can't we all just get along?

I get so tired of people not getting along and fighting. From the three year olds fussing over a toy to grown women wanting to be the best of the best. Its' exhausting; and it's unloving. I am so worn out by the tug of war of living and i wish there wasn't such a tug. I think.. and I know this is utopian of me; but I think that at the end of the day; when all things are said and done all we have is Jehovah and kindness. Kindness shown to thers; kindness shown to ourselves. Kindness from other people to us. If the world was a kinder place; it would be so nice. I tire of ridicule and jealousy. I am wary of discontent. So today think of a kind thing that you did for another person. Think of a cold thing that was said to another person. Hopefully your kindnesses far outweigh the hurt. At the end of the day thats' what we all hope.. I hope :)

Another baby

There is another blessing in my vast family! My little sister Ellicia is also pregnant! She is married to my sister Abbys' husbands ' brother.. Ellicia is married to Justin and ABby is married to donny and they are both pregnant; isn't that cute? Double cousins! Anyways, this is Ellicias' first one and its' going to be so amazing.. I' m really happy for her. As I am for Abby of course. I love them both dearly.

pictures for the month of Oct.

Overheard on Joels show on Showtime 'kindergarten'

'Boys are different, Girls are very very very different'

And girls are a little like aliens

'girls are like pick one up put it in the right place, pick one up put it in the right place; and boys are like AHHHH'

'boys are usually sticky'

I agree completely :)

Spongebob

Spongebob is the stupidest show on television today; my children are watching it right now and it is really really dumb.. If this generation is going to win the prize for dumbest generation yet it will be owed to the glory that is Spongebob. (after writing this I turned off the offending show)

bubble

Sometimes, esp when I watch an upsetting show on tv; sometimes, I wish that I really could put my children in a bubble. A nice safe, unpopable bubble. I could call for groceries, ebay for clothes and other needs and perhaps my kids would actually be safe.

I just watched 'Criminal Minds' and a little girl was kidnapped and it was really upsetting. So maybe a bubble would be the best place for them; but i know that we can't really put them in a bubble; they have to experience life and make good decisions or they would be helpless in their adult years. I can choose what experiences I allow them to have. I can protect them for they are a wonderful blessing.

Everyday is a winding road

Today has been pretty good to me so far. I hung out with Brian all morning, started another load of dishes, watched I spy with Mia; picked up Joel from school :) Then we went to play at the playland. It wasn't too crowded so I didn't feel overwhelmed which is always a good thing .. Right now I am procrastinating getting my tv room reorganized and cleaned again. GRR.. it just never ends; don'tcha know? Hopefully won't wear myself out too much and will make meeting this evening!

Things I did Mon

• Picked up Joel from school
• Did dishes with Mia
• Got Joel off to school
• Watched 'I Spy' with my little girl
• picked up tv room
• do bible study

Sent off the kid; back to school for him

I'm missing him already; I hope hes' having fun. We did do most of the homework that was sent with him when he started his break. He is such a smart kid; he has started to label his drawings. Yesterday at the meeting he had a picture on both sides of the notebook; one was labeled 'Evl' and one was labeled 'God' (good) and he had pictures of what he thought both were. It was cute. He also made a rocketship and labeled that 'rckshp'.. he is really figuring out this writing and reading thing.. I am so proud of him :)

Amelia and her daddy went out last night to see Jonas (watch Steelers lose) about a half an hour after they left Joel came to me in quite a panic; 'mommy wheres' Mia? I can't find her anywhere!"

So it is good to know that if Joel was watching her he wouldn't let her out of his sight.. well at least he'd check on her every half hour! *L*

things I did Wednesday

• woke up!
• Helped Joel to make kool aid by himself
• Goal; finish the laundry
• went grocery shopping; got worn out
  

Maybe I could run on no sleep.. hmm.. just maybe

Perhaps I could live without sleep. I really should try this; I could get everything that needs to be done if Id idn't have to sleep! I could play with my kids and get my house clean and just get everything done; it would be great! If only I didnt' need to sleep I could do this. Maybe they'll invent a pill that will rejuvenate your body without sleep.

