Night Owl

It's after midnight, I have a huge day ahead of me tomorrow, and here I sit waiting for bread to finish baking and drivers for my printer to finish installing. The bread smells delicious and having a working printer will be fabulous! While we wait, let's look at some fun pictures. Shall we?

Kate has started ballet and tap classes. Who knew she could look like such a lady. It was hilarious today when I called her in from the dirt and weeds to get ready for dance class. There she stood with mud on her boots, all over her shirt as well as her hands. She had leaves in her hair, which needed a good brushing and she looked like she belonged on a farm. Fast forward 15 minutes to her dance class where she sits in the corner peeling off her big pink rubber boots and replacing them with dainty ballet slippers. Wow! She really looks like a ballerina!

What a beauty.

Is this not the cutest thing you've seen all day?

Walter is dedicated to "doing school" for about 5 minutes a day. It's all of his own free will.

I would rather he be playing, but he insists. Here's what he learned!

Now we are working on learning what all those letters are.

Eleanor continues to be a joy. She is such a smarty pants and a ham. She is always cracking us up! She loves her bath time, her mommy, her family, and getting her picture taken.

Does she have to grow up?

Yippee! Bread is done and software is finished installing. Wish me luck with the restart and actual printing. I'm hoping it works this time!

California Pictures

You didn't think I'd forgotten, did you? Here's the pictures I promised.

Wait.

First, look who got a haircut. Such a big boy!


The Four Day Drive


Kelly and I with our TEN kids.


Breakfast at Ali's.....delicious Hootenannies (German Pancakes, Puffed Oven Pancakes).


The Lovely Bride and Groom JUST MARRIED!
So happy.


Ali's Brother's and me at the wedding reception for Allen and Megan. The one in the yellow is single ladies! He's kind, hilarious and adventurous. I'll set you up.


Where Walter slept during the entire reception while I partied.


Where Kate slept at the end of the reception when her cousins had left and she was done.


That's all for now...more later!

All is Calm...well not really, but all is bright!

How awesome is it that Jane got to be the BIRD in her co-op Christmas play?


Isn't she beautiful? She had her lines memorized, knew all her cues, sang wonderfully and did a fabulous job!

Way to go Jane!

You know those days where by lunch, you are ready to put all the kids to bed? I had one of those days this week. I'll tell my story with pictures.....of just ONE event of that blessed day.

Let's play I SPY. I spy 2 mischievous kids who pointed to the other and said "It was them!"

I spy makeup heading for the trash. Go ahead, click on it for a better view.


I spy money going down the drain...literally! I spy several items that went through the dishwasher and were sanitized. I spy a fun mess for mom to clean up because she didn't have anything better to do today. I spy a clean shower floor after much scrubbing.


Oh, it was all happiness and smiles around here all the live long day.

I feel as if I bore you (my three readers) with the daily goings on around here. I mean, who really wants to hear about how dang busy a mom can be? I've heard a gazillion times about how tired you feel after reading my posts. Well, sorry! I mean that in a nice way. I didn't mean to come across sassy. I think the kids are rubbing off on me. Don't feel obligated to read on, it's just another one of those blah, blah, blah see how much I can cram into one day kind of days. It's alright. Head on over to NieNie or cJane or Pioneer Woman and enjoy yourself. I'm only rambling on here anyway.

This morning, to celebrate having a husband home after four days of loneliness, I got up before the sun and took my tired self to the gym to run my four miles and walk one more for warming up and cooling down. I then worked a bit on my abs which have become rather soft after five kids and not enough toning. Maybe I worked a tad on my arms too, because maybe they are not as strong as they used to be and I feel like a wimp sometimes when trying to lift something not so heavy. Wowzas, I felt I had accomplished much! I could just go home and go to bed for the rest of the day if I felt like it, because what else needs to be checked off the list after you've exercised? Isn't that the most important thing? NO? Well, maybe not, but it certainly does feel good to exercise in the morning and get all hot and sweaty and wake up my sleepy limbs and feel ready to conquer the world or at least a pile of laundry.

