My boy

Yesterday was the kids last soccer prac. We got the pictures back and the team picture was too funny. Now my Ian has spunk and personality but he usually keeps it to himself when other people are around. This is the kid who hides behind my leg. So I look at the picture and Ian is in the back row winking huge and holding his collar of his shirt in a cutsie way. All the other moms who we didn't know till soccer were cracking up. I just hope when school starts next year he decides to show his personality to others so they will see what fun he is.

Another thing about Ian that is too cute in my mind is... you know the saying "step on the crack and break your mothers back"? Well our school sidewalk has huge squares of concrete. Ian steps in the middle where it forms a X and says "cross" at each one. I am glad he thinks of Christ in everyday life. It says in the Bible to talk about God in everyday situations and it is totally like a child to remind us of that.

Preschool success and Chonda Pierce

Today has been a great day all around. Starting w/Preschool. I have been nervous b/c I didn't know if Ian would go or cry. We got there early after dropping of Kolette at Gracie's. I couldn't start off his 1st day w/his sister crying b/c she is "big" and not getting to go so that he is on edge. So we get there before anyone else and he talks to "Miss Jen" and I ask if he is ready for Mommy to go and he says Yes! I walked him downstairs to his classroom and kissed him and left. Seriously that easy!!!!! All that worry and he didn't even care. Honestly this is not the boy I leave crying at Sunday school. But it was a great experience for him and he said he had a good time and is ready to go on Thurs. I will admit to the part of me that misses that my boy doesn't need me to hold his hand. I am glad he wasn't stressed but watching a part of him grow up is a bit hard for me.

Tonite I went to the Chonda Pierce concert w/my friend Andrea. We don't get to see each other much since she has older kids and is busy w/their stuff and we are busy w/our younger ones and their stuff. I really wanted to go and everyone was busy and I assumed she would be as well. But to my suprise she wasn't and we had a great time. If you have never seen Chonda she is wonderful. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing so much. She is hallarious and touches your heart all in the same night. It was a great time and we both enjoyed it. It was called the This ain't Prettyville Concert and it was great! I have seen her twice in the past and would see her again. Now I am hoping for Anita Renfro she is hallarious too. What a great nite. I never get out w/o the kids and it was fun! Thanks Andrea for going I had a blast!

Powder, vaseline and screws oh my!!!

Just in case I was under the impression that I could accomplish anything today Ian & Kolette proved me wrong. Honestly anytime they are not in the same room w/me I pay the price. Ian is almost 5 isn't he susposed to mature a bit by now??????



So I am busy working on staining stitching in the kitchen and decide to check on the kids. Kolette is stark naked covered from head to toe in baby powder. I ask her why and she says "Ian did it!" Yeah right! Like he needs to help her to do that. I take her up to the bathtub and she is picking at her bum b/c it itches from the powder. Ian wanders up and is also covered in powder just w/clothing on. Donnie comes home w/a friend who doesn't have kids yet but wants to start trying. Ok, so I give him a pop quiz as to why the kids are in the tub at noon. He guesses things from the past but I had to tell him. He goes downstairs to the bathroom and says "Why is there vaseline on my bathroom mirror and counter?" UH... let me think... Ian & Kolette???? So I get them out of the tub and set them down for lunch. I look in Kolette's room and Ian has taken the high chair and taken it apart b/c he thinks there is a key in it. I made him search for all the screws and hopefully it is put together right. I have figured out that Ian by himself isn't really a problem but add Kolette and they are quite the duo. However by herself Kolette is quite a mischievious one. Ian used to say "Baby do it!" not the student has become the teacher.

To top off the night I run upstairs to say s/thing to Donnie and the boys were taking their sweet time finishing dinner. Everyone else was done. Anyhow I come back after 3 mins and Ian is telling me that Connor tooted in his face. Ok not only did he toot in his face he stood up on the chair and pointed his bum in Ian's face and then honored his brother w/a toot. I am trying to tell them that we don't act like that. Donnie comes down and can hardly talk since he wanted to bust up laughing. Grrr... I know it is funny but you have to have a poker face.

