Our Room

Checking in...

2012-01-16T20:48:00.003-06:00

... we're still here. Min doesn't have access though. Darn Google!

I'm Back!

2011-06-18T11:57:00.000-06:00

... but Min is still trying to remember how to get access to this blog.

Dr. Ted Black Davis (1955-2010)

2010-05-27T17:09:00.003-06:00

Melanie called us today to tell us that Dr. Davis' obituary was in the paper. He was the doctor that delivered Aaron and Aimee while we lived in Logan.

Shortly after we moved, we found out that he was diagnosed with ALS.
He was a great man.

Here's his obit:

Dr. Ted Black Davis (1955-2010)

Ted Black Davis, 54, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on May 23, 2010.

He was born in Salt Lake City on Aug. 23, 1955, to Byron Rigby Davis and Peggy Rae Black Davis. He was the youngest of four children including Robert (Bob) Byron, Donald Harold and Jane Elizabeth. His childhood was spent in several different locations, including Salt Lake City; Logan; Challas, Idaho; Sparks, Nev.; and finally, American Fork. He graduated from American Fork High School, where he served as senior class president.

After high school he served a Spanish-speaking mission to Philadelphia for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He then attended Utah State University, where he met his eternal sweetheart, Andrea Ruth Larsen, while singing with the LDS Institute's Sounds of Zion performing group. They were married Sept. 14, 1979, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. After graduating from USU, he studied medicine for two years in Guadalajara, Mexico, and then received his M.D. from the Ross University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Mich.

He started his medical practice in Logan in 1992, specializing in family medicine. He lived in Hyde Park for seven years before moving to North Logan in 1998. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, during the summer of 2003. He retired from his medical practice in the fall of 2004 right after receiving the Physician of the Year award from the Cache Valley Medical Association.

Ted was a respected and well-loved physician in the Cache Valley medical community. He cared deeply for his patients and their families, and his love was reciprocated by them. He delivered more than 1,200 babies during his 12 years of practice.

He cherished the summers spent working together with his family at the Pickleville Playhouse live theater on the banks of beautiful Bear Lake in Garden City, Utah. He appeared as an actor in numerous productions and assisted in the construction of several of its buildings. He loved to watch his children on the stage and took special care of Pickleville's nightly Western Cookout.

Ted found great joy in the simple things of life. He had a deep love and appreciation for nature and its Creator. Some of his favorite memories happened while camping, hiking, off-road motorcycling, hunting, skiing, cycling and riding his Harley. He was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in many different church callings.

He lived seven years after being diagnosed with ALS. Through the course of the disease, he never once complained nor did he spend a single day in self-pity. With unearthly patience and dignity, he found ways to serve and inspire those around him while honorably loving and caring for his family. The effects of his faithful example cannot be measured.

As Ted always said, "ICBW" (it could be worse), "CYMB" (count your many blessings), "123" (I love you), "Daylight's a-wastin'," and "Forget yourself and go to work."

He is survived by his wife, Andrea; sons T.J. (wife Erin Cartwright) and Derek; daughters Chelsea (husband J.R. Haynie), Sharli (husband Andy King), Whitney, Tyrali and Makenzie; and mother-in-law Betty June Larsen. He was "Papa Wee" to grandchildren Carter, Tanner, Elliot, Hayden, Brooklyn and Mckenna. He was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Peggy, father-in-law LaGrande C. Larsen, and grandchildren Lydia and Landon Haynie. He will be missed by many other family members, close friends and colleagues too numerous to name. His family wishes to express their appreciation for the overwhelming amount of support and love they have received during Ted's disease and since his passing.

Clayton Family Christmas

2009-11-06T08:32:00.002-06:00

The list for the exchanging of gifts is on the Clayton family blog here.

Hope this works for everyone!

Last Call for "Vamps & Wolves" Shirts...

2009-11-04T19:54:00.003-06:00

Mike's making the order tomorrow.

If you would like a shirt, please click here.

They will be shipped out by Monday, November 15th and will get to you before the blessed event!

Mike's Big Costume is T.G.I.Fantastic with a side of Triple D!!!

2009-10-31T21:11:00.003-06:00

I did it again! Was going to be one thing... but at the last minute switched to another!

I was going to be Iron Chef Mario Batali, but I couldn't find a pair of size 14 orange Crocs, so I switched gears and with a $10 bottle of light blonde hair colorizer and a $1 black sweatband, I became:

Guy Fieri!

The hair is permanent, so I hope my students don't laugh at me too much come Monday.

Here is a close-up with my little princess:

Halloween 2009: Kids Edition

2009-10-31T21:05:00.005-06:00

Here's what the kids were this Halloween:

Aaron was "Bookface" (... only fans of The Office will get it)

Aimee was a "Black Cat" (Which was a $5 costume, if you don't count the black long-sleeve shirt and the black jeans that we bought to go with it.)

Alex was a "Soccer Player" (We really didn't have a costume for him and he had a game earlier that day.)

Andee was a "Princess" (Thanks to the Andersons for letting her borrow a dress-up.)

... and Austin was a "Bunny Rabbit" (Thanks again the to the Andersons.)

Min got a haircut...

2009-10-31T20:22:00.004-06:00

Min's been wanting a haircut for sooooo long. She she went and got one yesterday. Her friends told her to go to Albert and he would do a great job.

