason & I

Natalie & Jaxon

Mike showing off... Please note all of the snow on the mountains in the background!

Not sure what this trick was called...

I caught the back flip mid-air... I should have just video recorded this run... but who would have known he would hit that many tricks back to back and land them all!

360

Mike & his "Mimi-Me"

Ottosen Family Photo

He found the Sweet Spot surfing...

Our family photo!

Such a fun day! Can't wait to have many more of them this summer!

Zoorasic Park

2011-06-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

I took Friday off to spend the day at the zoo with these two monkeys, YaYa and Connie! The Hogle Zoo is doing Zoorasic Park where they have dinosaurs all over the park... even ones that spit at you as you walk by!! I saw the water all over the ground and walked around, mom and Connie weren't so lucky and walked right through it! I have to say, I did get a good laugh out of it!

This was a bribed smile for a treat...

This was T-Rex... the first of the dinosaurs that we came across...

And this was Mason's reaction to T-Rex when I asked him to go stand by him!

Finally Mason agreed to a picture, but only if I held him!

And then another with both boys... do I look lop-sided holding them? Becasue I am pretty sure that Mason is a good 10+ pounds heavier than Michael!

The boys reaction when we went inside of the reptile house... PEEWW!

They were both so fascinated by this COOL animal...

Oh wait, it was just the construction site at the zoo for the new attraction, guess we could have saved some money and just take them to a construction site!

This elephant blows water... I don't know how many times I have been to the zoo, and never knew this. Kids were lining up to get sprayed! Mason and Michael were convinced that they were the ones making it spray on the kids!

Getting their photo op with the dinosaur... Michael seems less than thrilled!

This was a true measurement of the boys...

Such a fun day... and then after Mason went home with Michael and had a sleepover. I had an entire Friday night to myself, Mason was gone by 4 and Mike had to work until 11!

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-02-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

Does this remind you of someone??

Love this commerical... this is the full version, not the abbreviated version from the Super Bowl!

Christmas... Better late than Never!

2011-02-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am a bit behind in my blogging... but I guess late is better than not at all! We had a fabulous Christmas! This year Mason's wish was for Optimus Prime and Bumble Bee (Transformers)! Lucky for me, McDonald's was giving away Transformers in Happy Meals the month of December. Those babies were stashed and used as stocking stuffers from Santa! Only problem is that Mason is smarter than the average 3 year old and asked me if I got them from McDonalds. I had to re-assure him that I didn't, but that maybe Santa did! Can't fool him! Anyway, the little happy meal toys trumped everything else. There were many presents that remained unopened until after we got home on Christmas morning. Note to self... it is the little things that make him happy! No need to over-do Christmas... he was happy with the $1.50 toys I picked up at Micky D's! Here are some pictures of Christmas Eve and Morning!

Every year, my mom get's matching PJ's for the kids, this year, we spent many, many hours making them! A few days before Christmas, I get a phone call from Mike... "What do you think about matching Pajama's" he asks. I reply, "We already have some for the kids". Mike: "No, for US!" Oh... sure. So after 5 trips to Old Navy and 3 trips to Target we had matching PJ's for the adults too! Mike even helped shop with me! I think that we may have another new tradition!

Girls PJ's

Boys/Kids Matching PJ's

Couple pics of Mike and I... don't mind the Shrek horns, Mason got Shrek and these lovely numbers came with the DVD, as you will notice, Mike wore them all night!

I was trying to compete with the Shrek horns...

Mike was slightly intoxicated on Christmas Eve, if you couldn't tell!

Attempt at a family photo... for some reason they always turn out like this...

Boys playing with the toys they opened on Christmas Eve!

CHRISTMAS MORNING!!
OPTIMUM PRIME!!

Note the handful of transformers that he has in one hand as he tries to look at his Optimus!

Mike's new softball bat!

And his new Ogio gear bag!

And in the tradition of saving the best for last... Mike modeling Rick's new "I've given up pants!" These were the highlight of the evening!

Getting Crafty... Completed!!

2011-01-11T20:12:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are pictures of the rest of my craft projects!

I was introduced to the Wood Connection, it is a little store in Midvale that sells wood cut outs and then has samples of them decorated so you can take pictures and remember how they decorated them once you get home! I found these cute heart cut outs and just painted them, sanded them and then just added some glitter stickers to add my "conversation" phrases! The ones they had at the store had vinyl lettering, but since I didn't have any vinyl handy... I made due with some stickers! I think they turned out pretty cute!

These glass marble XOXO's were also found on www.tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com. I thought this was such a cute idea and it was SO easy! Just a little E6000 glue, a bag of glass marbles, some scrapbook paper and 4 frames! For the x's I found the middle of the paper and marked it, then eyeballed the X from the center, outline the X with the E6000 glue, add a row of marbles, another row of glue and then another row of marbles. The o's were traced from Mason's Ironman cup, then followed the same procedure as on the X. Let the glue dry overnight and then put in the frame. Note that the glass will not fit in the frame, so just put it behind the paper so you can save it for a later use.

I made this center picture to go between my subway art using some vinyl letters I picked up at the Wood Connection and the wood heart cut out also from the Wood Connection.

And this is the final product of my cupcake wrapper wreath hanging on the new mirrors that I just hung... confession... I actually bought the mirrors before Christmas, but just got around to hanging them! As you can see from the above pictures I am a little slow in getting pictures actually hung on the wall... those are just sitting on the shelf below, they would probably be even cuter if I actually hung them!

Getting Crafty...

2011-01-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

So it all started when I got an email yesterday from my Mother in Law with a cute New Years subway art attachment... I thought, that is really cute, too bad I got it a few days late! Then I got a wild idea that Valentine Subway art would look so cute in some frames that I needed to "re-season" since I took down all of my Christmas on Sunday. So after a quick Google search for "Valentine Subway Art" I stumbled upon tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com, let me tell you... I was stuck on her blog for HOURS! She had so many cute ideas for every holiday, that I spent my lunch hour at Hobby Lobby buying supplies and my evening working on projects. Below are 2 of my completed projects, and I still have a few others up my sleeve that I hope to accomplish this week... so stay tuned! I think that this is the first year that I have even thought of putting up Valentine decorations! Watch out, by next month, you may be calling me Martha!

I found the lettering on her blog and she was nice enough to include a printable word document that is in already done in the "highlight" mode, meaning that the lettering is white and then it is in a black box if you will... this made the project super easy, I just cut out the squares with the words, laid them on my black cardstock, used some modge podge to stick them to the paper and then a final layer over the whole thing once I had them all where I wanted them... the tutorial on her blog is to make a canvas out of the subway art... but since I already had these great frames in need of something, I just modified it!

Both of the pictures sitting side by side in the frames...

And this is my cute cupcake wrapper wreath... also found on tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com. This was super easy and also very inexpensive!

I will post pictures of all of my projects once they are hung and actually acting as decorations rather than just in random places of my home!

I may even post some pictures from Christmas if you are lucky! I am really going to try to be better about keeping the blog up to date... we will call it my New Years Resolution!

Snow!!

2010-11-21T13:16:00.001-08:00

Mason LOVED the snow this morning!

Halloween...

2010-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

I know I am a little late in posting our Halloween pics... but a little late is better than never, Right?? This year, Mason was Ironman! We wore the costume ALL month. It had to be "fixed" in more ways than one before the big trick or treat day!

Mike was a Rockstar and I pulled out the infamous "bee" costume! I have gotten my money out of that costume!

And as a flashback from the past... just to see how versatile my costume was, I thought I would post the picture of me and Mason in the bumble bee costume! Keep in mind this was 5 days before he decided to make his entrance to the world!

And I just thought that these were fun pics that I stole from Cherilyn!

Hope you all had a fabulous Halloween! Mason is still asking "what you going to be for Halloween?" In his mind, the holiday isn't over yet! I guess I just might have to hide the costumes for a few months!

Happy Birthday Little Man

2010-11-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy in the whole world! I can't believe that it has been 3 years... how time flies! The past year has been filled with laughter... lots of laughter, tears, tantrums, Buzz Lightyear, Lightning McQueen, Ironman and more! I love how you are personable and have such a witty sense of humor!

