The day that started out HORRIBLY is turning out not so awful after all. I woke up this morning, late (as usual!) I seem to only sleep well from about 5am (when Steven gets up for work) until 7am when it is a mad dash to get the kids up before B3 shows up for a walk to the bus stop. I get up about every 2 hours through out the night anyway, I just don't understand why during those particular 2 I sleep so soundly. Any hooo I get up, and run around trying to rouse the twinners and Kenny, hoping to have them out the door before Josh (aka TheLoudestChildOnthePlanet) wakes up.

Which, by the way, never happens, but it would be nice if it did!!

Well, he wakes up this morning with his typical grunt, moan, and "Miiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnne!!!!" Who knows what goes on in this kids brain, but he wakes up with that lovely phase EVERY MORNING! If it's a weekend it seems to be an even earlier alarm, but I digress~ So he hollers, Bob knocks and I am still running around threatening death by wet noodles for everyone still in bed. I, with all my poise and dignity GONE, stagger into the boys room to drag the near teen-aged monkee out of bed. $%@#!* I of course step on something. After my vision has come back- the stars that come from a shin whack are beautiful in the dark frosty morning- I noticed it was Stevens ring (amongst the assorted Legos and train track.) CRAP!!

Being the domestic goddess that I am,(get off the floor, it wasn't THAT funny!!!)I took off my jewelry while I was kneading bread dough last night. I wear Stevens ring during the week, because he can't wear it at work (all those saws, ya know, and I kinda like having a hubby that is attached to all of his digits!) Well, in my infinite wisdom, I apparently left them on the counter. BAD BAD BAD move- It wouldn't be so terrible if my kids didn't like shiny things! But, like I said before... CRAP!

After realizing my faux pas- when I saw his ring on the floor, the frantic search for my sparkles was on. That has to be one of the worst feelings- to lose something, self stupidity makes it even worse!! The house was turned upside down, more than once. Visions of my ring falling into the garbage can, rolling under the refrigerator, falling into the washing machine- or worse yet- I kept fixating on my ring being the latest victim of Joshs (TLCOP) new fixation on the toilet, and flushing anything he can get his little grubbies on. The only thing keeping me from the padded rooms, was that I had Stevens ring in hand. TG for small favors, right?!

Well, after hours- seriously HOURS- of searching, pouting, crying, stressing.... it was time go. I was taking Steven lunch today, and dreaded having to tell him it was missing. So we get there, and I spill it all. Whimper, whine, pout ... visions of where it finally ended up...boo hoo--- the whole thing. I felt miserable- He just sat and ate his lunch and asked annoying little "man questions" What did you take it off for?" Why did the kids have it?" "What were they doing with it, why did you let them... yada yada CRAP!!! My ring was gone, I had moved on from crushed, and was speeding towards "pissed beyond all reason."

Well, Stevens lunch was over, and he got ready to head back into the shop when he stopped and with a big ole grin said "oh, here... now you don't have to beat the kids for losing your ring." AARGHHH!! So in the 1/2 second it took for me to snatch it from his had and put it back on my finger, my mood drastically improved. Yes, I married an ass that thought it was actually FUNNY to see me squirm and worry... but you gotta love love the Mook for returning it, AND for giving it to me in the first place  

Thanks honey. The day is looking better and better~

 

 

The Ladies in Red are quite the cuties- I love posting their pictures. It just makes me smile to come here and see that (maybe) I did something right... look how they turned out! I still need to take more for Christmas, and get the Boys to sit still for a few. I even have to (egad!!) take some film in to be developed. Cute snow man pictures are in there!

Billy has been practicing... and amazes me daily. Last night he baby sat Miss Clara- in my room, for like 4 hours. Awesome kid- how many 12 year olds do you know who WANTS to spend alone time feeding and changing a baby? He must really like her... or really be wanting some extras this Christmas!! He was surprised to find out he was getting paid for it too- he deserves it. He is a huge help.

Kenny too- I think she was getting a little jealous of the Billy/Josh bond, and is doing what she can to "get in" with Clara early. She's right there to rock or walk her anytime she fusses, always checking her pants and fixing her bottles. Awesome and amazing these kids of mine. Every single ornery last one of them!!

I am amazed at how lucky I am.

