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Friday, December 25, 2009

So what do I do now....

I hate the fact that Christmas feels ruined. I hate it. I hate it. I hate it.

I've been mad and sad and it's only 10:45am.

Everyone came and gave me their weak apologies.
Somehow I don't feel any better.

At all.

The house is soooo quiet you can hear a pin drop.

Welcome to the Jungle

came home from work yesterday (Christmas Eve) only to find that someone found the HIDDEN spare key to my room and decided to come in and go shopping.

When questioned everyone denied everything.

I have spent $2000 (that I really didn't have) just to make sure they had a nice Christmas.
I am tired. Heartbroken. Angry.

Christmas is cancelled.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

When Cute Puppies Grow Up

Remember this little guy ?? All sweet and tiny ?

Well, he grew up....

His favorite things to do are eat, eat, steal stuff, scratch, sleep and did I mention EAT ??


Holiday Prep

I have considered running around in circles and screaming....but then no work would get done.

Wasn't it JUST August ?? How did we get to Thanksgiving so fast ?

Right now, the house is pretty quiet. The twins are at a sleepover. The teens are still in bed.

I've got carpet cleaners coming today, I've got some touch-up painting to do around the house somebody needs to give the dog a bath (he smells like bacon),
And of course my least favorite thing to do.....laundry.

But surprisingly enough I feel very relaxed. I'm only one person and I can only do so much.

I love love love the holidays, but this year I refuse to allow myself to be owned by them.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today I am Thankful for....

My four kids.

They are funny.
Sweet.
Kind.
And wonderful.

They make my heart giggle.

Even when things are tough, I know we'll be okay.

I'm glad to have them in my life.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Thinking

Somedays I look at the kids and amaze at how fast they are growing up.

I wonder if I've done my best for them.
I wonder if I've given them 100%.
Will they have happy memories ?

I know I'm not the best mom in the world.
I'm not always patient.
Or understanding.

I get tired.
And cranky.

But we talk a lot
And we laugh a lot.
And have fun together,
and love each other.

They know that I don't lie to them,
Or make promises I can't keep.
They know I work hard for them.
They know that I love them.

I know there are days when I should do more
Hug more.
Touch more.
Praise more.
Tell them I love them more.

Do my actions speak louder than my words ?
Do they see that I love them ?

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Autumn Updates




Time is moving along rather nicely in our little house. The kids are settling into their back-to-school routines.
High school has really changed 'Cole. She's a totally different person. So outgoing and really enjoying her high school experience. She loves going to the football games and pep rallies. She even went to HOMECOMING !! In a DRESS !! Her grades are still outstanding and she seems pretty motivated and focused.
Pickles has been plowing along. He's decided he's all about fashion and spends almost all the money he gets on clothes. His grades are just ok.
The twins have been acting like a pair of donkeys. Most of their unacceptable behavior has leveled off, but now I'm left with them arguing and bickering with each other everyday. They are doing ok in school but neither one of them is working on a fifth grade level.
I have been back and forth to the dentist for an abscessed tooth. I had a root canal last week and now I finally feel better. I've been doing some stuff to the house trying to get ready for the holidays.
Today I spent the morning holding a beautiful baby boy named Jhourne. He was born just last week. He looked so calm and peaceful sleeping in my arms. Now I'm tired.
Have a great autumn.

Monday, September 7, 2009

The Central Vermont Caboose 100th Anniversary Celebration

Avery at Work.
Cousins on the back of the caboose.
Daisy, Alexis and Pinky
Avery and Pinky
Avery driving the train.














Cousins and Auntie on the train.



















Wednesday, August 26, 2009

First Day of School













Today is the beginning of a new school year for the kids. I have 2 fifth graders and 2 ninth graders. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by. As I stood on the playground with Pinky and Daisy this morning I remembered their first day of kindergarten. They both clung to my arms and Pinky cried. They both begged me to stay.
Today the ran off with their friends and chatted in line. Only Pinky looked over at me ever so often just to see if I were still there. I stood over against the wall and watched my two youngest daughters and their friends. It seems like Pinky and Daisy grew up a bit over the summer. They were a little more self-assured and relaxed with their peers.

They'll be 11 years old in October. In my Mommy mind it seems like it was just yesterday when they were two tiny scared 3 year olds standing in my living room with their 8 year old brother. I did not know they were going to be my children then.
We've had some rough times over the years, but I have no regrets.
I hope they all have a wonderful first day.