I arrived home to hotcakes on the griddle. Wild Bill's Famous Flapjacks to be exact. We were out of maple flavoring and milk, so back into the car I went for a quick run to the store. How do quick runs to the store always turn into leisurely strolls through the isles to ponder on what else I might need when there are no kids by my side? How, in those quiet moments do I not remember that I am completely out of cream of tarter and cannot make any more snickerdoodles if I do not purchase any more? How is that after making the syrup William mysteriously finds a whole bottle of maple flavoring already in the cupboard? Oh well, we will count it as food storage. :) Enough questions from me.

There was no crawling back into bed, dang it. We ate a delicious hot breakfast and then got ourselves ready to walk out the door. Why does it take two hours to get five kids in the car? Oops, I promised no more questions.

On the way to the dentist I realized I had an extra eleven minutes which I could use wisely to purchase the snacks for Christmas parties at co-op. Did you know we joined a co-op? Of course you didn't because I haven't blogged about it.....how about another time. :) Back to the story, I whipped into Aldi for four items. Maybe I grabbed a few extra bags of oranges and then forgot to get the taco seasoning but I was running, you do realize. As I sped down the isle with my snacks cradled in my arms I realized the line was long. I mean REAL long. Gulp. Five minutes till appointment time. Three minute drive to dentist. Twelve minute wait to get to cashier. I should have left. I should have. I know it now, but there is something optimistic in me (which some might call just plain craziness) that tells me I can do it. I can make it. I can squeeze it all in. As I ran through the parking lot with my food thankfully in a bag instead of arms now, I had a sinking feeling, a pit in my stomach. I started to realize it wasn't going to all work out after all.

Crystal at the check-in counter kindly informed me that I was thirteen minutes late. I really thought I remembered her saying on a previous visit that if I was more than fifteen minutes late they would have to reschedule so I felt a wave of relief wash over me. She asked with sweet smile if I wouldn't mind waiting a moment while she asked "them" if they could still fit me in. A couple minutes later an assistant came to the waiting room. I expectantly turned around ready to take Hank back to the room and help him be brave. Instead she took the hand of a sweet little girl waiting there with her mom and lead her through the door as Crystal motioned for me to come back to the counter. She kindly explained that our spot was given to another patient since we were not on time and that we would have to reschedule and how does January 26th sound? So this is two months out now from the original appointment when they discovered that nasty little cavity. I don't really feel like talking about all the rest of the boring details, but GRRRR! Can't a mom get a break? I ended up breaking down in the car and crying to William over the phone as all my emotions surfaced and the stress I had been trying to suppress came gushing out. I decided it really was for the best after all because I would probably have been so stressed about being on time for co-op afterward that I might not have been much help to Hank who was trying to be so brave for his first major dental work. What to do with my extra forty-five minutes now?

I did what I love most aside from being a wife and mother and went thrift store shopping. The kids played with all the cheesy, junky toys while I picked out eight much need onsies for Walter and a pair of pajamas to keep him toasty warm at night. The best part was my finds were all free because I still had unused store credit just waiting for me. Ahhhh! Now I was smiling. :)

Co-op was a blast, except for the part when I had to leave Walter in the nursery and he cried again. Poor kid just loves his mother to death. He's the sweetest thing. He recovered from his separation anxiety and even got a nap in before I came to pick him up. As for me I got to play with the 12 and 13 year olds during drama, P.E. (SO MUCH FUN) and music. We then had our class party where I stuffed my face with veggies, chips and dip called barf (yuck, but actually really yummy), brownies, puppy chow, chex mix, and cookies. Mmmmm!

An added bonus to having Christmas parties today was I didn't have to feed my children dinner because they were so stuffed from all the food they consumed. I really was planning on dinner, but there is always tomorrow. We rushed from co-op to piano lessons and then Hank, Kate, Wally and I hung out at the library where Walter practiced his awesome shape sorting skills while we waited for sisters to be done.

(don't you mind the chocolate on his face...I couldn't find my wipes...never mind, the picture is just blurry enough to make him look clean)

After picking them up it was home again, home again, jiggity jig. WHEW! We were all a bit worn out. I postponed family night to tomorrow when everyone won't be so exhausted and grumpy and put the kids to bed early after a stern talking to about whining and complaining and a few lovely Christmas stories followed by some Christmas singing. Four fifths of them were snoring soundly after five minutes and the other one tossed and turned till they gave it up and realized there was no other alternatives.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow with only speech, play date and library story time in the morning and am pledging to clean up a few disaster areas in the house in the afternoon. How does it get so messy when we aren't even home?

