I hope you all have had a good year- ours was full of ups and downs, Clara being the high point by far! Very blessed in the baby department. (knock on wood there!!)

 

Hope you all had a good one, full of great memories... and an even better year coming up. A new year, a new start... new resolutions... good luck to us all!

 

 

Well, the last Saturday of the year is about over. And all I have to show for it is this lousy t-shirt. Well, not a t-shirt... but just about as mind blowingly exciting

 

Made a quick early morning run to Wally world for groceries... Steven is off until Tuesday. Wow it was nice to get off the homestead for a little while. Even if it was just to restock the supplies, and brave the after Christmas Walmart shoppers. Eeeewwwe. We survived- AND made the trip with no major vehicular issues...

 

Pop, the life saver that he is, has my van running again. He said Billy should be a mechanic (so he won't have to!!) but I think Billy kinda likes the idea. With all the testosterone around here- fixing things seems to come pretty naturally for him. Good for him... great for me!! I am the Van Killer after all~

 

All I need now is to get to the muffler shop (I seem to have blown the hell out of the old one... I should take pictures. Destruction on this level should be documented!! Man, it sucks to be without transportation. Kinda waiting on everyone, feeling like such a bother... it makes things complicated for everyone. Very glad to be near mobile again.

 

Mom came and kidnapped me... a short trip to town to drop off some photos for Big Grandma. When we got there, she was outside. Mom thought she was waiting to be piced up... but she had just been dropped off- and was locked out of the house. Sherwood women to the rescue!! Glad to know Grandma is pretty secure... with window locks! We managed to make it in, with no structural damage what so ever!! And we didn't have to call in for male back up! yee haw hahaha

 

Billy was having a rough couple of days, I think he was feeling a little left out, I am SO glad he got some good male bonding in. Having family around, knowing you can count on them, that they will always be there- NO MATTER WHAT- is very important... I hope that is at least one good thing I can get to sink into that mind.

 

Good kid by the way, very proud of the help he gave me this week. The monkee has a big heart-

 

Well, tomorrow is the last day of the year- and we plan on spending it together... in the traditional Holmes (Sherwood) fashion. Board games, movies, and lots of munchies all day long. Not many (if any) of us will ring in the new year- awake, but it should be fun. It works for Us!!

 

 

Has it been 3 months already?

 

Pa and Billy are out working on the POS van. It is really draining to keep having things breakdown, especially since I am not able to get back to work with home schooling the kids. Hell it would be hard even if the older ones were still in publice school. 2 kids full time, and 1 kid part time- the day care costs would be more than I could make "out there." Maybe I can go back to nursing part time, or in the evenings. Something. Than maybe things wouldn't be so tight, and the thought of a new-er van without troubles- is pretty enticing.

 

SO frustrating. This weeks been hell- migraine, stress, pain in the neck.. literally! Oh well, I guess this is life. I should just try and make the best of it all~

Yesterday was... interesting! The van died again... I thought it was just the battery connection (like last time) and waited for Pa to come give us a jolt- and that would be the end of it. HAHAHA on me!!

 

So the battery wouldn't charge, but we got it started...in the Walmart lot... 3 times. Limped out to YAkima Ave where it started puttering again. Dad (miracle worker that he is) got it started running again... and off to the highway we went. Back firing, sputtering... spitting fire (I've been told!!) LOVERLY!

 

Poor Pa (whose patience I am in awe of) had to bumper car me across a bridge, to keep from blocking way more traffic than I already was. So finally, after a few more jumps... dad got the beast back home.

 

Just another day in the life!

 

Bobby came by, and is comming tonight with a tester... but the general thought is that the battery needs to be replaced, the cables to the battery need to be replaced, and there is probably a problem with the alternator (sp). That and the oil is low. FUN!!  All this and the fact that I don't have a clue about vehicles- other than I can kill 'em- can add to the bundles of stress... in my stress free existance!

 

Well, being able to stay home- away from people... crowds... life in general- is usally a much sought after occurance. Being FORCED by circumstance to stay at home, that is a whole different story! Stranded is never a good feeling... but I would much rather be stranded here at home, than on a walmart lot- or on the highway ANYDAY!