Sunday, August 9, 2009

Ohio State Fair 2009




It was hot. and not in a good way.
We met up with my sister and her family






We enjoyed Funnel Cakes, Mini Donuts,
Smoked Turkey Legs, Lemon-Shake-ups, Iced Tea and who knows what else.











My dear sister hamming it up with the Ohio State fair Marching Band.













We ran into Abraham Lincoln at the Natural Resources Park.


Pinky and the gang went for a spin on the Bumper Boats.


















Sunday, August 2, 2009

Little Black Girl


There is a little black girl on my street.
She has big brown eyes and long dark hair,
She lives in a tall white house
With her mother, her father, her sisters and brothers.
She loves school and loves to read.
She knows big words that most 8 year olds don't know.
Her imagination guides her on adventures everyday.
I watch her from my door.
She smiles and waves.
I smile and wave back.
I see many things when I look at her...
I see that she wore the same clothes all week.
I see that she played outside all day and never went in to eat.
I see that her sister's hair hasn't been done all summer.
I see that her mother sleeps till noon,
and her father has a "job" that involves making lots of phone calls
And meeting people outside her house all hours of the day and night.
I see that she has been a wonderful friend to my daughters.
I see how she watches them
I see how she looks at their clothes.
I see her sadness.
I wonder if she knows that she deserves the world
And that she is worthy of being alive
And that there are people who care.
And that she doesn't have to be alone.
Today I gave her clothes.
I listened to her sing.
I watched her play.
I watched her go home when the sky darkened and night came.
I hope she has sweet, happy dreams.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Yo Ho, Yo Ho a Pirate's Life For Me


So we went to Chicago and almost everyone got grounded on the trip.

The level of rudeness was amazing. Kids running around like they've never had ANY home training.

Kids whining and complaining about EVERY little thing.


It was so bad that my usually calm, collected sister lost it and gave everyone a stern talking to.


The trip itself took 5.5 hours longer than it should have. Due to a Series of Unfortunate Events.
Everything was good until my sister had the misfortune of leaving her cellphone at a rest stop. She was able to track it down, but we had to turn the bus around and go back for it. That really wasn't soooo bad.
Then the bus blew a fan belt on the highway, somewhere near Holy-Cow-Where-The-Heck-Are-We, Indiana. The driver tried to fix it...but couldn't so we limped to the next exit which was 3 miles away.
After at least an hour or so of mechanics trying to fix it and waiting for a part, we were rescued by a mechanic who not only came with the right part, he also brought a bus....just in case.
So we were off again. I think we were somewhere in Illinois when we hit a five-mile long traffic jam.
We made it our hotel about 7:30pm. Tired. Exhausted....and the hotel misplaced our reservations. Lovely.
By about 8pm everything was straightened out and we were in our rooms. (which were beautiful)
We misplaced the boys for about 35-40 minutes. (They ended up in a room in another tower) By the time we found them and got out of the hotel, the fireworks were in the middle of the finale.
***Day 2***
Started out with a very nice buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then we were off on our grand Chicago adventure. The weather was gloomy, and we all KNEW it was going to rain. (or judging by our luck, Chicago would have it's first hurricane) We visited the Hancock Observatory, took the Gray Line Double Decker bus tour. It started to sprinkle on the bus tour, but we stuck in there and rode to the Taste of Chicago. The big food festival. It was crowded. I hate crowds. We sampled a few things. The kids tasted Gelato, which was heavenly.
We hopped back on the Gray Line, by then it was raining and we were laughing like maniacs as the rain was pelting us in the faces on top of the double decker bus. We rode over to the Field Museum. (not crowded) We took in a few exhibits and ate lunch.
We fought for hailed a taxi and headed back to the hotel.
It was there that 3 of my children decided to act like they needed an Exorcist.
Luckily it was time for the bus to come so we could head back home.
It was a short trip, but it was the most exhausting trip I've ever taken with my kids. They just do not do well in larger groups. Too many distractions.


Friday, July 10, 2009

Pictures from Chicago








Pictures are from Hancock Observatory, Field Museum and Hyatt Regency Chicago
It was an interesting trip.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

I'm Soooooo Excited




We are spending part of the 4th of July weekend in Chicago. I've never been there before. I can't wait !!


Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Family Field Trip (Part 2)





After visiting Hocking Hills we drove a few miles down the road to Lake Logan State Park. We had a cookout and the kids rode around the lake on paddle boats


It was nice watching a group of city kids having fun without a video game or tv in sight.

There were a few squabbles among the 10 year old girls. They all wanted to be in charge. (Lots of chiefs...no Indians)








Then we rented a Pontoon boat. It was my first time on a boat. I have to admit I was leery at first, but then I relaxed and enjoyed the ride around the lake.

