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

In A Fit of Kindness-freebies for you frugal ladies

I am cleaning out a ton of my scrapbooking stuff....i have a ton...like 30,000 sheets of paper just to give you a hint as to how addicted I am...lol

Anyway to the point when we moved I got a much smaller area to scrap in. Much bigger house but...smaller scrap area. This week I have been promising myself to get some things cleaned out...through my trading group on yahoo and donating....so I decided this would be the donating part.

I have went through a ton of my handmade cards and if anyone is interested in rec. some of them please shoot me a private email to sayitsbyu@yahoo.com I used to sell these but really dont even have the energy to sell them at this point...but if you'd like an assortment of handmade cards to have.....esp. you frugal ladies>this is a great freebie...shoot me a line with an address and I'll send some your way...I have a very large assortment of themes from holidays to sympathy cards to offer.

So, ya shoot me a line and help me help you...you get some great new handmade pro looking cards that I sell for around 8 bucks a piece and I get some space for other goodies!

sharing-home notebook-budgeting- organizing

Thought I would share this link. It has a ton of great things and forms for a frugal or not frugal home. I use alot of these sheets in m own home notebook...if you have any questions feel free to ask.

http://organizedhome.com/how-to-make-household-notebook

Lacey

More about me and what I have been through-just a chapter

So, hmm after todays earlier post I am a bit more at ease...and felt inspired to share a bit. A bit about me....but really it will be more than a bit...because....well because I like to write and they always turn into mini-books.

So, where to start....lets start at the begining of mommy-hood...thats far less complicated....kinda. So, I am living proof of two things...you can loose your virginity and use protection and still get pregnant. I know because this great justice happened to me when I was barely 15!

It was obviously by accident (im not one of those girls who looked to get pregnant or the fun o being a mom) to someone I barely knew anything about who was...hmmm far to old to be with someone my age....then again he thought I was 18...that's right I lied...go fig. a teenager lying to a hot boy so he liked her...but come on...Im not blaming him in any way but I really didn't look 18...he knew. I mean I am 24 and still look like I am 15! So, needless to say he was one of those guys when i confided in him after 2 months of never talking (duh cuz he was done with me..but i had those lost hopes of more) so I told him that I was pregnant he said..."hmm i'll take you for an abortion...but you have to pay." ha...every girls dreams...i know...please dont shead a tear of those sweet sweet words. lol Oh and forgot to mention I got knocked up exactly one year to the day of my moms death...hmm kinda an odd fact..but there you have it. I didn't even realize until Taylor was 2 and I was looking through some old journals.

So, I did not have an abortion and although I was adopted I guess I just didn't want to think about anything other than knowing I may be young but due to life issues I had helped raise my younger brother and sister and well.....I just knew I couldnt do anything but keep him. Although I knew it would be terriably hard...my father whom I really hated (hate isn't too strong of a word because really at that point there was alot of very hard feelings) at that point in life...for far more reasons then could be explained here. But He was born...dont worry I am sparing many details here...but trust me it sucked. I will say thought hat i timed my telling of my father and step mother until the week of their wedding...not fari or nice but like I said I was very angry with them both...more on that another time.

I was the first girl to get pregnant at my small town school in 9+ years and small as in i went to the same H.S. my dad went to..lol...my math teacher was he friend in hs...my computer teacher was his teacher...ya...you can only imagine. Everyone knew my last name and my family.

Needless to say I didn't have sex again for a very veyr very long time being scared to death. I mean if God allowed ME the gift of getting pregant they first tiem with protection...hmmmm ya I was scared!

So, Taylor was born...sweet and innocent and the real reason I would not be an utter screw up. Oh ya and he was born at 28 weeks weighing a 1 pound 2 oz within an hour after birth. He spents months in the hospital...each day them saying maybe hed make it maybe not...it sucked. I went to school worked afterwards and was at the hospital after hours. To most 15 yr old I had no life...but it was mine...adn really I had nothing better to do. After geting pregnant I became permanently grounded from anythng and everything....a lack of trust can do that.

