Hughes Good News

First Day of School Two Years Later!

2011-08-31T13:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Fall

2009-10-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I love the fall?! I love everything about it! The color, the crispness in the air, the pumpkins, and all the yummy treats. I love football, the pumpkin walk, fall carnivals, pumpkin carving and Halloween! I just went to WalMart and bought popcorn, caramels, cans of pumpkin, and chocolate chips. I ran into someone I know and she asked what I was making and I honestly don't know. I just wanted to buy fall treats! I'll probably just eat them all plain!
Here are a few pictures of some of the fun things we have been doing this fall. We mainly eat, sleep and drink football, but we managed to throw in a few other activities in between!

Claire Bear is Six

2009-09-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bear Bear! You are the light of our lives!

My little bear bear has turned six! She had a cousin party and they went to the beauty school and got their hair and nails done. Perfect party for my girly girl! I thought she would be a tom-boy with two big brothers, but she is all girl and I think it's my fault. She has had jewelry and a hair bow on since the day she was born. My friend Becky made her a beautiful cake and cupcakes and we had a picnic in the park after the salon.

Rocks in her Pocks

2009-08-25T14:47:00.000-07:00

Despite the looks of this picture, I am loving my time with Janie.
She is easily entertained anywhere in Highland due to the large rock supply. She LOVES rocks and can keep herself busy for a long time by filling her pockets with rocks. The weight of the rocks often pulls her pants down off her diaper. I have recently discovered dresses with pockets and that seems to be the ticket! She is in heaven and walks around saying, "Mo rocks in my pocks'! Just didn't ever want to forget this!

First Day of School

2009-08-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am not even going to lie and pretend like I am sad that school has started! I just spent 6 hours with just Jane and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It felt like having my first baby again. And when the other 3 came home at 3:45 screaming and all trying to tell me about their day at once, I was refreshed and ready to take it on! Here are this years first day of school pictures in front of the ugly brown door. They have grown so much! This is the best picture I could get of Jane, who never stops moving. I seem to get a lot of shots of her back and top of head. I do realize that it was nearly this time last year when I last posted! As my dad would say, "Your just too busy living life to write about it!" I am really just lazy and not very technologically savvy. But I am determined to start again to take more pictures and record more memories for my kids.

Jane's 1st Birthday

2008-12-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

Goose told me the older you get, the faster time passes. She said, "Wait until you get to be my age, Christmas comes about every three months." I must be getting older because this year felt like about three months. I am sad to see time pass so quickly, but Jane is a joy and we are really starting to see her little personality develop. She loves animals and music and has such a beautiful smile with 6 Big teeth. We love our baby girl.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-04T20:50:00.001-08:00

We had a very fun and busy Halloween. I decided to make Jane a rabbit. She got her two big front teeth first and I thought I should just embrace it! Since she was a rabbit, Claire had to be Alice in Wonderland. I think she was born to wear the costume. I let my boys be whatever they wanted and they chose to be nerds. They think they are just hilarious (probably got that from their parents who think they are funnier than anyone else does) and really got into character. I didn't realize how much they had gotten into it until I got to the school parade. Before the children march around the auditorium, they first line up across the stage. Each class follows their teacher across the stage and then lines up and waves or smiles at their parents. I few really excited kids did a little bow. I almost died when Scott's class lined up and Scott began doing wild and crazy nerd moves. He was pumping his arms and flexing his muscles. I couldn't believe it. Everyone was laughing! I was glad I was in a witch costume with a green face and fake nose. Boy was I shocked when Brock's class came marching in and he started in with the moves. He made Scotty's muscle flexing look mild! He stayed in character through the entire promenade around the cafeteria, waving and hunched over and marching to the beat. I would give anything to have to have a video to post. Even my little Bear was smiling and waving as she floated through the line. I just can't say where they get it from! I was such a shy and reserved child :)!

All in a Days Work

2008-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:00

Claire with Grandma and Grandpa Hughes who traveled all the way from Wyoming to visit the kids and see their games. We are sooo lucky!!!!

Brock with "Coach Steve" at his Caveman football game.

Scott's touchdown at the game I missed while traveling from Claire's soccer game to view the first half of Brock's football game!

