Almost every night for a couple of weeks now we have heard a noise outside that sounds E-X-A-C-T-L-Y like a squeaky toy!  It happens in the middle of the night mostly, for about 5-10 minutes then fades away as if whatever is making the noise moves off somewhere else.

I have found a couple of references online to birds that make a "squeaky-toy" noise, but can't find anything definitive.

HELP!  It's driving us crazy!!

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Dh & I

Back Row: Lamb, Puppy, Butterfly w/PoohBear, Bunny & Bug

Front: Bear, Kitty & Bee

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This weekend, dh took Bug (15yob) & Bear (6yob) camping.  I'm sure they are having a WONDERFUL time!  I hate camping.

My children know this.  I amuse them.

Imagine their astonishment and delight when I announced that TONIGHT we are having a BACKYARD CAMPOUT!!  *gasp*

Yeah, I got Cool Mom Points. :o)

We were going to have a fire and make s'mores, but the guys took the stuff.  Good thing I baked Toll House Cookies today!

Everyone is scrambling now to find blanket & sleeping bags (we keep a tent up all summer in the backyard).  The plan is to clean up the house a bit, get comfy in the tent and have Mom read aloud & tell stories until dark. 

Cherish the days, Moms & Dads.  They are not going to stay little forever - the days are long but the years are short as they say.  The day to day grind of raising these presious little ones for God takes its toll on our relationships.  Make a memory today! 

Peace,

Katie

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*Whew*!  July has been BUSY!!  Dh had a brthday, Lamb (2.5yo) had a urology appt to schedule surgery - WHICH HE DOESN'T NEED!! \o/, dh's family arrived for a visit from out of state, we celebrated the 4th at the campground with my Dad - swimming, minigolf, BBQ, ice cream social - DH & the three oldest girls went on a camping trip 4 hrs away for Girl Scouts, in-laws left, Bear (6yob) had Tball & he also went to a playdate/bday party, campers came home... and it's NOT slowing down!

We have another bday in the house next week, more Tball, bowling league, Bunny (11yog) has an appt with the pedi. endo, church meeting, puppy vet appointment, the three oldest have a babysitting certification class - and that's just NEXT WEEK!!

The following week, the FOUR oldest are going to resident camp, the rest of us are going to the fair, the older boys are going to a baseball game & camping with Cub Scouts when the resident campers come home, PLUS bowling league continues.

The LAST week, I'm teaching a cooking class to elementary kids at church (Butterfly 13yog ) is providing childcare, and my 3 elementary dc are going to other classes (Drama & Basketball).

PLUS - the regular day-to-day care of a family of 11, including 3 on the autism spectrum, one a Type 1 diabetic, Twin toddler boys and a 6mo!!!!

Tired yet? *g*

I'm NOT complaining!  I love my life.  God has so blessed us - beyond my wildest dreams.

Oh, and I'm doing lesson plans for 1st semester.  THAT'S another post!

Peace,

Katie

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Just a quick update, in case anyone still wanders over. :o)

I'm almost halfway through the pregnancy and FINALLY starting to feel better. *whew*  We had an U/S at 9 wks - there's only one this time. :o)

Our vacation to KS/MO was WONDERFUL!!  Full of fantastic memories and fun times.  We met some GREAT people (internet friends) and toured some interesting historic sites.  And you CAN take a family of 10 on a 2000 mile road trip for 9 days and not only survive, but ENJOY it!  (OK, well - minus the torrential rain, ticks and tornado sirens).

Bug is 14 now and bigger than I am.  He spent 1.5 wks in MA with the grandparents and had a BLAST.  He took his CAT test after finishing 7th grade and did very well.  He's using Further Up and Further In and is, sadly, bored silly. *sigh*

Butterfly is 12 and continues to expand her horizons.  She'll be going to ME/MA this fall for 2.5 wks with my mom.  We have GOT to find something that works for her to teach her to read, though.  She's still at about a 1st grade level and FRUSTRATED.

Bunny is 10 and playing soccer again this fall.  Loving all the new friends she is making!

Bee is 8 and still as crazy as ever!  She's very happy to have moved up with the "big girls" for school (we're using Prairie Primer with the 3 girls).

Bear (5) is having fun learning to read and doing FIAR with me.  He is still the Funny Man in the family and is very precocious!

Kitty is 3 and is just starting to come out of that screeching-at-everything stage.  Thankfully!  She is talking more and really getting to be a lot of fun!

Lamb (Ape-Man) and Puppy are DEFINITELY double trouble!!  At 22 mos they are a BLAST!  But I should have named them (Messy) Marvin & Dennis (the Menace) - names that fit them perfectly!

OK, so we're off to the dentist.  For all 8 kid check-ups.  Pray for me if you think of it, will ya?

- Katie

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OK, not yet - but we will be!  We are planning our first long family vacation since 1996! (that was 6 kids ago!!)  We've gone on 3 day trips - fairly local - but this is a big'n!  So how are we preparing to take 8 kids on a roadtrip?

I've been scouting the food sales for travel snacks and stocking up on granola bars and trail mix ingredients for weeks now.  Snagged generic poptarts for 50c a box! 

We bought several 32gal totes for $4 each.  One is for clothes (matching/coordinating T's), one for food, one for goodie bags, one for media...

I made goodie bags for each of the kids.  Travel games, coloring books, sticker books, craft supplies, stuffies, cars, toys...  I got most of them during after holiday clearance sales for well under a dollar each!  Some are homemade games (license plate lotto, travel bingo, etc).  I'll be passing things out one at a time every 200 mi or so.

The media tote is full of books on tape and CD from the library.  They also have these new "Playaway" things - self contained books you plug earphones into.  They even give you earbuds to keep when you borrow the books!  I got a few personal CD & tape players on ebay so everyone will have something.  Plus, when we were blessed with this van, it came with a DVD and VCR so we've got movies to watch.

I have tried to carefully plan our itinerary to account for bored teens and squirmy toddlers.  And everyone in between!  It is pretty detailed and I printed out a LOT of "to" and "from" maps.  But we know enough to be flexible and won't be slaves to The Plan.  I've mixed museums with playgrounds and indoor sites with hikes. 

We're dressing the kids before bed on the eve of our departure and leaving in the quiet stillness of the morning.  The hope is that most of them will fall back to sleep for the bulk of that first day's travelling.  Not sure how it will work, so I have a couple of nice stops planned that we could skip if they are sleeping.

Good thing it's still a while away, though.  I have a TON left to do!  Make a grocery list & shop, prepare the frozen meals, pack the totes, buy more goodies for the Twinkies' bags, wash clothes, buy DIAPERS...

Anyone have any Travel-With-Children tips that I missed?

Peace,

Katie

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Lots of travel plans in the works for the family, and for various dc.  Both Bug & Butterfly are going back East this year (different g'parents taking them at different times using different modes of transportation and visiting different places! LOL).  Bee will be going on a long weekend with g'parents, too.  We are all going to KC, MO this year.  Can't WAIT to hook up with some friends and see some GREAT historic sites.

And... th-th-th-that's all, folks!

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Greetings to friends both far and near!

We pray you had a blessed year.

We want to share some of what we did,

Just a little bit about each kid

We’ll start with the new teen, our firstborn, Bug:

He played basketball for a little while,

Helped fire victims, volunteered on Pikes Peak,

Caught enough fish to feed us for a week!

Played baseball again - though he struggled at bat,

Loves to read books now, imagine that!

Started a business selling photo note cards,

Helped out at church raking the seniors’ yards.

Moving on to Butterfly, our eleven year old:

She helped with the homeless when they came in from the cold,

Won a poetry contest, then recited on stage!

This year, the Titanic was her current rage

Stayed overnight at the museum with her Dad,

At her tea parties, a great time was had,

Joined the youth group and girls’ Bible study,

Serves lunch to the seniors, now she’s everyone’s buddy.

Bunny is the next child in line:

She’s friendly and outgoing and loves being nine!

She also played basketball; helped fire folks, too;

She has lots of friends, some old and some new.

She’s learned to ski now like her big bro & sis,

And her singing at church you just won’t want to miss!

At a local school show she did a country line dance,

And learned about Africa whenever she had a chance.

Bee is seven, a real big girl now:

While skiing with Dad she learned the “snowplow”.

She played basketball and scored points for her team,

Becoming a veterinarian is Bee's latest dream

She still loves Spiderman, pirates and such

But lately she’s gotten a gentler touch.

She takes care of the babies, both real and toy,

And cooking with mom is time for great joy.

Who plays in the dirt whenever he can.

He loves pirates and trucks and playing with Bug.

Whatever he does, he does it with style!

He loves to “do school” and is learning to read,

And he helps us all out when he sees a need.

He loves the babies and can’t wait ‘til they can play

And he wants to grow up and be a cowboy someday.

Next comes the Princess, our sweet Kitty Grace

Whose smile lights up her whole pretty face.

She loves to play babies and make meals with me,

Dress up and sit while the big girls have tea

She’s talking more now and learning to sing

And calling up Nana’s a favorite thing

She screeches a lot and can sometimes be naughty

And lately she just wants to learn to go – potty!  :o)

Lamb is the Chunky-Man, very laid-back:

His favorite things are his cup and a snack!

He’s crawling quite well, and cruising around,

Smiles a lot though he makes hardly a sound

Puppy's the youngest (by only a minute)

If something is happening – he’s right there in it!

