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....