The Latest and Greatest

Let's see--it seems like so long ago since I've felt at "one" with the blog.
Busy, busy, busy is life these days since I have returned to work.
A little update.....

Petunia - (aka Tooney, Tooney-Rooney, Jiggs, Baby Jiggs, Jig-wigs, Wiggy) Yes the list goes one. Every time I look at her I come up with something new.
This little girl has been an amazing blessing to our family --to say the least. She is the snuggliest little bug..and frankly she is so darn happy, it keeps us smiling (at least until its time to work on homework or chores). She enjoys being packed around and I have to go on the record and say, I think she is the "poopiest" little one I have ever seen. She is very regular! I guess thats a nice way to say it.
I love her babysitter! I cannot reference her name because I want her all to myself. She loves Petunia so much and takes such good care of her....it actually makes me happy when I have to leave her in the morning. Her husband also spoils baby Jiggs when he is home from work early and I love that these good people LOVE spending time with her. (Of course who wouldn't, right?!)

Tubbs - My kindergartner is not such a little boy anymore. Even this last weekend, Uncle Bobby pointed out the roundness of his cheeks (on his face people) and asked what we were feeding the kid. He is actually a little "machine" as Luke says. His little physique is completely different from Bubba's and he seems to have the perfect "little" compact physique for wrestling (and Luke is loving it). He is wrestling two nights a week at a high school close by and this Saturday will be his first tournament. We should have plenty to laugh and talk about that is over. Nothing like watching a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds try to pin each other down using "rules" and without hurting each other. We'll see how that goes....

Bubba - Recently turned eight and seems to be trying as hard as possible (by Bubba's standards) to make good choices. His life over the past few weeks has consisted of trying to make his "Accelerated Reader" points for the quarter. This quarter his goal is 24 points. For crying out loud! Specific books (not every book) is on an "AR" list and point values are assigned. After they read the book they go to a computer in the library or in the classroom and take a test on the book. Based on the point value of the book and how many questions they get correct, they earn points. Let me just tell you that tonight Bubba got about 2/3 through a 175 page book and Luke figured out it wasn't on the AR list. I could have flipped out. The book was part of a series and apparently not every book makes the list. Whatever.
Bubba is still playing YMCA basketball and picking up a few necessary skills to survive...like knocking people out of the way when he goes after a rebound. It makes his mommy proud! :) Just kidding. Its actually very entertaining... except when its someone else on his team.

Mama - Well...what can I say. I am pretty boring...but yet I seem to be amazingly BUSY. A few months ago I became the Cub Master for the Den in our ward at church. Bubba's first pack meeting was the Blue and Gold Dinner two weeks ago.I am still trying to figure it all out since I have obviously never been through the scouting program. But Luke has been a BIG help! He also really likes to see me in my uniform. Funny guy.
As far as work goes, I am attending a conference in Orlando in May....which means an impromptu "discounted" family getaway. The conference is four days so we are staying an extra two nights and trying to squeeze in some fun. Woo-hoo.
(And this time we are sooooooo going to the doctor the day before we leave to get EVERYONE checked out for ANYTHING that could cause one of us to wind up in the hospital for 4 days!)

Big Papa - A few weeks ago the Secretary of Education called Luke at his school to congratulate him. (Pretty cool) Luke's school is one of three schools in the county that received the Title I Academic Achievement Award.  http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr10/yr10rel20.asp In April he gets to go with his boss and a few co-workers to attend an awards banquet at the Disneyland Hotel. We were hoping for a free park ticket out of the deal, but I guess Disney must of been too hard up to make that kind of significant donation! :) Instead he get "discounted" parking at the hotel and has to pay to attend the banquet.
Whatever. Thanks for the recognition....
Ok--thats me being cynical and grouchy.
I am very proud of my husband. He works very hard and it is nice to get recognized once in a great while.