In which I throw myself a perfectly respectable birthday pity party

So today was my birthday.  

It pretty much sucked.   

No gifts.  

No cake.  (we have one - we just didn't eat it)

No ice cream. 

Lots of lovely birthday wishes on Facebook;  that was nice.   

But that was it. 

Church in the morning where I had more people wish me happy birthday than my own family did.    

The hubs suggested we go out to lunch - I suggested the mall so everyone could choose their own from foodcourt...'cuz that's the kind of mom I am.  I had Teriyaki and sushi…that was good.   Pretty much the only good.   We were there less than an hour and it ended with kids being frustrated even though they promised not to ask to buy anything. When truly?  I was kinda in the mood to shop and spend some money.   What is that all about???   

Helping J&R with homework...math homework no less.  My husband barked at me – I snapped back – more than once.   

Camped out on FB to comment back on every.single.birthday wish. They were all so lovely. 

Short nap – that worked for a moment.  

Argument with the smallest of the small ones about finding clean jeans and him all of a sudden not liking a certain kind of boxer short.  Really???

Concert at church tonight.   Should have been more excited about it – but mostly feared I would be too jealous of the lead singer to enjoy it. She is so freakin' talented.   (I fear I am no longer the vocalist I think I used to be.)     

Husband’s running sound.  So he had to go up to church early.   He left with us still angry/frustrated with each other.

Shouldn’t feel so alone on my birthday. 

Take the Littles to McDonald's for dinner since it’s just the 4 of us.   McDonald's for my “birthday dinner.”  Hoo-rah.

More birthday wishes at church. More fake smiles from me.  A church full of people and I have no idea who I should glom onto to find a spot to sit.  (husband is up running sound in the booth.) I shouldn’t feel so alone in a church full of people.

Won’t the day just end?    

It was a lovely concert and brightened my spirit - but I am crazy jealous of her…singing for a living.  Singing so phenomenally, so authentically.   And really?  All I dream about is being a backup singer for someone like her.    

Attempts to schmooze with the lovely vocalist…bleh.   

Kids home late – to bed late - on a school night.   Will make for a tough start to the week. 

Nothing purposeful, nothing intentional.   The day came and went pretty much by accident. I hate that about our pace of life right now.

Happy birthday to me.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 22

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 22 - I am thankful for all of the awesome adults in my children's lives - teachers, school principal and support staff, coaches, a piano teacher, small group leaders, sunday school teachers...thank you.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 20-21

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 20 - I an thankful for the gift of God's amazing grace and promise of salvation thru him and eternity in His presence.  Miss Jodi - your love for others and heart for God will be missed. See you on the other side , dear friend. 

Day 21 - I am thankful that my lack of preparedness didn't not hinder a delightful evening out with our youngest and 4 of his best buddies to celebrate his 8th birthday.  {parenting tip of the day - Chuck E. Cheese pizza on a Monday night over dinner is a pretty great place to throw an impromptu birthday party esp with on-line coupons that got us 2 large pizzas, 150 token and 8 drinks for $50} 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 19

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 19 - I am thankful for safe travels thru our first spell of "winter weather" for the season as we traveled to the Big City for the day. I am also thankful for Wren's safety and spirit of perseverance at her last attempt to qualify for the State Gymnastics meet. (she didn't)  But she stuck it out  - following up a rough bar routine with her best beam routine yet.  Love you, Wren! 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 13-18

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

(Playing catch- up here....)

Day 13 - I am thankful my family arrived home safely from their Rendezvous.  I am thankful for a husband willing to take our three youngest on a weekend getaway all by himself.
 

Day 14 - thankful for Netflix. and a quiet day to watch several episodes of a show that I stopped watching several seasons ago.
 

Day 15 - Thankful for the talent and willing hearts within the artists at my church.

Day 16 - Thankful for a great group of fellow "mothers of multiples" to share this crazy journey with. 

Day 17 - I am thankful for the wonderful teachers and support staff at my children's school.  For their passion for their students, for their desire for each of them to be excellent.
 

Day 18 - I am thankful for "SHE" - the new women's ministry at our church.  

30 days of Gratitude - Day 12

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 12 - I am thankful for a whole day to do whatever I wanted...which in reality amounted to a whole lot of nothing. And it felt great. 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 11

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

(I am going to attempt to post this at 11:11 on 11-11-11, 'cuz that would be really cool)  


Day 11 - I am thankful for the men and women of our armed forces who serve and sacrifice without the recognition they deserve. 


