Rejoice in this life

Can you tell I was distracted in my previous blog entry? I think of how my day started out this morning, snuggling with Seven on the couch. Then along came Five. We snuggled too, then I decided to go back to bed. She followed and we laid in my room. I fell asleep and she bolted. It's mornings like that I feel we don't get enough of. This was the first morning to sleep in all month. No game to run to, no early church. Today during mass, Fr. B talked about learning from others. Grandma taught me so much in my lifetime. I'll never forget. She gave me a foundation that I am now trying to pass on to my own children. I looked up to her in many ways. I tried to be more like her. I loved her.

Find joy in the sadness

Today, this last day in September brought my Grandmother to where she's wanted to be for some time now. She was the last one of her siblings, 17 kids. She'd asked many times why she was the last one. She is at peace, finally. I will miss her terribly. Every chance I got, I went to visit her. She gave so much to me, more than she'll ever know. In uploading some pictures, I stumbled upon four short video clips. Five thought she was taking a picture, when the video was actually on. They are just seconds long, but you can see the joy in her face with Baby Girl. It's going to be a tough week. We will have to find joy in our sadness. She would want us to be together and enjoy each other.

Making preparations

Well, I was hoping all the death and dying in my family would cease for awhile, but no such luck. A distant relative passed away, but I am not sure I ever knew this person. The sad news is my grandmother has taken a turn for the worse. She possibly had a stroke and is not eating or drinking. She's tough, but I guess it's painful to watch her struggle to breath. Guess it's down to the waiting game. We were lucky to have had a great visit with her in August. While it was not quite like last time, it was still great. She didn't say much. Before, she would ask who we were and where we'd come from. It would be the same questions over and over after 10 minutes had passed. This last time, she just didn't talk. Eventually she began to speak, but it was well into our visit. She is 92 years old. More than 10 years ago, she'd talk about dying. She was ready. Everyone around her was dying. Everyone she knew. I have many great memories of her. She was always a very special person in my life. I tried to visit her as often as I could, especially when I lived in that area. Life is quite different without living near your relatives. What a turn of events this will be. Of all the deaths lately, this will be the one we need to attend. So many things raced through my mind once I heard this news. What day will we leave? Which direction will we go? How much school will they miss? How much homework will we bring? Tuesday is picture day and count day. I know they want all the students there that day. Depending on when things are, that could be the day we leave, right when N is done with work. We will see. Lots of things have to happen first. I can't help it. The wheels start turning.

Beautiful Michigan Saturday

Five scored her third goal at soccer today. We were so proud of her. They love playing soccer, but lately getting out the door has been just too stressful for this mama. They cry and fuss over putting on their gear. That much drama, I don't want to deal with it next season. I'm not sure all should play. WE'll see. We got haircuts today. Spent some time on the playground with friends. Now we're home for a nice night at home. It's beautiful outside. So thankful for nice days.

Back to her old habits

Zinnia warned me Baby Girl's schedule could change. For the past three days, I've tried to keep things the same. Two nights in a row success! Last night, FAILURE. OH well. We will take it one day at a time. I am not certain what was different about last night, but she cried for awhile. Maybe the temperature, it seemed a little cool. Today, we are trying again. Keeping the naps short and the girl well fed. We set up her play area last night. Five pulled out toys for Baby Girl to play with today while Five was at school. She is on the move! Never stays in the same place. I've been hooked on Shutterfly lately. Too many codes for free books, etc. Today I got some cards made and ordered with $10 off. They even mail the card for you! Looking forward to hearing what the recipients think. Some of them are Readers! Speaking of reading, it's been awhile since I've finished a book. I was nearly finished with Jodi Picoult's 19 Minutes, but haven't been able to get back to it yet. Just now do I feel like I can start focusing on what I would like to get out of my day instead of what has to be done. I hope to add a workout into my routine sooner than later. I guess I've been holding off. I've just had too many migraines and too little sleep to focus on more than the necessities. I've been in survival mode. I'm ready for more, I think. Each night I get more sleep is one step closer to some sense of normal. The picture order I got today are pics for Baby Girl's baby book. I also started a year calendar. I did this with all the other kids, had to follow through for Baby Girl. The thing I haven't followed through with is taking her to a portrait studio. I feel so guilty about that. I plan to go at the 6 month mark regardless my past habits. She will get one done then, before she becomes an independent sitter. Well, she starting to fuss. Have to see if I can get these pics in the book quick. Still need to mail 3 sympathy cards. A play date for after school and I have winter coats in the basement that need to be put up. Better hop to it. Cookie dough this AM slowed me down. The house is back together from the carpet cleaning. Serious howls, time is really up.

