Life in the cookie jar!

Last day of Christmas break...

2011-01-02T19:38:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day of Christmas break. Tomorrow we return to normal. This makes me a tad melancholy. I rather enjoy the company of my family and the boys being home fills the home with laughter. We planned for a quiet day at home, no friends, no real plans, just hanging out.

We spent part of the afternoon frosting Christmas cookies. We had been sick the week before and hadn't gotten to make them then. The cookies were divided up and each of us got our very own plate to frost and then eat! Creativity abounds, sprinkles fly!

Dad suggested we eat out for dinner so we headed to our favorite Mexican restaurant.
The food was fantastic as always. DH and I shared the mixed fajitas for two, B had the shrimp and rice. R, J, and C shared fajita nachos, and E had the chicken fingers and chips with salsa. S enjoyed her baby food oatmeal and pears! Yummy!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T16:13:00.002-08:00

We spent New Year's Eve in our traditional fashion - appetizers and a movie marathon!
We planned a dinner of Chick-Fil-A strips, onion petals and dip, teriyaki meatballs, veggie platter, mini bagel pizzas and grapes! We watched three movies - Ghostbusters 2, Pink Panther 2, and Back To The Future 2, pausing once to make rootbeer floats, then it was on to watching the Ball drop in Times Square followed by watching the Baltimore Fireworks. The little girl slept through part of the evening but was there at the end to celebrate with us! After the fireworks it was off to dreamland for all!

We all slept in this morning, tired from the nights festivities! A few chores and then the friends started coming over - Charlee, Nico, and Ahkeema!

In the afternoon we made 10 dozen cut out Christmas cookies (we're fun like that) and played hours of Creationary by Lego. For dinner we had super awesome Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburgers! DH saw the recipe on Man vs Food and he's been waiting to try it. So unbeliveably odd and delicious at the same time! This may become a family tradition!

Hold this space three

2011-01-01T16:13:00.001-08:00

Hold this space too

2011-01-01T16:12:00.002-08:00

Hold this space

2011-01-01T16:12:00.001-08:00

Portraits - At the Pier

2009-04-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the men in my life under the pier in South Nags Head.

Spring Break - Outer Banks here we come!!!

2009-04-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

We joined the Crawford's for a trip to the Outer Banks for a week! We chose a house on the Cape Hatteras Seashore, in Waves, just south of Rodanthe. The house was perfect for us - a place for everyone to spread out!

The weather was great! We spent hours digging in the sand making elaborate sand pits. One afternoon we drove up to Nags Head for a rousing game of Putt Putt golf. Countless hours were spent with the art box creating interesting and colorful art. Great food, great friends, date nights for the adults....lovely time!

April Fools Day!!!

2009-04-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

No joke, it really is!

The boys woke to a breakfast of cereal, but, when they poured the milk on it the milk turned GREEN!!! Oh the shock and horror! Colin and Ethan refused to eat it. Ryan and Joey rolled with it. Branden was a bit horrified, then shrugged his shoulders and ate it!!!

Happy Birthday Honey!!!

2009-03-23T22:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kent! 47 years old!!! Just getting better, not older! ; )

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T21:32:00.000-07:00

Lucky the Leprechaun came for a visit today! All sorts of mischief occurred! Chairs were turned around, pillows were placed at the foot of the beds, shamrocks were scattered about the house, milk turned green, and more!! The children spent lots of time hunting for the tricky little leprechaun!

Quite possibly the BEST thing was that when we all got home the Wii was on and we thing the tricky leprechaun had been playing a game! There was a new character named Sean who looked an awful lot like a leprechaun...

For dinner were had corned beef, mashed potatoes and peas! For dessert we had frosted shamrock cookies and green M&M's!

Mischief, merriement, memories!

Our Garden In Bloom

2009-03-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

Popcorn and a movie!

2009-03-07T19:46:00.000-08:00

A typical Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Depending on what's showing at the Base Theater that's where you'll find us! Clean, family oriented theater, great prices, good snacks! Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for kids. Popcorn is $3.50 for a jumbo, kids drinks are $2.25! We bring our own brown paper bags to divide up the popcorn for the kids. Often you find us there with our friends - Joey, Michael, and Carolyn along with their mom, Sandy. On this day we saw Marley & Me. Great, enjoyable movie, sad at the end, but sweet too. For some reason we would up wth popcorn buckets at home...not sure why...

Peep Show!

2009-03-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Yup, got a little stir crazy with all the snow, got some Peeps from their package and went to town. Quite the production...

PS No Peeps were harmed during the production, they were however eaten shortly after filming ended.

March, in like a LION!

2009-03-02T20:27:00.000-08:00

Well, what they say about March must be true. Mother Nature gave us quite a visit over night dropping almost a foot of snow throughout our area! We had quiet a morning shoveling our driveway and our older neighbors. The boys had the best time playing in the snow, but only for a little while as it was brutally cold out. DS #4 managed to create his much desired snowman (with a little help from Mom & Dad), DS #3made beautiful snow angels, DS's #2, 3, & 5 created an ice fort with the help of a neighbor boy.

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-02-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

February break from school. We took the little boys to Great Wolf Lodge for two days. We were joined by a bunch of families from school. Highlights from the trip:

*Stopping at Sonic for Cherry Limeades and lunch on the way.

*Walking into the Lodge and finding a bunch of our friends waiting for us!

*Jumping into the Wave Pool!

*Drifting down the Lazy River with our friends!

*Heading back to the room to catch American Idol.

*Story time in the lobby in our pajamas.

*Going to Sonic in our PJ's to have sundaes!

*Spending the morning playing withour friends in the waterpark.

*Wearing our swimsuits out of the Lodge in the 71 degree weather (IN February!!)

*Swimming and playing until we were the last family still there from our group!

*Stopping at SONIC one more time on the way home! Just one more Cherry Limeade please!!

Johns Hopkins...

2009-02-17T23:02:00.000-08:00

DS #1 and I went to Johns Hopkins today for a yearly eval with the neurosurgeon. DS had a three hour MRI first, then he had a break before the appointment, so we headed back to the Children's House to clean our room, pack, and grab some lunch.

We were fortunate enough to get space at TCH last night. They are in the middle of some renovation and a part of the house is shut down to guests. So thankful they had space for us since the first appointment was at 6:45a.m.!

Looks good. The Brain Tumor Board still has to review it next Teuesday, but the preliminary report was good. Tumor is stable, Chiari is stable, slight enlargement of the thoracic syrinx likely but not needing surgical intervention yet.

Poor boy got horribly sick on the way home from the hospital. Keeping him home Wednesday...

Valentine's Day Random....

2009-02-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

Mommy got a dozen beautiful red roses from Daddy! Did I mention they are beautiful?

The little boys each brought home a rose from school for Mommy...very sweet!

Mommy let Daddy sleep in and surprised everyone with a yumy breakfast!

The boys were excited to find gifts at the table when they came to breakfast!

DS #1 had Bball practice this morning!

While Daddy and DS #1 were gone, Mommy and DS's #2,3, &4 made super yummy Valentine's Day Funfetti cupcakes!

We took the boys out for Dim Sum as a lunch surprise!

Daddy surprised Mommy by purchasing steak and lobster for dinner! YUMMY!Daddy makes the best steak and lobster dinners!

We ate dinner on our wedding china. The boys got to have sparkling cider with their dinner in real wine glasses! Fancy!

Mommy and Daddy watched Nights in Rodanthe after the boys went to bed.

Valentine's Day Breakfast!

2009-02-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

On the breakfast menu:

Heart shaped pancakes
Fluffy eggs
Fresh berries
OJ slushies

Gifts for all!

Valentines....

2009-02-09T17:28:00.000-08:00

So, I am in an anti-commercial Valentine's card mood. Finding the overly commercial cards covered in Hannah Montana, Spiderman, and Indiana Jones simply more than I can bear to shove in my boys hands, I decided we'd create our own this year! We've done this before and enjoyed it. I'm game, the boys are game, and so we go, off to the craft store to grab some supplies.

We start with simple craft paper in a cheery red, then head off to the heart shaped doilies, pausing to look at some heart stickers, passing them by after they are deemed "too girly", we stare at a myriad of stuff...and we stare some more.

