Alicia O. & The Gang

McDonalds in Heaven?

2012-01-14T09:07:00.002-06:00

I've been testing out my new iPhone lately and at times have told the kids they could ask "Siri" a question or two....so this morning I hear Sylvi using my phone (without permission of course....) and here is how it went:

Sylvi: Is there McDonalds in Heaven?

Siri: I'm sorry, I don't know where that is.

Sylvi (under her breath): It's right up in the sky.

This girl...she's a funny one!

Making a statement...

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

My husband has fantastic taste...or at least he knows how to follow a link I sent him in an email!

Because I sure love this necklace he bought me for christmas!

Joy robber, Thought Hijacker or whatever you call it!

2012-01-10T15:28:00.002-06:00

Today is one of those days that I find myself ruminating on things that don't matter...that shouldn't matter rather. The things that I allow to hijack my thoughts and rob me of my joy.

The thoughts of...ok...let's be honest:

-She thinks she has is so much worse...but really if she knew about my (fill in the blank)

-If only I could be as honest as so-and-so, maybe people would offer to (fill in the blank)

-Why can't my husband be home each night like everyone else's?

-I really didn't sign up to work this hard.

-Can't I just get a day off?

And when I look at that list...that is as honest as can be...I see so many false implications. Implications that I have it rough, or that I want a reaction or that I need my husband to be home each night. Those are implications that I lead myself into...and I allow to simmer until I feel it's truth.

But the truth? I am real about it and those things are not truth.

-I DO get days off...maybe not as many as I'd like...but a little time off goes a long way!

-I am honest...and honest is that I prefer not to be that open and deal with things with those who are close and trustworthy.

-My husband can't be home each night...or even each week...because he has a JOB...that I am so thankful for. It has allowed me all of my hopes and dreams of being a mom!

-I DID sign up to work this hard...I just may not like it all the time.

So to those thoughts that commit this robbery from time to time...BUG OFF! You're not about to rob my joy or hijack my brain space. This place has no room for you.

Two front teeth

2011-12-23T21:37:00.004-06:00

All I want for christmas is my two front teeth!

He once again, jammed his two front teeth into some concrete object to loosen them to their loosest thus far...and....

There goes one....

There goes two!

And here you have it! A toothless boy for Christmas!

He lost them both within 4 days!

I'm Bored and cold...but who said this was about me?!?!

2011-12-19T18:05:00.002-06:00

(Finn is on the right)

I'm cold, I'm bored, but he loves it. He's been talking about it each day leading up to it...practices all the time and sets up his own obstacle courses daily.

But I'm alone...the girls snug at mama's house, content to play a bit on our lazy Sunday afternoon while I chauffeur Finn to his practice.

He gets to the box first if possible, holds the door and then slams it shut making certain it latches. He stands there...at the door, facing his teammates and I can see his head moving as if there's a story to be told. He occasionally looks at me...I can see a smile

through his mask and mouth guard....I can see it in his eyes.

But I'm alone...bored and a bit cold...so I beak my rule.

I take my phone out of my purse and begin to stealthy check my email. It's been 2 minutes, but I haven't looked up. In my strained consciousness I hear a voice. I hear a lot if voices...there's 100 mites on the rink and another 50 cheering parents, but this voice I know.

It takes me 2 or 3 "moms" before I break out of my concentration...I look up. It's Finn. Across the rink...in the box...and all he needs to do is wave and smile. But I know what that means. He wants my attention.

In that moment that broke my concentration I realized why I have the rule I just broke. These moments are few...they're fleeting and I know that. Just this morning I thought "wow, in 10 years I'll be 40"...and then, before I could even pause on that thought, my mind quickly turned to the fact that in that same 10 years I will have a child graduating High School and I wondered..."could it possibly go that fast?"...."could it really go as fast as the last 10?".

And it will...so I put my phone away...watched him play what he loves, giving him thumbs up at each goal and assist. I don't want to miss even 2 minutes for something so unimportant.

Project - Jewelry

2011-12-12T18:05:00.002-06:00

Over a year ago...we moved into a house with literally 1/10 of the storage our other house had. But this home has its perks and I wasn't about to complain....well mostly.

So my ever-loving obsession with jewelry has taken over. I'm a jeans-and-a-tshirt kind of gal...and that means my flare comes form my shoes, bags and jewelry.

But...there's no linen closet for it, no place for a jewelry box, and no safe place from the 40 small children fingers that may have a hand in grabbing something.

So I made due in this beautifully old and roomy "medicine" cabinet. So here's what I used:

Ice Cube Trays

Brass Brad Nails

Hammer

Spare white slats from a broken down toy crib

As you can see it was rather a mess before..no organization and no reason as to why it was how it was.

The bottom shelf was a pit. The Collection of all things that I use regularily...so in turn they get thrown back in!

But after hanging the remnant slats, now lined with the brass brad nails, and filling the ice cube trays it looks like a neat, tidy and organized space.

So it may not be showcase material, it works for my life.

Just wanted to share!

Red Chair Project

2011-12-12T18:01:00.001-06:00

My brain is overflowing with creative energy lately. This is odd. This doesn't happen all that often...as I wouldn't consider myself a "creative" type.

But with the time constraints I've had I have only been able to sneak in a couple of "smalls".

Here is one of my fave new projects...The Red Chair Project.

It starts with a red chair or two.

Then I asked my dear husband to cut a hole in the center of each..a hole that would perfectly fit a small stainless steel bowl.

You guess it yet? Two chairs...holes with stainless bowls in them...an adorable dog? Yep! Dog bowl station!

I'd say she enjoys it! And it looks a whole lot nicer than the two plastic bowls that used to sit there.

Christmas time is here....

2011-11-25T21:36:00.004-06:00

It's the day after Thanksgiving....and after all that thankfulness I can't help but begin preparing to celebrate what I am most thankful for!

The Christmas decorations have gone up, the nativity is out in the front of our Farm and the fall decor is packed away.

I am relishing in another year of Christmas at this place...and it feels really good.

2011-11-25T08:21:00.001-06:00

"Honey Catches more flies than Vinegar".

This is my newest attitude mantra!

Projects, process' and possiblities

2011-11-21T21:41:00.002-06:00

As the season changes to full fledged winter wonderland I get restless....not with life, but with my surroundings and my creativity. I would NOT describe myself as a creative type, but at times I craft and create just like the rest of you!

So lately I have been creating...however my process doesn't always get finished. Sometimes the process of the project takes way to long...

so I thought I would share a couple of projects that I have finished!~

Here are the Apple Jellies I found that I just had to try~

After following the instructions from this fantastic blog, Lottie & Doof, my Apple Jellies turned out perfectly!

The kiddos Loved them! They are very sweet, especially when you coat them in sugar!

My next project involved more than just me! My husband needed to do some of the labor for me, mainly because it's freezing out, but also because he's rather handy!

I had gotten a pallet with one of my Baby Elephant Ears shipments and needed an idea!

So after following the instruction at yet another amazing blog, Little Lucy Lu, my shelves are almost finished...for ZERO dollars!

So what are you creating these days?

We have several other projects in process as we prepare almost all of our holiday gifts as handmade items, but of course I can't show those! It would ruin the surprise!

Yowza!

2011-10-12T13:48:00.002-05:00

For realz! How does it get to be so long between blogs sometimes!

A lot has been happening though,

Like this guy (a.k.a my husband) training and finishing his 1st Marathon (this photo is his first 1/2 marathon earlier this summer...not the marathon)

Like this guys (a.k.a Finn) starting his dream sport....HOCKEY! He is all hockey all of the time these days!

And this gal (a.k.a Lilly) starting her first sport, gymnastics!

There was also 6 days away at our major US Tradeshow for Baby Elephant Ears! I was accompanied again by my lovely Sis (a.k.a Ash)!

And then there were festivities hosted at The Farm. What a fantastic day that was! It was prefaced by a family gathering in Nisswa and then dancing the night away at the wedding reception!

So there's a small catch-up! We'll see when I get back!

Too good not to share

2011-09-02T10:34:00.002-05:00

I have a friend who forwards me the best things...her forwards in fact, are the only ones I typically read. Today I'm so glad I did...it's a nugget that I am so happy to have read. A struggle that I have had much over the past year or so...and I'm so thankful for those small success in my time. Enjoy and be enouraged:

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 (NIV)

Do you ever have days where someone tries to rip the joy right out of your life?

I do.

And it’s really hard. It’s a battle. The good girl part of my brain says, “Be nice. Honor Jesus with your actions. Your response is your responsibility. Self control, Lysa, self control.”

But the mean girl part of my brain says, “How dare they act that way! I’ll show you!”

One part of me says fold your hands in prayer.

But another part of me says throw your hands in the air and pitch a good old fashioned hissy fit.

Issues.

I have them. Maybe most of us girls do. Especially that one special week a month.

But God.

I love how those two words interrupt me. Redirect me. Remind me. Comfort me. Battle the mean girl in me. And cause me to pause.

Pause. Just for a minute, pause. And it’s in that pause where we give the Holy Spirit room to interrupt the mean girl response just dying to come out and bloody the situation.

The Holy Spirit says, “Lysa stop and think. It might feel good in the minute to scream, retaliate, pitch a fit and flood the situation with scary emotions. But it won’t feel good in the long run. It will feel awful in the long run. You’ll feel the sting of regret. Come on Lysa… be rare. Be a girl who looks ahead and determines to do what’s best in the long run.”

Yes, it stinks that this other person is determined to steal our joy.

It really does.

But in reality, my joy can only be stolen if I let it be stolen.

In John 15:10-12 Jesus says, “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”

Several things struck me as I read this verse. Each interaction I have with others I’m faced with the choice to either remain in God’s love or retreat from God’s love. I can’t control how this other person is acting towards me. But I can control how I act and react. If I chose to remain in God’s love and react to this other person kindly, it affects my joy. Jesus interjects His joy right into the heart of a kind person. If I make the choice to be kind, instead of my joy being depleted, it will be completed.

So back off mean girl part of my brain. The Jesus girl in me is taking over. And holding on to every ounce of joy that’s rightfully mine. Circumstances can steal stuff from me. But not my joy.

Dear Lord, this sounds so good in this moment. But it will not be easy when I have an interaction today with “that person”… the one who makes my mean girl want to come out. Will You help me remember these truths? Will You help me remember this person can not steal my joy? And help me remember if I react kindly my joy can be completed rather than depleted. And that’s what I want. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

CREDIT: Proverbs 31 Ministries - http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/09/when-my-mean-girl-wants-to-come-out-2.html

Sticking with it....

2011-08-30T15:54:00.001-05:00

I have several areas of our new (very very old) Farmhouse that are seemingly never right. They are multipurpose areas...areas that need to house things that have no place...and such.

But the constant re-design I have in my mind can sometimes lead me to fun things. I have been on a hunt for some perfectly awesome, somewhat scandinavian wallpaper for some time now. I have a dresser project and a nook project that I just can't wait to do. But...I came across this today and it peeked my interest greatly!

Have fun:

http://www.paytonturner.com/

Click on "wallpaper" and then "Stickers"

A new day....a good day!

2011-08-19T12:02:00.003-05:00

Today is 11 years after I married the one whom my heart longs to be with!

The amazing part of this year..this anniversary, is that we are living in the home that we got married at! It was funny to look out onto the front yard today...knowing that 11 years ago there were 400 chairs lined up and ribbons tied in the trees, blowing int he wind. 11 years ago today I remember the kitchen being a fuss with my mom, my aunts and my grandma Patty preparing cheese and crackers for the bridal party...and today it's filled with the fuss of four children going crazy waiting to go to the beach.

