An early start this Tuesday

After cleaning most of the house and getting all the laundry done, Monday was quite productive. I even managed to purchase a big Christmas gift. Great to have some things out of the way. I hope to get more accomplished today, too. I was up very early thanks to Baby Girl and the impending storm. All the chaos on the East coast left me wondering how we would fair without power for multiple days. I experienced this once as a teen. We were stranded in our house for 3 days. Since my parents house has a heated basement floor, we were able to stay warm for all 3 days down there. We had some extra people with us. I really do not remember what we did to pass the time. We listened to the radio for updates. Turned out the only radio we could get batteries for was a small radio that belonged to my brother. It was the shape of a $1 bill. George Washington's mouth would move to the sounds of the radio. Quite comical at the time. We do have a decent supply of canned food, but not water or beverages. Perhaps today I will work on getting supplies in order. Better to be prepared. I do remember N's family being without power for 3 days in the past. It's no fun. I worry about the kids and the temperature. If it gets really cold, we do not have a fire place or heated floor to warm them up, only each other. I guess at that point we would have to leave our home. I feel for those on the East coast today. For now, things continue on in MI. Today is Toucan (2 can) Tuesday and red shirt day. I will get my kids out the door, finish yesterdays laundry. I have one load left to wash and dry, baskets to put away. We hope to get more Christmas purchases done today, too. Let's hear it for a productive Tuesday to follow a successful Monday!

Saturday Start

You'd think I'd have this figured out by now, the difference between baseball cleats and soccer cleats. I do, honest. I didn't even look at the bottoms of the girls size 1 cleats I bought at Goodwill this past week. Got home and they are baseball, not soccer. Since the entire store was supposed to be 50% off today, we decided to return them today. Boy, was that place crazy. I had no idea what an event this was. It only happens once a year and people were lined up at 7 am. Target salvage was plentiful and I guess people got as much as they could, according to the rumors in the line. We came home with some new clothing pieces and yes, another spinning disco light. I couldn't say no to her, she was the only one that listened this morning. She spotted it up high on a shelf. While I was searching for I-pad covers, she said "Mom, look, up high!" and there it was, the same kind of lamp as hers, but Lava style! It was the highest price yet, even with the 50% off sale. The boys were not into our treasure hunting and went across the street to the mall. We picked them up when we were done. Our journey then took us to the opening day of the new airport terminal. Free hot dogs, drinks, chips, brownies and cookies! What a beautiful terminal it is. Baby Girl had to be the first baby changed in the family bathroom. There were no other babies there. The kids got airplanes. We saw two ladies from church and our neighbors. On our way out, a woman stopped us and wanted to ask us some questions. She was from the local newspaper. She took down our names and asked what brought us out today. N said he worked in the tower. She took pictures of the kids and we were on our merry way. It was a nice family Saturday morning. The rest of the day, we were home. It was a very low key kind of day. They watched a movie, took our time making meals, etc. I did get some laundry done, but that is about it. I finally made my phone call to Daffodil. It's been too long. I should have called her days ago. It was great to catch up. Hopefully we will be in MN the same time this year. The Christmas plans are right around the corner. Can't help but think of all there is to do before. I need to get organized and moving. I've started some shopping. I have lots of ideas, now to execute these ideas. It was Zinnia's birthday today. We saw her out and about this am. She looked great. She was so chipper and happy. I was happy for her. I hope she had a wonderful day. Tomorrow is the mother daughter brunch at our church. I probably would have skipped it, but Five really wanted to go. I had no where to send the boys, but luckily, New Moon said she would take them. She's going to pick them up after mass. They are very excited. It should be a great day. The boat repairs are finished. N is going to pick it up tomorrow after work. We'll see how it runs, etc. Took us long enough to get to this part. I'm still unsure of our plans with it. Time will tell. Hats off to a great weekend!

The Clam Chowder Attempt

After taking me out to lunch (rare moment), we were motivated to make clam chowder. N had ordered it and it was quite good. We found a recipe and collected all the ingredients. We weren't sure how it would go over, we just called it chowder. Everyone approved until Seven got a clam. He freaked and yelled: "the chicken is bad! the chicken is bad!" Needless to say, no one ate the chowder after that.

