Twelve Days of Christmas

I have so many happy memories from the holidays that I want recorded. In fact, there were several times I wanted to drop everything to write what I was feeling, but I didn't; unfortunately, it's much easier to remember the events than the details like who smiled at what, who said what, and exactly which moments made me feel like my heart would explode with joy. Here is a summary with a few photos since I didn't get around to getting the stories fleshed out. For us, Christmas started when I got too busy to keep up the blog -- hence the 12 Days of Kaiser Christmas. Thanks, Allen, for helping me with the song!

On the first day of Christmas
My folks took our family,
To see a show: Live Playhouse Disney. (12/20)

On the second day of Christmas,
I drove to Abilene
To get Aunt Barb and see the cemetery. (12/21) On the third day of Christmas
I tried my very best
To get the house cleaned for all our guests. (12/22) On the fourth day of Christmas
Aunt Barb, Granddad, and Gramma
Came here and played, and we made treats for Santa. (12/23) On the fifth day of Christmas
We wrapped up all the gifts,
And readied for The Day. (12/24)On the sixth day of Christmas
We were joined by family
Nana and Papa came to play and eat. (12/25)On the seventh day of Christmas
We decorated,
Will's room with cars and pictures that he'd made. (12/26)On the eighth day of Christmas
Only Shelley, Jenn and I
Went shopping to the relief of all the guys. (12/27)

On the ninth day of Christmas
Allen, Jason, and Randy
Went skeet shooting without the ladies. (12/28)

On the tenth day of Christmas
The kids were cranky and it showed,
Allen and I had our last lesson in Bolero. (12/29)

On the eleventh day of Christmas
Maddie learned a new trick,
Twenty-eight toys stuck in her "pocket." (12/30)On the twelfth day of Christmas
I finished up my blog,
Then went downstairs and finished off the 'nogg.(12/31)

The tickets to the show were my parents' birthday gifts to the kids. The kids had a great time -- it was the first time we expected the little ones to sit "still" for such a length of time (not counting, car seat rides) and they did quite well. The kids alternated between all the adult laps, standing on the backs of the seats in front of us, and walking up and down our aisle trying to get comfortable but still be able to see. The best seats seemed to be Granddad's lap, but he didn't seem to mind. The kids were excited to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald; the Little Einsteins and the rocket ship; Handy Manny and the tools; but the little kits were definitely the most excited to see "Booh!" and "Gigger!" (Pooh & Tigger). The show kept their attention, and just about the time the kids would get fidgety, it was time to jump and dance and sing. Overall, a great show for preschoolers.

Mom was planning to get up early to head to Abilene to pick up her sister, Barb, and visit the cemetery where my grandparents are buried. Since I didn't get to go to my Mema's funeral when I was pregnant with the triplets, I thought it might be a good time to go and see to the cemetery, too. Mom and I drove to West Texas and I got to meet their cousin, Suzanne, and her husband. It was an uneventful (long) drive, but we made it back in time to grab dinner and then Allen, the kids, and I headed home. Nine hours on the road wasn't my idea of relaxing, but at least it was a sunny day and I was able to enjoy the company of family.

Monday cleaning and laundry doesn't change even when Christmas is in the air. I scurried around trying to get the house tidied for the company we would have all week. Somehow I didn't get it all done, but hopefully it was good enough. The children seemed to need extra love and care today -- they were cranky and whiney, and I was cheerful enough to take it in stride. I turned the carols up louder, smiled a bit more, and just gave them the lovin' they wanted. That night, Allen and I kissed them goodnight and left them with a sitter and went to our dance class.

Tuesday was another fun day. Dad and Mom brought Aunt Barbara to see our house. They got here just as the photography studio called to say our photos were in. My aunt and I went to get the pictures while Dad played with the little kids and Mom and Will made some candy. When we returned, everyone piled in the car to go meet Allen for lunch. Later, I baked cookies that I promised Dad, while Mom and Aunt Barbara played games with Will. It was a fun day, but here’s the secret . . . it got even better! After they left, the kids and Allen and I just played. Nothing but that – we spun the kids through the air playing “Aaa-pane”; practiced our Bolero, which made Will and Maddie start their dancing; the kids did somersaults (or tried to); we did a whole lot of laughing, and not much else. We were having so much fun doing “nothing” that we didn’t even think about dinner. Oops. Luckily, the pizza-delivery guy was fast. The kids were up later than normal, but we all had a blast! Those few hours of laughter with my husband and kids probably made my list of top five happiest times in my life. Now I’m getting teary, recalling the joy.

Aaah – Christmas Eve. Is there ever a more magical day? Not for me. Will’s anticipation and excitement was contagious. Allen and I spent much of the day baking and preparing food for Christmas day because, really, who wants to be cooking then? We did as much as we could food-wise, made sure all the gifts were wrapped, bathed the kids, read the Christmas Story from Luke, kissed the kiddos and put them in bed. The kids were all nestled, snug in their beds, you know the rest. Before Will went to sleep he left his picture for Santa next to the milk, cookies, and oatmeal (for the reindeer).

Christmas morning was different than normal (whatever that means). We tried to stretch out the gift-opening ceremonies until Nana and Papa got here. We succeeded, so now we know it is possible! While breakfast baked and cooled, the kids opened their Santa gifts. Santa brought Will a HotWheels racetrack. Ben got a bucket of farm animals, Jon got a Tickle-Me Cookie Monster, and Maddie got a stroller for her doll. After we ate our tasty apple crisp and eggnog French toast, the kids played with their new toys. When Nana and Papa got here, the kids opened the rest. Every time Allen gave Jon a gift to open, he would also say who it was from “Jon this is your present from Nana & Papa.” Then Jon would take the gift TO Nana & Papa. When we figured out he was delivering the gifts, Allen just gave the gifts to him without the explanation. Maddie immediately donned a red shirt Jon had gotten as a gift, and that is what started the fashion show. After that, any clothing Ben opened he put on. By naptime, Ben was wearing his shirt and overalls (that he started the day with), a striped onepiece pants-shirt combo, a green and white shirt, a pair of Maddie’s flowered leggings, and Papa’s boots (one facing forward, the other backward.) Jon had on almost as much, but Maddie stuck to the original clothes except occasionally. Will opened several packages and yelled, YELLED, “This is what I always wanted!” Off the top of my head, I remember hearing that about the wheeled suitcase and the remote controlled dinosaur, but I know I heard it more than twice. That afternoon while the little ones napped, Nana and Papa joined Allen and Will in a few rounds of Wii RockBand. I never imagined I would see the day when three generations of my family were jammin’ with drums, mic, and guitar, but they all had a lot of fun, and I have pictures to prove it. That evening, Will left with Randy and Shelley when they went home.

Friday was quiet for a long while – it still hard to believe how much the noise level drops when Will isn’t home. Allen came home from work early and helped me put up the border in Will’s room. We had quite a surprise for Will – he had no idea any of this was going to be done, but he came home Sunday to new sheets, duvet, pictures and shelves on his wall, and a border that matched the prints he had in his room in Kansas. After that, Allen, the triplets and I went to Randy and Shelley’s for the weekend.

Saturday, Shelley, Jenn, and I went shopping in search of the dress I would wear to the wedding. I tried on many, and Jenn tricked me by bringing me a size dress I never thought I’d wear. Funny thing is it fit, and I didn’t even know she’d done that. I was head-over-heels excited to fit in single digit sizes again! Shelley treated us to a tasty lunch, and we went back to try on shoes. We had a very full day, but I had a great time with those two ladies, and I did find a dress for the wedding. In the end, I came home with a pair of brown corduroys, two new blouses, a pretty sundress for summer, and a cranberry colored halter gown for the wedding.

Sunday morning, Allen, Jason, and Randy went skeet-shooting in the morning, while Shelley and I played with the kids. That afternoon, she took the kids outside to play, and the guys watched football. That evening we had a tasty steak and potato meal and celebrated Shelley and Randy’s 34th wedding anniversary as a family. Then we hit the road. . . again.

