Spring has Sprung!

With days as beautiful as yesterday, its always difficult when another "cold front" comes through. We definitely have spring fever (soon to be summer fever) around here. 
This is what our first day of Spring looked like:

• Woke up early (yet late) for Bubba's 8:30am basketball game
• Picked up our Saturday morning ritual--the Asiago breakfast bagel sandwich from Panera. I really do think I could live off of these. Seriously. Ohhhhh...its a lil' piece of heaven.

• 
  
  Bubba's last basketball game of the season. We have really enjoyed our first year of YMCA basketball. Bubba made new friends on the team and now he is dribbling a ball all through the house/yard on a daily basis. Yesterday he had his best game of the season and scored 6 baskets. Go Bubba! (I will miss chit-chatting on the sidelines with the moms...but I got swim season coming up to satisfy my lack of socializing)
• 
  
  Ran to the new Wal-Mart Super Center and picked up New Moon on DVD. The guy in electronics tried to tell me that they didn't get the "Premium" disc set on Blu-Ray with sneak peeks of Eclipse. While at the check stand what do I see stashed next to the magazines? Yeah, you guessed it. I snatched it up...and continued to talk trash about the monkey. :) Never trust anyone who works at Wal Mart ... thats the moral of the story here!

• Bubba's end of basketball season party at Rusty's Pizza Parlor. Best pizza in town.

• Relaxing in the backyard.....or as Luke calls it, our "outdoor living space." While Luke was trying to figure out why we had a swampy area in the flowerbed I took pictures of everyone. The boys swam in the pool for the first time this year. (Yes...they are missing a few brain cells.....)

• Costco! The land of cheap gas and free samples! I think we ran into half the ward from church.
• BBQ! Yes, big daddy cooked us up some grub.A steak for him and chicken for me.
• Relaxing (again) in the front yard....watching the cars speed by. Luke took the top off his Jeep Friday night so now we can watch the boys use it as a jungle gym for the next 5 months. But you know what happens when ya take the top off? Yep--it should rain anyday now.

• Churros! Yes, I have fallen hard for the churros at Baja Fresh. We have eaten there far too many times over the years and just tried these delights a few weeks ago. Now I crave them. My sweeeeeeet husband went to the marketplace with the boys to pick some up and he was told they were all out. (What?!) So--I called the store in Rosedale and ordered some up. Now, thats an addiction. When Luke got home he scooped up some ice cream for me and piled on the churros. Mmmmm...mmmmm...mmmmmm!

• Ok---since I am the official family photographer, this is all I have of myself...freshly painted toes! Its "Mad Hatter" from OPI. Its the cheaper version of "Rock Star" toes! :)

I had to throw in this last picture for no apparent reason...

I know my hair will probably never look like this but I have been dreaming of straightening my hair and getting this cut. She used to have an afro in her Felicity days!  What do you think? 

A girl can dream...

Happy SPRING everyone!

A Conversation in the Middle of Wrestling Practice

"Daddy, when I grow up will I be as big as you? When you die, how big will I be? What if everyone is in heaven except one person, what will happen?".
"Well Tubbs... not everyone goes to Heaven."
"They don't? Where do they go?"
"They go to hell."
"They do? What is it like there?"
"I don't know Tubbs, I have never been there!"
And here is the kicker! He says....."you haven't!?" in complete shock!

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.

Special Day

Saturday was a special day for my family!
Bubba was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on March 6th.
He is such a blessing to his family and the day was so special to all of us.
We had family and friends there to support him.... Thank you! We felt so loved!
He was fortunate enough to be joined by two of his two classmates in primary, who were also baptized. I think that made it even a little more special for him. After the baptism we had lunch and dessert with family and friends. Luke even took the boys and their friends out in his Jeep and let them drive around in an empty field.
He also received his first set of scriptures with his name engraved on the front. We can't get him to stop reading them and/or carrying them around.
A very memorable day!

Bubba I am so very proud of you and the decision you made. I know your Heavenly Father is also very happy!

XOXOXO

Eight is Great!

Hard to believe...Bubba is eight. (Am I old enough to have an eight year old?! I know Luke is.... but me??!) :)

The day seemed so far away, yet I can vividly remember thinking about this age when he was only a few weeks old. (Wondering what he would look like and what kind of little boy he would grow up to be).

I can hardly believe it..... I don't know if he can believe it.

(For years he has been telling me he wasn't growing up)

Eight things about Bubba:

• 
  
  He can't stay mad or angry. In fact, he will most likely forget about the incident five minutes after it happens. This is one of my most favorite things about Bubba. No grudges for Bubba!
• 
  
  He has no sense of smell---which can be a good and bad thing. Bubba loves it when I ask him to smell something....or tell him he stinks. Since he has never been able to smell, he doesn't know what it means for something to stink. I feel sorry for his future roommates...or wife. :)
• 
  
  He loves to read! He hates to be TOLD to read, but he can be found reading almost anything at anytime.
• 
  
  According to his daddy, Bubba is a great snuggler. I wouldn't know since he hasn't been interested in snuggling mama since he was a few months old! :)
• 
  
  We think he went to law school while in the womb. This boy can try to argue his way out of anything. Nothing is ever his fault--- His nickname while I was on maternity leave was "Johnny Cochran." I would ask him if he got a "buck" pulled at school and the more questions I asked, the more confused I got. Finally I gave up. This boy has more and more excuses and scenarios.....
• 
  
  He should of been born a woman...because this boy loves to carry around a bag or backpack of some sort. He is kind of a pack rat. If you tell him you are going on a bike ride, it takes him another 10 minutes to gather items to put in his bag to take on the ride. He'll pack snacks, beverages, books, maps, toys....and any other provision he can think of.
• 
  
  He is a great side kick. I think he'll be one of those buddies that will go anywhere or do anything at a moment's notice. Spontaneous! I think he gets this from me and his daddy...and will be a great attribute in a roommate and husband!
• 
  
  He's always on the move. RARELY, if ever, have I seen the boy walk somewhere. Must be the secret as to how he stays so slim!

