From Alaina

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? no
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? this week, while making Carolyn's slideshow, well not, bawl, but very teary eyed.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? at times
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? hmm, ham or roast beef
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? yes, 4 of them.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? of course
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? yeah right
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? NO
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Blueberry Muffin Top
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No, I usually wear slip on shoes anyways.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? for a girl-yes, compared to my husband-no, I'm not even close.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? mint choc chip
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile
15. RED OR PINK? red
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? worry about what other think
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Those who went away.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? if they want
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? demin and my red striped slippers
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? piece of Carolyn's cake scraps
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? John & Katie playing
22. IF YOU WHERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I have no idea - a sharp one :)
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? bread baking, lilacs, camp fire, my husbands cologne
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? my husband
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? yeah
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? don't really watch sports - rodeo, football
27. HAIR COLOR? brown/blonde
28. EYE COLOR? blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? yes
30. FAVORITE FOOD? chicken.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy endings.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Strawberry Shortcake
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? grey sweatshirt
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? mmm... summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Do I have to choose? I love both!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I think I'm the tail end of this, so probably no one.
38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? HAHA, are you kidding me? Other than the Bible, I'm not reading any books.
39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? No mouse pad
40. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Don't own one.
41. FAVORITE SOUND? husbands guitar, kids laughing, the sound of the semi rolling down the driveway.
42. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? probably.. Beatles, I don't listen to either of them.
43. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Idaho ?, one of those western states
44. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I have eyes in the back of my head (or at least thats why my kids think)
45. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Hospital :) Appleton
46. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? anyones

100 Things

Got this game from Amber & Heather. Anyone can play along, just BOLD the things you have done.
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain- does hiking in the mtn count?
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo- in the shower.
11. Bungee jumped. (I've done that crazy ride at Great America-SkyCoasting(?) it's more of a swing from up high, than bouncing; but you still dive down.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight.
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you're not sick.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
37. Had enough money to truly be satisfied.
38. Seen the leaning tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David.
41. Sung karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class.
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served in a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp.
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten caviar.
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
76. Seen the changing of the guards in London.
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person. (3 times)
80. Published a book.
81. Been to the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the paper.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (well, I didn't kill it)
88. Had Chicken pox.
89. Saved someones life. (done CPR at the hospital during a code)
90. Sat on a jury.
91. Met someone famous.
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
94. Had a baby- 4 of them
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake- waded in it.
97. Been involved in a lawsuit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Carolyn's Story

Dear Carolyn Rose,

I can't believe you are turning 4 years old! I know you can hardly wait, because this is all you've talked about since it turned January! Wasn't it just yesterday you were born? It sure seems like it. You were born 4 years ago, on a Sunday. I'll tell you the story, so you'll always know.



It all started one Sunday morning. I remember it was really cold, or maybe it seemed like it was. For some reason Daddy had to go to the woods, (I think the log truck driver got stuck), so me and Benji stayed home from meeting.



While I was giving Benji a bath that morning, I had my 1st contraction. (I was still 2 weeks away from my due date) It was just a little one, not really noticeable. Shortly after G'ma Linda called. (When you get closer to your due date, EVERYONE calls to check up on you.. just in case) I told her not to go far, because (one) contractions starting. Daddy got home by lunch time. The contractions were still light and spread apart. He wanted to go to G'pa and G'ma after lunch. I really felt like staying at home, because I knew/hoped something was going to happen later. But we went anyways. And I'm glad I did, because it kept my mind focused on something else. We pulled Benji around their yard in a sled.



As the afternoon progressed, so did my contractions. At 2:00 they were 5-10 mins By 3:00 they were uncomfortable, not unbearable but starting to have a 'bite' every 5 min,. Finally around 4:00 I called the hospital, explained what was going on. The nurse calmly told us leave right away.

We left Benji at G'pa & G'ma S, and drove up to the house to get our bags. Looking back I laugh at this part, but at the time I didn't! I can't remember for sure, but I think Daddy quick washed up and shaved by the sink (?) maybe he shaved on the way there. Then we really needed gas, (G'pa T always reminded me to keep the tank FULL) but I'm sure Daddy drove it last ;) By then I was feeling pretty antsy, as my contractions were picking up quite a bit in intensity....wanting Daddy to hurry, and trying to stay calm at the same time.

