Have You Ever . . .

. . . forgotten to shave the second leg?

ok. seriously. i've been sitting here writing that bathroom/oven post and i just realized that when i showered this evening i didn't shave both legs.

i claim mommy-brain.

what's your excuse?

Trying something.

I've seen this on a couple of blogs and I've resisted. But I got thinking about it. It's not that big of a project and I know it will make someone's day. I like to make people happy!!!

You make something, anything, for five people and they have to pass it on. Here are "the rules":

- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
- What I create will be just for YOU.
- It will be done this year (2009).
- It will be something made in the real world and not something over the internet.

In return, all you need to do is post this text into a blog of your own and make 5 things for 5 other people.

So leave a comment letting me know you want to participate, then go and post it on your blog too. Keep it going.

There you go. I'm jumping in and getting out of my comfort zone. Oh, one thing I should mention is that I may get my kids involved in this too! Just to prepare you a little. I have no idea what I'll be making, but . . . . . Happy Gifting!

About My Birthday

I made a statement (a status) on facebook yesterday about my dh and how he didn't do anything for my birthday. I don't know how it came across, but I didn't mean it badly. I don't expect anything for my birthday. I know that he loves me and he's not stingy through the whole year. If there is something I need or want he generally will get it. Birthdays are not a big deal to J. Neither are anniversaries or other holidays. Except Christmas! That being said . . . . there is a part of me that loves a party.

So I decided I was going to plan my own. There is another homeschool family that we get together on a sporadic basis but that we wish we could get together with more often. Her birthday is the day before mine. So I sent her a facebook message and we decided to have a birthday dinner with our two families preceded by a sledding party, if there is still snow then. I had just confirmed these plans when . . . .

We went to our (or what I thought was) Financial Peace University group (the first meeting, or so I thought). T-L had planned a surprise birthday party!! I suspected a tiny bit that she would have cake or something in addition to our "class" but nope. It was a party with food and cupcakes and gifts and a song. The song - not sung by the whole group but very spontaneously sung by two very fun and funny men in our group! We had a great laugh and a wonderful time visiting.

T-L reads my blog. And she's sneaky. And I like that about her! Remember this post about the things I needed to purchase for my office?? T-L purchased a good chunk of the office supplies I needed. I love new office supplies (thanks S and T-L). I got chocolate too (thanks Pastor W and M). And homemade cookies (thanks N and K, yummy; because I don't have an oven to bake them myself). And a lavendar massage kit thingie (thanks M and C, I need to relax more!). And many birthday greetings and wishes. I felt very important and very blessed to be part of such a group of people. I look forward to getting to know them better over the course of the next 13 weeks as we go through Dave Ramsey's Financical Peace University.

What else went on yesterday? It was a normal day - laundry and dishes and meals. But we also took a trip to the neighboring town to get some wood and a saw for J. He's got some more ideas of things he could build and sell. It's great to see him excited. If you could pray for him, to keep that excitement and not get so down on himself, thinking he can't do it. He knows he can and I know he can and he just needs to do it. Even if it doesn't make us enough to live on, he enjoys working with his hands so much that it's a great hobby that could make us a little extra.

I love spending time with my kids and I was so glad that we decided to take them with us to Home Hardware. I got some comments about how busy I must be but I was thankful that for the most part the kids all behaved quite well. (Just some running and shouting that was quickly dealt with.)

I've Hit 200.

This is just a little milestone, but a milestone just the same. I started blogging seriously in May 2008 over at Just Our Thoughts. I moved a very few of the posts over here when I switched to Blogger in September 2008. I just realized that I've posted 200 times in 6 months! To me, a casual blogger, that's a lot of posts.

In the process of writing this post I went back to Just Our Thoughts and explored some of my previous posts. There are some themes I want to continue or revive here. I'll have to think more on that, and bring some over. Feel free to click on the link above and explore for yourself.

I started blogging to keep a record of our homeschooling. I didn't start out with the intent of sharing much with the internet public but as I posted more and discovered memes and started reading more blogs I decided that not only would blogging be a great way for extended family to keep up-to-date on our life but could also be a journal / diary of sorts. I love blogging.

Dear Readers, thanks for joining me on my blogging journey. I don't know how exciting our life is, but I appreciate you stopping by, and reading regularly. Please remember to leave a comment. I like comments!

