Holiday Countdown

 Here we are getting nearer to the Christmas holiday every second.  The tree is finally up and "decorated" by the children. We finally have an idea of treats to make for the neighbors and friends.  And our shopping list is near what might be called complete.  I posted earlier about my art supply dilemma.   Let me expand on this exciting gift giving

The one item I thought for sure to keep for Dallas was his hot wheels track. He has “hot wheels track” written on notes hanging around the house and several letters to Santa that I mysteriously loose.  It’s listed on his white board with a star next to it  **Wanted most**.    For sure this would be a great item to purchase for his present.  Until he complains that his sister has told him that she is getting him a hot wheels track.   She never keeps a secret.    Well, I guess I could return that and exchange it for something more exciting.

I know he will appreciate the Nerf guns!  I have been hearing about the need for a Nerf gun for months it seems.  I have two of them with refill bullets that have suction cups to stick on the walls, windows, and fireplace.  Well, that was a great idea until we went to the party at my husband’s work place.  They always have “Santa” there.  He gives out one gift to each child.  We now have five… Nerf guns.  At least now we also know the suction cup bullets also stick to the ceiling.  The refill bullets will still be nice.

Sigh.  I can return those too, or better yet, I can give them to my husband.  They had so much fun this weekend shooting at each other!  It was difficult for Brenden to pull his trigger or load it or something so Daddy just had to help.  I can’t count how many times I heard “These are the best Christmas presents ever!”

I knew they would like them.  So, what did they ask Santa for?  I leaned as close as I could with my pencil secretly perched on my notebook so I would get the one thing they really wanted.  The kids smiled for the camera and started to wave goodbye.  I heard nothing!  I missed it! 

“Wait!  Did you forget to tell Santa something?  Did you say everything you wanted to when you were with Santa?”

“Oh, yeah!  Thanks you!”

That’s right.  All I heard was thank you.  “Is that all?”  No.  Brenden had to be sure Santa knew he was allergic to cats.   No gift requests made.  On the way home Dallas was telling me why Santa gave him a Nerf gun instead of the Hot Wheels track he really wanted.  Of course, Lily was giving it to him already.

Back to the drawing board.  They already have everything they want except for art supplies which I foolishly returned thinking they didn’t want them.  I have extras of what they already got or are getting.  I guess I will just plan on going back to get what I returned.  I think I will drive across town so they don’t recognize me.  At least the kids are happy with what they have.

In other news, I began making a gift yesterday; a homemade gift for a family member.  Maybe it will be completed in time to actually be given this year.  Stephen saw it and asked, “Are you making those to sell them?”  Not the plan but perhaps a possibility.  Enter the neighbor girl, “Oooo!  Who are those for?  Will you make me one too?  How much are they?”  I will have a picture posted for that on Friday. 

What is crazy?

I took the four with me grocery shopping yesterday while the older two were at school. Will I ever learn? That is an exhausting experience to say the least. We only had five things on our list fruits, veggies, eggs, yogurt, and medicine (for me, bronchitis. The doctor told me to rest. Ha, ha!)

When we were at the pharmacy the woman on the other side of the counter said, “I still don’t know how you do it. I would go crazy! My one kid drives me crazy.” I smiled and bid farewell as usual, but I started thinking.

What makes a person crazy? Isn’t being crazy defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? Well, here I was in the store with the kids again expecting them to behave and not ask for much just like I have so many other times. Nearly every episode ends with my vow to never take them to the store with me again.

Yet, I continue to repeat it even though I don’t have to. I could go shopping while they are at school. I would rather read or do laundry else while they are gone and deal with the chaos of trying to shop with the kids. That is crazy! Why does everyone say, “I would go crazy”? Don’t I look like I am crazy? There is certainly more than once that I have felt crazy!

I take them with me in hopes they will learn how to plan for a meal, save money for what is on the list, put things on a list for future purchases, and keep a budget. (Don’t worry about them learning how to do laundry. There is never a shortage of laundry!)

Yesterday, Marek asked for Chinese food. Letting them be involved in our routine of life brings new and unexpected experiences. I wouldn’t expect my kids to eat Chinese, but since he asked for it we got it. The kids all helped make dinner and then they actually ate most of it!

