LIFE

Wow---where do I start?

How about I start with the best news---maternity leave!

As of 4pm today I am a free woman. I do love my job and I work with great people----But I am thankful that after today I can nap whenever I feel like it. And yes I am going to take at LEAST one nap everyday. Every woman who has been pregnant can relate to the sleepless nights, especially in the last trimester. I sleep so terrible I don't even need an alarm clock to get up for work. But now I can still wake up early, do my thing and take a mid-morning. I cannot wait! Now--nobody better start jinxing me by saying that Scout is going to come early--like tomorrow. Girlfriend has 18 days left to bake...

Anyways, Luke and the boys knew how excited I was for maternity leave. When I pulled up in the garage after work I found a sign on the garage door:

When I walked in the house the boys yelled "Surprise" and had a card and some treats for me on the counter, wrapped in foil: A piece of peach pie, cookies, and a Slim Fast shake. They also had some flowers in a vase! I am the luckiest woman alive!

I am excited to be home with the boys and the baby until the first of January! Yaaaaaaaay!

Now the not-so-happy news---Poor Luke does head back to work on Monday! Poor baby is down to his last 3 days of his 8 week summer break. The boys are going to miss big papa. They have had quite a busy summer.

Twilight-

I am now addicted. (Yes, I am weak) This book series has also been affecting my sleep since I now dream about all of these characters---(lame I know).

My friend Julie loaned me her book in June and after letting it collect dust for a few weeks I decided to go for it. I read a chapter here and there for a while and got really annoyed. Is Bella whiny and annoying or is it just me?! I actually thought about quitting about halfway through. But about 3/4 of the way through it got good. The night I finished it I asked Luke to drive me to B&N to get the next book---"New Moon." I am about halfway through now (and annoyed once again). Luke surprised me yesterday with the next book in the series so I need to hurry up with "New Moon" so I can quit hearing about Jacob. I am just not that interested! But I am now REALLY looking forward to watching "New Moon" when it comes out later this year---especially if Edward is in it at least 5 minutes :)

Baby Jigs - (aka Baby Scout)

This is Tubbs' name for his baby sister. I think its going to stick. Its because he likes to jiggle my stomach and says its "jiggly." (Thanks Tubbs) He is constantly trying to shake my belly and putting his face on it talking to the baby.

Luke has another nickname for Scout: Baby Cita.

He calls me mamacita so I guess this was a natural evolution. Everyone has a nickname around here. If someone gets called by their real name, you know they're in trouble!

Baby Jigs' room is almost done. We have really procrastinated on getting everything set up and ready to go. Luke has been more of the go-getter on finishing it. Maybe its because it feels like this little girl is really never going to arrive. Hard to explain the feeling. I can feel her kicking/moving a million times a day, but it seems like forever still until I will see her face. We are just dying to know what she is going to look like! Only 18 days to go....give or take a few! :)

Swim Season is Over!

Yes, the boys had their last swim meet of the summer season on Saturday in Taft. Even though I was hot and uncomfortable I really, really enjoyed watching the boys compete this season. They learned all of their strokes and no matter what place they took, I loved watching their every move. They even received a few medals and ribbons! They really loved it. We are looking forward to having them continue to swim at BSC through the year and watching them compete again next summer with the swim club. It was also nice visiting with the Simpson's too during the practices and swim meets. A big thank you for sharing their canopy/tent with us.

Is my butt pregnant too?
I was sitting on the corner of our table in the formal dining area reading my e-mail on my phone. I heard a strange noise and I got up and turned around. Yes--my big butt broke the glass on our table. Niiiice! Luke and the boys were out of town so I had to take a picture to send to them.

Big Brother-

Are people really this retarded? Is it a requirement to get on the show? When the show started this summer we weren't able to watch on the night they came on, so we recorded them on the DVR. It comes on 3 times a week so were about 5-6 episodes behind when we had a Big Brother marathon. Luke got the lotion out and rubbed my poor swollen feet for hours while we indulged in our annual summer obsession. We have been watching this show every summer since we got married. I have to say that this season leaves a lot to be desired but its funny nonetheless. If Russell (the "love muscle") or Ronnie don't get sent packin' soon I think I may freak out though.

I think either Luke or I need to go on this show! :)

Best Wedding Entrance Ever!

Now--this is my kind of wedding entrance.....
Watch the video....

