Jenn-tastic

Pictures I didn't take...

2012-01-14T01:13:00.003-06:00

Katy's new shower curtain

Polly Pocket sized Beast

Pucker up - Becca (or Emily)

Yes I do have blue eyes.

The cousins are finally here!

You're a lovely dancer.

Looks like Katy's reflection in this one.

So fresh and yellow and everywhere!

Got, milk?

Yep, they are still blue.

Can we watch another episode?

Polly's houses and plane.

Pooh Bear waiting for his computer turn.

Watch me put these dishes away, baby.

Who put all those socks on the floor next to the recycling?

Self portrait of ... ME!

A flip flop for your wine glass...

And a piece of trash.

Cotton Candy and Polka Dots

2012-01-07T15:39:00.002-06:00

If you were lucky enough to make it to our house during the holiday - Amanda probably already showed you Emily and Becca's newly decorated room. But if you missed it ...

Here are a few things we learned on this group project...

It goes faster with scratchers and scrapers than picking at it on and off for a few months or so. (But they did enjoy listening to Adventures in Odyssey over and over and over ....)

Here's what everyone else was doing on October 19th...

I didn't realize how long we had been working on their room!

Apparently, Katy likes to bake when she's frustrated...

yummy for us.

If mom doesn't really like mint green walls as much as the girls -

you'll probably have to repaint. Probably.

Having the right music is always important.

Plus notice how mom is letting them put the circles wherever they want....

not necessarily where mom would have put them.

FYI -The triforce CAN be represented with polka dots.

******

For Christmas, we gave the girls bulletin boards and the promise to finish their room over Christmas break. With one more trip to IKEA for the little shelves and 2+ hours of hanging things... I think we are done.

Becca's side

Emily's side

Well, we still need to repaint the chairs... that red just doesn't go with our color scheme.

But that will have to wait until a drier, warmer month.

Maybe done isn't the right word...

Turn 'em Around

2011-12-13T13:30:00.002-06:00

There I was, stalking someone on fb and they responded to a wonderful idea... one I might not have thought of on my own, but one I now consider my own. An easy way to sort through your hanging clothes.

1. Go to your closet.

2. Turn on the light.

3. Turn all the hangers (with clothes on them) the wrong way (opposite way, backward, etc.).

4. As you wear and wash the clothes, hang them back up the regular way (the way you always have).

5. In six months, any clothes still hanging on a backwards hanger means you haven't worn them... and you probably are not going to.

6. Remove the clothes from your home, quickly.

7. Repeat.

Feel free to do this to your spouses and children's closets. They will think you are weird for turning them all around, but most will not take the time to turn them back to normal... and in 6 months you'll know what they've been wearing and what they haven't.

And what shall we do with all the extra coat hangers we will be getting rid of?

Recycle them into chandeliers?

"Are you a boy or a girl?"

2011-10-26T20:42:00.002-05:00

Today, Claire and I were at Winco, where you bag your own groceries. As I was busy throwing a basket full of yummies on the little conveyor belt, Claire was contemplating the gender of our cashier.

"Are you a boy or a girl?"

Oh no, did she just say that out loud.

"I said are you a boy or a girl?"

Maybe I can head this off at the pass... "Claire, she's a girl. See her pony tail and her pretty earrings."

I can see her thinking while I am busy tossing the last of the produce on the belt. "Am I a boy or a girl?"

"You are a girl, sweetie."

"Are you a boy or a girl?"

"I am a girl, too." I am glad she is asking about me and her, maybe it will seem like she is unsure of gender identity in general. She's just a little kid, asking a basic question. Except, she knows the difference between boys and girls... and has for some time.

Then the lady says "I can see her talking to me, but I can't really hear her."

Oh no. Am I supposed to say the exact thing I was hoping we could just let drop. Maybe I could just make a politically correct summarization?

I tell the nice lady that Claire's asking if we are girls or boys. "Oh, I'm a grandma." Good answer, as I am quickly changing gears to repack the shopping cart I just emptied.

Normally, I enjoy this part. I've always loved Tetris and feel like I can actually use it when I fill paper bags with boxes of cereal, crackers, cake mix and jello. I am even up to the challenge of tuna fish, tortillas and frozen pizza bites. And it's a race against the person in the other lane... even if they bought less stuff.

As I start to fill my first bag, Claire says "Then why does she have a mustache?"

I wanted to stop right there and laugh out loud! I understood the whole conversation a little better, now. And I wanted to laugh. I was tired and Claire was being observant, making "connections" in her little brain.

I chose the easy answer - "Shush, I'll tell you in the van." But she never brought it back up.

As I was telling Darren about our trip this evening, she piped up and said, "Well, she did have a mustache."

Maybe she did... I must have missed it.

Getting Around Levi

2011-10-24T09:40:00.001-05:00

A family friend offered Emily and Becca a chance to meet her horse, Levi. It took about an hour to get there, so I had lots of time to go over the "mom rules" with them.

#1. DO NOT EVER walk behind the horse. They are large, strong animals and will kick you. Hard.

#2. Again, do not walk BEHIND the horse. I don't want you getting kicked. Walk around the front

if you need to get to the other side.

#3. Remember to use a soft voice,

so we don't spook the horses.

#4. Walk in front of the horse, NOT BEHIND...

or you will get kicked.

Before we could meet Levi, we got to muck out his stall.

The girls were so excited to wear boots and use a manure fork!

While Mrs. Debbie went to get some wood chips, the sisters waited patiently for her return.

It's hard for these sisters to stop dancing even when they aren't excited...

But we finally got to meet Levi. Mrs. Debbie showed us how to brush him, she showed us how to clean out his hooves and she taught us to keep our hands on him and talk to him,

even when we walk behind him.

What? Did she just tell my little 8 year olds they could walk behind this huge animal! "Keep your hand or your arm on him, so he knows where you are. Talk to him, so he knows where you are. Stay close to him, in case he kicks it won't hurt as bad... as if you were farther away."

NO! No she didn't just tell them to do the exact opposite of my years of watching television horses had taught me. You NEVER walk BEHIND the horse. And here was Mrs. Debbie, so patient and kind with the girls. Answering all their questions. Telling them what she was doing and why.... and she broke the only rule I knew!!!!

I kept my mouth shut. Obviously, I didn't know as much about horses as Mrs. Debbie and I trust she knows what she's talking about. So I kept quiet and wanted to walk in front of the horse to get around... but the way he was tied - I couldn't.

Unbeknownst to the girls, I made a pact with God. Do not let this horse kick me and I'll honor Debbie's directions. Fair enough?

So I kept my forearm on Levi's side and bravely walked towards the back end. Then another question popped into my mind. How much bottom contact was I to have? Did I have to slide my hand across the whole thing (like I was innocently doing on his side) including the "business" part or could I just touch one cheek and then the other? Remember, I have always stayed far away from the aft end of a horse... we'll especially when the horse is on TV. They don't usually do close ups from that end.

It worked. All my bones and internal organs stayed in tact. Levi did not kick me. Yeah, now we can ride!

As the girls used a stool to saddle up, I was so happy for them. The only thing an 8-yr-old girl would have loved better was if this horse had sprouted wings and flown them to a unicorns field in the sky.

Becca and Mrs. Debbie

Emily's turn

Even mom had a turn. A short turn. As I used the stool, I realized how tall Levi was. As soon as I got on, I was sure the saddle was slipping to the left and I was about to be hanging upside down - like in the cartoons, on TV. Mine was a short turn.

Then we headed back to the stable to take off the saddle and brush Levi some more. There was even talk of braiding his mane and tail... wait his tail. Like the tail that is BEHIND him?

Surely that means you take the tail and pull it to the side and braid it. Surely that does not mean stand behind the horse (without a hand on his bottom) and pull his tail... I mean brush and braid his tail. Surely the only rule I knew must be enforced with tail braiding.

Nope.

Emily brushed, braided, then unbraided, brushed and braided again. Look how brave she is. Doesn't even know she's in danger. I am so proud of her. But I did not braid the tail....

um, Becca needed my help up at the mane.

Thanks Mrs. Debbie - We had a great time with you and Levi.

Guess what the girls want for Christmas...

The Tooth Fairy Rides Again

2011-10-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

The Tooth Fairy has had a long and successful career at our house. And now she can add another client to her payroll...

Of course, a visit from T.F. is not the only thing that happens when you loose a tooth...

The entire family is treated to Frosty's!!!!

Kindergarten, getting to sleep on the top bunk, loosing teeth...

our little Manda is growing up.

Of mice and ... more mice

2011-09-30T16:00:00.001-05:00

One quiet morning I was sitting at the small kitchen table when I saw something run across the floor. My first response was to lift my feet and think... ROACH!!! AAAHHHHHH!!!! Then I remembered I was in Oregon and I haven't actually seen any roaches in more than a year.

So what was it? A bit furrier and greyer than a roach. It had one long tail, not 2 long antlers. Mouse.

I am sure there are mice in Denton, but I had many more roach sightings than mouse sightings when we lived there.

The first was that time we set one of those sticky traps under the sink and the poor little guy was stuck but still alive when we found him the next morning. My fearless husband put the whole thing in a plastic grocery bag and headed for the outside trash can. Absentmindedly he swung the bag in a circle. The mouse squealed. Now Darren had 2 choices: finish him off or call the whole family out to listen while he spun him again. He chose the latter and it is part of our family lore, now.

The other memory involved a dark closet, the wife safely on the bed, the husband's bare feet, using the broom as a hockey stick, and a few choice words that I shan't mention here...but this post is about the fountain of mice under my current home.

As I laid my traps on the counter, the nice clerk pointed out that it was "that time of year." Oh, great! At least that sounds like this will just be for a season and not permanent. I tend to be the one to set them up at night and Darren disposes of them in the morning. Well, except for Monday morning. He left early with Katy and I was not committed to removal, so it stayed there, under the sink, behind the box of trash bags for a full day. Yuck.

Other mornings, I have opened the cabinet door to find cute little mouse eyes staring back at me with only a broken leg foreshadowing their coming demise. I feel very sorry then and start thinking of Stuart Little or Ralph Mouse who were wonderful mice in their own right. Darren has had a harder time disposing of those guys ... there were 2 under the sink in that predicament this morning.

Another method we've only used once is: The Layla. She likes to chase things...especially living things, but it is hard for her to catch them. Once, there was a bird on the back porch at the Kings Row house and I was sure the bird would fly away before Layla got to it - but as soon as I opened the door I realized I was wrong. Unbeknownst to me... that little bird had flown into my back door and nearly knocked itself out, so it wasn't flying anywhere when that big black dog jumped on it. I tried to get Layla to "leave it" or "drop it" or "give me that bird back", but nothing worked. I felt partially responsible for that one.

But not this time. Darren and I wouldn't have known until one of the kids found it in the morning, if we hadn't heard this weird scratching sound. It was loud enough that we woke up at the same time and couldn't place the sound. It didn't sound like one of the sisters getting up in the night to go potty or get a drink or one of the other many things they "need" to do every night. It didn't sound like Claire or Amanda rolling over in their beds and kicking the wall or falling to the floor. It wasn't Jacob moving around his room in that loud rolly chair he has. Layla should be barking at a stranger near the doors or windows, howling and whining if it was a cat or skunk, but she was mysteriously silent. Maybe someone had silenced my dog and was trying to saw the piano into smaller pieces to get it out the front door.

Nope. The Layla must have been in stealth mode and snuck up on that unsuspecting mouse creeping around my fireplace. After she subdued the first one, The Layla went back to get another one. There is an IKEA lamp right next to the fireplace and that weird sound was her claws scrapping against it. We did get her to move away from her prey with the promise of a treat. I really wanted her to have a drink of water, try to get that furry feeling off her teeth, but you can lead a dog to water and then they just look at you.

Now that we've (Darren, Jenn and Layla) caught more mouses than I care to mention... including the chubby one that was feasting on our peaches. I assume it was a he, because all the girl mice have pink bows on their heads, don't they. The peaches were in the fruit bowl ON THE COUNTER, which means there was at least one mouse on my COUNTER!!!!!! I thought they just scurried along the baseboards!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm officially ready for mouse season to be over. Now. Thank you.

Walking again

2011-05-02T13:20:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons it is so hard for me to take the dog for a walk is because it's always raining! (Well, depending on the season, month, week, whatever, there is always some reason NOT to walk the dog or the Jennifer).