Still going

Happy to report, another great night from Baby Girl! So excited. The morning was a whirlwind with kids out the door and Baby Girl + myself. I headed to the doc for some prescription consults and N cleaned our carpets. He did a great job. I am so thankful. We got some estimates and I knew they would be high. It was a lot of work, but only cost us $35. Sure beats $179. It feels so good to have clean carpet again. I was surprised at how well the machine worked. It was a Bissel from the grocery store. Much better than a rug dr. Now to de-clutter and reorganize. I plan to create a space in the living room for Baby Girl. I also want to eliminate some pieces. Guess they will find a home in the basement. Time is up. She's fussy. At least I got some lunch and this much written.

Progress is made

What an improvement from the night before! I was sort of depressed and down all day yesterday. No sleep the night before, just trying to keep it all together was exhausting. I eliminated all expectations I would normally have for myself and just took the day as it came. Baby Girl didn't nap all morning. We just relaxed and slowly got things done. Five was tired and had a hard time getting out the door. I told her MAYBE Baby Girl and I would come for lunch. Well, we made it. I brought Five and Seven a McD's drink. Baby Girl slept through the entire kindergarten lunch. Yup. Baby Girl 1, Mom 0. She was awake at the end and stayed awake all through 2nd grade lunch. This was her first nap of the morning. She did sleep for about 5-10 minutes before that. After lunch, we ran home to get Five's library books. Turns out she didn't even have library, but oh well. They are where they belong. I fed her the last bowl of rice cereal before going to the school. We stopped at the store for more and came home. N was home shortly. Baby Girl showed no signs of napping. I left her with him and finally got my nap in. It was short, but that's ok. The rest of the night continued and I think I've nailed her routine. While she did have a few really short naps in the afternoon and evening, I kept her awake until 8:30. No long naps, nothing more than 15 minutes. Guess I will try to keep it that way, at least until we have a weeks worth of progress. I fed her a bowl of cereal and half a jar of sweet potatoes at 7:45. I put her in the bath around 8. She was knocked out by 8:30. I wanted to put her down awake, but she was completely out. Around 9 she cried, but only for less than 10 minutes. I didn't go get her. She slept from then until either 12 or 2AM. I can't remember, but I fed her then and that was it. She didn't wake up again until 5. It still seems like a lot, feeding twice in the night, but boy oh boy, its a big improvement from every 2 hours. She's rolling over now and I worry about her at night. At 5AM she did roll on her tummy and was struggling. She's still swaddled. I have found that is key. Not swaddled, she can't stay asleep for very long. I will take what I can get and hope for the best. We will see where it goes. On another note, tragedy comes in 3's they say. We've had three deaths in my family and friends. Granted, everyone was 75 or older, but still so surprising. We haven't had a death in the family for a long time, now three in one week. Miss Diane at home, her mother passed away. She was a sweet, sweet lady. This is the grandmother to the girl we know who has the same name as Baby Girl. Her sister is having a baby in Dec, her first. She and Orchid were inseparable for many years. They are really great people and I feel so bad for their loss. The second passing was my mothers cousins husband. He battled breathing problems for many years. He was a heavy smoker. Growing up, he always had a comment for us kids and wasn't afraid to speak to us. They would always come camping. Big heart and lots of jokes. He was a nice man. I remember joining my grandparents and mother to their wedding. They lived in South Dakota. The third death was just yesterday. My grandfather's sister in law, Lois. Lois was married to Lowell, my grandfathers older brother. Lowell was the kindest man. He and Lois lived across town from my parents. I remember one night we stopped by and they were eating spaghetti and tiny meat balls. I remember thinking I wish my mom would make spaghetti like that. We always would have ground beef in our meat sauce. Lois let me borrow a pair of earrings for prom. They were the exact color of my dress. She loved to sew and wore the same dresses from her prime years, many years later. She was always positive and happy. You could count on her to come to family things. I still remember seeing her little blue car in town at places I would roller blade by. Turns out, her daughter sells sewing machines at the fabric store. Apple didn't fall far from the tree there. R even has a picture on FB of her mother sewing. I am not sure what year it is, but it's black and white and from many years ago. Such a nice lady, Lois will be missed. So, enough with the drama. Today is a new day and I'm up early. I slept so many hours straight, I don't know what to do with myself. I started out with coffee and will go from there. Today is N's day off. I'd like to make some progress and changes in this house, but we will see. I know he wants to go fishing. I've been waiting for him to go for a few weeks now. I am eager to get a carpet machine in here sooner than later. Perhaps that will be our task today. We'll see where the day takes us.

