Things I am Thankful For

I am thankful for many things. Including the cuteness and sweetness of my baby. When she wants help she says "help you." How sweet is that?

Her Mother's Daughter

Girl Wonder is her mother's daughter no doubt. I'm just saying, I can see so much of myself in her. She says things that no one else understands. She is passionate about said thing. She is stubborn. Silly. Loves to dance and sign around the house, hates to clean up, likes to snuggle and read books, is obsessed with shoes and purses. And she loves the rest of the Wonder family more than anything else in the world. And despite her "spiciness" they love her too.

I Hope He Never Loses His Spirit

Today we were in the car and I said to the kids "look at the sunset." Boy Wonder replies "It sure is a beauty."

August? Really?

I knew it had been awhile, but was August really the last time I updated the blog?! Wow. In short, our lower level of our house (aka were we spend most of our time) was washed out in a storm and we couldn't use it for a month and half and poor Wonder kids had to share a room, Papa and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary in Spain, Italy and (almost France-damn you wicked French winds), the kids went on a "Wisconsin vacation," Boy Wonder started preschool and loves it, and Girl Wonder is talking like crazy and learning new things everyday.

And that is us in a nut shell. What have you been up to?

Apparently We Have New Names

Boy Wonder has taken it upon himself to rename us.

Boy Wonder = Hunk
Mama Wonder = Punk
Papa Wonder = Junk

Girl Wonder does not currently have a new name, but I am fairly certain he is trying to think of something that rhymes with ours.

The funniest part was that he kept calling Papa "Junk" as in "Can I please have some water, Junk?"

Seriously, where does he get this stuff?!

Awww....

Tonight I told Girl Wonder "I love you." And do you know what she said?!

She said "wauv ou." Then she walked up to Boy Wonder and said "wauv ou" and gave him a kiss.

What Not to Wear

This morning was our customary send off. I gave Boy Wonder a kiss goodbye, told him that I hope he has a great day and I will miss him all day long. He looks at me with those beautiful blue eyes and says “Is that a man’s suit?”

It Involved Lots of Bribes, a Threat of Jail Time, and some Oxy Clean

From the quick glimpse that I got on the camera, it looked like the pictures turned out really cute. Hopefully we will be able to get them in the next few weeks, and I will post some for you to enjoy, because of course you want to see them, and of course since the kids are impossibly cute you will enjoy them.

All in all, the night was a lot of "Girl Wonder look here...Boy Wonder look at the camera...Girl Wonder can you sit down next to your brother?...Papa be ready to take the picture...Mama do you do professional modeling...Boy Wonder please don't tackle your sister anymore." Of course as soon as we got to the park there was an ice cream truck, which is all Boy Wonder could think about. And of course the ice cream truck drove by in the middle of pictures which resulted in a few minutes of the ugly cry, and many promises that we can go and get ice cream from anywhere he wanted. It also involved giving him a dollar, and frankly I would have promised him a pony to cooperate.

As we were getting near the end of our session, a few "kids" started playing in one of the fountains, and of course Boy Wonder wanted to join in the fun. After several attempts at reasoning that he could not stripe down into his underwear to play in fountain, he was still convinced I that I am trying to ruin his life and prevent him from having any fun at all. So I told him that those boys could go to jail for doing that and did he want to go to jail?! He said he didn't and decided that it was best to get some ice cream on the way home and watch a concert that the Lake Harriett band shell. Of course now his white shirt is soaking in Oxy Clean in an attempt to get the chocolate ice cream out.

All of this in the of family pictures.

Coming Soon

Family pictures. Tomorrow we have our annual date with the most fantastic photographer to have our family pictures taken.

Wish us luck... We tend to have someone in the family who takes pictures like Chandler from friends.

A Boy's Perspective on Stinky Socks

Tonight Boy and Girl Wonder and I were getting to go for a walk. I asked Boy Wonder to get his socks and shoes. When I was putting his socks on him, I made joke about them being stinky. He asked me what they smelled like and I said "they smell like Boy Wonder."