11 years ago...I remember my family and friends all smiling and happy to experience the day with me. 11 years ago I remember the look on Scott's face when he saw me in my dress for the very first time. His grin...wow...it makes me smile just thinking of it!

11 years ago today at 4:30pm I married the one whom my heart longs to be with!

What a good day!

I lost it.

2011-08-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Period. I just lost it. Forgive me.

Run for your life....

2011-08-15T08:12:00.002-05:00

There's nothing like it for me. Nothing like a good run. I realize a "good" run for me is possibly different from another person's definition of such.

This morning, at 5:45am I woke to stumble out of bed and squeeze my sleepy body into my running gear. No coffee or food to help me along I sloppily walked outside and stretched my stiff body. But as soon as my feet hit the pavement my heart feels lighter, my head feel more clear and my body is ready to go.

There's nothing like a good run.

Some days I simply rock out to my music, others I pray and yet others I find myself deep in thought and internal conversation. Since there seems to be no shortage of need for thought and prayers these days, this is typically where I find myself. In that lone quiet hour or so...thinking for myself, by myself, to myself. It breathes life into me. It literally feels like sometimes I am running for my life.

Many times people ask how I can run mid-day, in the scorching sun or how I can get up with only 4-5 hours of sleep and go early in the morning: my response is typically, "it's my sanity. I have to have my sanity to get through the days, so whatever it takes, I'll do it". Ok..."whatever it takes" might be a stretch since I have proven to NOT be able to get up any earlier than 5:45, but you get the point.

That being said...I am hoping that since I took the time and energy to get in a good 5 mile run this morning, I will be a more sane mom. Since it's only 8:20am...I guess I have some serious hours to prove my theory =)

Land of the Lost

2011-08-13T17:41:00.003-05:00

I feel lost today. My day started out very solid and grounded. Then the day began...and it no sooner began than it fell right back apart. I'm not being dramatic because it really wasn't dramatic. It just did.

Life happened and it did.

I feel lost today. I am not even certain I know where my heart is today. I know it's hurting. I know it's also happy. But I really feel like it's residing in that gray space in between.

Do you ever feel guilty? Being happy in a time of strife? A time of conflict?

There are time where I look to be my typical optimistic self and wonder, "How can I act as though my insides are matching my outsides today?"....when they may not?

I feel lost today. In that gray space. Wondering which side to reside.

The silver lining? There's always tomorrow...or an hour from now...or the next moment...in which your spirit can change.

Yep, there ya go...the eternal optimist in me. I knew it would win out in this post!!!

My boy, BMX-ing for the first time

2011-08-12T12:18:00.004-05:00

Last night was it! We're now a family who "does activities". Until now we have not signed our children up for things...they've done Sunday School and two VBS camps but no extra-curricular stuff.

Finn has been asking for what feels like years to play hockey, soccer, baseball or whatever. The past two years, his fantasy was BMX in the summer. Scott and I typically wait these things out and see how long the fad lasts...and lasts....and lasts...until we determine it's not a fad. Well, we decided. With Finn's birthday coming up we decided to enliven his fantasy a bit and got him a jersey. His grandma and grandpa Overby got him a helmet and he already had the number plate and bike from last years birthday. His eyes lit up with joy and Scott and I decided to indulge him in some real BMX.

We took him to a nearby BMX track and watched him do his thing. It was great. He enjoyed each and every minute of it.

I couldn't help but impose my little brothers face onto Finn's while he was riding. I remember traveling to Milaca or Forest Lake with my family when we were younger...my brother Zach spent each and every waking moment on some mode of transportation. For a long time it was his BMX bike inclusive of alterations and modification he had done himself. When that wasn't fast enough or crazy enough he graduated to moto-cross racing (I think that's what it's called. When you race a dirt bike?!) where he scared the pants off each of us. Oh Lord please don't let Finn want to do that too!!!

Anyhow...it was great. Lilly wants to try next week. My life as a traveling momma of 4 'involved' children has begun. Let's just say the first time was pretty great!

Foto's of Finn's Festivities

2011-08-07T10:34:00.002-05:00

A little Foto re-cap of Finn's Festivities!

Finn is 6!!

2011-08-02T07:33:00.002-05:00

NO way did I ever imagine I would have a 6 year old little boy! I knew I'd have the baby...and then the toddler...but my mind doesn't go this far.

I mean, these are the kids I remember having!

This is the little boy going off to pre-school a couple of years ago...this is how I remember him!

Not this!

Although I'll take it...every boney, muscely piece of him!

Finn is such a blessing. He proved to love his sisters beyond anything in the world. A feeling I can identify with as my brother, Zach, used to dote on his sisters like no other.

Finn shows compassion and deep concern for people. He is typically the one to suggest a prayer for someone in need or a help where he sees fit.

Finn is an incredible sports fanatic. Any sport, Any time for this kid. His most recent obsession is BMX and of course, his all time favorite, HOCKEY!

After having 4 children I realized that at each birth I remember a distinct feeling....but they were all different. With each of our girls it was a different feeling and with Finn...soooo different.

He stole my heart. At moment one. I loved him so incredibly deep at that very moment, but knew, almost as if I had a glimpse to the future, that he would steal that piece of my heart forever.

Either way, I'd give it to him.

Finn. What an amazing boy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY BOY! YOU'RE 6!!!

toilets

2011-07-26T00:49:00.001-05:00

That's it.

Toilets.

We have three.

2 out of 3 are currently clogged.

Not with what you might think.

Teaching a toddler moderation when it comes to toilet paper is an impossible task.

Period.

Before and After

2011-07-10T18:55:00.002-05:00

In a homestead as old as ours you can always expect a minor project to turn a little larger than anticipated. Well at least, this is what you should do.

As always I simplify things to the utmost and hope and pray for the best.

This is what I did in trying to accomplish some minor organization this past week. We decided to pull out some old cabinetry that was not serving it's purpose and instead, maximize the possibilities in the Laundry Area (a.k.a: teeny tiny original basement area, a.k.a: very old). As my business has grown and our storage has decreased in this new (old) house, we need to maximize ANY and all storage areas.

THE PLAN:

-Pull out old cabinetry (that wasn't even attached)

-Repair some minor holes in the existing Sheetrock

-Prime and Paint to freshen the smell and stop any minor stains/wet areas

-Cover the entire basement in a rough treatment of Wainscoting (pre-primed cheap stuff)

This was meant as only a short term fix to freshen the space enough to feel like it could function as a storage space as well as a clean laundry area.

I get it...I'm a bit of a priss when it comes to stuff like this. I'm all about freshening a space and simply making it look a bit nicer. Let's just face it; it feels a bit better as your doing endless loads of laundry, for it to look and smell new-ish and nice-ish!

AAAAANnnnyhow....

This is what we ran into when we pulled out the cabinetry!

This led to some investigation...in which we found the Sheetrock crumbling to mush, 4 inches of mud behind the Sheetrock on the ground and the dreaded.....MOLD!

So, we began pulling out pieces of Sheetrock to see what the damage was. We pulled, and pulled, and pulled...until we gutted the whole place!

And this is what it looks like now!

The entire room is the Original foundation...we're talking approx. a century and a half old here! So it's simply stone and mortar. It was so cool to see it all exposed. We can't leave it this way or I probably would clean it up, paint it and LOVE it.

THE PLAN:

-Re-frame the entire space as most studs are rotted

-Re-wire to accommodate more outlets for new walls

-Re-Sheetrock, tape and sand

Finishing touches are going to be a bit down the road...as we planned to do this is 1-2 days originally. It will now take weeks...possibly months to accomplish it all and a sizable amount of dollars.

Someday I'll learn!

2011-07-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

Just Beachy!

2011-07-08T18:22:00.003-05:00

The beach. What a wonderfully relaxing place. A pool is great...bur the beach, it reminds me of childhood and vacationing to tropical places. Today we are ending our day at a local beach. Just because. And it feels so good.

I lay here, watching from the shore. We have two of my nieces with and our own 4 children. Scott gets to hang with us and it's heaven.

The sun!
The breeze!
The kids!
My man!

Thank you Lord!

The power of......power!

2011-07-02T23:37:00.003-05:00

A huge storm...that we watched from my parents lake house, came through our town on Friday night. It was bad. In fact, i had not ever seen so much storm damage in my life.

Power lines down and hundreds of trees uprooted or cracked in half. Needless to say our, and many others power has been out since. That's right....30 hours now of no power. Tricky. Not terrible and I am not complaining, but tricky with a family of six, a dog, a cat and chickens...oh and we are dogsitting.

Here's the nitty gritty: no water...so no showers, no proper tooth brushing, no toilet and now after so long...toilets that stink, 3 freezers not freezing, and a fridge not refrigerating, an ER appt for a boy with a massive ear infection, and trying to comfort him in the middle of the night in the pitch dark! Not good!

What's more, after calling the outage line Again to see If there was any updates on our 36 hour max outage,...it said they now hope to have power to everyone by Tuesday!

Wow...maybe I am a little crabby about this!

Anyhow...that's it. As Scott and I both sit here on our phones, our only outside communication....making certain people still know we are here!

Ahhh heck...

2011-06-29T09:47:00.003-05:00

Ahhhhh heck is right! Being over two weeks out from my last blog entry makes me feel like I'm behind. Behind what? Well, behind my own desire to blog on a regular basis that is!

Don't tell me you don't set these little goals in your mind! Not necessarily just for blogging, but for things in your life that don't require a deadline but could use to have intention behind doing them.

Anyhow...with that said, there are so many blog-worthy events happening, but with all of these events there is little time to document them.

The crazy 8 have taken over life. Baby Elephant Ears is going at top speed. Summer activities take over my days weather I like it or not. Spending time with friends is a top priority.

So, for today, I will fail again and just give a snippet of life.

Parenting: A Win, Win

2011-06-21T20:35:00.002-05:00

Parenting. It's one of those subjects that I do not like to talk much about. It's a subject that is so...well...subjective and varies so greatly. But I needed to share a moment that I had yesterday.

Scott and I parent with, what we like to call, Non-Negotiables. These are hard and fast rules, if you will, which by we direct our kids. While many of their behaviors, or mis-behaviors, fall under one of the Non-Negotiables, the bottom line rule will always apply.

We would say that we keep a pretty tight reign on our children's behavior most of the time, especially at home. Don't mistake, we let them be kids. They are kids when they play in the rain and jump in mud puddles, they are kids when they paint the chicken coop with mud and they are kids when they play house with boxes. But when it comes to issues of behavior we reign it in, knowing our time to teach is so limited.

While, with me, there is usually no gray area, yesterday was an exception to that rule. There was a time when one of our children began throwing a fit over a simple request. This child...she is soft and sweet, but packs a punch when she wills it so. The fit began slowly, but I knew. I knew it would escalate to a full blown 4 year old tantrum in no time.

So it did. And then a consequence she just couldn't deal with spewed from my mouth. As I kept myself completely collected and calm I sent her to her room to finish the fit she had started. She complied while stomping and kicking at the floor all on her own. She screamed and yelled. She even spouted something about me.

This behavior is not something that we would tolerate from 2, or even 3 of our other children. But yesterday, I knew I had to treat this tender hearted child a bit differently.

