Not so violent Christmas pictures...

I think this is the picture I have decided on. I know it's after Christmas but it's going to have to be okay.

Isaiah is always smiling.

Joshua is a camera hog.

I can't believe Jacob smiled (last year, he refused).

Then, there's Tyler, is becoming quite a handsome one.

A different pose.

Some snickerdoodle making?

I wonder if those cookies are going to run together?

A little bit of this...

He really wasn't much help. He just likes to make a mess and it makes a cute picture.

Would you like fries with that???

Okay, I personally am not a Pittsburgh Steeler fan but I know that those of you who know Bill know that he is a huge Steeler fan. Because of it, we have bought Steeler clothes for all of the kids. Joshua, lately, has been wearing his Ben Roethlisberger jersey everyday. When he comes downstairs with it on Bill usually says " Hey, what's up Ben Roethlisberger?" or "Hey, Roethlisberger!" Joshua usually responses with "I am Joshua." The other day when he came down, Isaiah said " Hey, Cheeseburger!" I just love that kid. Everyday he just talks more and more. I thought you Steeler fans would enjoy this.

This Christmas...

I got this devotional in the mail a few weeks ago and I thought I would share it. It really hit home for me. I think in my life there are a lot of things taken for granted, not intentionally, but too often. This time of year it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of things. I hope this reminds you as it did me to love a little more.

1 Corinthians 13 Christmas Style ©By Sharon Jaynes
If I decorate my house perfectly with lovely plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights, and shiny glass 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 husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another 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, and 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.

I thought it was cute...

Today, Jacob was upset with his older brother. Jacob told him he was going to call Santa and tell him to bring a ball of cotton. I guess he got that confused with a lump of coal.

A little fun with Tyler Claus

And some artwork...

This is a picture Joshua made in school. They have a shape and color of the month. I bet you can't guess Decembers.
All of this, except the gingerbread man, belongs to Jacob. He was student of the month in November. I was so proud of him.

This also belongs to Jacob.

This is Isaiah's artwork and, no, that is not paper.

Making time...

I don't know about you but it seems as though I have so many things to do and no time to do it. We finally went Christmas shopping today. We didn't finish but we made a big dent in it. We have to finish two kids and we are done. It seems like every year there is one kid that is really easy to buy for and you just keep finding things he will like. It's like you have to make yourself stop buying stuff or you'll go broke.

I have a party on Friday for Jacobs class to plan. I have it mostly figured out. I am just waiting for one lady to call back. I think I over planned but I learned my lesson from the Halloween party when I didn't have enough planned. I still have to bake the cookies for the kids to decorate. I decided to let them decorate cookies, do a small craft, make reindeer food, and play games until time runs out. That should keep them busy and fill up the hour.

Then there is the whole planning out Christmas day and juggling families. I won't get into that because I know everyone can relate.

We attempted to take pictures of the kids today. We took probably 50 pictures when Bill realized the camera was on the wrong setting. So, he fixed it and by then it was too late they no longer thought picture taking was fun. Here's an example of what I mean...


I know that is terrible but I couldn't call my blog "the way it really is" if these things didn't happen. I will post better (not so violent) pictures later.

I don't know how I would juggle things if I worked outside the home especially this time of year. This is just a short list I left out a bunch of stuff. Anyway, I guess it is about making time for what is important.

Speaking of making time, I have to make time to finish watching a basketball game.

Christmas...

Okay, so I didn't do the tour with Delilah yesterday...maybe next year. I still will share a few Christmas pictures and stuff with you.
First, I want to tell you my kids have made up new Christmas songs in case you are tired of the same ones:
1. Ruinolph the red nose reindeer (thanks Jacob)
2. Frosty the Snowman is poming to town (thanks Isaiah)

This past weekend the kids were in a play. Here they are in costume...

Isaiah
Joshua
Jacob

Here are some tree decorating pictures. We went with an artificial tree this year. With the layout of our living room we were limited as to where to put a tree and Bill figured since it wasn't real he would put it in the corner by the fireplace.

I guess this is as high as the kids could reach!?!

I have some cookie baking pictures to post also but I think I have taken up enough of your time for today. Oh, wait...here's what the tree looked like after a few adjustments. I wish I could say it still looks like this but the kids have done some rearranging.

Bedtime...

