Our Fathers Day & Birthday Gift

Dude..we are so out of here! First off I have had it up to my ears with these Allergies..and it seems that only when I am here at home in Bonney Lake, they flare up bad. So anyways, for Big Riches Birthday which is on the 20th, and for Fathers day, the kids and I are taking him back to Ocean Shores for 4 days!
We will be staying at The Sands Resort

Our family suite is located directly behind this woman sitting here in the picture. Our room has a 1bdrm w/ 2 dbl bds-a huge family lvg rm, w/a queen bd, and a pull out couch..yup, that's plenty room for us.
The Resort has 2 pools, indoor/out, 2 jacuzzi's, sauna, and gameroom.

The weekend before last we drove to Ocean Shores and stayed at The Sands for night to get away from this gosh for saken town..after working so many events, and being noticed/recognized every where I go, it was nice to go somewhere that we didn't know nobody. The kids want to move to Ocean Shores..Rich and I wouldn't mind leaving and starting over, but we'll see.
I cant wait to relax and kick back..this has been a rough week with my allergies, sleepless nights, cracked and dried skin, itchy and burning eyes..man, can it just be Thursday already? I have reservations for a private jacuzzi with my husband

One more night, and TR6 is gone!

Alright there is our living room that we will be chilling in for the next 4 days..I cant wait..Happy BDay Rich, and Fathers day baby!

Another Year

Our Anniversary is creeping up! I have to say that time does fly when your having fun, that's fo'sho! I have enjoyed being married to Bigrich all these years. Nobody know's me better, shoot, I think he knows me better then I know myself. Finding Rich has truly been a journey all in itself though. Lord knows I kissed lots of frogs and toads before my Prince found me. I can honestly say that he is my match in everyway. Sure things were rough and get rough, but never my Marriage..times are hard, but never my marriage! My safe and favorite place is in his arms. It has been great..being married to Rich is the best..I fall Madly deeply in love everyday, I still get Very Excited to see him when we are apart like a giddy high school crush. He has provided so well and so much for the kids and I. I cant believe another year soon. I love you Gregorio! Here's to many more years baby!

Those LiL'Nasties

Our children have grown up so much, and THEY ALL have developed their own personalities. Some mix better with others, some clash, but most of all, getting it all down on who likes what, what makes this person tick, that one is more sensitive, she doesn't like to be touched, he is harder and can take more, ALL that getting to know them is what is CRAZY~ there is way to much between 4 kids to remember. At our house there is never a dull moment...believe me...there isn't! Someone is always talking...for real! There is never silence, just constantly yack yack yack! Which is cool, but I'm telling you, I need a pad and pen to keep up with who is telling me what, and what's going on with everyone. We always get interrupted, one kids talking to me, and then another one pipes up..and then there's an argument because the 1st one was like (with Massive Attitude) " Uh HELLO, did you just not see me talking to MOM!!", and then I got to deal with this lil'bit of an argument about to steam up, let alone remember whatever the heck it was that the 1st kid was trying to tell me, and then make a mental note of what the 2nd kid was gonna tell me so I can go back later and show some concern, and ask them what it was they wanted to share with me so that they dont feel left out or forgotten!!! GEESH RIGHT?
Ok so Rich and I have pretty much every type of person living here with us. We got your mixed up and confused, your emotional and temperamental, the strong and confident, the I dont need anyone I can do it all myself person, we especially have the famous, I DIDNT DO IT, IT WASNT ME kid living here as well. If you have one of those kids living at your house, you know how frustrating it can be, and if you dont have one of those yet...you will, trust, it happens to the best of us.
Something goes missing.."It wasn't me, I didn't do it", something is broken, "It wasn't me, I didn't do it", something spilt, something left open in the fridge, anything that would constitute clean up and an explanation, it is always that "It wasn't me, I didn't do it" kid.
Our Team keeps us busy and on our toes..we are having the time of our lives though being parents to these 4 krazi lil'nasties!

Keep'n it Real!

Here we are again, blogging! Putting what we want out there so that others can be all up in TR6's Mix! That's pretty much what it is, putting your 411 out there for all to see...it kind of makes is easier then calling I guess. You pretty much know what your fam and friends are up to without really having to talk to'em. It sort of helps with your conscience, and guilt...so when someone says..."Hey have you talked to TR6 in awhile?", you can be like "no but there fine, they are doing, blah blah blah, and the only reason I know that is off there Blog, I dont call them, or care to really stop by and see them, and instead of making up nasty rumors, I just read their blog". See so there it is, my fam and I have been fine. Just steady working. The kids are all growing up so fast it's crazy. Next year we will have a
7th,4th,3rd, and 2nd grader. Where has the time gone?

