My Big New Years Night!

So dear husband works tonight. I had grandiose plans I tell you. The 2 oldest were doing homework. I know what an evil thing this momma did, but before you trash my blog. It was not my fault they were a whole month behind in school when Christmas break started. No siree, all my warnings didn't seem to phase them. So guess what? ! ? They lost Christmas break. Bet they won't do that again. So the three youngin's watched Shrek. All of a sudden the cell phone rang and it was the Burpin' Cousin ! She is so much fun.

The kids had to show her the trampoline. They had to jump with her as well. They froze in the process. One was even in a night gown already.

But they jumped and had lots of fun.

Her she is...The burping queen! She wasn't here long before she had to go about exciting New Year's Eve plans... come to find out they were knitting! Too young to be a grandma on New's Year Eve but alas wait for the rest of the story.
I ushered the littlest 2 off to bed and it is an hour and a half after bedtime. But they will be up on time and inevitably cranky tomorrow. The other 3 delayed and squirmed and tried to get me to let them stay up.... The Burpin' Cousin showed me how to delete songs of their MP3 players so they convinced me to complete the task. Then off to bed with giggles and laughter. A the dear that she is, asked, "Do you want me to get the dishes done?" Why, yes sweetheart and then to bed.

Never quite willing to give up she asked for a game of....

THe answer was almost yes, until the phone rang. A call from California. Our beloved Aunt Wendy needs our help. Lost and on her way to a party. Please can we read her email and google map directions for her.
We talked for an hour.... and I played

while chatting with her. Intermittenly, giving her additional directions. She even took me into her party with her. I got to go to a GROWN -UP NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY !!! In California no less. At a beautiful home, according to the descriptions she gave me. She didn't introduce me around though. Suddenly, I was asked to leave, because after 2 hours in the car driving my friend needed to "freshen up" and said good-bye.

So Happy New Year's! I think I will go watch a movie now. I asked dear husband to let me sleep in tomorrow...(between you and me, I don't think the kids will let it happen. BUT, they are all going to Grandpa's house and I am staying home. Can anyone say NAPTIME!!! LOL.) Hmmm, maybe I will just go to bed and watch the movie tomorrow.

Happy New Year !

T-REX Memories

Thanks to Dara, I now know how to use photobucket and have music on my blog. So now I am able to share pictures from when we to T-Rex at Legends Mall in KC. Great fun for all. The little boys were in wonder. You could see the wheels turning in their heads trying to understand if the dinosaurs were real or not.

More T-Rex fun!

Thanks to my friend's help, I figured how to post this video.

The fun part was when we walked into T-Rex at Legends in KC is the T-Rex roared so loud, N started to back up and say "uh-huh." He wasn't too sure this was going to be as much fun as Dad said it would be.

Dara is here teaching me blog tricks!

Look what I can do now!

The Day after...

The children are coming off their Christmas fever.
They are showing signs of being tired and bicker a little more than usual.
BUT THE GREAT NEWS IS THE TEMPERATURE HIT AT LEAST 67 DEGREES HERE!
Amazing. The sliding glass door was left open through the late morning and afternoon.
Dad and Uncle Terry assembled the trampoline with only a few little instruction narrations from me. Occassionally, reading the instructions helps when constructing something bigger than you.
The kids jumped, and jumped and jumped.
I puttered through the house and enjoyed the quiet.
Big-o-Daddy-o and I slipped off to do a few errands.
I bought a micro memory card at Office Max with Christmas. The whole kit and kaboodle for $15. AT-T wanted to charge me almost $50 for! Now I can get the pictures off my phone.
We were able to find the camera case A wanted to buy with her Christmas money.
We bought the batteries for the all the gizmos the kids received Christmas morning. Oops, the elves forgot batteries were key in getting some of those presents to work.
I learned a little more about MP3 players.
I never thought I would feel so behind my kids in all the technology but I do. I tried to play with my bil's blackberry and my eldest said, "here mom let me show you how to text." She almost seemed embarrassed that I struggled to "get it".
We went to see Uncle and Aunt Texas for a bit tonight.
On the way home I noticed the thermostat said 62 degrees. At 10 p.m. EVEN! !
I hope the weather is this beautiful tomorrow.
Tomorrow we celebrate my father-in-law's 80th birthday!
Now time to go snuggle dear sweet husband and watch the movie he has been so patiently waiting for.
So hopefully in a day or two I will be able to include pictures from Christmas and the party.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Thanks Grandma! Could you have called in 2 days instead of today!

So Grandmama called first thing this morning. She has a way of connecting with the kiddies!
To each one she asked, "Do you know what today is?" and "What does that mean?"
She got a varied replies. But they all guessed Christmas EVE!
From there the excitement has exploded.
They came for the late afternoon and evening.
Pizza for dinner, MacGyver reruns from the library.
Help with making carmel rolls.
They slip off to Grandpa's "big city loft".
The kids are so excited....
It is 9:30 and the littlest keeps sneeking out of bed and sent back to bed.
So now I hear the wails of "you're such a meanie!" And growls that make me wonder if there really is a T-Rex in the room.
But it has been 9 minutes and still no reappearance.
However, kind hearted S has brought me a pillow he found in his room (one that should be in my room.) He is presently asking me if I want anything to eat!
A is quietly waiting in her room to finish her sister's present. Sister has to be asleep first. She is in her room because I told her she couldn't hover and lurk and follow me around trying to learn secrets.
Now S has to go to the bathroom. The only one who went to bed and has stayed is M. Maybe I will give her extra sweets tomorrow!

