My parents are coming on Friday.
They may be bringing my litte sister and brother.
Not sure exactly cause I haven't really talked to them in a few days and that usually means something has changed multiple times and I no longer know "the plan".
The sad part of ths scenerio is that they will be here for about 24 hours.
That's it.
One measly day and we have to sleep during part of that time so it's really more like 18 hours or something. Bah!
I really like it when they visit and it's not nearly enough. Oddly, I really thought that it would happen more and I think they did too. It's not their fault. They are busy. Crazy busy, 99% of the time.
I always thought that life would maybe slow down as the kids got older, but I'm realizing that is just not the case.
Well, maybe it is if you don't have 9 grown children to fit into your lives like my parents, but they do a wonderful job, I'd say.
It's an intersting set-up, my family. There are alot of us, each with our own lives, circle of friends, schedules, etc. My parents have a very busy life, with their friends, schedules, work, etc. So where do we all fit in?
I'm not sure. I think we all learned pretty early on that we have to take turns. Not just with toys or games, but with our parents, too. Biggest problem gets attention first. I don't know what it's like as an adult to just have my parents "around."
We talk often and really do get to see each other every few months.
They are incredible parents. They have essentially given their whole lives to raising all of us and I'm so thankful for the sacrifices they made to raise us well. Having my own kids now, I realize that even more. It's stinkin' hard!!
My parents are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary next week. Pretty impressive, I'd say. We're going to all get together this summer to celebrate with them, which doesn't happen very often and isn't easy to do. I'm excited.
So, ya, my parents are coming and I'm stoked to see them. Even if it's only for 18 hours.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
16 things
This was a Facebook note a few years back, but I thought it would make a good blog post, too. I think I might do a full post on each of these...?
1. I have more brothers then cousins...7 brothers, 6 cousins
2. When I was little, I really, really, really, wanted to be a rancher in Montana.
3. I use to coach elementary girls volleyball and basketball and I would LOVE to do that again.
4. I'm the all time leading scorer in basketball at my high school.
5. I nearly get a panic attack if I have to go to a funeral home. Residual effects of losing my brother, Luke. It's gotten better over the years.
6. I would love to adopt siblings from Haiti someday...only God knows if we'll ever do that. My grandparents were missionaries there and my parents have traveled there as well.
7. I started writing a novel last year, but am scared to finish it. I'd also love to write a novel based on my great grandparent's lives.
8. I LOVE, LOVE road trips! There is not much more exciting to me then packing up the car and driving. Honestly, even with my kids, I love it! Something about driving is very therapeutic for me.
9. Nothing is more annoying to me then to have people who know how many children Chad and my parents both had and to ask if we're going to have 9 or 10 too.
10. I tend to get really excited about something and start, but then not finish. It's one thing I really would like to change about myself.
11. I really want to visit Ireland someday and find some of my relatives. My paternal grandmother is Irish.
12. I love all things coffee...mugs, coffee shops, flavors, decor...
13. I plan on finishing college someday, but I have no idea what I'd get my degree in. I like a little of everything.
14. I would really like to tandem sky dive with Chad someday. He's done it quite a bit so it makes me less scared to go with him :)
15. I really love my life...most days :) We got married very young and started a family right away when everyone our age was doing other things, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
16. I get along really well with all my inlaws. Chad's parents are really low key and easy to love. I'm very thankful for that.
1. I have more brothers then cousins...7 brothers, 6 cousins
2. When I was little, I really, really, really, wanted to be a rancher in Montana.
3. I use to coach elementary girls volleyball and basketball and I would LOVE to do that again.
4. I'm the all time leading scorer in basketball at my high school.
5. I nearly get a panic attack if I have to go to a funeral home. Residual effects of losing my brother, Luke. It's gotten better over the years.
6. I would love to adopt siblings from Haiti someday...only God knows if we'll ever do that. My grandparents were missionaries there and my parents have traveled there as well.
7. I started writing a novel last year, but am scared to finish it. I'd also love to write a novel based on my great grandparent's lives.
8. I LOVE, LOVE road trips! There is not much more exciting to me then packing up the car and driving. Honestly, even with my kids, I love it! Something about driving is very therapeutic for me.
9. Nothing is more annoying to me then to have people who know how many children Chad and my parents both had and to ask if we're going to have 9 or 10 too.
10. I tend to get really excited about something and start, but then not finish. It's one thing I really would like to change about myself.
