Sharing Christmas Joys

Christmas is a time for sharing and in this house it meant the stomach flu. It is crazy how those things spread so quickly yet it gives you time between each victim to disinfect and think maybe it is gone and then BAM! the next one falls and there you are cleaning toilets and washing sheets again. And how silly we are when we think we are healthy enough not to get it and all of a sudden you find yourself heaving over the porcelain God. Damn~~~not as invincible as we thought.

Well the holiday is coming to a close and hopefully so is the stomach bug as the last victims fall. Every year the holiday season is a new adventure. This year Santa should have left some clorox clean up and some gloves.  If you have 6 kids and out of town guests staying then the bug may pass through the house by Valentines Day so book your reservations now.

Some things do change

One of the things that has changed for me since our family has grown is that very few people invite us over to thier homes.  Most people play it off that it would be "easier" for me if they came to my house. Sometimes I get tired of having people here but I suppose it is easier for THEM. I think I believe I know why now. On Thanksgiving one of my kids drew on my Uncle's dining room table with permanent magic marker. I did get most of it off. Oh and Violet bit their dog. Unfortunately they don't get the privledge of not inviting me back since I am family but I am now standing behind the others that don't ask us over. You are all correct in your assumption that it is easier for me (I mean you).
Things that have changed but not really:
None of us like to grocery shop..until you have kids and then you like it if you get to go alone. If not, you still hate it.
Getting the oil changed...the perk used to be the vacuum and window washing. Now it is the kind people at Jiffy Lube that let me sit in the car with my kids while they change my oil. Their perk: one less car to vacuum and do the windows.
Going to the doctors...the long wait in the office always sucks but now it is a nice relaxing wait with a book while you have no kids with you.
The only thing I may never get used to is the never ending laundry.
Let's not forget that every time I make plans to do something for me that one of the kids has an event that keeps me too busy for me or someone gets sick. Well this weekend come hell or high water I am going on a pub crawl with grown ups and a hand breast pump. wtf!!

Charlotte strikes again

I often get asked for parenting advice. It is only natural since I have so many kids that I would be considered an expert in certain areas. However if any of these people came to my house and judged my skills solely on my 3 yr olds behavior noone would ever ask for advice again.

Charlotte is driving me a little crazy. I believe she has more will power than me. I told her she has to give her ninny to Santa or no gifts and she says she doesn't want any presents then. I told her she has to be a big girl and start sleeping in her own bed so Daddy has his bed back and she told me she would just sleep on my side with me. Charlotte is an only child in her mind.
I really am glad that I am friends with most of the parents that allow their children to play with mine (especially Aaron's friend Ian who sees it all).  Ian came to the back door the other day to tell me Char had taken off her pants and was peeing in the yard. 5 mins later he was back to tell me she was asking them loudly "who wants a booby sandwich?" ( the breastfeeding thing is fascinating her). She was also breastfeeding her babydoll before church Saturday evening. 
Char locked Joey out while he was cooking on the grill and he had to walk around the house in his bare feet (it was cold and wet that night) to get in throught the front door.  Not the first time for this. One time she locked my bff Lori out of her house while she was babysitting her.
 Oh and lets not forget that she called Ian (here we go again) a dumbass for not trading lollipops with her.
BTW.. this all occurred with the last week...
At the end of the day when I am overcome by exhaustion I would like everyone to know that it is not caused by the amount of kids that live here but by the antics of an off the hook 3 yr old.(and a moody 9 yr old but that is another post). One thing is for sure... it is never boring in the Golden House.

Holiday Bliss

When I returned home this evening after a few errands there was Christmas music playing. It made me smile for a minute. Then I started to think of all the stuff that comes with Christmas... all the money spent on things that noone really needs and all the decorating. I do like the decorations but I wish someone else would take them all down afterwards.
My kids are super excited that Chippy (elf on the shelf) will come out on Thanksgiving. I would like to personally thank the dumbass that came up with elf on the shelf. I am sure they are laughing all the way to the bank as people everywhere dig through their boxes of Christmas items on Thanksgiving night to locate the little elf only to hide him somewhere for the kids to find. I have a great idea... I think Chippy will be hiding in the Christmas boxes and my kids can go find him (if they can). I  must remember next year where Chippy resides for the 11 months that he is not playing with my children.
I took time to take myself to the doctors to find out why I have had a sexy throaty voice for the last year. After being unable to convince him that it doesnt hurt and yes it is constantly like this he prescribed me a steroid and said I should be feeling better in a week. I guess he didn't hear me when I said I feel fine. And obviously he didn't look at the size of my ass when he prescribed me a steroid. Well that prescription went in the trash and next week I guess he will be amazed that I am feeling better but still sound like this.
Maybe if Chippy had taken the steroid he would be big enough to get out of the rubber tote he resides in by himself and my doctor visit wouldn't have been such a waste of time.

