Prodigal Blogger

Hello.

It's been a while.

I seem to have taken an unintentional break from blogging. Life became WAY too overwhelming, and something had to give. It is a bit ironic that it was blogging that gave, considering one popular reason for blogging is to gain personal growth through journaling.

Then, when I decided that I really missed blogging, emailing, scrapbooking, and such ways of communicating about this season of motherhood, I was a bit lost as to how to get restarted.

I am not interested in debating parenting styles or baby product preferences. I do not have a pregnancy to journal. I do not have a book or a product to sell. I have no skill to teach. I don't think I am hip to anything that is popular right now.

So, is there even a purpose for my blog?


Nope.


And, I am Ok with that.

After much pondering on my own, and questioning my husband (who claims to be the biggest fan of my blog), I have comfortably come to the conclusion that there is no point in reading my blog. It has no value to the general public.

But, it is a lot of fun for me to write....and quite amusing for my husband to read. We do not have any answers. We have a cluttered house, entertaining children, wild puppies, and a crazy schedule.

We are thriving in chaos.

And I love it!

I am hoping to carve out time to blog more about it.

I uploaded a new profile picture.

It's a start.

FLIP

The kids have been hangin' around at the park, picking up new skills this summer.

Jersey #2 and Jersey #3 learned how to do a front flip over a bar.

This is something that The Referee and I remember doing when we were kids, playing on the schoolyard at recess. I could do a few things on the bars, but I was more timid about being airborne or flipping over my own head. I had friends who flipped and flew like trapeze artists.

Our children appear to take after me more in this area. They are much more cautious about heights, being upside down, and free fall. I am fairly certain that their future careers will not include a trapeze.

Knowing that they had the size and strength to flip over the bar, I coached them through their initial fears. Jersey #3 let go of the bar, and fell on his head with the first attempt. It took a bit to get him to try again. It helps that the kids trust me, and obey my instructions. They were willing to let me walk them through the steps, holding them at first, until they built the confidence in their own ability.

It was fun to watch them develop this new skill. I love to see their faces light up, with huge smiles, as their confidence grows and pride emerges.

It didn't take long for them both to start trying to flip faster and faster. What a thrill!



Jersey #1 was not going to be outdone. She was determined to show her younger brother and sister that she could flip too.

We've got bit of a competitive nature around here.

As we were leaving the park, Jersey #3 thanked me for teaching him this new "trick." Later, The Referee complimented me on the way I coached the kids through the learning and practicing process. I was already basking in the joy of watching the kids master a new skill. By the time we returned home, my head was swollen with pride, and barely fit through the front door! Ah, the joys of motherhood!

From Princesses to Super Heroes

There is a strange thing happening in our household.

Our "castle" is transitioning from a place to hold the Royal Ball, to a place that is under attack.

We have enjoyed many years of princess dress-up fun. There were times when Jersey #1 was only seen in a Cinderella dress (carrying a wand), even to church and while grocery shopping. Jersey #2 loved to dress up too, but often chose a different Disney princess, or made up her own version and called herself, "Princess Jersey #2."

We still have children in the dress-up fun ages. But, they are not interested in being princesses. They want to be super heroes.

Cinderella has been replaced by Iron Man.

I have a lot to learn about the Justice League and the Marvel Heroes. The boys are still correcting me on each of the characters.

At first, I was sad to see combat replace dancing. Jersey #5 warmed my heart to the idea, when he informed me in his cute little toddler voice....

"Don't worry Mama, I'll shoot the bad guys. You'll be Ok."

Growing Boys

Our boys are busy learning new skills lately.

Jersey #3 learned how to blow a bubble with his bubble gum.

He asked me if I would teach him how. So, we each got a piece of Bubble Yum and went to work on that important lesson. I was impressed by how he sat next to me and worked at it until he got it. He did not complain. He did not quit. It took him about 12 minutes to get that first bubble. He was so proud.

