Sat.- Sun.- Mon.- Tue You can find Me.........

Recklessly slamming my head into the wall!!! No kidding you stop by my home on any of those eveings...after 8pm. You'd prolly think somone was drying inside of my house...from all my head banging, moans and more! Those night are by far the most stressfull eveings I have! And to boot those are the nights I have my over night kids on top of my own! Those nights cause me to feel like I am having a nervous break down....I have words in my head I never thought I could even come up with on those nights. I have feelings of complete dispair and failure on those nights. I try and try each night to make it different...but alas always the same! On those nights....I grab the pillow and scream into it or if feeling really ballsy I step outside and scream! Its a loud scream to. On those nights you can find me completely calm until about 7:45 when I know the fight is coming. The fight of all fights. The fight many parents have delt with. It's been delt with for decades upon decades. I have advice for everyone else on this fight....and it works for them...heck works for me too....but not on these nights. On these nights...the soon to be hubby is at work which intensifies the fight and the frustration.....hmm have you guessed what the fight is....i bet many mothers have...

Its the age old fight over sleep. The fight for me to sleep.....the fight to get my daughter to sleep!!!!!! She's almost 3.5. And for some reason I have failed in her bed time routine. Everything has worked for my two boys and the countless number of nightly children I keep...but NOT FOR HER! I have tried not letting her take naps...nope doesn't work, I have tried being extra loving, tried letting her wear herself out, tried bribing, tried letting her watch a video, tried being realy stern and steady on it every night. NOTHING WORKS!!! I go in lay her down..thats done and the easy part...but within minutes shes out of her bed...for something or nothing. I put her back and back and back.....no matter which approach I take shes up till at least 11. And up by 5-6am. This is killing me...not because I need the sleep because I am normally up later than that and up at the same time she is...but just the fact that I can't figure her out. I know shes tryign to break me! And each night I stand sturn but oh my gosh!!! I got so desperate.... I know shes okay in her room...nothing to harm her or anything...just a bed and dresser...her toys are kept in the play rooms...so i tied scarfs together and tied off her door so even if she gets up she cant open the door...well.....she took too banging and yelling until somone comes to her door.....and this wont fly...esp on the nights i have over night kids because she wakes them all including an infant! Or she jerks on the door enough times to loosen the scarfs.

Now shes a very strong willed little girl..always has been...she refused to eat baby food....she had to feed herself and is very independent. But, I'm at my wits end. Now here's the kicker....why only those night is she like this? Well during naps and on the other evening the hubby is around....so he does it for me to save my some sanity...heck if she knows he's here and I lay her down shell stay there but its like she knows the nights he wotn be here and does this. I know she's just a little kid....but wow, I need some kind of mediction! lol

I remember when I first became a parent at 15! I was ina moms group and this gal was talking about how she gave her kids more then a single dose of tylonl so he would sleep...and i was htinking wow...how horriable is that...and shes 30 something...i know more then she does.....but I'm telling you...medication sounds awefuly good on those nights. lol

I hate to call it fighting but gosh...that's what it is....I've tried everything and am always consistant..and all my tricks have worked for every other kid I've known or had to put to bed. But, I swear I wonder about her sometimes....I would think she just knows she can do it with me...bt the hubby doesn't spank or anything...just says get into bed...and good night. I do the same thing he does...with her getting up enough times to drive me into a break down. Last night I was at wits end... i took a break and steped into my room and took a pillow and let it all out....feel great...but I look over and shes at my bedroom door...staring at me....then she says "mommy you funny" aAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I didn't have enough energy for another scream. I don't give into her ever...so why after a year am I still being pushed on this issue!

Don't get me wrong...I know some day all these qualities about her are going to develope her into a super strong person but right now I could use some of that strength! I know this happens to many parents...but I'm doing what most of then aren't. I never let her sleep with me or any of those bad habit that cause kids to not get into good bedtime manor...I've always done it the right way...or maybe not the right way but all the ways I knew how to - to ensure children sleep in their beds and get plenty of rest. Just drives me even more insane that she sleeps great and goes right to sleep when the hubby puts her down or when I do it and hes around.

Now there is one large detail that I think i know is the problem but I really have no way to fix it. When I was married before my x always laid her down...it was his and hers thing. She always went right to bed with no problems. It was their special thing...which was great. And I think she got into the pattern of wanting her dad to lay her down...and even now wants her step dad to lay her down at nights (I have full custody and her dad my x hasnt seen her in like a yr) due to financial problems (whoa thats a whole other entry though) But I understand she got into that rythym but for gosh sake I have been pluggin away at this for a yr now and no results! My soon to be hubby works evening 4 nights a week so he CANT be here to lay her down if thats what shes needing....so I'm stuck!

Thanks to all who have read and feel my pain as I feel much better even though I just shared...I feel a ray of hope...and tomorrow the hubby will be home......lol

Santa Letters Again This Year

So, tis won't be long...because it's not what my blog is about but...just letting everyone know I am doing my annual Santa letter. I am selling them on etsy at a sooo low price this year everyone can afford them in this lack luster economy. I have done these for many years and LOVE it!!

Imagine your child sends a letter to santa and gets one back...with magical reindeer food. If interested they are only a buck and 50 cents...check them out.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17383394

thanks a bunch....email me if for some reason you don't think you could afford it but would still like one...and we'll see what we can do....as I want all children to experience this great fun! All letters are custm made for each child and hand written...no two alike!

A Preview Of The Years To Come

So, today was the day we choose to celebrate our two boys birthdays. We did this because one was born on Halloween and the other on Thanksgiving. There for we chose a day in between to celebrate..and instead of 2 seperate parties...when many of the guest would come to both...we combined them.....wow....

