Boog Family Blog

Trail Riding!

2009-06-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

Mary Beth doing trail! This cowgirl got 2nd out of 16 horses!

And...she broke the pony herself!

Kiddies and Kittens

2009-06-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

As one might tell, we have too much fun with these kittens. We also spend a lot of time, and take a lot of pictures, of them! But what cuter than kids and kittens?

Nicole (aka Nikki) (aka Boots)

Terabithia (aka Missy)

Ohhh darn...

Tigress (aka Fiesty)

Catastrophic Cats

Da Easter Bunny Did Leave Us Chocowatt Eggs!!

2009-04-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

Most people hate picking up after spilled eggs, but it seems that the whole family was racing to pick up the remains of this one!!

It was pretty funny to see them all scrambling around picking up spilt beans (and eating them, as Andrew is illustrating). I felt very grown-up not participating in the feeding frenzy...and left out of juicy jelly-bean goodness.

The Littlest Egg

Easter Bunny Dad

"Look at all mine eggs!! "

Jacob did find his "Egg of Insanity"!

Eggs, eggs, eggs!! = Chocolate, fun, joy, pictures,

captured Easter Bunny, sibling rivalry, etc.!

Eggs were found in some pretty weird places...like the one found in the feeder!

It's a race! Who will find the next egg first?!

-Drew, "ohhh, John Paul, I saw that egg first!!"

-John Paul, "he he he...

disclaimer: fictional conversation

Wook, I did find a green one! Oh, we are the luckiest kids ever!

And we did really catch the Easter Bunny!!

So, this was our Easter Egg Hunt, which actually took place on Holy Saturday because our Easter Sunday forecast was miserable (and the forecast was true!). Holy Saturday was a beautiful, sunny day though, perfect for rambling rovings through the countryside in search of what JP called the "chocolate poop" left by the Easter Bunny. To every one far and wide, close and near, Happy and Blessed Easter! The Lord is Risen, Alleluia! (The Easter Bunny -E. B. Snuffy - lives, Alleluia!)

Cornbread and Jelly Beans

2009-04-11T11:41:00.000-07:00

So, everyone should know by now that us Bugos's are crazy....we just thought that we would make a video to reenforce that idea. Just in case anyone had any doubts.

This is the Story of Cornbread, John Paul's dearest little stuffed animal bear. This is his story. This is his saga.

Who are you calling Chicken?

2009-03-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Two Kids and a Chick.

Two Ducks and a Chick.

Four little chicks sitting in a heap...some of their name ideas include Darwin, Lucy, Cricket, Odysseus, Dixie Chick, and Ditsy Chick. But, we aren't going to officially name them until we can tell what gender they are. If you have any name suggestions, please feel free to send them in!!

Isabelle and Ferdinand - I think black and golden, respectively, are already towering over the chickies...and that was a week ago!

On Guard!!

2009-03-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fencing!! The kids came to watch me this Tuesday...you can see the excitement on their faces!;)

Actually, I think they quite enjoyed it, and they got to see Sama win one match, and lose one match. Sama has vowed to beat Simon by the end of the semester...thus far no one has beaten him yet.

As for myself, I am loving fencing. That does not mean that I am good at it...but the worse one is at something the more one is challenged to improve, eh? Ps - I like fencing in my shiny green pants - they are stretchy!! ;)

Below are two videos of me fencing Simon.

Here he scores a touch to my wrist...I need to work on my retreats.

Here I took the advance, but scored no touch. It looks decent though!

Let's Go Down to the Fishin' Hole

2009-03-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

Fishin' days are here! Not that this means catching fish...but it's a nice thought.

I thought that these two pictures say a lot...the big boy and his dog, and if you look closely, you'll see that the little boy has his cat.

Fisherman and big brother Drew

Fishing in the creek really is more fun than the ponds....plus Sam doesn't have to worry about him falling in!

"OOOooo....You should have seen the one that got away!!!"

Game of Chase

2009-03-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

You can't beat a fine spring break day...especially one in which you get to see the family and play chase with JP. I decided to video tape our chase so you all can get a sense of what it is like...running through a forest where poison ivy looms behind every corner, brambles grab you, and the chasee is unphased because he is short enough to crawl through foot tall tunnels.

Haircut and Lightning!!

2009-02-24T16:44:00.000-08:00

Okay girls, so...I have had request(s) that I put up pictures of my "stylin" my haircut. Now I finally have! They aren't the best pics, but they give you an idea.

I couldn't leave out the new tattoos on my biceps!!

Lighting Sam - #1!

(Hey, I'm the only permanent Buckley member (besides Diane our coordinator) not to have a permanent tattoo now, so I had to sport these ones for a couple days! Diane did a monkey! Don't worry, just cuz we have tattoos doesn't make us hoodlums!!;)

A little red-faced...just ran!

Matt Maher Band

2009-02-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago I went up to Stillwater, OK with 19 other college buddies and Diane Willis, our campus minister, to attend OCSC (Oklahoma Catholic Student Conference) at OSU. We had great times!! However, on the way back, Diane took Karen, Dutch, and I on a little detour...To see Christian music artist and Catholic singer Matt Maher with his band!!! He was doing the closing praise and worship service for a Baptist youth rally in Tulsa, and the wonderful people allowed us to sneak in and attend the service too!

