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!!!

Just a post to show that I can never have just a normal week...

My parents are at a training seminar this week so my little brother Noah is staying with us. For those of you who don't know, he has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. So his bus for school picks him up at my house while he is here. This morning was pretty normal, got Noah all ready and took him down the driveway to wait for the bus. The bus comes and his bus driver gets off to open the door that the lift uses. It's frozen shut. So she tells me to pull from the outside while she pushes from the inside. It's the bottom of the door that is still frozen and that part is covered by the lift. So she sticks her hand down there. Well when the door opens, the lift automatically releases. So the door budges just enough for the lift to start to move pinning her hand between the lift and the door!!! Now she's screaming hysterically so I run onto the bus. She's yelling for me to turn off the lift motioning to all of the buttons on he control panel. Have you ever seen a bus control panel??? THERE ARE ABOUT 50 BUTTONS!!!!!!!!! Now I'm starting to panic. I finally find the button and shut it off but it doesn't release so she is stilled pinned. I am now completely panicking.....Noah is still outside in the -3 windchill, she's screaming, there's other children on the bus. WHAT DO I DO???

So I grabbed the mic and yelled, "BUS GARAGE! WE NEED HELP!" They immediately respond with who is this?? What's going on? So I tell them the driver is pinned and hurt and I need help NOW! I drop the mic and go and start pulling on the lift and she can finally pull her hand free. Her hand is in bad shape. Dispatch is calling for me to answer them. SO before I know it, there are four buses and a truck from the garage and an ambulance in front of my house. Holy cow.....meanwhile my other children are in the house with no knowledge that anything was happening!

What a crazy life I lead!!

I just wanted to repost this here for those of you who've asked for an update on Emma!

Emma and Sydney spent the night on Saturday with Aunt Carol. Sunday morning they went to Nonny's (my grandma) for breakfast. Emma and Sydney got playing a running game and collided. Emma hit her nose on Sydney's head. It bled for a while and got somewhat swollen but I didn't really think anything of it. Fast forward to last night....

We took her to the ER as she had HUGE clots coming out of her nose and profuse bleeding. There they confirmed what I had suspected, her nose is broken!!!!!


They did an exam and x-ray to make sure she hadn't fractured any of the bones in her face, but it's just her nose. They can't do anything for it, it just has to heal on it's own. She looks like she's been in a prize fight but did very well with it all. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. And leave it to the Kurtz's to always have to try new things!

P.S. Sydney's show and tell today was that she broke her sister's nose with her hard head!

1. I've come to realize that my last ex:
is in jail for a while, so glad I didn't marry him!

2. I've come to realize that when I talk:
I am rather loud

3. I've come to realize that I like:
harmony

4. I've come to realize that my friends:
are few but that's ok by me.

5. I've come to realize that I've lost:
my sense of caring

6. I've come to realize that I hate:
people who need to validate themselves by whining about their lives....SUCK IT UP!

7. I've come to realize that marriage is:
such a gift and yet SO hard

8. I've come to realize that somewhere, someone is thinking:
I wonder what Mandi is doing

9.I've come to realize that I'll always:
need other people's approval

10. I've come to realize that I have a crush on:
George Clooney and Richard Gere

11. I've come to realize that the last time I truly cried was:
Last week

12. I've come to realize that my cell phone is:
a necessity

14. I've come to realize that before I go to sleep at night:
I need Matt to kiss me goodnight

15. I've come to realize that, right now I am thinking about:
Dinner

16. I've come to realize that I get on my blog:
too much!

17. I've come to realize that today:
was a fairly good day with new realizations

18. I've come to realize that tonight I will:
Go to practice and come home and go immediately to sleep

19. I've come to realize that school is:
OVER! Thank God!

20. I've come to realize that my life is:
blessed

21. I've come to realize that tomorrow I will:
Start all over again!

We had this plan, Molli and Emma were going to grow out their hair and donate it to Locks of Love. It was a great plan, however, we hit a snag. Emma DESPISES having her hair brushed. And when you have very long, VERY thick hair, it must be brushed. I was so tired of having to sit on her (literally) to get her hair brushed that I threatened to cut it. Well she came home from school that day and asked me to cut her hair. And so I did. Then Molli said that maybe she didn't want to wait for her hair to be 10 inches and maybe I could cut her hair too. I am NO professional but I think they look darling...what do you think???

