this journey called life...

i'm still here.....

2011-08-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

I decided that I better post on this thing so blogger doesnt kick me off for inactivity!
Around here, we are gearing up for school, as I am sure everyone else is doing! Yesterday I spent several hours shopping for school supplies for 5! That takes a toll for sure. One your patience, and certainly on your checkbook! But I am excited because this is the earliest I have been completely ready for school to start ever. Everything has been purchased, sorted, labled, and put into backpacks.
Every year before school I go through my kids' room(s) and purge. Am I alone in this? I want them to start the school year organized, so I purge toys, clothes, trash.....holy cow, I threw 2 1/2 bags of trash away last night from the girl's room! Crazy-ness!
Toward the end of last year, we had a 21 year old girl move in for a while and that put my four youngest in one room for the summer. It worked out fine because of summer, but she moved out last week and my oldest decided to move into that room and I moved my 10 year old into the oldest child's old room. The great thing about changing rooms is that EVERYTHING is clean! That is what I always loved about moving! In any case....I have just a few small things to complete today and all my girls will be completely ready for school!
I have been crazy busy with work, summer activities, and softball. My hubby and I started playing co-ed softball. It started with a church league, and now we are playing on the city rec league. We just signed up to do Friday night co-ed AND Sunday night church co-ed. Added to that....we just signed our 10 year old up for softball, so at some point she will have practice and then her games will be on Saturdays! I think we might have lost it!
Keep you posted!

ok corrie....top this!

2010-10-27T07:15:00.000-07:00

So, it seems as though lately I only post if it's someone's birthday or I have poop story. Well, since I live to serve....here you go. (and no, it's not anyone's birthday)

I cant remember if I posted about the cats we aquired for Christmas last year, but in the event that I did not, I will tell you. Last year, we decided to get the girls a cat for Christmas because they had been asking for one. Well, a friend had two cats they were looking to give away. They were sort of fostering these two sister cats and we were like, cool....they are older cats so my little girls couldnt hurt them, they were already declawed in the front, so no worries about the furniture...however....these two girls were rescued from a crack house. So, they are a little skiddish. They have not acclimated to our hectic, loud house really well. But, for the most part, it had been working out. Fast forward to this month.....

My oldest is in charge of the cat box. She is supposed to scoop it everyday, add litter when neccessary, all that good stuff. Well, she went a day without scooping, and one of the cats, in retalliation, pee'd and pooped on her bed. Argh. She has a brand new mattress....now has cat pee on it. I had a talk with A about it, and helped her to understand that she cant skip. So...a few days later, the cat did it again! I am livid by now, because that is just gross. The next morning I woke up....cat poop on the couch. (the only thing that saved that cat's life is it didnt pee on the couch), then I get a text later in the day....that stinking cat pooped and peed on my daughter's bed AGAIN and this time, sat right next to it until the girl came home from school. Ok....now, I am so ticked off I cant stand it. I told my husband, I'm done, get rid of them....the very next day, one of my little girls comes in and tells me there is poop on MY bed! By now, I know which cat it is, so I go find her, and chunk her out the back door. She cried and cried at the back door and window all day until, a visitor here accidentally let her in. I thought, ok, well maybe she learned her lesson. Nope! Next morning, poop on the bed again. So, the cat was thrown out. She is now an outside cat until I decide what to do with her. And let me tell you....she is NOT a happy camper. She keeps giving me dirty looks, and wont come to me unless I am feeding her. But jeez! Would YOU leave a cat in your house that maliciously poops on beds??? I seriously doubt it. I am sorry, but that just does not sit well with me.

I dont know what it is about my house that children and animals think it is an open toilet. Thankfully, the kids have grown out of it.....now what to do about the pets????

hey, hey...its my birfday!

2010-07-07T12:19:00.000-07:00

and sis in law's bday too! happy birthday corrie!
I am doing a little work today....as you can tell:) and later, I will be going to see Eclipse (finally) with some wonderful friends! My sweet, sweet husband brought me a starbucks frap this morning, and my other sis in law brought me a yummy iced coffee as well, so I am all hyped up on caffine! Then I got breakfast in bed by my hubby...and my kiddos have been making me cards and gifts all day. All in all, I say its a great day! I've gotten to talk to my mom, my dad, my grandmother, one of my brothers, and my oldest called me from her dad's. Lots of fb happy birthdays, and texts! I am a very blessed woman!
Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday!!! TTYL!

a lot of nothing....

2010-07-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

a few posts back, i reminded myself to take some time for myself....not get too busy. yeah. that didnt really work out. Things are endlessly crazy around here, but you know. I kind of love it. I guess I cant truly say that i havent taken some time for myself. I have been reading. Which, if you have children, you know is next to impossible. especially if you are like me and have a really hard time doing the mundane things like feeding your kids when you are lost in another world. my poor hub. i wont pick up a book tonight because I know he misses me:(
I worked yesterday for 6 hours, got to my sis in law's house to pick up the kids, and she was having a crazy, frazzled day, so i finished curling her hair for her (she was going out to dinner) and about an hour later, loaded up my crazy crew plus the 3 nephews and headed home. A while later, I picked up the book, "The Wedding", and about midnight I put it down again. That was an awesome book. I completely lost myself in the story, and well, it was just happy.
Right now, i am putting off going to the grocery store. I just dont want to. so, instead, i decided to blog. poor you.
there is so much going on, but i truly do need to go to the store, then I have a few hours of work to do tonight. the fun never ends.
by the way....i miss my oldest pretty bad right now. She spends 6 weeks of the summer at her dad's and every year i miss her more. I just realized the other day that I only have four more years of her living at home. She will go off to college and then her tirme will really be divided. ~sigh~ not looking forward to that.
Also, on another note....i think i am a lucky blogger. I read a few others, and they tend to get hate mail...crazy, i know. especially when they are just blogging about their lives....no big polictical or religious posts....just life! but a while back, I posted regarding a nasty little coward who anonymously posted something in my comments tht I rejected. and wouldnt you know....they have never commented again! hehehe...little coward. guess they lost their audience! For those of you who do post on my blog. Thanks for taking the time to read, even tho my posts are few and far between right now, and this one doesnt have any poo or vomiting stories. I will work on that for you.:)

shock

2010-05-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

in two days, my oldest daughter will be 14. How the CRAP did that happen???? Man, o man....I am excited for her, and happy that she is a healthy, thriving, sweet, sensitive, smart, capable young lady.....but....what happened to my baby????
I'm gonna go cry now. More later..............

~sigh~

2010-04-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Life is crazy these days....full of chores, making sure the girls read enough, fixing dinner, working, laundry, running too and fro.....I drove 100 miles today alone for work. I'm tired. So, I actually sat down this evening for the first time in weeks to do nothing. I stole a book from my daughter's bookshelf and tuned out the craziness around me for a while. It was great. Cant forget to take a little time for yourself, or your life will whiz by you in an instant and you will be too tired to remember it. ~this is a reminder to me. Love, Me~

What must it be like???

2010-03-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

To be in heaven, singing with the angels....that is where my sweet, sweet uncle Ray is now. As of today, his suffering here on this earth is over, and he is singing songs with Jesus. How sweet that must be!

I have some wonderful memories of this man. I've know him forever. He was a father figure to my own father, and many, many of my childhood memories include him and my aunt Jessie.

First and foremost, he was a pastor ~ in my lifetime, I've sat under his ministry, I've worshiped with him. Learned from him, laughed with him...even laughed at him! 2 things I will always remember about him. 1. He loved RC cola! That was his "drink of choice" he LOVED it. 2. I used to get the biggest kick out of him, sitting on the platform at church, leaned back in his chair, legs crossed, mic in hand, and just worshiping. He loved to worship the Lord. I loved to watch him.

His worship was always so very sincere. And I dont care how well you sing, if your worship is not sincere, what is the point of it?

He was also a very loving, and caring man....and funny. My dad and I used to go eat breakfast with him in the mornings at this tiny little cafe in a small town in Oklahoma where he pastored a church. Until that point, I did not know just how funny he was. But, this guy....he had a sense of humor. Oh yes....if my dad or my brother reads this....all I am gonna say is "melon". HA! You will know what that means! Those early morning breakfasts let me in on a side of him that, as a child, I did not know before, and I will cherish those memories forever ~ I almost feel like I was let in on a secret, as most of the time, it was just me, dad, and uncle Ray.

It also feels strange calling him uncle Ray, since for most of my life to me, he was uncle Maynard. But, no matter the name, he was always the same. Strong, masculine, gentle, loving, giving, kind, protective, christ-like. That is who he was to me. I will always love you Uncle Maynard Ray Pugh! Party it up in heaven with your brand new body! ~kimberly

its sad but true....

2010-03-18T13:43:00.000-07:00

Working from home has it's advantages, and disadvantages.

Advantage: I get to work in my pj's
Disadvantage: I pretty much work in my pj's every day.

Advantage: Brushing my hair and putting on makeup is optional
Disadvantage: I usually pull my hair into a ponytail or a clip and I never wear makeup

Advantage: I always get to be here when my kids get home from school
Disadvantage: I am ALWAYS here when my kids get home from school (hehehe)

you get the point.

what the poo is happening here?????

2010-03-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Holy bifocals! what the heck is happening to me????

first: my kid will be in high school next year (refer to my last post)

second: I am starting to hold things away from my face to be able to see!! What?!? I just laughed at my daddy for doing that like, I dont know...yesterday!!!

Seriously folks. I have not been able to see since the 6Th grade. I sat in the back of the class and my friend wrote down what was on the board every single day. It never even occurred to me to ask why she could see it and I couldn't, until Mrs. Teacher caught her passing me "notes" in class. We were just about to get our hands smacked with the ruler until she realized it was the assignments. Promptly was I taken to the good ole' eye doc who looked at me like I was nuts. "uh, you didn't realize that your BLIND???" nope. until he gave me those gloriously hideous glasses. Great balls of fire! I didn't even realize that trees had individual leaves! I thought they were all just big lumps of green like my 7 year old draws. So, for years I have worn glasses and contacts, and now all of a sudden, I am taking my glasses off to read things up close, and with my contacts....yep...out the arm goes and I am making those crazy faces you see the "older folks" make, trying my darnedest to read that tiny writing.

I will never laugh at you again dad. This is me....crying in my bifocals.....

dance like theres no tomorrow

2010-03-12T12:13:00.001-08:00

so....my oldest is going to try out for the drill team....yikes!

A) I'm having a hard time with the fact that she is STARTING HIGH SCHOOL!!!!

B) hello! i am NOT old enough to have a highschooler!!!!

C) Hello! I am NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A HIGH SCHOOLER!!!!

actually, that statement is far from the truth because my mom was 30 when I started high school and I am, well.....uh.....definately older than that!
But still......high school? really? already?? Add to that my youngest will be starting kindergarten! I will have no kids home! (yay!)...not really. I am actually sad about that. for now. we will see if that changes once I am free to run naked thru the house between the hours of 7:15 and 3:15!! heheh....

Anyway...back to drill team. Did you know that it is ridiculously expensive to entertain crowds of people at football games using the medium of dance? yes....it is $835.50 to be a part of the drill team. And DO NOT forget that .50....because that is one less can of coke I get to purchase. Is it me or is this just nuts?? I get it. they need costumes, boots, hats, gobs of makeup, etc....i know! But dang! it is either....I take up a second job and my hubster gets a few more jobs to pay for this, or she does not get the experience. SUCKS! And, I will do whatever it takes to come up with that money, because, well, thats what we do. But ok...again. DANG! $835.50????? Can I get a detailed summary of exactly what our taxes pay for?????

snow!

2010-02-13T07:21:00.001-08:00

Hello Dallas! I am snow! Nice to meet you!

Yes, yes....I know that you up north of us are sick, sick, sick of snow....but....I am going to enjoy this beautiful, pure, white-ness called snow until its gone!

We had so.much.fun!

The dog even gave up her usual lazieness to actually run. Yes, she ran in the snow. over and over and over! Chased the kids, did some laps around the yard...crazy!

Can you tell that my J loves this dog? She is crazy about her, and will take any and every opportunity to seize a photo op with the pooch!

We built a snowman....twice! We built him first thing that morning, but he fell over. So, my sis in law and the nephews came over to play and we rebuilt him. The medal on the nose was their idea! The kids also built a "Patrick" snowman in the back yard! They are so creative!

My kiddos are crazy about the snow, and apparently, we had record snowfalls in a single storm here in the DFW area! I can tell you this much....this is the most snow I can ever remember seeing here! I have seen more snow in Kansas, but only a few times, although I know they have gotten alot of snow this year. But, here is my thought. I live in Texas. You know....the south....warm climate....super-duper hot summers....ya, you get the idea. If we have to endure the cold....we might as well get some snow. It is way better than just cold rain! So....I intend to fully enjoy all the snow I can get!

So, the last few pictures on this post are the views out of my bedroom windows and from my backyard. This is what we woke up to yesterday, after we played in the snow 3 different times the day before....we had the yard all torn up with our playing, and as it kept snowing, it was beautiful again!

I see such beauty in the snow. Pure, fresh, clean. How could anyone deny the love our God has for us in this beauty. Yes, outside of our "little world" terrible things are happening. I know this. But in the midst of the terrible, we can find beauty. Even if the beauty is fleeting....like the snow.

i cant believe i did it!

2010-02-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

so, I am now done with my 10 day cleanse, and I have to say.....I never thought I'd make it. But I did, and I feel great. So there!

Day 9 and feelin fine!

2010-02-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

Especially since I just took a nap! Not even on purpose! I sat down after dinner to watch the news and passed straight out. What the heck?!? I wasnt even tired. Or....apparently I was. But, I have to tell you. I was so very much looking forward to today. Today was salad day. I munched on some avacado and carrots earlier while I was working, and I fixed the family taco salad for dinner, and I had the salad part, with homemade vinegar and oil dressing~yummy~ it was a small salad, and I barely made it through. How do I feel. Well, to be honest, I kinda feel like UGH! I am so full, and I ate FOUR hours ago!!!! How does that make me feel? ~YIPEE!!!~ It makes me very excited because that was the whole point of this entire fast! I wanted to get to the point that I was satisfied eating smaller portions. Where I didnt want to eat the crappy food. And let me tell you. It will be slow going for me as far as the food is concerned.
Tomorrow is my twins' birthday, and for 9 days, I have not had one sweet thing. I am making chocolate and funfetti cupcakes, and we shall see if I eat one. I might eat a bite. I dont even know at this point if I could make it through a whole one!
Well, I am off to bed. Happy eating!!!

Day Eight....can you even believe it???

