Distracted...

Since finding Facebook, I have lost my blogging desires! :( I hope to get back to this soon! I will work on it!

Wordless Wednesday

Proud Momma!

My Teen Drama Queen had a field trip this week to what as called a Teen Maze. My understanding is that the children are guided through a maze of different questions, real life situations, and given the the opportunity to make the 'right' decisions. Depending on the decisions made, some children returned with STD's, GED's vs. Diploma's, or a baby/pregnancy. My dtr returned with a Lei, meaning she made all the RIGHT decisions. I am so pround of her! I feel a little more trusting, and confident that I have taught her well in many ways, and hope that this is a huge example of what she really truly knows to be the right path.
I want nothing more than for my children to finish high school, and graduate without any distractions that might cause them to delay thier plans or dreams. I am feeling quite proud, and justified right now in the decisions I have made, such as not allowing a cell phone, or unsupervised computer/phone use, being sure to meet the parents of other children she wants to spend time with, and being sure to discourage certain relationships at times.
So, right now, I wanna say, 'Ba Ha Ha!' to those parents that have chastised me at times, saying I need to 'relax', give in a little. I think I'm doing just fine, THANKYOU!

Roadside Pic

I drive past this beautiful field everyday. I always wish I had my camera, and today I did. The kids thought I was crazy, and were convinced that I would get arrested for taking this picture, lol. I believe it is a mustard field, and I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing this looks in person, my camera could not even capture the entire field, but I love the contrast of the sky and clouds in this. You can still see how far this field goes. It's just breathtaking, and I wanted to send my kids out stomping through it to get a pic of them in the midst, however, I did not. I think the farmer might frown upon me doing that.

Untitled

If there is one thing that I am realizing as a Mother, Parent...it is that there is no extended family as I once thought there was. You have to rely on yourself, and do the best you can to make your children the priority so that you don't have to rely on anyone else to be there, just in case.
We are all so busy with our lives, and our own problems that we don't spend much time involved with others, and don't take the time to spend with family members as we perhaps should.
I can barely keep up with my home anymore, and I know that that is the least thing to be concerned about when children are involved, they need your attention. But, I feel like I am living in chaos at times.
I feel like once I think I might be catching up with one thing, something fall through, and I fall right back to the starting point again. It never fails. I can't handle it all, although I definitely try my damnest.
I don't know where I'm going with this, or what I might be getting at, but I am just frustrated, and sometimes, I just don't understand things. And, I guess it's not my place to understand, but to tolerate at times. However, sometimes, I get so frustrated that I have to drive my point as hard as I can to be sure that I am understood whether or not I understand, myself.
I'm sure this is making complete and utter nonsense, but it makes sense to me.
I'm just going to do the best to do what I have to do, and move on. I can't waste my precious time, and PRECIOUS, indeed it is...with trivial things.
But, I hope that sometime soon, it will be seen that some things are PRESENTLY much more important, and it is time to see that, time to move on just a little so that the joy can be seen.
There are people in my past that I miss, memories that NEVER fade, they are there, locked in a special spot for special times. If I didn't compartmentalize my mind, I could not function, and I certainly could not give of myself to be a Mother, Wife, Nurse. I guess we all just have to find a way to do that on our own.
Time, it passes quickly, little ones grow so fast, it would be shame to miss those moments that matter most.

Looooong Weekend, but BEAUTIFUL!

Kids had a 4 day weekend, which at times, I dread...to be honest.
But, the weather was amazing for all but one of those days, and it was enjoyable.
Me and D got some yard work done, worked outside all day thursday, got a large portion of weeding done, D burned the yard debris, and mowed. Kids played around us, and helped me weed.
Lulu ran around in her Lilo costume and froggy boots, it was hilarious, made me think of the book, "LADYBUG GIRL", the little girl is named Lulu, and plays in her ladybug costume and ladybug boots, it's so funny!
Anyway, I took some time out to snap some pics, and check on my flowers, see what lived and what died. The other day I had refilled the hummingbird feeder since it seemed they were coming around it, but it was empty. Lulu was standing right next to the flower bed where the hummingbird feeder hangs, and she suddenly began screaming, and running for her life! My eye glued into the camera, I didnt' see why. And, turns out, as the Boy came around the corner and noticed, it was just a hummingbird feeding, but somehow she didn't realize that's what it was, rather than a bee. Crazy girl!

Saturday was soccer day, Drew's team finally won, but I missed it, since D was off, he wanted to watch, and so he took her. Her game was 9am, and the small ones have had a cough, so I kept them home. And, I worked in the afternoon, wasting away a beautiful day...