Meesh even called today- it was great to be able to have a grown up conversation! It does make me wish we lived closer... Next year Spokane- right??? I am going to hold you to that kid comment... You still up to baby sitting?! LOL! Anyway, we agree that we are both psycho... but it works for us- we understand each other! One day things will make sense, and we will understand what the hell is going on in the world. Not till we grow up, so we have a while

Having a crazy lady to talk to (just like me) is a blessing- it's nice to have a shoulder, for any and all reasons. It's nice to be checked in on, and to have someone to check on too. We keep each other sane enough to escape the men with white jackets, and away from the padded rooms. A tropical island beach, no phones, no phone calls, kids, ex's, homework, laundry, just quiet time- with chocolate and good friends. It's the dream... and it keeps us sane. Well, relatively speaking!!

 

 

 

 

I vote yes, in favor of a new Walmart. Built ANYWHERE that will lessen the stinkin' congestion of the one we have now. I broke my self imposed rule of no Walmart after 10am (you all have heard my reasoning behind that decision!!) and regretted it from the second we pulled into the parking lot. Grrrrr-

 

Any way, we all survived. We made it through the maze of people and spanish language ads, have you ever noticed that people are ruder the closer it gets to Christmas??? Seems like such a contradiction!

 

Oh well, it's cold, the house is trashed, homework isn't being worked, it's Taco Tuesday and movie night. Maybe Superman can lift my spirits  so I had better get on it...

Well, the countdown continues. Making lists checking them twice...BAH HUM Bug!

 

OK, now that THAT is out of my system, I need to get busy. Things to do, house to clean, stuff to make/bake....wrapping, decorating, planning... big build up to "the day." Remember being amazed when the tree magically was full of presents? The cookies were eatten, and stockings were filled- and we (you know who I mean) didn't have a thing to worry about except for if the paint had dried on our present we made at school. Ahhh- those were the days. Cookies were a plenty, wearing Christmas ball in our ears was "cool!!" Writing our wish lists started in July. No wonder the kids are so excited... I would be too!!

 

Bah Hum bug.

 

To just have a Holiday like the one "in my mind" would be great. Guess that's why they call them fantasies!! haha. I used to think it was weird to learn that a lot of people get depressed around the holidays, it makes more sense now though. There is a lot to finagle to make things "just so"- the way we remember, or the way we wished they were.. that it just about sucks the life... well the fun anyway... right out of a body.

 

Wow, it's lonely up here being Martha... even when we are falling way short of being her.

 

Anywho- I wish there was a way to see who was checking out my boring blog- maybe a counter or something to see if I really am just talking to myself out here!! It would be nice to get feedback though- comments, thoughts, "hang in there" notes  ~~~~ So if there is any body out there, feel free to leave me a comment- or email even!!

 

Well, I guess I should go to the store- in search of grown ups in the produce section---

 

 

Weel, the turkey has been eatten, and we spent an incredibly relaxed weekend doing absolutely nothing. We did SO much nothing, that we are all just about exhausted. Can't wait for Monday- hahaha

 

Friday was nice and mellow- Turkey and the rest was all good (as usual),we missed the Bob- but B3 was there, Grandma came- with pie (for ME!!!)- and someone snitched some turkey early....Lolo and CJ came up and played cards... Steven enjoyed that, A LOT... and lets everyone hear how he "took it all home" this year.  Poker Shark!! Mom wasn't feeling too well, but she seems to be doing better now. It's nice to just get together and hang out~

 

Now, since the turkey and pie is history, attention is focused on "the big day". So not in the mood for it! We decided to bail on Leavenworth- and focus more givin'... 7 kids, and 7 stockings- the $ add up and we didn't want to be stretched too tight just to go see some lights. I will miss it- but as much fun as it is to see the kids see the lights and parade, I kinda like the alone time up there too. Oh well, maybe next year we'll make the adventure... it would be cool to take the whole family up there, maybe even spend Christmas up there one year. Just something different- I still think spending Christmas on the beach would be amazing, even if I am the only one that thinks so. People keep telling me that it doesn't sound like such a good idea... But I still like it. Maybe one day, when I grow up

 

We got the tree and lights all set up yesterday, I can't believe all the stuff we have. We need a few more trees just to have space for all the decorations we have boxed up around here. The kids are getting excited, and all ready to go with Pa up and cut tree(s) "maybe we can stick one up outside like grandpa!!"