NO SLEEP! NO SLEEP!

All that positive energy from last night was sucked out of me by the fussy baby in my room. By 4AM, I just left her in her crib. I didn't know what to do with her. She cried for a long time. At 5 AM, I was in tears. N was up and leaving for work soon. I know we need to establish a strict bedtime routine, but things like RE until 7:30 make it difficult. Sticking to it is difficult, just another challenge with big kids and a baby. They were all babies at the same time, it was easy to have the same routine. We do in some ways, but it was all later last night because of RE. We need to do the sleep training process, but I am afraid she will not be text book like my other kids. We'll see how it goes. Say a prayer for me if you have one to spare.

After a phone call...

It's after talking to my mother I remember all the things I should be blogging about. It's like an update refresher. This weekend we were at soccer games for everyone. It was cool and I had to dig out warm gear. Thankfully, I had a light snow suit for Baby Girl. I have the Bundle Me, but if she doesn't stay in the car seat, it's no good at keeping her warm. The snow suit fit perfectly and she was covered. She loves soccer games. Her arms and legs go as fast as they can when the kids run by her. Five did great. She's fast, but runs circles on the field, around the ball and other girls. She's funny and will figure it out eventually. She has scored a few goals and is very proud. Seven was hilarious this weekend. If you know him, you know he doesn't like pants and has a hard time switching clothing during the change of seasons. For the game, he put on a short sleeve shirt with a hood, camo color. This was under his jersey. He had on shorts and gloves, along with a head band for his ears. After awhile, he took off the headband. Next thing I know, he's got his hood up and the headband on over the hood. He looked like he belonged walking in the desert. I wonder what the other parents thought of him running around on the field dressed like that. What can I say, he walks to the beat of his own drum. The star system continues to work. Today I earned a star. Oh, just remembered I already blogged about this today. We had our first night of RE tonight. I was set to help Daisy, but found myself with the kindergarten and preschoolers instead. I filled in for Mrs. J, who is out of the state. A mix up with knowing if she was coming or not left me in charge of a room full of little kids. No books or materials, just what was in the room. I had to wing it and I think we did alright. We colored, sang a song and learned some hand gestures to go along with it. They had fun, I think. Tomorrow is another day. Baby Girl and I will be alone for most of the day. It's Friday for N and the kids will be excited we have nothing going on. Soccer will keep us busy on Wed. Should be a nice week.

