Castles in the Sky or in Midway.

Some people build castles in the sky, and some people live in castles in the sky.

The difference between neurotic and psychotic.

I just want to live in Midway.

Practicing for the teen years

Benj (4) has been working on his "teen" looks for his Mom. Really Mom? Seriously? You are wearing that? Do you have to drive me to school? Please don't stand by me as we walk down the hall. Oh, you are so embarassing.

I can just imagine. Heaven help me. 5 teenagers between 12-18. That's going to be frightening. I am trying to mentally prepare myself now, and I have some help, luckily.

Or maybe he was just thinking about universal health care.

Slow (the internet or me or both?)

So, I have been wondering why blogging has been so time consuming---the computers have been driving me crazy for the last couple months. The slowness and problems have really cramped my style and slowed my blogging down---that and facebook (but that's another story that I've already told.)

Anyway, I am a little slow at times, but finally remembered my husband had slowed down our internet speed. We discussed it before he did it and he didn't think it would make much of a difference. I was like, OK, whatever.......(I am blonde.)

So, I have been getting so frustrated I could scream. It only took several months for me to put 2 plus 2 together. And since school is starting, my arithmetic is already improving (subconsciously of course)---so I finally figured out this mystery nightmare of slow internet speed.

Just so you know, it does make a difference. A BIG difference. And yeah, it should be improved by tomorrow.

And luckily for you (note sarcasm) my blog entries may increase. I mean, there was a month when I had 90 entries (check out my archives if you want) This month I only had 39. I know, total tragedy. What shrinkage. I probably won't get back up to 90 but I am thinking fast internet might make a HUGE blogging difference. WHEW! See, all that watching of Nancy Grace is not in vain. I am such a sleuth.

Fall Haircut Theory

There is something about school starting (even if it's preschool) that seems to insinuate that you need a haircut. Maybe it's new beginnings, or the fact that carefree summer days are over. During the summer, I love long hair. Throw it in a pigtail, or the BYU bun, and you are done.

But now that school will be in, straggly hair will not do. Throwing it into a ponytail just doesn't seem to cut it in Fall. No, you need a cute little bob, or shorter hair for the Fall. It must look a little more styled, a little more cared for. Maybe with school starting, order must reign once again. Even for the hair. Structure and order begin with the small things. If you don't have your hair in order, how can you possibly get to school on time, sit quietly in class, or succeed in the new structure?

Which is why we got haircuts. Now we are ready. Throw structure our way. Our hair is in order and the rest should follow suit.

It was so cute. We decided to go all out for our hair cuts. We went to Great Clips! Ha-ha! I paid the extra $3 for Maddie to have the shampoo. She was seriously in heaven. She was chuckling with the happiest, sweet, little baby girl laughter as they shampooed her hair. What a doll. She LOVED getting her haircut.

Having Benjamin and Maddie wait for me during my haircut? Not so fun. I didn't get the shampoo, and was trying to stay still and watch the toddlers from the corner of my eye. Maddie told one lady she couldn't read the magazine as it was her mothers. NOT TRUE. So, this poor lady asked me permission to read the Great Clips magazine. During my fun hair cut time, I was constantly saying: "Sit down. Don't touch that. You don't need three lolipops (they kept raiding the lolipop box). Please don't bump me when they are cutting my hair. Stop turning the seats. (You know how the salon chairs turn all around and tempt little children to get in or turn them around and around). Then when I am done, I come out to the waiting area and there are lolipop sticks and wrappers all over the floor. Luckily, they picked them up quickly once asked.

I realized there has been a reason why I have never gotten a haircut with children in tow. Although, sometimes, you just got to do what you got to do and you go with it. I knew we wouldn't have any other time this weekend, and Daddy was taking Brandon and Ethan to the dentist, and had also taken Dylan. So, I figured without Dylan it might work.

Bottom line, it is done, we are ready for Fall, and I love a great new Fall haircut. And so does my sweet little girl. And we are ready for some structure. I figure we have the rest of the school year to grow our hair out so it will be ready for carefree summer living. Next summer, we will be working all year to be ready for you hair wise! This will also be of benefit to my husband, who definitely prefers us all with long hair. By next summer we will be there.

 
 

Deep Thoughts

Or maybe this should be 'Cause I know you were wondering......

