Busy....who me????

Running.....running......running....
Cooking for the family who will be home while I am gone....shopping for necessities for the family...cleaning...laundry...packing...phone calls...find a doctor in MD...contact financial aid 5 times...writting my report...editing my report....make a million phone calls...have I had time to breathe? nope not yet...take down all the Christmas decore...
We are leaving bright and early in the morning. Church tonight. Pack the car. breathe...say good bye....and take off...for the 1200 mile trek across America to Dom's new home....
Pray for our journey and the hearts of the monsters he will leave behinde.

pie in the face....

We had a contest in Zoom Zone at church. All the leaders were assigned a level of offering the kiddos had to give in order to be able to put a pie in the face. After church Sunday night was the main event. They were $24 short of getting me. 6 leaders went under the 'gun'. The Burrito hated HATED the whole thing! He screamed and cried. Sam's name was drawn out to get Aaron and Amaris' name was drawn to get her dad.

How cool is this???

Not sure you remember....last year I took a quilting class. "Stitchin' Mission" The quilts we made were sent to missionaries for their work. I worked hard on the quilt, praying over every stitch and for the child who may be comforted by it one day. We wrapped them up and sent them off. I thought that would be the end of it....today I recieved an email with these pictures....my quilt is in the loving arms of a boy in Paraguay. (mine is the middle quilt) ;0)

love roots

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:18-19
Roots are established when loving care is given in the growing stages. Love grows deep roots that give power to withstand the storms that life brings. If we can be Surrounded by the support of others who are deeply rooted in love then strength and understanding to grasp the depths of God’s love and blessings for us can be revealed.

God’s love is wide. It touches every part of our lives, custom fit for each one of us. Personally. God’s love is long lasting. As long as we live, walk, and breathe, He is faithful. He will never to leave us. He will never forsake us. His love is high and deep. From celebration and joy to our deepest sorrows and disappointments. He reaches and understands the most intimate places of our hearts. He holds us when we are lost and lonely. He cheers at our triumphs and accomplishments. He weeps with us in our sorrow. He rejoices with us in our happiness. He is ever present...holding us up when we can no longer bare our own weight. Then gently places our feet back on the ground when it is time...

Christmas 2008

So much has been happening since last i posted.
Christmas with the in-laws.
Trudging through the week trying to get last minute things done for Christmas.
Trying to get all the financial aid set up and confirmed for the big move.
Struggling with still not feeling 100%.
This time of year can get to be so hectic and crazy. I had decided early this year I would not get carried away. For the most part I think I have done well in that respect. I really focused the monsters on the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We have talked alot about being givers in this world and not allowing selfish thoughts to carry us away. I am proud of the little monsters...they all have giving hearts, some a bit more giving than others, but still. they amaze me.
I love it when Christmas is quiet and we have no place we have to be. The monsters stay in their new PJ's all day and play, I cook, they graze...nothihng formal. I wish that kind of peace in every household. Don't get me wrong we had our share of hyper, manic, crazy, loud, arguing, crabby, festivities overload. But it was nice not to have to pack them all up and go visiting.
Some things have been happening in the last couple weeks that have pushed me closer to the desire for simple peace to arrive, and take up residence in my heart and home permanently. I have come to the realization of a few things....I can not control how other people see me, I can not force others to like/love me, I can no longer pretend that words spoken do not hurt...cuz they do, they stay in the corners of your heart and live far longer than a bruise that fades in time, I can not expect anyone to stand up and defend me, I can bring peace to my own heart, I can protect those around me, I can be an example of unconditional love and acceptance to my children, I can show them what real love looks like....feels like. I can use my hurts to protect them from theirs.
In this new year....I have no idea what God has in store, but I do know God will lead this heart of mine and I will stand upright and not be afraid.

We must be crazy!

The temperature upon waking this morning was a whopping -7 degrees. with a wind chill of -30 degrees. And we got up got ready bundled the monsters and headed off to church. When we left church after the childrens part of second service our temperatures rose to a balmy -3 degrees with a windchill of -27 degrees. Yes we must be crazy. We arrived home to find our driveway and sidewalks all drifted shut, we had to trudge through thigh high drifts...no lie...waist high for a couple of the monsters! The wonderful smells of vegetable beef stew brewing in the handy crock pot filled the air. This would be a welcoming and comforting smell if we didn't have to pack up and head out again into this beautiful weather for a family Christmas party. So we are off and running into the belowe freezing unbelieveably frigid air to spend quality time with family we dont usually see. I really do love this time of year....would love it even better if it wasnt so blasted cold outdoors!

Decorating dilema solved...

So after hearing it every day multiple times a day from the eldest..."so, when are we putting up the real tree?" I gave in and hauled it out, rearranged the gated community in which the Burrito is free to roam and we began the task of setting up the tree. I stole another idea from Pastor Kevin that made a HUGE difference. I left off the back branches off the tree and slid it back up against the wall. That made for a lot more room. I think it looks nice, the kids think it looks like half a tree. Oh well....at least they have a real tree and now we have a grove of trees this years...

another victm taken prisoner....

