Adoption Update....sort of...

Well it is March and that is supposed to be the deadline for getting our nephews out of foster care.

And we haven't heard a thing from the social worker.

We talked to my SIL the other day though and apparently she has been getting overnight and weekend visits with her kids. As a former foster parent we know that means they are seriously going for reunification. They do not give the kids to the birth family for overnighters unless they are trying to get them back home.

I am relieved and disappointed but mostly relieved. With these two new girls I babysit everyday, I got a taste of what life would be like with two new kids 24/7. I forgot how much time and effort little kids take.

So for now it appears we will stay a 7 person family. Which is enough for me.

Naked Brothers Band

I almost never HATE anything. But this show I have to say I truly hate.

It premiered this year on Nick. I would link to it but that would increase traffic to their site and thus cause them to think people are searching it out because they enjoy their show and I certainly do NOT want to give that impression.

The actors/actresses are bad. They cannot act convincingly. They cannot sing and yet the entire show is based on their music. The plots are borinnnnnng and poorly written. The stories are not exactly kid friendly. Not to me anyway.

Combine all those together and you get a show that is banned at my house. I watched two episodes to be sure it wasn't just me. No, even my husband, who would watch a plant grow, in real time, if it were on t.v. did not approve of this show. It is bad. I wanted to rip my hair out one piece at a time and stuff it in my eye sockets.

Bad, I tell you.

I know everything

I have my kids convinced that I know everything. Even the older ones wonder how I know some of the things I do.

Like when a kid falls and gets hurt at school and I ask them how their knee is feeling when they walk in the door. They always want to know how I knew. (I don't tell them about the teacher's phone call.)

Or when I ask them what they were doing out of bed the night before and they look at me stunned. "But how did you know..." they stammer. (Don't tell them about the sounds of their footsteps on the squeaky floor). :)

So the other day Mr. Bill asked me a question. In my lazy, not wanting to spend 20 minutes trying to explain it to him way, I just shrugged and said "I don't know." His eyes got really large and he said "I THOUGHT YOU KNEW EVERYTHING!"

So I had to back up and give him the long and drawn out answer. I don't want to ruin the illusion afterall.

And the eyes in the back of my head NEVER blink either.

Where they tell their friends their Mom is a meany...

I finished all the laundry this weekend. Well almost.

I told Becca and Megan that they needed to get their laundry upstairs on Saturday. I told both of them and also said I was NOT going to tell them twice. Either they got it upstairs or I would not be washing it. (Can you tell in weeks past I am the one who ends up hauling it upstairs to sort and then wash?)

On Monday I informed them that they never brought their dirty clothes upstairs and asked them what they thought they would be wearing by Wednesday. They assured me they had plenty of clothes and didn't need those clothes washed.

So today I go in their bathroom and this is what I find:

I know how many clothes these kids have and I KNOW by tomorrow I am going to start hearing... Mom I don't have any jeans...

This is one battle I am going to win. :)

Great Idea

We live in the frozen cold tundra 9 months out of the year. It is cold here. Sometimes 40 below zero.

In the summer the kids go to the park and play and run and have fun. In the winter they are locked indoors with no more space than our 150 square feet of living room to run around in.

For years I have been saying that someone should build a giant clear dome with a huge park inside. So those of us with young kids can take the kids out to the park during the winter. If you are really ambitious you could add a roller skating rink and snack stand. The idea though is that it is just like the park. Parents must supervise their own kids. It is not a daycare. I wouldn't even mind paying a couple of dollars to get the kids in.

Wouldn't it be fabulous? If any of you out there have money and want to do it go ahead and steal my idea. I don't care if I never get rich off the idea. I just want a place for my kids to play in the winter. (Okay so I care a little. But just a little.)

FREE ICE CREAM

(Yes I am screaming.) :)

I found a great freebie! You can get a free 1/2 gallon of ice cream from Blue Bell during your birth month.

