The kids put on a show for me on Mother's Day. It was cute. Here are some pictures to share.
Yesterday we stayed home all day (besides taking a walk) and can you believe I spent an hour or less on the computer all day!?!? It was SO nice! I was determined to finish Pride & Prejudice and I finally did! I also played Wii with the kids and just relaxed. Friday night I cleaned the downstairs and changed around the living room so yesterday morning I cleaned upstairs.
Here it is Sunday morning. This morning I'm just going to a church down the road (the one I went to two weeks ago). I can't believe gas prices went up (I thought Obama was going to fix all that) and I don't have enough gas to make it to our other church and I want to wait until payday or prices drop to fill up. We were up really early and so I thought we'd hit the 9 am service. I check online to make sure it started at 9 and come to find out today they only have one service- at 10:45 (I think because its Mother's Day). So, we're all ready to go.
Friday I got a big bouquet of flowers from Zach. It was really sweet. Of course that would be the day I was online transferring money and saw something about a flower shop so it wasn't much of a surprise. I always ruin surprises, without even trying! We have no big plans today. After church we're going to grocery shop a bit and then just come home. I"m hoping to maybe get a nap in, or at least just relax. I'm already tired and it's only 9 am!
I am about to kill our dog. Yesterday she PEED on me!!! I picked her up and she just started to pee! Then after getting ready for church this morning we came downstairs and the kids were saying it smelled like poop. The dog POOPED on the couch! WHAT is her problem???? That is SO gross! Thankfully she's a small dog so produces small poops but still, it is gross. Now she's locked up for the rest of the morning! I am NOT dealing with that! A funny thing about her is she barked at the flowers I got. Yesterday on our walk she barked at a huge rock at the end of a driveway.
Yesterday must have been party central on our street. It seemed everybody had something going on. The people across from me began a barbecue before noon- people were still there at 11:30 when I went to bed! Thankfully they weren't too loud for the most part! And good thing I didn't have to go anywhere yesterday, I"m not sure I would have made it out of my driveway the way they parked!
I hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day.
What a LONG day. It is 11 pm and Sweet Pea is STILL up! I wondered if that would happen after she slept during the whole movie. I need to plan tomorrow's route for garage sales and I can't when she's awake. She just can't get comfy to go to sleep. Stinker. Then we have these new neighbors and they're weird. Well, I don't know them so I honestly don't know if they're weird but we came home after 9 from the movie and I hear this noise. At first I thought it was a lawn mower. But it was these people doing something or another with their lawn and some sort of machine- it finally just now turned off. It's DARK outside people! Turn that noisy thing off!!!
Anyway, we had a very busy, but good, day. We went to eat lunch at Olive Garden. The kids were pretty good- they sure ate good! We dropped Daisy off at Petsmart before that to get groomed. Boy does she look CUTE ! She has hardly any fur but she sure looks cute. They had these little pink and white bows in her fur by her ears- too cute!
I had a chiropractor appointment and waited for the notary to get here. I thought we'd make the 4:50 movie but that just didn't happen. So we got the house straightened and ate dinner instead. Oh and played some Mario Kart. Boy is that game ever FUN!
Oh speaking of the notary...Zach was signing papers on his end and noticed that they had our payment way higher than what they told us (I didn't have those particular papers because I only have to sign on the title). So he didn't sign them and called and asked the lady about them. SO we may not go through with this after all. We're not refinancing to pay out more money! Darn morons. And he told them before that their figures were wrong. So we shall see what tomorrow brings.
Oh yeah and while we were just about to eat cake today the doorbell rang. It was a neighbor from down the street. She's got 2 small kids, 2 and 8 months. I was like "Wow, perfect time, come on in and have some cake!" It was nice that she stopped by, the first time she has. So we visited for a bit and the kids played.
Oh and I thought the movie was pretty good. I was really dreading seeing a 'guy' movie but it wasn't bad at all. The kids liked it, well besides probably Chatterbox who actually cried that she had to come and see it! She tested her limits with me all day (so did Booty Shaker but not as bad).
Ok I think this munchkin is finally falling back to sleep so I better finish up what I gotta do so I can get some sleep. Part of me doesn't even want to hit the sales as I just want to finish up school. We shall see what the morning brings. Maybe we'll all sleep real late since being up later tonight. Oh yeah and I hear the stupid neighbors machine...grrrrr.
Today is a special day- Junior Squirrel's birthday. I cannot believe that my boy is 7. Seriously I must be getting old! Last night as I was wrapping his gifts I thought I'd make him a scroll. On his sister's birthday I made up a 'scavenger hunt' for her. So I wrote on his scroll how he had to have a good birthday, how he's a big boy and how much we love him. He loved it! Oh, the other day Booty Shaker was digging in the gifts in the bench. He surprisingly never said anything about the gifts...until this morning. I'd piled all the gifts on the table and chair in JS's spot. BS comes down and tells his brother to open the Bionicle and asking which one he wants to open, the red one or other one. I was still in bed and had to yell for BS to come up so I could have a talk with him!