This morning I woke to 2 things no mother wants to wake to....one the ice storm we were waiting for yesterday came overnight closing schools and all the holiday last minute hustle has come to a screeching halt. the second thing I woke to was far worse than that! Isaiah has been taken prisoner by those nasty flu germs....this poor kid. I tell you, when he gets sick....he REALLY gets sick. ten times more and ten times harder than anyone else in the house. He never complains, which makes me feel even worse for him. He is a quiet and compliant patient. But, when he is down....he goes down hard, it takes him a very long time to bounce back. I guess these crazy germs held back with Amaris and Lij and saved it all up for Isaiah. Poor guy has his share and then some!

I'm too sad to eat my soup.

So tonight was the night. Dominique could wait no longer he wanted to share his exciting news with his siblings. So....as we all sat around the dinner table som of us eating Orzo and chicken and the sickies eating soup....Dominique says. Guys I have news.....
terror streaks across Elijah's face....he knows, you can tell...
"On January first, New Years Day, I am moving."
I could feel the table shaking, them my leg was trembling, not form my own sorrow but from the sobs coming from deep inside a little 8 year old boys heart.
Nothing mattered any more after the words were out there, hanging in the air. He plopped his little head down on the table and cried his eyes out. We all tried to help him understand that it is not a forever move, Dominique will come home on school breaks and for visits, he wont be gone forever....
after what seemed like an eternity the tears subsided and he just pouted....bigger and harder than I have ever seen before....I rubbed his back. Dominique told him they will do special stuff together while he is home....
I told him to eat some soup....
I can't, I am too sad to eat my soup.
I asked if he had any questions for Dominique...no, I am too mad to talk about it right now.
sigh....
You know, all their lives I have prayed my children would grow up close, loving eachother feircely, cuz really when all is said and done family is what counts in the end, right?
well. my prayers have been answered and now I have a little boy whose heart is broken in a million pieces. I know this too shall pass. But seriously! If you could have been at my dinner table tonight you all would have begged Dominique to change his mind just for Lij!
SIGH!

sick? AGAIN!?!?

Can you believe it??
First the Burrito....then the Burrito again...now Amaris and Elijah....ARGH!
I am grateful for a son who was willing to get up in the wee hours to hold a feverish Burrito while I cleaned up 'messes' all about. He just offered no complaining. I am proud of the man he is becoming!!
I am grateful for a good friend up the street who randomly stopped by with a gator ade and some popcicles for the sick little monsters!
I am grateful for the small moments like kissing a little friends hand before she boards the school bus.
I am grateful this bug that is floating in and out of my monsters seems to be weakening upon entry of each little victim.
I am grateful for Lysol, toast, gator ade and gingerale.
I am grateful for moments of loving encouragement from far off friends who just seem to know the right times to call.
even in the midst of these nasty germs....I am grateful!

BUMMED. that's what I was yesterday. Actually that does no justice for how I really felt. Not only was I sick but I had to miss my favorite field trip ever. What makes it even worse is the fact that this year was a special year. back up. explanation of trip...
Every year our kids at the elementary school work very hard to raise money and bring in food. At the end of 2 weeks we adopt a couple families. 4th graders are the Bank. counting all the money. 3rd and 6th graders get to take all the money, break down into groups, assigned to an adult, given a list with a family members name and what they need or want on it. We go to Target and shop. These kids are serious about this shopping expedition bargaining for the best deals. stretching those dollars to the max. I love going on this trip. Experiencing the goodness, generosity and joy of the kids from our school reaching out to love others warms my heart. This year, Lij and Isaiah got to go and for the past 3 years I have been looking forward to going with my boys together. I had Dominique ready to babysit the Burrito and was ready to go. Until the Burrito got the pukes and was up all night then I got sick too. Seriously, I was so disappointed I actually cried. Real mature, I know but I can't get this memory back. I can't recreate it tomorrow when I am feeling better. It belongs to someone else now.
My boys had the time of their lives shopping, even though they had to shop for a 12 year old girls, they loved every minute of it.
Lunch of pizza was enjoyed by all, then back to school for the 6th graders to wrap and parents delivered the loot to the lucky families.
Even in my selfish pity party, I can appreciate the joy of the day and am so thankful my kids had such a wonderful experience.
Next year Amaris will get to go. I better not be sick. ;0)

Christmas decorating dilema...

Last March we decided to buy new furniture for the first time ever, with our income tax return. (don't ask Scott the story.) short version is we ended up with 2 couches and a chaise (which I LOVE) but in March who thinks about Christmas and trees and decorating??? not me. hence my current dilema.
I have no place for our 'normal' tree. I turned on the creative juices and came up with what I considered to be a great alternative. I bought 4 pre-lit porch trees from Menards ( they were buy one get one free) and 9 poinsettas from Lowes and decorated the shelves. I love the way it turned out. It looks so pretty.
Then...Dominique came home for winter break....when asked what he thought this is what he said...."it looks nice but when are we putting up the tree?' when I told him we weren't this year for lack of place to put it, he told me he will find a place for the tree and today he thinks we are putting it up. Since he is still snoozing I am not really sure what will happen but am prepared to have 5 trees this year. I will let you know what happens. I offered to put it up in his bedroom. He dedclined. LOL
In the mean time here are the pix of what I did so far.

