6 days left

There are only 6 days left of the school year. 6 days! In a way, I am thankful, ready to not be racing out the door in the morning. On the other hand, what am I going to do with four kids all summer long? We will have to get some structure to our weeks. This is where N working weekends sometimes works out in our favor. We can go places on week days and it's usually not crowded. I hope we can drive to some lakes for the day. It will be different with Baby Girl, she's not always in favor of car rides. We are planning a trip to MN in August, we need to ease her in to car travel.

Grandpa lifts us Up

I made this picture for my dad for his birthday. We used the kids finger prints to make the balloons. I made a key on the back to show which kid used which color. Even the babies were able to participate. It was fun and he LOVED it. We had the big kids sign their names by their colors. It was a fun gift to make and give.

A quiet Sunday evening for me

Last night N took the group fishing. I had a few hours to myself. I spent those hours running to the store for milk and a few other needed items. It was nice just to have Baby Girl with me and no other chaos. It was easier to focus on her when needed. I am slowing coming back to independence. It is hard for me to ask for help. I just feel the need to take things upon myself and get them done. Tomorrow I have my 6 week dr apt. It didn't occur to me until today what a challenge that trip could be. The office is a decent 20 + minute drive. I've never gone that far with the baby and Four alone. What if she screams the entire drive? This is a fact I've come to terms with, she'll just have to get used to it. I have driven with just her and I and yes, she did scream. She will learn. However, for this appointment, I really can't afford to have high blood pressure. I'm already down one point by not having my medication. I filled the refill last week, but never picked it up. Due to the weekend and holiday, it's been many days since I've had the medication. N asked to get off early, but I won't know if he can until tomorrow. Praying for approval and I won't take that trip to the dr. alone. Things will be different this summer. Life will be different. Tonight, N took them to the beach. Eight asked when we will all be able to go to the beach. He's such a sweet kid, considerate of others and aware of what is going on around him. I told him in a few more weeks. Honestly, I don't know when I'll feel comfortable taking her to the beach. She's just so small and it's so hot outside. Perhaps the end of the day would be better, when the sun isn't quite so intense. We will see where that takes us. For now, I will try to enjoy my time alone with Baby Girl. I have things I need to get done, just need her distracted or sleeping to do them. I was productive yesterday and today. I have all the laundry done from clothes to sheets and blankets. There was quite a bit from our guests. I made and wrote out thank you notes from the weekend, addressed almost all and will mail them tomorrow. I have gathered the forgotten items from my family and will mail them too. Next on my agenda: a shutterfly order! I have an announcement all ready to go. It's been in my cart for over a week. My coupons expire on the 31st, I need to get that done ASAP. Hopefully tonight. My plan is to move as quickly as I can with what I need to do. She was a little spoiled with so many adults around to hold her. Like the car, she's just going to have to get used to being put down. I can't have one of those babies. It just won't happen in this house. When she wakes up, I'll enjoy my quiet time with her. We spend all our time together and I know that's how she likes it.

Oh what a week!

