Hug It Out Continues

This punishment just never gets old.....and neither does this video. I even came up with a little dance to go along with it. But neither one of them would agree to do it, much less on camera.

Over the River and Through the Woods....

.....to Grandma's house we go!

Last weekend we headed to Luke's parents' house for the night. They had snow earlier in the week so there was just enough residual for the boys to enjoy. Luckily I was able to pick up some snow gear at Target before they moved the swimsuits in this week. (Its crazy)

(The boys in the robes that Grandma made)

Grandpa and Petunia

Chew on This....

WHo knew a 4 month old could chew Bubbalicious!
Actually---I don't know what she's chewing on....something one of the boys tossed on her playmay maybe. :)
Little Petunia is almost 4 months and she rolled over for the first time today. No...I don't know if this is considered "late" but I could care less. I have enjoyed carrying her around everywhere I go too much to care! I knew that I should try to put her down to "play" at least once or twice a day....so today I was working on Tubbs homework with him so I put her down on her tummy for some "tummy time." I go check on her about 2 minutes later and she's on her back. I mumbled to myself, "What the heck?!" ---and did a double take. I immediately knew today was the day and went to grab the camera...of course.
Warning: this video contains "baby talk."
LOL

What a Blessing...

This last weekend was very special for our family. My parents, two younger brothers and their family from Roseville made the 320 miles trek on Saturday to stay the night with us.  Saturday evening we ate, laughed, watched football....and ate some more. I was sad to see them leave Sunday afternoon after Sacrament!

I stressed a little deciding what to Petunia in for the occasion. An infant doesn't have to wear anything in particular but since my boys wore white I decided I should stick to it. I found this two piece sweater outfit with a matching beanie online at "Dressed in White.com" and I LOVED it. It was also cheaper than most of the gowns that just seemed too long or fluffy.

Thank you to all who came to witness the Blessing and to friends and family who participated in this ordinance. We love you!

My parents and brother Bert

My Wild Indian

Tubbs' Kindergarten "Feast" was held yesterday in his classroom. The "feast" consisted of popcorn, carrots with ranch, apple slices, pretzels, pumpkin pie....and necklace made of Fruit Loops.
Yum-my!

Philanthropist.....Maybe not

phi-lan-thro-py: the effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.

Last night after Luke got home from work we decided to go to Chili's for dinner. We were at a busy intersection where there is always a long line of cars waiting at the signal. As we waited in line to turn right I see an older gentleman in camouflage holding a sign that says something about being a Vietnam Vet and needing help for the holidays.
After a moment of looking at this guy I remember I have some cash in my wallet, which is RARE. I pull out a five and hand it to Luke who was in the passenger seat. He rolls down his window and waves to the guy. He walks over to get the cash and Luke asks him when he served. He says, "68-69 in Saigon," gives us a wink and a God Bless. At that moment after hearing his voice I wondered several things but kept them to myself. I felt good about giving something to someone who obviously felt compelled to stand on a corner in the cold with a sign to ask for help.

As we turn the corner Luke asks the boys if they saw what mommy did. They were both so quiet in the back I thought they were zoned out or playing with toys. Luke tells them that mommy gave the man on the corner $5 and the boys proceed to ask questions about the potentially homeless man. Tubbs is quiet and then says: "Heavenly Father is really happy with you right now I bet." Its a sweet thing for him to say and we discuss why it made Heavenly Father happy.

Then Tubbs asks why I ONLY gave him $5.
I told him that was all I had.
He seemed a little disgusted and said the guy could only buy one meal and that's it. What would he do when that money was gone? Luke told him that hopefully others would give him money too.
Tubbs is asking so many good questions I sincerely ask him if he would like to take back some of his Christmas gifts and give the money to the guy so he can eat.

Blasphemy!

I was being serious and Tubbs proceeds to get angry and tell Luke that mommy is being mean. Luke looks at me and smiles...and I roll my eyes as we walk into the restaurant. Obviously Tubbs wasn't too concerned about the guy....not enough to give up a few toys.
I am guessing that philanthropy is not in his immediate future. Oh Tubby-Tubbs!