I let JS open 3 gifts- his pants from Nanny, one of the said Bionicles and Mario Kart. They recently played Mario Kart at a friend's house. JS was SOOOO excited to get this game! He was just thrilled- I wish I had it on video. So after breakfast Mario Kart came out of the box. We only have the one wheel and JS is using it but its still fun (I played the first game with him). Maybe I'll play again once everybody has a turn, although boy my thumb got sore fast! How did I play Nintendo for hours and hours as a kid??? I'm surprised I have feeling in my thumb!
Anyway, this is supposed to be a Happy Birthday post. JS I hope you have the most blessed birthday ever. We are so blessed to have you as our son. I look forward to spending the day with you and making it as special as ever. Have a wonderful birthday JS!!!!
Today I took my girls to see Little House on the Prairie (the play). It was really good. We were right smack in the front (on the side). It wasn't a very big theater at all and it was really perfect. I still can't get over that I had to pay $7 for Sweet Pea to sit on my lap (as if she watched it, she mostly slept). Oh well. I'm glad I got to do that and both Chatterbox and I enjoyed it. I love having the opportunity to do things like that with my children.
This afternoon we ran around getting wrapping paper, cake and all the goodies for Junior Squirrel's birthday tomorrow. I can't believe he's going to be 7. Where has the time gone?? I'm not sure what our day all entails. He wants Olive Garden so we'll do that for lunch since it'll be cheaper. I thought maybe there'd be garage sales (oftentimes they're also on Thursdays here) but they're not until 3-4 and at 2 I have the chiropractor and I have to be home at 4 to sign some papers for our refinancing. Sooo....who knows about the sales. I'd love to go Friday but I really need to try to get more schooling done (we won't do it tomorrow since its a birthday). JS also wants to go see the Wolverine movie so I guess we'll do that. It is so not my thing but since his daddy isn't here to take him I guess it falls on my shoulders.
I have exactly 100 pages left in Pride & Prejudice. It is taking forever to read and I seldom have time to pick up a book lately. I hope I finish it soon as I have a couple of library books I'd like to get into (the latest Jodi Picoult one is one of them). So, I'm off to fall asleep, er read all about Pemberley...
Oh, one more thing. The 13 year old neighbor boy was mowing the lawn earlier. Booty Shaker was running around the house in his underwear for some reason. He sees Lane outside and isn't shy at all about being just about naked. Next thing I know he turns around and moons the kid!!! It was hilarious, but I did have to have a talking with him:)
It is rather maddening but I keep thinking it's been over 3 weeks that Zach's been gone but its only been like 2 1/2. Bummer. Seriously this stinks big time. I can't imagine 3-4 more weeks. And then another 4-5 coming up at the end of June.
My aunt left this morning. We said good-bye last night. Yesterday we went and did some shopping. I had some Kohl's cash and like $10 on a card and got myself two shirts, paying only .81 cents! I love that! Aunty Cindy bought the kids some toys. We hit another kids eat free restaurant (we had breakfast at Ihop). We just chilled out at home the rest of the day. The kids were so quiet with their new toys. I think the kids did like one school subject each (A. Cindy gave Chatterbox her spelling test). I made dinner and Cindy & I bowled....I lost. It was so nice that they came out here to visit us on their way 'home'. I really appreciate that they do that- and I know the kids love it too! So, thanks for stopping by guys!
Today we did a lot of school. Had some company to break up the day and I had the kids playing outside for awhile but then we plugged away at more school. CB finished her English today. I may as well say she's a 4th grader (wow, that seems so weird) but she does have spelling and science to finish up. I managed to get 3 lessons in English w/JS and 2 math pages, in addition to his other school work.
Tomorrow I am taking Chatterbox to see the play 'Little House on the Prairie'. I signed up back in like Sept. I didn't think I'd have to take the baby but she's so afraid of the sitter so I had to buy a ticket for Sweet Pea to come! Isn't that stupid!?!? Something about the fire code! It's 'only' $7 but still. It's not like she's going to be 'watching' the play or 'claiming' a seat. I'm rather irked but I really did want to do this with CB.
I can't believe Mother's Day is this coming weekend. I haven't even thought about it since Junior Squirrel's birthday is on Thursday. Hopefully I can get some cards in the mail... Hmm...hopefully I get a card since Daddy's not here;) He tends to forget about me when he's away! He sends the kids postcards and letters and buys them treasures but I get jipped! I've been wanting an Ipod lately for some reason (hint, hint).
We got an estimate on a privacy fence today. I really can't stand not having privacy in my yard. I also can't stand that my kids can run amok and not stay in one place! They know to stay in the back but sometimes they venture to the side or front. So, hopefully we can swing it. We're in the process of refinancing so won't have a couple of payments so I hope it works out.
I rented Hotel for Dogs for the kids. I saw most of it and it was real cute. I also watched American Idol. I didn't care for Danny's performance tonight but I am still rooting for him.
A friend had a link to this on facebook. Very good indeed. It is amazing to me how much the media can take a story in their own hands and cause a stirring or panic. With anything. Look at the Caylee Anthony Case. Or any other nationally known case of a child missing. How many missing children are there really? Yet the media only portrays a few and we get wrapped up in them. They have their story, they suck in their viewers/readers and all is good. It's amazing how this also happened with swine flu. And did some lady really say something about hurting a pig's feelings for calling it that? Well, boo hoo lady. I will call it what it is- swine flu, pig flu, hog flu. And maybe one day I'll even get thrown in jail for using this, my freedom of speech. So be it. This government is taking away our rights like never before! Oh and one more thing, I never thought about abortion in light of Huckabee's article but it sure does make sense.
