Christmas Creations

Apple pie jam and oatmeal pancake mix....all packaged and ready to go!! 12 more gifts done!

The sweetest thing

My 5 year old announced as she climbed into the truck after preschool today that she knew what she wanted for Christmas!

3 Mommy's and 2 Daddies.


More Mommy's to do all the work and one Daddy to send to work all the time. That would leave you Mom and Dad with nothing to do but play and have fun with me.

How sweet is THAT!?!?!?!

More on the cake.

The idea for the cake came from my good friend Camille and wonderous internet searching abilities. (she also found me a great white sweater last night on e bay...and I won it! thanks Cam!!)

One look at the model and G was SOLD! Monkey cake for her birthday it was.

The ears are doughnuts if that doesn't make it just the bomb.

Hubby came to the rescue with it however. You did have to "paint" a kidney shaped pink mouth with frosting. There was simply no way I was going to be able to make this straight. I roll the paint....he trims. So, it was a joint effort. He did a great job don't you think?

I am responsible for the taste, cupcakes and eyes. The rest was all Daddy! :)

There's a 3 year old in the house!!

Here she is!


We had a great day and did all that she requested. We went swiming in the afternoon. I have no pictures of that as having spent another wad on a new camera I've turned super paranoid and won't take it near water. I'll hopefull get over that. She had a blast there.

We came home and had pizza and salad as requested. Then opened gifts.

She got many nice things. One thing we gave her was the above scooter. She loves it. Good job Mom and Dad!!


So, we knocked out favorite sporting activity....swiming....pizza supper...with yellow tablecloth and balloons all over. All we needed was to end the night with Monkey cake. Thanks to Dad...we totally rocked that!!

Happier Endings

Son got more angry...got sent to room....for hours....later came out on his own accord and gave me a hug goodnight....and later when I went back to check on the troops...discovered he cleaned his room. Preteens make NO SENSE!!

So...playing with new camera...I think this one will work for my low light house!! :)

Conversation with J over art project an hour ago he was excited to complete....

J: MY TEACHER IS A STUPID IDIOT!!

Me: Why? What happened?

J: Loud voice reexplains assignment (which to me sounds exactly like what he explained before)

Me: Sounds like the assignment is what you explained to me before, but you where fine about it before, what changed?

J: YOUR NOT LISTENING!!! UGGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Me: I'm trying, please tell me what changed

J: AHHHUUUUUGGGGGGG!!!!! Stomping out of the room

and so it goes.

Ta-Da

I did it.

30 days of ramble.

I think perhaps next year I could plan a little better or something. But this kind of activity jumpstarts a person a bit. I should post more otherwise what is the point of having a blog right?

I should also have something fabulous to end the month with. But I don't. I ran and did things non stop today from 6:30 until now when I sat down at 9pm. We didnt' even get home from running around until a bit after 8. The girls were exhausted doing that coming off a holiday weekend.

J started wrestling season today. He was shot too....went straight to bed after having oatmeal for snack. I remember why I like wrestling season now.

I think I"m going to have ice cream now. MIL is trying to convince me to do weight watchers with her in January. I should. So ice cream tonight it is.

Enough ramble for November. See you next month.

Procrastination

With our adoptions we have agreements to exchange letters and pictures. Gifts if their bio parents want to, but not obligated by any means. I have 4 kids. 1 letter was extremely late (however I don't currently have a place to send it so its just late on my list of things to do and it was bugging me) 2 letters are a month late. And 1 letter is due this week. I typically aim for about 3 pages. 12 pages is a lot to write in one day. Lets hope I learned something. In any case they are written, printed, pictures passed out to them and ready to go. Go me!

While on this wrote a kicked out a Christmas letter too. I promise it was braggy.

I'm feeling better so hope I will sleep better tonight. I haven't slept well the past 4 nights and its taking its toll. To much on the to do list. Procrastination is just bad!!

Moving

We helped BIL and family unload their moving van today. You can tell a lot about a persons personality I think by the way they organize a move. You just can't hide your personality in that.

If you are a type A person...your boxes are labled. You have multiple sharpies, you might even hape color coded sharpies. You have a tape gun. Everything is in a box. Everyone knows when they are helping to unload your truck where each and every one of those boxes are to go in the new house. You know for sure who is sleeping in each bedroom. You might even have a special box labled so that a person could quickly use the contents to make up the beds. You might have another box set up so that a person could quickly freshen a bathroom and make it ready to use.

My newest in town relies aren't so much type A people. They seem happy enough however...so this more type A person did her best today to just let it ride. I think I did ok. By 5 though I was greatful almost that my husband wasn't feeling well and my 2 year old was exhausted and we needed to leave instead of staying for chile drank out of solo plastic cups. Having them here in town might help me loosen up a bit maybe. It might take a few years though.

Its all good.

Black Friday Fun

I like shopping on Black Friday. So many people I hear go on and on about the nuttiness of it and how they wouldn't be caught dead. However there are a good many of us out there that were up and at 'em this morning....loving the comotion.

Hubby and I went. We had fun....and we bought lots...for us! LOL. Our Christmas is about done at least in the gift department. I got a camera :) Nicon coolpix D90. And he a video camera. Sony something. I didn't get to play with either as I was at an all day cookie bake event. Tommorow though....OH and we bought a Bissel steam mop. I've been wanting one for a good while...and have considered this one. It was on sale at Target for $50...half price!! We also bought 9 kid gifts for nieces and nephews. Done with those. Thats happy.

I'll be sure to report in on all the toys in the coming days.

Right now I'm going to sleep....and sleep in! Its the lovely sleep that occurs AFTER black Friday. I love that too.

It may appear....

That I didn't blog yesterday. But I did. On my other blog...my recipe one that I only post recipes on. Only now it has a post on it that isn't a recipe. Just a rambley thing. But I"m to tired to see if its even possible to move it over to here.

BUT...I DID blog.

Thanksgiving was a great day, lots of driving, but peaceful, and the kids, all of them, were very good.

Now I need to go grab a few hours sleep before we go shop!

Cya!

Whoops!

Busy getting ready for holiday dontcha know. Me and everyone else LOL. Almost forgot to blog....but alas....another ingenius ramble coming right up.

Holiday cranks ups everyone hormones, 11 year olds included. He is on edge, but the battles we've fought the last few weeks seem to be holding some weight, and we made it through tonight with just one trip to the garage.

The 9 year old had herself in a snit too. She isn't happy with the effects she caused...but she dealt.I'm very thankful for the little girls tonight.

They ask me to pray for happy dreams for them tonight, and tonight they also prayed that everyone will wake up happy. It is important to pray for those hormones too.I pray that happiness overall will prevail in your houses tommorow as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Just call me Betty....

LOL

I've been a fool in the kitchen today!!

I made:

2 pans of salted nut rolls for cookie exchange

4 qt of oatmeal pancake mix for gifts (to go with jam I made Sunday)

pumpkin bread (cause I was hungry for it and the girls could help make it)

pumpkin pie (because I still had 3 cans of pumpkin sitting here)

cheesy potatos and ham in the crock'd pot (because we'll probably need to eat dinner and once I sit down I won't want to move)

And I have 3 loads of laundry pushed through the machines and two more in the machines.

I'm feeling accomplished today!

I Lied

I told you I'd talk more about the jam today, I'm to lazy to upload pictures tonight. Nah.S

So, I started reading blogs trying to become inspired.

I read about my friend Becky on my friend Stephanie's blog, which was really cool, but sent me in another direction of thought.....but alas, nothing blog worthy.

I read about another adoptive Mom's fight for 3 hours a peace. (she lost) I couldn't relate to it at this particular junction as 3 hours peace? nah.

I read about another friends making cut out cookies with her daughter. That would be fun. Some day. Not today. Or tomorrow. Or even this month.

I read lots of good blogs, but alas, not inspired. I'm thinking its probably me, not so much all you fabulous bloggers!

Mondays are so chuck full of "stuff" by the end of the day all I can think about is bed. So thats what I'm going to write about.

For my husbands birthday I bought him a heated matress pad. I LOVE it. You turn in on when you get your jammies on, then you go do those 50 million one last things you gotta do before you actually go to bed. THEN you climb in. And OH its a wonderful thing. A giant heating pad relaxing all those muscles.

I do turn mine off once I get in or I get to hot. Imagine that in the coldmans land.

I probably owe DH another bday present. I'm not sure who enjoys his more.

Thats all I got!

Ahhh Weekends

We had a nice one and I'm sad to see it go. Sigh.

We had date night Friday night and got to see a truely good movie.