I struggled through school....when taylor was allowed to leave the ospital he weighed just over 5 pounds...and was on all kinds of machine and meds. His daycare was crazy...so I went to school 3 days a week...got the make up work the other days. It worked...as best it could.

I struggled with not only being a single mom....a teenage mom, a student....working...taking care of a kid with special needs of being a premie..being a teenager....and having the village (everyone in my house) helping with their opinions...lol...and even at 16 I knew what all of you 20 and 30 and 40 smething know...it can drive you crazy...just being there and hearing them from time to time..imagine it everyday from 5 diff. people...as at that point the my g-parents and uncle lived with us...oh ya and my dad was re-married then. Stressed isn't a strong enough word! And ten to add insult to injury it seemed after I got pregnant at school I started an epidemic because it seemed each month someone was popping up pregnant!

So, your all wondering where the guy is right? Well when talor was born early he was contacted...to my dispair he pretended he didn't know who i was....and when told about taylors condidtion swore im to death...I fig. with that type of attitude...I'd fig. it out on my own...and I did. He was contacted a year later with no better luck and to be completely honest I was scared. What happened if he found out how old I was or his parents found out...he was 21 but...none the less adn they wanted my son...and here i was just this teenager going to school...i was scared he could take him from me...and I couldnt bear with that so I quit trying to make someone feel and think a way I clearly couldnt.

So, did this for 3 year...then moved to Colorado. Went to college while working. Got a great job as an assistant editor at a small town newpaper...while there got 4 degrees...not really because I needed that many but because I wanted to insure...Taylor never went without just because I was a single teenage mom.

So, there's a blip into my world and some of wat I have been through...more to come another evening. But, I will say for any of you whom do have teenagers it's just as hard for them as it is for you to go through..most of the times harder!

But in the end I have never looked back on my decisions and you know it was meant to be. Don't get me wrong there were lots of days I was very lost and without a key and angry and soo many emotions...but...come to find out as I aged and have been a mom 2 other times...I have come to the conclusion that EVERY MOM feels alot of those same feelings. But, it was difficult. Since I was 17 I have been working with pre-teen to already pregnant teens on their actions from getting pregnant and not only being a mom but the results of their bodies not being ready can cause harm to the child as well...such as premature birth! And, I love it and they relate to me well...partially because I am younger and because I think maybe they know when seeing it in life...pictures and all from my body to how small and fragile my poor son was. I know i strike alot of young folks and those that i encounted that are already pregnant I just try to help them and ensure they don't take their actions or their condition or the soon to be life lightly.

I knew it...sounds odd but...the lord was working and helped me through it all long before I knew he was holding my hand.....come to find out I am only 24...and have already battled cancer a few times which has left me with no longer having a chance in hell at having anoter child unless its through adoption...of which I can not afford. But, going through just this has enlightened me to so much. I don't judge others nearly as quickly.

Now, also with this greatness has come the hardship of me still at 24 gettig those looks...only I get them in a bit diff. light now. This is esp. for you 30-40 something parents who get those looks or comments about being too old...lol...and don't worry your not!

Now.....present time...... I get looks of two kinds..... 1. I get the look from those who think my son is my brother...then they are corrected and they say oh you cant be over 25....and I say NOPE I'm not! Or something along those lines...doesn't take long for other moms to ask how old I am and then to know I have a soon to be 9 yr old son... I even had one mom in her 30's with a son the same age as mine look at me and say "wow...so when your 30 he will be 15!" I just smile and say yes..politely...when inside I want to scream "BY GOSH I DID GOOD WITH HIM HE'S A GREAT KID AND GOOD FOR YOU FOR BEING ABLE TO DO THE MATH...YEA FOR YOU" I mean do people honestly think I dont alreadyknow this.....lol. But, i still have to try 10 times harder to fit in or find my place with my sons friends moms. It's hard for them to take me seriously and to be honest I dont associate with many my age because....I was never into clubs, bars or going out...I was a mom...lol And, i really try but I always get alot of those looks once they know I just don't look young...I AM YOUNG.

