Seriously...?

Can I vent a frustration with you all? Of course I can, I have never asked permission in the past, now have I? But at the risk of being misunderstood or insensitive I want to share my angst with you in regard to something I have been looking into.

Andrew wants only one thing for his birthday. A dog. Not a stuffed dog that rolls over due to the sewn in battery pack. Not a cuddly-wuddly, super soft, bean bag puppy that will not shed, poop or be a general nuisance to me.

No, he wants a real, live, breathing, lick-your-face and poop-in-your-yard, kind of dog. I have been completely dismissing this request just as I do when Nicholas says that he wants an IPOD or PlayStation for his birthday. It just ain't going to happen.

But then the old pet lover in me surfaces and I am forced to deal with the fact that I know, FIRSTHAND, that families with pets experience responsibilities, unconditional love, and general happiness that those without never will. It's true people, it just is. I want pets for my kids. I know the value in having one. But being a townie, it is more than a small psychological hurdle for me to say that we are ready for a pet.

Having said all that, Andrew is my baby. And he seriously asks for nothing. He is content to play with a rubber ball and a Doodle Pro for hours at a time. If I could find a small house dog that would bring such joy to his pudgy little cheeks, I may just try.

So, I have been surfing. The Net that is. Within our region there are many pet adoption facilities and I feel that this is the primary place that we should begin looking. Give a home to a dog that needs one. After all this is a leap for me already, not likely that I am going to drop $300 on a dog anytime soon. But my searches have left me disgruntled. Agitated. Annoyed. Frustrated. Down right irritated.

Did you know that there are HOME STUDIES for families seeking to adopt a pet? Did you know that over 1/2 of the dogs listed can not be adopted by families with young children or families with children at all? Did you know that a family must be willing to commit up to a year in serious rehabilitation and puppy therapy? Did you know that although it is an adoption, fees of $250+ are required to actually take a pup home?

Now, here is where I may get some dissenters. I know that it is important to make sure that a dog will be cared for and is wanted. I know that not every dog is a perfect fit for every family. But do these pets need a home or not? Does the fact that we can effectively run a home with four children not count for anything in saying that perhaps...just maybe we can handle a pet as well?

I guess I can say that I tried. I was not looking for a free, pure-breed, house trained, perfect match. I just thought that if we could bring an otherwise unwanted dog into a home full of love...knowing that we may have to take some time getting to know each other and set perimeters for safety for all, that maybe we could make a little boy's wish bring joy to an otherwise homeless pet too.

I guess we will just have to stick with the stuffed canines for now.

Have you ever had a morning like this?

The mornings when upon waking you try and swallow and it feels more like glass going down your throat than saliva.

The mornings when upon waking you stub your toe on the laundry basket that is burgeoning and in danger of exploding beneath the weight of the dirty clothes, all on your way to relieve the pressure building in your bladder.

The mornings when upon waking you realize that you forgot to run the dishwasher last night and now the favorite sippy cup, cereal bowls, and traveling coffee mugs have been sitting in soil for 12 hours.

The mornings when upon waking you semi-consciously make your way to the top of the stairs to call up the kids, only to remember that one of the reasons you slept so little is because they all made their way upstairs in the wee hours of darkness to wake you and are now sleeping peacefully in the spare bedroom.

The mornings when upon waking you try desperately to put off your slumber and crankiness when attempting to wake and dress the children, yet are met with shrill yells, moans, and complete stubbornness---because THEY'RE tired.

The mornings when upon waking you have already gone through a box and a half of Kleenex alerting you to the possible reason why your throat feels like raw meat.

The mornings when you plop out odd sized spoons and mismatched bowls (remember the dishwasher?) only to discover that someone used the last of the milk the night before.

The mornings when your intent was to hug your spouse and say "Good morning", but you realize that everything about that statement is laughable.

The mornings when your children seem to show signs of alien brain transplants and total memory loss when asked to brush teeth and comb hair.