Saturday the "men" went hunting, and while they didn't get anything, they had a good time. I took the girls shopping/looking and while the little ones napped talked to a friend on the phone.

Saturday night we took the kids to the holiday parade and then brought them home and let them eat candy for snack. Got them all in bed and hubby went out and grabbed cheeseburgers which we ate in bed while watching 3 episodes of NCIS season 4. (we started from the beginning and are determinded to watch them in order. We should be caught up in another year at our rate LOLOL)

Today we went to church, came home and DH and H made pancakes with orange sauce and fried eggs. The little girls went for a nap, I made apple pie jam with J's help. Then BIL and SIL came over and we watched the Vikings win another one.

We had ham for dinner and now I"m waiting for DH to finish up some work before we watch a show and call it a night.

The fighing/children issues were relatively mild. Say it once and walk away truely works. I need to get hubby to get better at it. I hate to correct but I sent him away from J tonight over a minorish issue. I just can't bear the thought of back tracking. Say it once and DO NOT ARGUE with him. J is very good at asking all kinds of questions when cornered, asking questions in a snotty arguemenative way. I don't and won't answer them.

Busy week on deck, but I fell like I have a good plan in place and I'm ready. So bring in on.

I will post more about my jam tommorow.

You can hardly wait right?

Lets Go to the Movies.......Lets go see a show......!

Big movie weekend.

Everyone and their dog is apparently going to see "New Moon"

Not me. I read the book in desparate hope that it would get better. That the main character would develop a back bone. That we wouldn't slip further into a teenager completely losing themselves over some sappy idea of what love is. It just keeps slipping. I need a movie where the female lead has spunk. Has personality. Has something a person can aspire too. I knew I wouldnt find it in "New Moon" So we went to Blind Side

(actually I let hubby pick between that and 2012, he needed to have a turn to pick, I was glad then and really glad now that he picked Blind Side)

The movie is based on a true story. Sandra Bulock was awesome in it. Kathy Bates is in it too, and I just love her so we were already off to a great start. The entire audience laughed in this movie, cried, wanted to yell NO! Don't! a few times. It really draws you in and keeps you moving the entire 2 hours. It makes you want to stay watching to see what happens next. The really fun part is you get too! Because its based on a true story! The credits included picture from the real life people so make sure you stay for that.

Yes, it does involve some football, so I realize some who are not football people might be turned off...don't be. Its not so much about football, as football is just part of the story. Its about the difference one person can have on another person life. Its about how doing something for another can give back to you more then you can imagine. Its just, well, go see it. And come back and let me know what you think.

I will be very surprised if you don't like it.

IT WORKED!!!!

He got up today....we were on time

AND


THE VERY BEST PART


HE WAS


PLEASANT!!!!!!!!



Seriously, he actually chatted. He didnt' do anything mean to any of the girls. It was the most pleasant morning we've had in like 6 months.

We had a few short conversations last night about behaviors. And what would happen if he choose to hurt anyone or any thing in the house. On the phone to DH he talked a bit about the morning and DH later told me he was almost crying about it.

This stuff is sooooooo hard. I hate it. I hate having to push through the hurt feelings on both sides and make him tow the line. But I know he needs to. He needs to learn this.

But it still makes me take a really long time out in the garage digging for stuff for dinner while I compose myself.

The New Morning Routine Part 2

Yesterday after school went well! I did NOT bring up the morning incident (another Dr L rule) and he was polite when I picked him up. I suggested an activity for him to do he chose others which I could find no fault with (he replaced the RO system filters and clean the fireplace glass...all his own ideas with 0 prompting from me....he is a unique kid in this I tell ya)

Dr L is right...these principles DO work....AND it WILL get worse before it gets better.

Here's the worse part.

I did the same thing for waking up today. He actually said "good morning Mom" when I woke him. I can NOT remember the last time I was greeted like that. Its ALWAYS a grunt, a snarl or a complaint. If I'm really lucky, all 3. I nearly skipped...all is well! He is going to get up, this battle is over...I won! Life is good!

HA!!!

The kid never moved. 8:00 came and DH and H left (I had to stop DH from calling for him though....he is more nervous about any of this stuff working....of course he is absent for 95% of the battles too) But they left. With out J. The battle began.

MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY LEFT ME?????????????????????

CALL DAD RIGHT NOW AND MAKE HIM COME AND GET ME!!!!!!

DO YOU GUYS JUST HATE ME OR WHAT???????

(repeat...add threats)

He finally stomps out to the kitchen where I am doing my best to continue business as usual. I calmly said, I woke you on time, you know your ride leaves at 8.

HOW AM I SUPPOSE TO KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS!!!!!!! NO ONE TELLS ME ANYTHING!!!!!!!!

the same way the rest of us figure out what time it is
(notice when I speak I am putting it in small print...to keep myself from yelling I tell myself to speak low and slow...it works for me)

J STOMPS into the study and picks up the little girls doll house and throws it across the room.

This isn't flying in my house anymore. I took him and put him outside. I've done this one other time and I'm going to keep doing it. I've tried other methods when he does stuff like this and nothing has worked. The rule in this house is if you abuse other people or their things you are outside. You may come back in when you can calmly knock on the door and apologize. If after apology you continue with your justifying you will be put back outside. Repairs/clean up must be made to anything you destroyed as well.

He got back in before I could get all the door lock and continued with his fit calling me names and then going back to the study where he threatened to throw doll house at me. I just put him back outside.

Outside he threw all the pumpkins off the porch and started beating on the house. I told him if he continued to abuse my house I would call the police. And at this point, I would have. He needs to learn NOW that actions have consequences before things escalate to the next level.

Eventually he knocked and apologized.

He came in, started with his justifying.

He went back out.

He apologized again and went to his room to pout.

After 20 minutes I went by his room (continueing my business) and said I would take him to school when the pumpkin mess was cleaned up.

Another 10 minutes and he went out and did it.

I called the school and told them what was going on. I asked for either the principal or Dean to talk with him a bit. I told the secretary the reason (he wouldn't get his hiney out of bed) That the note I was sending with him might not actually make it to her. She chuckled a bit and said she would give them the message.

He was very polite on the ride to school. I told him to have a good day and that I loved him, like usual, he said OK.

Did you hear my huge sigh?????

Here is the warning NO ONE TOLD ME ABOUT. If you have boys WATCH OUT AROUND AGE 10.5. THE HORMONES WILL COME AND THE BOY YOU KNEW WILL BECOME INHABITED BY SOMEONE YOU DON"T KNOW. PERIODICALLY THE BOY YOU KNEW WILL APPEAR, BUT THE OTHER ONE WILL COME IN HIS PLACE RANDOMLY AND CAUSE ALL SORTS OF UNDO HAVOC. BE PREPARED. HAVE A PLAN.

I've also been told that it levels out again starting around 13 or so.

I can't spell

The book is: "Have a New Kid by Friday"

The author is "Dr Kevin Leman"

Please change spelling in post below this...I'm to tired and lazy to do it

11 year old boy issue #.....oh heck I lost count

I've been reading the book "Have a New Kid by Friday" by Dr Leeman. I'm going to need to read this several times. I'm no helicopter/premissive parent. I tend to lean towards authoritarian when up against the wall....which is EXACTLY where the 11 year wants me to be. Anyway. If you have read this book by him you know what I'm talking about.

In the book, one of the big things is to say it once, then walk away.

Around here mornings go like this, Wake up girls, wake up J, 3 minutes later call for J again, dress little girls, give J another call, finish all female heads of hair, tell J that the bathroom is his now, feed little girls, give J a more threatening call, put shoes and coats on girls YELL at Ja. I probably left out a few calls. You get the idea though.

Today, was implementation day on the Leeman theories, at least in the AM. I woke him up, I came back a few minutes later and talked to him about the best wardrobe choices due to the weather and left. We talked, he was awake.

At 8am we left the house and got in the truck. A certain 11 year old came running out of the house with the snarliest expression possible on that face I love so much and he yelled at me, "what are you doing???? You didn't even call for me??????"

I CALMLY said, I did, twice, remember? And you know we leave at 8.

Another snarly look followed as he flew in the house and grabbed book bag, coat and shoes. The fact that I had to defrost saved his hiney. I did not say another word. Not even about his hair which was pointing in roughly 140 different directions. I'm sure his teeth were less then shiney clean too. I think Dr. L would have been proud of me though. I got all kinds of faces. Not a word from me until drop off when I said as sweetly as I could, have a great day guys, I love you!

I got more snarl....how could it be a good day when you treat me this way....blah blah lots of 11 year old boy ick. No bad words though.

