Thoughts by me

2011-09-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

Absolutely no excuses this time....I simply lost the desire to blog over the summer. Having everyone home and trying to adjust to Matt's new work schedule was just about all I could handle. Plus, we found out that we are expecting again (yes, that makes 7 now!) so trying to stay awake for any period of time was difficult! We had a really great summer, up until the last few weeks when the kids hit melt down, I'm- desperate- for- a- schedule- mode. But now everyone is back into school and we are enjoying the semi-normalness!

We are just finishing up a ten day stretch of Matt being gone. He, my Dad and brothers go up and hike Isle Royale every year. This year they had to go late due to Matt's work schedule. It has gone pretty well, the single parent thing. But I am super tired and I just didn't realize how wonderful it is to just have another set of grown up hands around! I'm looking forward to his return!!

I'm busy this fall as I have taken on directing a fairly good sized production at our church. We're going to do, "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever". It's a great show and I'm thrilled to be doing it!! It certainly has gotten my creative juices flowing. I will be the size of a small country by the time we perform it, as I'm due in January, but as long as I can waddle around still, we'll be good! Plus, I'm assistant coaching our church's JBQ (Junior Bible Quizzing) team. I LOVE quizzing and my two oldest girls are doing it....we're having a blast.

So there's a quick glimpse into us lately....I'll try and keep this as up to date as I can!

2011-06-01T16:33:00.001-07:00

Ok, I suck as a blogger. :) Honestly, it's so much easier to blurt something out on FB in .05 seconds than to sit and gather my thoughts to print here. I have things to say....is it worth the time? The short answer is yes. I have found peace, resolution, and a place to speak here. And that is worth carrying on.

There are too many minute details from the last part of my life to share, plus it would be incredibly boring :) So care if I start from fresh? :)

I am currently extremely frustrated. I am trying to figure out why people make certain decisions. I know that, ultimately, everyone is responsible for their own choices. But what do you do when people you love are making STUPID decisions?? Decisions that affect so many more people than just themselves, and yet they cannot see that. I don't know whether to say something or to just watch and see what happens....what would YOU do????

Summer countdown is on, the kids have 9 days of school left. I am anxious for the freedom and yet dreading the lack of routine. I am desperately trying to find a reward/consequence system to implement this summer....does anyone have one that has worked???

2011-02-10T06:10:00.000-08:00

Holy cow, I can hardly believe it's been almost two months since I have blogged. I completely blame Facebook. And Twitter. And the feeling that nobody really cares what I write here. I must get rid of that thought because I care what I write here. Period.

I won't bore you with ALL that has happened since December. We had a great holiday season and pushed into the new year with excitement and expectation for a great year. We snuck away to Grand Rapids for a few days of vacation, complete with staying in a hotel (the most exciting thing for my kids!), swimming, rollerskating and Chuck E Cheese. It was a fun time away and we loved it.

We have had an addition to our family. No, I have not gotten pregnant :) But we do have a baby...puppy that is!

This is Chester. I picked his name. I got it from the movie, "The Kid". He has a dog named Chester - "The world's greatest dog!" Plus it's for Chester Cheetah which is appropriate for our Frito Lay family!! And it goes nicely with Chunky which is our other dog's name. He is the sweetest thing and has fit in very nicely. He is potty training very well and is getting used to being in his crate. I really do like him :)

alright well must get my day going, but am hoping to be here more often!!!

2010-12-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY
Outside my window...there is some snow, but LOTS of ice...although the sun is out

I am thinking...that a snow day isn't so horrible (but ask me again at 4 PM)

I am thankful for...heat....it's -2 outside right now!

From the kitchen...I am making a cream puff ring for our ladies Christmas Tea tonight

I am wearing...comfy fuzzy pants and a long sleeved tshirt

I am creating...gifts for my parents for Christmas

I am going...NOWHERE!

I am reading...other people's blogs...I have been negligent lately

I am hoping...for a joyous Christmas, one where we realize how blessed we are to have what we have and to be together!

I am hearing...the sound of Becki typing next to me and the kids playing Wii

Around the house...things are out and it's fairly messy, the kids are home today, what did you expect??

One of my favorite things...the Christmas season, the music, the food, the anticipation....

A few plans for the rest of the week:Wrap up our holiday outings and events and then have NOTHING to do till Christmas!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

This is us with Molli at her girl's chorus concert....it was wonderful!

For more see : http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2010-12-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

I am literally exhausted from two late nights in a row and restless sleep. so no more posting than to say that I wrote something :) More tomorrow....

2010-12-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

Today is a big day. For a couple of reasons. The first is this beautiful girl....

This is my Molli. She turns 10 today. 10. Double digits. She'll never be a single number age ever again. There's something sort of sad about that. She has grown up so much. I wish I could freeze her...or fast forward to about 20 :) I'm gonna have my hands full with this girl, she's her mother's daughter. She is so smart (Gold Honor Roll for straight A's) sweet, funny, has a beautiful voice, and is so determined. I just adore her. Happy 10th my Molli bug.

The second thing is no small thing either. This evening my husband, parents, brother, aunt and Grandma are going to see this....

I'm so excited!!!! I adore this show and it makes even more fun to go with my family. Matt has never seen it so he's excited too. I just love that my parents gave us kids such an appreciation for good theater. We have been so blessed to have seen as much live theater as we have, not a lot of kids get to do that. It's just another reason I love my parents! So it's time to get all dolled up...which basically means I'll be wearing nice jeans instead of sweats :) Lots of details and birthday pics tomorrow!

2010-12-02T18:23:00.001-08:00

I would post today but I am too busy staring at and kissing this cute boy....

2010-12-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

So November was complete failure for me as far as NaBloMo went....ugh. I guess I still struggle with thinking that I have nothing to say. Nothing that anyone wants to read anyway. Well I'm going to try again for December. Be prepared for some complete nonsense as I will strive to post everyday which means who knows what will happen :)

November was full. Thanksgiving was...well, it was good. It somehow has lost it's "specialness". I'm not sure how that happened. I think part of it is that my family gets together every week for a big meal so Thanksgiving just seemed like another of those days. We have decided to shake it up next year....big plans for that!

The UPS man has learned my first name...that's how often he has been here in the past few weeks. I have fallen in love with online shopping. You can find EVERYTHING on Amazon. And I am not kidding about that. I love getting packages everyday and squirreling them away before the kids get home. Christmas is coming!!!

We got our first snow today. The kids were beyond excited. They were begging to go down to the bus 10 minutes early so that they could play. We'll see if they still feel that way in February.

Well off to turn up the Christmas music and wrap some gifts...till tomorrow!

2010-11-08T17:07:00.001-08:00

There comes a time in the lives of men....or in my case, women...oh wait someone already wrote that...

Tonight I am contemplative. There is so much going on for me right now. Most it of I cannot, no, will not share on here....I don't trust who may or may not read this blog. But there's a whole ton of stuff that I am dealing with. Some of it is deep, painful and raw...some of it is stupid human games and silliness. It all feels heavy though. So today it made me take a long look at how I deal with stress.....

1. I talk to myself. Actually I talk to the people who I am mad at or who have hurt me. Except I do it in the mirror. And I am very mean.

2. I eat. Why oh why is this???? Why do I always turn to food like it's somehow going to make me feel better about myself? Yes, my Burger King lunch was delicious, but were the 12,000 calories worth it? Did it fix anything? No.

3. I cry. Not a lot, but there are moments when I feel so overwhelmed that I cannot help it. I used to think that crying was a sign of weakness.....now I know, sometimes I just need to let the tears flow.

4. I laugh. It's really bizarre....sometimes, the stress just makes me laugh out loud and by loud, I mean LOUD. People think I'm cracked out and try to commit me to the looney bin. I just get rolling and can't help myself....everything is hilarious.

5. I shut down. I go into a "coma", if you will. I slap on a happy face and literally shut down. No one can hurt me that way.

6. And finally I heal. I realize that my life is not over, that I am surrounded by people who love and affirm me and I know I can get out of bed tomorrow. One of my favorite quotes is, "Tomorrow is fresh, with no mistakes in it". I cling to that....it's all going to be ok.

2010-11-07T10:47:00.000-08:00

I am so excited!!! My friend asked me to do a spotlight piece on her blog!!! That means that maybe more than 3 people will read what I have to say :) I can't tell you how excited I am about it, it borders on OCD actually...so go take a peek! Read through her blog while you are there, she's an amazing writer and hilarious!!

No Missed Opportunities

2010-11-06T19:09:00.001-07:00

There are times in your life when you can define it or remember it with a song.....this summer this was our theme song.....

2010-11-05T10:05:00.001-07:00

You Capture
Halloween/ Silence

A day late for You Capture, but that's ok....

Silence first...when Matt gets home from work early and all the other kids are at school, this is usually what happens...silence....
A happy Bumblebee
My pumpkin girl

Molli as Molli Lou Who and Liam as a skeleton

For more on You Capture head over to I Should Be Folding Laundry

2010-11-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am not happy. I had a post all written and done for yesterday and it didn't post!!!!!!!!!! AHHHH!!!! *deep breath* Moving on....

Today is Thursday. I love Thursdays. Well ,Thursday nights to be specific. Why, you may ask. Well, I'd be happy to tell you. Thursday night is ladies night. Last year, I started going over to my beautiful friend Rhonda's house to watch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. It became our ritual. It me, Rhonda, Tara, Jaymie, and Dana. We get together every week. It's not so much about the shows, although we love them. But it's become this tight knit group of women, a place we go to every week and can share whatever is going on. These women have become my confidants, my secret keepers, my friends, my joy. I can always count on them for laughter, sympathy, anger and tears. I have become a better woman because of them and I am so thankful for them. So here's to you ladies....I love you all and am honored to share my Thursdays with you!

Break out the drinks, it's almost time!!!!

2010-11-02T11:03:00.000-07:00

It's Election Tuesday. I packed up my boys and headed out to vote. I was slightly nervous that there would be a wait and what would I do with my 6 month old and 19 month old??? But thank heavens there was NO line and we were in and out in five minutes. Everytime I vote I am always stunned that I am allowed to do that! What an awesome country we live in. I will say that even after being all patriotic I will be so glad when this day is over and all the ads and phone calls stop!!!

I am so thankful today....thankful for heat, for hot water, for food, for my family and my van. It may sound silly but it's just been one of those days where the very simple every day things seem overwhelming. I am so grateful.

My sweet Liam is giggling at me over the top of my laptop while I am writing this so I will go and snatch him up and smother him with smootches now :) But I will leave you with a recent favorite snapshot of mine. Till tomorrow.....

2010-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Here we go.....I'm gonna post every day this month. I swear. :)

The past few weeks have been busy for us. We're finally into a pattern of school/work/church. I LOVE having five kids in school. It's been great having just Liam at home. I've started babysitting for my friend's adorable little boy so it's tons of fun with my two little boys here. It's definitely a change!!!

I'm so excited about what our family did last week! We decided to sponsor two kids from Compassion International!! The boys picked a young boy and the girls picked a girl!!! I can't wait till we get their pics in the mail so I can share their precious faces with you. I love them both so much already! We sponsored a girl named Fia and a boy named Arnoldo. My kids are so excited to write letters and get to know all about these two young kids. They've asked if we can send them clothes and toys. It's so exciting to see them excited about giving. We've got some things cooked up for a different Christmas this year, but I'll save that to share later. :)

Tomorrow is election day and I am SOOO glad! Not only will I have the privilege of going and helping to choose our leadership, but it means that my home phone will FINALLY stop ringing every 5 minutes with calls!!!! Hallelujah! So don't forget to vote tomorrow!!!

2010-10-21T14:14:00.001-07:00

ORANGE

This week's challenge was so fun!

For more on You Capture, go to I Should Be Folding Laundry

2010-10-21T01:53:00.000-07:00

Man, I suck.....I am on the computer EVERY day! How is it that I cannot remember to blog??? It's not like I don't have anything to say, good grief, Matt tells me to stop talking at least twice a day!!! Note to self: find a way to remind myself to blog

I'm getting excited :) Tomorrow morning I leave with my mom, Aunt, and Grandma to head to Frankenmuth and Birch Run over night. This is the first time I am going away without taking Liam with me. The first time that Matt will have all six kids on his own. I know he'll be fine, he's an old pro. But I'll keep my phone on loud, just in case :)

I started my weight loss program (again) on Monday. So far so good, although I did have a McChicken sandwich yesterday. But I did exercise...so that helps right??? How I wish there was just a fat cure....but I suppose that wouldn't help change my mindset about food and my relationship to it. It would help if I didn't love sweet stuff so much. Oreos, candy bars, Twinkies....um...I'll be right back :)

2010-10-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

AAAHHHHH!!! So frustrated with myself! I do well and post a few days in a row and then completely forget to post for two days!!! That's it, I'm setting a reminder on my phone to remind me.

I had to borrow a prompt from NaBloPoMo for this morning....what was the first play you ever saw live?

