Fire the Babysitter!

Today, being the last day of 2008, I decide to clean out the kids' rooms of all unused, old toys to get the tax deduction and also make room for the 1000s of new toys gained this last week.

Judd had Josie and Jarrett out doing errands. That left me with Jayce and Jeven. Jayce asked if he could play his video game and I said sure. I am cruising right along, throwing toys in the Goodwill tote when I make a trip out to the living room. And find this:




(Oh, yes. The Wall-E pillow is essential to the whole "dump-baby-powder-operation". And you can't wear pants either.)

And this:

Jayce, being totally oblivious to it all.

To anyone that says video games don't make their kids stupid... think again!

The Rash Chronicles

Way back in March, we went through this. Now it is Jeven's turn.

He fell asleep today on the couch with Judd so I thought I would take a picture. You can only see how his face is affected but take my word for it, his body is covered in red spots.
I am hoping the antibiotics will do their job soon.

Josie's birthday

Today my one and only daughter turned 6! With her birthday coming so soon after Christmas, it's hard for us, her parents, to get enthusiastic about a party and such. Actually, earlier in the month, we had a combo party for both her and Jayce, one that family comes to. Jayce also had his own "sleep over/video game" party on his birthday with his friends. And we will let Josie have a party with her friends later next month. So, don't think my kids are deprived of special birthday happenings, despite our lack of enthusiasm.

Tonight, I made her an ugly birthday cake, we gave her a new comforter for her bed. My mom came over and gave her new sheets to match. Right now, her room is ugly (not as ugly as her cake) and I'd like to redo it but she keeps drawing on the walls. She denies it every time but since she writes J-O-S-I-E all over the place, I am guessing it is her. So, we discussed keeping her room clean and treating her belongings better so that she can have a big girl room. Maybe in the spring.

Josie has grown into a beautiful young girl. Although, she's always been beautiful. She was tiny when she was born, 5# 7oz. She wore premie clothes for the first few weeks but quickly grew fat and quickly out grew her newborn clothes.

Seems just yesterday she was just learning to walk and now she runs to the school bus every morning.

I pray that God allows me to slow down and appreciate all the things that make up my daughter, for I realize now the days are only going to go by faster.



Dec.2002, dressed and ready to go home. (Actually, I guess the picture is Jan. 2003!)



Mar. 2003, with Great Grandma Ruby. As you can see, she got fat. Fast. (Josie,not Grandma)


Feb. 2005, holding baby brother Jarrett for the first time.



Tonight blowing out her candles. On the ugly cake.



With her new comforter.

Christmas Pictures

Christmas was great. Or, is great. We are not done with Christmas, we have one more get together to go to. We are up to 5 now. This is the curse blessing of having a large family that is in the same area.
First, we go to Judd's dads. Then our own little party at home Christmas morning. Then my moms family, aunts and uncles and my grandma. Then Judd's moms. Then my dad's side of the family. Then one party with just my parents and hopefully my brother. This is the one we have remaining.

I tell you all this so you will be extremely jealous of my busy, fabulous life.

Not.

I tell you all this so you'll hopefully forgive me if I don't go into all the lovely details of our Christmas. I am pooped. And to top this all off, Jeven developed some sort of scary leprosy looking rash. We took him to the doctor today because a) nothing was helping it and b) our deductible will start over Jan. 1st.
Turns out is a strep rash. Huh. Yeah, I was confused a little as well. He doesn't have strep throat, just a rash. But, regardless of my medical expertise failing to diagnose his condition, he is on antibiotics and should be looking somewhat normal soon.

The kids were all extremely happy with their gifts and our house looks like a tornado has hit it. An- inside- the -house,- spread- toys- around- and- leave- cardboard- boxes- in -it's- wake-tornado.

Here are some pictures. Enjoy!


Jeven with Dorothy the Dinosaur from the Wiggles. I don't know about where you live, but here, Wiggles stuff is HARD to find. I found this, with the tags still on it, at Goodwill for 99cents!


Jarrett with his new Wall-E undies! Yay!


Josie was surprised at her Barbie. She REALLY wanted the new Diamond Castle Barbie. She was happy because she got both of them!!


Jayce with his video game. He was surprised because normally "Santa" can't afford the PS3 games, but the one he really wanted went on sale at the last minute.


I had the kids put all their names in a hat and each picked one. We then split up and took them each to the dollar store to buy something for the name they picked. Jeven drew Josie's name and Judd took him to the store. He picked out this puzzle all by himself. Luckily, in the spirit of Christmas, Josie thought it was funny.


This last picture is not really a Christmas picture, more of an aftermath picture. Jarrett had more fun with this box than anything else. He's such a ham. A cute ham.



I hope you all had a merry, blessed Christmas!

Visit with the Big Guy....

....You know the one in the red suit and white beard?




I know that some Christian families don't do the whole Santa thing. But we do. To some extent. We don't push it on our kids and we don't ever, ever say that Christmas is "magic". I don't have a single decoration that has Santa on it. My kids go see him once. And if they don't want to, they don't have to. Jayce does not believe in the guy, but the other kids do so he plays along.