I allowed the fit to continue until she returned downstairs. She was still crying and even still having a small bit of her fit. However, I continued my conversation with Scott and slowly approached her as if it was not my intent. As I got closer I felt even further compelled to extend a hand. So even in the conversation I slowly began to rub her back....she slowly began to settle her voice and calm down. Before I knew it her arms were extended and I slowly drew her to my side while I realized her fit had stopped.

I then hugged her tightly and asked her if she thought her fit was worth her consequence and she replied "No.". I asked her if it felt even silly that she was throwing a fit for that reason and she said "yes.".

It was in that time of unlikely calm, for me, that I realized that even though our "rules" apply to all children, all of the time....in this case they needed to bend, juuust a bit in order to accommodate a fragile spirit.

How I am so thankful for those moments of triumph in parenting...as some days, they seem so few and far between. In this moment...parenting was a Win-Win.

Crazy 8

2011-06-06T08:31:00.002-05:00

Here they are....a terrible cell phone photo, but none the less...a photo!

It's a bit harried trying to figure out how to get them all to sit still. So for this quick shot...I started quietly telling a select few of them that "I have a secret...come in here!". This is my first success as Ani. Getting them all in one place...looking at the camera....with me!

So enjoy the Crazy 8! Stories to come for sure!

The Fantastic 4 - and I don't mean my own!

2011-05-31T01:33:00.002-05:00

Do you remember back when I said that a certain day was great for 3 reasons? Do you also remember that I didn't say what the third was?

Well this is it!

That day, April 29th, was the day that Ashley and Jessie told us that they had been selected to raise these 4 fantastic children!

My sister is going to be a Momma!!!

These amazing children above....oh yes...CHILDREN...count them....4, are now the sweet children of my sister and her partner!

They will fit nicely in line with my own 4 and we cannot wait to show them all of the love that we have to show!

This process has been longer than anticipated and more emotional than imagined, but it's here! The light at the end of that tunnel is here!

I am beyond excited to be an Ani (said like "Auntie" but without the "t") and my children are over joyed to have cousins their own age.

Well, it's 1:30 am and I can barely focus with these tired and smiley eyes...but for now I just couldn't wait one more minute to tell you!

But mom, my brain has the idea!

2011-05-24T17:40:00.001-05:00

After some very long working days recently, the sunshine pulled me away and beckoned me to spend some needed time with my children out doors. Today, what a treat, I had only the two "bigs" as my mom had taken the littles for a sleepover. We all donned our swimsuits. Lilly and I looked at a fashion magazine and then I played ball with Finn for over an hour. I walked inside to start dinner and came out to Finn throwing a nice big rock in our pond (man made with a pump and what not). This is a no-no around here so I scolded him as needed. He then took a brief time out...only to continue almost mindlessly while in his time out only 5 feet from said pond. I called him to me and spoke clearly to him about the consequences he will recieve if he doesn't stop. This is what followed.

me: Finn, you may not throw rocks in, at or around the pond. Wait...let's just say You may Not Throw Rocks!

finn: But mom it's just in my brain to do it.

me: You still have a choice. Sometimes we think of things to do but we can't. Make the wise choice finn.

finn: No, mom (frustrated), there's a picture in my brain of the rocks. My brain has the idea to do it!

me: (grinning and trying not to chuckle) I know bud, but then it's your choice to throw them and do what you're thinking. You need to think about that choice and then change it.

finn: (Very frustrated) Mom it's like the rocks tell me to and my brain shows me how! There's a picture of it in my brain.

At first this whole conversation threw me for a loop. And then it made me think of how smart it was that he could articulate exactly what was happening and why he felt the need to do it. Not right! Consequences followed of course, but interesting convo with my 5 year old for sure!

Run n' Rain Ramble

2011-05-21T09:22:00.003-05:00

We are headed to our first race of the season....as a family....in the rain! It's not just sprinkling either....it's a full on downpour right now!
We are about T minus 35 minutes to race start...so we're hoping it may let up.

The race is for The New Face of Guatemala, a trip my very own mother is going on this year! So rain or shine, the family and I will be there to get soaked! And we've, well, already paid...so what the hay huh?

The kids are excited and my saying these days:
If you're not excited, you're not invited!!!

Outside right now

2011-05-17T17:00:00.003-05:00

I have held them off for weeks. Weeks that have seemed like months.

I think...a true spring has arrived. And at our house....

That means it's pool weather. Have I ever told you about our pool?

It's huge! (ok...that was sarcastic!)

No matter the size or (lack of) extravagance, this pool has served us for over 6 years.

4 kids and 6 years. Just a simple kiddie pool.

And the beauty? They really don't know the difference=)

There are two things.

2011-05-16T20:56:00.002-05:00

There are two things I can't believe!

1) I can't believe my first baby is a full 7 years old.

2) I can't believe how much fun we have at birthday parties...a lot of birthday parties!

We have kind of a tradition to do a pinata. The kids love it....it's more fun than "treat bags" and it's fun to watch!

I think Lilly liked watching too!

Finn is, of course, typically the big hitter. We send him in when it's taking far too long and we need that darn thing to get busted up! He does a fine job.

Lilly, being 7, now loves chapter books. We bought her the first chapter book she has for her birthday. She was walking around reading it...in her new sweatshirt...and new shorts.

And what would a birthday party be without a few games!

Do you recognize any of these?

Scott rocked out the "Minute to Win It" games, including the theme music and Blue prints.

The best part of that...everyone played. Not just the kids!

This was the first party that Lilly was able to invite a school friend. Her and Emma had a blast. As you can tell from their 7 year old silly faces.

And even though the weather didn't allow, she wanted a beach themed party. So the night before, Scott and I baked and decorated her cake together. We had so much fun!

She Loved it!

So again, Happy Birthday Babe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLY!

2011-05-13T21:16:00.002-05:00

There has been a lot of baking going on here lately! A lot of girly baking.

We've done colorful, we've done cake in a jar, we've done tiered cakes..you name it!

But today, May 13th, this little girl in all her 7 year old goofiness has her birthday! Where does the time go. You remember the first pregnancy so well...the first labor and the first newborn. I remember it all as if it were yesterday. She was my sole focus. She drove us to step out in faith.

I think back to just over a week ago when our youngest, the (cry) baby, turned 3 and think some of the same things. But it's not the same as that first babe. At least for me it's not.

It was no more or less special than the others, but just a time when my brain had all the time in the world to wrap itself around what was happening. And then that was it. We had Lilly Hope on 5/13/14. She was my smallest baby (2 lbs smaller) at 7lbs 7oz.

And now I'm crying just like the baby below...remembering and feeling in that moment all over again!

Happy Birthday Lilly. Your goofy, smart and incredibly mature. I love everything about you...even on a bad day. I am blessed to be your momma!

Pedi please

2011-05-09T13:08:00.002-05:00

My favorite part of mothers day?

Getting a pedi each year with my mom and as many of my sisters as can be there!!

It was just my mom and I this year...until my older sis, Ash, showed up! She drove 4 hours the night before to surprise us!

And here's my un-tan, pinkish, salt swollen toes to prove it!

Food, Finatics and fighting it

2011-05-07T10:16:00.002-05:00

But just to start...I'll tell you I have major butterflies in my stomach. The kind that are nervous and excited all at once. They may be a little more nervous if you ask me.

Why, you ask?

As I type I am syncing my phone to my iTunes library...to add a bit more spunk, some new inspiration...because Lord knows I'll need it.

Running season is inevitable...it's here...it's now. I've got to jump in feet first and just get wet to know that I love it again.

So I'm prepping...right now. Scott is off with the children doing their own prep work (can anyone guess what for? Mothers day maybe?) so I figured it's only fitting for me to take this opportunity.

So I've added songs like Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and Britney's "Till the World Ends" hoping these provide just the right kick in the pants to keep me moving.

I've been focusing more on the "food" aspect of my health for a couple of weeks...that's all I could take on at once. Thoughts of my body running made me a bit ill....so I'm baby stepping it. A bigger story on that later.

Right now...I'm off!

Wish me luck all!

This is the day...

2011-05-06T13:56:00.003-05:00

Well of course "that the Lord has made.".....but what I was really going to say was....

This is the day that life is catching up to me.

I have not felt this tired in years. I mean it. Years.

My eyes are weary today...

My emotions the same...

My spirit strong but quiet...

I'm just worn out a bit. It's almost laughable.

My mom was here for a bit earlier today...witnessing the constant calls of my children upon a weary mother. I would stumble to reply, stammer a response and hope to goodness I could actually fulfill their request.

To top it off? I am out of coffee. Baaaaa.

Celebrations Galore...

2011-05-05T14:06:00.004-05:00

As we celebrate this guys birthday today....

In the wake of the celebration for this girl last week...

And in anticipation of celebrating this girl next week....

I feel ever so thankful.

For even this guy...

and this girl as well...

Eagle vs Prey

2011-05-03T09:08:00.003-05:00

The 2 "little's" and I sat and watched these 2 eagles from about 150 yards today. It was incredible. I have not seen Eagles this close before; neither had they!

After taking a photo with my phone, I decided to drive home and get our camera....when we came back they were still there...devouring their prey. It was big. And gross.

But what a day to start our day....How awesome!

April 29th, 2011

2011-05-01T22:00:00.002-05:00

What a day!

Today was an amazing day...and the reasons are 3 fold:

1. Our baby Pearl, turned 3 years old today! 3 years ago I birthed an almost 11 1/2 lb baby girl 2 weeks past my due date. She was a beautifully pink little thing! Did I say little?

2. Today is my parents 34th Wedding Anniversary! When Pearl was born 3 years ago, my mother affectionately said, "You got us a Pearl for our Anniversary! What a perfect gift!".

Oh wait...I said 3 Fold didn't I? Hmmm...I'll have to fix that later =)

"it must have been because of the wind buddy!"

2011-05-01T08:09:00.002-05:00

We're 2 for 2 now with both of the oldest children. Finn lost his 2nd tooth yesterday on account of an apple. Man those apples...they always seem to getcha!

So as he should, he put his little snaggly tooth under his pillow in the "small things" wooden box in preparation for the tooth fairy.

So as Finn entered the scene just now, coming down from his bedroom with a soft cry in his voice I felt my heart sink. I knew what had been done...or not done for that matter.

I failed.

I said, "What's wrong buddy?". He replied with sniffles, "The tooth fairy didn't take my tooth!".

"It must have been because of the wind buddy. Do you see how windy it is? Maybe it was the rain too?", I said.

My heart hurts thinking about how foolish I was to have forgotten.

UGH...not the best start to my morning! He has recovered of course...but I think I may be more damaged!

What a weekend brings.

2011-04-25T13:50:00.002-05:00

A listening ear...

2011-04-18T18:32:00.007-05:00

To people? I do an OK job at being a listening ear. To God? Not so much always.

For the past 6 months or so He has been pruning my listening skills. Have you ever pruned a tree or a rose bush? Sometimes the sheers slice through the small branch with no trouble at all. Almost smooth....like a buttery consistency. But, if you attempt to prune a branch that is a bit too large you will get resistance. I've done that a time or two, and then the sheers come crashing together only to catch my finger in between the handle. That is not fun!

Neither is personal pruning...always. God takes it little by little...pruning small twigs at first to get to the larger branches. Making certain not to cut into a brittle or tough branch. Instead choosing the perfect branch...the one that is just big enough but not too big; the one that can help to get to another.

