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!