This years Christmas Card Pictures

Like every family in America, or around the world, we set aside a day to take our Family Picture for our Christmas card. You would think that the older the children got, the easier this process would be....nope! There were lighting problems, background issues, camera malfunctions,disorganized children, faces not wiped, hair not combed properly (ok, the way Mommy wanted it done),complaining husband,one not smiling, one not looking..everyone not ready....but all in all, it was FAB!
We go through it every year...if it was perfect, it wouldn't have been a tradition.
The once a year crazy hectic day that is expected, and that it is alright...after our very many takes, we do what we do best and laugh at all the goofiness that was captured on camera, and make more silly and unforgettable memories.
tis this season...happy holidays from Team Rich!

Ask the Pros

We were going to invest in one of those perfect tree finder devices this year, you know the one that everyone was buying up this year at Home Depot??? Ok, I'm playing, there isn't anything like that...well not that I know..but how do you find the perfect tree? Every year we go to Bowans Christmas tree farm to find that special tree to share our holiday with and most importantly hold all our special gifts for our loved ones. Each year TR6 runs around crazy searching for it. Some years it takes longer then others, but bottom line, we all have to agree on it.
So here it is..our tree, the special one.

Right before the boys get ready to cut down our tree daddy always asks " Are you guys sure this one is it?", and together we all answer.." yes, cut it down ".

Family Traditions

Every year TR6 attends the lighting of the Bonney Lake Christmas tree. We have been going for as long as Rich and I have been married. This year we attended the Sumner Christmas Parade for the first time w/Bestie and her son Dane, Mom & Dad, Bill & Erica and their family. It was a nice family day full of traditions. That same night was the lighting of the tree, and we all attended that as well.

Some of our other traditions is going to the same Christmas tree farm and cutting down our Huge tree. That day is coming soon, I think this Saturday, but it takes us a while to all decide on that Special tree that gets to come home with us.
Aside from the Baking, and putting the lights up together, one of our most favorite traditions is adopting a family, or maybe I should say helping others. This year the Team has been donating to our local families in need by buying gifts for them and dropping them off at our Local Jamba Juice. I would like to think that they are giving with a good heart more then it being all about receiving 50% off any size and smoothie of their choice...but either way, it's going to a great cause. All the gifts stay local, and they get a little something in return.
I love this time of the year!

~Being Thankful 4 Families~

Turkey day was Amazing. We spent a little bit of the morning with my family at my sister Abbies house. Mom was scheduled to work at 2pm, so we ate early with her, but we still had to save room for our second stop at mom/dad Rich. It's such a great feeling to gather with the ones that you are truly thankful for, and look back and remember where you were last year, and think about how much blessing we have received. Prior to eating the delicious meal that was prepared for us, we as a family couldn't help but to discuss the year before, and what we were all doing, the events that took place, and just laugh. My Wilson side has a pretty well ROUNDED sense of humor. If you dont know us by now, then I guess we would come off a little rough to you, but as Polynesians & simple people, life has really been something we laugh about it, especially given our background and our up bringing.
So needless to say, we ALL like many families have TONS to be thankful for.
This year was absolutely Fabulous for me. I did not have to prepare anything big, just 2 Green bean casseroles. One for our first stop, and another for the second one. It was very low maintenance, and I was thankful for that.
My life has had it's plenty shares of ups and Downs, but I can honestly say that every year it has exceeded the last. Rich and I were reflecting back to last Thanksgiving, and where our lives were and where it is now, and we have had some Major upgrades. From financial stand points, to cars, people, goals, material things, and opportunities, we have definitely been blessed..no down grades at all, and that is what this day is all about....Being Thankful for life.
After mom left for work, TR6 had to roll out to Pacific to have dinner with the Richardson side.
This would be the first Thanksgiving with them in like 3 years..maybe more! My sister in law Erica was responsible for preparing the Bird and mom was doing the extras. Bill wanted to smoke a Turkey as well, so we had 2 kinds of gobble's that day. They were both Yummy! But we chillaxed and had a great time with them. Everything was delicious. I'm always Leary about eating traditional foods made by someone else. I'm just so use to the way my mommy prepares things, or myself that I was worried about being disappointed being that this is the only time of the year I like to eat Turkey. I always look forward MAINLY to the day after Turkey Samiches! Those are the best!
Although it wasn't what I'm use to, it was still very yummy.
We all played Guitar Hero World Tour for entertainment, and then just chillaxed and talked grown up talk with mom & dad which really felt good.
Not wanting to stay out late because Black Friday was the following day, I think we called it a night around 9pm. Overall it was Amazing. I enjoyed my Turkey day immensely. It was fo'sho, one to remember!