We got to the hospital around 5:00, then got settled in. Unfortunately I didn't write any more things down, so I don't know the specifics. I believe I was at least 5 cm. I remember telling the midwife, I want to do this natural, so if I ask for anything later on, remind me I said this. I ended up with a completely natural birth. (Your brother's labor was long and tiring, but he was my 1st) So I remember wondering how long this would go on. I was reassured it wouldn't be very long at all. The midwife broke my water maybe around 6-6:30, which really sped things up. Soon I was given the thumbs up, and with Daddy at my side you were born into this world at 7:41 pm; 8#10oz, 20 1/2" with the cutest chubby cheeks, on a plump head!

We never found out if you were a boy or girl. Deep down I secretly was hoping you were a girl. (Maybe because Aunt Heather had your cousin Emily; you'd make a good playmate for her, maybe I was just a selfish Mom, wanting a girl) Yet, Daddy and me wouldn't have cared if you were a boy. We just wanted a healthy, normal baby. After you were born, they placed you on me, and I looked down at you, "it's a girl!" I recall, saying, are you sure? a girl?...I thought since I was greedily wishing for a girl deep down..well, I'd get a boy. There are no words to describe what I felt inside, or what I saw in your Daddy's eyes and face. We again, counted your 10 fingers, 10 toes and looked at your perfect body. We were so blessed. One boy and now we had a girl.. all healthy and beautiful!

Picking out names was a chore. Actually we didn't even have a boys name picked out, or at least one we both agreed on. For a girl we had our favorites; Laura and Kathryn. So when the nurse asked what her name was, I looked at Daddy and said, "Laura Esther?" He looked at you and said, "Carolyn Rose". We never mentioned that name before, but it was perfect.. just the one for you. A little rose bud, waiting to bloom.

And you did bloom. Look at you now! 4 years old! Your our little magpie; because you really don't stop talking. I've never seen a little girl have such good 'lung span' :) But we love to listen to you talk. Now you sound so grown up. You mimic so many things that I/we do and say. Sometimes it scares me, because you pick up on everything! So many times it isn't what you say that's funny, but its how you say it! You are so dramatic with your expressions & gestures! We love how you mother your little sister and brother. You don't always get along with them, but we know you still love them very much. And they all love you very much too. Some days you look/act just like me, and some days you resemble Daddy's side. G'pa Ben says you remind him of his sister, in looks and the way you act, and talk all the time :)

So today is your special day, just for you, our little princess. It was only four short years ago, you first wrapped your little hands around my finger. And still you are wrapped around my heart, and always will be. Even though your party isn't tonight, we still want today to be as special and fun as you are!

Happy 4th Birthday Carolyn.

Hugs & Kisses! I Love You!
Mommy

And we're done!

I tweaked her castle cake some, but I'm hoping she'll be happy. It's a cherry cake, cherry frosting, pink and red sprinkles, plus her princess! (She requested all that be on her cake)

Our dear birthday girl, has changed her mind once again. She first wanted tacos for her supper, then it was spaghetti and meatballs, then it was tacos, and NOW its lasagna! I asked her for the last time before I went to the grocery store.

So our menu will look like this, per Carolyn:

• Lasagna
• 7 layer lettuce salad (yes, our kids LOVE lettuce)
• Aunt Heather's broccoli/cauliflower salad (and they LOVE broccoli too)
• corn
• finger jello (red hearts)
• garlic and cheese bread

Now that I have the cake done, I'm not sure what to do with it, until supper on Friday! I had one helper (Katie) while I was making it, so we have a few 'smudges' in the side :) Benji & Carolyn are at Jake & Emily's, but once they get home.... :0 I think it will fit inside a Rubbermaid tub I have, then it will be safe & sound! Now if only Katie would take a nap, I could mop up the floors and continue with my list!

Easily Pleased...

I guess it proves I'm definitely NOT high-maintenance..

when it's something like this that makes me happy...warm, fuzzy slippers (for under $10.00) ! They are like the cherry on top of the ice cream for me. If only they were magic slippers... I could snap my heels together and................

(Another thing that makes me happy; my kids. Lately John has started to actually HUG. He puts his arms around and SQUEEZES your neck and says 'AWWW!' He used to just wrap his arms around your neck and pat your back. Now he hold on so tight, you could let go and he'd hang there)

What little thing(s) make you happy?.... and you can't say your kids! :)

Upstream without a paddle

That's how I feel today! The morning started out good, (except I had a headache). The kids woke up later this morning, maybe 7:45, 8:00. John got up earlier, but I snuggled with him in our bed, and he went back to sleep. The other 3 came charging in as soon as they woke. (Daddy didn't have to haul this morning, so we were "hoping" to sleep in) So for about a half hour we had 6 in our bed. 4 kids and daddy and me! And no, the 4 kids didn't go back to sleep. It was more of a climb-fest on mom and dad.

