1and1makes6

In which I throw myself a perfectly respectable birthday pity party

2011-12-11T23:33:00.004-06:00

So today was my birthday.

It pretty much sucked.

No gifts.

No cake. (we have one - we just didn't eat it)

No ice cream.

Lots of lovely birthday wishes on Facebook; that was nice.

But that was it.

Church in the morning where I had more people wish me happy birthday than my own family did.

The hubs suggested we go out to lunch - I suggested the mall so everyone could choose their own from foodcourt...'cuz that's the kind of mom I am. I had Teriyaki and sushi…that was good. Pretty much the only good. We were there less than an hour and it ended with kids being frustrated even though they promised not to ask to buy anything. When truly? I was kinda in the mood to shop and spend some money. What is that all about???

Helping J&R with homework...math homework no less. My husband barked at me – I snapped back – more than once.

Camped out on FB to comment back on every.single.birthday wish. They were all so lovely.

Short nap – that worked for a moment.

Argument with the smallest of the small ones about finding clean jeans and him all of a sudden not liking a certain kind of boxer short. Really???

Concert at church tonight. Should have been more excited about it – but mostly feared I would be too jealous of the lead singer to enjoy it. She is so freakin' talented. (I fear I am no longer than vocalist I think I used to be.)

Husband’s running sound. So he had to go up to church early. He left with us still angry/frustrated with each other.

Shouldn’t feel so alone on my birthday.

Take the Littles to McDonald's for dinner since it’s just the 4 of us. McDonald's for my “birthday dinner.” Hoo-rah.

More birthday wishes at church. More fake smiles from me. A church full of people and I have no idea who I should glom onto to find a spot to sit. (husband is up running sound in the booth.) I shouldn’t feel so alone in a church full of people.

Won’t the day just end?

It was a lovely concert and brightened my spirit - but I am crazy jealous of her…singing for a living. Singing so phenomenally, so authentically. And really? All I dream about is being a backup singer for someone like her.

Attempts to schmooze with the lovely vocalist…bleh.

Kids home late – to bed late - on a school night. Will make for a tough start to the week.

Nothing purposeful, nothing intentional. The day came and went pretty much by accident.

I hate that about our pace of life right now.

Happy birthday to me.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 22

2011-11-22T23:05:00.003-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 22 - I am thankful for all of the awesome adults in my children's lives - teachers, school principal and support staff, coaches, a piano teacher, small group leaders, sunday school teachers...thank you.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 20-21

2011-11-21T21:20:00.000-06:00

Day 20 - I an thankful for the gift of God's amazing grace and promise of salvation thru him and eternity in His presence. Miss Jodi - your love for others and heart for God will be missed. See you on the other side , dear friend.

Day 21 - I am thankful that my lack of preparedness didn't not hinder a delightful evening out with our youngest and 4 of his best buddies to celebrate his 8th birthday. {parenting tip of the day - Chuck E. Cheese pizza on a Monday night over dinner is a pretty great place to throw an impromptu birthday party esp with on-line coupons that got us 2 large pizzas, 150 token and 8 drinks for $50}

30 days of Gratitude - Day 19

2011-11-19T23:41:00.001-06:00

Day 19 - I am thankful for safe travels thru our first spell of "winter weather" for the season as we traveled to the Big City for the day. I am also thankful for Wren's safety and spirit of perseverance at her last attempt to qualify for the State Gymnastics meet. (she didn't) But she stuck it out - following up a rough bar routine with her best beam routine yet. Love you, Wren!

30 days of Gratitude - Day 13-18

2011-11-18T23:42:00.004-06:00

(Playing catch- up here....)

Day 13 - I am thankful my family arrived home safely from their Rendezvous. I am thankful for a husband willing to take our three youngest on a weekend getaway all by himself.

Day 14 - thankful for Netflix. and a quiet day to watch several episodes of a show that I stopped watching several seasons ago.

Day 15 - Thankful for the talent and willing hearts within the artists at my church.

Day 16 - Thankful for a great group of fellow "mothers of multiples" to share this crazy journey with.

Day 17 - I am thankful for the wonderful teachers and support staff at my children's school. For their passion for their students, for their desire for each of them to be excellent.

Day 18 - I am thankful for "SHE" - the new women's ministry at our church.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 12

2011-11-12T22:51:00.006-06:00

Day 12 - I am thankful for a whole day to do whatever I wanted...which in reality amounted to a whole lot of nothing. And it felt great.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 11

2011-11-11T23:11:00.000-06:00

(I am going to attempt to post this at 11:11 on 11-11-11, 'cuz that would be really cool)

Day 11 - I am thankful for the men and women of our armed forces who serve and sacrifice without the recognition they deserve.

I am also thankful for my amazing husband who took 3 of our 4 children to WI Dells for the weekend. all by himself. And is having an amazing time.

I am also thankful (I think) for the opportunity of being home alone, (all alone, for more than a school day) for the first time since before my oldest child was born. (He's 14 and at his friend's house for the night) It's slightly unsettling - pretty sure I won't sleep well. But I enjoyed not having to cook or clean up after anyone's dinner but my own and I think I will enjoy not having a certain little guy waking me to ask me to find him socks or whether or not he can have the last doughnut for breakfast.

that's all.

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 8, 9, 10

2011-11-10T16:00:00.004-06:00

Day 8 - I am thankful for an interesting very, very (very) part-time job!
Day 9 - I am thankful to be a part of an awesome church where I get to use my gifts!
Day 10 - I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer in my home - you know to make it more convenient to do 7 loads of laundry in 24 hours.

30 Days of Gratitude–Day 7

2011-11-07T20:27:00.005-06:00

Day 7 - Today I am thankful for the joy of being mom to a most amazing boy. Happy Birthday, Jaxon! Your momma loves you so very much.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 5 & 6

2011-11-07T09:29:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November...thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said hers will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

(Author's note: I am thankful - everyday - but I am also as busy as the rest of you. It was a crazy weekend...plus, I don't know how to backdate posts to get them to post on the actual day...so here's a little catch up.)

Day 5 - I was thankful for the successful and delightful celebration of the 50 year anniversary of my Mothers of Multiples group. The legacy represented in the room at our reunion was amazing.

Day 6 - I was thankful for a great day spent at a gymnastics meet - for the sheer love of the sport and camaraderie of my girl's team and the parents.)

30 days of Gratitude - Day 4

2011-11-05T00:21:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November...thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 4 - (missed this one by 17 minutes) I am a sap for history and memories and reunions, so today I am thankful for the legacy of 50 years of my Mothers of Multiples group and the present day technology that allows me to help preserve it all.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 3

2011-11-04T08:38:00.002-05:00

And here I am -already having missed one day. meh.

Day 3 (8 hours late) ~ Today I am thankful for a quiet day at home -I had a dull headache all day and one dizzy spell and I am thankful that I didn't have to go anywhere.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 2

2011-11-03T00:34:00.008-05:00

Day 2 - Today I am thankful for an out-of-the-blue invitation from very dear friends - saying a front porch light is always on for us. May just have to do something about that.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 1

2011-11-01T23:57:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude....she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing or six.

Here goes....

DAY 1 - Today, as I packed up 2 years worth of outgrown winter clothes to donate to a United Way winter outwear drive, I am thankful that we have the ability to afford new coats, every year if we really wanted.

that, and the fact that I didn't pass out on live TV.

Taking Responsibility for my life.....really.

2011-09-04T21:07:00.001-05:00

We just finished Andy Stanley's "Taking Responsibility for Your Life" series at our church.

It was awesome. He asked one question throughout. And this was it. Am I taking responsibility for my life.....really? So I thought I'd share what I learned from the four messages...in a nutshell.

It's taking responsibility for your own life, good or bad.

We were created to be responsible.

If everyone took responsibility for what they were responsible for, we wouldn't need as many rules.

You reap what you sow....and it's always later and it's always greater.

You need to own up to your slice however big or small, in the chaos pie chart of your life.

We must stop blaming others or making excuses for our mess ups.

We must stop expecting others to take responsibility for our irresponsibility.

Irresponsibility breeds conflict.

Stop comparing your own life to anyone else and simply do the very best with what you've been given, each and every day.

Now... if any of this rings even remotely true, go watch all four messages online. Right now. Ok maybe not all four RIGHT now in a row, but maybe one every couple days. I promise you won't regret it and it can change everything. Really.

a momma's heart...

2011-08-25T13:54:00.002-05:00

Saw this on facebook...one of those "re-post this if you agree" kinds of things...and I don't think I have ever re-posted any of them, but this one spoke to me today. Since only one of my kiddos are actually on facebook, I will post it here (with a few additions) for my children to hopefully read someday and see inside my heart.

I've made mistakes being a Mom, more than I'd like to admit. I am not perfect at all. But I will always be there for you, to hear you, to cheer for you, to laugh or cry with you, to pray with and for you, to protect you with my life. I will tell you things you don't want to hear. I will love you forever, even when you think you don't like me. No matter how old you get, I will be here. NO ONE will ever love you more than I do, because I am your Mom.

Love you kiddos. So very, very much.

Confession time...

2011-08-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bloggers, Kristen, over at We Are THAT Family wrote a "Confessions" post yesterday and asked us to play along. So here goes.

I confess....

Sometimes I wish for a rainy day so I have an excuse to not nag my kids about it being too nice to be in the house.

Sometimes I make a to do list starting with things I’ve already done just for the satisfaction of crossing a few things off.

Sometimes I quickly do the dishes or rush around picking up the house just before my hubby gets home, lest he think I do nothing all day.

Sometimes I give my kids a piece of gum instead of having them brush their teeth before school.

Sometimes I have to tell my kids they need to find something to wear that doesn't look TOO dirty from their hampers because I am really behind in laundry.

Sometimes I way overreact with my kids.

Sometimes I underreact with my kids.

Sometimes we skip bedtime reading so that the day can just be over and I can have time to myself.

Sometimes I pretend to not see someone I know when I am out shopping because I'm not in the mood for chitchat.

Sometimes I spend way to much time on Facebook and reading blogs, and tell my kids that mommy has important emails to send.

Your turn.
Go ahead, it feels good.

Sometimes I...

My own pretty good day....

2011-06-14T00:18:00.002-05:00

So today my husband had a really, really, REALLY good day. He wrote about it here...go check him out. He rocks. The fact that he is so good at what he does (who am I kidding, he's good at EVERYTHING he does) makes my heart go pitter-patter. I love him....but I digress.... So, I thought perhaps I should write about MY own good day...

It started at 6:20. Which isn't really all that good. Especially when it's the first official day of summer break and I should be able to sleep til at least 8! But nonetheless, I was up and at'em so that I could have myself showered and ready to go by the time I had to beckon the Littles (wren, jewel and jaxon) from their slumber. The girls start their summer training schedule this week which is Mon-Thurs, 8am-noon, and the smallest of the small ones is attending a VBS with a school buddy this week.

Now for a list of the GDMs (Good Day Moments)
- we got out of the house on time. Nothing short of a miracle.
- Jaxon was put into his small group with his buddy. (Logistics like this hardly ever happen without a hiccup for us)
- Jaxon went off with his friend and got himself settled with nary a moment of hesitation. Huge milestone.
- I ran into several old friends while standing around the church lobby. Some I haven't seen for several years or more. (I love reunions) Made plans to get together Wednesday with one of them.
- had a great conversation with another dad from our church (their son is one of Jaxon's besties) who has just recently been let go from a 16 year career. It was very sudden, with no notice and no severance. The grace and peace with which he is handling this overwhelming situation is nothing short of inspiring.
- a decent morning grocery shopping. I have always enjoyed providing for my family in this way.
- Upon realizing I had a few minutes to spare, I went and visited the big box garden center and splurged on some potted flowers for the front porch. Stuff is already being discounted...WOOT!
- The sun was shining and it was neither 50 degrees nor 100 degrees. Practically perfect.
- A few more random meet ups with a few moms I haven't chatted with in a long time during the pick-up time at VBS.
- Fun lunch of making personal biscuit pizzas. Kids love making their own lunches.
- A nap. 'nuff said.
- Dinner - which can by hit or miss when the hubs is traveling. We sat at the table and ate together. This one was a hit.
- A spontaneous trip to the spider web park...it was a gorgeous evening and couldn't be wasted sitting indoors.

- A spontaneous trip to McDs for treats on the way home. (at least the kids think it was spontaneous)
- Kids all make it to bed at a decent time. Bonus!

So yeah...there ya have it. Nothing spectacular, but I made it thru the day without losing my temper, kids ate pretty decent meals; it's the small things that count for me. So it was a good day here in the Hinterland...especially considering the hubs isn't here and I had to be up at o'dark hundred hours...and I am praying for a repeat tomorrow. I suppose it would help if I actually went to bed and got a decent night's sleep. Hmmmm...

what kinda day...

2011-05-28T23:42:00.001-05:00

Here in the Hinterland, it was a...

Tea Drinking,
Weed pulling,
Shrub trimming,
Sunshine soaking,
Hose spraying,
Kiddos laughing,
Wind Blowing,
Flag flying,
Perennial Dividing,
Transplant Watering,
Lawn mowing,
Leftover eating,
Church attending,
Song singing,
Mission's inspiring,
Grocery Shopping,
Toy buying,
Guacamole making,
Lime squeezing,
Margarita drinking,

...kinda day.

One proud momma...

2011-05-26T22:43:00.001-05:00

My awesome drummer boy - drummin' his heart out for the last worship service with the Student Band at church (with my rockstar hubby singing and playing gee-tar)

1and1makes6...

2011-05-03T10:40:00.002-05:00

Happy Spring Wishes from the Hinterland!
And and early Happy Mother's Day to me....love these kids. so. much.

Promise Fulfilled....

2011-04-24T21:36:00.000-05:00

You took, You take our sins away oh God
You give and gave Your life away for us
You came down, You saved us thru the cross
Our hearts are changed because of Your great love

You lived, You died,
You said in three days You would rise
You did, You're alive
You rule, You reign,
You said You're coming back again
I know You will
And all the earth will sing Your praises!

No one, No name can rise above You Lord
One hope, One life will shine forever more
Your kingdom in heaven and on earth
Your children stand to sing of Your great worth

All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises - words and music by Paul Baloche

Unintended Crosses....

2011-04-22T11:44:00.001-05:00

I just need to share this today...

Today's Catch-Unintended Crosses

It's a guest post from the wife of one of my all-time favorite writers, John Fischer...he's been making me think and challenging me about my faith for over 20 years...he was writing "blogs" (then called editorials and devotions) long before blogs or even the internet as we know it even existed.

I pray you are surprised by God this Easter weekend!

Thankful Thursday...

2011-04-07T17:37:00.000-05:00

1. Spring Sunshine

2. Temperatures above 50 degrees

3. My amazing husband

4. Delightful visits with friends - both planned and unplanned

5. A productive day of errands

6. Driving with the windows down

7. The chance to "spy" on my kids playing on the playground

8. Trader Joes

9. A freshly vacuumed car

10. Intentional friendship

Musings on Valentine's Day

2011-02-21T21:21:00.005-06:00

As we all know, last Monday was Valentine's Day. I was inspired to write about it just now after reading another post from a lovely girl. (who I don't actually know IRL, but is the friend of the daughter of a friend.)   Seems we feel the same way about this particular holiday.

See, I am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day either, even tho I have been in a relationship since I was 16. (All with the same guy!) You'd think I'd be all for it since I have had someone to share it with for so long.

I recall many years ago when I was a pre-school teacher in a local childcare center, I had a sweet girl in my class who’s dad was here on assignment with IBM from Italy. I remember her mom being very confused about the whole idea of kids giving each other valentine treats and cards and why we were having a party in our class. I recall her saying (in the most wonderful Italian accent) "But, Valentine’s is for romance and love. It's a grown-ups holiday, not for child’s play." Amen.

But even for this grown-up, it's all seems a little silly. The whole holiday seems sorta frivolous to me. And stressful. I have always felt sorry for the poor fellas who feel the need to spend a week's pay on flowers that will last less than that..or on a piece of jewelry that she may or may not like. I guess I just don't understand the need to go all out to show someone how much you care about them just one day a year. I would much rather have the daily reminders in the little things - an unexpected hug, a lingering kiss, help in the kitchen or an invite for a spontaneous coffee date or the chance for an afternoon drive on a beautiful fall day. Those are the things my guy does to show me he loves me. I guess that's what 25 years does for a couple.