Anyway, I have decided that it is impossible to eat watermelon and be melancholy at the same time. The very nature and being of watermelon is happiness, sunshine, summer, bliss. As you eat a watermelon, it is impossible not to take that essence inside yourself, and not have it's essence impact you.

So, that is my challenge to you. Try eating watermelon if you are feeling sad. I dare say, you will feel happier after eating watermelon. Or, if you are wanting to feel sad, than you might not allow yourself to partake in the joy of watermelon.

'Cause I know you were wondering.

As a Mom......

one of the grossest sensations has to be as you are taking a drink, and all of a sudden you come across a solid particle going down your throat. I don't know which is more disgusting; the sensation of that particle, or not quite knowing exactly what that particle is. Then you look into the drink and see what is apparently your child's backwash. When did they get to the drink? Cause all Mom's everywhere no not to drink on something after their child has partaken. That is Mom 101. After five children, I get disappointed in myself for not preventing such an occurrence. I should have that down by now. I mean, how many particles must I drink before I look into the liquid before taking a sip? Slow learner. I am.

Oh, Costco.

My schedule has been crazy busy lately, so I haven't had time for my fave Costco. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I saw the concrete floors, the welcoming sign, the employees at the door, and little girls dresses that I love to look at. All of a sudden, I had this feeling of love enter my heart. I love entering their "cold room" to get some salad and asparagus. Never mind the fascination of choosing out our frozen meals for the week. If my family is lucky, we may even get a rotisserie chicken. So many items. I love to look at all their summer stuff, even if I don't buy. And the flowers/plants---so beautiful. I even bought Larry King's new book (who I have a fascination for). I also bought a cookbook from wards everywhere. (If I buy a cookbook once in a while, it makes me feel like I cook.)

Costco.....comfort. Happy. I may need to see if there are Costco support groups. It is a little disturbing how great this experience is for me. Especially when my husband is with me getting to herd the five children. Added bonus. How dreamy for a Friday afternoon. All until you get the receipt. OUCH. Then they put a cute little smiley face on your receipt and almost everything is all better. Almost. Until the kids begin fighting over who gets it.

You know it's bad when.......

you dread the ring of the doorbell. You know the three toddlers will beat you to the door, open it (no matter what state of dress or lack of it), and the dog will run out, the kids will run out, and it will take a half hour to regain control of the situation.

And the best part is when the solicitors start their sales pitch even as they see all hell break loose. Do they really think at this point I am going to make a purchase? Seriously?

Have you ever been in that situation where you have to decide whether pants or your child's safety is more important? (As in running outside to try to round up the children before they run into the street?) I am clearly not Mom of the year, cause I actually have to think about it (but that's out of respect for the public, seriously, be grateful).

And after that, you have to herd all three kids into the house, and hope they obey your stern declaration to not leave the house (and please don't lock the door on me) while you try to catch the hyper pomeranian dog that you thought was such a great freebie on KSL. HA! I love Teddy, but yeah, free only pertains to money, not hassle. But that's another story.

Oh, the joys of motherhood and dog parenthood.

You would think by now I could purchase a no soliciting sign or get a lock for the top of the door. But then I wouldn't really have a 3-ring circus and the amusement that comes along with it.

Oh, I better go, the doorbell is ringing......

Kid Destruction

You know it's bad when you begin throwing things out before the toddlers (2, 3, and 4) find those items, make a mess and/or destroy them. Maybe that's why God sent them to me, to help make me a minimalist rather than a maximizer. Change is slow, but is happening.

Long Term Relationship

I clearly need to get a life because I get WAY too much pleasure from reading my shampoo bottle. It gives me validation, security, and support. Shampoo bottles may be the new therapy for life. I am seriously tempted to buy various types of this brand just for the amusement factor. Talk about great marketing. Brilliant.

So, this is Herbal Essences "Long Term Relationship".

Here is what the bottle says on front:

Shampoo for long hair with a fusion of red raspberry

Satin

Our love grows longer (What does this really mean? But it sounds soothing, and touching, and I am for taking it.)

The back of the shampoo bottle:
"I'll help your hair live a long, healthy life."

Long story short. I'll strengthen your hair against split ends and breakage. So, get lost in your length with my velvety fusion with red raspberry & satin. It lavishes every inch of your hair, protecting against damage and leaving it so luscious, you'll love it up & down, all around town.(I am all for the lavish & luscious part.)