A road trip and the cheetah girls

My good friend Trudy won tickets to see the Cheetah Girls in Omaha. Since she is a mom of all boys she decided to bless my girls with the trip. We had a ton of fun on the way to Omaha. I intentionally did not tell the girls where we were going. Trudy and I turned it into a fun guessing game, one in which Amaris beat Madison hands down! We decided Madison should dye her hair blonde...nuff said! ;0)
First stop parking for a whopping $10...crazy! Then after a couple wrong stops we finally arrived at the appropriate window to pick up the tickets, after a gentle looving reminder that she is a pastors wife (wink wink) and a little song (victory in Jesus...LOL) we were on our way to our seats.
Note to self...in the future if this opportunity ever presents itself again. do the following...
1. take pain medication I am too old to hang with a million screaming girls all at once.
2. make sure I take Trudy with, she made it well worth the misery!
3. take benedryl to give Madison for the ride home....the ride would have been much more peaceful if she had been sleeping!
4. take Isaiah's ear plugs.
But seriously I loved watching the girls have so much fun...even if my Amaris never shows her excitement I know she was...very excited.
I loved spending time with my friend. and probly talked WAY too much on the way home.
Thanks Trudy for loving my family like we belong to you!!!

I have had a difficult time this year getting into the whole Christmas thing. My heart is heavy and I have not felt like participating in any festivities at all. I was told today to 'snap out of it'. How can you snap out of something that you dont know where it came from. So, I have spent the morning while the Burrito is napping, puttering around the house doing this and that, praying and examining my heart. I relfected on the past couple months, and life in general. It is not so much my personal happiness or lack there of. It is a burden I carry in my heart for the world, for the children and families who are lost and hurting. How dare I stand in the midst of things declaring peace and joy and spending money I really should be saving when there is so much hurt in the world around me. How dare I look into the eyes of this young mother who has lost all hope, who is fighting to win the right to hold her child every night, who has nothing, not even enough hope to make the effort it will take to win the battle she is fighting. I can not tell her it will be OK. I can not hold her hand and tell her to have joy when i am not sure that will happen. How dare I sit on the phone and listen to a hurting friend who has lost everything important to her and speak the words as empty as they sound, it will be OK. How dare I walk down the street in a warm winter coat all bundled and toasty and pass by the homeless person who sits on the curb shivering in the cold, why did I smile and keep walking by, why did I not take off my coat and hand it to her? or offer her a hot meal?
As I plan to walk throught the season of parties and shopping and baking and cookie exchanges and music programs I am preocupied by the pain that lives around me and my helplessness to be the change in the world that will eliminate the hurt. I want to feed the hungry, hold the children, love the lost, fix the broken...but I am only one. The burden is ever growing in my heart, I dont do enough, I am not fulfilling my end.
Upon further examination I find a selfishness I am ashamed to admit. I want to have nice things I want my children to be happy and have nice things, I want to BE loved as I love, I want ...I wanted to go to a cookie party sans kids and found kids there and for a moment was happy mine were not, then the reality of my sickness brought shame. The kids were a joy, brought joy, and I should have brought mine.
It dawned on me...its about family...true honest pure family. Something I wanted desperately to give as a gift to my children and theirs who will come after. Family.
Thats it! The last time I felt the truth of family, unconditionally, never-walk-away, stay-no-matter-what, kind of family my daddy was alive. the smells of this time of year take me back to what I have lost and have failed to provide for my children, hence the need to feed the hungry, hold the children, love the lost, fix the broken. Because we are all supposed to love like family. We are not supposed to harbor bitterness and pass on hurts. we are supposed to love unconditionally forgive always and stay not matter what. I have not done my part, I have not passed on my fathers legacy.
So how do you snap out of that?
You PRAY.
and you pick up today and start a new. and do all the things you were created to do and pray God's protection and love will cover you.
so now, I am snapping out of it....coming around. feeling a bit more festive and forgiving of self.
Family...we would all be a bit better off if we loved no matter what.

the most beautiful tree I have ever seen.

A good friend of mine took this picture in NYC. I think it must be my favorite picture ever.

updates of sorts...