As a momma of four, I have always felt this pressure to “do” Valentine’s for my kiddos, that I can somehow show them I love them by spending more money than I care to admit on trinkets and treats and cards for them and even more money on trinkets and treats and cards for them to share with the kids in their classes (x4!) For the past 4 or so years, I have gone the cheap route, printing clever labels for them to slap on a plain white envelope with some candy inside. They don't even have to hand sign them. I really wish we didn't have to do any of it at all.

I have to admit though, this year, I did do something for my sweet family. Mondays are the one evening each week we are now home all together as a family so for me that was a gift in and of itself. (Even though the kiddos don't realize it yet.) Since I was home most of the day, I decided the least I could do would be to plan and make my kids favorite dinner- spaghetti. Which in this house is pasta from a box, sauce from a jar, with the fancy part of it being the pasture-fed organic ground beef we bought last fall! I splurged with some homemade garlic cheese bread (French loaf bread from kwik trip, pre-shredded cheese and garlic powder from a jar).

I really went all out and made heart-shaped brownies (from a box) for dessert served with ice cream...I even drizzled Hershey's chocolate syrup on the plate all Martha Stewart-like. Ya know cuz I'm klassy with "K" like that.

After dinner, we played a couple rounds of Apple to Apples Jr. after dinner, did some homework and called it a night! No candy, no cards, no trinkets. Perfection.

For me, the most important thing to remember is it doesn't matter what you might do or buy on Valentine's Day or any other day for that matter. All that really matters is that the ones who are important to you, that you care for and love the most, know it. Every.day.

100th Day of School…

2011-02-15T23:29:00.002-06:00

I was inspired by a friend, who also has a wee boy in the 1st grade, to post this from Jaxon’s 100th day of school. They make a big deal about the 100th day of school in kindergarten and 1st grade. It’s fun.

So, here are the answers to his “100” questions…his answers are in bold, exactly as they appeared, written by him, on his fill in the blank interview.

I wish I had 100…friends.
I wouldn't want 100…cakes.
I can make 100…blundes. (had to ask him what this was…balloons!)
I can eat 100…marsh melose. (I would’ve thought he’d say French Fries for this one)
I could never eat 100…cakes.
I can lift 100… blundes.
If I had 100 dollars, I would buy…DSi

And all I really want to know is…what does this sweet boy have against cake? (one of this momma’s favorite food!)

Out of the mouths of babes...

2011-02-02T22:14:00.002-06:00

My dear sweet boy...

Last night I was in a meeting at church and my children's music teacher was in the same meeting. We have known Miss M. as so much more than simply a music teacher - she is a talented musician, educator, director extraordinaire. She loves music, theatre and children and loves bringing them all together in fun ways. I could go on and on and on...but that's not the point of this post.

So, she tells a story about how she was talking to each of her 1st grade classes about their report cards that will be coming home soon, since it would be the first time they would be receiving a grade for music. For music, they use a 1-2-3 grade scale.
3= exceeds expectations
2= meets expectations
1= needs improvement

She also reminded them of the expectations of her class so they would have better understanding of what everything meant when they saw their "grade".

She concluded this story by saying that at the end, as the children from that class were filing out to go back to their classroom, a boy stopped to say " Miss M, you know that even 1's are ok, cuz we're all just students who are still learning, so a 1 is still good.

And then she said to me, "And you know who that boy was? Yours."

My sweet Jaxon wanted to make sure SHE knew that even 1's were really okay, cuz everyone's a student and still learning. Love him so much!

A Merry (Pensive) Christmas…

2011-01-04T18:54:00.005-06:00

Christmas 2010...

…came and went in a blink. (I have always had a difficult time wrapping my head around a holiday that takes four full weeks to prepare for and is “over” in under 24 hours ...and this year seemed worse than ever)

…was very different from our Christmases of the past 10 years. (we didn’t host anyone and I didn’t have to prep a menu or cook or clean)

…still wasn’t what I picture in my head of what I wish Christmas could be. (or should be?) (decorations were put up, songs were sung, food was eaten, gifts were exchanged, stockings were hung and filled....Shouldn't it be more?)

…was enjoyed by my children. (we surprised them with a PS3 – half paid for by our oldest with money he's saved for over a year –and they actually liked the clothes I bought, and the other fun things under the tree)

…was something I was never fully able to embrace this year. ((sigh))

What didn’t happen this year?
Cards weren’t sent, very few photos were taken, cookies weren’t made, carols weren’t really sung, the Christmas story (from the Bible) wasn’t read, a letter to Santa didn’t even get written and no cookies were left out for him. Our yummy Christmas Morning Marshmallow Crescent rolls weren't made. No festive parties were attended or hosted, and no one outside of my family saw any of my decor. My shopping for gifts was still occurring the morning of the 24th...so I even failed to plan very well.

Highlights?
Singing in our Christmas Eve service...(sort of)
Stopping by some dear friends for a Christmas Eve open house...so warm, inviting and cozy. I dream of hosting something like that some year...
Watching our children open the gifts they bought for each other from the Dollar Tree. One of my most favorite traditions.
Attending the Bella Voce Young Women's Choir concert - it was heavenly and is definitely becoming a tradition.

And now it’s January. Most of the around the house decor is put away (but sadly the tree is still up awaiting the kids help to put away their ornaments) I have kept things up partly because I always keep them up 'til the day the kids go back to school, but partly to just stretch things out a bit longer. I have no real point to this post, no moral of the story or lesson I've learned...I simply wanted to document it in hopes that maybe perhaps next Christmas can be different.

Weekend by the numbers...

2010-12-21T23:31:00.001-06:00

just 'cuz my last by the numbers post was such a fun and easy to way to post a re-cap, I thought I'd try it again. Thankfully this weekend was a lot more fun to recall! My Sonoran Birthday ....

Kiddos left behind in the care of some amazing friends and grandparents ~ 4

Delayed Flights ~ 2

Gate changes due to mechanical failures ~ 2

Moments of happiness when surfing, IMing, and facebooking with free in-flight wi-fi ~ at least 4

Meals of amazing authentic Mexican food ~ 2

Inches of snow accumulated in the Hinterland while we were gone ~ approx 17

Awesome neighbors who plowed our driveway of aforementioned snow and fed the kitty and the fish - 2

Awesome friends who are like family who cared for our kiddos for 2 days ~ 2

Awesome grandparents who cared for our kiddos for an overnight and one snow day ~ 2

Mornings spent sitting out by a pool in the glorious sunshine ~ 3

Hot breakfasts eaten that I didn't have to prepare ~ 3

Dishes washed by me ~ 0

Afternoon spent smiling at all the different kinds of cacti ~ 1

Kinds of cactus seen that I never knew existed ~ at least 15

New bits of information learned about tequila ~ at least 10

Number of different brands and/or variations of tequila tasted ~ 18

Hours spent smiling while watching RCPM doin' what they do best ~ 2

Birthday wishes/hugs/hand kisses from a Peacemaker ~ 3

Bottles of tequila stowed away in our luggage ~ 3

Broken bottles of tequila in our luggage ~ 0

Kids missed and excited to see their mom and dad arrive home ~ 4

Memories of a lifetime ~ infinite

weekend by the numbers...

2010-12-06T13:13:00.003-06:00

~ boy throwing up on himself in the car five minutes into our 90 minute drive to the Big city in a snowstorm - 1
~ swearing, cussing parents following said throw-up incident - 2
~ girls crying thinking we have to turn around and go back home and miss the gymnastics meet - 2
~ stress-filled miles driven on icy, snowy roads in the dark - 75
~ gymnastics meet barely arriving in time for - 1
~ moments of pride watching our girls compete in a big gymnastics meet - 8 (or more)
~ quiet afternoon spent with family - 1
~ amazing dinner of sushi and hibachi style steak and shrimp with good friends - 1
~ shot of patron - 1
~ one sakerita - 1 (japanese margarita)
~ evening spent listening to some of Minnesota's finest musicians - 1
~ another round of boy throwing up - this time on the kitchen floor at 2am - 1
~ moments of misunderstanding and miscommunication between me and my Robot - too many to count
~ massive cold sore eruption - 1
~ one non-kissing goodbye at the airport (see above) - 1
~ kitty cat happy to have his people home - 1
~ tired, worn out momma - 1
~ missed Christmas party - 1
~ husband arrived safely to his destination - 1
~ kids tucked into bed - 4
~ quiet evening spent enjoying the glow of Christmas lights all by my lonesome-1

If you add it all up, you get a weekend chock full of yuckiness with just a few moments of goodness to make it all worth it. Such is life.

Thankful Thursdays…

2010-11-26T00:07:00.007-06:00

Even though this will post just minutes into the day AFTER Thanksgiving....I wanted to share a few things I am continually thankful for....

This one... (the smallest of the small ones)

And these two...(the middle littles)

And there's this one...the oldest...

And this guy...oh my.

Other things (in no particular order)...

Friends who are like family and family who are like friends

Shingles that didn't get any worse

My home

Family vacations...such wonderful memories

My church

My Heavenly Father

Good food

Our sweet kitty cat (never in a million years did I think I'd be thankful for this)

Cozy warm beds on cold winter nights

The anticipation of the Christmas season

Each new day

Halloween Fun

2010-11-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

Two Fairies and a Treasure Hunter

Indiana ~~Jack~~ Jones

Jewel as the Autumn Fairy

Wren as the Ice Fairy Princess

wonderful world of disney

2010-10-28T00:32:00.000-05:00

right now ramblings…

2010-09-13T00:29:00.002-05:00

Right now…
I miss my husband so much my head and heart hurt. He’s only been gone for 3 days, but we haven’t really spoken and have barely even IM’d with each other since he left. This seven hour time zone difference pretty much sucks. I.miss.him. Only 12 more days to go.

My head is spinning with the volume of information I am trying to keep organized for the things I am responsible for and committed to this week.

I am tired. I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. Partly because staying up way, way (way) past my bedtime is what I do when he’s gone. And partly because the kiddos don’t sleep well when he’s gone and I end up with at least one of them waking me up in the middle of my already too-short night. And it was an early morning at church and a good, but long day in general.

I feel slighted. I happened upon an event today that was being hosted by people who I thought were friends, in honor of someone I thought was a friend. And I wasn’t invited.

I hate feeling fearful in my own home at night when I am here alone and “in charge”.

I really miss my husband.

I am dreading this week and really hope I (and my sweet kiddos) can make it to Friday with a little hair left on my head and my sanity intact.

I am anxiously waiting to catch my husband on a skype call - he is just waking up Monday morning and I have yet to go to bed Sunday night.

I feel truly blessed to be a part of a church that oh so awesome... and where I get to use my gifts and passions and make a dent in the kingdom with song. And a classic 80’s rock song at that.

I also am blessed with the love of a friend who woke up early on her anniversary to help me out of a scheduling conflict and carpool my girls to a gymnastics meet. Words cannot begin…

I am thankful for second chances and to feel like I have the friend that I have prayed for.

I am thankful for genuine, authentic love from people who love me and my children and invite us to spend the afternoon at their home to play in the country sunshine chasing cats, 4-wheeling and shooting things.

I am proud of the thoughtful young man my oldest son is becoming.

I am proud of the commitment my strong and beautiful girls have made to the sport of gymnastics.

I feel loved when my youngest tells me that only my goodnight kisses help keep the bad dreams away.

My heart hurts cuz I really miss my husband. Or perhaps I mentioned that?

Fresh Start...

2010-09-04T15:34:00.003-05:00

I hope you squeezed every last inch of summer out of the month of August! I know we did and we are now ready to welcome a new month and a new season! For many of us, September means "Back to School."

For me, the start of a new school year is a fresh start, almost like a “second chance” New Year’s, complete with a new list of goals and things I want to accomplish. All four of my kiddos will be in school all day for the first time and I am looking forward to big blocks of uninterrupted ME time to finally work on several around-the-house projects that have been on hold for quite a while!

September also brings us the first official day of Autumn, a visit to the apple orchard (and all the goodies made from the fresh picked apples!), breaking out our jeans and sweatshirts on crisp cool days, raking leaves, and taking an afternoon roadtrip with My Robot to see the colors. We usually do one to celebrate our anniversary which is also this month.

I love September. It’s my favorite time of year.

Weekend Happenin’s…

2010-08-16T23:56:00.001-05:00

…Facebook style. meh.

Friday at 1:13am…just bid her sweetie pie a good night as he boarded his plane for the 15 hour overnight flight to Sydney, Australia. (he’ll be gone 10 days…..much sadness)

Friday at 1:23 pm…wonders if taking the kiddos to one her favorite places on earth counts as being the "fun" mom? (IKEA makes me happy and eating out makes me happy. So eating out, at IKEA, with my kiddos is my idea of being a fun mom)

Friday at 1:45pm… had lunch at IKEA with the kiddos today…

(we had a great time shopping too, it was their first time actually browsing the store, and were amazed how they could build entire model apartments INSIDE the store.)

Friday at 10:03pm… I linked to a blogpost from My Robot...it’s about a song written very long ago and now finally dedicated to our beautiful girls. (oh how I love this man)

Friday at 11:34pm… is a little freaked out about all the posts I've seen re: tornado warnings, sightings, storms etc today while we are not home. Thinking a call to the neighbors is in order tomorrow morning for a status on our house!! (All is well.)

Saturday at 9:47pm…enjoyed spending the day tending and caring for her sweetie pie toddler-aged niece, but is also kinda glad she is not a momma to a toddler anymore. (s-i-l’s youngest brother got married, the girlies and I attended as “the nanny” for my 21 mo old niece, Kaylen. Beautiful day, lovely wedding, but very tiring!)

Saturday at 9:49pm…is now really hoping to connect with her husband via skype or AIM...even he's probably out to lunch...literally..since it's lunchtime on Sunday for him.

Saturday at 11:17pm…still nothing...wonder what he's up to on HIS Sunday afternoon? really don't like going a whole day without at least IMing with her honey...oh well....too tired to stay awake much longer trying.

Saturday at 6:20 am…Finally a message from my sweetie….
Dear Wife, I am truly sorry for not connecting. I missed your posts and everything. I was on a LONG walkabout in the Blue Mountains. If I can stay up 3 more hours maybe we can connect otherwise I'll wake up tomorrow and IM you for sure. Love you lots!!! I actually can't quite believe I'm so far away.

(We did finally connect, via Skype and AIM…missing him so much)

Sunday at 10:49pm…is finally back home from a very tiring, but very fun weekend! (I decided to spend an extra night in the big city and not rush home late after the wedding Saturday night like I’d planned. So Sunday was spent sleeping in, relaxing, chatting and general merriment with the brother and family…)

A Week in the Life…

2010-07-30T21:56:00.001-05:00

Here are a few things that came down the pike in the Hinterland this week….

Fun with family
Sleeping in
Gymnastics
Housecleaning
Laundry
More House cleaning
A Tupperware party…here at my house
Fresh salsa and guacamole
Flourless chocolate cake. oh.my.
Fun the in the kitchen with kids
More guacamole
A broken washing machine
A possible $40 fix for the washing machine
Nope not fixed.
A morning at the laundro-mat (first time in nearly 20 years)
My Robot’s parents arriving for an extended stay (it’s a good thing!)
A funeral
Time with extended family
Another possible fix for the washing machine
Nope not fixed
Awesome night of band practice at church. My Robot rocked it.
Researching a new washing machine
Buying a new washing machine
Shoveling mulch. so much mulch
Ordering out for pizza for dinner
Happy kids
Fun times with the grandparents
Sleeping in
Drinking favorite beverages
Being next to My Robot as much as possible

Life is good.

Weekend Happenin’s

2010-07-19T14:48:00.006-05:00

We had a good weekend. My "weekend" officially started with a fun Thursday night out with my friend JP. She had blogged that she was weary and had a rough couple of weeks as a SAHM...saying she'd only had two moments in nearly 12 days where she wasn't with her kiddos. Uffdah!! My cure for that is an MNO... Momma's Night Out. So Thursday night the kids and I had dinner at my parents (My Robot was traveling for work). I left them there to hang out and drove into town and picked JP up. We headed downtown to wander the street market/fest that happens every Thursday night during the summer here in the Hinterland.   We strolled and chatted, listened to fun music, explored the vendors and artisan's offerings and people watched. Something we both seem to enjoy.

Once the fest wrapped up, we made out way up to a local pub and shared great conversation, tasty apps and our favorite beverages.   We closed the bar down (which isn't hard to do when last call happens at 11pm at this particular locale). Tim the bartender even stopped by to personally see if we were "all set".   It was an extremely enjoyable night out. I hope she thought so too.

On Friday, I invited JP. back over to my house so our kiddos could play and we could have fun finding homes for some of my recent garage sale finds.   SO. MUCH.FUN!!! We had a blast arranging and playing around with the strange multi-purpose space that is my living room.   It still needs a few more touches, but I loved watching her mind churn as she worked and could see the potential that I couldn't. Can't wait to do it again.

