I can't believe this year is almost over.

I think the kids need to stop fighting.

I miss being out and about, even at the cemetery.

I made muffins, the stove is smoking(someone over baked pecan pie-not me-and it reeks).

I need to clean house, but my body will not obey me.

I have a post brewing in my head about this year.

Highs, lows, happy moments, sad moments, life changing moments.

I have a list of things I can use as resolutions, but really, do I ever stick to them?

I have a list of things I need/want to do in the new year...some of it I may share, some I may not.

Looking back on my post, the one in June where I was working on forgiveness....I have not made it very far. Need to get cracking on that one. I hit a roadblock and seemed to let a lot of things slide that I needed to get done. pair that with depression and well, I just failed to see things that I should have and I saw things that were not there. ugh.

I hate changes.. do you know that about me? I really do. even the thought of writing 2010 sends my head spinning!

well, the muffins I am cooking for breakfast are done and I better feed the crew....

something to think about

http://www.incourage.me/

very thought provoking

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!!

I hope this day is all you hope for and more.

Daniel got a call and was out until after 1 am and I could not sleep.

When we put the kids to bed, it was sleeting and they woke up to a WHITE Christmas!
I don't know how many inches are out there, but at least 5 I think!!

I am sitting on my living room floor updating from my NEW LAPTOP!!!
we were not exchanging gifts since i quit my job, but, here I sit with on my lap!

I have to say, the kids were very patient when they woke up at 2:33AM!
then they woke Sammy up at5:30 and wanted to have presents!
We didn't do it until at least 9 am-late for us!
Everyone liked what they got I believe.
they each got a Wii game. I encourage them to play because, most of them are active games and they get exercise!(i sure may not get much with this thing! I will want to hang out and play on it all the time!)

I know I need to get up and get some things done, but, this seems like so much more fun!
I am sure it will wear off after a while, but for now, you can find me playing on here!

this has been a good morning and I just want to hang with my kids and enjoy the happiness in their eyes and the smiles on the precious faces!

Merry Christmas!!!!

well, rain...you are NOT my friend.
Phone, you sure are :o)
I like getting unexpected calls from friends...
it makes the day seem brighter even with no sun.

the I'm Bored's have set in again today.
really, because i can think of many things to keep you busy!!

I want to enjoy them on break
they just don't see it!!
I really would do anything for my kids
refereeing is not what I was thinking, but today
that is what I am.

was going to bake cookies, but they can't get along to even eat lunch!!!
MOM, how did you do it with us? did we fight like this??
ugh.
Piper is watching Mamma Mia AGAIN...she is a musical lover :o)
but, it keeps her happy!!
oh, that and chocolate...she is her mama's girl..

I have more to say, I think, but, Logan wants the computer...so later....

Christmas break always sneaks up on me-I mean I know it's coming-but I am never ready.

The kids still want to get up early(HELLO!!!-it is break!!!)
I want to sleep in.

then the food issue...
they can really eat,
like a lot....
must go get groceries at some point and restock :o(
not good to wait until just a few days before Christmas!

Keeping them busy is another job in it's self!
computer, games, tv, outside, cards, art supplies
we have it all, but guess what you hear???
Yep,
MOM, I'M BORED!!!
ugh...the dreaded 3 words...
so today we had a playdate.
11 kids and they were great.
as soon as we get home,
yep,
MOM, I'M BORED!!!
rinse, repeat....

We have finished all of our shopping.
need to wrap.
won't get done before Christmas Eve,
never does.
But, I need nothing from the stores ;o)

today the disposal went out,
Piper smashed her finger in the door,
and Dawson lost the spring in his braces making room for the other tooth...
so, I get to take him in on Monday...that will be fun with all of them out. NOT

not a lot else going on here....

words are not coming to me.
I want them, but they are running away.
Pain is deep.
anger burns.
guilt rages.
Please pray for my family.

I may never be able to talk about what my family is going through at this time, but I do want to tell you I am THANKFUL for friends to help and pray and who love us regardless.

God knows our hearts and that, in the end is all that matters.

plugging along...

some days have seemed to go on forever(usually the ones where I have had a sick child or am sick)

some days have gone by too fast-you know where you can just relax.

been working and cleaning and reading and being.
some days I want to crawl in my bed and sleep and have 0 interruptions, other days I don't want to be alone...can we all say "hello depression".

i know it hits at this time each year. I was prepared for it. It seems that it would be easier.
i think about losing my dad and a friend and yada, yada....I could go on...

but then there are things like pulling Gabi's first top tooth out last night and seeing the fear/excitement in her eyes when she saw blood and a tooth in the paper towel.

I want to be all rosy and there is nothing ever wrong, but there are things wrong. Like sick children and homeless people and pornography and it is everywhere, no matter what I am doing, it pops up all around me. I am aware, but beyond praying, I don't know that I can do much. I read blogs that inspire, I want to be one, but how does one get there??

so, even with all my blessings, you know, my 5 kids, my hubby, my van, my job, my church, my God, my friends...sometimes it is hard. Hard to know others are having a hard time. Hard to turn off emotions that get the best of us when someone is hurting. Hard to not be able to really help.

hmmm, I thought it would really help to get it off my chest, but not so much.