We have not discussed this at all since pick up. AND he has been fairly decent human being this afternoon.

We'll see how tomorow AM goes.

Vacation Dreaming....

The Front part of my week usually leaves me wishing I were back here.....

Ahhh Mexico, I miss you tonight!!

Tired

Its been a looooong day so today you get a picture.

THIS is how my son moves the lawnmower from the garage to the shed for the winter:

Report Cards

We got them!

Proud of my kiddos so far this year....all A's and B's!! Keep up the good work.

Sick count here: S still fighting a nasty cold, DH some improved, resting helped I think, G is

ALL BETTER I"M GOING BYE BYE TODAY MOM!

That was her subtle way of letting me know that she had had enough time in the house I believe.

Movie Reviews:

Ice Age, Age of the Dinosaur: If you liked the other installments, you'll like this one too B

Imagine That: Cute, a little slow perhaps, I'd give it a C+

Kids are all in bed after watching the Vikes win (we DVR it and watch it at supper time typically). Then we laughed at some You Tube videos and called it a weekend. We're fun like that.

Over and out

Land of the Illish

Fever's have all broken....but the three sick ones are still not 100% by any means. We rented a bunch of movies and have the projector and screen home from Hubbies work. Movie night part two is about ready to commence.

BUT

Have you noticed that on weekends where you want and can hole up and just "be" together....the phone keeps ringing??? And weekends where you are just ITCHING to get OUT and about, it stays quiet. The phone here keeps ringing....you start to feel guilty a bit telling everyone no....but NO. We're staying home together.

Movie review so far....

Hannah Montana movie? Actually pretty good as family flicks go. I am missing after watching this where it shows the father being protrayed in a bad light. I am no Hannah Montana expert, but he did fine in the movie! He actually did really well.

Clarrissa (American Girl Series) Good one on Bulling and how to handle it.

Up tonight....Ice Age and Imagine That.

And the phone might go off the hook.

Family Relationships

Here's an idea!

We had a speaker a few weeks back that really stuck a cord with me with her statement in regarding our relationships with our kids. When they reach the age of 18, and get ready to leave our homes....its rare the person that is thinking "my life is over!!" Rather, its quite the opposite.

Having a relationship with our kids later means having a relationship with them now, while they are in our homes. Her talk continued in traditions that are started that help to foster them.

One example that she gave us was the importance of having dinner together. We're pretty good at doing this. (smiling here, feeling good) She brought up how important whole family discussions are at these dinners. (no longer smiling...feeling a little guilty...cause yes...some days being able to talk to hubby, a fellow grownup, well.....anyway) SO. She gave an example that her family used that I've now implemented in ours. That is talking turns asking a question.

For example, the 9 year old tonight asked what our favorite hobbies were. This was a little tricky for the 2 and 5 year old....but they came up with decent ones, and learned what hobbies were...all good! The conversation then went towards dream hobbies if money, space and time were not issues. Good answers there!

Me: photography,
DH: hunting
J: he build an airplane
H: Either write or read as much as she wants
S: Become a mermaid
G: Become a monkey

Did you notice the age difference and change in response??

LOL
monkey.

I had an idea....

I did. I had several great ideas on things to blog about. But when I actually GET to the computer? Nada. I've read on facebook, I've read other blogs, I'm a total blank. Sitting quietly with my eyes clothes trying to think also failed as I nearly fell asleep.

So, if this happens or has happened to you...what do you do to combat it.

I think it had something to do with the kids.......

Still sick

First full sick day. I cleaned off piles on kitchen coutner and wiped down cabinet fronts. Oh and cleaned off the tops of washing machine and dryer. Amazing how much lint gets stuck there. Productive.

The patient is getting bored, so maybe getting better....BUT still has fever so we'll be home again tommorow. I'm thinking if she is better I might get less "extras" done. Oh well.

Big Salute going out to you veterns who are of the saluting nature.

OOOOH RAHHHH! to those of you who don't

Hola

My darling 5 year old is sick. Sigh. Her head hurts and she has a fever, 101.1, nothing outrageous, but obviously something isn't "right" so we will be laying low and seeing what develops. She is my kid voted "most likely to come down with something" It really doesn't seem fair.

Allowed tempremental 11 year old to go to friends house to see the newest addition to the neighborhood....a box turtle. Peace reigns in the house this afternoon.

I'm heading out to MOPS night out tonight...we're going to the movies. Yeah me!

Now that your all updated, I'll leave you with my new verse to memorize:

For I am God's beautiful masterpiece!

He created ME anew in Christ Jesus so I can do the good things He planned for me, long ago

Eph. 2:10

Mother

M aking

O others

T ime

H ere on

E earth

R eally

"S pecial"


*** Note sarcasm.

Yes, its been one of "those" days

Home

I went to a Hearts at Home Conference this weekend. I'm becoming a bit of a junky with those I think. Not on purpose, it just so happens that when they come around, there are others that are going and I'm able to go with. And I enjoy them. Its a great way to recharge my batteries as a stay at home Mom. I'll probably have a few posts this week on what I learned this week.

Meanwhile I'm taking a breather. Mom being gone for 36 hours makes for 5 people who want individual Mom time....pretty much all at the same time! Whew! I was awaken early this morning hearing the 2 year old come into my room...she ran back to go wake her 5 year old sister whispering loudly "MOMS HOME!" Does a heart good to be missed!

I ran around all morning trying to hit everyones needs....and now, the boys went fishing, big sister is at a friends house, little girls are sleeping. All of a sudden I'm alone!

Feast or Famine!

Quote of the Day

We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.

Clarence Day

Joke for ya....

Q. What did the mama cow say to the baby cow?





A. It's pasture bed time



Night!!

Home Day 2

S was here this AM. We were all entertained. The TV stayed off until the after lunch routine and no one even asked. She and G stayed busy, I got the bedroom deep cleaned and the bathroom put back together. I'm going to miss her badly next fall! Other then the fact that she is already sooooooo excited to go, I think I'd try to keep her here until G was ready to go.

Not really. But its tempting.


Today they played "colcano" You try to correct them and get them to say volcano.

They were rescueing critters right and left. The worst was G's "Roar" Sophia looked at me very seiously and said that even though they had given him all the best medicine, she didn't think he was going to pull through. I said, of all the critters this one HAS to pull through. HAS TO. She came back to the kitchen in a bit and said, ok, I made a deal, he only has to be dead for 3 days. Then he'll be fine.

Apparently we have some more to learn in regard to death. I'm just glad he'll make it.


****yes Roar is a stuffed lion and yes I do know he is not alive, and not because he succumed to his volcano injuries.

Wednesday

Today was try it out at home day with G and I. S is our mover and shaker. She has great things to do ideas when we are home. I've been honing in on her skills lately as it recently dawned on me that her care free preschool days are numbered. She will soon need to join the land of school age children. This will leave G and myself home alone together for the first time in her life! *GASP* What will we actually "do"????

This summer I easily filled our calendar with activities to do together while S spent her few hours a week in preschool. Easey Peasey. Unfortunately, the Wednesday morning plan has fallen apart. It was a church bible study thing. It has issues. Issues I don't want to blog about because its one "rock" I am trying my very dangest (is that a word?) to leave on the shelf. My church makes me upset. There is little I can do about it. I keep chanting to myself, its the current government of it, it has nothing to do with your faith. Ignore it the best you can. So I won't blog about it. Because I'll get upset. Anyway. It looks like Wednesdays are going to be practice at home days without S.

We weren't overly "hot" at it. I lasted 1 1/2 hour before caving and turning on the TV....but only for one more hour. Before that we did playdough and markers. G is simply not used to entertaining herself because, well, as the youngest? She's never had too. We will need more practice.

Meanwhile I did get some paper piles attacked. The bathroom floor was put in (LOVE IT) and paid some bills (DO NOT LOVE IT) and now I'm waiting to go pick up nephew from school as he has early release and then hopefully get the little girls down for naps before the other two big kids come home. Church tonight.

Day 3

I almost forgot! Not exactly a stellar start here.

Ummm....lets see......

I'm going to blame the weather on my lack of creativity here. It went back to grey and rain today. Its all rather depressing. Summer was cool and yuck. Fall has been rainey and grey. These things do not help the ol' mood or the creative anything.

So, here is a list of random things floating about my brain tonight:

* I'm on a tea kick. I had fallen off the bandwagon of one can of pop a day lately (yes, 3 or 5 were not uncommon) and it was not agreeing with the body well at all. Hence the addition of tea. Chai tea to be specific. With different flavored creams. Its working.