As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. We had a fabulous week with my family in town. My only disappointments were probably wishing I had more sleep to be on top of things (story of my life), and I wish it hadn't rained when we were in Frankenmuth. It was great for the family to see the soccer games. This was the first season they were able to come to a game and all three kids had them. Even Baby Orchid got in on soccer games. She loves grass and was adorable. Frankenmuth is a small German town in Michigan. It's the most authentic city I've ever seen. They even have the same street signs as in Germany. We took them to the Kase Haus/Cheese House and a few other shops. We tried cheese, chocolate, fudge and fresh water taffy. We made the best of it, even in the rain with so many people/babies and only two umbrellas. That was Monday. Tuesday we had lunch at the school. The first graders sang to Six at lunch to celebrate his summer birthday. Baby Orchid has big blue eyes. Were they ever big when she walked into that lunch room at the end of the kindergarten lunch. It was so loud. She'd never heard such noise. The boys were proud and happy we came. Wednesday we went to town to prepare for the party. We don't role quite like we used to with two babies in tow. Wednesday shopping wasn't the best for Baby Girl. She was a little fussy and left me overwhelmed. We made the best of it, decided not to fret and worry. We still had two other days to get organized before the weekend. Grandpa went to pick the boys up from school that day. Soccer games that night. The week went on. Wednesday night the girls, minus a preschooler, went shopping after bedtime. We only had an hour, but it was the best hour of shopping we had all week. I love going with my mom and my sister. We checked out the entire store. I've never brought so many tops into a dressing room before. We changed quickly and closed down the store that night. Exchanges were made the next day, same store, different location. Didn't take too long since we'd checked everything out the night before. Thursday we finished our errands. Mum showed me a new trick for making clips to go on headbands. They are so cute and pretty. I can't wait to post some pictures and make one of my own for Four. Friday we prepared for our party. We spent the day at home. Orchid and Uncle T picked up the boys from school. They took Eight to the toy store for a birthday gift. They managed to find the Lego motorcycle we hunted for at his birthday. We looked in three cities for this Lego and couldn't find it. It was out of stock. Couldn't even get it online, it was no where to be found. Saturday morning was a whirlwind of preparation. It turned out to be a beautiful day. I've got two kids in tears, have to cut this short. One is the infant that eats all day long. The other is a boy who just woke up to discover the guests are gone. I'm thinking we will have a day of recoup and recovery at home.

Sacramental Saturday

Tomorrow is the big day! Eight is welcomed to the Table! I am so excited for this experience for him. Baby Girl will be baptized tomorrow. What a day for celebration in our family. Almost everyone will be here, it will be wonderful to be together. We've had a busy week, I hate for it to end. Baby Orchid was so pleased this morning. She woke up to her Papa. He drove all night to come and join us in MI. We're ready for tomorrow. I can't wait. Baby Girl is done blogging for now, on to something else. Have a blessed Memorial weekend readers!

Hav'in a great time

No time to blog these days, the fam is here and we are busy. We've been to Frankenmuth and quite a few soccer games. Tomorrow we get busy, organized for our weekend party to celebrate baptism and first communion. We're lov'in Baby Orchid being here. She is the sweetest thing! It's been a great time and we're all together.

Almost ready!

Got my list and checking it twice! How many times have I written about lists??? The family will arrive tomorrow night. I have almost everything accomplished. Didn't think it would happen. I still have a long way to go. Bedrooms need to be ready still, they are half way done. We are ready for Baby Orchid! I brought up a baby chair for her at the table and we found what's left of our baby toys. Just a few other things to do and the house will be ready. Worms in the dirt for first grade today. Six will celebrate his birthday at school. He was sick yesterday, but all better, ready to go today. He recovers quickly. When Eight celebrated his birthday, we made Angry Bird cupcakes and I got him two Angry Bird tshirts. We did the same for Six, except he wanted Worms in the Dirt. I was happy to accommodate his request, worms and dirt are still keeping with the bird theme. : ) Preschool graduation tonight. We're bringing rice krispie treats with fruity pebbles. We made some plain too. Miss D from next door is coming with us. Four is wearing her new red dress. She is very excited. Today is her last day of preschool. Spirits will be high, we're going to pick her up soon. The weather is beautiful, hoping it stays that way. The forecast for the week is sunny and hot. We might have to get out the pool!

Illness strikes, I didn't leave the house

Six was sick on Wednesday night/ Thursday morning. He had the same fever illness Eight experienced last week. Oh what a night. Not much sleep for this mom. Baby Girl slept from 9:30 until 2 am. Would have been great had I not been up with Six during that time. Poor Six. He's not the best patient. Motrin upsets his belly. He's not one to take medicine willingly. Most of the time he just fights off the fever. This time, I only got him to take meds once. He fought off the fever on Thursday on his own. He was supposed to bring birthday treats to school on Thursday. He was up during the night, but for a nightmare, not illness. I think he'll be fine to go to school today. Will I bring the treats today? I am still not sure. They are not put together yet. I have all the supplies. I wanted to get to the store, this is my only chance before my family comes. My day is all up in the air. Lucky me, I have a baby to get me started bright and early. Maintenance guys come at 7:30 to fix a few things. It will be a long day ending with preschool graduation.