This past week has seemed especially LONG and tiring. Being almost 36 weeks pregnant its not only been tiring physically-- but even more emotionally.
Seven days ago I found out a friend I had grown up with had passed away from a degenerative disease he had suffered from most of his life. He belongs to a great family.--- Its a family we grew up with in Lake Isabella and went to church and school with. Its a family that everyone loved and admired.... and this was truly evident yesterday when my brother and I attended the funeral/memorial service. The service was a reason to shed tears but there was also many great stories shared that brought much laughter. As testimonies and stories were shared I not only thought of Joe, but I reflected on my own life and family.
A few weeks ago Luke took Bubba to the "Ear, Nose and Throat" doctor because we had suspected he had no sense of smell. With the numerous sinus infections over the past 2 years and sinus surgery last year we thought maybe something had gone wrong. The doctor ordered a full brain MRI that Bubba miraculously held still for last Friday. On Wednesday this week the doctor called with the results and left a voicemail for us at home. As I began listening to the message I thought for sure everything would be normal since he was leaving us a message with details instead of a message to call him back. Unfortunately I was mistaken. It turns out Bubba has "Congenital Anosmia." Basically, what it means it he was born without his olfactory nerve and he has never been able to smell. The doctor rattled off a few other things we weren't too happy about, gave us more information, and referred us to an endocronologist for further testing. A mixture of emotions ran through our minds and it was a long day.
I cried. I thought back to when Bubba was a baby---who never knew the smell of his mama. I cried because there was something different about my little boy that the doctor told me over and over in his message that "we just need to accept" and cannot fix. Because Bubba has never been able to smell he doesn't know what it means to smell. Luke was thinking sentimental thoughts as he told me that Bubba would never be able to smell his wife's perfume or the smell of his baby's head. I was thinking that Bubba wouldn't be able to smell his own body odor or smoke from a fire. Needless to say, after we played the message over a few times to catch all the details Luke call Bubba into his room. He sat him down and told him we got the results of his MRI. I could hear Bubba ask, "Can I smell now?"
I spent the rest of the day thinking about what the doctor said and left a message at his office for him to call me back. At the end of the day he finally called me back. His call didn't make me feel any better as I got more information that needed to be "googled" because I had no idea what it meant.
I had a mixture of emotions over the next 24-48 hours. I was thinking of my son who I love so much and is such a gift from my Heavenly Father. Earlier in the school year we received a letter from his school informing us that during a routine vision exam they identified he was color blind (like his mama). Now we knew for sure he can't smell. What else was going to come up? I don't want to know. As a parent, sometimes it seems that ignorance can be bliss.
But then I thought back to my friend Joe and his family. What emotions they must have felt when he was diagnosed as a child with the disease that taxed his body. Knowing the kind of person Joe was when he was here on this earth has helped me in many ways over the past few days as I prayed for strength (and so many other things). There is still more that is unknown about Bubba's medical condition but I know we will make it through whatever comes. I will not feel sorry for myself or wonder why these things have to be the way they are. Bubba is a perfect little boy who has a family who loves him and adores him. I cannot worry or cry about test results for tests that have not even been performed. Patience is the virtue I need and pray for.
I am thankful for the example that Joe has set for me. The one thing I will always remember most about him is his big smile and sly sense of humor. He was strong, even when his body was weak. His faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ was evident and he knew where he came from and where he was going. I know as I face the challenges that are upon me and my family daily that I will remember Joe and his example. I am sad that he is gone, but thankful for what he has left behind. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-maughan-kent&pid=129711955
There is a song that has played in my head several times this week from the hymn book at church:
When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your blessings;
See what God hath done.
Count your blessings;
Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings;
See what God hath done

Feelin' the Love

June was a busy month. Scout and I were the party girls ---as we were the guests of honor at 3 baby showers!!

Let me tell you that when I walk into Scout's nursery I feel the love of all my family and friends. 90% percent of everything I see when I walk in that nursery is there because someone else cared. Scout has received four handmade blankets so far and every time I look at them I am in awe because someone took the time to make it special just for us. (I am also in awe because I have not one creative bone in my body and I neither know how to sew, crochet or stitch!)

I guess I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate anything you have contributed to our household for this new baby. After each baby shower I would spend time in the nursery putting items away in drawers and hanging up little outfits....and I would get very sentimental thinking about how blessed I am to have so many wonderful people in my life. Its been over 5 years since our last bug (Tubbs) joined our family and when we thought we weren't going to be able to have anymore we got rid of EVERYTHING. So--its been fun to borrow, receive gifts and purchase everything we need to welcome a daughter into our family.

Only 37 days to go! (Not that I am keeping track)

OK---baby shower #1

My oldest and dearest friend Julie hosted a shower for family, friends, and co-workers at Marie Callender's restaurant. The food was delicious and her aunt Marion made me the cutest, most delicious pink cupcakes! Julie's mom also played the part of "official photographer" since my camera went dead 5 minutes into the shower. What a lifesaver!

Thank you Julie. I love you and I appreciate all you have done for me and our family. When you have your next one (wink-wink) I will be planning your next shower! With two little boys I think its time you try for a girl! :)

Me and Jules

Even though its not pink--and not very feminine, this has to be one of my favorite gifts. A shirt that says: "I only cry when ugly people hold me." It made me laugh and laugh.

So fancy...and girly! What if she poops on it?! :) (Thank you grandma Hogue)

My cupcakes!

