Bear's a Panda Bear

We give our kids nicknames in our family. Robbie is rob-bob or robbie-bobbie (based off of Chris's nickname-if you don't know that one you'll have to ask him if you want to know), Jace is Jacer, nothing too fancy, Barrette is Bear, just a shorter version, and Kendra is...well, I can think of many names that we call her (Miss Priss, crazy, gum-a-holic) but nothing based on her name.

I'm really thankful for my kids. Each one of them are different, each of them have some similarities in personality. And I really love them the same, yet different way. Our newest one, Bear is so sweet. Easy-going baby like Robbie was-very smiley, very laid back. He's fun to dress, not as fun as a girl, but since I work at a kids clothing store, I make do with the boys section while I have the chance. When I had the chance I snapped some photos of him. This was my favorite line from the newborn panda collection that we bought so much of before we even thought of having another (well, before I thought of having another, Chris on the other hand was for SURE having another!)

We are Party Animals!

November and December are not just crazy with holidays, but lots and lots of parties! Robbie turned 11 and we celebrated his birthday with a football party for him and his friends. He made $75 that day in cash alone! Wow! He got his Webelos and Arrow of Light Awards. This last weekend we had Kendra's Birthday then went to the Might Mites Special Forces party that night, and then hosted the Bond family Xmas party the next night. Next weekend we've got the Jr. PeeWee Special Forces party and UofP work party too! I don't know how many more parties we can take! But if you have a party and have an invitation for us, I'm sure we'll be there...

Eagles really DO taste like chicken! Bak Bak!

A quote from the lyrics by Queen sums up this post: "We are the champions my friends."

Yes, Jace and his team beat the Eagles 13-7! It was a close game, the Eagles were a good team to go up against, but they pulled it through and won the championship! Go Forces! We're so proud of the boys, they played so hard. I know many of the parents were just as nervous as the boys. Chris didn't want to think too hard about it because then he'd get butterflies. They came out strong, but it wasn't a walk in the park, the boys really had to work for it. The Eagles had changed their defense, for awhile it seemed like the boys couldn't get any leverage in offense. The announcer was a biased Eagle coach for the older boys, and the referees were seen tailgating with the Eagle team! But our boys worked so hard and pulled it through! I was even pleasantly surprised that the announcer even announced Jace's tackle. We had a great first season for our intro to tackle!

I think it was alot of fun seeing how dedicated and passionate Chris was in teaching his kids this sport. We had a blast being with the parents of the team. It was great to tailgate with our group early in the morning before football games and have a Halloween party with them. I was just commenting to Chris as we were getting ready for it that morning, if we had all girls like some of our friends, we would just be getting ready for dance competitions right now instead. Chris probably would've had a mental breakdown before this and I don't think he would've wanted to go for four kids LOL!

I also have to give props to Robbie for a great season as well. He really grew this season in both attitude and ability. Given what little coaching he had (Chris could go on and on about that one and the reason why they didn't make it into the championship), he really excelled. He tried hard, he didn't give up or whine about anything. We're so proud he found something he likes to do besides play xbox! Unfortunately his peewee jr. team didn't make it into the championship. The boys in his team were so talented as well and they did everything that the coaches asked of them. They were a bunch of great boys as well. I leave this post with a bunch of pics from the championship and some action shots of Robbie's playoff games against the Rams.

xxxxxxxYEAH FORCES!xxxxxxxxxx

Here We Go Forces, Here We Go!

Let's get ready for some football!
It's football season! I have come to the realization that my husband is even more of a maniac about sports when it comes to tackle football. I've seen him watch sports, and he's pretty into it. He does fantasy football every year, he plays softball whenever he gets the chance, and put together his own team this year, he does turkey bowl annually and changed my family package channels to the sports package. I also thought he was really dedicated when he became the coach of Jace's flag football and the boys' baseball teams. As the kids went from recreational to competitive leagues, he really got more competitive. The kids new plays, ran routes on command. He drew a play book for studying. He really dedicated his time.