2010-02-01T06:10:00.000-08:00

Oh My Goodness! I cannot even believe that I have made it this far! The longest I have ever survived any kind of diet/change of eating habits was when I did weight watchers several years ago. I did that for a year. But I was able to eat....and surpisingly, eat well. I think weight watchers is great. But, fasting for 10 days???? I never thought I'd make it. I will say that one motivator is that I have lost 2 inches in the waist. yipee.....now the hard part is going to be keeping it off. yes, I know.... but I am gonna work on it.

As for now, today is Orange juice day. You have to come off this fast slowly. And when you havent eaten in 8 days, your digestive tract is very, very rested and has to be "brought back to life" slowly. So....today, OJ....tomorrow, OJ and some raw veggies and maybe a light salad for dinner. Wednesday....food! yeah!!!!

Anyhow, I am very proud of me and my sis in law....we both have made it this far, and I cant see either one of us failing at this point! Yeah US!!!

day four

2010-01-28T18:18:00.000-08:00

well, its day four, and I was fine all day long....i had energy. I was fine without food. Then...it was dinner time. yeah. So, last night, my hubby grilled bbq chicken and I made the kids some mashed potatos...well, chicken did not get finished in time to feed the kids before church, so I ended up giving them some hot dogs and mashed potatos real quick. I know...healthy, right? Well, sorry. I was in a hurry. Anyhow....my oldest ate a piece of chicken after church. Then hubby and youngest had some for lunch, theeeennnnn......he had to heat everything up and feed the kids, because, I can forgive the first two times I had to smell the decliciousness that was the bbq chicken completely filling my entire house, but, when it came to dinner and I had not eaten for four days....well, I wanted to crack. So....instead of cracking, he took care of dinner from start to finish and I locked myself in my bedroom and folded laundry. Let me tell you...I got a LOT of laundry done. Sheets washed and beds remade....everyone has plenty of clean underware, socks, shirts, and pants. ~sigh~ now its 8:30 and I am still hungry. But...after I come off this fast correctly (you have to do it slowly and carefully) my sister in law and I are going to cantino laredo for some especially yummy portabella mushroom and goat cheese enchiladas. Oh, dont wrinkle your nose! They are sooooooo goooood! Rolled up with some kind of spicy sauce on a bed of baby spinich and some crispy veggies on the side.
No...I do not intend to eat like that all the time, but come on....no meat....and some very yummy stuff wrapped in a corn tortillia....who could ask for more. Now, I am going to drink some water because my mouth is WATERING!!!!!

day 3

2010-01-27T11:10:00.001-08:00

I am now on day three of my cleanse/fast. I must say that I did not believe I would make it even this far, but I am just two days away from half way!!! That I made it through the first day was amazing. The only things that have been an issue for me thus far (besides the desire to shove every kind of food in my mouth) that I have experienced is that I am really sleepy. I have to sit down alot more than normal, but I am thinking that will pass after the first several days...I had a major headache, due to the lack of caffeine I am sure, but that passed and basically, the only other thing is, I am getting very familiar with all the things in my bathroom....well, that is to be expected. It is a cleanse, after all!
So, I am happy I have made it this far, and I am excited to accomplish this 10 day thing. My hubby commented on how proud he was of me and how good I was doing and that was nice. My daughter even offered to do it with me to give me support, but I told her no. I dont think it would be a good idea for her. She is only 13 and very, very thin.
On the other hand....cooking might fly out the window! I made a yummy (smelling) chicken and pasta dish for dinner last night for the fam. It smelled soooooo good in my house, I almost had to leave=/
Stay tuned for more.....

i've lost my mind.....

2010-01-26T07:29:00.000-08:00

So, I meant to get a post up here yesterday for the big "DAY ONE!!!", however....I (at first) was too busy, then I was just too tired. So, here I am today for the big, "DAY TWO!!"

Whatever are you rambling about?, you ask....well....I (and two, possibly four) of my friends have started a 10 day cleanse/fast. Have you heard of The Master Cleanse? Well, a few members of my family did this a while back, and in conversing with them about it, and having one too many discussions with some other friends about parasites and worms, several of us have decided to give it a shot.
I am ashamed to say that I have never fasted before. Our church has been thru some church wide fasts, but I have not participated. I'm not too sure why, other than the fact that I never really believed I could make it through. But.....I am determined to do this. Yesterday, I failed miserably at what I planned to do as far as getting through the tough part. I planned to get my bible and my notebook out and read and write when it got tough.....yesterday, i failed at that. Instead, I curled up on the couch and watched tv and dozed off.....I was really tired! I am sure that the combo of no coffee, no soda, no food is what made me so sleepy...and this morning, wow...I was up for about an hour and I hit a wall of sleepy-ness!! I could not.keep.my.eyes.open.
I have read all the "symptoms" and I think I am prepared for them....we shall see. In any event, it is my goal today to spend some time reading my bible and praying and writing a bit. I know that the only way I will make it 10 days with not food, while still having to prepare meals for the rest of my family, is to pray, pray, pray. And it helps to do this with someone else. My two girls are rooting for me, and I for them....
So, for now...day one down! Bring on day two!!!

pondering.......

2010-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

So....I rarely use my blog to vent about other people.....honestly, I really dont have that much to say about what other people do to me because I usually just blow it off and dont dwell on it. However....today is another story. I've been sitting here wondering if I should respond, how to respond if I do and also, how to find out who to punch in the face. So, just to give you a general idea.....if you are a reader of my blog, you know that I usually write about funny or gross things that happen around here....and really...I just write for myself. Not for anyone in particular, though it does make me happy that other people read. And, I have never, no not once, gotten an ugly comment. Until the other day. I wrote my funny little poop water post, and then another silly thing that my daughter said, and I log into my account a day or two later and lo and behold, I have a comment to moderate. Usually, this makes me giddy. Not this time. Someone, and I have an idea of who it was, but am not 100% sure because the coward left the message as anonymous...yes, I just called you a coward.....anyway, left a very personal comment on my blog....and it was. not. nice. And....to top it off, it wasnt even about me, or my blog....it was about something that is personal, and something that I dont want advertised.....and the comment was very obviously left as a jab at my family. And, I was going to just forget about it. I deleted it and said to myself....what a jerk, and left it at that. But today.....as I logged onto my account again, I wondered if I would see another jab.....I did not. But it pissed me off altogether again. So....here is me...putting it out there. You can be a coward if you like and jab, jab, jab at my family all you want....but guess what....whoop-de-do. Are you perfect? Have you ever made mistakes? Oh, and by the way....you call yourself a christian.....yep...that was reeeeaaaallllll Jesus-like. Got any guts? Say something to my face. But I bet you wont. I bet you wont ever say anything. Cuz that's how cowards roll. How sad for you to be a coward....How sad.
Well, that's all I got! Back to happy for me. I will let the coward roll around in their own kind of poo.....I'd rather deal with the kind I can wash off!

for corrie......

2010-01-06T16:17:00.000-08:00

ok girl...how interesting that I should read your comment at the precise moment I am currently laughing at something and signed into my blog because I "have GOT to blog this!"

Tonight, we are sitting here in the living room. We don't have any cable, so we are very limited in what we are watching these days...*side note: not a bad thing:)...and Luke, Jordan, and Peyton are sitting here watching Ace Ventura 2 while I am working on the computer. Well...I was working! So....its the beginning of the movie, and if you have not seen this movie, I will give you a very brief synopsis because it pertains to the story.
Ace, while trying to rescue a raccoon from a mountain top, loses his grip on the animal and it falls to its death, therefore leading him to go live with monks due to his grief and guilt. Someone comes to get him from the monastery for a job and while on the plane to the job, the stewardess says to him, "Nuts?" His reply is something close to, "no thanks, I have one...." and she says to him, "NO...Nuts?" while holding out a bag of peanuts. .....the movie goes to commercial and Jordan climbs on Luke's lap and asks a few questions about what happened to the raccoon...while explaining, Luke also explained about the monastery and why he went to live there....her reply....."is that what happened to him then? because he was really smart and then something happened because he forgot what nuts are"
Maybe you had to be there, but it took me a good long time to stop laughing under my breath.
Luke just picked her up and said, "oh, my sweet Jordan....my sweet, innocent little baby girl"
I love having kids....it is never, ever boring!

because its my job to gross everyone out......

2009-12-21T19:32:00.000-08:00

here is a snapshot of my day...**disclaimer: this is not, I repeat NOT for the squeamish**

If you have been a reader of my blog....you know I have some pretty gross stories to tell regarding poop, puke, and other bodily fluids. I realize it has been a very long time since I have blogged...and for that, I apologize. However, if you find yourself in need of a good laugh today, then by all means, have a good belly laugh at my expense......

so....I got up this morning on a mission. I emptied the dishwasher, refilled it with the few dishes that were in the sink, made the girl's some cereal and put on a pot of coffee. As the girl's were bringing me their bowls, MR comes back into the kitchen from the living room with the news that "someone pooped in the living room, I think." WHAT???? That has not been an issue for a while now, since my youngest just turned 5! However, since it has been pretty cold at night we have been letting the dog in with the strictest of instructions to lay by the back door only. And usually....she complies. Mind you, this dog is like 5 years old, and has been potty trained since about 4 months. She has the rarest of accidents and only when there is no other option, she poops in the house. This was definitely one of those times and when I went to check it out, she had apparently had an upset tummy, because it was not just poop, but...yes, you guessed it....diarrhea. yay.
so...I send everyone out so no one gets sick and get to work. Of course, she had to poop on the carpet and not the hardwood..why is that anyway??? I just don't get it. But, whatever, it had to be cleaned, and since I am the mom, the job falls to me. So, like I said, I get to work. I get the biggest portion of it cleaned up and break out the carpet shampooer. ~by the way...whoever decided to make those little angelic pieces of heaven deserves a great reward~ so.....I work and work until the bucket is full and I have to empty it. Yes....here is where the unfortunate events begin to unfold.
I am on my way to the bathroom, gingerly holding my bucket of poo water...carefully walking so as not to spill a drop. One of my twins passes me in the hall and accidentally drops a princess hat right in front of me.....I step on said princess hat and slip. Shall I go on? right. I cant leave you hanging. Of course, as I slip, I lose the cautious grip I have on the bucket of poo water and I watch as, in slow motion, the bucket of poo water flies through the air, lands on the floor, the lid pops off and stinky, disgusting, foul, awful poo water not just spills, but splashes EVERYWHERE!!!! All over the hall floor, the bathroom floor, the walls, the doors, the baseboards, and yes....all over me.
I am pretty sure I have not screamed like that ever. Not even during childbirth. Not ever.
My hubby comes flying around the corner and stops in his tracks. He thought I was hurt, but when he rounded the corner and saw what he saw, he turned on his heels and headed out. quick like.
Needless to say, I spent another hour cleaning up the floors, walls, doors, and then back to the carpet....then I got to go take a shower. That was about 12 hours ago, and the smell of stinky, putrid poo water is still burned into my nose hairs.
Anyone out there have a cure for that? If so, I'd sure like to hear it. I think most of it is in my head. All day long, the only thing I see when I close my eyes is that bucket of poo water flying through the air.
I am sure it could have been worse. But the only thing that I can think of is, if it would have ALL landed on me.....and, while I am surely thankful that did not happen......I am still thinking....why me??????????

2009-12-10T11:38:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

two more weeks!

2009-08-11T18:45:00.000-07:00

wow have things been crazy around here! I am so stinking busy, I cant seem to keep my focus. I need a good course in balancing things. But....one thing I am looking forward to.....school is starting in two weeks!!!! Now....I was very, very excited that summer was here at the end of last school year...and it has been a busy, crazy, fun summer. We have gotten alot accomplished, and I got to reconnect with my kiddos after working full time for a year and a half. But now....I am ready for school to start. And so are my kids! They miss their friends, and their teachers....and I think the miss the structure of the school year. We are pretty lax around here in the summer....we... scratch that... they sleep in a little in the summer, and stay up late....they play games and swim...you know, the normal stuff. but we are all ready to start back up with the structure. I know I am....Working from home is just as hard sometimes as working away from home. Just in a different way. I seem to have a hard time balancing between working at my computer and cleaning my house....:) It is feast or famine with both....lol...but...my kiddos have been working hard to earn money to put in their banks, so that has been a big help. Anyone who has more than one child knows, however, that when you wake up to a nice, clean home in the morning, have a cup of coffee, enjoy a few minutes of quiet after the hubby leaves and before the kids wake up.....ends very quickly once the kids actually get out of bed.
well, I have about five min before the kids have to go to bed....we are easing back into early bedtimes so the school bedtime is not such a shock! Hopefully it wont be a month before I get to post again!!!

come and gone....

2009-07-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

so, i had another birthday. Praise the Lord! Glad to be alive.
My 19 year old babysitter, that is more like a daughter/friend...well, she is more like a daughter...she is my friend. Anyway, she asked me the other day if she would ever truly feel her age. She is about to turn 20, and that realization feels strange to her. I think when you are a teenager, you expect turning 20 to be some amazing transformation from still feeling like a kid to being a mature, self reliant adult overnight. I just laughed. And then I told her that....I'm 36 years old. I have been married twice. I have five children. I have not lived in my parents house for 18 years. I have my own car, my own house, my own yard to take care of, dishes to wash, toilets to clean, dog to feed......you get the idea. And still....somehow, when I look in the mirror, I still see a 17 year old girl!!! Sometimes when I take a good, long look at my life, sometimes I still wonder, "how did this happen???"
I dont think this is a bad thing. I think it helps keep me young. I take care of my buisness....my kids, my husband, my home....my dog! I do my thing....but in my heart.....I am still a carefree girl. Nothing wrong with that!

funny bunny....

2009-07-01T08:04:00.001-07:00

Meet Fluffy....full name Fluffy Peter Cottontail. Now, before you get all upset that I've captured this cutie little bunny and tried to keep it....I'm gonna say right up front, that after being certain that Fluffy could take care of himself....I let him go. But.....I cannot resist trying to give you a mental picture of what that experience was like.

So, with five girls who love soft, furry objects, it has been so fun to watch them with this bunny. They love to feed him carrotts and lettuce and pet him. Now, Fluffy is somewhat ok with being pet while in his cage, but the second he thinks your gonna try to pick him up.....the crazy wild in him comes out!....so, i have told the girls all along that we will have to release him when he gets big enough....of course, they heard me, but they did not "hear" me. So...yesterday, I decided was the day. I knew if I put it off any longer, they would really start getting attached, and it was just going to be even harder. So...I announced that those who wanted to say goodbye to come with me, we were having a "letting Fluffy go" ceremony. I grabbed the cage, and everyone followed me out back to the creek....there are tons of rabbits out there, and I knew he would have no problem at all finding food and shelter.

