Jun. 22, 2009
delaying this entry....
|
So, I have all kinds of ideas for blogs floating through my head as i do things, but rarely get to sit down here and write them... Today is no different. BUT, When I upload the pictures from my camera.... there will be a MEGA blog! Everything from Contra dancing to Plum Picking to Fathers Day crafts and VBS.... SO much good stuff.... Well, until then, enjoy your kids..... they grow up fast! |
Jun. 5, 2009
Lunch....
|
MMMMmmmm.... Lunch today is so simple and so yummy! Apples, Bananas, Oranges, Pineapple, Peaches, and Mozzarella... And so much less stuff in my refrigerator too! Yay! Well, that is it, a short and SWEET blog update...  |
Jun. 1, 2009
A week in review.....
|
Wow, it has been a week since I wrote last. I think I was getting in the hang of blogging for a while but it has been an eventful week. I seem to remember several times thinking to myself... "I need to blog about this..." but have not had the chance to sit in front of the computer uninterrupted. I do not have the ability to read (or write) while there are things going on around me... If I am on here, chances are good that my family is in another room. And I am happy to say that my family and I have been in the same room for much of this week, though my blog has suffered, my family has not. ;-) Well, whether or not you understood any of that rant, I am now going to attempt to recap my week... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tuesday 26th- Happy birthday Franny! My step moms birthday. Well, Lets see... I was babysitting Brynna all last week, and we had a field trip planned for the Fire Station Tuesday. I got to take advantage of my great big van. Another family in our school that lives close came with us to the fire station. It was so much fun. Mommy M, and her 4 kids, J, S, T, and little miss K. (since they are not my family I will not divulge their names on the internet... ) With me and my 4 plus Brynna. We had 11 in my big ole van and lots of stuff to go with us. It really was a lot of fun. Thank you Mrs H for planning this. It was so much fun. Our homeschool group tries to get together with all the kids and do something fun every month. This month one of the ladies planned a trip to her husbands work... the Porterville fire station.  The group before the tour...  Jer Brynna Steven Bekah Heather The group watching Captain H and listening intently. After he put on all of his turnouts, he let the kids come and "snoop" and feel and learn...  Our group in the shade when we were just about done with the tour... Then we went to her house for sacked lunches and play time... She had a slip and slide up for the little kids and a zip line up for the big ones. The mommies got to enjoy sitting in a beautiful shady area of her yard that was green and had a fountain running through it... It was heavenly!  Waiting for their turn on the zip line... Steven, Rebekah, Heather, and J The slip n slide.... Steven on the zip line (he is 3... well, until Saturday) My attempt at creative photography... Brynna on the slip n slide... And the mommy spot! We got home in time to get the boys down for naps and get the girls ready for swim practice across the street. Mrs M watched them for me while I watched little miss K so the younger ones could still nap and the bigger ones could still swim. I love being across the street from the pool. Well, THAT was TUESDAY! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Wednesday the 27th- Chiropractor, Costco, Big 5 for a black competition swim suit (cheaper than $40) the strawberry stand (two flats for $2) The nursery for big buckets to plant new tomato plants in ($2 a piece for 15 gallon buckets) and dirt to fill them with (free if I shoveled it myself, which I did!) Then I had to figure out a way to fit all of that stuff in my Suburban.... with 5 kids in the car. I managed! Though I did leave the buckets of dirt in the drive way for my super heeman hunny to move when he got home. Those were really heavy. And back home in time for naps. Short as they may have been. Swim Meet at 5:30 and play practice at 6 (or whenever we got there which turned out to be 7) Daniel took the girls to the swim meet while I waited for Brynna's mom and fixed dinner to go... Took it to the meet in time to see my kids compete. I was SO proud of them.  Bekah free style Heather free style My boys cheering the girls on! Rebekah back stroke (which she had NEVER done before EVER!!!) Heather back stroke (Her favorite stroke) And once again, my attempt at photography... look how big that suit is on her... don't worry, we found a smaller one now.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thursday the 28th- I cannot remember that we did much of anything during the day, which after the previous week was really nice! though we did have swim practice, and team pictures, it was a rather uneventful day. Very nice indeed! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friday the 29th- the girls both had dentist appointments. We had a family trip the the dentist for check ups a few weeks back and the girls needed some work done... Friday was the day. My wonderful mother in law watched the boys for me (I was not babysitting) and I took the girls to get their work done.... THEY DID AWESOME! I love the dentist that was working on them he was so friendly and good at his job. We were out of there in less than an hour and that was both girls. Bekah was supposed to have a root canal, but once he got in there, decided against it. Heather had a filling. Since this was the first time the girls had had anything done (except Heather who was put under and does not remember it) the dentist decided to only do one quarter of the mouth at a time so they did not bite themselves. They came home and took naps until their numbness wore off. Big lunch and then cookie baking for the play. Concessions are provided by the cast and crew and since we were officially part of it, we baked. The kids had fun with that.   