* Today is my half birthday

* My hubby rescued me today by bringing home McD's for dinner before going off to another meeting. He's a keeper that one!

* I really liked the irreverance in the last book I read in the Spellman series. Thanks Becky for the recomendation.

* I'm looking forward to the MOPS book club book. It has recipes in it. YUM!

* I'm actually looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. Holidays anymore tend to mean a lot of work for Mom. A lot of emotions, expectations. They leave me just spent. I'm trying to figure out how to make this better. This year I'm heading to my Aunts. I think it will be good.

* My son is amazingly handy. He vacummed out the toilet tonight after flushing it and all that so that it ready to be ripped off in prep for the floor being installed tommorow. And right now he helped his uncle find our trickle battery charger. Cause like I'd have a clue where that was.

* My daugher actually will listen and follow advice I give her. This is shocking as my other kids take every bit of advice I offer them with large bits of skepticism. I need to be more aware of this.

* My next daughter needs to have her ears checked.....note to self...call doctor!

* My 2 year old is crazy. Yesterday she cried because "Roar" was mad at her. Roar is her stuffed lion, he is nearly as big as she is and sleeps with her faithfully. This is just an example. I love her craziness.

* I tend to think sentimentally of my children when they are asleep.

* My husband is a half an hour late right now, he should be home in another half an hour.

* I'm excited to be going to Hearts at Home this weekend, even if it makes me a Hearts at Home Junky

* I need to call my friend Robin in the AM.

* I'm not loving my new blackberry. I got it by default, buy one get one free for the business, and they had one more free one. I mostly just want to be able to answer the phone. Which twice today I was not able to do resulting in my need to call my friend Robin in the AM. I would also like to figure out how to get rid of the 400 plus emails it has on there....I do not have that many in my actual email box. Its like saved every email I've had in the last month.

* Wrong! Hubby home, randomness done for now.

Ugh. To complain about Monday, so well....but I"m gonna, even though its not Mondays fault

I was pretty good this weekend....in regard to all the candy that now lives at my house. I didn't go crazy on sweets. I promise. So, how come I feel totally ew. Kind of like I did when I was a kid and went to my Grandma's were I ate bun after bun layered with jelly...and then had dessert. Throw in a time change and I'm completely messed up. The kids are just cranky. Hubby said he just felt blah, so he put on a tie and hoped dressing up a bit with jazz him up. I changed from the jammies I really wanted to stay in. I'm calling that good.

BOGO sale at payless this year if your kids have already grown out of or otherwise damaged shoes, zip on over. My oldest daughters walks mostly on her toes, her heel does lightly touch the ground, so there isn't any issues with her tendons or what not, its just how she walks and let me tell you, the muscles she has developed because of it? Walk on your toes, and think about what muscles are being flexed. Yup, we should all just walk on our toes. Accept for this ittsy bitsy problem. Shoes are not typically designed for this and yes, she wears out the toes. She has a hole on the bottom of her shoe. 2 months of regular use, like 4 times a week wear, and they are shot. Thank you BOGO, we're good to go again.

OK...break time about done, time to go do the preschool pick up.

NoBloMo...whatever

I for the life of me can NOT remember the funky spelling of the group that encourages every day blogging during the month of November. The reasons behind it are good. I like a challenge. I'd like to give it a whirl. Just don't ask me to spell the name of the group who suggested it. Well, I'm assuming its a group. I don't know really. Anyway. Wish I could promise these posts would get better from here. Who knows, they might, they might not. Stay tuned.

So there you have, post, day 1.

Go VIKES!!

Time to get my football food going and enjoy the game. CYA TOMMOROW!!

Camera

Update on all those questions at the end of my last post.

Our camera is most likely gone. I can't help but feel it was stolen by one of their employees. The hotel has done everything in their power to allow the person responsible for it to get away scott free really. It has been a constant run around.

The manager who called to tell us it had been found and mailed to us? Totally wrong. Our name was NOT on said package. 4 days after the fact the person in charge of lost and found was finally notified and contacted us.

I'm so very sad about it. I know we left it behind, I take responsibility for that. What I don't get is someone taking something that isn't theirs and keeping it. Its unfathomable to me. Sigh.

Those memories too. Gone. Thats the worst part. My sons entire football season of pics. Gone. His 11 birthday and my DD's 5th. Gone.

Stuff

So many things. September is always busy with all the back to school everything and fall sports. The sports stop and we slide into birthday week and fall break from school. It just gets nutty...and ideally I'd like to record some of those thoughts here to remember at a later date. But actually getting here to do that? Never quite becomes reality. The fact that the 2 year old here spilt about 4 drips of diet coke on my keyboard resulting in the letters "asdfjkl;" not working. The asdf I get...thats where the drips were. But the jkl;? never got close to it!! Fortunately I have one month left on my warranty and got a new keyboard mailed here and I was able to install with ease...because well, I've done this before. Anyway. Recording thoughts while in the theores? Just didn't happen. So goes life around here.

Birthday week has come and gone....and was a sucess. J turned 11 on Tuesday last, I have mixed feelings on that one. Wow! 11 years, how did that happen...and oh my gosh we have a lot of adolescent years ahead of us. Hold on peeps! He did pay me a very nice compliment. DH was not going to be able to make it home for dinner. His excuse was extremely valid...the sort of excuse that is business changing like. Otherwise I would have thrown a stink. Birthdays rank in importance for me. Anyway. The compliment. I told J I would take him and his sisters out for dinner where ever he'd like to go. He said, "thats ok Mom, I like your cooking better" Did you hear my heart flip flop? But at the same time, darn, now I have to cook. The menu choosen by the birthday boy? Breakfast pizza, orange julius and peanut butter pie. Unique as the boy requesting. Mission accomplished Birthday was sufficiently happy. :)

Onto birthday number 2. Hubby's. As it turned out, we were out of town for the weekend. The kids and I were on a trip, Hubby was on a vacation. (We were in the same place) There is a BIG difference here. I do think he had a good enough time and liked his presents well enough. He certainly enjoyed the hugmongo strawberry margarita that went with his humongo plate of fajitas. He had no room for his strawberry shortcake.

Then birthday number 3. S, she turned 5!!!!!!!!! AHHH!!!!!!! She is just so "old" these days. So capable, so independent. So sure of herself so much of the time. She is is trying just so hard to be so big so fast. It happens when you have older siblings I guess. She had a fantastic day. She woke up in a hotel, had a doughnut for breakfast, went to a movie, went swiming, had pizza for dinner and chocolate Little Mermaid cake with a giant Little Mermaid balloon (I swear the thing is as big as her little sister). She got to sleep in the hotel again surrounded by her now unwrapped gifts. Life is great in the land of the 5 year old.

Wouldn't pictures to accompany this missive be just swell? It sure would. If I had them. We left the camera at the hotel. I've been just sick about it The hotel staff has been nightmarish to work with on this. We got word today that apparenly the head housekeeper had it, and mailed it. We are now trying to find out if she mailed it to US!

Well, to borrow my 2 year old words: "Mom, this is just super. Super Awesome" (said in a totall deadpanned manner)

Decisions

Thank you for prayers!!

I am a Catholic Adoptive Mother. I am 100% pro life. Had it been mine and my husbands decision, we would have welcomed any pregnancy...and as many as God sent to us. God had a different plan for us however. We would become a family through adoption. I have been so incredibly blessed by it...and there just aren't enough thank you's in the world to express what is in my heart.

Lately I have been frustrated that adoption means that I have to choose the sizee of my family. Does that make sense? We have 4 beautiful children we are busy raising. Most, to look at us, assume we are "done". And maybe we are. But how do you know?? If nature got to decide then maybe we wouldnt' be.

I have done some praying, but not enough. I get hung up on the unfairness of it, which is really odd for me. So much of the process hasn't been a struggle for me. Accepting our infertility wasn't this hard. The process wasn't overly hard to accept. So much of it I've been able to deal with reasonably well...or at least understandably.

But now? Not so well. I'm pushing 40 here. Its natural for people to think we are done. But I don't want to make this decision! Nor do I want to go through a process where I have to ask 4 people to again say, yup, they are ready to parent again. I don't want to ask a SW to agree with them, and have her ask her board. Sigh. I'm wishing for the first time in years and years that we could just be like other people. That we could have a whoops maybe if thats what God wants for us. And I do know that if God wanted to bless us with a whoops if it were his will. Some of this probably stems from the ability that we have had to say "when" thus far. Well, as much as any adoptive parents gets to say "when" lol, totally acknowledging that it was God who guided things.

I got to remember that God is still guiding. That we need to keep listening to him. I need to get over my stumbling blocks so I can hear.

