Merry Christmas

Can you believe it - Santa Claus visited our home? We hope he visited yours as well. This year Paige told Charmayne and I that she would not be telling us what she wanted for Christmas. It was time to find out if Santa Claus was for real. Boy, did that put the pressure on Santa or what? We did learn from Paige that all she really wanted was a picture from Santa - of himself, his sleigh and his reindeer. She also wanted a bell from his sleigh. The unbelief of eight year olds! Sidney asked for one thing "fake nails". The world is completely different to a three year old isn't it? Brock asked for one thing as well, a hamster - boys!

Needless to say the parents wrote their own letter to Santa Claus. Please, please, please send a picture of yourself, your sleigh and your reindeer. Oh, while your at it - can we get a few bells from your reindeer harness? And please disregard Brock's request and send something a little less stinky and that doesn't require feeding.

Christmas eve, Paige's unbelief turned to belief - as you will witness from the note she left with the cookies, eggnog and carrots (for the reindeer) that she, herself put together. And believe it or not Santa delivered, big time! Minus the hamster.

Jazz Man

Brock came home from school with a Jr. Jazz flyer back in early November. His friend Tate was going to play and Tate's dad is the coach. I was actually surprised that Brock showed interest. Afterall, we are a baseball family and our television doesn't see much basketball. We do attend several University of Utah Basketball games each year though. Once we "officially" signed him up, Brock became concerned. Concerned he wouldn't be a good player, concerned he wouldn't know what to do - mostly because he had never played basketball before. So from that time forward Brock pretty much spent everyday after school dribbling and shooting until his first practice. He was determined to be a good player. Funny thing is Brock was one of the only kids at the first practice who could dribble with both hands. He is actually pretty good. He was a little reserved through the first game. It was my mistake, I told him to play by the rules (high school rules). He tried to keep a dribble which was easily knocked out of his hands and then the opposing player would run to the other end without dribbling and shoot. Total monkey ball. So prior to game two we worked on dribbling once for every three steps, needless to say the beast was unleashed. He rebounded, played defense and drove to the basket. Unfortunatley all eight shots rimmed out, no joke - they all literally rimmed out - he just couldn't get the ball to fall through the rim. It's fun, especially because he takes it so serious. He has fun, but he is also one determined athlete - he reminds me of, well . . . . me :)

Catching the inbounds pass.

Dribbling up-court, he is in front of the Zebra.

On the bench, next to Tate.

In the huddle.

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving we headed to Idaho to spend the weekend with Grandma & Grandpa and the cousins. There were 14 kids in the house, which means there was something for everyone to do. We had a great dinner and watched plenty of football. It was fun to visit with family and see the new babies. There were also several very funny moments like Morgie trying to "pump" like his mom, I paused extra long on that picture :) Jeanette thinks Braden has a learning disability because he isn't walking yet? In response we have added walking exercises to Braden's daily work so he will be running by the time Jeanette sees him next :) Paige and Sidney became conjoined to the two babies, I didn't think we would be able to get the girls to leave. If we couldn't find Paige or Sid, we just had to find the babies. Overall, it was nice to just relax, when we weren't seperating kids. We missed the rest of you and hope you enjoyed the Holiday.

The Prophet is a UTE

Many of you have probably already heard that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away Monday. I felt it appropriate to post a few pictures of him wearing his colors and supporting his team. Seeing these pictures reminded of signs I have seen fans holding at Utah/BYU games - the Prophet is a Ute. Of course the signs were in reference to Gordon B. Hinckley who was a graduate of the University of Utah. Elder Wirthlin's last General Conference address was titled "Come what may, and love it." His talk was about how we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life. In his talk he outlined four things that can help us through difficult times. 1. Learn to laugh 2. Seek for the Eternal 3. The Principle of Compensation and 4. Trust in the Father and the Son. To read his talk in its entirety follow this link http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html

The second picture is of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin and his wife Elisa in October 2004 on a bus following a University of Utah-San Diego State football game. Elder Wirthlin was an accomplished athlete, he played football for the U., and graduated with a degree in business administration.