Jersey #5 decided that he was tired of having to have a sibling drive him around on the battery-powered vehicles at PawPaw & Granny's house. He figured out how to take one for a spin on his own. Clearly, a 2 year old should not be able to drive those things. It turns out, he handled it quite well. So, Granny encouraged him to drive the quad runner, so he could control the steering wheel a little easier. He did pretty well going around the yard. He did have an accident. He crashed into the side of the kiddie pool, then called for PawPaw to come rescue him. I am thankful to have many more years before he can get behind the wheel of a car.

Fitness Flop

I joined a gym this month.

When my "baby" turned 2, I was embarrassed to realize that I was still carrying 4 pounds of "pregnancy" weight. Oops.

Clearly, I did not make fitness a priority during the 8 years I was birthing 6 babies. Clearly, I am overdue for some serious exercise. Unfortunately, I have not been running as much now that my weekends are spent working in the lab.

So, when my work sent out an email talking about job perks, I snapped to attention when I saw the discount gym membership. There is a location near my house. It even has a "supervised playroom." That means they will keep the children from hurting each other, but they are not running a diaper service. My kids all fit within the age requirements.

The last time I joined this gym, Jersey #3 was a year old. He did not cooperate, even with his sisters there. I would start an aerobics class, and barely make it into the warm-up before the staff had to come get me because my toddler was hysterical. So, I gave up on that. This time, though, the kids are much more cooperative.

We turn heads as we parade into the gym, in the middle of the day when it is mostly college students and elderly working out. So far, the whole experience has been good. I sign the kids into the playroom. They play, color, and watch a movie while I take a group fitness class. Then, I pick them up and they race me to the van. It is all so smooth that I thought I would go workout 5 days a week.

Well, my body thinks otherwise.

So far, I have made it 2 days each week. It takes me 2 days to recover. I know I am out of shape. I know I am older. But, I am still shocked at the way my body is revolting against me.

For starters, squats in the gym are a great exercise.....until I try to sit on the toilet the next day and my thighs refuse to work properly.

My husband commented that I was holding myself with such great posture after just 1 day at the gym. I had to admit to him that my posture was so good because I could barely move from all those sore muscles. Let's just say that my abs are used to being relaxed, not flexed.

I am not sure how long it takes to adjust.

I certainly enjoy the feeling of working my muscles again though. I was an athlete once. I kinda miss it. Here's hoping I can find a piece of that athletic life again this summer.

Happy Kite Day

May 12th was Kite Day.

I had no idea such a holiday existed before.

This year we celebrated it.

My Mom (aka: Granny) surprised me with a gift and a cake for "Kite Day" this year. It was so sweet.

She knew I had a rotten Mother's Day, and she wanted to help. When I visited her on May 12th, it was already past Mother's Day, so she went searching on the internet for a holiday to celebrate in its place. She found Kite Day.

Then, she went shopping for a kite.

Later, I flew a kite with the kids. It was fun.

I think that was the best Kite Day celebration ever!

It definitely was more fun that my Mother's Day this year.

The children did their best to make the day special. They are sweet. They colored me pictures and cards, and gave me hugs all day long. We went for ice cream sundaes in the afternoon.

I was pretty sad and hurt on Mother's Day this year. The Referee went out of his way to ruin the day for me. Initially he had simply forgotten that Mother's Day was arriving. After that, it didn't take him long to resent the expectation that he should do something nice for me.....and lead the children accordingly. In no time, he had convinced himself that it was ok to ruin the day for me, in anger. When he goes wrong, he goes strong, which is no fun at all.

Thankfully, I am blessed with children, friends, and family who treat me well, so I know full well that The Referee is in error when he acts this way, and I do not deserve it. A sweet Kite Day celebration is a great example of how I have loved ones who lift me up when I am down.

I also have a husband who is smart enough to apologize BIGGER than he offends. When The Referee came to his senses, he realized that he should not have ruined Mother's Day like that. He surprised me with a sincere apology and a very nice gift...

the dining room table set that I have been admiring for over a year...