 

 

Like usual, nothing is ever usual! Or normal. Or the expected.

 

I should be used to that- right?

 

Anyway- the snow is melting, the kids are loud...and there is a lot of stuff I still need to do to get the house back in order. Christmas is exhausting!

 

Well, we started our Next Year list...wow. The yard, the house, the kids. Wishes and Wants list- busy busy people- Big plans. Steven wasnts to tear down the old horse area, and grade the area... like we need a big yard or something! The pool need to go too- replace it? Big ole play toy there? Something. The arborvida (sp) in the back is dying and has to go... and the crooked old tree too. The hot tub needs work, we need a shop, and more bedrooms... renovate the garage? New kitchen cabinets? Central heat- that works!!! The pump, the pasture... fix the kids' bikes, re-organize the house and clear out the clutter. hahahaha.... Like THAT will happen, but "it's good in theory!!"

 

It's kinda nice to be able to sort out and plan for the new year, a lot better than just sitting around waiting for things to happen. Better to MAKE them happen. At least that way you can almost feel like you have some say, some sort of control of something. Just a little is better than none at all- right? Right.

 

 

 

 

Well, the weather outside is frightful~but the fire insides delightful...and since I picked up my Christmas present- I'm not movin'!!

 

Steven got me a snazzy new camera to replace the one that died. I will never know HOW he knew that was what I really really really really REALLY wanted for Christmas. Could it possibly be the incessant whining and complaining? The circled and pointed out holiday ads? hummm I guess I will never no for sure!

 

Hubby is off playing with his toys (band saw and drill press) I am expecting many lovely returns on that gift... he's still sporting the perma-grin, talking about all the stuff he can do now. "I just wish i had more space..." well, I guess his hints are almost as subtle as mine are-haha.

 

The kids have still managed to keep all of their toys (unbroken even) and none of their clothes have been destroyed (yet... knock on wood) I think this could be a record! Yes, I do realize it has been less than 48 hours- still the record...

 

I think I ate enough in the past few days... enough I could probably hibernate and do just fine. Still have boxes and boxes of cookies, fudge, cupcakes, pies... not to mention turkey, and potatoes, and..and..and..

Ohhh I ate/ am eatting WAY too much.    but it is YUMMY!!

 

Well, Gotta get moving on the thank you cards- thanks to everyone for putting up with my holiday moaning, I do appreciate the support. Hope that next year will be a little easier- only a few more days 'till we find out!

 

 

 

 

 Santa stopped by again last night! EvidentallyGrandpa's wing shot of poor old Rudolph didn't keep the fat man away. The kids all got their much awaited socks and undies...as required by tradition, Billy made BEAUTIFUL hand beaded jewlery for all the ladies in his life, and many toys and electronic music and DVD gifts were had by all.

 

 

 

 

 

thats about all the Spanish I know- One More.

 

Over the river and through the gap, to Grandma's house we go... Then over to mom's... It'll be a long day, I'm sure. Especially when Santa hit's our house at precisely 12:01am Christmas morning. Sheesh ka bob- it's like there are a bunch of excitable kids around here or something!! LOVE the 12:01 wake up call- nice little US tradition-4 years and counting!!

 

 

One of the most terrible days to be out last minute shopping. Pretty nice day to be home, next to the fire, LOOKING at the snow fall from last night. Lucky me, guess which I get to do!!

 

Just got done with breakfast- I'm guessing that's about all I will feel like doing today  The kids have whittled down the Christmas goodies though, so I might be obligated to restock before heading to Mom's and Big Grandma's tomorrow. Still can't wait for the whole thing to be over, but I am looking forward to seeing my cousins and everyone.

 

REALLY looking forward to boxing up all this stuff and sticking it all back out into the shed!! Come on Tuesday!!

 

Hey I got to go hang out shopping with mom and dad... pretty cool. I don't remember going out with just them and me- in like ages and ages. A trip around Costco, and teriyaki chicken. VERY very good place pop! Thanks for the evening-

brrr, cold and grey. Fitting for a holiday blahhhhhhhhh

 

At least it is Friday. Steven may come home early, I have the fire blazing. I'll throw something into the slow cooker and hang out in my PJ's all day. Hey, maybe the grey weather ISN'T such a bummer after all

 

 

then again, maybe not. 

