The New Emma

I've been meaning to post this for some time now--Sorry, Michelle. She absolutely loves her new haircut! I can tell she feels like a million bucks. And she is most excited about looking just like her Aunt Michelle (that's what she thinks anyway!). I am most excited about not having to listen to her whine about getting her hair combed in the morning. It' s amazing the difference 7 inches can make.

Ummmmm???

OK, for a second there I forgot that Landon was a boy. In my defense, I haven't slept in a month and he does scream like a girl.

Pictures of us

Aaahhhhh!!!! Now the girls are winning. They are pretty cute though.

Here are the Kentucky twins. Can you tell which is Shawn and which is Michael?

Here is one of Millie dressed up . . .

. . . and dressed down. She can do it all!

This is Michael speaking. I like Karate so much that I wish I could do it every day! Love, Mike

Here's our little bundle of occasional joy. Just kidding, he really is a great little kid and will be perfect once he figures out what sleeping means.

One of these kids is not like the others...

So Michelle and I have been looking at the recent grandchildren pictures and we have noticed a pattern in all of them. If anyone would like to play, please look for the one child that wasn't taught how to smile. It's a real toughy!!! I'll give you a hint: It's the only kid that looks miserable in EVERY family picture. Should we blame the parents or the camera? Happy Searching!

AND THEN THERE WERE TWELVE!!!

Just thought I would send a quick picture of the twelve cutest children in the world. (Now that all my children are adults I can say that!) It was like pulling teeth to get all these children in one shot, but I insisted and the parents tried not to act very annoyed with me. They all lived through it and I got a (mediocre) photo of my twelve beautiful grandchildren. I may not get another one until next year, so I had better enjoy this one, right?



I also insisted on a shot of the two new babies, but as you can see they weren't too excited about being immortalized in the Richards Blog, but then, who is? In case you can't tell by the color of their pajamas, Landon is on the left and Jessa is on the right. They will love this picture when they get older, won't they? All else is great here. The snow is melting and spring is just around the corner--I can dream can't I.

We love you all!!!

A Brandon by any other name would probably still smell bad.

Last night I finished reading Freakonomics (I'm several years behind on popular reading) and found it really interesting. My favourite chapter had to be the one on baby names. As you can imagine, baby names are a hot topic here in Provo where I feel like the only woman not expecting. But I'll save that for another post.

My favourite part of my favourite chapter was the list of examples of low-end vs. high-end baby names. We (and by "we" I mean "I") discuss potential baby names a lot (not hinting at anything, by the way) and as most of you know, I keep a running list in my wallet - with several crossed off after marrying into a family with such good taste in names. Brandon has come forward with a few, one of his preferred boy names being Cody (that will become important in a second). Let me enlighten you with a few of the authors' lists:

"Most Common White Boy Names Among Low-Education Parents"
1. Cody
2. Travis
3. Brandon
(I don't think their data was totally accurate...Dr. Richards)
"Most Common Low-End White Boy Names"
1. Cody
2. Brandon
Here's a shocker: "Most Popular Black Boy Names - 2000"
9. Brandon
"Boy Names Most Likely to Lead Your Child to Believe He is Superman"

1. Brandon (that was a joke, I couldn't help myself)

My name only showed up as the 8th most popular white girl name in 1980...Beatlemania a bit delayed? Not sure, but I do know Buddy & I can anticipate chubby children (evidence above and below). But in spite of the statistics, I think Brandon's a pretty awesome name. But as far as his input in our children's names go...we'll just have to see. By the way, I'm thinking about declaring dibs on certain names via the blog so it's evidenced in writing. Or maybe I should just jump in soon before all the good ones are taken!

Equal opportunity funny pictures...

To avoid perpetuating the theme of funny pictures of Brandon, and to prove that he isn't the only weird one in the family, feast your eyes on these: Although taken some time ago, this bedhead picture was too good to resist. The apple didn't fall very far from the tree...but it did just roll out of bed. Here's a priceless shot of dads watching the kids. I know mums have eyes in the back of their head, but does this mean dads are evolving as well? "Watch and you'll see, someday I'll be, part of your world!" Tara, your hanger strap is showing...as are your jeans. I am impressed at how far you got the zipper, though! So they haven't always gotten along as famously as they do now...
And they called it Puppy Love...three kids later and they've still got the heat. (reference to Cheaper by the Dozen, not based on actual events or feelings)
Well, I could go on like this all day, but we've got meetings to get to. Aren't Sundays supposed to be a day of rest? Look forward to more of this to come...and as a matter of curiosity, would you prefer for me to make this blog public so you don't have to sign in all the time? As one without children, I think the weight of the decision falls on you with little ones, I know the internet can raise some concerns. Just let me know (via e-mail or blog).

Crazy Underwear Heads

Help, it's the crazy underwear heads! Their names are Meg and Emma. They're from the crazy planet undervare. I sure hope this underwear was clean. From, Jake

The Cutest Wise Girl Ever

No, this isn't a funny picture of Brandon, but it is a very cute picture of Millie! She just looks like she's taking her Wise Man role very seriously. I love it. I think she wins that award for the best costume this year. Go Millie!

Hubba hubba!!!

Since the theme right now seems to be funny pictures of Buddy and Michelle, I thought I would add to the fun.

Goodbyes are so bitter sweet...

Mom asked for pictures, so naturally I'm exceeding expectations and adding a video! This is one of my near death experiences trying to say goodbye to Tara & family last summer. I had Michelle video the escapade just in case Tara decided to try some funny stuff. Good thing I jumped out of the way just in time!!

OK, So I'm slow, but it took me this long to figure out how to publish!!!

Hello family,

First of all, thanks to Michelle for this wonderful site. Now if I can just remember how to get back onto it. I have decided I am blog illiterate--but then I am over 50 so what can you expect. This is going to be such a great way to keep in touch, but I am wanting pictures, family!!!! With two new babies you would think there would be some pictures to include. Let's see if I can help. Here are my two new grandbabies and they are both adorable. I guess our only other news is all the snow. Wow, it feels like we live in Alaska!! I am ready for spring, or a cruise or something. what do you think?