Now the 2nd look is the one I like but don't really get that often! its the look of "wow good for you" It's those who see what I have surcome and how well my life is...I'm not a go nowhere person...in fact I have parents intrust their child's education to me now...lol...kinda funny how things work out.

Ok, so kids are bathed and asleep ad its time for me to go do the soaking kitchen dishes...the girl's mom is going to be here about midnight...and the soon to be hubby will be here at 11...he gets off work early...so I want to have them done to spend some much need couch time with him.

onc again thanks for reading...

Another Moment in Time to Cherish Forever.HA

"YOUR NOT MY SISTER NO MORE!" I hear screaming from desi's lips s she places a hand on her hips and attempts to mimick stomping up the stairs...she's not even 3.5 yet and yet she has mastered repeating the things she hears from the preschool kids mouths. I have 2 sets of sisters in my home and they very often spit that sentence at one another when upset. She doesn't even realize that makes no sense to say to me...but oh my...my nearves are boiling..I really don't like talking back...but she's at the point now to where she needs to un-boil before tlaking with her or she breaks down in a teary fit to where nothing gets across to her.....

I dont even know what set her off but I truly feel as though i may loose my nuts any minute!!! I don't like disrespect...and have read and watched everything about kids that I can get my hands on...and yet many days out of the week I still feel as though I am at odds with this little girl. She's ohhhhh soo independent and drama..that girl has some drama...about this and that and anythign and everything!!! I remember finding out I was having a girl and being delighted but at the smae time knowing it would be nothing like my first born boy.

Then as a baby she was independent but oh soo sweet. And it's like 2 weeks after she turned 2 and dark light came on...dont get me wrong I love her more than anything...but oh my lord. I remember sitting in stores or out to eat watching a little girl go nuts and htinking oh thank the lord my kids aren't like that...well two weeks after she turned 2...I remember thinking...."WHAT HAPPENED!" Where did that little girl go...and why!!! She throws normal fit....which I try to manage as well as I can but am always ....i repeat always looking for new ways to handle her.....does she need more attention--one on one....more discipline...I just can't get the combo right on her safe.

I don't get what I am doing wrong.....and sometimes I think it's really not me at all......because I have done the same things with all 3 of my kids and my younger son...who is 2 on halloween is just as well behaved as my eldest son was...but i always wonder...will that switch go off shortly after turning 2! ahh I dont even want to think about that.

i know shes a great kids most of the time and yet daily I have those moments to where I find myself thinking "how can i fix this?" Is it the influence of one or more of the older children....can i fix it or just manage it by discliple and letting her know her actions are not acceptable...still working on this as I said...

I hope it gets better with age cause I always thought I'd be very close to her and we have our own bond but......I swear some days she doesnt really like me! I know she doesnt have to like me as I am the mom...but some days wow...I wonder.

I have theories about why she acts the way she does...but none of which can I undo...such as a divorce to her father after 6 years...but oh my...

Just a little rant on the things I work on everyday in addition to everything else in lie!

One of those days

Boy of boy where to start. Today is Sunday...the day of peace right? HA..... Woke up as I always do bright and early to 4 kids arriving. Today they seemed to all be in crossed moods. The baby is somewhat sick and needs her breathing treatments...hmm and some socks and a bottle...all of which mom has neglected once again to bring for her.....I just don't get it. How hard is it to ensure your child is wearing warm clothing, has the breathing machine she clearly needs as you can hear her weezing across the room....and her bottle.

The 4, 5 and 6 yr old girls are all cross because mom said she'd be hear early to get them and then left adn called and said they would be here till after 11:30 in the evening. Not to mention two of them were promise a full day of fun with Grandma but mom canceled due to being upset with g-ma.

