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Monday, August 31, 2009

Friend Makin' Monday

I saw this over at Third Time's a Charm and thought this would be a fun thing to do!

This originates from Amber  and is a type of 20 questions thing!

Sounds fun....right???

Well here are the questions and my answers.  This will give you a bit of a glimpse of my OCD tendencies and how we do things in our home!  

1. Do you cook every night?

Pretty much.  We have not been going out to eat much at all, so we are kind of forced to cook in order to feed our hungry, growing children
(and ourselves of course).  Hubs and I tend to share the cooking duties, so it is nice that I am not the only one cooking meals for all of us!

2. What kind of laundry detergent do you use & why?

We use Gain.  We use it because of my super-sensitive skin that tends to break out into a rash when we try other detergents
(or sometimes for no reason at all).  I hate not being able to get just whatever kind of detergent or dryer sheets we want, and forget about fabric softener....that stuff makes me break out no matter the brand! 

3. Do you do laundry every day or loads at a time?

It sure seems like I do laundry every day, but I tend to leave most of it until the weekend and just do loads
(MOUNTAINS) of laundry then.  Sometimes it all gets done, sometimes not.

4. How often do you eat out per week?

Lately, z-e-r-o.  We have been BROKE lately and just cannot afford to take 5 of us out to eat.  But we are going to go out on Saturday night.  We are taking my mom out to eat at Red Lobster for her birthday on Saturday.

5. Where do you usually eat out?

The kids love Chili's, Applebee's, IHOP
(where all the one-legged waitresses work), and the all-you-can-eat Chinese joint we have around here.  Usually we go where the kids vote to go (when we go out).  Most of the time we opt for the all-you-can-eat joints because out two oldest children can EAT

6. What is your favorite retail store?

Hmmm....we usually go to WalMart, simply because it is cheap and when you are on a budget...that is the way to go!  I lurve
(not a typo) Target and find that our budget does not, so I have been avoiding that store like the plague simply because I cannot seem to get out of that store for less than $50 (or $100....that sounds more like it).  That store is like crack!  You can't just go in for one thing, because you will come out with about 10.

7. What’s your favorite thing to drink?

Pepsi is my drink of choice, although I need to cut back and start drinking some good old H2O, since we are trying to get pregnant.  I need to cut my caffeine intake WAAAAYYYY down so there will be no harmful effects on the baby
(which I am going to be positive about and say is already there).  This is going to be hard to do, and I am sure there will be some missing heads (from me biting them off), but I know it will be worth it.

8. Do you take vitamins?

Yeppers I do.  I was taking a prenatal vitamin but have had to discontinue those due to some not-so-pleasant gastrointestinal problems they were causing.  Right now I am taking a folic acid supplement and kiddie vitamins in place of the prenatal vitamin.

9. What percentage of the household chores do you do?

I would say about 50%.  You wondering how I do that??  See the next question. *giggling maniacally* 

10. Do your children do chores? (Or will they, did they, etc).

Yes. They. Do.  The children do dishes, take out trash, feed the dog, clean their rooms, put up their clean laundry, and clean their bathroom.  The teenager helps his dad with the lawn, since he is now old enough to operate a lawn mower.

11. Do you go to church?

I do not.  I am a spiritual person, but not a church person.  We believe in God and his glorious, divine creation and know that Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, but we do not attend church.  

12. Do you have a housework schedule?

Pretty much.  Dishes every other day, trash almost every day, dog being fed everyday, laundry in the hamper every day, and the rest is done on a need basis
(when it needs it, it gets cleaned).

13. Do you keep a working budget?

We HAVE to or we get into deep doo-doo.  We have been on a VERY strict budget for a few months now and we are hoping
(with the addition of a size-able deposit I just made from my left-over financial aid) that we will be able to relax a little on it now.

14. What do you do at night as a family?

Homework with kids
(for them and me), make and eat dinner, watch some of our favorite shows or a movie, kids get bathed and in bed, and hubs and I have some quiet time to do what we need to do.