We have been using a folding table, and metal chairs, in our dining room for too long. It was suppose to be a temporary solution until we finished saving up for this table that I wanted. I have saved for the table 2.5 times, and each time I get close to being able to buy it, another expense takes priority, and I have to start all over.

We do not typically give gifts this expensive. Our budget does not work that way.

So, this gift was personal. It was big. It was something that I have been wanting for a long time. The Referee was wise to melt my anger with such a gift. Forgiveness came much easier when anger is melted away like that.

The icing on the cake was that The Referee mopped the dining room floor, and assembled the table. He had the dining room all cleaned up, with the beautiful table in place, waiting for me when I returned home from work.

Better late than never...

Happy (Belated) Mother's Day!

Dental Blessings

I took the kids to the dentist this morning. It was time for their every-6-months cleaning.

I am thankful to have found such a wonderful pediatric dentistry to bring my thundering herd. They are sweet, kid-friendly, and provide excellent treatment. They schedule 3 kids at once and 2 kids to follow, so I can take everyone in the same visit. The working environment must be great too, because some of the hygienists, and the office manager, greeted us when we first visited 7 years ago....and are still there each time we visit.

But, I will openly admit that I still feel stress about taking them to the dentist. We have terrible teeth genetics. This is mostly due to my gene pool, for sure. Even though I fully understand that there is a great balance between genetics and environment in any health issue, I still anticipate being accused of poor parenting as the culprit of the numerous cavities.

It is a silly insecurity that is not even founded in truth. My kids teethe on toothbrushes as infants, and brushing is a regular routine in our household. The older children are able to fully explain to the hygienist about their brushing habits, which are always answered with praise. I am confident that I am teaching them good hygiene practices. Yet, I still wait to be accused of failing in this area.

Our pediatric dentist has never suggested that the kids' dental issues are a result of lifestyle or parenting. He actually points out which things are "defects" and which things are genetics. He usually shrugs off most cavities as a result of those "deep grooves." That is the same thing dentists told my parents about my teeth. Apparently, we have groovy teeth.

I sat in the waiting room, watching the kids play, bracing myself for the adventure ahead.

Much to my surprise, this was probably the easiest dental visit I have ever experienced with the children. All 5 of them blessed me with their cooperation. The older 3 were cavity-free! I practically skipped out of the building when we were done, because I was that thrilled.

I was concerned about Jersey #3 because his dental visits have been pretty intense for the past year. He had a stressful experience getting fillings, and followed that up with poor cooperation for his next cleaning. I bought him a battery-operated toothbrush to help mimic the sensations of getting teeth polished at the dentist, in an attempt to help decompress his sensitivities. I had a talk with him yesterday, to try to brace him for the visit and what to expect. I explained that he needed to be still in the chair and not wiggle, and he needed to cooperate instead of yelling. I was amused by his response as he informed me,

"No problem, Mom. I am SO over that now!"

I suggested he could talk to the hygienist and mention when something was bothering him, but that he could not holler. He agreed that he could handle it.

And he did handle it. He talked constantly with the hygienist and asked about every detail of the cleaning. He did not holler. His body language was tense, and it was obvious he had to work extra hard to keep still, but he cooperated. I was so proud of him!

Jersey #1 participated in the cleaning with ease, but still gagged at the attempt at getting bitewing x-rays.

Jersey #4 was nervous, but she was determined to do as well as Jersey #3. She is so stubborn and independent like that. I made her siblings stay back and let her handle herself on her own. She did not want their advice, or them sitting on the chair with her, or anything. She is a big girl too.....even if she did insist on wearing tap shoes with her outfit.

Jersey #5 took it all in stride. He is so mellow. He followed all the instructions, climbed into that big chair, and picked his own toothpaste flavor. He opened his mouth when asked, and was rather still for a 2-year old. He didn't complain or fuss at all.

Jersey #2 was a superstar. She has had 2 heart surgeries, a cardiac MRI, and doctor visits galore....so a dental cleaning was no challenge for her. She laid back in that big chair, completely relaxed, with pig-tails draping to each side. She informed the hygienist about the process, instead of the other way around. Her cleaning was complete in record time. It helps that she is missing a few teeth right now too.