I really thought that since Amy was going to be here for a month, I'd have a walking buddy. Can't you just see the two of us (and the dog) on the walking path by my house? Well, it didn't happen ... RAIN. Everyday!

So now she's of on some tropical island with no car. No choice for her but to walk. Rain or shine.

And as I drive around I notice people walking all the time. In the rain. Without a proper raincoat or umbrella or even hat. Some with dogs, some without.

So I think it's time. Time to walk. I want to walk. Layla needs to go for a walk. I have a stroller for the little girls. It's time. It's time. It's time.

This morning, after all my chauffering of the bigger children, the little girls and I walked.

Now that I'm home I want a venti frappuccino to go with my donut while I sit here and watch netflix.

Going to try again tomorrow.

Sick Break

2011-04-07T16:54:00.000-05:00

Well, I think there's no better time to get sick than when you have an extra 6 people in your house. That way someone else can hold a crying child or make dinner or run to the store for more meds or caffeinated drinks for the mommies. And now there is a reason to have the TV on 24/7.

We actually have 2 strains of bugs running through thehouse right now, thankfully it remained within the host family and not the guests. So here I am, fighting off the yuckies.

In the first corner, weighing in at stomach flu, throwing up and diahrea: Emily and Becca.
In the second corner, weighing in at painful ear infections: Jacob and Amanda.

So far, Becca dropped out of the fight after 36 hours... and Jacob and Amanda entered the fight a day or so late, but definately not nearly as dedicated to the pain. Emily seems to be the last one standing... I mean last one crying.

Emily got a shot of Phenergan last night and seems to be doing better. She was pretty dehydrated, but she is doing her best to drink all the pedialyte I keep giving her.

Maybe tonight I'll get to sleep all the way through til morning, without anyone else waking up and crying or throwing up or crawling into my bed. Maybe.

Spring Break Swim

2011-03-31T12:25:00.001-05:00

What spring break is complete without swimming? Even in Portland, where we have had rain 29 out of 31 days, we still want to swim! And with the grandparents staying at a hotel with an indoor swimming pool, we were on our way to fun.

But sometimes "heated" pool, means not freezing pool. As we overtook the pool (only 9 kids and 2 adults ended up swimming) and ran out the other guests... we were friendly and tried to introduce ourselves :) But they left anyway.

Amanda didn't care... she was trying to collect all the flotation devices. We had a great swim and then froze on the return trip home. We had to walk through cold rain to get to the van, but warm hot chocolate was awaiting us at home.

Because what is spring break without swimming?

Oh Happy (Birth) Day!

2011-02-03T11:16:00.002-06:00

Yep - it happened again. Emily and Becca had another birthday!

Rebecca turned 8.

And seven minutes later - Emily turned 8.

We had a few girls from school come over for their party.

They played Just Dance on the wii, rode the zip line and played apples and oranges.

And then what do you do with all those left over balloons?

Just another happy day at our house :)

Better Late than Never....

2010-12-27T18:39:00.000-06:00

and

Happy New Year!

Multnomah Falls

2010-11-07T23:08:00.000-06:00

The kids and I went to Multnomah Falls last month. They were out of school for a teacher workday and we headed out to see the falls. You might remember that we drove past it on our way into Portland this summer, but did not stop because I already needed to go potty. Well, I have discovered they actually have bathrooms near the gift shop, so we could have stopped and saved myself some discomfort...

We found the most interesting caterpillar on our way up to the bridge.

Here's Claire in her new-to-us stroller and that funny "cat-a-pilla".

When Jacob was born, we took pictures on this same bench. Katy was younger than Amanda and Jacob was in the backpack. Since it would require my finding and scanning that one, you'll just have to imagine it.

We sat there for about 20 minutes, watching the water fall and the leaves. The falling leaves were my favorite part. Absolutely beautiful leaves were falling from the trees up on top of the clliffs and floating down like big orange snowflakes. I tried taking pictures, but none of them show how special it was.

I guess you'll have to imagine that one too.

I had a great time with the kids. I think I'll take them up to Mt. Hood next, looks like there is already snow up there on that guy.

(We've been reading a lot of Junie B. Jones around here lately!)

last night

2010-11-02T00:57:00.000-05:00

Well, we took the kids trick or treating last night. We haven't taken the kids door to door to ask for candy from strangers in....well, ever.

In the past, we were very pleased with the annual harvest/ fall festival at our church, playing a few carnival games, winning a cupcake on the cupcake walk, karaoke, popcorn and bounce house with our favorite people.

This year I had no plan, so we ended up at a cute little neighborhood, sure to have candy. But in the dark, surrounded by people I didn't know, walking up to strangers' doors to ask for a handout, past horror masks and scary sounds I don't even let Katy watch on TV (much less the littler kids) - I felt sick. Nauseous really, and I was ready to turn the kids around after the very first house.

We were only a few feet from the van. I could have dealt with the stares from those other
"wonderful" parents, wondering what was wrong with me, while my children completely fell apart - crying, arguing, falling limp to the ground. I could have, really I could have. They're not the boss of me!

But I didn't. We walked on.

Soon the desire to puke passed, only to be replaced with tears. I was saddened for all these people. Saddened that everyone thinks this is a holiday worth celebrating. I was reminded of a quote from You've Got Mail, "We are... an American family." Tom Hanks is talking about how his grandfather has married someone half his age and now has children younger than his grandson... "We are... an American family, celebrating an American holiday."

But I don't think they understand what they are celebrating. Sure there were some cute costumes and my kids love free candy (well, most of it), but walking next to the scream or Freddy or crazy zombie clown or any of the other inappropriate costumes isn't my idea of family fun.

The tears finally stopped (luckily it was dark and only Becca noticed... she notices emotions, you know) and I was able to refocus my attention on my own cute kids in their own, homemade costumes and the fun they were having. Walking and talking and laughing.

The kids all created/ found their own costumes from around the house. I just helped with the hair. The Marshmallow of Liberty. A damaged cyborg assassin. The white queen from Alice in Wonderland. Queen Lucy from Narnia. Uniqua the pink. And I don't know what Claire is (one of the sisters dressed her).

Halloween is not for me. I already believe in angels and demons. I don't want to ask them for candy or anything else they might be "offering". Next year, we'll do something different: watch a movie, play games, have our own harvest festival, but I won't be sold on a materialistic holiday that means nothing but fear and cavities.

I do think we'll hit that little neighborhood again once they've decorated for Christmas. Walking, talking, laughing and looking at twinkly lights. That sounds like family fun. The fun that was missing from last night...light. Light in a dark world.

"Is that where the giants live?"

2010-10-20T17:35:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Amanda looked across the cloud covered gorge and asked, "Is that where the giants live?"

It was beautiful. The hills of Camas were poking out above the clouds... not fog, clouds. And it looked like a city above the clouds.

Of course, I said "yes. That is exactly what a giant town looks like." I even thought we'd get to go through that cloud bank as we crossed the river... but alas, we did not.

She was disappointed there were no clouds on the bridge and most of all, "Why can't we go see the giants?" We'll, Aunt Priscila was waiting for us.

However, we could see the clouds up the river a bit. It was an awesome sight and I'll forever think of Camas, Washington as the home of Amanda's giants.

On a side note, Darren asked Amanda what she thought they made at the factory (in Camas)... she said "Clouds?"

Of course, what giant city doesn't have a cloud factory?

Heidi's Messy Oil Spill

2010-10-17T17:27:00.010-05:00

My good friend Heidi blogged about her oil spill. A bottle of olive oil fell and broke - sending oil and glass all over her kitchen.

During cleanup, Heidi was able to reflect for a moment on what the Lord was saying. He reminded her how oil is a prophetic picture of Holy Spirit and how when He's around, it's bound to get messy.

I remember a time when time Darren and I made a conscience decision to let Katy make a mess. She was learning to be independent and desperately wanted to pour her own milk. All I could see was the mess she would make and I would have to clean up. All she could think of was the thrill of doing it by herself. But in the end, it was just spilled milk...

I know, I know, no crying over spilled milk. But I could only see more work for me, not the joy for her. (By the way - at 12 she still spills the milk. So does everyone else in this house.)

In Heidi's story, she ended up doing a prophetic act... the oil (Holy Spirit) breaking out of the container (we can see Him, but not touch him. Talk about Him but never to Him. Grieve Holy Spirit and somehow not know it?). And the "mess" was all over her feet (and her kitchen). He annointed her feet with oil.

As I think back to my decision to let Katy make a mess, I realize I have to do the same thing with Holy Spirit. I have to give Him permission to make a "mess" in my kitchen, in my life, in my heart...or else fear will cause me (us) to miss Him altogether.

It's a scary thing to let Him have free reign...because that means we are not in control. But things fall and break all the time. This time, it might have to be us.

Don't forget to stop and smell the 4 year old

2010-09-15T12:37:00.012-05:00

Amanda: "Mom will you read this book to me?"

Mom: Thinking all the wrong answers
- I have more productive stuff I should be doing
- Maybe I could have one of the twins read to her
- If I read one, she'll ask for another
- Later - maybe for naptime

but Mom finds the right one "Yes".

After I move a few boxes off the couch, we sit down with Blueberries for Sal. One of my favorites.

I've read that book so many times! With every child. We'd change the name at the beginning of their season with the book... Blueberries for Katy. Blueberries for Jacob. Blueberries for Becca (and then re-read it in the same sitting) for Emily. Then it would get put on the shelf for a while until the next one started asking for it.

Today was the first time in at least 6 months that I've read Blueberries for Amanda.

A few minutes of my time to read a book, to remind me how ALL these people of mine used to be little, to make sure Amanda has her turn. If Claire will let her.

Claire: "That me?" (Pointing to Little Sal)

Mom: "Not yet. That's Little Amanda"

Summer at Ceep's House

2010-07-16T11:45:00.006-05:00

Remember lazy summer days with your cousins. No decisions to make... just figure out who you wanted to play with next.

That's what we've been doing this week...

- the creek - cold water, sunshine, mud, rocks and branches dams, fresh oranges, wet dogs.

- backyard - trampoline and sprinkler, slides and water hoses, mud puddles and more wet dogs.

- tv, wii, ds, ipods, facebook, email, media, media and more media

- naptime? The big kids want one and the little ones don't.

- legos, legos, legos, puppet show, legos and more legos (there are a lot of boys around here)

- just hanging out, talking about everything and nothing.

This is what "summer" is... being together.

Double Arches

2010-06-28T02:59:00.002-05:00

I think my favorite part of Arches National Park was feeling small. These huge orange and brown rocks against a bright blue sky with a few white clouds.

“Oh. Beautiful. Wish you were here.” – French Kiss

When the Lord started talking to us about leaving Texas, Chuck had a word about “being sent out from the center, like a dandelion being blown away”… or something like that.

In the middle of the Utah desert was a small oasis of green…and probably the largest Dandelion I’ve ever seen.

Since it was 100 degrees, we only took the family on one hike – Double Arch.

When we got closer, Claire kept telling me "namebow" ... rainbow.

Yeah! We all made it.

I am standing in about the same place for both of these pictures…. do you see how small Darren is in the 2nd one. The blue spot to his right is Jacob.

Emily and Becca got to go a little higher as well, but on the other side of this arch is a cliff dropping straight down…. a LONG WAYS DOWN. So we didn’t get to close to the edge!

Now you are looking back out to the cars. Nana volunteered to stay in the cool van with Layla (no pets on the trails). Can you see them?

Hurry, hurry, hurry. Time for one last picture before the battery dies.

Here's a few other pics we took... it's really beautiful, there just isn't much grass. Being a big problem for Layla... made it a problem for me.
Just pee on the rocks! And their were plenty of those.

Quote of the day: I think I have sand in my mouth. -Emily

"How are ya'll doing?"

2010-06-22T17:04:00.008-05:00

I think we are doing well.

Darren started a Drupal job yesterday. Seems to like it so far...but I haven't talked to him today :)

Katy got her wish... her own room at grandma's AND her very own Facebook account! Like is good for the pre-teen sect. She actually got her horn out yesterday. Good to hear her squeaking, I mean, practicing. I think she and I are going to start taking advantage of the tennis courts across the street.

Jacob is with the cousins for a few days. I'm sure he's having a great time: food, DS, wrestling, tv, bikes and skateboards, repeat - who wants to come back over here?