Finally we head out of the land of overly cheerful hearts and sparkles crossing the store to the famed Dollar Aisle! There we discover packs of pencils, Silly Putty, and Grow A Pets! Eyes grow big with the wonder of it all! We decide that this year the triplet boys will create a goodie bag together instead of individual Valentines.

Passing on the Silly Putty, we grab an assortment of Grow A Pets (pirates, dinosaurs, princesses, ducks, dogs, and cats), several packs of pencils, and some cellophane treat bags to go with our red cardstock. Twenty three dollars *gasp* later we are home with our loot! Tomorrow we will begin assembling our Valentine's Day delights!

What have I gotten myself into???

Earlier today, I had DS #2 (10yrs old) with me in Target where he selected three small heart shaped boxes of chocolates for the three little girls he is enamored with. I am frankly afraid to ask DS #1 (16 yrs) what he wants/needs for Valentine's Day!!

The circus is coming to town!!!

2009-02-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Okay, not literally to town, but two hours away which is close enough! DH and I just bought tickets to take the boys to see the Ringling Bros Circus this spring. Finding 7 seats NOT in the nosebleed section was fun...not! We had a hard time finding ones in a good spot until we searched the last show time of the day, 7:30p.m. and viola, fab seats, smack in the center, about a third back. Good thing the boys are older now. We'll still have the two hour drive to get home after, but it'll be fine, they'll likely sleep through most of it!

We took the boys three years ago for the first time. Well, they've seen the funky litle off off off Broadway version that swings through small towns with dancing cats, but... So, we decided it was time to do it again! Even the oldest, rapidly approaching 17, agreed to go with us!

Random details....

2009-02-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

DS #1 saw the head of Orthopedics at JH this week. His scoliosis has not gotten any worse in the last two yearly visits, and factoring in DS's age now (almost 17) we have been moved to an as needed status for return visits. Fabulous!!!

DS #2 has been having a lot of joint pain in his hands, feet, arms, and legs. Doctor is concerned he has a form of arthritis....sigh, poor kid, he's 10! He's been having pains in his legs for over a year, they had been calling it growing pains at the last practice. This new octor though has ordered a slew of blodwork to make sure there's nothing lurking and to look at the RH factor.

DS #3 (7 yrs) is getting ready to compete in his first Pinewood Derby tomorrow. He chose a pick up truck design. Painted it black and metallic green. It's fabulous so far. DH and DS are still working at it. Competition is in 12 hours! : )

DS #4 (7yrs) is getting ready to compete in same Pinewood Derby competition. His car is a patriotic car, all red, white, and blue and metallic with stars and stripes!

DS #5 (7yrs) is also getting ready for the Pinewood Derby. His car is black with metallic blue paint! Fabulous. Trying to design a lightening bolt for him now...for the door. He's hot that way! LOL

Me? I'm sick again....down for the count. It would be lovely if they could figure this mystery illness out. I am back in bed again much of the day. SO tired of being sick...so tired of having to find someone to cover for me. I couldn't even teach my class this afternoon. Just unloading the dishwasher makes me faint and I start panting.

DH? He's worried....about me. Burdened by having to pick up more of the household chores. The dishes loom out of control....and we'll not talk about the laundry. Planing to have DS #1 do the laundry tomorrow.

Tomorrow perhaps I'll have some Pinewood Derby pics to share!!!

Chinese New Year Celebration - Leftovers!

2009-01-30T21:12:00.000-08:00

Our annual Chinese New Year Celebration! Note the menu in the foreground, Kent's list of good eats to prepare! We had such a great time with our neighborhood friends! So much food, great chocolate cheescake for dessert (thank Rio and yes, it's totally non traditional but delicious) and some yummy beverages!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

2009-01-26T20:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's the Year of the Ox! Lucky Money envelopes filled with Lucky Money!

Waiting to get back in the game!

2009-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

DS #1, after seven weeks in a cast, stands courtside waiting for a chance to get back into the game! He had a stress fracture in his right leg. He did get to play a bit...he was very excited!

Sweat Equity

2009-01-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

Whew......after three weeks the dining room is almost finished! 80's floral wallpaper (shudder) gone, beadboard and fabulous moldings have replaced it... Hues of soft green and gleaming white shine throughout the space! A new ceiling fan/light illuminates the room. A new buffet will be moved in later this week. It's taken longer than we expected, but the end result is fabulous! Now...on to the living room!

Giraffes...

2009-01-14T19:39:00.000-08:00

DS #4 has a rash...not just any rash, but a rash that is not typical...not responding to typical things like Benadryl, and now steroids. He's not itchy, not sneezing, no fever, no cough, just spots. So he's home from school for the time being until it goes away or whatever since the docs think it could be contagious. Ok, so there are six more of us in the house and none of us have spots...yet!

So, last night we told the boy that he might be turning into a giraffe with all those spots. Ok, I should interject here that the boy is fascinated with giraffes...I mean fascinated. Sleeps with giraffes, has a giraffe blanket, giragge gee gaws, etc. So fast forward to morning...the boy walks into my room...

"Mom, I am not a giraffe, see, no antlers! I'm still E!"

Yup, good thing too...I'm partial to the boy, although having a giraffe for a son could be interesting!

Merry Christmas!!!!

2009-01-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Just kidding!!! Thought I'd share the rare family photo with you! Christmas morning 2008!

Dim Sum...

2009-01-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Saturdays are the BEST! A newish local eatery serves up delicious Dim Sum half priced from 11:30-3p.m. every Saturday! DH and I have decided that every other Saturday shall be a Dim Sum day! I'm sooo not gonna argue with that thought process!

Wonton in Sesame Peanut Sauce
Vegetable Dumpling
Fried Dumpling
Crab Rangoon
Sesame Ball
Crab Shu Mai
Shrimp and Leek Cake
Seafood Shu Mai

Transformations...

2009-01-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

It's time....I've lived in this new old house for 2.5 years. Very little has changed cosmetically. Life moves on and time flies by. So this week, with the help of a friend, I have begun the dining room transformation. Gone now is the ugly wallpaper (ok, it wasn't ugly when it went up, but after 20+ years....) soon to be in it's place a lovely soft green above gleaming white beadboard. I cannot tell you have exciting this is for me. Just removing the old wallparer lifts my spirits and refreshes me. Out with the dingy country floral, in with the clean lines and soft colors.

I cannot wait to see the room come together....new sideboards, framed black and white photos on the wall, a new ceiling light fixture..exciting things!

How do you say thanks?

2009-01-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes in life we find ourselves experiencing something pivotal, something that changes us forever, something unexpected. A few months ago I had such a moment, except it didn't really happen to me, I was merely a witness to the after effects, to the challenges, fear, prayers, and celebrations that came next. As I wandered alongside this family I discovered something amazing, someone amazing. This woman that I didn't know...her tragedy became that pivotal moment for me.

Stephanie Nielson, known to many in the blogging community as Nie Nie, had been in a horrible plane crash along with her husband and their friend. Stephanie suffered burns over 80% of her body, her husband was severely burned as well. Their friend passed away from his injuries. I spent months checking on Nie Nie's and Mr. Neilson's recovery, looking daily for a piece of news, encouraged by pictures of smiling children, a family's utter devotion, strangers coming forward, friends rallying.

I came to know of Stephanie and her family as a result of their tragedy, but I was drawn past the horrific details and found my self spending literally hours, long into the night, reading Nie Nie's blog (you can find a link on my blog list to the right). What I discovered was an amazing woman, a woman who embraced herself, her own beauty, cherished her family, was madly in love with her husband. A woman who celebrated the big and small, who made life magical for her children, even in the mundane acts of daily life.

Stories Stephanie told of her every day life challenge me as a wife, mother, sister, friend. I am older than Stephanie, farther along in this than she, married longer, mothering longer, but what I have learned from Stephanie's blog is that I have a lot to learn about these things.

Stephanie's unabashed love for her husband, her hopelessly romantic feelings (and sharing them) challenges me to shower my husband with more admiration publicly and privately, as so often we allow the busyness of day to day life to get in the way and we put off things we shouldn't. Her ideas of motherhood, the simple magic she creates through everyday things encourages me to celebrate with my own children more, to create more magic, to sit longer and cuddle, to linger at the table engrossed in conversation. Her true devotion to her friends...do my friends know how very special each and every one of them is to me? I hope so, but perhaps I need to say it more. Perhaps I should write a thank you to my dentist...