I am happy to report that the Sunday following Turkey day, we were all over at mom's house for our 3rd Thanksgiving dinner. Since mom wasn't really able to chillax a while the day of, we made up for it that Sunday. The Bird was just as I remembered...nothing like mom's good'ol Turkey, and you best believe that I had a Samich..2 of them in fact. We played our family bingo, and did our traditional what are you thankful for around the room, giving everyone a chance to share their thoughts. This is what it's about. Family, and good eats!

An Adult Hair Cut

What is an Adult Hair Cut? Does that mean only Adults can get it? Or does that mean, when you cut your hair a certain way your going to look like one? Or maybe it means you might have to act like one!
This school year we had a long talk with our Daughter Leaniva a.k.a "Bear", about going into Middle School. We discussed new things she might be exposed to, peer pressure, being responsible, the new clubs, and exploring different things. BriCh and I were really shocked to discover that our Bear just totally took off like a bat out of you know where, and changed everything up on us....Who was this GIRL, and what has she done with our BEAR! The word New in New School year was exactly the word to describe everything about the chick....New School, New attitude, New wardrobe, and New PLAN! I'll get to that in a minute, but back to the whole topic of this Blog.
So we discussed with Bear about establishing a NEW look to go with this NEW HER. We talked about a perm which she was way excited for so we set a day to go out and do this.
After arriving at the Regis Salon in Walmart, the stylist educated us on a few things, and pretty much changed our minds about the perm idea. So she gave Bear some books and told her to choose a cut. After about 5 minutes we found one. I double checked with her to make sure that she was ok with taking soooooooo much off, and she was absolutely, positively sure. Because I knew she was expecting a dramatic change with the perm, and I figured we wouldn't be spending nearly close to the cost of a perm, why not do a cut & color. Which is where I went wrong.
After chopping off my daughters hair, the stylist then tells me that this is by far the most popular ADULT HAIR CUT that they have done here, and that it has never been done on someone so young...she then added that she was anxious as well to see the finished product.....HOLD up, wait a minute...what did you say???? ADULT HAIR CUT??
WHAT THE HECK DOES THAT MEAN?????
Did I just make a HUGE mistake here? I was about ready to pick up all Bears hair off the grown and clue it back on, and walk out of there screaming.." dont go in there this woman is crazy, look what she did to my daughters hair!" but I took a deep breath and though, how bad could it be? How adult is it really going to look?
Well a buck fifty later, I realized why it was called an Adult Hair Cut..because who else would spend that kind of money on a kids hairdo! So I was alright thinking that, as a matter of fact it was comforting to think that the amount was the reason for the Adult Cut..but after it was all said and done...I realized I was completely wrong.
~~~~~WHO IS THIS CHICK, AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY 11YR OLD DAUGHTER?~~~~
This was not my child...I was staring at a Young beautiful woman, and so was everyone else. She made me realize how much I wanted to hurt that lady who cut her hair...dont you think she should have told me that my daughter was getting an Adult Hair Cut? I'm her mother, I have a right to know! I demand a refund..I want a hair cut and style from the Children's Book. Preferably one that makes her look 8!!
What can I say..you live and learn.
She is our AllStar Player though. This year, she ran for the 6th Grade Student Council Rep, and won with her winning speech, she is active in 2 different clubs, and has decided to put off Basketball and try DRAMA this year! Yeah, that's another blog entry....but she has totally just took off, and sprouted! She has grown so much in just these few months and it's unbelievable. Who's that Girl?
But that's our Teen Angle...we love her and is soooo proud of her. You go Bear with your bad self mama!

The Bobcat Ceremony

Ok, like our new calling is Den Leader and Assistant Den Leader of the Wolf/Bear Pack. I was excited to receive this calling, but didn't know what to really expect. I do know that enjoy boys a whole heck of a lot more then girls...I mean, I love my daughters, and get along great with females, but I enjoy chillaxin w/the boys. I guess it's the childhood tomboy in me.
Anyways, so working with the boy scouts has been Amazing..I really do love this calling, especially working with the Handsome, and adorable Den Leader...he's HOTT!
Our son is apart of the Wolf Pack and has recently achieved his Bobcat badge, so there was a ceremony to present him with that. I was told that as his mother, I get to paint his face as part of the ceremony while the Pack/Troop leader informed him of the meaning of each symbol, and color. It was awesome..I about cried.