Mason's Likes:

Favorite toy: Ironman & Spiderman (today... that could very well change tomorrow)!
Favorite foods: Hangerbers, Mac & Cheese, Hotdogs, Icecream, apples and fruit snacks.
Favorite color: doesn't have one because he doesn't know them!!
Favorite things to do: go to school, play with cousins and watch Ironman!

So far, I am loving what 3 has to offer... it is looking so much more positive than 2! Let's just hope we keep moving in the right direction!

Love you buddy!

(Pictures compliments of my dear friend Jill (Vance) Witt... jillwittphotography.com!

How Their Little Minds Work...

2010-10-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

This blog post is inspired by Mike's cute aunt AD and her last post titled "Funny". She recollected funny sayings of her kids and the books that she kept of those sayings. I have yet to create a book, so I am posting this story on my blog so that I don't forget!

This afternoon we were driving home from Pre-school and Mason was in costume after just having his first Halloween Parade and Party at School. When he asked me,

"Mom where is Jake's costume, I don't see one for him."

I then replied,

"Mason, Jake lives far away now, so you will have to wait until he comes for Christmas to share a costume with him."

Mason: "How bout I get my telescope and look for Jake... do you think I can see him in my telescope?"

I just started to laugh... Oh how we miss having Jake over to play everyday! 2 months from today is Christmas (that is a scary thought) but fantastic knowing that we will be spending the day with Jake and Ellie (Ashley & Tommy too)!!

One of these days I will post some pictures... I have lots to catch up on!

Dear Mason...

2010-09-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Mason,

Oh how I love you so much! I love your giggle, I love your obsessive personality, I love how you keep your eye on the ball! But there is one thing that I am not loving about you lately... and that is the way that you come crawl into bed with me in the wee hours of the morning and want to cuddle. Oh how I love to cuddle with you, just not at 2:oo AM and then again at 4:15 AM like you did this morning. There was a time when you were little that I yearned for the day that you would cuddle with me, but now that time has finally come, but I am wishing that you would choose to cuddle at more convenient times of the day! The exhaustion that I am feeling now is the same exhaustion that I felt the first 5 weeks of your life when I would wake up with you in the night... only difference between now and then is that I wasn't working during those first 5 weeks of your life when you would wake up in the night and I don't have a newborn! Please, Please, Please let me get a full night of uninterrupted sleep tonight, and every other night from here on out for that matter! I promise I will cuddle with you any other time, except for when I am trying to get my sleep!

Love,
Mom

How a Dragon Slayer Eats His Lunch

2010-09-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

I came back from lunch yesterday and opened my email to find an email titled "How a dragon slayer eats his lunch", I thought to myself, oh this is going to be another one of those dumb forwards... was I surprised to find this picture as an attachment! Made my day!

It was then followed by the pose outside of the store window... for those of you who don't know Mason, he is very into himself and loves to see his reflection in anything that will refelct!

And this was the infamous "dippin' his sandwich"... this only happens when he is at gma Cher's!

You will also be happy to know that this getup came home with Mason yesterday, he wore all of it to the circus last night (we made him leave it in the car when we got there... didn't want people to think he was part of the show!) Wore it all the way home... even fell asleep in the car with it all on! And has been wearing it since the moment he woke up this morning. Needless to say this is the latest and greatest obsession that my child has! Thanks Cher!

1st Day of School

2010-08-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Mason's first day of school... I can't believe how grown up he is! He had so much fun at school, didn't even flinch when I dropped him off!

Oh how I just love this little guy!

Exciting News...

2010-08-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

I am excited today for 2 reasons... #1: I passed my insurance licensing exam this morning on my first try, and #2: 1 week from today I will be in Texas and will get to see the Aoki's! The reality of them being gone is really starting to set in, for the first little while it just seemed like they were on vacation, and for anyone that knows them, knows that they went on vacation quite regularly! I miss Jake's stutter, the way he and Mason played together and even the fighting. I miss seeing the 2 of them come up the back stairs covered in dirt, I miss Ellie's fashion shows,the way she mothered the boys and even her drama. I miss calling my sister to see if she wants to go to the park or to the mall to go shopping, but that is all going to change one week from today! I get to experience everything that I have been missing! It will be fun to go kidless, but deep down I am feeling a little guilty leaving Mason behind. He asks on a regular basis, where Jake and Ellie are... he even tells me at random times that, "I need to go to Texas". It is so cute, but breaks my heart at the same time.

On a separate note, Mason will start school next Monday, he will be going to a Mother's Morning Out program 2 days a week. We went to orientation on Monday, and as we were getting out of the car he told me, "No, Mommy I am going to school, you can't come wit me!" I am so excited that he will get to make new friends! I think he is going to do just fine!

Maybe one of these days I will actually get some pictures and have a fun post... but for now just wanted to post some updates and let everyone out in Blogland know that the Wood's are still alive and well!

Bee's Game

2010-07-10T22:15:00.001-07:00

Tuesday night we decided to skip out on "our boys" softball game and go watch the pros! We rode the train down... which was the highlight of the evening for Mace. He had so much fun on the train, his attention span wasn't so great at the game. Needless to say, I got lots of exercise taking him to the bathroom every 5 minutes. I think I used to play that same game with my dad back in the day when he would take us to Mariners games! It runs in the family! Here are some pictures from the train ride and the game!

Mason

Alicia & I

Me & Mace

Gillian, Baylee & Gentry

Baylee and Mason giving the Bee a high five!

The girls

Mason giving Baylee kisses... how he loves his cousins!

To Infinity & Beyond!

2010-07-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

This picture says it all...

4th of July

2010-07-07T07:23:00.000-07:00

Happy be-lated 4th of July to everyone! We had a great weekend... nothing too exciting, but were able to spend lots of quality time with the family! Mike had Sunday off (thanks Costco for observing all of the national holidays) so we started the morning off in Park City having brunch with Rick & Connie, Rob (Rick's brother) and my mom. Here are some of the pictures from Brunch. (Thanks Rob for taking pictures for me... I didn't take a single picture all weekend)!

Mason's new obsession... his actual movie sized Buzz Lightyear... that is what happens when Mike takes Mason shopping!

Mason was perfect at brunch... and that is saying a LOT for him right now! He is just at that age where eating out isn't really worth the convenience of not having to cook if you know what I mean. He sat in his chair the whole time, ate his breakfast and didn't make a mess! I couldn't have asked for anything more!

Mom, me, Connie

My boys!

Family photo... these don't happen too often! Although, my cute sister in law Emily took some really cute family pictures for us... now I just need to get them from Cherilyn!

The rest of our weekend was filled with more family fun! We spent Sunday night over at John & Cherilyn's with Tim, Alicia and the girls... had a competitive game of volleyball, followed by icecream and fireworks. Mason loved them!(I neglected to take any pictures that night.... but rest assured, Cherilyn took plenty! I am sure they will be coming soon on her blog... hint, hint!)

Hope you all had a great long weekend! When is the next one??

Day at the park

2010-06-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Murray Park with Connie and Rick for the Angels Foundation Fundraiser. Mason had a blast... and I was a bit worried about going due to the fact is was right at nap time. Never the less he had a great time, he even got to see Lightning McQueen (there were some classic cars there as well... he thought that the old red Mustang was Lightning McQueen)!

Cheese!

Loved the blow up slide... especially when he had it to him self!

Candin

Mikey in the car... he and Mason were never playing in the same place at the same time!

Mason Wood

2010-05-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

So tonight, Mike and I decided to go get some icecream with Mason. We went through the drive thru and Mason asked for his ice cream. I said "No, honey, let's wait until we get home and then you can have it.", he then replied, "I'm NOT Honey, I am Mason Wood!"

We laughed the whole way home... the things that come out of his mouth just make me laugh!

Day out with Thomas...

2010-05-29T09:33:00.001-07:00

This is every picture that I tried to get of Mason in front of Thomas... the back of his head!

Ya Ya with her boys... Mason wasn't very cooperative on the photo ops at all while we were there!

Running the corn maze... the only picture I have of Mason smiling... not because he wasn't happy that day, I just couldn't "capture" any of the smiling moments!

Ice Cream... I think next year we will save our money on Thomas and just go up to Heber and eat lunch at the Dairy Keen... the highlight of the day for the kids was playing with the trains and eating icecream! And Jake was in heaven- it was ORANGE ice cream!

And he is out... I don't even think we were out of Heber before Mason passed out!