Frankly, I was raised in a house that Santa visited but I always knew what Christmas was really about. It's the same in my house today, with my kids. We celebrate Jesus' birthday along with some fun with surprise presents and some mystery of how Santa comes through our pellet stove.

This year was the first time that Jarrett was brave enough to sit on Santa's lap and talk to him.
All of my kids (so far) at the age that Jarrett is at now, think that Santa is a one stop shopping center.
When Josie was 3, we visited Santa and as we walked away, she started crying. Loudly. We finally figured out that when she told Santa she wanted a Dora doll, she thought she'd leave with the toy. We had to explain that she didn't get anything until Christmas morning.

When we went to visit Santa this year, Jarrett walked right up to him and said "Do you have that Wall-E robot?" like one does at Walmart when you're looking for the low fat crackers: "Where would I find the Wheat Thins?".

Jeven would have none of the strange man so he sat in the stroller.

Santa did say that I had cute kids and I am sure they are the cutest that he's seen all year. Santa wouldn't lie.

I'm Busy

Before there is any finger pointing, I must clear something up from the very beginning. I TRY not to say to my kids "I'm busy" when I am well, busy. I will say "I will do that when I am done with this" or "In one hour,it will be lunch time" or " You have to wait just a little while then I will get you some." I want them to know that I do have work other than meeting their every want and desire. Sometimes, what I am doing is more important than getting them their 4th cookie.

But, somewhere my little boys have picked up the term I'm Busy. However, they don't use it in the right sense.

At the dinner table, I told Jarrett he needed to eat 3 green beans. His response: "I can't. I'm busy."
Huh?

"Jarrett, you need to go get dressed"
"I don't want to. I"m busy"
"Jarett, it's time for bed"
"I don't want to go to bed! I'm busy"

And it's not just Jarrett.

This morning, Jeven wanted to come into bed with us. I asked him what was wrong and he said "I don't know. I'm busy."

So, apparently "I'm busy" is a general term to either get you out of something you don't want to do or when you are trying to get something you don' t normally get.

I am curious where they've picked this term up in the first place.
At least it's not pure sass. It's hard to keep a straight face when they defy you with the use of improper grammar.

Snow Days

Outside our front door

Today is the third day this week the schools have been closed because of snow. What makes this lovely situation even worse better is that today was suppose to be the last day before Christmas break. This last week has been hard, (finding things for the kids to do, the fighting, the whining)and now, since they are out of school for the holidays, there is no end in sight!

Sending the kids out to play in the snow seems like a stupid wonderful idea. If you enjoy an hour of putting on warm pants, long sleeve shirts, coats, hats, gloves, boots on 4 children (ok, technically Jayce can put on his own clothes but sweats and a t-shirt don't pass inspection, buddy roe), send them outside only to have them come in 5 minutes later because GASP! they are cold! Then you take off all the clothes, wipe up the wet floors, dry the clothes and feed the hungry polar bears. Only to have them ask 5 minutes later if they can go back outside!

I know this is a cycle that mothers have dealt with for centuries. It's part of a mother's job. And I am sure looking back on it, it will create some great memories. Hopefully, they will remember the fun playing outside w/ their friends, the movies and popcorn, the hot chocolate, the lights of the Christmas tree and the excitement of waiting for the BIG day. Hopefully, they won't remember their mother getting grumpy at the extra laundry and constant work in the kitchen, or when their little brother pulled all the ornaments off the tree and it fell over (then again, maybe that will be a humorous memory later).

Hopefully, I can bottle up the cold noses and wet, cold kisses and save them for when I am old and gray and they're dealing with their own snow days with their own children.

Christmas Tag

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? I like the look of wrap but use bags more often
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real
3. When do you put up the tree? After Jayce's bday on the 9th
4. When do you take the tree down? A little after New Years.
5. Do you like eggnog? No, Gross!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Three-story barbie house with elevator.
7. Hardest person to buy for? Most of the men in my family
8. Easiest person to buy for? Josie
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Usually mail but not this year ) :
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Judd bought me a thing that attatched to the side of the bathtub that made it into a "spa". Yeah. It blew a fuse.
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Story ("You'll shoot your eye out!")
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I like to start Oct. but can't always afford to.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not really. Ok, maybe.
15. Favorite Food at Christmas? Lil' Smokies wrapped in crescent dough. Yum
16. Lights on the tree? White
17. Favorite Christmas song? Away in a Manger
18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? We have a rule, we stay home until noon then travel to family.
19. Do you know all of Santa's reindeer's? Not personally.
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I would like to have an angel but our trees are never big enough!
21. Open presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning!
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Losing the meaning of Christmas.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? white and red with white lights
24. Favorite place (other than families) to go during Christmas time? church
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For the joy to last all year

Josie Lynn

Ok, I am not biased or anything but isn't this the prettiest young lady you've ever seen?

Time Goes Fast

10 years ago today, I was in the hospital. About this time that night, I lay exhausted but elated in the bed. In my arms slept my new son. I stared at him and wondered what kind of boy he'd grow up to be. I prayed that I would be the kind of mother he deserved.

Looking at him, it was the first time ever that I knew without hesitation, I would lay my life down for his. Looking at him, I was looking at my heart.

