Joy of the Season ....

We love this time of year! Celebrating Christmas with our family is the best way to be reminded how blessed we are. Aside from a quick bout of the stomach flu that Riley came down with Christmas night, the weekend turned out to be about as perfect as it can be with our crazy bunch = )

Gager snuggling a napping Papa Soukup

Corey all set up with flannels!

Me with a pasta cookbook I received as a gift ..

(this is especially entertaining as I am currently doing
a low carb/low glycemic weight loss program!

down 18 lbs since Thanksgiving -  woot!)
But don't worry mom, I'll get plenty of use out of this in the near future = )

The boys having a ball playing on the remains of a huge tree my parents cut down.

Gage getting a little love from Aunt Tracy = )

Riley throwing the gangsta signs with Great Grandma Galyardt!

One of my favorite pics ... Riley sharing some jammin' tunes from my iPod with Papa Soukup.

Grandma Soukup about to let the boys cheat and open one gift Christmas Eve = )

At the Christmas celebrations on the Huber side,
this is what it looked like most of the time with the kiddos - WRESTLEMANIA!!!!

Riley finally getting the hang of using the pool cue. His new nickname is Shark = )

Corey and Vern getting in some much needed R & R.

The boy cousins lounging on Uncle Jamie while watching
a really cool science show on PBS.

It was awesome listening to the ooohs and aaaahs coming from them all!

Paige giving Riley a run for his rowdy money!
Isn't she gorgeous? Can't believe she's only 12!

Great Granda Lawrenz and Grandma Huber opening up the ornaments Riley and Gage made for them.

Aunt Rhonda making Gage giggle with delight frome tickles and smooches = )

Four generations ...

Gager and me cheesing it up.

Here are a few of the several dozen pics we took trying to get some good shots for our Christmas card ...

The boys could not contain their silliness, so I said what the heck? Let's take silly pictures ... those more aptly depict us than perfect smiles anyhow = )

Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting ....

Good grief, Mom ... are we done yet?

Finally, a good one!

Hope your Christmas was merry and filled with family, friends, and love. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2011 and we'll see you in the New Year!

Wow, it's been a whole month ....

I think this is probably the longest time between posts since I started blogging. There has been so much going on these past couple of weeks, I don't even know where to start recapping (nor do I have that much time!) Instead I think I'll just throw out a couple of funny conversations/observations that come to mind ....

Gage: What are you watching?
Me: The Vampire Diaries
Gage: (with a very confused/disgusted look on his face) Why are you watching Vampire Diarrhrea?
Me: (no words, just uncontrollable giggles = )

Me: Just a couple more days and you boys will be staying with Grandma and PaPa for a couple of days!
Riley: Yeah! And I'm gonna stay 7 WEEKS! Instead of going to school today, mom you should just get me a motorcycle and I will drive to Grandma and PaPa's, I know the way.
Me: I think you need to learn to ride a bike without training wheels before we move up to a motorcycle.
Riley: (while rolling his eyes) Mom. I can balance a motorcycle, it has much bigger, wider tires.
Me: Interesting theory!

Riley explaining life stages to Corey: Dad, you started as a baby, then you were a boy, then you were a man, now you're a daddy, then you'll be a grandpa, and then you die and we bury you at the cemetary.

Gage: I want to be a daddy. Mom will you grow my baby in your tummy?
Me: No honey, that's not quite how it works. Someday you will find a nice girl, marry her, and she will grow your baby in her tummy.
Gage: No. I just want to be a daddy all by myself. I don't need any girlfriend. Girls are too bossy!


I know there are a bunch more tidbits to share, but they will have to wait for another post. In the meantime Merry Christmas from the Hubers!!!!!

New School Pics!

Here's the boys Fall 2010 School Pics. The morning before these were taken I had asked the boys to show me how they were going to smile for their pictures. I was, of course, met with silly faces that included fingers stretching the sides of the mouth, tongues sticking out, and crossed eyes. I told both the boys - and their teachers - that I was actually totally fine with them making funny faces for their pictures because that would truely capture their crazy personalities. So, go figure, with permission to make silly faces, we end up with these perfectly sweet smiles. Works for me = )

Ch-Ch-Chia!

Okay, so it's not really a Chia, but that is what this totally reminds me of. For one of their science experiments, Gage's class grew grass from seeds. Their awesome teacher had the brilliant idea to take close up photos of each child to place on their cup. LOVE the result! Such a cute little Chia-Gage = )

A Day at the Lake ... IN NOVEMBER!

It's not too often you get to spend a lovely day at the lake in November, so we took full advantage of the beautiful sunshine and fantastic temperature enjoying a little nature hike around the water.

Me ... and my shadows = )

One of the boys' favorite activities - throwing rocks. At least out here they got to do it to their heart's desire without getting into trouble.

Not sure who had more fun with all of the gourds on the ground ...
Riley and Gage throwing them or Katie chasing after them =)

Gager working hard on building up a small pebble castle = )


Taking a break.

The 3 Amigos.

A man on a mission - Gage was searching for a walking stick, he eventually found it, but my batteries died and I didn't get a pic. Too bad, he was super cute hiking around with it!

This is just a totally random picture I'm throwing in. The boys picked what look to be the last of the flowers from my wildflower garden this weekend. They were so sweet when presenting them to me. They just simply said, "These are for you, momma" and each gave me a sweet little smooch. With my rough and tumble guys, these tender moments are few and far betwee so I have to savor (and document!) each one. Love those guys = )

Brothers: Portraits in Love and Silliness

These photos were taken Sunday - in the crisp of the morning - in a span of about 5 minutes.

