Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!






























Peanut Butter's first Christmas and his first present. It was "Softimus Prime" ( a pillow soft Transformer). He thoroughly enjoyed all of it. He was in a great mood for all of the parties and all of the gift opening.
This year we baked cookies with our neighbor. We baked cookie people for our friends and family. We went to parties, engagements, and birthdays. It was a wonderful Christmas season!
I hope you all had as wonderful a Christmas as we did.





Sunday, December 23, 2007

A Wedding is Amongst Us!


Congratulations S and A!! We are soo happy for you both!

I personally can't wait to see C in a kilt. hahah.


Happy Birtday, A! What a surprise present! :0)

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Garfield

Do you know anyone like this?

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Countdown...

I "braved" the grocery store and PX yesterday. Whew! It was a total madhouse even at noon. I can't even imagine what it looked like last night!! Ugh, I try not to go out to stores this close to Christmas. It is exhausting.

On the bright side, I was able to get all of my cookie baking things. The family always makes cookies together before the big day. Even C! We always try a new recipe mixed with the old "tried and true" ones. This year it will be my neighbors sugar cookie recipe.

We also have a tradition of painting our own ornaments for the tree. Hopefully, we will get a chance to do that Friday evening. The kids will be on winter break then. :0D

I hope everyone is having as much fun as I am getting ready for the holidays!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Time

We had a great weekend overall.

We were able to have family time,
extended family time,
time for friends and ...
even time to clean up the place!

Mostly, it seems there isn't enough time, but sometimes you have to MAKE the time for what is really important.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Happy Birthday, Mom

Happy Birthday To You!! We hope it was a great one!
Love You!!

Friday, December 14, 2007

Goodbye, My Friend

Hopefully, not forever....


Here are a collection of poems and quotes for today.

WE ONCE WERE ONE© Manda
The day that we first met, in my mind I still see, you sitting in the lunch room, looking for some company.I alone myself, sat down with you that day, neither of us knowing what the hell to say.But we got through the awkward times, and quickly came to be,the best of friends to each other, we could ever be.The closer we grew, the more we left, the other world behind,just me and you we jumped into a new place totally blind.We prayed together our friendship forever, and always would stay the same,but time has passed, only memories last, and little friendship remains.WE ONCE WERE ONE! I screamed at you, I want my best friend back!But we both realized at once it was that bond we lacked.You think it doesn't hurt me, to see us back to two, looking to my left and right to see there is no you.But we both are moving on now, lets do it gracefully, I hope our friendship still lives on in you memory.






FRIENDSHIPS LOST(Scars That Can Never Heal)© 1996 Bronwyn P
*modified*


I see your smile

I know your mind

No words need be said

I understand.

We listen and we care

Laughter ripples like water

Together, we are.

Others are here, yes,

And we value them, yes,

But a special bond remains,

A line between us two.

Each friendship is special

Each is unique

And so is ours

We know.

And then time begins to roll and rear it’s ugly head

Change begins

Now a little less than before.

Slowly, surely,

Not knowing why

Faster, stronger, without care

Our world shifts and shimmers and splits.

Shattered shards cascade down

Spurred by angry, lashing words

Contorted faces, stone deaf ears

Outside the whirlwind,

We die inside.


The scars run deep

Jagged clefts in our souls

We have suceeded in hurting

And hurt ourselves.

We keep on living

Turn our faces apart.

New friends, new life.

Laughter, smiling (clenched teeth)

The flippant toss of the head

The enclosure surrounds you

And I cry inside

Tears deep within my soul

What we had once


We can never have again.

The scars run deep,

But I still care.

You were my friend.





Friends Forever© Mariah Hinshaw

We will be friends forever Amigos, buddies, pals


Where you are, I’ll be

No matter how many miles

We will be friends forever

No matter how many mistakes you or I make

Because as long we are friends

There’s nothing we couldn’t take

We will be friends forever

No matter where we’ll be

Because when we leave one another behind

You’ll be in the heart of me

We will be friends forever

No matter how old we are

Because when you’re friends forever

You’ll never be too far






ARE YOU MY FRIEND?© James Brinkworth
Will you be there when I'm down,


And catch me when I fall?