I can't keep up!!!
working and being a full time mom/wife is so much harder than I ever thought!
KUDOS to all of you who have done this for years!
HOW do you do it???
I need as many secrets as I can get :o)
The van broke this week...getting it back today and so happy.
i can't imagine not having a car. i have so much to do.
This week is Halloween...need to get cracking on the costumes parts....
need to get candy and such for my class on Wed for our party
and for the kids for the parties at school....

so, we are still alive....
just really busy....
no promises to do any better any time soon.....

Menu Planning...

This week I did two weeks of menus...
out of my new Taste Of Home Dinner on a Dime cookbook we will be having....
Ranchero Supper
Pork Chop Potato Dinner
Oregano lemon Chicken w/scallop potatoes
Black Bean nacho Bake
Italian Chicken Roll Ups
Shepard's Pie
hamburger Straganoff
Creamy Tomato soup w/ grilled cheese

old stand by's....
Race track Beans
pancakes
meatloaf w/ corn, mashed potatoes
Chicken Nuggets with french fries
Speg & bread
fish planks w/mac and cheese


For breakfast...(they repeat)
hot chocolate and toast
cereal
muffins
french toast sticks(home made)
pop tarts(Sundays)
oatmeal


for lunches, either left overs or sandwiches....

with all groceries purchased plus the 1/2 hog that we picked up this week, we spent just over $200....BUT, the1/2 hog was not used in any of the meals, so that will help with the budget for the next couple months....I will keep you posted....

another one bites the dust

Logan is down with the Flu.
Dizzy.
Nauseated.
Hurting.
I hate when they hurt and I can't do anything to help them.
Daniel took him to Urgent Care.
Dr said it was a fast, strong positive test.
Poor Logan.
I will be staying home with him on Tuesday.
I think Daniel on Wed....
they said he will be out of school 7-10 days!
I have nothing to say to that...
in a separate post, I have a bunch of cute pictures!

on the mend

I am feeling better.
I had a sick Dawson this week.
101 temp at school Tuesday.
finally fever free today.
He was a good citizen and didn't get to be at the assembly.
this month was Respect.
Proud of him!

read a sad story of a new mom(just brought a baby home from the hospital)who passed away.
Very sad.
http://bandssullivan.blogspot.com/
The husband has a new infant. Pray for him to feel the presence of God.

Waiting on a visit from our case worker and then off to dinner for Sammy's birthday.
I have a bunch of cute pictures to post, but have yet to upload them.
thinking about getting an external hard drive to store the pictures on...any ideas???

more changes

I cut 8 inches off of my hair...I have a picture, but I can't mess with it right now because I am sick.
I have sinusitis and bronchitis.
I feel crummy.
I want to go back to bed.
I want some hot tea and soup, and maybe bread.

My hubby stayed home to care for Piper who isn't feeling well either.
just got back from taking Sammy to the dr.
Now going to Walmart to get ???
I love that man!!!

I am going to curl back up on the couch and rest....

whoops...

September rolled in with out me even blogging! The weather here has been great. I changed jobs and have been super busy. Long weekend was very welcome to me since I was so tired. In fact I just woke up from a nice long nap!!! I slept from 2-5:30!!! We have nothing going on this weekend. it is great!
Wednesday, Awana started and there was an accident at the church and I ended up at the ER with the child and his father. It ended up with him having 7 stitches. He is doing well, in fact, he was at Chuck E Cheese Thurs night!!
I changed jobs and went back to teaching pre school. I am very happy and thankful for the chance to do it again.
I don't have any pictures to share. I just wanted to share good news.
We are also looking for a house to move into.
YAYAYAYAY

Pre School started today!!!

Piper started back to pre school today...loading up I didn't get the best face, but it got better as the morning progressed....





She ended up having a great day and was not happy when I drove up and I saw her say, "Oh, Crap." I think I better watch it...I know I say that when I am cooking!!!

Gabi had a great day and she even lost a tooth right after school! We went back in and got this amazing tooth to put the tooth in!!!



I also got a new job today...I will be going back to the pre school to work T/W/Th in a 'mostly' 3 year old class...some older 2's and some 4's who maybe just need a little more attention :o) I can handle that! I am so super excited! i know God's plans are so much bigger than ours :o)

For now, dishwasher is running, clothes are all washed/dryed/folded and I am going to bed!

Come on in, sit right down and lets have some fun!!!

Last weekend, we did some recycling while out on Sunday....Dawson's class is in charge of this at school, so he asked me to make me to make a box and I did! Funny how much paper you throw away-I didn't realize it until I had the box!!

My kids are having friends in today to watch Wizards of Waverly Place and just play. We have lived here for 8 years(in  October)and they just started asking. The same week we decide to move. That stinks. But, we don't know when/if we will find a place in the school district we want, so, while it lasts, I plan on enjoying every minute of it! 