My new life

I discovered a new talent I possess today...I can wipe a 3yr old butt as I stop a 20 month old from unrolling a whole roll of toilet paper while I am breastfeeding a 2month old. I believe this is super hero powers.
I also discovered that it is a bad idea to set the little ones up with playdoh so I could get some things done. This just ended with me having more things to do. Holy Mess!
I am embracing my new role as full time mom and very part time hair stylist. I will admit that I am not as organized as I would like to be and days go by quickly. Just to make sure I don't get bored I thought I should add a puppy to the mix. We picked our new dog very scientifically though. We put Violet down on the ground and whichever puppy didn't eat her was the one we chose. Seriously, we actually picked the scruffiest one in the bunch but he is a good fit. He takes the abuse well from the kids and he even now is barking at Joey's icecream. Everyone that lives here loves icecream so he must have been made for us, He may pee in the house forever since I really don't have time  to train a dog but what the hell... nothing else in this house is very well trained. Joey named the dog. Of course his name is Dallas. I have caught a lot of crap over letting him name our black dog (who should obviously be named Raven). However I have to say that he lives with 5 women now as well as a cat named Cupcake and we did get a cock a poo which isn't so manly so I thought he deserved something.
I will add that now that our clan has grown to number 6 people no longer are asking If I am done. The question now is "when is the next one?" Really.. how about just "Congrats on the new baby!"
On a sad note.. May my dear grandfather rest in peace until one day when I see him again. He was the only father I ever knew as a child and I couldn't have asked for a better one. Earl the Pearl was one of a kind!

Say what?

If you believe that one day you will be reunited with your loved ones in heaven it can be comforting in your time of loss. I believe in this wholeheartedly. I also believe you will be reunited with people you hoped to never see again. Everything has a down side. I hope you get to choose who you sit next to up there.
Treat others as you would like to be treated.... We all say this to our kids. It is a principal we like to think we live by but  a lot of times all of us suck at this.  Well I take it literally and lets just say if I don't speak to you or acknowledge you that is exactly how I want to be treated in return. 
Blood is thicker than water.. This is just plain bulllshit. I don't think I need to elaborate. This is definately not a saying that I will be teaching my children.
I guess we all have a choice in how we live our lives. I have done things I am not so proud of  and made plenty of bad choices. I think it is all about learning from it to be a better person. This leads to the saying.. Live with no regrets..If only that were true!
The sayings do believe in is.. Until you walk a mile in my shoes... and also...Opinions are like assholes....( I know a few of those)
Go O's...Love to Earl...a truly wonderful, selfless man who I thank for all the things he gave me in life and taught me. I am thankful I had this time with him and wish I had not complained so much about how hard it was because losing him is much harder.

The Circle of Life

It is funny how one life can begin as another life or mind is beginning the end of thier journey....

Jillian Anna Golden entered this world on August 28th. She is perfect in every way. I was induced and had a successful epidural. (Thank God). It was a short labor as I was already dilated and she came out crying and fiesty just like a Golden baby.

However since we have been home my dad has taken a turn for the worse. Dementia is an awful disease. It takes your mind and dignity. It is terrible for the care giver as well. I do things I never thought I would do and not without complaint. I do not claim to be a perfect person. This is hard work and I am not liking one minute of it.
My mind goes between being angry and just sadness for the situation. I feel defeated and unable to continue the journey of caregiver but then guilt overcomes me and I am sad that I feel unable to continue because I love him so much.

The hardest part is that the man I called Dad all these years is already gone and there is just a shell there. But without actual death it is impossible to close the book and mourn properly. Tears come often but they are sometimes out of grief and sometimes just out of frustration.
I can tell myself that he can't help his behavior but understanding that in my mind is not always possible.

