Fun Weekend

We were supposed to head north for my nephew's baptism LAST weekend...but Cooper's little brother (Holden) decided to steal the show and arrive early. He ended up being born early Saturday morning 14 hours before the scheduled baptism.

So---the baptism was moved to this weekend.

Lucky for us, that meant we would get to meet the newest member of the Baer family earlier than expected.

We arrived Friday night to my parents' house...and to a few bags of my mom's baby girl shopping. This little girl is off to a great start.--- I love that my mom is so excited and always thinking of others. (Until my youngest brothers Dari (21) and Bert (18) have kids one day this little girl will be the last grand baby for my parents for a while)

The boys absolutely loved baby Holden. They wanted to hold him right away---and touch his face (and "pet" his head). Bubba has a hand fetish and I watched him play with Holden's little hands. Tubbs kept commenting to Aunt Lindsay on random things he liked about the baby. It was so cute.

This reaction from the boys got me more excited and ready for our baby to get here in August. It got me so anxious I actually went out to the Galleria mall on Saturday with the boys, my mom, SIL Lindsay, Holden and Natalie to look at some baby girl dresses at the GAP.

It was much harder than expected.---- The stress.

Which dress to pick?

Why did I want a dress?

I don't know---probably because I have never got to buy a little dress before. I also had a 30% off coupon so it was a good excuse to shop for something.

(My first purchase for Baby girl Hogue)

Saturday evening was the awaited baptism for Cooper and it was wonderful. The boys have never been to a family baptism before so I was excited for them to see their cousin be baptized. We had lots of family show up and it was great to see aunts and uncles as well as siblings, nieces and nephews. After the baptism we came home to lots of my dad's famous enchiladas, Luke's guacamole, and some cake! Happily I was able to eat everything!

My uncle Glenn did manage to get me all worried about actually having a boy. He told a few stories about friends who had ultrasounds which told them they were having a girl ---and out pops a boy. (All I can say is I will not be washing or removing any clothing tags until this little girl arrives)

I should have taken more pictures---but this is all I got from the weekend.

Brother Robert and his family

Me and my little brother

My mom and youngest brother Bert

Muffins!

If you ask my boys something that their mom does well one of the first things they will tell you is she makes the best muffins!

I have achieved my definition of success---I have reached my pinnacle---

I am the BEST banana chocolate chip muffin maker EVER!

(Or as my husband says, "Mama makes a mean muffin.")

Can you tell by how they are eating that they can't get them down fast enough....?

Do you think I can fit anymore in there?

Yummy

Don't touch my muffins....

There is nothing better than milk and mama's muffins

Move Those Cheeks

Like any parent I love it when my boys can burn their energy with good old fashioned exercise. (If I could I would get them an exercise ball or a wheel like Jack the Hamster uses to get exercise! :)

Bubba had the opportunity to participate in his school's jog-a-thon last Friday. He had 20 minutes to do as many laps around the field as he could. Its fun to watch the kids come around the track and the expressions on their faces. Some are sprinting across, some are holding their sides in exasperation....

Tubbs is participating in wrestling at one of the high school's two nights a week. He absolutely loves it and its great to see him so motivated to leave the house before each practice with his bottle of Gatorade. He has tried using some of his take down techniques on his mother and his father is very proud. :)

Getting ready to take off

Mama and Bubba after his laps

Laps Around the Mat

Tug-O-War on the Mat

Its great to see the boys using their pent up energy on something else besides fighting or chasing each other around the house---even though I wish I had the energy to run around my house! :)

Can You Guess?

Could it be that Heavenly Father is playing a strange joke on us?! He is a very clever guy! :)

Luke, the boys and I got to see the baby tonight after work...and discover if we are adding a crazy little girl to the pack---or another stinky boy.

Can you tell from the pictures?

I am popping more Tums just thinking about the upcoming arrival! :)

It appears that Heavenly Father does answer prayers---(and a lot of people's prayers from what I understand!)

Tubbs is thrilled and has been planning on a girl from the beginning. Bubba on the other hand gave a loud gasp and sigh when he heard the news. (We'll have to work on that over the next 5 months)

We got a DVD of the ultrasound so I am excited to watch it all over again. She was moving and kicking all over the place! (....Could of been the large rice krispy treat I ate on my way home from work)! The technician kept getting some good shots of her booty because she was kicking and flipping all over the place! Thankfully we only got one or 2 pictures of that for posterity.

We didn't know if it was a boy or girl for about 10 minutes when she finally typed it up on the ultrasound screen. Luke squeezed my hand and I didn't know if I should laugh or scream. I am still in shock, even though Luke has assured me over the past few weeks that he thought it was a girl. Luke has assured me that he is very excited...he just hopes his little girl looks nothing like him---with his head and broad shoulders. I think he referenced "Princess Fiona" in there somewhere.

