I did not inherit the gift of wrapping.

My mom is a fantastic gift person. She has a knack for picking the right thing, and has always had wrapping down to an art. I remember as a kid looking on in awe as she wrapped gifts, from her perfectly organized tote o' rolls and color coordinated curling ribbon...always curled just so by her wrapping scissors. If I was really good, I could hold down the ribbon while she tied it just so. Her gifts were dressed for the best.
She did her best to teach me the fine art of wrapping. Buying quality paper with cheater guides on the back, crisp folding, and of course, how to curl the ribbon just so. 30 years later I still can't cut a straight line. I buy my wrapping paper at dollar tree. I CAN curl ribbon, but usually don't have any because anything resembling "web" in this house becomes one. The gift I just finished wrapping only has paper on five sides of the cube, because well, I can't find the "oversized" gift bag I bought for it.
So it's 12:20AM. I'm sitting here blogging, and I have all of FOUR of my kids nineteen gifts wrapped. (Miss D gets an extra because she didn't break the bank with her requests.) I have the stocking fodder in bags across the room, praying I get to them before Si Guy decides to move into our bed and realizes I'm not there. Moments like these, I appreciate my mom, and wish I could just wish her over here to do this for me. I need some pixie dust or something.
Hopefully the contents will make up for the packaging. Seven or eight hours from now it won't matter....the paper will be on the floor, later to be "rewrapping" gifts the kids "give" each other, made into paper dolls, or paper wads for a "snowball fight." We'll pick up after the fun, remembering the day and the King whom we celebrate. His initial wrapping wasn't too impressive either, but just look at the contents of THAT package.

Merry Christmas, and God Bless us every ONE!

Or merry Thankmas as my dear MIL would put it. That said, I think both Thanksgiving & Christmas deserve their spot. Trying to put all that tradition and meaning in one holiday makes my head spin. So, here's the "shakespeare in a minute" version of the last couple of months, not necessarily in order or logical by any means.

Our Turkey day was thanktastic here. Since the thermostat on our oven went out, (all of 2 months after Mr. Landlord brought it over to replace the one that had been totally dead for 2 years....) Mr. M bought me a roaster oven as an early Christmas present so we could have a nice, big bird at home. Mr. 24lb tom lasted all of three days in our turkey loving home.
We had mashed potatoes, rolls, veggies, and spiced apple cranberry sauce *new recipe*, absolutely delish! We had GF pumpkin bread, apple cranberry soup er cobbler, and cherry pie for dessert. A great meal with my great in-laws.
As much as I grouse about this house I am grateful to have 1700 square feet of space + basement+1 car garage + fenced in mostly flat back yard all of 1/2 block from the elementary school. I am grateful I have a laid back landlord that likes large families. That said, there is finally a light at the end of the tunnel, and we "should" be in our "real" home by spring break! The contractors are in, working like buzzy bees. Best. Present. Ever! I will be sacrificing my family room, the vicinity to the school, and central air. BUT, I will be gaining my dream home, cheaper rent, a 5th bedroom, a dining room, a laundry room, and brand spankin new stainless steel appliances~ NO MORE DEAD OVENS FOR ME!!!!! Happy joy dance. All this and I got to pick the color for every single room in the house. Fresh paint, freshly refinished floors., plaster walls & molding...aaaahhhh. And last but not least, a second WORKING bathroom! A very critical addition with our older boys speeding towards adolescence.
The last few weeks have been rough here. Mr. M has had a cough for weeks. When he recovered from round one, I was out cold w/ the digestive issues going around. His round two was attacking full force as I was just grateful to be able to eat my first meal. I'm fine and frenetic now, while he's just been given a "stronger" antibiotic because the bacteria in his lungs figured out the first one. Maybe this year we should be saying Merry sick-mas. Here's hoping round two works out and we can avoid steroids and all that joy.
Because of this ick Mr. M missed Princess P's last preschool advent program. Once again, she was the "star', a role that suits her well. Si Guy and his buddy A were both shepards, but after the staff sword fighting at dress rehearsal they were both empty handed for the real show. (I'm glad I was at the dress rehearsal! Staff fighting to music was something to see...C'mon. What did they think would happen when they gave 2 3yo boys sticks with handles???)
Rewind two more weeks, and Isaiah had his last role in a "kids" program. Next year he'll be in YOUTH! Next year he'll be a teen! A new adventure for us all.
So thank you for being patient. And still reading. I'll try to post orderly thoughts occasionally after New Years. Because I have at least 4 "events" between now and then...but that's okay. It's STILL not as busy as football season was.

Happy Candy Day!

I'm here. I'll surrender if the parenting police come to get me because I've clearly violated perfect parent principles. Sue me, but to my preschoolers today is candy day.

They did their work yesterday, walking through the trick or treat trail at Matt Ross Community Center in the afternoon, and hitting the neighborhood right at dusk. They paid their "reeces" tax to their father, and let me raid anything that hinted of caramel. They sorted their loot and negotiated their trades, and ate their first round. The thing is, Halloween is a really late night for those of us with an eight-o-clock bedtime. So most of the fun comes the day after.

November 1st is the real holiday after all. Halloween is all hallows eve, like Christmas Eve. So to honor the saints that passed before us, we spend the day in a sugar coma, induced by the all day eating of Halloween candy, in a coma-like state in front of the tv watching cartoons. That's the real treat.

The tricks will show up the next time I get down the scale.

TWELVE. Really?

Happy Birthday to our oldest. How we've enjoyed watching you grow. The most tumultuous waters are still ahead, but we think you'll come through just fine.
Isaiah Luke joined us 5:30ish in the afternoon. He was a happy, mellow, low maintenance baby. He's still a happy,mellow, low maintenance kid. A book and a flashlight and he's pretty much set. Some things about people never change.
But other things do.
Our oldest isn't as video game obsessed as he was a year ago. No, his new techno obsession is cell phones...especially texting. He celebrated my announcement of adding unlimited text to our plan by sending 150+ texts over that first weekend.
And his view of girls is morphing too. In years past he's had a very much "people are people, who cares about parts?" point of view. (He thankfully skipped the ew gross stage when he was younger.) Now he's very aware there's something "different" about girls, and that maybe he likes it. He's even flirting a bit, but I don't think he realizes that's what it is. After all, he's the kid who told me recently "I don't want to kiss a girl until I'm married." Pretty sure that will change in the next few years too.
Sometime over the course of this last year he's really become a pretty good companion too. He's starting to "get" parts of real world, and think his decisions through more. He asks good questions, and sometimes comes up with amazing answers on his own. I've always been fond of kid lit, and he's sharing his library books with me. We even want to see the same movies, well mosty. He is still a boy...and some movies he finds funny I just find, well gross. In other words, all is progressing normally.
Perhaps the best thing we've done together recently was attend KC's Ren Fest. We spent the day shopping, watching a joust, and throwing things, some of them shiny, sharp and pointy. His favorite part of the day was the bungee jump. I just stood back and watched him jump above the treetops, feeling a bit sick to my stomach. Yet that's what the future holds. Letting go, and watching him reach for the sky.

,

environmentalist health nut, me? (Part 1, )

Um no. Anyone who's seen my cuddly form would know that. However, some aspects of our life certainly look that way on paper. I've always been fond of the mantra reduce, reuse, recycle.

Reducing and reusing just make good economic sense.
If you don't use something, you're not spending money on it. Buying larger packages and portioning into smaller ones reduces the price of some foods immensely. For $5 I can buy a can of nuts with 16 servings, or 6 "packets." Single serve does have it's place, but I didn't cave until I hit kid 5. My friend J warned me about this. Her mom always told her, "there's something about the 5th one". She was right.
That's really where reusing comes in. I've seen purses made out of Capri Sun pouches and plarn (plastic yarn made from shopping bags) is the "in" mommy craft right now. Grandma's drawer full of margarine tubs and Dad's babyfood jar screw sorting all fall into this category. Kids are experts at this. Who hasn't seen a shoe-box car or a toilet paper roll telescope or a wrapping paper roll light sabre?
Once they've beaten the cardboard to a bloody pulp, that's where recycling comes in.
Recycling is easier than ever. Most of us have curbside bins we don't even have to sort. There's a Ripple glass bin in the parking lots of local grocery stores. No sorting there either. Recycling is just like exercise. As Nike put it, "just do it."
Thanks to our fair city recycling is an economical measure too. Every item we're too lazy to rinse out and recycle draws us closer to the dreaded 1.50 "trash overage" bag. I confess to using about two of these bags a month, usually when we clean out the van...but in our defense, the trash bins are meant for four people and we have eight.
Recycling is also just a nice "thank you." to the earth and it's resources. Sure the earth is going to wear out, but why should we help it along? We shouldn't. We're stewards. See Genesis for the command, the gospels for what happens to stewards who don't take their stewardship seriously.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Be green to save green. It's just common sense.