Stephanie also has a way of capturing her own self....flaws and all. Stephanie's use of self portraits (literally) as well as revealing details (flattering and not so flattering) challenges me to be more revealing, to encourage my own self, to embrace my own uniqueness.

In the four and a half months since learning of the Nie Nie Dialogues I have made many changes, some simple, some large, some emerging. Simple things like decorated tablecloths celebrating the seasons, cute spider plates for Halloween and snowman plates for Christmas for my boys. I pulled my apron out of storage and fell in love with it all over again. I make it a point to tell my husband how much I love him daily and thank him for providing for our family...

The funny thing is, had Stephanie not endured this horrific tragedy I might have never known of her...never had the chance to read her stories, to embrace her family, to ponder such things as Back To School parties and family words. Stephanie's tradegy touched literally thousands, far more than she likely would ever have reached without it. How does one say thank you to that? How can you ever say thank you to someone who has endured so much and yet in her very suffering touched so very many lives?

I am forever changed...we all are.

MeMe...50 things

2009-01-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

1. What's the last thing you bought? Took oldest son to Gamestop to exchange a PS2 game.
2. What describes your relationship status? Married
3. Where are you? In my bedroom
4. What's the last movie you've seen? In the theater, Bolt
5. The last person you held hands with? Hubby
6. Who Is Your Best Friend? My husband
7. Who have you talked to most today? Hmmm, three way tie with husband, friend Carrie, and friend Ellen.
8. Do you carve pumpkins every year? Yep...it's fun!
9. Color of your underwear? White...yawn!
10. Color of your shirt? Sky blue
11. I'm always...Tired
12. Who's on speed dial 2? 4? 6? What's speed dial?
13. Honestly, how many people do you have feelings for? What kind of feelings are we talkin' about?
14. Whats your favorite season? Summer
15. Good advice if you ever go camping? Bring a fully stocked luxury RV!
16. Are you a bad influence? Sometimes I suppose, but not in bad ways...more like dining out and caving in to the chocolate cravings...
17. Rather have your name or your siblings name? Well, since my siblings are all male I'll keep mine!
18. Would you do anything for someone else? Depends on the person and if it's legal in 48 states!
19. Do you read trashy romance novels often? Nope, never. If I have time to read I am gonna read something with more substance!
20. iPod or Zune? Neither, Creative Zen
21. What is your ringtone? Um.....something already loaded on the phone!
22. What's the last thing someone bought you? Well, Dh bought me dinner last light, but before that it would have been a Christmas gift, but I got lots of those...
23. Do you ever think people hate you for filling these out? Nope, I am super interesting! Everyone knows that! LOL
24. Physics or chemistry? Neither...I am more of an English major girl!
25. Facebook or Myspace? Neither, but if I had to go there I would go to Facebook (I know you're reading this ML!!!)
26. R-rated or G-rated movies? Both can be good, and both can be bad.
27. Whose page did you visit last? Christine's, copied most of this from her blog!
28. Last time you went out to lunch? New Year's Eve, my friend Carrie and I went to Lonestar with a $10 gift card. We ordered salads and an appetizer. We paid $2.15, but left a $5 tip!
29. What's your favorite Disney movie? Probably Snow White, although the witch and the poisoned apple...scary to me as a kid!
30. Who is your favorite character from Friends? Hmmm, Phoebe
31. Do you have a tattoo? Not a chance!
32. Do you want one? Not really
33. Fly or road trip? If I need to be there quickly, fly. If the journey is part of the fun, drive!! Sometimes you can find some really cool unexpected things along the way!
34. What did you do last night? Went out to dinner with the family after a day visiting museums! Chinese!
35. Are you a LOST fanatic? Yup, pretty much confused too!
36. What's your name spelled backwards? Stupid looking
37. Do you have a song by Ozzy Osbourne in your library? Nope, not a one!
38. Do you ever sing obnoxiously in the shower? Not obnoxiously
39. What's in your CD player right now? High Schol Musical 3
40. What's your favorite movie? Anne of Green Gables
41. Another favorite movie? Cars
42. Do you believe everyone has a soul mate? Yes
43. Can you sing? Yes and I am told I have a lovely voice
44. Do you play any instrument? Yes, piano
45. Are you ever a freak about cleanliness or organization? No, but I wish I was at least partly!
46. Have you ever been to South America or Africa? Nope
47. Do you know how to knit? Nope, not even a bit
48. What are you doing right now besides this survey? Watching HGTV and waiting for DH to finish making grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner.
49. Last place you went for vacation? The Outer Banks of North Carolina
50. Favorite number? Hmmm, I don't think I have one...

Freedom returns

2009-01-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

Today we drove into the city with the four younger sons...a day of subway rides and museums. As we packed up to go, the boys scrambled to gather their Nintendo DS players, MP3 players, books for the car, and snacks I was struck by the realization that they were almost self sufficient. I had to gather my MP3, the camera, my tote of magazines for reading, etc. and that was it. I gave some instructions, but seriously they were all quite capable of getting ready - it was w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l.

Ok, I did pack a lunch/snack bag for all to share, but they were each responsible for the "I'm hungry" snack that would inevitably occur 5.7 miles from home! So, some granola bars, cheese sticks, drinkable yogurts, and a bag of freshly washed grapes and we were on our way!

The subway was a huge hit! We took the time to ride to extra stops just so they could enjoy the ride, and enjoy it they did! We managed to hit two museums with no meltdowns, accidents, injuries, etc. The boys were fabulous and we had a great day. I am amazed at how far we have come in this parenting. As the triplets (and boys in general) grow older I see our new opportunities. The years of "It's just too much work" have passed and I am in my head planning many jaunts out and about to explore -a trip to the steam engines a few hours north, hiking along the river, touring historical sites, etc. The possibilities are endless - freedom returns!

My word for 2009...

2009-01-01T21:16:00.000-08:00

This year my word is Simplicity...

Main Entry: simplicity
Pronunciation: \ sim-ˈpli-sə-tē, -ˈplis-tē \
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural sim·plic·i·ties,
Etymology: Middle English simplicite, from Anglo-French simplicité, from Latin simplicitat-, simplicitas, from simplic-, simplex
Date: 14th century

The state of being simple, uncomplicated, or uncompounded

This year I shall embrace this word...to simplfy my life, reduce the things that bog me down, make way for the uncomplicated.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2008-11-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

So, Halloween is over and I have Thanksgiving and fall on the brain. I even revamped my blog colors to reflect the season. I went out shopping for some fresh fall decor yesterday and guess what I found?

C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S!

Everywhere!

ACK!!!

I have been bitten by the fall bug only to have Fa-la-la-la-la shoved at me everywhere I turn! Bah humbug! Ok, not really, but where the heck are the turkeys and the leaves?????? Apparently they morphed out, overshadowed by pumpkins and frankenstein and huge bags of candy and straight into Rudolph and Santa....

So, what's a girl to do? She hit the clearance section, where shockingly enough I managed to cull through the dredges and pull together something prety good! I already had an assortment of mini gourds and pumpkins from the trip to the pumpkin patch. I found a grapevine garland with acorns and berry effect. Next I headed for the basket section and I found a lovely dark brown to load up with the gourds and pumpkins.

Not what I had envisioned exactly, but nice none the less. I assembled it on the dining room table, gourds and pumpkins in the basket with the grapevine garland woven throughout. Not one comment from the members of my family. Apparently the men in my life (all six of them who live with me) are completely unmoved by my decor. But, I shall press on and gaze upon it's loveliness...at least until I put it aside for Rudolph!

Conversations From The Backseat....

2008-11-06T18:49:00.000-08:00

DS #4 (7)...
"Mom, you can't run over the skunk. If you do your car will stink, and then WE will stink, and THEN, we'll have to take a bath in tomato sauce and I don't like tomatoes!" (After Mom notices a raccoon in the road. Apparently DS #4 is confused...)

DS #1 (9)...
"Every kid who's popular in the fourth grade has it. I'm popular, that's why I have it." (Speaking about his new book, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, to DS #3, age 7)

History.....

2008-11-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Last night we as a nation made history....

We elected our 44th President...

I voted...