I am so tired and have been for the past two days. Yet here I am up late again. We've been having a good time with Aunty Cindy. We played some Guitar Hero (I'm not very good and my eyes were going bonkers on me) on the PS2 last night. We went to lunch, took a walk, roasted hot dogs and marshmallows at the campground. Daisy is deathly afraid of her dog! She was trying to hide as much as possible! She sure loved the love she got from Cindy & Gene! She soaked it right up! The kids were trying to come up with a game to play at the campground and Booty Shaker said, "What about Duck, Duck, Duck?" instead of "Duck, Duck, Goose". It was SO funny! He kept calling it that! Then they were climbing this little tree and I didn't want them climbing it anymore. Sweet Pea was on my lap. I would yell, "JS get down now" and SP would 'yell' something. Then I'd yell or say something else and a second later so would SP. She did that quite a few times! I can just see her yelling at the kids when I do when she gets a bit bigger! It was so funny! Ok well I'm sure there was more I wanted to say but it's late and I'm off...
I hope this works....
It took forever for this video...I did it mostly for Zach but wanted to share! Enjoy!
Yesterday was such a busy (but good) day. When I woke up I wasn't sure we were going to make garage sales as it was raining. But I got us up and ready for the day, did a few little things in school (mostly just spelling tests) and out we headed. Boy were there the sales! I didn't even hit them all because I have no idea where they all are (I never did get around to 'planning' and mapping it out). But we did manage to get quite a few things. I found some shirts for myself and a pair of shorts. Oh and another purse. The one I bought a few weeks ago is kind of deep and I lose everything in the bottom of it. It will be good when I no longer need a diaper bag and I can just throw a diaper/wipes in it. I found a few clothing items for Chatterbox and the boys but didn't get anything for the baby this time (that I can recall offhand). I went to one sale and they had all this name brand baby clothes but they wanted like $4 for some and $6 for others! I don't think so!!!!!
After our running around I decided to go up to Ames to pick my bin up from the consignment shop and get my money (I had about $40). I found a few things up there too, mostly things for CB and a pair of pj's for Sweet Pea. I still walked away with $20 in cash! I love that!!!
My friend Jenn lives up near there so I called her up and she invited us over. It was so nice to go and visit with her (its always an encouraging time). We talked quite a bit about all the things going on in the world right now and the end times and things of God. She also 'ordered' us to stay for dinner! Haha, not really but she invited and we stayed. It was then that I realized "Oops"- Daisy was at home all day locked up! Poor puppy! So, when we got home we went for a walk. We walked to the gas station and got a Redbox movie from there and some chocolate. On our walk we saw our baby-sitter walking there too. Oh, Kim they allowed us to take our dog into the gas station! I made sure CB held her but still I was surprised!
Oh yeah when we'd gotten home from Jenn's there was a basket on our porch. On the radio I'd heard something about it being May Day and the guy was saying he had a basket on his porch. I never heard of that before! I will have to look that up. I have no idea where it came from but I'm assuming one of our neighbors. I threw away the popcorn and let the kids each pick out a candy.
I got the movie Bride Wars. CB wanted to see it too and being that she's such a huge helper I thought I'd let her. I also invited our baby-sitter to come over and watch it. So once the boys were in bed (though not sleeping until MUCH later) S, her sister G and their mom came over! It was so fun to have them here! We made popcorn and watched it. It was a funny movie!
So that was my LONG day! Now we're up bright and early (thanks Sweet Pea) but that's ok we need to get ready for Aunty Cindy to arrive today!!!
So I've been staying up super late lately. Mostly because by the time my kids actually fall asleep I just need some quiet, down time. Before I go to sleep I put Booty Shaker potty one last time, or else he pees his bed. I have to crack up because there are some nights he'll stand there and scratch his belly before he pees. It just reminds me of a typical male thing for some reason. Last night he was completely out of it. I carried him into the bathroom and he just stood there (I wonder if he was sleeping still, it was dark). So I pulled down his pants and tried to sit him on the potty but he wouldn't bend his legs! He kept trying to not sit (we make our boys sit to use the potty). I was trying so hard not to laugh and to just get him to sit and pee! He had no clue what was going on! I'm sure one day he'll really appreciate me telling you these stories, but its little things like this that I don't want to forget!!!
Is it seriously Wednesday already? Boy, does time fly! This morning I had a pleasant surprise- a voicemail from my Aunt Cindy. I called her back and found out that she's going to visit me- THIS weekend while on her way back to Michigan from Florida! I am SO excited! So are the kids. It's always nice when she comes for a visit and it really means a lot to me!
Today we didn't finish school until much later but that was totally ok. I guess I just resigned myself to it and it wasn't so stressful. And after breakfast we had done chores before we began school so that took some time away from when we'd normally be schooling. It really wasn't a bad day. I think the most problems I had were with Junior Squirrel not being kind to his brother. His attitude has stunk lately but we're working on it. He's the one who doesn't do well with changes so it may partly stem from Daddy being gone.
