This So Figures

A flash back to college. I may have to put on radiomargaritaville, pour a Rose's and rum and read my copy.

You're The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy!

by Douglas Adams

Considered by many to be one of the funniest people around, you are
quite an entertainer. You've also traveled to the far reaches of what you deem possible,
often confused and unsure of yourself. Life continues to jostle you around like a marble,
but it's shown you so much of the world that you don't care. Wacky adventures continue to
lie ahead. Your favorite number is 42.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Any Exclamation Points Out There?

You Are a Dash

Your life is fast paced and varied. You are realistic, down to earth, and very honest. You're often busy doing something interesting, and what you do changes quickly. You have many facets to your personality, and you connect them together well. You have a ton of interests. While some of them are a bit offbeat, they all tie together well. You friends rely on you to bring novelty and excitement to their lives. (And while you're the most interesting person they know, they can't help feeling like they don't know you well.) You excel in: Anything to do with money You get along best with: the Exclamation Point

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

Are You a Mom?

In Honor of Earth Day

We sat on the earth.



Ok, it's really an ancient Jasmine sleeping bag, and I laid down, but you know, it's the thought and all.

Groceries

People ask me how we can afford to feed the family. Well, it's not like we have a choice right? I shop at Aldi's and then pick up specialty things at chain stores or take advantage of their weekly specials. Some weeks are better than others. Here's this week's menu and cost. I didn't add everything because of course some things we had on hand. This is just what we spent
Bfst- a combo of eggs, waffles, pancakes, sausage, pb toast and homemade chocolate bread and homemade bread, 'fake cheerios' on the weekend
Lunch-sandwiches and leftovers for 4yo and me, kids and dh take sandwiches, soups, fruits, water, chips or pretzels
We have been very busy so dinners have been quick as you'll see
Dinner:
Mon-grilled pb, choc and marshmallow or grilled cheese sandwiches, applesauce
Tues-bacon, pancakes and hashbrowns
Wed-meatloaf, carrots, potato
Thur-spaghetti and sauce, broccoli, homemade garlic bread
Fri-homemade pizza, pop ( a treat for my kids)
Sat-hot dogs, pudgy pies , s'mores(planning a cookout),
Sun-turkey roast, green beans, dinner rolls (got free)

snacks are fruits, crackers or popcorn or cookies/muffins/bread that I may have made

Breakfasts 2 doz eggs 3.18
toasted oats 1.69
chocolate bread 1.50
a loaf bread
.5 jar peanut butter
cornmeal muffins .66
2 pkg brown& serve sausage 1.94
1 pkg waffles .99
homemade syrup .25
pancakes 1.00
6 gal milk(week) 16.02

Lunch 5 chicken nuggets .80
4 oz cheese(48 oz) 7.56
fish 1.20
12 apples 4.48
6 bananas .99
strawberries 4.00
2 can veg soup .94
50 slices bread(4 loaves/week) 6.00
3 pkg cold meat 8.97
1 can applesauce .89
10 granola bars 2.89
1 bag pretxels .99
1 bag chips .99
1 box animal crackers .99
1 pkg cheese sticks 2.89

Dinner 2 batches pancakes 2.00
4 boxes bacon 7.96
7 potatoes 1.10
1 onion .33
56 oz milk
12 slices bread
4 oz cheese
1/2 jar peanut butter 1.29
.25 chocolate chips .25
handful marshmallows .25
homemade minestrone 2.00
2 # ground beef 6.57
2 eggs
.5 C oatmeal .15
.5 C catsup
1 3# bag carrots 2.00
box spaghetti 1.5
jar spaghetti sauce .99
homemade bread .75
broccoli 1.50
pizza crust hm .75
pizza sauce hm .99
moz cheese 3.49
pepperoni 2.00
1 walmart pop .55
1 pkg hot dogs 3.59
16 slices bread
leftover pizza sauce&cheese
cherry filling 1.55
butter-4 stick/week 2.18
lemonade 1.79
marshmallow .99
chocolate bar 2.00
grahams 1.18
2 turkey roasts 6.00
dinner rolls free
green beans .39
chocolate cake hm 1.00
navel oranges 1.99
grape juice 1.09
kroger pop 5.00
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
~137

Get Your Insulin

Because she is just that sweet

I Obviously Have Too Much Time

Just a cool slo-mo shot of a water balloon popping.