God Answers Even the Little Things in Our Hearts

Last night I had quite a time figuring out what Baby R's problem was and we didn't really get any sleep until after 3AM. Thankfully, my day didn't really start until 9ish, but I was draggin' and I could feel my frustration and anger beginning to rise and boil inside me. I didn't wanna lash out at anyone. It wasn't their fault I didn't get any sleep. So I chatted with a friend via IM but that wasn't keeping me calm either. I thought I would call a friend or a sitter to come over, but lunch happened and then clean up. And my emotions were still building. I called for naptime and ran into resistance. More pressure rising! Finally got the littlest 3 almost settled and was about to lie down with Baby R. And there was a strong knock on the door. UGH! was my first thought. And then I saw who it was!!! My dear friend, T-L!

The whole day did a 180 degree turn. My kids were super excited. All the whines went out the door as she came in. I sighed and sunk into a chair. She listened to all their questions and looked at everything they wanted to show her. (W showed her all the diapers and pull ups and the blocks and his shirts!) She got CJ to put on the tea kettle and set us up with some tea. We folded laundry and she challenged them to get the toy area cleaned up in 5 minutes. And they beat the clock. We visited and ate some more lunch.

Then J came home sooner than expected! WOOHOO! He was looking at the Canadian Tire flyer and realized that if we didn't go today we'd miss the sale. So T-L kept all five and J went to pick up T-L's daughter to come play too. J and I went to town, got some items at CT, grabbed KFC and Tim Horton's! I'm home and refreshed.

I walk to the basement where I hear voices. T-L has done all my dishes! I was about 2 days behind! I have no dishwasher and my goal for March is to have the dishes done each night. Thre days in and I was 2 days behind! Thanks, T-L!

Now J has been called to a structure fire, everyone is in bed. I've got The Light playing on the tv and the lights are lowered. I'm about to set the baby down and tidy up, in peace.

God is good! He answers, sometimes, even before we ask.

Feeling Disconnected

I've been struggling for the last little while with feeling disconnected from everything. My kids and their education. My spouse. My house. My friends - both online and IRL. My blog. My meal planning and groceries. My laundry. Everything seems out of my control and I feel as if someone else is living my life and spending time with my family.

I know some of the reasons I'm feeling this way. I haven't been getting enough sleep at night and have not been napping during the day. I have been fighting with headaches all week; there is one always lingering in the background. Baby R is especially needy lately for whatever reason. DH has been buying the groceries and I have not been paying attention to what he's buying and I haven't been making a menu. If my morning routine and evening routine are off, my days are all off! I haven't been getting any exercise except going up and down the stairs. I've been taking my vitamins, but not drinking enough water.

These are all changeable things. I can get my routines on track so I am getting in enough sleep, and schooling and menu planning. I can up my water intake. I can allow J to take over the child care he is willing to do; I can be gracious in accepting his help in the home and chose not to feel like he's taking over and doing my job and therefore I'm not good enough.

Friday was the beginning of the change. I took out the meat for supper the night before. I kept up on the dishes all day so they didn't pile up. I got about four loads of laundry up drying. I put away all the clothes that were dry and waiting to be folded and put away (my goal for February). I had the children clean up their toys really well and got a start on the basement toy room. I'm hoping to keep up on that momentum.

This post, at Simple Marriage, got me on this line of thinking. One of the biggest things I've noticed is being disconnected from my dh. And it's silly. He's not even working full time and so we are together a lot more than usual! We should be connecting more. I plan to work some of those suggestions from that article into our life. This time of year (March mostly) is especially hard for us and we need each other more. So, look out, Baby, here I come! <> haha

Happy Birthday W

My baby boy, W, is growing into a little boy. He's two today. I can't believe it! I waited a full two weeks passed my EDD for him to come. And now he's two and talking in three word sentences. He is very effective at getting his point across. And if he can't do it with words, he'll push and pull and cajole you into coming to see what he is talking about. Oh, and let's not forget the tantrum from time to time (actually they are quite often but I want to keep that hush hush because that reflects badly on my parenting) to really let you know he is passionate about something. Or just that he needs food or a sleep!

He is both a big brother and a little brother. He is our second son, but our only boy. He has three older sisters, and an older brother he was never to meet, and a younger sister. He is all boy! He loves trucks and blocks and dirt! He doesn't say fire truck; he says weee-ooo wee-ooo. LOL. He's a mimic and wants to do everything his sisters do and more.

He adjusted well to having a little sister and not being Momma's baby anymore. We made new baby sister his baby too and he loves her so much. He would love to carry her and would probably be strong enough, but he does not understand his strength or that he can hurt her because she is not as strong.

He is mischievous. He gets into or climbs everything he can. We've had toilet paper rolls (full ones) in the toilet. We've had baking soda covering a good part of the kitchen. The cat litter, for a while, was rarely in the litter box! The litter box made a great sandbox, or so he thought! Daddy's tools were rarely where Daddy had left them. Oh, and the green peppers in the planter were not safe this summer! Books, beware! Little W loves to tear!!!

