It's been a year and we are both still alive, mostly...

It's hard to believe that I was 25 and you were 35 when we met. It seems like a lifetime ago, not just 7 years ago. People essentially say that you robbed the cradle, but I'm quick to interject that it isn't so...you have the same mentality as I do...now whether that means you are 32 or 41 that remains for them to decide. lol

It's such a weird place to be. I remember our like 3rd date, remember the parrot? I still say that woman was speaking and not the parrot. But not you, oh no, you had to fight tooth and nail that those types of parrots can speak for themselves and that voice was all parrot. You just knew. ARGH! I wanted to go home right then and there because you were such a stubborn @$$. How could anyone have fun with you and your nerdy always needing to be right ways. Really, who could?

You haven't changed. It's still a sore spot. Your stubbornness and know it all ways.

But you had so much life, you were passionate about things, I thought you were honest and I felt you were real and you were so smart. My sisters call you the rolling encyclopedia. We just seemed to fit together whether we liked it or not. We were both totally stubborn brats.


Even though I had already been engaged twice, you are the one and only guy I ever introduced to my family. You were just as amazed as I was at how my grandmother was able to steal a salt and pepper shaker set (complete with napkin coverings) so it wouldn't spill in her purse right before our very eyes and unbeknown to us. You took it all in without hesitation and you were quickly welcomed into my family.

Little did you know just how much my family was going to become our family. But even when that happened and the kids came to live with us and I wanted to send them back. You were the voice of reason, you were more than happy to take them in and you've been accepting of them as your own and they even call you Daddy.

I am so lucky.

I know I am. Even when I lose my patience. Even when I want to run away. Even when I want to just disappear forever. I know I am so very lucky.

You spoil me every chance you get. You make dinner, get the kids to do their homework and shower and in bed when I am just too tired or can't anymore at the moment.

I don't think you know it but you keep me going. I often think, if it were just me on my own, I wouldn't be doing this. But with you there, it makes it a lot easier knowing that I am not alone and that at any given moment we are together, hating on the kids in unison and for the same reasons. lol

You work so hard and I know it. I just don't tell you. I don't know why. But I guess I am telling you now. I appreciate you and everything you do.

We are a team for life and ever after.

Happy Anniversary!

I Love You bunches and bunches and bunches and bunches!

Menu Plan Monday

Last week I didn't have a menu because I wasn't sure about the weather. I love to BBQ and boy did I everyday of last week. Cheeseburgers, Teriyaki Chicken, BBQ shortribs. Well except for Sunday because the weather changed. Instead I made a spiral honey ham and I have to admit my house still smells like sweet honey ham, yum!

Anyway, this week, it looks like the weather is going back to icky so I will menu plan with the idea that it's up for modifications depending on the weather but shhh, don't tell the weather that.

Monday: Beef and Cheese Enchiladas and Rice.
Tuesday: Cheeseburgers and Fries.
Wednesday: Ham sandwiches with Chips.
Thursday: Lasagna, French Bread and Green Salad.
Friday: Ribeye Steaks, Angel Hair Pasta and Green Beans.
Saturday: Meatball Soup.
Sunday: Taco Salad with Chips.

For great menu ideas, visit Laura.

New Family Member

I know, I know...I am a sucker. But how can you say no to this little face?
He's a 2 and a half year old Maine Coon kitty. That translates to HUGE! I am amazed by him. I've never had such a lovable kitty nor one who actually comes when he is called. Really!

His name is Mook. I looked up what it means and it's not good. Unfortunately, He's partial to his name already. He especially likes being called The Mookster.

Seriously, not by my creation either, his paperwork stated that and it's very true. I like calling him Mook-a-latte. Hubs likes calling him Mook-a-chino. As you can see...THAT he does not like.

Shut it already, will ya? Sheesh!

Easter 2008

I know it's a week later; but dang Spring Break is kicking my booty. Well, actually having them all home and having one particular child go psycho is kicking my butt. But another story for another time. Oh and yes, said child is missing from Easter pictures. Sadly, she couldn't control herself from extreme outbursts to participate in Easter. Sucks.