I have to agree---I hope she isn't built like a wrestler either. I'll be sure to work that into my prayers over the coming months! :)

Love My Boys

I love Sundays before church. I especially love them now that church doesn't start until 12:30pm. I thought I was going to hate it when we had to switch times this year, but its absolutely fabulous!

Friday I got the boys some matching dress shirts so I made them model for me before church. Bubba and Tubbs have a hard time being serious for more than half a second so I got some interesting faces and poses.

It was March 1st so it was appropriate they were the boys in green!

He Made it to Seven

In the past, Bubba has had this Peter Pan syndrome...and every year after he celebrated a birthday he would tell us this was his last birthday. Last year he told us he would turn seven, but thats it! So far this year we haven't heard anything like we have in the past. I hope this means he is letting go a little bit. Not too much--just a little bit.

Today he celebrated his birthday with friends from school and church at Chuck E Cheese. I am not a big fan, but this is where he wanted to---for the 2nd year in a row.

Good times.....and thanks to all the friends who came. Bubba had a great time and we enjoyed watching the kids go crazy with the tokens! (....And watching them cash in their millions of tickets for a 10 cent trinket) :)

Bubba and Tyler

Most of the party gang

Bubba and Gabe

Bubba and Grandpa

Bubba and Hayden

Bubba and the Vasquez trio

Bubba's Patriotic Program

Last night was Bubba's 1st grade "Patriotic Program" at school. Since it was also his birthday, it made for a very busy day.

I must give kudos to the school, teachers...and of course the kids ---they did a great job.

The teachers began organizing the program early and assigned parts to the kids in December. Four classrooms participated....the kids all knew their parts so well and sang their hearts out.

It was so much fun to watch!

Bubba's part in the program was a tribute to the Air Force. Considering we have members of our family in most branches of the military, this was the only one we didn't.... But that was okay.

Grandma and Grandpa came to watch.

Happy, Happy Birthday Bubba Dear

Happy Birthday to my big Bubba!
Its lucky number seven!!
Big from the beginning he was 23 1/2 inches long and weighed 9 lbs 9 oz.

Now my "little" whipper snapper is over 4 foot 2 inches and wears size 5 shoes!

Bubba---we love you, we love you, we love you, we love you!

We cannot imagine our lives without you as part of our family and I can still remember seeing and holding you for the first time. We didn't know if you were a boy or a girl and when the doctor pulled you out Luke whispered to me, "Its a boy!" I thought for sure you were a girl, but you are ALL boy!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Bubba!

Tear Jerker (4 months)

Oldie ( 9 months)

Cape May, New Jersey (7 months)

Swim time - (6 months)

San Diego (5 months)

Love those pants - 2 years old

Can't......stay.......awake... (2 years)

Meet Jack

Bubba's birthday is this week and the one thing he wanted was....a hamster. Why, I have no idea. I kind of pretended to be the supportive mother, but I did a crappy job. Good thing the boys have their father! :)

We have a busy week and tonight was the only good night to take the boys to pick one out. After Luke got off work he surprised the boys with a ride to the pet store. I can't tell you which one, because I am about to make fun of the "hamster whisperer" who sold it to us. LOL

Yes--that's right---the hamster whisperer. Complete with long dread locks and more information than the world wide web. As she explained the hamster's potty habits I asked her how often to change the liner and if they stink. She looked at me with all seriousness and said, "They don't stink, WE stink..............We stink for not cleaning them. At first, because of the long serious pause I didn't know if she really meant we stink to them. But when I saw Luke rolling his eyes behind her I figured out what she meant.

There were two "long haired teddy bear" hamsters to choose from...and they were both girls. If anyone knows Bubba, he is pretty anti-girl----so Luke lied and told him they were boys. Bubba then proceeded to ask the hippychick who could not lie, even though Luke was giving her all the signals. She looked right at Bubba and said its a girl. Luke then just told Bubba she was kidding and we tried to get the exchange over as quickly as possible. It was an experience I will never forget. Its the boys first real pet! Tubbs' birthday is in April and he is all ready talking about having his own hamster. Oh yay!

Ok---on to the hamster cage---which we forked $50 out on. Are you kidding me? On the drive home I was telling Luke, "Watch, we'll know someone who has an extra cage somewhere after we forked out all that money!" So--if you have a cage laying around somewhere I don't want to hear about it. And if you have any horror hamster tales I don't want to hear those either. I read that the life expectancy of a hamster is 2-3 years. I am hoping "Jacky" won't be around that long.