 

We also got to wake up to a nice little bit of snow this morning...that kept coming and coming and coming down all day! We had to break out the "old camera" when the snowmen started appearing in the front yard. Joshy was even starting to get the hang of making snow angels... boy are the kids getting big. WAY to fast. Snowball fights are getting so mature, they involve tree climbs and jumping through windows. My kids are crazy- especially the oldest ones. Who would have guessed that the most "concern" would be about the 10,12, and 31 year old children?

 

BTW I still think it is wonderful that they all get along so well- it's fun to be a kid, even if we don't necessarily fit the age requirements. Young at heart is still young though, right?!?!

 

yippee!! I started the big bake off.... homemade potato rolls- I might even have enough leftover to take to Moms! Now I am all ambitious like, apple pies sound good! I kinda miss "the old days" when I did all the fixing. Turkey, potatoes, dressing, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. The works- I would spend weeks planning, making lists for everything. Always seemed to have a houseful, no matter where we were. Then again, it's also nice not to have to!!

 

I even remember one Thanksgiving when we first moved to Colorado... and the electricity cut out. That was ummmm different  I think my favorite Thanksgiving was 5 years ago. That's the first time everyone met Steven. What a day to bring him home to meet the family. The WHOLE family. hat was different too- but in a good way!! Brave, brave man !!

 

Most Thanksgivings are a blur- growing up, they were at Grandma's. Then I was married and off doing my own thing. Now, Turkey Day is spent at Moms. It definately beats running back and forth between inlaws though! What a mess, trying to fit everyone in, and not really spending any time anywhere. I can't imagine always bouncing like that- stable is good.

Taco Tuesday- hubba hubba! It is also Movie night, Ice Age 2... the kids can't hardly wait. Simple pleasures!!

 

Steven put the glass into his tables last night, and my beautiful new end tables are out in public view- I've even caught him grinning at his handy work  He should be proud!

 

Bob's been having a stressful time, and I wish him the best. Hopefully things will be resolved soon, and things will get back to normal. B3 is doing so well spending all this time with you- it's great to see you two need each other, adn thrive with each other. You are a pair! I wish there were something I could do to make things easier/faster/ less stressful for you both. But know you are doing the right thing, the Dad thing- fighting for what you know is important. Very Proud of you "little" bro. We all are!

 

As for me, I am just here spinning my wheels. I really miss being in classes. The people, the work, the brain activity- feeling like I was working towards a goal. Holding pattern, Hurry up and wait. aarghhhhhhhhh, The mom thing is great- I love being a mom, but it really would be nice to have a little of "me" mixed in so I didn't feel like "JUST" a mom. I just haven't figured out how to pull both off at the same time.

 

Anywho, I know I have a full plate- and that I'll have another chance... sometime. But knowing I have responsibilities, doesn't make the "want to" go away. ahhh- it's always something

Five years- can you believe it? It is hard to believe that it has been 5 years since I met Steven- Crazy. Sometimes it feels like I have known him forever- like he has always been a part of my/ our lives. Other times it feels like it has only been a moment. I feel so lucky to have him in my life. Mushy and squshy as it sounds! I really can't comprehend how different things would be if we never met. I know I would not be the same person, the kids are all better for being with him too. Just what we needed, when we needed it most.

 

Not saying that it has all been easy- Y'all know I don't do anything easy  but looking back, I honestly believe it was more than worth the journey to be where we are today. Life without Leavenworth? The silence of a world without Joshy? Or the heater named Claire? Not to mention the fact that I feel like I matter, that I count, that I am worthy of his love. I think it took me these 5 years to let my guard down enough to start thinking that maybe I wasn't worthless. That he was here with me, because of me... instead of him being here FOR something from me.

 

I hate that I ever doubted that, that I had such a wall built up that I would only let anyone in so far... just so I could protect myself. Being hurt in the past sucks- and the worst part is the self doubt you are left with.

 

It's  been 5 years, 2 kids, money ups and downs. Camping trips, Boulder cave, holidays and family dinners. Its been trips to New York, and trips to Spokane. Laughter and tears, Faith- Hope- and Love. I feel lucky- all the time, and can't figure out what I ever did to deserve to have someone love me, especially him. To be honest I always had the feeling that I was not, and probably never would be enough for him. He tells me differently.

 

It fells so free to believe that I just might be- that I am what he wants and needs- like he is for me. That I can be actually loved for me- not just because I am the mom, the nanny, the cook and the maid. That my thoughts count, and my feelings matter. That HE feels like he is the lucky one.