It ended up being a free haircut since Albert cut off 10" worth of hair to donate to Locks of Love. Even after that and much thinning, Min still had alot of hair left to style.

Looks good doesn't it.

Austin is 227 Days Old!!!!

2009-10-29T16:57:00.005-06:00

Lately Austin has been doing this toothless grin when we say his name. Finally decided to capture it and share it!

Alex Loves Soccer!

2009-10-29T16:53:00.002-06:00

Alex is playing soccer for the first time this season. He's a little bundle of energy on the field. He's trying to get the gist of the game, but right now it's a way to get his abundant energy out!

"Take a picture of me Dad!"

2009-10-29T16:52:00.000-06:00

The Puzzling World of Winston Breen

2009-10-25T09:12:00.002-06:00

Aimee is reading "The Puzzling World of Winston Breen" by Eric Berlin for her GT (Gifted & Talented) program.

The book is full of puzzles to complete as you read.

Aimee was having trouble with a puzzle and didn't want to mark up the book, so we scanned the page and printed a few out. Min, Aaron, Aimee, and I worked the puzzle out individually and came up with same answer... WE WANTED TO DO MORE!

So Aimee and I were preparing to scan the rest of the puzzles when Min had a brilliant idea: "See if there is a website with them."

THERE IS!

The Puzzling World of Winston Breen

So we downloaded them, printed them out and will work them out throughout the day!

Look what came in the mail today!!!

2009-10-20T19:36:00.002-06:00

Note for the uninitiated, click here.

Bring it on Alex!

2009-09-28T18:56:00.002-06:00

A Simple Truth...

2009-09-20T22:37:00.000-06:00

"Pratt's Hatts" is now live...

2009-09-19T13:48:00.004-06:00

My sister-in-law Jill asked me to convert a blogger account into an online store so that she can sell these crocheted hatts that she makes.

She's my sis-in-law, I couldn't say no.

So after spending some time over two weekends Pratt's Hatts is open for business.

Please check it out... and maybe buy something.

Avast, me hearties! It be "International Talk Like A Pirate Day!" (9/19/09)

2009-09-19T09:17:00.005-06:00

14 years ago, John Baur and Mark Summers (Ol' Chumbucket and Cap'n Slappy respectively) proclaimed September 19th as a day each year where everyone in the world should talk like a pirate. Here's a bit o' history:

According to Summers, the day is the only holiday to come into being as a result of a sports injury. He has stated that during a racquetball game between Summers and Baur, one of them reacted to the pain with an outburst of "Aaarrr!", and the idea was born. That game took place on June 6, 1995, but out of respect for the observance of D-Day, they chose Summers' ex-wife's birthday, as it would be easy for him to remember.

At first an inside joke between two friends, the holiday gained exposure when John Baur and Mark Summers sent a letter about their invented holiday to the American syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry in 2002. Barry liked the idea and promoted the day. Growing media coverage of the holiday after Barry's column has ensured that this event is now celebrated internationally, and Baur and Summers now sell books and T-shirts on their website related to the theme. Part of the success for the international spread of the holiday has been attributed to non-restriction of the idea or trademarking, in effect opening the holiday for creativity and "viral" growth.

So in honor of the holiday, here is a guide of simple pirate phrases:

Ahoy! - "Hello!"

Avast! - Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, "Whoa! Get a load of that!" which today makes it more of a "Check it out" or "No way!" or "Get off!"

Aye! - "Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did."

Aye aye! - "I'll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over."

Arrr! - This one is often confused with arrrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. "Arrr!" can mean, variously, "yes," "I agree," "I'm happy," "I'm enjoying this beer," "My team is going to win it all," "I saw that television show, it sucked!" and "That was a clever remark you or I just made." And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!

So with your new vocabulary in tow... start talking like a pirate! Arrrrr!

Darth Vader Feels Blue

2009-09-13T18:31:00.002-06:00

This is great!

Lucky Number 13!

2009-09-07T22:31:00.001-06:00

Thirteen years ago today...

My how things have changed...

... and I wouldn't want to change a thing.

One Good Man (Trailer)

2009-09-07T15:24:00.005-06:00

Saw this trailer over on the Apple Trailer page:

http://www.apple.com/trailers/independent/onegoodman/

I'm not a huge fan of Mormon-Cinema, but this movie looks like one of the better attempts at capturing the spirit of the church.

Take a look at the trailer.

Austin's not the brightest kid we have...

2009-09-05T17:06:00.003-06:00

You've got the binky in the wrong way bud.

(Oh yeah... he's asleep too.)

The end of the first week of school...

2009-08-28T15:52:00.000-06:00

... and all of the teachers survived.

;)

For you "Twilighters"...

2009-07-30T09:17:00.002-06:00

Aimee drew a picture of me, and I said...

2009-07-25T10:58:00.004-06:00

"Nice picture Aimee, but why is my neck so round?"

"Because it's you inside of a TV, Daddy."

Austin is 4 months old

2009-07-22T12:10:00.001-06:00

Just got back from the dr and Austin is doing great! Here's his 4 month stats:

15 lbs 5 oz, 50%
25", 50%

and oh, SO ADORABLE!