GO UTES!

BCS

I have one indulgence that I cannot control. It was a gift or maybe a curse from my dad, programmed into my DNA. I am a UTAH man, Sir! My kids are well on their way, as you can see. With Utah's convincing win over BYU Saturday night, I am headed someplace I thought I would never see again. Something I thought was a once in a lifetime event - the BCS. Twice is nice.

ESPN College Game Day 2004. TOSTITO'S!

Halloween!

The weather this Halloween was mild and warm. It has turned cold and we are reminded that fall is here. The kids had a great halloween. Carving pumpkins that were grown in our garden. Costumes and candy, too much candy. Brock and Sidney have both suffered the ill effects of sugar overdose. They have both sworn off candy altogether, only to return for more the next morning. I think the kids costumes are pretty self explanatory. If you need help, just ask.

Enjoy the video. I had multiple requests to bring the music back, instead of just a slideshow of photos. Life is music, there is a song for every moment and iTunes sure makes them easy to find. I remember the days of cassette and CD organizers, dual cassette decks and CD changers. I prefer today - an auxillary input and an iPod! I think Charmayne is a little perplexed with my music habits. I need it, she doesn't. She finds it intrusive, I find it reticent. Maybe that is why things work so well around here? One thing we have always been able to agree upon - Paula Abdul . . . . . Opposites Attract!

We've Been "itched"

A week or so ago we heard a knock at our front door, the kids hurried to the door and opened only to find no one there. However, on the porch was a bag of candy and two pieces of paper. One of the papers had a picture of a ghost or phantom, the other was a set of instructions telling us we had just been "hit" by the Halloween Phantom and we had to reciprocate in a similar manner at three other homes. I think you all get the point. We live in a great neighborhood and have great neighbors.



The significance of this story is not that the Halloween Phantom visited our home. The significance is that after the kids grabbed the candy off the door step, Sidney came running back into the house exclaiming "we have been itched - Dad!" "The Halloween Phantom itched us!" Itched, as in door bell DITCHED! Sidney and the two older kids have said things which have required translation for me to understand. Here are a few others I remember, I'm sure some of you remember others - please remind me.



Paige - elphenant = elephant, mazagine = magazine, mocercial = commercial, Hideeho = Idaho



Brock - Bock = Brock, Paka = Packer, Tuck = Truck, Gampa = Grandpa



Sidney - Ninney = Sidney, Hanitizer = Hand Sanitizer, Serra = Sierra, Toystore-r-rust = Toys R Us

Were not sure what words Braden will run together, but we are looking forward to it.

Disneyland

It has been three weeks since we returned from southern California. I figured we would have had these pictures out sooner. I was going to open a flickr account and share them with everyone there, but I noticed a friend had used photobucket on her blog so I figured I would do the same (imitation is the sincerest from of flattery). Enjoy!

One Year Old!

Braden turned 1 today! Fastest year of my life. It really doesn't seem like a year ago that nurses were trying to get him to breathe on the delivery table. Maybe time really does fly when you are. . . ?
It has been fun getting to know this kid. The last couple of months he has really started to flash his personality. Perpetually happy, very loving and he likes to make us all laugh. He loves milk like his brother and he loves food like the rest of us, especially fruit. We didn't do too much for him today. What do you give a kid who has two sisters and a brother and a room full of toys? The kids picked out a webkin for him and he got a fresh peach dessert, since his favorite food/fruit is whole peaches. We all enjoyed his peach dessert while he drank a bottle of whole milk.

Happy with the webkin. Glad we let the kids pick the gift.
These two are best friends.
Braden into mischief at the hotel in Newport.

Heading towards the kitchen in the hotel.


Braden started crawling a couple of months ago. Late, just like Brock. We didn't really push him and with the kids dragging him everywhere I don't think there was too much motivation to learn on his own. But then he discovered if he were to crawl he could take himself into the bathroom and unroll the toilet paper and tip the garbage, in the kitchen he could empty cuboards and get into the oven drawer. Once this light went on there was no stopping him and he hasn't looked back.

