I Want To Wish You a Merry Christmas!

"Police dah dee dah!"

Last year Allyson would belt out her version of Feliz Navidad almost daily. Now every time I hear this song it makes me smile. Just passing on the smile.

Merry Christmas!

What Would Jesus Do?

I needed to pull into a full service gas station very near to our house for some gas the other day. After I announced what I needed to the man, Lindsey kindly reminded me to watch to make sure that they do not give me too much this time. A few weeks ago, I only had 20.00 with me and somehow the gas machine was broken and didn’t stop. I didn’t notice. (I must have been chatting.) The gas guy frantically stopped the meter at 24.00. He genuinely looked very upset, as if he was going to get into trouble. He explained that the machine was broken; however, I only had 20.00! I told him I would come back and give him the four dollars. And I did.

After telling the story, Ryan quickly responds, “Why would you do that? He made a mistake, not you mum.” I replied, “I just did what I thought Jesus would do.”

Lindsey quickly pipes up from the back seat, “They didn’t have cars back then Mum!”

Season Finale

I wrote this post way back in the middle of June...Due to an update on our computer I was unable to post blogs. Better late than never right?


Not unlike most families, this time of year tends to become incredibly chaotic. For the past three weeks we've been playing baseball, lacrosse, finishing up dance, studying for finals, wrapping up with school events, all while enjoying the outdoors and family functions. Happily, we are winding down.

Ryan finished up with school a few weeks ago. He studied his brain to shreds before and during finals week. As parents Neil and I gave him the tools, time and support, but other than that, he was on his own. And in Ryan fashion, he quietly finished the year on top and we couldn't be prouder.

In our family's fashion, Em’s middle school graduation and the three girls dance recital fell on the same day, as well as a baseball playoff game for Zach. That day was a whirlwind of a day!

At the beginning of middle school Emily was a sweet little girl tediously trying her very best to figure out what was what. She ended her middle school career with the same sweetness but with the confidence and strength that we always knew she had, she just needed to find it. Em was honored with the Head Master Award. Her name is on a plaque outside the Head of School's office. After the ceremony, he told Emily that everyone of these students went on to do great things and that he knew that was her path as well. Em has a new sparkle in her eye--the sparkle is knowing that she is who she is and just because she has dyslexia doesn’t mean she can’t do great things! She has and will do great things.

Ryan and Em received awards from both of their schools for exceptional performance. Ryan was honored with an award in outstanding achievement in biology.

As for our little slugger Zach...he was chosen for his baseball league's all star team and named MVP of the game! Yay!

The recital was amazing! (Even though we had to change from graduation wear to recital wear in a D'Angelos Sandwiches bathroom! HA!) Emily, Lindsey, and Allyson were magnificent dancers.


It's been a whirlwind of a week! I think it's safe to say that we are looking forward to the lazy days of summer!

(As I re read this I realized it sounds like a complete bragfest...I decided to post it anyway.)

Scaredy Cat

Last Thursday Neil installed a new washer and dryer in our basement. Thank goodness because our dyer was taking an extremely long time to dry the clothing. (I know I know the Amish don‘t have clothing dryers.) In fact for one load it could take up to three hours to finish. That isn’t convenient when you have seven people in the house with places to go and people to see and you aren‘t comfortable leaving the house with the dryer on. The thing was also making a piercing screech with each turn that was most likely causing some hearing loss to the aforementioned seven people. Not only that, it was also ripping clothing to shreds! Poor Em was missing a strap on one of her camisoles, some of Allyson’s little socks looked more like tassels than socks, and last week I accidentally threw a bra in there and when I opened the dryer, only half of it was left. Huh? We definitely needed a new one.

The next day I began catching up on laundry in our new machine. I came back upstairs to check my emails as I listened to Allyson and her friend Kate happily coloring at the dining room table. I adore listening to the two girls chat. “Look Ally, a cat!” Kate proclaimed. We have this scary looking cat that roams the neighborhood. He is very large with what looks like a lions mane surrounding it‘s face. It also has the most evil eyes I have ever seen. When I encounter this cat (even through the window) I immediately get the chills…he is that creepy. It is a feral cat and once and a while he hangs out in the driveway next door and plays with the dead animals that he hunts. The kids are completely fascinated by it. When Kate repeated, “Look at the cat Ally!” I assumed that the scary cat was at it again. As I got up from my seat Kate sweetly calls, “Kellyyyy a caaaaat.” I step into the dining room and I completely freeze. My eyes are caught in the defiant stare of the cat that is INSIDE the house!

