Bet Your Bottom Dollar

Today.

Well, today was another one of those days. You know the kind. Let me give you a whiney recap.

Hubby out of town -- again. I was never meant to be a single mom. I tip my hats to those who have to do it all the time. I am ready for hubby to come home.

T cried NONSTOP from the time he got home from school until bedtime. Because I wouldn't go buy him a Komodo Dragon. Right. That. Second. (or ever if you ask me)

J's knees are all torn up from CRAWLING around the track on at school -- just to be funny. So he is walking around with robot legs. And of course, it HURTS! A LOT!

R insists that I am nice to everyone except him and why don't I let him do this or that when his brothers could. (oh yeah -- and now he has pink eye)

B? Let's just say she found my make-up while I was at J's concert and S was supposed to be watching her. She painted her lips quite nicely. I haven't even gone upstairs to see the mess. Oh -- and lest I forget, she cut her hair. Just as it was starting to grow out from her last hair cut! This time it is worse, and I shed real tears.

No one is able to sleep, everyone is whining (a little like mom).

S says he doesn't want to go to the "once in a life time" scout camp (I think because we are making him earn the money for it)

J's asthma is out of control. T isn't getting better.

I can't get enough sleep -- even when I really do. And I just want to bury my head in the sand like an ostrich. And cry. For a long time.

The laundry? INSANE! Literally.

But the thing that I pretend makes it all better? Right here, baby.

The box is almost gone!

I keep singing in my head "The sun will come out TOMORROW"

Coming out of the Closet

I am what you might call a closet photographer. I love to take pictures but don't have a lot of skill. But, every once and a while, I take a picture that I think -- Whoa! How did that happen.

I keep practicing and I think I am getting better. So I think, because, what is a blog if it isn't to brag a little, I am going to show off a few of them...

Just for fun -- and maybe a little validation.

I have the hardest time taking flower pictures. I have a blogging buddy who seems to be an expert at it, but I really struggle. If I get as close as I want to, the picture blurs. If I back up, I can't get the detail... This is one that finally turned out the way I like -- you can even see the pollen. Although, I did have to put my bum in the air, just like my friend suggested.

I have no idea who these people are. I actually posted this one before. I took this on the beach in Hawaii. I just thought it looked so cute. Poor people, they have no idea someone is looking at their hindquarters...

B and I were hanging out in the backyard. She looked so dang cute, I had to get the camera. But she kept running away from me to the side of the house by the kitchen window... So I kept chasing her. I love how her reflection even shows her eye color... I found out, rather quickly, that the adorable look on her face and the reason she kept running from me, was because she was pooping her pants... Oh well, makes a great shot.

Maybe I will post some more later...

Stupid. Things.

Every so often, things happen that just make me want to say "Here's Your Sign" (if you haven't heard this comedy bit by Bill Engvall, you are missing out on serious belly laughs!)

Here are just three from this week alone...

I am leaving Fry's Grocery Store when I see a little, adorable lady reaching for the "handi-wipe" the greeter is giving her" (you know, the ones that EVERY grocery store has at the door now so you can wipe down your cart)

Lady: This is such a wonderful idea. So smart. (begins to wipe cart down)
Worker: Yes it is. (pleasant smile)
Lady: This is why I shop at Fry's
Me: (only in my head and not outloud because I am nice like that)Really? What the heck? You drive all the way to Fry's for little wet-wipes? Wow... I just like the produce.

***************************
Again, at the store... Costco this time. I am waiting in the line to exit the store. Have to make sure I am not stealing anything... This guy in front of me has a battery he has purchased for his car.

From the female employee marking his reciept: OOOHHH -- now that is a great thing to have. When one dies, you can just swap it right out. (man looks at her funny and leaves store) then this lady turns to my reciept checker lady and says... "I want to go home with him, that would be a really great thing to have."

Um. Yeah.

Whether or not she was kidding, she just sounded like an idiot.

***************************
Lastly, is this picture...

I took the kiddos to a yummy frozen custard place for our Family Night treat Monday. Of course flying solo with 5 children, I had to hit the drive through. No WAY was I going inside. I approach the drive through and see this sign below the menu...

