SO excited- http://treadingwaterinthekiddiepool.blogspot.com/index.html

 

This one is fun, I can vent- show my monkees... but people have a hard time getting here, or leaving a note. NOT ANYMORE BABY!! 

 

I'm just starting out, so bear with me- 

 

:)

Deep Breath-

 

Remember, WE ALL were kids once.

 

We were all COMPLETELY STUPID. At times.

 

We survived.

 

Barely.

 

They will too.

 

 

Spring has Sprung. It was GORGEOUS!! today.

 

Steven broke out the "tractor"... a riding lawn mower, but we live in the country- so it is a tractor.

Bikes were repaired and test ridden, and ridden, and ridden. The baseballs and mits were found, the lawn had it's first mow...

 

crap.

 

Now I have NO excuse not to get the yard cleaned up, now do I??

 

But I DID get to add a few new pictures :)

 

Im messages to my sister don't always get responded to. Here is an example of the completely one-sided conversation.

Amy says: YOUR brother..

Amy says:

is a turd.

Amy says:

I saw him on myspace, and asked why he wasnt working.

Amy says:

"I was at the hospital"

Amy says:

I freak ( a little) and ask what happened.

Amy says:

"call mom, she'll tell you"

Amy says:

So I freak more, and call mom. NO ANSWER, on either phone.

Amy says:

bob wont tell me, mom has disappered...FREAK OUT!!

Amy says:

finally mom calls me back- bob went and had tests (thinks he has colitis like dad) and it was no big deal.

Amy says:

Unless you make your sister freak out and make you think something is really really wrong!!

Amy says:

turd.

 

No one was harmed in the re-creation of this episode. And NO one is in serious or imminent danger.

Honest.

 

this is my life. almost. I'm not Cathloic.

I had the opportunity to spend the day with 7 amazing kids.

 

I took them all to the movies~

And they all came back alive.

 

I thought I was amazing, but then again, it just might be them.

Yup, last night I had a whole house full of sleepers.

 

Snoring is NOT a pleasant, relaxing sound.

 

I had the pleasure of listening to it-

 

 

 

 

Hellloooo out there. I have noticed lately that some new people are reading my little daily notes.

 

How cool is THAT?

 

I kinda like it

 

I have been reading other blogs of MOMs (Moms Of Many... lol) and evidentally some of them are checkin'me out too!  I wish there was a way I could check out WHO they were... (or they  if left a comment or something...hint hint!!) that would be AWESOME.

 

Is my head looking bigger??

 

 

So I decided, I must keep busy, in order to maintain the level of sanity to which I have become accustomed. Not anywhere near NORMAL mind you, but I'll take what I can get.

 

So this morning was the usual. Boring, mundane. Sitting on kids to try and get anything done. SO I thought I'd do something this afternoon. Oh, I did re-arrange the bedroom and living room-but if you ask Steven, I do that all the time. So it qualifies as usual.

 

I know how it sounds. And no. I'm not.

 

To continue...

Then, it was time for speech class. Billy, Ken and Clara stayed at home -JJ, Tommy and I headed off. Dropped T off at class, walked (YES, exercise is good!) to the library, around to 7-11 (I deserved a coffee, right? I agree!!) and back to pick him up. Hit the store for Diet Pepsi, salsa and pickles on the way home.

 

I know how it sounds. And no. I am not.

 

Came home and decided if the kids weren't doing homework, they must be done- and available for chores. WOW they did NOT like that!!  HAHAHA- evil mean momma strikes again!!!

 

So, JJ went to (insert laugh here) take a nap, Tommy had some number writting to work on- and off we went to the girls room to work. If you look at the new photos,  I actually finished up Princess #4.

 

Yea for me!! I mean, I really hope the girls like it

 

So here I am- feeling all domestic and like I did something. That makes me nearly human today. So far.

 

Creating something is always good.

 

Yes, I know how it sounds. And no. Im not.

 

It is only Wednesday, and I already am done with this week. 

