and for no reason

Program Done!

2009-05-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

So I suck at updates, you knew that. However the last half of the program when pretty smoothly, my cravings got less and less, "hunger" on the weekends was better. I have lost lots of inches (will measure on Wed) my total weight loss was 32+ pounds. I am very happy and have plans to start another round after July 4th. Hoping to lose another 30 pounds in addition to starting an exercise program now. Someday I might even be willing to post before and after pictures, who knows?

Program update

2009-04-25T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well, today is day 25, my weightloss is still going well at 18.5# as of this am. I am for the most part not hungry although on the weekends I do want to eat. I hesitate to say I am hungry, I really just think it is related more to being at home, feeding kids and such. I am really excited to imagine what my w/l will be at the end. I have 25 days/18 injections left hoping to lose another 10-15#. I am already imagining what foods I want to eat when I am no longer on the program. I think an omlette is my first meal. I miss breads but not as much as I thought I would. I will be happy with more variety of good foods. I certainly do not want to gain any weight in between rounds.

11,12 & 13

2009-04-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

So my weight went down more over the past few days (yeah) I have now lost 11.8#. I had a slight increase today which could be a number of things, I worked almost a full day yesterday, have been having more detox symptoms. I don't really know why buy it is hard to see the scale go up. I am sure tomorrow it will go right back down. I have to remind myself that I have lost almost 12# in 14 days, that is pretty darn cool.

So anyone who knows me knows I have a not-so-secret boyfriend. His name is Dave and I get to see him on Saturday, Matt is taking me (weird huh?). If you have not for some reason heard about Dave then I encourage you to check out his website. We are not very far along in the plan but it is nice to feel hope about our future. One of the things I really like about him is his political outlook, he repeatedly says only you can change your future, the government is not going to make a difference. That helps me to not get discouraged by the news and to just keep doing what I can to make a difference in my life. Also check out townhallforhope.com, I think it will be great.

8, 9, & 10

2009-04-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Well, I had a small gain on day 8 of .1 but am pretty sure I traced it to the grissino bread stick I ate, it is allowed on the original diet but as is the case with most stuff in America they have added oil. So that left me with a .8 loss on day 9 and .3 on day 10. Basically 1 # over 3 days. I am sure I am missing something I just haven't figured out what it is yet. So yesterday I decided to go back to the very basics which paid off because I had 1.3# loss this morning. My total now is -9.3# in 11 days (although in the program you eat normally for the first 2 injection days).

Today is the Easter egg hunt at church, I am hoping that the weather cooperates and we are able to do this at the park. Trying to blackmail the kids into cleaning before we have to leave, not working all that great but they have made some progress. Suppose I better get to it also.

7 for 7

2009-04-07T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today was day seven and I have lost 7 pounds (that's a movie isn't it?). Now if you add up my weight loss to now you will notice it is more than 7. The first two days on the diet you are still eating to capacity and I had a 2+ gain on day two. That is normal. So for the sake of making things simple from now on all my totals will be from day one. I was not hungry at all yesterday which was really great. I felt a little hungry today after work, but was fine after dinner. I am so excited about this program and try not to fantasize too much about what my final weight might be (or cheesecake) I know it is possible to lose 30-35 pounds in one round. I also know I will be doing another round after this one, possibly 2 more, overall I hope to lose about 65#. Ultimately you can get back to your weight in high school, the least amount I can remember weighing was 128#, I can't even imagine that at this point but we will just take it one round at a time.

In other news....my computer died. Not sure what happened to it, I haven't had it that long but it was a hand me down from my mom. Matt thinks any computer I use eventually dies (not true), I am using his now (not to test that), there is no money in the budget for a new one. I would honestly rather have a camera.

Day 5 - Panic & Day 6

2009-04-06T06:15:00.001-07:00

So day 5 morning I woke up and got on the scale and it said Lo (awesome huh?) oh, it meant battery, I knew that. Anyway, my scale takes a little flat battery, the kind you don't have just laying around. I finally gave up and decided I wasn't going to get to weigh. After my shower my dsh (dear sweet husband in case you didn't know) found a heart rate monitor that had the right size battery and fixed my scale. So my weigh-in was after shower instead first thing in the am. and I was down 3.1#. I was excited but still nervous that it would go back up this morning, way up. Well, I did have a gain today of 0.1. Not too bad, knowing that scales aren't 100% accurate. I knew the 3# days wouldn't be forever. I wasn't as hungry as the day before, even made mashed potatoes for my family while dh grilled our steaks and asparagus. I did however have a little more of a headache, I had upped the detox drops in my water, that might have done it. I will ask at work today.

Confession: Usually any gain is explained by some form of cheating. I did have a bite of the kids orange slice when I was making theirs thinking I would just skip a bite of mine later to make up for it. I didn't. Not sure if that is the reason for my small gain (no loss) or not but I won't test that again. Another problem may have been getting butter on my hands during cooking, not much but getting oils of any kind on you is something that is warned about. I guess we shall see tomorrow. I must say it is sometimes hard to sleep, kind of like Christmas Eve, wanting to know what the scale will say in the morning.

I prefer blog posts with pictures so here is one. This was taken at a scrapbook weekend I went on with my (skinny) friend Christina. It wasn't quiet a year ago, I don't remember my weight when we were there, probably a few pounds less than I am now. Soon I will be less than in this photo, I will.

Day 4

2009-04-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Well, today has been about the same as yesterday as far a hunger goes. Once you have been on the HCG for 10 days (or less) everyone I have talked to says the hunger is gone. Several people have told me that they were never hungry (they always had gained the 5 + pounds during feasting). The only thing that makes today way easier is knowing that I was down 3.4# this morning. Overall I have lost 5# since starting HCG but only 1# from pre-feasting weight. If you aren't confused you aren't trying hard enough.
There are very specific restrictions on this program as far as products you can use (eyeliner, chapstick, mascara, all fine) and can't use (no lotions, makeup- unless it is mineral, or anti-persperant- deodorant is fine) but I haven't really had any problems. I would love a bubble bath (the bubbles provide cover you know) but will settle for just a hot bath tonight. I have manged to injure my knee during this and it is really bothering me today, but rest and a bath should help.
I know the weigh (fat) loss I had this morning was on the high side and I won't have many more days, if any, like that but tonight I am sure I will dream about it.

Firsts

2009-04-03T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today I got my first (real) paycheck in a long time. I have been working part-time at our church play group but my check barely covered my gas, as nice as it was to get one, it didn't really count. Anyway, back to my real one, it was so nice to see my name next to a nice dollar amount. I am enjoying my new job although I am behind on laundry, dishes, laundry, blog reading, laundry, quilting, laundry, crafting, oh did I mention laundry? Anyway, I suppose things will even out soon, I mean, I am not the first person to work and have kids.

Today was also my first day on my new program. It is actually the 3rd day but my first day to eat only 500 calories. Yes, that is right 500. Yes, that is right, I am crazy. However I have had several friends do this program and it works. I hope to keep you posted on how it is going but I have promised to post more before so don't hold your breath. (who is she talking to anyway? must be the lack of calories)

So, day 3 - I have been a little hungry today, I was afraid of this because I didn't put on at least 5 pounds in the 5-7 days prior to starting (I only made it 4). The hunger isn't unbearable and I have definately been hungrier on other "diets". This actually isn't a diet but a way to reset your hypothalomus using HCG injections (more on that later). It is based on Dr. Simeons book Pounds and Inches. Most people average about a pound a day in fat loss. I am lucky since I am working at the clinic that offers this program and I have lots of support however, I don't work again until Monday so these few days may be a little harder. Overall I think I have done pretty well, it isn't too long until bed time and I still have an orange to eat. I will try and explain more about the program over the next 46 days (it is 49 days total). Don't want to bore you too much right now. I did take before photos and will post them, in 46 days with my after photos, don't want to bore you or gross you out. So, I will try and post daily, or close to it about my weight loss and something about how the day went.