So our morning was off to a late start. I love to sleep in, but it seems to throw the whole day off : Breakfast at 9:00, then I had to help Benjamin with some papers, the kids didn't get dressed until 10:00, (I managed shortly thereafter), then I cleaned up from breakfast, you get the point. Soon it was time for lunch! I tho't since we ate late, we'd have a late lunch.. not the case!

Anyways.. Carolyn's birthday party is on Friday. So I have a 'few' things to do before then! The kids love bringing all 432 pillows we have out in the living room, along with their blankets. (it's their fort and house) I'm not sure what color carpet we have in the living room! Normally I don't care if the kids make a 'mess' and have fun doing it. But today, it's irritating me, because I'm trying to get ready for the party.

I shouldn't worry too much, because it's only family coming. (and I don't mean that in a bad way, I do want a clean, presentable house for them to come to) The thing is we'll have 17 people here; 9 of them kids (the oldest 6 yrs). So once everyone gets here, it isn't too long and you can't tell what I did during the week :) And no I don't mind the mess, because the kids have a blast playing together, and the 'big kids' have fun too!

We need to get John out of our room (he sleeps in his own crib). I was hoping to get that done this week, but I'm afraid it won't happen. Katie will not sleep in her crib anymore, she's sleeping in the same bed as Carolyn right now. Her crib turns into a toddler/day bed, which we haven't done yet either. (thats on the to-do-list). The kid's clothes need another good picking through.. again! Tax time has started: the joys of being self-employed!

Yes, I am slightly overwhelmed. But I'm making a list of things that HAVE to be done by Friday, like: wrap presents, decorate house, make cake, the absolutely necessary cleaning... and the rest will wait until.. whenever! Tomorrow I have an appt that will take up all afternoon, plus its Wed. Bless my dear Sis-in-law's heart. She is going to watch ALL 4 kids on Wed. AND offered to keep some of them overnight! That will make Thursday so much nicer, since I'm going to tackle the castle cake. Luckily, Carolyn requested taco's for her birthday supper; not too hard ;)

Anyways.. I should get back to reality, but I needed a break. Daddy is working, John is taking a nap, and the other 3.. well lets just say, they are NOT taking a nap..... YET! And yes, if you read our blog for the kids, I've cheated. I wrote all the post last week...and scheduled them for this week :) I know G'pa & G'ma check it every day, and I wanted to have something for them (and you).

Things to remember:

1. Accept that some days you’re the pigeon and some days you’re the statue
2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4. Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their Maker.
5. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8. Never buy a car you can’t push.
9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
10. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
11. Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12. The second mouse gets the cheese.
13. When everything’s coming your way, your in the wrong lane.
14. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have the longer you live.
15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
16. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
17. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.

This was an email from my SIL Heather. But I couldn't resist sharing it; some are serious, some are funny!

Memories

(I got this from here, I think we're 2nd cousins, our parents are 1st cousins)

Share a memory that you have of you and me. Whether we're long time friends, related, or 'blogger friends', I'd love to hear from you.

If we aren't 'close', maybe share what you first thought of me. (I'm curious)

It may have been just last week or years ago. Make me laugh, smile, maybe cry as we reminisce of the 'good ol days!' together.

One Word

This one is from Neisha

Here you go...answer how ever you want but only with one word answers. Luck

Where is your cell phone? counter

Your significant other? benjamin

Your hair? blonde

Your personality? shy

Your favorite food? chicken

Your favorite thing? family

Your dream last night? none

Your favorite drink? water

Your dream/goal? heaven

What room are you in? dining

Your hobby? kids

Your fear? death

Where do you want to be in 6 years? alive

Where were you last night? home

Something that you aren't? skinny

Muffins? blueberry

Wish list item? dishwasher

Last thing you did? dishes

What are you wearing? jeans

What do you like to do with your money? spend

Your pets? none

Friends? wonderful

Your life? satisfying

Your mood? tired

Missing someone? YES

Your favorite outdoor recreation? 4wheeling

Your car? van

Something you're not wearing? socks

Your favorite store? Kohls

Your favorite color? blue

When is the last time you cried? January

Where do you go to over and over? stove

Five people who email me regularly? friends

My favorite place to eat? restaurant

Favorite place I'd like to be at right now? Iowa

How do you like to spend time with your spouse? date

Your Kids? precious

Your In-laws? appreciated

Your parents? loved

What's something you'd really like but haven't spent the time/money yet? massage

Husbands..