Super Saturday.

Last Saturday was indeed super, with different parts of the day focused on each of the three musketeers.
At a bright, early, 7:30ish we were at a local racetrack sweeping the stands and picking up trash as a fundraiser for E2's football team. It took until about 9am for our "team" to complete the task. The boys had a good time and learned the association between work and reward. Certainly beats selling stuff in my opinion. My kids got a glimpse of how the "world" lives.
"Mom, I don't think I want to come here to watch races."
"Why not?"
"Look at all these beer cans. They must drink A LOT of beer!"
Ewwwww.
"And all those cigarettes. gross."
I'm glad my kids think beer and cigarettes are gross.

For the next phase of the day I took our almost 12-year-old son to Ren fest for his "birthday". Spot on perfect weather! He leaped lizards, bungee jumped, threw sharp and pointy things (okay I threw them too), and won an oriental dragon for his little brother. I window shopped extensively and watched him on well muscled-sweaty- shirtless man powered rides. We both had a great time. We brought home trinkets from the games for his siblings, so they didn't feel too left out.

In the evening I took E1 coat shopping, and came home with two shirts for our oldest. I promised him we'd try again, and really enjoyed having his critical eye along going through the clothing stores. Poor kid has taste. Better start saving his pennies now.

All in all it was a fantastic day: time alone with any of my kids is hard to come by.

It's so nice when it "feels like" FALL.

There are many ways I can tell fall is really here.

1) I have a deep set desire to clean my house, while I can still do it with the windows open.
2) The air conditioner has been off for several days, and the heat is not on yet.
3) "Pumpkin pumpkin in the patch, pumpkin pumpkin on the vine...."
4) Louisburg Apple Cider abounds in the grocery store.
5) Seasonal clothing rotation has begun. Out with the tanks and sandals. In with the sweatshirts and light jackets.
6) We need to buy Zyrtech in bulk.
7) Winter squash abounds at the farmers market.
8) I'm getting party planning e-mails from PTA.
9) The kids are discussing/arguing/begging about Halloween costumes.
10) Our fair city has deemed it 12 bag of yard waste month. (Oh how I wish this extended into NOVEMBER.)
11) The "it's fine" "i'm hot" "I'm cold" battle is brewing amongst our oldest three sons.
12) The kids are spending more time outdoors than in.
13) Football practice has been moved back 1/2 hour, due to "getting dark earlier."
14) I bought my sport boys long sleeved underarmor.
15) I'm seriously considering hosting a partylite candle party, because well, what's fall without candles, lots of them?!
16) Cinnamon is the "spice of the month."
17) We're going through more cocoa.
18) I'm craving pie. Warm, apple pie. Pumpkin pie. Chicken pot pie. any pie will do. Unless it's sold under a barber shop.
19) Cool room. Warm comforter. mmmm.
20) It just smells good. Crisp air in the morning, outside breezes mixed with cleaning supplies in the afternoon. Hot apple cider or hot chocolate in the evening, especially with popcorn. So many other wonderful autumnlicious smells. So glad that we're just starting to fall into fall.

A heart to God and a hand to man

This is our family mantra.

Matthew 22:36-40 (NASB)

"Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?"
..."YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND."
"This is the greatest and foremost commandment.
The second is like it. 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'
On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the prophets."

It's all about love people. Love is the basis of well, everything....and it's what we're supposed to be known by.

John 13:35

"By this all men will know you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

Oh, and another thing. Real love has legs.

Proof of our love is keeping His commandments. (John 14 :15 and the six other times John repeated this.)


Sometimes I think the church has forgotten that our primary mandate other than loving God is to love and care for our fellow man. Yet my Sunday school class gives me hope that this isn't true.
*There's the guy who's late most mornings because he's giving a newly non-homeless person a ride to work.
*Our teacher, an artist, puts on shows to support "Laundry Love" another homeless ministry.
* A couple that's preparting to go to Jordan as missionaries is actively involved in the international student ministries at UMKC, helping provide household goods, local information, and just plain old fellowship to the international students.
*Almost every person involved in the class serves "somewhere" within our branch of the body.

Our class plea seems to be "Please let us be real servants, not just seat-warming Pharisees."
All I can say is AMEN.

At 3am I will have an eight year old!

E2 has already had most of his "birthday." We bought him a new bike and a new football. He ditched practice Monday night to go to the school skating party. His grandparents came. Tomorrow we're just having his fave, spaghetti, for dinner and I'll bake a cake while he's at school. Maybe buy a book or trinket just so he feels like he has a "real" present. For some reason, to him, the early ones are great but aren't official.
This year E2 has started playing tackle football, and with the addition of helmet and pads, has started paying attention more. His part grizzly bear, part pit bull, part fatherly coach manages him well. He's officially an offensive guard on the line now. They figured out that he needs a definite focal point on the field. Eventually, I hope he'll grow into that in other areas.
Even though Si Guy is younger, E2 has always held the "baby boy" spot in my heart. Now he just shares it. E2 is my "huggy buggy," my "sunshine smiley boy", and my "Odie child." In other words he's affectionate, optimistic, and oblivious to the evil intentions of others around him. It makes him really easy to like.
He's not without flaws, because his head is rarely attatched to his shoulders, he's the child who most often does things "because." Some of those "becauses" have already been described in detail in earlier entries in this blog. His most recent should I laugh/cry/or scold moment was at Wendy's Sunday. After his game, he had to use the restroom. He came back to the table with his bright red athletic cup in hand. "What should I do with this mom?"
Ah, E2, E2. What should I DO with YOU? Just love you.

Happy Birthday to me!

Rarely, very rarely is my life about me. Ideally it would never be. My focus would be God, family, friends, community. That said, I had a "permission slip" from my loving husband to be horribly selfish this weekend, so I was.
On Friday, I shopped for a washing machine to replace the one we have, because one of the computers in it was permanently disabled by our tile floor. After four hours of childless shopping, I found one that would work, that we could pay for. (Always a bonus for us.)
I called my mother-in-love to get her house number, and she informed me that they decided to give us one they had. So my first birthday present was being able to do laundry at home for free! After spending last Saturday night and $80 at a laundromat w/ my husband and six kids, that a was an appreciated gift indeed.
On Saturday, E2 played in the pre-season football tournament for SMN 2nd grade. He was focused for both games, teachable, and obedient to the coaches. 2 wins later we went home. A rare day alone with one of my kids was my second invaluable gift. Seeing my "danger baby" start to settle down and grow up a bit was my third.
Yesterday I was the comic host for Kidz World at church. I had a blast and the kids were laughing the whole time. Even my son who hates staying for service had a good time.
In the afternoon, our entire family went to the zoo. We managed to get through Africa, see the elephants & the new polar bear, ride the carousel, and see the snakes, so everyone got to do something they wanted. The kids were cooperative and we had an amazingly orderly outing. It was our first trip to the zoo without a stroller or wagon, and it was amazing how less cumbersome the trip was without all the extra "stuff." I'm so thankful for the family I have and the time spent with them.
The afternoon was followed by an evening with friends, fun, and laughter. I've known most of my pals I hung out with last night for 20 years+. It's nice to be so rich in relationships.
Today we're cleaning the house and having cake...but the best is yet to come.
Someday we'll all be done with birthdays, and every day will be a celebration of another day in heaven, another day in love. This weekend I got too see a dim reflection of what that might be. So Happy Birthday to ME!

Hey, you. You're not around as a spare kid, really.

One of my several time daily prayers is that E2 lives to adulthood. He's such a ray of sunshine around here, always lightening the mood & making us smile (or shake our heads.) Yet there is a reason I call him my Odie child. I swear, if it sounds fun he acts first and thinks later if at all.
His other name has always been "danger baby." Scaling roofs at a tender three years of age, cutting plugged in electric cords at six, and now...at almost eight, he's only on his second Urgent Care/ER visit.
His first attempt this week was a fail. He and some sibs snuck into the garden tools and tried to remove the ends of his pointer and middle fingers. I am convinced his fingernail preserved his ability to flip someone off as a teen. He bled. He cried, but he obeyed and iced it, and while it's not pretty, it was never swollen and the bleeding stopped....so he got to take Tylenol and go to bed.
The very next day, on marathon errand Friday, he succeeded in throwing the entire family off. We returned from our thrift store shopping victorious..a 7.99 microwave to replace the one that had exploded..and I had to dash off to the school to pay fees and find classrooms so I could map my route for back-to-track night. I have 4 kids in the building this year, so conference sign ups are a track event...as well as getting to know the new teachers and listen to the 6th grade game plan. I had succeeded in my mission, and was really enjoying getting to know the 6th grade science teacher when our oldest huffs in.
"And there's the man of the hour now!'
"Mom, you have to come home now. E2 cut his foot."
"Is Dad still conscious?"
"Barely, but he needs you to take care of it."
I thought this was going to be a wash and bandage job, but the dear boy had managed to almost sever his little toe. Stupid sisters not recycling their stupid fruit cans. His timing was impeccable. Our busiest day, with football practice, transporting dressers for two sibs, and a funeral that evening....not a great time for the unexpected. At least he didn't succeed in severing the toe.
He's okay now, but his lack of caution has cost him a week of football, due to the stitches.
We love ya E2. Please try to stick around a while.