From start to finish

Today was a busy day. From the moment I got up, to the time I put them to bed, it was busy. Bake sale Friday! First of the year. We made ghosts and bags of bones. Seven was oh so proud. The entire day was a balancing act. Eight rode the bus to school. I took the other two to the bake sale. Seven nearly had a melt down about his shoes, we manged to avoid it and were still on time. Our neighbor Miss J came with to help as I heard from no parent volunteers to come help. Turns our there were a few and it was fine. It was crazy hair day for Seven. New Moon to the rescue with green hair paint! HE was thrilled and she totally made his day. N kept Baby Girl at home for awhile in the am. He brought her up to the bake sale where I wrapped her up in a sling and she napped. After the sale, I dropped off items at various locations and headed home. N had chili waiting. Before I knew it, it was off to the next thing. I went to Daisy's to help her clean her house. N kept Baby Girl at home, brought her after 1.5 hrs and took her home asleep. Plans changed a few times and when I was done, he was off to work. Miss J watched her while I ran to pick up the big kids. Daisy's JB came over after school, thus the reason for me to pick them up. I never do that anymore. The bus beats us home. They changed our route and it is much faster. I can't even get them into the car and out of the parking lot that fast. Kids were so happy when they came home. Baby Girl was happy to see them. I cheated and picked up pizza. Daisy came to fetch her son. He's such a good boy and good friend to Seven. Shortly after, Zinnia arrived with her crew for a movie night. Tomorrow is her birthday. In honor of her celebration, I made her pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I did this last year too. Sort of has become a tradition. She was thrilled and went home smiling. What would I do without her. The end of my night consisted of getting them all in bed and draining the battery on my phone talking to my Mum. What better way to end the evening, besides recapping it all on a blog.

16 lbs 26 inches

She's a growing girl! We had her 6 month well child visit today and it went great. So proud of our peanut. We won't be back there until January, hopefully. I'm working on a new menu project. I found the idea online. Everyone was on board. It's amazing what will come of handing your kids cook books and telling them to write down page numbers for ideas. The board will consist of 7 clothes pins for each day of the week. 35-40 recipes to chose from. I am going to try letting each child choose a night's meal. These are only one meal per day. We'll wing it with the others. I hope this helps with shopping and planning. I was told I haven't been very good at meal planning lately. This is my attempt to change that.

She did it again!

Even though she woke up at 1 am, I am still so very happy with our sleep training results. No more crying at bedtime. No more awake every 2-4 hours. I hope I am not going overboard too quickly, but I think we're on the right track. The last two nights the only thing I changed was to give her a small, lite blanket. I think it soothed her through the night. We got her pictures taken today, something I've been meaning to do for her entire life. It feels great to get things in order. Tomorrow she has a well child visit and we'll see how much she has grown. I took out the next size clothing and have put away most of the smaller stuff. She's still as sweet as can be.

She did it once, will she do it again?

Finally, progress on the sleep front. She did it last night. I put her to bed before 9 pm. She fussed at 11:30. I gave her a dream feeding. I've done this in the past, but it just seemed to keep her on a feeding every two hours schedule. Not last night! That was it until 5:45. I was so proud of her. It would have been great if it weren't for the two older kids waking me up in the night. Seriously, they do not get up at night. Seven came to my bed right in the middle of the night. He'd fallen off his bed. He has a loft, but has been sleeping on the bottom bunk. It took me awhile to get him back to his bed. Closer to morning, Five was roaming. N had turned her night lights off and she was scared. I scared her downstairs to find N. He's been displaced for some time due to Baby Girl and her sleep habits. Today, we did many, many loads of laundry. I pulled out all the 6-9 month clothing. Baby Girl has an appointment tomorrow to get her picture taken. Finally, I am taking her in. I should have before 6 months but oh well. We are going now and that is what counts. Still unsure of what she will wear, too. How indecisive I've become with some things. RE tonight went well. Daisy was at another meeting. I had the class to myself. N brought Baby Girl in before class was done. Boy, did the kids love her. A classmate of Seven's gave us two garbage bags of clothing for Five. Such beautiful things. Even a white fur coat to match the one we just sent Baby Orchid. Five was asleep when I went through them. She will be so pleased in the morning. There is even a beautiful dress that will work for Christmas. To bed I go. N disappeared outside somewhere. More to come in the next few days. Bake sale on Friday! We're making ghosts and bones. Yes, we like to dip around here.