When you are too cool for Pictures, Mom has a way!

It inevitably happens. The sweet little 3.5 pounder who you cradled in your arm and prayed home from the hospital is now "cool". And you learn it is not cool to smile for the camera. So what is a mom to do ?

She hold the camera and says.

"S-ie, smile for you mom. Smile or I am going to kiss you in front of your friends."

Then the mom gets this:

So you try again and you turn on the charm.

"I love you....(drippy syrupy sweet voice.)

I am going to kiss you (kissy sounds now)

If you don't smile, a nice smile for me. "

It is all in the asking of the question.
AND asking the right question.

The incorrect request was for a smile.

The correct request was for a "nice smile"

Then the mom gets this:

Isn't he handsome!

My cutie!

Christmas Party Fun

We took a break last week to enjoy some Christmas fun with friends.

M is hard at work making her spice ornament.

equal parts of cinnamon and applesauce and glue.

Roll it out, make shape.

Dry for 3 days...maybe depending on how thick the ornament is.

I was thoroughly impressed by M

This was a relay race.

Put on the gloves, remove the wrapper of a Hershey's Kiss.

Eat it and run back to your line so the next person could go.

She managed to do it all with thumb in a splint!

My little poser. "Take a picture of me like this"

They are holding balloons.
They are sitting still (well, my boys are)
They are listening.
I have it documented !
It is the season of miracles !
Teacher's helper now. My oldest baby is growing up.
She doesn't play the reindeer games anymore.
She likes to organize and help the games go off without a hitch.

Candy Cane Lane ! !

So after Red and Green Night we loaded up and headed on over to Candy Cane Lane where we discovered there were 7 days left till Christmas!

If you live in the Wichita area and want directions let me know!

Every house goes all out to decorate with lights.
Every house has a giant candy cane curbside as well.

The patriotic house, and has been for several years now.

The little guys got excited about seeing Santa!

He was there and we have proof!

This one is my favorite for 2 reasons.

The Happy Birthday Jesus across the highest point.

The creativity of putting a landing strip and airplane on the roof above the garage.

I bet someone there works in the aircraft industry.

Red and Green Night with the WIGGLES!

So it is Red and Green night at Awana!

Even Mom gets into the spirit of things.

I pinned Candy Canes on my clothes.

Then I kinda forgot at times during the night and couldn't figure out why

the kids wanted me to come to them...and then I would remember.

Smack those hands, jump back and hurry back to my spot in the kitchen!

It is incredibly hard to get pictures of children during the holiday season.

They just can't seem to hold still for long.

If you have more than one posing then pictures tend to look like this:

or even like this one

or you might even find yourself missing a child in the picture!

New Experiences!

D has been staring at the snow this winter. Just longing to get out and experience it. He had been sick during the last snow. The temperatures bitter cold during this snow. We finally let him out! He was euphoric and soo excited!

It lasted at the most 15 minutes. A face full of snow and he was done!
I have a dear friend who explains why her children like different seasons of the year....

The ones with summer birthdays love the hot weather, hate the cold.
The ones with winter weather love the cold and hate the heat.

Doesn't work for my kiddos.

This one, does not like the COLD! !

He hovers by the door these days and not crazy about venturing out.

My other winter birthday child, well he is afraid of sweating in the snow so he doesn't wear his coat.

All the others are summer birthdays and they love the cold, especially the hockey player.

Their mom, likes hot cocoa, hot tea, cider, cozy blankets and warm slippers in the winter.

In the summer, she like swimming pools, air conditioning and shade. Most of all the mom likes air conditioning! But then again I have a fall birthday and love fall and spring.

Snow ball Fights with Big-O-Daddy-O!

Grandpa loves watching the Child and Grand-children Play!

What could possibly make this Dad wield such a large snow ball!

A 4 yr. old who thinks he's king of the "snow plow mountain"?

Yes, he has no winter coat on.

He's afraid of "getting sweaty"

Picture mom rolling her eyes. It is 12 degrees outside.

Could it be the kids are ganging up on Dad?

Or that he's Got a Plan and Ammo?
Check out the size of these snow balls!

Could it be the 12 yr. old who obnoxiously wants her dad's pants covered with snow?

Why covered in snow? So they are wet and cold when he drives to work!
Can we say OBNOXIOUS TWEEN !?!

Or all the above and in effort of making more memories?

Dad pleads the fifth.

I happen to believe a lot of great memories were made that day!

Balm for the Hurt and Angry Heart !

So this Christmas season has been especially difficult for me. I recently checked out this book and may have to buy it because it is taking me an incredibly long time to get through it. I thought it was a novel. However, the Lord knew what I needed. It is not an easy read, it is thought provoking and meaty. I have spent way more time than I would like, this last week on issues related to the criminal trial we must testify in as witnesses. It is hard when a beloved child becomes a victim of a violent crime. I want to have the testimony of grace and forgiveness. To have people say I don't know how you do it, and in return reply, "it is the Lord who works in me." However, my fleshly desire to see this person suffer unimaginably wars with the truth of God's love and salvation for all. Then the Lord leads me to this book, written on the Prodigal Son. A different outlook of this very well known parable. A healing balm to my heart and soul as we navigate these difficult days ahead. Written not about the prodigal son, but about the son who was faithful and made all the "right" choices.
Sooo, now that I am back to blogging....lets get onto the fun stuff I have so neglected this last week due to yucky business and the foul funky mood it put me in!

