Friday, June 29, 2007

Zones

Today, Holly and I took the kids to the fabric store (Holly's idea) and then to ChickfilA to let the kids play on the playground. Every time that we do this, we realize that it is so hard to get anything done with all of the kids. Holly thought that maybe we could handle all going to the fabric store. No! I remember those days with my Mom. Out of all the stores to go with her, it was our least favorite. She would take hours deciding on what to buy. I think that our kids had the same opinion. They were going crazy. We try to get most of our errands ran on Fridays. I can usually handle them at Target, at Walmart, the grocery stores, some restaurants(kid friendly ones). I have named these the Green Zone. The kids will behave and everyone expects kids to be in those stores. Then, we have a few places considered the Yellow Zone. This means that they are mildly hazardous. It could work out and the kids will be great or it could turn into a disaster. These places are the Mall, Lowes or Home Depot, or places like TJ Maxx or Ross. I think that the problem with these stores is that the kids don't have much to look at. But, there are some places that I rarely venture with the kids: the library, the fabric store, Doctor's Appointments, and fine specialty stores. I would refer to these as the Red Zone. These places are extremely hazardous. No, I do not shop at fine specialty stores. But if I were to, I wouldn't bring the kids. These places do not appreciate kids with an extra bit of energy. If we go to any of these places, I can count on a few stern looks from workers and it makes me nervous. So , we avoid these.


The kids did have fun at ChickfilA though. It was about 100 degrees, but they didn't seem to mind. Sam and Eli were so funny trying to keep up with the big kids on the playground. We had a good day! Tomorrow morning, Susie and I have a date...yard sale. Susie loves it.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Too many fish in the Sea?

Today, we went with Holly and my friend Ally to the pool. We have 11 kids total. My kids love the pool and would go every day if they could. It is their favorite summertime activity. There are 2 reasons we don't go as much as we'd like.

1. Bathing Suits Required....Enough said.

2. The kids give me a heart attack every time. I continually count in my head...1--2---3--4 kids. Whew! But, sometimes for a brief second, I only get to 3 and panic. I hate that feeling. Sam likes to run around the pool and Susanna is swimming without floaties most of the time. They both make me so nervous.

Besides the heart attacks and the bathing suit issue, we had a great time. Next time we go, we'll bring Dad so they can show him all their new tricks. Susie, Luke, and Sam are going to take swim lessons at the Y in a couple of weeks. I could not believe how cheap the lessons were. We'll see if they are good. Sam will be in a parent and me swim class. I used to teach swim lessons, but they wanted "real" swim lessons. Why don't Moms count as teachers?

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Cricket

Today, we are celebrating Kristi's birthday. I thought for the occasion that I would write the top ten things that make my sister so unique.

Top Ten List
10. She says, "Nesty" when she really means "Nasty". She says this all of the time.
9. She is the only one that I know that mispronounces her own name. On her voicemail it says, "This is Kr-i-e-s-ty." She is the only one of us that has such an accent.
8. If something is about to fall or she sees that you are about to get clobbered in the head by a falling object, she will just cover her ears. No, she doesn't come to your rescue, she just covers those ears and watches the action.
7. All of the kids love her. Is it the fact that she always brings candy?
6. She is the only one I know that can eat peanut M&M's and not a gain an ounce. It's enough to make me sick.
5. I will never forget the time that I threw a stool at Holly when I was little. (Very little) She reminded me of that incident anytime she needed to. For years, she would threaten me with that. She still does. Ok, Kristi, it is out in the open. Mom knows now!
4. She knows what she likes. She will never wear bright clothes or big earrings. Never!
3. She will watch the same movies over and over. I cannot understand this. I feel that one time is plenty, but Kristi will say that they are having a movie night. I will ask what they are watching and she will say something like, While You Were Sleeping, Sleepless In Seattle, or Ever After. She will enjoy them each time as if it were the first time watching it.
2. On a more serious note, she is very loyal. Rarely will utter a negative comment about anyone. She gets this from my Dad. And Mom too!:)
1. I think that I should have saved number 2 for number 1 on the list. I wanted to end it on a good note. So, just switch them in your head. Kristi loves a new adventure. She is on her 3rd or 4th college now. Hey, change is good!
Love you, Kristi! Happy Birthday!