Letters I Can't Send

Dear Helicopter Parent,
Because I allow my children to eat candy, hang upside down on the monkey bars, ride their bike on the street and do not attend every sporting event does not mean I am a neglectful, unloving parent.
Yours,
Non-Child Centered Mother

Dear fellow mom at the McDonald's PlayLand....
Children and their parents do not need to be flashed by your bare @$$ when you bend over, sit down, squat, whatever. Wear underwear that CYA...or better yet, get a BELT!
Sincerely,
Embarrassed Mama
*
Dear Husband:
Please get off the couch.
Please stop trying to convince me you are narcoleptic.
Please pick up your pants.
Love,
Your adoring wife

Dear fat on my body,
Pursuant to my personal provisions for my forthcoming career, you are hereby being evicted. You have 90 days to vacate. I demand you cooperate with my efforts. You can take your roommates Gray Hair and Wrinkles with you when you go, too.
Although I appreciate the extra effort you've shown in my chest, I no longer wish to carry your weight.

Signed,
Thelma Thick Thighs

*note: some of these are paraphrases from a board I visit, but they certainly pertain to many of us

So We Played

No posts because we were far too busy playing. We got the rooms moved, did all sorts of family stuff, and celebrated another birthday. E turned 16 on Monday. I finally bought her the futon I promised her 3 years ago. (I'm glad she's patient) so her room now looks like someone's studio apartment. L (who is 9) is pushing her to move out as soon as possible, because she wants the room. The boys seem happy in the cold, dank but video game rich environment of the basement. There was even some evidence that spring may come to Indiana one day soon. Sorry no pictures of E or her room. What could be less cool than appearing on your mom's blog. Now on to next month when she can take her driver's test. Please Lord, let her get her license to there will be one less kid to cart around. Did I mention it's track season,...and soccer season....and baseball season.....you get the idea.

The Great Move of 2008

Spring Break Week! Trying for fun that won't break the bank.
We've been bowling, lasertagging, shopping, movied and science museumed depending on age and inclination. Yesterday we moved bedrooms. They do this periodically. It involves much grunting and discovery. Oh, the things we discover, least of which is I'll never be the world's best housekeeper. C decided to move to the basement with S. This means that the room that's been the playroom for 7 years is now a bedroom and all those toys have to go...somewhere. Where I'm not sure. No pictures because I'd be ashamed.

The Best Day

Time

Well odds my bodkins it's Thursday, how did that happen? Probably the usual blur of Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, pre-school, library and tonight the swim team end of the year party where the whole family attends. The little brother and sisters weren't about to miss that. Tomorrow is F's 7th birthday! Not sure how that happened. Four little first grade boys will invade my house. And it's supposed to snow. And sleet. And be cold. Urph

Not One

Not one stinking good picture could I get. So ignore the angry 14yo and the equally annoyed 4yo, and the 6mo who was done taking pictures already.

It was a nice day, despite the snow. The snow that cancelled the Easter Egg hunt here in town yesterday. We, being made of sterner stuff, had our traditional Easter basket clues and searched diligently through the sleet and mire for chocolate bunnies. Family came, church was attended and the evening ended with a round of vomiting by the 9yo. Here's hoping it was too many goodies and not a virus. Please, not a virus!

The Four Year Old Follies

Lately, Mel seems to have been infected with some virulent virus that renders the victim a diva. All comments are made with a flip of the head and a hand on her hip. She does not like boys, even her dad and brothers, even her beloved 'Connie', because, well, they are boys. Duh! She does however adore her baby sister. Ad is her baby. She even thanks me for getting her a baby at the hospital. Hmm, if I'd only known it was that easy. Heck, I could have checked ebay. She also cracks me up, just saying goofy things. Most of which I forget before writing them down for posterity. Or her baby book. I think I did buy her a baby book. Anyway, while baking yesterday, I gave her the eggs to crack with admonishment to be careful. Her reply, "Don't worry mom, I'm a professional." Hmmm, lawyer, doctor, egg cracker, what will it be?

