Naked

I feel almost naked!! Our barfy baby is on his way to the Shelter - Bad Judge, Bad Judge, naughty parents, naughty parents, dirty word, dirty word!!!!! After the 3 toddlers leaving last week and now our barfy baby gone - we are down to 1. And in a few minutes I will be without e-mail for a day or two as I have to pack my laptop up to travel.

I was estatic to hear that Mak - our 5 year old delinquent (he got suspended from preschool today for being a bully) - is glad to hear that we are "almost on our way". I think he likes me. The last time I talked to Destini - our 7 (?) year old bully - I asked her what she remembered about me and her answer was " you're 51". Now that smarts!! I haven't had the courage to ask any of the others when they answer the phone :) But I know that next Christmas I'm gonna be the meanest Grandmother around (Ty says I'm called Amah 'cause I'm to old to be Grandma!) because not one of the children has written a thank you for the mega gift that I sent to them last year. As badly as I dislike the idea of kids sitting around in front of video games - I found a 'dance pad' that I thought they would enjoy. Only problem was - after I purchased it and had it drop shipped - it was for a ps??? and they didn't have one of those. It was the only type of box that they were missing - but they aren't now. Come to think of it - I guess there isn't anything else they need for gifts. Now that's the way to look at it!!! No thanky no gifty. I sound so mean and heartless!!! And if all they can remember is how old I am ? ? ? ?

Anyhow, tomorrow it is off to the wild blue yonder with our whiney baby. The flight attendents are soooo going to love us. And so are the other first class passengers!! For our anniversary trip - Papa upgraded us. And I know we will be more loved than we would have been if we'd had both infants. But I'll bet we won't make the "most popular list" tomorrow. HEE HEE.

Our entire congregation iat Faith Baptist s praying for PeeWee (the barfy baby) as he is relagated to the bowels of the "system". I'm still in shock over the simple fact that parents would rather see an infant is the "Shelter" and the judge would actually sign an order that would put him there, rather than have the people that have cared for him since he was 8 days old take him on a trip. It just does not make any sense at all to me. It is so totally beyond my sensabilities that I am still having trouble grasping the entire idea. Write to the Florida Dept of Children and Families and complain. When we return I will probably still be ticked and will make sure that everyone that counts hears about it. When the DCM said that the "judge is upset with the department so he has ruled for the parents all week" I absolutely about peeeed my pants!!!! Just in protest!!!!! Enough of my soapbox and Papa is waiting to pack this lifeline of mine so I have to say

See ya soon!!!!!

Travel

Only 2 more days and I will get to see my BABIES!! I am counting the hours. I'm still irritated with the judge, the DCM, and the whole DCF system in general - but it is not enough to quell my excitement over getting to see the kids. I'm all packed and ready to go. Lonnie is doing his extra long visit with his parents - what they are going to do with a 4 month old for 2 hours at the park is beyond me :) I will diaper and dude him for the trip and pack the car tomorrow as Papa says we have to be on the road at 0430 on Thursday!!

I got my "garage sale leftovers" all boxed up and sent off to the thrift store - since I didn't sell anything, it all went. I have to do the last few things to close up the house, got the newspaper stopped, put in a stop on the mail - and I'M READY TO GO!!

I am upset with PeeWee's mom - after the big todo over him going with us - she didn't bother with her visit this week either. So that makes 2 weeks in a row that she didn't bother. Last week she called just before the visit and said she couldn't get there from where she was and didn't ask for a reschedule. This week, she hasn't even bothered calling to set up a visit to start with. So - this should look really good on her record ~~~~ I've done everything I can do - it's up to her now!!

The weather has finally cooled off a bit and I've been a little more comfortable - it's only been about 75 during the day and dropping into the 60's at night. Makes for a lot better sleeping.

Papa is home with lunch - gonna go eat before it gets cold!!

4:11 update: PeeWee is going to spend the next few weeks in the "shelter" because there are NO openings in foster homes right now. This is disgusting!!

See ya!

Judges

I don not care for judges. At this time I am feeling like they are the bane of our legal system. I have felt this way since Thursday about noon. Ya see, a judge that does not have any idea who our little PeeWee is has decided that his parents know best - and he will not be allowed to travel with us to California. It does not matter that the Mom is only allowed a 1 hour supervised visit each week (and has missed over half of them) and Dad has never seen him (he is in jail and has been since baby's birth) - they were transported to the courthouse and the judge decided that they knew what is best for the baby. We were not told what time to be there - our phone message from the day before was not returned until the DCM (Dependency Case Manager) called to tell us that PeeWee will "just have to go to respite" for the time of our trip. I just am not happy with the idea of our little "fountain" going and staying with strangers for 3 weeks when he does not need to. Of course, that is just my opinion. The DCM, the judge, and evidently the parents don't think he is old enough to know who is careing for him. I disagree with thier opinions - so where does that leave PeeWee - at respite!!!

Well, we are getting ready for our trip! Baby 2 is going with us - his judge overruled his parents and said that they didn't have a good enough reason to disrupt his placement. I went to good ol' WallyWorld and got him some new little duds for the visit. He is now touristed out like you wouldn't believe. But how touristy can a 5 month old get ? ?) I am trying to teach him that he CAN go to sleep on my lap - he does not need to be laying straight out in his bed before he closes his eyes. He is smiling and cooing nicely so he will be a big hit at the airport and on the plane. I got a "snuggly" in preparation for taking PeeWee so I don't think I will need that - but we got a "Maya Wrap" for carrying Lonnie. I got an xl and let out - it is longer than I am tall. I could put him in it and kick him along with my knees!!! Papa looks at it very warily (the snuggly was way to small to fit around him). I don't know if he will ever use it or not. I will try - but with my shoulders the way they are - it's debateable.