What will tomorrow bring? I am not sure I am up for it...

while blogging

Just when I thought it was safe to get on and blog this is what was going on backstage. Apparantly her brothers helped her up and so all her pillows and blankets and clothes that were in the way are on the floor of her closet. And since it is January the most logical outfit to change into is your Ariel swimsuit w/a sweater in case you get cold. Also a lego in the mouth sets off the entire look. Never a dull moment...

What have you done

Ok, Tiff had this on as a what have you done kinda thing. These are susposed to be things you should do before you die. I guess it is going around the blogosphere so here it goes. The things in Red are the things I have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/ world
8. Climbed a mountain (Does a hill count?)
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (O Holy Night when I was like 10)
11. Bungee jumped (No, thanks. Rubber bands break.)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea(Gee, that sounds safe.)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked(No, thank you, I choose to live)
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill (that only works when you aren't a stay at home mom)
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run(are you kidding? I am seriously softball challenged one year I joined just for the the purple shirts)
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors(Portland yes, but Ireland, Sweden & Germany NO)35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language(took french in school does that count?)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied(It never should take money to be truly satisfied. We're broke, but I am satisfied.)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing(this doesn't sound like any fun, not to mention I am afraid of heights)
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance(once when I split the top of my head open, seriously half of it was stitched, and last year w/Kolette)
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving/ snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud(my mom lost alot of silverware to this game)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie (does it count if it was for church camp?)
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business(I sell my stitchings from home that is all & quilts)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served in a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies(Oh, but I have bought my fair share...)
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason(That's what Ian is for)
64. Donated blood/ platelets(used to but not allowed to anymore my blood pressure is too low)65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy(And my kids are mad that I won't let them play with it.)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar(Yuck, that just doesn't sound good to me)
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Been to the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life(forced her to go to the hospital and they saved her life)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone(who hasn't?)
99. Been stung by a bee

Feel free to join in on the fun.

Where chapstick doesn't belong

Just a list of places Chapstick and Lipgloss doesn't belong

1. On our eyes

2. On our nose or anyother place on our face other than the lips

3. On our entire body

4. On my couch

5. On the bed

6. In the laundry seriously if not caught that is impossible to get out.

7. On your brother

8. In our hair

These are all places I have seen lipgloss and chapstick in the past month. Kolette is the major offender but Corrin has a habit of forgetting that she has lipgloss in her pocket and it goes thru the laundry. Granted the laundry lady aka me could check a bit better. But that is horrible when it goes thru the dryer. Don't boys clothes look even better when there are spots of pink on them? Donnie had no idea how much FUN girls could be until he had 2 of them!

Preschool

Ok for all of you who know me I am a bit of a control freak. Also I don't do Preschool. I hate the idea of having my kids s/where else and don't want to give up my time w/them until they start Kindergarten. This has worked w/Corrin & Connor. I did preschool w/a friend for Corrin we just designed it together and it worked great. Connor we thought we were going to hold him out a year. However he was SOOOO ready and so I just taught him his letters and numbers on my own. Socially Connor was really ready.

So my concern is my Ian. For as outgoing as he was as a baby he has done a complete turnabout and is completely shy. He chooses very few people to like instantly and most of them are men. He only likes a couple of my friends. So if he is talked to he will hide behind my legs and cry if I ever try to leave him even in Sunday school. I hate to see him struggle so much since he will have to leave me when he goes to school next year. Sooooooo I am going to give in and give Preschool a try. The teacher said to give it a try next week. So maybe he will act like he wants to learn s/thing if there are other kids his age wanting to learn. I know he is smart I have seen it but he likes to just shut down instead of trying period. I am worried about him and know that alot of this is my fault for probably helping his shyness along like answering questions that are directed at him when he doesn't want to answer. Yes, I know I am not in control of everything, even though I think I should be. I want the teacher that I want for him and I could name off multiple reasons for why. But I won't it would take up too much room.

So the next problem will be how to keep Kolette from killing me for not letting her go to Preschool too. Whoever said raising kids was easy never had any kids.

My baby is growing up

Why is it the youngest wants so badly to be older? It is suprising to me how much Kolette wants to grow up. She wants it all her ears pierced, make-up, boobs you name it she wants it. If you have the nerve to call anything on her little or small you have a fight on your hands. Her grandma bought her stick on earrings and she LOVES them but they lose their stick quickly. Esp when she keeps taking them off to look at how pretty they are. She keeps asking when she is going to get boobs like me. Seriously the visual of her little 3 yr old body w/a set of boobs is too funny. She would fall over literally!

