Merry Christmas

From our Home to Yours!

BBBTBB...

Hello all...This post is titled BBBTBB.  It stands for what we have been doing lately...

Birthday #1 Jacob turned 15!

 Birthday # 2 Maggie turned 10

Broken Arm...Pretty isn't it...

 Thanksgiving

Birthday #3 Curt turns 8!

Final B...Bloody noses...Don't worry...it was scouts and they were learning first aid.  Fake blood. :)

If you are wondering why Maggie is at cub scouts...cause she is the only girl around and they often ask her to help.  Her friend Cody is in the background.

Laundry made easy

I decided to create a family closet. I was tired of picking up socks all over the house. The children would leave their clothing everywhere. It was in their bedrooms, it was in the living room, it was at the front door, dining room, and even in the bathroom. I moved every bit of clothing that the children own down to the basement where the laundry is located. I cleared off shelves and found a cheap way to make little cubbies for their of smaller items. Surprisingly everything fit. We did go through all the clothing the children own. The laundry chute empties into this area. We made a changing area for the children to dress and undress in. We put up a curtain for privacy and they take turns getting dressed. It has worked out surprisingly well. They are happy because they no longer required to take their clothes upstairs and put them away.

Changing area

Each child gets their own shelf.

Hanging Church Clothes

Sweater hanging thingys. One for each kid to hold pj's, belts, undies, ties etc.

4 hooks for pj's that don't need washing yet.

Baskets...one for girls socks, one for boys white socks, and boy dress socks.

The washer and dryer are right here.  So I wash and fold and place on their shelf and laundry is done!  I also have bins for summer stuff that we can switch out for the season.
This has been the best thing for me. If you have any space to try a family closet I recommend it highly. Another great the side effect is the fact that the children have a lot more room in their rooms for their things. They now can use their closets for toys and other things that they want to keep. Their rooms are also staying cleaner because they're not throwing clothes on the floor when they change. It took me about a day to set up everything. There are lots of online resources about people's family closet. This has been revolutionary.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling has been wonderful.  Maggie is a good student and doesn't give me much trouble.  It does however take about 5 hours of my day. Therefore, I don't have much time left to blog.  I have been working on our church's Primary Program for the last little bit, trying to write the darn thing.  This Sunday we begin practicing with the kids.  It is a bit later than most Primary programs, usually it is in Oct/Nov...but we are doing ours in Dec.  We had a huge change of staff...with our choirister moving and getting a new pianist.  Oh dear.  It will be fine...

So I have been busy. 

Plus another fun note.  Steve broke his wrist playing church basketball a week and a half ago.  He just went today for a check.  He will be out for 3 1/2 more weeks.  No working...
No working = less income.  Nice.  (that was sarcasm)

This might be the lamest Christmas ever. 

Although...Grandma is coming...so the kids will be spoiled and probably won't notice the lame gifts we get them anyway. So that is good.

No working = Being home all day every day.... (need I say more)

He also can't do any fix it projects while he is home.  He can't move his hand.  So he is kind of going stir crazy and we have 3 1/2 weeks to go.  My mom is coming on Sunday...and it will be thanksgiving and Christmas.

I love to decorate for Christmas...I do it when Steve is at work...cause he hates it.  He will be home this year...what fun (sarcasm)

He is going to drive us all nutso...I mean...I love being home with my hubby.

Wish me luck,

Julie

Slightly more craziness...

Well since my last post, Maggie has come home to school at home with OHVA too.  So it has been busy around here. We set up a classroom and got all the supplies and we are off and running!  It has been lots of fun so far.  Luckily we enjoy each others company.  We are together A LOT.  The two other boys said NO WAY!  That is ok because I think I would freak out with two more kids to school.  I would probably just handle it but it is nice to start slowly. 

Jacob is doing great in his classes so far.  Straight A's with the exception of Spanish.  I hope he doesn't have my language gene...hopefully he has Steve's.  One semester of Latin was more than I could handle. 

