Last Day of 2011!

Wow hard to believe this year is over! 

It wasn't a bad year...but nothing to spectacular happened either.  It was just a regular year.  So here is to next year being no worse than this year but maybe a little more exciting.

Here is the sunrise on the last day of the year!

Day 10 - Substitute Teaching

Today I am thankful for substitute teaching.  When we moved out here I started subbing to get to know the kids.  I want to know who my kids friends are.  I have continued subbing and get to sub in the jr hi today.  It is a great opportunity to keep the pulse of the school.  To see what actually goes on.  The opportunity to get to know the kids better is priceless. 

Day 9 - Laurie Garis & Coupons

Today I am thankful for my friend Laurie Garis and her love of coupons that she has passed on to me.  Laurie showed me how to start couponing and it has made a huge difference in our cupboards at home.  I would spend about $200 for groceries a week and the cupboards would be bare within three days.  The kids would snack on ramen noodles everyday.  Since I started couponing we have had plenty of food in the pantry.  I spend about the same amount but get twice the amount of groceries.  It has made a huge difference in our budget.  I love that there is food for the kids at all times.  Real food not just ramen noodles.  Now they can eat them if they want, not because its all we have!!!

Day 8 - My mother

Today I am thankful for my mother!  She was not always there for me as a child but she has more than made up for it with my kids.  She is at almost every event they participate in.  She has put her life on hold to take care of her mother, my grandmother, in her old age.  I know grandma wouldn't still be with us if not for my mom.  She takes my kids to the broadway musicals which gives them a view into a world bigger than Enid/Garber, Oklahoma.  She is always there to support any direction I decide to go.  For this and so much more (the fact she gave birth to me) I am so thankful for my mother!

Day 7 - Our Home

Ok this one is pretty hard for me to write.  I really miss my home in Gray Ridge and probably always will.  However, I am thankful for our home out on the farm.  A house is just a house until you fill it with a family and that makes it a home.  It is an awesome two story farm house with plenty of land and barns.  The kids love having the room and walking to the pond to fish.  No it isn't a modern home with the huge bathrooms and closets but it does have indoor plumbing and it keeps us cool in the summer, warm in the winter, dry in the rain, and protected from the wind and snow.  I am thankful to have a home where my family can share our lives together.

Day 6 - Jennifer

Today I am thankful for my last born.  What can I say about Jenni?  She is the most delightful child I have ever been around.  Don't get me wrong she has her moments!!!!  She loves her friends and being in the middle of everything. (Just like her mom!)  She is smart, athletic, beautiful, and kind.  She drives her brothers and sister crazy (which is kind of funny).  She can talk me into just about anything.  Her daddy is wrapped around her finger more than me.  She has a way of connecting with all people young and old.  She is a precious gift!

Day 5 - Joshua

Today I am thankful for my wonderful son Joshua.  Josh is the family clown.  He always has a cute remark to make or a joke to tell.  He is content to hang out by himself and just as comfortable with his friends.  He is a gentlemen of all gentlemen.  I have had several people tell me how he holds doors open.  He loves football and tolerates basketball for me (Love him for that).  His teachers have told me how advanced his critical thinking is and sometimes he stumps me with his thoghts.  So thankful God blessed me with him!

Day 4 - Jacob

Today I am thankful for my wonderful son Jacob.  He is almost to outgrow me and I have looked forward to that since he was born.  He is very athletic and an extrememly kind soul.  He makes me proud everyday.  We have struggled together on his school work.  I know it can't be fun for him to have to study for hours but he stays at it till it sinks in.  For that alone I admire him.  So many that find school hard just blow it off.  Jake stays focused and puts all his effort into it.

Day 3 - Jessica

Today I am thankful for my beautiful first born Jessica.  She has brought much joy to my life.  Even now in those horrid teenage years, she is still a precious gift to me.  We tease around about not liking each other but I hope she knows I'm kidding.   I am so blessed because I completely trust her.  She has a level head on her shoulders and is always thinking of others. 

Day 2 - My Husband

Today I am Thankful for my wonderful husband.  We have been through 18 years of ups, downs, and in betweens.  I think of him as my best friend.  My voice of reason when I'm unreasonable.  He has been so much fun to share life with and I can only hope to be blessed with at least 18 more years!

A month of Thanks! Day 1

First and foremost I am thankful for God!  Without him nothing would be possible.  Even in the times we are experiencing it is his guidance and love that keeps us all going.  I am thankful to him for life, children, husband, home, friends, and the beautiful world I live in.