And just for fun, in case you are the ONLY person left (it has almost 18 million hits as of right now) that didn't see this video on youtube, it is worth checking out.

Where I am these days

2009-01-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, I haven't been here, I am absolutely hooked on this blog, not only do I want to live on the ranch, (preferably in the remodeled guest house) but I am determined to win one of her fabulous giveaways (entries usually top over 8,000). Check it out if you have a week with nothing to do.

Feeding the Family

2009-01-14T09:20:00.001-08:00

I never got around to posting photos from our garden last year. I wish I had taken one at the end of it's life, truly it had a life of it's own. We had the usual tomatoes, squash and peppers (the grasshoppers ate all of our pepper plants). Logan sprouted some beans from the pantry and we planted them too. He loved working in the garden with his dad ( I know I have pics somewhere...) I am excited to have an even bigger garden this year. All the kids like to help out, the evenings are so nice and cool in CO, makes for a great family time.

Yesterday we picked up our year (?) supply of beef. I am not much on red meat mostly because I was an animal science major in college and visited a few meat packing plants. We tend to only use buffalo because it is what I can get that is hormone and antibiotic free. Anyway, this beef was grass fed close to home, raised with out hormones or antibiotics, and came to us without the outrageous grocery store mark up. We will be having steak tonight, I hope it is good. Fortunately we still have some fish in the freezer from dh's trip to AK last summer, to balance it all out. I love the idea of eating more locally (not counting the fish). I doubt our family could ever accomplish what this family did but I will do my best.

Busy Weekend

2009-01-11T19:53:00.000-08:00

Friday was such a fun day. The Varsity basketball teams at our daughters school got to play their game at the Pepsi Center in Denver. That was great in itself but the fact that they won made it all the better. After their games we went out to dinner at Old Chicago, my first time there, not the greatest place to go on a diet but the food was wonderful. Then we went back to the Pepsi Center to watch the Nuggets vs. Pistons. It was a very interesting experience. The last 20 seconds of the game were intense and, after being ahead for the entire game the Nuggets lost.

It was a late night for us (we got home after 1 am) but it was nice to spend the day with just Miranda. I also went to her game on Saturday, their team won by 1 point. I have got to find a way to watch the games without stressing out so much. I love watching her play but it makes me crazy when the scores are so close and the refs keep making awful calls. We have about 2 games a week between now and Feb 20th, hopefully I don't have a stroke.

Tonight Julia came down the basement stairs (there are 17 of them with concrete at the bottom) carrying her 4 babies, each one in a bag, (yes they are my grocery bags). How she managed not to fall is beyond me. She is such a little mommy, she has found the bags much easier to handle than the sling.

I have many projects I hope to complete this year. My main ones are to make a quilt for the three youngest kids. I have finally found fabric for the two girls. This is Naomi's. She really wanted something with horses but their room is yellow and tangerine, horses just don't come in those colors. I think I will look for some sheets, she can have whatever under the quilt. She does like the fairies, really, what's not to love about them?

These prints are for Julia's quilt. I am not sure what pattern I am using on either quilt yet, I imagine it will be some random, wonky kind of quilt. I search all over the internet yesterday and then ended up dreaming about quilts all night. If you have any suggestions please let me know. I am thinking about something like this one.

Any of my long time readers (ha ha) might remember my first quilt, I promised to post it as soon as it is done. It still isn't done. I really don't like it at all. I will finish it and I will post a picture, I haven't forgotten. The main reason I don't like it is because I made it with clearance fabric. I will never make another quilt out of cheap fabric (you get what you pay for).

I am still looking for fabric for Logan's quilt. He said he likes this one and I do too, I am just worried that it will only be used for a year or so. He will be 8 this year, will he out grow it soon? I am thinking I could make a reversible one where the back side of the turtle fabric is just different prints. I feel bad for him, I get so excited when fabric comes in the mail and he keeps asking when his is coming. Again, suggestions are needed here.

I will have to post about my other major project soon, I need some pictures first.

New year new body

2009-01-07T20:32:00.000-08:00

I am not one to make a resolution for losing weight, I have tried that and it didn't work. But I am making a commitment to get healthier, if I lose weight in the process (duh) then that is great! My goals are to be able to snowshoe this winter, hike this summer and fit into all those clothes I have stored in the basement (and the ones that I have loaned out ;) gonna need those back friends, later). Anyway, there it is in print, I am going to get fit. I have found a few sites for inspiration, when I join one I will post here.

Back in the swing of things

2009-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

Lately all of my post seem to start out with how sorry I am that I haven't blogged, how busy I am, blah blah blah. Well, never mind all that, here I am. Hummm what have we been up to? I will start with the most recent. Oldest dd got married. Yep that is right, I am now a MIL (no she isn't pregnant so I am not going to be a grandma, yet). I am very happy for them and only still a little mad that they eloped.

We spent a week in OK for Christmas. It was so good to see everyone again. My Grandma is still having a rough time, she had multiple back surgeries since July, and is having another soon. I can't imagine not having her in my life. I know we don't live forever but I am still hopeful that she will recover and eventually walk again. At the very least I pray that her back pain goes away.

Matt's brother also came up from Houston. My in laws house was quite over flowing, we had 4 kids and one dog with us, and bil brought his two little dogs, I am sure it is quiet there now. This is the first year we haven't been home for Christmas in a long time, although the kids thought it was great to open presents 5 times I hope to never do it again. I had to arrange to have someone play Santa (ok, that was the best part of all) Santa aka Christina, my very dear friend, not only watched one of the dogs, filled stockings, wrapped presents and set up the doll house she also CLEANED my house for me, I was very sick the day we left and basically threw a few clothes in a bag and left the house looking like a tornado hit it. I hope everyone has a friend like her in their life. Thanks Christina!!

I did get the dolls made for the girls (finished shortly before 2 am on Christmas morning). Julia has kind of taken over both dolls, but at least they are loved.

I really didn't get as many homemade presents finished that I wanted to, a few went to a special friend, she blogged about them here (good thing since I didn't take any pictures), and you can also see the fingerless gloves she made me if you just can't wait until I get a pictures posted, I love them and they are the most beautiful color. Some presents are being carried over to Mothers day (in that respect I am way ahead now) and some will just have to be moved to next year. I know I won't quite get it right but on Sunday our Pastor said something to the effect that the past is the past and the only way to make it better is to do your best today so tomorrow 's past will be what you want it to be. (sorry for the butch job on a great sermon but hopefully you get the point).

One of the blogs I read talked about having a word of the year. I have decided on patience. I need more in all areas of my life. I think a lot of times I don't finish a project, diet, organizing, etc.. because I run out of patience. We have such an instant now, microwave mentality that we don't have time for things that take time. I didn't really make any resolutions but my word represents what I hope for 2009. To take the time for all the little things, and have the patience to appreciate the beauty around me everyday. My dh always says it is the journey not the destination, so true. Here's to many wonderful jouneys in 2009.