Now....our back gate to our fence looks out to the area where we were, and that fence is chain link. Meet Andie.

This is our sweet, gentle, loving puppy dog, Andie. She really is, sweet and gentle. She doesnt mean to kill bunnies. REally, she doesnt. She just like to chase them, and sometimes, well...she catches them. Actually, let me rephrase that. She USED to be able to catch them...she has not touched one in a few years. (dont worry, i'm not going to tell you she killed fluffy) Anyway....andie was looking at us thru the chain link fence last night as we stood there, saying our goodbyes to fluffy. As a precaution, I checked to make sure that andie was safetly tucked away in the backyard before letting fluffy go. So....goodbyes said, I put fluffy on the ground, and my sweet, sniffling children watched as fluffy loped slowly away.

Until.

Andie, seeing fluffy hopping away....burst thru the chain link fence and the chase was on. She ran past us so fast that she knocked a few of the kids over and complete and utter mayhem insued! The girls were screaming, I was screaming and chasing the dog, chasing the rabbit, running for its life! Luckily, we were close enough to the creek that the bunny was able to escape into the brush and Andie, knowing she was NOT going to find that rabbit, and knowing she WAS in alot of trouble, slowly came back to me. My kids were crying and screaming, and angry. One in particular was just traumitzed! She was certain that Andie ate Fluffy, and it took me 30 minutes to convince her that I promised with all my heart that Andie did not catch Fluffy, and Fluffy was safe in the woods.

It is amazing how, with children and animals, things can go from slow paced and gentle, to complete chaos in a matter of seconds! I was trying to give my kiddos a loving experience releasing an animal back into the wild and teaching them that, even though they really, really, really wanted to keep fluffy forever, that it was best for fluffy to be able to live in its natural habitat. Instead, I ended up giving them a fast paced, traumitizing episode of wild kingdom! ~sigh~ Oh well....i tried.

Thanksgiving......

2009-06-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

Just wondering....does anyone else find it funny and unusual that I have a wild turkey on my house? Now, mind you....if I lived even remotely in the country, I would not even think twice about this. However....I live off Main Street. Literally, and figuratively. Yes, my house does back up to the lake, and yes, there is a creek that runs along my back fence out to said lake...but in the five years that we have lived in this house, these are the things we have encountered....a tarantula as big as my hand. Skunks, bunnies, snakes....lost of snakes....coyotes, opossoms, racoons, bats, owls, and now....a wild turkey. I know....this is random...i have lots of other things to post about, but another day....just wanted to put this out there for now!

nearly a month

2009-06-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

i cant believe it has been almost a month since i last posted. And that last post was incredibly short!
I dont think my life can get much busier! um...maybe i shouldnt be saying that...but...its out there...so, i'll let life happen.
So...you know i quit my full time job at the end of april. I did this because we were moving to kansas and i needed to pack and prepare for that move...but then....as most of you know...we decided not to move. great...awesome...i'm so glad....so now, we have some new life changes.
A. we are doing Dave Ramsey's financial peace university with out small group, so we are on a tight, tight budget and getting debt free...yay!
B. my hubster has basically 3 jobs...he contracts for a servicing company, and he owns two buisnesses...he owns a landscaping buisness that keeps him very busy, and he also owns a vending company that is taking off! so...more work for him, and more work for me, as i now have lots of accounts to keep up. and...
C. I am now working from home for a staging company that stages homes that are for sale. I used to work part time for this company doing various things such as cleaning, painting, and help stage...now I am working for them with thier office stuff. I am going to love this. I am just getting started, but this will turn into a bigger job...but i am very much looking forward to it!

so....in the effort to get myself very organized, I have a daily "to do" list....and somewhere in there I have worked in a daily workout for myself....I go to the gym at least 3 times a week with my sis in law....we like to go four and we work out one day here....I have lost 19 pounds so far! and I am also scheduling in fun time for me and the girls and daddy....we swim and play....the kids have commissioned jobs to do around the house, and as soon as my car is in working order again, we will have a weekly library day. I cant wait for that one! not that i will have much time to read...but still....so far we are doing well....i am getting alot accomplished and the tv has barely been on this summer! usually it is on all day....i know, bad right? but now, we are living on purpose, and i cant be more excited! i will try to schedule in blogging too:)
for now...i hope you are having a great summer and i will try to keep you posted!
k

crazy train

2009-05-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

The crazy train has left the station, and I was the first on on board!

This past few weeks, and more specifically this last week, have been so busy. No time, no time. And right now....well, still not much time. But I am hoping that after today I will be able to sit down and do some good, honest writing. I miss it, and miss reading the blogs I love...so bear with me. and after today, maybe I'll have the goods!

shout out!

2009-04-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

To my brother and sis in law and their newest little addition, baby J!!! I cannot wait to go snuggle and love on this little guy!

As is the norm for my flair for the dramatic family, this guy chose to make his entrance into the world during some nasty flooding in the area!

even so...he is here and doing wonderfully, as is mommy.

This makes me miss this stage with my babies....i love, love, love snuggling with a newborn baby....the way they just snuggle right up to you and you can cradle them and they are so peaceful! ahhhh......i miss those days.

Well, in any case....i will get to snuggle this cutie pretty soon!!!!

It is wonderful to see the miracle of life after the tragedy of death....it gives hope and joy and sometimes a little peace.

Happy 2nd day of life J!!!!

no catchy title...just a post

2009-04-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post just a bit....yesterday, a very dear friend of the family passed away. I dont even really know what to write, but I feel compelled to because this is my outlet....this is where I throw things out there that are going on in my life. so....here it is.
Death is inevitable. It will happen to everyone....so why does it seem so unfair? My heart aches for our friends, because it was their father who went to be with our Lord. He was one year older than my own dad....and I cannot even fathom life without my daddy here. My husband loved this man as his own father....loves this man's children as his own siblings....my sweet hubby has been best friends this man's sons for 17 or so years....so....his heart is breaking....
It seems so unfair that i am sitting here at work and they are having to deal with the loss of their father.....it seems so unfair that we were all visiting with family and celebrating Easter, and his life was slipping away. Except that...as difficult as it is for those here who love him....I know that he is now whole and celebrating with Christ. Not suffering anymore. So....I grieve for my dear friends, and their lovely mother because they cannot spend more earthly time with their father/husband. My heart breaks for them because of their pain. Yet....know that life here must go on, and all we can do is love on them and be there for them. Right now things just feel unfair.

woot-woot!!!!

2009-04-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

Today is my FRIDAY! yeah, baby! {spoken as austin powers} I am so glad too!!! I am so ready to be done with work!!! on my 3 week countdown....unless i give in and work and extra week...then, well, I guess I just start my 3 week countdown over again:( OH well...just another week of pay to stash away.

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today for some reason. Missing when my babies looked like this. I miss having a baby. I dont really want another one...just miss mine being this little. I miss little feet and tiny hands. I miss rocking a sleeping baby. AH! There is nothing more peaceful than that!

I also miss this stage! This was one of the best snow days ever! My kids had so much fun, and this is one of my favorite shots of MK. She had to come in soon after this pic because she started turning blue from the cold! But, while it lasted....she had a blast!

Do you notice the live baby in the stroller here??? A and MR were pushing strollers around the house...only, A had a live baby in her stroller. This was her favorite thing to do with every single one of her sisters. Push them around in a toy stroller. For some reason, she got the biggest kick out of the fact that they fit like a baby doll. But, hey....I ain't complainin! Free babysitter? Heck yeah!

Well, I am off to enjoy my weekend full of coloring easter eggs, egg hunts, cleaning, and cooking! We are spending easter with my in-laws and wonderful bro and sis in law and my crazy, wonderful nephews! God Bless you!!!!

update to the update

2009-04-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

well all...it seems as though we cannot make up our minds! Remember all the rambling I did about moving??? Scratch that. We aren't. Moving, that is. {and here is where i do cartwheels and shake my pom poms}

No...I guess I shouldnt say that. While I AM glad we are staying...there are a few reasons why I am the slightest bit sad about not moving. The short list is this:

1. I was looking forward to being closer to my brother and my aunt and uncle.

2. I was looking forward to being 2 hours away from mil/fil and R&J instead of the now 5 hours.

3. I was sort of looking forward to homeschooling my oldest daughter, but am relieved that I dont have to....she is already smarter than me, and that would just confirm it!

4. uh....thats about it.

I told you....short list. I will say this, though. Everything I said before today is true. I agonized about alot of things, and I would have been happy moving. Its just that I'm happier not. The good thing about it is....I am still quitting my job. I get to go back to staying with my kiddos, which, I am extremely glad about considering summer is comming and I am looking forward to spending lots and lots of time in the pool, and lazy days reading in the shade! Mostly, I am looking forward to spending those days with my sil! We plan to go to the library...grab up lots of good books....put on our swimsuits, throw the kids in the pool and enjoy this summer like no other!!!

I have less than a month left here at work, and am spending my time prepping stuff for my replacement. so...I guess I better go finish that. The faster I get him trained, the faster my last day approaches!!!

home alone....

2009-03-18T08:28:00.001-07:00

I am home alone. Completely alone. For a week! Its good...and bad. Its crazy how much I miss talking! lol...I know. silly. But true. And crazy how much I miss hearing my girls talking. The hubby is working all week in that other state. My kiddos are all at my mom and dad's for spring break. And I am here. Alone.

I am sort of enjoying the quiet. I have been doing alot of reading when I should be doing alot of packing! But I hate packing so early! I inevitably will pack something that I will end up needing before we actually move. I hate that. But, it is sooooo quiet that I cant sleep! I have been letting the dog in at night to roam about the house. That helps a little...but I have a hard time sleeping when the house is completely empty! I know...there is something wrong with me.

My mom on the other hand....she will probably sleep for a week when the kids leave! It is not just mine that are there! It went down like this....Friday my bro and sil brought their daughter to me (from kansas) She wanted to go spend spring break with granny and papa too! So, after work on friday, I loaded up my five kids plus luggage, plus niece and started out... Oh Wait! we have to stop on the way out and meet A's bff and mom because bff is going with us too! So, here I am....alone, after a long day of work, traveling by myself with SEVEN girls!!!! I know...I'm crazy. But, actually it wasnt bad. We left out, and we did not have to stop once! That, people, is a miracle! If you dont believe in God, well....I'd rethink that position if I were you. 8 females in a car driving 300+ miles and not ONE bathroom break??? And the two older girls kept me quite entertained! I love chatting with my almost 13 year old....she is witty and funny, and her and bff are total opposites...so they have alot of differences of opinion that is quite amusing to listen to.

Anyway....so, we get there and the next day my other neice and my nephew come over to my parents...and of course they are going to spend the night! We cannot expect them to want to go home with the cousins here!!! I am telling you people...my parents are saints!

So....that eve...I take my oldest and bff to her dad's house where they will be spending the rest of their week. So, that leaves my mom and dad with seven kids at the house....but wait! There is more! My grandparents are on vacation, so...yesterday, they drove down....i dont know how long they are staying, but my parents have a housefull to say the least!

Saints, I tell you.

so.....it is wednesday. I only have 3 more nights of this quiet, so I am going to try to enjoy it, and try to get some work done at the house.....can you imagine if I wasted all this alone time on RELAXING??????????

its a new day, its a new dawn...and I'm feelin fine

2009-03-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Yep...I am starting to get excited about the move. Maybe its because somewhere in my heart, I have been preparing myself for this for a while now, and now that we have actually made a decision, I kindof have that weight off my shoulders. Also, we have begun to tell people here, and that too, is a relief. I put in notice at my job...and a dang good one too! I gave them more than a month....my hope is that they will have someone here to replace me by april 1, and i can train them and be done. But in any case, come mid April...I am a stay at home mom again. And, I cant wait. I will have half of april and all of may to finish up my packing and be able to spend some time with my sil before I go. I am excited about that.

We have already found a house, and I cant wait to see what I can do with it. It is a bit smaller than our house now, but it is very open and has so much potential! I am downsizing our "stuff" before we go, and am looking forward to the next chapter of our book.

As I said before, there are so many people that I am going to miss, but I am so excited that I get to go back to the buisness of being mom and wife! I am excited about spending the next year with my baby before she has to start kindergarten. I am excited about being home to plan dinner, and have it ready for the family. Shoot, I am just excited about the idea of cooking, period! I have not cooked much in the past 4 months! By the time I get off work, pick up the kids and we get home...I am exhausted, they are starving, and we end up either eating out, ordering pizza, or making sandwiches! I did cook a rather delicious meal the other day, but by the time I got home and got it cooked, we didnt eat until almost 8:00!! Unacceptable.

So....off I go...I have to finish up a few things here at work, then head home to.....well, u figure it out! taco bell....mcdonalds......braums......pizza.....nope....tonight its hot dogs! I have to pick up the house while they eat because I have small group tonight and will have the babysitting at my house....that means 12 kids at my house! whew! thank goodness I wont be there!!!

the road less traveled

2009-02-27T10:48:00.000-08:00

so, it has been nearly a month {ack!} since I have posted. I dont know if anyone really reads this, or really cares to...but, for me....i love to write it. It truly does help me sort out all of my feelings and lets me amuse myself by telling funny stories, and I would surely forget if I did not write them down somewhere!

A few months ago I wrote this post about the possiblity of moving....and alas, it shall come to pass. We will be packing up our home of the last five years, the only home that 3 of my kids every remember, and we will once again, head north. At least it is only a little north. I know we arent moving across country or anything, but I did not expect it to be quite this hard. I have told my sweet hubby that this is the one place that I will be truly sad to leave. Not that I am not a little excited about the move. I cant wait for us to all be together as a family again. And, I am excited about moving into an old beautiful, charming house. I am excited about country living and a slower pace. Not having to work full time (the biggest yay for me!) Taking the summer off and spending it with my kids. I am excited about all these things, but I will say this. You just cannot do better than the people you meet in Texas. {with a few exceptions :) } My family has met so many wonderful, loving, giving, forgiving, geniune people here, that I already know that as I pull away from this state, my heart will hurt.

