Hugo Happenings

MY HOW SHE'S GROWN

2009-08-08T09:06:00.001-07:00

Wow, really, this was only a year ago. This completely freaks me out!!! Can't we just push pause or something? Maybe a time out, anything to slow it down. Here is a little journey of her last year.

It's hardly noticeable on a day to day basis.

How they are just babies,...

that figure out that no, sand does not taste good,

just going with the flow, wherever that may be,

exploring new things with her own fingers,

wondering why all this holiday stuff is so great,

and that your mom is crazy for making you dress up in this get up,

to realizing why Christmas ROCKS,

and then POW, she's a little girl,

not the chubby little baby, that not so long ago you pulled from a bassinet.

But still and always daddy's little girl

now running, jumping, playing,

turning into a little kid, instead of a little baby. No, not noticeable on a day to day basis, but none the less, it happens. I find myself conflicted with emotions. I love who she is today, but I miss who she was yesterday. I guess that is the never ending plight of a parent. I love you Cassie girl, yesterday, today and forever. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TUNNELS

2009-07-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

I am going to share with you all one of the best presents I have ever received in my life.

My father wrote this to us kids the Christmas after my mom passed away and it is one of the most profound things I've ever read. It's always helped me when I feel stuck in my life. Maybe it will do the same for you.

TUNNELS OF MY MIND

By Mike Vuittonet

I don't like tunnels. They are often dark and cold and because it's hard to see, I often fear what lies before me. I know I cannot avoid these tunnels, they are as much a part of our lives as is breathing. I am thankful that I have not spent endless days or years within these places. Many days of sunshine, love and hope have become my flashlight. As I wander through these times, I think of you my dear children. My heart and eyes swell with tears as I watch you trying to make your way through your own tunnels. Though we are surrounded by loved ones, we find ourselves alone in these places. As much as I would like to be there with you, I know that this is not possible. So I'll try to give you some thoughts from my heart to yours. Just take them with you as you enter these dark places. Store them in your heart, because it is your heart that will help you find the way to your hopes and dreams.

You will encounter many kids of tunnels, they will vary in size, depth, light, darkness and temperature. Some will be very scary, some deceptively pleasant, while others can become a tomb. You, and you alone will chose which ones to explore. You, and you alone will chose how long to stay and whether or not it is wise or safe to continue. Here are some of tunnels you have or will have to face.

SELF PITY

This one is often hard to recognize. Most of the time we don't even know were in it and when some one tells us so, we usually refuse to believe it. The consequences of dwelling in a tunnel like this are many. We become self centered, sorrowful and depressed. Let your heart stand up and say, " I refuse to say in this place. I will look to the needs of others. I will not allow sorrow and depression to steal my hopes and dreams.

ANGER

This one is obvious, for the terrain here is very jagged, cold and precarious. Should you choose to live hear, you must understand this. You will live hear alone (even though you are surrounded by people who love you in spite of it). For in this place there is little concern for others. Patients, compassion and kindness are rays of light which cannot be found here.

BITTERNESS

This place will pierce you heart with many sorrows. The problem is this, bitterness often finds it's way out of you r tunnel and breaks the hearts of those whom you love. Never believe you have the right to be bitter. When you feel yourself exploring this tunnel ask yourself, "why"? You will find that bitter people, often cast blame on others. It is never their fault for feeling the way they do. Don't blame others. Accept that which is hard to bear even if you feel that it is unbearable. Get out of this tunnel as quickly as possible. If not for your own sake, then for the sake of those you love.

SHAME

This tunnel is one which can steal your dreams. When we make mistakes it tends to rob us of our confidence and self-esteem. As we begin to lose these, we start to lose our hope and when you lose your hope, you cannot dream. Learn from your mistakes. Be the kind of person that says, "I will not do so again. I will overcome my shame, I will fulfill my dreams".

Not all tunnels are bad, some can lead you past your trials and heart aches, but you must be willing to explore them.

CHANGE

It can be frightening, it can be exciting. But one thing is certain, it will be. If it must be, then we must let our hearts be open to it. For if we refuse that which is inevitable, then inevitably we will find our way back into the tunnels described above. Be courageous and explore these tunnels. Fore this is certain, once we accept change, then and only then can we help direct it.