Youngest to oldest today....
The Burrito~ Is doing fantastic! He is making progress daily. Gets into trouble just sitting still ;0). He is beginning to try to mimic words, (so cute) and finally at 15 months old is willing to try to eat 'people' food besides chicken burritos (his all time fav!)
Samuel~ Is doing better in school, making progress with the speech teacher. It is getting easier to translate from 'Samlish' to English. Although I am still a bit confused as to what she means when she says his speech is 'slushy'.
Amaris~ Is beginning to figure out that it is way more fun to obey the house rules than not. Privileges are a fun thing to have and not so much fun to have revoked.
a note on Sam and Am...it is funny how you settle into current reality and tend to forget from where you came. Today, I was in court for CASA and ran into some key people we had involved in Sam and Am's case when they were foster children. On the way home I thought. How far we have come. The Lord has almost erased all the bad memories from our daily lives and it really does feel like we have had them forever. When the judge says to you on adoption day, 'From this day forward it will be as if you gave birth to these children all rights and responsibility to these children are yours as if you gave birth.' or something like that anyway. It is true in those moments your heart is transformed and forever changed.
So today I was thinking of all we went through, all they went through before us...amazing. And I am blessed! It is funny because one of the workers asked me how the kids were by using their 'old' names. I had to think for a couple minutes of who he was talking about, he must have thought I was a nut. LOL
Elijah~ Has been enjoying getting to know his new/old buddy Renn who recently moved back to DSM from Oregon. He is looking forward to basketball, well IF I can get Scott to say yes....we will see.
Isaiah~ Is loving being back in school. He is having some increased numbness and tingling. Some increased motor control issues. Non too significant to require a premature trip up to the hospital but enough to take note and make it a matter of prayer. His pain has increased as well. We have actually had to use his pain meds a couple times recently. Usually he can tough it out but not lately. Please, if you think about it say a little prayer for him. We would like to make it until May at least before we have to go back to the hospital.
Madison~ We live on a perpetual roller coaster with Madison. When she is stable she is an absolute JOY to be around, I mean it. But when she is not stable....she creates havoc everywhere she goes and the stress and tension i the house reflects her moods. We have a long road ahead with her. She is hoping to go out for track in the spring, I am hoping that will help her focus and stabilize. more reasons to pray!
Dominique's semester is coming to a close this week. He is moving home for winter break and then.....deep breath.....we have not told the other children yet so PLEASE...If you read this do not talk to my kids about Dominique. He is moving to Maryland to live with his God Mother and go to school there. I have prayed about this and have peace in my heart. For many many many reasons he needs to do this. I love my son very much and know I must take this step along side him and allow him the chance to try out his wings. Please pray for him to find himself and where he fits in this world. pray for me to continue to support him and allow him to fly, because I know he can doesn't mean I wont miss him like crazy! Pray for Lij his heart is going to break into a million pieces when he finds out I don't know how I will ever console him. He cried every single day for the first month and half of this semester with Dom living right in DSM 25 minutes away. Pray for the other kids too, they will all miss him tons. It just that Dom and Lij have a special bond.
I finally got into the spirit of Christmas and decked our halls. I am glad I did. It always looks so pretty.
I am busy getting ready for all the happenings of the season. shopping, baking, cookie exchanges, time with friends and family. This time of year is difficult for a lot of people I am thankful for what I have. and miss those who are no longer with me.

The Burrito, then and now.

HOLY COW! Time seems to pick up speed and fly by. I have much to update so hang on....
The Burrito has grown so much it is hard to believe when he arrived in our home he was failing to thrive. He was 5 months old, could not hold his head up, roll over, sit up. He weighed only 13 pounds fully clothed. Now just 10 months later that little stinker is running (very cute since he is very bow legged) climbing, getting into mischief at every corner. The pictures were taken the day he arrived, and then just this week. Amazing!

An attitude adjustment and a new friend...

Many of you know that I am not a fan of nursing homes. I absolutely hate going to visit nursing homes. Every year at this time we, as Missionette Leaders at church, take all of our girls to a nursing home to hand out hand-made gifts to the residents and sing for them. I know they love having us, they love talking, they love hearing the songs and many sing right along. Still...I cant help it, some people have that 'end stages of life gift' thing going on, and some don't...I am in the don't category.
So Wednesday night was the night. I must admit all day I hoped the snow and icy conditions would continue so we might not go...MEAN, I know! But true. So admittedly, I had a bad attitude and was secretly hoping the hot chocolate making ladies would somehow not be at church so I would have to stay behinde and make hot chocolate. When we arrived at church we got all the girls signed in and assigned to vans and leaders. Piled into the vans and headed down to the nursing home. Yes, I went...
I have an actual physical reaction to places like that. I think it goes way back to childhood when we spent every single Christmas day going from one VA Hospital and nursing home to another, the entire day singing delivering gifts we had spent weeks making, always ceramic ornaments we painted and baked. I remember being so sad for the people we visited. All these memories flood my mind whenever I enter one of these places. I think its the smell that takes me back in time. Anyway.
Wednesday night, I saw the people from a new perspective, I saw the sadness, I saw the loneliness reflecting in their eyes as they watched our girls sing. I heard the laughter of a couple residents at the joy the girls carried into the room with them.
And....I made a friend....if you look carefully in the picture, tucked back behinde all the girls sits my new friend. She sang her heart out with the girls, she ordered cookies from the cooks early in the day in anticipation of giving back to our girls. So....I sat. next to my new friend. we talked. I listened. I held her hand. And God whispered into my heart, 'this is why the snow stopped falling, the hot chocolate is being prepared by the hands I have chosen. I had a friend I wanted you to meet.' My friend recently lost her dear husband after 66 years of marriage. She is madly in love with him still and longs to be with him now. I held her hand a bit longer. I listened some more. I dried her tears. and we laughed.She has such a sweet laugh. The time came for me to leave. I hugged my new friend. and thanked her. She does not know it but the gift she gave to me Wednesday night in my least favorite place on earth was far greater than any gift she could have recieved from us, her singing visitors.

