summer 2011

summer 2011

Paul and I, all 16 kids and Ashley, Benjamin's wife...Christmas 2012

Paul and I, all 16 kids and Ashley, Benjamin's wife...Christmas 2012
family

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

navy or army?

Benjamin and I spent some time talking to recruiters today. He is leaning towards the Navy...

We got home and it was time to leave with Miss Birthday Girl, Kathryn Grace, 12 years old. She chose to go to the Chinese Buffet. It was supposed to be just her and I and maybe one or two of her sisters....but since we have awesome company, we took Stine and Caroline, and Abigail and Margaret and Charlotte Claire. It was cozy and fun in the restaurant on such a chilly rainy afternoon...and we spared Kathryn, we didn't sing Happy Birthday there.

Target was next....I didn't get very much, just new ruffly bikinis for the two little girls....so sweet! And a teaset for them, probably for one of their birthdays or a rainy day.....at the register, I got a coupon for $1 off a purchase at the cafe, so I let Kathryn get a large Icee, she sat next to Charlotte Claire on the way home and they each had a straw.

We hurried home so all the older girls could go over to my niece Susan's house for the evening. The boys went out to eat separately with Joseph and Aaron, then to a friend's place for the evening....so it is just Paul and I and Ben and Sam and Kathryn, Evelyn, Suzanne, Sonja, Jonathan, Charlotte Claire, and Camille. We are watching American Idol.

I feel disconnected and frazzled, having been gone all day...Joseph watched the girls while I was gone with Benjamin, and Mirielle held down the fort this afternoon. She doesn't just hold down the fort, however, she CLEANS it. She washed towels and some lights and gave the kids dinner. She is wonderful. And the nice thing about it: she was fine with it. I offered her to take Kathryn out, and she said, "Mom, I really don't mind staying home. Just go." Well, don't mind if I do!

But now that I am home, I feel like I missed out on so much here. I enjoyed having fun with Kathryn though....and i can't be everywhere....Camille is sitting here wanting attention, and punishing me for leaving her today.....so...

4 comments:

Darla said...

When you describe your household (and I think I've mentioned this before), it reminds me of our household growing up. There was so much going on, friends coming and going, the older kids ('cause I was the eighth of eleven, so I grew up in the most fun spot...older kids that could drive, and younger siblings to be entertained by) running to the store to pick up treats, eventually moving out but coming home every weekend, sometimes with friends or roommates...I just love it. I remember that so much fun was going on, I didn't want to go anywhere...there was too much that I might miss out on. SO fun to hear that as the mom, you feel that way too 'cause I am anticipating and waiting for that day in my house with my kids. I've said for years that I hope we are blessed with a large enough family that we have a revolving door: still have little ones keeping us company but have bigger ones that, between them all, someone is always checking in, coming over for a cup of coffee with me.

Sorry I write a book everytime I write on here but I just love this blog! :)

16 blessings'mom said...

Oh Darla, seriously, write a book on here, I love it. I grew up as the 6th child in a family of seven, and also experienced the fun that older siblings bring. Our house was always the "Kool-Aid" house. There was certainly a revolving door there, and my mother was always ready to be picked up and taken shopping, too.

Jes said...

My husband is in the Army and I wouldn't change it for the world, but the Navy has MUCH better base locations! What an honorable career path your child has chosen, congratulations!

AUTISMOMMA said...

Definitely ARMY!!! I suppose I'm biased since I was in the Army myself, but the fact is, the Army has the most rapid rate of promotions of all the different military branches. Plus, the uniforms just look a lot better. ;)