Starting anew.

Back to school time is inspiring. The kids have new shoes have new shoes and backpacks, new binders, unbroken crayons, fresh markers and crisp white paper. They have a fresh start with brand new teachers and new sets of expectations. They are abuzz with anticipation about school, their friends, and the new activities they "level up" to this year.

That said, I'm trying something new. Today I joined http://www.sparkpeople.com/" a weight loss/healthy living site. It has an online food diary and fitness log, along with suggested meal plans and message boards for support....and the best part is it's FREE! One of my prime excuses for not joining Curves, weight watchers, etc. has always been money. With six kids, we rarely have any to spend on ourselves. This site ripped that excuse away.

My goal is not to feel like the horses were running over me after girl scout camp next year. This year I was not a pretty sight by the last day. It was worth every minute though. Just scroll down to the "turtles" blogs.

That, and I feel kind of embarrassed I haven't taken better care of God's temple. Gluttony is one of the seven deadly sins after all. So I'm repenting, and starting anew. Thank God for new beginnings.

Buying school shoes, an afternoon spent....

I never knew that having black and silver shoes was so important. Both my older boys were convinced. The younger two school kids also were opinionated, but not in surprising ways. Princess D had to have "sparkly" shoes with purple on them. Found the perfect pair at the Nike outlet, the only store I hate more than Hyper-Hades on a Saturday afternoon. E1 & E2 also had success there, but our oldest son was torn. I had set a price limit of $40...and to get Nike's he liked he would have to have $50. So I made a bold, almost unthinkable suggestion.....

"We could try the Adidas store."

"But mom, Nike is my favorite. "

"So, do you want shoes that look the way you want, or shoes that are the brand you want. C'mon. At least look. We can always come back."

(Growling and eye rolling) "All right."

So off we trudged to the more reasonably priced and 1000x less crowded Adidas store.

"How about these?"

His eyes grow large..."Yes! Ooooh, shiny. Do they have my size?"

And they did. Black and silver, almost identical to the coveted Nikes, but considerably more affordable.

"Thanks mom."

That's all right son. I'm proud of your choice. To realize getting a well made product YOU like is more important than having the "in" brand. Here's hoping this lesson sticks.

Sure fall is the busiest time of year, but it's also the most fun!

Now I'm done freaking out, here's the secret. I LOVE how busy our family is in the fall. I just doubt my ability to handle it all. It's a good thing God's in our corner.

Going back to school always does good things for our kids' confidence. They get to see their friends, pick out their own reading material, and have art every single week. It's nice for them to hear others say how smart they are too..cause I really don't count. I'm just their mom.

The football boys love having permission to squash other kids, and be cheered on for it even! They're reassured by having outdoor time every day, in school and out. They roll in the recognition on and off the field too.

The first few weeks are hard on my little perfectionist, but he too, is looking forward to school this fall. He may not be an athlete, but is sure to be a star mathlete.

Princess D is going to her first year of full day school...but she has enough moxie for five kids. She'll be the belle of the ball.

The little ones and I kind of relish the whole day thing. We'll be able to go to storytimes and parks. Maybe squeeze in some pet stores and the occasional trip to the zoo. Without that 11am must be x thing, I'm hoping to expand the preschooler's horizons quite a bit this upcoming year.

Fall is also our favorite time for camping. The coolish nights and warm days suit us well.

We have two kid birthdays in the fall. A trip to Powell Gardens and whatever the big kid wants.

I look forward to Wed. night bible study and PTA starting up again. In the fall, I get to crawl out of the mommy mole hole and stretch...and go, "oh yeah. There are people out there besides my husband and kids."

At this moment, we are at peace. Sure the schedule is full. Occasionally it looks like we have to be two places at once, but it'll work. It just takes work, that's all. It's a good thing peace is an internal thing.

The fall avalanche is rumbling.

Every year I try to convince myself that THIS is the year I won't be totally overwhelmed and lost from August1 - Christmas. This year, I know it isn't the year it's going to happen. First of all, the key to our second vehicle is missing. Secondly, hopefully, we'll finally be moving. We're down to painting and floors barring any more "discoveries." Old houses are full of those. This is all on top of our "regular" activities which go something like this.

School starts on Aug. 16. I have purchased 4 boxes of markers & three dozen colored pencils. Only 35 pencils, 5 pink pal erasers, 2 boxes of crayons, 2 more sets of markers, 13 spiral notebooks, 15 folders, 2 glue bottles, 10 glue sticks, 700 sheets of paper, 2 3 ring notebooks, a set of dividers, a couple of rulers, a calculator, a box of wet wipes, ziploc bags, and of course, 8 boxes of kleenex to go...and that's before shoes, backpacks, and the "forgotten" essentials.

School starting also means mathletics, chat 'n chew, PTA, and more.

Church activities are also a given. August 8th, Carnival. Kidz Choir starts on Aug. 18th. I haven't even looked at the AWANA schedule yet. Guess I should, since I volunteer there and all.

E2 has started tackle football. Our oldest will sign up Saturday. This means practices every day from M-F between the two of them. Come September, we'll have 1-3 games every weekend. It also means frequent reminders not to practice tackling on each other at home.

Both princesses want to take dance lessons...so there goes my Monday afternoon as well.

Let's not forget E1 is chomping at the bit for bowling. Wed afternoon on Sat morning?

Then we throw in scouting just for fun.

Man, I need that key. Or at least a clone. Guess why it's called Fall. Every night I fall into bed, totally spent.

I love you bear, even though you sound like a buzz saw when you sleep..(and other celebrations of marriage)

It's true. He does. It's also true we just had our 13th wedding anniversary, and that we love each other as is, just like Fiona and Shrek.

So many people don't "get" what marriage is about. How mutual acceptance and submission can be such bliss. I'm blessed with a man with a servant's heart, who stays home when I'm sick, always does the chores I hate, and helps control the kids without duct tape.

My end of the deal is pretty simple. Be his personal assistant, care for his children, & keep him entertained and fed. Sure I do a lot more than that, but that's all he expects. And lately, I've been off the hook on the feeding part. Something about cooking is really hard with a broken wrist.

So, for my list fans...here are reasons my marriage is awesome.

Monte Python, and our shared appreciation of PUNishment.

Food, exploring new worlds together...from burned rice to rockin rice pudding.

Fantasy....from books to the bedroom, & books in the bedroom. ....We like to read some of the same stuff. Wheel Of Time, Jennifer phallic...I mean Fallon! ;)

Sports. K.S.U. Wildcats!

Mutual faith, values, and goals.

Being endeared by each others quirks. One of his first gifts to me was a stuffed cat we named "Fritz."

Humor!

The sandwich rule. "Never criticize unless it's well layered between sincere compliments." No fair picking the sandwich apart.

Having fun together, lots of it.

Being amazed at our children, and how they pick up the best parts of our spouse.

Allowing ourselves to be "different." Mr. M is a math man. Once I called him from a bookstore to help pick out his present, because "abstract geometry" and "concrete differentiation" are all the same to me.....way beyond me. That said, karaoke and pool will never be his thing.

Starting each day new. It's exciting to see what our future together will bring.

Love ya bear....from your dancing hippo, Mama M.

to be rejoicing about a broken wrist?

Today, attitude of gratitude is suffering from the pain challenge. Pain like this is hard to deal with, because unlike childbirth, the prize isn't imminent. Yet the Word is pretty clear about being thankful IN all things, the top of my list today is that it says IN and not FOR. So here goes...

1) My husband, his servant heart, unending patience, and unwavering love. Would be nuts/unbearable w/o him.

2) His job: generous sick leave, flex time, sympathetic coworkers, and the ability to work from home.

3) modern medicine: this is fixable now. A few generations back it wouldn't have been.

