A Deep Blue Sea

Um, I do expect you all to come see me at my new blog, just so you know. Glad to have straightend that out. :)

2010-10-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

Hi-ho. hi-ho, a new blog we go...

2010-03-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

Looking for me? Head over to Sunshine Bursts and Giggles Galore. I think this is a much better fit!

A big move is coming...

2010-03-12T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am tired of this blog and so rarely get to use it that I have lost my attachment to it. So be aware I will be working on a new location slowly as I get use of a computer. I am not sure what to name my new blog, any suggestions?

Seriously, updates!

2010-01-06T22:39:00.000-08:00

I promise in the near future to update with photos and all that goodness. Till then my family and I are doing well considering all our transition and trying to learn to love my life and learn how to grow while semi-planted.

The Twist and Turns of Life

2009-07-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Some how life doesn't go according to the plans I make for it. Usually for the best, but some what frustrating none the less. It would be nice for things to just "go my way" at least some of the time. The end of the road, did not come as expected or anticipated. 10 credits shy of passing one class Mister will have to stay on one more semester to finish up. Which means, we are close to the end of the road but some what stuck on the shoulder with a flat tire.

As for what to do next, we decided that the kids and I should head for home to my parents house for a few months to save that ever dwindling cash cow from starving while Mister works and studies for his class and his licensing test, the NCLEX.

It isn't quite what I had planned but it seems to be turning out alright. We, the kids and I, miss Mister something aweful. My heart aches every day to see him, but I know it is for the best. Everyone says the time will fly. I sure hope so. It is tough to be seperated from your best friend for so long. I should know too. I moved a lot as a kid. But the kids are having fun playing at Grandpa and Grandma's house doing all those childhood things that I did at my Grandparents house. So far we have managed to run in the sprinklers, make sidewalk chalk master pieces, explore a park near by, run wild around the house only having to check in with mom every so often, staying up late watching movies, and pestering the grandparents with the foibles of youth.

I am doing my best though to enjoy our bit of "vacation" away from the typical day of our normal life. There is adjustments in the sleeping arrangments as we are currently hanging out in my parents fifth wheel trailer. Nice accomidations though, just squishy with four small, rambunctious kids. Sleeping with toddler has also been tricky but we are slowly getting that sorted out too.

I do love the cooler evenings and the time chilling with my parents. The quaint little town they live in is a bit of fresh air from the busting, noisy, hot and crowded place we used to live. I don't live by the clock and that is awesome. Plus I have decided, this is a time to get a little bit of self discovery done to work out those kinks I don't find so flattering in myself. (This means, walking the track everyday for as long as I can.)

I am also trying to get used to sharing an internet connection...so updates will come as often as possible but not as often as I would like. Till then...

Riddle Me This

2009-04-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of days the kids have been preoccupied with making up riddles for each other to figure out. Most of them are pretty much like the knock knock jokes kids make up. Silly to them, but kind of makes the grown up scratch their head. But today, I'm so proud, my 6 year old boy came up with this riddle all on his own.

What is milky, shaky, and hairy?

I'll tell you all tomorrow...think it over a bit.

UPDATE: the answer is.....a coconut. :D

Because I would Feel Bad

2009-04-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever debated something with yourself. Yep, not pretty. But I have finally won the argument to promote my other blog here for one short moment. The reasoning...well, I would feel bad if some of my closest friends and family didn't know that I was handing out freebies and then didn't include them. Just think ahead to the next reunion or get-together...yeah!!! awkward. ;-)

So without further excuses or meandering please come over to my art blog and give me some love! I am having a giveaway for $50 to my Etsy shop, Always Adorable Boutique. This goes for anything in my shop or even a custom order for something I don't have that you would like for me to make you. No purchase is necessary. But some good old fashioned 'word of mouth' would be greatly appreciated!

And I promise this will be the last thing I ask for this year...hopefully. :D

Well after this next request and then I am done.

I am also trying to create traffic over there with an unusal but fun weekly challenge. I called it Mix-It-Up Mondays Recipe Reviews. Basically it is about breaking out of the culinary comfort zone or not even so much, just to try a new recipe and give your thumbs up or down with some tidbits for others who would feel so inclinded to try it out.

There will be a Mr. Linky to connect your blog and bring people to your site as well if you so choose.

For the giveaway you can click HERE.

For the Recipe Review you can click HERE.

Sweet Things I Want to Remember

2009-03-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Jelly Beans gave me these sweet things today.

Grape juice burps,
Graham cracker breath,
After nap snuggles,
Memorizing Curious George is Curious,
Learning to say butter, maybe, 'cuse me, and how about.
Sweet smiles and silly games all wrapped up in her cute little self.

She also loves to say no, and have her way. The spirit and determination in this one is fierce hidden beneath her sweet, angelic exterior. That is what I love about her though. So strong for so little.

Monkey dressed herself without being asked today. Finally at 4 1/2 years later, she wants to dress herself. Can you hear the chorus of heavenly angels? This will also be the end of cute matching outfits for those of an eclectic bunch of attire. She loves to mix it up, "keep it exciting" in her words. She is proud of herself. (By the way, this photo was no coaxing...all Monkey!)

I love the look on her face when she remembers a phonics sound and how she easily uses her numbers now. With scribbling aspirations it will soon be on to writing. She did her own name yesterday all by herself. Now I am so proud.

She loves her sisters, even if one is the baby and wants to take every thing she has, or the older bossy one who frequently talks her out of what she has. But loves to be rough and tumble with her brother and get all dirty. Feisty this one is, but she still shares and loves to be kind. Things I hope always stay with her.

Darling Boy, what a conundrum for me. I love this boy more than life itself, yet I still have no idea what to with him. His boyish nature usually gets the better of him and he loves to tease his sisters and be roudy with them.

But then on the other hand, he can be such a gentleboy, holding doors and lifting things for his sisters and I because he wants to. He loves to sit and read his baby sister a good book every night and sing to her before she goes to sleep. He brings me fresh picked flower from the park and treasures he finds along the way.

He is doing such a good job challanging himself in school. Math and History are some of his favorites and how could I forget science! As he practices his writing it is becoming more refined. He makes perfect letters, in hopes that he too can learn cursive like Girly. Such a competitor this one.

Girly is growing up to fast for me. I don't see the little girl with pigtails much any more. She is growing so tall, slender, and pretty, inside and out. Everyone is worth being friends with, and she takes the time to include anyone who would like too. I love that she is generous and thoughtful. She works incredibly hard at the things she loves. Sewing and drawing take up alot of her spare time now. And one can never forget that she loves horses beyond reason! She can't wait to be big enough to help me "for real" in the kitchen using a knife, oven and stove. And I always find this girl with a book in front of her nose when she isn't doing the other bazillions of interests she has.

I realized that she and I will some day be friends like my sister and I are now. It made me appreciate her more for the girl she is in the present. What she learns now and discovers about herself are forming that future adult I will be friends with. Part of me can't wait to see how she takes the world by storm, but at the same time, boy do I want to hold on to this with both hands like my life depends on it.