Bedtime at our house has turned out to be quite an ordeal. We usually start to put the kids to bed at 8 because it takes 45 minutes to complete the task. First, there is the bathroom routine. They have to go to the bathroom, wash their hands, brush their teeth, and get their sip of water. So far, sounds pretty normal, most kids do all those things before bed. Just a warning though, don't accidentally forget a step because it will get ugly fast. Then, there is the getting them in bed part. As I told you in a previous post, my kids have blankets and stuffed animals that are a bedtime must. Jacob is usually my easiest, he finishes his bathroom stuff and goes to his bed usually all he requires is a hug and kiss and he is good to go. I think it is because he is so busy all day and when he hits his bed he is out. Isaiah usually requires some more work. He needs his blankets and his Mickey Mouses (plural) and his Goofy. Even with alot of hugs and kisses later, chances are you will find him in the hallway on the floor. That is where he prefers to sleep with all his stuff. No, I don't leave him there. Now, on to Joshua...he is probably the worst about going to bed. After his bathroom routine it's off to the bedroom where we give kisses, big squeezes, pats (on the back), we tell "secrets" (he usually tells me that he loves me so much and too much but don't tell dad and then tells Bill the opposite), then we hit the rock and say good night. Then the questions begin. He usually waits until we go downstairs and yells for one of us or the other to come up stairs because he has a question and he has to ask you. Here are a few sample questions...Will you pour my cereal in the morning?...Why does the nightlight come on when it's dark?...How many days until Christmas?...My closet is a mess, what am I going to do about it?...Will you fold my blankets?...and my favorite...if the sun is yellow, will the snow be yellow in the morning? I know, I know, I am going to miss this someday!

Random thoughts

• Potty training didn't go so well today...it is much easier to change dirty diapers than dirty underwear.
• The Cavs lost tonight.
• Christmas is 12 days away and I am not ready.
• I did mail out almost 90 Christmas cards though.
• The Cavs broke their winning streak.
• Bill is at Wal-mart right now looking for white jogging pants for our kids to wear for their Christmas play...tomorrow. It is 10:45pm, how's that for waiting until the last minute.
• Tyler's basketball team has not won a game yet...poor kids.
• Speaking of losing...oh, never mind, I already said that.
• I have baked 6 batches of cookies for Christmas, so far, and have barely any left (I think I have a mouse in my house). I still have a lot of baking to do but at this rate I won't have any to give away.
• I really should get to bed, my kids will be up in 7 hours, 6am comes early.
• One last thing, a win would have been nice!

I'M SO EXCITED...

AND I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!!

Isaiah has been going on the potty all day today and I am so proud of him but I don't think I am as proud of him as he is of himself. Every time he goes he gets the biggest grin on his face.

GO CAVS!!!

Okay, it is not a secret to those who know me...I am a huge Cleveland Cavalier fan. I watch all the games and if I am not home, I record them and watch them later. It all started out in 2003 when I wanted to see what all the hype was about LeBron James. He was a local kid who was selling out crowds in high school. I just wanted to see if he was really that good. The answer is...yes! He was, and still is. He is so fun to watch. I never watched basketball before, to be honest, I didn't understand it. Boy, have things changed. Now I find myself talking stats like one of the guys. I watch ESPNEWS to catch the highlights. I would love to be a season ticket holder. I shop at the team shop. I hate the off season. I really don't get into any other professional sport I just love to watch basketball. Anyway, enough about me and my obsession with the game. This year the team is very exciting to watch and I believe this is our year. It is funny because when you are a fan you get excited about all sorts of things...slam dunks, breaking team records, fast breaks, winning, etc. Last night, LeBron had 6 slam dunks and he and another player "Z" set two new team records...very exciting!! My friends think I have problems, I don't know, maybe I do. I think if they sat down and watched a few games with me they would learn to love it too. But then again when they see me jump off the couch in excitement they might consider that proving their point.

Gotta love 'em

Okay, here are some pictures of the things my kids do...

This is a picture Jacob drew on the wall in Tyler's room. Isn't he a great artist. By the way, he drew it with a Sharpie marker. I have a feeling it will show through even if we paint over it.

I know this is hard to see (sorry) but these are two pictures the boys made in school. The one on the left Joshua made and the one on the right Jacob did. My kids are not thankful for their family on Thanksgiving...one is thankful for school and the other orange???