Janie

2008-09-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

I'm married to Dr. Phil

2008-09-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Just had to share this little story because it made me laugh until I cried and because that is why I started a blog. I wanted to write down the funny little things that my kids say that I quickly forget. On Monday we were in the car and Scott was being mean to Brock and Steve started to give Scott one of his very practical lectures. He likes to use football analogies because Scott seems to respond to them and let's face it, he is obsessed with sports. So Steve said, "Scott, our family is like a football team. Would you tackle one of your own team members when they were running for a touchdown? Well you are tackling Brock as he is trying to live is life." At this point, I'm already trying not to crack up, because I know Steve is honestly the best dad in the world, but this lecture is stretching it a little. And Scott pipes up from the back. "Oh, O.K. Thanks Dr. Phil". Steve and I looked at each other and then just died laughing. I don't think Scotty even knew how funny it was. But man it made my day!

These are the Days

2008-09-03T20:38:00.001-07:00

Guess how old Claire is? Yep, Jane the genius is telling you! My baby girl is five. She has truly been a joy to me since the day she was born. We celebrated her special day last week by going to IHOP for a funny face (family tradition) and then getting her nails painted. She is such a girl! She is also such a flirt. She has been one since the day she was born. When she was only two months old, the physical therapist made us promise to bring her back when she was five. She said she was the most social baby she had ever met and she wanted to see what she was like when she got older. Well, she is just what the Dr. expected. Making friends and flirting with absolutely everyone. When she was a baby and I would take her places, she would just wait and look around until someone made eye contact and then she would start gooing and smiling and waving and today she does the same. Except now she starts talking to them and gives them her life story! I wonder where she could have picked that up? I started worrying today that her flirting is at a whole new level. She has a little buddy that she rides the bus to Kindergarten with each day and she just loves him. The bus is the highlight of her day and when they see eachother they run together and embrace and then sit on the bus and wave goodbye to their mommies. Well, today when she came home she said, "Mom, what if I accidently kissed Dane". I told her it is hard to kiss by accident. Then she spent about an hour preparing a wedding in her room for Polly Pocket and Diego, who were then kissing. I am scared. I think I am in for it! Here are a couple of pictures of her day and a picture of us waiting at the bus stop.

I Love School

2008-08-21T21:53:00.000-07:00

Nothing gives me quite the same thrill as school supplies. I love, love the start of school. Not just for the free babysitting, I mean education.:) I love the whole thing! The class lists, the shopping for school supplies and school clothes, meeting new teachers, and just the excitement that the start of a new year brings. This year I am thrilled because we hit the teacher jackpot! All of my kids have great teachers. After the first day of school, I asked my boys on a scale of 0-10, how they would rate their teachers. 0 being Ms. Trenchbull from Matilda and 10 being their dream teacher and they both said 9 and then quickly changed to 10. I couldn't be happier. Claire just had her Kindergarten assessment and will start on Monday. She is so excited and has already packed her backpack. To quote the movie, "You've Got Mail". "If I could, I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils". That is how much I love the fall and the start of a new school year. I'm not going to cry about the free time either! I am sorry to report that I misplaced my camera, I know shocking. I didn't get any first day of school photos. I guess I'll just have to take them on the first day it cools down and they can wear new school jeans and stand against the front door and we will pretend like its the first day.

NO Apologies to Bakersfield Residents

2008-07-27T18:09:00.001-07:00

I regret to post that I can not apologize for the rude remarks I made in an earlier Post about Bakersfield. We really didn't have the best experience. We should have realized we were doomed when while driving to Bakersfield from St. George we checked the time for the first game and realized that it started in four hours and we were six hours away. WHOOPS! Luckily Scotty left with some friends the day before. Can you say, "flaky parents". We arrived at the end of our six hour drive just in time to perfectly miss his first game. It may not have made a difference but Steve's driving did not help the situation. Anyone who has ever driven with Steve or followed Steve in a car, can back me up when I say he drives just a little under the speed limit. People often think he may be just a few years older than he really is. :) The team members were walking out of the baseball park just as we pulled into the parking lot. They lost their first game and everyone was depressed. The next day we played again and lost but it was a close game. 3 to 4 and our boys rallied and almost beat them in the last inning. We were excited to get home and even more excited to learn that the game would be featured on the news that night. I was mortified when the only one on the team that made the news was ME, doing the YMCA no less. I guess I got a little pumped up watching the game! I am just glad it was Bakersfield news! The worst thing that happened was our friends walked out of the game to find that their car had been stolen. It took the police two hours to come after they had been called. It is scary to think what else they were busy doing in that town. I have really enjoyed baseball, but I am relieved it is over for the season. We start football for both of our boys tomorrow. Brock is so excited and Scotty has been teaching him moves all afternoon. They started in the hall in church and I had to quickly move them outside. Steve is helping to coach Brock's team and I am helping to coach Claire's soccer team. We realized we are setting ourselves up for a busy fall but we must thrive on chaos. Ready or not, here we go!