Love, love, LOVE all of their expressions = )

Halloweeners!

Halloween was a blast! We went to a family friendly party Saturday night at a friend's farm. They had it totally "spookiefied" and the kiddos loved every minute of it! I thought they might get a little scared in some parts of the "haunted house" with lots of things that were motion activated such as flying ghosts, cackling witches, talking skulls, and a vampire that sat up in his coffin. But nope, they thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, Gage liked that part so much we ended up spending a majority of the night going back and checking out all of the Halloween stuff! Riley really enjoyed running around the farm with several boys his age including his best buddy Kohen and chilling by the big bonfire. Good times!

On actual Halloween night, the boys were super stoked to go beg for candy. They did a really great job and were mostly pretty polite. There were a couple of times that Gage thought he didn't get his fair share because he didn't see the people put the candy in his bucket because he was so busy taking in other things. He made sure to let them know, too. The first time I assured him that the lady had put one little piece of candy in his pumpkin, but he was not convinced. As we were walking off he kept looking into his candy pail to see if he could notice the extra piece in there, then would look back at the house and frown. That boys seriously loves him some candy! Thankfully, Riley and Gage both pooped out after about 2 blocks and we headed home to inspect their goodies. They were both super happy with their Halloween booty = )

Riley - Anakin Skywalker the Jedi Knight

Check out those moves!

And some more light saber actions!

Gage - Optimus Prime from Transformers

One tough machine!

Only 2 pictures of Gage because he was off on a mission and couldn't be caught in a still moment = )

Oh, my Riley-boy ... he sure keeps it entertaining!?!

I so love my Riley-boy. He is my first born. He has these deep, dark brown eyes than can just melt your soul. He is a determined thinker and problem solver. He is the protector of his brother and friends against bullies. He is my sweet boy that loves to snuggle. He genuinely loves to "help" with almost any task and is really adept at most household chores. He can also, at times, be more stubborn, outgoing, opinionated and "helpful" than is good for him.

Last week Riley had an exceptionally trying week at school. In his class at pre-school, they have what they call "centers." Each center has a specific function or activity: building/construction, puzzles, reading, art, dramatic play, writing, housekeeping, etc. When Riley was in a center he really enjoyed (building/construction, puzzles, dramatic play and housekeeping) he would thrive and be just a model student. His lead teacher even made sure to express how he really excels in areas that require fine motor skill and following specific directions (such as constructing cars, helicopters and buildings either through imagination or following blueprints.) However, when he is in one of the other centers that he doesn't like as well he would deem them "stupid" or "boring" and not want to participate. He would even try to escape and go "help" other kiddos that were in centers more to his liking. Occasionally he was even going into full meltdown mode trying get his way. Unacceptable.

Then, to top things off, during a discussion regarding farm animals, Riley decided it would be a great idea to pull his pants down and announce to his friends that, "My private looks like a cow's 'gutters'!" Oh boy. Even though I actually find that pretty comical, it is obviously not appropriate and we had to deal with that along with his disrespectful behavior. This meant being super strict with him and even a couple of spankings - which I totally hate - and so does he - but sometimes that is the only way to get through to him. We also did a lot a role-playing at home to help him learn to make better choices. His prize or punishment, depending upon his actions on Friday was getting to stay for the school Halloween party or him having to leave with me and not get to participate.

I went to his school on Friday at noon with the worst feeling in my stomach. I really did not want him to miss the party. Seriously, how terrible would that be? How did I get to be this mean mom? I just kept reminding myself that he was aware of the consequences and we had talked many times about how he is responsible for his actions. I had the best surprise ever when I walked in to see him being such a good boy and the teachers said they would love it if he could stay and celebrate with them. Yay! He has, for now, mostly continued this good behavior and even got a "Star Student" award on Monday for once again being so awesome!

Lord knows I am all for a little dissent here and there. I definitely do not want to raise a little robot who blindly follows whatever those around tell him. It's good to question routine and authority now and then, as long as it's done respectfully. I sincerely hope that I can find a way to teach this to both of my boys and be a good role model. In the meantime, though, let's hope and pray that this good boy sticks around!!!

Whole mess of pictures of random events and subjects ...

I got these silly vamp teeth for the kiddos and was so sure they'd love them. They could care less. On the other hand, I dig playing with them!

Riley put together this whole setup one day while I was in the shower. This is him getting embarrassed because he didn't realize I was watching and taking pictures!

Riley came out in his Superman jammies, but couldn't find his cape. I offered him one of my scarves, but he wanted to make his own cape -- all on his own -- and so he did ...

The back view. Pretty darn ingenuitive!

Aaaaand he's off!

A couple of hoodlums made good use of a pair of mom's hose!Gager makes sure to throw up the peace sign before the big getaway = )


We watched a stray cat scurry into this storm ditch. The boys waited patiently, hoping it would come out. In the meantime, they told each other stories of the "werewolf" hiding in the "sewer." They had to be careful not to dangle their feet or he'd get them! Love their crazy imaginations!


The leaves turning color on our maple tree are so gorgeous right now!


Our cat Winston. He is so stoked to get his picture taken. Can't you just see the excitement!

Gage decided to decorate himself with permanent magic marker. On his face. Awesome.Although, this is much better than the permanent marker artwork his brother made on the siding our house!


The boys breaking in their new camo housecoats. So cozy!

Our spooktastic jack-o-lanterns = ) Gage really dug removing the seeds and guts. Riley thought it smelled disgusting and wanted no part of it. He did thoroughly enjoy helping wield the knife for the carving, though!