Cats and Dogs

This is stolen from Mommylife> I thought it was hilarious. Can you tell I'm a cat person?

EXCERPTS FROM A DOG'S DIARY
Day number 180
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 181
8:00 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am - OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am - OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm - OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm - OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM - OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM - OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!


EXCERPTS FROM A CAT'S DIARY

DAY 752 - My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another houseplant.

DAY 761 - Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair ... must try this on their bed.

DAY 765 - Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was...Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768 - I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it included a burning foamy chemical called "shampoo." What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 - There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 - I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait, it is only a matter of time...

If I'd Only Had My Camera

S went with the middle school band to contest today. On the way home the cargo area of the bus fell open and whose was the only instrument run over. Oh yeah, you knew it. It sort of resembled a combination of metal spaghetti, dented hubcap and brass bookmark. I wish I'd had my camera. I suggested the band director use it as an example of what happens if you don't practice.

I like Gilbert and Sullivan and this just seemed funny to em.

Spring?

So Tuesday we had freezing rain, Wednesday the kids had a snow day and we went sledding. Tomorrow it's due to snow a bunch more. Wah! I could use some warmth. And I know I have to get through mud season to get it. Maybe I'll just get a heat lamp.

Tonight was the last swim meet. Yeah! Monday starts track, Wah! And they'll probably have to run the halls of the school because it'll still be snowy and icy outside.

Today was a trip to the dentist and tomorrow is the optometrist. Followed by an exciting evening with Girl Scout cookie invoices. Do I know how to live or what? Two will be gone though. S is going to a friend's and F will be going to spend his first night with a friend. My cuddlemuffin is growing up. He still likes me best though.

Six Months

Addie turned 6 months on Saturday. Her sisters decided she needed her first food so gave her some cream of wheat and took pics. I, upholding my title as worst mother of the year, would have pitched her a cracker and totally forgot to take a picture. Good thing she has loving siblings.

Snow day! And for all of you planting your garden just shut up

Menus

First of all, I've been MIA due to the death flu. Death flu I tell you.

Over at Like Merchant Ships a 1950's menu has been experimented with. It made me wonder about our menus. The kids say no one else eats the stuff we do. This really means that I won't let them live on a chicken nugget, happy meal, hot dog, frozen pizza diet. And they quite happily would. I though I'd compare our typical week. It should be noted last week they ate(the ones who were eating) whatever their brother or sister scared up which I believe was lots of eggs and toast and soup and sandwich.

Sun
B-toast and cocoa
L-roast, potato, carrots, pudding
D-leftovers from lunch

Mon
B-cereal & milk
L-soup and sandwich *note-kids and dh take lunch to work/school
D-homemade breadsticks, spaghetti (no meat just sacue), salad, homemade chocolate chip cookies

Tue
B-pancakes(homemade), milk
L-hotdogs, corn chips, applesauce (snowday)
D-chicken breasts, homemade biscuits, green beans, ice cream

Wed
B-oatmeal&fruits, milk
L-grilled cheese & tomato soup
D-salsbury steak(homemade),mashed potato(homemade),corn, graham crackers w/frosting(homemade)

Thur
B-cereal&milk
L-leftovers
D-chicken spaghetti, peas, fruit salad(it has marshmallows, it's dessert)

Fri
B-pancakes(homemade frozen), milk
L-leftovers or pbj
D-homemade pizza, veggie sticks(only I will probably eat them), ice cream

Sat
B-cinnamon toast & cocoa
L-meat sandwiches, corn chips, fruit bowl
D-pork chops, dressing, broccoli, homemade cookies (I'm letting the kids practice every weekend)

Sun
B-pumpkin muffins(homemade) & milk
L-lasagna, salad, green beans, hershey kisses
D-scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, sausage, OJ

So that's it, a week of menus. Some nights will get switched with others. It's not set in stone. It just means I only had to think once. As for all the homemade stuff. 1) it's cheaper (and my family eats quantity baby), 2) It's healthier, 3) I'm trying to keep my squirrely 6yo away from food dye and this is about the only way to do it. I've found that most of this stuff I make so often (pancakes, cookies) that I don't even need the recipe anymore. It is also important to have everything handy. If I had to walk across the kitchen for an ingredient or climb up somewhere to get a pan I'd never do it. Find what works for you!