Friday night, Wren and Jewel's gymnastics team had been invited to do an pre-game exhibition for our local collegiate league baseball team. Boy, was that fun to see. Level 4-10 gymnasts do tumbling passes down a path of mats laid out between the bleachers and home plate. Here's some video I shot...they are in blue/silver leos with black shorts on the lower front mat.

We stayed for a good part of the game after they were done and enjoyed a beautiful summer evening watching America's pastime. It was the first game I had been to since Coleo was a wee babe (back in the day, I actually sang the National Anthem at a couple of the games!)

The rest of the weekend was pretty laid-back. Jewel started coughing, running a low-grade temp and feeling pretty miserable all around. Jaxon was also coughing and running a low-temp off and on. My Robot arrived home from his 3 day trip to San Mateo, CA Saturday afternoon. We welcomed him home and then went to our Saturday evening service at church.

Sunday was a lazy, lazy day; Jewel napped and was still laid-up and feeling crummy, the dad and others went for a bike ride, played a round of catch and a swim. The kids watched Toy Story. We sat in the shade of a tree and enjoyed the day. Grilled out for dinner and postponed our jaunt to Cold Stone to enjoy a treat on National Ice cream Day since Jewel wasn't in the mood for ice cream.

Other than my sweetie pie Jewel not feeling well, it was a nearly perfect weekend full of everything and nothing.

(ps...I took "The Littles" to the Dr. this morning. Jewel has full blown pneumonia, Wren has an ear infection and Jaxon has bronchitis. FUN!!! Can you say..."Zithro is in da' house!?!)

Holiday Family Fun

2010-07-06T19:15:00.002-05:00

Here’s what our holiday weekend entailed here in the Hinterland…
Hospital discharge
Baby aspirin
Waterproof band-aids
Lots of Chillin’
Bronchitis
Naps
Nice weather
Church
Dinner and a movie at church
Humidity
A Late night
Bad weather
Rain
More naps
Lots of screen
Swimming
4th of July Parade in the rain
Toy Story 3
Trip to Target to stock up on junk food
Various ~~junk food~~ chocolate flavored cereals for dinner (the kids)
Cancelled fireworks because of the rain
Lots of fireworks and patriotic concerts on the big screen instead Another late night
Sleeping in
Cloudy and hot and humid
More rain
More waterproof band-aids
More swimming
Steaks and brats on the grill for dinner
Real fireworks (finally)
Another late night
Gratitude for a happy and mostly healthy family…

Story of a Mended Heart…

2010-06-29T01:09:00.005-05:00

Nine years and three months ago today, I carried my itty bitty ten week old, seven pound baby girl into a surgical suite and laid her down on a table so a pediatric heart surgeon at a world renowned medical center could open up her chest and repair the holes in her tiny heart. One of the scariest days of my life.

Jewel and Wren(in pink) - the day before surgery

Ever since then, I get the occasional reminder that I have a child with a congenital heart defect. Someone asks about her scar or I need to fill out a medical form for camp or school or something. But for the most part, it's something that happened very long ago and her mended heart is truly not something I need to worry or think about. Ever. She was fixed. No worries or concerns. We visit her cardiologist at most, once a year. Sometimes even less than that. We get the "all clear - looks good- see ya next year." She is completely asymptomatic and for all intents and purposed, healed.

two weeks ago!

But there was always something lingering on her doctor's "radar". As a part of her cluster of defects, she has narrowing (stenosis) in her left pulmonary artery. And at our last appointment in March, her doctor dropped the news that now would be the time to address it. Sooner rather than later. The difference in size between her right and left artery is such that it could begin compromising her heart and lung function if left untreated, especially as she grows.
So on Thursday, July 1st, she will undergo an angiogram and catheter procedure to have a stent placed within that artery in hopes of opening it up. There are all sorts of things I truly don't know about any of this and there is some concern that the stent can't be put into place through a catheter. We haven't even met the cardiologist doing the procedure (altho I do volunteer work with her husband and know she is a a follower of Jesus!)

The only thing I know to do is place every ounce of faith my own head and heart can muster in my Heavenly Father to carry us through all the unknowns...
...to bring our sweet Wren in and out of the general anesthesia with little discomfort.
...that His hand will be covering over her doctor and nurses throughout the entire procedure.
...that the stent can in fact be placed through the catheter, it will go where it's supposed to, and stay where it's supposed to.
...that Wren won't be afraid. And her beautiful twin sister, Jewel, will be brave enough for them both.
…that her momma and dad won't be afraid. (we are very afraid)

The hardest part of all of this is moving forward with the renewed awareness that I truly am the momma of a child with a mended heart.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Family Fun

2010-06-16T10:56:00.002-05:00

We had ourselves a family weekend with a 5 day visit from My Robot's parents from FL and a 1 day visit from the brother and sister-in-law and their two girls. Here's the lowdown of all our weekend entailed....

Hugs

Puzzle-ing

Cat-opoly

Rain

Tacos with fresh guacamole

A hike around the reservoir

Surprise birthday party

Grilling a plethora of meat

Birthday cake

Singing

Picture Taking

Vacation Planning

Trampoline-ing

More rain

Leftovers

Conversation

Painting

Pizza Delivery

More rain

Uno Attack

More Leftovers

Good-byes

A great night out...

2010-06-04T22:46:00.003-05:00

with my husband last night. We attended our 4th Jewel concert. We've been a fan for a long time. Love her so much. She's pretty and funny and humble and that voice. Oi vey the voice. Like an angel.

Instead of reviewing the whole thing again...I'll just send ya on over to The Hubs' blog where he captures it perfectly.

So....

2010-05-29T09:06:00.000-05:00

Ready. Very ready. Ever since it started staying light out later in the evening, and the nearly perfect spring we've had here in the Hinterland, I have been ready for school to be done. And I am almost certain I'm more ready for school to be done that my kiddos are.

No more crazy o'clock early mornings.

No more strict bedtimes.

No more homework.

No more harried and rushed dinners thrown together.

No more forgetting to sign permission slips,and checking homework notebooks.

No more forgotten library books.

No more cranking about grades that could be better if they'd "just slow down, check your work and care a little more."

No more middle school crap, resulting in conversations with teachers, counselors and assistant principals.

No more spending an entire afternoon tooling around town in my mini-van delivering various kids to various activities.

No more after-school whining "but I'm soooo hungry" - all while cleaning out the cupboards an hour before dinner.

I so, so, SO can't wait. Only 9 days left. We had a beautiful campfire last night with a couple of friends to kick off the holiday weekend. The rest of the weekend looks to be nearly perfect weather-wise, I come Tuesday morning I will even more ready. This year has flown by, and has pretty much been a giant whirlwind of busy-ness.

A couple summers ago, we took a laid-back, stay-at-home approach to summer and it was the best thing I ever did. We bought a big blue pool, the kids met some new neighbors and we stayed put. It was awesome. This year the kids will each do a week of camp, and that's pretty much it. Not only is that easy on the budget, it's easy on all of us. We are even taking a break from formal music lessons. Most days of the week we won't have anywhere we HAVE to go and I am so excited about that! I am very much about spontaneous fun. I am looking forward to a true mental health break where we are home enjoying (hopefully) each other's company. The Hubs is even planning to work from home A LOT which means all sorts of goodness.

Summer here we come!

So THAT'S why....

2010-05-21T09:52:00.002-05:00

With time, women gain weight because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies.

So really, we aren't fat. We are enormously cultured, educated and happy.

Beginning today, when I look at my butt in the mirror I will think, "Good grief, look how smart I am!"; it must be where 'Smart Ass' came from!

Happy Birthday to my husband...

2010-05-15T16:26:00.004-05:00

Today is my most amazing and hottie husband's 41st birthday. And to honor and celebrate him on this special day, I would like to share a few things I love the most about him!

10 Reasons why my husband ROCKS!

1. He does...literally. He is an amazing musician...guitar, piano, composing, playing, leading. He really does rock and one of my favorite things to do is watch/hear him play.

2. He works hard to provide for our family. He is blessed to have a job he loves and excels at, but he takes his role as "provider" very seriously.

3. He tells me I look pretty.

4. He is so supportive of my need for some "extra-curricular" activities outside of my job as SAHM/CCO(Chief Chaos Officer) of our family - outings with friends, my MOMs group, church stuff and my silly little part-time job. He goes so far as to take days off or will work from home to be with Jaxon during the day if needed. He knows those things feed me, help me stay sane and add value to life for me.

5. He does the dishes. 'nuff said.

6. He handles our money. I know what’s going on with it, but he takes care of all the day-to-day stuff because he's good at it, which is a good thing cuz of how much I dislike counting money, keeping track of money or math and working with numbers in general.

7. He doesn't blow his top when I get a little lax in my spending on "non-essentials" and I also know he appreciates my attempts at thriftiness.

8. He often tells me he never wants to be more than 3 feet away from me.

9. Whenever I or any of our kiddos arrive home, he is always happy to see us. Every time.

10. He knows every single bit of my junk - the procrastination and laziness, the bad moods, the selfishness, the mildly neurotic fears, the freakish love for eating out, the impatience, the .com obsession, the stuff that keeps me awake at night, the inability to throw anthing away without careful consideration - and loves me anyway.

I could list many more, but these are the top ones!

I love you honey. I am so glad we are on this adventure together!

Happy Birthday!

Thankful Thursday....

2010-04-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

1. my husband coming home today
2. an early morning rainbow
3. the rain-soaked smell of spring
4. blooming trees
5. three mornings at home all in the same week
6. the chance to steal away this weekend for a fun MOMs convention
7. My mom and dad being back home here in the Hinterland

O Calvary...

2010-04-02T22:01:00.001-05:00

On Calv’ry’s brow my Savior died,
and there my Lord was crucified

There on the cross He bled for me,
and purchased there my pardon free

Mid rending rocks and dark’ning skies,
my Savior bows His head and dies

The op’ning veil reveals the way
to heaven’s joys and endless day

O Jesus, Lord, how can it be,
that You would give Your life for me,
To bear the cross and agony,
in that dread hour on Calvary

O Calvary! Dark Calvary! Where Jesus shed His blood for me

O Calvary! Blest Calvary! Was where my Savior died for me

Gentle reminders...

2010-03-19T13:11:00.001-05:00

I pulled the words below from a friend's caringbridge page....

She works with my husband and we have jokingly referred to her as his "work wife" since they traveled for business together a lot through the years. She is passing the 4 month anniversary of her husband's passing away at the much too young age of 51, after a 2 yr battle with Lymphoma. They have 3 middle/high school aged children and the four of them have experienced many "first withouts" these past four months.

These are such gentle and easy reminders about how to live each day and I want to share them with you here...

That’s what is so hard about this. I am ‘without’. I am facing a challenge that has no fix to it. Every other challenge in life was something to get through because it was on a path to something better. This is different. It just is. I know I am not the only one. I know that there are others facing facts just as difficult or more so. But, it’s still hard. ‘Take it day-by-day’ sounds like such a cliché – but it really is all we can do. Our time on this earth is so short. And, I personally believe our days are known & numbered before we are even born – nothing we do or don’t do changes that. How long we live is not the point. It’s what we do while we’re here. It’s the relationships – the people we meet. Are we glorifying God? Are we setting a good example? Are we helping people help themselves? One major affect this entire experience has made on my life is a change in priorities. There are so many ‘problems’ that just aren’t problems anymore. It’s interesting when you truly look at your life in the context of eternity and God’s plan. Creates a whole different perspective.

Until next time. Speak from the heart. Physically touch your children & spouse with love. Listen to what people are really saying. See the world through a child’s eyes.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Thanks for the reminders Kristi!

Compassion Bloggers in Kenya...

2010-03-07T13:39:00.002-06:00

Some of of my favorite bloggers are in Kenya with Compassion International....you can follow their journey here...

Thankful Thursday...

2010-02-25T11:11:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for...

1. crisp, bright sunshine streaming in the windows on a chilly, winter day
2. an easy, cheerful morning of getting kids out the door to school
3. a day at home with nowhere to go
4. my crockpot
5. a nice phone chat with a friend
6. my husband
7. an evening with everyone home all at the same time

answered prayers...

2010-01-31T22:13:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to post a quick update. First off, thank you so much for your words, feedback, advice, hugs, and prayers. It truly means more than anything to us.

We contacted the math teacher and gifted specialist (and cc:ed the 7th gr counselor who we'd already had some interaction with) on Monday via email. We explained that we felt that moving him back down to grade level math mid-year would do more harm emotionally than any good, even if it means he ends up with a C or worse on his report card. His heart and emotional state are so much more critical to think about over any grade. They were both very understanding, his math teacher esp had very kind things to say and said she would try to be more mindful of his and his classmates interactions from here on out to try to nip any problems she might see in happening in her class. We have a plan in place to be overseeing his school work general a bit more, especially math to guarantee he doesn't slip thru the cracks again. We had also contacted his band teachers regarding some issues he had in band a few weeks ago with similar response.

So our next step is to send a personal note to his other three academic teachers and include an asst principal/principal in those, just to get them all on the same page. We are encouraged by the responses we've had so far and will pray that his other four teachers can join us and ultimately help Coleo feel like someone's got his back.

We have also submitted an application to transfer to a smaller "choice" middle school available in our district We won't know whether we get in or not for next year until mid February. And we will let Coleo decide if that's the route he wants to go.

We are also looking into a couple of different extracurricular activities to plug him into and are hoping that will help too. Some martial arts stuff (he is very interested in Hapkido and weaponry) and also a community service-based youth drum corps.

Again, we are so thankful to know so many are praying for him and supporting us so faithfully. Please continue to pray for our communications with his teachers and for that friend...we know there's gotta be someone out there for him!!

love and hugs...

Praying for Coleo...

2010-01-23T22:22:00.000-06:00

if you know us and love us, will you please hold our son Coleo up in prayer?

In a nutshell, school is and has been a miserable, miserable place for him to spend 35 hours of his life every week. Beginning in 6th grade, he has struggled with the social side of the hell otherwise known as middle school.

On a "good" day, he simply feels like he doesn't have any friends and is ok with that.

On a bad day, he feels completely alone and ostracized.

On a terrible, horrible, no good, really bad day, girls tell him he stinks, he's a freak and no girl will ever like him. Kids ask to have him moved off their team in Phy Ed (and the stupid substitute teacher actually does it) or he is blamed and taunted for making the snare section in band sound bad (when in all reality he could probably kick some serious trash against any of them). The mama bear in me gets all riled up just thinking about it.

Up until now, he has been resigned to feeling alone. And I always answered the question "how is school going for Coleo?" with the answer that "socially it's been pretty tough, but academically he's doing great."

Until now.

We just learned that he is is getting C's across the board, and actually failing his acclerated math class. It's being recommended that he drop back down to the grade level math class for next semester.

um....yeah. sure. cuz THAT'S not going to knock him to his knees emotionally.

The kicker is we had no warning until the email arrived today (at 4pm on a Friday no less) from the "gifted specialist". Not one single ounce of communication from his math teacher or anyone else, that our son had failed two chapter tests and a couple of quizzes. It's partly our fault for not checking in with the grade tracker website on a more regular basis. But if *I* were a math teacher, and a kid who HAD been doing ok, all of a sudden dropped quiz and test scores, I'd like to think that I would make some effort to touch base with the parents; wouldn't you?? So yeah, we are pretty pissed off and frustrated and sad about it all.

It means making the kinds of phone calls on Monday that raise my anxiety level to the roof. I hate making calls for something as simple as dentist appts, so this kind of intervening/confrontational junk is just not my cup of tea at all, even for my kids. I tend to cry instead of being calm and assertive and confidant. It's what I fear and dislike the most about this parenting thing.

So if you know us and love us, please pray for our son. First and foremost, he needs to know we love him, and that lots and lots of you love him too. Second, he desperately needs a friend at school. Lord, we need someone to come out of the woodwork who loves You, to stick up for him and reach out to him so he knows he's not the freak that he's told he is everyday. To see him for the talented, witty, creative and all around good kid that he is. And please pray for courage and wisdom for me and Greg as we wade through this mess and try to do right by our son.

Praying for Haiti...

2010-01-15T17:10:00.001-06:00

Click here to make a donation...do it now. please.

Haiti Earthquake

We sponsor two children thru Compassion International. Our boy, Oscar, is in Columbia, and the other is in Haiti. Her name is Samuella and on January 12th, the day the world literally came crashing down around them, she was celebrating her 13th birthday. She shares a birthday, down to the year, with our own Coleo.