The other are all in one room. Katy's old nursery. White picket fence wallpaper and a blue ceiling with clouds and glow in the dark stars. There's bunk beds, crib, toddler bed and dresser.... and that's all the room there is. They are ALL excited that grandma has stairs AND cable tv.

Layla treed a cat the other day... that was funny. I could hear the owner calling his cat, so I "tried" to pull Layla back. She's so strong. I was able to drag her some, so the cat could get down. The tree is on the outside of the fence, but I don't think either the dog or cat knew it :)

How is Jenn? Well, it's a bit tricky to have 6 kids in anyone's home for longer than...3 hours. They hit a lull in their playing and it's time to start making food again.

So being at the in-laws brings all that about, but there is also the joy of sneaking in to bed with grandma and watching early morning cartoons, or family meals with yummy desserts, and working in the garden (my favorite). With more work comes more memories... and a chance to make the kids work.

It really is great to be with the cousins and in-laws. We've been apart for a bit too long. We are trying to pace ourselves, just a little bit. Well, it's a nice theory.

We are praying through our options of where to live, closer to his parents or closer to his brother. The original plan was for us to visit for 2 months, so I figure we have that long to figure it out.

The weather is MUCH cooler than Texas. I am enjoying that. Maybe a bit too much rain, but I'm not complaining (very much).

Guess I'll go check on the raspberries before I head through the woods to find the girls (over at a friends house playing in the sprinkler).

Hugs and kisses to everyone.

We ARE doing well.

Like a Band of Gypsies...

2010-06-16T22:58:00.037-05:00

Day 1 - Denton, TX to Amarillo, TX. Once we finished saying good bye - we hit the road.

I think this chicken is at a Stuckey's in Decatur, Tx?

Day 2 -Amarillo, TX to Farmington, NM. There isn't much grass in New Mexico.

I might not have noticed too much,
except I have this dog who likes to do her business on the grass.

It is beautiful in the distance, I just don't want to live there.

One of the kids caught this lady picking her nose, while her son watches us pass
(look real close in the back seat).

Every time we pulled out the camera, ClaireBelles was already "all done".

Everyone cheered up when we made it to the pool...

Great idea, Daddy :)

Day 3 - Farmville, FB... I mean, Farmington, NM to Provo, UT

Who's ready for another day of driving?
We had to stop for a few essentials: mom's medicine, lunchmeat and more DS games.

We went to Arches National Park , but you'll have to go check out those pictures over here (We took so many pictures, I'll put up another post in a few days)...

Day 4 - Provo, UT to Boise, ID. I don't even remember driving this day.... I'm sure there were hills, trees, maybe grass, sunshine, clouds, cars, gas stations and miles and miles of road.

So I'll give you a few more pictures the kids took...

self portrait by Emily

air guitar by Becca

dirty mirror by Katy

faces by Jacob

I do remember that the pool was ICE COLD!!!
Amanda, Claire and I got as far as the first step.
Katy did the big dive, without even testing the water first...bbbrrrr.
Jacob wanted to stay longer,
but he was a bit sick (pneumonia as a matter of fact).

Nana took them next door to Denny's for dessert :)

Layla did great. We were able to find grass for her in Idaho. She slept in Nana's room, with Katy, Jacob and Amanda. We had Claire (in the pack n play) and Emily and Becca in our room.

Day 5 - Fairview, OR

We stopped at a gas station inside a Native American Reservation
and found a little critter next to the pump.
It was like a souvenir but different.

We finally made it to the Columbia River George...

There were so many windmills. A few were really close to the highway.
It's surprising how BIG they are.

As we got ready to fill up for the last time, we thought they must have changed the laws, since we had pumped our own on the other side of Pendleton. So Darren tried to pump his own gas... well, it's self-serve on the reservations, where we found the little critter... but it's not allowed in the rest of the state! Earl looked at us like we had 2 heads.
Trying to pump our own gas - stupid tourists.

We passed beautiful waterfalls for the last 30 minutes before we got to Darren's folks house. But some of us needed to go potty so bad, the last thing we wanted was to stop and look at waterfalls. So here's the best we got.
Multnomah Falls out the back of a dirty window.

For those of you who remember the U-Haul fiasco of '01, we did not attempt that trick again. However, on our last day, I noticed some other poor soul giving it a try. Just had to get a picture....
to remind me how far we've come.

This time, Cool Whip and Blueberry ( our walkie talkie call signs... ) did a great job.

10-4 good buddy. Over.

Getting out of the house

2010-06-10T08:45:00.013-05:00

Between end of school parties, last minute doctor appointments, oil changes and goodbyes...

we packed the truck with all our most precious possessions and sent it on it's way last Tuesday. That meant we were without washing machine, high chair, beds and tv for about a week (which felt more like a month!).

"if not for the courage of the fearless crew, the Jennifer would be lost."

Thank you to all my helpers who cleaned my laundry room, packed my kitchen, scrubbed my floors, lent us air mattresses, took stuff away, watched my kids, washed my laundry, brought us food (on their birthday), prayed for us , prophesied over us, or sang us out of Denton.

So with one last group hug, we headed out on a new adventure...

and we are so thankful for all of you who rode out this last one with us.

13th Anniversary

2010-05-27T08:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was our anniversary.
Iron Man 2 and Sweet Basil.

(And I really, really, really enjoyed the movie. I laughed out loud more than once. Even though the theater smelled like a cat had sprayed the entire thing... how does a cat get into a theater... I thought there were rules about only working dogs... They did come spray something and the guy said he can't smell it, but people complain about it often. My theory is if he can't smell it, it's probably him.... or he's lying! But I digress....)

Let's reminisce about that day 13 years ago. I had just graduated from TWU, Darren was flying in from Boston. A lovely outside wedding in Texas. At the end of May. SUNNY. HOT. MEMORABLE.

The sprinklers had made our first choice a nice muddy bog. The second choice put my LOVELY bridesmaids (one pregnant, one ready to kill me) in the sun while the groomsmen took it like a man, in the shade. So many of you remember it well, I'm sure.

The stolen car and the handcuffs, the missing petticoat in front of a glass window, the broken a/c at the reception ... ahhhh , how the memories go on and on.

Of course there were the parts that went right as well: the bride and groom both showed up on time, the friends and family were all present (mostly), I even have a prophetic picture of Darren and I on the little stage at Joshua House with 5 little girls around us (Hannah and Haley Pierce, Leigh Ann Couch , Lydia Taylor and Noelle - I think).

And then we left. I left them all behind and headed off to Portland with the man of my dreams.

Not much different than this year. I mean, no police or missing petticoats yet, but friends and family present to send Darren, Jenn and 5 little girls (and a boy) off to Portland.

I'm excited to go on a new adventure with the man of my reality (he's much better than the one I dreamed of as a girl . I actually love him more now - better with age and all that.)

I'll let you know how the next 13 go.

P.S. Let me say thank you again to all of those who made that wedding possible :) I think I'm going to have Katy interview the family and take notes about what was really the most important part of their weddings and what part ended up not mattering at all.... we will have a "few" weddings in our future.

Katy in Wonderland

2010-03-09T20:52:00.026-06:00

My firstborn turned 12 this week.

She is such a wonderful blessing to our family.

----------------------------------

To mark this momentous occasion,
I took a bunch of 6th grade girls to see Alice in Wonderland.

Here they were watching all the 3-D previews...
I'd never take a flash picture during the movies!

Wait a second, how did this boy sneak in?

We had a little pizza and ice cream cake.
I think Claire really enjoyed hers.

Thankfully all the girls brought their cameras,
I mean cell phones so we could get pictures up on Facebook, ASAP!

Then on Wednesday night we went to Phantom of the Opera with some kids from her drama class...

Ivy and Katy

Did I mention she got an ipod nano...
she was so surprised and excited!

Til next year - Happy Birthday Katybug!

----------------------------

In other news :
This picture is the wallpaper on the laptop.
Whenever ClaireBelles walks by and sees it...
she stops and makes the face again.

Purim 2010

2010-03-05T16:35:00.009-06:00

his year, Zion Kidz celebrated the story of Esther with a Purim Art Show.

Emily's work is on the left, Jacob's in the middle and Becca on the right.

Jacob with his Mordecai (YEAH!!!) sash, and kings crown and goblet.

Jacob's drawing of Haman. Boo!

The girls made annointing oils, like Esther would have used.

Jacob's royal decree to let the Jews fight back and his signet ring.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On the other side of the parking lot, Ignited was getting ready for

Star Wars 4e : The Esther Saga

Which you can watch at:

www.gozignited.com/ignitedarchive.html

you will have to sign in.

Our very own thespian, Katybug, put in a wonderful performance as C-3PO.

Jacob made a cameo appearance in the alien band - playing guitar.

Daniel and alien Jacob

We all love John Dickson!

And Lee and Ben in the background,

trying to hurry up and put the sanctuary back togther.

First Birthday of the Season

2010-02-11T22:47:00.017-06:00

It started out as any other birthday...

But a brief run-in with Daddy's car door - and Emily was off to a sad start.

At least she had the party to look forward to.

The big brother was setting a good example for us.

We did load everyone into the van and head to the park for 30 mintues...
"Mom, they've never ridden in our van before."

Then we returned home for the pinata.
I've never done a pinata at a party before and now I know why.

Maybe it was because I let them pick this one,
the authentic donkey pinata that requires a stick....

maybe it was because after I bought it and the stick,
I had to buy the candy to fill it up....

maybe it was trying to find somewhere to hang it ...

maybe it was because children don't listen so well
when unknown candy riches are close at hand...

maybe it was the mad rush for a few pieces of candy
and all the arguing that ensued...

maybe it was because I got tired of yelling,
"move back or you are going to get hit"...

or maybe it was because the pinatas neck broke on the second hitter
and the body fell to the ground releasing absolutely no candy.

Really - none! At least everyone got a turn to hit a 4 legged, headless pastel creature before Mom had to pick it up and pull the aft end off so the candy would come out...

Note to self: No more pinatas.

But I think everyone had a great time anyway!

Here's the leftover cake and cupcakes.
Emily and Becca made them the night before.
We had birthday dinner and heart shaped cake with Daddy and Katy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now we have two new birthday traditions :

-Make your own cake the night before.
- New outfit for your birthday

to add to the others:
- Streamers in the morning
(which they are now required to help with the night before)
- Birthday party on your birthday
- Make your own cake/ cupcakes
- Wear a birthday button or pin on your shirt

If you want to see some pics and video of little Emily and little Becca
look back at my posts from January 2009 .

Fan Etiquette

2010-02-05T14:58:00.004-06:00

Imagine you are at the gym doing aerobics or Jazzercise.

Person A positions herself right in front of the fan, because she likes the fan blowing on her while she works out and gets all sweaty.

Person B walks in late, wearing sweatpants and sweatshirt. Proceeds to positions herself in front of Person A.

Person B quickly moves the fan around so it is pointing directly at her.... and then turns the fan off!

What?

This is the warm up song and I'm not sweating yet, but I... I mean, Person A wanted the fan.

I give Person B the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she's just wants if off for the first song.

Wrong.

Person B takes off the sweatpants during the next song. Then the sweatshirt on the next... but never did she make any motion or inkling about turning the fan back on.

So I did. I turned on the fan that I am now only receiving 20% of. Down from my previous 62%.

Then she leaves early. We had 3...maybe 4 songs to go.

Did I miss something?

Did she ever mean to turn it on... and maybe she forgot?

Was I in her spot?

Anyone? Anyone?

I'm sure there is proper fan etiquette... I just don't think Person B knows what it is!

Glasses and her new haircut!

2009-12-29T14:36:00.015-06:00

(Here are a few pictures of Katy's new haircut - in case you read her blog last week.)

As we headed to the glasses store for Katy,
I realized I had my camera in my purse.

I also noticed the stroller was not in the van...
so I am snapping away with a squirmy ClaireBelles in my arms.

You can see Jacob sitting on the ground reading.
Three little sisters are sitting on the floor beside him.
They were sooooo patient.

Having someone take your picture with the new glasses on and then looking at the picture with your old glasses (so you can see what you really look like) was really helpful if you can't see without your glasses on like Katy....

or Darren.

Now what Darren and I want to know is how they can sell us 2 pairs for $99...

but one pair would have cost us over $300.