 

I don't think I have ever felt love like this before- wholehearted, uncomplicated, honest, real. I am in awe and completely greatful- being able to fell comfortable, and secure, and safe enough to accept that I might just be worthy. Makes me love him all the more~

 

Enough of the mushy- squshy.... It just feels great~

JOY and rapture! Another incident with the lovely van... I really don't have the best luck with them-  Anyway- Grandma to the rescue!! Crisis averted... ahhhh.  It's always something!

 

Pretty blah day, for the most part- aside from the mini crisis od course.  A few phone calls, a quick run to town, kiddy o homework. Mondays are a drag.

 

Thanksgiving is coming up fast- We are having our big ole chow down on Turkey Friday instead. We don't seem to be the "early morning" shoppers. Turkey Fridays also mean a mellow weekend of cards and weekend harassment- makes it a lot nicer than having to run from house to house trying to make all the required appearances.  Sitting on your rear with a table full of food, just an arm length away- THAT'S how you do the holidays right!!

 

Oh well, the kids are up and climbing the walls again-

OK- I hope I am not jinx-ing myself... but 2 good mornings in a row! Hubba Hubba- maybe there is light at the end of this tunnel  

 

Not that I have done anything fantastic or exciting, I just feel like I can get out of bad in the morning. Actually change out of the PJ's and DO something. Nothing fancy- just laundry. Walk to the mail box for the newspaper. Plan for the next day. Look forward to tomorrow. Like I said, nothing exciting, but a big deal to me.

 

It's nice to be able to pull myself out of my little shell here. Life goes on. Everybody has stuff going on. About time I did too! It still bugs me that I had trouble handling things- that I should have been able to handle, that I have always handled before. BUT it seems to feel like I am getting back on track. A little. And a little is a lot better than not at all.

 

I actually started a nice project yesterday, it almost feels like delayed nesting! (NO I'M NOT!!!) Spring cleaning- in November? Remodel, redecorate, white tornado... Steven says its because I have some snazzy new tables to put out  I am SO proud of them, they are beautiful. I think Steven is kind of proud too- he should be!! The glass comes in Monday, and I will try and get some photos up. Amazing the things he can make- and he acts like it's no big deal. Oh to be that good~

 

Well, projects are good for the body and soul- and so I will keep working away ion them. Feels good to have something to work on. Something to work for. And it is nice to see that you are making some head way. And even better when others see it- and appreciate you for it. Thanks~

 

It kinda sucks being the only grown up- especially being out numbered most of the day! Doing this home-schooling is important, and being a stay at home mom is important- but boy is it lonely. I sat here all morning- and tried to come up with people to talk to. I guess I am just feeling jealous that people are out there- doing something, anything...and I am not. Not doing a damn thing. I feel like such a schmuck for going to the store just to talk to the checkers for 3 minutes- SO pathetic. Is it normal to look forward to telemarketers? I think I have talked the ears off of enough of them that I am on their "don't call" lists.

 

No I am not joking!! 

 

I did sit here trying to think of all the people I could call and just BS with...man if I weren't depressed before! Everyone I know has 1)moved away to someplace that is way more exciting than here 2)have a life other than one that revolves around kids 3)are busy working 4)are related and live out of the area- or a combination of the 4.

 

Most of the people I used to talk to- I met in college. They are still taking classes, or have moved away after they graduated. More are parents that I would see picking up the kids from school- don't see them anymore either. So here I sit, writing on the computer about all my woes- because I have already tried calling my one local mom friend (who wasn't home), IM'ed my poor sis (at work none the less), AND talked to my mom 4 million times.

 

Bored. Lonesome. Broke. Unable to change the situation (at the moment) and feeling completely out of control of anything.

 

I do know I have a great family, good kids, busy life, and a wonderful husband that loves me- no matter how crazy I seem. All of that should make me happy beyond all belief- but I still feel lonesome. 7 kids and feel alone all day. I sit here and want attention- someone to talk to, when they are all mulling around my feet trying to get MY attention for themselves. Sounds funny- not haha funny, just "messed up" funny.

 

Maybe Spokane spoiled me. I got attention, instead of always being the one giving out the attention. Sometime it is better to recieve

 

 

First of all a HUGE thank you to mom and dad, and aunt Lolo for watching all of the kids this past weekend. It is very much appreciated. A night out, ALONE, with the hubby- heaven!!

 

Spokane was great- the weather was ok, the company was fantastic.  