Is anyone else out there having withdrawal symptoms? I'm missing The Amazing Race and The Biggest Loser already...even though I'd rather not be addicted to anything. There is still Survivor on Thursdays but oh, the wait is too long.

My Litte Sister is a Married Woman!

I can hardly believe it myself and I'm practically dieing because I STILL haven't spoken with her since she left from the reception 10 days ago! This is not normal to go so long without chatting with my wonderful sista. I miss her...but I must let her go. For now she is her husband's. He gets her...all to himself and he better be enjoying it, although I'm sure he is. No doubt about it. Who couldn't enjoy Betsy? She's the best!!!

The morning of the wedding us gals went over to help Betsy get ready. You know, girly stuff like applying makeup, zipping up dresses and telling her how purty she looked. Speaking of zipping up dresses, my zipper got stuck! I had my dad, my brother and my daughters all try to fix the dumb thing. Thankfully, I was able to zip it myself after a sincere prayer and little patience. Whew! We all got glamoured up. Kate even got a little lipstick which meant the older girls got some too. Everyone felt so beautiful!


The temple ceremony was wonderful and Betsy and Shilo looked elated. The worst part about taking pictures afterwards was trying to be quiet outside the temple doors. Oops, I have a loud mouth. :)


After the temple we hit Jamba Juice....I love that place! We then headed on over to the reception. It was 3 hours of pure happiness and bliss. I got to see so many old friends and even my cousins came!!! We partied, ate, visited and danced the night away. The newlyweds snuck out a little early and we just stayed till they kicked us out...I mean we helped clean up....a little.


You know what else is the best? The bonfire we enjoyed 3 days after arriving home in Missouri. It was the best welcome home present...even though it wasn't really for me. I still thoroughly enjoyed every minute. What's not to love? A HUGE fire, a little rain, polish sausages, hamburgers (yes I had both), seemingly unlimited supply of sodas for the kids, visiting with friends and roasting marshmallows.


I still wish I was a pioneer. Really. I can't wait for the pioneer trek coming up in June and Girl's camp in July and lots of camping in between. Maybe it's just the fires I love.

Oh great. Look who knows how to go down the slide all by himself! Slow down boy, you are only 13 months old! That reminds me....I need to go get his pictures taken.

Does this mean he can't play outside by himself any longer? Help!

More pictures of the vacation to come later. For now, I'm going to bed!

So tell me, is my love of fires abnormal and when will my sister call? I should wait for her...shouldn't I?

Sir Walter the Great turned ONE!

I am amazed it's already been a YEAR since this sweet little muffin of love made his way into our lovely life.

AND...
Because Walter had a fever on his "real" birthday

(can you believe he's walking?)

and the only birthday-ish thing he did on March 5th was open this awesome book from our friends,

we postponed the celebration until Sunday the 8th, which happens to be his original due date I believe. Silly details, it doesn't really matter. Personally, I wanted him to wait until the 12th to make his grand entrance into this world, so the stinker actually came a week early if you ask me. :) Can you believe it really was a year ago? Can you believe it's already March 19th? What?

Time flies whether you're having fun or not. Good thing we're having fun around here....most of the time. One of my favorite quotes is "Most men are about as happy as they make up their minds to be" or something like that. Don't you love it? I share it with any Young Women or children who choose to be grumpy around me.

Back to the birthday.....

The cake was a smashing hit. He played the role perfectly, made a mess, gobbled it up and was adorable through the whole process.

He grabbed repeatedly for the hot flame atop the cowboy boot while we sang Happy Birthday to him. Oh, he wanted it so badly. He longed for it!

He politely tasted the frosting and sprinkles.

He dug in with both hands flinging globs of miracle cake on anyone who dared be close by. Actually, I think he really only got it on the floor.

When he had his fill he politely asked, "Do you want any Mom?" Well, maybe those exact words didn't come out of his mouth, but can't you just imagine it?

"Oh, my! What a mess I've made. Sure was yummy!"

After cake, we stripped him naked...left on the diaper....and let him tear into the presents. He was so cute and curious!

"Stay back! They're mine Bucko!
You have to hold your ground with four other siblings.

Happy Birthday my sweet, tough, loveable Walter! You're growing up too fast!

