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!

Late Night Visitor

One of the perks of vacation is NAPS...or as I call them "nappies." Sunday afternoon we all took nappies and coincidentally were up LATE that night. Midnight came and went and all of us were watching TV in the living room. The boys asked for a snack, so I went rummaging through the pantry. The only light on in the house was the light above the stove. As I turned away from the pantry to walk across the kitchen I saw something move quite quickly below my sink. Luckily the stove light was shining right where I needed it.

I called out, "Luuuuuke...there is a mouse in our kiiiiitchen and you need to come get it nooooooowwwwww." I was frozen.

The boys hop up from the couch and being the fine pansies I have raised them to be, started whimpering. Luke grabs a gift box (thanks Uncle Bobby) and an oven mitt and tries to stop the mouse before he runs back behind the refrigerator. He is successful on his first try.

He gets the mouse into the box and we flip on the lights to see what we caught

We have never caught anything like this before in our house. I was freaking out.

Luke tries to get the boys to come closer and says, "Its just a baby field mouse. Come look."

The boys come closer but are not impressed. Luke gets the mouse some cheese and we throw in some donut crumbs to spoil the little fella. He doesn't seem interested...and then Luke suggests we keep him overnight.

Not a good idea is what I am thinking. The boys seem to agree.

Luke throws in some pieces of paper towel and thinks the mouse needs a bed. I think its funny and tell him the mouse will eat the paper towel. The mouse then begins to freak out, throwing himself up against the sides of the box to get out. After a minute or so he stops.

Bubba begins worrying in his usual "Bubba fashion" and decided that the house needs to go home to his own family.

Luke agrees and we take the mouse out the front yard.

Luke dumps out the remains of the box on to the lawn. The boys run back into the house because its freezing. Luke and I wait to see if its going to take off. It moves about a foot and stops. We get a little closer and he appears to be dead. Luke tries to move it with his shoe to see if its alive---and it doesn't move.

We come to the conclusion that the smart little mouse is playing dead and call it a night. Hopefully no cats will pounce before he takes off.

Monday morning.....Luke finds our late night visitor in the same spot we left him. Apparently the mouse was not playing. I told Luke I wanted to take a picture and he got annoyed with me. So..if you were hoping for an "after" picture you are out of luck. But I tried.

No--the boys don't know the mouse died. Luke threw our visitor into the trash can before the boys went searching for him in the morning.

On an up note, this visitor has been a good incentive for the boys to keep the garage door and back doors shut when they come in and out of the house!!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning began early at our house. Luke and I made the mistake of staying up until midnight on Christmas Eve watching a movie. We assumed that sticking to "tradition" our boys would have to be dragged out of bed on Christmas morning.

We were mistaken.

I heard the boys crawl into our beds, telling us that Santa had come. I sat up and looked at the alarm clock.

2:45 am

Are you kidding me? I felt sick to my stomach. The boys whispered for a few moments and I thought Luke had talked them into laying down and going back to bed. I tried to go back to sleep when Luke asked me, "Are you ready to get up and open presents?" I couldn't be the party-pooper so I said, "sure."

Again...are you kidding me? This was going to be the longest day of my life!

Within 10 minutes the boys had inspected their Santa presents and opened everything under the tree. The quote of the day came from Tubbs. I was trying to take pictures of him with his presents but I could not get him to hold still. I called out Tubbs' name as he dove under the tree to retrieve another gift. I told him to turn around so I could take a picture and he yells out like a crazy kid, "I CAN"T...I"M BUSY!."

Luke and I couldn't stop laughing.

After the boys were done opening I wish that meant we could all go back to bed---- but as you could guess that wasn't the case. Bubba is my Lego fanatic. Santa brought him a set that had over 1500 pieces and at that moment I was thankful that Bubba had his father to assemble it for him. (I continue to play dumb and tell Bubba I cannot put those things together) The upside is that Bubba has become an expert Lego builder.

Around 5 am I was able to talk Tubbs into coming back to bed with me. We slept until 8am and then it was time to hit the shower, get dressed and head up to Luke's parent's house in Bear Valley Springs.

Poor Luke.

He had been working on this Lego set for the past 3 hours. While he was in the shower Bubba was shuffling stuff around on the kitchen table. Next thing I heard was a crash on to the wood floor. I heard Bubba scream in horror. (I tried to be sympathetic and not laugh because it was so dramatic)

His huge Lego truck had fallen off the table. Ewwwww....I didn't want to be around when Luke saw it. Lucky for Bubba the damage only took an hour to repair and we were off to see the family!