Feelin good about my accomplishments

Today was a three star morning, actually four. N left for work. Some days, I am able to get him a lunch, coffee, etc. Some days, I am not. Today was a good day and he told Seven I should get a star since I had lunch, breakfast, coffee and water all ready for him. I even sent one of my favorite yogurts as a special treat. Seven found that hilarious and drew a pink star on the fridge calendar for me. What a guy. After they left, I managed to get the kitchen cleaned, laundry started, supper in the crock pot, and the downstairs bathroom wiped down. I was also able to feed Baby Girl, change her and make a few phone calls. Now she's asleep. It feels good to have everything in order. Don't get me wrong, there's lots still to do. I am content with what I have accomplished this morning. What's left will get done when it gets done. I am not sure why, but I have the desire for my kids rooms to be clean before they are off to school. Five's room looks great. She halfway made her bed and everything is off her floor. The boys had a disaster this AM. I know they got it all cleaned except the Lego's. They aren't bad, they have been worse. I will vacuum the living room when Baby Girl is awake. Laundry will need to be folded and put away. The bathroom upstairs was cleaned yesterday. It's going to be a great night for our first RE class. I am teaching Seven's group with Daisy. We have a new director. I told her to put me where she needed me. We'll see how Baby Girl does with her Daddy. This will be a weekly thing for the two of them. Hang out while the rest of us are at church. Future goals, finish finding all the winter clothing. I have three coats for Eight. I think I will offer one to Sunflower for Cousin #5. He's just a little bit bigger than Eight and one was big on Eight. I have three snow pants for him too, but think I'll hold on to those. He needs to try them on, they are different sizes. I have two coats for Seven, three if I get a zipper fixed. He may not wear one so I will keep all of them until we figure out which coat he likes. He only has one pair of snow pants. I have two coats for Five, but one too needs repair. The pull on the zipper came off. She has four pairs of snow pants. This surprised me, but I didn't realize another mom had given her two pair last spring. I try to have two per child. One coat for school, one for play. One snow pants to stay at school, one for home. Many times, they will get dirty playing in the snow in the back yard. It's nice to have an old coat they can go out in and not worry about it being too dirty for school the next day. Wet coats can take longer to dry. Everyone has one pair of boots, some two. This too is necessary as boats can get wet and take awhile to dry. Baby Girl will be in her Bundle Me for the season. A Bundle Me is sort of a sleeping bag that fits in the car seat. Just zip her up and she stays warm. Just trying to get it all together can be exhausting. I tore apart things in the basement in search of these items. Now that they are found, I need to put the basement back together. I have a table full of garbage bags of things for a garage sale! Boy does that feel good. My goal is to go through each room, closet, cupboard and drawer and ELIMINATE CLUTTER! We'll see how it goes. She's up. Time's up.

4 AM is too early for my day to begin

I hear noise upstairs, it's not good. Baby Girl had me up at 4 AM. Changed her diaper and she was ready to party. I'm not sure who is up now, but I'd put money on Seven. He'd wake up Eight to play Lego's. IT's going to be a long day. Yesterday at Zinnia's was great. We hit two soccer games in the AM, then off to their house we went. The kids had a great time. They played outside and ran hard. We were there from 1-5 and no one wanted to go home. It got ugly at that point and I knew we needed to get home. Tired kids. Everyone needed a bath. We will be out the door early for mass this morning. 11 o'clock soccer games on Sunday mornings aren't my fav. I think this is our last one. N has the day off! Whoot Whoot! He'll be home to help. Well, whoever is stirring upstairs has not come down. Another bad sign, both boys are up. Better go try kick them back into their beds, at least for another 15-20.

First family lunch at school

Today we brought our Subway lunch to school. The kids were thrilled with themselves and their sandwiches. It was a good day in Freeland. Tomorrow is soccer and we get to play in the new fort at Zinnia's house. The kids are excited. Her kids are excited. It's been awhile since they've played together. Zinnia's kids built a fort with their dad. It looks great and I know they will have fun. A chili dinner is the plan. I am sure it will be a great day. Baby Girl spent the afternoon with her daddy today. I went to help Daisy get her house in order.