dom and his broken face

Well, we went to see the specialist Wednesday. I have decided I will be nice here and just say, we are going to our family doce earky next wek for new xrays to see what is really going on. We can not just let it be. The good news is the swelling is FINALLY going down.He will b sporting the blackened eye for a while but at least he looks more like himself now. He is wrapping up his first semester of College. And preparing for a new chapter in his life. Please keep praying for him.

trying to get in the festive mood

Now that is the tree I want this year!!!
I am trying to get myself in the festive mood of Christmas. Decorating has yet to begin around here. I am having a hard time motivating myself to WANT to decorate. the urge comes and then quickly leaves before I muster up the energy to act on it. I decided to decorate my blog in hope that the feeling would spread. We shall see. I ahve been watching this morning as a new blanket of snow falls covering all that surrounds us. It is so beautiful, well, until you have to drive in it then not so much!

an update and a victory

First an update on my broken son. The swelling is finally going down although the bruising is not so good. He reports the pain is not much better but still refuses any medication stronger than Tylenol. I have been in contact with his advisor at school. She has been wonderfully supportive and is committed to helping him finish the semester strong! What a relief that is! Tomorrow we meet the ENT and find out if they will have to operate to fix his nose, also will examine the cheek bone.
Now for our victory. Today was the day of the hearing with the county administration regarding the re zoning of my Grandmother's home and property. The vote of the board was unanimous in favor of re zoning. no one contested so it was ruled and confirmed in favor of our request. I wish I would have had a camera when we went to visit her after the hearing. A mix of relief and joy washed over her as we explained what happened. I love my Gramma so much.
final update, I am not allowed to discuss details of any kind but would like to thank all of you who have encouraged me and supported me through my training to become a CASA. I am officially assigned to my first case. I pray God will give me the gift of wisdom. I will update on my broken son tomorrow.

my poor first born has a broken face.

coming out of church I notice I have missed calls on my cell phone.
message one: Mom, um I might be going to the hospital, I think I may have a broken nose, I am FINE don't worry I will call you later.
Message two: UUUMMMM MOOOM, this is Dominique I am at Mercy Hospital, I don't have my insurance card, so I gave them my SS card instead. Don't worry I think I will be fine. My friend is with me. I will call you later.
OK many MANY thoughts went through my mind, he gave me just enough info to say "WHAT???" and not enough to decide how to feel. and of course in my van I had all the monsters accept for LIJ so Madison began her usual reaction FREAKING OUT! I called Scott and told him we needed to pull over and switch vehicles so I could go to the hospital. We pulled over, switched they went home and I began my slide into Des Moines to the hospital, by this time the roads were terrible.
Along the way I called Dominique- who was, after nearly 2 hours still in the waiting room. Of course he was, it WAS the last night of a holiday weekend with snow and Ice to boot. But, when I arrived he was in the back waiting for x-ray. Let me tell you, I was a bit worried when I passed all the crazies who were wiating in line most of them demanding to be seen, some just glaring at my nerve to walk in off the street and go right back. I have to say, when I saw him, he looked awful! Swollen and getting bigger as we sat. Eye turning black. He looked like he was in a lot of pain. BUT craziness overtook him. When they offered him pain meds, he politely declined. I tried to explain he would likely want them as the hours pass and the swelling, swells. He did not change his mind. So, there I sat as the time ticked on watching my first born grimace in pain with every twich, or sensation that crept over his face. Why is it those feelings only occur when you are in pain?
You hear all kinds of interesting stories behinde curtains in the ER. But That Is an entirely different story!
After about an hour of me siting there he was taken down for x-rays. more waiting- watching-listening to the oddities of the ER unfold around me hiding behinde curtains. Dominique's friend napped in the waiting room almost the entire time. snoring I am sure.
Finally the doc arrived. examined. pushed. poked. does that hurt? color drained completely from his face...'uuhhhhggg yeah' was about all he could muster in response. she left. then came bcak. more poking, more questions, neuro stuff. be right back. came back Again. offered pain meds again. no thanks. (the lady next door would have gladly taken all his refuse and it didn't sound like she even needed them.)
The verdict...broken nose! Slight concussion (is that # 5??? yup, I think so) and possible fractured right cheek bone. But the swelling is too much to be able to tell for sure. Are you sure you don't want any pain meds? Maybe I will take some ibuprofen. Sleep elevated, do nothing for 24 hours, call a specialist first thing in the morning they will have to set the nose when the swelling is gone, and evaluate that cheek too. more instructions on bleeding and dizziness etc. no script for pain.
I bought him and his friend food at McDonalds on the way back to his dorm. They both wanted milk shakes. 20 degrees outside and they had milk shakes. Me? I had a HOT MOCHA COFFEE! Then I took his friend home and I arrived home at exactly Midnight.
Talked to his instrucors at the college today. Hopefully he can make up the days classes. Made an appointment for Wed. afternoon to see about the nose, and cheek.
Tonight we went into town and bought him more tylenol and some food and Grape Pop (his favorite). He still looks terrible. Hopefully the swelling is gone by Wed.
So if you think about it pray for my boy and his broken face.