Okay -- but how am I supposed to get through the drive through if my engine is off? Of course, I was so busy laughing at the sign, I forgot to turn off my engine.

What stupid things have gotten under your skin lately? I am sure there are some WAY better stories out there!

Evidence

My kids LOVE to use my bathroom. Even though they have two aptly decorated bathrooms downstairs (monkeys AND penguins!). They ALL seem to want to use MY bathroom. And really that is OK -- when they don 't leave a trail...

Shoes -- check

shorts -- check

Spiderman underwear -- check

Fruit snack wrapper -- WHAT??? Who eats in the tub!?!

After the bath...

bouncy balls, rubber snakes, plastic bugs and fake fingers...

Everything a little boy needs to take a bath.

This "trail" is relatively minor. Really, if all their messes were this small, I might just be sane!

A Little Nudge

I had an experience in high school I will never forget. One I know I need to remember.

My junior year, I had made a friend. I don’t even remember her name, but I remember we hit it off. We shared a class, passed notes even did a couple things together. We were not super, super close, but we were friendly enough to swap phone numbers and share personal experiences with each other.

Then summer came. We didn’t have our class together anymore and our interactions became less and less frequent. Then after a few weeks into summer, I got a thought that I should call her. But, being busy with the ever so important social schedule of a 17 year old, I didn’t do it. The thought kept coming over and over. After a while, I started telling myself, “I have no reason to call her.” Or, “We have been out of touch for so long it would be dumb for me to call her now.” Even, “She won’t remember me.”

No matter how often I felt that feeling of “Call your friend,” I would look sideways and ignore the feeling.

By the time fall came around, I told myself I would find her and catch up… making up for lost time. But as I looked, I couldn’t find her. I asked around and finally one of my teachers told me the story. Thankfully, it wasn’t worse.

My 16 year old friend had conceived a child with a man 8 years her senior. They got married and moved away. I never made contact with her again.

Now, I knew my friend well enough to know this was NOT in her plans. I also knew her well enough about her family life to know she was trying to escape unfortunate circumstances. I knew the situation wasn’t good. Etc. Etc.

But even though I knew that, I didn’t seem to care enough. I don’t know that I would have been able stop certain events from happening, but I could have listened.

Now, I know it is pointless to rehash a situation. The “would-of-could-of-should-of’s” will drive a person insane. But this experience taught me an important lesson.

When the Spirit speaks, ACT!

My problem is, I have a hard time telling when the spirit is speaking to my heart of when it is just me. Sometimes I get it right, sometimes I don’t. But through the guidance of our church leaders, I have learned that if it is a GOOD thought, act on it. If it produces good results, follow through.

It is still a daily lesson for me.

Our stake president talked about this today. He spoke of the little “nudges” of the spirit. I like that explanation. The Spirit will “nudge” you to do something good.

Nudge is defined as “to push slightly or gently ... to get someone's attention, prod someone into action, etc”

Isn’t that a beautiful explanation; as applied to the Spirit?

I am going to try harder to notice those little nudges and use my lessons in the past to help me learn how to follow more fully today.

How do you notice spiritual nudges? When was a time you noticed a “nudge” from the spirit?

(image found here)

Pink Eye, Asthma Attacks & Whiplash -- Oh My!

When I was a little, I never went to a "real" doctor. The kind of “doctors” I saw were usually being chased by law enforcement and learned their schools from a book – published by Snoopy.

You get the idea.

So. My plan as a mother was to make sure that my children got seen by professionals that had legitimate medical degrees.

And this month? I have really lived up to that commitment.

Since April 8th (that's 17 days!), I have taken kids into the doctor a myriad of problems. We have covered the alphabet -- asthma to the Xopenex to treat it(pronounced with a Z).

We have dealt with cellulitis (B), pink eye (J & T), whiplash (S), asthma attacks (J & T), sinus infections (J & T – even with adenoidectomy). Only minutes after I got home from the urgent care with T for his latest round of asthma attacks S announces he has pink eye!