This is the circle of life... As I care for Jillian as she enters life I also care for Dad as he prepares to exit life. What exactly are the golden years?

anticipation

Everything about children is unpredictable including when they will be born. This is officially my longest cooked baby since Mitchell. She is probably also the most wanted to come out by all the people in my life. Mitchell wants to meet her before leaving for college Friday and my in laws are here eagerly awaiting her arrival yet knowing they cannot stay too much longer before heading back to take care of their own home.
I have had an easy pregnancy and unlike some of the others I am not chomping at the bit at the thought of labor and delivery. However, I would like to be home for the first day of school so feeling like this show needs to get going.
Everyday in anticipation I shave my legs and make sure my laundry is done and my floors are clean.  Geez if this baby stays in too much longer I will need my roots done again. LOL!

On another note today is Char's 3rd bday and also her back to school night. She is growing up so fast. And let me just say the older she gets the more she becomes the boss of this house. Not sure where she gets it from.

Labor Day and such...

Ahhh. The anticipation of Labor Day. I m not talking about the pig roast down the street that takes place every year either.
I had an easy pregnancy so all of a sudden I have insomnia and I am grouchy and my back hurts. I know this is intentional so that us mothers will be so tired by the time baby arrives that all we want is to get it over with. This helps with the intense pain that comes with labor.
Unlike some people, I have never forgotten how bad it hurts so up until this week I have been more content being pregnant than delivering again. After the last few days I have to say, I am ready. Pain and all!
Back to the pig roast... I do look forward to this labor day event every year as do my kids as they get to see the dead pig lowered into the ground and cook all day. Glad we will not miss it although I won't be enjoying it quite as much this year with a newborn.
Side note..All those years we threatened soap when our kids said bad words I have never actually followed through. I can say however that tabasco sauce is quite effective as Charlotte is the first child to actually need something done about her sailor talk. Since Joey put hot sauce in her mouth no one has been called a jackass by her.
Sad news..Our 1 and a half yr old cat died. My kids were so sad so we adopted another. However at the shelter amongst the sea of kittens was one lonely 2 yr old cat that had been there since March. We talked the kids into saving her and she is very grateful to have a home. She fits right in too. She could use a breast reduction and is missing a couple teeth so what better place for her to spend her years than in the Dena! BTW.. The girls named her Cupcake. Poor Joey and Aaron, they are so outnumbered!

Parenting 101: sportsmanship

Lesson in life given by my husband to Sadie:

"I don't care if you suck but at least try."

Joey told her this about her field hockey skills or lack there of.  I get the point behind it but it is hilarious that he worded it this way.

See Joey is very competetive. He hates to lose! Unfortunately God has given him some non athletic children. Well just so far the kids are not so athletic. I am sure Charlotte may be the one but Sadie is more concerned with her appearance in her uniform. Aaron is actually loving tae kwon do and I think he will be pretty good at soccer this year. However soccer is what my husband calls" fairy ball".
Let's just say that last year it was like he drew the short straw if he had to go to soccer instead of field hockey.

I can hear it now. After every game Joey will offer up some words of encouragement. Such as..You don't even try to get the ball or run harder, run faster or even if you suck you could at least try.

Joey pushed an 8 yr old down just to win a sack race. I know he wishes his kids would make him that proud!

See ya July 17th!

This was a day for the crapper.. literally..

It started shitty and ended pissy.

The cat peed on granddad's bed. Violet peed on Charlotte's bed. (not that she sleeps in it)
I peed my pants and then I cleaned three bathrooms.
Char has a fever. Violet is refusing bed. Sadie has a half out bloody tooth  that somehow is my fault and the washing machine is desperately trying to keep up with the soiled bedding.
All of this after an extremely busy work day and then Tae Kwon do pictures which cost a small fortune.
Let me just add that I am also dealing with an extremely confused elderly man tonight and a husband who apparently is also confused or unable to comprehend or maybe just ignoring me.
Goodnight and good riddens to today and hello to a better day tomorrow!

Florida family vacation

Family vacations are unpredictable. In fact travelling 1000 miles in a plane, train or automobile with 4 kids is definately unpredictable. I was not sure how this one was going to go as we left the 100 degree heat and still had no electric as we boarded a plane after oversleeping and no showers!