I am also thankful for my amazing husband who took 3 of our 4 children to WI Dells for the weekend. all by himself.  And is having an amazing time.  


I am also thankful (I think) for the opportunity of being home alone, (all alone, for more than a school day) for the first time since before my oldest child was born. (He's 14 and at his friend's house for the night)   It's slightly unsettling - pretty sure I won't sleep well.  But I enjoyed not having to cook or clean up after anyone's dinner but my own and I think I will enjoy not having a certain little guy waking me to ask me to find him socks or whether or not he can have the last doughnut for breakfast.  


that's all. 

30 Days of Gratitude - Day 8, 9, 10

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 8 - I am thankful for an interesting very, very (very) part-time job! 
Day 9 - I am thankful to be a part of an awesome church where I get to use my gifts! 
Day 10 - I am thankful for a washing machine and dryer in my home - you know to make it more convenient to do 7 loads of laundry in 24 hours. 

30 Days of Gratitude–Day 7

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 7 -  Today I am thankful for the joy of being mom to a most amazing boy.   Happy Birthday, Jaxon!  Your momma loves you so very much.

30 days of Gratitude - Day 5 & 6

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November...thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said hers will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

(Author's note: I am thankful - everyday - but I am also as busy as the rest of you. It was a crazy weekend...plus, I don't know how to backdate posts to get them to post on the actual day...so here's a little catch up.)  

Day 5 - I was thankful for the successful and delightful celebration of the 50 year anniversary of my Mothers of Multiples group.   The legacy represented in the room at our reunion was amazing.

Day 6 - I was thankful for a great day spent at a gymnastics meet - for the sheer love of the sport and camaraderie of my girl's team and the parents.) 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 4

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November...thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 4 - (missed this one by 17 minutes) I am a sap for history and memories and reunions, so today I am thankful for the legacy of 50 years of my Mothers of Multiples group and the present day technology that allows me to help preserve it all. 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 3

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

And here I am -already having missed one day.  meh. 

Day 3 (8 hours late) ~ Today I am thankful for a quiet day at home -I had a dull headache all day and one dizzy spell and I am thankful that I didn't have to go anywhere. 

30 days of Gratitude - Day 2

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude...she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing...or six.

Day 2 - Today I am thankful for an out-of-the-blue invitation from very dear friends - saying a front porch light is always on for us.  May just have to do something about that.   

30 days of Gratitude - Day 1

One of my favorite bloggers is doing a daily challenge for the month of November... thought I'd join in. She is going to post one thing she is thankful for everyday as a way to not cruise through the holidays without pause and gratitude....she said it will just be a sentence each day or maybe even just a word. For me, it might one thing or six.

Here goes....

DAY 1 - Today, as I packed up 2 years worth of outgrown winter clothes to donate to a United Way winter outwear drive, I am thankful that we have the ability to afford new coats, every year if we really wanted. 


that, and the fact that I didn't pass out on live TV.   

Taking Responsibility for my life.....really.

We just finished Andy Stanley's "Taking Responsibility for Your Life" series at our church. 





It was awesome.  He asked one question throughout. And this was it.  Am I taking responsibility for my life.....really?  So I thought I'd share what I learned from the four messages...in a nutshell.


It's taking responsibility for your own life, good or bad.

We were created to be responsible.

If everyone took responsibility for what they were responsible for, we wouldn't need as many rules.

You reap what you sow....and it's always later and it's always greater.

You need to own up to your slice however big or small, in the chaos pie chart of your life.

We must stop blaming others or making excuses for our mess ups.

We must stop expecting others to take responsibility for our irresponsibility.

Irresponsibility breeds conflict.

Stop comparing your own life to anyone else and simply do the very best with what you've been given, each and every day. 



Now... if any of this rings even remotely true, go watch all four messages online.  Right now. Ok maybe not all four RIGHT now in a row, but maybe one every couple days.  I promise you won't regret it and it can change everything.  Really.

a momma's heart...

Saw this on facebook...one of those "re-post this if you agree" kinds of things...and I don't think I have ever re-posted any of them, but this one spoke to me today.  Since only one of my kiddos are actually on facebook, I will post it here (with a few additions) for my children to hopefully read someday and see inside my heart. 