Doug finished up his Cross Country season. He did well.  He seemed to really like it and he wants to do it again.  I hope he runs track this spring.

Curtis is Curtis. Pretty happy go lucky.  He is playing soccer this year, but is considering football next fall...he should he is about 2 inches and 10 pounds heavier than the bigger kids in his class.  He is SOLID!  As Steve says..."ya can't teach them to be big"

Maggie is playing soccer too.  She wants to start flute lessons.  Hopefully we can make that happen too. 

One more week and soccer will be over...yeah!  Hip Hip Hurray! 

The best part is that I am going to the temple on Sat.  I haven't been in a long time.  So I am looking forward to the peace that is found within the walls.  I am driving so I hope we don't get lost!  I also hope it is easy and I can feel more comfortable making the trip. 

I was really hoping for a temple announcement in Kirtland, or at the John Johnson farm...two church sites that are close.  I am greedy I admit it.  I can't even imagine living in Utah where there are temples less than a half hour apart.  That would be awesome.  It would be like zipping out to the store...as opposed to 2 weeks of rearranging schedules, dealing with kids, finding time to be gone all day.  Plus gas money to travel. 

Oh well..I will stop whinning about it...

That is all for now.  I think Maggie is about ready to get started on a new lesson.

Dad, My Hero....by Maggie

My hero is my dad. My dad is really funn.  He always makes really funny comments and knows every joke.  My dad is also very smart.  He can answer any math question.  He helps a lot with homework.

My dad is very kind.  He built me and my brothers an awesome clubhouse with beds, a table, and everything! I want to be just like my dad.

Maggie

A Day in the Life....

Well I inspired myself...to document a day...in the life of me...cause I am sure I will block it all out...much like childbirth. :)

Here goes.

On the way to Seminary.  Dark.  Oh and Mr. Opposom...that we see each morning...was dead on the road...and he wasn't playin' possom either.

kiddos in the car...blurry like my eyes.

Doug and Maggie munchin' on breakfast.

Don't judge me...poptarts are the breakfast of champions...right? 

Munching over...time to rest again.  I love Curts hair. 

A Little Scripture reading.  I skipped over some...so and so begat so and so...and also the "he took her" "he layed with her" and harlot stuff.  The old Testament is kinda racey.

Back home. Only went 70mph on the highway to make it in time...Time to brush teeth in the dark.  While we wait for the bus.

Lucy patiently waiting to go out when I get back in the house.

Loggin in to find out Jacob's school work for the day.

Jacob at "school"

Laundry Mountain...Put in a load.

Sweet husband making me some breakfast.

Breakfast.  We are trying a low carb diet...Did you know everything that I love...is a carb.

Going to Kohl's, Walmart, Marc's, and the Goodwill...

On the road again. About 9:30 I suppose.

Cute driver.

Riding in the car...

Found this at walmart.  I saw some people reading it in bloggy land.  So I got it...and read about half so far.

3:30  Cross Country Meet.  Doug's home meet. 

Starting line.

Muddy mess.  He came in 8th.  That was good.  I can see him pushing harder with each race.

Dinner made by Steve.  I was STARVING!

Before dinner.

Found maggie a sweater at goodwill for a buck. 

Nagging kids to do their piano practice.  Got one.  She looks happy doesn't she?

Homework.  Why does the little one always have more than anyone else? 

Had to help Jacob fulfill his Physical Ed requirement.  So we chose yoga.  Deep breathing and stretching puts me to sleep.

Got the kids to bed.  Its time for me to call it a night.  Laundry is still drying.  Got to check email and of course facebook.  Then lights out.

Tired, worn out, and did I say tired?

It has been a long time between posts.  I guess I have blogger fatigue.  My life just doesn't even seem interesting to me let alone to other people.  I am running most days now from 5 am to 8 at night.  I have been tired, grouchy, and worn out.  I see no end in sight and there isn't much I can do about it. 

So that is why I haven't been blogging.  Life has been moving too fast for my liking and when I get a break...I take a nap.