Hug It Out

Last week the boys piled themselves into the rig to head to school in usual fashion.---This consisted of the boys arguing about who was going to sit next to Petunia and saying things to each other that weren't nice.
You know that voice in your head that wants you to LOSE it....and tell them what you really think?! I had a moment. In my head I just wanted to blurt out "SHUUUUUUUUUT UP!"
But---we don't talk like that in our house...as I am sure is the same rule in others' homes I know.
So once again I resisted this urge and tried another response. I don't like getting upset... angry...irritated with them, especially when I am about to send them off for the day. So, even though we were running late I put the car back into park, turned around and told them to stop what they were whining and arguing about....and hug each other.
Bubba immediately seizes the opportunity and squeezes his brother too tight and lets go. Tubbs begins to cry because he says his brother hurt him.
Holy cow. This was not what I thought would happen. Can't they just read my mind and follow my plan.... for once?!
So---I tell Bubba to comfort his brother and apologize.
Then I tell them to hug and not to let go until I say.
I proceed to get my camera out...as you can see from the evidence below.


Then I asked them to sign the ABC song TOGETHER. (I could have thought of a good primary song from church, but I didn't want them to argue with me about not knowing the words.)
They begin to sing together and within seconds they start laughing.
After they were done singing, while they were still hugging they had to tell each other: I love you brother, you are my best friend."
After about 2 minutes I was done torturing them and ripping out of my driveway. I am happy to report that after this spectacle they got along great all the way to school.
Its a miracle!
I am definitely using this technique more often.

Has it been 3 months?!

Please somebody tell me this little girl isn't getting bigger everyday (and cuter if I say so myself)!
She is 3 months old now...and I so wish she would stay this size forever.

She smiles at me like I am the best thing in the whole world. If only my "little" boys still looked at me that way. Luckily I have pictures of them when they were this size to remind them that there was a time where they thought I was the best! :)

Petunia has slept through the night for the last 10 days! Can I get a hallelujah!? She is a very quiet baby--unless she is hungry or daddy holds her. (just kidding Luke) She is very attached to her mama (literally) but she will let anyone hold her (except her father) withour a fuss. Again...I am kidding...kind of.

She is a big girl...as you can tell. She wears size 6-12 month clothing and she fits into size 3 shoes. She enjoys being my little doll and humors me by smiling when I sing to her all these songs I make up on the fly. She also likes it when me and the boys turn on some music and dance around.

My new little sister Jazmyn Simone (I don't know how she has more hair than me?!)

My first time in my Bumbo chair---and I love it. I am such a big girl.

Grandma and her quilt she made me. Thanks Grandma! XOXO

Taking brothers to school. I love my velour sweatsuit---so does daddy. (i think he wants one just like it.)

The play mat wears me out!!

My blanket, tag blanket and matching burp cloth that Carianne made me! Love her!

The Beaver Fairy Returns

"Beavers" are what we call the boys' teeth. Don't ask me why, but its stuck since our first one got his first "beaver."
Bubba is 7 1/2 and has lost eight teeth so far. His orthodontist thought that in order for some of his permanent teeth to come back in properly he needed to get all four of his "canine" teeth pulled. All righty then!

I mentioned what needed to be done to Bubba right after we got the recommendation. He asked a question or two but didn't seem concerned. (Hey--I have given birth...so this didn't seem like a big deal to me either!) I scheduled the appt. for a few weeks later but didn't bring it back up again until the night before the procedure. I didn't want to get him freaked out--or give him time to stress about it.

Anyways---the doctor was very friendly and his assistants. Luke was going to meet me there about 30 minutes into it to help with Bubba in case he flipped out. Insurance doesn't cover the nitrous gas, so Bubba was going to have to settle for the Novocaine! (I am so mean)

Bubba was in the chair getting numbed up with some gel stuff and I was sitting on a bench in the corner with Tubbs and Petunia. When the doctor got the needles out for the Novocaine, Bubba started whimpering, squirming...and soon crying. After a few minutes Tubbs couldn't take it. He asked me if we could say a prayer. I thought it was so sweet. So, Tubbs knelt down beside the bench and we said a prayer for Bubba. At that moment I was also praying that Tubbs would always have this kind of faith in prayer and be willing to kneel down wherever he is and talk to his Father in Heaven.

Anyways---onto the screaming.

Bubba was not happy....as you can guess. I thought the whole procedure would be done in less than half an hour. I am not sure why, but its probably because I have been very fortunate to have very little work done on my teeth. The whole thing took about 90 minutes.

But Bubba got to take his HUGE teeth home for the Beaver Fairy that night.