Jayce has grown up to be an exceptional young man. He has a wonderful role model in his father and grandfathers. He makes wise decisions (most of the time) and is compassionate and kind. He has grown up to be the kind of boy I feel I don't always deserve. I have not been a perfect mother to him. There have been times I was short with patience, too quick to snap and not quick enough to laugh.

I prayed today that he will continue to be a fine young man as we enter these pre-teen years. I prayed that God will help me and his father raise him to His liking. I thank God for giving us Jayce.

10 years ago today, my life changed forever. For the best. I became a mother, for the first time.


10 yrs ago. (sorry but we don't have a scanner, had to take a picture of the picture) What are those young kids doing having a baby?





Tonight opening birthday presents.

Best Seat in the House

Nice and comfy:

Nap Time

Jarrett, Jeven and Jayce share a room. Jarrett and Jayce have the set of bunk beds, Jeven is still in the crib. No little kids are allowed up on Jayce's top bunk.

Jarrett and Jeven take their naps together. Sometimes, they are good and go right to sleep. Sometimes, they play around a little, get spankings, then go right to sleep.
Today, today was not a good nap day.

I had to go in several times and "lay down the law". I had to put Jarrett back up on his bed and put Jeven back in the crib. Then, finally I heard laughing and it sounded like someone was climbing up the bunk bed ladder. I walked in and found this:


Now, you can see Jarrett on the bottom bunk (and actually he's doing his famous "weiner thing").

But, where is Jeven? Hmmm....

It was hard to grab the camera and take a picture THEN be mean mommy and put him back where he should've been in the first place!

End of a Era (part two)

I have received a couple emails and phone calls asking how the potty training was going.

In a word? Pretty darn good. Yes, I know that's three words, but it's going that well!

The first day, we went through 3 pairs of underwear, 3 pull ups within the first hour and a half. Seems my little boy pees often. Very often. My plan was to set the timer for every 20 minutes and take him. I finally had the time narrowed down to every SIX minutes.

Didn't get much done that day.

But, every six minutes, he would go pee. On the potty! He got 2 Skittles and a sticker every time he went and by the end of the day, his paper was full and half a box of candy was gone!

He even went poop on the potty that first day! Which, after doing this with 3 other kids, this is a huge deal!

He has continued to go whenever I put him on the potty and is going longer stretches of time. He has even gone in 2 different public restrooms. He has said "I have to go potty" but it's been after Jarrett has said the same thing.
But, he's doing awesome and I'm so proud of him.

He's getting to be such a big boy! Which brings up another topic. Both boys got weighed and measured last week. Jarrett was barely 30 pounds (if he'd been naked, he'd never have made it!) and was 37 5/8 inches tall. Jeven, his younger brother, my baby, was almost 34 pounds and 36 5/8 inches tall.

So, to those of you that have asked if Jeven is bigger than Jarrett, the answer is yes!

Pet Peeves

I am sure you have seen them. The signs posted at every entrance to a public place. "No animals allowed with the exception of service animals".

So why is it that as I cruise through Wal-mart, there's a lady holding her chihuahua? A man walking his poodle? Seriously? A service chihuahua? A seeing eye poodle?
Yeah, I don't think so.

The thing that KILLS me, employees see these animals and don't do a darn thing! Wal-mart even has greeters at the door for pete's sake!

This infuriates me to no end. I don't like dogs getting free roam where I buy my groceries. As a consumer, I think I have the right to shop without having to watch for dog poop on the floor! (this actually happened! dog poop down one of the aisles!)

Why do these people think it's ok to bring in their pet? If the dog can't be alone at home for a couple hours, then there's something wrong with your dog.

If you are reading this and are one of those people that takes their dog every where with them, well. I'd like to say I am sorry if I am offending you but I'd be lying!

I could complain to the store manager or whatever, but I know it won't do any good. The places I shop on a regular basis, I do so because it's where we can afford to shop. I can't switch stores.

So, if you know me in real life and you are in the store with your dog, and you see me, you'll be better off running the other way!

Bring on the Tots!

Let me present two different scenarios to you.

#1: You find exciting, new recipe in magazine. You purposefully go grocery shopping for dozens of new ingredients. Spend a weeks worth of grocery budget on one meal. You spend an hour reading and re-reading recipe. You chop, dice, stir, boil and bake. You present new dish to waiting family. Who then eat one bite and declare it gross and disgusting.

#2: At 5:30 you finally make your way out to the pantry and find cream mushroom soup and some peas. You find some tater tots and hamburger in freezer. You throw it all together, add some cheese,bake, and announce dinner is ready. Everyone declares it a huge success and gobbles it all up. You figure it cost about .50 per serving.

I think this is a mystery to all mothers. Why do we bother? Why do we make something simple into something complicated? Do we really expect 2 and 3 yr. olds to appreciate fine cuisine? When most of it goes up their noses?

If you have the answers, please clue me in. In the meantime, bring on the tater tots!

Two of a Kind

End of an Era (part one)

Tomorrow I begin a dreaded task. Something I hate to do. I have done it 3 times in my life. This will be my last.

I am going to begin potty training my 2 yr. old.

Anyone that has done this knows that it is more work for the mom than the child.