Will you hold me when I need

To feel the warmth of your touch?
Will you laugh when I laugh,


And cry when I cry?

Will you let me rant and rave,

When I need to let off steam?
Will you discuss those painful things,


That you'd rather not think about?

Like the times we've hurt each other,

And promised would never do so again?
Will you say the right thing,


When all I've heard is the wrong?

And tell me soothing words,

That make the pain I feel subside?
Will you understand me when I say,


"I can't see you now, go away"?

Will you come back when I call,

As if nothing happened at all?
If you'll do these things for me,


And keep smiling all the way.

If you'll be with me through the bad times,

As well as the good.
Then truly you are my friend,


My pal, my mate and my confidante.

And that means so much to me.

I thank you dearly, for being there,You,

My Friend.





"Friendship is delicate as a glass, once broken it can be fixed but there will always be cracks"





"Sometimes your closest friend is your greatest enemy."- Jason Fong





"A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself." - Sent by Lysha





"Strangers are just friends waiting to happen."





"Friendship: a building contract you sign with laughter and break with tears."





"A new friendship is like an unripened fruit - it may become either an orange or a lemon"- Emma Stacey

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Yummy!


Monday, December 10, 2007

Happy Birthday, EB!


We had a great time at dinner! You looked gorgeous, darlin' ;0)
I'll post a pic when I get it from Kish....I didn't have my camera with me.

I hope you had a blast at the "after party" :0)

What is a friend, really?

"When I was little, I used to believe
in the concept of one best friend, and then I started to become a woman. And
then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.One friend will say let's pray together, another let's cry together, another let's fight together, another let's walk away together.One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gymshoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ... those are your best friends. It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many it's wrapped up in several... one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, several from church, on some days your mother, on some days your neighbor, on others your sisters, and on some days your daughters. Whether they've been there 20 minutes or 20 years."
***************************************************************************


'True' Friendship
None of that Sissy Crap

Are you tired of those sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, But never actually come close to reality?
Well, here is a series of promises that actually speak of true friendship.
You will see no cutesy little smiley faces on this card-
Just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.
1. When you are sad -- I will help you get drunk and plot revenge against the sorry bastard who made you sad.
2. When you are blue -- I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.
3. When you smile -- I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.
4. When you are scared -- I will rag on you about it every chance I get.
5. When you are worried -- I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining.
6. When you are confused -- I will use little words.
7. When you are sick -- Stay the hell away from me until you are well again. I don't want whatever you have.
8. When you fall -- I will point and laugh at your clumsy ass.
9. This is my oath.... I pledge it to the end. "Why?" you may ask;
"because you are my friend."
Friendship is like peeing your pants,
everyone can see it,
but only you can feel the true warmth.

***************************************************************************

This is my favorite:

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on. Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season. LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant Thank you for being a part of my life,whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!



Yay! I loooove snow! The first snow of the season has arrived. It looks like it will only be around for a little bit.


Loo Loo was sooo excited to see it. She assumed there was no school and was ready for some sledding! hahah. Hopefully, she will be able to go "sledding" later.


Beanie got a decent part in her school play. She is very excited.


Boo Bear will be auditioning next week for hers. Keep your fingers crossed! The play isn't going to be Mulan, unfortunately.


Drink up some peppermint hot cocoa with marshmallows and stay warm!!


Monday, December 3, 2007

Happy Birthday, VV!





Hope you had a great birthday! It was nice to see you again! :0)

Friday, November 30, 2007

Tis The Season...

Ho,ho,ho the mistletoe, candy canes, glistening snow (real and fake), Christmas trees, ornaments, holiday ham, gingerbread houses, parties, dressing up, The Grinch, Frosty, Rudolph, The Santa Clause, Home Alone 1 & 2, The Christmas Story, wrapping paper, tinsel, snowmen, baby's first, friends, family, love, cheer, giving of gifts, ahhh, I love it all!

Enjoy the holiday season everyone!


