Happy New Year!

Just for fun...here's a list of the many strange and funny things said to us this year.

I just kept watching and watching as the kids came rolling out of your car. People in parking lots tell us this as they stare open mouthed.

Are they twins? This was asked a couple of times.

So, you guys do daycare. Said to us by the plumber at our house while watching me feed the kids lunch.

What makes you want to have so many kids? Said to us by the house appraiser looking at our home.

A woman asked Cam if Lydia was Indian and Cam told her no that she was Ethiopian. See, I told you she wasn't black the woman said to her friend. This was at the park and the women were African American...not sure if they were confused on their geography or what?

Are you crazy? No, we aren't crazy...well maybe we are but that has nothing to do with our choice to have 5 children;)

Are you trying to be like Brad and Angelina? Oh, please! The only thing we have in common is adoption...well, and our sex appeal...LOL! Seriously, we don't mind this comment so much. Brangelinas do have a nice family and they care very much about the orphans of this world.

Are they siblings? This is asked about Lydia and Busy Guy...we just respond yes they are now. A few leave it at that and an annoying few try to ask again as if we didn't understand the question.


Your kids were very good at dinner. We were nervous when the hostess sat you next to us. We've heard this many times as we leave a restaurant. The horrible looks we get when walking into the restaurant have made Cam dub us the "Restaurant Lepers".

And the most common comment...

Wow, you've got your hands full! We hear this one regularly...Yes, we have our hands full but also our hearts:)

We have had an amazing year! Full of fun and laughter and yes, hard work too. It will be a year to remember. When we are old and our days are mundane we will look back, reflect, laugh and cherish all the memories from this special year.

Happy New Year!

Birthday Girl

My sweet baby girl turned ONE today! We had a fun day...church and then a party. It was so much fun to have a girl party...not one for just girls but one with pink, pink, pink. I'm so excited...it was like my own birthday too;) Sis got lots of pretty gifts...and it was so much fun...for her too. We had pizza and pink sprinkled cupcakes...Mmmmmm.

I'm a little sad that time is going by so fast. She is looking more and more like a toddler every day. She is no longer crawling at all and is speed-walking...soon to be running.

Now, I'm off to play with her new toys...dolls and doll house and pretty clothes...ohhhh!

The song on the playlist...is that the cutest thing you've ever heard? I'm going to learn it so I can sing it to the kids every day....I love it!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours

Home Sweet Home

Good thing we love our home...because we can't go anywhere. We had been able to go out in the van up until yesterday. We now have over 15" of snow and the van will not make it up the hill out of our neighborhood any more! Cam walked up to the shops and tried to buy chains but of course nobody has any left. I had my neighbor take me to the grocery store today so we are stocked up now. $300.00 in groceries should last at least until the snow is gone...I hope. Unless we get some chains we won't be leaving...even for Christmas dinner at my MIL's. The temperature isn't getting above freezing and they aren't going to plow our road...so I think we are stuck. Cam has to figure out how to get to work on the 24th. We are lucky though to be home and warm and well fed. I'm feeling bad for all the holiday travellers stuck in airports around the USA...including my SIL in Phoenix...sorry Cinn:( We hope you get here soon.
Our side yard...snow drifts

Updated photo of the backyard

Just because he's so cute!

The Weather Report

This is who I'm married to:

Friday night when Cam got home from work (after working a long 12 hour shift running his hiney off) he ran in the house and yelled this up the stairs to me..."I'm dying to go sled down the BIG hill... I'll be right back". Cracked me up! He took the new sled and went up to the big hill in our neighborhood and had a really good run...then he tried out a few of the neighbor's driveways too. What a fun man:)

Well, the weather outside is frightful...actually it's beautiful. We've not had this much snow in years and years. And...freezing temps so it's staying around. Church was actually cancelled this morning. We are going to snuggle up and stay warm. Later today we are going to walk over to our neighbor's house for lunch. That should be fun...we might need snow shoes to get there.