I just thought this was cute. Isaiah is really into Micky Mouse these days. Joshua had them all lined up. I guess they were watching TV.

This is Joshua's dresser after he organized his action figures. He is a little obsessive (he gets it from his dad).

This is a few minutes later when he decided the "scary" guys had to be on top. The happy ones (Mickey Mouse) go on one side with Superman on the other. The bin on the bottom contains Hot Wheels. He is only four...should I be worried?

I don't get it...

The other day I was at McDonalds with my friend Julie. We let our kids play in the play area while we chit chat. Anyway, there was this lady with her granddaughter and she came over to us and asked if we would keep an eye on her while she went to the bathroom!!! Okay?? We both had the same look on our face like, are you serious?? After she left Julie asked me if I would ever do that. No, I wouldn't. But it got us talking about other times something similar has happened. She told me about a time when she was at a local fresh food store and witnessed someone leave kids in the car and go in to shop. She called the police and they were waiting when she got out of the store and this lady thought she did nothing wrong. I was walking out of the grocery store one day, I had one of my kids in the cart and a lady, I didn't know, stopped me and asked me if I would keep an eye on her younger child and her cart full of groceries while she went back into the store and took her older child to the bathroom. She told me that he was just being potty trained and she didn't want him to have an accident. There are a couple people who leave their kids in the car at my son's school while they go pick up their kindergartener. One parks pretty far away and has left her car running. The other day, on the news, there was a story about a lady who left her godchild in the car while she went to "chase a 50 dollar bill" that had blown away??? The child was only left alone 5 minutes, according to her. She is facing charges on child endangerment with up to 6 months in jail. Idiots, that is all I have to say! Don't they watch the news. It wouldn't take long for someone to hop in that car and take those kids. How did that lady know we wouldn't run off with her granddaughter or that I wouldn't hop in my car with that baby and a cart full of groceries? I wonder if they live on the same planet that I live on. I trust very few people with my kids and I can honestly say I have never left them in the car alone or with a complete stranger. I just don't get it...

HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY TYLER !!

Helping mommy???

This is Isaiah making spaghetti with me for dinner last night.

Isn't he cute??

How can I get mad at that face?

What a ham!!

All done!!

50¢ Monday

On Monday, the local thrift store offers certain tag colors for only 50 cents. I have recently started going more often to spend time with my mom. It's something she enjoys to do and I have started to like especially since I have found some pretty good deals. Yesterday, for 25 dollars, I bought: 8 name brand shirts for my younger boys, a pair of Levi's for Tyler, A VHS tape of a movie the kids have wanted to watch (they'll just have to do it at grandma's because we don't have a VCR anymore), a big stuffed Grinch for Jacob, a cookie tray for church, a shirt for me, a comforter and brand new Scooby Doo sheets. Not so bad. Maybe, my friend Delilah is wearing off on me. I still have to figure out the CVS thing though. Anyway, it is nice to spend time with my mom. She is having a hard time dealing with things in life right now.

Oh, the joys of parenthood...