Monday’s the kids are always cranky – or so it seems. Maybe it is the change of being on the road then back home, who knows? I got through the day, though. That evening, the kids were introduced to RockBand, and they had fun playing with Allen while I filmed it. Then, we took the kids with us to the gym where we take our dance class. Usually our sitter comes here, but she is out of town, and we didn’t want to miss the last night of the Bolero, so the sitter at the health club kept the kids for us that night. Allen and I have been taking ballroom classes for two months, and have enjoyed it, but mostly kept it a secret. Secret’s out now.

Yesterday and today, I tried to get caught up on my blog, but kept getting sidetracked. I got several loads of laundry started, emptied the dishwasher three times, took care of the kiddos. Tonight we went to IHOP for pancakes and eggs for dinner then went to Target for some essentials. We tucked the kids in bed, and now I’m ready to sleep, too.

I didn’t know if I’d keep up the blog I started about a year ago, but it seems I DID and I enjoyed it, too. 2008 held many wonderful moments and many challenging days, and I am happy to have found a way to remember it all.

Jingle Bell Rock

Away in the Manger

Ready for a fun game? Here's the question:



What do the following have in common?

• One Mary


• One Baby Jesus sleeping


• One camel


• One shepherd's dog


• Two gray donkeys


• Two brown cows


• Two angels


• Three wise men bearing gifts


• Three shepherds


• Three white sheep


• One pilot


• One hula girl


• Six speedy cars

Think. . . think . . . think. . .

Give up yet?








Hint: Pay attention to the numbers. . . .






What do you mean you need another hint? How about a picture.









Answer: They are why Maddie couldn't sit. She stuffed the toys in her "pockey" -- which wasn't really her pocket, just the neck of her pajamas. All of them filled the legs so much so that she couldn't even bend her knees. Ben had the previous record with the 21 blocks in his jammies, but Maddie beat that by seven -- a total of 28!

Trying hard!!

I am trying to carve out a little bit of time to get caught up on my blog. We've had so much going on in the last two weeks that I want to get recorded, but it's been hard to find time to get it written and the photos transferred. Maybe later today . . .

Butternut Squash Soup

Serves 8-12 people


2 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
2 cups leeks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium to large butternut squashes, cut in half length-wise
2 red delicious apples, cored and chopped
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups turkey stock (or use chicken stock if you don't have turkey stock)
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 15-oz can coconut milk
curry to taste
chili powder to taste


1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Coat cut-sides of squash lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Put squash on baking sheet in oven and roast about 40 minutes or until fork easily goes through squash but the squash is not mush.
4. Heat oil in large soup pot, then add onion and leek. Stir occassionally for 5-8 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until garlic is softened but not brown.
5. Scoop squash from skins and add squash to soup pot. Add chopped apple. Saute for 5-10 minutes. Add stock, coconut milk, bay leaves, thyme, and curry. Cover and simmer about 30 minutes.
6. Cool soup and puree in blender until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of chili powder for kick. Serve hot or cold.


For a well rounded meal, we enjoyed chopping grilled chicken and putting it in the soup just before serving.

You better watch out

You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out who's naughty and nice. Santa Claus is coming to town. He sees you when you're sleeping. He knows when you're awake. He knows if you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake! Oh, you better watch out! You better not cry. Better not pout,I'm telling you why: Santa Claus is coming to town. Santa Claus is coming to town!

It isn't a song we sing any more often than other Christmas carols, but yesterday made me realize how much Will has picked up on the stories and songs and their meanings.

When I dropped Will off at preschool I told his teacher "Have fun with the party! Don't fill him up with sugar then send him home with me!" I guess she thought I was joking because when I arrived he was polishing off his plate of cookies and cupcakes. PLURAL!!! When we got home, he was coming off the sugar high, and well, I think I understand where Cookie MONSTER got his name. It fits my oldest child, too. Give him lots of sugar, and he acts ugly. I put the little kids down for a nap, and when Will started his tantrums I sent him to rest, too. That set off another round on insanity as he shouted, kicked, and cried uncontrollably. When I sent him to his room again, he slammed the door. I ignored it, so he opened the door and slammed it again. By that time, he earned his spank even though I knew why he was acting out. He finally rested for awhile, just long enough for my headache to cease, but he didn't sleep. When he came out and apologized, I told him he could quietly color while I worked.

I watched as Will concentrated on his drawing. Then he told me the story behind it:

"See this little boy, Mama? It is a little boy who is very naughty. He was mean and grouchy, but now he is sad. See his sad face? Do you know anyone like that, Mama? Look. Right here, I wrote his name. This little boy's name is Will. He is very, very sad because he was naughty so Santa isn't bringing him any presents."
At that point, Will started crying. "Why doesn't Santa bring presents to naughty children? Can I tell him I am sorry and promise to be good from now on?
Then will he bring me toys? I am drawing some of the toys I'd like him to bring for me. Do you think Santa forgives children?"

It was a heart-breaking moment, yet on the edges of my heart were many other feelings, too. I was glad he was sorrowful, and sorry, and starting to connect the dots.

Each "holiday" that his preschool class celebrates, gives me more insight as to why people home-school. I don't think I have the patience to home-school, I am selfish and like time to myself, and I like for my kids to be around other children on a regular basis, too. And I know my reader-friends who home-school are saying ". . . but . . ." right now, but for me it probably won't happen. Allen and I had a discussion about it last night. I am frustrated that I send him to a good Christian-based preschool at a baptist church, but yesterday was Polar Express pajama day. That meant the kids went in PJ's, got tickets for the "train", and watched Polar Express for an hour-and-a-half, then got a bell to remember the fun. When Will got home, he told me I could only hear the bell if I believe in Santa. This is a Christian preschool, why aren't they spending that time watching a Jesus movie and talking about believing in Jesus? I am not anti-Santa, in fact, I love Santa, I just feel like the priorities at the school were skewed. And further, I am miffed that each holiday that comes means filling these little kids up with too much junk food. . . . and lets not even start with how I feel about rewarding the kids with gum and lollipops on a regular basis. It seems to be a norm in schools now, not just at this one.

Ok -- that's my piece. I am nervous about sending my kids to any school, then I don't have control anymore over what goes into their bodies and minds. That's what you home-schoolers already figured out, huh? No, I probably won't officially start homeschooling, but I will consider not taking them to school on the party days. We'll see what actually happens.

Hello Dolly Cookie Bars

Servings: Makes 2 to 3 dozen bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 14-ounce can Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

Preheat oven to 350°F. In small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and
butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture firmly on bottom of 13X9-inch baking pan.
Pour half of milk evenly over crumb mixture.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust, then the nuts, then the coconut.
Drizzle last bit of milk over the top of the coconut.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature and ship them to Sarah -- hehehe, as if there
will be any leftovers.

There's a Song in the Air

I am really getting into the festive spirit now. We have just about all our gifts ready to give, I just need one more evening to finish all the wrapping. The kids and I got the tree up last week, then Saturday I made Christmas cookies, and Sunday I wrapped gifts, what's next?

It was a fun weekend even though we didn't do much. Lately, those are quite enjoyable since we aren't rushing and scurrying, just hanging out enjoying each other. Saturday, Allen watched football while I baked cookies and the kids napped. I made three different types, and got different results for each. The first I made were cookies like Grandma Ruth made. Grandma Ruth lived across the street from me in Pittsburgh when I lived there from birth to 13. She is still there, I'm not. Although I still call her Grandma (and her husband is still Grandpa Bill) she isn't actually a blood relative. As I've been told, she was ready for grandkids before her kids had them, and my parents' families all lived in Texas. So, we called them grandparents, and they treated us like grandkids. The cookies she made are part of my definition of a perfect Christmas. She always gave our family a box of cookies and I've been trying hard to remember what they all were so I could make them for my family. My favorite as a kid were small green Christmas tree cookies with colored sprinkles. I had never made them because I didn't have the cookie press needed to shape the delectable treats, but this year I found a press and with her recipe in hand, I made them. Somehow they didn't turn out as special as I remember hers bring. Mine were too brown around the edges (corrected by the third baking), but the texture wasn't quite right. I'm not sure if she has a secret that made hers so special, but I'm guessing that's part of it. The kids seemed to like them, and I ate more than my share, too. I wonder if they are just a kid's favorite because of the colored sprinkles. . .