P.S. for anyone planning to venture up to Heber this weekend, take Parleys... Provo Canyon is under major construction- again!

Trip to the Zoo

2010-05-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind in blogging if you haven't noticed... We took a trip to the zoo a few weeks ago after a week straight of Mason asking me to go see the zebras, I gave in.

Group shot... not the best, but at least they are all looking in the same direction!

Mason riding "Simba" on the carousel...

Loves that Elephant!

Determined to push Jake up the hill... "Don't help me mommy!"

Jake relaxing while Mace does all the work!

Easter 2010

2010-04-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Easter morning started off relaxing in mommy and daddys bed watching a movie...

Then ventured downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny brought... Dinosaur eggs, Toy Story, Buzz Light Year and so much more. Then off to Ya Ya and Yo Yo's for the indoor Easter Egg hunt.

Mason didn't care too much for the eggs that were hidden all around the basement... he went straight for the Dump Truck that the Easter Bunny left behind. Ellie made out great thanks to the lack of interest on the boys part!

Mason & Jake playing with their trucks adn transferring the eggs from one truck to the other...

The boys looking oh so handsome in their sweater vests...

Miss Ellie posing for the camera... sure wish the boys would take a lesson or 2 from her.

Family Photo!

When we were done at the Canick family Easter festivities, we came home long enough for Mason to take a nap and concluded the evening at the Myers house hold. To my dismay, my memory card was full when I got there so I was not able to take any pictures of the second Easter Egg hunt and the start of a new tradition! To see pics from the Myers Easter Festivities, click here!

Hope you all had a fabulous Easter!

What's New??

2010-04-11T19:43:00.001-07:00

Mason's new room decor! We have graduated from a crib to a "Big Boy" bed and added some new wall art... thanks to Mason Street in San Francisco and a talented Grandma!

And... Mason is POTTY TRAINED! (Most of the time! He is still having a hard time remembering to go #2 in the potty and not in his pants!) Sorry to all those that have experienced this little mis-hap!

My Little Goofball...

2010-04-09T21:52:00.000-07:00

How can you not forgive this little face when he climbs out of his crib, sneaks downstairs, and eats an entire batch of homemade oreo cookies while Mike is peacefully sleeping upstairs? Sorry Mike, looks like your days of sleeping in are over. I think that i am going to have to put a bell on Mason's door so that it rings when he opens it!!

So Peaceful, he fell asleep on the couch at Grandma's watching Toy Story... looks like he is going to take after me!

Happy Birthday Kaylynn

2010-03-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday Kaylynn... thanks for letting Mason celebrate with you! I think he may have forgotten whose Birthday it was!

Birthday Girl!

Birthday Kisses!

Mason is showing her how it is done!

both of them digging in!

Mason thought he would help her be more civalized by feeding her with a spoon!

(For those of you wondering who Kaylynn is... it is my dear friend Belen's little girl.)

Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

2010-03-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

At the first sign of a sunny day, Mason was outside with his new golf clubs... last years set was distroyed from over-use! Just like Yo-Yo, doesn't even need to wait for all of the snow to be out, as long as you can see the majority of the grass it is a perfect day for golf!

Tee it up...

and take a swing!

Practicing from the sand...

and snow!

Dewishous!

I finally had to bribe him to come inside for ice cream... and it wasn't an easy bribe! He would have stayed out there til his fingers froze off if I would have let him! Can't wait for SPRING!!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-28T14:16:00.001-08:00

"Cutting back" this year... looks like someone didn't get the memo!

Priceless faces

Reading the letter that Santa left for Mason

THOMAS!

Trying on the hat that Santa left in Mason's stocking- and it came off 2 seconds later!

Thanksgiving Famiy Photo

2009-12-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

I miss my blonde hair!

Visit from Santa

2009-12-28T13:48:00.001-08:00

Santa came to visit the week before Christmas to see what the kids wanted for Christmas... Mason didn't want to get too close! Although he did warm up a bit from the arm of the chair- but just don't put him on his lap!

Mason running from Santa

Bribery is a beautiful thing!

The Cookie Thief

2009-12-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

So I had baked some cookies one afternoon, turned on Elmo for Mason to watch while I went up to shower- I know, great babysitter... and then came down to find this...

Nice of him to bring back the cookies after he removed the chocolate kiss!

It's been a while...

2009-12-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

It has been a really long time since my last post... my life has been a little hectic with work and the last place I want to be when I get home is on my computer! So get ready for lots of new posts!

We love you Grandma!

2009-11-14T14:45:00.000-08:00

Grandma, we are so glad that you were able to go to be with Grandpa once again, and that you are no longer struggling to catch your breath! Know that you will be missed everyday, but I will think of you each and every time that I gaze into Mason's blue eyes! You were an inspiration to all of us and I hope to live half the life that you did! I love you- xoxox!

DOROTHY D'AUTREMONT

Dorothy Mae D'Autremont 1918 ~ 2009 On November 12, 2009 our dear mom, grandmother, great-grand-mother and sister passed away peacefully in her sleep, after 91 years of life. Mom was born in Hocking, Iowa to MaryAnn Hayward and William M Snedden on August 5, 1918. She married Adrian "Duke" D'Autremont on July 1, 1938. Dad's career took them and our family to many cities across America, mom always made each place a home. She was deeply involved with our family and also enjoyed golf, bowling and bridge, in later life bingo. She flourished through her involvement as a business owner and operator of Mr. C Clothing Store. In 1986 mom and dad moved to Arizona and thrived through retirement together. She is survived by seven loving children, Gae (Peter) Hall, Pat (John) Klepfer, Tom, Barb, Don (Teri Rio), Connie (Rick) Taylor, and Kris (John) Canick; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings, Dick (Ruth) Snedden and Ruth Houghtailing. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Adrian; four brothers and three sisters. The family would like to thank the residents and staff of Atria Sandy for making mom feel so loved and at home. We would also like to thank the Draper Rehab staff for their care and concern for mom and her family. Services will be held at 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2009 at St John's Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South in Draper. In lieu of flowers, take your mom to lunch.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune on November 14, 2009

The Zoo

2009-11-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Mike and I both took Thursday off to celebrate Mason's Birthday... well my original thought in taking the day off was to prepare for the party that night, but when I saw that it was going to be in the mid 70's that day, I knew we had to take advantage! I don't know that we will be able to make this a tradition every year, although I have to admit it would be quite nice! Here are some of the pictures from our adventure!

My Little Buckaroo is 2!

2009-11-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

I can not believe that it has been 2 years since this little ball of energy came into my life! He has taught me patience, love, all about Tomas, Elmo and how to laugh. Never a dull moment with Mason around- I can't imagine what my life would be like without him! This past year has been eventful to say the very least... Mason fell down the stairs at Gmas, 3 days later tripped as he was running into our bedroom and hit his eye on the corner of the bed giving him a nasty black eye, a week later came down with RSV! Following the RSV he got an ear infection, cut the majority of his teeth... he only had 2 on his 1st Birthday, he split his head open resulting in 18 stitches and then a month later had Tubes put in! We are keeping the medical professionals profitable in this down economy! Never the less, we sure do love this little guy... I mean how can you resist this face??

Thanks to Mike's cousin McKelle for taking these pictures for me before she ventured off to Italy! I have been meaning to post these pics forever and I just keep forgetting! Thought this was the perfect post!

Christmas Came Early!

2009-11-02T20:51:00.001-08:00

My cute husband can't keep a secret- so my Christmas present came early this year... I got a new camera! So to christen it, I thought I would try to capture some photos of Mason at Wheeler farm last night... it was definately a try and I will need to do a lot more trying! Not to mention that Mason was not the most cooperative!

Talking to one of the donkeys!

If you look at this picture up close- his eyes are the same color as his sweater... and you know he got those blue eyes from his Great Grandma Dorothy!

This doesn't look dangerous at all... does it?

Playing in the chicken coop... a good place for him!

I thought it would be so cute for him to have 2 cupcakes for his 2nd birthday... and notice the shirt... the pictures turned out much better in my head!

The sugar coma!