I am curious as to what will come form this...

Crazy squirrels...

2008-10-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

So, I get it, it's nut hunting season and the squirrels have, well, gone nuts, but come on. Don't cross the road UNDER my tires dude, all that work gathering nuts, gone to waste!

I am a mile and a half off the main road. It's takes a few minutes to get up there. How many squirrels can I kill along the way? Apparently the three that were dumb enough to run under my tires...

Enough already. I was tempted to turn around and go home after all the carnage, but seriously, it was safer on the main road, away from the squirrels.....

Observations of the day, a parents perpsective!

2008-09-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Want a glimpse?

DS #1 (16) when I asked him to log in to his email so I could check his activity he looked at me and asked if I was going to yell or speak calmly about what I would find. Um, guilty? Nothing bad, but he had broken a couple of limitation rules (which I already knew about from parental control reports, but...). Yep, we talked calmly and then I blocked his access for the rest of the week. No pouting, no fussing. Admitted guilt and accepted punishment...something is going right!

DS #2 (9) is up in his bed singing songs from the 70's and 80's (lots of Jackson 5). Why he isn't sleeping is beyond me, he's been tucked in for two hours and the house has been quiet for just as long. On the other hand I love listening to him...

DS #3 (7) On the ride home from school: "Mom, I will love you forever if you buy me a milkshake!" You know what, I did buy milkshakes and I do think that he will love me forever!

DS #4 (7) After consuming the milkshake prompted by his brother proceeds to look at me as we get out of the car and says, "Don't watch me, I have to throw up! I'm going behind the tree!" and he did, go behind the tree that is, where he proceeded to hurl multiple times. Lovely. Fortunately he was OUT of my van! Fast forward to bedtime...he brings me a note (he loves to write notes) "Dear Mom, sorry I threw up my milkshake. It was good." Um, which part, the milkshake or the hurling???

DS #5 (7) While running through the house DS falls, emits a high pitched scream followed by a wail. DS #3 calls out, "It's okay Mom, there's NO blood!" Alrighty then. I walk over to the injured one, "DS #5, are you okay?" "Yup, see, there's NO blood!" Perfect!

Flower mosaic

2008-08-23T17:45:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt at a mosaic. I {love} flowers and I really wanted to capture the beauty of them!

Summer Harvest!

2008-08-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

It's a wonderful thing living in a farming community. I feel richly blessed in a way that the average city or even suburb dweller can't compare. I live in an area surrounded by farms, traditional, organic, Mennonite, Amish, and I am able to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables year round.

That said, I do miss out on things like regular exposure to the theater and amazing restaurants, but seriously, as I wipe the fresh tomato juice off my chin I think I'll live, for now, and relish (pun intended) the bounty that surrounds me.

Thursdays are magical days here. Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) box arrives. For about $29 a week, we get a box of seasonal fruits ad veggies plus a dozen eggs. Sometimes we get a stewing or a roasting chicken as well. We've been doing this for three years and I am amazed at the transformation of myself and my children. We always ate veggies, but not like this.

This week included white eggplants, two quarts of cherry tomatoes, a quart of ugly (seriously, they are ugly, but they are the BEST in flavor) tomatoes, a generous allotment of cucumbers, okra (um, yeah, not my favorite...) a sweet baby watermelon, and a dozen cage free eggs. Oh, and the best part of the week was the extra box of cukes for any subscriber to help themselves too. Oh my, it you have not eaten a freshly picked cuke you have not lived. Seriously. There is NO comparison to the cukes you find in a grocery.

Today's lunch consisted of and ugly tomato and a cuke, sliced up, tossed in Kosher Sae Salt and a slice of Havarti cheese tossed in for good measure. YUM! I just had some more for my afternoon snack...heaven, pure heaven.

Tomorrow is the Farmer's Market. I'll go and bring home the most amazing array of delights! On my list: peaches from the T. Farm (like no other peaches I have ever eaten), corn on the cob, watermelon, cantaloupes, plums, a couple of jars of local jam, a jar of local honey, peppers, more cukes, potatoes, bread and scones from the Organic baking lady, etc. Sigh.....who needs chocolate when you have tomatoes and sea salt?

Oh, just in case your interesting in finding great locally grown produce near you, you can check out this site: Remember good eating is just a click away! What are YOU hungry for?

Remember Me??

2008-07-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I have been a bloggin' slacker. Guilty.

So, let's see... DS #1 has turned 16! YIKES! Let's leave it at that. DS #2 has glasses for reading. Poor thing, a genetic nightmare from two parents with poor eyesight. He never had a chance! DS #3-5 will be seven years old in just.three.weeks!
DH has a new job, well, same building, desk, etc. just working on a new program, but it came with a cool nice sized raise, happy about that! Me? Well, enjoying the slower pace of the summer. LOVIN' the neighborhood pool!

I've been looking at beach houses to rent for our annual trip to the Outer Banks! I found the best house! Three master bedrooms, king sized, with outstanding bathrooms. All with jetted tubs! FUN! Oceanfront again! My brother and his family, my parents, and my SIL's mom will be joining us again. This is our annual trip and I am so looking forward to going!

I got new bedding for my bedroom. A duvet cover that is black with a white vine pattern that reverses to a white with black vine pattern. For sheets I got a soft blue. Very crisp together. Haven't decided if i want blue on the walls. I am thinking not, that way I could change the sheets and easily transform the bedroom... I am thinking about red.... possibly a limey green....or, how about a soft, buttery yellow? The possibilities!

A blank canvas...

2008-05-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

So, we've been in the "new" house for two years now. I haven't decorated out master bedroom. All the furniture and bedding we have came with us, which is fine, I like it, but I am feeling like starting fresh. The room is a blank canvas...literally. The walls are white. Ok, the trim and the doors are some horrible shade of, well, not sure what to call it exactly....maybe coffee with a bunch of cream added? Anyway, that's what I have to work with. The walls can be painted anything and the doors are the old bifold style so they are coming down anyway, so they'll be a lovely crisp white. As for the trimwork, yeah, it's gonna change!

So, what do I do? What colors shall I use? I am far more adventurous than DH. He's fairly boring really (in this sense anyway!). I could go a bit with with black and white toile and add brightly colored sheets in blue and be thrilled. Or a red and white checkered quilt with crisp white linens and billowy curtains. I like cottage style, vintage looks, even chenille. Not crazy about modern styles or bed in a bag theories...

Any ideas? Any color schemes?

Tonight I Wanna Cry...

2008-05-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

So, have you heard this song? It's by Keith Urban. Sad, haunting at times, wistful, and so very appropriate for me right now. You know those days, weeks, where you simply feel more and more overwhelmed, where everything is compounding and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight and crying might be your best bet? Yup, that's where I am. I'm fine, just passing through, but that's where I am...

GOOD morning!!!

2008-04-25T20:03:00.000-07:00

This happened last week, but it is oh so relevant....

Last Friday, I awoke to a missing six year old and a bed/floor/rug/blanket covered in vomit....

Found said six year old in the basement watching tv. He vomitted during the night sometime and then found a couch to sleep on (in barfy clothes, so as not to WAKE us up! Nice....

While I appreciate the full night's sleep, the ants have discovered said bafy areas, I have a full load of barfy laundry to do and now I have a mattress that has vomit soaked into it.

The other boys had the lovely opportunity to breathe in barf fumes all night....

Special....

I feel pretty, oh, so pretty. I fell witty, and pretty, and gay!!!

Sing it with me....

Fortunatelty it ended there and no other DS fell victim to the barf wars!

Reason # 2,647 to LOVE your teenager!

2008-04-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

DS #1 (soon to be 16) apparently decided he wanted to start texting even though we told him no. We have him on a $10 a month add on to our cell plan, but don't think he needs to be texting, etc. He's had the phone for almost a year now. This is where it gets interesting...

Last month there was $68 in texting on our bill....

We're peeved, but calm and tell him that the first $70 of lawn mowing money earned is ours....he has moved three lawns so far this season so his debt is down to $10!

Yup...well, today DH got this month's bill and while he did stop the day we told him to, another billing cycle had started (yes, we, the smart parents hadn't thought of that) and so on this month's bill....

$150 of texting.....

I . love . my . life .