Telling my sis in law was the worst. I knew she would be so sad, as am I. We have developed a true, deep and loving relationship over the past four years that she has lived here, and I can honestly say that, I would move to any state a hundred times over if that is what it took for us to be where we are today. I love her dearly and I will miss her greatly. {the good thing is, I am moving 12 miles from her parents, so she will be coming to visit alot!}

Our church family is the other hard part. I have never been so wrapped up in the people that I worship with as I am here. I am going to miss every part of it. The people are amazing at our church and since the first time hubby and I walked thru the doors, each with a baby carrier, trying to find a space in the back so we would not disturb anyone with our 5 month old twins, we knew we had friends for life! It was amazing the connection we felt with the people there. They had a sincerity about them that was almost palpable. Several people from the platform made their way straight back to us as soon as service was over, in a rush to introduce themselves and make us feel welcome. I will never forget that. ~sigh~ I could continue to remeniss all day long, but I fear it will just make me sad. It will have to suffice for me to say that, its a good thing my sis and brother in law still live here, or some people I know would be getting phone calls of warning that they are about to be invaded by a crazy family of seven....whats for dinner?!?

My oldest girl, A, is having a bit of a struggle. I am not suprised. I remember moving when I was her age. I was angry, hurt, scared. But, I got through it, and she is such a well adjusted girl, I know she will too. It will take some time, I am sure, but, I am also absolutely certain, she will flourish.

Well, not to cut this off too short, but I am trying to keep it from being to long! I must run for now. Posts might be few for the next few months. We wont move until school is out, so at least I have plenty of time to pack, but I also know that summer will be here before I know it.

I will try to keep everyone in the loop, and in a few months, maybe pics of a new house! Pray for us....we will surely need it!

why do alot of my posts have puke in the title?

2009-02-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

oh yeah...its because i deal with alot of vomiting small people. And a man for that matter. It is odd for me sometimes, because, I can count the amount of times i have puked in the past 20 years on one hand. I just dont do it. But my family....well that is another matter.

So, today is the twins' birthday. They are six, which blows my mind! I just cant believe they are that old!! MR, started getting sick on sunday...in fact, i stayed home with her while my sweet hubby took the other girls to the brother and sister in laws house for the super bowl. She stayed home from school monday with a fever that was easily controlled with motrin, but felt bad most of the day. When i got home from work, hubby and i left the girls home and went shopping for birthday gifts. As i was leaving the store, the babysitter called and said MR was running a fever of 104!! Oh boy. So...rushed home...blah, blah, blah....you get the drift. She stayed home again today....still sick, which, sucks because its her birthday!!! Argh.

Also today was J's 2nd grade musical play at the school. So...after work, I rushed home, baked cakes and cupcakes, got J ready...by the way, cutest ladybug ever!!! and, with promises of cake and presents as soon as we returned, I rushed out the door with J and MK to the performance. Of course, the school tricks me into attending PTA meetings by making sure they do the meeting before the kids perform...another argh....and the lady at the microphone suddenly says, "Is J's mom here??" Uh, oh. What happened?? I stand up and follow another lady out the door. J is throwing up in the bathroom. Is it nerves or is she sick? Well, J is not about to miss this performance that she has a speaking part in and has been waiting to do for months, so she says...
"i'm ok mom...I'm pretty sure its just my nerves. I can do this" So, they placed her at the end of the stage so that if she needed to, she could leave and run to the bathroom. And boy was she a trooper. She made it almost all the way thru the performance. Almost. She shot off the stage, and I had to jump up out of my seat and follow her. Poor baby was sitting on the steps right outside the door all hunched over with a bad tummy ache. So, we sat outside until she felt like she could make it home. And she almost did. Almost. Just as we were about to turn onto our street she yelled out, "stop the car now!!!" And just as I stopped the car she flung the door open and poor thing wretched horribly, and to my great pleasure....not a drop on the car! She is good. She is so funny....while she is puking, she is trying to apologize and tell me that she didnt think it would be a very good idea for her to go to school tomorrow. silly.

The other news i got at the school was that half the kids in the school are out with the flu. yippee. which means to me...the fun is just beginning. yay me.

Onto the rest of the evening...which, was pretty much uneventful after all this. We did presents and cake and sang happy birthday. The twins were very, very happy with their gifts, which were a dora doll that sits on a walking horse that has wings, purses stuffed with lots of girlie stuff, and cute little things for them to color. They were happy, and so far...no one else has puked. I'm not gonna hold my breath for that to be the last of it. Usually with my kids, the next one waits until the other is well before getting sick....i havent figured out yet if that is a good thing or not. I guess that remains to be seen.

what i should be doing.....

2009-01-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

taking off my work clothes and putting on a pair of soft, comfy pjs
grabbing a good book and a blanket and snuggling up to the fire
watching my kids play rock bank...or playing rockband with my kids
putting everyone down for a nap and watching a movie snuggled up to my hubby...again, by the fire
cooking baked potato soup
baking cookies
napping in my warm cozy bed
playing board games with my family
popping corn and making hot chocolate

all these things sound about a billion times better than what i am doing and what is in store for me later. Currently, the temp is 32 outside and dropping. currently it is drizziling rain, that, within the next 2 hours will turn into freezing rain, then ice. currently, i am sitting at work. what is in store for me is.....taking a very long, cold walk to my car. Driving thru the miserable cold, wet, icy weather....in dallas traffic....all the way home. Last time it snowed here, it took me two and a half hours to get home from work. This time, I am leaving early, because this time, it is not snow, but ice i will have to deal with....oh yeah, and texas ppl cant drive in ice. I know because i've lived in other places where you must learn to...and texas ppl...well, they dont really have to learn to, because it doesnt happen that often here, so....i am leaving early enough to give myself plenty of time. And something from the above list better be happening when i get home since (as i stomp my foot) it isnt fair that the kids had no school today, but i had to come to work!!!!

2009-01-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

So, i will begin today's post by the retelling of our romantic double date with my brother and his wife.

It all started on a chilly...no wait...frigid Friday night. We loaded up into the car and headed to Tulsa for an all you can eat seafood dinner at one of the casinos ( i know...not so romantic, but very good) Anyway, we had a good time, laughing and talking on the way, and standing in line at the restraunt. We took our time eating and laughing and generally just enjoying each others company, and it was a lovely evening. We moved on, back into the car and were just pulling out of the parking lot when it happened.

My brother popped. as in flatulated. passed gas. Only, it wasnt normal gas. It was way too much seafood gas, and well, apparently it was pretty bad, because, as he laughed and proclaimed how awful it was, he puked. Right into his hand. So, as we rounded the corner, he opened his door and flung the offending vomit off his hand and pulled into the parking lot of a fast food restraunt, hoping to clean up his face....which, was awful. He has a little peach fuzz on his chin and well, i will let you use your imagination on what his face looked like.

So, my hubby hops out of the car...for air, to laugh, to catch his breath. My brother then decides it is funny to kind of chase the hubby around a little, trying to get him to go in and get napkins, and then, it happened. hubby couldnt take it anymore. between the uncontrollable laughter and the vomit chin, he puked. Right between two cars as he is running away. puking and running...always a good combo. So, he ran into the place, grabbed napkins and tossed them on top of the newspaper stand and ran.

I know i am in my 30's. So is the hubby. actually, so is my brother. But, that was one of the funniest things i have ever seen in my life.

The rest of our weekend was great. We visited friends and family, and got to spend the weekend with the daddy/hubby, and have hope for a job here in dallas, so all is looking good! keeping the faith and chin up!

Now, after that story, here are a few pics of my darling baby girl to enjoy!

a few photos of p's photoshoot while spending the week with her aunt T! Aunt T loves to take pics. I love to have the pics. works out all the way around!

this girl is a ham! cant you tell???

One of my favs! this is her true self!

yet, so is this. such a sweet girl. goodness i love her!

i am....

2009-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

a child of the 80's. are you? if not...do you remember the 80's? When I think of music from the 80's, i think of peter cetera....theme song from karate kid (2 i think)....and chicago...reo speedwagon, journey, etc....my favorite bands when I was that age....and lately, the song that replays over and over in my head......a little crazy diddy......I WANNA ROCK!

YES....over and over and over. And do you know why? because I cannot stop rocking out on RockBand!!!! Good grief! I am a 35 year old woman for heaven's sake!

Earlier, i told you how we gave the girls their big gift (rockband) early so they would have a chance to play it before all the company came and took over....well, i was correct. We all played! ALOT. the kids, the adults, the adults......the adults! everyone played. grandma, grandpa....everyone. And.I.cant.stop. I love it. I love getting better and better at it...and well, i love going on tour!!! My bil and sil come over and we put the kids to bed and jam!

And, now.....the bil and sil just gave their boys Guitar Hero World Tour for their birthday! Now, we are really in trouble. I mean, I am serious people. If we get together we can play that thing for four hours straight! It is a sickness.

I read a blog earlier today where another woman was also having this problem. And to the woman out their who was bold enough to stand up and admit her addiction...I am here with you.

Hello. My name is Kim, and I am addicted to Rock Band.

merry christmas

2008-12-23T09:55:00.000-08:00

well, to those of you who follow my blog, I wish you and your familys a wonderfully blessed christmas, and hope your new year is overflowing with them. blessings that is.

Who knows what our lives will be like after the new year. We are going to have to buckle down and start making some decisions about some pretty important stuff. I.dont.want.to.do.it.

I have never been one to get all that upset about the idea of moving. I, actually, usually kind of enjoy it. I've moved around my whole life, and think that I must have some of my parents nomadic tendencies running thru my veins. But now....well, I am so torn. On one hand, I would not mind moving back to kansas. We have family and friends there. Not much else there, but there is work, and my dear, sweet husband has been offered a full time job.

But Texas.....my heart is here. This is the one place in my whole life that I have ever called home. I love it here (even though i miss the snow). And in the past five years, we have built a life here. And it has nothing to do with jobs or our home. I do love our home. But it has everything to do with our friends and family. Currently, we are raising our five girls just down the street a bit from their 3 cousins. And that is not to mention living close to hubbys brother and my sister(in law, but for clarification only) I have come to depend on having these two near and close in my life. My sil and I do pretty much everything together, and should we have to move, i will miss her dearly. I dont even want to think about it to be quite honest. And our other friends....well, in the past five years we have met and become friends with some of the most amazing people I have ever known in my life. The thought of not being near them, and not being able to see them every week, well, i dont want to think about that either.

Having a good church family that you can lean on and depend on is so crucial to me. And, while I know that there are good and wonderful ppl in kansas, in the seven years i lived there before, had never found a great church. Sure there were a few great people, but as for the church as a whole...no. And by the way....I am not a church hopper. I wont go into any of the reasons why i say that, or why I am not excited about looking for another church should we move, but lets just say that when I contemplate this decsion.....church is at the top of my priority list.

Arg...I dont know. I dont even know if we will have to worry about it...I am just venting a bit. I just need to say some of this out loud...or type it...It helps me get clarity when I am confused and frustrated.

So...again...I am torn...because every other time in my life, its been...wanna move? SURE! I'm up for anything. This time, its me and hubby going....should we? shouldnt we? We dont want to continue living apart. That just plain sucks. But, we are about 99% sure he will be going back to kansas after the new year. Unless, by some miracle over the holidays he can find a job here. thats gonna happen. We throw out all the reasons why it would be ok to do it, and the thousands more why we want to stay....but really, we have to make a decision that will work best for our family, and right now....I just dont know what that is.

parties and pupcakes

2008-12-19T08:26:00.000-08:00

Of course, with it being less than a week...what??? Yes, less than a week until christmas...there are plenty of parties to be had.

Yesterday, the twins had their class parties at school, and when I picked them up from their aunt's house after work, I was greeted with a rush of explainations of what happened, what they recieved, how fun it was, and this:

MK: Momma! we had a party today and we got to eat pupcakes! BANELLA pupcakes!!! They were so good, and we got to eat them at school!!!!!!

Now, fuss all you want. I know she is almost six years old, and in kindergarten, but I. will. NOT. correct that cuteness! She will learn soon enough how to say vanilla and cupcakes, but for now, I think I will go home and make her some banella pupcakes just so I can hear her say it again.

weekend update

2008-12-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Here is a snapshot of Friday night with 10 kids! They were being pretty good, and were even better after I bribed them all with hot chocolate and candy canes! At first, some of them were a little baffled at why I stuck their precious candy canes into their cup of hot chocolate, but one taste, and.....silence! It was lovely!!!!

so...hubby got here, we had a fantastic time...and the ribs...oh, the ribs! they were delicious!!!

Because my oldest daughter goes to her dad's for christmas this year, and after christmas, all hubby's fam will be here, we gave our kids their big gift early this year, so they would have a chance to play with it before the masses ascended and no children were allowed to play because the adults will take over! We got them rock band for the wii....they were so excited! My kids love music, and why shouldnt they?? Their daddy can teach himself to play any instrument he picks up...and while, I cannot play an instrument (anymore) I do sing....so, the girls love to sing, and dance, and now.....play the wii drums, guitar, and bass! And they are getting pretty good at it! Only problem is, they are only allowed to do a few of the songs because more than half the songs have cursing in them! So, we picked out a few until we do some tours and unlock some more songs.

Last night we went and got our tree before hubby has to drive back to kansas. We have not decorated it, but we will do that tonight. yay! I love decorating the house for christmas!

Well, i must run for now.....10 days until christmas! how can that be!!????

two weeks and a day....again

2008-12-12T08:34:00.000-08:00

So....yes, a post with the same title as the last one. But I have a good reason.

When last we spoke, err, i wrote....you read....my hubby had been gone for two weeks and a day. He is still gone...but....coming home for the weekend. Yay! We have huge plans! The girls dont know he is coming, so they will be really surprised! We are going to play with our girls and eat a good breakfast on saturday, then hubby will take a bunch of ribs over to the bil's house and start them on the smoker for a party later that night. After a lazy saturday morning, we are going to get our christmas tree! the lots of decorating and hot chocolate and popcorn! Then after the kiddos are tucked into bed, we will head to the bil and sil house to watch the ultimate fighter finale. Then, church sunday morning, and some cuddle time before hubby has to head back to kansas.

now, as for the current two weeks and a day.....that is when hubby's family is coming! We are so excited! The other bil and sil live in far, far away! (shrek for those who didnt get that) And the two of them and their children, and hubby's sister and other brother are all coming to spend time with us! we are excited because since they live in far, far away, we dont get to see them nearly enough! And...at some point, hubby's mom and dad will be here too, and their entire family will be together! That does not happen too often now that three of the five kids are married and two are college, we are kind of scattered...well, actually only in three places, but still...those places are, again...far, far away.

so....in any case....there will be lots of laughter, lots of fun, lots of making fun of...., lots of eating, and lots of love! THIS is why Christmas and Thanksgiving are my two favorite times of year. I love it when my house is full of people eating, laughing, and loving! ~sigh~ maybe the reason i had five kids of my own????

Hope your countdown to Christmas is going well!

two weeks and a day...

2008-12-04T12:07:00.000-08:00

Me and my brothers....these guys crack me up!

uh....who's kid is this? anybody????