Beaver is Mountains of Fun

2008-07-13T16:36:00.001-07:00

O.K. I stand corrected. Beaver really is mountains of fun! My deepest apologies go out to all former, current, and future residents of Beaver. I just spent four days at Scott's baseball tournament there and I must admit, I had a pretty good time. Considering the fact that I was there without Steve and in a hotel room with my four kids, and I still enjoyed myself, I think that Beaver must be a pretty great place. The State tournament was at a beautiful baseball park with covered bleachers, a great concession stand, and a park for the kids. There were three things that made the trip. First the hotel had a fun little pool. Second, Beaver does have a McDonalds and extra large drinks are only 99 cents. Woohoo! Lastly, I LOVE watching my son play baseball! He is on a team with 12 great kids with really fun families. I asked my kids on the way home what the highlight of the trip was and they said it was the tour of Cove Fort. Now, don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it. It was "neat" but I was surprised that was their favorite activity. They get it from their dad, he is always up for a good tour of a monument, museum, etc. The good news is that the team won and they are the number one 10 year old team in the state. The bad news is that now we are on to the next tournament in Bakersfield, CA. I just hope that next week I will be writing an apology to all the people in beautiful and 110 degree Bakersfield.

Tea Party

2008-06-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Katie took these beautiful pictures of our girls. The lighting was perfect and we got some some great shots. Unfortunately, Jane was exhausted and we only got one of her. But I just had to show off her "michelin man" arms, I think they are fantastic!

Whirlwind Whitney

2008-06-29T21:57:00.000-07:00

My family calls me Whirlwind Whitney because I am always on the go. Now with four kids I still go, go, go but I am a lot slower and I just can't quite pull it all off. I realized this week I may have a problem when one neighbor suggested he thinks I am bipolar and experiencing a "manic phase" and the other neighbor thinks I work full time because I am always gone! I tried to explain that I am just hyper and if they knew my sisters, they might think I was lazy. I think this "manic phase" refers to our activity level this summer. Just a month into it and we have been having a blast. Most of our time is filled with Scott's baseball and then we fill in the extra hours with swimming, hiking, picnicking, bike riding, etc, etc. Judd and Jackie and their boys are here for the summer and so we are spending a lot of time with extended family. We had a wonderful family trip to Bear Lake and we are all going to Pacific Grove the end of July. We get to visit the "lovely" city of Beaver next week for a baseball tournament! That might just be the highlight of the summer :) No offense to anyone from Beaver, but last year it was Panguitch, and I'm just wondering what is wrong with St. George or even Spanish Fork?

Last week I had the opportunity to run with my sisters and my cousin in the Wasatch Back Relay. They were kind enough to allow me to rejoin the Joggin' Broads. They were fast this year and I stressed about keeping up for six months. It was very difficult but we ended up having a blast! I pumped milk in the back of the van and threw up about 30 times and I still thought it was a party. Which leads me back to the assumption from my neighbor that I may indeed be mentally ill!

So here I go and I hope this "manic phase" lasts all summer because I still have a lot of things I want to do before school starts again!

VIVA MEXICO

2008-04-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

We had a dream vacation to Akumal, Mexico with our wonderful friends, the Nichols. I had to start thinking of new adjectives when I realized I was saying the words "perfect" and "heaven" a little too frequently. It really was the perfect family vacation. We stayed in a beautiful villa with a pool and then a few steps to the beach. The balcony had two hammocks and I spent the majority of the vacation rocking my baby and drinking "pepsi light". I think this was the first vacation where I actually came home relaxed and refreshed, instead of exhausted. Our kids spent most of the days in and out of the pool, searching for shells, and catching crabs. We visited the ruins, swam and cliff jumped in underground water caves, and ate Italian pizza with live music on the patio. Thank you Nichols family for the vacation of a lifetime!