There is one more thing you must take with you as you explore these places both bad and good. You must take that flashlight I spoke of . Remember all of you r blessings. The joy you have known and the lessons you have learned. Always remember who gave you this flashlight. It was not I nor was it your mother. All the joy we have ever known together is because of God's blessings. This flashlight is the only one you will ever need. Learn to use it and let it be your guide. For there is no darkness to great that his light cannot shine through. Forget your flashlight and you tunnel can become a tomb. So hold onto it tight and your family will be there to hold and embrace you as you emerge from the dark tunnels of your heart to the joy of living once again.

I love you,

Dad

YEAH, IT'S CAMPING TIME AGAIN!!!

2009-06-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

We all have one right? One kid who strives to be the center of attention. Well if you know my brood, the littlest one is taking lessons from her big sister Karlie. Oh mercy!!!
And every once in a while, they stop long enough for a picture where their all looking at the same time.

These pictures are priceless. Childhood at it's best. Just a girl and her baby, what more could you ask for.

This is our dog Dude, being a good dog and listening to Toby when he told him to sit and stay. Even if Cassie was pulling on him with all her might to go.

Ok, so just let me apologize now for what you are about to see. So, there we were pulling out and low and behold there are some cute deer. Aww, isnt he cute? And then.....

Yep, he is doing what you think he's doing. I said, "Oh great, now I have to wait until he's done", and my husband screams, "TAKE THE PICTURE, TAKE THE PICTURE, this will be the best blog photo yet!!!" "No way" I said, "That's so gross". "That's what's so cool about it", he said laughing as hard as he could. It's a guy thing, I guess. So this is for all you guys out there. Hope you enjoy it as much as my husband did.

I know I always say"This is my favorite picture", and it's true about all of them. One day I will look at this picture when she is all grown up and cry. God please let me enjoy every sweet moment you give me with them.

Seriously, don't you just want to bite her?

In case your wondering why I have so many pictures of Cassie, it's because she is the only one willing to sit still for one!!

A LETTER LONG OVERDUE

2009-05-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom,

I don't even know how to begin to write this, but I feel like I need to get out these feelings and writing seems as good a way as any. Well, it's Mothers day again, the day I seem to miss you the most. I know you would tell me not to let that rob me of the joy of being a mother myself and miss out on how much my children try to make me happy on this day and your right, and I'm trying. We went to the cemetery and brought you flowers like we always do, and there they were running around, laughing. It's funny how your heart can ache so bad and yet be so happy at the same time. You would love them so much mom. Sometimes I try to imagine you holding them, singing to them, fixing up their owies. Those are the moments it hurts the most. My little Cassie just reminds me of you. Today we were over at Grandam's house for dinner and she sat in you high chair. I can't believe she's kept it all these years. Karlie and Camille have got your long legs and will probably look the most like you. And my little Noah would just melt your heart. Dont worry, Toby and I still love eachother with a love like you always prayed I would find, and ten years later it just keeps getting stronger.

I think you would be proud of all of us, how far we've come since you left us to be with the Lord. Rachel has a brand new baby boy and she is the best little mommy ever. Oh mom, you would be so proud of her, and she has a wonderful husband named Mike. He loves her so much, I'm so thankful for him. And Sarah, she's all grown up now. She turned into quite a woman. When she finally let go of all that anger, she began to be able to move forward, and it's a step at a time, but she's taking them. We are all praying for our Josh. I have faith, that one day he too can enjoy life again. I know he wants so badly to be the man you always knew he could be, and with God's help he'll get there.

I guess, more than anything, I just want to say, I love you, I miss you and I can't wait to see you again. My heart longs for that day. Thanks mom, thank you for molding me, loving me, teaching me about the Lord, right from wrong, and how to always, "Win em with love". I can still hear you say that. Thank the Lord for me, and tell him how much it meant that he shared you with us. That I got to have the most incredible teacher, best friend and mother for 21 years. I don't want to dwell on the day you died, because you were so much bigger than that moment. I want to think about how you lived, how you loved and gave love in return. I want to remember your smile, how when you laughed, it was always contagious. How my friends always told me I was the luckiest girl in the world. It took me a long time to fully understand that, but I think now I do.

Happy Mothers day mom, I love you so much and can't wait to see you again someday.