I must say though that this vacation was great. If Mitchell would've went it would have been perfect.  I am not sure what makes some better than others except maybe my own attitude. My kids were good and my husband actually relaxed and was never stressed or bothered by the kids. This may be the most hands on he has ever been on a vacation without me having to ask for anything. He actually enjoyed us. (at least I think he did)
We had little drama. Minor sunburns, except Joey's lobster like body. No surprise that the one incident involved Charlotte shoving a sharks tooth up her nose.

The kids pet an alligator, snake and fed the flamingos at Jungle Gardens. Mostly it was just about hanging out and quality family time and spending time with the in laws.

Sadie became quite the fisherman with at least 20 under her belt now. Aaron caught a few as well. We ended the trip with a night at a great hotel by the airport that we snagged at a great price and the big kids got to do a little indoor pool swimming.
I think I finally discovered the key to a good vacation.... I am more relaxed now. I find it not difficult to handle my kids and they listen better when I am calmer. I enjoy having my husband help out and let him do his thing his way with them. I think I just never realized how precious our family time is until it was taken away by Joey's job. I am learning to treasure the moments we are all together and pray for many more in the near future.
The sadness of vacation ending has more to do with the same old work schedule resuming for my husband but I will say I am rested up and ready to deal with the day to day again.
And what is up with this Maryland weather. It was hotter here than Florida. Came home today to 103 degrees. WTH!

Golden Daily News

The day to day things that go on in this house would definately be too much for the weak or weary.
It isn't even noon and many things have already challenged the day. I got the sh*t scared out of me by a raccoon sleeping in my trash can. Later to find out that the poor thing was trapped and needed to be freed from the can.
I found myself wondering why my quarterly bug service didn't show up yesterday just to find out that they did show and my grandfather refused to let him in. How do you tell a man with a brain of a 3 yr old not to answer the door or wander outside for a walk(yesterday) or turn off the water in the shower (or rather not turn it on randomly).
I have a new found respect for people who work with the elderly and can I say I would never choose that profession. It is hard enough when it is someone you love. I may be cut out for a ton of kids but 1 elderly man is pushing me over the edge most days!
Let me just say that flying stand by with 4 kids on Sunday isn't the least bit scary compared to what is occurring daily here. And can I just say...kudos to my precous Jenna who deals with it nearly as much as myself.

Crafting fun

I used to be a mom who hated play doh and paints because I don't like messes. It is funny how much I have changed over the years. I used to vacuum everyday and now I am lucky to get to it once a week. Don't get me wrong I still clean my house but I am very much more relaxed. My toilets are clean and most of the time my house is somewhat picked up. I find myself realizing that my craft supplies need to be replenished regardless of mess. Bags of gray colored playdoh that were beautiful and multicolored before Char got them are littering my counter tonight. Tomorrow my hands will be stained with tye dye after my deck is littered with wet towels and wet swim suits. Isn't that what summer is for? I will say that my tired body will pick it all up once little ones go to bed but I am trying hard to just enjoy the moment. Maybe I should say.. the moments between meals and dishes and laundry!
Oh and can I ask who came up with duct tape crafts? WOW someone is getting rich on that. They rename it duck tape and make new colors and designs and sell it for 5 bucks a roll. Why can't I ever think of these things.

AHHH... Summer time

I do believe this is the official first day of summer vacation for the kiddos. I heard "mom" about 200 times. Hello summer! Thankfully I love the hot weather enough to overlook the annoyance of having everyone  home all day everyday.
We took the kids camping to kick off the summer vacation season. This took them out of school a day early. I don't know what I was thinking.  As usual there is never a dull moment in the Golden family. This weekend landed us in the Lancaster General emergency room getting Charlotte stitches. Poor thing walked behind the swing set and BAM! Down she went.  So now I have to keep her out of the pool for a few more days. I am actually thankful that it is supposed to rain tomorrow now.

I have always thought it would be awesome to be a teacher and have summers off but I have to say I am glad to go to work  a few days a week and leave someone else to referee and wipe up messes and hear their name 200 times a day.

Although it is times like these that make me glad I am a full time mom with a part time career. Just look at them...