The kids have missed a TON of school. We have been to the doctor’s office over and over… the pharmacy even more! In fact, hubby couldn’t hold all the meds in his hands when he came in through the door from the pharmacy. There were so many, between maintenance Rx’s and new ones, that he didn’t even know he picked up his sister-in-law’s Rx…

Really? I am about ready for a healthy week!

Oh yeah – and B just fell and hurt her hand. Now she is favoring it and it is swelling… oh boy!

Little Lucy

The blogging world is an interesting place. One day your giggling about some girl delivering possums and making her own cheerios, the next your enjoying a sampler platter with her at your favorite Mexican restaurant… just plain crazy. Virtual-Meets-Reality.

The first blog, besides my sister's, I ever really looked at and got into was Shawni’s… it’s handle? 71toes.blogspot.com! I mean, who wouldn’t really be intrigued by that name.

Looking for a good photographer, I began asking around. A friend gave me Shawni’s contact information and blog. I looked at her stuff online and contacted her for a photo session.

Since our photo session (amazing pictures BTW), I have been lurking over at her blog. In our own little blogging world, sometimes it is hard for me to remember that her sister-in-law is in my ward and this is another one of those “virtual-meets-reality” type of things. When I do remember that, I feel “oh so very cool” because frankly, this woman is amazing!!!

Not only does she have a gift with the camera, she is a published author. She and her mom have just published a book called “A Mother’s Books of Secrets” which is being distributed at Deseret Book and online booksellers. Shawni and her mother give priceless mothering guidance while scattering gorgeous photography throughout the book (and I am not just saying that because B is in it :-))

This book is meant to lift mothers; help them while they drag themselves through the daily trenches of motherhood. I was at the bookstore THE DAY it came. The bookstore hadn’t set out the shipment yet, so I made them go get it from the back for me… and I am so glad. This is so inspiring!

But the coolest part? The part that inspired me to blog about this? It’s Lucy!


Lucy is Shawni’s youngest daughter and is on the cover of the book. I featured post by Shawni on Real Angels, Real Life. A post about her baby girl. If you have a minute, I strongly urge you to go read about this little angel. Get the tissues! She is precious beyond all measure and even though I have never met her, I feel so much love towards her.

At the tender age of two, Lucy has been diagnosed with a rare disease. One that will leave her, among other things, blind in the next few years. I am not the only one who has been touched by the story of Lucy. So many people have shown an overwhelming response of support and love. Among those has been the Foundation for Fighting Blindness and Foundation for Blind Children. And Shawni and her mom want to give back. So, a portion of the proceeds from their book, A Mother’s Books of Secrets, will go towards this foundation.



You will not be disappointed. My little B loves looking through the pictures of the children in the book. I love the wisdom I find on its pages. Everybody knows a mother somewhere who would love this… and it will help little Lucy.

A Mother’s Book of Secrets: $18
A box of Kleenex: $1.39
Helping Little Lucy: Priceless!

Take a little glimpse into this family’s life and support a noble cause at the same time.

By the way, Shawni took all these pictures!

SHE'S BACK!!

In a spiraling economy, we have really tried to cut back on non-necessities. However, anyone who has read my posts for any length of time understands that I get a little crazy when my house is a mess. I am convinced that the cleanliness of my house is directly related to my mental health – or the other way around.

And I need help.

I have posted WAY too much on this subject… you can read reference to my soiled house here, here, here, and here. And these are just a few!

I have tried. Really I have. But most of the times, I can barely get the dishes done. I don’t have time (or quite frankly, the drive) to scrub the boogers, clean their rooms, and exterminate the lurking germs around the home. I don’t know if it is that I have 5 kids, 4 of them boys. I don’t know if it is because they can’t seem to identify a garbage can or laundry basket. I don’t know if it is that I am just a lousy house keeper. Whatever it is, my house gets messy and I need help.