Walking and talking - his new word is “buh-duh” (brother)

It’s great fun to watch them play with each other!

So there you have it – the family in rhyme

I’m running short now on paper and time

We pray you are blessed and your new year is great

Here’s wishing you all Happy 2008!

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Hello there - 'lo there - air-air-air....

That's the echo.  Sorry I haven't been around.  LOTS going on!  I really thought life would slow down a bit after the summer - it usually does.  But it seems there is more going on than ever!!

So here I sit, with writer's block - of all things!  OY!

School is going well.  The girls (11, 9, 7) are all getting ready for our homeschool group International Day so we're spending a lot of time on projects.

The twinkies are getting big, big BIG!!  Only a couple of weeks until their birthday - how did THAT happen?  Puppy is walking - well he still looks like Franken-baby, but he's getting there.  Lamb is cruising behind him.

My teenager, Bug, is getting that deeper voice.  Sometimes when he's talking out in the other room I panic, thinking a strange man is in the house! LOL

I'm doing well.  My weight loss has stalled (grrrr....) but that's OK.  I'm sure when I wean the twins, the rest will go!  Looks like I may have a publishing deal for my devotional book.  THAT'S exciting, 'round here anyway.  It'll be an e-book and available for download sometime in November.  I'll keep you posted.

Hey speaking of new e-books, did you know that Jane Lambert (FIAR) has written a new one?  It's a beautiful book about doing fall nature study with your kids (AND yourself!).  The pictures are wonderful and it's full of tips, ideas, journal pages, poems (ahem - I've got one in there) and more!  You should check it out at the Five in a Row digital store.

I'm redoing our schedule and planning to include an hour of writing time per day.  I'm hoping to use some of that time to blog.  I KNOW I keep telling you I'll write more, but maybe it'll really happen this time!

OK, off to check on lunch!!

Peace,

Katie

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Hey there!

We will be walking as a family on Sept 30 to raise money to fight world hunger.  The thing I like about this program is that 25% of the money raised stays here in our community.

You can check it out at CROP Walk.  If anyone feels led, you can sponsor us by donating to my paypal account using my e-mail addy.  The goal for each team is $500, and for our city it's $20,000! WOW!

You can also go to the website to see if there is a CROP Hunger Walk happening near you.

Blessings,

Katie

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you've no idea.

Really, I compose multiple blog entries in my head.  But I never have the time to actually blog.  *shrug*

I also cannot keep up with my blog feeds, so I'm missing reading friends' blogs as well. *sniffsniff*

Life is FUN here, but very busy.

Bug (13yob) is busy with our schoolwork (Learning Adventures - Westward & Onward) and his Ancient Civilizations CD-ROM.  He's also reading about Stonehenge & working through the book of Psalms.  He just recently volunteered with Dad in a marathon (handing out drinks, fruit & encouragement).

Butterfly (11yog) Ditto on the schoolwork, getting involved with the church youth group this year.  She just volunteered with the church serving lunch to the local school teachers for their work day.  She's having a blast helping me can & freeze all this zucchini & some nectarines I got on sale!

Bunny (9yog) Ditto on the schoolwork plus reading a ton of library books.  It's so hard to keep her in good books.  She reads WELL above grade level, but most of those books are too mature in content.  HELP! She spends time playing with her 2 best friends (separately) and she's on a watercolor painting kick.

Bee (7yog) She's L-O-V-I-N-G school doing FIAR with me!  She just came back from a camping weekend with G'ma & G'pa.  It seems she became a yound lady almost overnight!  Of course, she just spent her mony on a Ninja Turtle... *sigh*  At least we seem to be moving away from Spidey, but *shrug*

Bear (4yob) is VERY eager to "do school" and wants to learn to read.  I've got some Rod & Staff workbooks he's doing (because he wants to) and we're having fun with B4FIAR.  He is still SUCH a card and keeps the whole family laughing with his jokes & general sweetness!

Kitty (2yog) What a handful!  She is VERY "2".  Angel-faced, but very demanding with a fierce temper.  I'm trying to give her more cuddle time and she's been asking to be read to a lot lately.  Might be time for some special "Mom & Me" B4FIAR time.  I wish she were a bit more verbal, though it' coming slowly.

Lamb (10mob) is a CHUNK!  21 lbs, marine crawling, rolly-poly boy.  Just the last couple of days he's getting his belly up more to crawl and he's even pulled to stand a few times!  He LOVES to eat, sleeps through the night (7:30-6:30) and is a big cuddler.  Very easy-going baby.

Puppy (10mob) is 18 lbs and almost walking.  He cruises all over and stands without help.  He is not as interested in "baby" food, but loves things he can feed himself.  He is very vocal and using words already.  The boy "never" sits still!!  He's still getting up 3-7x/night and does not sleep well.

It is a BALL to watch them interact.  They pull on each other to get to toys, or play tug-of-war with the toys.  Right now, although Lamb is bigger he is not as coordinated and generally loses.  He's so easy going it doesn't bother him much.

OK, off to make lunch!

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My oldest dc is now 13!!!  WOW!  How did THAT happen?!?

THIRTEEN THRILLING THOUGHTS OF BUG!

1. I just LOVE to watch him get all gooey with his baby sibs!

2. He often surprises me with a breakfast tray, a clean kitchen or a big hug!

3. He is super smart with logic/strategy games and puzzles - beats me every time!

4. He loves the outdoors

5. He is soooo black & white in his thinking!

6. He is a HUGE history buff, especially American wars

7. He is really funny with an INCREDIBILY dry sense of humor

8. He has a way with animals - from squirrels up to horses, they really respond to him!

9. He loves complex video games

10. He is an excellent writer

11. He is very good at sports

12. His favorite music is contemporary Christian rock and country - go figure!

13. He is ALMOST AS TALL AS HIS MAMA!!!

I love you, Bug!!!!

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My in-laws got here yeaterday with the other 2 grandkids.  We always look forward to their visit!

You know how when company is coming, you want the house to look nice?  You know how hard that is with 8 homeschooling (read: ALWAYS MAKING MESSES) dc under 13??!?  Well it would have been easier IF:

Kitty (2yodd) somehow found a bottle of red food coloring.  This is kept in a VERY high cabinet with a latch so obviously someone else used it and left it out (I'm thikning "stage blood" for one of the dc's productions!).  Hands AND mouth stained red... but she wouldn't tell me where she left it.  So I'm putting the twins clothes away and Puppy (9mob) is at my feet playing... with the open food coloring bottle!  UGH!!

THEN as I'm cleaning up that mess, Kitty takes off her pants AND her dirty diaper and brings it to me. *sigh*

One of my as-to-be-nameless dd's shoved her cousin into a wall (forehead first) during a game and gave her a mild concussion.

Bug (13yods) struck out twice and his team lost.

So this morning, I'm thinking we'll have a better day - right?!??!

Good news:  we caught the mousie last night that has been cavorting around my room.  Bad news:  I didn't see it before I STEPPED ON IT.  In bare feet.  EEWWWWWWW!!

Then poor Bunny (9yodd)!  She was laying on the couch this morning trying to get warm.  It's VERY windy here today and still early, so it's chilly and she is my always-blue child.  I laid Puppy on the changing pad to change his diaper.  In front of the window.  With the cool breeze blowing in... anyone know where this is going yet?  My very prim & proper sweet dd got her HEAD p##d on by her baby brother!!!

So how is your week going?!?

-Katie

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Through much prayer, DH chose the symbols & activities for Bug's (13yob) "coming of age" ceremonies.  They spent the weekend backpacking and mountain climbing.  DH presented Bug with a pendant from Band of Brothers ( www.BandofBrothers.org ) and read the blessings to him.  Since the date was unusual (07/07/07), DH chose the seventh verse of the seventh chapter of the seventh book of the NT -   1 Corinthians 7:7b But each man has his own gift from God. 

This verse will set the theme for this coming Saturday when the three grandfathers and DH will take Bug out for dinner and talk to him about being a young man.  He's going to be asked to pay the tab after dinner, and when he flips DH will present him with his new debit card.   He's also getting a shadow box full of pics they took, a rock from the treeline and the card from the pendant box with the blessings on it. 

They had a fantastic time of fellowship and bonding while attempting to climb a "Fourteener".  You can see a special difference in Bug's eyes.  I'm so proud of my men!

Now I'm starting to plan for Butterfly's (11yodd).  I'm still not sure if we are waiting until 13yo, or when she starts her cycles?  I know it will involve shopping for a dress, tea at her favorite place, an overnight stay somewhere special and a fancy dinner out with Daddy & Mom.  We'll then present her with her pendant/ring (not sure which).  I'm also planning on writing to all the ladies in her life ahead of time and having them write her a letter about becoming a young lady which I'll bind at Kinko's into a book.  Any other ideas???

Bunny's (9yodd) will be similar as she is another "girly-girl".  But for Bee (7yodd), I'm stumped.  She's not into all that at ALL!  Good thing I have more time to plan it!!

Peace,

Katie

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Bear (4yob) had his first dental appt today.  FIVE cavities - UGH!!  Thankfully they are small, but still - he's one of my GOOD brushers!!!  But here's the deal - because of his age, they want to do it at the hospital under general anesthesia.  WHAT?!?!?  I don't THINK so.  Nope.  So then they tell me that they would POSSIBLY do it at the office but they would papoose him.  Ah, no.  He's done that for IV's at the hospital a couple of times and is TERRIFIED of being restrained!