 

Roses, cards, dinner out- Thank you Baby- you're amazing!

 

Spokane showed me what I am missing- and I don't think I ever really noticed before. Silence! I could do what I wanted to, when I wanted to. I didn't have to wait on anyone or be constantly watching- and taking care of everyone else. I could sit at the bar in a resturant, order a drink if I wanted- boring, everyday grown up things I seem to have skipped over. I know I could have done them here, sometime, but never felt like I had the freedom to just let go and enjoy. I got to be "me"- and we got to be "us"... instead of just being mom and dad.

 

So much freedom~

 

Steven made me feel like the weekend was all about me- and I love him for it! -But I miss it already. I love the kids- and they evidentally missed us... they have been stuck on us since we picked them up. Talk about a culture shock... total freedom to none, in 60 seconds!! Huge change from the slow calm, right back into the hurricane!! Controlled chaos- here we are again!

 

Being able to get away like that made me see how important it is for me time, and we time. Date nights WILL become a priority, and I will enjoy every minute of them- AND not feel guilty about it!!

 

I really needed a break, and am so fortunate to have family around and willing to help out when I need it. I am very lucky- in all respects- love, life, family. Spoiled aren't I? 

Just a brief thanks to all the service men and women out there. Army, Navy, Active, Reserve, AND their families- it's not always easy, and not always fun, but appreciated and remembered forever.

Treading water- that's what it feels like. And I have never been a good swimmer. I have always thought that it was funny that- even though I can't swim well, I went to the State Championships on the swim team. So out of something I thought I was mediocre at, there was a part of me that excelled. I found a small part, diving, that I could do- and was good at.

 

Here I am treading again- looking for a part that shines. Life should not be like this- barely holding on, not making any head way- just trying to hold your own with out going under. How long can you tread before you are just too tired to go on any longer? If you can't see the shore, how do you know which way to swim? It is exhausting- the daily grind. Relentless, demanding, never ending- always different, but never changing. What do you look forward to? Raising the kids- just so they can go? What then?

 

Over time treading gets harder. It gets easier and easier to slide, just relax and let go... it's so calm and quiet, and seems like such a relief to just let go. But you can't let go. Your body screams for air, and fights for every breath. Your muscles are aching, but you force on. You have to swim. You have to fight. You don't have a choice. It's not your choice.

 

But it's a fight- and it's hard. You have to search for something to fight for. Even with out the shore in sight, you know it's out there. You KNOW it. I guess that is where hope comes in. Hope that things will get easier, better. You hope that the shore will come into view. You hope that you are making the right choices. You hope to survive. You hope.

 

Hope is so undefined though. You can cling too, and put your faith into anything- and hope it is worth it. But you won't know till it's all over. You hope you have made a difference. You hope you are noticed. You hope, and you hope that your hopes are fulfilled. Without hope, what would we be treading for? You can't tread and be hopeless at the same time- why work so hard if there was nothing at all to work for?

 

Hope.

 

Hope is what makes you hang on. Hope is what you cling to when nothing else makes sense. Hope is where you put your faith when the alternative is unbearable. Hope is what you have to hold onto, when you can't see. Hope is what lets you continue- continue to tread. To hold your head above water a little longer, just until you can see the shore. Until you can see which direction to go.

 

I'm still here. I am still treading-and hoping- and still looking for a way to find the shine again. There is something, some way that I can excell. There is so much more than just holding my head above water- I just hope to find it soon.

The YVCC catalog came out yesterday- how depressing! I need 4 mores classes to get into my program- that is only 2 quarters, BUT it will cost about 1000 bucks a quarter to "get 'er done." I have financial aid for all of my nursing classes- practically a full ride (thank goodness for good grades!!) but I have to find a way to get these in first. Bummer-

 

But then again that gives me a reason for being a slacker and putting off school for a while. Right? Classes aren't easy, but I do miss them when I take time off. And I have 7 (or 9 if you count Steven as 2!!) reasons NOT to be taking time away from the family. I just feel like a loser for not being enrolled, and not helping with the income for that matter.

 

Class has always been a "me" thing, I wasn't mom, wife, anything but just me. In class, I had grown up conversations, was able to stretch my wings a little. I felt like I was somewhat competent, and respected. I worked hard, and it was all for me. Selfish huh? It was SO amazing to get postitive feedback on something I felt I worked hard on. To have a prof you really admire, tell you that you did a good job, use you as an example, or even stump with a really good question is fantastic. Ace-ing a Chem test is pretty snazzy too!!