Yesterday...I baked two very large cakes....pics will soon be up of those. One was a dino landscape to where I took 2 round cakes...double stacked them...then layed them next to each other and then created a dino landscape including dinos, water, grass, trees and more! Then for my eldest son I make a race track....to where the cards actually went ontop and around the cake...hard to explain but you will see it shortly.

Today...was twice the songs, presents, mess, kids, cleaning, ice cream etc. Now, my eldest son turned 9 or will be turning 9...and om my gosh...how the boys change from last year to this year. I mean I notice it in my own son but..ha....I like flashed forward to where they are all 13 running down the stars...they already sound like elphants.....we were all waiting for the banaster on the stairs to collapse...lol..and they look like little mini men finally starting to grow into their little bodies...lol The hubby went upstairs to check on them all and was up there 20 minutes due to the fact that when 5 of them jumped him....they easily were able to take him to the ground...lol The ate like they were 13...many pieces of cake and dishes of ice cream each...and what completes boys at a dinner table but a belching concert...of which I tried to stop...only to have MY FATHER try to old belch them all....which f course encouraged the whole scene...

This was the frst birthday I saw that GIRLS...were no longer welcome...the boys wanted nothing to do with them...they didnt want to play with them....didn't want them to even watch them nor be at the same table...Taylor was nice because I told him to....but I think next year will be boys only! Lord Help me then.

Then they all wanted to climb trees...my response... "when you moms say its okay for you to break a leg then you can climb"...lol... but I tryly believe I got a taste of what is to come in the future years! And oh my am I in for it...and I have 2! LOL

The day overall was a great one and everyone had a real nice time.....and everyone was very nice and great with me and one another...so I was happy!

Busy Busy Bee

This week although only Monday...seems to be too short. This week i had planned on Saturday to have my 2 boys birthday party. One was born on Halloween and the other on thanksgiving day so we settled the party in between the two. This has become a disaster!!!! When planing this party I was sure I would have been paid by SRS...ha...called last week and they are taking their time processing my payments for the last 3 months!!!! Ahhhhh. So, this leaves me waiting....to see how much funds we do have to spare on this occasion....I handmade all of the invitations....then forgot to send the bulk of them with my son last week or to mail any of them out....I remembered about an hour ago...hmmm and there's no mail running tomorrow...ahhhh and we'll see how many of his friends can make it on less than a weeks notice...

Too short i say...too short on time....i always make the kids shaped cakes....i haven't even decided what I am doing for each of them...let along making a pattern if its a shape I haven't done...heck I haven't even bought the things to make the cakes...decorations, goodie bags....(which is going to be kinda hard...being as I'm not giving everyone very much time to rsvp...ahhhh this is soo bad.....

I used to be the mom who had everything planned months in advance had already gotten everything on discount from some place or another...heck I don't even know if we can afford it or not...well we could but then would be putting off a due bill another week...of which I do not like doing...but we have a very strcit budget..... I don't know what happened to me...oh wait I do...I now spend all of my spare time selling things on etsy for spare funds and then watching other peoples kids...ahhhhh makes me feel like crap that I am soo far behind right now...ahhhh

ok thats it for now..I'll keep you all posted on the turn out of everything...lol

I'm on Etsy NOW!!

So, after some thought and consideration i decided to join the great group of etsy. So, I wanted to let everyone know...don't know how well it will go but I have listed 5 things tonight and plan to list another 10 or so tomorrow....but I was just sooo excited about it all!!! Anyway, I can't wait to see how it all turns out.....even if its not that great...if I could just sell one or two things I'd be elated and I have been searching and think i am going to be offering items no one else is as far as I can see...so we shall see...anyway

If you get a chance or have an interest take a look: my name is sayitsbyu

Like I said only a few items listed tonight but....but will be listing lots more as when we moved...I suddenly got a much bigger house and somehow a smaller scrappin area...that this weekend the hubby decided to put his computer in so we can "be together more when im scrappin" lol...gotta love men...so I am clearing out some things that should be cleared but now I have a reason to sell those great things I create and never get around to using or buy new and then dont use...lol

A New addition to our family- Need your help in naming her!

So, today I was browing the paper...and saw an add....fr puppies...of course the hubby loves small dogs...and I don't really but he's been pratically begging for one...and I saw some fox/rat terrier puppies for only 20 dollars...so I called her...

.....then i went to look at them

.... then i got one and brought her home. You all know how this one goes...but I must amt I too have been looking for another companion to add to our crazy house!

We currently have a large dog and I mean LARGE (she weighs a little over 100 pounds cause she just sits with her age and has some medical issues)....my baby Kujo....shes a lab and I have had her for over 6 years and she's my baby...she is the dog that once say in a bathroom with me fr 3 days while I bled out with no one around....she didn't move...she laid there...next to me curled up on the floor...I couldn't move and later found out I had cancer causing the bleeding and very intense pain from my colon...but gosh I had only owned her for about 5 months at that point...I adopted her when she was like 1.5 and have never thought twice about it...shes kind to kids...very tollerant of all the kids here esp. for her age. She used to sleep in my room but now has adapted to sleeping with my youngest and eldest sons...which I think is great...i love them having that memory of the family pet.

She has been with other dogs but due to some reason or another they have left or something has happened to them...and she remains...but with her aging I really want a dog to be around her...alot...to catch on to her great behavior. So, I brought HER home...i say her because they hubby has not choosen a name for her yet...therefore I thought I'd ask for you all's help....what do you think she looks like.....we like unique names...she has a very spunky yet suprisingly calm temper for her breed and is very sweet...

Already though as I have stated before she is HIS dog and yet I'm the one watching her and such when he's gone...but sh's doing great going outside to potty with only one small accident that we caught before she really had a chance to go....

So, pluck away...anything and everything let me ear it in your comments...