Love Me

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS

2009-04-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recently, on Easter my son and my cousin Evan were playing a video game. It was a skateboard game that took place all over the world. When they got to London, Evan asked Noah if he knew where that was. He said, "London is in Europe, do you know what Europe is?" My son looked at him with an, "Of course I do" look and said, "Yeah, it's like, when it's not your turn, and then... YOUR UP!"

A little boy was asked to say the prayer at dinner time. His father, a minister who had preformed many weddings and funerals listend closley to the boy's prayer and in the end heard this..."In the name of the father, the son, and in the hole he goes".

KIDS ROCK

EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA

2009-04-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

This year, Easter was a two day event for us.
Saturday, Tony and Kim put on an Easter party for the kids, complete with a bounce house and all the Easter fun you could ask for. Here's our Tony cookin up the hamburgers!! Yum, yum. Thanks so much guys, those memories will be priceless to our kids one day.

Here's the girls with Korin Castaneda. Seriously, they are the same age and she is a whole head taller than my girls.

Ahh, sweet bliss. I still feel this way when I bite into a cupcake!!!

On Sunday we went to aunt Cindy's and our Lisa was able to join us for a while. Truly a miracle. Lisa was involved in a biking acident a week ago and had some very serious head trama. She is still very dizzy and continues to need Gods mercy but I am very encouraged at her recovery. Thank the Lord she is still with us, and a beautiful as ever.

If you look closely at this picture you see Cha Cha licking her lips to get a crack at Cassie's cupcake face. They bonded over frosting. It's a girl thing.

Kim and Tony rented a bounce house for the kids and man oh man did they have fun!!

I tried to show Cassie how to lay down in the grass and take a picture. But, I forgot how much she HATES grass, so this is what I got.

She already is looking up to her big sisters.

Nothin like a cute picture of a girl and her daddy.

Hope you all had a great Easter!!!

OH HAPPY DAY!!! :)

2009-03-21T19:09:00.000-07:00

March 20, 2009 Little Elijah Daniel Perez was born. This was the first picture taken after the birth. The first time Mike and Rachel held him. I think this is such a sweet picture. It's like you can see the joy, that payoff, God's deliverence in the first sweet moment.

Our proud papa Mike. Before Rachel had the baby, Mike said, "I want to have tons of kids". Halfway through the labor I asked him if he still wanted all those kids and he looked at me like I was crazy!! I just laughed and said, " I didnt think so". He was SOOO amazing through the whole thing. This is only my second birth attending but I can tell you that you can tell alot about a mariage and how two people love one another when they go through labor. I will never ever question his love for her. It truly was precious to watch. Thanks guys for letting me be apart.

And OF COURSE Big Kahon had to have his picture with baby.

Even though he was 8 pounds and 9 ounces (that was my guess by the way) he looked to little.

Happy Birthday little E!!!!

IT'S A FAMILY AFFAIR

2009-02-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

So, this Valentines day, Toby and I decided that we would do a family love day, every other year. This was our first FAMILY love day.
And, Mike and Rachel's last Valentines day without needing a sitter.

Yes, we still love er chuther.

We decided to do a chocolate fountain, with all the works.

As you can see, it was quite a hit!!

And not just with the kidos.

Needless to say, the evidence was on everyone and no one got out clean.

Guess who loved it the most!!

We had so much fun, and none more than these two best friends at a friendly, ....ehem game of golf.

For dinner, Toby made the FAMOUS ribs and we had five racks, yes I said FIVE, racks of ribs. I still cant believe there was not even one little rib left, when we were finished. Quite a compliment to the chef, I would say. Craig (the one on the right) and Mike (the guilty one on the left) ate an entire rack to themselves.

And this was my little dolly before anyone showed up and she was clean. That didnt last very long. Hope you all had a Happy Valenties Day and you celebrated the loves in your life.

I KNOW, I KNOW, I'M SUCH A SLACKER

2009-01-17T09:59:00.001-08:00

Ok, so I dont have anything that's crazy amazing but I took some pictures of my kids awhile ago and hav'nt been able to share them yet. And some Christmas pictures. Just a melting pot this time, I guess.
Is she really only eight? Sometimes she looks so much older to me. Like here, so sophisticated, so NOT Karlie!!

Two peas in a pod.

I love catching them laugh like this. I hope one day she looks back on these pictures and thinks she had a great childhood.