First though, we encountered a cool penguin. I think he might have been outside of a veterinary hospital.

A band member, playing on a really cool looking guitar.

Diane sitting all by herself in the front row...waiting for Matt Maher to come back and getting really excited! Ahhh!

There he is! There is Matt Maher...like 20 feet in front of us doing praise and worship to God!!

Here is a shot of their quad

After the praise and worship was over, the pastor of the church gave a sermon (pretty good one) and then everyone ended up leaving the room to go to a seperate room and give testimonies. We stayed behind, feeling a bit out of place perhaps, and hoping to personally meet Matt. But he left with the crowd!....

We had nearly despaired, when suddenly, the band reemerged!! So in the end, we each actually shook the guy's hand, said hi, and then shuffled sheepishly out. (Diane got an autograph.)

Anyway, it was pretty darn sweet. It was like a private concert, or maybe you could compare it to a private audience with the Pope....no, maybe not. But now I can say that I have met Matt Maher!

PS: Matt Maher is pretty cool guy and Christian artist, but I still like Steve Angrisano better, personally;)

Three Stooges

2009-01-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Three stooges...sometimes we get a little distracted during Buckley practice on Monday nights. The three partiers are actually Megan, Karen, and Me in disguise! Tricked you?

Snow Days at SGU

2009-01-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

Our first day of the Oklahoma Storm. I say, this college looks even prettier in a haze of white snow!

#1: College students without sleds? No problem!

#2: Let's see who can RUN down the hill fastest and stay on two feet.

Karen and Dutch with me

Love you all!!

Part A: OKC Zoo Trip!!

2008-12-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

Hmm... which is the real one?

Time for a little pouting.

Complacent Degriditation.

This was a cool helicopter like fish. It spun the fins on its side, bottom, and top in circular motions just like a chopper.

If this snake seems enlarged, it is because it is. The picture below shows the facts better.

What you are here seeing is simply one of nature's food chain in action... and a mouse disappearing into a snakes gullet.

Jamie: 'Hey, look at me, I can do the slidy thing!"

Drew: "Yahoo, look at me, I can do it too!"

Mary: Jump...Jump...got it! 'Oh, I think I pulled an arm muscle.'

This King just sat and nonchalantly watched as his visitors paraded past, tapped on his window, and made faces at him. John and Cass were pretty convinced he looked just like a friend of theirs.

Part B: OKC Zoo Trip

2008-12-30T07:56:00.000-08:00

JP was pretty tired by this time, and he was just slowly plodding along when all of a sudden, he was the monkeys and perked right up! "Take a picture of me with the monkeys!", he excitedly demanded... and then ran over to the picture instead of the monkey cage. Apparently, he relates well with these ape creatures.

This is like my favorite picture! The are so cute!

Tackle him! Get a real smile! Hang on to him Jake!

JP is at that stage where it is hard to pin him down for a good picture pose. Luckily, Jake is now stolid enough to just grab him and hold on complacently... while JP wriggles at his side.

Are you looking at me?

The giraffes! These amazing creatures were probably lavished with the most of our attention during our zoo visit... especially from John, who was truly amazed at the combined awkwardness and grace of these fantastic creations. We decided that going to the zoo and seeing all of the different crazy and unique animals is truly one of the best proofs to God's existence and omniscience.

Andrew was like,"The giraffe touched my front two knuckles! How many people can claim that their front two knuckles touched a giraffe?!".

So long folks! Thanks for coming!

The Domino Affect

2008-12-30T07:29:00.000-08:00

The boys got a pretty funky-cool domino set for Christmas. After much diligent labor, a few failed attempts and a couple of accidental starts, we got a final result that made us all quite happy... especially Jacob. Are you ready? Get set..GO!

O Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

The 1st Sunday in Advent brought with it the Christmas Tree Upheaval... or the setting it up process. We had the good old Cowboy Christmas music on, and everyone was scrambling around oohing and aahing at the different ornaments as they hung them on the tree. I was the self-designated photographer, and basically played more than I helped.

Can you guess what this picture is actually taken through? Can you see a face in the picture below?

These pictures where taken through a tube of Christmas paper wrapping, which had a cobweb at the end of it, as best seen in pic 1. It was fun to play around and see if I could get a good picture (which didn't happen). The face is Andrew's lit up with the glow of....cherubic angels.

This was fun too! - see, I told you I played.

Vest on, hands in pockets = Calvin Klein magazine model ( minus the hanger)

What would you label Jacob's look as? Please e-mail your submissions to me, seriously and please.

Look! There is an elf beneath our tree! Or just mom's feet.

Sometimes a fake Christmas tree just can't hide you as well as you might wish.

Look, look! They are decorating the tree without arguing!!
Merry Advent to all, and to all a Good Night!

A Christmas Dance

2008-12-01T15:05:00.000-08:00

So, we all know by now that Jake is a good dancer.

He consented to dance for me to the Cowboy Christmas Music (do you all remember that cd?) we had going as we set up the Christmas Tree on Sunday. I was not disappointed! I love the way this kid dances.

Watch carefully, as he is full of twists and turns and flips!

P.S.- there is no sound

Happy First Sunday of Advent!