Can You Help

Can you help this project? I know where all Ad's outgrown stuff is going.
"Bosom Buddies is a non-profit Christian organisation that services a local state hospital providing nappy-bags with clothing, blankets and products for the newborn as well as hygiene products for the mother. We personally deliver the bags to each mom and spend one-on-one time with each baby and mother. By doing this we ensure that no baby goes home without being adequately clothed and each mom feels that their community do care and the birth is recognized and celebrated. We ensure the mothers of premature infants who are involved in kangacare, have access to free tea & coffee supplies as well as a few food basics. We also try to make their room more homely by providing books and games, literature and laundry facilities"
Bosom Buddies

More Stone Soup

I like this one even better.

No Comment Necessary

Read This

Am I the Only One

I was looking for cheap ideas for Valentines cards today. Cheap, easy Valentines cards. It seems I am the only mother on earth who does not like crafting entire Valentine villages complete with feathered cupids, with their future budding artists. I don't much like crafting without them. They color reams of printer paper and glue random bits of stuff together on their own and that is about it. Yet another reason I can't homeschool. I would never complete a popsicle stick log cabin, complete with Pa and Laura. Heck, the only part of that we'd do would be eat the popsicles.

Already

>So today is Ash Wednesday. Already. Now I sound like one of those feeble old women who say "My how time flies."

Superbowl rocked. I don't really care about the Giants but I despise Bill Belichik so..it's all good. And if it couldn't be my Manning I guess his little bro will do.

The weather sucks. Really. As in there is so much muck it will suck your shoe off. First it was ice, then rain, then fog like Ol' London Towne then thunderstorms. Ick! and just for kicks it's gonna snow again and then drop down to single digits. Someone wake me in May.

This is cool, but give yourself some time it's a little lengthy.The story of stuff

14 years!

From this


To this


Our own little groundhog turned 14 today. He is usually to cool to let me post his pic, but made an exception for dear old ma today. He is the child most like me, full of smart mouthed comments and not enough sense to censor them. His latest, spoken to his Language Arts teacher
"Veep, veep (think alarm sounds) free thinker in the room, free thinker in the room." I don't think she saw the irony of her reaction to this comment.

Tagged

Dot at flowergirl6tagged me earlier and I put off doing the meme. I remembered now so...
The rules for this meme are:

(1) Link to the person that tagged you.
(2) Post the rules on your blog.
(3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
(4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
(5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

1-I don't like ice cream.
2-I drink a pot of coffee every morning. Ooops.
3-I don't have a dishwasher and do my dishes by hand.
4-I am a dismal failure at anything requiring an artistic eye, vision or temperament.
5-I love Jeopardy, and all things trivial.
6-I have been to Europe three times.

I'm going to tag
(1)Gretchen
(2)Mary
(3)Annelise
(4)Karen
(5)Lori
(6)Anne

Or Not

I was googling recipes today, trying to use up some chickpeas when I came upon alot of entries on Jessica Seinfeld's Deceptively Delicious recipes. Um, dumping cauliflower into my banana bread? Chick peas in my cookies? Or not. I found what I wanted, then went into the kitchen melted 2 sticks of butter and made heart attack on a plate chocolate chip cookies. And this way I can keep my title as meanest mom on earth when I insist they taste the veggies on their plate. I'm like that.

Zzzzz

I am really tired. The baby still isn't sleeping, wakes up coughing. It's not serious but wakes her up. I slept in the chair in the living room last night so she wouldn't bother dh (though he might not have even heard her knowing him). Anyway, not a good night's sleep. I finally gave up and got up at 4.

This weekend was one of those hectic ones where I was never home and yet accomplished nothing. I ran the boys to catch a ride to the Klondike Derby at 6:30, had basketball games and pictures, ran back home, left again to take E to a party, went home , left after a couple hours to pick up E and then E, L and I went to yet another town to work at a fish fry and sell girl scout cookies, when that was done I drove back the other direction to get the boys and then home about 9pm. Made for a very long day.