So, here are some Christmas pictures. Sorry thier arent many I was busy, busy. Its a sorry excuse but it's all I have.

Thank you God for a love like this. A love that many would freely die for.

My little Christmas helper, er, actually she's a wrecking ball, but she's so cute and willing to help pick up her little, I mean GRAND messes.

CHRISTMAS BUFFS?.... I DARE SAY THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT

2008-12-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we LOVE Christmas!!!!!

I just had to give Toby his dues, for all of his hard work. I say hard, but he really does enjoy it!!
Brother Mark Houston painted this for us last year, and it has been the hit of the neighborhood. The picture really dose not do it justice. Toby had this idea last year from an ornament he'd seen of Santa kneeling at the baby Jesus. Anyway, he bought the wood and Mark came over with his projector, traced it out and Toby cut him out. It was so fun to watch Mark trace him. It was like he was bringing a piece of wood to life. When he was finished and Toby brought him home, I was speechless. I think I cried. But seriously how do you take a piece of wood and make him huggable? Well done my friend, well done!

Christmas is EVERYWHERE at our house and is a week event just to put it all up. Of course it's not fun at all to take down.

Our Christmas tree. We didn't think we would be able to afford a big tree this year and had come to terms with that. When we were on our way to pick a smaller tree out, we passed this lot and thought, "lets just see". Anyway, their trees were half the price and we were SO THRILLED. They even delivered it for us for free. You rock Grandmas Trees!!!

There are two photo's of the tree because Toby had the audacity to say that it looked tiny in the picture.

This is a twelve foot tree. TINY, are you kidding me?! Also, we have a competition going with my dad on who has the best tree. WE WIN, HA, HA!!!!!! Sorry dad.

Oh yeah, I know you cant see the ornaments but I wanted to show you all the lights Toby put on this baby. Only took him seven hours. A labor of love. Thanks baby!!

STILL THANKFUL....EVERYDAY

2008-12-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

Thankfull this year for our little bun in the oven. Isn't she so cute pregnant?
As some of you know, we had a scare with grandma a couple of days before Thanksgiving as she had a stroke that effected her right side. I was SOOOO thankfull that we got to have another Thanksgiving filled with grandma and all her WONDERFUL food. She's still so beautiful in every way.

A couple of turkey's in charge of the most important part? Oh well, it still tasted good in spite of all thier picking!!

Awh, we love erchother.

Do we look related or what? I dont care what you say aunt Cindy your adorable!!!

This will be a picture I will always cherish and be thankful for every year.

LOVE YA LADIES

2008-11-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend,And then I started to become a woman.And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up,God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man. Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom Another will sit beside you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities. Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be. One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,'Another, 'Let's fight together,' Another, 'Let's walk away together.'

One friend will meet your spiritual need,Another your shoe fetish,Another your love for movies, Another will be with you in your season of confusion,Another will be your clarifier, Another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life,On whatever the occasion, On whatever the day, Or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, Or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ...Those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, But for many, it's wrapped up in several.. One from 7th grade,One from high school, Several from your church, inner circle, couple from old jobs, On some days your mother, On some days your neighbor, On others, your sisters, And on some days, your daughters.
So whether they've been your friend for 20 minutes or 20 years, thank them for all they've done for you.

I KNOW ITS EARLY, BUT I CANT HELP IT

2008-11-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I know its wrong to listen to Christmas songs before thanksgiving, but I'm so exited!!! If you thought I was a fall fanatic, Christmas is even WORSE. So, you will just have to have charity and bear my early Christmas music ok?! The first song "Christmas Cookies", is one of my husband's favorites. And yes he LOVES me to bake them and has already started asking for them. So, Christmas is early. Hey, if Walmart can do it, why cant I?

5... ALREADY?

2008-11-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

NOVMEBER 9TH,2003

One of the sweetest day's of my life.

We wanted to be surprised with this one and we didn't find out what we were having. I still remember the anticipation right after he was born and the elation my husband had when they said, "It's a boy"!!!

I can honestly tell you this was the boy I always dreamed about whenever I thought about having a son. Even when I was much younger, this is what he looked like when I would imagine him.

He is truly one of the greatest joy's in my life.

HappyBirthday my beautiful boy.