 

Started out with a migraine Sunday night. Of course, it started up about the same time that it was quiet and everyone else was already in bed. Pretty nice of my brain pain to spare them~

Steven did get up with the monkees for their "diaper, put back in bed, want a drink" nightly issues.

I would have been royally screwed if I didn't have him to help.

 

Then, I pretty much laid around all day. Then felt bad about feeling bad.

 

Went to bed Monday night, and realized that- after every one else was all tucked in and sleeping- that I couldn't. Great!! First migraines, now insomnia. Wonderful!!

 

Yesterday was Tuesday... and coming off 2 and a half hours of sleep... went relatively disaster free.

Tuesdays are awful though, I am in town for the better part of them... groceries, Movie run, speech class, payday deposits, bills... the usual. Came home, taco night (with no tacos... small rebellion. Easily disappated.)

 

In the middle of the running, I had to be home for a phone conference (K12) and that took an hour. Nothing bad, just that my kids have finished up their end of the year stuff NOW, and have to re-order so they have something to do for the rest of the year. More paperwork- FUN!

 

I didn't loose anyone. Or bounce a check. Or burn dinner. It was an OK day.

 

So today, the kids have all gone brain dead. Heaven forbid I brag on them for a minute before they self destruct. And I destruct right along with them.

 

Clara is now DEMANDING her squishy food- ON HER time frame. Screams if we are "late"...ie don't respond with the food she wants, when she wants it. But then we (me) are supposed to have esp or something and know to have it ready and waiting for the exact moment she makes up her mind. And don't even try and give her peaches when she wants bananas!! Don't get her started!!

 

Joshy has a new annoying habit (to me, but then it's positive its my fault that he has it.... will discuss in detail later in the post) He jabs you in the shoulder and tells you to "look at me!" Loudly. and keeps jabbing until you stop/ drop what ever you are doing and give him all your attention. Everyone else should also stop what they are doing and listen as well. Just for good measure.

 

Tommy, today Tommy has completely forgotten how to draw a circle. Seriously. It was painful.

Then, he is back to his mumbles that are completely not comprehendable. I have to ask him to slow down, say it clearly. Say it louder so I can understand. LOOK AT ME when you are saying it.

 

See, I have been saying that A LOT lately. Even Joshy has picked it up.

 

Billy and Kenny are another story. Billy really really wants to go to Summer Camp, (and I have been busting ass trying to make it happen for him.) He also has to write a pursuasive paper for school. Easy right?? 3 hours later and all he could come up with for reasons or to possibly put into a 4 paragraph paper (no outline, rough draft or anything even)- is "I can learn stuff." 

 

MacKenzie, has NO concept of time. Evidentally. Yesterday afternoon was a wonder of getting absolutely NOTHING (school work, chores, manners.... nothing) done. I asked her this morning what she thought went wrong yesterday and she came up with the answer. This about sums up my week- thus far.

 

You were mean.

 

I am "just" a mom. I used to think I might have half a clue as to what I was doing. I was at least surviving it- I thought. I have completely mis-judged my abilities.

 

I am Mean.  I am Not Fair. I am Stupid, Dumb, Don't Have a Clue.

 

Somewhere I get confused. The same people that act like I have let them down, dosappointed them, can't do anything right for- are the same ones who expect me to remember what their favorites are, to wash their clothes and make their dinners. To change their diapers and pay their bills. To stay up with them when they are sick, and tuck them in when they are not.

 

Honestly, I do have great kids (mostly.) When is is good it's fantastic. Even when it's OK- I am on top of the world with how lucky I am. But when it is hard, it is crushing.

 

 

 

How in the world can a body feel alone, or lonely with ALL THESE PEOPLE running around my house?

 

Oh well, I guess it is possible :)

 

Working on a nice headache, so everything seems louder, and brighter than it really should be. Which probably explains why I am grouchier that I should be!!

 

Come on tylenol!!! I should buy stock-

 

 

Was it long for you too?

 

Started out early... JJ was up at 2... and 2:30, and 3 and 4...

 

but other than THAT       We had a  nice morning visiting and eatting- then date day movie (300... pretty good!!) came home and worked in the yard, visited the neighbors, and watched more movies in t he DVD.