A long, long time ago

I just found out that I am related to the McCoys.
 People were crazy back then and as I look at my family tree I realize it was not that long ago really. People carried guns and a feud between two families could turn into a civil war. It seems as though you could shoot anyone and as long as they didn't die you could get away with it. I must say that as crazy as the Hatfield and McCoy families were, I am not surprised to find a relation between us and them. Today instead of guns people fight with words.. text messages and emails. Noone has any guts to stand up in person like back then. Not many tell it like it is and the ones that do meet much conviction. I tell it like it is and stand up for my beliefs and take alot of grief for it.
 I am pretty sure if I had lived back then I would either be followed and revered or hung.
 There are a few people that would love to see me hang today but I will keep speaking the truth and staring the lies in the face.
 As I look at my family tree I realize I get my fiery ways honestly and in some ways have also lost many in my own war but I will not give up and justice will prevail in the end.
Styles change, laws change but people seldom change. If it looks like evil and smells like evil then it is probably evil!

Another milestone

My oldest son, Mitch, had his very last day of highschool today. I wasn't sure how this was going to make me feel. Surprisingly I just felt happy for him and maybe just a little bit older. He was so excited. I don't have the heart to tell him that if he blinks he will be 40 and wonder how it went so fast.
I actually am wondering what milestone one of my kids will hit that will make me feel old and all grown up. Will it be when Mitch graduates college or gets married or when I have my first grandchild. (that might do it). I still feel somewhat young and I am really not always very mature anyway.
One thing is for sure, it is hard to believe that it has been 17 yrs since I gave birth to my oldest and even harder to believe that he is well on his way to be an adult. I never would have ever thought that I would be seeing one off to college as I give birth to another. It was sweet to hear Mitchell ask if he would see his new sister before he left for school. Only time will tell since babies have their own schedule.

Mothers Day

  Mother's Day.... Another hallmark holiday. Restaurants are packed, florists are busy. Mothers of grown children probably really enjoy this day. Those of us with little tikes have same day as any other. Although I do get to say "no fighting, no whining.. it's Mother's day". But I said this like 12 times and it was still ineffective. I have to say that all my children sat through mass pretty well today. Also the only real drama was when Sadie spilled gorilla glue in a sink full of dishes. That I am still trying to clean up!  
   In light of this weeks events that wasn't the worst though. There was an overflowing toilet, a nearly missing finger nail incident, first holy communion, graduation party, much yard work and still acclimating my grandfather to his environment so some potty issues there too. Oh and not to forget about 25 loads of laundry also as usual.
   I would like a Mothers day where maybe noone talks to me under the age of 20. One that consists of no laundry or playing referee. I want to sleep in and then drink coffee while I read a book. It isn't that this will never happen. I think it will in about 21 years.
   PS...As I am writing this Sadie bit Aaron in the neck and he hit her  as Violet pulled out an entire box of tissues and shredded them. (Char is sleeping.. tiny blessings). My kids have told me they love me about 100 times today and I wouldn't trade my life but a one day break once a year would be nice. Damn hallmark for setting me up for disappointment.

THROWING IN THE TOWEL

Things could be a lot worse.. This is what we tell ourselves to make us feel better when things are bad. That is what other's tell us too. How come noone says "Things could be a lot better." Other words of wisdom when we are feeling defeated... Things will get better soon. (ok..when?) or hold your chin up.(my chin is up you dumbass, how else would I be complaining?)

Sometimes it is just time to declare a loss. I know it sucks but you can only fight the same battle for so long and keep losing until you eventually lose the war. The bright side of a loss is that someone else always wins.  And sometimes noone wins. Those are the casualties of war.

When Barbie meets Ken

What makes the world great? Well one thing is all the different types of people and their interests. I love that I get to mingle with people who are completely different than me and have different views than me. Everyone knows that I am very oppionated so let's just say there is one type of person that I cannot seem to like or want to hear what they say. That type is the one I call the "barbie doll". The girls with hair extensions, lots of makeup, some other not real attributes, always a tan, more than likely botox and their sport is usually shopping. Now I am sure these girls have some endearing qualities as well but they are not for me. I always laugh at the ones who look like that now but not before they married for money. I wonder if Barbie ever wants to know how hubby fell in love with the non made up them but offers up the money to make Barbie who they want to be with. I think I would be a little offended if my husband liked me but..."your boobs could be bigger and hair longer and blonder and maybe you could get a new nose or maybe some botox."
I will add that my opinions are obviously not those of others because Barbie usually has an entourage of adoring fans that want to grow up and be just like her. News flash... I think you have to be born with the annoying voice and the ability to act as if you haven't a clue about anything that is not fashion related.
Oh and in real life Barbie isn't usually married to Ken because Ken likes to surf and save the world. Usually thier Ken is the one who would never have friends or a wife if they didn't have money.
You guessed it.. I saw a real life Barbie today. I do try hard not to stare, laugh or ask why but I can tell you this, I have never met one I have liked yet.