THE "I'M IN TROUBLE" CHILD

2008-11-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

Actually, I guess I could say that about all my beautiful children. But everytime I look at those lashes, I think as cute as she is now, I cant imagine 16!!

I've alway's thought I kind of had a knack for taking cool pictures. It's kind of my passion, I guess you could say. But now I finally realize that these pictures of mine have nothing to do with me or my so called talent. I just have awesomly cute kids. And they take they are incredibly photogenic.

But I do have to say, these moments take my breath away,

make me laugh,

smile

and cry, because it goes by too fast.

HALLOWEEN, HUGO STLE

2008-11-03T16:46:00.000-08:00

Another Halloween has come and gone. And what a day it was. Isn't this so cute? This is in our front yard and she had never been this close to our scarecrow before. We have a Halloween party every year with our family. Since we are the only ones with kids, we decided it was easier for everyone to come to us and now its a tradition. It's one of my favorite ones to give.
I know you've all seen this look before. The "I'm not gonna smile because I'm mad" look. However, I think Cassie did something funny and he just couldn't help himself.

Poor uncle Josh, he tries so hard.

What a bunch of cuties!!!

If you don't know, Karlie is my HAM. I have no idea where she gets it (ha, ha). I will let you figure out which one she is.

DRAMA TIMES TWO

I cant tell you how exited I was that she actually wore the Skunk costume. And being as she loves to dress up, she even liked it! My little stinker.

THE HUNT FOR THE GREAT PUMPKIN

2008-10-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

As you all know by now, Fall is my favorite time of year. And our outings, are always fun.

But none more anticipated than our trip to the pumpkin patch. When the search for the BEST pumpkin is ON!! However, it is bitter sweet as it always starts out fun but after about the seventh, "No mom this is the one" it gets a little tiring. My husband would say, tiring for who?

I guess it is true, he does all the heavy lifting. But the picture taker's important too right??

Especially when you get cool shot's like this.

CLOWNS!! Like father, like son.

All these cool orange pumpkins, and all she cared about was the dirt. I wish that was all it took to make me this exited.

Two cuties, as always!!

TRICK OR TREATING?....MAYBE NOT

2008-10-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

So, as I said before, fall is my thing. This is our candy filler for all of our trick or treaters. I think we fill this thing at leat twice throughout the night but I dont mind, I LOVE it. I wanted to get a cute picture of Cassie in the pumpkin and look how cute she is.
However, this was short lived. Can you just hear her? "Why me, why me?!!"

Apparently she dos'nt share my same enthusiasim for fall. Oh well, say la vi!! I wonder how Holloween will go. She's gettin dressed up whether she likes it or not!!

BEST BUDDIES

2008-09-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

I cant tell you how thankful I am for this sweet relationship. I always worried about the other kids I would have after the twins. Obviously they have a bond so I was scared that the other kids wouldn't know what that was like and feel left out. I was wrong, only because I prayed that God would make it different. By the looks of it, he has. These two are peas in a pod and have been, since the day she was born. Noah has loved her beyond that, that I could have asked for. He was never jealous, or mad that she was the baby now, because she was his baby. No one can make them smile like the other.

She always seems to find her seat somewhere on Noah but he doesn't mind at all. Whenever he lays on the floor she comes and lays on his chest and he tickles her back. It's the sweetest thing ever.

But he is still the big brother and the bunny ears are apart of genetic code right now. It doesn't seem that she minds at all. I hope they always keep this special bond between them throughout their lives.

FIRST SWEET STEPS

2008-09-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

You would think that by my fourth child, the first steps would'nt be that exiting. But let me tell you, they are just as sweet as the first child's. She's just so little, that it looks so funny to see her walking it still scares me when she comes around the corner because I'm not used to it yet. And now, she has less of a need for me. This makes me happy and sad, all at the same time. When she is walking around now and I reach for her she just turns in a different direction as to say, " No mama, I'm ok". It's the first part of letting go a little. So I just smile, and encourage her, be her cheerleader and wait until she falls and wants me. I will always be there then. Now, and Lord willing, many years from now. P.S. Yes I know she's all dirty, but man she enjoyed those spagettios!!!

FALL IS COMING!!!!