I'm seeing stars

Our star system is working! Everyone has had three stars each morning this week. After school has been a different story. Each day, one person hasn't earned a star. Yesterday, it was Five. She asked me why she was crying and why she didn't yesterday. Poor girl is trying to figure it out. Tomorrow we will bring Subway for lunch. Everyone will be so thrilled. It's finally coming together. Kids are getting used to the routine and adjusted to school life. The first two weeks are the hardest and they are thankfully behind us. Boy do I love a good deal! I went to Salvation Army today and found lots of great deals. I spent $30 on 22 items. This included 2 pairs of snow pants. I'm not sure what will fit Eight this year and found a bigger size for him. Five has a pair, but can always use a back up pair. Hot pink will be popular. I like for them to leave a pair in their lockers at school, that way they don't have to transport them back and forth. I also found a spinning color light for Baby Girl. Five has one in her room and Baby Girl loves it. I couldn't believe I found it. The first one we got during Walleye Festival for $.50. Today, I paid $1.25. I can't wait for the kids to be surprised. I also just happened to find Lego Star Wars long sleeve shirts for each boy. Good times. Hope to find some more sooner than later. Seven needs new pants. He grew over the summer and now all his pants are short. N was called in to work tonight. Kids will be disappointed. Eight specifically asked if he would be home tonight and wanted to do something fun. We do what we have to do I guess. Baby Girl isn't sleeping well at night still. We need to do some sleep training. I've had a migraine all week. It's finally gone today. Three weeks in a row I've been trying to make it to evening meetings. Only one week did I make it. Next week, RE begins. I hope to make it for that. I've volunteered as a catechist, but am not sure I'll be able to commit the entire year. N's schedule will change in January. He will work nights on Monday. We'll see how it works out. Well, on to something else. Better get my loads switched.

Illness has made it's way in

I'm up with Eight tonight. I believe he has strep. He isn't the one to complain. Guess I know my plans for tomorrow. Poor boy. He's always such a good sport about things too. To get him down takes a lot. Last night I was up with Five. My kids sleep through the night and are never up, this is rough on me in addition to Baby Girl. Five hit her head on her bed. This has happened once before. My remedy was a pillow to run interference with her head. I hope that works. Good thing N is home tomorrow. I hope he can get the other two out the door, maybe Eight and I can get some rest. I'll keep you posted.

The Girl at the ball

It's a favor for a friend. A night of fun, food and dancing. Her Date is polite, but nervous. There is no connection or attraction. They are simply together to have a good time. The car drives down the freeway, wheels go round and round. She's been on many dates before, all similar experiences and missing something.

They arrive at the Ball. Formal introductions are made to many people. Names and faces flash before her, not noticing any in particular. She's never been here before, does not know much about those around her. In her mind, she won't meet these people again. It's all a new environment, different from any other.

She spots him from across the room. He starts to make his way to her. Four people standing together for introductions, the Football Player, the Date, and the Lieutenant. The conversation starts with the Football Player asking her if there are other "good looking girls like her around because the Lieutenant is looking for a wife." The Lieutenant's face turns red as he grins. She thinks, pick me. Her heart flutters. She is enchanted to meet him.

It's time to sit down. He leaves. Her heart sinks. Suddenly, he turns around and approaches her at the table. His place card is right next to hers, Ms. C and Lieutenant B. They have been seated together. Brought together by something other than their own plan or ideas.

Conversation starts at a table of strangers. She visits with all at the table, her Date remaining silent. Her friends are merely Cadets and are seated at another table. The Lieutenant is to the right of her, pouring her wine. They discuss anything and everything. A sweet lady sits across from them, next to the Football player. She not shy and talks to everyone. Still, the Date is quiet. The dinner is the longest she has ever been to. Many courses. Stand up, sit down, toast everyone possible, including the President.

Finally the dance begins. She finds the Cadets. They are in a big group. Everyone is having a great time. Suddenly, the first slow song is played. There she stands in a circle of friends. The Date does not approach her, but the Lieutenant does. The music plays and they dance around the room. She's wonder-struck, there is no one else except her and him.

Her Date becomes ill. He asks the Lieutenant to take her home. The Date brings her coat and things. Once again, he is polite and says goodbye.

She's filled with excitement. The Lieutenant meets her at the table. They've shared their first meal and first dance. He leans over and gently gives her a kiss. She's forgotten his name. Brian, Ryan? She just can't remember. Then he says "Nathan."