My Girls

2008-04-02T21:02:00.000-07:00

Do you think maybe I was hungry when I was picking out these dresses? Neopolitan anyone?

Before I had my girls, I would always tell people I'm just a "boy mom". I secretly feared having a daughter. I feared that she would hate me from age 13- 23, or at least pretend to hate me and blame me for all life's problems. I feared that she would one day go to therapy and spend the entire session talking about me. I feared eating disorders, body image, hormones, and self-esteem. I told people, "I just want three little boys"! I just want to fill my life with sports, mud, and movement. But everything changed on the day I was pregnant with my third child and we had an ultrasound. The technician said, "It's a girl" and my heart melted. I saw her little heart beat and fell in love with her before she was even born. I had no idea! I just didn't get it and now I do. So bring on the, "you are ruining my life" and "you just don't understand" and "you are so embarrassing". I'll take it all just to have the privilege to raise these beautiful baby girls. I just pray that they will know that they are truly daughter's of God and how lucky I am to be their mom.

I've Got the Golden Ticket

2008-03-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

I always flinch a little when someone says, "Hey, you look just like...." It hasn't always been the response for which I'm looking. Shockingly, not Elle McPhereson! I developed a bit of a chin complex when in Jr. High I was told I look like this handsome gentleman... Felt a little better about being compared to this well endowed beauty from the "Little Shop of Horrors"And again when I was told I look like the McDonalds moon! (years of therapy followed)I don't mean to brag or make anyone feel bad, but I personally think I more closely resemble a child star with a famous leading role. You be the judge, but I think I'm a dead ringer.

Top that!!! Who wouldn't want to look like good ole Charlie Bucket? What famous person have you been told that you look like?

My "Chunka Chunka Burnin' Love"

2008-03-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

This is what we sing to Jane. She's just a "Chunka chunka burnin' love"! She truly is! We are all just head over heels in love with her. She is going to be four months old tomorrow and I feel like time is just going too fast. Why does it feel like you are pregnant for about 9 years and then you have a newborn for about 4 weeks? I just want to treasure this beautiful time with my baby girl and record every memory. I had to get a snap shot of her in all her rolled and dimpled glory!

Bringing in the Sheaves

2008-03-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Steve downloaded the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on my I-Home so that I could enjoy Sunday sounds. One of the songs on the disc is "Bringing in the Sheaves". As a child and well into my teen years (way too old to not know) I thought this song said, "Bringing in the Cheese". I couldn't figure out why in the world the church would sing a song about cheese, but I figured it must have some sort of symbolic significance. When the song came on, I told my kids what I thought it said and they really got a kick out of it. We have spent a lot of time marching around the house to the beat and singing, "bringing in the cheese". The other day Steve was home with the kids and the song came on and Claire came into the room holding cheese and singing the song. She then continued to bring all the necessary items for a sandwich including a tomato, bread, and ham. Now when the song comes on she first sings "bringing in the cheese" and then follows with "bringing in the ham" and "bringing in the wheat bread". I know it is disrespectful but it just cracks us up and it has now become our sandwich making song!

Young Brides

2008-03-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

Tonight Steve and I are going on a date. We go out a lot, but I can't remember the last time we went out with just the two of us. We usually have at least one or two other couples join us. I am actually really excited and I thought about what to wear and what Steve likes and then I remembered the reason I love him so much. He wouldn't notice if I dyed my hair purple and wore a gunny sack. I remember getting ready for dates with Steve 14 years ago with the same anticipation. Unfortunately my outfit probably involved a body suit (adult oensie), some hideous vest, girbaud jeans, and finished off with hot rolled curls brush to their full capacity! The good news is I am still excited to date him and we always have a great time together. The other day Claire asked me how old she would be when she got married and I told her that 25 would be a good age. Steve quickly reminded me how old I was when we got married and I said, "No Way". Did I really? Then I counted back the years and date and confirmed that I was indeed a "child bride". Steve said, "I knew one day you were going to realize how old you were and freak out!"
I am kind of freaking out, I can't believe I was that young! Fortunately, I have NO regrets! I would do it all over again the same way. Steve has truly helped me to become the person I want to be. Like they say in Wyomin, "He raise me right!" :) So here's to "child brides"and a good man who still gives me butterflies!