Wait...it does. It is true, I will never feel like I got enough time savoring each child at each stage, because I wish for each stage to stay just a bit longer.

A Slide Show Update.

2009-02-26T20:59:00.001-08:00

Just a few quick pictures to show off of the past few weeks.
Girly trying to play horses with the stable, Jellybeans playing IN the stable.

You know you want one too...look at that lollipop goodness and Monkey's model glare! Thanks Valentine's Fairy ;-)

Then today we made a 5 Senses lapbook to round out our science for the week. Man I love craft day!

CPSIA...It's Coming...

2009-01-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Tomorrow is the Day

2009-01-19T19:55:00.000-08:00

(Photo curtesy of www.phootprints.co.uk)

Yep, officially tomorrow starts the last of the grueling semesters of nursing school for Mister. I can't but help squeal with delight every time I mention that! And pardon me, I do mention it A LOT. It has been a long tough road, that we hope will benefit us as a family.

School is seriously one of the hardest things that has tested our relationship. Being sane with all the demands of school, parenting, work, lack of work, student loans piling up, etc. and then not taking it out on each other or the kids has been tricky. I am fully prepared to bawl like a baby at his graduation ceremony, just so all of you don't think I am crazy when it comes time. Heaven knows lots of sweat and tears have been part of the whole process, they should end it too. :) But in being positive and looking forward to a new beginning I wanted to list all the things that I have been grateful for in our crazy journey so far:

welcoming our beautiful Jellybeans into our family
Baptizing Girly
having the best neighbors on the planet!
excellent friends and family near and far that have cheered us on
not living in an apartment for the last three and half years that has, albeit small, patio space that I can shoo the kids out onto
having a kitchen big enough to open both the dishwasher and the fridge at the same time
learning some really great frugal tricks that I might not ever have tried before like making my own babywipes, laundry soap, and finding out babysoap works just fine for a facial cleaner
line drying clothes in the summer takes 15 minutes
line drying clothes in the winter takes less than an hour
that material things I thought I needed have some how become less important to me
how much it means to have a good working washer,dryer, and dishwasher!
that I am capable of handling far more than I gave myself credit for!

So here is to a successful last semester and to surviving it all!

We Survived Flu '08 and Other Musings

2009-01-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Finally after weeks of passing sickness to one another we are free from it! The holidays were interesting to say the least with all of us not feeling so well. But we managed to make just a few ornaments!

We made of course the traditional paper chain for each child so they could count down the days without fighting over who's turn it was every morning. I don't have a picture of ours because well they aren't chains anymore...more like Christmas confetti now.

But we did make what I think is one of the most delightful and easiest tree ornaments by using white pipe cleaners. We made 3D snowflakes. They also have the added benefit of being really fun to toss at the tree as well! Just remember to either do it before you put on the glass ornaments or leave those off altogether. I will have to dig pictures up when I can.

As for other ornaments, we were all to sick or had to many sickies for me to do any more involved crafts this year. We barely got the tree up the Monday before Christmas day. It was a minimalists kind of Christmas, which was actually kind of nice. We enjoyed the season the best we could and now I am glad that we are to the New Year!

I am thrilled that we have finally made it to 2009! Because it means Mister will graduate this May!!! It is coming faster than I thought it would but will be ready by May to take on our new adventure where ever that takes us. Only four full months left...

Not in My Letter to Santa

2008-12-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

The flu is definitely, surely not on my list to Santa. Let alone all my kids getting it the week after me. So once this bug has passed, I will be posting those ornaments and how my craft show goes this weekend.

Christmas is in the Air

2008-11-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Our typical tradition in my house would mean that our tree was up and donned with Christmas cheer and be well on our way to filling our house with warm goodies and rich smells. I am afraid we are a little behind this year, but do not fear. It might be another week before I can get the tree up, but we are trying something new this year.

Last year we made an ornament for our tree as one of our wholesome (no cost) activities for the holidays. This year I am expanding that idea. Everyday after school work is done, we are breaking out our ornament project for the day for everyday till Christmas. Each day we will add an ornament made by the kids to our bare tree. By Christmas time we should have a spectacle of ornamentation that would make even the biggest Grinch shake in his boots.

Besides what a fun keepsake that they can have at the end of this Christmas season for years to come and hopefully make for a memorable holiday. Each post in December will feature our ornament creation feel free to join in!

*photo by princessangel on flickr

Takin' a Chill Pill

2008-11-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

Good Grief!

I must be certifiably insane trying to homeschool 4 kids ages 8 and under, be a counselor in the Relief Society Presidency, run a household with my hubby MIA with his BSN underway and then...decide a craft show is a good idea!

What was I thinking???

Hence the need for a chill pill. I was so tired today I could barely keep my eyes open because I have been working full time at night sewing till my fingers are pricked purple, drawing until my fingers need splints and going to bed past 2 AM every night...morning....night?

Kind of all blurring together these days. :)

So tonight...no business, no school, no chores...just chillin' surfing the net and reading my favorite blogs.

Who am I kidding. My over-obsessive tendencies to go full throttle when I have an idea has me speed reading through ehow and making banners, avatars, and product development. But still....

that's chillin' for me.

Yesterday Was a Good Day

2008-11-08T08:57:00.001-08:00

I have mentioned before how I am working like a fiend to get all my things done. I have been coloring mini letters for hours late into the night. Do they make mini cuffs for finger sprains? But yesterday, through all the hustle and bustle of schooling the kids, errands, and work, work, work...I decided to take the kids to the park.

It was great! I had intended to sit and color some more, but ended up running around chasing my kids and a handful of neighbor kids around the park being monster until sunset. I am pretty sure the monster has diminished hearing today. ;) I guess my kids had nothing left last night, because as I tucked them in as they dreamily drifted off to sleep with smiles on their faces and not a peep.

It felt good to be a good mom yesterday and the added bonus of peaceful sleeping children at the end of the day, priceless!

2008-11-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

I voted today!

I Must Be Crazy!

2008-11-03T22:55:00.001-08:00

But, OH!, so excited about a new journey I am taking. The wild wild world of commerce.

I have been working every evening and Saturdays to get my sites running, researching the how-to, and trying not to be overwhelmed. It is great to finally have a place to put all those ideas circling around my head for so long.

I am also prepping, stressing, working my posterior off before the 13 of December for my Christmas show here in AZ. It's strange to think of myself as a vendor. Ok, back to work!

Hosting a Giveaway!

2008-10-27T15:32:00.000-07:00

Go take a peek at Always Adorable's Giveaway!

It is the kick-off for my new site for all those things I should be selling and haven't. :) Have fun!

Riddle Me This, Riddle Me That

2008-10-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you mix walking blindly in the night and a well placed vericose vien?

No Guessers?

Okay, I will throw in a hint...it has something to do with a knee height bedpost.

You guessed it Bruisedzilla.