2008-11-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

We thought this old photo from the family archives was an appropriate photo to wish each of you a happy first Sunday of Advent! Aren't Mary and Drew so cute....! This was taken after Drew had gone through his kidney surgery, and still had some drainage tubes in him. I was told by the doctors that if he got the flu it might make them dislodge....so it was the advent that nobody came in, and nobody went out!

Guymon Pt. I

2008-11-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Who knew that one could travel for so long in Oklahoma without crossing a border? It's a 5 hour drive to Guymon, which is located in the Oklahoma panhandle.

Group shot!: Back row: J, Me, Megan

Front row: Our young mascot and buddy (I don't remember her name!), Karen, Connie, and (Joshua) aka. Dutch

The cute little girl in the picture became our very good friend throughout the retreat day... once we started picking her up, she didn't want down! When Karen tried to put her down for this group picture, she started running after her crying! That is a loyal retreatant for you.

Group shot #2: Back row: Dutch, Karen, J, Megan

Front row: Me, Connie, Diane

How many people can fit onto one little board? (There is imaginery lava on the grass, one false move and you die!!)

Time for a talk! (I am scared!)

A Bit About Buckley

2008-11-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

The Buckley Team hit the road in early November to host a retreat in Guymon, Oklahoma. There was only about 20 kids, and it was an over-night retreat... so by the end of it we had plenty of tired kids and youth leaders!

As usual, we had a great time. The pictures that you see below illustrate the Rule #2 of Buckley Team: to have FUN! (Rule #1 is to serve and love God in our Catholic Faith while having fun!)

However, you probably won't see many of the real - impacting/serious pics of these retreats, but more of the fun ones.. because serious pics are just pictures of us talking or praying.. and those don't make for very exciting photos. JSYK: We don't ONLY play games! (but we play;)

On these retreats, we usually start with intros and icebreakers, opening prayer. We'll move through a skit, then a talk that applies the message of that skit and expounds. Usually we do small groups to talk about the talk, do activities, GTKY, etc. More activities, skits and a revolution of that kinda format fills the day, so we are always doing something new, and moving, and trying to go smooth and keep kids' attentions!

It is really incredible being on the Buckley Team. I have some good teammates, and while I know that we could definitely still be more dynamic.. I really feel that we are serving Christ to the best of our ability..... and through His grace anything is possible!

My picture load button is not working anymore right now... so I will upload Pt. I of Guymon later! Keep posted!
Love you all!
-me

Guymon Retreat :Pt 2.

2008-11-25T21:47:00.000-08:00

So, we're Catholic and like to dance! The cha-cha slide is sooo much fun in big groups! Me: "Hmm, how come I feel like an elephant when I dance?"

"Everybody clap your hands"

"Take it back now ya'll"

Playing Birdie on the Perch... who's the Perch and who's the Birdie? This is another fun icebreaker that we play.. do you remember it girls?

Above: The ultimate Panty-Hose and Tennis-Ball Remover Champion!! Not to brag or anything.

Our totally amazing and awesome Team Coordinator, Diane Willis, one of the few brave souls to take me on.. out of two.

Some boys going at it: They remind me of mountain goats sparring.. is that weird?

Jay and Dutch go at it.

He would be a very convincing hold-up man.

JP and the Flying Carpet.

2008-11-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

I don't really know what JP is here enacting, but he goes through a series of blanket movements that could either be interpretive dance, ghostbusters, or ninja moves. Imagine what you will . Maybe it is his Parisian Zug.

PS> Did you notice the guy's ears? The song that comes to mind is Peter Pan's... "I can fly, i can fly, i can fly..."

JK. Don't worry, I love those ears.

Ooga-baluga!!

2008-11-04T21:08:00.000-08:00

I don't really know what JP is here enacting, but he goes through a series of blanket movements that could either be interpretive dance, ghostbusters, or scooby-doo and shaggy moves. Imagine what you will .

Ps. - Did you notice the kids ears? You gotta love them. I can fly, i can fly, i can fly.... JK.

Trick-or-Treat

2008-11-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

A masked man, a jester

all candy testers.

A Mr. Incredible, a cowgirl,

ready for some Halloween thrill.

An Ironman with a real live action light up chest!

I'm pretty sure he thinks he's the best.

But it doesn't matter cause we all had fun,

And wish you all could have been here for our trick-or-treat run!

Falling into Fall

2008-10-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

This kid can really do a face-plant! I love how little JP is just sitting back there watching and stroking Scooby the whole time. These two are really two darn amazing boys! (So is Drew!!)

Buckley Team Retreat Mountain Home

2008-10-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

Buckley Youth Outreach Team- Retreat #1!!

We held our first retreat for the 08-09 Team in Mountain Home, Arkansas. It was a long 6 hour drive up (and back too!) but truly the ride is half the fun. The retreat had 60 kids all preparing for Confirmation, and it was a really good experience. We did funny skits, gave talks, had small groups, team building, and Mass. Basically our job is to get the kids more enthused for Christ, and hopefully make at least a small impact on each of their lives. God, Help us! Karina - a second year Buckley member

This is Joshua Dutchover (Dutch) and Karen, who are always, always cracking each other up! Literally. Here they took the Cheez-it Challenge, where they tried to discuss a Cheez-it, which is one of Dutch's favorite snacks, without cracking up.

As you can see, it didn't go so well.

Everybody acting out during a funky group activity.

