Taking Over

There is an absolute craziness that has taken over the madhouse. One could argue that a house with 5 kids is always crazy, but we have went and added even more.
YUP, Girly Wirly starting kindergarten, homeschooling Lord Humble(9/10th grade) and Red (7/8th grade), fundraising for our upcoming gymnastics season, Little Bit trying to crawl, and Mini Man longing to be in school with everyone else, just wasn't enough. So,we decided to move across the country to the Seattle area and gave ourselves just a few months to make it happen.
I am looking forward to the seasons, and trees--BIG trees (not palm trees). And the thought of being hurricane free just makes us all do the happy dance. No more boarding up and evacuating. Woo Hoo!!!!
But in all of the excitement, there is also some sadness. We are leaving our friends some of whom I consider family. We have shared so much; births, weddings, illness, gymnastics practice.
It would be easy to get lost in the sadness. BUT, the movers will be here in 14 days. So back to the craziness I go!!

Top 10

Here is my Top 10 list of things that I have learned from my kids:

1. Babies smell sweet and yummy.
2. Mommy kisses can heal any boo-boo.
3. Veggies taste better from my plate.
4. The only difference between my teen and my toddlers temper tantrums are their word choices (poopie head vs. BLEEP).
5. World of Warcraft is addicting.
6. They remind me to take baby steps and to get up when I fall.
7. They have taught me to be consistent.
8. I have learned that my post-pregnancy belly is their favorite and funniest squishy toy.
9. I have learned that when I am away, Dad lets them do things that I don't (like watch Sponge Bob).
10. The biggest thing that I have learned from them is to love unconditionally and laugh often!

To play along or to view more lists, please visit Absolutely Bananas.

Safe & Sound

This picture was taken after Dave (my BIL) returned from Afghanistan. I love this picture because it is nice to have him home alive. I can only guess how difficult the deployment was for Dave, but I know how difficult it was for my sister and niece and nephew. I am proud of them all.
For more great Fotos visit Candid Carrie.

The Human Whisperer

A few weeks ago, I watched my first episode of the Dog Whisperer. I really wasn't sure what to expect or if I would like the show. How interesting can a show be that is about misbehaving dogs? Being more of a cat person, I thought "well at least the show will give me a few more reasons why our family should not add a dog to the already existing madness" and more importantly I lost the remote.
Fast forwad to today, I am hooked on the show. It amazes me to see how inconsistent undisciplined enabling humans can produce such neurotic dogs. Could this be the true for parents and kids as well as the dog world?
My question was definitely answered last night at the playground! Sitting there watching Girly Whirly and Mini Man play, I witnessed both the neurotic and the balanced.
As I watched a balanced pack leader, it amazed me at how relaxed she was. If her son was playing a little to rough, she would calmly redirect him. If he didn't listen to her when corrected, she removed him for a short time-out. She was consistent every time.
By contrast the other mom was all over the map. Her son whined, screamed, and would throw himself on the ground/bench about everything. Whenever he tore the arm on his stuffed animal she went and got him a new one from the stroller. Whenever he pushed other kids, she would threaten to not buy him ice cream but backed down everytime he yelled or slapped her.

After watching this eposide of the "Human Whisperer", it made me wonder if I am a balanced "pack leader" OR am I creating a bunch of nuts who will need intense therapy once grown?

Gold Medal Sacrifice

Tom (husband/dad) and I are totally supportive of all of the kids goals and activities. We are at all of Girly Wirly's (she's 5) soccer games, dance recitals, swim lessons. Little Man (he's 3) is just now showing interest in activities other than Thomas the Tank Engine, Lightning McQueen, and Nemo. Little Bit (she's 2 months) is only interested in nursing. Then there are the boys' interests....GYMNASTICS!!
My two oldest sons are competitive gymnasts. Lord Humble (he's 14) has been competing for 4 years and Red (he's 12) has been competing for 3 years. Red wants to continue competing through college. Lord Humble wants to be an Olympic gold medal winner. Not just one Olympics either, he wants to go and win in several.

WOW! The Olympics! We talk to him seriously about the sacrifices that he will have to make in order for his dream to become reality.

1. No other sport activities. "Not a problem, don't really like other sports", he says.
2. Lots of time in the gym (up to 24 hours per week). "The more the better", he says.
3. Not alot of extra "hanging with your buds" time. "Most of my friends are gymnasts", he says.
4.Homework and meals in car. "Okay", he says.

For the past 4 years, he has made the sacrifices and more. He has cried, ripped the skin on his hands repeatedly, fallen on his face and has always gotten back up ready for more. He's in love. It is his bliss, his passion. It is a gift that we get to watch.

It has never felt like a sacrifice on my part until this past week. We moved to a new gym. It is a lot farther away (1.5 hours each direction). Because of Little Bit, I can't get them there every day. So in order for the boys to practice more days a week, they are staying with another gym family a few nights a week.
I didn't think that it would be this hard for me or the other kids! I didn't think that I would be the one having to make sacrifices so that their dreams can be fulfilled. I knew that eventually they would leave the nest, but I wasn't ready for it now! I keep telling myself that it is only for a night here, a few nights there. Is it really any different than them staying the night at a friends house? But somehow it feels different. I'm invested in their progress. I feel out of the loop? How are your giants? Kip? Working rings?
The Madhouse isn't quite as mad without all of the kids being here. I guess instead of the madness being in the house, it is all in my head.

Mother's Day

1.) Mom and Mimi, thank you for all of the support, guidance, and love that you have sent in my direction! It has been a huge comfort to know that both of you are in my corner.

2.) To my wonderful kids, you are what makes our madhouse so much fun. I am amazed and inspired by all of you!

3.) To Tammy, I have learned so much from watching you with my neice and nephew. You are always giving me ideas of stuff do with my own kids. Your strength is amazing. Thanks!

4.) To Steph, I am so lucky to have you in my life. You have always been there for me and I know that if one of my daughters is "girly" that you will be there to help with hair and make up.

5.) To all of the women in my life who have played the "mom" role whenever I needed the extra support and nurturing; THANKS! It is comforting to know that there is always a warm shoulder to lean on.