We can only continue praying that she and her family are somehow alive and safe. I have no idea how long it will be before we learn how the earthquake impacted her life and how the Compassion project fared that serves her area. Please also pray for Compassion as an organization as they begin to re-build their ministries.

Other so very easy ways to help...

Donate $10 to The Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999.
Donate $10 to Compassion by texting "Disaster" to 90999.

A very merry....

2009-12-25T02:07:00.003-06:00

...Christmas!!

My children and husband are all tucked into bed. I have JUST finished wrapping the last of the gifts and the stockings, carefully hung by the chimney with care, are now chock full o' goodies. The house is dark and quiet and I am sitting here listening to endless Christmas music, in the glow of the lighted tree and mantel.

All over here in the Hinterland, travel has been halted and plans have changed as people anxiously wait to see what sort, and how much precipitation will fall next. Oooo, baby it's cold outside, with alternating bouts of rain and sleet and snow falling. But despite that, it's truly one of the prettiest Christmas Eves I can remember.

We are two Christmas celebrations down, with two to go. Our own in the morning, and my family after lunch until Saturday. We hosted the Hubs family (his parents from FL and one brother and s-i-l and two kiddos) yesterday and this morning. We shared in 2 meals and a gift exchange among the kiddos last night, then a huge pancake buffet this morning, and celebrated all 6 kid's birthdays, complete with cupcakes and icecream at 10:30am! This afternoon I had two errands to run to complete my shopping for celebrations #3-4, so The Hubs and I zipped out for an hour alone to do that.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve service tonight, our first in 6+ years that we have not participated in. And....I'm not sure how I feel about it. Timing wise, it was the best thing for us to say "no, not this year", but as I had more moments of melancholy this week than not, I realized that I had said no to the one thing that keeps Christmas the most real to me. Celebating the birth of my Savior King with my voice, through the gift of music. So, I missed it. I teared up as the band was played without me.

This Christmas season has been very...hmmm...funky(?) for me. I have felt stuck and obligated, somedays even a little sad and in general just outta sorts. Anyone know where to get some sorts?

Every year, come the day after Thanksgiving, I vow this will be the year it will be different. I'll get my shopping done early. I'll actually send Christmas cards, before Christmas (if at all). We'll do an advent calendar with devotions with the kids. I'll do more baking. Fun baking with the kids. Maybe even host a party. Ring bells for Salvation Army or some other "giving and serving" opportunity.

And every year? it doesn't happen. Not a one.

We get caught up in the buying and cleaning and shopping and fussing. I always seem to be doing everything at the last possible moment. Our schedule is a rotating door, in and out and in again. The Hubs traveled (with very little warning) all of last week and that was a major hiccup in my plans, plus we had a portion of our sewer line excavated and replaced as well (and Merry Christmas to us!) Even though my house has been "appropriately" decorated for the whole month, tonight is truly the first time I have thought, Ahh...it's Christmas.

And tomorrow, Christmas will be over. I wonder if I start thinking about NEXT Christmas now, while I am still in the spirit of things, if that will help? Hmmmm...

But now as seeing as it's nearly 2am and my children will be awake in a mere 5 hours, (and I have even more family to host and two more huge meals to prepare tomorrow) I must let my weary mind and body rest; perhaps the sugarplum fairies will come dance in my head...if even for a moment. And so I bid you all the Merriest Christmas.

May God bless us, everyone.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Happy...

2009-12-11T23:38:00.000-06:00

birthday to me.

Happy birthday to me.

Happy birthday dear me-ee...

Happy birthday to me!

Sushi, music and IKEA....

2009-12-07T08:49:00.001-06:00

all in under 24 hours!    We had a great get-away with good friends this weekend.

Hop on over here to read a full run down written by my sweetie....and then come back here!

The concert was "The New Standards", a trio of Mpls musicians, playing familiar classic "modern" tunes in the style of the old standards. It was simply one of the most incredible concerts I've been to...a perfect blend of fun, musicianship, and pure talent. I was literally on the edge of my seat in anticipation for whatever the next song might be.

They played everything from Britany Spears "Toxic" to the Suburb's "Love is the Law" and Cheap Trick's "I want you to want me"..with a bunch of holiday songs thrown in. They featured a 406 voice back-up choir, 4 piece brass section, a string quartet and a guy on a Wurlitzer organ at times. There were poetry readings and tap dancers, and they closed with a version of OutKast's "hey Na" complete with a very silly, bendy, hip-hoppy guy lip-syncing and dancing around.

Perfection. all of it.

Here's a sample of the concert; this song was a highlight....

It was a wonderful way to officially kick off the holidays.

Our girls....

2009-11-18T13:14:00.004-06:00

just wanted to share this a wee little video of our not-so-little girlies (in blue and white) at gymnastics the other night...

They love gymnastics more than I ever thought possible. We did one year of dance (tap and ballet) last year, and while I think they enjoyed it, I don't think they LOVED it. Even tho Wren can often be seen found flitting about the house like a little butterfly at any given time.

But gymnastics, whoo wee do they love. it. After their first one hour session, they were begging to be signed up to go more than one day a week. We said no, let's just start with this and see where it goes.

After their third week, they were invited to join "pre-team" training. The Proud Momma in me took this to mean that they see some potential and we should begin saving up for living away from home for future Olympic training. The Cynical Momma in me took this to mean that the gym just wanted to get a little more $$ of out us.

But who am I to say no to my potential Olympians? Especially when they love it oh so much.

So they are now "training" 2 days a week after school for an hour at time. If they had their way, they would be there everyday. By June, we could be expected to have them training up to 8 hours a week. Uffdah....we'll cross that proverbial bridge when we come to it.

They just love it. And in watching them, I do truly think they have great potential. But think I can safely hold off, at least a couple of years, before I need to make space on the mantel for any gold medals.

6 years ago...

2009-11-08T15:34:00.013-06:00

this sweet baby boy came into our lives.

J oyful
A ctive
C limber
K utie-pie

W onderful
I ntelligent
L oving
L uscious
I nteresting
A mazing
M agical

He completed our family and made us a family of 6.

He is free-spirited and goofy, filled with noise, loves to climb and jump, discover all things creepy crawly, wrestling with his brother, playing video games, hanging with his sisters, watching PBS, cutting and pasting, McDonald's cheeseburgers and mac-n-cheese, being a good friend, snuggling with mom, helping dad and can't sleep without his favorite stuffed and very (very) well-loved puppy tucked under his chin.

Happy Birthday to the sweetest boy!

We love you so much!

Heart's Cry

2009-11-03T12:56:00.009-06:00

Here's a blog post I happened upon the other day that scratched at the surface of a not so old wound... What's ironic was just a few days before reading that post, I was thinking back to this time last year when I was on my way to discovering what I thought was an answer to prayer in this area of authentic friendship...and then almost as quickly, it was gone. I gave of my time, my heart, my listening ears (so hard for me!); I poured myself into it. And then was told I was someone she couldn't trust because she "hardly knew me". eh?? We tried again, and she pretty much went AWOL on me. I decided I was done trying and that if friendship was truly what she wanted, I'd hear from her. So I waited. And...nothin. nada. Why is it so hard for grown women to build and grow in authentic friendship? After last years' hurt, I truly doubted my own "friend-ability". But now reading this, and all the comments that followed, I know it's pervasive and it's NOT just me. What do you think?

How to worship...

2009-10-22T16:19:00.005-05:00

As a worship leader, I would be re-miss to not post this....

Now laugh with me as we poke a little fun at ourselves shall we? ;-)

And I expect all 5 of you who view this and also worship alongside me to execute your proper worship technique next time!

1st Days of School....

2009-09-10T13:52:00.008-05:00

Coleo is off to 7th grade...

Wren(green) and Jewels(pink) are off to 3rd grade...
And our not so wee boy, Jaxon, goes to kindergarten...
And here's my facebook status update to accompany this video post this morning...

Karyn...thinks watching her little boy ride away on the bus this morning for his first day of school was one of the hardest, but most fun things she's had to do as a mom.

>sigh<

As for me, I spent my first morning as a SAHM with no kids at home watching the Today show uninterrupted, dorking around on said facebook, doing a couple loads of laundry and attempting to sort thru old school papers from last year.

I do have grand plans for all I will accomplish this year, but that will start...hmmmm...maybe next week!

Oh so long....

2009-08-31T18:01:00.003-05:00

I know it's been oh so long since my last post...and I promise to start back up so very soon, but I just had to post this right now as it happened.

See, I have lived here in the Hinterland for nearly 16 years, and it has all the makings of a very nice city, with all sorts of wonderful suburban loveliness AND Big City nuances all it's own.

But, do you know when where you live is really still just a small town that THINKS it's big city?

When the lead story on the 6:00 evening news is that of a pregnant llama on the loose from a farm in an even smaller neighboring town. Complete with an on-the-scene reporter calling in live.

Really.

Bootcamp Insanity...

2009-07-22T19:14:00.005-05:00

So, I am not losing the weight that I had hoped by adding a fairly intense work-out to my life. Bootcamp is great; I really enjoy the trainers and the camaraderie of all the women there. But I am frustrated by my lack of "results".

They keep saying that nutrition is just as, if not more important that the exercise itself. Which I don't' get. I have lost and kept off 13 lbs since August 2007 (and that's thru two holiday seasons as well - which they say the average person gains 3-5 lbs during...so the way I figure I have really kept off closer to 20 lbs at least!) I know what I need to eat and what I shouldn't eat in order to lose weight. I've done that. The one thing I hadn't done was to incorporate the fitness side of things until now - and I was hoping to really jump start things again with this.

With each session of bootcamp, we have had a 1 hour conference call covering the importance of nutrition and how to maximize your results. And it's all well and good, if I was single and wasn't feeding a family of six, 3 meals and 2 snacks a day most days of the week. The way they suggest we eat to see fast results just isn't feasible or practical for me. I can't cook one thing for my family to eat, and then sit down with a bowl of brown rice and cottage cheese for myself. I don't believe that sets a good example for my children, and I don't believe it sets me up for success in the long run in learning how to make better food choices and controlling portion sizes eating REAL food each day.

I have made lots of little changes like ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat pasta and brown rice instead of white and we have always only eaten whole wheat bread. I am eating a high protein breakfast nearly everyday, I have stopped much of my late night snacking, and have for the most part eliminated drinking diet soda (except when we eat out...a girl's gotta live a little)

I recently friended the owner/lead trainer of Bootcamp on Facebook, and my status that morning said "...just endured another butt-kickin bootcamp in the gloom and fog...but wished she were seeing faster results." And he came back that afternoon and commented that he is here to help me and I need to send him my "eating plan" and he'll critique it and give me feedback about how to change it improve on it in order to see faster results. I don't want that, mostly because of the reasons I stated above. While I believe I would be losing more weight and doing it faster, I don't believe that kind of eating is sustainable (or enjoyable for that matter) for the long haul so why bother?

I AM seeing my clothes fitting a little more loosely, people are commenting on my appearance, but the number on the scale hasn't really moved at all in 7 weeks and that's SO frustrating. I keep telling myself that I am just converting fat to muscle and muscle is heavier by volume than fat, so I won't see that number go down much for now at least, but will see it in how I feel and look, and I do. But man, I wish I was seeing THAT number go down just a little faster. The hardest part is the "dollar per pound" return. That's not so good right now. Maybe in August I can kick up a little more and actually drop some serious poundage and make this whole bootcamp insanity really worth it all.

Random thots...

2009-07-18T10:46:00.004-05:00

from the Hinterland. All is well, we're just plugging along, busy weekends, but not so busy weekdays. Here are a few bits of randomness....

I am overwhelmed by some of the recent posts on blogs that I frequent about the food we do eat, shouldn't eat and should eat. Things I've learned? (which all pretty much contradict everything that today's food industry, dietitians and nutritionists tell us).

Saturated fats are good for you.
Poly and mono unsaturated fats are bad, bad, bad.
Skim milk bad - whole milk good. Raw milk from grass fed cows - even better.
Anything that is pasteurized and even worse, homogenized, is the last thing you want to ingest.
Anything with High Frustose Corn Syrup bad. (Do you know the sheer volume of foods that have HCFS listed as one of the first 5 ingredients??)
Boxed cereals bad.
Commercial yogurts bad.

Frankly, it's all making my head spin, I don't know where or how to start making changes, but know I definitely want need to research more.

I'm not sure where summer went. Our daytime temps haven't been above 63 since Wednesday and we are on day 3 of solid clouds...it's downright cold and gloomy.

I am still getting my trashed kicked (I stole that phrase from one of my favorite bloggers!) three days a week at bootcamp. We've had some really fun workouts, lots of variety to keep things interesting. Hoping to drop at least one pants size by the end of this month.

Overall, this week was cranky Momma week. Felt like the kids and I were never on the same page, I nagged and ragged, they pushed and snipped at me and each other. It all came to a head when this happened....

Thursday was our worship band practice night. The Hubs usually just stays late at work and we meet there. This week, we made plans to meet at church at 6:15 to have dinner together (subway...klassy I know), which would require me to leave by 6. I was already running a little behind when my parents showed up at 5:50 to show off their new car, just as I was trying to get the kids some dinner, get them all settled and lay down the law (Coleo is now babysitting for our summertime band practices) and get myself out the door. Ack! Well at 6:15 I finally walked out the door. I leave, get all the way up onto the highway and realize that I forgot to pack all of Greg's gear. So I had to drive another 2 miles up to first exit where I can turn around. ARRGGHHH! I was SO mad at myself for forgetting, mad at my parents for showing up and getting me all frazzled and distracted and mad at Greg for making me be his "roadie". And sad that our attempts to have even a few minutes together was shot. I was NOT a happy lady at all. I got back home, loaded his gear and started off again.

By this time I am mad and crying and I even screamed out loud in the car. I revved the engine a little harder than I should have. I turned up some music really loud, said a little prayer for a major attitude adjustment and got myself up to church. It was not the way I ever want to feel before stepping into my role as worship leader. Plus we had three guys subbing for our regular players so it was just a trying night all around. We ended up having a good practice, but I think I was still a little off all night. Oh well.

Yesterday the girls had a playdate with a friend so the boys and I went and had fun together. Coleo had some old PS2 games he wanted to trade in at Gamestop, and they had a sale on used games, buy 2 get 1 free...so we had fun picking out some new DS and Wii games we can all enjoy. All of my kiddos are jazzed when the momma gets generous with random acts of shopping. Retail therapy at it's finest. We treated the kids to a local Mexican place for dinner as a "farewell" sendoff for Coleo going to camp. And we did have a great time there too. We even splurged and split a couple of desserts! Our kiddos are also jazzed when it comes to getting dessert. ;-)

This morning we sent Coleo off to camp for the very first time. He'll be gone until Friday evening at a camp 5 hours away. We aven't had a lot of success when it come to sleepovers with him in the past, but we've really seen him turn a corner over the past month or so in his self-control, and maturity, even going to bed all by himself without needing a "tuck-in" from one of us. At first he didn't want to go to camp back in May when registration began, but then our Youth Pastor asked again, just a few weeks ago during the last week of registration to see if he would maybe re-consider, and to all our surprise he said yes! I am so nervous for him, but know he's going to have a great week (praying for no homesickness!)

>insert thought provoking or otherwise witty conclusion here<

that's all I've got.
ttfn.

weekend delights...

2009-07-06T10:54:00.004-05:00

Our "holiday weekend" began Thursday night - as The Hubs had Friday off. Here's a quick recap...

Thursday - dinner with new friends. Wonderful food, great conversations getting to know each other. They were wonderful hosts, in a beautiful and comfortable home, weather on the backyard deck was perfect and kids all had a blast.

Friday - The hubs and I got ourselves up and out the door for a walk/run. That felt good. The rest of the day was spent playing and relaxing. Friday night, we attended Freedom Fest with my parents, a community outreach event at an area church with music, food vendors, "inflatables" for jumping/sliding fun, a little drizzly rain, and impressive July 4th Eve fireworks show.

Saturday - An annual 4th of July pool party at our friends the B's, such gracious hosts, beautiful setting, a pool filled with kiddos, an abundance of tempting foods. The weather was a little drizzly on and off all day, but didn't bother the swimmers at all. The evening turned into an impromptu pizza party at the C's house along with the O's, before heading out for fireworks together. The sun came out, clouds cleared out. We found a great parking spot, only had to walk a couple blocks for perfect viewing of another fun firework spectacle. I was wise and picked up a whole mess of glo-necklaces at the dollar spot in Target last weekend - so all the kids all got to share in the fun of those without breaking the bank.