Then the play. A Midsummer Nights Dream put on by Woodlake High School. I was really impressed. We hadn't gotten to see any of it so far because my kids had really small parts so not really any practice required. But they did really well, and Jer and I got to sit in the audience and watch it. That was the best that he has ever done with sitting still for an extended period of time.  Oberon and Titana fighting over the small child (MY child... ) "Tis Fairy time" Oberon steals my baby from the sleeping TitaniaThen after the play we got to hang out in the band room playing with my niece. Daniels sister came down to see the show. It was really nice to see her.    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Saturday the 30th- we visited Visalia. Win Co, Sport Chalet, Target, all over the place... home in time for naps and back to the school for the second showing of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Though this time the kids stayed and did their parts under the supervision of their grandma while Daniel and I went to an AWANA leaders banquet. We took Jer with us and ate and played games and visited with other AWANA leaders and came home in time to get the other three from the show and home to bed. MMmmmm BED!  All those grown ups caught throwing their food.... AWANA leaders games get messy... He was so sweaty... I decided to play with his hair... funny boy! Musical Chairs....  Got.... Brutal....~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday the 31st- Church. We took Steven into church with us this week. All of the kids went to first service Sunday school, and then Daniel and I went and picked Steven up and took him to "big church" with us. The three of us sang together, prayed together and listened together (for a while). When Steven got bored, I pulled out a deck of mini cards from my purse and he spent the rest of the time sorting them. by color, by suit, and then by number... it was very entertaining for him. After church, home for lunch and naps. When the kids woke up we watched Old Yeller over dinner. I had never seen that before. We have owned it for a while now and I have always been afraid to watch it because anytime someone mentions it, they make a REALLY bid deal at how sad it is. It was a really good movie. Anyway, after the movie, we took advantage of the daylight and went outside. Daniel mowed and weed eated, the kids played, and I ... watched with enjoyment. Well, I watered plants and picked up as it was needed, but for the most part, I just enjoyed myself. I have been blessed with a great life. Ohh, and after the kids went to bed, Daniel and I had some home made strawberry ice cream and let the dog in the house... that was ..... n.i.c.e. .... work, but nice. I think we will have to do it more often to get any peace while she is in. She is just not used to it yet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Well, that was my week. With the length of this blog, I either need to have less eventful weeks, or blog more often. Perhaps a combination of the two would work best... Until next time.... -Me |
May. 25, 2009
A great weekend
|
So, Saturday was wonderful.... a short night, but a great day. The BBQ was.... interesting... friends showed up later than I expected, but that turned out to be a good thing. The BBQ was not working properly... We ended up eating at like 7 instead of like 5:30, and the Ribs were baked not BBQ'd. But it was still good. The beans had extra time to finish cooking (they would not have been done in time if we were eating on time) and the kids played really well together. We brought the dog into the house because she is BIG and intimidating and she did really well too. (I didn't think she would like being cooped up in her kennel while the kids were running in and out, but she was resigned to it) We only had one behavior problem, and though it was a little embarrassing, It was resolved in a short time and didn't occur again. All in all, the evening was a great success! (Friends, you can disagree if you like, but I enjoyed it) The excitement came the next morning. Once again, I stayed up LATE.... Daniel and I talking about the evening and other topics that kept us animated for a while. Then, shortly after we did fall asleep, I was awakened my my oldest son SCREAMING for help... I ran in his room to find him covered in vomit. Poor baby got sick in his sleep. I carried him and all his bedding into my bathroom (the biggest tub we have) and comforted him and cleaned him and got him situated and tried to go back to bed... morning came about 2 hours later. As I was getting the kids ready for church, I noticed my youngest one.... COVERED IN WELTS! Under his armpits, behind his knees, along his diaper, all over his tummy.... Poor baby was blistered. Daniel took the kids to church and I went straight to urgent care. I have NEVER seen anything like this before... I was paranoid! The Urgent Care doctor was not. He calmly told be that Jer was having an allergic reaction and not to worry unless he started having problems breathing. That was it.... He even told me that he would normally write me a prescription for Benadryl, but since Jer is only 2, it was not worth doing... He assured me that it was not contagious and that if Jer was feeling well enough to play, there was no reason not to let him. We joined the rest of my family at church and I kept Jer with me. I really enjoyed having him with us in church. Singing with him and praying with him and just being together (at least the three of us). I think we are going to have to try that more often. Anyway, Sunday at 2 was our schools graduation and we were supposed to be helping with setup, so when service was over, I went to go get some pizza to feed the kids. I also picked up some Benadryl topical for Jer's