 

Nice day, but it seemed SO long!

 

Now, I am tired. I did nothing to prepare for next week... but I don't care.

 

I'm sure I will later!!

Well, half of the children remembered to wear something green... the other 4 (Steven included here) just started making excuses and LAME-O new rules for their lack of green attire. Do Green Eyes REALLY count... I don't think so either!!

 

So we made a nice trip to Walmart- yippers... but it was a relatively mellow journey. No one threw up, threw a tantrum, or blocked our passage with obnoxious questions. Do people think I have never heard...WOW are they twins?? Are ALL these kids YOURS?? 

 

Nope, I found them on isle 5- on sale!!

 

Anywho... survived, and went to Lowes. Also survived. So did the bank account.

 

A Saint Patricks miracle!!!!

 

Came home and checked out the work Billy has been doing. He should get into demolition. Honestly. He's got a calling!! He's been out there beating away on the remnants of the "pool area turned dog kennel turned beer bottle collection area." FINALLY, the beast is coming down!!

 

So the kids started cleaning up the pasture, and the demo site... Steven jumped on the tractor... and I was the Supervisor (and Clara transportation unit... really she was the boss, she just let me THINK I was in charge for a bit.)

 

I kinda liked the way the day was heading. Very glad that the weather is co-operating!!

 

Kayler (the worker bee this morning) got to go to town with Grandma, and even spend the night. Maybe the OTHER ladies will catch the clue...

 

Probably not.

 

Steven and Billy are off at the movies... Billy's reward for working his tail end off for the past few weeks. It must be Billy day, because of the movie (and the obligatory stop by the Mexican Resturant of course) A couple of his friends stopped by and he is invited to an overnighter. One of his friends (that moved away last year) is even back for the event.

 

Man, I wish I were 12 again. For a minute or two anyway. Well, 7 doesn't seem too bad today either!!

 

 

So what are we supposed to DO for St Patricks day? The kids were wondering who brings the presents.

 

WHAT?!

 

I'm supposed to be shopping for More crap, already? Wasn't Christmas, and Valentines day like last week?! I KNOW Walmart is all decked out in green, there are greeting cards, t-shirts, grocery specials... and the big push for festive beverages... I remember making leprachaun traps... or really watching the kids build them-  and waiting ALL YEAR for McD's to comeout with their shamrock shakes. That and trying to find the trickiest way to wear green (and avoid being pinched).

 

But PRESENTS? And "who brings 'em?!" come on!

 

I guess I could make up some funky lepra-fairy that deposits pots of {choose your assorted CRAP} for some unknown reason- but I REFUSE.

 

Look for clovers, build traps for the little men in green- but PLEASE, can I have a break? Easter is JUST around the corner... it has a built in character, gift containers, and a big ole Easter dinner to boot. I am sure we can last a wee- bit longer before being gifted again, right?

 

Well, around here- you are going to HAVE to make do. Maybe they will take the search for Luck out side.

 

To the pastures.

 

For a really long time.

 

 

 

Well, another restless night- with a lot of weird dreams. Dreamt we had a last minute opportunity for a weekend baby-sitter... so we hopped a flight to some Island in the Caribean. Yea, thats SO gonna happen!! Of course we never actually made it there... just the plans on what we were going to do when we got there. "we can buy bathing suits and tooth brushes there, because we didn't have time to pack. But what if they only have Banana leaves, or Borat Suits there??? They use bugs for toothpaste or something else funky...

 

Honestly, that is the dorky kinds of thing that runs through my brains. I must plan, over plan, make contingency plans- and have a spare tooth brush- just for those type of situations. I AM A LOSER. Maybe it's just the mom in me... pack 16 diapers- in case 15 wouldn't be enough for a trip to the store and back... spare clothes-2 sets, teething tablets, spare shirt for me, tylenol & thermometer... (just in case) A book, you know for when I am stuck waiting (for ???) and the kids are all well behaved enough that I don't have to provide continual entertainment and distraction- and can actually READ something longer than and ingredients label, or newspaper headline. snacks, bottled water, cell phone, phone book, pencil, back up pencil, paper to write down notes... so I don't lose my mind...train of thought... or the number of kids I left with (and need to come home with!!)