This year we signed the boys up for tackle football instead of flag. Robbie had done a tackle camp over the spring and seemed to like it. Jace, of course wanted to do anything and everything. But boy does this tackle football thing take dedication and time--and really brings out the maniac in Chris! I swear we could own our own Dicks Sporting Goods store (Chris' fav store besides Ross/Marshalls) in football gear. The kids own tons of dry fit shirts, Robbie is now on his third, yes, third pair of football cleats since the season started in August. We've upgraded in hand gloves, mouthguards, and even water bottles. Chris loves to go to Ross or Marshalls because if you hit it right you can find all kinds of cheap dryfit shirts and the boys needed a lot because they were practicing five days a week. He even took the boys out of school to take Robbie to see the sports therapist of the AZ Rattlers to see what he could do to run differently and show him drills to make him faster.

Originally, he was going to relax this season and just be a spectator because he's going to school for his masters. If you know Chris, that's just not going to happen. He can't go without giving his opinion. So, instead of telling him to get off the field and sit down (like I would've done, ha!) they gave him a photographer/videographer pass so he could be on the field since he's not truly a "coach." I think a true testament for his love and dedication has shown in the kids as Robbie survived two weeks of workout in the sun five days a week for two hours each day and didn't quit. And Jace, well, Jace just became more of an athlete and learned how to play football the tackle version way.

So, I gotta give him props and the award for crazy, maniac 210% sports dad. He gives going above and beyond a different meaning. Happy B-day hunny.

But as a spectator and cheer mom, it's been fun watching everyone. Even Kendra gets into it, as she is part of the cheerleading group for Robbie's team. Both boys' won their games this week. Jace went 38-0 against the Bulldogs. Robbie was 20-6 against the Rattlers. A perfect beginning to Chris's birthday. (Thank goodness because I might end up hearing about it all day long). Here are some pictures I took with the Special Forces against the Rams. Jace's group the mighty mites Special Forces won against the Rams and Robbie's group, Junior PeeWee Special Forces against the Rams lost.

Happy 4th of July!

Wishing everyone a Happy 4th of July! We plan on relaxing, popping snap caps, and watching fire works!

What my wife is doing this summer-written by the wife

Now that I get to stay home for a little bit I'm going to make the best of it. I was looking forward to cleaning and getting all the things that I used to accomplish done before I went to work full-time-such as some organizing and housework, but I'm sadly lacking motivation in that area. So I've decided to concentrate on things that I missed out when I went back to work such as doing what I want to do when I want to do it, reading books, watching t.v., and exercising. Yes, I actually like to exercise. I hate to run, but I like to work out. Right now I just started P90x. Yes, it's an infomercial program, but I had bought P90 and other programs from the same company-not over the phone, but ebay and got back into shape after having Kendra. I can't wait until I can fit back into my pants and have a whole closet of clothes to choose from.

Right now I'm re-reading a book from Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Yes, it's a romance book. And (gasp) I also like vampire romance books too. However, I AM very picky on my books and just won't read anything romance.

Luckily my favorite t.v. program is airing-SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE. I've watched all the seasons since it started. We're also watching Burn Notice-very macgyver entertaining. And my re-runs of House as I wasn't able to watch parts of last season due to our broken replay tv recorder and my busy schedule. My store just called today (drives Chris nuts, but I love to micr0-manage and work from home) reminding me that I'm glad I'm taking time off. Yay, I miss inventory and new line! The kids start swim lessons next week so I get to be somewhat involved again in their activities. All-in-all it's been a good summer and I know it will go by way to quickly. I've added a song that I was reminded that I liked off of so you think you can dance this week. P.S. the show is auditioning this month on the 26th for the next season for all you dancers, and no there is no way I'm showing up to that-way to fat now, out of shape, and definitely not good enough anymore.