But, on Sunday, even though D was working, I packed the van up and jetted over to the beach with the kids! Forecast was 63 and clear, my neighbor was so kind as to comment on my choice of activities stating, "63??? That's nothing! You better pack some pants and sweatshirts along!" Yeah, like I don't know to pack extra, plan ahead after 4 kids! I laughed back, and said, "63 is FINE with me!" And, as it turned out, entering the bayfront, temp was at 70, as I parked near the beach, it dropped to 64, but was clear, not a cloud in sight, warm, slight wind, AMAZING! I was so thrilled, I screamed, so pumped, and ready to run out there! We spent a few hours on the beach, exploring, playing in the sand.

The boy found a dead starfish, which he had wanted to find, and asked me all the way to the beach, "If I find a starfish, can I keep it?" Well, my answer was no, since he planned on taking any live starfish home for a pet, but as they were filling thier sand buckets with water from the outgoing tide, I spied a lone starfish up on the dry sand. I hollered at the Boy, and we looked it over, it was upside down, and dried out, so I figured, that one, he can keep, right? Even so, he kept trying to place in the water, and make it come back to life, but it was stiff, and not moving at all. Pure Luck I guess. Crazy, really, that boy is so in love with all things related to water. I just wonder what he will be when he grows up.

Like usual, we went to a little crafters mall, that has a big treasure chest full of 'pirate' treasures that kids can grab a handful of, and the boy grabbed many pirate coins, a few skull rings, and a gold bead neclace, Lulu grabbed 5 'diamond' rings, and some coins, while Drew grabbed small 'crystal' rocks. The Boy wore that neclace, and skull rings the rest of the day, proclaiming..."I'm gonna be a pirate when I grow up! I'm gonna be the captain." I said, "Oh, you mean your gonna drive the ship?" He said, "NO, the cabin boy drives the ship, and the captain sits in the cabin looking at his treasure!" Ofcourse, he makes his own rules about how things really are.

It was such a nice day, I hated to pack up and leave, but daily life pulls me back to the weekly drone of chores. Ugghh!

Redneck Lawn Chair

Just when I think there's nothing left to surprise me with, the boy decided to make his own lawn chair last weekend. He took a sand bucket, flipped it over, an intertube, and beach ball, then ran inside and grabbed his ear things, not sure what to call them, ( D got them for the monster truck show), and then his El Toro Loco hat to cover his face like Daddy does in the summertime. You gotta laugh at the imagination that boy has!

Happy Birthday Lulu!

Today my sweet Lulu is 4 years old! I picked up some ColdStone Creamery sweet treats cupcakes on the way home for a mini party. (The party is actually next weekend at a Carousel!) She is so excited!
As I was putting the candles on her cupcake I told her, "I changed my mind, I want you to stay 3. You can't turn 4 now." She did not at all like this...she responded, "NO! I have to be 4 cuz my 3 has melted, it melted down down down and now it's gone!" All with hands in the air, and a look of absolute desperation in her face. That Lulu...she's the last one, and here I am watching her toddler years melt away. I love you Sweet Lulu!!!

It just slipped out...

As I was making my bed this morning, the tot's playing, I heard Lulu holler, "HOLY CRAP!"
I was quiet for a minute, then I hollered to her as I heard the Boy whispering, "Uh oh, I think Mom heard you!"
Then, that Boy, quick covered up for her, saying, "It's okay, Mom, she really meant to say Holy Cosmos!"
Yeah, right!

Also, saw this on a license plate today, made me think...
BGR8FL
Get it?
And, If you really wanna laugh with your preteen (which is very hard to do, believe me!), check out these two books...
C D B?
C D C?
Drew and I just cracked up, and I even had a hard time figuring some of it out!

"Look Mom! I got dressed all by myself!"

What's YOUR favorite donut?

Our Library recently gained a newly renovated building to use, and it is amazing! We visited last week, the tots LOVED it! And, I mean, really REALLY LOVED IT! So, did I! I went ahead and paid the $10 for the annual fee (I'm outta city limits, folks!) just to check out childrens books. It's SO worth it! Our story time guy is the best around too!


I checked out a ton of books, and one newer one that just caught my eye, hosting a much loved subject of my tots...DONUTS!

It's called 'The Donut Chef', and if you haven't checked it out or bought a copy, you must! It's the perfect childrens picture book! Great rhyming, and bright colorful pictures. I LOVE READING IT! They begged for 2, 3, 4 times in one sitting!
Another must read by the same author is...
'The Red Lemon'.
I am so going to miss the preschool years once they're gone...what excuse will I have to read books like this anymore?