The mornings when finding matching shoes, hats and gloves may as well be a CIA mission to find Osama bin Laden.

The mornings when you gather everyone around, 15 minutes later than usual, to meet at the door for prayer, only to have it be a toe stomping and hand squeezing competition.

The mornings that you push them out the door, will yourself to hug, kiss and wish them well, then scamper back into the house and instead of pouring yourself a cup of the nectar of gods, you simply empty your coffee creamer into the pot and find a straw.

Spooktacular 2008

Pumpkin painting was a hit!

Kate puts the finishing touches on hers.

Shane and Nicholas have big plans.

When Andrew had finished his pumpkins,

Uncle Shane found him a brick to paint.

Elaina does a rainbow theme.

Teamwork works best for Olivia and Evie Jo.

Guess who made this one?

Flip side represents mom's favorite.

All the finished products.

The family of Oz.

Shane and Elaina clowning around.

All the cousins together.

Dorothy and the cute cowardly lion.

Rosie the Riveter.

Shane and Dawn's family.

My sister, Mara, Angel the Panda, Thomas the Dragon

and grandma the retired Playboy Bunny.

Colonel Joey

The Hobo and the Scarecrow.

My three boys.

Should I ask him for a roll in the hay?

Some bingo fun!

Pumpkin catapult.

A little Halloween Plinko.

Now that's scary!

Most of the Spooktacular Gang.

Question of the week?

Chad asks after coming in from the garage and driving the van:

"Why was there Christmas music playing in the van?"



Me, sheepishly:

"Because it was snowing."

Come on, admit it, you know you want to get out the Christmas music! As much as I am all for taking in and enjoying EACH of the seasons and holidays, including the very important ADVENT...I just could not resist popping in Martina McBride's version of, "Let it snow" when picking up the kids this week in snowy conditions. Hey, it is either go with it people--or cry!

Is it really the end of the week?

You want a status report right? I know you are curious. You must be. How could you not wonder what hideous mess I have made of my home and family costumes?

Well let me just say that this week flew by. Any other week an open offer of help from the ever crafty "Auntie Barb" would have been met with nothing short of, "What time will you be here?" However, this week was going to be short and I knew it.

What does that mean anyway? A short week? I mean, we had school, work, regular business all five days right? But my week was filled with appointments, meetings, evening commitments, you name it we did it. You know, all the stuff that seems to make a regular 40 hour work week feel like it passed in a few hours.

The only reasonable way that I could have accepted help would have been to say, "Sure you come down and get to work, I may or may not be present." Not exactly the way I feel comfortable receiving help.

So, with hours waning and much to finish, I trudged on. I think....I think, that I can say we are 85% ready. Why just 85% ready? Well, because even if I think I have everything done, we all know that in the process of packing and hauling it to another town we will inevitably wind up without all the proper accessories. Tights will be forgotten, magic wands could wind up broken, hats could get squished beyond recognition. So, yeah, I am guessing that by Saturday we will be running at a solid 85%. I'm cool with that.

I intended to have some pictures for you. But I realized quickly that hot glue gun, sticky fingers, and picture taking do not mix well. So, I will have pictures AFTER our weekend. I know you are so excited. Please people, prepare yourselves to be disappointed!

What was I thinking?

I have been spray painting.

I have been glittering.

I have been gluing.

I have been searching high and low for odds and ends to make up our Halloween costumes. Of course, I refused to buy them pre-made. I mean, where is the fun in that, right? Right? Because sticking my fingers together with my glue gun has MEMORIES written all over it.

Do you remember something about me? I am not crafty. I can not sew. I have no actual skill in putting together costumes or crafts of any kind. I AM AN IDEA GIRL. Period. I have these fantastic ideas, ask Chad, he knows all about my plans to host beautiful Christmas gatherings, elaborate birthday parties....only to see me turn into a complete basket case as the moment draws nearer and I am unable to bring my ideas to life. I so need a partner in crime.