His reply was "Oh, so they smell like flowers."

Watch out PGA Tour

After several trips to the driving range, Boy Wonder was ready for the real course.


He made a legit bogey on his first ever whole.

Like all golfers, he still needs lots of work on his short game.

Can't wait for many, many more rounds together. Thanks for joining us Grandpa.

Say What?

Whenever we read "Horton Hears a Who" we always make up silly titles like "Horton Said Boo" or "Horton Hears a Moo." When we read it the other night Boy Wonder and I had our clever banter back and forth with different plays on the catch title. Boy Wonder took the cake with "Horton Has Swine Flu."

Let Summer Begin!

Happy Birthday Girl Wonder!

Can it really already be a year?! It seems like just weeks ago I first saw you and realized in an instant that I had been missing you my whole life.

You have been such a blessing! It is amazing how your personality is coming alive! You love to giggle, play patty cake, cheer, dance and blow kisses. You are also starting to show that you are an independent girl who knows what she wants, and when she wants it.

It is so much fun to see you play with your brother and "hit" the ball with the golf club and do "big kid" things. You try to run and then realize that you don't know exactly how to move your feet that fast, but you keep on trying. You are growing up so quickly.

Our hope for you is that you continue to know how much we love you and how special you are. May the next year be full of new adventures as you continue to grow into a little girl who we couldn't be more proud to call our daughter.

He Popped the Question

Tonight he made me the happiest girl in the whole world. Boy Wonder asked me to marry him!

Dear Readers, Are you There? It's Me, Mama Wonder

I know, I know I know....we have been neglecting this blog. If anyone is still checking it (and based off the feedback we have received from Grandpa S, I assume at least a few people are checking it), we are so sorry.

In the past month we have had three infected ears, phenomena, nagging coughs that just won't quit, a small(ish) bathroom remodel, new cabinets put in the laundry room, purchased a new refrigerator (it's so pretty and big), played outside on the days it has been warm enough but not too windy that we run the risk of Baby blowing away.

We have gone for a few walks and Boy Wonder has ridden his new two wheeler (with training wheels) around the block and down a ravine (unintentionally, but shortly after he calmed down from the terror of the experience asked when he could do it again). He has rediscovered his love of ALL sports and golf is a high priority, after all he is Papa's son. Seriously is it normal that a 4 year old he wants to watch golf on TV and knows the names of the players and their caddies?! He has also discovered that he simply cannot live without a new golf wedge and that the driving range is his happy place. He is signed up for PeeWee tennis starting this weekend, so hopefully that will help him work off some of his energy. His music choice du jour is Sugarland and sings along to all the songs word for word. It is pretty cute and shows me the smallest glimmer of hope that he may know there is something else besides sports. Tonight when we bought a Darius Rucker CD, he said "Sure he's good, but I wish it was Carrie Underwood." What?!

Baby Wonder has started to walk although she still crawls about 50% of the time. She has found the Tupperware cabinet and discovered the joy of emptying it completely and taking pieces all over the house, In case you didn't know a colander can double as a cowboy hat. In the past week she has doubled the number of teeth she has and is now up to 4 (two on the top and two on the bottom). One of my favorite things is hearing her blow kisses (she makes the holds her hand up to her mouth and then makes the cutest moau sound). Yesterday I caught her bobbing her head to Van Halen in car. She is starting to clap her hands and say "Yeah." Other than that her words are pretty limited to Mamma, Dadddda, and occasionally throws something else in like peek-a-boo, or thank you.

Kids can say things that are so hilarious. In the past few days here have been a few highlights:

Mama to Boy Wonder: You are a man's man.
Boy Wonder. Yep, I am a mail man.

Boy Wonder: The new fridge matches the oven, the dishwasher and that thing you make leftovers in (aka. the microwave).

Boy Wonder: (As the traffic light turns green) Thank you green light dudes for changing the light so we can go.

Pictures will be posted soon...so stay tuned.

