Really? Already????

School is in the air....the smell of new backpacks, lunch boxes, fresh crayons, erasers, markers - it's everywhere!

And honestly, I'm not too thrilled about it.

I mean, part of me is.  The kids are looking forward to seeing friends again.  Sarah is very excited about being in first grade.  I'm GLAD they feel that way.  However, this morning as I was thinking about it (for the gazillionth time), I realize I am really going to miss them not being around.  Even my little headstrong one (haha).  We have been so busy this summer, but for the most part we have been busy TOGETHER.  Now, a different kind of busy is going to set in.  Instead of us doing things as a pack, it will be a matter of each one doing his/her own different thing (which I do encourage - don't get me wrong), and Charles and I will become the overseers/shauffers/cheerleaders of these things.  It's time to clean off the dry erase board and start filling it up with daily routines and schedules.

Ugh.

Having four kids with (for the most part) different interests makes for a busy schedule.  That is okay though.  If someone has an interest in something and is willing to fully commit to it, then we will do our best to make sure they can participate.  Soccer season is about to start, and I am VERY excited about that!  I love watching them play!  This year, three kiddos will be playing.  That potentially means three different teams and practices AND games (GULP!)  I still have not decided if I want to request for Sarah and Ava to be on the same team.  Sarah will try to helpful, but she tends to dominate.  Ava needs a chance to spread her wings without Sarah trying to take over.  It would be convenient (for me that is) for them to be on the same team - but I don't think it would be good for them - well Ava that is.  I guess I just convinced myself didn't I?  Haha!

Alright then...time to stop whining about the impending doom fast approaching school year.  Summer 2012 was a great season for us, but now it is time to move ahead.  It is kind of like half time in a football game.  We stopped, took time to huddle together and refresh ourselves, now it is time to get back in the game.  (However I'm secretly looking forward to the next "time out"!)  Whoop Whoop!!!!

Love Me Some Vacation!!!!

Vacation....next to Christmas, it's my most favorite time of year.  It means lots of laziness and family time.  I know some people go on vacation and run themselves ragged - and sometimes you have to (going to Disney is a prime example).  Beach trips are different tho.  Once we get to the condo, we unload the car then head to Wal-Mart to stock up on food for the week.  A typical day is waking up late, eating a little breakfast, heading to the beach/pool, lunch, rest while it is hot outside, then back out for more beach/pool time.  Most nights we cook dinner at the condo (because with 6 people it is much cheaper to eat in) then maybe go to Sonic for 1/2 price shakes!  We do venture out "into town" to eat at Lambert's (a MUST), go to the outlet mall, and souvenier shop.  Honestly, we just enjoy being around each other and that is what we want to do...well...that and play in the ocean too!  We collect shells, bob around in the ocean, Sarah, Zachary and Josh ride the waves on their boogie boards - it's just the simple life for a whole week.  Here's just a few things that added to the list of memories:

Sarah and Ava's love of water (Sarah especially!)

Lots of boogie boarding...the kids are quite good!  Sarah doesn't have to know that she and Zachary were probably stung by jellyfish...they are such troopers!

Balcony time - Ava LOVED sitting on the balcony - especially to eat breakfast (or anything for that matter).  Two nights in a row she asked me to sit out there and hold her until she fell asleep in my arms :)

Food always tastes better at the beach.  Even a peanut butter sandwich was amazing!

Ice cold Diet Sunkist...Pringles...ice cream sandwiches (not necessarily together)...yum!

Banana boat riding and parasailing.

Lambert's...catching (sometimes dropping) the rolls...fried okra...fried potatoes...sweet tea... (again yum!)

Walking off the meal from Lambert's at the outlet mall

Searching for seashells

Josh convincing Charles to take a bite of his what appeared to be green apple or lime snowcone when in actuality it was dill pickle.  Yes - it was quite funny!

Ava throwing Zachary's necklace off the 4th floor balcony.  Then the next day she was falsely accused of tossing Zachary's cell phone charger off the balcony.  Said charger was found in the bottom Zachary's backpack a few hours later. (Yes - Charles did apologize to her)

Harious laughing that ensued when Ava said she could not sleep without her blanket (we had her convinced her blanket had been tossed off the balcony) and my response to her was, "Well, Zachary can't sleep without his necklace or phone charger!"  I was trying to drive home a point.  The family wasn't helping...

Only once did one child almost get left at a gas station...he still doesn't know that happened.

Jellyfish...little fishes...ghost crabs...lots of sea creatures

BTW...iPhones are so great on a trip.  We found places to eat, a much nicer Wal-Mart, used the iPod feature to listen on the ride home...such a great little tool (even if reception was not the greatest.)

No child wore swimmies this year...yay!

And the BEST part?  This year we did NOT get locked out of the condo!!

So....It's Been a While!

Goodness!  It has been so long that when I logged into Blogger, I didn't recognize all the "new" stuff!  It has changed drastically.  I know I need to update pics...they are a year old...but that will come later.