I've made mistakes being a Mom, more than I'd like to admit.  I am not perfect at all.  But I will always be there for you, to hear you, to cheer for you, to laugh or cry with you, to pray with and for you, to protect you with my life.  I will tell you things you don't want to hear. I will love you forever, even when you think you don't like me.  No matter how old you get, I will be here.   NO ONE will ever love you more than I do, because I am your Mom.


Love you kiddos.  So very, very much.

Confession time...

One of my favorite bloggers, Kristen, over at We Are THAT Family wrote a "Confessions" post yesterday and asked us to play along.  So here goes.

I confess....


Sometimes I wish for a rainy day so I have an excuse to not nag my kids about it being too nice to be in the house.

Sometimes I make a to do list starting with things I’ve already done just for the satisfaction of crossing a few things off.

Sometimes I quickly do the dishes or rush around picking up the house just before my hubby gets home, lest he think I do nothing all day.

Sometimes I give my kids a piece of gum instead of having them brush their teeth before school.

Sometimes I have to tell my kids they need to find something to wear that doesn't look TOO dirty from their hampers because I am really behind in laundry.

Sometimes I way overreact with my kids.

Sometimes I underreact with my kids.

Sometimes we skip bedtime reading so that the day can just be over and I can have time to myself.

Sometimes I pretend to not see someone I know when I am out shopping because I'm not in the mood for chitchat.

Sometimes I spend way to much time on Facebook and reading blogs, and tell my kids that mommy has important emails to send.

Your turn.  
Go ahead, it feels good.

Sometimes I...

My own pretty good day....

So today my husband had a really, really, REALLY good day.  He wrote about it here...go check him out.  He rocks. The fact that he is so good at what he does (who am I kidding, he's good at EVERYTHING he does) makes my heart go pitter-patter.    I love him....but I digress.... So, I thought perhaps I should write about MY own good day...


It started at 6:20.   Which isn't really all that good.  Especially when it's the first official day of summer break and I should be able to sleep til at least 8!  But nonetheless, I was up and at'em so that I could have myself showered and ready to go by the time I had to beckon the Littles (wren, jewel and jaxon) from their slumber.   The girls start their summer training schedule this week which is Mon-Thurs, 8am-noon, and the smallest of the small ones is attending a VBS with a school buddy this week.    


Now for a list of the GDMs (Good Day Moments) 
     - we got out of the house on time.  Nothing short of a miracle.
     - Jaxon was put into his small group with his buddy.   (Logistics like this hardly ever happen without a hiccup for us) 
     - Jaxon went off with his friend and got himself settled with nary a moment of hesitation.   Huge milestone.  
     - I ran into several old friends while standing around the church lobby.  Some I haven't seen for several years or more.  (I love reunions) Made plans to get together Wednesday with one of them. 
     - had a great conversation with another dad from our church (their son is one of Jaxon's besties) who has just recently been let go from a 16 year career.  It was very sudden, with no notice and no severance. The grace and peace with which he is handling this overwhelming situation is nothing short of inspiring.     
     - a decent morning grocery shopping.  I have always enjoyed providing for my family in this way.   
      - Upon realizing I had a few minutes to spare, I went and visited the big box garden center and splurged on some potted flowers for the front porch.  Stuff is already being discounted...WOOT!
      - The sun was shining and it was neither 50 degrees nor 100 degrees.  Practically perfect.
      - A few more random meet ups with a few moms I haven't chatted with in a long time during the pick-up time at VBS.
     - Fun lunch of making personal biscuit pizzas.  Kids love making their own lunches. 
     - A nap.  'nuff said.
     - Dinner - which can by hit or miss when the hubs is traveling.  We sat at the table and ate together.  This one was a hit. 
   - A spontaneous trip to the spider web park...it was a gorgeous evening and couldn't be wasted sitting indoors. 

     - A spontaneous trip to McDs for treats on the way home.  (at least the kids think it was spontaneous) 
     - Kids all make it to bed at a decent time.  Bonus! 


So yeah...there ya have it.  Nothing spectacular, but I made it thru the day without losing my temper, kids ate pretty decent meals; it's the small things that count for me.  So it was a good day here in the Hinterland...especially considering the hubs isn't here and I had to be up at o'dark hundred hours...and I am praying for a repeat tomorrow.   I suppose it would help if I actually went to bed and got a decent night's sleep.  Hmmmm...

what kinda day...

Here in the Hinterland, it was a...