• What is his name? Benjamin/Ben (jr)
  
• How long did you date? 7 months; We started dating Nov 01, engaged April 02, married June 02
  
• How long have you been married? 6 1/2 years
  
• Who eats more sweets? He does
  
• Who said I love you first? He did
  
• Who is taller? He is. I'm 5'6" He is 6'7"
  
• Who is a better singer? He is
  
• Who is smarter? It's a toss up. I think I'm more 'book smart', he's more 'street/life' smart.. does that make sense?
  
• Who does the laundry? Haha.. I do
  
• Who pays the bills? He makes the money, and I write out the bills
  
• Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do
  
• Who mows the lawn? In Iowa he would mow part of it (because we had a rider) but I usually do
  
• Who cooks dinner? Me, unless its grilling, then sometimes he'll do it
• Who drives? It varies. Usually him, but I do alot since he drives semi all week
  
• Who is more stubborn? equal
  
• Who kissed who first? He kissed me first
  
• Who asked who out? I asked him to come to my house for a get together first, which he couldn't make, then he asked me to come up to his parents the next weekend.
  
• Who is more sensitive? ha, inside joke.. but I am.
• Who wears the pants? He does
  

Now you are all tagged! Copy and paste it to your blog!

We've only begun..

Today is Wednesday, half way through the week. But for me its just starting; I'm flying solo as of this morning. It's been awhile, but as a truckers wife it's a fact of life, or a fact of the job. Luckily it rarely happens now that he switch 'hauls'.

I try to vent my emotions into something profitable, like cleaning. It's usually short-lived, but it works. Today was our cleaning day, tomorrow we are baking sugar/gingerbread cookies (and more cleaning), and Friday my dear sis-in-laws are bringing their kids over and we're all going to decorate them, (the cookies that is). Which makes me wonder why I mopped the floors today? ;) But even though I'll clean the entire time... you won't notice, mostly because you won't be able to tell.. the joys of being a mom :) 'cleaning your house while your kids are still growing, is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing'

Everyone is affected: him, me, the kids.. We all try our best to downplay the effect it has on us, but the kids pick up on everything. Thankfully, today has gone by fairly well. I was surprised how well the kids got along. Besides a snag at nap time they've done well, which helps mommy more than they'll ever know. But just wait until Friday or Saturday! Until you've been alone its hard to explain. And I'm not talking about being alone all day loong with your kids. We've been there, done that. I'm not saying its easy, because it isn't. But it's completely different to be alone ALL day and ALL night, and then repeat the next day, and the next day and the next.

For those worried, I'm not technically alone. My in-laws live near by, like a 1/4 mile from us and the 'other' Heather (family) live through the woods.. So within a few minutes I have help.. which I've needed to use a time or two! But I've realized as hard as it is for me to be at home with 4 little kids, its no piece of cake for him either. I tend to think I have it the worst, but he is gone from home, his wife and his kids... on the road, alone. Thank goodness for camera phones. He loves getting pictures of the kids, and the kids get a kick out of his pictures (his semi, some silly thing he saw that day, etc) It keeps up together, even when we're miles apart.

I better wrap this up, it will just get sappier (is that a word?) I should have posted a warning at the beginning of this post.. reader beware Sap Ahead ;). Also, I don't write on here to get sympathy or 'praises' for what I do, go through, write about... I write to clear my head, vent, and so much more I can't even begin to describe. Like I said before, this is like a journal of mine, that I'm sharing publicly, (for now). I can not guarantee it will make sense, or even be worth while to read, except to me. But it is real, honest, and from the heart. G'nite.

It's only Monday..

What a start to the week! I should be doing alot of things besides this, but once I get it out of my system, it'll be better. Yesterday started out okay, besides the fact I hit snooze one to many times, making the morning rush, even more rushed. We made it out the door, all dressed, hair combed in time! Yeah! I had the leave the breakfast dishes sitting right on the table, something that absolutely IRRITATES me! ARGHH.. is it just me? But I DO NOT like walking in the house, seeing the dishes all over the place!!! yuck.