It's the end of an era because I have had a little one in diapers for the last 5 yrs. I could tell you everything you need to know about brands of diapers, who has the best prices, which ones work the best, what character Huggies was using 3 years ago....


We have a potty chair and Jeven will sit on it, in fact, he's even gone tee-tee on it a few times.
When we were potty training Jarrett about 6 months ago, Jeven would sit on the potty as well and I kick myself for not jumping on the chance then but....

I hate potty training! It means setting the timer and making a busy toddler sit still for MINUTES (can you imagine the horror!). It means packing extra outfits when you leave the house, running to the public restroom (gross) 5 trillion times in Walmart, it means accidents and tears (I am so embarrassed when they see me cry).

But, it also means no more spending $10 on diapers, no more stinky pants, no more expensive wipes to buy.

It also means that Jeven will no longer be a baby. Which I think is the thing I am dreading the most.

I Am Thankful For:

1) Being able to say, 100% certain, that I am going to Heaven someday.
2) My husband, who is my best friend and the one who knows me best which is a blessing and a curse!
3) Jayce, my first born. With him, I finally knew what true love really was.
4) Josie, my only girl. With her, I get to practice my french braiding, paint fingernails and play dress up.
5) Jarrett, my little clown. He has taught me that you can always find something funny in the mundane.
6) Jeven, my baby. He has taught me to let go. With him getting bigger every day, I am sad that my baby is gone forever but my big boy is so much fun.
7) Being able to stay home with my kids. Only because my husband works so hard.
8) Being poor. Because when you go without, it makes it all more special when you get a treat.
9) That most of our family lives close by. I always have back up.
10) Our church and our Pastor. These people have come to mean so much to us and have taught all us so many things.

This list could go on and on.

During this Holiday season, I have made a promise to myself that I will try and say "thank you" for all my trials and triumphs.
It's easy to say "thank you" for the major things: family, food, house, etc. but to say it when you are struggling is a very hard thing to do. But I am going to try.

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much that I want to say about being thankful but after 2 turkey dinners and I am getting up at 3 a.m. to go shopping in the morning, I am going to put it off until tomorrow.

I hope all of you had a marvelous day w/ family, friends and loved ones.
I hope all of you took at least a moment to give thanks for all you have.

Saying thank you is easy, being truly thankful in your heart is sometimes more difficult.
But, I know I have lots of things to be thankful for. So, I am off to bed with a happy heart.

Great Idea!

I am so sick of cooking that tonight I said "I wish we could order pizza."
Jayce asked why we couldn't and I told him that we don't have enough money.

He nicely offered me his $5 as long as I paid him back $6 next week. I said thanks but no thanks!

He then exclaimed that lending money and getting paid back more than you lent was a GREAT way to make money. And he was very excited about his idea.

I hated to burst his bubble and tell him that someone already invented this great money making scheme.

"It's called a bank, son!"

Ah, the innocence of youth....

Connect Four

Or five, six, seven or more!!

'Tis the Season

Yes, it's that time of year again.

Cold and flu season.

Last year, it hit our house pretty hard. Not me so much but the kids and my husband.
Right now, Jarrett is sick w/ a fever and Jayce has a bad cough. Judd stayed home from work (which is a WHOLE other post: why do men have to be such babies?) with some sort of stomach bug.

Since we replaced our carpet with laminate flooring, I thought maybe we'd escape all the germs but... I guess having 2 kids in public school just brings everything home.

We are very careful about who we expose our kids to when they are sick. We stay home from church, we don't visit family, all of our kids know how to cover their mouths and wash their hands.

I get extremely frustrated when other parents don't do the same.

If anyone has suggestions (beside the obvious) to avoid such a disasterous winter, please let me know!!

What do I say...

...when my three year old hands me this picture he has made, all by himself?

Survey

Here's a silly survey that was sent to me. I left out some of the questions because they were highly inappropriate.