Day 9 - Big Bad Wolf

Today Ethan slept in.  I think he was exhausted from the heat at the ball game yesterday.  The girls stayed with Grandpa Bill again last night.  So it was me and the boys.  They got up around 9:30 today. 

I let them open some more presents.  Kati had sent some water balloons so away they went.  They had quite a time in my garden throwing balloons at each other.

We met the girls at the pool at 1. Today even Ethan got to swim. Kati wasn't kidding no fear and he loved the water. Thankfully the pool wasn't as busy as it usually is so the kids had a great time.

We came home and got ready for the kids play tonight.  They are so excited and nervous.  Mom came and watched Ethan and Brady while the rest of us went to the play.  We watched the computer as Kati's plane landed in Dallas.  We are all up waiting for her to call but she may be exhausted.  I hadn't mentioned them a bunch this week for fear they would get home sick but tonight we talked about them.  Brady is now ready for them to come home.  ALTHOUGH  earlier today he came up and climbed in my lap and told me he wanted to live with me forever.  My heart just melted.  I told him it was fine with me but I bet his mommy and daddy would be very sad.  Didn't seem to phase him cause off he went.  

Well my time is growing short with these adorable babies.  I look towards tomorrow with sorrow and well as joy.  I know they are going to be so excited to see their mommy and daddy but I really really hate to see them go.   

Day 8 - And Again Baseball

Ethan was up with Tim again.  I think they kind of like getting up together.   The rest of the boys slept till about 10.

We decided since the boys had a baseball game at 6:30, we wouldn't go swimming today.  So the day pretty much consisted of playing the wii and playing with all the playdoh Kati gave them.  This present wasn't so bad.   It was so hot I didn't even let them go outside. 

We got around and headed to the ball park.  It was so hot!  Grandpa Bill had brought lots of gatorade and ice water.  The boys would wrap headbands around their necks.  They got third place in the tournament.  Good job guys!

It was so neat.  Today my boys asked how much longer they would be here.  I figured because they were tired of them.  I said only a couple more days.  They both said they wished they could stay all summer.  Made my heart melt.

Day 7 - Baseball Again!!!!

Brady, Abby, and Tricia (Brady's new girlfriend)

After such a late night, Ethan got up with Tim again.  We ate cheerios for breakfast and then we just played and played.  He kept asking for Abby but I didn't want him to wake her up.

I made chocolate chip cookies and Ethan was my very best friend.  He loved them.  Jessi and Ethan ate half of the whole batch.  At this rate the boys won't get any but I'll probably bake them some tomorrow.

Ethan devouring one of Bengi's cookies.

Ethan playing with his cars.

When the girls did finally wake up it was after 11.  They ate some brunch and got ready to head to the pool.  I took them at one and picked them up at 5.  It has been easier this way so I don't have to take Ethan and he can get his nap in.  He slept for 3 hours this afternoon.  I think he needed it from our late nights.

Tim brought us home pizza and then we got ready to go to play practice and ballgame.  It was another late night and another win for the boys.  Jake pitched the entire game and caught two pop flies.  Josh made an out on first and hit an excellent ball out to right field.  It would have been a home run if he could run faster.  Jake hit a home run then tripped before home plate and had to crawl to the base.  Everyone laughed but that made him upset.  It was a good win for them.

I have evolved from the first night of baseball.  The first night I took the diaper bag, the pack and play, and two drinks and a bag of cheerios.  The second night  I took the drinks, bag, and cheerios.  Tonight I didn't take any of it.  We hadn't used it all week so I went the light route.  No problems.  Buy those kids M&M's and they are set. 

Grandpa brought the ice chest and that entertained Ethan for a good hour.  He would stick his head in it and just laugh.  He would open then close it.  Oh the items that keep kids entertained can truly amaze me.

Ethan playing with grandpa's ice chest.

I haven't been good about the daily presents.  I think the scare of the paints has me worried about what is left unopened.  Today Ethan and Abby opened some sidewalk chalk, playdoh, and pipe cleaner crafts.  The girls are going to take the pipe cleaner crafts to grandpa Bill's.  Ethan, Abby, and Jenni decorated my porch.  I thought I'd let Brady and Ethan open a couple more today and that should put us back on track.

Abby and Ethan opening the presents from mom.

The girls went to grandpa's after the game last night.  The boys came home and ate leftover pizza. 