The boys on the drive up to see Grandma and Grandpa

I am thinking next year my boys might need to be glued to their beds on Christmas Eve ---or given some of that "magical" purple syrup. OR---maybe Mrs Claus just needs to hit the sack a little earlier!

Conversation of the Day

Luke cracks open a diet soda while making dinner.
This is the conversation that followed:

Bubba: "Daddy, drinking too much soda is bad for you."
Luke: "Yes Bubba it is. You shouldn't drink too much soda."
Bubba: "Then why do you drink a soda everyday?
Luke: (Laughs) "Oh.. do you want me to cut back?"
Bubba: "If you drink a lot of water then you can drink soda."
Tubbs (chimes in): "Yah daddy. You shouldn't drink soda because that makes us drink soda."
Luke: (Laughs) "What do you mean?"
Tubbs: "Every time you drink a soda I have to take a drink of your soda."
Luke: (Laughs and continues making dinner)
10 minutes later
Tubbs: (Sneaks a drink of Luke's soda) "See you're making me drink your soda!"

As you can see Tubbs is clearly the victim here. He has no chance in fighting the urge to take a hit off his father's beverage.
He absolutely kills me! :)

Illegal Christmas Activities

I am pretty sure this was not legal, but no one seemed to mind.

We were so thrilled to have snow on Christmas so I guess that entitled us to do whatever we wanted.There was all ready a little snow on the ground so we were beyond thrilled when a storm moved in around noon. The wind picked up and the snow was coming down pretty good. The boys got bundled up and headed out with Grandpa and Luke to have some fun. A while later I worked up my courage, borrowed some boots and snow attire from Luke's sister and I headed out to join the fun.

The fog and snow was coming down so good I could hardly see everyone down the street but I could hear Luke's niece screaming "Faster!" I soon saw headlights coming my way and I had to laugh.

Luke had a tow strap attached to a plastic sled and he was driving up and the down the street with the kids in tow.

I wasn't brave enough to try it, but it looked fun...and wet. Luke is always looking for an excuse to use his tow strap and yesterday he had one. Kylee kept telling him to go faster and just ONCE I wanted to see him punch the gas and watch her come flying down the street. But with our track record (and bad luck) I knew she would literally come flying down the street. I really didn't want to go to the ER on Christmas. Maybe another day---but not Christmas.

What you cannot see in these pictures is all frozen snot! Yum!

Chicken Foot Show Down

Every year my family has an annual Chicken Foot competition. It takes place sometime over Christmas break when most of the family can get together. It usually takes 3-4 hours so its a good time---teasing each other, eating, drinking... teasing each other some more ....and did I mention eating?!

What is Chicken Foot?

It's a domino game that I am told is similar to "Mexican Train." Never played that game, but our family has been playing this together for the past 8-9 years.

When Luke won for the first time he was so crazy he went and had a trophy made and had his name and the year put on a plaque. It was hilarious because the first trophy joint wouldn't make the trophy because they thought it was for cock fighting. Can you see that rubber chicken foot on the top of the trophy? LOL

My brother-in law Mike took home the trophy last year and he handed the trophy over to my younger brother Bert this year. Bert beat me by 20 points or so.

Next year that trophy is mine!!

The Bugs Go to The State Capitol

Yes, I have lived in this fair state my entire life....but Monday was my first trip to our state capitol in Sacramento. My 9 year old nephew and 5 year old niece were at grandma's for the day so we took them along with us for some fun. On our way we had to stop by my sister's house to drop off a gift and asked if my other 5 year old niece would like to come along.

So, there we were---all comfy cozy and crammed into our seven passenger Acura. It was about a 20 minute drive and at one point I looked at Luke, looked at all of the kids in the back and said, "Can you imagine..." and before I finished Luke cut me off and said "No I can't!" He knew exactly what I was going to say---as usual.

Our county

To Wrap--or not to Wrap?

That is the question of the month.

My Santa growing up did not wrap presents. Instead his gifts had gift tags taped to the gift in my dad's writing. (He must have been Santa's biggest helper!)