Christmas Countdown!

It is getting a little nuts around here. Just a little.
The kids have cabin fever from being sick and now the miserable cold weather. We went to the dentist yesterday. If I can figure out how to get pictures off my camera I will add those. It was D's first visit and he was soooo excited !
We have moved up to 7 appointments at the dentist office now! D is old enough to go. Sad thing is he has a cavity. A small one right in front. His little-big brother has one too. We found out the enamel didn't form correctly on his teeth and this will probably be the first of many fillings for this guy until he gets his permanent teeth. So now we are praying for healthy developement of his teeth to come.
The famous question started tonight "How many more days till Christmas?"
Being the mom I am, with so many other things on my mind, I answer, "I don't know."
But alas, it never fails my older children know and were quick to fill in for their Mom, "7 days!"
Which led to "I want happy tummy andy ans!"
I don't know why he leaves the 'C' off those two words. I think it is cute.
So in response to his chant for andy ans, I reply, "I will not go to the store tonight, tomorrow yes, but not tonight. If you continue to demand, never."
So I will try to remember to send Dad with the camera tomorrow. He can take N to the dentist to get his filling and then to the store(s) to hunt for the elusive happy tummy candy canes. Get pictures of the irony of it all.
For those who wonder what "happy tummy candy canes" are. We have food issues around here.
N can't have red dye. So we have been looking for the very hard to find all white candy canes for him. A whole box just for him. As of yet we have not succeeded.

SO in the next 7 days we must:
find white candy canes.
Go grocery shopping.
Take each child shopping so they can buy for the sibling they drew the name of..
Figure out the Christmas menu
Finish wrapping presents
try to find the elusive Christmas cheer that has been missing this year....
shake out the laundry that is covered in pull up beads....yes another child slipped one into their pajamas and I missed it in the sorting.
maybe Christmas cookies

I know he loves me.

I just had to follow up the last post with some insight to my firstborn son.
S was the baby I worried about. No expression most the time.
I worried the lights were on and no one was home with him. I don't worry so much about him now. He is the quiet one in the house for the most part. His brain is working though. He knows if he stays quiet enough he can slip away and get out of "family" clean sessions. Mom's 30 thing pick up sessions.
He is the one that says, "You know Mom, if you got up and made lunch, it would be ready for me when I was finished with this and then I could go play afterwards." Yeah, like that was going to happen. I was grading papers and helping his sister with school work.
He is also the one who travels with dad to hockey games. He gets on the phone with me..
"Having fun?"
"Yes."
"How was the game?"
"Good."
"Miss me?"
"No."
"Want to talk to Dad?"
Okay, he's a man of few words.
Well tonight Dad called him from work and got a taste of it.
He tried to ask him about the game. Got one word answers and then "want to talk to Mom?"
So it is not just me.
I learned something new about hockey gear. These little things you put on skate and they prevent rusting. Very cool. The very practical mom thinks these would be a good thing to get, they'll help keep the skates in good shape. "Want some?"
"I don't know?"
"You want to go to the pro shop?" I get a shoulder shrug!
At this point, another mom kicks in and says, "Hey S, when your mom asks if you want to go to the pro shop to buy something, you say sure! Take the opportunity while you can!"
Hello! Ring a ling a ling! Some interest in this now. On our way down the hall to the shop, I try to chat with him. One word answers, we get to the pro shop and I ask, "Are you going to talk to me now?"
"No."
I could only laugh.
I know he loves me though. Every night he makes sure he hugs me good night. He likes to treat me to Hershey Dark Chocolate Bars. The nut free candy bar I can eat without endangering little bro. He'll treat me to QT drinks as well. He splashes me when we are at the pool. And every once in a while he'll talk to me.

An A for effort?

It's late. The house if finally settling down. D was sick yet again tonight.
Mike will be home soon.
So my mind is wandering and I wonder, "Do I get an A for effort tonight?"
I took S to hockey tonight.
But before, I managed to wash all of his uniform but his jersey.
I had him disinfect his bionic man pads, cause that is the kind of mom I am.
He did afterall get sick while wearing the stuff.
All loaded up, and on the road early.
I hear, "7 minutes Mom."
He's my task minder....
"Son, you don't have to be on the ice till 15 after."
"I don't?"
I go through the schedule..."715 on this night, 600 on this night 615 on this night."
(look of disbelief on his face....mom actually knows the times without looking at the calendar tonight.)
Whew. Survived that one.
I ask if he can borrow a spare jersey and then I begin the horrible job of tearing tape off his stick. Cause the men didn't think to do it after the last practice when he threw up on his stick and everything else. (where's that eye rolling smiley when you need it). Of course the tape is on so tight, Dad always does it with his pocket knife. Good thing I have one on my key chain. All done.
In the meantime, I successfully call the Dad and tell him yes there is a game tonight.
So, watching the game. Chatting with another mom. Dear ol' dad comes along to say hi. S is on the ice.
I don't know the positions on the ice. I do know that my little guy plays defense and plays it well for being such a lightweight.
"He's playing offense!" says Dad. That is new. I am watching.
I start to get after him. (Of course he can't hear me, cause I am inside the warm area of the rink watching.) "What are you doing?" "S, get in there!"
Mike very gently informs me, "He's doing what he is suppose to be doing."
Oh.. "Well it looks like what he always does and he is playing offense, not defense."
Sweet other mom next to me says, "Best leave the coaching to Dad and the S."
So I wonder do I get an A for effort?