So...we're not yelling at him or anything, but we did disable texting, which disables ring tone and he is soooo bummed about not having the "COOL" ringtones!

But, um...yeah....

HELLO!?!?! $220 in texting bills!!! YIKES!

He will be mowing lawns most of the summer....and instead of putting it in his savings account or spending it, he will hand it over to me to pay back his debt.

The sad thing is, he was going to get Timberland boots next week. He has been waiting and waiting to get them (they lower the price way down in the Spring) and I had told him we would look at it again when we were at the Spinal Rehab next week. We often visit a mall on our down time...I planned to buy them. He has been so patient and really respectful of our decision to wait until spring for the lower prices...

Yeah, well.....Mama thinks maybe NOT!

However, I might get them for his birthday....which is in June.

But you'd be proud, we didn't yell or flip or anything. We spoke calmly to him both times and discussed what happened, the choices he made, the disrespect of our authority, the consequences of his actions, etc. Frankly I am surprised by our calmness...

Should I worry?

ME ME ME!!!

2008-04-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

Kerry just tagged me!!!!

The rules are as follows:

1. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
2. At the end of the post, the player then tags five people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves a comment letting them know they've been tagged and to ask them to play along and to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago - 1998
1 - Raising a six year old while pregnant with twins!
2 - Learning way too much about the local public school system.
3 - Thinking about selling our cottage sized house in hopes for a bigger abode.
4 - Contemplating turning thirty...
5 - Did I mention being pregnant with twins??

Five things on my to-do list today
1 - Soccer games and track practice for three boys.
2 - Clean house. 15 minutes per room, at least the main living areas.
3 - Work on school documents - registration is a week out and I need to get some forms finished so they can get printed next week.
4 - Make and take dinner to a friend undergoing chemo. This is her BAD weekend. So, I am planning Meatball Veggie Soup, wheat rolls and some Mac n chees with Chicken fingers for the kids!
5 - Dinner for us....hmmm.....haven't thought that far ahead. Guess I should have doubled the soup recipe....

Snacks I enjoy
1 - Popcorn
2 - Fuji apples and cheddar cheese
3 - Orange italian Ice
4 - Frozen grapes, cherries, and blueberries
5 - Pistachio nuts

Things I would do if I were a billionaire
1 - Remodel my existing house, not overboard, just nicer.
2 - Build my mom and dad a cool retirement cottage in the woods like they dream of
3 - College / life funds for kids
4 - Set up a foundation to be benevolent to others
5 - Invest

Five of my bad habits
1 - I procrastinate
2 - I am not organized
3 - I return library books late
4 - I drink too much soda
5 - I'm on the computer waaaay too much
(I am WAY too similar to Kerry!)

Five places I have lived
1 - OR
2 - MD
3 - VA
4 - MD
5 - MD

Five jobs I've had
1 - Parks & Recreation Building Attendant
2 - Nanny (four years)
3 - Scrapbooking Instructor
4 - Preschool Teacher
5 - Children's Books Visit my bookstore: ubah.com/n1927

Now for the tagging.....I choose......
Milissa at howeslife.blogspot.com
Andi at andisperfectgravy.blogspot.com
Christine at totalwasteofmytime.blogspot.com
Jen at jensmack.wordpress.com
Laura at barelyhanginon.blogspot.com

Boys are....

2008-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

DS #1, 15 years old, has been trying to reach this girl all day, she finally calls him back and within ONE minute of the call he says, "Can I call you back?"

She hung up on him...

Smart girl!

State Testing and Threatening Kids...

2008-03-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I was at a propaganda meeting about mandatory state testing of third graders tonight. I bit my lip for a long time while they told us how HAPPY our children were preparing for the tests and how relaxed they were.

Finally I couldn't take it anymore and I had to mention my kid, the one who got 35 pages of mandatory homework (study prep) to complete OVER Sprink Break. The work was mandatory and oh, if they completed it they could take part in the Ice Cream Sundae party. If they didn't finish they could sit and watch the others.

Oh, and then last night we got 13 MORE pages to complete that night...

So, remember my kid...he's 9 years old, in tears every day about the work load...not understanding the work (some of the homework is on stuff they have NEVER been taught), etc. Last night he didn't want to go to scouts (for the third week) because he said he HAD to work on his math practice for the test...

So, last night after he had gone to bed we hear sobbing coming from his room....he was hysterically crying about the tests and the work and how if he doesnt get it done everyone will know and he won't get to have ice cream and....

I.am.livid.

So I asked how forcing homework in this manner on children was not contributing to the stress in the children. Yeah, ok...here's the response I got from one of the teacher's. "Well, I have had parents call me telling me their children are in tears, but I just don't see it. They're so happy and they are all getting their work done..." Yeah, because you keep telling them they have to or they WON"T GET TO PARTICPATE IN THE PARTY. You are threatening them...bullying even....

ARGH.....

Thanks, I feel better now.....

Honestly....

Spring Cleaning....

2008-03-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yup, it's that time....ugh....I love a clean house, but with working more and having five boys and a fairly messy DH, it just seems out of reach sometimes. So, I hired someone to help. No, she's not a housecleaner, she's a "kick you in the butt, work along side you, decluttering queen!" So, for $15 an hour she is pushing me to get stuff decluttered and out of here! Yesterday we tackled the laundry room. Sorted, cleaned, moved, consolidated, put in the trash, bagged for donation, etc. for three hours. DS #1 pitched in to move trash, load donation bags in the cars, and vaccuum. What a HUGE difference we made!

Today, we tackle the playroom and the school room/art room adjacent to it. I am not looking forward to this task....not at all..... Well, I am looking forward to the end result, just not the process. Wish me luck, and if I don't return, look for me under a pile of art paper and pastels....

S.T.R.E.P.

2008-03-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

Yup, strep has hit our home. I have fallen and I can barely get up...no pun. Was having a great day Wednesday, went to meetings, did the mom thing, but then around dinner time I started feeling really bad. Went to bed early, but by 1a.m. was in the htroes of chills and sweats that lasted all night long. Dragged myself to the doctor the next afternoon. Wicked case of strep, wicked. So bad my tonsils were bleeding. So, they gave me some serious antibiotics and something new and fun, liquid lidocaine to numb my throat so I could swallow fluids. I felt like I had been hit by a Mack Truck.

Five days of keeping nothing down but minimal fluids, five days of chills and sweats, five days of rapid weight loss - 17 pounds. So, I am now reintroducing foods. I have discovered that graham crackers, jello, and popsicles stay down. I have no real desire to eat. This is good and bad. Love the weight loss, however, sheesh, too much too quickly! So today was exciting, I ate part of a banana!

I am going to lay back down now...

Stay healthy...

Therapy...and thankfulness!

2008-02-25T08:02:00.001-08:00

So, here we are again, sitting amongst the patients at the Spinal Cord Rehab center. I am constantly reminded that the true measure of faith and strength and perseverance is in places like this. Places where people are fighting against all odds, places where people struggle to return to normal, or to create a new normal, places where extremem effort is rewarded in the tiniest of ways and often after only a long struggle.

Today is Monday...the day that new families arrive with their children. It is a combination of fear, fatigue, and determination, mixed with excitement at the possibilities that I see on their faces. You can quickly spot the first time parents, their eyes dart from side to side, taking in the environment, the equipment, the other parents, and the other children.

DS is on week two of our visit. We come here every 2-3 months for 2 weeks, staving off what is a progressive debilitating disorder. It's origin is uncertain...residual effect from the brain tumor? Progression of the Syringomyelia? In a nutshell, small cysts are beginning to fill his spinal cord, displacing the nerves and altering their ability to fire messages correctly. Cellular changes indicitive of the presence of a new tumor forming? No one is sure, perhaps a combination?

I look around me and I realize that whenever my life seems challenging, my burden heavy, I am fortunate. My struggles are minimal in comparison, my life is easy. Look around you, somewhere others are struggling more. Remember how fortunate you are...

Dear High School Principal, part two

2008-02-24T09:28:00.001-08:00

Dear High School Principal,

Recently I visited two of your classroom with my son, his teacher, and a vice principal looking for a new elective class for him to attend. I wanted to share with you my impressions.