My husband on the other hand, received wrapped gifts from Santa. My husband being the nice, wonderful man that he is, has let me do whatever I want for Christmases in the past. This year I was thinking about wrapping the gifts, but I wanted to know how my fellow bloggers did it. I was actually surprised that out of the whole none 9 people who voted on my survey, 6 bloggers indicated that their Santa is a wrapper! I thought for sure the voting would be in my favor!

I was mistaken. (I can admit this since it rarely happens!)

If you are a wrapper, I am curious if its because when you were a kid Santa was a wrapper---or if not, why your current Santa is a wrapper. Since my boys aren't getting bikes this year, there is more potential for Santa to wrap his gifts this year.

I have to say that the downside of NOT wrapping is that I have to find good places to hide the loot. Its a good thing my boys are little people because I don't know how they could keep from seeing this big box on the top of my closet shelf. I told Luke Tubbs was going to see it and he pointed out to me he is little. So, I squatted down a bit trying to imagine I was Tubbs' height to see if it was possible to see it. He was correct. (Imagine that?!)

If only they would stay this size forever...and keep believing in Santa!

Of course my mom would tell us growing up, "When you stop believin' he stops comin'!" So, there I was in high school saying, "I believe!" I still "believed" in college, but I guess when you move out of the house you are disqualified from Santa presents! :)

CALMNESS IN OUR LIVES

I am passing this on to you because it definitely works, and we could all use a little more calmness in our lives.

By following simple advice heard on the Dr. Phil show, you too can find inner peace.

Dr. Phil proclaimed, 'The way to achieve inner peace is to finish all the things you have started and have never finished.'

So, I looked around my house to see all the things I started and hadn't finished, and before leaving the house this morning, I finished off a bottle of White Zinfandel, a bottle of Bailey's Irish Cream, a package of Oreos, the remainder of my old Prozac prescription, the rest of the cheesecake, some Doritos, and a box of chocolates. You have no idea how freakin' good I feel right now.

Should you feel so inclined, pass this on to those whom you think might be in need of inner peace.

I Love Christmas Cards!

I guess I should clarify---I love getting Christmas cards with family pictures enclosed or photo Christmas cards!
It doesn't matter if the photo card is from someone I see everyday---because the picture looks nothing like they do in person. LOL!
Let's face it---I can attest to the fact that I do not look as good in person on a daily basis as I do in our Christmas card photo. (Don't all nod your head in agreement at once)
When I open up these cards I pay special attention to the moms in the pictures, who actually got to take some time that morning to curl their hair and take their time applying their make up.
Don't you wish it was picture day everyday.....just for that reason alone?!

Dear Santa.....the Song

My husband heard this song on "Bob and Tom" and thought it was hilarious! It was his idea to put it on the blog, so if you don't like it you can let him know! :)

Dear Santa

When I was digging around old memory books I came across my first letter to Santa! It was from 1985...so I was about....hmm....barely 9 years old. When I look back on it now I can see that it is (of course) my dad's writing. What a good sport he was---but that's a dad's job, right!?

My letter asks him to check yes or no if he missed me. What a nerd I was...or am! :)

I can't get my boys to write letters to Santa. They must be pretty sure that Santa is coming. I can't wait until the year they are old enough to appreciate what a lump of coal is so "Santa" can put some in their stocking!

(Page 2 of the letter with a response from "Santa.") I like how I signed my name "Katie" but Santa still addresses me as "Katherine!"

Chef-Boy-R-Tubbs

I had the cinnamon roll "bug" on Friday so I decided to lay out some frozen dough that night. Saturday morning arrived and it was time to make my treats!

Tubbs was excited and asked if he could help. I enthusiastically said yes and we got busy. I asked Bubba if he wanted to help but he preferred to watch cartoons. (It reminded me of the story of the little red hen who asks for help making bread. No one wants to help make it...but they want to help eat it)

I knew Bubba would be first in line for a cinnamon roll.

Tubbs sniffed the dough and said, "It smells delicious!" I laughed because I didn't really think the dough smelled delicious without something in/on it. But it was cute.

I taught Tubbs the first rule of baking: Make sure you wash your hands!

(Hopefully he will remember this)

He helped me roll the dough until he whined that his hands were tired. Then we spread all the good stuff on top. Half with pecans and half without for my picky little bugs!

Don't worry---these are fat free and sugar free! :)

I have visions of Tubbs making these treats for his wife one day and eventually his little bugs! That would make me so very happy.....

