I am back! Mirielle had to go to the small city to pay for her college tuition, and she asked if anyone wanted to go. Well, if you twist my arm....I suppose I could. Then Emily decided to go along too, to have her alto sax looked at by the music store guy. So off we went, leaving nice Abigail with the two little girls. After our two stops, we went to the dollar store. I got some 64 ounce bottle of cranberry/grape juice, organic, 100% juice, for one buck each. Also some more soy waffles, and some hair conditioner, and some hair elastics. Then to the store next door, BigLots. Emily had to buy some rope to secure the beds she bought from craigslist in the truck. I bought some breakfast bars for $1 a box, marked down, and then meandered over to the Christmas stuff....it was still 75% off....so I got a few things with gumballs in them for the little girls....and they rang up ten cents each!! I asked the cashier if the Christmas stuff was marked down to 90% off now, and she said it was. "Wait just a minute,", I said, and I hustled back there and got a whole stack of chocolates....regularly $1, for ten cents. I have no pride left. Absolutely none. My daughters were laughing at me. I think the cashiers there feel a bit sorry for me. Oh well. These guys can bring the candy to activity club. I do not believe you can go wrong at ten cents each.
Tonight we are having roasted turkey breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and broccoli. And probably biscuits. I make 40 biscuits, and we have to ration them. Because 18 times two is 36, and if more than 4 people take three, there won't be enough. I have a few boys who could eat six, if I let them.
Camille Anaya does not want to sleep today. She is up again, opening and closing the door of my room. She can climb out of her little green bed, and she does. It is so late now, I might just put her to bed early. She gets so cranky though, it is like she is a different child when she is tired. She cries about everything. Loudly.
Well, that second trip bus is here....
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
i've got the slows....
The laziness in me is appalling. I just seem to have the winter "blahs"......I see all these things that need to get done, and have all these ideas....but after I do a few things, blah. Just don't care. I don't feel depressed or anything, just lazy lazy lazy.
I made a big pot of beef stew-soup last night with the leftover beef and gravy. I just added a bunch of water, and simmered it while I peeled cut up 8 or 10 potatoes. I added them to the soup, along with a bag of frozen thin sliced carrots and green beans. I let it cook for a while, added some salt and onion powder, then thickened it with instant mashed potato flakes. The surprising part: it was really good! The kids really liked it, and we ate the whole pot. It was just exactly enough. I always feel good when the leftovers get put to good use. It can be challenging here because there is usually not enough of something for another meal, so I often do soups with leftovers.
Okay, I have received a blog award (The Honest Scrap Award)from Moon Mama, at http://moonmania.blogspot.com. (thank you!)
I am supposed to write ten things about myself.....so here goes. (I have been writing on this blog for two and a half years now, so if there is anything interesting about me, you probably already know it....)
1. My mother had breast cancer when I was in high school. It was in her lymp nodes, and she had two radical masectomies. I used to go with her to get her chemo. Back in 1982, chemo made one very sick. That didn't stop my mother from taking me with her on the bus sometimes, and making it a fun day. It's hard for me to believe now, but she did that. She made it fun.
2. I like to make my morning coffee last a long time and enjoy it because a second cup never tastes as good.
3. I feel like I like Paul more than he likes me. Most of the time, anyway.
4. When I was eleven years old, I was really skinny, and I wanted to be a wrestler SO badly. I tried on my older brother's high school uniform, and thought that wrestling shoes were the ultimate.
5. My little brother Casey and I were bad. When my mother sent us to the store for the paper, we put a flat stone in the paper box, and used the dime to buy candy.
6. I am a picky eater. No mayonaise, no ketchup, no mustard, no tuna fish, no salsa. But I love Frank's hot sauce. I usually eat my salad with no dressing. And I do not like cheese, unless it is melted, and even then, not so much.
7. I would like to write a book someday.
8. If I got pregnant again, I would be ecstatic. If the sonogram showed twins, I do not know if I could bear the happiness. I try not to think about this too much, but it is still there, that newborn craving....