The mark-up in there somewhere is so high,
that we come out feeling like we got a good deal?

But someone is making money on these glasses...somewhere.

So while Darren and I were pondering the money making aspects of mass production/ supply and demand, Katy was kind enough to have a turn running after the ClaireBelles.

"That big sister is really nice. She even let me put on some of these cutie things.
No one lets me touch their glasses at home!"

costumes

2009-12-09T21:26:00.017-06:00

I know it's December, but humor me here... I showed ya'll photos of Career Day (which was conveniently placed around Halloween) but I never showed you the real costumes.

Spam is the official food product of Ignited.
So she decided to be a Spam dealer...
"Hey, You want some Spam?"

Claire is sitting on one of those over the door shoe holders (that we cut up a bit for Katy to wear like a vest) stacking up all the many varied flavors of Spam....
turkey spam, bacon spam, cheese spam, hickory spam...
amazingly, they all taste like Spam!

Jacob was the Masked Knight.
He loves to wear that cape... thanks Aunt Ceep.

Emily and Becca didn't care what they went as, they just wanted make-up and curly hair. So we chose princesses... because they get to wear all kinds of clothes in public, you know.

Amanda and Mrs. Cathy with her beautiful face painting.

ClaireBelles got to eat bag after bag after bag of popcorn that night.
Better than candy, I think.

Here's our good friends Heidi
(can't remember who she was...her and her sorry costume)

and Captain Will.

Daddy had a gig that night with an AC/DC cover band.
He played Bari Sax on It's a long way to the top.

A good night was had by all.

Darren and Jenn minus 6

2009-11-29T15:16:00.014-06:00

As we left Denton on the way to our 12 and a half anniversary trip - it was good to just be together. Just the two of us. But it wasn't much different than a regular date.

As the miles added up, the daily noises faded away. By nightfall, we were snug in our little 2 bedroom time share in New Braunfels.

No TV. No questions. No laughing. No arguing. No "I need to tell you something." No click-clicks down the hall. No crying. No comments. No interuptions. No questions.

All that quiet had an unexpected effect on my ears ...

Not a ringing. Not a thumping. But more of a fuzziness?

And when the fuzziness finally went away... silence.

Well, listen to that ... nothing. For 5 whole days.

Jenn and Darren at Winery on the Gruene.

Gruene is properly pronounced grewn, but all the locals say 'Green'. Apparently the school systems around there have been failing for decades, since even the old folks can't pronounce the name of their own town correctly.

Looking down from the loft. Notice the internet wire draped across the living room and tied around the banister so we could get internet in the cozy little loft.

BIGGEST PORK CHOP EVER !!! At Cooper's Pit BBQ (Thanks for the tip, Poopa)

Nothing but Starbuck's is open on Thanksgiving Day - Darren's phone app shows us for sure... How dare all those people take off a day to eat turkey while I am on vacation!

Darren made sure the front door wasn't open and some kids followed him thinking he was going in :)

The grumpy Darren and Jenn after a Thanksgiving day that was out of their control...
sometimes everything doesn't go like you planned it.
But He is faithfully working on Darren and I.

We recovered, because He is a big God, not scared of our complaining.
And He puts us back on the right path.
We had a wonderful get away!

Thank you again, Bill and Delight ... both for the gift of where we went and the gift to be able to go alone. We love you.

What a wonderful Anniversary, Birthday, Christmas, Hannukah, Valentine's, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, April Fool's Day and New Year's Day present all rolled into one.

Maybe Darren and I can get away again in another 12.5 years!

sadness, puking and accidents

2009-11-10T21:27:00.015-06:00

The parental units had finished their conversation and moved to the kitchen to prepare the evenings meal. Emily was on food prep duty with a knife and red pepper.

Emily: (tears in her eyes) I don't want you to go.
Darren: Why?
Emily: I don't know.
Jenn: Are you worried we won't come back?
Emily: no
Darren: You'll have grandma Lite and Poppa Bill...
Jenn: and no mean mommy or daddy to tell them no.
Darren: You'll have lots of fun with them.
Emily: (crying)But why do you have to go?
Darren: Because we want to. But we'll call you every day. And then you'll say you don't have time to talk to us, because you are too busy having fun.
Emily: But what if you don't come back.
Darren: We will. We will miss you. We will come back. We are just going away for a few days.

In comes Becca, crying (having been on the potty in the back of the house)...
Jenn: What's wrong?
Becca: I was calling for you and no one was answering me.
Jenn: Are you ok?
Becca: Yes, but I was calling for you and no on came.
Jenn: Darren, Claire just threw up.
Jenn: Oh no, she did it again. I need another towel. I'm sure we're going for the rule of three here.
Jenn: yep, here we go....

* it might get a little yucky here*
Claire threw up all over herself and her tray. I removed tray and placed it gently on the table...so the throw up wouldn't spill. I tried to undress her without touching her. Or breathing in her direction.

Emily starts the bath for Claire. Darren holds Becca. I am ever so careful to take Claire to the bath. She plays happily while Becca and Emily tell me their stomach woes.

Darren enters bathroom: Jammies and bed for everyone.
Emily and Becca : WITHOUT DINNER???!!!!???
Jenn: I thought your stomach hurt?
Becca: Well, I want something to eat.
Jenn: (I know she wants applesauce). What do you want?
Becca: Something not crunchy.
Jenn: Like what?
Becca: Something cold that I don't have to chew.
Jenn: Like?
Becca: Applesauce
Jenn: (that's what I thought. I've been hearing about an upset stomach for 2 days. But no signs of stomach ache when she's in the backyard playing dress-up with Emily tonight. No stomach ache during snack time. But now, it hurts. Maybe it does... but not enough to stay home from school tomorrow.)

Darren feeds kids, I dress Claire, girls are on their bed - waiting for a book.

Finally, I begin reading Emily's nite-nite book ... "Emily's 100 Days of School"... LONGEST picture book ever. Cute book... but not a quick read.

Day 20 - In comes Darren and Amanda...with no panties.
Accident?
Yes.
Where?
Cozy room.
:(

Daddy cleans Amanda up and sends her my way.
Now we are all on the bed - Emily, Becca, Amanda, Claire and mom.
Day 85 - Claire coughs.
Yep. More throw-up.
Luckily it was on Becca's jammie pants that she was not wearing and not all over the bed.
I get Claire off the bed and she continues to puke on the floor.

*Messes happen. Kids get sick or have accidents - you just have to keep your wits about you and aim those messes to facilitate fast clean up. And the floor is easier to spray and wipe than removing all contaminated bedding and finding clean alternatives while you start washing the messy bedding. The non-carpeted floor is just easier. I might change my mind in the new house.

Resume reading at day 85. Almost there. Almost time for all the kids to be in their containers for the night. Only 15 more days.
ooops. Mistakenly think that Emily's book was sufficient for Becca and Amanda.
Nope.
Read 12 Dancing Princesses easy reader (Becca's book choice)

Katy, will you find us two puke buckets. Emily and Becca both want one.
Thanks big sister.

Read Lilly's Big Day (Amanda's book choice)
Lights off and music on.
Goodnight.

"Aren't you going to hold us?"
No, not tonight. (You see, although you two claim an upset stomach...Claire is the only one who has thrown up.... so I need to hold her and put her to bed.)

As I make my way to the cozy room, turn off all the lights and just hold my sweet little Claire...
I see 3 short figures make their way into the kitchen, looking for their mom.
I say nothing.
They find me anyway.

Becca: My tongue hurts. I told Daddy and he said to come ask you if I could put an ice pack on it.
Jenn: (WHAT? GO TO BED!) No sweetie, I don't think that's a good idea. Have a drink of water. All of you. Then get in bed.

They are all in bed now... but even as I began writing this, I could hear Emily coughing.

Jenn: Emily, come to the kitchen. You need a drink of water and some cough medicine.
Emily: What? Are you talking to me?
Jenn: Yes. Amanda - get back in bed.

(And unless anyone has a fever in the morning... you are all going to school.)

Why I dislike afterschool playdates...

2009-11-08T21:13:00.005-06:00

You'd think that since I have so many kids, adding one more friend to the bunch wouldn't matter.

You're wrong.

My kids are used to me, I'm used to them. They know my rules, my pet peeves, what they can and can't do. Add new kids into the mix, and they ask questions, they whine and they smell. No wait, I think smell must be a different post.

Why I dislike afterschool playdates...

1. They invade family time. Now that the kids are in school all day - separate from each other - when they come home, it's their chance to be together. Whether they choose to or not, at least the option was there. When other kids get involved, a sibling gets left out... much sadness (or arguing) follows. And Amanda always wants to play with them.

2. Boys vs Girls. 1 boy vs 5 girls. We share rooms. I don't like to hear "no boys/girls allowed". I don't like big kids leaving out little kids. These are values I have, so when playdates move outside that box, I get aggravated real quick. Real Quick.

3. Our flow/schedule gets all messed up. We have things to do when they get home: snack, homework, chores, playtime, dinner prep, setting the table, dinner, kitchen clean-up, maybe a little more free time, get ready for bed, reading. That sounds doable, but it takes ALL our time. If someone gets playdate time, their backpack and snack wrappers get left wherever they land and all their jobs get backed up. When they get home, it's hard to get caught back up.

3. The questions! These kids don't know me well enough and they ask questions (or ask my kids to ask me things that my kids already know the answer to, but thought they should check in case I've changed my stance on the ice cream truck, candy, video games, playing in the street, feeding mentos to small rodents .) Do you get the picture?

4. The wii get's it's own number, because we only have one. And there are always at least 2 people who want to play. So if you are going to have a turn, a five minute turn just isn't long enough. Sometimes the friend is video game savvy and it's ok, but usually the kid doesn't have a wii or some particular game so they haven't practiced as much as Jacob - so there tends to be some whining. "Jacob, don't do that. Jacob, stop killing me. Jacob, let me get one. Jacob, I wasn't ready. Jacob... whine, whine, whine." Not to mention, all the sisters sit around watching him play and now they want their turn. How much screen time do they really need?... and now it's unfair because so and so has a friend over.

5. "Something special "- all the children not involved in this particular playdate grow large doe eyes and tilt their head while pleading their case for "something special" (which means candy and a movie). Now I have to make a decision... and the consequences and repercussions that follow.

Know you know. And knowing is half the battle.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

2009-11-03T12:49:00.012-06:00

Today was Career Day... the sisters were hardpressed to figure out what they wanted to be when they grow up that coresponded with an outfit we had in the dress - up box.

In the end, Emily chose a simple leotard with her hair in a bun to show the world her desire to be a ballerina dancer. Becca went with our newest dress-up box arrival and her hair in a bun to express her desire to be rich and famous. They both want to go to fancy parties when they grow up... which could really be any number of career choices.

Jacob has decided that a video game beta tester will suit him just fine. So he took one of the wii-motes with him. He's really good at any game he plays (wii, computer, cards, board games....) Now to figure out how to get paid for that!

I made Katy get her horn out. We realized no one has seen her with her special alto. Although, her band director is moving her up to Tenor this week.

What about Claire and Amanda?

Claire wants to grow up so she can get everyone's toothbrushes without having to use the stool.

Amanda is pretty comfortable being Amanda... not sure if she wants to grow up. She's got the best of being one of the littles and yet lots more privileges at 3 than Katy or Jacob had.

When Mom grows up, she wants to remember not to bonk her head on Jacob's bunkbed.

Here's one more picture from today. Guess which buddy was laying there first.

Claire was laying there first...the time change can throw off a girls schedule. Layla brought her toy to chew on, in the sunshine, next to Claire :)

It's not about me, The Perfect Mother

2009-10-26T09:32:00.005-05:00

I did not write the following, but many times I feel like both writers. When I read it on Sonlight's forums (the homeschool curriculm we used in the past) I just needed to share it with you.

I also wanted to thank all of you who cheer for me and my kids... we need that loud resounding chourus of love and encouragement! - Jenn

Q: “ Wow, I Could Never Handle Five Children! ”

I hear this all of the time and you know what?

I can’t either!

There I admitted it. I have no idea where three kids are or what they are doing at any given time. I can keep my eye/mind on two at a time … tops. My throat hurts at the end of every day from constantly correcting, talking to, talking over, reading to, explaining why, etc. to five people. Never … not once … during the day is my entire house quiet. Someone is *always* talking. It drives me crazy.