Cobweb Cups

2009-10-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

My mom found the cutest Halloween cook book, Halloween Food, Fun & Crafts... I think it is made by Pillsbury. It has the greatest ideas for all types of Halloween goodies- even though I must admit some of them look too gross to eat, like the "Feet of Meet" and the "Buzzard Claws with Swamp Dip", but most of them are cute to look at as well as appetizing. Tonight we are getting together as a big happy family to watch Arachnophobia- can't wait! I found this recipe in the cookbook and thought it fit the evening perfectly. I was so proud of myself- they turned out just like the picture! I think mine may actually be a little cuter because I added the spiders!

Cobweb Cups

1 Package brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare mix
1/2 Cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
2 ounces softened cream cheese
1 egg
2 Tbls Sugar
2 Tbls Flour
1/4 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 18 standard muffin cups with paper baking cups. ( I found really cute Halloween ones at Harmons). Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for cakelike brownies, stir in chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly into prepared muffin cups.

2. Beat cream cheese and egg in small bowl until blended. Add sugar, flour and vanilla, beat until well blended ( make sure you follow these directions, the first time I tried just mixing it all together at the same time and it didn't work.... I had to try it again!)

3. Place the cream cheese mixture in a small ziplock bag- seal the bag. Cut a small hole in the corner of the bag- make it as small as possible... Pipe the cream cheese mixture in concentric circle design on each brownie cup; draw a toothpick through cream cheese mixture 6 to 8 times out from center.

4. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire rach 15 minutes. Add spider rings if desired!

Silver Fork Lake

2009-09-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

Yeterday we took went for a walk around Silver Fork Lake with the kids to check out the fall leaves before the cold weather hits this week- I am not looking forward to the supposed snow storm on Wednesday! The colors were beautiful and the kids had a great time...

Mason thought he would rather pull the wagon instead of ride in it!

The view

Very tempting...

Faker!

Cheese!

Thumbs up!

Little Climbers

Touch a Truck

2009-09-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mason and I went to the "Touch a Truck" fundraiser for the Junior League with Ashley, Tommy & Jake. They had all different kinds of trucks and I knew Mason was going to be in heaven... to my dismay, he was still not feeling quite up to par and did not enjoy it as much as I thought he would. For any of you who know my child... he is OBSESSED with "Fire Coks" he got so squeemish when I tried to get a photo on the front of the fire truck... oh well, it was worth a try! I will definately take him again next year and hope he feelds better! Here are some pics from the trucks I could get him to sit in!

Mason & Jake sitting in the Firetruck
Sitting on the front of the fire truck- if you can't tell Mason is trying to jump out of my arms!

Driving the Front Loader

It's a miracle- I got a smile!

Driving the tractor

Mason & Jake in some other piece of construction equipment- not sure what it was!

Oh and in case you are wondering... as a follow up to my last post, I took Mason to the dr. he had a double ear infection, went to meet with the ENT on Friday, and he is scheduled to go in for Tubes on the 6th of October... hopefully this will be the end of the ear infections!

Attempt at Moab

2009-09-16T08:14:00.000-07:00

Well the attempt for a family vacation wasn't quite what we were hoping for. Sunday Mason woke up with a stuffy nose, by Monday morning when we were ready to go it was green and I was pretty sure that he was going to end up with an ear infection... despite it, we hit the road and headed south. After 4 hours of a whining, crying Mason and an irritated Mike, we made it in one piece. The first night ended up being quite nice, we swam, had dinner and walked around a bit. Yesterday was a different story... we woke up and Mason cried and cried and cried some more- if you looked at him wrong, he cried. On top of Mason's crying, the sky was crying too! We couldn't catch a break! Things cleared up a bit after nap time, so we walked over to the Pizza Hut to get some dinner, and ended up having to take our food to go so everyone else in the restaurant could enjoy their dinner. We went home and ate our pizza, and Mason and Mike were able to spend more time in the pool... but then the meltdown kicked in again and we decided to pack up and hit the road a day early- figured it was better to drive at night and hope that Mason slept- and it worked! He slept most of the way, woke up about the time that we hit the canyon and then he talked the WHOLE way home. I sure hope that his behavior was due to the ears and not a glimpse of what 2 has in store for us... he might not live to 3 if that is the case! We will find out in about an hour when we take a trip to my favorite place... the DOCTOR!

Oh and to top it off... I only took 3 pictures, and 2 of the 3 turned out blurry... it was just the icing on the cake! Can't get too excited about taking another family vacation anytime soon!

Green Goatee

2009-08-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

McKelle (Mike's cousin) and I made the cutest cupcakes for Ava's Birthday party... at least we thought they were cute! They took some creativity and a bit of trial and error... but they turned out surprisingly well... I couldn't have done it without her help! Not to mention that they made for some cute photos! The cupcakes were baked in ice cream cones and then decorated accordingly!

I wish I would have gotten a picture of the cupcakes before all the kids dove in... Oh well, maybe next time!

Mason's First Trip to the ER!

2009-08-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

This morning Mason was over playing with Jake and Ellie, while Ashley and I were going to work on a craft project. A tent made out of couch cushions seemed like a good idea, until someone falls off the couch into the coffee table... who would have thought a round table could cause so much damage! I ran in when I heard the scream to find Mason's head gushing blood, I took one look and knew we were going to need stitches. It took all the strength we had to hold him down long enough to control the bleeding.... I knew it wasn't going to be an easy task to actually get the stitches. When we got to the ER- to my surprise, we actually got right in... everyone was great! The decision was made to sedate Mason in order to get the stitches in without having to pin him down on a papoose board, I don't think I could have taken it! While we were waiting for the Respiratory Therapist, Mason got to go out and sit in the fire truck that had just come to drop someone off... he was in heaven! The worst part of the whole ordeal was coming out of the sedation... it was so sad to see him so lethargic and sad... after about 2 hours he was awake enough to head home and he was himself again, he barked like a dog and sang the ABC's all the way home! Still very woozy and not too sure footed, but all is well!

Warning... the following pictures are a little graphic!

Before:

After:

2009-08-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

One minute...the face of an angel,

next minute, well see for yourself...

one scary looking face

hit mom

hit the plant, again and again

I'm so over it!!!

Katie and i were busy with wardrobe changes for Kaylyn at her little photo session. Mason was happy, getting into a few things here and there - while he wasn't the center of attention. He did manage to got the lid off the bubbles and dumped the soap all over the grass. Katie took away the bubbles. That is when the the transformation began . Oh my gosh, can you believe that face. He was going to show her! He went to him Katie. When that didn't work he hurled himself over to the flower bed and decided to hit the plant. One time wasn't enough, he had to hit it again. Then it was over and he was back to Mason! So funny-I guess you had to be there. (posted by GMA)

mason monday

2009-08-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I dropped Mason off at gma's house about 7:30 AM. Great gma answered the door. She went to gma's room to see if she was awake and "said, oh no she's sound asleep". OK... I sat Mason on the couch and turned on Elmo. A few minutes later gma, hearing the pitter patter of little feet and Mason's singing emerged groggy and well, she looked pretty bad :(. Gma got her cup of jo and took Mason out to the porch where they proceeded to read the wheels on the bus go round and round over and over. Mason having a short attention span wanted to rundown the street but gma was not quite ready for that sooo she got out the chalk and Mason had a great time coloring on the cement. Mason having a short attention span wanted to dig in the flower beds but gma not wanting the flowers dug up went to the garage, got some mulch, a couple of buckets and shovels and a wheel barrow . Mason glee fully moved dirt from one bucket to the other. And he was happy. Mason having a short attention span wanted to take his dirt for a walk so, gma wrapped in her blanket ('cause she only had on a shirt and underwear ) and carrying her mug ran after Mason yelling danger, danger. Mason having a short attention span then asked for linner. She asked, breakfast, no linner. Ok...so gma took Mason in the house where he proceeded to climb in the booster chair chanting for cerwal and shouting Whoo Hoo and m,m,mm,m. Now you must understand that Gma has had a lot of milk, yogurt, and bowls of cerwal, etc. dropped and thrown on her floor. So Gma had an ingenious idea. She took her favorite kid cup-that has a lid and straw attached, sawed off the end making a larger hole. Milk and cerwal flow easily through the straw which makes for far less food on clothes, floors and children. Mason having a short attention span wanted out of the booster chair and was no longer interested in Elmo or any other show and went looking for well, anything. He found Gilli and Gentry in the bedroom asleep where he joyfully squealed "are you tired?" over and over. Getting no response from the dead and having a short attention span went to great gma's room, knocked on the door and when she answered yelled "hi grandma". She loves it. I have to say...It doesn't get much cuter than this and Mason will be the first to tell you so ! I just thought I'd give you a run down of a 45 min. morning in the life of one GMA .