I am not talking about the kind of help you get from a 9 year old who is trying to get his job done so he can go catch grasshoppers with his friend. Not even the kind of help you get by standing over your kids on a Saturday morning with an allegorical whip! No. I am talking about professional help. Serious, professional help – by way of one of my favorite ladies!!

So, I am also enjoying a clean home, if for only a few hours, while I try to escape the fury of the Guilt Fairy. Who knows how long it will last, but I am so glad for today!

C'Mon in... take a look around!

T & R's room is clean and beds are made! Noticed the dresser is cleaned off?

J's room is clean -- bed made!


S's room is clean (yes those are penguins!)

Yeah -- could have opened our fake black-out curtains for the picture!

But it is CLEAN!

I don't see this too often. A sparkely toilet... Looks so good I might just eat in here!

That's a mirror your looking at, baby!!!

I am so happy, I don't even mind showing you my chubby arms!

(notice how cleverly I hide my double chins)

Tile. Clean. Nothing under furniture. YAY!

Even B is loving the clean tile.

Note that there is NOTHING under my couch... and my carpet is OH SO FLUFFY!!!

Again, needed more light. But it is CLEAN!

Yes folks. That would be C.L.E.A.N.

What do you think???

Here is a story you just have to read here or here… I am interested in what you all have to say on this.

This was heard in the US Supreme Court today...

Basically, this is a case of a girl who was stripped searched at school five years ago. Because, even though she had no prior behavior problems, school officials suspected she was carrying prescription strength Ibuprofen in her underwear. She wasn’t.

So what do you think? I mean there was a no-tolerance policy in place for all drugs, including prescription drugs included. And as a parent, I am glad for that. But at what cost do we want these things enforced?

When do schools cross the line in the name of protecting our children? What would you have done if this were your child? What would you have done if you were an educator at this school?

Interesting food for thought. Tell me what you think…

Our Monday Night

Monday night. A wonderful time to gather with your little family and discuss the gospel.

Um, well, in theory anyway.

Hubby is out of town -- saving the world again, so we attempted to get the job done without him.

It started out AWESOME with a visit from a friend! The best surprise of the day!!!

As our little family gathered on the heels of my friendship high, I had great hopes. I had a special family night planned. We were going to sit around the table and EAT OREOS! Oh, we had to say something we were thankful for before we ate an Oreo. Fun right?

Again, in theory only.

Just as we were sitting down, B messed her pants. And since she is still on an antibiotic for her cellulitis, it was one yucky, drippy mess.

It was that EXACT time R got a major bloody nose. Everywhere. Including on J’s pants.

J now began to FREAK OUT! He doesn’t care so much for other people’s blood.

T was crying because he couldn’t have an Oreo until he ate his incredibly healthy dinner of chips and beans. It totally was the most unfair thing I had ever done to him, and he was going to let me know.

J was still yelling at R for the blood on his pants and now jumped in to yell at T now for making too much noise. B started crying because everyone else was and she didn't want to be left out. Of course, J started yelling at B for making noise. S was doing his best to calm T down and all I could think was, I hope Becky doesn’t sneak back here and hear all this chaos. Cuz that would be embarrassing. Completely.

After a few minutes. I gave up our plan. We canceled the rest of family night. I put the Oreos away and threatened the kids with leprosy if they didn’t get a bath NOW.

Thankfully things calmed down. J came around and as a peace offering, volunteered to bathe B. As I am listening to J and B in the bathroom, I hear them singing “The wheels on the bus go round and round…”

B, just as sweet as could be, sings, “the mommy’s on the bus say BE QUIET! BE QUIET! BE QUIET!”

Yup, that’s our Monday night Family Night Folks.

Now, where is that bag of Oreos?

Friendship

I have been blessed with a bunch of wonderful friends. Some close, come more just “smile-and-nod” type. But all dear to my heart.

It is interesting, the whole friendship thing. When I was a child, I didn’t know I could be friends with someone who was different from me, lived in a different ward, attended a different school. And I definitely couldn’t be friends with someone if one of my friends disliked that person.

If someone did something I didn’t like, well then, we just couldn’t be friends. That was how it was. I couldn’t seem to see past different behavior and establish a friendship.