turkey, toxic pukes, quality time with the monsters, and a clean basement.

Friday I decided I was going to just stay home and hang out with the monsters. My brother and Scott went into town to purchase the items required to finish fixing the plumbing issues that arose on the eve of turkey day. So, YAY! No more sludge!
In the afternoon I was going to go into town to buy a couple Christmas trees. (yes I said a couple) cuz when we bought the new furniture I forgot all about Christmas and now a couch sits in the prime tree location. So while I was brainstorming the other night sitting on the couch in the dark at 1 a.m. I thought how cool it would be to have 3 trees all on the tops of the shelving units, THEN pastor Kevin had an even better idea. What about a Grove of trees? I am stealing that idea and making myself a grove of Christmas trees. All with a million lights. I can let the boys decorate one, the girls decorate one, I am excited, well I was until Scott said NO. So, I decided not to go into town. I mean why waste gas and time and fight the crazy crowds to just LOOK. So, I stayed home and Scott and Lij went into town to buy clips for the outdoor lights.
When they returned Scott Lij and Maditude all went up onto the roof to put the lights up. I took pictures only one problem...they aren't on my memory card. MAN! Some of them were so cute! Lij sitting at the very peak of the roof tapping his foot arms gently folded across his chest. Whats wrong bud? nothin' mom I am just eager to get down and see what our work looks like. funny boy!
Saturday I decided it was high time to get busy working on the basement project. Beings that Isaiah is moving downstairs before Christmas. I was busy and hard at work when Scott began yelling at me to come quick...Sam was at it again. Toxic pukes all over the lunch table. Yup...nasty! Obviously, I excused everyone from the table and waived the 'clean your plate if you want a snack' requirement. cleaned, disinfected (with lysol) and started laundry AGAIN! Quarentined the toxic monster away from the non toxic variety. Prayed that it would not spread throughout the rest of us...so far so good!
Scott and 2 of the boys went into town for haircuts.
I finished the basement-phase one anyway.
made grilled cheese for dinner. Cuz lets face it, no one wants to clean up spaghetti from the hallway walls and carpet when it turns toxic. sorry.
Sam recovered yet again. But since he was toxic I had to call my Joy and tell her not to visit. I was sad about that.
Sunday came and everyone was healthy again so I got everyone ready for church and we had a regular kind of Sunday, only this Sunday was completely covered in snow and ice. the beauty of the trees early in the morning...breathtaking, until you have drive on the roads that have only been partially treated. After church I even made spaghetti. I know brave HUH?
Went back to church for the evening services. Through snow and ice and craziness again. we made it safely there and thought about going home early but didn't.
What a weekend!

too cute to pass up!

My Aunt Cindi had this photo posted on her face book. I had to steal it and post it here. Her children Paul, Joy (my favorite babysitter ever!) and David along with Dominique. I think Dominique was about 4 years old in the picture.

bonding over basket ball

Dominique and Lij played a rousing game of b-ball. Lij loves his big brother!!!

wanna share my lolly-pop?

Dominique had a lolly-pop until the Burrito saw...then they had to share...

Thanks giving 2008

bummer...had to call the plumber...

So we had to call the plumber. He is on his way out and PROMISED I would have full use of the kitchen in time to save Thanksgiving...

As if I needed one more thing!

picture this....7pm Tuesday nght.
you go down to the laundry room in the basement and find...
A smell
A horrible smell, like burning hair or something equally awful.
what in the world could it be? no smoke...good! no fire...good.
where is it coming from...
turn off the furnace....just in case...cuz blowing up the house on the eve of the eve of thanksgiving is not on my list of things I'd like to do...
what ever possessed me to open the basement bathroom door is beyonde me. but I did. what I found was horrible. gross. discusting. and whew! not poop. thank goodness for THAT! (the no poop part)
Did I say...
Sludge, black, slimmy, sticky, smelly, nasty sludge. everywhere.
where did it come from? is there more, cuz if so, I am out of here!
Investigation ensues. clean up to follow.
Note! read instructions completely before using professional drain cleaner. it is never good to use it first and then as an after thought read. "cover drain with a screen after adding cleaner as explosion may occur in the drain." WHAT!!!!?????
Talk about Duck and cover.
whew! thank goodness said explosion never happened. But let me tell you I was SCARED!!! Who wants that nasty sludge dripping off their head? NOT ME!
2 hours later....
smells more like an indoor pool. Thank the good Lord for the person who invented bleach!
Now for the test...
run upstairs turn on the dishwasher.
STOP!!!!!!! bubbles arising. EEEWWWWW
bail out the gunk-dump it in the toilet-flush
test two. run upstairs turn on the garbage disposal and water.
STOP!!!!!! more bubbles more rising. more bailing, dumping and flushing. EEEWWW!
test 3. other side of sink. same result.
GREAT. can't use the kitchen. Call Philip....yay! he is coming home for Thanksgiving and will look at it as soon as he gets into town.
shower...cuz that was just discusting!
fast forward to the morning....
wash dishes from last night and today in the bathtub...not fun!
3:15 Philip arrives and I begin to fervently pray the God in Heaven will direct his genius and help him fix my plumbing so I can make thanksgiving dinner....he is down stairs as I type working working working! While I sit up here. PRAYING!