We did some heavy duty pruning in the last 2 weeks. We pruned a large pine tree. This tree was just a sapling when we planted it 15 years ago. That was just after we moved hear as a child. That tree now stands taller than the house and almost entirely blocks natural light from the front porch and kitchen. It needed to be 'trimmed back'. My husband wanted to chop it down completely. But as we stood back...examined the landscape and how that might affect the overall yard and the shade on the front porch we made the decision to simply start by pruning. It looks really nice. Let's in a good bit more sunlight, while still allowing for much of the shade to exist on the front porch.

So as I was saying, the past 6 months I've been pruning..or rather He has been pruning me. The story really just illustrates how it has felt to me. His goal (I think!)? To allow my ear to listen to the things around me more. The needs of my family and husband. The desires of my heart. The will for my life that only He can put forth. The opportunities at my feet. The wisdom that sometimes only pain can impart.

Am I a great listener???? Not by a stinkin' long shot!

Here's to good pruning!

Oh, and by the way! There was another tree that we completely chopped down. It just needed to be done!

Good ol' fashioned fun!

2011-04-08T22:12:00.002-05:00

This is how we roll...

Family fun...

a little feisty...

but fun...

For the love of the Farm

2011-04-06T22:07:00.000-05:00

The simple task of hanging shelves at the Farm have proved to give us a lesson or two. For sure a lesson in patience.

Another lesson in wall anchors. And yet a final lesson in patching. At least after approx. seventeen attempts the shelves are up. Different than planned...but up!

I'm callin' it good. Moving on.

Time for a change

2011-04-05T17:30:00.002-05:00

Way back in October, shortly after we moved into our new (VERY OLD!) Farm house, I posted a few of our office photos. Boring? YES! Not only is an office fairly boring, but the photos were also boring...but I wanted to document...so I did!

Over the past 6 months a lot of things have changed...but there are also a lot that haven't. Well, let me name a few:

-I like organization

-I like to work in a nice "feeling" space

-My work load is increasing daily...still

-Subsequently I need to be as efficient as possible to achieve everything I would like to

SO, it's time for a change. And when "change" is tight...it's time to go to Ikea. So I did.

Now this is just the DURING photos...so no big reveal yet. But...as my impatience kicks in I wanted to see what progress really had been made by taking photos.

We actually used to have 2 desks in here on opposite sides of the room. We will now have facing desks...oh how romantic right! I already tried to kiss him across the 2 desks...doesn't work. So I guess there goes the romance =) I will also have a shipping/logistics station for packing boxes and arranging shipments and their necessary documents.

All in all...it's a good change. It will, hopefully, allow for the things we set out to change. Ultimately we have much, MUCH bigger plans for office space...but in the interest of being slow to make those large decisions we are taking this step first.

We'll see how it turns out!

ALSO, the suggestion box is always open!

Snippet #3

2011-04-01T13:33:00.000-05:00

Lilly has a friend over today. It's fun. It's interesting...it's eye-opening. For instance a scenario as Lilly was showing her friend, Emma, around the house. As Lilly and Emma enter the kitchen, followed by three other tag-alongs, lilly says, "Are you doing the 40 days of prayer?" as she looks at our 40 days of prayer calendar. Emma responds, "A what?", "ya know, with your church?", Lilly replies. "Catholic?", Emma says..I think responding that she goes to a catholic church. "Yes, you should be doing the 40 days of prayer.". It's just so evident that at 6 years old you think the world is this amazingly unified space where all people are alike and do all things similar. The second scenario is when the kids are all sitting at a small table coloring. They start talking about their last names and Emma spells out our last name, "O-&-$-#-*-!". Then Lilly responds by listing all of our full names. First, Middle and Last...starting with her siblings. Then she gets to my name and says "Alicia Mary O.". Emmas asks, "Is she married?". Lilly answers, "No (which I am of course), like Jesus' mother Mary". "She's Jesus' mother?" Emma asks. "No, that's just her middle name." Lilly says in a matter of fact way. "Well...I think maybe we shouldn't talk about Him like that...", Emma says...saying that they might be disrespectful by talking this way about Jesus. Smart Kids!

Snippet #2

2011-04-01T10:56:00.000-05:00

A visit to my moms house the other day led to yet another realization that my children are growing up way too much. As my mom told me of some re-arranging she had done in her bedroom I walked upstairs with her to check it out. As you can imagine, shortly there after 4 little munchkins followed one by one. My extremely observant and incredibly handsome Finn says, "Mama, I love that you put that there. It looks great.", before she could even show what she had moved. Sweet boy. Then...to top this Snippet off with a second moment. Sylvi asks me for a drink in the middle of me discussing the furniture moves with my mom while we are sitting in her room still. I ask her to help herself in the bathroom sink. She again says, "Can I get a dwink in the bathtub den?". "No Sylvi, get a drink in the faucet please.". "Why can't I get just do it in the bathtub?", she pleads. "Sylvi, just go ahead. I honestly don't really care. Go ahead and get it out of the bath faucet then.". Then Lilly chimes in from the bed, "Yeah, that'll taste awesome Sylvi. That's gonna just taste awesome.", with a giggle. My mom and I crinkle our foreheads and look immediately at one another. We were both thinking the same thing. Then Lilly says quickly, "But that's not really what I mean.". And I knew..."Lilly? Were you just trying to be sarcastic? Do you even know what that means?". It was interesting...and funny and crazy!

Snippet #1

2011-03-31T22:45:00.003-05:00

#1) After the children had been going 110 miles an hour for most of the day my patience was wearing thin. But...a deep breath helped me to change the course of that moment from yelling to teamwork. So after a little coaxing and putting 10 minutes on the kitchen timer, the kids were geared up to clean up their mess in the kitchen and living room. Lilly , the organizer, took charge by keeping the other kids updated on how much time was left and muttering under her breath, "oh wow, 10 minutes is really just not that long...". Finn, the workhorse, kept moving and cleaning until the job was done. Pearl, the baby, did what she does best. She kept herself out of the way...and out of the work. Sylvi, the team player, did all of the above at her own pace. So...timer dings and the job was done! A reward was in store to their surprise, but before I could even tell of it they revelled in their accomplishment. Lilly: "Group Hug guys!" All of the kids joined in the hug. Then they release, all smiles. Then... Finn: "Chest bumps!!!!" as he and Lilly jump a bit in the air and do a chest bump. Then they took turns doing chest bumps with each other. Where do they get this stuff!

It's totally awesome...that you're like 34 Jessie!

2011-03-30T11:03:00.009-05:00

This is a Narwahl. Welcome to the North Star Roller Girls bout this past weekend.

We headed to the convention center as an entire family to Surprise Auntie Jessie for her 34th Birthday festivities. We like totally got into character and tried to dress the part! Complete with OP neon shorts over leggings, bows and side pony's, cut off sweatshirts and "Frankie Say Relax" t-shirt.

Oh yeah...did I forget to mention a fur vest and fingerless gloves...

And who could forget the HIGH BANGS and hoop earrings!

We made sure to arrive early...and man, let me tell you what an awesome time it was. For all of us...they totally had like...kids things to do! As if watching girls skate around a oval and smash one another wasn't enough =)

Nice hair Finn...who are you talking to anyway! Hang up that phone!

Spandex never lies ladies...and in this case I guess it's telling a pretty good story!

We ate burgers and fries while we watched portions of the bout.

The poor unsuspecting souls who decided to sit BEHIND us..in the very last row...why would you do that to yourself?

Oh yeah...they had FREE balloon creations! That's Pearl...stabbing Laura in the face...because yeah, I guess we let our kids do that kind of thing from time to time!

Singing 80's tunes to Pearl! As usual Jessie is in full on pearl-hypnosis!

HAPPY 34th JESSIE!

In between the two sets of bouts, there was a live band and we were encouraged to come to the floor and dance. You know us...we can't resist a family dance opportunity! And...with a band named "Sweet Stache", who could resist!

This little piece of heaven, Landon, joined the party too!

This is literally...the dancin' queen!

Just another example of how fun something can be if you dress up! How i wish holes in my shirt were flattering (sigh).

Fish net half gloves...do those words even make sense together!?!?!?

Ridin' the pony!

What an adorable sis I have...Ash you're gorgeous!

It was at this point...that I began to realize, even though there were a good 150 - 200 people on the huge floor...there were still approximately 1500 people still in the stands. Watching. Staring. Judging. Photographing. Ok...probably not all of those things, but lets just say my awareness caused a bit of confusion in my brain. Do I dance? Don't I?

And to top all of that action off...who doesn't want an awesome twist cone to share with a sibling?

And the dress up award goes to......this guy! Oh yeah! That's you!

What you can't see here...is that his shirt says "Frankie Say Relax". 1984 called...and they love your shirt!

You see....this is the one I will regret tomorrow. I was strategically attempting to raise my chin to avoid any "double chin" looks. It just looks freaky and wierd...but my little munchkin looks a-do-rable as always...so here it is!

And just to remember that I should never wear a cut off sweatshirt and high bangs again..I shamefully post this photo. So be it.

But I have to say, we had a blast. All 6 of us and the 100 other friends and family that were there. The kids held it out til the end as usual and passed out in the car at about 10:30.

Jessie, thanks for inviting us to be a part of your day. It was like...well...like awesome!

Like,totally Awesome!

2011-03-28T16:06:00.000-05:00

Wait for it...you'll be glad you did! I on the other hand...might regret it in the morning!

My life is over as we know it!

2011-03-25T16:35:00.003-05:00

Alternately titled: Lilly is growing up way to fast!

Phone Rings
Alicia Answers: "Hello."
On the other end is a meek voice: "Is Lilly there?"
I reply, "Uhhhh sure. Can I ask who this is?". "This is her friend Emma."
Stammering again, "uh oh ok yeah...one moment.".

I call for Lilly and notify her that she'll have only one minute on the timer to finish up this conversation...I was not prepared. Scott and I hadn't even discussed phone privileges. I didn't even know she knew our number...the number that happens to be my cell phone...which also happens to be my business phone. Inner voice - "What? I can't have little girls and boys calling my phone with giggles and 101 questions all the time!".

Lilly grabs the phone...completely awkwardly. She held it away from her face...almost near her mouth. A part of me was proud...proud that she really has no idea how to do this. I know...weird! Lilly says "Hello?". Emma must have replied with some sort of invitation to a sleepover. You heard me. You thought the phone call is what is causing my life to end...and although that feels just as severe, the overnight invitation was enough to knock me over!

Furthermore...Lilly responds, "Yeah sure. That would be fine!!". I calmly cut her off to inject my opinion and rules...again I am totally unprepared. Lilly has had one sleepover aside from immediate family. It was across the street and with someone I had known for over a decade of my life. Believe you me, that was not even easy. And now? Now there's an invitation to someones house whom I don't know, who I have no idea where they even live and have never even acquainted myself with! My brain was ready to implode due to the confusion swirling in my head at that moment. I digress...I cut her off to say in a light voice, "Lilly, did she just invite you to something?". Lilly says, "Yeah, we talked about it at school and I found your number on the inside of my coat so I gave it to her! I knew that was it so I just wrote it down for her!". Smart, smart girl. I again whisper to her, "Ok Lilly, can I talk to Emma?".

I then got on the phone and let Emma know that Lilly's dad and I would need to talk a bit before Lilly could say "yes" to something like that...if she in fact could ever say yes, and that we would call her back on Monday.

As I hung up the phone Lilly said, "That was awesome. I gave her my number and I didn't even know she was calling today!".

WOW! Hands shaking...smiling with nervous energy...I get down on the floor and ask Lilly to come over. I begin hugging her...and then I hold her firmly by her shoulders and say, "STOP growing up!!!".