That boy of mine

Its funny to come here and read my last post as I start to compose this one.

My son is so fantastic in so many ways. He is creative. He is a hard physical worker. He can keep up with any man out there in the physical endurance. He is so very tender hearted when it comes to animals. He talks big, but he will never be a hunter. He does very well with a variety of sports. He can sit down and figure out how to fix things that are mechanically broken. Ask any neighborhood kid, J is the one you talk to when your chain falls off your bike.

I love that boy so much I can't think about him and not tear up.

But he's having some struggles in other areas that have made life difficult lately. We're looking into some help with that. I don't have a lot of readers here, but for the ones I do, if you could please pray for my sons troubled heart I would appreciate it.

Thats all I can say as I've promised him complete confidentiality, which is hard too. I'm a talker! But I need very much to honor that. The reprecucissions of not keeping that promise are far to great. At the same time I need very much for him to be prayed for by as many people as are willing.

Thank you.

Your Lucky Parents

This was the statement my 10 year old made as he strolled into our bedroom tonight. I had to giggle. He had spent the day with friends at Valley Fair and I had just spent the last hour (and I'm not exaggerating) hearing numerous details.

Do tell says I. He went on to elaboratly explain how he spent a dollar at a shooting range (count your luck stars I'm only typing the abbreviated form) and came THIS close to winning a giant gorilla. Lucky us he missed. My "dodged that bullet" joke that followed only recieved eye rolls. I thought I was being quite witty LOL.

Anyway. I AM indeed a lucky parent, NOT because we are "missed out" on the pleasures of owning a giant stuffed gorilla...BUT because the people who were his host today said he couldn't have been a better behaved guest, a perfect gentlemen.

Yup...I'm lucky!!

Manna for Moms |

Anna shared this as part of devotional time at our MOPS meeting Tuesday. It was very timely for me as just last week hubby and I were discussing my "job". Anyone who is or has been a Mom for even 1 minute needs to read this.

Manna for Moms "Loving Two" by Megan Breedlove

Shared via AddThis

Rocks

Time to take at least one down, remove dust and evaluate.

Its time for open house at our "new" school. Dragging my feet is an understatement. I realize I"m being irrational. My two ES kids wouldn't be going to the school of my choice this year anyway, they've aged out. So I guess what I"m whining about is NEXT year. I am sad that my daughter will miss out on the kindergarten option my older kids had. YES I've heard the school that she will have to go to has a WONDERFUL program. Its its own little school within a school, isn't that just FABULOUS???

Um, no. Goes against my school/community philosophy big time. I don't WANT them cornered off into some weird microcosm we call kindergarten. Sigh.

Teachers. I wrote a big ol note begging practically for a good teacher for my son this year. I didn't request a teacher specifically because, I don't KNOW any of them here. I needed help. I put his strengths, his weaknesses, what we had trouble with last year.

We got the newly hired never had a classroom teacher. Who knows what that means. I'm trying to be positive, I was a new teacher once. BUT I BEGGED. J NEEDS to have a good year this year. He has too. I'm giving until the first report card, if things are still going down hill, I will more then likely yank him.

H on the other hand got the teacher she was hoping for. Not the one I asked for as he took a different job, but H is like a cat, always lands on her feet.

So anyway, I'm sad that J has to go through the ordeal of transitioning to a new school and that he will have to do it again next year as well. Its a difficult thing
for him and to do it three years in a row really sucks.

I'm trying my best to be positive. We're going to go to open house and smile. Its going to be a great year.

And if its not? I'll do it myself dang it.

I love 2 year olds

Mines' a nut.

She has hot and cold mixed up. Good luck to anyone who wants to take a crack at sorting this out.

G: (shivering on the couch) I'm hot!

S: G, are you shivering?

G: (nods)

S: THEN you are COLD, not HOT!

G: (nods) right, yes, I'm hot

S, like the rest of us, just sighed and covered her up with the blanket.

-------------------------------------------------------

Conversations heard today

G: "MOM, I just saw a cute whale" (announced while sitting behind me in the truck)

S: What G? you saw a tooth fairy?

G: NO, a whale....but maybe it was a toothfairy

??? says me


----------------------------------------------------------------
Me: H you MUST find your glasses (this after she say she has NO idea where they are and hasn't seen them for days, as this has happened before I'm not thrilled lets just say)

Minutes later after arriving home

H: Mom, I found them, they were in my glasses case

Me: You make me crazy H

H: I know Mom, I know

-----------------------------------------------------------
Over heard while J is shining up his trombone

"I sure like to keep my stuff clean"

ROFL!!!! but internally..... I didn't laugh......I didn't even know how to respond..... LIKES to keep his stuff clean? HE who spent 4 hours cleaning his room lastweek because I had had it and was ready to get out a snow shovel and go to it! LIKES to keep things clean. HA!

He's going to love it when I list pick up dog do on his afternoon list of things to do

------------------------------------------------
Ever notice how the number of word needed to convey a message goes down in accordance with a childs age?

2 year old: Mom, I'm going outside to play in the sand and I will open the door by myself, bye Mom

11 year old: Bye!

Summer colds.....

I thought S was having an allergy attack on Thursday...and she probably was as the air quality here was awful. But I thik it was more then that...as G developed a runny nose....and now myself and the older two have as well. Not bad bad, just enough to make me greatful for having little on the calendar today. And as its suppose to rain, its the perfect excuse to lay on the couch and watch TV.

So...the point of this post?

Well, apparently it was to divert my attention long enough to allow the 2 year old time to drop the finger nail clipper into the gallon of milk sitting here from breakfast.

Could be a long day.

Chance to win!!

I wish I could be less competitive.....





BUT, here is a chance to win some yummy free applesauce.....posting the info here increases my chances to win....but at the same time decreases MY chances if you follow the link in enter.





But I'm going to go ahead and do it. (crossing fingers hoping I still win)

http://justanotherreviewblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/wanna-see-my-mussels.html

But good luck to you too. I mean it. Good luck. :)

Another week...no wait two....

AHHHHH!!!!!! My summer is slipping away, it will be August in just a few days!!!

What a time. I've had numerous fantabulous blog posts fly through my head, and I just don't seem to get here before they fall out again. Two were about adoption issues, I'm hoping those ones filter back in.

We made it too Ohio and back. Whew. S was a fabulous flower girl in my opinion.

We jumped right back into summer upon our arrival. We got to attend J's last baseball game where he hit a triple and a homerun. It was SOOOOO fun to watch!! We went swiming, we went to the library, we've did house chores, we've read books and talked with friends. All good summer fun.

Tonight I'm listening to my hubby play corn holes in the yard with the kids (sometimes it is very nice to just let him take over) tomorow night we have a concert to attend, the next two after that picnics.

I'm writing all this down so that in a few weeks, when summer is over and we are latched back into the routines that govern fall and winter I can reflect back and the mostly peaceful content feeling I've had over this past week.

Sure, there are plenty of things to worry and be concerned about. Some issues extended family related that have kept me up at nights. But I'm putting them up there on the shelf with those dang rocks I put away in June. Right next to those will be any business worries and economy concerns.

I'm doing what I set out to do, ENJOY THIS SUMMER. :D

First Full Week of July is OVER??? Oy.

Another week in review

Lots of camping laundry

Grocery shopping with 4 kids

3 ball games, 2 1.5 hours, 1 was 3 hrs 10 mins (I'm not even kidding)

Libray with the fearless 4

Our last trip to the bank with 4 kids...sucker wars, so not worth it

MOPS retreat, so nice to have that time during a totally caotic week, very much looking forward to this next year!!

Packing

Packing

Packing

Loading van

Drive 970 miles with the family

Survived first "disscussion" with extended family on the inability for a family with 4 children to travel more then 13 hours

Survied 2 days with insanely nervous sister, the bride to be!

What a week!!

The week in review

It might be a more tangible goal, to review each week instead of guilting myself for not keeping up with things better. Actually blogging in indeed necessary if one ever wants to reflect back on what it is we actually DID that summer of 09.

This past week we:

Cleaned the house (this is an accomplishment in the summer I tell ya!!)

The renter is GONE!! (and the woman of the house STILL just smiles even though the renter left the full size fridge FULL of unidentifiable food items, or at least I THINK it was food items, piles of dirt everywhere and a smell that is undiscribable done there....the woman who is now the ONLY woman of the house still rejoices)

Packed for camping

Went camping

Played with kids at lake to include, tubing, boating, snugging chilled bodies, sand digging, feet burying and the like

Roasted marshmallows

Slept late

Stayed up late

Saw fireworks

Got tannish colored skin even with 50 SPF sunscreen and no burn!!