All at the same time

Tonight we had two soccer games and an ice cream social, all at 6pm. So thankful tonight wasn't an evening shift for N. He seems to sometimes miss out on things with working the weekends, but nights like this make up for it. He took the soccer group, Baby Girl and I took Six to the ice cream social. It was a great event to experience with Six. He was really proud. He waved to each of his classmates. Even when they didn't see him, he still waved. He's so excited about his classmates and school. I can't believe how much he has grown. The end of the year seems to bring out the best in kids. With so many things ending, they seem to be excited about new beginnings. My group surprised me with all their talk about the next school year. Four has brought it up too. She mentioned how she will miss her preschool friends, but she will see some of them next year. Eight once again had a wonderful soccer game. He didn't score, but still has a great passion for soccer. I think he loves being a part of the team. I love watching him. I am looking forward to seeing Four in action as well. The family comes soon! We are very excited and have been planning our days. It's all coming together and falling into place. Tomorrow: worms in the dirt and Baby Girl will be sharing again.

Closer

As the days go on, I make more progress and am closer to meeting my goals before our company comes. So far, it's only Tuesday, but I've kept it all together quite nicely. I always wonder about Sunday through Tuesday. I have to get everyone out the door those mornings by myself. Mother's day we made it to church. Fr. B handed out flowers at the end to the oldest mother, the mother with the most children and wouldn't you know, the mother with the youngest child. We tied with another mother. The kids were all smiles. The kids know about my list of things to do. They were shocked when we actually counted it. Since it was mothers day and since I was willing to lend out use of the shop vac, they vacuumed the couch and stairs. They used leather cleaner on the love seat and chair. They were busy little bees. Didn't hurt that vacuuming the couch meant taking all the cushions off and boy could cool forts be made! Yesterday we got the basement straightened out. They were thrilled and have been down there many times since. They pulled out their remote control cars and have been driving around in circles. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully a day without headache. I didn't get much accomplished today due to a bad migraine, but on the bright side it wasn't as bad as the last one. It didn't last as long and my day wasn't completely ruined. We got our picture taken at church tonight. I was slightly disappointed with the result, but can't complain. Everyone was most cooperative and the big kids did really well. Even getting ready wasn't as stressful as it could have been. Baby Girl was very cooperative for 3-4 rounds, but after that no luck. The last few pictures she was screaming. She looked so cute, but I couldn't find my camera for a picture. Eight practice his reading tonight for the big day. He will be reading the prayers of petition on his first communion day. He did a great job for that being his first time. We go back on Saturday morning for another quick practice. I plan to go a little later, we will have to wait for all the other kids to go first. It's another soccer game for Four. I really want to watch her this week. I am so sad I missed her first goal. Hoping the stress stays away and we enjoy the rest of our week. Can't believe Saturday the family will be here! We are so very excited!

