April Fool's

Joey thought it would be humorous to wear the following to school on April Fool's Day:

Spoiled Rotten

Mother's Day was good to me for a host of reasons:

• Sometime on Saturday night, Joey snuck away to 7-11 and bought me a chocolate cake donut with chocolate frosting. I guess I just had to eat dessert for breakfast, I mean, I couldn't let a perfectly good donut go to waste - that would be rude!
  
• I got to sit next to my husband during the last half of sacrament meeting. (Five minutes with Owen and I am sure he will look forward to sitting on the stand again next week, but I was happy to have him on the row.)
• Owen had a great day at church (i.e. no tears during nursery).
• Joey bought me a flat screen TV for our bedroom. Absolutely ridiculous, I know. Joey indulged my "dream" to lay in bed at the end of the night, watching TV while he brushes my hair. Yes, folks, you read that right. Joey has learned that the key to a happy wife is just a few brush strokes away.
• Joey even watched a chick-flick with me to top it all off.

Mother's day was clearly a license to be indulged and spoiled by my husband. It was wonderful. And, I have a crazy little boy, who loves me more than I deserve. Donuts and the two boys in my life - what could get better than that?

Easter in Palm Springs

Our Spring Break was phenomenal. I was completely exhausted when we got home, and needed a vacation to recover, but it was wonderful to be in such a beautiful place, with the people I love. We ate at great restaurants, enjoyed beautiful walks on the hotel property, and Owen could not get enough of the warm weather which allowed to him to go swimming daily. I wish I could go back. Here we are at Easter brunch. This hotel's food and ambiance were amazing. They even had a "kid bar" with gourmet chicken strips, macaroni and cheese and fries. Kid and adult heaven. It was one of the few times Owen actually sat down to eat. Not for very long . . . but he did eat. Also worthy of note: for all you Saved By the Bell fans, this hotel was featured in the episode where Jesse's dad gets married. Fun trivia, right?

You can just tell these two are up to something. At least they look cute.

Clearly, Owen is explaining something very detailed to Sydney. 10 to 1 odds it doesn't make a bit of sense.

Here is what we saw outside our hotel room's window.

The view from our patio.

Swimming. Owen couldn't get enough. It was the first thing he asked for when he woke up (which was usually around 4 am . . . but by 5 or 6, he was back in bed thankfully).

In the pool's lazy river.

The pool also had a "beach." Owen was dirty, safe and happy.

Sammie, my sister's little girl.

Love this picture. Owen is waiting for the singer to look away so he can climb on stage and grab some electrical equipment. We spent half the time trying to keep him off of the stage and the other time trying to keep him out of the water fountains just up the stairs. Also, Sammie (wearing the pink bow in the lower right-hand corner) is dancing with the little girl in the yellow. They don't know each other, but fell in love dancing to the music. Priceless.

Now, I just need to convince my dad to take us all back down there next week. I'll let you know if I'm successful.

A Word of Warning

Last Friday night, Owen and I had yet another late night rendezvous. I assumed his teeth were bothering him because I noticed blood around his gums where several teeth were poking through. I gave him some Tylenol and he returned to bed 30 minutes later. He was quiet for about 10 minutes and then I heard screams. I plopped down on his floor where I remained for 2 hours while I listened to him moan, thrash and throw his head into the side of his crib. He mentioned several times "bug" and "head." I assumed he was referring to a tick a friend noticed on his head several weeks ago. Thanks to her good eye, we were able to grab it and dispose of it before it burrowed anywhere.

I couldn't handle anymore, so I lifted him out of his crib and carried him to the couch. I quickly ran my fingers through his hair to reassure him that the bug was in fact "all gone" when my finger nicked something hard. I still get raised blood pressure thinking about it.

I laid Owen across my lap and began searching through his ridiculously thick hair when I spotted it: a tick burrowed deep inside my guy's head. I grabbed Owen, yelled (and I really mean yelled) for Joey and we began the process of ripping that tick out of his head. We had to pin Owen down while we seriously yanked that tick loose. I got it out with tweezers, but it took a good chunk of Owen's scalp with it. We are fortunate - we got the whole thing in one shot.