Our family now is the following
Matt 25
Lacey 24
KuJo 8-9ish (black lab)
Taylor almost 9
Desiree 3.5 almost
Landyn Just turned 2
2 gerbils brother and sister that are about 8 months old
and HER - about 8 weeks old

SO NAME HER!! If your name is choosen by Matt then I'll enter you three more times into the drawing I have going on!

So, look at her and name her...many or only one it's up to you...but he's looking for a great name for HER! I feel as though I should mention Matt is very prown to smart butt names or slightlty sarcastic like name...he doesn't want something just cute...lol...it has to be someting witty or odd...lol....so hope you have had mor eluck then i have.

Remember My Giveaways and Freebies

Just wanted to remind everyone that I am currently running some giveaways for some great glittered snowflakes and ornaments...pictured in a post below as well as some great handmade cards for all occasions and handmade patterned envelopes. When you leave a comment you are entered to win both...mention my blog to a friend...and have them mention you....in a comment and you get entered twice...will be giving out a few sets of both of these. Also followers of my blog are entered as well.

Just wanted to remind everyone!

Home Aroma Tips

So, thought I would share a few things I do. Ever since having kids I hate how sometimes someone walks in and htey can just get hit with the smell of a poopy diaper just changed...even when disposed of outside...the smell lingers, or of the dog or just nothingness...so I have found these tips and one homemade one along the way to ensure your house has a pleseant aroma for you and your guests.

So the first one is my fav. but it's one I have done forever. I got to the store and buy the liquid poperi and the matching actual poperpuri..then I put half a bottle in a pan with some of the dry and for me i love apples and cinnamon...so then I also throw in some cinnamon sticks or ground and some sliced apples.....and then just let it get to simmering and then turn to low for about 30 minutes and then off...it fills the house with the best smell...I just lov ethis...then each monring until its gone i turn it on for an hour...and my house has a great smell all day....This also works if you use it in your slow cookers...lol But I always try to add some fresh things to the small....like oranges or apples...

Next these are some i have read or just do

-make fresh coffee
- candles
- bake cookies- not a ton...just a batch
- bake a frozen pie...smells great...no work and there's ur dessert
- fabreeze the walls...I do this all the time..instead of spraying in the air...I spray at a distance on the walls and curtians so the smell doesnt just settle on the floor...lol
- Buy those gel scents...things you like...then put them in the bottom of the trash can...under the bag.....or other hidden places where smells get overwhelming.
- create a vase of orange peels and such the oils of lemons and limes and oranges give a great scent and are pretty if put with marbles and such for a day or two

Well that's all for now...but just thought I would share some of these

One of those days

Today has just becme one of those days you wished you never woke up to.....I dont know how else to explain it other than a big fat dissappointment in soo many way...today I managed to piss off a friend/client (i watch her child)- hmmm maybe thats why they say never mix business with pleasure....manage to get this really nasty lady on the phone when trying to work some things out...and I got the prevlige of speaking with her for over an hour...and then almost nothing got accomplished other than a phone appt. tomorrow. Then i get a call this monring...on my day off from the 4 kids i normall y have all day into the evening...their mom wants me to watch them today...because I asked her for an afternoon off to have my two sons birthday party...and to be frank I dont want her kids at it...let alone have to watch them with 2 cakes, other kids and family and presents...lord I'd hate to do it...so she says willy ou take them for 6-8 hrs today...my day off from them.....granit i still have other kids here...till 6:30 so its more like my night off...and now i dont even get that...then tomorrow i have kids till 8pm and then that leaves me with only thurdays evening as my only night off...ahhhhh and thurday i stuff I have to do that evening...thats not all that fun...so ahhhhhh i'm in just a crappy ---darn icky mood...I go through tese days every now and then but gosh.....its just a slap hitting combo...

Then I have the mom of the 4 girls i keep till late at night call me and say...can you make sur enone of them nap today because last ngiht they were up till 1 am....and i think its cause they napped...well for gosh sake...they have to nap or they wake up all the other kids that do need a nap..and without a nap they are nasty little children...no offense here but they get evil without a nap...and whats even funnier is...i lay them for a nap and they go to bed just fine for me at 8 pm and stay asleep....she just needs to make them lay down...ahhhh

Just one of those days

Christian Finances and Marriage info-PLUS great books for You!

So, thought I would share this. I have been through both of these. The Love and respect series I have actually been through twice and host about 10 times for small group Bible studies. The Financial Peace University i have been through twice.....I strong advocate doing both of these...whether you are doing great in your marriage and finances or on your last leg....They are both truly life savers in more ways then you can imagine.....They are expensive...my husband and I bought both sets as we knew we would want to host them after going through them each...but another option is each have books ava. at your local bookstore and even wal-mart...but the videos are much better and to die for...if you attend church alot of times if you bring it to them...they will purchase it to use as a resource...both are highly praised. The financial Peace also offers alot of info on sight and free worksheets for your budgeting as well...when your purchase it you get a cd full of great resources to help with your budgeting. All are taken from a christian point of view.


Financial Peace University- if you get a chance you really ought to read up on dave ramsey...he knows what he's talking about and has been through alot! He also has a few radio shows.....he's just very wise and easy to listen to even for men. Esp. in this society...GO AND LOOK

http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/

Love and Respect - Owww I can't praise this enough...I still use things I learned in this and love helping other with things I know as well. Men also love listening and watching the videos because they are funny...you will truly be looking at youself going....wow thats me...or gosh that's how I sound when I do that......trust me this is great if your marriage is on its last leg or even just to freshen things up and learn some new things...I just love it and trust me ladies...this isnt one of those where you say..."now you come and listen or read this cause you need to...cause this is one of those to point the fingers both ways" Now you can look at the "learn" in the top and see some of the things....I will also be putting some of these things into my up-coming blogs for those of you who do want to learn more. But you can watch videos of it and read it on-line...trust me GO THERE NOW!! When you look at the learn section start at the crazy cycle...read and then do the mini video...and you'll see what I mean...but remember these are only a small part...he does conferences all over....go to one...it's worth the money!!! And once again he has a book...but the videos give you sooooooo much more!

http://www.loveandrespect.com/

ok below is where you can watch some video clips...very good stuff here gals and guys! Reember these just barely touch the surface of what he opens your eyes to...
http://www.loveandrespect.com/content/weekly_Movies.php?Category=1#

Ok this is also a great books I used it a few times to host some ladies book study groups. It's just great...and really sucks you in. But, ladies these are for you! You'll love them I promise...all are christian books but not preachy...promise.