15. How do you prepare yourself for a new week?

I go over what we have coming up for the week and make whatever lists I need to to keep track of it all
(I'm all about the lists, baby).

16. What do your mornings look like?

Depends on if I am working or not and if I have class.  

If I am working, I get a call at the butt-crack of dawn; get up; get showered, dressed, and primped; get my lunch together; fill out my work sheet; load up all my teacher goodies in the van; and head to whatever school I'm working at.  

If I have class I get up, get showered, get dressed, grab my book bag, and head out the door to the college.  

If I do not have class or work, I sleep until I wake up naturally, mess around on the computer for a few hours, get a shower, and by the time I am dressed it is usually lunch time.

17. What time do you get up in the mornings?

see above.  depends.  for class it is 8 am.  for work it is 6 am.  for a free day it is anywhere from 8 am to 10 am.

18. What time do you go to bed at night?

late. very. very. late. usually around midnight or later.  I am a night owl, so is the hubs.  Not a good thing when you have to get up at the butt-crack of dawn.

19. How do you manage all of the paperwork that floods into your household? (bills, school work, magazines, ads, etc)

ok. bills go into our bill notebook. my school work has a shelf all to itself on the bookshelf, magazines also have a shelf on a bookshelf, ads go straight to the garbage, kids papers have a place of their own, and all the rest get filed away in their appropriate file folders.

20. How do you keep your household organized? (calendars, charts, etc.)

This is where my OCD tendencies come into play.  

I have iCal on my computer that has color-coded calendars for the different things in our life.  My work has one, my school has one, and each child has one.  

For my school work each semester I print off a paper that has all my classes listed, which week it is for, and has space to put in assignments for each class each week.  

We have a whiteboard that is divided up into squares that has chores listed, days of the week and spaces to put which child does which chore on which day.  

I also have a pad on the refrigerator that has a space for each child with days of the week to keep track of their activities.  

I also have a day planner that I fill in.  

I hate missing things, being late, or forgetting that I had something to do.  I like to know what is coming up before it gets there and getting things thrown at me last minute is the equivalent of fingernails on a chalk board for me.  I tend to get a little pissy when we are running late and I am the person that is A-L-W-A-Y-S early.  If I am late it is someone else's fault and I can guarantee that my blood pressure is through the roof in those instances.

Well, that is it for me!  Make sure and head over to see  Amber  to check out everyone else's answers!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Writer's Workshop: SWEET FREEDOM!!!


It's Thursday and that means it is time for the Writer's Workshop from Mama Kat @ Mama's Losin' It.

The Prompts:
1.) What will you be doing now that the kids are back in school?
(inspired by Michelle from 
Honest And Truly)
2.) Things I have learned from my toddler.
(Inspired by Big Mama Cass from 
The World Through My Eyes).
3.) What would you put in your favorite things giveaway?
(inspired by Jill from 
Scary Mommy who is having a favorite things giveaway right NOW! Check it out!!)
4.) Hi, my name is ______ and I am a _______.
(inspired by Emmy from 
Emmy Mom One Day At A Time.)
5.) If these walls could talk...
(inspired by JennyMac from 
Let's Have A Cocktail)


This week I am choosing to do number one:  What will you be doing now that the kids are back in school?

Well, my kids have been back in school for the past week (see previous post here.), so I have been doing the following:

1) Sleeping in until I am ready to get up, not when the kids start making too much racket and wake me up.

2)  NOT watching cartoons all day

3)  NOT having the Spongebob theme song stuck in my head EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (shit, there it is....I shouldn't have said anything)

4)  Having some peace and QUIET.  I forgot what it was like.  It is nice. very, very nice.

5)  Eating candy for breakfast if I so please without six little eyes (6, because 3 kids live with us and they each have 2 eyes....get it) staring at me while I enjoy my not-so-nutritious breakfast of champions.

6)  Getting ready for my college classes

7)  Going to the bookstore for above classes without 20 (ok that's an exaggeration....there is only 3....sometimes 4) kids in tow.

