We had an absolute blast this past weekend when my baby brother Josh got married. It was a great time of laughter, happy tears, drinks and family. Here are the highlights...

Today I decided to further my relationship with my neighbors. You remember, the ones who hate us and are waiting to call the police? Yes, those neighbors....here's what happened.

Our dryer is currently broken so I knew today was going to be nice and sunny and knew I needed to get as many loads hung up on the line as possible. As I was out this afternoon doing said task, I felt a bite on my leg. Thinking it was simply a mosquito I swiped my leg as I looked down briefly. I saw the spider as it darted up my leg and into my capris. Now, I'm panicking. I felt it bite my leg again and pure panic settled over me. I started screaming hysterically and ripping my pants off. My underwear came off as well in my haste to rid myself of the spider in my capris. I darted for the house, breifly glancing up. There was my neighbor, standing watering his flowers and looking at me in pure disbelief. I was mortified. I came inside and sat down, recalling the last few moments. I was wearing a fairly long tshirt of Matt's so it's possible that he didn't see anything. However, I was running so who knows what he got a glipmse of. I almost started to cry, wondering what in the world he must think of what just happened. Then, I began to laugh and I laughed until I almost threw up. I called Matt and after his brief mortification that the neighbor saw my goods, he laughed too. After all, I am dedicated to doing whatever it takes to mend fences with the neighbors :)

We've survived the last few days. Thomas has only managed to escape once, but was quickly discovered. I've decided to be extra nice to the neighbors, waving and smiling and calling out hello every time I catch them watching our house. They don't like it much, but too bad for them!

I have another dilemma that I desperately need some feedback on. I am absolutely stumped as to what to do. It's about my Molli. My beautiful, funny, smart, brave Molli. As the weather has gotten warmer, we've broken out the summer clothes. The girls were SO excited to see the shorts and skirts and tank tops. That is until the first time they could wear the clothes to school. All of a sudden, Molli was unwilling to wear shorts or a skirt unless it was very long. She opted twice to wear pants when it was 75 degrees out. Now, my mom's intuition is kicking in, knowing how she'd fly up the driveway after school and rush into shorts. Something was up. Well, after several morning of fighting with her and her crying about wearing shorts, the truth comes out. A boy in her class thinks her legs are fat. WHAT?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?! My brave Molli girl will not wear shorts to school because of ONE stupid boy!!!!! And no matter what I tell her, she will not hear me. She continues to be shaped by this boy's opinion of her.So what do I do?? How do I get her to understand that she is BEAUTIFUL and that she shouldn't care what other people think. And this is a concept that I think women especially deal with all the time. So, women in blogger world....HELP!

I was just visiting Angie's website and am hesitant to post this now! Ah well, you all know I'm the mother of the year anyway...

Now that the weather is warmer, we've been spending lots more time outside, naturally. Thomas, who was too little last year to remember being outside, has discovered the joy of playing outdoors. He adores his swing and just being able to go all over the yard. We have discovered however that he can "escape" the house by pushing the back door open or crawling through the slight rip in he sliding screen door. Fortunately we have caught him before any disaster has befallen. Until this morning...

I really had no idea that the back door had been left open. I was starting some laundry and picking up the bathroom when I hear a banging on the door. I darted out and there stands the neighbor lady.....pause the story.....

These neighbors have HATED us since the day we moved in. I've caught the husband WATCHING my house at night more than once. They are retired so they are home all the time and he is a FANATIC about his yard, so he is outside from dawn till dusk. And everytime we go out, he's watching us. He's vocalized more than once that he doesn't like it when we have campfires and ash blows into his yard or the fact that we have a trampoline. Back to the story...