Here are the kiddos ready for Easter Vigil Mass. We went to Easter Vigil Mass last year for the baptismals and liked it so much we decided to go back again this year. I don't know if we will go again next year because the mass doesn't get out until after midnight and the kids were a wreck.

Fast forward to Easter Sunday Morning, Easter Baskets. Luckily I was ready as soon as these things hit the stands. I know it's the lazy way out but my kids still haven't learned to take care of their things properly and they have bad teeth. So the cheap toys and one strip of 4 or 5 candies is perfect. Although the Oldest gets a homemade basket because she is older. Except there was a miscommunication with the Easter Bunny this year. He forgot to put any candy in this particular basket. Oops. Better luck next year EB! Next, Easter Egg Painting! I make some real eggs for painting and hide the fake eggs.
Here's CDQ modeling after her egg. She's almost an entirely different kid now. It's amazing.
Here's Strawberry Shortcake painting her fingers and her eggs. I think she got more dye on herself then she did on her eggs. The Boy enjoyed dyeing the eggs somewhat , now that we know that he has the mentality of a newly three year old, it makes it easier to cope with him and the things that he does. I think he'll be able to catch up to his real age in no time though.
Unfortunately for all the prettiness of the eggs, I made a mistake and didn't cook them thoroughly so...darn! I have never had that happen before. At least we had 150 of these for the egg hunt. I don't have pictures of the hunt because I recorded it with the camcorder.
Lastly at Easter Dinner, I pulled these out. They are called Resurrection Eggs. They tell the story of Jesus from birth to death. Each egg is opened individually and inside is something tangible that reflects a period of Jesus story.

The donkey for his birth, the coin for Judas' sell out. Etc... The kids passed them around as I read from the booklet. Having those items to touch and think about, I believe gave a deeper meaning to the kids. Seeing and holding the items somehow made it a little different. I could tell.

I think these eggs will become a new tradition, along with our talking Easter bunny who gives a short rendition of the real meaning of Easter.

All and all it was a good one. I hope your Easter was too!

Spring Reading Thing 2008

The Spring Reading Thing over at Callapidder Days is now under way. Here is my reading list:

1. The Penny (Joyce Meyer and Deborah Bedford)
2. Before I Say Goodbye (Mary Higgins Clark)
3. No Place Like Home (Mary Higgins Clark)
4. Knitting Rules! (Stephanie Pearl- McPhee)
5. The Summer of the Swans (Betsy Byars)
6. The Essential Feminist Reader (Edited by Estelle B. Freedman)
7. On The Street Where You Live (Mary Higgins Clark)
8. Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles- The Nixie's Song (DiTerlizzi and Black)
9. The Spiderwick Chronicles Special Edition: Goblins Attack (DiTerlizzi and Black)
10. The Spiderwick Chronicles Special Edition: Great Escape (DiTerlizzi and Black)
11. The Spiderwick Chronicles Special Edition: Troll Trouble (DiTerlizzi and Black)
12. New Day New You (Joyce Meyer)
13. Insomnia (Stephen King)
14. Ghosthunters and the Totally Moldy Baroness! (Cornelia Funke)
15. Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom! (Cornelia Funke)
16. Women and Money (Suze Orman)
17. Parenting with Love & Logic (Cline and Fay)
18. The Everyday Life Bible (Joyce Meyer)
19. Catechism of the Catholic Church
20. Starting Your Day Right/ Ending Your Day Right (Joyce Meyer)
21. Guide to Everyday Math
22. OpenOffice.org
23. Arco GRE Guide
24. Conflict Free Living (Joyce Meyer)
25. HTML and XHTML Step by Step
26. The Confident Woman (Joyce Meyer)
27. Battlefield of the Mind (Joyce Meyer)
28. Battlefield of the Mind for Kids (Joyce Meyer)
29. Woman to Woman (Joyce Meyer)
30. How to Prepare for the GRE (Barron's)
31. The Ultimate Math Refresher

So that's my list for now. I know it will change as my holds at the library come in. It might seem big but I spend a lot of time waiting. lol Doctor's offices, school parking lots, etc...