Maybe I shouldn't leave the house

I try to put a positive spin on things, but this sleep deprivation is getting the best of me. No matter how hard I try to get things to go my way, I seem to get just the opposite. My phone is still causing me great frustration. I am working on a solution. My options are ebay or possibly a phone from a friend. We'll see what works out. N got Six to his soccer pictures on time this am and to his game. During that time, when I was down to only two kids, I decided to take Baby Girl and Eight with me to the grocery store. I've been trying to get there for two days, but never made it. I planned to make a cake for Zinnia's E, but didn't have any eggs for the cake and needed powdered sugar and milk for the frosting. We get to the store, Baby Girl is awake the entire time and is great! Just when I thought I was home free, two things left to check out! I can do this! It then occurs to me, I have no wallet. I planned to place my shutterfly order last night and my wallet is sitting on the desk in the living room. I did happen to have a $20 bill in the diaper bag, but that was it. My bill was $50. Double UGH! This is not my week. As luck would have it, New Moon's husband strolls in straight from tai kwan (sp?) do with their six year old son M. He pays my remaining $29.15 for me. On our merry way we go. Lunch was uneventful, thankfully. I get all four kids to Eight's soccer pictures on time. We are the first ones there. The coach wasn't even there yet. Pictures are done and we head to the fields for his game. I'm getting my chair out of the car and Eight runs over in tears. I think right away, maybe he was hit during practice. Nope. He's got the wrong kind of shoes. Great. The shoes came in a bag of soccer stuff from a friend of a friend. I had no idea the little cleat on the top part of the shoe meant these shoes are for baseball. I leave the kids with Verbena and run home to get last years shoes. Eight is better when I return, but still upset. We get his shoes on and things get better. Six and Four are obnoxious at the game and dive me almost crazy. After the games, we drop off our money from the groceries. They live just around the corner from us, across from the soccer fields. I turn back and ask New Moon if she will call Azalea and see if she can pick Four up for soccer pictures. Baby Girl slept the entire soccer game and I knew she'd be up and hungry, right when we needed to get out the door for Four's pictures. My conclusion for the day, life is better when you ask for help. I've been trying to do it all myself and I just can't. Azalea was happy to come and get Four. She will be home soon after I'm done writing this. I have these great connections, I need to reach out to them. They are so understanding and get it completely. Verbena shared her memories with me and it made me feel better. The things she said were exactly what I've experienced this past week. We're almost to 4 weeks and it's wearing me down. Like I said earlier, reinforcements are coming in one week! I really can't wait.

Spreading it too thin

Not enough sleep and no naps are not the best combination. Toss in a lack of nourishment for the day and I head down hill fast. Trying to keep up with my old schedule while trying to figure out the new schedule isn't working out in my favor. It isn't working out in favor for those around me either. I stayed up too late last night. I got up too early this morning. Eight being emotional caused me to be emotional. I am forgetful, can't recall what I typed just hours ago. Never made it to the grocery store. Don't have all the supplies for cake decorating. I planned to go after picking the boys up from school. I wanted to surprise them. I was tired and hadn't eaten since the am. After getting them, making our way to the car, the arguing in the back seat caused me frustration. The stroller also caused me frustration. I'm starting to hate our new stroller. It is too big. It doesn't fold nicely. Today, I couldn't get it to fold down the right way. The back door to the van didn't close right away. My phone was in the pocket of the stroller. I smashed the phone in the pocket in the door. Didn't even realize what I'd done until I finally got the stroller figured out and was seated in the van. The phone just fell apart in my hands. We are not due for upgrades. So frustrating. With a full day planned tomorrow, I am not sure when I will get access to a new phone. The neighbors so kindly offered an extra phone for me. I'll have to go check out their supply. What would we do without them? After eating, I feel better. I guess I've put everyone else first. Just how it worked out. I need to pay attention to the little things, like taking time for lunch and some rest. We'll see how that treats me. Baby Girl is awake. Time up.

Just when I think...