So the neighbor lady yells, "Your kid is outside alone!" I fly into the yard and find him, playing down by the swingset. I run to retrieve him, thanking God with every step that he had gone down into the yard and not down the driveway to the road! As I come back up to the house she is standing there with her hands on her hips. "Thank you so much!", I told her. She looks at me and says, "We have seen this child outside SEVERAL times alone. If we see him out again, we are calling the police." And she huffs off. I came inside trembling. I felt so humiliated and awful. It scared me to death that Thomas had gotten out so quickly and gotten away from the house. And now here was someone telling me that they were watching for it to happen again so they could involve the police! I feel like an awful parent...

I've tried to put myself in their shoes. If I saw my neighbors 18 month old wandering out in the yard, I probably would have gone over to see if the parents knew. I'm glad that she alerted me...it could have been way worse. I just feel like they are out to get us. I've installed locks on the doors so it won't happen again and I will be way more mindful...I just can't let go of the feeling like such a failure as a parent!

Well Spring Break is officially over. I kissed Matt goodbye at 3 AM, sent the kids out to the bus, took Sydney to school and then sent Emma later on. Spring Break was great. Our trip was so fun, full of great new memories. I'm making a slide show that I'll get posted soon.

Spring is in full swing. We are loving the weather, being outside and bike riding. I am proud to announce that my Emma is now riding a two wheeler! She's doing so well, it's great to watch. A little more practice and we'll be able to head out on the road as a family.

Not too much else to report...sorry for the boring post!!

So here we are, on vacation! This is our very first trip with a laptop and Internet at the hotel, YEEHAW! We're in Indianapolis for a few days. The original plan was to come and camp all week. That plan was changed when the campground called and reports that they were under 4+ feet of water. Camping was out. We despaired for a while but then decided to come anyway, find a cheap hotel, and do the major things we had planned, hoped, dreamed for! The hotel is indeed "cheap" maybe even bordering on scary, but, thankfully, the children are unaware of such things, it has a pool! What else matters to children?? Today was our first full day which we spent at the Indianapolis Zoo. Can i just say that it is AMAZING?? We had such a wonderful time. They have dolphins and therefore there was a dolphin show. Now some of you who are seasoned Disney/Sea World travelers are like, Yeah so? Well, my children have never seen a dolphin in real life. So when the show began, everyone else was calm and quiet and my children were cheering and clapping! It was great! More pictures of that to follow! Then we went into the Oceans building. And lo and behold, they have a touch and feel shark tank. Yes, I said SHARK thank. One into which you can place your hands and feel the sharks. After a slight panic, I decided to bite the bullet and show my children that there was nothing to fear. What a rush! They are smooth and cool and it was awesome. Jonah and Molli were the only ones brave enough to try. All in all it was a pretty amazing day.

We then decided tonight to try Chick-fil-A, which until tonight I thought was pronounced Chick filluh. They had a play place, which is the real reason! But it was WONDERFUL! The food was amazing and the place was CLEAN and the staff were warm and friendly. The play structure was clean and well lit and just wonderful. Our children were thrilled and proceeded to conquer the place in their usual LOUD way. At one point we sent Jonah rushing in to save Thomas from Sydney (side note: Notice that the two parents remained seated while sending their nine year old in to care for the young one...no excuse...he's just the 5Th child after all :)) So he bellows, before entering the sound proof room, "ALRIGHT THOMAS! I'M COMING!!!!" People all over the restaurant looked over shocked. Matt looks around too and says, "My goodness! Who does that child belong to anyway?" WE cracked up as did most of the people around us....our kids rock.

Not knowing exactly how to transition from my last post, this will have to do :)


Aside from Driver's Ed, who really taught you how to drive?
My dad and Grandpa, who I tried to kill more than once in his big white station wagon!