Today is the Friday after Thanksgiving. I am not a Black Friday shopper. I guess for some it is tradition and some really enjoy it but, for me, I am not going to fight that crowd. I am not a big shopper anyway. I like to go get what I need and be done. So, since I will not have any shopping stories to share I will tell you about Thanksgiving. We had decided to go to Bill's brothers house. His sister was in town from California and she only comes to visit about twice and year. His brother had just got married and bought a new house and wanted everyone to be there for their first Thanksgiving together. We could kill a lot of birds with one stone, right? Well, it is a two hour trip and we didn't have to be there until 2:3o so we had a lazy morning and got ready at our own pace. Finally, at about 12 noon, we decided to get things packed up, throw some snacks in the bag, diapers, pajamas, drinks, the cheesecake, and most important give the kids their Dramamine. We printed up a map of the shortest route and off we went. We did not realize that the shortest route was also the hilliest and the windiest. Once we got off the expressway, about 45 minutes into the trip, it was a continuous roller coaster ride. Hopefully, the kids would sleep until we got there. Nope, my life couldn't be that simple. Jacob, who has been our biggest puker woke up and told us he was sick. I grabbed a bag because that was all I had. He hasn't got sick in a while so I was not prepared (the medicine has worked since we have been using it). Well, long story short, he missed the bag, completely. So, we pull over and clean him up with what we had...baby wipes. I take all his clothes off except for his underwear and shirt. Bill called his brother and told him our dilemma and we were off again. We didn't realize this but we were less than a mile from our exit (if only he could have held off 3 minutes). So, of course, we make a grand appearance. Bill got Jacob in the house, wrapped in a towel, showered him, put on his PJ's, and threw his clothes in the washing machine. Then, it was off to make introductions to his brothers new in laws...what a great first impression. We are already known as the ones with the "monster" kids...might as well live up to it. Anyway, the rest of the day went okay. The kids were actually pretty good considering the circumstances. Their youngest is 13 and there was not much for my little ones to do. We left about 7. We took a different route and arrived back home without any messes. I am sure we gave the family something to talk about though.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This is a picture of me, Bill, Jon and Mandy in Mexico. I am putting this picture up for two reasons. First, I do not like winter and being cold. In Mexico, there is no winter and it's not cold. Winter is pretty in pictures, I will admit that, but I can look at pictures on a beach, sipping a tasty beverage, enjoying the warm sunshine, and working on a tan. Every winter I go through this, I want to go somewhere warm. The second reason I posted this picture is because I miss my sister. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am really having a hard time. We spent alot of time together. The holidays will never be the same and I don't know how I am going to get through them. Today I was making pumpkin cheesecake for tomorrow and I started crying and Joshua (who is my tenderhearted one) knew why I was crying and said "Mom don't be sad, it won't be a long time and we will be in heaven and we will see Aunt Mandy again. It will be at Christmas time and that is only a few weeks." If only he understood, only if we all could understand. I know someday I will see my sister again because she is waiting for me and she won't be waiting a "long time." She will run to me and give me that hug I so long for. I won't ever have to say good-bye again. Then, there will be no more tears and we will never spend a holiday apart.

TIME FOR HOMEWORK...

Bill decided that he was going to be the one to help Jacob with his homework. Every Sunday, they sit down to do it and this is the scene at our dining room table. Joshua and Isaiah want to do homework, too. I don't think Bill realized what he was getting himself into but I do hope my kids are always this excited to do homework. What are the chances?

The last place you look...Part 2

Yesterday morning we getting the kids ready for school and the time came to put shoes on. Jacob puts his shoes on and Joshua can not find his anywhere. So, starts the search, upstairs, downstairs, in the closets, through the trash, in the cupboards, and, yes, the dishwasher (at this house stranger things have happened). Finally, time is up they have to get to school so Joshua puts on his brothers shoes, they are a size too big but they will do. I gave up the search I figured they would turn up before morning and besides I had laundry to do. I go upstairs to grab the dirty clothes, especially the blankets (if you have read older posts you will recall they are the missing items from the last search). Anyway, down to the basement I go, basket in hand, open the the washer, and what do I see...you guessed it...the shoes. I have no idea how they got there. It seems as though "not me" did it. I used to love the Family Circus cartoons as a kid with the "not me" character little did I know someday my life was going to be like that cartoon.

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY ISAIAH!!

What do you think?

Is it okay for a man to get into his wife's purse? I have had this discussion with my husband and he thinks it is okay. At first it drove me crazy but I have learned to live with it. My dad, on the other hand, has been married to my mom for 37 years and has never been in her purse. He brings it to her and she gets gets whatever he needs out. I was driving home today and they asked this question on the radio and I didn't get a chance to hear any responses so I was curious to see if this comes up at your house?

I LOVE MY HUSBAND

My husband has a bumper sticker on the back of his truck that says "I LOVE MY WIFE" He has gotten a lot of dirty looks because of it. He has had people flag him down just to say not so nice things to him. He has looked out his rear view mirror and saw wives pointing (and we can only imagine what they are saying to their husbands). As a matter of fact, when he got his new truck, I didn't think he was going to put a new bumper sticker on it. But it was the first thing he did. I have to admit it makes me feel special to know he loves me that much that he wants everyone to know. Not only that, he is willing to put up with the grief people have given him. I just want to take the time today to say that I appreciate him and all he has done for me and our family. We have always been his priority and he has always made sure we have what we need. And if there was a bumper sticker that says "I LOVE MY HUSBAND" I might put it on my car.

I wonder...