Anyways.. yesterday afternoon Benjamin was suppose to play guitar for awhile, then we were to go to his parents for supper. So after mtg the G'parents took the oldest 3. Shortly after Benjamin left, he called back home, saying G'pa said we should have left John there too, then I could have gone with. So he turned around, we dropped John off, and I got to go with! 2 'alone times' in one weekend.. that's a record! ;) So, in between leaving again... I quickly threw the dishes at least in the sink, so they weren't on the table, and off again I went.

After supper we came back home later, 9ish. Once the kids were in bed I HAD to clean up the kitchen. It's a weird thing I got going.. even if they would have sat ALL night, I WOULD have washed them BEFORE I made breakfast. So, it was mostly my fault I got to bed later (11ish), the kids finally crashed about 10-10:30.

Naturally, just as I was starting to fall asleep John 'kinda' wakes up. "Kinda", because he's still sleeping, but just very, very restless and whiny. His crib is still in our room (something I'm thinking about changing today!). I know Ben's alarm is set for 4:30, so my sleep time is slowly ticking away. Bringing him in bed usually works, but last night, he was still restless. We did sneak in a hour or two PEACEFUL sleep after the alarm, but we, (actually, he awoke quite rested) are looking for a nap. I'm hoping since it was a relatively big weekend, Benji will actually sleep today, and we can all wake up refreshed!

What a lovely, complaining post to read on a Monday morning.. :) Anyways.. I do feel better, still sleepy, but isn't' that a requirement for a Mom to have on a Monday morning!? I do have quite a few things that I'd love to write about. But they'll have to wait until later, much later.

Let me know if you do anything weird, or have a strange habit.. like me having to wash the dishes to start with a clean sink (I have a feeling I'm not alone with this).. just to make me feel better anyways!

Flying Solo

Last night we were solo!!
G'pa and G'ma S kept all 4 kids while we ran errands. I got dropped off to get groceries, while he ran his own errands. And yes, I actually like grocery shopping ALONE. It's quicker AND cheaper. Although I wouldn't have minded his company:)

Then, we at supper at Texas Roadhouse. Tanya, Charles & Wyatt met us there. Even though lil Wyatt was there (very well behaved) it was an enjoyable evening for us with none of our kids. Funny thing, we talked alot about the kids! Are we the only ones who do that? We enjoyed a nice steak dinner, adult conversation and laughs from Wyatt!

Now all we have to do is sweet talk the G'parents into keeping all NINE grandkids so ALL us "moms & dads" can enjoy an evening together. We ended up bringing John and Katie back home with us. Benji & Carolyn spent the night at G'pa & G'ma's.

Our evening was loong overdue. Last time we ate out alone, was when I was still pregnant with John (16 mos). We did sneak away for a wedding on Halloween, yes, you read right! As much as we enjoy our time together ALONE, we enjoy all the nights we spend in as a family. We love our kids very much.. we really don't leave them behind for anything. They spend some Fri nites at G'pa & G'ma.. other wise.. they go where we go. (Except when we went to the hospital to have the other kids.)

Anyways, it was a great evening, something I needed very much!
A big Thank You to G'pa and G'ma for helping make it a KID=FREE evening, to Tanya & Charles for the 'extra-conversation', and to my husband for, well, the wonderful evening!!!

I promise not to complain...

Maybe you're lucky to live in a warm climate! If you live anywhere near us, this past week has been frigid cold. When I say cold, I mean 25 degrees BELOW zero! Thats not including the windchill. BRR! I found myself wishing for warmer weather, meaning anything above zero, even snow! I made a promise to myself and now on here, to never complain about the snow again (even though snow makes our driveway impossible at times because its a steep hill).

I also realized that often times I 'complain' about things, when in fact I should be thankful for what they mean. Such as..

• I should be thankful my husband is gone in the semi all day, because it means he still has a job.
• I should be thankful for our house payment, as it means we have a place to live.
• I should be thankful for dishes to wash, for it means we've had a meal to eat.
• I should be thankful for laundry, because it means we are able to be clothed.
• I should be thankful for throwing in firewood, because it means we'll be able to heat our home.
• I should be thankful for all the toys I step on at night, because it means we can afford 'extras' for our children.
• I should be thankful for the mess in the living room, because it means my children are able to play and run normally.
• I should be (somewhat) thankful for the extra pouch on my belly, because it means I was able to have 4 beautiful children, naturally.

What are you thankful for, once you look at things in a different light?

You might be a mom if...