“Girls, you need to come with me,” I calmly take their hands and usher them to the stairs and close the door behind them. Meanwhile inside my head I am thinking, holy crap! How did this cat get in here and how do I get him out!!!!!!! “You girls stay upstairs,” I assure them, “and I will let you know when it’s okay to come down.”

Promptly, I shut all of the doors as the cat ran into the back hall. Shaking from head to toe I begin to pace around like a lunatic talking to myself as I attempt to figure out what to do next. On impulse, I call Neil. (I am fully aware that this was a wimpy thing to do, but I was petrified.) Neil agrees to come home to help (he is ten minutes away). I take a deep breath and decide to peek into the back hall. I cringe at the thought of approaching the ferocious feline, but I wanted to try and get him out by myself. (I guess I was embarrassed that I called Neil…I am such a girl!) Much to my relief, the basement door was open and he escaped down there. Quickly, I open the door to the outside and block the kitchen door with the trash barrel. I needed to physically witness the beast leave. Since I was fairly certain I could do this, I decided to call Neil back.

“Neil,” I whisper as to not startle the cat as it edged its way back up the stairs, “I think I am okay, you don’t have to come.” Neil replies, “Why are you whispering?” He must have conjured up an image of me trembling in a corner somewhere. As he is speaking to me the cat creeps even closer, his fur was standing straight up. He stopped at the very top and glared at me with those menacing eyes as if to say, Lady I will pounce on you and rip your face off if you take one more step. I stood my ground, trash barrel in one hand, phone in the other.

“Kelly! Kelly!” Neil calls through the phone.

I pause before murmuring, “He’s looking at me Neil I am scared, but I think…..” I whisper even softer, not wanting to startle the cat. Just then the beast makes a break for me, but I block him with the barrel and then he bolts outside!

“He’s out!” I shout. “I did it! Neil thanks for being there for me!”

I was still shaking when I went upstairs to tell the girls the coast was clear. They had forgotten all about the cat and had moved on to playing with the stuffed animals.

That nasty cat stuck with me for the remainder of the day. I later figured out that the cat must have snuck into the cellar when Neil was moving the new appliances in the day before. I felt lucky that he didn‘t jump out when the kids were down there, or when I was on the treadmill. Can you imagine?

2011!!!

Happy New year friends! I figured that if I put my resolutions in writing I could solicit your help and hopefully follow through with at least a few of these...



1. Be a better listener…lately my mind races or desperately attempts to hold on to a thought as the other person is talking to me when instead I should simply LISTEN. So what if I forget what I was going to say, that is something to work on next year, right?

2. Relax…the laundry can wait, but the kids are growing up so fast. I have fallen into a pattern of rushing to get everything (not just laundry) done so that I can relax with the kids later. Guess what? Later hasn’t been coming very often! There will always be something that needs attention. I prefer to pay attention to someone instead.

3. Delegate. That way I can be a better listener and relax more. (I am wicked smaaat huh!)

4. Stay on the workout schedule. It is so great for my mental health. At times I feel guilty taking the time, but I am a much nicer person after I work out.

5. Keep the spark lit! This one I will keep semi private, but it is so important to feel connected with Neil. During the hustle and bustle of the holidays (not to mention weeks of sick children!)we haven’t been as “close” as often as we usually are. The holidays are over baby! (How you doin’ Neil?)


There is another goal of mine. I need to write more. This was the whole reason that I began this blog in the first place. It brings me joy! So if you don’t see me blogging in a while, feel free to hound me.


God Bless and best wishes to you all!

I Made A Mistake

This scenario has weighed heavily in my heart for a few days and I guess I need to get it off of my chest.