I will reluctantly go by Gimpy, now.

Playing Along

2008-10-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

I was tagged with naming six unexpected/unusual facts about me by a lovely lady, that I will leave nameless because I am paranoid and would like to rename somewhat nameless to the world of blog for the safety of those cute rugrats I post so often about.

So...without further ado I give you the unusual and unexpected me.

If I was ever able to sleep enough at night again, I would get up every morning before the break of dawn to watch the sunrise. I know, I know...heresy. But honestly once the beams of light start blazing through my window I might as well get up anyway, because sleep just went out the window when the darkness faded.
I can smell things so strongly that I almost taste them. This relates to all smells not just food. So in a way I know what laundry soap tastes like for instance...or the cow fog that blows our way sometimes. Perfume feels like pepper spray up my nose. But on the upswing I can usually tell what a recipe needs by the way it smells.
After my grandparent's home was demolished for greed (yep still bitter) I have felt some what homeless. It was my favorite place in all the world! Even my own home doesn't have the same pull.
I am not a phone talker. I dislike answering my phone. I am not sure why, but I would rather listen to a message and then email the person over having a small talk conversation on the phone.
I love having four seasons with in the year. Having been devoid of those for the past 10 years I am beyond words, thrilled, to be moving to a place with every single glorious season.
I like being cold. During the winter I will still crack my window a smidge so that I can feel the nip of the cold air at night and then pile mountains and mountains of blankets on my self with my feet sticking out.

Probably more than you ever wanted to know about me, but it can't be refuted...I am one of a kind. :)

Happy Happy Birthday Dear!

2008-10-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

My impish three year old, Boo, is now a precocious four year old full of every ounce of spirit that she had last year plus some!

There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't have me rolling in stitches over her girly and tomboyish behaviors. She is game for anything her brother can dish out as long as she looks pretty while doing so.

Each day brings a new and exciting adventure waiting to be discovered by her.

I love the joy and anticipation she holds for everyday.

Life is good at four!

In a Flash

2008-10-13T01:38:00.000-07:00

Life can derail so quickly and within a blink or three, get right back on course, only a little worse for the wear. Jellybeans ended up in the hospital for her strange case of fevers. You would think I would get used to this, but at 107.1 degrees, I will admit to freaking out...again.

The answers we were hoping for this last round, that ended up in two overnight stays in the childrens hospital haven't come. The three specialists aren't sure what is going on and our Family Doc can't put his finger on it either. This all means more doctor appointments to hopefully get to the bottom of what ails my baby.

But she is home now and as happy as can be to be eating her food, sleeping in her bed, and playing with her toys! I too am feeling gratitude to having my whole family under one roof these past two nights well and resting.

As for us, tomorrow brings another day of homeschool, college, cleaning, laundry, and finances in a crazy world. Hopefully we can do it with our best foot forward and optimism for doing what we are intended to do!

What is that?

2008-10-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

This is your animal cell on jello:

This is your plant cell on jello:

Any questions?

Yes, they did want to taste them. Me? No thank you. I prefer not to eat things that look like primordial ooze.

In Other News:

Homeschool as been fun to say the least! We have been focusing on Family/Personal history for English assignments. This is one of our projects. Leaf crown to show we are from a family tree, but a royal line seeing as we are children of God. I think the kids' favorite part had to be yanking the leaves off the branches to form a big leaf pile. (Thank you Dollar Tree!) For them, a leaf pile is quite the phenomenon here in the land of cactus needles and dead grass.

The African masks were a big hit too. Boo couldn't resist the call of the rainbow. Everything is rainbow these days. Didn't you know? Rainbows are all the preschool fashion!

Setting Some Records

2008-09-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

My first child was baptized.
Have a child old enough to be baptized. ;)
Devouring over 4,000 pages of novels and 216 pages of curriculum while my computer was out of commission.
Attempting to educate my children for the fourth year.
Teaching myself how to play the guitar.
Breaking out of my shell to be the organizer of a monthly educational party group.
Survive another blazing hot summer in the Southwest. The Autumn breeze is almost cool...if I think about it hard enough.

Hurray!!!

2008-09-11T20:58:00.000-07:00

Life is better with a computer!

When No News is Good News

2008-08-10T12:46:00.000-07:00

Remember that basket of lemons I was dealing with? (Just go one post older if not.) Well, I guess in this case no news has been good news.

So far, with baby Jellybeans, all is back to normal. It has been two and half weeks since her last bout of fevers. All blood tests came back normal as well this last round. So either we will never know what happened these last couple of months, or we play the waiting game until another spike of fevers runs. I prefer the not knowing options, as it is fine with me if she never gets another fever all together! ;)

As for my laptop...please join me for a moment of silence....

....

.....

Okay, that was long enough. Yes, it is dead. But barring any more casualties of parenthood, we have figured out a way to get me another one. It might take another few weeks, but I have never been so grateful for the use of a computer as I have been now during our time of trial.

I am shocked at how much I have learned to rely on the world wide web as my biggest source of connection! With a bit of luck, soon I will be coming back from computer-Timbuktu.

Trying to Make Lemonade

2008-07-30T11:34:00.000-07:00

You know the saying. Life is crazy here right now.

Uncertain health issues have developed with Jelly Beans. For the past couple of months she has been having fevers that can get up to almost 106 degrees. Yeah, not good especially since she is only 14 months old. The Doc also discovered a heart murmur during the last check up as well. I am trying not to worry to much, because really what will that accomplish. But if you know me, I am doing quite the opposite. "Worst Scenario" keeps running through my mind. And believe me I have a very productive imagination.

Friday, we will know more. We tortured her with x-rays and blood draws over the long weekend. I think she and I are both traumatized from those. I just want to pick her up and make everything all better and I can't. This is out of my control.

Seeing as I do so well, with lack of control, *coughs*. Well I can think I do, right? I have lost a serious outlet, my computer. It sits on my desk in shambles from some work done on it in hopes that Mister could recover the last two and half years of my life. I think we are going to need professional help. Ahhhhh, all my photos. Okay I am not thinking about it right now.

Onto the Lemonade portion. Birthdays galore at our house this week. Girly is 8 two days ago and Darling Boy is now 6! I have been baking cakes like I own a bakery around here or something. I will post pictures when feasible.

So that is what I am trying to focus on right now. Spending happy moments with the kiddlie-winks and not think about the big fat nasy basket of preverbial lemons residing in our house.

A Decade Gone By

2008-07-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, there we are a decade and a day ago on our wedding day. It doesn't seem that long, honestly. But it has to have been since my oldest is almost 8. Another weirdness for another post.

Aren't we cute? I remember it being a sweltering 105 degrees, which oddly enough I now find quite pleasant after spending the last three years in an inferno, a.k.a. Arizona.