The first class, Art Theory, was fascinating. I was impressed that the class size was small, only 14 students. They were studying the color wheel, many students engaged in a great discussion on tretiary and complimentary colors. The room, while cluttered, was filled with art samples and textbooks. Unfortunately half of the class was completely uninvolved. Four of the students were listening to their iPods during the lecture, two were smacking each other with rulers, and another one appeared to be sleeping. At no time during my 15 minute visit did anyone correct the students behavior....

The second class was a music class. The students were supposed to be learning keyboarding skills. Well, hmm....when we walked in the teacher was sitting at her desk reading a book. Several students were simply sitting at their keyboards fiddling around or doing something else. A handful of students, think four, were actually working on their compositions. At no time during the 15 minutes I visited the class did the teacher engage the students. NOT ONCE... Again, I was accompanied by my son, his homeroom teacher, and a vice principal.

So, which class should I enroll my son in you ask? Neither! Honestly what do you expect me to choose? The keyboarding class where the teacher isn't even speaking with, directing, or engaging her students OR the art class where half of the students
aren't even participating in the class? Why would I choose either of them? Why would anybody?

Thanks again for reinforcing how fabulous high school is...

Dear High School Principal.....

2008-01-25T11:29:00.000-08:00

Dear High School Principal,

Thank you for your educational efforts. I am happy to report that utilizing videos in Adaptive PE to occupy the students when the Adaptive PE teacher isn't on site is definitely improving my son's coordination. So glad they didn't take a walk or do something physical. Yes, sitting and watching a movie is definitely a good idea.

In addition, the capable substitutes that were placed in my son's classroom last week presented the students with a rousing example of basketball when they partook of watching the game (I am sure they were able to relate it to math skills). Oh, and the online research of basketball scores was very enlightening to my son. He is ever so thankful for the increased knowledge he has now. Your substitutes are top notch.

Please thank your substitutes for the wise use of my son's educational time.

Sincerely,

Me

Spam rocks....seriously!

2008-01-19T20:40:00.001-08:00

Not long ago, my friend Kimber, suggested I send some writing samples to a Canadian magazine. She thought my writing would match what they were looking for in writers. So I did. I collected a sampling of material and sent it on it's way. And I waited....and waited....and then, a few days ag I found IT. In my spam folder. IT.

"Hi Cynthia,

Your creative writing samples came across my desk last week. You have a beautiful writing style and we would love some more information.

Of the writing that you sent us, how much of it is published? Have you worked with other designers before and paired your writing with their artwork? Is this something that interests you?

I will thank Kimber for telling you about Scrapbook & Cards Today.

I look forward to hearing from you and to reading more of your great writing."

Eeeeeeeeekkkkkkk, how exciting is that? I'll be pub; in the Summer or possibly Fall issue, pairing with Kimber for art work!

Sometimes SPAM rocks!

It's about friendship...

2008-01-11T16:37:00.000-08:00

So, you know that feeling you get, the sick to your stomach, can't do anything about it but move forward feeling? That's how I spent yesterday. A close friend was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, not too bad, but it has spread to one lymph node. We've spent the last two weeks discussing doctors and treatment options, how to handle well meaning friends who are flocking to her side certain she needs broth, while in reality she is as healthy as me. Except she isn't.

Plans are made , chemo first, then surgery, then we'll see. Prognosis is good. She's going to lose her hair, she's going to get sick, really sick.

Will you go with me for chemo, she asks. Instantly I reply yes, how could I not. We have been friends for years, I get her, she gets me. I am not panicked by medical stuff, I have far too much experience with that as the mom of a medically challenged child. She knows this, she picked me on purpose. I'll go with her and hold her hand only if she needs it, I'll ask intelligent questions of the staff, I'll know what to pack, what to do, how to ask for help.

We head out early in the morning, a long drive ahead of us. Our first stop is the wig shop. I have never been in a wig shop, never contemplated such a trip. As we walk into the hospital, headed for the wig shop I wish I had taken a few minutes to do some research, to ask some questions, to prepare myself. We round the corner and there we are. She stops just inches inside the shop.

I pause behind her and wait for her to move. She doesn't. I am uncertain. What must it feel like to be in her position? She feels fine, really fine, and yet this cancer, this horrible disease, is spreading inside her. How does one contemplate themselves going bald? How does one contemplate what to choose? It isn't really about hair, it's about identity.

She begins to move into the shop, cautiously at first, and then with a sigh, a sense of resignation. Resignation to the reality that is her life. We move about, looking at wigs perched on styrofoam heads lined on shelves. She looks at me, with a glimmer of panic. "How does this work," she says. I am unsure what to suggest, I feel woefully inadequate, totally unprepared.

I look at the shelves and say I don't know. I grab one that looks similar to her hairstyle. We look at it, we touch it, we put it back. We move about the room, pointing, touching, putting back. Slowly a pattern emerges. I am looking at wigs that remind me of her today, she is looking at wigs that will be her after treatment, when her hair is short, in the growing back stage. I realize she is right. We can't hold on to now, we have to look at where we will be when she is done. I am hanging on, she is letting go.

We chat with the shop's owner, a woman who has guided many women through this stage. She is kind, she is soft spoken and encouraging. She guides us in some wig selections and leads my friend off to the side of the shop to try them on. As I stand there and listen to her offer gentle instructions, I am overcome by emotion. Turning away, the tears roll silently. I let them.

Soon she is ready to show off her new "do". I like it, looks better than I was expecting. She is pleased and yet not sure. She tries on more and then she puts on the "one". You know that feeling when you found your wedding dress? It was THE ONE! When she slipped that wig on and turned to me for approval. I beam. She looked so good! I told her so, the wig shop lady told her so. She turned and looked at herself again, happiness spreading across her face. She realized she did look good. "This is good," she says. "Really good."

Again, I am overcome by my emotions and turn away. We leave the shop, wig in hand. "That was so surreal," she says. Yes, it was, it most certainly was.

She is hanging on...to hope. So am I...

Corn Chowder

2008-01-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

Seriously one of the yummiest soups. You must try it! It's from Paula Deen!

Chef Jack's Corn Chowder Recipe by Paula Deen
Paula's Home Cooking

1 cup (2 sticks) butter
1 small onion, diced
1 small carrot, finely diced
1 small celery stalk, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups white corn kernels, fresh or frozen
3 cups chicken stock
2 cups half-and-half
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Melt 1 stick of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Add the flour and stir to make a roux. Cook until the roux is lightly browned; set aside to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, combine the corn and chicken stock in another saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the boiling stock with the corn (a little at a time) into the saucepan with the roux, whisking briskly so it doesn't lump. Return the skillet to the heat and bring to a boil. The mixture should become very thick.

In a small saucepan, gently heat the half-and-half; stir it into the thick corn mixture. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper, to taste. Just before serving, cut the remaining stick of butter into large chunks. Add it to enrich the soup, stirring until the butter melts.

A conversation...

2008-01-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

I was working a Preschool fair today, representing a local Charter School. I spent 3+ hours chatting with generally lovely, inquizative parents and delightful children, that is, until SHE came by my table.

"How is your school different?" she asked.

I waxed on about whole child learning, arts enrichment, community teaching etc. She listened patiently, seeming interested, until these words crossed her lips....

"Do you let those Special Ed kids into the classes with the normal kids?" Stunned, it took me a moment to formulate my answer...

"Yes, special education students are a part of our school and are integrated into our regular classrooms as providedfor and directed by federal law."

Her scowl grew as I spoke...

"We have a Special Education teacher on site as well as other support staff who assist not only the students but the teachers. They also provide intervention for children at risk."

Looking up at her face I realize, this is clearly a battle I will not win...

"Well, THOSE kids shouldn't be in a classroom with MY kid!"

No answer.....none....

I am thinking, I cannot be rude, I cannot speak my mind, I can not challenge her. I can only answer politely, calmly, and in a manner fitting my responsibility to the school. But, in my head I am SEETHING.

As the mother of a very Special Needs child I am stunned that she would lump all Special Ed students into the THOSE kids category. Those kids have needs that range from DS #1 who is in a self contained Special Ed class most of his day, to DS #2, who simply needs extra reading intervention and support, to DS #4 who has a speech impairment. All of my boys are delightful...how rude of this woman. She didn't care about the bullies or the foul mouthed kids or the kids whose parents expose them to violent media and allow them to duplicate it. No, she was full of hatred, and really, disgust for children like mine, children who are kind and loving and delightful to be around.