The second recipe was based on Alton's Brown's sugar cookie recipe that he magically turned into beautiful chocolate and peppermint pinwheels. Ha! - It didn't work out quite the same for me. The chocolate part was bitter and dry, but the peppermint part was awesome. I have a few ideas for correcting it, but it will have to wait. Never fear, perfect or not, the cookies didn't go to waste.

The third set? Well, it's a wonder we have any left. I used Grandma Ruth's recipe for Hello Dolly cookie bars, and they turned out great. Such a simple recipe -- it's amazing how tasty they turn out. This is a recipe to keep making. (see next entry for recipe)

The thing about the cookies, is I wanted to reproduce the feeling I got when we opened the box of Grandma's cookies. (I know it isn't a healthy relationship to have with sugar, but that's how I feel -- they warm my heart.) There were only a couple of each, but it seems like there were 8 or 10 varieties -- to a kid that was a dream-come-true and I could count on it every year. So I wanted to make a variety, too; the dilemma is that it isn't good to have them here since they get eaten. I told Allen to take them all to work since having them here was messing up my diet. But we got to share them, and that's the fun part (I just wish they had all turned out pretty.) Overall, I haven't gained any weight with the cookies being here, but my weight loss has slowed. I am proud that I've lost 27 pounds in the last two months, and Allen has lost 30! Our goal was 50 pounds together so we are happy with what we've done so far.

As for the rest of the weekend, Allen and I had fun building and driving the GeoTrax trains with the kids. Ben and Maddie dismanteled the tracks as quickly as we built them, but we didn't get too frustrated. In the end, we had hills and mountains, valleys and bridges, and a little city spread out over then entire playroom.

Saturday night, we had a sitter and Allen took me out for a wonderful and romantic dinner. Yes, we splurged more than normal, but it was fun and we had a great time -- just the two of us. I love having a sitter we can depend on and who isn't afraid to put four little kids to bed! She is definitely a Godsend.

Yesterday was Tuesday, my normal blogging day. Since the day was different, I didn't find my time to sit down to post. Will's preschool class had a Christmas show yesterday, and I was so proud of Will fo getting his speaking part perfect. He smiled and said it clearly and loudly, without being over-the-top. "If I had been there, I would have let Jesus sleep in my bed!"

I didn't get any great photos, but I didn't want to sit in the front row with three active toddlers, either. If you can't find Will, look for the blond headed boy with a red shirt. Hehe -- he is in the front row, 7th from the right, just to the right of the table and to the left of a floating piece of paper? I usually blog during naptime, but I was busy working with two travel agents to book part of our anniversary trip. When Allen got home, I was jumping and dancing gleefully and annoyingly, I'm sure. I am so excited, even if I do have eight months to wait. We decided on Greece, and although we haven't planned the first week of it, we did get the cruise booked that will take us to several Greek and Turkish islands.

This afternoon promises to be busy, too. I have thirteen goody bags to assemble for Will's class party tomorrow, I need to get the teacher gifts ribboned, and the gift-exchange book wrapped, too. Somehow I need to get loads of laundry done before the weekend, . . . didn't I just DO the laundry? I'll bet the dishwasher need to be unloaded, too.

Deck the Halls

We finally did it! I assembled the little three-foot tree and put the lights and ribbon on. The kids all helped me decorate it. Actually the kids decorated it and I had to "fix" a few things since there were about five ornaments per branch on only the lowest branches. A few of Will's ornaments ended up toward the top, but otherwise it was a very unbalanced masterpiece. Will patiently taught the little kids how to loop the ribbons on the branches, and tried explaining that some needed to be higher, but the kids still kept them fairly low. Maddie had fun playing with the "baby" and "mama" (aka: Jesus and Mary) and driving the stroller ornament around the table. She put a few ornaments on the tree, but she enjoyed the playing a whole lot more. Ben played with the sled and tractor and rang the Sesame Street bell ornaments. He kept the plush snowmen singing "We wish you a Merry Christmas" the entire time we decorated and all three boys hummed and danced along. Jon caught on to what Will and I were doing and he was very focused when he concentrated on getting the ribbon-loops over the branches. He had so much fun doing it that as soon as he'd get one hung, he would take it down and move it to another branch just to do it all over again. The kids all enjoyed decorating the tree, and I had a blast taking pictures of the different ways they expressed their holiday cheer.

I just felt like scrapbooking it. Papers and embellishments by Shabby Princess Designs, title by Ali Edwards, and template by Yin Designs.

O, Christmas Tree

I'll bet you read the title of this entry and thought, "They put the Christmas Tree up!" Wrong. . . . it is still in the box, right next to the boxes of ornaments. If it isn't up by Saturday, we will spend the afternoon getting it set up.

Will's preschool class took another field trip and it was to an old-fashioned, out-in-the boonies Christmas tree farm. And since it was a field trip, he insisted I go, too. When I asked Will why he liked for me to go on the trips he said, "Because I like being with you, Mama. I love you and where you go I go just like in the Bible story {of Ruth}." I beamed on the inside and outside. It's nice to know he still wants me around, I know those days are numbered.

Yesterday the high here was 32 degrees, so this morning I called the school to make sure they hadn't cancelled the trip. I bundled up Ben, Maddie, and Jon in long underwear, jeans, sweatshirts, jackets, mittens and hats -- it was cute to see them waddle around trying to see out from the hats. Will was also dressed for the cold with a big cozy coat. We got to the farm and I decided to try to get around without a wagon. The little kids did a great job sticking with me, and the walking went a little faster when one of Will's classmates parents each carried one of my toddlers. Maddie got pretty attached to Mrs. Veronica and wouldn't even follow me without Veronica holding her hand. Ben found himself a buddy, too. I let the little ones walk as much as I could, but occasionally we carried them just to catch up to the big kids.

After all the fun in the cold, I gathered the kids, buckled them in, and we headed home. I knew it would happen, but I couldn't stop it -- they all slept on the way home. Unfortunately, that made for a rough afternoon since they didn't get a full nap in the car, but they were convinced they were done sleeping for the day.

The Elves Who Work For Santa

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Jolly Little Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Black Forest Cake

This might very well be the first time I've made a layered cake, but I was thrilled with how it turned out. It's nice to know that it was worth the lost sleep when I stayed up late to watch Alton Brown demonstrate how to slice a cake in half for layers. I was pleased that it was even and not teetering on the brink of disaster. Even more so, I loved the taste. Will told me it was the best birthday cake he had ever had . . . until next year, I'll bet.

Ingredients

3 cans tart pitted cherries (20-oz cans)
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 chocolate cake mix (I used the "super fudgy" yummy one)
3 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup powdered sugar

1. Drain cherries and keep about 1/2 cup of the juice. Combine juice, cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring often, until sauce is thick. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

2. Make two nine-inch cakes according to directions on box of cake mix. Split each of the two cake layers in half horizontally. Crumble one of the four layers and set aside.

3. Beat whipping cream and powdered sugar with electric mixer at high speed. Continue beating cream until still peaks form.

4. Set aside 1-2 cups of whipped cream for decorative edges. Place one cake layer on plate, spread with one cup of whipped cream, then top with 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with second cake layer, one cup of whipped cream, 3/4 cup cherry topping. Top with third cake layer. Cover entire cake top and sides with whipped cream. Gently press cake crumbs into sides of iced cake.

5. Use star tipped pastry bag and pipe stars around base of cake and around the top. Spoon cherry filling onto top of cake. Decorate with chocolate chips if you feel like it.

6. I had lots of cake crumbs, cherries, and whipped cream left, so I layered it in bowls that were great for "sampling" [ahem.]

Bring out the Jolly!

It's almost getting to be too predictable -- I blog on Tuesdays. I drop Will off at school, the babies have an early lunch and nap, then I wake them up, change them and go get Will. I blog while the little ones sleep.

Last week, when I wasn't sick and in bed, I was preparing the house and food for the family party we had for Will on Saturday. When I was working on the icing for the cake, Will asked, "Mama, how do you know how to make so many tasty things to eat?" I took it as a compliment and promised myself I would write it down to remind myself on the days when everything is called "gross and disgusting!" Another random quote was when I was leaning over Will to zip his jacket and he said, "Mama, you smell so good. You smell like. . . like. . . well, like Mama." It wasn't anything amazing, but it was just one of those little moments I wanted to remember.