I hate that I feel like I am breaking her heart when I point out she is too little for s/thing. Today at church I was talking to a girl that used to be in my youth group. Now she is married w/a 1yr old. Yikes! Anyhow I told Kolette to tell her how old she was and she did, then I said can you spell your name for her and Kolette says "K-O- 2 crosses-2 E's and a L" I told Shannon that Ian would be going to kindergarten next year. Kolette said she was going to school too and I said "Is mommy going to let you?" and she said "No" and literally started to cry. I feel so bad that she doesn't get the reality of it all. I need some ideas for how to entertain this little girl. I am not even allowed to call her that. The closest I have gotten is to tell her that she is N-O-T(spelled) big, and for now that works. I am hoping to find a ballet class that is during the day and maybe even break down and do real preschool for her. Honestly she acts more ready for Kindergarten than Ian. Ian could care less. Time will tell but until then I am going to have to be really creative to keep her happy.

Have a wonderful day!

Power out!

After a freezing cold day full of ice. Which meant Connor fell on the way to school and on the way home. It was misting all day and cold enough to freeze it so it was NOT fun at all to walk to school yesterday. Corrin had stayed home sick or else w/one on each side of me would have resulted in a huge fall for all of us w/no one getting up very easily. The concept that you don't get to go outside for recess when it is frozen everywhere makes no sense to Connor. "We would be careful and just play soccer on the grass" I don't think so! I couldn't even get up the very slight incline on my driveway after school and had to walk onto the grass.

Anyhoo... we were just hanging out watching the Incredibles and getting ready for bed when the power went out. Thankfully we were all in the same room when it happened. Kolette in mid jammy change. So I had to scramble to find a flashlight. Then thankfully I still kept some candles since I am a complete addict of Scentsy. I brought them all downstairs and we lit some and had all the flashlights on. But since it was super dark we decided to play a game of Monopoly by candle/flashlight. We were almost done when the power went on. It was clear that Connor was the winner. Thankfully since last time he was the 1st to go out and didn't handle it well. I hope playing more games teaches him sportsmanship. Apparantly a transformer blew and it was out for 3 hours. It was sure dark and starting to get cold. We have a fireplace but we don't use it and of course w/o wood I don't think it would be much good. But the draft comes in thru it so I had to block it off w/a part of the couch. You have to think a little differently when lights are out.

I guess it makes you think about all you have to be thankful for. I am thankful for the fact that I can walk into any room of my house and turn on a light. I am thankful I don't have to pee outside and that my toilets flush. I am thankful that I don't have to start a fire to cook dinnner. My microwave is a wonderful tool. I am thankful for nightlights so my kids can sleep in their rooms w/o fear. I am thankful for telephones so you can check on your other loved ones. Mostly I am thankful that the good Lord above has blessed me w/all of these but b/c I can share them w/the most wonderful gifts in my life My Family. Also thankful for the fact that the power came back on and we didn't freeze!

A post from the insane

It's been awhile but life is busy some days more than others. Monday I tried to take all my Christmas decorations and tree down. I kept getting interrupted. I think it would have taken me 2 hours if my kids were at Grandmas but instead I did it w/them home. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid me!

I know since I am certainly not a rookie at parenting I shouldn't enjoy the silence when the children are still awake b/c it is never a good thing. Ian decided to take 2 bags of batting out of their bags and tear holes in one of them. Then the icing on the cake was Kolette using window markers which in theory are a good idea. Markers, big window equals happy kids. Now as confusing as it may seem markers don't belong on our body. I have told her this more times than I can remember. She decided to color herself blue and green from head, nose and clear down to her toes. Seriously. Thankfully she wasn't wearing anything other than panties at the time so just her body was the canvas. She had been wearing her princess dress but decided to take it off for a new look. I would have taken a picture but decided that would send the wrong message to her. So in the tub she went.