******Try not to let the crowds and frenzy ruin it for you.******
==(and yes I have finished my shopping AND wrapped all of the gifts)==
You have to do it that way when you have six kids. :0)

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Family Time








I Got My Christmas Present Early!

Can't wait to learn what this bad boy can do!!!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!

Thursday, November 22, 2007

I Think We Are Getting Better...

Well, Woo Hoo and Hallelujah! Finally, NO fevers today!! How long has it been?!? TOO long!

We all still have the sniffles and the "oh so wonderful" lingering cough. Hopefully, we won't be sick for Christmas.

Let's hope that we can mix and mingle for Thanksgiving dinner without "infecting" anyone else.

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Gobble Gobble, Ya'll!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Sick of Sick!

For the past two weeks myself and my Family have been sick. With eight people in the house, you can imagine how tired of snot, tissues, medicine cups, trash cans (for puking in), fevers, chills, headaches, sore throats, crankiness, chicken noodle soup, crackers, and cough drops I am!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Happy Birthday, JY!


Happy Happy Birthday toooooooo youuuu! :0)

We had a great time last night. Looking forward to the cooking and dancing classes! heehee.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

What A Week So Far!

This week has been a doozy.

First, C and I got sick with bad head colds. Then PB got sick late at night with a fever and runny nose and lots of drool. He kept me up most of the night.

Around 6:30 AM I hear a horrible scream and lots and lots (did I mention LOTS) of gagging sounds. I get up and find Boo Bear in the bathroom with blood spurting from her nose and retching over the toilet. I am thinking "What the H**". Apparently she felt sick and went to vomit in the toilet and the toilet seat and lid came crashing down BAM right on the bridge of her poor nose! OUCH!!! I was really afraid. I thought her nose was broken.


I called my Mom and Dad. My Dad told me to gently feel the sides of her nose and see if it moves. *Ugh* I am VERY squeamish about nose things for some reason (and any vomit). Luckily, Beanie was still home and said she could do it. I thought I might faint or barf or both maybe. Beanie was disgusted and said "it moved not like a normal nose" and Boo said " I heard a clicking sound in my head". Oh man! It's broken.

I tried to call C but it happened to be a freak day where he left his pager at home. For whatever reason, when something terrible happens to one of your kids you only want to talk to their Daddy. (at least I do).

I called Deewah and D (at 6:30 something). I woke them up of course. Dee answered and said "Whats wrong?!?" in a froggy voice. I explained what happened and D said since the bleeding stopped I could probably wait til C came home to take Boo Bear to the DR's office or hospital. Whew!

My parents came over after they dropped my brother off at school. Boo Bear was so brave and tough. She was sitting calmly with the ice pack on her nose without any pain meds yet ( I gave her children's Motrin as soon as I knew I could). I was really proud of her. My Mom took over as soon as she got here and took care of us all. My Dad checked Boo's nose and said he didn't think it was broken but she cracked it good.

C got sent home from work for being sick. By 10:30 Am, he was home with soup. He said her nose wasn't broken but she wouldn't be able to go to her last soccer game just in case she got hit and really got it broken. Bummer.

Boo Bear scored her first goal ever last game and she scored twice!! Woo Hoo! Anyway, back to my story...

The next day Boo Bear was able to go to school with a humpy, cut nose and still not quite feeling 100%.

C got sent home again from work. They heard him coughing up a lung in the bathroom and sent him right home.

PB kept me up most of the night again with a high fever. He only wants Mama when he is sick.

I had an appointment to get Bubba's pictures taken in the early afternoon. Luckily, PB was feeling better by then. I, however was exhausted. PB was good at the studio but Bubba was a stinker! He didn't like the photographer so it was hard to get him to even look at the camera let alone smile at it! In the end she did get a few nice pics but it took a lot on my end. The photographer was lazy. I had to do all of the "wrangling".

Today was better. PB is acting a little more back to normal and he slept more last night. Thank Goodness!

I guess I have rambled enough....time to make dinner.

Time to Hide The Candy!




Bubba's teeth are gonna fall out! haha. I keep finding lollipop wrappers and half eaten lollipops everywhere.