inflammations. The poor guy was getting worse. Anyway, he (and the rest of the kids) did very well through the graduation ceremony and reception. While we were there, a friend came to check on Jer and reassured me that this was consistent of an allergic reaction and not to be too worried. Apparently her kids have had allergies and skin irritations. She was such a great blessing to me. Sunday night we came home and popped pop corn and watched a movie and just spent time together. We got to bed early and SLEPT WELL!!!! Then this morning, Daniel let me sleep in until 8 and when I finally woke up, I found that he had made me coffee and there were blueberry muffins left over from breakfast, and he was planning a picnic/walk to a park with the dog and the kids and a few balls. So much fun! We played kick ball and ate grilled cheese sandwiches and enjoyed the breeze. It was lovely. When we got home the kids laid down for naps, all except Heather and we watched Ivanhoe and paused every so often to explain some of the history to her. We just finished up dinner and now we are playing a game before it is time to get ready for bed. It has been a great weekend. I adore my husband. Life is so much more enjoyable when he is home... As far as the allergic reaction, I don't know... today the majority of welts seem to be fading, still some on his legs and his back, but better than they were, but now his eyes and nose seem to be suffering the brunt of it. He is so swollen. We have NO idea what caused it. All I can guess is that maybe it was the marinade that I soaked the ribs in. It just seems so strange... Oh well, he is feeling well through it. He was playing so hard this morning that he ran full force into the corner of the hallway and gave himself a HUGE fat lip. Poor baby has had a rough weekend. Well, that has been our weekend.... I have loved it.... all (though I think I could have lived without the trip to the Urgent Care) I will chat with ya more later. I am going to go enjoy bingo with my family. OH.... an added bonus.... THE HOUSE IS STILL CLEAN!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it! |
May. 23, 2009
So Blessed!!!!!
|
So, I did get up and take the dog for a walk. I took her to swim team practice when I took the girls. And I did have Heather do her "journal entry". Though, not until the next morning. Then yesterday I had a terrible headache all day until about 6:30. My hunny came home from work and made breakfast for dinner. The kids loved it. I loved not having to do it. After dinner (and a few excedrin) I felt so much better and "started" the day. I CLEANED!!!!! Let me back up a little bit... On his way home from work, Daniel called me and asked if I thought it would be a good idea to invite some friends over for dinner some time this weekend. I mentioned that our house is in shambles, but that could be fun. We would just have our work cut out for us. Well, he decided to invite TWO families over. So.... tonight we will have 6 adults and 9 kids enjoying our 1700 sq ft home. (Clean or Dirty) So last night when I got my I started by carving the ribs up... We got a GREAT deal a few weeks back and froze them. I carved them all up and put them in a marinade and looked around to feel accomplished and realized what a MESS my kitchen was in. Not only was there all of the normal catch all stuff everywhere, but now my counter tops were also blood splattered! EEEWWW! What started out as cleaning up my mess, turned into a full on cleaning spree. All the clutter is gone, the cabinets are organized, the dishes are done, the stove is clean, all the appliances are wiped down, and I even dared to do something I have NEVER DONE BEFORE!!!!! I mopped the kitchen floor! Now don't get me wrong, I am sure that when I was a little girl I chased my mommy around the kitchen and tried to "help". And do not think that I have never cleaned my floors. I have 4 kids, a hubby and a dog, not to mention that I have never been a "neat freak", my floors not only get dirty but they also NEED to be clean. HOWEVER, I have NEVER, successfully mopped a floor... Until last night. I usually go around the floor on my hands and knees and clean, with a scrub brush and rag, one kitchen tile at a time until it is done. every time I have ever tried to use a mop before, it just spread the dirt around to make the floor evenly dirty instead of clean with a patch or 10 of gross spots. I didn't see the point in wasting my energy. I FINALLY bought a mop about a month ago because it was on sale at Smart and Final and got up enough umph to use it last night. (With help from the expectation of LOTS of friends coming over) Well, as someone who knows...... THE MOP IS MY FRIEND!!! I got so much done. And it didn't hurt my knees. Or my back, or my elbows... you get the point. Ok, Ok, so I cleaned..... I guess you get the point. Well, I finally went to bed at around 3am and slept! I had to finish filing away all the stinkin' paperwork that piles itself on the counter top first though. But anyway, This morning I got up and had coffee and continued where I left off, but with help. Apparently the condition of the kitchen and dinning room was enough to jump start the rest of the family in cleaning mode. The girls cleaned and organized their bedrooms, did the laundry, and finished up in the bathrooms. Daniel has been busy all morning. And the boys have either been trying to help or happily staying out of the way. THEN... Daniel got the wonderful idea to go for a walk to the park. He made sandwiches and we all walked to the park (about a mile) with the dog. It was so much fun! When we got home, the kids laid down for naps and we are finishing up on the house. YAY! What an awesome day! Ok, well, that is my update for now... I will join my hunny in the forever task of cleaning and decluttering and organizing. Until next time, Enjoy your day! |
May. 21, 2009
Going to START....