He loves scouts. I love seeing him excited to attend his Den meetings every Tuesday, and I have gotten to know the other scouts as well, and I just totally adore them all. Boys are Kool!

~my Besties Shower~

So like I'm way excited for one of my Besties because she is going to have her 2nd child here in like a few weeks..well the middle of January, but who knows Allison Bailey Burkholer might come soon...YOU NEVER KNOW!
But my other Bestie and I, Mi'chele threw her a shower, and it was way fun..my very first shower throwing experience..really it was all Mi'chele...I just made food, and bought gifts! I never attend these things because there boring...my first shower I attend was my sister inlaws..and it was alright, but hey at least I went.

Motherhood is freaking awesome..the whole caring another life in you is unexplainable! It's such a great feeling until the end...I dont know who really enjoys the arrival...not me! After having 4 precious ones, and the last one being over 6 years ago..I'm really ready to have more. Rich and I discussed the possibilities of having at least 2-3 more. I cant wait.
Financially we will prepared, emotionally...well, I think I'm ready, but the last time I was pregnant I was 24yrs old..My body has changed PLENTY since then TRUST! But I'm sure I'll be aight..but enough about me..this is about my Kristy...she has found a wonderful husband and partner for life, and they are about to have their first child together. Kristy, I want you to know how much I love you, and how much I am grateful that we met and have became as close as we are. You and yours mean so much to TR6, and we look forward to sharing many more memories, and this experience with you.

~~TwiLighT~~

Since our family has always been into Vamps...I was introduced to this saga as a definate MUST read. I couldn't put the book down, and was very surprised when I was done with it. It was the first book I had read in less then 2 weeks. When we got wind of it being a movie, I like soooo many other females in America, had a count down for it, and marked it on my calendar...so needless to say..we went and saw it.\
Despite what movie critics and other opinions, I LOVED IT! The family voted 5 to 1 to see it verses BOLT in 3D. We all enjoyed it, and will return to see it again...I have to...it's a must see again for me.

We have never really cared about what others thought regarding our Thang for Vamps..so I could give a hoot about those who desliked it, or have other negative things to say about the flick...I LOVE it and that's all that matters Right??

~Halloween~

TR6 enjoys Halloween, almost the same as Christmas. We usually deck the house all up, and really go all out like we do for Chirstmas..we have about the same amount of decorations! We have our annual traditions like we do for Christmas, we do family events, baking, spooky movies nightly up until the day of...so just like Christmas..we do tons of things to get us all into the Spirit of the Holidays..but it's a little different.

So all of TR6 got to pick what they wanted to be for halloween..Bear wanted to be a fallen angel Gothic Fairy..Luka wanted to be a Vampireand Lou wanted to be a DEAD Cheerleader

Rich and I dress up every year with the kids while attending Trunk~or~Treat..it's fun and it's the one day of the year that you can get away with dressing funky if not the traditional Spooky and Scary look.

Rich and I are just those types of parents that are not afraid to get down with our kids, and be kids ourselves..really, it's fun, and Rich is the biggest kid of them all..he loves halloween..he's twisted like that..In a good way..he's the kool parent!

Another memorable year..another year we were able to do our annual puNkin patch visit, our Trunk~or~Treat, spooky movies every night a week before Halloween..(Hocus Pocus) my all time favorite, and trick or treating at Sky Island..parking in front of the Carringtons home is our Spot..we've been parking there for the last 4 years..there was one place we were not able to do this year, which is attend one of the local churches Fall Festival..but no biggs!
Alls well that ends well.

ILL'n @ the FaRm-Rich/Burk sTylE

TR6 Was glad 2 of shared our Annual Family Tradition w/my Bestie & her family this year! It was a freaking blast..even though Kristy,Bull,Bear,Holly,Taytay, and I got lost in the maze...but we paid very lil'money for our puNkins, had some good eats, and created life long memories together. I'm glad our families met, and have became good, and close friends...here's to many more good family times!!!

Family Tradition~The Maris Farm

When Rich and I got 2gether, we always said that we wanted to start some good old fashion family traditions that our children can remember, enjoy, and look forward to.
Since I grew up in Buckley, my Softball coach, who was also our Middle schools Liberian just so happend to be Mrs.Marris, one of the many owners of this Beautiful, Heaven on Earth piece of property that Hundreds of people flock to every year. We have been bringing our children here for the past 6 years.
Our family has picked puNkins here every year since then. TR6 looks forward to what new and exciting things that the Maris's has added to the farm.
