catching up with kid-isms

Sept. 29th
while thrifting today, I picked up a HUGE desk for Zekey b/c his little 2yo body laid across it and said "my desk, my desk".

 Oct. 6th
it is very easy to be bogged down by the weight of the world, all the stresses and craziness in society, in life, and just in being on this mortal journey. It's the littlest things that bring joy to this life....listening to my 2yo snore while he sleeps on the couch, having my 5yo stop his insanity for a few minutes to say "I love you Mom", watching my older kids play with their younger siblings, having my husband say "I like your hair" or "you look nice". I get so easily overwhelmed by just living but I also am easily blessed if I stop to pay attention to the little things.

Oct. 8th
today while volunteering at Izzy's library, we had a little extra time in 2 of the classes. So the librarian let me read to the kids my book I brought "The Monster Mash". As all the kids were leaving and I was cleaning up for the day, the librarian said "do you think you'll ever go back to teaching?" I replied "well, I've been thinking about it. And lately it's been on mind." She said "Oh, I so hope you do. You have a gift for teaching. You are so good at it." It really touched me b/c honestly, for the longest time I've thought I'll never go back to teaching. I won't do it again. Today she really just made me feel so good. Maybe I'm not as bad as I thought

Oct. 12th
Kalen with his new soccer trophy balanced on his head!

Oct. 14th
so channel 7 was in front of the Rite Aid in New Carlisle this morning. I don't know why but if you are watching 7 news tonight and you see a red Caravan pull away from behind the little reporter girl, that's me! Yep, my claim to fame...the back end of my minivan leaving the scene of a news report

Oct. 19th
so after a crappy sick weekend, last night around 9pm, Zeke pulled his elbow out of socket (nurse maid's elbow) and we owe some free babysitting in payment for a "dr's home visit" by one of the pediatricians in our church congregation wink emoticon Followed up by the first words I hear this Monday morning "Mommy, my ear REALLY hurts!" Yep, that would be Kal who was not feeling well all weekend; into the ped's office to discover a DOUBLE EAR INFECTION! And how mean am I? I checked with the dr, gave him some tylenol and dropped him off at school. If it hurts him too much, they are to call me and I'll pick him up but we're going to give it a try. Bring it on Monday, I've got the guts to back it up

Oct. 21st
yesterday while dropping Kal off at school, I explained to him that he had to wear his hat anytime he was outside b/c of his ear infection. Today while getting ready for school, he said "I have my hat!" Izzy said "put on your gloves, too!" Kal: "I don't have an ear infection on my hands so I don't need my gloves, just my hat." 

Oct. 22nd
remember my post on Monday about Zekey's nurse maid elbow on Sunday night and Kalen double ear infection Monday morning. Well, it's official, Izzy broke her arm this afternoon! Fractured right elbow. she'll have a splint for a week till swelling goes down, then a cast for 4-6wks. Positive is she's left handed

Oct. 23rd
after running errands today with Daddy, Izzy noticed her loose tooth is gone! either she swallowed it in her sleep last night or it got lost when she ate lunch in the car. We told her that the tooth fairy would still visit. she really is falling to pieces!

Oct. 27th
when you're driving and your 8yo, with her arm in a cast, is trying to teach her 5yo brother how "whip nae nae" in the back seat. trying not to laugh my butt off b/c they'll think i'm making fun of them but what I really want to do is pull over and record it

Oct. 28th
Literally a fact on Sam's 5th grade social studies test: "There are a lot of _____________ in Utah." Answer: C. Mormons! Sammy announced to his teacher "Hey, I'm Mormon!" The teacher proceeded to point to Sam and say "Answer C (see) Mormon!" Sam was pretty excited

Oct. 29th
tonight while fixing the sheets on Zekey's bed, I found a DS game. Kal says "Oh that's my game I was playing in Zeke's bed. I haven't played it for 10 yrs!" I said "Kal, how old are you?" Kal: "I'm 5yo" Me: "then how could you play it for 10 yrs?" Kal, not understanding says: "well, it's been a long time; at least 10yrs. that's what I said!"

while I'm driving....