4) Only having two kids home this week

5) My amazing network of friends, providing support, encouragement, and even childcare during my surgery

6) Outpatient surgery...happy to recover at home, w/ my own family & furniture. :)

7) The great Healer, who foresaw my stupidity, provided someone to watch my kids instantly so I could get to the ER, held an open next a.m. appointment w/ ortho, and open slot for surgery just as swelling had gone down....and more, So grateful God is into the details

8)Anesthesia & pain meds

9) our puter, for keeping me socially connected.

10) my kids, for their love and wonder,

Camp is over! Yeah Turtles!

The coolers are home. The kids are in bed. Mom and Dad are both breathing easier again. Our princess had the time of her life learning great skills like how to make a fire starter, how to open a pocket knife and how to make home made ice cream. She also caught her first fish, rode a horse, and did her first Zip! She has driven her brothers crazy with the songs she's learned, acquired a ton of decorated safety pins on her camp hat, grown closer to her best friend and made some new ones. All in all, a successful venture for the girl.
What about mom? What has day camp done for her? Besides sharing some time with these girls, and helping them learn new skills, I got to see, once again, our children are more capable than we give them credit for. Sure I felt nauseous watching my daughter climb a 25 foot rope web to the zip platform. I felt like they were nuts giving the smallest girl the biggest horse. (I didn't care if she asked for it!) And what mom isn't a bit freaked by live bait and barbed hooks in the hands of their five year old? Yet she didn't just "do it" she excelled. She was so proud that SHE went backwards on the zip line. (THANKS MM for that story. She would have done it blindfolded too if she had remembered her bandanna.) She caught and landed a fish! She climbed on that horse herself, and sat tall. SHE was amazing...(as were all the girls.)
Some of the other girls wormed their way in too. And Miss S, I'll miss you too.

Girl Scout Camp. Girl Scout Camp.

We have just completed day two of Girl Scout Camp, where I am princess D's adult unit leader. Lucky for me, Mickey Mouse (our teen) does the leading. The girls all have proclaimed her their best friend. The weather, while scorching yesterday, was quite pleasant today and supposed to maintain decent temps and sunshine until we're done. I hope so!
Day one was getting to know you, set up, and the worm lady. Worm Lady?
Yes, a nice lady with a compost bin, complete with worms, in her garage came around to each group to have a "worm petting zoo" and talk about composting & recycling. It made the girls day, nothing like squirmy and helpful. They can related to that.
Today was our HORSE day, and the girls just couldn't have been more excited. REAL horses, and they were going to ride them! Miss D, true to form was the first one to speak up.
"I want a BIG horse!" And so the smallest rider got the biggest horse. Such spunk that girl has!
Painting in the morning, horses after lunch, and learning how to open and close a pocket knife can really wear a girl down though. She slept all the way home.
Tomorrow is day 3, our big walking day, with four activities scheduled. Can't wait to see how it goes.

Happy (Late Birthday) to Bob (E1 from here on)

With VBS and cub scout camp, we haven't really caught our breath long enough to celebrate. I owe him a present and a movie, and our newly deca-dent child is okay with that.
Being able to roll with the punches and deal with things that aren't "exactly right" are new character traits in our second born son, and ones that take a heap of anxiety off his mom.
E1 has always been my exacting child. He had to have the "right clothes", a clean room, and perfect grades for his world to be going right. My favorite quote from him, was in anguish one afternoon he exclaimed "I just want ONE perfect day!"
In the last couple of months he's learned perfection is great to strive for, but imperfection is a part of life. Even if he's perfect, the rest of the world is not. Thankfully he's aware he makes mistakes too, sometimes painfully.
So now we celebrate him being okay the way God made him, imperfections and all. He makes the rest of us toe the line a little more seriously, eat healthier, attempt to be neater, and watch our words more. So he's a perfect fit in our family.

Mr. M, another year has flown the coop for you!

This year, my dear husband is 41. Middle age is telling on him a bit. He has to wear a hat or sunscreen on his head when we're outside. There are little crinkles around his eyes from his smile. He goes to bed earlier, most of the time. He's definitely a bit softer than he was when I met him at twenty-seven, and I don't just mean his shoulders either.
Being married and having children changes a man. In Mr. M, he's had to find his courage and come out of his shell, to jump off high dives and lead Tiger Cubs. He's found the end of his patience, after telling a kid to do a chore for the billionth time, and then extended it when another child is trying to put on their own clothes and shoes when we're already late. He's had to learn how to be a somewhat social being instead of a hermit, because having children introduces you to so many people through their activities.
In our marriage, he is the anchor and strength. While I'm juggling kids and calendars, he quietly makes sure the laundry and dishes are done. While I'm driving to three different practices, he's vacuuming the living room floor. He brings order and stability to my energy and chaos.
Happy Birthday Bear. Hopefully your years will double, and then some.

VBS 2010 is a wrap

Last night was the cumulation of Saddle Ridge Ranch. Each child had their own idea of what the highlights were.
Our oldest was the "adult" in the play, earned by his ablity to memorize and being an incoming 6th grader this year. Of the VBS itself, the uncontested favorite activity of both him was the crosses they made out of burned out matches. I just hope the kids weren't the ones lighting all those bonfires before-hand.
Bob's favorite thing was that his birthday was Friday and now he's deca-dent. (10). His other favorite things were the imitation bacon bits...and singing, loudly.
Chip & Princess D both enjoyed their craft times immensely. They both brought home covered wagons made with real fabric! They also were proud to memorize the A'B'C's of VBS. (Admit your a sinner, Believe Jesus died for us, Confess your sins to him.)
Princess P and Si guy were there too, back in the pre-school/nursery department. Princess P had the coolest teacher EVER, getting to wash dishes, go on hikes with her "fire-fly lantern" through the halls, make crafts every day, and more!
Si Guy was in my room, which was interesting to say the least. His favorite parts were the pretend horses and cabin, the building toys, and being Captain Clingon whenever I paid attention to the "wrong" child.
It was first, and hopefully only year, being a lead teacher. I LOVED my kids. It was great sharing with them about creation, Joseph, Zaccheus, Jesus, and Paul. It was great seeing their beaming smiles as they realized God is into the little people. Now I get to sit back and watch the seeds we planted grow...(literally too. We planted grass seeds on Thursday.)
All in all it was a blessed year, a great time for all, yet somehow I'm still relieved that it's a wrap.

June is here!

It's ironic that the more I have to share, the less time I have to write. Such is June.
Events of June include four important birthdays, VBS, day camp for both boy and girl scouts, an out of state trip for our oldest, and hopefully lots of trips to the pool, thanks to my awesome in-laws.
It's sink or swim time.
Week one was the warm up. We've had a great time trying to clean the house, hanging out with friends, and going to the pool twice! This is a new record for us. In the past, we made it to the pool about once a month. Twice in a week to two different pools even, was quite an event. So what's changed?
Well, for starters, Si has. Until about two months ago, any trip to the pool had to include a separate place to hang out for him. He didn't just dislike the pool. He'd scream from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. Such a trip to Matt Ross started out, where we HAD to wait at the pool until my friend arrived to hang with the boys. Then Si discovered the water was warm. And then he discovered fun noodles, currents, and that floating was fun. We spent two HOURS walking him around that little "cruise loop".....and then he discovered the joy of waterslides. A tadpole was born.
The other thing to change was Princess P. Last summer, unless both parents were going and she was wearing a life jacket, forget it. She'd find the deepest spot of any pool and try to jump in. Ever see a hippo run??? If you saw me at the pool last summer you did.
This summer, she wants to learn how to swim...or just go down slides for hours on end and hog the air-filled foam mat at the bottom. Works for me, as long as they both want to slide.

2009-2010, that's a wrap.

Today was the last day of school for the three musketeers. They were abuzz with excitement at arrival home. Summer vacation! Finally Here! Woo-hoo! They all had awards and certificates to show me, from "Most AR points" to "Congrats, you survived 1st grade." All in all, the reports were all good. To kick the summer off, we spent the afternoon at the zoo. It was a kid's paradise trip.
Yes, we will ride the carousel. (And yes, Mom rode too, on a KU horse non the less.)
No #1, we cannot take the 12' albino python home. No snakes that are bigger than we are, sorry. (and no venomous ones either.)
Yes Si, those are monkeys, and so are those, and so are those....and isn't that a BIG monkey playing with the otters?
Look how high the sea lions jump!
Okay guys, it's time to go. Who wants to eat?
Dinner at Perkins where kids eat free. Perfect ending for the perfect afternoon.

Kids need disposable socks.