We spent our New Year's with Matt's brother and his family. We had such a blast. It was so great to catch up and let the kids play with Landon, their cousin. Here are some great shots!

Landon and Thomas size each other up













Then they share!


















The big kids loved Landon!

















Emma gives him a smooch
















Matt and I at midnight, our first pic of 2008

Someone asked me the other day to name the top 12 moments of 2007, one from every
month. Since it took me a while, I decided to post it, with pictures, so I wouldn't forget.




January - this one took the longest as it was a long time ago!! Thomas rolling over!


February - Starting my diet











March - Getting Chunky (our dog!)














April - Marked one year without Grandpa














May - Jonah jumping into the pool at 52 degrees, haven't laughed that hard since!














June - moving into OUR FIRST HOME!!! (with the best yard ever!)


















July - Watching my beautiful Molli walk down the aisle (as a flower girl, but still!)


















August - Celebrating nine years with Matt and turning 28















September - Thomas turning 1








October - The women's retreat, what a God weekend! (Sorry, no pic for this one!)















November - Going to see the Polar Express in IMAX 3-d, what a magical experience!

















December - Another family filled holiday with so many blessings!

For the first time in my life, I have hair that I adore! They cut off nine inches and that nine inches changed me. I no longer feel like a frumpy housewife, I feel like I can hold my own with the fancy SUV driving moms at school! The cut is just perfect and the highlights are great! Tell me what you think!

From here....
to here.....
A very happy birthday to my 7 year old girl, Molli Louise.
Molli,
You are such a light in my life. I see so much of myself in you (which is good and not so good). I love watching you grow and change and learn new things. Your love of reading is so cool to see and watching you devour books makes me smile. I pray that God will grow you this year, not only in stature, but also in realizing your place in this world and how you can live for Him. I love you Molli bug!

I saw this on Kelli's blog and thought it was somewhat cute. So I decided to add my kids faces and I haven't laughed this hard in a long time...check it out!



http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1127816716

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1127922332

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1128306980

THE CHRISTMAS SURVEY!!!

1. Hot chocolate or apple cider?
Hot chocolate all the way baby

2. Turkey or Ham?
I like both.

3. Do you get a Fake or Real Christmas tree?
REAL, I HATED when we had to have a fake one, although Matt never had a real one growing up and it made him nervous at first :)

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?
This is the first year we have put lights up on the outside of a house, it looks so beautiful.

5. Snowball fights or sledding?
I adore sledding, I always get hurt in snowball fights.

6. Do you like hanging around the fireplace because it's warm?
No, it's just so homey and cozy.

7. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?
Absolutely

8. Favorite Christmas song?
O little town of Bethlehem

9. How do you feel about Christmas movies?
I enjoy most of them

10. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?
Never, I do it year round

11. Stockings before or after presents?
Stockings are always first, have to eat breakfast before we are allowed to open presents

12. Carolers?
Slightly cheesy

13. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?
We always spend the night at my mom's house. It's so magical and I'm 28!

14. Do you read the Christmas Story the night before christmas?
No, Christmas Day

15. What do you do after presents and dinner?
Play with gifts and eat some more

16. What is your favorite holiday smell?
My real tree, Christmas cookies baking

17. Ice skating or walking around the mall?
I enjoy both although there's less risk of injury if I walk the mall

18.Favorite christmas tradition?
Christmas Eve service, getting all dressed up and walking into the darkened sanctuary and lighting candles and singing carols

19. Favorite Part about winter?
THe very first snow where everything sparkles and is all white

20. Ever Been Kissed Under The Mistletoe?
Actually no, I never seen real misteltoe

Ok, had a really icky parent situation last night and I need some feedback.

Molli is in Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. So on Monday night, we were at practice. Molli and some of her girlfriends were sitting about three seats down from me. I glanced over and noticed one of the girls was crying. The music teacher swooped in and whisked her out of the room. I leaned over and asked Molli what had happened. "She got hurt," was Molli's reply. I let it go. Fast forward to Tuesday night...

