Friday, December 17, 2010

30 Things Plus EXTENDED.....

I had so much fun with the 30 Things you don't know about me, that I wanted to extend it. So here goes....

35. My favorite T.V. show in the whole world is "THE PEOPLE'S COURT" I have loved that show since I was 5. Not sure why, but I have been a faithful follower for years.
36. I wish that my father-in-law and I had a better relationship. Even if it was more for him to know and love his grandchildren/son.
37. My husband bought me our very first van together in August 2008. I love it!
38. I have started my new year's resolution early and am on a healthy and strict diet. I have lost almost 10 pounds of my 50 pound goal. I am working very hard this time around.
39. I can't make it to the gym (nor can I afford a gym membership) so the Wii fit and I are great friends. Plus a good walk now and then when the weather is warm.
40. I never wanted a Son before until I had Owen. And Oliver just completed the package. Boys are fun!
41. I constantly fear on a daily basis the house will catch on fire, someone will break in our home, one of the kids will die in their sleep, or Jason will get in a car accident on the way to work and loose his life.
42. I check on the kids every night at least 2-3 times. I am up anyways.
43. I suffer from a "weak bladder" and have since I was 15. Pregnancy was easy for me in that aspect because for me, the frequency of going really didn't change.
44. I am allergic to cinnamon
45. I annualize everything
46. I worry about what others think of me. And watch myself on how I act, talk, walk, etc.
47. I miss teaching school
48. I have never been on a honeymoon or a vacation just the the two of us.
49. I am always on the hunt for a "New House" and remax has become my friend.
50. I had major mouth surgery when I was in the 4th grade. I had 8 permanent teeth pulled.
51. I had my tonsils taken out when I was 21.
52. I rode in my first ambulance when I was 21 due to a massive loss of blood due to my tonsils being taken out. I was rushed from Millinocket to Bangor. An hour and 15 minute drive was done in less then 30 minutes.
53. I wonder sometimes if our family is "complete" or if God has other plans for us to have more children either by birth or by adoption.
54. I worry about the future of my husbands job as well as the future of our kids. College, driving, expenses. Etc.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Olivia's First Report Card

Olivia received her first report card today. I have to say, all-in-all I am happy. I was sort of hoping that she would sweep the board with all "4's" but after discussing with her teacher, she doesn't do all 4's. So, with that, I am happy knowing that she is adjusting well, doing fantastic and has managed to fit right into the second grade despite not being in school for the last two years.

Our next goal is to figure out if we can either move her up to the third grade, or at least move her to the third grade for reading, math and science. Her skill levels are far beyond the benchmarks for the 2nd grade. We (myself, Jason, the principal and her teacher) will be sitting down hopefully before the start of the New Year to discuss our options and to figure out the best course of action. I truly hate to pull her out of school just to keep her up with her age appropriate learning, but what am I to do. If she was a student with a learning disability she would surely get the help she would need. I find that holding her back is just as much of a disability. So fingers crossed.

It seems that all of my kiddos have passed some sort of mile stone these last two days. Ezme sleeping in her big girl bed, Oliver holding his bottle, Olivia doing outstanding in school, and Emma-James learning to write the letter "B". Hrm, Owen do I hear the chimes of potty training??

I love my kids and I am so proud of them!!

Guess Who Else is Growing Up?

Ezme! She is now sleeping in a big girl bed (crib turned into a toddler bed) Awww. What's next?

Snoozing away (the drop isn't that much from the mattress to the floor, but just in case, daddy is picking up a safety railing tonight after work.)
 

Aww, such a sound sleeper
 

Isn't she a cutie!
 

30 Things Plus

Here are some things you may/may not know about me. Enjoy! Love to hear from my readers about some things I might not know about you.