In the past, Kurtis has always taken the kids to school and then I'd pick them up from the bus stop. This year b/c of the change in schools and trying to get everyone to their respective schools, our routine has changed. I'm the one now who takes the boys to school. Izzy rides with Papaw.  I load all 3 boys in the van and drive to Sam's school first, then Kal's.  Depending on our plans for the day, Zeke and I just do what we need to do.  Then Daddy picks all the kids up at Izzy's school at the end of the day (the boys ride shuttle buses from their schools to Izzy's). Anyhoo....
While driving the boys to school last week, I was pondering what it was like for my mom when she had a 10 year old (as that is Sam's age currently).  When my mom's oldest, my sister Becky, was 10yo, my mom also had a 7yo boy, a 4yo girl, and an infant girl (me).  I have a 10yo boy, an 8yo girl, a 5yo boy, and a 2yo boy.  She was 30 years old.  I'm 36 years old.  She was a stay at home mom and wife to the Chief of Police.  She sewed a lot of our outfits, Halloween costumes, and made our birthday cakes with a cake decorating kit that she got a  garage sale.  She was den mother to my brother's cub scout den.  And if she had to, she drug us girls around to the den mtgs and put us in a corner where we wouldn't bother the boys.  She was active in her church and had a few friends that mostly had kids the same age as hers.  She even took all four of us to see Darth Vader when he came to the Dayton Mall in 1981.  She swore she'd never do an event like that again!
Needless to say, I have a lot in common with what my mom was and was doing when her kids were the same age as my kids.  I had my kids a little later in life than her, also had them faster in years as well.  My husband is able to be way more involved than my dad was.  Not that my dad didn't want to be involved or that he was absent.  He was there, quite a bit.  But I've heard the stories of the year there was a blizzard and as Chief, Dad was out in the snow, going to people's homes, and helping get them out.  All the while, my mom was at home with her 4 babies, literally weathering the storm and praying that my dad would come home safe.  I can't imagine the loneliness she felt at times.  But I've never heard her complain about it or mention it.  She just did it. B/c that is what you did.  You lived your life and you thanked God for the little blessings where the kids are healthy and safe and you have food, clothes and a roof over your head.
I love being there for my kids. I'm constantly worn out.  I'm exhausted.  We've had a rough couple of weeks and things are breaking left and right.  Zeke popped his elbow out of socket, Kal had a double ear infection, Sam broke a bracket off of his braces and Izzy broke her arm after falling off the monkeybars at school.  Add Halloween to the mix with class parties and trick or treating.  Costumes and candy.  Oh yeah, the boys' window began leaking from a rainstorm two nights ago and there is a leaky pipe under the refrigerator.  Life right now is not all peachy!  I'm feel hit from all sides in a way.  But I'm also thinking of my mom.  All that she's done for her kids and now her grandkids.  The hard work that it takes to be a mom. The guilt you feel when you aren't the greatest or you make mistakes.  Life is a series of events that happen to us.  Living is how we react to those events.  I have a life.  But do I live?  I'm trying!  Meanwhile, I have plenty to keep me busy driving my kids to school.

Raggedy doppelgangers

For my birthday, a Raggedy friend sent me 4 dolls that were completely blank...no faces, hair, clothing, coloring of any kind. I thought about what I wanted to do and almost immediately thought "I need to make one for each kiddo."  So that is what I did.
At the store, I was able to find some fabric that represented each child: Star Wars for Sam, Disney princess for Izzy, TMNT for Kal, and Paw Patrol for Zekey.  I did their outfits very basic, no finished edges.  First, it was quicker and easier but also I thought it gave it a simpler look, which I liked for these dolls.  I painted each face with each child in mind: Sammy has glasses, Izzy has eyelashes, Kal has freckles, and Zeke is just simply baby-faced.  The hair was pretty easy since the boys all have the same haircut.  They turned out great and my kids might not appreciate them but I  made them for me....my little Raggedy kiddos!