It all happened because I had the desire to learn to swing dance. Those pesky singles activities. At 18 which I don't recommend as a good age for being wed, and hope that my daughters will be at least 20 before such craziness ensues, but it was the right time for us. At 18, I had goals, baby! Big ones. I was headed places to do things, learn things, and get an art degree and travel to be inspired by all the Greats of the art community. And there he was, tall (6' 7"), eyes the color of the Caribbean ocean, and so very strong.

Oh, sure things started out innocently enough at first. We were just friends. Then good* friends, then DTR (determine the relationship) friends, then fiances. I couldn't resist his gentlemanly charm and his goofiness. If anyone can make me laugh when I feel the worst it is Mister. He adores me and I like it that way.

A lot happens in 10 years, specifically speaking, four kids, moving five times, and developing a new career changes everything! I never imagined I would be in Arizona homeschooling four kids, helping my hubby get through nursing school. But I am so grateful to be in the life that I have. It is more than I could have ever imagined in all my dreaming and scheming a decade ago.

Stressful? Beyond belief!

Worth it? Absolutely!

*There is a funny story to this. Mister wasn't sure if we were boyfriend-girlfriend yet, even though we had been dating exclusively for about three weeks now. So at a mission reunion he started to introduce me as his girlfriend but ended up saying, "Gir-oodfriend". LOL That is why I was never his girlfriend, just a goodfriend. :)

What If...

2008-06-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

this is hanging on the shower curtain rod:

and my creative brain won't turn off, which makes my hand itch for a paint brush:

and then put it in its rightful place:

There! Isn't that much better? That shelf was uber-boring and now...well I think it speaks for itself.

Here is also one more tulip ditty because, well it is my blog, and cause I like to share. ;)

Paint Much?

2008-06-24T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, lately I have been. I found a novel medium: watercolor crayons.

The kids and I have been experimenting with them for a few days now. I actually would not recommend these for kids, because you do have to be pretty precise with the actual "painting" part. Otherwise everything turns brown. Here are a few of the quickies I did to pass our summer seclusion this week so far. ( I apologize in advance for the really dim lighting. That was the brightest natural light I could find. Our windows are ''special" with extra tint on the outside.)

Not bad for only a couple of hours each. This last one also has been outlined and drawn with charcoal. I was going for a modern looking stained glass effect. Could be awful cute in some girls rooms don't you think?

**Update** The water color crayons are Faber-Castell and they are good for older kids. My 5 and 7 year old with a little practice have been able to make some paintings without the browning effect.

Watch Out for Wiles.

2008-06-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Scully, tagged me for with this little gem of a meme. Here's the rules...no cheating. ;)

1. Grab the nearest book. If you are currently reading something, that'll be fine too.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your Blog along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet I know that is what you were thinking!
6. Tag 5 people.

I am, to my embarrassment, currently in a good book reading drought, not by lack of options, but lack of enthusiasm for my sweltering car that takes me to the library. But what I did have near turned out to be quite fitting. I taught the lesson this month in the parenting class so it was still sitting out by my computer as I realized I should go back and reread the first three chapters but that is a whole other post in itself. Our book is:

The Power of Positive Parenting, by Dr. Glenn Latham, pg 123, sentences 5-8:

"It is important to keep in mind that the kind of calm, objective responding illustrated here (and elsewhere) between father and a son must be the same between a father and a daughter. We know for a fact that girls can typically get their way and out of trouble and responsibility much easier than boys. Crying, being coy, and making verbal promises that are honey-sweet are all well known devices daughters can use to get their way and to escape the unplaeasant consequences of their behavior. Fathers, particularly, must gaurd against caving in to such wiles."

The girly part of me wants to deny such claims! But really Dads and all men, wiles happen.

I will also leave the tagging open to whomever would like to have a go at it. Enjoy!

Summer Fun

2008-06-05T16:01:00.000-07:00

This summer all bets are off! The kids and I are taking a muchly needed break from school and all other such things. We have been experiencing burn out, not just the kids, but me too! I think that we have been pushing a little hard in efforts for next summer's crazy adventures with graduation, moving, and settling in a new location. So between a smidgen of belated spring cleaning and reorganization around our house to spruce up our home, we have been hanging out the laundry for that oh-so-summer-fresh scent that I dream of all winter long.

Hmmmmmm.

Anyway the kids decided to surprise me one afternoon with taking down the laundry from our Ikea pop-up, foldable laundry thingies that I had brought in earlier but hadn't managed to get to yet. They made up a new game, that would rival the three amigos. Behold the Cactus Kids.

"Watch out! Were thorny, Mom!" As they poked each other and folded/mangled our crunchy dry clothes. At least I got a fluff cycle. Just didn't know it would come from the kids.
Here's Jelly Bean coming to wrangle in the fun.

Back from Vacation...a.k.a. Back to Reality

2008-05-19T17:24:00.000-07:00

Taking off for over a week and half was delightfully exhausting. The quick summer break between semesters was well spent visiting family in various locations across the west. Between cousin sleepovers, movie marathons, and wii tournaments for the kids, girls night-out, guys night-out, staying up to the wee hours of the morning every night catching up with brother and sister-in-laws, Mother's Day with extended family, and my first girly Tea party, I think we had more fun than one should! And that was only the first half of our trip.

After visiting Mister's family, we headed to visit mine. We rock hounded for the first time, saw more wild baby colts than one could count on both hands and feet, and celebrated Jelly Beans 1st birthday. But to let all of you in on a little secret, there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed undisturbed for a full eight hours!!!

Breathing A Sigh of Relief

2008-05-02T09:23:00.001-07:00

AH! Friday!

This week felt like a whole month was crammed into these last seven days. Since I can't curl up in a dark corner with a box of See's Chocolate, I declared today, Backward's Day, and started with Movie Night. I am exhausted and it is only 9:24 am. Good compromise, no? The kids are happy and I am able to catch up on my much needed reading. And by reading, I mean blogging. :D

Priorities, people, priorities!

2008-04-26T21:53:00.000-07:00

After hours of internet searches with the word "short hairstyles" I came to one I liked! Plus a little hair color dabbling and ta-da! Also I have to agree with Scully, that foxy in 10 is the way to go!

BEFORE

AFTER

As a bonus, this cute new 'do' is just what I need to keep me motivated on the stronger, leaner self I buried beneath Aunt Fanny. It does make a difference to help the outside look as close to the inside as possible. If I feel sassy, I am more likely to do those things that help me stay sassy! ;)

By the way, being pampered is AWESOME.

Spring and All that it Brings

2008-04-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

As April seems to be zipping by at an alarming rate, I thought I would recap and then hopefully keep updated on a more frequent basis. Spring is quickly turning into an inferno her in AZ and thought I would share the last of the flowers for those of you wishing spring would at least make an impromptu visit. :) We took our monthy temple grounds walk with the kids today. I couldn't have asked for a nicer evening! Gentle breeze, beautiful flowers, (which if you haven't noticed by now, I am a succor for) and then of course having quality family time. This is one of my favorite family traditions.