Good Friday

I felt like a kid today in church. I was antsy and wanted it to be over. It wasn't one of my most holy moments. I guess after almost 2 hrs last night, another 2 hrs today was getting to me. I suppose it is supposed to be uncomfortable just as it was for Jesus. I am glad I gave Aaron a pass though and even more glad that I didn't take Char and Vi. On Palm Sunday, Char busted through the church doors and ran down the center aisle as the priest was preparing the eucharist. Of course I ran after her with Violet on my hip and the quiet somber mass got a few giggles and I got a few txt msgs later. I will brave it and do the Easter mass with everyone. Since the once a yr peeps come out, it is always a madhouse anyway.
Do you think hot dog sales were down at opening day?
Oh and btw.. I took 3 boys to church last night and they do not even come close to matching the antics of 1 Charlotte!

Big Families

  It is so funny to me that even after multiple children it still thrills me the first time my babies kiss me or tell me they love me. It never gets old. People who are skeptical about big families should just experience that overwhelming feeling of love.
A great friend of mine sent me an article about the intolerance of large families in our society. It was about how people stare or think we have a disease or whisper questions of "why?
How come people who choose not to have kids are not scrutinized for their choices? I respect their decisions. Hey I know I am old and a little bit nuts and no I don't use birth control and yes I have a big enough car and the reason we don't go to mcdonalds often is more about fitness and health than money. Any more questions? You can forward them to mindyourownbusiness.com
PS.. My kids all wear new shoes.
That should just about cover it.

St. Anthony

I am not sure if praying to Saint Anthony works everytime but it did today. I lost my keys today or should I say yesterday. It was 5 minutes before I had to leave today that I realized they were gone. Joey spent alot of time searching through toy boxes and drawers before finally calling the dealer to order new keys. Yes I am one of those dumbasses who only has one key to my car. Everyone said pray to St. Anthony, it works. After the third person told me I did just that. The dealer couldn't recognize my vin to order a new set of keys. (strange, it isn't like my car is a knock off from a NY alley) Then the locksmith never showed up after 4 hrs. I was getting ready to pay $175 plus never hear the end of it from my husband and then I
just opened the cabinet for a pretzel and there it was... A box of crackers that I took in the diaper bag the day before. The only thing that I took out of the diaper bag that I had not looked inside and I picked up the box and there they were, my keys tucked inside the box of kiddie crackers.
It was then that I thought all the crappy things that happened were for a reason. I was saved from spending unnecessary money and obviously was given a little tip to look in that box.
I am however going to get an extra key made. I am not sure St. Anthony will help stupidity twice.

Charzilla...again

Charlotte was an out of control 2 yr old tonight. I was the only person who brought kids to a bridal shower this evening. My girls were dressed sweetly and as always got a lot of coos until everyone got a taste of Charzilla. She ran around, terrorized the dog, broke something. Let's just say all were eager to help me pack them in the car. Thank God she is cute! Oh and let me mention that on the car ride home she announced how fun her night was. Really!!

NO TV

What happened to the days when TV shows started their new seasons in September and ended in May? I know I am not dreaming that this existed. It is very disheartening to get settled in front of the television only to scroll through the guide and see that all of the shows are repeats and it is March. Oh that's right.. now there is such a thing called sweeps week so they all need a break to get prepared. wtf?
What did people do in the days of no TV? Can you all imagine how many children I would have then? Oh and I gave up shopping for lent so it is a good thing I am already knocked up. No online shopping+ no TV=????

childhood, champions and chopsticks

It truly never crossed my mind that it would be emotional to clean out my childhood home. It didn't take long after entering the house that the emotions hit me hard. It is amazing how many things bring back memories of years past, such as a comb or tin can that used to house cookies. There is still so much to do that it makes me tired just thinking of it. My boy Aaron was a great help and nice distraction today.