1. I am a mommy to 7 kiddos. Two in heaven, and 5 here with us.
2. I am a Girl Scout leader with two troops.
3. I chose at 16 to be baptized at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Millinocket, tomorrow will mark 14 years I chose to have Jesus be a part of my life forever.
4. My favorite color is Orange.
5. My favorite number is 22 and respectively 11.
6. I have a brother that passed away before I was born. It's believed from the same genetic disorder that Anabelle had.
7. I believe that all people are created equal. And that everyone has a choice in life. Even those who choose to love someone of the same sex. It's not up to society to tell them its wrong. Just like it wasn't up to society to tell African American's they could not sit in the front of a bus. Think about it.
8. I love church, though I have not attended since college.
9. I am in love with my husband and appreciate him more then anyone will ever know.
10. I love my children with all my heart. Though I am hard on them, I want them to grow up to be respectful, loving adults.
11. I had two children before I was married. Though many people have frowned upon this and made it very clear I am in the wrong. Circumstances of how our wonderful God works made our marriage come at just the right moment.
12. Which leads me to number 12. My husband surprised me with our wedding on my 25th birthday. He planned everything, invited the guests, and got the rings, in less then 16 hours. Nothing huge, no wedding dress or flowers, no tux or bridesmaids, just us two, joining together in love, forever. And this happened just after Anabelle passed away. I still love him everyday for this. Because I know that he truly wanted to marry me.
13. I sucked my finger until I was 24. Giving it up just 3 months before Anabelle arrived. The most stressful part of my life and I gave up one of my worse habits.
14. My dream job is to someday open up my own daycare/nursery school
15. I am a home-school mom. Despite my oldest wanting to attend school this year. We want to make sure our children know they are in control of their lives just as much as we are. She wanted to try it out, so we let her. She knows there is a HUGE possibility that she will not be attending next year. And she is ok with that.
16. I have "IRISH TWINS" Ezme and Oliver
17. I own an ipod and I find it that its the most useful and appreciated item I own right now. It really is my lifesaver sometimes.
18. I miss my Mother-in-Law almost daily. I wish our relationship was a good one before she died. Though I think she realized how much I loved her son in the end, it still makes me sad she isn't here.
19. I miss Anabelle everyday too. Knowing that she is with someone who loves her everyday makes it easier to be without her.
20. I am cold almost 90% of the time. Even in the summer.
21. My current home is only 1200 sq feet with one bathroom, 7 people, 2 cats and a dog. Oh, and add in Girl Scout meetings twice a week in my home. CRAZY!!
22. I hated school growing up.
23. College was probably the BEST Time of my life. I regret not enjoying it more.
24. I wish I could "redo" some things in my life. Relationships with family, friends, extended family/friends. I will always feel I could have done better, tried harder, or said something differently.
25. I constantly worry about what I say, wear, act, think. I worry about what others think of me. I spend TOO MUCH OF MY DAY doing this.
26. I am a people pleaser, sometimes (if not all the time) this bites me in the butt.
27. I was the New Year's baby for my town in 1980. Even got my picture in the paper and tons of free gifts from local merchants.
28. I have very thick, natural curly hair. Though you would never know this from my short hair cuts I get now.
29. My childhood friend growing up is still one of my closet friends now. Just sad we live so far away from each other.
30. I love being a stay at home mom. Would not change it for the world.
31. I had a crush on the same boy for 18 years. It wasn't until I met Jason that I finally gave up on the idea of ever dating said boy. Though he tried. God had other plans for me.
32. I sometimes toy with the idea of hiring someone to clean my house once a week. Sometimes the though of doing it drives me UP A WALL. Though I always do it.
33. I have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) which I handle pretty well
34. I wore braces for 10 years UGH.

Look what little man can do now....

Holding his own bottle. At only 3 months old.
 

Monday, December 13, 2010

Family Christmas Concert Barnes Elementary School

Olivia decided to go to school this year as many of you know. Much to my dismay. She has a great time their socializing. We are still trying to work out the kinks as far as academically, and might possibly make some choices in regards to schooling next year, but for this year at least we are all in it.

So what is a mom of a child who goes to school do? Well, join the PTO of course! Olivia wasn't exactly thrilled with this idea at first. She left me per say to have some time away from me, and now I have joined her school's PTO. She quickly got over it when I volunteered to be the school's choir teacher/director/all hands on tech kind of person. The PTO wanted to put on a "CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY" concert for the parents,grandparents, aunts and uncles and of course every neighbor you could think of inviting. The idea behind this was to get a lot of people to come and join the Barnes Christmas Fair (again, my idea). So they had venders their selling items (our troop was one of them) along with about 100 people watching their kiddos dressed up and singing their little hearts out. The idea was to draw a good crowd of people to help support local crafters and such. Though we didn't do as well as we hoped, our ideas for next year hold promising!!