Ahhh, the memories, well first you should know that my parents were both theater majors in college so I grew up with HUGE influences toward theater, musical theater specifically. By the time I was five, there weren't many musicals that I had not seen. Most of my earliest memories revolve around theater and musicals. When I was five, we lived in Pittsburgh PA. My dad was working as a lighting designer for the Pittsburgh Ballet Company. He was allowed to take my brother and I backstage to watch the company perform the Nutcracker Ballet. I remember it being so big, larger than life. The show was breath taking to watch, the costumes were magnificent and the music - unforgettable. What really made my night was when my dad took us to the dressing rooms afterward to meet the dancers. (at this point, I was dead set on becoming a ballerina!) I met the girl who danced Clara who was just a little older than me. And then, I met the Sugar Plum Fairy. She was breath taking, tall, thin and sparkling in her costume. I was speechless. Then I looked down. She had removed her ballet slippers already and her feet were horrific; black and blue, bleeding and swollen. She noticed me staring at her feet and said "The price you pay for being able to dance." AS we walked to the car, I told my dad that I had changed my mind about being a ballerina. Princesses have perfect feet. :)

2010-10-10T13:48:00.001-07:00

FACES

This was a fun one, because there are some faces in my life that I love....

Silly Faces

Handsome, grown up faces

Dirty, little boy faces

Sleeping baby faces

And even grumpy faces....I even love them....well most days!

For more on You Capture visit here

2010-10-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day! 80 degrees in October! It made watching a football game a tad warm, but who can complain?? I think I may have even gotten a sunburn! WOOHOO!!

Today was Jonah's next to last football game of the season. I was searching for a "Play" theme for the day when I realized I was sitting watching one! Jonah has really come alive as a player this year. I think the new coach has helped a TON! Jonah's skills have improved and he seems much more engaged in the game. His attitude has matured as well, not getting so upset when they lose, etc. I love watching him play. I will admit that I still cringe when I hear their bodies colliding on the field. That sound of crunching helmets and pads worry me a bit, but I feel such pride watching him. What an awesome young man he is turning into.

We also "played" today at my parent's house. We helped Dad close up the pool for winter. Sad day. Means summer is really over. And, of course, you cannot close the pool without a final jump in. So my crazy husband and 4 big kids plus my dad and brother took the final plunge of the season with the water a crazy 59 degrees! It was a fast jump!!! With that, we said good night to the pool. We'll miss it.

A full day of play today with the Kurtzs :)

2010-10-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

a fast post today as I have a lot to do...

We are having friends over for dinner tonight. We haven't done this in SOOO long and it feels so great. This family is in our small group at church and we have committed to having dinner together every Friday night. Obviously, there will be weeks with things going on and we won't be able to, but we're gonna try. Now off to try and make the house presentable....see you in a few weeks! LOL

2010-10-07T10:17:00.000-07:00

What a day! I had to take my Thomas man to get his four year old shots. I was a little worried given his past behavior at the doctors (ie, refusing to get on the scale, not letting the doctor touch him, etc.). We made a quick stop at Walgreens on the way and I let him pick out a drink and a candy (hey, I'm not above bribing!) and told him that if he was really brave at the doctor, he could have them. Well, he did amazing. He was so good and did all the required things. He even did great during his shots...it was great. As great as watching them stick needles into one of your babies can be :)

Thursdays are my most favorite days of the week. Some people like Fridays, but Thursdays are my most favorite. I know you are curious now :) Thursdays are when I have ladies night. I get to escape as soon as Molli is done with Girl Choir and head to my girlfriend Rhonda's house. There are 5 of us that get together every week and watch Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. It's not so much about the shows as it is hanging out and being together. It's my night to reconnect and feel like something other than a mom. I look forward to it every week and count down the hours. So my PLAY for the day is my ladies night adult play time!!!

2010-10-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oh I've failed already! Just got out of the habit of blogging so blogging every day has escaped me. Especially the last two days where Liam has been cutting ANOTHER tooth and it has been miserable. No sleep, nothing getting done, just sitting with a crying baby trying to stay sane. Last night I really hit a wall. Usually I am fairly patient as a mom. But after no sleep and no relief from the crying, I just wanted to run away. Let's face it, I still feel that way this morning.

So as far as PLAY goes this morning, that means that I playing hooky. Hooky from the dishes and messy living room and the millions of loads of laundry that need folding. Hooky from getting dressed and hooky from showering. Well...ok maybe not showering...a long hot shower sounds amazing actually. I'll take Thomas' rubber ducky and then it counts as play right? :)

2010-10-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

So the theme this month for NaBloPoMo is PLAY...this is gonna be fun :)

As I was browsing their site, my eye caught this blog so I clicked on it. Where I discovered the most wonderful thing EVER.....

I was raised by two theater major parents....musicals were my life. I couldn't understand why in fourth grade that no one understood me quoting 1776....didn't everyone watch musicals all the time?? We just got this today in our first day of PLAY and it is AWESOME! Oh my word....so much fun!

So what are you playing today??

2010-10-01T05:06:00.000-07:00

Friday morning numbers

1 crying Liam
3 loads of laundry waiting to be folded
10 baby bottles that need washing
4 Kurtz kids at school
9 hours till dinner with friends
10 adorable baby fingers that I love kissing
2 phone calls to make
6 beds to change
2839 texts last month (really? didn't seem like that many!)
84 days till Christmas!!
21 days till my getaway with my mom, aunt and grandma
3 winter coats I need to buy
2 light bulbs that need replacing
12 hair ties that I found on the floor this morning
1 lonely puppy who is missing his Bo friend
3 boxes of dog treats purchased to help appease said lonely puppy
3 football games left this season
1 happy Thomas playing Wii all by himself
and 1 still crying Liam which means
my post is over :)

2010-09-30T06:47:00.000-07:00

Needed something light today, just don't have it in me to post anything else :)

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
Car insurance, hate paying for something that you might never need

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
On board the Norwegian Pearl

3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Eating junk food and watching a movie

4. How many colleges did you attend?
One

5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? -
It was right on my dresser

6. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
We have to have gas...

7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Oh crud

8. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I wonder if Jonah has stopped crying :(

9. Do you miss being a child?
Parts of it, like the no responsibility part

10. What errand/chore do you despise?
Anything that has to do with cleaning lol

11. Get up early or sleep in?
Hate getting up early but can't really sleep past 8

12. Have you found real love yet?
Real is a good word for it because it is very "real"; raw, tough and amazing

13. Favorite lunch meat?
Roast Beef

14. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Some sort of candy bar...for the kids...sometimes :)

15. Beach or lake?
Aren't there beaches at lakes??

16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No

17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
Neither.

18.What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Hmmm....someone handsome

19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
No.

20. Ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Yes, hope I NEVER have to do that again!!

21. Ring tone?
Well I have different ones for different people but my main ringtone is No Surprise by Daughtry

22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
on a plane

23. Somewhere you've never been and would like to go?
Europe

23. Do you go to church?
I do

24. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
Gag me, neither

25. How old are you?
31

26. Do you have a go-to person?
My husband

27. Are you where you want to be in life?
Yes

28. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
I hate/hated cartoons

29.What about you do you think has changed the most?
My weight

30. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life?
NO!

31. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Yes, when I'm in public with my kids I feel like people are thinking, "What is that 18 year old doing with all those kids?!!"

32. Did you ever own troll dolls?
no

33. Did you have a pager?
No

34. Where was the hang out spot when you were a teenager?
The Pizza Shoppe

35. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with?
That is a really interesting question...I'm not sure

36. Who do you think impacted your life the most?
My parents

37. Was there a teacher or authority figure that stood out for you?
My mom

38. Do you tell stories that start with “when I was your age..."?
LOL, actually I did just say that to Molli the other day

2010-09-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

I didn't expect my post for today to be so raw....but it is....

Last night, our dog Bo was hit and killed by a car. We are simply devastated by the loss. My kids are broken hearted. It was a very tough night and morning for us. Sydney and Thomas didn't wake up last night so I had to tell them this morning which brought on a whole new wave of sadness and tears. Emma climbed into bed with me this morning, started crying and said, "Mama, I was just talking to God and I told Him that I will miss Bo so much but I will always have my memories of him in my heart." She is taking it the worst I think, she has such a sensitive heart towards animals, our pets in particular. It's interesting to watch the kids grieve, they all do it so differently. A pet's death, while never easy, somehow teaches us about death. Life is not certain, never guaranteed. We are going to bury him in the backyard this afternoon when the kids get home. So he'll always be close by.

Rest in peace our Bobo...we love you and will miss you much.

2010-09-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

Can it be possible that I didn't post all summer? It hardly seems likely that I spent the entire summer without posting on my blog. I suppose I just thought my quick posts on Facebook were enough and that no one really cared about my blog anyway. But then I realized that I missed it. I missed typing long, incoherent thoughts into cyber space. And that's what brought me back here today.

Our summer was full of many things. Full of family, camps, fighting, camping trips, football, and swimming. I was very glad to see September 7th roll around. Jonah is in middle school this year *gulp* I have to admit that I was (still am) nervous for him. Middle school is no man's land. Every morning, before he walks down to the bus, I hold just an extra minute longer and whisper a prayer of protection and wisdom. The girls have settled well into the routine of school proving once again that our family just runs better with routine. And then last week my sweet Thomas started school. He goes to pre-K four days a week all day. I wasn't sure how he would do but he has flourished and just loves going to school. It has thrown me into an interesting stage of life. Now I have just my Liam and the little guy I babysit for. Sure makes it very quiet here. I have to admit I like the quiet :)

So now it's back to our busy fall schedules, football, girl's choir and church. Now please excuse me while I make some tea and sit and enjoy the silence!

2010-06-29T09:26:00.001-07:00

It's summer....I've been re-reading some of posts from previous summers. Wow. This summer has been OK so far. We've been trying something new and it seems to be working. What is this, you may ask. Here it is...

These are our marble jars. Each child has one...well not Liam :) The five talking children have one. They can earn marble for doing various jobs or for good behavior. However, bad behavior costs them marbles. Their incentive is, once their jar is full of marbles, they can exchange it for one of three things : A date night with mom and dad (their choice of where we go), $20 cash, or a slumber party. It may seem silly but this has REALLY cut down on the tattling, hitting, and general annoyance things that seems to make the summer seem SOOO long! My older kids are really motivated to fill their jars so my house has been clean and the van cleaned out without any fuss. Somethings are still just expected of them and they don't earn marbles for those things, ie. the dishes and cleaning their rooms. But I am really liking this system. We've still had moments, don't get me wrong. But even a little less drama is helpful!!!

Next week we are headed to Lake Michigan for the week as it's Matt's vacation and we couldn't be more excited! Camping here we come!!

Numbers

2010-06-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

Our Friday night numbers

4 children that just got off the bus
1 child sleeping (my Liam)
2 couches that are finding new homes tonight
0 places to sit in the living room right now
3 children attempting to talk to me while I write this
1 conversation at a time is all this Mama can handle right now
2 wasp stings that needed kissing when Sydney came in
1 daddy working on his van
1 three year old boy "helping"
3 large pizzas ordered for dinner
4 kinds of pop to be consumed with said pizza
1,000,000 calories in the aforementioned pizza
7 hours that Liam is sleeping each night
7 more days until my quiet days are filled with children 24/7
4 bags of clothes to take to Goodwill
8 loads of laundry to do
3 single baby socks that I cannot find pairs to
2 nervous dogs who are hating the storm
1 paranoid Mama who is walking around sniffing for smoke during the storm
3 girls giggling while playing Wii
1 mostly happy family gearing up for pizza and movie night!

2010-06-02T11:12:00.001-07:00

What a day.....

I was up and moving early as I had to be at my mom's house by 7:45 this morning. The kids get on the bus at 7:40 so I was headed out at the same time as them. A HUGE lightning clap hit somewhere VERY close to our house and we all screamed and jumped. I've never heard anything like that! Then we started running late...Emma couldn't find socks, Jonah couldn't find his backpack...so I am hurrying everyone along and telling the kids to jump in the van and I would let them wait in the van at the end of the driveway as it was now raining. As I re-entered the kitchen, Molli said, " Mom, I smell smoke." I quickly told her it was nothing. I bent over to pick up Liam's carseat and saw smoke rising from the floor. I ran down to the basement and saw flames coming out of the dryer hose. I screamed for the kids to bring me water. Jonah remembered that there was an old fire extinguisher upstairs in the girl's closet so he ran to get it. He handed it to me and I couldn't get the pin out. So I yelled for more water. The water wasn't helping so I panicked thinking I should get the kids out and call 911. But then I thought, by the time they get here, the whole house would be on fire. I tried one more time to get the pin out and it came out! I quickly used it to put the growing fire out. Then I climbed up the stairs and crushed all the kids to me. This was a miracle day...

1. If we had been on time, I would have been out of the house before we smelled the smoke. I was planning on being gone all day so we would have lost the house.

2. We didn't buy that fire extinguisher. It was here when we moved in. And I didn't even remember it was there...Jonah did.

3. The kids and I were calm. And knowing some of my children, this is indeed miraculous!

God's hand was all over this today. His mercy and protection flowed here. I know He was here this morning, providing peace and wisdom. He is great and worthy to be praised!!!

2010-05-11T11:43:00.000-07:00

I come here everyday, see my top picture of my five children and tell myself that Liam is a month old already and I do not have ONE picture of all SIX of my children. Hopefully this weekend!