The Cadets inquire about the Lieutenant, but approve. Not ready for the night to end, they drive to have coffee. It's late, but she's not tired. Before coffee, he kisses her again. They share each others story. She's never felt this way before and thinks she will marry him. This is something she keeps to herself because it sounds to crazy to say right now.

He brings her back to her hall. She asks if he wants to walk her up. They are complimented by strangers as they enter the hall. He comes to her room. There are no words held back, they discuss everything. They talk until morning.

He leaves and she can't sleep. A phone call to a good friend to share her experience. Sleep comes, but only for a few hours. She attends early mass and continues her day, thinking of him. Mid-morning, he calls. He shows up with flowers and wants to take her out to eat. It is the beginning of the end. An end to her seeing anyone else. This is it. She has finally found him.

They are truly blessed to have met and shared such a wonderful life together at this point and beyond.

Today

Today is the anniversary day of the night I met N. It was at the military ball in Grand Forks, ND. What a night to remember. Last spring I wrote a short story about that night. I plan to try to post it again. Look how far we've come. Seems like so long ago, then other times not so much.

Pal and Karen

For some reason or another, these two have been on my mind more than once lately. Pal and Karen were the neighbors who lived in the red house behind my parents. We used to wander over there as kids and visit. I remember how cool their house felt on a hot summer day. Sometimes she would be canning pickles or relish. They would always welcome us, wandering in from the neighborhood. Even though we were just kids, they still made us feel important. They were the nicest people. Pal had MS and walked with a cane. He always had a nick name for us Squirt, Pancho, etc. He was always such a positive man. Karen would use a high pitch in her voice and greet me with a "Hi Krissy!" She's the only one who ever called me Krissy. They would ask about our extended family, curious how the relatives they knew where. Genuinely nice people. The last time I saw Karen, she'd gotten cancer. It came quick and took her fast. I knew it as soon as she opened the door that day, things were not the same. The high pitch in her voice was gone. She was tired and we didn't stay long. Pal passed away within the last year. Sad to say, I never went to see him when he was in the nursing home. I wasn't sure he would know who I was, but that was not an excuse. I should have gone regardless. I'm told he remained positive and optimistic about life right up until the end. I am fortunate to have introduced three out of my four children to them. Karen just loved babies. I took the boys over there when they were little. I was proud to bring Five over there when she was a baby. This past summer, I wished to bring Baby Girl over to meet Karen. Their son Marky lives there now. He shared some watermelon and cucumbers from his garden this summer. He's not quite the same as his parents, but can bring a smile to your face with a joke or comment. Not everything is passed down from parent to child, but somethings are and it's always nice to recognize those things in a person. I want to post a picture of my parents laughing while holding Baby Girl. It's from our trip there this summer. They are laughing at Marky's joke or comment he'd just shared. Like I said, I'm not sure what made me think of them and these memories, but here they are. Inspired a blog entry, good enough for me.

Missing out

Still, haven't worked blogging into my routine. I feel like I am missing out on recording the things my kids say and do. Like this am, I had on a sleeveless shirt. Baby Girl started licking my shoulder. The older kids thought that was the funniest thing. We had a great adventure to N's aunt and uncle's house yesterday. Right on the lake, boy was it nice. Everyone had a great time. Got to see some relatives we haven't seen since 2003. Kids were off today and I started to clean. I didn't get as far as I'd like, but there's always tomorrow.

The new star system

The first two weeks of school have been a challenge, I knew it would. This week we decided to start a Star System. Each AM and PM they can earn a star. At the end of the week if they have 8 or more, they get a privilege/treat. I hope it works. Everyone is optimistic and excited. Not too much to write about today. Zinnia's group left for a great adventure today. N tried to have the pilot greet them on the plane, but I guess it wasn't a go. We can't wait to hear how great their vacation will be. Baby Girl hasn't done so well on the sleep front. She ate a ton of cereal tonight, more than any other time. I hope that helps. They say it should, but hasn't so far. Tomorrow is Friday, we'll have made it through an entire two weeks. Hats off to moms everywhere!

