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.

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.

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.

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 ?

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.