Neil had last Thursday afternoon off and we were out with Allyson running errands. It began to rain, so I ran into the grocery store to pick up some odds and ends quickly while Neil and Ally waited in the car. I had five items in my hands and swiftly made a break for the express lane. As I dawdled in the check out lane, I shamelessly glanced at the tabloids wondering who the heck half these people were (shame on you John Travolta by the way). It seemed bordering on forever for the “express line” as a woman and her young daughter joined the line. I quickly noticed that her cart had more than the 12 items the sign directed, but shrugged it off. Soon after, an older man arrived. Given that I was bored, I glanced back as the man remarked, ”This is the express line?” Assuming he was referring to the length of time it was taking, I nodded and smirked. However, he then directed his comments specifically at the woman behind me who happened to have on a khimar ( head scarf), so it was apparent that she was Muslim. “You have more than 12 items there, you do know this is the express line don’t you?” She respectfully replied, “Yes a few more, would you like to go in front of me?” Instantly, the man’s demeanor transformed. As the air surrounding us became overwhelmingly heavy he abrasively proclaimed, “You people make me sick. Just do what you need to do.” All was still as my entire body went numb attempting to process what this seemingly placid older man just uttered. Did I hear what I just heard? Is she still in line after that? What should I say?

Shamefully, I said nothing. Was it because I didn’t want him to say more in front of the young girl? I can’t be sure. Was it because I avoid conflict whenever possible? Perhaps. Was it because I was simply shocked? Most likely. What ever the reason, I am ashamed and I am sorry. This man went over to the manager to complain and the woman stood up for herself as the manager opened another register for the man as he loudly carried on about the injustice of it all.

I can't imagine what it's like to have someone inflict such hatred at me, and I am truly ashamed that I did nothing as it happened in my presence.

A Father's Day I Will Never Forget

The little ones and I let dad sleep in. While daddy slumbered we thoughtfully prepared his favorite breakfast. (Okay, I did most of the work while the kids watched cartoons.) As the bacon began to sizzle, Lindsey and Zach tiptoed into the kitchen to beg for some. “After dad gets his breakfast!” I firmly announced. Needless to say, we fed dad and I went back to cooking. Lindsey snatched up some bacon and made a break for it. I giggled to myself as I pretended not to see her. A minute later I went in to request that she have a picnic on the floor so that our sofa wouldn’t be covered in bacon grease. As I entered the room I noticed that her eyes were unusually wide--panicked you could say. I instantly knew she was choking. “Are you choking?” I quickly asked, but no sound came from her mouth and she didn’t even nod. I spun her around and instinctively performed the heimlich maneuver on her…nothing, all I heard was a little gurgle and me praying in my head. I did it again…nothing . After the third attempt I felt as if my entire body was on fire and as I began the forth time, decided that I would scream “Call 9-1-1!!!,” but before I could, a huge chunk of fatty bacon shot out of her mouth and landed with a large splat on the floor. “Can I have a drink, my throat hurts?” Lindsey calmly asked. She had no idea the severity of the situation at all. Numbly, I got the drink then raced up the stairs to Neil. Shaking from head to toe I burst into tears as I tightly hugged him. It was a full minute before I could even blurt out what had just happened. I have never performed the heimlich maneuver on anyone before, let alone my own child. Thank you God for helping me stay calm I can’t imagine my life with out Lindsey in it.

Milestones

It was a beautiful Tuesday afternoon when I discovered a little cash in my pocket. Since our second grader (Zach) seemed a bit down in the dumps when we arrived home, I thought I would bring our three youngest children out for lunch. We seldom go out to eat these days and I figured it would make his day a little bit brighter. After walking for what seemed like days because our three year old is completely awestruck by nature, Zach’s whole demeanor changed for the better. His sweet face lit up even more when he noticed a few of his buddies were already there as we arrived. We ordered our food and then my excited boy turned to me and asked if he could sit at the table with his friends. Without skipping a beat, I softly handed him his lunch and off he went. While I may have looked composed on the outside, on the inside I thought, Does this have to happen so soon? Zachary is our third child, so I have been through this before and while I fully recognize the whole autonomy thing, it remains a tricky subject for me. (In fact I am positive that I would make a terrible mother bird. The thought of letting my little hatchlings fledge for themselves after only a few weeks is appalling. My nest would be freakishly enormous not to mention insanely loud and probably overloaded with an abundance of extra feathers and random worm particles.)