I need a handy.dandy.sewing.crafting.bring.my.ideas.to.life. kind of friend. Oh yeah, and one that has nothing better to do than succumb to my every whim. Is that really asking too much?

You might think that I am panicking too soon. After all I still have eleven days until Halloween. But remember that fun thing I told you about, Spooktacular? Yeah, that is this weekend. THIS WEEKEND. And from my last assessment, not one of my six costumes is 100% completed. Some are much further along than others, however, two are majorly incomplete.

Now the funny thing is, it is not like I am sewing these costumes. No, I am putting pieces together from FOUND objects. Do not let my panic make you think that I am truly stupid enough to attempt to SEW our costumes! That would involve thread and a needle, I believe, and I am not sure where you even buy that kind of thing. No, I am just spray painting poster boards, funnels, old sweat pants, glittering shoes, making crowns out of ice cream pails, and gluing this to that. Fun stuff.

Anyone want to apply for the position of the handy.dandy.sewing.crafting.bring.my.ideas.to.life. kind of friend?

How great it is

Have I mentioned before how enormously blessed I feel that my kids are able to attend such a great school? I think I have. But repetition can be a good thing, right?

It sincerely is not about bragging. It is not about pointing out differences. It is simply my extreme gratitude for the blessing we have, and the need to share that with others. I am sure that we could all think of a reason why we are profoundly and deeply grateful to the educators of our children.

Here is what has me so happy today. Yesterday I was able to attend the weekly student Mass with my kids. We do every week, but yesterday's was especially SPECIAL.

My Olivia, who in the past weeks or maybe month has begun her journey into reading, writing, math and all things academic, was able to be a part of the Mass. Her first grade class did all of the readings, prayers, and gift bearing. As she brought home her part of the Psalm that she would read, we practiced together so that she would feel confident and courageous when going up in front of not only her peers, fellow students, but in front of many adults as well. She showed such pride, such confidence in her new found abilities, as did all of her little classmates.

It's funny how they seem to be growing up right before our eyes, and yet there is something about seeing them stand behind a lectern to read with a microphone by their mouth that suddenly makes them seems so small.

What thrills me is that she is given this opportunity to use her talents and abilities to first and foremost praise the Lord. To read is amazing. To read His holy scripture is divine. It may be a small thing to many, but to me it means so very much.

Why we're looking forward to November 4th

If you happen to run into us over the course of the next couple of weeks, or if you have already had the pleasure of being around us for the past several, than you have probably already heard Andrew say this: "I'm going to be three in a long time." As he says this he brings his head down with his chin drawn in and his pointer finger raised up in the air. Very matter of factly as though it is a matter to be taken with much seriousness.

His idea of a "long time" is anything longer than this moment. So, in reality, my baby will be turning three in just a few short weeks. You see, despite all of the hoopla surrounding this upcoming election, there is only one man that will get all of my time and attention on November 4th.

Halloween Costumes

So, have you given it the thought and preparation that it requires?

Have you scoured the Internet looking for the most original, most creative, most enjoyable Halloween costumes for your children?

This stuff does not just do itself you know. It requires great planning. Believe me with four little ones...I KNOW.

Usually the kids dictate what they will be. Within reason. I have a few simple guidelines they must follow, such as:

1. It must be warm. Living where we do, froo-froo princess outfits leaving legs scantily clad and arms exposed just won't cut it. If you remember, Olivia was an ICE PRINCESS last year. We work with our weather here.

2. It must be economical. Obviously they can not judge this, but I explain that I am not buying each child a full ensemble to be worn simply for one night of candy begging. Usually I purchase some small accessories which can be added to the items we put together from home.

3. It can not be gruesome, outright evil or sleazy. Again, they do not always get these points, but things like bloodied heads, horror movie masks, slinky teens and any other sort of ghastly figure is strictly prohibited. Instead we lean towards something like Nic's costume two years ago, St. Michael.