I clipped out the garage sales from the paper. There are 30 sales!!!! WOW! Tonight I'm going to go through it and mark what days and times they are and then try to plan the best route to each...last time I felt like I was driving all over (its hard when you don't know the town completely well). I am PUMPED! I don't really need anything at all but if I can find clothes for the kids for cheap I'm a happy mama. Especially if down the road they prevent garage sales and such.
Dinner's just about finished. I'm attempting to feed Sweet Pea sweet potatoes and oh the faces she's making! Too funny!
Sooo, Zach's been in Florida for not quite 2 weeks yet. He loves it down there! He said the weather is good (I say wait until you're in Mississippi again in July). He says the base housing is new and really nice. He likes the base. He says he misses the south!!! I reminded him of roaches, hurricanes and humid summers! Sure, there are things I miss about it too but not enough to consider moving back! Then, get this...apparently he emailed his old supervisor from Keesler. The guy is a civilian and has been there for forever it seems. Anyway, Mr. C told him that anytime Zach wants to go back there's an instructor job open for him. You know what Zach says to me???? He mentions about going there after his time in the military to be a civilian instructor! Are you NUTS!?!?!?!?!? I ain' wanna go back do dat place in Mississippi, no way no how! Like I said I really miss things about it now that I'm not there, BUT that doesn't mean I want to go back!!! He is crazy!!! The grass is always greener on the other side...
The day, that is. It started out pretty well. We plugged along at school. We plugged along at school. We plugged along at school. I sat and sat and sat next to Junior Squirrel to ensure that he works. We eventually got through it all, with lots of breaks! Breaks as in taking time away from it, not as in breaking things!
Then Zach called quite alarmed about the Swine Flu thing. Apparently they had a briefing on it down there and were told to call their families and let us know all about it...not to go out unless we need to, wear a mask, etc. What's the whole deal with the 'officials' not wanting us to call it swine flu? Who cares? Obviously somebody termed it that...it is what it is! I'm really not concerned about it. I figure I rarely go out. I figure God's in control. I figure the media makes such a big deal out of what they want to make a big deal out of. But, I did get the sitter again and ran to get groceries. Just in case. So, my evening was spent at the store during dinner time, then trying to juggle putting groceries away, dealing with a fussy baby, getting the kids bathed, cleaning up the house...it was crazy. I just now finished eating MY dinner!
I am so tired of my kids NOT going to sleep. They're always up there monkeying around and just will NOT go to sleep! Well, Chatterbox does well, its those boys. They're going to make me pull all of my hair out. Tonight the pastor from the church I visited called and while I was on the phone with him the boys were so wild. I think they threw something downstairs (there was a big noise) so I went and grabbed their big ol' batmobile they got from the garage sale that was sitting at the bottom of the stairs and threw it outside! I'd had it! Can't I even have a conversation with this Pastor!?!?!?
I told my mom I wish she could come down for a bit while Zach's gone. That was my hope for my time in July (before I knew we had this 6 week stint). But she'll be going to Alaska in July so I won't get to have her help here! It sure would break up some of the everyday stress for the next how many weeks! Man, even though we'd still have school to do I imagine things would be so much smoother with her here helping!
I feel like all I do is whine here lately. It is SO hard being the ONLY parent to 4 kids ALL DAY LONG!!!!! It's not like I ship them on the school bus in the morning and have 8 glorious hours to myself! I know God will supply me the strength to get through it. I can't even think of what else to say as I continually hear one little boy up there who needs a good whipping. Going to go take care of that now...
Well, Chatterbox is just about done with her school. She can probably finish up most of it within two weeks. And that feels so good. Junior Squirrel is a completely different story. He's been sitting here working on his math for well over an hour now (again). I'm making him do 2 pages because he needs to get on the ball or he'll be taking his schoolwork to Michigan with him (and I do not want to be teaching in June). It is rather maddening to see the end is here with one but not the other. I feel like he'll never be done. I think I'm going to have to attempt to double up lessons every day but then that makes for some long days. He is so easily distracted. I wish I had somewhere to put him where there were NO distractions but I don't have an option like that. Even if I stuck him in my bedroom he'd be doodling or something. One thing, the weather isn't supposed to be as nice this week so we should get a lot done! Providing that a certain boy actually WORKS that is. He works fine if I sit right there next to him and devote every ounce of my attention to what he is doing but that is impossible. I have three other children to care for, a house to care for and a puppy.
I'd also like to get in the basement and straighten that up sometime. I've got baby clothes to store away and a ton of things to get rid of. It's all made its way into my laundry 'area' and I am crammed in there for space! Well, I better put another load of clothes washing and get ready to run some errands. Looks like the boy will have to take the math with him. And it looks like I'll be doing school with him when we return home as he still has science and reading. I wish it were summer break....I wish I could guarantee that I'd get a summer break...and sometimes I wish I could just throw this kid in public school!!!
It is WET out there! Don't have to worry about if the grass will be green but I do need to wonder what I'll do about the weeds growing (weeds when it SHOULD be grass). Which is rather annoying...$700-800 worth of sod and our yard is the worst looking on our street...only because that sod was planted in the dead of summer (and it was hard for me to constantly get out and water it when I was dealing w/kidney stones). I want green grass and a yard that looks nice!!!