Friday, the church had parents night out. We originally thought it would be convenient to take the kids then come home to prepare for the party, but we changed our minds. Allen told me that morning that if I got all the food ready, the cake made and decorated, the house dusted and vacuumed and the rest decluttered, that he'd take me out for dinner. Feeling like a modern-day Cinderella, I scurried around getting all my chores done so I could go to the Prince's ball. Somehow it all did get done, and we tried a new restaurant then did some grocery and clothing shopping.

Saturday morning, Allen's parents and brother arrived and we all walked the kids to the Christmas parade. All four kids had a good time -- Will, of course, loved gathering the candy. When the Chick Fil-A cows drove by, Jon started running down the sidewalk pointing at the cows yelling, "Doggy! Doggy! Doggy! Doggy!" When we told him they were cows, he picked up where he left off, but this time saying "Cow! Cow! Cow!" Maddie quickly figured out the candy trick. Although all the kids were pretty good about picking up the candy and putting it in the bag that Uncle Jason carried, Maddie soon learned that if she pulled and tugged on the cellophane, she would soon be able to taste the sweet treats. When I took away the candy, she pouted. Ben got so excited with all the people in the parade tossing candy, that at the end he joined in the fun. He took his new pile (that hadn't made it to Jason's bag) and joyfully threw it at the parade. All of us adults chuckled about that one. After the parade we went back to the house, and Allen and I got lunch ready and Nana colored at the table with all the kids.

Just before lunch, my parents, brother, sis-in-law, and niece arrived. We all enjoyed lunch and cake, then Will opened his gifts. He had fun opening the gifts and he didn't seem too agitated that the triplets and my niece we enjoying pulling out all the tissue paper from unopened gifts. He got some new outfits, several books, a couple of games, and a fist full of $1 bills. In the end, the biggest hit was when he opened the biggest box, and started screaming "Oh YEAH!!! Oh YEAH!!" as his entire little body shivered with joy -- it was a radio controlled monster truck from Uncle Jason and Jenn.

So what was on the menu this time? I took Shelley's advice and made soup. We had a Wisconsin Cheese soup and a Butternut squash soup. Since there wasn't much that was healthy about the cheese soup, I made the squash soup for those of us watching what we eat. We also had fresh French and rye breads. For dessert, Will gleefully blew out the big "5" candle on a three-layer black forest cake, and we sipped mulled cider later in the afternoon. Mmmm. Now I am hungry all over again. I plan to share the recipes for the soups and cake sometime this week.

Sunday was a laid-back day, but we did manage to start Christmas in our home. While the kids watched the Rudolph movie, Allen hung valences in our living room and kitchen and I started decking the halls with greens and lights. Now, I just need to make time to put the rest of the holiday decor up. Will has been begging me to find the snowmen who sing "We wish you a Merry Christmas," so I guess Christmas for him can't start without the tunes. Maybe today . . .

High FIVE!

Happy birthday to Will, Happy birthday to Will, Happy birthday dear Will, Happy birthday to you! It is so hard to believe that Will has been part of our dreamy little world for FIVE years! Time really does fly and each birthday that passes reminds me of that.

It was a fairly low key birthday for a five year old, but we all had a good time. Monday I made cupcakes with sprinkles and Spiderman paper cups for him to take to preschool today. I had planned on him bringing one of his friends home after school but due to crises with that friend's family, it doesn't look like that will ever happen. I was a bit sad that that didn't work out, but super glad I hadn't told Will about the invitation. He didn't know enough to be disappointed.

This afternoon while all four kids played in the living room, I heard the dog barking like someone was at the door. When I looked out the window, I didn't see anyone, so I assumed the UPS guy left a package. When I opened the door to get the package, there was a little boy barely taller than the door knob asking, "Can Will play?" It was an answer to my prayers regardless of what the birthday boy wished for. Will and Charlie played outside until it was time for Charlie to go home -- they raced across the backyard seeing who could run faster, they scurried up the slide to see who could do that without falling, they tried to get the swings higher, and throw sticks further. The new friendship seems to be competitive, but each time I looked out at the boys, they were being boys, and laughing and having a wonderful time. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, Charlie and his family moved into the house across the street from us. I am excited to have neighbors that I feel like aren't strangers. Charlie's dad is a home builder and he added the room on to our house before we moved in -- I've already trusted our new neighbor with a key to our home -- even if it was a year ago.

Back to the birthday celebrations -- Will was excited to get a phone call from his great-grandparents who insisted I not tell Will they were calling. Somehow Will guessed who it was pretty early into the conversation (which almost got me in trouble for spilling the beans), and he was so animated talking to his great-grandfather Ruffie and Grammie Vail. " . . . oh, Ruffie. You've got to be kidding me. Of course I go to school. You are just so silly. . . "Just a few minutes later, Great-grandma Ann called for him, too. And as we were leaving for dinner, Uncle Jason called, and after we got home he got to talk Nana, too.

Allen and I took the kids to Double Dave's for pizza and pepperoni rolls and met some friends there. It was the first time we gave Will quarters for the games, but we think Double Dave's tastes so much better than Chuck E. Cheese. Hey, if we are gonna fall off the diet-wagon, we might as well make it worth it, right? Will, Chloe, and Anden had fun playing, and after a bit we even let Ben, Maddie, and Jon join the fun, too. Just before we tucked Will into bed, he got to open one gift. He was thrilled to get a digital camera. "Mama and Daddy, this is what I always wanted and I didn't even tell you I wanted it! How did you know?"

The rest of the fun will happen when all the family joins us Saturday for a party for our big boy. And some news about Will, in his own words -- yes, he really told me all of this as I typed.

"My favorite color is orange, why do you ask? I like to play outside and I like to eat and I like to play with my friends and take pictures with my camera. I like to eat all kinds of food -- all the foods that Chinese people eat and the people in the world eat. I like all those foods. My favorite breakfast is oatmeal, hot with coffee cream. My favorite lunch is peanut butter and jelly and grapes. My favorite dinner is gravy with turkey and I like candy for dessert. My favorite book is my Bible stories, and my favorite toy is my new Mickey Mouse camera, but you already knew that. My life is great and my life is wonderful! . . . oh, and I like to be at Disney World."

Christmas Love

It seems so easy for me to get caught up in the hustle and bustle -- the cooking and cleaning as company is coming, the present making, buying, and wrapping, trying to make everything perfect. It is easy to get frustrated with the kids when they whine too much; claw each others' faces the day before we take our family photos; grab my leg and won't let go when the pot is boiling over; and take off thier shoes, socks, AND jackets just as we are getting ready to walk out the door. I get so busy making Christmas memorable for my kids, that sometimes I forget that it's the small moments that will linger longer -- the extra kiss on the head at breakfast, the smile and "Yay!" when they've done something new, the "one more" book at bedtime, the special-shaped sandwich on a normal day. This year I meant to have monthly resolutions to work on, and several months have passed that I didn't get those resolutions written. Now I have one for December. My goal is to strive daily to make the most of the little moments with my family.

This poem was shared with me last year and it's one I take to heart especially as the month of Christmas begins. It is called Christmas Love and is based on 1 Corinthians 13. I received it in an email and I only know to credit Anonymous with this message that speaks directly to me.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of LOVE will endure.

She's making a list and checking it twice. . .

She's making a list and checking it twice. . . . I already know who's naughty and nice. This isn't about my Christmas list. I got tagged again -- this time by Karen! Luckily I only have to come up with six random things this time. I decided to wrap all my "randoms" into one package, but also list a few more than six.

On July 1, 2002, I made a list of 101 Things I Want to Do in my Lifetime. Each year I try to accomplish at least one thing from that list. I read the list at the beginning of the year to set a goal, but I revisit it throughout the year and check off some that I've accomplished. It has been fun to check things off, but I haven't really felt the need to add to the list. Some of the things that I have done include:

#7 Scuba dive - 09/2002
#26 Learn to make soap - 9/2002
#70 Make a quilt - 12/2002, 2/2003, 12/2003, . . .
#3 Have a child - 12/2003, 10/2006 x 3
#55 Have someone call me Mom - 2004, 2007 x 3
#28 Finish a scrapbook - 01/2004, . . .
#1 Have a job I am passionate about - 10/2004
#22 Learn to cook at a cooking school - 12/2004
#33 Snorkel in Belize - 12/2004, 06/2005
#72 Read a book on Texas history - 12/2005
#80 Be a bridesmaid - 01/2006

Going through the list today, I got to check off four things I completed this year.