My Boy

At nearly 2, while on a walk, The Boy dropped on all fours to examine a snake in the road. Dead as it was, he had his tiny little face right down there, inspecting. HE IS THE BOY! No question about it.
The Boy loves to fish. He loves to shoot his toy guns, pretending to hunt like Daddy. D spends time with him teaching him about fishing and hunting, and takes him out on adventures as weather allows. However...for this Boy, it's just not enough!
With the recent sunny days we've had the kids have been outside playing a lot. Supposed to be in the back yard, but somehow The Boy ends up playing in the ditch by the road out front. This time of year it has quite a bit of water flowing down through it, and the weeds/moss are starting to grow.
He's been building a dam in his lake he tells me, so 'the fish' can't get away. Also, Lulu tells me there is 'seaweed' growin' too, and that Lulu, well, EVERYTHING she says is relayed with such extreme enthusiasm, so you can just imagine the excitement in her voice while telling me this.
This morning Boy got out early, "to make a bobber" for his fishin' pole so he can catch the fish in 'the lake'. The Lake a.k.a. The Ditch.
Now D is freakin' out all over me for 'letting' them play in the ditch....
UMMM...I repeatedly tell them to get in the back yard, AWAY FROM THE DITCH! I am not an idiot.
I'm sure it's not all sanitary (good thing that boy also obsessively washes his hands!) , but I know my husband played in that same ditch when he was a boy, and honestly...let's ALL just be glad The Boy is not running around the house in his many sisters dresses vs. playing in the ditch water, pretending to fish...I definitely got me a boy through & through!
Thankyou Lord!!!

"I'm big cuz I'm 4!"

Little Lulu is turning 4 this month. I just can't believe how time has flown by!

She is at such an adorable age, and still being "the baby", she is ever so sweet to me! I hate that she is growing up at times, although I know that's the way it goes.

She has found she can climb very high on "the spider thing" at the park, loves playdough with a passion (Mommy hates the mess!), and has been showing everyone how good she can twirl, she calls it her 'super duper bestest ballerina twirl'.

I just love this little girl!

The LONG & SHORT of it...

This is me, on a good hair day anyway...
I have had my hair cut shorter, sorta a-line for about 8 months now. I have really gotten used to the quick dry, easy management of it but I have begun to long for my locks!
I can't stand the inbetween hell of growing it out, I love not having to put a clip, pony holder or barrette in it EVER. Straightening it is so much easier while short...But, then there is also the fact that with the rain, and cold nasty weather come a ton of frizz. It's just in my genes. Thanks Mom!
I use Fekkai glossing gel from Bath & Body Works daily, and straightening gel to help some, also Frizz Ease Straightening shampoo & conditioner...but, it's starting to get all outta control lately. Maybe I need a day or two off of the dryer/straightener, some deep conditioning treatment...whatever the case, it's so NOT lookin' like this pic lately, I'm SOOOO hatin' it! I JUST WANT MY LONG HAIR BACK!

Bubble Boy

The Boy in tub, and I'm pouring Mr. Bubbles bubble bath in, creating a gazillion bubbles...Boy toots, BIG, and simply states while giggling uncontrollably..."That makes bubbles too!"

Motherhood...who ever said it would be easy?

I am blogging out of PURE frustration this very day! I have had it to the absolute end with a certain Mother I have had to deal with for years.
I have tried to be the 'bigger' person, lay low, be passive if you will. I have tried to be friendly, become aquaintences, play the middle field.
But, it has come to a point that I simply just do not care anymore to be the kind, passive person in this ongoing feud.
God help me, I am simply going to state my mind in any situation that arises.
No more will I ignore.
My dtr is at a terribly impressive age, and I will not allow another child with ill ways to distract her any further.
Another child that finds it okay to be repeatedly voicing sexually suggestive comments to strangers, teachers, etc. A Mother that texts her dtr horrible, hateful things. A little sister from the same family that says to my dtr,"You are an F*ing B*tch" when she walks in the door to thier home.
There are NO limits in this family, no boundaries, and certainly NOT enough of the right kind of discipline.
How can a full time stay at home Mother have, 3 such incredibly disobedient children? This, I just cannot understand.
I HAVE HAD IT!
I work part time, 2-3, sometimes 4d/wk now. I love my job, and I won't give it up. At the same time, I am very much involved with my children. I love them, and want nothing more than to have them succeed.
I am so sick of everything that occurs with my dtr and hers, being pushed on my dtr. When, and I swear this to be true...her dtr is the initiator of all things that end up happening with them.
Yet, this Mom is in pure denial, always has a different version of the story when, I recieve the call from the principal with full description, somehow the story changes by time she gets the information. She even tries to go so far as to tell me when I shouldn't be displining my dtr. As if she can influence this.
I just can't stand her or her ways, and I am done!
Move on, crazy lady!