Cookies...Girl Scout cookies....argh!!!! Why did I say I'd be the treasurer????? Anybody wanna buy cookies????

Depressing

So yesterdaywas the most depressing day of the year. I personally find it happens sometime in February. I'm not sure why the shortest month seems like the longest.
We are busily completing a virus marathon. Mel was sick with fever and croup. I had a couple touchy nights with her in a steamy bathroom. Hmm, are her lips blue? How about those nail beds? And there's nothing like steam for a naturally curly girl like me. F was next with a fever of 103 so he stayed home from school Friday. Addie never had a fever but her intestinal tract was dealing with something. Positively toxic! Not usual for a breastfed baby. S and E felt ill over the weekend and low and behold dh came home from work early today feeling yuck. That leaves C and I. Here's hoping we're both too mean to catch it.

I've been cruising the net looking for more frugal ideas. I've decided I'm already so cheap that there aren't too many new ideas out there. Which is depressing. We could of course go extremely cheap-no cable, no internet, no phone, sell plasma. But in the everyday scheme of things we are pretty close to the bone. Aldi's groceries, very limited wardrobe, ancient autos, cloth diapers, etc. I want to save money, but I'm not ready to give up electricity. Not yet anyway.

Lamp?

Mel's question-"Why is lucky wearing a lamp costume?"

My birthday today. L, who is 9, wants to make the cake. I'm expecting about 8 pounds of frosting with a sprinkling of egg shell.

Who Knew?

So since I'm trying to be a little simpler here, I've been exploring the blog world further. Quite frankly, I'm usually so busy living my own life, you've gotta be pretty interesting before I'll take time to read about yours. I started looking at voluntary simplicity and quickly segued into frugality. Let me admit here, that I am really cheap. My husband compares me to a squirrel, who wants to take all our nuts(money) and bury it in the back yard for the coming hard winter. What can you say when it's true? The upshot is I hope to retool the old sidebar there to feature some new stuff. Related to this, I've saved like $60 on stuff I didn't buy. Mostly tea, coffee and pop. I appear to be a thirst motivated consumer.

Clutter

New Year, new beginning, drone drone, boring, boring. The point is I've been so busy I havent' been on the 'puter much or posted much anywhere. I've decluttered our bedroom and kitchen. Tomorrow I go to the dungeon, er basement. If you never hear from me again you'll know what happened.
Other things are in full swing. Basketball, swimming, scouts (Boy, Cub and Brownies). L has a party this weekend and E has two. Better social life than dh and I. I've also been much better about taking Lucky on a walk each day. Lab's need exercise but today my knee hurts. Drat!
Now for your amusement. I'm not sure if she's channeling a '70's cocktail waitress or Horshack.

Stuck

If you came home, and your angelic four year old said "Mommy I made you a picture. It's on the fridge." Would you assume it was on with a magnet or would you think hey, she took an entire blue glue stick, applied it to a piece of printer paper and adhered it in all it's blue gooey glory to the front of your BRAND NEW FRIDGE? Just asking?

New Year

No long tedious list of resolutions here. As Oscar Wilde said "I can resist everything except temptation." My only goal is to resist impulse buys in January. I know many people are on the 'buy nothing for a year 'train. I would never make it. I did read a really cool book last year called Not Buying It. I don't have lofty goals about being green or my spirituality. I'm just trying to reduce junk and maybe save a few $$ towards oh, say one of these. I hopefully will keep track of what I didn't spend and then not feel bad about spending it. Makes perfect sense, in a pretzel logic sort of way.
Today
no jeans $8.99
no latte $3.00
no cute baby bow $1.99
no earrings $2.99
_______
$16.97
Gee, only $883.02 to go.