thanks...GIVING

I love this time of year. First, fall is my MOST favorite time of year. The leaves and their brilliance floating gracefully towards the ground. The smell of burning leaves and fire places wafting through the air. The air turning crisp so it cools your insides when you take a deep breath. Wearing big soft sweatshirts and cozy slippers. I Love it, LOVE IT!
Also this is the time of year we begin the great giving project. My kids go through all their clothing and toys. Anything we don't/can't wear, anything we no longer use. We clean up real nice, pack it up and drive it to the local homeless shelters. There are so many out there who need...ALOT!
Also, at church we spend the month of Novemeber collecting food for families who need. Yesterday after morning church we stayed and sorted and bagged up all the food. The Royal Rangers are in charge of the food project. Howard has quite the system going, complete with mathematical equations to ensure each family gets the perfect portion for size...I love it! The kids take a family and bags and begin filling the bags. Soon the entire floor is covered with over flowing bags of groceries for families who NEED. We always include a card of love and greeting and encouragement. Cover all the bags with prayer. This week those bags will be lovingly delivered to families. Families for whatever reason....need someone to God's hand extended. The kids all had a blast working together. Wish my camera was not broken, I would have taken pictures.
There are so many things I am thankful for. One of them is the giving spirit growing inside the hearts of each of my little monsters. Cuz somedays, they are a bit more angelic than monster-like.

ugh! I am not a shopper!

My brother gave me a gift card for my birthday with strict instructions to spend it on myself NOT the Monsters. He knows me well!
I HATE shopping, most especially for clothing for me. Don't get me wrong, given the money, I would shop all day long for gifts for others. But necessity shopping like groceries, clothing or the dreaded undergarment....forget it! I'd just as soon wear rags than endure that!
BUT, since my brother was so thoughtful and so specific about what to spend it on. I fought the urge to buy Madison undergarments, and Dom jeans, socks and boxers, and Lij jeans and...and...and...took a deep breath sucked it up and entered the womens department.
Searching searching searching. Oh yes, I found a multitude of lovely articles tossing each one over my arm lugging them around. trying to remember what color of pants I already have that are not too terribly worn and tattered so I can purchase tops to match. After what seemed like an eternity I dragged my weary self into the dressing room. (here is where having a girlfriend or cousin along would have been handy and possibly even fun, did I say fun and shopping in the same story??) SICK!
Lets just say, gravity age and um 7 children have done this old body NO favors. I am seriously thinking extreme body shaping classes may have to be in my future, but in reality who has time for THAT?. Who knew you could have rolls of chub in such odd places? EEEWWWWW. I hated everything. I have decided something else too...I am renewing my quest for a preventive medicine double mastectomy. By the time I finished the whole 'trying on and tossing' process. I felt like I was swimming...no, drowning in the refuse of misfits and illfitting clothing. Do designers live on a different planet than me? Or am I all alone in the battle of extra fluff?
Bonus I did find a pair of cords and a pair of jeans that have a slimming effect. (no, really it says that on the tag). It must be true cuz I wore the cords to church and a couple people asked if I had lost weight....maybe I should go back and buy one of each color. The only thing I am afraid of is all my chub squeezing up and out over the top of the sliming pants. I mean where does it go when it is 'slimmed' anyway? then I would have a new problem, how to control the overflow?
I FINALLY found 3 outits I thought were not half bad. Paid and RAN for my dear life!
Thanks Philip for the gift. I do appreciate it, I just don't appreciate the process. :0)

pizza followed by some peace and quiet...