Baby Shower #2

My sweet friend Carianne (aka Supermom) organized a shower at her house. The food was scrumptious and her homemade Tres Leche cake (did I get that right?) was to die for. All my girlfriends from church (present and past) were there. We played games and I even won some "strawberry Whopppers" for having the biggest baby out of the group (Bubba was 9 lbs 9 oz) Yeah baby! Carianne, the planner that she is, even had the guests put their mailing addresses on envelopes for thank you notes. Another lifesaver in my life.

Carianne--I love you and appreciate the time and work you put into this shower for Scout! Thank you! And thank you to all of her "elves" who helped by preparing/mixing food and decorating.

The girls chatting it up!

Pink with polka dots---who can resist this sweet dress?! I want one just like it..with matching under pants!

Every girl needs a good pair of jeans. John Lennon (and myself) love this pair!

My most memorable shower gift---a gift for Luke! Thank you Joy! :)

Baby Shower #3

Family baby shower in northern California!

My mother and sister-in-law planned a family shower for me at my parent's house. Aunts/uncles/cousins/siblings/nieces/nephews were invited and it was so much fun.We had a big BBQ and the kids swam and swam...and swam. It was fun to visit with family and to be reminded how important family is. I came from a family with six kids and even though two of my siblings were missing, I always enjoy when we all get together to do anything. I hope and pray that my three kids will enjoy coming to visit Luke and I for family BBQ's and swimming as much as I enjoy my visits with family now.

Disney outfits from Aunt Sarah and Scout's new "wheels" and car seat next to Luke. Thank you Grandpa!

Scout gets her rag quilt from Grandma.

My delicious diaper cake with size 1 sensitive diapers!! Thank you Lindsay!

Scout's Cake.Mmmmmmmmmm!

The party girls! I am so lucky to have them in my life. The shower was awesome and I know you put so much time and and money into this shower---and all of the wonderful gifts. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and Scout's!)

XOXOXO

Thank you!

Roller Babies

This was too cute not to share.

Holiday Weekend in Roseville

We headed north for the 4th of July weekend and to pick up our little bugs from a little getaway at Grandma and Grandpa Baer's house.

I love visiting the family up north and I love it even more now that they live in Roseville. There is always something to do and the shopping is so much better than what we have here. Luke would say he loves that they live in Roseville because its so close to some good 4-wheeling locations.

No matter --because since I am the author of this blog, shopping will always win!

So--as you may have guessed, this weekend getaway included....SHOPPING.

Thursday morning I took the boys and cousin Natalie out early for some breakfast and shopping--- and surprisingly ran into a dear friend I haven't seen in 11 years! So much fun. Later in the morning Luke and I then took the boys school clothes shopping at the Nordstrom Rack. I have always said my life would be complete if Bakersfield would get 2 things---a Cheesecake Factory and a Nordstrom Rack. I don't think my life will be complete anytime soon.

Thursday night included a quick trip with my mom to "Home Goods." It was a first for me and unfortunately since I was feeling so miserable I couldn't do much browsing. I think I sat down on every comfortable chair I could find on display.

Friday morning I pumped my mom up and we headed out to the Galleria mall with 5 kids in tow. We had my boys, nephews Cooper (9), Holden (4 months) and niece Natalie (6). I have never received so many pitiful stares as I pushed little Holden in his stroller through the mall. People were probably trying to figure out how far along pregnant I was and how old the baby in the stroller could be. It was almost humorous. But the kids did pretty good and we made it a whole 3 hours in the Galleria (heaven) before heading home to the guys.

(Tubbs and his cousin Holden. He couldn't keep his hands off him!)

Saturday----Swim Party/BBQ with the family!

The day started out with a nice nap for me! yay!

In the afternoon we began making food preparations and the doorbell started ringing around 5pm. Five out of six siblings were there and my parents were only missing one grand kid out of nine and one son-in-law. Not bad. I haven't seen my oldest sister in over 2 years so it was especially nice to see her and her family. But I loved spending the day with family. The kids hopped back and forth from the pool to the hot tub. They didn't come inside until the fireworks show started at 9pm. Thank you to our pyro-technicians Uncle Bob and Luke. They made sure there was always something on fire! We called it a night after 10:30. Surprisingly baby Holden fell asleep (yes, asleep) during the fireworks extravaganza.

Super Hero Wrist Bands

On our way home we stopped by the Nike Outlet store for some school shoes. (yes--I know school is still 7 weeks away)

The boys found these Nike wrist bands and insisted they needed them. For 5 bucks we agreed. I knew why they wanted them, but I didn't know they would actually wear them out in public.

They each came up with their super hero name:

Bubba- "Fire Boy"

Tubbs - First it was "Wrist Band 6999000666" then he changed it to "Z-Strap Skecher."

(I don't know where Tubbs comes up with these things. Earlier today he was mad at me in the car and he called me a "Combo Burrito." Luke and I looked at each other and laughed. Tubbs didn't really appreciate it. After we got home he called me a "Taco Platter.")

Maybe he is craving Mexican food....