Our front porch

Front yard

Back yard

Santa Visit

This year's Santa visit was as chaotic as the rest. Getting 5 kids dressed in Christmas finery and out the door to meet Santa was a task. Standing in line waiting and anticipating makes for some interesting antics. Mr. P and Busy Guy were excited...with Busy Guy running back and forth in the small confines of the line...Mr. P telling on him and/or directing him. Tuba was a stinker and used the opportunity to run away and try to escape out a nearby door. Sis cranked and cried and didn't want to be in her stroller...or her fancy dress. Baby George sat nicely and watched the chaos ensue. Lucky for us the line wasn't too long...about 20 minutes. Once inside to meet Santa Busy Guy ran right up to him and was all smiles and chatted him up. Mr. P cautiously approached while Tuba got instantly shy and all smiley. Sis took one look and cried...all the more when I placed her on his lap. She wasn't really too afraid of Santa but just wanted me to hold her. Baby George sat happily on Santa's lap.
The end result is a cute and funny photo. Our favorite shots over the years are the funny ones. The look on Busy Guy's face is his "I'm so funny" and not one of fright...although that's what it looks like. Baby George looks huge...well he is huge but it's just so funny to see him next to Sis who is 6 months older than he is. After this year's chaos Cam asked if next year we could take a photo at home and have Santa "Photo Shopped" in? Ummm....NO! This photo has been added to the line of Santa photos put out each year. It brings me so much joy and is what gets me through the experience of having the photo taken.

Snow Princess

Yesterday Sis went outside with the boys while they were sledding with Papa. I looked out the window to make sure she was happy...and what did I see? She was in this backpack on Cam's back and they were flying down the driveway on the sled. Cam would lay on his stomach and go head first down the slope. She loved it!

Tool Time

Busy Guy got his nickname because....well...he's BUSY! He gets into everything. If it's quiet we know something bad is going on. We've Busy Guy proofed the house as best we can but many a day he finds something to get into to. He has boundless energy...just like his Papa.
This week we are having our old wrought iron railing replaced (story on that to come later) with a custom built wooden one. The carpenter, Clary who built our bookcases is back working on the railing. Busy Guy was fascinated. He ran to get his tool belt and tools to assist with the job. He spent 5 hours...yes 5...helping Clary on Monday. We were afraid he was in the way and tried to coax him away. He bawled his eyes out. Clary assured us that he was fine and that he needed his help. Busy Guy sorted through Clary's tool box, touched ALL the tools and had a great time. Clary was so kind and gentle with him....and patient beyond belief! They had snack time together too as Busy Guy would seek double the snacks and then go offer half to Clary. Busy Guy was enraptured with all the tools and the compressor. He sat on the steps playing with nuts and bolts and helping. He never left Clary's side! They have worked together 2 days now and there is one more day's work when the roads clear of snow. This morning Busy Guy wanted to know where Clary was. He's eagerly awaiting his return. Clary is a saint...especially to our Busy Guy.

Sledding Fun

We are having the coldest weather in 10 years...plus snow! Usually when it snows here it melts the next day. Not this time. It's frozen solid and more snow is predicted later this week. The boys were begging me to go out and play and initially I said "No...I'm too whimpy...it's too cold...etc". But, then I thought..."life is short...they're only little for such a short time...don't be a whimp". I got all dressed and surprised them outside. Cam, Mr. P, Busy Guy and I went sledding in our driveway. One of us would be the look-out in the road (nobody was out on the road driving but just to be safe) and we took turns sledding. Whhhhheeeeeeeeeeee...It was so much fun. I haven't laughed so much in ages. You can't really tell from the photos but our drive-way is really steep so were really flying. We'd end up across the street in the neighbors yard. Hiking up and down the drive kept us toasty warm too. In case you wondered...babies were napping and Tuba was at school.

Busy Guy flying down the slope.

Papa and Mr. P practicing a new way to ride.

We started out with this little sled and then went up the street to K-Mart and bought a new one. It was faster and so much fun.

Mama and Mr. P getting ready for some fun.