Well, that wasn't all I said. I also said, "Lilly, I can't tell you that you can spend the night at Emma's house hunny, but I can tell you that daddy and I will talk it over. We'll talk about what might be a good option. Maybe Emma would want to have a play date here instead? Maybe she could just stay late?".

The look in Lilly's face and the bounce in her step since is odd. She is like a giddy little girl waiting for a piece of candy. How do I break her heart. She will not be spending the night at someones house this week that I do not know. Period. Not because I'm a prude or because I don't want her to have fun. But simply...because I don't feel good about it. Am I a prude?

Ok...no I don't think I am. I was given a job with these sweet babes...I'll focus on the task at hand. Whatever.....I don't know what I'm doing anymore. This whole thing has thrown me for a loop....as I said...this is the end of life as I know it!!!

Finn's toothless grin

2011-03-24T10:15:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah...this guy, this 5 year old guy, lost his first tooth yesterday (3/23/11).

We were eating dinner, beginning our devotional actually, when Finn interrupts me and says (while holding a tiny white thing in his hand), "I think I jutht lotht my tooth!".

Me: Wow Finn....I'm so glad you didn't swallow it!

Finn: I know...at firtht I thought it wath a theed (seed)!

And then we all marveled in it for him...telling him how cool it wath ...I mean "was" until Lilly proclaimed: "Finn, you interrupted momma. But I think that loosing a tooth is an ok reason to interrupt...right momma?"

Man I love these guys!

Things I do NOT heart

2011-03-24T10:05:00.004-05:00

Vehicles. That's number one on my list today. Why you ask (or maybe you didn't...cause that whole statement sounds rather..umm...boring!)?

1) 10 Days ago I rolled my Suburban..totalling it..and then trying to tirelessly find another one that was a. within our price range b. in somewhat good shape c. a good deal. Leaving my husband at the brink we finally found one!

2) While traveling home late on Monday evening....during an ice/snow storm (or a "blizaster" as some may say), elated from the fact that he had just purchased a vehicle to replace the suburban, Scott's noticed a vehicle in the ditch and slowed down...then noticed power lines that seemed to be coming towards his car on the left...and then were scraping the top of his car. And then WHAM!!! The pole that belonged to those power lines was hanging in front of his car...and he hit it...and it rolled over the top of his car! Did I mention that these lines were LIVE!!! and they were now touching all over his car! His wrecked car!

-Side note: Aside from the bummer this was...it was a blessing in so many ways! We are both completely un-harmed! We both feel blessed that we are ABLE to get another vehicle! We are so grateful that Scott wasn't driving the newly purchased vehicle...as he almost brought that home and left his car that night! So many blessings....again...SO TAKEN CARE OF!

3) Scott now has a rental car and I actually have a vehicle! As we traveled for over 5 hours yesterday just to get to buffalo and back...through the horrible roads and weather, we also then drove back to Princeton to get his rental car once we had come home. Mind you, our driveway currently has approximately 12 inches of sugary snow on it....They gave him a Toyota Camry! FAT CHANCE!

4) This morning we spent approximately 2 1/2 hours attempting to get said Camry out of said driveway...only to FAIL! And...even better you can't even pull it out with say...a suburban..because there is no where to attach a tow strap! AT ALL! What a fantastic car (said with complete sarcasm)!

I do not heart vehicles! Horse and buggy anyone!

Grossly outnumbered!

2011-03-17T23:28:00.003-05:00

That's right...Scott and I feel grossly outnumbered today.

Here's the scene:
This afternoon we all piled into my sister Euro (or Churro as my children say) Van and headed out to look at a vehicle to replace the totalled Suburban I rolled last Saturday.

It's sunny, beautiful and the children are in wonderfully behaved form.

We take them out to eat...just about as rare as having to buy a vehicle for us.

On the way home...we decide to stop and wash and fill the van before returning it to my sister.

Scott walked in to pay and walked out with a small treat for he and I to share. The children had already had a desert at the restaurant...and he thought we could get away with sharing something for just the two of us.

So he opened the ice cream Snickers and we started to dig in....and soon...before we even had a chance to respond to their first request for a taste....

We had 4 children chanting...it began slow and low and grew to a loud, robust chant....

"GIVE US SOME...GIVE US SOME....GIVE US SOME..GIVE US SOME"

Scott initially replied with a negative over and over...until he left it up to me...and as the wonderful mother that I am..shared with each one of them!

It was an interesting moment in which we realized what a power they have to team up against us!

Rollin'

2011-03-14T23:15:00.002-05:00

This is how my Saturday morning began....

Not exactly what I had in mind...

But as another miracle happened...I was completely un-harmed...

A sore body and neck was it. A tiny cut on my hand was the only blood to show.

I don't even know that I want to say anything. Nothing can do it justice...in any way.

So taken care of.

The state of Hockey

2011-03-11T17:32:00.002-06:00

My husbands favorite pastime since the age of 4 is hockey. Subsequently, this too has become a favorite pastime of more than one of our children. Although none of the children are in an organized group yet, they love the game!

Scott plays at least once a week and has since I met him.

However, the last several years his leagues have gotten later and later at night....most nights his games aren't until 10pm or later.

Needless to say we don't go watch all that often.

This week his game was moved to an earlier time and the kids were incredibly excited to go see "daddy" play hockey. As you can see Finn was probably the most excited!

It was a good game...I learned some things! I have been surrounded by hockey my entire life as my little brother played during his youth as well and somehow...well...I thought there were 4 periods! I think it has something to do with the fact that the scoreboard always has 4 "period" lights on it...well this week I learned Hockey only has 3 periods!

Good to know!

The game was at a really nice indoor rink that is hardly that chilly...so the children enjoyed taking their hats and mittens (and sometimes coat) off to enjoy the game!

They watched with great anticipation and cheered "daddy" on like perfect little cheerleaders! There weren't many fans, but the fans that were there were definitely entertained!

The two bigs donned various hockey jerseys for the event! We must be appropriately dressed.

It was great. To see him play, to see the children love it and just to experience one more even that makes me realize how our life is changing as we all grow!

rumblings....

2011-03-04T20:40:00.002-06:00

Yesterday...sweet yesterday. Yesterday was the day that this illness broke. I literally could feel that it was the day I would begin to feel better....and lo and behold I am! Sweet, sweet day!

Today...my sister decided she and Jessie wanted to take all 4 children overnight! They're practicing big time for the day when they have thier own. The kids...to say the least were completely ecstatic! Ash and Jessie just got new bunk beds...so of course it was like a party. Anyhow...they all packed bags, including Goldfish crackers they each picked out, and off they went in the Churro Van (that's a Euro Van to the rest of us...but the kids...they call it the Churro Van).

Needless to say...it's just Scott and I tonight. They kids left...we sat and talked for about an hour and he went to workout while I went to change into my sweats. See...I had actually gotten "ready" today...for literally the 3rd time in 2 weeks!!!! So I walked upstairs and passed 2 empty bedrooms...4 beds empty. No special stuffed animal or blanket...empty! I'm lonely. I miss them.

Don't get me wrong, I love my husband and really enjoy being with him. I just really enjoy a life full of babies, noise, cries, whines, loves, hugs, smooches and craziness. Although I fully realize that someday we will not have 4 babies who are less than 4 years apart...and we will need to still know eachother. So I guess that's my clue to go spend time with him!

An evening this week we had some friends over...the best part? At dinner the massive kitchen table we have was chalk full of children! 9 of them to be exact! It was so fantastic....at once point it was very quiet and I looked at my friend and said "I love this picture!".

That's it. I can't focus!

Daytime Television

2011-02-22T13:44:00.002-06:00

So...sickness has taken over. Although we're a typically "healthy" household...the full on influenza has hit. Not the flu, just the achy, tired, congestion, coughing mess that is influenza. And me? I'm the lucky inhabitant who got this lovely illness last...and the longest.

Side note: Sometimes I wonder if it's God's way of slowing me down a bit. Just sometimes.

Anyhow...daytime television, I've decided, is not all it's cracked up to be. The really awesome design shows I thought were on...ARE NOT. The interesting news programs I envisioned would be playing all day long...ARE NOT. There is nothing on. So much of nothing that the television has been left off a bit more than I thought being that there has been 4 of us on the couch at all times.

What a let down.
All of those great shows...Man where are they?

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T09:46:00.003-06:00

After a rough couple of weeks...I have to say, Valentines Day was not feeling like an opportunity to express my undying love to my husband. It was feeling like a bit of work.

So what did I do? I sucked it up...and planned a surprise outing.

I kindly asked my husband if I he had made any plans...to hear that he had-the night before I had made plans!

Long story short (read: a minor scuffle later), we went out last night to a fantastic sushi (see below) dinner and cancelled the date I had planned for tonight! One night away from my babies is enough for me!

We closed the place down. We ate sushi, drank wine and discussed life-both serious and silly.

We decided not to do gifts...

Until I awoke to this today. What a charmer...I mean who is clever enough to come up with that home-made card?

"Nothing says I love you like some Coffee and Spatulas"

Man...how did I land this guy!?!

So I brewed myself a cup of fantastic coffee...looked at my brand new spatulas and felt as blessed as can be.

By my family and friends...not the spatulas and coffee! They were simply a bonus!

Today I am as pleased as pie with my valentines day. Thank goodness I snapped out of my poor attitude and breathed a deep breath and enjoyed myself.

My husband is fantastic...after more than 13 years of being together and over 10 years of marriage he really just "gets" me! For that I am so thankful.

Last night just reminded me that at the end of the day, it's great to have a person who I can rely on. A person with whom I can share my authentic self with. A person who accepts me for all of my faults and failures.

My Valentine is that person. Happy Valentines day Dear!

2011-02-13T17:41:00.001-06:00

Sledding was the activity of choice around there this weekend.

Summer and Winter alike we spend a massive amount of time outdoors.

This weekend...with temperatures in the 30's and above we spent time sledding at the City Park, the Lake house and at home. What a weekend...

Photos to follow!

HELLLLP!!!

2011-02-11T09:38:00.003-06:00

If there are any other:
-Mom Inventors
-Product Creators
-Mompreneurs
-Manufacturers
-Business Owners

In my area who would enjoy a like minded person....CONTACT ME!

Wordless Wednesday early edition

2011-02-08T22:19:00.002-06:00

Quote of the day

2011-02-02T17:11:00.003-06:00

I saw this on Twitter:

A blog post is like a miniskirt. It has to be short enough to be interesting, but long enough to cover the subject.

**(giggle giggle)**

The view to my Right

2011-02-01T11:47:00.003-06:00

There's approximately 20 inches between my right shoulder and the wall.

And this is what filled that space for the majority of the morning.

A tiny picnic lunch set by tiny Pearl!

And a small accountant helping me with my math...that accountants name is Sylvi.
Cramped quarters~

This is no good...

2011-01-31T20:12:00.000-06:00

There are days like today ....days that I feel like this is just not good. The day was going off without a hitch...Worship was great (well not great...being that our Associate Pastor announced he has found a new job, but great in that God was present as always and my family was together!) and it's Sunday. Sunday's are my fav day of the week.

Scott gave me a few hours to work this afternoon....when the kids constantly beckoned for me, he stepped in to fulfill their needs. I still got to kiss cheeks and love on my babies as they walked by or as I snuck up on them and stole it! But for the most part I got to get some much needed work time in.

