It's them Hicken's

A Picture Collage

2012-02-12T22:53:00.000-07:00

Here's what the Hicken's have been up to lately! Enjoy!!!

Captions! (left to right)
1. Maya is shopping, 2. Emma has her hair curled, 3. My kids on a day off, 4. bowling, 5. Maya waiting for Santa, 6 & 7. Chuck E Cheese, 8. Emma is loading her cart, 9. Maya is loading her cart, 10. Maya's tired, 11. Emma is picking out her own clothes, 12 & 13. My girls just being silly, 14. Emma is relaxing with cucumbers, 15. Maya & her devilish grin, 16. New paint in the kitchen, 17. Gage at the dentist, 18. Gage & a visitor, 19. Em & M, 20 & 21. Emma being an acrobat, 22. Maya trying to be, 23 & 24. Gage/guns, 25. Bill & Beth go to the theatre, 26. Maya/ "NoIdoit", 27. We have a streaker, 28. Gage is 80lbs of white hot furry (he really did say this), 29. Bill & Beth enjoy a murder mystery, 30. A duplicate of Maya's shopping excursion!

Its been a while

2012-01-12T17:09:00.002-07:00

Christmas was lovely! Here are some pics

We blocked the entrance to the living room with wrapping paper (an idea I heard about at Time Out For Women).

I had to include this shot of Maya! She is hugging her "doh- wa" (Dora) through the package! I love the way she is hugging it so tightly that it shows up in her face. Maya does this a lot. "Doh-wa" has become one of her most favorite toys this year!

We got a very grand gift from Aunt Kelly this year! Its a ride on camaro. It is battery operated and it also can be run by remote which will be excellent for Maya! The kids have already gotten very good use of this toy! Thanks again, Aunt Kelly!!!

"Goodbye you Gage!"

2011-12-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight at dinner Maya bit her thumb while eating a biscuit.

It was kind of cute & sort of sad & a whole lot of funny all rolled into one. Gage was laughing so hard & it made her angry; so she stormed away from the table hurling jibberish insults to all of us - but mostly Gage. Then she said the funniest thing in language we actually understood -

"Goodbye. You. Gage!"

Indeed.

This video was taken immediately following but as you can see; all was forgiven & she was back to her ~~normal~~ old self!

Don't be alarmed.....

2011-12-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

We have a witch living in our house. I know its closer to Christmas than Halloween but some things are just harder to let go of.....in Maya's case, its being a witch!

A Christmas Tradition

2011-12-09T22:47:00.001-07:00

We usually do a gingerbread house every year. We didn't get to it last year because we were moving. I still had the house I bought from last year & it was still in the box & in great condition! So tonight we the kids ~~harassed us~~ decided it was time!

and because I know you are dying to see what Christmas looks like in a house as crazy as mine......

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-06T11:49:00.001-07:00

We have a Christmas tree downstairs this year (I guess there was one last year too...eventually). Emma was in charge of the star this year which was a very huge responsibility - according to her!

Then things got a little crazy at the Hicken house, as they normally do......

They think they are models; I think they are "posers" either way it was very funny.

Halloween

2011-11-25T22:05:00.001-07:00

I know I am just a lil late but........

"Coby ma cwown" translation "Covy is wearing my crown"

2011-10-23T18:50:00.000-06:00

Today I was uploading pictures from my camera. When I was finished, Bill & Maya were looking at a slideshow and when it stopped on this one.....well view for yourself!

We've Been Tangled...

2011-10-23T18:09:00.001-06:00

Emma & Maya had birthdays in September. Em really wanted a party with her friends. Maya did too but she doesn't really have friends of her own. We Emma decided on a combined party with Maya & they would share friends (which is what they do anyway).

The oranges are boats (I am not sure if you can tell?)

We planned to add some paint to our gallery!

There was a station for more coloring activities!

This is Covy Jones - I have the funniest video involving this picture which I will post later!

Emma is 5!

We also pinned frying pans on Flynn Rider!

Bill drew this for us! I hope he got the nose right?

Maya is 2!

It was a happy day for my girls. I am exhausted!

Lots of Videos! this is of Maya!

2011-09-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

I finally had time to resize some videos I have wanted to post. Here is one from Emma's ballet class (it was a parents class which means we can go in and watch). Maya was invited to dance with the class and holy cow she was excited! Enjoy!

A new Ballet Recital

2011-09-29T15:13:00.001-06:00

Emma takes ballet with Provo Rec. The classes are twice a week and they last for 45 minutes; then they have a recital at the end of the month! That is why there are so many recitals! Unfortunately, Emma has decided to take a break from ballet class for a little while (I think it was too much for a girl her age) but I do hope she will want to do it again!

The Ballet Video Is Here!

2011-09-29T14:50:00.002-06:00

I know the other one never posted - my apologies - I needed to resize the video and I never made the time! but here is the video from the ballet recital from August! I do hope you enjoy it - I know we do! There are more videos to post so hopefully this all works out the way it should!

Congrats Ashleigh & Welcome Peyton!

2011-09-29T13:52:00.000-06:00

I have a really great shot of Ashleigh & Gage sitting on her hospital bed but its on my phone....I will have to email it to myself and add it later! Welcome Peyton!!! Here's to the memories that are sure to come!

Random pics never posted

2011-09-17T00:43:00.000-06:00

In all our cra-cra this year I have really slacked on the blogging so here are some pics to vouch for my lack of blogging......

Gage's Pinewood Derby Car - I think this was in March?? he came up with the design and paint scheme all by himself (Bill was concerned that it was so bland) but it was exactly as Gage wanted!

We went to Trafalga a lot this year as we had memberships to 7 Peaks!

Maya's bedroom got a very fancy frenchie french paint job! please note; it took FOREVER!!!

We were very successful with the garden this year and we ate many dinners supplied from it.

I mentioned once before that we had a visit from Aunt Lisa, Hunter & Frank but I never posted any pics!

I also finally finished the board & batten in Emma's room. Funny enough, I didn't take one picture....it really did turn out cute so maybe next post.

Its Emma's birthday today and she's turning 5!! She is so excited - when you ask her what she would like for her birthday she smiles and replies "everything" yup thats my girl!

2011-09-11T01:17:00.001-06:00

School started, summer is winding down and we are still crazy busy around here!

Bill spent almost 3 weeks of August working in Emery County; Huntington, to be exact. He stayed with dear friends (we are lucky like that!) in Cleveland (also in Emery County) and so the kiddies & I got to spend a couple weekends down there with them! We went out to the desert and looked for rocks, caught lizards, saw a dinosaur footprint and just enjoyed being in such good company!

This is the dinosaur footprint!

Emma, Maya, Zoey Jones, Orrie Draper & Shalyn Draper in front.

Bill, Gage, Ollie Draper & Quentin Jones

Skipping rocks!

Of course Maya had to try it too!

Emma found a new friend!

Emma's Ballet Recital

2011-08-18T23:00:00.010-06:00

We have been busy all summer. Like really, really busy! The kids have done swim lessons, day camps, scout camps, Seven Peaks, a visit from Aunt Lisa, Hunter & Frank and ballet classes (well only Emma for the ballet!).

Here is a video of Emma's performance. It is so adorable.

I hope you enjoyed that....I am sure you did! Note to self: make sure Emma goes potty before her next performance!

Here are some photos of her and her little class and of course the flowers that she ~~demanded~~ picked out for herself (I think I am raising quite the diva!)

Services by Maya

2011-05-30T18:55:00.002-06:00

Do you need custom wall art?

Is cleaning out your old makeup bag just too overwhelming?

Have you always dreamed of someone else cleaning your kitchen?

Is measuring not your forte?

Not enough time to clean your closets?

Do you need advise on applying your make up?

and a stylist?

Perhaps your life is ever so busy and you need a chef?

Have you ever stayed up all night worrying that your high chair is just too clean?

Is your life a little dull and you feel like you need high quality entertainment?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions than you need "Services by Maya!" As you can see, she is multi-talented and can accomodate almost any request.

I have been ~~subjected to~~ utilizing Maya's services in my home for about 20 months now and I can assure you, there is never a dull moment.

Her services also come very reasonably priced - mostly fruit snacks and capri suns....but I am sure she will accept any kind of treat offered!

Locks of Love

2011-05-25T15:00:00.000-06:00

For those of you who haven't seen Bill in the last month; he made a donation to Locks of Love. It was the night before Easter and his hair was 13 inches long! They divided his hair into 15 sections and started cutting. These pics were taken with my phone so they are not the greatest.

Bill's brother said he looked like the guy from Korn....whoever that is!

Here they are: all 15 sections of 13 inch long locks from my dearest. I think he said it took about 2 1/2 years of growing.

We took Maya to witness the haircutting so she would know what happened to her dad's hair. Being only 19 months old, she has never seen Bill with short hair. Sometimes when he pulled it back she cried at him - so we thought it was important for her to see it done. As you can see, she is not impressed!