Don't let your dreams be dreams

Several months ago Paige and Brock told me about a dream they both had. They dreamt, seperately, that we stayed in a hotel that had access to a beach from the back door. They talked about how fun it would be to leave our room and walk to the beach and play in the ocean. I don't remember all the details of the conversation but they both had a dream, the same dream! The funnest part of being a dad is you get to make dreams reality. Here are a few pictures from our visit to Newport Beach this past week and video from the beach. I'll add more later.

. . . but don't let your dreams be dreams, you know this livin's not so hard as it seems. Don't let your dreams be dreams. Dream.

Pirated Prelude

Today was the Primary program at our church. Paige was asked to play the piano prelude music as people were taking their seats. Not knowing the protocol on camera's in church (I have never seen one), I brought mine along. As I was shooting video, a couple of people approached me (I was trying to be discreet) and said I didn't know you could have camera's in here? I replied by saying neither did I? It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. My parents know too well that I have lived my life by that simple sentence. So here is Paige playing one of her prelude songs.

Why stop with video? I had to get a picture of Brock as he was singing hymns. I held the camera against my chest and disabled the flash. I don't think anyone noticed?

I think the opportunities these kids are getting by being involved in our church is indispensable. Paige was playing the piano in front of 200+ people. They both gave short talks to an audience of over 250 people. At 8 and 6 they are learning things and encountering situations I didn't until I was 19. We live in a rapidly changing world and I know our involvement as a family in our church organization is preparing our children for their future's.

Brock gave his talk first. He said: "The temple is a blessing for me and my family. I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family. I will be reverent and speak kindly to be worthy to enter the temple."

Paige gave her talk several minutes after Brock. She said: "And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people." (Doctrine & Covenants 124:40)

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Brock left home in favor of school earlier this month. We now have two kids in school! and my body aches in places it never has before. Are both a sign of age? Brock, as you can see, insisted he ride the bus - even though he was offered a ride.
So like the other parents we met him in the parking lot (kind of pathetic really). He was a little annoyed that we insisted on attending his first day with him.
Charmayne, Sidney and Braden had to catch up, Brock wasn't waiting.
Outside the classroom. At least I got a smile, toothless or not.

The classroom. Tate sits across from Brock, which is nice since Tate was on his baseball team this past spring. After the first week Brock had to struggle with a little homesickness, which quickly dissipated when Paige began including him in her recess soccer games.

Lee Iaccoca said: "Lead, follow or get out of the way". I think life is like that, especially when it comes to kids. Change will happen whether we are prepared or not. And there is no turning back the clock.

So, in the words of my favorite poet - 'Come mothers and fathers throughout the land. And don't criticize what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand. For the times they are a-changin'.

Before the Hurricane

This past July Logan, Andrea, Madeline and Grandma Sharon visited us from Houston, TX. Of course everyone is aware that Hurricane Ike landed this past weekend. Thankfully, Logan and his family and Grandma were all safe. They are without power and running water (last I heard) but they think things will be fine. In this picture Logan, Andrea and Madeline prepare for a pony ride at Wheeler Farm.
Grandma and Paige, Brock & Sidney at Snowbird.
Brooks and his kids were at Snowbird with us as well. We had a party on the plaza! Alpine slide, climbing wall, tram ride - it was a fun day. Logan and Andrea are not in this picture because Madeline was taking nap.
Logan and Paige on the alpine slide. Snowbird holds fond memories for Logan as he was a Snowbird employee for several years.
By the end of Madeline's week long stay I had made a new friend. Logan and Andrea were waiting in line for the zip rider while Madi was hanging out with her favorite uncle!

Logan and Madi in our backyard. Madi loved the swings, toys and kids at our house - at least I think she did? We sure had fun and love her.
We were worried Madi would be overwhelmed with four kids running around. When she arrived she fit right in and became the fifth. She loved to go up and down the stairs in our home. Logan, I think, didn't care too much for the stairs by the end of the week :)
My kids count down the days for Grandma Sharon's visits. She always spoils them in a grandmotherly way and they get to eat "out" more than normal. This trip wasn't any different. Francesco's (Chef Tom's Bistro), Astro Burger, shakes at Ice Berg - they did it all.
Having fun at Wheeler Farm. Madeline was the focus of attention all week. She could say all of the kids names and by the end of the week was saying Charmayne!

