I've got more to say but...

Just so you know I haven't dropped off the face of the earth...here is a little video I liked.

Thank You Notes

So, God has been dealing with me and my independence. "Thanks, but I've got it." Used to be my mantra. I was raised to be sufficient, to do for yourself, to take care of others, and to not be a burden. The problem is that I sometimes have a problem distinguishing between "being a burden" and "needing help."

Last Monday, Rock woke up feeling a little puny. So, he stayed at home and worked here. Then that evening he had a big region meeting. When he came home, he was more than a little puny, he was sick and in pain. By the middle of the night he was really in pain, as in literally writhing in pain. So we decided the next morning to feed and clothe the kids, and go to the Dr. We were at the Dr. by 10 am, and by 11 am Rock was out of the Dr.'s office with orders to go to the ER.

Okay, now what.

I have to find someone to watch the kids. I can't take them to the ER. Who knows how long we'll be there. So I called one of the lovely young ladies in our church, we'll call her Angel. I didn't give her much time, but since she is such a sweet young lady she was ready in less than 10 minutes, when I picked her up from her house. One problem...she had a play rehearsal at 4:00. Well, at least the kids were taken care of for now.

Off to the hospital, and while on the way, I was making phone calls to Rock's managers, his boss, our pastors, and our family. We arrived at the hospital around 12 pm, and they promptly called Rock in to take his vitals, put him in a room, and came in to take blood and fluids for tests. Then the waiting happened. Rock was so tired and in so much pain he didn't want to talk, and didn't want to be talked to. So, I read a book I thought to take with me, every now and then remembered someone I needed to call, and fielded calls from Rocks phone to his Area Managers.

Wait, who was going to relieve Angel. I'd think about that while I called our neighbor (remember the one who rescued me from my migraine), to let her know I wouldn't be there to watch her son after school. Well, not only did she not need me to watch her son, but she immediately offered to watch the kids. She would be home just after 3 pm, so Angel would easily be able to get to her rehearsal. Okay, kids taken care of. More waiting.

Then the nurse came in and started an IV in Rock. He was extremely dehydrated, and he needed antibiotics because the blood tests showed his white blood cells were very elevated. Next the Dr. came in and asked questions and examined Rock. The first Dr.'s office had done an X-ray, but they decided they needed to do a ct scan. So a little while later they came in and took Rock for that scan. After he returned, it was less than an hour, and the nurse and Dr. were back in to tell us the bad news. Rock had diverticulitis, and had it bad enough that they were going to admit him to the hospital. Okay! Now we wait for a bed and a room. I called our neighbor to let her know that I was going to wait until Rock was settled in a room, and then I would be on my way home. It was 5:00. Not a problem, she was feeding them, and they were playing with her kids. More waiting.

For some reason this time the waiting seemed to go on forever. Around 6:45 I realized that it was going to be well past the kids bedtime before I got home, and our neighbor's sons had school the next morning. So, I called one of our pastors and his wife. They love taking care of the kids. They weren't home, but I left a message knowing they would call ASAP. Around 7 pm my parents called and said they were coming down to help. Around 7:15 our pastor called. It wasn't a problem, they would love to help. So, I called my neighbor to let her know they would be picking up the kids. They picked them up, took them across the street, read them a couple of stories, a Bible story, a Proverb, and put them to bed. And in true Grandparent style, they let Warrior wear his Mr. Incredible costume to bed.

Well, we got Rock in a room around 9 pm (in the maternity ward because the rest of the hospital was full), and they promptly came in, and gave him some pain killer. Nighty, night Rock. I got home, in time to eat something and go to bed.

The next morning, Z-Man's father called. "Did I need him to keep Z-man so that I could take care of Rock?" No, Z-Man is great, and really easy to care for. So as soon as he got to the house, I loaded all the kids in the suburban and headed to the hospital with Rock's stuff to see Daddy. You should have seen the looks on the faces of the volunteers and staff when I came into that hospital with Baby J on my hip and my 4 little ducks all in a row behind me. The kids were perfectly behaved. My parents showed up later that afternoon, and my neighbor cooked dinner for us. Then because my Mom and Dad were there, I was able to spend the evening at the hospital with Rock.

Thursday was pretty much a repeat of Wednesday, and Friday we were able to bring Rock home to actually rest. During this time, I tried to keep people up to date on Facebook, and through phone calls. We had more offers of help than I could accept, and more prayers than I could have ever imagined.