And here it is....the shot you have been waiting for (unless you have seen him in the last month).

Easter!

2011-04-27T11:47:00.000-06:00

Here are some pics of us coloring Easter eggs. We decided to try food coloring instead of the tablets because last year some of the tablets didn't color so well. We were very happy with the results of the food coloring/water/vinegar mix!

Here is from Easter Morning. The Easter Bunny is still "kicking out" all the eggs (I think Emma means hiding - she said this last year too!)

A Visit from Uncle Sam

2011-04-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Bill's baby brother Sam works in Provo. (Bill is the oldest of 7 and Sam is the youngest) Sam just got married last year (remember when Emma was a flowergirl?). My point is he has no kids - because he is recently married and my kids just adore him (because he is a lot of fun.....for kids!). Here are some pics from his latest visit.

Sam is quite the artiste n'est pas?

Princess Bed Chronicles Part 2

2011-04-01T22:03:00.000-06:00

It seems like it took forever and now it is finished...well almost. We still have to add the risers for the stairs but it feels so much better to say finis! I haven't started on curtains or shams and I need to finish her quilt. I also have grand plans to put up board and batten on her walls but today I just want to enjoy being done. In the meantime, Bill started on Gage's bed today.

And just for fun...I want you to notice that there is a door - but for whatever reason, Maya keeps climbing in/out all the windows!

If you're curious or want to build your own - we downloaded the plans from Ana-white.com they are free. We spent about $200 on wood, $80 on paint (we bought 2 gallons of primer/paint all in one from Behr in white and some shade of pink- the name is escaping me now). But I am sure if you want Bill to build you one (because he's so good at it; and loved it so much) he would only charge millions.....now who wants one?

Princess Bed Chronicles

2011-03-24T13:19:00.000-06:00

~~We have~~ Bill has been building Emma a princess playhouse bed. I found the plans at ana-white.com. So far it has been easy (Bill says!) but time consuming. Here are some pics, keep in mind that although Bill builds it, it is I who sands and paints....along with help from the girls!

UPDATE: I started this post a few weeks ago. The bed is still NOT DONE! It is taking FOREVER!!!! Mostly due to bad weather/painting conditions and at this point I am totally over it! The great news is that it really is almost finished! More pics coming!

Random from the Hicken's

2011-02-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Gage on "Pizza Night"

Gage & Emma on Christmas Morning reading the letter from Santa!

Where in the world is ~~Carmen SanDiego~~ Emma & Maya?

Some pics from any random day!!

And because its been a hectic week (Em & M are sick) and a busier weekend (lots to do with our new ward and scouts and Em & M are still sick) HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL & KENNEN!

Aunt Lindy Saves The Day (again)

2011-02-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

We had to call Lindy again for another hair mishap. Emma was "curling" her hair with a comb. I was afraid we would have to cut it but luckily, Lindy came by and managed to untangle the mess!

And since she was here, we took advantage and had her cut Bill's hair (just a trim) and Maya had a first hair cut! Unfortunately, Gage was at scouts and didn't get a hair cut and he needed it the most!

Emma is Buying Lunchables

2011-01-25T17:50:00.001-07:00

Emma has been writing her alphabet and she's really very proud of that (and we are too!). Last night, after she wrote her alphabet she had some lines of random letters and scribbles. Here's the conversation:

Mom: What are those letters?
Emma: Uhm its a grocery list
Mom: Oh where are you going grocery shopping?
Emma: Walmart
Mom: What are you going to buy there?
Emma: Milk, eggs, bread, some lunchables for my kids
Mom: (trying not to laugh) How many kids do you have?
Emma: uhm I have 4.....no 6 kids.
Emma: so can you babysit my kids while I go to the store?
Mom: (trying really hard not to laugh because she is totally serious!) yeah I can
Emma: uhm so can I have some car keys? Lets just pretend I can drive!

A garage full of boxes & minty fresh carpet

2011-01-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

We've been in our new house for about a month. Which has been so exciting for us! We took some time off from unpacking the dreaded garage and are now realizing the consequences of our actions. I still can't find all of Gage's clothes but I do know where Emma's & Maya's clothes are; but they are not reachable! I have 2 very large boxes of shoes (mine!) that I would like to bring in but they are too heavy to lift over everything so I am just sticking to the 2 pairs of casual shoes & 4 pairs of boots (non snow boots) to wear for every occasion!

Emma is speaking to us with a British accent (thanks PBS) and she is also hanging onto the lisp she learned from some random movie on netflix. Maya is enjoying her growth of 7 new teeth in the last month by biting my sofas and leaving toothpaste all over our brand new carpet! Gage is enjoying making new friends at school and being in a primary class where he is the tallest kid by 6-10 inches. Yes this is really true, I would have thought we were at a Weishaar family reunion - these kids are that short!

In other news, we are really trying hard to get Maya to sleep in her own bed. She hates it and screams most of the night. Bill and I are taking turns getting up with her. So we hang in there lacking of sleep and having a garage filled with our own stuff!

Merry Sithmas!!

2010-12-23T01:05:00.003-07:00

I don't consider myself a "crafty" woman. I excel in some areas and not so much in other levels of craftiness and homemaking skills. With that being said, today I was a crafty diva!

It started out with a vision - a dream really. Actually it was a website I happened across with Star Wars snowflakes and once Gage saw it, I knew I was going to have to pull out all the crafty prowess I could muster! Making snowflakes is not a talent I possess. Let me be honest, I rarely manage to fold the paper correctly. But the boy "needed" these snowflakes for his own personal tree. And I am always searching for ways to make him believe I am the "cool mom" I proclaim to be. I knew I would have to at least try to make these Star Wars snowflakes.

It only took me several hours- yes hours, remember what I said about me being on differing levels of craftiness. If I could have found better tools it would have been easier and quicker (I still haven't unpacked much from that garage). They didn't turn out too bad, and I assure you, he thinks I am so cool. What mom doesn't soak that up?

....and so I say to all as I drive out of sight; Merry Sithmas to all, and to all a good night! (lol, its 1am this is the best I could do!)

The Hicken's have left the building!

2010-12-16T21:05:00.000-07:00

Its officially finished! Our move is OVER!!! it took about 10 days to pack, clean, organize, throw away, donate and beg innocent people to take the stuff we didn't want. I don't want to give the wrong impression so I will just say that although the old house is empty it doesn't mean the new house is unpacked or organized - it is clean though.....for the most part!

I don't have any photos to show because I can't find my camera and I don't even know where to start looking. Bill can only find one pair of shoes, my piano ended up in the playroom and we can't park in the garage because that's where everything is! Whats even worse, there is so much stuff in the garage that I don't know how we will get it out because we can't even move around in there!

One more thing - Please don't think ill of me but I won't be sending Christmas cards again this year....I can't find a pen to write with anyway! But if you would like to send me one (I really do love them) email me for my new address! dutchess80232@yahoo.com

Such a handsome boy!

2010-11-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

It started with a letter from the school nurse; Gage had failed his eye exam. I called Bill right away; I was freaking out. I kept thinking that it must be some mistake because I was sure my boy could see - or rather that I hadn't noticed that he couldn't see.

I called the school nurse next. I was sure she would tell me that they didn't really mean to send me that letter or it was all some sort of mistake; I really never noticed he had a vision problem. After talking to her for about 10 minutes I decided that it was time to take him in for an exam and mostly so I could see for myself that my boy really needed help with the seeing.

So we get to the eye doctor and it is decided that I will accompany Gage into the exam and not Bill because I am the one with all the eye troubles (experience) and I am also the one who needs reassuring of whether or not Gage really needs glasses. So they give him the test where he has to read all the letters and it was going well for the first 3 then he started saying letters that weren't there...then there were more letters that were not there & finally I realized my boy didn't have the perfect 20/20 like I thought he had.

So we called Bill in and picked out 2 pairs of glasses and Gage is perfectly happy with all of it!

Ode to Joy....or Gage

2010-11-01T11:33:00.000-06:00

So its been months and I'm finally getting around to that birthday post. Does this somehow disqualify me in any way for being "Mother of the Year"? This is Gage this year for his birthday - if you need reminding it was June 21st...he turned 8!

Gage at age 7 is the next one and the swimming ones are Gage at age 6....& again at age 5

This is Gage at age 4.....

This is Gage at age 3. We were in Michigan at the Grandparents "cottage" and he caught this frog and wouldn't let it go....no matter what he was doing. And that poor frog tried to play dead a few times but somehow Gage would shake him and he would come back to life! (This really is true!)

Gage at age 2 - He always wanted to be just like his "Best Pal" his dad! He used to tell me "Mom, Dad is my Best Pal and you are NOT!".......makes a mother feel great right??? not so much.