Molli and I were sitting in the front row, waiting for practice to start. I notice the hurt girl from the night before (we'll call her Claudia) pointing towards us. Here comes her and her mother. Without any warning this mom gets right into Molli's face and says, "Molli did you hurt Claudia last night????" Molli's eyes get very big. The mom continued. "She says you gave her a snake bite, that is worng Molli, do you hear me??" By now Molli's eyes are welling up with tears. I finally caught my breath, it had all happened so fast. I stood up and said, "Excuse me what is going on here??" She shifted her gaze to me and asked if I was her mother. I replied yes. "Well you need to keep a better watch on your daughter because she is mean and hurt my daughter. I expect that when Claudia comes here she'll be safe and respected but I can see that all parents don't care as much as I do." I was so completely taken aback. I apologized, and had Molli apologized as well. She didn't stop. "I wasn't even here last night, my husband was and I can't believe this happened." This whole time Claudia is standing there with her arms across her chest with this huge smirk on her face, clearly enjoying this whole thing. I apologized again. "Where were you when all this was going on," she demanded. I replied that I was sitting three seats away. I thought back to the previous evening and remembered that Claudia's dad was sitting in the balcony with his hat over his eyes the entire time. I didn't mention this however.I also tried to remember hearing Claudia cry out or anything to suggest that she was in pain, I never heard anything. At this point the director came over and asked if everything was alright. I answered her that everything was fine. "Well not really, but I guess it'll have to do," the evil mother replied. I scooped Molli up, who is now sobbing, and we went out into the hall. I had Molli recount the whole story to me. It turns out that they were all taking turns giving each other snake bites and Claudia was last and cried. I was embarrassed because Molli had clearly been involved and needed to apologize but she was so crushed at having been attacked like that. I was so furious that this mom had done this. She could have waited until the children were on stage and out of earshot and came up to me and said, "I wasn't here last night, but I heard there may have been an altercation between our daughters..." Instead she verbally attacked my six year old. I wish I had responded better. Even though Molli needed to apologize (come to find out Claudia should have apologized as well as she was involved too), there was NO excuse for the mother to do that. I got Molli calmed down and sent her back in to practice. After practice was over, we headed to the door. Claudia and her mom were standing near a teenage girl who is in the show. "That's the girl who hurt me," Claudia said loudly as we passed by. I was so furious. I walked faster knowing that if I even paused for a moment, I'd slug her mom.

So what would you all have done????

We have switched internet providers....AGAIN! Long stpry and I don't want to talk about it as we have been "internet less" for the last week! AHHHHHHHHH!!

So what have you missed?

- Molli tried out for and got into the Battle Creek Community Theater's production of Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She LOVES it and is so excited about it. Her mom however is second guessing the three rehearsals a week :)

- We had Noah for a week while my parents were away. It was a great week full of laughs and good times. We culminated it by taking him and Jonah, Molli and Emma to see the Polar Express in the IMAX 3-d. I just have to tell you all that this was one of the best experiences in my life. It was......magical. I just can't think of another word. It took my breath away. And watching my kids ( and Noah) try to catch the falling snow and touch Santa....gives my goosebumps. It was great!

- Matt and I did some more demo in our new place and ripped out cabinets and countertop opening up our back breezeway to make room for coats and boots (yes, winter is coming...) Demo is fun....cleaning up is not!

- Tomorrow night is our big holiday parade..the official kick off to the holidays in Battle Creek, they light all the lights at the end. It's festive and fun.

I'm having a hard time getting ready for Thanksgiving with this mild weather....feels like spring, not Thanksgiving. But I guess it could be worse! Well having been offline for a week, I have a LOT of catching up to do! Till next time!

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Tonight I am feeling thankful. And, since you decided to stop here, you must read the list...

1. That today was so productive, clean house, tons of leaves raked....

2. That we are able to burn our leaves and not have to bag them all, thank you Lord!

3. That tomorrow is Sunday

4. That my big little brother comes home from Iraq in a few weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5. That my mom's party is over....no more details!