Owen was hysterical and shaking. Quite frankly, we all were. If the tick were a person, I would have punched him right then and there. Retaliation would be putting it mildly. I have never been so angry with another thing in my life. I couldn't sleep the rest of the night thinking about it. It makes me sick.

But, I've learned my lesson. Two ticks in one month's time. Check your kids when you come in from the playground. A quick inspection will save you pain and misery. (Oh, I was going to post a picture of the tick, but we flushed it down the toilet. I got too mad looking at pictures online, so you'll have to do a google search yourself.)

One more side note. When I told Joey's mom Kathy about the tick, she just chuckled. I think everyone of her children has had a tick in their lifetime. She's even had one herself. Joey's dad Ted had one burrowed in his leg, but he was too tired to get it out, so he hopped into bed. When he woke up, the tick was gone. It had found a new host - Kathy! I wonder if he found himself sleeping on the couch the following night . . .

Best Pool Ever

Yet again, I am going to promote the South Davis rec center. It is the most amazing indoor swimming pool. An indoor playground in two feet of water - what can get better than that? Not a lot for a four-year old's birthday and her little cousin Owen. Heaven.

The amazing playground behind Joey and Owen. As you can tell, the O-ball is having a good time.


This slide is humongous - and they let you hold your child on your lap. I wish you could see Owen's face - he is giggling. Before he made it to the bottom, he screamed "AGAIN!"

The birthday girl dumping buckets of water onto unsuspecting victims.

Her Ariel cake. I love doing cakes for little girls - they fight over the funniest things: the tail, the sea shell bikinis, her lips . . .

Pucker up!

A Roarin' and Rockin' Halloween

My boys were a lion and a skeleton rocker respectively. Owen, the lion, enjoyed chasing the children as our community walked through the apartment buildings. He thought that people opening the door to give a treat was actually an invitation to come in and play. He was a bit disappointed all he got was candy. Joey was a bit disappointed I never wore his wig (he settled for a few friends and the Bishop) and failed to follow through on my Shera costume. Maybe next year.

Owen more interested in his dad than the camera woman.

Howdy Mark!

Doug looking fabulous with the extra weight.

Addie and Owen

Sister Ayres and the Bishop sporting Joey's wig.

Isaac as Jack Sparrow.

The one picture of me that night - because I failed to wear a costume. What a disappointment.

Rockin' out - trying to win a prize for "budget" costume. Amazingly, he didn't win.
And yes, that is Marissa in the background dressed as a princess.

Convincing Brayden he looks good with a mullet.

Matt's turn.

Here we are on Halloween night trick-or-treating at Ted and Holly's house.

And you wonder where Joey's gets it . . . Nice wig Ted!

Happy Halloween!

Lick N' Switch

Last Saturday, we attended the free Halloween activity at Officer's circle put on by the U's College of Social Work and the Bennion Service Center. I attempted to help Owen decorate a cookie, but he snacked more than decorated. Joey attempted to help Owen with the fishing pond, but Owen lost interest the minute his line was cast. He'd much rather eat junk or dance by himself to scary Halloween music.

Owen is still to young to appreciate all the hard work that went into the themed houses and games, but he was very excited for the candy. He'd grab a piece, enjoy it (wrapper included) until the next house, then deposit the used piece of candy into the bowl in exchange for a new one. Fortunately, most people were amused, or at least humored us.

Owen's first piece and favorite - a sucker.

Not really sure what all the hype is about.

Trick or Treat!

Fall Hikes (Naps)

We have certainly enjoyed the fabulous Fall weather. Red Butte Canyon and Bonneville Shoreline trail have frequently called our name. Inevitably, Owen falls asleep halfway through our trek, but we won't complain. Beautiful Fall.

Owen and Joey on Bonneville Shoreline Trail.

Owen sleeping after an evening hike with friends.

Sleepless nights, a sick baby and sure signs of defeat

I am sure you have all just been dying to know how the triathlon training is going. For those of you who can't handle the suspense any longer and can't wait to the end of this post to find out, know that I will not be racing on Saturday. For those of you who are interested in an only mildly entertaining story, read on.