Happy Anniversary

2008-11-09T09:13:00.000-08:00

Seventeen years ago I was 19 and getting ready for my wedding. I only have spotty memories, supported by photos (pre-digital, sorry, will try to scan but I wouldn't hold your breath). I do remember the night before my wedding one of my rings from a previous boyfriend lost the diamond, probably a sign I should stop wearing it (I did). I know my mom was working on my wedding dress and Kristen's flower girl dress until the last minute, but they were beautiful. Our wedding was small probably less than 50 people, but they were all we needed, our parents, my sister, his brother, grandparents from both sides, neighbors and friends. We had a small reception afterwards with cake and we opened our presents. We knew that Matt's parents were sending us to Hawaii for our honeymoon but getting the tickets and some cash for the trip was definately exciting. After we changed clothes we drove off in our freshly decorated car and went for a bite to eat ( I think I was too nervous to eat before but was starving by then). We didn't leave until the next morning, it was a wonderful trip. Kristen stayed with the grandmas, maybe if she would have gone with us she wouldn't have felt the desire to go so soon after she turned 18? Oh well, here's hoping for another 17 great years.

Relax

2008-08-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

The past week has been quite a challenge as far as our son goes. He has been really "off". I am not sure what the problem is but we are going to go camping for a few days and I hope it will help. Maybe some fresh air, and family time will do us all some good. Technically dh will be working (along with whoever he can get to go with him) but at least we will be in the mountains and the temperature won't be as bad as here (we have been in the 100's yuck).

I finally finished the small girls outfits (the button holes were giving me problems, they were my first) I will post pics when we get back. Better get the car loaded!

My Grandma

2008-07-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Today Grandma had yet another back surgery. She didn't tell me about it (probably wouldn't really want me to share it on the internet but she doesn't have a computer...) she has always been kind of private about stuff like that, more just so people don't worry. Well, got a call from dad and she did fine. Hopefully she will have a speedy recovery. I was terribly worried, I hate not being closer to my family sometimes, I feel like I am missing out on so much. I still have lots of family there and know that someday they will be gone, will I regret living so far away? Probably.
She doesn't like to have her picture taken, that is why she looks so happy. This was 2 years ago at her 70th birthday party, Julia (4 weeks old) and I flew out to surprise her.

5 years

2008-07-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

This morning I stumbled across a blog of a lady who had a stillborn baby at 37 weeks. Of course as a mom I was moved and saddened by this. Then my husband said today is Dad's birthday. Then my memory hit me hard, it was also Luke's due date. He would have been 5. I often think how different our lives would have been if I hadn't miscarried at 15 weeks, if he had made it to full term, if Logan had a brother, so close to his age to play with, if we were celebrating his birthday today. Of course I realize that we wouldn't have our two beautiful daughters and am grateful for the life we have but sometimes you just wonder.
The strange thing about having a miscarriage (or two) is that you discover it is really a common thing. Most of my friends have had at least one, many have had multiple. My most vivid memories of finding out that I was miscarrying was at that ultrasound when the Dr said there was no heartbeat, then he assured me it was ok to cry, I was trying to hold it in, worried about others comfort. Knowing my daughter and son were out in the hall, worried about telling them, worried about telling my sister who was also pregnant, worried about being able to move on. We didn't plan on having Luke, as a matter a fact it was kind of hard to deal with at first, but as time went on we were getting excited. The age difference between Logan and his sisters was 8 & 12 years, so it would be great for him to have a sibling closer in age, and how crazy to have 4 kids?

After I delivered him, in our bedroom, I remember looking at how perfect he was, 10 fingers, 10 toes, everything so unbelievable tiny. The next day I was taking a shower and I remember leaning against the wall crying so hard I couldn't catch my breath wondering if I was to get pregnant again right away would all this pain go away? Then, what if it happened again? (It did) How would I survive? (I have)

It has been over 5 years now, and although I have had two healthy daughters since then I still think of our little boy that didn't make it and wonder what he would be like today. I miss you sweet one.

Dishes...

2008-07-25T08:04:00.000-07:00

So, I know I am not the only person in this world without a dishwasher, it isn't even the first time in my life that we have lived without one. The house we rented before we built this one didn't have one and we didn't even notice until we were moving in, the house before that had two. Anyway, our dishwasher broke last March while we were out of town (the 5 kids were here dirtying dishes up). For a while I didn't mind doing dishes by hand, as long as I kept up with them it wasn't too bad. The last three days I have done all the dishes except the pans so everyday I think I will do ALL of them today, then I don't. I have looked around at what I want to replace it with and they are just not in the budget right now ( I have been told I have champagne tastes blah blah blah). I considered buying a used one just for now but dh said why bother (he isn't doing as many dishes as I am apparently). So, there is a sink full of dishes and that is probably where I will be while the kids are at a sleepover, what a waste. Really need a maid. Wanna live here.
At least I have my cute apron to wear. My first "real" sewing project as modeled by my daughter. I was happy with the results.

Still around

2008-07-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

I notice on a lot of the blogs I read when there has been a absence or sporadic postings it is usually due to a move or a pregnancy. We have had neither (Thank God!). We are however in the middle of summer, meaning all the kids are home (making messes), and it is near 100 degrees most days. Fortunately every evening it cools off enough before bed to be outside, in the garden, riding bikes etc. I love Colorado nights, always cool enough to open the windows.

I have been working on my sewing lately, made a crayon holder, and smock for a friends birthday, I like the way they turned out, will have to make one for my kids.
Sorry for the crappy photos, still haven't got my dream camera. Speaking of dreams they released the info on (one of) my dream cars.I realize that a 4 seater car isn't very practical, but surely the trunk is big enough right? For the groceries of course. This is the only color that works for me, gotta love the orange and black.

Don't want to over do it on my 1st time back (and there are some things that need to be done around here).

No apologies..

2008-06-04T15:14:00.000-07:00

Every time I fail to blog for a while I start off with saying how sorry I am that I have been gone, not this time. I blog constantly, in my head, while doing dishes, I just never make it to my computer. Lots has happened since Feb, we have had 5 birthdays, 3 trips, countless play dates, I will try and catch up soon but for now, my first Flickr meme. My friend decided we needed to work on this today (because between us we had nothing better to do).

The Questions:

1. What is your first name? Michelle
2. What is your favorite food? We are finally getting a Chipotle here, I am so excited.
3. What high school did you go to? I went to Margaret Hudson, it was a "special" school for pregnant teens :)
4. What is your favorite color? Cornflower Blue, isn't it pretty?
5. Who is your celebrity crush? I have a thing for Matthews apparently
6. Favorite drink? I know everyone thought it was Diet Coke but I am trying to quit again.
7. Dream vacation? Absolutely Lord Howe Island, I am hoping we can go for our 20th anniversary, or at least by our 50th.
8. Favorite dessert? I love cake.
9. What you want to be when you grow up? I don't really want to be Martha Stewart but I would love to have house as clean as hers and as nicely decorated.
10. What do you love most in life? Family of course.
11. One Word to describe you. Adaptable is what we came up with and since I love zebras I had to choose this image.
12. Your flickr name. Andfornoreason.

We have the Pox

2008-02-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

Well, sometimes friends bring you fun stuff. We weren't sure we were ready for this adventure but it was decided for us and we have Chicken pox. Now, I am glad we have it, so far not too bad. Only Logan and Julia have spots right now, Naomi missed this time. Logan was crabby, tired and feverish the first day but Julia hasn't really been too bad. I think they have a pretty mild case.

Yesterday Julia discovered a mid evil form of bondage (aka the bra) . She was quiet sure she was doing it right. I never thought I would post a picture of my bra on my blog but she is so cute in it so here ya go.Sleep has been kind of rare around here, and not because of the pox. A few weeks ago we lost our little Rosie to a coyote. I will spare the details but it has been kind of traumatic. I just wanted to say that although I complained (daily) about her I miss her like crazy.