These are part of the notes my small group members left me at the end of the day - they made me very happy!
Farckling and Evolution through rock-paper-scissors.

Left to right - J, Karina, Karen, Megan, and Dutch in back. Two of our other permanent team members are not there.

Last weekend, the 11th, we had a retreat in Springdale, Arkansas, which is only 4 hours away. But this time we had 175 kids! Those pics will come later!

Mary Beth

2008-10-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a distant photo of our Mary. You should be able to click and make it bigger. I believe that she is recieving an award for her amazing job at Showmanship at the County Fair. This girl was up against some kids with 2 or 3 years more experience in showing.. and she got the gold! First place. She got a darn awesome horse belt buckle.. something that all of us girls aspired to get (in our different project areas) when we where in 4-H! Way to go Mary!

Art Museum Fieldtrip

2008-10-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

My art class took a visit to the OKC Art Museum this last weekend. It was pretty cool! They had a Roman Sculpture Gallery from the Louvre (sp?) visiting, so I have a few shots of those. There were also some life size statues that I didn't get photos of but that were incredible! We're talking Julius Caesar, Augustus, mosaic of the Last Supper, and Fabian's head on some one else's body! Pretty cool stuff, and most of it 19-2200 years old! You have to check out the pyx - it is really my favorite - it is so amazing!

I really had more fun in the blown glass gallery though, as I think the majority of us did. There is some snazzy pics here. Don't you all think that the boats are pretty awesome?

2008-10-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Stift Melk and Midterms

2008-10-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Whoa! Look - I was in Austria! Jk! :)

-Sam

OOoopps. I just posted this on the wrong blog. Should be located at Jamie's blog, www.ontheartofeatingpopovers.blogspot.com

I took way too many shots of the monastery from this little cemetery where I spent the better part of an afternoon in solitude enjoying the view and October weather while cramming for mid-terms. I needed to get away, I needed to be alone, and I needed to study. This was perfect! It was a great day!

The triumph of St. Benedict
A really cool old globe in a really cool old library.
The town of Melk. I got there at 10:30, and Mass was half-over. They were celebrating the Austrian tradition of the Harvest Thanksgiving. The whole church was filled with baskets of vegetables and bread, and they had made a giant tiara wreath that they processed through the town.
Spires of Melk that I had seen so often from afar and now finally up close
A miniature of the entire abbey
A very Austrian depiction of God's blessings on Stift melk: Sts. Peter, Paul, Leopold, Benedict and Colombo - patrons of the abbey - interceding for blessings on the abbey through a sunflower, marked with an A for the new Abbot Adrian. I thought it was cool.
While waiting for the train at Kienberg-Gaming, I took a picture of the little mountain I climbed on thursday with Jon. It was the best of the immediate area i have seen yet....but i havent climbed all of them yet!
This is from last monday. John Paul, (officially now a wine conesuier, after spending a weekend making wine in Spitz) presenting the Reisling to the birthday girl, Caitlin.
We made a TON of food. We should have birthdays more often. Liz and Caitlin, then Rob, Phil, Jon, and Brendan all in a row.

Jacob's New Move

2008-10-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

Jacob decided to show off his new moves for all of you girls that are away from home. He is pretty cool! I think that if this guy would do really good if he ever wanted to take up break dancing. He is constantly coming up with new "flips and cool moves".

Amy and Stefan's Wedding!

2008-10-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Here Stefan is nervously awaiting the bride.

They somehow got this darn cool old car to carry the wedding party in - it pulled up to the walkway that led to the gazebo, and from it alighted first the flower girl, Gabby, then the maid of honor, Carmen, and finally the Amy. It was really neat, like a fairy tale Cinderella.
Here is Gabby, looking so pretty and grown up!

Here comes the Bride - she looks so happy!

After the wedding vows, the pastor called all of the kids up and they had a moment of prayer and embracing as a new family . I thought that was really special.
They are now Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Pischedda!

The maid-of-honor after the wedding - she is very pretty!

Hi Carmen!

2008-10-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Attention all: we can finally afford a house servant! This servant is pictured here in his native Awaji tribal dress.

Graduation 2008

2008-06-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

I guess that I have been really blessed, because not only have I gotten the coolest graduation pictures, but I was able to graduate - in gap and gown -a few weeks back with some fellow home-schooling-dance/4-H friends. As you'll see, we didn't fail to have lots of fun after the ceremony! The only pictures we didn't get was of us playing volleyball.. but trust me, it was a sandy blast! Pictured above: Daniel Roberts, me, and Kendra Rodgers
My gosh-awesome parents and me

What a gentleman! (Wouldn't they make a cute couple;)

A Silly Jacob

A Dreamy J.P

A Silly Jamie and J.P.... uh, climbing a tree, barefoot, in a skirt, towing a 30 lb. 3 year old... yep, that's Jam!

Mary captured in the pre-splash, hit the water moment...

A Splash!

"Gee Mary, thanks for the tsunami!"

Shawnee Twin Lakes

2008-06-24T08:11:00.000-07:00

Well family, we're back. I know that I haven't blogged for the past two months, but I hope that you all have been following Jamie's blog, as she has been keeping it updated with family news while she is home. So I took a vacation!