Friday, June 22, 2007

Exciting News...

No, I'm not pregnant. At least I don't think so. I'm just kidding! This past Sunday, Susanna accepted Jesus into her heart. There is nothing in the world better than that. She is very excited about it. I will have to post more about it later when I get a little more time.

Being A Kid

The kids have all been playing outside in our little pool all day. They love it. Susanna and Luke like to run and jump in to it. We have also put it under their swingset slide so they can slide right into it. They put the hose on the top of the slide and have their own built in water park. While they were running and jumping into the pool, Luke said, "Mommy, don't you wish that you could be a little kid like us?" It was cute. Yes, sometimes I do. I miss those days of being so carefree.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

The Library

I love the library. The kids are always excited to get new books to read. We just don't make it there often enough. I remember my mom taking us there once a week and letting us pick out 3 books. When I was little, I always chose the books about holidays. If there was a book with a Christmas tree on it or an Easter bunny, it was mine. I remember when Mom let us get more than 3. I loved to read and 3 books was not quite cutting it. Now, I can see why she limited us. Last night, I made a run to the Library and paid off our late fees. If I had known how much I owed, I would have asked for some sort of installment plan. I can never get a system for picking up the books and returning them all on time. Not to mention finding them. Why do library books end up in the weirdest spots? I have found them in the deep,dark pits of the car, buried in the couch between the cushion and the frame, in the pantry, and in the kids' drawers. It is amazing how those books always hide. I have figured out that the library is not really your friend if you have little kids. It is impossible to go there and stay under radar. Somedays, when the kids are behaving well, we will make our way there. BUT...something always happens. One of the babies will cry because they are thirsty, the kids will loudly protest about my rule of only 1 book with a cartoon character in it, or we will drop our whole stack of books, or knock over a couple of videos. The Librarians will give us that look, and our stay will be over. I usually vow to never bring the kids back in with me. Yet, we still make attempts. One day, we will be that family that is quiet and stares at other people and their kids when they get noisy. Yes, one day, my kids will be quietly sitting and studying. One Day... But for now, I'll take this rowdy bunch over the quiet ones anyday. Well, most days.:)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Rub A Dub,Dub, Three Boys In A Tub


Our Bath time can get a little bit out of control. :)

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Wilmington


Have you ever asked the Lord for confirmation on something that He has told you to change or do in your life? Last week ,the Lord had been telling me something that I needed to change and do. I, being a hard-headed person, asked the Lord to reveal it clearly. I even asked Him to pound me in the head with it, so that it would be so clear to me. Well, He did! In an article that I was reading, it had a statement about the very thing that God was dealing with me. Then, in the neatest way, God revealed it again. Jeff and I went to Wilmington to get away and refocus. Jeff had arranged that we would take a 1 hour carriage ride tour. By the way, it is such a beautiful city! Well, our driver was a young man, about our age I would guess. He began to talk to us about the city and then asked us if we were born again believers. After we told him that we were, he said that he just wanted to share with us what the Lord has been revealing to him. He got out his Bible and began to read to us from Joel and Zechariah. Two books of the Bible that are not given a lot of attention. Well, he shared with us and encouraged us the whole hour. It was awesome. He loved the Lord and it was evident that the Lord brought him to us to speak encouragement as well as convict me about the very thing that God had already been dealing with me on. The verses that he read were just the words that I needed to hear. (mostly Joel 2) Yes, he read most of the chapter. Well, as we were getting out, he asked if he could pray with us. I don't believe in coincidences. God had ordained that carriage ride long before Jeff had secretly arranged it. He put that man there to speak the words that we needed to hear. How awesome is that! And, Sunday, our Pastor spoke to us about Jonah, his disobedience, his sleep, etc... It was a powerful sermon and just what I needed to hear. 25 people got saved at our campus. I will tell about that later tonight! The Lord will not let us sleep when changes need to be made. He definitely made it to clear to me. I love that about the Lord. He draws us to Him and even answers our requests for confirmation.