Oh, but they don't want to traumatize him about going to the dentist.  Yeah, so take hime to the hospital, get an IV, fall asleep, wake up not knowing what's going on and with a sore mouth and THAT'S a better option?!??!?  I don't THINK so!

I called and made an appt with another dentist.  We've had trouble with this other office before anyway.  It took 3 appts to see 6 dc because they won't schedule more than 3 at a time in case we have to cancel.  *rolleyes*  I had called to get cleaning appts and thought that's what we were going to.  Nope - exams.  And no one even TALKED to me about the older dc and their teeth!!  So then we had to schedule separate appts for each dc, one for cleaning and one later in the week for fillings.  OK, I am NOT spending my summer at the dentist!! 

The new office is seeing them all at the same time for cleanings.  But I feel like Loser Mom - 16 cavitites in 4 dc!!  How come it's the ones who use toothpaste and brush well that have the holes in their teeth?  Is there any truth to that "fluoride CAUSES cavities" statement??!?!

OK, rant done!!  Now I just need to confront those office girls and get the x-rays before we go to the new place...

Katie

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Happy Birthday to my two oldest girlies!!!!

Eleven Elemental Etceteras

1. She LOVES to serve others!

2. Tea parties are her passion.

3. Dress-up and play acting are favorite passtimes!

4. She writes beautiful poetry.

5. She loves Jesus and tries to please.

6. She has a soft spot for the elderly and loves to make & take things to our widowed neighbor and go shopping with my not-so-healthy mom

7. She is amazingly creative!

8. She's a great help with the babies.

9. She could spend the day making mudpies.

10. She's learning to be a great little homemaker!

11. She growing more mature, overcoming lifelong obstacles and REALLY blossoming and coming out of her shell!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUTTERFLY!!

Nine Nifty Nuggets

1. Her middle name should be "Giggles"!

2. She loves animals.

3. She is extremely bright.

4. She can run FAST!

5. She is our most outgoing child and makes friends EVERYWHERE!

6. She is a voracious reader.

7. She LOVES music!

8. She is good - exceptional at everything she's tried.

9. She LOVES learning about Jesus!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUNNY!!

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We've got a couple of birthdays to celebrate this weekend, so I've been busy making cakes!  What do you think?

Happy Birthday, Girls!!

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2 Teriffic Traits

1. She loves to cuddle me & rub my hair

2. She RUNS to the door and squeals with a huge smile when Daddy comes home!

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I've not fallen off the face of the planet in case you were wondering.  We've been very sick here for the month of April - well, not all of us.  Butterfly (11yog), Bunny (9yog) & Lamb (6motwinb) escaped unscathed while dh & I had only mild cases.  Let me just state for the record:  When "They" tell you NOT to eat raw cookie dough - LISTEN!!!

I'll try to resume regular blogging soon, but I'm still up to m'eyeballs in nasty diapers & extra laundry (sorry for the TMI!)

MuckFoot, my friend - I have not forgotten to send your prize.  One of my impulsive-just-can't-control-myself dc ate it and I need to go out and get a replacement!!!  And I'm praying for you.

Here are pics of the 6mo Twinkies!!  Lamb is almost 17lbs now and Puppy is 15!!

Peace to you,

Katie

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Scene 1

MOM:  What's that on your eye, Bunny?

Bunny (9yog):  Well at first I thought it was... Well what happened was that Bee (7yog) asked me what was on my eye, so I tried to rub it off but then she said it was still there so I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror and couldn't tell what it was so then I wiped at it with my finger but it didn't go away.  THEN I wiped at it with water on my finger and that made it sting so I figured it was an owie but I have no idea how it got there!

Scene 2

MOM:  What's that on your face, Bug - a scratch?

Bug (13yob): Uh-unh-uhn (Translated - "I don't know")

Peace,

Katie

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At a message board I frequent, the questions were posed:

Part 1
Make a list of things your kids are interested in and good at.

Part 2
So...gut feel, but not banking on you being right...where do you see each of your kids in 20 years?

Part 3

And what would each of them need now to get to that place?

I haven't gotten to Part 3 yet, but thought I'd post the others.  This was a WONDERFUL exercise in looking at ONLY the positive in my dc.  I'd love to read yours if you try it!!  Just drop me a comment...

Bug (almost 13) - quiet; loner; deep thinker; loves the outdoors; big dreamer; great imagination; passionate about following the rules; very black & white; dry sense of humor; athletic; good with animals; can beat ANYONE at strategy games; love language is quality time; great with his brothers
Age 33:  Working for himself, or the forestry service.  Maybe with a nature photography business on the side.  Dh and I both think he will be single (and that makes me sad.)


Butterfly (11) - very empathetic; loves to serve; excels at hospitality; crafty-artistic; highly creative; eager to please; loves babies; good cook; wants to do the right thing; great gift-giver (her love language)
Age 31:  Married, with a few dc.  She SAYS she wants a lot - but unless God changes her I do not believe she could handle more than 2-3.  If she can learn to cope with some of her Aspie-ness, she'd make a good preacher's wife.


Bunny (9) - outgoing; friendly; loves to read; sweet; excels at dance/gymnastics; loves animals; musical; thankful heart; LOVES to laugh - and she's contagious!  Love language is words of affirmation
Age 29:  She wants to be a veterinarian.  I think that's a possibility.  The most "book smart" of our dc so far, dh sees her still persuing education at this age and still single.  I'm not sure I agree about the single part.

Bee (7) - intense; passionate; fiercely loyal; energetic; compassionate; focused; grateful; loves Jesus
Age 27:  Maybe a missionary/missionary's wife.  In a tough part of the world (incl. an inner city here in the States).  Several dc, probably BOYS!

Bear(4) - loving; expressive; VERY funny; compliments well and often - unsolicited!; articulate; smooth talker - always looking for a compromise
Age 24:  If we're gonna have a preacher, Bear's it!  Charismatic, outgoing, humorous, kind, smart... loves to be "on" - but doesn't realize it.  Yup, Watch out for Pastor Bear!

Kitty (2) - loves babies; determined;
Age 22:  Too soon to tell, but married, I hope!

Lamb (6mo) - very laid back; smiley; entertains himself well; content
Age 20:  Too soon to tell - in college with his twin bro?

Puppy (6mo) - energetic; never stops moving; inquisitive
Age 20:  See "Lamb"

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Check out my son's new blog/store!

I'm a proud mama.

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/CONaturePhotography/

- Katie

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Bug (12yob) has been taking taking pics of a neighborhood squirrel for a couple of years now.  He spent MONTHS getting the little beastie to trust him enough to get close-up photos. 

A few months ago, Chipper (said rodent) started waiting out on the ledge outside the LR window for his pb sandwich.  OK, works for me.  Close up nature study!

But today, that little critter came IN THE HOUSE and scampered around my LIVING ROOM!!!!!

Bad squirrel!!  Bad, BAD squirrel!!!

The three non-napping girlies just stood and screamed.  Which woke up the sleeping twinkies, who started to scream.  My Chief Squirrel Tamer?  He was in the downstairs shower and missed the whole thing!

I FINALLY managed to get the dd's wo all stop screaming.  Two took babies to a closed room and one propped open the front door.  After leaving lovely little pellet deposits all over the LR rug, Chipper finally shot out the door.

Never a dull moment, KWIM?

Peace,

Katie

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On Sunday, dh said, "Let's GO somewhere!!"  See, we've all been battling colds off & on (mostly ON) for 3 wks and we're all SICK of being SICK!!  We jumped at the chance, but didn't have a plan.

Thus was born our new pasttime - Family Adventure Trips.

It only took us 20 minutes to get ready - snacks & water in the van, coats packed in the back, diaper bag checked and loaded, a few toys/games for each dc and two movies picked out.  We were off! 

We headed north on a back country highway.  We counted cows, horses, llamas, sheep, goats, hawks & prairie dogs.  After about 30-40 minutes, the dc asked for a movie & snacks. 

We drove about 70-75 miles and came to a museum we had planned to visit later in the spring.  However, dh was too tired (from fighting the cold) to walk around so we turned and headed home.  We stopped at a GREAT playground we had seen on the way up so the dc could run around & play.  We lucked out - an ice cream truck pulled up and I happened to have enough cash so everyone could have one!  That NEVER happens!  What a fun blessing.

When we got close to home, we stopped for supper at an all-you-can-eat buffet.  Not necessary for our good time, but a special treat for dh (he LOVES to go out to eat and we rarely go).

We had a FANTASTIC time and plan to do it every 4-6 wks.  Here is what we learned from this trip/plan to do next time:

*Snacks & water a must

*Movies a must (not ALL ages can just "enjoy the ride")

*We WON'T tell the dc until it's time to get ready to leave - the surprise was the best part!

*We'll travel different roads each time

*Having a destination in mind is fine, but the journey IS the adventure and we may stop anywhere!

*Carry a bit of cash for unexpected surprises

*THIS DOES NOT NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE!!  PB&J is a fine supper on the way home!

*Don't ruin it by going too often

LOVING our new family tradition!

-Katie

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FOUR FANTASTIC FACTS!