9. I wish I could just fly into Haiti, and rescue an orphan or two, and hug them and cuddle them and help them forget their troubles. And keep them forever, of course.
10. I like the show "American Idol", except for when the judges are mocking the people. Simon can be a meany. We don't watch much tv, but when "A.I." is on, we watch it. We mute the tv during commercials, no matter what we are watching.
11. I have had two dreams this week about meeting Martha, my blogging friend from near the lake. In one, she was buying a new coffee maker, and I told her I saw a cheaper one somewhere....it made no sense, but we got along just fine.
12. I am extremely attracted to large spacious homes. I have dreams all the time about finding an extra room, or sometimes a whole hall of rooms. All clean and decorated and new. And I always say in the dream, "I didn't know we had this!"
13. I do not learn. I know darn well if I give the kids the empty coffee container to play with, it will end up on the floor, but I do it anyway. I also know that it will turn into a mess when I let Jon open the biscuits, or the bathroom will get soaked if I let say, Suzanne, take a bath with say, Charlotte Claire....but I do it anyway.
14. I get optimistic and excited about going out and about. I try to make every excursion a fun one. I do not have much tolerance for sulky people.
15. Last night I dreamed that Rosie died, and I cried in my sleep.
16. I laugh sometimes when I shouldn't. I got M. really mad yesterday by taking her picture when she shrieked at me not to. I just did it anyway. She stomped off. I apologized later, but started laughing my head off, remembering how angry she was at me. She was furious, telling me that I was not really sorry. Well, I was too! I just couldn't help the laughing, is all. I'm telling you, it is scary sometimes. It makes me afraid to go to funerals.
17. I would like to be a marriage counselor. I would try to get each partner to see how they themselves are, and to forgive the other one seventy times seven. And to RESPECT each other. And to not be so quick to say, "I have a headache..." Because one can be blessed by blessing the other, if you know what I mean.
18. I am pretty sure this was supposed to be ten things, but: I do not like rules, and to break even a teeny tiny one is lots of fun.
I am going to pass the award on to only one person today, although I read many blogs I really like. This one person doesn't blog as much as she used to, because she is now obsessed with crocheting. She has talent! She taught herself, and she makes the most beautiful things. She is my friend, I have known her since middle school. When she met my brother one Halloween night, well, let's just say I took a back seat. They got married (she tells him she married him so her and I would always be friends!), and have 12 beautiful kids. So Kim: here is your award, "The Honest Scrap Award"....
I made a big pot of beef stew-soup last night with the leftover beef and gravy. I just added a bunch of water, and simmered it while I peeled cut up 8 or 10 potatoes. I added them to the soup, along with a bag of frozen thin sliced carrots and green beans. I let it cook for a while, added some salt and onion powder, then thickened it with instant mashed potato flakes. The surprising part: it was really good! The kids really liked it, and we ate the whole pot. It was just exactly enough. I always feel good when the leftovers get put to good use. It can be challenging here because there is usually not enough of something for another meal, so I often do soups with leftovers.
Okay, I have received a blog award (The Honest Scrap Award)from Moon Mama, at http://moonmania.blogspot.com. (thank you!)
I am supposed to write ten things about myself.....so here goes. (I have been writing on this blog for two and a half years now, so if there is anything interesting about me, you probably already know it....)
1. My mother had breast cancer when I was in high school. It was in her lymp nodes, and she had two radical masectomies. I used to go with her to get her chemo. Back in 1982, chemo made one very sick. That didn't stop my mother from taking me with her on the bus sometimes, and making it a fun day. It's hard for me to believe now, but she did that. She made it fun.
2. I like to make my morning coffee last a long time and enjoy it because a second cup never tastes as good.
3. I feel like I like Paul more than he likes me. Most of the time, anyway.
4. When I was eleven years old, I was really skinny, and I wanted to be a wrestler SO badly. I tried on my older brother's high school uniform, and thought that wrestling shoes were the ultimate.