The start of the "Best Pal"

Here is when he was my "best pal" even though it was a brief best pal-ness! I'll take it! In this pic - Gage is only about 1/2 hour old. I was still in the delivery suite....this was the start of it all! Good Times! And now my boy is 8......

Maya was oh so tired

2010-10-30T18:26:00.000-06:00

Sundays do this to me too!

Ballerina Girl

2010-10-28T21:52:00.003-06:00

Emma has been taking ballet for the last 6 weeks and yesterday was her last class! Here are some pics

I will try to keep my "crazy" in check and not bore you with the details of how great a ballerina she is (but she really is!) and how excited I am that she obviously inherited my dancing abilities so I am including video so you can see for yourself!

These are not a greatest quality of video...I forgot my video camera and had to use a regular camera and the lighting is really bad....but hopefully you will enjoy them as much as I have!

What? I suppose you think two dozen roses is overkill for a first performance? I think not.

I guess they were kind of heavy for a 4 year old to carry but I was just so excited - and they look great on my table!

Oh what to write about.........

2010-09-27T14:12:00.001-06:00

because I have not been good at blogging as of late. Enjoy some pics & I will figure out a much earned post!

This is from the 24th of July children's parade in Wallsburg. That's Gage in the orange shirt on the bike that is way too small. And there is Bill & Emma.

Here is Emma on the morning of Sam & Erin's wedding. We were just going to Walmart to get her artificial nails (she can't help herself!). All the gray haired ladies thought she was just so adorable!

Here is Gage partying up. Truth is, I didn't see Gage most of the night. His cousins Cully & Austin were there and you never see Gage when they are around. They are always busy doing "man things"...whatever that means!

Here is a pic of Gage & Emma on our drive to Chicago...this is after about 12 hours in the car!

Here's Maya after a much enjoyed lunch....but who am I kidding - she enjoys food anytime!

Oh how ~~cute~~ hum I mean romantic! Bill & I are waltzing at our Young Women's Royal Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful Ball...so tender! It really was a lovely evening until our babysitter called at 8pm to say Maya had been screaming since we left - sorry D & Raye!

Okay so I don't know why I am including this shot...but really I love it. I don't know why, but it is my favorite one. Look how much fun Bill & I are having. I think this may have been our first date (alone) in years....and I am also noticing that I am in desperate need to get my roots done!

And just because....well because. It is her birthday today the big ONE....One year ago today she was born. This year has gone by so fast and slow all at the same time. She has 4 teeth and has taken first steps. She bosses us around and tells us in a "matter of fact" way with her finger pointed at us; we may not know what exactly she's saying but the tone is clear. All year I have gotten weekly emails from Babycenter.com about her development & imagine my shock & horror this morning to get the "Your Toddler Week One." I don't know if I am ready for her not to be a baby anymore. Well anyways Happy First Birthday Maya!

August, where are you??

2010-09-07T10:09:00.000-06:00

Well I missed it! the whole month of August just flew right passed and I am not sure that I even noticed. Don't you just hate that? To make it worse, I have about 450 pictures on my camera just waiting to be uploaded from various activities and vacations that we took in August! I know how you can't wait to see that!!!!

Some highlights of August, & in no particular order (yes that's how my brain works these days!):

Gage started school (3rd Grade - how did he get so old?)
A trip to Nauvoo, Il (it was a long drive to Chicago)
A campout in Moon Lake (love to be with the Allred family)
A trip to Chicago (my grandmother passed away August 6)
A stop in Moline, IL (John Deere Headquarters)
Emma is finally potty trained (she is almost 4)
Heber Valley Girls Camp (Young Women)
Emma was a flower girl for Bill's brother's wedding (& now we have a sister in law named Erin & we love her)
That may be it for now....now to upload those photos...I wonder how long that will take?

Gage's Baptism

2010-07-23T00:00:00.000-06:00

We are an LDS family. That means members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Our church believes in being baptized by immersion and doing so when you've reached the age of accountability (age 8). Gage turned 8 a month ago (June 21st) and was baptized July 10th. It was very special for our family and even more so for Gage.

To make the day special; I ordered Article of Faith cards with his picture on it because he wanted to give them to his friends/cousins. If you're interested you can get them here lds-baptisms.com and here is the finished results:

Okay so the Articles of Faith didn't turn out so well because I took a picture of a picture instead of scanning like I should have.....but in person they are beautiful! After Gage's baptism we had a brunch with all the family.

It was a great day and we are so proud of Gage's decision to be baptized! Now if only I could persuade him to finish those "Thank You" notes!!!!

Bobcat!

2010-07-21T11:58:00.001-06:00

Gage has turned 8! He turned 8 on June 21st (remember how I said I was working on that birthday post? its not done yet!) Anyway, with turning 8 he's now a cub scout! That has been pretty exciting for Gage because Bill is currently the Cub Master! Bill has always been in scouts in some form since we've been dating. We actually had a bishop tell us "Once you're in scouts, you're always in scouts!" That has been a true fact in Bill's case. But back to Gage's Bobcat badge Achievement. So the ceremony goes like this: they call up the scout

And his parents- (love the hat Cub Master Bill!! haha) uhhm and yes that is an old maternity shirt I'm wearing...I'm making a fashion statement (laundry day!). So his Den Mother is talking about the badge and how he's earned it and all this fantastic stuff I can't remember....then she pins the badge on his shirt and she gives him a pin to pin on me!!!

Then Gage got to lead the scouts in reciting the Law of the Pack! Memorizing it is one of the requirements in earning the Bobcat Badge.

Here is a pic of my mother's Bobcat Pin:

It was a lovely evening and we are so proud of Gage!

Gage went to the Jeremiah Johnson Day Camp last Tuesday and earned/awarded these also:

Did I mention how proud we are of Gage?

Random Thought

2010-07-17T00:29:00.000-06:00

Wait a minute- Why is it past midnight and still my temperature gauge reads 85 degrees??? And if you care, I have been working on a post for Gage's birthday (June 21st) & his baptism (July 10th)...later!

And now, I must turn off the laptop (see mothers day post) because its working at 10% and about to die!

Cuz them Hicken's are cool like dat!

2010-06-23T00:50:00.001-06:00

Do you think I am ghetto for camping in my back yard? Because Memorial Day weekend Bill put the tent up and we camped out. Mostly out of boredom and also because we didn't plan on anything else to do that weekend. It was fun and we made it all night.

This is our tent...it is quite large and I believe it is made by Bass Pro Shop or something.....I'll have to ask Bill.

Then it got a little crazy and Gage showed us how he can put his leg behind his head:

And because she never wants to be "out done"

And then it got really crazy as I remembered how flexible I once was (Thanks to Carol Hutchington for all those years of ballet).....come on, how could I not?

Yes I am slightly embarrassed! But I told the boy I could do it and he didn't believe me! It was a dare! A right of passage even.....There are some things in this life I just can't pass up - maybe I should.....but I just can't!

Even Maya was impressed! So that is camping "Hicken Style" feel free to join us next time!

Because girls will be girls......or whatever

2010-06-07T13:54:00.001-06:00

Last Monday, Emma cut her hair. I don't know why. I was in the living room nursing Maya and Emma came in all smiles and giggles and cuddled up to my arm. And that's when I noticed. Her bangs were all short in the middle (please see below!)

And so I calmly (I was calm at this point because I didn't know there was more!) asked her where the scissors were and then I proceeded to follow her and that's when I noticed this:

And then I freaked! I swear the room got smaller and my breathing became quicker and I kept thinking "THIS IS NOT HAPPENING!!!" But it was. And it was done...all over...her hair was gone.

So we made an emergency call to Lindy (Bill's sister) & set up an appointment for a consult because she does hair...professionally. And she really is very good. I initially thought maybe no one will really notice - we don't really have to cut all of it! And I said so to Lindy but then Lindy burst the bubble and said "Just walk away & I will fix it" and then there was this handed through the curtain:

And I started to cry & hyperventilate (yes I am lame like that) and Gage was imitating me & laughing about it hysterically. And then there was this:

And this:

And finally it was finished! It is a stacked A-Line (because she cut it so short in the back it was kind of the only option) and Emma LOVES it!

And now everytime it is washed I have to add product to it & I have to blow dry & flat iron it.....and now I am just glad that Maya was with me and Emma didn't play beauty parlor with her too!

Color them Hickens'

2010-05-23T23:27:00.013-06:00

A few weeks ago we went to the Color Me Mine studio in Provo for Family Night. It was tons of fun and we turned out some really great pieces!

Gage painted a fish, Emma - of course she painted a princess (its a money bank too!), Bill painted a plate that resembles a pizza and I painted a mug. Below, you will find the finished master pieces! Enjoy!
Doesn't Bill's pizza look amazing? For those of you that didn't know, Bill is actually very artistic. Please don't think ill of me for taking a picture of a dirty plate; those are really crumbs he painted on...so clever! He invited me to go back to Color Me Mine on a date - just him & I - sans littles. I knew he would love it!