On the street at historic Wheeler Farm. Logan is doing really well, as you can see. He has a beautiful family, he works hard - I am really proud to be his brother.

Wedding Bells

Aunt Jayme married Steve on August 21st. She chose a great guy, we really like Steve. Brock loves his truck! We were so happy to be part of their special day. Congratulations.
Flower girl Paige.
Flower girl Sidney.
The ring bearer, Brock.

I think Jayme would fall if Steve and Aaron let go of her? Or do you think Brock would hold?

Woodhouse Reunion

This past July Charmayne's family spent a few weeks together as part of the Woodhouse Family Reunion. Camille and her family made the trip from Indiana, Louis and his family from Iowa and four other family's (Jeanette, Tora, Morgan and Charmayne) from Utah to meet in Idaho at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The reunion began in Oakley where we spent time together, went swimming, and held a service project. The reunion then moved to Utah where we visited the Family History Museum for a tour and then finished with a weekend of camping at the Spruces campground at Brighton. While at Brighton we enjoyed a family talent show, the highlight of which was a visit from the brother of Ricardo the Mexican chef. We also hiked around Silver Lake and then toward Twin Lakes. Several people finished the hike to the Twin Lakes, although because of so much snow the two lakes looked like one. The reunion ended with the Bedke's heading back to Indiana and the Woodhouse's drving home to Iowa. We were lucky to keep Rae, Carter, Jaxon and Dart for a week of wild fun at our house. Jaxon, Rae and Paige jumped off the second highest platform at Cottonwood Heights (25 Ft.). The kids also rode their bikes and scooters in our neighborhood's annual 24th of July neighborhood parade. It was great to see everyone. Enjoy the pictures.

Time Machine

My grandpa Packer celebrated his 90th birthday this past August. We attended the party and spent time with my dad and my aunts, uncles and cousins. Of course the guitars came out about half way through the party. I had to take some video of the event and share it. It brought back childhood memories. My dad and his brothers and sister Gayle had a band 'Simple Dreams'. They pretty much played country music, good country music not this glamour pop stuff that is sold as country today. I still like to listen to the stuff they played, even though most people prefer what is on the radio. The band practiced at our house, which was great - we always got to hear them and watch them play. But it seemed like we always had to go to bed before band practice was over. I remember my mom tucking us in and as soon as she would leave we would climb out of bed and put our ears to the floor so we could continue to listen. I remember camping with my dad and whether we were fishing or waterskiing everyone knew the guitar would come out after dinner. We would listen to his songs sitting around the campfire. I always felt like a celebrity when people from other camps would shout requests to my dad. I dreamed of becoming a big song writer and musician. Well, I have never become the guitar player I thought I would and to date I haven't written a song, but when my dad pulls out his guitar it takes me back to that basement at 417 E. 10145 S. and to the campfires at Pineview Resevoir. Music is the ultimate time machine - sorry Napoleon. The song he (green shirt) is playing is Jaded Lover by Jerry Jeff Walker. Russ, his brother is with him playing lead.

. . . good bye you jaded lover, you undercover queen for a day.

Get-a-way at Gateway

Funny how family traditions start. A few years ago before Paige started kindergarten we decided to head downtown for a weekend. There is a Homewood Suites near Gateway, across the street from Pioneer Park on 4th West. Yes, we have seen our share of interesting people. But the kids now expect a trip downtown the weekend before school starts. Again, we all had a good time.

Paige getting Braden ready for the pool.
Sidney floated until she was a prune. I had to drag her out of the water by her tube. I was surprised the tube wasn't permanently attached!
Paige and Brock racing accross the pool. Both are getting better and better. Swimming is such a great activity, fun and very healthy.

The kids had to get a picture of Dad in the hotel room. I just returned from the hotel gym. Gravity never takes a break, so neither can I.