Anyway, here is a pretty cool video of the Shawnee Twin Lakes, but five miles from home. The recent rains caused the lakes to spill out over this cement dam - which we didn't even know existed! It was neat and I was really excited.. ya know, I haven't seen a good waterfall... even a man made one... since Oregon.

Love you all!

Mouse Hunt

2008-04-21T08:42:00.001-07:00

Apparently, Niko wasn't to hungry, but it was incredible to watch him play with this poor little mouse.

I thought that it was really strange how at one point Niko just strolls along behind the mouse, la-de-da.

2008-04-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

This little fat mouse finally made his escape, after much persecution.

He gave me and Jacob a run for it though - he nearly got up our legs!

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-04-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Symbols of Easter

Signs of Spring

Happy smiles

Their sure to bring.

Crouching tiger,

Hidden eggs,

Make tired boys,

And weary legs.

Mary, Drew, and Sam

Have contest for the golden one.

We all tried,

But Andrew won.

Yes, Easter brings eggs in all colors,

Blue, red, yellow, orange - even spider-man.

But look! He's got a green one!

2008-03-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

So, when Mom goes to town, the chipmunks come out.

Only, these guys weren't really interested in eating the pecans...

(Don't worry, I really have the situation completely under control)

Franciscan Travels

2008-03-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Behold the journal of two weary travelers, and because they are weary it is scattered, misspelled, out of order, sideways, and quite wong e i rong dong. I have discovered a beautiful place in Franciscan, full of good and strange people, just the kind I like.

Carmen and I (thank you speech class professor) were able to visit Jam over Easter weekend and participate in many Triduum celebrations. We have come back with many inside jokes (Free Coffee!!), and a renewed spirit, you might say. I was able to see Matthew Rudolph, and I talked to Jenny Bender and Mark Bentz, who is a God-filled seminarian well on his way to holy priesthood. We cooked feasts, became either psychiatrists or mentally ill, watched "Horton Hears a Who" and a home video, danced, prayed, and more, some of which is captured below.

Thanks for the awesome visit Von Steuben Family!

Here lies a brilliant shot of a large chunk of the Franciscan Campus.

Yvonne, Regina, Jaime, and Carmen all dressed up for Easter Vigil Mass - sorry it is a little dark.

And yes, Jason, we happened to pass Skyline Chili! I was so excited, but unfortunately, I think it was closed. Is there just one Skyline Chili, or is it a chain? Either way, I took a picture to prove that I had been there. Francis, I thought of you lots over Easter and I love you! And I love my Reyes nephews! And I love you all!

Schmickling and Psychiatrist

2008-03-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

In order to get Jaime to smile for some pictures, you apparently have to schmickle her.
(Kyle, Jaime, and Yvonne)
See Katherine, I am faithful even in the midst of trials.

The Tomb of the Unborn Child - a beautiful memorial and prayer spot with an eternal flame. In the tomb are several aborted babies that were recovered from dumpsters.

Our undeclared mascot for the trip

The above shots all came during the game "psychiatrist" which was some of the most fun ever. People in this game tend to look stumped or gleefully in possession of a secret.

Like Jaime happens to be in possession of a certian secret that has a connection between her, Sam and a Pantry... No, I shall never forgive you.

Okay, I forgive you. Love you.

2008-03-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

I apologize for making anyone watching this have a neck cramp. Apparently I still have to figure out what position the camera needs to be in to produce a straight video. Anyone know how to rotate a video clip?

Kyle and Jaime - keep up the good work, but please to not get dropped on the head.

2008-03-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Great St. Louis Arc welcomed us to our over-halfway-home point, and we were lucky enough to have a clear day to see it on. When we saw it on the way to Franciscan, the top was shrouded in cloud. Our amazing Easter Feast that the girls put on. It truly is amazing what they can do in their tiny hall kitchen with their borrowed dishes and recycled silverware.
Jam and Yvonne looking very stuffed.
Jaime. It is interesting that the eggs are pointing opposite directions.
Steve with his household egg. Hmm, shiny.

2008-02-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

Strange ...

brothers......

2008-02-28T18:06:00.000-08:00

The knights are advancing....
Friends and foes might be lurking behind every corner..

There seems to be an ever constant war being waged in our house. It is full of battles between the meanest and the greenest. Capt. Pohn Jollie and Sir Andrew sometimes fight together, and other times against each other.

The setting up of troops is elaborate, well-planned, and usually takes a looong time.

Aerial shots of the battle:

2008-02-28T17:39:00.000-08:00

So what happens when Mom cuts old jammies into rags?

It is so hard being the youngest.

The Battles We Fight

2008-01-30T21:36:00.000-08:00

The armies slowly advance toward eachother on the great plains of Stained Carpet, one side consisting of noble knights and steeds, while the other is full of Persians and Indians. Each side is a formidable enemy. Soon they will be pitted against each other in battle, a battle that may change the fate of the world. Who will emerge the victor?

Whoever John Paul wants!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-01-25T22:26:00.001-08:00

Boogies

2007-11-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here's just to let all of you away from home know........
That we haven't changed much.

The Almost Perfect Gentleman

2007-11-30T21:57:00.000-08:00

Who says little boys can't have tea parties? Donny Joe, your Uncle is ready for you to bring your tea-tools so you two can be tea-totalers over Christmas break.

PS. Sorry - it is far from perfect. It has no sound, and the lighting is really bad. I'll work on that.