So unless you want to see a pic of me sleeping...you won't see many of me.

Maybe if I have the energy and want sympathy I will show you my day.  Hmmmmm.

Thanks for listening,

Julie

Doug's First Cross Country Meet

Doug's First Cross Country Meet.  They run 2 miles in 7th and 8th grade.  It was about 95 degrees that day.  So hot and sunny! We have a small team.  I think we have 5 guys.  The black team next to us seemed like they had a million!  Things I learned.  Wear sneakers because as a mom you are going to be walking from one end of the place to the other.  Bring Sunscreen.  My neck was sunburned quickly.  My feet even tanned in my sandles! 

 His time was 16:45.  Not too shabby for the first time out.  There are some seriously fast kids though. 

It is also amazing to me the size differences in the 7th and 8th grade boys.  Some were Curt's size I swear. Others were HUGE. 

Doug hamming it up of course!

Seminary Begins Next Week

Probably the one thing I have been stressing about for the last year or so...Seminary.  Seminary is a program at our church where youth ages 14 and up go in the early morning to learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  They have fun and socialize also.  It is every school day morning starting at 6 am.

I have been stressing because Steve has a hospital work schedule...so you never know when he will be home.  Usually he is either already gone for the am or he isn't home yet.  Sooooo.....this leaves the seminary to me.  The bigger "problem" is that Jacob is the oldest.  Sooooo.....I have three younger ones at home.  I can't leave them here to fend for themselves.  I just don't feel they are ready for that much responsiblity yet.  That would be even more stress on me...wondering what was happening, and if they were ok.  Soooooo......

THE PLAN....

It probably isn't a good one...but  here it is. We all go.  Yup.  Everyone gets up and gets into their school clothes, and jumps in the car.  Now when Jacob is at seminary...the older two have to be getting completely ready because as soon as we get home the bus comes...Like within 5 min of getting home. (if my timing is right)

Sooooo.....today I am going to buy some bins.  Each kid gets their own bin.  I am going to load it with....a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, barettes for Maggie, nail clippers and what ever else I think might come up in the morning. Also I am going to keep on hand extra school supplies. For example, paper, pencils, pens and clipboards.  Just in case someone forgot to do some homework.  I am going to make a bin of "breakfast" foods. Granola bars, crackers, juice boxes etc.  Then take some fruit each day.  I also plan on a bin of small blankets for staying warm or napping.  Now while we wait the kids can have breakfast and we can have our family scripture time.  I will have a captive audience. :)  That van is going to get alot of living this year.

That is the plan.  I really don't know how else to pull it all off.  Not going is not an option.  I have seen and worked with youth who attend seminary and they grow by leaps and bounds spiritually.  I have also seen those who don't attend not do as well.  There are exceptions to everything of course, but for us seminary is mandatory. 

Let's see what you think.  Am I crazy? or the Most Awesome Mom ever? or Both?

First Day Of School

Today is the first day of school.  3 of the kids are off on the bus and starting their year.  Jacob is home doing internet school through Ohio Virtual Academy. Steve is out working on the playhouse.  I have finished up the laundry (that I know about), cleaned the kitchen and dining room, tidied the living room, at lunch and took a nap.  I love the last part...took a nap.  I think I will say it again...I took a nap! 

Now I am blogging because I said I would get back into the swing of things again.  I am also trying to work up the energy to jump in the shower and look presentable for the 2nd half of the day. Kids home at 4.  Doug home at 5:30.  Soccer practice starts at 6 and ends about 8:30.  Home and showers and then we wake up and do it all over again.  I am not sure where dinner fits in there yet?  Hmmmmm????  Minor detail. 

We are down to 9 chickens.  Yesterday we found one dead in the yard.  We also are not getting many eggs lately.  I think they are starting to molt, and I also think we have an egg eater in the bunch.

Maggie wants to join a dog 4-h group and work with Lucy. Curt wants to do rabbits, " but just for a pet mom...not to eat!"  we will see.  I guess they start meeting in January sometime.  I will see if the enthusiasm lasts a few weeks past the fair.