Acquired 25ish mosquito bites, once again Mom comes out the winner on that one!!

Enjoyed my kids company at a restaurant where their manners were impecable, they DO have them hooray!!

Cleaned out a camper

Arranged empty suitcases in the new van to see how many I can fit in there as prep for the great road trip begins in earnest this week!

Scrubbed sand out of 3 curly haired little girls

Snuggled 4 kids under once again clean fleece blankets

Ate nachos WAAAAAY to late at night with my hubby breaking all the diet rules

Another good one!!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE summer!!!

And another one bites the dust!

I can NOT believe it is the end of June!!

Highlights for this week:

My little girl officially turned 9 this past week.

My son pitched at a baseball game and did wonderfully.

My parents are healthy this summer (after two summers of not) and were able to visit.

We bought a new van for my hubby to drive (his other one is needed for the business).

We helped our renter move some of her things so hopefully she will be moved entirely in one more week

My good friend brought us strawberries this week and jam that may be the reason I might have problems with fitting into the bridesmaids dress I have to wear in 3 weeks...but I dont' care, it was SOOOOOO GOOOD!!!!

We went to our towns parade

Survived a freak wind storm that brought down 3 branches in our yard crushing one of my gorgeous lilies but missing the new van

Spent entirely to much time trying to track down DD softball game

Did I mention the birthday party for DD? 6 girls plus her in a beauty shop all afternoon...it was fun!

Went to church without getting angry at anything or anyone


That about wraps up this past one. This week we head out camping....along with a few other things....I'm sure it will fly by too!

Tis summer!

Nothing like more kids around to help me forget about the dang rocks.

CAN NOT BELIEVE we're halfway through June. SERIOUSLY....I'm not even kidding a little bit.

We have been busy with the library, the ball games, the swim lessons, the running here and there.

And I see more of it in the future. The ol blog might see more dust then not.

My Artist

Whatcha drawin G?

Fingers Mom. Fingers.

Field Day

The weather is overcast, and cold. It is the end of May. It MUST be play day!! Times Two!! J had his the afternoon and H this AM. Fortunately there was enough of a break between the two for us to come back home and grab winter gear. So nuts.

I have to say the lack of any real competition in play/field day has made it a tad on the "yawn" side for spectators. Any honestly, I couldn't tell if the 4th grade boys enjoyed there one softball toss nearly as much as the teaching each other to make whistles out of grass. The only time there was real enthusiasm was during the relays and tug of war. Its hard for the powers that be who are so concerned with my childs esteem to take the win/lose out of those events.

Anyway.

I missed the big jump on camera...:( but apparently my petite 8 year old who is 48inches tall herself, jumped 7ft 11 inches! Good job H!!

Also new this year, the 10 year who very much wants me to be there to watch him, doesn't so much want to hang especially close to me either. I handled this better then I thought I might, mostly because I was enjoying watching how normal my son is. At least compared to the group. Some days you begin to wonder a bit. It was fun to just watch him enjoying himself.

The rights of passage.

Shelfing it

I can't say that I have successfully dropped the rocks anywhere....but I'm trying really hard to keep them on a shelf...a dark shelf I rarely pass at least for a bit. In the future I will take off a rock or two hopefully at a time and deal with them in that fashion. That sounds reasonable doesn't it? LOL Stupid rocks.

A friend suggested that when they are feeling down that they try to spend a day beig thankful for every little thing thing they can possibly imagine. Thank you for this rock, this leaf this breeze, this table and on and on. It sounds good in therory, but I whole heartly admit that I have not been successful at this. Can we say distractable?

I AM trying to focus on the good things. The looking forward to things. And trying really hard to get better at ducking.

Summer is a great time to put worries on a shelf. I'm looking forward to ball games, camping trips, afternoons at the pool, bike rides and my Wednesday afternoon helper! I do have much to be thankful for, and if some feel the need to continue to throw rocks, and some of them hit me, well, I guess I just can't stop them. So, avoidance and ducking. Thats my mantra. At least for now.

On the business front, and offer we made was excepted and I am VERY glad of that. VERY. I think that will help with my hubby's stress level this summer and that all rolls down hill. :D

Now back to your regular schedule randomness....

Rocks

I went to bible study today. Which was a good thing because lately, although I'm not mad at God really or anything like that. I've just found it very hard to pray.

Anyway. It was good I went. It would appear that I have been collecting rocks. The journey to how I got there in my mind is hard to follow as we were talking about Jesus' ascension. Anyway. Through the winding road that is my mind I discovered (my brilliance amazes me to no end) that it appears that while life is indeed throwing rocks at me, I am picking them up and carrying them around! Like treasures!!

WHY AM I DOING THIS????

I have no idea. And I'm not sure exactly what to do with my pack of rocks exactly. But I need to find a place to get rid of them. And soon. My back hurts.

On a happy note. Really, I'm not kidding, I true happy note, my husband and I are on the same page....dare I say even the same sentence in regard to "small" issue regarding his family. As we have had next to no time to connect in recent weeks it is just a very warm fuzzy feeling. We often aren't even in the same library on similar issues so seriously, this is big, even though the issue is small.

I sure hope he gets home from work before I nod off. I'd love to share a skinny cow ice cream cone with him!

Still Crabby

But I did get up and take the little girls to the park this AM. I have DH closet mostly cleaned out and changed over for summer. I'm defrosting the deep freeze. I'm moving.

Todays cripe is with the government. The one that says it embraces the little guy. Wants to work with small business because they are the heart of America.

Bite me.

Our government speaks out of both sides of its mouth in regards to small business. We got kicked again yesterday in regard to an as needed status employee. ALL of our employees unemployment tax is going up. This employee has NEVER been our full time employee. We thought we were helping him while he was unemployed as we simply don't have the work for his skills to hire him full time. This is what we get for trying to be a good guy.

The grumbling continues

Crabby

I'm just crabby. Which isn't that big a deal, except that I've been feeling rather crabby now for a good month. And feeling crabby tends to make for a rather irritated mother.

I have much to be greatful for this I know. But I can't seem to stop focusing on my wants. Like, I want a husband that goes to work and comes home and is DONE with work on a regular schedule and his brain stays mostly present with the rest of us when he isn't at work. I want a 4 year old who just GOES to the bathroom when she has to go. And doesn't argue with EVERYTHING anyone on planet. I want a 10 year old who can except change with out 3-4 months of anxiety. I want an 8 year old I can trust. I DO thank God for my 2 year old. Thank you thank you for the beautious stage she is in. I want a church where every one does what they are suppose to do with out looking for credit and goes about things in a CHRISTIAN way. I want a school sysytem that doesn't make me feel like we are being manipulated and are currently in the beginning stages of an administration that thinks: "stick it to the taxpayers cause we want a new school to be our legacy" Whats good for the kids just doesn't seem so much the focus here.

Anyone got a anti crabby pill? Along with a "get up and kick butt" pill?

Conversation

Me: S, how did you get to be so cute!

S: Mom, I can make you cute too just a minute....

(she runs to bathroom and comes back with supplies"

I'm now sporting a headband held pony. Its really something. And now its time to take my 8 year old to piano..she said after a glance at my new "do" Mom, I wouldn't go in if I were you

ROFL!!!!

Mothers Day

I read simply powerful post from a blogger I appreciate. She is Mom to 12 through adoption, all from foster care. It was an eye opener for me as an amom, even though my path is different from hers. Still a powerful thought provoking post for me. I'm still processing....but wanted to share in case I didn't get back here this weekend.

Claudia's Blog

"i"

S: Mom, whats that letter in my name that has a line with a dot on top?

Me: and "i"?

S: YES! I have a gash on my leg just like my letter!!


I did NOT laugh. But I DID laugh when we were saying prayers tonight, going around the table saying what we are thankful for and G goes, "S! high 5" in response to S's thank you. Me thinks G approved.

Ahh kids. They do much for helping the soul to heal.

Birthday Wishes

I'm feeling very funky today.

My birthday was yesterday. Birthdays are a big deal to me.

My husband was under the impression that it wasn't until Tuesday. My husband. The man I've known know for 18.5 years. The one that KNOWS birthdays are a big deal to me.

He said, I didn't forget, I just got the date wrong. He did have gifts stashed in the garage that got quickly wrapped in newspaper. He thought it was Tuesday.

My 4 children woke up one at a time yesterday. EVERYONE of them said, "happy birthday mom" FIRST THING.

Forgetting was one thing. Being a turd about it all day another.