Right now, while our washer is still AWOL, I'm more convinced than ever that somebody ought to design disposable, biodegradable socks for kids.
Then it would be so simple to just stock up, kind of like with toilet paper.
Sell them in packs of 45 for $8 each, roughly a kid's 30 day supply. Somebody would get rich.
Infant and toddler socks are pretty inexpensive, but once your kid hits about a size 1 in shoes, you realize that paying $1 a pair is going to make you broke.
Every mother of a child over the age of five has heard, "Mom, I need socks for school today?"
And every mother has probably replied at least once "it would help if you'd put them in the dirty laundry."
Once every few weeks we go on a sock safari. We move couches. We look under beds. We fish through closets. We clean under the dining room table...(okay, that one happens more frequently....most of the time.)
Usually we find enough of the missing culprits to get them washed and sorted for another week or two of sock survivor. Sock survivor? Yeah, losing them isn't the only problem.
I'm starting to think "mud brown" should be the color of most boys socks to start with. Granted the ones with grey bottoms help, but it's no match for running outside to greet Grandpa with no shoes. It doesn't help when they wear them until they crunch. It doesn't help when they figure because they're wearing boots, they can go wherever they want, including the knee deep mud puddle in the back yard. Not to mention the socks that go camping, are the first pair in after a pair of shoes has been left out overnight in the rain,etc. That's the least of kid's sock worries though.
Socks often become toys. They get used as storage bags for bouncy balls, knots tied with them to make maces, stretched across various things for bows, brother trippers, and such...and of course, to the crafty child, sock puppets or, to the curious toddler, scissors practice.
Thus why I love summer. No school = rubber shoes that can be hosed down, and NO SOCKS.

Happy Birthday Si Guy!

Well, my littlest man is three. No more babies here. No more worrying about choking hazard toys. No more adult-proofing for the most part.
No more stroller. No more slings. No more "2 and under are free" for us.

What we do have is a very verbal, cheerful, cunning pre-school aged son. He's a boy who plans ahead, a boy who keeps a hole in the back yard to fill with water whenever he wants mud. He's full of ingenuity. Anything can be a stepladder to reach the bag of cereal he deems his food for the day. He's brave, willing scale any heights for the last cookie.
He's charming, using his swiper tip-toe and huge grin to get himself out of the most messy of scrapes. He's stealthy, able to get outside into any unlocked car at a moment's notice. (My cousin can vouch for that.)
He's able to make anyone laugh. His giggle is contagious. His curiosity is endless. He loves to name things. He likes art, especially water color. His favorite books are Eric Carle and Leo Lionni. He's a good sport, loving balls of all kinds, and usually willing to share with his sisters.
What he is not, is potty trained...but really we're not in any hurry. Because where there's a pull up, there's a cuddly, fat-fisted, huggy baby inside somewhere.... and neither of us is quite willing to let that go.
Happy Birthday Si Guy. May this be the greatest adventure yet.

Goodbye Mr. R

There is much rejoicing in heaven right now. One of it's most faithful citizens has returned home. Some people are just too efficient at their service here on earth.

I met Mr R. at church, as a greeter at my favorite door, but that's not really where I got to know him. No, I got to know him last year in the pick-up line for half day kindergarten. His grandson was in Chip's class. He and/or his wife were always among the early birds there, always had their windows down, and always engaged me in conversation.

"Hey, you go church with us, don't you?" He asked one day early that fall.
"Yes sir."
And by the end of the year, I'd gained an encourager, a friend, and a bit of wisdom.
Mr R. touched many lives through his service. His grandson adored him.
The ripples going through our church right now, getting in motion, are building to waves. He was a greeter. He helped lead missions trips to build houses. He knew how to make things "all good, all the time" and see glimpses of God's will in situations we never will understand. The lives he touched then touched others around them, because love never stays in one place. It surprises me how well known he was, not so much in church, but in the school, and through friends and friends of friends. It just shows God's hand never has a place it can't reach.
Rest in peace Mr. R. May you shine in the greater glory you've found.

Everything breaks at once

Or so it seems. Right now, the Vibe is getting repaired because a deer thought it looked like a nice thing to run into. We've been making do with a mini-vacuum for months because the real one was disassembled, with scissors...and the hose broke inside the casing. Our dishwasher is schizophrenic. And now, for the piece de la resistance...our control panel has died on our washing maching.
Today my mission: to schedule a washing machine repair.
My tools: the internet and Nick Jr.
Let the games begin.
It started benignly enough, clicking on the "service" section of Whirlpool's website...entering contact information,etc. What appliance needs service? Washer. What is the model & serial #? Have. no. clue. Why can't I just type in Duet Sport and be done with it...but noooo, they have to have numbers. Must be men who run this company.
I text my husband who keeps these things on file.
He texts back the model # is "xxxx,Idon'tcare,whoknows". And that he has no idea what the serial number is. I can either wait until he gets home, or act like a grown-up, go to the basement, and look for myself on the inside of the washer door.
For a moment, I entertain the idea of waiting until he gets home...but that would delay the appointment by at least a day...and with 8 people in the house, every day without a working washing machine counts.
So I do what any other basement-slime-bug phobic female would do. I call a friend, and keep them on the phone while I go down there to look...and yes, it was a male friend. Testerone counts in these situations!
Down there, I almost fall on my butt on the slimy floor because, genius that I am, I'm wearing mocks. Those rubber shoes that mock you every time you step somewhere smooth and wet.
At this point the control panel still read F-28, so thinking maybe my husband just didn't try hard enough when pressing the cancel button, I do so, and hold it down just in case. The whole flippin display goes black and won't come back on. I try unplugging it, and plugging it in a different outlet. Great, I've taken it from broken to dead.
I then find the serial number, get out my pen, and realize I don't have paper....and yes, my friend is still on the phone, desperately trying not to laugh at me. Men. Really. I should have called a girlfriend. My gal pals would totally get this. They would have told me to make dh do it when he got home, and I'd be upstairs with my kids, instead of down here, wondering what Si and Princess P are destroying....
Finally, I tear a piece off a brown paper bag, to write on with my pen that has orange ink? Good thing I'm not color blind it'll do.
Get the number down. Get upstairs. Thank my friend on the phone. Request service. I get the confirmation. It just says "washer."

Happy Mother's Day (belatedly)

I confess, I didn't even call any of our three moms on Mother's Day this year. One doesn't care about Hallmark Holidays, one's used to being totally ignored, well mostly...and besides, she has the perfect daughter.
BUT my mom, how could I not even send her an e-card?
Mostly because my world was spinning so fast being a mother this weekend.
I started with good intentions. I did all the grocery shopping on Friday, so that we could have a lovely weekend. Exhausted, but satisfied, I went to bed Friday night confident of a fun day on Saturday, and making myself available on Sunday for whatever my mom would like. Be it an e-mail chat, an impromptu lunch, running down to the country with a Tippins Strawberry Pie, I was prepared....or so I thought.

Saturday morning, boy child #1 blows the toes out of his only pair of tennis shoes. Turns out he mistook them for brakes for his bike. Talk about a forehead smacking moment. Shoe shopping for something that suits his tweeny tastes, yet meets parental quality and pricing standards takes pretty much all day. By the time we get home, the 2nd NBA playoff game has started, and dh is in the "man zone." So much for a fun day of parties.

Sunday morning: Sunday School Breakfast! YUM! Uh, what are we bringing? Oh, and honey, do I have ANY clean shirts.
"I don't know and no."
Time for a Wal-mart run. Get home, change shirt. Load kids in car. Off to class.
"Why do we have to stay for service?" whines a child.
"Because I'm Mrs. F today in Kidz World, that's why."
I do have a blast acting in Kidz World....was probably the highlight of my weekend. Even if it is about mulch and meatloaf...there's something to envision. Hope she didn't get her ingredients mixed up in the kitchen.
Then we get home. Now, just to finally get on the computer, or the phone...
"Um honey,"
"Yeah"
"When are we getting the stuff the kids need for camping next weekend?"
So much for a shopping free weekend.
A bunch of kids acting like a circus at Target, prying tweeny off the fishing equipment at Dicks, figuring out exactly what would make a good "sit-upon" and a bill pay later, we get home. Yep, the afternoon was shot, and so were we. And then...there was more basketball.
Sorry mom about the blank text. It was supposed to say Happy Mother's Day.
Yes mine was great. I have a fingerprint poem, stick figure card, laminated book mark, and lots of smiles and hugs. It was perfect. Really.

Sometimes it's nice to not be grown-up

There's nothing odd about dressing up like a fairy and painting your toe-nails, even if you're a boy. (He did choose blue nail polish...)

Ketchup or lemon juice fixes every food.