Just go here to sign yourself (and everyone in your family) up. It looks like it is good for my Canadian friends too. And they will send you a coupon for a free 1/2 gallon when your birthday rolls around.

Enjoy your free ice cream.

Shocked

Today as I was doing my usual blog reads I found a surprise for myself. Christine over at The Bean Blog gave me an award.

And now the deal is that I have to pass the award on to five of my blogger friends that make me think. This is going to be tough. Only five? Are you sure that is the rule? Okay.

Here they are in no particular order:

Perri at My Life In Bits And Pieces

I love reading about her life with kids and her parenting techniques. She has a strong love for her family and it comes through in her posts.

Tee at Spilt Milk

She has so much on her plate physically and emotionally and yet continues to put on a happy face. She is such a strong person. She inspires me to do better everyday.

Lori at Noggin Bits

She seems to have it all figured out...being a mommy, wife, and getting the right balance. She makes dresses for her daughter and plans cool parties. ;) She often makes me wonder how she does it.

Alison at This Is It!

She has an amazing green thumb and a huge love for her family. I am always interested in reading about both. I am trying to start flower beds here at our house so I learn something new from her all the time.

Katie at Ramblings Of A SAHM
Another Mom who lives a life similar to mine. Only she threw twins in the loop. She amazes me with the amount of activities she and her kids are in. I could only hope to be that organized. And she sews too.

Now you five must pass the award on to five of your blogger friends. :)

Real Mom Meme

I was tagged:

Here is my "real mom" meme.

A real mom doesn't mind being puked on, pooped on, peed on, or used as a kleenex...most of the time.

A real mom picks up the toys in the living room for the 100th time that day and applauds as her 18 month old toddles over and puts one toy in the box.

A real mom drops what she is doing for the day to cuddle with her sick baby to help them feel better.

A real mom plays chutes and ladders 20 times and loses everytime.

A real mom knows when a time-out is needed.

A real mom lets her newly walking child walk all the way to the mailbox even though it takes 10 times longer than if she just picked the child up.

A real mom looks past the mess on the bedroom floor and inquires about the game that is taking place.

A real mom listens to their child chatter non-stop as they drive together to the store.

A real mom takes the time to listen to what their child is saying even if they are yelling it.

A real mom teaches her children how to cope with loss, pain, grief, and pms.

A real mom loves her kids even when they are being the most un-lovable.

A real mom laughs with her kids.

A real mom cries with her kids.

A real mom feels her child's joys and sorrows with them, deeply.

There are so many things that make a mom. I think we are real mom's we just do things in our own ways and that is ok.

Put up your dukes!

(Thanks CuteOverload)

What do you mean spring isn't coming! Them is fighting words! Put em up...Put em up....

Spring

Happy

1st Day

of Spring!

(tomorrow)

(I just can't wait for it to get here!)

(because winter sucks and I want it be over)

(now if the weather would just feel like spring)

(Okay, I am going now)

(Come on Spring!)

What's your trick? *updated*

In the last 4 or 5 years this thing called "getting old" keeps sneaking up and biting me in the butt.

So far the most annoying part of this is that by 1 or 2 in the afternoon I am exhausted. I absolutely cannot keep my eyes open and if I do my vision goes all blurry and I am forced to close my eyes. I take a 15 minute nap (literally, I can't sleep longer than that) and am good to go for the rest of the evening.

I have heard if you eat right, take your vitamins, exercise, blah, blah blah, blah blah blah.... you won't have this problem. I take my vitamin, exercise, and eat fairly (could use more veges and fruits). None of my behavior changes seems to make a difference in my energy level in the afternoon.

Do any of you have any secrets to keeping some energy for the afternoon? And coffee is not an option. I just can't drink it no matter how much cream and sugar I put in it. Cappuccino I could do but since the nearest coffee shop is 30 minutes away that isn't going to happen.

Help me stay awake! What do you do?