There really is no make up for this kind of deal. My birthday won't come again for another 364 days.

Please tell me if I'm looking at this incorrectly and don't forget to vote in the poll

New Blog!

I am taking an idea of a great blogger I follow....Aggieland Mommy and creating a "food blog". Basically a place to stash all my recipes I collected from, well, everywhere! I have them all over my computer, kitchen drawers, cookbooks, scraps of paper....purse....its really rather ridiculous.

So, when Stephanie first started her food blog I was intrigued BUT that was quickly followed with WOAH! Thats a lot of work! I've carefully followed her for some time as she methodically posted a recipe at a time and now she has a beautiful collection all in one place. And I want that too. And so here it goes!

Who said and how does the quote....the journey of a million miles begins with one step? Or something like that.

Anyway...check it out if you've a mind too. I already have quite a few recipes posted there just pasting from emails and other spots all over the net. I'm excited!


http://kathyskitchenkreations.blogspot.com/

Earth Day

I usually do some sorta earth day post but I missed it this year!

I like earth day, its kind of check up sorta deal on what a person can do to help reduce their carbon footprint. Eliminating it being nearly impossible...and I think not so necessary unless you really enjoy that sorta deal.

So, for my check up. I got DH to built me some shelves to hold multiple bins now. We recycyle glass, aluminum, cardboard and newspaper...pretty much all of it that enters here. This is a thumbs up area.

I need to find out how to dispose of those handy dandy last forever lightbulbs that in truth really DON"T! I had two I replaced in my chandeliere just over 6 months ago die on me. AND I spent a bundle on a lovely 3 way bulb that now only works one way. Its only a year old!!! :( I'm not sure what I want to buy to replace those two bulbs either. It doesn't seem very green to spend aprox. $3 a bulb to have it last 6 months before needing to use resources to take care of the mercury it contains inside. This is thumbs down area.

Reusable grocery sacks. This one rates a right in the middle thing. I have several. I usually forget them. And have slapped myself numerous times. So, goal for this year....USE THEM!

Guilt. The other day I was happily loading my SUV with plastic grocery sacks (this was after the slap) with my chattering children when I poked out of my world to notice the Mom next to me doing the same. Only she was loading a hybrid, with cloth grocery sacks. I'm betting the crackers her kids were eating were probably organic too. I had to wonder if going "green" efforts really do anything to help mother earth or if they are just another guilt enducing effort. Moslty I think the little things do add up and do help. I hope. BUT I'm not giving up the SUV....show me a cost effective green way to haul up to 6 kids and a camper and I'll listen. I'm GOING to remember those dang bags though. Someway or somehow.

Rereading here a bit and I think I sound just a little bah humbugish.

Stupid lightbulbs.

I did recycle my yougurt container today. And my diet coke can.

Color me greenish.

well sorta...

I'm sorta better. Sorta.

My head is clearer...the nose is not. The cough comes and goes. I'll live.

Got lots ticked off the list today though, VBS signed up for, MOPS set up (thank you Anne and Michelle for all your help!), Walmart run in. Dinner in the crock'd pot (love that thing) laundry started, I've earned some couch time with the kleenex box. Watching "Lie to Me" ever watch it? Try to catch it sometime.....my friend Camille recomended it to me and I endorse it

I'm sick

I'm sick and whiney. I've got about 14 hours in which to embrace this fully and then I must stop being sick and resume my Mom duties 100%.

I'm writing this down so that my body can see it and understand exactly what must happen.

OK...14 hours...thats it...then the eyes must perk up, the nose stop dripping and the cough disappear.

Happy Belated Easter!

We made it back from Mexico. It was fun to be sure, I'm not so sure I could be a full time world traveler, I like the US, I do. But it was so fun and ocean, did you hear me sigh? I love love love it. It just sucks me in and calms me like nothing else did. Which makes me wonder how I was born in such a land locked spot?

Ah the ironies of life.

Anyway. We returned home to about 50 hours of non stop everything leaving me shell shocked and very glad I had an episode of "House" recorded last night. I was in the mood even though the holiday itself went very very well.

I wanted to clarify with my homeschool wonderings that I myself was an ES teacher, so doing it would not be something I am not qualified to do...not that you need to be a teacher in order to homeschool.

I have ran into MANY teachers who are ADAMENTLY opposed to homeschooling. I see their points having had dealt with students who were inadequately homeschooled. I have also encountered a great many kids, well adjusted socially well adjusted "normal" kids who have been homeschool. Ones that are awarded wonderful college scholarships based on the test scores at ages years younger then what would have been their public school peers. It CAN work wonderfully. And it can fail horribly. I'm not overestimating by abilities and would get help as needed IF I were to do this.

My biggest complaint is with my sons teacher. The one I sent a written note requesting his math tests. BUT she was absent today yet from Easter break. This is the same teacher who took a week off right AFTER spring break.

UGH.

It IS spring

OK, apparently the few readers I do have are not the comment leaving type.

Even without any tips from you folks (just a stow away threat LOL) we are GOING!! Going to Mexico that is!!

I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts on homeschooling....pretty please??? I

And while your at it. Tell me how to convince my 4 year that it IS spring out (even if there is snow on the ground) AND when we celebrate Easter, we put on our pretty dresses (and in MN a lovely cardigan on top) and then we don WHITE shoes. NOT the black ones I've been trying to store.

Homeschooling and stuff

In J's defence, he swears there was a different stick in the car other then the one used to control the transmission. This concerns me I guess, a joystick now? How could that not be distracting?

Anyway.

Homeschooling. What do ya think?

I have been simply bombarbed with the issue as of late. Every where I go it comes up. Me thinks perhaps I need to maybe rethink it a bit.

Its no secret I'm frustrated beyond belief with our school district. So many things. They want more and more money and seem to get less and less accomplished. I understand the pressures they are under with the increased language issues. Its hard to be sympathetic though when you see your kids slipping through the cracks.

My kids tend to be on the high end of average. They have their strengths and weaknesses, and in a previous life would have excelled in the US public school system.

BUT, when you help your third grader prepare for another round of standardized tests to discover she hasn't talked about fractions this year I get frustrated. When you go round and round with your sons 4th grade teacher about the importance of learning to spell, only to be told that he and I need not worry in a world with spell check. I get frustrated.

I also get frustrated when:

they cancel school over and over with no plans to make up days when we are already
10+ days behind the national average of days when school is open

I NEVER get to see a paper from my 4th grade sons class, even at conference all papers were wisked away after I spend approx 2.3 seconds looking at them

My child is shown an entire movie IN GERMAN, and told to watch and see if they can pick out any words they know. A 2 hour movie! THIS was a good use of those precious school hours?????

Notes are not responded too

School choices are removed. Everyone will be warehoused into two large elementaries starting next year. I hate large schools for small children. Hate it.

So, homeschooling starts to look apealing. I feel that my son especially has lost ground this year. His report card is stellar, but is it truely reflective?? I think not. How can he have an A in math when his two math tests from the quarter are middle B's?? I feel quite sure that the grade was given to show improvement and to shut me up.

The idea of sending my oldest daughter, who is so very trusting of everything in the world, and then next year after plunking my second daughter on a bus to go off to a school with 500 -600 other kids makes me sick to my stomach.

I'm making it all sound like I've already decided and I'm gun ho

I'm not.

Can I truely do better?

I'm a starter, not always a finisher, will I finish??

My son would love to be home schooled. He is a homebody by nature. He already asks about it.

My daughter claims she would like it too, BUT she is SOOO social. Would she really??

My second daughter is the same way. Social butterflies.

My third daughter, would she get lost in the shuffle of the older kids which tends to happen all summer??

So much to consider...and yet it keeps smacking me in the face.

I was asked point blank today, as I have other times, but I couldn't say no for sure.

Sigh.

Thoughts?

Overheard...

J (10 year old son)

COOL! Look at that car on TV...it has a joy stick!

(after viewing a vehicle with manual transmission)

Big Girl Right of Passage

Little G made the big move from her crib this week. She has been ready for awhile, it was just Mom that needed to get up the gumption. It did not help that about the time I got the toddler bed put together, S said: "where are we going to get a baby for the crib now Mom?"

BIG SIGH.

Anyway.

So it seemed fitting that if S introduced G to her first bed


that she introduce her to her second bed



All ready to sleep!

Mexico

We're thinking about a last minute (almostish) trip to Mexico (the DEALS) just DH and myself.

Any tips???? Recomendations?

Its been roughly 15 years since just us have done that. Go somewhere for longer then a weekend. At least go somewhere that didnt involve work as well. So anyway, we think its past do.