My parents when home on Saturday, since my Daddy had to be in the pulpit on Sunday, but the help didn't stop there. A little later that morning, Angel's father showed up at our house where he proceeded to mow and weed-eat the yard. How's that for a servants heart?

Now, what is the point of this terribly long tale? I wouldn't have been able to take care of Rock, without the generous help of my friends and family. And, I didn't tell you that along the way, I was often tempted to say, "Thanks but I've got it covered." I did say that to my parents, but they came anyway. And even though Rock's illness was not necessarily life threatening, because of the knowledge that I would have more than enough help, I was able to take care of my family.

I can truly say to each and every one of my friends and family, I am so blessed that Christ has given you to me.

Thank You

Proverbs brought to life

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs because it is always timely and true. Whenever I need to correct behavior in my children (or myself), I can always find the words and authority I need in this blessed book of wisdom. This time they came from Proverbs 27:10

Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.(NKJV)

Now, I have a great relationship with my brother and my sis-n-law, but they live 5 hours away. So when I came down with a sick headache on Friday was I ever glad to have a wonderful neighbor nearby.

My headache started as, what I thought was a sinus headache, but quickly turned into a senses dulling, stomach turning, light and sound amplifying, lying on the couch with your face in a pillow and your hands over your ears, hoping that the kids don't destroy the house because you can't stop them, would rather be giving birth migraine. I called Rock, who was in Dallas at a regional meeting, to tell him I had a headache and I might need him to come home. Or, at least I tried to let him know that. I'm not real sure my words were all that coherent, as it hurt to even try to form a complete thought. Then I proceeded to try to get lunch on the table for my children. Well, the room began to sway. Then it began to be covered in purple and green spots. So...I wisely begot myself to the couch, and called on my neighbor.

Me: S___.

S: Well, Hi!

Me: I have a huge favor to ask of you.

S: Sure. What do you need.

Me: Can you come over and put lunch on the table for the kids. I can't get off the couch.

S: I'll be right there.

My darling neighbor came over, fixed lunch - from her own fridge no less - for the kids, changed Baby J's diaper and put him down to bed. All while I lay on the couch praying for sleep or death whichever would come fastest. Now, while this is an awesome act of service and kindness, let us not forget that during the day I have 5 children ages 8-17mo in my care. I am so blessed to have such neighbors and to be able to call them my friends.

Now, lest I forget, let me commend my own children. During the time that I was incapacitated, Professor and Princess kept the younger ones entertained, changed diapers, fixed snacks, and picked up messes. How's that for good kids?

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

It could be termed "cruel and unusual punishment; " the fact that I made 265 cupcakes last night, put them on a table that Baby J can now reach, and then said the dreaded "n" word. And, if you ask Baby J he would tell you that it is indeed torture.

This is what 265 cupcakes look like all laid out on a table.

This is what a 17 month old looks like after being told, "No, no. You can't have the cupcakes."

This is what happens the very minute that Mommy turns her back.

Good thing there were extras.

I'll let him finish it later.

Christmas Day (Catch-Up #2)

Christmas morning began rather calmly. I woke up, went into the kitchen, put the breakfast casserole in the oven (all without waking CarlDog, who was asleep on the sofa), and waited. I didn't really have to wait very long, as my nephews are early risers ( a trait I have successfully trained out of my children). I then began the task of keeping them fairly quiet until the rest of the kids woke up. It didn't take long, and I want you to know that those kids waited very patiently to open their presents until all were assembled in the living room.

Here the 5 older grandkids wait patiently for the adults to assemble...with Bohemian being the last one up.

Then chaos ensued.

I didn't manage to get very many pictures of the kids opening their gifts, as they were all to excited and moving faster than even my SLR digital could comprehend. Plus, I have decided that I like to watch the proceedings without a camera lens between me and the action. Baby J wasn't too sure about all the hubbub, but of one thing he was sure...He now had a ball.

I had to include this picture, because very seldom did we see Baby J and Lil' Spitfire sitting next to each other where one or both were not yelling and/or screaming at the other. We're not too worried as Warrior and Mr. Goldencurls couldn't get along at one time either, and now can't wait to play together.