Another day we have survived with no injuries or fights.  Someone said to me tonight...  "I bet your ready for their parents to get back."  The truth is not really.  It has really been pretty awesome having them here and getting to know them better.  I know Ethan won't remember this but I'm hoping I'm making awesome memories for Brady and Abby. 

Day 6 - A Quiet Day

Well we were up with Tim again this morning.  After getting to bed so late I thought Ethan would sleep till 10 but he got up when Tim did.  We made waffles and Tim and Ethan ate and watched cartoons. 

Dad took the boys home with him so it was pretty quiet today. 

Tim left for work and Ethan and I played.  We sorted laundry and played with his trucks.  The girls got up around 11.  They made waffles and played on the computers.  Ethan discovered the piano and played for them while they computed.

Ethan banging out some tunes!

At one I took the girls to the pool and left them.  We came back and I put Ethan down for his nap.  I thought he would sleep for a couple hours since he had a short night but he was back up at 2:15.  We enjoyed the quiet house together.  The girls called around 4:45 so I went and picked them up.

We all got cleaned up and went to the Cabin (our local restaurant) for the 99 cent hamburgers.  Then we took Jenni to play practice at 7.  We hung out at my office.  Dad brought Brady and Jake and some kids came by and were talking with them.  After they left Abby was sitting there and out of the blue she said.  "I really like Garber."  That made me feel good.  She really has met lots of kids and has just fit right in.

Josh playing third base!

Jake catching!

Next we headed up to the ball park.  The boys were playing Covington.  It ended up being a close game.  Brady, Abby, & Jenni all hung out at the playground.  Abby made a couple of new friends and Brady kept bringing a little boy over telling us this was his friend.  The boys won so we play another game tomorrow night. 

Brady dragging his pack and play.
  Apparently ready to go home.

Dad took the boys again tonight.  So we are looking forward to another quiet day.   

Apparently Ethan was ready to go home.  He was dragging his pack and play toward the car.  We all just laughed.  We got home about 11:30.  We put on jammies and headed for bed.  Another good day!

Day 5 - Boring Mondays

Josh Brady Ethan & Jake after waking up.

Today we got up a bit earlier unfortunately because Mondays are pretty boring.  The pool in Garber is closed so we had the whole day ahead of us and nothing planned.

Jenni Brady Jake & Abby after washing my car!

The kids enjoyed jumping on trampline with the water hose.  Then they asked if they could wash my car.  Uh yeah!!!!  They did a pretty good job.  They got most of the dirt off but didn't windex the windows so it was hard to see when we went into Garber.

Grandma Mim, Ethan, Brady, & Grandma Kathi

We had some unexpected guests.... Grandma Kathi and Great Grandma Mim.  Ethan had fun showing grandma all the kitties and doggies.  He kept picking them up and handing them to her.  She would put one down and he would have the other one ready to go. 

See Grandma,  I like this kitty!

Brady wanted to paint today so Josh and him got the clay pieces and paints out.  They really did a good job.  But.....  we got paint on our clothes and I don't think it is going to come out.  Sorry mom!!!

Ethan & Josh painting!  Oops should have taken our clothes off!

Apparently I'm not doing as good as I thought.  I had Jenni and Josh all ready to go to play practice at 7 before his game at 8:30.  Apparently their practice today was at 3:30.  GEEZ!!!!!  Why didn't someone call.  So we were early to the ball park.

Abby & Brady at the Garber town park!

We arrived at the ball park and Jenni took Ethan to the playground.  They were gone for about an hour.  Then when the boys game started we put up the pack and play but we didn't really need it.  Grandma Kathi, Grandpa Bill, Grandma Janice were all in attendance and helped keep a watchful eye out.  Have M&M's around and that boy isn't going anywhere.  Abby and Brady played and played on the playground.  I think they have already made some friends.  The boys lost so we play again tonight.  Jake pitched and did a really good job. 

Grandpa Bill took the boys to spend the night with him.  Ethan is stuck with us girls tonight.  We didn't get to bed till 11p.m.  so I'm hoping he sleeps late in the morning.  We will see. 

Day 4 - Sunday Sunday Sunday

Abby Jake & Jenni having fun on the trampoline!

Well today was sort of quiet.  We got up around 9 and had waffles again.  The rest of the kids didn't get up till around 11.  I think they spent a late night on the computer games again.

Ethan opening present 2.

Today's present wasn't quite as daunting as paints.  It did however have millions of little foam letters and shapes.  Pretty cool until it was pick up time. 