After the cleanings, the Dentist made his rounds from child to child, updating me on their status....

Jersey #1 has a gum defect, which he recommends watching right now, but may require a visit to the periodontist in the future. It appears some of her gum did not attach to the permanent tooth properly as it came in.

Jersey #2 has 4 loose teeth. The tooth fairy will need to stop by the ATM here soon. Her big front tooth is technically "in the range of normal." The dentist said that he would not call it "odd-shaped" (like I called it), and says he is not worried about it at this time.

Jersey #3 has some tartar build-up between his lower front teeth. The dentist went to check it out further, and discovered those teeth are loose. So, instead of treating them, he will let them fall out naturally. That will be a first---natural tooth loss. Jersey #3 has 3 missing teeth from a bike accident. Today I learned that the permanent replacements will take longer to come down. Instead of filling the hole left behind by baby teeth falling out, his permanent teeth will have to break through the healed hole, more like cutting baby teeth. That should be fun.

Jersey #4 has some small cavities in the grooves of her teeth. Not much she could have done about that. She is pretty cooperative, so they expect to be able to fill them with ease.

Jersey #5 has a handful of small cavities, in the grooves of his teeth. I knew this already, as the dentist was waiting to treat until his 2nd molars emerged (so he could fix those too if necessary). I dreaded the suggestion of treating him under general anesthesia due to his young age. I was pleased to hear the dentist say that the cavities were small and should all be fillings (not caps), so he thinks this can be done in-office. Jersey #5 was so cooperative for his cleaning, that the dentist thinks it is worth a try to see if he will cooperate for fillings the same way (with the help of laughing gas). That is great news!

I was full of smiles and relief as the kids picked out their new toothbrushes and goodie bags. That was one dental visit that did not zap my confidence.

Growth Spurt

I received some pretty exciting news when I took this dynamic duo to a doctor visit this week.

Jersey #3 was there for his well-child check-up. He is a healthy, growing boy. He did great.

Our physician is a family doctor, who treats our entire family. So, I was able to ask him for a prescription for Jersey #2's antibiotic prophylaxis, even though she did not have an appointment that day. The kids go to the dentist next month, and she needs a dose of antibiotics prior to dental visits.

So, Dr. S asked Jersey #2 to step on the scale to see how much she weighs now. The medication dose is given by weight.

50 pounds!


This is some exciting news. We knew Jersey #2 has been growing. She looks great. It is obvious she is getting taller, and her coloring is good.

In the 11 months that have passed since Jersey #2 had open-heart surgery, she has jumped 2 clothing sizes, and gained 10 pounds.

TEN!

She only weighed 40 pounds at the time of her surgery.


Plus, this 50 pound mark placed her 1 pounds above her younger brother's weight. He has outweighed her by up to 5 pounds, for the past 3 years or so. It is awesome to see her grow like this.

Praise God for such amazing healing!

Jersey #2 joins the ranks of her siblings, in the "healthy and growing" category!

Where's Waldo?

As we were cleaning out the kids' bedrooms recently, we piled their stuffed animals on my bedroom floor. That evening, Jersey #5 fell asleep in the midst of the pile. He was suppose to be going to my bedroom to pick out pajamas. He must have gotten distracted.

Egg Hunt, Part 2

We enjoyed an egg hunt at home, on Monday after coloring eggs. The kids were armed with their baskets, ready to find the eggs.

The older kids were most excited about the "empty" egg. All of the plastic eggs had some sort of candy in them. There was 1 egg which was completely empty. This is the prize egg. It is empty because the tomb is empty! "He is not here, for He is risen..."

Our backyard was plenty trashed out from the birthday party two days before, so it was easy to hide eggs all around the yard. Our kids have a ton of colorful, plastic toys to help disguise colorful, plastic eggs.