"I am going to get you!" (aka Austin's Laugh)

2009-07-16T22:09:00.002-06:00

Austin was in a pretty good mood tonight... and I was able to capture his laugh.

Easily amused...

2009-07-14T12:27:00.001-06:00

Austin is trying on Aaron's glasses.

We really need to get Alex a helmet... with a face mask

2009-07-14T08:27:00.002-06:00

Third time's a charm.

... and I'm not paying for another ER visit.

After breakfast, Alex was running through our room on the way to the stairs when he did a little spin move through our doorway and smacked the jam.

The result: a split lip that bled worse than the others.

So we calmed him down, got a wash rag, stopped the bleeding and surveyed the damage: two cuts on this lip from where it curled up over bottom teeth and got punctured by the top and bottom teeth and a small tear to his top gum.

Alex has asked that we not take pictures of it and put it on the blog... and Min agrees.

We don't need CPS knocking on our door.

With this being Texas, I should be able to go to Academy Sports and get a junior sized football helmet right off the shelf, shouldn't I?

Shockwaves 2009!

2009-07-14T07:15:00.005-06:00

Last night was the Shockwaves "End of Year Party" at the Stoneridge Pool.

The Shockwaves is the name of our local swim team. Aaron has swam for them for the last three years and Aimee swam in 2007 and 2009 (she skipped a year because she didn't want to do it).

As a member of the swim team, you practice every morning (Tuesday-Friday) and have Swim Meets against other local clubs on Monday Nights (and yes, it does count for Family Home Evening... at least for us - HA!).

Aimee and Aaron really enjoyed doing it this summer, and we are so proud of them.

Here is Aimee accepting her participation trophy for swimming with the 7-8 year-olds. This year she overcame her fear of the "Deep End" and swam the Freestyle and Backstroke events at the meets. Aimee surprised us... and we couldn't be more proud.

Aaron swam with the 9-10 year-olds this season and learned all four strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke, and freestyle. He competed in the butterfly and freestyle, and along the way participated in the Team Medley and the Individual Medley.

Aaron was also awarded the "Most Improved Swimmer" in his age group. He was worked very hard this year and we are quite proud of him.

Here are our two goofballs with their trophies (they spin this year... oh joy).

They can't wait for next season!

A "Shout Out" to the folks in Pflugerville!

2009-07-10T13:19:00.003-06:00

I just want to publicly thank Betsy and Nate for taking me in for the week.

Each summer I teach a 5-day workshop at UT Austin for DMA, and its far easier for me to make the drive from Pflugerville than from San Antonio everyday.

San Antonio to Austin = 73 miles each way
Pflugerville to Austin = 23 miles each way

I usually bring the entire clan with me, but due to van problems (that have yet to be resolved) I made the trek alone.

So thanks for letting me sneak out in the morning and walk in in the evening.

... and a special "Shout Out" to Isaac for giving up his room for the week.

Thanks a bunch.

... and hopefully we'll be coming up later this next week.

Aimee's Backstroke Event

2009-07-05T20:40:00.004-06:00

I have to apologize to Aimee for the intention of putting the video up.

She's a great swimmer and did a great job, but her trying to get out of the pool is what had be rolling.

She's in lane #2.

Alex "borrowed" my FlipVideo Camera... and this is what I found.

2009-07-05T20:38:00.002-06:00

Aaron is Eleventeen!

2009-07-02T18:37:00.002-06:00

Rest in Peace (June 2009 - "The Force" Edition)

2009-06-30T09:03:00.004-06:00

(l-r) Farrah Fawcett (6/25), Ed McMahon (6/23), Billy Mays (6/27),
David Carradine (6/3), Michael Jackson (6/25)

Catch you at a bad time... comrade?

2009-06-27T19:39:00.002-06:00

I request for my family in Southern CA...

2009-06-21T20:24:00.004-06:00

... I'm not sure if y'all know that I collect "themed" Mr. Potato Heads.

There were some Disneyland exclusive "Star Wars" themed ones that came out a few years ago, and I managed to get them off eBay (for a ridiculous price).

Well, there are three more coming out in October '09: Mashter Yoda, C-Three-Potat-0, and Chipbacca (seen below)

If any of you California cousins -- that plan on going to the Disneyland this Fall -- that would be willing to pick these three little guys up for me, I will pay for them and shipping and a little extra for your love and hard work.

Please let me know in the comments and we can work out the details.

Thanks in advance!

Austin is a little over 3 months old!

2009-06-21T16:27:00.000-06:00

... and smiling more every day!

... and the winner is!!!!

2009-06-21T16:24:00.002-06:00

#3 - Don't Hold Your Breath.

We've had this up for about a week but forgot to post it.

When all the votes from email/Facebook/comments were tallied it was a tie between #1 and #3.

Min and I broke the tie.

... but the pic doesn't really match the shadow/lighting for the others, so we are rethinking it.

"They call me Mr. Fish!"

2009-06-21T16:20:00.002-06:00

Last week I cleaned the pond and used my [early Father's Day present of a] power washer to clean the algae scum off the sides of it.

We counted 16 fish this time (we've lost two in the last six months) ranging from a 3" goldfish to an 11" koi... that we have dubbed "Mr. Fish".

Now that the water is clean, we can actually see them swimming in the pond.