Here is the little culprit.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

A New Me....sort of







Happy Halloween

We had a great time with our GREAT friends and family! Love you guys! Thanks :0)






Monday, October 29, 2007

Beautiful Weekend

This weekend turned out to be a really nice, fall weekend. Since it was really rainy Thursday and Friday, soccer was canceled for the whole weekend. We almost didn't know what to do with our extra "free" time! haha.
C came home earlier than usual on Friday. It was nice. The kids were really excited to see Daddy. We all just kind of hung out.
On Saturday, We all slept in. We decided to go exploring. We ended up at Lake Forest Mall. On the way home we found this cute little Filipino Cafe, unfortunately, we were all too full from snacking at the Mall to actually eat there. We definately want to go back and try it out. We watched "Meet the Robinsons" with the kids. Very interesting movie....yeah.
On Sunday, We slept in. Beanie made us breakfast in bed. How sweet is that!?! We have the best kids in the world. All of them. They are always doing really nice and thoughtful things without being asked. She made cinnamon french toast sticks with a pecan fruit salad. It was delish!
Poor Loo Loo got sick today. Fever and vomit. She had to miss going to the birthday party she has been looking forward to for a while. :0( She had to stay home from school today as well. I hope it doesn't make its "rounds". I could definately do without everyone getting sick (including myself). It would be sad if they had to miss Halloween too.
Speaking of Halloween, I can't wait to have all of my good friends and sister come over for a party and trick or treating. It's nice to be surrounded by real friends! :0) Everyone is going to dress up with the kids. We are going to be The Incredibles ( actually The Mega Incredibles since we have more people ).

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Bicker Bug Breakout!

The Bicker Bug has made an attack at my house. I am not sure why but some of the kiddos have been bickering alot lately. It is driving me bonkers! I mean, my kids are really good almost all of the time but I can not stand it when they bicker amongst themselves. Even worse is when the Tattle Tale Fairy makes an appearance.


Hopefully, it's just the weather getting to them too.


I think it is partially that Daddy hasn't been around as often as he usually is. His schedule at work has been pretty grueling lately. After the conference it should (hopefully) get back to normal.


Come to think of it....that is probably why I have been feeling kind of "off" these past few days. I miss my Honey :0(

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Is it October?

Finally we get rain! Finally it feels like fall!!
Usually, I don't like the chilly weather. But lately I find myself wanting to wear my sweaters and boots....even my jackets. I know, I know....careful what you wish for, right?
I just turned off our AC yesterday! How crazy is that!?!

Monday, October 22, 2007

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TWINKIE!

The girls made him special oatmeal raisin cookies for his big day. (he didn't like them though) :0)

Happy 1st Birthday, Twinkie!

May you have MANY more. :0)

Friday, October 19, 2007

No School

No School today! Yay! I don't know who gets more excited, me or the kids! I love when they get a day off. I get to sleep in and I don't have any other activities to do. I enjoy spending the extra time with the kiddies. Yep, today we have been loafin' in front of the TV having a cartoon marathon of our very own! We don't get to do that enough. Always something to do.

Peanut-Butter has been extra good today! He woke up smiling and hasn't stopped since. He has been playing and swinging in his swing. He keeps giggling and babbling. He is so cute. I love the age he is right now. So cuddly and pudgy and smiley!
Bubba is getting into his terrible 2's now at 2 1/2. He has been testing his "limits" lately with me and with his Daddy.
He is super smart. He can sing the ABC's and knows what all of the letters look like. He can also spell (his name,stop, go, mom, dad, baby, his bro's name, his sis' name, cat, dog). He loves to sing songs ( Ilove you song from Barney, Twinkle, Twinkle little star, Peanut butter and Jelly song, Someone's in the kitchen with Dinah, On top of Spaghetti, Apples and Bananas) ( he also LOVES the Gwen Stephani song: The Sweet Escape).

BangBang got to go on his first field trip. It was to the pumpkin patch. He got to go on a hayride and through a maze and bring a cute little pumpkin home. He had a great time. He is doing really great in school! His speech is coming along and he has a lot of friends now! I am really proud of him!!!