So yes, Liam is a month old...hardly seems possible. He is the sweetest baby and we all just love him! He gave me his very first smile last night and, as if it were possible, he melted my heart even more. One person said you can't love the sixth child as much as the first.....that person never had six kids!!

Life continues on. There are 23 days of school left....dang it. But we plan to be busy this summer which I hope will help!!! For now, my sister is in town. She surprised us all with a visit with my new nephew! He is just darling and he and Liam have being getting acquainted....

Aren't they adorable??? So we are enjoying some time with her and my two aunts from New York are coming into town this weekend which should make for fun times! OK, going to hunt down my six kids and torture them with getting their picture taken, the joy of being a mom!!!

2010-04-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

Time for an update! My blog has suffered, again, from my lack of computer time due to the fact that my arms are slightly busy holding my new little man! He is just as sweet as can be and we all adore him! The kids fight over who can hold him as often as possible, but I usually win. Gotta love the mom trump card! We had a few medical scares with him, some jaundice and a yucky cold. But he has recovered quickly and was such a trooper. It's been a little tough getting into the nightly feeding schedule, but we're working that too. He is so precious and I am enjoying every minute with him. We've had no jealousy issues with Thomas which we were a little worried about. Thomas loves Liam and is very helpful. So all in all, the last two and a half weeks have been really great! Here's some pics of our gorgeous boy!

2010-04-09T18:19:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the world Liam Joshua Kurtz!!!! He was born at 11:41 AM on April 9th. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz and is 20 inches long! We had some trouble with his blood sugars (most likely due to mine!) so he has to be in the nursery with an IV which is hard being away from my brand new baby!!! But it's for his well being and I get to go down every three hours to nurse! Hoping we can be done with the IV by morning so I can hold him whenever I want!!!! More photos coming soon!!!

2010-04-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I am still here, I am still pregnant, I am still miserable......

My mom leaves tomorrow for California and I am very sad that she will miss Liam's big entrance....of course, at the rate we are going, I'll still be pregnant in three weeks when she gets back......

2010-03-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just hopping on to say that I am still here, I come every day and check up on all of you. But I dare not post because I have vowed to not become one of THOSE people, you know the ones I mean. The ones who obsess over the end of their pregnancies and who whine and complain endlessly about how miserable they feel and how it will never end, blah blah, blah. So I choose to write nothing just in case my fingers get the best of me and it all comes spilling out!

By far, the best part of my week has been this:

This is my gorgeous new nephew, Benjamin Clancy Hoekstra. He was born on Tuesday, March 16 at 4:27 AM. He was 6 lbs. 15 oz. and is just darling. My sister is well and healing and loving being a new mommy. We are on the webcam as often as possible as he is in California and we won't get to see him in person till August. New life is so amazing and precious!!!

2010-03-10T08:38:00.001-08:00

So I promise not to get into the habit of re-posting things I find, but this one made me laugh so hard today....and it's not even that funny! I'm just that hormonally unbalanced!!!

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

-There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

-I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

-MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

-Bad decisions make good stories

-I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

-Nothing stinks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.

-How the HECK are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

-Was learning cursive really necessary?

-LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

-I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

-Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

-Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

-How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

-I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent one jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

-Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies?"

-While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least KIND of tired.

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

-If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible...

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

-"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darnit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

-I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still do not know what time it is.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their glasses when they are safely on their head and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey, but I'd bet anything everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time.

-I wonder if cops ever get irritated at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay!

2010-03-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

I was just re-reading my post from earlier this week. Oddly enough, I could have posted the EXACT same post for yesterday! Only yesterday I realized that it was time to do something drastic in my newly 6 year old daughter's life so that she would come to realize that her attitude and behavior HAD to change. So, as I pushed her out the door for school, crying and screaming, and as I watched the bus pull away from the driveway and my own hot tears started to spill, I knew what I had to do. I called Matt to get support in my decision which he readily gave. And then I waited. I waited for her to get home so I could inform her about her very near future.

See, as she was planning her 6th birthday weekend, she very much wanted a friend party. The thought of cleaning and cooking and enduring 6-7 six year old girls seemed completely overwhelming to me. So I suggested an alternative. I offered her the chance to have 1 friend come and spend the night and then the following day, we would all go to Chuck E Cheese. I despise that place, but it seems to make my children SO happy! She jumped at the chance and the friend was chosen, invited and had accepted. As I sat crying Friday morning, I knew that she must lose said sleepover and subsequent Chuck E Cheese adventure. I also knew that she would NOT handle the loss well, but there didn't seem to be a choice. She really needed something radical to show her that her actions and choices about behavior have consequences. I called the friend's mom and she was most understanding. Then I waited. I heard the bus pull up, thankfully Matt was already home and ready to back me up. She came in and was all excited about when we were leaving to pick up her friend. I took a deep breath, sat her down, and told her. The cries and yells began in earnest and kept up for quite some time. I had expected this so I wasn't too undone. She fell asleep early, exhausted from the crying and when she woke up this morning, she was fine. I reminded her this morning that we wouldn't be going to Chuck E Cheese and she hung her head and told me she knew and she knew why. So maybe, just maybe, we're turning a corner.

Plus the sun is shining and it's 45 degrees out....who can be sad or down on a day like that?!?!?!?

2010-03-03T05:14:00.001-08:00

OK, I'm sitting here crying so I will blow my nose and start with the positive....

- the end of this pregnancy is near. Not near enough, but near. I am fairy miserable, finding it near impossible to complete even the simplest of tasks, not sleeping, and struggling between my constant craving of sugar and my blood sugar levels! I said to Matt last night, "I hate being pregnant, at the end!" He lowered his book and said, "Honey, then why have you done it six times???" Touche`.

Oh wait, this was supposed to be the positive stuff....

I have an ultrasound on Tuesday to take a peek and see how big our little man is. I haven't had one since our 18 week one so I am anxious to see him again! He's very active and the kids think it is hilarious to watch my belly shift and roll as he tries to take over yet another square inch of my abdomen :) My beautiful friends have decided to throw me a "Sixth baby party", I refused to let them call it a shower as it seems a bit silly to throw a shower for a SIXTH baby! But the thought was so sweet and I am looking forward to celebrating Liam with them on Sunday. And eat cake, of course!

Spring is near. I can feel it. This is the third morning in a row that I have awoken to sunshine. It's coming just in time!

So why am I crying? Well that would be my youngest daughter, Sydney. Tomorrow is her birthday, the big 6. There were times, honestly, that I wasn't sure she'd make it to 6. And lately, that feeling has been even stronger. We've slammed into quite a season with her of backtalk and disobedience and drama and it has been so tough. I'm not sure if it's because I am pregnant or what, but for some reason, she pushes a button in me and it undoes me. I tend to be somewhat patient with our children, but where Sydney is concerned, I lose it. I have zero tolerance for backtalk. well for all of it really, but I just snap. She makes me want to lash our irrationally. I know this is just a season, but boy, am I ready for the season to change!!! So as I pushed her out the back door screaming this morning, I sat down and just cried. I know there is a lesson here....just trying to find it :)

Ah, well I feel better now.....blogging can be so therapeutic and I really couldn't fit all this onto my Facebook status :) I'll leave you with a picture of what I found outside my bedroom door the other morning. Thomas is excited about Liam!

2010-02-24T07:18:00.001-08:00

I was blog hopping this morning and usually my first stop is MckMama"s fantastic blog. She had a post on there about big families which was hilarious and oh so true. And as we are getting ready to embark on child #6, we are officially a big family :) This was written by Matthew Archibold.....

Why big families are easier:

Patience. I never have to teach patience. My children know that I can’t drop everything for them if I have a baby in my arms.

Work Ethic. My children have learned to work because there are always chores to do in a small house packed with little messy lunatics. And they all learn quickly that sometimes they have to clean up a mess even though they didn’t make it.

Humility. My children have learned it’s not always their turn. They’ve accepted they can’t always get their way because other people have to get their way sometimes. They’ve learned that some children are better at certain things than they are.

Foreign language skills. You can learn a lot of Spanish by watching ten years of Dora the Explorer that you just can’t pick up in two. And now with the Diego spin off I’m practically fluent. (this is SOO true in the Kurtz house!!)

Laughter. The children have learned to laugh at the insane non sequiturs of younger siblings. They’ve learned that laughing just feels better when seven people are doing it along with you.

Competition. Do I really need to go into this? Everything is a competition in big families. The children compete over who reads faster, who drinks their milk faster, who gets to the bathroom first…etc. Everything is a competition and they’re all keeping score.

Balance. The floor of the front room of my home is a minefield of toys and childhood paraphernalia. Just walking through the room requires great skill and balance. I’m absolutely convinced my two year old will be a favorite for Gold on the balance beam in the 2016 Olympics. (She might have to lay off the cookies a little but I’ll deal with that later.)

Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you just give it to the baby because you want a little quiet. Not all the time. But sometimes.

Just say “No.” Being able to say “no” may be the most undervalued skill in this world. The need to be liked is pervasive. The need to be cool even more so. Having brothers and sisters teaches children to say “no” about 143 times a day. It’s a good skill.

Praying. They learn that nothing beats praying together as a family.

Nature/Nurture. Having many children has taught me that nature has a lot more to do with who my kids are than nurture. This is helpful, especially when your children misbehave you don’t have to feel bad about it. Just say “Stupid nature!!!” and blame your spouse’s genes.

Namecalling. You can occasionally call your child by the wrong name and still not be considered a terrible parent. They know who you mean just from your tone. Sometimes if you need something done you can call the wrong name and someone will still show up. That helps.

Spying. My children have learned that they can’t get away with anything. I have spies who look a lot like them who are willing to drop the dime on them for anything. Even at school I’ve got a child in just about every grade. If they do something I’ll hear. That keeps them nervous. And I like keeping my kids a little nervous.

Friendship. The children have many friends. They’ve got girly friends, crying friends, fun loving friends, consoling friends, and crazy friends. And they all have the same last name. And they’ll be there forever for each other. No matter what.

Love. I think my children have learned to love because there are others around them to love and who love them. I honestly can think of no better way to teach children to love than siblings.

All of this rang so true for me this morning. It's hard to hear "Wow, you have your hands full!" or "Are they ALL yours??" all the time and not feel like I've done something wrong by having our big family. Then I read something like this and know that my kids will be ok, they'll always have each other and having a big family is one my proudest accomplishments!!!

2010-01-28T06:13:00.000-08:00

Another Thursday, another post :) This time I'm watching the wind whip the snow at speeds of 30 mph while I sit sipping my latte. It's freezing this morning!!! Not that I can feel it in here!

We are back to cold world, Thomas and Sydney are sneezing and coughing their way through life. These seasons seem especially long these days, could be my pregnant self just being grumpy. Speaking of pregnant, I seem to have slipped unknowingly back into the first trimester. Gone are the days of energy and productivity. It seems to take all my energy to drag myself from bed in the morning and get the kids off to school. My housework is suffering horribly and I am just too tired to care. On an exciting note, my girlfriend stopped over yesterday and surprised me with the very baby swing that I had wanted and clothes for Liam. It totally made my day. Hard to believe that we are 85 days away from meeting our little man!!!

And I am totally and completely frustrated with Frito Lay as they are WEEKS late getting the W-2's in the mail. GRRRRRR!!! We are usually done and filed by now and waiting anxiously for our deposit. Yet we sit every day, watching for the mailman praying that this will be the day that he brings us the golden ticket. UGH. Remember how patient I am?!?!?!?!??

Well my precious time is up, time to collect Thomas and head home.....till next week!

2010-01-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

I've decided that there is something therapeutic about taking my laptop to McDonald's once a week and drinking coffee and spending some alone time. I admit that I am one of those people who doesn't like to be alone, must be why I have so many children :) But these times are completely enjoyable. Whatever shall I do when our internet is restored at home? Perhaps I'll keep up the tradition and make Thursday mornings my blog time, since I can't seem to get to it any other time!

The end of January is in sight!! Which means one month closer to Liam being here! I will admit that this pregnancy has been full of worry for me. I don't know if it's because I have had 5 healthy, beautiful kids and I think I'm tempting fate or what. I think part of it is because there are women around me that are losing babies and having a hard time having them. I am trying to put Liam in God's hands and know that He loves him so much more than I ever could and therefore will take care of him. It's just been a wild ride emotionally for me. Matt commented on my belly last night saying, "Wow, Liam is BIG for 5 months!" I rolled my eyes and reminded him that I am SEVEN months pregnant, not FIVE! "Oh yeah," was his reply. Oh brother!

So maybe it's just winter or maybe it's a pregnant thing, but I have lost all energy or gumption to get anything done! It's so very frustrating after having a great window of being so productive. I'm praying for it's quick return!!

Hoping today is W-2 day today....come on Mr. Mailman!!!