We had a great evening! Homework was done before Daddy got home from work, dinner was finished right on time, and three of the kids had haircuts while watching a movie after dinner. Everyone was bathed and ready for bed almost on time. Then we tried to agree on what type of cookies to make for Christmas. Needless to say, we did NOT end up going to bed on time, but everyone was happy.

At the store earlier the pharmacist was trying to figure out which of the kids are identical. (none are) I had them stand close together and smile for her. They are so adorable! They melt my heart. They were actually sitting in the waiting chairs being good! Maybe I’m not so crazy. After all, the results do seem to be changing.

I have heard more than once, accompanied by a sigh and look of pity, “better you than me.” I say, “That’s right!” I am so glad to have all my little miracles. They really do make life more exciting.

Artful Regrets

My husband and I took our children to the Festival of Trees. This has been a great experience for us for the last several years as we have donated a tree every year since my father in law passed away, with one exception. (the quadruplet year) We enjoy our effort to remember his generosity and help the hospital in their efforts to raise money for those who are not able to afford their hospital bills, and so forth. Our kids have been dragged along each year to take a picture and end up in the boutique or kid area to spend a dollar or two of their own.

This year our finances are a little leaner and my patience was a little thinner. We did not attempt the kid area; we skimmed through the trees, skipped the gingerbread houses and hurried over to the boutique. Of course, we saw the quilts on our way. Since I have all the time in the world now (ha ha.) I told the kids that, although we did not have $500 to buy a quilt and most of them were sold already anyway, we could take a picture and I would try to make one for them later (meaning perhaps by the time they were getting married).

After what seemed like ages of arguing, pushing, and whining about being to tired, hungry, and poor, we ended up in the boutique. When trying to agree on one blanket we could buy and SHARE a little one ended up on the floor crying.

I was done. I picked him up and headed for the door. My brood came screaming and crying behind me. “I want to buy something! I thought you said we could get a blanket! Waaa!”

I wondered why I cared if we learned about loving others and being generous at all. Outside we began to unravel. I asked, “What was it about the blanket that was so wonderful? Are you cold at night? Is it because we want to give money to the hospital? Are they just so soft and comfy and beautiful that we really want one?”

Of course the answer was they are just so beautiful and soft. I reminded them I said I would try to make one for them.

“But what if the store doesn’t have the right fabric? *sob*”

So, off we go to the fabric store to feel different types of fabrics and tell me, not what they want but rather what feeling they like the best. (I know, I am asking for trouble here. Taking all six kids out again? Crazy!) No one chose silky. Denim was not their favorites either, but Stephen, the one who was making the biggest fuss over it, said he couldn’t decide and I could just surprise him.

Well, making a quilt would take a functioning sewing machine and probably one that was not borrowed for months on end. We walked past the display of machines just to price them out and wow! They were right across the aisle from the art section! I could hardly pull the kids away from it.

It was a solid 15 minutes of: “Wow! Look at this!”

“I could use this!”

“Hey, did you guys see this!?”

“Whoa! Check this out!”

When we finally left every one of the kids were dancing their way out the door singing, “This is going to be the best Christmas ever!”

Still grumpy from the festival I said, “Why? Because you went to a store?”

“No, because we are going to ask for art and learning time supplies for Christmas!”

I moaned and called my mother. “Mom, have you bought presents for the kids yet? They really want art supplies.”

After a short pause she said, “You mean like the ones you just returned yesterday?”

We both broke out in laughter when I said, “YES!”

Who would have thought that they would prefer paint and paper over an X-Box game?

Revenge of the Turkey!

Here we are, recovering from the busiest weeks of the year. Happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and almost Merry Christmas! Our last week was especially busy this year because not only did we have a turkey to eat, but also had a funeral to attend, and some vomit to clean up, times six. Boy am I ever glad we got those flu shots! What has been for us a day or two (each) is reportedly a week or more for others.

I remember when the kids all got sick at the same time years ago. None of them were old enough to get to a toilet or big enough to carry a “barf bucket” around with them so we covered the floor with layers and layers of towels and blankets. Rather than trying to keep the house (which was actually a rented basement while we were doing the addition) we just rolled up the top layer and set it aside until the washer was available again. Ahhh, sweet memories… I wish it were that easy now.

This version of stomach flu apparently has very little warning. (one in the truck while driving, another in the hallway at school, and two in bed!) I wish we were able to just roll back the top layer from the truck. I thought I cleaned it, but I don’t think you can ever really get the vehicle clean enough after such an episode, down the seatbelt cracks and so forth. There was so much Fabreeze in there that I thought I would be nauseous from the yummy cleaning up scent.