I Am Going To Hold Him To It, Maybe

Boy Wonder: When I turn six will I be old enough to have a girlfriend?
Mama: What?! Why do you ask? Do you know what it means to have a girlfriend and not just a friend who is a girl?!
Boy Wonder: Well, how old do I need to be before I can have a girlfriend?
Mama: 16
Boy Wonder: (whining) No.... I don't want to be 16!
Mama: How old do you want to be?
Boy Wonder: 26

As of now I am perfectly content to be his main girl until he is 26 (since I really don't want to share him). But I know that someday he will (presumably before he is 26) want to date. But until he does his sister and I are his "best girls."

Sometimes You Just Have to Close Your Eyes and Rest...

Even if you are in the middle of eating lunch.

Ten Months and Yes, a Few Weeks

Baby Wonder is 10 months old. She is crawling all over, standing on her own for a few seconds, and into pretty much everything. She also

has gotten her first tooth (and after only 4 short months of teething?!) is waving, and heaven help us-talking. She says Mommmmmmaaaa, Dadddddaaaaa, hi baby, peekaboo, and some have even heard Grandpa.

She loves playing with Boy Wonder and laughing at him! The other day she even crawled over to where he was laying on the floor and threw herself on top of him an a bodyslamesque manner. She loves to dance and play with the toy guitars and signing into the microphone, and playing peekaboo.

At dinner you LOVE to run your food caked hands through your hair and have figured out how to use a cup which isn't surprising since you are so smart (genius really but I don't want to brag).

Happy Birthday Boy Wonder

I just can't believe that you are four years old today. On one hand it seems like just yesterday that you can into our lives, but on the other I have known you my whole life.

You are the most amazing little boy. You have a heart of gold and nerves of steel. Everyday you make the lives of those who know you brighter. Just knowing you make me better. You have a laugh that is contagious. You tell the best knock knock jokes (orange you glad I didn't write one). You LOVE sports, playing Wii (mostly sports games), reading books (your favorites are your name book, Horton Hears a Who, Are you My Mother, and I love You As Much As). Your favorite movie is Cars, and you love to watch the show Pinky Dinky Doo, Curious George, Handy Manny, and Barney.

I hope you never lose your courageous spirit. Never be afraid to try something because after all you never know what you will like, who you will meet or what you can become unless you dare yourself. Just remember that as your Mom, I will always love you and will try really hard not to worry too much (although I really wasn't kidding when I told you that you have be 21 to go down the big ski jump. I just don't think I could stand watching you fly through the air like they do.)

As you get older I hope that you will still think being with your family is fun. I hope that you and Baby Wonder will always be friends and look out for each other. So far you and she are off to a pretty good start and I can just tell that you are going to be a good team.

Always remember that you are a special gift from above and no matter how big you get you will always be my baby boy. So Happy Birthday to you Freddie , Rye Rye, Peanut Butter, Bruce (your puppy dog name), and Ryman!

I Love you and am so glad I get you be your Mom!

Mom, Ginger, Jelly, Momio, and Annabelle

And So It Goes

Boy Wonder had a little moment that he couldn't play outside anymore. He was having what we call the ugly cry. Snot running, tears flowing, red face, and beyond the point of reason.

Baby Wonder thought it was a little funny so she giggled. Boy Wonder did not find the situation to be funny. At all. He looked at her and said with the most serious look "It's not funny to laugh at somebody when they are crying."

And so we enter into the days were one laughs at the other, and the other isn't a laughing.

Happy Anniversary

The Wonder's would like to wish Great Grandma and Grandpa J congratulations on 62 years of wedded bliss!

Boy Wonder Hits the Slopes for the First Time

He had the time of his life! We are fairly certain that if an almost 4 year old could be a ski bum, he we would want to be one. If you watch carefully you can see him go over a little jump. The jump was the highlight of the day for him.

Highs and Lows

One ritual in the Wonder House, is before bed with Boy Wonder we share our highs and lows from the day.

Let's recap how they went tonight.

BW: What was your low mom?
MW: Not spending enough time with Boy Wonder and Baby Wonder.
BW: What was your high?
MW: Spending time with dad at a church function.