Here is the mug I painted.....it didn't turn out too badly - although I must admit; it did look differently in my mind! I was holding Maya the whole time because she didn't love the experience as much as we did - shocking - I know!

Dear Mr. Hicken,

2010-05-18T22:29:00.006-06:00

I know how you have loved every minute of the last 11 years with me. And how you appreciate all the cooking and cleaning I do around the house. All the sewing (um hello Boy Scout shirt) and the canning and the food storage I keep track of. Come on, you have to admit I am sort of like a domestic goddess these days; not to mention a sweet piece of eye candy (do I need to poll all the students at CST? and lose the last 40lbs I gained while pregnant with Maya). I have borne your children (and they are good looking & healthy). I have saved you bundles of money with all my sale stalking. I have been tolerant with all your crazy hair/beard/goatee styles and here is what I want in return;

Tonight we took the Young Women's group to Veronica's Bridal in Spanish Fork. We had a lovely lesson on modesty and getting married in the temple. Then "Mrs. Veronica" let us try on the wedding dresses! And I found one screaming my name. Now I realize we have already been married twice, and weddings can be rather expensive, but you know how hard I work around here (please re-read all the beautiful attributes I have listed in paragraph 1). The bottom line is - I must have this dress. I also need somewhere to wear it and so I propose we get married (again); and have a lovely wedding reception (again). Now, I can't promise inexpensive because well.... this is really not that kind of dress but I can tell you - it will be grand & magnificent & the kind of third wedding all couples long for. And you have been working so hard and deserve a party....so please?

Love,

Your Eternal Companion (Keep this in mind because, after all, eternity is a VERY long time!)

PS - Don't say no - I know where you sleep!
PPS - I will wear make-up & fix my hair for this wedding/reception (because I did not in these pics!) & lose those dreaded 40lbs(please see paragraph 1)

The Agreement

2010-05-10T15:16:00.005-06:00

Maya and I had a discussion and came to an agreement; or so I thought. She wasn't going to do any more whining! I really thought she understood and then this happened....

I suppose she kept her end of the agreement since this is more of a cry and not a whine.

In other news, Mother's Day was an uneventful day. I have grown accustom to Bill forgetting about it. In all fairness, he did remember it but we were in Eagle Mountain helping some friends install a sprinkler system all day on Saturday. Apparently, somewhere in his mind, Saturday is the only day to buy things. A few years ago I thought I would "teach him a lesson" when he forgot Mother's Day and I booked a trip to Disney World. Today, I think I will buy a laptop........

Actually, I didn't have a horrible Mother's Day. Emma told me "Happy Mother's Day" every 3 minutes while I was getting ready for church. Gage made me some paper flowers and a card at school. Maya didn't even cry as much as she normally does; and I get to be a mother each and every day to 3 of the most precious littles I have ever known.

Maybe Bill has realized he can never top that?

And to all you wonderful ladies out there - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!

DR or ER?

2010-05-05T16:39:00.005-06:00

If you follow my blog, or even read it occasionally you are probably thinking "What has Emma done now?" Well, I will tell you!

It was going so well today. We woke up on time, got Gage to school on time, we met Bill in Pleasant Grove to grab my ipod that he took on "accident" (secretly, I think he LOVES my playlist!). We ate lunch in the McDonald's Playland (shh don't tell Bill). Then we shopped a few fabric stores for new pillows (I found some - thank you). We left Orem around 2:15 - just in time to pick up Gage from the bus at 2:40 with time to spare. And then it happened! On I-15 she starts crying.

Mom: "What are you crying about"
Emma: "I lost my ball WAAAAHAAAA"
Mom: "What ball?"
Emma: "That one I found WAAAAA"
Mom: "Where did it go?"
Emma: "WAAAAA I lost it in my ear"
Mom: "WHAT?!?!?!"

The problem was that I was on I-15. I didn't feel like it was completely necessary to pull over but yet, I feel the panic coming on. I mean really? What is a mom to do at a time like this? So I continued to drive.

Mom: "Does it hurt?"
Emma: "No"
Emma: "Mom, I want my ball"

At this point I am thinking "great, just great!" (can you type in sarcasm?). The next step was calling Bill. So I called him to ask him if he thinks I should go to the doctors office or the emergency room.

Bill: "Why did she put a ball in her ear?"
Beth: "Emma, Why did you put that ball in your ear?"
Emma: "Well, I was just playing with it and I put it in my ear."

I am so glad we got that cleared up! At this point, we arrived at the bus stop. Lucky for me, Jennifer Tanner pulled up (her husband is an RN). So I asked her to call him; for his opinion of course. He suggested going to the doctor first.

After an unsuccessful try to retrieve the ball with a straw taped to a vacuum; I give up and called the doctors office. They got her in within minutes (I live 4 blocks away). We saw the doctor and he managed to pull it out with some tool I thought was too big to fit in her little ear. All while the office girls were laughing their heads off.

Emma, Emma, Emma! (To get the full effect, shake your head!)

Diaper Changes

2010-05-04T22:29:00.003-06:00

Tonight, as we were trying to get ready for bed; Bill got a diaper and wipes to change Emma's diaper (yes she is still in diapers). She was playing and talking and dancing about but wouldn't stop for a diaper change. And so this gem of a conversation took place!

Mom: "Go get your diaper changed!"
Emma: "But Mom, I don't change diapers!"

And there you have it! 5 minutes in the life of the Hicken's.

Nails

2010-04-23T15:10:00.011-06:00

Last night Emma wanted her nails done. On occasion, I have been known to buy her little press-on nails (that are made for "little hands") and since we had some and of course she knew we had some; on they went. They are a bit longer than the ones we usually buy; but she liked the flower and glitter on these ones so much more than the shorter tips. Its not like she wears them for a day...they don't even make an hour - 15 - 20 minutes is about all she can handle them.

And then she decided that she needed some on her toes - yes toes! It was rather creepy but how could I not?

She was so proud of her toes. I talked her into only doing one foot and it wasn't an easy sell either. I can't put my finger on exactly what this reminds me of but its disturbing isn't it? Of course its funny too - I am still laughing at that girl......

And because I think these turned out so adorable - here's Maya!

There is almost a smile here and I am so proud of that! I am never quick enough for a good ole cheeser!

My Girls

2010-04-19T09:11:00.009-06:00

They are friends....that's how it should be!

Rolling & Easter

2010-04-10T23:47:00.008-06:00

Maya has started rolling over....she's been sitting up for the last month but just recently - she rolls! She also had her 6 month check up (okay I am really late as she had it the last week of March) but then she was 17lbs 5ozs and 26" long or short...whatever you wish! She is still a very short baby as compared to Gage or Emma and she is getting so sweet (depending on who you ask!)......I wonder what Amy or Ashleigh would say about that? hahah Also, she has cut her first tooth. It was the week before Easter and yes it is sharp! She is now cutting the one next to it!

Easter was lovely. We got about 4 inches of snow in Springville. Somehow, the Bunny still managed to make it and "kick out" all the eggs we dyed. I am not sure why Emma is confusing "hiding" with "kicking out" but that is what she is telling everyone! She & Gage really loved finding all those eggs and we only lost one! Which actually will be a huge deal soon - yes they are hard boiled eggs!

Emma has also decided to sit in Maya's bouncy chair......your guess is as good as mine on this one! She also loves taking Maya's socks and wearing them either as gloves or she shoves her feet in them too. She also wants to eat Maya's baby food. I find this really annoying because she NEVER ate baby food as a baby....all she wanted to do was nurse! Maya does like it (the baby food not sharing with Emma).

Gage's class at school performed an opera called "The Missing Ingredient." It was so cute! They made up the whole concept and lyrics and painted the scenery. Gage was a zombie - but he refused to wear toilet paper. He said it was embarrassing and lame and he refused! Luckily, his teacher is a gem and said it was okay. (Gage is the one on the right sans t.p.)

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp, Chirp................................

2010-03-22T12:03:00.003-06:00

Do you hear that?? Don't you love that? The chirping of Cricuts!!!!! YES Cricuts!!!!! Cricuts with Expression!!! hahahahahha - Happy Birthday to Me!

Who fed pudding to my baby?!?!?!?!?!?

2010-03-17T12:57:00.007-06:00

WHO FED PUDDING TO MY BABY??.....................................I should have known!!!!!

Rain Gutter Regatta

2010-03-17T12:02:00.006-06:00

This year the scouts participated in the Rain Gutter Regatta instead of a Pinewood Derby. It was last night and it was fantastic!

Gage wanted his ship to have a pirate motif. He told Bill all the things he wanted and they got to work sanding and building and painting their boats.

Gage won 2nd place for the cubs.....or something. (My apologies for not being up on cub scout lingo!) Gage told me before we left that I was not to say things like "I am proud of you" or "great job" and I am not supposed to smile or cry at him either....and NO HUGGING - definitely not that! But I am pleased to report that he let me say all those things to him and I was so excited!