***Found this on a website that I was doing a different search on today. How ironic!***

You'll Never Have an Afternoon Slump Again
Here are the foods to eat for instant energy. You don’t need a keg of coffee or a quick sugar rush. Just pack these foods in your bag before you leave the house. I got these tips from Real Age .com.
First, drink water. Sometimes what feels like fatigue is really dehydration. So drink an 8 ounce glass of water, then take a quick walk around the block or the parking lot. The water will re-hydrate you, and even a 10-minute walk can make you more alert and clear headed for 2 hours.
Another way to fight the afternoon slump: eat watermelon. It’s high in sugar so it metabolizes into your system quickly. But it’s loaded with fiber and vitamins A and C so you won’t get the sugar crash that you would from the processed sugar in cookies.
Next, eat Brazil nuts for energy. Just 6 nuts gives you 4 grams of protein and a good dose of healthy fat. Plus they’re loaded with mood-lifting selenium and fatigue-fighting magnesium.
Also try dried dates. They were originally used in the Sahara to provide quick energy to camels. Plus they have potassium which boosts brainpower and makes you more alert.
Finally, eat a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread. It’s the perfect mix of carbs, good fats, protein, and fiber. And it’s brain food. When scientists gave subjects a P B & J sandwich, they did better on attention and memory tests. So to recap: drink water, eat watermelon, chomp on Brazil nuts and dried dates, and pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You’ll have energy to burn all afternoon.

Spring Break

We are on Spring break as of yesterday. Yeah, we got two whole days for spring break. Oh well two is better than none. :)

Today I am catching up on all the things I haven't been able to get done.

I paid the bills and checked our accounts. I must say after three years of acquiring credit card debt it is rather exciting to check our accounts and watch the balance go down. It is not moving quickly but to see any "available credit" is a change for us. I get more excited each month as we are able to pay the balance down. I can't wait to make that last payment!

I am working on laundry. But that is a never-ending story around here.

I set up my final dental appointment, the one where I go in to get 15 cavities filled. I found out they are doing them all in the white filling material. I am soooo glad. I was about to cancel just because I don't want a mouth full of silver. Now I won't. Of course I will pay for it because our insurance doesn't cover the cost of the white ones. Not that it really matters since I found out our insurance only pays 1000 a year and I have an estimate for 3000. Ouch. I am not sure if the payment hurts worse than the fillings.

I am still in the process of switching insurance companies. I know I started this forever ago but since we were paid up until April I decided to wait and switch when our policies ended. I called our homeowners today only to be told they will call me back. Uh huh....sure they will.

I am going to try a new yeast recipe today. Last week I made a raisin egg bread twist. It didn't rise enough and was sort of heavy. I will try a new one today. I found one that you make the dough and put it in the fridge for 2-24 hours and then make the rolls. This one sounds right up my alley.

Well enough rambling. Have a great weekend everyone!

Pillow Talk

Of course it all went well and I am home again complete with Megan and her pillow.

Diagnosis?

My palms are sweaty and my stomach has butterflies. All because I am going to the kids' school to help Megan sew in an hour.

This starting happening to me a few years back. Anytime I have to go do anything I chicken out.
On the View the other day, Linda Dano said part of her depression will cause her to back out of appointments and dates she has made. She sounded so like me. I don't think am sure I don't have depression. So why does the thought of leaving my house make me so nervous????

I have considered that I have agoraphobia (fear of leaving your house) but I don't mind leaving the house WITH someone else, a kid, my husband, etc. I just get nervous when I have to go alone. I soooo never used to be this way. I loved going and doing stuff on my own and trying new things.

Once I get to the activity I am so glad I went. I have fun and the nerves disappear.

When I have to do something like teaching a class, I have no nerves at all. That is a breeze for me. I am weird, I know...

***UPDATED to add: I haven't given up on myself by any means. I am taking steps to keep myself going and doing things. This weekend I went sledding. Normally I wouldn't have. Then today I went to sew even with the nerves. I will keep pushing myself.****

Quilting

I am jumping on the quiliting bandwagon today. Megan's class is making 9-patch quilt pillows (or so the note says) as a part of their Laura Ingalls Wilder lesson at school today.