1. Do you like Chinese food? Yes!

2. How big is your bed? Queen

3. Is your room clean? Nope

4. Laptop or Desktop computer? Desktop

5. Favorite comedian? Robin Williams

6. Do you smoke? Never

7. Does anyone like you? I hope so

10. Sleep with or without clothes on? On

11. Who sleeps with you every night? My husband

12. Do long distance relationships work? I doubt it

13. How many times have you been pulled over by the police? 3

14. Pancakes or French Toast? French toast

15. Do you like coffee? Yuk!

16. How do you like your eggs? Over easy

17. Do you believe in astrology? no

18. Last person you talked to on the phone? My sister in law

19. Last person on your missed call list? Father in law

20. What was the last text message you received? From my cousin, she's stressed ) :

21. McDonalds or Burger King? McDs

22. Number of pillows? One

23. Last thing you ate? Cherry Cheesecake

24. Last thing you bought? Milk

25. What are you hearing right now? shorts and t-shirt


26. Pick a lyric? "Girls just want to have fun.."

27. What kind of jelly do you like on your PB & J sandwich? Grape

28. Can you play pool? not well

29. Do you know how to swim? yes, I've actually taught swim lessons!

30. Favorite ice cream? mint choc. chip

31. Do you like maps? weird question

32. Tell me a random fact: Piranha's are actually quite shy

34. Ever attend a theme party? yes


37. What is your favorite season? spring

38. What is the first music video you ever saw? I don't remember

39. Pick a movie quote: "Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings here togeverr today" (Princess Bride)

40. Favorite quote: "That's what she said"

41. What is your favorite hangout? home

42. Best friend's name? Judd

43. How long have you known them? 14 yrs

44. Last time you laughed at something stupid? today

45. What time did you wake up this morning? for the final time? 7 a.m.

46. Wake up next to anyone? see #42

47. Best thing about winter? the quiet after a snow storm

48. Name a couple of favorite colors: red, white and blue

49. How old are you? 33

50. What month is your birthday in? march

51. Do you think pirates are cool or overrated? overrated

52. Favorite Dave Matthews Band song (if you have one?)n/a

53. What are you doing this weekend. too soon to know for sure

Daisy

We have a dog. An almost 9 yr. old English Bulldog named Daisy.
Now those of you that know me in real life, know how Daisy and I have a love-hate relationship. And less on the love part.

I am not a dog person. Other people's dogs are fine. And I am not so cold hearted that I don't enjoy a cute puppy.
I never wanted a dog but my husband did. I never wanted an inside dog but my husband did. So, like many wives before me, I gave in. I even went out and purchased the dog.

But, in case you don't know, Bulldogs are gross. They shed. They slobber. Snort. Snore. And smell. Especially our Bulldog. She has some sort of ear condition that is untreatable and makes her ears grow yeast like stuff. Imagine THAT smell. Not nice.
We have had more serious fights about this dog than any other subject.

I must admit, she is an AWESOME dog for a family with young children. We got her when Jayce was only 2 and she has never harmed him or any of the other babies that followed. She will lay there and let anyone do anything to her. Our cat, when she was a kitten would actually go and try and nurse off of Daisy. The dog would just roll over and let that cat try it's hardest to get milk out of a spayed Bulldog.
Her spirit is truly "mans best friend".

She is getting old. 8 yrs. is average for this breed. Besides the ear thing, she has started pottying in the house. Which I HATE! And sometimes, she does it when we're gone and it sits. On our new wood flooring.

In my heart, I think it's time to say goodbye to our old friend.
But, how do I convince my husband. To put down his dog. That I have resented for 9 years.

There is no way I can bring it up without it backfiring.
It needs to be his decision. But, like many husbands before him, Judd loves his dog. And I know it would crush him if he had to make that decision. I think he's hoping she'll just go quietly in her sleep.


I have done my dues with diapers and middle of the night feedings. I feel it's unfair to have to clean up dog pee/poop in the middle of the night as well.

I am trying my hardest to be patient. And compassionate. And it's hard.

Bummed

I am so disappointed. I was trying to go for the NaBloPoMo badge this month and was doing quite well w/ posting everyday.
I had a post half done yesterday and our Internet server went out on me! And it didn't come back on until this afternoon. Oh well.

My post from yesterday was about Jeven being sick w/ a 105 fever. Long story short, I took him to the doctor late last night and the doctor said it was a virus. Which I suspected but with a temp. that high I wanted to make sure.
Jeven's sickness came on the day when Judd and I had a sitter lined up so we could go do some Christmas shopping. We had to cancel that. Then my mom was going to watch all the kids overnight tonight. I don't need to explain why I was looking forward to that. But, with Jeven being sick, she only took 3 kids.

We watched UFC tonight (another bummer. I was hoping Randy would win)and Jeven watched about 3 Wiggles videos. Our friends came over and they left their kids at home. It ended up being quite fun, actually got to watch the whole fight(s).

Jeven fever has not returned but the doctor said not to be surprised if it came back within the next 72 hours. Let's hope not. 105. I was looking for smoke to come out of his ears.

You Know You Are A Mother...

....When:

1) You say "spit out the gum" and you hold out your bare hand.

2) At the grocery store you aren't the least bit embarrassed when your toddler is singing Baby Beluga at the top of his lungs.

3) At the same grocery store you go to pay and out of your purse spills a rubber spider, 3 army men and a mini. My Little Pony.

4) You get an extra $40 in your budget and you rush out and by the latest style of pants...for your 9 yr. old.

5) You can't sleep Christmas Eve night because you're too excited because you KNOW that Santa is going to bring your little girl a Barbie Doll house.

6) When saying your prayers it's no longer: "Dear Lord,please give me----" but "Dear Lord, please protect my babies.."

7) You mouth all the words to your son's lines in the church performance.

8) The best thing that happened to you all day was the 15 min. shower you had at 7 a.m.

9) You fight with your husband about who is more tired.

10) You do the "lick-your-finger-and-swipe-baby's-cheek" thing.

and last but not least, you know you're a mother the day you realize that there is a person (or 4) that you would jump in front of a bus, take a bullet, move Heaven and Earth for.

Encouragement

Jarrett has been doing puzzles. He is actually quite good. We've finally worked up to 100 pieces.
Today, he got a new puzzle from the dollar store. Spiderman. Now, I have actually had to return a puzzle to the dollar store--it was missing pieces and it included one piece that didn't even go to that particular puzzle. So, you never know for sure what you're getting with a dollar store puzzle.