I can't wait to see what others are reading. To join or check out some cool reading lists don't forget to visit Callapidder Days!

Stuff Portrait Friday

Being a Girl!




I haven't yet figured out how to put these three together into one picture but the three of them together like this in tutus is my favorite because I know where they are coming from (somewhat) and to see them like this...childlike and girly and just having fun. Some how watching them glide around in their tutus makes me feel hopeful for them.

I can see when they have their tutus on all their troubles and their past melt away and just for those moments at least they feel normal and special and beautiful. My girls can escape to their own world where they don't have to worry about something bad happening to them and they can be powerful and in control. Yep, all from a tutu and that is why these are my favorite. I've never been much of a girly girl but I want my girls to have those feelings and if the tutu helps make them feel that way, I am all for it! lol

What's your favorite picture?

For more Stuff Portrait Friday, visit Kristine.


Beautiful Princess Tutus by The Decorated Duckling.

Tackle It Tuesday

It's Tuesday and yet again, I won't be home much today. Seems like I try to avoid scheduling things on Monday because it's Monday and then end up overdoing it on Tuesday. Does anyone else do that?

Anyhoo, I was supposed to tackle filing but I have searched high and low for a new filing cabinet and to my dismay no stores in my area have any yet.

Since I am soooooclose to finishing a baby quilt I started 12 years ago, (I know, 12 years is a looong time--but I don't give up. lol) I'm going to work on that and updating my craft blog between now and next Tuesday.

So for now here's a picture of the progress on the baby blanket.

To see what everyone else is tackling visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday- Corned Beef and Cabbage.


Tuesday- Ribeye Steaks, Baked Potato and Green Beans.


Wednesday- Spaghetti and Meatballs, Green Salad, French Bread.


Thursday- Lemon Pepper Chicken, Angel Hair Pasta and Green Beans.


Friday- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup.


Saturday- Chicken Wings and Fries.


Sunday - Ham, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Corn and Dinner Rolls.


For More Great Menus visit Laura!

SUCKER!

If I could take a picture of myself. You would see me here, mouth hanging slightly open, face contorted with one eyebrow cocked to my hairline (I'm sure) and a vacant deer caught in the headlights stare.

I hear kids talking and I know the wind is blowing outside but what in the world did I just do today?

My girls showed up to sell Girl Scout Cookies and the next thing I know our wonderful Girl Scout leader is leaving this Sunday forever and ever. I wasn't shocked about the why, but the look on my girl's faces. Especially the oldest... I couldn't bear it. I cried as I climbed silently back in the van by myself.

Their leader is the best leader and an awesome role model. She is doing the absolute right thing for her circumstances and I am so proud of her. But my kids, they are kids and they don't really understand. To them, it's just another adult that they loved and trusted who is abandoning them. I tried to explain to them how strong and courageous this woman is for doing what she is doing and how it is the right thing and best thing for her. Be happy for her. But I know, right now, they can't understand. It's all adult stuff.

The troop basically was going to dissolve without a leader. No more Girl Scouts. The only positive thing my girls had going for them in terms of female role models out in the world. I kept seeing my oldest girl's face and I couldn't even explain it to Hubs without crying.

When I picked up my girls from the sales. I found myself volunteering to be the next leader. Someone had to keep these girls together and busy and well...positive.

Since then all of my "gusto" has turned into more of an "oh $%^&!". Because yes, I was thinking of my girls and those other girls but I didn't really realize that those other girls were a troop of Daisies AND Brownies AND some Juniors. 42 girls to be exact.

I can do this... I think. Right?

It's a date!

So the week before last the social worker called and let me know--it's official--we have a date...

April 16, 2008-- ADOPTION DAY!

Who's freaking out???


I AM! I AM!

When I start to think about how the handicap van needs new brakes, an oil change and a tune-up. We need to buy a spare tire too just in case and the GAS... prices have shot up. Hotel rooms, food, cramming 5 kids, their suitcases and all hubs medical equipment that needs to go in the van. The DRIVE! ARGH!