8)  Making threatening calls to the college because they screwed up something else without kids in earshot of my rage (ok, ok....they are not threatening....just angry).

9)  Noon-ers with the hubs (sorry...it is what has been going on....I know it is TMI).

10)  Eventually working (if they ever call me in).

11)  Watching all the kid inappropriate movies I have had on our DVR for months and months (these are just movies we don't let the kids watch).
----------------------------------
Well, that is what I've been up to (and as of today....going to class as well) since the kids have been back at school.

Which prompt will you choose??  Head on over and visit Mama Kat and choose your prompt!

Friday, August 14, 2009

A bittersweet moment

Today, my youngest son started kindergarten.  

Where has the time gone?  

Seems like just yesterday he was born and was a teeny little baby with the brightest and most alert eyes I have ever seen on a newborn.  

Those bright, alert eyes are still there.  He is curious as ever.  This has led to him learning SO much from his curiosity and "leap first, look later" nature.  He has been so ready for this day for so long.....well, about a year.  And I have been dreading this day for about as long.

It is so hard to let him go.  But I did.

I did it.

I watched him bound onto the bus with such enthusiasm and joy that I could not help but to smile.

I watched him wave goodbye to me from his seat on the bus.

I managed to keep my composure until my husband left for work.........and then the tears started.  I am better now.  Just not ready for this yet.

On another note, we met with his teacher yesterday so that she could do some prescreening in order to know what he already knows.  He did phenomenal!  She said that if he knew how to read some more than he already does, that he would be ready right now for 1st grade!  I am so proud of him.  He soaks up information like a sponge.  He uses BIG words, like actually, unbelievable, extraordinary,....just to name a few.  He is mature beyond his years.  Sometimes acting more mature than his teenage big brother (which is not hard to do on some days).

My baby girl started 5th grade on Wednesday.  She is in her last year of elementary school.  Next year she will be in MIDDLE SCHOOL.  I cannot believe it.  She has grown so much.  She makes me so proud to be her mom.  She is also smart-as-a-whip.  This year is a bit hard for her because her best friend for the last 3 years got held back in the 4th grade and is not in class with her everyday.  She is sad about this because this means that from now on, they will have no chance of being in any classes together.  But she will persevere.  She will thrive.  She is, after all, her mother's daughter!!  

Our oldest (my oldest step-son, because let's face it....I am NOT old enough to have a teenage son any other way) started his first day of High School today as well.  I cannot believe it.  I am dumb-founded at where the time has gone.  When his father and I started dating, he was in 5th grade.....now.....he is a little man (well, not too little.... he is about 2 inches shorter than his dad and about 5 inches shorter than me!), preparing to leave the nest.  He is starting the first years of the rest of his life.  We are praying that he has grown enough over the summer to realize that he needs to start acting a little more "adult" like and start thinking about the future and what he wants to do with the rest of his life.  He has his eyes set on joining the Marine Corps right after High School (we will see if that holds true in 4 years).  

I thought I would share a few pics of the kiddos in their "first day clothes".  You can tell from the painting behind them all a little about how BIG they are!

First up......Our oldest:
Next is my baby girl and baby boy waiting for the bus this morning:
My baby girl on her first day (she was not happy about how early it was):
And my little boy:

Oh, by the way.....the faces.....what can I say.....they didn't want their picture taken, so those are their "I don't want to take this pic" faces.  I've given up on MAKING them smile good.....if they want pics with funky looks on their face, then GO FOR IT!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

My Anniversary Gift

This is what my wonderful hubby got me for our anniversary yesterday.

I had fun taking these pics.  Click on them to see full size (so you can see the awesome detail).

ENJOY!!











(BTW, I do not use any fancy cameras or editing software.  Just a Sony Cybershot and iPhoto)


Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Happy Anniversary to US!!

At our wedding with all the kids! 

Me and my hubs!

Us again!


Right after we were pronounce Mr. and Mrs. 3 years ago!


We have been married for 3 wonderful, marvelous, fabulous, spectacular (do you get the point....they have been THE BEST!) years today!  