Daniel went to pick up pizza at a new place in town, so when he gets back, we will be partaking of some yummy cheese pizza!!!

I have spent the morning reading some blogs(I love to read all about others lives)and cleaning up all my bookmarks while the kids played with the neighbor kids. I was trying not to be over bearing, so I kept busy as they all played in here!!! 

 This is good pizza!!!

going to go live life with my family!!!

cleaning/oraganizing/purging

the past few days I have spent really deep cleaning things I let go all summer to spend time with my kids...I have given away 6 bags of clothes. I have recycled a box of paper. I have finished all rooms except the master bedroom...tackling that Friday. Oh, and the computer desk needs cleaned off...i will do that on Tuesday.
Well, I think God knew ahead(ok, I know he did) that I needed to be organized because we are going to look for a house to move into. Our rent went up by $100 and so, we think now would be the time. Ok, Daniel has thought we needed to for a while, but I never was on board. I was/am scared to death. BIG TIME.
The girls have never lived anywhere else. The boys don't remember living any where else. They have never had a back yard. We have never been able to paint a room. There are many things to be excited about.
We will be searching. Please pray for us. We would love to stay in the school district we are in. I changed schools a lot when I was little and I don't want my children to have to do that!!
Well, i have laundry to fold. need to get that done before kids get out of school!!!

A new School year!!

Well, the school year started this week. On Wednesday to be exact. I took pictures, but I needed a couple days to process it all. Strange I know. I was so excited to see them start, but really i miss them. I know the routine will be so good for all of us!

This is Gabi getting her back to school hair cut :o) as always, Hayley did a great job and she looks adorable....i didn't get pictures of anyone else, I was a bit busy corralling all of them!!

this is at open house the night before school started. Gabi was so nervous...again, no pictures of Dawson's class where we were doing a scavenger hunt and Daniel was in Logan's class.

This was the night before school. all items ready for school the next day!


On our way to school......



Here we go....only Piper will now be at home with Mommy-she will go to pre K on M/W/F and we will be home on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have BSF....

Not the best picture of me, but she all the sudden looked so big to me...I was having a hard time not breaking down and crying, but I knew if I did, she would lose it!


Look how much she looks like her daddy-

doing table work....


She chose her clothes on her own...I would have chosen a dress and bow, but I am trying to let her have control(to a point)of her clothes and such...She has received greens all week and has even been able to help her teacher every day!!! She is one of the tallest in her class, but I am not surprised with the growth she hit this summer

Sweet Gabi, I pray that you will blossom and shine your sweetness on those around you. You are amazing and anyone you come in contact with is so lucky to be around you. You have a zest for life that I hope you never lose. Keep learning and laughing sweet one.
Mommy loves you.

oh, this is a funny story. We stopped at this gas station in Ocean Springs to gas up and change into our suits(I didn't think about the bath houses all being gone from the hurricane, so there were only porta potties on the beach). The boys went out to get their trunks from the van and were coming in and an RV was pulling around and they ran across the parking lot, well Dawson just kept running....right into this WET concrete!! I looked up from paying and he was standing there by that bucket just sobbing. He thought the man was going to yell at him and I was going to be mad because my flip flop(that he took over because he can now wear them)was stuck in there!!!!! Well, the man did not yell and we got the flip flop out and got him and the shoes all cleaned off and had a good laugh :o)

the next day...

we went to Destin. now if you know me well, you know I don't love water, so when I saw the size of the waves that day, I was more than a bit panicked...but I put on a smile(I think)and we went on....
these are not in any real order, just some shots we got that day...


















Notice that in the water, Piper is on my hip as she was not a super huge fan of the waves either! At one point, Gabi was on the boogie board and it went flying, she went under...I was scared, but she came up and wanted to do it again!!!
They all had a good time...Florida was great. We headed back to Mississippi and on Monday we did nothing, but hang out. Tuesday we headed home and Wed. we went to the pool, where, even after being washed, Daniels swim shirts still had seaweed in the pockets...LOL. It was a great vacation.

We were very happy to see this sign :o)







this was a great welcome.....



We don't want to mess with swimsuits...


it was raining when we were ready to get on the boat, so Christie got out the snow cone make the keep the kids happy....
Daniel was getting the girls all ready to board the boat...



sitting on the boat, before the sun decided to come back out and it was a perfect day to be out on the water and find a private spot to spend the day....

Where the kids had a blast!!
a little sand boarding....

Corey helped to get the grill going and lunch cooked.


Piper was fixing a cold drink...

Gabi and Uncle Butch on the jet ski...she is her daddy's child, she loved it!!!

Just enjoying being out there....



I was trying to make a sand castle with her, but she wanted to go play in the water....


so, I sat and watched them all play for a bit


Then Dawson was doing some singing ;o)

this is what the little ones did on the way back....they were beat, but they did get a second wind.
This is Big bird, he was waiting to greet us at the dock.