11. I really want to visit Ireland someday and find some of my relatives. My paternal grandmother is Irish.
12. I love all things coffee...mugs, coffee shops, flavors, decor...
13. I plan on finishing college someday, but I have no idea what I'd get my degree in. I like a little of everything.
14. I would really like to tandem sky dive with Chad someday. He's done it quite a bit so it makes me less scared to go with him :)
15. I really love my life...most days :) We got married very young and started a family right away when everyone our age was doing other things, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.
16. I get along really well with all my inlaws. Chad's parents are really low key and easy to love. I'm very thankful for that.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Moving right along...just not fast enough for me.
Lots of people have been hard at work at our house and we are eternally grateful! Here's a few updated pictures since my last post about the house.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
sick babies, ballerinas, and clowns
We've had sick kids around here the past few days and it's no fun. Thankfully, things are looking up and they are on the mend.
I'm not FOR sick kids per se, but I must say there are things I treasure about those moments when they are feeling puny.
They lay still...for the most part...
They are cuddlier (yes, I know that's not a real word),and when you have 2 little boys who go 90 mph 90% of the time it's so nice to cuddle sometimes.
We had a busy week with the annual All Schools Day. This is a bit of a strange phenomenon for us. We're not FROM here so we didn't know what to expect 3 years ago at our first ASD. It was fun. I like it. I like traditions. The kids like the carnival, which I pretty much hate, but put up with.
We had our first performer this year in the May Fete craziness...
Our little ballerina in the middle.
So back to the sick kids...Chad was my hero this weekend. First and foremost because Cory puked all over him at the parade in front of a bunch of people we don't know and he handled it gracefully. Secondly, because he didn't punch a clown in the face for being a complete jerk.
Apparently a few moments after Cory had yakked all over Chad, a clown passed by and said,
"Uh, oh! Someone made a mess. Didn't your mommy teach you not to make a mess."
Yep, that's what he said. I missed this as I was trying to grab wipes to help with the clean up. He's lucky I didn't hear him cause I hadn't been puked on and I would have punched him in the face.
I'm not FOR sick kids per se, but I must say there are things I treasure about those moments when they are feeling puny.
They lay still...for the most part...
They are cuddlier (yes, I know that's not a real word),and when you have 2 little boys who go 90 mph 90% of the time it's so nice to cuddle sometimes.
We had a busy week with the annual All Schools Day. This is a bit of a strange phenomenon for us. We're not FROM here so we didn't know what to expect 3 years ago at our first ASD. It was fun. I like it. I like traditions. The kids like the carnival, which I pretty much hate, but put up with.
We had our first performer this year in the May Fete craziness...
Our little ballerina in the middle.
So back to the sick kids...Chad was my hero this weekend. First and foremost because Cory puked all over him at the parade in front of a bunch of people we don't know and he handled it gracefully. Secondly, because he didn't punch a clown in the face for being a complete jerk.
Apparently a few moments after Cory had yakked all over Chad, a clown passed by and said,
"Uh, oh! Someone made a mess. Didn't your mommy teach you not to make a mess."
Yep, that's what he said. I missed this as I was trying to grab wipes to help with the clean up. He's lucky I didn't hear him cause I hadn't been puked on and I would have punched him in the face.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Update on the fight against the Wii...
Well, I won. Sort of.
I stated my case to Elijah about why I was against getting a Wii.
1. It would take ALL his money and some of ours to get the Wii.
2. Games are expensive and we would not be getting new ones on a regular basis.
3. It's an indoor game and we spend most of our days outside over the summer.
Short pause..."Yeah, you're right." Elijah said.
"WHAT!!!?!?!"
Just like that. I'm right. I was so pumped.
So we started looking for an alternative item that got him excited. Here it is:
Air Hogs Switchblade
He was SUPER excited about it. We went to Walmart even though they said it can only be ordered online and were stoked to find it.
Ah, the thrill!! Got it home and all put together.
Took out to a wide open space...
COULDN'T GET IT TO FLY!
I'm honestly not sure if it was operator error(entirely possible) or what.
Since then, he has tried to fly it once...in our yard...which has a large tree...that he got it stuck in. This was, of course, after Chad and I had told him several times NOT to fly it in our yard for that very reason.
After several attempts by several of the neighbor kids we got it down. It's still in working condition.
Elijah is not happy. He wants to take it back. I'm gonna let him.
I do feel pretty bad about the whole ordeal. I hate it when they get all hyped about a toy and it's disappointing. He's going to look for something else a little more operator friendly.
I'm thinking a Wii might be a good idea :)
I stated my case to Elijah about why I was against getting a Wii.
1. It would take ALL his money and some of ours to get the Wii.
2. Games are expensive and we would not be getting new ones on a regular basis.
3. It's an indoor game and we spend most of our days outside over the summer.
Short pause..."Yeah, you're right." Elijah said.