I am so glad that time has passed.

This subject was brought to my attention the other day when talking with my son about people he has to spend time with at school or at church. While he is mostly friendly, there are some people he just would prefer not being around. And since these kids go to school or church with him, it just isn’t possible. It has been difficult for him.

I am not sure I said anything that meant anything to him, but it did get me thinking.

I have friends now that do or say things I don’t particularly like. They may raise their kids differently than me, like different music, have different political or religious beliefs and in some cases, not like my other friends.

But, somewhere, over the growing up years, I learned something very important. I learned that the differences don’t really matter. I learned that by overlooking things that are different and latching on to similarities, you can have the best friends in the world. I learned that by saying kind things about people, one can turn even the hardest hearts towards that person. I learned that it is possible to be friends with two different people, who do really care for each other.

You see, everyone wants to be accepted. Wants a friend. Someone they can give a smile to and receive one in return. Everyone wants to be loved. And if I can ignore some things that are different from me, I can have many friends. Many wonderful, priceless friends.

Hopefully, this is a lesson my son will learn well before adulthood. Because friendship is a wonderful thing.

A Sunday Thought

Whewww!!!!

Remember this post?

Well, I am happy to report that I took my son to a DIFFERENT endocrinologist. And not only did he want to treat J, he made it sound as though he should have been treated earlier!!!

I am so relieved. J needed this. I just had to find someone that agreed with me.

I am grateful for the Lord's hand in our life, for helping us get help!

Thanks everyone for your support!!

What are you doing over here???

No really?

WHAT ARE YOU DOING OVER HERE???

Today is FRIDAY! ANGEL FRIDAY that is!!!

That means you should be checking out Real Angels, Real Life.

Seriously.

Stop reading this blog right now and head over to Real Angels, Real Life.

Oh yeah, and DON'T forget to send me your stories!!!!

Swollen

Monday night, on a walk in her stroller, B grabbed at her ankle and cried that she had an “owie.” I couldn’t find any sign of anything that would hurt her, so I kissed her foot and we went on our way.

Then, during the night, she came upstairs to our bed, complaining of her foot hurting. Again, I couldn’t really see anything – maybe a little mosquito bite. Maybe. If I squinted. So I put a bandaid on her foot so we could both go back to sleep.

Off and on, throughout Tuesday, she complained about her foot. I would glance at it and it looked like a mosquito bite… a little swollen but nothing I hadn’t seen before.

Then, right about dinner time, she really wailed that it hurt. She was limping slightly on it. So I took a closer look and this is what I saw.

I immediately called on my neighbor (who I post about ALL the time because she seriously has been an angel in my life; an answer to prayers) If I ever have a question about my children's health, I go to her. She is 98% of the time spot on with what type of treatment they need from the doctors. She knows what to tell me to ask for. I guess that is what comes from giving birth to 10 children. Anyway, she took one look at her foot and said, “You need to take her in right now. She has cellulitis.”

Well, I didn’t hesitate. I have known my neighbor long enough, and had enough experience with her to know that she knew what she was talking about.

I called the doc, was seen 30 minutes later. Sure enough. Cellulitis. From some sort of bug bite. Thankfully, we caught it early and B should be OK with a round of antibiotics.

Thanks to my dear friend, we are, again, spared from a more serious situation. This kind of thing happens ALL THE TIME with her. It is as if we were sent to this home because the Lord knew I couldn’t be a mom without the wisdom of this beautiful person. In fact, I know that is why. I know the Lord knew I needed her. And once again, my heart is SO full of gratitude for this friend the Lord put in my life.

That’s how He works, you know… He places people in our path, when we need them. And He places us in other’s paths. Isn’t that the coolest thing EVER???

I have seen the Lord’s hand in my life in so many ways. I can not deny that He knows who I am and is aware of my needs. I am convinced He does that for each one of us. We just have to open our eyes. I am convinced He wants each of our happiness.

Everyone needs a neighbor like mine. Better yet, we should all be neighbors like mine.