1.  He is the FUNNIEST child I ever met!  Seriously, this boy keeps us in stitches!

2.  He absolutely ADORES "my tins" - his baby brothers

3.  He is our first "miracle baby" - with dh's health, Bear should not have been conceived (medically speaking - I think ALL babies are miracles, but... well, you know!)

4.  When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, he thoughtfully replied, "A human!"

I LOVE YOU, CUDDLE BEAR!!!

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Welcome to the party!!  Yes, it's blog party time over at 5 Minutes for Mom and all over the blogsphere!  You can win great prizes if you participate, and it's FUN, too!

Since you've stopped by, beware - our dc LOVE to be read to and will all clamor to sit near you and listen to a story.  Once they get over their initial shyness that is.  Oh, and you may need to sit on the big couch - there are EIGHT of the little darlin's!  Then I'm sure they will show you all of their favorite things - photos they've taken (some are quite good!), comic strips they've designed (ditto) - maybe you'll even get roped into a game of Rodeo-opoly or Hi-Ho Cherrio (depending on the child).

See that plaque on the wall?  Here, I'll read it for you:  "Please excuse the noise and mess - our kids are making happy memories!"  That about sums it up - there may be a pile of construction paper on the table, a stack of picture books on the floor, some glitter and glue stuck to the counter and a sinkful of dishes from the colonial meal we just made.  Like I always say, if you came to see us you're welcome anytime - if you came to see the house, make an appointment!!

Do you like the party decorations?  They'll stay up until the first week in May, with minor color scheme changes.  It's "Birthday Season" at our house - 6 out of 10 b-days (plus 4 of the 6 grandparents) celebrate in just over 3.5 months' time!  Today happens to be orange & green (eeewww) as Sunday's party will be a combined Basketball/Army party. 

Whoops, 'scuse me while I go change a diaper or two (or three)!  Make yourself at home - have some cupcakes & tea from our Dr. Seuss tea party!  Take some time to look around my cyberhome here - I'll leave the light on for ya!

Peace to you,

Katie

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Bee's Sensational Seven

1. She loves to cook with me

2. Her favorite color is red

3. She scored 18 points in her second basketball game!

4. She gives the BEST hugs

5. She is fierce & intense - and God will use that some day

6. She loves to help with her little siblings

7. She is the craziest, wackiest, sweetest, most compassionate girl I know!

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We got a lot accomplished this week.  Not so much of a To Do List nature, but more relational - and sometimes both!

The week started with a Super Bowl/birthday party.  Every year, we have Nana & Grandpa over for his birthday - which happens to coincide with the big game.  It's a great excuse for a party - and LOTS of great food & fun!

I had that Teddy Bear Picnic with Kitty (2yog).  cuddled on the Twinkies a lot, especially Lamb (4mob) who is not as demanding as his bro Puppy (4mob) and therefore doesn't get held as often.  I also did LOTW with all three of them.  I LOVE the gentle, rich quality of this curriculum!  The focus is just on exposing them to high quality music & lit while spending time together, enjoying each other and playing.  At this level, the repitition of activities is key and you do most of the same things for 1-2 wks.  Makes it more than OK if you miss a day (or 2, or 3...)

 Bee (7yog) and I got 4 days of FIAR done - Mike Mulligan!  She is my tomboy and loves trucks.  She really enjoyed this book and reminded me to "do Mike" with her!  Bunny (9yog) read it to her one day since I was busy at the time.  Good bonding time for them as well.

Bear (4yob) got to make cookies with me and we 'Rowed Good Night Moon this week.

Butterfly (11yog) made me a tea tray one afternoon when I was feeling overwhelmed.  She is such a love!  Easily my most "difficult" child, but by far the most empathetic and sweet.

I didn't get a lot of time with Bug (12.5yob) or Bunny, but I'll focus on them this week.  We did cuddle a lot on Friday though since I declared it a movie day.  I wanted to watch the 6 Kids By the Dozen and life with the Duggar shows my dad had taped from TLC for me.  The dc really enjoyed these and it was good for them to see that there ARE a lot of families out there like ours!  Parents who stress teamwork, enforce discipline, homeschool, sacrifice; dc that share rooms, do the same chores they do, homeschool...

We also went as a family to watch Bee & Bug play their first basketball games.  They did really well!  One team one, the other lost but both dc had fun.  Poor Bee was terrified at first, but she did get the ball a few  times and made nice passes.  Bug made 2 rebounds and scored 1/3 of his team's points!

Then we had Granma & Grampa over for dinner last night.  They did really well spreading themselves out among the dc, mostly by taking turns playing card games.  Butterfly felt a bit left out but it's her own doing.  She didn't get a turn b/c she was very introverted last night and by the time she was ready to interact, they had to go home. 

Today, Dh has taken Bug & Bee skiing.  It's Bee's first time and she is VERY excited!

Off to comfort/change/feed a fuss-pot!

Peace,

Katie

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I've been writing.  In my spare time.  Haha.

I've started 3 notebooks for the dc, but they don't know it.  One is called "Letters From Mom" and in it are all the end-of-year letters I've written to them.  Umm... I didn't write any from 2001-2005.  We were busy dealing with miscarriages and dh's cancer and recovering, and I got out of the habit, and...

And I didn't like having that gap, with the accompanying memories.  Especially since some of the younger dc wouldn't understand because they didn't remember.  So I cheated.  Sssshhhhhh...

I looked through the photo albums and made notes of significant events for each child and lovingly cast back in my mind, sifting through the memories to find the essence of each child for each year.  Now I'm writing the letters I should have written then.  Shhh... don't tell!

The second notebook is "Quotable Kids" and contains the funny things they say.  I can't go too far back for this one but it does have the family "catch-phrase" favorites (My 2yo Asperger's daughter growling out "PEACE ON EARTH" in a nasty voice while playing the angel in our Christmas play tops the list, as well as Bunny's names for least favorite toddler foods - beefloaf and yuck-a-mole) and the one-liners Bear throws out that are too funny to miss!  His latest?  When asked to do something, he solemnly replies, "As you wish." (First one who comments and can name the movie it's from gets a prize!)

The final on-going notebook is "Mom's Memories" and contains modern stories of family times plus memories from my childhood.  One of their favorite things to do on winter nights is to turn the lights down low and have me tell stories from when I was a girl.  Somehow, I think THEY think I lived before electricity and that's why the lights have to be turned down!??!?

It's hard to fit in this one more thing but I really think they'll enjoy these when they get older.

Right??

Peace,

Katie

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of my kids,

my sweet dh,

my church,

my community.

There was a terrible fire in an apartment complex here yesterday.  Over 100 apartments are a total loss (it's being called the 4th worst fire here - ever.) and our community has just rallied!  Our small church wanted to help - and ended up being a relief distribution center!!  So they sent out an e-mail begging for church members to volunteer and my dh took the day out of work, and picked up Bug (12yob) & Butterfly (10yog) to help.  They sorted piles of new clothes by size and enough shoes to open a shoe store.They got to help 3 families each "shop" for needed items, hear their stories, hold their babies, and hug them while they cried. 

Dh brought them home for supper - and prompty left with Bunny (8yog) & Bee (6yog) in tow for the evening sift.

The church is overflowing with donated items.  If you want to see pictures, you can go to Rock Family Church.  And dh and ds were on the news!

It is such a terrible tragedy - they're saying now it was arson.  People are still missing, the fire is still burning.  Please be praying for these people as they process this loss and rebuild their lives.  Please pray that our efforts touch people with the love of Christ.

Check your smoke detectors.  And hug your family tonight.

Peace to you,

Katie

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I don't know what it is, but there is something about cold, clear winter nights that is perfect for making warm family memories.  Tonight was no exception.

After a simple Saturday supper of maple bacon and homemade waffles, dh slipped outside to escape the heat in the kitchen (or maybe he was escaping his turn for dirty dishes!).  No one noticed he was gone but me.  When he came back, he told me how "Vermontish" it felt outside and asked me to join him on the front steps.  We've had so much snow in the last few weeks - compared to what we've had in the last several drought-plagued years - that we've both been reminded of those first few married years in Vermont.  Thinking to grab a quick romantic moment, I slipped out the door as well.

Of course, their "Mommy Radar" went off.  There is a an alarm that goes off in a child's spirit when Mom leaves the house, I'm sure of it.  I didn't even get all the way out the door before the questions started - "Where are you going?"  "What are you doing?"  "What's going on??"

Knowing that our romantic moment was now out of the question, I urged dh to start stockpiling the snowballs. 

Bug (12b) ventured out first, fully dressed for the weather and throwing snow.  No flies on THAT one - he caught on right away.  Within minutes, the dark, cold night air was ringing with shreiks and laughter as the rest of the family tumbled out in various states of dress:  Bunny (8g) in a hooded sweatshirt, Bee (6g) with her parka unzipped, Bear (3b) in full snowsuit, hat & gloves.  Butterfly (10g) came out last, fully dressed with Kitty (19mg) in tow.  I was so proud of her for taking the time to get her "buddy" ready!

It was a free-for-all.  And it was wonderful!!  Dh chased Bug up and down the street.  Bee clobbered me several times, as did Bear and Bunny and... hey, come to think of it, they ALL got me pretty good!  I had a handicap, though - I could only find one glove! 