Snow is AWESOME.

Bandaids cure any injury.

Gatorade, no chores, and unlimited tv anytime you're sick.

Dinosaurs rule the world, or at least your doll house.

You get to see most of your friends at least twice a week.

You are only at work for 7 hours a day with an hour of breaks and get summers off.

Recess!

There's almost always help there when you need it.

Naps.

Being able to see people as just people, without the filters we learn (and try to unlearn) as we get older.

I am blessed

As I survey my nestlings, it occurs to me again how tremendously blessed I am to have the children I do.
I am blessed to have an 11 year old who still tells me almost everything, wants to be snuggly sometimes (well, sort of. He headbutts my hand to be petted or head butts my shoulder for a hug. What is it with boys acting like goats? Is it because they smell like them?), He is willing to balance church, friends, and family. (He'd like church better at noon though.)
I am blessed with an almost 10 year old who loves marching to his own drum...and wants a guitar to go with it. Or a piano. Please mom? He's dramatic, musical, sensitive, and smart. His world is black and white with big splashes of color showing up when least expected. He's my high stakes kid. Everything with him is go big or go home.
Then there's my happy boy. Always bouncing, always smiling, kind of like the Wal-mart logo. He's not particularly organized, but very smart. He excels in reading, spelling, and math when he cares...but a lot of times that butterfly outside the window is just sooo much more interesting. A bit of dreamer, the world just kind of rolls off his shoulders. Content with where he's at and who he is, to him living IS the dream...and if he could just live on a football field, that would be even better.
Then there's my girly-girl with steel cleats. Always the queen bee, big smiles and calculating sparkles...ideas bigger than life itself and of course SHE can do it the best. Can't wait to see how this one unfolds.
Then we have babies. Well, at 2 & 4 maybe babies isn't the right term...
A little mommy in the making, always caring for her babies and wanting to cook and clean, with tom-boy toughness once she gets outdoors and her sidekick, the mischief minion. Smart, determined, adorable for survival's sake, our family baby boy is something else.
Mix them all together and you have a house that's never bored and grateful to still be standing. Plenty of pictures, quips and blog fodder. Memories that will hopefully last a lifetime in love and not on some therapists couch.

M-O-N-D-A-Y

Some days just start off wrong. Like this morning. I spent almost 30 minutes looking for my glasses and bandage tape. Princess D ended up with a blind mother holding the dressing on her arm in place with cut up bandaids, and being 15 minutes late for school. Meanwhile, Si Guy makes one of his great escapes out the garage door...and Princess P is coloring with a blue marker, her nose that is....and where are her glasses? I really need to get that kid a second pair...ok. I really need to get me a second pair too.
Somehow the minute that last child is launched for school everything turns around. My glasses show up, courtesy of Smurfette, under the computer desk...a magical moving trick of Si. Everyone is coloring on paper. Dinosaur train is on the t.v. So maybe this whole chaos thing where I called Dad three times before 8am was a test. Here's hoping I passed, but doubt it. A morning like this is bound to happen again.

The things our kids take pride in us for,(sigh)

are not always what we hope. The classic is princess P.
"Mommy squishy! Hug."
She loves pointing out how "squishy" I am. And because I'm squishy, I give the best hugs. Uh, thanks. I think.
Most adults don't value "squishy". In fact, many adults spend hours at the gym and living on lettuce, yogurt, and branflakes to avoid becoming squishy, or stop being squishy. Women buy gut-sucker underwear and swimsuits to hide our squishiness....or at least smooth it out.
And yet this angst ridden "flaw" of the females of our species is something my daughter embraces in me, to the point of joy and pride.
I recently told my husband that if I ever did lose all this "squishability" I'd have so much extra skin I'd look like one of those little wrinkly dogs. Maybe I would be better off just accepting it. It is how God made me after all.

Momisms...

You know something must be sticking when your kids start talking like you, well sort of.

"Mom, what's our green food with dinner?"
"Now, we have to use nice words, so YOU can't be mean to me. pbbbbt."
"Mommy's taking a time out, forever."
"Jesus loves everybody, even you."
"It's Saturday. We have to clean our room before I can go to a friends house. So you need to get to work."
"You're not mad at me, just my actions."
"You should give me the candy because we treat other people the way we want to be treated."
"Don't worry mom. He washes."
"I'm sorry I broke it, but remember people are more important than things."
"I love you mom...can I have a coke?"

Just remember that verse about training a child says when they are OLD they will not stray from it.......

It's raining. It's pouring....

It's spring and it's storming. I feel bad for my little walkers on mornings like this. Yet I know they won't melt in the monsoon. I'm just grateful that it was SUNNY and warm for resurrection day.
We had a great family day. The kids were up early to raid their resurrection eggs and chocolate crosses in their brand new bike helmets. After all that sugar those helmets were put to good use on bikes and scooters outside. Even little Si guy was scooting around on a 3-wheeled scooter.
Easter dinner was a casual progressive affair. We had turkey, corn, mashed taters, broccoli and fresh pineapple and strawberries. Absolutely fun and delicious. When I was a child, we'd go to my aunt's house for lamb...and there was lamb coconut cake for dessert. I sometimes wonder if we should start doing that on Good Friday.
We are so blessed to have life through Christ. So let the river flow down my street. Love will keep on springing from our hearts.

Princess D's Easter Questions

I love my kids. Earlier this week in the car, (great place for all kids to ask deep questions, especially in rush hour traffic)...my daughter and I were talking about Easter.

"Mom. Why are there bunnies at Easter?"
"Well, some people see bunnies as a symbol of new life/spring."
"But Easter is about JESUS!"
"That's right honey. It's about the new Life Jesus brings. Jesus is what's real, but it doesn't hurt to have the eggs and bunnies and stuff to help celebrate."
"But where did the bunnies come from?"
"Norse mythology, a Goddess names Ishtara, part of where Easter got it's name from."
"But that's pretend?"
"Yeah, that's just an old story to explain spring, and celebrate the new life that comes with spring."
"But OUR Easter is about Jesus, right?"
"Mmm.hmm. Yes, our Easter is about Jesus life he gave for us and shares with us because he rose from the dead."
"o.k."

I love it that my daughter's question was not "Is the Easter Bunny real?" but rather "How does the Easter bunny tie in to Jesus?"
I hope she asks that question about everything in life.

Some things I sometimes still don't get

Why is it easier to keep track of kids at the park than at home?
(Yes, sick mom took kids to park today because it was too hard to keep track of them in the yard.)
How can kids hear the fridge being opened from their rooms, but not hear you tell them to do their homework when you're in the same room?
Why is "sauce" such a black and white issue, where 1/2 my kids hate food with it and the other half hate food without it?
How can the same child who hears the phone from upstairs not hear you tell him to turn off the tv because dinner is ready?
How can a child go from crying to laughing to NO! to Yeahahaha!, all in a minute's time?
Why can't an 11 year old smell like a two year old after a bath? (One is reminiscent of wet dog, the other fruit shampoo.)
How can same said 11 year old hold an adult conversation on preserving the environment and then suddenly ask for pre-packaged food from a drive thru?
How can I, as a parent, continue to love each member of my household more each day? It's a wonderful life.

Babies, babies everywhere!

It seems like a lot of my friends are pregnant/having babies lately....and there's nothing like seeing pics of newborn, or better yet,a 4-6 month old to make me wistful about how another baby wouldn't be "that" bad. Babies smell good, induce hormonal highs, and are warm, soft, cuddly. It's fun to watch them discover their body parts, their surroundings, their everything.
Now barring acts of God, there will be no more babies in our household. Six kids and their active schedules are enough for my feeble mind to keep track of. We have four in school, and only one more year before we have 2 schools to work with. We have/have had dance, bowling, tennis, swimming, football, soccer, scouts, AWANA, and discussions about racing cars, yes real cars.
Our kids are as diverse as a garden of wildflowers and I love every moment of it. And the day looms in the not-too-distant future where Huggies will a definite part of my past. That discovery stuff we all fall in love with infants for can be very trying in the toddler years, and launching a self confident five (or six!) year old to school can bring sighs of relief and tears at the same time.
We recently cut off the last of Si Guy's baby hair, that soft, fluff. He is almost three, and now has "kid hair" instead. That was hard. Half a dozen of my friends didn't even recognize him at first without those wispy blonde curls. But he had grown past them. It was time to let them go. Once he decides to potty train all hints of babydom will be in our family's past.
It doesn't mean letting go of the wonder though. Or the magic. Or the dreams. It's just "moving further on and further in." Enjoy the dawn of innocence my friends. The miracle of life in your hands has just begun.