Then...the kids wanted to go outside. So he fulfilled that need. Then...well then dinner needed to happen. So he made dinner and got things prepared for that. So we ate...and as quick as I could wink he needed to leave. He plays hockey every Sunday night (and sometimes more)...which I love. I love that he has such a healthy activity that he absolutely adores! But let me tell you...this house looked like a bomb had gone off.

There were boots and mittens at the door from when the kids went outside..it was like a mountain of gear that was not cross-able!

There was bits of lettuce and shredded cheese strewn about the table and counter tops from our dinner.

There were dishes all about the island from when the kids cleared them.

There were toys...well...toys were everywhere.

WOW. That's all I can say.

I spent the next couple moments mumbling under my breath...grumbling about how I must looks like some type of cleaning lady.

Then I said it...aloud...to the kids..."What? Do you guys think I'm some cleaning lady or some cook for you?". They didn't answer.

Then...I realized I had all the power to change how the rest of my night went.

I kissed my husband...,"Have a great time hun!".

I said, "Hey Kids! Who wants to help me clear the table? Come on...let's do team-work!".

I wavered...I chucked his tennis shoes down the stairs and grumbled a bit more. Then I responded to Lilly's question about where Daddy was, "He is playing hockey. Sometimes even Daddy's need some time to really enjoy their time too!".

I caught myself. Thankfully in time to make an uplifting comment.

Then I lost control for another moment and grumbled, mumbled and shed a few small tears about how I feel insignificant and wonder too...when will I know me again?

And then this happened...this is no good either!

Oh yeah...I made some temptation bars. I felt like it was needed after I had just spent the last 2 ever-lovin' hours cleaning up a mess I didn't make.

It didn't end there though. I still wondered when will I know who I am again....

I think I kind of miss me! I'm not sure really who I am..not that I should know. But I'm finding me more lately. I feel like I'm kind of entering a stage of finding me again.

I'm finding me in my friendships. I'm finding me in the marriage I have.

I'm finding me in my children's lives. I'm finding me in my roles in my Worship Center.

I'm finding me all over....in my role as sister...both older and younger sister.

I'm finding me again.

Something I think each and every mom has to do at some point.

I'm at that point. And what a blessing that is.

I'll let you know how it turns out!

And by the way...the bars were fantastic! I had 6!

Candles

2011-01-30T20:44:00.004-06:00

I love life. But even more I love living. Living with my family and my children. But...there are days.

I have been lighting candles more often. Candles seemed for so long...a thing of the past. But as the children grow they are now a part of my home again.

I know that seems silly, but being able to light candles again is just another way that I know this life cycle is moving. It means my children are growing. It means I have a moment to light them and then another moment to enjoy them.

It's just, to me, indicative of life moving forward.

As with many things in life, not just the kids, but my marriage, my church home, my friendships...they're all moving forward.

The glow of a candle warms my eyes. I, for a moment, feel a small peace. Similar to that peace you feel when a moment of contentment fills your soul. It's that warmth that lets you know you're not alone in this. That the experience you are having...it's for a bigger purpose.

It just feels good. It feels peaceful to be moving forward. We are in our forever home. We are set with where we are at....and we are looking for new family adventures. We don't want to be complacent or comfortable. So we're looking....looking for ways to continue the movement.

But the peace of this moment is enough to help me melt into this seat and think on the adventures ahead.

Photo Friday

2011-01-29T20:55:00.006-06:00

This is our Friday...in photos (and a few words)

Our night ended by going on a surprise date with my husband. What a beautiful end to the day.

2011-01-27T18:19:00.002-06:00

Alright...life is like....well...trying to keep me moving these days. BUT...amidst that I have about 14,000 posts planned (yeah right!...I mean like 4).

But just to keep things up to date I must admit to several things:

-Pearl is now potty trained mostly. She is doing well most days...with a fluke here and there! Right on schedule with the other 3...trained by 2 1/2. NICE...diapers are moving even further away in the rear view mirror.

-Baby Elephant Ears is a full time job these days...most hours being at night or in the morning. My mom has been saving me with a day a week of work time. Bless her darn nice soul!

-Scott, now graduated, has totally been enjoying his Thursday evenings home...but of course his work has taken up any slack we thought we might get. Such is life...

-I'm thriving right now. WAIT...I don't mean that in a good way. I'm thriving because that's what I do when my plate is too full. So...the cookie eventually crumbles and I am NOT looking forward to that day!

-I'm running again...for about 2 months now. It's not much...approx. 3 miles each day...but it's a treadmill! What more can I expect out of a massive boredom session!

-My children are growing. I hate it. Period.

OH...and last but not least I am going to attempt to do a PHOTO FRIDAY tomorrow...chronicling the day in photos. I replaced my 35mm lens finally...so I can actually take photos that require less than 5 feet of distance between the subject and I!

Anyway...there you go!

A tail of two...

2011-01-21T12:26:00.004-06:00

Pony Tails of Course!!!

My girls have had long hair since...well...since it grew long! Lilly has had one small trim and Sylvi has not ever had a cut. I don't do this to torture them or do I force them. They have liked it or not noticed it until now. Lilly has been asking for approx. 4 months for a haircut to look like one of her friends , but I'm always careful to allow them time to think on a decision. So...soon after Sylvi started asking as well and lo and behold a couple of months later I scheduled the day.

Here is Sylvi's before.

Lilly's Before:

The Two Tails of Course!

Sylvi's After (excuse the horrible photos'....they are from my phone!):

Lilly's After:

They were entirely too excited to get the cuts done. That is one think I love about making them ponder a decision like this...they build excitement and then we don't typically have to deal with a meltdown after the fact because they made a decision they weren't sure of. I couldn't have cared less if they wanted a cut...I just wanted them to be certain they wanted one!

It also added that I had just done a haircut....it made them want it even more!

Let me tell you...they look fantastic. They love them. They fit the personalities of each of them.

Take a guess!

2011-01-17T20:26:00.005-06:00

Can you guess what this is?

Lawdy Lawdy...here it goes

2011-01-16T22:15:00.002-06:00

I can't not say my feelings right now.

My brother died in a car accident a few years ago when he was 23 year old. It was a rural road...there were no other drivers...he and his friend both passed away....no alcohol or drugs were involved...it just happened.

He had spent a big portion of his adult life fighting an addiction. His life had brought him through the ringer even before that. But...He turned to God...went to Teen Challenge and got a new chance at life. I remember visiting him in treatment. I had 2 children then...visiting a treatment center. That's an odd feeling... But it was my brother...to whom I had missed for a couple of years as he fought for his life to get out of this addiction. And then it happened.

He had accomplished getting clean. He decided it was time to get outta here and make a new life. So he followed one of his dreams...went to North Dakota and worked on a working ranch! He was guiding hunting trips, working the farm and doing all of the game hunting he wanted. He was in heaven. It was away from his old problems, he had his hunting and his ATV toys. He was Zach again....and we all loved it.

Can I talk about the last time I saw him? It's tough...man it's tough...but it's burned in my memory like it was just yesterday. I wish it was.

He had made the trek home twice in about 6 weeks. One time...he actually chartered a private jet to fly in for my dad's birthday! What a son! Through everything...He knew how much we all loved him and he was finally getting the chance to show us how much he loved us.

Anyhow...he then came home again...alone. His first stop was my house. Everyone else was at work...I was home with my babies. I had baby #3 then and was just hanging out at home. And now...I was hanging out at home with my babies and my brother. It was fantastic to see him. He was healthy and strong...he was happy! He had broken up with a dramatic girlfriend...and he was ready to focus on himself.

He then did a typical Zach thing. He grabbed some Doritos...a glass of milk and went to watch a movie with my kids. They put in "Cars" and all 3 snuggled up on the couch. I remained upstairs cleaning and doing my stuff. After a bit, he came up and I stood in front of the stove, while he was 5 feet away sitting in a chair.

He always kissed us...his sisters that is. ALL the time. He loved to show his affection...especially when he knew it would bug you. As kids he would use it as a weapon...as an adult...well I guess he still did. Sometimes it just got old. But that day...for some reason I didn't feel that way. I loved it...almost cherished the kiss he gave me. That was divine. I was busy, tired and overwhelmed with life, but I cherished him that day. As we talked I connected with him...for over an hour. It was an amazing time. And that was it.

The next time I saw him my knees were weak and I could barely breath. I couldn't stand...it felt literally like the end of the world. But ya know...I can't do this part. I have to skip it..

The next thing I know we are planning and having his funeral. It was at our church....and that church has literally NEVER been more full than it was that day. There was not even standing room in doors. It was overwhelming to see how many people changed their plans, took their night and spent it supporting us and Zach's life.

This morning in church that was all I could think about...where people were standing...where the coffin was...who was there. It was tough.

What's also tough is that I happen to be tough. People don't expect me to fall apart. People almost...don't allow it. So I don't. But I wanted to. I WANT to.

I'm mad. Mad that I can't stand in front of that stove again and just stand there...thinking about him. I get so bummed that there are things that he will never experience...but then I know that it's really a selfish desire to experience them with him.

I try...as hard as I can to relate my children to his life. To allow them a portal somehow...but with so few, if any, memories...its tough to do for them.

Man...I really just don't even know how to express my feelings about it. I'm frustrated...I'm mad...I'm so so so sad.

In Retrospect...

2011-01-12T21:07:00.002-06:00

as much as I try not to...my brother is on my mind so much right now.

New Year New Change

2011-01-09T16:44:00.002-06:00

That's right...I made a change. Hard to believe for anyone who knows me...I've had long hair for a long...long...long...time! I rarely change it much. Not because I don't desire to, but because honestly...it really isn't priority for me. I don't think about it...I don't ruminate on it...it's doesn't occur to me on a regular basis that a change might look (and feel) nice.

But I was approached for an opportunity to cut it LIVE on a local television show Twin Cities Live. I was all for the experience and said yes. So below you'll see the before (shameful) shots...looking at them now I am fairly embarrassed.

Keep in mind I had NO makeup on and had just washed my face to get ready for the show. I had also not washed my hair yet...(but really this is pretty accurate to how it looks most days).

I really like it. It's fresh, new and healthy. The ponytail they cut was at least 6-7 inches, plus the amount she cut to straighten it out and then the massive amount of layers she cut in. It feels so nice.

So...now I guess I just need to keep making changes! Physical, emotional and relational.

Here we go 2011~

Ringing it in....

2011-01-02T22:32:00.002-06:00

This past 3-4 days have been packed full....I mean...FULL! We have had birthday parties, New Years Celebrations, Second Christmas Celebrations, Ice skating and so much more...

This is a fantastic 40th Birthday Party for my friend Kristen! It was a blast...one of my favorite restaurants and a great friend! Happy Birthday Kristen! So happy to have spent this great night with you!

A lot of bath times....a LOT...baths in the tub, in my parents jacuzzi, with swim hats and tea parties...a lot of parfaits (ya know..bubbles and stuff) made by my babies!

A Second Christmas weekend...the children wore their pajamas to Ani's house to have a breakfast burrito brunch and fantastic mimosa's for Momma!

Later that day we spent the afternoon at my parents house and had our traditional Lobster Newburg dinner! The kids skated with Scott and I stayed warm inside =)

Lastly we spent New Years Eve at my greatest friends house...partying the night away in the hot tub, lots of good food even better friendship! The children almost ALL made it to midnight...to watch the ball drop! Pearl fell asleep just short (3 minutes early).

After explaining what the "ball drop" was...we watched and felt rather disappointed. Somehow...the way I remember it was much more exciting! Oh well...the kids thought it was great and the Bigs were excited to have stayed up until midnight!