I decided it best to sit with my back to him. I knew that my role in this circumstance wasn’t to hover, so I pretended that I wasn’t paying attention as he ate with his pals. (Boy did I wish I had one of those Whisper 2000 thingamajigs.) All was going relatively well until his friends had to leave, and instead of rejoining us at our table, he finished his meal by himself. I didn’t see that one coming I thought as I attempted to swallow the enormous lump in my throat. It was a bittersweet moment. He felt self-confident enough to eat by himself, yet I really wanted him to return to our table. As we finished, Zach appeared beside me “You ready?” my bright eyed eight year old asked while loudly slurping the last of his drink. “We sure are Zach, are you?” I replied, trying to act unflustered. He responded by tenderly saying thanks, and my broken heart was instantly repaired.

Believe it or not, I am making progress in this area. We recently took the crib down after 14 years. Our youngest (Allyson) moved into her big girl bed and it only took me about a month before I eventually felt ready to dismantle it. That crib was such a poignant staple in our home, so this pronouncement wasn’t an easy one. Luckily my husband Neil was very understanding. (Either that or he just didn’t want to deal with a weeping wife.) On that day I blurted, “I am ready for you to take it down, but I don’t want to be here when you do it.” Neil simply smiled as if to say, “Finally!” So I went for a walk (alone) and thought about all of the amazing things I was truly grateful for and when I finally returned, the crib was in the attic and the world was okay.

It might be a good idea to embark on the future instead of on the past, especially since our oldest is heading off to high school in the fall. (Would it be inappropriate to ride the train in with him on the first day of school? Don’t answer that.) I am ready…I think. I am ready to accept that my hatchlings will eventually leave the nest and until that time it’s my job to help them all to learn how to fly. (As long as I don’t have to teach them how to parallel park we will be okay…I think.)

Scattterbrain

Please tell me I am not the only person who does this!

I will begin a task…let’s say I am putting laundry away. (Usually I have the kids do this, but there are times when I do it just because I am behind schedule and I want to check it off of my list.) So I grab a pile from the table in the kitchen and begin my journey to the stairs. I march by the computer desk and notice that one of the kids left a toy on the desk so I put the laundry down and pick up the toy and bring it to the toy box. When I enter the playroom I realize that the entertainment center is really dusty so I set off to the kitchen to grab a rag. I catch a glimpse of the laundry and it reminds me that I need to put the clothes away. Then I make my way back to the desk and get the clothing to put away. When I tread past the bathroom on my way back from putting the laundry away. I notice that the sink in the bathroom is covered in toothpaste. So I grab a wipe from under the sink and begin to clean up the toothpaste. Then the phone rings and….you get the point, right? So by the end of the day I am not really sure what I did that day because the entertainment center is still dusty and the laundry is only half done!

I am a hopeless scatterbrain.

Ick

As I lethargically set foot into the kitchen this morning the stench of something entered my nostrils. I cleaned the cabinets (all two of them), scrubbed the floor, emptied the fridge, yet was unable to find the culprit. Maybe Neil is hiding a dead body under the floor boards? Or perhaps Allyson needs a bath.

Update:  I discovered what it was...forgotten broccoli.  Man was it stinky.

Oh Man

You know your day can only get better when you try to fold laundry, dance and scramble eggs at the same time only you lose your balance and as you attempt to recover cause four eggs to swiftly catapult directly into a laundry basket filled with clean clothing.

Happy Monday!

Yep, that is a run on sentence alright!

photo by Emmy

Middle School

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

~Eleanor Roosevelt



Our two oldest children are in middle school. Remember middle school? For me it was an absolutely horrible time. My awkward body was going through all of these weird changes that I didn’t understand no matter how many After School Specials I watched or Judy Blume books I read. Not to mention the “mean girls” in eighth grade that bullied me for an entire year because some boy liked me. I don’t want that for my children. But as I remorsefully think about the mistakes I made and the tears that I cried, I realize that because I went through those horrid days, it made me …me. Now don’t get me wrong, I am far from perfect (I couldn’t be further from it) but I kind of like me. I am sometimes overly empathetic, but who couldn’t use a little thoughtfulness in their lives? I want my children to feel the same way about themselves.