The next morning I cheerfully take my well children out to drive to school and nearly get knocked over by the wave of sick odor as I open the door and it hits me.

“Mommy, I thought you said you cleaned it up?” said one while holding his nose.

“Yeah, me too.” I reply while gagging.

“When are you going to clean up the truck?”

I suppose I should check on U-tube. There seems to be a cure for just about everything there. Meanwhile, I am very happy to welcome in the wind storm tonight so we can have some fresh air!

Flu shots and other renewed commitments

There’s nothing like a commitment to do something on time to prove to yourself just how much time passes while nothing gets accomplished. Here I sit with my forever long to do list wondering where to begin, and the next book I have agreed to review arrives in the mail. It is a get things done inspirational book. Very timely. It arrived moments after my kids were working on their journals, which means I was working pretty hard. Filled with guilt for not regularly keeping a journal of my own, scraping my brain for a memory of the week, and then being inspired to better myself… yeah. I decided it was time for blogging.

My kindergarteners have been given the assignment to keep a “journal”. Each week they are to draw a picture of something that has happened that week and write a simple sentence about it. Lily just wants to draw pictures of monsters dancing with purple and pink hats while Brenden would rather not do anything at all. It baffles me to see the variety of children born in the same house, same rules, same everything. Needless to say, Marek is my “good” student and is always the first to finish his work. He usually reminds, no, make that he begs me to do his homework. I had to try to help them decide what to draw.

I could not get further in my memory than Saturday. First thing in the morning we went for our flu shots. That was hilarious! The kids got mad at me for laughing, but how could I not? Stephen wanted to be first so he would get it over with and not need to be nervous anymore. After mentioning how that was a great idea, they all began fighting over who got to be first. Then when the shots were ready we had to force them into the room.

In the end, Stephen needed both Daddy and Mommy to hold him down for the nurse to get his arm. (That’s a job that must be fun. I hope all the parents are as fun as we were and allowed her to laugh with them at their kids too.) As soon as she stuck his arm Stephen stopped fighting, near tears. He smiled almost began laughing with us. It was not as bad as the other kids apparently made him think it was. They all fought except for Evan who simply whined, but they were all small enough for me to hold down while Steve just blocked the door so no one could escape.

In search of the perfect Christmas gift for our cousins, the door buster deal was already sold out. It was on sale as a super deal at Toys r Us for one day only. The first store didn’t have it, but they took the time to locate it at another. They put it on hold for us. By the time we found and bought the super gift, it was lunch time. (Yes, it took hours! Imagine taking six children to a toy store and looking for Christmas gifts! Hey, I know some people who are already finished with their shopping!)

The rumble in our tummies and the fact that it was payday and we had promised the kids a prize for getting their shots took us to Wendy’s. Little did I know it would be snowing when we agreed to ice cream. Wendy’s just happened to be across the street from a great park. After lunch we went to play in the snow. After about an hour there we took our freezing troops home to dry off and ventured out for scones. (Note to self, take gloves next time.)

The kids had earned a free scone at Winder Dairy for doing well on their homework. Poor Brenden thought that he would be able to milk a cow but it was just a country store. No cows around for miles and miles. Other than Brenden’s disappointment it was great, but I couldn’t figure out why we were so grumpy. Hello! They had flu shots that morning. Duh. (Note to self, flu shots make for a great stay at home and watch movies day.)

Sunday meant singing in the choir. The choir is practicing for December. Steve and I both enjoy singing and the kids now enjoy taking themselves home without us. They are so excited to be big enough to go home alone for the half hour. Our neighbors follow them and make sure they get there safe, and I don’t worry much because our back yard bumps up against the church’s yard. It’s not far at all.

Steve also talked me into singing in the women’s choir for stake conference. I am glad he did. It is so different from the ward choir. Wow. It is going to be great. The real reason I sing in the choirs is because I feel the spirit so much when I sing. I don’t as much when I simply listen to the music. To really feel the spirit, it needs to be sung. Christmas just is not Christmas without singing in the choir.