So, my reply...

"We are a caring community, fostering the individual learning of EACH of our students. We rely on a strong family partnership to help create this environment. We are bound by federal and state laws, but aside from that, we embrace EACH child and their unique abilities."

Thankfully she walked off after this. I walked off too, but in the opposite direction. We were, after all, very different people, with very different views...

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

Well, another new year is here! What are your New Year's Resolutions? Mine are simple, some are probably on your list as well.

1. Lose another 25 pounds. 25 down...let's see where we can go.
2. Write more often, here, to ones I love, to be an encourager.
3. Play with my kids more, really play, on the floor, puzzles, art, etc.
4. Continue to make dietary changes. Doing great, but still room for improvement.
5. Organize. Let this be the year of change. I have it in me to be organized...really!
6. Improve my personal relationships. Take the time to enhance these relationships!
7. Pursue my Usborne books work with more vigor. I passionately love these books!
8. Continue working on my writing. I am good, I can be better, I can be great!
9. Finances, we're doing well, but I want to do more. Build more and give more away. Share the blessings.
10. One day at a time...practice patience with persistance!

Really??

2007-12-31T22:26:00.000-08:00

Seriously, what is wrong with today's youth? How have we allowed children to become tyrants? Bullies? Disrespectful? Seems to me that our kids need MORE instruction and discipline, not more mindless entertainment, entertainment that often includes violence, foul language, graphic images, lack of respect for authority, etc. If I am concerned about the community I live in now, goodness, where will we be in 20, 40, 60years?

Perhaps what our children lack is our time...time where we, the adults, set the tone, the pace, the EXAMPLE... I know plenty of kids who are polite, caring, respectful people. I am beginning to know more kids however who are not. Kids who will lash out and harm those around them at the drop of a hat or even for sport. Kids today, adults tomorrow...what will their future bring them and, in the end, us?

Another Christmas...

2007-12-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

The boys woke just after 7:30 and promptly ran around gathering the SnowmanPoop (mini marshmallows) for DS #1 to eat...blech! The morning was bright and shiny and the gifts overflowed from under the tree.

DS #1 received a MP3 Player, a comforter for his bed, apporximately 77 packs of gum (from many different people) to feed his gum chewing habit, chocolate mint cookies, two new shirts (spiffy polos), NOW26, Starbucks Peppermint Frappuchinos, and a bunch of gift cards!

DS#2 received an electric kids guitar which has already stopped working, two dance mats for his dance parties, Kidz Bop 12 CD, High School Musical CD, a new CD player, a Racheal Ray kids cookbook, a new shirt, a Bionicle, and some new books.

DS #3 received an orange fleece, an orange hat, and an orange backpack (have I mentioned orange is his favorite color?), a much anticipated Nintendo DS, a Spiderman 5 in 1 Web Blaster, some new books, a Bionicle, and some Spiderman games.

DS #4 received a magnetic monthly claendar board, a giraffe blanket, a giraffe book, a giraffe toy, and a jungle set (including three giraffes (did I mention he is completely smittten with giraffes?), a new yellow backpack and a yellow shirt (oh, he is also in love with the color yellow), a bunch of Hot Wheels and wooden cars (addicted to cars as well), and Lego Mosaics.

DS #5 received a Nintendo DS, a Bionicles building set, Legos Creator Dinosaur set and Racers, a red backpack, Lego building boards, some gift cards, and a game.

DH wanted work shirts (he got three), new socks and underwear (exciting I know, but practicality is his middle name), some snacks for the office (Odwalla bars, Luna bars, Cliff bras, nuts, etc.), some travel sized things for his suitcase, and a seriously cool cookbook he mentioned seeing. It's culturally relevant-it is written in English and has subtitles in Cantonese. Tradtional recipes...cant wait for him to get cooking!

Me? I got not so much...well, he told me late Christmas Eve that he really didn't have much for me. So he wound up wrapping a few things I had recently purchased (two shirts and a couple of scarves and a new book) to give me, but independently I received two pairs of socks (granted cool Smartwool ones I had asked for), some chocolate (have I mentioned I have lost 25 pounds in the last four months? Please don't tempt me...), and a Mountain Mudd gift card (coffee shop with a drive thru). So, yup...no diamond pendant (asked for over the last threeyears and no MP3 player or similar, also asked for), but hey, me feet will be toasty and I'll have some chocolate with my Chai Tea Lattes!

Hope your holiday was merry and bright...

Wrapping Rap Up!

2007-12-24T21:21:00.000-08:00

This year I fairly freaked at the thought of the 10+ hours it would take for me to wrap everything.... so, I tried something new! I ordered online and had it shipped directly to them ("head's up, gift ain't wrapped, leave it in the shipping package until Christmas morn!)

Then I did what any rational woman of five would do. I bought a TON of short boxes, other boxes, and gift bags at the local Dollar Tree. Yup, stuff, open, flatten, reuse next year. I say I am going green, but really, I am tired of slaving over corners and getting tape stuck to my fingers.

Yup...going green!

My baby is 9!!

2007-12-17T06:56:00.000-08:00

So, tell me, why do the boys keep growing older? Last week we celebrated DS #2's 9th birthday. Seriously, it was just yesterday that he was born. He should be playing with Fisher Price Little People still right? Nope, we had a Dance Party! Strung up lights, got a CD player and real CD's -- High School Musical, The Naked Brothers, The Jonas Bros, Kidz Bop....music thumped through the house. The floors shook, the kids (boys & girls) giggled and boogied (old, aren't I) their way through the night.

Bachelorette Party!!!

2007-12-17T06:54:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you about the Bachelorette Party at CiCi's Pizza (all you can eat marginally acceptable pizza, salad, and dessert buffet place)!!!

The whole group of ladies in blue shirts....shirts that say "Bride", "Mother of the Bride", "Bridesmaid", "Friend of Bride", etc.

Bride to be wearing a TIARA and a pink sash that says "BRIDE TO BE" across it.

They are standing there asking the CiCi's staff if they can bring wine in...um...ok.....NOT. "Um, we don't have a liquor license ma'am." Replies the young clerk with a puzzled expression...

So, one of the "Bridesmaids" leaves and comes back a few minutes later with Sparkling Cider and Dixie Cups....sneaking it in, under her arm....like contraband. All that was missing was the brown paper bag!

A few minutes later....from across the restaurant, you can hear the faint sound of "Chug, chug, chug!" The faint sound gradually increases to a crescendo of bar level antics..."CHUG, CHUG, CHUG!" The entire bridal party is cheering on the Bride as she chugs her sparkling cider.

People in the restaurant were casting glances, rolling eyes, and laughing their butts off! Seriously, the humor of the Bachelorette party in a cheesy (pun intended), while chugging sparkling cider wearing matching shirts and a tiara was just too much!

Meanwhile, the restaurant is full of families, lots of kids milling around. It was Spirit Night for one of the local elementary schools. "Chug, chug, chug......"

Oh, I should mention, Red Ribbon Week (drug awareness and prevention) was just the week before.

Yup, it doesn't get much better than this! Life in my small town...lower your expectations.

Chug, chug, chug!

Outer Banks Thanksgiving

2007-11-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

So, we've been hanging out on the Outer Banks for the last week in an awesome oceanfront house with a bunch of family! Thanksgiving yesterday was fabulous, a true group effort that resulted in a delicious meal and a wonderful family time. We had turkey, southern style dressing (think cornbread with boiled eggs), green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, ligonberries, cranberry sauce, olives, pickles, and rolls, and pumpkin pie!

The weather has been perfect here all week. At home we had been wearing coats, here shorts and tees have been in order. We've been playing in the sunshine, digging in the sand and playing in the crashing waves! So much fun that I actually got a sunburn! Seriously!

Earlier in the week we drove south to Cape Hatteras and took the ferry over to Ocracoke Island to vist the lighthouse and the pirate museum We had a great time learning about Blackbeard and saying "Arrrgh!" On today's agenda, the aquarium on Roanoke Island. We had a lovely storm here last night and the weather is now stormy and C.O.L.D. a perfect day to stay inside!