Science City

Yesterday Science City at Union Station was having a $5 day. I spent the morning unsuccessfully looking high and low for a second adult to go with me. I contemplated leaving Si Guy at home. I contemplated not going. I did the unthinkable. After lunch I loaded up all six of our kids, ages 2-11, in our van and went, alone.
Challenge 1, parking. We were blessed to find parking fairly easily in an outdoor lot behind union station. Just as well our van isn't parking garage friendly. I had a friend share about the gate getting stuck and trapping all the cars in for a while on the same day.
Challenge 2: getting tickets. The kiosk outside wouldn't take debit cards. So we waited in line for about ten minutes so I could write a check. Then we walked across the building to find the elevator, and to the opposite end of the second floor to get in. Yes, we were in.
Challenge 3: Mom's endurance vs. kid excitement. Science city is like Wonderscope on steroids. Our kids loved "making" clouds, going on a dino bone dig, and plaing with giant musical instruments. There was a playground and play room geared towards younger tots, so a couple of times I kept the tiniest two (or three) while the older ones went to an exhibit that was more appropriate for their age under our oldest child's supervision. I could feel my heart beating in my head and my clothes felt like steel wool until they returned...which they always did. He is a responsible kid, really...and the others are very cooperative when future privileges are on the line. The only major mishap of the day was when the older kids were trying the pulleys princess P wandered out of my line of sight.
Our dear oldest child said "Don't worry mom. She's probably just in the pipes." The plumbing display was adjacent to where we were.
Sure enough, one smiling four year old face shows up in the upper level window of the pipes. Brother retrieves her, all is well....except where is princess D? Over on the other side of the pulleys playing the croc sculpture. Hasn't she ever heard never smile at a crocodile?
At this the point the museum was getting too busy, and my nerves too frayed from feeling like I'd lost both my daughters to keep it on.
So up the elevator we went. Played a couple tunes goodbye, then off to snack.
Kids full of ice cream and french fries. Mom had a diet soda in hand. All was right in the world.

I may not be over the hill yet, but

the top is fast approaching. As my closest dozen friends know from my text, a new list is ensuing. Ways to know you're middle aged.

1) Singing along with the music at the grocery store.
2) Seeing your friends kids graduate from high school.
3) Actually looking up when someone says "ma'am."
4) Looking at "anti-aging" products without laughing
5) Watching the NCAA tourney & thinking, are you sure all these kids are out of high school? They look so young.

Not that it's all bad getting older. It's nice being settled, never boring having kids, and with more responsibility comes more freedom. Now just to convince my "mature" 11 year old that.

What a weekend!

This last week has flown by. Friday, princess P had her "evaluation" by Count Your Kid in. Good news! She's quite bright..and I was really worried she might be impaired because she is so far behind where her sibs were academically at her age, or that I had failed to teach her as well. Neither is true. Bad news: She's far-sighted.
So, how do you keep track of glasses for a four year old??? I guess we'll find out in April.
Like a couple of my other kids, she sounds kind of like Donald Duck, so she'll be in speech too. I expected that.
Friday afternoon Mr. M & I were switching back to our old bank, with the 5,4, and 2 year old with us. Talk about cat herding.
Then we move on to Saturday. PTA auction day. I took our oldest with me to help set up. He did really great. In the evening, we went back and he ate his share...and then some. Then he was more or less free. He un-helped in the big kid room, bouncing a ball around and being generally wild with some other boys...so I kicked him out. He helped in the little kid room for a while, quite sweetly playing with blocks with the preschoolers. But mostly, he wandered around scrounging for leftover food. Human. Vacuum. Cleaner. It's okay though, he earned it by transforming back into the super-helper at clean up time.
Sunday morning Mr. M stayed home to work, so it was just me and the kids at church. I spent Sunday School frantically getting ready for AWANA store that night...and service reading Christianity Today in the Library while kind of listening to the sermon. The kids choir sang adorably. Princess D was front and center. Chip was towering next to her. I could hear Bob clearly. Our oldest baled to help with the spot light in Kidz World. He LOVES the booth. That's my boy!
Sunday night, was a Sparkie store night. It went smoothly. Mr. M came with, and played with our puggle and Cubbie during their game time. Always an adorable sight.
And that is why even though it's Tuesday, I'm STILL recovering from the weekend today.

Do you hear something pop?

How long can a popcorn kernel be in a kids ear before he tells you about it?
Apparently, about five months...and even then he didn't tell us about it.

Sometime late last fall, Bob made a vague complaint about his ear. The thing is, he always has vague complaints of some sort...so we said, eh? They were just cleaned out in June. You should still be okay.

Around Christmas Break, the nurse at school called us and said he may need them cleaned out again. He seemed to have a little trouble hearing, but we could try the at home stuff first.

So we tried the at home stuff. He said his left ear was fine, but wasn't sure how well it worked for the right, but it seemed "a little" better.
Last Friday, the nurse sent a note home saying we should take him to a pro.
So last weekend, he and his Dad trotted over to the minute clinic to have his ears cleaned. He did have a lot of wax in his right ear, and an "object" behind it. Maybe a pebble from playing outside? They referred us out to get it removed.

So off they went to children's mercy, where the power washer rinsed out a popcorn kernel..and out yeah, he had an ear infection because it had been there so long. How long?
Bob doesn't "know" how it got in there, but he's pretty sure it was in October.
I suppose it was better than sticking raisins up his nose......

Happy Birthday Princess P!

May four be your best year yet.

Our lil "Miss Grace" expresses herself very freely. From her toothy smile to her "evil laugh" she's great fun all the way around. This has been her healthiest year yet, and the first one where she has not needed a nebulizer. This is something to truly be thankful for.
She's started losing some of her baby fat, and her speech is clearing up. She knows her colors and shapes, but really isn't that academic. Her favorite thing to do is still play in her toy kitchen and tend her "babies"...be they talking doll or her jaguar family.
And of course, she just LOVES to help around the house...especially spray the rinse dishes with the sprayer, run the broom along the floor to scatter the piles of dirt, and crack eggs and stir.
She makes me laugh at least once a day. She plays mostly nice with her little brother.
She still likes to be wrapped in a towel after her bath and carried off to bed to hear a story...so I guess there's a hint of baby left, but just a hint.
She's in the fairy phase, where everything in life is magical. A twinkle, and a sprinkle, and everything transforms. Hopefully she'll never grow out of it.

For the love of towels....

I have a very pregnant friend I called recently, and asked her to message me her bathroom colors. I'm sure she thinks I'm nuts, but the truth is, there's nothing more important than a great set of ridiculously soft, expensive towels with a new child.

I was blessed enough to have the ones I'd gotten as wedding presents when our first was born. First, it was something to gently lay the newborn on for his sponge-bath, without worrying about getting what was underneath it wet. The top of a nursery dresser was just the right height, and I had all the after-bath essentials there and waiting.
Then baby got a little bigger, too big for the sponge-bath really, but not big enough for me to be comfortable putting him in the big tub. So the towel lined the sink for his bath.
Then he got even bigger, too big for the changing area on top of the dresser. Then the towel served as a changing pad on a bed or the floor.
Soon we had a toddler, taking real baths in a real tub, surrounded by bubbles and toys.When he was done, he'd stand and hold his arms up, anticipating being wrapped in a nice, soft, towel. One of our children even substituted a towel for a blankie for a while.

The nice towels were great for mom too. A little bit of luxury, (like a shower) goes a long way when you have an infant. I'm sure my friend has lots of cute baby clothes, and toys and books by now. She's due any day. So even if she thinks it's strange, we're giving her a luxury set of towels.

Kids have such quick switches...

When Princess D got home today she was disappointed no one called on HER during their field trip, even when she had her hand raised. She always had the best questions after all. Then she flips to excited D, fishing in her backpack to get out the envelope of note cards with recipes that her teacher trusted her with to get to me for the auction's kindergarten cookbook. She was just sure I'd love her recipe. Then we had pizza for lunch.
"Mom, how'd you know there was cheese in the crust?"
"Because it said so on the box. It's really good cheese too."
"Yeah, I know. Cheddar! Mmm. We should save those pieces for the boys when they get home."
"Really? I don't know, it's really good."
"Yeah, I know. That's why they should have some too."
At that moment, my daughter really was royalty.

I love living in the now.

When I was an older kid/young teen, I thought I was born into the wrong generation. Now I know better.