So back to the singing and such. It was really a lot of fun. I got right into it as I always do with anything. Making costumes, picking out songs. Bringing the "teacher" back into my soul. Makes me miss teaching for sure. The kids did a fantastic job. Here are some pictures of the events of last Tuesday.

Kids singing jingle bells
 

Rudolph the red nose reindeer (mittens made by me)
 

more reindeer....plus frosty the snowman in the background (costume made by me)
 

The Sarah Dyer Barnes Choir
 

Elizabeth, Me and Ezme selling our girl scout items. And btw, all of those hats on the Christmas tree are still available. Elizabeth worked really hard on them. So if your looking for a nice gift for someone and want to help a terrific cause (OUR GIRL SCOUT TROOPS) they are all still available. Prices are extremely reasonable. $8 dollars for a hat, $10 for a hat with ear flaps. Pictures to follow of each hat soon!!
 

Another picture of us. This time of our handmade pumpkin bread and handmade soaps with "GIRL SCOUTS" stamped in them. $5 dollars if anyone is interested!
 

Girl Scout Thanksgiving (A Tad Late)

Two weeks ago, our Girl Scout Troops had their very first "Pot Luck Thanksgiving". The girls helped make fun decorations for the tables along with little pins for the moms/grandma's/aunts to wear. The girls were able to invite family and friends for food and fun. One of my Co-Leaders (THANK YOU KAREN!!) was able to get her church function room for our event. And it worked out perfectly. Jason and I cooked the turkey's. Our first ever. And I would say we did a rather good job. Though a bit dry due to the fact that we used our convection oven for the very first time and they cooked them SUPER QUICK. Next year we will remember.

The kids had a fantastic time. And I was really glad to have the chance to meet the girls sisters, fathers, aunts and uncles. That is always the highlight.

Here are some great pictures of our special day! ENJOY!

The Tables all set up. The decorations in the middle represent "Corn Husks" they are made from toilet paper rolls, brown tissue paper, fall colored buttons, and raffia" Very simple and really cute
 

Ezme saying to me: "Mommy, is it time to eat yet?"
 

Our "Thankful" Turkey made by both Troops
 

The Girls and their Families
 

 

 

 

 

A Group shot of both troops! Great job girls!
 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

My Gift

6 years ago. Time sure flies by. 6 years ago I was blessed to be a mommy to a beautiful and strong little angel. Though our time was cut short, I am forever grateful of the small things that was given to me in her short time here on earth. Here are a few pictures of my little miss. We miss her terribly everyday, but knowing that she is with Jason's mom being loved and cared for until the day we can see her again gives me great comfort.

Olivia meeting Anabelle for the first time
 

A few hours old. I think she looks a lot like the boys and Ezme
 

One of my favorite pictures. I just wish it wasn't so grainy. My two girls holding hands while we decorate the Christmas tree. My only regret is not hiring someone to take more professional pictures while she was with us at home.
 

Our Family picture taken at Sears. The night before she passed away. Still grateful for the wonderful lady who kept Sears Portraits open until 11pm that night just so we could capture some wonderful photos.
 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Pregnancy Annoucements Everywhere

To start, let me say....NO....I am not pregnant! Just the latest news from every corner of the globe has got me thinking.

Jason and I started our family "young" I guess you could say. Not necessarily by choice, but the circumstances of our little arrival are still a huge blessing. Without the unexpected blessing of finding we were pregnant with Olivia, I don't know where mine or Jason's life would have led us.

This brings me to all the recent pregnancy announcements. Am I sad? A little. Why you ask? Many tell me, "You have 5 beautiful children (yup, you have that right) be blessed and move on." I guess my own gut feeling tells me we aren't done. You know, the same gut that tells you your in love, or to jump at a job offer. Call it gut, call it a little birdie, call it your conscience. Whatever. I guess I can honestly say all three are LOUDLY speaking to me. I have a few friends now that have decided after one or two kiddos, their family is complete and they are ready to start the next stage of their lives. Me, not quiet there. I try very hard. I keep myself wrapped up in Girl Scouts, school activities, and house responsibilities. I cannot honestly say I am content. Just living. I wont lie, there are days sometimes that are more stressful then others. The house is a mess, everyone is sick (including me and hubby) our cars aren't working for whatever reason, the heat broke in the house, costumes have to be made for a Christmas concert, stress, stress, stress, oh, and did I mention the house is a mess? You know, the everyday life.