What's the one thing you love/miss about your Grandma's cooking?
Well I don't really miss it, since we just ate there...but I love how she makes sure she has something that everyone likes to eat

If you had money to burn, what 3 charities would you donate to?
Compassion International, Heifer International, and World Vision

What "Late Night Radio" song would you request to your man/woman?
"Everything I do" Bryan Adams

What was the last high school/college project you did?
Oh brother, no idea, probably a paper for Wellness


As a kid, who was the first -famous death- you remember hearing about?
hmm,I don't really remember any till Princess Diana


What kind of music did your parent's listen to while u were growing up?
Lots of show music

Name 2 historic events that have happened in your lifetime:
Sept. 11
Watching war...seeing it so vividly on TV and knowing my brother was there


Who taught you to tie your shoes?
Mom

Where did you go on your first official date?
Oh boy, out to eat I think

When you cruised the strip... who were you usually with?
There was no strip in Mancelona, so I didn't cruise till college and then it was Joce and Matt

Who was like your second Mom or second Dad?
Grandma and Grandpa

Who is your Strangest Relative and why?
Hmm, don't want to offend anyone he he, just kidding...we are all very odd


What's your typical ice cream order at Dairy Queen?
Carmel Moolatte


Animal House or Caddyshack?
I've never seen either

Dorito's or Frito Lays?
Well since Matt works for Frito Lay...YES!

Straight-Man or Comic Relief?
huh?

Survivor Man or Man vs Wild?
Man vs. Wild, I love Bear


Casablanca or An Affair To Remember?
Oh both, love them entirely

Princess Grace or Princess Diana?
Grace

Books, Movies or TV?
Tough one, depends on the day

Marilyn Monroe or Anna Nicole Smith?
Marilyn


Playboy or Hustler?
Ok, call me naive but I have never heard of Hustler and I think Playboy is disgusting

Disneyland, Disneyworld, or Universal Studios?
Disney world, although Universal is fun too

Halloween or Christmas?
Christmas, hands down

Leading or Following?
Leading

Planes or Trains?
Planes, I'm too impatient for trains! Although going on one with Mom, Grandma and Aunt Carol was a blast!

Yesterday or Tomorrow?
Tomorrow, every day is fresh with no mistakes in it yet


Painting?
The ballerina one by Van Gogh

Museum Exhibit?
The bubble one at the children's museum

Thing to do when you're sitting home alone and the power goes out?
That is a secret and it depends on whether or not the children are in bed!


Snack/Junk Food?
Sweet stuff, and chips, and pretzels

Pet name for your significant other?
I don't think I have one

Nickname for your best friend?
Min

Revenge tactic?
For what exactly?

Song to sing in the shower?
Hot like me....LOL just kidding


Bill that you have to pay?
Cell phone

Cuss word?
I don't usually swear, but I do say screw a lot which I shouldn't


Era to read about or watch a movie in?
Well we are entrenched in the Felecity books right now so the 1700's

Poet?
e.e. cummings

Villain in a movie?
Tough one, hmmm.....I don't know

If you could know everything one person was thinking, who would it be?
No one, I think there's a reason that we don't have that ability

Topic to gab with your family about?
Church, food, weddings, babies...man just about anything, you never know what topics will come up at family dinners!


If you could have coffee with three people, living or dead, who would they be?
Grandpa(although I can't say it would be coffee, more like brown water!)My brother, and Mother Teresa

And Finally...

If you could be invisible for one day, what would you do?
Sneak into people's houses to see what they are really like when no one is watching!

Two years ago today, we lost this man, my grandfather. He was so many things. I wish that I had written down every memorable thing that he said to me. It hardly seems possible that it has been two years. I look at Thomas, my Thomas Michael, named for this strong,funny, loving man who blessed my life for 27 years. He would have loved to see Thomas at this age. And to rub it in my father's face that we had chosen his name instead of my dad's. It's true that grief eases with time. But there are moments, and today is a good example. Times when that grief feels so raw and new,even though it's been two years. How I wish he could have seen Thomas....seen Jonah's long hair and complain about it, seen Molli reading like a 5th grader, heard Emma and her silly sayings, seen Sydney grow and go to school....so many wishes. And yet I know that he is with our Savior, free of the pain and the compications. That's why, even today, I can grieve with hope...because we will meet again. I love you Grandpa.