12 days of Christmas!

So I left off with 4....
4 loads of laundry.
5 healthy but puny children.
6 sets of linens need washing.
7 hoping for no more illness this winter.
8 more loads of laundry

yes more laundry... I am glutton for punishment. The last time we were sick when Mike was out of town. I did 30 loads in one week. Yes, 30! During the winter I average 12-15 loads a week. We have a huge washer even. I invested in a great big monster this last year when our original just went kapooy. I even got the extended warranty. As the kids get bigger so do their clothes. The younger ones are especially big on creating laundry. They can't stand a damp spot on their clothes and the 3 yr. old is still potty training. Flutter Nutter also likes practicing undressing himself.

Mundane Mondays

I wonder what one of those would be like.
Today I returned a friend's call. She immediately asked me what's up. She could hear the fatigue in my voice. A quick recital of my earlier post and she laughed and said, "never a dull moment in the Clark family."
A crazy start to our day indeed.

However, I am blessed

• with a 3 yr. old who quickly grasped how to get to the toilet or trash can quickly. I can't say that for all of my children.
• with a husband, who after 13 years (almost 14), just calls into work "sick" which he can do when his family is sick.
• with intermitten naps for mom and dad
• with a somewhat leisure drive to the auto body shop to pick up our suburban (a whole other story).
• Our Flutter Nutter tucked in sweetly at home, so that our 12 yr. old gave us permission to come home late. We did some birthday and Christmas shopping. We are almost done. Just a couple more tid bits here and there.
• Fun family banter when we got home.
• Dinner.
• I managed to clean and de-clutter just a little bit more.
• 7 loads of laundry washed, dried and folded. Some of it even put away.
• 4 happy kids playing Wii and coloring.
• Dad and S went to hockey and had guy time.
• A 3 yr. old who decided he was tired and put himself to bed. We had to go looking for him. Isn't that sweet!
• Christmas music playing.
• A Christmas tree lit and twinkling in the room with me.
• Soon dear Husband will be home with medicine for N and medical tape to redo M's splint, then we will snuggle and watch a movie.

Praying all the disinfecting will mean noone else will get sick. I wonder what will Tuesday will bring?

I wish for once my hunch was wrong!

Doctor's office called this morning. The Ped's office looked at M's x-ray and her thumb is officially broken. "Smushed it really good," dr. said. The line on the x-rays I asked about was the break, the dr. on Friday thought it was her thumb nail. She will definitely loose her nail the doc said. Worse part is he now considers her thumb to be an "open" fracture. We have to watch for infection. He disagreed with Friday's Dr.'s instructions to put holes in the nail to relieve pressure. SOoooo....

On the first day of Christmas we have a broken thumb,

On the second day of Christmas we have 2 sinus infections, 2 tired grumpy parents,

On the third day of Christmas we have 3 up all night, (D has a stomache virus....he is quite good at getting to the toilet or trash can in time now.)

On the fourth day of Christmas..........(4 taking naps??? I guess we will have to wait and see, maybe it will be loads of laundry)

New Family Pictures!

So dear hubby was working at Bingo tonight, I got to try the Wii.

First I had to make a Mii. That was so much fun, I just had to make one for the

Big-o-Daddy-o!
That was so much more FuN ! !

Can you hear my devilish laughter!

Here's my Mii. Isn't she cute and cool all at the same time!

She had to have shades!


Here's us with our 3 olders. We'll add the other two after Christmas!
Why? Cause maybe they'll get to play the Wii then too......??......
Now you olders if you are reading this ~
ZIP YOUR LIPS OR YOUR CHRISTMAS IS OVER!

She needs Grandma's sympathy and TLC

If you read the earlier posts....
M's pretty little thumb from her trip to Wal-Mart.

Lots of tears and pain this morning till the Motrin started working.

She was begging me to use the needle and make more holes.

She was so sad I suggested we call Grandma.

See if she could go spend a few days with Grandma.

Get spoiled and eat ice cream all day!

Big grin from her then.

However, Motrin kicked in and then she played the Wii. Lots of strikes and spares in bowling.
She even felt better enough to play tennis against him.

St. Nicholas Day continued...

D needing restraining! Doesn't he look happy!
Children should just not have birthdays so close to Christmas.
It is just too confusing for them.

He hasn't got a clue! He only know s it is Scooby Doo!

N has no clue. It is not what he asked for!
Because that is the kind of parents we are!

They've got a clue.
Their suprise and shock left them speechless and quiet!

Which of course left the parents in shock!

All but D were okay with no money and candy in the shoes after they opened gifts.
S was sweet and kind to D and put a penny in his shoe!