Baby Firsts

First Bath
First Sponge Bath

First suit

First Faux-hawk

We've been having lots of fun with the new baby, documenting all his first activities. Of course we had to give him his first faux-hawk. He was sporting his fancy suit for his baby blessing this last Sunday. And of course we had to take pics of his first sponge bath and first baby bath. He actually liked his baths and didn't cry.

Honey B Bear.

I apologize in advance for taking so long to post the new pics of our new arrival. I know I promised earlier but I was a little too busy. Anyways, Barrett arrived on Monday and was a strapping 5lbs and 8ozs. Unfortunately he was a facial presentation birth so his face came out first and was severely bruised because of it. His whole right side of his face was swollen and bruised so bad it was purple. His eye was swollen shut and he was unable to open it for 3 days. Needless to say, he is home and we are happy. He is now equipped with a photo-blanket that is helping with the jaundice because of his severe bruising but hopefully he will soon be rid of that and be a normal little baby. I changed the song to Honey Baby because Laura used to think it said Honey B Bear and as our babies name is Barrett or Bear for short, I thought it was a great song to give to my wife and new baby. Enjoy the music and the pics!

He is showing off his glow worm abilities!

All ready to go home.

The whole family, notice Kendra watching tv, she was scared of Barrett at first!

She loves her little brother and so happy to finally be a BIG Sister!

The non bruised side.

Bucs are the BEST!

I can't say it enough, but I am so proud of this little team! I haven't seen that much heart and determination out of a group of kids that I can ever remember. They left everything on the field, blood, sweat, skin, and even tears. In the final game they were all so tired, for kids who never wanted to leave the field ever, to ask to sit to start the game or during the game says alot about how much they spent on the field. If they had just a double header this week and a double header next week, there is no doubt in my mind that we would have beat the remaining teams and won the title. Needless to say they are a great group of boys. I want to thank all of them for making my coaching job so easy this year. I look forward to many great seasons to come whether it is tackle, flag, or any other sport. Congrats Bucs! In honor of their season, I am moving Hoist the Colors back to the top of the playlist, they had the colors flying high on Saturday!

Belated Mothers day post.

Happy belated Mothers day to my wife! You are awesome and very understanding. Who else would have had a 4th kid when they were done after 2. Only my babe! Thank you for being a GREAT mom to our crazy kids and the craziest kid of them all. Thanks for letting me dress sporty even though you hate it. You are the best. You know I am not very eloquent with my words so when I stumbled upon this song I thought it fit perfectly! Happy Mothers day!

The sleeping giants.

Well unfortunately this saturday, we had an early game and most of the kids showed up in body only. Their minds must have been back in bed dreaming! By the time the team started to stir it was too late and the game was over. So, in response to the sleepy effort turned in, I have decided to create a cd to help wake up the kids. The first four songs on my playlist are what I want to put on the cd. If you approve of the songs let me know and I will be happy to make one for your child as well. Rest assured it will be playing loud in the house and car this next saturday. Go Bucs and get ready for the Super Bowl!

Bucs coming on strong!

This last Saturday the Bucs played the 2nd to last game of the regular season. They laid a beat down on the Patriots to the tune of 32-6. The league wants each team to put in the 2nd team for the rest of the game when you are up a lot of points, however, the Bucs are soooo awesome that they have no 2nd team. All the players practice and play so hard that they can all interchange at any point of the game and still destroy the other teams. Things started off fast with a long bomb pass by Jace for the first score. Then on defense Jace picked off the first pass and almost ran it back for a touchdown, he was stopped at the 3 yard line. He had a great game. But the MVP had to go to Dylan Welker as he had 3 touchdowns along with a beautiful pic, he baited the quarterback into throwing the long ball to the middle of the field and he closed and picked the ball off. It was truly an amazing play. Not to mention he cost his mom $22 for his game exploits. It was an all around fantastic game as Cody Coates had a TD reception as well as a 2 point conversion catch. Connor Mills had at least 1 TD and a 2 point conversion and Eric Kriner had a pic as well as multiple TD passes. What an amazing team! I am honored just to watch them play, that is how awesome they are! Good job team!