It's taken me almost a week to catch my breath, reflect, wipe away tears, and remember how wonderful the last week was with everyone here. So many memories, laughter, tears...it was blessed. It was so great to see the cousins reunite. Molli and Morgan, our fearsome twosome...Jonah and Myca, boys bent on wrestling and sword fighting...Mackenzi and her faithful shadow Sydney....and Emma and her buddy Markus, each doing their own thing! It was truly beautiful to see. I had such flashbacks as I mounted the stairs (NUMEROUS times) to tell the girls it was not time for giggling but time for sleeping...of many many summers ago with my own cousins and my own mother yelling the same words. It brought such a smile to my face. Sitting around the dining room table with ALL of my siblings, each of us so very different and yet so much the same...it was remarkable. My brother Tigger has changed much. I don't think you can face death the way he has and remain unchanged. And yet, he seems changed for the better. He seems to exude love and connection. He sought me out many times just to talk or to hug. But it was THIS moment that really brought tears to my eyes.....






This is huge mass of people is MY family. Some of the faces are new, the new babies and the brother and sister in law we've added....but this is us. Even now, looking back at the picture and remembering the chaos of trying to get all 23 of us to stand still and look at the camera, just makes me laugh. For better or worse, we are stuck with each other. And I, for one, am so very glad.

Popping in to say that we are still here and all is well. We are having a total blast with the family here. Today we are coloring eggs and doing the big egg hunt. Of course we got a foot of snow yesterday so we will be hunting indoors. Have I mentioned that I HATE winter? Here are just a few pics of some family fun!



The girls

















Uncle Josh and Emma bowling
















Thomas decides to help Uncle Josh bowl




















My darling newphew Markus who bowled a 116!!!




















Molli and Morgan AKA Thelma and Louise

Just a quick post to let y'all know that I'll be absent for a few days as my brother and his family are here. This is my brother that is in the Army and was in Iraq for the last 18 months. We haven't seen him or his family in 3 years as they were stationed in Alaska. He has five children as well and they are all almost the same ages as ours. So the cousins are rediscovering each other and having a total balst. I'm clicking pictures like crazy since who knows how long it'll be before we are all together again. Last night, my mom looked around the table as we were finishing dinner and got kind of choked up as she said, "My WHOLE family is around this table right now." It was great.

So the Waltons are reunited and today we are going bowling. Imagine 11 grownups, and 11 children invading the bowling alley....lol. Gotta love family.

Let it be known that this day, March 14, 2008, I, Mandi K, have won the coveted parent of the year award. Here's how the award was won...

Emma, Thomas and I arrived at Sydney's school to pick her up. The girls took off for the car already fighting about who would sit in the front (ok, so no children should be in the front...but that was only the beginning..)By the time I reached the car, they were kicking, screaming, hitting, etc. I broke up the fight and informed them that they would now both sit in the back. Emma launches into "fit" mode. She began screaming and stomping her feet. I scooped her up and placed her in the car. She proceeded to continue the fit. I just ignored her. We pulled into McDonalds so Sydney could use some of her birthday money on a yogurt. The screaming from the back increased as Emma howled that she had wanted to go to Burger King. I informed her that she would write sentences when we got home. She didn't stop. I then warned her that if she didn't stop I would take her lovey(aka her favorite blanket that she cannot sleep without) away for the night. Surprise, surprise..she didn't stop. So, when we arrived home, I scooted inside and removed her blanket from her bed and hid it. Then the fun began....