2008-09-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Im so exited! For those of you who dont know me very well, I'm a fall FREAK!!! I love everything about it. The smells, scenery and the brisk mornings. I love sweaters and boots, scarfs and cute jackets. These are some older pictures we took a couple of years ago. We have a train here that takes you to this little pumpkin patch in the mountains. This was us getting ready to leave.

Daddy and Noah D on the train ride.

Here they had just a mass mound of pumpkins. It was a awesome photo opp.

I LOVE this picture. Do I even have to say why?

There's always one in every bunch! Happy Fall Y'all!!!

NOT ASHAMED ANY MORE

2008-09-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

So, for my last baby, I thought I would take a couple of pictures of me pregnant because I NEVER let anyone take pictures of me when I was pregnant. I know I'm so vain, but I REALLY didnt want to remeber what I looked like (and felt like) big bellied. My girlfriend Sheila came over and we walked to the greenbelt and took these. She begged me to let her enter them at a amature photo contest. "NO WAY", I said. "Never in a million years". This was right after I had Cassie and I wanted no evidence that I was ever that big. Especially to hundreds of strangers. Anyway, I just found them again in my computer. And you know what? Here's my proof that I carried one of the precious human beings on this earth. So, no, I'm not ashamed any more. And just to prove it I'm letting you all see them (well the two good ones anyway).

SOME OLD FAVORITES

2008-09-16T19:51:00.001-07:00

Since we did'nt have any crazy things happen this week, I decided to go back into old files and pull out some of my favorites. Hope you like them. This one of Noah is him being a boxer. We used to say, "Put um up, Put um up, Noah" and this is what you would get.

I took some pictures of the kids down by our greenbelt. This is Karlie, "acting pretty". She did'nt have to act very hard.

And, what can I say about this one. Exept that Kim's gonna kill me!! Ok, so this is Brother Tony and Sister Kim. She's my cousin/sister/best friend. If you know these guys, this picture catches them perfectly. I than God for them every day.

What a dolly

Aw, my Camille, in a field of clovers.

And last but not least, little Noah D, just being a kid. And what a photogenic one he is.

BIRTHDAY GIRLS

2008-09-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

8 YEARS OLD. Wow, how did that happen. Were'nt they just five or something? I cant believe how time flies. By this time eight years ago, I was just so glad to be done (seeing that they were 3 hours apart!!). How lucky I am that God chose me to be thier mom. I love you guys SOOO much. Happy Birthday Girls.
Camille a.k.a. Millie

Karlie a.k.a Karlie Q

JUST THE TWO OF US

2008-09-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend Toby and I were able to get away to McCall. I cant tell you how nice it was. We took our trailer and it was so peaceful. Actually the quietness kind of freaked me out. Things are NEVER that quiet with four kids. I think it's so important to do that every once in awhile to remeber why you wanted four kids in the first place! It's good to know we still are just as much in love today as we were almost ten years ago (WOW REALLY?) I cant believe weve been together that long. Seems like yesterday.
We rode our bikes into town (yes I did too, and no complaining) it was so fun just to cruise around. Everyone loved Toby's Ratrod.

What a mountain man!!

The only bummer about being alone is that there's no one to take pictures of you. So, this is what you get. Not to bad. I love you honey, thanks for the memories!!

ALL GROWN UP

2008-09-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

This is my family. My sisters, on the left. Lisa Lou next to me is one of the greatest things that has happend to this family. She's got us through some pretty hard times. Im so thankful she loves us the way she does, because I know she did'nt have to. I cant imagine how hard it was to come into such a bonded family and find your place and settle right in. I know it wasnt easy and things were rocky at first but I think the best is yet to come. And then there's my dad. Still as handsome as he ever was. He always asks me, "When will MY pictures be blogg worthy?". Well, here ya go dad, your in. I never thought my dad would truly be one of the closest friends I've ever had but he is and always will be. Last but not least is my brother Joshie. What a cutie, huh? He's been going through a hard time lately, so I sure would appreciate any prayers you could send on his behalf. He's a great guy just looking for where he belongs. I'm sure he'll find his way back to God someday. For I know God has never forgotten him. I love you guys. I cant believe were all grown up!!!