I sat at the table this afternoon and helped him sort out the pieces. He worked on it quite awhile then lost interest. But, I wanted to make sure it was a complete puzzle so I continued to finish it.

When it was all done, I called Jarrett in and said "See your puzzle? I did it!"

And Jarrett says " I knew you could Mommy!!" and patted me on the back.

Strangely, I felt very proud of myself.

My Day

Today was a no school day. Yip-freakin-Eee!
No, just kidding. It was nice having no school, no mad morning rush.

But, 3 out of 4 kids had dentist appts. Jarrett's first ever dentist appt. He did great!! My kids (knock on wood) have always done fairly well in new situations.

I also had my 5 yr. old niece today. She and Jeven and I waited in the waiting room while the other kids saw the dentist. Every thing was going well, I actually read an entire article in a magazine! Then, H. had to go to the bathroom but someone was in the bathroom. She waited and waited and waited. Finally it was free so I helped her get situated and I smelled something. Yes, she had waited so long that she had an accident. She was embarrassed but I assured her it was ok. But all I had was a pull-up to wear and that pushed her over the cliff. She had a melt down, Jeven was running around the waiting room and the hygienist was waiting to take me back to the kids.

This was just the first errand of the day.

Next was Costco. (warehouse store). At lunch time. With 5 children. I ran into 2 separate people that I hadn't seen in forever and was only polite to visit w/ them. While the said 5 children climbed over shelves, fought and whined that they were hungry. Thank goodness for the free samples they give out!

Then I decided to take the kids out to lunch. That went pretty well. I'd like to think that maybe subconsciously I let them starve so they'd be so hungry that they wouldn't act up in the restaurant. If only I was that smart.

Then we started home. Jeven fell asleep. My SIL called to say that she was home. I told her I would just bring H. home. We pull into her driveway and Josie threw a fit because H. had to go home instead of coming over to play. Woke up Jeven. That was the only nap of the day. A 20 min. nap for a 2 yr. old? Not so good.

I am cooking dinner then baths and then bed for all monsters children.

There. More info. than you could have even remotely needed about my day.

And I must say, a pretty normal "errand" day for me.

Aren't you glad you asked?

I'd Hate to be THAT Brother

I was driving around today doing errands and we had to pull over for a firetruck. Here is the conversation that followed:

Josie: I hate firetrucks!
Me: Why?
Josie: Because they make you pull over!
Me: Well, you should think of the people that need that firetruck and pray that they will be ok.
Josie: I just hate them!
Me: How would you feel if one of your brothers was hurt and mommy had to call a firetruck and they took a really long time to get there and your brother was hurt really bad?

Silence from the back of the van.

Then.

Josie: Which brother?

Memories Part Deux

It's not that I know people will love looking at old pictures of my kids. I am getting desperate people.
I am afraid if I post of happenings around here the last couple days, it will turn into a whine fest. I am feeling a little overwhelmed and frustrated, which I do sometimes. It's ok. It will pass. I will get some alone time in the next couple days and catch up on some sleep and all will be better. In the meantime:


Judd and Jeven, Christmas 2006 (Jeven 7 months)


Jeven Christmas 2006. With a new hat. That never fit him. My babies always had HUGE heads. Yes, child birth was always fun.


This is my husband's Grandfather. My kids are lucky enough to have one full set of Great Grandparents and 2 other Great Grandmothers. This Great Grandpa, LJ, is very special to all of my kids (and to us). All of the babies love him but he would never hold them until they were over a year old. He was always afraid he'd break them. But, I think this picture shows just how much he enjoyed it when he did.
This is Jarrett, about 6 months old.


Josie, about 2 yrs. old. I am sorry, I may be prejudice, but I think she was the cutest little girl in the WORLD!!


Jayce with his pumpkin he picked out himself on the kindergarten field trip. He was 5. I think probably this was the last field trip I went on. For some reason, my life got a little busier.

The Witching Hours

Why does the time between 6-9 p.m. take 50 trillion hours?

Every night, my husband and I lay like zombies, trying to watch t.v. or just visit for the first time all day, and the kids act like lunatics. Bouncing off the walls. Fight after fight after fight. I barely get dinner cleaned up and they want to know what's for dessert.

I try to reserve movie/cartoon watching until evenings on the off chance it will slow them down. But I no sooner put a movie in and they're back up running around.

I am racking my brain of solutions of how to make our evenings more enjoyable. Less yelling (me), less running (them), less crying (everyone). I want bedtime (the actual tucking in, the kisses, etc.) to be more enjoyable and less hurried. By the time they are all in bed, I am so exhausted I have no energy to pick up the disaster they have left in their wake, much less "entertain" my husband like he needs and deserves. Like we BOTH need and deserve.

I know the solution lies in ME. They need more of ME. I try and tell myself that someday, way too soon, they will be out of the house and my husband and I will have more time to ourselves than we know what to do with.

Hard to imagine though.

Memories

Josie the window licker. She was about 2.

Josie, Baby Jarrett and Jayce. Maybe May 2005. Josie was 2, Jarrett 3 months and Jayce was 6.

Newborn Jarrett. About 1 day old. He was a 35 weeker. 5 lbs.