Lost in the 18th Century

2008-02-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

I have been lost this week in an excellent read full of history, adventure, and of course romance! When I am reading a book, I tend to tune out everyone around me including my poor children and husband. I have been banned from bringing books on girl trips with my sisters and road trips with my husband. Not only do I neglect everyone and everything, I stay up hiding in my closet reading until the book is finished or Steve yells, "Whitney, that is irresponsible, come to bed!" I also tend to become overly attached to the characters and think about them throughout the day. I become completely immersed in the time period and I have even caught myself talking like the characters. Last week I was reading about Henry the VIII and Anne Boleyn and thinking in my head, "I shall not go to my husband's bed chamber whilst I am reading this book". This week, I am thinking, "Didya ken that I favor a lad in a kilt". I asked Claire at lunch, "Would ye like me to heat yer lunch wee bonny lass?" So please forgive me while I'm lost and in love with a Scottish rougue in 1743

Mini-Van Life

2008-02-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

I am having a bumper sticker made for my mini-van, it is going to say,

"These Kids Are Cramping My Style."

Me and Laurie at the state fair in '93

My Last Meal on Death Row

2008-02-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

As anyone who has spent more than an hour with me knows, I am really passionate about my food. I always like to ask people what they would choose to have if they were on death row and they had to choose their last meal. Mine has changed a little over the years but always includes very unhealthy, greasy, rich, and just generally really bad for you food. I have my Dad to thank for my unrefined palate and cravings for disgusting things like Kraft Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, PB&Js on white, and other foods that can be purschased at carnivals and sports arenas. Here is my current last meal wish.

Papa Hayden's hamburger
Tator Tots from Taco Time (also known as Mexi-nuggets)
Chocolate cake from Magleby's (hold the raspberry sauce)
Diet Coke with crushed pellet ice (refillable of course)

Can you tell it's Sunday, church was cancelled and I'm fasting :)

What is your Death Row Meal?

Life is Good

2008-02-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Jane laughed a couple of days ago. It was about the sweetest sound on earth but it went bad in a hurry. As soon as the other kids heard her laughing, they came running over and jumped on me and got in her face and started yelling and waving their arms trying to encourage more laughing. Her eyes got really big and then she of course started sobbing. They mean well, but they get a little too excited, if you know what I mean! Here are a couple of pictures I finally captured of that big smile that lights up Jane's face and lights up our lives!

Happy Birthday Dad

2008-01-23T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today is my Dad's Birthday. Everyone who knows him loves him. I happen to have the best and coolest Dad in the whole world. Really, truly I do! I have no excuses for my poor behavior in life because I had a blessed childhood. My first memory of my Dad is him rocking me in our old blue rocker and singing, "Give said the Little Stream." Still my favorite song. I have wonderful memories of Daddy Daughter dates to the pool, ice skating rink, roller rink, etc. etc. I loved how my Dad was so funny and would always make my friends laugh. He still does. He used to pull up beside us in his car while we were walking to school and say, "Want a ride, hope you get one" and drive off laughing. We loved it! When I tried out for Junior High Cheerleader and didn't make it, my Dad came home with flowers and a note that said, "You are number one in my book"! On Easter, my dad would always give us a card with his testimony. He was always an example and practiced what he preached. Without my Dad's diligence, patience, and love I would not have survived anorexia. I love that he drove an old beat up mini-van long after he could afford a better car and how he anonymously gives to family, friends, and strangers. During our poor college years, we would often find a twenty dollar bill on the nightstand or in the car after he visited. They were heaven sent. I love how he loves my mom and treats her like a queen. I love how is willing to drive for four hours just to spend the evening with her. He has been there for every important event in my life and the best compliment I can give him is that there has never been a time when I needed my Dad and he wasn't there. I know this will embarrass him if he reads it, because that's how he is. But I just wanted to take this opportunity to write down some of the reasons why I feel so blessed to know him and I am so glad he is here to wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you Dad.