5. My little brother Casey and I were bad. When my mother sent us to the store for the paper, we put a flat stone in the paper box, and used the dime to buy candy.
6. I am a picky eater. No mayonaise, no ketchup, no mustard, no tuna fish, no salsa. But I love Frank's hot sauce. I usually eat my salad with no dressing. And I do not like cheese, unless it is melted, and even then, not so much.
7. I would like to write a book someday.
8. If I got pregnant again, I would be ecstatic. If the sonogram showed twins, I do not know if I could bear the happiness. I try not to think about this too much, but it is still there, that newborn craving....
9. I wish I could just fly into Haiti, and rescue an orphan or two, and hug them and cuddle them and help them forget their troubles. And keep them forever, of course.
10. I like the show "American Idol", except for when the judges are mocking the people. Simon can be a meany. We don't watch much tv, but when "A.I." is on, we watch it. We mute the tv during commercials, no matter what we are watching.
11. I have had two dreams this week about meeting Martha, my blogging friend from near the lake. In one, she was buying a new coffee maker, and I told her I saw a cheaper one somewhere....it made no sense, but we got along just fine.
12. I am extremely attracted to large spacious homes. I have dreams all the time about finding an extra room, or sometimes a whole hall of rooms. All clean and decorated and new. And I always say in the dream, "I didn't know we had this!"
13. I do not learn. I know darn well if I give the kids the empty coffee container to play with, it will end up on the floor, but I do it anyway. I also know that it will turn into a mess when I let Jon open the biscuits, or the bathroom will get soaked if I let say, Suzanne, take a bath with say, Charlotte Claire....but I do it anyway.
14. I get optimistic and excited about going out and about. I try to make every excursion a fun one. I do not have much tolerance for sulky people.
15. Last night I dreamed that Rosie died, and I cried in my sleep.
16. I laugh sometimes when I shouldn't. I got M. really mad yesterday by taking her picture when she shrieked at me not to. I just did it anyway. She stomped off. I apologized later, but started laughing my head off, remembering how angry she was at me. She was furious, telling me that I was not really sorry. Well, I was too! I just couldn't help the laughing, is all. I'm telling you, it is scary sometimes. It makes me afraid to go to funerals.
17. I would like to be a marriage counselor. I would try to get each partner to see how they themselves are, and to forgive the other one seventy times seven. And to RESPECT each other. And to not be so quick to say, "I have a headache..." Because one can be blessed by blessing the other, if you know what I mean.
18. I am pretty sure this was supposed to be ten things, but: I do not like rules, and to break even a teeny tiny one is lots of fun.
I am going to pass the award on to only one person today, although I read many blogs I really like. This one person doesn't blog as much as she used to, because she is now obsessed with crocheting. She has talent! She taught herself, and she makes the most beautiful things. She is my friend, I have known her since middle school. When she met my brother one Halloween night, well, let's just say I took a back seat. They got married (she tells him she married him so her and I would always be friends!), and have 12 beautiful kids. So Kim: here is your award, "The Honest Scrap Award"....
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
camille and mommy
Since she didn't take her nap today, she was fussy and tired and she did not want me to take her picture. But that did not stop me. She is just too cute.
She found this nice little dress, and since it is January and 30 degrees out, she thought she should wear it.
But earlier, when she was in a good mood, we had lots of fun.
Every time I snapped a picture, I would show her, and she would think it was so funny.
This is a nice shot of the camera strap....
She is still my sweetie babe. I have 16 children, but the youngest takes most of my time. But I am not complaining.
But earlier, when she was in a good mood, we had lots of fun.
Every time I snapped a picture, I would show her, and she would think it was so funny.
This is a nice shot of the camera strap....
She is still my sweetie babe. I have 16 children, but the youngest takes most of my time. But I am not complaining.
She is a lap puppy....and it is winter, and I keep my camera next to my chair.....