Bye sweet girl, we loved you!

Some catching up...

2008-02-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

I finally brought my camera in out of the cold (I have been lusting after a new one and really neglected my photography, a new one will not happen for a long time so I must appreciate the one I have). There are a few pictures on it I wanted to share. The first is one of our new stocking hanger, since we have no fireplace and the one like this at Pottery Barn was out of my budget my dh made one. I really liked the way it turned out. We have a matching one if anyone is interested. All of the stockings, except the plain red one, were made over the years by my mom. We do only have 5 kids, but this year since dd is technically engaged, we added one for her boyfriend. We also went to Chuck E Cheese last month for a friend's birthday, the kids had a great time. The weather was really snowy so it was a great way for the kids to burn some energy.

Ashy the beautiful birthday girl.

Julia really enjoyed all the rides. Between us we had 8 little ones (under age 7) and manged to not lose any of them, a pretty good day.

We are in the middle of basketball season, actually there are only 3 games left, here is an image of the 3 little ones watching intently. I think that was the only second they were all watching. As a general rule I don't really like taking them because I don't get to watch any of the game but I like them to see their sister play so we compromise and take them to some of the games. Miranda decided that she prefered to play on JV so she talked to the coach and gave up Varsity. At her game on Wed she scored 1/2 the points for the team! (granted there were only 8 points total...) They did lose but she had a good time and that is what is important.

Today I brought out some new socks (highlight of the day I might add and on a great sale from Old Navy). They are quite cute, you probably can't tell but they are so very soft. The girls really liked them. We also went back to cloth diapers, I am making every effort in 2008 to be more frugal, and create less waste.
I love when the girls wear dresses but my second favorite is when they both wear overalls. I just like the simplicity of them.

Logan learned to tie his shoes recently. Naomi decided she too should know how. Never mind that she is 3 years younger. So determined that she has just about mastered it. She needs a tiny bit of guidance with the last step. I was thinking the other day that Julia is the age Naomi was when she was born, still a baby. She has grown up a little faster than I would have liked but is a good big sister.

I think if I ever find these shoes in my size I will have to buy them (the socks too).

Last Saturday, Julia had a run in with the kitchen table. I think it is healing nicely, you get one guess what she was doing that got her to hold still enough for this photo. Have a great weekend!

2008-01-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

I don't know where time goes! If I miss one day on the blog then it turns into 2, then a whole week has gone by. Well, I will just jump back in.
1. I am grateful that dd and her boyfriend made it down for the night on Friday ( the normal <2 hour trip took 5 + due to weather and traffic)
2. I am grateful that my back is feeling better and I have a Chiro appointment today.
3. I am grateful that my dd first basketball game went well even thought they lost.
4. I am grateful that my fil called and told dh that he is taking him and his brother on a fishing trip this summer in AK. ( I love halibut and it is wonderful when it is fresh)
5. I am grateful that I get to go scrapbooking this weekend. (ds is not allowed in the hammock so I WILL get to go)

grateful day : : 8

2008-01-17T16:52:00.000-08:00

I know I was going to try not to repeat myself but truly I could type one thing 5 times and be no less grateful than the first time I wrote it. DD slept from 8pm to 5 am last night!!!!!! That is it, I am 5 times grateful for the first nights sleep I have had in about 6 years. Now, she did wake up and cry out a couple of times but never more than a few little cries then went back to sleep, didn't even wake her sister right next to her. I don't even dream that it will happen again tonight, I have thought maybe it was the blueberries she ate as a bed time snack? We will try that again although I am sure they had nothing to do with it. I could easily become superstitious and try to replicate all that is done on a night that she sleeps peacefully.

grateful day : : 7

2008-01-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

I was thinking last night as I was putting the kids to bed (I do my best thinking then, not in the shower like most people since the kids are usually staring at me through the glass) anyway, my thought was that I am grateful that the only lasting effects of ds little accident seems to be that he will come up and hug me for no reason, then run off just as quick. I love it! Well, that was one, here's the rest.
2. I am grateful that I don't have to work outside in this wind!
3. I am grateful that my sister got a new job after being laid off, one even better than before! (good luck on your first day Beck)
4. I am grateful that my feet are warm.
5. I am grateful that I am reasonably caught up on laundry **as long as there isn't more than 3-4 loads to be done at any given time I consider that caught up ;)**

Have a great Hump Day!

grateful day : : 6

2008-01-15T16:55:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know there was no grateful day 5, believe me it was better not to post yesterday, it would have been the opposite of grateful and since it is all about being positive, I just skipped it.
Anyway, there is lots going on most of which I will not post on the internet, and last night in the middle of the night (thanks to youngest dd I was up to ponder) I came to the conclusion that I really just needed to give it over to God and not worry so much. So todays list ...
1. I am grateful that we have a full pantry and fridge to eat out of for the next week.
2. I am grateful that my dd made the basketball team, Varsity no less.
3. I am grateful that I didn't get too cranky with the kids even though I was very tired today.
4. I am grateful that my dh heard my needs last night and took over the littlest dd around 3 am so I got to sleep for a while.
5. I am grateful that I took the time to enjoy the amazing Colorado sky on a moonless night.
6. I am grateful that we got propane delivered so I can take a nice hot bath without worrying that I might be using up the last of the gas.

That last one was a bonus!

grateful day : : 4

2008-01-13T06:32:00.000-08:00

So yesterday my pictures were not delivered and I did not get to go crop (2/5 of my gratefuls for yesterday). I was planning on going anyway, I really am so far behind that I have plenty to do but was very disappointed since I envisioned finishing last years album. Before I left our ds was playing in the hammock in the basement and the rope broke, he hit his head on the concrete floor. He got a hug and didn't want me to check his head, seemed ok. I left a little bit latter. While I was in the check out at the store dh called and said ds couldn't see . I raced back and met them on the road and we went to the er. On the way I sat in the back with ds, he kept asking "when will I see again?" and he would stare right at me and ask where I was. He started having speech problems on the way too. He kept saying he wished this was a dreak (I am sure he was trying to say dream and couldn't make the word) And then he asked me when he was going to die. That was enough to throw me over the edge.
We got to the hospital and they got him back for a ct right away which showed nothing out of the ordinary. The hooked him up to a monitor and let him sleep for a few minutes then asked him about our dogs, he said we didn't have any (we have always had at least 2 dogs). I asked him his sisters names and he couldn't tell me. He slept a little more and when he woke up his vision returned and he could name his sisters and dogs. The original dr wanted him to stay overnight, the on call dr for our dr didn't see any reason to expose him to all the sickness in the peds ward and figured if anything went wrong we could have him back with in 30 minutes, we agreed. So we took him home. He slept for a while and then we all watched Superman. He slept with us last night, I checked his breathing every few minutes. It is hard to believe but I think he is just fine.
So what am I grateful for on the beautiful Sunday?
1. That my handsome son can see.
2. That he remembers his family.
3. That he is excited about his friends birthday party (it is next door so I THINK I can let him go).
4. That this has made me more aware of the delicate balance in life.
5. I am even grateful that he was being a pain in the butt already this morning.

grateful day : : 3

2008-01-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

1. I am grateful that I get to go scrapbook with my friends for 7 hours. ( WOO HOO!)
2. I am grateful that I can look out the window and see the beautiful mountains.
3. I am grateful that our youngest dd slept better last night (by better of course I mean she only woke up a few times instead of 10)
4. I am grateful that the post office WILL deliver my pictures today so I can finish last years album (that is the true power of positive thinking, if they don't come I might have a few neg things to say)
5. I am grateful that breakfast is ready (seems like I always include a food one huh? dh made spinach, mushroom and pepperjack cheese omelets, yummy!)

grateful day : : 2

2008-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

1. That my oldest dd now lives only 2 hours.
2. That is was sunny today.
3. That my dh made chili for dinner (warm bowl on a cold day what could be better?).
4. That there are so many good books to read.
5. Now for a totally honest one....I am grateful that bedtime is not far away ;)

Power of Positive Thinking

2008-01-10T15:34:00.001-08:00

This morning on the Today show there was someone (Dr or such I would imagine) who wrote a book called Happy for no Reason. One of the things she suggested is to keep a journal and write 5 things you are grateful for everyday. I am going to try this for the next month. Here goes...
1. A warm house to live in.
2. Healthy kids (that could count as all 5 right there)
3. A wonderful husband.
4. Food to eat.
5. The hat my secret sister knitted me (I love it!)