Lets Go Fly a Kite!

2010-03-04T17:41:00.006-07:00

Up to the highest height! Lets go fly a kite and send it soaring.......We went kite flying yesterday with the Tanner's and today this

Oh well - I guess that's Utah for ya!

Lipstix Remix

2010-03-04T16:55:00.005-07:00

My birthday is this month. I don't actually celebrate that day anymore (since turning perpetually 25) but my husband thought enough of me to buy me a Lipstix Remix this year!

If you didn't see the premier of this gadget on ABC's Sharktank and if your favorite lipstick manufacturer discontinued the color you have been wearing for the last 14 years - you MUST get a Lipstix Remix!

And to think that Bill has been pressuring me to throw away all those tubes I have been saving for the last 14 years just in case this sort of thing happened and now?? Vindication! and pretty lips!

I Gotta Have That!!!

2010-02-25T00:16:00.007-07:00

Emma likes everything. She wants everything. It doesn't matter if its for girls or boys or adults - if she wants it she says so. For example, when Bill takes her to Sportsman's Warehouse she will pick out all the pink guns (real or toy) the pink knives, the pink fishing poles & matching tackle boxes (yes, they do have those!) and she will say "I gotta have that!"

On Saturday mornings when she watches cartoons every toy commercial that comes on she says "I gotta have that!" It doesn't really matter what it is - she wants it! She even wants products from infomercials (although, to be fair, Gage LOVES infomercials and he quotes them like a walking commercial when he tries to convince me to buy their stuff!)

So tonight, as I was in my bedroom changing Maya's diaper I hear screaming at the top of her lungs "I. GOTTA. HAVE. THAT. PINK. CELLPHONE!"

A three year old with a pink cell phone? Really Emma? really?
By the way, some of these photos she took of herself!

Gage does NOT want his hair cut!

2010-02-20T15:44:00.003-07:00

It makes more sense to watch the video on top and then the one on the bottom....fun, fun, fun!

Happy Birthday Bill & Kennen!

2010-02-18T09:30:00.008-07:00

Its Bill's birthday today! I ordered cupcakes from the Sweet Tooth Fairy in Provo! If you haven't tried them - you NEED to. No, they are not cheap but so worth it...

Maya & I have colds so the dinner I was going to make (chicken & mushroom ravioli in marsala sauce) was refused. (Bill is afraid to be infected with my germs -big baby!) We ate pizza from 2 Jacks instead. It was probably just as well...by that time of night I was starting to not be able to taste (don't you hate that?). Bill received ties from Gage & Emma and a mug from Maya. I think he had a great day!

In another note! We would like to wish Kennen a Happy Birthday too!

Happy Birthday Mrs. Cook

2010-02-16T14:12:00.004-07:00

If you didn't know - I am the room mother for Gage's 2nd grade class! Its kind of a large responsibility because there are not very many mom's/dad's that can help with parties and stuff! Last Friday was Mrs. Cook's birthday. It is my job to decorate her room! So I made this poster...if you have ever wondered whether or not to buy a Cricket - BUY ONE!!!! I borrowed one from my friend Ashleigh (thanks again Ash!) and she had the cartridge called "Paper Doll Dress Up." You can cut out different hair styles, different clothes, shoes etc. I also decorated the outside of Mrs. Cook's door but I didn't get any pics of that!

I took the poster to school on Thursday during lunch to have all the kids in the class sign it. They were so excited about which one was representing them and if they could color theirs and also that it was a surprise for Mrs. Cook! It was such a hit that we also did them for the craft for their Valentine's Day party I made more people and hair/clothes/etc and we glued magnets on the back and they could decorate them any way they chose! It was a great time!

Whine With Everything!

2010-02-05T14:41:00.006-07:00

My mother used to wear a nail polish called "Wine With Everything." She wore it for years.....YEARS!!! I've always thought the name was kind of funny and now it reminds of of Maya! That sweet little baby whines...a lot - is it normal for a 4 month old to whine?? Sometimes I just have to laugh at her. What is it that she has to be disgruntled about? I feed her, clothe her, wash her, wipe her bum, pat her back & walk her, she has amazing toys and still the infamous whine.....what is it????? It could be that Emma pesters her often (way too much) but I think she has it pretty good at the Hicken house. She has 2 siblings that delight in being near her & 2 adoring parents.......nevertheless whining! As funny as it may be; I tried to find a photo of her whining to post but you can't really tell she's even doing it......maybe she doesn't know she does it? Perhaps she's just bored?

4 Months!!

2010-01-28T16:34:00.004-07:00

Maya is 4 months old! We went to the dr today and she weighs 15lbs 4 ozs (84%) She is 24 1/2 inches long (60%) and her head is 16 1/2 inches (76%). She is doing so well! She wasn't very friendly with Dr. LeSueur or Dora (the nurse) - But she hasn't been very friendly with people lately; she doesn't want anyone to talk to her except for Bill & I & the kids! Isn't that normal at this age?? Perhaps she's lacking in social skills but she's definitely not malnourished! She is taking on the Weishaar gene by being a shorty and I think even her bone structure is more petite than Gage & Emma. She got her shots too which didn't faze her much because she was already screaming from me laying her down. Dr. LeSueur asked me if she was sleeping through the night and he laughed at me being satisfied with her waking 3-4 times a night! (He was not Emma's pediatrician or he would have been satisfied with that amount too!) anyway she's doing great!

Church

2010-01-24T20:19:00.005-07:00

While the Hicken's were getting ready to go to church; Gage was wandering around the house. Bill & I kept telling him to get his church clothes on and he wouldn't. Finally, we figured out that he didn't know where his church pants were. This is a regular occurrence at our house but I am trying to make him more responsible so I don't always keep track of where he puts stuff - well neither does he! Anyway after about 1/2 hour of telling him to get his pants on, he comes out with pants on that are a size 6 and says "This will just have to do!!" Maybe they were 5's even....You can't tell from the pic but they were floods - almost capris!! unless he pulled them down around his bum. I was laughing hysterically and then he got mad. I motioned for Bill to get the camera but he got caught and Gage started running around so Bill couldn't get his picture!

Another funny conversation happened with Emma today:

Beth: "What did you learn about in class today?"
Emma: "I don't know"
Beth: "Did you learn about Jesus?"
Emma: "NO! He wasn't there!"

In other news - Gage has lost another tooth. This makes 3....all from the bottom!

A Conversation With Emma......

2010-01-23T13:18:00.004-07:00

Emma: "Mom, can I use your camera?"
Beth: "No, you have your own camera"
Emma: "But I really want to use yours"
Beth: "No, that's why Santa brought yours - so you can use it"
Emma: "but I can't find mine"
Beth: "that's why I don't want you to use mine"
Emma: "WAAAAAH, WAAAAH; Dad! Mom made my feelings"
Dad: "What??"
Emma: "Can you make me some scrambled eggs??"

A week in review......

2010-01-21T11:59:00.005-07:00

The potty training is over! Not in a good way - Emma has decided that she is all done with that. Last week, when they came home from Wallsburg was the end of it! She did great all day but then when they got home she didn't want to come in and then it happened! Wet everywhere!!! She hasn't tried since! She has been enjoying watching Night At the Museum; Smithsonian and has been requesting braids like Sacajawea.

We went to parent/teacher conference for Gage last Thursday. He is doing really well! He is reading way beyond grade level and his math skills are advanced too! Mrs Cook said his only problem is that he didn't turn in any of spelling homework the whole 2nd quarter - Mrs. Cook could tell he had been doing it but he didn't turn in the paper work. As a matter of fact, I kept seeing them around the house (completed!) and I would ask him if he needed to take it to school and he would always say no - I had been throwing them away!!!! We set a goal to work on it! Another great accomplishment - Gage started reading on his own (like without being asked or assigned!) Bill started reading Harry Potter to us at night and Gage has been reading ahead because he likes the book so much!!! I am so excited/proud of him! He really is such a great reader but he never cared or showed any interest in reading anything that wasn't an assignment!

Maya is doing better at digesting breast milk...she still is gassy and burpy but it is less frequently. I imagine its because she's getting older and her body is working better. One of my girlfriends told me I should go off the chocolate while I am nursing....yeah maybe I will! She has her 4 month check up at the end of the month (I can NOT believe she is almost 4 months old!) She will also have to get some immunizations too - I am definitely not looking forward to that! I think she has been sleeping better in the night because I have started dreaming again - that's a good sign right??? anyways its been happening for the last 2 weeks so I hope its a trend that continues. She still wakes me up but I think last night it was only like 3 or 4 times.....its getting better!!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!

Enjoy some photos of Emma playing with Zoey Jones! We went to their house on Monday (no school) and Gage got to play with Quinten and of course Emma loves her "cousin" Zoey!

Quiet!