Mr. Fish is the orange fish with black and white spots (in the middle). He started growing the barbs on his mouth about 9 months ago. He was about 7" long when we go him in February '08.

Update: Alex's Eyebrow

2009-06-21T16:09:00.004-06:00

Oh Wow!... it's been quite the wee with Alex and his head wound.

But so that you know... it's healing (CLICK TO SEE HOW IT'S HEALING...).

Monday - Before the swim meet, Min notices that the wound is open at one end and is bleeding. A little pressure stops it.

Tuesday - The wound appears swollen and opens at the top and start to ooze (and it don't smell pretty).

Thursday - I take Alex to the doctors and then say that it is indeed infected and put him on a strong antibiotic (Cleocin) that tastes so bad it is recommended that we mix it with chocolate pudding. Alex likes this prescription. The steri-strips come off and we clean the outside of the wound. We are told to use hot compresses twice a day as well.

Friday - I take Alex back for a follow up and the infection is going away and the swollen brow is returning to normal...

Friday night - ... but it appears that the wound starting to separate and open up. A call to the ER asks us to come back in that night (this is around 11 PM) or come in the morning.

Saturday - I take Alex to the ER and the same doc that glued happens to be there and inspects the wound and announces that it "looks great" (that's doctor "looks great" as compared to parents "looks great"). I guess it's suppose to open up as it heals since wounds like this heal from the inside out. She prescribes a bacterium ointment to help dissolve the glue and help in the healing process.

Sunday - Alex is feeling great... but is getting sick of having chocolate pudding three times a day.

"He looks like a boxer."

2009-06-11T15:36:00.010-06:00

For the second time in a month, we've been to the ER with Alex.

Last time it for the cut across the bridge of his nose. This time... the right eyebrow.

I had just gotten up to give Min the phone when I heard a WHAPP and a SCREAM.

Alex came around the corner holding his eye, and I moved his hand, saw the gaping wound, and yelled: "MIN! WE'VE GOT A BLEEDER!"

So she hung up (sorry Susan) and quickly called a friend to watch the other three as we went the the ER.

Since our house is "on the market" I sat and applied pressure to Alex's head and she and the others tidied the house up and cleaned up lunch.

Then we were off.

We were the only folks at the ER this time around, so we got in and out really quick (less than an hour).

Here's the beautiful wound:

CLICK HERE FOR THE GRAPHIC IMAGE OF HIS INJURY
REMOVED AT THE REQUEST OF GRANDMA DEBI

They put some medicine on it to numb it and covered it with the gauze and a netted hat. Alex isn't asleep, the netting just hurt his eyes.

Once again, no stitches required. It was a clean "pop" so they Dermabond-ed this one too. For good measure, the doc put steri-strips on it too.

Hopefully this is the last time this summer that we make a visit to the ER. *knock on wood*

Heading to the ER again...

2009-06-11T12:57:00.001-06:00

... Alex just split his right eyebrow open on the kitchen table.

More later.

Good thing Min tooks pics yesterday...

2009-06-04T20:27:00.001-06:00

... here's what happened today:

Yup.

You guessed it.

Please Choose For Us...

2009-06-03T20:36:00.006-06:00

In our hallway upstairs we have this hanging...

Now that Austin is here, Min wants to update the photos and replace Jesus with the new addition (sacrilege... I know).

She has all of the other pictures chosen... except for Andee's.

We can't decide... so we'll put the power in your hands.

Please vote for one of the four images below.

#1 - The Surprise Smile

#2 - Tongue in Cheek

#3 - Don't Hold Your Breath

#4 - The Wrong Side of the Bed

Voting will be tallied this Sunday Evening (June 7th) and we will print the winner and reveal it on Monday (June 8th).

Thanks in advance.

Hopefully Nate and Jake don't see this...

2009-05-26T22:18:00.000-06:00

The Awesomeness that is CHUCK NORRIS!

2009-05-23T18:22:00.002-06:00

This is for you Dad! ;)

Inspirational...

2009-05-22T19:45:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Alex!!! You're Five!!!!!

2009-05-19T22:00:00.006-06:00

Last Sunday Alex turned 5... but due to circumstances beyond his control (i.e. Dad's too busy to decorate his cake or get a present) we postponed the festivities to Tuesday night after swim team.

For his birthday he wanted Pokémon Diamond (for the DS), but instead we got him some Number Busters!

Alex is our little whiz with numbers and love Pokémon type things... so naturally, we knew he would like these.

These are little dinosaur/monster/creature figures that come with a random number on their feet that you use to play a game that's kind of like War. They also come with a set of cards that you can use along with the figures to add points to their number and alter the outcome of the battle.

The trick with these is that you need to have more than one of each kind or else you can memorize the number and know which one's to pick... so we'll have to get another set soon.

So... the cake held up the party.

Alex wanted a cake like Andee's, but green... so I trimmed the ears and made a Green Puppy from the Blue's Clues pan (Andee had Magenta for her cake).

He loved it. He wanted an ear and the eyes.

Andee got an ear. Aimee got the hat. Min got the back leg and rump. Aaron got the face. I took the present.

Alex loved and was happy his birthday was extended two more days.

Kids.

No one is this coordinated...