"Captivating" by John Eldredge and Stasi Eldredge now her husband is the one who wrote the highly acclaimed "wild at heart" this is just great for the men...anyway this book ohh my..I just love it it really makes you feel like she's inside of you explaining things about you being a woman...wife...mother...

" The Power of a praying wife" by Stormie Omartian - now this book oh gosh it's much more than praying...and she also write many other...like the power of a praying mother, and her hubby does ones for the men and such...and I just can't praise it enough...gals I have all of these...ahhh even the men I have given this to actually read them and liked them because they are easy to read.

" And Then I Had Kids: Encouragement for Mothers of Young Children" - by Susan Alexander Yates - ow gals esp you sahms this is great...this woman had 5 kids...and she goes through her troubles and fun and stresses and soo much more......it's just crazy how she talks and can relate to you....

Okay so all of these books can be found on amazon and are like 7 bucks or less and well well worth it for sanity...trust me I have read them all and praise them all. If you have any questions please feel free to ask away.

How come?????

So, my daughter is now about 3.5 and with that wonderful age come the "how comes" Moms you know this one...they want to know how come for everything...so over the past week I have compiled some of my own "how comes" for us sahm's.....enjoy

- How come people who are normally not very nice...manage to be nice and pleasent when they want something.
- How come gossip doesn't stop even well after high school (and how come you take part...think about that...lol)
- How come when you have no money all you can do is think about and find things you'd love to have or really need....then when you have extra money to spend on sweet nothings or wants...you can't find anything!
- How come general manners have become something of the "good ol days"
- How come blogging makes you feel so good....you could easily write the same thing on a piece of paper...whats others reading it and commenting doing other than valadating you...lol
- How come child support goes down the older the child gets...and yet in my expereince the older the child gets the more expensive things are such as food and clothing.
- How come men are in shock and awe when a woman enjoys sports.
- How come coffee makes us feel sooooooo good- even if its decaf
- How come I argue with my kids...when I know its not right or worth the time...
- How come baby poop stinks soo darn much
- How come nothing can happen all day but the moment you sit...the phone rings or a child cries or kids are fighting
- How come when you do finally get those floors mopped and steamed...something has to happen to them within a good 30 minutes of them being complete
- How come a stern voice works for one child and the other appears to be deaf to your words.
- How come you can think of 100 things you love about being in love with him and he gets stumped when asked for one non-sexual/physcial
- How come when you finally find that great thing to do for you...you no longer have those spare minutes to do it
- How come you sometimes love beyond words what you do for your family and other days want out in the worst way
- How come everyone can't have a household helper
- How come some ladies dont want children or could careless about taking care of their children or their actions and you try and try - just to have them and can't
- How come men don't understand the word and meaning of "making love"
- How come people get so defensive
- How come raising our children in this society has to be soo much more tramatice with whats all around them then it used to be.
- How come on the days you do finally get out of the house or have outside plans...the weather sucks
- How come those who don't believe in the Lord as you do feel YOU should explain yourself to them
- How come even if no one wears shoes in your house...things still are all over the floor
- How come there has to be a darn "sock monster"
- How come no one bothers to ask the teen mother anything...but just assumes what they think is correct and just.
- How come the Lord wants us to be there and yet Sunday mornings always seem to be most stressing and hardest all around.
- How come forgiveness is soo hard
- How come our boobs have to deflate alittle after each child.....I mean...really why!!!!
- How come is our world doesn't see that everything has a gray area and its not always as simple and black and white.
- How come moms make being a mom a competetion among eachother
- How come you took a ton of pics of your first child and with each thereafter a few less then the one before
- How come the nights you have the chance to get to bed at a good time...you can't sleep
- How come it's hard to say no
- How come he can check a girl out on tv and when you mention someone being attractive...he takes offense...lol
- How come we as moms...esp. sahms have soo many jobs and no maunals or traingng
- How come going to school when an adult is sooooo initimidating
- How come many hate doing the laundry...but hate it even more if he does try....lol
- How come it kills us that out kids fight among each other soo much...and yet when we fought with out siblings...we were sure it had a meaning and really mattered...
- How come we get a more laxed in parenting with each child...we learn more and yet gt more laxed
- How come kids have to grow up sooo darn fast...esp in todays society
- How come we spend hours/days/weeks decorating for holidays that only last a single day
- How come Men think we think bigger is better...when in many instances that's just not the case

Okay ladies...thought these were some cute, funny and nice things to think about...I'd love to hear your How Comes...so drop me a comment with a few to share with the great ladies that read my blog!

Little nothings-but somethings for HIM

Tonight I thought I might blog about something a bit different. I thought I'd make a little list of great things to do FOR HIM. These are little things...some corny but all will get across to him how much you feel for him and all he does...as often we get in the rut of "talking to" not talking with him...these are all things I have done at one point or another and have gotten great responses from...even if he's a macho man (not meaning that in a bad way but hmm not sure how else to put it...lol...so try one or two out...every now and then...and see what happens.

- Leave a lipstick message ----so this is something of a tradition for me. Every now and then I will leave a personal message on the bathroom mirror (you could also do a bedroom mirror and dont be discouraged of a kids mirror cause it's not a honry message...lol) I normally leave something like the follow......"you still give me butterflies" or "I love you soo much xoxox" or "thanks for all you do" and I have to say ladies he absolutely loves these!!!