And here we have Rosie...she has a piece of gum in her mouth in this picture. Suzanne carried a crying Camille to me this afternoon, and Camille was fussing and looking through Suzanne's hair, saying, "I lost my gum, I lost my gum..." GREAT, thought Mommy. She lost her gum in her sister's hair. Then I noticed Rosie chewing something....and the funny part was, Camille wanted it back! If I had let her, she would have taken it from Rosie and put it back in her mouth....
And goodnight for now....and Moon Mama, I haven't forgotten....!
And here we have Rosie...she has a piece of gum in her mouth in this picture. Suzanne carried a crying Camille to me this afternoon, and Camille was fussing and looking through Suzanne's hair, saying, "I lost my gum, I lost my gum..." GREAT, thought Mommy. She lost her gum in her sister's hair. Then I noticed Rosie chewing something....and the funny part was, Camille wanted it back! If I had let her, she would have taken it from Rosie and put it back in her mouth....
And goodnight for now....and Moon Mama, I haven't forgotten....!who has my camera card???
No one. No one knows anything about it. It could have been Camille or Charlotte Claire, because the batteries were taken out and found several feet away from the camera. It may just be gone forever. I just asked Camille where it was, and she said, "I put it in the oven. I put it in your purse. I don't see it, Mamma!" Apparently, that is a dead end. When things are missing though, it is a good idea to ask the younger ones. Once I was at a garage sale, and almost had to stay there forever. I had like 8 or ten kids, and one of the kids somehow had the van keys, which they tucked into a little toy refridgerator or stove that was for sale. I looked and looked and looked for those keys before asking the kids....and sure enough, one of them ran right over and retrieved those keys.
I finished my arctic expedition book, 947 pages of paperback horror, as it was a doomed trip from the start, and read another book that I started yesterday. Books and me are like Target and I. Not a good combination. I can't put the book down....well, usually I just stay up 'til the wee hours until the book is all gone. I have three more books on the shelf that Abigail got me from the library. I need to wait a few days before I start one.
The kids are all home, they have had their snack,(75% off gingerbread cookies from a cute little tin, and milk) and I need to make dinner. It is always the same, but always different. Suzanne lost a tooth today in school, which is apparently very exciting, she came home with it in a little plastic tooth holder around her neck. Mommy doesn't have any of those. The Tooth Fairy might remember to come here tonight. ha. We do have the most forgetful Fairy....Jonathan says his class has 18 stars on the board, and when they get twenty they get a party, a compliment party. I guess he knows that 18 plus two is twenty. hmm.
Camille did not fall asleep for her nap today. I took a rest in my big comfy bed while she "napped" in her little green bed....I was finishing my book, and she was getting out and taking off her diaper and trying on an 18 month size pink fluffy winter coat from last year.
Abigail is cleaning her room. Emily is cleaning her room. They are moving out. wah. Actually, it will be nice to have someplace to go visit. If I am invited, that is. And, not to make them feel bad or anything, but sometimes it can be a bit frustrating to have so many adults in one house. They are helpers, and very good company, so it is only a little frustrating. I won't be sighing huge sighs of relief, but I won't be sobbing, either. It DOES help that they are only going a few miles down the road!
Well, if I don't get dinner started, it will be so late when we eat, again. Last night it was almost eight when we got up from the table. One family I know has dinner right when the kids get home from school, when they are the hungriest. If I did that, though, Paul would miss out on that nice time at the table every night. Oh, the fun times we have! Now that Mali is vegetarian, there is at least one comment at every meal that ends in her getting huffy and feeling like everyone is against her. Which is not true. But when Mirielle says she hates to see Rosie get hurt because she doesn't like to see animals suffer, and Mali says, "Oh, but you can eat them?"....and on it goes. Everyone seems to have something to say.... Mostly in good fun, but....
It seems like I haven't done anything around here today....such is life. But now I shall get the kids in gear, and make it nice and clean for when Daddy comes home. I think it makes it less stressful to walk into a nice clean house....and it makes it look like I didn't finish my book today......