2010-01-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

Seeing as my last post was before Christmas, I guess it's high time for an update :) Not that there's much to update, believe it or not :)

Christmas was really great. The kids were SHOCKED and delighted with their gifts and even though there were MUCH less gifts, they didn't care which warmed my heart. They got some great things, including a trip for my three oldest to see Beauty and the Beast the musical with my parents. Their first real theater experience...ahhhh....there's no going back now! I'm seeing many trips to Chicago in our future. How I pray they inherit my (and my parents) love of theater!! We rounded off the holiday week with a trip to Highland and a visit with Grandma and Grandpa Kurtz. Much fun was had, much Wii was played and many laughs were laughed :)

Now into a new year!!! Our pastor called us to fast and pray this month....as I cannot fast from food due to my little Liam (shucks!) we decided as a family that we would fast from the internet and cable in our home. It has been rough (well the internet part for me anyway!!) Not having immediate access to NECESSARY things like Facebook has been a challenge, but I suppose that is the point! It has created much more family time and much easier transitions to getting ready for school and bed. The kids ask occasionally how much longer we have to wait for "channels" to return....but they are surviving as well. So how am I posting this now, you may ask? Well, I've taken Tuesday mornings as my own and, after I drop Thomas off at school, I head to McDonalds for some coffee and some alone time, with my laptop :) I don't consider this cheating, the challenge was for me to not have it in my home where it's too easy to lose hours on the computer. So live on Tuesday mornings!!

I am feeling pretty well. I was surprised to be having some Braxton Hicks contractions already over the weekend. Guess everything speeds up a bit with your 6th pregnancy and old age :) Having a baby at 30 is so much different than at 22 :) Liam is getting bigger by the day it seems and the kids are loving feeling him kick and punch. Jonah is so excited to have another brother! We're all anxious for his arrival!

My favorite part about January I must admit is it's TAX RETURN TIME!! This is our favorite time of year, besides Christmas. This year holds no cruise, sadly enough :( But Matt and I are escaping to GR for a romantic overnight for Valentine's Day...well kind of. It's also when he'll be getting all his equipment for the Isle Royale Expedition. But I'll take the fancy hotel and the chance for us to get away alone before Liam joins the tribe, even if I have to endure Bill and Paul's!

Well time is up! Back to the land of no internet :)

2009-12-21T10:02:00.000-08:00

4 days til Christmas...is it possible? Usually the Christmas season DRAGS for me...not so this year....we seem to have raced through Thanksgiving and are landing on Christmas while I am still trying to catch my breath! I'm excited about the holiday, I know it holds many memories and laughter. At the same time, there is a tinge of sadness as another year passes. I must admit that I am terribly excited for the new year, mostly, because each day that passes gets us one day closer to meeting Liam. I am the most impatient person ever and this 40 week pregnancy thing is overrated :) He moves more and more each day and I cannot wait to meet him! A few of my girlfriends have just found out that they are expecting as well and I think it's so much fun to go through pregnancy with others. Other people to moan and whine to :)

We had our first Christmas concert on our new church this past Sunday. Matt, Molli and Syd all had solo parts and Emma was in the choir. I was so proud watching Molli and Matt sing and Sydney say her long line as the Angel of the Lord. (Most of you I have as friends on Facebook, you can catch the videos there!) It was truly a blessed morning, made even more special by friends and family that came to watch!

I'm hoping the week hurries as now that I've written about Christmas, I really can't wait!

2009-12-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

Well I hoped for a white Christmas...little did I know what would come! Oh boy! We've been stranded since yesterday morning. Matt barely got out and went to work and I was a wreck all day worrying about him out on the roads. West Michigan basically shut down! The good news is that my sister and her husband made it from California!!! I cannot wait to spend the week with her, trade lots of pregnancy advice, lots of pics and hugs to last us till next summer!

We are FINALLY done with a three week stint of pink eye. My brother infected the kids and then it morphed into this whole eye infection thing. Jonah and Sydney had it the worst and missed three days of school!!! UGH. Thankfully we have crossed over to the land of white eyes again! This has been a rough fall of sickness.....yuck! Hopefully we are over it now.

I am getting bigger every day. Liam's kicks are getting stronger although the kids haven't been able to feel him yet. I keep promising them that he is there! The medication I am on for my diabetes seems to be working very well, although I'm tired of poking my finger 4 times a day. But, if it means that Liam will be born healthy, then it's worth it! I've gotten some gorgeous outfits as gifts from my friends and we've chosen the one big purchase we are making for this baby....a travel system! I've never had one, always had younger kids that needed to be contained. But now that everyone is older, I'm thinking the stroller/car combo would be awesome! After the holidays, we'll begin buying diapers and stocking up :)

Christmas is right around the corner and I'm cautiously getting excited. This year will be very different and I don't usually do well when my traditions are messed with. But my dad has to work all day Christmas day so some changes are needed. One of the things I am excited about is that we are going to the nursing home my aunt works at and doing a Christmas program for the residents. Jonah and Matt are going to play their trombones, the girls are going to read scripture, and we're going to sing Christmas carols. I think it will be so great for the kids to realize that Christmas is about more than just our little family bubble!

Well it's time to turn up the heat again...brrr!!!

2009-11-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

I thought for sure I'd have time to update my blog over Thanksgiving, but I guess not :) We weren't terribly busy or even traveling, but the time to sit and update sort of flew over my head.

So our big news is that we are having a BOY!!! We are just delighted, even though we would have bee equally delighted with a girl. It's just nice that now it will be even, three boys, three girls. Jonah was BEYOND excited...jumping up and down and yelling in the ultrasound room and everything! Priceless! The girls are excited too...I don't think they really cared much to begin with! Liam Joshua is the name we've chosen. My brother Josh is extremely happy with our choice of middle name, surprise, surprise. We've gotten our first batch of baby boy blue clothes (thanks Aunt Robin!!!) and are anxious to meet our little Liam.

Thanksgiving was good. My grandparents from New York were here which was fun, we haven't had a holiday with them for as long as I can remember! The table was packed with people and food. It was a blessed day! We got to spend some time with Matt's family as well a few days after Thanksgiving and that was great fun too. Christmas is quickly approaching and I'm in awe of our calendar as the days fill up with concerts, parties, and visits. I'm giddy with excitement over my sister's visit in a few weeks. I'll be posting prego pics of the two of us side by side!! I'm sure she'll be bigger than me.... :) Lots to look forward to this season. And I don't even mind that we don't have snow!!!

2009-11-18T05:04:00.000-08:00

I won't bother apologizing for my lack of blogging. Life is moving on, some days faster than others, truth be told. It's hard to imagine that Thanksgiving is a week from tomorrow and that in 6 days we'll know what we are having. Most people think we're having a boy, but we'll see next week. I'm anxious to put a gender to this baby and therefore, a name. We have names picked out but we'll reveal those next week when we know for sure who this is. I'm feeling pretty well, I'm starting to show in earnest now. I've felt the first small stirrings down there and Matt felt him moving for the first time last night. I'm starting to get excited about having a new little one!

This week is insanely busy here. Friday night I am going to see New Moon with my mom. Just writing that sentence makes me laugh out loud. She scoffed at Twilight for the longest time and is now obsessed with Edward (not too tough!) So we will join the throngs of women who will flock on opening night to see the next chapter. *happy sigh* Then I leave early Saturday morning for an all day shopping trip with my ladies group from church. We're headed to Grand Rapids to shop all day. I'm so excited about it! Then, Sunday afternoon, the Waltons are headed to Lansing to see The Christmas Carol in the IMAX. So a very full weekend. But exciting!

Other exciting news, my sister is coming home! We weren't sure that we would get to see her at all before she wasn't allowed to fly. But they found some time to come and that means we get to have a baby shower! I'm so thrilled to celebrate with her on the birth of her first baby. It's so cool when your siblings get to experience the thrill of pregnancy and becoming parents. I have big plans for the shower and can't wait to just sit and talk with her in the same room!! The only downside about this pregnancy is that I won't be able to travel to see her and the baby till much later. We are due only weeks apart from each other. :( But hopefully we'll be able to be together soon after that so I can meet my nephew!

Well I need to make shopping lists for Thanksgiving and get something productive done today :)

2009-10-19T10:24:00.000-07:00

So it looks like weekly blogging will be the best I can do for now :) After all, my life just isn't that exciting!

Football is finally over. Jonah's team finished their season on Saturday with a big 19-0 win! It was a chilly day so I'm relieved to be done sitting outside for two hours every Saturday. Also, looking at this week with NO practices on three evenings is exciting! Family time is back. Of course, tomorrow night is my first night with my Daisy scouts. I'm excited to meet them and get our troop going. I'm hoping to be a good leader, I guess time will tell.

Pregnancy is plodding along. April seems like an eternity away. But I am relieved to be past 12 weeks and I have my energy back. Well, mostly. I am trying to catch up to life that was put on hold. I'm still looking for the girl's many pairs of socks...I think the mice have eaten them all!!

Events coming up in our household.....Thomas starts preschool in two weeks. I am nervous for this transition for him...I'm really praying it goes well. He seems excited about it, but I'm not really sure he knows that it means me leaving him there!!! Here's hoping it is awesome for him. A shopping day with a really great friend....our church is taking a group of ladies to Great Lakes Crossing for a Christmas shopping trip in November and my good friend is coming as well!!! A whole day with grownups! Of course we are in full swing for Halloween as well. We have some interesting choices this year....Jonah is going as a mobster, complete with a pin striped suit, red carnation and spats on his shoes! Molli is a ninja...don't ask, I have NO idea! Emma and Sydney are going as poodles. I am making these costumes..cross your fingers!! Thomas is a dragon, an adorable dragon at that. So quite the crew....I'm already cringing at the amount of candy that I know will come home that night....

Matt is home on vacation this week and I'm finding it very hard to get things done when he is here....I just want to hang out. But alas, there is work to be done. (I'm even trying to convince him to do a small painting project this week!!)

2009-10-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

What a crazy, fun-filled weekend we had! Friday morning, the only thing that got me out of bed to get the kids to school was knowing that I could sleep in on Saturday morning. NOT! I had to be up, dressed nicely and driving to Kalamazoo by 8 AM. UGH. Why,you ask? Well.....I went to a meeting at the girl's school to sign Emma up for Brownies. There were 6 little kindergarten girls there who all wanted to be Daisies, but alas there was no leader for a Daisy troop. I couldn't' stand the looks on their little faces when their parents were telling them that they would have to wait to be girl scouts. So I stepped up to the plate and volunteered to be the troop leader. I naively thought it would just be this simple little thing, NOT!!! Tons of paperwork, reference forms, training sessions...oh my. But, as of noon on Saturday, I am a certified Daisy troop leader! Now all the fun stuff starts, calling parents, setting up our meeting times and planning meetings. I think I get off pretty easy though, because at age 5, pretty much anything you do, they think is awesome! I'll keep you posted on that!

So that was Saturday morning. I rushed back from Kalamazoo to make it in time for Jonah's football game which they won!!! Go Tigercats! It was a gorgeous day to sit and watch football. And Jonah is so handsome in his uniform!!

After the game, we came home and packed up a few things and took off for an impromptu overnight in Howell. Sunday was Matt's grandma's 90th birthday party so we went a little early for some family fun. My kids think there is NOTHING cooler than sleeping in a hotel. So we swam and laughed and ate and swam. It was so fun.

Then, Sunday afternoon we headed to celebrate with Great Grandma. Besides being ungodly hot in the nursing home, we had a great time! The kids caught up with cousins and second cousins and we got to have cake. Doesn't get any better than that.

Getting everyone up and moving this morning was a bit of a challenge, but the big kids are gone and Thomas just asked if we could stay in our pajamas today. Of course we can :)

2009-10-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

I've been a VERY bad blogger. But there is a reason...one that I am now able to share :)

Yes, indeed we are having a baby. Yes, this is number 6. Yes, we are excited. Yes, the kids are beyond excited. No, we are not crazy. Well....yet anyway :)

I had a miscarriage in May and, after that happened, Matt and I decided that we were done. He made phone calls to the "man doctor" and everything. And then, lo and behold, this little one appeared. Ok, he didn't just appear, and yes, Grandma, we DO know how this works :) I have been beyond exhausted which is one reason for my failure to blog. And we wanted to keep it to ourselves, selfishly, for a little while. But we decided that we would like to share the news with you all. We are 12.5 weeks along...and as you can see in the ultrasound pic, this little one is a gymnast! The kids are excited, the girls are praying for a girl, while Jonah has informed us that, if it is a girl, he is putting himself up for adoption. :) I'm starting to pull out of the "too tired to even get dressed" phase so there will be more updates and news. But, just writing this has left me needing a nap...zzzzzzz......

2009-09-08T04:59:00.000-07:00

My blog has been silent for a few weeks. I didn't blog for fear that my awfulness would come out. I have been awful these last few weeks. It has been a tough time for us as a family as well. Despite our best efforts, we were driving each other mad. And I found myself losing my patience so quickly and just being a yucky mom. So that is why there have been no words here.

But today, a fresh wind blew and not a moment too soon, the big bus came and the kids are off to school. My four oldest are in school all day this year. It will be odd, I must admit, to have just one home. It's been a LONG time since I was home with just one child all year! The kids were EXCITED about school, even Jonah which confirms the disastrous-ness of the last few weeks! So here they are, on their first morning....