From Here to There

Our first Christmas as parents. Man oh man...Tuba and Baby George sure look alike...except BG is chubbier.

12 years and 4 more kids later. This is at the tree farm getting our Christmas tree. I think we look even better...it must be all those kids keeping us young;)

I had a great b-day week. I even got that back rub!!! We'll be having left over cake tonight...or maybe this afternoon?

Mr. P sang ALL the words and did ALL the hand motions at his Christmas concert...what a change from last year. He's such a little "rule" follower. He kept his eyes right on his teacher and stood tall and still....meanwhile the kid behind him was picking his nose and wiggling all around and the girl next to him got down off the risers and danced in front of the group. You've got to love those pre-school shows!

Tuba's behavior has been better and he's had good days at school. His seizures have been better too. I pray they continue to improve and go away soon.

Sister is walking all over the house. She can turn and walk in a new direction now too. She's going about 10 steps at a time and can also stand up in the middle of the room on her own. The bad thing is she keeps standing up on the stairs and yesterday fell down them. She looked like a gingerbread man cartwheeling down the stairs...it sounds funny but it scared the heck out of the both of us. She was too scared to cry and just clung to me...poor Sis.

Busy Guy has been singing all the Christmas songs. He picks up a song the first time he hears it...amazing. Yesterday he was singing Away In A Manger and doing the hand motions...rocking the baby, etc. Super cute.

Baby George is still a little sweetie. He lights up when he sees me and smiles and smiles. He is making new sounds too. He's a little afraid of Sis and sort of winces as she comes near. He has had his hair pulled a few too many times:0

Cam finished his first quarter of grad school....YEAH! One down and six more to go. I don't know if that sounds good or bad? It did go by quickly...at least for me anyway. As I watched him write all those papers I just kept thinking, "I'm glad it's not me!".

The Week

It's my Birthday Week....YEAH! It's actually my Birthday Month...but I get a few eye rolls if I say that too much to my hubby;) We have a fun filled week with lots of Christmas things as well as my BIG day. I'm turning 38!!! Holy cow...I've never felt like this on a birthday...I'm feeling like I'm getting old....er! I guess the fabulous 40 is looming nearer? I told Mr. P that I'm turning 26. He believes me...and so do I...at least until Cam pointed out that I would have been 14 when I had Tuba. It's possible?

Yesterday my friend/God Mother of our kids gave me my birthday present. She came and watched the kids (minus Baby George) while Cam and I went Christmas shopping and out to The Keg for dinner. I ate the biggest steak. Yummy and so relaxing. It's a cinch to go out with two adults and only one child.

Tonight is the pre-school Christmas concert. I wonder if Mr. P will actually sing out loud this year...not just "in his head" like last year. He knows all the songs and sings them at home...so we'll see. We are getting all Christmas dressy and going to the show.

Tomorrow we are going to see Santa (getting Christmas dressy again) and have photos with him. Then...on to my Mom's house for my b-day dinner. Yum:)

Thurs. is my actual b-day and we will go to breakfast and then I'll get an hour long back rub/foot rub from Cam....hint-hint! Then Cam is going to class for his final...I know it...why does he have school on my birthday...whatever! I did order an ice cream cake to have for dinner...oh, I mean dessert. It's chocolate cake with Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream...mmmmmm.

I think the theme of my birthday must be food. Well, it does make me happy:) Cam did buy me a beautiful silver chain to wear my Ethiopian cross on...I'll post a pic later. It's beautiful. Plus, my chair is coming soon.

The photo is of me...awwwwww. I'll try to eat my cake this year a little neater...no bibs.

Merry Merry!