Andrew's 14th Birthday!

2007-11-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Wow! Can you believe this guy is 14?! I can - he looks every inch of it. Here he is posing with Papa Benedicto, which is probably the nearest he'll get for a couple of years. Sniffle, lucky Jamie. Anyway, at least he is all set for a future World Youth Day, rigged out with a big picture of Pope Benedict, Scythian for those hours of standing and waiting, and his trusty radio hat to tune him into the EWTN Radio so he can hear what the Pope is saying - loud and clear!

You can't blow out candles if you don't have a little bit ó Pohn Jollie spit to go with it!Happy Birthday Drew!

While I'm at it, some Fall Break pics for the older girls' viewing pleasure

2007-11-21T08:32:00.001-08:00

Pohn Jollie, waiting for his birthday to come.

After the birthday (with cool expression belying none of his satisfaction). It's a mommy dragon, can you tell?

With faces like these, I figured we could just leave the ice cream scoop inside.

Our finished creation.

Steubie U

2007-11-21T08:21:00.001-08:00

Jamie's lab, home to her lab-cat.

An in-the-dorm dining room. I coveted it. I can't wait to graduate so I can cook again.

A new in-dorm chapel.

Jamie's little room. It has Jamie written all over it, simple and fresh and bright: very stylish for a freshman's room.

We must be sisters . . .

Just Horse'n Around

2007-11-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Photographing horses is more of a challenge than training them!

Mary, looking back at her first year with her babies, Chloe and Banjo. Both are yearlings and keeping Mary very, very busy in their daily training, and grooming and long daily conversations.
Everybody say CARROT STICKS!
Long bangs are in!
Mary's Mares.....Jasmine and Chloe. Jazz is 3 and Chloe one.

Football and more Fun

2007-10-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rosalie putting on her Tough Love face. It looks pretty tough.
Christine playing defense (cute blonde in blue shorts)
The whole Tough Love Flag Football team. (My best friends Rosalie and Christine on the right of front and back rows). They made it to the championship game today - it was amazing and SO much fun. I joined them for warm up before the game -this consisted of pulling a jeep up to the curb, cranking up the volume, and dancing to songs like 'cotton eyed joe' and 'Numa Numa'. Even a couple of Nuns joined us in the pre-game dance party. The game itself was almost as much fun. It was extremely muddy, which only added to the fun. I screamed until I was hoarse. They tied in the last minute, went into overtime and each side scored twice. Finally, St. Micheal's won, but only just by a hair. Tough love put up quite the fight. The best part is, Rosalie actually made it through the season with all her digits and no broken bones despite several attempts. Congratulations, Tough Love!
Rosalie and Regina, wearing their matching sweaters, and proving that Rosalie can wear pink.
Nathan + sweaty t-shirt wrapped around head = ninja??

P.S. Fr. Calloway gave a homily this morning on manure. It was one of the best, most beautiful homilies I have ever heard preached. And it made me think of home.

2007-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

An artist of fantastic creations, and untold sky scrapers,
our Jake is well on the path of the greatest architects.
This is one of his more simple models, but as you can see,
it is still a masterpiece, of which he is truly proud.
We will keep you posted on his progress.

Benedict Street

2007-10-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's yummy. It's fun. It's friendly.
It's Benedict Street Marketplace!

Joy, Tori, Carmen, and April are to the left, as we find a spare moment before a "black and white" dinner.

Jessica Neal-trying to get going on a Saturday morning

Hey Jam,

Paula and Carmen both say they miss you, and you better come home. Roll with it girl.

Quotes For September

2007-09-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

J.P., finger on trigger, pointing Windex bottle at his face,"Hmm, 'dis is not good for me".
Dad to Mr. Barber," You can tell Jamie is doing better at school, because she's calling less often". - No offense Jam, it is a good truth.
J.P. pulls up to the Marketplace to pick up Sam. He gives Mom a sad, puzzled look saying,"Is this where Sama lives now"?

A Troubadour Trips to the Tropics

2007-09-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Fugikawas

Look at those beautiful Fugi/Boogie eyes!

Chobbers!

(half a sleepy smile - caught on camera)

Wow!! Was Aunt Sama ever blessed to be able to attend the Baptism for Francis Xavier and spend two weeks with our Fugi family at Ave Maria Town! Could you make life any more wonderful?

Chobby is sooo cute, beyond words! More than that though, his little personality is pretty special.

He is a very big boy already. He celebrated his 1 month birthday when I was there, on September 7th. He then weighed 10.8 lbs I believe, and could already hold his head up!! I have proof on tape and multiple witnesses. He tries really hard not to cry unless the situation really calls for some extra emphasis, and when he smiles, it just lights up his whole being!

Staying with Katherine and Jason was a special treat, I haven't had that much time with Katherine for way too long. Thankfully, she is very much the same, wonderful, big sis Katherine. While there, she and Jason helped me to experience college life at Ave, with everything from Holy Mass, bob-diggity cool priests and their homilies, a dark-alley-infested-alligator-unpaved-kill-yourself-in-the-dark bike ride with Jason, Catan games, and even dorm floor parties. Sweet.

Jason, Katherine, and Francis Xavier, we love you! (Don't be surprised if you guys start getting fan mail, ya'll pretty much rock!)