You all have heard the 'redneck' ones.... I want to do one that's more fitting.. So fill in the blank:
You might be a mom if................... (anything goes by the way)

• you can multi task, while nursing
• you spend more time picking out your kids clothes, than your own
• it used to take you an hour to get dressed, now you have done it in under 5 minutes
• you cut your own sandwich into a shape, then laugh, and eat it anyways

You get the picture yet... let me here your answers, funny, serious, wacky, the obvious, etc. I'm hoping to make a bigger post of this for my other blog (and I'll give credit where credit is due)

It's going to be one of those days..

• This morning everything seemed to be going good....
• Benjamin is in the truck today, so he got up earlier.
• Katie & John must have wanted to say good bye to Daddy, because they got up too. Which is okay, because once I get woke up, I'm done. I just 'laze' in bed, making it harder to get going.
• Benji & Carolyn actually slept in until a little after 8:30!
• While the kids calmly, happily ate breakfast, I quick vacuumed the living room, then did a quick 'wipe' in the bathroom.. Going good right?!
• Well, after breakfast I told the kids to get dressed. I had their clothes laying out in the living room, by the warm, toasty air vent (which by the way, the house is nice and warm).
• Oh, my.... that's when all chaos let loose. Battle of the wills... needless to say mom won again, and the kids had to get dressed.
• I have 1 boy, who is "not very happy with me" because I NEVER let him go outside and play anymore (the temps are below zero)...
• Another girl (Katie) is doing everything possible to make her sister very 'angertated', as she puts it.
• John, is being John.. his little active, mischievous self.
• Luckily, things have mellowed out.. but I have a feeling we're in for one of those days.. and considering the weather has us banned to the house.. it'll be one of those weeks.. Maybe not.
• Anyways.. I feel better..and the living room is cleaned, the bathroom just needs the shower/tub cleaned, the floors will wait until naptime (if that ever comes).. and I have laundry started. So I guess I AM getting something done in between playing referee!

Is it Friday yet?

Ah, Monday is almost over. Today wasn't anything unusual. Actually the day has gone by fast, but mostly likely because there was so much to do.

I have a love/hate relationship with firewood. I love it, because it's cheap (especially when your husband's a logger) and it's warm, sometimes extremely hot heat. I hate it, because it involves MUCH more than turning up the thermostat. Like today...splitting wood, throwing it in the basement, stacking it.. then don't forget..you need to put wood in the stove to make it warm! With the cold snap rolling in this week, we'll be busy.. feeding the fire! But we'll be toasty warm.
The kids seem to know when we're busy. You know what I mean, right? It was nice to have Daddy home today too! If it wasn't' for him, I'd still be doing firewood :)

As I was stacking wood, I was imagining what it'd be like to NOT have to do firewood :) I then realized someone will always have it better than me, and someone will always have it worse than me. I am grateful for what I do have. Even if firewood is a pain in the butt.. it's heat to warm our family. As the kids gets ready for bed, all snugly in pj's, I'm again thankful for them! I can't imagine life without them (that'll be another post someday). Events of today have left me exhausted, and the house, well, its been 'lived in to the fullest' ;) There are things that should have been done yet tonight, but I have a strong feeling they'll still be there in the morning!

This blog may take some time to really get rolling. I have lots that I'd like to write about, but not ready to let it go 'public'. No, it's not anything bad...I'm getting used of exposing myself, so to speak. (don't worry, I'm saving them to post later) I admire people who speak freely on their blogs. I may have to make this private in order for it to work, time will tell. Anyways...

Where should I start?

Let me start out by saying: I LOVE BEING A MOM! But I think like every normal Mom, we all have 'those days'. I(along with my husband) have 4 kids, close together (all were born in under 4 years). Most think we're crazy, and maybe we are (and don't realize it). But if we had to do it all over, we'd do it the same way. Our oldest is 5 years, and the youngest is 15 months. Not always, but most days all 4 are the best of friends.

I'm goal is to make this blog my journal/vent space/etc. (So I don't spend all day venting on the phone, to people who really don't care, but gladly listen anyways! :) Don't except it to be updated daily. I may even make it private. I have a bad habit of caring too much about what others think, when in reality it doesn't really matter. There are 2 people that I want the approval of: My heavenly Father, and my husband. If I am pleasing to my Father, then I'm mostly likely going to gain my husband's approval as well, and hopefully everyone else's. If not, I'm starting to learn to not care, because it doesn't matter.

So be prepared to hear about the life of a mom raising 4 lil kids, while trying to keep house, and start down the road of homeschooling! It's bound to get interesting, so hang on tight.