One year, I think it was 2006, after doing the hookie pookie, a young man took center stage, which at that time was right under the covered area near the entrance and started to sing and play his guitar. He played locally, and had not yet been discovered. Shortly after that debut there at the farm, Blaine Larsen, was heard all over the radio and had excepted a music contract that took him to Nashville to fulfill his lifelong dream as a country music star.
We love the Maris FARM and our lifers...It's TR6's tradition, and this year we were able to go with one of my BESTIES and good friends Mark&Kristy Burkholder and their girls, and OUR solo and single Buddy T.

This year Rich chilled with the fella's while Kristy, Bull, Bear and I attempted the Corn maze. We made it to the 1/2 way marker which mean that we had to find checkpoints 6-10. Yeah, about 30 min later, we turned around, went back to the 1/2 marker and called it good...We had a pregnant lady with us who had to go potty...ok, I had to go as well...and NO ONE in there was could find #9..no one..we kept circle'n and passing the sames groups of people..and for the record...we were not the only ones that threw the towel in...so because of that failed attempt...Rich wants to go back and conquer this maze.
Another great year! We paid a whole whop'n $10 bucks for the kids puNkins..now that's what we call a DEAL..especially since they were pretty big.

Bonney Lake Elem-Open House

This year we only have 3 Vikings attending BLE. Last year all of TR6 was there, and open house was very Loooong! We have a 3rd,2nd, and 1st grader. They all were very excited for us to be there. We got to see a lot of their work, read the stories they wrote, and see some of their Art work. It was a pretty cool night.

They all just love school so much....and they are proud to be Vikings!

Americas Most FUNNIEST Family Pictures

The weekend our Brother Bill got married, Rich and I decided to stay gone for the whole weekend. We visited Belfair, Port Orchard, and Bermerton. While visiting these beautiful cities, we stayed in 2 different hotels and while we were in our room....strange things happend.

Bear turned into "Bernardo"The Rocker

A long lost family member






DONT HATE ON TR6....Be Skurd!

A year from TODAY.....

Big Rich and I will be renewing our VOWS in front of our Families and some Friends. Following the vow ceremony will be our long awaited, and overdue reception in Sumner WA at the Hansens place.
We are both so excited, and cannot wait. We made our list of what we need to purchase, the things we want, so we have been buying things here and there, and crossing it off our list. By this time next year, EVERYTHING will be bought and paid for. No to LOW stress. Our colors are Brown/Gold and a hint of Orange. My maids are set. Their dresses were decided upon by my Maid of Honor & Hubby.

We have already made a small deposit on the material through the dress company. The latest date to submit sizes and our order is May'09. Due to amount of dresses needed, we got a discount. I'm also going through the same company for the misses in waiting and the flower girls dresses. The picture shows the dress white, with a gold sash tie, but mine will be Gold with a brown sash tie.

Big Rich is still unsure about the Groomsmen. I guess he has time to decide..LOL! But I got on the ball with it. My dress will not be revealed until the day of. Plus, I'm not sure to go with the Irish tradition like Rich. He is going to wear the traditional Irish Kilt

Only the Groom, his Best man (which is his Brother) and his father will be found in these, not the whole line. He's going to get in shape to wear this...all of us are. My line and I are going to challenge each other to a weight loss competition..and I know I'm going to win..if there is one thing that Motivates me...IT'S MONEY! Small wager..the buy in is $20bucks per person..winner takes all.
I cant wait. Here's my ring

Engraved...Greg & Aniva Together forever 6/12/04. That's our Original date. That one will always mean the most to me. Our reception held 5 years later...man there is lots to do. Rich is doing the invites by DVD...he's almost more excited then me...ALMOST!

I love this man. He is my everything, my best friend, my air, my world, my life! Since I have met him, my life has just been nothing but AMAZING! I have experienced so much good with this man. He knows me inside and out...he knows me better then I know myself. I'm so GAGA over him...he is the reason behind my smile, my success in everything, and anything, he is my #1, I miss him when he is in the other room...being apart from him makes me crazy...I know it's good sometimes..which I always tell him that he put a spell on me..because I should be able to go down another isle in Walmart without missing the Heck out of him...Some may not EVEN comprehend..but it IS like it was yesterday that we hooked up...I still have butterflies, I STILL melt when he Kisses me...and I still WANT him More and MORE everyday. To US Gregorio...next year it will be all about us! I love you babe!