...if there will ever be a day when everything in my house isn't locked up. We have locks on the inside and outside of our bathroom and dining room doors. Locks on the refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, and even our TV stand doors.

...if I will ever be able to put a nice centerpiece on my dining room table.

...if the clothes in my son's closet could stay on the rod, on hangers, and hung up instead of on the floor in a big pile.

...if I will ever be able to have a plant that isn't destroyed.

...if the pillows will ever stay on the couch.

...if my husband could come home and the first words out of my mouth aren't "You need to fix the..."

...if my walls will ever be crayon free.

...if my boys will ever pee in the toilet.

...if Isaiah will ever be potty trained.

...if I will ever go on vacation again.

...if vacation is asking to much, how about a date?

...if I will be able to talk on the phone and actually hear the other person. I know you are really my friend if we have talked on the phone more than once.

...if there will ever be a day that belchs and farts aren't funny.

...if I will ever just except that life has been forever changed because of kids.

It's gonna be okay...

We had a parent teacher conference for Jacob on Tuesday. We were a little nervous about what his teacher was going to say. For those who don't know Jacob he is a "busy" child. I remember the day I had him, I was afraid to sit down in the car because I didn't think he was going to wait until we got to the hospital. He almost didn't, we got to the hospital at 6am and he was here at 6:20am. That should have been my first clue. He started walking at 9 months and has not stopped. He just goes from one thing to the next without a break in between. It's almost as if before he does one thing he already knows the next thing he's going to do.

So anyway, we had no idea what his teacher was going to tell us. I can honestly say I was shocked by what she said. First, she said she has had bigger challenges. Jacob may need reminders but he does respect authority. He likes to talk alot but we already knew that. She said she thinks that we are doing a great job with him. I think that part of me needed to hear that because so many times, especially lately, I feel like I am failing at this mom thing. To hear someone on the outside say that they think you are a good parent was the boost I needed.

But then, who knew being a parent was so hard until you are one and your heart breaks when they do wrong or they hurt and you can't fix it. But somehow every hurt they may bring seems to disappear when they crawl up on your lap and tell you how special you are, that they think you are beautiful and that they love you. My kids are far from perfect but there is one thing I know, they are loved and are loving so maybe instead of looking for someone else to tell me I am doing fine maybe I should just remember that I am the mom God chose just for my kids and if He believes in me maybe I should believe in myself.

Things we do for our kids

This is Hunter...

I have mentioned her before. She was my sister's dog. I really have to be honest I am not too crazy about her but when Mandy passed away I kept her because I didn't have it in me to get rid of her.

But this is Joshua...

He is my next to youngest son. He on the other hand loves Hunter. Every morning he will come into our room just to hug her and kiss her. When she growls at him he says, "Don't you know, it's me, I love you."

Now, I guess we are really stuck with a dog because I can not get rid of her and break my son's heart.

Sorry...

to those who were trying to leave comments and couldn't. I didn't know I had to change my settings...now you can comment away!!!

A little fall fun

READY...

SET...

GO...

FIGHT!?!?

The next LeBron???

This is Tyler, my oldest son and he just made the first string for the basketball team at his school and I am so proud of him!!

Oh, that Isaiah...

Since the weather has been nice Isaiah and I have been walking to the school to pick up Jacob. He is so funny because he remembers every little thing. He knows which house has the wishing well, the big rock, the water fountain and even the black cat. Yesterday, there was a piece of a Halloween costume that must have been lost while trick or treating and someone clothespinned it to a guard rail in a parking lot. It was a orange and red checkered shirt and for some reason Isaiah thought it was underwear. Today, while we were walking, by the costume was gone and he says "Where did Beema's underwear go?" I had to laugh but now I have to find out why my mom would buy such ugly underwear but more important what were they doing on the guard rail????

And the answer is...

A PEN!!

I found it in the bottom of my toaster. A few days ago Tyler was making a toaster strudel and I asked him if he had burnt it. He said no. I didn't think anything of it. I just thought the edge of his strudel was black until Jacob caught Isaiah put a hot wheel in the toaster yesterday and when I got it out I noticed what used to be a pen. Add that to the scooby snack and I can't believe my house is still standing. You can not turn your back for a minute around here. Sometimes I wonder if there will ever be a day that our house will be normal? But I am afraid I already know that answer.

Can you guess what this is?