One thing I love to do is watch my husband put together things that are "poorly engineered." At least that's what he calls them. There seems to be one common component in these projects and that's my frustrated husband who can't seem to get it put together without rigging something up. Thankfully with this cage, he didn't have any leftover pieces.
"Jack in the Box"

Jack in the Poorly Engineered Cage

Water on My Cheek

Friday morning I packed up the boys and we headed to Roseville to see the family! My sister in law was having a baby shower on Saturday afternoon and my mom helped plan an impromptu birthday party that Bubba would share with his 2 year old cousin Bradyn.

Considering how I have been feeling with this pregnancy when I mentioned going out of town with the boys, they thought I was crazy. But I really wanted to go--and I am glad I did. The birthday party was a hit and the baby shower was great.

This morning we woke up early to get on the road and get home to big papa. I always feel best in the morning and considering I went to bed at 8pm last night we were charged and ready at 7am. I asked my dad to give me a blessing. I meant to do this when I was up at Christmas time...but forgot. So, this was one important reason I really wanted to go see my family.

My dad started my blessing: "Katherine Marceille Baer..." and I could hear my mom whisper to him "Hogue." But he didn't hear. It made me smile. But by the time he was done with the blessing I had a tear on my cheek. Bubba and Tubbs always notice that stuff---even when the room is dimly lit. Bubba says, " Why is there water on your cheek?" To which I wipe the "water" away and say, "I don't know Bubba, how did that get there?!"

We peeled out of Roseville about 8am. Its about 300 miles to home and its raining. An hour into the drive we need a potty break and more food. We stop at the boys' favorite breakfast spot---Carl's Jr. I sipped on a Dr Pepper as the boys chowed down on french toast sticks and breakfast sandwiches. I decided to check the e-mail on my phone and see that I got an invitation to view a blog of a friend who just had a baby. I click on the links and start reading the blog on my phone. I am scrolling through the blog pictures and after reading through the most recent post I look up to see my boys just staring at me. Yes--more water on my cheeks. I am not that good at expressing my emotions or explaining stuff to my boys. Since they were looking at me like I had 2 heads and Bubba was covering his face with his hands to avoid looking at me I begin to explain what the water on my cheeks was and why it was there. It immediately brought me back to where I was---in a Carl's Jr in Stockton, trying to get my boys home to big papa.

With these raging hormones, I know I will have lots more water on my cheeks. It would just be nice to go at least a day or two between "waterings"!

Cauliflower Ears, Here We Come!

Wrestling!

Its what Luke did in high school and college and he was MOTIVATED to get his boys signed up this year. The minimum age requirement is five years old, but lucky for Tubbs the coach slid him in since he only has another 2 months until his birthday.
Luke registered the boys 2 weeks ago and they wrestle at one of the local high schools. The HS wrestling coach coaches the kids in the program along with some help with a few boys from the HS team.
The coach started out practice with some jogging around the wrestling "ring" circle. They played follow the leader and stopped for some occasional stretches. Apparently Bubba is related to his father because he hates to run---for exercise that is. After about 5 minutes of warm-up Bubba trotted over to the gym door where Luke and I were watching and started to cry. He didn't want to wrestle. Luke tried to explain that they were just warming up, but Bubba didn't care. He spent the remainder of the hour either sitting in the chair by the door or watching his brother spar with a small high school wrestler.
Maybe Bubba is just a gentle giant who is destined to head up the chess club.

Tubbs has such a perfect little face and ears I am going to make sure to invest in head gear and anything else I need to, to make sure he remains perfect! It will be funny to watch Tubbs use his new moves on his older brother in the coming months!

Questions Only One Person Can Answer

I didn't know how to title this post.
Do any of you ponder questions that you know only God can answer. I am sure you are all nodding your heads right now. But let me also say that the questions I have been pondering lately don't have so much to do with questions of my existence, what does Heaven look like, will my dog "Puppy" be in Heaven, etc.,.

They are questions like...

Why do pregnant women have to puke and get heartburn on a regular basis in order to produce one of your children?

Yes---that is my number one burning question of the year.

Do you think he will have an answer for that one?

Now----my husband's number one question for God at this point (behind "Why did you create the fly and what is its purpose) is:

Why does my wife have to turn into a psychopath in order to produce one of your children---and when do I get my perfect wife back :) ?

I am sure he has an answer for that one too.

Thank Goodness for Grandparents....

.....who will watch my two little darlings and don't charge a daily/hourly wage!
Luke's parents watched the boys Friday night so my valentine could drag my pathetic booty out of the house for dinner and a movie. I have been wanting to see "He's Just Not That Into You" since I read the book last summer...so my sweetie sacrificed his manhood to watch a chick-flick with me. The movies were all sold out at Edwards so we headed over to the mall. As we pulled in to the parking lot and saw the large crowds we thought for sure we were out of luck again, but thankfully we got tickets. Luke said he was surprised there were so many people there to which I replied, "Even gangstas' take their ladies out for Valentine's!"
So....the boys got to stay the night up in Bear Valley with grandma and grandpa, which meant being able to play in the snow from the storm. They had so much fun and were exhausted from all the walking and snowball fights. I told Tubbs to make an extra big snowball to throw at Grandpa, but I don't know if he was able to sneak up on him. Snowball fights are my forte' so I was bummed I missed this snow storm.
Nevertheless, a big THANK YOU Bob and Nancy for taking the boys and for all that you do! XOXO

Getting it Right

If you are a parent, regardless of your child’s age, you know that the days in which you second guess your parenting skills/choices far outweigh the days that you feel you are doing a good job. Today was one such day for me, but in the good sense.