The entire clan....this is the first time we have ever attempted this, but i thought it turned out great!

uh....are there words for this?

awww....i think my girls are the most gorgeous!!!

can you tell its really cold outside!?
again with the brothers!

Thought i'd throw in some picture luv, since i rarely get to do it because i am the only mother with five children who are beautiful to photograph but does not have a fricking working camera in the entire house!
anyway......we took these over thanksgiving weekend, but ssshhhh! dont tell my mommy! My parents kind of always get left out of the christmas gift thing. We always spend thanksgiving with them and christmas with my hubby's fam, so, my family always kind of gets the shaft when it comes to recieving gifts. So, this year, my sis in law took some photos of me and my brothers, all the grandkids, each family, and she got her friend to come snap some of all of us together and of her fam. (my baby brother's) we are going to have them printed at a quality place and have them mounted and framed for christmas and my mom is going to love it, because ALL STINKING WEEKEND all she did was compain because none of us ever give them pictures! lol...we'd been planning this the whole weekend! silly woman!

In other news.....as my title says.....its been two weeks and a day that my hubby has been gone. I am sad...lonely....and a single mother. again. except this time, I have FIVE children and a full time job. ~sigh~

Ok...that was it...the only pity party I will allow myself. I am lucky in that, being sad, lonely, and a single parent is a temporary thing. And, as much as it sucks that my sweet hubby is 350 miles away, we are making the best of it. The girls and I headed out for my brother's house last week (also where the hubby is) and spent several days there over thanksgiving and got to see him....they were so happy to see their daddy that we got pretty much no time alone. Not to mention the fact that ALL FIVE of my kids got sick while we were there. yes...all five. fever and puking and lots and lots of fun for mom!!!

Then, on the way home...my parents were with me....we stopped to see my uncle who has been very, very sick and we knew he did not have much time left, barring a miracle...well, my dad spoke with him on the phone sat night, and he (uncle) sounded tired, but was glad we were coming. He had been in the hospital all week with an infection. By the time we got to the hospital sunday, he was nonresponsive and going downhill pretty quickly. To make a long, sad story short, he passed away on Monday night, and as sad as it is that a 51 year old man left this life so young, he was a wonderful person, and had lived a very full life, and was prepared to go.

So...since okc is half way between me and where hubby is, we are meeting tomorow night in the city so he can go to the funeral with me, and as awful as this sounds....to have a night alone. I know that we are there for the funeral, but, well, we miss each other, and instead of being together for saturday only and being busy with lots of family stuff surrounding the sadness of losing my uncle....we were not able to be together for our anniversary, and we got no time together over thanksgiving...i think i said that already...so I am not going to feel bad.

well, bloggy world...i guess i better get back to work. i have a few things to do before i go home and have a few (hundred) things to do!

laugh and cry

2008-11-19T06:52:00.000-08:00

One of the twin's sunday school teacher found me after church sunday to tell me how cute she thought MR is....and this is one of the reasons why:

teacher: MR, can you name one of the ten commandments?

MR: Um......I think I'll name mine.......Cinderella!

I'm sorry...but if you dont think thats funny, you have NO sense of humor, and I'll laugh for you. Argh! just makes me want to squeeze her!

In other news....hubby just left for at least 10 days. He is driving out of town as I type this...on his way to Kansas to work with my brother for a few weeks. Not sure how long he'll do this for, but I am telling you....he has been looking hard for work and there are no jobs to be had. At least not any that would pay more than what we would have to pay out in babysitting. I hate money.

My super hopeFILLED romance: i'm in love with my best friend

2008-11-12T06:38:00.000-08:00

So, after i posted yesterday, and spent half the day reading blogs and getting lost in stories....I thought I'd post with this title.

I am in love with my best friend. Not J...haha...she is my other best friend....but my hubby....who is daily with me, loving me, supporting me, and lately, cooks for me, (kindof)cleans for me, and does my laundry. By no means is our relationship perfect. We fight, we argue, we accuse, sometimes, I even want to hit him....and i'm sure the feeling is mutual....but we dont. Because we love each other. When we fight, we make up. when we argue, we come to some sort of compromise, when we accuse, we apologize. and for the record...we never hit. We are just like everyone else out there who live with another human being. But, I think what keeps us strong is this. No matter what is happening, I know he is in it for the long haul. And he knows i am. Divorce is never on the table.

So, as much as we have to work on in our relationship....he is still my best friend, and I am in love with him....soon, we will be celebrating our 8 year anniversary, and I am so looking forward to the rest of my life with him.....

♥ My Super Hopeless Romance ♥: I'm in love with my best friend...

2008-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

♥ My Super Hopeless Romance ♥: I'm in love with my best friend...

ok, i hope i am doing this right.... (edit: i am linking this post to her page??? who knows if i did it correctly)

i love to read. LOVE it. i love immersing myself into a storyline and into lives....real or otherwise. I think that is why i love blogging so much...and why i spend hours reading other people's blogs. So, i happened upon a blog today...and i started at the beginning after reading the latest post...and, i will just say....this girl pulled me right in. She posts on her blogpage that this is fiction....but i think that is great...i dont care! its a great read....so.....i am encouraging anyone who just wants to disappear into another world for a bit to check it out here.

nibbles

2008-11-10T07:25:00.000-08:00

so....i have five daughters...and four of them are infatuated with my boobs. I dont know why....I hope it ends soon, but for now...it gives me stuff to laugh about.
***i am going to insert here that A, the oldest used to be infatuated with my boobs, but i think it was just to keep her arms warm***

anyway, my kids are infatuated with my boobs. Everytime i'm in the tub...they are staring at them, asking why they are so big, asking if they will have big boobies, asking when they will have big boobies, asking why they dont have them now...i usually just laugh. When i am changing clothes, someone will inevitably walk in and again with the staring and the questions. So, yesterday, i have on this tank top with one of those little shelf bras (that do NOTHING by the way) and I am changing because i need to run to the store. So, enter 3 of the girls....of course. So, I decided to get creative and put my bra over the tank and slip it off, no boobs showing....so, M says "how did you do that? i didnt see your boobies!" I said, "its a trick!" Then J just stares at my chest and says...."i can still see your nibbles"

goodbye hair

2008-11-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

i am sad and depressed. My baby....yes, i know she is almost four, but she is still my baby....now no longer looks like a baby. she now looks like a little girl. why? why do children feel the need to shove as much gum as they can in their mouths??? and how is it that they have no clue how it ended up in a huge wad in their hair!!! And, why doesnt peanut butter always work??? i have no answers, but what I do have is an almost four year old with a short, sassy bob. Yesterday morning, I had a baby girl with hair down to the middle of her back. Today, short sassy bob.

Oh, sure....it is adorable on her...and she loves it. But....oh my...i miss the hair. And I really have no one to blame (except her for the gum) because i am the one who cut it off. But, still....i am sad. as the locks fell off, so did the baby look she was still sporting. And she was the last of my babies who still had it...........sigh..........as soon as i started cutting, i regretted it. But, she is still beautiful, and the haircut really suits her......so why am i still so sad???

oh well...pics to come....I am horrible at getting photos on here because I have no stinking camera except the one on my phone. And i tried to get one of her last night, but she was so busy flipping her head about to feel how short her hair was, i could not get one single pic of her that was not fuzzy!!.....i will try again.

2008-10-29T08:52:00.000-07:00

so, i have spent a few days on halloween costumes. My oldest, originally wanted to be this pink cat/girl charactor from this cartoon....well, she is mostly pink and her skirt is way too short, and i dont like the top her dress either, but, i am all about modifying costumes to make them what i want so, we went on the hunt. We could not find a costume for this charactor, so, the modifying began! Ha! between me and A, this is what the finished product looked like!

She was like, well mom, this looks nothing like i had planned, but it looks like i planned it! And, she liked it, which, was all that mattered in the first place. Now, mind you, A has red hair...we sprayed it black with pink ends and a pink streak in the front and the child looked nothing like herself...we were both very happy with the costume in the end, and off to the dance she went. She was meeting her friend there, who happened to be going as a "goth" girl, so, I suggested that, should anyone ask what she was, she could say that she was K's goth cat! Worked perfectly, and most kids didnt even recognize her. Now that's a good costume!

hehehe....my momma used to put guys like these in her yard. Its the only "fall" decorating she really ever did.....makes me laugh.

Have a great day!!!!!

and the winner is.....

2008-10-20T12:40:00.000-07:00

hopefully, me! the girls over at are giving away a great prize! So....go here and check it out.

by the way....did you notice, that I figured out the HERE thing. I know. I'm awesome. No applause....just send chocolate!

I've got style!

2008-10-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

and the news is good! I like being kind and harmonious! Of course, if the computer program that said that about my blog ever came to my house I'd be labled, crazy, lazy, and a slob! lol...

wanna take the quiz? go http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourbloggingpersonalityquiz/

ok...i'm new to linking, and i'm not sure how people can type click HERE and you magically appear at the right place.

still figuring it out people. I'm getting older....i've lost alot of brain cells. give me a break here!

Your Blogging Type is Kind and Harmonious

You're an approachable blogger who tends to have many online friends.
People new to your blogging circle know they can count on you for support.
You tend to mediate fighting and drama. You set a cooperative tone.
You have a great eye for design - and your blog tends to be the best looking on the block!

What's" Your Blogging Personality?

dancing queens

2008-10-17T10:53:00.000-07:00

my kids love to dance. and they are rather...um....enthusiastic about it! We watch dancing with the stars every week. Yes, I like the show....but what i like more is watching my kids try and replicate what they see on the screen! J the 7year old, is so rough though! She loves to throw M & M & P around like rag dolls. She wants to do all the flips and turns and twirls with them, wether they are ready and willing, or not. but i cant help it. it makes me laugh so hard.

Last night, while flipping thru the channels, I discovered that Chicago was on E!. I love that movie. Yes, I know its rather raunchy, and Roxy Hart is not a good person. But it is so entertaining! So, i was watching it in an empty living room. But everytime a new song would start, suddenly I am bopping and weaving my head about to see the screen thru all the dancing girls in my way! And then I notice the tweenager has come into the room and is watching. then all of a sudden, hubby is leaning over the back of the couch watching. It is a full blown family affair! I love having a hubby that can appreciate a good musical!

so, anyway....just sharing some of our life. I tried to post a video of the girls dancing i took with my phone, but lets face it, I am just not quite in sync with mr. berry. He is still trying to teach me his ways.

ps....as i was writing this post, i just received news that my sweetheart of an uncle is going in for surgery to have a pacemaker put in his heart. I didnt even know he was in the hospital until this morning. Please keep him in your prayers.......he is a wonderful, sweet, loving, kind, and gentle man. Thanks!

by the way

2008-10-09T09:13:00.001-07:00

um, yeah...i just linked something for the very first time ever!!!!

yay me!

quickly

2008-10-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

a) I tried to send this post via brand new mr. red black berry, however, he is a complicated creature who I have yet to completely come to understand, so we are working on our communication.....(i still love him dearly)

b) to have a great big belly laugh today, click on bring the rain over on my side bar and read angie's post for today. there are hilarious stories from a few of her readers that involve their children, and i you have any, you know that what i mean.

toodles!

lack of sleep can make you crazy!

2008-10-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

so, first of all, just gonna say, i knew something with the whole blackberry deal had to go wrong. It was just too good to be true. Thankfully, what went wrong was the date is was to be delivered. Although, I still have not recieved it yet, it should be here today or tomorow. {translated to: if that sprint guy knows what is good for him, he'll make sure of it}

And that is all I will say on that subject until i acutally have said blackberry in hand.

In other news...our trip was wonderful! Did not want to leave, which, should be known to all who we left behind....5 hours after i wanted to leave!!! lol....lets just say, 10:23 pm and a 5 hour drive home, makes for a very, very tired family of 7! Add a very bad dream had by a sensitive 12 year old into the mix and it makes for an even more tired mommy....who had to work today....and is just about alseep while writing this post....at work. Did I mention i was tired? I cant remember. Anyway....we had a blast visiting our bffs (:-P) and our in-laws! We stayed up late around the firepit talking and singing (i know its cheesy to say we sat around a campfire and sang, but seriously, that is one of my favorite things in the world. I dont care how cheesy it makes me), ate lots of food, spend a lazy afternoon watching movies and watching the kids play...left an event early and went to dinner, and just enjoying each other's company. Somewhat makes me wonder why we ever left that life....except I know that we did the right thing at the time. But now.....i wonder.

I miss you already, J! I will tell you that, everytime we drive away, or ya'll do....my heart hurts! I hate it! The funny thing is...why do we live so far away from each other? For what? jobs? there are literally jobs everywhere! what difference does it make what jobs we all have or where they are if we cannot be close to those we love? i guess the trouble is....those i love are scattered about! But, i miss the days that we all had dinner together 3 times a week! hung out all the time, and shared our lives together! I guess it is good that, no matter how long its been since we've seen each other, it is like we were never apart....but, what if we just got rid of that last part!

arg. I know. Its the same conversation we've been having for the past 5 years! lol...a girl can dream, cant she?

Well, in any case....we had a great time...didnt want to come home....and miss you all like crazy!

we are very blessed!

na-na-na na-na-na!

2008-10-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

i cant wait for tomorow! i am leaving after work to go and visit my bestest friend in the whole world! AND....wait for it......i get my new blackberry!!! YAY!!! I am so excited...not only because i get the new blackberry curve in RED....but because i sincerely miss my old blackberry, and while mr. samsung slider has been good to me, he just doesnt have all the buttons i need to poke and push, and he doesnt take very good pictures....in fact, he takes pretty horrible pictures. and he doesnt allow me the freedom to check my email either. He has lasted for over two years....something none of my other phones have ever done...and as far as allowing me to enjoy the conversations i so love, he has been good to me. But....i'm gonna send him packing soon. Time for a new little man in my life.....ah...sweet....red....blackberry curve. You fit so nicely in my hand! And did i mention your red? My very favorite color.....

Normally, i would not spend the money right now on a blackberry. They are kind of pricey, and with our budget, i could not justify it....but....i got THE. sweetest. deal. EVER. on a brand new blackberry! Our old ones we did get free thru a promo that the phone company was doing, but they were not the newest model...but this one! i snagged these babies for almost nothing! As close to free as you can get for one of these! So, hubby and i will probably have to take turns driving tomorow because we will both be wanting to play with our new phones. i say he drives first. and last. oh, and all the time in the middle! What? you want me to drive for a while? Yawn!!! i am sooooo tired baby...i just dont know if i can stay awake!.......;-p

Oh yeah...i guess i cant leave out that i am so looking forward to seeing J! She has been here with her fam several times over the last two years, but it has been almost that long since we've made the trek to their house....so i am completely stoked for this trip. And now that they live where they do, they are pretty close to the in-laws, so we get to go and visit them too and see their new house! Hubby has been there several times, but the girls and i have not been yet. They have been doing alot of remodeling and have come to visit us several times for various things. We are kind of the central location...so i am excited about visiting them in their home too.