I finished my arctic expedition book, 947 pages of paperback horror, as it was a doomed trip from the start, and read another book that I started yesterday. Books and me are like Target and I. Not a good combination. I can't put the book down....well, usually I just stay up 'til the wee hours until the book is all gone. I have three more books on the shelf that Abigail got me from the library. I need to wait a few days before I start one.
The kids are all home, they have had their snack,(75% off gingerbread cookies from a cute little tin, and milk) and I need to make dinner. It is always the same, but always different. Suzanne lost a tooth today in school, which is apparently very exciting, she came home with it in a little plastic tooth holder around her neck. Mommy doesn't have any of those. The Tooth Fairy might remember to come here tonight. ha. We do have the most forgetful Fairy....Jonathan says his class has 18 stars on the board, and when they get twenty they get a party, a compliment party. I guess he knows that 18 plus two is twenty. hmm.
Camille did not fall asleep for her nap today. I took a rest in my big comfy bed while she "napped" in her little green bed....I was finishing my book, and she was getting out and taking off her diaper and trying on an 18 month size pink fluffy winter coat from last year.
Abigail is cleaning her room. Emily is cleaning her room. They are moving out. wah. Actually, it will be nice to have someplace to go visit. If I am invited, that is. And, not to make them feel bad or anything, but sometimes it can be a bit frustrating to have so many adults in one house. They are helpers, and very good company, so it is only a little frustrating. I won't be sighing huge sighs of relief, but I won't be sobbing, either. It DOES help that they are only going a few miles down the road!
Well, if I don't get dinner started, it will be so late when we eat, again. Last night it was almost eight when we got up from the table. One family I know has dinner right when the kids get home from school, when they are the hungriest. If I did that, though, Paul would miss out on that nice time at the table every night. Oh, the fun times we have! Now that Mali is vegetarian, there is at least one comment at every meal that ends in her getting huffy and feeling like everyone is against her. Which is not true. But when Mirielle says she hates to see Rosie get hurt because she doesn't like to see animals suffer, and Mali says, "Oh, but you can eat them?"....and on it goes. Everyone seems to have something to say.... Mostly in good fun, but....
It seems like I haven't done anything around here today....such is life. But now I shall get the kids in gear, and make it nice and clean for when Daddy comes home. I think it makes it less stressful to walk into a nice clean house....and it makes it look like I didn't finish my book today......
snowy morning, again....
But no delay or snow day today. The second trip kids are all ready at the door, the first trip kids are gone. Abigail went out this morning too, she has an interview at a temp. agency. The kids have been extra fight-y/silly/temper-y this morning. After a long weekend, one would think they would be all rested up and happy. Jonathan is going through this "farts are the funniest thing ever" phase, he jokes about them and talks about them and makes the sound effects.
Our chore plan has failed. Mali has done her part, and Suzanne keeps vacuuming those stairs whether they need it or not. But some of the others didn't remember to do anything last night, therefore there are still pizza pans to be washed and the floor is NOT clean and swept. It's just that if they pitch in and help with the basics, especially because my older girls are going to be busy again, and gone, then I can do a little more of the deep organizing. It can take all day for me on my own, while taking care of the little ones, to get this place cleaned up. But when everyone helps, it is like a half hour project. So this morning I am looking at clutter on top of the dog cage, again. In our house, it is like one of the laws of the universe, like what goes up goes down, where there is a surface, stuff will get put. On the small bookcase, I don't allow anyone to put anything, but that did not stop Sam from putting his tin full of poker cards and chips there. And from here I see a water bottle on the top of my desk, where nothing goes but some nice candles, the change bowl, and a few pictures. ha. The kids have had the Elefun game going, and there are at least ten silky butterflies strewn around the floor. The area where they have been playing house has become a place to put things that no one knows where to put. And there are three comforters still in here from people who wanted to snuggle up.....I have been bad too, two coats of mine are on the couch, along with a load of darks that is NOT supposed to be on my couch. Mali's doggy slippers, my new 5lb. weights, a sit n'spin, a few diferent socks, a chewed up battery package (thanks Rosie)....all decorate my living room floor. It will only take a few minutes to pick it up....that's what I'm telling myself anyway.