|
So, I get on here in the morning to drink a cup of coffee and "wake up". I read lots of different blogs and the day washes away. Every once in a while I get up and play with the kids or read a book or two, but this thing has been eating me alive for the past few days. URRG!!! I sit here reading about other people who are doing (or at least trying to do) what I, myself want to do. I have realized two things while being consumed by the internet: 1- I have more to talk about than I think I do... I could blog if I just set my mind to do so. (I usually do not think that I have anything to say) ..... and ...... 2- While I sit in front of this computer "learning" how to do the things I want to do or "getting inspiration", I am still just SITTING IN FRONT OF THE COMPUTER!!!! I may as be on the couch in front of the TV.... My life is passing me by. SO... I have decided that instead of spending hours on here after my kids have already gotten up, I am going to start DOING the things I am wanting to do. Like reading with my kids, cleaning my house, gardening, canning, playing with and training my dog, loving my husband, cooking dinner (and preparing for it too). You would think these are all common sense things, but somehow, they have gotten pushed to "a latter date" because I am to "busy" reading about how to do these things best. I will still get on the internet, but for only a set time, and I think it will need to be at the end of the day, or during nap time.... I will blog (or at least try to more often) and I will get my kids doing the same. I want to keep logs of what we have done and what God is doing in our lives, but I have been putting it off.... My oldest needs practice in her writing. What better way to practice than my "killing two birds with one stone"? I think today I will start with this blog and having the kids answer ONE question in a notebook.... Maybe... What would you like to learn about over the summer and why? For the younger ones I think I will write it out for them and help them write their name and date nicely. Then, I think we will take our dog for a walk..... That is it... for today! That is what we will do. Ask me tomorrow if we got it done. Please. I need the accountability. Well, until tomorrow... I hope! |
May. 12, 2009
Not sure I have told everyone....
|
So, now that it is almost upon us, it occurred to me that I may not have made any formal announcements.... My family is in a musical that is showing on Friday night. It is called Music Machine. It is all about the fruits of the spirit. You know, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Goodness, and Self Control. There are three main characters, (Nancy, Stevie, and Conductor) and a large supporting cast. Heather and Daniel are Nancy and Conductor, and the rest of us are among the supporting cast... There is only one showing of it, so if you are interested, Friday night in Visalia, 7:00pm at GCC (Off lovers lane) Anyway, I am so proud of my littl'ns. They are working so hard to get their lines and blocking. Heather has a ton of lines and Rebekah has a dance. Steven is the token little kid, so he has a few small parts, and Jeremiah is the little one that comes in on my hip... I am just a moma who drops her kids off and picks them up and makes the most of her time on stage.... :-) But anyhow, it should be a lot of fun, so you are all invited. |
May. 8, 2009
Just a lovely reminder...
|
"Oh, mothers of young children, I bow before you in reverence. Your work is most holy. You are fashioning the destinies of immortal souls. The powers folded up in the little ones that you hushed to sleep in your bosoms last night, are powers that shall exist forever. You are preparing them for their immortal destiny and influence. Be faithful. Take up your sacred burden reverently. Be sure that your heart is pure and that your life is sweet and clean." —J.R. Miller, The Family |
Apr. 22, 2009
Optometrist
|
So Monday was a really long day! All of my chillens had appointments with the optometrist. The boys had a 10:30 appointment and the girls had a 3:15 appointment. So we decided to stay in town and run errands... It was a REALLY long day! But I am excited to announce that my little girl will be getting a pair of glasses so she can SEE!!! Yay! Her birthday is on Saturday and we are crossing our fingers and hoping that she will have them in time for her birthday. But one way or another, she is excited! So I have some pictures to share... Steven was first and this sweet lady was SO surprised that he did not need the pictures card. He was reading the letters card. He did pretty good...  Then came Jeremiah, and he was not as coopertive as his big brother... but really cute just the same.  Then we went to Wal Mart and got water bottles to prepare for the heat and went to visit daddy at work (Steven stayed and helped for the rest of the day) and we got the car washed too.... Then was miss Heathers turn.... She is SO dissappointed that she will not be getting glasses...  And princess Rebekah was last.... the doctor had to work with her ALOT to get the prescription right.  And here was trying to decide on the right frames for her... these were not the ones we chose, I do not know why I didn't get a picture of the ones we decided on, but there will pictures before too long...  And when we FINALLY got home, Heather and I got to go to the first day of swim team....  and listening to the swim coach....  well, that is my update for this week.... I hope to talk to ya all soon.... |
Apr. 9, 2009
Just because it has been a while.....
