Happy Birthday Bill!!!

When you get to be his age a good nap is always important!

It beats getting them ready...

...to go out in the snow and play for 15 minutes. This is how our kids spent their snow day.

Thats wrong isn't it???

Who ordered this ???

This is what our hot tub now looks like.

This is the view from our side door.
The gate.
Tyler was outside snow blowing an hour and a half after "the mystery plower" was here (Thanks,by the way).
Just another view.
Picnic anyone ?
The mailman will be happy the path to the house is clear. As long as he comes within the next hour!

It's been a few days...

...since I posted. Things are still as crazy as ever at our house. It just seems like I can't use my computer. My kids have taken it over. I usually don't mind, they are quiet and learning at the same time.

Isaiah has been dry for two days and that is exciting. I stopped pushing him and he started telling me he had to go. He still is very mischievous. This morning when I went to make coffee there was some liquid in the grinder, when he did that I don't know. Today, I attempted to put away some laundry and came downstairs to see the package of pork chops I was thawing for dinner on the floor. Good thing they were still sealed and the dog was upstairs with me.

Jacob and Joshua got their report cards today. Jacob has shown improvement since last quarter. He has a habit of correcting the other kids when they are wrong, not realizing he needs to focus on himself. He is trying to help but in the process is disrupting them. Joshua is "well on his way to being a kindergartner." His speech has gotten a lot better. He is so proud of knowing how to spell his name the teacher says he has to show them his work before it goes in his mailbox.

Tyler has been saving his basketball skills for the final game of the season. In the championship game he shot back to back 3's. I knew he had it in him, he just wasn't sure of himself. They went on to win the game, putting them in third place for the year. Yesterday, I decided to fill out a list of "25 random things about me" for facebook. I asked Tyler to tell me how he would describe his mom. He said "loud, obnoxious ,and annoying." Isn't he sweet?

And just because I thought this was funny...

Today, my husband had two very different socks on. Maybe, I matched them that way. I can't imagine that but it could be possible. But tell me which is worse...me, accidentally mismatching them or him, not noticing when he put them on???

Questions I can't answer...

and wish I didn't have to.

Jacob and Joshua have really been into playing on the computer. I am amazed because I did not touch a computer until I met Bill. Anyway, today Joshua asked me to type his address. I did and googled it. They can now show you a street view of your house...Crazy! He clicked on the navigator and looked up and down the street. Then, he moved it so it looked up to the sky and says to me "Mom, let's look up in heaven and find Aunt Mandy." I told him that I would show him Mandy's house. So I googled her house. He again clicked on the navigator looked up in the sky above her house and said "Now, we can find her?"

Tidbits

Tyler's basketball team won the first round in the tournament on Wednesday. They lost today but they still have a chance to come in third in the championship game on Saturday.

My van is fixed. It gets warm again. With the lovely weather outside, that is a good thing.

The garbage disposal is replaced and working. I guess it was still under warranty. That saved us a few dollars.

Bill has two job offers on the table. He is trying to think logically and figure out which job would be best for the family. I told him to take the one that is going to get him a paycheck first. I know, that's wrong.

I set some Oreos on the dining room table tonight for the boys. I went upstairs to get them and make sure their rooms were clean. When I came downstairs, Isaiah had eaten the filling out of all 6 of the cookies. Crazy kid!!

I am so ready for spring. When I look outside, I have to wonder why I was so set against moving to Texas.

Yesterday, before school, Joshua insisted he was sick and even threw in a few fake coughs. He knows about our playdate and was looking for a way to go with us. They are never too young to try to pull a fast one on mom and dad.

"I fed the freakin' birds!"

Don't ask me, I don't know what it means either. My friend Julie and I meet weekly at McDonald's (it's not just open to her and I, if you wanna join us feel free even if your kids are in school, out of school, adults, or you have no kids). We get together and have fun getting to know each other in a more personal way. It has been a great way to get her very shy daughter to open up and talk to me. She goes up in the play tubes (?) and calls my name. (If you know her then you know, that is a milestone.)

There is a group of senior citizens that are there every week. They usually keep to themselves but today I am not sure it was coffee they were drinking. I heard them discussing politics and religion. Everyone has an opinion. I personally have learned not to argue either one of those topics, it's not worth it. It's a fight you won't win. I remember when I worked at Rizzi's there was this kid who always had something to say to me about the existence of God. At first I really let him get to me but eventually I had to ignore him. He seemed to have a comeback for everything. Bill told me just pray for him and that was all I could do. I believe what I believe and I have learned I can not impose that on anyone.

Anyway, back to the subject.

Don't let the title of this post throw you off, like it did us. One of the senior ladies got up to get her coffee refill and yelled that back to the table. Not the worst thing she could yell but it just wasn't like them.

So, if you can handle sauna like temperatures, wobbly tables, loud kids, sticky floors, greasy food and other people you should join us. We really do have a good time.