Last Tuesday, Owen woke up with a small cold - a slight runny nose. He played great during the day, ate and napped well. But, as 8:30 pm rolled around, this little kid would not fall asleep. He cried off and on for an hour until I could stand it no longer. I loaded him into the car and went for a drive. (Clearly my patience needs work, but I am not used to this kid crying when I put him down.) He fell asleep somewhere between 11th Ave and South Temple and I headed home. He slept for 20 minutes in his crib and the crying began again. By this time, he had really worked himself up and the phlegm had settled in his chest. He acted very much in pain and was only comforted by someone holding and rocking him. The minute he was placed in his crib, the crying began again, and again, and again . . . I felt like a new parent trying everything I could to convince this child to sleep.

Needless to say, the training program flew out the window last week due to my lack of sleep. I got a handful of runs in - mostly to appease my ailing baby, but I never touched my swimsuit or helmet. I am fully convinced I could show up at Yuba State Park this weekend and finish the race, even with a decent time. But for me to personally to find fulfillment, I would have to know that I trained to the best of my ability and gave everything I had. There is a huge difference in pushing your body when you are prepared and when you are not. So, to celebrate my big 2-6, I will be eating a Vegas Roll from Happy Sumo and mint-OREO milkshake from Dairy Queen instead of racing. How's that for a change?

I am a little disappointed, but also relieved, and eager to attempt again. I am grateful for people's willingness to help encourage me on - Joey who watched Owen while I trained, my friend Shy who explained the ins and outs of triathlons and Ted, who put up with my foolishness on a bike and was the master teacher.

So, when I am going to get a race in before the end of the year to meet my New Year's resolution? It may be on New Year's Eve Day and I may be hosting the event personally, but the good news is, you are all invited.

The Tetons in Pictures

Here's a look at our adventures last week, sans Owen.

Joey and I on our hike around Jenny Lake - after the bear incident.

Still smiling.

After hike swim in String Lake (Joey refusing to jump in . . . just yet.)

Our favorite Chuck Wagon eatery - Dornan's at Moose Junction. See the beautiful Tetons in the background?

Our last picture leaving the park, after a long rainy night and noisy French neighbors. Mt. Owen (yes, Owen is named after a mountain) is the peak directly above the space between Joey and my head. It is the second tallest mountain, behind the Grand, in the Teton range.

Mr. Bear: Please Don't Eat Me

Each summer, Joey and I make our annual trip to Grand Teton National Park. Every year there is a new experience and new story.

The first year the story could have been about Joey's ticket in Kemmerer that he agonized over for days. Or, it could have been our failed attempt to summit the Grand after climbing for 10 hours. Or, it could have been the car alarm going off for five minutes in the middle of the night.

Three years ago (before too many children had entered the picture), we went with some good friends and we hiked to Lake Solitude through Cascade Canyon. (This was the hike that is 19 miles round trip. Joey wanted to race the last two miles home - he and I on foot with our backpacks, Tony and Shyanne on the shuttle boat. I wonder who won? Not us.) Shyanne and I talked loudly as we hiked to warn any bears of our approach. Not too long after, Joey composed the song Mr. Bear, Please Don't Eat Me to make light of our bear phobia. Throughout the day (and night) we would hear the melodic phrase. Fortunately, not one of us saw a bear on that trip.

This year, as the two of us entered the park, I noticed new signs that read, "Be Bear Aware!" with a massive bear print next to them. I commented on the signs and Joey jokingly would reply, "Ooooohhh, a bear is going to get us." Ha ha. Funny.

At every check station or pay booth, another pamphlet would be handed to us with "Bear Safety" information or exciting bear facts printed on them. My favorite quote read: "A female grizzly bear and her yearling cubs are utilizing important habitat along roadsides and near developed areas in the park." The sheet also talked about mother bears being the most dangerous and "never place yourself between a mother and her cubs." I can feel the hairs rising now. The anxiety climaxed until Joey could take it no longer. I was told to either relax or we should go home. We stayed, but I am not sure how relaxed I was!