But wait! I love sleep.. I love to lay down and not wake up for hours; it is so nice to snuggle into the comforter and my little one inch of memory foam mattress topper.

So I guess the pill idea won't work.

Maybe Jehovah would add some more hours to do the day! That could work right?

Hmm.. or maybe I'll have to take away something else to get all I need to do done. :(

Amelia's Babydoll

Amelia has a baby doll that has been in a lot of trouble today. I thought you should all know to keep an eye out on any Raggedy Ann dolls you have in your house. Apparently they do not obey at all and must get mulitple spankings. Also they have been known to not sit for ten minutes when Amelia tells 'her' to. if she doens't sit .. you guessed it! another spanking! It is quite evident that Raggedy Ann does NOT understand no matter how many times Amelia asks her if .. 'you unnerstan?" *L* I know.. we all have rough days sometimes, but Raggedy Ann (if I would havebeen in charge) should have gone to bed for her many misdemeanors.

Things I did Tuesday

Things I did Tuesday

• went to the childrens' musuem
• made some kefir that actually tasted decent! I know how now ! ask me about it!
• Picked up toys in tv room
• hopefully going to the meeting
• went to meeting
• went to abbys' house
• watched 'we are marshall' very good movie

Tired tired

I woke up tired today; I woke up already tired; that's not a good sign is it? How can one 'wake up' TIRED? You are supposed to wake up refreshed! Ready to go!.. not tired :( Perhaps I will take a nap this afternoon; but even though I am tired the fight must go on! Today I am tackling one room. Today I will tackle the tv room and be done with it.. well, not really. Your never DONE with it.. You fix it; you make it beautiful and then the children look around.. I can only guess what goes on in a little ones mind.

Wow, mom cleaned the tv room; it loooks soo nice! Too nice almos tlike she doesn't have children! OH NO! she doesnt' want kids or the house wouldn't look so nice! Oh boy, I need to get some stuff in there quick before she remembers how it was before she had kids! What do I have on hand? Dolls, bears, train tracks always make a nice crunchy mess. Ahh, thats' better! I think my bucket of legoes would go perfect there.. yes... perfection! (goes to the next room)


anyway, that would be my guess about what goes on in their minds *L*

things I did Monday

Things I did today

• Woke up and did dishes
• Fed the kids a healthy breakfast
• Picked up toys in tv room
• going to abby's house to go to the park
• watched the game
• watched a little bit of star wars with the fam

Well, the childrens' musuem with Brian was.. well, Joel wasn't happy because he lost some kind of pencil so he yelled all the way home. Hes' five for goodness sakes; he never does that! Its' difficult because of Brians' schedule working nights he wants us up with him when hes' home; Thats' one nice thing about Joel being in school; I have to get them to bed early; but last night Brian wanted to watch Star wars with Joel and kept him up late; I know that is the problem.

However, one neat thing about the childrens' museum was the robotics' exhibit. Bri and Joel were in there for at least an hour! It was really neat to watch them 'connect' ..

Well, anyways..

trying to get some energy to make it to the meeting!

off to the childrens' muesuem!

Brian, me and the kids.. that's like called a family outing isn't it? WOW! *L*

Sunday went like this

Things I did today

• Folded laundry
• Got the kids ready for the meeting
• Went to the meeting
• worked on laundry room; emptied one container
• found another load of laundry to do
• organized bedroom some

Things I did yesterday

• I did four loads of laundry
• I yelled at my kids..
• I also played a game with the same kids
• I watched deal or no deal from my dvr
• Did more laundry
• Danced with my kids
• studied the wathtower
• went to bed at a reasonable time
  

Thoughts about parents

I am watching this movie tonight called 'the thing about my folks' with that mad about you' guy.. I forget his name; I know Peter Falk is the 'dad'. Anyway its about a man and his dad on an adventure basically; and this man getting to know his dad not just as his dad; but, as another man; as a friend. Also, this guy reminded me of grandfather actually. I really miss my grandpa... He died when Joel was just crawling; but he had a stroke for a long time before that. I really wish I could have known him as an adult person and he could have known me too.