It's our last full day here and we are sad to be at this point of our vacation. We love it here so much that we hate to go home. So, in the midst of the days activities, we also need to pack up and load as much of the car as possible to make tomorrow smoother. I'm going to run a couple of loads of laundry through too so we arrive home with CLEAN laundry! What a concept!

Tomorrow we are off to Williamsburg for the rest of the weekend before heading home!

What do I do now??

2007-11-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

I feel torn. My good friend Christine pointed out recently how much she saved shopping at the new Super WalMart over our regular chain grocery store. Curious, yet not really believing it would be THAT much cheaper, DH and I headed out for SWM the other day to do some shopping (so many choices here in the middle of nowhere) and while there we checked the grocery options.

WOW.....seriously, WOW. Over and over again we discovered the prices of regularly purchased items to be lower. Much lower in some cases... Sigh, there is a dilema brewing for me. While, I like everyone else, want to shop wisely and save my family money, there is a part of me that rallies against the big box mentality that drives out the smaller, locally owned family businesses. I feel like if I leave the small, locally owned store to save 10% on a regular basis that I am selling out somehow, giving up and the very small, locally owned business that is one of the charms of small town living. On the other hand, saving my family money is important to me as well...

So, what to do...

We're home!!!

2007-11-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, well, we've been home for two days, but I was buried under a mountain of mail, laundry, papers, school stuff, and general clutter of life! Just now emerging! LOL

DS #1 and I got home late Friday night from our stay at the Spinal Cord Rehab. We stopped on our way home to do a bit of shopping! Have to start for Christmas sometime and the shopping opportunities are WAY better in town! We went to dinner at a Chinese Buffet on our way back too...yummy!

So, Saturday I mostly cleaned my way through the day, sorting, washing, purging, uncovering, etc. I sent DS #1 off to a friends house for the afternoon/evening and DH and I found our favorite sitter available so he came and stayed with the younger ones while we went out to dinner and did some more Christmas shopping! We went to a favorite Mexican restaurant and shared fajitas! YUMMY!

Sunday, we lazed around for the early morning, then did some more chores, chatted with friends, and off I went for the afternoon of yet more shopping! Okay, yes, three days in a row of shopping, but you know what? I {hate} shopping around the holidays. People are crazy weird. I know what I want and I can just get it know and be done with it. No craziness, no getting something, anything to give someone. Nope, I choose well and shop early! I just can't stand to be in the stores much after Thanksgiving!

Today, well, we started preparing for our beach trip. Joining a bunch of family for the Thanksgiving week. So, today we decided to deep clean the cars (yes, both of them!) and the laundry room. You know what I found in the laundry room? A box with a few presents intended for LAST year! LOL With the exception of one gift ( afavorite character no longer favored) I can use them all this year! So, in a sense, I went shopping again today-for free!!

So, tomorrow is another day...first day back to work in a month...seriously! I was out for two weeks when DS #2 and I had pneumonia and then I headed up to the Spinal Rehab with DS #1 right after that. So, I haven't been a work in a month. How weird will tomorrow be??? I haven't even wrapped my head around having to prepare for it, much less DO IT!! Yikes...

NFL football players, cookie baking, and therapy!

2007-11-07T08:21:00.000-08:00

So yesterday, DS #1 was treated to lunch with a popular NFL player compliments of the Spinal Cord Rehab Clinic we are at. The super cool player, Bart Scott #57, of the Baltimore Ravens, brought a pizza lunch with chips, cookies, and sodas ( what every teen age boy loves) and to make the afternoon even better, he brought along a Wii game for the kids to play with him! DS #1 had a blast! He was the first kid to play and then at the end of the afternoon Bart played against him in a boxing match! At the end of the afternoon, Bart announced that he was donating the Wii game to the Play Therapy Dept of the clinic!! How cool was that. DS had Bart sign his Nikes on the swoosh and he has been showing them off to everyone! It was a great afternoon!

So, last night we had a few hours of free time so I baked a few dozen cookies for the residents at the Children's House. I also froze a few dozen for the staff to make on another afternoon. What kind you ask? Oatmeal Chocolate Chip and Eggnog Cookies. YUMMY! The eggnog ones were especially for DS as he LOVES eggnog!

Today we are at therapy. DS's usual therapist, Colleen, is out sick, so we are working with Beth. She has been great, really challenging and he is having a ton of fun even through the work. A bit ago she had him laying on roller boards and racing up and down the hallways using his arms to pull him along. He was surprisingly fast! To up the challenge we put out rings and created an obstacle course for him to go through. Funny! Good thing he isn't old enough for a driver's license yet!

Later this afternoon we have an appointment with yet another Neuro doc to try and figure out where all this atrophy is coming from. Hopefully this doc will have something to shed on the mystery of it all and give us some direction to go in...

Lots going on!

2007-11-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

So, I have been busy, not a lot of free time. Son #1 and I have been staying up near the big hospital while he gets treatment for the muscle weakness and deterioration. We've been here a week and have one more week to go, then we can head home. Hasn't been the best week. The update from the surgeon is that the weakness and such is most likely evidence of cellular changes that are indicitive of the possibility of a new tumor beginning. If that isn't enough, the scoliosis is progressing. The curvature has worsened and there is a definite S curve now that wasn't there 6 months ago. So, we have to come back for more therapy in two months (another 2 week session) and we have an appointment to see the head of Pediatric Ortho here as well for the scoliosis. We also have to repeat the MRI's in 4-6 months to check on further growth.

We drove home to spend Halloween with the rest of the family! Long drive as we had to be back at the hospital that night, but worth it! DS #1 passed out the treats while DH and I went with the others Trick or Treating. DS #2 was a Brown Knight, DS #3 was Spiderman (again), DS #4 was a puppy, and DS #5 was a Black Knight. Friends of ours, the E's joined us as they have for the last 10 years! Always fun! Our favorite treats this year? Peppermint Patties, DOTS, Sweettarts, and anything chocolate!

Last night DH brought the younger boys to stay with us for the weekend at the hospital house. Today we took the boys to the Zoo! Beautiful, clear fall day. A crisp 60 degrees. We had a great time! The giraffe exhibit was a highlight as they have a new baby giraffe on the grounds! We were disappointed to miss the zebras...no idea where they were hiding, but we never saw them! The bat exhibit and the tree slide were great fun as well. We walked around for almost four hours and yep, they were super tired afterwards!!!

Conversations with Ethan...

2007-10-27T08:31:00.000-07:00

As the mom of five boys, I am constantly hearing interesting convesations, but this one made me laugh out loud last night.

Sitting around the table, the boys were discussing their favorite foods. Ethan, who has been listening quietly while his brothers speak of their love for ribs, spinach salads, mashed potatoes, and the like, jumps in with this statement:

"I only like fruits and vegetables and candy - healthy stuff like that!"

Yup, good thing Skittles and M&Ms come in a rainbow of colors just like fruits and vegetables!

Just a rainy Thursday...and thoughts of pumpkins!

2007-10-25T21:33:00.000-07:00

Listening to the sound of the rain falling makes me wish I was back at the beach with the Getaway Girls! Not that I am not happy that it has rained, but it's been three days of gloomy skies and drippy weather. I had hoped to take to boys to the Pumpkin Patch not only to get cute pumpkins but to get cute pictures. Sigh....I guess I could go and embrace the rain spotted pumpkins and drop covered leaves, but it won't be the same. They are calling for rain well into Saturday so I think I am going to have to abandon my hopes for sunny pumpkin shots this year.

Speaking of Getaway, boy are there some pictures to share and stories to tell! Since this is a family blog, I'll have to censor it, but I know many of you know the truth! What happens at Getaway.... LOL What a blast! Great ladies to hang out with, great house, great weather, awesome food (LOVE the Chx and Dumplings Tracey!), merriment, and can we all say....SONIC!?!?!? Yummy! Loved making a run in the dark with my friend Wendy to get drinks for a bunch of ladies! I was bold this trip and tried....wait for it....Strawberry Limeade and Orange Cream Slush! Both were FAB, loved the real strawberries and my, oh my, did the Orange Cream Slush taste like a Dreamsicle?!?! Fear not however, my heart remains true to my beloved Cherry Limeade!

Tap, tap, tap! Is this thing on?

2007-10-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

So, I finally did IT! Yes, Kerry, it took me well over a YEAR to do it...but aren't good things WORTH the wait?