Other than this life is going full force with college widow-dom. Thank heavens we only have one more year left! I am pushing certifiably insane. I think the kids are taking it better than I am! We are all looking forward to spring break and our vacation in only two weeks! It has been way too long since we took a road trip and got out of Dodge. And can I say our timing will make our drive to Utah fantastic. Spring is almost dead here, but every where else will be in full bloom, at least I hope so. I have a few more dresses to make and some summer shorts for Darling Boy and then we will be on our way.

Seeing as it is spring, I have IT. The cut-your-locks syndrome. My hair is long enough, again. It seems to hit about every two years to need for "sheer" speed. Cut it all off! And my dear readers, I want some opinions. I am going to color my hair for the first time. Aren't you all proud of me! So even though I am a work in progress, (10 more pounds down!) I am braving a photo of myself.

I am thinking something sassy but doable for someone that might only have one hand available for any length of time. What do you think about going toward the red spectrum of copper chestnut highlights?

March is Over Already, What?

2008-04-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else feel like March disappeared rather to quickly? Good grief!

Easter was lovely. I finished making all the dresses and bows the night before. I wasn't going to even worry about dresses this year and then my wonderful Mom sent me some beautiful light green and blue linen. I couldn't resist! I have learned my lesson, next year I will be started on the dresses around the beginning of the year! So here they are:

Girly actually helped design her little outfit. I had her draw up what she would like to wear and this is pretty close to it. A peasant top with a three tiered skirt.

Monkey calls this her princess dress. Which is quite ironic since almost everyone at church mentioned that she should be snow white for Halloween this year.

Excuse the brush, this was the only way to get a smile and holding still in the same photo. Jelly Beans dress is a sundress with cap sleeves and matching short pants underneath.

Then serendipitously I found a pretty close match for Darling Boy's attire the night before Easter while looking for ribbon for bows come to think of it. Any way here is my dashing little boy:

I am still determined to make him some dress shorts to complete the whole family ensemble for a complete family picture for the year. It shouldn't take to much time, right?

As for the rest of March it was full of packing in spending time outside as summer is nearing with Playdates and March birthday parties. Thank you to all of those who sent me a card or well wishes! It truly made a wonderful birthday for me!

Proving My Husband Right.

2008-02-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

After watching Pride and Prejudice with Mister, He soundly proclaimed me to be Lizzy in all aspects. I guess he was right. LOL

Take the Quiz here!

Three plus One and Some Bread

2008-02-04T18:56:00.001-08:00

Left to Right:
Monkey, I think her impish face explains it all,
Girly, looking sophisticated in her new glasses, and Darling Boy.
By the way that is a piece of gum from primary. He wanted to show it off.

Jelly Beans, sucking her bottom lip.

And this is what I did today, instead of eating goodies. I guess I ended up making some. LOL. But I couldn't very well eat them and take a picture because than all of you would know. Mmmmm, homemade-whole wheat cinnamon rolls and bread. I bet you wish you were having breakfast at my house tomorrow, huh?

Kicking the Habit

2008-02-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Sugar is my Achilies heel.

I can exercise until the cows come home, (no pun intended), but without giving up my "d.r.u.g" of choice, I will be running in circles, literally, without any improvements. Why on earth would I want to waste the hard earned hour of exercise with junk, you ask me? Sugar, sweets, chocolate, you name it, help me feel calm, rewarded, and in a way justified. But in the end, all I get in return is a backside like Aunt Fanny (the motherly double-wide bottomed robot from, 'Robots, the movie') and zero energy.

I think we all know, that to kick a habit in order for it to be permanent it must be replaced with an acceptable alternative. The warning is out, if you don't want to see alot of crafts and handiwork....look the other way. ;)

Half-way to My Visible Results

2008-01-09T20:58:00.000-08:00

I needed a few minutes here, to pat myself on the back.

After being pudgy most my life, to pleasantly plump in high school, I have lost, gained, lost, gained, and a few more times, over the course of my life. Between pregnancies and baby weight of four children, I finally feel like I am in a stage of my life that I need to have control over my body. I crave energy and stamina that can last me until I am 102!

I am tired of missing being an active part in my life. Next time this year, I don't want to have think about losing weight or getting healthy, because I will already have reached that. Maybe, finally, I will be able to make exciting goals that are actually living instead of wasting years on this diet or this new trick for a slimmer me. I am quitting being obsessed with losing weight. So long story short, I bought a sure fire, get-my-butt-in-gear, no messing around transFIRMation workouts as a lifestyle change. I plan on doing this until I am a spunky grandma whose got her own little workout group. ;)

I have managed to live a week of my new life, and believe it or not I truly have seen results already. My energy is through the roof, my insomnia is waining, and physically I don't feel like I am busting at the seams anymore. I have almost lost a whole dress size!

This is worth tooting about, right?

Kiddie Quip

2008-01-04T21:29:00.000-08:00

On rare occasion, I will catch a glimpse of sleep I like to call "napping". This is what it looked like:

I pulled another record for me of not sleeping more than 4 hours straight for a week. I think one can agree that makes for exhaustion, no? Therefore I was in dire need of wink or two from the sleep department. Then it happened, Monkey and Dear Baby were napping at. the. same. time!
It becomes a race against the odds, will one wake up? Can I get the others busily working on something productive, but independent at the same time that will last, say more than 10 minutes? With all children in order, I grab my pillow and make a B-line to the couch, so that I might be a force for good choice making while I am unconsious for those still awake.

Girly happens to be playing horses on the floor next to me. This girl has more than enough to keep her occupied, scaled down-life like-wooden stable accompanied with matching corral, and almost all the horses one girl could possibly ask for. So I close.....my.....eyes.........

"Mom......"

"Yes, sweety?"

"How come...(some question I can't remember)"

"Not sure, let's look it up when I am done napping. Sound good?"

......silence....some snoring ;).......

"mom.....MOM"

"Yes, dear. Mommy is trying to take a quick nap. I am very tired."

"Okay, but why does......(more questioning)"

I think you get the picture. After about five more rounds of this and very little napping eureka strikes.

"Mom. Your sleeping!"

"That's right. Mommy is closed for the next half hour. I will reopen after my nap."

"Ooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh. Okay!"

Girly then plays happily for precisely the next half hour. Well at least I know she understand time correctly!

Getting My Groove Back

2007-12-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

Goodness gracious, it has been a long time! Life has swept me up and carried my away this past couple of months. So many good things to report, so little time.

For starters, we found out in November, Mister has been excepted into the accelerated BSN program for nursing starting in January! I am thrilled beyond means to share this. With year and half waits creeping up all around us, he was able to still make it in and schooling will continue as planned. Plus, as an added bonus there is an end to our journey, finally! By May of '09 he will be graduated with his bachelors in nursing and we will be moving on with our life. I will survive somehow with him being gone everyday, all day for the next 16 months...I hope! You will all have to encourage me and support me through our grueling last stepping stone here. But, WAHOOO!!!! He made it, he made it, he made it!!!!!!