I have been lucky enough to be married to my soul mate for the last 3 years.  I am so thankful that he was brought into my life at the PERFECT time.  I am so blessed!  

Here's to a lifetime of happiness and LOVE!!! 

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Writer's Workshop: Those creepy little faces and THOSE EYES!

It's that time.....Writer's Workshop from Mama Kat over at Mama's Losin' It. I have not been doing these lately but it is summer and I have been super busy with kids and all the fun that comes along with them!

Here are the prompts:

1.) What's ailing you? Diagnose yourself with a syndrome.
2.) Share with us something you made by hand.
3.) Fess up. Tell us what you found after a spying on someone.
4.) "How are y'all doing it? This summer, I mean? I cannot remember ever being as busy as we've been over the past two months. Those of you who are blogging daily, being as witty and entertaining as ever...I beg of you...HOW?"
5.)What are you afraid of?


I am choosing to do.......a little of all of them.

1.) What's ailing you? Diagnose yourself with a syndrome.

Well, I am going to diagnose myself with end-of-summer-itis syndrome.  Classic symptoms of this syndrome are as follows:  boredom, desire for peace-and-quiet, lack of enthusiasm, actually looking forward to going to work, hiding from children, staying up late for just a smidgen of quiet time, and a general lack of interest.  This syndrome is caused by spending months with your children 24/7!!  Only cure for this syndrome is school starting again (which happens NEXT WEEK!!!!)!!!!!!!!!

2.)  Share something you made by hand.

Well, that is easy.  This:
This is a painting I did of my brother-in-law and niece a few years ago.  Can you tell that is what it is?  I am very proud of this painting and it turned out better than I had envisioned it would!

3)  Fess up. Tell us what you found after a spying on someone.

I don't do this.  It is a sneaky way of doing things.  I prefer to ASK the person about whatever I'm curious about.  Much more straight-forward and honest that way.

4)  How are ya'll doing it?  This summer, I mean?  I cannot remember ever being as busy as we've been over the past two months.  Those of you who are blogging daily, being as witty and entertaining as ever.....I beg of you.....HOW?

Well, I haven't been blogging daily.  I haven't even been blogging weekly.  I've been too busy as well.  Something had to take a back seat to my children and their entertainment and unfortunately, it had to be the blog.  But I should be able to start at least doing weekly posts (if not more).

5)  What are you afraid of?

Let's see.......moths, bees, wasps, ants.....who am I kidding....bugs in general......dying in my sleep; not being a good mom; not having another child; failure; never finishing school and not being able to get a teaching job; disappointing my husband, children and family; and did I say MOTHS (they creep me out....those creepy little faces and those eyes....*shudder*).

Now it is your turn.  Pop on over to Mama Kat's and get to writing!!!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Where do you get a money tree?

Because I really need one right now.  Like bad.

I just had to ask my ex-mother-in-law if she could buy the kids (my two) some clothes to get them started in school.  It was embarrassing and I felt horrible doing it.  Our five-year old has 3 pairs of shorts and one pair of pants that fit him and only about 3 shirts that fit him.  He is growing like a weed.  Our daughter is the same way.  Both of them have high-water pants now because their legs have been what has been growing (thanks to genetics......from me).

We can't afford it.  We will barely be able to buy the school supplies that they need.  I hate this.  I hate having NO money.  I hate NOT paying some bills because it is a choice between paying the bill or buying groceries.  I hate having to ask others for money.  

We have to figure out a way to get the oldest some clothes because he has outgrown most of his clothes as well....but he has been doing that like crazy so we don't buy him much at one time.....reason is that we have had to buy him clothes 5 different times over the last year because he out-grows them so fast!

Ugggg.  I'm ready for school to start so that I can start working and bringing in some money!  I think we will be OK once I start getting a paycheck again.  Plus I will be getting some money back in September from my grants and loans from college that will be used to catch up on the bills we have had to skip out on this month.

But really.......where is the money tree??  At the very least does someone know how to shit money that can teach me how to do it??

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