My American Idol

...until Tomorrow

You know the old object lesson of being able to fit rocks (tasks), rice (chores), salt (obligations) and water (responsibilities) into a jar or (a day)? Well, whoever thought of it didn't take into consideration all the distractions of children. Sometimes I feel like I have nothing to show for my day, (cleaning wise), except for entertaining, changing diapers, cleaning up after meals, refereeing, etc. I am not looking forward to potty training. That one is my all-time least favorite! I really enjoy spending time with my kids, I just wish I could wiggle my nose like what's her name on "Bewitched" and have everything cleaned. I actually wish that I had more time during the day to spend with them and just hang out. My kids are always so full of energy and conversation after school. I have tried to just stop what I am doing and talk with them because this seems to be the time when they want to chat with me. (" hi from Alex!!!") You see, that's my 12 year old. She is a lot of fun and once again full of energy right after school. I know that if I haven't accomplished what I have set out to do by the time they get home that it will probably not get done. But then again, they come home and help with chores so that helps me. They are awesome and I know that when they are gone and all I have to do is clean that I will miss them fiercely! So, my chores will have to wait .... until tomorrow!

"Shiver me timbers!"

I snapped this picture of the Pass on our way home yesterday. We went to Carnation for the weekend and got snowed on Saturday and Sunday. The temperature was 40 degrees when the snow started falling Saturday night and the flakes were as big as leaves. As it got colder and the snow started sticking, we woke up to snow on the ground, shivering.


The kids enjoyed making snowmen and throwing snow balls. Here they are with Joshua Clare having a good ole time. The rest of us stayed inside by the fire. It was an unexpected surprise but I am so ready for the summer weather! I thought my coat was in the closet for good. Church was even cancelled which was a good thing because I brought sandals and short sleeves for us to wear. When we left on Friday, we made a last minute decision to bring our big coats with us, just in case.


We stayed at the Clare's and Lynetta spoiled us with her cookies! She has discovered the best chocolate chip cookie recipe ever. We ate and ate and then ate some more. And, of course it wouldn't be complete without dressing up like Pirates and having a swashbuckling time! "Aaargh, matey!" It was a great weekend!

A New Chewable Pill!

It is official. Baseball and Softball season is here! This is the busiest time of year for us because our oldest three play. It is also exciting and a lot of fun! They are all at different levels. It is great to see your child pick something up that they have been trying to learn. Last year we told them that they would have to prove themselves because they were new comers to the area and the coaches wouldn't know them. I think they rose to the occasion and had a great season. The only thing that I would like to help with is their confidence. They have been asked to try certain positions out and don't always feel comfortable stepping out of their norm. Now, I give them the good ole pep talk, smile, etc. and leave the decision up to them but wouldn't it be nice to have a chewable pill or gummy vitamin that would infuse a serge of confidence for the moment? It would be so convenient. Sometimes they surprise me and are very confident and other times it would be so nice to hand them a burst of confidence in pill form. A mother can only say so much and then you've got to let them learn on their own, I know. But, still, wouldn't it be nice?

Easter Pics

Here are the girls. The boys were already changed before we could get a family picture. We have been trying to think of something to do differently with the older kids in regards to the egg hunt. A friend of Troy's suggested leaving notes for the kids with clues on them to find hiding spots of certain eggs. Do any of you have any traditions that have worked with older kids?

Darren, This One's For You! Love ya!

A friend of mine was telling me that she was getting some pigs for her boys to raise in 4H this year. I couldn't help but think of a joke my older sister played on my brother when she was a senior.

Coming from a very hot climate, our Fair took place at the end of February. So, our pigs were delivered to us in November. When Shannon got her pig I was twelve. A few months later it was New Year's Eve and I was babysitting while my parents, Shannon and Darren (my older brother) went out for the night. Everything was going well and we were watching TV (Dick Clark at Time Square) when Shannon and three of her friends came walking in the house laughing hysterically! We didn't think anything of it but when they left and came back in with her pig we were shocked! "What are you doing with that?: "Are you going to leave it here?" The four of them each had a leg and were running straight for Darren's room. (Growing up with Shannon was like living with the girl from "Cheaper By The Dozen" who master minds all the practical jokes.) They laid newspaper out and left. The pig was in the house and I was babysitting! At first I was a little worried but, then I looked at Stacy (my younger sister) and we just started cracking up! You see, Darren had teased us enough in our short lives that we felt that this would be some kind of a payback, even if it was just witnessing it. As the New Year arrived and the celebrations and fireworks grew louder, so did our visitor. We started to hear things falling, things being moved around and loud snorts. We didn't dare open the door. Then......he came......Darren was home. We didn't mutter a word. We waited for his reaction..... Without saying a word or having an expression on his face, he went down the hall, opened his door, closed the door and walked out of the house. Shannon and her friends were in hysterics. Stacy and I had to wait until Darren was out of site before joining them because of retaliation. I don't think Darren came home that night. Well, we were anxious to see what the room looked like so to the room we went. A whole knew meaning to the phrase, "your room looks like a pigsty" came to mind. Lets just say that the newspaper did not help in any way. And, even though my sister and her friends had to clean everything up and take the pig out, they never stopped laughing! They didn't care, it was all worth it! I don't think that Darren has laughed about it YET! Who knows, maybe this time!

Purr

If I were a cat the next few items would make me purr. There is something very comforting in completing a project. Troy and friends, finished this pergola last year so that we could have some shade in the summer when the sun is beating down on our back patio. He hates starting new projects (who doesn't) but, becomes a craftsman in the process.


I love campfires! We bought this firepit to indulge my love for the snap, crackle, pop of a fire. I don't know what is more comforting to me, the orangish, reddish flames that swirl and dance around, the warmth that each flame bestows or the sound of the burning, crackling wood. It's all good!


Comfort Food! This is one of Ellies. Her hand is just the right size to perfectly fit around a marshmellow. So, with both hands loaded, she goes for the gusto!


I feel very comfortable and at peace when the whole family gets together and can enjoy the same activity. Sometimes that can be quite a feat with varying age groups! Monday night we let off rockets in the backyard. Everyone got involved and enjoyed it! "10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 - BLAST-OFF!"


This is Kate with her doll, "Huggable Holly." She has been her constant companion and security blanket ever since her older sister moved out of her room a couple of weeks ago. She came up with the name on her own. One night we couldn't find Huggable Holly and Kate was very distraught. We formed a search party and started looking. Five minutes later, Kate was comforted when Huggable Holly was placed in her ams once again. "Ahhh, life is good!" Or, "Purrrrrrr."