Tea Drinking,
Weed pulling,
Shrub trimming,
Sunshine soaking,
Hose spraying,
Kiddos laughing,
Wind Blowing,
Flag flying, 
Perennial Dividing, 
Transplant Watering, 
Lawn mowing,
Leftover eating, 
Church attending,
Song singing, 
Mission's inspiring, 
Grocery Shopping,
Toy buying, 
Guacamole making, 
Lime squeezing, 
Margarita drinking,


...kinda day.   

One proud momma...

My awesome drummer boy - drummin' his heart out for the last worship service with the Student Band at church (with my rockstar hubby singing and playing gee-tar) 

1and1makes6...

Happy Spring Wishes from the Hinterland!
And and early Happy Mother's Day to me....love these kids. so. much.

Promise Fulfilled....

You took, You take our sins away oh God
You give and gave Your life away for us
You came down, You saved us thru the cross
Our hearts are changed because of Your great love


You lived, You died, 
You said in three days You would rise
You did, You're alive
You rule, You reign, 
You said You're coming back again
I know You will
And all the earth will sing Your praises!

No one, No name can rise above You Lord
One hope, One life will shine forever more
Your kingdom in heaven and on earth
Your children stand to sing of Your great worth


All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises - words and music by Paul Baloche

Unintended Crosses....

I just need to share this today... 

Today's Catch-Unintended Crosses


It's a guest post from the wife of one of my all-time favorite writers, John Fischer...he's been making me think and challenging me about my faith for over 20 years...he was writing "blogs" (then called editorials and devotions) long before blogs or even the internet as we know it even existed.   

I pray you are surprised by God this Easter weekend!

Thankful Thursday...

                                          

1. Spring Sunshine

2. Temperatures above 50 degrees

3. My amazing husband

4. Delightful visits with friends - both planned and unplanned

5. A productive day of errands

6. Driving with the windows down

7.  The chance to "spy" on my kids playing on the playground

8. Trader Joes

9. A freshly vacuumed car

10. Intentional friendship

Musings on Valentine's Day

As we all know, last Monday was Valentine's Day. I was inspired to write about it just now after reading another post from a lovely girl. (who I don't actually know IRL, but is the friend of the daughter of a friend.)   Seems we feel the same way about this particular holiday. 

See, I am not a huge fan of Valentine's Day either, even tho I have been in a relationship since I was 16. (All with the same guy!) You'd think I'd be all for it since I have had someone to share it with for so long.   

I recall many years ago when I was a pre-school teacher in a local childcare center, I had a sweet girl in my class who’s dad was here on assignment with IBM from Italy.   I remember her mom being very confused about the whole idea of kids giving each other valentine treats and cards and why we were having a party in our class.   I recall her saying (in the most wonderful Italian accent) "But, Valentine’s is for romance and love. It's a grown-ups holiday, not for child’s play."  Amen.  

But even for this grown-up, it's all seems a little silly.  The whole holiday seems sorta frivolous to me.  And stressful.  I have always felt sorry for the poor fellas who feel the need to spend a week's pay on flowers that will last less than that..or on a piece of jewelry that she may or may not like.  I guess I just don't understand the need to go all out to show someone how much you care about them just one day a year.  I would much rather have the daily reminders in the little things - an unexpected hug, a lingering kiss, help in the kitchen or an invite for a spontaneous coffee date or the chance for an afternoon drive on a beautiful fall day.  Those are the things my guy does to show me he loves me.   I guess that's what 25 years does for a couple.  

As a momma of four, I have always felt this pressure to “do” Valentine’s for my kiddos,  that I can somehow show them I love them by spending more money than I care to admit on trinkets and treats and cards for them and even more money on trinkets and treats and cards for them to share with the kids in their classes (x4!)  For the past 4 or so years, I have gone the cheap route, printing clever labels for them to slap on a plain white envelope with some candy inside. They don't even have to hand sign them.  I really wish we didn't have to do any of it at all.  

I have to admit though, this year, I did do something for my sweet family.   Mondays are the one evening each week we are now home all together as a family so for me that was a gift in and of itself. (Even though the kiddos don't realize it yet.)   Since I was home most of the day, I decided the least I could do would be to plan and make my kids favorite dinner- spaghetti. Which in this house is pasta from a box, sauce from a jar, with the fancy part of it being the pasture-fed organic ground beef we bought last fall!   I splurged with some homemade garlic cheese bread (French loaf bread from kwik trip, pre-shredded cheese and garlic powder from a jar).  