And i am so excited about being able to be stuck in the car with the girls for 5 hours! Normally, i would be dreading this, but hubby and i have been working sooooo much this past few weeks, there have been several days that i have not seen my girls at all except for the 30 min i am home in the mornings, and that is spent getting everyone ready for work/school. So, i get to just talk to them all and stare at their beautiful faces.

No one is going to dampen my spirits this weekend. Its been a while since i have been in this good a mood, and i plan to enjoy every single minute of it!

AND ITS ONLY WEDNESDAY!!!!!!

fever, a clean house, and iced coffee!

2008-09-25T07:11:00.000-07:00

so...i posted the other day about being home sick. Well, as I commented on Balancing with Jen's blog (she is so sweet she commented to see if I was feeling better), when you have a large family, one person getting sick is never just a one person gig. So, I stayed home Monday and Tuesday, not feeling well. Wed I went to work, but was scheduled to do a 3hour blood test (i work in diabetes research and volunteered to be in a study...the blood test was not because I am actually sick) so, anyhow, I am not the easiest person in the world to "stick" as we phlebotomists call it. I needed to have an iv inserted into each arm for this test. One to draw blood from and one for an injection of a glucose solution. Well, these poor ladies that had to start my iv lines. I will just say, it is a good thing needles dont bother me because they had to stick me 7 times. All is good, though, we got it done and the only problem was that the quick and large amount of glucose they injected gave me a monster headache, and by the time I was done with that test, I had two hours to actually work. So, I did that, headed home, and gathered the kiddos, headed out the door for church.

Around midnight, one of my twinies started running a high fever. Poor baby. She is a tiny girl, and so when she runs a high fever she shakes all over. Not a seizure, but just shakes violently. It scared my hubby, and scared her, so I gathered her up and started rubbing on her to get her to stop, gave her some motrin, a cold, wet cloth for her head and hubby put her in our bed so I could keep an eye on her. So, that is the road we are on today...keeping her 103 degree fever at bay. fun, fun, fun!!!

I work hard to convince my kiddos that when sick, sleep is the key! so, she is safely tucked away in my bed snoozing and I am going to clean some house today. My poor house has been shamefully neglegted over the past few weeks. Hubby and I have been soo busy working and getting some extra jobs done, our home as paid dearly, so today, I will show it some tender loving care. And, my hubby surprized me by coming back with a yummy iced coffee from mcdonald's. He must know I'm gonna need the caffine today after not getting much sleep!

Here's to the sweetest parts of being mommy! Cheers!!

sickies

2008-09-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

its me and the baby today. i am sick. she is not. so, today she gets to watch cartoons, play around a lazy mommy, and i gave her scissors, construction paper, and glue to play with at the table! how dumb am i? oh, its fine! i was in there with her. I miss these moments so much, i dont care if i'm sick. I'm gonna enjoy the day with her!

aftermath of Ike

2008-09-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

well, Ike came thru, and we got......NOTHING!!! What? For real. We got zip. Now, mind you, I am thankful that we did not get what Galveston and the surrounding areas got. But we could have used a little more rain than we got. It rained for about 4 to 5 hours...a small, steady rain, and then....gone. Goodbye Ike. ~sigh~

I should not complain. My family that lives in that area are sitting at home with no power. However, they did not get the flood that surrounds them, and the damage they did sustain is managable. As for those around them, some did not fair so well. It is awful to see the destruction. And amazing at the same time. It is so crazy that they got all that powerful storm, and we got spit on. Amazing how God works the weather. And, last night, I stood in my driveway, looking up at the most amazing clear night with a beautiful full moon that lit the sky up. And it was perfect weather. I love still nights like that. I am so glad fall is coming!

Ike!

2008-09-13T08:35:00.000-07:00

So, i have some family that decided to ride out the storm. At first it was projected to hit south of them, so they decided to stay, but low and behold, as we woke up Friday morning, it was headed straight for them. By then, it was too late to leave. So, they bunkered down and rode it out. The eye of the storm going straight over them. Thanks to God that they are ok. Some damage, but not much compared to alot of those around them. Their town actually in the area where it is less likely to flood. Though they are still getting rain and lots of wind, they are all fine.

Now, we are prepping for our turn with Ike. Looks like we will be getting wind and rain, but not as much rain as we first thought. But, who really knows? It has just begun to sprinkle here. And we will be watching for tornados.

But, with all this going on, I must say....i love a good storm!

remembering.....

2008-09-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Just a quick thought for those who lost their lives on this day seven years ago. I was nursing a new baby as I watched the nightmare unfold. I remember sitting there clutching my baby as I cried and prayed for all those in new york, washington dc, and for those with no hope of survival on flight 93. I hope we never forget that we are all vulnerable and do not know what tomorrow holds. I hope that we never forget to hug our babies and our husbands and our wives. That we never forget to call our moms and our dads and tell them that we love them. Let us never forget to thank God for every day with our families, and pray for those who do not have that sweet gift.

Say a prayer for those who lost their loved ones and must go on without them. and give your loved ones a squeeze and a kiss, and let them know how much you love them today.

God Bless.....
kimberly

things that make you say....GROSS!!!

2008-09-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

so, i'm stalking blogs today, and i read one that made me laugh out loud. I would link it for you, however.....i cant remember which one it was! I go around and visit various blogs that are listed on the blogs of the blogs listed on my blog. get it???

so anyway, i read something funny about a kid licking a toilet seat. gross right? that is definately on the list of things you should never have to tell your kid not to do! I really started grossing out, i.e. laughing my butt off when i started thinking about some of the things I've seen my own kids do. Lets see if I can list you some!

Hmmmm...licking the dog. biting the dog. chewing on the cable that connects the v-smile controllers to the v-smile. In half. licking the floor. licking the window. licking the snot she just wiped across her face with the back of her hand. eating dog food. after the dog licked it. drinking coffee creamer right out of the bottle. eating frozen hot dogs stolen from the freezer. licking water up off the patio. licking the toy baby bottle. after dipping it in the toilet. sucking on the top of the toothpaste tube. mmmmm! And my personal favorite. sticking her fingers in her mouth after wiping her rear with one small square of toilet paper. of course after she pooped!

I wont tell you which kid did which gross thing, just in case she gives you kisses!

~sigh~

2008-08-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

so, its been a very long week. It will have to suffice for me to say that we are all having to adjust to the new "school" schedule. The kids are great. Its me and hubby. Our timing is not perfect on when to do what, and how fast to do it. We are four days in to school, and the girls missed the bus this morning. yes. already. so.....~sigh~.....

I am so ready for this hellish week to be over. Our nerves are shot. Not because of school. Because of life. I know you arent supposed to let life get you down, and normally....I am so laid back and really just let stuff roll off my back. But i have to be honest. I am cranky. I am stressed. I am not fun to live with right now. I keep putting the "stuff" i am carrying down, only to turn around and pick it up again. I'm tired. Tired of stressing, tired of fighting, tired of being cranky.

So...now that i got that off my chest....my twinkies started kindergarten! It does not seem possible! Plus, my oldest is in 7th grade! 7th! That was quite a year for me! I met some of my lifelong friends in 7th grade. I just cant even believe it. wow. I am getting old.

But, the girls have had so much fun this week at school! They love their teachers, and are having a great time making new friends. I dont think it even bothers them that they arent in the same class! I took monday off so that i could take them to school, get them settled, and spend the day with P, since it was her first day to be all alone. We had a great day together. It was so fun, and it really made me not want to go back to work. I want to be with her so bad. Apparently, spending the day with her monday, made her miss me pretty bad too. Hubby said that Tuesday, she asked for me all day long. awwww....i'm glad she missed me, but i wish she didnt have to.

Well, i must be off! work calls;-p

girlie fun!

2008-08-21T13:41:00.001-07:00

So, I just wanted to share a few moments from last weekend. We had a blast, and later I will probably have more to share. But for now....I can enj0y the memories that go along with these crazy photos that are my seven girls! I have 5 daughters, but in my heart....these seven belong to me!!!

Hubby and sissy....and below....all my girls together!

I love this pic of the girls with my mil. Wonder what they're thinking???

Red Robin in a family tradition! And dont you know, these girls turn heads everywhere they go!!!

huh?

2008-08-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

This is EXACTLY what its like at our house sometimes! 5 girls....use your imagination!

what it's not

2008-08-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

It's not wednesday. It's not wordless. What it IS is cuteness. Utter, complete, sqeeze the cheeks, adorableness that is my baby, P. Argh....this girl gave me such a hard time as a 0 thru 5 month old, but now.......would you be able to pass up a squeeze on those cheeks? I would be willing to wager, NO!...I know I cannot...and right now, she is 3 1/2!!!

seething mad........

2008-08-12T07:25:00.001-07:00

I know there are rude people in this world. I encounter them every day on my way to work. People putting on makeup or talking on the phone while they are driving and totally NOT paying attention to what is going on around them...but, I expect that. What I DONT expect, is for a complete stranger to go out of their way to be rude to someone they dont even know for no good reason at all......I just dont get it. Let me lay it out for you.

Last weekend, hubby and I decided its finally time to get rid of the crap that has been sitting in our garage for over three months. After the "great flood of 08" we decided that we are not putting the furniture back in the house that had minor flood damage. I say minor because, yes, the stuff got wet...but we could have put it back in there, but seriously....after all the work that we had to do to our house, we wanted to put furniture back in that matched. Everything we have is miss-matched. So...out to the front yard it went....and priced cheap. I know it's not worth a bunch of money, but, it is still functional, and with a little love, alot of the pieces could be brought back to life. Ok...so, we know this....its used, and its cheap. When you go to a garage sale, do you really expect to find brand new furniture? I dont. Well anyway, mostly we had the stuff out of the girl's rooms, a few shelves, and a computer desk. You know, the ones you get from walmart? ok...well, one of the beds was a solid wood bunk bed....it is in decent shape...in desperate need of a good paint job, or to be stripped and stained. After that, hey, its a great piece. Also, a full size loft bed, also solid wood. That sucker cost about $1200 new. And...it has been used. But still, in decent shape. And let me reiterate, I am practically giving it away just to get it out of my life. So, here we are....hot and sweaty, sold a few things here and there...sold two twin beds we had, and several other things. I posted our garage sale on craigs list to try to get some more traffic thru, hoping we would get rid of it all. Here is the thing that makes me want to scream.

That evening, I go in, and just checking my email, someone had emailed to ask if I still had the loft bed, and then I opened another email, and all it said was...."its all junk"

WHAT???? why? why would you do that? So, I replied. "Pardon". She emails me back with, "your yard was all junk...too high" Are you kidding me? I actually gave several things away for free! And...am I the only one that gets that its a GARAGE SALE????? I'm pretty sure you walk into it knowing that its USED! Anyway...I replied back..."Well, thank you for going out of your way to send me negative comments....I really appreciate it" That woman had the NERVE to email me back..."LOL well, sorry if the truth hurts. Your stuff was junk and i wasted my time and gas to come there"

Ok...now I want to slap the --well, you know what I want to say--. Again....why? when I go to a garage sale, and I dont see anything I want, I say thank you and get in my car and leave. I dont go home and go out of my way to find out how to get ahold of this person to give my opinion about their stuff. I say thank you and walk away!!! What is it about people that they feel like we even want their opinion in the first place!!?? I just simply do not understand why a person would do that. So what if my stuff is not worth hundreds of dollars??? I wont say what I wanted to reply back to her last email. I just decided to take the high road and not get into an email war with her, because, frankly....I dont need that in my life. And I dont want to be like her. I want to continue to be a nice person, and you know...I just dont have time for that anyway. I have a life.

uh, oh!!!

2008-08-11T08:02:00.001-07:00

They're back! Well, not quite yet, but they will be. One is coming on Tuesday, the other will be here on Thursday. And me??? I am soooo excited! I miss these girls like crazy! They spent several weeks with me last summer, and while they are both only staying a for the week this year, I will take what I can get! When they left last summer, I cried. I want them to both just move in! However, I know that will not happen, so I am happy to take the summer visits while they still happen.

We did alot of swimming and laying out. I think I had the best tan of my life last year! Since going back to work, I have not layed out once this year, but I am thinking, I might have to change that this week!

A few pics of last summer events:

We made many a run to walmart. This is what happens when you take two 18 year old girls to walmart at midnight. And, let me just say....this picture, was only the beginning.....

My girls miss these two as much as I do...for them, its like having two more big sisters, but big sisters who are old enough to drive and take them for ice cream! For me, it is like having little sisters. I dont have any of my own. I have a sil that is like a sister, and a best friend that is truly one of those friends where you cant remember your life without them. She IS family. And these two? like having little sisters that keep you young! There are just not words to describe my love for them. So, I problably wont be spending my precious little time with them on the computer, but maybe next week, I'll have new pics and a few stories. I know I'll have some wonderful memories!

center of conversation

2008-08-08T20:26:00.000-07:00

After eating a quick meal in the car while running errands, the girls had finished their drinks and were munching ice. My mom overheard the following conversation:

M1: M-you spit on me!

M2: {straight faced} No I didnt. It just pooped out of my mouth.

M&M: Granny, why are you laughing? Whats so funny? What?????

Granny: {No answer because she is still laughing}

in the upcoming weeks....

2008-08-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

you might find me crying on here. alot.

There are several hard things about having your kids so close together. One of them being, when they start going...they go fast! Ok, Ok. So, I am only talking about elementary school....but i know it will be the same when they start leaving me! My twins are staring kindergarten this year. What a change that will be around my house. I am not sure what P is going to do when the M&M's are not there to entertain her all day! I am thinking this could go well, or, she could burn the house down. I'm not sure which one I'd vote for today! She plays alone really, really well...but for short amounts of time. She has NEVER been left to play alone for an entire day before. She is always with the twinkies. So....soon, and very soon, I will be dealing with TWO kids adjusting to all day kindergarten, one in second grade, one in (argh!!!) seventh grade!, and then, the one left at home.....I have a feeling our evening are about to get crazy!!!!

More to come!

i was wondering....

2008-07-30T08:26:00.000-07:00

i have read lots and lots of blogs of moms who have twins. And I am curious. Do all of you have incredible poop stories about your twins??? I know it is not just me...my mil has some (she has twins too), and I am curious. Is it a twin thing? My other kids did not play in their poo.....but my twins? well, thats a story for another time!