Who knew !

All through my teen years and into college I thought I wanted to be a doctor. God did some changes in me and I quit school for a time. A short time later, I met my dear husband. And many years and 5 children later I have racked up quite a few medical experiences.
I have had 7 completely different pregnancies and 5 of them very complicated, interesting and frightening to boot.
All of my children have had stitches at least once. Some more than others.
One has had staples in his head.
I have had 2 with broken arms.
A couple of concussions to deal with.
One with a broken nose requiring surgery, to break it all over again 2 weeks later after surgery.
One was hospitalized at 6 weeks of age for cellulitis.
2 have been hospitalized for respiratory issues.
I have ridden in an ambulance with one.
I super-glued one child's chin instead of going in to let the dr/nurse do it.
All 5 have had to have nasal extractions in the doctor office. I wish I could put the smiley with eye rolling next to this one.
Last month I did my first nasal extraction cause I just couldn't bear to go in yet again for another one. So I pinned him down with my weight and ignored his crying. Fortunately, it was the eraser from the end of a pencil and it was easy to grasp with tweezers. He informed me his brother did it?! ! ? Whatever.....
Countless other off the wall procedures. All firsts for me.
And now I know how to use a "needle" to put holes in my daughter's nail."
We go to a clinic where everyone seems to know me well enough to remember my last name if not the first names of all us.
The clinic staff seem to notice when we haven't been in for a while.
The scheduler at the ped's desk knows my voice and just has to ask which one.

Who knew back then all the "medical experience" I would rack up. I almost can't wait to see what my grandchildren are going to do. Yet, it concerns me as well. I wonder if I will have any nerves left to remain calm.

Happy St. Nicholas Day! with some freebies

D was awake this morning first. Not a surprise here. Fortunately, my ears picked up the rattle of paper and there was some sort of connection to my brain. "D leave the presents alone!" Dad was shocked cause I sleep hard. He informed D he was going back to bed, ours or his. He chose ours. Couple of hours later I feel him sneakily wiggling off the bed. We are hard pressed to convince him to wake the other children. He wants the pile of presents for himself. S wakes up and pretty much tackles him. Finally, we are able to wake them! The younger two are somewhat confused. "Happy Birthday!" "Happy Birthday! Santa" We gave up and let them think as they will for the year.
Then N noticed his shoes weren't by the door and he was a little distressed. But St. Nick didn't forget him either.
..........and the kids are having fun now.

This year St. Nick's day happened with a few bumps in the road. Dad decided we would do something different at the last minute. So mom + 2 went off to Wal-Mart yesterday evening. A was babysitting a neighbor girl & was left at home with 3 kiddos. D didn't want to go. He was having so much fun creating a not so fun atmosphere for the rest of them. "I want my A-Y" is what he screamed for a while. Once at Wal-Mart, M shuts her fingers completely in the door. So back in the truck and to immediate care down the road. Fortunately, no broken fingers. However, the doctor did bore a hole in her nail to relieve some of the pressure and showed me how as well. I will try and post some pictures later....or maybe not. So off to Wal-Mart, cause we just keep plodding along in this household. Score some St. Nick treats, and deals to boot. Got the big present. Went home and put 3 more holes in Dear M's thumb nail.
But alas, the deals were perfect for our new medical experience!

The deals were:
buy 2 Band-Aid Red cross first aid kits and use a $3/2 Man. Printable Q. The band-aid kits are in the travel section for a $1. If I had been frugal I would have applied the overage from 2 coupons and 4 kits to the gift. However, the 2 children I am with found 2 color books for $0.97 each. I had no "NO" power left in me. So they got their treasures as well. Though they are long forgotten now that St. Nick has visited. Maybe they'll be stocking stuffers!

Some Much Needed R and R

So we didn't know what to do for D's birthday. We have had an extremely stressful 4 months. Not to mention we bribed the (at the time) soon to be 3 yr. old. Go potty on the toilet and we will go to GWL. Okay. Major cooperation there. All 7 schedules meshed and we took off for some much needed family time and Rest and Relaxation. Not to mention the amazing deal we got. Dear Husband qualified for a promotion deal for military and their families.

For those very detailed people. I know the dates are wacky on the pictures. My camera is messed up and that is one thing I have yet to take the time to work on.

A fun little survey!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper unless it is too difficult to wrap!
2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial
3. When do you put up the tree? Dec. 6 ~ St. Nicholas Day!
4. When do you take the tree down? Ummm, when I can procrastinate no more. I don't like to put it up, I don't like to take it down. I do it for the kids. Then I do it for my sanity!
5. Do you like eggnog? no
6. Favorite gift received as a child? when I was 18, I got a leather coat
7. Hardest person to buy for? the men in the family
8. Easiest person to buy for? this year, my oldest children
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, and I will still be finding pieces to it in April, probably. The kids love to play with it.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail, but maybe not this year at all.
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? My Christmas (2 weeks) before my wedding. Dear husband got me nothing! (yes,there's a little more to the story. But I did get nothing.)
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? None, they all drive me nuts.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? As soon as I start finding goodies. THis year it was late summer....stocking stuffers.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so.
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Carmel rolls, Christmas dinner, deserts, peppermint ice cream with or in Hot Chocolate.
16. Lights on the tree? yes, prefer white
17. Favorite Christmas song? All of them. I am guilty of singing "I saw mommy kissing Santa" a lot. Mike told me on Black Friday he "got it". Mommy is not having an affair. It is daddy. LOL
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I prefer home. At least in the morning.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Probably not,
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? we have Jesus. We found him on our honey moon.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Normally one on Christmas Eve...pretty jammies for morning pics. THis year none. We don't need jammies. The rest on Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rowdy kids who can't focus on what they are told to do.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Snowmen. Can put them up and not take them down till spring.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Turkey, pie, ummm, the whole dinner thing.
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? To forget about the evil in this world for one day and to have my mother-in-law with us at least till after the first of the year.
26. Who is most likely to respond to this? I dunno, whoever has their shopping done?
27.Who is least likely to respond to this? Whoever is stressed and has too many things to do, unless they are procrastinating big time.