2010-01-13T16:28:00.008-07:00

Its been pretty quiet at the Hicken home lately....I mean as quiet as it gets with a 7 year old, a 3 year old and a 3 month old that has a hard time digesting breast milk! I guess it hasn't really been quiet - just nothing to "blog" about! Last night, Bill took Emma & Maya to the grocery store with him to pick up some onions for dinner, I felt really excited for them to leave because it had been a long day and I was thinking it would give me a 15 minute break of silence right? Not so much; as soon as they got out the door Gage decided to turn chatterbox and no kidding he talked my ear off for the entire time they were gone!!!! I couldn't believe it! Its not that I don't love talking to Gage - I absolutely love anytime he will talk to me...its just that I was hoping for a quiet minute and instead I was bombarded with games he wanted me to play and ways I should play them and then yelling when I didn't do it just the way he showed me...........

In other news! Emma has consented to potty training! We have been trying officially since Monday and really its gone well. It was her idea (which has been the "make or break") and so far, she has enjoyed it too....well the idea of being a big girl and all the incentives Bill has promised her! They went to Wallsburg for the day and I am anxiously awaiting the potty report!

I included a photo with Mikey & Emma doing a science experiment from the kit Aunt Lisa sent. Then there are some photos from New Years Eve...We spent New years eve with Bill's sister Lindy, her husband Rob and their boys and the boys' cousins! Then there is a pic of Maya - just because I liked it...and as long as my hodge podge collection of pictures isn't making sense - enjoy a few more!!! maybe I will post about them later!!!

Maya loves her bouncy chair

2010-01-02T23:46:00.005-07:00

My sister Lisa spoils my children. There's no hiding it or changing it - she doesn't even care! When she emailed me this year to ask what the kids wanted for Christmas I told her "nothing" because they didn't pick up anything they already own. Then I felt bad and told her to buy them each a bag of chips. Then Bill pointed out that those would be all over the floor too; so then I was back at "nothing" and I left it at that. About a week later, UPS started coming...the first day he left a bouncy chair for Maya and some make-up for Emma and a science kit for Gage. Such lovely gifts for children who don't put things away! I texted her to thank her and then the next day the UPS man came back....with more! I think he came back 3 more times with things for my little darlings to leave all over my house! Anyways it was a lovely gesture and I am grateful she thinks enough of my children to buy them such nice things! and Maya really does love her bouncy chair! So thanks Aunt Lisa!!!!!

Thanks Zach & Jill

2009-12-31T13:46:00.005-07:00

Bill's brother is Zach. Zach's girlfriend is Jill. I don't know Jill very well (I have only seen her like 3 times since they have been dating). For Christmas, they gave us a lovely, LARGE gift basket of chocolate confections from the Fudge Fairy in Francis, Utah. THANK YOU - Zack & Jill!!! It was filled with 5 different flavors of fudges and chocolate/caramel covered pretzels, chocolate covered english toffees, peanut brittle, chocolate covered cinnabears, a bag of assorted nuts and my all time personal favorite a large chocolate/caramel/candied apple! It was so delicious! I have been "jonesing" for one for quite some time but I try not to buy things like that because since Maya was born I only fit into 2 pairs of pants! Anyways I have been snacking out of this basket since Christmas (more like gorging) and I am pretty sure I am not going to fit into those last 2 pairs of pants anymore either....is it in poor taste to ask for a big bag of lettuce next year???

PS - My apologies of the pics of the fat girl devouring the candied apple......its just me! Bill & Gage called it "fat & happy" hahahahha they think they are so funny!!!!

A smile for Mom.....ummm okay it was for Gage

2009-12-30T19:12:00.007-07:00

Here are some pics of Maya smiling!! She normally only smiles in the morning but the other day she was full of happiness for Gage. Both my girls have loved having Gage as an older brother. When Emma was a baby she would be fussing/crying and Gage would walk into the room she would stop and smile at him - then continue on with her fit!

Maya's Blessed

2009-12-28T10:41:00.006-07:00

We held Maya's blessing yesterday. It was great! Grandpa Graham even stood in the circle! (He didn't stand in Emma's because he felt uneasy on his cane; he fell off a roof in Sept. 2004 and has had all sorts of surgeries on his hips etc. since). The only absence in the circle was my dad and the Beals boys. We had lunch at our house after sacrament meeting - and I must say it was successful! Today, we have way too much food...WAY TOO MUCH!!!! oh well..I think I can freeze some of it. I am trying to give away some of it...

Christmas was awesome!

2009-12-28T10:21:00.003-07:00

Its over! Officially over!! Does anyone else feel the same relief that I do after Christmas? This year the madness continued because we had Maya's blessing yesterday too and that was so much work to prepare for! Today I am exhausted - but glad its over! I think Maya has picked up my cold, I know Emma & Gage have it! My family sent way too much for Christmas - they usually do! My children are spoiled and loving it! Great news - Santa brought Emma her own camera and she has finally left mine alone! She has also started "nursing" her baby dolls..its slightly disturbing but oh so funny! Gage is cleaning his room so Mikey can come over and do science experiments (thanks Aunt Lisa & aunt Loopy!). I got a sewing machine and Bill got a shop vac...good times! We finally got a good pic of Maya smiling - the only thing I didn't get for Christmas this year was a baby giggle from Maya; I really wanted one but she may be too little for that??? She is 3 months old as of yesterday. I will try to download some pics in a photo book....

Graham Family Christmas Party

2009-12-19T19:15:00.006-07:00

We attended the Graham Family Christmas party last Saturday! It was great fun - hosted by Aunt Kelly this year. (Bill's mother was a Graham before marrying my father in law who is a Hicken make sense?) Anyways this year we had a sock exchange/game that was so much fun and Santa came too!

The first pic is of Granny & Grandpa Graham with the newest great grandbabies. They were all born this year! On the left is Maya born in September, in the middle is Abby - July(born to Tyler & Kelsie) and on the right is Reagan -October (born to Tobie & Sami).

My Sweet Lil' Maya

2009-12-19T18:54:00.005-07:00

So my brother in laws girlfriend wanted some pics of the kids for a project she was working on. I wanted to give her something more current of Maya. The thing about taking pics of Maya is that she can be so sweet and smiley and the moment you take the camera out she goes "stone face". Yeah you know what I mean - the eyes big like dinner plates, the mouth shut up tight....somehow she knows! hahahah I finally had to take video of her with my camera and then watch it and watch it until I could get just the right still of her smiling! What a project! and then? I didn't even get it sent after all that!!

This time of year will do that to me. I also have thank-you notes to send from all you great friends who gave gifts/service when Maya was born - they have been done for about a week and I still haven't sent them! I am still debating on Christmas cards this year - I wonder how confused people will be if they get them in March? too late?? to early?? yikes!!!

In other news - Maya has found her thumb!!! Enjoy!~

She's done it again!!!

2009-11-29T22:22:00.004-07:00

You can add this to the "Adventures of Emma"! Its Baby Powder, that is the carpet in my bedroom. I don't know what possessed her to do this (I don't know what possesses her to do anything actually!) I noticed because she came in the living room and left white residue all over my dark brown sofas. Then I went into my bedroom and almost asphyxiated myself...I had to put her in the bathtub....I had to vacuum the carpet - I had to keep Gage out because I was panicked he would stop breathing (from the powder or the laughing I am not sure!) what a mess!!! And as you can see from the photos - SHE IS MAD AT ME - apparently I don't appreciate her mess!

Cry Baby!!!

2009-11-29T22:17:00.002-07:00

Maya cries - a lot! Babies cry - its totally normal. These are things I have to tell Emma very often lately! Poor Maya; she's not happy unless you are in standing position rocking or bouncing her and don't try to lay her down - she will wake up - almost immediately! Good Times at the Hicken's!

Of course Bill makes sushi!!

2009-11-29T22:09:00.004-07:00

So I don't need to explain much but Bill decided he really needed to try and make sushi! It was fantastic!!! So much so, that we even took it to the Jones' to try there. Covy loved it - they started naming their own; there was a Covy Roll & a Tara and even a "Meat Lovers" hahaha - I was really proud of Bill!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-04T11:44:00.004-07:00

So Gage actually celebrated Halloween this year. He wasn't so excited about the pics but he was all about the free candy! Emma couldn't get enough of the trick or treating! She LOVED it....the free candy wasn't bad either!!!

Another Milestone.........

2009-10-08T11:41:00.002-06:00

On October 2nd, Bill & I celebrated our 10th anniversary!!! I can't believe its been that long. We celebrated by taking the kids to the mall - Bill needed a new suit (Mr Mac had a great sale!) & Gage needed a new winter coat. We ended the evening with McDonalds drive thru - what a romantic evening!!! hahahahahah We've actually had really good times the last 10 years - can't wait to see what the next 10 years brings!!!!!! Please enjoy this photo from our wedding & yes that is a mullet Bill is sporting - it only took about 2 1/2 years to get him to cut it!!!!!