Things are a little tight with the increased car insurance, the new van payment, Easter and what I thought were 2 First Holy Communions this month. Luckily, we were able to push back the Communions until May but even so, I am nearly all set for that thanks to a gift from God.

We are set for Easter. Easter outfits were already bought (and will double for Adoption outfits) as were Easter baskets so that's all taken care of.

I know God will come through for us,despite their mother's sabotage, because this has obviously been what he has been working towards. It's just scary knowing that I am the one that still has to pull it all off. I know I will, I always do but my shoulders are so heavy.

I've been sick and I suppose that's making me more sensitive. Maybe?

It will all work out. It's going to be here before we even know it and we will be a forever family.

Look a Survey!

BlogHer is surveying women around the globe to find out your opinions about blogging. I've taken the survey and it's quick and painless. Actually, I've been sitting here pondering some of the questions that were asked and reflecting on how blogging has changed my life.

Anyhoo, go ahead and click on the image, take the survey...you know you want to. lol

Tackle It Tuesday

This Tuesday, just like last Tuesday, I will not be home so I decided to take it easy and postpone the filing tackle I was going to work on for this:

Hellllllooooo

Dove's Chocolate and Brownie Affair...oooohhh. I've never tried it before but I love the chocolate truffles, ice cream bars, etc... Ganache...uh oh... I think I'm gonna like this tackle!

For other Tackles visit 5 minutes for Mom!

She doesn't speak for me either

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - Sandwiches and Chips.

Tuesday - Beef Stir-Fry and Steamed White Rice.

Wednesday - Chicken Tenders, Corn and Green Salad.

Thursday - Roasted Lemon Chicken with Green Beans and Potatoes (From Chris over at Ordering Disorder).

Friday - Salmon Patties, Peas and Baked Potatoes.

Saturday - Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy.

Sunday - BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Fries.

For more delicious Menu ideas visit Laura.

Takes ME to know ONE!!

Lately I've been dealing with the Oldest thinking she can bully all "the little ones" around. She keeps calling them stupid, retarded, dumb, etc...

This is unacceptable and I've threatened her with a grounding just minutes before I started this post. Enough is enough right?

At any rate, yesterday for the gazillionth time I heard that so and so did such and such this time at the dinner table where we trying to enjoy our dinner.

SS said that the Oldest called her stupid and I told her "You know what? It takes one to know one." and I nodded towards her with a sly smile. She nodded back as a wide smile spread across her face and she proclaimed "YEAH, IT TAKES ME TO KNOW ONE! HMPH!"

I was so glad I hadn't taken the bite I was about to because I went into near hysterics over that one. I don't know it was just soooo funny. It was great to have a good belly laugh with tears streaming down my face.

Sometimes I wish I could capture these moments on film but I guess writing them here will just have to do.

Nine is Fine

SS wanted cupcakes for her birthday celebration at home and these are enormous ones from Costco. They were like individual mini cakes. I heart Costco soooo much!

Being 9 is so exciting. Can't you see the excitement on her face? Presents! Presents! Presents!

And presents there were. You might remember that post about the Dora Vanity? Well, I didn't want it to go to waste so I decided to give it to this child. I see I did something right. lol
Can you see the sheer joy of receiving a Strawberry Shortcake styling head (or some such thing)? And we can't forget the beautiful Tutu that she received from TKW over at The Decorated Duckling can we? She felt like such a princess. (Those beautiful Tutus will be a separate post, because CDQ got one too and they are so beautiful!)
I am so amazed by this kid, I was so afraid that we might have lost her when she was first placed here. She never showed emotion, she hardly spoke. We had no idea who she was and if she was even really still there. She seemed like such a shell of a child. She had been through and seen so much.

I remember meeting her when she was about 2 years old. She would run into my room while I worked on the computer and she would stand there with her hand upturned and say "why?" when I would respond "why what?" she would ask a question and I would answer her and she would say "why?" again. It seemed like she wasn't even interested in the answer. She just wanted to say "why?". lol

Her progress over the last three months has been amazing. She's a sassy and silly girl with a big heart. Her smile lights up her face and shows her true beauty inside and out. She is such a hard worker and she cares so deeply about so many things.