My own children also had a rough morning. Desiree for some reason decided to strip her pull-up mid-stream last night and awoke at 2 am with wet underware...then woke up every hour afterwards for some odd reason...thinking it was time to get up....Finally we settled with her getting up at 5:30am. My eldest is almost 9 and just felt like pushing buttons today...not just mine but everyone in the house!

I had - had hope of getting all of the house cleaned, leaves raked and some of my floors steamed today....but settled with a god general cleaning and washing all of the blankets I could find in the house.

Cleaned desirees room...she is one of those girls who will go through a few outfits a day! i really don't get it..but she had clothes scattered not know what was clean or not I decided to wash all of her clothes...while sorting them it became painfully clear that we needed to go clothes shopping for her....not sure where I will squeeze that in...it's a hard choice...go to wal-mart at 1 am when I have no kids or take at min. 7 kids with me...lol We will see what I can work out.

I'd be lying if I said my nerves weren't a bit stretched! Then to add insult to injury...the mom of these poor 4 girls tells me...that shes trying for yet another schedule change.....we just changed it around on the girls 3 weeks ago...poor things......just saddens me that she says she puts thought into these kids but her decision show otherwise.

So, everyone is fed.....one of the girls threw up because she ate far to fast....now she wants more to eat...lol...tried getting them all in 2 diff. rooms watching movies of their choice for a small break...would be just me and the baby...but that did't work...turned into a toy war......toys flying between the two rooms...I just couldnt handle that...i dont take well to disrespecting property.

My daughter has no pants on...running in her flower panties.....the paper is in her own livingroom as we always do so the children dont run over her! She has toys strung everywhere and a few movies pulled from the shelf....lol

Matt gets to come home early tonight...they screwed his schedule for halloween--which is Landyns b-day....so they are letting him come home between 10-11 last night and tonight...which will be nice! But he hasn't called me yet....which is normally the call that lets me talk to another adult for the first time on sundays...lol

Hmm the electricty is flickering because we are having super windy weather...we have a wind advisory for another few hours...I pray it doesnt go out...as I think that my spark utter adrinaline in the kids. lol

Tomorrow will be a very busy day...normally I have 12-13 kids on mon and fridays but on mon and tue the schools are closed for parent-teacher conerences...so I will have all of the kids---all day-even the school age kiddos....I have a great day planed or them all tough...ur reg. preschool and school activites andthen baking some cookies and a puppet show wth out new puppets...so that out to be fun.

Normally my days aren't this stressed but it seemed everyone decided to have something......off with them...lol....and those days are always trying...luckily they only come every few months!

the kids are all sitting peacfully...well as peacfully can be expected with all of them doing crafts...hmmm but i hear paper tearing......no noe screaming though...lol...my eldest is tattle telling that desi is taking off caops t the glue and eating them....did I tell you I changed her today and got glitter and crayon specked poop...hahahahah all i can do is laugh....8pm wont come quick enough...but its time to put away the glue....and get them in the showers.

Something to Share-GIGA Tribe

Thought I would share this. I run a preschool with about 12 kids most days so I thought I would share something for you stay at home moms with toddlers to heck like 4th grade.

There's a group called giga tribe. The link will be below. But on this site you sign up and then gain friends and can download for free all kinda of things. From music to videos to (for me especially) preschool worksheets and crafts, cross stitch and soo much more etc. for free. If you add me I can get my 200 plus friends to add you as well and then you will have a huge array to choose from.

Now there's a free version or you can pay a yearly fee. I do the free for 30 days and then you just re-new it or you can pay. The only difference is if you do the free version you can only download one thing at a time whereas if you have the paid version you can download as many as you like.