I had a garage sale over the weekend - it ran 2 full days as well as just getting all the stuff out there on Thursday. It is now Sunday Afternoon and there have been 2 shoppers visit - oh, my neighbor stopped and said she will take anything that is free after the sale. I sold 2 picture frames without glass and a dress that is 3 sizes to big for me and I hoped never to grow into. I did like all the book and mag ads say and got everything that does not fit or I haven't worn or used in a year and put it all out in the screen room. Trying to "unclutter". Trouble is with 5--6 kids at a time - most things get used at least a little - so I cleaned mostly out of closets and under beds. The visible clutter is all stuff we use. So - - my garage sale not only didn't get rid of the clutter - it was a major blow to my ego - no one even stopped to see what I had!!! Like they all know - I wouldn't have anything that anyone else would want/need or like to have!!!

And to top my week-end off - I had nursery duty at Church today!! It's not the idea of Nursery. This is a very necessary service - but since Papa won't let our babies go to Nursery until they are 6 months old - He stayed home with the babies while I went in and watched the 2 boys that were there. I did have a real nice chat with ZoeAnn. She is an extremely nice woman that loves the little ones dearly. It was a nice relaxing hour - well spent actually. And I stopped at Wendy's on the way home and brought Papa some lunch too. The babies are asleep and since he's eaten = so is Papa.

So = I'm taking my bruised ego and my indignation with the legal system and going out to take my stress out on the weeds that insist on invading the flower beds!!!

Enough for today - hope your weekends fared better ! ! ! !

(Almost) Empty Nest!

Our home is quiet. Too quiet! Our toddlers have gone to a wonderful couple that are planning to adopt them. The world needs more people like them. We aren't looking to adopt so we are very happy for the children and thier chance for a "Forever Family". So now we only have the 2 infants keeping us company. And they are so different! PeeWee wants to stay up and watch the late show before he has his last little bit of bottle and then sleeps until 9 am or so - but then there is Lonnie!! He wants to go to bed with the chickens and he just knows the reason for him to be on this earth is to wake the roosters before daylight so they can be ready to crow when the sun comes up. Papa usually gets up with him as he is more the morning person. PeeWee and I hang out at night. So all is worked out well with those two.

We are getting ready for another little trip to San Diego. I am having a hard time with not wishing the days away as I really miss the kids. ALL of them - Even my special baby - S'te. We have the travel orders all ready for Lonnie but have to go to hearing tomorrow for PeeWee. So we know that one is traveling with us - maybe two. I was supposed to have a Dr appointment there but the insurance company messed up and didn't confirm it - so they've made another appointment for June - so I get 2 trips!! Papa said we will go ahead and visit this time anyway
as the arrangements have already been made and I haven't seen our babies since October . I'm so happy!!

I'm trying to do a little spring cleaning. It's hard to get enthused when it is to hot to breathe by 9:30 in the morning!! Our temps have been in the 80 & 90 degree range for the last 2 weeks. It cooled all the way down to 70 last night - respite. I did get some sleep. Anyhow, as I pull things out for a "yard sale" Papa either brings them back in or says "we can just go ahead and donate that" instead of trying to put a price on it. So I think I will just put everything out in boxes and he can take it to goodwill. It doesn't bother me any!! I'm not good at pricing things anyway. I don't want it !! Just take it!!! ha ha

So, all is well and quiet - Sharen and S'te have both put new posts up so I had something to read and I'm all happy now!!

What about you?

Life

And LIFE goes on. It's a paltry little saying - isn't it? The news yesterday about the new little grandbaby we were expecting hit me rather hard. Here is a young couple that is doing and has done everything that they can possibly do to make life good for the many young children that have passed thru their lives as well as for the ones that God has provided to stay with them. And here they must go thru the loss of an unborn child. Loss of a child thru death is terribly hard on parents. I want so badly to be there with them - to hold and comfort them - but life has caused another type of loss for me - the loss thru life. My child has a family of her own to morn with her, care for her, and bring joy back into her life. She also has her deep faith in God and his love. Through the passing of years and the adding of the wonderful family that they have caused to be - I am no longer the Mommy that can heal her hurts with a kiss, an intervention, or offering my lap for a good cry. This caused me much pain. I have been very blessed in that it took so long before this time came. For many parents this part of life comes much sooner and less gradually. For me - it showed up with a huge slam. First reading that there was a new child expected - I had mistakenly thought that we were closer than that. Then reading of the horrible news - this made it all hit home. I am a very selfish person - I am taking thier tragedy and personalizing it. But it is my tragedy too. My daughter lost a child - and I feel as though I have lost the most precious thing that I have ever had - my close relationship with my daughter. And if I knew what do do to change that - or if the Lord in his wisdom will help me with the acceptance of this - I would be eternally grateful - because this deep feeling of loss is with me now. Why? All I can really do is ask WHY?