Doesn't Sydney look happy??? She was so excited to go to school with the big kids, in the morning. And,even though I have been praying for this day, I got misty eyed as they left, knowing that another year of their young lives has come.

2009-08-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sad to report that I have not been a good blogger lately. The summer is DRAGGING on....I can hardly believe we still have 13 days till school starts. The kids are at each other's throats despite my best attempts at creative things to do. I find myself lethargic and tired. UGH. ROUTINE WHERE ARE YOU????

To make matters worse, I turn 30 on Friday. I guess it's not really a big deal, I've waited my whole life to be thirty. I was somehow convinced that once I hit that magical age, I'd feel like a grown up. I'm not sure that is going to happen. One bright spot amidst this darkness has been my birthday gift from my husband.....

I am delighted with my new Blackberry. I've spent HOURS playing with it, only after the children are in bed of course. I'm in love with texting on the keyboard and having access to everything when I am away from home. I'm just giddy over it, isn't that silly?

So all in all, life goes one....very slowly, but it is going on. Just wanted you all to know :)

2009-08-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

FOR TODAY August 18th, 2009…

Outside My Window… the sun is out! It rained ALL day yesterday so I'm grateful for a day that the kids can play outside!!

I am thinking… how much I am waiting for a phone call!

I am thankful for… my children and how they make me laugh at just the right moments!

From the bedrooms.....the kids are split up in different rooms with different play games going on, wishing I was napping my room :)

From the kitchen…oh how I wish I had a chef....but alas, no such luck. Tonight we are having chicken legs and Julienne potatoes

I am wearing…stretchy capris with a cotton top, hair in ponytail and barefeet, of course!

I am creating...creating??!! Who has time?

I am going… to hang towels and sheets on the line

I am reading… nothing right now, we need to go to the library

I am hoping… that I get the phone call I want today!!

I am hearing… birds chirping, Thomas playing dinosaurs with Jonah, Emma talking to Opee, and Spongebob

Around the house… I am trying to find things to sell in my mom's garage sale. I DESPISE garage sales, but it does help clear out the junk!

One of my favorite things… is that Matt has weekends off now, it really has changed our lives...I love it!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: various Dr. and dentist appointments, trying to get everyone in before school!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

Jonah playing football, I LOVE it!

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

2009-08-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Life is moving on....the girls are at camp this week and loving it! I am loving the break in the constant fighting....aaahhh! Jonah is loving football, he's going to be a defensive man I'm sure!!! Pictures to come, if I can take some without humiliating him!

Today, as I was driving the girls to camp, we came to stop light in town. AS we waited for the light to turn green, a truck pulled up next to our van. I glanced over and was HORRIFIED to see a graphic picture of an aborted baby. It sucked my breath away. As I was trying to regroup, the truck turned and there were about 20 people all holding signs with various GRAPHIC pictures of aborted babies, protesting abortion. I starting yelling at the kids to quick close their eyes, but of course they all got glimpses before they got their eyes closed. So after we were through the intersection and they were allowed to open their eyes again, they began with the questions..."Mom, what WAS that??" Into the conversation of abortion we went. The girls were horrified that such a thing was possible. Emma's eyes filled with tears as she asked, "Mom why would someone kill their baby?" AHHHHHHH! We talked about it for a little while longer as I was trying to tell them that, while we don't think abortion is ok, that God loves people who have them. Now those images are burned into their little brains and I am upset that they saw those things. I understand that those people want people to know that abortion is wrong, but isn't' there a line of appropriateness???? My young children should NOT have seen those images. Am I in left field about this, or do you think that what happened was WRONG????

2009-08-09T17:46:00.001-07:00

2009-08-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind the last three weeks have been! First Mancelona Camp, then home to family arriving from all over, my sister getting ~~married~~ remarried, then a week full of sun, fun, and family. So many great memories and so many pictures to share. I'm working on a slide show that I'll post tomorrow...but I'll hit the highlights for you....

- All ten cousins being together...they are a crazy bunch, to be sure. They are all almost the same ages which causes trouble sometimes. But they adore each other. My kids (even tough man Jonah) cried when they left!

- Being with all of my siblings. With my sister and her husband moving to California, the times of all five of us being together gets smaller and smaller. It was so fantastic to be together!

- Getting all dolled up for the wedding, including getting my hair done!

- Watching my baby sister get married.....again :)

- Finding out that my baby sister is having a baby!!!!

- The Father/ Daughter dance, I wept like a baby watching my daddy and my sister dance to "Cinderella". Making me tear up now too....

- Watching the family tear up the dance floor...it was hilarious!

- Going to South Haven with my parents, and Tigger and his family. The weather was perfect, there were waves for the kids, and we had a great day!

And now, family time is over which makes me very sad. It's hard to believe that it will most likely be another year before I see my nieces and nephews again. It's hard living far from family.

This coming week promises to be fun however, as my girls head to "Nature Camp" and Jonah starts football (which is a whole other post in itself!). Pictures to come soon!!!

2009-08-03T05:41:00.001-07:00

My blog is resting...because of this

and this....

My baby sister got married and ALL of us are in town. There are 21 of us in total....22 if you count the new baby that is due in April. So I am very busy loving on my nieces and nephews and spending time with my siblings...catch ya on the flip side :)

2009-07-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

We are home from camp!!! There are a million loads of laundry to do and a house to clean but I wanted to finish my kid posts!

This is Thomas Michael...
Thomas is...

2 years and 10 months old
will be going to preschool in the fall
can sing all of "Dancing Queen" by Abba
Can't sing ABC's :)
loves to dance
loves Matchbox cars and monster trucks
loves to take baths
hates being "bossed" by Sydney
loves to swim
is terrified of people in animal costumes
hates carousels
loves to be outside
discovered he LOVES camping
could swing in a swing for HOURS
prefers dogs to cats
thinks Jonah is the coolest person ever
loves brushing his teeth
has the best smile
my cuddle bug
tolerates being dressed up by his big sisters
likes to have his picture taken
FINALLY uses the potty for everything!
loves his big boy unders
and is my sweet baby boy!!!

2009-07-15T11:06:00.000-07:00

Camp is almost here! I am doing lots of laundry, packing, repacking, making lists....oh boy. But I didn't want to neglect my fourth born, she gets enough of that :) So here she is...

This is Sydney Diane.
Sydney....

is 5 years and 4 months old
will be an all day kindergartner in the fall

sucks her finger still
has the best smile
has no fear
talks VERY loudly :)
is pretty rough with her siblings
donated her gorgeous curls to Locks of Love
still loves all things Dora
loves to swim
hates time out
eats very little meat
needs LOTS of sleep to be decent
can ride a two wheeler very well
loves wearing sandals
likes to change her clothes, frequently
likes to hug
is clingy to me
is well liked by mosquitoes :)
like to play any make believe game as long as her name is Mermaidia :)
LOVES High School Musical
renames her stuffed animals daily
today her two favorite are Troy and Gabriella
loves to sing
loves to play the Wii
is learning things on the computer as fast as I am
is my Boo, forever and always :)

2009-07-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogging for a while. Noah was with us for a few days while my mom and dad were away. We slept out in the camper which is always fun. Plus it's been nice and cool in the evening which makes it that much more comfortable. The countdown for camp has begun, the kids are so excited to go up north and make lots of new friends. I can't wait to reconnect with some old friends and have my kids experience the camp of my youth!! 9 days :)

And now, my next child....

This is Emma Jane
Emma is....

7 years and 3 months old
will be a second grader in the fall
LOVES to read, every time I turn around her nose is in a book!!
has a very "grown up" mind
says the FUNNIEST stuff
has an interesting taste in clothing
has quite the temper
is the best diver amongst my kids
has a great imagination
likes to play on her own
is a devoted friend
has the best laugh
teeters back and forth between tomboy and girly girl
is not the most patient girl :)
is very affectionate
HATES doing the dishes
loves having her hair brushed (NOT!!!)
can't wait to be a second grader
cares deeply about taking care of our planet
loves to ride her bike
answers to my nickname for her "Emma Fred" :)
She cracks me up!!!

2009-07-02T17:53:00.001-07:00

And now for my second born (just a sidenote on this picture: This is her dress for my sister's wedding. I am allowing her to "grow out" her bangs....it's already driving me NUTS!! Ok, I'm done now...moving on...)

Molli....

is 8 years and 7 months old
will be a third grader in the fall
is the oldest girl in our family
she knows it :)
is the most like me, physically and otherwise
is very bossy and controlling
is a born leader
can really sing
wants to be a singer, artist, movie star and ballerina when she grows up
is VERY determined, sometimes to her detriment

is an awesome student
reads at a 6th grade level
is extremely dramatic
tends to be a follower if she's around another girl (who shall remain nameless)
is very perceptive of her world
gets insanely tan in the summer
swims like a fish
dives like a pro
is almost ready to wear a bra (AAAAAHHHHHHH!)
loves to write in her journals
loves to dress up
wants to wear high heels
has a great smile
and she makes me laugh...she's my Molli bug. :)

2009-06-30T12:41:00.000-07:00

In honor of summer and the fact that my children are home 24/7, I've decided to do a post on each child individually. Tell you all about them right now. And if that's too boring for you...well then don't come and read it :)

I'll start with my firstborn. Jonah.

Jonah...

is 10 years and 5 months old
finally has short hair after an endured season of long hair
is so athletic, he can pick up any sport fast (much to his father's dismay)
is going to be a 5th grader this fall (lord, help me!)
is incredibly handsome
is so good with his little brother, not so much with the sisters :)
has the biggest heart for animals
He wants to be a vet when he grows up
is very sensitive to how other people are feeling, again, not so much with the sisters
kisses me goodbye every time he goes somewhere
HATES reading
loves science
is quite an imaginative drawer
like to play with his "guys" still
REALLY wants a Nintendo DS for Christmas
(he's getting one) :)
is nosy and always wants to know what's going on
yells...a lot
can sing....I love to hear him sing
gets told that he should be a model
likes the house clean
hates to make it clean :)
truly wants other people to be happy

Which makes me a very happy mom. I love this kid.

2009-06-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

SUN, GLORIOUS SUN!!!! Now, don't get me wrong, I don't handle hot weather very well. But I do LOVE the sun. And we have had a very wet, cool June so this sweep of sun and warmth is very welcome. We spent the WHOLE weekend in the sun at the pool. It was wonderful!

We had fun celebrating our dads too. Matt took an early morning bike ride with Jonah, father and son :) That gave the girls and I the chance to make breakfast and cards. Then it was off to church and then off to Mom's where we celebrated Matt and my dad. Lots of swimming and steak eating. A perfect day, minus the moments of whining and time outs :)

Another summer week begins and here I sit, trying to find things to keep us busy. Wednesday is Matt's day off and we are heading to Lake Michigan for the day. The kids are excited about the "ocean" which we have to keep reminding them is just a big lake :) They don't care!

2009-06-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Summer is trudging on in the Kurtz home. We've finally had some warmer weather so being able to send the kids outside to play has been a blessing. And I am always grateful for Grandma's pool. I'm going to get a lot of reading done this summer :)

I have been debating whether or not to blog about this, but I really feel like I need to write it down for myself. It's just a bonus that you all can read it as well :)

Before the purchase of our HUGE blessing, the BIG van as the kids call it, Matt and I sat down to really talk through our finances. Now I will come right out and admit that this is a HUGE area of struggle for me. I love to buy things. Love it. I love walking into a store and buying things, not for me but for my kids, Matt, or whoever. I also love to eat out. It's oh so easy to not grocery shop and pull into a McDonald's for dinner.Because of these behaviors and others, we have struggled financially for most of our married lives. Our credit is atrocious and we are completely to blame. We've had many people come along side of us and help us, but it wasn't until recently that I realized that, if I didn't change my heart and my actions, things would never change. I wish I could say that I was miraculously healed of wasteful spending. That is NOT the case. But I am committed to submitting to my husband, to living on a budget, and to saving money. I will not pretend that this will be easy. It will NOT. But I believe that God has called me to obedience, to surrender, and to submission.

The biggest part of this is tithing. We have not tithed regularly, ever. And I have been hot over the head recently that this is a sin. Everything we have is God's. That includes every penny of our money. And by not tithing, I am robbing God. Robbing Him. God forgive me. It just always seemed that we needed that money for groceries or gas. But it was all just an excuse. This Sunday, I was reminded that God doesn't need my dollars, He needs and wants my submission and my obedience. I need to tithe because He told me to. Because it's part of my worship to Him. That I could put money in the plate every week, but if my heart was hard, that it wouldn't matter. And that I cannot tithe with the expectation that if I give Him money, He's going to give me something. I need to lay my offering at His feet, even if nothing else happens, I'll know that I obeyed and worshipped my Savior. This has been huge for me. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it, but I will tell you that this Sunday, I was shaking with the excitement of placing our offering in the plate. Who knew being obedient could feel so right? :)

2009-06-11T18:34:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of summer break started VERY early....I was WIDE awake at 10 minutes to 6...I looked toward heaven and asked God why on EARTH I was awake? He just smiled. The kids bounded out of bed at 6:30, no sleeping in the first day or anything. They were excited to explore and play and head to the playground for a picnic. Till we took a look at the very gray sky and the very wet ground. It appeared our first day would be an indoor one. It actually went very well. The kids were ~~forced~~ encouraged to help with some cleaning around the house which was very nice. I'm starting to work on summer chore lists.....that will go over REALLY well :)

Our van continues to be glorious. We all went and picked up Noah for a sleepover tonight and we ALL FIT!! Legally! In seat belts!! God is GOOD!!!