Jeven hanging out in his tanning bed in the NICU. He spent one week there. He had many problems; blood sugar, stopped breathing, body temp. Nothing that has had any long lasting affects. But, that week after he was born was terrible. I spent my time choosing between my newborn that needed me in the hospital and my other 3 babies that needed me at home.

Newborn Jeven, only couple hours old. Before we knew of any problems that were soon to come.

Fun with whipped cream

This


Plus This


Equals

One Happy, Silly Boy (and one cool mom, I think!)

P.S. Caught your eye with the title of this post didn't I? Shame on you.....( :

Potty Mouth

Joke:
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side!

Nothing.

Same Joke but with 2 & 3 yr. old humor:
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To go poop and tee-tee!

Fits and fits of laughter followed by more statements made with the words "poop" and "tee-tee".

I don't get it either.

I'd like to think all little boys are like this and that they grow out of it. But I know better. I live with a 33 yr. old "boy" and he still thinks it's hilarious to fart and pull the blankets over my head.

I don't get it either.

10 Things....

....about me that you may or may not know.

1: I only wanted 2 kids, originally. Before I even had one. After I had Jayce, I knew I wanted more than 2!

2: I wanted to go to college in California.

3: My husband is the only man I have been with. We have been together 14 yrs.

4: I take a nap almost every day!

5: I hate doing the dishes. Hate. Hate. Hate.

6: I don't think Brad Pitt is all that good looking.

7: I accepted Christ when I was 8 yrs. old.

8: I hate needles. Hate. Hate. Hate.

9: If I thought it would look good, I'd dye my hair black.

10: I like to play video games.

Bedtime Weirdness

Being bedtime in the Boring household, I am reminded of all the weird things my kids do to fall asleep or when they get sleepy. We all have certain positions or things we have to do when we're falling into slumber land and our kids are no exceptions.

Jayce: My grandma made him a quilt when he was a newborn and it had yarn ties on it. Well, even when he was very small, he would take those "fuzzies" (that's what we called them) and rub them. Up his nose. He would do that until he fell asleep. The blanket was bright yellow and has now, 9 yrs. later, faded to a dirty white. And the scary thing? I have replaced the "fuzzies" several times over the years. Where do they go? Up into his brain? So that's why he's the way he is....
Currently, he doesn't put the "fuzzies" up his nose anymore ( I hope) but he still likes to have it at night time to go to sleep and even in the morning when he first gets up, he likes to have it on him.

(Last Christmas)


Josie: She too has a blanket (PINK) that she has to have although it doesn't get put through any weird rituals or anything. She also has a bear (night night bear) but sadly, he is now most often found in the toy box or under the bed. She doesn't really do anything too weird to go sleep. Unless you count this outfit she insists on wearing:

(Night Night Bear made it in this picture!)
Enough said.


Jarrett: Ok. It's going to get a little X rated here. Bear with me. Read between the lines. Jarrett is, in my opinion, "blessed" in the male sense of the word. At least compared to all the other male babies I have had experience with. Ya following me? Anyways, it seems to "bother" him at bed time. So, that's why he will lay on his stomach and um... grind. Ok. I said it. I am just hoping you're following me. I know he's tired when I find him laying on the kitchen floor and doing his "wiener thing" as we like to call it.
And of course, he does have his Bob.

(Did you think I'd put in a picture of the "act"?)


Jeven: The only perhaps weird thing would be he still has his binky. And the fact that he doesn't always sleep thru the night. At 2 1/2. That's not so much weird as annoying. But it's not his fault. When you have 3 boys sleeping in one room, you tend (read I) to do whatever it takes to get the "baby" back to sleep. So, yes I will take away the binky. Eventually. And Jeven too has his Bob.

(Jeven offering to share his most precious possession)

(Edited: I can't believe I left out the weirdest thing yet! Must have been sleepy myself. Jeven rubs eyelashes when he's tired. His own. Or if he sneaks his way onto my lap, he rubs my eyelashes. Since he's been a baby he's done this. He used to stop nursing, rub my lashes, go back to nursing, and so on. Now that he's a little older, he's gotten better about rubbing just the lashes and not the whole eyeball! But it's funny to see him at the dinner table and to watch him just suddenly stick one finger up to his eye and start rubbing!)


I can remember my stuffed animal I slept with. Right up until the night before I got married. I see no reason to make my children give up things that comfort them until they are ready. With the exception of things that will harm their teeth or get them arrested.
So, if any of you have kids the same ages of mine, watch out. They may come home and tell you how their dorm mate likes to shove yarn up their nose.

Posting Goal

I have set a goal for this new month: I am going to post EVERYDAY!

How can I have that much to say you ask? I have no idea...

That's why I am asking ANYONE who reads my blog, PLEASE, PLEASE leave a comment maybe suggesting things I could write about. I don't care if you've never met me, if you've only happened to stumble across my blog this one time, if you are my enemy or friend I have know for years ( I am talking to you KB KILLER), I will consider any suggestions you have.

If I receive none, you will have to endure 30 days of cute pictures and funny stories of my children. Even I can't stand that for a whole month!! I will have to start making stuff up and in my line of work, fact is always better than fiction!