(That is why Bill is a salesman, not me)

It's a good thing...

there's light at the end of the tunnel. I don't know what it going on but it's seems as everything is breaking. My van is broke...a bad thermostat housing? Started out as a simple job (they told me) but my van is in the garage, hood still up, not running. The other day, my furnace went out. It was Friday, when it was below zero outside. Bill came home and fixed it. It went out again today, Bill is still in Colorado!!! My hot water tank pilot blew out twice this week. Not a big deal to fix but you usually don't find out until you are in the middle of a shower and things get cold real fast. My house phones work when they feel like it (and the day my furnace wasn't working, they didn't feel like it!). Yesterday, my garbage disposal died. I think the fact that it started smoking means we probably need a new one.

On the plus side, Isaiah has been telling me he has to go potty! Light, I see, light!

Light at the end of the tunnel?

I am a "single" mom today for the first time in a long time. Bill is in Colorado for a job opportunity. If he takes this job I better get used to it, he'll be on the road every other week (not fun). At this point I guess I just have to be thankful he has options and things are looking up. I have to be honest I can not wait until he gets his first paycheck...we are going to go celebrate.

Yesterday, when he left for the airport Jacob started crying because he didn't want him to leave. I am such a chain reaction cryer, I had tears in my eyes too. It broke my heart. That boy can be such a handful but other times he is not so bad. He wanted to talk to his dad before bed but his plane didn't land until after bed time so first thing this morning he called his dad. Here, in Ohio, it was before 7 am that would make it before 5 am for Bill. I guess it was time for dad to get up! I am amazed with Jacob's memory. He memorizes phone numbers, he knows how to spell all of our names, remembers so many details of things we have done and places we have been. It is crazy. The only thing he doesn't remember is how to behave if he could get that down we would be in good shape.

78-92

That was the final score of the Cavs game last night. That makes them 20 and 0 at home (the best in the NBA). The temperature outside when we got out of the truck was -2. We had really good seats (thank you anonymous). I thought I would share some pictures that I took.

A little shoot around

LBJ
Who me? This reaction is typical NBA.
Free throws.
Shoot Boobie Shoot!!
And my other future NBA Star...
I had to put that in!!!

Misc.

Okay, enough of the serious stuff!!! Two posts in a row of my softer side is plenty.

How about a few updates...

1. Tyler's basketball team won their first game and I got to see it. Bill usually goes to the games but I wanted to see one before the season ended. Maybe I should have been at all of them and they would have won them all!!!

2. Bill is flying to Colorado next week to hopefully start a job. He has had a few other opportunities lately. Now instead of no options he has a couple.

3. Potty training has come to a screeching halt. I have hit a wall with that boy. I guess it will happen when he is ready.

4. Jacob has been having some behavior issues lately. I am afraid that next year the teacher will probably recommend some medication because I just don't see him making it through the school day. He has self control problems and I don't know how to fix it.

5. Joshua has decided to ban napping from his schedule. They take to long is what he says.

6. We have tickets to the Cavs game tonight. That is very exciting. The not so exciting part is the temperature outside is -4 (not wind chill). Can you say brrrrrrrrr? I guess thermals are going to be a part of my outfit tonight!!!

Everything for a reason...

I have always believed all things happen for a reason. Sometimes we don't like the reason but other times it works to our benefit. I have mentioned in a past post (simply titled friends) about how it would mean so much to me to reconnect with old friends. Well, I got a phone call last night from an old friend. I was so excited I had tears in my eyes (I am not kidding). We happened to be at the same place at the same time around Christmas and bumped into each other. I didn't get to talk to her but plan on calling her back tonight.
I recently joined Facebook to keep in touch with my cousin and have reconnected with a few others that I used to work with. I really haven't spent much time updating my page (it's not always easy to find computer time). It is really easy to find someone. I like the fact that they ask you if you know someone before they let them see your page. I have a few more friends that I want to catch up with. Like I said in the last post, I am really grateful for all of the people in my life. Good friends are hard to come by.

Emotions...

Yesterday, at church, the topic was "God's antidote to damaged emotions." How appropriate, I thought, I can relate to damaged emotions. My emotions lately have gotten a run for their money. I have had my share of ups and downs. The pastor used David as an example and how he dealt with the loss of a child. I know how David must have felt when he prayed and prayed because it was all he could do. The helpless feeling you have when someone you love is clinging to life and you can't do anything else. I am struggling with the rest of the story. I know that God is in control and that He has bigger plans. The part that is probably the hardest is accepting what I can't change. I often find myself thinking that circumstances aren't real and I am going to wake up because it is all a bad dream. He also said to focus on what you have not what is lost. This also is hard for me. Sometimes I feel like everything is meaningless and then I start to take it out on those I love the most.


I have also been very overwhelmed by emotion of a different kind. I know that I have mentioned that after we lost Mandy, Bill lost his job. He has been looking, sending out resumes, going on interviews, etc. But it is tough out there. That is about where my emotions come in. I am overwhelmed because we have so many great people in our lives who have really been there for us in our time our time of need. We are blessed to be a part of a church that truly cares about its people and show Gods love in so many ways. One of the job opportunities Bill had may require moving to Texas. I told him this morning that I can't even think about moving. I am at a time in my life where I wouldn't want to move to a strange place and start all over. I have never been so broken but at the same time felt so much love by those I call friends. I want to say thank you to all of you for everything you have done, you have no idea how you have touched my life.