 

But priorites shift, right? I'm here where I am needed, I know that. I know that the shorties need to have a parent at home, they need the attention and time. School will be there, when they are bigger. I don't need to be back right now, but I do miss it.

 

It really stinks- I have a huge- and awesome by the way- family, and I seem to be keeping up with them. So far!!  I hear people ask and wonder "how do you do it?" I don't know if they mean I'm not doing it well and they wonder about me, or if they don't think they could handle life like this and wonder how it's possible.

I still don't understand wht they mean- I never feel like I am doing enough!

 

Home schooling, newborn baby, twins and a 2 year old. I sit at home, and hubby is off working to pay for me to just sit here. I feel like I should be doing more, contributing more. Just not quite enough- man I hate that feeling.

 

I know Mom, I know. I just don't feel that way. It's not that I want to be Martha or anything- I just want to feel like I am more. I keep thinking that I'll feel like I am worth something- finally pulling my own weight- AFTER college, when I am working too. That all my time and energy will be FOR something.

 

I love being a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mom... but somewhere in there it would be nice to be me too. Just a little. Who ever that is-

 

Wow- tis the season! Everything is starting to pile up- plans, appointments, activities, STRESS!! This week starts the holiday rush- Spokane, Conferences, Thanksgiving and Turkey Day, Festivus, more conferences, Grandmas birthday, Holiday Programs, Leavenworth, Christmas, New Years…. Breath! The mad dash to include everything, and everyone is on!

I used to really enjoy all the holiday planning, the visits, the cookies, the presents, the snow- now it seems to border on the overwhelming. Everything is about big and flashy… money, rush, more! Is it wrong to wish things would slow down rather than speed out of control? To actually relax and enjoy the holidays instead of struggling to fit everything in, to make sure everyone “gets” enough? Enough time, enough stuff, enough attention? How much a mom am I that my dream Christmas involves sleeping in, hot chocolate, happy (and somewhat mellow) family, good warm smells from the kitchen, and PJ’s being the required attire?

Add that to a beautiful ocean view and that would be heaven! But that was a dream a life time ago.

Things change, with kids, with families, with life… just gotta roll with it huh? It’s nice, but sometimes sad, to think about dreams and hopes and wishes from the past- but very nice to have new ones that change and grow with the times.

I’ve been stuck in a rut lately, trying desperately to pull myself out of it, but it is slow going. FRUSTRATINGLY slow going, but going none the less. It’s not a growing problem, it’s a GOING problem~ haha! Instead of planning and preparing, I seem to be in a more reflective state of mind. At least it will make for a descent Christmas newsletter to put in with the greeting cards J SO much has happened this past year- births and deaths, sicknesses and recoveries, weddings and divorces- struggles and successes- and everything is still changing - always in motion. It’s hard to believe so much has gone on in just 11 months. Looking farther back its hard to believe so much time has gone by so fast.

High school was yesterday, and 14 years ago. Billy is almost a teen. Clara is new, but seems like she’s been part of the family forever. The more things seem to change, the more they seem familiar- the same.

Ahh, that time again- better get a move on

If I haven't mentioned it before, I feel SO much better than just a few weeks ago! Heck, my kids don't know what to do- Mom's in a good mood I slept pretty much all night- with a 2 month old- what do you expect- a FULL night?! Joshy was quiet this morning The kids were all great during the Saturday Morning Walmart Grand Adventure- our weekly Grocery run. Walmart knows we're coming, and paychecks could be directly deposited directly to them. Did you ever think about how much money people spend on food? Budget amount times 2 ought to about cover it!!! Throw in a near teenage boy (and a 5 year old that eats like one) and we are talking serious bucks! It's crazy~

 

Anyway, we escaped spending under $50.00, a very rare occurance- but it added to my happy mood. Ahhh to smile, and yes even laugh again. Well, a chuckle- or maybe more of a giggle- whatever- you get the jest. A Vanilla Latte,   and a new CD... Laundry was done, and I was cooking, and dancing to the music... boring- but relaxing. The kids all look at me funny, but they do that most of the time anyway!!

 

Funny looks aside, I at least got that damn song out of my head... Barry is the Devil!!! "You're just to good to be true, can't keep my eyes off of you..." Arrrrgh- Were is a good ole commercial jingle when you need one?!