I have the good fortune of being in the education field which, in turn, is rewarding in all of the cliché ways, but also in the since that I get the same days off that my boys do. Therefore, I get a lot of extra time with them. However, being in education also gives me daily displays of poor parenting. I see kids that are neglected beyond words (both physically and emotionally). While I could spend pages telling you stories just form the last week, I will save you the knot that will surely occur in your stomach. This same aspect of working in education is also a small blessing in disguise—I hesitate to say that as, I am sounding like the misfortune of others is my satisfaction. Let me attempt to explain. Katie and I have a much different perspective on the boys at times, in the sense, what constitutes a big deal. Given that I often work with kids/families that have kids that are abused in every sense and come from destroyed homes I have far greater patients with the boys. When I come home and Katie is upset that the boys have been arguing for the last twenty minutes or that they are unappreciative of the cookie she bought them, I often don’t give the reaction she would like (don’t get me wrong, I discipline quite harshly). But when you come home after a home visit to a home that has a dirt floor (literally) where you had to meet with the mother because she fails to report to the school to discuss her child’s self mutilation and sexual misconduct (second grade) you gain a different perspective.

So on to my point, today was one of those days where I was off with the boys due to it being Lincoln’s Birthday. After a morning of driving the boys to get their favorite breakfast (egg and cheese sandwiches) and run a few errands, we come home to clean up the house and relax. It had been raining all day and the boys where becoming a bit restless and were tired of playing legos, watching movies and playing video games. Therefore, when it cleared up for a moment, I asked the boys of they wanted to go on a bike ride. They both yelled, “yeaaaaaah!” I told the boys I would get my shoes on and then we would go. Bubba asked, “can we go to the park and have a picnic?” to which I responded, “Bubba it is going to be cold and wet, why don’t we just ride the bikes and stop quickly at the park.” They both agreed. I came out from the back with my shoes on and said, “lets go!” After a few moments of prying the DS from Tubbs’ hands, we were off. Simon had his usual back pack on and loaded with his favorite toys, or so I thought.

We were riding for about ten minutes, when Bubba says, “Lets hurry up and get to the park!” I was a bit hesitant, because I wanted the boys to ride for a bit to get some exercise, but Bubba was adamant that we get to the park. Moments later we arrived at the park and Bubba quickly drops his bike and begins to feel the grass to see if it is indeed wet. As I get off my bike (this was a chore since I am sore and beat up from the prior day’s flag football) I look up to see Bubba and Tubbs sitting at the picnic table.

Now this is where I had one of those “getting it right” moments! As I hobble to the picnic table, Bubba begins to open his backpack. I am sure he is just getting one of his mothers Cadbury Cream Eggs out to enjoy (this is an entirely different story). To my surprise Bubba pulls out one of grandma Hogue’s quilts and says, “Since it is wet on the grass we will use it as a table cloth!” I just chuckle and laugh at him. He then takes his helmet and uses it to hold the “table cloth” down. By now, Tubbs and I are sitting at the table just watching Bubba. At this point Bubba says (I must emphasize that this is not altered one bit), “Ok, I packed each of us a water (he pulls out a water bottle for each of us), I packed a juice box for Tubbies and me (he pulls out three Capri Suns), I packed a peanut butter and honey sandwich for Tubbs, a yogurt for daddy, carrots for us, three jello’s for dessert, and a lunchable for me!! (Yes, he pulls this all out one at a time and I just laugh, but can’t help but want to hug him).” I respond by saying, “Wow, Bubba, this is a great picnic I really…” then he interrupts and says “oh wait, I packed a bag of ice too!” (He then pulls out a sandwich bag full of ice). I tell him thank you, but I will have to save the yogurt for later because I don’t have a spoon…” but why would I doubt him as he says, “Daddy (with his head tilted reaching into his pocket), I have a spoon for you right here!” and sure enough he pulls out a spoon. The 6 year old thought of everything!