|
Well, It seems (once again) that I have neglected my blog for some time now.... I usually have the time to catch up on reading blogs, OR on posting them... NEVER both. So today I shall post. Now that that is done, how are you all? It has been a while. We are doing well here. My best friend just moved away (from next door to 12 hours away) and that has been hard, but other than that life is good. We attended the licensing orientation through the county and are doing the paperwork for them. They do it a bit different than Koinonia did. We have ALL the paperwork that needs to be done and ALL the checklists now. (got them at orientation) and when we are ready to have them check us, we turn it all in together.... I think I like it this way better... I am in control of when I am done instead of waiting for someone else to give me more things to do. Homeshcooling is going well... I think.... At least for now we have kindof developed an approach of unschooling or something like it..... we do unit studies, and the kids love to do workbooks, and we talk ALOT... and read ALOT.... and they are learning ALOT, but we do not have any sort of schedule or agenda or structure. That "tactic" will no doubt change as the kids get bigger and need to know more, but it seems to be working for now. We are enjoying the outdoors alot more now that the weather has gotten nice. We even made a garden bed. teh dogs would tear it up if it were in the backyard, but we made a pretty one in the front. This way when we are not growing veggies, we can still plant pretty flowers and it will be nice... First, the kids lined up the bricks....   Then I got to put them where they belong and straight-ish  and snap your fingers and do a little dance and here is the end result  I have teh seeds started now and we will plant them soon I think. The cucumber and Zuccini are outgrowing the little starter pods... not sure how the onions and carrots are going to do... we shall see. This is our first attempt at a garden. It is all new to us. Well, that is it for now... oh, my hunny and I are going to the Steven Curtis Chapman and Michael W Smith concert tomorrow night.... I am really excited. It is our early anniversary celebration.... We have not been to a concert before. It sould be good..... I hope to hear from you soon. |
Mar. 5, 2009
a few habits to get into....
I copied this from a friends blog and thought I would share.... I need to get better with this.-ChristinaThe Daily 7 for a Highly Successful HouseholdFebruary 24, 2009 by Stephanie Ah, chores. They are such a necessary evil. As I mentioned in my Clean Less, Play More post: I don’t like to clean. Instead, I choose to do a tiny bit each day to ensure that I never waste a day cleaning house when I could be out conquering the world. Or answering email. Our family has a list of chores that we try our best to accomplish daily. Now that the kids are old enough to help, they do. When I am sick or am away from the house, the kids and Adam step up and help maintain order in the house. Sort of. We’re still real people, and we don’t live in a museum. I’m not going to lead you astray and say that I make sure the following tasks occur each and every day no matter what. I might burst into flames. and the smoke detector started beeping last week and I haven’t replaced the batteries yet… I came up with this Daily 7 after reading the Stephen Covey books. (I told you I liked to read personal development books!) I like how Covey breaks down complex tasks into 7 steps—not too many to get overwhelmed, but not too few that nothing gets accomplished. Number 1: Make Beds Right Away Number 2: Do One Complete Load of Laundry Number 3: Empty All Garbage Cans Number 4: Keep Your Kitchen Sink Empty Number 5: Clean Up After Yourself and Help Children Do the Same Number 6: Bathroom Wipe-Down Number 7: Before Bed 10-Minute Clean Up I have outlined all of these steps in the Totally Together Book in detail, but really they are quite self-explanatory. Make Beds Right AwayThe second you climb out of bed in the morning, make it. It’s such a wonderful feeling to have accomplished something at 6am. Teach your children to do the same—if beds are made daily, they don’t get destroyed as easily, and it really takes less than a minute to pull a sheet taught and straighten the comforter. If you haven’t already done so, streamline your bed linen to the bare essentials. There’s no need for 50 decorative pillows or an elaborate stuffed animal collection. Really. Do One Complete Load of LaundryA complete load means one that is washed, dried, folded, and put away. I’m not trying to be mean; I’m trying to be realistic. It is no fun to save all the laundry for one day a week and not be able to leave the house. Do a little each day, and you will no longer waste away a beautiful afternoon because you are stuck inside tackling a mountain of clothing. I hate ironing, but have found that if I iron clothes while slightly damp I save a ton of time. Empty All Garbage CansOn our honeymoon, Adam promised he would empty the garbage cans every single day without being asked. This hasn’t happened. It actually kind of pisses me off. Instead, the kids help with the wastebaskets in the bathrooms and their bedroom, and I take out the kitchen garbage every morning after emptying the dishwasher. If I fill it again during the day, I put it right