Enter Monday, wonderful Monday with all the expected Monday grief. Five hours of homework for the kids and by the end of the night I was sick with more than the usual Monday-itis. It seems like everyone is getting sick all the sudden around here. Dallas said his substitute went home sick and they had a sub for the sub. There was no homework done by that boy last night! This morning, the kindergarten teacher was missing, and our exercise buddies are ill. That’s just the start of it. The problem is we have spent lots of time with all the sick people. Hopefully we got the flu shots just in time.

Today I will be staying away from as many healthy people as possible and drinking lots of tea. Stay well, have a glass full kind of week, and try to remember something from this week. Good luck!

The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson

I know what to do with my time now that the kids are in school. I just finished reading this book! It’s actually the second book I have finished, by personal choice, since the kids began school. (I will post a review for the other one a different day)

The Key of Kilenya by Andrea Pearson is a good read and I would recommend it for anyone who likes a clean magical adventure.

This creative story takes the reader on an adventure when two wolves chase Jacob away from his home. While attempting his escape through the forest, he discovers he has actually left planet earth. The creatures, many similar to humans, as well as the humans on the other planet need Jacob to rescue a stolen key from the evil Lorkon.

Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

“When two vicious wolves chase fourteen-year-old Jacob Clark down a path from our world into another, his life is forever changed. He has no idea they have been sent by the Lorkon—evil, immortal beings who are jealous of powers he doesn’t know he possesses—powers they desire to control.

The inhabitants of the new world desperately need Jacob's help in recovering a magical key that was stolen by the Lorkon and is somehow linked to him. If he helps them, his life will be at risk. But if he chooses not to help them, both our world and theirs will be in danger. The Lorkon will stop at nothing to unleash the power of the key—and Jacob's special abilities.”

It took a few chapters of me to get used to the writing style. Honestly, I had a difficult time with the journal entries that began each chapter. I felt like I was reading two different stories at the same time, which made it a challenge for me to connect with the characters at first.

One story emerged about half way through when Jacob is given the journal to help him on his quest. The imagination involved and the level of brain power I used to try to figure things out while reading (like how did the humans get on more than one planet?) made it worth the effort.

Andrea Pearson skillfully blends her own ideas with images of Harry Potter and Peter Pan to create a unique new world where even the vegetation and landscape are exciting. And I really enjoyed the ending. I say this because I often will enjoy reading a book but hate the ending. The author’s writing improved as the book moved along.

I expect the next book in the series to be easier for me to get into as many of the characters and plot have been laid out and explained so clearly in this first book. I look forward to reading the next book.

If you would like to purchase the book you can click this link:

http://www.kilenyaseries.com/p/purchase-information.html

(I was invited to offer my opinion on this book and received a free copy in exchange for my posting. No money was involved and my opinion is my own.)

Knowing when to quit; An adventure in discipline.

Disciplining details get fuzzy after a long lecture. Sometimes you just need to know when to quit. We usually end the “discussion” by asking the child who made the bad choice if there is there anything he or she wants want to say. That way it can be called a “discussion”.

This particular time, Evan was having a difficult time admitting that he had done anything wrong. His teacher gave him a “red ticket” meaning he was in trouble. He was not listening to the teacher and chasing the other kids around the classroom during show and tell. This happened at the end of the day, so she didn’t have time to address the problem completely.

Evan handed me his red ticket with tears in his eyes. The other kids wanted to show me their work for the day. I planned to talk with Evan about it more, but life happened and I didn’t address it completely either.

The next day the mother of the other child involved asked me if Evan got a red ticket, like her son. Then she asked, “Do you know what it was about?”

“No. Just they were running around chasing.” I said.

She informed me that, “It was a booger.” We laughed in secret. Oh, to be in kindergarten and be chased by a booger!

Knowing that Evan has a booger picking problem, I could envision him chasing the other kids easily.

Later that night my husband and I ran through the typical lecture, reminding him of the importance of honesty and the consequences for lying. At the conclusion of the interrogation we asked, “Is there anything you want to say?”

He responded with a miserable, “Yeah.” His lower lip hanging down far enough it could almost touch his knees.

I thought, okay, here comes the confession. We got through to him and now we can make it all better. Perhaps he would say sorry along with the confession.

He didn’t say anything for a while so I asked, “What is it?” I was ready to get out my parenting badge and put a fresh coat of polish on it.

The same miserable voice said, “Goodnight.” Then he kissed both me and his father on the cheek and slunk his way down to go to bed.

I was glad he left quickly so he couldn’t see me laughing. I guess my parenting badge will sit in the closet a while longer.