We sat for the next 10-15 minutes eating our “picnic” and just sit back and watch my offspring discuss the world. Tubbs walks over, unprovoked and gives Bubba a big hug and says, “thank you for the picnic Bubba!” to which Bubba says, “you are welcome, I am sorry it is so cold!” (Again, nothing added). They precede to yuck it up only like they can and discuss deep concepts such as what they are going to call their rigs (manhood). This ranges from peanuts, kiwis and wiener, until they both settle on “family jewels.” This then requires them both to laugh uncontrollably for the next 45 seconds, of which Bubba uses to conjure up one of the largest green booger bubbles from his nose that I have ever seen!

As I sat there, I could not help but look at my two boys, who in my eyes are the most perfect creation Heavenly Father could put on the earth, and smile at how much they really love each other. I then think back to the kids I get to work with daily and then just truly appreciate the day I had with my boys. Unfortunately, after a few “cheers” with our water bottles it began to rain so we moved the picnic back home to the den. On the way back, I just had a sense for a moment that Katie and I are doing something right!

Finally!

Its the conversation I have been really hoping to have with my boys for some time. I didn't know how they would react or how to say it---so I let Luke do it.

The Hogue "tag-team" is being dissolved...and in 6 months will be a trio.

Yes....another bug will join our family in August. ( I am certain its one--even though Tubbs keeps telling me he wants two)

The boys just seemed to smile like they thought they were on "Candid Camera." But they figured out quickly it was for real because mommy has been using the words "I don't feel good" for the past two months.

It didn't help that to start the conversation and get them back to the dinner table Luke announces, "I have a surprise for you."

If you are my child and someone says the word "surprise" you are thinking its something sweet to eat or a toy is headed your way. So, when Luke announced the surprise was that Tubbs is going to be a big brother--by the time the announcement was over he was still anticipating his "real" surprise.
He was obviously a little disappointed when we didn't have a cookie or toy on back up.
I have it on video:

We decided to go with another "S" name and even though my husband thinks he has the final say and thinks he knows what "he" is going to be called I am still not sure. In the video Luke is throwing around a few baby names for Tubbs and its funny to see him laugh because he has my dad's "beavers" and smile. (For those of you who have seen my dad lean his head back and laugh, tell me Tubbs is not his twin!)

So---for those who have known about this impending arrival since the get-go, they are of course rooting for a curly headed little girl! All except my husband of course. He says I am "built" to have boys. He is probably right. I don't know if I want to add a crazy Hogue girl into the mix. I was of course the perfect child, but its those darn Hogue side of the genes that just cause trouble for me. And so far, this baby has caused a lot of trouble so its very likely its another boy---who just can't wait to meet his big brothers again!

We shall see!

Conversation of the Day

Sunday on the way home from church I overhear a conversation between Bubba and Tubbs in the backseat. Tubbs is talking about a boy in his primary class.

Tubbs: I love Jason
Bubba: If you love him so much why don't you marry him?!
Tubbs: If I married him he would have to get boobs!"

At this point I intervene and ask them what they are talking about. I am trying not to laugh and be serious, because frankly---I don't want my boys to be talking about this---at home, at school and ESPECIALLY church!

Tubbs then proceeds to tell me that when you get old you get big boobs. I am trying to decide how far to take this conversation and I unfortunately keep egging it on.

Mama: I have big boobs and I am not old.
Tubbs: No, really big boobs!
Mama: I know, I do have big boobs.
Tubbs: No---they will go all the way up to heaven and you can bounce on them.

I am giggling to myself and then I decide its time to be serious. I am thinking....how do I best explain this in the next 60 seconds before I pull into the driveway

Mama: Do you know why women have boobs?
Boys: No
Mama: Well...when you are a mommy they have something in them to feed babies. Ya' know...babies don't have teeth and can't eat food like you do.
Tubbs: Whats inside of them?
Mama: Milk
Boys: Awwww...groooooooossssssss.
Mama: But we don't don't talk about this to our friends, laugh about it or make fun of it. Its something very special that Heavenly Father gave moms.

THANKFULLY we had pulled into the driveway and they agreed with what I said. I definitely know that I am not going to be one of those parents who are good about explaining how things "work" with my boys. I will leave it all up to big daddy! :)

Sugar

Do you think I have enough?

My husband saw me come to the kitchen table with my bowl and his eyes almost jumped out of his head. I just chuckled because I knew what he was thinking.The next thing he did was go grab the camera.

There is nothing like a bowl of Wheaties with a lil' bit of sugar on top. And not Splenda...but the real stuff. I will admit that this appears to be a little "thick" but in my defense, the kitchen light was off and I was sprinkling the sugar with only the light from the dining room.

(Wink-wink) :)

Donuts Fix Everything.....

At least it seems that way when you're eating them!

Luke left us early this morning to go help a friend install some stuff on his old Land Cruiser.

This gave me the opportunity to be fun mom while giving in to my cravings.

Donuts!...Donuts for everyone!

When Luke pulled out of the driveway I snuck out to the living room where the boys were snuggled in to blankets and watching cartoons.