- If you don't normally...great him with a big hug, kiss and his fav. drink when he comes through the door...guys just love this!

-Send him a little text...consisting only of words of endearment- such as "can't wait till you get home" or "thinking of you" this just lets him know ...no matter what and how hectic your day is or his...you took a sec. to think about him

- Bake his favorite treat or dessert for no reason at all.

- Fix his plate- meaning instead of him having to get his own plate on those nights you don't eat at the table...get it for him...and bring it to him...if you don't normally do this...this means a ton to a guy! I don't know why but it does...you just don't say a word and bring it to him....it does wonder...I've even had some of my friends boyfriends look at me like I am nuts when I bring them their plate when they are guests....it's crazy how much men are blown away by this! Then when he's done...take his plate to the sink if he doens't want more for the kicker...lol....it's just a great one...

- The respect note-- ok so this is a great one I leared through a very great marriage seminar- you sit down adn really think..and write him a little note letting him know....NOT that your soo in love with him......but how much you appreciate and respect him and love him...then name a few things your are truly greatful for that he does for you and your family...or how hard he works for you all. Then you slip this into his wallet or his luch or briefcase...somewhere he's bound to look... mean knwo that you love them...because your a woman...lol...but they don't always know you appreciate and respect them for them and for what they do.

- When you get ready for bed...or when you are sure to have a good 30 minutes without interruption ( i know...trust me i know how hard this is but make the time if even for only 10 minutes) and sit down without saying a word...give him a neck or back or foot massage..... and ou did it just because.

- Buy him something small and insignificant to anyone but him...when doing the dishes think about it....something small that would spark a memory for him or something he'd love...get it wrap it and leave it on his pillow or next to his towel the nest morning... not on a special occasion but for no reason other than you were thinking of him.

Okay here are just a few of what I have...need more ideas..hit me up.

Now here's the big deal gals--- when you do any of these things....you don't say a word...if you do the respect note...do not...i repeat do not...no matter how much you want to do not ask him the sec he gets home or on that luch break phone call what he thought or if he read it...normally you'll see it without even having to say a word...meaning...maybe he does or sas something to you...but you let him lead the way...or leave it be..most men...not all but most aren't big or great about talking about these things...btu it doesnt mean it didn't mean the world to him...so do it...and then...thats it unless he brings it up...which he might...I have a girlfriend who did the respect note and he came to her and said "wow...did you really mean all that" and of course she sais yes...and he was amazed...since words like this aren't often spoken.

But whatever you do don't use these tricks as bullets...you all know what I mean...as in two weeks from when you do something........dont pipe out..."well I gave you a massage...and then you did nothing for me and im the one here all the time and working and i did something for you and i got nothing!" The point is to do something because you were thinking of him and love him...not to get something in return...and trust me if you do little things like this often 9 times out of 10 you will see little different thins from him as well.

Interested to see if anyone tries one of these...so let me know if you do or if you'd like to see more little somethings but nothings to do for him

Things Your mother never told you PART 2

- Some men like to cuddle
- After being with kids all day and cleaning you may not feel like cuddling
- NEVER GET LIGHT COLORED CARPET OR FURNITURE IF U PLAN TO OR DO HAVE KIDS
- Your children will repeat half of what you say ALL OF THE TIMES YOU DONT WANT THEM TO
- Bigger isn't always better
- You will always need "special time" for yourself each day
- Cheaper almost always is "good enough"
- Your thoughts and actions will rarely get you a thank you card or call but you will stil put forth all efforts as always.
- Blinds, windows and basebords and ceiling fans- almost never get cleaned as much as they should--- but thats okay!
- You can make a mess in the kitchen and get away with it- HE can never make a mess in the kitchen and leave it!
- At some point HE will pass gas....and leave the room- or wave the cover or turn his head and laugh while you breathe it all in ( I personally reccomend wacking him over the head at the first occurance to avoid further ones...lol)
- He will not always show his love and appreciation for all you do for him and your children...but he feels it and you know it.
- You NEVER stop learning once you have children.
- It's okay to step outside or into your room and scream! Who cares who hears...it feel good.
- It's good to have a great heavy duty cast iron skillet...they make great meals and are great head wackers when he steps out of line...hahahah ok that ones just for me!
- Not all women watch soaps...and if you do it's ok..he watches the same thing......their just on at night!
- It's okay to window shop for things you know you will never be able to afford....just because your old doesn't mean can't dream like a little girl.
- It does take a village to raise your children...but that doesn't mean you can take the villages comments without losing it!
- You can do corny sweet things for him to...
- You don't have to be like any other mom on the block!
- It's okay to not wear any make-up or to get your hair done everyday....
- You can eat dessert first
- When you kiss a man that chews tobbacco--be expecting an extra suprise...lol (i learned this one the hard way)
- Sometimes you feel like doing nothing- so do just that!
- The internet can be addicting- esp. as a sahm- but you learn to do things twice as fast to insure thye are done...lol
- It's okay to rant and rave to complete strangers- because sometime...somewhere....someone will be touched and share those feelings

okay ladies here's this weeks set...be on the look out weekly for this.

Gas Prices!

So, i hate to say something...because my big mouth will say something and then...it will go away...but I was blown away today...I went to fill up on gas....and saw gas in down to $2.07 here....I was thrilled....I know they say it may not stay like that but for now at least it will give us a small break on picking up kids and the hubby going 30 minutes to work back and forth each day....