After the clean out, Aaron and I headed to mother/son bowling. This is a school event and it was really kind of fun. We bowled two games with 2 other families and I won the first and Aaron won the second. Very impressive considering how unathletic we both are. Just goes to show that bowling shouldn't be listed as a sport. LOL.

To end this busy, busy day we went to mass and then Kyoto. Charlotte loved the fire and cooking right at the table and even used her cheater chopsticks for the whole meal.

cloth vs disposable

I just added myself to the list of crunchy moms. Well sort of... I just entered the world of cloth diapers recently. Gone are the days of diaper services and folding dipaers and adding plastic covers. Cloth diapers have evolved in style and cost. For a mere cost of 400 to 500 dollars you can diaper your baby from birth to potty. It may be a lttle late for me to worry about my carbon foot print. It took 5 babies to get here. Maybe I have had so many kids that I need a new challenge. ( Vi is having severe diaper rash). So here I am adding more laundry to the piles I already have but I have to say the diapers are so cute. I will let you know how flushing poop and rinsing and washing soiled diapers goes. One thing is for sure I have spent enough money that I have to stick with it now.
For anyone willing to give it a try visit http://www.nickisdiapers.com/

Marriage

Marriage is for better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health. 20 couples renewed those vowels at  church tonight after they attended a  marriage retreat today. As I sat there wondering what drew those couples to such an event I was also feeling a little sorry for myself. I was at mass without my husband which is a usual occurance these days. See I got married with those same vowels but I also was hoping for a partner to share evening dinners with and weekends,holidays and trips with the kids.I had that for awhile and then my husband just stopped. He married his job and abandoned us. I was wondering if the marriage retreat handled such problems today as everyone looked so happy as they renewed their vowels. I know God wants us to be thankful for our blessings but I can't help but want dinners, weekends, holidays and family time added to those vowels. At 41 I feel like I will probably spend the better part of the rest of my life alone and my kids with a part time father.
Life is full of bad choices and the worst one ever was to buy into a restaurant. If you ever think you want to just call me and I will change your mind. If your daughter ever comes home with a man who aspires to own a restaurant, send him packing. Worst thing about choices are that not everyone views them the same. Some peoples dreams are other peoples worst nightmare.
My dream is a normal family life. Joey's is a succesful restaurant. Stay tuned to see how this one plays out!

Opinions are like.....

Date night started with a nice dinner for two and ended with a trip to Target buying groceries and toiletries. Funny how life changes! Funnier yet how a trip to Target is so relaxing without children.

I am in a bad mood today which means many things annoy my oppinionated self so here is a list:

Why is it that when success blows your way you seem to find yourself appologizing for someone else's lack there of?
 If you drive an expensive car but don't own a home or you live in a dump doesn't that make you bad with money?
If you are on welfare, food stamps or medical assistance but can afford to buy designer jeans and expensive shoes that just pisses me off.
Here is my final bitch...All of us who have chosen to continue having children,  we do know what causes it and no we are not done yet apparently and unless you or the government is paying for our kids than we don't care about your opinions!

The statements made in this blog only reflect the opinion of a shitty day by the blog owner! Remember the old saying "opinions are like assholes, everyone has one."

Sleep deprivation

Tonight was a big night for Sadie. It is the father/ daughter dance. I curled hair and polished nails, bought panty hose and even lipgloss for the princess. She couldn't stop looking at herself. Daddy dressed up and after a few instructions such as...don't dance, you will embarass me.. off they went. I am ever so thankful that there is no mother/ son dance because the whole event sounds painful. LOL! BTW, I broke the news to Sadie that her dad will probably embarass her until he dies. Example..he has been having nose bleeds all day and left with a tampon shoved up his nose. I am hoping he removes it before they walk in.

I watched the Kardashian girls on TV today and the dilemma was that Kourtney is letting Mason sleep in her bed so Scott is not. They went to their couples counselor to discuss this. I don't know why I continued to watch (boredom, exhaustion). Maybe they just need to come and spend a week here to see all the crazy bed hopping that goes on in the Golden house. Char is always in our bed and who know who else will be by morning. I think Celine Dion had the right idea when she had a custom made giant bed for her twins and her hubby too. Although since her husband is a fossil, she may have planned it that way for a reason. I just need a room that is just a giant mattress and then maybe I will get some sleep! I am suffering from sleep deprivation. Violet has only slept through the night once in a week. I am cranky (more so than usual). I don't know how I have had so many kids considering how much I hate getting up at night. Not to mention how amazing it is that we are ever in the bed alone long enough to keep giving them siblings.