These pictures are making me crave an after lunch snack---- I better grab one before my boys figure out there are some left.

Life Really Boils Down To 2 Questions...

1. Should I get a dog.....?

OR

2. Should I have children?

My Wise Man

Finally---a wise man in the house!
Just kidding Luke. Actually you are my brilliant, magnificent, handsome man!

Last night was Tubbs' second and last Christmas performance at pre-school. We have been honored to see this annual event for 4 years in a row since both boys went to school at St John's. I love this Christmas play! This year Tubbs was one of the wise men! Tubbs was originally set to be in the gospel choir but since one best buddy was playing Joseph and the other best buddy was a wise man, they thought Tubbs should be a wise man too.

That made me very happy! Tubbs and his two buddies are inseparable. I would love it if they were life-long friends because they are three of a kind. In this video you can see his buddy spots me first and then let's Tubbs know. Tubbs is trying not to look at me and then points his finger at me like he's scolding me. Bad mommy for standing in the aisle to get a picture!

The Wise Men in Action (Video)

Are they Kings...or Saudi princes negotiating oil prices?! :)

Angels I have Seen on High

Now these angels I would take back to Smith's....

Somehow these boys always find their way back to our bed....and are the last ones to wake up. This morning I thought it was especially cute because Tubbs is laying on his brother's arm.
Such good boys....when they are sleeping.

Can You Spot The Imposter?!

This is only the second year (from what I can recollect) that my boys would sit on Santa's lap. So far this year they have been able to visit with him twice and within 12 hours of each other too! Aren't they lucky?!

On Friday night was our church's Christmas dinner/party. We ate and sang...and the big guy eventually came cruising in at the end. I laughed when I saw "Santa" and went to find Santa's significant other to harass her. (I can't tell you what I said because I try to run a PG blog here folks) Anyways, Santa read a Christmas story to the kids and then he was ready to have the kids sit on his lap.The boys were excited and eventually got into a decent single file line. I warned them not to knock over anyone smaller than them. (If the kid was at least their size or bigger, they are on their own) They sat on Santa's lap and I snapped away on the camera.

As we were walking out to the car that night I was asking the boys what they told Santa and said "Isn't that exciting that Santa was here?!"

Simon turns to me and says, "That wasn't Santa...that was Cliff! Davin told me he could see the strap on his beard!"

I tried not to laugh and didn't know how to recover.

What do I say? Do I lie? (yes...of course I lie!)

But then I thought of Home Alone when Kevin goes to see Santa. (Anyone remember this scene besides me?) Anyways, I began to spew that Santa can't be everywhere so he sends helpers. I don't think he believed me BUT fortunately for him the boys got another shot at Santa in the morning. "This better be good" I thought to myself..."and no beard straps!" Luke assured me he was "authentic!" To Santa's credit, he did have some rosy cheeks! :)

Saturday morning the boys were able to go to Luke's school for "Breakfast with Santa." I wasn't able to go because I was working my bootie off in a kettlebell class. I would have rather been eating pancakes and snuggling up to Santa!

So...can you find the real Santa...because the boys were convinced. All is good in the Hogue house---at least this Christmas. They still believe we have a direct line to the big man and I have had to call a few times. Unfortunately I always get his answering machine--but hopefully he gets the messages.

How many more years of innocence do I have left?? :)