MW: Boy Wonder, what was your low?
BW: Not spending a lot of time with you and dad.
PW: Your High?
BW: When I almost chipped in when we were playing Wii golf. I was so close and it hit this red thing.

BW: Dad, what was your low?
PW: Not Spending enough time with you and your sister.
BW: And you high?
PW: Having a great night with my best friend.
BW: What's her name?
MW: What do you think her name is?
BW: I don't know......maybe Calvin.
MW: Do you know a Calvin?
BW: No. What was your friend's name dad?
PW: My best friend is mommy.
BW: That's sooo sweet. I love you mom!

Little Girls Are Made of Sugar and Spice

And spaghetti.

Happy Birthday Papa Wonder!!!

You are the best Dad and we love you so much!

Is There Anyone Reading Who...

Is wondering what the Wonder's are so busy doing that they haven't updated the blog much?

I'm wondering the same thing. Truth be told, I have no idea what we are so busy doing. Where does the time/day go?

So until next time here are some pictures of the little ones...

Our silly little monkey.

And our hockey super fan at his first Minnesota Wild hockey game.

Does Anyone Have An Extra Ticket?

Boy Wonder saw the commercial for the World's Toughest Rodeo which is coming to town this weekend. He thought it looked neat, but when he heard "children will receive a free cowboy hat" he was sold. Hook, line and sinker....

When I asked him if he know what happens at a rodeo he looked at me like a kid on Christmas morning and exclaimed with utter excitement that "Children get a free cowboy hat on Saturday!"

I'm pretty sure the next thing out of his mouth will be that they'll sell me the whole seat, but I'll only need the edge.

Is There Anyone Reading Who

Has ever made the conscience decision to eat cake and watch TV instead of working out?

Please tell me I'm not alone people. Please.

I Know the Economy Is Bad, I Just Didn't Know It Is This Bad

Boy Wonder has been asking for money for his piggy bank. He got a new one for Christmas that counts and sorts the coins. It is pretty cool.

In the spirit of teaching Boy Wonder that there is no free lunch and you have to work to for things, we talked about the things he could do around the house to earn money. We explained to him that if he helps empty the trash cans we would give him money.

So tonight with wide eyed excitement he set off to earn a living. He took the can from each room, emptied it, then put them back. When all the cans were emptied it was time to settle up.

We went to his room and I began to pull out a few coins when he announced that I owed him $600. I knew inflation was on the up swing, but I had no idea it was that bad....

I May Be Losing Control, and He Is Turning Into Elvis

Boy Wonder: "Mom, if the Vikings don't play the Packers will you cheer for the Vikings?"

Mama: "Sure." A fake plastics smile on my face and persperation developing on the palms of my hands.

Boy Wonder: "I like both the Packers and the Vikings." Said only because he could tell that this whole conversation was paining me.

Mama: "You can cheer for whoever you want to cheer for." Not really meaning it but know I had to act like an adult.

Boy Wonder: "Thank you. Thank you very much." In a deep low Elvis impersonation.

Happy Birthday Grandpa S!

The Long Overdue Santa Pictures

" Listen. I said Rock Band. Not rubberband. Are we clear?"

"Can I get up yet?"

"Please dont' pee on me little girl. I just had the suit cleaned."

A Wonderful Christmas and New Year

Here are a few pictures from our wonderful Christmas! We hope you were able to enjoy the spirit of the season and time with those who you hold dear.

2008 was certainly a big year for us. We meet our newest member of our family and became a family of four. Thank you to all everyone who has meant so much to us.

May 2009 be all that you hope for!

The Wonder men all dressed from Christmas Eve service.

'Twas the night before Christmas and Boy and Baby Wonder are in their

new Christmas jammies.

"Is it really Air Hockey?!"

They always like the paper the best...

Santa brought Boy Wonder a bathrobe so he doesn't have streak through the house after a bath.

Despite teething and having a cold, Baby Wonder's first Christmas was wonderful.