Then again, we have terrific, and I do mean TERRIFIC weeks. Were everyone is healthy, the house stays clean, laundry is always folded and put away, nothing is broken, or about to break, kids are happy, Jason isn't stressed, and all is right with the world. Both seniarios I can still clearly see us with another kiddo. Doing what we do best. Make it work. We are a good team. Both helping each other out.

So the question now is, when. If at all. Will we watch as our friends continue to grow their families and we will no longer have that "ANNOUNCEMENT" to make? Who knows. I don't know what the future holds. Maybe we are done. Maybe we are meant to be a family of seven. Growing in other ways. Maybe we are meant to foster or adopt. Who knows. I just know that right now, that chapter is our lives is just not quiet done being written.

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

Ezme 15 months old

Ezme is doing fantastic!! It amazes me just how much fun and exciting this age is to a 1 year old. Everything to them is *NEW* *FUN* *EXCITING* She seems to find disaster and mischief wherever she goes. Not to mention that she has the two best helpers in this area. Who else but Emma-James and Owen.

She has had a rough week as she has gotten a few bumps, bruises and many bloody noses, fingers and hands. Fighting a yucky ear infection doesn't add to it either. Such a trooper she is though. Enjoying life everyday without a care in the world.

Her new favorite skills now include walking with shoes on. (Thank Heavens) because this little girl HATES and I mean HATES wearing socks, shoes, clothes for that matter. So when I found a cute little pair of mary janes in the closet, she was very eager to wear them. SUCCESS!! I think she loves the sound they make when she walks on the hardwood floor.

Ezme is becoming quiet the chatter box too. Though most of her words are hard to understand, and a lot of what she says is jibber jabber, she really finds a way to come across her feelings. Mad, upset, angry, frustrated. Its all we can do to keep from laughing at her.

Her latest accomplishments are:

*Can point to her nose, head, eyes, mouth, hands, and ears when asked. Almost has the belly down
*Can tell us what a dog, cat, cow and pig say. She finds the cow the most appealing
*Can successfully use a big cup (no sippy's) fork and spoon when eating at meal time
*Has a vocabulary of at least 50 words or more. So many, I have lost track
*Has recently gotten her ears pierced (14 months) if I forgot to mention
*Cries out for help when needing someone saying "help mommy, help daddy"
*Is using two word sentences "hi mommy"
*Can do simple tasks like picking up toys when asked or find something like a diaper or the wipes when asked

Our next biggest goal probably during Christmas vacation is transitioning Ezme to her toddler bed. Though I would love for her to be in the crib forever, she is starting to find ways to slowly crawl out of it. No success as of yet, but I rather be safe then sorry. Luckily, her crib converts without a problem and its pretty low to the ground. The only biggest hurdle we will have. Is her and Mr. Owen deciding that playing is much more fun then sleeping. This for surely will be a fun example in patience :-)

My baby is growing up, and Oliver is slowly gaining on her. Kindergarten is coming faster and faster these days for them two.

Ezme 14 months old with her new "HELLO KITTY" earrings
 

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Family Christmas Photos

Now that my family (or most of them at least....sorry Ryann, your pictures are eventually on their way to you) and most of my friends have now received or about to receive our Christmas cards for this year, I can finally post our photos up for everyone to view. I hope you enjoy them. The kids were fantastic and I am so proud of them for how well they did. Even though it was past lunch time, and we had to travel 45 minutes for our photos, they still did excellent. And to top it off, we made our shirts this year for our pictures. Their feet prints are the moose heads, the hands are the antlers and I added red jingle bells for the noses. So adorable!! I even added bows for the girls. They came out so stinkin' cute!!!

The Kiddos Olivia (7) Emma-James (4) Owen (3) Ezme (14 months) Oliver (2 months)
 

Our Family Photo
 

Me and Jason (Still can't believe we have been together 11 years and have 6 beautiful children. Never thought in a million years. But so lucky and grateful to have him in my life. Isn't he handsome!)
 

Our other family photo Kids look so cute.
 

The Boys!
 

The Girls!