Scream

On Fridays when I pick up the boys from school I like to pretend like I am a fun, cool mom and take them to get a treat. We usually go to either the Vons bakery to the Smith's bakery counter inside Brookside to get a cookie.
This last Friday we ended up at Smith's.
Darn those people for their delicious, overpriced, frosted cookie concoctions!
As we stood at the counter waiting our turn my boys practically had their noses up against the display cases. They were eyeing the "special" Christmas cookies that were slightly larger than the normal ones, but were $1-2 bucks more. When they pleaded for the pricier cookies I calmly told them no, their choices were between the Christmas tree and the star. They didn't like that answer and pleaded some more. I replied with the same answer. After about one more round of this, (and trying to be patient---Hey I wanted a cookie too!)I gave up and told them we were leaving. I turned and walked out.
You would have thought I tore Bubba's heart from his chest. He and Tubbs just lost it.
Bubba comes running up behind me as I approach the sliding doors of the store and grabs on to the back of my jeans. I remove his hands and continue walking to the car. Both the boys run up to the car door and Bubba throws his body in front of my door to block me from getting in.
I smile and try to remain calm. (You mothers out there know the calmness I am talking about)Its the moment where you want to attack, but you are in a public place---so you pretend to be the perfect mother who can handle all situations. Even when your 4 year old has thrown himself up against your filthy car door, refusing to get in the car and is now sitting on the cement....crying like he lost his best friend!
Anyways, after a few moments I am able to get myself into the driver's seat and I tell my boys they better get in the car or I am leaving them there. They quickly jump inside as I start the car and throw it into reverse.
My 6 (almost 7) year old is now screaming in the back...like a girl!
Yes, I am going to say it....like a girl! I didn't know if I should laugh...or go back inside the store and purchase duct tape! He didn't stop all the way home, which made for a very unpleasant arrival at home. I won't go into details on that one, BUT...if you close your eyes and press play on this video you will know exactly what my 1st grader sounded like at 3pm on Friday afternoon as we drove back to the house.
We were watching this movie this afternoon and when this scene played I started laughing uncontrollably!
Luke asked me what I was laughing at and I said, "This is what your son sounded like on Friday when I left the bakery." Luke started laughing and told me I had to put it on the blog!
The rest is history!
Needless, to say there will be no more fun, cool mom on Fridays after school!
Bah humbug!

Are you "Stamp Worthy?"

For those Seinfeld fanatics, you might recollect that this title sounds an awful lot like a particular episode where Elaine wasn't sure if certain gentlemen were "worthy." LOL! Its the same concept. If Seinfeld was still around in this economy I am sure they would do an episode on this...

What is "stamp worthy?"

Let me back up and say that I haven't had to buy stamps since the last time they raised the postage rates. (Hey, we pay all of our bills online because I don't trust the mail to deliver them to the right location) much less on time) So, As long as I can remember any stamps I had in my purse looked like the stamp above. As I was finishing my Christmas cards on Friday I realized I didn't have enough stamps. When I went to the grocery store later that day I picked up a few books when I checked out but paid no attention to how much they cost. When I went to apply the stamps to the envelopes that night I noticed for the first time the price of each stamp.

42 cents .....to mail an envelope?

Are you kidding me?!

I started thinking, "Is this person worth an additional 42 cents?!"

You laugh at me.... but then I began calculating how much each Christmas card was actually costing me. I then decided that most of the people on my list were not "stamp worthy....." or card worthy for that matter! So, if you don't get a card from us this year you know why!

Just kidding.

Next year I am posting my Christmas cards on my blog and Facebook and calling it good! :)

Kettlebells

This morning I took the opportunity to attend a workout class that is offered at the gym where I work. We have a corporate wellness coach who is based out of Atlanta who comes in periodically to train and hold classes. I really like Ron because he focuses on movement to be fit... and not just how to lose weight or build muscle.
This is my 3rd "intro" kettlebell class since june... so I figure now that my hip is on the mend from surgery I could take advantage of doing these exercises on my own at the gym. There are some weird videos online for kettlebells, but this one seemed to introduce them pretty well.
Since I haven't technically exercised since my last class in August I am sure I will be pretty sore tomorrow.
So, if you see me struggling to sit down tomorrow morning at church, you'll know why! If anyone wants to join me at the gym let me know! :)

Oh Christmas Tree....

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is picking out the tree and bringing it home.

Okay, okay....everything about Christmas is my favorite!

Two years ago we traveled to Tehachapi to a tree farm and cut down our Christmas tree. We were hoping to do this again this year, but the old lady who owns it was nowhere to be seen. Luke's mom left messages and said the gates were closed. Looks like we were out of luck this year.

So, we decided to invite Luke's parents down for dinner and to help us pick out a tree. I was home later from work than expected, so I literally ran in the door from work, changed and we headed out. We stopped by the "bucks" so we could all fill up on hot cocoa and we headed to the Alpine Christmas tree lot.

I must note that as we pulled into the Starbucks drive thru Luke sees a Home Depot across the street and nonchalantly says, "Home Depot has Christmas trees." To which I quickly respond, "I am not getting our tree at Home Depot!"

Now...I know some of you are thinking I am a hag and that I think I am too good for Home Depot. ---and the answer is yes to both of those questions! Ha! I don't care if the trees are cheaper or more expensive at the "po"---I like feeling like I am in a forest when I pick out my tree! Got it!