{of course the poop stuff happened well before this pic....}

2008-07-30T08:20:00.001-07:00

go over to the SITS site by clicking on the button!

they are giving away a free ipod nano in their last week of Six Weeks of Summer contests!!!

check it out!
kimberly

if i were a violent woman

2008-07-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

I would be smashing faces right about now. If you have read some of my previous posts, you know that we had some minor (make that extreme) water damage to our home due to a broken toilet. Let me just say, if you work for an insurance company, I'm sure you are a lovely person, but I might HATE YOU RIGHT ABOUT NOW!!!!

I am struggling to keep my sanity and my faith. I believe that God can handle any situation. I know it. And right now, in writing, I am putting this all at His feet. Because, honestly, I cant deal with it anymore. I am tired of getting the run around. Tired of being bitchy to people I can only hear on the other end of my phone because I am getting the run around. Tired of shelling out money I dont have because I am getting the run around. See a pattern here? What I am discovering here lately is that....if you dont question people* they are gonna try to.....yes, you guessed it....GIVE YOU THE RUN AROUND!!!! I keep saying that, because what I really want to say is that they (screw you) but I am trying to be nice. Anyway....dealing with 1. Insurance companys, 2. attorneys , 3. cell phone companies, 4. everyone else that i have to pay money to in return for a service, is driving me to want to take hubby and children and live in the mountains where we dont need money. I will make candles from beeswax, send my hubby to hunt for dinner and pee in the river! I am that close to not caring anymore.

Oh me. I am generally a pleasent, optomisic person. Today, I am not pleasant, pessimistic, and pissed off. Tomorow, I will be better. Until I have to start calling the insurance company again.

* by people, I mean, customer service reps, sales, and all those types of people who get paid to try to frustrate you just enough for you to give up and just let them get away with giving you the shaft! Well, much to their chagrin....did i spell that right?....my hubby used to work at a job where HE got paid to do that, and he does it right back! They dont really like that. I dont really like them. guess we're even.

memories....

2008-07-28T09:24:00.001-07:00

when A was 2 and had a fever, I overheard this conversation between her and my dad:

papa: Do you feel bad?

A: I habe a feber. I sick.

papa: well, do you want some gatoraide? It will make you feel better.

A: Eeew! I dont like gator eggs! I like scrambled eggs!!

ah....the innocence.

success!!

2008-07-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

so, the "switch" was a success! I wasnt sure it would happen. You know how sometimes you feel like something just wasnt meant to be? well, i wasnt sure that this trip was meant to be. It seems like for the past week, things kept happening to keep me from going...however, it all worked out in the end, except that for reasons beyond our control, hubby ended up having to stay home and me and babysitter/friend/unofficial oldest daughter went with the three kiddos.

It was fun too. We made it to the beach (photos to come later!) and wow, did the girls LOVE it!!! The water was a little rough because of the hurricane that hit the lower region of TX earlier this week...so it made for lots of waves, which, ended up being kind of perfect! The girls had such a great time jumping the waves and spashing around in the water. Their Aunt made them into mermaids with the sand, and they made a big sandcastle. We rode the ferry (their first time doing that also) and got to stand at the very front of the boat and watch all the fish in the water, and drove down the seawall because T had never been to Galveston before. I got to drive around and show her all my old stomping grounds (i'm pretty sure I bored her to death;p)

After a very stressful week, it was kind of great to just relax with my girls and enjoy them instead of running around with a big agenda and lots of things to cross off the never ending lists!!!

We ended the weekend by going to my brother's church, where he just became the worship leader AND the youth pastor....added to his full time job and being a dad/hubby....busy guy, but i think he kind of likes it that way! Anyway, it was a great service and we topped it all off with a trip to casa ole' where we specifically went because they have GREEN SAUCE!!!! I have not had it in years, and it is my favorite!!!

So.....all in all...it was a great trip and the girls are tucked safely into the care of granny and papa (except for J, who I brought home) She will most definately be spoiled by the time the girls come home, after spending two weeks all by herself with granny and papa, and now being home for two weeks by herself with mommy and daddy!!! She is already headed down that road a bit....;-p

Happy sunday! back to work tomorow....ugh. Lets not think about it.

the switch

2008-07-25T00:23:00.000-07:00

It will occur this weekend. Two of my girlies are away right now...the oldest, with her dad, which, this summer is so hard because her 6 week visit normally is broken up into two 3 week visits with a stint at home in between....however, because she had surgery on her wrist the week school let out, and she was several weeks delayed going to her dad's, she is there for a full six weeks. Whew! talk about rambling on! Anyway...i cannot go six weeks without seeing her beautiful face...so, i am traveling this weekend to visit her....and to pick up J who is in the next town over from A, staying with my parents "by myself because I'm almost 7!" So....tomorow I am headed out with the three youngest plus one to....visit my brother and his family and see their new house.....visit my parents and see THEIR new house....visit A for the weekend.....take my kids to the beach (never promise ANYTHING to children...they NEVER forget!!!)....and finally, pull a switch on my mommy!!! I am leaving the three youngest there and bringing home J!!! Is the joke on her????

Dont get me wrong....I LOVE my babies, and I will miss them terribly...but, if they dont get to stay with granny like J did....there will be a price to pay, and I promise you....I will be the one paying it!! Some people dont understand how I can allow these visits...(i forgot to mention they will be 5 hours away), but as a kid, I remember how awesome it was when I got to go stay a week in the summer with my aunt and uncle, and how fun it was when my cousins got to stay with us for a week...oh! and the BEST was when my brothers went to stay for a week with my aunt and uncle and I got to be home with mom and dad ALL BY MYSELF!!! woo hooo!!!! Well, that will be J's experience for the first time ever. A is with her dad....M, M, and P will be with granny and papa, and J will be home with us. Probably gonna be bored, but I am sure we will have lots of fun!!! I'm excited!

summer fun.....

2008-07-23T11:05:00.000-07:00

and I'm missing it. I miss being at home with my kids. I am trying to be grateful for a great job that is super flexible....but I miss my kids. I miss being lazy with them...taking them to the movies (in the afternoon when its cheap), playing in the sprinkler, and well, just being with them. I am trying. But failing horribly. I am not grateful for this job. I am trapped by it. I am desperately wishing I didnt have it. I am thinking of every way possible not to have it. Its not the job itself, you understand? THE job is great. Its having to have it that sucks. I am praying for two things. To be grateful for it again, as I was at one time....and to be able to quit it. ha! is that a bit ironic? argh....i dont know. I just know I want to be at home with my babies..........

i stand corrected....

2008-07-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

My bff has informed me that she is from the sunflower state, not the wheat state....I say, whats the difference, because, yes girl. They both make you sound like a farmer. Farmer brown (or green) ;-p You know I love you!

Now git our thar and pick us some fresh veggies outta that garden of yers giiirl!!!!

good friends, great times

2008-07-17T07:46:00.000-07:00

You know you have a good friend when:

You burp your loudest, grossest burp and they laugh, acknowedge the grossness, and say "good one!"

Boat nights with L-my sis in law are awesome! We can just let loose out on the water and just be! Be whatever we want to be! Be crazy, be loud, be obnoxious, be rude, be crude, be completely not girly.....I love those times!

Hanging with J-my bff from the big wheat state....well, we just make snotty comments to each other all the time, and have a great time with it. Hey...its funny to us, and most other people would look at us and go, "whats so funny? did i miss something?" But, we know!!! ;-p

Movie nights with M or L! I love the dollar movie!!! And the whole chili's/movie combo with either one of those girls is a mom's night out heaven! A chance to go with a friend, have some great convo at chili's then off to the movies to dissapear into someone else's life for 2 hours! I would not trade it.

And J...if you are reading this....next time we get together, we are renting that movie and watching with our hubbys for a completely different experience with that movie...our guts will be hurting for a week from laughing so hard!

All this to say....I am so blessed to have the friends I do. They are all giving, loving, and completely accepting. And to you three girls mentioned above...I LOVE YOU!!!!!

~kimberly~

and more panties.....

2008-07-11T08:48:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I posted a blog on myspace about panties. You might find that odd, but, any mother of even one daughter knows that, that one word alone elicits several emotions at the same time…a few being, exhaustion, laughter, annoyance, and then finally the words just come out…."fine! just wear your panties then! I'm too tired to argue anymore!" I have five daughters, and so still to this day….panties still rule the house!

A year ago, I thought that phase would pass, however, that is not the case. Still….all but my oldest would rather run around in their panties than anything else! Play in the sprinkler? Who needs a bathing suit!? We've got panties! Bedtime? No need for expensive pj's! We've got panties! Church??? No, wait! That is where I draw the line! You MUST put clothing over the panties!!! And at that…more than once, I've seen a child of mine with her dress gathered up in her hands so everyone could see her…..yep, you guessed it! PANTIES!

Right now, I am working a full time job, and for the past 2 months, I have consistently come home to 4 of my 5 daughters running around in their panties, and only their panties! The other night, after baths, they all came to me, running around wet and naked yelling at me that, "we don't have any clean panties!!!" Well, ITS NO WONDER!!! Even though we (seriously) have at least 100 pair of panties in this house, there are never enough clean because they are wearing them like they are the hottest outfit on the runway!!! So, once again, I am thinking that eventually this phase will pass. And, I am gonna hold onto that, since it is unbearable to me to think about my girls at the age of 16 running around in their panties. I will definitely have to put my foot down on that one!

birthday song

2008-07-07T08:58:00.000-07:00

from my father in law this morning on my way to work:

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday my daughter in law, mother of my first grandchild, and sucker who married my son
Happy Birthday to You!!!!

One of the sweetest songs anyone has ever sung to me!

manic tuesday

2008-07-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

I dont know if my life will ever slow down! If its not one thing, its a trip to the ER! I swear! Between working full time, trying to do some stuff on the side to make money, peeling my kids off my leg when i get home so i can try to get some of our stuff put back the way it is supposed to be while we STILL have no money from the insurance company to buy new furniture, cleaning out the storage, I mean KITCHEN, trying to finish painting the twins room and finish staining our bathroom so we can put the toilet back and get back to having two toilets for seven people instead of one, keeping the new floors vaccumed and swept and pretty, keeping the laundry done so we arent wearing dirty clothes, feeding the leeches, er, children who are still glued to my leg, trying to keep my hubby from feeling like i hate him because i am so busy that i hardly have time for a five minute conversation much less anything "else", ......ok. I'll stop right there, because I am sure you are getting the idea. Last night, instead of being able to complete a project I obligated myself to, I had to take one of my girls to the ER!!! So not her fault. And so, dont be thinking I'm upset with her....I took her to the dr yesterday because on top of the 500gazilllion things I've got going on, she has not been able to sleep lately because of a tummy issue that has kept her sick....so, who else has not been able to sleep lately??? yep....so, I took her to the dr...who sent me to the er to make sure she did not have appendicitis. (she did not, praise God) and he did give her a rx to help her nausea so she could sleep (which she did last night...also, praise God) Hopefully, I will be able to get a few things done the rest of this week so that I can enjoy a few days off next week with my kiddos. I feel like I have been shoving them off to the side so much lately trying to get our house put back together....but, having to look at my house like it is, is almost too much for me. It has been 2 months and 1 day since the "flood" and I am about to my wits end....I want my house back, my kids back, my hubby back....i want ME back. I miss my "stay at home mom" days. have I whined enough for you today??? Sorry, but just feeling a little overwhelmed the last few days. I am tired, but I want soooo badly to get everything done! ~sigh~ maybe I just need a nap...........

do you really wanna know????

2008-07-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

So...my big campout was a big bust! And just so you know....not because I didnt intend on those girls having fun! I worked my butt off getting everything ready to go...and I was ON TIME!!!! For those of you who know that I am a bit time challenged, you know that was a big deal, especially considering all I had to do on Friday. The way things ended up going....hubby took daughter to her friend's house, I left work in time to go to the groc store....hubby got ice chest cleaned out and tent out of garage....I packed and loaded the truck with supplies, groceries, my stuff, my kid's stuff, and all the girls stuff....we headed out, and all was great! Until......

we got to the camp site. I am gonna be nice and just say that the same girls who begged me all year to take them camping....hate camping. Minus 1 girl. who never complained. and she was the only one.

Lets just say that they dont like bugs, and they dont like being hot. And by midnight....I had had enough. We packed everything up and drove back to my house and they slept all over my living room. Which, in the end...was fine with me, because I slept in my own bed. But, I dont mind sleeping in the tent. I think its fun. I didnt even mind the bugs...it is camping for goodness sake!

So....we're just gonna leave it at this....it will be a long while before I take a group of girls camping again. This experience is gonna stay with me for a while!

big day

2008-06-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

so this is what i've got going on today:
1. work (which at this point stinks because i have nothing to do here today, and lots to do at home!)

2. leave and rush to get myself and my four youngest kids packed for an overnight camping trip that happens to include 5 girls from my wed night church class.

3. get the tent, ice chest, wire hangars (for roasting yummy foods), charcoal, lighter fluid....you get the point....ready to load up in my truck

4. have all of this done within an hour of getting home so I can be ready once all the girls except the two i am picking up get to my house and then head out to camp!

why is this so hard today? Well, because I have not gone to the groc store to get ANY of the food. Also, my oldest is going to her friends for a birthday sleepover. Oh yeah...and they live 45 min away. Also, my hubby promised to do something that i cannot go into today, lest I spoil the surprise!

But, alas! my hubby is also my savior today! he is going to the grocery store for me to get all my stuff together. He is also getting the ice chest ready for me. He is also taking our oldest to meet her friend's mother to drop her off for the party, and he is also making sure the girls are ready to head out the door when I get home. What a sweet heart. He really does come in handy when I need some help, and when I need some lovin;-p....i sure do love him!

another post from myspace

2008-06-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

so, not that i dont want to post new stuff on this blog...its just that the following post from my myspace blog is one of my favs. (the post about panties running a close second...you will just have to be patient! I will post it later) Anyway...it gives a quick, somewhat accurate glimpse into how the day of a stay at home mom can start out. You can use your imaginations as to where it ended up!

Enjoy!