Craft projects are just ridiculous. I fondly remember sitting with my two little girls. They would sit calmly while I passed out supplies. Why not? It only took a few minutes. Now I have monkeys bouncing off the walls.

Children’s theater? Homeschool field trips? The state fair? I laugh at the absurd idea of going … if only to keep myself from crying.

I love all of my children dearly. I wouldn’t trade them for anything. However, sometimes I miss those quiet, calm days when we had fewer children. I remember days of dresses from Gymboree with matching socks, shoes and hair bows. I remember international vacations. It was so much easier with two; now it is just a logistical nightmare.

In a thread recently, I said that I would be an awesome mom to fewer kids. Someone said that wasn’t true. But it is true. I know it is, because I was … and now I’m not. I’m a good enough mom for five kids, but not to each individual child. And I’m a huge ball of stress all of the time.
— Bugaloo

A: People can—and will—say the darndest things.

Out loud, even.

(Jenn : I changed the names of her kids. I'm guessing Daughter A is the oldest. Then 4 brothers - B, C, D, and the littlest, E.)

I was at the YMCA yesterday, signing son D and son E out of childcare just after my 45 minute biking marathon with daughter A. It’s a wonderful Mother-Daughter bonding time; if you’ve got the means to work out with your daughter, I highly, highly recommend it. The conversations we’ve had in those 45 minutes have been some of the ones I know I will cherish thirty years from now. The big boys are in Karate at that time, the little guys are in childcare and it’s just A and me, racking up miles on those stationary bikes while everyone around us wonders what in the world we’re finding so stinking hilarious.

But I digress.

As I said, I was at the Y. E had already been handed over the counter and was grinding his face into my collarbone with every ounce of his being. D was being led—in protest, mind you—away from the playdough table and towards the little green exit gate. I wrote my name on the register with a flourish, and turned my attention to signing dramatically so that D knew it was time to head home.

“You’ve got, what? Three boys? Holy cow,” said the worker, a woman about my age.

“You missed one,” I offered helpfully, taking a step to the side. Sure enough, Son C was hidden just behind me in the tight reception area.

“Four boys? I couldn’t do that. No way. They would drive me nuts.”

I smiled broadly and nodded. This woman, after all, goes to my church. And you know … she really ought to know better.

“I like raising boys,” I said. “These guys are awesome. I can’t imagine how boring life would be without every single one of them.”

You think that’s it, don’t you? You’re saying to yourself—”This is a post about how people are always bashing on little boys.” Well, it could be. But no. This woman just didn’t know how to quit when she was ahead. Just then, daughter A came through the door carrying our workout gear in an oversized blue duffel.

“Oh my gosh, I totally forgot! You have, like, five kids. All those boys and a girl.”

Great math skills, I thought. You must be so proud.

My sunshiney thoughts had turned decidedly sour. Because at this point, let’s face it: the woman has already basically told my sons that they are a burden to their mother. Now she’s going to harp on our family size. This keeps getting better!

The woman then shook her head and delivered the jewel:

“I couldn’t have that many kids. There’s no way. I just couldn’t be the mother I want to be with that many of them.”

And you know what? I told her she was absolutely right.

“I can’t either!” I admitted. “And I’m so thankful!”

Now before you look at me like I’ve grown ten heads (which is precisely the look she delivered, by the way) let me tell you why I feel the way I do.

I am not the mother I wanted to be with these children. Can’t be. It’s not possible. There’s only one of me … and five of them. Do the math. I can not be all things to every child.

The world says I am failing. I have chosen quantity over quality. I can’t possibly be a good enough mother. Needs will not be met. There are just too many kids.

Praise God, I say.

Because I have come to realize that the things I want to do and be for my children are not necessarily the best for them.

I want to kiss every boo-boo. Fawn over every picture. Brush every head of hair. Trim every finger nail. Hold the back of each bike seat as the training wheels come off. Stop the hurts before they come. Be the ear for every heartache. Bake every afternoon snack. Cheer at every game. Warn of every danger. Read every book. Watch every impromptu performance. Be a part of every game. Lead every troop. Sing every song. I want to right the wrongs. Hold off the enemies.

I want to be their world.

With one child, I could do that. No problem. With two, I think I could manage pretty nicely. But with three, five, seven? No way.

Instead, what my kids get is something different. Maybe not better—the Lord’s plans are different for each family, and I respect that. But at the very least, what my children have is equal. It’s not some lesser thing. It’s not worthy of pity. It’s just different.

It’s not about me, The Perfect Mother, this growing up thing. No matter how much I always dreamed it would be, it just isn’t. It’s about God and the family He provided to meet every need.

Do boo-boos get kissed? Of course! But a portion of the time, it is a big brother who kisses the baby’s head after he’s tried to fit underneath the coffee table for the fifth time in an hour. Do cookies get baked? Yes. I admit, though, that A is turning into quite the chef thanks to being blessed with the opportunity to experiment in the kitchen without my hovering. And do you know who taught D to balance on his big boy bike when he shed the training wheels? It was B, running behind him and shouting, “Brother! Brother! You’re doing it!” in a voice so full of pride and utter joy that I get a catch in my throat just remembering. I cried from the curb, my hands busy plaiting A’s hair to fit under her helmet. It was a gorgeous moment, burned into my mind, my heart, my soul.

“Brother! Brother! You’re doing it!”

Are there sweeter words?

My children have a cheering section, not a number one fan. They have a chorus of voices that sing their praises and hands that reach out to help no matter the hour of the day. Will they walk through adulthood with this same closeness? There are no guarantees, of course. My own mother is the youngest of seven children, and I wouldn’t call their family particularly close-knit. There is no formula, no one perfect thing that will bind these little personalities into a warm quilt that they will want to stay wrapped in throughout their lives.

But there is love. Abounding love. More love than I, the mother who has been entrusted with them, could ever offer on my own.

I am not the mother I wanted to be. I do not make it to every event. I am sometimes preoccupied with a diaper or a math problem when a milestone flies past me at the speed of light. My children will not remember me in the foreground, chairing every committee, meeting every need and wiping every nose.

But I am the mother God wants me to be. I am in the background, usually. One voice among many in the sea of encouragement. Cheering. Praising. And witnessing the miracle that is our family.

— Mary Grace

chubby bunny

2009-10-20T22:17:00.002-05:00

When was the last time you tried to shove 4,6,8, possibly 10 marshmallows in your mouth AND said chubby bunny?

The DeHarts and Petersen's gave it a try last weekend.

Enjoy Mrs. Heidi's video...

***This was our second attempt. Every one had a drink, caught their breath and then tried to stretch their cheeks out for another go. 3 smart children decided not to do it again.

soblem prolving

2009-10-07T10:35:00.003-05:00

*My camera is still out of commission, so you'll have to imagine with me.

1. Katy and Jacob's old backpacks have been renamed - napsacks.

2. Emily and Becca are desperate to fill them with essentials (raman noodles, canned food, water bottles, baby dolls, etc.... essentials).

3. With their new found confidence in writing and an entrepreneurial spirit... they are ready to go.

Go where? To do what? Soblem Prolving.

Sometimes in all the excitement of a new adventure, it's hard to get all the word right :)

The girls decided to be "reporters" - Becca would write your problem down in her notebook and Emily would come up with a solution for you ( one that they might be able to remedy for you right away ).

For example, I needed a diaper. Becca wrote it down. Emily went to get it. You know, soblem prolving.

When Daddy got home, the girls overwhelmed him with all their enthusiasm. Thankfully, Daddy's problem was easy. He needed to go to the bathroom. Becca wrote down bathroom and Emily suggested he go use it.

Now the girls were ready to take this little business to the streets. That's right, 2 six year olds with their napsacks, paper and pencil in hand, were ready to go door to door - asking if anyone had a problem they could solve.

Their faces, their work choices, the intensity and seriousness of this business....Priceless.

Daddy talked with them about what they were doing and how that is different from what a reporter does. These girls were being consultants (harder to say than reporter).

Consultants ready to go "solbem prolving".

In the end, we allowed them (with their heavy napsacks in tow) to walk down the street about 6 houses by themselves - in the street. Oh Happy Day.

Waiting expectantly for the girls' return, their napsacks sit by their bed. I plan on having different problems for them to solve today.

of pipes and men

2009-09-14T21:50:00.004-05:00

As we put our house on the market, we went ahead and did a sellers inspection, just to see if there were any "issues". We didn't want to be blindsided in the middle of closing.

Funny thing happened, we got blindsided anyway...

* foundation issues (12 new issues/piers to be exact)
* a broken (and now newly replaced) dishwasher
* a leaking toilet
* buckling subfloors in both living areas
* and a mysterious leak... unnoticed by the pest control guy, an inspector, plumber #1, plumber #2, foundation guys, an electrician. We finally got a friend who wouldn't give up.

Can you imagine our delight as the inspector said the guest bathroom sink had a leak, which might require the whole cabinet to be torn out, only to find out it didn't? It was the toilet, leaking sewage under the house. And the A/C with too much condensation going on around the freon lines.

No wait, not the freon lines. It looks like the water is creeping along the underside of the subfloor from the direction of the kitchen. Could it be the dishwasher we just replaced? No, looks a little more from the direction of the washer...but why is this puddle still here? Why is the subfloor covered in water droplets?

It turned out to be the drainage pipe from the kitchen (sink, dishwasher and washing machine). The brackets that held the 40 yr old cast iron pipes broke. And so did the pipe, when it hit the ground.

Everytime I ran my appliances or the sink, water was pouring out under the cozy room. Pouring out on the ground. Darren tells me this is called a libation.

So why is the sub floor all wet? Because all that liquid was evaporating and condensing beneath the subfloor...who was eagerly sucking it up and warping. Which makes the vinyl floor all wavy and bubbly (not in a good way) in the cozy room and the big room.

Subfloors take longer to dry out than any of the other work we've had done. People have even told me that the subfloor may dry out and shrink back to it's normal size.

So now I wait. I wait for the subfloor to dry. I wait to see if the vinyl will lay back down. I wait because Jesus told me to start packing. He said it was time to move. So now I wait for Him.

In the meantime, I am cutting and taping with Amanda, laughing with Claire, training my dog to "leave it", helping Jacob with homework, loving my Darren, eating Katy's homemade blueberry buckle and chicken stock (not together) and holding Emily and Becca at bedtime. This small house just keeps us closer together.

PS - The broken, backwards, oversized, ancient backdoor is being replaced on Thursday. That's really the only thing we thought we were going to have to fix. Maybe that's all our buyer is waiting for, too.

They had a great first week!

2009-08-28T22:49:00.008-05:00

This is our first day of school from Daddy's phone. Good job, daddy.

Our first week went well. Everyone had breakfast, clean clothes, supplies, snacks and they all wants to go back. There were a few hiccups, but overall, we did a great job.

Katy finally made it... middle school. She got into band (her first elective choice) AND theater arts (her second elective choice). She is super excited. You can read about the horn daddy got her on his blog.

Yesterday she was able to open her locker on the first try, everytime :) Small victories help to outweigh some of the other drama.
"Mom, did you get the compostion books today? I need those compostion books tomorrow. It's for a grade. I've never gotten a zero before." tears.
"Katy, it's the first week of school. I'm not going to the store tonight, but I will this weekend and you'll have them on Monday."
"MMMMOOOOOMMMMM..... They said I need to have them by Monday and tomorrow (Friday) is the last day before Monday." more tears.
I'm not sure she really believes that the teachers mean that the last day you can bring them is Monday, when they said BY Monday, they obviously means Friday, since she won't be at school on Saturday or Sunday.

Jacob on the other hand brought home extra pages from some activity they did in class today because he thought the sisters would like to do them. I asked if everyone had gotten extra ones, he said, "No, I just asked Mr. Boyer for them and he said yes." He is also pleased to let me know that he is not one of the troublemakers. I am pleased to hear it.

Mr. Boyer gives the kids class cash for different jobs they have. Jacob has informed us that as soon as he gets $30 he's going to buy his desk so he doesn't have to pay rent to Mr. Boyer anymore. "I'm not going to waste my money on any of those cheap toys. I'm going to save it until I can buy my desk and then I can buy someone else's desk for $30. Then they will have to pay me rent." He can't quite explain all the rules to us, but it sounds like real world math and Jacob is really excited.