#91 Help a child learn to read - 2008
#83 Get a pedicure - 08/2008
#39 See New England in September - 09/2008
#38 Lose 20 pounds healthily - 11/2008

And what do I have my eyes on for the next year?

#36 Learn to tango
#68 Have a cozy porch
#76 Spend two weeks on the Mediterranean

Hmmm. . . it seems I may have to get my dance partner involved in all three of these. (hint, hint)

Turkey Day

I was so worried that Allen might not get a Thanksgiving holiday and I was thrilled when he told me he got Thanksgiving off. Silly me thought that meant Thanksgiving DAY, but I was ready to do back flips when he said he had all weekend to spend with family. Allen came to my parents' on Thursday morning, and we all enjoyed a [mostly] traditional family feast. We had turkey, sweet potatoes, dressing and gravy, cranberry sauce, broccoli salad, and rolls. And since no Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie, we had that, too. I said it was "mostly" traditional because I had this crazy idea to start a weight loss plan in the middle of October. Darn if the dieting ran right through the Halloween candy, the Thanksgiving feast, and then Christmas goodies. I ate very well on Thanksgiving and it could very well have been the first Thanksgiving I didn't overeat. I even saved room for a taste of the yummy pie. I was happy to see that I didn't gain any weight over the weekend;since I was sick most of the week, I didn't get my daily exercise in and I didn't lose any weight either. My goal was to lose 25 pounds before December. After weighing and measuring, I've lost a total of only 22 pounds, but lots of inches. As soon as I get rid of the cold and can do my walking again, I am confident the other three pounds will come off soon, too. The most frustrating part is my pants don't fit and I don't have time to go shopping. Except for this cold, I feel so much healthier now that I am eating nutritious foods and exercising on a regular basis. Usually I start a diet on January 2nd, but this time, I think I've found a better way to keep the holiday pounds off.



Friday afternoon Mom and I went to see Twilight at the theater, and that evening my brother and his family came for the weekend. Saturday was fairly laid back -- I think I slept in, then napped, while the kids seemed to play non-stop. It was a blur since I didn't feel great. Saturday evening we had a family celebration for my niece Julianne's first birthday. Then today Allen and I brought the kids back home. November is over now and it seems like the year just started. I plan to go to bed at a decent hour so I can get a head start on my rest for December -- I'll need as much as I can get.

Precious Moments

There were more than a few precious moments worth remembering from yesterday and today.

Yesterday we took my car to Sears for an oil change and decided to wander the mall until it was done. There was no line to see Santa so I jumped at the opputunity to get a picture of the kids with the jolly old elf. Will gladly climbed on his lap and smiled. Jon sat on the other leg, but had a worried look on his face. Maddie and Ben kept there distance from the big stranger, but they stayed close enough for a picture. Luckily there was no line, because the photographer needed some time and a whole lot of patience. The kids never cried or screamed, but Ben kept stumbling over the big black boots, Jon kept trying to climb down, Maddie lifted her shirt over her head and showed her tummy, then Ben pulled his pants down. All this time, the photographer and helper are trying to get the grumpy triplets to grin just a little, and Will has a fake smile plastered all the way from ear to ear. It was a fun experience, and the picture is going in the Santa scrapbook.

The kids have been excited to watch the wildlife in my parents' yard. From the honking geese flying overhead, to the hundreds of ducks warming on the sunny lawn, and the little chickadees eating the birdseed, the kids are thrilled to point out the birds. "DUCK!!! Quack-quack!" is said more often than "Mamma," and it was sweet to hear them pointing to the "kicka-gee's" chattering in the branches. Maddie did a nearly perfect imitation of Granddad when she dropped her animal cracker to shout "WOW! Looka DAT!" as a large heron swooped over the lawn. The squirrel who keeps trying to get the sunflower seeds and peanuts from the birdfeeders keeps popping up. Jon or Ben is often the first to spot it and will stand on the kitchen chair, point at the squirrel and yell "Sull!" I assume he is trying to say squirrel, but the consonants aren't coming forth yet.

Nothing got more applause than the deer that raced through the yard and stopped to peer in the kitchen window at the kids. It stood next to the porch just looking at them as they excitedly pointed and gasped, eyes wide as saucers and mouths gaping in childish surprise. I called Mom in to come see it, and just as she got the camera out, it dashed away. The kids looked out the window all day yelling "Dee!" and pointing just as they had when it was actually there.

Jon has a new phrase that is defining his first few weeks as a two-year old. Darn it, though, it is still cute. I will say, "Come on Jon, let's get a new diaper." He will turn, run the other way, shouting "NO WAAAY!" When one of the other kids asks for the toy he is holding, "NO WAAAY!" When I ask if he is sleepy, "NO WAAAY!" He always adds a little giggle, knowing, I'm sure, that his mamma is chuckling on the inside. . . .for now.

The kids and I arrived at my parents' yesterday in time for lunch. In the afternoon, Dad stayed with the kids while Mom and I ran to the store for some groceries. After chicking to make sure Dad was surviving we headed back out to go dress shopping. After dinner, Dad and I went walking for a few miles. It was a beautiful November night and not even cool enough to need a jacket.

This morning Mom worked and Dad and I took all the kids to the children's museum. It kept the kids busy, and every twenty minutes I sprayed hand-sanitizer on their palms. When I would call them, they'd line up with their hands out -- I'll do anything to keep them occupied, but I don't want all those kid germs ruining our holidays with sickness. This afternoon the babies napped and Will and I ran a few errands then scrapbooked together. Rephrase -- I TRIED scrapbooking while he used all the supplies to make a bunch of "Momma, Look!" After naps, the kids ran around outside for a bit, threw rocks in the lake, stomped in the mud, visited the neighbors dogs, waved at the horsey, and came inside when it got cold.

Now the kiddos are anxiously awaiting dinner, Dad is trying to hear the news, and I am stealing a few minutes of quiet to update the blog -- after all, Daddy will want to know what we did today.

Dreary day with probability of giggles

We decided, we being Me, to wear pajamas all day. That was the only way I could guarantee that the little boys would keep pants on and all the kids would keep their feet warm. In fact, I donned my red scrapbooking pj pants and Will changed out of his jeans and shurt into his footed jammies, too. It just seems cozier that way.

Allen came home for lunch and that was about the time Ben and Maddie needed new diapers. When I picked Ben up he was oddly shaped and Allen pointed out the silouettes of blocks in his britches. I unzipped him and found seven in the right leg of his PJs, thirteen in the left leg, and one in the seat -- 21 blocks total -- in his clothes!! The funny part is that the huge box of blocks only has 100 (when it was new, anyway) blocks. I took the two upstairs for a change and Maddie was chewing on something. When I finally convinced her to show me what it was, it was hard not to chuckle -- gross as it was, only one of my kids would enjoy chewing a toenail, a CAT toenail! We are all cuddling for books and a Disney movie on TV. This is what fall and family are all about, right?

Dreary Day

Today it is cold and cloudy. The kind of day I like to grab a cup of cocoa, a warm blanket, and a long book to curl up and stay warm. I am guessing my three youngest feel the same way since it is almost 10 am and I haven't heard them stirring yet. Usually they are up around 7, so this is a late morning for them. Will was up before Allen left and I overheard them talking while I tried to grab a few more winks. I heard, "Daddy, when you are at the refinery it frightens me when there is a fire." I lost count of how many times Will said "frighten" -- it amazes me that that is his word of choice since I don't think I use it often.

As for the accident, it just sickens me. One of the men died. I am nauseaous thinking about Allen being there, but so thankful he is okay. Having been in a similar environment when I had a career, I understand the hazards, but I also feel like I know these men who I had never actually met. I supposed part of the sickening feeling is that it could have been to Allen (or to me in a different time and place) that this catastrophe happened. The days have been long here at home. I have always known Allen helps a lot, but sometimes, when he is working long hours, it reminds me just how much I depend on him to keep me sane. By the end of the day, the kids are ready for bed and especially cranky -- but so am I. With two adults, it's so much easier. I am overwhelmed, but partly because I feel like my "problems" are petty compared to what some people are dealing with now. Yes, I wish Allen could be here to help with the kids, to give me an extra couple of hugs on the rough days, to sit and eat with us, but at least I know he WILL be home. Someone's husband won't be and it breaks my heart.