I've got it together, I fall apart. Eight was overwhelmed with going back to school today. He felt pressure he wasn't prepared. We decided I would take him in a little late. By the time I cleaned up and was ready to go, it was 10 am. N suggested he take him instead. I wanted to try make it to the grocery store before picking up Four. I wasn't even out of town and I decided to turn back. I only had one hour and it was too much. I felt guilty after seeing the look on Eight's face when he got into the car with N. I know he was disappointed I didn't take him with the baby. I hope to make it up to him today by picking them up. I haven't picked them up since Baby Girl was born. They want me to come eat lunch with them too, but I haven't been able to make that work yet either. Part of it has been not wanting to take the baby out. She doesn't need to be exposed to any more germs than she already has. She's only 3 weeks this week. We will go to lunch the week my family is here. Next week is the last week of preschool. Four bring treats on Monday. They do sharing on their treat day. I suggested she share her new sister at the end of class. The plan is to ask the teacher today for Monday's sharing. Six was disappointed N and I couldn't go to the school for the last day of parent centers. I went to all the others because I knew I'd miss the last. N has an appointment today and then work. I feel like I keep letting them down. I guess it just comes with having a baby and older kids. I knew I wouldn't be able to do it all. I thought I prepared them for this, but that doesn't mean change is easy for any of us. We just have to get through next week and then the reinforcements will be here. They are so excited about my parents trip. I've gotten quite a bit accomplished in preparation for their arrival. Just lots of organizational things I should have done a long time ago, sure feels good to get them done. What do I have left? Wipe down the laundry room. How does the LR get so dusty? We have to put the basement back together. The kids rolled up the rugs to roller blade. There are toys needing to be put away and I'd like to vacuum. My corner is some what of a disaster. I wish I'd gotten rid of more during the garage sale. Perhaps we just donate it and call it a day. We'll see. Some of it contains heavy lifting items, something I cannot do. Whatever we get done, it will all be fine. No big deal. After feeling overwhelmed today, I just decided to take it one day at a time. The store can wait. I will get what I really need in town and will not worry about the rest. I will focus on my kids and trying to have a nice weekend with them. We have a full day of soccer tomorrow. I am making a cake for Zinnia's E for first communion. I am excited to begin this project. It is my practice round to see what I can come up with before Eight's communion and Baby Girl's baptism. I know Four will want to be involved with her love for Cake Boss. New outlook on the day, tonight we bake and enjoy our time together. Yeah for Friday!

It's starting to work

We've made progress this week. It's all coming together, life with a baby. She's thriving and I'm starting to get things together. Confirmation was on Tuesday night. What a beautiful night for Eight. Mr. L and his wife came. He was the perfect person to ask to be Eight's sponsor. I picked up a cross at Hobby Lobby for Eight to give. Eight wrote Mr. L's name on the back and signed it with the year. Mr. L seemed really touched and happy to have the cross. He gave Eight a really nice card with wonderful words written my himself. I'm still not sure how much of this Eight understood, but nonetheless it was a special day for him. I only wish it hadn't been on a week day. We seemed slightly rushed at the end of the night, trying to get everyone to bed, etc. It would have been nice if we still had a Sunday afternoon to spend as a family. Poor Eight wound up with a fever the night after. He's been home sick for two days. Just when I thought he was better, the fever came again. We'll see how he does tonight. I've been on go mode Wednesday and today. I have been able to cross many things off my list, which always feels good. I've been cleaning closets. I did N's closet last night, the hall closet with linens and managed to get to the cabinets in the kitchen today! Four's room is ready, we sorted, cleaned and tossed things from there yesterday. We scrubbed the van today and got all the grass from the soccer fields out. Four is using the shop vac in the truck right now. She's already a great cleaner. Well, my time is up as I see someone's diaper has sprung a leak. We'll try to get back soon as we can.

Getting my act together

After 9 pm I am reminded we need cookies for confirmation tomorrow. I sort of recall this, but it's not written on my calendar. If it's not on the calendar, I'm lost. I've asked Eight to read the weeks events from the calendar at least three times. I left my drivers license in an envelope I turned in to the church with money for our raffle. I was completely exhausted after running errands this morning. I took Four to a play date, went and got my hair cut and highlighted for a second time and then picked up the needed items from the store. The shoes I bought for Six are too big. Tomorrow I have to go exchange them. I found a $5 pair for Eight, have to take the $13 pair back, but have no clue about a receipt. Good thing I have my drivers license back to return them. Can I blame it all on the lack of sleep? She's good for about a three hour stretch, but that's it. She's caused me to slow down on my blogging, can't type and nurse at the same time. She's asleep now, as I should be. I decided to make the cookies tonight. I had the energy when I started, but now on my last ten minutes, I am spent. I was going to make it easy on myself and just whip up a quick pan of bars, but as I reached for my cookbook, what recipe to I find but the one titled "Eight's Cookies." Once upon a time, these were his favorite. Only appropriate for me to make them for his confirmation. Dress rehearsal tonight was a nightmare. I should have let N take care of it. He can dress boys in formal wear. I will keep that in mind tomorrow when we are getting ready for the actual event. The girls will have their baths before school is done. Boys can when they get home. We should be ready. Have to run to town and iron. I think I'll make it. I'll let you know, eventually.