Inertia

The nice thing about having my family coming this Saturday is it stretches out the holiday a bit, the bad thing is that I need to think of something to serve and then go buy it. I need to do it today so that I can take E on her Christmas shopping trip on Friday. It has to be Friday because that is when her friend can come. I should never have started this dumb tradition. Six years ago who knew we'd still be going to spend her Christmas $$$. It has evolved from just us to her and a friend shopping while I sit at Starbucks sipping a coffee and receiving phone calls reassuring her that another shirt is just what she needs. I'll have Ad with me this year. Here's hoping I don't have to ceaselessly walk her around. And lets just say her nursing habits are not conducive to quiet. The kids positively slurps. Anyway....back to the subject at hand. We 're planning on having a buffet of stuff to pick at all night. SIL always brings a veggie tray (because she is healthy and virtuous unlike me), step-mom will bring mac&cheese. She just always does so, I'm thinking a meat tray with rolls, cheeses with nice crackers, nacho dip (yes, this is cheese heavy but dh requested it), lots of cookies and a fruit bowl. Of course beer for dh and brother, wine for SIL and I and coffee for dad. Oh, and pop for the kids. Of course I will forget something, I always do. Oh well. I finally got the other adults on board for skipping gifts so it'll just be stuff for the kids. Three of mine and my nephew will probably get money or cards so it'll look like a depressing amount of stuff even though lots of dollars will pass hands. I always feel guilty anyway because our seven sort of out number their one. I stress about trying to keep it roughly equal, etc. Oh well, the important thing is I have a new deck of cards waiting to be separated into a euchre deck. Cards, liquor and cheese! Sounds like a holiday to me.

Easy Christmas

I found these tips somewhat useful. I do the battery and twist tie thing. As for the wrapping paper, the idea of 8 kinds of wrapping paper boggles the mind.
I am a huge believer in making Christmas easy, though I'm convinced some people like rushing, stressing and feeding obnoxious relatives. Our Christmas goes something like this:
1) Be awakened at an unmentionable hour.
2) Let kids indulge in a free for all.
3) Console child whose gift was opened by a sibling.
4) Since the coffee is done by now, begin drinking mimosas and let the kids have stocking candy for breakfast.
5) Continue above until a late lunch, consisting of foods my children will actually eat. This year our extremely non-Martha menu includes:
turkey roll-pressed, processed meat being a favorite of my children over actual turkey
crescent rolls-ditto
broccoli
sweet potatoes
cookies, cookies, cookies
sprite -in a wine glass, they love a wine glass
6) Pray the rest of the day sees no more toy breakage
7) Sit bleary eyed, sipping a bourbon, wonder where the day went and quite unoriginally say a prayer of thanks that this particular family is mine. What more could I really want?


Merry Christmas from our family to yours

Yule

Today is the winter solstice. I like to make a cake because, well, I like cake, and I can understand why ancient peoples were straining at this point for some warmth, sunlight and jocularity. Try this site for some winter solstice info. Now, because I always like the feeling this poem gives me and it mentions the shortest day of the year.

Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
by Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep.

Christmas Wrapping Hell

I want to hire some elves and sip margaritas instead.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Hmm, what since I posted last? L and Ad were Mary and baby Jesus in a Christmas cantata. A mama's gotta love that. Oh, and F was a shepherd. A twitchy, fidgety, restless shepherd.
On Wednesday we celebrated C's birthday. He was 12 on 12/12. Gotta love that symmetry.

On Friday I attended one of those obligatory school productions. What would have been annoying on a stage was even more so in a gym where you can't see or hear. Made L happy though
Friday night I wrestled the tree into submission and let the kids decorate. It actually turned out pretty well.

Sunday and Monday we were pretty much snowed/iced in. Church was cancelled and then school. I sent the children out regularly but today I am more than ready not to mop of snow every 20 minutes, endlessly dry the snowsuits, settle arguments, guard the cookies or explain that I am not the cruise director and am not responsible for anyone's boredom but my own. Now if I could just motivate myself to wrap some presents.

Baby It's Cold Outside

I know it was 3 degrees the other morning, but I didn't expect their lips to actually turn blue.

Aloha

My intent is obvious ( I want a tropical holiday) even if my location isn't in line with that.

3 Letters

Three little letters F-L-U followed by three more M-O-M. The rules of the universe dictate that when mom is sick the whole family domicile and dynamic will fall apart. 'Nuff said.

On To Christmas

A Little Christmas Elf




Thanksgiving was very nice. We went to my dad and step mom's for dinner. My brother, SIL and nephew were there also. The adult men all sacked out after eating. The kids went outside in the cold and played quite awhile, then came in and we had a rousing round of Trivial Pursuit and Apples to Apples. We came home about 5 and watched Evan Almighty and Ocean's 13. A nice relaxing day and we weren't even unusually disfunctional.