Allen is working long hours. They are still trying to figure out what went wrong that caused the explosion, and he is part of the team trying to purge the lines to shut down the refinery. Eventually he will be working to get the refinery back up and going, and this all takes time. I decided to head to my parents for awhile -- they will be able to help me with the kiddos and Allen won't have the added stress of having to rush home to help around the house. I wish I could be here to encourage and support him, but I know I can do some of that on the phone. Now I am just hoping he can join us for Thanksgiving. . .

Hehehe -- I KNEW if I sat down to blog the kids would wake up. I am actually really glad they are awake. Even though they are two-years old, when they sleep this much later than normal, I still fear the worst. I struggle with whether to let them rest or to wake them to make sure they are okay. Even with Will, those mommy-thoughts go through my mind. I really thought when we got past age 1 I'd get over that. Now I'm off to get the kids dressed, fed, and packed. . . .well, maybe it's an all-day-PJ-day. Have a great weekend!

To Friends and Family who are wondering.

There was an explosion and fire at the refinery where Allen works yesterday. Thankfully he is okay, but please pray for the men who were burned and their families. Allen is part of the investigation team, so I don't plan on seeing him much the next few days. I am praying that I can keep my cool with the kids, but also that I can support him like he needs during this stressful time.

Sad update -
BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Nov 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Delek US Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DK), a diversified energy company with assets in the petroleum refining, marketing and retail industries, today confirmed that there has been one fatality resulting from a fire which occurred at the Company's 60,000-barrel-per-day refinery on Nov. 20.

Feelin' Creative

The creative bug has avoided me for several months, it seems, but it came back and bit me last week. I have gotten my desk cleared off and completed several scrapbook layouts in the few days. Some of the pages were started awhile ago and have been waiting for me, and some I just came up with when I was riding my crafty wave.

I got to be crafty twice today, too! First when we did our cake decorating class with MOPS, and second when I was making the "fruit tray" for Will's preschool class's Thanksgiving feast. Allen and I worked for a very hard twenty minutes on this beauty (yes, that's really all it took.) My friend Kathie inspired this creation and I can't wait to show her the picture. Here is how we made it. I lopped off a chunk of a honeydew melon to be the body, and I used a curvy squash for the head. I made melon balls of the honeydew and a cantaloupe while Allen cut up a pineapple. Allen used 10-inch wooden skewers to skewer the cut fruit, grapes, and strawberries while I used skewer pieces and toothpicks to hold the squash on the honeydew. Then we poked the fruit kababs into the melon to be the turkey feathers. This was so much fun and I really like how it turned out -- I hope Will likes it, too. The good thing is that if the (now perforated) body doesn't hold all the weight overnight, we have pretty fruit kababs that I can put on a plate and the class will never know the art they missed.

Already

I Already
. . . miss Allen who is at work.
. . . have another three loads of laundry to do.
. . . am in the mood to get holiday decorations out.
. . . have a full dishwasher to unload.
. . . got our kids birthday photos and family photos taken.
. . . need to dust and vacuum again.
. . . have lost more than 20 pounds this month.
. . . have another long grocery list (and we shopped last night).
. . . have most of dinner planned for tonight.
. . . am getting frustrated that Will won't be quiet at naptime.

. . . have most of my Christmas shopping done.

. . . hear the triplets awake from their naps.

Ordinary Days

or·di·nar·y, adj.

1. Commonly encountered; usual.
2. a. Of no exceptional ability, degree, or quality; average.; b. Of inferior quality; second-rate.
3. Having immediate rather than delegated jurisdiction, as a judge.
4. Mathematics: designating a differential equation containing no more than one independent variable.

Ordinary days. It is amazing (and exhausting) to me that my every one of my days can be so drastically different yet so much the same. On Tuesday I didn't take Will to school -- when it was raining so hard I couldn't see beyond the fence (on the side of the house) the decision was easy. We had a river through our backyard for awhile and the kids thought that was pretty cool. Every time there was thunder and lightning, Jon would stand on a chair, look out the back window and shout "CHOO! CHOO!" The little ones thought the storm was neat, Will trembled like always. I told Will we were going to have school at home since he wasn't at school . . .and so we did. I found the schedule of what they do in his class and stuck to it the best I could having the four kids. First we had workbook time for Will while the little ones played with blocks and cars. Will practiced his letter-writing, did a short-o page, and another phonics-type worksheet. Then we all sat down and read about the shepherd and the lost sheep in the kids Bible stories book. That book had several songs that went a long with it, so we sat and "sang" together. Then we did prayer time all of us sitting in a circle and holding hands. It was supposed to be a game. I say a prayer something like "Dear God, thank you so much for Will and for caring for him like a shepherd watches over his sheep. He is a treasure to us. . ." Then Will picks someone to say a similar prayer about. He did a great job and insisted on saying individual prayers for all three of the kids. He started like my prayer, but then expanded each of them uniquely but still sticking with the sheep/shephed analogy. It was pretty awesome and he took such care picking out the words and looking that child in the eyes and I couldn't help but blink back the tears. Very touching moments -- we ended with a group hug that was more like a four-kid-hug for mama, but it ended in tickles and giggles and was just plain fun. Next was our craft time. As all four kids picked up the toys, I rushed upstairs to print out a picture of a sheep. When I returned the kids were ready to dig into the next activity, and gladly glued cottonballs to the sheep pictures. After the sheep were fluffy and soft, they colored on the pages. The kids played for a but before naps and then at naptime the tides turned.


By the end of the day, I was worn out from fight Will all afternoon. I don't insist that he sleeps at naptime, but I do insist that he have quiet (no toy) time on his bed. I am perfectly happy with him reading, but he decided to take all the clothes out, then all the toys out, and then, and then, and then. It was a battle of the wills between mother and son, and I was determined to win. In the end, I don't think I did, though. Somedays it is such a challenge to enjoy that child. I do love him, but he sure knows which buttons to push to get flames to come out of my ears.


The next day was Wednesday -- the one that I take the babies to Mother's Day Out and Will and I have a fun mother & son day. He decided he wanted to go to the library, so after a quick trip to WalMart before the library opened, we went. Since it happened for me story time, he listened to stories about Thanksgiving, made a craft, and had a snack. Then we picked Daddy up and all went out for lunch. Days like that go by very quickly, but I made sure Will knew he was my only focus for those hours without the other kids. That afternoon, he slept, of course. He still had all his privileges at the end of the day, and except for one little fit about not getting more snack in the afternoon, he was as close to an angel as a four year old can be. It was a good day for us.


Today is Thursday and Will is at school. The babies are in the next room playing after helping me with a little holiday shopping this morning. When I asked if they wanted to go shopping, Maddie got so excited and started shouting, "Foshing! Foshing!" (her word for shopping). It will be interesting to see how the afternoon turns out.

Ordinary -- Tuesday was, Wednesday was, Thursday is turning out to be, too, and next week and the week after will mostly repeat this week. Although they are very different from each other, they still blend into one big "everyday" for me. I read this quote on another blog and I like it. It may just be the one that makes it to my fridge to inspire me daily to enjoy the ordinary days.

While it takes courage to achieve greatness, it takes more courage to find fulfillment in being ordinary. For the joys that last have little relationship to achievement, to standing one step higher on the victory platform. What is the adventure in being ordinary? It is daring to love just for the pleasure of giving it away. It is venturing to give new life and to nurture it to maturity. It is working hard for the pure joy of being tired at the end of the day. It is caring and sharing and giving and loving…(by Marilyn Thomsen)

Some days . . .

Some days just feel "right," and so far I've had three in a row. Saturday was a perfectly beautiful Texas fall day. The kids were in t-shirts and jeans, but it wasn't cold enough for jackets. All six of us went to the barber shop so Allen, Ben, and Jon could get their hairdos cleaned up a little bit. I have been cutting the boys' hair by myself, but now we have our holiday photo session scheduled, and I thought the little ones needed an expert to cut it this time. The kids all were very well-behaved so we went to the mall for a little shopping. That went great, too, so we pushed our luck just a bit more and went out for lunch . . . at a sit-down restaurant. Again, it went very smoothly -- no tantrums, no cranky kids, just smiles, kindness, and joy radiating through all of us. We came home for naps, and Allen and I took a few minutes to clean up the office since I've been in the mood to scrapbook lately.