She threw herself on the kitchen floor and was shrieking and kicking. I hauled her to her room. She was hysterical. I called Matt and he could hear her while I was in the living room. I went upstairs to tell her she needed to get ready for school. She refused, so I dressed her myself. Then I pulled her down stairs and put her coat and boots on. Remember now, that she is still screaming wildly and flailing. I pulled her down the driveway. Meanwhile she has lost her lovey for 2 days now and has been told that she will not be going to the Daddy/Daughter dance tomorrow night. The bus pulls up and she throws herself on the ground and refuses to get on the bus. I carry her onto the bus and put her in a seat. THe bus driver reassures me that it'll be fine but I followed them to school, just to make sure. As the bus pulled away from my driveway, I fell apart. I don't know what in the world would make my beautiful, funny Emma act this way. I felt like the worst parent ever because I clearly had no control. At one point I even considered giving her the stupid blanket back just to get her to stop. BUt I have been trying SOO very hard to be consistent and to follow through with my threats. I'm desperately sad that she can't go to the dance, something she has been looking forward to for weeks. I just felt there had to be serious consequences for her actions today. I know it will start again when she gets home and realizes that she doesn't get her lovey. oh boy....well that's the tale that won me the award!

I'd like to thank....

Before I forget, here's the link to the site for chore charts...http://www.dltk-cards.com/chart/ for those of you who asked.

This weekend was wonderful. My baby sister got married on Saturday. It was lovely. This was just a small ceremony, as her new husband is going into the Navy. They're planning a big hurrah after he gets back from basic and A school.But, my sister looked amazing (as usual)











































Then, Sunday morning, Matt woke up with a stomach bug. We chalked it up to too much to eat and drink at the wedding. Until late Sunday night when I got it, and then ALL the rest of the kids got it. So we spent a fun day yesterday taking turns in the bathroom. It was awful. Thank the Lord though that it's a fast bug and this morning we are all better. I wouldn't wish that on anyone...ick.

Alright off to reclaim my home! Vacation is over.....right.....

This morning was crazy. I knew I had a WIC appointment, Syd needed to get to school and I wanted to work out at the Y before I had to pick Sydney up. Well the car wouldn't start. So I bundled everyone up and decided we would walk Syd to school as it's right up the road. As we are about halfway there, I glance behind me to see Bo (our big chow/retriever joint custody dog) bounding along behind us. So now I am hanging onto this 125 pound dog by his collar and trying to push the stroller. We make it to the school and I stand outside the door wondering what to do. Emma can't hold the dog if I take Sydney in and I can't very well take the dog into the school. Thankfully, at that moment, another mom came out of the building. I asked if she could PLEASE walk Sydney down to her class for me, she was happy to help. So now we have to walk home...I asked Emma to push the stroller so I can hang onto Bo. She does, for a while...then she starts crying that it's too hard. Now Thomas is crying because he wants to suck his thumb but cannot as he has mittens on. (Did I mention it's 16 degrees out?!?!?!?) It was really great. I can't imagine what people thought as they were driving by. My firend Mindy came and jumped the car so I could get my running around done. I blew into the WIC office hoping for an in and out appointment. Yeah right. An HOUR later, we emerged, just in time to fly to Syd's school to pick her up. Funny how the best laid plans can go out the window at a moment's notice!!

Anyway, today was crazy hair day for the kids at school. Here's what they chose as hiar styles...





Jonah channeling Sanjaya



































Molli with many pigtails

The

So March has arrived. The snow is almost completely gone, thank you Jesus! And now of course our yard looks AWFUL. Garbage everywhere, sleds, misc. toys....yikes. Now I understand why my other always made us do a "spring pickup" outside.

This month is BUSY for us....here's why.

1. Sydney turned 4 on the 4th..her golden birthday. It was a great day filled with Diego cake, a new camera and her new bike!

2. My sister gets married this weekend!!!

3. Next Saturday is the Daddy/ daughter dance...my girls are so excited to go with Daddy!

4. My brother and his family arrive near the 20th for their first visit in 3 years! I get to meet my new niece and they get to meet Thomas!

5. Easter...lots going on there, eggs to color, dye to spill, baskets to fill, eggs to find...

Then of course we slam into April where we get to go away for Spring Break...SO looking forward to that. We are going to try and tap some of our maple trees this week and make some syrup..that would be fun.