 

 

Billy says it is Christmas Eve Eve Eve Eve. Big Dork!! dorky- but cute

 

I got to play Santa's Helper today, and it really made me feel good. Like I got a chance to do something for someone- and it mattered. Even if it was just a little bit. I know I don't say thank you enough, or I love you as much as I should... Another resolution to add to my list. If I keep this up, I will be faced with realizing how much of a loser I really am! - First step is to admit there is a problem, right?!

 

Well, maybe if I acknowledge the people around me more... I might feel more important too. It really did feel good to do something- something a little different. Not for me, not what I usually do- and being that it was for others... maybe that's the key.

 

Mom and I were talking the other day about how Christmas isn't really Christmas anymore. It's all about spending, and money and stuff. People are awful to each other- rude and inconsiderate. Even more than normal- Peace on Earth, Good will towards men- haha. Not even close!

 

When did it all change? Why did it change? Is it just because we grew up? That really sucks. Under-roo's people. Hanging out with cousins, holding our tounges... saying stupid stuff, because if you said it that way it almost sounded like you were getting away with saying something bad... but not getting in trouble for it. Sitting around the table (breaking chairs) playing spoons- grab bag gifts... family uglies... just spending time with PEOPLE, why isn't that enough for people anymore? It works for me.

 

It's stupid, I know. and isn't about to happen. We are all too wrapped up in stuff. Bigger, better, newer, more- stuff. Why doesn't anyone think we deserve better than just more stuff? What happened to the morals, the values, the traditions? Better to give, rather than to receive...right?

 

So much for a vent. Bah hum bug.

 

I really liked being able to give a little today, I hope I can pass that on to my kids. We'll have to see~

 

and the countdown continues! I have completed all my required mom duties and plan to sit on my not so tiny hiney until it's all over. The wrapping and the obligatory Betty Crockering is complete, the shopping is done- well, the money is gone so that stops the shopping, right?

 

Do you all remember how much fun we had during Christmas break growing up... we'd count the days, and have such big plans for snow forts, hot cocoa, Santa, NO SCHOOL....AND how our mom's countdown started when we got out of class until we went back. I think they were more excited than we were! Any who... what about the homeschool people? What do I have to count down to??? Huh?!?! Mine are staying right here- except the twinners of course- but still you get my point

 

I am pretty impressed with how the kids are doing here though- but can really see how the school as a day care thing would seem like a very loverly idea. Do moms get a recess?? That would be cool.. huh huhh  huh..Cool.

 

Well, I only have a minute between chasing kids, changing kids, laundry, and checking homework so I should jet. Gotta get started on dinner too~

 

If I haven't said it before- Merry Christmas, may yours be less chaotic and stress filled than mine...ho ho ho-

Getting closer- not nearly fast enough though.

 

I actually have 2 Christmas cards this year. I really shouldn't complain, I didn't send out any. I rely WAY too much on the internet- Does anyone really use snail mail anymore? It's kinda sad, who doesn't like to get letters in the mail? Maybe that could be my resolution. Written (hand written) is much more personal- than email font any day. I know it would probably be good for the kids to write letters as well, and it might actually help their hand writting too. We can't ALL be Dr.s now can we?? Email is faster, and less expensive by far... but just because it's easier doesn't make it better. Homemade cookies beat the pants off of store packaged ones

 

That sounds like a prett good idea-

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WALMART SUCKS... WALMART SUCKS... WALMART REALLY SUCKS~

 

Someone should write a song about that. Man, awful !!!

 

Well, one week left- burnt out, shopped out and glad to be finished! Yippers for me! I mailed off all my packages today, Steven made a wooden box for his friends' baby gift... very cool. Even though it was "freskin' freezing out in the 'shop'" he still managed to survive! I wish he had a better set up... one with a little heat  but it's not in the cards. Yet. Someday- he needs one. He deserves one for all his stuff- someplace (like pa's garage!!) where he can go hide out, work, tinker, bs... whatever. With all these monkees -as well as a clingy wife- I'm sure he could use a space of his own. Me... all I want is a big tub of hot bubbly water- and some ear plugs.