Brockstar

2008-01-23T21:21:00.000-08:00

As I looked back over my blog entries, I realized I haven't ever written a blog about my darling 2nd child, Brock. Otherwise known as Bubbs or Brockstar. He is the 2nd like me and I think it gives us a special bond. Poor neglected and abused second child :) Just kidding, but I do think that sometimes Brock gets lost in the shuffle. Morning, noon, and night you can hear me telling Brock to be careful, slow down, be gentle, say sorry, step back, or be quiet. He is such a physically demanding child, but he is a gentle giant. He has a heart of gold and he is always looking out for others. He has a little recess club at school with the boys in his class and he always comes home and reports the drama of who is the President and who they kicked out and so on. Today he came home and said he was kicked out of the club because he invited the little handicapped boy in his class to be in the club and the others boys didn't want him, so he "kicked himself out of the club." I was so proud! That is the kind of boy he is and I realize I need to spend more time pulling him closer when I feel like pushing him away and telling him I love him and that he is my little "Brockstar".

Jane's Blessing Dress

2008-01-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

Goose bought this beautiful Blessing dress for my mom 56 years ago and it has been worn by every woman in our family including myself, my aunts, my sister and my cousins on their Blessing Day. It is in amazing condition and I just love that my daughter gets to wear the same dress my Mom did. It was the best day with all my family, including Steve's parents. Steve gave Jane the most beautiful blessing. One of my favorite days so far!

G&G Hughes with Jane on Blessing Day

2008-01-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

Rubber Band Hands

2008-01-09T20:51:00.000-08:00

I have always wanted a chubby baby! Is there anything cuter in the whole world than a rolly polly baby with lots of rolls and "rubber band hands"? I have been so happy to see Jane growing everyday and I swear every morning her cheeks get bigger and bigger. I just want to eat her up. Steve doesn't understand why I always say I want to eat babies, but I do! I just want to gobble her up and the chubbier she gets, the more kissable she becomes. I am discovering a new world of cleaning folds and crevices I never knew existed. I was horrified a couple of days ago when I was bathing Jane and found old milk hidden in the deep folds of her neck. After that I was super dilligent in checking every neck fold and really concentrating on cleaning all those thigh folds. I thought I was doing a pretty good job. But yesterday I took Jane to see the doctor for a bad cold and was horrified when he lifted up her arms and there in the deep crevice of her right arm pit was rotten milk, or barf, or some other unknown substance. I explained to the Dr. that I have never had a chubby baby and I had been concentrating on the neck folds. He laughed. I don't know if he was amused or disgusted. So now I have been introduced to a whole new roll, the armpit rolls. WOW, this could be a lot of work, but I'm loving it. It may just be my deep, hidden desire to have multiple fat rolls be acceptable in society.:) Nevertheless, I just love my chubby baby!

Brag Session!!!!

2008-01-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite pictures we had taken. I love the one of Steve and Jane. No question on paternity with my kids. Lucky me!

Check out my Slide Show!

2007-12-29T18:08:00.001-08:00

Remind Me Next Year

2007-12-29T17:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas with a newborn is the best! It adds a little extra peace and joy to the season! We had a great Chistmas! My whole family was together, including Judd and Jackie and their kids from St. Louis. I don't know how I'm going to let them leave now. I have taken down the tree and decorations and the house looks empty! Now that Christmas is over I keep saying "remind me next year".....So here are a few things I would like to remember for next year.

Don't buy so many dang presents for the kids. The absolute highlight of their Christmas was the electric toothbrushes (Saint's toothbrush for Scott) in their stockings. I could have saved myself a lot of money!

Don't trust Steve when we make our yearly vow not to get eachother anything. He always does and I look like a big jerk!

Buy more football cards. They really drag out the present opening process. They have to open each one and look at each card. It makes the boys feel like they got more than they did.

Buy batteries before Christmas Eve.

Christmas break is long! Make more plans to farm out kids to relatives.

Regift all extra chocolate! Do not leave in pantry with easy access for all!

Remind me that I love Christmas and not to forget the true meaning, our Savior was born and lived and died for us all.

Kids are Honest

2007-12-16T22:41:00.000-08:00

Claire and I were driving in the car and singing out loud and Claire said that she wanted to sing me a song. It went a little something like this (to the tune of "You are so Beautiful to Me"). "You are so beautiful to me, except before you take a shower, then you aren't beautiful. But if you take a shower and put your earings onnnn. You are so beautiful to meeeeeeeee!!!!!" It is the truth!!!