I also had a small meltdown this past weekend when I asked the children to clean their rooms. Jonah was fairly retiscent and complied with little nudging. The girls, however, whose room was AWFUL, were not so easily convinced. Finally, Matt and I helped them rearrange hoping that would spark some interest in cleaning their space. Um...no such luck. I was on my hands and knees cleaning their room as they are playing around me. I lost it. I informed them that I was done and they were not leaving their room until it was clean, no dinner, no nothing. THat got them moving, but I was so upset. How did my children get so stubborn and so indignant that I would ask them to clean up their own mess? My depression grew as I realized that I was at fault for not every making them do it. I usually just do it myself because it's faster and there's no hassle. After a long talk with Matt (whom I adore because he just let me vent and scream and throw things and then gave me some chill out time before trying to help)we decided that it was time for chores. I mean, there must be an upside to having so many children! Then began the debate as to whether or not an allowance was in order. After much discussion we decided that there were some things that they should just be expected to do without having to be paid. Matt went online and foiund chore charts and we made them up, printed them out, and hung them up. The bigger kids have more, obviously, but even Syd has basic chores. We are on day 3 of the chore chart and I am happy to report that it is going well. The kids have embraced their chores with little to no complaining. Jonah and Molli even do the dishes! I'll keep you posted on how we do!

I've read several posts lately of others being ill and on and so forth. We've had our fair share as well, we had to rush Thomas to the ER with a temp of 105.3 to discover that he had RSV. All is well now and everyone remained fairly healthy. Until Saturday...

I awoke with serious chills. Matt and I sleep with the window open in our room as it gets WAY too hot in there with the heat on. (No, this is not a metaphor to our sex life) Anyway, I assume dit was because of the window...until I tried to stand up. I was so completely dizzy and weak and my nose was dripping. I immediately sat back down. Long story short...I was sick. Thankfully, Molli was with my mom and Jonah was able to take care of the girls and Thomas while I stayed in bed. I barely managed to get to te bathroom and back a couple of times. I put Thomas down for a nap and walked Jonah through making mac and cheese for lunch. Finally Matt arrived home and took over things. It was awful, I can't remember the last time I felt so miserable. Of course on Sunday I felt better so I decided to, not only go to church, but to go to my mom's for dinner and an Oscar party. Right after the award for best supporting actress, my chills came back. I'm such an idiot. And so I spent Monday trying to cope with life and being sick.

I'm grateful to report that I am feeling much better today and my husband threatened me with my life if I didn't "stay on my butt" today. He knows me too well. I didn't do too much...just some laundry....and some picking up...and shoveled the driveway. But I'm ok....

Dear God,
If ever there were a time that we needed Spring....it's now. Just thought I'd tell you.

Sincerely,
Mandi

This was so hard for me...don't get me wrong. I am VERY weird. Just couldn't think of things to share...or rather that COULD be shared! Thanks

Misty

The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog.
4. Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
5. Leave a comment on their blogs so that they know they have been tagged.

My random/weird facts:

1. I like teeny bopper movies, HSM 2, Princess diaries 1&2, Mean girls, Bring it on...seriously stupid movies yet I am drawn to them...

2. I rub my eyebrows (I can't believe I am putting this on here) It started as a nervous habit and now I do it all the time. It's a very odd habit...people look at me funny as well they should.

3. I would love to have 12 children. (My grandma, who reads this, just passed out!)
(And now she's calling my mother...)

4. I'm obsessed with traditions. They must be kept, to the letter, period.

5. I have always wanted a Saturn...I was obsessed with the in high school and someday I will drive a cherry red Saturn 3 door.

6. I do not fill the sink to wash dishes (and now my earth conscious friends are getting ready to kill me too) I let the water run while I wash them.

7. I hate cleaning. I am a slob. I like my house clean, but I hate getting it that way. And I am quickly instilling this into my children which makes my future look very dim...