2009-05-16T18:27:00.002-06:00

Look at that face!

2009-05-16T10:50:00.002-06:00

Austin is two months old today!

Finals are over...

2009-05-07T07:47:00.000-06:00

... and now I just have to finish the grades.

Oh Happy Day!

ER: The Photos...

2009-05-05T07:07:00.006-06:00

Here are the promised photos.

Here's Alex's wonderful injury. A nice split right across the bridge of his nose:

After about an hour, they called us to the back where they accessed the wound and numbed it with some "cold stuff" on a cotton ball taped to his face. Here he is watching "Martha Speaks" on my iPod while he waits for it to numb the area.

The nurse had to clean the wound with saline solution. Alex did very well... but got soaked.

The doctor said the wound closed very well and in lieu of stitches she opted to superglue it together. She said it would start to fall/peel off in 10 days... the day before Alex's 5th Birthday!

Good job Alex!

Dangit...no stitches: They used glue!

2009-05-04T22:12:00.002-06:00

135 minutes later -- after a wash cloth, numbing cotton ball, a salt water solution, it was deemed a "good closer" and only needed glue.

Alex is a trooper.

Tomorrow, I will post pics.

Time to pack up, head home, and let our friend Susan get back to her family (and we would like to publicly thank her for her last minute help).

Sittin' in the ER with Alex...

2009-05-04T20:32:00.001-06:00

Told Alex to go jump into bed.

He did.

And hit the bed and split the bridge of his nose open.

So here we sit.

Stitches and pictures to follow.

A Quiet Afternoon

2009-05-04T13:17:00.002-06:00

I came home from some tutoring sessions (my finals are Wednesday) and wanted to go shopping for a few things but Min wanted to shower first so I had the kids (Alex and Andee) sit on the couch until she got done.

Not more than 5 minutes later all three kids (with Austin in his swing) were asleep.

So I gave Min a list and sent her on her way, volunteering to stay home, read, and watch the kids.

Thus the quiet afternoon.

So I took that stupid Twilight Character quiz...

2009-05-02T12:29:00.002-06:00

... and I'm:

Jasper Hale You are Jasper Hale. You are very charismatic and have an uncanny ability to put others at ease. You are also a dependable leader and intuitive friend. You have a hard time ignoring temptation, as you are not naturally inclined to repress the way you feel.

I have no idea who he is... but Min says that's about right.

The Coupon Queen saves 97% on her groceries!

2009-04-28T15:55:00.002-06:00

In a word... WOW!

That's alot of work and planning. I wish I had that much discipline.

Some cute picts...

2009-04-20T17:02:00.004-06:00

Check out Betsy's blog for some cute pictures of Austin and Alex.

We blessed Austin yesterday and had a great day. Mike's parents came to San Antonio for the occasion and the Brunners came down from Pfluggerville.

Betsy loves to take pictures, and I was more than happy for her to use Austin as a subject. Of course Alex didn't want to be left out so he kept inserting himself into the pictures, so Betsy took some of him too. Now I have some great pictures. Thanks Bets!

Some more pics of Austin!

2009-04-13T18:11:00.005-06:00

I took these this afternoon while we were watching Food Network®:

99 Boxes of Mac & Cheese in the Pantry...

2009-04-13T18:09:00.003-06:00

... actually 84 boxes of Mac & Cheese!

Costco had a sale and a coupon.

Limit 4.

We had already bought two cases last week.

Oh well.

We have enough for awhile!

More pics of Austin (Close-up Edition)

2009-04-13T18:07:00.007-06:00

If only this were on a t-shirt...

2009-04-11T20:02:00.002-06:00

... I would totally wear it!

EDIT TO ADD: I FOUND IT!!! OVER AT THREADLESS!!!!!

Our Little Trip to Dallas...

2009-04-09T14:33:00.006-06:00

... I had a conference in Dallas, TX, last weekend and Mindy wasn't too excited about me being 5 hours away with 5 kids at home... so I took them with me (and was 5 minutes away).

So I got a reservation for 3-nights at a Residence Inn near the conference.

Here are some of the random pics that were taken.

In this pic, Andee gave Min the camera and started to pose. Funny little chick.

Min and Austin slept alot (from what I understand). Just kidding.

The suite had two rooms with double beds and a sofa bed in the living area. The kids liked to watch TV on the sofa-bed.

Aimee hated the "hard" bed in the other room and she slept on the floor. The next night, she traded Aaron and slept with Alex on the sofa-bed. Aimee wants one in her room now.

Chillin' with his Pops!

2009-04-09T14:32:00.000-06:00

A few more pics of Austin

2009-04-09T14:24:00.005-06:00

At 11-days old with Alex and Andee...

At 13-days old with Aimee...

And at 2-weeks old...

This is what Alex and Andee do while I am feeding the baby...

2009-04-09T09:39:00.004-06:00

This happened after Grandma left while I was taking a nap and feeding the baby. ( No wonder they were so quiet that day)

The door to the game/toy closet has a keyed lock that has been broken for some time and also another lock at the top of the door. Between the two of them they got this top lock open and started to pull almost everything off the shelves.

I've been meaning to clean out that closet and de-junk. I guess now is the time. I have started to put things back together, and Aaron and Aimee helped to bag up pieces so that they don't get broken or lost. Eventually I will feel up to tackling this mess and cleaning it up completely.