2007-09-09T12:50:00.000-07:00

What? A Bugos daughter in the show ring with a four legged equine buddy? No Way! This cannot be! Wasn't it written in stone many years ago that Bugos daughters shall not pass this way? So....what gives?

Mary and Banjo before show...Banjo having pre-show jitters as he is for sure the "little guy", and youngest for sure in the whole youth show. Minutes before entering the line up for pony's under 52".

September 8th at the Pottawatomie County Youth Horse Show. Mary is showing Banjo for the first time in a halter class. Stiff competition to the left in a perfectly matured Welsh gelding going around Mary to be placed 1st in the class. Mary awaits her judgement call as does little Banjo who by the way was the "perfect pony" in ringside manners. (yea, she should have shown him in showmanship, they were a perfect team!)

Leaving the show ring, that by the way was about 103 in the shade and Mary's espression tells that! Banjo, feeling pretty cool actually, placed 3rd in the class, but not bothered a bit as he know's what he is made of...assuring her of better day's ahead...he kept his head high, knowing he is still coming into his prime.

Mary and Banjo after the show. Not bad for their first ever show! Next year they will shine in showmanship AND halter class, who knows, maybe even cutting a barrel or two....just watch!

Zoo Daze Craze

2007-08-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

On August 7th, 2007 the Bugos Clan visited the Oklahoma City Zoo animals... and had a blast! Jacob and J.P. were out of their minds!

Jacob was here elaborating on the AWESOME snakes he saw in the reptile exhibit.. some were literally bigger then him!

Smiles, smiles, smiles
and cheeze on top of that!

Mom and Jake-ba chill with Boorab, the mighty hare

they befrend while reading Brian Jacques' "Redwall" series.

Now it is late, and

J.P. gets in a pouty mood when he gets tired.

At this point, he was to dramatic to look at his favorite animal - the zebra!

..see, Mary still loves ears.

Mom feeds everybody, even the wild ass that has a big sign saying "Please don't feed me".

Here we come, walking down the street...

2007-08-23T15:14:00.000-07:00

You have to Kiss a lot of Frogs.....

Before you ever find .......

A Prince!.....

2007-08-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Jamie, Sam, Drew, Meb, Jake, and John Paul all got to ride on the carousel ($.75 ea.!). We selected our favorite animals, such as an ocelot, a wild boar, a tiger. The best seat though was that of Marty the Zebra, which J.P. refused to leave without riding and hugging good-bye.

Thus, off we went to the merry tunes of "Pop Goes the Weasel" or "Do Your Ears Hang Low".

King of the Jungle.....

The wild animal clan!

Danger Ranger

2007-07-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Who is this cool dude today?

Is he Piderman, or Captain Pohn Jollie?

Or a Blue Power Ranger who knows

that his cuteness is a danger?

Summer Days

2007-07-13T07:12:00.000-07:00

Taste the Milky Way..... ICECREAM!! ON Sunday, Dad brought out the beloved old ice-cream machine, and we all set to churning. Jam, Sam, Drew, Meb, and Jake all churned till our arms ached, ( while J.P. menacingly threatened us with a hose), but we all had fun!

In the end, the result was fabulous! There is simply no better ice-cream then Dad's homestyle ice-cream. Wish you girls where here!

Graduation Night

2007-07-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

I think it was a strange awakening for our family, as we watched the Jamie and her LPN classmates graduation ceremony at Gordon Cooper. It kindof brought home to me how much work and trial the girl has gone through, and how definitely she deserves the honor and awards given her that night.

Jam conquers, with God's grace. She recieved the award of best student of the year, with a 97% overall. She also was the class Seceratary, and won a $1000 nursing scholarship. I think she viewed that as a definite bonus!

Afterwards, I found this picture from Norman Rockwell. I thougth that it resembled Jamie pretty well. A good girl, ready to conquer the world, and bold as sugar!

Photo Time

2007-06-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Can you tell who everybody is?

P.S. We also enjoyed our time with Grandma and Grandpa Higgy, as well as the Husted Bunch. We went to the Mississipi River over by the Butterworth Park, were we played and slid, and swung, and monkeyed around. We got to see the new makeover that Grandma and her helpers did to the kitchen and living room (it is gorgeous). And of course, we enjoyed Grandma's homemade brownies. (Hey Grandma, can I put those in this year's fair. Their copyrighted aren't they?)

However, we are lacking good pictures from that afternoon, but I am planning on nabbing some from Sara. So hold on till then!

2007-06-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Vacation 2007!

2007-06-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dave and Jake

Vacation 2007 brought us a trip that was practically perfect in every way. We had a great time! During the reunion at Roger and Sue's, we got to see lots of family, shared good food, and played a crazy game of shaving cream whiffle ball.

Nick and Jennifer

Roger and Sue had a litter of 9 puppies, three boys and 6 girls (can you guess what we named them?) that all of us enjoyed immensely. They set up a little pen outside, and all of the kids got in with the puppies, while of the adults circled around, snapping pictures like crazy. You know, there is nothing cuter than kids and puppies.

Grandma still masters the Grandma look, and we discovered that John Paul has inherited it! She really bonded with Jake and J.P. while we were there. Can you believe it, she can still flip J.P. inside out! She's like 85!! Yeah, we have a pretty crazy Grandma.