Dear Jonah,

Nine years ago today, I met you. Your birth was long anticipated and exciting. I remember feeling that that day would change my life...and it did. The moment they placed you in my arms I knew I would love you forever.

Then you started to grow. Strangers would comment on what a beautiful child you were. You were beautiful inside as well, always making Daddy and I laugh. You grew some more and we added sisters to your life, both to your joy and your dismay :) You "helped" me so much with them..like always getting into trouble just out of my reach while I was breastfeeding, or teaching the girls how to do naughty things. All the time, you were growing and changing.

Your next huge milestone was school. I'll never forget that first day of kindergarten, the teachers having to pry you out of my arms and you and I crying. I knew that that day changed everything all over again, you were a school kid.

I watched you grow and change, grow and stay the same. This past year, you finally got the brother you always wanted and have proved that there is such a special bond between brothers. I love to watch the two of you together.










Even as you grow and change, my son, and even when your progression in age provides new challenges, my love for you continues to grow. Many times I glance at you and I can still see that little bundle that was placed in my arms 9 years ago. You make my heart sing, Jonah man.You bring me joy. I love you with all my heart and I am so proud to be your mommy. Sorry...Mom. :)

Here I am, complaining that no one has updated their blogs...don't they know I check daily to see what's going on in everyone else's life?? THen I looked at the date on my own blog...oops. I've looked at it every day wishing I had something blog worthy...life is just life. No big anything. But since you've already started to read, I guess I'll blog about nothing :)

I was watching Brothers and Sisters last week and there was a question that was asked that resonated into my very being. The question was, How are YOU? Not your kids...you. When people ask me how I am I usually respond, good..or the kids are sick, or they're doing well. School is good, basketball is good. Almost every time, it has to do with how my family is as opposed to myself. How often do I do that? Most times I think people ask it out of politeness, not because they really care to know. Is that why the casual answers? Something to ponder...

I am ashamed to admit this but I am sick of the sound of coughing! My children have been sharing colds for the past few weeks and I am sick of that sound. What awful mother admits to being annoyed at the sound of her own child coughing???? Me, I guess. But when one of them coughs every 5 minutes for 48 hours straight....AHHHHHHHHHHH!! I just can't handle it! I hate winter....

But today I have reclaimed it and have thrown open windows (despite the 34 degree temperatures) washed all bedding. loveys, etc. and am wiping everything with Chlorox wipes. I must get rid of the ickiness in my house. Matt commented that he missed hearing the birds sing. Me too...I miss it all. And in my opinion, it better hurry up and get here!!!

It's Monday...a new week. I wonder if this week will be comprable to last week...it would have to be a doozy to beat last week...please God no!

I've hit the winter blue wall. I'm sick of the snow, sick of the cold, sick of eating everything in sight, sick of being home....you get the picture. This isn't unusual for me..I hit it every year. I think the amount of snow days we've had recently have made it harder too. I hate for my kids to see me grumpy. But it's hard to pretend for them too....here's to hoping that February flies by and March brings warmth!!

Everyone else seems unaffected by the weather. The kids have created new sledding runs all over the yard...can't believe how grateful I am for this house and yard! We updated some things at the house with the help of our tax return. We cut some more walls which was very fun. I'll post pics soon. It feels so great to have a home that is your own where you feel like everything you do is to improve that place. It's a great feeling. Jonah is still in basketball camp on Saturdays and recently scrimaged during the halftime of the high school's game. It was so great to see him out there playing. He seems to really enjoy it and has picked up the concepts fairly quickly. God help me, we're gonna do the sports thing! Hopefully he'll get lots of help from others as my athletic ability is slim to none! Thomas has yet to walk, we're going on 17 months and I am terribly tired of carrying him. He has taken a few steps, but then plops down and super crwals everywhere. I'm praying he walks in time for kindergarten!

So there's a Kurtz update....here's to an uneventful week!!!