(I do have to admit, something about a man in uniform...well you know the saying. Growr!)

Milestones a plenty with Jellybeans are next. I know younger siblings typically do things earlier than older ones, but 7 month old already cruising is just blowing my mind and any amount of chores getting done! Which honestly, I don't mind. Play with the baby or fold clothes....hmmmm? Easy one to decided I think. Who doesn't love a good round of chasing the baby down the hall? All the while she is giggling with such infection that she gives herself the hiccups. Gotta love that toothless grin.

Ah, Christmas was wonderful this year! I love the time we get to spend together as a family with only normal, everyday responsibilities to take care of! We swang our selves silly at the park more times than I can count, made a great gingerbread house, plate upon platefuls of cookies that we delivered, caroling with a trombone octuplet, family walks in our oh-so-nice winter weather, visiting the temple lights, Christmas Eve F.H.E.(it is my favorite one!), and snuggling under our comforters in front of a good movie during the cold evening hours with a nice hot cup of chocolate! Mmmmmmmm. Monkey learned almost every Christmas song and sang them every where with her priceless three year old voice. When ever a song came on she remembered she would shout out, "This my fabe-rit!", and sing her version of it. The First Noel is pretty funny when she sings it. Some times it is hard to let go of this season, but alas, it is to be expected. Not to say that this coming year won't be fantastic as well!

As for the older kids, we plug along with our schooling enjoying our new found love of lapbooks! An excellent educational craft that can be tailored to anything being learned with the added bonus of being all age friendly so even the little ones, minus the baby, can paste and cut with the best of them. Granted the tidy level of our schoolroom is some what questionable on those days. :)

Darling Boy now joins us in our reading endeavors so we are consuming every book in our house and the library at an alarming rate! Ah, what I wouldn't do for a unlimited gift card to any bookstore! (Just putting that out in the universe. You never know, right?) Speaking of reading, I have noticed a slight side effect of teaching Girly cursive...she now can read my to-do notes and lists of things. A few surprises have been let out of the bag from me not realizing she could read those. Ooops! Things like dental appointments, which weren't received with enthusiasm, wonder why? Hmmm. Anywho, Christmas was tricky keeping those receipts and shopping lists, hidden from her, and not from myself. I do that often, put something in "a safe place" only to lose it to eternity.

Well enough rambling! I just thought I would let all of you know, I am resurfacing like a submarine getting away from a torpedo! ;) Thanks for hanging in there.

Did I Say Treading???? (See title description)

2007-09-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Only by sheer cunning and refusal to give up, I have fashioned a snorkel out of paper towel tubes, painters tape, an insurmountable amount of laminate and glitter...cause, well, I like things pretty. ;) Life is crazy right now! For all my dear friends, I think and pray for you often! I read your blogs but don't necessarily have two hands to type a witty comment, let alone manage to assimilate a cognitive thought! I miss you all and hope you know that I am still here and not to give up on me.....eventually my head will resurface.

Go Figure

2007-08-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

"I for one know that I need to get into a better routine of exercising at least 5 times a week.

I'm glad I'm not alone, it's always nice to have support, someone to encourage and motivate you to keep you going.

That's why we decided to start a new feature called Go Figure!

Every Friday we are going to share tips on exercise, weight loss and health.

We'd love for you to join us and let us know what works for you."

Here are my exercise tips for the week:

When falling off the wagon, don't wait for Monday to jump back on. Make your very next choice a good one.

Suck in your tummy. I have problems with having a flat stomach and did a great deal of research on postpartum diastasis recti, in other words a vertically split abdomen. The best exercises are the ones that affect the transverse muscle which are called the "girdle" of the stomach. So, suck it in, suck it in, suck it in!

Go Figure

2007-08-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Starting this Friday I am joining women across blogdom to put a few (*coughs*) pounds behind us, over at Mulit-tasking Moms with Amber's help:

"Leslie Sansone's In Home Walking has agreed to sponsor us! That's right, they are helping us kick off "Go Figure" by donating Leslie Sansone's Walk Slim System!!!

How great is that! Are you excited?! I know I am!"

I have to agree with Amber on this one. So in my efforts to join in and take one for the team I am going to share by two bits for this entry,

Make exercise fun. What ever it takes, if that means buying a cute work-outfit or putting on your favorite tunes...do it!
My second "trick" is to drink water first when I get cravings. It is hot here next to the earths core (AZ) and I am sure there is no humanly possible way to drink all the water that I should be getting. This way it is the first off the list before diving into my temptation.

Happy Birthday Girly and Darling Boy

2007-07-30T15:41:00.001-07:00

It was to much fun making the fun "ice cream cupcakes" although slightly imperfect (not bad for a first try however). And who wouldn't at least feel happy looking at the smiley face cake? We spent the day playing with cousins and friends at a park until we were all so hungry we wanted to pass out. We came back to my house and made delicious homemade pizza pies and bread sticks. With an evening of presents, good company, and cake, I can't think of a happier time for a kid.

"Older and wiser too, Happy Birthday, to you!"

Busy Last Couple of Weeks

2007-07-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't had to much time to write these past couple of days. I have guilt. ;) But to highlight I had my ninth year anniversary. Crazy, I know. I have almost been married a decade. Now that just makes me sound old. heheh I realized that in all that time I haven't had professional family photos taken....ever. What can I say, the time whizzed by faster than expected. That is my goal this year. Plus the immortalizing process of a photo is incentive to finish losing baby weight from four kids, right? ( That or I will always be the one in the back. )

But if an anniversary isn't enough this last few weeks, my oldest is turning 7 and my second is turning 5! Yikes. They are so excited. I wake up to, "Is it my birthday today?" I finally printed out a calender and let them count down. Now I hear from my semi-reclined slumber* in the morning, "Wow! Only___ days left till MY BIRTHDAY!" My third oldest, though is having a tough time with it. Being only 2 is rough news, with her birthday far off. She keeps asking for things like this...."Can have ----- for my birfday cake?" It doesn't matter what it is. It ranges from jelly beans to getting dressed in the morning. Silly kid.

Well off I go to decorate cakes, wrap presents, make party plans, pull something else doing pilates, bake bread, change diapers, referee, play pat-a-cake..........

*I will never take sleeping horizontal for granted again. Baby has a little reflux and needs to sleep most of the time with a more vertical position. Hence, me, baby, and the recliner.

Stress Relief 101

2007-07-11T21:38:00.000-07:00

What does one do when chocolate has been taken off the menu???

Running on my elliptical trainer like a crazy women for 20 minutes in the morning.
Training as a contortionist with pilates and yoga during a brief moment called nap-time.
Deciding pig tails look like fun, and wearing them in public.
Singing silly songs and making funny faces over family dinner with the kids.
Making cookies with the children realizing, it is naturally comical when the flour comes poofing out of the Heavy Duty KitchenAide mixer at 55 mph.
Sneaking off to the supermarket, before midnight......alone.
Getting a foot massage from a professional.