Emily and Becca are in the same class, Mrs. Means. "But she's not mean, she's nice. Which is good, because if her name was Mrs. Nice, she'd be mean." My biggest drama with them is picking out clothes to wear. Imagine Becca picks outfit A. Then Emily wants picks outfit B. But I say, no that doesn't match. So Emily picks outfit C. Now Becca trades pants A for pants B. But Emily wanted shirt A to start with and finds pants D.

Since I've left the room to finish breakfast, it's startling to see what they show up wearing in the kitchen and I have to send them back. Eventually they both have "acceptable" outfits on, sortof. Now we have to deal with hair clips, headbands, ponies, etc. I can do this... I think I can, I think I can.

I even did a little school with Amanda this week. She traced her ABCs, cut and glued and we read books. That took just a small amount of time, but she likes letters (especially A... she has 3 in her name, so her current signature is A A A) and scissors. I did unpack the play kitchen, food and little table and chairs out of the garage for them. Plastic pizza or cake, anyone?

ClaireBelles is a copycat and a climber. So as long as she's with us, I can catch her... She wants up on the bench beside us and then she's up on the table. Same in the cozy room, they are playing with the little table, it looks like she's sitting in a chair and then she's standing on the table.

Plus she lays on the floor when Layla is out... well, if you are going to lay flat on your back right next to the dog, I guess you aren't to worried about her licking you all over (or else you might only be one years old and don't know you have any other options). I think she's having a pretty good week, too.

We'll see what next week holds.

With the Bonhams... DeSoto historical beach

2009-08-20T11:45:00.014-05:00

Blue skies ...

and clear water ...

white sands ...

a black dog...

snails...

snails....

snails...
and more snails...

a few natives ..

a cute young couple on vacation by themselves (not!)...

binoculars ...

daddies and babies...

and the big sisters...

What a great day at the beach!

Family picture in Florida

2009-08-17T09:50:00.005-05:00

We had a great time with the cousins in Florida. Sunny and yummy :)

Do you notice anything out of the ordinary in this picture?

answer: wrong baby :)
Jenn is holding nephew Gabriel, not Claire.

More pictures out on www.flickr.com/djnkpete

competitive driving?

2009-08-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

As we traveled across the southern United States, I had lots of chances to see how people react to being passed by a 15 passenger van with polka dots. Amazingly enough, lots of them speed up.

So envision this, big white van coming up behind you in the right lane. It moves over to pass. As it approaches on your left side you realize it's a big ol' 15 passenger church van.

What? A church van is about to pass you? You check your speedometer. If they are going that fast, maybe you could speed up a mile or two.

Now inside my van, I realize this person must be feeling a little intimidated, competitive or the realized they've been talking and not pressing the gas anymore (it's the pedal on the right) or something - because now they are in my blind spot traveling the same speed I am.

They were NOT going faster than me when I approached them... so why are they hiding in my blind spot now? Nervous? Competitive? Just trying to agrivate me?

If someone passes you and you realize that for whatever reason you want to speed up, wait til they pass you. Then pick your favorite speed.

Just because I have polka dots on my van doesn't mean I can read your mind.

Clean house

2009-07-29T09:38:00.003-05:00

As we prepare to get the house ready for showing - I am amazed at how great it felt to have the entire house clean at the same time. (Thanks be to my Fallon and Anita.)

Some of the pictures made it out to www.flickr.com/djnkpete

At the same time, I realize that since it is soooo clean, the temptation to mess it up must be a terrible. Newly painted walls, freshly moopped floors, sparkling bathroom mirrors...

Less than 24 hours later:
- Dog pooped by the back door (she's only had one other accident like that on the 2nd or 3rd day that we had her)
- One of the sisters squeezed a plastic cup full of orange juice during "kitchen clean-up"...covering the length of the kitchen, including the new kitchen rugs !
- Claire is driving hot wheels on the walls and dragging the broom along same said walls
- muddy paw prints from the back door, through the kitchen, to the clean laundry room
- and we've changed clothes twice - jammies and then clothes today - guess how much of that made it into ANY laundry basket
- sliding glass door is full of finger prints, smudged hands and is that noses?

If it weren't "supposed" to be clean, I might not feel so aggravated.

Glad we are leaving on Friday. The buyer better show up while we are gone!

Now I've got to go rouse my peeps to head for the goal set before us(new house)
...and maybe bribe them.

Petersen Idol

2009-07-10T14:32:00.014-05:00

I have a house full of singers...

Here is a song that I don't particularly care for... but somehow the sisters know it. (I even added it to my playlist for them.)

Can you tell which sister is which?

Amanda sang an original song about witches.

In case you are wondering what Claire is doing while we were singing.

Claire's Independence

2009-07-04T11:42:00.011-05:00

Now that ClaireBelles is walking, her new found independence is exciting! In the beginning we would could how many steps she was taking at a time... 3, 6, 10. But then we quit counting. Now she can walk the length of the house without falling down. And normally carrying a toy or two (or small can of tomato paste she swiped from the cupboard).

She also likes to climb, just has to make sure that belly button is still there first.

And Claire can drive. For her 1st birthday, she got a pink car from Grandma and Poopa :)

Happy Independence Day, ClaireBelles!

Busy Saturday

2009-06-23T09:54:00.003-05:00

moved packed boxes from house to garage

taped and labeled boxes

took a field trip to the petstore to do "research" ...

adopted Jacob's new puppy ...

Welcome to the family, Layla.

Forgot to get more boxes...

Jazzercise...again?

2009-06-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

I hurt my right arm. Some ligament stretched and now my bicep tendon pops out of it's little groove when I use it. I try to be good, I try to wear my sling thing, I try to use my mouse with the left hand... but I asked if I could go back to Jazzercise - if I didn't use that arm?

The dr. said yes, so I gave it a try. I went to the 5:30am class so I wouldn't have to take any kids with me.

There is a certain amount of momentum that a left arm creates that throws you off balance when the right arm does not reciprocate.

Think I'll wait a few more weeks until I try that again.

In the meantime, I'm going to add some of the jazzercise songs to my playlist so I can listen to them - while I'm eating cookies with my left arm :)

sfpp

2009-05-18T15:58:00.011-05:00

Warning: You need a pencil and piece of paper for this blog...you might be required to do math.

As I ponder/ dream/ wish for a new house - today I was mulling over square footage per person (sfpp).

During my googling I found some interesting facts...

-In 1950,the average sfpp was 292 sq ft
-In 2006,the average sfpp was 900 sq ft

That means that back in the 50's, my family of 8 would have lived in a roomy 2336 sq ft home...and in 2006 we should have been in a 7200 sq ft home. I think we missed that mark by more than 5000 sq feet in this house.

The numbers don't really take into consideration that the needs of a family of 4 (bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms, bedrooms, etc.) doesn't require another 900 sq feet for a new baby... although another baby and another and another might need a few more bedrooms.

I also don't believe that everyone in the family will pull their weight in the cleaning and maintenance of their 900 sq feet... so those new babies don't qualify for their own 900 sq ft in my bungalow.

Those numbers measure what they measure - people living in houses. It doesn't include the homeless or account for people without kids living in larger square footage, but we'll go with those numbers anyway.

Now, before I bemoan my current 234 sfpp... I thought I'd share an article about a New York couple and their 200 sq ft apartment - that's only 100 sq ft per person!

Sounds fascinating...and maybe my family could squeeze into an 800 sq ft apartment, since that's where my husband's heart longs to live anyway. Right in the middle of the city, close to a park and walking distance to everything. Just grab your backpack and go.

Since we aren't moving to New York this time around, here's one of the floorplans we like right here in Texas.

The main problem is location: Krum, Tx. What do you call people from Krum? Krumonians, Kruminites, Krumers, Krumcakes, Krumbly...

...but it would increase our square footage per person by 76 (that's another 600 sq ft bringing the new home total to 2487 sq ft.).

Enjoy your walk in closets and 3 or more potties today.
You know who you are.
I'll be joining you shortly!

Jedi Training Academy

2009-05-11T16:35:00.015-05:00

Ever since we saw Luke get his light saber from an older Obi-Won, haven't we ALL wanted our chance to wield a real light saber.

How many things would you have broken as you swung that light saber around the living room? Your mother's trinkets, lamps, small animals and older relatives would have been cut in half. Better leave the force to those who are trained in it's ways.

Now that Emily and Becca have gotten that chance, we'll have to keep a better eye on Claire. They were trained by "real" Jedi... to fight the evil foe.

Where could something like this even take place? Putting young girls out to fight the Dark Lord.

Only at Disneyland, where dreams really do come true.

Emily and Becca with their Jedi Training Academy certificates.

May the Force be with You.

The O face - by Jacob

2009-04-29T23:31:00.011-05:00

My little sister, Claire, makes the O face.

I was supposed to be doing school the other day, but I snuck my mom's camera into the cozy room to take a few pictures of Claire. Out of the 54 pictures and 2 videos I took, about a dozen were of Claire making her O face.

None of these were staged or rehearsed. She just likes to make that face all the time. So we all make that face back to her... positive reinforcement at it's finest.

Here's a video of her trying to eat the camera cord...you'll notice the glistening O face throughout. She likes to drool, too.

Til next time - J. T. Petersen

Katy sings for the masses

2009-04-25T16:07:00.014-05:00

It's that time of year again. The trees start to bud, the flowers start to bloom, even the carnies awaken from their winter slumber.

The Denton Jazz and Arts Fest today was a great example. A lovely day to taste and see and hear Denton at it's finest
(or not ?)

Finest: Katy's 4th and 5th grade choir got to sing on an indoor air conditioned stage. She's on the top left.

Not so finest: Not sure Emily realized she was filming...

Finest: The Jazz Fest is by one of the nicer playgrounds

Amanda climbing up

Emily climbing down

Claire is real excited...YEAH!!!

Katy and Jacob were watching everyone else...and I was watching them

Becca was sliding..and I snapped this one at just the right time.

Not so finest: We didn't ride any of the "rides" They wanted $2 - $4 per kid for one trip through a bouncehouse/tunnel thing or a scary (old and wobbly) little ferris wheel.

Finest: Katy got to do a little painting in the kids free arts and craft tent.

Not so finest: Some little kid painted on his paper and hers :(

Finest: The kids like to take pictures with my camera. Sometimes they do a great job. Thank you, Jacob.

Not so finest: Sometimes they take pictures of random stuff or the people sitting around us. Good job, Amanda.

Finest: Claire was sharing her Kix with Amanda....

Not so finest: During the last song, Amanda starts telling me that "Claire needs more Kix"...louder and louder and louder. I think Amanda ate all Claire's cereal and Amanda wanted some more :)

Finest: We have many memories of being at the Jazz Fest over the years... Darren has played with all kinds of bands: UNT lab bands, Pecos River Brass, Inner City All Stars....

Not so finest: Which usually meant Darren was on stage while I was the main parental unit for our offspring. This year was no different. Daddy was playing his axe at a church conference, so I was still the main parental unit. Missed you daddy.
And you too, Bonhams.
But the offspring did great.

Wizard of the Bob

2009-04-18T12:22:00.009-05:00

Out of the blue, this morning my funny 2 yr old says, " I want to see Wizard of the Bob. You know the one with that green guy, the witch."

Yes, I know the one with the witch...I just can't believe it left such an impression on her that she still brings it up, month and months and months later. We had read the book with the girls and then we watched the movie. So did Amanda.

Just because she can say it now, doesn't mean she gets to watch it again, anytime soon.

Ethan's pink pigs...

2009-03-28T03:47:00.001-05:00

Hey Ethan - I checked on your pigs :)

Since we will be seeing Ethan and his family at DisneyLand in about 5 weeks - I wanted to remind everyone what we were doing during their visit last year.

We worked on a song for Grandpa John Wilson's 90th birthday.
Edited, directed and musical accompaniment by Darren.

The big girls (Aunt Priscila, mom, Katy and Hannah) all went to the American Girl Store for Katy's 10th birthday.

Then Grand Poopa took all the cousins to Chuck E. Cheese for Katy's birthday.

That's 11 cousins - oldest to youngest ...

and 3 pregnant mommies.

There was a huge snow storm...it took Aunt Priscila and the boys HOURS to get home.
Sorry Ceep, we didn't know. It was warm and sunny again within a few days.

Darren and the kids made snowman John.