GMA, you're the BEST. Thanks Katie-DITTO).

Yankee's Here We Come!

2009-08-02T14:49:00.001-07:00

At 21 months (almost) Mason is hitting the ball... he hit the ball over and over for more than 1 hour and never lost interest! We were all quite impressed by his skills! He gave Ashley quite the arm work out when he had to take a rest and give Ellie a turn... he did not think that he should have to wait!

Mason's "how to" part 9

2009-07-29T09:23:00.000-07:00

Get a really good case of "diawewe" translation (diarrhea)

share with a cousin...

check out a watering hole where lots of other kids
are running through it for better flavor...

good time to work on my arms...

place month on wet surface right next to another kids feet...

swirl water in mouth like a fine wine...

hurry, get every last drop before mom picks me up!

Pool Time!

2009-07-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

Who needs to spend money to take the kids to the pool when you have a kiddie pool, hose, cups, rakes, shovels and bark! The boys kept themselves entertained for almost an hour, until their lips turned blue and they couldn't stop shivering!

Mason & Jake trying to figure the hose out!

Shoveling the water... seems like a good idea?

Drenching each other with the cups!

Taking a drink!
That face is priceless!

Mason's "how to" part 8

2009-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

what it takes for a nap....thumb and blankie!

the end (until I do somthing else really cute that my gma takes a bunch of pictures)

"I'm a Mess!"

2009-07-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at the computer while Mason is "eating" his dinner... when he tells me "I'm a Mess", I look over to find this...!

I'm a mess!

But a cute mess!

NOT!

In the words of my sister... "Kids are cool!"

I guess I shouldn't leave my child unattended while he is eating... lesson learned!

fun in the sun

2009-06-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

what's going to the pool w/out food?

eating part 1
eating part 2
ready to go

Mason's "how to" part 7

2009-06-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

how to shake down a tree ...

first time checking out this tree...

back later for a 2nd look...
see the Michael look?
fortunately for gma the limbs bend, really bendcont...

Mason's "how to" part 6

2009-06-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

How to be a cool biker dude:

show your belly...

push your bike...

ride off into the sunset barefoot

Mason's "how to" part 5

2009-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

cont...

Mason's "how to" part 4

2009-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

how to properly eat a poppy seed muffin or "momo":

take both hands and squish it...
squish it some more...

pick up muffin and check to see if it's squished flat...

get a big drink of milk...

then...

shove the whole thing in your mouth!
cont...

Mason's "how to" part 3

2009-06-26T00:00:00.001-07:00

how to wear a hat....

to be super cool, make sure one ear sticks out!cont...

Mason's "how to" part 2

2009-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

how to jump off a bench head first...

and still look cool.

how to fall head over the side of a bench (2nd time)....

and not look so cool!

cont...

Happy Birthday Cher!

2009-06-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cherilyn... I love the post below of Mason eating his PB&J! I couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law! You do so much for us and we truely appreciate you so much! You are such a creative, talented, caring person and we are so lucky to have you in our lives!
Love, Katie, Mike & Mason!

(Side note... for those of you who don't know, Cherilyn is the one responsible for making my Blog so cute... she has been working on making it over and updating it lately! As you have all probably noticed, I have been slacking on my posts... and becasue Cherilyn takes over 1000 pictures a day when she is watching Mason... she has agreed to keep my blog updated!) Stay Tuned!

mason's "how to" pictorial part 1

2009-06-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

how to really enjoy your PB & J...

cont...

"Time Out"

2009-06-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

He is supposed to be in time-out for hitting... do you think this is ever going to get through to him? It is a good thing he is cute... because otherwise I might loose my mind... not to say that I still won't... he just might be an only child!

2009-06-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Easter Part 2... I know it's a little late

2009-04-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics from part 2 of Easter. We started the morning at our house, Mason was so excited to see his basket from the Easter Bunny, and had it demolished within seconds of seeing it. Then we ventured over to my parents for an Easter Egg hunt with Jake & Ellie... Jake discovered that there was food in the eggs early on, so he hid out in the flower bed and ate to his hearts desire! Ellie continued to fill all of the other baskets and then her dress, the boys lost interest very early and there were LOTS of eggs! Then we concluded the afternoon at the Myers... where we ate again and had another Easter Egg hunt! Thanks to everyone who helped make out Easter a great day!

Ellie & Baby Kaylyn

2009-04-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

My friend Belen and her baby Kaylyn came down for a visit last weekend... I happened to have Ellie at my house... and this was the result! Ashley, watch out... Ellie wants a little sister! And I think that she would make a good one too! Or Belen could just borrow her for a day or two, becasue I am pretty sure that she will NEVER have a little sister, just a little brother!

She is such a natural!

Easter Part 1

2009-04-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured over to Atria for Mason's second annual Easter Egg Hunt. For those of you who don't know, Atria is the retirement center where my Grandma lives. Mason had a blast with Jake and Ellie... didn't get too many eggs, he was too busy watching all of the people. After the hunt was over we went inside for the raffle and Mason made friends with 2 residents. It was priceless!

Patiently waiting for the hunt to start

Didn't make out so well...

But still proud of it!

Grandma and the kids!

Group Photo

Eating the goods...or should I say trying!

One of the residents that Mason Be-friended... they even have the same hairdo!

Facebook...

2009-04-11T17:33:00.000-07:00

So I did it... I created a Facebook page this afternoon after much hesitation... I figured I have a hard enough time keeping my blog updated that there is no way I would be successful keeping up with Facebook too! There are SO many people on, I could not believe it! Should be interesting to see who accepts my "friend invites"!

Mason & I

2009-03-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to get some pictures of Mason and I... or family photos... but with our schedules it turned out to be just Mason and I! Here are some of the pics... Cherilyn took them, so I had over 1,000 to pick from! Mason did NOT want to smile that day, but his eyes were sure blue! I LOVE his eyes!

Goodbye Goliath

2009-03-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know already... we gave Goliath away last week. We came to the conclusion that we didn't have the time, house or the yard to give him what he needed. Mason has been a little lost without him, and it seems weird to come down in the morning and not need to let him out! I do selfishly have to say though... I have not missed his hair one bit! Or the diareaha on the carpet! That was the last straw that lead Goliath to KSL... and in 10 hours he had a new home! Goliath hope all is well at your new home... and we miss you!

Mason's best friend!

Bowling

2009-03-01T06:59:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we went bowling with the whole fam... minus Tommy, he had to stay home and study. Here are a few pictures from the night, and yes the girls were there even though I didnt manage to get any pictures of my mom, Ashley or myself!

It's True...

2009-02-06T15:03:00.001-08:00

It really is true what they say about bad things coming in 3's... thank you to all of you who Jinxed me... or should I say Mason!It all started 2 weeks ago yesterday when Mason took a very big step off of Grandma Cher's front porch and landed face first on the concrete, then 5 days later he was running into our room, tripped and caught his eye on the corner of our bed (see post below) and to top it off with number 3... we went to the doctor yesterday to find out that Mason has RSV! I have spent the last day and a half wiping snotty noses and comforting a very emotional little boy! I have to admit, it is kind of sad that I look forward to my child being sick becasue it is the only time I get a cuddle... too bad he has to be so miserable.

Is that not the saddest face you have ever seen?

Black Eye...

2009-01-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

So I just got an email from Mike while I am at work... apparently Mason tripped on his way into our room and caught his eye on the corner of our bed... The results... a pretty nice shiner! As you can see from the pics, it has been a rough week! He fell down the cement stairs at grandmas... see post below... has a cold... note the boogers in his nose... and now a sweet Black Eye. Can't wait to see how it is going to look in the next couple of days, I am sure it is going to look worse before it gets better! Hopefully we don't get turned into DCFS!

I've been Tagged...