Family Field Trip (Part 1)





Sunday we spent the day with my sister Judy, her grandkids, boyfriend and his son at the lovely Hocking Hills State Park.


I have always wanted to go there and we could not have picked a lovelier day. The only down side was the amount of walking we had to do to get from Point a to Point b, but truthfully, the work was well worth the reward.



Awe-inspiring does not do justice to the beauty of the area.







I feel blessed to have been able to experience such a lovely place. Even though there were lots of people touring the area, you could still pause and be surrounded by the greatness of it all.



Henry David Thoreau once said "Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. " No truer words have been spoken.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Mother's Day 2009


It actually turned out pretty good. Pickles and 'Cole helped me make a huge breakfast. We had Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and toast.

I mostly just sat around and tried to relax.

I did want to go to the zoo, but I didn't feel like spending money on people who steal.

I love love LOVE the card that 'Cole gave me, which said :

"Sometimes I look at everything
That's going on in this world
and I thank the Lord for the mama he gave me.
A loving mama to hold me in her arms,
but a strong mama who knows
when to let me go...

A hardworking mama
to teach me diligence
but a joyous mama
who knows how to cut loose.
A brave mama to discipline me,
but a wise mama
who knows the difference
between being trifling and just being a kid.

On Mother's Day and always,
I'm so thankful that the Lord chose me
for that very wonderful mama He made.
And for the very wonderful love we share."

I love that kid. She certainly has a way of saying exactly what I need to hear, when I need to hear it.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

I NEVER Imagined I'd I'd Have To

I just finished installing a lockset on my bedroom door. It appears I have people in my home that I cannot trust.

Every year right before school starts I shop all the back-to-school sales and buy tons of school supplies on sale. I buy so much it usually last longer than one school year.

I keep all these items in a file cabinet in my room.

You can see where I'm going with this.

I checked the file cabinet the other day and found it almost empty.

There's been other incidents over the past few months that led up to this. :

  • Someone tried to use my computer (But couldn't because it is password protected)
  • Letters have been rifled through.
  • A credit card was stolen and taken to school.
  • Candy was stolen.
  • And numerous things have been used and/or removed without my permission.
I'm tired. The school supplies are the last straw. I never imagined I'd have to put a lock on my bedroom door. I've been in other adoptive parents' homes where they had locked rooms.... but I never in all my imaginings thought I would have to do it.

It's not a totally rotten weekend though. 'Cole bought me a Mother's Day Card and some AquaGlobes for my houseplants. Pickles planted the Hydrangeas I bought at work yesterday. I started my container garden with some Bachelor Buttons and Dwarf Asters.

We might take a nice trip to the Columbus Zoo tomorrow. That's one of my favorite places and I know it'll help relax me.

Happy Mother's Day to All my favorite Moms !!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Pickles Suspended

Pickles got suspended for missing an after-school detention two weeks in a row.
I reminded him the night before about it. (both times)
I should have written it on the back of his hand in permanent marker. I wasn't going to let him stay home so he had to go to work with me. He sat in my office all day and worked in a workbbok. I tried to make it as boring as possible.

Sigh.... I'm so glad school is almost over.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Things Kids Say (April)

Cole: "Pickles smells like a male stripper."
Mommy:"How do you know what a male stripper smells like?"
Cole: "I don't, but I bet they smell like funk and cheap cologne."
------------------------------

Pickles: "Mommy how do you spell roof ?"
Mommy: " How do you think it's spelled?"
Pickles: "Um.... r-u-f-f ?"
Mommy: "No that's ruff. Roof is R-o-o-f."
Pickles: " Are you sure... it sounds like it should have a u in it ?"

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Happy 15th Birthday 'Cole




Today 'Cole turned 15. Where has the time gone ?


It seems like it was just yesterday I was being shown a picture of an adorable 4 year old girl. I knew when I looked at that picture that this girl was going to be my daughter. She has brought me more joy than I could ever imagine.
Love ya, Kid
You're the best.


Monday, April 13, 2009

Easter 2009

Of course there's no pictures. You would think out of three adults somebody would think to bring a camera....but no it didn't happen.

We started out the day before Easter with a fun-filled Family Day. My sister Judy and I took the eight kids (my four and her four grands) roller skating. The kids all love being together and had a great time. Judy's boyfriend Richard soon joined us and brought his son and another boy.

I hoped that everyone would be so tired from skating that they would all need a nice long afternoon nap. Ha ! Those folks were wound up like human yoyos.