Anyway, I thought I would share this...when you sign up just shoot me a comment on here of your user name or invite yourself to me.... I'm sayitsbyu and I will get you a ton of friends with only common interests...that way you only get items you want to look through...but this is truly a great resource for anything from the listed above to recipes, home decor and more!!!!

http://www.gigatribe.com/tour/accueil.php

So, here is the link, just click on the free version at the top of the page...like I said this is great for sooo many resources of finding things and its all for free...and you can chat with the ladies on yor list as well to find what ur looking through or just look through their files. Got any questions...ask and I can help out.

Lacey

Men and their TOYS!!

Ok, so I'm not sure how many ladies reading have men that like video games and anything tech. but, by gosh I have a man that loves is technology. He loves staying on top of it...knowing whats new...even if he knows we will NEVER--I REPEAT NEVER be able to afford it he loves learning all about it!

So, I have been sitting here for hmm about over an hours watching him.....hes been playing a golfing game...I think some tiger woods game on the x-box 360. He's a bit obessed at this point now that he has unlocked everyhting to play tiger. It's funny to me to watch him. He's to the point that you think he's actually playing for 100,000 dollars. hahahahah He is talking to the tv, the controler and himself...even his character on tv.

Don't get me wrong he's not one of those obsessed players who does nothing but play...but the kids are in bed and he's really been busy the past few days helping me...but by gosh...I dont think I have ever seen a girl yelling at a tv, talking to fictional character...although this one is very life-like because he created a charater that looks ironically like himself. LOL But while sitting here I got on the net..and there's like 10 windows pulled up of new tech stuff.....

But, hes really into this type of stuff. Not just games but like I said all forms of technology. I don't know how many times we have gotten him a new phone (luckily always for almost free!) and two days later he's looking at something new that just came out or new ways to add stuff to the phone he has which may ultimately break his phone...lol...none the less he feels the need to always make it do as much as he can or to know exact detaiils of better things that just came out......that there's no way we can afford for like years ...when it has gone way way way down in price! This is the part that drives me nuts. I can get soemthing new and well...I"M HAPPY. I have no need to keep looking right then at something I cant have thats "Better" Maybe it's just me...but when I see him looking at it always kills me!!

I can't explain why...but it does.....I just think to myself....didn't we just get a new game or phone or ipod or something... ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

Am I odd for feeling this way? As its not like hes saying I want this now...but for some reason it frives me nuts that hes always looking for bigger and better....partly because gosh you buy something and within 5 minutes its out of date in the tech. world.

Anyway...looking for some thought on whether or not I am crazy!

Glittered snowflakes and ornament give away

Ok, so after some thought I have decided to give 2 Lucky people some great glittered chipboard snowflakes and ornaments.

All you have to do is leave a comment on my blog.....refer others to leave a comment. On Dec. 1st I will draw 2 names from the list of those who have commented as of todays date. Maybe more if there's alot!!!

Now here's how this works...if your refer someone to my blog and they leave a comment they too are able to be in the drawing but for each person that says you refered them you get your name put in one additional time per person referred. (Be sure to have them mention your blog name in their comment)

I have photos of some of my pieces on here...but up for grabs are some very beauitful snowflakes and ornaments. All of my pieces are sealed so the glitter never comes off and still glistens. I will mail all out to you. These are great for home decor...scrapbooks or to use on the tree!

Just keep in mind these are done with top of the line chipboard and superfine glitters and sealed! Also the photos above are some example but are not very clear as they were taken with a web-cam. Also willing to do special colors for the winners....

If this goes well...I'm going to be doing all kinds of little raffles...hmm maybe even a paperbag album....we shall see...is there interest in a paperbag album? You let me know.

AHHHHHH---HELP

So, this one is going to be a bit more of a venting and ranting session than anything. LOL I can't help it I'm just very peeved.

So, I have 4 girls from the same mother. Now, I don't like saying anything bad about anyone but oh my goodness I'm at my wits end trying to figure this girl out. Everyday her kids show at 8 am...2 of them anyway...then i get the other 2 at 11 when kindergarten is out...NOw, I dont have them three days out of the week now because of her schedule. It was suppose to be the days they are here by 8....they are picke dup by 8...and then the days they come at 11 they get picked up at about 11 at night...but it's turned into her running around town with her friends and such before and after work...and she just leaves these poor kids here....they never see her.