I hope Sadie has a wonderful time and I hope that everyone else sleeps so I can become nice mommy again tomorrow!

football blues

Today was the end of another football season. It is funny how as soon as your team is knocked out then it is just over. Just like that! Of course everyone likes to watch the super bowl but that is because it is an excuse for a party. Let's face it.. you don't care who wins unless it is your team playing or you bet some money on it. Everyone coaches from the couch all season and then when it's over the discussion continues about whichever losers should be fired. Well my approach is that I got to watch my team play alot longer than some did so that must mean we don't suck too bad and the coaches must be doing something right.
Here's to next year! All the sofa side coaches can bitch about bad calls (you know they are always out to get us) and decide the fate of more overpaid players that shouldn't miss field goals. Here's an idea...you can watch nascar to pass the time until baseball season starts. After that you will appreciate your shitty team and it's shitty coaching and shitty players, I promise!

Thankfulness

I am thankful for the people I have in my life and just as thankful for the ones who aren't in my life. This was a facebook post today. How true it is! So true that I had to start with a quote of the day! Think about how many people you may have cried over that walked out of your life. I bet later you thought "Thank God that one is gone." Funny how that happens. It makes me think how many times my own kids will go through this with boyfriends/ girlfriends and how many times I will say.. " It will be alright" and "it wasn't meant to be". I think what we really will mean is " I knew that kid was no good" but they have to learn on their own. I am fortunate to have many long term friends but let's just say I have been known to make a bad choice now and then still. Those are the ones you get rid of in a hurry. It is always funny that these are the ones I introduce to my clan and they wish I wouldn't have brought them that new friend. Here comes Stacy with a new "Crazy" for us. Remember I am good at crazy. When I come to my senses they are saying "Thank God that one is gone" and " I knew that one was no good". If we would all just listen then we wouldn't have anyone to be thankful that they are gone. The moral of this post is... I am not going to waste one more minute thinking about the assholes I am thankful to not have in my life but only focus on the ones I want to be there! (much thanks to the many who love me.)

The list

I actually was going to start this blog with a rant but it is funny how one thing can change your day. When I clicked on my blogger today I decided to read a blog I follow http://www.kellehampton.com/ before I wrote mine. This is a mom of a child with DS. She is raising money for DS awareness. Well I donated and passed it along on facebook and then decided my rant didn't matter so much.

I am the kind of person always looking for the approval of others. This may sound strange to some of you since I do make some bold moves and seem very strong. It is all a lie. Today if I speak honestly then here is my list:
I want to stay home with my kids but have the money of a working mom.
I want my mother to apologize and be a mother to me.
I want my oldest son and I to have a better relationship.
I want my grandmother back.
I want my grandfather to get his mind back.
Ok, so all said.. none of this will happen so I am not felling sorry for myself. Instead I did something positive and donated to the DS foundation and then I felt good again.
I did forget one more thing I want.. 1 more bathroom. The kids overflowed one of them last night and that was a treat as we were down one shitter!

Epiphany

I really thought that if I left my Christmas decorations up til the Epiphany that this year may actually be a good one. I am not a supersticious person but at this point I will try anything. Everytime someone is taking down their decorations and tree I repeat the same thing about leaving them in hopes of a better year. Well let's just say that I may as well take them down today because 2012 sucks already. My dog passed away yesterday. Nothing makes you feel like an adult more than holding your pup as they take their last breath and then telling your children they are gone. Oh and let's not forget that I am only in the knock down phase of building and already going over budget because part of my house has a foundation isuue. I am going to hold my head high and chalk this all up to just a shitty January. I just know it will not stay this way because dammit the Christmas stuff IS NOT coming down til after the Epiphany and the witch is neatly decorated for Christmas and then will be decorated for Valentines day because she is Charlotte's friend! Remember her..http://denamom.blogspot.com/#!/2011/10/witches.html
Thought of the day: Sometimes we like to use our hearts instead of our heads. This time my head will rule.. NO kids we are not getting another dog. Just like the cat and the dog that passed, I don't need another pet right now. Truly how many kids actually help with their pets?