I wasn't sure if we'd make church or not today. Last night as I went to bed I thought we wouldn't. We're supposed to get wind and thunderstorms, some of which could be severe so I thought we'd just stay home. We didn't get up until like 8:15 this morning (that rarely happens these days) so we never would've made it to church. But with Zach gone I've been thinking of finding something a bit closer. I don't want to always try to rush out the door with 4 kids and drive the 40 minutes to church! It's just tough! Well, I thought how nice it would be to stay home today and do nothing. But then I thought of all the running I did during the past week and didn't feel right skipping church. So we went to a church near us that a friend of mine goes to. And it was GOOD!!! You see, how do you go to a new church with 4 kids??? We don't put our kids in the nursery or children's programs so I was a bit concerned. But the kids were awesome. Sweet Pea fell asleep and the others listened or were at least quiet. And the singing and sermon were great- just what I needed. I'm so glad I went!!!
This weather is so weird. Been raining and thundering and lightning. Hailing. Now its calm but I'm sure its not over. Looks bright out again, but you can't see the sun. Weird. And its humid in my house but I refuse to turn on the AC. Friday was sooooooooo warm and wonderful, yesterday was chilly and today the temp. is decent. Crazy. I didn't sleep well last night with the weird weather (I kept being awakened by the thunder and hail). Then Sweet Pea kept waking up for some reason.
Here's some stray thoughts going through my mind lately:
First I want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my WONDERFUL Mom. I LOVE YOU!!!!! I'm so thankful for a mother like you! You are the best and I hope you had a blessed day!
Today we ditched school and instead we hit the garage sales. I love that here you have garage sales sometimes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. I will have to try to get done with school quick so we can enjoy those sales while we're here! The kids love it too! Today we got some things, but not much. A lot of old people were having sales selling old people things it seemed. I got quite a bit of things for Sweet Pea for the fall/winter. I think CB got a few shirts. I got me a sweatshirt, some delicious smelling (Red Velvet Cake and Frosting) body wash and a basket for misc. junk for my kitchen counter. And of course the kids used their spare change to waste on new toys.
At one sale Booty Shaker couldn't find anything and the other two got something. So the lady gave him this ugly old teddy bear. Yuck. I hate used stuffed animals. I think its so gross, even if they do get washed. So when we came home after I let him love on it a bit I told him it was going to have to go in the garbage and that I'd give him some money instead. I said we just don't know what people do with stuffed animals and sometimes there's dangerous stuff in them. So then at a sale we went to this evening they saw stuffed animals and were inspecting them for drugs. Oh boy!
I've had a headache since like 1 pm. I took Tylenol awhile ago. It's slowly somewhat fading. I think I'll have to take something else again soon. My ear is hurting a bit too so I think I'm going to try some silver.
The kids are having their sleepover night. Oh, the weather was up to like 86*! It was real windy though, but it was gorgeous. Now its thundering and lightning out. I guess its a good thing they'll have their sleepover. The hide-a-bed is out and ready for their night. Right now they're playing their new Wii game Daddy sent them (Monsters vs. Aliens). Well, I was playing a bit. They couldn't figure it out so Mom got stuck doing it. I'm a genius! haha Anyway, I'm glad they'll be sleeping down here with the storm. My *big* fear with Zach being gone is that we'll have the tornado siren go off in the middle of the night and how will I get all 4 kids in the basement (sorry if I've already mentioned that before). SO, with them downstairs no worries;) Afterall, this IS Iowa and it IS April which IS tornado season. It was reassuring when I was talking to one friend (an Iowa native) who's so afraid of tornadoes (she was in one). Glad I'm not the only one. I do love thunderstorms now though. I was always afraid of them as a kid, I think because I'd see my Grandma afraid and jumpy (she was struck my lightning).
For awhile I went and sat up on my deck upstairs. I was trying to rock the baby to sleep. It was lightning in the distance. The sky was beautiful- stormy looking yet you could see the setting sun.
Ok, I better get off and take something for myself. I also need to have them finish their game soon so we can watch a movie. Perfect night for chilling out with the chillens! Also want to turn this off and unplug it, just in case I may need it to check weather in the middle of the night (I'm so paranoid)!
Another day down. It was another busy one too. I swear tomorrow and Saturday I am going NOWHERE. And not doing much of anything. I'm tired of running and being so stinking busy.
We ran to the chiropractor, Walmart, the park. We came home and our baby-sitter stopped by for a little visit. I tried to cook dinner while the kids played outside. It's hard to cook, try to care for a baby and watch all the little ones outside (I missed my fenced yards). No wonder I don't really cook when Zach's away! Because then after dinner is the clean up! And the kids do help but still I get the brunt of the work. The floors still haven't been cleaned but that can wait until the morning. I've got one last load of clothes washing (some throw rugs and my living room curtains...I noticed poop stains on the carpet...thanks Daisy). Then I'm hitting the hay. I'll probably be up late again but at least I'll be relaxing in bed doing so!
While we were outside today Booty Shaker had to use the bathroom. I told him to run in through the front since I was on the side of the house. Well, he must not have heard me too well for her yanked down his pants and watered the lawn! I sure got a chuckle out of that! Oh and after dinner we went for a walk. Then it was time to try to coordinate everybody getting a bath! Such fun!