2009-01-26T07:21:00.000-08:00

Here are the rules:
1. Post rules on the blog
2. Answer the six 8 items
3. Let each person know by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows:
1. Greys Anatomy
2. Biggest Loser
3. The Bachelor
4. Big Love
5. Desperate Housewives
6. Private Practice
7. Oprah
8. American Idol

8 Things I did Yesterday:
1. Went to the mall with Ashley
2. Took Mike lunch at work
3. Made dinner
4. Watched 21 while Mason napped
5. Did 5 loads of laundry
6. Watched Big Love with Mike when he got home from work... yes, I have him addicted to the Polygamist show on HBO!
7. Changed 2 Poopy diapers
8. Read 3 chapters in my book... 5 People you meet in Heaven (yes, to those of you who know me, I am actually reading a book!)

8 Things I Look Forward to:
1. Summer
2. A Vacation... not sure when, but would be nice to take one somewhere warm!
3. Noon today... becasue then I am off!
4. Mason feeling better
5. A Big Raise... ha ha
6. A bigger house... someday
7. To see what the future holds for Mason (I copied this one from Ash!)
8. A 4 door car!

8 Favorite Restaurants: (This one is really taking me a long time... we must not eat out anymore becasue I can not even think!)
1. Porqupine Grill (best Sunday bunch... and I am not a breakfast person!)
2. Cafe Rio
3. The Pie
4. Pomodoro... no longer in business but one of my all time favorite restaurants
5. Epic
6. Trio
7. Javier's (Mexican dive in O-town!)
8. California Pizza Kitchen

8 Things I Wish for:
1. A 4 door car
2. A bigger house
3. Warm weather
4. Better economic times
5. Mason to stop screaming... and those of you that have heard it, I am sure you will agree with me on this one!
6. World Peace
7. For Mason to be sucessful in life
8. An exotic vacation

8 People I tagged:
1. Alicia
2. Natalie
3. Cherilyn
4. Megan
5. Tilly... this will give you something to Blog about!
6. Michael and/or Emily
7. Julie
8. AD

Playing catch-up again!

2009-01-22T18:18:00.000-08:00

So it has been over a month... one month and one day... since my last post... nothing too exciting has been going on around the Wood household which is why I have not taken the time to blog! Over the last month, Mason got his 8th tooth...finally I was starting to wonder if he was ever going to get his social six... this was a child that only had 2 teeth at his first birthday! He got a nasty staff infection all over his butt... and today learned to go down cement stairs the hard way... face first! I am really glad that I wasn't there to witness becasue I probably would have cried right along with him! Below are some pics... doesn't look nearly as bad in the pictures! Oh and if you are wondering who was there to see the fall... Grandma Cher was the unlucky one that got to do the honors! Everything seems to be just fine now... hasn't missed a beat!

The wounds...

Poor Goliath... Mason loves him so much... and he is so patient with him!

Mason has a new found fascination with boxes... and laundry baskets, everytime I turn around he is in something!

Jake wasn't quite sure that he wanted Mason to ride on the back of the 4-wheeler!

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-01-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

Is it too young to start having Mason do chores? He just seems to be so good at moping the floor and doing laundry... at least someone wants to help me with the Saturday chores!

One of these days I am worried that he is going to figure out how to climb right in!

Month in Review...

2008-12-21T12:36:00.000-08:00

So it has been over a month since my last post... I have been extrememly busy at work and can't get the desire to come home and sit at my computer to blog! I have just spent the last hour catching up on everyone elses blogs, and now it is time to get my blog caught up! Sine the last post Mason had his first birthday party... what an event! I have to thank my mom and dad once again for letting us have the party at their house... there is no way that all of those people would have fit in our house! I guess that is what happens when you have a very LARGE family! Mike made a comment to me during the party that there were "a lot of people here" and I looked at him and said, "Well it is all family... and mostly yours!" Dispite all of the chaos it really was fun and Mason enjoyed himself along with the cake... well I guess I should say cupcake! He had a full cake for his 1 year pictures that I had taken, so I figured he did not need another!

Mason is now walking full speed... I don't know why I was so excited for him to walk becasue now he wants to walk everywhere... including the Mall and Costco the Saturday before Christmas, just a few people to manuver around! He has also discovered my tupperware cupboard... not only does he pull everything out of it, he climbs inside of it! (See pics in the slideshow!)

I put up our Christmas tree after much hesitation... worried that it would be more work keeping Mason away than it was worth... Mike won and I put up the tree! However, smarty pants kept pestering me to put the tree up because he had bought me a present and wanted to put it under the tree... however, he hid it in the garage with the Christmas decorations! So needless to say I found the present... what a surprise! Mason has taken off all of the ornaments at the bottom of the tree... but has only broken one of the glass bulbs!

For my moms birthday wish, she wanted to go see Christmas lights with the Kids! We chose to go to the Zoo Lights, rather than downtown! Besides freezing our butts off, and taking Mason out with a 103 degree fever... it was a good time! They did a really cute job of decorating and we even got to see some of the animals awake! Mason loved the carosel, I think that was the only time that he cracked a smile the whole night! He is finally feeling better and has fully recovered from the ear infection, that took two times to the dr. to diagnose!

The last even to date worth blogging about was the visit from Santa yesterday! My cute Uncle Don dresses up as Santa every year for the kids and delivers presents. Mason did surprisingly well, at first it was a little sketchy, but by the end he was doing better. I only have a few pictures from the day, I am waiting to get more from Grandma Cher... she came with her new camera and was the photographer! She only took 778 pictures in a little over an hour! Those of you who know her this probably does not come as much of a surprise! Thanks for coming up! It was great to have you there!

Hopefully now that the open enrollment season is coming to an end I will be better about keeping my blog updated! No guarentees though... just wishful thinking!

And by the way... if there is anyone interested in a German Shephard let me know! I am ready to kill my dog right now! He has been crying outside the entire time I have been working on this post and he is right below Mason's room where he is sleeping!

How time Flies!

2008-11-07T17:11:00.000-08:00

This was just the beginning of a fabulous year! I can't imagine my life without my Mason! He is such a happy little boy... we were truly blessed!

Our First Family Photo... doesn't it look like he just "slid" right out... HA

Proud YoYo

Mason 7lbs 15 oz 21 inches long...

Halloween

2008-11-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our very busy Halloween! Mason was such a trooper, stayed awake ad happy until 10:00PM... with NO nap during the day! I guess it showed when he didn't wake up until 10:45AM the next morning! The day started off playing with his cousin Jake, then went to a Halloween party at my Grandma's, from there he was dropped off at my work to go trick-or treating, then off to COSTCO to visit Mike and show off his costume (Mike wanted to be surprised, so he didn't know what Mason was until he saw him), then stopped by to visit my long lost friend Ashley and her family, made an appearance and had Dinner at Mike's family Halloween party and then finished the night at my parents house, where Mason and Jake found great amusement in eating the candy... still in the wrappers! I guess they just liked the sounds that the plastic made!

Pumpkin Carving

2008-10-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight we carved pumpkins as a family for the first time... Tim the tool man thought that it would be a great idea to carve open the pumpkins with his electric saw... and I must say that it worked pretty well! Mason loved playing in the seeds and even thought that he might try them!

Before...

Power saw meets pumpkin!

Mason playing in the seeds...

Mike & Mason

Mason & Mom

The "WOOD-o-lantern"

Oh and after we finished carving pumpkins our little boy took his FIRST STEPS! I got it on video, but I can't get my video camera to load onto my computer... I will try to get some video tomorrow with my mom's camera to post... so stay tuned!

The Boys

2008-10-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Just thought that this was a cute picture of Mason and Jake... could they look anymore alike? No wonder people are always asking if they are twins!

Just Kidding!

Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-28T22:03:00.001-07:00

So I am a little behind in posting these pictures, but better late than never! Alicia, Mason, Chaia and I went to the Pumpkin Patch to try to get some pictures for the Halloween frames that I made... thanks to my crafty sister, I too had a crafty moment too! The day we went to the pumpkin patch was freezing, Mason was way past nap time and had the poopiest diaper ever... so given all of the elements, the pictures turned out pretty well! I would still like to get some in better conditions, but seeing that Halloween is only 3 days away I think that my window of opportunity may be over... there is always next year!

Spaghetti Anyone?

2008-10-07T17:48:00.001-07:00

Hungry?

We're Back!