The Big Yellow House

The Big Yellow House and *Carmen at http://momtothescreamingmasses.typepad.com/ both did blogs today on the stupid things people say to people with large families!! The funniest story that I have on that is:

Several years ago, when S'te only had 6 children of her own and 4 foster children and I had 2 foster babies: we went to Babies R Us for port-a-cribs. She wanted one and I wanted one so we thought that we would get the "twins" deal there. We shopped for quite some time and the kids were really, really good. They all interacted like one huge happy family!! I was so proud of all of them. We were at the checkout stand with our slips for 2 more cribs and the checker asked me, "Are all of these kids yours?" Now mind you, there were 12 children and not only were several within months of the same age, we had all kinds of nationalities. We had hispanic, black, white, and mixed children. I believe we even had a Korean child in the mix. Anyhow, I didn't think much of it, I just answered, "Two are mine and the rest are my daughters" to which my daughter of 25 or so piped up with, "But Mom, I'M YOURS TOO". Which made us all laugh really hard. As if I would have forgotten that she is mine. Actually, the answer should have just been "YES" because they are all mine. My FAMILY. We have always considered any child that resides within any of our walls - ours.

I am always shocked by the people that ask wonderously "Are they yours". If you don't know us - Papa is a white haired, white bearded, Santa looking kind of guy, over 60 and I'm a short, round, salt & pepper brunette that is over 50. So when we go somewhere with 3 1/2, 2 yo twins, a 4 month and 2 month old of hispanic, caucasian, and black/indian heritage - no I don't think I birthed them - but guess what - yes, they are mine. Mine to love and care for until they are taken to thier forever homes. And only the good Lord knows when that may be.

We have had a visit with another potential "forever family". They seem very nice and very, very excited about becoming instant parents. This is wonderful and I enjoyed watching them and the children get together an learn about each other. I hope that this special couple understands that one of the special problems for foster children is thier willingness to soak up every bit of attention that ANYONE will offer - then walk off and totally forget them. I believe in my heart, that this ability is thier own form of insulation. They have been forgotten by the many and they forget the many. We teach our birth children not to talk to strangers. Don't go with strangers. If strangers try to touch you, run and yell. But when you are a foster child - strangers pick you up to transport you, strangers come to the park and play with you, strangers take you to thier homes - and you have NOTHING to say about it. You (the child) have to trust "the system" and if you have foster parents that don't care for the above - the workers lable the FP's as over-reactive and interferring. Well, today Papa let the workers know that we would transport to the meeting - over thier objections. We suggested and invited the PFF (potential forever family) to visit the kids at home before a pajama party is done. The workers overruled this by setting up a "weekend pajama party" for Thursday - Sunday - without any contact before then. So much for the childrens best interests and ease of transition;. I know these workers have place children in many homes. My question is - how many have transitioned children out of thier homes? It might not be the best thing in the world to just pack them up one day and say - you're going to spend the next 4 days here and then you are going back home and then you are going to spend some more days here and some more days at home and then you are going to move to the new home. Now, have I confused you as to what is happening? Imagine how they feel?

Enough of a rant for today. Looking forward to the California trip and had wonderful news from the Money Pit about Rod's deployment. Can't get much better than this. The best of all the worlds.

Book

Can I put a book on his butt without causing a problem? No kidding, I'm in the second day after the second night of getting up about every hour to turn L over. He's almost 4 months now, only a few more days, and he has learned to turn from his tummy to his back. It is almost funny to watch. Most babies I've seen lean their heads over and their bodies follow. Not L - he works his butt straight up into the air and then leans his butt and his body follows. He also will not sleep on his back. He also does not give up his screaming. It goes on FOREVER. I tried just leaving him to cry it out and over an hour later he was still laying there on his back - screaming - and I still wasn't sleeping. By then he'd also wakened W (one of the twins), so I went in and put him back on his belly. I wasn't back to our room yet when he had gotten himself turned over again!!! We also went thro this at every nap time today. He is sleeping now but only out of exhaustion I'm sure!!! My thought is that if I put a book on his butt, he won't be able to lift it and turn over (ha ha - good idea huh?). Since he is such a big boy, it would probably have to be a pretty good sized book so I probably shouldn't do it. But it is definitely a thought!!!! I'm sure that as soon as he rests a little he will be "turning it over again".

Other than that - life is good. It was a little cooler - the news has been announcing this "cool front" for several days! It cooled all the way down to 75. I'm excited. Papa actually turned on the heat this morning!!! Of course, by 8:30 when the boys wanted 'side, I turned if off so I could leave the door open and hear what they were doing. I found a couple of trucks and a little slide at a garage sale on Saturday and they've really had some fun with it. It is nice to find something that they enjoy!!

They pulled a new house into the empty space behind us. It may actually buffer some of the I95 noise so I'm kinda liking it. Don't know if it is the house yet or if there just wasn't as much loud traffic as usual - so I'll really withhold judgment on it for right now. It is a new house and looks like a nice one. I haven't really been in a lot of the new homes as I'm not really very good at making friends anymore. The older I get, the more time I seem to spend by myself.

We are getting ready for our next trip. It is planned to be a short hop to San Diego area. I have to go to the doctor there and we also get to see my little girl and her family. I'm getting excited. I haven't seen her since October 1. The longest stretch since boot camp!!!! We will try to get permission to take the babies but the siblings should be in their "forever home" by then - Praise the Lord. It is time for them to have a permanent Mommy and Daddy. We are just tooo old!!!

Papa is feeding PeeWee and watching basketball. March madness is starting!! He really doesn't watch a whole lot the rest of the year - he saves it all for now!

I heard via one of my cousins that the Steinhoff property has sold so now maybe the CC Sheriff's office will be able to take another look there. She said she will contact them to make sure they are aware that no one should mind if they have a more thorough look. That is the one selfish thing I pray for - to know what happened before I die. And of course, to make whatever I can right.

OK, I'm tired and getting morose so I'll sign off for tonight. See ya'll manana! :) BTW here is my solution to the tipping butt!! Maybe he won't be able to tip it with a little pillow on each side of him!! We will see - wish me luck.