Sunday - we all slept in after 3 straight nights of 11pm bedtimes - uffdah! (except for The Hubs who was subbing in the worship band so he had to go in early.) But I was up and treated the kids to cinnamon rolls and eggs and watched the start of the Wimbledon Men's Final between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer. Amazing tennis. Kids and I left for church. Excellent service and message. Home from church. Ala carte lunch. Watched the rest of the tennis match via video. Perfect weather for relaxing and just "being" after such a busy few days. Pulled together another impromptu dinner with the C's and my parents - grilling out and ended the weekend with a bonfire and some redneck "MN legal" fireworks on the driveway.

Perfection.

So...

2009-06-29T21:50:00.003-05:00

I totally have at least 4 partial posts sitting in my drafts box. I can't seem to come up with the time and wit and words to finish them off to actually get them posted. I have a recap of the past few weeks, but want to add pictures, and don't seem to ever remember to dump my camera onto my laptop to get that one done. I had another started to talk abotu my Bootcamp progress. And a few others have been in the ol' drafts list for a while, more timeless, philosophical ones...maybe someday.

But today was the last official day of my Bootcamp Insanity; we ran thru the same set of tests we did on the first day.

My results?? I have a lost a total of 4 lbs, and 2 points off my BMI, (but somehow my body fat percentage was the same(?) I did 7 more push-ups in 30 seconds than 4 weeks ago, and shaved one minute off the running test. I am feeling really really good, the crazy insane o'clock in the morning thing HASN'T been the death of me. I no longer have the stiffness and pain in my lower back and hips that I frequently woke up with, and have more energy overall.

Boot camp ROCKS! Shelly, Shawn and Chris are great at encouraging us without pressure. All the women are so encouraging of each other. I am signed up for another 4 weeks. I am going to try to be much more focused and intentional on the nutritional aspects this month and also try working out on my own on the "off" days more regularly, with hopes of losing at least another 4 pounds by the end of July. Wish me luck!

Happy Father's Day...

2009-06-21T22:21:00.006-05:00

to my most dear, most lovely husband, who truly is a most amazing father to our 4 children.

We aren't ones to make too much of these overly commercialized, consumer driven holidays. And we have been so busy with the prep and execution of our family reunion (which was this weekend and is now over!) that we haven't had time to think about much else. But I figured the least I could do was write a little something here.

We had a wonderful breakfast with some lingering post-reunion family including Greg's parents, his brother and family, and one of his cousins and her family who were still in town this morning and that was nice.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, playing outside with the kids, and watching a movie; I spent the day lounging and napping on the the couch, watching some of my favorite cooking/travel/decorating and gardening shows on PBS. It was a perfect end to a couple of really crazy and stressful weeks. And then this evening we met my parents for a nice casual dinner out.

To my dearest husband, I love our beautiful, crazy and patience testing children. I love the home and family we've created together. You're a great dad and I love you, so very much.

Happy Father's Day!

Bootcamp Insanity

2009-06-09T08:26:00.007-05:00

So here I am....sitting here after Week 2 -Day 1 of Bootcamp.

Yes, this crazy bootcamp fitness class - moment of sheer insanity thing - that I signed up for.

Last week was week 1 (duh) and 33 women of all ages, shapes and sizes are meeting three days a week from 6-7am on a school playground for some serious fitness. Yes, I drag my sorry butt out of bed at 5:15am (otherwise known in my world as o'dark hundred hours) to go and be run thru the ringer by our ~~drill sargeants~~ leaders, Shawn and Chris and Shelly. Running, push-ups, ab work, cardio, agility it's all there. It's painful and hard, but in that "feel-the-burn-it's-a-good-thing" kinda way. They are kicking our butts...and quads, and hamstrings and triceps and biceps and muscles I had long forgotten even existed in my mother of 4 "core". Uff.dah.

But boy does it feel good. And the crazy o'clock in the morning thing isn't killing me either...which is actually a huge shock for me. I originally signed up just for the 4 week session for June thinking I can do ANYTHING 12 times, but then last week I signed on for July too. Gotta whip my tail in gear here and I am hoping this is just the thing to do it.

And to top it off, my lovely amazing husband is totally supportive of me and is even getting up at 5:30 to go running himself. Love him!!

Stay tuned for more Bootcamp Insanity updates. Or check out my friend Wendy's take on things here and here. Maybe I'll even try to snap a couple of photos sometime soon just for y'all's enjoyment. heh.

All things...

2009-06-04T10:50:00.003-05:00

IKEA!!!

I love anytime I can spend browsing thru IKEA. Surprisingly, it does not feed into my feelings of discontentment - rather it feeds my inspirations.

The Hubs called me up mid morning yesterday and said he was tired of working and did I want to play hooky and do our IKEA "run"? The answer of course was a big fat YES!!!!

See, I have been contemplating filling one whole wall of my living room with brown/black Billy bookcases....to create a built in library look and have been waiting for a free day when I could make the 70 minute drive and and back myself...but this was even better. My favorite store with my favorite people!

Our living room has been kind of the "catch all" multi-purpose room since we moved into this house nearly 8 years ago, housing a desk for the kid's computer, misc art, a bookcase with toys, puzzles and games and a hodge podge of furniture. And I am ready to start moving forward to make it look a little more "intentional".

So we did our part to help stimulate the economy and bought ourselves a van full of bookcases...along with cushions and pillows for our deck furniture, a bunch of kitchen trinkets, and all sorts of other goodies!

It was a great day together....I love short road trips with my husband...and Jaxon was along for the ride and was an absolute gem the whole day. We had lunch (Swedish meatballs of course!), browsed the whole store, filled my big yellow bag full of all sorts of goods, and then made our way to the warehouse to load the cart with 2 talls, 3 shorts and a whole mess of doors. I am so excited!

Before and after pictures will be posted as soon as they are all assembled!

All things busy...

2009-06-02T09:49:00.005-05:00

here are a few glimpses of the past few weeks....

My Mothers of Multiples Club Sale...this is what 140 people look like waiting to get in the door before we even opened. Acck!

And here is the insanity of it all....

And 2 tired chicas....me and one of my fellow sale co-chairs...we ROCK!!! (imho of course)

It was 72 hours of sheer madness. My back still isn't back to normal after being on my feet on a solid concrete floor for most of it.

Then, our oldest "stomped" his way thru church one morning here...(that's him in the skeleton shirt..yes at church). It came off the heels of our opening worship set which ended with the song "Indescribable". It was really cool.

The next week, our girlies performed an original song they wrote themselves for their school variety show....(Jewels is singing, Wren is on piano)

And my baby boy graduated from pre-school....

Since then, (I don't have any pictures to document most of this) we had a little Happy Hour Party with a few friends (and tequila) on Saturday night of the Memorial Day weekend. My brother and family were here for an overnight Sunday to Monday to celebrate my dad's birthday.

Last week was filled with piano lessons, field trips, classroom volunteering, a fun brunch with fellow 2nd grade moms, and a little furniture shopping thrown in for good measure.

This week is supposed to be filled with crossing things off lists. See, we are hosting the Hinterland Family Reunion in less than 3 week! We have huge long lists of things to do, mostly cleaning and organizing, a few big things left to do outside in order to be "ready". The lists are overwhelming for me, since lately I have a hard getting motivated to do much of anything at all, esp when I am home during the day with Jaxon.

The biggest hurdle I have to overcome in all this list making nonsense is my own "it's not good (pretty, clean, organized) enough to have people in my home" complex. I am constantly plagued by it. We live in a nice home. We are blessed...I know. I have some very nice things and for the most part, we really lack for nothing. But society tells us otherwise.

I can't keep myself from getting caught up in the "if onlys" ...if only my carpets were clean, if only I had new furniture for that room, if only our deck was bigger, if only I could re-paint this wall, if only my kid's rooms were cleaner, the guest bathroom could get tiled etc. It's a heavy dose of discontentment, mostly stemming from reading decorating blogs and magazines. I can get caught up in dreams and wishful thinking of how I think things could be and look, and I lose sight of all that is good and wonderful right now. I have neither the resources, creativity or time to make most of it come to fruition all at once and that frustrates me.

So I will spend the next 3 weeks trying to talk myself down from this sense of discontentment and find that place of contentment once again. And realize and thank God for all I do have and be at peace and feel blessed once again.

'Cuz I know (really I do)...that when it comes to parties, happy hours and family reunions, it's not about clean carpets, perfectly decorated rooms, decks filled with pretty potted flowers or landscaped yards, it's about the time spent together.

Yes...

2009-05-28T23:06:00.004-05:00

I am still here...

but we are so unbelievably busy here in the Hinterland that I just don't have time to write anything worth much of anything for the tens of people (that's a stretch I know) that actually read this mostly sorry attempt at blogging.

A new post, complete with pictures, will be coming soon.

So stay tuned! And please keep stopping by, otherwise you may just miss it!

Today, May 21st...

2009-05-21T18:52:00.005-05:00

Outside my window…cloudy, occasional sprinkles, cooler than the past few days (where we broke high temp records) and the wind has significantly diminished.

I am thinking…thankfully the day is almost over, and how excited I am for our TV date night tonight when we get to finally watch the Lost season Finale...only 8 days after it originally aired. (sigh)

I am thankful that…Jack successfully made it thru his graduation program today. He did so well and I am very proud of him. And after receiving his "diploma", instead of shaking his teacher's hand or even giving a simple hug, he leaped into her arms and squeezed hard with his eyes shut tight. It made the entire sanctuary chuckle and sigh.

From the kitchen…I browned and threw boneless country style ribs with a bottle of honey BBQ sauce into the crockpot this morning...sides of misc fried potatoes from the oven, skinny green beans, applesauce. YUM-O!

I am wearing…brown rayon crop pants, and a funky southwestern patterned top.

I am creating…this blog. Sorry it's been a few days.

I am going…to get my kids showered and to bed VERY SOON!

I am reading…HRH by Danielle Steele (I've read every single one of her books to date)

I am hoping…that we can get our act together and get our To Do and To Buy Lists done so we can make progress in preparations for hosting a Hinterland Family Reunion in yikes....4 weeks!

I am hearing…Coleo drummin' and the Hubs jammin on guitar.

Around the house...so much to do, so little time (the aforementioned reunion)

One of my favorite things...smiley happy children. A smiley happy husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week...see above....lots of To Do lists in the works. The Hubs got a freebie day of vacation for tomorrow (manager directed day off) so hopefully it's a good one being home together without the distraction of all 4 kiddos being home too. We haven't been running in sync the past few days...we need to get back on track.

Oh well...

2009-05-13T23:04:00.009-05:00

Oh well. Danny Gokey is goin' home. I am bummed. I am tired of the judges all gushing and mushing about Adam. eh? But I knew that it couldn't be a Kris and Danny Finale - they are just a little bit too similar style-wise. But I have hopes now that anyone who was voting for Danny will now vote for Kris and blow Adam out of the water! Go Kris!

On the homefront, I have 72 crazy, frenzied hours ahead of me. I co-chair the HUGE Gi-norm-ous sale for my Mothers of Multiples Group. There are 30+ sellers this time around, we rent a building on our county fairgrounds and we fill 25 racks with clothing and the rest of the barn with other baby/child/household gear, toys and paraphernalia! It's a major fundraiser for our club, plus we all make a pretty nice chunk of change for our own pockets! But it's a crazy and busy couple of days and as co-chair I will pretty much abandon my family for the next 72 hours.

Oh well #2. My crazy busy sale weekend means that we have to miss out on seeing Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers in concert. Cuz...ya know...we kinda like this band. Just a little. Just look at him!

(This is us with Rog in Mexico)

and here's just a really pretty picture of him...(I'm pretty sure I am breaking at least two commandments just looking at it.)

He is an amazing songwriter/musician and he, along with the Peacemakers, puts on a smokin' hot show of full out, tequila infused, no holds barred, rock and roll, and thankfully The Hubs loves their music as much I do. Cuz' it's not ALL about the pretty face people. But it certainly doesn't hurt now does it??

We've ONLY seen them 8 times in 2 years, including a trip to Mexico (yes that's right, we flew 2000 miles and drove another 4 hours after that, with all 4 kiddos after for a concert. In Mexico. So worth it!) Anyway, they are playing in a town near us and we have to miss this one due to an overwhelming schedule and I am bummed.

The last oh well is the worst. See, it's my guy's birthday on Friday. Not just any birthday either. It's a biggie. Yes...the 4-0. Eek! We both turn 40 this year - exactly 30 weeks apart. And I am feeling pretty crummy that I haven't and won't be able to work something out to ring in this new decade for him. (And going to see Rog and the Peacemakers was supposed to be part of the deal!) I actually told him maybe he should just go buy another new guitar so I could quit feeling so guilty for being such loser wife and not throwing a big party. I think a few of my awesome wife points will be lost for this one. I promise Honey..I will make it up to you.

Oh well.

not my words....

2009-05-08T22:55:00.005-05:00

but I wish they were!! A post from one of my favorite bloggers; it's so well written and so eloquently put, I just have to share it with you here...

Magnificent...

2009-05-07T13:23:00.002-05:00

Here's the new video for my favorite song from the new U2 album..it's cool!

enjoy.

Thankful Thursday

2009-04-30T12:58:00.002-05:00

1. The Hubs coming home tonight after 7 long days of being gone.
2. My dad - for playing bus driver this week for the Coleo.
3. Green grass.
4. Tulips nearing bloom.
5. Watching birds at the feeders this morning.
6. Time at home alone.
7. Only one more evening and bedtime as a solo-parent because did I mention? The Hubs is coming home tonight after 7 long days of being gone!!!!

American Idol Top 5

2009-04-28T19:05:00.004-05:00

Well. Here we are down to the Final 5. I am not sad to have seen Anoop and Lil go home last week. I am honestly surprised they hadn't gone sooner.

So tonight they are singing American "standards" - the music of the Brat Pack. I think this could be fun!! With guest mentor Jamie Foxx. Altho, after the nasty things he said on his radio show about cutey Miley Cyrus recently he has lost a few points in my book...let's see what he has to say.

Kris Allen's singing "The Way You Look Tonight" - wow. Jamie Foxx liked him and said such nice things to him! That's cool. So this was smooth, not all full of unnecessary runs. Nice. Slow, fast, slow. Loved the tempo changes. Very classy. Love.it.

Allison is up next singing "Someone to Watch Over Me". Love this song. One of my favorite to sing actually. Wow. Amazing.

All I can say right now is Simon must have woken up on the wrong side of the dungeon today. What a cranky pants!

Matt Giraud is singing "My Funny Valentine" ...hmmm...not buying it. Seems forced and not authentic and he keeps changing his "voice"...low and raspy, then breathy, then full out....it felt awkward. I agree with the judges on this one. What??!? Is Simon smoking something tonight? Normally he and I are right one...but I have disagreed with everything he's said tonight.

Danny Gokey's up. I dont' care what the name of this song is ( cuz I missed it and I dont' know it) but man oh man is he HOT tonight. WOW! WOW! WOW! Yes He can sing..so nice of you all to notice. hehe.

Adam Lambert is up last. I am kinda tired of him. I am tired of the fuss. I don't see anything current about him unless you're stuck in 1987 or listen to the hard rock 80's station. He really can go home anytime. Actually he just needs to go back to Broadway and sing the role of Judas from "Jesus Christ Superstar" for the rest of his life. The end. oooo that last note was bad! And just once I'd like to see him pull off a song without all the tongue-filled screeching. A little theatrical???? Just a little. Off to Broadway you go young man.

I think I've made my wishes clear.

Today, April 28th...

2009-04-28T08:51:00.003-05:00

Outside my window…sunny, breezy, but pretty chilly. We hit 91 degrees here last Friday, and then woke up to 35 and rain the next morning. And then it proceeded to rain all weekend. The temps have been slowly making their way back up to "springtime". But the grass is green, perennials are starting to show themselves, The Hubs' Magnolia tree is blooming. Spring is definitely and finally here.

I am thinking…about how much life stinks without my husband.

I am thankful that…the kiddos have been pretty well-behaved this week while the Hubs is out of town for work. And Raggy Naggy Mother has barely had to help me parent this week at all!

From the kitchen…I think tacos are on the menu tonight.

I am wearing…I am in my "cozy clothes" (sweats, t-shirt, zipped hoodie). It's pretty much what I am in anytime I am home with nowhere to go.

I am creating…a quick video message for a long time friends 40th birthday.

I am going…to put real clothes on and run some errands today.

I am reading…The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson. It's good!!

I am hoping…that the weather continues to improve....I really like 65 and sunny.