And some of the saddest basketball, ever. It's our 2nd day with the hoop, there's snow everywhere and the ball is flat. We've gotten much better.

One day at the park - we almost had to call 911. Katy got stuck in the baby swing and 2 pregnant mommies had a hard time getting her out. I didn't get that one on film,
but I did catch them running (and falling).

We celebrated a traditional pagan holiday with the DeHarts (that was 12 adults and 12 kids)

Here's a big secret ... One time, the mommies skipped church to get Starbucks. Maybe two times.
Here's the Daddies have a musical moment together...

We had lots of lazy days together, too.

Playing on the wii ...

hanging out in the cabinets...
watching cable tv...
buying stuff off Craigslist...Gabe and Emily practicing...

And the Mommies and Daddies were able to secure a sitter so we could have a play date, too.

Can't wait to see you guys next month!
Let's not forget our cameras :)

Passwords

2009-03-20T22:21:00.000-05:00

I have been pondering about all the various websites I use that require a username and password - banking, credit cards, blogs, facebook, homeschool sites, webkinz, etc.

Do I really need a different username and password for each site? I can see the importance for a different password for my financial sites...but the others?

So I'm working on a new password: something I can remember, that's easy to type, with at least 6 letters and numbers. I need a word that I like that can easily trade out a "O" for the number 0 or an "I" for the number 1... 5 could work for an "S", 3 for an "E"....hum... let's look at some options:

J3nn1f3r
P3t3rs3n
5l33py
c0ff33
laundry
eat1n9
fac3b00k
drp3pp3r

Well, in writing this little article, I figured one out... but I can't tell ya. You should NEVER, EVER, EVER give your password out. what3v3r...

Losing your pants

2009-03-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time, there was a fair maiden who found herself in a quandary: after her most recent pregnancy she vowed to never wear maternity pants again.

But in doing so she cursed herself to only one pair of non-maternity pants given to her by a kind princess. She wore that pair everywhere: parties, luncheons, gardening, church, balls, galas, cooking, cleaning, even bathing the children.

A nearby Duke and Duchess noticed she ALWAYS wore these jeans and took pity on the fair maiden, purchasing 2 new pair for her: blue and black. The maiden was overjoyed that she had received such gifts from the beloved Duke. But the old favorite jeans stayed in rotation, for she could not throw them out.

Days turned into months, and the maiden finally began to realize her favorite jeans were coming to the end of their days. At each wearing, she'd hope they would make it through the wash one more time.

All things must come to an end...and so the fair maiden gently put them on one more time. A small thread bare patch had appeared in the middle of her thigh.

The maiden had a choice, to move the jeans to the "work" pile and wear them for cleaning and gardening, or she could release them to their destiny. If she kept them, she would inevitably end up wearing them out in public to the store or to pick up kids...and that simply could not happen.

Giving them up would release the beloved jeans to be free of this current life's encumbrances and move on to a more restful place. No more striving, working, washing, rubbing, being spit up on, wiped on, thrown around with all the other dirty laundry - instead, they might have a chance for adventure, to explore wherever the garbage truck took them.

The maiden grabbed the tiny hole and pulled, forever sealing their fate (she has never liked ripped pants, even in high school). The ripping saddened her heart at the passing of all the memories they had shared, yet brought joy at the future before her. There must be more pants out there and more memories to make.

Thank you to the sweet princess and the kind Duke and Duchess who are with this maiden on her journey.

Epilogue:
Secretly the maiden had known that these favorite pants wouldn't last forever, even if her heart refused to believe. Behold, the winter has passed, and spring is here...so she spent a little time on ebay looking for capris.

She found just the right ones, and won the auction. 4 capris, coming right up. In fact, the day before the ripping, the capris arrived...but alas, there were not 4 capris.

Actually, it was one capri and 3 long pants - to replace the one I lost. Cast your jeans upon the water, for after many days they will return to you, wagging their tails behind them.

Jesus knows what I need - even if it's pants.

You mean, live like mortals?

2009-03-16T23:00:00.003-05:00

How many times have you pondered the paradox of a Holy
Living God coming to into space and time as a tiny baby?
Why would he do that? How could that have been the "best"
plan they could come up with?

I heard something in Sleeping Beauty the other day
that gave me a glimpse into eternity and something
more to ponder.



Merryweather:
 But what won't she expect, she knows everything.

Fauna:
   Oh but she doesn't dear. Maleficent doesn't know
anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of
helping earnest. You know, sometimes I don't think
she's really very happy.

Flora:
 [getting excited] That's it, of course! It's the
only thing she can't understand, and won't expect.
[to herself] oh, oh, now, now ... We have to plan it
carefully, let's see, woodcutters cottage, yes, yes,
the abandoned one, of course the King and Queen will
object, but when we explain it's the only way ...


As the fairies start to contemplate what it would mean
to take care of a baby, one of them says "at least
we'll still have our magic."


Flora:
 Oh, no, no, no, no, no magic! I'll take those wands
right now. Oh, better get rid of those wings, too.

Merryweather:
 You mean, live like mortals? For sixteen years?
[Flora removes Merryweather's wings] Now, we don't know
how. We've never done anything without magic.

Flora:
 And that's why Maleficent will never suspect.




Now, this is a bit of a stretch, but if I change a few
words - do you see what I see?


Merryweather:
But what won't (he) expect, (he) knows everything.

Fauna:
   Oh but (he) doesn't dear. (Satan) doesn't know
anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of
helping earnest. You know,sometimes I don't think
(he's) really very happy.

Flora:
That's it, of course! It's the only thing (he)
    can't understand, and won't expect.

Merryweather:
 You mean, live like mortals? For (33) years?
Now, we don't know how. We've never done(this before).

Flora:
 And that's why (Satan) will never suspect.


Did you catch that?

Jesus came to earth for 33 years -
fully God and yet fully man,
to live like the mortals because He loves us.




Notice any other similarities?

A birthday primer

2009-03-14T14:43:00.001-05:00

With as many birthdays that I have to plan each year, I have come to some conclusions that I'd like to share with you...

1. You get ONE birthday party ON your birthday. IF your birthday falls on a weekend, your birthday might involve a bit more friends, food, fun than if it falls on a weekday. But you have the assurance that it will be on a different day next year.

Let's say Betty Sue's birthday is on a Thursday. But she's having the big party with her friends on Saturday. Does she get cake and presents on her Thursday birthday? Do you buy more cake and presents for her Saturday party? I know it's her party, but my experience says Betty Sue is going to feel a little let down on her birthday...

So for my sanity and everyone else's joy - you get ONE birthday party ON your birthday. At some point I might have to amend this for Emily and Becca, but we aren't there yet.

2. My special day really revolves around food. So we get special breakfast, lunch and dinner...with special birthday plates (and cups) at every meal. I eat out all 3 meals on my birthday - that's part of my present to me. The kids want special birthday dessert at every meal. :)

IF someone wants to come have a special birthday lunch or dinner with you on another day, that's just special and not considered to have been a planned party (thank you Grandma and Poopa).

3. Streamers... We used to hang them all over the ceilings but have settled into hanging them from the doorways (like beads in the 70's). We hang them on your bedroom doorway, the kitchen doorway, the living room doorway, maybe the bathroom doorway.

The kitchen ones hang a little shorter - chest high - because you will be carrying food in and out of that one. But your bedroom ones need to be knee high or lower. You want to make sure and hang them on the outside of the doorway, so you can still close the door when you need a little privacy. This year I even hung them on the side of Katy's loft bed...

The rule is that no one is supposed to tear them down on your birthday - but the next day they are no longer protected. However, I don't want to see Claire eating them! So pick up what you tear down.

4. The singing. We sing to you first thing in the morning, at all the meals and again with any desserts or presents.

We sing the traditional Happy Birthday to You song with lots of cha, cha, chas at the end. Did you know it's copyrighted? That's why lots of restaurants sing some other song. (Thank you Darren.)

We also sing the birthday song from Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses:
Today it is your birthday and we sing to let you know,
that you will be queen(king) for the day,
whatever you say goes.

We sing because we love you and we sing to let you know,
(Then the bad aunt comes in and we don't know the rest of the song, so we sing the first verse again)
that you will be queen(king) for the day,
whatever you say goes.

Jacob usually gets up first every morning. On his birthday last year, when he got up first (45 minutes before anyone else) he sad on the couch and cried. No one sang him the birthday song when he got up. Won't make that mistake this year. I'll make sure to wake his butt up when I nurse Claire and sing him the birthday song!

5. Any presents or cards you receive in the mail must be saved until your birthday (thanks Aunt Mel, Grandma and Poppa, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Joe Bob) - unless it says perishable or open right away!

We tend to open them at breakfast... but if it's a school day, we make them wait for the parental or sibling presents until after school. What good is a present if you don't really have time to play with it but have to go to school and think about it? Better to just be in suspense all day and not be sure what it is yet. The waiting is hard for the receiver but fun for the givers.

6. I think you should have to wear a piece of birthday flair on your special day... a birthday pin or hat or shirt. We haven't been consistent in this area...but we're going to work on it.

I think birthdays are great. Everyone should have one. :)

swimsuit crisis of '09 update

2009-03-12T21:59:00.002-05:00

Since my last post, Katy got an invite to a birthday party, this Saturday, at the natatorium (indoor swimming pool). Which would require a swimsuit that we didn't have.

Now, I no longer have the time to consider the best suit for her and order it - noooo, we have to find one that fits, ASAP!

Well, we did. The first store we went to had a cute chocolaty brown with teal trim one piece (with a skirt). She tried on others for me, but that was the first one she saw and that was the one she wanted - and it fit the best. Thank you Lord.

So my dilemma about swimshirts is really not an issue with her suit. I could get her one, but it will mess up the whole look ...and that will really suck when she has to go potty. Take off your wet shirt and then pull down your one piece.

The pool party is indoors, so I don't have to worry about skin cancer this week.

Swimsuit crisis of '09

2009-03-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Emily and Becca and Amanda do not need tan lines. Daddy and I are the only ones who might get to see them anyway.
They don't need skin cancer on any of the places I miss while applying sunscreen.
If I don't want them to pee in the pool, then a wet one piece is a cruel joke in the bathroom.
So swimshirts with spf it is. Bought all 3 at Target.
Amanda's bottoms look like boy shorts - but Emily and Becca have the traditional panty bikini. Who decided panties were the best look for swimsuits? With all the retro going on, you'd think there would be more boy short swimsuits for everyone!
Is modesty really an issue for my 6 year olds? I do want them to be able to swim and go down the slides.
And here's the biggie... If my girls are wearing swimshirts, don't all those same reasons that I chose for them to wear a swimshirt apply to the mommy? Doesn't the mommy set a good example by following the same beliefs she is thrusting upon her children?

There are lots of options for me... I don't have to wear a swimshirt with spf 50 - I could just throw a Tshirt on over my swimsuit. But I would be wearing it for modesty sake not for the sunburn prevention I really care about. Since modesty isn't my strongpoint, especially if I'm actually walking around in a pair of panties made out of special swimsuit material, then why wear the shirt at all. Plus I'd have to take it off if I was going down any of the slides.

So mom goes out to some websites and considers buying/wearing an spf rashguard shirt... but they are all solid colors. No pattern to hide leaky breasts or sweat or love handles. All the models are skinny. Sure, they say they sell the shirts in XL, but no one wears them on the website.

So I pick a shirt I don't like to go with panties, or possibly some long shorts or even capris made of swimsuit material, but they look like spandex. Again, fat girl in spandex - better or worse than fat girl in bikini? And there will be fatter girls than I in bikinis this summer. So I'll be looking good next to them, in whatever I wear.

What do I want to wear?

I want a high neck tank top with or with out cap sleeves, made with a patterned swimsuit material and solid boy cut shorts this year. That's what I want... now I'm on a mission to find it!

And I'm not even ready to deal with Katy's swimsuit yet.

Katy's day

2009-03-08T22:40:00.009-05:00

Over speedbumps untold, in a very large van,
I took 12 girls to an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet,

a trip to the local pet shop to pick out a fish (and hold baby ferrets),

more ice cream than any adult could eat,

picking up trash - unprompted
and more trashand more trash(you've taught them well, Mrs. Pam)

followed by 30+ minutes of tag

and rock climbing

you have the makings of a great eleventh birthday!