It's so nice to live in modern times. Our dishwasher died a while back, and while doing dishes by hand for a family of eight seems like a massive chore, at least we have running hot water. When families our size were common, water was pumped from outside or brought in from a well or creek, then heated on a stove, possibly wood burning, and then washed by hand.
I'm grateful we have washing machines and dryers.
My thankfulness for the microwave oven will never cease. It's amazing to cook veggies in the bag they come in to perfection, then throw it away, to be able to make a final decision on dinner and thaw the meat quickly and safely the same day, and make single serving cake in two minutes and thirty seconds.
I love having the internet to connect with friends miles away instantly, keep posted on activities, and yes, play games on. I remember our first computer when I was a kid. It was an ADAM and I was in middle school. We still did our reports on my friend's electric type-writer with spell check. The full transition to computers really didn't hit full speed until I was in college. Yet I felt like a caged tiger when our home computer had been down the last couple of weeks.
While I thank Mr. Bell for the original telephone, I love my mobile phone more. Texting, being able to send pictures instantly, and having a way to stay in touch w/ kids at sports practices...what more can there be?
What new things will come out over the next thirty years that will revolutionize our lives like those of the last?
What will our children take for granted that we see as a privilege?
What do we take as a necessity to life that others can't even dream of?
Every day is a gift.

Cooking w/ Si Guy

Every mother has those moments where she just swears that she "knows" her young child's destiny. Never mind what we "know" may change several times in the course of a year or week, we just do. Right now, my thought is that maybe Si will be some kind of chef. Here's some of his recipes for today.

Chex crumble.
Take 1 box of Chex cereal and dump onto carpet. Proceed to roll over with toy trucks. If that doesn't get a fine enough breading for your apple slices, scoop up handfuls onto the entertainment center and smash with hammer from "Whack a mole" game.

Smoked Salt
After mom makes popcorn in the air popper, dump kosher salt into top. I was going to plug it in again but she took it away. Meanie.

Applesauce:
Take a couple of apples and put them in the blender. Run away giggling.

Cleaner cocktail.

Take Jet Dry that mom forgot to stick back in cleaning closet and pour into blender. Add some cereal for good measure. Watch mom panic and take everything away.

Yes, this has been a real quality parenting day......

Ten things I like about each of my kidlets. :)

Si Guy-
his curiosity, his smile, his very sunny personality, his eye communication, his verbal expressiveness, his ability to play cooperatively with his sister, snuggling him after Mr. M is up in the morning, that he never gives up on learning new things, his love of the outdoors, his chubby baby hugs around the neck

Princess P- her domesticity, her love of color, her "order" to her day, her ability to share a room mostly peacefully, her adoration of fairies, her excitement about church, her love of a good story, her "fashion sense", her helpful nature, how her whole face lights up when she's happy

Princess D- her attention to detail, her "Max grin", her moxie, the things she thinks of/talks about, how open she is with us, her JOY, her love of Sunday School, her curly blonde hair, the way she "reasons" things out, her love of people and ease in showing it.

Chip- His "Odie" nature, His sweetness, his almost constant good mood, his laugh, his semi-toothed smile, his desire to please, how much he loves all things outside, his sociability, his likability, his high energy enthusiasm for life

Bob- his sensitivity, his smarts, his organization abilities, his seeing "everybody is a friend", his success academically, his ability to entertain himself, his desire to learn, his love of truth, his pride in knowing Christ, and yes, his intensity.

Our oldest- How everyone he meets just loves him, his learning persistence, his moments of "grown up" behavior, his moments of extremely childish behavior, his peace-maker nature, his balanced personality, his love of books, his laugh, his willingness to share his "take" on issues,
how he takes other peoples feelings seriously.

I'm really blessed to have the children I have. I know I use this as a "therapy board", but really, they're all great kids.

Kid cooking

Our kids all have different ideas of what it is to cook.

Si Guy thinks stealing all the eggs out of the fridge and then cracking them wherever is cooking, especially if it involves stirring in something else, like gatorade.

Princess P is in the sandwich phase. She's so proud she can open a jar and spread her own subutter without making too big a mess.

Princess D wants to use a can opener, but still settles for pushing buttons on the microwave.

Chip can open cans, use the microwave from start to finish, crack eggs, sort of measure dry goods, and stir.

Bob wants to use the stove, but really isn't quite tall enough yet, but has mastered heating waffles in the toaster oven.

Our oldest can do about anything except use the mandolin, but whether he wants to is another story. He of course, pouts that dad won't let him use the mandolin.....

Maybe I should let the six of them get together and plan and cook a meal.
Nah.

Tiny tots

This morning my toddlers are at the forefront. They really don't give me a choice some days. For if I dare to pay attention to anything else, say the phone call concerning our booth sale for Girl Scout cookies this weekend, they team up and spring/scream into action.

"Mine!"
"No , Si-guy! Miiine."
As they fight over the parallel bars, I mean racks to the toy box.

Right now, since I just sat down it's
"apple? Hungry?"
Um, we get lunch after picking up sissie, remember, just a few more minutes.
And no, you can't use the knife and cutting board your big brother left out when making lunch.

And what if I NEED them to do something....
Princess P, pants! They match your dress.
"No, white. see?"
"I'll get you white socks."
"No!"
"Okay, ten more minutes and then we need to put on pants and socks."

So Si races ahead of me with his "I'M being good" smile screaming "PANTS!" and proceeds to climb in his dresser drawer to find them. Then he goes to the "sock basket" in my room, and proceeds to look for a match by grabbing a sock he likes and throwing the others out of the basket until he finds it's mate. "OOk! A pay-er. ToooO!"

And so another morning flies by. Now it's time to get shoes and Princess D.

Me vs. the vacuum.

Today I woke up ready to go. I made GF pancakes, got the older kids launched in time, and the younger ones occupied with toys. Then I was off to do battle with our little vacuum.
Our "real" vacuum broke beyond repair shortly before Christmas, so the mini-spot clean sized one has been filling in. So far we've been through three belts. Poor thing just can't stand up to the mess of so many kids. Today, it was not the belt. It was a clog.

I was prepared. I had a ziploc bag for screws, two screw drivers, and, oh, Hi guys. Two assistants.
Princess P and Si Guy were just fascinated by the magnetic screwdriver...the one I needed to use. Then they wanted to hold the screws. Then they "helped" empty the bin and look through the detached hose to make sure it was clear. No, I didn't let them use it as a telephone. Mean, I know.

An hour later I called dh because I couldn't get the brush roller back in.
His first words. "Good luck, I usually wrestle with it for about ten minutes before I get it in."
As I'm getting ready to hang up, begging for any last minute advice he says' " Oh yeah. One of the rollers has two flat sides on one end. Make sure they get lined up right."
Three minutes later, holding the vacuum upside down in an almost indecent arrangement between my legs, I get it in. Finally.

I turn it on. I clean a 2x2 square foot area, and I start to smell burning. Ack. The hose. Oh well. Dh can deal with it when he gets home.

Back to school!

The older kids went back to school for a whole two days last week, before being snowed in at home. This morning, they all were up before seven, and are now ready to go, about half an hour early. In some ways the last five days has been kind of hard. In others, it's been an even greater blessing than usual. Mr. M only having to go in to the office for one day while they were home was definitely my favorite blessing. I adore my husband, and always cherish more time around him, even when he's working.

Some of the best things about this week....

seeing our oldest eager to play outside, and acting like a kid. He is still a kid, but at eleven sometimes acts more like a teen, or young adult.
Having some extra time with Bob, and helping him make a hot air balloon.
Watching Chip and Princess D play together, whether dino's or dress up. The bond they have is really special.
Princess P's great excitement at having her "brudders" home...and their good natured manner of letting her tag along wherever they were.
Seeing Si Guy's reaction to snow taller than him. Mostly "carry me mommy!" Glad to have him be a bit of a baby a bit longer.

Sure there were moments when I questioned what on earth to do with six house-bound kids who were bouncing off the couches and beds and anything else with a hint of springiness, times when I though our house might fall down from all the activity, and just times I wished for headphones, earplugs, or a mute button, but overall the extra time with my kids was good. I am truly blessed.

Back to cold reality

Last night we realized we had never turned the thermostat back down from when everyone was sick last month, so I flipped off the hold button and it reverted back to it's normal cycle...about 5-10 degrees cooler than the house had been. This morning, my husband went back to work and the kids went back to school. Our oldest child's first words of the morning were, "Mom, why is it so cold in here?"
Well, if he wasn't wearing shorts and a t-shirt, that might help...So I told him to put on more clothes.

Now I'm sitting here, wearing my M&M pj's and my husband's robe, drinking a diet coke, thinking, "It's cold in here." I miss my husband. I miss my older kids...but it's time to get back to reality.

My 3 year old daughter just came in here. "I got dis for YOU." with big smiles.
Things just started warming up a bit.