"WHAT!!!?!?!"
Just like that. I'm right. I was so pumped.
So we started looking for an alternative item that got him excited. Here it is:
Air Hogs Switchblade
He was SUPER excited about it. We went to Walmart even though they said it can only be ordered online and were stoked to find it.
Ah, the thrill!! Got it home and all put together.
Took out to a wide open space...
COULDN'T GET IT TO FLY!
I'm honestly not sure if it was operator error(entirely possible) or what.
Since then, he has tried to fly it once...in our yard...which has a large tree...that he got it stuck in. This was, of course, after Chad and I had told him several times NOT to fly it in our yard for that very reason.
After several attempts by several of the neighbor kids we got it down. It's still in working condition.
Elijah is not happy. He wants to take it back. I'm gonna let him.
I do feel pretty bad about the whole ordeal. I hate it when they get all hyped about a toy and it's disappointing. He's going to look for something else a little more operator friendly.
I'm thinking a Wii might be a good idea :)
Friday, May 7, 2010
Why wasn't I told...?
I realized some time ago that there are certain things that people don't fully explain to expectant parents. Either that or they did and it's just one of those things you have to understand through experience.
One of those things is that there are times/days that you won't like your child. WHAT?? I thought being a mom was going to be dreamy and, sure, hard, but mostly just great!
Maybe other parents have managed to avoid these "disliking" moments, but I sure haven't. I, of course, love my children. They are fun, interesting, unique and simply wonderful.
That being said, I could have gone without my youngest today. Truly, if I had woken up and someone else had taken him all day and not brought him home til bedtime, I would not have been upset and I doubt I would have missed him much. Sounds harsh when I put it to words. Just being honest.
He's insanely stubborn. Twice today I went to put him down for a nap. No go.
A few weeks ago, I simply had to have him give everyone a kiss, say good night and lay him down. Just like that. He'd go to sleep.
Now's it's World War III everytime I say nap. Quite frankly, he's a punk. I've told him such, but he doesn't seem to think that's a bad thing.
I go between being a total hard ass and not letting him be in charge to just flat out getting tired and letting him get up and do whatever he wants. He wears me out.
I remember this time, this age with my other kids. It's so fun in some ways. They're funny, goofy and learn something new every day. I keep telling myself to find the good things about him today. It's been slim pickins'.
And here's the catch...it doesn't matter. He can be a total punk, completely uncooperative, and just a total pain and I still love him like crazy. I'll keep him cause I'm banking on the fact that some day, probably sooner then later, I'll miss this time in our lives.
Here's hoping tomorrow is better...
One of those things is that there are times/days that you won't like your child. WHAT?? I thought being a mom was going to be dreamy and, sure, hard, but mostly just great!
Maybe other parents have managed to avoid these "disliking" moments, but I sure haven't. I, of course, love my children. They are fun, interesting, unique and simply wonderful.
That being said, I could have gone without my youngest today. Truly, if I had woken up and someone else had taken him all day and not brought him home til bedtime, I would not have been upset and I doubt I would have missed him much. Sounds harsh when I put it to words. Just being honest.
He's insanely stubborn. Twice today I went to put him down for a nap. No go.
A few weeks ago, I simply had to have him give everyone a kiss, say good night and lay him down. Just like that. He'd go to sleep.
Now's it's World War III everytime I say nap. Quite frankly, he's a punk. I've told him such, but he doesn't seem to think that's a bad thing.
I go between being a total hard ass and not letting him be in charge to just flat out getting tired and letting him get up and do whatever he wants. He wears me out.
I remember this time, this age with my other kids. It's so fun in some ways. They're funny, goofy and learn something new every day. I keep telling myself to find the good things about him today. It's been slim pickins'.
And here's the catch...it doesn't matter. He can be a total punk, completely uncooperative, and just a total pain and I still love him like crazy. I'll keep him cause I'm banking on the fact that some day, probably sooner then later, I'll miss this time in our lives.
Here's hoping tomorrow is better...
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Video games
I don't mind video games per se.
I've played a good bit in my lifetime. As a kid, I beat Ms. Pacman on our Atari. It was awesome and I know I spent ALOT of hours perfecting my moves. I don't think I was harmed by my time playing.
We bought one of those old school plug in atari games awhile back. It was awesome cause it had Ms. Pacman and Galaga, which brought back sweet memories for both Chad and I.
I guess the kids liked it too :)
So why am I so NOT for getting a gaming system??
What I mind is what I know will be the endless requests to play said video games. It's annoying and it frustrates me cause I'd rather they were playing outside or being creative independently. This thought is all well and good in the utopia that is my mind, but reality tends to be different.