My goodness...four beavers was going to put the Beaver Fairy into the poor house! :)

Bubba fell asleep after we got home. He slept for about an hour and then we got him in the shower to clean him up. He was such a champ and the numbness was wearing off quickly. We wanted to take him for a cold treat so we went to Moo's Creamery for the first time as a family. Tubbs ate dinner before we came so we let him and Bubba pick out dessert while Luke and I got dinner.

Tubbs picked out the cookies and milk:

Bubba got the two scoop sundae:

Luke got the fish and chips and I got the fried pickles and turkey sandwich. (I really recommend the pickles. Mmmmmmm)
Luke and I debated...how much should the Beaver Fairy give?

On the way to dinner we stopped at an ATM . Of course we forgot to get change for the $20 at dinner....so guess what the Fairy left?

A $20 bill .....and a nice letter of explanation.

It read:

Dear Bubba,

I stopped by your home tonight and was surprised to see that you had four teeth under your pillow. I left you some money to spend on something you like, but I left you and extra $5.00 to buy your little brother Tubbs something. Dr Chung told me that Tubbs said a nice prayer for you and was very surprised at how much he loves you. Thank you for taking care of your teeth. I like how clean they are. See you soon.

Love,

The Tooth Fairy

The next morning after Bubba found the $$ and the letter he was convinced that that the $20 was for him and there was an extra $5 somewhere else for Tubbs. We cleared that up quickly.

They got showered and dressed very fast that morning and we headed out to Target so they could spend their money. Bubba was very sweet and let Tubbs have $8 of the money instead of just $5. What a sweet brother!

This whole teeth pulling experience has proved to me how much these two boys really do love each other...and I pray every night that they will always take care of each other and their sister this way.

Love you boys. You're the best!

The Boxer

CHECK OUT THE FOOT WORK! I THINK THE NIGHTS OF WATCHING UFC WITH DADDY ARE PAYING OFF! (No, katie really does not let them watch it with me!)

Dancing...kind of

I think I know where these boys inherited their moves from----and its not me!

Straight A's

Yeah that's right! The Principal's kid made the Principal's list! Bubba has completed his first quarter in second grade where they actually assign letter grades instead of the ridiculous "+", "-", "check mark!" While Bubba has received all "+" in the past, it is just not the same. I am glad to report that both Katie and I spend a lot of time studying with the boys and push them to do well, perhaps way too much on my end. So much that Bubba will come home with a 98% and I have gotten to the point where I don't celebrate the success but question, "why did you miss that one?" I guess it is the old teacher in me. Nevertheless, Bubba was advised that if he made straight A's he could FINALLY get the Bakugan Maxus Draganoid set he has been wanting. Katie and I were aware that he was getting an award for being a Straight A student, but told Bubba we did not know anything. We waited patiently as the teachers called students for perfect attendance and honor roll. Simon received his perfect attendance from the teacher, but anxiously awaited the principals speech. He looked a bit concern that he was not called for Honor Roll. The moment came for his Principal to announce the names of the second grade students who received Straight A's (Principals List). The moment was priceless, I was able to snap a quick shot as Bubba jumped up and immediately looked back with those Bubba eyes and was so excited!

His baby sister Jiggs was very proud and excited to attend the Award Assembly!

Hell-O-Ween

Halloween week wasn't exactly the most pleasant for us this year. The Monday before candy day Tubbs came home from school with a fever, a bad cough and a headache. Very strange since he seemed perfectly healthy that morning.
A trip to the doctor was in order and he tested negative for the swine flu. Thank you!
Two days later he still had a fever and another trip to the doctor brought back a positive test response this time...along with an ear infection.
Oh swell.
But to be honest, the swine flu doesn't seem any different to me than having just the good ol' "flu." After spending $107 on Tamiflu (highway robbery) and antibiotic for his ear, Tubbs was on his way to recovery!
The following day Bubba comes home from school, changes into his pajamas and flops onto the couch with a blanket.
What?!
No running, chasing brother...or arguing?!
A fever! Uuuuuugh.
Why, why, why!? (Followed by sob-sob-sob-sob-sob)
A trip to the doctor Friday and he had it too. (Another $107 for Tamiflu. ka-ching!) I ignored my flu symptoms as much as possible and asked Luke to pick us up some masks.
Aren't they stylish!? I was determined not to get the baby sick...and so far we have succeeded. Petunia even smiles at me when I have the mask on. (Maybe she prefers that over my smile?!)