So, what has everyone been up to the past six months?  I have missed my on-line "journaling".  Great therapy, but I got tired of only writing about (or FEELING like I was writing about) my strong dislike of shopping and the war between Kroger and Wal-Mart.  There is only so much of that one can take.  Also, I am NEVER on the computer at home.  Thanks to the iPhone, it really isn't necessary - however, blogging from a phone is so not appealing.

That being said, I have decided that I need to get back into this.  If anything, for my kids sake.  This is something for them to be able to look back on in years to come.  It is all about them (well, mostly).  They can read about the funny stuff, the serious stuff and things they will likely forget or maybe even never knew about.  I regret not blogging about the great Disney trip of Christmas 2011. I did make notes on my phone, but no official blog.  :(  We did take a gazillion pics tho.  I think it is a memory that will live forever in spite of my lack of writing about it!

So let's just fast forward to June 2012. 

Sarah and Ava both had birthdays this month.  They are now 6 and 5 respectively.  WOW!  Time has flown so quickly (as any good mother would say!)  Really it has.  They aren't toddlers...they are little people! Their little personalities are unfolding more each day.  I think I now have a little Zachary and a little Josh on my hands,,,how I love my kids!

This is the thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind lately.  On the day of their party, I had been reading the blogs of two very sick kids (Trey Erwin and Lucy Krull - click on their names and go their respective blogs if you aren't familiar with their stories), and on this particular day, neither Lucy or Trey were doing well at all.  It weighed heavily on my heart because I just could not fathom what these parents must be going thru.  I looked at my own kids and thought about the party we had just come from and was so thankful for all the giggles and fun that had been had that day.  I thought, "I am so blessed."  Then just as quickly as I thought it, a small voice inside asked, "And they're not?"

I stopped dead in my tracks.

These families are no different than ours.  They love the Lord as much as we do.  Their faith is an amazing testimony of what God is doing in their lives...even in the midst of the storm.  It was as if I was saying I am blessed because my kids are healthy.  Okay, I guess I am - but do you understand what I am trying to say here?  We are all blessed.  In spite of circumstances, we are all blessed.  When we are rejoicing in life's victories, we are all blessed.  When we are grieving in the pit of despair, we are all blessed.  It is easier to feel it in the good times, but it still holds true in the tough times.  I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said before....but it does make me think twice about using the phrase "I am blessed.  Well, maybe not using it --- maybe just the context?  You know what I mean... :-)

Sorry...I've Been MIA!

I can't believe I went over a month without blogging...oops!  Time really has gotten away from me.  I honestly haven't been in a "blogging" mood.  Our house is so crazy, but I don't want to bore you with normal chaos.  Now, I COULD have used my blog to vent about crazy, demanding, self-centered, etc. people I have encountered, but that my friends, is pretty much an every day occurrance for me.  I have always been one to shoot off at the mouth but lately I have been trying VERY HARD to hold my toungue and just let it pass.  Don't get me wrong -- fireworks are going off in my head -- but I have done very well in restraining what I rant about.  I have decided in the long run it really doesn't matter.  My fuming isn't going to change anything. People are still doing to be ignorant, arrogant, self-centered, demanding, unreasonable, etc. You get the idea.  I really could care less.  The only thing that matters in my little world are the five worm bodies living under my roof (six if you count the furry one!)  At the end of the day, they are the ones I care about.  Nothing else is that important to me (well you know -- on earth -- as far as other people are concerned).  Time is too short to worry about the small stuff!  Make the BEST...make the MOST of every moment you can.  Other people aren't worth the stress! :-)

Thank You Jesus...

Right up there with "I Love You", I think "Thank You Jesus" are three of the most important.  Lately, my perspective has changed - in some areas at least. 

I grumble when the weekend approaches because unlike "normal" people, there is no such thing as a "relaxing" weekend at our house.  My husband has go to bed early Friday night because he as to be up early.  Friday nights (for the most part) and Saturday mornings are a wash because he works for his dad Saturday mornings.  I hate it.  We have been married (almost) 15 years and I have always hated it.  There has never been such a thing as curling up with the kiddos and watching cartoons, or going out for breakfast, or getting a jump on yard work, or even just being lazy.  He is gone before sun up and doesn't get back until lunch.  He breaks his neck to catch the end of a soccer game if it is a late one. It stinks.

Thank you Jesus for blessing me with a husband who loves and works hard for his family and always makes the most of every situation. I thank you that he is able to come home every night.  I thank you that he does not cheat and is an honest person with high morals and standards that he is passing down to his own sons.  Many others have spouses who are abusive, non-caring, or have been taken from their families too early.  I am beyond blessed...

There are days I feel like if Ava or Sarah yell "Mom!!!" one more time, my head is going to explode!  Once they bound through the door, (and I am not exaggerating) I am unable complete a single thought in my head the rest of the day. Ava is forever testing her boundaries. 

Thank you Jesus that (at least for today) my kids are healthy and  can speak to me and call my name.  So many children are sick and in the hospital for various diseases who cannot speak, or communicate with the parents who love them and would trade the world to take their place.  So many others long to have a child and are unable to conceive.  There are parents whose hearts are literally broken because their child was taken unexpectedly....much too early.  You have given me four and I love them more than words could ever express.  They are the light of my life and I am in awe that you have given them to me.    