Then it says, "Use me: Massage me into your hair, lather up. if you long for more, rinse and repeat." (This is specifically for Moms who are feeling a bit used up at times and are looking to return the favor.)

Seriously, can I have the job of writing the description on the back of shampoo bottles? It looks like so much fun.

Then they have "herbalhead games" with questions---to get the answers you have to look at the conditioner bottle. (Which sorta' stinks cause I didn't buy the conditioner. It's rough living without the answer to the question, "how long is the longest hair ever recorded?") I may never know. It sorta' kills me.

And then to really punish me, they give me the "herbalheadgames" answer for the conditioner bottle. The answer is: 31 hours, 30 minutes. Torture me. What is the question? It's a bad game of jeopardy.

Anyway, boredom can be consuming. I can't wait to try some other varieties, except maybe next time I will splurge on conditioner too.

So, if you see me looking lavished and luscious, with velvety fusion and satin, you need not ask. Just wanted to save you the trouble.

I would be curious about the branding for men. Probably says "short term relationship", "for your cave", and talks about "one night stands" with shampoo where the effects will last for a week. "Get your fix" would be a great motto. Or maybe it could be called "The Solution"; since so many men have all the answers. So many options, I could go off about this for a week---but I will spare you.

Not that I am making generalizations about male and female gender roles or anything. I am so open minded.

Now for the metrosexual branding.............

Blue Kool-Aid or Antifreeze?

You have to admit it looks suspect

So, I was thirsty tonight, about to grab a glass of water. My husband says: "there is blue kool-aid in the fridge." Blue kool-aid scares me. It was created for boys and does not look in the least bit tempting. He keeps suggesting. I pour myself a glass. I drink some. My husband comments: "Refreshing, huh." I am thinking: It does the job, I don't know if it would make any "top" lists. I then start thinking: It looks like antifreeze. Hmmm.

Granted, I may watch too many crime dramas. Maybe. But, if I am gone tomorrow, you know it wasn't an accident.

(Totally kidding, except for watching too much crime drama. I did drink blue Kool-Aid tonight at Brandon's suggestion and it did look like anti-freeze, but luckily there isn't much insurance out on me.)

$300 lost

So, my husband and I are infamous for making bets with each other. We love to bet on everything. It is part of speculation. We love to speculate on things and then "bet" on their probability. I know, good thing we don't live in Vegas.

Anyway, so the other day I was writing something, and I wrote, Noone. So, as my husband is reading what I have written, he told me I needed to correct that word. I was like, "noone is a word". Immediately, my husband makes a wager with me. I knew he really thought he was right, by the amount of the bet. I mean, usually our bets are about $20. But $300? I was like, Score. I just won $300. So, we made the bet, did spell check, and-----I know, you are shocked. I lost. So, it only cost me $300 to learn something new. No one is the currect spelling.

Good thing all our money is together and we never really call in the bets. For the first couple years of our marriage I was up several thousand. Now I am down. What does that mean?

About Belle from Beauty and the Beast

So, did Belle just suffer from Stockholm syndrome?

Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response sometimes seen in abducted hostages, in which the hostage shows signs of loyalty to the hostage-taker, regardless of the danger or risk in which they have been placed. The syndrome is named after the Norrmalmstorg robbery of Kreditbanken at Norrmalmstorg in Stockholm, in which the bank robbers held bank employees hostage from August 23 to August 28 in 1973. In this case, the victims became emotionally attached to their victimizers, and even defended their captors after they were freed from their six-day ordeal. The term "Stockholm Syndrome" was coined by the criminologist and psychiatrist Nils Bejerot, who assisted the police during the robbery, and referred to the syndrome in a news broadcast.(Wikipedia)

It seems a bit of a sick message that she falls in love with her kidnapper.
Maybe I don't want Belle to be Maddie's role model after all. Hmmmmm.
Another deep thought to you brought by the Random Thought Foundation.

Heartwarming

This last week I had the chance to talk with Benj, Maddie, and Dylan's birthmom Jennie. Jennie said she had some Easter baskets for the kids and would love to give them to the kids. So, today, before going to my parents, we stopped in to spend some time with Jennie. It was so special, it really touched my heart. This woman has given us such an amazing blessing; these three beautiful babies. I am getting teary eyed just thinking about it now. What would I do if I hadn't met Jennie? What an incredible gift she has given me. How can you ever give someone the proper thanks for the gift of children.