Introducing Maya Belle!!!!

2009-10-08T11:04:00.001-06:00

So we've had a new addition to the Hicken family (who really didn't know that????) anyways she was born on Sunday, September 27th at 4:01pm. She weighed 7lbs 12ozs and was 19 inches long! She was born at 39 weeks (LOVE the early babies!). Her name is Maya (pronounced like MY-UH not MAY-UH)Belle. Gage & Emma insist on calling her Belle even though Bill & I call her Maya. She really is a sweet baby and a great sleeper. Now if I can just get her to sleep in the night instead of the day! She likes to be up at night...not just nursing but awake and looking around - how can one fall asleep? Here are some pics...

Emma's Birthday

2009-10-08T10:53:00.005-06:00

So this is a few weeks old but Emma turned 3 on September 17th. We had her party the 19th with Bill's family. She was so excited to turn 3 and even more excited to have her cousins over to play with her! These 3 years have gone by so fast....I can't believe she's getting so big!

Poor Emma!

2009-09-01T10:48:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we went to the dentist for what I thought was to be her last visit until her checkup in November. We were going to get the spacer put on her tooth so they won't shift because of the extraction. As soon as the dentist opens her mouth he says uh oh tooth number something something is going to need an extraction! He motions for me to come see and there is a huge abscess on the gums where her shiny silver tooth is! He warned us that this was a possibility.

So he put the spacer on and sent her to another room to be given gas and a local anesthetic so he could pull her shiny tooth out! She really was good for all that trauma - well not really she screamed the whole time - but I felt so bad for her! So we have to go back in 2 weeks to get her other spacer put on....and then hopefully we won't go back until their November check ups! And she still thinks she's getting more silver teeth..........................

You say Potato I say..............

2009-08-27T14:09:00.003-06:00

Last night we had dinner straight from the garden. I really wish I would have taken some pics but the thought didn't occur to me....anyways we had mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and a salad with tomatoes and onions - (we also had some meat but it wasn't from the garden and therefore not worth mentioning! ha) Our white pumpkins are doing really well (I am so excited about that) and we planted some "Jack be Littles" they are like the kind that fits in your hand...or for a table display or something; but Emma is so excited about those "wittow baby pupkins" and we have quite a few of those too....good times!

Gage's 1st day of School!

2009-08-19T12:09:00.002-06:00

Gage started school today - Hooray!!! He is in 2nd grade and in Mrs. Cook's class. He wanted to wear his skull shorts and sandals just like Mikey (lives next door) so he would have an easier time finding him at recess. So they went to school looking like twins or brothers but they were both happy about it! He took the bus today and he seemed excited about going so I hope it is a trend that will continue!

Emma's Manicurist

2009-08-19T12:05:00.003-06:00

There isn't anything I need to say about this....but crap Bill is whooped!

More Dental Work for Emma!!!

2009-08-14T14:39:00.002-06:00

We went to the dentist yesterday to get her final molar capped and Doc Sorensen decided to just pull the tooth! Emma cried quite a bit (although she was numb) I wonder if she felt nervous when he stuck the forceps in her mouth? And still, no one has the heart to tell her that she's not getting that last shiny tooth she's been so excited about! She has to go back in 2 weeks for a spacer. I keep wondering if her dental work will ever end? In the mean time, Gage has perfect teeth - no cavities or trouble or work to be done! She is really excited about the tooth fairy coming for her (not Gage) and leaving her monies for snow cones! Unfortunately, the tooth fairy can not leave her snow cone money for 48 hours (no sucking through a straw because of dry sockets blah,blah,blah) So we are just waiting patiently and since she's so young she doesn't remember that the tooth fairy has not come yet anyway! I will post pictures later~

Gage's 7th Birthday Party!

2009-08-03T15:13:00.005-06:00

I realize that Gage's birthday was over a month ago but the week before his birthday Emma had her dental procedure done & Bill's grandpa was having surgery the same week. And I was getting ready to go to girls camp all week (which was the week of Gage's birthday!) Anyways so we just had his party with his cousins/friends last week! It was a great time! I really liked this party because it wasn't at my house and I didn't have to do much to prepare for it! Although it would have been a lot better if Jumpin Jack's had their a/c running cooler - but that may have been just me? All in all it was a great success!!!! Here are some pics! BTW - I am not a huge fan of Weezer- I don't know how to remove it from my slide show! Sorry!

"Not a Dennis a Menace - call me Emma!"

2009-07-03T14:46:00.007-06:00

I would like to add to all the postings regarding the Adventures of Emma....Today she stuck a whole wad of Silly Putty in her hair! Yep, right in front for all to see! and there were some other random putty/hair areas on her head but the majority was right in front. Yay for me...yay.

I called Bill and he laughed (its a good thing he wasn't at home!) he told me to keep her in the house and away from the garage (referencing a story my mother tells about her brother and some putty...long story and not as funny without having her tell it!) He did give me a good idea to look on the internet for remedies - which I did! and I found one that worked! HOORAY!!!! I used baby oil to get it out, it was also suggested to use olive oil....hopefully none of you will have to do that - but just in case!

In the meantime, I have thrown away all silly putty!

A week of Camp, a temple sealing and other random stuff!

2009-07-02T10:09:00.005-06:00

So I spent the last week at the Heber Valley Girls Camp with the Young Women in our ward. They were very well behaved and we had a great time! I have to say that it wore me out like I never thought! I am still trying to recuperate and I have been home for almost a week! I earned a pearl - right from the oyster! it was totally awesome and I am so excited about it! I think I will have it made into a ring because I already have a necklace.....

On my way down the mountain, I called Bill to let him know I was on my way home and he tells me his sister Lindy and her husband Rob are being sealed the next day! I had no idea they were doing any of this - so what a great ending to a busy but beautiful week. Still I was exhausted and from the look of the pics from the sealing I am also quite swollen....that would explain the excruciating leg pain I suffered all day long - and I thought it was those heels!!! HA!

In other news, Emma's dental procedure went well - even though she spit out all 3 of her sedatives - they just gave her gas instead! We still have to go in for one last molar to be capped. Because Princess spit out all her medication they had to rely on gas to be able to do anything in that little mouth! So they didn't get to everything - she goes back in August unless they have an earlier cancellation! We won't have to bother with sedatives this time (she won't take them anyway) they thought gassing her was the best alternative!

Oh one last question we get all the time - "do you know what you're having yet?" my answer is "A BABY" there is definitely one in there! We did have an ultrasound but the cord was always in the way...so no we have no idea what the gender is - although our tech did give us a good guess - but I don't do guesses especially not for this! And everything is normal so we probably won't be scheduling another ultrasound. As much as it pains me (we all know how much I HATE surprises) we are not going to know until this baby makes its entrance....hopefully on time (Sept 30th) and not a week late like the big sister! That is all I can say about that - for now!

Poison!

2009-06-10T13:28:00.002-06:00

Emma came down with pink eye on Sunday....then on Monday night she had a very high fever (102) so I got her an appointment on Tuesday morning. The dr can't find anything wrong with her so we get home and I start to make some freezer jam.

Gage comes to me crying hysterically asking me not to be too mad at him - and he also mentions that his dad is going to kill him! So I said Gage you need to tell me what happened. Behind his back is a broken mercury thermometer! Bill got out every thermometer we have in this house on Monday night to make sure Emma's fever was accurate (it was of course!) anyways I guess no one bothered to put it away. So Gage decided to play with it and it ends up breaking IN HIS MOUTH!!! He said he spit out the silver balls! So immediately I call poison control who tells me I have HUGE problems! great - what do I need to do I say to Micah from poison control! Gage is still hysterical...so it turns out that mercury is only toxic from fumes but its a real pain to remove - Micah starts talking about ripping up carpet and replacing sofas etc but he gives me the number for the Utah County Health Department. So I call there - and basically they give me a few different ways to get rid of the mercury and tell me its not really a big deal unless it gets heated? what?? like no vaccuuming?? for how long?? ugh...I am starting to feel like I am going to pack up all Gage's toys and put them in the garage for an extended period of time. Meanwhile, Gage is in his bedroom praying that he doesn't die from the poisoning...this is the kind of random thing I expect from Emma not so much from Gage.

Anyways I think I got all the mercury balls - I didn't finish making the freezer jam until today but I did make it to Young Women's where I finished a pair of pajama pants we all made for camp! Mine turned out pretty nicely I must admit! And I am ready for school to begin - I realize it doesn't start until August 20something but a girl can hope right?

Today's Events

2009-06-04T21:00:00.002-06:00

So last week Gage had pink eye. It started Friday night so I put some medicine in (left over from the last time we had it!) and waited to see how it would go. It cleared up rather nicely and he was back to playing with friends by Tuesday!