After a good fifteen minutes, the troops tired out and began trickling in shedding snowgear in every doorway.  I had already managed to sneak inside and start the water for cocoa.  We had a wonderful time sipping steaming mugs - with mini-marshmallows! - while recounting our "hits" and "misses".

It is in moments like these that I find my heart so full of gratitude to the Father for the blessings of family and fun.  THIS is what family is all about.  It makes everything else worthwhile.

Peace,

Katie

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These are the verses from our New Year's Eve Scripture cake.

Dh:  He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.  All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.  Psalm 25:9,10

Me:  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Philippians 4:5 (OUCH)

Bug (12yob):  I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life.  John 6:47

Butterfly (10yog):  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Hebrews 13:16

Bunny (8yog):  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  Philippians 4:6

Bee (6yog):  Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.  Psalm 119:18

Bear (3yob):  In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.  Isaiah 30:15

Kitty (19mog):  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praisworthy - think about these things.  Philippians 4:8

Lamb (2mob):  Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name.  Hebrews 13:15

Puppy (2mob):  Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.  Psalm 119:37

The olders will memorize theirs and we'll talk about how the Word manifested in their lives this year next New Year's Eve.  We will pray the verses over the youngers during our regular prayer times.

A new tradition I read about online - we decorated a large vase and will keep it on the counter with slips of paper and a pen.  Anytime we see God's blessing in our lives, we'll write it down and put it in the Blessing Jar.  NEXT NYE, we'll dump out the papers and read how God blessed us throughout the year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Peace,

Katie

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and yesterday's was a HOOT!  Bee (6) is the biggest tomboy (think Spiderman driving a monster truck!), so imagine my surprise when she wanted to bake mini-cupcakes and host a tea party!  I had to ask Butterfly (10) to back off a couple of times - she is the Tea Party Queen here and was trying to "arrange" things.  But, of course, with Bee running the show, the conversations took a couple of interesting turns...

At one point, as we were all sipping tea/cocoa and having "polite" conversation (using our snooty tea party names, of course), Bear (3) started mumbling into his mug of cocoa.  I listened for a bit and finally made out, "Oh, marsh-meadows!  Maaarsh-meadows!  Where have my marsh-meadows done ("gone")?  All like sheep have done astway!"  We couldn't stop laughing!

Later, he said something about his hair (can't remember what) but it led me to talk about how God knows us so well that he knows every hair on our heads.  Bunny (8) piped up, "I know all the hairs on Bear's head, too!  There's Fred, and Lenny..."  We laughed so hard she couldn't keep going!

OK, maybe you had to be there.  But Lenny??!?

Peace,

Katie

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I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend!  Our holiday was very relaxing.  We went to my dad's for dinner and the twinkies behaved very well - ALL the dc did, actually.  Butterfly (10) slept over that night and braved BLACK FRIDAY with Granma.  They went to tea for lunch at a local "castle" as a treat for my girly who loves ALL things tea!

Nana (my mom) took Kitty (18mo) out shopping for siblings the same day (are these people CRAZY!?!?).  They went for lunch. too, and the "baby" was thrilled to be treated like such a big girl!

When she dropped off Kitty, she picked up Bee (6)and took HER Christmas shopping!  Then she slept over and went swimming at the local indoor pool on Saturday.

Saturday afternoon, Mark & Bug (12) went to get the tree.  I went out with Butterfly to finish my Christmas shopping - World Market & Mardel's.  Never been to Mardel's before but I LOVED it!  I could have spent hours in there but the twins needed me home.

Sunday, we ALL went to chruch for the first time in MONTHS for the Twinkies' dedication.  It was sweet, they never woke up and we went out to lunch - courtesy of the grandparents - to a buffet place.  Later, we decorated the tree and had our traditional treat of Scandinavian Almond Bars - yum!!

Whew!  Busy weekend, but nice family time.

Peace to you,

Katie

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I've said it before - but I just LOVE 3 year olds!!

Bear's latest:

"You should had seen dat 'pider, Mama!  It was 'huge-mongous'!!"

and this gem:

"Mama, can you read me dis book?" 

"I'm nursing the baby, Bear.  I'll do it in a minute." 

"Hey, guys!!  Mama don ("going") read us a book when she done, uh... 'breasting'!"

Peace,

Katie

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Well, somehow I managed to get gifts for all 8 of the dc for Christmas - all for under $50!!  (Well, more like $90-100 if you count stockings).

Some, I got at yard sales and some I got from people unloading their unwanted items (including hand-me-down toys from our own dc).  Some my mom picked up when she saw a good sale and she almost never asks me to pay her back (Thanks, Mum!).  I even WON Bug's big present in an online baby pool!

Some things, I just got creative on.  My 4 oldest dc are getting pillows for TV watching made out of their old souvenier T-shirts stuffed & sewn closed.  The Twinkies are getting receiving blanket bears (how-to's from Family Fun).

Today, I went to the annual Goodwill Doll Sale and snagged a BIG bag of cloth dolls & some tiny Beannie Babies for & 7.00!

So what are YOUR best frugal holiday shopping tips?

Peace,

Katie

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OK, the first thing I did was make a list of all the chores that the dc should be doing - Daily, Weekly and As Needed.  I then divided them up, having the YOUNGEST possible do each chore.  They each have 3 Daily, 2 Weekly & 1 As Needed chore.  They rotate every 3 mos., though if someone complains a lot or doesn't have the skills down yet, they keep that chore for the next rotation.  Obviously do what works best for you!

I got colored 3x5 index cards, colored library pockets and posterboard at the school supply store (Wal-mart didn't have the pockets).  If you can't find the pockets, you could always cut envelopes in half I would think.

I surfed Google Images for "kids chores" or something like that and saved the images I liked to a Word doc.  I copied each as many times as I needed it (sweeping & clearing the table are done 3x/day, for ex).  I printed these out and glued each one to a color coded card (Daily - pink, Weekly - yellow, etc)

I cut the poster boards in half through the short sides.  They now fit 12 pockets (3 columns of 4).  The colums are Daily, Weekly & As Needed with three chore pockets labeled 1,2,3 and the fourth bottom pocket in each is labeled "DONE!" with a big smiley face.

Every night (or morning) I make sure all the cards are in the right pockets.  The Weekly and As Needed stay in the "Done" pocket until Sunday if they are done. 

The dc can do the chores in whatever order they want, though I recommend they follow the order set.  One of each of the 3 Daily chores must be done before school time.  When they finish a chore, they move the card to the Done pocket. 

I can tell at a glance (younger dc) or with a quick look through the cards (olders) what has been done so I can spot inspect.  I can tell who is slacking.  I can simply say, "Look at your chart" if they ask to do something fun and not nag about the chores that need doing.

This has been working BEAUTIFULLY and even though it SOUNDS like a lot of set-up, it really only took a couple of hours (mostly finding the clip art).

I would suggest laminating the cards with clear contact paper, OR covering the chore pics with packing tape to prevent them peeling.

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As Bear was drifting off for his nap this afternoon, he started to sing to me in his piping little 3yo voice:

"I wush you, Mama

You make me happy - sometimes

You make me HURRAY!

You make me sad

When you are gumpy to me..."

(rubbing my face) I wush you, my 'pecial precious!

Go hug a 3yo - it's great medicine!

Peace,

Katie

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Bug is my oldest.  He's such a card - or as he likes to say, "I'm a comet!"  Me: "I think you mean 'COMIC', son."  Bug: "No, Mom, I mean comet - cuz that's funny!"

He had another baseball game last night, sans coach.  Seems the coach was looking for a ball thrown by Bug during warmups and his own son thew him one when he wasn't looking.  YIKES - got him right in the face.  The boys did good with the fill in coaches, though: 14-4!  Bug played center, 3rd & left; struck out & got 2 base hits with 3 RBI's.  Am I the only mom who LOVES watching her dc play/perform/excell?  I don't think so! ;o)

His goal for his life these days is to a) invent a new kind of pick-up truck so he has the means to b) find the Oak Island Treasure so he has money to c) search old Spanish galleons in the Atlantic for treasure so he can d) buy a ranch with lots of horses & farmland.  He plans to have a huge ranch house for all of his siblings & their families, plus several cabins for homeless people to live in until thy find jobs.  In the meantime, they can all work his ranch!I love this kid - what a big dreamer!

Oh!  And the funniest part?  he tells me yesterday - "Mom, I'm going to have three dogs when I get my ranch.  Know what I'm gonna name 'em?  Sausage, Biscuit & Gravy!"  Oh, he cracks me up!

He's reading at grade level now and feels soooooo good about himself.  He ordered a new flavor the last time we went to the ice cream shop and told me he can't WAIT to try some others - now that he can read what's in them!  I never knew he always got the same kind because he was familiar with the contents - I just thought it was his favorite. *shrug*

Well, he's outside now trying to rig a baseball setup so he can practice batting in the back yard.He's already got a pitching mound with a marked tarp up back there!

Peace to you,

Katie

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17 years!!

The dc have been so sweet for our anniversary!  Bug had a root beer float stand (made $21!!) so he gave us a handmade card with money in it for Baskin Robins Dollar Scoop Nite.

Butterfly had Nana take her to the dollar store and get a card. :bh

My mom is watching all 6 dc tonight, buying them pizza AND gave us a gift cert to a fancy restaurant!!  Plus she bought us a new mailbox.