I get frustrated when I miss things because of my work schedule.  I always feel like I let my kids down if I can't drive for every field trip, or be at every class party.  Sometimes I can switch things around, but I'm not always so lucky.  Granted, there aren't many things I miss, but still... I hate hearing the disappointment in the girls voices when they ask,  "Mommy, will you be home before we go to bed?" and I have tell them "no".

Thank you Jesus that I have a job that I (for the most part) enjoy.  So many people are struggling to find work these days.  Thank you for this provision. Help me to be content where I know you have led me, and use me to minister to others.

Three words...bad.hair.day!

Thank you Jesus for my health.  I know many who are battling cancer and would give anything just to be able to have a "bad hair day". 

I remember when we moved into our house a year ago, the walls were freshly painted, the carpet (although far from being new) was clean, and the whole place was immaculate!  Now, a year and a half later, (thanks to four kids, a couple of sippy cups and a new puppy) there are carpet stains, finger prints on door frames and some inconspicuous crayon marks.  It is far from immaculate.  I remember how it looked the first time we saw it and sometimes I grumble (under my breath) when I see how um - "lived in" it looks.  I don't know why.  There are six of us living there for goodness sake...plus a dog!  I guess I will always be a little OCD...

Thank you Jesus for house full of love, noise and laughter.  There are so many "signs of life" here.  My goal is not to impress anyone, but to make everyone who enters to feel welcomed.  Spills and spots are so trivial in the grand scheme of things!

Lord, I know my life circumstances could change in the blink of an eye, but just for today - for this moment - I thank you for all the little things that tend to drive me crazy.  In the end, they really are just trivial things that I (ashamedly) take for granted.  I don't deserve any of this. Thank you for blessing me beyond measure...my cup truly overflows.

The "Cliff Notes" Version

It's been a whole two weeks (and then some) since my last post...so let's do a quick catch up ~ shall we?

Birthday for me -- best part being the "little things" from my family.  My kids DO like me! :-)

Soccer started for Josh and Sarah.  I love watching them! 

Ava started ballet.  My little "delicate flower" loooves Carrie Jean!

Zachary is in full swing with cross country.  I am so proud of his determination and dedication!  Each week his times and placement get better! 

Josh auditioned for the school play - still waiting to hear about that.

My first "Mom's In Touch" (for Crosswind) meeting is tomorrow...I'm excited!

Lot's of "firsts" this week....more about that later! :-)

Lots of "friends" time...and more to come next week.

Lunch date with hubby last week.  Loved it!  Nothing like uninterrupted time together...so refreshing!

Loved watching tv Friday night with oldest son piled on top of me - he will never be too old or too big :-)

Frustrated with certain aspects of life...but trying to learn to be content with where I am right now.

My love for Target gets deeper every day...it is my happy place...and having Starbucks inside is bonus ~

I am also developing a love for tennis shoes - particularly running shoes.  The flashier the better!

Love to "blog stalk".  I will catch up on friends blogs, then check out their friends blogs, etc.  I like "real" blogs...people who are honest about what they are going thru, how they feel about things, etc.  I hate reading blogs written by people who make you think that woodland creatures are cleaning their house and the fairy godmother is making dinner....

Trying to juggle work, schedules, and quality time = failure most of the time.  My friends make me believe they do it with no problem, so why am I struggling with it?  Some of us have to work outside the home....(insert guilt here)....

I have decided Ava needs a personal assistant for our morning routine.  If she is left alone for a split second she is off playing in her room, or with Bernie, etc.  She is on her own schedule and just moves along as she deems necessary.  "Hurry up" is NOT in her vocabulary.  Neither is "WE HAVE GOT TO GO!!!"

My garage is hideous....must get rid of LOTS OF STUFF!!

I think my walls in my house need to be chocolate brown...that would hide a multitude of sins! Come to think of it, maybe the carpet should be chocolate brown too...

My laundry basket was empty last week....for about 3 minutes....but that was a glorious 3 minutes...

Warm Fuzzies

There's nothing like a birthday to make you feel all warm and fuzzy....even on a mild September day!  I have had the best birthday...and it wasn't because of gifts or anything like that.  It was because of all the little things....the posts on my Facebook wall from people I have known for years or even a few months.  No really....it is amazing how taking a few seconds to just write "Happy Birthday" on someone elses' wall can make a huge impact (spoken from the one on the receiving end!)

The best has been my own little family.  I love my family...really I do.  They gave me the best cards,and Josh even gave me cash for a present!  It was HIS cash too - not like he went to his dad and "borrowed" it.  If you know Josh, that is HUGE!!!  He hand-made his card...wrote a poem and took up all four sides of the paper!  It was really funny...I'm going to scan it and keep it...maybe even find a way to frame it.  He made videos of everyone (individually and as a group) singing "Happy Birthday" to me.  They ALL went out of their way to make me feel so very special ~ and it worked!

I love my little family....they give me "warm fuzzies".......

:-)