SNOW DAY!!!

Today we got a whole lot of snow dumped on us. We got the kids bundled up and headed outside for some winter fun.

Isaiah chewing on his jacket.

We were all shoveling...I am a little confused about this because we have a couple friends who plow snow!?!?

Some angel making...
Jacob

Joshua

I guess the swing set can still be used...

but the pool will have to wait.

Still wondering...

Awhile ago I posted about things I wonder and just to let you know...I am still wondering. I guess those things won't be "normal" again until the kids are off to college. I was thinking today as I was cleaning our toilet, I should have named my blog "Will my toilet ever stay clean?...Adventures of a stay at home mom with 4 boys." A little long but to the point. Those of you with boys know what I am talking about especially when I mention cleaning the toilet.

Here are a few "mishaps" that have happened lately:
...Isaiah made up a new coffee flavor. He got into the cupboard and got chicken bouillon cubes and put them in the coffee grinder. Look for that flavor the next time you buy coffee.
...This morning I asked Isaiah to put the laundry from the hamper into a basket so I can take it downstairs. He takes the clothes out of the hamper and piles them into the dog bed. I asked him where the dog is and he starts to move the pile of clothes and says "There her is!!"
...I took our tree down and stuffed inside the branches I found puzzle pieces, parts to a batman action figure, a lid to a trinket box, 2 key chains (one came off my new shoes and the other a picture of Bill and I in Memphis), some socks and a dishcloth.
...Yesterday, for lunch, I gave the kids leftover tortellini. I left the container on the counter because I was planning to have it (I usually eat after they go down for a nap, I need the quiet time). We were in the living room watching a TV show I told them they could finish after lunch before I laid them down. Isaiah went into the kitchen, he was only gone a second, he put the tortellini container on the floor. Long story short, the dog had a great lunch.

Isaiah really isn't a monster he is just busy. When you ask him what he is doing he will tell you "me busy" and he usually is...busy getting into something he shouldn't.

Don't you love hat head!!

This is what Joshua looked like when he came home from school today. He was so upset that I took this picture because he likes his hair "flat". (I am glad my parents didn't have a blog when I was a kid!)

My 6 year olds phone conversation...

Today, Jacob got a phone call from a friend. I was listening to his side of the conversation and I just had to laugh. He was talking about how yesterday when he was over his mom said he could come back today. Then he said "do you remember when you came to my house over the summer to go swimming and your hair was short. Do you remember? I think you were only five. We had cookies in the pool". (What???) "Um, I don't know what to say" (...silence for a second). Then the Grinch came up (Jacob has always been a little obsessed with the Grinch) He went on about how "when the Grinch was a little boy and he used to live in Whoville and he had a dog named Max and he didn't have a reindeer and he needed a reindeer to make his sleigh go and so he made a reindeer out of Max and do you know how many reindeer Santa has? I do, he has eight". It was right about then I think the friend was done talking and hung up because Jacob kept calling his name over and over. I don't think that little boy got one word in the whole three minutes they were on the phone. Jacob wanted to call him back but I told him that he probably had to eat dinner (I couldn't tell him he just talked his ear off about absolutely nothing)
Wouldn't it be nice to live life like a child again...when your biggest concern is wondering how the Grinch could eat a raw onion? My kids sometimes drive me absolutely crazy but other times they really put life into perspective. I think we should live our lives through a childs eyes. They worry about nothing. They just know and trust that someone bigger is going to take care of them and always provide. I think it would be great to live life like that again. I can't remember the last time I had a conversation with someone and talked about "nothing".

Art time with dad

My parents bought the boys a batman art set for Christmas. It was the only gift still unopened, until today. Bill promised Joshua he would open it and play with it. It came with markers, crayons, stencils, watercolors, paper, etc. Well, here are the finished pictures...

This one belongs to Isaiah.

This one is Joshua's.

Here is Jacob's.

And last but not least, here is Bill's masterpiece. Bet you didn't know his hidden talent!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!?!?

I wish you all a very happy new year. Even though I, personally, have never really been big on celebrating the new year. Maybe, I am a party pooper. Maybe, I really don't look forward to being another year older. I really don't know what it is about it that I just can't get into.
Last night, we decided to let the kids stay up. I never thought they would make it. We played a few games and put on a movie. I thought for sure that would put them to sleep (it works for me, just ask my husband). The night went pretty well except for Isaiah throwing up. He has an ear infection and the doctor put him on an antibiotic that he refuses to take without a fight. After a wrestling match and getting most of it down, he goes in the living room and throws it all up. What a waste of my energy! We also thought that letting them stay up 4 hours late would also mean they would sleep in 4 hours...HA HA HA! They slept in one hour later making it 7 o'clock not 6.
Anyway, I really am not pessimistic about the new year. I hope the year brings healing for us from the struggles of 2008. I know that great things will happen and I truly wish you a great 2009.