Mark bought me chocolate.  With nuts!  I love that man!

I got him a Fleetwood Mac video.

Peace!

Katie 

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Bee is having a BLAST with our FIAR book this week, Henry the Castaway.  I knew she would - she is quite the tomboy with a spirit of adventure!  He fav part - so far! - was acting it out yesterday.  She grabbed the 2 park chairs out of the van and threw a blanket over them for her "shelter", made her flag out of an old shirt & a broom handle, made mini-flags to mark her path and was all set!  Then she remembered to pack her flashlight and a pb sandwich.

Off she went to explore the front yard!  There were little flags in the ground everywhere!  The neighbors thought we were having work done or something. *giggle*  She was such a cutie.

She also had fun splashing around in the pool yesterday and, thanks to Nana, it'll be the first time we don't follow up with a raging ear infection.  My mom bought her some really cool purple swimmer's ear plugs.  Yippee!!

She'll proudly tell everyone who will listen that she's in Kindergarten now ("See the K on my math book?  That means Kindergarten!").  She's trying to learn to make her numbers neatly but her attention span and fine motor control are NOT there yet.  But I found that if I have her make them on the hanging white board - nice & big - she can use the metal edge as a guide for stopping on her 2's, 3's & 5's.  This has given her more confidence to try them on paper.

OK, I've got to run.  My computer is about to blitz on me again.

Peace to you!

Katie

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We're headed out to my mom's apartment today to go SWIMMING!  Whoohoo!  The pool finally looks clear enough to swim in.  The opened it Memorial Day weekend, but it's been lookin' pretty scuzzy so this will be our first trip.  Bug will be working towards his Contenders swimming badge.  Butterfly & Bunny are pretty good if they don't get over their heads.  Bee still needs arm floaties, Bear is terrified of the water and insisting that he does NOT want to go (but at 3yo, he's NOT staying home! LOL) and Kitty will be in her baby boat.  It'll feel good for this pg momma to cool OFF - it's been so hot here!

This afternoon (after school) Butterfly's friend is coming over to take her out for a treat.  This is the girl who did our homeschooling evals last week, so I'm anxious to read those.

And Bug has baseball practice tonight!

WHEW!!

Speaking of school (sort of), the new "school in the afternoon" schedule is going better than I expected.  We all look forward to it.  The only minor glitch is that our chore time is off and the house has been less than stellar when dh gets home.  We're working on tweaking that, but so far it's a go!

OK, getting off my behind to start the day.

LOVE ON THOSE BABIES!!!

Peace to you,

Katie

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I NEVER thought I'd say those words, being a native just-outside-of-Bostonian!  BUT, Bug's team this year for the city league is the Yankees!  And he's thrilled (did I REALLY birth this kid??!?)

Anyway, at their first scrimmage last night he got to pitch the last inning.  For his first time EVER on the mound, he did GREAT!!  Gave up 2 walks, only 1 hit and STRUCK OUT THREE!!!!!  Yankees beat the Royals 13-9 (his batting was pretty good, too.  1 sacrifice RBI, a single with an RBI and a SO)

GO YANKEES!!!

Peace,

Katie

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It seems a few of my friends have a common theme on their blogs today.  I was going to write an entry on the rhythms of relationships, but since they write it so much better than I could, I thought I'd send you to them instead.  I've known these ladies online for a few years now, and I've come to respect their wisdom and enjoy their company.

OreoSouza has a fantastic analogy about the marriage relationship as a dance with your dh.  rerlpr picked up the thread.  And LynninTX followed through with a great discussion with her daughter on the ins & outs of the marriage dance.  ElCloud also posted a few assorted thoughts on marriage and "fitting" with your husband.

My dh and I have been out of sync lately.  I've had pregnancy oogies and he's been working L-O-N-G hours because they are short handed at work.  It feels as if our music isn't even ON right now!  We've been too tired to really connect and I've been in survival mode, not paying him the attention I should.  I think I'll bow out of here and find my dance partner, make him a couple of English muffins with a coffee milk (his fav late night snack) and snuggle up to watch whatever he's got on the tube.

Peace to you,

Katie

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We had a GREAT time, too!  Of course, I got to sleep in Granma & Grampa's camper with Kitty (ssshhhh...).

The dc were SO well behaved and everyone had a ball.  It was a bit cold and VERY windy, but NOT as bad as last year. 

Three dc caught fish and Bug caught an ENORMOUS nasty crawfish!!, 4 went fishing, 5 played putt-putt.  Mark & I got to relax some, but not together very much.  Taking a 3yo and a 1yo camping means you're "on" all the time, but it was worth it!

Do I "love" camping now?  No WAY!  But I love making memories and taking great pics.  (to follow in next post)

Peace to you!

Katie

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Yeppers!  The pregnant lady with the 6dc almost-12 & under are all gonna go off with dad for the weekend and sleep in a big tent.  Hooray.

Sorry if I sound less than thrilled.  I know some of you like this sort of thing, but... NOT this mama!  Still, I have fond memories of camping with MY dad growing up and dh & the dc all love it, so what's a gal to do???

Have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Remember that it's not just about barbeques and outings - it's about remembering those who gave their lives so we COULD have barbeques and outings!!  Teach it to your children, they need to know!  If you see any of our servicemen and women out & about, shake their hands and thank them.

Peace to you,

Katie

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If you need a good laugh, you really should visit my new "friend" at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Leigh2/ .  Ummm... she really could use a visit! *wink*

Today is a bee-U-tiful spring day.  I did NOT have any "honey-do" items for dh this weekend.  He works M-F, 11-13 hrs a day. The dc are really missing him and he needs the break!  I'm hoping he takes them to the park or something.  Though knowing  him, he'll find a few projects to do first (Lord knows there are a LOT!).

I wish we could start school up on Monday.  The dc have been great, but I miss the 2-3 hour focused interaction time with the three oldest! 

Bug is at Nana's today.  He slept over last night and will be going to the dollar theater today.  Then Nana will drop him off and pick up Butterfly to help with the grocery shopping.  My mom has really bad knees and loves to have one of the dc help her on weekends. 

Sorry about the rambly entry today.  I'm very distracted this morning - sleep training baby Kitty (well, she's not really a BABY anymore at over a year) kept me up most of the night.  I need to get her to go down by herself though before the new baby comes.

Peace,

Katie

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I was pleasantly surprised to be told last night that I'm the Featured Blogger of the Week!  Thanks so much for the honor!  Just wish I had a better avatar for the homepage! LOL It was the perfect cap to a wonderful day.

The big trio spent a LOT of time playing together yesterday with their younger sibs.  Sometimes when we break from school, there is an adjustment time of "Mom!  We're bored!!" and ceaseless begging to watch a movie.  But they quickly slipped right into their "unschooling" mode this time.  It's good to see that they can continuing learning this time on their own without a week of my redirecting!

I needed to take Butterfly to her brain training session yesterday and our sitter is on vacation.  Bear was napping and Bee has a hard time keeping out of trouble unsupervised so I asked Bug if he would stay home and keep an eye on things.  I told Bee to watch a movie while I was gone (extra insurance of an electronic babysitter keeping her zoned!) plus I had the cell phone and could run home if I had to.

I was SO surprised when I got home!!  The TV never went on.  Bug & Bee played a video game together, cleaned the living room, swept the floors, decluttered the counter, cleared off the dining room table & set it "restaurant style" for dinner!!  THEN they made a book of their activities so I could see it when I got home.  I couldn't believe a)that they were so motivated b)they worked so well together and c)they did it all in just over 60 minutes!!

I told Bug I'd pay him.  It was FAR beyond what I had expected.  He asked me to give some of it to his sister since she helped so much.  Excuse me, do we have a jaw-hitting-the-floor emoticon here???

Far from patting myself on the back, it's days like these that make me see just how incompetent I am at this parenting thing.  It's only by God's grace and mercy that my dc are turning into such fine young people.  It's HIS power and love working in their hearts - I just need to stay out of His way.  Not that I don't have the responsibility - it's just that when I look at my heart (eeuch, scary place) and see my faults, it's a wonder that my dc do so well in SPITE of me.

Parenting is so humbling.

What a surprise.

Peace,

Katie

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A True Story (poor Bug!)

If you make your mom a muffin (because she's pg & tired and you're trying to be helpful), be careful not to drop the muffin pan face down on the oven door.

If you drop the muffin pan face down on the oven door, you will feel bad and run to your room really upset.

If you run to your room and are really upset, your mom will feel bad for you and scrape as much batter off the door as she can to try and salvage breakfast.

If you queasy, pg mom scrapes batter off the oven door to try and salvage breakfast, it will make her rush to the bathroom and be in there awhile.

If mom is in the bathroom awhile and you are hiding in your room , no one is watching the muffins and they will burn black.

When the muffins burn black, you will all have a late breakfast of cold cereal and school will be canceled for the day so mom can clean the oven/stove front/floor.

If school is canceled for the day, and mom realizes that the cheapo muffin pan burned so badly you can't save it (really, I wasn't in the bathroom THAT long!!), you will need to go to the store to get a new muffin pan.  And oven cleaner.  And rubber gloves.  And cheap kitchen rags.

If you buy a new muffin pan, your pg mom will crave muffins... even though cleaning the oven/stove front/floor made her really ill.