I am hearing…Sesame Street on the TV, my dragonfly lights banging against the window (it's windy today.) Jaxon coughing - he has another cold.

Around the house...it's ok. There's a bucket of Magentix toys scattered all over the family room floor. But overall it's livable.

One of my favorite things...lazy days and naps.

A few plans for the rest of the week...survive. It's actually a pretty low-key week schedule-wise which I love. We will welcome The Hubs home after being gone for 7 full days. Praying that my boys get over these lingering head colds -they both have nasty coughs. Maybe a Hinterland Happy Hour May Day gathering Friday night? That might be fun!

Here's hoping your day is delightful.

Ugh....

2009-04-22T14:37:00.003-05:00

I just realized it been 10 days since I last posted!!

I am still here...and a new "REAL" post is coming soon.

Until then, watch this... a little fun from me to you...

Corporate Worship Songs - Tim Hawkins

O Calvary...

2009-04-11T23:06:00.006-05:00

Matthew 28: 1-10 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Happy Easter!

The eggs in my basket....

2009-04-09T13:38:00.005-05:00

I wish...
...I could go on a vacation to someplace with surf, sun and fruity drinks.
...it was summer so I didn't have to get kids up and off to school every day.
...the Hubs could work from home...even one day a week.
...I had the money saved up to buy lots of new furniture.
...I didn't have 30lbs to lose.
...I could eat without counting calories.
...I was more decisive.
...I didn't care so much about what people might think of me.
...I could take a little nap everyday.
...I was more organized.
...I was more intentional about how I spend my time.
...I could discover how to parent without any help from my evil twin, Raggy Naggy Mother.
...I had the means to help more people in need.
...I had just one really good, "BFF" kinda friend who actually lived within 20 miles of me.
...I would make time to read the Bible and spend time with God more consistently.
...I was somehow magically motivated to make some of these come true.

Maybe it's more like a basket-case....>sigh<>

What are some of your eggs?

In one week...

2009-04-06T22:27:00.005-05:00

not much has happened...hence no blogging. Well ok...that's not entirely true. I am a momma of four and wife of one so I suppose some things have happened.

Spring break happened. It came. It went. We're back to school today. But here are a few things we did...

~a day trip up to the Science Museum and The 6 (The Hubs took a day off!) spent a full day there looking at mummies, dinosaur bones, bacteria/viruses, weather facts, and our own cheek cells under a microscope. We stopped for dinner at one of our favorite far and few between visits restaurant Ruby Tuesday's. YUM-O! We don't have one here in the Hinterland yet so when we get a chance to visit one out of town we jump on it. We had a delightful waitress, amazing food, kids even behaved themselves! Coleo said the next day, "yesterday was so perfect it was almost like it didn't happen." It was a pretty perfect day.

~the playing Wii. Lots and lots of Wii. Mostly Mario Kart with interludes of everyone taking turns doing their Wii Sports Fitness tests.

~ the watching too much TV. Mostly PBS (that doesn't really count does it?) with interludes of Pokemon on DVD.

~lots of sleeping in - by me - not the kids. No, they were all up earlier than they are to go school. Go figure. But they are all old enough now to help each other and fend for themselves for breakfast so I took the opportunity to stay in bed a little longer! A mom's gotta do what she can.

~a fun "mom's so cool for treating us to an impromptu dinner out to McDs" - one night when The Hubs stayed late at work. Don't worry their meal included Apple Dippers.

~ an evening of worship band practice and powerful Sunday morning service.

~another Hubs day off and The 5 took in a matinee of Monsters vs. Aliens. The Momma stayed home and enjoyed an afternoon of being in her own house all.by.herself. Delightful!

~ a great date night with The Hubs - out to a Wine Tasting. Over 200 wines to sip, tasty ante pasta salads and fresh fruit, and amazing chocolates from local chocolatiers. A-MAY-ZING! It was held in a Home Improvement/Builders "Market Square" so even the atmosphere was pretty wonderful. Lots of stolen kisses. walking arm and arm, and we even got to check out new countertops and sofas to boot! My favorite spot was the the lighting store area...all the beautiful fixtures, sconces and chandeliers.

And what didn't happen over our spring break? Playing outside. 'Cause someone forgot to actually inform the weather that it's SPRING! It never made it over 40 degrees the whole week. And most days it was downright gloomy. The kids would go out for short bits at a time but it was just crummy so they never really had much fun.

So there. Our Spring Break 2009! One for the books dont'cha think? :-)

Today, March 30th...

2009-03-30T14:13:00.003-05:00

I happened upon this on a blog I just discovered and thought I'd give it a try since it's been a few days since my last post, cuz I am all about the easy!

Outside my window…Cloudy, chilly, very windy. Snow is actually in the forecast. A downright blustery day one might say. March is going out like a lion.

I am thinking…what I should try to get done today? So far it's not a whole lot.

I am thankful that…the kids have been getting along pretty well today - the first day of spring break. Let's hope it lasts thru the week.

From the kitchen…no clue. Some kind of pasta based hot-dish most likely. In my awesome new cookware!!

I am wearing…hmmmm....it's 2:30 pm and I am still in my "cozy clothes" (sweats, t-shirt, zipped hoodie)

I am creating…not much today. I should be creating a newsletter for my MOMs group. So hard to stay motivated tho.

I am going…to put real clothes on and go to the grocery store soon.

I am reading…a couple of new blogs I just discovered. The book I am reading is "The Matter of Grace" by Jessica Barksdale Inclan. I just discovered her earlier this year and really like her writing style.

I am hoping…that our week at home here over spring break is fun and relaxing without many appearances by my evil twin, Naggy, Raggy Mother.

I am hearing…the noise of Wii sports, kids playing together nicely. Some music from the kid's computer. And my dragonfly lights banging against the window in the wind.

Around the house...a little chaotic, but it's been much worse. I just can't seem to get a handle on the kitchen clutter these days. And a sink full of dirty dishes and a dishwasher full of clean ones. hmmmm... need to get the kids right on that one. :-)

One of my favorite things…happy kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week...hopefully enjoying a relaxing, laid-back week, maybe a trip up to the Science Museum or Children's Museum, some cleaning/organizing perhaps? And hopefully a little exercise. Oooo...and a wine tasting event Friday night!

Loose toofes and middle school woes...

2009-03-24T08:57:00.007-05:00

so my darling 5yr old baby boy, Jaxon, came running into my bedroom yesterday morning as I was getting ready for the day to announce that he had a wiggly tooth! His first loose tooth. He was so excited...and I got a little teary-eyed. And that took me by surprise.

See, I was totally fine registering him for kindergarten, not understanding all the heartache among friends in signing up their youngest for kindergarten. The Hubs and I were talking about it then, and we both decided that life is so much better now and we're having more fun with our kids than ever before that we shouldn't waste the present grieving the past or lament about how fast their growing up. Life is good.

But for some reason this first loose tooth made me a little sad. My baby boy is growing up. >sigh<.

As for the middle school woes, this is something I dread about having my kiddos growing up. My oldest baby boy, Coleo is struggling at school with feeling like kids are picking on him and teasing him. He had a little meltdown this morning on his way out the door.

I have been coming down pretty hard him the past few months, in helping him be more aware of the choices he's making re: all sorts of things. Food choices, how he spends his free time, how he's spends/saves his money, controlling his impulses, all sorts of things. We've got charts posted all over the house for all the kids reminding them what needs to be done and when, in attempts to empower them more and to have me nagging them less. And he still falls short sometimes and I am the first to call him on it. So I am the bad guy right now. He actually told The Hubs that I am just like the teacher at school that he doesn't' get along with. Ouch! I just don't know how else to come along side him and try to teach him the things he needs to know and do to be a confident, self-reliant young man. I do know I have to catch him doing things right more often and praise him more. I know the whole it takes 10 praises to counter every negative. But it's so hard! Why is the nagging seem to be easier?

So this morning I grieved for him after getting him out the door. I feel so sad when he he has these melt-downs and tears up saying he doesn't have any friends. Or that he's being teased or picked on by "everyone". I don't get that at all. He is a funny, witty kid, he's friendly and sociable. We let him do all sorts of fun things, we've offered him the chance to invite kids over from school. But the friendships just don't seem to be happening. He was one of only 4 kids from his elementary school to move to the middle school he attends, and 3 of them were girls. So he started out at a little bit of a disadvantage with no one on his side really, but he was kinda of excited about that actually. He was looking forward to having a new "pond" to swim in and make some new friends.

I have prayed for those friendships...in hopes he'd find those one or two really special ones that he could carry thru to highschool with. He has a couple of really good friends at church, but they all attend different schools. I hate the thought of him being a target, singled out by the supposed "cool kids". I know how vicious middle-schoolers can be. A parents worst nightmare really. Vigilante Momma takes hold and I want to go scope out the rotten ones and let them have a taste of it. He endured some physical harrassment and bullying as a 2nd grader on the bus, initiated by an older boy and it about broke my heart that he tolerated it as long as he did before it "surfaced'.

I hate the thought of him worrying and dreading going to school. It's hard to know when to step in and talk to a teacher. I have encouraged him to talk to his teachers, and even go see the 6th grade counselor if he thinks that would help. He's afraid the kids will pick on him more if he talks. I just don't know what to do - what to say to encourage him, how to help.

This first-born parenting thing is tuff.

Our drummer boy...

2009-03-19T22:40:00.007-05:00

Coleo had his first ever school band concert tonight. He's playing percussion and loves it. It's the first thing in his 12 years that he has been passionate about. He's not driven by sports, especially if it involves being a part of a team. We tried, and encouraged, but athletics just aren't his thing. Music is obviously OUR thing so we certainly weren't going to discourage him. Plus, some kind of music instruction is required in 6th grade, band, orchestra or general music.

He decided last spring, at the end of 5th grade, that band was his class of choice and drums were what he wanted to play, so we immediately got him signed up for private lessons to help "level the field" so to speak for him getting chosen to be in the percussion section for 6th grade band. Apparently, percussion is pretty popular and there are only a few spots to fill. Well, for once things worked out for him and he was chosen for percussion. yay!

He has continued with the private lessons as well and he is doing great.

So tonight was the 6th grade Spring Band Concert. (The mandatory concert that was on the school schedule from the first day -miss it without a pretty good excuse and you fail band, kind of mandatory). I bought the black pants, white shirt and a new pair of all black skater shoes to wear. The new shoes cost more than the pants and shirt combined - thanks to Savers - cuz heck if I am gonna pay full price for clothes he will were just this once. I'm thrifty like that!

Doesn't he look sharp?

I have to admit tho, I was excited for him, but a little anxious about sitting thru even a few minutes of a 6th grade band concert, ya know what I'm saying? Yikes.

Lo and behold, they were good! I would even venture to say they sounded pretty great. Especially when the band teacher announced that they had only played thru their entire song set together as a full band a couple of times this week! WOW!

There were only a few little honks and squeaks that didn't belong (from the trumpets and clarinets mostly, NOT the drums), but my goodness, are we proud of our very own drummer boy.

Mid-week Randomness...

2009-03-16T22:31:00.007-05:00

so.....
I am still chewing my nails to the point of discomfort. What am saying? It's actually painful to type...that's how bad it is. I don't know why I am still biting my nails, but I really wish I could reach that point where I could resolve to stop pretty right quick. I hate being self-conscious about my hands. Hate it.

The weather is Glor-EE-US this week! Warmth, sunshine. love it.

We have new neighbors moving into the house up behind us. I know I should do the right thing and march myself over there to say hello, but good golly is that a hard thing to work myself up to do. I sure hope they don't mind our kitty prowling around the yards. We'll see if we can catch them out in the yard this weekend perhaps. They have furniture out on the patio, and a bird bath appeared in the corner of the backyard so I suspect we'll be seeing more them back there than the people who used to live there...which was pretty much never. I am praying now that they are nice, like kids, and noise and black kitties who like to explore.

As of Monday, I had a book that was 1 week overdue and couldn't get to the library to get it returned. I actually didn't finish reading it until Sunday, so Monday was the first day I would've returned it, but I didn't. So I made it to the library on Tuesday, and my card was "blocked" against any new check-outs due to excessive overdue charges. Oops. I knew they were racking up! $13.05. Got those paid for, I don't mind really, I figure it's just our way of supporting our local library.

We missed Idol last night. A little bummed. SO no re-cap for this week and it was country week too darn it all. I have read several reviews and blog re-caps so feel like I am up to speed but the results show will be interesting.

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE the new U2 album...love it. Even the kids love it and have a couple of favorite songs they ask to hear every time we are tooling around town, but maybe because it's all I've listened to in the car in the past 2 weeks?

I don't get St. Patrick's Day. I just don't. Although most of the family wore green yesterday and The Hubs insisted on putting green food coloring in our milk glasses last night at dinner. I still don't understand what all the fuss is about.

I am bummed that Alexis was sent home in Idol tonight. really bummed. I liked her a lot. There are definitely several who should have gone home waaaaay before her.

I hate late night commercials for scary icky movies. Why do they show those??

We have a crazy busy day tomorrow...I am stressing about it and really fear not sleeping well tonight because of it. Hence the fact that it is midnight and I am not even close to being ready to go to sleep.

We are now on day 4 of not having anyone throwing up in our house! Yippee!!

And have I blogged yet how much I hate the new Facebook layout? It's yucky and they took all the fun out of it. I still spend way more time than I should dorking around with it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm just sayin' people - why change something that wasn't broke?

Alrighty then...I think that's enough for now.

Smooches...

Long week...

2009-03-13T22:17:00.005-05:00

of illness here in the Hinterland. It really started about 10 days ago with The Hubs getting hit with a pretty bad cold. And he never gets sick, well hardly ever.

Next, Wren was exposed to a stomach bug last Wed. when a boy who sits next to her at school threw up. So we were kind of on "alert" for her. Except that she hardly ever gets sick either.

We were then out of town overnight Sat-Sun, up north visiting both our brothers and their families. The kiddos spent the day with Greg's brother's family while we attended a worship conference. By the time we got back to their house for dinner, Jules was not well at all. Complaining of her stomach hurting and looking pretty "peaked" (as my mom would say). After dinner with them, we headed over to my brother's house to spend the night. Well, the inevitable happened and Jules was sick, thankfully just once overnight and by morning she seemed pretty much back to normal.

I woke up Sunday morning not feeling well. Nose was stuffy and drippy all at the same time and had a sinus headache. I had gotten the Hubs cold. Church, lunch, a little Nascar; we enjoyed our Sunday with them and then made our way home late afternoon.

Monday, I woke up and felt just plain rotten. Massive headache, scratchy throat, nose was stuffed and dripping like a leaky faucet. Another morning laying on the couch for this momma...poor Jaxon. I got up in time to get myself moving, showered and dressed, make him lunch, and to get him to school. I then did my usual Monday grocery run, followed by what I like to call Manic Monday - picking all 4 kids up from their respective schools, Coleo at 2:30, Jaxon and 3 and then girlies at 3:30. >deep breath< Cole to drums, wait, girls to dance, home for dinner, homework and bedtime.

Tuesday was no better, The Hubs got hit with the stomach bug overnight Monday, so he was home from work and spent the day in bed. I spent most of the day on the couch getting up only when necessary. Thannkfully, Jaxon is eaily entertained, and self-reliant. We received a call from school about 3pm saying Wren had thrown up; I was already getting myself up and on my way to pick them up from school (for piano lessons at 4) so I hurried a little more to get myself out the door. Dropped Jules off for her lesson, with my little Wren-bird in tow, I stopped for gas, a quick run to the library and back for Jules and home. BY this time it was starting to get cold....like Antarctic cold. It's March people!

I obviously kept Wren home from school, and I was still pretty miserable feeling from my cold, and then with the WAY below zero temps and wind chill, I decided I was not going out unless absolutely necessary, so called and said Jaxon would not be at school that day. Another day spent mostly lazing on the couch, altho I did muster up enough energy to throw the makings for beef stew in the crock pot. A very long, very hot shower helped take the edge off the headache and congestion, and did run up to school to pick up Jules (she has never ridden the bus without her twin and seemed a little sad at the thought of it.) Same routine, dinner, homework, showers for all, and bed. >sigh<

Thursday, everyone was back to school and work, I was still feeling pretty crummy from the neck up. I got thru the week doing as little as possible, but still wonder what would happen to my family if I was actually REALLY sick? It's so hard for stay at home MOMs to take real sick days isn't?

Thankfully,no one else has gotten the head cold junk and we haven't had anymore of the nasty stomach stuff. yet.