Okay, I will try not to repeat anything over the next month also. Here's to only happy thoughts!

Not quite 3 months...

2008-01-01T07:08:00.001-08:00

So apparently I suck at this blogging thing. I would love to say my New Years Resolution is to post everyday and update everyone on the lives of my children and the progress in the basement etc... However I didn't even make a list of resolutions. I think I just, in general, want to try and be more like the person I want to be. A more attentive mother, a better house keeper (yikes!), better with the budget, ummm, create a budget. Just the basics. I am not even going to mention losing weight because frankly that is a given. So, what have we been up to since October, not much. Older dd did go back to her old school and her grades are wonderful. She has also had 2 promotions at CAP since then. Her squadron participated in the Wreaths Across America in December and even made it into the local paper.
Of course it was cold and windy during the ceremony but it was still beautiful. It is amazing to see all of the men and women who have protected our freedom but have lost their lives. It would be great if next year they were able to get more than just 7 wreaths, I would love to see the whole cemetery covered in green.

Well, our oldest dd has moved back from Hawaii, YEAH! So her and her boyfriend were here for Christmas. It was really nice to have all the kids home for Christmas morning. From here on every year that it happens I realize it could be the last. I am sure that someday they will have their own families and not be here to wake us up early to open their presents. And we might get to sleep in...wait, that wasn't where I was going with that was it? I can not remember the last time my sister and I were both with our mom for Christmas.

We also have put our ds in Kindergarten. He seems to be enjoying it. It is quiet around here in the mornings while he is gone but the kids sure make up for it in the afternoon. We will just have to take it one year at a time. I am not going to go back and read all my posts with homeschooling affirmations in them as I will then just feel bad, I think that for now this is the right decision.

The two littlest girls just enjoy playing with their babies. I love to hear them play, the youngest calls her older sister "Maymi", it is the sweetest thing to hear. Not sure her sister agrees. When it is just the two of them they play really well but as soon as brother comes home she ditches the "baby" to play with the big boys.

Okay, a little basement progress note: not much going on. The electrical is almost complete. We ran into some snags on plumbing and dh has had to remove some concrete from the basement (the dust is horrible). It would seem that before there was any framing two of the pipes were broke off (ds ran into one with his bike, not sure about the other one) And since we decided to put the other washer and dryer down there we needed to make some adjustments to the mudroom. So it was all framed and now it is not, had to remove some to get to the concrete. Dh informed me yesterday that he is going to have to cut even more concrete.... one step forward two steps back, will it ever be done?

Usually I am a big fan of winter, however this year I am already over it and we have barely gotten started. I have just been so cold. I was at Hobby Lobby the other day and they have so much garden stuff out already, little fairies and stone statues. I am excited about having a garden this year (I am always excited but it never seems to get done). We got our Burpee catalog too, so we have been creating our wish list. We will just have to see if 2008 is the year it gets done.

Last, here are a few pictures from the last couple of months. Hope everyone has a great start to their new year!

School, a decision to be made

2007-10-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

This morning I found my dd in tears as she stared at her uniform for her new school. It broke my heart, her dad and I want her to make a good decision about where to go to school and I know it may seem like one day isn't long enough to make an informed choice but frankly the things she told me about her new school makes me a little relieved that she doesn't want to go back. Now the curve ball, she didn't just say she doesn't want to go back she said she would rather be home schooled than to go back there. (I am not really sure if that is a complement on our previous home schooling experience or not) Anyway, I decided that for today at least, she will stay home and work on a report of sorts weighing the pros and cons and coming up with a plan if we decided to home school vs. returning to her previous school.
Speaking of schooling, ds is going to work with his dad for the second day in a row. I know he learns tons (probably more than at home) when he is with him. Yesterday they were looking at the map, and ds got orientated right away and pointed in the right direction and said there should be an airport over there and there was. (I must say I am glad he got his dad's sense of direction, and am quite glad that gps has been invented for him mom.)Haven't mentioned him before, but it has been two months since we lost our sweet Rex. Rex was Miranda's dog, they did lots together. For a long time they slept together, I had to put a stop to it because, well, he was quite slimy. But for all the hair he shed and slime the shook, we miss him terribly. As I am cleaning I will usually find a reminder of him, slobber 8 feet up the wall from a head shake (think Turner and Hooch), or a sock from the depths of dd's room that is still hanging on to some of his hair. We found out in May, right before a camping trip with some friends, that he had bone cancer. We made a few adjustments to our schedule and took him with us on our trip instead of the to younger ones. I think that was a very healing trip. We all took turns babysitting him while others went on hikes or to the beach (no dogs allowed) and once again he was sleeping with his master. He turned around for a while, quit limping and even jumped around with his other canine buddies, but then his pain got worse and meds got stronger but didn't provide the relief he needed. When we moved here in 1999 we brought 4 dogs with us, Rex was the last of these. First we lost Cass, she too was a mastiff, Rex's girlfriend, then our Golden, Princess (didn't name her, she came that way) and then Zach, our Great Pyr. For the first time in 15 years we don't have a Neapolitan Mastiff among us.