 

Im not kidding. have you SEEN the diaper bag? Or me with out it VERY close. It's my own personal safety blanket... My purse (and all its numerous contents) also reside there. Like American Express... Don't leave home with out it!

 

Anyway, back to my psych dream...On the flight I met up with strange people (like ones I went to High School with, but havent seen in 15years... man I feel old!) One lady, was heading to the same Island even. Then we had a lay over in some airport- (and evidentally couldn't leave it) where they had food venders all along this huge hallway, but NOBODY spoke english. Or accepted American $$, or Visa.  That and we had NO idea what the heck it was that they were selling. We were supposed to barter or something. Weird. And we were there for a really reallllly long time. So we had to get all creative...buttons for fried ???.  Doesn't anyone have a chocolate bar??? Anyone??? Where IS that diaper bag when you need it. I was sure to have stale cheerios or something!!

 

But then again, My dreams are always strange like that. No wonder I am obsessive and conpelled to be such a huge pack rat. What if.... well, thats what you get for having Zero sleep and a wacked out imagination. I know I dreamt a few weird-o scenerios, but that is the only one I remember.

 

Did I mention I think that I am the biggest dork in the general area?

 

But a vacation DOES sound like a nice idea...as long as I can pack, and plan, and bring a snack for the trip...

What do youmean it's ONLY Wednesday? Are you kidding me??

 

I didn't sleep well, go figure- 13 years with out a good nights sleep SHOULD be used to it by now!!

 

Well, I was busy all day, again, but still I feel like I got nothing done. Wow, should be used to that too!

 

I did have a phone conference with the K12 (homeschool teacher lady) and the 3 home schoolers are awesome.  Can you see the big ole grin?? She explained their levels, and I was very happy to learn that Kenny is almost a FULL grade year ahead of where she should be (ready to start 6th grade math!!) That K12's grades are alomst a full grade ahead of Public schools... So if they are in 4th grade (K12) that is roughly the same as 5th grade "out there."

 

SO Tommy is on 1st/2nd  level Math and Science, still struggling with the phonics though. But he's working on it.

 

MacKenzie is just finishing 5th level math, and ready to start 5th level in everything else. She went through 2 full math levels this year. Awesome!

 

Billy is finishing up his Pre-Algebra, also his second full math level. Did I mention AWESOME?? He is just finishing up his 5th level in all the rest of his subjects.

 

This homeschooling stuff seems to be working- there is NO WAY they would be as far into math there. How boring, to get it already, and still have to sit through it?! What a waste of time.

 

OK, I'm better. Kids are doing well, all of them. And I couldn't be prouder of the work they have done.

AND the fact that I have survived almost a year of this... pretty proud of me too!!

 

Billy

The Twinnies are AWESOME. I have the report cards to prove it!!!

 

Their teacher just goes on and on about them... can you see my smile? I mean, Really, you can never hear that enough- can you??

 

In other related (well, ALL my kids are awesome!!) news, we went out and started to Spring Clean the yard and pastures. The PPL guy drives by and was amazed at my work crew. He asked me how many kids it takes to clean a pasture-   As Many As You Can Get!!!  Amen to THAT!!

 

So aside from Mr Fun (matching socks) and yard work (Billy is getting into the pool destruction a little TOO much) not much exciting happened around here. Oh Yea, except Steven tried to commit unintentional Harry-Cary at work today.

 

He calls, and says he had a piece of wood "get him"... but it's no big deal. Ok, I figure he knows what a big deal is. I THOUGHT! He has a little hole in his shirt. AND a little hole in his jeans. AND A huge babseball sized red and gooey THING right on his hip bone. The black and blue portion to follow. (I'll have to get pictures!)Thank goodness it hit clothing first- because if he didn't have that to take some of the brunt who knows what it would have looked like. (He still swears he's fine. "Quit bugging me about it!")

 

Eeeeewe.

 

Ooouuch.

 

Hazard Pay???