All in all a fantastic weekend. We won't talk just yet about how it ended. But let's just say that it doesn't change my opinion that it was a great 2010 and it's going to be an even better 2011!

I just know it!

OH...and let's just say that my waist line is NOT recovered yet. It may be a few...or 120 days!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T09:43:00.003-06:00

So much to celebrate...and tonight we'll celebrate as a family with the greatest friends!

To those of you who didn't get our Christmas card...here it is (well it's a photo of our Christmas card because I really just didn't have the Patience to figure out how to get the digital version)!

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-12-29T22:29:00.000-06:00

Tuesday

2010-12-28T15:53:00.002-06:00

Today is Tuesday. It feels like a Friday.

Today we have officially purged the house in order to at some point regain our waist lines. Maybe.

It is so warm today, and the children have taken it in outside!

Our dog sitting duties have been completed...and Zsa Zsa is now moping around the house.

I got a short...short...run in today. Better than nothing.

Potty training has continued...and has included our first #2!

Christmas break is not long enough. I enjoy it very much!

It's almost sunset...which means I will be starting a fire in about an hour...just because I like a fire in the fireplace.

Finn has again knocked his front tooth loose. This time may actually produce a loss. We'll see.

Anyhow...that's it. Boring, but it's Tuesday...what do you expect!

Baskets, Butts, Bowls and Baths

2010-12-27T21:25:00.002-06:00

What a great week I've had. But today I felt myself being up to my chin in Baskets, Butts, Bowls and Baths.

The amount of laundry baskets I've been hauling up two flights of stairs these days is almost overwhelming. I'm keeping up...but that's it! With company and house guests I have extra bedding and bath linens to wash as well as the plethora of outdoor clothes that need to get washed. And ...because of the below mentioned Potty Training today I have several extra items again today. It kind of feels never ending...I just keep hoping I don't fall behind!

Yep, we're once again potty training in our home. So I'm wiping that little butt several times a day. Pearl is a little bit late compared to the other children...but has had not one ounce of interest. I know I know..."wait until she's ready or you'll fail". I know this to be true...but there is just a tiny part of me that knows Pearl enough to know that she may not be ready any time soon without a little push on the tush! So today...I pushed. I set it up last night...got her geared up and excited using the highest voice and a large number of positive mentions. It worked. She put her underwear on today with no hesitation...she even went about 1 for 1 all day (1 pee in the toilet to one pee in the pants). She was a sport for sure. The children don't have school this week...so I thought this would be as opportune week as any...no "2 a days" trips to school. I'll let you know who pulls out ahead....

Bowls, Bowls and more bowls...full of beautiful Farm Fresh Eggs! Our hens began laying several weeks ago and are now up to approx. 2 DOZEN colorful eggs a day! They are so scrumptious and healthy...but they are now filling up our refrigerator by the bowl full. So, if you're in the area and you'd value some all natural Farm Fresh Eggs...give me a call or email! $2/dozen...and heck...i might even deliver in a bowl!

I don't know if it's the temperature or the time...but my children can't get enough Baths. Which...again...lends itself to issue number one, Baskets! They have been known in the recent weeks to take upwards of 4 baths a day. They play, they wash....they occupy themselves. I'm willing to increase my laundry to increase my sanity sometimes...or a lot of times.

Anyhow...Merry Christmas!

Joy Neverending

2010-12-19T21:40:00.002-06:00

I feel like these days Joy abounds in my life...Thank the Lord!

I write this as I sit, in our home with a blazing fire in front of me. It's quiet with children asleep upstairs and my husband away playing his Championship Hockey Game!

This past weekend has been a whirlwind, but I want to focus on my husband for a moment. I don't do this a lot. I don't talk specifically about him and his life, but this deserves a moment or two.

Another thing I try not to focus attention on too often is the amount of hard work he does for his family. The reason I don't focus on this is because it's tough to. He works a lot for his full time job. A lot. But he has a job...so focusing on the amount is not productive...and honestly it's tough to think about. But...the other 'job' he has had for the past 18 months has taken even more time away. On top of his sometimes 65 - 70 hour weeks he has been attending college full time.

He's been participating in a "focus" program which allows him to do approximately 2-4 hours of homework each day, but only attend a 4 hour class one time a week. He's been diligently working for his Bachelors Degree. And on Friday we were able to see that to completion.

The children, my mom and Scott's mom attended his Ceremony and watched him walk the stage to receive his Diploma! It was an amazing feeling. I was truly proud of him...

His accomplishment was not only extremely difficult to achieve for any person, but also a full time working adult who has four children less than 4 years apart!

The children got to see their Dad achieve a goal that if led, they may feel the desire to achieve as well.

We then threw a surprise party for him today! We planned skating on the hockey rink at my parents lake house and a lot of food and friends! It was a blast...so much so that I forgot to take any photos of the 10 plus children ice skating and the hours upon hours that Scott spent playing hockey with Finn!

It was great to celebrate such an achievement at such a great time of year....the day closed with this sunset. A photo that explained the feeling my heart was feeling.

Congratulations Scott!

On Sarah Palin's Alaska

2010-12-13T17:19:00.002-06:00

.....Deep Sigh....This is NOT a political post!!!

It is however a post about the show "Sarah Palin's Alaska" and the episode that aired last evening. The premise was that the Gosselin children and Kate would join the Palin clan on a little camping in Alaska! The Gosselin's were there anyhow, enjoying a little vacation and it was thought a good idea to invite them along on a little camping!

BAD IDEA!

Watching this show was almost painful. I had DVR'd it (oh yes...I have this fantastic technology now!) and watched it while Scott was playing hockey. From a person who reveled in the show that once was "John & Kate Plus 8" I was horrified by the woman who Kate seemed to portray. I am not taking person shots...as it was just a show....and that's the only way I have ever 'known' that family. However, I think there some fairly telling moments in that show that made me sad.

I was saddened for the children of Kate, who had to endure a whining, tantrum throwin, boring, stick in the mud of a mother who would not enjoy anything. Whilst the children ran around blowing bubble, fishing, playing with rocks and enjoying the time....Kate crossed her arms and judged those around her with those cross eyes of hers...as if there was something wrong with that type of fun.

I just kept thinking to myself..."Come on Kate snap out of it!"...or "Enjoy it for the kids for goodness sake!"...or finally, "You know...you're going to be the reason that hey have the same piss poor attitude some day!".

Ok...so maybe that was a bit judgemental, but I just continued to think of the amount of that bad attitude that was rubbing off on the children each an every moment. All the way to the end when she up and QUIT the camping trip. The children wanted to stay...and she rather guilted them into leaving.

BUMMER! It made me sad...sad for the fact that this was the way she was filmed...maybe it's really not her? Or maybe it is.....and then I'm sad that those children are being pushed and pulled around as if their lives are just an accessory to this episode in Kate's life.

WOW..that went farther than I wanted...but let's just face it...so did KATE!

Frienship

2010-12-12T21:08:00.002-06:00

As a woman, friendship is vital to my being. As an extrovert it means even more to have friends who I can talk to and be with. Since I can remember I have struggled with the issue of wanting many friends, but not knowing how to foster all of those relationships at the same time. In high school I knew so many people, but had a hard time really plugging in to more than a couple of close friends at a time. It's just part of who I am...to need to really go to that deep level with someone.
As I've grown older, this has followed me, but I have learned that for me...this is a strength. It's a strength because when I really am able to get into that relationship...they last forever! I have several friends who I have had for over 13 years. Friends with whom I am as comfortable as I am with my own family.
But...at this stage in life girlfriends are becoming more and more important. I began the whole "family" thing a lot sooner than most of my friends. My life changed a bit sooner than most of my friends and so naturally, so did some of those friendships. But, the beautiful thing is, that now many are following suit and have began their own families and I am now finding them smack in the middle of the same stuff I go through each day!
What a blessing...to know that there are so many like myself! Several who reach out to me as I them for this beautiful bond of friendship.
The Problem? I feel like most times I don't have the time to plug into those friends who I've had for over a decade....how do I find time to foster and build new ones?

How do you guys deal with this?

Home Update

2010-12-07T22:24:00.002-06:00

Oh this table...now holds my Christmas decor (errr...sled)!

The kitchen hasn't changed much since we moved in. Eventually it will be the room with the most work...but for now it works just fine~

I don't think I ever showed this. The shoe rack that my dad built in to help eleviate the mass chaos that is standard in an entry way.

The Family room has changed a bit. As I have tweeted about...we have TV now. Which apparently meant that we needed a new TV. I didn't ask questions.

The room leading into the Family room has changed a bit...it's now pretty much the children's space. Their art table and supplies and toys. It works well!

A table and cabinet as you walk into the Family room. A bit more seating...homework table...game table...laptop desk.

Did I show you the phone booth? This phone booth was given to my dad over 15 years ago. Consequentially, they built it into the house! I used to spend a lot of time talking inside of it...it used to have a door!

And we've mounted our chalkboard from our old house...in place of a different chalkboard!

It's really feeling like OUR home now!

I love food.

2010-12-06T11:15:00.000-06:00

That's it. I just do.
Possibly unhealthy to have that kind of relationship with an object....possibly not.

Tooth Fairy part deux

2010-12-02T09:32:00.002-06:00

After many days of asking me to pull her other tooth. Lilly has lost her 2nd tooth. The bottom pair of teeth in front are now missing...which hasn't slowed her down a bit.

First of all...I'll have you know that for days she would ask me to pull her tooth and then back out. She then starting writing notes to me asking me to pull it out. And finally...she created small circle cards that stated "YES" and "NO"...she would approach me and say "Momma, guess if I want you to pull my tooth out?"...and then point to her hands which held the small circles with her answer on it.

Honestly? I got a bit tired of it...but kept my cool until 2 nights ago. She asked again...I told her, "Lilly, I would love to pull your tooth out, but there is NO backing out this time ok?"....she acted sure and excited!

The time came...and an hour later we had not done it.

Buuuuut, as fate would have it...the next day she chose her apple for her snack and POP! The tooth came out! She didn't even tell me right away, but then pulled out this tiny treasure chest from the school nurse that held her tiny tooth.

To tell you the truth...I'm rather glad that happened and I didn't have to go through another night of tug-o-war about tooth pulling!

Either way...it reminds me that she's growing up which is something I'm not altogether excited about. But what a great girl! A toothless wonder as I call her!

6 months old!

2010-11-30T09:18:00.003-06:00

That's right...no baby this year...just a boxer! And she's 6 months old now!

Do you see her crooked nose? We're not sure what happened...but one day we looked and notice how off centered it is. It suits her!

Work balance

2010-11-29T12:03:00.002-06:00

Today...frankly...it's OFF!

The balance is tilted a lot more than usual...and because of if my children have watched over 2 hours of TV (while playing...that's better right?) already!

No stoning required people! I'm doing enough of that internally to need any more!

Winter Wonderland...take ONE

2010-11-27T13:27:00.003-06:00

Tooth Fairy

2010-11-27T13:18:00.002-06:00

SHe has made her very first visit to our home!

She collected the teeniest tooth I have ever seen.

Appropriately it comes from the peanut of a girl named Lilly!

She naturally has teeth that are spaced quite a bit apart...and so the space is a little less evident! However, days after this tooth fell out we are awaiting the loss of the one next to it!

She gets to use a small round wooden box that I used when I was a girl...it says "Small Things" on it...and it sure was small!

Teeth or no teeth...she sure is a great girl this one!

My little protege

2010-11-14T20:31:00.003-06:00

My Lilly. She makes me laugh.