2008-09-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are back from Virginia but also back to the "blogging world"! I know it has been a very long time since the last time I have updated my blog, and I do not have any good reasons for being such a slacker other than the battery in my camera decided to die AGAIN... and not re-charge! This is the 3rd battery I have had to replace in my camera... I am not a fan of the re-chargable lithium batteries!

For those of you who don't know, Mike, Mason and I just returned from a week long vacation in Virginia visiting Mike's Grandma and Grandpa. The red-eye flight was a little fightning going into it, but Mason did surprisingly well. He only slept for about an hour and a half on the flight to Atlanta, but sure did charm the pants off of the flight attendents the rest of the time that he was awake. Mason and I spent a lot of time standing at the back of the plane so we would not disturb the rest of the plane that was sleeping. As soon as we caught our connecting flight in Atlanta to D.C. Mason passed right out, he slept the entire 2 hour flight (which also meant that I as able to sleep) and didn't wake up until after we had gotten our luggage. 5 hours of flying combined with a 2 hour layover is grueling for anyone... so given the circumstances Mason did great!

They live right outside of Washington D.C. so we were able to go into the District a few times and check out some of the sites! We visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Capitol Hill, White House, Washington Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial all in one day... we walked and walked and walked some more!

Mike has been dying to go to Six Flags ever since he saw a documentary on the Discovery Channel about how roller coasters are made, so lucky for him there was a Six Flags 35 minutes from where we were staying. We took the trip to Six Flags in Maryland and couldn't have had more fun. I was able to work my magic to get us in for 1/2 price, we walked on to every ride and had ridden all 8 of the major roller coasters in less than an hour and a half! After seeing the signs showing the wait time on the entrance of each of the coasters at "90 minutes from this point" we knew we were in luck! There were times I wanted to chicken out... especially on the Spiderman Rollercoaster, but I was brave and rode all of them like a champ! Good to know that I can still ride roller coasters without getting sick even after having a baby!(For those of you who are curious where Mason was while we were galavanting like little kids again, he was at home with his Grandma Cher!

Prior to all of the fun, we did spend 2 days gutting his grandparents attic and 3 dump trucks later you could actually walk though the attic and can now see everything that is up there!

Virginia is such a beautiful place, I can't wait to go again! Thanks much to Grandma and Grandpa for their hospitality!

Orange County

2008-08-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Orange County last week, and had so much fun relaxing at the beach. This was Mason's first airplane ride and he did great, considering that he had an ear infection and I didn't know it! He loved everything about the beach, especially eating the sand! Sorry there are so many pictures, but when you have over 700 pictures to choose from it is hard to narrow them down. Thanks to Cherilyn the picture queen... we will remember every moment of the vacation. Hey if you scroll through them fast enough it turns into a motion picture!

My Little Scooter!

2008-07-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

Mason has discovered his own way of crawling... now I don't know if he will ever figure out the "real thing". He has been scooting around like this for about a month now... he can get up on all 4's... but apparently finds this to be easier than actually crawling!

4th of July

2008-07-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! We had a great holiday weekend and fortunately the weather cooperated to make the weekend even better! Mike golfed Friday morning and Mason and I went over to my parents and swam in the kiddie pool with Ellie, Jake, Goliath. Yes, I did say Goliath! He loved the kiddie pool, I don't think that the kids were big fans of him swimming with him, but he had a fine time. Later that evening, we went over to John & Cherilyns for a neighborhood BBQ... and fininshed the evening watching fireworks from Rick & Connie's deck. Thanks to everyone for your hospitality! Saturday morning started out early for a day on the lake. We went up to East Canyon with my family. We had so much fun. Mason loved the water... but was not a fan of the life jacket. Who ever invented that life jacket must not have kids... it was so uncomfortable for him... luckily we steered clear of the ranger, so he didn't have to keep it on all day! Here are some pics from the weekend... enjoy!

Family Photo... these are very rare!

I loved these pictures!

Mason & Jeremy

The lifejacket... see what I mean?

He loved floating in the tube!

Nap time was a bit sketchy on the lake... but he finally figured it out!

Lizard?

2008-07-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

I got a text message from Mike yesterday while I was at work informing me of the new creature that had let himself into our house! Apparently he thought that he too would fit in nice with Mason, Goliath, Mike & I. Thanks to my eco-friendly grocery bags in the bottom of the pantry, it made the catch pretty easy. Apparently their little claws get caught in those cloth bags!

Swimming!

2008-06-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

As you all know the temperatures keep rising... and we have discovered that the pool is a great way to cool off. Mason LOVES to swim... or should I say float! He is content to float around in the water for hours. We went swimming on Friday afternoon and again this morning with Jake and Ellie. Thanks for coming with us we had so much fun!

Dolls...?

2008-06-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

So tonight we were over at my mom's house and Mason discovered "baby beans". I don't know how his daddy is going to feel about him playing with dolls... maybe we should not show him these pictures!

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mike's first Father's Day! The day started off as a normal Sunday at 2:45 AM for work, followed by 9 holes of golf, and a steak dinner over at my mom and dad's house.

I just want everyone to know how lucky Mason is to have a dad that spends so much time with him... sometimes I get jealous of how much time they get to spend together! Mike is such an amazing dad... better than I could have ever expected! I love you babe!

Mike & Mason

Mason playing in the grass

Ellie & Mason

Jake & Mason... sorry Jake... Mason is kind of turning into a toy hog! We will work on sharing!

7 Months!

2008-06-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that Mason is already 7 months? I am having a really hard time coming to grips with that... it still feels like he should be 3 months. He is trying so hard to get teeth... hopfully soon! Also he is doing this little worm scoot to get wherever he is trying to go! I don't think it will be long before he figures out the crawling thing! Last night we went and bought him a walker... He LOVES it! Now he can roll around on the hard wood and torture Goliath! Watch out Goliath I think that this is just the beginning! Here are some random pics from the last couple of weeks... and yes, I know I am reverting into my old self and not updating my blog like I should be! I had really good intentions of doing it last weekend, and as I sat down at my computer I started blog stalking and before I knew it Mason was awake and my chance to update was over! Blog stalking can become very time consuming! Anyways... here you go! Enjoy:)

Teething cookies... Very Messy... but very entertaining! He sat in his high chair for almost an hour chewing on that thing... when he was done it was straight to the tub!

Watch Out Goliath... I am afraid this is only the beginning of the hair pulling... I speak from experience!

Mason went swimming in YaYa's back yard last weekend... what could be better than a giant bath tub filled with toys outside?

Sporting the new walker... sorry about the shadows he was infront of the abck window watching Goliath outside... this is what he has been doing to keep himself busy while I am working on this post!

WATERMELON!

2008-05-18T14:59:00.001-07:00

We discovered today that Mason loves watermelon! He couldn't get enough... it was quite messy but worth every second.

I know I went a little overboard with the pics but I just thought that they were too cute! I am a little bias though!

PS... Barbie this post is for you!

XOXOXOX!

2008-05-17T10:43:00.000-07:00

I thought that these pictures of Chaia and Mason were priceless. She just loves him. I think that she is so excited to have someone her size... or close. (For those of you who don't know... Chaia is Mason's cousin!)

Walk for the Cure... or sleep for the cure!

2008-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

To start off the crazy Mother's Day Weekend we joined the Sping team and walked in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk along with the other 16,000 people that came out for the cause. It was insane how many people were there... it was a never ending sea of people. It was really neat to see the support... and to see all of the survivors that were there as well. Jake and Ellie didn't think that it was too much fun... even though everyone was wearing pink... Ellie was not a fan! Jake hates anything that has to do with a stroller or car seat... and then Mason just went along for the ride! He decided that he would rather sleep for the cause that walk for the cause!

If looks could kill I think we would all be dead...

Just along for the ride! He doesn't understand what Jake and Ellie are so upset about... life couldn't be better with his pink energizer bunny ears to chew on!
"Sleeping for the cure!"
Just a view of how many people were there... except that this does not even do it justice!

Our crew consisted of Me, Mason, my mom, Connie, Gae (my aunt from AZ), Ashley, Tommy, Ellie & Jake! Next year we decided that I think we will all sleep for the cure!

Sittin' and a Talkin'

2008-05-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

So Mason really wants to make his mom feel bad for going to work. I came to pick him up at my mom's tonight after work and to my surprise he was sitting up (completely unassisted) and talking up a storm... saying da da... and I think that I may have even heard a ma ma in there too!