before

freckles

my muses

okay, silly muses

getting out of my head

I'm a pretty open person.  I like to believe honesty is one of my better qualities.  Sometimes it gets me in trouble. But the truth is that most of the time I'm pretty open and honest b/c I don't have the energy to hold it all together for appearances sake.  I'd rather people see me and know "hey, she's a mess but she's trying" rather than try to look put together but still really looks  a mess.  With that being said, it's a double-edged sword.  B/c I'm so open I think people feel they can say anything to me and I have to take it b/c I'm honest.  If you can dish it out, you gotta be able to take it.  And for the most part, I really try to take it well. Some of the things that are most often said to me are "you're so emotional", "you are neurotic", "you are so all over the place".  To those things, I say "yes, I am".  I feel things with about 150% of emotion all the time.  I've also been called "passionate" which is way nicer than "emotional" or "neurotic" :)  The point is that I know these things about myself.  No one is telling me anything new when they say that I'm too emotional or frantic or that I get worked up.  You think it bugs you? Try being me and not liking that part of myself.  And knowing that even if I'm trying to be better, sometimes I'm just not good at it.  So, what's the point of this.
Well, today I'm having a "stuck in my head" kind of day.  I'm overwhelmed that Sam is struggling with friends at school, that Kal is having to see a counselor, that my kids had to switch schools at all, that I hurt my foot while taking the dog to pee!  I'm angry with myself for not being able to fix all the little things my kids are going through.  I'm angry with myself for getting hurt over something stupid.  I'm angry with myself that I'm not the same girl I was 11 years ago when my husband met me. I was WAY more physically fit, more emotionally together, WAY more independent and a super tough broad!  I was "with it".  Now I have these 4 beautiful, stubborn, beloved children and I'm just trying to keep everyone fed, clothed, and somewhat mentally sound!  That's a tough order!  And some days getting dressed is optional!  That. is. life. 
So, today, when I'm frustrated and overwhelmed and overthinking things and wanting to be so much more than I am, I have to get it out. I have to remind myself that everything else in this world is bonus.  My Kurtis, my kids, my life, my God and my belief, these things are the things that make my life worth living.  Everything else is bonus.  Books, raggedies, music, friends, sewing, money, facebook, clothes are all bonus.  Nothing is guaranteed.  You just live and try to enjoy the good, endure the bad, and walk away from the ugly. 
I want to look back at my life and be like "hey girl, you were a hoot to watch fumbling around trying to be so much.  but your heart was in it for good or bad."  My heart is in it.  If I'm so emotional or so frantic, it's b/c I care SO much.  My heart is SO in it.  I feel it SO much b/c that's how I feel everything--SO much!  It may be one of my worst qualities and at the same time, one of my best. 

First Day of School 2015-2016

So as mentioned in earlier posts, the kids started school last week.  We are now Tecumseh Arrows!  What made it all a little crazy is that Tecumseh Elementary Schools are divided by grade, meaning that I have one child in each elementary building.  Kal is in the K-1 bldg, Izzy is in 2-3 bldg and Sam is the big man in the 4-5 bldg.  Got all that?  Good, b/c I'm still a little lost!
So Sam and Izzy started on Tuesday and Kal's kindergarten orientation consisted of 5-6 kids from his class and their parents attending an hour and a half meeting with the teacher.  He and I were scheduled for Tuesday morning.  Zeke babysat Papaw :)  What made the week slightly confusing was that kindergarten did their orientation mtgs for Tues and Wed and then on Thursday half of the class attended all day (Kalen was that day) and then the other half of the class attended on Friday.  So Kal went to kindergarten with me for a few hours on Tues., had all day school on Thurs and nothing on Wed & Fri.  So really we've been counting this week, as his first consistent attendance, the beginning of school for Kalen.
Below are attached the obligatory first day of school pictures and some entries of each day with Kal!

Thursday, Aug. 20th:
Well, we did it today! We dropped off Big Man Kal for his first full day of kindergarten. I pulled into the school lot and he said "I can't wait to play on that playground!" He held Dad's hand walking in to the bldg and then said "Thanks Dad! I know where to go now." Then walked off by himself. After Kurtis came back out of the school, I sobbed in the parking lot and the drive home. Isn't it supposed to be easier with the 3rd one!?! One more baby flew away from the nest

After he got home that day:
He just got home and said "Hey come here and hear about my day! I had a WONDERFUL day. Sometimes I got in trouble and sometimes I didn't." I also got a note from his teacher asking that we discuss the "importance of listening and following directions. He talked and interrupted nearly constantly." Trying to not let that bother me.

Monday, Aug. 24th:Took Kal to school today (2nd day of kindergarten). I asked him if he wanted me to walk him to the door and he said yes. As we come up to the sidewalk, he sees a boy from his class and says hi. Then looks at me and says "Mom, that's a new friend of mine. Could you not hold my hand?" What?!?! I'm already ditched in the first few minutes!! Yeah, yeah, he's growing up; being independent; should be a proud mom.