"Who wants to go get donuts for breakfast???!"

The boys didn't really seem fazed. I was secretly disappointed...thinking to myself, "Even if you don't want donuts we're going darn it---because that's what I want."

I convinced them that they didn't have to get dressed and could go with me in their pajamas. Heck, I was going in my PJ's too! I threw on my shoes put sweatshirts on everyone and we headed out into the fog.

Not the best looking crew---but I didn't care.

I was getting donuts for breakfast! Woo-hoo!

My favorite comment this morning was from Bubba (as he scarfed down his brother's leftover chocolate donut);

"I love sugar."

I am OK with him saying this thought because he does have my genes and more importantly he actually eats very healthy.... and understands what it means to eat healthy. He likes more vegetables than I do and when he tries something he asks me, "Mom, is this healthy for me?"

OK--enough about eating healthy. I need to focus back on donuts....and how they make me so happy! :)

And now as I am typing this...I am listening to my boys bounce around the living room from their sugar high.

Good thing daddy isn't home!

Pay no attention to the bedhead

25 Random Things About Katie

I was tagged on Facebook for this so I thought I would pass on the information you just can't live without knowing about me. :)

1. I am color blind. I can still remember taking the test at the eye doctor when I was a kid and being surprised. (My husband has to help me coordinate outfits everyday)

2. I do not eat beef or pork---(except for the occasional pepperoni, salami or piece of bacon) and I am lactose intolerant!

3. It makes me really happy when I DON'T have to wipe the toilet seat off before I sit down to pee!

4. Licking the pot after my dad makes fudge is one of my favorite things to do.

5. If I lived within 20 miles of a Nordstrom's Rack I would live there---literally. I would NEVER leave....even for food.

6. I despise make up...and only wear what I have to so I don't scare people. I actually get angry at night when I have to remove it because I never wanted to put it on in the first place.

7. I can still remember the phone numbers of most of my friends from Jr high and High School.

8. Being 32 years old feels older than I thought it was going to. I forget I am 32. In my head I think I am 22 or something.

9. The first time I talked to my husband was when he star 69'd me after I called his roommate.

10. The first time I met my husband he was was with his roommate (who I was dating) and he drove his car over to pick me up. He still remembers me walking out to his car with my "hot" green board shorts on.

11. I love to blog---unfortunately I haven't been up to sitting at the computer and writing anything funny in a LONG time.

12. I have burped less than 10 times in my whole life. I can't make myself burp and I only have mini-burps when I am pregnant.

13. I really enjoy being around my parents and siblings---and wish we all lived closer. I imagine us talking and hanging out all the time.

14. I love listening to music REALLY loud in my car. Its so loud I can barely hear sirens when they come blaring down the street.

15. I have really red cheeks and when I was in high school Tina La Frambois once told me I had too much blush on---and I didn't have any on. When I wear make up now--its mostly to cover the cheeks. I have even had 3 lazer treatments to try and remove the redness.

16. I never imagined myself having 2 boys---but now can't imagine having girls.

17. I still love New Kids on the Block and would go watch them in concert AGAIN if the tickets weren't so darn expensive! (And my husband wouldn't make fun of me)

18. I don't enjoy cooking...and I am not very good at it---which is why my husband does 90% of the cooking in my house. (I guess he figured it was a matter of survival)

19. I am always thinking of other people and wanting to do things for other people---but I procrastinate until its too late. Then I give up and say forget it.

20. I am 100% sure that the dryer DOES eat socks.

21. I have to have a clean kitchen. I RARELY go to bed with any dishes in or next to the sink. If you see any its because I probably don't feel well.

22. I love eating cereal for any meal...and because of my mom I call it "cold cereal." My husband makes fun of me when I call it cold cereal and he says "as opposed to what, hot cereal?!" And I say "yes--oatmeal is hot cereal."

23. I cannot sleep in. Even if I go to bed at 2am I will be awake by 8 or 8:30am.

24. I occasionally think it would be nice to go back to Jr High and High School and actually say what I really wanted to say to people. I think I was way too reserved and nice most of the time.

25. I fart----way more than my husband would like me to! :) (Maybe thats why I can't burp?!)

FIRED!