Snow Day

2007-12-13T23:04:00.001-08:00

Sneak Peak of Newborn Photo

2007-12-06T22:21:00.000-08:00

Jane Staring at Camera, only exciting for family and bored friends

2007-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Sensory Overload

2007-12-05T20:32:00.000-08:00

My children love to use me as a jungle gym. Starting with Scott, it was not uncommon to find him on top of my head. The next two have joined him and it is actually possible for all three to be touching me or sitting on one of my extremities all at once. It has taken on a whole new level now while I breast feed and they all start climbing on me. AHHHHH! I need space! Don't get me wrong, I love to snuggle my kids, but this is more like wrestle mania! Does anybody else get "Sensory Overload"?

I've been tagged

2007-11-28T21:14:00.001-08:00

I was tagged by Laurie and my sister-in-law Jenny. The problem is, my life is an open book. I tell absolutely everyone I meet intimate and embarassing details (ones they don't really want to know)! The man at the grocery store, my hair dresser, the poor lady at the gap, the man working at the drive up window. It's scary - I think it may be an actual medical condition. I once had a grade school teacher who told me I had diarrhea of the mouth. That is such a disgusting and graphic term I have never repeated. But, there you go, that is what I have. Here are six facts about me, that even strangers and the man with no teeth trying to sell magazines at my door already know.

1. I went through a very serious "cowboy phase". I owned several pairs of wranglers and boots. I owned a red pair, a turquoise pair, and a black pair (without pockets)!

2. I lay out my clothes, underclothing, jewelry and all before I get in the shower and get dressed. Weird I know!

3. I am afraid of cats. I feel like they are snotty and they hate me. But I love dogs. The bigger the better. I think this means I'm insecure!

4. The first boy who told me he loved me was in 5th grade. His name was Steven and he wrote I love Whitney on one sh0e and I love Brittany (my best friend) on the other shoe. We were happy to share. He dedicated "True Colors" by Cindy Lauper to me on the radio.

5. I once sneaked out of my house in the middle of the night. I actually tried the put the pillows under covers in the shape of your body technique. I came home to find my dad sitting on the couch waiting for me. OOPS!!

6. I hate watermellon. I have tried to pretend like I love it for years. Who in the world doesn't like watermellon?

7. I love sports movies. I watch "Rudy" at least a couple of times a year and I cry everytime. I love "Remember the Titans" and any other feel good sports movie!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T20:51:00.001-08:00

My heart is full of gratitude this Thanksgiving! Our family is complete with the arrival of baby Jane. What a perfect Thanksgiving blessing. I am also thankful for Scott, Brock, and Claire. I have probably already ruined them by spoiling them rotten and poor parenting, but I adore them anyway. I am so thankful for a kind, patient, and hard-working husband who brands our kids with his dimple in their chin. I am so thankful for my Savior Jesus Christ, for my testimony and my membership in His church. I am thankful for so many good friends who bless my life with their kindness and support. I am thankful for great parents and siblings who are my best friends. I feel so blessed this Thanksgiving!

Falling in Love with Jane

2007-11-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

Jane Rebekah Hughes

2007-11-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Our long awaited little angel has arrived. She was born on November 12 at 11:22 a.m. after a very short labor and two little pushes. She weighed 6 lbs. 11 0z. and is 19 1/2 inches long. She is a little more fair than our other kids, but is definitely made from the same mold. Complete with a deep dimple in her chin. We are falling in love and very, very grateful to have a healthy baby girl!

"How Low Can You Go"

2007-11-11T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'M STILL PREGNANT A WEEK LATER

2007-11-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Laurie and I are proud of our voting stickers. It was really hard. Ha Ha. Only two things on the agenda. But something about voting makes me feel very American and proud to be so! My belly is even lower now!