I volunteered to come in and sew with them and bring my machine. I had to dig my machine out of the cat room and give it a good scrubbing and a test run since it hasn't seen light for ohhhh.....1 year at least. ;)

As I am testing the machine, Megan tells me her teacher told them the more experienced sewers will have to use the kindergarten room so everyone is not stuffed into the 4th grade room. The teacher will be staying in the 4th grade room to help the less experienced parents and the kids.

So Megan says to me, "I guess you will be going in the kindergarten room."

It is nice to know she has so much confidence in me since she has hardly ever seen me sew anything! :)

Easter

Easter is my favorite holiday.

Because they have the best candy....

Like these:

NOT THE ORIGINAL ONES, I hate those. But I found new ORANGE cadbury cream eggs on Sunday. Oy, they are good.

And these are really scrumptious too:

It is a good thing Easter only comes once a year. ;)

Weekend Fun

On Saturday all of us took advantage of the 40 degree weather and the snow. We packed up our sleds and drove to a big hill and spent the day sledding. Of course I forgot the camera so I have no pictures of the fun. We managed to crack three of the four sleds we have. That was a bummer but we are good at sharing so we just kept sledding. We came home totally soaked and tired. It was great fun!

Today I got up and exercised. 1 mile on the treadmill at 5 mph and then 15 minutes of weights and toning. I thought the time change would kick my butt today but I got up and felt pretty good. The kids, on the other hand, really struggled this morning. Becca's alarm went off for over 5 minutes before she rolled out of bed. :)

Today is life back to normal. I miss the weekend already.

A good one

You know how sometimes getting a glimpse into someone else's life makes you realize how good you have it?

Well last night my husband played counselor via cell phone to a drunk relative. He and his wife of a few months were fighting and so he walked to the bar and was now completely shnockered and ranting and raving about his life and how much it sucked. As I sat next to my husband, I overheard the entire conversation because his new cell phone is REALLY LOUD. I had to snicker and shake my head through most of the conversation. Finally at 10:30 I headed off to bed, leaving my husband to continue his counselor gig.

As I layed in bed I realized how good I really do have it. My husband loves me. We don't beat on each other. He doesn't go out to the bar when he is mad at me and get drunk. He goes to work everyday so we have money for the things we need. He loves our kids totally and completely. He comes home every night to be with his family.

Sometimes the simple things are the best.

Crash!

There is nothing quite like the sound of a 5 foot long and 5 foot wide icicle falling off the second story roof of your house and hitting the ground. They could take out a window.

But at least it is above freezing here today. ;)

Dear Mr. President

More Chaos

Yesterday I had a baby.

I am now the proud babysitter for two girls. One age 16 months and one age 6 months.

Needless to say, this is going to take some adjusting. I haven't had two little kids for quite awhile. Yesterday I had to take both of them with me to pick up Mr. Bill from preschool. I forgot how hard it is to carry a baby in an infant seat and one who can walk, but not very quickly, so you end up carrying them both.

By the time I sat down and looked at the clock yesterday it was 2:45. Holy moly! The day just flew by.

Just more chaos to organize...

Ummm?

Mr. Bill: "Mom what does lit mean?"

Me: It means something has a light.

Mr. Bill: "Then why is it called a toy-LIT? (toilet)

Me: Good question.

Bra Shopping

After they opened the interstate Saturday we all headed off into town. It was so nice to see something other than the inside of my house.

After picking up some cat food and other groceries we went over to the mall because we needed to look at bras.

Not for me.

For Becca.

Let me just say this day came way to fast for me. We looked around several stores and were sadly disappointed in the selection of bras for preteen girls. They had underwire PADDED bras. Ummm, what were the men who designed these bras thinking? Let's torment the parents more, let's add some padding? Preteens do not need padded bras.