He really was quite a man.. my grandpa not Peter Falk. Anyway, I am also thinking of years from now; my kids looking at me; thinking, was this old woman really really ever young? Truly? I will tell them as my mother tells me; ' I am not old, nor am I planning on becoming so in the future' :)

I hope paradise will be here by then though; then I really can be young forever and see my grandpa again to boot!

anyway,

thats' my thought for the day

here i am again

Nothing donig here; I wwas with my sisters' a bit last night; we went to a movie with the kids and then abby and i went to target. I really have got to get my butt in gear and I think I found a really neat site to help with that. chorebuster.net .. is so cool.. you have got to try it out ok?

The kids and I also played with Google Earth last night. If you haven't done this with your kids you really should; because we found our house with it; then 'drove' to Joels' school; then on to grandmas'.. it was quite an adventure without leaving the house!

my mom and dad got a new fridge the other day and the installation guy broke the ice cube maker so they have to wait to get it fixed; but its' very nice.. They somehow fit a sidebyside in their little space; and it has .. or will have ice and water coming out too; I wonder if it has a lock? .. hmm.. *L* thinking of children and their busy little hands.

Abby bought Jonas a little 'Candyland' game. He wasn't 'getting' it yet though!.. well, I am off to do laundry!

no title comes to mind

I haven't been getting enough sleep lately; I don't know what my deal is. IT is hard to go to sleep alone; I never imagined third shift would be so hard; I miss Brian when hes' at work at night. I know that he would have probably not been there anyway; but I still miss him and I've always hated going to bed alone. Silly huh? Esp since really I am never alone with my little 'rascals' everywhere I go.

I've been listening to Billie Holiday lately ; I found her through my friend Kassandras' blog. You have to be invited so nah nah nah .. :) Anyway, I have found Billie very soothing and calming. I think in my old age I have to find soothing things, calming my nerves and heart. Plus I am a big fan of piano music; also the sax.

I got to talk to my mother in law ; hence forth known as 'Betty' {not her real name; ok maybe it is} well, chat with her. It is always a pleasure to talk to her; I wish I could see her in real life; I miss her.

I wish everyone in my life could get along. I would love for all my sisters' to be happy and joyful. Appreciate the help that they 'do' get and just enjoy this fleeting time with their families. I guess I am not always like this; because as much as I try to enjoy my family; I can honestly say there are time when i DON'T!.. I get overwhelmed or tired; perhaps a little girl that will remain unnamed yelled all day, or just whined and whined. So I get tired; I get discouraged; then I miss a meeting that would have encouraged me; so now I'm discouraged and feel miserable for missing the meeting. Ah.. life.. I can't win. well, not without Jehovahs' help.

I have Jonas today while little pregnant Abby cleans two houses. Hes' such a little guy; he can hardly do any wrong in this aunts' eyes *grin* He always seems so small; and his yell isn't as loud as Amelias'; that yell curdles milk I'll tell ya!

Oh yeah, has any of you seen my Micro Zen mp3 player? My darling husband took the headphones off of it to listen to his movie without disturbing the kids awhile ago and I don't know what happened to it! I am willing to offer a reward.. nudge nudge.

Whistle while we work

We went to the park today; it was pretty fun.. IT was pretty much a perfect day! Yesterday we hung out as a family . today . not very inspired today; but maybe I will be tomorrow.. after all.. tomorrow is Wednesday; and whats' not inspiring about that?

Time marches on

These truly are the most precious of days. My children are messy, yelling, little tykes (speaking mostly of my three year old), but they are also sweet, kind, funny, appreciative, and they happen to think I am the best thing since sliced bread. Not too bad for the ego if I must say so myself.. (at it appears I must *L*) I am on a better track these days and even if everything doesnt' get done; I don't feel so 'crazy' as of late; it's probably my medicine working or something, but it is still nice to be able to enjoy my children and my life sometimes even my husband.