Little Miss LooLoo is doing well in school. She is enjoying her drama class. She wants to take ballet classes too. She is our little fashionista. She enjoys picking out her clothes and doing her own hair. She really does a great job too! She has been helping around the house alot more. She is getting sooo big!

Boo Bear seems to be enjoying her "big dog" year. (even with her strict teacher) She has been doing very well in school and she is all set to try out for Mulan in November. Oh, I can't wait! I really hope she gets the part!! When she did Cinderella last year she was the herald and she pleasantly surprised everyone at what a great actress and what an AWESOME singer she is! I mean we had nooo idea the girl could sing. She is getting more and more responsible and taking charge more. I am really proud of her. :0)

Beanie has been doing great in school. I have already received a few compliment emails from her teachers! She is growing up so much. She is almost as tall as me. I think she will surpass me this year. She is the leader of the pack and a great big sister. i think she is learning that it is okay not to be #1 sometimes. She is a major over-achiever and perfectionist. She gets those qualities from both of us, ( C is the OA and I am the perfectionist) haha.

I am so proud of all of my little ones. The are truly a blessing to me and I would be lost without them. I am so glad that I was chosen to be their Mommy.

What a lucky woman am I?

Awesome hubby and awesome kids. Ahhh, I am happy.

Monday, October 15, 2007

The Best weekend in a long long time











Well, this weekend was actually OUR weekend! We took control and did what we wanted to. I know that may sound strange but usually we have every weekend "planned" filled with soccer games, birthday parties, grocery shopping, and whatever else we HAVE to do. THIS weekend, while we did have some soccer and a birthday party (haha) we took control and decided what we were going to do. I got to hang out Friday night with my good friend JY and her Little Guys while my Honey took 4 of the kids to Beanie's soccer game. We got to sit and chat while the Lil ones played. We did have to "ref" a few times. :0) The boys are into punching and "hi-ya-ing" and wrestling. ( No wonder, Look who their Dads are);0).

On Saturday, C let me sleep in (PB is STILL keeping me up like he is a newborn or something) and took the kids to BangBang's soccer game in the morning. He was thrilled to have his sisters at his game. They usually sleep in on Saturday mornings so they miss him play. They got a kick out of seeing him play too. I think they were impressed at how well he could play. Boo-Bear said he was a scoring machine. When they got back we all got ready to go to their cousins birthday party. It was at a laser tag place. C got to play with all of the kids. I got to hang out with all of the Mommies. Everyone was cooing over PB and Bubba. It was the first time that C's Aunt has seen PB! Loo Loo got the most points for getting her Daddy.
After the party we decided to blow off everything else we HAD to do and made time to hang out with family and friends at C's Aunts house. The kids had a great time playing with the other kids and we got a chance to catch up and relax.
Tonight was the first time PB slept 4 hours in a row!!! Woo Hoo!

Sunday morning we all slept in (even PB). Bang Bang made me the most wonderful card and surprised me when I woke up. Usually, he comes in our room and wakes us up and we get annoyed, but this morning he busied himself. It was a nice relaxing morning. Slowly all 6 tickled into our room and we just hung out laughing and enjoying each others company on our big bed. We haven't done that in a long, long time. C and I decided we were going to blow off today as well and pack up a picnic and take the kids to the park.
Beanie made sandwiches, Boo-bear got the blankets, Loo-Loo helped Bubba get ready.
We got to the park and played a family game of soccer and ate in the gazebo. We walked around the lake and enjoyed the scenery. Finally we made it to the playground. C played a game of tag with the kids and we headed home. They kids thanked us for such a wonderful day.
When we got home C went to go study. I picked a recipe for dinner and all of the kids got to help me prepare dinner (except PB of course). It is amazing how much kids really just enjoy spending time with their parents. It really takes so little to make them feel special and happy. It kind of reminds me to be happy with the simpler things and just enjoy being. We ended the weekend by having dinner and dessert in front of the TV watching "Evan Almighty". It was great!!

PB only got up twice last night and he ate some fresh banana yesterday. Things are going well. :0)