While I am greatful they can be with me...someone stable with a schedule and learning activities...it's gotten to the point...that their teachers speak more with me concerning the children and their behavior than they do their mother.

Last week she called and said she was getting off work early to take the kids to the fair......at like 6:30 she would be here right ater supper to get them.....so I told them and they were sooooooo excited!!! Then she didnt show so I called her...and texted her...cause one of the girls was making herself sick she was sooo upset about her not showing.....the mother showed no remorse and didn't care.....so 8 rolls around and the hubby watched them and helps them get ready for bed and I run to go get soem milk....and what do I see.....but shes at the fair with a bunch of the carney guys hanging out!!!!!!!!

I felt sooo bad for these poor kids...cant't even tell them honestly moms at work.....so I'm waiting and waiting for her...texting her that now 2 of the girls were really upset.....and again NOTHING!!! Then she doesn't show up until almost mid-night- which would have been the normal time to come...but........she said she was coming early!!!! Then when she showed she reaked of beer and cigs!!!! I was sooo sooo peeved for myself and those poor girls....

I re-eliterate how upset the girls were and she goes into a long story of having to work over-time and blah blah blah...then she say "GOSH I DONT KNOW WHY THEY ARE SO UPSET I JUST SPENT 3 DAYS WITH THEM" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH Talk about making this mama mad!!! I was at a loss of words.

Now, its not just this- she also drops the girls off late to school everyday...and the schools policy for tardiness is if the kids are late 5 days in a row they have to spend their recess in the office in time out...whihc i think is nuts and have tried to talk to them...as they know me more then the mother....but....its policy...and so for the past three weeks the girls have gotten no recess cause after the 5th day...each day afterwards that they are late they are in the office until they are there on time!! And the mom has been told this and just doesnt care...says shes always going to be late cause shes up late and has 4 kids to get ready.......granit I know how hard it can be but i get to the school on time with 10!!!!! So, I know she can do it if she tried!

Now, I watch these children cause the office at the school knows me and what I do and was hoping I could give the kids some balance and stability cause they were getting picked up late and never knowing who was getting them...and I get paid by SRS and really do need the income from these children...but ahhhhhh it just leave sme without words of sickness for these poor kid and her complete lack of parenting.

I was a single mom and know how hard it can be...but gosh she's not even trying. Even on the days I dont have the children I wait at the school for someone to pick up the girls....as somedays they dont know who's getting them.....Two days ago...i waited for 45 minutes with them...calling everyone I knew might be coming....no one was suppose to come get them...then I see mom drive by and stop by the fair grounds...as they were packing up and geting ready to leave....here her kids sit waiting and worring about if they will get picked up or if I will take them.....

I ended up taking them home with me...then I get a call from mom....she says ohhhh I was doing dishes and was going to be on time today and time just got away from me......and I was like I saw your car by the fair grounds though....and she says ohhhhh well someone else has my car...so I say then how you going to pick them up......she had no answer and showed up minutes later in her car! ahhhhhhhhhhhh

My heart just aches for these poor kids.....I feel for them....and try to offer the mom advice but at the same time don't want to push her away cause who knows where these poor kids would end up at then and I really can't loose that income and try to find 4 more kids right now.

Any adivice would be more than helpful and I am at a loss right now. They show up and some weeks spend 65 hours a week with me....so I am pratically raising them...which looks better now bu I also only get paid for 45 hours a week....I mean I shower them, feed them 3 times a day put them to bed....I do homework with them I do it all!!! Now, i know she's taking advantage, but at the smae point I really want the girls to have the stability and love I knw they rec. from me and my family...as they get to do alot with us that they'd never have the options to do with theri lacking mother.

HELP!!