Obviously I've waited too long for some of the children, and all Ad wants is breatsmilk. She doesn't even have a strict regimen.

So

Thanksgiving is upon us and I have no idea what I'll be taking. My kids suggestions have been interesting-chocolate chip cookies, milk shakes, crescent rolls--that would make for an interesting feast.
In other news, the hot water heater died Sunday night. I concluded it was dead by wading onto the back porch. New one is in now and the back has dried out. So much for that little extra put back for Christmas. Which I wouldn't need 'til mid-December anyway since I hate Christmas (and most other) shopping. I see Kohl's is opening at 4am on Friday. Is it really worth getting up at 2am to get a $3 sweater?????

November?

The weather was lovely today. Fifty five degrees and sunny. Some horticutural fluke still has many of the trees covered in colorful leaves. Is this November in Indiana? Not that I mind of course. I put A in her sling and took Mel and we went walking to the library. At one point Mel stopped and looked up through the intensely yellow leaves at the slices of very blue sky. She said "It looks like lemons and water." I love the way four year olds think. And I took one of those mental snapshots. I have a collection. Moments I remember where nothing earth shattering happened but it just felt good. Walking with my two littlest girlies felt good today.

It's a small town when

A name listed on the ballot says: Ronald "Big Ron" B----. No sr., no jr, just Big Ron.

The local crime on the front page of the weekly newspaper is that someone's mailbox got knocked down by a combine and they didn't stop! Any info appreciated.

People call with advice on mouse traps. People you don't really know. They talked to their neighbor, who talked to their sister-in-law who talked to the clerk at the Dollar General who sold you some mouse traps.

Hmmm

Not much to blog about. Well, stuff, but very day to day stuff. It is cold this morning, How's that for a sexy topic. The kids are fine. S,C,L and F are obsessed with Battlequest. It is some game, with battles. That is what I have gleaned by passing through the room while they glue themselves to MY computer. Oh the wails when I announce time's up. The boys went camping with the scouts, E is working hard at school and preparing for her first debate meet this weekend. Addie is wonderful, but growing too fast. And that pretty much concludes the excitement here in Mayberry. You can scoot back from the edge of your seat now.

Halloween Haul

The kids made out like bandits. Soooo much candy. Some of it will be disappearing while they are out. We made it through 1.5 hours of walking without any melt downs. I was sure the baby or Mel would cry but they were good. Mel made up for it by waking up three separate times crying. I'm not sure if it was her routine being off or nightmares from some of the scary outfits. She wouldn't go get candy if the person passing it out was dressed up. She was fine with little monsters but not BIG ones. It was, of course, nearly impossible to get them to quit jumping around and get a picture. This is the best I could do. The baby's face is covered and the older boys left on their masks but, oh well.

Halloween

Stuff going on but seems I'm too busy to post. How about some pictures, always a good fall back position.

Our two month old punkin'. She was 24" and 11-7 at her check up yesterday.


Creating a holiday house, with the few pieces of candy not eaten by F.


The princess and her fairy godsister.

Birthdays and Baptisms

We have entered our week of celebrations. Mel's birthday was Oct. 20, my dad's is Oct 22 and my SIL's is Oct. 23. October 25th is our anniversary. We had Addie baptized on Sunday so everyone came for church and lunch. It was nice, but frankly by 4:30 I was ready to have everyone go home, LOL.

The Family-not a good pic, but the best of the bunch. Not one decent photographer in the family.



The Birthday Diva

Better Than Me

I'm notorious for ignoring my MD's advice to take prenatals and iron. Yuck, just can't do it, so imagine my awe at what some people will take .

Fickle

So, it was hot, really hot. We went swimming last Sunday hot. And now I'm freezing. Why do I live in Indiana? This summer when I was pregnant and stuck at (insert your favorite) the baseball game, the 4-H fair, the soccer field, the beach... I thought I'd never be cool again. Of course I was wrong. Just like the way I thought I would never miss being pregnant. How lovely it would be not to ooph when I stood up or waddle when I walked. Who could miss that? But I do. Not the four night time bathroom trips though!