Fun with Coates!

I know, that was a lame play on words. No we didn't try on a bunch of coats, or dress up in our favorite coat, we had a great day with the Coates family. It started early with Kendra and Tyler going to the San Tan mall and playing in the water and playground area. They had a great time and I have never seen two usually quiet kids talk sooooo much. It honestly made me laugh every time I looked over at those two. They had a great time. We followed that up with a "red neck" (Monica's description of the wonderful environment)adventure to Golden Corral. I obviously fit in with everybody as I stuffed my face. The kids all thought they were in paradise as Cody had 3 different trips to the ice cream bar alone. I think the one who ate the most has to go to Tyler, as I think he ate 3 full plates of food. He is going to be 6'10" if he keeps eating like that. It was awesome. We followed that up with even more "red neck" activity, as we headed down to the Power Ranch pond for some late night catfish fishin'. Wouldn't you know it but the Coates' boys landed two big whopping catfish. What a great day! Thanks to the whole Coates clan for puttin' up with us and helping us have a fun filled day.

Baby Dane

I'm sitting here at 1:30 in the morning trying to figure out how to get information on how Baby Dane is doing. Unfortunately Google doesn't have the answers I need. I hope all is well and that he was only concussed. Our prayers are with him as well as Monica and Warren and all the Coates boys. I pray he will be fine as I already have plans for him and my yet to be born child and the Welker's yet to be born boy to all be on the same football team ala the Magnificent 3 of Jace, Cody, and Dylan. What can I say, we (all the neighborhood parents) breed good football kids! Get well soon Daner!

Bucs almost sweep the undefeated teams!

What an amazing night of football we had on Saturday! It started out at 3pm when the Bucs (with a struggling offense but solid D)faced off against the Steelers (solid offense and solid defense). It started fast for the Bucs as Connor took the opening handoff and went straight up the middle and ran the whole length of the field for a touchdown. The defense showed it was up to the test as I don't believe they even gave up a single first down the whole game. The second half was a coming out party for the offense as they scored their first long bomb touchdown of the season from the mis-judged arm of Jace. I've never seen someone so small throw the ball so far, it truly is a sight to behold. I will try and take some video of it sometime. It honestly looks like the ball is shooting out of the ground. (Sorry Jace, but it's true.)Then shortly after Jace went back to pass and dodged the blitz and ran the length of the field for the third TD of the day. Throw in 2 two point conversion passes and the final score was 22-0 BUCS!!!!! After a seemingly short 3 hour break, the Bucs Squared off against the league leading Giants. A team whose players really match the name of the team. I think their average player was at least a half a foot taller than our tallest player. Also important to note is that they only had, in 6 previous games given up 50 points.(that's less than 9 points a game on average) The Giants high octane offense took the field and expected to light up the night with fireworks for sure, but got sucker punched in the mouth. On the second play of the game Jace pic'd the quarterback's pass and ran it to within 5 yards of the touchdown. Two plays later Derek Ness caught his first touchdown pass of the year to give the Bucs the early and surprising lead, 6-0. After a great defensive hold, we got the ball back and a deep out and up to Connor Mills and we were up 12-0. You could sense the concern on the opposite side of the field. Unfortunately our defense fell down a bit before half and we allowed 2 late touchdowns and trailed 13-12 at half. We came out in the 2nd half and threw a long bomb to Cody Coates,(one of the most beautiful catches I have ever seen, pro or otherwise) who ran it in for the go ahead score to go up 19-13. After a few lucky plays by the Giants they were able to take the lead back and were up 26-19 with 30 seconds left in the game. We got the ball and the first play was a deep pass to Cody Coates and he almost broke it but was ruled out of bounds at midfield. We had one last play and were unable to convert for the touchdown but almost pulled off the greatest double upset ever in the history of flag football. I am so proud of the team and all the kids. I predict a big trophy in the near future. GO BUCS!!!!!

All about Steve.