Food and Love Languages!

N confirmed tonight his love language is food.
Our first inclination was when he was about 2 1/2.
Grandma opened the oven and pulled the turkey out.
His eyes got REAL BIG and he said, "WOW!" in a hushed
and almost reverant voice.
Which of course had us laughing.
Tonight, I was tucking him in.
"And, and, and, Mom, Mom, Mom, one more thing."
"Uh-huh, What?"
"Breakfast tomorrow, what are we going to have." For breakfast, ummm, ummmm, I want.....
Ummmm, I will have to think about it.
"Okay, you think about it, good night."
This all after a quick trip out of town for some much needed R&R. Making do with Cheerios, breads, yogurt and such. Whatever was quick. If you look back on an earlier post, you will note eggs were an issue when Daddy was out of town.

Happy Birthday Mr. Smiley!

Mr. Smiley is 3. We love his smile around here. His giggle is infectious. Even though big brother N and D fight like cats and dogs they are brothers through and through and love each other lots. "I love you, D, truly" and "I love you, D, dearly" Even though he gets into stuff and makes messes the rest of us have to clean up, all he has do is say, "I sowwy ___." We smile and melt and tell him, "I forgive you." Sweet Dreams with your "Jesus loves me blankie" tucked safely in your mouth.



Happy Birthday sweetheart.

Where's my Clocks?

Much to my shock, my children, all 5 of them, let their dad & I sleep till 11:00 this morning. They did come in & snuggle a bit & we turned cartoons on in our room when they probably rouse around 6 or 7 this morning. I have no idea what time, cause one of the kiddos unplugged our alarm clock a couple of days ago & I have not bothered to plug it back in & set the time. So much to my suprise this morning when dear husband came in & gently told me it was 11 in the morning.

Yes!!! They are getting older & a little more independent. That or they are really tired from the all the holiday hubaloo! Anyhow my clocks were not working this morning.

Thanksgiving Traditions

The night before and morning of Thanksgiving are an exciting time here. "It's just Thanksgiving," I keep saying. Kids can't get to sleep. Turkeys, cranberry sauce and the traditional carmel rolls have everyone excited.

They would have been disappointed if dear A had not got up at 10:30 p.m. and asked if I had made the rolls yet. Oops. So I finished up here on blogger and grabbed the camera to chronicle the process. I did leave out the pics of what was going on in the bathroom. DS N clogged the toilet in a horrible way....He did it all with flushable wipes and toilet paper. Apparently he was messy! ?!? Can you imagine our hair standing on end. Dad wanted him to learn to clean himself. YIKES! Dear husband spent all Thanksgiving morning working on it and all of Friday. By5:00 p.m. we were back to 2 bathrooms in our home. So Thankful am I for this dear husband of mine. I was ready to call a plumber to deal with this event. But he hung in there, fixed his second toilet and 3rd clog for the month. I sure hope December is cleaner and more refreshing!

Happy Thanksgiving Early!!

I must, must go make the carmel rolls. Dear sweet A got up an hour ago and asked when I was going to make them. I had to confess I forgot. So maybe tomorrow I will finish updating this blog. It took me an hour to figure out the slide show. Who knows how long it will take me to figure out music. That would be fun to add. Good night and Gobble, Gobble in your dreams.

Almost 3!

Happy ! Happy ! Early Birthday! !

Grandmama came into town Friday before Daddy got home. We decided to open Papa's and Grandmama's present early. Oh, what fun we had! When Grandmama asked how old are you going to be? D answered "2!"

"2??" He quickly corrected and told her, "3!"

Of course, Grandmama quickly replied, "Oh good, I am so glad you aren't going to be 2 again!"

A phrase that has been repeated quite a bit the last 5 days!

2 is sweet. 2 can be adorable. The whole world is there to learn about when you are 2!

But 2 is messy. 2 is "NO". 2 is not quite ready to give up naps, and throws everyone's quiet hour into a ? ? 2 is potty training, need I say more. 2 is toys in the toilet and lots of repair work around the house. 2 isn't negotiable, it is unreasonable.

So, I enjoy my son at age 2. I love him when he is 2. I don't know that I want to go back. I look forward to seeing him grow in wisdom and stature. I look forward to watching him become the man God has intended him to be.

He's Home ! !

