birthday party day

Today is Kendall's birthday party. She is my little brother's little princess, turning 5. Her party is at a mini-golf course in the mall. Only Sonja (5), and Suzanne (6) are invited, but daddy is busy today, older kids busy and scattered, so I have to bring Margaret (10), Kathryn (9), Evelyn (8), Jonathan (3), and Charlotte Claire. But Mariel Joy (17), is helping too. I mean, a trip to the mall!!

So, I love my new sewing machine. And I really like the lady who I bought it from. She is just so nice. Her and her husband got married after both their spouses passed away, and had ten kids altogether. They have 41 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. They are just super nice people. I brought the machine home, and it works great. Now I just have to tame my frustrations-I want to use it, and it's almost impossible with the kids around. So I have to wait until they're in bed...

With 15 kids, a mom can't just wait until a few weeks before Christmas to start shopping. So I start a few weeks AFTER Christmas.. I've always bought these guys way too much. I figure just because there's alot of them, they shouldn't get shortchanged...But now they have so many toys....Just numbers: 5 little girls 5 years apart 3 barbies each each Christmas, plus birthdays....This year I've bought bedding sets for 7 of the girls. At 75% off, of course. And I have stuff in my closet for Jon and Charlotte Claire, and a few things for the little girls. But then there's the older kids. Em, Ab, Ben, Mariel (actually I got her something great, and expensive for cheap, but I don't want to say in case she reads this), Joe, Aaron, Molly, Sam, and Margaret........

Why I am writing about Christmas when it is 80 degrees out is only a mystery for people who have just a few to buy for.....

This baby is keeping me up at night already. Uncomfortable!! Contractions in the night...I have 4 weeks to go...

Gramma and Grampa: I got another fill up of gas with my Price-Chopper rewards card yesterday!! $58 something for 66 cents!! That makes 3 practically free fill ups, plus two for Emily. I love it!!! I had $2.90 off per gallon, and gas was like $2.95......