Here is some footage of his talking as well as a picture of him sitting up. Please don't mind his outfit, dad dressed him this morning and didn't realize that Mason is 6 months and 0-3 month clothes are a little snug!

Tagged... I'm it!

2008-04-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, it takes me over a month to update with a single post and now you spring this TAG on me... this was really difficult to come up with 50 things about myself, I am going to get you back Nat!

1. My maiden name is Katie Marie Canick
2. Just celebrated my 2 year wedding anniversary last Monday (April 2nd).
3. My husband's name is Michael Kenneth Wood
4. I am a reality TV junkie
5. I became obsessed with Biggest Loser Couples
6. I find myself watching re-runs of past seasons of Biggest Loser on the style channel on Monday mornings.
7. I have a bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
8. I work as a benefits administrator for cafeteria plans
9. I have a small horse named Goliath (not really it is my German Shepherd but close to the same size of a small horse)
10. I am terrible about getting my hair done... I go months inbetween colors!
11. I sleep on the right side of the bed...
12. My first car was a red 2 door Honda Civic
13. I drive a red 2 door Honda Civic- not the same one!
14. Gas was $.99 a gallon when I got my dirvers license
15. I hate to grocery shop... which is why i only go about once a month
16. I shave my legs every day
17. I still shave my arms ( highschool thing that I can't stop doing!)
18.I have the most amazing baby ever!
19. I never knew I could love something or someone so much
20. I was in labor for 20 hours with Mason
21. of the 20 hours 2 1/2 of that was pushing!
22. I gained 35 punds during my pregnancy, 5 of that was the last week when I got toxemia
23. I love spending time with my family
24. I don't have a favorite holiday
25. I am half way done with this dumb tag!
26. I love taking showers... hate to get ready after taking them!
27. I am a terrible blogger
28. I just got a promotion at work
29. I play co-ed softball with my husband
30.I like to do things outside when it is warm... not really into the cold weather
31. I like seafood
34. I want to see if anyone is really paying attention, so I skipped a few numbers!
36. I loved in Seattle for 3 years
37. I have a phobia of throwing up
38. I was born March 7, 1983
37. I never check my personal email, just my work one!
38. I can't dance!
39. I pretend I know how to golf... some days are better than others!
40. Mike hates to go golfing with me becasue he always plays terrible if I am there... I think I still make him nervous... just kidding
41. I worked at Gymboree for 3 years in college
42. I met my husband while working at Costco
43. I had 3 surgerys in 2 years... apendix, gallbladder and an adhesion removed, and have video footage of all 3!
44. My mom didn't believe my dad when he called to tell her that I had appendicitis and was having surgery that night... I had cleaned my aunt Connie's house that morning!
45. I went on a Hawaiian cruise for my honeymoon.
46. I always pick out my clothes for work the night before... otherwise I will make myself late in the morning.
47. In high school I used to write down what I wore everyday in my dayplanner so I wouldn't wear the same thing twice
48. I once took 9 shots of tequilla in less than an hour and didn't even get sick... that really shows that I am my fathers daughter... I don't know if that is something to be proud of (when it comes to drinking)!
49. Deep down I really want my next baby to be a girl! (but I would be just as happy with another boy... they just aren't nearly as fun to dress!)
50. I am never doing this again!

I am tagging my sister... Ashley! This is what you get for giving me so much shit about updating my blog! Have fun with this one!

Solids Anyone?

2008-04-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

I decided to start Mason on solids (rice cereal) about a week ago to see how he did and also to see if it would help with his reflux at all. The good news is that he loves the cereal and can't get enough of it, the bad news is, he still pukes just as much! Oh, well what do you do? I was expecting it to be a lot harder to feed him, after remembering what a hard time Ellie had with it, but surprisingly enough he did quite well the first time (as you can see he didn't even think that he needed my help!)

Mason's 5 Months... and a few weeks now!

2008-04-19T07:11:00.000-07:00

Jeremy loves to make Mason Smile! He will make a great big brother!
(hint, hint Natalie!)

I just loved this picture!
He really wanted to rollover... just couldn't get over that arm... he is rolling now though... so watch out, can't just leave him in one place anymore!
Watching a little TV with his Daddy!
Mason's Easter outfit... he looked so old in it!

Okay, okay I know it has been a really long time since I last updated my blog. I have been a little busy between work, softball and spending time with Mason. I will do my best to not go months without updating... but no promises. I have been taking pictures with good intentions of using them for a post, but then I just get pre-occupied with something else! Mason is now 5 1/2 months and SO much fun. He just keeps getting more and more fun. This week he has discovered how to roll from his back to front so now he can roll both ways, meaning he can move from one end of the room to another by rolling. Sad for me, he isn't safe on the floor anymore! He is becoming more and more vocal these days and moves like crazy. He just wants to get down and run. He is so funny to watch in the "jonny jumper" if only I could figure out how to load video into my blog, I would share the footage from the other morning. He was jumping and spinning himself around and just laughing. And yes, he is finally laughing! I was wondering if he was ever going to do it, but he finally did!

In the Words of Ellie, "Give me a break Guys!"

2008-04-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

I know, I know I really need to update my blog... given that it has been over a month since the last post! I have been taking some really cute pictures so that I can do a 5 month update of Mason. I am at work now, but I promise there will be an update this weekend!

Rascal Flats... and my Birthday!

2008-03-08T15:33:00.001-08:00

First of all I want to thank my mom and dad for the Rascal Flats tickets for my birthday and for watching Mason while we were at the concert! And also a BIG thanks to Chris Hubbard who totally hooked us up on our seats.

The story goes something like this... Mike hates country music and I really wanted to go to the Rascal Flats concert, and it just so happened to be on my birthday. My mom had said that she wanted to get me tickets, but Mike didn't want to go, so she asked if I would want to go with my dad. I said of course, you are never to old for a daddy-daughter date. Mike had told me that he was going to take me to dinner before the concert, and then I would go with my dad after dinner. So it was not until we were at dinner that Mike surprised me that he was the one taking me to the concert. I didn't believe him, I think I asked him at least 2 more times if he wa serious. So we had dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (and didn't have to wait, thanks to one of Mike's co-workers that works there). We got right in, had a great dinner and then headed for the concert. When we got there our seats were up in the upper bowl, it wasn't bad, but you couldn't see much because they did not have the Jumbo Tron going. After intermission we were told to check in with Guest Services to see if they could move us into some of the house seats... sure enough we landed in the 6th row just in time for Rascal Flats to come on stage! They put on a great show... Mike was pleasantly surprised at how much he enjoyed the show!

Thanks again to everyone for such a great day!

4 Months and Growing

2008-03-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to roll over!
Hands are always in the mouth!

Today Mason is officially 4 months. We went to the doctor this morning for his 4 month check up and he is growing like crazy. He weighed in at 14.6 pounds (which is just under the 50th percentile) and he is 25 3/8 inches long (between the 75-90th percentile) so needless to say our baby is a little string bean... especially when you see him next to his cousin, Frank the Tank! His head circumfrence was also in the 75-90th percentile, but I didn't write that one down, so I don't remember what the actual measurement was! He had his second set of shots... I hate them so bad... and so does he! He screams so hard that he forgets to breathe, I just hide behind his head so he doesn't think it is me making him hurt! He is rolling over now (front to back only) which I learned is a little backwards, most kids go from back to front first... leave it to Mason to be different! He is also ahead of the game with his squeals and coos, the pediatrician said that they usually don't get that vocal until 6 months! Oh and the hands are constantly in his mouth, as you will notice in most of the pictures... it is hard to get a shot with out them! He is now constantly wearing a bib, it is dual purpose really. It is a puke collector as well as a drool collector. When he isn't drooling on himself he is puking and vice versa. That brings me to the next topic... the puking! Yes, for those of you not around, he is still puking... for those of you that are... you are very much aware of it! Especially Ya Ya who wore it twice on Saturday! Sorry:) But apparently it is something that he will grow out of, but until then we will just keep on popping the Prevacid!

Video Anyone?

2008-03-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Does anyone know how to add a video? I have a video camera and I have taken some footage that I thought I would add to a post... but I can not figure out how to add the video! I have the camera plugged into my computer but it is not recognizing it... I have even been reading the manual and no directions as to how to download video.