And I am not taking this price for granted...I spoke briefly with my x-husband tonight concerning our daughter together and brought up gas prices....now here's how bog the difference is from place to place...I'm right outside of topeka, Kansas about 45 minutes...he's outside of denver, colorado about 40 minutes. I am paying like I said 2.07 and he said he hasnt seen anything under 2.39 but the avg is around 2.59-2.79. I was in shock that there's was that big of a difference. I realize some may only see it as 20-50 cents but gosh I think we all have seen how those jumps in price can cost us tons more for just living...........not even counting the fun stuff...

anyway, I just wanted to share this little tod bit...if you have a moment drop me a comment letting me know major city you live near....state...and what the avg. price of gas is for you.

Nov. 1st Already

Wow...does anyone else feel as though this year just went by in a blink of the eye......I know people say that every year...and I'm pretty sure I remembered a few months...weeks back when i thought it felt as though some days would never be finished.......but this year just seems to of zoomed by me...and I hate it!!!

But, I do love that it's November...I love this time of year...it means constant decorating for me...lots of card making...in preps for my eldest birthday and thanksgiving and christmas! I love each year making as many gifts as I can for friends and family in order to save a few bucks here and there to spend extra on my close family.

Each year I do thanksgiving......so that's something for me to begin planning and thinking about! I love hosting and love love love cooking and was thinking of trying some new things this year now that we have a bit more space with the new house. If anyone has some cute table toppers that woudl br great to pass along as I normally make eerything including the placemats and napkin holder and name tags....not too many folks come to our thanksgiving but I still doing it up the best that I can!! I'm a paper crafter so anything along those lines are always much appreciated! OWWW and then Christmas..don't get me started there...I'm not huge on gift giving but...I do love this time of year....heck I was singing Christmas songs in August. LOL. I know may of you hate it...but I love the spirit of everyone...the smiles...the giving...everything...more about that later.

So, I already have swept through the house and put away all Halloween decorations...including the horrific front porch area...and started putting out Thanksgiving and general fall items. Love Love Love IT. I love making my house a home......warm and fun and full of great exciting times this time of year...even though we're always broke....we make a little go along way!!! And, if I can get paid by SRS for some kids....that would be the best gift of all....debt paid off....who can ask for a better gift than that!

All, the kids must have been very warn after last night because they all are going on hr 2 of their nap.....Taylor my eldest got a quick learned on taxes today....he got 25 bucks from g-pa for his report card...5 dollars per A. So, we went to the store and he only had 25...and was looking at a 25 dollar toy...and i pointe dout there would be taxe and he wouldn't have any money to pay them...Now before some of you start moaning..."why couldnt you help him out for such a small amount" See normally I do this for him...but today....I wanted himt o add his own...and fig it all out on his own...he's almost 9...which to me means to start getting a good grip on how far a buck goes and how to handle your money...in the end he decided to go to dollar general.....he got 8 seperate toys and have 4 bucks to spare...which he vouched to save for a sodas...lol...I dont carry soda or juice in my house...so these are special treats for him...overall I felt really good about his decisions..he even tested toys with batteries to ensure they worked so he didn't have to buy more...and avoided anything that needed more than one battery so as to not have to buy alot of them...after he saw the cost of batteries.

Ahhhh, I am a bit sleepy....of which I dont know why...the hubby got up this morning and had our kiddos help him clean the house and vaccum so I could sleep in til about 8...which is great...cause I was up at 5 with my 3 yr old...wondering if she got to trick or treat again today...lol...But that was great to be able just to sit there...and he warned everyone not to touch my door...much less enter and cleaned everything in the downstairs-except the dishes...cause even he hates those...kids did the upstairs and all was done before my daycare kids arrived!

So, i have 3.5 degrees and the hubby got his ged and never went to school and with him being quite bored with his job I offered he might look into going to school for smething he's interested in and sent away for a local community college course book...got it today and he's got three things he's looking at doing on-line and I even might take a few....so we're both very excited about that...cause I really miss school and love going to an actual class but my life truly has no time without other peoples children...lol

Well, thats it......for now anyway!

A Very Special Day

So, the days has finally come!!!! It's the day everyone gets to be something their not! Well on the outside anyway! LOL Don't you wish that we could have more Halloween days- not so much for the dressing up and decorating but for the getting to be something you are not! I think there should be a day like this every few months...just to let us all get out of our own shin and into something we can't or don't want to be on a daily basis but might like to try on for size...lol

Today s a big day not only because it's a holiday but also because today my youngest Landyn leaves his baby years officially behind. That's right he turned 2 today!!! My baby is no longer a baby. This saddens me....greatly.....tremendouuly...did I say greatly? This to me just reminds me exactly how fast they grow and change...and while I have adored the changes in Landyn and learned to hold onto and treasure them longer...I still greatly miss the stages that have passed! I think this is partially why I love doing preschool for other folks kids....I love the age between a year and 3yrs....these years just give me great joy. There's so much learning and discovery...granted there's also alot of fits, tears, emotions, drama and all that "great" stuff....but none the less I love it! But, Landyn has been different...i truly believe all of my three kids are dramatically different. What flyed for one did not for the other....what was easy to teach one...was teeth pulling for another...and so on...pretty sure you moms of more than one children know what I mean. But, landyn has been differnt from both of the other two....he's been the one...and I hate to say it like this...but I really feel like I haven't "messed him up" near as much as I had the other two by this age.

I mean come on...parenting is a bit luck, common sense and learning. We experiment with our kids...we learn just as much if not more from them then they do from us. And, Landyn being the third...I knew sooo much more...between parenting my own kids...living life and parenting others children...I truly feel confident with him to this point. LOL Not to say I didn't do my best with the others...but my best has gotten better...lol This may sound insane to alot of you but...hmmm oh well....cause it's how I feel.