We are still trying to plan out our summer so as to make the most of it. I really want this to be a great summer. Camping next week will be a blast! We scrubbed, and I mean scrubbed, the camper down on Wednesday. It was great fun, till Molli fell off of the top of the camper. The camper wasn't open; she and Sydney were on the closed top scrubbing it down, but she managed to cut her leg and get some great bruises. She was up and throwing water at us in fairly short order so I think she'll live :)

And now off to bed I go....day 1 complete!

2009-06-08T06:13:00.000-07:00

What's new in the Kurtz house....hmmm, where should I begin? How about here.....

Meet the newest member of the Kurtz family!! It's a 12 passenger van! It is so beautiful and I am still in awe that it's ours!!! Now all of our kids fit with room to spare, we can transport my brother legally, and we only have to take one vehicle when the kids have friends over. It's a huge blessing and I am so excited about it!!!

Only a day and a half left in school year...doesn't seem quite possible that the year has come and gone. Yet here we are on the brink of summer vacation. What's even scarier is that, come fall, I'll have a 5th grader, a third grader, a 2nd grader, and a full day kindergartner. Plus I hope to have Thomas in a two morning a week program. Wow.

2009-06-04T04:32:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by my beautiful friend . So the rules are that I have to tag the person who tagged me, complete a list or 8, and then tag 8 other people (and let them know I tagged them). So here goes:

8 Things I Am Looking Forward To:

1. Swimming every day
2. Connecting with new friends
3. My brother and his family coming to visit
4. Friday night bonfires
5. Camping!!!
6. Firefly catching
7. Being able to stop using my dryer completely
8. Not having to get out of bed by 6:30!

8 Things I Did Yesterday:

1. laundry
2. Checked Facebook
3. dishes
4. Ate Subway
5. Finished my Jodi Piccoult book
6. Redid our budget with Matt
7. Made out our camping meal plan and grocery list
8. Weeded my strawberry patch

8 Things I Wish I Could Do:

1. Wake up tomorrow and be a size 12
2. Financially support my family
3. Go on a cruise again with Matt
4. Take our family to Disney World
5. Rewind time
6.Make my children stop growing
7. Pilates
8. Cook like any of the Food Network people!!!

8 Shows I Watch:

1. Lost
2. Fringe
3. American Idol
4. Grey's Anatomy
5. Private Practice
6. Say Yes to the Dress
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. The Closer

8 Favorite Fruit:

1. Cherries (fresh)
2. bananas
3. strawberries
4. blueberries
5. blackberries
6. pears
7. plums
8. peaches

8 Places I'd Like to Travel:

1. Williamsburg (well I've been but Matt and the kids haven't!)
2. France
3. Ireland
4. Australia
5. Colorado
6. Hawaii
7. Alaska
8. Prince Edward Island
9. New Zealand

8 Places I've Lived:

1. Brockport, New York
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3. South Lyon, Michigan
4. Mancelona, Michigan
5. Grand Rapids, Michigan
6. Wixom, Michigan
7. Milford, Nebraska
8. Battle Creek, Michigan

8 People I've Tagged:

I'm not even sure that eight people read this, but...

The amazing triathlon participant at My 5 Little Monkeys

The almost ready to pop any day new mommy at Mrs. Hawk

The woman with the most beautiful smile Mindy Schoeb

My sister-in-law who I know reads this (you can do it on Facebook!) Robin

My grandma or my Aunt Lisa who I suspect read this as well (you guys could do it in an e-mail!)

And I'm fresh out of people to tag :)

2009-06-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those days where you wish you could just rewind it and start all over?? That was my day today...

I had a WIC appointment this morning. So after the big kids got on the bus, I quick got Thomas and Syd ready. We loaded up into the van and the van was dead. Lovely. So I quick made a call and asked someone to come and jump the van. They showed up and, low and behold, no jumper cables. Now I'm started to lose it. She wonderfully offered to take us to the appointment and then stop and get the cables on the way back. Then my appointment took forever! Golly, I sure wish they could come up with a simpler and quicker way to get in and out of there! But we lived and got the van running and life was good. Till we went to WalMart. I had to get 2 things....2. Thomas and Syd were at each other's throats and screaming and pulling hair and it was not pretty. I left without the 2 things that I needed and drove home crying.

Now they are both napping and I am eating chocolate. The day is looking a little brighter already :)

2009-05-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

9 days. That's all. 9 days of school left It seems like it was just yesterday that I took this......

It sure is bittersweet. I will be glad of the release of schedule and be able to have more freedom. Yet I cringe to lose the structure and schedule of it. We are already getting glimpses of what could be if we don't keep busy this summer. Lord, give me patience :)

And I need some input. We leave for camping just days after the kids get out of school and I need some help thinking of good camping meals. I usually pick things that are WAY impractical for the simplicity of camping. So any ideas? What do you guys take and make during camping trips??

2009-05-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

I will attempt to keep myself in check while posting this, although there are no promises that that will actually happen. But I will try.

My little boy got his heart broken. Not Thomas, thankfully he is still blissfully unaware of the opposite sex. I mean my BIG little boy. And all of the drama has left me a ~~little~~ LOT angry. Here's what happened....

Last year was our kid's first year in a new school district. Jonah was entering the third grade and was mad as a hornet that we had moved and hence, he had to switch schools. He's rather shy, my Jonah. Anyway, from the first day f school till the last, he had a crush. She was the prettiest girl in the third grade and ALL the boys liked her. I knew Jonah was smitten just by the way he said her name. I braced myself for this and all was well. Well, at the beginning of this his fourth grade year, I was informed that this girl had chosen my son as her "boyfriend". After I woke up from my fainting spell, I sat down with my son to inquire just what this meant. He was very forthcoming with the facts, which were that being her boyfriend meant nothing. They simply play at recess, with 4 other kids. I was very content with this arrangement. At Christmas, he asked if he could use some of his money and get her a gift and I complied. It was all very cute and innocent. Now fast forward to last night..........

There are a lot of kids in Jonah's school that have their own cell phones. Now, my position on this is that I think it is RIDICULOUS for 1o year old children to have cell phones, STUPID even. If you are reading this, and your young child has their own cell phone, that is YOUR decision. But my children will NOT have cell phones until they are in high school. PERIOD. So my cell phone rang and a sweet, young girl's voice asked if Jonah was home. After I woke up again from yet another fainting spell, I passed the phone to Jonah. The conversation went like this: "Um no." "Well, she is lying." "No." "Ok, bye." He handed me back my cell and walked away. I followed him and asked what was up. He replied, "That was her. She wanted to know if I cheated on her with another girl." He shrugged and walked away. WHAT?!?!?!?!?!?!??! Did we step into a black hole and somehow land in a parallel universe??? These are 10 YEAR OLDS!!!!! I was shocked, to say the very least. But it gets worse.

Jonah is in bed by 8 on school nights. At 8:05 my cell phone rings again and another girl's voice asks for Jonah. I snuck into his bedroom to see if he was still awake, of course he was :) I handed him the phone and stood and watched him have a conversation that lasted 5 minutes. After it was over, he was very quiet. I asked what was going on. He told me that the call was actually a three way call between his "girlfriend" and two other of her friends. And that she was calling to inform him that she was dumping him for someone else. I could tell that Jonah was not ok with this. I held his hand for a minute, kissed him goodnight, and left his room.

After sitting down for a few minutes, I got very angry. First of all, three way calling???!!! I didn't even do that until late high school!! And I sure as heck didn't do it on a cell phone. And what is with all this boy/girl DRAMA???? How ridiculous is it that this is happening in the fourth grade??? Poor Jonah, is just heartbroken. Does anyone else but me think this is just STUPID?????

2009-05-24T04:43:00.001-07:00

It's official. Summer is here. The camper is up and has been slept in. Smores have been made and eaten. Swimming is happening on a daily basis. Corn on the cob has been purchased. And at least one of us has gotten sunburned :) Bring it on!

Last night, we all slept in the camper. This summer is different and another chapter for us as Thomas is not in the Pack and Play. He gets to sleep on one of the big kid beds. It took him a while to settle down, but then he slept great. It was so awesome to snuggle with Matt while listening to the kids giggle and whisper to each other. It made me remember how much I love camping, it just means we get to be together.

Today we are celebrating my brother. My baby brother, Joshie, is 22. 22!!!!!!!!!!! Golly, I still think he is 12. He is an amazing guy, I am so glad he is my brother.

2009-05-21T05:39:00.000-07:00

Time for an update post, although I keep looking at the pics of Jonah below and LOVING them!! Now if I could just get him to shower more than once every two weeks.....

I am going to vent about a pet peeve of mine. :) Because it's my blog and I can. So there.

A few weeks ago, I read the book Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. He also authored The Davinci Code. I loved Angels and Demons. Thought provoking, easy reading and an enjoyable tale. I also knew the movie was coming out and wanted to read it before I saw the film. My mother did the same, so as part of her Mother's Day gift, I gave her tickets to the movie opening night. And we went. And it STANK! Only about 20% of the book made it into the movie! They changed to story line, changed people's names....UGH!!!! Why do they do this??? I have similar experiences with other books turned movies....the Love Comes Softly series...they were my FAVORITE books when I was growing up and the movies are HORRIBLE!!! I just cannot imagine how an author can allow screen writers to change their work so drastically. But then I guess maybe my hopes are just too high.

There is an exception to this, however. Well two exceptions. The first is the Bridge to Terabithia. My mom read this to us when we were little and I loved the story. I boycotted the movie for fear that it too would end up the same, ruined for me in film version. But the movie was lovely, and very close to the book and I enjoyed it immensely. The other is Twilight. I refused to see the movie for the longest time because I knew (from various sources, thank you Misty!) that there were differences from the book. And also because I just had this perfect picture in my head of Edward, Bella and the Cullens and I was sure the actors would ruin those pictures. But here's what happened, I LOVED the movie! Not because of the book, though. I love them separately, if that makes sense. I treated the movie as if I'd never read the book, and in that light, I loved it. I realized I could not hold the standard of the book to the movie. So maybe this is the philosophy I need to hold whenever I see movies that were based on books. But I am still cheesed about Angels and Demons....grrrrr.

2009-05-15T15:41:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that my son's hair has been a slight issue for me. I have been trying to let him have it long and do his own thing. We've cut it back a few times. He has such gorgeous, thick hair....but I reached my limit. I needed him to cut it. And cut it huge. Thankfully, his two good buddies at school shaved their heads for the summer so convincing him wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. So he climbed into the barber chair, grumbling and sticking his tongue out at me. I promised him that, if he hated it, I would give him five dollars :) I am not above bribery. Here are before and after shots.....

HE LIKES IT!!! And I adore it. He looks so much older and so mature. When we got into the van, I burst into tears. I just cannot believe how different he looks!!! What do y'all think???

2009-05-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday and, typically on any given Wednesday, you would find Matt and I and assorted children doing our weekly library trip, or at Horrock's sampling cheeses or just snuggling watching a movie. But not today. Matt is working today and I must say that has deeply affected my routine for this day. Not to mention that it is gray and cool. Ick.

And to add serious insult to injury, Sydney only has 2 days left of school. Which means that my gloriously quiet afternoons will now have a 5 year old back in them. *sigh* I am glad that she'll be home, it just means more rearranging. And I am so great at that!

21 days left of school for the older kids which means only 23 days until we go camping!!! I am so excited to be at the campground and making tons of memories. We have promised the kids to camp a lot this summer. Even though the campground is only 15 minutes from home, it feels like we are away on vacation and that is awesome. The kids ride bikes non stop, we hang out at the beach, we get to have campfires, and we get to be together. Really looking forward to it!!

The science fair is tomorrow *gag* Pics to come!!!

2009-05-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today's weather was very appropriate to my emotions, gray and stormy. I don't know why I have such issues with Mother's Day, but it's safe to say that I will be so glad to go to bed Sunday night!!!

In other realms, it's science fair time. UGH. Last year, we were introduced to the "Purdy Science Fair". Oh boy. All the kids are encouraged to do a project, but only the third graders are graded on it. Emma was in kindergarten last year so we made a bird feeder out of a milk jug and she painted it. Molli did something with rice and water and Jonah studied goldfish. Well, as I went to deliver said projects, it quickly became evident that this is not simply a kid's science fair. This was a popularity contest. Some of the kindergarten projects could have been done in High School. And the project boards??? Oh don't even get me started. Clearly, many of these kids did NOT do their own projects. I made Jonah write all of his stuff out(bad handwriting and all),I helped some but he did most of the leg work. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?!?!?!? Not here. Not to mention, that if you do not have your child's project at the school AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, there's NO where to put them! Last year, both Emma and Molli's projects were on the GROUND!