Sorry I have been missing in action most of the summer.  It has been very busy!  My computer has been very busy with 4 kids at home. 

This summer had lots of camps, fairs, family time and vacations.  This summer had some heartbreak too.  We lost my father to cancer this summer.  It is still surreal and I didn't really think it would happen at some level.  It was still a shock.

So as we are trying to recover as a family, we came home to a week of county fair obligations, and now school begins today for Jacob and tomorrow for the rest of the kids.

Did I mention Jacob starts seminary this year?  He will attend a church class for teens from 6 am to 6:40 am each weekday morning before school.  That starts next week.  Doug is running cross country this year. His practices will be after school.  Maggie and Doug are in band and Maggie is in choir too.  When Curt turns 8 he will be in the Cubs.  The schedules are getting more complicated as years go by.  I just hope the van holds up to all this ramming around back and forth.

I think bedtime will be about 7:30.   (I wish)

Jacob is going to attend Ohio Virtual Academy this year for  9th grade.  It was decided after many prayers.  Today is the first day.  He is excited and seems to like the idea of it.  We have met some families at functions that have made the choice too. The staff was awesome and very helpful.   I am hoping for a good year.

Today is open house for the rest of the kids.  We get Doug's schedule and we find out who Maggie and Curt have for teachers.  We also get to haul the 30 pound back packs to school with all the supplies in them and empty them out so they don't have to take them on the bus. 

My to do list seems 1000 miles long.  I am trying not to be overwhelmed by it all.  One day and one hour at a time. That is my motto for this year so far.  Once the schedule gets rolling I think I will be more at ease.  I am sure things will be running like clockwork by May. :)

State Fair

Well we are here. Not quite at the fair yet...but in the hotel. The kids are swimming and it is very quiet. I was just realizing that Doug who is 12 has no recollection of ever having stayed in a hotel before. I guess we should really have that family vacation soon! I guess it has been awhile! Tomorrow Doug's class is in the morning, so he will be done by lunch time and then we can go and explore the fair. It should be fun. Doug and I hardly ever get one on one time. I would say he is the quietest and most reserved of our kids, so it takes extra effort to get him out of his shell. He prefers one word answers... Yup, nope, ok...and the lengthier "it was fun". Hopefully he will be more talkative tomorrow when it is just the two of us. I will update more as we go through judging tomorrow.

Style Review 2011

It has been crazy busy around here.  We just finished up our 4-H style review.  The kids finished sewing their projects and it was judging day.  Here are some pictures of the outfits.

Jacob made a pair of denim jeans and the polo. He also made the hoodie sweatshirt.  The jeans look really good on him.  He put it lots of effort this year...but for a few minor reasons...the judges didn't place him.  I was disappointed.  They picked on things like...they saw two different blues in the thread he used to sew the jeans.  They must have eagle eyes.

Maggie in her cute jumper.  She placed third in her class.  She can wear this in the summer with a tee and sandles or in the winter like shown.  She also worked very hard and learned alot about hand stitching.  The gal that placed 1st was 18 years old. They changed the requirements this year for the category... I don't think that is too fair...a 9 year old sewer up against an 18 year old.  Live and learn.

Doug did Sewing for Others.  His "other" is his Aunt Charlene.  He made her a pair of scrubs for her work.  He did very well...winning his category and he will be going to the State Fair next week to compete there.  I am so glad he won.  He has had something go wrong almost every year.  Finally his year to win. 

This was the first year they had a quilt category.  Maggie learned lots about quilting.  She made this beautiful pillow.  I am so proud of her. She got a third place ribbon for this...but there was only three in the running.  Once again...mom no likey the judges.



4-h projects done and complete is a nice thing to say.  Doug is going to the state fair next week.  Jacob to leadership 4-h camp the next week after that...one week of rest and then the county fair...after that...school starts. 

This summer is flying by fast.  We have had so much fun though.