OK---on to the brighter parts of the week.
The pumpkin patch:


Tuesday night we took the boys to the local pumpkin patch to pick out pumpkins. They each got one and even picked one our for baby Jiggs. We carved them the following night....and even though they might not win any contests, I love the fact that the boys designed them....and LOVED them.





Loading us all up on Motrin we agreed to let the boys put on their costumes and let them knock on a few doors in the neighborhood.
Watch out.... here comes:
Dan the Bakugan Brawler

.....his brother Batman


.....and their favorite treat:


Here is hoping for a happier and healthier Halloween week next year!

Dear Petunia....

You are my favorite doll!



I love you with all my heart....and I can't believe you have been in our home for almost eleven weeks. If only my pregnancy would have flown by as quickly... :)
Promise me you will never get any bigger and that you will stay this size forever!
Your brothers stand adamantly by this promise to me. I can never ask questions about what they're going to be when they grow up or where they'll go to college....because they are definitely not "growing up!"
(Of course staying this size forever doesn't mean you can't sleep a little longer at night.Not to be ungrateful, I did appreciate the eight hours you gave me last night. It was a great gift.)
Of course no matter how little sleep I get, my grumpiness seems to vanish as soon as I see your little face and pull you out of your crib. I love that you are a "morning person" like your mama and big brother Bubba. Your smiles and coos first thing in the morning make us all smile and laugh. I hope you will always bring lots of laughter into our lives.

Your delicious little legs and thighs! --They are accentuated in the morning by your little night gown that creeps up when you sit on my lap after you eat. I could squeeze them and play with them all day.



I am so glad you are my little mama and shopping companion. I miss your brothers so much the second I drop them off at school, I am glad I have you to come home with me. When I open the car door and see your blue eyes look at me, it makes my whole day seem worthwhile again. The way you hang on my right arm and grab on to my shirt as we walk around the house (picking up toys, doing laundry, making phone calls, doing homework with your big brothers)like you are the one calling the shots----I don't ever want it to change.


One of my favorite memories so far is when you were about 6 weeks old and I heard you crying in your crib. I let you cry for a minute and when I went to get you, found you being "attacked" by your baby doll. When I left you in your crib earlier your dolly was lying about 6 inches from you-- but when I returned, she was on your face like a WWE wrestler. I wish I would have had that moment on videotape--- but I guess that would have been cruel of mommy to leave you to be tortured further, while I ran to get my camera.

My little politician.....I am sure you will give your daddy a run for his money when it comes to debating politics and worldly issues. (You all ready have his scowl, so I am looking forward to watching you two in about 15 -20 years)

Your mommy and daddy love you....your big brothers adore you and we are so happy you are here with us to complete our family. XOXOXO

Family Fun

Baby Petunia and I had the opportunity to spend a week up in northern California with my family. My dad drove halfway down to pick us up so I wouldn't have to drive all the way up with the baby. The boys dropped us off in Chowchilla and we enjoyed a peaceful drive the rest of the way back with Grandpa. Our first evening home Uncle Bobby, Aunt Lindsay and the cousins came over for dinner and met Petunia for the first time.






My mom babysits my 7 month old nephew 3 days a week so Petunia had someone to talk to and play with.




We enjoyed dressing up Holden with Petunia's hair accessories...and he didn't seem to mind! :)

We really enjoyed the week. We did some shopping and I have to tell you that my favorite places to shop are in Roseville. I do think their Galleria mall has EVERYTHING I would ever desire to wear. (But the Nordstrom Rack across the street is a VERY close second)
I also had the opportunity help put together a scrapbook for my grandma Strickland's 90th birthday party. My grandma lives in San Diego and she flew in Thursday afternoon with my Aunt Thelma and Uncle Dennis.


It was like a scrapbook "sweat shop" for 3 days straight! :) I would scrapbook during the day when Petunia was sleeping or being held by grandma or grandpa. One evening my sister and sister-in-law came over to help put everything together. Grandpa made his famous "breakfast dinner" and I was in heaven.



My grandma's birthday party was the pinnacle event of the week and it was a lot of fun. All of my parents' 10 grand children were there and the only immediate family that was missing was my brother Dari and my brother-in-law Eddy. My grandma's nieces/nephews also made the party, along with her sister-in-law. I really enjoyed myself and I was thankful to be able to spend the time with everyone I love so much.










Luke's sister, Jenny, even drove over for the day from Petaluma and brought the kids some Halloween gifts. What a nice surprise.