He is a tease, much like his dad and his grandfathers. He pokes and prods at his sisters to get them to scream or chase. He loves to steal their toys and run and hide, just to get them to run after him! He loves to laugh and growl too. He loves to dance and sway to the music. And besides trucks, Elmo is his favorite!

Happy Birthday, my son!

Whining and venting turning to Joy and Excitement.

I am blogging. I am cranky and I don't like it. I mentioned to a friend that I wanted to blog but at the same time didn't because I'm feeling so grumpy. She said to do it anyway, that it might help turn my thoughts around and get me back into good spirits! I said, but, but but. But she's right. I don't just have to blog about the happy things. Life isn't always happy!

I am a mother of five. I am a wife. Usually I put them in the other order, because really I am a wife first but these days my DH has been so very busy with other things. His work requires him to attend four Christmas parties/dinners. One for the typical staff party and three more - one for each senior's manor that he does maintenance for all year long. Tonight was the last one. It ended up the way things were planned that he was at 5 Christmas parties/dinners in 7 days. Well, 6 if you count the children's Christmas party put on by the fire fighters Saturday afternoon! I think the man has had a lot of turkey! I got to go to 3 of those 6 with him but could not justify the expense of a sitter for the other three! Plus being introverted and loving to stay home, for the most part, it would add stress and tire me out. But I'm not sure these parties haven't added stress anyway.

The kids miss their dad for one. I miss him! He has to set up for these parties and clean up after them. Plus there is the addition of the occasional fire page (could be an accident, as they respond to those as well). He got one of them tonight while at his Christmas dinner (the 6th in 7 days).

It's cold here. Really quite cold. I am without a vehicle and groceries are running low. Not so low that we can't survive, but low enough that I'm getting sick of pasta and having to really think to find something to serve that everyone will eat! Not that they are eating anyway as we've had a bit of a fever running through the group. And it's not that the money's not there to go and get groceries, but without a vehicle and the cold temperatures and the new baby (almost 2 months) I can't go without making some arrangements. Now, typically, those arrangements would be fairly easy to make. I have lots of offers of help, but with DH so busy I find it hard to discuss such things with him. He hardly answered his phone today.

Baby R has been particularly needy and only wanting me - whether she's asleep or awake! Cutie Boy has been missing naps - not quite tired enough at nap time but exhausted by supper time! K was the first with the fever and so I didn't have her help as much this week. CJ helped some, but because K does so much usually, CJ's not quite as reliable or efficient. And now, CJ had a fever today. Good thing K was feeling better.

Miss M is such a willing helper, especially in the kitchen. I need to remember that!

So I was thinking, at the beginning of December, that this month was going to be a relaxing one. At that point I only knew about 3 parties/dinners we had to attend. And they were going to be fun. And those three were. I'm tired. I'm starved for adult attention. Oh, DH's not ignoring me, but I'm getting the tired him. Not the happy-go-lucky, I'm here for you him. And everyone is pretty busy. Christmas is a busy time and it is sneaking up on us!

At least we got our Christmas shopping done. Most of it. DH and I did all of the shopping - for us and for them. Now, K and CJ want in on the action! So, if my man can ever find a little time to be home, we've kinda decided to take each one out to buy something for each of us. That will be a tonne of fun for them! Now I just have to wrap it; that's the funnest party for me, that and the opening of the gifts on Christmas morning! I love filling the stockings!

Usually DH and I watch tv and wrap gifts on Christmas Eve after the children go to bed. It's some special time together; we really get to talk about the kids and how much they are going to love the gifts. Then we go to bed really really late (but that's nothing new!). Then Christmas morning we'll have to wait for DH to get out of bed. He's so not a morning person!!! And he'll make an effort to get up earlier for us, because he knows the rest of us LOVE Christmas morning and are morning people. We'll have bagels and cream cheese and sausage. And a late lunch/ early supper.

This year we are changin' it up! We aren't having turkey. (Can you guess why?) A number of reasons. I have no oven to cook it in. DH's had a lot of turkey and I'll get some this coming Sunday at a friends' home. And we want to! This year we are serving everyone's favorites. Here's the menu:

• Egg rolls (deep fried) with plum sauce (DH's request)
  
• Garlic and Butter Shrimp (DH)
  
• Sweet and Sour Meatballs with Rice (My favorite!)
  