in the middle of the kitchen with the recycleables and hope Adam trips over it. I’m kind of mean like that. Keep Your Kitchen Sink EmptyI don’t know what it is, but if you put something, anything, into the sink, other pieces of flatware are magically drawn to it and all of a sudden the sink is completely filled and rendered useless. Instead, take the time to put your dirty items into the dishwasher right away, or wash the item quickly by hand. It really doesn’t take that long. Just do it. Clean Up After Yourself and Help Children Do The SameMy friend Alison homeschools her nine children. I love Alison. I met her before having children of my own, and she is hands-down my mommy idol. She shared with me once that the secret to parenting is to remember that your goal is to raise capable adults. Chores are not only okay, they are necessary. Model good behavior for your children. Take the time to put your shoes all the way into the closet and hang up your coat. Once you are putting your own things away, your children will be more likely to follow suit. Bathroom Wipe-DownThis is my favorite. I keep a container of disinfectant wipes in the bathroom, and wipe down the toilet (inside and out) every day. If it’s been a particularly um, busy day—I will do it twice. This keeps me from never having to scrub out the toilet with one of those scrubber brush things that I find beyond disgusting. I also quickly wipe down the shower stall and bathroom floor. After showering, use an item from the dirty clothes pile to dry the shower walls and door. This will keep mold and soap scum from accruing. Now use your damp item to quickly mop up the bathroom floor. Dust and hair will disappear and will keep you from needing to mop. Before Bed 10-Minute Clean UpBefore retiring for the night, do a super quick once over the living spaces of your house. Recycle the magazine left on the coffee table, and stack leftover drinking glasses in the dishwasher. Put the couch cushions in order, and fold the blanket. You will wake up much happier each morning if you aren’t greeted to last night’s mess. |
Feb. 19, 2009
teaser...
|
Stolen from a friend's blog (see more here) KIDS "...could i be having more fun? seriously. i LOVE watching them. learn, play, fight, grow. i love how much they’re teaching me. about love. love - watching my honey with them… could i be more in love with him? love - learning what unconditional means. love - seeing how discipline and love go hand in hand. i love the questions they ask. i love watching them sleep. i love nursing my babies. i love being pregnant. i love knowing God is growing a baby in there. that He’s knitting the details where i can’t see. i love the surprise of their birth. i love their smell. i love even the big-kids-playing-outside-top-of-their-head smell. i love how they interact with each other. i love how they love playing with their daddy. i love how they look packed like sardines across the back of the corolla. i love pick-ups, and hands-in-the-air-please-hold-me-mama looks. i love when they learn that first joke. and they realize the world is funny and they can create some that. i love the pictures they make and asking, “tell me all about it” because i can’t tell anything about it. i love their eyes when you tell them you got ‘em a surprise. i love seeing who they are and waiting to see who God made them to be. i love when they hold my hand and the softness of that hold. i love when they say, “i wuv wu mama” i love that they are as excited as me to get another brother or sister. i love how they make up games like catch the bouncy ball with the upside down bucket. i love when they discovered crisco while i wasn’t looking. i love how they take care of each other and then beat each other to a pulp the next second. i love the fingerprints all over everything." |
Feb. 19, 2009
Update on Adoption status
|
So, I have not been writing much at all, let alone updating the status on the adoption process. Sorry about that. I wish that I could report that we are finished with the certification process and just waiting for kids. I WISH!! No, I am instead reporting that we are having to start the WHOLE process over again!!! Yeah, you heard me right. We received a letter from Koinonia on Saturday that basically conveyed that Koinonia is no longer interested in us as a foster or adoptive family. But no other explanation. So.... for the last few days I have been on the phone leaving countless messages with supervisors of social workers who will not tell me why we are being discontinued in this process after all this time. Apparently it is a common procedure for a company like Koinonia to make it policy that no matter of the rejection decision is to be divulged to ANYBODY! (Not very helpful) Let me tell you.... It has been a frustrated couple of days. But today I was able to speak with a man who, though he knows he is not permitted to tell me why we were rejected, he also understands the predicament that this decision places us in and he was so kind as to let me guess what the problem is, and tell me "No, that is not an issue" or "well, let me tell you what you would be able to read on our web site" and once, even so much as "ok, now we are on the fringe of what I am not permitted to speak about, so let's redirect this conversation". So.... as far as I can tell, the reason we are not able to adopt