So---we got our beverages, slurped them down, turned on some holiday tunes on 101.5 KGFM (Wink-wink Rachel) and headed to the tree lot. We might have been the only ones there but then again it was only 5:30 on a Thursday night. There were lots of great trees to choose from and after only 5 minutes of aimless wandering I found the one. It was like "Christmas Vacation" when the light was shining down on it! :)

Luke did his usual loading of the tree on top of his Jeep and we headed back to the house. I cleaned up the boys for bed and Luke worked on dinner. It was absolutely delicious---as usual! Luke's parent's stayed quite a while and it was nice to eat, chit-chat and laugh for a few hours! I must also add that the old lady who owns the tree farm in Tehachapi called Luke's mom back today FINALLY and says they will open tomorrow! AH!

Oh well...at least I got a good tree! I can't be too upset now. If I got a Charlie Brown tree I would be a little burnt!

Here are a few pictures from last night!

My husband refusing to be silly (and laughing at his lame wife)

Is it snowing at the tree lot??

Tubbs (with his serious expression) wearing his new beanie Grandma Hogue made.

Thanks Grandma.

What a Surprise

Have I told you before how fabulous my husband and parents are?

As I noted in the last post, Luke took me to SF for an overnight birthday getaway. He told my mother we would be back at 5pm on Saturday. I thought that was a little strange because if we take a trip like this we usually try to get back a little earlier. I also thought it was a little strange because my mom kept telling me "Have a good time.---Take your time!" I know the boys would be giving my mom a hard time, so this seemed a little odd.

Nevertheless, I thought nothing more about it once we took off down the road for San Fran.

Saturday afternoon came and I was exhausted. I fell asleep in the car on the way back to my mom and dad's. I called my mom to tell her we were on our way and she asked how far away we were. Luke said he wanted to stop by Toys R Us on the way home so I told my mom we were an extra 30 miles out. I asked her where she was and if she wanted us to go to their house or my brother's house. She was very elusive but I chalked it up to the fact that she was probably ready for us to take two little boys off her hands. I also ask my mom what is for dinner and if they all ready ate. Again she seems indifferent and doesn't really give me an answer.

She calls back 20 minutes later wanting to know where we are. I tell her we are 30 miles away. Luke is in the background saying, "Tell her we are almost there."

I ignore him and tell her we are 20 minutes from home. (I couldn't change my story from 30 miles to 2 minutes)
We pull into Roseville and I think we are headed to my brother's house. Luke then says he wants to go to Best Buy because Wii games are buy one get one free. I don't believe him, so I get on my IPhone and try looking the sale up at Best Buy. We pull into the Best Buy parking lot and he suddenly announces that he thinks we should pick up dinner for us and my mom and dad. He pulls into an Italian restaurant named "Buca Di Beppo" which I have heard of, but never eaten at. I tell him that my parents probably wouldn't like it and that we should call them before we pick anything up. He starts walking inside and asks if I am coming in or not. I reluctantly agree. I try calling my mom...she doesn't answer. I try my brother--he doesn't answer. I try calling them over and over as we wait inside. A few moments later a waiter walks Luke and I back to this room and there they all are!!

Surprise!!

Yes, it was a surprise. I was shocked that my husband pulled it off--but he did.

Most of my family was there to celebrate my birthday and I was so very happy!
But for the record, I did think something was up a few weeks ago. My mom called and asked to talk to Luke. I questioned Luke and said "Why is my mom calling for you?.....she doesn't like you?!"

I was kidding and left it at that.

He made up some story about my mom needing Christmas advice from Luke for my dad's Jeep---and I bought it. But when Luke announced last week that he was taking me to San Fran for an overnight trip, I figured thats what my mom and Luke were plotting. I give Luke props for his lying abilities. They have significantly improved over the past year. LOL

Bubba, Luke, Bert, Cooper and mom

My new friend

Blowing out the birthday candles!

Receiving a blessing before dinner!

We had the "Pope" room I guess!

Natalie, Autumn and Tubbs

"Don't make me poke your eye out!"

Dinner was fabulous (Thank you dad)!
After dinner we headed back to the "Party House" where we had cake and ice cream and opened gifts!

It was so much fun to be surprised---even if I looked and felt like crap-ola from getting little sleep the night before and sleeping in the car on the way home! HA!

I love my family...and I am thinking I need to make this birthday weekend a new tradition for me!! :)