For instance any parents of more than one child...have you ever done something one way then then later tried to implemet it on another child...for instance....When my 3 yr old was one and started throwing fits...we had a few forms of taking care of it...maybe popping a hand, time out and so forth...now when Landyn began this I had a designated time out spot...but rarly does it get to that point...for him I just crouch down to his level...be sure he's looking at me and explain..."we dont hit landyn ok or we are a big boy we don't throw ourselves on the floor ok? and he always says okay and then we give love...hugs and kisses and then is great...runs off to play and it has been resolved..........Now...I thought to myself this worked soooo well...lets see how we can do it wth desi...HA HA HA HA HA HA HA that's all I can really say about that....if you try talking to her esp. right after the incident to try not to have to do a time out she just goes nuts...there's just no talking to her right afterwards in efforts to avoid time out. Shes the type who needs a time out/alone time and then...you let her out...then later you come to her and discuss it..she's just too emotional to talk to right after the incident. Just cracks me up....

So, back to this...today he's 2!!! I'm sooo excited.... kinda hard for our family to do birthday parties on the kids birthday.... Landyn is on Halloween, Desiree (desi) is on the 4th of July and my eldest is on Thanksgiving this year and even when hes not hes with in a day or two. And, NO we did not plan this!!!!! Taylor just came way to early....at 27 weeks...desi...ahhhh I think that was from the hubby praying for her to come on the holiday and Landyn...just by chance....lol
But, it has made birthday parties impossiable!!! But we deal!

So, wanted to say Happy Birthday to Landyn!!!!! And Happy Halloween to all of you that participate int he holiday. Thought I would share...Taylor is going as a vampire...at almost 9 he really wanted something spooky not "babyish" this year, Desi is going as a fairy princess...because we had to buy nothing by using all of her dress-up clothes....score for frugal me...and Landyn is going as a dragon (his costume from last year) cause it was way to big last year! I will be sure to post pictures...hmm the hubby decided yesterday he wants out front large porch to be a spooky things...he worked till like 10 last night and will be completeing when he gets home at 1 today....ought to be interesting.....lol....he lost interest and got frustrated last night after he created and bloody scarecrow from smashing pumpkins for the inside of the body and neck...and then pouring spagetti sause on it...lol...then he hung a ton of stuff...well I'll tke pics for you all...cause it's a sight for sure...not sure if parents are going to say cool....or gross...but he was soo excited to do something that I didn't want to stop him...lol

Learned Something NEW today

And that is I very well may be Super woman! LOL hahahaha Not really....but really.

So, last night I got a call from on eof my parents. Her daughter has been out of school and my preschool for about 2 weeks due to an injury. She got thrown off a horse and broke her femur and had lots of complications with how the bone tore through her muscles. She's only 6!

Anyway mom called and said we'd like to try her back in school tomorrow and see how she does at your place...get her back in the swing of things. I'm thinking great...the kids have all been soo concerned and missed her a lot. So, she informs me that she has a mini-wheel chair as well as a mini walker to help her get around...and which would i prefer they have her to school with. Normally we walk since I am about 2 blocks from the school. I told her she didn't need to bring the wheel chair- just the walker and I would come and get her in the car...and have the hubby watch my 2 and 3 yr olds. HA! Ya know I really don't know what I was thinking. I get off the phone and am thinking and going hmmm what a minute Matt's got those darn mandatory meetings tomorrow...ahhhh so that means I will have to take my youngest 2 with me...no biggie just more trouble...lol

Then this monring I am talking to him before he goes to leave....about how I am picking her up and going to have to take all the kiddos...its like 8:30 or so...and he looks at me...that funny are you out of your mind look...I get this alot...so I easily reconize it...lol...He says "if your going to take the car...what do you think I should take to work?" Hmmmm I hadn't thought about that...lol...we have 2 cars but we're broke...lol..so when gas goes into one car for work...then thats all the gas money for the week!!! You other poor folks know what I'm talking about...and if your not poor...i am throw some charity my way will ya...lol

So, we sit thinking...how is this going to work because the little girl is already at school...with only her walker because i told mom no need to bring them both since we're not walking....but she cant walk ...too far in her condition....so he called his mom and she came and gave him a ride...understanding. All is well right!!!

WRONG-WRONG-WRONG

Don't know what I was thinkng but the hubbys messed up schedule really screwed with me!! How was I going to get 2 toddler car seats in the back..one school age kids in the front and then also this poor girl with her bum leg (so she has to sit sideways to support the leg) I soo didn't think this through.

So, i get to the school...half knowing what I am going to do....get all my kiddos and then what do I see....ahhhh the brought the wheelchair and the walker...hahahahahah I'm laughing now but not then.....I'm thinking we could just walk and then everything would be fixed....but I wouldn't have anyway to move my car out of the bus zone then before the end of the day cause hubby doesnt get back till 5.....BOY OH BOY do I miss him working his normal nights...I cant wait till Saturday!!!!!!!!

Sidenote- i was thinking i was dealing with a walker that folded up and could fit in front with one of the kiddos...ha...it doesnt fold....and the wheelchair...i have no clue how to fold or move...and my trunk is slightly full of misc crap!! Note to self: Clean out the trunk!

Needless to say I made it work...I prolly looked like an idiot but it worked....I put the wheelchair in my half open trunk and secured it with a belt i had in there-the walker formed over on eof the kids in the front as somewhat of a cage, the two small ones in their car seats and my broken leg gal sat in the back middle with her leg propped on the center consul...but by gosh...we looked awefully funny trying to get it all fig. out...then were about 10 minutes late for the busy that drops off one of the children.....

Never really knew how dependent I was on the soon to be hubby being here on the days I have all of them, he doesnt do much but heck i now know just being here is alot of help...thank goodness it wasnt a fri or mon though when i have all 12!

BUSTED

Yesterday, was parent teacher conferences. I went in and spoke with my almost 9 yr old son's teacher. He is in 2nd grade. So, I am speaking with her and finding out how he's doing. Overall she's very pleased with all of his advancements and how well he is doing socially and academically. So, I was very thrilled as I also have been seeing these same advancements at home.