So if you make your mom a muffin...

How is YOUR week going???

Peace to you,

Katie

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Some of my favorite fun moments:

* Bunny was so precise as a toddler learning to speak.  She would whisper new words for DAYS before she would speak them out loud.  however, food seemed to cause hangups.  Meatloaf was "beef-loaf" (makes sense) and croutons were "crunch-ons" (also makes sense!).  My alltime fav though?  "Mommy, I don't want any of that YUCK-a-mole!!" (guacamole)

* Bug was about 17 months old at the time.  Being the firstborn, we were trying to explain his new role as soon-to-be-big-brother.  He was a bit disconcerted to be told that his King of the Hill position was in jeopardy and trying to get him to understand that there was a BABY in mom's middle was understandibly difficult.  We knew the day he finally got it, though.  We were talking, and I was rubbing my growing belly when he looked up at me sooooo seriously, studied my belly, looked at me again... then prompty removed his binky from his mouth and tried to insert it in my belly button!!

* Hannah was about 3yo (I don't usually use real names here, but I have to for this one).  I was asking all the dc - individually - what they wanted to be when they grew up.  I got the standard answers:  cowboy, football star, midwife, ballerina ...  When it was Hannah's turn she looked at me, incredulous!  Like I was crazy!  And she so sweetly replied, "I be HANNAH!"  As in, "Who ELSE would I be, Mom?"

Enjoy your weekend!

Peace to you,

Katie

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Thanks for the congrats ladies!  Since there will be some not-so-happy responses, it's wonderful to come here and receive encouragement.   To answer your comments:  Yes, I did announce it on the message board last week (I figured you missed it since you didn't comment!), and MuckFoot - my youngest is 8 days older than yours and Bear is 10 days older than your LittleD!  So, yeah - 18-19months.  My shortest gap yet!

OK, on to the topic of the day!  A few weeks back, some of you posted on my pity-party "I've Flunked Out of More Housekeeping Programs Than I Can Count" post and said to Just Do It!  so using my Motivated Moms schedule, I have!  It's been working out pretty well, so thanks for the kick!

I'll have to keep this short today.  Bear  is a whiny mess and I need to get this under control.

Peace to you!

Katie

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Good day!

Tonight is Date Night!  Whoohoo!!  Due to varyiing circumstances, we haven't had one in over 2 months (it's usually ever 2 weeks - I know, I'm spoiled!).  I think we'll just go for a coffee or something (though I'd better get a juice as coffee is not tasting too good right about now). 

Linda asked about our brain training.  We meet once a week with the co-creator of the Mosley-Wilbur Training Method, then are supposed to spend an hour a day at home.  It's a combination of a bunch of different games to help with learning difficulties & attention problems.  Bug just "graduated" after gaing 3 years in reading in just 10 weeks!!!  It doesn't usually happen THAT quickly, but he really ate this stuff up!  It has also helped with behaviorial issues and strengthened family relationships.  Butterfly started  week ago and we're already seeing differences in a lot of areas.  The benefits of this training are literally too many to list!

Not much else doing around here.  Of course, with St. Patty's coming up we'll be eatin' green on Friday!  I'll read a couple of books on St. Patrick as well.

Stay tuned NEXT Wednesday for some of my all-time favorite April Fool's Fun Food ideas!  With maybe an idea for a trick or two as well...

Peace to you,

Katie

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Oooh BOY!  I'm on my 1,032,794th round of Candy Land!!  Ok, maybe not THAT many.  But after having 5 dc of "I-know-my-colors!" age (and another one coming up!) I think I may be losing my marbles!

But you know, sitting down and PLAYING with our preschooler (and older!) dc is so vital to their development and to our relationships!  It doesn't HAVE to be board games - I know people that really detest them!  But how about Go Fish?  Memory Matching games?  Making play-doh and SITTING DOWN to create something with them? 

An online friend recently remarked that she's spending thousands of dollars to have some therapist play the same games with her LD 9 year old that she SHOULD have played with him as a toddler/preschooler.  Several moms chimed in with similar stories.  Now I am NOT saying that LD are the fault of the parents!!  Having autistic dc, you'll NEVER get that from me!  Please hear my heart on this!

But I DO think that playing with our dc - after all, their play is their work and their door to learning - benefits them in ways we don't even realize.

My oldest is only 11, and already I'm singing that old refrain, "It goes by so fast!"  My favorite new expression is, "The days of a homeschool mom DRAG, but the years FLY!"  Take time to grab some of those fleeing moments and make a memory with your preschooler (kindergardener...middle schooler...) and play something with them.  Show them life is fun!  Show them YOU are fun!  You don't have to be the "heavy" ALL the time.

Peace to you,

Katie (who is giggling here realizing once again that it was Friday's "Household" entry that I skipped for the week!)

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Hmmmm... today's schedule:

God time

Computer

Shower

Breakfast

Run Errands

Do School

Lunch

Brain Training Dd

Dinner

Dc Bedtime

TIME WITH DH

There it is.  Every day on my schedule.  A one hour block of time set aside for my dh.  Sad to say but with 6+ children, if I don't MAKE time - it ain't happenin'.

Sometimes we sit & talk.  Other times we snuggle while he watches one of his TV shows.  Maybe with food involved - ice cream, or peanut buttery English muffins and a coffee milk!

It doesn't have to be fancy, but it is vital to our marriages to spend time with our sweethearts!  We try to connect in this way every night.  We can discuss work situations, family troubles, the weather or the latest craziness on TV.

BTW - I don't LIKE his TV shows.  I don't LIKE peanut butter on English muffins, and I'm NOT overly interested in the technical aspects of his work.  But I DO like my dh, I like being in his company and I like that he choses to share with ME - and not someone else.  I AM interested in the things that interest HIM.

Every other Wednesday we try to get out for an hour or so alone (my mom watches the dc).  I know that's not possible for quite a few couples, but maybe you could put the dc to bed EARLY a couple of times a month and have a "Date IN".  Just like our relationship with the Lord, our dc or anyone, our relationships with dh need concentrated TIME to thrive & flourish.

What's on YOUR schedule this week??

Peace to you,

Katie

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Well, with weather in the 60's & 70's this past week, there has been a LOT of outdoor playtime.  Plus we had a birthday in the house, so most of their downtime pursuits have been focused on making cards & presents.

Ahh, spring!  Bike riding, walks, rollerblading, digging in the dirt...

Tea parties on a blanket on the lawn... uh, dirt (we have no grass)

Nature photography, feeding the squirrels, identifying the returning birds...

We've been busy, but NOT - you know?

Bug went with Gramps to try the woodburning kit he got for Christmas.  Very frustrating.  Gramps said the issue USED to be the tool would get too hot.  NOWADAYS the tool generates so little heat that it's almost impossible to burn the wood.  Or maybe we got a defective one??!  Wonder if I should call the company...

Miracles are everywhere, Ladies & Gents.  Point them out to your dc!!

Enjoy the journey!!

Peace,

Katie

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Kind of unfair to all the family, isn't it?  Setting a hormonal mom as the barometer for family moods.    But the truth of it is, even the greeting I give my sweet dc in the morning sets the tone for the whole day.

If I'm a slug-a-bed and my dc get wild 'n' wooly waiting for breakfast, I may be inclined to snap at them when the noise/whining/bickering escalates to the point that I'm "inconvenienced".  THAT sets a tone for the rest of the day that I'll regret!

If, OTOH, I get up with a smile and greet each dc as they awake with a grateful heart to God for the gifts that they are, then my children will rise to meet my mood.

I was thinking a LOT yesterday about my role as "family barometer".  Attitude is everything.  I can look at the pile of laundry - and complain.  "I get no help.  You're all too hard on your clothes!  Don't you appreciate what you have??  How can I do all this on my own?  Don't you care?!???!"  OR - I can look at that same pile of laundry with JOY!  Yes, joy.  Joy because the Lord has blessed me with a husband who works hard.  With 6 beautiful, wonderful, different, brilliant, loving dc.  Dc that have been blessed with an abundance of quality clothes from family, friends & even strangers!  I have a washing machine!  I have electricity & running water!  See where I'm going with this?

Wednesday, the homeschooling community lost one of its own.  That sweet mom had no idea that the morning of 3/1/06 would be her last one with her precious family.  I cannot imagine the pain her family is feeling.  But I do know that when the pain passes a bit, they will have their memories of all the time she spent nurturing them for comfort.  We can NEVER know what the day will bring.  What do we want our children to be left with?

I've been really chewing on the quote, "Teach your children as if they will only have you for a year.  Love them as if you will only have THEM for a year." (paraphrased, and I can't remember where I got it from).  AM I teaching them (remember more is caught than taught!) as if I'd only be here another year?  Are they learning what is truly important to me?  AM I loving them as if they'd be gone tomorrow??  Are they FEELING as if they are truly important to me???

Very rambly and distracted today, I know.  Sorry, but this is the way my mind works - fast & rambly, making connections in thoughts that may not be readily apparent.

Signing off before I get so far from my original point that I lose MYSELF!

Peace to you,

Katie

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It's birthday season here!  We have so many traditions, thought I'd share.

The night before, I say goodnight to the "x year old" and in the morning, good morning to my "y year old"!  The love that.  After they are asleep, the "birthday fairy", aka MOM, sneaks in and hangs streamers around their bed or on their doorway - 1 for every year old.  In their favorite color, of course!!