Thankfully Becca was not interested in those bras just yet. She took two into the dressing room to try them on. For the first time, I was not allowed in the room. I stood outside by the mirrors and waited. She finally came out and handed them to me. She went to look at girls clothes with her dad and siblings while I went to the checkout to purchase her first bra.

After I was done I handed her the bag and we looked around the store some more. On the way out the door I turned and asked Becca if she still had her bag since I hadn't seen it in her hand anymore. Her Dad turns to me and rather loudly yells, "Did you just ask her if she had her BRA?"

Becca whacked him upside the head with the bra in the shopping bag.

Life Lesson #1: Get embarrassed by your parents.

Freedom

They finally opened the interstate today. It has been closed since Thursday afternoon because of the blizzard.
The snow finally stopped falling sometime last night. We have over 3 foot of snow on the ground. Over 5 foot high drifts.

And the cats have been out of food since Thursday night....

(The pictures are from Mar 1 and Mar 3. Notice the mailbox is almost missing in the second picture? And the teeter totter is barely above the snow in the second pic.)

**NO we don't starve the cats. They have been eating dog food. Not willingly...but they are eating...**

Snow Day

Yesterday we took the kids down to Sioux Falls for their dentist appointments. It is roughly 90 miles from our house. The weather was supposed to be bad but their appointment was at 11:00 so we figured if we left early and came home right away we would be good to go.

We arrived at the dentist's office at 10:30. Right as we were getting on the elevator my phone rings. It is the dentist's office calling to see if we were planning on coming due to the weather. I told her we had just arrived and would be up shortly. ;) We finish at the dentist at 12:00 (Only Becca has a cavity. The poor girl got my teeth. She has one just about every six months.)

Of course we must head to the mall for a cinnabon (as mentioned in my previous post). We plan to run in and get a roll and get out. Of course we end up checking the other stores and browsing for deals (THERE IS NOTHING ON CLEARANCE IN FEBRUARY!) I did find a pair of flip flops for Mr. Bill at Old Navy for 3.50 since the pair I bought him last year went missing that same week.

Billy's cousin then called him on his cell at 4:00 and offered to let him stay the night at his house since they are talking of closing the interstate. Ummmm, we need the interstate to get home so we make a run for the car. It is raining in Sioux Falls so I call the 511 weather line and find out the roads are snow-packed, slushy, and have scattered slippery spots.

The ride home is usually about 1.5 hours. Usually....in good weather.... As we drove home we saw two cars in the ditch and a furniture truck as well. The two guys were still sitting in the truck awaiting a tow truck which we saw a few miles later. Then we passed an SUV upside-down on the road. Someone had stopped to help them so we continued on. At one point we were in the passing lane because there was a line of 4 cars in the other lane. There was one car in front of us and he was passing the other cars too. At some point he tapped his breaks and all of a sudden we see the car spinning in circles on the road and then he slid backwards into the ditch. Billy let off the gas and I prayed that he would get off the road before we caught up to him. Thankfully he slid off in time in the opposite direction of the other cars or we would have had at least a 5 car pile-up!

After that traffic thinned so it was easier goings for us. We arrived home safe and sound. And today the kids are out because the blizzard is supposed to continue well into tomorrow.

Next time I am making the dentist appointment for July!

Pure Bliss

Yesterday the kids had a dentist appointment in a city 90 miles away. This same city also has a Cinnabon. If you haven't had a cinnamon roll from this place you are missing out. We stopped on our way out of town and grabbed a box of them. The boxes come with little cups of their delish frosting.

Mr. Bill picked up the little cup, half empty of frosting, and looked over shyly at me. "Can I eat this Mom?" I nodded my head. Surprised, he ran over to me with the cup and held it two inches from my nose. "ALL of this?" he asks again. I nod again.

He skips away, dipping his finger in the frosting goodness.

It is a snow day afterall. (more on that in another post)