Togetherness

Feeling like you are a part of something can make a world of difference in one's life. Today we had a pig roast at church. Someone stayed up all night roasting a pig for us to enjoy. It was a great feast of friends and fellowship. The weather is beautiful. We came home and opened all the windows. The kids were outside right away. They want to make a band today. Beatles inspired I believe. Today Fr. B talked about servants. We had a youth mass and he pointed out servants to all the children. People in their lives, someone they could connect with. Then he had the kids all go and give a servant a hug. I was so proud of Five to go hug her RE teacher. Zinnia's MIL came and gave me a hug, thanking me for supplying her with good books to read. When I went up for communion, Fr. B said to me "and here is a true servant." Perhaps I should have felt proud at that moment for him paying me that compliment of servant, but all I felt was a wave of guilt. Guilt for not having more patience this morning before we left the house. It wasn't too bad, but still I could have been in a better mood with them before leaving. The ride there we were all on the same page with our attitudes. It's just getting everyone ready that really wears on me. During my shower all I could think of was how far behind I felt this morning. We were actually early, we weren't as behind as I thought. Still, the struggle for patience is something I think will always follow me around. This month I hope to work on that. I also hope to attend reconciliation before Seven makes this sacrament. Inspiration from Daisy. Time's up. She needs a diaper change. I've got the Beatles playing out our window. The kids are in the back yard with their band. I hope it continues to be a great day.

Political interests

I am so ready for election day. It has surprised me to see how many people really are interested in posting political opinions. It is too much and I'd rather take a break from FB than continue to see everyone's opinions over and over. You've said it once, do you really need to continue? I'm not sure which one gets me the most. They are all annoying. I must admit, I was quite surprised to see all the gay marriage hype. I am sure I have a different opinion than others. It caught me off guard to see how many people I know were really quite passionate about it. Not what I was expecting. It's all overrated. I am thankful the politics will end the beginning of November and we won't have to listen to it all for another month. It's right around the corner.

Signs of fall

After our return trip from MN, fall seemed to be in full swing. We enjoyed the beautiful colors of the UP. I heard my friends preparing for Halloween and hadn't given it any thought up until last night. I finally pulled out the costumes and everyone chose what they wanted to be. Today there is a special Halloween event at a new branch bank in town. The kids want to go. We have plans to head to Lilac's this morning. It starts at 9 am, we are going to try to go before we leave. My goal was to be on the road by 10. We'll see if we can do it all. I have all my things packed and waiting by the door to deliver to Lilac. Hopefully everyone wakes up with a good attitude. Baby Girl slept from 8:30-1 am then until 6 am. I'll take what I can get for now. Seven is in here playing with Baby Girl. He just shared with me that she has "moves" now. She can switch a toy from one hand to the other, thus "moves." Should be a great day. Hope it doesn't rain too much. Lilac has acres of trails the kids are big enough to run on. They love going there. It is a shame we don't more often.

Something is working

Sleep training can take a toll on any parent. It's going pretty well so far. Unfortunately, it's left me off my game. This morning, I failed to have an alarm on. I got up with Baby Girl at 3:30 am, put her down and then got up again at 5:55 am. Got her back to sleep and was out. Next thing I know, Seven is lightly tapping me saying "Mom, it's 8:03." YIKES! The bus comes at 8:25. I flew down the stairs only to be oh so very pleased. There they were, the three; dressed and packing their lunches. I was so proud of them. They were nearly ready themselves. We made some quick breakfast and two made it on the bus on time. N said he would take them right from the start, but Eight wanted to ride the bus as did Five. Seven was slightly behind with his shoes and N gave him a ride. Guess we are doing something right. I was really surprised at how far they were ready to go. They are big kids. Baby Girl is doing really well with sleep training. The first night was the worst, but she was text book 30 minutes, not a minute longer. Last night, no crying at all to start. About 10 minutes later she cried for maybe 10 minutes. Then 10 minutes after that I heard a few squeaks, but that was it. I still fed her at 3:30 am, but put her back in her bed awake. She only cried for maybe 1 minute and was out. I will be so happy to have this figured out. It just makes life easier all around. The hard part is staying with the routine, being consistent with bedtime. I won't give her a bath every night, that will be the only part different. It worked for the other kids, it will work for her too. We had an extra washing machine in the garage and it left our house today. A new guy at N's work took it. It's just him. I hope it works out for him. We bought it at a garage sale as a back up to ours. N fixed ours and we didn't need it. We never used it. Now I am trying to part with other things. Sunflower's boys can use some of the items, but she isn't interested in more stuff at her house. Lilac on the other hand, has been watching Sunflower's boys and has nothing at her house for them. I have some sweatshirts that don't fit Seven anymore. I also have Thomas beach towels and Deigo blankets. She's interested in toys too. I will head down to the basement tonight to see what we can find. I know there is plenty down there to discover. It will be our evening project. I got the entire house clean today and am halfway through the laundry. Kids rooms weren't too bad, just needed beds made. My room seems to always get attention last and was yet again, a disaster. I cleaned the bathrooms, washed the kitchen floor and vacuumed. The basement job will give me an organized house, hopefully for more than a day.

