Surviving

Surviving is my thought today. It has been a long while since I've blogged, life with eight children has left me chasing my tail. My husband left for a seven month deployment again so I'm in survival mood. Right now I'm just trying to make it through each day with no major catastrophes.

It is hard to be without him, the kids miss him and so do I. It's hard doing it all myself but there is no other choice. I just have to put one foot in front of the other and make myself keep going. With school being out and everyone at home, its tiring. I could sleep for days, or at least until 8 am would be nice. I have early birds who like to get up supper early and Anthony doesn't stop from the time he gets up until he goes to bed at night.

I plan on keeping busy doing fun things with the kids. We have been cooking and baking and playing a lot of card games. Time passes faster when you stay busy. I am looking forward to taking a trip to Georgia sometime soon and visiting the family.

Tip of the day,

Start a compost its good for the environment and those summer veggies. It will help teach your children that everyone can do their part to save the Earth.

Nolan

Ava and I talked a long time about the past, and her bio parents last night. We talked about adoption, and how choices impact our lives and the lives of others. Why we should never do drugs, because they make you loose everything. I think sometimes those talks are freeing for her to express how she feels about them and lets her express and deal with her emotions good or bad.

Nolan now five and only two the last time he saw his bio parents couldn't have many memories. Could he? This morning I told the boys Ava and I had talked about the bio parents trying to give them an opportunity to express their feelings also. I asked Nolan if he remembered them, and he responded, "Yes".

I asked him what he remembered thinking maybe he would remember the candy bio mom used to bring to the supervised visitation or something he had done at those visits. He responded with, "I remember they didn't want us"..............................

My heart sank to the bottom of my chest. My poor broken child. I least worried about him dealing with loosing parents he didn't remember and being in a safe place for so long now. All I could do was grab him in my arms and hug him. I said, maybe they didn't want you but you know who does. He said yes, "you and daddy".

Tea Party

I have an amazing friend named Lori who I adore. She had a wonderful idea to take the girls to a tea party at Martha's Tea Room yesterday. It was a fun day out spending time with the girls. Tony stayed home with the boys and Princess Bella, and had a hot dog party and Bella was the guest of honor. She even wore her crown for the occasion.

Lori came and babysat the kids last night and Tony and I went to a movie. We saw P.S I love you. GO see this movie. I loved it so much, bring a box of tissues because you will need them. My head ached from crying during the entire movie. It was a love story at its best. It was the kind of move you cried and laughed at the same time. Well worth your time and money. Loved, loved, loved this movie.

Thank you Jesus

After all the kids being sick it caught me yesterday. I felt horrible but today is a new day and I'm feeling much better, thank you Jesus. The kids are all out for the holidays and I can't take care of eight kids sick. We've played games this morning trying to occupy the troops. Duck duck goose and musical chairs was the best. They had fun and so did I just watching them. With Christmas just a few days away everyone is over exited to see what is under the tree. Tony is even in the Christmas spirit this year and has been so exited to share the joy of Christmas with the kids.

I am ready to make cookies and I bought lots of decorations for the kids to decorate them themselves. I am going to make the no bake oatmeal also and Aunt Amy's famous chocolate pecan pie, its to die for. I haven't decided what we are having on Christmas day, but I wanted it to be simple. I do not want to spend all day cooking this year. Tony wants a honey baked ham but I can't see spending all that money on something that's just gonna end up in the toilet....yuck!

Tis the Season

It's been a while since Ive had time to blog. Ive had sick kids for the last two weeks. You name it, we've had it..pink eye, vomiting, Diarrhea, cough, asthma, pneumonia, colds. I am just glad its happened before Christmas so they can enjoy the celebration. Tony and I are so exited to see their faces on Christmas morning.

This what Christmas is all about. God sent his only son, a gift for the world. I always want my children to remember what we are celebrating ,and the reason we give gifts on Christmas. The joy I get from giving is bountiful, and I enjoy every minute of the season. I sent gifts to school with Ava this morning for a needy family. It was a great opportunity to share with my kids how fortunate we are and how God wants us to help those in need. I hope those presents will represent more to those needy children and their single father than just a toy. I hope that they see HOPE, and the love God gave to us through his son Jesus.

Please remember the reason for Christmas this year, and help someone in need. Spread God's love and his sacrifice this year and take joy in giving.

Jewels

Jewels had her kindergarten Christmas Performance last night. She was so exited that we all came to watch her. She had a speaking part. She said she got the part because she talks loud which, we all new already! She did great it was cute to watch the innocence of five year old children. Like the little girl who pulled up her dress to hike her stockings up. Or the one who did the pee pee dance half way through the show. I will get to see a few more kindergarten performances by the time we get through JuJu. My life is full, and I am so blessed that I get to be part of my childrens lives and be there for the many mile stones to come.

Dreaming

Two of my children stayed home from school today "sick". They played and ate just fine as soon as that bus rolled away. I guess they just needed a mommy day. JuJu was actually sick vomiting and from both ends... just how I wanted to spand my day. He was fine all day, but only after he got it all out of his system, all over his bed! Even with sick kids I got a lot done. I cleaned out closets making room for more junk that Santa will bring. When you have a lot of kids like we do your dreams change. Instead of lush vacations or diamond rings I dream of getting an extra hour of sleep and bigger closets, two washer and dryers and maybe just maybe a house big enough to stop tripping over kids. At least for now I dream and sometimes dreams do come true! (wink wink Santa)