So aside from the state of the house, which is normal, things aren't all sunshine and roses with all the kids. One of the girls has been a bit rebellious, and is painful. Not just that she is tending to choose things that I know will bring her heartbreak, it is that as she goes against her own conscience, she is becoming more cynical and just plain hard-hearted. I love her to pieces, and want her to choose the good, but as one can lead a horse to water, the same goes for a teenager. This new behavior does not sit well with one of her younger sisters, and they do a fair amount of fighting. This morning, as they were all waiting for the bus, I encouraged the rebellious one to have a good day and behave. She just grinned. Her sister made a comment to which she retorted, "You can just go to hell!", to which the younger sister replied, "Now THAT would be ironic...." We all burst out laughing. Even the rebellious one. See, the younger one has no tolerance for this behavior. She just makes these comments all the time and it does not help. I know for me, it is a crushing, and it has me on my knees in prayer to have a child seeking things that don't bring peace and happiness.
All these trials are good for me, although I would never choose them myself. I am glad that God knows what I need. His word and His way are true, no matter what happens. Through the trials I can become patient and more merciful and more humble. I am thankful for that, because left to my own inclinations, I would certainly become more demanding and more intolerant and just plain mad.
Our chore plan has failed. Mali has done her part, and Suzanne keeps vacuuming those stairs whether they need it or not. But some of the others didn't remember to do anything last night, therefore there are still pizza pans to be washed and the floor is NOT clean and swept. It's just that if they pitch in and help with the basics, especially because my older girls are going to be busy again, and gone, then I can do a little more of the deep organizing. It can take all day for me on my own, while taking care of the little ones, to get this place cleaned up. But when everyone helps, it is like a half hour project. So this morning I am looking at clutter on top of the dog cage, again. In our house, it is like one of the laws of the universe, like what goes up goes down, where there is a surface, stuff will get put. On the small bookcase, I don't allow anyone to put anything, but that did not stop Sam from putting his tin full of poker cards and chips there. And from here I see a water bottle on the top of my desk, where nothing goes but some nice candles, the change bowl, and a few pictures. ha. The kids have had the Elefun game going, and there are at least ten silky butterflies strewn around the floor. The area where they have been playing house has become a place to put things that no one knows where to put. And there are three comforters still in here from people who wanted to snuggle up.....I have been bad too, two coats of mine are on the couch, along with a load of darks that is NOT supposed to be on my couch. Mali's doggy slippers, my new 5lb. weights, a sit n'spin, a few diferent socks, a chewed up battery package (thanks Rosie)....all decorate my living room floor. It will only take a few minutes to pick it up....that's what I'm telling myself anyway.
So aside from the state of the house, which is normal, things aren't all sunshine and roses with all the kids. One of the girls has been a bit rebellious, and is painful. Not just that she is tending to choose things that I know will bring her heartbreak, it is that as she goes against her own conscience, she is becoming more cynical and just plain hard-hearted. I love her to pieces, and want her to choose the good, but as one can lead a horse to water, the same goes for a teenager. This new behavior does not sit well with one of her younger sisters, and they do a fair amount of fighting. This morning, as they were all waiting for the bus, I encouraged the rebellious one to have a good day and behave. She just grinned. Her sister made a comment to which she retorted, "You can just go to hell!", to which the younger sister replied, "Now THAT would be ironic...." We all burst out laughing. Even the rebellious one. See, the younger one has no tolerance for this behavior. She just makes these comments all the time and it does not help. I know for me, it is a crushing, and it has me on my knees in prayer to have a child seeking things that don't bring peace and happiness.