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Not the best day

What a tough night, so glad it is behind us. I had a migraine, didn't help the situation. Fussy baby, I think she just wanted to see her people. They were on a bike ride with their dad. What a fun outing for them, too bad it turned into a bloody mess. Baby Girl and I get the groceries put away and get a phone call from N. They were halfway home and needed a ride. I arrived to Seven crying on the ground, blood dripping from both knees. All summer we made it without bad injuries and now that school has begun we get them. Lord only knows how long he will favor his injury. We've only had one other incident with this much blood, etc. To top it off, we decided it was time to cut their hair. Eight was buzzed and fine, quick to shower. Seven had still oh so much drama. The haircut, a bath, it was all tough. Tonight, I missed a meeting at church. It was for the Catechists. I sure do wish I felt better about committing to be a Catechist. I'm just not sure. I've been praying about it. I love doing it, but feel I am so tired by that time of night, I may not make a good instructor for the kids. Is it fair to them? To Baby Girl who needs me? More prayer is needed I believe.

Listen to someone you don't want to

Roughly, that was Fr. B's message at church. He handed out ear plugs to the kids and said all to often we don't listen to each other. Politicians don't listen to each other. In honor of two presidential candidates, he said we need to listen to each other in more ways than one. We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the church picnic with our church family. That's exactly how it felt, like family. It was great to visit with so many people. Everyone was relaxed and there was happiness in the air. My children had a terrific time. They didn't want to leave. We missed Seven's soccer game. We made it to Five and Eight. Everyone was in a great mood for most of the day. Things got a little questionable after so much fun, but a bike ride before bedtime helped.

Last night, I dreamt of Texas

For one reason or another, I felt like I was back in Texas when I woke up this morning. I guess it was probably telling one more person that we still own our house in TX yesterday at the church picnic. We've been discussing houses and too often I am comparing houses here to that house. We fell into that house and didn't get enough time in it. We were comfortable in that house. There was so much space, I didn't feel like we were maxed out. I woke up with thoughts of taking my children to Sea World. How different would our life be if we'd stayed? It was a great place. I'd go back anytime.

Sometimes you get burned

Today Daisy and I went to a sale at the local Lutheran church. Everything you could fit into a paper bag for $5. What a deal! I found a number of great things. One I thought was a great find, a winter coat for Seven. It's blue, just like Eight's. I was certain this would be a great discovery. I was wrong when I had him try it on. No zipper. Burned. Not sure how much a new one would cost or if it is worth the effort. I found a nice coat for Sunflowers boys. Everyone was thrilled with what I found for them. I was very excited to find a white fur coat for Baby Orchid. She's changing so much. I am so thankful for Skype. We get to see her on a regular basis. It makes my day to see the new things she is learning daily. We had well child checks yesterday. Five did great, but Seven not so much. The nurse brought out gowns for them to wear. Seven took one look at the gown and said "That is not going to happen." He's also had some issues at school. I heard through the grapevine he couldn't do his work because he was "too hot to write." I am not certain, but he may have had to stay in for recess. It took him 3 minutes to get it done. I think that is what happened. I asked him about staying in, but he thinks he didn't. The teacher called me today. He only took a drink and sandwich for his lunch. Again, trouble listening in the morning. If he had been listening, he would have had the rest of his lunch packed. We wrote up a contract for him to try to change things. I believe it worked. The twinkle in his eye this afternoon gives me confidence. He wrote a list of five things. 1. I will put away my shoes. 2. I will hang up my back pack 3. I will unpack my lunch box. 4. I will do my homework (when asked). 5. I will do my spelling. These are his five things. He wasn't happy about the when asked part and said he would do the homework when he wanted to. Oh boy. That boy puts me over the top. Soccer tomorrow, Five is first thing in the AM. Eight is later in the day. No plans other than those two things. The evening will consist of making cakes for the church picnic! So excited for that on Sunday.