In the midst

So much chaos at our house tonight. Wouldn't you know, a night where N and I are content, we try to have an easy night. No commitments, no where to be but home. Guess the lack of routine was a mistake for Seven. I always push to have the homework done right when they get home. I didn't and it blew up in my face. He has a hard time dealing with the pressure of homework. I am at a loss of what to do. My next option I believe will to try to get him into OT. It's been advice I have received and hope to work out. After tonight, I know we have to try something. What we are doing is clearly not working. I tried taking away privileges for bad behavior. This works very well with Eight and Five. Eight will lose Legos. Five will lose her dresses or Barbies. Seven on the other hand, it is much harder. Tonight he lost all his favorite t shirts and he is not allowed to play on the swing set tomorrow. We will see where that takes us.

Migraine still with me

Day 3, when will it go away??? I wanted to sit in a dark room to myself. The life of a mother, this is not possible. After getting the older three out the door, Baby Girl and I took our time getting ready for the day. We headed over to Zinnia's to get some projects done. Zinnia and I can't seem to roll the way we used to, but we're knocking them off the list, one thing at a time. I'm getting closer to being prepared for Halloween. I have the 2nd grade bake sale coming up, too. We picked out what to make and just need the items. Seven was happy with his choice. Orchid gave us Halloween ziploc bags just in time. Still do not have costumes chosen, but we will get there. I hope to pick up the treats for the kids to pass out soon. We made tags for them to put on the treats and give their friends. Tonight is still the night for Baby Girl. She is going to learn how to fall asleep on her own. She'll be fine. She's such a sweetie.

Today is the day, I mean it this time

Baby Girl's sleep training begins tonight. I know I've said it before, but I will follow through tonight. This is it. I've had a terrible migraine since Sunday. Still with me. It lessened quite a bit last night and I actually felt better once the kids were in bed. Five was up in the night as was Baby Girl and now it's back. Nothing I can do about it, but try get her to sleep better. I think that is my first step to relief. I'm not sure what Five's problem was last night, she just wanted me. I hear boys moving about. We bought our neighbors swing set this weekend. They are moving sometime soon I assume. This is the neighbor who doesn't speak to us anymore. Me I should say. Still baffles my what happened there. It will remain a mystery. She just quit communication one day. All I know is they are moving to the other side of town and I wish them all the best. The kids asked if their house will still be the bus stop, but I am sure that will change. The kids next to them get off after school, but do not get on in the morning. Five was the one concerned with this. She's going to try hot lunch this week for the first time. I know she is nervous. She was getting advice from Seven. He told her you have to be first in line coming in from recess to get to the front of the lunch line. On another note, Seven and Eight were playing chess yesterday morning. Seven just casually says "what the hell?" to a move Eight made. Now, I've heard this before. I don't like when they say "What the" the options for fill in the blank after are too many. The thing is, when he said it, it was like an old man or something. I've heard him say what we call naughty words when he didn't know I was listening, but they are words like stupid and fart. Stupid is probably the most he will use and know he shouldn't. I am not sure where to go with this. It isn't really an issue, but he does know better. Zinnia has been subbing at the school and I am jealous. I know I will be able to again, but it sure would be nice to get out. I haven't been to the school at all this year, just lunch a couple of times. My head keeps me at home. It's been like this 3 out of 4 weeks each month. N is working on his plans with the boats and refinancing. He is ready to part with a boat and vehicle, but goes back and forth about it. This has been going on for 6 months or more. At least the refinancing seems to be coming along. It will be great to have that figured out. He did come home yesterday with talks of buying yet, another boat. Nearly put me over the top. I'm sorry, but we have to draw the line at owning three boats. There's no room! That's an entire posting on it's own. It's Daffodil's birthday tomorrow. Sure wish we could celebrate together one of these days. Hate to stop here, but my boys are up. Bake sale coming up and Seven wants to make a bag of bones. We'll see how this goes.

Am I weak?

Her time wasn't up. I couldn't do it. I tried, but after keeping her awake until 9pm, she was too tired to even be upset with bedtime. Tuesday is going to be the day. Last night she only woke up once. We've got to get regular. I had the worlds worst migraine yesterday. We'll see how the week goes.