SISTERS

2008-08-31T18:32:00.001-07:00

These crazy, whacky girls are my sisters. Rachel (on the left) the one who got the beautiful dark skin, and Sarah who got the body, all 5'9 of her! Anyway, we are finally all friends and are close. Sarah and I are 8 years apart and really didnt have that much in common through the years. Now we confide in each other and I'm proud to say she's one of my best friends. Im so proud of you Sarah Sue. Rachel and I have never really been close until recently, when she came in the faith. She married an awesome guy named Mike (who my husband totally loves hanging out with) and were soo close. We talk almost every day. Now she's pregnant and I cant believe how exited I am. I cant wait to have a little niece or nephew. Im gonna spoil the heck out of them with lots of REALLY loud toys. Paybacks ROCK!!! I love you guys so much and I know mom would be so proud of you, just as I am.
And even though Cassie is'nt a twin like the girls, she's just as special to her sisters. I love watching them love her.

This picture is so powerful to me. It's such a big world out there but their not afraid to face it together, holding hands through anything. If only we could all be so lucky!!

But then there's always this side of them too!!! It all balances out I'm sure.

MORE SUMMER FUN

2008-08-28T08:29:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pictures from our Oregon coast vacation. It makes me sad to look at them because I want to go back SOOO bad. This is from our living room. If that's what you woke up to every morning wouldnt you want to go back?

Aw, my cute little Millie.

This was taken at one of our favorite places in Pacific City. Arent we cute! You have to listen to Blue Bayou on the playlist and then you'll get the full efect.

HUBA, HUBA

This was probally the one moment when she forgot she had that hat on and I caught it.

Those were the days!!!

Magnificent, is'nt it? This was from my deck off the Master Bedroom. Every time I look at it, it makes me appreciate the artistry of God.

I KNOW ITS LATE BUT IT'S A VERY IMPORTANT DATE!!!!

2008-08-13T20:44:00.001-07:00

YES!! I finally got a girlie girl. This one LOVES baby dolls. I dont know how many she got that day, but each one was just as special as the next. By the end she had them all in her arms and was rocking them with this adorable smile. Happy Birthday my love!

Really, do I even have to say anything. Im sure she was thinking the same thing I was by the look on her face.

I love this picture. The one where they look with the reaction of ,"Really, this is ok?"

August 6, 2008 my little Cassie turned one years old. How is this possible, I ask myself. She was just born. I guess it's true what they say, time goes faster the older you get. She is such a joy in my life and now I dont even remember life without her. I love you my little lou lou!!!

A VERY SPECIAL WEEK!!!!

2008-08-05T10:28:00.001-07:00

This last week was spent on the Oregon Coast for us. We plan this trip once a year and look foward to it all year long. This year we were able to rent a house right on the beach. All these pictures were taken in our back yard. IT WAS SO AWESOME!!!! Anyway I will post more pictures, as I took a million, later this week. Love ya later Here's my little lou lou at our beach bonfire. Notice she's the only one of our kids in the picture. Even though our kids begged us for ours for a fire on the beach. They were to busy to sit around it, once we got out there. Go figure.

This picture brings back so many memories for me. It reminds me of my childhood and the endless hours me and my cousin Amber spent in the water. I'm so glad my kids will also have these memories.

Is'nt he so cute!!!

Who need's snow angel's when you can make a Sand Angle.

A SAD DAY FOR THE HUGO'S

2008-07-25T10:59:00.000-07:00

I want you all to meet an angel God sent to us a year ago. This is Nicole. She has been our Nanny, but so much more than we ever imagined. She has become a very good friend and will be forever apart of our family. As with all things life has changed for her and for us. She is moving to Twin Falls to work at a safe house for kids. Believe me when I say there is NO ONE more qualified than this girl. I truly believe God gave her a gift with children and I can't wait to see her with her own one day. What lucky kids they will be. So, its a sad day for us as we have to let her go to a new chapter in her life. But, she has promised to come and visit often and I'm holding her to that!!! I already miss her but thank God for the time he allowed us to spend together. We love you Nicole!!!

GOD IS SOOO GOOD!!!!

2008-07-25T10:50:00.000-07:00

Once again God has been good to us. As some of you know my little Cassie was very sick. She had a 104 temp for four days and then broke out into some sort of awful rash all over. After the fever it seemed she was in alot of pain. She would arch her back and cry, and just could'nt even sit still for a minute. This went on until about 12:30am when we called for the Elders to pray for her. Before the last one left she had fallen into a peaceful sleep and got better from that moment on. I tell you my friends the power of prayer is the most powerful thing we have as human beings. So here she is just as happy and onry as ever. THANK YOU GOD and thank you to all who prayed for us.