Well, tomorrow we get to find out just how ornery the twins are, AND see if their teacher had a clue as to what she was in for when she signed up to have both the little stinkers in the same class. Their teacher is awesome, and a very good sport to boot. You'd have to be to take then both on. Everyday. Honestly.

 

Nah, they will do great- little smarties squared. As long as they aren't smacking each other in class, I think it will be a pretty good conference. As long as I don't have to hear about which boys they are chasing. Again.

 

GIRLS!!!!

 

In other breaking news, I have hatched a scheme- and a relatively good one I think. It's for this summer. And It looks like it might actually be workable. Planning Guru that I am, I might actually figure a way to make it work. (insert evil genius laugh here)

 

Just don't be surprised if you get called on to buy some candy bars. I'm just saying... You have been warned!!

 

We are also trying (again) to see if the bigguns (Billy and Ken) have realized how to manage their time. On their own. I am SO beyond tired of harping at them all week to do their homework- now they have their lists. I am here to help- IF THEY ASK. They know what needs to be completed and when it needs to be done by. AND the quality of work I expect... If I can't read it- it don't count.

 

They seem to like tv and computer a lot more than they dislike homework. hummm  imagine that!!

 

Well, pretty excited about "my plan" and that people keep finding me (and vise versa) on myspace. (the other one!!) Kinda cool to keep in touch with people I haven't seen/ heard from in years. Makes the "good ole days" seem not quite so far back :)

 

Well, the monkees are in bed- and quiet- So I should take the hint. Before someone wakes up!

 

 

Today was nice. The time change was weird, but when isn't it?

 

Went for the Sunday Breakfast at Mom and Pops... MacKenzie and Tommy were the official assistants. Until they were fired- just so they would get out of the kitchen, sit down, and eat. Dad is SUCH the griddle master. I still feel like I ate too much. In a good way 

 

Fought with Dad's damn puzzle- I think Steven and I pulled more out than we put in... But they didn't LOOK right! REALLY!! I don't even care what the clues are, or what mystery it is supposed to solve... I just wanted to make the damn pieces to fit!

 

Stopped at the Grocery, made a 6 minute kid free dash- they waited in the van with Steven. I was asked 3 times "Wow, how did you manage to get away from all the kids?!" Like they are physically attached or something... well, they aren't attached ALL the time.

 

Came home, to a trashed house- Yes, I AM the worlds worst homemaker. I should print up t-shirts.

So, in my self disgusted state of mind, I began to threaten and swear. 4 hours (and 3 garbabge bags full of garbage- 3 more full of crap, I mean lovely donations for Goodwill) I had a 1/2 clean kitchen, a gutted Girls room, and a closet cleaned out of it's winter piles. 

 

Dinner was my FAVORITE- grab whatever isn't moving (or fuzzy) in the fridge- first come, first choice. SO many bonuses with this one. Fridge gets cleaned out, kids get to "choose your own adventure..in dining"- you know- spark the kids' creativity- they can come up with remarkable combinations. AND I don't have to think about, prepare, serve, or worry about dinner. At. All.   Ahhhhhh- Christmas comes early!

 

But now that I have a moment or two to sit, and vegitate... I am swamped with the realization that Next Week starts as soon as I wake up- and I have a bunch to do. Mom got me thinking about working on a few credits (but then I have to figure out what to do with the shorties for about an hour and a half 5 days a week, and how to pay for it, and all the rest of the crap it takes to get back into the swing of things.)

 

I still have a list of stuff I need to check out online, MANY more rooms to gut, still have a pile of things to dig through from Expo, WAY too many things I want to do. Brain. Hurts. Must. Have. Caffine. Now.

 

O well- such is the life I lead. Best get started on my lists- so I am not too swamped next week~

 

 

Being the looooosers we are, Steven and I finally broke down and had a date nite. IN.

 

The kids were fed, washed, adn sent to bed early-

We got to stay up, watch a movie... in peace, with no distractions or diaper changes- and had a loverly take out dinner IN.

 

Quiet alone time in a house full of monkees- who would have thunk it?