The first morning after a good night's sleep in our massive tent and a yummy egg breakfast, we sat making plans for our day. A white park van pulled up and the man inside just stared at us. I was just waiting for him to ask us if we were leaving or remind us to put food away or some other bit of information. Instead, he said quite calmly, "There's a bear coming through the campground. You might want to be careful." Joey and I assumed that meant approaching the campground, i.e. 1/2 a mile away. We stood and there it was, 20 feet away from us - a black bear trotting towards us. Every ounce of adrenaline that is within my body was activated and I headed for the car. (I know, I know, the last thing you are supposed to do is run, but I swear it was gut instinct - and I lived to tell, so it couldn't have been that bad of a decision.) Joey opened up the car door and I scrambled inside. He of course stayed outside the car and looked frantically for the camera. Oh, the differences between us.

The bear wanted nothing to do with us and was simply on his way to the other side of camp. He just trotted along as we heard echoing through camp, "Bear coming through . . . bear coming through . . . bear coming through."

Now I can say I have seen a bear, in person, in the wild and, most importantly, he did not eat me.

Bad Parenting 101

Joey and I spent Saturday afternoon at Target buying storage shelves and bins in hopes to better organize our 900 square foot apartment.

We arrived home and were eager to get started. Joey went to work installing a laundry-room shelf, constructing a piece of furniture for his closet and then we both went to work on the dreaded storage room.

I had the brilliant idea to distract Owen with a movie. Joey suggested something different - not the typical Baby Einstein video Owen usually watches. We browsed through our limited video library and found the original Shrek movie - the closest thing to a children's movie we had. I popped it into the VCR, fast forwarded to hear the famous Smashmouth theme and walked out of the room.

Joey and I went to work dragging the piles of "stuff" out of our storage room and stacking it floor-to-ceiling high in our hallway. Not two minutes had gone by when I heard Owen's "I am in trouble and I desperately need your help" cry. I worked my way through the labyrinth of junk and found him 10 inches from the TV screen, sobbing with one finger pointing at the screen. There was Shrek, being hunted in the night by a group of men with pitchforks. They didn't hesitate to cut to the chase in this movie (a scene that had obviously slipped from my memory). Poor Shrek. Poor Owen.

I quickly scooped Owen into my arms, reassured him that Shrek was okay and turned off the movie. Maybe I should write a book on appropriate movies for toddlers or a book called "Bad Parenting 101."

Another Plug

I am at it again. This time, Joey has jumped on the blog bandwagon and is writing for non-technical purposes. He still has his wonderful Double Stamp for all your technical needs, but he now has a blog for personal stories and anecdotes.

Hey! You're Bald is Joey's claim to fame. The first story explains it all. Joe is a good writer too, even if he is bald.

Double Stamp Plug

For those of you who appreciate new tech advice, you should read Double Stamp. Joey's most recent article is how to track (and therefore prevent) junk mail.

You'd think being married to a technology geek would keep me ahead of the game, but to Joey's frustration, I resist change kicking and screaming. But when I finally made the switch to gmail and starting using a feed reader, I couldn't believe I had waited so long! Point being: Joey knows what he is talking about and his tips and tricks will do wonders for your computer happiness.

5 Years and Counting

Five years ago today, at 1:40pm, Joey and I held hands in the Salt Lake Temple. It was an emotional day, filled with nerves, excitement, and joy.

We have been through a lot over the past five years together: endured two and a half years of the University Village (cockroaches, floods and all), completed three degrees (collectively), and most notably brought our beautiful boy Owen into this world.

Joey is an incredible person who is marked by his integrity and authenticity. There are many reasons to love this guy, but I have composed a small list of some of the reasons I have been blessed by his presence in my life (some serious, some not so).

10 Reasons it's Good to Be Married to Joey

1. He has a quick mind and is incredible on the computer. Case in point: he has unofficially become the Shoreline Ridge Geek Squad. He is on call, round the clock for all your computer needs (please don't call round the clock!)

2. He is in great shape. With 4% body fat, this guy can run circles around the competition. Case in point: while running last week, he beat me, by at least 2 minutes, running up a 1/4 of a mile hill, pushing Owen, after a 2 mile run in 80 degree weather. Second case in point: he frequently get complimented on his agility and speed during his Ultimate Games and tournaments. His competitors either swear, shake their heads in disbelief or concede defeat at the end of the game. I am probably more fit because of him (or a little bit more tired).