4th Fun!!!

2008-07-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

This 4th of July we decided to go camping up in McCall as did most of the church. It was a madhouse but we had fun. In this picture Karlie (in the back) my ever jokester, Cassie who had discovered ice cream for the first time and realized that Noah still had some, and the rest of us just smiling like we were suppose to had just eatin the best ice cream ever!!

Like I said Cassie was like a unrelentless little piglet who would'nt even let you take cone away for a second.

Noah became a real boy this trip. As you can see he was not afraid of the fish (or the eyeballs, guts, etc...) and enjoyed the gutting part. He also learned how to ride his bike all by his self. Once he got it, we couldnt get him off. At 6:00 in the morning he was ready to ride!

It was a fun trip. One Im sure they'll all remember for a long time to come.

Summertime Fun

2008-07-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ahh the endless days of summer. Do you remember when you were a kid and lived for water fights? This weekend all the Hugo kids had a huge water fight with water ballons, sponges, guns and the hose. Grandma Hugo decided to take them all on with the hose, only to find out the hose had a kink in it and would'nt work. Needless to say she got it pretty good. Finally she said, "Ok, that's it Im done". "We'll decided when your done", Karlie said. She came in soaked to the bone.

If only bathtime were this fun again!!

2008-07-01T15:35:00.000-07:00

Can you imagine fitting in the sink for a bath? I know I will blink and she wont be small enough for this anymore. Oh she's so cute I just want to pinch her!!!

2008-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Dont you just love it when you know thier mad and make them stop and pose for the camera. This is what you get. Even the non smiley ones are cute. I put a song on the playlist, "Baby Mine". I've sung this song to him every night since he was born. Even now he comes and asks me to sing it. Sometimes I'm tired and dont want to very much but I know the day will come when he stops asking. He says it keeps the monsters away. The only bumer is when he's fallen asleep before I can get up there, and at two o clock in the morning this little sleepy boy is at my bedside because, "you forgot to sing mama". It dos'nt sound very good then but he dos'nt care.

Me and my man

2008-06-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is us, me and Toby at our favorite place in the world. The Oregon Coast. We always say when we win the lottery we'll build a summer house on the beach. But, I guess you have to play the lottery first in order to win. Oh well, a girl can dream.

Cassie Lou Lou

2008-06-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Her name is actually Cassie Annabelle but I call her Cassie Lou Lou. She's 10 months old and the happiest baby I've had. She's everywhere and into everything. Her newest endevour is the stairs. Give her 20 seconds and she's halfway up them. It seems to be her lifes ambition these days to get up them. If she hears your footsteps, she screams and goes faster, just to get as high as she can before you come get her. I find Im always smiling when shes in the room. She has the effect on everyone.

Karlie Bear

2008-06-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken a little while ago but its one of my favorites of her. My Karlie, she is so much like I was as a child. Not afraid, shy and always such a ham. You want a show, she's your girl. She is such a funny girl and no one thinks she's funnier than she does. She dosnt need anyone to laugh at her jokes, thier funny to her. Even if shes the only one who gets them.

My little Camille

2008-06-25T08:52:00.000-07:00

So, I know you can't see her face but this is one of my favorite pictures. I took this at Aubrey Stimpsons wedding. Karlie and Camille were the flower girls. She didnt even know I was behind her. Later when I was looking at what I shot, this took my breath away. Someday this will be her in a wedding dress walking down a new path. Everytime I see this it makes me want to hold on to now, when shes little and enjoy every day. For I know how fast that day will come.

Let me introduce you to Noah

2008-06-25T07:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is my first attempt at this blogging thing, so be patient with me. This is my little man Noah D. I just picked a picture to play with and I happened to pick one of the cutest ones. Isn't he a doll. He loves soccer just like his daddy. This is our one and only boy. No one can make us laugh like he does. He's what I imagined my little boy would like, even as a little girl. When I was pregnant with him my husband prayed that he would first be healthy and that he would give me all the desires of my heart. All I wanted was a little boy just like him. Looks like I got him in every way. Not just his looks but his sweet heart, kind nature and his unedifying love for God.