Tonight

I'm thankful that (almost) every night we eat as a family around the table. Most of the time, the TV is off and all of the time there is enough food. There is always lots of noise and I'm thankful for that, even if a lot of it IS complaining that it's not what they wanted. I never imagined that people did this when I was younger, let alone that I would be doing this. Sometimes I forget to be thankful. Sometimes I take it for granted. Sometimes I think that it is a pain. Ugh. Working on being more mindful and grateful for God's small everyday blessings.

Hibernating

I totally have a love/hate relationship with this time of year. As in, I hate to go out and love to stay in. I'm definitely in my hibernating mode, which I think I go through every year. The problem is that I get extremely crabby when I have to leave, but I can't stay in too much or for too long or I go a little crazy, too. It's a fine balance, my friend.
Part of hibernating is getting fat...um, fatter. Not consciously, of course. I'm on a baking/cooking streak that includes making pumpkin yeast bread, chocolate chip cookies, trail mix, nutballs, homemade mac and cheese, taco soup, and HOMEMADE! noodles all within the last two days. (We haven't eaten it all yet, it's just waiting for the next two days when I work.) If only I could spend everyday in the house, with lots of energy to clean and cook and create and exercise and read and do projects with the kids (without going stir-crazy), the world would be a perfect place.

2010 - Draft #1

Thankful for Thanksgiving

Ugh.

Still can't shake this feeling. I have been feeling unmotivated and restless for the last week. I don't feel like doing anything...or nothing at all either. This includes, but is not limited to: sleeping, watching TV, reading, talking, relaxing, cooking, and sewing. Today after Bryce's eye therapy appointment, I did take the kids to play at Burger King. That did not help my mood. Must.get.happy. Thanksgiving preparations need to be done!

What?

With 15 people coming for Thanksgiving, what would you guess I was doing? Cleaning and getting food ready? No, I'm not. Resting up then? Nope. I'm organizing my scrapbook room. Must be feeling stressed out/overwhelmed. Hey, at least I'm not wasting time on the internet. Oh. Um, nevermind.
NOW: On my second pot of (weak) coffee and watching The Santa Clause on TV with Bryce home from school sick today. No where to go. Bring it.

My Motto

I just got home from an overnight conference in WI Dells for work. After meditating a few drinks, I not so much decided as recognized my life's motto. The polite version goes like this: Anything worth doing is worth doing well. The not-so-polite-but-more-my-style goes like this: Don't do it or f**king DO IT. Maybe you prefer Do it with joy or don't do it. Point is, I'm an all or nothing kinda girl. That's why I have FOUR kids. That's why I turned in a zillion Iola pictures. That's why I eat the entire box of Cheez It's. That's why I quit my job. And I'm ok with that.

My new niece

Me and Ellie had a fabulous time in Minnesota with the sweetest two little kids ever! Not super excited with the pictures I got, but had lots of fun!

Now Taking Orders...

Mitchell's kindergarten picture and Bryce's first grade picture. I'm old school when it comes to school pictures - nothing fancy - plain blue background only from the chest up. I love that this year we could just buy the CD of the pictures and not actual prints, unlike Mitchell who was disappointed because "everyone had a picture in their envelopes except me." Yeah, that's the way I roll, buddy.

Family and Friends, let me know what size prints if you want some (otherwise I won't order you any.)

Today: It's my favorite kind of day. Hangin out at home with no plans to go anywhere (until Paul gets home - then I'm off to make some presents.) PLUS (and this is the important part) I actually have energy to get some stuff done. So far this includes: making pumpkin bread, doing laundry, reading to my babes, and putting Halloween stuff away. Who-hoo. Bring it.

I'm an auntie again!

Little Miss Elaina Sue picked yesterday at 8:18pm to be born. Her and my Little Miss Eliana Susan are going to have fun with their names. I can't wait to meet her and of course, there will be pictures as soon as I do! We love you Auntie Lorie, Uncle John and Baby Big Brother Drew!

The food:

The decorations:

Happy Halloween!

No School

Today:
is the second day of no school for the kiddos.
we've done TWO art projects.
a certain little boy has been up to his room too many times to count.
I've done two loads of laundry.
I've answered the question, "When are we going to Burger King?" 18 million times.
I've said a prayer of thanks for school 17,999,999 times.
I've made popcorn and m&ms for the kids and put on Monster House because it's Halloween it'll scare them/enthrall them long enough to give me 3 seconds of peace and quiet.

....and it's only 10:00.

(Love Ellie's look in this one. Not sure what she's so upset with Mitchell about.) ETA: I think she's mad because Mitchell dared to use the pink paint - Ellie's favorite color.

Now I'm off to go on the treadmill so I can excercise put earbuds in and watch last season's Grey's Anatomy off of Netflix.

Make that 18 million and one.

Uh-Oh

Little Post It notes could only mean one thing....

I'm feeling very overwhelmed.