We got our tree today. It's kind of small...but once we were at the tree farm and all 7 of us were out of the car...we were not going to go look somewhere else. The boys had a great time running up and down the aisles. We walked around looking for the perfect (really just me) tree. As we ventured about Mr. P kept saying, "were going to get lost". What a hoot...he's so much like somebody I know...hmmmm. I could only use about 1/4 of the ornaments I own but it was fun to put them on (okay, in reality it wasn't fun...I'm a mean mom and I didn't really want little helpers digging in the boxes, touching my glass ornaments, and taking ornaments off the tree and flying them around like rockets, and...I always have a big fight with the lights:). All the while I'm cooking dinner and bouncing Baby George on my hip....AHHHHH. Anyway, now it's done and looks pretty. The kids love to turn off all the lights and look at the tree. The Santa hats came out tonight too. So cute.

This is what I mean

Click this link and watch this youtube clip...please. It's the message I want to send....it's what I want to remind myself each day this Advent...it's the message I want my kids to hear.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVqqj1v-ZBU

Advent Giving

It's that time of year....Christmas is coming. Last year I wrote about how this time of year gets me really stressed out. I also wrote that with each passing year I enjoy the holidays more and more. My kids make it so much fun. I plan things well and start early so I don't get too stressed. I keep repeating to myself things like... "keep Christmas Christ centered and let the other things go...nobody needs all that crap (meaning endless amounts of plastic junk made in China)...spend time not money...it's the experience not the presentation...don't lose what's important...etc., etc.".

I want the kids to learn about giving to those less fortunate. We find ways to do this together as a family...the food bank, giving tree, and sponsorship program. Most of all I want my kids to know that Christmas is the birth of Christ. The gifts we receive are an added bonus to the holiday...not the main event. I will be getting my Nativity set out this week and putting it on our mantel. I enjoy having it front and center...to keep me feeling peaceful and remind me what's important. When I start to feel the holiday pressure (I put it on myself) I go sit, drink tea and look at the Nativity.

Tonight after I wrote this post I was getting the boys ready for bed and Mr. P said to me, "Mom, do you know Twinkle, Twinkle, Special Star?". I said I didn't know it so he sang it for me. OH MAN, it moved me to tears. I quickly got out my video recorder and had him sing it again. This is exactly what I want to focus on at Christmas. Don't forget to press the pause button on the song list so you can hear Mr. P singing and not the other music.

She's Walking

Well...she took her first steps yesterday...on her 11 month mark. I think she'll be walking by her first birthday. Today she has taken 3 steps in a row. She is such a wild woman. Her nickname is Godzilla. I named her this because she climbs up your side or stomach when you hold her. She loves hair and has been known to get handfuls of it and YANK it. Her favorite thing to do in true Godzilla form is to wreck the Lego towers that her brothers build. She crawls right through the city and then turns on her bottom and kicks with her feet until all the towers are crashing down. Then when it's total destruction and the boys are in tears...Godzilla sits back and happily smiles at her work! As the only girl in this family of 4 boys...she can hold her own:)

Happy Thanksgiving

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Hug your family and friends extra tight today and be thankful for them. I am thankful for many things...big and small. For my list this year I'm focusing on the things that have gotten me through these very busy past 4 months. Although my life is busy...it is a wonderful life. I am truly blessed.

my babies...all 5 of them

my wonderful hubby

my faith and incredible church

family

friendship

my house

my country

new washer and dryer

flannel sheets

access to medical care

water

double stroller...the nanny

dark chocolate

drive-thru

pj's

frozen meatballs

frozen waffles

Internet

grocery delivery

and...bedtime;)

Just In Case...

...you ever wondered how we get anything done around here. Backpacks! Cam uses it all the time. He carries Sis all over the house doing chores...dishes, vacuuming, pick up (nothing sexier than a man doing chores;) I was trying to get some things in the kitchen done yesterday so I decided to also put a baby in a backpack. Baby George liked it too. It was a bit squishy when we tried to both fit through a doorway at the same time...and yes, I AM wearing a nightgown...what else do I wear? Oh, and Cam wanted his new tattoo to show for our pic. Pretty cool...it's an Ethiopian Orthodox cross. And...notice the little hooligans in the bottom of the frame:)

Catch Up

We have had a busy time around our house. Cam's Grandpa died on Saturday. He was a wonderful man and we will miss him dearly. Cam was able to be at the hospital to see him and stay until he went. Cam, his mom, his aunt, and his grandma stood around grandpa, holding hands and singing hymns. Grandpa was mouthing the words. How beautiful. It was a peaceful death.