All I Want For Christmas is....

My two front teeth! I can't believe little Walter is already getting his two big top teeth in! I was wondering why he was so grumpy these last few days and I've finally figured it out. You can barely see the pearly whites, but with the help of Kate, I was able to get a blurry shot of 'em.


Today, William finally got to enjoy another day of homeschooling with me after being gone four days and missing an awesome Couples Halloween party and the adorable Primary Program in which I played the piano while the cute kiddos sang their hearts out.

After watching me go from room to room like a chicken with my head cut off, he seemed to pick up on the high stress level in my every word and kicked me out of the house around 2:30 with orders to go run...get some exercise. So, I did. I ran, and ran and ran and it felt so good.

If you recall, I was running with my buddy pretty regularly until she got pregnant. Then, we just kinda puttered out. We had good intentions to keep on going, but she got so sick and I didn't want to run alone and I couldn't find anyone else who could run on my crazy schedule of never knowing when I'll have a husband home.

Anyways, I didn't know how far I could run today, but I was pleasantly surprised. I ran for about 45 minutes and I think it was around four miles. Too bad I'll probably be too sore to get out of bed in the morning to go visiting teaching. I don't care though, I am going to get back in shape even if it kills me. It's not that I'm fat, I'm just flabby. If you don't know what I mean let me explain....giggly legs, mushy stomach and wimpy arms. I feel a bit soggy.....and saggy.

My goal is to regain some muscle control before Thanksgiving so I can 'bring it' to the wallyball court. We're planning on hours on the court, good competition and lots of laughs. I'm so excited!

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but William has taught the children the joys of jumping off the shed onto the trampoline. They absolutely love it and will finish chores or schoolwork quickly just to have the chance to jump from the dangerously high spot and have feel the adrenaline rush while they fly for a split second. Today, we noticed all the gravel from the roof of the shed on the trampoline so we moved the tramp next to the swing set and the kids jump off there now. I know, I know...it's an accident waiting to happen, but they LOVE it so much.... and I love seeing the joy on their face when they bounce three feet into the air.


Do you let your kids participate in activities where there is a chance of injury so they can test their limits and find their strengths or do you hold them back for fear that they might get hurt?

He's Six Months....

and growing like a weed! I can't believe how big my little Walter is. The day before he turned six months he sprouted his first tooth.

Can you see it?
If you can't, just click on the picture and it will get really huge and you'll definitely be able to see it...I highly recommend doing this because his little tooth is so cute and white and I'm worried it might be sharp.

The fever and bulging gums were very uncomfortable so I was very relieved when the little pearly white finally broke through. He's working on his second now but doesn't seem to be in as much pain.

Five days after he turned six months we took older brother Hank in for his Five Year Well Child Check-up. It always amuses me that my insurance will pay for me to go in and have my doctor say, "He looks great. Is he eating well? Any concerns? That will be $145.00, thank you very much." Well alright, the lady at the desk says that last part, but our insurance pays for $200.00 in well child each year so I usually walk out paying nothing. Do you realize this is a joke? No, I'm not joking, the whole $200.00 thing is a joke. What I mean is I had to cancel Walter's six-month check-up because we have already used up the $200 and then some this year (I have a bill for $85 waiting in the basket for me) on his three-week weight check on four-month well baby visit. Until we hit our $1000 deductible the insurance won't pay another dime. So, I called the office and said we wouldn't be making it in for Walter's six or nine month visits. The receptionist actually told me I'd be dropped as a patient. I called back and talked to the practice mananger and explained to her that my doctor would be losing five patients if Walter was dropped. Thankfully, she said he'd keep me on as long as we were keeping up with his shots at the health clinic.

So, now that I've blabbed your ear off, the whole point of my story is to say while I was at the doctor's office for Hank I slipped Walter into the baby scale (with permission) and discovered he weighs a whopping 18 pounds (I'm pretty sure that was Hank's weight at one year) and he's grown eight inches since birth!!! Whoa boy. Slow down. What does he think he's doing growing up so fast?

Some days I wish he could be a baby forever.

Disclaimer: I am not against well baby check-ups. You should conslut with you doctor on how often your child should be seen. Walter will be going back to the doctor if he is ill and I feel he is too sick to be cared for at home AND after the first of the year when our $200 is renewed for his well child visit.