I have been having contractions about 5 minutes apart for the last two days. They are pretty strong, but unfortunately they never get any closer or harder. I guess she is just not ready yet, and believe me, I have tried everything. The bad news is I'm exhausted. The good news is I get to have a baby in the morning. I can make it! My kids were mad when they woke up this morning and their grandpa Charley wasn't here. I don't know if they really care about the baby being born as much as spending time with their grandpa. I am giving in and posting a belly picture, because it was taken last Tuesday and I have gotten so much bigger in the last couple of days that the picture is starting to look good. My kids call this shirt the "clown shirt". When they came home from school and saw me wearing it, they just kind of stopped and stared and Scott asked me if I wore it all day. Brock tried to soften the blow by adding, I kind of look like a flower. But it is soft, big, comfy, and feminine. Plus, I am running out of things to wear.

I'M STILL PREGNANT

2007-11-05T20:15:00.000-08:00

The basement is almost finished and I even bought hand-sanitizer and the dreaded giant maxi-pads at Wal-Mart today. I am officially ready to have this baby. Many of my wonderful blogging friends and family have requested a belly picture. If I'm honest, my belly is not all that impressive. I would like to dedicate this entry to the progress and sheer impressive size of my rear end. Now that is something to talk about! It didn't come easy. It took nine months of sitting on it whenever humanly possible and consuming at least five times the normal caloric intake each day. It has not only increased to four times it's normal size, but it has also changed in actual shape and texture. It is truly an entity of its own!

Halloween Pictures

2007-11-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

My little "Brockstar" as an army guy in the Halloween parade.

Halloween Pictures

2007-11-02T10:56:00.000-07:00

My kids got the motherload this year at PaPa Charley's office. It's actually disgusting! Don't worry, I can take care of a few or maybe more pieces while they are at school!

No Exciting News

2007-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Now I have a problem. I've started the blog and nothing noteworthy has happened for at least a couple of weeks. I feel pressure to come up with some profound wisdom, insight, or humor and find myself lacking. The best thing I could come up with was a list of things that bug me. However, I know I am just really pregnant and I'm afraid I would regret posting the list in the very near future. Our life has been consumed with football, Scott won his championship game yesterday. YAHOOO! It has been really fun to watch him this year. His aggressive behavior finally has a suitable outlet. The few leftover hours are filled with finishing the basement. We are in a mad rush to finish before the baby arrives. Today, I have about two weeks left. ANOTHER YAHOO! My cousin claims she loves a man in a uniform. I must confess, I just LOVE a man in a toolbet! There is nothing sexier than my husband covered in dry-wall dust slaving away in the basement! If anything exciting happens, I will post it!

My Baby Turns 10

2007-10-14T08:38:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my baby boy turned ten this week. Last night we took him out on a date for his birthday. Steve and I both felt like we were out with our best friend. He is funny, smart, and, I have to admit, a really cool kid. Before he was born, we thought he was a girl. Immediately after he was born, we thought he was from the hispanic mail-main. A couple of years later, we were convinced he was going to be sociopath. The pattern has continued, each year worrying about what he will be like when he grows up. I am now becoming more and more convinced that, despite my parenting, this kid is going to be an amazing person. Despite his very unbalanced obsession with sports, he is kind, compassionate, hard-working, and smart. We are hoping this obsession will keep him busy and tired enough to stay out of trouble for at least a couple of years. He is pictured here in his only requests for birthday presents, a John Beck Jersey and Miami Dolphins hat. To Scott's delight, the man at the Fanzz store also talked me into buying a bunch of other sports related paraphenelia. But only after we discussed his marriage and fertility problems!

Wow, at least Steve looks good!

2007-10-09T21:27:00.000-07:00

2007-10-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

Steve ran the St. George Marathon this weekend. When he first began training I was, I admit, very jealous. I sat there watching the kids each Saturday morning in a fat depression. If any of you can't understand this. Just imagine you love to scrapbook, it's your outlet and hobby, and then one day you catch your husband down in the basement doing your pages and going to scrapbooking night every Saturday. This is how I felt watching Steve train, reminding myself that he has unselfishly supported me for many years. However, all my feelings of jealousy turned to sheer PRIDE as I watched him pass me at the 16 mile mark. I got tears in my eyes and my heart swelled (like it usually only does when I watch my boys make a touchdown or a soccer goal)! Steve also grabbed my hand and kissed it as he passed. Let me tell you that will cover my romantic needs for about another six years. He finished the marathon with an awesome time and he felt great! He is a stud! Everyone knows I will brag about Steve, what can I say, I married up!