Tuba has had a couple of good days at school. He is still having the same amount of seizures and some bad behavior too but we are continually hopeful and prayerful.

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving. I have groceries coming today and will start getting things ready. If I start today I might be ready by Thursday!

Mr. P is home sick from school. The babies are boogy nosed...ewwww...and coughing. Mr. P and I too have a sore throat, cough and general blah.

I ordered a chair for the living room. Thanks to all who voted. It was a landslide vote for the cozy chair. I ended up ordering one very similar in a nice soft brown fabric. It will be here in 6-10 weeks. That will be my b-day and Christmas present. I'm thrilled and hubby is off the hook for shopping.

Here's a video of Sis doing some of her tricks. Melt my heart!

Not Again

Tuba is not doing well. His seizures have escalated. He's having (or we are seeing) about 5-10 a day. The worst part is what they do to his personality. He is crabby, cranky, moody, fussy, and just downright mean. He has been having trouble at school melting down. He screams, hits, tries to bite and is scaring the other kids. NOT GOOD. Cam and I are so sad and frustrated. We have been down this road before and don't want to do it again. We will be going back into the neurologist's office soon but I doubt they will have any solutions. The VNS should start working for him again and the med increase too but....when? I'm so sad. It brings up extra fears that I push down and forget about when he is having good seizure control. Pray for Tuba and for his Mama and Papa.

Help Needed

I need your advice...again. I'm having a hard time choosing which chair to get for my living room. I can't EVER just make a simple decision. Please vote for your choice in the comments section...really I need the help.

Okay, here's the chair and table that my NEW chair will need to complement.

I like this one and would order it in brown and put a cute little pillow in it. The plus to this chair is that it is 36" high so would fill the space well.

This one is the most expensive but it nice and comfy. It's hard to tell but it has a sort of two tone color in the fabric.

I love this little chair but I fear it's too small for the living room. It's only 32" high and it seems more of a "bedroom" chair. I would get it in brown also. I don't know?
PLEASE...tell me what to do.

Suspenders

Suspenders....and....undies! I guess I don't have to get rid of all the stretched out underwear from my pregnancy...I'll just borrow these suspenders;)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

You too can participate in the Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY November 17th, 2008

Outside my window...are beautiful bright yellow and gold leaves covering the patio. The weather is lovely, mild and clear.


I am thinking...about my upcoming birthday. I want a new chair for the livingroom and I'm trying to decide what to get (I mean...what to ask for;). I got a new sofa, chair and ottoman last winter but the room needs a second chair. Decisions, decisions.


I am thankful for...the good nature of my sweet Baby George. He is the EASIEST baby ever. He is so mellow and all smiles. He was doing his first big belly laughs yesterday. What a precious gift.


From the kitchen...I'm thinking of making Martha Mac and Cheese. It's a Martha Stewart recipe and it's the yummiest mac and cheese in the world. It depends if Cam gets home today in time for me to make it. It's A LOT of cheese to grate and takes longer to make than the average dinner I've been making lately.


I am wearing...jeans and a sweater...socks too. I know, What? I'm actually dressed today. Had a shower, blow dried my hair, put on make-up too. Cam offered to go out for breakfast. Nothing like food to get me up, ready and out the door.


I am creating...the kids and I made a paper chain of thankful items. Each night at dinner we add a few links to the chain. By Thanksgiving it should be really long.


I am going...to run to the store later today. Patrick is the snack person this Wed. and I need to get the drink and napkins.


I am reading...my book club selection I See You Everywhere. Not really loving this book but I'm getting through it.


I am hoping...to get my holiday shopping started this week. I'm very excited about Christmas this year. Dreaming of all the girly things I want to get Lydia. Plus...her 1st birthday is just days after Christmas!!!