So, drop a line. Just hit "comment" on the end of the post. If you don't have a blog account just hit anonymous and leave your name in the comment.

Check back all month to see what I've come up with.

I make NO guarantees that it will be Pulitzer worthy, but I'll do my best.

Aerobically Challenged

In my ever continuing efforts to get fit, I borrowed a workout DVD from a friend. It is meant to be a 20 min. effective workout.
Now, just to clarify, I am not an avid fan of exercise. I like the THOUGHT of exercise but actually doing it? Nah. Hence the shape I am in now.
And to clarify some more, I am not very graceful. I don't have a groove thang. ( I can't afford one).

But. The Bridget Jones in me is determined to workout to this DVD at least 3 times a week. So, the first day I couldn't even get half way through it! Not because I was too winded or hurting but because I can't figure out the moves! I am aerobically challenged to say the least.

The big kids are off at school while I am doing this and there is no way on God's green earth I am letting my husband see me. It's just me, Jarrett and Jeven. Now, the kids were at first upset that I turned off their cartoons but as soon as I started trying to do this video, things looked up. "Look! Mom is trying to make it rain in the house!"

But, I tried again today and made it further. I figure the wrong movements are better than NO movements. As I am doing my best Kathy Smith, Jeven very quietly and calmly walks up to me and says "Mommy. Stop it."

I felt so sorry for him. That he was subject to his mother's pathetic-ness.

It's funny. He says the same thing when I sing.

Question

I know I am a little behind the times but we just recently started watching The Office. LOVE IT!!
We had heard it was a great show but honestly, we didn't want to have another show we HAD to watch. But, someone gave us a DVD of season 1 and we're hooked.

So, to quote my new favorite character, Dwight:
Question: Do you know just how far an entire roll of dental floss will unroll?

I do! It goes out of the bathroom, down the hall, under the recliner, around your brother's foot, (several times) and through the kitchen and under the kitchen table. Where you sit and wait for your mother to find you and freak out.

PHASES

Phase One:
Newborn baby cries. You go into Baby's room and fix whatever problem; feed or change diaper. Put Baby back to bed

Phase Two: Baby cries and you go in to find Baby standing up in crib and not wanting to be laid back down. You beg and plead and pray "Baby, pleeessseee go back to sleep".

Phase Three: Toddler climbs out of crib and walks into living room where you are watching reruns of "the Office" and is sooo happy to see you! Feeling NOT mutual. Put Toddler back to bed. Again. And Again.

Phase Four: Toddler climbs out of crib in middle of night. You awake from your slumber only to find Toddler once again sooo happy to see you! Feeling oh so NOT mutual. Put Toddler back to bed and threaten him with evil doings if he gets up again.

Phase Five: Toddler climbs out of bed and is sitting on top of you before you realize that it is NOT Matthew McConaughey that is in bed with you. Darn it!
Take Toddler back to bed room and tell him if he values his life, he will not wake you again.

Last night, we entered Phase Five. Jeven was indeed on top of me saying " MOMMY! WAKE UP! CAN'T FIND BINKY!" I am not even sure how long he was on top of me! I took him back to his room, crawled around under the bed looking for binky, produced it and Jeven exclaimed, not in his inside voice mind you, "YOU FIND IT!".

I am looking forward to Phase 12. When the Teenager sleeps in every chance they get. Maybe then I'll catch up on my Matthew McConaughey dreams!

Disclaimer: I don't really dream about Matthew McConaughey. I just picked the hot male star of the moment. The point I was trying to make was that whatever I was dreaming at the time I was woken from my slumber was better than hunting for missing binky under childs bed.

Fashion 101

I do not claim to be a fashion diva. Most days, it's jeans and a t-shirt, no makeup and hair up in a claw clip. Partly, because I don't have an extensive wardrobe and the other part really? Who do I have to impress?

But still. I do know that you can't wear (or shouldn't wear) big clunky white tennis shoes with a skirt. Or bright yellow pants with an orange sweatshirt. But my daughter? She finds all this not only acceptable but cutting edge.

Since she started school, I try to get her clothes laid out the night before. And I do try to let her pick out what she's going to wear. After all, if she's picked it out, there's a better chance she'll get dressed faster in the a.m.
But. WHAT. A. BATTLE! She always wants to wear a dress which would be fine if she had enough of a selection. But she wants to wear her Christmas "formal" dress. From 2 Christmases ago.

So, where do I draw the line at: her choice vs. I am the boss?

I guess I feel that how she is dressed is a reflection of me. Of how I take care of her. So when she goes to school wearing the turquoise skirt with the red tights and pink shirt, her teachers will wonder "Doesn't her mother care about her at all?"

And the answer will be: yes, I do care. I care enough to let my child make her own choices and reap her own rewards. Even if it is "worst dressed kindergartner" award.

But, then she may not win that award. Have you SEEN how some of those kids are dressed? Don't their mothers pay attention to them?

Pictures say a gazillion words

Family on the beach!



Jayce lookin' good!



Jeven enjoying the sun!



Josie on the first day of school.



Jayce and Pastor after Jayce's Baptism.



Jarrett with his big catch!



All the kids. Together. Not fighting.