But, with that I also have seen a bit of the typical pre-teen behavior coming. So, I asked if she had seen anything like this or seen any of that change in him. I only ask because lately...we've been noticing Taylor having a difficult time knowing where he "fits". We all know how difficult this can be. taylor is at the stage where he knows he doesn't want to play with the 6 and 7 year old and yet the 10-11 year old are a bit too old for him....and we just dont have many surrounding neighbor kids despite it being a small suburban neighborhood in his age range.

So, back to the point....sorry I'm a bit scattered braned this morning...I have far less children.....thank goodness cause I needed today to be nice and easy going! Anywho there I go again...lol

So, she look at me with a slightly sly grin and says well I have seen one incident. I was all ears.....se gets up and walks to her desk.....hmmmmmm

And pulls out this piece of paper. It's blue...rectangle...hmm I know right off the bat it's one of his nightly reading sheets......

She hands it to me....there Taylor has written his name in almost all the slots.....even the one where the books name goes....and what do we have here...where the parent signature goes....there's a name...hmmmm but it's written in crayon....which we never do...sometimes in the hunt for a pen we settle with a marker or pencil but NEVER a crayon...lol

Then I look closely...and this is what I see! I think wow!

Kinda made me think...gosh I thought we were years away from this...but in the same light made me laugh....he was soo innocent in what he did...he actually thought he'd get away with it...and he wrote "Dad".

So, me being the parent I am......I have a slightly different style I guess then most. I came home...before he saw I was in the back door I put this great slip on the front of the fridge...whcih is always saved for excellent pieces of work or really good tries!

Then I proceeded into the livingroom and called Taylor...me and the soon to be hubby sat with taylor and went over what his teacher said she wanted him to improve on and her goals for him this year! The conversation was over.....and i saw "oh by the way...your teacher gave me something of yours that she said was a really nice try...but just wasn't going to fly.....so I put it on the fridge." So, he walks in kinda excied to see what it was....then nothing...he didn't come back in...5 minutes passed....Matt and I walked in the kitchen and he just stands staring at it.....

The look on his face was priceless.....It was the BUSTED look!!! I love being ME!

Things Your Mom Never Told You-part 1

1. Sometimes Men dont want sex! And those are the times YOU DO!
2. Your kids probably will not like you more than they will like you.
3. New recipes aren't always good...or turn out at all.
4. Sometimes you have Sex just becasue...not to make a baby and not because your into in but just cause.
5. Cooking isn't always fun
6. Sometimes lookng really good....hurts really bad
7. Men can sleep around and never hear a word....if you have sex with 2 people you get very un-nice terms.
8. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you have a sweet new baby- theri poop still stinks!
9. Not all moms can handle a bloody head wound without getting woozy--its not something that just comes with being a mom.
10. Not all relationships are 50/50
11. Your monthly visitor will always suck- even if you don't have PMS- it sucks!
12. Shave often and he expects them to be always shaved...shave less often and he's just thrilled when they are shaved.
13. At some point you will want to run away screaming...crying...and maybe even terrified!
14. Staying at home is the hardest job EVER! But you won't get paid or reconized for most of what you do.
15. Not all men are into sports- I went years thinking all men were as nuts as those in my family! Then every guy I ae been with are really not into it much at all....go figure.
16. All men want to be pampered by you! But...may not pamper you in return.
17. If you get a dog for the family...the hubby, the children--don't kid yourself...its your dog! You will potty train it...take it out and clean up after it.
18. You will feel guilty!
19. After having a child...you may not get to shower...eat or sleep
20. Once you go to the bathroom in front of him--you loose a little something
21. You CAN say no
22. You don't have to be nice all the time!
23. It's okay to leave those dirty dishes there...and sit and do nothing
24. Life can turn out great....but it's never a fairy tale
25. Life isn't easy...even if you have a good education...make alot of money...everyone has bumps and bruises from life.
26. If you do something in the begining of a relationship....he's going to think you will do it forever.
27. Plans NEVER GO exactly as planned-but roll with it
28. He can NEVER tell you that you have gained weight....but you can get away with it.
29. Never be sitting when he comes through the door- or he somehow gets the impression that thats all you do.
30. Not all men open doors, put gas in your car, and other small things
31. It's okay to vent, yell, talk, and cry for no real reason at all
32. He will NEVER understand what you go through as a mom-whether you stay at home or not.
33. You don't get married and have a home--you have a house- its your job to make it a home.

ok so this is only part one...will try to do additional parts weekly.

Another Monday

Ok, So I watch other peoples children 7 days a week...but Monday is always the day of kinda happiness for me...why because on Tuesday, wed, thur. I only have children from 5 am to 6pm But with this great happiness of only having my own kids in the evening I deal with 12-13 during the day on monday till about 6 in the evening. Today is one of those "way off" days.

Not only do I have all my kiddos...and by this I mean my full time kids and my pt time kids. But, today I got thrown a bone to also deal with...parent teacher conferences! So, all thekids are out of school...and during nap time I have scheduled 3 p/t conferences. One for my own and two for two girls who's mother could care less to show up to one.....so the teachers asked me to come...since I am with these girls over 60 hrs a week. Hmmmmm

Luckily the hubby is here till 2. Granit he's not much help when he sleeps till 10-11...but he works late hours....so I kinda undestand...hmm ok thats a LIE...I don't get it but am trying to deal with it better. I mean most nights I am up till 12 wating for the girls to get picked up and then some nights I'm up till he gets him at 2 ish...and I still awake and take care of things. So, ya...I really dont get how I can function and make it with 4-5 hrs of sleep.....not that i recommend it but I do it...lol

Today I am hopeful for a good day...everyone kinda had an off attitude yesterday...and I was thinking we'd all get out and rake some leaves and get some fresh very windy air....lol...

I have a very interesting post to come later today.....I thought of it last night and felt very inspired....so be on the look out.
lacey