BTW, the room did get messier after these pictures were taken. All the pieces were dumped out of the game boxes that are on the floor in the pictures. Such a headache. I tried the "if I ignore it, it will go away" stance, but that didn't work.

Aaron's Arrow of Light (3/26)

2009-04-09T08:07:00.003-06:00

On Thursday, March 26th, Aaron - along with two of his friends Josh and Jonathon - received his "Arrow of Light", the highest award in Cub Scouts.

Here's a pic of Aaron shooting a arrow to symbolize his award.

... and here is the graduating class of Webelos (l-r: Josh, Jonathon, Aaron):

Good job son... now it's time to climb the summit to the Eagle!

Grandma's Visit (3/18-3/26)

2009-04-09T07:59:00.004-06:00

The Wednesday after Austin was born, Mindy's mother Debi came for a visit. She only stayed for a week... but she was a big help around the house as we began to adjust to the idea of managing 5 kids.

Here's Debi at the hospital within minutes of landing:

Grandma with Andee and Austin:

The perks of being a grandma... a smiling baby... even if it is involuntary!

Thanks for coming Debi... it was a huge help!

Happy Birthday Mindy!

2009-04-08T07:22:00.000-06:00

Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.

Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.

Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.

Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"

- Joanna Fuchs

Big update tomorrow...

2009-04-05T21:34:00.001-06:00

We just got back from our trip to Dallas. We need our rest.

We'll have a big update tomorrow.

San Pedro Ward Relief Society in the News... and Min was on TV for a second!

2009-03-18T21:30:00.003-06:00

Min went to Enrichment last week and ended up on the news... here's a screenshot of her brief cameo:

Women's Group Shares Clothes, Recipes to Fight Recession

The women of the San Pedro Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stretch their dollar with budget...

The full video can be seen here: CLICK HERE!

The Enrichment Night focused on money saving things to do during the downturn: A clothes swap, inexpensive fashion tips, cost effective meals, etc.

Min really enjoyed it (and she tried hard to stay off camera).

I'm going to redesign the blog next week...

2009-03-17T22:11:00.002-06:00

... 'cause I'm taking over!

[ insert maniacal laugh here ]

MORE PICS! ("Door Knob" Edition)

2009-03-16T18:16:00.009-06:00

Get the joke?... everyone gets their turn. :D

Anyways... here they are:

Alex took this pic of Austin and me.

Mom and baby sleeping (or posing... you decide).

Aaron gets a turn.

Aimee gets a turn.

Alex gets a turn.

Andee gets a turn.

A-1 through A-5!

FOR PICS OF THE KIDS
WHEN ANDEE WAS BORN
******* CLICK HERE!!!! *******

He's out of the nursery and in our room... that means MORE PICS!!!!

2009-03-16T10:59:00.003-06:00

What you've all been waiting for... THE PICS!

2009-03-16T08:08:00.009-06:00

So here's the before pic (as usual)...

The first official photo of Austin R. Clayton (7lbs 13oz, 20.25"):

Dr. Johnson (our anesthesiologist) is an amateur photographer, so he offered to take this pic:

Mom and baby are doing fine!

I took him to the nursery for his check up and bath:

Min is resting in recovery and Austin is in the nursery.

Oh, and I'm getting funny looks from the staff for blogging about this so quickly. ;)

Austin is here!!!!!

2009-03-16T06:55:00.001-06:00

Born at 7:42 AM... 7lbs 13oz.

Smattering of red hair (but that will change).

Mom and baby are doing great!

It's Showtime!!!!!!!

2009-03-16T06:16:00.001-06:00

Min's just walked into the OR and is getting her spinal and all of the other hook-ups.

As soon as I can I will post details!

We're here!

2009-03-16T04:08:00.001-06:00

Min's in her gown and ready to roll (no pun intended).

The hospital has free guest wireless and my iPod Touch hooked up just dandy. So I can post whenever.

No if only I had an iPhone. ;)

We're on our way!

2009-03-16T03:30:00.001-06:00

It's 4:30 AM and we're off to the hospital.

More later!

1 Day and counting...

2009-03-15T19:13:00.002-06:00

... well, actually about 11 hours.

Half the kids are one place, and the other half are another, and Min and I are all alone.

Hopefully she can get some sleep tonight before the big event tomorrow.

Thanks for all the kind words and offers of help. We really appreciate it.

Keep this site open for updates throughout the next few days.

'Til tomorrow...

Min's "Spa"-like Bathroom

2009-03-14T17:44:00.007-06:00

Mindy took some pics of the bathroom. Here they are (I'll let her edit this post with some descriptions):

Here's an overall view. What started out as "just a paint job" turned into something bigger. We changed out the fixtures, which led to the sink and counters.

We went with the white towels, shower curtain and rugs for the "spa look" that they always talk about on the decorating shows. We were planning on trying to sell our house this spring and thought it would show well this way. With the baby coming we changed our minds... too much stress does not make for a happy household! So now we get to enjoy it.

Mike also changed out the fixtures in the tub/shower to match the brushed nickel of the sinks. It looks SO much nicer than the old plastic gross things that were in there.

So... do you like it?