IT's Friday

We survived the first week. Five did great. I am so proud of her. Eight was thrilled to be at the big school. He's also done very well. Seven, I'm just not sure what to do about him. I heard through the grapevine he couldn't write this week because he was too hot. If any of the elements are not in line, he can be thrown off his game. I got a phone call from the teacher today, not because of behavior, but lunch. He only had the sandwich and drink I packed. We've been trying to keep them independent. They are responsible for packing the other items in their lunch. Look who didn't this am. There are city activities at the football field tonight. Perhaps we will walk over. I'm not really anxious to go to the game, but Five's teacher will be in a dunk tank and I think she wants to see that.

Just when I thought...

Why is it when things seem so frustrating to me, I hear of someone who has it much, much worse and all is put into perspective again? This has happened today. When I'd like to complain, I don't think I should. Perhaps my frustrations are due to the lack of blogging. I haven't been on here for quite some time. A new baby, summer,3 kids and their schedule, life in general has kept me away. Motivation or lack there of to write has also been an issue. I know if we just make it through the next two weeks we will be good to go. Seven was quite a challenge today. He's got such an attitude, I just don't know what to do with him. Then I think, if it's this bad at 7, what will it be like in 10 years? I am scared for those days. Baby Girl is screaming, Time is up. She has been eating cereal and tonight had her first sippy cup drink! Just water, but boy did she smile when she got some. Nice moment at meal time. The kids are thrilled she can join us in eating.

Just keep swimming

That's how I feel today. A headache hasn't helped my situation. With Dr. apts and soccer, school and church, my mind is spinning. We haven't even had any games yet and I feel frustrated with soccer. I'm just over tired and need more sleep. Baby Girl didn't sleep any better with cereal. Kids are all still happy. Trying to take the loving approach as Fr. B said. I was about to bail in RE, but after going there changed my mind. If I'm going to give me time, that is the place to do it. I don't know how it will be for Baby Girl and N, but we will roll with it. Sounds like I will be with Daisy and 2nd grade. We have a church picnic this weekend. Sure wish we could stay longer, but three soccer games make it difficult. We may be late to the first one, it's for Seven. Five and Eight are not until 2. I've made some ribbon rings to hand out to the kids, so excited to share them. Oh, time is up.

We made it through the first day

What a day it was! On such little sleep, we managed to have a great first day. Kids were off to school on time and in good spirits. The wrinkle with the bus was no good. The ride home was terrible. 4 kids to a seat and VERY HOT. Tomorrow is a new day. Five was thrilled with her day. She was grinning from ear to ear when she got home. She wanted pizza for her birthday dinner. I made another cake with a big 5 on it. Everyone is tired and in bed on time. I am tired and ready to call it a day.

FIVE!!! And they are off....

Happy Birthday to my beautiful girl FIVE! First day of school! We had a rocky start for this mom. Thunder storms had two kids up in addition to the baby. They never get up at night anymore. I finally brought the baby to N around 5:30am and went back to bed. He let me sleep until 7. The neighbor came over to help me get everyone out the door on time. So thankful for her! I made birthday pancakes for FIVE! So proud of her and how big she has become. She was very excited for today. She shared with me more than once that she was a little nervous. We were ready with plenty of time. The bus never came. I gave them a ride, plus two neighbor kids. I couldn't have done it so quickly if it weren't for the neighbor, Miss J. She stayed with Baby Girl. I hope they are off to a good start. Baby Girl has her well child check in a few minutes. Better get myself together for that. Rainy day, sounds like it's here to stay.

Incredible Neglect

My sincere apologies fair readers. I have not found the time to blog for many weeks. Tomorrow is the first day of school. We are still labeling our times and getting them into the back packs. It's also Four's birthday! She is so very excited. I have to make 23 mini cup cakes and bring them up there by 2:50. We've had a great last few days of summer. My attitude with the kids has been alright. They've helped me out with chores. We made it to church yesterday, a day when I really thought we might not. Fr. B blessed their back packs. They kids were excited. I wasn't in the best mood though. N and I had a disagreement. This left me down. Took a entire day to get back up. Today is a new beginning. I will try to pay more attention to this starting with school. I am so proud of my kids and where they will be this year. Cross your fingers for a great first day!