Grandpa taught Jacob the art of pool, which he really loved. However, when Grandpa wasn't looking, Jacob preferred to play his own finger smashing game. Gramps showed us pictures of his fish, and also some of the beautiful mission rosaries that he makes. As Jam said, 'Grandma may get a little harder of hearing, but things really don't change much there'.

The Journey to McDonalds

2007-05-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

J.P. loves to go to McD's. Nearly every day, when he's outside, he'll suddenly start marching down the driveway saying "Oop, it's time go McDonowds", and away he goes.

Sometimes we'll give him a coup of pennies, or a dollar and then his little legs will take him all the way to the top of the road.

Sometimes, he'll only reach the first bend.

Suddenly he'll about-turn and say "No, its to far. We'll go tomorrow".

his boy thrives on Irish dance days, when Mom takes him and Jake-ba to McD's.

The King and His Little Side Kick

2007-05-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

CHA TIME!!

2007-05-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Mom and Mary spent a good part of Mother's Day in a quaint little black hackney-like buggy.
You can see the smiles shining!! Mom cried when Dad presented it to her, Dandin groaned, and Mary almost broke her little face smiling.

Well, as J.P. says: ..Go Go Cha Race!

Headline:Brother and Sister Are Poons;Turn Into Wild Animals

2007-05-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

To the best of the investigator's knowledge, two young siblings in McLoud, Oklahoma recently were changed into wild possums after being "Poons". An official J.P. definition of "Poon" is: any brother or sister who is being a) a goose,
b) an eeiot, c) a funny cha racer, or d) any just having a good wholesome time.

Oklahoma Rising

2007-05-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Praise God!!! May ushered in 8 days straight of t-storms, giving the Centennial song
"Oklahoma Rising" a new meaning!

- Check out these cool pics. These are both shots
of the water that goes under (or over) our
driveway. At one point, the water was about 40 ft. across the drive, and 3 feet deep!!

Silly Faces!

2007-04-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

Two red hats,

And two blue coats,

Two sweet smiles,

And four sweet hands.

Two Little People,

Peering out at us.

Photo Caption Contest

2007-04-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Without any inention of being mean to Jamie, I thought that this cute picture was just crying out for a really good caption.

Thus, I leave it up to you .

Easter 2007

2007-04-11T05:58:00.000-07:00

The Very Odd Egg...

The Egg Searchers....

..and the clutch of chicks.
(plus a little Peck or two!)

2007-04-11T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Official Birthday Party

2007-03-26T14:59:00.000-07:00

The Official Birthday Ice-cream licker & dripper....

The Official Birthday - Hat - Trier - Oner....

The Official Box of the" Oh, I think we forgot one"
Birthday Present...

And the Official 19 year old Birthday Girl

P.S. - Please appreciate above photo, as birthday girl is practically impossibly uncooperative in portrait taking.

Notes of Joy

2007-03-09T19:51:00.000-08:00

A Bugos Family Congratulations to Mom and Dad Fugikawa,
proud parents of a chubby little son!

Also.. Congratulations to our dear John and Sassy who have
announced their blessed engagement!

Life is crazy... it moves fast -
check out http://romanceinrome.blogspot.com for Sass and John pics

Who is this Kid!?

2007-03-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

Blog Spots

2007-01-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

aMom, rubbing Nico's belly, muses to herself, " I wonder what is causing all of Nico's hair to fall out?". Jacob pipes up ," Mom, you have to understand the technology of a cat. It's just heretics".

a Jacob's latest conversation topic : Government Proof Society.

a Recently, Jacob announced that his sweet tooth has evaporated. Unfortunately, it has been replaced by an industrial sized one.

a Jamie has again blessed the family with a blond moment. During one quick school lunch break, she took off to Walmart just in order to purchase a key hider for the outside of her car, for as she said, " I just knew someday I would lock myself out".
Arriving at Walmart - she locked the keys in the car.

Catan In Space

2007-01-21T08:40:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve found us playing yet

another heated Catan game. Complete

with club sodas, and chocolate lattes

it was a great event. The weird phenomena of

floating dice overcoming the forces of gravity

only added to the effect. God Bless

Klaus Teuber and Jason too! Catan Rocks!

The Setup :

2007-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

An Ode For Snow

It snowed.
We went outside to play.
We had the most incredible day,
The day that it snowed.

It snowed.
Outside we slipped.
We slided.
We sleded.
The day that it snowed.

It snowed.
We laughed.
We cried.
We bled.
We fell in the creek.
The day that it snowed.

We thank God,

for the day that it snowed.

Snow Daze

2007-01-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Go to ImageShack® to Create your own Slideshow

Dick the Fish

2007-01-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

This glowing, bumby- headed-Gromit-like goldfish was found floating around on Christmas Day, left by good ol' St. Nicholaus. It was Dad's one heart-felt wish come true!

Now he greets young Dick every morning, faithfully taking one cup of old water out of his watery home and putting one cup clean water in.

He feeds Dick, too.

Dick is a good fish

2007-01-01T08:46:00.000-08:00

Mary Elizabeth HorseRaiser Strawberry Kara Bugos

her brave horse

Banjo!!

Thanks to you Adam, Life is No Longer Perfect

2007-01-01T08:36:00.000-08:00

2007-01-01T08:13:00.000-08:00

The Bored Kids Gang