"Only as genuine Christian holiness and Christlike love are expressed in the life of a parent can the child have the opportunity to inherit the flame and not the ashes."
Stephen G. Green, as quoted in the mini book "On Raising Children"

I'm still here...

Life is busy 'round here!
So much for keeping the family healthy...we've pretty much all got a real whopper of a cold passing through, only mine seems to stickin' around, and I'm near ready to visit the MD for some ABO's. Trying to put it off as long as I can, silly me, I should know better, being a nurse and all, but then again...I also know my body well enough to know when I've had enough, and apparently, I haven't got there yet.

Preschool Co-oping is keeping me very, very busy. Beau just turned 5, Our 9th Anniversary was yesterday, and I just turned 32. It's a busy month!

For Christmas D got me a Sookie Stackhouse book, the book/series that my newest favorite show True Blood is based upon. I LOVE IT! So much that in the past month I have read through the following 6 books, and am now working on the 8th. Eagerly anticipating the 9th in May, and hopefully by Christmas the 10th!
Something had to bring me back from my Twilight withdrawals, and that is exactly what they were. I was so bummed when that saga was over!
So, to all those Twilight obsessed Mom's out there (come on, raise your hand, I know your out there!), there's more to obsess about, and it's True Blood...on T.V. (HBO), and a huge books series by Charlaine Harris. Much more adult directed, Viking Vampire Eric nearly takes Edward Cullens space in my book!

Well, off to cook dinner...
The Camera has taken a back seat lately, too busy to shoot! Here's a couple of my fave pics for the week...

The boy, lettin' ya'll know he's 5!

Little Lulu...contemplative & beautiful!

Happy 2009....I hope!

I'm still here...somewhere...in the mess of all this holiday fuss. Grumpy, and overwhelmed.

After 2 weeks with kids all home, I am so ready for them to return to classes!
What a busy December we had, with the scabies, flu bugs, computer virus issues, winter storms, and Christmas.
In all gifts given to the children, only one came up defective, a dollhouse for Leah, and it's replacement should soon be on our doorstep, hopefully this coming week, it was quite a nightmare trying to even find another. So it goes! I don't think she even realizes what she got, honestly, so it will be like christmas all over again when I get it put together finally.
D did a great job this year in choosing MY gifts. He took my hints well and I received Photoshop Elements 7, as well as an external hard drive, for my pics. He stuffed my stocking with a $20 Human Bean gift card (I love thier Mexi Granitas!) 2 paperback novels...WHICH HE CHOSE HIMSELF...one of them being the 1st in a set of the Sookie Stackhouse/TrueBlood series of books by Charlaine Harris...to which I am now completely addicted! Bye Bye Edward Cullen... Hellooo Bill Compton!
I got D the 1st 3 seasons of Deadwood, he is SO into western shows, and newly disovered this series on HBO the past fall. He is now in Deadwood Heaven.
Grace received her much desired IPOD NANO, yellow. Drew ended up with a LeapFrog Crammer, and loves it! A sub for her requested MP3, thinking she is just NOT ready, way too good at losing things. D got Beau a fishing game for the Wii, and the boy loves it!
I got so caught up in video recording our christmas this year with my new Sony Handicam, I completely forgot to take pics, so this year, I have no christmas gift opening-surprise pics, which really irritated me since I have the Rebel this year, but what can I do now?

Grace now has braces, a whopping $5K to make create her perfect smile...I sure hope this is the only child that needs it! When they first went on December 4th, she said, "Mom, now I look so ugly!" I said, with humor, "What do you think my goal was?" lol. Do braces even really ward off the boys? Here's to wishful thinking...

D and I are getting along the best we have in forever, and I am so greatful for that. When you are with someone for so long, 13 years to be exact, you tend to get way too relaxed in how you treat, or react to the other. Simple things, like the kiss goodbye, disappear d/t the chaos that is a family. I pass out at night from pure exhaustion, often before we even kiss goodnight, and we virtually never even hug eachother, and we certainly don't hold hands. Daily tasks, and the business of caring for children become the priorities, leaving NO time for you, as a couple.
This month, we are coming up on our 9th married year, and I just cannot believe it has been so long. Time really flies. I met D when I was 18, I will be 32 this month. D is 42. There are no more babies, just the rearing of the ones we already got. But, it's not getting any easier, not so much harder, but definitely tons busier!

I have NO new years resolutions, I never end up meeting my end anyway. I just hope that I can keep up with my family, enjoy them, laugh with them, surprise them, and keep them healthy in this new year.