Sunday was just as peaceful as Saturday for me. I did a little scrapbooking and we played in the backyard after naps. The little ones are getting really good at climbing the ladder, and I got many chuckles out of the different slide-landings. Sometimes they'd flop on the hands and face, sometimes it was a big plop on the butt, and other times, they smoothly landed on their feet and kept running, ready to do it again. Jon was very clear about when he wanted to "'lide" or "whing" and Allen said the others were, too, but I didn't hear their versions.

Today is Monday. Maybe it feels right because it feels like fall today, who knows. When I was getting out of bed late at 8, I wondered if it was rainy -- that's about the only time the kids sleep late. Will came downstairs around 8:30, and the babies finally woke up at 9:00. Sure enough, it was rainy and rather cool. The kids played while I rotated laundry, then we all sat on the floor reading for a long time. Will wanted to color, so I sat him in the kitchen on the floor and put the blocks out for the little kids to play at the table. It was fascinating watching them, and after just staring for awhile, I finally got the camera out to try to freeze time for just a few moments. Will was happy coloring and writing his letters. He proundly showed me a picture he made of me wearing purple lipstick and my necklace, as he explained to me. He is standing next to me and we are at the grocery store.

The babies had a great time with the blocks. Jon is very good at stacking them -- does a two-year old usually have such good balancing skills? None of my other three did as young as he did. After stacking for a bit, he started getting only the purple blocks and stacking them. He took all the red blocks and handed them to Ben, then started an orange tower. He was clearly sorting the colors and it surprised me. Looking over at Maddie surprised me just as much. . . she had all the semi-circle blocks in a perfectly straight line, right next to the cylindrical blocks, again in a perfect line. She was sorting the shapes and ignoring the colors, but making very straight lines. Ben was sleepy most of the morning. He laid down while the others played and read, and at the table, he played with the lid and can that the blocks fit in. He used the shape sorted, putting the square blocks in the square holes, the round ones in the round holes, but he wasn't getting into it like the others were. It wasn't long before I looked over and Ben had fallen asleep in the chair at the table. When I picked him up to carry him to bed, he didn't wake much.

The little kids have been napping and I got some stuff done around the house. Not much, but a little more laundry, worked on getting bills paid, got the mail, not much. I've had a cup of warm tea, and I'm just relaxing and enjoying the day. . . . it just feels "right."

Life for Real

There are things I never thought I would need to say, but with my four, it has become a necessary part of life-training. Here are some quotes from the last few days:

1. Don't use your toothbrush on the inside of your nose.
2. Don't don't lick the cat.
3. Quit coloring the inside of your ear.
4. Who took Maddie's diaper? I want it put back on her right now!
5. Why can't I see the carpet?
6. Where is Jon? How did he get inside the couch?
7. $%&@#!! You kids STOP swinging the DVD player by the cord!!
8. Time does not speed up just because you change the clocks.
9. Don't comb your hair with your fork -- especially when there is still food on it.
10. The toilet is not for washing our hands!
11. Quit hiding your breakfast inside your shirt.
12. You should empty the dog's dish before you wear it as a hat.
13. Locking me out of your room will get you more spankings than letting me in.
14. No, you cannot watch TV -- it is 4:19 in the morning!
15. Just because I got mad about you dumping YOUR drawers does not mean it is okay to dump all of Will's clothes, too!

I am sure I'll find more . . . there are some others I tried remembering, but they are lost in my mind right now.

This is the morning . . .

Today at some-rediculous-dark-thirty in the morning Will came to our room to ask if he could watch cartoons. The answer from Allen was a definite "No! Go to bed!" What seemed like five minutes later to me it happened all over again. "Can I watch cartoons now?" "NO! Go to bed it's not morning yet." And just a little later, "NOW can I watch cartoons? I can't go back to bed since I am already dressed.""NO! Stop waking us up. Don't ask again until the first number on the clock is a 7."

A while later, Allen got up a showered. It was still dark out, but Will came to me and asked, "Can I watch cartoons now? I speeded up the time so it must be seven now!" Ugh. I looked at the clock by my bed and it was, indeed, 7:01am, so I went and turned on the cartoons and planned to get back in bed for a few more minutes. Then Will pointed to the clock in the living room . . .and told me that was the magic clock that HE could speed up time on. I felt my blood boil as I looked at the old mantle clock and asked him exactly what he did. . . he told me he opened the glass and turned the hands a lot. He was quite proud of himself. . . until he saw my expression. Oh, yeah, I was peeved!

I told Allen what happened and his opinion on the matter was the same as mine, "I give him points for creativity but take away a lot for orneriness." Will now understands he is not to touch any clocks except his own.

Yesterday, while I thought Maddie was napping she climbed out of her crib and dumped the laundry basket, the pajama drawer, and the sock drawer. Many of the clothes covered the entire sheet of Jon's crib, Ben had a few, and as far as I could tell, there was no carpet to be seen in their room. She made the biggest mess those little ones have ever made. I was mad when I made her help me pick it all up and put it away. . . do you know how long it will take to get it back to the way I can find things? There goes my Saturday. When I was working on dinner, the little kids opened Will's bedroom door and did the same thing to his room! Clothes EVERYWHERE!! And so were the blankets and sheets from the bed; and the bookcase was empty, too. I made them pick that up, too. I may have to go out and get another bed tent for her, but I am procrastinating. I hate spending $70 on a tent that they are going to poke their tiny fingers into and start ripping it apart. . . . but then my other option is to take all laundry out of my kids' rooms. And put it where? Why not just leave it in the dryer? Or stacked in my room, like usual. . .

Club Initiation

Maddie has finally joined and is a card-holding member of the Li'l Stinkers Club. She was initiated today at naptime.

Requirements:

1. Must be able to operate snaps, zippers, and velco to undress completely.

2. Must have diaper duck-taped all the way around or he/she takes the diaper off and makes as big of a mess as possible.

3. Must be able to manipulate taped diaper to maximize mess.

4. Must be able to open door knobs, especially the ones parents want them to avoid.

5. Must be able to climb out of bed quickly and quietly.

6. Must be able to assist other club members meet aforementioned requirements.

There are twice as many requirements as there are members right now. Membership has its privileges, particularly that members together create chaos in such a way that parents do not know who did what. The challenge is that parents often discipline ALL members.

November is Upon Us

I can't believe it is already November! Today was so pretty, we had shorts on the kids, and all the windows were open in our house. Absolutely beautiful! I love this weather -- I can smell the leaves, I can hear them falling and rustling in the wind, I can feel the breeze, and I can hear the twinkling of our wind-chimes on the porch. Very peaceful to me.

Today was rather ordinary -- we cleaned house some, put away lots of laundry (thanks to Allen), and the kids played outside. We went out for dinner, then rushed home so Allen could catch "THE BIG GAME!" I rolled my eyes when I heard why we were rushing home, but I understood. Texas Tech, undefeated #7 team, was playing rival University of Texas, undefeated and #1 in the country. Allen and I are Red Raiders -- Allen like Tech so much, he graduated twice. I played on the computer while he watched the game. It wasn't long before our dog was howling at Allen because he was yelling and jumping all over the living room. When I finally went down to hush him, I ended up staying for the last three quarters. That says a lot about how exciting the game was -- I don't watch football. It was an awesome, sit on the edge of the seat kind of game. Allen yelled a lot and we had discussions about it later. I said thinkgs like "Stop yelling at the TV! They can't hear you!" and "Seriously, Babe, the guys KNOW they are supposed to run. I think they practice it daily." His response, and I am quoting him:

It is by will of the fans alone that the players set in motion; it is by the juice of adrenals that the players acquire speed, the helmets acquire stains, the stain becomes a warning. It is by will of the fans alone that sets the players in motion.

That was our evening. I enjoyed spending it with Allen, but I really could've done without the shouting -- I rolled my eyes so much they ached the next day.