I am hearing...Mr. P playing video games, Baby George slurping on his fingers...so sweet.


Around the house...are everyone's socks. Why do my boys (hubby included) leave socks all over the place? I will think of it as a nice reminder of the great people I live with;)


One of my favorite things...A tall single shot non-fat latte with a package of raw sugar.


A few plans for the rest of the week...Play group with some girlfriends and kiddos on Thurs. Out to dinner on a DATE on Friday...YIPEE. Saturday is a big pre-Thanksgiving get together with MIL's friends...super fun. A fun week with lots of fellowship. Just what I need and love


Here is picture thought I am sharing.

One Word

I stole this meme from Dawn.

It’s easy–ONE WORD answers only.

Where is your mobile phone? Car
Where is your significant other? School
Your hair colour? Fake
Your mother? Protective
Your father? Industrious
Your favourite thing? Family
Your dream last night? Long
Your dream goal? Peace
The room you’re in? Family
Your hobby? Blogging
Your fear? Illness
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Healthy
Where were you last night? Home
What you’re not? Bored
One of your wish-list items? Chair
Where you grew up? Washington
The last thing you did? Scold
What are you wearing? Pj's
Your TV? Huge
Your pet? Naughty
Your computer? Respite
Your mood? Hopeful
Missing someone? Grandparents
Your car? Squishy
Something you’re not wearing? Makeup
Favourite shop? Target
Your summer? Full
Love someone? Powerfully
Your favourite colour? Red
When is the last time you laughed? 8:00 am
When is the last time you cried? Recently

Consider yourself tagged

Superwoman

I heard Alicia Keys song Superwoman today and I just LOVE it. It's my new anthem. I'm singing it to myself...especially on those long hard days.


'Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am, Yes she is
Still when I'm a mess, I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes, I'm a Superwoman

Great Opportunity

I heard of this great program and had to share it. In light of Jane's article on Fair Trade last week I was especially excited to see this. Go to http://saintscoffee.com/. You can purchase delicious Fair Trade coffee AND...proceeds support orphans. One pound of coffee supports an orphan for a month! Our church is going to switch from the nasty bulk coffee they currently use and try the Saint's Coffee. Maybe your church, work place, social gathering or home could use some good coffee...one that gives to a great cause.

Camping is for the Birds!

Seriously...I LOVE camping. I told Cam that when he is done with grad school I'm going to buy a pop-up tent trailer and we are going camping. I would love to have a little piece of vacation property that we can camp on. There is just about nothing better than a hot dog and a marshmallow on an open fire....mmmmmm. I know the boys would love it too. Cam's not fond of camping...he says he got all "camped out" in the Boy Scouts and the Army. Too bad...we are going and it's going to be FUN. We have gone camping about 5 times in 14 years. Most of them were fun but the last time we went it was really BAD. We camped at the ocean on the Oregon coast. Tuba was 9 and Mr. P was 2. Just after pitching our tent and setting up camp it started to rain. We went to bed in a light drizzle. We woke up to a hurricane force winds and rain...well, nearly. Our tent would blow all the way down to our faces and then snap back up. You could hear the wind whipping the ocean up and it sounded like a huge tidal wave was going to come over the sand bar and wipe us out. Cam and I laid there awake most of the night...the boys slept peacefully. Our air mattress lost all it's air about 20 minutes after going to bed so we were now uncomfortable and scared. As soon as it was barely light out we got up. Our fire pit was a huge lake. Our bedding was all soaked...we were in a waterproof tent too. Cam took one look around and declared, "pack it up, we are going home!". The boys and I balked and instead booked a hotel. The weather ended up getting nice too.
Anyway...this cute bird house was made by the guy who came out to clean our chimney. He sells them out of his van. I couldn't resist it...at least the birds have a camper until I can get one.