I have Jonas today because it is Abby and Donnys' 7th year anniversary so they went downtown to a hotel; I hope they are enjoying each other. This next year is going to be alittle nuts for them with the baby; even though shes' going to get alot of help! (I know I will be) :)

Lukas also turned six yesterday.. I can't believe the boys are turning six already; it is so hard to believe.. They are functioning, thinking, reasoning people.. It feels sometimes like I am watching a miracle. I feel that way just being a parent sometimes. That if I am quiet I can almost hear the miracle of my children. Watching them grow and learn to think and watch their own growth spiritually; it truly feels miraculous and I am so blessed to be a part of their miracle.

Sorry if I am being mushy; I just am so happy to be here at this time right now. I feel sorry for people that can't be at this place with their family; working too hard or worrying too much. I have a great affection for this place in my life and I hope that I dont' forget it as time marches forward.

Learned from the best :)

I now have music on my site; please feel free to .. uhmm.. mute it if you want, but hey ; I love music and I can express myself a little bit with it. Change my mood.. etc..

The picnic was very nice. I still wish that I felt like I fit in a little bit. Perhaps it is not that I dont' fit in; its' that I am so busy with my children that I don't have a moment to stop and talk; or.. I don't take a minute to stop and talk. I don't know.. its' kind of confusing. I do feel relieved sometimes when a child needs me when someoen comes to talk to me.. I think I am just shy. I really wish I wasn't. I wasn't shy when I was a little kid; it is something that has 'happened' to me. Maybe if I build some confidence I won't be shy anymore; ohh please who am I kidding. I am adult; I can not just hide behind the 'I am shy' I am too old for that. I have to just decide to make a friend and then just do it. It's harder then it looks..

Pictures

Here I am today; today we will explore for a few minutes the ideas of pictures. Some children never get their picture taken in childhood. Do those parents' just not care as much? Do they parents' that instead of taking pictures of their children take pictures of the nature or surroundings; is that whay they are prioritizing? I take a lot of pictures of my children. Well, they are my world and my thoughts are mostly all on them; what else would I take pictures of? In thirty years am I goingt o look back at a tiger at the zoo or at a picture of little Amelia at two? Whats' going to matter to me? To Brian? To anyone? I think that what we take pictures of; is who we are. I think that a parent should DELIGHT in their children and the things they do and who they are. Are you delighting in your children? Am I delighting in my children? Everyday I ask myself that; often not out loud.. but I do ask myself if I am delighting in my little ones' today? Am I enjoying day 90 of Amelias' third year of life? She will never be this age again; she will be a new age tomorrow. Am I enjoying this day with her? With Joel? It is so easy to get caught up doing everything right that we forget that the things that we can do right is by out children. Delight. Let us all delight in the little things :)

quote from my son Joel after being told not to be so demanding "I am too demanding sometimes mommy, if I get like that tell me so I can remember to ask nicely"

Isn't he growing up to a polite little guy? :)

Add a kid; spin around; hope my world won't go upsidedown

I am to watch my neighbors' little girl today from noon to midnight or more. I am a little nervous because we are going to a congregation get-together today. Is this little girl going to be good? Is she not going to get lost? Only time will tell :) I have mentioned her in my posts' before; shes' the same age as Mia and her name is Aleah; (sp?) but mommy calls her Leah so I do too. Mia and her get along really well so that will be nice. I am not used to seeing Mia play with a girl; theres' so many little boys in her life with all those cousins.

I want to ask the mom what I should do if she throws a fit. Different kids are different that way; I hope it goes ok at the picnic.

Beyond that, today is living room day. Immediately after getting off of here I am going to go to my living room and clean it and make it purdy. :)

Brian is off this weekend so I'll have him to contend with. I hope he stays happy at the picnic; I know he wants to play disc golf sometime which will be just fine with me. He loves to play that so much and it puts him in such a great mood.