children through Koinonia is because we have four children already. It is Koinonia policy that a family not have more than 6 children TOTAL (including biological children) The strange thing about that is I remember reading that when we were first deciding whether to use Koinonia or another agency and asking a man (who I thought was) upper level management if this would be a problem. He said that it wouldn't because foster placement agencies are more interested in the best interest of the children (in this case siblings) than in an arbitrary number (a total of 6 kids) and bendable rule. (both of those words were HIS not MINE). Oh well, at least I know now what the problem was and that it is not something that will prevent us from adopting from another agency. I cannot tell you how irritating it is to be told "No" and not be told why. Anyhow.... The good news is that there are other agencies that do not have a problem with that, so we will just have to start over again. Not stop indefinitely. So... here we go again..... |
Feb. 19, 2009
A responce to a blog I read
|
I read this blog today and I just LOVED it! I thought I would link it and maybe bless someone else today too. Here was my reply to her: I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ohhh I am so glad to have read this post! We have had the SAME experience. Our oldest started school last year (07-08 School year) and we started her in Kindergarten. Within 3 days we had a parent/teacher/principal/academic advisory meeting. Our little girl was TOO bright! Now, all of the reasons we imagined needing to have a conference with all of the important people in her school, that was NOT on the list! They were recommending bumping her up into the 1st grade. So we did.... Only to find that we missed her TERRIBLY! she LOVED going to school, but it tore my heart out each day when we had to walk home without her. And EVERY day when she came home, she treated the rest of us like we were beneath her because she was the smart one who not only got to go to school, but also bumped to the next grade, AND still the top of her class.... It got to the point where we would pick her up from school and come home to take naps, she would wake up in time to do her homework, eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed.... I did not get to see her very much at all, and when I did, we were fighting about her bad attitude or the way that she treated her siblings or that even though everyone at school thought she was an angel, mommy and daddy still are in charge.... It was TERRIBLE! So, we did not put her back into school. We decided to homeschool. And I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I AM DOING!!!! I am building character. That is all I know for sure. I do not have a daily routine (I have 3 other smaller children), I do not have a set curriculum (though I really like five in a row) and I do NOT know were we are going next. BUT..... I DO know that we are doing what we are SUPPOSED to be doing! I have wondered (at least weekly if not daily) if she is learning as much as teh kids in the public school. If I am teaching her (and the other kids) what really matters in life. If I am preparing her to be an independent, functional adult. I do not know. BUT, I love my little ones, and there is not a person on this rock who could doubt it. Thank you for your story. It has benefited me greatly today. |
Feb. 17, 2009
I am a silly girl!!
|
I HAD FORGOTTEN TO PLUG THE SILLY THING IN!!!!!!!!!!!! That was frustrating... So it was not ready to eat for dinner and I whipped up some noodles with tomato/olive/garlic/mushroom (and anything else I could find in my house) sauce. it was pretty yummy, but now we have left over ham and didn't get the chance to eat it fresh.... urrg... If only I had payed attention... So the moral of this story....? Your appliances will not run all by themselves! You have to plug them in silly! |
Jan. 19, 2009
Birthday Party
Ok, So Friday night was Jeremiah's 2nd birthday party and it was kind of fun. I took pictures, so you can tell me what you think. This was the first cake... I was not sure of how many people would be coming so I made a few. This one was two layers and I was TRYING to write JD's name, but the frosting was NOT cooperating!Then there was this one  This is just one layer and I decided to have fun with it.... Then, I still had some batter left over and decided to make one just for Jer...  It is about two cupcakes worth of cake. So, are the pictures from the party...   Ohhh.... Cake it was uky..   Oh, a Fork Much Better!   Me Lovin' on my little man   I just have to say that this was SO cool. Jeremiah has a special lovey... It is his "bobby" He cannot say Lobster. But we have a pacifier tied to the antenna of a stuffed (plush) lobster. I have GOT to figure out how to photoshop a picture of Jeremiah into this lobsters face... It just HAS to be done! Thank you Julie for that!   Kids playin.... Blowing out the candle   He is blowing on it so it does not burn him... She is showing off   Steven loves Papa Joe Opening gifts   Saying thank you earlier in the day... He LOVES cars! Well, now you were at the party too... I hope you enjoyed it. |
Jan. 15, 2009
Party time part two
|