 

So now that breakfast, and lu-nner are finished (Baked Potato Soup) the family is all fed, many have crashed out on the floor snoring peacefully away- including Daddy-O. He stayed up all night working on his poker game and my coffee table. When he's all finished I will post photos of his handy work. He can make the most beautiful things- amazing! Still waiting on new cabinets- but what do you exect for the wife of a custom cabinet maker??? Mrs Superior Asphalt still has a gravel and dirt drive way LOVE YA DADDY!!!

 

Well, the ones who aren't snoring are watching Monster House.. which is a pretty weird movie. They seem to like it, but weird is as weird does...(my momma always said...get it?!) Because I think it's weird, I decided to take advantage of semi mellow time to write here. Ahhhhh Such an exciting life I lead- Walmart, dishes, diapers, naps, and blog writing! Whoo- whoo- Hold me back!  haha!

 

OH yeah, we did our annual "you pick 'em" Christmas drawing. The kids all put their names in a "hat" and draw the name of a sibling whom they are responsible for picking out a gift for. Kinda like secret santa. They had so much fun last year, and it wasn't that they were overly excitied about what they were getting, They wanted stuff- of course- but wanted to watch "their person" open what they picked out. That was awesome, seeing them so excited to be giving. I think I might actually be doing a decent job raising these little monkees! Well, I have rewarding moments  Good kids- all of 'em, I think I just got lucky.

 

I seriously don't know what I would do without out a brood full- busy and hectic, controlled chaos- but how weird would it be otherwise? For every frustration, or grouch or annoyance- there are a hundred "ohhh's" and smiles and hugs. Like I said, busy- but so lucky, blessed, fortunate... you get the idea. I don't know what I ever did to deserve this life- but it had to have been something good. Happy dance... can you see it??

 

I am getting very excited for next weekend too- maybe that is adding to my lovely mood. Next week at this time- DATE CITY! Spokane here we come!! I really need to get away, and this trip will be a nice one. We just reserved the room, have the hockey ticket info, and are SO ready to go. Mom and Lolo are awesome for taking on the monkees overnight. I don't know what I would do without all the help and support from them. Family is great like that. Well, mine is

 

Well, the kids are raiding the Halloween candy- so I should go stop them. Especially if they are after my favorites! Save some for me~

It's coming!! Our 5th trip tp Leavenworth for the Christmas lighting festival  The first year, Steven and I went up we stayed at the Enzian- a truly beautiful hotel, with a golf course and a wonderful loft above the lobby. Poor fella even tried to teach me how to play Chess up there- needless to say, it didn't take  Steven had never been there before, but liked it so much, we keep on going back. For those of you who haven't been there, you don't know what you are missing! The lights and decorations are absolutely amazing. http://www.leavenworth.org/index.html There are so many little specialty shops along the street- http://www.gingerbreadfactory.com/  you can (and we do) spend a full day or more investigating them. During the festival they have a parade complete with a bunch of holiday characters- Santa, Chris Kringle, Father Christmas...Life sized Nutcrackers and reindeer, snowmen and the Grinch! The resturants there are fantabulous- and so are the stands set up on the street. Bratwerst, and roasted chestnuts... yum! There is a timy little park in the middle of town where kids- young and not so young, take their sleds for a ride. A great place to warm up and eat after a long day is the Tumwater Inn resturant- very family friendly. We have a nice little history as a family up there- The first trip, was Steven and my first weekend escape together. The next trip, is when and where he proposed... on bended knee even! http://www.katzenjammersrestaurant.com/ We stayed at the Orbital Inn for this trip, and the next. During that visit, we found out we were expecting our son. The next year was a family affair- Boys trip! Billy, Tommy and Joshua joined us. This year it's the girls turn... I just hope that Leavenworth can handle that many cute blonds at one time!

 

Brrrrr- wow it's cold! I think next year the kids should all go as eskimos. 13 degrees- crazy.

 

Well, we didn't get out and about as much as we usually do- just a run into Big Grandma's and a stop at the hospital before heading homeward. We did go and stop by the neighbors houses- because you have to!  I was kind of surprised that there weren't many lights on this year- we didn't have any goblins show up either. Our kids were the only ones that hit up the neighbors for goodies too.

 

Kinda sad, but who can blame? The weather isn't very helpful either~

 

We still had a blast- and the kids were cute (always!!) and there is still plenty of candy to go around, So it was a good year!  Hope to have the pictures up soon