Sure hope we can pull it off

Imagination

S has quite the imagination.

Right now she is hosting an sleepover in our living room with, Hannah, Wendy, Avery, Sena, Anadia and Lisa. All of these "girls" are imaginary. I'm not even sure how she keeps them all straight! But they will have a grand time and she will eventually usher them all back out the door. This may be why I never get around to planning actual play dates. It would just be to crowded in here LOL.

We had the pleasure of welcoming King Daddy for dinner this winter. He was a lovely dinner guest but made quite a mess on the floor.

We've had dance shows. I gotta say, watching "imaginary friends" dance an entire song is really something. Watching Sophia watch this AND comment on what she apparently sees is facinating.

I try to be a good sport about having 6 plus girls here on a regular basis, but I do get irritated as SOME of them are simply NOT very good at cleaning up after themselves. Books and blankets and dress up items all over and S PROMISES that next time she will tell the girls they HAVE to help clean up.

Anyway...I better go, they are having a pretend wedding and I'm suppose to watch...something.

PS: The "groom" was named Jared. I asked her how she thought of that name (or any of the names for that matter) and she said, Mom, thats just their names, its in my head that thats their names. So thats that.

Out of the blue

Thats usually how adoption stuff comes up in our house.


I was driving S to dance class tonight and she asked if I was ever going to have a baby come out of my tummy. I explained the "no" to her in my pat answer that I"ve used a number of times now and she seemed fine with that. Then she asked me to tell her story, which I did, also like I've shared with her many times.

She continued this time though asking more about her bmom "N" and why she couldn't keep her. I was parked by then and was able to more fully concentrate on her questions. After we talked about this delicate area I was half hoping she would stop and half hoping she wouldn't. She kept up the questions.

S asked where N lived and asked if she could go live with her for a few weeks. Sigh. I haven't had this one before from any of the kids and I'm proud that I took it in stride. S LOVES to go and LOVES to stay overnight places. She is always ready for an adventure. This desire she spoke of had nothing to do with me at all. Unfortunately S's adoption is mostly closed by her N's choice. We shared with her at placement and after that we would be more then happy to have more of a relationship with her, but she pulled back even more after S turned one. I do not know where she lives. And she does not collect the letters and pics I send. The liklihood of S getting to meet her anytime soon is next to none.

I admit I rather skimmed over the details of that at this point. I told S that visiting "N" at this time was not possible. And even if it were, she would not be able to stay for several weeks. "N" choose us to be your family forever and ever. And we will be just that. I also told her that someday when she is older that hopefully we would be able to meet with her.

She seemed fine with this and we skipped off to dance just 5 minutes late.


I'm sad though. I wish very much that S could meet N now. S is such a lover of people. A very enthusiastic lover of people. I think N would get a kick out of her. I know that S would greet her with a BIG hug and would simply chatter away about all her preshool things. A relationship right now would be easy. Who knows about later. My first thought is think that teenage S might not be so easy. I hope I am wrong. Just as much as I hope that someday S gets to meet the rest of her family.

Sisters

My 2 year old and 4 year old have the sweetest relationship. I keep holding my breath praying it lasts.

These two are my second "set" and the difference between a boy/girl combo and a girl/girl combo are immense.

I love how they take care of each other. How S patiently explains things to G. How G runs to comfort and cheer S anytime S is sad. How they take on the big kids should either ever feel threatened or ganged up on in the slightest bit.

How S, who tends to be rather bossy, observes her actions effects on G and modifys them to make sure G is happy with the situation too.

How G goes along with S's wild imagination, often times not exactly sure what she is talking about but laughing and going along with it anyway.

I love how they fall asleep chatting with each other

I love how excited G gets when its time to pick up S from preschool


I just love love love to watch their relationship and pray they keep it as sweet as it is

Interview Mommy part II (not interviewing the language learner)

Interview Mommy

If you do this repost with your child's name and answers & let me know you did it! (I got this from Camille who got it off facebook).

J 10 years and 4 months old
H 8 years and 9 months old

1. What is something mom always says to you?
J: Be nice!
H: clean your ears

2. What makes mom happy?
J: when I laugh at your jokes
H: when we listen to you

3. What makes mom sad?
J: When I get hurt
H: when I don't listen to you

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
J: telling dumb jokes
H: tickle me under the chin

5. What was your mom like as a child?
J: I have no clue
H: um.....happy and kind?

6. How old is your mom?
J: 38
H: 38 1/2

7. How tall is your mom?
J: 5 foot 8 inches
H 5 foot 10 inches (I"m an inch shorter then J's guess)

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
J: hang out with your friends
H: spend time with your family

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
J: do laundry
H: clean the house

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
J: making cards (now THAT is funny)
H: changing diapers

11. What is your mom really good at?
J: being mean to me (which is probably true from his prespetive, Moms can push buttons like non other)
H: making cards (seriously, the over estimate my abilities by a huge amt here)

12. What is your mom not very good at?
J: yoga
H: picking out food we all like (because this is simply not possible)

13. What does your mom do for a job?
J: Parent
H: take care of your kids

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
J: salad....no no no! ummm..... pizza....no, not that either, I just don't know. Salad.
H: Pizza

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
J: seeing me do good in wrestling
H: that we can clean up our rooms sometimes with out your help

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
J: Penelope Pitspot (I don't know who that is)
H: Pepper Ann (I don't know who that is either??)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
J: ahhhhh.......cuddle!
H: Make cards

18. How are you and your mom the same?
J: we like going camping
H: we both have the same color hair

19. How are you and your mom different?
J: I like national geographic and discovery channels (I don't dislike them....)
H: you don't like to play DS and I do!

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
J: cause you cuddle with
H: cause you help me with math

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
J: cause you kiss him!
H: that he takes you out places that you like

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
J: camping
H: your friends house

Over heard

Today we are cleaning house. S has been tasked with the mess (BIG) that she created last night while under Dad's watch. I was in the next room when I heard her say under her breath,

"this was a lot more fun to make then it is to clean, I should think about that next time"

I did NOT laugh. Well not out loud.

And I promise I did not say this to her in a previous life.

Ears Pierced!

8 months past the birthday she was "allowed" my 8 year old worked up the nerve to pierce her ears. With a good friends coaxing, we picked March 1st as the day. I thought she might chicken out, but as the day appoached she seemed to be more excited not less. Pehaps picking a day was all that needed to happen to face those fears.

Once there she was a cool cucumber. Choose the earings she liked, sat in the chair, mostly indifferent to what was happening next.

H is a shrieker. When she gets shots, she shrieks. I thought this would surely be a shriekable event. But nothing! Not a peep out of her! By the end of ear two she had tears in the eyes...but they did not spill and she shrugged them off saying it was all fine!

Today she had a great time showing off her lobes at school. And she is twiling like mad. Apparently they are healing just fine and quickly.

I'd post a picture.

If I'd taken one.

Interview Mommy

Interview Mommy

If you do this repost with your child's name and answers & let me know you did it! (I got this from Camille who got it off facebook).

S 4 years and 4 months old

1. What is something mom always says to you?
"clean your room" (this was hard, she kept thinking of things she says to me)

2. What makes mom happy?
"singing songs and gettting hugs"

3. What makes mom sad?
"when things are broken like glass cups and plates"

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
"joking"

5. What was your mom like as a child?
"I just dont' know"

6. How old is your mom?
"9"

7. How tall is your mom?
"40 feet"

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
"watch tv" LOL

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
"clean up and go to the grocery store" (man I lead an exciting life)

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
"maybe you'd be famous for buying milk"

11. What is your mom really good at?
"Wii and cleaning up"

12. What is your mom not very good at?
"not good at playing hula hoop on the Wii"

13. What does your mom do for a job?
"you clean the kitchen"

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
"spagetti, or no, tacos"

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
"when your being nice"

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
"Dora" (not bad...I'd love her well equipped back pack)

17. What do you and your mom do together?
"take walks in the summer, and we watch TV together but only for a little bit"

18. How are you and your mom the same?
"because we are family"

19. How are you and your mom different?
"my skin is brown and your skin is lighter"

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
"because your my Mommy!"

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
"talking to him"

22. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
"taco bell" (sooo not!)

My son

Did an amazing job this weekend at his wrestling meet. He has learned lots and is applying what he learned this year. Mom is learning some too and understand how individual this sport is.

He won two hard faught matches by points and lost his third one in the third period missing out on first place. He was frustrated with himself. We were very proud of him!!




It helped ease the pain of having a blown waterpump on the truck that left us stuck on the side of the road a little bit better.

Thanks to wrestling friends for all their help!