 

The kids have all their shopping and wrapping done- and we are slowly (painfully slowly for the monkees) going through the sugar cookie people. And the fudge. And the caramel corn. I had to hit Walmart- ARGHHHHH- up to restock the supply. That place is hell- except for the time I went in at 4:30 in the morning, because the baby was up anyway. The employees looked like zombies... but when don't they? But the one checker...like usual...actually could keep up with the customer level. Other than the noraml chaos on the shelves and the lack of pricing on ANYTHING.... the trip then was actually almost tollerable. Almost. But then again you could actually find a parking spot...so the trip was pretty near pleasant.

 

Anywho- The kids are getting excited, and so am I. Even though the reasons are different, at least it will be over soon!!! 

 

Then the after Christmas Sales begin....

 

 

 

It is Sunday... and thats what I do! Grandpa breakfasts Rock! MacKenzie is becoming quite the liitle breakfast chef- right there in the middle of things, cooking right next to Grandpa. She sure has been practicing here- I think the boys are starting to get a little tired of her asking if they want eggs all the time. Tommy really REALLY wants to be in there helping too- he tries

 

Daddy-O and Kenny are out on their date... I think she choose Happy Feet to see. Eragon was yesterday- and the boys seemed to have liked it. Billy wants to go read the series now. Backwards, but if it gets him to want to read even more...Awesome!!!

Getting closer-

 

And still dreading Christmas. WHY is it such a big deal for me NOT to be making a big deal about Christmas? So I am not loving the sight of candy canes, the smell of pine, or the sound of Christmas carols- being played over and over and over. Big deal- whatever. It just buggs the hell out of me that I should be happy, excited- what ever... even if it is just for the kids. Just can't seem to get there.

 

9 days- and I wish I could just wake up when it was all over and get on with what ever else it is that I do around here. Not that what I do around here is any better or more exciting... it's just not loaded with the guilt of not feeling the way I am supposed to be feeling. I'm sure things will get better- one day I might actually not cringe at the thought of "Happy Holidays"...but it ain't gonna be this one.

 

Just had a thought- here is a scary one. What if this Holiday seasons blahs- are as good as it is going ot get? I mean, everyone says this is the happiest time of the year- lights, decorations, presents.... good will towards men- all that crud.... if that is true, how is the boring, usual, typical everyday going to make a difference on me and this mood I am stuck in?

 

Just a thought.

 

Speaking of ruts- just hanging out here at home again. Steve had to work this morning, and has kid dates today and tomorrow. I could bake more cookies or something, but (suprise) not really in the mood to, and there is a lot of sugar in them, which isn't the greatest for any of us anyway...and  and  and  ....

 

well, I guess I had better get back to it- what ever IT may be.

Thank God for Diet Pepsi~and Extra Strength Tylenol.

Today was supposed to be the start of our weekend in Leavenworth- and I am bummed that we aren't going up. Turns out that this is a pretty busy weekend for everyone anyway, so I guess it is better this way. Still sucks, but it'll be ok.

 

Anywho- I loaded up the the monkees and headed to town. It's not easy to go Christmas shopping with the turkeys, but fortunately the ones I had to go shopping for were still in school or at work  so I think I am about done- with EVERYTHING. Most of the wrapping even! Just a couple of little things, and mail to the post office... then sit back and relax- as much as humanly possible for a mom with a herd of kiddos.

 

 

 

 

We got our first package today- Sevens mom makes the best cookies on the planet... and sent us some. We might even share with the kids... or not! They go very fast

 

Shopping was nice last night, mom sat apon the monkees so we could get sometime to do it together. Which is very good, because I was having serious doubts that I could do it all alone. So last night was very nice. He is such a kid at heart, it is cool to see someone so excited run around doing all this stuff!

 

We managed to knock out most of the shopping... just a few things more. Thank goodness for the internet! I still have a few more days I can shop and ship!

 

It is just getting so hard to find things- that are more than just "stuff" the girls are just about out of the doll range, and not quite ready for the make-up one. None of the kids have really had a "ONE" present this year... something they really really want- that they ask for above all else. That makes it hard. Not really having much space for them selves makes things a challenge too. Where do they put it? How do you keep shorties away from it?  Such is life-

 

It's all about stuff!