2 Days and counting...

2009-03-14T16:42:00.002-06:00

Well, after one more trip to Home Depot (and only $35)... THE BATHROOM IS DONE!!!!!

If fixed all the leaks, connected the p-traps, installed the rest of the counter top, put the cabinet doors back on, and switched out the light switches, plugs, and plates.

Min's doing a bit of cleaning and then we will take pictures and post them. ;)

Oh... and the kids were a big help today! They each had a list of chores to do and they did them with a little "prodding" and some "forced direction".

3 Days and counting...

2009-03-13T19:57:00.003-06:00

Not much happened today.

Min had a doctors appointment, got her lab work done, and registered at the nurses station for Monday. With the way things are going... this baby is waiting until Monday.

The missionaries came over and helped us build our "Family Mission Plan" this afternoon. Wish us luck.

Min's with the ward ladies watching a movie tonight... I told her to have one more night of fun before the baby comes next week, so she took me up on it.

The kids are in bed.

I think I'm going to watch a "feel-good" movie... maybe Cloverfield or The Perfect Storm.

4 Days and counting... (PM edition)

2009-03-13T08:59:00.003-06:00

... just when you think you are done!

The counter is in, the sinks are in, the mirror is up.

The trap drain on both sinks is off by 1/4".

Back to Home Depot I go.

:(

But I swear, this is the last thing that I have to do in that @#$% bathroom!

Ahhhh, the things we do for love.

4 Days and counting... (AM edition)

2009-03-12T09:19:00.004-06:00

Already made one trip to Home Depot today.

Long story short:

Stuck nut on sink.
Break sink.
Take hammer to stone vanity.
Go to HD(1).
Buy new vanity top and oval, white sinks.
Trim vanity top.
Sinks are white, but round.
Back to HD(2).
Borrow jigsaw.
Need blades.
Back to HD(3).
Sinks are oval, but bone.
Call local HDs.
Find oval and white sinks.
Will go tomorrow (4).

Anways... that's where we are right now.

I need to get some freelance work done this morning... more later.

(Yesterday was) 5 Days and counting...

2009-03-12T09:18:00.002-06:00

... three trips to Home Depot.

... and one more tomorrow.

... We're tired.

6 Days and counting...

2009-03-10T20:14:00.005-06:00

... more bathroom stuff again. Replaced the tub drains and overflows (upstairs and down). Got the button on my sink replaced (and it leaks) and I couldn't get the old button out of the bottom of Min's sink.

I took a chunk of skin out of my hand trying to get this stuff done. It hurts.

Almost bought a couple of ceiling fans to install downstairs (replacing the living room one and adding one to the dining room) but I think I'll wait until my dad get's here in April to do those.

Min spent the day doing laundry and playing Animal Crossing: City Folk.

Oh, and we did watch American Idol tonight.

7 Days and counting...

2009-03-09T20:24:00.005-06:00

Things done today to prep for the baby:

1. All the boys buzzed their heads to cut down on the time it takes to get ready in the morning (photo coming soon).

2. Ran errands to get a few things for the baby that we either don't have or can't find.

3. Got a few more things from Home Depot to finish the master ~~bath~~ spa (we still to make one trip tomorrow).

4. We went to two Targets to look for another nursing bra for Min. Denied both places.

Then it was back home for some homemade Calzones and a little "Dancing with the Stars" and "24".

Updated to reflect the nursing bra was in fact for Mindy and not Mike. Although he could probably use one.

Musical Sunday #7 - Mary Poppins

2009-03-08T14:43:00.003-06:00

It's was a jolly afternoon with Mary Poppins.

... and the kids enjoyed it.

We ALL sing "Happy Birthday" to Andee!

2009-03-06T20:44:00.004-06:00

Tonight is Scrap Night, and when were getting ready to have cake and ice cream, three of Min's friends showed up with some of their kids... so they joined in the fun!

Happy Birthday Andee!!! You're Three!!!!!

2009-03-06T19:41:00.004-06:00

Our baby* turned 3 today!

All she wanted for her birthday was a pink cake.

Min wanted to make a strawberry cake, but I asked her to get a white cake with pink swirls, use the Blue's Clues® pan and I would decorate it.

So I spent last night making a pink puppy with purple spots and green trim.

She loved it!

Yeah, I've get her wrapped around my finger... or is that the other way around? ;)

Oh, and here's another shot of the cake on Min's new stove (we installed it on Tuesday). No matter what she says, the main reason that we got it was so that she didn't have to clean out the old one.

* She'll be our baby for only 10 more days. :(

Min has been summoned for Jury Duty...

2009-03-03T16:55:00.001-06:00

... and is to report on March 18th.

That's two days after the scheduled C-section.

Good thing to know the government doesn't have that close of tabs on us.

;)

Musical Sunday #6 - My Fair Lady

2009-03-01T17:33:00.003-06:00

Come on, Dover, move yer bloomin' arse!

Based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, the musical My Fair Lady was Mindy's pick for this week's show.

We all know the plot of the musical: boy hears girl, boy torments girl, girl leaves boy, boy wants girl back.

... and somewhere in there the girl becomes a lady.

My favorite character in the show is Alfie P. Doolittle, Eliza's father. "Get Me To The Church On Time" and "With A Little Bit Of Luck" are my two favorite songs in the bunch.