So I enter this year's science fair with trepidation. The girls have picked cool experiments and we have documented and made their project boards. Not fancy, but THEY did the work. Well, with a little help from me. And I will be waiting at the gym door AS SOON as it opens to make sure they get a spot. After all, I have to play part of the game, right??

2009-05-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Ok time for a whining post....aren't you glad you decided to stop by?? :)

This has been a tough week for Matt and I. There is too much history and too many gory details to go into, but it's been a tough week. I have felt isolated and alone for the first time in many years. It truly reminded me of when we lived in a place where I had no friends and no one to sob my heart out to. I have literally gotten NOTHING done this week. The house is a mess and I've been sleepy and groggy. I can sense the depression hovering. And even though it's been this way, God has given me glimpses of joy. Thomas potty training...who knew that could bring me joy? Sydney learning to ride her bike. Jonah's MEAP scores....silly little things like this that I feel God has given me to help remind me that I am NEVER really alone. And that He is in the small stuff too. That's good, because I've needed Him there this week.

Part of my depression is this coming Sunday. Mother's Day has been rough for me for many reasons. One of them is that I feel so inadequate in expressing my gratitude and love for my mother. It seems so silly to have a dinner, give a card and a gift and that that somehow encapsulates how I feel about her. I could give her all the gifts in the world and never come close to showing how much she means to me. And being a mother, it's a tough day. In my opinion, there should be a totally random "Mom Day" where we could shower our moms with celebration of who they are and what they've done for us. That would mean so much more than Hallmark cards and potted plants, in my opinion.

So there you have it, my whining post. Now please excuse me while I go and eat everything that isn't nailed down.

2009-05-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Man, I love this weather. It feels like it's been a long time since I've been able to send the kids to school in sweatshirts and flip flops. I've missed being able to play outside and have bonfires and ride bikes. Speaking of bike riding, I must brag on my Sydney girl. We really don't have anywhere to ride bikes at our house, no sidewalks, etc. Although, the bigger kids have made bike trails around the house, but it wasn't a good place to teach Syd to ride without her training wheels. So we hauled the bikes to a local park. Within a half an hour, she was off and riding!! Not only that, but Sunday she was so determined to ride on her own that she taught herself to get her bike going on her own! I'm so hugely proud of her. We took a very long bike ride yesterday and she was a pro..I am so glad to be done with training wheels!!

In other fantastic Kurtz news, Thomas is potty training!! He has gone two whole days with no accidents, even during naps! He woke up this morning with a dry diaper and asking to go to the bathroom. He even runs in from outside to go pee! I am so thrilled!! Just in time for Mother's Day, I couldn't think of a better gift!!

Today is also Cinco de Mayo. We are not Hispanic, too Irish for that :) But nevertheless, we are having a Cinco deMayo dinner celebration today! I am making chicken empandas and we're drinking Spanish soda. I can't believe how excited the kids are!

I've begun laying the groundwork for our summer plans. Matt doesn't get any vacation time in the summer so we have to plan things that are close by or that we can do on a Wednesday or Sunday. So far, we are going camping (we can do that because the campground is right near Matt's work so he can go to work from there), headed to Michigan Adventure, Craig's Cruisers, and a ton of fun stuff when my brother and his family are here for a few weeks in July. Can't wait!!

2009-04-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Neighbors,
We've never been properly introduced. My name is Mandi and I live here with my gorgeous husband and 5 pretty adorable children. I've noticed you watching our home quite a bit so I thought I would give you names to go with faces.

Jonah is the oldest child, the one who is generally bellowing at his siblings because he simply doesn't have any other tone of voice. I know his hair is a bit much, but I am trying to let him express himself that way.

Molli is next with the long brown hair. She is the one who is bossing everyone around and always the leader. She has a very high pitched scream which I am certain you've been privileged enough to hear.

Then comes Emma, she has shorter dirty blond hair and is the fairly quiet one. She is typically found riding her bike quietly in circles around the house or talking to herself. Don't get me wrong, she can scream with the best of them...but you know that.

Sydney is the thin blond one. She is usually pestering someone, chasing Thomas, or running inside continuously to tattle on her siblings. She has a need to be included which generally leads to sibling fighting. You've witnessed that I am sure.

Thomas is my little guy. He adores being outside and is at very opportunity, sometimes without his mother's knowledge. But you know that as well as you came over last year to inform me that he was outside unattended. Remember how you threatened to call the police if you saw him out alone again? Good times.

I know you are frustrated with the way our yard is kept, or not kept I should say. I understand that you are available all day, every day to pick up every leaf or stick in your big yard. I sure wish I had that kind of time. I know when we have campfires or when we burn leaves, you are very nervous as we appear young and stupid. But my husband was a boy scout which you probably didn't know, so it's ok. I've also noticed you staring at our home at various times when you think you are unseen on your porch. I would stare too, this is a great house and a fabulous family! Who wouldn't want to spend hours watching the drama that is our life?? But if you are that curious, I'd be happy to sit down and have coffee with you both and give you our life stories. All you have to do is ask. :) I understand you might be a bit embarrassed as you did see me half naked last year when a certain spider crawled up my leg, but I assure you, it's fine. I'm a little crazy...but my guess is, you knew that too.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and let you know that we watch you too :)

Love,
Your noisy, crazy, messy neighbors

2009-04-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Oh the rain..I love spring rain. I cannot believe how green everything is!!! Spring truly is a wonderful time!! We had some fantastic weather this weekend, I was complaining of being too hot!! And how did the Kurtz's stay cool??

Well my dad opened their pool on Easter weekend and when Molli came in and reported that the water was 60 degrees, my brother and dad bolted for the pool. We all followed, anxious to see Josh freeze his booty off by jumping in. However, the first one in the pool was SYDNEY!! She stripped off her dress and jumped right in!!! All of my kids, except Thomas, followed suit. And they did not merely jump in and jump out. No, they were SWIMMING!! Getting out and jumping in over and over. We finally had to pull the plug as I am sure hypothermia was not far behind! They had so much fun and I think they are all NUTS! But the McGlynn pool is officially open for the season!

Today I took Sydney to register her for kindergarten. There were many emotions to be had as I watched her doing her testing, all the while turning back to me and waving. Where did the last five years go? She has really matured this year. I'm so proud of her. So, in the fall, I will have four children in school full time. Wow. Whatever will I do???? Take lots of naps :) Or, as Matt says, our house will be really clean. Yeah right.

2009-04-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday. For most people, it's the weekend. I wish it were so for us. Matt works on Saturdays so it really just feels like another week day. Grrr, but these days, I am so thankful that he has a job so not much complaining is done.

Today is Emma's friend birthday party. I'm sad for her as we invited 6 girls and only one is coming. She has managed to be very positive and excited regardless. Silly string and water balloons were purchased...why I'm not entirely sure. Probably my way of making it up to her :) I'm really glad I ordered a cake for 20 people! LOL

I washed all of our bedding and hung it out to dry on the line yesterday. It was so great! I LOVE the smell of linens off the line! Summer is on it's way.

Well back to spreading more Tinkerbell pixie dust around...gotta love girl parties!

2009-04-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today the sun came out. And man, did it change my blahs!! I felt so great!

Yesterday was my Emm'a's 7th birthday. I can hardly believe that she is that old. She is such a beautiful, funny girl and I am blessed to have been her mom these last 7 years! We had a great family party last night and I made a cake! I can't remember the last time I made a birthday cake! But it was yummy and we had a good time. She received another Webkinz which she was tickled about and her very own iPod shuffle. Pics to come! Now the countdown is on for her friend party which is Saturday. A house full of giggling 7 year old girls...oh boy!

Saturday is also Jonah's last boychoir concert. I love seeing him get all dressed up and singing. It's so awesome. It sounds like he will not be continuing with boychoir next year, but it's been a great experience for him.

Next week begins hard core potty training. I am ready to be done with diapers, something we haven't been without in 10 years :) I'm loading up the M&M jar and preparing the carpet cleaner for "oops". Anyone who has potty trained a boy recently, suggestions are welcome! I haven't had to potty train a boy in 8 years and I've forgotten, lol!

I've also joined the Twitter community, not sure why, but it seems cool. I do enjoy knowing what's going on in people's lives and this just makes that a little simpler. So if you are a Twitter-er, follow me and let me know so I can follow you as well!!

2009-04-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have started many blogs since the last that I posted. My heart has just not been in it. And things seem to be slightly more busy here of late. Enough excuses :)

Things with my friend have leveled off for now. We have seen each other once and it was cordial, although we haven't spoken since. And when there is a friend with whom you used to speak at least once a day, and then there is nothing...that is tough. I'm not sure how to proceed, just kind of waiting and watching.

I feel so uncertain today. The only other "friend" I have is also moving. I feel that there are very few possibilities for friendships where we are, both at home and at church. Blah blah, blah...gotta snap outta this rut.

On a positive note, I sabotaged my husband into re-doing our bathroom. It turned out SO great and I love it!! Even Matt thinks it was a good idea! Score for me! Here are some pics.....

It really looks beautiful and I'm so glad we did it. More normal posts soon!!!

2009-04-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

I can't sleep. I've tried. Yes, it is only 9:30, but I am usually fast asleep by now. But my heart is heavy and that does not allow for sleep. And, even though I have tried to avoid it, I find I must pour my heart out here, despite who may or may not see it. My fingers are ready to share my burden.

I have a friend. Revolutionary, right? But you see, I don't make friends easily. Oh, I am friendly and outgoing and I can strike up conversations easily enough. But, there are only two people who I can point to that I have allowed into my life, to see the messy side of who I am....behind the masks and the fakeness that I usually put up for most to see. And I am now terrified that I have lost my friend.

We have had quite the share of ups and downs, this friend and I. We've seen each other through some really rough crap. And, I think, we've always been able to tell each other how we feel. Or, if need be, to call each other out. That's who we are.

I felt the need to call into question something in her life. I don't know if I really should have said anything or not..but that is beside the point as it is already done. She is very angry with me, and hurt. I am sad and so very afraid that I may have lost her.

I am aware that there is a great possibility that she may move...this has been our reality for months now, delicately balancing on our increasingly different lives with the same old same old. We both feel the distance, I think.

I don't know what to do. I love her, so very much. I cannot imagine my life without her in it. She has become as close as a sister to me. And sisters fight. I just don't know how we will come back from this.

My heart is heavy tonight...and as I continue to type, the screen grows blurry through my tears. I don't know if she will see this or not. If so, I hope she sees my heart, that I care for her deeply and my life has been changed for good because I know her, to borrow from my beloved "Wicked". I miss her.

2009-04-03T05:34:00.000-07:00

I am here, I know that you, my two readers, have been worried :) It has just taken me this long to get acclimated to being back home. I really didn't think it would be that bog of a deal...but clearly it was. I have been here every day, just not sharing. There just didn't seem anything great to write about after my spectacular journey. But I have missed the feeling of jotting down something....thus, here I am.

Wednesday was the third anniversary of my Grandpa's death. The day was laced with tears, moments that caught me by surprise, a laughter...a true testament to the man that he was. I spent most of my growing up years with him next door, an experience that I would never trade. I miss him every day. As I sat with the kids and we watched the video that we made for his funeral, I was reminded of how much he is still a part of who we are. My children, well all except Thomas, have memories of him which is so special to me. It was a good day.

We start Spring Break as of today. I was optimistic that we would be able to manage the week with the warmer weather...until I looked at the forecast and saw that we are expected to receive 6 inches of snow on Monday. So much for that plan. But we are penciling in other activities and I plan to make the most of every moment that the kids are home. Spring cleaning sounds good, and I can direct :)

We watched Marley and me last night as a family and ended up sobbing! My three biggest kids were crying! It was a wonderful movie, very touching and honest. I really enjoyed it. I also finally bit the bullet and rented Twilight. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. I did enjoy Robert Pattinson as Edward :)

Oh dear, the kid drama is beginning.....

2009-03-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

Here's our adventure! It was the best week of my life!

2009-03-23T05:28:00.000-07:00

We are home!!! We arrived home late last night and we are exhausted! I have mountains of laundry to do and tons of pics to share, but for now, I'm loving on my kids! Keep checking back, more to come!

2009-03-14T19:25:00.000-07:00

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.....

I'M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE!!! Well in a few hours!!

Talk to you all on the flipside!

I'M GOING ON A CRUISE!!!!

Final countdown

2009-03-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

The countdown is almost complete. We are almost completely packed, groceries have been purchased for the troops while we are away, the house is coming along nicely, and I am still sane! I'm not quite giddy excited, my guess is that will hit sometime tomorrow. For now, I'm keeping busy and staying focused. I think my little man can sense that we are leaving. He's been following me everywhere and has been asking to be held and snuggled. We've told him that Uncle Joshie and Aunt Berber are coming to stay and he seems excited about that. It's hard to tell exactly how much he gets.

A lot about this trip has surprised me. My latest surprise was about our flight. Now, remember, I haven't been on a plane in 9 years..since before 9/11....so there were many new things. My first discovery was that we had to pay for our luggage...HUH?!?!?! As if the price you are paying to fly isn't enough, pay $25 per suitcase! UGH. Then, last night, as I was viewing our reservation online, I noticed we didn't have assigned seats. Come to find out, you have to PAY if you want seats together!!! I am SOOO glad I found this as we would have gotten onto our flight and I wouldn't even have been able to sit with Matt!!! Ridiculous. But I am going to stop complaining now because in 38 hours, I'll be on my way to a dream vacation with my wonderful husband!!!!