So we left skating and went bowling. I think the only people who got tired at the bowling alley was the grownups. I know I was ready for a short nap at that point, but not the kids.

My next suggestion was a nearby park. Nothing like being out in the fresh air to tire a kid out. Right ?

Apparently not.

The funny thing about taking city kids to a park is what I like to call Grass Overload. It's just too much for their little minds to handle. They aren't used to all that green and all that fresh air. They were in a park where they could run and play. We had playground toys and there was tons of playground equipment. They mostly just stood around and looked at the other kids playing. Where did they want to play ?? In the parking lot, of course.

I just want to say that when I was a kid I loved playing in the grass. I loved (and still do) they way the grass feels between my toes.

We were probably there maybe an hour, before everyone started to complain about being "starving" and "so hungry they couldn't play". So we drove over to Cici's Pizza. Great way to feed kids... a pizza buffet. It's genius I tell ya. I wish I would have thought of it.

After they ate and played in the game room we drove to a little viewing area out by the airport and watched the airplanes land. Again the kids wanted to run and race on the gravel driveway. (but they wouldn't do it in the park...I'm still trying to work that one out in my head)

Then we headed home. Finally my kids were a little tired. I still had work to do, I had to boil eggs for coloring and finish assembling our Easter baskets. I'm pretty sure I didn't get to bed until way after midnight. I know Judy was up doing the same thing.

Easter Day was pretty quiet, the kids colored their eggs and I cooked dinner. A very simple end to a lovely weekend.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Little Girls with Teenage Attitude

Maybe it's something in the air. Maybe it's the fact that they've been cooped up inside the house all winter. Maybe they need a job.

The twins get up arguing and go to bed arguing. They argue about arguing. (I didn't even think that was possible)

"Don't look at me!"
"Don't touch me !"
" Don't breathe on me!"
"Don't touch my stuff !"
" Don't eat your food like that"
" Don't talk to me !"

The funny thing is that when you separate them, they complain about not being able to play with each other. LOL

They are grumpy, moody, irate and irritable.

It's bad enough having two actual teens in the house who are grumpy, moody, irate and irritable, but add two ten year olds to that mix and you have one mommy who is becoming close friends with Advil and Tylenol.

The fights start over nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. They can be sitting quietly drawing, reading or doing homework and the next thing you know we're at The Main Event. It's never any physical violence, but they've been saying some pretty rude, mean and hateful things to each other.

I'm open to any unique ideas. I've tried all the usual stuff (grounding, separating them, discussions about being nice, restrictions) I think once the weather warms up and they spend more time playing with other kids, perhaps things will get better. Until then.... maybe I'll invest in some ear plugs.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Things That happen When Mommy is not at Honme

How does a puppy get pancake syrup all over his fur ??

That's all I'd like to know.

(I asked the puppy and he looked over at the kids)

Now he smells like old gym shoes, fritos and syrup.
And who would be the lucky person to give him a bath....any volunteers ??
No ?
Then I guess it'll be me.

Darn kids.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Ramdom Monday Things

1. I'm bored. I'm bored. I'm bored.
2. Three of my kids woke up arguing this morning. How do you wake up arguing ?!?
3. I had lasagna for breakfast and it was good.
4. I feel like running away from home to become a beach bum.
5. I've got a stack of pictures (from 2006) that I need to scrapbook...but I don't feel like doing it.
6. I feel like buying something stupid.
7. All of the kids are over at the library. It's just me, the dog and peace and quiet.
8. I wonder where squirrels do their business at ? You never hear anyone say "Aw man, I just stepped in some squirrel poo!"

Friday, February 6, 2009

February

Everything has been pretty calm and quiet so far this year. We did have an incident with Pickles accidentally breaking a window pane out of the back door. Typical Pickles stuff (" I swear Mommy I don't know how that happened.")

The foul weather here (cold, snowy and icy) has left all of us with a serious case of cabin fever. This weekend should be warmer so maybe we'll get out of the house and enjoy the day. The kids really need to burn off some of that pent-up energy.

That's all for now.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

New Years Eve

We spent the evening playing Guitar Hero and American Idol Karaoke Revolution Encore 2 on the Wii and snacking on pizza, wings, and other party type foods.
Pinky and Daisy fell asleep at about 9pm, I dozed off and on until midnight and 'Cole and Pickles played Guitar Hero until 12:30am.
I had ran to walmart earlier to pick up the games as a surprise for the kids and boy were they ever surprised. We love love love our Wii. Even a year later I can still say it is money well spent.