3. He is tenacious. He is hard working, persevering and spunky. He has accomplished all he has set out to do and has created opportunities for himself that I would never have imagined. Case in point: M.S. in EE.

4. He has non-discriminating tastes. He never complains about the meals I make and is always appreciative of my efforts (maybe that is because he knows he is going to eat a Lynn Wilson burrito at 10 pm, but still . . . ). Case in point: I made Hamburger Helper with an extra serving of Hamburger at least every other night during my pregnancy and he rarely complained. Sorry honey.

5. He is great with kids. Newborns aren't his favorite, but the most tiresome toddlers thrill him. Case in point: at our most recent family gathering when most parents wanted a break from their children, Joey was in the backyard throwing Frisbees and wrestling with half a dozen kids. He was having as much fun as they were!

6. He loves an adventure. Joey's idea of fun is bushwacking through Little Cottonwood Canyon to find unclimbed boulders and enjoys camping in the bear infested forests of the Grand Teton National Park. Case in Point: we have spent every summer since we have been married making the trek to Wyoming. I have seen the beautiful views of both Wyoming and Idaho from the peeks of the Teton range because of him. (Owen gets his name from these mountains as well.)

7. He is supportive. Case in point: He has always supported me playing Ultimate (I wonder why?) and soccer. Joey encourages me playing Tennis every Wednesday night (even though that means less free time for himself). Joey understands that a happy wife makes a happy home . . .

8. He loves his family. He looooooooves his siblings, parents, neices and nephews and all the friends we consider our "family." We are both happier when we are in the presence of our family and friends. Joey would do anything for them too. Case in point: after some not so friendly or loyal comments made by Rocky Anderson (boo) about Jenny, Joey had some not so friendly comments to make about Rocky. Joey is strongly opinionated and passionate, but that also means he would fight to the finish for anyone he loves.

9. He's a good dad. Their similar energy levels makes them two peas in a pod. Joey can't sit still (unless it is at a computer) and neither can Owen (unless Little Einstein's is on). Case in point: he rushes home to give Owen a hug and loves teasing that little firecracker.

10. He loves me. I don't know why . . . there are more beautiful, talented, intelligent, humorous, charitable people in this world but he still sees the good in me that I don't always see in myself. Case in point: he married me five years ago today!

I love you Joe! Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday O-Ball!

Yesterday was Owen's 1st birthday. Wow, time has flown. I can't believe one year ago I was lying in a hospital bed meeting this little firecracker of an individual.

Some thoughts on my little guy from the WilsonForum:

Happy birthday Oball.

I really can't think of anything to say that can express how proud of you I am. You have fought through a very difficult 1st year of your life: stomach problems, ear infections, weekly sickness. In spite of your trials, you are the happiest and funnest one-year-old that I know of. Your sense of adventure and learning is unstoppable, and I love watching you develop on a daily basis. I was amazed at how close you brought our family by joining us in this world. Watching you learn to sit up, grab things, laugh, play, and walk has blessed my life. I love it when you talk to us in those funny words that you make up. Your continuous smile brightens all of our lives. Every day I thank God for you and your Mom. I love you.

Love, Dad (Joey)


Dear Oball,

Your name is really Owen; a perfectly acceptable name to call you. But Oball has come to mean what a really energetic and go-get-'em kid you are. Baby frogs grow up in the same stream as their parents so you are are a spitting image of your dad at your age. Running around, refusing to be penned up, headed for the nearest exit as if the world were just too big and interesting to spend much time in one place. So keep it up Oball. Or Owen. It really doesn't matter too much what we call you because you will carve an existence out of this life that will not really need a name. People will know who you are by just what you are and that is very, very special and wonderful. You have brought sunshine to this old man's life and I love you and your gorgeous parents for that.

Love, Poppy (Ted)

You have brought sunshine to all of us. We love you Owen!

Ode to Google

We spent Friday evening at Joey's mom's house. Rooting around Joe's old bedroom, I came across his 4th grade journal. It is covered in teal, neon green and hot pink fabric that would only look appropriate on M.C. Hammer.