So here's the story....the children rarely get the flu, but Lilly had a short bug last night...all night...that completely exhausted her. So today she received the royal treatment as her weak little peanut self, roamed the house. She was allowed to chose the show to watch while she was resting on the couch.

So I snuggled her in, grabbed the remote and asked her what she'd like to watch.

She replied with a smirk on her face, "Giada?".

That's right...Giada DeLaurenti is what she wanted to watch. For those of you who don't know...she has a cooking show called "Everyday Italian", which just happened to have been my favorite show.

So here's the story....

Lilly was just over 2 when she stopped napping during the day. By that time we had Finn, who was about 14 months and Sylvi who was a newborn. They both, of course, napped...and during that stint of my life...i NEEDED a break in the afternoon. We still had TV then, and my break would be watching "Everyday Italian". There were 2 consecutive episodes! So I would gather a cup of coffee and a snack....maybe some bills to pay while watching or laundry to fold...and cozy up to my "show".
We as it were, Lilly stopped napping about that time and her first introduction to Television was me watching my show in the afternoon. She had to rest beside me on the couch and watch along with so that I could get a bit of a break in my day. Selfish I know...but it worked for us in that time.

And now I have a small protege on my hands! I love that girl...she'll eat the foods I eat...she'll watch the shows I watch and she uses the words I use. She's a girl after my own heart!

Clothing part 2.

2010-11-12T08:49:00.002-06:00

FYI- Today...not all of my clothing is sticking on so well. And it's only 8:45am...what does this say for the rest of my day?

Clothing Herself

2010-11-10T23:30:00.002-06:00

This is what Lilly does each and every day. She lays her outfit out as if she needs to visualize how it will look.

This is what I do everyday inside.

I try to clothe myself in the attitudes that I want to have that day....and I visualize how I will look with them on.

What are the attitudes you try to put on each day?

MY TOP 5:

1. patience

2. kindness

3. selflessness

4. giving

5. grateful

What are yours?

Reluctant

2010-11-08T23:29:00.002-06:00

I don't want to write this tonight.

But I'm going to. I sit here crying my eyes out while the rest of my house sleeps...they all slumber peacefully and I'm not.

I miss my brother. Damn....I miss him so much. It's unexplainable.

The Fall is upon us...which means so is he. Everything about Fall reminds me of him.

His smell is in the fall. His love is in the fall. His smile is in the fall. His sniffling nose is in the fall. His cold face is in the fall.

I just can't even bare the thought that life has moved on for YEARS! YEARS...without him. It almost pisses me off. To think that so many grieved with us....I can't even say it.

I'm mad. I'm mad about it tonight. I'm mad about the way it ended. I'm mad about the last time I saw him...why didn't I speak with him more. Why didn't I hug him again. Why didn't I ask him to stay again.

I'm sorry this isn't as upbeat as my morning post...it just hit me. I can only hold for so long before I blow. Tonight I blew. I blew with anger and sorrow and sweet thoughts all at the same time. It hits me like a massive wave against rocks.

I miss him. Period.

Couple with a Cup.

2010-11-08T12:34:00.002-06:00

As I poured myself a cup of coffee...sat down to squeeze in a minute or two of work while playing was happening is a peaceful way around me....I sighed.

I didn't sigh because of exhaustion. I didn't sigh because of frustration. I sighed out of utter and complete amazement. I had a moment and had a couple of thoughts.

This motherhood thing. It's no surprise to anyone that knows me...I love it. I have loved it from the moment it began...knowing that this is one of the many reasons that I was put here on this fine ball of earth.

Despite the pitfalls I have...like my stretch marks and my saggy boobs. The bags under my eyes and my unkempt hair. The chipped nail polish and messy house. I love it.

The moments during the day that reveal my love for this profession are many and often. They come from 4 little beings that somehow..can all at once destroy and mend my day. I love it.

Motherhood is my thing. Not altogether surprising to me...but somewhat different than I thought. I love it.

As I sat down with this cup of coffee...here were a couple of my thoughts.

Style

2010-11-05T09:10:00.003-05:00

What a subjective thing. How would you describe yours?

I think if I had to describe my 'style' I would say this.

-Jeans, Jeans, Jeans

-Low Maintenance

-Comfort WITH style

-Classic for sure

-Monochromatic with a splash of color here and there

From time to time I like to spice it up a bit...add something new when I'm able and update my look. I still keep the classic 'form', so to speak, but just by adding an accessory I feel like I can update things.

So last night at Maiden Minnesota, I ran into a friend from last year. Last year I was a bit focused and obviously didn't notice what an amazing product this was, but this year? Oh yeah...it caught my eye big time. Not only that...but the owner and designer was a complete joy! She's loud, she's beautiful and she's got amazing style! Right up my alley!

www.anniefinkdesigns.com

Make sure you check it out!

So these are the gems. These are the Sleeves I bought to update my style...not to mention 3 other pairs, including a child size, for gifts!

They're classic colors with hint of punk. I love them. The little red heart is adorable. The slogan is "wear your heart on your sleeve". Clever!

This is me...oh so naturally, holding my coffee cup for you to see how they look. They have different lengths...but mine go up almost to my elbow. Then you can slouch them down to be shorter as well.

This style is similar to a soft sweater...but the other I purchased were a velvet feel. So nice!

And let me tell you...all of you touch phone people out there! They are not only stylish...but they're extremely functional on these cold fall mornings...I can still text and email! Fingers Free!

Annie and I had a funny conversation though...she's got some amazing wild prints and sexy styles (check out the leggings!)....but I assured her I needed a 'beginner' set of Sleeves! I assured her it would take a bit to catch on here in our small town...and that a more subtle print might help everyone ease into them!

So this is me...helping you ease into the new look...SLEEVES!

Because it was fun...

2010-11-03T09:38:00.004-05:00

And that is final. It was a super fun night...about a year ago...and I can't help but remember it again! Congrats Ash and Jessi!!!

4 Score and 4 years ago....

2010-10-30T23:03:00.000-05:00

So much has happened since then it's hard to remember...but here is what I DO remember.

It was a Monday. It was October 30, 2006 and I was frantically trying to get a hold of my OB. I was almost 2 weeks overdue with baby #3.

You'd think I was calling because I was in labor...but no...by this time my uterus had settled into a routine and had hunkered down for the long haul. It knew the work to be done and wasn't really interested...from baby #3 on it would need some assistance. So THAT is why I was calling my OB.

We had decided to wait it out....as I felt great and happen to ADORE being pregnant (totally serious here!)...but we had scheduled an induction. At the time we scheduled it I was not thinking clearly....well come to think of it...pregnant, I am typically not thinking clearly. But regardless...we had scheduled it for Halloween. Not that I am all that weirded out by that...but I thought, "Since I do have a choice...and Dr. L says she has to induce me anyhow...I would like to chose NOT to have a Halloween baby.".

So I got a hold of my Dr. hoping to move the date. The problem was, however, that she literally did NOT want me over 2 weeks late and her last day in for the week was Wednesday. The day AFTER Halloween. So I thought, "Ok...that will be much better!".

So....that little girl above...she was still snug as a bug in a rug, nestled in my tummy 4 years ago. But come Monday, she will be 4! I cannot even believe it.

It was a pretty 'typical' labor for me. It was my first induction...so that was a bit different as my first two children had come naturally...2 weeks early! But the induction went very smoothly. We had a photographer come for the first time and have the most amazing memories to show for it. Labor was fast and relatively easy....ok what I mean is...as far as labor is concerned I was focused on the task and make it through wanting to have 100 more babies! My husband and I are a pretty amazing labor and delivery team. He is my rock. Without his hand and his heartbeat I think I would fail miserably and just curl up and wait. With him there...I am calm (mostly), quite (mostly) and ready to welcome a beautiful addition into the world. Well I guess that's how I remember it anyway....it's nice that way!

And here she is...Sylvi Suzanne...a beaming ray of light in our life. She is our free spirit who bounces back immediately from any adverse situation. She is smiley and giggly and has a laugh that can make a smile pop on ANYONE's face upon hearing it. I can't believe she's 4!
And this my friends....is exactly how she requested her cake. I think Finn may have had some input. I think.

Pumpkin carving backwards...

2010-10-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

So I'm playing these cards as they lie so to speak...blogger uploaded my photos in the opposite order so...this is how you'll see them. Sorry, it's probably not as interesting as the title might beckon it to be...oh well!

So obviously...here is the finished product. 1 little pumpkin shy of my 'patch' due to a little girl just not being herself these days...she's not really 'up' for things like this these days.

It's funny that my first born, Lilly, chose the largest pumpkin. She is usually the first one to speak up and let each child know which size they should chose to form a perfect little line of pumpkins similar to how they form a little line of children. Not so this year!

They had wanted to set them up to surprise Daddy when he got home. I cannot remember the last time he was able to carve with us, so we always get to surprise him with our vignette of pumpkins. This year I didn't quite make it out to light them as he pulled up....so Lilly quickly caught him at his car to stall the process...just in time he approached the house and I put the lid on the last one!

Well...hmmm...how did this get in here! This is Wesley....he's our barn cat. Remember the tweets about the live mouse in my cupboard....that prompted the quick action in getting a cat. He doesn't seem to care we are carving pumpkins...he has his own 'business' happening.
We live on a farm now...this kind of stuff happens.

The biggest child...the biggest wimp. That's Finn. He was not about to have pumpkin guts on his hands...it most definitely caused a minor gag reflex for him.

Then little miss Take Charge Lilly was ALL about getting down and dirty with her big pumpkin. She also was not shy about talking all about it to the other kiddos.

Finn had a hard time staying on task....as usual. He loves him some Wesley.

Just getting started. Saving seeds for roasting and scraps for chickens of course!

The happy gang. It was sunny...it was beautiful and we were all happy to be out. Even Zsa Zsa and Wesley!

Obedience

2010-10-27T10:32:00.001-05:00

If only the other 4 obeyed as well as this one.

She's still Zsa Zsa...we never did change her name!

It suits her.

She doens't run.

She doesn't mess.

She listens most of the time.

And I mean....look at that face!

Desperately Seeking....

2010-10-25T12:44:00.002-05:00

More sunshine...
a bit more time most days...
More kisses...
More faith!

Desperately Seeking...
Less stuff...
Less of me...
a bit less chaos at times..
Less doubt.

I have had a quote on my blog for some time now...but I just love it. It's really just about as close to how I try to live as possible...

"Too many people miss the Silver Lining...
Because they EXPECT gold!"

Who told us to expect Gold? When did we start believing that's what we deserved?

What about the people, families and children who most certainly do not have Gold happening in their life? Do you think they realize it? Or do you think they notice the silver lining and rejoice in it?

My silver lining is living in conversation with my maker. It's living in union with my husband. It's trusting. It's having faith that today will be taken care of. It's the blessings that surpass my understanding each and every single day. Do I deserve even that...the silver lining? Absolutely not. A very wise person said one time.."If we really got what we so deserved...we wouldn't be standing here." Fill in the blank as to where you think that means you would be.....but no matter how "good" we try to be.....we're really no where near what His grace has done for us. We really do not measure up....

But the blessing...the REAL Silver lining...is that we don't have to. Because what we deserve is irrelevant to what we actually receive...if we ask. If we accept it...good, bad or indifferent.

So then why am I where I am? And why are others where they are? I at times, tend to believe that those less fortunate are probably more thankful than I some days. It's makes you think.

So I guess there's only one thing I should be "Desperately Seeking".