I really went all out and made heart-shaped brownies (from a box) for dessert served with ice cream...I even drizzled Hershey's chocolate syrup on the plate all Martha Stewart-like. Ya know cuz I'm klassy with "K" like that.   

After dinner, we played a couple rounds of Apple to Apples Jr. after dinner, did some homework and called it a night!  No candy, no cards, no trinkets.  Perfection. 

For me, the most important thing to remember is it doesn't matter what you might do or buy on Valentine's Day or any other day for that matter.  All that really matters is that the ones who are important to you, that you care for and love the most, know it.  Every.day. 

100th Day of School…

I was inspired by a friend, who also has a wee boy in the 1st grade, to post this from Jaxon’s 100th day of school. They make a big deal about the 100th day of school in kindergarten and 1st grade.  It’s fun.

So, here are the answers to his “100” questions…his answers are in bold, exactly as they appeared, written by him, on his fill in the blank interview.

I wish I had 100…friends.
I wouldn't want 100…cakes.
I can make 100…blundes.  (had to ask him what this was…balloons!)
I can eat 100…marsh melose. (I would’ve thought he’d say French Fries for this one)
I could never eat 100…cakes.
I can lift 100… blundes.
If I had 100 dollars, I would buy…DSi

And all I really want to know is…what does this sweet boy have against cake? (one of this momma’s favorite food!)

Out of the mouths of babes...

My dear sweet boy...

Last night I was in a meeting at church and my children's music teacher was in the same meeting.  We have known Miss M. as so much more than simply a music teacher - she is a talented musician, educator, director extraordinaire.   She loves music, theatre and children and loves bringing them all together in fun ways.   I could go on and on and on...but that's not the point of this post.  

So, she tells a story about how she was talking to each of her 1st grade classes about their report cards that will be coming home soon, since it would be the first time they would be receiving a grade for music.  For music, they use a 1-2-3 grade scale.
3= exceeds expectations
2= meets expectations
1= needs improvement

She also reminded them of the expectations of her class so they would have better understanding of what everything meant when they saw their "grade". 

She concluded this story by saying that at the end, as the children from that class were filing out to go back to their classroom, a boy stopped to say " Miss M, you know that even 1's are ok, cuz we're all just students who are still learning, so a 1 is still good.   


And then she said to me, "And you know who that boy was?  Yours." 


My sweet Jaxon wanted to make sure SHE knew that even 1's were really okay, cuz everyone's a student and still learning.  Love him so much!

A Merry (Pensive) Christmas…

Christmas 2010...

…came and went in a blink. (I have always had a difficult time wrapping my head around a holiday that takes four full weeks to prepare for and is “over” in under 24 hours ...and this year seemed worse than ever)

…was very different from our Christmases of the past 10 years.  (we didn’t host anyone and I didn’t have to prep a menu or cook or clean)

…still wasn’t what I picture in my head of what I wish Christmas could be. (or should be?) (decorations were put up, songs were sung, food was eaten, gifts were exchanged, stockings were hung and filled....Shouldn't it be more?)

…was enjoyed by my children. (we surprised them with a PS3 – half paid for by our oldest with money he's saved for over a year –and they actually liked the clothes I bought, and the other fun things under the tree)

…was something I was never fully able to embrace this year. ((sigh))


What didn’t happen this year?  
Cards weren’t sent, very few photos were taken, cookies weren’t made, carols weren’t really sung, the Christmas story (from the Bible) wasn’t read, a letter to Santa didn’t even get written and no cookies were left out for him.  Our yummy Christmas Morning Marshmallow Crescent rolls weren't made. No festive parties were attended or hosted, and no one outside of my family saw any of my decor. My shopping for gifts was still occurring the morning of the 24th...so I even failed to plan very well.


Highlights?  
Singing in our Christmas Eve service...(sort of)  
Stopping by some dear friends for a Christmas Eve open house...so warm, inviting and cozy.  I dream of hosting something like that some year...
Watching our children open the gifts they bought for each other from the Dollar Tree.  One of my most favorite traditions. 
Attending the Bella Voce Young Women's Choir concert - it was heavenly and is definitely becoming a tradition. 


And now it’s January.   Most of the around the house decor is put away (but sadly the tree is still up awaiting the kids help to put away their ornaments)  I have kept things up partly because I always keep them up 'til the day the kids go back to school, but partly to just stretch things out a bit longer.  I have no real point to this post, no moral of the story or lesson I've learned...I simply wanted to document it in hopes that maybe perhaps next Christmas can be different.