Bubba's birthday was on a Friday (lucky dog) so he got a 2 days to celebrate.

Friday afternoon Luke picked him up from school and took him to lunch at his favorite place---Subway.

He brought Lofthouse cookies back for his class to enjoy. His teacher was smart and handed them out minutes before the end of the day.

For dinner Bubba got to pick the place again and he chose California Pizza Kitchen because he got a free kids meal for his birthday. (yay) Grandma and Grandpa Hogue joined us....and it was delicious. Overpriced, but delicious.

Saturday Bubba got to pick a few friends to take to lunch and a movie. He was so excited to have buddy time---he didn't care what they did. It was a boys only party, so Petunia and mama stayed home. It was kind of strange at first since I have been planning his birthday parties for the past 7 years....but it was nice to stay home and relax.

Luke loved taking the boys out and all the boys were so good. They ate McDonald's for lunch and went to see the Percy Jackson movie. We love you Bubba!

Things That Made Me Smile Today

1. No School! That means I got to sleep in an extra......well I shouldnt say. Who knows who could be reading this. :) Let's just say I didn't have to get up at 5'ish like I usually do.
2. Luke being off work with the kids today! I love it---even though I am actually really jealous.

3. When I answer my phone at work and it's Tubbs. His little sweet voice wasn't that sweet when he told me I lied to him. Trying not to chuckle I asked what the problem was and he said I didn't make my banana chocolate chip muffins that I promised to make him yesterday. Luke said when he woke up this morning the first thing he came looking for was the muffins.

So... I promised I would come home at lunch and make them...and I did. Such a nice treat to come home at lunch and see their faces!

4. My husband calling me at work this morning to tell me he was pulling up with a large Diet Dr. Pepper for me from Carl's Jr. It was just what I needed to get through the morning. (Isn't that pathetic?!) But it was deee-licious!

5. For Tubbs' prayers at bedtime. Let's see...I think tonight he prayed for:

• The "thing on mommy's lip to get better (my cold sore)
• For Petunia to be a cute little girl who listens
• For Bubba to do well on his AR (Accelerated Reader) test tomorrow
• For Bubba not to be rude and mean to other kids
• For Bubba not to lick his lip so it won't be chapped
• For Daddy to make lots of money at work

Yes---his list for Bubba seems to get a little longer each night. But I love how he prays so sincerely every night. He used to accuse me of having "long prayers" but even when he blesses the food now it takes at least a minute.

6. The sun shining through my window at work.Even though it made me long to be outside I knew that meant Luke would be taking the kids to the park down the street. Or like Bubba calls it, the "pok." (Yes--he has the Brooklyn accent)

7. The pictures my husband took on his phone while he was at Target and the "pok." He e-mailed them to me and I have to say, its my favorite kind of e-mail to get at work--especially after a long afternoon meeting! :) Makes me so happy that I get to come home to all of these people everyday!

My Baller

Bubba has found a team sport (YMCA basketball) he is interested in and I couldn't be more excited.
Yes--he is only seven but I am hoping this will blossom into a love for the game. He has the height...and luckily at this point he hasn't had to use it too much. At last week's game he got to jump for the ball at the beginning of the game. The other kid jumped to reach for the ball and all Bubba did was put his arms over his head...and he grabbed the ball. Maybe white boys can't jump.

Kidding.

Bubba scored on basket last game and he was very excited. I think I cheered so loud you would of thought he won the lottery.

There are 10-12 kids on the team so they play in 5 minute increments. While waiting to go back on th court its EASY for him to be distracted by his brother and buddies.

My Name is Russell!

Name that movie.........
My Bubba is almost eight years and that means he will be joining Cub Scouts this month. He is very excited....can you tell? Here he is giving me the Cub Scout salute.

Monday was a holiday from school so Luke took the boys down to the Boy Scouts of America office to get Bubba everything he'll need...plus more. He bought some badge sticky stuff and even got all of his stuff on his shirt before I got home from work! Amazing! He was very sweet and took care of Bubba and I. He made a second trip down Monday afternoon to pick up a Cub Leader manual I need. Yes---I am the Cub Master for Bubba's "pack." I know NOTHING about Cub Scouts...and since my husband was kicked out of Cubs-- we got nuthin'! :)

But I am trying my best. Hopefully once Bubba gets into the swing of things it will start to come more natural to me.

Here's Russell....from the movie "Up."

Four Reasons to Eat Chocolate on Your Diet

Even if this was complete bologna, I love it! :)
Chocolate is healthier than you think. Here, four new reasons to indulge in the sweet stuff. (Like you need 'em!)


To kick a cough.
Theobromine, a chemical in chocolate, is as effective at soothing coughs as codeine, a key ingredient in many prescription meds.


To fight cavities.
Theobromine may also strengthen teeth better than fluoride, according to Tulane University researchers.


To tame tummy trouble.
Cocoa contains potent antioxidants that bind to and inhibit a protein in the intestines that causes diarrhea, say scientists at the Children's Hospital & Research Center Oakland in California. No wonder it has been used as a remedy since the 16th century.


To save face.
British scientists found that less than an ounce of flavanol-rich chocolate a day may help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. (Sunscreen is still a must.)



http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/healthy-eating/nutrition/four-reasons-to-eat-chocolate-on-a-diet/?sssdmh=dm17.430387&esrc=nwffood33_10&email=194219186

I may weigh 300 pounds but I have great teeth, no cough, great skin and no tummy ache! Score!