Togetherness

Yesterday was our first time attending mass, me and four kids. It went well, but Six wasn't the best. He got hot, when he's hot, he gets crabby; fast. Four also acted out a little to begin with, but straightened herself out before we were to the halfway point. Once again, we participated in a fantastic event hosted at our church. Cinco de Mayo was a great time. A family from our church cooked all the wonderful food and made a fantastic cake. Once again, Fr. B has us eating together. We've eaten together more this past year than all the years we've attended church in MI. There was a DJ and good times were had by all. We will have to watch out for Four. She's a dancing queen, just like me! She loved being on the dance floor. Even when she didn't know the dances the group was doing, she was still so pleased with herself and those around her. Eight wouldn't go out on the dance floor except with my camera. Six showed his best moves, but did get frustrated when he didn't know the dances they were doing. Baby Girl was on her best behavior. The music got kind of loud and we ventured to the other room where the craft tables were set up. We stayed a little longer than I had planned. We were home before 8:45. We had a quick Skype session with Grandpa. It was his birthday this past week and they had a party last night. Too bad we couldn't be there. I wish we could have had our Skype session last a little longer, but bedtime was already late. These children always wake up around 6am, regardless what time they went to bed. We have confirmation rehearsal today, followed by two soccer games. I have an early lunch planned. Want to feed them, head to the church and hopefully the games. I haven't checked the temperature yet. I hope it's warm enough for Baby Girl to be outside.

Baby Girl

Friday already! I know, it's been awhile

What a week, I don't know where it went. Sunday I got a cold sore. Monday I got another cold sore. Tuesday, yet another. My poor top lip looked terrible. Luckily, I discovered I can take the medication that works really well. I also had my first migraine this week. It was the first I have had in a VERY long time. Pain meds are all I can take and they didn't work. Wednesday was terrible. I was worthless. Thursday was better, but not much. Today, I finally feel back to myself. I knew it would come. It was just a matter of time. Eight had his Spring Fling concert yesterday. It was so much fun to see the kids and their enthusiasm. We got great seats. Eight could see us and smiled. He gave us a thumbs up. I was able to take some pictures of him and his friends. The kids sang songs to us. They were really good and very excited to preform for their family and friends. The pride could be seen miles away. They were really cute. Just reminded me of how young they really are. I always think of Eight as being so big because he's the oldest. He's such a great boy. I couldn't be more proud of him. He's turned into such a wonderful brother and son. He's so smitten with Baby Girl. I love seeing the twinkle in his eye when he wants to kiss and hold her. Four is still in love with Cake Boss. I don't know what we will do when we run out of episodes. She even talks to the TV. I heard her say to one of the sisters on the show "Grace is in charge, Madeline." SO funny. She says the cutest things. When we picked her up from preschool, she was thrilled to see Baby Girl. She commented "Oh I'd love to just kiss you all day!" I found some great items for the kids today. We have confirmation, church pictures, Four's preschool graduation, and baptism all this month. I needed to coordinate outfits for each of these events. I have everything for everyone except Six. N needs to figure out his stuff for baptism, but that is not until the end of the month. I'm not too worried about that part. Six is the one that is particular about clothing. I hope to take him to the store on Sunday and find an outfit with a vest. He wants to go to the mall. He wants a vest. I hope we can get it done this weekend, or Monday for sure. Our church is having a Cinco de Mayo party on Saturday night. I wasn't going to go, but think I will. We'll see how we do. It will be our first big outing alone. Me and four kids. Daisy is going to be there and will help me. We are going to get the boys hair cut on Saturday afternoon. I hope we can be done with that in time to get to the children's mass. We will only have an hour. If not, oh well. We have to be at church the next day for confirmation rehearsal after mass. I guess we will just see how our time works out. We'll get there one way or another. Should be an interesting weekend.