It's nice that I'm busy in ways but in other ways not so. And Jamie, thanks for your comment about my attitude...honestly I must not come across too accurately in my posts! Because most times I feel like my attitude stinks. But really, there's nothing I can do about the situation so I just try to live it up, well as much as a mom of 4 little ones can! I told the kids that if they are good and go to bed good either tomorrow or Saturday night we can pull out the hide-a-bed and watch movies and sleep downstairs (though I'm going to enjoy my own bed to sleep in). They're excited for that! Let's just see if they're good...
Last night as I went up to bed I heard Chatterbox sniffling. I asked if she was crying and she mumbled something so when I asked again she said her music made her think of Malachi and she was sad. Oh, another thing about her...she met the new neighbor girl behind us. Apparently while they were riding their scooters she asked the girl if she knew Jesus! That's my girl! I was telling my mom how I love her innocence. I was always too ashamed and worried what people would think as a kid to say much about Jesus. But CB has such innocence and I hope it stays with her for a long time!
After every pregnancy I lose hair. Lots of hair. It comes out in clumps for months. Good ole hormones doing their thing.
I forgot to mention how Booty Shaker has been ending up in my bed every night since Zach's been gone! It's one thing that I sleep with Sweet Pea, I still get quite a bit of bed. But when BS comes in I'm the white creme inside an Oreo cookie! The other night as he was sleeping in my bed he jumped up and tried to climb out of my bed. I grabbed him and told him to come lay down and sleep. He was adamant about there being spiders in my bed, two big ones and two small ones. I had to turn on the bathroom light, but that wasn't sufficient for him to see that there were no spiders. I had to move the pillows and blankets around! Finally he laid back down snuggled in my arms! It was so funny!
We had a good time at the Botanical center. Funny thing though, when I picked up my baby-sitter, her mom and sister I had Chatterbox sit in the way back with her brothers. I'm not sure if it was their bickering about buckling seatbelts or that CB moved but Sweet Pea did not like that her sister wasn't by her! She cried the entire way there! I thought I'd have to nurse her, but as soon as she got in her stroller she was fine. She was so content. Until we got back in the vehicle to leave. And she cried most of the way back home! Stinker! I seriously think she didn't like that her sister wasn't by her. Normally she is fine in the car!
The weather was wonderful today. The kids got to enjoy the outdoors. We ate dinner at Sonic and got some ice cream. We ran to the library. It was a pretty productive day but boy I was exhausted. I'm tired of running around! I don't have anything Friday or Saturday (that I remember) and I hope to just take it easy and do nothing but relax. Being the only parent constantly is really taxing.
Ok, I'm going to attempt to make a slideshow of pictures. 'Night.
Yesterday was a pretty good day. After I watched my friends kiddos we went to IhOP for lunch. It was 'kids eat free' day so we made out (though I still couldn't believe how much I paid)! It was nice to get out and visit a bit. I ran some errands and came home. For dinner another friend had invited me to her house for dinner since her hubby was out of town too. It was a great night of fellowshipping with them.
We came home and I put the kiddos to bed. They wanted to listen to music as they fell asleep so I let them listen to one of their Jesus CDs. They went to sleep so well! I stayed up and watched 'Nights in Rodanthe' (the book is much better of course). Here I thought maybe the music helped them go to sleep well so I allowed them to do the same thing tonight. An hour and a half later they're STILL not asleep! Are you kidding me???? Can I get a BREAK at night!?!? lol
This morning we had a real good Bible time. We read about Paul and his last visit to Ephesus. We talked about how he wasn't afraid to die and the kids couldn't believe that. They had all sorts of questions and I answered what I could and told them I didn't know for the others (most were about heaven). It was just awesome to have such a conversation!
We did school and then I ran out and tried to find a stroller. I went to 3 or 4 different thrift stores and not one had a stroller! I had even looked online for ads and such. Nothing. So I finally succumbed to getting a brand new one at Babies "R" Us. This is the one I went with. It is way more than I wanted to pay but I love it. I tested quite a few of the cheaper ones but they were just too cheap. I've had cheap strollers. One thing I like about this as opposed to other umbrella strollers I've had is that the handles aren't real low. Being tall, I've always had to hunch over to push a stroller! I also managed to get Junior Squirrel a pair of church shoes and sandals and a few other things (from thrift stores).
I love that we have so much going on while Zach is gone. My calendar is just filling up so quickly. We have a Little House on the Prairie play, a field trip to a farm, a 'tour' of our new police station, and I'm not even sure what else! We're pretty excited that its supposed to get in the 80s at the end of the week. It's hard to believe that they're being hit with tons of snow at home in Michigan! Yuck!!!
Tomorrow is 'Earth Day'. I'm not a huge proponent of such a day (I think we need to care for God's creation but don't necessarily agree w/all the 'tree huggers'). Our local Botanical Center has free admission tomorrow so I'm going to take the kids! I'm just hoping I can maybe snap some good pictures of them while there! I've never gone to a 'botanical center'. I just hope my boys aren't too wild. Lately whenever I take them anywhere they've been wild! I think my baby-sitter and her mom are going to come along so that will be fun (and help me out)!
Ok, I've got to go through my newspaper before I head to bed so I better get off and do it. I'm also hungry so I think a snack is in order. As good as Turkey Wraps and Turkey Pitas were for lunch and dinner today they're just not the most filling food.