Dad is home! He was greeted in the airport with 4 smiling faces.
The littlest was napping in the suburban. I enjoyed the quiet!
Once they were all in the suburban there was no quiet.
Out for a late lunch and then home.
I have to tell....at the restaurant I suggested Flutter Nutter go with the guys to the bathroom. Dad eyes crossed and said, "He is in a diaper, that will be difficult." To which I looked at him and responded, "Yeah and your point is...? I have been doing this for how long flying solo."

I was blessed with a delightful nap later, I guess he thought I was a little cranky.

I think I need to follow up ! There is a time to stand against the mother.

Once we knew the house had not burned down I had a serious chat with my older children.
I have very good children.
For the most part well trained, at least the older ones. You might say wisdom comes with experience and age and they have learned obedience is best. As you might recall from an earlier post my eldest quickly submitted to my instructions to get in the car when she had cookies in the oven.
So during our little chat, I informed my older ones, there is a time and place to refuse to obey me. For instance if there are cookies in the oven and I am hurrying everyone out to the car. I warned them, I might get mad. They might get in hot water. However, once I realize they are not "defying" me to defy me but are trying to do the right thing they can count on their mother to apologize. Because, even though they are well trained and good children, it does get chaotic and at times it feels they are dividing and trying to conquer the mother. When I feel like they are all going but, but, but I do fail to stop and listen and just want everyone to do what they are told and NOW!
So with big eyes and new understanding hopefully are home will continue to stand and be here for more years to come.

Mr. Flutter Nutter

Mr. Flutter Nutter gets his name from the Skippyjon Jones books. http://www.skippyjonjones.com/

He likes to bounce and bounce on his big boy bed.

His ears are too big for his head.

His head is too big for his body.

He is not a Siamese cat.

He is a Chihauhau!

Most everyone thinks we are nuts.

However, we just adore these stories. The pictures are a riot! I may not like mice and frijoles. But I sure like jelly frijoles!

It's Like Christmas Eve Here!

14 hours and counting.
Praying for no flight delays. A has graciously offered to miss orchestra tomorrow, so we won't be late picking up dad. However, dad will have to collect luggage so I don't think he will have to wait long. Kids are bouncing off the wall excited! Restless and can't sleep. It is different when they get older though. This time my oldest asked, "Doesn't dad get paid extra for being gone?" "Ummm, sometimes."
Her reply, "Well that makes it worth it."
"So when we go to the Great Wolf Lodge can we get spa treatments and massages?"
To which big brother S replies, "That's a waste of money."
"It is not!"
"What if the massage isn't any good? Then it is a waste of money!"
Hmmm, I think he is calculating how many hockey games he might get to go to should we show him special favor.
Me? I am looking forward to sleep. Someone else to get up early with Flutter Nutter. He likes to get up before 6:00 am! I am looking forward to boys sleeping well cause Daddy is home.

Yep it is a Dot!

Having 5 kids is such an eye opener to life. You read about birth order and the characteristics of children. You think you got it all figured out. "Birth order" characteristics has less to do with the order you were born, but more to do with the fatigue of the parent and the parent's choices in where to direct their dwindling energy resources.

There are these young parents. They're idealists. They are going to read the books. They are going to do their research. They are not going to have kids like umm, you know who. Their kids are always going to do amazing things and be the perfect children. Yep! The first child is so smart, so advanced, cause, well Mom and Dad have no life. Their focus is on that child 100%. The child can't get away with anything. This child is such a dream, the parents think, ahh we have done such a good job. Look at what we have here. We gotta have another.

The planning, the dreaming. The friendship of the two perfect children.
Then baby comes. Your first sign is when the children don't sleep at the same time. The next sign is when your Perfect Firstborn realizes how smart he/she really is. Mom has baby, mom can't move as fast. Lets see how many cookies I can eat before getting caught!

They are friends, they like to say that's my sister and that's my brother. Ahhh, we have such wonderful children and let's have another. No one stopped to think 3 makes an odd number.
Next thing you know you are on this wonderful roller coaster of life with children and there are 5. You realize you never do the body part game with your youngest like you did with the older ones. By two they could name every body part, count to 10 and recite their ABCs, well almost. We better do the body game to just make sure he is on track developementally.
I ask D "what's that?" He looks at his naked torso. "My booby dot."
Snicker quietly. Again, I ask, "What is that?" Reply, "My booby dot." Hmmm, that accounts for 2 "thats".
Again, "what is that?"
"My booby dot."
By this time all are rolling laughing. he thinks this is great! (Does anyone say belly button? Nooo, it is booby dot!) I take a deep breath and can't help to go with the theme, I snatch him up and say, "NOOOOO, that is your tickle dot!" I'll make sure he knows his anatomy with in the next year. It sure is not an indicator of his intelligence. We know his brain is working. He knows exactly what to do to achieve the exact scream he wants from his sisters. He knows how to annoy his brother at just the perfect time. He can take his oldest brother down when he strategically plans his moves. Somehow, his brother N believes D can shove an eraser up his (N's) nose without him knowing about it until it hurts. That is a skill that just can't be taught. And well, Idon't have kids like you know who. I have my kids, and they are handfuls. They are frustrating and annoying. But they are so endearing, sweet and loving and I am so thankful to have them call me Mom. I am thankful they are growing in stature and wisdom and that they love our Lord, God.