Did I mention that my little girl has been weaned for a month? I am completely done with nursing. It is nice; but kind of sad; I have nursed for six years STRAIGHT! I even nursed when Joel when I was pregnant with Amelia . That's quite awhile, I wonder if that is why I have had the 'baby bug' lately. It helps with Abby being preg so that I can plan with her baby. She finds out the 24th if its' going to be a girl or another stinky boy *smile* Shes' hoping for a girl since Donny says she can't have anymore after this one.

Anyway; I am off toclean. so.. have a great day!

Today

Today I have alot to do so I have to write quickly so I can get my work done. I am going to take my kids to see Ratatooie (not right spellingI know; but I don't care enough to look it up) I have to clean the upstairs also. I also want to visit my grandmother later today. Perhaps Michelles' new baby (and Michelle *L*) will be there.

My discussion of ER today is quite short; it is interesting that they are making the new chief of med. more 'human'. THey made him alot nicer last night and he even made a few jokes. I really like the bit with the surgeon that likes Neela and Abby dealing with the young couple with the baby. It brought up an interesting idea that you just can't trust anybody. When the young woman was sent away in handcuffs as the elevator door closed; her eyes were so angry and whereas she had looked so sweet before; she looked like a criminal as the door shut. Ah well, I wondered if they were going go 'that' way with the storyline. Speaking of storylines; I had almost forgotten several from last year. Jesse from Full House looked as handsome as ever :) He is having trouble with custody of his 'kinda' daughter. Also I wonder if they are pulling for Dr. Kovack to stay in Croatia? Abby will be heartsick :(

Now, on to CSI.. I really loved the part with Grissom and Sara talkign the the boss about how long they had had their relationship.. The way the look at each other.. It is soo sweet :) I almost wander if they are in love in real life (although I'm pretty sure they aren't) but it just looks so real.. I love to get into stories because I like to pretend they are real. (although the horrid things that happen on CSI; I hope that part isnt' real) When that head rolled down the highway in the beginning.. that was.. I thought that was what it was; but it still freaked me out a little *L* I was glad that my kids werent' watching that part!

That is the end of the two shows I tell you about. Have a good day!

The demands of the day do not allow for personal squeamishness, nor will they tolerate the holding of breath;

This may be my personal mantra for each day as I awake.

A day of kids; again.. *yawn*

Last night we had the meeting..We have the theocratic ministry school on Tues and book study on Thurs. Brian and were both able to go and the kids were really good. We sat by my dad and my dad was really sweet with the children. After we went to the meeting I talked Brian into going to Meijers and getting icecream. I enjoy so much watching my little ones pick out things; and watching them in public..w el anywhere, but for some reason particularly in public makes me just so proud to have such a wonderful family and such beautiful children.. I just feel so blessed. I was just enjoying 'my family' so much; but Brian was getting frustrated; we all wanted different icecream, the children broke soemthing(not their fault; someone left something glass in the middle of the aisle) I wish he could see how blessed he is too.

Anyway, I love my family. :)

Today I ended up helping my mom with Mels' kids. Shes' going to be working at a bank instead of as a waitress ; so this might be her last week on Wed. We don't know what her schedule will be when she starts at the bank. She will get to be right in the middle of downtown on the 'circle' which I think shes' pretty excited about.

We had a pretty good time. My mom had made chocolate chip cookies and when I brought Ellicia back from work she got bead and strings out to make necklaces with and the kids played with that all day. I got to use the sewing machine too. I got most of the pieces for a quilt I am making, I made a dinasour pillow for Luke, and I made a little dress for Mia.

Later my mom and I worked on a pesto. Thats' basil, almonds (or some kind of nut) olive oil, salt, together in a blender. then she used the pesto as a base for her pizza sauce.. It was soo good!.. It was a really good pizza and I HELPED *L*

Melissa came home from work around nine and she took me and the kids hoem since Brian was already at work in our 'one' car.. *sigh*.. Anyway.. now I am taking iteasy until Bedtime.. although we should already be in bed.. Have a good night!

no notes yet; went to zoo and now we have to get ready for the meeting. but heres' a picture