Sadly, Neptune the blue Betta, was dead by bedtime.
At least he has a 15 day warranty...we'll try again.

Darla + fish = death.

A Jungle Purim Play

2009-03-08T11:41:00.000-05:00

Under the great inspiration of Rebekah Faubion, Janna Dickson and Hannah Pierce - last night's Purim Play was a great success!

Let me introduce some of the "characters"...

Kung-Fu Monkey Guard and Madam Hippa

Jazz Cat Mordecai and Kitty Ester

Mrs. Rebekah and her gang

Queen Ester wore Jacob's Cape
(Thanks Aunt Priscila)

Kung Fu Monkey guards Andy and Jacob

Cats:Hannah, Abby and Rachel
Hippos:Victoria and Katy

Future Zion Kid performers
Emily, Rebecca and Alena

Amanda did NOT like it when everyone "boo"ed Haman.
"Stop making that boo!" Of course, we were in the front row!
But this picture was taken during clean-up...she's all done.

We were all made for such a time as this.

The birthday girl back in 2007

2009-03-05T14:18:00.013-06:00

Katy will be able to tell her grandkids that she was alive at the turn of the century...and she remembers good old aught seven. (rock, rock, rock in her rocking chair)

We had a Ft. Worth zoo season pass and we saw all kinds of animals doing... (insert potty talk).

The big kids played on the homeschool soccer league. Of course, the first thing to do after a sweaty soccer game is read a good book :)

For Katy - any time is a good time to read a book.

I remember little Katy walking around on her tiptoes, stepping over Jacob's bulldozer in the hallway, reading out loud. Oh wait, she still does that!

Notice anything around Katy to imply what she was doing before she fell asleep?

And here's one of Katy and her little buddy, Amanda - always loving her and trying to make her laugh. Although this one made us all laugh.

Here we are for Denton's annual parade -
can you guess which holiday?

Poopa and Grandma got us a pass for the waterpark. Daddy Darren taught everyone to hold their breath underwater, even mommy!

We also like to swim in Poopa and Grandma's pool!

We headed off to Nashville for the Call (7/7/07) and Nana and Grandpa Gary's house.
They have GREAT climbing trees.

Then the fall came and it was time for school. Or at least the moving around of furniture that precedes any major move or great idea of Jennifer...

which included Katy and Jacob getting new loft beds with their school desks underneath. Katy can just barely stand up under hers -not anymore! And look how clean it is - not anymore !

Here's an exciting video about one of Katy's "lasts"...

Katy got to go to the local production of the Nutcracker with Daddy and Nana.

And then she was in a production at church. "Scribes, pharisees, somebody talk to me!"

That's my silly goose.

TAKS

2009-03-03T14:38:00.006-06:00

I think most tests measure exactly what they ask and no more... the TAKS is no different. It can only tell if you know the answers to the specific questions you are being asked, not how "smart" you are.

Since my kids are good readers, I did not have to deal with the drama many others faced. But let me share this story about the Katy (reading since she was 4.5 years old).

Last week they took "practice" tests. Katy scored an 80 (the highest in her class). Apparently, they gave them the hardest samples and told the kids the ones on the test would be easier. I'm not sure that gave the students the boost in confidence that they needed. Katy was worried about the test last night. Apparently, it was stated that if you didn't pass it, then you would have to be in extra study halls or extra tutoring that MIGHT interfere with Choir practice... so don't mess up on the TAKS.

Like I said, my kids are good readers and all this unproductive stress, not to mention all the wasted time this semester to get ready for said crazy test, was bothersome to all.

Jacob also had to take the TAKS today. The curriculum we are using for him, K12, is actually funded through the state and we are part of Texas Virtual Academy...technically a public school student. Darren dropped him off at the Grapevine Convention Center from 8:30am-noon. Jacob said they started the test at 9:10 and he was done around 10am. He had to sit quietly for 2 more hours (yes he brought a book to read) while the others finished.

Someone has got to be able to figure out a better way to find the test results the state is looking for...

In the meantime, I only had 2 kids home today - Claire and Amanda. Seemed like my day actually went slower...

Little Katy

2009-02-28T08:38:00.008-06:00

On the first Thanksgiving in our old house, Katy got bit by some insect right between her eyes. This video was a few days later (the swelling had actually gone down).

No one saw what bit her, but here's what my 3 year old thought...

I think Katy was 5 when she got her glasses. I realized that she could read the cereal box up close, but not far away... I remember sitting at the table with Grandma Delight one day (after Katy got her glasses) and heard her say, "Grandma, I can see your eyes."

And here's a glance back at our life when the twins were little. Katy is reading (without her glasses...but more teeth are missing, so I think it's after the previous video), Emily and Becca are squashed together in the little red chair (which is why they are able to sit in it at all) and Jacob comes in with some important news!

Jennifer's Birthday

2009-02-24T14:43:00.010-06:00

In one smooth move...I deleted all the pictures from my birthday :(

A moment of silence please. A small tear in my eye.

However, I can tell you I had a wonderful time with my family and friends. I had a date with Darren while friends watched ALL 6 kids, dessert with same friends AND homemade blackberry scones from same friends (hint: it was the DeHarts).

So just imagine with me for a moment...

Katy made chocolate cupcakes (with nuts) all by herself.
- imagine: Katy in the kitchen with her apron on.

Amazingly, there was still some left for everyone.
- imagine: Katy with chocolate all around her mouth from licking the beaters.

Can you see 35 candles spread across 7 cupcakes? Someone's hair would have caught on fire! So I just used 3... which is a much safer number of candles for a cupcake.
- imagine: Jennifer blowing out her candles while Amanda tries to help.

Even Claire got one. I'm not nursing because I think it's so much better for her than real food...I'm still nursing my 8.5 month old because it is so much easier than formula or baby cereal.
- imagine:Claire with a chocolate chunk under her nose - think Hitler.

Here's the new pictures I got - they were on clearance at the local bookstore:
- imagine: picture 1 and picture 2 - both black and white photos with scripture underneath and matching frames

Darren (and all my happy noisy kids) let me take a nap.
- imagine: my warm cozy bed with the sheets pulled back.

I'm also taking my bike to the shop. And looking in to getting a trailer to pull Claire and Amanda when I ride it (Just an extra 60 - 70 lbs)
- imagine: my bike in the back of the van... I didn't actually take that picture, but you can still imagine.

Here's another picture I didn't take ...

When I woke up on my birthday I had magically lost 30 lbs!
- imagine: Jennifer looking super svelt in her new birthday outfit with perfect makeup and hair, gently blowing in the breeze and awesome manicure and pedicures.

Happy Happy Birthday to me!

How much shall I drink?

2009-02-18T15:53:00.007-06:00

Did you know that the Mayo clinic recommends a nursing mommy to drink about 13 cups of fluid a day? ... that's 104 oz. of water or 4.5 of my big water cup with straw. I thought I was doing good when I drank 2...but that only ends up being 48 oz (or 6 cups). I need to up it to 5 of those!

They also have recommendations for a normal woman - 9 cups a day and for men - 13 cups a day.

Now they say that lots of our food has liquid in it, even drinks like coffee and soda have liquid, just don't use those as you main staples.

FYI - While we are on the subject of coffee.On another website, it says a nursing mom should drink no more than 5 cups of coffee a day. duh...no one should drink 5 cups of coffee a day....unless you are trying to keep the Alzheimer's away. They mention nothing about creamer.

Jazzercise

2009-02-14T07:29:00.003-06:00

So I've done it. I've finally done it. I've decided it's time to exercise.

I know, I know, you are all saying, "Jennifer, don't do it. You don't have the time or the energy. What about the laundry and the meal planning? You've got Facebook to keep up with."

No, No. I've made up my mind. It's time to dance. It's time to start pumping those arms and legs at the whim of some instructor. And dancing with your sweet someone at a wedding reception doesn't count as exercise. I'm talking about moving it 4 or 5 times a week.

But Jennifer, how much does Claire or Amanda weigh? You pick them up everyday. Or how many times do you walk back and forth from the kitchen to your bedroom or the laundry room to the kids bathroom. Surely you are getting ALL the exercise you need.

Again I say nay... to increase my heart rate, to move muscles I forgot I had, to listen to 80's music again, to feel self conscience in spandex...this is my present to me.

Jazzercise :) I'll let you know how it goes.

A single louse...

2009-02-04T13:53:00.014-06:00

A single adult louse can lay up to 4-10 eggs a day for about 28 days. Which means I could have as few as one or as many as 280 eggs. Yuck! Lice are blood suckers, like mosquitos. Crawling around and eating my head flesh.

These little eggs are attached to the hair with a waterproof, glue-like substance AND they are nearly impossible to see (being the same color as the hair shaft).

At 10 days, the nymph hatches. Leaving behind a yellowish-brown to white egg shell. Nymphs are also nearly impossible to see...and it can't reproduce for 12 days.

So if you do the shampoo, combing, etc. on day one - you kill the lice and some eggs. But for the few eggs you didn't kill, they may now be nymphs and I've got to get them before they start laying eggs. Which means you do it all over again on day 10.

Today is day 10 for Amanda. We will shampoo and comb her tonight.

Friday is Jenn's day 10. I think Darren and I will make a date of it. We'll put the kids to bed, have a glass of wine, a steamy shower and a fine tooth comb. For few hours, it'll be just the 2 of us. And however many lice left that are nearly impossible to see.

Last time, we might have had too much help (this was the day of the "ice storm")...

Katy was our photographer extraordinare...
The other kids were watching Animaniacs...which is fitting, since they probably look a lot like lice.
(I'm not sure what they are.)

But Amanda couldn't leave Emily alone, so she sat on the floor with us for a while...

which might have been the reason Darren put the comb in
his coffee.

Little Claire had to ride it out in her crib.

Rebecca and Emily - part 6 - THE BIRTHDAY!

2009-01-29T13:58:00.002-06:00

The (L)ice Watch of 2009 coincided with the girls birthday.
With the schools closed for bad weather, everyone was home all day, even Daddy.
So we had lots of time to finish our cakes, watch the weather and comb lice eggs out of mommy's hair (but that may get it's own blog post).

We had great plans of sharing cupcakes and juice boxes at Sunday school and with their Kindergarten class. Neither of which happened...so 4 dozen cupcakes, 2 double layer heart cakes and a little double layer star cake later...we partied (ate) on.

You can never have too many sprinkles!
Rebecca on the left, Emily on the right - minus one front tooth and a bottom tooth that is slow to grow back in.

I actually payed money for broken doll parts !

Instead of taking the very small plastic clothes on and off of the very small Polly Pockets - someone came up with the idea to attach the clothes to the bodies, but -pop- the head or waist off and -pop- on a different one. Seems to work for me and much better than the previous magnet swallowing that was going on.

Some of us got Strawberry Shortcake posters to color, and some of us 2 yr olds didn't.
It's hard to understand why they were getting presents and she wasn't :-(

The girls also got jump ropes, play phones, night gowns, new outfit and
High School Musical tennis shoes.

The Sheik and his entourage braved the ice, with presents in hand, to share all the cake and cupcakes and ice cream that we were ill-prepared to consume alone.

Here are our finished projects.

After a second ice day at home, we still have leftover cake AND another dozen cupcakes in the frig?

Which would you prefer?

I think we've started a new tradition...baking your own birthday cake.

Rebecca and Emily - part 5 - from Aunt Amy

2009-01-28T20:55:00.003-06:00

Aunt Amy made her own blog post about the "twinkles".

Check it out here. Thanks M-Amy.

Rebecca and Emily - part 4 - 2008 fashion show

2009-01-28T13:44:00.003-06:00

There are a couple of schools of thought on how to dress identical twin girls:
- same, same (means no fighting over who gets which color)
- similar (but not everything comes in pink and purple)
-different (because everyone is different)

Birthday Princess Emily and Birthday Princess Becca

Wow these pants are tricky!

Girls just wanna have fun...

What good is a beautiful dress with out some mud?

It didn't stop at their hands this day...

Equal but opposite in our random snow storm.

Emily in her "favorite shirt...EVER!!!"

Of course, we'd run around naked ALL the time if we could.

Making waffles with Daddy!

Look, more mud!

Sweet Becca in my wedding dress.

Sweet Emily in half a dress.

Eating marshmallows toasted over an open BBQ.

Cute braids

I love these girls!

What does 2009 have in store for them?