I'm sure we'd have fun with it. There might even be some "bonding". I just don't want to take the plunge. We've held off for so long!
So here's my dilemma...
Elijah has been saving up for quite awhile for a Wii. He was SURE 100% that is what he wanted so he didn't spend his money on silly things that break after a minute or stuff he didn't REALLY want. We told him that we would pay half after we moved into the new house.
Now, I am trying like CRAZY to convince him that he doesn't REALLY want a Wii.
Bad mom?
Quite possibly.
He's got a good chunk of change and I'm so proud of him for knowing what he wanted and saving for it diligently. So, now, I feel like I'm manipulating the situation a little. I really don't have ANY desire to have a Wii or any video game in our house. I don't mind if they play it...just somewhere else.
I just don't want to hear the never-ending requests to play, or the fights over what to play or whatever else comes with getting something like this.
And, I'm slightly morally opposed to it, I think. In my mind, it could very well be the one thing that starts to destroy the fabric of our family!!
I may be slightly dramatic about that point...just a little.
But seriously, I'd much rather they play games outside, ride their bikes, climb trees, etc, etc.
Maybe we'll get one in the winter when we're all stuck inside anyway...
I've played a good bit in my lifetime. As a kid, I beat Ms. Pacman on our Atari. It was awesome and I know I spent ALOT of hours perfecting my moves. I don't think I was harmed by my time playing.
We bought one of those old school plug in atari games awhile back. It was awesome cause it had Ms. Pacman and Galaga, which brought back sweet memories for both Chad and I.
I guess the kids liked it too :)
So why am I so NOT for getting a gaming system??
What I mind is what I know will be the endless requests to play said video games. It's annoying and it frustrates me cause I'd rather they were playing outside or being creative independently. This thought is all well and good in the utopia that is my mind, but reality tends to be different.
I'm sure we'd have fun with it. There might even be some "bonding". I just don't want to take the plunge. We've held off for so long!
So here's my dilemma...
Elijah has been saving up for quite awhile for a Wii. He was SURE 100% that is what he wanted so he didn't spend his money on silly things that break after a minute or stuff he didn't REALLY want. We told him that we would pay half after we moved into the new house.
Now, I am trying like CRAZY to convince him that he doesn't REALLY want a Wii.
Bad mom?
Quite possibly.
He's got a good chunk of change and I'm so proud of him for knowing what he wanted and saving for it diligently. So, now, I feel like I'm manipulating the situation a little. I really don't have ANY desire to have a Wii or any video game in our house. I don't mind if they play it...just somewhere else.
I just don't want to hear the never-ending requests to play, or the fights over what to play or whatever else comes with getting something like this.
And, I'm slightly morally opposed to it, I think. In my mind, it could very well be the one thing that starts to destroy the fabric of our family!!
I may be slightly dramatic about that point...just a little.
But seriously, I'd much rather they play games outside, ride their bikes, climb trees, etc, etc.
Maybe we'll get one in the winter when we're all stuck inside anyway...
Parenting more
I came across this quote on this blog...
http://www.simplehomeschool.net
"I tell people who ask about homeschooling that it’s just parenting — but more of it. If you enjoy parenting most of the time, you’ll enjoy homeschooling most of the time. If you don’t, and you can’t wait to send your kids elsewhere for most of the day, you won’t enjoy homeschooling, and it may not be for you. The lessons you learn in parenting are multiplied and intensified through homeschooling. I hope my kids are getting a good education — but I KNOW I am!"
People homeschool for all kinds of reasons. I've been at it for several years now and I can't say definitively why I do it. Some days, it's cause I love the flexibility. I can do six lessons in phonics and nothing else or one lesson of math, language, science, etc. Other days I love that I get to be the one who teaches my daughter what letters make the oo sound. Other days I do no "homeschooling" at all. We just live life together. I like that too.
Here's the thing. I really liked this quote at first, then I hated it. Now I'm not sure what I think about it. I hate it mostly because it makes parents who send their kids to school sound like bad parents who don't like their kids, which I know is not the case. Our son is in public school and I have tons of friends who are amazing parents with great kids who spend their days in school, as well.
I like it because it's got some truth to it, except for the "can't wait" part. I'm not sure the wonderful parents I know would say they "can't wait" to send their kids to school each day (well, maybe some days :) ). It's just what they, and I, do.
I honestly never considered sending my kids to kindergarten.