6. That my mom and dad leave tomorrow for their vacation, it's such a refreshing time for them.

7. That Noah gets to stay with us while they are gone.

8. That tonight is game night with friends, which means I don't have to put the children to bed!!!

9. That almost all the Halloween candy is almost gone.

10. That I have a DVR....how did I survive before??

11. That it's almost the official "holiday season"!

12. For Josh Groban's new Christmas album

13. For my children, who sometimes amaze me with their thoughtfulness

14. For my other big little brother who is the most amazing babysitter

15. For my wonderful home, what a blessing.

There's so much more....but I'll spare you the 100 list


For now.... :)

FINALLY!!!! I can finally blog about this...I have been waiting and waiting, dying to share with all of you. And now, I finally can. Ok, how many of you still think I'm pregnant?!??!

Last night I threw my mom a surprise party for her 50th birthday. I started planning this back in the beginning of August. I wrote to her friends from all over and some of them traveled long distances to be here. I plotted and planned. I snuck into her house while she was a t work and spirited away pictures for a video. I e-mailed and made invitations. It was so much fun. There were a couple of times I was pretty sure she was onto me. Then came yesterday. I had asked if my brother Noah could come and spend the night with us on Friday night. Mom readily agreed (we do that a lot anyway). So Saturday morning, my sister showed up and we went and got all the food while my other brother Josh babysat the troops. We had it at our church so we got all set up. There's a business across the street from our church that gave us permission to park all the cars there. The guests were all there and we were waiting. At 4, my dad's friend Jimmy called him on his cell phone and told him that he was at the church and the boiler had exploded and we needed as many people here as possible. So Dad somehow got Mom into the car (she was SOO mad at having to go to church!) and got her to the church. They walked into the dark fellowship hall where the lights went on and 60+ people screamed, "Suprise!!!" She almost fainted! She had NO idea!!! She was so surprised...I can't believe we pulled it off!! It was so great. We all laughed and ate. It was such a wonderful time to celebrate the wonderful woman that I am privledged to call my mom. An event planner, I am not. This much was made clear to me. But I had such a blast with this. I'm going to try and post the video that I made for her party. It was great!

Something's coming, I don't know what it is, but it is, gonna be great...............

This is my theme song for tomorrow....more to come....and NO I AM NOT PREGNANT!

Time for a real post...enough with the pictures already :)

Things seems very busy here, although I'm not sure why. Sydney is loving preschool and I love that she loves it. It chops my days up more than they already are, but what can you do? She goes at 8:15 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, so I put Jonah and Molli on the bus at 7:40, get everyone else ready, take Syd to school, go back to pick her up at 10:15, rush home to get Emma on the bus at 11:15....by lunch time, I am ready for a nap! That all sounded like I was complaining, I'm not really. I love the preschool, it's less than 1/8 of a mile down the road, and it gives Sydney the social outlet we were looking for. Jonah survived the MEAP test, thanks to all of you who were praying for him on that one. He seems unscathed so we'll breathe easy now till 5th grade! He decided to give up three lunch recesses a week to join the third grade choir. I was shocked at first although I'm beginning to sense that perhaps it's a girl...but he seems to enjoy it. Molli is auditioning for Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat next week. I've tried to prepare her for the possibility that they may not choose her. She says, it doesn't matter. We'll see :) Emma is kicking butt in kindergarten, or as much as you can kick butt in kindergarten. She comes home almost every day telling me it was a "fantabulous" day. And my Thomas man...oh Thomas. He brings a smile to my face, always. Even when he's in trouble. The other day he climbed onto and fell off of the couch twice, fell off of the coffee table, fell off his window perch and fell down three stairs.....all in the span of 10 minutes!!! My hair is getting grayer by the day. We have the living room completely sealed off with baby gates and the stairs are supposed to be, however, I do forget from time to time and off he goes in a flash. He LOVES to play in the girl's room with them...they are slightly less enthusiastic about it :) He's not walking yet, not because he cannot. He puts his arms in the air and yells and all his siblings come running. Ah, the little prince. At this rate, he'll be crawling into kindergarten. But I find myself somewhat glad that he's not rushing into it. Since he is most likely my last, I'm glad he's staying in the baby stage a little longer!