Weekend musings

2007-10-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

There are many things I admire about my oldest daughter (the oldest who still lives at home, the oldest oldest is in Hawaii) one of them is her readiness to try new things. I don't think I was that brave when I was her age. Last year she started going to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and went all on her own, I always wanted a friend with me, still do. She has done wonderful and will have another promotion on Thursday. Anyway, she also started a new school today. We got a call last Wednesday that there was an opening at a local school and wondered if we wanted it, I hadn't even told Miranda that I put her on the wait list because I figured it was more for next year. We left the final decision up to her and although I wasn't sure she was going to go through with it on Friday, she did and is there now. When kids are little and you take them to a new school, you walk them to class, meet the teacher etc... this morning they whisked her off and I barely got to say I'll pick you up later. I was kind of "lost" after dropping her off, didn't really know what to do. Of course the two little ones started in that they were hungry and snapped me out of my fog, life moves fast huh?
My visit with my old friend on Wednesday was good. (by old, I mean the friendship is old not the friend, just in case you are reading this Bev) The kids picked right up as if they hadn't had a 2 year break. It was so neat to see how much they have grown and changed over the years. All 3 of her boys are great. The last time I had see the youngest he was almost 2 and now he just celebrated turning 4, he has changed the most, he is about the cutest little guy I have ever seen.
Just to continue with catching up we also went to a scrapbooking crop this weekend, there were 3 of us, we left my house about 6:30 am and traveled 2+ hours away, cropped, ate, conversed for 12 hours and headed home around 9 pm. This is the longest I have been away from all of my kids in many years. I won't lie, I had a wonderful time being "off duty" for the day. I was however glad to see my youngest still up when I returned home at 11:30 pm (man that is late for her), we settled in for a night time nursing and then she was content to play for a while so I could check my email (I had also been away from my computer!). We eventually went to bed around 12:30 am. As I was fixing my hair that morning I remember thinking there is no way this is really going to happen (I am usually a positive thinker but this was too good to be true so I had my doubts) When 6:30 came around and my friend wasn't here yet I was nervous so I called her, she was on her way! (no sure why I was worried when she wasn't her on time, neither one of us has been on time in years, and it was only a few minutes) I don't think it was until I sat down in my chair and started pulling out all my supplies that I realized I was actually going to have the opportunity to scrap book for 12 hours without kids interrupting, I believe at this point I was "giddy". We did leave and go have lunch (once again a treat to go have lunch with girlfriends, if all our kids had been they would have totaled 12) but worked through dinner (ordered pizza with some others). I finished journaling an album, got dh's album from his summer backpacking trip done (he will have to journal that one) and got a ton of organizing done. This crop was mostly consultants for Creative Memories (THE best scrap booking supplies available) so I picked up some good tips.
My wonderful Brother and Sister in law made a big donation to my Breast Cancer 3 day walk, I am getting closer! I am a little concerned that I have 25 days left and over 1200 left to raise but we have a big dinner planned for this weekend and hopefully that will help. Need to get my ebay aution up and going in the next few days. I will have 2 purposes for that, anything with pink in it will go for the 3 day walk any thing else will go for my Hawaii fund. Will post when it is up.
I have been fighting a cold for a while, fortunately felt pretty good on Saturday, but Sunday I was feeling kind of run down. The kids were playing good and I was able to rest a lot. I would still like to just lay around sipping tea today but at least I feel better. Overall, I had a great weekend, hope you did too.

Putting Mom on a Plane

2007-09-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow mom goes home. It is always bitter sweet, where it will be nice to have our routine back we will all miss having Grammy here. Visits are a strange thing, it seems to take a few days to get into the swing of having another person around and just about the time you get a groove going it is time for that person to leave. We got some done on the quilt despite the fact that my machine is caput. However a few years ago Mom had got an old machine for my oldest daughter and it is working great for now (don't tell hubby, still want to buy a new one soon).
I really must say, I think it is a pretty machine and made in the USA, not sure if you can find that very much. Another plus is that it is simple, like my sewing ability.

Anyway, here is a preliminary of what the quilt looks like, although I have already discovered a few things I will definitely do different next time. This was before I cut it into 8" squares.I think the strips will have to be bricked ( I think that is the term, I am not so hip on my quilt lingo) because my seams don't really match (it is my first quilt you know).

I will post a picture when it is done, I promise, no matter how it looks, even if it is in the trash :).

I got this really cute hat for Naomi at the thrift store a few weeks ago and lately Julia has taken to wearing it. I think it is so cute.Well, after the airport tomorrow we are going to visit an old friend. I am so excited since we haven't really talked or gotten our kids together in 2 years, (time does fly). I have had lots of signs that I need to get in touch with this friend and I am so glad I have. We have lots to catch up on.

Pillow Talk

2007-09-22T05:49:00.000-07:00

Since Soulemama's book doesn't come out until next year, I was excited when she shared a craft for kids on her craftsanity interview. So, yesterday was our day to make a pillow. I wasn't real sure how this was going to go but the littlest one was down for a nap so I knew we were off to a good start. The other two drew their pictures on the canvas, Logan's is a picture of him looking up at his older sister who is flying in an airplane. I think there is also some ice cream being thrown at the plane, and of course there is a caterpillar climbing up a flower.

Naomi's is a picture of a car and I think her baby sister is in it somewhere.

At one point the boy next door came over and I think my son was tired of sewing so he gave him a quick lesson and recruited his help. I think I had to sew about 80% of Naomi's and only about 45% of Logans.

Mom and I have managed to cut a few of the pieces for the quilt. (I got a self healing mat and rotary cutter for this, I love it!) I am not sure what made me think that I would magically have more time when she came to visit for us to work on this quilt. I truly thought we would sew for hours and hours without interruption. I will give dh credit, he has been trying to help but there are a few things only mom can do, I call it job security. I remind myself that someday I won't be needed as much or as intensely until then I will take time where I can get it and remind myself to enjoy life as it is today.

Mom is coming

2007-09-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

I am so excited! We will be leaving soon (after I feed, bath and clothe the 3 kids) to go get Mom from the airport. It will be a great visit, I just know it. We have lots planned with plenty of time to visit. Well, off to dish out oatmeal.

Work in progress

2007-09-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

I have determined that a blog is just a work in progress, kind of like laundry only more fun. Unfortunately the world will not stop if I don't get on here to update so it doesn't always happen. I am trying. Lots happening here since the last post. My baby boy had his 6th birthday. We had friends over for dinner, cake and to make lookie loo bottles. I think the kids enjoyed the making part but I know mine at least haven't played with them much since. Of course imagining my son as a little boy now is sometimes too much to handle. I ran across an article in the paper about his birth, I think the reporter originally called us because he was born at home but then learned about how we found out he was a boy instead of another girl like the doctor who did the ultrasound thought. It is amazing how much he has grown, we had his 2nd birthday the weekend after we moved into our new home and he could barely reach the light switch, and yesterday he hit his head on the bar height counter top, he has gotten so tall. (his head is fine btw)
I think my biggest challenges these days are wanting to do so much and not having enough time to do it in. I know, this is a challenge for anyone let alone a mother right? Well, I am trying to figure out where all my commitments fit in with being the parent I want to be. Can I take on one more thing and still find time to play cards with the kids? Is it possible to work in another meeting and yet maintain an interest in grasshoppers? I think not. I am going to have to perfect the art of saying no. No to things I don't want to do but also no to a few things I might be interested in. That said, my mom is coming in 2 days (I can't wait) and we are planning to start on quilts for the girls bedroom. I have looked and looked for a quilt and they either aren't quiet the right color or cost a fortune so I decided to start looking for material instead. I have been real lucky at the thrift stores and have found lots of scraps with colors I think will go great together. I also found a huge piece (6 yards?) of a very pretty fabric that I hope will work for part of the quilt, a valance for the window and some pillow shams (is 6 yards enough for all that?) Anyway, I will be sure to post pictures as the work unfolds. Did I mention I have never made a quilt before? Should be fun anyway, a 3 generation quilt, heirloom quality I am sure.
I am working on making my photos a little bigger (just a suggestion from a friend) but not sure if I will master that for this post or not. Don't want to overwhelm myself.
My poor dog (see Aug 1), this morning he went chasing after a (*^$#%&^^%$%^&%$%) rabbit (I love all creatures, just wish there were a few less rabbits out here) anyway, he ran behind the neighbors truck and came out screaming, I am of coursing thinking it was a jackalope and it kicked his butt but he was limping bad so we called the vet. Well, after xrays I was looking over his leg while contemplating surgical options for a cruciate repair and noticed a hole in his knee. Apparently what really happened was the rabbit had a long skinny sword and poked his knee. So he is on antibiotics and pain meds for a week, hopefully it won't infect the joint. He is quite pitiful as he won't put any weight on it and limps all over.
Since my goal is to spend more time with the kids, quality time that is (I spend plenty of time with them in general), I am off to start on our bedtime routine. The little girls are soaking in the tub as I type and I figure I should go wash the grime and turn them back in to little princesses instead of homeless orphans.