My Girl

Lydia is....."Soooo Big"! She is learning all kinds of fun tricks. She claps, waves and loves to show how big she is. She loves to sing songs and will rock back and forth to request Row, Row, Row Your Boat....also loves to sing Patty Cake. She was laughing hysterically tonight as she would stand for a few seconds on her own and then plop onto her hiney and crack up. She and Tuba have loads of fun playing. They crawl and chase each other around. My favorite thing she is doing...she wraps her little warm hands around my neck and lays her head down and snuggles into me...gives me kisses and hangs onto my hair. Melt my heart! Also, her hair is getting long enough for clips....whoohoo! I've had such a fun time doing her hair each morning. Now...if I could just get her to leave the clip in her hair:)

Fair Trade

My friend Jane, fabulous mom and fellow blogger also has a newspaper column. Read here her latest column about Fair Trade. With all the coffee/chocolate consumption in our house and in this part of the country it's good information to know.

Glow in the dark necklaces

Glow in the dark necklaces. Cheap fun for hours. I got the boys to go in their room, shut the door and play for an hour with the necklaces. It wasn't quite dark outside and they were DYING to try these necklaces out. I convinced them that their bedroom was darker than the rest of the house. It was an hour of blissful peace for me...I'll have to order a case of these;)

The Simple Woman's Daybook

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY NOVEMBER 3, 2008

Outside my window...is rain, rain, rain. It's cold and dark again today. The Fall leaves are amazing though...bright yellow and red. Half of the trees are bare already.

I am thinking...about Thanksgiving coming up and what I want to cook for the big day. We will be staying home for the first time ever. I'll cook a yummy turkey dinner and watch movies and play games....and eat yummy pie too.

I am thankful... that Cam is home today. The babies have terrible colds and coughs. It's so nice to have his help with the kiddos...and a friend to spend the day with.

From the kitchen...the Halloween candy is calling my name...oh, Becky...come eat me! I have no idea what's for dinner yet...maybe a pot roast and potatoes...or soup and biscuits?
I am wearing...my pj's of course. Green t-shirt and pink and green plaid pj bottoms...and bare feet.

I am creating...a thankful art project for the boys. We are going to make a list of things we are thankful for over the next few weeks and put it up on the wall or window. Last year we made a Fall tree and each leaf had a "thankful" item written on it. Maybe I'll do the same thing...or any ideas from you would be welcome...leave ideas in the comments section.

I am going...nowhere today. Besides sick babies, and Mr. P home from school sick...I'm sick too. Bad sore throat and headache. I'm happy to spend the day at home getting everyone well...or at least keeping us comfy.

I am reading...my Book Club selection should be coming from Amazon today and I would love to get started on it.

I am hoping...the cold virus in our house goes away quickly and doesn't spread any further.

I am hearing...the bathroom fan that someone left on...the boys watching Playhouse Disney...and the clicking of the keyboard.

Around the house...one baby is sleeping in her crib, one baby is sitting in his bouncy seat looking at me..."hi baby boy", and two boys and a kitty are snuggled on the couch watching TV.
One of my favorite things...is my new washer and dryer!!!! I am am amazed at how much laundry it can hold. I am doing so many less loads per day. It is also so fun to watch. Tuba and Sis love to sit in the laundry room and watch it go. The green lighted diplay looks like a UFO and makes the room glow.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I need to take something to the frame shop, and I hope we are all well enough to go to the library on Friday. Our annual church auction is coming this weekend and I'm putting together an Ethiopian basket. I've got all the items now so I just need to assemble it.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
Tune in tomorrow to see what this is. If you want to guess...leave it in the comment section.

Halloween Fun

We had a fun and busy Halloween. We went to Nana's work to visit, went to Grandma Sue's to visit and then went to the Godparent's house for a party. What a fun day!
Visiting Nana's work

Tuba the Good Witch...he spent the night passing out candy...loves to pass out candy!

Mr. P....I mean...Anakin Skywalker.

Sis is a little cheerleader...girl costumes are SO much fun:)

Busy Guy was supposed to go as Spiderman but I found this ladybug costume in our Halloween box and begged him to wear it. He was so nice and agreed to wear it for his Mama. My heart just melts...I've never seen anything cuter! Tuba wore this costume when he was a wee one too. Cam calls it the Manbug costume since no little boy should be a Ladybug!
Baby George was a skunk. I love this costume too...he's my third baby to wear it.