For breakfast, we always have cinnamon rolls - laid out in the shape of their new age!  At their place at the table are piles of gifts - one for every year of age.  Now before you think I break the bank, most are dollar store items OR clearance things I've picked up through the year after holidays.  I try to get one pricier item on their list though.  And the little dc have about the same budget as the olders, so their presents are a bit nicer each. 

Lunch & dinner are their choice (within reason, and usually made by mom - not dining out).  Everything at all 3 meals is served with a candle in it!

The weekend closest to their birthday has a day just for them.  They decide where to go as a family (playground, museum, hiking, etc) - almost always a freebie thing.

They have theme parties (usually just family or family + 1 friend) every year 1-10.  They share parties, though, with the closets birthday sib.  They do NOT have to agree on theme (coming up is a Spiderman/Bob the Builder party).  Birthdays #1 & #10 are special and not shared.

Birthday #11 is the big "go out to a theme place" party.  Ds1 picked a party at the local baseball park, dd1 is thinking about a skating party.  After that, it's a small family deal with not much fanfare.  I think.  We'll see how that plays out!

(There are complex reasons why the parties turned out this way.  If I had it to do over, it'd be a lot simpler!!!)

We spend their birthday playing games, looking at baby books, watching home movies.  They also have a chore free day!  They get to answer the phone on their day, too - no matter how old!  (well, not age 1, but you get the idea)

So what are YOUR traditions for birthdays?

Peace to you!

Katie

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Oh my.  The second week in a row that I have nothing to say on my homemaking day.  THAT'S a telling thing, isn't it!??  I'm blushing sheepishly.

Hmmmm... pull something out of yer hat, Katie.

OK, how 'bout this - children are messy.  LOTS of children are REALLY messy.  And there's a difference between clutter & chaos.  Some days we have one, some days another.  The key seems to be keeping things pared down.

Guess what - that is a continuing process.  I've noticed an interesting phenomenon - once you have more than two dc, people assume you need clothes.  LOTS of clothes.  And although we are excedingly grateful that we have only bought 3 articles of clothing (besides sox & undies, of course) in about 7 years, I need to be careful not to keep too much from the blessing bags!  They tend to creep into the dc's rooms and make MOUNTAINS of laundry and exploding VOLCANOES in their dressers. 

I like Janne's ideas on containing the bedroom clutter.  I'm thinking I need some sock locks & hanging shelves for the closet.  I'm thinking we need to 86 the dressers.  I'm thinking...

I suppose that's progress.

Peace to you,

Katie

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OK, now for something really different.

Have a date with dh.  Not your ORDINARY date mind you - but a lunch date.  If you can manage it, of course.  Get creative!  Here's what I did.

I called his boss and scheduled him for an out-of-store appointment (at his work, dh is scheduled most of the day so I had to).  She just put it in as a lunch appointment, but didn't give him the address until right before our "date".  I had my dad come over and take the dc for a picnic at the park.

Then I dressed up (you know, work-place dressy) and set things up with a candlelit table, etc.  I bought a couple of frozen chicken cordon bleu and arranged everything so nicely.  The look on his face was PRICELESS!!

I just wanted to be a part of his "outside world" day.  It really made an impression on him that I'd plan something this elaborate (but it was simple, really - that's the beauty of it!)

So I challenge you - do something DIFFERENT to show dh that you care!  Be CREATIVE!  And have FUN!!!  You never know what's around the corner in life.

Peace to you!

Katie

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What a week!!

Bear got a trike from the gp's as an early b-day gift.  HOORAY!

But there is snow on the ground so he can't ride it.  Oh.

And it has a chronically flat tire and needs to go back to the shop.  Double oh.

Butterfly finally got to see her mentor-friend.  It's been 3 mos!  HOORAY!

But she found out her night for the Father/Daughter dance is sold out.  Oh, boy.

Kitty started "singing" along with worship songs at church.  It's SOOO cute!

But she is teething BADLY and hardly slept a wink all night.  NOT so cute.

Bug  is graduating his brain training this week!!  HOORAY!!!!

But he lied about something last night & wouldn't 'fess, so got everyone in trouble.  *sigh*

Bee got over her ear infection that was giving her fits.  HOORAY!

But before it left, it ruptured her eardrum.  Ugh.

Bunny?  She's had a pretty even week!

Can we have a vacation now??

Peace to you!

Katie

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I've tried to FLY.  I've tried Large Family Logistics.  I've tried Motivated Moms, Don Aslett, Emilie Barnes... I'm a MOTH dropout!  I'm a Choreganizers flunkie!  I'm an organizational wannabe.  Nothing works for more than a couple of weeks!

I'm so discouraged.  I've tried doing it all myself, I've tried assinging it to the dc.  I've tried doing a little a day, I've tried doing it all in one afternoon.  I just canNOT seem to get the hang of keeping house.  You'd think after almost 17 years...

I'm going to spend some time in prayer asking for wisdom here.  Living in a messy house makes me NUTS!  But it seems I either have a moderately clean house or homeschooled dc, never both. 

What's a girl to do?  Anyone BTDT?  Tips, tricks, advice??

HELP!

Peace to you,

Katie 

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Just a poem today - hope you don't mind!

A Mother’s Heart

What is it about a little boy’s love

that so fills a mother’s heart?

Sticky-face kisses

            Shooting star wishes

     Stacking the dishes

     (without being told)

What is it about a little boy’s love

that makes a mommy proud?

Holding the door

            A newly learned chore

     “May I please have one more?”

     (cookie, that is)

What is it about a little boy’s love

that brings her to her knees?

Holes torn in his clothes

            A nasty bump to the nose

     The pain as he grows

     (for her and for him)

What is it about a little boy’s love

that touches her deep inside?

A fierce, fleeting embrace

            Toothless grin on his face

     Watching his best race

     (even though he doesn’t win)

What is it about a little boy’s love

that makes it all worthwile?

Letting go of his hand

            Seeing God’s plan

     As he grows to a man

     (with the love of the Lord in his heart)        

© 2004

Peace to you!

Katie

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I've gotten these in my e-mail for YEARS but never thought to ask my own dc!!

Why did God make mothers?

K (11 ½): Uh, uh, uh… to help?

M (9 ¾): for they could make babies to have children
E (7 ¾): to take care of their children
H (almost 6): then they can take care of the kids
J (almost 3): (stomp) (pout) (shrug)

How did God make mothers?

K: Uh, uh… I don’t know!

M: from Eve
E: Ummm… He just decided one day that He was going to make children and He needed someone to take care of them
H: of His powers
J: um… mommy’s make animals & mommies just appear and are not rude to children an everybody and so big mommies go all the way down when the animals run away cuz animals drop these stickers down the floor and so big bad guy takes their stickers and flew all the way down.  And next day, big bad guy gives these animals to his own people and one children takes this camel off this sticker and one day the big bad guy take off his head and runs sooo big bad guy threw him down and the bears all gets him together

What ingredients are mothers made of?

K: (laugh) baking soda & salt

M: man’s ribs
E: Love, joy, hope, happiness
H: God
J: umm... they fell off them and they sleep in the dungeon and the next day… um… God

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

K: uh, uh, uh… cuz you’re the only mom that’s the best

M: cuz He knew it was right for us
E: because He just said, “This will be good for these children” and that’s exactly the same thing that happened to all those other mothers and children.
H: cuz He wants to help us and probably get a good mom.  And the kids can make the mother’s birthday, but the mom makes the cake cuz the kids don’t know how.
J: (shrug)

What kind of little girl was your mom?

K: uh… a “got hurt a lot”

M: a tomboy
E: I think that she was full of happy spirit and she was always joyful like she is now.
H: Katie Lundquist
J: um… um…way more

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?

K: (laugh) Uh… I’m thinking… uh… everything!

M: if God really wanted her to have him
E: that he didn’t do any bad things like smoking or drinking
H: that he doesn’t smoke or doesn’t drink beer
J: (shrug)

Why did your Mom marry your Dad?

K: I don’t know!!  I’ve heard dad’s side, but because… I don’t know!

M: because God wanted you guys to
E: cuz she thought that the children that they would have would like him and he would like them.  And she thought that he would be a good husband.
H: then you can have a husband
J:  I no know

Who’s the boss at your house?

K: Uh…Dad

M: Dad & Mom
E: Dad
H: the parents
J: um… a ghost

What’s the difference between moms & dads?

K: Uh… usually moms are home more

M: one’s a boy, one’s a girl
E: the mother is the one that has the babies and the father is the one that takes care of his children and looks out for them
H: the dads are big, cuz I don’t know
J: I no know

What does your mom do in her spare time?

K: uh… talk to herself

M: reads, goes on the computer
E: play with us, read to us, cuddle us, help us clean our rooms
H: play with us and read to us
J: (shrug) I no know

What would it take to make your mom perfect?

K: uh… uh… (laugh) ice cream, a whole gallon of ice cream!

M: nothing!
E: well, nobody is perfect so it would only take God.  God would have to make anyone perfect if He wanted to.
H: love her
J: I no KNOW I said!

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?

K: uh… her talking to herself!

M: nothing!
E: I don’t know, I like everything about you!
H: not be too mean
J: Uh, here’s you hat, ma’am!

Peace to you!

Katie

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