Thursday, September 20, 2007
RED VOMIT
Current mood: nauseated
Category: Life

yes. you read correctly.
RED.
VOMIT.
ALL OVER THE BACKSEAT OF MY CAR.
Oh how I love mornings like this. I love the blissful sound of the panicing wail from the back seat of the car..."MOMMY I HAVE TO THROW UP NOW EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO HOPE OF YOU PULLING OVER BECAUSE YOUR TRAPPED IN THE NEVERENDING FLOW OF MORNING COMMUTERS HEADED TO WORK AND IT TAKES ENTIRELY TOO LONG FOR US TO GET HOME FROM THE SCHOOL, I HAVE TO THROW UP NOW!!!!! and she did. Red.
thanks to me.
I thought i was doing a nice thing. something out of the normal eggs or cereal or toast and fruit. Smoothies! Strawberry and blueberry smoothies...yeah! that will be a nice change...and tastey....and healthy. Yeah!!! They will love me for that! So, I make them each a scrumptous, Strawberry and blueberry smoothie....with a touch of lowfat whipped cream to give it a little sweet punch....yum...they were great.
Going down.
Now, its a different story when your cleaning up those nasty little stawberry seeds out of the carpet of your car, and trying to wipe them off the leather seats, and off the carseat, and oh yeah...of your daughter's chin!!!! Ugh! I didnt puke, and I will probably never eat one again!!!! Let me tell you something just in case you didnt know. Red puke running down the seat of your car is just nasty. Puke is puke. its all gross, but red puke. I think the only thing worse than that is milk. You know...the chunky kind. thats the worst...but red and in the car is running a close second.
The good thing that came out of this, is....i've been needing to clean out my car for some time now....we've made two trips to oklahoma since i cleaned it out last....well, now its cleaned out and vaccumed, and armour all'd.
now, I'm gonna go fix me a snack, cuz all this talk is making me hungry!

a normal day...

2008-06-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

humor

scene: in the car driving from home to the hotel

Peyton: {crying dramatically} I left my shrekie dollie at home!!!

Mackenzie: Peytie, do you want to sing Mr. Lonely?

Peyton: NOOOO!! I'm cryyyy-ing!!

2008-06-18T08:34:00.000-07:00

These two girls are nuts. And I love them so much! One, my cousin, the other, my sister in law...they are the same age, and they love each other....they are so much fun, and although, they could be my kids (if i had started way earlier) i have a blast with them. This was last summer, when, during a midnight wal-mart run, they decided it would be way too boring to just walk through the store. I felt like I was in high school again, and I loved every minute of it. Some might have been embarassed, but not me! I remember doing stuff like that with my friends, and they are some of my most cherished memories! so...if you are old (in body, mind, or spirit) and you see a couple girls running crazy through walmart, dont shake your head or tsk, tsk them. Be glad they are in the store and not outside saran wrapping naughty posters to your car;-p

Pink Hair...a post from my myspace blog

2008-06-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

Current mood: amused
Last night, I gave my 12 year old pink highlights in her strawberry blonde hair. I happen to think she looks adorable. Some might think I am too "liberal" as I was called by someone at work today. (by the way..I'm almost 35 years old and no one has ever called me liberal before!) But, no. I am not too liberal...nor do i let my kids get away with whatever they want...they dont run me over...they dont act like hethens...(in public anyway). My children are just that. Children...they have their days just like all others, but for the most part, are well adjusted, well behaved, polite little girls. So why the pink hair?
Lets just say that the girl is ultra modest, extremely conservative, and has an amazing moral compass that I dont see in 12 year olds very often, so when she wants to do something crazy for a change that is as harmless as color her hair pink, I say, "why the heck not!?" When I was growing up, I was convinced that all the "wierd" people running around with pink and blue hair must have been on drugs! I was a little judgmental, and also, a little naive. Of course, when I was younger, it was such a big deal that boys pierced their ears! (or one ear, at least) I remember my dad telling my brothers that if they dared to come home with an earring, he would yank it out. period. Since then, HE has talked about getting his ear pierced, just to show he had seen the light, and that having an earring didnt make you gay, or stoned, or any of the other things that symbolized to so many people. I, also, have completely lightened up. Since my straight-laced days in high school, I have had my nose pierced and gotten a tattoo!
I just think its funny how we take one tiny little thing, like some pink streaks and make such a big deal out of it...and to go a step further, judge people for it. MAYBE SHE JUST LIKES PINK, PEOPLE! So, I suppose people can think what they want of me for not only letting her do it, but actually doing it for her. She is the best daughter any woman could ever get lucky enough to get stuck with, and I plan on letting her have some harmless fun. And just to make it funny to her....I put a big pink streak in my hair too! Now, i'm not just mom....I'm cool!!!!! hahaha...................

a cute message...

2008-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

so, in light of recent events with out home...I have been forced to weed out the junk! yeah! I am glad about that, believe it or not. Well, in doing so, I found myself in my closet. As I began to go thru things and pick what to put away and what to throw away, I came accross my old high school yearbooks. I have not been good about keeping in touch with old friends, but I do have a girlfriend that I still talk to on the phone and visit with.

I began flipping through one yearbook and reading some of the messages from my friends of old...and found myself laughing hysterically at one particular message from P. (my friend) She had big dreams of going into the airforce and doing lots of grand things with her life that did not include becoming someone's slave and life giver, i.e. wife and mom. At least not right away. In my yearbook, she wrote, "....hope you do great things and make all your dreams come true, even if it IS only becoming a wife and mother!" This is funny to me because, yes, those were my dreams. I never had big career goals...I never wanted to be a doctor, or a lawyer, or anything for that matter except a good wife with a good husband and a mommy. And guess what? I achieved my goals! I am a good wife, and I do have a wonderful husband, and I am a mommy...times 5.

So, whatever happend to P? She is a wife, with a good husband, and a mommy....times 3! She never did go to the airforce, but she did lots of other wonderful things with her life. And, just like everyone else I know, she has had tough times and good times, but when it comes down to it....she loves being a wife and a mom!!! See, P? My dreams weren't so funny and crazy as you thought!

trials

2008-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

without going into too much detail at the moment...i can always expand later....I will just say that our family has been going through alot of valleys lately. Mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And I just have to keep reminding myself of a verse out of a poem I read not long ago, that "though I love the mountaintops, its in the valley that I grow" I certainly hope that my hubby and I are both willing to learn what God is trying to teach us, so that we may grow through this experience and not let it be in vain. What a waste that would be.

I see lots and lots of different obsticles that are being tossed in front of us right now that have the potential to knock us both or at least one of us off the right trail. My prayer is that we continue to see those obsticles for what they are, and not loose sight of the bigger picture.

I will keep you posted, internet. Hope later, I have better news!

2007-10-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

so, i just thought i'd write some quick thoughts about my girls. if you have read any of my blogs, you probably know that i have 5 of them. They are truly a joy. they are also alot of work. sometime i wonder...why did God give me so many girls? and how come no boys. I have come to realize that i have such a wonderful mom. she taught me so much about being a mom and a wife and a woman in general. she is such a blessing to me. even now, in my own adulthood she give such wonderful advice and support. i am no where near perfect, and as much as my mom taught me through her words and mostly by her actions and the way she lived her life, there are so many lessons that you cannot truly learn until you actually live through them. But, I truly believe that God has given me these girls to raise up to be morally sound, Godly women. I believe that it is my life's work to do my best to teach these 5 beautiful girls to be Godly mothers, and wives. I want my kids to learn humility, patience, compassion, and to be obedient. I want them to be servants...and not in the slave-mentality kind of way, but servants to their fellow man....to their own children, to their husbands. I want them to find peace and contentment in their submission. I want them to be leaders in their submission. That might sound like an oxymoron, but it is truly not. We cannot lead until we are able to serve. I believe that I lead more in my submission than in any other area. If I can submit to my husband, to the other authority in my life...then I am leading my children into a life of servanthood. If you are spiritual, you might already understand this way of thinking. If you are thinking...WHAT? the heck is she talking about???? I hope that you can learn in your life, that you can do more good by serving those around you than trying hard to "lead" others by being pushy or bossy. I have learned one lesson lately, that I am happier when I am not so busy trying to defend myself and boss people around, than when I am able to sit back and listen to what someone is trying to say to me with their heart, and not necessarily their words.

Now, i know i said this was about my girls and it looks like its mostly about me, but truly, it is about them....what i do is what they will emulate. I want them to get the good stuff. And they will....one of them....the oldest, is already on her way. I am so proud of her. she is the most giving, understanding, polite, and generous child i know. she is so proud of her love for christ,and is willing to share it always. I have had more compliments on her behavior than i could have ever thought imaginable. Now, i have the other four to raise up to learn to be this way. i am excited about this opportunity. what a journey.

today is a new day

2007-09-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

It is, and it's going to be a good one. I know in my last blog, i kinda went on about myself and being lazy.....I guess thats ok to do every once in a while. But, not too often, and certainly not consecutively...did i spell that right?

I am feeling energized and giving today. I made breakfast this morning, did some (more) laundry, cleaned the living room, called my mom, checked my email, got the husband and two kids off to work and school...all before 9am! yeah! lol...i know lots of moms do so much more that that every day, but for someone who normally sits and drinks two cups of coffee and watches Good Morning America before I do anything other than getting the three that need to leave out the door, I guess I'm not doing too bad today!

Just want to leave you with this quick work of encouragement. Live every day like it is your last. You've head this before, but in truth, we can all talk about changing, and doing better, and being better...but if its just talk....well, you get the picture. I heard today that in the hebrew language the number 8 means new beginnings. And its 2008, so what better time than now to start? Right. None! I'll keep you posted.

2007-09-01T22:14:00.000-07:00

well, just thought i'd post again....its been a while.

I love reading other people's blogs. I actually spent a large portion of my day doing that very thing. a waste of time? maybe. maybe not. I might actually learn something. well...I might. who knows? but the fact remains that sometimes, no matter how great your life is, its kind of fun to escape your own for someone else's. I sat here today with five kids and a husband running around me, asking for favors, wanting me to get up (how dare they?) and fix them food. Hey, I am sitting here not eating...why cant they do the same? All they while, I just want them to all take a very long nap and leave me alone for a while.

Not sure why, but I have those days occasionally. I just want them all to HUSH!!!! Find something to do and leave me in peace. I want to dissapear in a good book, but I finished the one I was reading, and dont have a new one yet. Not feeling like watching anything on tv, and i've already taken a nap! No, I am not depressed. Yes, I love my husband and my kids, beyond my own life. But today....I just want to take the day off. I dont want to get up and feed you....grab an apple or a string cheese out of the fridge. You can get your own sippie cup of milk, cant you? Geez...your two and a half! Its about time to help yourself! These are the silly thoughts running thru my mind today. My hubby...sweet man that he is.....started off today by telling me to get up off the couch and "fix my breakfast, woman!" Ha!! I just gave him "the look." He fixed his own breakfast. Later, I told him that it was probably just pms, but he was on his own today. He actually apologized for bothering me and quietly ate his breakfast. LOL! That makes me sound horrible.......we dont have that kind of relationship. Usually, I love doing things for him....just not today. And, without another word...he understood. And left me alone. For the entire day. Without getting angry. Wow. I love him. He gave up his typical saturday afternoon nap to let me have one, and he fed himself, and he fed the kids. I love him.

And, the best part. After a day of doing absolutely nothing.....I dont feel guilty, and tomorow, I am sure I will be completely refreshed and ready to be mom and wife again. (I hope;p)

2007-05-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

so, just thought i'd post a thought today...I have been consumed with my relationships lately. Partly because I spoke last weekend at a mother, daughter, sister "tea" at church and was doing a little research and prayer on the subject. But it got me thinking about my own relationships and just a quick observation. Since its pretty much proven that our relationships are the most important think to most people...as far as what they say, why is it that our relationships are the first thing we take for granted? Whether it is our relationship with God, our spouse, our children, or our friends....when things are going well, we just let them slide. maybe its because we know they will be there when we need them...but the bigger question is, are we there for them when they need us? Are we in tune with them enuf to know??? Sometimes I am not. I hate to say it, but I get so wrapped up in my own little world (inside my home) that i am oblivious to the lives of those who are "most important" to me. I hate that about myself. This is one thing i need to work on. But it is more than just being able to be there for my friends, etc....it is about balance. That is the key I think. So, this is what i want to work on. Balance. I want to have that in my life. I think that will make my world spin in a nice even rotation and not in spurts like it is now. Wanna try it with me??? Give me some imput on what works for you....I'd sure like to get some fresh, new ideas!

quickly....

2007-04-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

just wanted to say that I am hanging in there.....are you????? Fighting fatigue, not feeling well, my husband not feeling well, and a few of my kids not feeling well......I might not be winning this battle, but the war is far from over!

2007-04-18T08:23:00.000-07:00

Someday I am going to conquer the battle of being a woman/wife/mom/friend. Our poor husbands have it hard. So do we. They must bear the responisbility of their entire family on their shoulders....we must be the backbone to keep those shoulders standing tall. Their identity is built in their careers and what they accomplish. We lose our identities in what we do for everyone else. But I think that in God's perfect plan, we can do all these things that are on our "to do" lists without losing ourselves. It is my personal goal, as a wife and a mom of 5 beautiful daughters, to figure this out and live it out in front of my children to show them that they can truly have it all. Of course I believe in sacrifice. But I dont want to sacrifice my relationship with God to have one with my husband. Nor my relationship with my husband to have one with my children. You get the point. My life is hectic and crazy, but I love it. I will keep you posted!

this journey called life...

i'm still here.....

ok corrie....top this!

hey, hey...its my birfday!

a lot of nothing....

shock

~sigh~

What must it be like???

its sad but true....

what the poo is happening here?????

dance like theres no tomorrow

snow!

i cant believe i did it!

Day 9 and feelin fine!

Day Eight....can you even believe it???

day four

day 3

i've lost my mind.....

pondering.......

for corrie......

because its my job to gross everyone out......

two more weeks!

come and gone....

funny bunny....

Thanksgiving......

nearly a month

crazy train

shout out!

no catchy title...just a post

woot-woot!!!!

**update to the update**

home alone....

its a new day, its a new dawn...and I'm feelin fine

the road less traveled

why do alot of my posts have puke in the title?

what i should be doing.....

i am....

merry christmas

parties and pupcakes

weekend update

two weeks and a day....again

two weeks and a day...

laugh and cry

My super hopeFILLED romance: i'm in love with my best friend

♥ My Super Hopeless Romance ♥: I'm in love with my best friend...

nibbles

goodbye hair

and the winner is.....

I've got style!

dancing queens

by the way

quickly

lack of sleep can make you crazy!

na-na-na na-na-na!

fever, a clean house, and iced coffee!

sickies

aftermath of Ike

Ike!

remembering.....

things that make you say....GROSS!!!

~sigh~

girlie fun!

huh?

what it's not

seething mad........

uh, oh!!!

center of conversation

in the upcoming weeks....

i was wondering....

if i were a violent woman

memories....

success!!

the switch

summer fun.....

i stand corrected....

good friends, great times

and more panties.....

birthday song

manic tuesday

do you really wanna know????

update to the update