UPDATE: Our sweet Jaxon got hit with the stomach bug Saturday afternoon. Poor thing. That makes 4 of 6. So now, Coleo and I are the only ones how haven't had it. Eek!

Because I Might Just Be....

2009-03-12T23:06:00.004-05:00

a teeny tiny bit neurotic. Let me explain.

Tonight was a band practice night, for our worship band. Our new church building sits on the back corner of a 20 acre field on the north side of town, which is surrounded by another 100+ acres of fields/wooded areas. Pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. It's dark, it's isolated, it's a little bit spooky. Especially for someone with a neurotically over-active imagination like mine.

So I forgot to lock my van tonight while it sat in the parking lot of the dark 20 acres, but didn't really think about it until I had started my van and made my way thru the parking lot and down the long driveway. It was then I realized I had made an even graver mistake and I had gotten in and driven away without "checking". And I know You all know what I mean...don't you? That's right. I didn't check to make sure no one was hiding out in the back waiting to car-jack me. It was a moment I tell ya.

So I find the switch to flip on all the interior lights. So far so good. Captains chairs - check. Back seat - check. But I still can't see the very back, very deep, very well-hidden stow and go hatch of my mini-van. Blast it all. I couldn't stop and check, because there were others leaving band practice who would happen upon me and wonder what I was doing on the side of a very dark, deserted road. So here's where the neurosis kicks in.

For the first 5 miles or so, I manage to dig my cell phone out of ~~the abyss~~ my purse and get it in my coat pocket. I then begin practicing if I can get a number dialed without the hypothetical bad guy realizing what I'm doing.

Okay now, see? I saw a "celebrating heros" story on Oprah once where a woman was forced into the backseat of her own car, with her child, while a man proceeded to attempt a car-jacking. She was able to dial 911 on her phone without the guy realizing it, and then left phone hidden with the line open so the good guys could track her. So that's what I was doing. (And it's not the first time) Could I get a number discreetly dialed so someone would hear what's happening? I figured out I could push two buttons and have the The Hubs on the line. Tiny moment of relief. (So Hubs if you're reading this, promise to always, always answer your phone??)

Ok, so then I start thinking, what if the phone thing didn't work. Neurosis part deux.

I then remembered a scene from a movie where the good guy is driving, bad guy is in the passenger seat not properly buckled, and the good guy realizes this and deliberately crashes the car sending the un-buckled bad guy thru the front window. Saved! So, I then proceeded, for the second half of my 14 mile drive home, to look for places along the highway that I could deliberately crash my van, taking out the passenger side all the while not severely injuring/killing myself. I thought about how fast I'd have to be going to have a light post slice thru the car like a hot knife thru butter. Or if just sideswiping the passenger side along a sound wall would do it. Or what it would feel like to roll it.

And of course I arrived home safe and sound. No bad guys hiding in my hatch. And all the while, The Hubs was less than a mile behind me the whole way home.

So yeah....whaddya think.

Maybe ...just a little bit?

American Idol Top 13

2009-03-10T19:00:00.004-05:00

What??? The music of Michael Jackson? Didn't the judges say to every single contestant that attempted MJ's music in the last few weeks to NEVER try to sing MJ? And now they are subjecting us to an entire night of it? Really?

Kinda fun intro having the judges make a grand entrance like that. Well then, off we go...

Lil Rounds (The Way You make Me Feel) OOO! I Like!! very much. An excellent start to the show. She made it her own song. I'm a little afraid she is bit like Fantasia tho? But I like her very very much. Way to go Lil!! I agree with Simon on one thing, I don't care so much for the white pleat front pants...but the color of her top is beautiful on her.

Scott MacIntyre (Keep the faith) Nice. I like his style and confidence behind the piano...I don't know if he can take the whole thing, but I like him. It was a good song choice for him, and it's an MJ song that I like!

Danny Gokey (PYT) Love.him. that's all I have to say.

Michael Sarver (You're Not Alone) hmmm...I like him, but I don't think he has the chops to stick around for very long unfortunately, esp compared to the first 3.

Jasmine Murray (I'll be there) yikes.

Kris Allen (remember) I liked what I saw

Allison Iraheta (be good to me) from the few seconds I caught (was putting kids to bed)....over done and over sung. And the whole outfit and look was a bit much for me.

Anoop Desai (Beat it) A bit karaoke for me. I honestly haven't made up my mind about him. Judges agree. He missed the mark tonight.

Jorge Nunez (never can say good-bye) Huh. this one fell really flat for me. Nothing interesting about it. very forgettable.

Megan Joy Corkrey (Rockin Robin) She is still doing that weird hippy shake thing. I don't like her. She's look uncomfortable. I don't get it. Why would she pick a be-bopper song, when she is obviously a little bit more rocker? I don't like that "unique and quirky" voice.

Adam Lambert (Black & White) I am very excited to see what he can do. There is a little conflict with him for me...he's got this rocker persona and look. With an Elvis snarl, can rip thru those vocal runs better than anyone, but then occasionally slips into this kind of bad 80's hair band thing. I really like, but a few of those things need to gel together for me. I agree, he is a natural born performer, I just don't get how they keep saying he's "the most current" when he slips into that hair band thing. But I do like him and think he'll go really far.

Matt Giraud (Human Nature) Another piano guy. I like. He has a Justin Timberlake-ish-ness about him. And I don't really care so much for Justin T.) Aha. Randy agrees with me!

Alexis Grace (Dirty Diana) I love this girl from the get go! I hope she nails it. Ok...pretty good. Song choice is questionable. I loved the power vocal stuff...but agree that she over-sang some parts of it. Loved the soft moments, loved the look, but yes, a few bits of it were a little much. She is another one that is a natural born performer tho and would love to see her in the finale.

Best of show? Lil, Adam, Danny, Alexis
Ho-hum and goin' home? Jasmine? Jorge? Anoop?

American Idol bonus......

2009-03-05T20:48:00.006-06:00

Wildcard Night Re-cap...

Well here we go. A bonus night of Idol...the wildcard spots will be filled after these 8 lucky ones get one more shot to prove themselves worthy of the Top 12.

Jesse Langston - (Tell Me...) Hmmm. I don't get the song. I like her voice. But the song just isn't doing anything for me. It was weird. She's the hometown girl so would love to have her make it in...but it was still kinda strange.

Matt Giraud (Who's loving you) Talk about indulgent....let's see if Simon says that to HIM. Hmmm....this is gonna be a tough call. He can sing the blues...but can he sing anything else? What will happen on country week or Elvis week and any other "week" they throw at him? Unless he's amazing at arranging like Chris Daughtry was and can turn it all around to his style every week, he'll be an interesting choice.

Megan (Cherry Tree) I don't like her. There are already enough of this kind of rough scratchy R&Bers out there. And what is with the hippy shake thing she keeps doing? And no one can touch Katherine McPhee's version of this. Sure she's "current" but I don't think she's gonna be a Top 12er.

Von Smith (Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word) Here's a hard word - Yuck. He just blew it.
What was he thinking?

Jasmine Murray (Reflection) Well it was a nice karaoke version of Christina Aguilera. Not so great. She is one of the young ones isnt' she? Maybe we'll see her again another year. She's got time.

Ricky Braddy (Superstitious) Ok he's good. Really good. I think he's got the chops for the Top 12.

Tatiana - oh my-lanta. Can we just put this to rest once and for all????? She really really shouldn't be here and was only put in to give us one more week of the drama. Just get it over with. What??? Saving All My Love....Really? Whitney again? Is that all she can sing? And poorly at that. That was just plain bad...bad bad bad karaoke. Everything about her is so fake and all show. She is different (but the same) every time we see her. Please stop the ride and let her off. Did she really sing that same song 3 times already?? She is so gone.

Anoop(My Perogative) Eek. The song doesn't fit him. But he can sing. Really. And he's likeable. But this was a poor song choice and I didn't like it.

So...we're forwarding ahead...who's it gonna be??

The final three spots go to....Jasmine, Megan and Matt. Huh. I'm not sure those would have been my picks? But there ya go. Overall I have been fairly unimpressed by the lot of them save for a few.

Updated: AHAH!! I love surprises. Our recording ran out before it ended and I just heard the news that they picked Anoop too..so it's the TOP 13! Very cool....Should be interesting! Esp since it's 5 women and 8 men! Is this the first year they haven't had it an even 6 and 6? They are really shaking things up now aren't they?

And now the real fun begins! Can't wait.

Midweek randomness...

2009-03-04T20:57:00.007-06:00

sorry for not getting an Idol re-cap posted this week. Missed getting it all recorded, so will just be catching the results show a little later this evening.

Had a good Monday - usual driving mania. Kids here and there and everywhere. Jaxon to school, grocery run, Jaxon pick-up, girlies pick-up, (no drums today) instead a quick run home to drop Jaxon off to stay home with Coleo and then girlies back up to dance. It was "parents get to watch" week at dance...so fun. They are all so cute and their teacher Miss Tanya is a gem.

Tuesday was a crummy day - I woke up with a headache, so I got the girlies out the door then laid down on the couch and pretty much stayed there until I had to get up to make Jaxon lunch. Yes that's right -I laid on the couch for almost 4 straight hours. He watched PBS, played Wii, and tinkered around on Webkinz and PBSkids.com. So yeah, we're chalking that morning up to some stellar parenting I tell ya.

After lunch tho, I got myself showered and dressed for the day, folded a couple loads of laundry and cleaned up the kitchen a bit. Coleo had an ortho appt and the girls had piano lessons, both at 4. So waited for Coleo to arrive home off the bus at 3:15, had time for a quick snack, then raced up to get the girls from school by 3:40, drop Coleo at the ortho office a few minutes early; Hubs met us there to stay with him. I then dropped the girls off at their lesson, leaving them there and stopped in to our accountant to sign off on our taxes, a stop at Wal-mart for a Rotisserrie chicken (such a good deal for a fast easy inexpensive dinner) and got back home. Hubs got the girls from piano after Coleo's appt was finished, with a stopover at Best Buy to pick up U2's new album! (it's so awesome) Dinner, clean up, and I was off to my weekly Tuesday night design team meeting at church. Part of the reason there's no Idol Round 3 dish session.

Today, Wednesday, I led worship at or women's small groups at church this morning. We are doing an awesome Beth Moore study called "Breaking Free". It's really powerful. I was a little resistant about it at first because I arrogantly thought "I'm not being held captive by anything". HA! My eyes and heart are being opened weekly to the smallest of things that I am allowing to have a stronghold on my life (laziness, procrastination, selfishness) which are keeping me from being the woman, wife and mother that God created me to be. Nuff said.

And then Jaxon decided today was the day to gift me with a once-a-month melt down about going to pre-school today. He is such quirky boy when it comes to that. He loves school. His teachers love him. He even has a couple of good buddies. But about once a month, something throws him into a tail-spin upon arrival. Today it was because they were going on a field trip, I didn't sign up to chaperone this one, and for some reason he thought one of his buddies wasn't at school. After about 10 minutes of tears, running away, hiding and even a little screeching (him, not me), and then some threats and angry words from this momma, we worked it out and I got him on the school bus for the field trip. Frustrating to say the least. I felt sad for losing my temper a bit, but I also don't want him to think he can get away with this kind of nonsense.

I usually "stay out" and run errands or go back and sit at church and hop on my computer on Wednesdays, because of the distance from Jaxon's school to home and the short amount of time I really have. But today I just needed to be home. So home it was. I read the paper, hopped on facebook for a bit, read a couple of blogs, and cat-napped. It felt good. Back to pre-school for pickup, to the girls school for pickup and then home again. It's been a quiet lazy evening. We chose to not go to our mid-week church service, it gets to be a late night for the kids. Had the littles in bed by 8:15, Coleo was in bed by 9. Now the Hubs and I are watching a few minutes of last night's Idol, before watching the results show which we did get recorded.

Other randomness - I'm not sure why, but I have chewed my nails down to the bone over the past couple of weeks. I am a nail-biter. Have been my whole life. But I am capable of long stretches (I'm talking years) where I get them grown out and don't chew at all. But then one gets a little short and raggedy, and boom - they are all gone. Stress, boredom? I'm not sure what makes it rear it's ugly head so out of the blue. And I can't stop. Right now, I have chewed the middle fingernail on my right hand so short that it hurts to hold a pen to write. AACCCKKK! I will have to chew and pick a bit more to get it out of my system for another week or so and then try to quit cold turkey. Yes, it's like an addiction.

Oh and I've been staying up too late this week to watch U2 on Letterman all week. They ROCK! Their new album is stellar.

And have I told you how much I love my husband lately? He rocks too. :-)

Oh and our kitty cat is driving us crazy with incessant meowing at stupid o'clock in the morning. Everyday for over a week now, sometime between 4:30-5:30 AM!! it starts. I end up out of the warmth and coziness of bed and carrying him down the stairs to exile him to the mudroom for the duration of the night Ugh.

I'm already looking forward to the weekend -we get to see both of our brother's families and attend a worship conference.

How's that for random?

I love this story....

2009-02-28T21:36:00.007-06:00

such an amazing story of loving like Jesus loves...

click here to read a great article, or watch the interview below:

Every time I have read an article about this, or watched one of the many interviews with the coach, I get teary; such an awesome awesome thing.

My Take...Take 2

2009-02-25T21:14:00.009-06:00

On American Idol Final 36 - Round 2

Jasmine Murray (Love Song) - hmmm.....not so sure about her. Oh dear, pretty pitchy there at the beginning. Looks really comfortable tho. Ok...I kinda like her? I totally agree with the judges on this one. I have really liked that Paula doesn't feel like she has to be the "nice one" anymore. The judges nailed it on this one. It was just ok.

Matt Giraud (viva la vida) so the dueling piano guy. Oooo I remember liking him a lot from the Hollywood weeks. Trying his hand at a Cold Play....hmmmm. He's got a funky vibrato...not sure it fits this song. Don't like all the runs he's added to it. I don't think it was as bad as they are saying. I like him, but this song didn't work for him.

Janine Vailes(This Love) oh dear. way pitchy. And she's off beat. yikes. pain-ful. Why do they insist on singing songs recorded by the opposite sex? Don't they know how hard that is? And who cares about her legs????? I hate it when they critique -good or bad- their physical appearance. It's a singing competition, not a beauty contest. No no!! No talking back to the judges. And we don't care how old you are.

what is up with tonight? These first 3 are just bad, bad, bad. And where are the supportive parents back in the red room this week?

Norman/Nick Mithcell (Living without You) The Hubs predicts he's gonna come out and blow it all out of the park. Who will we see tonight? Yikes. Sorry Hubs. ok. this is just weird. It's making me uncomfortable. I really would love to see what he could really do without all the schtick. I think he has a nice voice. Seriously tho...why is he even in the top 36???

Allison Iraheta (Alone) uffdah. She's gonna take on Heart. So young for such gigantic song. Ohhh I like. Very pleasantly surprised. Edgy and raspy voice. Confident. I like it. Certainly the first one tonight with any potential or chance to move on as long as she has something more to give us than the rocker-chick thing. But I like her.

Kris Allen (Man in the Mirror) Yikes another Michael Jackson song. Weren't they listening last week when they said to never try do a MJ song? Why why why? Well now. This isn't bad. Kinda reminds me of David Archuletta. Kinda safe in a gutsy way. He's definitely one of the better ones...altho still had a few pitchy notes in there. I wouldn't say he nailed it, but it wasn't bad.

Megan Joy Corkrey (Put Your Records On) huh. interesting. She looks a little uncomfortable, but I like her sound. I think. I'm not sure what she's goign for tho. Her stage presence is weird. She keeps shaking her chest. And she was kinda shouty at the end. Huh. Me and Simon thinking alike tonight. She is definitely different.

Matt Breitzke (If You Could Only See) ooo the other "blue collar" dude. A nice family guy. Let's see how he does. Hmmmm... I like him. I like his voice but he seems "too nice" to pull off the rocker thing tho. Not sure he's Top 12 material. maybe?

Jesse Langseth (Bette David Eyes) Interesting song choice!!! Well now. This has potential. The middle part is weak tho. It didn't go where it should or could have. Fell kinda flat for me. Nope. sorry. Just didn't cut it for me, I agree with Randy that it just wasn't spectacular. And she is too talky, borderline arrogant.

Kai Kalama (What becomes of the broken hearted) huh. I dunno about him. He's got a good look (kinda a bit like Sayid from Lost) but really don't like this song. Liked the ending tho. Agree with it being old-fashioned. Don't think he'll make it thru.