Breast Cancer 3 day

2007-08-27T19:16:00.000-07:00

I have only briefly mentioned that I am training for the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk in October. Well, October is getting closer and I am a little worried. I need to really step up the fund raising, I am at $305 out of the $2200 I need to participate. I know lots of my family intend to support me and think that it is a ways off but I need to know I will make it long before the deadline just to make travel plans. I was watching 3 day video blogs on youtube.com earlier and it had me in tears, I have to do this, for me, for my children and for my family. So, it is back to the fundraising resources online, better get busy.
We had a great time camping this weekend. I have decided that the youngest just doesn't sleep well on the ground, which translates into I don't sleep well. But it was worth it because the next day the Grandparents watched all 3 little ones while dh and I went on a motorcycle ride and had a good time browsing the shops in Creed then having a delicious lunch while sharing a table with some wonderful people. There were 3 couples who have been meeting up in this little town for many, many years (I think some of them more than 20), they had some great stories and were very friendly. This town has that effect on people. I know we have been going there for at least 15 years and my dh has been going since he was a little boy.
The kiddos had kind of a rough day, I think they were still tired from all the activities this weekend, but now they are all tucked in and the house is quiet. I think I will go and work on whatever it is that I am knitting (I have no pattern, I just felt like knitting this weekend and started something) I imagine it will just be a scarf, or maybe I will undo it like everything else I have knitted and start over, again.

One of the kids favorite bedtime snack is ice cream. We have had dietary issues with dairy in our house for 3 years so real ice cream is a treat, although dd doesn't mind eating Ricedream, most of the time. Nothing beats a cool treat on a hot summer night.

Going Camping, sort of....

2007-08-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

So, we are going camping today, just for the night. The in-laws are staying at a campground about 3-4 hours from here and so we will join them. I prefer when we camp to not go for less than 2 nights (too much work for just one) and I really like it better when we are up in the mountains so my children and dogs can run free... But at least the in-laws have a nice camper and the kids like it so they will no doubt want to be over there vs our tent, and I am counting on them cooking, so really it isn't going to be so much like camping as it will be just visiting, from a tent.

I think this is my favorite picture right now, the kids look like they actually like each other and were playing really well. For the most part they are good playmates, but every now and then they fight like ....well, like brother and sister.

Long time no post

2007-08-22T20:19:00.001-07:00

I have been spending more of my time reading blogs rather than writing on mine. I don't know why that is so, just not real motivated these days. Our older dd went back to school last week. She was only home for a week from her journey to OK and TX, but that was long enough for her and her brother to get on my nerves. Not sure why those two can't get along, maybe the sibling thing, don't know.
After talking to my neighbor whose son goes to the local school I am once again reassured that homeschooling is right for ds. The kindergarten class has almost 30 students in it! I feel so sorry for that teacher and don't know how she can possibly teach the kids anything. I am also relieved that my friend whom also homeschools has decided we should not go to COS for co-op classes (it is an hour each way) and we should just do our own. That will make my life with MOPS easier since they were on the same day. Speaking of which it is getting closer to the start of our fall semester for MOPS. I am glad that our whole year seems to be coming together ( I am on the steering team) and I can't wait to see all my friends again.
Today was one of those rare days where I had HOURS to myself. My friend watched the kiddos while I went off to run errands. I browsed Hobby Lobby (you can't do that very well with a 1, 3, and 5 year old), wandered through the thrift stores, ate lunch out, and alone ( I always think people feel sorry for me eating alone but it doesn't happen very often and I actually enjoy it), and then went to Vitamin Cottage for a few groceries. My trade off was to bring 2 extra kids home with me for 1 1/2 hours (I am pretty sure I got the better end of the deal today but I will pay my dues on Friday). Although there are still dishes to be done, laundry to be folded and toys to put away, I am going to have a shower and go to bed, the rest can wait until tomorning.

In case you were wondering...

Tomorning is a word invented by my son when he was about 3. I have always thought it was a very functional word. He didn't vanish from this picture, when he was first potty trained (around the same time he invented the word) he would always get naked to do his biz, if he had time he would lay out his clothes to make putting them back on easier. Gosh I love this kid.

Tomorrow is a new day

2007-08-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

I started off this morning cleaning. I got the office cleaned and rearranged, the kids cleaned their room and I got it vacuumed, and I even got my room straightened (I won't call it clean...) and the vacuumed, then today happened. After 6 kids were done with it, the house looks only a little better then if a tornado had come through. This is partly my fault because I am trying to get our school area set up and I had to move around the toy area, then of course, I had to roll up the rug because it had to be swept underneath, and I never get to finish a project in the same day so I will have to put it all back together tomorrow.
Yesterday we went to our first homeschool park day with the coop group in COS. The kids had a great time and seemed to enjoy meeting new kids. I think ds will have a good time this fall when we have class once a week. The moms were all real nice and welcomed us. I hope to get to know them better.
Yesterday was such a long day and I think that might have had an impact on ds behavior today. I just don't know what to do when he has such a horrible, no good, rotten kind of day. It is frustrating to see him make one bad decision after another. We had some friends over and that was good for dd because she got to play with her friend and not get into it with her brother. Unfortunately for ds's friend he wasn't being very nice. Sometimes I can trace his behavior to too much sugar, but I think today it must have just been too much over stimulation. This makes my list of reasons to homeschool even bigger. I can just imagine having a day like that at school.
In the midst of all that was wrong today I feel I must find some good in it. For quite a while today ds did come and sit with me, just needing to be touched and cuddled. We were watching a show and it had someone on there who was in a tornado, he had so many questions. Since I grew up in Oklahoma I was able to answer most of those accurately :) . The mother on the show was also paralyzed as a result and that was another whole set of questions. It was amazing that the mother was so grateful for life even though she was having to learn how to do everything from her chair. She said she spends a whole lot more time just watching the kids. As hard as it is for me to realize it in the middle of all the chaos, I know that too soon these little ones will be grown. I was trying to have the littlest babe, who is 16 months old today, sleep in the room with her brother and sister and just going to get her when she would wake up. For the last few nights she has gone to bed with us instead and I have to say it has been nice. I like feeling her little body curled up next to me, although usually by morning she is closer to her Dad, (she would have to be classified as a Daddy's girl I think).
A few years back we adopted a border collie mix from the pound. Dh actually picked him out and I was hoping they would bond. Well, the poor dog is scared to death of dh, but the other night we had a really bad thunder storm and the dog just jumped right up on his lap, 3 different times. And when dh went into his office he went around and got under the desk. You would really have to know how petrified this dog is of dh to know that he must have been just out of his mind when the storm hit.

Questions, questions....

2007-07-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

I think I determined that from the time my son opens his beautiful brown eyes in the morning to the time they close again at night he can ask roughly 1,342 questions. I thought the estimate was a little high but last night while putting the kids to bed he asked at least 100 more. They are anything from "why does my owie still hurt?" (which you can never answer fully, he will always ad another "but why?") to "where is my sister now?" (big sister is visiting relatives in Oklahoma right now). I had told him NO MORE QUESTIONS before that one but then negotiated to answer that one last one (big mistake) because of course there were more. Little sister doesn't ask near as many, most of hers are just simple why questions, I don't need a science degree or the internet to answer those. They have already rubbed off on the baby, she is always pointing and saying "Wha dat?". On the bright side it makes me realize that our decision to homeschool him is a good one. (If that is news to anyone reading this I hope you will support me in this adventure). I don't know a teacher anywhere that would be able to stop and answer at least half his questions in a day.
A few weeks ago he was stuck on whether or not things were flammable (boys!) we are over that for now and on to what sinks and what floats,thankfully, I can handle that one much easier. We made an oil and water bottle yesterday after seeing one at our friends house and he loves it. He isn't up yet, wonder how many questions he will ask before we leave this morning, I should try and keep track.