And then I woke up this morning and wouldn't you know it? My left eye is itchy and gooey! gross I know! ugh! so I started my rounds of medication and sure enough it does sting a little - just like Gage was crying about last week...So I take out my contacts of course and go about my day. So tonight, I go into the bathroom and my contact case is EMPTY and the case is in Emma's princess cup and the lids are on the counter! It is so like her to do this and yet - I still didn't think to hide the contact case BEFORE she got a hold of it! This is the kind of stuff Emma does. Bill & I had it really easy with Gage - he was always so responsible and trustworthy I could leave him with markers and crayons and not have to worry about what I would find when I got back...not Emma. In fact, she doesn't even wait for me to leave the room before she starts coloring on the walls and when I reprimand her - SHE scolds me!!! I could have left Gage alone in the bathroom with my contact case and he never would have bothered with it! but Emma dumped it all down the sink!!! That was my last pair too.....................

Catching up on the Blogging!!!

2009-05-21T09:39:00.002-06:00

So I've taken a few months off on the blogging activity...just didn't feel like it! The good news is that not too much has been going on so no one is too out of touch here!

We finally tilled the garden - we have planted corn, potatoes, orange and white pumpkins (I am really excited about the white ones!), strawberries, tomatoes, sweet peppers, onions, watermelon, squash and cantaloupe! Hopefully it will all turn out!!

Emma would like to put up the Christmas tree....She is also having her dental procedure on June 16th. They will fix her chipped tooth (the one in front) and she needs crowns on 2 molars in the back of her mouth and 2 molars on top have cavities that they will fill...she has to be sedated because she is so little - we are hoping that it will go well. She is also just loving everything in life - she is always having a great time wherever she goes!

Gage is excited to be finishing 1st grade. He is going to be doing the Bright Students program again this summer - they are studying Ancient Idols. He will also return to Seven Peaks for swimming lessons (he is really excited about that!) and he will do soccer again in the fall! He has a 2nd tooth loose so we are waiting for it to come out. I offered to sign him up for karate but he said he wasn't interested in that! I also offered to teach him some piano lessons but he laughed at me and said "oh Moooooooooom" I guess that means no?? I'll try again later!!! hahahahah

Bill transferred to the construction division of Geneva for the summer. Of course he loves construction (its different everyday!) but he'll have to go back to the point of the mountain when summer is over. Unless, by some miracle they need him at the Hot Plant in Orem which is his favorite place to be!

I am going to girls camp in June - I will be gone june 22 - 26th. We are going to the Heber Girls camp again and it is so nice up there and a little cooler! I am looking forward to the cooler! In August, we are taking the Young Women to Moab for some fun and spiritual experiences! I am really looking forward to that - except for the heat!

I finally got my internet to connect with my Rhapsody account (they couldn't connect for a while!) so in a matter of 1/2 hour Bill downloaded about 10 hours of his music to MY mp3 player. It takes about 1 1/2 hours to download 10+ hours of music - and its all Steve Earle and Ozzy Osbourne and well - you know Bill he loves that head banging stuff......I should have kept quiet about the account.....

Gage & Emma say thanks to Grandma Laurie

2009-04-16T14:03:00.003-06:00

So I couldn't send this by email to my mother so I had to put it here.

Gage has a loose tooth!!!

2009-03-01T20:01:00.002-07:00

Gage has his first loose tooth! He has been really concerned because all the other kids in his class have at least lost one tooth and he hasn't lost any!!! He has discussed this fact often. Today he came to me all excited and showed me how it wiggled!! It was so funny - he really is excited! He had to go next door to show the Tanners - well Mikey especially because although Mikey is 2 days younger than Gage - he has lost about 5 teeth already!!! He even has a tooth that is already coming up behind it - (does this indicate a need for braces already???)

Other news - Bill went back to Corinne today. He will be there the whole month of March (he comes home on the weekend). He's been gone about 1/2 hour and Emma is already looking for him! This could be a very long month for the Hicken's!! Wish me luck! I will post pics of Gage's tooth later!

Not in the Mood!!

2009-02-14T11:28:00.002-07:00

So I just wanted to explain why I haven't been posting for the last month! Sometimes I am just not in the mood! Maybe later I will feel like it!! Happy Valentines Day!!! There!!!! the end!!!

Keeping up with the Jones'

2009-01-18T22:17:00.003-07:00

Last weekend we went to Tara & Covy Jones' house for dinner! We had a great time and stayed until 2am...Here are some photos from the event!! Can you believe how big Zoey has gotten??? and she is so sweet! Gage & Quinten played Wii all night and we didn't see them much! Gage keeps asking when we're going back to the mountain (they live in Eagle Mountain!) hahahha Good times!!!

Look at what Bill can do!!!

2009-01-18T22:09:00.003-07:00

I just had to post this!!! So I borrowed a sewing machine from a friend - thanks Ash! anyways I was going to make Emma a big crinoline slip to fit under her long princess dresses...(my mother never let us touch her sewing machine) so I wasn't exactly sure how to work it....Bill showed me!!! Isn't that awesome??? He even made me a little bag to put my crochet hooks in!! I thought it was sew funny (pun intended!)

Snow Day!!!!!

2009-01-02T14:48:00.004-07:00

Today we went sledding with the Kearley's, the Millard's & the Tanner's! We went up Hobble Creek Canyon this time and it was very fun! Here is a video of Bill & I going down the hill~

Are there words for this?

2008-12-26T13:06:00.002-07:00

A Merry Christmas for Emma!

2008-12-25T13:37:00.004-07:00

Here is a 25 second video of Emma opening her presents on Christmas.....it wouldn't send with all the photos I sent and it seemed like a shame not to post it! So Enjoy!!! Merry Christmas!

Does "Santa Baby" remind you of me???

2008-12-19T10:55:00.004-07:00

Sara Tripp says that every time she hears "Santa Baby" she thinks of me!!!! I asked her if she thought I was superficial but like a true friend she said no.......so in honor of her I have included a christmas playlist with Santa Baby on it....you can listen to it and decide if it reminds you of me too!

If you don't love my playlists (I will admit to having an eclectic taste in music!) and my Christmas playlist is less than desirable.......you can just turn them off!!!!

I have to admit putting together a Christmas playlist was difficult for me because I don't listen to Christmas music too much! So I included some of my favorites (that I could think of!) O Holy Night is probably my all time favorite (but I don't like the version I found - it sucks!) then there is Gesu Bambino (which I couldn't find a good copy of - it sucks too) but I sang it at a Christmas concert my junior or senior year of high school and I have always loved it! "Here Comes Santa Claus" reminds me of my kids! I know its a pretty pathetic list! but Merry Christmas!!!

Should I get an Augmentation....

2008-12-15T22:38:00.003-07:00

FOR EMMA!!!!!!! hahahahaha I want everyone to know that Emma started doing this on her own! No coaching or prompting - nothing!!! She takes the shells from the food in her kitchen and shoves them in her shirt and she walks around and says "boobs"......yeah, we're so proud of her!!!!

Bill's New Hat

2008-12-08T13:39:00.009-07:00

For our Young Women's Activity on Wednesday we learned to crochet hats! I thought it was fun because I wanted to learn to make hats but I was surprised at how much the girls enjoyed learning it. We've had previous activities teaching them to crochet already! So I will post some pictures of the hat I made. I thought at first it would be for Gage (he likes camouflage) but eventually (because I didn't know what I was doing) it became too big for Gage so I thought it would be a hat for me......but once again that became to big and now it is a hat for Bill! He was really excited about it - like way more than I thought he should be -oh well - whatever makes him happy!

Building the Gingerbread House

2008-12-01T09:45:00.002-07:00

So on Saturday we built the annual gingerbread house. We bought that kit early in November and Gage has continually pestered about "ducorating" it. Bill said we had to wait until after Thanksgiving. Gage was prepared to come home from Wallsburg on Thursday to do it - but it was so late! Friday he was busy at a friends house so Saturday was the day. Emma loved it too - although she ate more of it than she decorated.

More Adventures of Emma!!!

2008-11-25T09:19:00.003-07:00

Okay so I occasionally give Emma and Gage little bowls full of milk chocolate morsels (you know, chocolate chips!). Its like a treat....they seem to love it and Emma (like her dad and Grandma Kim) is a "chocoholic". So on Sunday, she and Gage were sharing a bowl.....then Gage starts laughing; its more like a screaming laugh - I think he wanted me to pay attention. So I go into the living room and there she is. Chocolate is smeared all over her face (which is common, for her) but what I notice is that there is chocolate dripping out of her nose!!! So I asked Gage what the deal is and he is still laughing and he says "Emma shoved a chip up her nose!" Well that explains the brown drip doesn't it??? So I start screaming for Bill. I am not sure if I should try to get it out or if I should just wait for it to melt out?? Luckily Bill seems to have all the answers and he convinces Emma to blow her nose! Yeah, I don't know why I didn't think of that......eventually it would have come to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hahahahahaah