Outside of these requirements I try to be pretty flexible to their individual personalities. Each child is so unique that it is fun to see them make suggestions and get excited about the prospect of a little encouraged dress up time. Nic has mentioned wanting to be a clone trooper this year. For him, anything that includes a weapon as the accessory is right up his alley. Olivia definitely leans towards the girly costumes while Katharine likes to be playful. She has asked to be Po, from Kung Fu Panda. Andrew goes with the flow. Meaning that he will be whatever mom puts him in as long as he gets candy.

What I have not told the kids yet, however, is that I have a costume theme that I would like to see them do this year. They do not usually respond well to my ideas in this area, but I am hopeful about this one. I think that their ideas are great, and will probably allow them to be what they want to be for the actual day of Halloween and trick-or-treating. But for our annual trip to the Spooktacular, I am pushing for my family theme. Stay tuned!

Please share your best Halloween costume ideas.

Some of what we have been doing...

So obviously I did not disclose what we have been up to in my most recent post. Just teasing you with what we have not been doing. Well the truth is most days are a busy, joyful blur...and I forget completely to take out my camera and capture any of it for future revisiting. But when I uploaded the most recent photographs from my camera I was pleasantly surprised that in some small ways we had captured the randomness of what our life has been as of late. So here are some things that I have been doing.

1. Helping Andrew find new ways to accessorize with the latest addition to his wardrobe.

2. Getting two beautiful girls ready for school in the mornings. Combing two heads, doing four braids, and dealing with twice the drama.

3. Watching and encouraging this young man as he becomes the best Cub Scout that he can be. Even if that means farming out his uniform to a fabulous young woman who knows which end of needle to thread so that his mother does not have to hide her face in shame because his badges are pinned to his shirt.

4. Stacking bears. It is an extremely strenuous job, but someone has to do it. Bears cannot simply be left lying around.

5. Trying not to panic as my daughter goes up into a small aircraft with her father to get a birds' eye view of our town. In this picture you can see our fabulous park, the gorgeous maple located there turning pink and orange and even a glimpse of our rooftop. Sorry, the new paint job does not show up so well this far above ground.

6. Marveling at the creativity that emerges when my son sits down to a bucket of Lego's. Video games? I think not. This is the best way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon. Can you guess this scene?

7. A parade. I think that's the Vote Yes For Life people right down there.

8. Delving deep into my reservations about craft projects. We all know the limitations of my craftiness. But that does not stop me from pressing on. I must be an example of courage to my children after all. So we kept it simple, fun and beautiful.

9. Fall leaves now line my kitchen window. And I can not think of anything more beautiful I would rather look at there.

10. Digging through my recipe box and pulling out all seasonal recipes. In the mix, I found my homemade---MADE FROM SCRATCH PEOPLE---carrot cake. It is a recipe from my mother-in-law and it is divine. My kids' response, "Who knew carrots could taste this good!" And yes, that is cream cheese frosting.

Just what have I been doing?

What have I been doing with all of the extra time that I have carved away from my blogging addiction habit, you might wonder? Okay, so most of you could probably care less what has been claiming my time. Quite frankly I do not blame you. This is not top of the hour news or anything.

But here are the top ten things that I have NOT been doing with my free time. I will let you guess at or comment with your opinion of what, perhaps, I have been doing instead.

10. Using my endless hours to finally finish War & Peace.

9. Handwriting letters to my relatives telling them of family news.

8. Taking long, undisturbed afternoon naps.

7. Catching up on long ago missed episodes of "What Not to Wear".

6. Hand crafting this year's Christmas cards. (Although that's not a bad idea)

5. Taking the sewing lessons that I need oh so badly.

4. Reorganizing cluttered closets and junk drawers.

3. Reading the bible front to back.

2. Cleaning...everywhere that needs it.

1. Sculpting my body into a fine piece of lean-mean-beauty-machine.