In one of my online homeschool groups for the state somebody mentioned something about paying supervising teachers. I had NO clue they were supposed to be paid!!! I've never paid mine. Here I thought it was just a kind service they did to help us out! So now I've emailed my teacher asking what she charges. I feel horrible. She probably thinks I'm so big cheapo! At the same time I think its pretty sad that they charge at all. It's not like they do much besides come and see us once or twice and communicate through email or phone once or twice to make sure we're doing what we're supposed to do. Huh. Mississippi was so much easier when it came to homeschooling. At least we're not in Pennsylvania (I don't know how you do it Angel)!
This morning I have gotten so much done. I didn't go to bed until midnight and then Sweet Pea woke up after 6. She fell back asleep going on 7 but not me. I heard the two older ones downstairs so I cam down. They were already working on school!!! I LOVE seeing that! Booty Shaker was sound asleep in my bed with Sweet Pea (what a cute sight that is). Anyway, we're just about done with school (its almost 10 am), I managed to shower (sometimes that doesn't happen until noon lately), bathe the baby, bathe the dog, clean my shower, clean the kitchen, get the boys ready for the day, begin laundry. Wow. I feel like Superwoman! Ok, better put those jeans in the dryer so I have something to wear...
Sweet Pea's tooth is in real well now (has been for at least a few days). I just discovered for sure tonight that she's getting her other bottom front one. Unreal. Seriously time has just flown with her! I keep feeling like I'm missing out on her, even though I'm trying to enjoy it all. It's so different from when you have your first baby and you can devote all your time to him. With my 4th sometimes I feel like SP gets jipped. I'll be busy doing school with the kids or whatever and realize I haven't had much time with Sweet Pea besides feeding and changing and maybe some smiles and tickles here and there. I guess we make up for it at night when she is pretty clingy! I just don't want to miss out on anything because time is f-l-y-i-n-g!
Earlier she was nursing and pulled herself off of me. As she did her tooth scraped me and I shouted "OW!" The kids were all wondering what happened and Booty Shaker came over to try to see and asked, "Is it broken?" lol I'm still cracking up about it.
Alright, it is really late. I suppose that means I'm going to be really tired tomorrow. The baby went to bed later tonight than usual, so by the time I finished school lessons and my Bible study...and now here I am.
That's what it felt like this morning! Sweet Pea was wide awake after 6 am! She was chatting away and woke up the rest of us. So I lay there thinking about garage saling. I thought, "Gee, its early enough, we may as well just get out of bed, grab something to eat, throw on some clothes and go." Now, the last time I've been out saling (how do you spell sale-ing?) I didn't have a baby. I was in Mississippi where I knew my way around. I went alone. This was a whole new experience! But it was ok!
The kids were excited. They grabbed money from their banks, I gave them each $1 and off we went. I'd written some down that I found in the newspaper and then by driving to them I'd see signs for others. There's no telling how any we hit. We came home with a few treasures:
Last night I took Chatterbox and went to a homeschool 'sale'. I didn't find any books but that's where CB got her dress for her doll. While she and i went i had S baby-sit the other kids.
This afternoon we were supposed to go to a birthday party for S's nephew but she called like 40 minutes before it was supposed to begin to say that it was cancelled. Apparently nobody could show up (but we would've been there). The kiddos were bummed but it gave me an opportunity to get some things done around here and Sweet Pea got her nap in. Now I'm wondering how we're going to spend the rest of our day. I know one thing- it will be an early bedtime in the M house!
Zach will actually make it to Florida today! Think he's down in hickville Alabama or something.
Ok, it is really annoying. The first few times when I look at my blog the pictures appear, but then when I come back they're gone. I'll show YOU blogger, I'll just make a slideshow. So there. I wonder if it has anything to do with my web albums being full? Probably. I'll have to take care of that, in my spare time of course. What spare time? I am not sure;)
So, Zach wasn't supposed to leave until tomorrow for Tyndall AFB in Florida. I thought he was crazy only giving himself 2 traveling days. Thankfully (in a way) he left today. He is crazy to drive that long distance by himself! He thinks flying is dangerous. I've tried to explain how you're more likely to get in a car accident than die in a plane crash (but I love flying)! Anyway, we'll see what he thinks of driving 20 hours alone! It's really weird, a few weeks ago when he left for a week I really was glad that he left. We just were kinda cranky with each other at that point and it was a nice little break. I think God must really be working (He's ALWAYS working, of course, but I think I'm more open to His work and can see it). I cried when he left today. He hasn't been away from us for such a length of time in almost 7 years (when Junior Squirrel was a baby)! We are so blessed that he's never been deployed or anything! But still, the separation isn't easy. I just hope that I have patience for the children and that they're obedient. Please pray for safe travels for Zach.
Sweet Pea has been napping for like 2 hours! She's never slept that long for a nap! She must be one tired baby! It helps that the other kids have been outside playing so they're not fighting and making ruckus! I love this spring weather! I wish the rain would stay away, but this weekend its supposed to appear. Great. Just in time for the weekend.
I hate you blogger. I spend time putting up pictures and when I looked they showed up, so where oh where are they now? I'll try to fix it today...thanks blogger for making my morning (not).