I was surprised to see no one comment on the "or Steve" portion of my wife's post. In case you were wondering about that, I will explain. One night, my wife and I, with Kendra in tow, went to Wal Mart. After the 157th "Daddy" from Kendra, I responded that Daddy wasn't here. She asked who I was and I informed her that I was Steve. Every time she would try and ask me a question I would not respond to her until she asked Steve. This went on through the whole store and even on the way home. We had purchased some candy at the store and proceeded to eat it on the way home. When Kendra asked Steve if she could have some I responded that she should ask her mom, which she did, and her mom stated she should ask her dad. Not even hesitating she said that her dad would be fine with it and we should give her some right away. Of course Steve had to give her a hard time saying that we should wait until we got back to her house to ask her dad. She still said her dad would be fine but asked if Steve could come inside and meet Dad. I asked her what her dad was doing and she said probably playing Xbox, which she said Steve could probably play with her dad. Needless to say Steve didn't want to meet her dad. So he escaped out the garage when we got back dad came in the side of the house to see what was going on. If you are confused you are probably not alone as my daughter wasn't sure what to think after that. A few weeks later after processing what had happened that night, she asked Laura if she remembered when dad said he was Steve, and laughing, said that was funny how he tricked us. Now you know the story of Steve.

A song for Chris (or Steve)

Since you put some songs on here for me-Here's a song I dedicate to you (see Lucky by Jason Mraz). Luv u.

Music at my wife's request.

I have added some more music at the request of Laura. The first two songs I affectionately refer to as elf music, as it is what I imagine they would play. Anyways, I hope you all enjoy and I should have a meatier post in the near future. Peace!

Foosball's not the devil, foosball is for my Robbie!

Robbie wanted to do tackle football for a long time but was not interested in doing any flag football. It kind of worried me because flag is all of the fun stuff(excluding hitting), so I was wondering if he would really enjoy tackle. Well I must say I am a very proud parent as Robbie has taken to tackle like he has been doing it for years. He has blown away all of my expectations and shocked me in his enjoyment of tackling. He says he wants to play defense as he doesn't enjoy the catching and throwing you have to do on offense. I have take a few pictures for your enjoyment. My first boy playing tackle for the first time. What a proud day!

Robbie's ready to run the rock.

Look at the moves baby!

Robbie making the sack, corner blitz style!

I'm so proud of my boy, even without football!

Let it Snow Baby!

I have finally uploaded pics from our family sledding event in January. What fun. I had forgot how awesome snow is and how much fun sledding is. With the exception of the first run for Jace, we all had a lot of fun. As for Jace, his first run of the day was from the very top of the hill, over 3 jumps, and multiple bumps. Needless to say his bum was a little sore and he might have even shed a tear or two, of course they were tears of happiness right. Anyways, enjoy.

Uncle Mikey setting up the run.Robbie going Super Sonic! "I'm going ballistic Mav"!

Come on, we can fit four on here!

Roger, I've got him in my sights.

Uncle Mikey teaching the intricacies of Snow Ball making.

Uncle Dwiggy getting Jace on line.

She's learned her first Look! ala Zoolander.

Does this work like a horse?

"I don't think I like this"-baby Paige

Big Pimpin' up in MRC.

My New Flag Football Sports Agents!

I have decided to allow the firm of Coates and Coates represent me in the crazy, cut throat world, of Flag Football. After the fiasco with Top Flite football canceling the season the week before we start, my current management team was inadequate. Fortunately Warren and Monica were there to pick up the pieces of the shattered season of the 7-8 Colts and parlay that into a ground breaking, earth shattering, never before heard of deal with Coast to Coast football. They were able to negotiate the deal, call and form two teams, and arrange to have 3 additional players added to the 7-8 Colts(now Buccaneers). That was on top of adding 8 boys to the 5-6 team and volunteering to coach the 5-6 team on top of that. I talked with Monica and Warren as they arrived for practice that night, Monica hopped out of her invisible jet and Warren was buttoning his shirt up to cover some "S" shape on his undershirt. Yes I think they are Wonder Woman and Super Man. It might be a theory, and I can't prove it, but they definitely saved the day for our wonderful little team. Thanks again for all that you guys do. Mad Props.