Anyways, Aimee didn't get it, Aaron liked it okay, Alex and Andee went into the other room to play, Min fell asleep, and I stayed awake the whole time (I took a nap this morning).

At just under 3-hours long, its a chore to sit through if you are little.

Aaron said he liked the songs but they were too far apart. His favorite song/part was the "The Rain In Spain" which is always a fun one.

Next week, we'll try to something a little shorter and more in their range: Mary Poppins.

Made me laugh...

2009-02-28T19:52:00.003-06:00

Denied!

Musical Sunday #5 - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2009-02-22T18:42:00.004-06:00

This is one of Min's favorites. She will sing along to the entire show if you let her.

The Christiansens came over for lunch after church and then we watched "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" together.

I really like this musical, and so did everyone else... well, except for one thing, but we'll talk about that later.

This was the second collaboration between Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and is unique from all other musicals (that I've seen) where it is completely sung (no spoken dialog).

I love how each song is a new style. My favorite is the take on French Ballads "Those Canaan Days" and then next is the western "One More Angel In Heaven".

Min's favorite is Joseph's (Donny's) "Close Every Door":

Okay... it was Aaron who had a problem with something (and Min and I could have picked it from the start).

Some of the costumes are... how can I say it... rather inappropriate for young viewers. Several of the female dancers have on skin colored body suits with well placed stars and shells, fish netting, etc., especially Joan Collin's Mrs. Potifer.

Donny's expression in the pic above matched the kids' reaction to the costumes.

Anyways, it was a wonderful time (and is wonderfully short at around 78 minutes).

We recommend it... but you might want to screen it first if you have doubts.

"The Brothers Clayton" Icon Redux...

2009-02-22T12:35:00.010-06:00

Took the icons through a revision this weekend...

I even animated the little versions!

My job is so much fun!

Announcing...

2009-02-19T22:31:00.004-06:00

Pratt Wood Whitesides
February 19, 2009
2:42 pm
6 lbs. 8 oz.
18 1/2"

This is my new nephew. Jill's first little one, and the first on my side of the family that isn't mine. We are all pretty excited and it will be really fun once our little one is born next month! Now if only we didn't live so far away.

Pride and Predators (Jane Austen meets Alien Bounty Hunters)

2009-02-18T22:07:00.003-06:00

Variety.com is reporting that this is in works from Elton John's Rocket Pictures:

Rocket launches 'Predator'
Clark to direct aliens vs. Jane Austen pic
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Elton John's Rocket Pictures hopes to make the first Jane Austen adaptation to which men will drag their girlfriends.

Will Clark is set to direct "Pride and Predator," which veers from the traditional period costume drama when an alien crash lands and begins to butcher the mannered protags, who suddenly have more than marriage and inheritance to worry about.

Shooting will begin in London later this year. John exec produces, and his Rocket partners Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish are producing.

Clark, who directed award-winning short "The Amazing Trousers," wrote the script with Andrew Kemble and John Pape.

"It felt like a fresh and funny way to blow apart the done-to-death Jane Austen genre by literally dropping this alien into the middle of a costume drama, where he stalks and slashes to horrific effect," Furnish said.

John will supervise the music, as he does in each Rocket-produced film.

This could be great!

Working on some icons...

2009-02-16T19:51:00.009-06:00

For my Web III class, the students are developing a series of icons for a blog that they are scripting from the ground up. Every year, I design one along with them.

This year's theme... the Clayton Boys (sorry Michelle).

Preface: These are not meant to offend or make fun of anyone. They are just based on my observations.

So here they are. Give me a critique if you feel like it.

Mike
So, as a standard: goatee (or beard), glasses, and the full face (full square) is what I went for with this design. I'm fine with it.

Sean

Sean's bald (or buzzed in this one), has a full face, and the little soul patch thingy going on. Took off the glasses and added the shadow shapes to the sides of his face to show some shape. I'm thinking I change the hair color to something more dirty blonde. And he has a little bit bigger nose to help distinguish him from the rest of us.

Jared

One of the only true brunettes in the family, Jared got the brown eyebrows, the more round glasses (I think I may increase the number of squares in the bottom rim to achieve a better roundness), and the full face and cheek shadows. I might make the mouth more a smile by adding some squares on the side.

Bryan

Bryan has the thinner face, the more slender nose (with nostrils) and the cheesy grin. I'm happy with the direction, but not the details. I might add ears, but no one else has them, except...

Spencer

Basically a cooler version of me with the slimmer face (to which I might add ears, like Bryan's), the slim nose, the less full face, and the hipper glasses. I might add some cheek shadows, but I'm not sure.

Anyways, comments are welcomed.

Musical Sunday #4 - Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's "Carousel"

2009-02-16T08:42:00.003-06:00

We continued the series with Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein's Carousel.

The story of carousel barker Billy Bigelow and his trials as a man, a husband, and a soon-to-be father. Gordon MacRae (barker Billy Bigelow) and Shirley Jones (mill worker Julie Jordan) star in wonderful tale -- that I liked, but the kids were indifferent.

I guess as a father I can relate the struggles that Billy has, and that might be the point where the kids lost interest... well that and the songs and dances are looooong and that might have bored them.

Anyways, next week it's Donny Osmond in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.