• Peas (mine)
  
• Wonton Soup (DH's; if we can find it, because I don't make it)
• 5 Cup Salad (marshmellow and fruit one; me and the kids)
  
• Stuffing (stove top from a box; DH's)
  
• Mac and Cheese and Hot Dogs (kids)
  
• Strawberry Shortcake (CJ)
  
• Banana Splits (me)
  

I can't wait! The girls will love helping with the different parts! I love teaching them to cook and to work together as a family. I'll try to get pictures, but it is so exciting some times that I forget to pull out the camera.

So, I'm excited for Christmas and it seems so far away yet! Oh, I know, the next week will fly by, but I still am getting very impatient.

And although I gripe and whine about it, we are so blessed that DH has a good steady job. Sometimes the politics over there are a nightmare but he likes the work and the clients. And he is really taking great care of his family! I am a blessed wife and mother.

But sometimes it sure feels good to vent and talk it out with my readers!

I'm off now, as DH has come home during the writing of this very long post, to spend some time with him and enjoy a quiet evening infront of the tv, discussing much that is on my mind.

Blessings to you and your families from us at the Harris House.

Our Weekend

Busy.

Fun.

Relaxing.

Festive.

December has arrived! Christmas is coming. K has been counting the days since the last week of November. Our little community has a Christmas Light Up Parade each year in early December. This year, the parade was on Friday, the 5th. In the past we have ridden in the fire truck with DH and the other fire fighters, throwing candy to the onlookers. This year with baby R being so new and adding to our family we decided that we'd split up. DH offered to take those of the older ones that wanted to ride with him while I took the little ones to the parade where another fire truck would be sitting. Only K decided to go with her dad.

I bundled the others up; the weather has gotten a little cooler, hovering around the freezing mark. I had them dress in hats, mitts, snow pants, winter coats and boots. We put Cutie Boy in the stroller and Baby R in the wrap under my coat. Off we went walking the two blocks to main street to see the other firemen and parade onlookers. Baby R slept the whole time, snug and warm. Cutie Boy would not keep his hat and mittens on and I was so worried he'd be cold before the parade was over. He proved me wrong. I had to stop Little M from licking the metal billboard outside the auto shop, telling her that it would bleed. Well, given the funny look she gave me, I should have known she didn't understand. A few minutes later she was back with a question. "Mommy, will that bar bleed if I put my hand on it??" I was so confused, but I finally got it and explained to her that I had meant her tongue would bleed, not the sign! And CJ just wanted to run in the street with all the other kids that were waiting for the parade too. Unfortunately for her, I'm a mean mommy, and made her stay on the sidewalk, even though there was no traffic on that street.

We planned nothing on Saturday. We thought, if we got to it, we would decorate our Christmas tree. We get a live tree every year so we usually wait until about 10 days before Christmas. However, we were given one off the float from DH's work. We started early afternoon to get it decorated - moving furniture, cleaning the floor, pulling out decorations, finding something put stand the tree in. Sigh. Then the phone started ringing. DH was on call this weekend. He was finally finished at work around supper time. We hate a quick supper (I'd put it in the crockpot that morning) and then got at the tree. We had a lot of fun! The children did most of it. DH did lights and some of the decorations higher up on the tree, but let me tell you, the bottom of the tree is well decorated!!! They had a blast. I mostly took photos with my new-to-me camera and bounced Baby R in the wrap, directing "traffic" around the tree.

Today was your typical rushed Sunday morning, because Mommy and Daddy slept in, ignoring the alarm. We got there, a little late, without forgetting anything at home. We got everyone settled in the pew, when much to our surprise, the fire pager goes off! And DH's on the run again - with my diaper bag still in the truck, unbeknowns to me. Baby R slept through the whole service. I enjoyed listening with no distractions. We had a potluck after church and while I was dealing with Baby R (she was hungry), I was informed that Little M had an accident and needed clothing! Uh oh! We searched the church for the diaper bag. Not to be found. I am so blessed by my church family. One lady took Baby R and kept her happy while I helped Little M, while another took CJ to the fire hall to get the diaper bag from the truck! And then, we were done at the church before the fire fighters were done at the hall and I was without a vehicle to get my five children home. Again, my church family came to my rescue. A couple guys went and picked it up for me. I knew someone else would take DH home from the hall. Once home, we've had a very relaxing evening.

What a weekend! Tomorrow starts a new week, leading to another very full and fun weekend!

Busy.

Fun.

Relaxing.

Festive.

A Moment For Me

Christy, at ShakeTheSalt, has started a new meme at her site. I plan to participate.

This week I have been making a point to drink coffee for me. I used to only make coffee if someone was here to enjoy a cup or two with me. Lately, I have brewed some for me, when no one else is around. DH bought flavored coffee that he does not like, just for me. I wasn't drinking it! Why? Because I'm not special enough to make special coffee, just for me.