Of course, this is all after two weeks of pure torture whilst I detoxed. ;)

Good Things

2007-07-06T12:48:00.001-07:00

The Toothfairy making a trip to our house~Catching..........

This on camera!

And getting to write one's name in the stars with Mister's family.

(the little kids are mine)

Here She is ........Miss Baby

2007-06-16T18:03:00.001-07:00

I couldn't pass up this cute picture to share. She isn't so jaundice any more so I will update further on this week. But here she is!! Isn't she the cutest thing alive? (Not that I am biased or anything. ;)

My Bundle of Joy

2007-06-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

Donned with tons of dark hair, my beautiful daughter was born May 16, at 2:28am. She weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces, and was just over 21" long.

Since then, things have been a roller coaster ride. Adjustments for the whole family and then complications with me, which in all honesty I seem to be making a tradition of visiting the E.R. within two weeks of having a baby. Oh well, things are good now and I am at home with my little ones enjoying being a mother of 4. Strange sounding, isn't it? Mother of four.

But mostly, we are enjoying the time we have to soak up all the memories we can with her and our other kids. She is already three weeks new! Time flies when you aren't getting any sleep, I guess. ;)

Good News???

2007-04-27T14:10:00.001-07:00

Had an ultrasound today. By the projections at a little less than 37 weeks she is already 8 lbs 11 oz and has the head of a full term baby. I don't think I have 23 days left. By her head circumference, I am 39 1/2 weeks along. Even if she is in for two more weeks she will weigh almost 11 pounds!!!! Yikes! Any one up for some power walking???? I don't have babies, I have toddlers. ;)

All joking aside, I feel ready and very excited by this news. It is like getting Christmas a little early. I know there could be a potential emergency c-section if her head proves to be to much for me, but I am willing to give a try.....especially since I will have an epidural this time. It is funny that my last will be my first. I have done all my other kids au naturale. My third weighed 9lbs, 3 oz, so she was big too.

But 11 pounds! Oy, 11 pounds.

Tag your it!

2007-04-20T14:51:00.000-07:00

Four Jobs I Have Had

Secretary at Engineering Company
Materials Handler at Flow (water jet technology)
Domestic Diva
Ruler of the World (hand that rocks the cradle.....)

Four Movies I could Watch Over and Over

Sabrina (old or new)
While You Were Sleeping
Pride and Prejudice (old or new)
Anne of Green Gables series

Four Places I Have Lived (oh why not list them all?)

Moses Lake, Washington
Provo, Utah (twice)
Mesa, Arizona
Apache Junction, AZ (twice)
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Las Vegas, NV
Los Alamida, CA (twice)
Puyallup, WA
Fife, WA
Tacoma, WA
Federal Way, WA

Four TV Shows I Watch

Good Eats w/Alton Brown (Food Network)
House Hunters (HGTV)
Planet Earth (mini series suggested by Scully)
Scrubs (when I am conscious enough to watch that late)

Four Places I Have Gone On Vacation

Disneyland
Knott's Berry Farm
camping in various locations
family get-togethers

Four Websites I Visit Daily (as of lately. This will probably be completely different by next week)

www.thriftyfun.com
www.budget101.com
www.blogger.com
www.google.com, (to research anything and everything to my hearts content)

Four of My Favorite Foods

Seafood Fetticini Alfredo
Brownie al a mode, with caramel sauce
almost every kind of soup but minestrone, with a grilled cheese sandwich
Guacamole (I love the stuff especially on nachos or soft tacos)

Four Places I'd Rather Be Right Now

At a warm beach making sand castles with my kids in the surf during the day, and sunset walks with hubby at night (think Hawaii)
Sitting in the ASU auditorium watching my husband walk for graduation.
Painting in Southern France or Italy
In my own home that we owned with a huge garden and art/crafts studio for me. hehe

Four People I Tag

Anyone who would like to seeing as I think I am the last of the link that has participated.

Nothing like Nesting

2007-04-19T14:57:00.000-07:00

I think I have begun nesting. You know the need to put everything in pristine, complete order before the baby arrives, yeah I am pretty much full boar. This happens every time, usually at the four weeks left mark. I think she is coming a week early, if I don't count all the crazy planning and prepping I did last week. *smiles sheepishly* Thank heavens my mom arrives in about two. Then it won't matter to much if Baby 4 makes an early appearance. Then I will finally be able to rest easy and quite having "water-breaking" dreams every night. (It has the same sensation as dreaming about being in a crowded room completely n.a.k.e.d. but then starting labor and being soaking wet. )

I have been loading the freezer with dinners, all kinds of breads, pancakes, cookie dough, and jams, making bulk instant oatmeal for those morning when that is all that can happen, and cooked beans (easier than canned). Then there is the actual baby items being accounted for, cleaned, and put in its proper place. I finally got her car seat ordered and it should be here next week. Believe it or not I will have four restraining devices in my van now. Two booster seats and two car seats.

And as a bonus, I was able to get almost all of our monthly grocery needs, besides food storage items, for under $200. Next post I will do my tag, about the four things list.

Easter Fun and Sunflowers

2007-04-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

Since I am trying not to think about how long/little I have left (6 weeks, maybe) until I burst, I thought a little sharing of our springtime fun would be in order.

Easter was kept extremely simple this year due to early contractions that are more than I want right now. It was fun to surprise the kids after church with baskets full of goodies and fun things to do. I think we caught about 15 good "cheesies" per kid in about 1 minute on film. I actually think their favorite things were the pennies and quarter that filled a couple of the eggs. I couldn't justify tons of candy even for holidays. It causes more tantrum and meltdowns than imaginable and that isn't fun for either party! Plus the kids were just so darn cute! That makes every holiday grand.

We also planted some sunflower seeds. If you want quick results from gardening efforts give these babies a try. Every morning that the kids and I go out to "check" on them/ play before school, those flowers have added an inch or two and a few more leaves are donned. I realized to day that when we have full mammoth sunflowers blossoming out there I will have a newborn. THANK HEAVENS!!!! Now while I am sitting nursing I can lookout my window and gaze at the flowers we grew and my kids playing in them. I must capture some good pictures with them and make portraits this year. Kids and sunflowers are awful darling.

Lately I have been consumed with frugality, thrifty living, and in general living on less. So far I have been scouring the internet for things to read. I found some good info at www.budget101.com, and www.thriftyfun.com. Plus if you can get it at your library, Amy Dacyczyn's, Tightwad Gazette I, II, and III really get the cogs moving for ideas that one could apply to their own life. It is a little ironic and some what funny, that when I first read her books, I tabbed a couple items from each thinking that a lot of this stuff would never work. But as recently my book looks like a florescent green tab monster. heheh I think I am far more serious this time about changing the direction of our financial state than I was a couple of years ago. Plus it would be nice to have my husband home more often instead of working for things that we don't really need or that can be substituted for other thrifty ideas.

The draw back I now have a desire to learn the art of canning. I think I have more hobbies than I can shake a stick at!