CACA Dudes

I've got a name for my group!!! That's right - its the CACA Dudes. I've got 4 sick boys - all in diapers and all full of caca with every change!!! I'm not kidding. Papa took out a kitchen garbage sack full of caca diapers to the outside rubbish and it wasn't 11 yet. Right now the dudes and dudette are all sleeping the sleep of the fever and flushed. Some with a "virus", one with reflux and one with just caca. Today is had been one end to the other. I'm telling ya - my washer will never be the same and I'm with Monk in the scene where he states - "there's not enough wipes in the world to do this!" and he was even talking about caca. Things will get better - I'm sure of that. No children could possibly keep this up for any legnth of time!!

Our toddlers have met a possible adoptive family. I'm wishy-washy about them. Don't feel like they "clicked" with the kids but the agency is going ahead with it. They will go for a weekend visit this weekend - if the prospects call and make arrangements. I mean - it's almost 2 on Friday afternoon - when are they planning to call? Why wait until bedtime to make the phone call? The worker called and said she approved the visit and that the rest of the arrangements are up to us. Whatever we feel is best for the kids. We feel that the other couple that the "committee" didn't pick are better. But who are we? ?

Lots has happened with my family since my last entry. My sister Sharen and her boyfriend traveled to Chicago due to a tragedy in his family. My condolences to Mitch and his family for their loss. They traveled during the coldest week so far this winter. I watched the news while they were in the midwest and it was SUB-ZERO there. Now, I know it gets cold in Canyonville but I'm sure that was a little uncomfortable even for them. But I was glad to hear that they have returned home safely and no worse for the wear. Makes us all appreciate family ties when tragedy hits like that.

Speaking of weather, it's been in the 80's (86 actually) here. I am rueing this spring. I was hot and sweating yesterday during our trip to the Medical Center with the CACA Dudes. And it is still February. It cooled down to 76 last night and today it is cloudy and only to 80 so I feel better. And my babysitter called to say she WANTS to babysit tonight as she does not have anything else to do (and maybe she is broke!!). So I feel LOTS better now that when I started this post 1 1/2 hours ago!!

Another glad tiding was given to us a couple of days ago - Rod and S'te are expecting again. They are very happy and I am very happy for them. For those who do not read her Money Pit - Rod will be leaving for Bahrain in July for his overseas tour. The happy event is expected to take place in September so he will have a new family member when he returns. And I am confident that he will. Our prayers will definately follow him and I know that their Faith will bring them the help, stregnth, and courage to face the difficult times that there will be. Of course, I will do anything and everything I can (or at least that she wants for me to do) for them and so will Papa. S'te has been fascinated and followed every "big family" story that she could find since she was a little girl (growing up as an only child) and it looks like they are going to be able to write a book of their own :) We all know that there is no limit to a Parent's love - it is endless (of course patience is sometimes a different story) so love for this child will abound.

Now I'm rambling and all the kids are up and Papa is home - so I've got to pretend that I did something besides sit here forever !!!! Happy tidings to all and good afternoon!!

New Board Member

We have a new Board Member in the family. In addition to being Papa to 5 children under the age of 4, Papa is now an esteemed member of the Board of Directors for the Association where we live. I don't know where he will find all the time he will need, but I'm sure he will do a good job. Congratulations Papa!!

The other large family blogs this week are on chores. Well, I can't really contribute to that one as we have all very young children, so I have all the "chores". Of course the twins (they just turned 2) love to "hope" when I'm doing anything with the babies. Their jobs are to put dirty clothes in the jump and the diapers in the barg. Sis has to put the books and toys away in the playroom before bed. Now, if you have toddlers, you understood that completely. YeeYee and Gicky are probably just a little behind in language skills after being shifted around and in the shelter for as long as they were!! I think they are doing great.

Bedtime around here is VERY mundane. After dinner, we brush teeth and get jammies on. The boys and Sis are used to this routine so we definately don't have any problem with that. Then while feeding night bottles to babies, we put the twins back to bed another dozen or so times and Sis decided she needs to potty about a dozen times and between thier bedtimes at 7:30 and 9 or so, they all go to sleep. I've tried letting them stay up later - but it takes just as long for them to settle down and go to sleep - and they are crankier than ever the next day. The babies are usually down for the count by about 9 and WALAAAA - they have slept all night for the last 2 nights!!

YeeYee was a little ill yesterday, he managed to toss pizza (from the night before), his breakfast, his pedialite, and his crackers all over both Papa and I several times - he is such a sharing child :) but today seems just fine. So bless the Lord for that!! And no one else seems to have come up (or down) with whatever it is.

It's bedtime now, hope to read news of others soon.

He Tried!!

It is now 9:23 AM. This is the morning that my wonderful husband has "let me sleep in" for my birthday!! Of course, he forgot about hte baby monitor on the nightstand when he got started this morning :) I woke to the mobile music from one crib (and baby grunting), the other kicking the chimes in his, one twin calling Papa (because he pooped), the other laying in bed crying (no one knows why), and Sis wanting her "dress". Keith was very busy trying to fix cereal for them. He had closed our door and shhh'd everyone several times. I laid there for a few minutes before I decided that he'd had enough torture!! By then he had the older kids to the table and both babies were having fits. One cries and the other is sympathetic :(

I grabbed a baby and stuck a bottle in his mouth - that wasn't what he wanted. So I started to change him (yuk). Of course as soon as I picked him up he stopped crying so the other stopped and started kicking his chimes again - content. Well to make a long story short - we have 4 in diapers and one in a pull-up. I had to give 4 baths before I could put clean diapers, clothes, and panties on. The chime baby just needed his poopy diaper changed. I didn't have to do a COMPLETE wash job on him!! So now, we have had 4 baths, 5 clothing changes, 2 bottles, 3 breakfasts, and now I have 2 sleeping babies, twins that want "outside", and have heated a cup of old coffee. Keith has gone off to his 9 am doctor appointment but he did leave a wonderful card on my laptop!! Bless him - and his Mom for raising him to be so kindhearted!!