To see the children with her was so heartwarming. I could tell it meant so much to Jennie, and it is great for the kids to spend some time with their birthmom. What precious moments. I have some incredible pictures, but will only share a couple---but what incredible memories for all involved. I don't know how to describe our relationship; but truly, it is a special gift from God. It was great to bring her an Easter basket filled with candy, pictures, and a C.D. of T.I. (music she wanted). She gave each child an Easter basket full of candy, and books, and stuffed animals. They even went outside and played a little soccer. SO CUTE. Looking at the pictures makes me a little emotional. Sweet moments of life.

Hope

Reasons to have hope...

#1: I don't have octuplets and six other kids.
#2: I am not Rihanna. (She may be needing that umbrella, ella, ella.)
(I love that gossip magazines can bring hope to our world.)
#3: We may be able to venture out in public as a family more often.

We are ecstatic. We had a great weekend last week, and then this afternoon we went out as a family and had a great time again. My husband and I are thrilled. Could some of the fit throwing stages be almost behind us? Could it be? I couldn't be more happy. I just love the newborn stage, and the sweet baby moments, but we have had way too many fits around here, which is probably why they suggest spacing children out a bit more. Which is perhaps why I should've had more hearts to hearts with birth mom right after each birth. (Just kidding, it all has worked out in a great way, and I am SOOOO grateful, but I am just saying.....) Cause when a 2, 3, and 4 year old are throwing fits, it is not so fun, and tends to damper the fun, family activities. I will be pleased as pie if we are moving through this rough stage. I hear that things get "a lot better" when the youngest is three, which means we have till November 2009. And hey, we have had some "fit" free family events in the last week. Thrilled. I am thrilled. Again, the Beatles song "It's getting better all the time........." That's what I love about the Beatles. There is a song for every emotion and thought of the day.

A benefit of ADD: lyrics just come up all throughout the day; matching thoughts and emotions. Cause I already don't have enough going on. It can be quite amusing and fun----especially when the Beatles are on my mental playlist. You think the music on blogs can be annoying? Welcome to my brain. "Crazy, I got your crazy."

How to Clear a Pool

Just coincidentally, after our family of seven arrived at the pool and started splashing, jumping, making noise, and being us, everyone else at the pool left. I wonder if there was some hotel scheduled party. Cause I am sure they all didn't leave on such a beautiful day just because of us-----------if you ever want to clear a pool area within minutes, we can help you out with that.

I have been wondering what exactly caused the simultaneous clearing of all pool patrons. Could it have been......

Jumping from chair to chair like Tigger? I think Maddie thought the chairs were mini trampolines to bounce on.


Or could it have been jumping into Daddy's arms in the hot tub and splashing everyone?



Or maybe Dylan's jumps?



Or just all the splashing in general?



Was it the kids hiding in the bushes?



The older boys jumping into the water?




Or perhaps all the "bubbles" in the water?




Hmmmm. I will have to be thinking on that. Let me know if you have any thoughts---

A Testimonial

My husband Brandon and I have had a dilemma. We have LOVED the food at Texas Roadhouse, but, there are a couple problems which have prevented us from going on our date nights.

1-They play Country Music. (Big problem for us.)
2-They play Country Music VERY LOUDLY, so you can hardly hear anyone talk.
3-They have some dead animals on the walls. (Sometimes not so appetizing. Makes you wonder what you are eating.)
4-The waitresses and waiters participate in line dancing (in case the music wasn't loud or annoying enough.)

But seriously, the food is REALLY fabulous. So, what to do?

Well, all these factors turned to our benefit today. We are here in St. George, all seven of us, for the weekend. We are thinking, "Where can we take our family for some good food, without disturbing the nice folk around us?" Unfortunately, there is no such place. But, right at this moment, we began to think of wonderful Texas Roadhouse. With the loud music, you may not be able to hear the screaming or whining of our five children.

Added bonus: they serve you peanuts in buckets and encourage you to throw the empty peanut shells to the floor. Could there be a better place for us to take our five children? I think not. Oh my gosh. We were in heaven. Incredible steaks, loaded potatoes, loud country music actually louder than our children. (OK, I really don't like Country Music, but hey, it covered up the sounds of the kids.) Since we went for lunch, we missed out on the line dancing. Shucky darn. But hey, next time we will go for dinner. We all had a fabulous lunch, enjoyed making a huge mess with all the peanut shells, and we could be as loud as we wanted to be. Seriously, so dreamy.