Grin and Bear It.

2007-03-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

I feel the need for a gripe session so bear with me.

Overwhelmed is an understatement for how I feel lately. With everything hurting lately, and I mean EVERYTHING, just managing my daily tasks like keeping three other people alive while being a good example of patience, soft spoken words, and the like seems impossible.

I want to declare holiday everyday and do away with responsibilities and be the fun mom in my lovely 18 year old body. Don't get me wrong I am thankful for my body that can take a licking and keep on ticking. I just feel so old and worn out, like today. It doesn't help when my inadequates are excruciatingly apparent to me and all those around me. Why do I feel the need to put on my "happy face" and keep trudging along pretending that all is well? When wouldn't it be more honest to tell people when asked about my well being to say, "Look, I am trying to stay positive, so don't ask." I feel like a broken record of "Oh, hanging in there-s" and "doing as well as expected" . Expected????

I am pretty sure having my left leg turned into a pop-up version of a united states road map, with bruised veins in places of national recreation and lakes that is draining the life from me wasn't under the "expected" list of things I signed up for. For the first time I think I am angry that I have been handed the short end of the stick on healthy. No matter how hard I try, my body and soul are at war with one another. There is in insurmountable energy inside of me that wants to live, but can't in the broken shell that I exist in. So much happens each day that I feel I miss out on because I can't participate without pain. There is so much I want to accomplish but can't.

Some how I will find a way to wake up tomorrow, do my duties and put on a smile just don't ask me how tonight.

Go Figure

2007-02-22T18:05:00.000-08:00

I finally understand my Mother.

When we were kids, getting new things was a very rare occurance, which is not a complaint but just a fact. Once upon a time my mom was expecting a brand new washer and dryer. I thought, of all the things to get new, this was not one of the exciting things. Little did my elementary brain comprehend.

Fast forward to now. Here I am sitting with anticipation like it is Christmas Eve, counting down the hours until my brand new washer and dryer arrive. After listening to my jet engine sounding dryer and typhoon mimicking washer I can not wait to hear the blissful whir of my machines doing there job!

I thought my Mom was crazy. She was! Crazy for things that create sanity with out driving you nuts~LOL.

Still Alive......

2007-02-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

I will be able to post more later. Time is ticking on my bellybutton timer here and have to get ready for baby 4 while getting all other objectives accomplished. By the way, if any of you find my feet I would like them back. Seems I can't see them anymore no matter how much I "bend", if you want to call it that.

Homeschool Reform: Everyday a Learning Day

2007-01-20T08:35:00.000-08:00

Being largely pregnant now, homeschooling has developed some unique challenges that I hadn't realized or suppressed the last time. Granted last time it was only preschool which takes up a lot less time. But this time, with a first grader, preschooler, and a toddler running around things are quite chaotic. Most days I feel like mommy cryptonite is weighing down my already filled pockets. So the most logical thing I could do was to sit down, put my feet up and dig into other homeschooling sites and figure it out. (Which only came after a good cry and rant session to my husband.)

My plan is to do what is right for my family. Which means taking a good look at the way things run around here, not me so much but the schedule and our flow :). I have been trying to get everything done that I need to for homeschool in the morning before anything else gets done, but I realized that unlike the public school model I am the one that has to prepare the meals, attend to squabbles and the like. That takes up time. It was frustrating to only get so far in the day when I had determined that we would be done my midday. But then I realized my extra pressure to finish, isn't helpful to the learning environment or to the development of my children. The solution, make all day an opportunity for expanse. If we need a break for what ever reason, I should take it, using everyday experiences to reinforce the concepts being taught. Think about it. What do you remember most from your education the textbooks or the hands on? For some the textbook is enough, but if one can get your hands dirty, metaphorically speaking some days, the exposure cements that new information.

My goal is to figure out how to make our chaotic family life right now fit into the model of learning all day, whether we be at home, out and about, and doing all those things that are required to keep life running. Learning should be an ongoing process not just one we do from 9am-noon. That is the beauty of schooling at home verses public education, I don't have to be restricted by time or place.

Prodigal Blogger

2007-01-11T14:24:00.000-08:00

Surfacing from life for a moment to take a breath, finally. "Vacation" as always is as busy as ever, especially with the stomach flu, doctor appointments, family visits, holidays, and daily upkeep. I was able however, to organize and semi-decorate the kids rooms, my room in preparation for the baby, and the school room minus all our Christmas decor. It did require moving all the beds, piano, my work table, breaking down the computer desk, and heaving the coffee table into place. Oh, and how could I forget the recliner. This has all taught me that I should have lighter furniture or bigger muscles. lol

For special news I was able to squeeze the ultrasound in a couple of weeks ago and found out that I am having another girl!

Purse Obsession

2006-12-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

Is it to much for a girl to ask for something completely functional for stuffing every corner of my life into it without the purse becoming the size of a duffel bag, that still remains feminine and stylish? Well I am on the search to find the perfect handbag. And of course the ultimate purse accessory, the perfect wallet. So help me out! What has worked and not worked for you ladies?

Breathing...

2006-12-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

...at least for the next three weeks. Finals are over! We will lead a temporary existence of normalcy. (What ever that is?) Thank heavens for winter break. It couldn't have come any sooner. Well who am I kidding? It could have come anytime and I would have been ecstatic! ;) But in the nick of time is more like it seeing as my husband's vehicle didn't start this morning on the way to his last exam. It just isn't Christmas break without a little car doctoring to do. But I am glad that he will be home more to help me with the rugrats. My right leg is now an off color of flesh tone and purple with my left leg running a short second behind. It is kind of my little joke now. When I make it to church everyone asks if I have broken my ankle. If only they knew.

The Last Straw

2006-12-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

Are finals over yet??? Between all the late nights that turn into early mornings helping Hubby study for his finals for the last two weeks, being a single mom of three small children from 7am-11pm every day, and being mucho pregnant, I am about to lose it. I can do it right?

Just two more days, just two more days.......

Christmas Baking

2006-12-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to fill my home with the wondrous smells of Christmas time! To me a nice heaping plate of goodies, specially wrapped in pretty colored plastic, left anonymously at my neighbors doorstep is pure Christmas joy. Baking these special goodies that only my family has these particular recipes to connects me to the past, the present, and the future. While getting all floury and sugar encrusted with my children realizing at the same time they might do this years down the road with thier own and that my great-grandma, grandma, and mother have thought the same and done the same with theirs is pretty cool. Plus it sure is a tasty way to do some service.

Progression

2006-12-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Being stagnant really isn't neutral. The whole point of existence is to make progress. Without progression we merely exist pushing ourselves farther from our goal which is basically regression. There is no holding still in life, either one is moving forward or life whizzes by leaving them far behind. I love the idea of being a better person than I was yesterday. I truly think that will be my only goal this coming year. It is all encompassing with the aspects of my life. Everyday I can ask myself what I did well and what needs improvement, following through the next day.