I tried to do some work on our taxes yesterday, the twins absolutely hate it when I'm on the computer. If nothing else it's mama, mama, mama. There was something to do with feet - I only know that because both of them came over and stuck one foot at a time in my lap and wanted me to look. I never did find anything and SIS wanted to know what I was looking for - every time. She takes very good care of the boys!! Totally to distraction LOL

When Keith gets home I am going to have a LONG, HOT shower, eat a leisurely breakfast and then get dressed in my - I don't know yet - we'll have to see what my dream comes up with - but for now a baby is crying again.

Check back with ya'll later.

WOW

I've got news from the whole weekend but the most amazing part of it is the MICK JAGGER was the half-time show for the Super Bowl AND I RECOGNIZED HIM. Now, most everyone else in the world probably knew who was playing before yesterday. BUT NOT ME!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Ya know, Mick Jagger is almost 63! I read today that one commentator said he "dances funny, like he is waving flares for an airplane pilot" - I wonder how that person will dance when he is that old - most of us couldn't expend that much energy in that short of time and live to tell about it - and I for one am not that old yet!! So now that I've got my awesome news nugget off of my chest:

We actually had a time without children!!! One of the other FP's here who only does respite actually offered to take all 5! We talked on Thursday evening and she actually offered to take them all on Friday! I couldn't say OK fast enough!! I really love what we do and I enjoy every hair on their heads but same as with "real parent's" ; sometimes I (I don't know about Keith, he'll have to speak for himself) just need some me time. I feel better, my nerves are better, my store of patience is refilled.
We really didn't do much, we went to the Legion for dinner Friday night, stopped in at the new Sloanes on the way home. Saturday morning I got out and walked! All around the park. It was a long walk for me - who doesn't walk any further than 2 year old legs want to go. I sure miss a lot when I just drive thru. I didn't realize how DIRTY our park has gotten over the winter. Then we went to Mrs. B's for breakfast, visited friends, stopped at Lowe's and shopped (leisurely) for a ceiling fan. We actually got the fan installed in the morning room - laughing about how much fun the twins would have will all the pieces that were strung around. We then went to a training at Church that Keith has been attending and came home and I slept until 10 AM and we went to Church again and we went to pick up the kids. They were happy to see us and I think they missed us!!

So today is back to the normal - I poured myself a bowl of cereal at 8:00, started typing this about the same time and it is now 10:49 and I'm still at it. I didn't get nearly as much as I wanted done while they were gone, but enough that I'm refueled now.

How was your weekend?

Organization

The question this week is on "how we keep a large family organized". Because all 5 of my children are young (the oldest is 3 1/3), I may have a different take of organized. My idea is being able to find what you are looking for (in under 10 minutes ), be uncluttered enough to be sanitary and safe, and stay baby-proofed.

One persons chaos is another person's organization. I only know that because we have 2 Personality Types right here in this home. I want "a place for everything, and everything in it's place" and my husband - Papa - is a "out of sight, out of mind" person (most of his "important stuff" is stacked on top of his dresser where I can't reach it easily). Even as he helps to put clothes, dishes, diapers, grocerys , and/or anything else away, the closest opening that can be stacked up is fine with him. Fold something? If it will wrap around your had 3 times and make a ball - it can be put away. Hang something up? Don't straighten the collars and button the top button - just drape it over the hangar and hope. Now - I know it sounds like complaints - but it isn't. Not until I spend an entire day going behind him and refolding, rehanging, and looking for the mushroom soup I know he brought home does it bother me. Even when I ask for Baby Rice Cereal and he brings home Rice w/Bananas for the 2 month old!!! I have a stash for just these occasions. Thus my "orginazation".

Step 1 - THE MOST IMPORTANT TO ME - Never run clear out of anything. The list on the fridge is added to when I get to the "next to the last" of an item that I use. Papa does the shopping while he is out-and-about most afternoons. When he "mis-reads" my list - I have another chance for the right purchase. This list is kept in 4 parts, actual groceries, diapers & other baby stuff, cleaning and laundry supplies, and "my stuff" (like ice cream, bubble bath, laundry baskets, or anything else that I saw in a sale ad that I want). This way he never has to do "big shopping". He can get whatever he desires. I do try to be as specific as I can on them - right down to supplying a picuture or empty container.

Step 2 - Never leave a room empty handed. Always take a backhaul. It is one less trip that I will have to make later. Going to the kitchen? Take whatever needs to go there with me. Kids following? Give them something to carry also. They have hands - they like to help. With the way Papa puts things away, I can always find something that needs to be somewhere else.

Step 3 - Like with S'te - Keep baskets and bins that the children can reach so they can actually watch you putting thier toys away - someday they may actually figure out that this is something they can do. I keep the toys for the babies in the living room in a basket. I also keep large amounts of toys hidden in closets to be taken out in rotation. Legos come out one day - picked up and replaced on the top shelf in the closet. Dress up stuff another time, Dora and all the dolls/stuffed animals with strollers etc, musical stuff another time. Otherwise everything is out all the time. I have shelves in the playroom with the "movies" on them and they take turns choosing what they want to see during the quiet time (ha ha) right after dinner.