My MIL...she's so fun.

I was spider lady with a big tarantula on my head....and Cam was an 80's rocker! What a hoot...that is the worst hairdo I've ever seen!

This One's For The Girls

I had a great time last night at my book club. The gals were all so fun. I actually knew a couple of them....one from Pre-school and one from the gym. We had yummy snacks and discussed the book. I'm so happy to be part of this fun group of gals. We are all about the same age with kids about the same ages too. I'm thankful today for all the terrific women in my life. I have so many great friends....family friends (those I'm lucky to have in my family and have as friends), childhood friends, church family friends, blogger friends, adoption world friends, teacher/school friends, and neighborhood friends too.

Our next book club book choice is.....

Hooray Again...and Ramblings Too

I don't know what the delivery guy was doing...or not doing...but I went in and pushed the On button and the washer started fine. I've been happily washing and drying clothes all day. I love to do laundry...not put it away. Some day the kids will be old enough to put them away...not yet though.
And...tonight is BOOK CLUB NIGHT...yahoooooooo:) I'm counting down the hours until I go. It doesn't start until 7:30 pm....holy cow...that's almost my bedtime. I will have to have some coffee so I can stay awake. I'm bringing Baby George and the other kiddos will be home with Cam and they will be in bed at 7:30. He's looking forward to a silent household.
And....I went to WW today and got weighed...painful!!! I had 3 of the kids with me so I didn't stay for the meeting. I did get the new books and info. I really need to buckle down and get motivated to get this weight off...but I just haven't been. I don't know why....? I'll be telling myself that I AM motivated. It's getting embarassing to have my weight loss box on my blog and I haven't been able to report a single pound loss! Painful! Usually making my weight loss plans public gets me motivated....I don't know...? Anyway, if you want to give your husband the "deer in the headlights" look....just tell him this...."I wish I could be happy fat, in sweats every day, with a greasy pony tail and no makeup". I was kind of serious...okay, totally serious...he was totally scared!

Hooray!

Hooray, hooray today is a wonderful day. I am getting a new front load washer and a new dryer delivered!!! I am so super duper excited! Not only will it save me time because it washes more in less time but it will save money and electricity....YEAH. I tried to upload the Wizard of Oz song.."Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" because I keep singing it to my old washer (it wouldn't upload?). The boys have discovered the movie and have watched it a few times recently. I love that little tune!
Okay.....SCREEEEECH! HALT! I took an intermission from blogging to greet the delivery guys. BUT.....they installed them and the washer isn't working!!!!! WHAT!!!! Oh, I only have about 12 loads to wash today so I hope this gets resolved...pronto...I'm not patient...especially when I just paid major cash for a brand NEW washer. The service guy is coming today. I'll let you know what happens....OHHHHH. I'll be singing "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead" to the salesman today.
On a side note. I am sick...sore throat, sore ears, tired. Baby George is sick too. Poor baby won't nurse because he can't breathe and his little eyes are all red. Sister and Busy Guy had fevers a few days ago but are fine now. Oh, it's the season of sickness! Tuba goes tomorrow to have the VNS turned up again and get his stitches out. The seizures have not gotten better and his behavior has gotten very bad...cranky and emotional...like a teenage girl...only he hits too;)

Eyes

I am a lucky mom...I get to spend my days looking into these amazingly beautiful eyes. 5 pairs of gorgeous eyes. I get to see them twinkle when they are excited or grow wide when surprised. I get to wipe the tears from these eyes when they are sad or hurt. I get to stroke the kids' eyebrows to put them to sleep. I love to watch their eyes become sleepy and the lids get droopier and droopier until they close. I get to look into these eyes when I'm correcting a behavior or praising a job well done. I get to see the love they have for each other and for Cam and I reflected in these eyes. I am a lucky mom.