Apparently I was "let go" from my job and no one told me about it....until this afternoon when I picked Bubba up from school.
I asked my son to do something. If I told you the whole long story you would think I was torturing my son. On second thought, you might only think that if you were his grandma and you believed there was a halo above his head 99.99% of the time.
The short version is I gave the boys a cookie on the way home from school but asked them not to eat it until we got home because I didn't want a mess in the car. Its only 2 miles to the house. I thought they could maintain themself and show some restraint.
My 4 year old was happy to comply...while surprise, surprise my almost 7 year old does not.
Tubbs rats out his brother...of course.---Hey its what little brothers do. (Its what makes life worth living!)
I asked Bubba to hand me his cookie and after 4-5 attempts he hands over his half eaten cookie. He tells me he just couldn't wait.
So, I ask him "Why couldn't you do what mama asked you to do? When your teacher asks you to do something do you listen?"
He replies, "Yes I listen when my teacher asks me to do something."
So then I ask, "Why can't you do what I tell you to do?!"
He then blurts out, "Well, you're not the boss...daddy is."
This was news to me!
I was taken by surprise and I was torn between emotions of humor and irritation. in his little mind does he seriously believe this crap-ola?! I was torn between telling him that mommy is the real boss and daddy is just my puppet (But that's only half true!) and something more serious.
So, I proceed to tell him that Daddy and I are BOTH the bosses and he needs to do what I tell him to do ....and not just when he feels like it.
You probably can guess that he paid no attention to what I had to say once I refused to give him the cookie back. He turned into the victim and I was just mean mommy. Same old happy ending.
But no one....not even a 1st grader, is going to fire me as the boss in this house! No sir-ee!
Looks like I am going to have to do some real "bossy" stuff this weekend to stamp my title in concrete. I'll let you know how that turns out later......

BLAH

I am so used to thinking everything is funny and having so much I think I need to blog about, that the past week or two has been especially weird for me. I am not saying that everything (or anything) I blog about is fresh and exciting...or interesting---but its stuff I like to think about and share.
Lately I have felt BLAH.
I feel un-blog-worthy!

Have you ever had that feeling?

The feeling of not wanting to leave your couch, your front door step---or even sit down in front of a computer to blog!
I just want to BE.
No questions, no answers, no movement....nada! Just me and a blanket! Is that too much to ask? :)
Lately I feel like I am floating. Just getting through the day in one piece. I made the suggestion to my husband last night that I just might want to "leave" my job of 9 years and I think he had a mini-heart attack without making it too blatantly obvious. I half jest, but work just seems like work these days. Its just not the same.
Maybe I have the Winter blues. Those gray skies ALL DAY LONG over the past few weeks have made me long to be curled up on my couch, with my family...next to a fire, watching a good movie.
Now--if I work with you ....and you're reading this---I am just kidding! :)
Ha-Ha!
But really---I am just sharing my utter BLAH-ness with my blog family.
Isn't it delightful?!
I could be blogging about things like....the birthday parties we've had for the boy's Webkins and Build-a-Bears. Those have been a real treat and I swear---if Bubba tells me we are celebrating another birthday for one of his babies I am going to lose it. My SWEET and perfect husband goes to the dollar store and buys balloons and gifts for 6 stuffed animals!
Yes--I kid you not.
My boys are so lucky to have their father.
I am telling Bubba that we are not making birthday cake for his stuffed animals "birthdays" and trying to use logic when Big Papa whisks in the door from work delivering gifts---and saves the day. Its probably the reason they won't be speaking to me in 15-20 years and I will have to find out how the boys are doing from their father.
Okay--I've spread enough sunshine over this blog entry!
If you are reading this and it has caused you to pop one of your anti-depressants...I apologize!
I will try to think of something cheerier next go-around.

Mmmmmm

Don't knock it till' you've tried it!

There is nothing better than McDonald french fries dipped in their chocolate shake.
Ha-Ha.
Actually there a lot of things that are better.....but our choices were limited.
Tubbs went a step further and decided to dip his McNuggets. I almost hurled...but convinced him to pose for one picture before he finished his last bite.

Knocked Out

I picked up Bubba from school yesterday and the first thing he tells me is "I got knocked out today at school."
I start my line of questioning going with the assumption that someone else might have knocked him out. He then tries to explain that he woke up at his desk and didn't know where he was. Bubba has been sick with an ear infection and a cough for about a week, so I immediately start to believe that maybe he passed out. He feels a little clammy and his face is flushed, but he has been playing outside before I picked him up. I have him get into the car and start to baby him HOPING he didn't really pass out. But I couldn't really get any information out of him because he doesn't know what it means to pass out. He didn't know what time of day it occurred, his teacher apparently didn't see anything.... or anyone sitting next to him. Now I feel real warm and fuzzy.

Luke gets home from work and I tell him the story. Right away he knows...Bubba fell asleep at his desk." Luke begins to question Bubba and I am trying not to laugh. I didn't even think of Bubba falling asleep at his desk and I guess because Luke is a principal it made the whole scenario more humorous. The boys gets 9 hours of sleep every night so I don't know how tired he could of been. ----But I prefer the falling asleep at his desk to passing out! :)

Huh?!