So I watch and listen, and even cry for them when they aren’t looking, because…I know. (Even though they don’t believe me.) I hope that they hold the above quote in their sweet little hearts because it is very very true.



I think I will blow this quote up and hang it on the wall because there are days when I need reminding too.

There truly IS a bright side...

Our nation's economy is going down the tubes. (Don't worry, I am done with the finger pointing.) Everywhere you turn we are reminded of bailouts. lay offs and rising taxes! But there is a light at the end of this turbulent tunnel that we are traveling in.

Our personal relationships can and will grow stronger as a result of this. I am hopeful that people will realize how important it is to share your life instead of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. It doesn't cost a whole lot of money to sit and chat, share a meal (even if it's hot dogs and beans), take a walk, or play a board game with family and friends. (Making love to your spouse doesn't cost anything, and it will bring you even closer. I highly recommend it!) Instead of worrying about where to take a vacation, which car we should buy, or how many minutes we've used on our cell phone, we can focus on the people in our lives that make us truly happy and fulfilled.

Now I understand that some of us are struggling to put food on the table or trying to find a job, but if we are surrounded by people who truly care and love each other and support one another, this journey will be easier than if traveled alone or unhappy.

Bad Bad Blogger

Hello Friends!

Life is indeed great...isn't it? It can also become extremely hectic at times...well at our house it does anyway. I really wanted to check in briefly since I've received several emails asking where I am. Well...

I am happily immersed in life and simply unable to sit and blog at the computer. (However, if you follow me around the house and listen really carefully I blog verbally to myself...much to the dismay of my children whom often wonder who the world I am talking to!)

Allyson has officially become a proficient climber, so I am on constant patrol. Lulu has decided to teach herself how to swim in our pool, therefore I have suddenly become a valiant life guard. Not to be outdone, Zac is currently working on his curve ball. I happen to be his biggest fan. His current favorite phrase is, "Mom, watch this one!" I am also wearing the hat of guidance counselor since our sweet Emmy is preparing for her entrance into middle school. And since Ryan is enjoying the freedoms that Neil and I have given to him now that he has proven that he is a very responsible young man, I have taken up the odd habit of pacing about while feeling like I am missing something. (Don't ask, I can't explain it.)

And since my handsome husband is working very very hard to provide for us all and then jumping right in to play hard when he comes home, I have very little spare time!

So I needed to make a choice...find time to blog, or time to nourish my marriage, my children and myself. Obviously I didn't choose the blog. I guess you can say that I am a really bad blogger.

Hopefully in the fall I will have more time to spend here as well as catch up with all of you! In the meantime I will continue my patrol while cheering, pacing, listening, and talking to myself as I enjoy my days of summer!

Have a WONDERFUL summer too! xoxoxoxoxo

Ask a Silly Question...

Neil had today off and we just puttered around the house a bit. I needed to get some potting soil so I took Allyson for a walk to the hardware store near by. When I returned I wanted the kids to come outside but noticed that Lindsey was barefoot.

Me....."Lindsey what happened to your socks?"

Lindsey....."They got wet."

Me....."How did they get wet?"

Lindsey....."I stepped in a puddle."

Me....."Where was the puddle?"

Lindsey....."In the bathroom."

Me....."What happened?"

Lindsey....."I had a little accident! A real little one mumma."

Me....."Did you clean it up?"

Lindsey....."Yes mumma."

Me....."Good job Lindsey."

Lindsey....."With my socks."


LOL! Life with Lulu is never boring!

Happy Daylight Savings Time!

Daylight savings time in the spring is most assuredly a welcome switch at our house, but sometimes it takes a little while for our family to adjust. Meal times don’t go as smoothly…who wants to eat breakfast at 6:00am anyway? Bedtimes seem way too early…"But mom, it’s still light out and the neighbors are outside playing soccer!" And trying to wake the kids for school becomes particularly challenging.

It was the first official night after the clocks were sprung ahead, and there I was still wide awake at 2:00am. The baby was having a rough night so she came into bed with us. I adoringly listened to her soft breaths until I eventually fell asleep. Much to my dismay, I had an extremely strange dream about our son’s ants from his science fair project attacking me and then almost drowning in quick sand! Just as I narrowly escape death, I hear the grocery truck pulling up to save me, only it wasn’t my dream...it was real life!