Today, Tuesday, Aug. 25th:
He asked me if he could walk up to school by himself.  He didn't even want me to walk him to the door!  But at least he came home with a good behavior report!

what you really see when you stop to look

In an earlier post, I mentioned how the kids were forced to switch school districts with a little over a week before school started.  I mentioned how they handled it so well and had great attitudes.  But I've really stopped and watched things come together and recognized God's Hands in many of the small details.  And honestly, it would be wrong of me not to share.
When we got the call about Sammy switching schools, I was really upset and distraught.  But I wiped off my tears, loaded the kids up and headed to the new school to register him.  It was a welcome surprise when I realized that the principal of Sammy's school is our neighbor gal who lives across the street.  It was also a blessing that the school librarian was in the office when I was signing him up.  She listened to me tell the secretary all of what had happened.  Then as we were finishing paperwork, she said "I have a few minutes.  Can I give you a tour of the school?"  She then proceeded to take me and my 4 kiddos around the building, showing Sam where music, art, gym, lunch, the restrooms, library, his homeroom, where EVERYTHING was.  As we were walking out the door, Sam hugged her and she said "I'm a hugger too!"  When I went to pick him up from his first day of school, the librarian was standing next to Sam outside the school.  She saw him waiting for me and talked to him. Then he hugged her as he walked to the van.
At Izzy's school registration, I got a text from my sister saying that one of the 3rd grade teachers taught both my nephews and was close to my sister.  Mrs. Landes had told Tara to have me request her.  Well, school started in a week and I was pretty sure they wouldn't like me requesting a teacher but I did it. And got the run-around.  The secretary and principal both said they didn't think it would happen but someone would call me the next day and let me know what happened.  No one called me the next day.  I called the principal and he said he would speak to Mrs. Landes and personally call me back later and tell me what was decided.  I received a call in less than an hour later.  The neighbor girl/principal I mentioned earlier?  Yeah, she called the other principal and told him we were good people and he should work with us.  Then he spoke to Mrs. Landes and she said she would love to have Isabel.  He called me back and she was put with Mrs. Landes.  When we went to Open House two days later, Izzy ran up to Mrs. Landes and hugged her. At their first meeting!  For Isabel that is huge!  To make it more special, on her first day, my dad went to take Izzy and drop her off.  He asked the principal if he could walk her to her class and Mr. Burkholder said "I'm going that way, why don't you let me take her."  He held her hand and walked her right into the school.
Kalen's transition seemed to be easier b/c he hadn't started any school yet.  But as we started to do the registering process, we were met with friendly faces yet again.  One of the special ed teachers at Kal's school has a son who had been attending Bethel with Sammy and we've known her for a few years now.  She was at kindergarten assessment, the open house, and there on the first day of school.  Kal looks for her and waves when he sees her.  My mom and dad also know the secretary at Kal's school from when my nephews were in elementary school and she has really helped me to stay calm and reassured.
How could it be that the Lord knew I would need these little reassurances?  Maybe He wasn't sure I would notice.  But I did!  I've been so aware of His presence through all of this.  Even when we were at Children's Hospital this past weekend with Zeke, a friend of church was getting off of work and stopped in to see us.  The Lord has been walking alongside me the last two weeks and I've noticed!  I've seen His Hand, I've felt His love, and I've witnesses His angels!

summer snippets

Only my 2yo would spend the last 15 minutes crying b/c his toys wouldn't fit in his "pocket" and since his shorts don't have pockets that means we're shoving toys in his waistband and they either fall out or hurt.

I may actually have one hour of peace today. Pulled out the old Scooby Doo VHS tape and hooked the VCR up to the tv. Now all 4 kids are watching it and I'm in heaven.

was at WalMart at 8am to get school supplies....lots of money! ugh Highlight of the morning courtesy of Sam: "Mom, one day when I go on a date, I will take her to McDonald's and get 2 hashbrowns. Then we'll go someplace a little more private, like the back yard of our house and I'll share my hashbrowns with her." Oh my Sam.

so fun story that shows the tender mercies in life: while having the garage sale today, I'd just received a letter from Bethel letting us know that Kal wouldn't be attending Bethel. I was really disappointed and trying to keep it hidden. A friend/neighbor gal pulls up and comes into the sale. She says that she just got back from an exhibit/show where she sells mascara. Another vendor had approached her and asked if she knew anyone named "Greta"(pronounced short e). She said "No, but I know someone named Greta (with a long e)"  The vendor told her that she had this bag and knew no one with that name so Becky Stevens could have it. She dropped it off to me for Free! It totally made my day as I usually have nothing with my name.