I was never going to tell....

To understand what just happened, I must rewind to last Saturday evening.

The kids were driving me nuts. Someone broke the DVD player. All the clues point to "NOT ME". There was nothing on tv. 3 shaggy boys needed haircuts and at that very moment all appeared healthy. I ordered them all to the car for a mad dash to get haircuts before showers and bed so we could rise early for church.
There was some but...but...but... can I get, .... Any parent knows all those last minute details children have before they could possibly get in the car. However, my children are well trained by the time they reach school age. Mom says get in the car. GET IN THE CAR. So the buts were silenced fairly quickly.
In route I decide if we get done in time we'll go see WALL-E. I so don't want to be alone tonight at home with all of them. ;)
We went to WALLE. Great time by all. We pull out of the parking lot and my ever so very dear 12 yr. asks me, Mom did you take the cookies out of the oven.
Cookies? what are you talking about?
Never made it home so fast.
3 hours later our home stinks, our cookies are a lovely shade of black.
I am saying thank you God for protecting our home.
I am freaked out. One of my worst fears is a house fire and I can't get to my children. They have been taught since wee little how to escape. We go through a quick review. I turn the heater off, open the house and send them running for the covers. As I tuck in N, my 4 yr. old. I tell him if he hears the smoke detector wake brother and climb out the window. He gets a worried look on his face.... Does he get out first or me? Do I have to catch him? It doesn't matter just get out okay. Shall we pray and ask God to protect us tonight? So prayers said and sweethearts tucked in.
Fortunately, nothing else has happened.
Until today.
D needs a nap. N would be on his last life if he were a cat. So D is put down. N is advised to go lie down and rest for an hour. Next thing I know as I sit at the table teaching math to my 9 yr. old there is N in the backyard.
"I'm sorry mom for climbing out the window. I just couldn't sleep, and an hour is soooo long." Mind you it hasn't been 5 minutes yet.
"N, your mommy is so upset right now, the very safest place for you is lying on your bed. Now go."
I walk into the room. D is no where inside. He is outside contemplating his new found freedom in the neighborhood.
My children now have proven they know how to escape in the event of a fire. Now if only I knew how to escape.
Someone tie me up and throw me in the attic till Dad gets home! !

Grilled Cheeses Continued

It has been another leisurely day in Beach Gardens.
Hardy har har,
My princess A, my right hand, my babysitter finally fell to the vicious virus running through our home. She is a cess pool of infectious goo and we are steering clear. She is quite offended and hurt by our yielding of ten foot poles towards her in effort to save ourselves from this plague. We did however allow her to join us in our carriage and we took her to the doctor. While there they determined she needed to rest on the guilotene also known as a CT. "You're not scaring me, Mom. I know better." She has been slightly puny for a month now. So they were wanting a more definitive answer regarding her sinuses. SHe is beside herself with glee about being sick. Sickness means no 3 allergy shots this week. She missed last week cause Mom was sick. 2 weeks in a row. We will have to get her well quick, so we can resume torture and torment, maybe we can bump up to 6 shots a week to get caught up. Nah, she'd do something awful to me while I sleep.
But alas, what does this have to do with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.
Since Princess had to go to the doctor. And princess needed medicine and it was late in the afternoon. We were unable to make Grilled Cheeses for dinner. So the next best thing. We went to SONIC! ! !
Went to hockey, and alas! Coach George forgot and stayed home to work on work. Coach George's wife was there and called to let him know his dinner date arrived. So N took his half of the sandwich and ate. Coach George's 1/2 of a sandwich was in the good hands of his family. With a message to N, that Coach would see him on Thursday.

To be continued.....

Talking to Daddy

Technology is a beautiful thing! ! My kiddos really miss their Daddy. (the date is wrong on my camera) A week ago we took these pics of D talking to Daddy on the phone. He didn't want his picture taken so he kept turning his back to us. He wanted HIS time alone with Dad and we were bothering him.
A finally got a shot of his face and he was staring mean at her. I fixed the red -eye, otherwise you might see a more accurate expression of what he thought of all the picture business.

Happy Birthday to ME !

No it is not my bday today! However, my present finally arrived. I received a lovely sum of money for my bday this year. There were many ideas of what to do with it. However, my darling husband told me this year the money was to be used for me. I normally incorporate monetary gifts into household funds or fun. He was adamant I use it for me. My hubby is turning into a techo geek every day. Lots of ideas. My head began to swim. He finally advised me on a laptop. It would be the most practical and helpful tool in my busy days, hopefully it will free me up more. Hopefully, because of my new found mobility I will be able to get my work done earlier in the day and get to bed at a decent hour. We shall see.

For now, IT IS PRETTY! OH SO PRETTY!

I knew the color was called "Blossom" I didn't know it would be Purple. So I am tickled I picked a purple mousie as well. Before, you think I am a nut. I purchased from the Dell Outlet. It lists the color of the computer. However, I was having trouble searching and pulling up a picture that showed me what "Blossom" looked like. Dell Outlet sells refurbished, dented/scratched laptops and New laptops that have been shipped and returned unopened/unused to Dell.

I sure wish there was a smiling, twirly flower to show how excited I am! ! ! Pretty Purple! ! Pretty Purple ! ! !