Dressers have tape on the front of them with the size of the clothes inside. No one but me opens these drawers (well, sometime Papa does). My kids aren't old enough to do much besides help when it comes to clothes. Diapers are kept in the bags with their size on it until time to actually use it. A basket holding all the diaper stuff travels from the baby bedroom to the living room - but everything stays in it (no matter how many times I have to put it there).

Outside, the kids have a "cart" for thier toys. I don't care how things go on it but anything that does not "fit" goes into the closet.

Since we live in Florida, we don't need a mud-room and we only use jackets about 3 times a winter (but they are on hooks that only an adult can reach). Shoes are all kept in a basket in the boy's room. A gate crosses the kitchen door and my bedroom door. I also have an extra that hides behind the couch for when I am in "time out" and the kids need to stay in the playroom.

There are probably several other little things, but those are the ones that matter to me the most.

Now I have a baby up - so I'll get the colored pictures and put them away on my way into him. Have a nice day!!!

Morning Schedules

I'm going to do this too. Just because I want to. S'te's was rather funny - if you look at it with humor- but not as funny as the other two she mentioned in her blog. I love reading Chris (The Big Yellow House) and Carmen (Mom to the Screaming Masses) as well as S'te's Blog because they are all doing the same madness over and over again - just like we do. The only thing I didn't hear from any of them is the "Daddy" part in all of this. I am "lucky" enough to have a hubby that is retired. So he is home for most of every day. He is a great help a lot of the time. He also makes it so I have a hard time figuring out what has happened with each day. I never know when the last time a baby ate - or how much- what the twins were into - what they had - or even if they had. I never know what I'm going to fix for a meal - 'cause I don't know what he bought at the grocery. Just petty fun little things that I hope you can laugh with me on.

So here it goes.

I'm not exactly sure what they mean by morning routine. Is it just whatever happens after midnight? OK - I'll run with that one.

1 am - Baby 1 (dob 12/29) wakes for his midnight snack. He actually sleeps for 3 hours at a time so I've slept for 2 hours at this point. He feeds for about 30 minutes and downs about 4 oz.

3 am - Baby 2 (dob 11/3) wakes for his mid-morning feeding. We actually take turns on this one. Whoever wakes up first gets dibs. He has been asleep since about 9:30 so he isn't doing badly for hours. I'd wake him before I went to bed - but then I wouldn't make it until midnight. He feeds for almost an hour and downs between 4 and 6 oz once I get the bottle in the exact position that he can suck on it. Sometimes it takes 5 to 10 minutes for that to happen. Once his initial hunger is over - he loses interest in "all that hard work" and I have to coax him to eat more so he will sleep a little longer!! Papa just puts him back to bed after his 2 or so oz. (Which means he does not sleep long)

4 - 4:30 - Papa usually gets this one. It's Baby 1 back for more. He feeds him and puts him on his (Papa's) belly while they are reclined. They sleep this way until . . . either I get up and move him or

5-6 am - Baby 2 back for more. And whoever gets this one is the one that gets the

6:30 - twins (turned 2 on 1/8) are up and at 'em. We don't have to make any rounds to get anyone out of bed - I wish!!!

Usually around 7 - One of us turns the TV on to PBS and let the early birds watch until our Diva gets up and announces Good Morning. Then they all 3 go into the playroom and watch their TV until baby's 1 and/or 2 (by this time they might both be awake) are changed and given another whatever they are eating.

7:15 Kids Breakfast - usually cereal with choice of yogurt or milk, fruit juice, and whatever else they can scam from us. I check my e-mail and blogs.

7:30 Bath time and clothes - The twins first and then Diva since I have to be able to dry her hair right after (or she JUST CAN"T HANDLE IT!!). We then diaper and dress. Remind Diva to use potty. By now Baby 2 is looking around some. The twins and Diva are fighting over whatever they have. I mediate and find something different for "today's toy" in one of the closets. Sometimes legos, sometimes dress up, sometimes the cars and trucks, etc. all depending on how much stress I want when it is time to pick it back up!! This "new" toy usually occupies them for an hour or so. I check my e-mail and blogs

8 am - Baby 1 is awake - depending on what the twins are tearing up I can maybe bathe and dress him for the day before I feed him. Papa is on the computer doing his emails - or putting dishes in the top rack of the dishwasher (It's the only one he uses) - or putting the clothes from the dryer on the couch for me to fold - or putting garbage out, etc. that kind of stuff. If I get vocal, Papa will usually sit still to feed for a couple of ounces. I finish up the feed (force feed another couple of ounces when possible) so that he will sleep for a little longer. Wash my face and hands, fix myself a cup of coffee/tea, and maybe some breakfast - which I share 3 more ways. They have radar for food - no matter what or how much they just ate!!!!

9 am - Baby 2 is back awake. Maybe I can bathe him and repeat the prior posting.

10 am - Snack time - oranges, apples, banana, whatever fruit I have handy will be passed out. Meanwhile Papa has completed another load of laundry and deposited it on the couch. Here is where the routine gets diverse. Sundays and Tuesdays we have 11 am engagements. So on these days, I look for shoes, socks, diaper bags, cups etc. All the stuff we need to go somewhere. Then I hop into the shower, get dressed, smear lipstick, try and blow dry the front of my hair, and come out to a chorus of "where you going?" - as if it would change......