Why is it that planning a 'vacation' can be so stressful and so much work? Normally when we go home its not a problem, but the past few times things have come up that make planning so difficult. And it all falls on my shoulders. So while I try to school two kids, I have a neglected baby, a hyper boy running around and I'm trying to make arrangements to go home! Did I sign up for all this!?!? It's like we keep running into walls on this one.
So, we'll stay here the first week and then go to Iron River the second week and spend it with Zach's sister. After that Zach will have to come back here to leave for AL/MS and I will stay up there, more than likely, until the 4th of July. I'll probably stay with my mom but I hope to venture up further north and maybe stay with some family up there. I also hope to make it to Marquette (the town I went to college in) to visit with friends there. A busy month it will be, but a fun one indeed! I'm also trying to get my little cousin to come and visit me here in Iowa for a bit. I really hope that will work out, it would be fun having her here.
So I feel a bit of the stress lifted off of my shoulders in having this planned out. Now to worry about what to do with the dog in our 'non-pet-friendly' accommodations!
Today the weather was just gorgeous. I wish it would stay this warm and get warmer! I love it! We enjoyed the outdoors most of the afternoon. We didn't even finish school, which means a longer school day tomorrow. I'm so ready for summer, although I need some summer clothes! It was a crazy day and now it is so nice and quiet- even the baby is sleeping! I ought to get off and do some reading but it is so relaxing to just relax:)
Oh and I was rather pleased with American Idol tonight, though I do think that the other person should have gone.
Today was 'Park Day'. I set it up maybe about a month ago. I invited friends and a few different homeschool groups and circles I'm in. The 'bad weather' place was set to Burger King. We got quite a bit of rain yesterday. This morning it was mostly cloudy for a good portion of the morning so I thought I'd just make the location BK, not knowing what the park was like (wet, muddy, etc) and not sure on the temperature. So, I show up a bit early 'just in case'. I had three friends show up. Another lady came in and I asked her if she was with one of the groups (they're quite large and I don't know anybody). She wasn't but she does homeschool so I invited her to join us, which she did for awhile. And one other lady from one of the larger homeschool groups showed up for a bit. That was it. Out of probably 100 people there was about 5 moms. How sad!
In Mississippi I think we all lived for park days!!! Which is why I miss them (and Mom's Nights) so much. Which is why I went ahead and just started my own. I admit, after I invited all the oodles of groups I wondered why I did that. I'm not very happy with the groups I'm in. But I also thought maybe people would not be so cliquey at the park. Anyway, there was no way to find out! Oh well. Since a friend and I are going to start our own little group with just a small group of friends (does that make sense) we'll just stick to inviting us to park days. Because I will plan one again soon. And a Mom's Night.
I never thought I'd 'start' a homeschool group. I'm just not that 'type' of person. I don't mind helping or playing some role in a group but I'm not a leader. But, I miss the structure of my MS groups. I miss a small, close-knit 'family' of friends. And I know Sadie has things she'd like to see in a group here. I'm so thankful to have met the few friends I have so that we can make it what we want it to be!
On another note, I can't believe Zach leaves this weekend for 6 weeks. Whatever will I do? I know I'll have lots of playdates! We'll do lots of school. Hopefully I'll have a bit of company (the door is open to you all) to keep me sane! And hopefully I can utilize my baby-sitter once in awhile (I really want to start hitting the garage sales).
We had a quiet Easter. We went to a local church rather than our own because Zach's friend was here. It was a great service. It was a quiet day. I fell asleep with the baby. We went to eat at Olive Garden. I haven't been there in probably a year! I don't think I've ever eaten out on a holiday! It was nice to not have to cook! One thing I have to say is that I was surprised by all the businesses that were closed on Easter. I mean its a good thing, but I'm certain they don't close to celebrate the Risen Savior. And for Target to be closed is a double shocker! These are the people who won't let the Salvation Army have bell ringers at Christmastime yet they can close on Easter? I guess it's all about the famous Easter bunny, huh?
I went to the chiropractor yesterday but it was a 'guest' one. I don't know what that woman did to my back but it HURTS! I think I'm going to see if I can get in tomorrow rather than Thursday because ever since I left there yesterday I've been hurting (especially my sciatic nerve). See if I let any other chiropractor adjust me again! lol
I began reading Pride & Prejudice. This book is hard for me to read!!! I am forcing myself to read it. I hear how great it is so I want to see for myself but boy it doesn't really hold my attention. But I'm determined to finish it, even if it takes all summer;)
Well, the squirt is finally falling asleep so I need to spend some time in The Word.
I went through my list of friends and deleted some. I feel horrible for doing so but I rarely check blogs these days. And some of those I deleted haven't updated in forever. And I am able to see who updates through my feeder, which makes it easier for me! So, please don't feel bad if you no longer see your name on the side. It's not personal at all. And if you begin blogging regularly again let me know! I know nobody seems to blog as much as they once did. I think facebook took over!
This song really brings tears to my eyes whenever I hear it. For those from Glad Tidings don't you just picture Zach Eshbach singing it??? Happy Resurrection Day!
I've been reading again. Experiencing God. Some good stuff to chew on that I really wanted to share. Chapter 4 is titled Doing God's Will and these notes come from it:
1 Corinthians 1: 27, 28 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—
He chooses ordinary men- then everybody will know that only God could have done that work!
And I leave you with a verse I read in Ephesians the other day that encouraged me:
Ephesians 2:22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