Kate, the puppy, was mighty curious about the eggs. She was a pretty good egg hunter. She also made the task more challenging by moving some of the eggs around the yard.

My sister had given us a dozen "confetti" eggs. When they are broken, they spray confetti all over the place. The picture on the crate showed a person breaking a confetti egg over another person's head. One end of the egg is already open, and the confetti is held in there by tissue paper at one end. I figured it would break easily, so I tried it on Jersey #1's head.

Instead of confetti pouring out, she grabbed her head and yelled, "Ouch!"

So, our confetti eggs were more like "concussion" eggs.

Oops.

(*Jersey #1 is actually Ok. I did not actually give her a concussion or an injury of any sort.)

After that mishap, we decided to break our confetti eggs on the ground instead.

We concluded our Easter festivities with some macaroni, tuna, and egg salad. It turns out that no one liked it, except me and Jersey #2. I later developed a stomach ache after eating it. I suspect Jersey #2 was only being polite, anyway. So, I am thinking we will skip that meal in the future.

The kids should get to enjoy 1 more egg hunt next weekend. We have friends who host a Spring Party/BBQ, and include an egg hunt as one of the activities.

I would still like to make "Resurrection cookies." I figure it is not too late. I let Jersey #2 keep her toy Nativity sets in her room all year round. On the same note, we can learn about The Resurrection outside of the Easter holiday as well.

HAPPY EASTER!

Coloring Eggs and Kids

We ran out of weekend, before all of the Easter fun was over, so we decided to color eggs on Monday instead.

Jersey #4 was the first to the table. She had watched me boil the eggs, and her patience was running thin

This year was so much calmer than previous years. I think it might be because the kids are getting older. No one tried to drink the cups of dye. No one tried to eat the wet eggs, shell and all. Most of the eggs actually survived the coloring process.

It did not take the younger kids long to use their hands, instead of the spoons.

I am not sure if Jersey #1 is just too "mature" for such messy crafts, or if it was that she still did not feel well. She chose to color some eggs with marker instead.

Jersey #5 gave this task some intense focus and concentration. That tongue sticking out is a genetic trait that comes from PawPaw!

Jersey #3 was happy to show off his colored hands.

Jersey #1 proudly showed off her clean hands

Jersey #2 was quite pleased with the colors she made by mixing dye bowls

Jersey #1 was pleased with her neat, clean, artwork

I enjoy coloring eggs with the kids. It makes for very colorful pictures of some very colorful children.

Gifts from Grandparents

Our children have the BEST grandparents in the world.

PawPaw & Granny and Nana spoil their grandbabies regularly.

Not only did they travel for a visit for Jersey #3's birthday party, but they also arrived with gifts for Easter.


Nana brought everyone ice cream sundae "baskets" filled with candy. She even made up one for Coach Mom and The Referee. Plus, she gave us a stash of sundae toppings so that we can enjoy ice cream sundaes when the candy is depleted.

We love ice cream! This gift will get much use, for sure.

PawPaw & Granny brought wrapped gifts for the kids. Granny makes a point to give wrapped gifts, instead of baskets, so that she does not detract from the baskets that the parents make for the kids. (But, let's face it, she would have done a much better job with baskets than I did this year, for sure).

The wrapped gifts often contain a new outfit, a new pair of shoes, and candy. This year, the kids received a shorts outfit, and dress shoes. That does not necessarily go together, but it was a perfect fit for what the kids needed this year. They had all grown out of their dress shoes.

In addition, Granny & PawPaw gave the children umbrellas. We don't see much rain in this desert climate, that is for certain. But, the umbrellas were super cute. Each child received a different design, based on their personality and interests. Jersey #4's umbrella is shaped like a yellow duck, because she loves yellow ducks. Jersey #2's umbrella is a pirate umbrella, because she is fascinated by stories of pirates.

Granny told the children that we needed to pray for rain, so that they could use their umbrellas. Sure enough, we got a few drops of rain right toward the end of Jersey #3's birthday party. The kids grabbed their new umbrellas and ran out into the yard to "keep dry."