Thanks Jana! Love you!

*****UPDATE***** B's little tooties are doing very well now. There is no swelling or redness. The worst part of this whole thing is just making her take the medicine, which she is half way through with. Thanks for everyone's concern!

The COOOOOLEST thing happened!!!

OK -- That Girl in Brazil explains this so much better than I could.... but you have to read this. It is just more proof that the Lord is in charge of our lives!!!

Click here!!!

So AWESOME!

When boys get scared...

It is understandable really.

I mean we were just getting back from Monsters vs. Aliens. So really, everyone was jumpy.

After all, Hubby did shine the headlights on the little kitty’s eyes, making them glow like in a really bad photo.

And, I did gasp that “don’t-you-dare-run-over-that-cat” gasp.

So really it was understandable that two of my boys – not my two year old girl – screamed at the top of their lungs like they had just seen a horribly scary monster.

Yes. They screamed, like girls, at the top of their lungs for a good ten seconds… over a cat.

Because a black and white cat can be mistaken for a monster you know.

Maybe. If it were bigger, more hairy and not as cute.

But hey, they were still jittery from the movie, right? (I know it wasn't scary, just humor me here)

By the way, if you have seen the movie, what is the name of that infernal song the President plays on the key board? You know, the one that will be stuck in my head for the rest of forever…

Our Easter -- in pictures

The first set of photos are from our own family's Easter Egg hunt in the morning. The last few are from our extended family's egg hunt in the afternoon. It was in the mid-70's! Enjoy!

The look says it all!

I think this was one of R's best day ever!

This little guy was trying to figure out how to fly. He took a break to join our Easter Egg hunt.

T lost another tooth right before the extended family Easter Egg hunt.

On the hunt!

What?

Smile!

Just a little swinging break!

CANDY!!!

TIRE SWING!!!

Egg hunting is serious business!

Just the men, hanging out.

One proud, happy Papa!

Starting to collect the eggs... Thanks Grammy!

Celebrate Easter

I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that He died for my sins. I know that He is my Savior. My redeemer. I know He will bear our burdens. And, I know He lives! Happy Easter!

Really? Why do I bother?

I loved having my own room as a child. When I had to share with my little sister, we would FIGHT like crazy, jealous hens over the top rooster.

So naturally, I assumed my children are the same way. We have done everything we can to get them their own space. Even their own room.

Except R and T. They have to share. We got a bunk bed, tented off their respective beds and called it good.

It doesn't really work. Yeah, they fight. But the reason it doesn't work is not what you might think.

THIS is why it doesn't work ...

Yup, that is R and T sound asleep on the floor. Their room is the open door on the left. But for some reason, they like to have "sleep overs" in J's room (the open one straight ahead). So, instead of their comfy beds... they choose itchy carpet and cold, hallway tile for their night time slumber.

Really?

Ten things you never cared to know, but will be so glad you do...

My Blogging Buddy, Diane, sent me some blogging love in the way of a tag… So I get to tell the world a 10 things about myself.

1. I love the smell of little (clean) babies… especially their breath when they are new born.

2. I love the Disney movies and Disney "type"... not the animated ones, the ones that are made for teenagers. You know, the real cheesy ones. I have been to known to even cry at a couple of them. Oh – and the Nickelodeon shows too – those are great. (I know, I know, you don’t have to say it)

3. I hate toothpaste. I only use it because I have to. I think it is so disgusting -- so foamy and slurpy. YUCK. Hubby brushes our kids teeth.

4. Sometimes I still get scared about what might be under my bed, so I jump to it in order to prevent the unknown from grabbing my feet.

5. Once, when I was preggy with my first child, I woke up wet. Sure that my water had broken, we hurried into Labor and Delivery. My "water" was just fine. So humiliating.

6. I have to pull my hair over my ears while I sleep so spiders don't crawl in them. I can't sleep if my ears are uncovered. I guess I will never have short hair.

7. I make faces at security cameras. ATMS, elevators. Where ever I see them (and when I am alone) I can't help myself.

8. I can not dance. AT ALL! I have absolutely no rhythm. Still, when I am alone, I manage to find my groove and work off a few calories.