2009-03-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

I got an award!!! I've never gotten a blog award, so I am honored. My five little monkeys gave me this....

Apparently she thinks that I tell the truth here. What else could I do...this stuff is too crazy to make up!!! Here are the rules that came with the award: (I knew there was a catch!)

1. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.

2. Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog.

3. List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Oh boy...here we go!

1. I want more children, not sure if that is biologically or not, but I'd love to have more!

2. I keep a small stash of candy bars in a secret place...shhhh.....

3. I am grossed out by bugs, even ants, it's silly....

4. I dream about Edward Cullen...a lot.

5. I am very guilty of" quick judging" people by their first appearance, it's awful.

6. I cannot for the life of me figure out my son's Transformers....it's just beyond me.

7. I hate seafood, all kinds, fish, shrimp, crab, lobster....UGH

8. I am a freak about traditions, they must be upheld to the letter.

9. I am good friends with several of my ex's....some are even married to my friends!

10. I am going on my first big trip ever in 4 days...you didn't think this list would be complete without ONE thing about the cruise, did you???

And now, the winners of the Honesty award are.....

Becky R, she has such an honest heart and pours it into each blog she writes
Mindy S, she has it all together and is brutally honest

Rhen, she is pregnant with #7 and I love her funny honesty!

Misty, her honesty is beautifully written and eloquent

Becky H, I love reading about her adventures!

MckMama, she is a beautiful example of honesty

Brittany, six kids and she isn't afraid to tell it like it is!!!

Congrats!!!

2009-03-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

Guess what I just heard??!!?!?!?! THUNDER!!! I know it seems silly to be so excited about thunder, but it means that spring really will come eventually. It's also pouring rain, and I don't mean a gentle soaking rain, I mean a flash flood sort of rain. But anything is better than snow, so BRING IT ON!!

As we were getting ready for the cruise, a few friends suggested that we go tanning to get a nice base tan so we didn't burn in the bright, Caribbean sun. I have always felt that "fake baking" was silly and I saw no need. But, I certainly didn't want to be a lobster on our trip. So off to the tanning beds I went. I was very uncertain. My friends all told me to tan nude. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am SOOOO self conscious about myself and the thought of being naked, laying in a bed was almost enough to make me leave! But I braved it and in I went. I must say that the warm lights and the way it made me feel were wonderful. I'm still not big on the naked thing, but I'm getting better each time. It has made my skin VERY itchy...anybody have any insight on this? We did switch tanning lotions and that has seemed to help. With any luck, I will have a healthy glow by the time we leave in.......

6 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

It's 55 degrees outside. It's even, dare I say it, a bit muggy! I can feel storms in the air, so can Bo bo, he's pacing as we speak. And you'd think that I would be thrilled about the warmer air and the possibility of thunderstorms...but I'm not.

We leave a week from tomorrow. It still feels like an eternity away, but I am despairing because my family is sick!!! Well not all of them. Emma was home two days, Thomas is hacking and Matt is sicker than a dog. He even broke down and went to the Dr. yesterday which is HUGE! Alas, it just viral but it seems to be a long one! I am drinking green tea at the speed of light, speaking of which hang on while I grab another mug.....ok thanks. I have every window open and am bleaching everything I can find. I am determined to NOT GET SICK. I refuse to allow any virus to keep me from enjoying this glorious vacation. So there.

As I must return to my virus eradication, I'll leave you with some pics of the girls all ready for Crazy Hair Day at school!

Five...

2009-03-04T17:17:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 5. I don't know how exactly this happened, since I haven't aged at all :) She was my quick mover, running by 9 months and climbing like a spider by 10 months. So literally it feels like she has been a toddler FOREVER. But, as of 11:30 tonight, she will be a non toddler.

She is our funny, beautiful, silly Boo and I just adore her. And this birthday was note worthy because it is our first NON DORA birthday in 5 years!!! We graduated to High School Musical this year! So a happy birthday to my boo, I love you more than words can say!

2009-03-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

With the cruise a mere 11 days away, it's a good bet that I will not be speaking of anything else. Well, with the exception of Sydney's birthday which is Wednesday. 11 days away feels like an eternity, but I know that it will be here before I know it. Preparations are in full swing. We dialog with the kids every day about what is expected of them when we are gone and what it will be like. Sydney is so excited to have Aunt Berber (her real name is Amber, but the kids nicknamed her Berber because Aunt Amber was quite a mouthful) here that she keeps asking me, "Mom how much longer till you leave??" I can feel the love.

So this whole process has brought up some interesting things. Matt and I have never been away from the kids for more than a few nights and we have never flown or left the country since they've been born. As we were sitting around my mom's dining room table on Saturday night, she casually asked about our will. I blinked and said, "A will? What will?" It never occurred to me that something could happen on this ~~glorious vacation that I have been waiting ten years to take~~ trip that would make a will necessary. That really caused some major discussion between Matt and I. Who would we want to inherit our children? A quick call to a lawyer friend made us aware that if no written instructions are left, the state removes the children. I burst into tears at the thought of my children trying to process losing both parents and then being split up and put with strangers. Now, I know that God is in control and that, if He decides it's time for Matt and I to come home, than He will take care of my children. I also know that my huge family would sweep in and love and care for our children. But we really had to pray and decide who to ask to be guardians. My parents aren't getting younger and they do have a 12 year old child with CP to contend with already so it seemed unfair to ask them to take guardianship of our kids. After much discussion and prayer, we asked my brother and his wife (the ones staying with the kids) if they would consider taking on that responsibility. They accepted. I have peace now that, in the event of a tragedy, our children will be safe.

Ok, back to the lighthearted side of things....

I LEAVE IN 11 DAYS!!!

Shoes

2009-02-26T08:22:00.001-08:00

Shoes...I love them. I could spent LOTS of money on them, well let me correct that. I cannot stand to pay more than $25 on a pair of shoes, but if I had lots of money, I would own thousands of pairs of shoes. Especially high heels, I adore them.

I got a very fancy dress for our "formal" night aboard the cruise. I really didn't want a black dress, but the one I loved turned out to be black. So I thought it would be great to find some really fantastic red shoes to spice it up a bit. Yesterday, my loving husband and I (and Thomas) set out to the mall yesterday to find the perfect shoes. After 5 stores, I was starting to despair that I'd never find THE shoes that were meant for this dress. We tried one last stop and I found these...

Please forgive my lack of painted toe nails :) They are definitely NOT something I would have chosen for any other occasion, but I cannot wait to see how they look with my dress. The best part? They were on clearance from $75 to $15!!! Matt was so happy about that part that he let me get ANOTHER pair! I was one happy lady!

Matt and I were "pre packing" yesterday which really means we were trying to figure out exactly how many things we could take without going over the 50 pound bag rule. And of course, I had to choose shoes. How can I narrow it down? If it were up to me, I'd wear at least two pairs of shoes a day, every day we are on the cruise! There were some tense moments as I really had to get serious and choose only three pairs...3!!!! *sniff sniff* But I managed to get down to three...unless we have a smidgen of room and then I am totally stuffing two more pairs in!

2009-02-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

FOR TODAY February 24th…

Outside My Window… It is sunny, but breezy. It's supposed to hit 40 tomorrow..WOO HOO!

I am thinking… that I should be doing something productive...but this is more fun :)

I am thankful for… coffee days, I look forward to them so much

From the kitchen… NADA, we are going out for Chinese tonight!

I am wearing… my gray yoga pants, a comfy blue shirt...

I am creating… lists. Lists, lists, and wait, more lists :) Things to pack, things to get done before we go, lists for my brother and sister-in-law regarding the kids....

I am going… to start tanning next week......never done it before...

I am reading… nothing right now, all my books are packed and waiting to be read poolside.

I am hoping… that the next two and a half weeks go by quickly!

I am hearing… NOTHING! Sydney is at school and Thomas is napping..it's GLORIOUSLY quiet!

Around the house… I'm starting to get things organized for when we are away, cleaning room by room.

One of my favorite things… is my quiet afternoons, most of the time I get lots done. But then there is the occasional day where I do NOTHING...it's awesome!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Tomorrow is Matt's day off so we are "practice" packing to see how much we can fit into one suitcase while keeping it under 50 pounds :) Saturday we are moving my brother and his wife into a new apartment, praying it doesn't snow!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

I didn't notice until I put this picture on here that, not only is this a picture of Sydney, but she had written her name ON THE WALL, IN PEN! You can see it just to the left of her face...stinker.

2009-02-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

I have been a lazy blogger lately. Just sort of seems like everyone is hitting that wall of BLAH. Time moves on though...

Matt, Molli and Emma attended the Snow Fairy Ball which is the local Daddy/Daughter dance. This was Emma's first year as she had to stay home last year due to this event. She was on her best behavior this year, because she knew what would happen. A HUGE thanks to my girlfriend Mindy who discovered the girl's dresses at Meijer for a mere $1.50 a piece! We had so much getting them all dolled up and ready. Here's a peek...

They really had blast, Emma's response when asked about the night was priceless...she let out a big sigh, closed her eyes and said, "It was magical." LOL, she cracks me up!

There are less than 20 days till the cruise and to say I am weary of waiting would be an understatement. It feels farther away now than it did in December! But I know it will be here and gone before I know it. We are taking the laptop so I will try and blog while away. But for now, I'll just keep waiting....

Another round of snow this past weekend has me wondering if spring will EVER come. Of course, I know it will...it would just be nice if it was SOON!

Jonah had his first spring Boychoir concert yesterday, I'll get some pics of that up soon.
Ok, well off to find something productive to do :)

2009-02-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday got away from me...I was so caught up in the day. My oldest hit double digits yesterday. Holy cow. How did this happen? How did I not see this coming? He is my beautiful boy....always was, always will be. I'll never forget that moment ten years ago when the nurse handed me my first child....words can never describe the love, worry, fear, and joy that washed over me at that moment. So here's to another year with my ever changing boy...

2009-02-16T04:48:00.000-08:00

I knew the day was coming. I knew the day would arrive and I'd have to part with another part of my youngest child's "babyhood". I wish I could report that he was potty trained :) Instead we were gifted with this last week.....

A toddler bed...and not just any toddler bed, but a DIEGO toddler bed. My plan was to put it away until after Matt and I returned from our ~~vacation that I talk obsessively about in which we are gone for a week aboard a huge boat without our children~~ cruise, so that my brother and sister-in-law wouldn't be chasing him back into bed at any and all hours of the day and night. But, once he got a glimpse of it, we were done for. I tearfully took down his crib....many tears...not knowing if there'll ever be another Kurtz baby in the crib that all of my other babies have slept in. The transition has gone beautifully...he is curious at nap time and has to be walked back a few times, but at night he hasn't tried to get out of bed even ONCE! So all in all, it's been fun. And how can you deny the happiness on this face???

Creativity at it's best..or my best anyway

2009-02-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

I am not creative. Most of you know this about me. I like buy-able creations or things that are so simple my kids can do it on their own :) It's often referred to as lazy...but I'll call it not creative. So it's no surprise that as valentine's season approached, I joined the throngs of mothers buying pre-packaged valentines for their kids. This year, though, Jonah is in 4th grade and he turned up his nose at all of the Transformer and Spiderman valentines. So I had to be *gulp* creative.

I get the Family Fun magazine which I adore...lots of ideas for us "non creative" types. When I saw the picture of this valentine they had made I knew we had to do it. So, I bought all the supplies and we got busy. 5 hours later, here's what we had.....

ipod valentines...that are wrapped boxes of the conversation hearts with little Reese's peanut butter cups as the headphones; blue for the boys and pink for the girls. Jonah wrote on the back as you can see...so what has this taught me?

Good idea + 5 hours of cutting and gluing and taping and writing and tying + grumbling loudly at how ridiculously involved these were (out of earshot of him of course!) = One very happy fourth grader who will have the coolest valentines in his class!

2009-02-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hey guess what??? I'm going on a cruise. I just wanted to remind you in case you had forgotten. But now it is truly official. This past Friday I walked into Ermisch Travel and paid for our trip in full. I AM GOING ON A CRUISE! There's no backing out now, as if I would!!! And the best part, we were upgraded. When the travel agent mentioned it, I thought..wow, maybe an oceanivew...that'd be great! But instead we get this............

IT'S A BALCONY STATEROOM!!! Can you believe it??? I still cannot. Now my husband and I can sit on our balcony and watch the sunrise, or set depending on which way we are headed. I am beyond excited. Ok, I promise to stop talking about the cruise now. Well, at least for a few minutes : )

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching. And how are we spending it you might ask? Hosting 3 boys for a sleepover to celebrate Jonah's birthday. Doesn't that sound romantic?? Actually, it will be very fun and I'm very excited for Jonah. I still have a week to brace myself for having a 10 year old in the house!

Meanwhile, in other news...wait, I don't have any other news. Except, did I mention that I'm going on a cruise? :)