So, next time you are wanting to go to a kid-friendly zone, forget about McDonalds and head over to your local Texas Roadhouse. It may be a little more pricey, but definately worth it. This may become a family tradition for us. For real. I know, sorta' disturbing that we got such a buzz off this experience, but it is truly incredible to find a stress-free eating location for a young family of seven.

Some of the decor


Stuffing ourselves

Peanuts anyone?

Why is it.....

that whenever I call the Dr. to make an appointment, they are having their hour lunch break when they don't answer calls? Don't they know I have ADD and will be WAY too distracted to call back in an hour? And inevitably, I usually make that call within the first five minutes of the lunch hour, so I want to kick myself for not calling an hour earlier. Just for the record, I swear they change their lunch hour on a daily basis so it is unpredictable. They probably have a schedule just to "play with the folk". Mondays: Lunch 11:00 am, Tuesdays: Lunch at noon, Wednesdays: Lunch at 1pm, Thursdays: lunch at 11:30 and Fridays: lunch at 12:30. Cause I know it's not me:)

Like A Switch!

It has been four long, depressing days. Alone in the house with 3 little kids. My husband and two oldest were on a trip to his Grandpa's funeral in Arkansas. But let's not talk about the fact that I didn't get to go, cause I wasn't too thrilled about that part. Maddie has had some eye boogies (as I call them; maybe infection is more correct) so we missed church, and I have basically been inside the house for four days. I guess I get cabin fever really badly, because it has not been too fun. Plus it is never fun to be without my man, especially for days. I know, probably sounds lame, but true. I was so happy that he was going to come home last night and be home by about 8pm. I was ecstatic. But what has to happen? Yes, an ice storm. Who woulda' thunk it. So, all the planes were stranded, flights were cancelled, etc. So, my poor husband got up with the two boys at 5am to catch the flight this morning. Flight cancelled again. SOOO bummed. Luckily, with many prayers, he was finally able to catch the flight tonight. I cannot begin to tell you how happy I was when he caught the flight home and to see his face and that of my two oldest boys. Bliss. Like dancing, happy, singing out loud bliss. I guess I am like a switch. When I found out he was coming home, the light came on, happiness filled my heart, and all the darkness went away. Melodramatic? Perhaps a touch. But wow, I love my man, I missed my man, and am so glad to have him home. Excuse me, we have some business to take care of, Laura!!! It's business time. Isn't that how the song goes?

I hate being left behind.......

I HATE getting left behind. I really do. I am so bummed. My husband left today for a trip to the funeral of his Grandpa in Arkansas. We could've taken the whole family, but we were worried all the babies, screaming, and chaos would distract from the main event and take away from the experience. SOOOOO sad. I have always wanted to go to Arkansas and meet all my husbands relatives, and still haven't been able to.

It was sad this week to find out about the death of his Grandpa. It has been a really bad year for his family. His grandparents got a divorce. Their posessions were sold at an auction last Monday to divide all their posessions due to the divorce. This last year, Grandpa's health failed. So tragic.

I think Brandon, in nature, is a lot like his Grandpa. Grandpa was always kind, warm, and loving. He is on the quiet side, like my husband, but has quite the sense of humor. There is nothing like a little flattery to go a long way. I will never forget his Grandpa telling me at our wedding that I was like the daughter he wished he had. Such a sweet man. I will miss him and miss the opportunity to formally say goodbye and be at his funeral. We had our two oldest boys go, as I think this will be such a great opportunity for them to meet Brandon's side of the family. Funerals are like family reunions. You never know if/when you will ever have a chance to see/meet some of these important people again. I sure hope I get the opportunity, and hopefully before another funeral.

His Grandpa used to tell the best stories. One day I will have to share some of my favorites; about his three boys peeing through the screen windows, and many of their other antics. (I think my kids definately are "spirited" also), Grandma accompanying Grandpa on his truck trips and putting her bra in the window of the truck to keep the prostitutes away (at the truck stops). Grandpa had a great sense of humor and always knew how to tell a funny, good story. I will miss that. I will have to try to convince my husband to start documenting these stories. They are great, and my husband has a great way of telling a story also!!!