I honestly wonder if Donnie ever thinks I do anything around here. It seems if one thing is being cleaned the kids will destroy another thing that takes forever to clean up. Kolette and Ian love to help w/the laundry. They even go into the toy room and get the clothes from the laundry shoot. But if the dryer is vacant they will put the dirty clothes in there. I have to remember when it is opened if they are clean or dirty. Or else resort to my favorite thing the smell test. Yuck! Heres hoping for a better day!

Hair from Jesus

Kolette is hair challenged. While Corrin had hair to play w/and do lots of things w/Kolette does not. I have told her before that she needs to pray to Jesus for more hair. Kolette's hair is thin and not very long. She is now stuck in a mode where she wants pony tails and that means 2 of them everyday. So yesterday I am taking her hair out of the ponys and she says "Be careful, don't pull out my hair from Jesus"

Also I have put her and Ian in Joyschool which is where the moms take turns teaching every so many weeks. I stayed b/c I have to learn how to do this. Thurs they learned as part of it about "Gunny Bag" aka Pillowcase. Emily said that gunny bag eats the toys that aren't put away. Then you have 1 chance to put it away after than and then Gunny Bag eats it forever. I thought this was a great idea, so I decided to try it at home. We didn't have time that night to do a very good clean and Kolette was worried that Gunny bag would eat her toys while she slept. So I told her Gunny bag doesn't eat things while you are sleeping. So the next day she comes out of her room and is holding Gunny bag and says "It's just a pillowcase". Today I cleaned her room and bought some bins so she would be a bit more organized. I showed her where everything was and told her we were going to put them back in their spots after we played w/them so Gunny bag wouldn't eat them. Tonite when putting her to bed I told her what I always tell her "I love you, I like you, I keep you - forever and a day" She usually repeats each saying after me until the
"I like you" tonite and said instead she said "I don't like Gunny Bag". Jackpot!!! I think this might work for a little bit!!!!!!!!!!!

Cute little soccer players

Today was the kids first soccer game. This is the first time Kolette has ever been able to play. She had a blast! She mainly just ran after everyone but she sure kept up and it was cute to see the dainty way she runs. She looked like she at one time was going to go get the ball from some kids until she looked up and saw how much bigger than her they were and she backed up. She told me when we got home " I am a totally great soccer player!"

Ian actually played!!!! No crying at all from him. He didn't try to actually go after the ball but he ran some and stayed on the court until it was his turn to sit out. I am so happy. I don't care how good any of my kids are but I sure hate to see them sit on the sidelines and cry w/o even trying. It is just good for them to get their blood pumping. This is coming from a girl who was athletically challenged. Ian was disappointed the shirts aren't red but I think he will survive. But the first thing after the game was over off came the shirt.

Donnie just loves it even if he doesn't say it much. It is such a change from the older kids but he loves to teach all kids about his love for the game. I took lots of video of my children running after the groups of kids running after the ball.

Where's my maid?

Today I have been running like a chicken w/my head cut off. I know I do it to myself, but I am super tired and my house needs a maid. Seriously!!! Since the kids have gone back to school we are busy again. Today I went to Connor's class at 8:30 for an hour. Then I had to rush make peanut butter balls for Corrins class. She finished her Christmas homework so they had a party and everyone had to bring s/thing. So I had to hurry to get them done before school got out. We have early fri's so out at noon. I took them back to the school only to turn around to pick Connor & his friend a half hour later. Then I had to go back 45 mins later to get Corrin, and then 20 mins later Connor had a hair cut. I am just tired! In the meantime I need to clean but they are too busy making messes so I might as well wait.

Last night was the first night for indoor soccer for Kolette & Ian and they were so cute. Tomorrow is their first game and Kolette has instructed Corrin & Connor that they get to watch her! I guess it is her turn to shine and they better pay attention. Ian even played much to my suprise. I thought that he would just try to hold his cousins hand or else just watch but he actually acted like he wanted to be there. Baby steps w/him I guess. In only 7 months he will be going to school and maybe by then he will get over some of his shyness. I hope and pray anyhow. Kolette on the other hand is ready for school now and informed me that she and Ian are going and that Corrin & Connor can stay home. I don't think so! I have to find plenty of things to entertain her or it will be a LONG 2 years till she gets to go.

Congratulations on your birthday Holly!

Holly, Guy and Marty at Holly's Suprise party!!!!!