WRONG!!!

I am changing that. I am learning that I am special enough to do special things for. Have you learned that yet?

Now, I need to up my non-diuretic beverages to make up for the loss of fluids due to drinking the coffee. So, being good to me, this week, I will try to drink more water! And maybe something else too. Have to think on it for the next "A Moment For Me" post!

A New Blog - The Reusable Bag

A dear internet friend of mine has started a new project. The Reusable Bag is a wonderful idea encouraging us to use less plastic and more cloth and other reusable products. I have decided to join my friend in her challenges and try to get enough bags for my family to use cloth bags and boxes instead of the grocery store plastic bags. Go on over and check out the site. It is still very new, but very friendly.

Just some random pictures

W loves to hold his "baby sissa" but is forever "poting" her. The other kids hold her a lot too. K is best about sitting still and letting R sleep. Of course, R sleeps best if someone is holding her and we don't mind. We have lots of laps around here.

W is still the only boy; well, him and Daddy. And he sure has taken to Daddy. Everything he puts on (clothing) is just like Daddy's, even if it's not! LOL.

I love how much she sleeps. I know it will probably change as it has many times already since she came to our family, but she just sleeps, wherever and whenever. Mostly catnaps because someone will "pote" her or shout at her. Poor kid. She'll be a tough one for sure.

This cake was made by a lady from our church for the baby shower! Thanks so much, S!!! Yummy carrot cake with lots of raisins!! We got to take the extra home with us and it didn't last all that long!

Baby Shower Hosted By DH's Work

We were well showered again. We just sat around and chatted and ate and opened presents. They ooohhed and aahhed over our little baby and the older kids ran (they were supposed to be walking) in the hallways of the senior's home!! It was a nice relaxing afternoon.

Here's what my baby got:

• 2 teddy bears
• 2 boxes of chocolate (oh, these aren't for her, at least not until I get them first!)
• 8 2pc outfits
• 4pc pink and brown outfit
• toy blanket
• Huggies size 1
• 3 bibs
• 4 jars of baby food
• 5 pc Winnie the Pooh outfit
  
• photo album
• 9 diaper shirts
• 2 pkgs wipes
• sweater
• booties
• pacifer and holder
• brush and comb
• cow rattle
• gift card for local grocery
• gift card for Wal-Mart
• 5 sleeprs
• 2 blankets
• 3 infant washcloths

Now I've got a tonne of thank yous to write! Guess I'll put it on my Todoodlist.

Baby Rayna's Church Shower

She was well showered with gifts. I'm a little overwhelmed! We are so blessed by these people!

• yellow fleece blanket
• a patch quilt (blue)
• multicolored crochet blanket
• pink fleece blanket
• crocheted with flannel backed blanket
• beige blanket
• another blanket
  
• socks
• a stuffed rabbit
  
• red snowflake blanket
• a mobile
• a pink snowsuit
• homemade dress and jacket
• flowered sundress
• 7 sleepers
• Christmas socks
• plaid dress
• 5 pc purple outfit
• green dress
• 3 pkgs Huggies size 1
• Pampers size 2
• 1 pkg size newborn diapers
• 2 pkgs Parent's Choice size 1
  
• 4 pkgs wipes
• red shirt
• pink shirt
• 2 pc white outfit
• mittens
• hat and bootie set
  
• yellow jammies
• pink sweater (cardigan)
• a coffee cup!
• pink fleece pjs
• 4 pc pink outfit
• diaper shirts (lots)
• Bumbo
• piglet rattle
• Dora puzzle plates
• Mega Blocks
• outfit for Wyatt
• blankets for the four other kids
• an assortment of second hand clothes (love secondhand clothes!!)
• another pink snowsuit
• 2 pairs of pink slippers
• 8-10 sleepers or 2 pc outfits
  
• 2 headbands
• 1 hat

Baby Rayna has another shower, put on by J's work, on Wednesday. These parties are so wonderful because we never expected either of them! We understand that this is our 6th baby and by now we should have everything, but we move around a lot and don't take a lot with us. Hopefully we are settled for a while. Anyway, we believe that every baby is special and had planned to have a "welcome to this world" party for Rayna when I felt up to hosting it. She's been welcomed and enjoyed by her community! And it's not all about the presents, that's not why we have a party, but rather to enjoy one each others company and celebrate together another of God's blessings!

My new favorite "adult" beverage.

Because of our new new baby and nursing her, I pour about half a bottle into a cup and sip at it over a couple of hours. This forces me to enjoy it instead of gulp it, like I normally do with food or beverages that I love! I savor it.

Click here for reviews on this product.

It's The Little Things

We love these things!