On another note, Ben has been creative lately with his clothing. Last week when we were at the pumpkin patch, I put three or four goldfish crackers in the bib-pocket of his overalls. He was thrilled to have a snack handy and used it throughout the day and he has tried to do that more often. Tonight at dinner, Allen asked Ben to hand him the wipe he had used to clean his hands. Ben quickly said no and stashed it down his shirt. Earlier this week, I kept him in footed pjs for the morning. After breakfast, when I changed him and got him dressed I found, in ONE foot of the pjs: 2 blocks, 1 hot-wheels car, 1 plastic lion, and 4 pieces of cereal. The other foot had a lot more cereal that I think he was saving for later, like with the goldfish. This is just one of those cute quirky things about Ben right now and I wanted to remember it. Now if you see him in pjs and limping, you can bet he has a treasure he's hiding from the rest of us.

Happy Halloween!

Hooray! It's Halloween and, Clearly, a favorite photo time for Mama. As much as I try, though, I still get frustrated and cranky when I can't get a picture of my kids together. Maybe in a few years they will understand what it means when I say, "Look this way and smile!" This wasn't one of those times, and I did lose my cool. Is it really too much to ask for four young kids to sit still for the same few seconds as their siblings? To look at me? To be happy about it? The answer is YES - it's too much to ask. Yes, I cheered up later, but this was the best picture I got with all of the kids. This year, Will picked out his Darth Vader costume. Not a great choice for night safety, but it turned out okay. Last year Jon was Peter Pan and Ben was a pirate. This year I switched them -- why? So the pages in their scrapbooks show different costumes. That's the only reason. And another year of Tinkerbell? Nah -- this year we used the wings from the Tink costume, but paired them with the princess dress from the costume box, and Maddie was a pretty little fairy princess.

We went to a friend's Halloween party last tonight. It was a family party with emphasis on the kids. There was a giant inflatable slide that all four of our kids loved, but for the little ones to ride, Allen and I had to climb the mountain and slide down with them. Around 7, the babies were getting cranky and ready for bed, but we stopped at three houses to trick-or-treat. We hadn't planned it that way, but it happened. By the third house, Jon understood what was going on with the bag he carried. When we turned to leave the porch, he stood there looking at the home-owners with his puppy-dog eyes, and his lower lip sticking out just a bit. He held his bag open really big and gave them "the look" that he gives me when he wants something. We got a kick out of that one!

All the kids were worn out, and between the three houses with mounds of candy for each kid (including several full-sized Hershey bars, and family-sized Twizzlers), the few things we bought (but weren't home to give out), and the goodie-bag from school, we had a ton of candy. Definitely a year's worth -- and yes, it will probably last that long. I froze much of it, but the rest is in Will's pumpkin. On dessert nights, he is allowed to choose what we are eating or one item from his pumpkin. We even had some left from last Halloween that I trashed when we got the new load.

Overall, we had a wonderful night. Many of the moms from my mothers-of-multiples club were at the party, and it was great to finally introduce Allen to the ladies I've eaten many dinners with over the last year. It was funny, though, since I've never been around so many multiples. . . I'd see one princess, then another. I'd see one little kiddo in a black and orange outfit, then the other. I think there were five sets of twins and our triplets, plus all the other siblings and friends.

The Most Artistic Pumpkin

Will's preschool had a parade of pumpkins. Each kid was supposed to take a pumpkin that they decorated. Then all the parents would look at them displayed and ooh and aah. Will asked for several days to do his, but until we went to the pumpkin patch, we didn't have one to decorate. Then we went out of town last weekend and it kept getting put off. On Monday, we were all set to create, but Will was being especially uncooperative and rude that day, so he lost that privilege and didn't get to take his pumpkin on Tuesday like the other kids did. But on Wednesday while the babies napped, we got caught up. He decorated his, and I sat down and decorated another. It was great mama-son time and we really had fun together. Will is a very independent kiddo and insists on doing most things himself and I am okay with that. I set out the paints, brushes, foam stamps, and glitter and let him be creative. See his masterpiece!I really enjoyed watching him create. He was in his own world, and his pumkin was very colorful. We took the pumpkin in on Thursday and he was so proud to display it with the others. There were so many creative pumpkins, but of the thirty or so that were there, only a small handful looked like they were created by preschoolers. The rest were clearly done by the parents. I was a little nervous that he would be embarrassed that his wasn't as fancy as most of the others, but I was ready to deal with it. I am so proud of Will for doing his by himself. It was definitely MY favorite of the patch! At the end of the day when I picked him up, I was excited to show him his award: The Most Artistic Pumpkin! Way to go, Will!

Q: What is a ghost's favorite game?
A: Hide and shriek

Q: What do ghosts like to wear?
A: Boojeans

Q: Why didn't the skeleton dance a the party?
A: He had no body to dance with!

No excuses & Mama's scary "costume"

Here it is not quite 10:30 on a crisp (or cold) Tuesday morning and I have already accomplished something big -- I voted with three two-year olds at my feet! If I can do it with the triplets, I can't accept any excuses for NOT voting.

The day has already had a few happening that I'd like to forget, but several I wanted to remember. It started with cold -- I got as close to Allen as I could to get some of his heat, but then the alarm went off and he got up. It wasn't long until Will came shivering to me wearing his "Daddy pajamas" (aka: underpants). I gathered him close and tucked the covers around him and listened to him as he told me about his dreams. It was a warm-hearted feeling even though my toes were icy. It was wonderful to cuddle with my son. When I told him "I love you" he interrupted me to say, "I know, I know, I know. . . you always love me, you will forever, you don't have to tell me all the time." That comment with the 4-year-old's eye rolls brought on the tickles and giggles. By the time Allen left, I was still in bed, Will was still giggly, and we were running late for a school day.

I got Will dressed and set him up with a cartoon while I showered, dressed, combed my hair, and skipped the makeup since we were running behind. As soon as I walked into the living room, Will had a terrified look on his face and yelled at me: "NO!! You can't go anywhere like that!" I was thoroughly confused, and when I asked what he was talking about, he responded "You look ugly, Mama, I don't want my teachers thinking you are my Mama! Your face is wrong!" Was this the same Will that I cuddled and giggled with just a few minutes earlier? He still had a fearful look on his face as he ran across the room, grabbed my arm, and pulled me back to my bathroom. "Just look, Mama! Look at your face! Where is the rest of it? See how it is scary?" Well, I still didn't have time to put on makeup, but the entire incident was quite surprising to me -- I only wear makeup two or three days a week. I was baffled, but still didn't have time to "put my face on." Who needs a Halloween costume, when your face terrifies your own kid? Ouch.

At breakfast, we had an interesting conversation as Will tried convincing me to let him plant an M&M tree. Evidently, he's under the impression that if he plants one M, it will grow into a big tree that will give him all the M&M's he could ever want. After failing to convince him it was pretend, I told him he could plant one if he got M&M's for Halloween. Then he got mad, and said he would EAT his M&M's and we would have to plant MY candy.

I got the little kids up and diapers changed, but left them in their cozy pajamas. I fed all the kids, then pushed everyone out the door, still aiming to be close to on time getting Will to preschool. We made it in time, but I still haven't had my coffee, so that's next on my list. I decided yesterday not to go to Bible Study this morning because Maddie and Ben had slight fevers, and all three babies are very snotty. Since I didn't want them in the nursery, I'd have to miss my class, too. So we headed home, and on the way, I was looking for the church where we are supposed to be able to vote early. Luckily it was clearly marked. I grabbed the parking spot by the door and stepped inside to ask if I could vote there (I never got my registration card a year ago when we registered.) The lady said I'd need my ID, and I glanced around to get an idea of the set up. I put shoes on the kids and took them in with me.

When I arrived there was one other lady and a man voting or in line. I stood in line for a few minutes behind the lady so I could get my name checked against the master list. The kids all sat right at my feet -- Maddie insisted on sitting ON my feet. They smiled and said hi to the other people as they arrived, and by the time we were ready to move to line number two there were eight people ahead of us, all of whom had been smiling and trying to get the kids to talk. As we moved to the end of that line the first lady insisted we go ahead of her, and all the others enthusiastically agreed. I was humbled, yet again, and couldn't thank them enough. As it turned out, everything went more smoothly than I ever dreamed possible. The kids each sat in a chair where they could see me. I voted while they charmed everyone else.