I knew I would homeschool at least that year with each of them. I just wasn't prepared to have that shift begin. You know, the shift that happens when your kids are around their peers more. They want to be like them, talk like them, have the same games/toys. I wasn't ready for that. "Getting a break" from my kids never seemed like a good reason to send them to school. There are, of course, times I NEED a break, but I don't think that's what school is for.
What I've realized each year, and why I partially agree with that quote, was that homeschooling makes you parent more. Alot more. And some days that's great. Other days it's awful and I would really like to only have to parent them for those hours in the afternoon/evening and weekends.
Any personal flaws, or personality clashes are often up front and personal everyday when you homeschool. I can't ignore them, well I could but it just prolongs the inevitable of having to deal with those and learning how to co-exist in peace.
So here are just two (trust me there are ALOT more), things about myself that I've had to address sooner then I would have liked because I'm around my kids all day long.
Personality flaw #1. I'm not a schedule person.
I don't have specific things I do each day at specific times. I pretty much wake up with a general idea of what needs to be done and some days I get those things done. Autumn does very well with a schedule. She likes to know what, where, when and with whom every minute of our day consists of. I've had to accomodate her, which has made me a better planner and she's had to accomodate me with learning to just go with the flow sometimes.
Personality flaw #2. I like lazy mornings...alot...too much. I day dream about being 16 and sleeping in til noon. I don't get out of bed some days til my oldest son is out the door for school. My husband, who is awesome, usually makes sure everyone has had some type of breakfast, if he's home.
I haven't solved this one yet. Sometimes I'm up and moving around by 700/730, most days I'm still laying in bed pretending to be asleep. I'm a little selfish about it. Maybe that should be #3, but I'll stop with 2 for now...
http://www.simplehomeschool.net
"I tell people who ask about homeschooling that it’s just parenting — but more of it. If you enjoy parenting most of the time, you’ll enjoy homeschooling most of the time. If you don’t, and you can’t wait to send your kids elsewhere for most of the day, you won’t enjoy homeschooling, and it may not be for you. The lessons you learn in parenting are multiplied and intensified through homeschooling. I hope my kids are getting a good education — but I KNOW I am!"
People homeschool for all kinds of reasons. I've been at it for several years now and I can't say definitively why I do it. Some days, it's cause I love the flexibility. I can do six lessons in phonics and nothing else or one lesson of math, language, science, etc. Other days I love that I get to be the one who teaches my daughter what letters make the oo sound. Other days I do no "homeschooling" at all. We just live life together. I like that too.
Here's the thing. I really liked this quote at first, then I hated it. Now I'm not sure what I think about it. I hate it mostly because it makes parents who send their kids to school sound like bad parents who don't like their kids, which I know is not the case. Our son is in public school and I have tons of friends who are amazing parents with great kids who spend their days in school, as well.
I like it because it's got some truth to it, except for the "can't wait" part. I'm not sure the wonderful parents I know would say they "can't wait" to send their kids to school each day (well, maybe some days :) ). It's just what they, and I, do.
I honestly never considered sending my kids to kindergarten.
I knew I would homeschool at least that year with each of them. I just wasn't prepared to have that shift begin. You know, the shift that happens when your kids are around their peers more. They want to be like them, talk like them, have the same games/toys. I wasn't ready for that. "Getting a break" from my kids never seemed like a good reason to send them to school. There are, of course, times I NEED a break, but I don't think that's what school is for.
What I've realized each year, and why I partially agree with that quote, was that homeschooling makes you parent more. Alot more. And some days that's great. Other days it's awful and I would really like to only have to parent them for those hours in the afternoon/evening and weekends.
Any personal flaws, or personality clashes are often up front and personal everyday when you homeschool. I can't ignore them, well I could but it just prolongs the inevitable of having to deal with those and learning how to co-exist in peace.
So here are just two (trust me there are ALOT more), things about myself that I've had to address sooner then I would have liked because I'm around my kids all day long.
Personality flaw #1. I'm not a schedule person.
I don't have specific things I do each day at specific times. I pretty much wake up with a general idea of what needs to be done and some days I get those things done. Autumn does very well with a schedule. She likes to know what, where, when and with whom every minute of our day consists of. I've had to accomodate her, which has made me a better planner and she's had to accomodate me with learning to just go with the flow sometimes.
Personality flaw #2. I like lazy mornings...alot...too much. I day dream about being 16 and sleeping in til noon. I don't get out of bed some days til my oldest son is out the door for school. My husband, who is awesome, usually makes sure everyone has had some type of breakfast, if he's home.
I haven't solved this one yet. Sometimes I'm up and moving around by 700/730, most days I'm still laying in bed pretending to be asleep. I'm a little selfish about it. Maybe that should be #3, but I'll stop with 2 for now...
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