I quickly wake my husband Neil. "Hun, the groceries are here!" I exclaim glancing at the clock. I realize it says 8:00am and Zach and Em start school at 7:45! Ahhh! I snatch a smiling yet soaking wet Allyson who was snuggling between us, and rush to wake the other four kids.

Our oldest son Ryan needs to be at school at 8:15 so he swiftly makes a break for the shower while muttering something under his breath. Zachary, on the other hand, strolls down the hallway comfortably wrapped in a blanket yawning. "What's for breakfast?" he lazily wonders as I sprint past him with a still very wet baby on my hip. "Whatever you can find Zach!" I respond I desperately trying to find a match to a sock in the laundry basket at the bottom of the stairs.

Next, I enter the dining room and I’m overcome by an extremely pungent stench. Zach who is beside me forcefully gags and I immediately follow. "What is that smell?" I ask my half asleep husband who is helpfully carrying bags of groceries into the house still in his pj's. "Did you order fish?" he replies wincing, "Cause it's rotten or something!" I inspect the bags on the table and quickly notice that I don't' recognize ANY of the items. We got the wrong order! Of all days!

As Neil and I explain our situation to the grocery man, my sweet girl Emmy valiantly volunteers to pack the lunch boxes. Zach sits at the table holding his nose and requests a frozen waffle and peanut butter sandwich. (I did tell him whatever didn't I?) Then to top it off, Lindsey (our four year old) begs to go outside to talk to the grocery delivery guy, only she insisted on wearing one of Emmy's old shirts and just tights to bed, so I sternly tell her no! She can't understand why, and frankly I don't have the time or the patience to explain. Thank heavens Ryan ends up helping Zachary while Neil and I straighten out the order.

It was now 8:15 and Ryan is the first one in the car. Em fixes her own hair while Zach and Neil grab their coats. "Hun, you may want to put some pants on because you might need to bring the kids into the school since they’re late," I suggest as I lug the new order into the house with Allyson still on my hip and Lindsey proudly prancing around in her tights dragging bags behind me. "HONK HONK!" Ryan starts beeping the horn, and poor Emmy tries to zip up her jacket while Lindsey hugs her good bye. Zach begins kissing and hugging everyone too as if it were any other morning, and Neil rushes to change his pants. Within seconds Ryan stomps up the front steps wildly beckoning the crew to COME ON! And with that they race off as I sigh and wave, still holding our drenched yet content baby girl. Finally, I complete a much needed diaper change, put the groceries away and start the coffee just as Neil returns home to get ready for work. Phew! I suppose starting a day like this is better than being attacked by killer ants in quick sand right?

I Am Alive

Sorry that I have been MIA. It has been a really busy and emotional week at our home and I just haven't had any time to spend here. Hopefully I will be back soon. I have to take care of my handsome husband for the weekend. He had a little "procedure" done today and will be out of commission until Monday.

I miss you and hope all is well with you and your families.

Have you seen my...

It's a snow day here! I absolutely LOVE days like these. We all stay in our pj's for most of the morning and play games or snuggle while watching a movie, and then after lunch I gather up all of the snow pants, gloves, boots, hats and jackets and hand them out to the kids.

We have lots of other children in the neighborhood so it is a glorious sight. I am fairly well prepared for this day mainly because THE BIG SNOW STORM has been on the news non-stop for days now. Have you noticed that it's always a STORM now? We could be getting two inches of snow and they call it this. It's nuts. So everything is organized and ready to go for the kids. I left my husband in charge of his own stuff. I think I may have made a mistake...

This morning Neil was pacing around the house looking bewildered. "Hun," he asks scratching his head, "Have you seen my boots?" Two minutes later "Kel, have you seen my keys?" Then shortly after that, "Where is my coffee mug?" I love him to death, but holy macaroni! As if I don't have enough to keep track of?
Lucky for him his boots were where he left them, keys in his pocket and mug next to the sink. I think he's just overcome by my first thing in the morning beauty and can't think straight. LOL! I wish!

I love that man! I wish he had a snow day too!