What DO we believe?

I heard this quote today and felt that it was one of the truest statements I have heard in a long time. “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” That was a quote by John Adams, the 2nd president of the United States. That is an incredible statement. How true does that ring to those of us who believe in the US as the Promised Land?! How scary is that statement in relation to where we are in the Pride Cycle. How does the current status of our country and our new president, who was quoted as saying the constitution was not adequate for us, and the current modus operandi of the government?! I love our country and I love all of the freedoms we have, but I am fearful of our near future as we seem to be going away from the "moral and religious" history of our country. Now is the time to teach our children well and root them strongly in the gospel. That they may withstand the horrible storm that is on the horizon. I fear for them knowing that at some point I will have to let them stand on their own, and I pray that we as parents have prepared them well enough. Knowing that Christ will soon come is a comfort and I pray that his mercy will be great and far reaching, for I know that without it, many will be lost. Love your children, make sure they know you love them, be proud of them, even in their smallest accomplishments. Discipline them with love, knowing that anything less than their best effort is unacceptable, as they will need that and more to survive the onslaught of filth and evil that is waiting at your door. Waiting every day for our children to slip one little bit, waiting for us to slip one little bit and allow a small, seemingly insignificant, thing to take root. What that could be could be anything but all it takes is that small thing to unravel a lifetime of teaching. Be ever vigilant and unwavering in your standards and teachings, that we might understand and feel the love the Saviour feels for all children. The love that we feel for our children is great, but pales in comparison to that which is felt from our Heavenly Father. I would that we could all feel that love and warmth, that it might touch our souls and spirits daily. That it might recharge our spiritual and parental batteries and prepare us for our parenting duties. I would gladly sacrifice all that I am or all that I could be for the promise of Celestial glory for my family. Maybe that is the solution to all of our problems. Forget diverting energy and ability to obtaining Telestial or earthly glory or things, that all effort is devoted towards obtaining celestial glory, an eternal family. What greater gift there is, in this life or in eternity, I cannot think of one.

Musical Epiphany!

I was riding home in the car the other night and whoever was the DJ played a string of songs that had me back at Poston pool for dive team circa 1987. Wow! I think he played Red Red Wine, followed by Epic from Faith No More, and ended it with Big Mountain Baby I Love Your Way. What an awesome string of songs. I immediately was flooded with music from back in the day, commenting to my wife on what songs he should add to the list to make it even better. Well I added those additional songs for your listening pleasure, I hope you all enjoy them as much as I did. Some cult of personality, a little Shakespears Sister, and some extra UB40. I am interested to hear from each of my faithful readers, ok, my one faithful reader, what songs came to mind for you, or, what would be your ultimate back in the day playlist. Later all.

A message from my unborn son.

The first message from my yet to be born son, Live long and prosper. This is actually an image from our first major ultrasound. Suffice it to say that we were surprised to see the Vulcan hand sign inside Laura's stomach. Baby Barrett already has a good sense of humor. Ha! (If you can't see it very well, click on the pic and it should enlarge in a new window.)

Secret, secret, I've got a secret!

Ok so maybe it is not a secret any more. Apparently my children are the biggest blabber mouths I have ever met. but in case you didn't know already Laura is PREGNANT! I don't know where this one came from as I have to believe it was an immaculate conception, or maybe just say domo arigato Mr. Roboto (it could be his) as I am definitely happy to have the fourth and final addition to our family on its way. She is 21 weeks along and doing well. We do know what it is and it is a BOY! We are having a problem with the name though. I have come up with Barrett Gabriel Bond and Laura likes Gabriel so far but isn't sold on the Barrett part. I would like input if any of you have some and maybe some suggestions as to alternative names if Barrett isn't acceptable. We will weigh all suggestions and input when making the final decision to name him Barrett Gabriel.