AAAHHHHHAAAAHHHH
That could be all I have to say right at the moment. But then you all would be scratching your heads saying what in the world is she talking about??? So I will begin there...AAAAHHHHAAAAHHHHH
Now I will explain. When the monsters got home from school, I had them use the bathroom wash hands and load up the van. We went into town to CICI's pizza for some dinner. If you have never heard of them, they have just about any kind of pizza you could imagine, salad and some pastas. It is buffet style, now usually I am NOT a fan of Buffet style eating, but this is the exception. It is the ONE time I get the kind of pizza I like. Everyone gets what they like and everyone is happy. NICE!
After haveing filled all our bellies with as much pizza as possible we were off to do a quick run through HYVEE to pick up a few odd ball things I forgot to pick up earlier in the week.
THEN....against our better judgement we dropped Maditude off at church to attend a girls only activity. I say against our better judgement not because of WHAT she is doing but because of all the issues we have been dealing with here lately... BUT, if I had any question in my mind about the rationalality of the decision it all made sense within 2 blocks from church....peace...beautiful peace filled the van...even though there were still 5 monsters riding along it was quiet, peaceful, and well....NICE. We could hear eachother speak and understand what everyone was saying, we could even hear the songs playing on the radio. Madison LOVES chaos. She lives it, breathes it, and thrives in the midst of it. The rest of us? Not so much!!
We will pick her up from the church in the morning. When we will all be rested and ready for a new storm of chaos to ensue. Until then, aaaaahhhhhhh peace and quiet will be enjoyed by all who dwell here!
PS....just in case you were wondering....YES I DO LOVE MADISON!!! So please do not go there! ;0)

drops in their buckets

We are but drops in the buckets of our children and youth. My heart has been heavy for the children for some time now. I find myself pondering the plight of the children of today more and more often. I pray for MY generation and those who came before, I pray we find ways to take responsibility for the mistakes we have collectively and individually made at the expense of future generations. The depths of pain living in the youth of today is far deeper than any one person can heal.
Its the little things said and done that will make the difference. You may think, I am only one person what difference can I make....HUGE! We are individually but a drop in the bucket; when something is given or done that seems so small to the giver fills the need of someone else the difference is huge. One drop added to anothers one drop added to another....pretty soon the bucket will be full and overflowing. We can change the course of the future and all generations. We can let the children know how much they are TREASURED and LOVED.
I want to hear their voice....I want to rejoice with them over their achievements...I want to cheer them on to victory...I want to show them the love they deserve to feel and touch and live....I will be a drop in their buckets!
Matthew 25:40 (New Living Translation)
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[a] you were doing it to me!’

what is there left to say?

Some days we just need reminded. Thanks to my Aunt for the email reminder...I needed it today!

Living Life On A Tilt-A-Whirl

Life in the Albers household has taken on the semblence lately of living on a Tilt-a-whirl. It seems there is never just one thing going on at once, not one person speaking and seeking attention alone, no peace, no quiet. Constant motion, constant, fast, hurry HURRY, I need it NOW....
At any given moment you could walk into the house and the scene lying before you would likely consist of Madison demanding everyone's full attention and stomping about irrationally when not promptly given it...Samuel and Amaris fighting over goodness knows what, she looked at me is usually what you find at the bottom of the pile of wound up fury between the two. Lij goes a bit stir crazy when pent up in doors, his inate need to breathe the fresh air and experience all life has to offer his curious little mind in the great outdors is never quite satisfied especially when mother nature has other plans. Poor guy attempted to ride his bike the other day in the wind....fierce wind...blowing him the opposite direction of which he was desperately trying to pedal. Isaiah....well...as long as he is left ALONE to live breathe and create in HIS world, he is fine. BUT he has siblings and living ALONE is just not an option at this stage of life. So he gets creative in his ways to prevent them from invading his space...he builds baracades against the door so NO ONE can get through...the other day he sprayed cologne all over the door knobs leading to his room so when Madison tried to get in she smelled like a guy all day...mad??? you could say that! she was still mad 3 days later....and of course our little Burrito...well, lets just say he deserves a blogspot all his own! ;0)
Some days I can just go with the flow...loving every minute of the large rambunxious family I believe has been gifted to me...other days??? I want to stop the ride and find refuge in some peaceful meadow some where...SANS the kids and their tilt-a-whirl ways. I could be in for a long winter, and since my little monsters do not hibernate....I need to find ways to bring peace and maybe a merry-go-round into our lives!

Adoption Day November 15, 2008

What a wonderful experience we had. The courthouse was filled to the top with balloons and beanie babies. Cakes, cookies, fruit, and many other refreshments were to be enjoyed by all. There was a proffessional photographer set up in one court room taking free family photos, each family gets one free photo and we can order more on line if we choose later. Good thing cuz my camera died in the middle of the proclamation ceremony, so the only pix we have are the ones other people took. The one I have on here is from his Dedication at church on Sunday night.
They had a nice ceremony and the reading of a proclamation declaring the day Adoption day in the fifth district court of Polk county. Then it was off to our hearing. The Burrito stole the show, of course....he showed off his many talents both good and bad. The judge allowed the kids to take as many beanie babies as they could carry. The local news was in the court room and taped our ceremony, showing clips on the evening news. My mother, Uncle Garry Anut Cindi, one of our Pastors, Pastor Bill and our CASA Paula were all there to share in our day.
IF I could have, I would have shared that moment with the world!
He is officially....
ZEPHAN DANIEL ALBERS
now that sounds good!