11 am - no matter where we are or what we are doing - Baby's 1 and 2 are ready to eat. They get together about this time and again in the evening and gang up on us!! Papa usually leave to meet with friends right after this time and then stops at the grocery on the way back home for whatever my "list" was, diapers, and whatever looks good to him. He usually gets back home around 2:30 or 3.

Noon - Lunch (leftovers or PBJ's) for kids and then NAPS.

From 1 - 2 is my daily SOAP. Most of the time the kids (all 5) are napping or at least quiet. I spend this time folding clothes, folding and putting away laundry, web surfing, checking e-mail, returning phone calls, ordering stuff from e-bay (etc).

And since all my kids are little the afternoon just repeats the morning with a few minor variations!!!

So.... How'd I do? Not as exciting as your descriptions, but busy enough for me!!

It wasn't Kermit

DSC02377
Originally uploaded by Amah.

Kermit the Frog was supposed to be at the Fellsmere Frog Leg Festival last Saturday so we packed up all 5 kids and headed out. Needless to say, he didn't show. When we got home, I read the Saturday morning paper and learned that he had been re-routed and be a no show - but we had fun anyway!!

Life has been busy around here. Although not exciting, having 5 children keeps me busy and the laundry piled high. I'm seriously ready to shed my pack-rat personality and garage sale everything that I've not used, outgrown, am tired of (or even think I may be tired of) looking at. Everything under beds, stuffed in closets, stashed out in the shed needs to go!! If I can't get to it (or remember where I put it)- it doesn't do me any good to have it. At least this is the way I am feeling today. I went over to Peggy's a couple of days ago and she got the cutest SMALL couch! I've used my "decor" money for this year but if I garage sale enough . . .

The next to youngest baby had finally gotten a handle on how to drink a bottle. He doesn't alway remember and tends to just mouth the nipple after his big hunger pains are gone - but at least he is learning.

Last month was TeeTee's first birthday and I finally got a gift off to her. I hope she liked it. S'te said that she would and I hope she is right. I definately dislike being so far from them. I used to know what they wanted, needed, and liked (and what they already have) so I could get gifts that I thought they wanted. Now I have to guess and I feel as tho' their little lives are growing way to fast and I'm missing way to much. A silly old fool, I know, but that's me!!

Well, nap time is over, time to get to work. Take care all.

Busy, Busy

Not that I'm busy, I figure that everyone else must be terribly busy as the Blogs I read aren't updated very often. I have been staying busy but not doing anything exciting.

Have you read that all of the financial gurus that you not to waste your money on extended warranties? I have. Many, many times. All of the mechanical troubles we had on the road - remember them? Well, Keith wanted an extended warranty on the RV before we even brought it home. It was about $850 for the year. We couldn't contact them for "preauthorization" for the first problem because it was a Friday night/Saturday morning problem. The second problem was Sunday afternoon (the next day!) but we didn't take the RV to the dealer until Monday. The dealer knew to call for authorization but the answer to that was that the repair wasn't enough to pay the deductable for that type of incident (brakes) and about an hour was wasted trying to talk to a live person and waiting for the answer. An hour the manager at that dealership could very well have used working on making something run. I'm not sure why Keith didn't contact anyone about the 3rd time in the shop (at St. Louis) but anyhow he didn't. And the last time - in San Diego was the same. But I think it was because we left the day we got the thing back and were going to be on the road for days afterward (both times). Anyhow, to make a long story short he didn't actually file any of the claims until after we returned home - even later than we expected because of Hurricane Wilma. He filed all of the claims together arund end October time and was called by a Rep and told that he didn't file the claims in a timely manner so they were all denied. He asked for the next step and was told he could submit items to the Review Board. So, he submitted them all to the Review Board. We just received a letter that says that claim #1 is denied - it was lack of maintenance - not mechanical failure, #2 is denied - does not surpass the deductible (deductible is per incident, not per brake), #3 - denied because it was never submitted, #4 denied because it was never submitted. Now I ask you - how did they get them if they were never submitted? Not only that, but when Keith was submitting them, he was told that they were not timely so they would not be accepted. Rock and a hard place? Waste of money? Yes to both. The premium would have paid the 1 & 2 bills with money left over. The ones they might have covered were denied because they weren't submitted (not sure how that can be possible). So then they Review Board says, "we have submitted Claims 3 & 4 to the claims dept and they have been rejected due to not being timely and because you (we) have filed several claims without following procedure, the Review Board has decided to back the Claims Dept's decision". Now, if we have only filed 2 claims and they were both denied for other reasons - how did we do that? So, I'm confused.

On the other front, I'll probably be going out to SD within the next few months. The WC Insurance Company still cannot find a Doctor out here who will see me by Ca's rules. I wish that the Rep had told me there even might be a problem - but he said - no problem - over 2 years ago when I called and said I was thinking of moving here. Well, needless to say he was wrong. What started out as a simple carpal tunnel and tendonitus has become a total nightmare. I'm worse off now than I was before they started "working" on me 3 years ago!! Time to get off of the merry-go-round.

So that's my week, how was yours?

Diane

Nothing New

Not much going on here. Our new baby is now 2 weeks old and is still up a couple of times every night. Keith is great with him but could sleep thru a train wreck. So I get up with him. Not that I mind, he is so tiny and sweet and he smells so good!! I love reading what others are doing - when they update - it sounds so refreshing that people actually get out and do things.

I got pictures from my Sister's trip to the Grand Canyon. She agreed that it is so totally awesome!! If there is any one place that I would like to revisit (this is place, not people) it is the Canyon. I am so totally awed by the enormity and beauty of the place.