After a quick lunch Ethan went down for his nap.  So the other kids and I headed to the pool.  It has been so hot that it is so refreshing to dip in the pool.  Brady is doing so good.  He always wears his lifejacket when he heads down to the deep end.  He comes and tells me when he is taking the jacket off to play in the shallow end. 

When we got home Tim was in a sort of panic.  He said check Ethan out and make sure there aren't any broken bones.  I said WHAT?????  He said he fell out of the bed.  WHAT????  He said the door was open, I was listening, never heard a thing.  Then I heard him start to cry.  I went in and he was between the shades and the bed just looking at me.  Apparently he is quite the gymnast and climbed out over the side of the baby bed.  It literally scared Tim to death.  No scratches, no scrapes,  all is well.  But now we know he can escape the baby bed too. 

We made pizzas for dinner.  Three pizzas were devoured in less than five minutes.  They had worked up quite an appetite.

Brady, Jake and Abby giving Sophie a bath.

The kids decided to give Sophie a bath.  She is our outside dog.  I'm not sure she enjoyed it but the kids had fun! 







Josh and Jenni had play practice dress rehearsal where they asked me to come photograph them.  I can't wait for the performances.  Tim held the fort down while I was gone.  The only incident was Ethan found the wipes and scattered them all over the living room.  I know we were warned!

Ethan and his ice cream!

Abby devouring her ice cream cone.



Brady eating his cone.



When we came home I brought ice cream cones.  The kids were all out on the trampoline playing in the water.  This brought back awesome memories for me because I can remember doing this with Kati and Kimi when we were little.  Ethan just laughed when they let him squirt Jake.  Ethan found the squirt gun and had fun playing in the bucket of water.  Yes Kati I watched him like a hawk.  I know you can drown in an inch of water. 

Next we headed in for bath/shower time.  Then off to bed we went.  Brady was out within seconds of hitting the pillow.  I guess we are wearing the little guy out.  The older kids played computer games for a while but not as late as last night.  So all is well.  We are still going on no fights or injuries.  I'm feeling blessed!





Day 3 - Fishing

Jake, Ethan, & Brady after waffles!

Yummy Yummy Yummy

Everyone but me slept till 10 a.m.   I couldn't believe it.  We had waffles for breakfast.  That seemed to be a hit with everyone! 





Look Aunt Bengi..... Paints!!!!!

We opened the first of the packages Kati sent for the kids.  Now, I'm no genius, but if my sister had volunteered to keep all of my kids for over a week, I'm pretty sure I would not have included a set of paints in the wrapped packages.  Needless to say we have not done that particular activity yet.  We will mind you but I just didn't have the energy or the space to get the paints out and let them paint.  Maybe I'll let them do this activity an hour or so before their mom picks them up.  I'm thinking that sounds good!

Jake and Brady wanted to go fishing.  So Tim loaded them up and they headed over to the 50 where there are at least shade trees around the pond.  They caught 4 or 5 but only three were keepers.  Ethan and I headed over around noon to check on them.  It was already sweltering hot.  So they called it a morning. 

Ethan riding the bike!

Josh had taken Ethan outside and he kept pointing at and wanting to ride Jake's bike.  So Josh went out to the bike barn and found a small bike, brought it up and helped Ethan ride around the sidewalk.  It was so cute!

When we got home we decided to go to the pool.  Ethan went down for his nap so Tim stayed home and napped too.  We spent the afternoon at the pool.  Abby is making lots of new friends.  She even had a boy following her around today.  Don't worry mom,  I had my eye on him like a hawk. 

When we got home Ethan and Tim were watching TV.  Spongebob I think.  We made pasta and sauce for dinner. Josh and Abby played all evening on the computer.  I think they may have stayed up half the night.


 Jake, Brady, & Ethan were ready to hit the pond again by 8. It had cooled down some so I took them over to the smaller pond behind Tim's parents. Brady caught two fish. Jake would bait a pole up and throw it in and tell Brady to watch it. He told him if it moves to pick it up and jerk back. He was such a trooper and caught two. I had taken two chairs and told Ethan to stay in the chair. He did very well and loved the fish when Jake and Brady would bring them by to show him.






Ethan sitting watching the fisherman



The fisherman wathcing the pole.



Brady's first fish.  He didn't want to hold it.

 





It's a keeper.....




until it wiggles!



At dark we headed home and Ethan was exhausted. We got into our jammies and he was out when his head hit the pillow. So for three days I can report - no major fights, no injuries, no one is starving! Yea me!!!!