Her time is up

In the past, we've used a sleep training method with out kids. It's worked out just fine. Eight was the worst, we didn't know what we were doing. It took a week. Seven, he was a text book baby all the way. It was three days, 30 minutes, then 15, then 5. I waited until Five was older due to moving. She too was easy. I've made a few attempts with Baby Girl, but no luck. I haven't followed through very well. Tonight has put me over the top. Tomorrow we will sleep train. The problem is I have no where to do this. In the past, we've always had the baby in their own room. With Five, they were all in the same room, but babies themselves at the time. Didn't phase them one bit to have her cry, the boys slept right through it. She knows every sound in my room. She knows the creak in my bed and in the doors. My only option would be to move a kid out of their room. This disrupts the kid. They have school and are established in their room. N has been displaced since Baby Girl has been born. My solution, to displace myself. If we take our mattress out of our room, she can sleep train in there on her own. I'd have to have N's clothing out for work the next day. I think we will give it a try. What can it hurt? We need a 4 bedroom house. I am convinced more now than ever.

Fun Friday night in Freeland

It's homecoming in town. We went to the parade. It's within walking distance from our house. Everyone had a great time. We came home with too much candy and lots of energy. It wasn't too cold out for Baby Girl. The kids were proud to see their teachers in the parade. Seven told me: "Mom, did you see that group of girls who walked by? I knew every one of them." Again, so proud. Fun night and fun times. After, Azalea and family came over for chicken tacos. The kids played and had fun together. IT was a great end to a great night.

It's a team effort

It's nights like tonight when I think, I don't know what I would do without N. We decided to take the kids to the pool. Our membership expires on Sunday, this was our last chance to go as a family. We did and it was great. The ride home had some poor attitudes. It just disappointed me. Here we just finished having such a great time and they are after each other. Early bedtime was the solution. We ate and away they went. Five had a melt down and a phone call with Grandma helped her out. Everyone was in their beds before 8. N fixed the meal, served the meal and cleaned up the kitchen. I was busy trying to meet all of Baby Girl's needs and then some. They go back to school tomorrow for one day. Who knows what the weekend will bring. Last soccer games of the season. Hope the rain stays away or Baby Girl and I will be watching from the Van.

On the road again

Tomorrow we depart MN. It was a good visit. We made the most of our time together. We laid Great Grandma to rest. She is where she's wanted to be for some time now. Tonight on our last night, we enjoyed burgers and shakes, always a favorite. Uncle Dv made excellent burgers. The fisherman tried his final attempt to catch a fish. He did bring home one walleye. N brought it to my attention that Baby Girl was born a decade after my Grandfather. He was born in 1912, she in 2012. He was a July birthday, she April. We will try to make it home in one day tomorrow. It's a challenge, I pray it goes just as well as our trip here. The kids are sad, but Christmas is right around the corner. We will be back here before we know it. More school to attend, church activities and this weekend will be the last of the soccer season. Much to look forward to in wrapping up 2012.

One day to go

We're down to the end. We've got a mess downstairs and I'm really not anxious to pack it all up. I can't believe how much stuff we brought and used. Today we hit the bookstore and found some new reading material for the ride home. We're planning on trying to go the entire way home in one day. We did it once, we should be able to do it again. It wasn't too bad. Doing it in one day seems a little better. Two days just drag it out. Oh, there's Baby Girl. Guess she wasn't ready for bed.

The snow is gone

Today the last of the snow melted in the yard. It was their snowman, all the snow that remained. They had a great time in the snow. Eight said this town was the luckiest town in the world. We relaxed today and took it easy. Grandma fried walleye and made everyone's day! Not sure the plan for tomorrow, but we are enjoying our time in MN.

Five and Seven stories

Yesterday she was in the basement for a very long time by herself. I recently took out my doll house. She's to the age where she can play with it now and not break anything. I would like to finish it and put it in her room, but that's a project for maybe next month. After awhile, she came upstairs and said "Mom, I was playing with your doll house. I pretended the kids were at school and the mom and dad moved furniture around the house." Is this what she thinks we do all day? I noticed she also created a play area in the living room for the baby and put the big girl's bunk beds in the baby room with the baby. There is a crib in the mom and dad's room too. What a girl. At her soccer game this weekend, a five year old team mate asked me "Is it hard to have four kids?" I was blown away by that question coming from a five year old. Another funny comment, last night Seven came into my room and gave me a big hug. Then he said "I wish there was another baby in there. Baby Girl can have her birthday and then another girl can come." Who has he been talking to?

Tic Toc

After two days of running around to stores, I think I have everything we need to attend the funeral and make the trip. I found clothing for everyone. My bases are covered. Now to get my house cleaned and everyone packed. I hope Baby Girl is cooperative tomorrow so I can get it all done. It's picture day for the big kids. I think I have all that straightened out too, just need to make negotiations with Seven and his clothing. Say a prayer for me.