The Condo finally rented, the diswasher went out, the shower isn't working to their liking, and I have a wonderful daughter that is taking care of it all. Can't do better than that!!! Grandson Makkiah isn't doing as well as I would like - but warmer weather will help, we hope and pray. It sure keeps her busy - I was so lucky to have 2 very, very healthy children.

Dishwasher here has started making odd sounds - repairman will be here today so I have to go clean up. Don't want any bad "reports" circulating!!

One funny thing is - I received a long e-mail from my nephew yesterday - it was all typed in very small print and hard to read - but I gather that he didn't have a really wonderful trip to Vietnam and Cambodia - last April (he evidently doesn't write fast). His story made me thankful that we have what we have and grateful to those who fight for it!! I received one from him on New Year's Eve and he was in Australia. I can't wait until June to read the story of that trip :)

Keep busy and keep typing!!

Frosty on our new Car!!

Frosty on our new Car!!
Originally uploaded by Amah.

We had FROST this morning. It was in the 80's last week and frosty today. Supposed to be cold for the next couple of days. Today was the twin's birthday so we will officially start the "terrible two's". I hope it is just the official start and nothing more than what they've been up to :-) Sierra had a really hard time figuring out that today was not supposed to be her day too! To try and teach a little sharing - we baked cookies, put a kiss in the middle of each one, and the twins (and of course Sierra) handed them out before Church. They got lots of hugs back so it did make them feel good too. Just what I was trying to do! And we got a new addition just before we left for Church. Frankie joined us. He is 10 days old and a little doll. Sierra and Nick are having a real tough time with the 1-finger rule. Trying to teach them how to touch a baby - with only 1 finger. My daughter taught me that rule. He (Frankie) hasn't done anything but eat and sleep - so the kids are bored with him. Thank goodness. We went to the Truck Stop after church for our lunch - got 2 little pieces of cake and put the "2" candles on them - sang Happy Birthday and let them blow them out!! I know that's cheating but we don't need any more sweets around here!!! And everyone in the dining room sang to them too! Made it feel more like a party than just us. After naps, we let them open their presents and Sierra got one too. I really didn't feel like dealing with her if she didn't get something too. But they will all play with everything anyhow.

Enough about my day, how was yours?

Good News

I woke up to great news this morning. I usually turn off my computer at night so it dosen't catch my eye until after kids are fed and changed - but this morning - it was on - and I had a cc: of S'te's from my first love. He has had some medical problems and we were very, very worried about him. With the Grace of God and the knowledge that he had given to mankind he has come thru his surgery better that he expected and is doing well. Of course he still has much to endure - but with God's help - he will have many more years ahead of him.

I'm thankful and wanted to share the news.
Diane

Friday Already

I am sitting here watching the 3 little ones "color" at the little table that I finally gave up on and moved into the dining room. While in the playroom all they used it for was a trampoline. Amazingly enough they use it more properly out here where we can watch everything they do :). I can't believe it is already the end of the first week of the New Year. I haven't accomplished much but I've stayed outside the boundaries of being lazy. We finally got the outside lights down yesterday so now all of our "Christmas Gear" is packed away for another year. While packing that Gear we unpacked and set up the Gear needed for a new baby. We are "expecting" again. Frankie should arrive on Sunday. We are hoping that he will make it in time for Church. He is scheduled to arrive at 10. So the bassinet and the little crib are now back in place. I just need to get finished with the power-washing of the house. I started it and got 1/2 done before I ran into decorations - and stopped. Since Keith bought the washer and a long brush, it is really easy to do. Then I just have to go back over the windows - again with a long brush and squeegee that Keith got for the RV. Really easy and our house is shining and bright again!! All ready to face whatever this year brings us. And with God's Blessings and Help we will have a good one.

Note: While I'm not paying attention because I am sitting here typing - Willie colored on the wall - I happened to hear the sound and caught him - he is now scrubbing and crying. So much being where I can watch them:)

Happy New Year!!

Here is wishing everyone a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2006! With that out of the way, the tree is down, the toys are finding spots to stay in, the nice clothes are hung up, the to-small items have been weeded out and put into bins - and we are ready to go!! My spring cleaning seems to happen right after Christmas - so what would you call that? Keith still has to take his lights down outside - if he doesn't do it soon - I guess I'll get the job.

My medical situation is very unstable right now. After days of a HUGE muscle cramp right up the side of my neck and horrible headaches - Keith found a chiropractor for me. Dr. Clark is a very nice man and he has done wonders with the headache. It stays gone from the time I leave his office until way into the night. I did 3 weeks of treatment from him - the down side is - as the "trap" muscle relaxes into a more normal spot - the aches and weakness are back into my hand and forearm. I can't tell you how may dishes I've broken just recently - just can't hang onto them. I'm going to have to try to turn left-handed again - It didn't work last time - but maybe this time :)

I've spent the last several evenings finding out how much I don't know about putting together a video DVD. They make it sound so simple and easy to follow. I remember when there were stepp-by-step on screen instructions (I think they called them Wizards) to help novices. And then you could turn them off when you don't need them anymore!! I would've liked to been able to download some sound clips to fill in on the slideshows so they wouldn't be so boring to look at - but alas, I don't know how to do it!! I hear all about the "stealing" of music, downloading cd's and all that stuff - but I can't figure out how to do it!!! I need a teenager! Only for a few hours - that's about how long I could carry on a conversation with one. My vocabulary exists of NO-NO, STOP, AND sit down. Not to extensive.

Well, kids are tearing something up - it's quiet - I have to see what's up. Someone could write me and let me know "what's up" in thier lives too!!!

Diane