Her naivety cracks us all up on a daily basis. I worry about it but I figure as long as she feels comfortable in front of us to make her mistakes maybe we can work on bringing her up to speed.

Happy Ninth Birthday!

Tackle It Tuesday

I haven't been home all day so mine is going to be a "Tackle It Tuesday Night". I have several completed projects that I must get sent out in tomorrow's mail. Let's just say it's been over a month or so since I've been "sending them".

In addition to getting those mailed, I have some things that need to be sent to another friend for her daughters and some stuff for my nephews. Yep...I've got about 5 boxes at least that gotta go.

I'm aiming for Thursday at the latest being that tomorrow is SS's birthday, Girl Scouts and Catechism. I'm thinking they may not be going to Girl Scouts. I don't know yet. But that is my tackle.

Oh and I keep forgetting I need to make two dozen cupcakes for SS tomorrow for her birthday celebration and school. Who knew homemade cupcakes were better than store bought?

Wish me luck! lol

For other great tackles visit 5 Minutes For Mom!

Menu Plan Monday

It's Monday Tuesday already? The weekend sure flew by fast!

This week's Menu...

Monday: Cashew Chicken and Steamed White Rice.
Tuesday: Corn Dogs and Chips for the Kids.
Wednesday: Beef Chili and Beans *Strawberry Shortcake's 9th Birthday*
Thursday: Lasagna , Salad and Dinner Rolls
Friday: Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Saturday: BBQ Chicken Wings and Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
Sunday: Beef Tacos and Spanish Rice

I will be soooo glad when this week is over. It will be the end of the three week back to back birthday madness that has been going on here. Phew!

For great menu ideas and recipes, please visit Laura.

LEAP!

Friday was CDQ's 8th Birthday. I have two 8 year olds until Wednesday!


CDQ is the child that I worry about the most. They just started her on meds two weeks ago but I'm almost positive we will be getting a bipolar diagnosis on her. My little sister is bipolar and what she was describing to me is CDQ exactly.


For her birthday, I tried to get her something that would be useful that she couldn't break. Originally, I bought her this Dora vanity but she is not mature enough for it despite what the age says on it, she will destroy it.

Oh and remember how I said to stay tuned for the third installment of She Can See Clearly Now? Well...she could see clearly for about 8 hours.

I've since had them fixed but will her destructive side ever end? At any rate, I came up with getting her a library card for her birthday. At our library kid's are allowed to have their own card at the age of 8. She's an advanced reader and she can never get enough books. This would be the gift that would keep on giving for years to come. So off we went...

At first, she was confused. But when we told her what she was getting she went crazy. I have to admit, I was relieved, I really didn't know how it was going to go over. I allowed her to check out three books, chapter books, she read them all overnight.

We had to keep her from school for the morning because the library would be closed by the time school was out. But in her mind that was even better. Why? I had baked her 4 dozen lemon cupcakes with sprinkles to take to school and all eyes were going to be on her when she came through the door.

She loved every minute of it. Because she is ALLLLL about attention. When she got home, she had to boast that EVERYONE loved the cupcakes and was asking where she got them from and she relished telling them they couldn't get them because I had made them for her.


For dinner, we had pizza and then we were off to Build-a-Bear where she built herself the cutest Koala. (more on that later)

Then we stopped at the Disney Store where I bought all the kid's (except for the oldest) their adoption outfits. (Hoping to post pics later).


She wanted a strawberry cake and she got it.


This post is very disjointed and much different from her older sister's birthday post.

It's not a case of favoritism, I can't stand love them all very much. It is a very hard one to write. Every time I look at this child, I see her mother's issues. It's so unfair that this innocent child carries such burdens. I begin to feel sorry for her but then those issues manifest and I see her manipulations, lies and coldness.

She has pushed us away and I have given her the space that she seemed to need. Slowly she is coming around and we are starting to learn about who she truly is under all the armor.

I'm very proud of her and I know that she tries. But when I see her like she is pictured below. It breaks my heart to see her sadness, her depression, her brokenness and not be able to take it all away for her.

I wonder what it is she wishes for?

Happy Birthday CDQ!