9. I have a freckle inside my left pinky toe.

10. I am really glad I have four boys and one girl and not one boy and four boys… no roof is big enough for two women… let alone more.


Consider yourself tagged if you have already eaten breakfast, are still in your PJs or desperately need a shower! :-)

If cleanliness is next to Godliness, then I am in trouble!!

My house is always messy. That would be M.E.S.S.Y.

And you know what? I hate messy. When things are clean I feel happier, prettier, skinnier and more creative. I like stuff to be clean and in its place.

Instead? MESSY!

Now I am not talking about a few toys on the floor or a sink full of dishes. I am talking about dirt, trash, LOADS of smelly-beyond-all-reason laundry, fruit-fly inviting dishes, sand in the carpet and food on the tile.

Like I said- MESSY!

In fact, when neighbor kids want to earn money, they know they can come here and I will always have something for them to do. One little girl told me the other day, “I love to clean, that’s why I always come here.”

For a while we had a housekeeper, but we are making every effort to be more frugal. Save more money. That means I have to suck it up. And I really am OK with that if I could just get the hang of things better.

It isn't like I don't ever clean. I feel like I am always picking up or washing something. It isn't as though the kids don't have jobs. They may not be perfect at them, but they have them. And it isn't as though I don't nag the kids to pick up, clean up, wipe up, etc.

Somehow, even with all this, my house gets horribly, horribly messy. And it is wrong. I am doing something terribly wrong.

It isn't as if I don't know how to clean. I am pretty good at it when it happens. I spent hundreds of hours practicing as a child scrubbing behind toilets and under rugs. I just hate it.

A lot.

If I could do it once and not worry about it again for a few days -- hey, even a few hours -- it wouldn't seem so bad and be so pointless. I could just not like it instead of HATING it.

But mostly, I just don’t like doing the same thing over and over and over and over and over just to have someone come make a mess so I could do it over and over and over again.

I know that part of the problem is that I just don't blow my top over little things like spilled milk or muddy shoes. There are just so many things I am going to have to battle my kids over; I don't want cleaning to be one of them. I just don’t care THAT much. I know all the reasons why I should be more of a stickler, but that isn't me. I just want the kids to instinctively know what to do – and actually do it. If I am going to fight with the kids or turn blue from nagging, I want it to be over something of consequence.

And part of the problem is I move at a snail pace and the kiddos (even though they are as sweet as can be) are like tornadoes… there is just no keeping up.

I have been unsuccessful in teaching cleanliness to my children -- without fighting about it. I know that because they have NO concept of a trash can. I have done my best to tell them the importance of aiming into the toilet, using the trash can or dumping sand outside. But I am afraid unless I become a CLEAN NAZI, there is no hope.

It’s just not good parenting. Gone are the days of following a routine and keeping everything in its place. That was only when I was single, on my own. Now? There is no sense of organization. No inkling of cleanliness.

And really? I am feeling quite frustrated by the whole thing.

This whole shopping thing is highly overrated!!!

(Thank goodness for my cell phone camera!)

I mean, really, who can resist that big ole' shopping cart at Costco?
(and yes, she ALWAYS has that bear with her!)

WATER FIGHT!!!

So Saturday, in between Conference Sessions, our neighborhood had a big huge waterfight across the street from our house. It was so much fun! Even though it looks bright and sunny it was actually a cool day for us topping out in the low 60s -- with wind chill!! :) I was safely across the street with my camera...

Here's to the best neighborhood anyone could live in!! Thanks for the fun everybody!

With the cool weather,

some kiddos had to find ways of getting warm!

But all the kids had a blast!

OK -- Take a good look at this kiddo's face.

Have you ever seen anyone having more fun?

And I dare say that some of the adults may
actually have had MORE fun than the kids...

This is my favorite!
This ONE brave woman is taking on at least 5 guys
ALL by herself.

And this one man is trying to stop the all powerful woman who is drenching all the guys!