My friend Holly has a family tradition of telling everyone "Congratulations on your __________'s b-day" whether it is your b-day or your childs or your friends b-day you just have to be the first one to say it for it to count. So to Holly "CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BIRTHDAY!!!!" And since I am an hour ahead I hope I am the first (not to mention she is sleep deprived from school and taking care of her nephews and neice while Tiff is in the hospital.) These pics are from her 30th birthday(suprise) party. Her husband Dan decided to suprise her w/a birthday party and along w/her friend Tracie who hosted it and all her family and friends up there they had a great party. The biggest suprise I think for Holly was Dan paid for Donnie, Me, Kolette, her Dad and her stepmom Marsha to fly up for the party. It was the most spontanious thing I have ever done and soooooooooo worth it. Especially to see Holly's face when she looked up in the loft of the barn and saw all of us hiding out and she let out a scream. Thanks Dan for letting us be a part of it. We had a blast!!!!

Tiff-that was just 2 yrs ago and Grant & Ben were just a couple weeks old. What darlings and now they are growing up and big brothers:o) Oh, Congrats on your sister in laws birthday!

So Holly I hope you get to enjoy your birthday and esp get the best gift of little Andrew getting better and ready to go home.

Love ya!

Can I be a Garbage Man?

I think I have said before that Connor has his wife picked out. She is NOT his girlfriend and she also lives in Tennessee. He can live in his world all he wants fine by me. He also has figured out the number of kids and all that. She is just fine w/the arrangement and since she is such a cutie I am too. So tonite this is the conversation.

Connor: Can I be a garbage man?

Me: For what Halloween or when you grow up?

Connor: When I grow up?

Me: Sure

Connor: Maybe I better ask Brooke first and see what she wants me to be.

What a boy. He likes to cook & watch cooking shows. He loves to garden, play guitar and all music interests him. He is my best cleaner and very loveable. That boy is husband material. He also likes to watch home improvement shows. I am glad he isn't too big yet I am not ready to lose him to another girl.

To Tiff

Just wanted Tiff to know I am thinking of her. I know you aren't excited for the induction but honestly it isn't all that bad. I am such a control freak that I have been induced w/all my kids. The number 1 reason is I wanted my doctor. Three times he was going on vacation. I think not! We had to have help w/getting pg w/Corrin & Connor so he was there literally from the beginning wink...wink...(seriously) I also had his nurse from his office (everytime) and had the same labor & delivery nurse w/the last 3. Crazy I know but it made my life easier. The 2nd reason is I live an hour away from the hospital and delivering on the side of the road isn't my cup of tea.

Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. What a joy to get to hold that little sweetie tomorrow. Also hope it's quick like the twins. Hugs to you!!

Ewwww...

Ok, I don't ususally do New Years Resolutions but usually I think I want to be cleaner and more organized. The way I don't want to do it is by fear. We spent time snowmobiling w/friends on Sun. By tues eve at 9 she calls and says they have LICE! Ahhhhh!!!!! Gross me out seriously. I ran to the store before it closed and got the entire lice killing kit. I pulled Corrin & Connor out of bed and washed and fine combed their hair and also stripped their beds. I sprayed everything in sight. Ripped off all the bedding off of every bed, all towels, coats, hats, mittens, scarves and combs and cleaned them in super hot water and dried them. Holy cow I had no idea it would take SOOOOOOOOOO long to do all that. I also took my comforter over to a friend w/a huge washing machine b/c it won't fit in mine. I also shampooed my hair and between all of us we had NO lice. But for my sanity I had to do it. That grosses me out. I swear the very mention of the word makes my head itch for no reason. So in the meantime all my other laundry has to wait its turn b/c the rest takes priority. I haven't seen any but I want them to know they are unwelcome in my house. Do you think it will work?

Of course it sure didn't help when Donnie tells Corrin she will have to shave her head. She started to cry. This is my germ phobe kid and already grossed out. Yes, I told her the truth that they are bugs that bite your head. Not the best move since she couldn't sleep all night just thinking about it. Poor girl she doesn't have any but I had to do this to her. Corrin & Connor were the only ones I thought would have the biggest exposure but I have checked the younger two as well and all clear.

Yuck I better end this before I gross myself out anymore.