I should...

My blog has been relegated to the long list of things I think about and should get to but don't seem to find the time. Therefore you just get pictures today. This is how we spent Saturday, after the 4 hours at the soccer field, in the 90 degree heat I might add.

Fighting over what song to download.


Sleeping off the morning.


The playstation/testosterone zone.


Preparing for a 'trip'.

Depressingly Behind

I had really good intentions to blog regularly. Ooops! I also can't seem keep up on the housework, the laundry, or where the kids need to be when. You'd think by #7 I'd be more efficient. The truth is Ad is an unbelievably poky nurser, so all I seem to get done is sit with her. That isn't a bad thing, but it doesn't lend itself to me getting too much else done, or at least what I want to get done.
This weekend was pretty much the norm. Friday night was the high school homecoming parade. Both E (student council) and S (middle school band) were in it so I had to go pick them up. S's friend came to spend the night. They stayed up all night, and at 2am decided it would be a great time to build a fire and have hot dogs and marshmallows. Oh, to have the energy of a 13yo. You'll notice I was awake then, but not filled with energy. Saturday was 3 soccer games and pictures. I love being at the soccer field at 8am. Dh worked that afternoon so I finally got the kids to help me pick up the backyard of pools, noodles, etc. Sunday was quiet. Church and a trip to the park. Dh asked if I wanted to go out and I couldn't even work up any enthusiasm. Nope, nodding off during the Colts game was enough excitement for me. How depressing.

Don't Think So

I've been contemplating trying to update the bathroom. Not doing anything concrete of course. How about this

OK, maybe I'll just settle for a doorframe not covered in Dora toothpaste and dry towels.

A Newer Pic

Now that I've got my digital camera photos in my 'puter, here is one of Adeline today.

I'm trying to think of all the other stuff I've missed boring you with.
C gets braces next month.
F got glasses. It turns out he is legally blind in his right eye. Did he ever once mention in 6.5 years that he couldn't see out of that eye. Argh!! Hopefully with glasses and patching we can improve it to something at least usable.
Mel started preschool.
L,F andC are playing soccer.
E has been ungodly busy with high school stuff. Blech!
S needs to save $$$ for the 8th grade Washington DC trip. He would rather buy an xbox.

SORRY! My computer died. I'm back with a little extra bundle.


Adeline Clare made her appearance on 8/30/07 at 5:17pm.
She weighed 9pounds 1 ounce and was 21.5 inches long.

More later! I've gotta play with the new 'puter! With DSL! I'm so easily excited.

First Day of School

A pic of the four who left on the second trip. The 15yo sophomore wouldn't want her pic posted anyway.


Boy Scout Court of Honor last night. My newly minted Tenderfoot and First Class Scout. They got a bunch of merit badges too, but I don't remember what. Gopher taming or something.

Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot

It's been that traditional hot and so humid you need gills weather. Yuck! Last night at 11:00 o'clock it was still 83 and 80% humidity. Needless to say most of my activity has been conducted inside. E is learning to drive, this is quickly adding grey hairs to my head. I'm trying not to be my mother, but that imaginary brake on the floor she used is looking inviting. The kids go back to school next Wednesday, so I've spent a small fortune in paper, notebooks, etc. Remember when you could show up with a pad of paper and a pencil and you were good? Yes I know, that was shortly after we quit using clay tablets. Just a couple pictures

Me at 36 weeks. It's very scary how huge I am.


C and L when I picked them up from church camp.

Again

Everything is fine, just not inspired to post. It must be the hazy, crazy, lazy daze of summer thing. It is hot, which sucks my ambition.

L and C are at church camp this week. It always amazes me how having some gone changes the dynamic of the house.

Dh's car finally got so old the adhesive holding the glass to the rear view mirror gave way. He is searching for some special adhesive. I say a little gorilla glue would work fine. Obviously we approach the world differently.

An amusing ending-CTTS- I was angry the other day, huffing and puffing at the computer. F comes over, pats my back and say. "Calm down, take deep breaths, stop the madness." LOL, gotta love the way their minds work.