All these trials are good for me, although I would never choose them myself. I am glad that God knows what I need. His word and His way are true, no matter what happens. Through the trials I can become patient and more merciful and more humble. I am thankful for that, because left to my own inclinations, I would certainly become more demanding and more intolerant and just plain mad.
Monday, January 18, 2010
happy 25th, Emily
And while I am remembering it, anyone who makes derogatory comments about anyone, whether it is in front of their kids or not, is a fool.
No, I do not have very many opinions, but the ones I do have, I HAVE.
I am sorry about one thing: I was given a very nice award the other day, and I have not ignored it, I just haven't gotten to it yet. But I will. Maybe later when I can think straight.
We were actually thinking about taking everyone out to lunch today, but then when it came right down to it, Emily really didn't want to. I suggested company for lunch or dinner, but Emily wasn't up for spending the day in the kitchen, so I told her I would make her a nice dinner. Abigail had to go to the small city to make some resume copies, and Aaron wanted more job applications. So Sonja and I went along too. Aaron drove, which keeps me grabbing for the dashboard and putting my foot on my invisible brake, and telling him to watch out and slow down and don't follow too closely. He is a fine driver, actually, but I just would rather be the driver. So, Aldi had some especially good deals on produce: 3 green peppers for 79 cents, grape tomatoes for 79 cents.....so I got lots of good stuff for salad for today, and for the rest of the week. I also got a pineapple, some mangoes, kiwi, pears, and apples. Then we made a quick stop at Wegmans, if you call $94 quick. I didn't really want to be gone on a home-from-school day, but the kids were fine here. They cleaned up the living room and had a dance/excercise party. (we were only gone for 3 hours).....
We have a new chore plan in place, we will see. The kids have assignments that they are responsible for all week. So supposedly I don't have to even ask them to do it. Mali has to keep the shoes neat and it all clean and picked up by the door, which has to be done every day. She has it neat and tidy, and it is enjoyable to walk in the door and have it neat over there.
Right now, it is loud in here. Sam is playing wii, Jon and Charlotte Claire are wrestling, Sonja and Camille are wrestling, Kathryn and Suzanne are playing Sims on the computer, Abigail and Evelyn are just watching Sam, Emily is on her laptop, Mirielle and Margaret are making Emily a birthday cake. Paul just got home from work. Rosie is in here, taking a nap.
I made 4 pizzas when I got home, and a huge salad. The pizzas are waiting for a turn in the oven. Margaret couldn't start the cake until I got home with the flour, so things got a bit backed up. That's why I am sitting here taking a break...but the break is over, Camille pooped. again.
No, I do not have very many opinions, but the ones I do have, I HAVE.
I am sorry about one thing: I was given a very nice award the other day, and I have not ignored it, I just haven't gotten to it yet. But I will. Maybe later when I can think straight.
We were actually thinking about taking everyone out to lunch today, but then when it came right down to it, Emily really didn't want to. I suggested company for lunch or dinner, but Emily wasn't up for spending the day in the kitchen, so I told her I would make her a nice dinner. Abigail had to go to the small city to make some resume copies, and Aaron wanted more job applications. So Sonja and I went along too. Aaron drove, which keeps me grabbing for the dashboard and putting my foot on my invisible brake, and telling him to watch out and slow down and don't follow too closely. He is a fine driver, actually, but I just would rather be the driver. So, Aldi had some especially good deals on produce: 3 green peppers for 79 cents, grape tomatoes for 79 cents.....so I got lots of good stuff for salad for today, and for the rest of the week. I also got a pineapple, some mangoes, kiwi, pears, and apples. Then we made a quick stop at Wegmans, if you call $94 quick. I didn't really want to be gone on a home-from-school day, but the kids were fine here. They cleaned up the living room and had a dance/excercise party. (we were only gone for 3 hours).....
We have a new chore plan in place, we will see. The kids have assignments that they are responsible for all week. So supposedly I don't have to even ask them to do it. Mali has to keep the shoes neat and it all clean and picked up by the door, which has to be done every day. She has it neat and tidy, and it is enjoyable to walk in the door and have it neat over there.