It didn't take Baby J long to figure out how to use that Batman sword. Bonus: it makes noise (Bonus for Momma: it has an off switch)

Now, I know you are wondering why there is a picture of all the ladies in the house, and the grandkids sitting on top of a big lump. Well, the thing is...my baby brother is a huge night owl. Remember how we played Wii after the kids went to bed. Around 1 am those of us with a working knowledge of clocks and time, went to bed. Bohemian and Carldog...well they were still playing when I woke up at 4 am because of one of my children getting sick in their bed (Poor Warrior ended up with a stomach bug on Christmas day. The rest of us had it a couple days later). After the festivities of the gifts, Bohemian decided that he needed to take a nap. Well, Busybee and I decided that he needed to be up to help coral all the children so that all of the adults could get ready and could get the kids ready before the rest of the family arrived. So, being the thoughtful wife and sister that we are, we recruited the children to come and jump on their Uncle/Papa until he got up. Of course, we couldn't let them have all the fun, and did a little bit of jumping, tickling, and pestering ourselves; and my loving mother, of course, felt it incumbent upon her to also help.

Eventually we got him to this position, and called it good.

Now every year, since I can remember, we get up on Christmas morning, open our gifts, get ready, get in the car, and drive a minimum of 2 hours to my Grandparents' home. It is something I always enjoyed. However, this year my parents and grandparents wisely decided that it would be easier for my Grandparents to drive the two hours, than it would be for our family of 13 to pack up and travel. (Yes, 13 people in my parents 1900 square foot house. 7 adults, 6 children all 8 years old and under, and 5 dogs. It was fun. Honestly.)

Now, most people would panic at the thought of suddenly having to cook Christmas dinner for 20+ people (my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and their offspring came later), but I have this little demented side. I think I could kick Martha Stewart's uppity little tush when it comes to entertaining. It may not be as fancy and formal, but the food will be good, the company entertaining, and I won't be rushing you out the door. I love to have people over, and if it involves a really complicated timetable...Bring It On. So, with help from my Mother and Sister we got dinner served, a little late but served none the less. We opened a few more presents, and generally had a wonderful visit with our family.

Christmas Eve (Catch-Up #1)

In our family Christmas Eve is called Dad's Birthday. The only thing for which my Father asks is that his family be there to eat dinner with him. However, because my brother, Bohemian, is a Youth Minister, it can be difficult to get us all there on that day as Bohemian usually has Christmas Eve services at his church. For some reason churches expect their ministers to be at the church when they have services. Go figure. I digress. I also got off subject. So, we all managed to be there this year, and it was way fun.

I spent all day cooking for Christmas day, and my fantastic Mother and Sis-n-Law, BusyBee, spent the day helping me and keeping the kids and dogs out from underneath my feet. The kids played, the adults visited, and pretty much a good time was had by all.

After dinner, but before bed time, we allow the kids to open one present...that present is (drum roll) pajamas. And believe it or not, it is actually a present that they kids look forward to getting. Then of course we have to put them on the couch for that all too important group photo of the grandchildren. After 15 or 20 (million) attempts at getting all 6 of them to look in the general direction of the camera, we will manage to get at least one passable picture.

Here they are! Aren't they cute?

Lil' Spitfire, Professor, Baby J, Warrior, Mr. Goldencurls, and Princess

And being the very sophisticated family that we are, we had to get a picture of all of them sticking their tongues out. Because we are very proud parents.

Now, all the kids got really cute pj's, but I think that Baby J's took the cake.

Nana-nana-nana-nana. Nana-nana-nana-nana. Batman!



complete with cape!

Now, of course, after all the frivolity of getting to open presents, and getting to change into new pajamas, the kids are very calm and ready for bed. And everyone who believes that...we now know you do not have children.

How many grandkids can you fit into an expandable ball? The world may never know, but you can fit 4 into this one.

Here Professor and Baby J "help" CarlDog work on his computer. For those of you who do not know, CarlDog is my adopted brother. Not legally, but who needs papers when your family!?

Here Grandpa and Mr. Cash Pugface try to help Mr. Goldencurls calm down for bed. Mr. Cash was a new addition to our family this year...he made himself right at home...and what's more we all loved him.





Now being the wonderful grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles that we are we did play Wii...

After the kids went to bed.

The Sweetest Words

The sweetest words in all the world are

"I u u"

Especially when spoken by this face.

For those of you who do not speak toddler, he said

"I Love You"