Mishavonna Henson (Drops of Jupiter) Hmmmmm....she's got a little Joss Stone/Natasha Bedingfield thing going on. Kinda like her. Definitely one of the better girls of the night. Parts of it were a little off. I liked it. Only 18? She does seem older. I think I disagree with the judges on this one.

Adam Lambert (Satisfaction) Let's see how he does. I liked him from past weeks. A true performer. Not sure how I feel about the winks, Elvis lip snarls and lip licking. And I'm not sure how "current" he is. He'd do great in a Journey tribute band. I'd need to hear him singing some Maroon 5 or Cold Play. He's really great, but it's all just a little bit too much "show" for me. And I am a musical theatre major. Altho, he is by far, technically the BEST on the show so far. His vocal technique is flawless. I like him.

My picks? Adam, Allison for sure. Not sure who the 3rd one will be. I liked Mishavonna ...not sure who else. It's a toss up.

A little piece of heaven....

2009-02-23T22:57:00.004-06:00

right here on earth. Take a look at this....

This people, is what heaven will be like. Or at least what will hopefully be served in heaven everyday. It's THAT good. And the picture doesn't really do it justice.

Saturday night, The Hubs and I had a date night, with 7 other couples from my MOMs (mother of multiples) group. We met up at Olive Garden for an evening of good food and fun conversation.

Now I am not a huge Italian food person. It's not my favorite genre. But we were looking forward to a night out nonetheless. Drinks were ordered, soups and salads and breadsticks arrived. The Hubs and I split my favorite dish, the Steak Gorganzola (YUM-O!)

And then dessert came around and the night was complete. Heaven.on.earth. (it tasted esp good with the pomegranate margarita!) Smooth, creamy, oh so perfectly chocolaty.

And I am telling you about it now, because I brought a little portion of that bit o' heaven home, and was able to enjoy it again tonight. Dee-lish.

Let's Party....

2009-02-20T21:53:00.006-06:00

as in The Pajama Party.

Tonight was the girlies' birthday party. I know. You're thinking "wasn't their birthday like...5 weeks ago?" Why yes, yes it was. But this was the first weekend that didn't already have something planned (and the first one I was able to get the invites sent out with the appropriate amount of notice. ahem.)

So the theme was a "Sleepover" ....without the sleepover. They had been talking about wanting to do a sleepover for several months prior to their birthday and I almost gave in to the full blown deal, but just couldn't embrace all that it would require of me (like waking up early on a Saturday to make breakfast for a houseful of little girls....ummmm....no. I covet my Saturday morning sleeping in way too much.)

So then I read this most wonderful idea over at Musings of a Housewife. She threw her daughter this kind of "non slumbering" pajama party and I knew it was the answer for us as well. Thanks DCRmom!! I was able to convince my own girls that this would be a most fun party and they were on board.

The girls each got to invite 4 friends - making a total of 10! I just might be a little crazy. (I can share my theories of throwing parties for twins another time) So, invites went out. Just a simple Word Doc with some cute clip art. The guests were instructed to come in their coziest PJs, bring their pillow, a cozy blanket and their favorite stuffed toy. Guests began arriving at 5pm. 3 of 4 invitees ended up coming for each girl. We painted their nails, they danced to a Hannah Montana concert video. They enjoyed an easy peazy dinner of pizza and fresh fruit. For crafts/take homes, they each got to decorate a plain, white pillowcase with fabric markers and decorated cute picture frames using kits I found in the Dollar Spot at Target (love that place). They played with our collection of dress-up clothes for a bit. Gifts were opened, they played with gifts, we ate cupcakes and ice cream, and then they settled in with their pillows and blankets for a short movie until it was time for parent pick-up at 9pm. 4 hours flew by!! I had a couple of cute games planned but we never even got around to them.

Fun was had by all; the overall cost didn't break the bank, I loved watching the girls all hang out and be silly and play together, and the best part is the Momma is not totally stressed out! Success!

Here's are a few of my favorite successful birthday secrets:

1) have The Hubs take siblings out for their own fun, and hire one of your favorite teenage babysitters to come help you out. The extra set of eyes, ears, and hands is the key to success for me. I've done this for several of our children's "friends" parties and it's truly a lifesaver.

2) www.birthdayexpress.com you can order complete themed party supplies, so easy and relatively inexpensive compared to what you'd pay to buy items individually at your local party store.

3) www.birthdaypartyideas.com This site is made of up of submissions of regular folks' own party ideas, tried and true. It's an awesome place to search for games, food, and decor ideas for just about any themed party you can imagine.

4) Don't get stressed out about sticking to a super strict agenda. Have a loose schedule to help guide you, try to plan at least 1 more game/activity than you think you'll need, but be prepared to just chuck it all and to let the kids just spend time together and play.

Anyway, I hope you had a fun party Wren and Jules! You have such nice friends and it was a delight to throw this party for you. Love ya girlies!

right on...

2009-02-18T22:27:00.002-06:00

did I call that one or what!?! Woot! Alexis, Michael and.......who's the 3rd spot gonna go to? Gotta be Danny.

I love, love, LOVE Alexis. She is definitely a front-runner for me. She is so believable and comfortable in her own skin up there. pure awesome-ness.

I like Michael too, but don't think he can win the whole thing. But happy he's in the Top 12.

AHHHHH!!!! Tatiana is such a drama queen. Please please please not her. It's down to Danny and Tatiana. Lord have mercy on us all if America picked drama queen over Danny.

Whoo hoo! Danny boy is in and freaky drama girl is out. Her 15 minutes are done.

Relief.

My take...

2009-02-17T23:24:00.002-06:00

on American Idol Final 36 - Round 1

I love these first few nights of elimination as we whittle things down to the Top 12. It's fun to see who's really got the chops, singing with the full band and back-ups singers. Out there on live TV. It's the true test. So, here's a play by play, as I watch, of what I think of this first set of 12...

Jackie Tohn (A Little Less Conversation) How about a little less spandex? And a little less jumpin’ around. What was she thinking?? I really (REALLY) didn’t like her outfit. Love her sound tho. A little Janis goin' on. Needs to re-think her style and stage presence tho. Please.

Ricky Braddy - (what was the name of his song?) Like it. Great voice...needs some coaching on his stage presence. A little forgettable, but very nice.

Alexis Grace (Never Loved A Man) — 2 words. LOVE HER! Loved her outfit, love her touch of pink, love her voice. Classy. She worked it out. An early favorite.

Brent Keith (Hick Town) - Totally forgettable , very Karaoke-ish. And he talked back to Simon. Big no no. Have you never watched this show?

Stevie Wright (You Belong With Me) - OUCH!!!!!! This was painful. Judges are not going to be very nice to her. Yikes that was harsh. Unfortunately I totally agree with every single judge.

Anoop Desai (Angel of Mine) - Yikes. A guy singing a girl’s song. Hate that. Bad choice right off the bat. Again, very forgettable. Except for maybe all the bad notes and forced runs. Come on people what is up with the songs choices? Unfortunately, I think Anoop Dog is out of the house. Props to him for acknowledging the band tho!

Casey Carlson ( Every Little Thing She Does is Magic) - Interesting song choice…hmmmm. I like her – plus she’s a “hometown” girl. Ok…now that she’s opened her mouth…not so much. NO NO NO! What is she going for? Reggae? R&B? Pop rock? It’s weird. She’s stiff. Weird facial expressions. And I just don’t get it…it was all wrong.

Michael Sarver (I Don’t Wanna Be) - Ah the roughneck. Excited about him. Hope he does well. Darn it all. Why would he pick this song?? Doesn’t he know no one could ever touch Bo’s stellar version of this? That’s too bad. I liked him - but it was all the wrong song. Maybe, he's likable enough to pull thru.

Ann Marie Boscovich (Natural Woman) - Yikes. Risky song. Let’s see how she does. Hmmmmm….rough. Such a huge song, and she just didn’t pull it off. I don’t get what she was going for. Seemed pageant-y. Rough Rough Rough. And now she’s talking back and kissing up. Hate that.

Stephen Fowler (Rock with Me) Hmmm. It seems like he’s just under the beat? Another rough one. At least he didn’t forget the lyrics this time. Yikes…a key change. Oh well. Not good my friend.

Tatiana Del Toro (Saving All My Love) Well if you saw my facebook status last Tuesday night, you’ll know how much I detest this girl. ACCKKKK! She’s picked a Whitney song? Puh-leaze. I hope she goes home this round. Turn it off! Turn it off. Wow…do I hope she’s going home. And have to disagree with Randy – no moments, unless you’re counting all the bad ones. I don’t get it. Why are they saying anything good about her? Kudos to Simon for calling it like it is. I just don't get her.

Danny Gokey (Hero) Ooo…I like him so much. Such an awesome back story. I hope he does well. Interesting song choice. Yay!!! He’s doing it. I love his roughness…with a real tender side. Very authentic and natural. I got goosebumps on his last note. YAY DANNY!!!

Quote of the night? “I don’t get who you are as an artist”. Overall, definitely some stand outs tonight. My picks out of this group? Danny and Alexis for sure. Michael, or Ricky, maybe?

Anyone else notice the fuzzy math? Ryan said the top three vote getters from this group will go on to the Top 12….but there are only 3 groups of 12 (3x12=36) so if we take the top 3 from three groups, that only makes 9. I know my math skills leave much to be desired, but where will the other 3 come to create the Top 12? I hope Ryan explains more tomorrow night

(author's note: I can't promise I'll do this for every show of this season...but this was fun!!)

Love...

2009-02-15T20:25:00.006-06:00

isn't love til you give it away. That's what our Sunday message was on today.

Our current message series at church is called "Reply". It follows a series called "Text" that was a 3 part series in learning about how wonderful the bible is...that's it's God's way of directly speaking to us. I learned things I didn't know. Lots of things. Unfortunately, reading God's Word is currently not a top-of-the-list priority in my life right now. (Working to change that).

ANYWAY!

So, for this series "Reply", we are hitting on the things we are called to do, as a way of replying to God's text. First week was "Prayer" (obvious), last week was "Morph" (changing to become the person God's called us to be) and this week was "Love". It really was a perfect message for the weekend of Valentine's.

Here are the things we touched on about how to show love:

Words - say it. Tell someone you love them - how important they are - what they mean to you.
Actions - do something to show a person you love them. Serve them, care for them, forgive them.
Gifts - duh.
Touch - a hug, a pat on the back, a shoulder rub.
Time - giving someone the gift of your time. Time with God, time with family, time with friends.
Sacrifice - all of these things require sacrifice. Love always requires sacrifice.

Love is choosing the highest good for another, even if it involves sacrifice. Love isn't a feeling, it's doing.

Looking over this list, I realize I have done a pretty rotten job of making sure those people in my life know that I love them. My husband...he knows. My children...they know. My immediate/extended family? Pretty sure they know too. But the rest of the of them, who I count among those that I love and care about? Have I told them? Have I showed them? Have I gifted them? Have I spent time with them? Have I hugged them? Have I made any sacrifices? Not so much.

Uffdah. This is gonna take some doing.

longing...

2009-02-10T20:56:00.003-06:00

to be home. I want to stay home. I am a stay-at-home mom after all.

I used to fill up my evenings with things to do and places to go because I was home all day with the kids. So after a long day of being "mom", I would often turn things over to the dad and attend a meeting, an outing, etc. It usually involved something with church or my MOMs group, and it made me feel important and needed and helped me keep some semblance of identity outside of being "just a mom". On the flip side of that, I also recall feeling guilty for not being one of those moms who filled her children's days with outings and errands and playdates. We stayed home. We played, we napped, we probably watched way too much TV and we just stayed home. It's what we did.

Surprisingly, this change of being a SAH who was never home didn't occur until last year, when three of my four children were in school full-time and the 4th started pre-school. Suddenly I had this freedom to run kid free errands, treat myself to lunch at Panera, and volunteer at their schools. And I stopped being home. I still had three days when Jaxon and I pretty much stayed put, but that's when it started.

And now this year, I am a full blown SAH who is NEVER home. I am lucky if I get one morning a week where Jack and I don't need to be somewhere. The weird part of it is, I don't feel that busy. Of course it's my own fault, and it has lots to do with the logistics and efficiency of my desire to not spend all day in the car getting Jaxon to school and such. But I am just not home. And I miss it.

And then here's the really ironic part of it all. When I actually do have the opportunity to be home now, even if I get a whole day, I really don't do anything there. I just want to be. I am so worn out from all my running, the last thing I want to do is "do" stuff at home. I want to be relaxed, quiet, dorking around on my computer, playing Wii with Jaxon (my favorite). Planning a meal perhaps. I don't clean the way I'd like, I don't organize the disaster otherwise known as my office the way I'd like, I don't purge closets the way I'd like. I just relish in the fact that I am home and enjoy being, not doing. And that makes me sad. I have all these ideas for our home. Decorating ideas I so desperately want to try, closets that need to be organized, stuff to purge, shelves to re-arrange, pictures to print, frame and hang. I want to begin to create the home I've have been envisioning and dreaming of - cozy and comfortable, with pretty, meaningful things that make me happy, a place to welcome our friends and feel good in.

But to do any of that, I just gotta figure out a way to be home.

well...

2009-01-31T22:31:00.006-06:00

I am feeling like a failure with this blog thing. But last week was another crazy week including almost 3 days without my nearly new laptop. (Don't get me started!) And I hate the fact that I am trying to summarize a whole week in one post. again. Maybe I'll just do a couple days.

We were in the Dells last weekend ( the 23rd-25th), and it was such a wonderful relaxing and fun time with our kids and some good friends. We spent a whole day at a HUGE waterpark, kids had a blast and it was so fun being able to let them go off and do their own thing and not have to worry. The second day was spent sno-tubing at the resort where we were staying, hanging out, napping, relaxing. That evening we hit a family fun center for some bowling and arcade fun. Good times. As much as I love our Dells trips (we go at least every other year if not yearly) it's so hard for me to be away from home. I LOVE being home. Let me say that again. I.LOVE.BEING.HOME. I have determined that I am an extroverted homebody. Whatever that means. Anyway. SO we get home. The house is instantly chaos with all the 1/2 unpacked bags, cluttered counters, loads of dirty laundry etc. Not the way I want to start out the week.

Monday - kids are up and out the door and I am supposed to be welcoming an appraiser at 10am to do an appraisal on our house for a re-finance. I call the Hubs at work and tell him I am in no way prepared to have someone come thru the house under such scrutiny and can he puh-leaze call her to re-schedule for later in the week. Done. Next stress was trying to arrange for an all evening babysitter for Tuesday night. We had tickets to see Jewel in concert-out of town - about 90 minutes away. We had a sitter arranged - our regular - but had an email from her upon our return from the Dells saying a surgery that she had scheduled for early Feb was being moved up to Tuesday. Can't fault her at all, but I hate the stress of finding a last minute sitter

Tuesday was a busy day of an ortho app for Coleo (getting the braces put on his top teeth) a meeting at church, followed by another meeting at church, a quick grovery run and getting girls to piano lessons. Home for about 1 hour before The Hubs and I were off to the concert. I was able to arrange to have a friend come over about 8pm, which meant Coleo was "on" and in charge for about 2 1/2 hours. He's good, the kids all behave themselves when he's in charge and he had them all in bed by the time she arrived - I just knew he'd have a hard time falling asleep without a grownup in the house. So she came and stayed until we got home about midnight. The concert was AMAZING! Jewel is a true artist - she played a 2 1/2 hour show - in 5 inch heels no less, just her and her guitar. Spectacular. So glad we didn't' end up getting rid of the tickets (out of fear of not finding a sitter). Loved the short road trip alone with the Ths Hubs.

Wednesday was a regular gone-from-the-house-all-day kind of day. Women's small groups in the morning, Jaxon to school, volunteer in Jules class, p/u kids, dinner, homework and thankfully a night at home for all. The bonus was that LOST was on....man is it a good season so far!

Thursday was the day my laptop crashed, I nearly went crazy without it. I kept up with facebook using the kids PC but only know a handful of blog addys by memory. No email... nuthin. Long day. Band practice that evening, Coleo babysitting again.

Friday night we had an Arts/Tech appreciation dinner at church. All the sound/light techies, musicians, vocalists, and many others gathered for an evening of food and fun. The hubs and I have been a part of the teams that make our weekly services happen since the very beginnings of our church in 1997.

Saturday Jaxon had a birthday party and the girls were invited to a friends house for the day -the Hubs had a recording session scheduled in the studio and a relaxing night at home. This was also the day my resident IT guy ( The Hubs) spent most of the morning backing up, scratching, and re-installing everything to my laptop. Thanks dearie, I know how much you hate that role. I love ya for it.

So there...that's life in the 4th week of January for 1and1makes6.