Daddy

Today, I wanted to honor my husband for all that he does as a father. He loves his kids so much. I love to just sit and watch him play with them. I love how he comes to their level, although at some times it can be quite scary. Jeff makes having 4 kids relatively easy. Many times, people will ask how I do it with 4 kids. Jeff is how I do it. I am so lucky! He always is willing to watch all of the kids so that I can have a little time off. He helps me all of the time with the dr appointments, the late night diaper or medicine runs, the baths, the cleaning, the diaper changes, the bedtime stories, the cooking. He prays over each of the kids as they go to bed each night. He loves our kids dearly. Thank you, Jeff, for all that you do! We love you!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

My Favorites

What would our house look like without the Magic Eraser? Well, you would notice just about everything on our walls. What an amazing invention,although we still have a few pen marks that the Magic Eraser was not able to get. Here are a few of my favorite things for the kids. Am I missing anything?
I would love to hear your opinion if there is something better. I always want to know what works for other moms.

Diapers: Huggies Supreme (I don't always buy these but I do stock up when they're on sale )
Wipes: Huggies, but I also like Target brand. They are cheaper and are pretty similar.
Place to find good deals on clothes: Old Navy end of season sales, The Childrens Place Outlet-I usually find cute stuff for 99 cents, and Target
Place to find good deals for home decor: Trinkets and Treasures (My Mom's store:))
Carpet Cleaner: Folex Carpet cleaner -This used to be only available to professionals, but they sell it now at Walmart. It is wonderful and non-toxic.
Cleaning supplies: The Magic Eraser- It's wonderful for removing almost anything off your walls and we've had about everything on our walls. It's also good for getting scuff marks off of your floors.
Baby lotion: Good Old Fashioned Baby Magic. I know that there are probably lotions that are better, but this is what my Mom used. I'm going to have to try Burt's Bees, eventually. I had a baby in nursery that had that on, and he smelled so good and clean. A bit pricey though. I do know that their lotion for cracking skin for adults works great.
Kids shampoo: Anything by Loreal. They have a new one that smells like Coconut that's great. I also think that their vanilla scream one is good, too.
Kids socks: Old Navy--They have the no slip stuff on the bottom. Great for when they are beginning to walk.
Kids shoes: Usually Target.
Baby wash: Huggies Washcloths. Wonderful and easy.
Kids Books: I love the book, Old Hat, New Hat by Dr. Seuss for beginning to read. Susanna got that book from Papa and Gramma Robinson and learned to read it very quickly. We also are loving the Bob Books. They are so simple and cute.
Favorite Music: Hillsong for Kids. I love the Cd's. I don't get tired of them like I do with the kids' other cd's. They have some really fun songs as well as some great worship songs.
Magazine: Family Fun Magazine-- Always has great ideas! I get excited every time I get this in the mail.
Kid's Favorite Hair stylist: My sister Katie=) I had to put this one in
Board Games to Play: We like to play the Memory games and Disney Yahtzee
Hand soap: Bath and Body works Foam soap. The kids love this and it lasts forever. We especially like the Banana one.
Toy:
Elijah's: Stacking cups- It beats him pulling out all of the tupperware. He loves to play with them.
Sam's: Magnetic Thomas the Train- He will continually put them together and pull them apart.
Luke's: Pixter and a Bug catcher
Susanna: Polly Pockets
Kid's Video: Praise baby Dvd's- They have such a calming effect on Sam and Eli