Things I do not understand...and its only 5 days into the new year. Its going to be a long year!
Target - I was in the store on January 2nd and what do they have out all ready...to my dismay: SWIMSUITS. Did I miss something...as I froze my booty off in the 40 degree weather walking into the store? Those swimsuits are going to be there for the next 9 months. And what is with the employees having more holes in their faces than a piece of Swiss cheese? Are they THAT hard up for cashiers that they have to hire people with ther personality of a rock, hair sticking up about a foot off their heads...and about 10 piercings in their pale faces?!
Trash Can - Its the second day of the year.....trash day! We are a trash loving family---so we produce a lot of trash. For this reason we have (or had) 2 trash cans that we put out on trash day. The trash truck comes and goes and its time to bring the cans in-----but there is only one trash can. Someone stole one of our trash cans. I guess they figured we had one to spare and didn't need the extra recepticle---that we pay $65 bucks for each year! Oh well, if its a neighbor we will get even by putting all of our extra trash in each of their cans really late the night before trash day.
Rocking Chair - Luke is out on our porch this weekend and he realizes that one of our rocking chairs is missing from the porch. Again, since we had two others did the thief think we had one to spare?! When we moved into the house 4 years ago we purchased three nice, black rocking chairs for the porch. One of my husband's friends, who lives downtown, always said we were crazy because they were going to get stolen. We thought he was crazy because we live far from the ghetto. I was obviously mistaken. I just keep hoping its a big joke....and its going to reappear on our porch one day.
Our Bank - Our banking institution can apply fees quicker than Tubbs can sniff out M&M's. BUT---when an electronic check is processed for $39.95 it takes them over a week to tell me who the payee is. Are you serious?
MTV True Life -Its Saturday, my boys are playing quietly in their room and I am lounging on the couch. I flip through the TV channels and regrettably I end up watching this show called "Camp'd Out: I'm Going to Snowboarding Camp." I want to know which parent in their right mind would send their teenage son or daughter to this co-ed "summer camp" where the counselors appear to have the mentalities of jr. highers and look about as old. I am wondering if the parents just needed to get rid of their kids for 2-3 weeks. It was absolutely amazing and left me in awe.
Church - We are living proof that no matter what time church starts we will be late. I was just heckling Sister Perry on Saturday telling her that she better be on time. Well, this proved no easy task for us on Sunday morning, even when church now starts at 12:30pm. We woke up around 8:45 and had breakfast. (No we didn't fast....long story for another time, but just consider us heathens) After breakfast Luke suggests I lay down and relax....so I jump at the chance. Next thing I know I am waking up at 11:45. Ahhhhh....! Its a wonder we got to Sacrament before the Sacrament was passed. But we did it. (And Sister Perry I can imagine your look of glee as you saw the four of us walk in AFTER your clan! J/K! :) Yes---we are pathetic.
My Boys - They couldn't wait to get for vacation to end. About a week into Christmas break Tubbs began asking me everyday if there was school tomorrow. When I told him no he was disappointed. Seriously?! Am I really so terrible to be around for 16 consecutive days that they would rather be at school?! They will rue the day that they desired school over being home with mama!

New Year's Eve Conversation

This folks will top 2008's list as thee conversation of 2008. It just so happens that it took place only hours before the end of the year.
The scene: All four of us have just scarfed down numerous ice cream treats and are burrowed into blankets in the living room watching "Journey to the Center of the Earth."
Luke was nice enough to get us firewood this afternoon, so I was cozied up on the floor next to the fire, leaning up against the ottoman. Tubbs snuggles in next to me and begins to rub my belly. I look at him and say "Are you rubbing mama's fat belly?" He then replies, "No---you are making me a baby sister." I just laugh because I don't know what to say to that.
When the movie is over I tell Luke what Tubbs said about my belly--and of course he finds it humorous. Bubba then looks at me thoughtfully and says, "Mommy, how do babies start?"

That is the million dollar questions isn't it?! :)

I look at him and then tell Luke that Bubba has a question for him. Bubba repeats his question for Luke and I am anxiously waiting to see what my genius husband is going to come up with.
Luke then says, "Well, a bird delivers a seed and mommy plants it and takes care of it in her belly."
Bubba laughs, curls up his nose and says "That's not how babies start."
I am pleading to God in my head that he doesn't really know how babies start because the kid is only six. He also doesn't ride the bus home from school, so there is only so much information that can be disseminated on the 1st grade playground during recess and lunch.
Bubba then tells us his version;"I think the baby starts out as a little peanut....and then it grows into a bigger peanut. And the mommy waters it."
This is about as far as he got because I think he could see the weird look on my face. I really didn't want to embarrass him or try to clarify anything because I am really OK with him never asking this question again. At least---I am good for at least another 5 years.
Now...I know the bird theory wasn't the best reponse but what heck. If anyone has a better suggestion---besides the truth, be sure to let me know.
I guess for right now, Bubba can think he began as a peanut and mommy watered him!