While reading through some of his entries, I began to see the makings of a computer nerd. One entry reads:

Dear Google,
Thanks for helping me with my homework. My teacher would have KILLED ME if I didn't hand it in. Usually math is a bore, but you made it fun. Thanks for everything!

from,
Joey

Other fascinating things about Joey, age 10:

Favorite color: Red fluorescent

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite hobby: Rocks

Favorite magazine: Nintendo Power

Favorite song: Young M.C., Bust a Move

Things that bug me!: Girls who are snots

If I could change my name, I'd change it to: Google

Joey, age four, with Sister Jessica

A New Trick

Owen (as I am sure is the case with all children) is constantly surprising me with new tricks each day. One of the least impressive is throwing his pacifier at the wall to somehow signal that he is done with his nap. I then have to hang over the edge of the crib to reach behind it to snag the displaced binky. It is quite a sight to see a 25-year-old women balance on a 1" bar with her legs in the air. Not my favorite trick.

Owen's favorite trick of the moment is to fully unroll the toilet paper roll in under a minute. He then has two options: proceed to shred the unrolled paper, or cart the white mess throughout the house. He has become quite proficient; by the time you are aware of his destruction, the damage has been done.

His latest trick is as follows:
1. Place left foot in green circle of toy dinosaur.
2. Place right foot in orange circle.
3. Systematically climb higher, pulling your body up onto window ledge until your feet are as high as they can possibly go (as of right now it is the top of his dinosaur - I'm sure if we give it a week, he'll figure out how to get his whole body on the ledge).



Frightened? Yes. I am a little concerned that my 11-month old has discovered how to climb on a variety of objects and pieces of furniture in our house - particularly things that are close to our third-story window.

Owen's dad however, would disagree. This is simply a manifestation of his future skills a climber. Joey's mother assures me that he was climbing onto their roof by age two. What fun I have to look forward to! I guess Joey came by it honestly as well. It is in the Wilson boys' blood. Like grandfather, like father, like son.

Joey at 5-mile boulder in Little Cottonwood Canyon

Grandpa Ted (Poppy) in the Tetons

DUN

Members of Joey's family received this email yesterday (with the same heading as this post):

Everyone,

Finished my Master's Degree today. Please refer to me only as Master Joey now. Thank you.

-Joey

So for those of you considering calling Joey by something other than " Master Joey" consider yourself warned.

ultimate gEEk

Joey celebrated his 27th birthday on Tuesday. We spent the night in good company eating pizza, frozen key lime pie and playing games.

We are all thankful Joey is in our lives, for more reasons than one. I composed a list of many of those reasons, which Owen and I gave to him early Tuesday morning (Joey may or may not have appreciated the early morning wake-up call, but he was a good sport nonetheless).

Since that list was created, I have been thinking about the many other contributions Joey has made to my life, his friends' and family's. I will only name a few:

1. "His computer hacking skills": for those of you who know Joey, they will know this quote has multiple meanings. The first is that it comes from Napoleon Dynamite, which Joey quotes regularly (I think he secretly wishes he was Kip). The second is that he really is quite useful when it comes to computers. Case in point: when a group of friends were gathered around watching the Jazz game late one evening, he was sitting on the couch fiddling with the computer. He has since been hired by several family members and friends who have needed his expertise. We have all been helped by his computer hacking skills.

2. His ability to connect different groups of people: he created two online forums and a blog within the last few years. His first was www.uengineers.com. It is a forum for engineer students to discuss many techy issues. As Joey has said numerous times, "We put the EE (electrical engineer) in gEEk." The second website is www.ultimateslc.org. It is an Ultimate Frisbee forum that discusses his favorite sport and posts upcoming events and announcements. His passion for this sport was evident when he willingly volunteered to watch Owen for two hours every week so his wife could go learn the sport. True love. His most recent production is Double Stamp, a blog about useful computer and internet technology for those of us who aren't technically savvy.

This guy is creative, passionate and full of energy. We are all grateful he is in our life, but I am mostly grateful that he is my Ultimate gEEk.