Right now, it is loud in here. Sam is playing wii, Jon and Charlotte Claire are wrestling, Sonja and Camille are wrestling, Kathryn and Suzanne are playing Sims on the computer, Abigail and Evelyn are just watching Sam, Emily is on her laptop, Mirielle and Margaret are making Emily a birthday cake. Paul just got home from work. Rosie is in here, taking a nap.
I made 4 pizzas when I got home, and a huge salad. The pizzas are waiting for a turn in the oven. Margaret couldn't start the cake until I got home with the flour, so things got a bit backed up. That's why I am sitting here taking a break...but the break is over, Camille pooped. again.
happy monday, and martin l. King day, too!
Rosie, for all her faults, is a sweetie. She brings new meaning to the term, "underfoot"....I tripped over her last night while I was making dinner. She wasn't there, then I took a step backwards to put something away, and oh-my-goodness, I almost fell. 'Cause there she was, sprawled out in front of the kitchen sink. I seriously almost fell, I was shaking. Emily calls her, "Moving Carpet"....
We had way too much fun with my long tangly hair last night. Jonathan thought these pictures were pretty funny.
Camille did, too.
This is Camille yesterday before her nap.
So what do you get when you take 32 pieces of bread, a dozen eggs, and two pounds of bacon, and cook it? French Toast and some happy kids. The ones who are still in bed might not be as happy, however, because it is dwindling. Besides, 32 is not really enough anyway, 17 X 2 is 34, and a few of these guys eat way more than two. But that is all the bread there is. Whatever shall we do for lunch?
We had way too much fun with my long tangly hair last night. Jonathan thought these pictures were pretty funny.
Camille did, too.
This is Camille yesterday before her nap.
So what do you get when you take 32 pieces of bread, a dozen eggs, and two pounds of bacon, and cook it? French Toast and some happy kids. The ones who are still in bed might not be as happy, however, because it is dwindling. Besides, 32 is not really enough anyway, 17 X 2 is 34, and a few of these guys eat way more than two. But that is all the bread there is. Whatever shall we do for lunch?I had all these nice things to write about, but Camille loves me today. She has been sitting with me with a big hardcover book, I read it once. Charlotte Claire and Jonathan are having fun with duplo blocks these days. I told Jon that I would look on craigslist and Ebay and see if we can find some more to buy with their Christmas money.
Martin Luther King Day:
My opinion on racism: it is the most ignorant, cruel, and utterly STUPID form of thinking. When I was in kindergarten, I had a lovely teacher. It was her first year of teaching, and her name was Miss Grant. This was in 1970. I don't remember much about it, but my mother told me years later that when she went to the first parent-teacher conference, she was surprised that the teacher was black. Because I never mentioned it, but truly, I had never noticed it. (also I was so focused on sticking to my guns on the lie my brothers kept encouraging me to tell my mother, that the teacher slapped me. I insisted, because my brothers told me to tell my mother that. So my poor mother had to go to that school and ask the teacher....who of course told my mother that I was a sweet shy little thing, and she wouldn't think of slapping me. Again, I don't particularly remember these things, but I grew up hearing the stories.)(my mother also told me years later that when she met dear Miss Grant, she asked her how her job was, and Miss Grant said it was very difficult. I guess back then in such a white suburban district, she wasn't very welcomed. She didn't come back after that first year. How terrible is that? That was the way things were)
But my point is, God made people. Anyone who thinks they are better than anyone else for any reason is a fool. In my humble opinion. And anyone who makes derogatory comments in front of their kids, is also a fool. In my humble opinion.
Wow, I just remembered that today is Emily's birthday. I wish I had a hundred bucks to take everyone out to lunch. 17 times 5 is 85, plus a tip....hmm.
Well, the day goes on, and I have laundry to do and kids to play with and older kids to talk to .....
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