The Golden Nugget - enhanced!...

Okay, prior to Steve leaving on his mission, he felt that he had way too much time on his hands and needed a project to keep him busy. The Dodge Neon that Steve could be seen driving all around town in, is one of those typical Dodge Neons, where for some reason, it had paint flaking off all over. I must say, it did make it easy to identify the car, and to let us know if we needed to look the other way pretending we had no idea who was in the car or who it even belonged to. The project that Steve came up with was to "detail" this lovely automobile! His idea of detailing was to repaint it. He borrowed a sander, set up shop in the garage, and he and his friends quickly went to work. What was once a blue car was now transformed into a golden masterpiece. Literally! They had spray painted it gold, yes gold! (It wasn't the best paint job, but they were pleased). Thus the name "The Golden Nugget"! But, then upgrades (?) were needed, or so they thought. "The Golden Nugget" was then transformed into this lovely piece of art (if you look at it subjectively).......

The Golden Nugget just isn't fitting for this car any longer. Does anybody have some suggestions? I'm thinking of charging a fee for passersby observing the artwork in our outdoor museum!

Happy Birthday Ryan!!!

We start birthdays at our house first thing in the morning. In case you need proof, take a look at this photo from Ryan's birthday today.....

Yes, before the sun even thinks of rising (usually about 5:15 or 5:30 A.M.), we are getting everybody in the house up to go in and sing (joyfully, I might add) Happy Birthday to the birthday person! Monique is in Boise for work, and when she reminded Ryan that she would not be home for his b-day, he informed me that I still needed to have everyone wake him up early on his birthday! So the Sticht Family Robinson Choir (minus Steve who is in the MTC), burst into the room to sing to the birthday boy! Monique was on speaker phone so she wouldn't miss out.
The excitement over his birthday has been building for days. Last night he informed us that it was his "Birthday Eve" (like an entire day isn't quite enough)! I guess being the youngest, he has to take as much as he can!
He followed Tommy's example and was slow in opening cards and presents (again to make it last as long as possible, I'm sure). His dad sent him a musical card (much to Tyler's annoyance). Grandma and Grandpa Robinson sent a card with money (a NEW five dollar bill, 'cause it is still fresh, as Ryan explained). He also got some attachments for the Wii remotes (golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat), a massager, and Mario Kart! Contrary to what the photo shows, Ryan was considerably more excited about Mario Kart.

Happy Birthday Ryan! We love you!

It's Christmas - again!

Our kids are so very fortunate! They are able to extend the Christmas season - due to the fact that they get Christmas in two different houses! This year, they were at their dad's for Christmas, so we celebrated a delayed Christmas with them when they returned on Sunday evening! As with any kids, they were so excited and anxious. They kept asking "When are we having Christmas at home?" I think they were hoping to have it before they went to their dad's, but with the weather how it was here, we decided to wait until after (secretly hoping that the roads would not permit us to travel so the kids would then be home for Christmas). And by the looks on Tommy's and Ryan's faces, they weren't very disappointed this year....

Tyler and Wendy were equally as pleased (maybe they were just happy to be back at home)!

He's off to be a missionary....

Two weeks ago, we had the privilege (?) of taking Steve to the MTC. What an experience! The only thing I could think about was I don't know how my parents did that five times over! I also thought of my oldest brother and how fortunate for him that he only had to go through it once (he did take my parents to the MTC, but I would like to think that was completely different)! I think I was so overwhelmed, because I have only had Steve in my house for three and a half years, and it was hard enough; I can't imagine how difficult it is when you raise them from the beginning!

We were able to get one last photo of all the kids before heading to the airport..

Steve's friends went to the airport with us to say goodbye. What a crazy bunch of kids! And since our flight was delayed, they were able to stick around and keep Steve entertained (Monique and I would have just irritated him).

Wednesday morning, you could see the anxiety setting in. It's interesting how much somebody's eyes can actually reveal! Steve really wasn't saying very much, but his eyes spoke volumes - nervousness, excitement, apprehension. Another small blessing - Steve was able to meet up with his friend Adam that was going to BYU! Again, less time for Monique and I to totally irritate him!

And after a very quick and emotion filled hour, we said our goodbyes. We are anxious to hear of Steve's new "adventures" and of the growth and changes that will take place in his life.

Het beste Steve! We love you!

Christmas Decorating help....

Monique has been decorating for Christmas the last couple of days. The excitement is filling the air at the Robinson-Sticht house! It's amazing how many kids offer to help when they see the Christmas stuff brought out! And, just like every year, the kids are told not to touch 'Monique's' tree (she does one tree with Delft's Blue ornaments from Holland). Last night, there was one helper that just wouldn't listen. He was bound and determined to help.......

Scooter must have put in a lot of hard work - he looks exhausted!

We're just wondering how long the tree will actually stay standing (no, this is not Monique's tree! That cat would no longer be living if it was).

Student of the Quarter....

Well, somehow, Wendy has once again managed to buffalo a few of her teachers at school. For some reason, they are under the impression that she is an incredible student and nominated her to be a "Student of the Quarter" at jr. high. We received a letter in the mail a couple of weeks ago advising us of this. We were to "honor" Wendy by going to a breakfast at her school at 6:30 A.M. - (yes, in the wee dark hours of the morning)!

Congratulations Wendy! Job well done! We are proud of you!

Happy Birthday Tommy!!

Today was Tommy's 13th birthday! As always, the day started bright and early with the ever so incredible Sticht Family Robinson Choir bursting into his room singing the Happy Birthday Song!! That should have been birthday present enough! But, like any other 13 year old (I'm assuming this is the case, anyway) he wanted more! No, not more singing, but actual presents! Tommy is our 'poky little puppy' - he usually doesn't get in too big of a hurry to do anything. This includes reading birthday cards in the early hours of the morning! This drives the older kids crazy (okay, it drives me a little crazy too). Finally, onto the presents - a book (why would we give him a book?), AXE body spray (which was sprayed on heavy enough to be enjoyed by everyone at school) and instead of a Tickle Me Elmo, or even a Barbie, he thought he needed an air soft pellet gun (egad, we actually caved in and got one for him). The day could not have started better (all because of the serenading)! But wait! He then got to go to school, to wrestling practice, and then a scout campout! And since it was his birthday, I didn't even harp on him about homework (that can wait until tomorrow)!

Tommy, you're a great kid! You are very concerned about how other people are doing, or will handle certain situations. I admire how thoughtful you are towards others. I appreciate your sense of adventure and willingness to try things, even if they tend to be scary at first, or foods that nobody else in their right minds would eat!

Yes, this was some sort of gross looking sushi (sashimi or whatever) that Tommy thought he needed to try. His comment, "it's not too bad"!

Happy Birthday Tommy! We love you!

(Mikki, the paint splotches in the background of the first photo - just think of them as shadow puppets!)