Well, dh did make it back safe and sound. He kind of looks like his feet were bound or something. He has blisters on the back and the skin is rubbed completely off in the front, he has been wearing sandals for two days but today we have to go to the mountains to finish a job so the boots will have to be put on. ouch! The pictures he took on his trip made me even more sad I wasn't there, it is absolutely beautiful up there (and quiet). Fortunately my dear friend saw how much I wanted to be there and offer to watch the kids next year so dh and I can do a trip (I am so very excited) I would think our dd will go too, she will be 14 by then (really?). So we now have about a year to get the llamas ready to pack, or else pack it ourselves, which is what we have done in the past.

On his way home

2007-07-26T10:20:00.001-07:00

Finally talked to dh this morning and he is on his way home from his CDT backpacking trip. I am so glad, it has been a long 6 days without him. This kids are so excited and I can't wait to see how the baby (15 months old) will react as she has always been kind of a daddy's girl.
I am hoping to get pictures developed this afternoon (I know, should just use the digital) but I will get them on cd and post a few, later after things settle down.

fly away...

2007-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked up at an airplane and wondered where all the people are going and wondering if they are going someplace better than you are? I have always thought most of them are going on vacation, visiting long lost relatives, or I suppose some may be going to say a final good bye and some may be on business, but for the most part I bet they are out to have fun. My dd got on the plane today at our little local airport. It was a great place to fly out of since the little kids could actually see the airplanes land and take off. There was no fee for parking and there were only about 8 other passengers. She text me and let me know she made it to Denver, that was before I was even home. (There was a bad wreck on the highway and we were rerouted otherwise we would have been home.) Now she just has to catch a plane to Oklahoma.
I am still feeling uneasy about dh being gone, I am sure he will be fine but I really don't like that I can't talk to him. Of course with my two closest friends also being out of town, I am a real basket case. I can only hope the next few days go by quickly.
Last night was a little better with ds, I can't tell if he is missing dad or if he is upset that dd got to go to grandmas or what but I hope he snaps out of it soon. I took the kids swimming and then we got dinner. When we got home they played outside for a while until bed. Nothing too exciting (which I am okay with.)
So, dh had no interest in watching Brokeback Mountain so I figured I would watch it while he is gone. I thought it was kind of weird, and although I used to have a thing for Heath Ledger, I think I am over it now. Definitely not one of my favorite movies. Let me know if you saw it and have different opinion.
I am hopeful that the battery for my camera will come today. Dh took the little camera with him and although I prefer film, it isn't good for the daily pictures I want to post.

on our own

2007-07-22T06:59:00.001-07:00

Well, dh left yesterday to start his 60+ mile hike on the CDT. Backpacker Magazine had an article in their February issue asking for volunteers to help map out the whole thing and he was chosen as one of the 300/3000. So this is the first time in almost 20 years that we haven't been able to talk everyday. He did take his cell phone but I am guessing coverage will be limited(to say the least). Hopefully they will find enough signal to check in and create a podcast on the cdt blog. He wasn't even sure when he would be back, so this week may be longer than I imagine. I am sure the kids are feeding off my nervousness over him being gone but last night ds had the worst night ever. In the midst of it all he is now not allowed to play with the little boy next door until his dad gets back (that is the only punishment that seems to work). Since that will free up more time I think we will work on our reading with the new Bob Books.
So I got off track, as dh was getting ready to leave our dd came out and said she heard a pop and now the window in the dining room is cracking. Well, dh had to get going so I was left cleaning up the glass with 5 kids for an audience (the little boy from next door was over). I told the kids to go outside and got to work. I wish I had the battery for my digital camera so I could have taken a picture, it was kind of pretty since the glass was tempered, but it was a huge mess to clean up. However, no blood was lost in the process.
I think I will take dd to the mall (along with the other 3 kids) to get a few school clothes since she leaves tomorrow for about 3 weeks. I don't know if we will have much time when she gets back to do any shopping. Besides I need to get out of the house.

rain, rain, rain

2007-07-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those strangely long days. I started off with a walk at the school track. My friends and I are training for the Breast Cancer 3 day and thought that the kids (6 of them between the two of us) would play on the football field while we walked. That didn't happen. Then we were off to swim lessons, ds did so good, he has one more lesson tomorrow. Afterwards we went a got a birthday present for a friend and then went to her party. The kids had a great time "painting" with pudding all over the basement. (I was really glad we weren't at my house.) I did realize that I need to let the kids get messy more often since my son kept telling me how much fun he had. The kids were really good today too, especially ds. After the party we came home and relaxed for a while. My husband came home with our older dd after working in the mountains and they were soaked. The nice thing about the rain is it really cools things down so I was able to open up the house (this is important I promise). We went to take dd to Civil Air Patrol and then get something to eat and while we were eating it started raining and raining, it was still coming down in buckets when it was time to leave to pick dd up so we all got wet, I think that it kind of scared our 3 y.o. dd but she did okay. Long story short, when we got home the dining room was flooded, our new table had water all over it and the chairs, and the water had also leaked in the basement and through the vents. All in all nothing was ruined, I think the wood floors will be okay, and I learned never to leave the windows open it there is a cloud in the sky.
I have been thinking that since dh is going to be gone most of next week that I might have a slumber party. Haven't had one in about 20 years, might be fun, a few moms, a few more kids, lots of great food and drinks and we could have a great time. I will have to think a little more on it but for now, I am off to bed before the baby wakes up to nurse. Goodnight.

siblings

2007-07-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I am sure that I didn't always get along with my sister growing up, but some days it seems my kids are fighting constantly. I don't know if it is unfair of me to expect the 13 y.o. to act more mature than her 5 y.o. brother or not. My husband says it is the least common denominator theory; all kids act the age of the youngest child. I have to say it has some truth to it. I need to pay more attention and make a note if there is ever a day when no one fights, because I can't remember the last time that happened.

Yesterday my friend Gina and I went to get pedicures after yoga, we both got fancy flowers painted on. My hair may not be fixed and my make up worn off for hours but my toes sure are pretty. Sometimes it is the little things in life that make you smile. (Need to work one that sandal tan.)

2007-07-16T22:12:00.001-07:00

to blog or not to blog...

2007-07-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

I have been pondering for a while about creating a blog. I love to read them and like the idea of recording things in my life (really I mean the kids life, it will make scrapbooking easier), I just don't know if I am dedicated enough to keep up with it (who is really going to read it anyway?). In the end I decided to go for it. I was trying to think of a good name and even googled blog names but tonight at yoga our instructor read this poem and I thought that's it!
Since it is late this post will be short but just wanted to summarize the day. Our son had his 7th swim lesson today. I am amazed at how far he has come and am really glad that we opted for the private lessons. The older girls always took lessons at the pool and didn't seem to learn as much as he has. It it really nice that there is a little play area for the two younger girls to play while big brother is in the water. After that we all came home and I was so glad to not have to be anywhere. I should have gotten a lot done around here but only managed one load of clothes and the dishes then the younger girls took a nap, and I joined them. As I was laying there I was thinking about how sometimes where you need to be is right where you are. (does that make sense?) Anyway, I enjoyed my time just laying there and looking at my children. I can catch up on everything else when they are older.