Ok, so as I was saying... Jeremiah is turning 2 and we are throwing him a party tomorrow night. Not the kind of party that I would be proud of claiming.... you know, the kind that has a bunch of guests, a cake, a pinata, some games, decorations, party bags... you know... a birthday party. No, this is not that kind of party. It was supposed to be that kind of party. You see, I figured out why my boys have yet to have that kind of a party. My girls have birthdays a month before each of the boys and THEY always have one of those kind of parties... Sooo, I figured I would switch things up this year. For Heathers birthday we did it small. We got ice cream and she got to go scrapbooking with mommy. (midnight is a big deal when you are turning 7) So I was prepared to do a big shindig for Jeremiah... I just didn't. Tomorrow we are going to pizza and just happened to invite a few friends in passing while we were at AWANA last night. I feel terrible. I didn't even throw him a FIRST birthday party. Now his second birthday is not a big deal either.... one of these days he will have a shindig... Maybe it will be when he will actually remember it. Until then, I will rely soley on my abilty to take pictures that make it look like there was a party and scrap book it with lots of embelishments...  Anyway, I hope you all enjoy your Friday night. We will be having Pizza and singing happy birthday. |
Jan. 15, 2009
Party Time
|
So my littlest boy turns 2 years old on Sunday. How did that happen so fast? To be continued..... Mu husband just ran me a bubble bath... I am going to go enjoy it.  |
Jan. 15, 2009
Contentment
|
So after a whole day of trying to set up a facebook account and track all the comments and friend requests... I am so greatful for myspace. I like that most people on facebook are current, but it is just so much easier to navigate myspace. Ahhh... I need to blog more often. I need to manage my time better. I need to enjoy my children more instead of mannage them. urrggg so much to learn. So little time. How does that all work out that way? Oh well. I hope you are having a wonderful day. |
Jan. 8, 2009
Adoption Status
|
So we finally had our first interview/homestudy with the adoption social worker on Monday. (the last one was with the foster care social worker) She was here for 3 hours. (I did not expect that) I was just really glad that it was nap time. She was asking REALLY personal questions. I cannot imagine having had to answer them in while children interrupted and eves dropped.... Anyway... She had two main concerns... One- the bathroom in the back bedroom (the one that is now our toy room) is too "sterrile" Which from her discription I can only assume means too white... (It was a rental before us so everything is white). We need to decorate. She mentioned the HG channel which I have never heard of so then she mentioned magazines... At what point does wanting to give children a loving and safe home become trendy?!!!??? I was irritated. Anyway, Two- there were two rooms that are really cluttered. They need to be kid ready. I told her that i could do that in a matter of days if someone would kindly tell me when it needs to be done. At this point we have been "preparing" for kids for MONTHS. and still no sign of when they are to arrive. So yes, the "spare" rooms are being used in the mean time. For instance one of them is called rhe junk room. It has things in it that either need to get taken up to the attic, or given away and I just havent found someone to take it.... So Christmas stuff, outgrown clothes and shoes, books that we don't need, things like that end up in there because it is a big empty room.... That will not cut it for licencing... And the other room is my bedroom where everything gets put... Clothes that need mending, all the stuff that needs to be labeled for JBF (the consignment sale that comes around twice a year) Wrapping paper..... on and on... Well, yes those rooms need to get cleaned... no big deal. I know that and am SLOWLY working on it. But in the mean time, I still live here. I have 4 kids who live here. There are other things that get done cause they are on the top of the agenda... Bathing, laundry, homeschooling, food, dishes, vacuumeing, so on and so forth... So I ask her if she can give me a honey do list so I can be working on it until the next time we meet so things can look better from her point of view. She says those rooms and the bathroom that I mentioned is really it, but I will look over the other list (that the first homestudy lady gave us) and try to update it for you. What has been done and what still need to get done. So yesterday I got an email from her that says that the first homestudy list looks good and she wouldnt change it. (though more than half of that stuff is done and it NEVER mentioned the bathroom) So I should pull it back out agian and work from it. THEN... I got a second email from her stating that she had spoken with her supervisor and the homestudy will be discontinued until we can make the house more sutible for adopting. I was SO irritated!!! when she was here things looked good to have kids soon. Now we are not even on their radar anymore.... I don't get it. Anyway, It sounds like I am a few boxes from the attic and a few coats of pait away from kids... But who knows what will change by the next time we meet with them... Sorry to vent, but I seem to get irritated when I talk on this subject. Go figure. I love ya all and hope to hear from you soon... Me |