It can't possibly be that Christmas is around the corner and snow will soon fly. We are having a hay day with all the leaves in our new yard...well let me clarify that. The kids are having a hay day, I am developing arthritis from all the raking!! But we are in full fall mode having completed the annual trip to the pumpkin patch and gathering items for Halloween costumes. and now I'm off to make hot cocoa and apple crisp...ahhhhh...fall!

We have returned from vacation! A great trip, minus the weather! It was cloudy and rainy the whole trip, but we were determined the make the most of it! Our hotel was lovely and the kids loved it! Enjoy the pics below and a real post will follow once I have found my house under the "vacation" stuff!

Golly, where has this month gone?? I looked at the date on my last post and gasped....time flies!

Not much going on in the Kurtz home. I leave early tomorrow morning for an all weekend Women's Retreat. I am so excited about this...it promises to be an amazing time of reconnection with our great God. I return on Sunday morning in time to run the media for church and then, immediately after church is over, we leave to head up to Mackinaw for four days. Matt has the week off and so we are out of here. The forecast looks awful,but we are determined to have a fabulous time, despite it :) I'm sure there will be a plethora of pictures once we return home.

The kids are progressing in school. I volunteered to be a "room parent" for the kid's school parties. This new school district is extremely different than the other we had been in. It's much more upscale and trendy. So I'm struggling with finding my place in the world of trendy mom with their snazzy SUV's and perfectly groomed children :) No offense to anyone who washes their children or drives an SUV :)

Well time for the bus to arrive....more updates soon.

Happy Birthday my beautiful boy!!!

Ok, so for all my spouting about how I couldn't wait for the kids to go back to school...I was a MESS this morning! I held it together until they left but then I lost it! I was so worried about them finding friends and not knowing where to go once they got to school....so I kissed them good-bye and put them in my Father's hands. Thanks goodness they are so much bigger than mine. Now I am counting the minutes till they come home!!! Here are some pictures from this morning!

So talk about feeling guilty...
Last night we decided to put up the camper, invite some friends over, have a bonfire and then all the kids and I would sleep in the camper for one last hurrah before school. Everything was going great. Our friends brought over their two motorbikes and the kids were taking turns getting rides all over our huge yard. Then the trio (Molli, and her friends Tristan and Cody) decided to take a break and play on the swingset. I saw them standing on the swings and I thought to say something but didn't. Seconds later, Cody is on the ground crying. His mom went over and then asked me to come take a look. His arm was very obviously broken!!!!!!!!!! So she rushed him to the ER where they told her his wrist was broken in two places and he would have to put under for them to set it. I feel so incredibly guilty about this. I should have told them to sit down...if I hadn't had the idea of the sleepover/campfire, he never would have been there.....

So my question is this...has this ever happened to someone else????

I remember when we were attending Jonah's school concert and the fifth graders did a set from a movie called "High School Musical". I remember thinking, "Gag me, another lame Disney original movie!" But then it was all the hype so we rented it and watched it. And I was vindicated, "Totally lame", I thought to myself. But then I watched it again, and again, and again (Thanh you Noah!!!) ANd not only did I love it, but my children and my parents as well!! So when we heard there was a second one...we were geeked! We counted down the days and planned a "HSM 2" party. It was a blast. And now we've watched it at least a dozen times and I love it more every time. Now, don't get me wrong....Lord of the Rings it is NOT..but there's just something about it. And I can't tell you what that thing is....but I just love these movies!

4 adults, 8 children under the age of 8, one camper, one tent.....one BIG adventure!!!!

Matt -

9 years ago today we stood inside that little white chapel, sweating like mad and promised to remain faithful, love each other always, defend each other, and stay together till death. Looking back I remember so much about that day. But most of all I remember the look on your face as I came down the aisle with my daddy. I knew there was no turning back. I loved you so completely that day.

As the years have passed, so much has happened. We've moved 7 times, added 5 beautiful children to our family, cried, suffered, laughed, danced, kissed, fought, and held each other tight. There is not one moment that I would trade. And yet seeing that one moment where you placed a ring on my finger seems to be the most poignant today. We were so young, so thin! And God was there. One of the reasons we are here today is Him. He has always been near. And, more than once, you have helped me to Him. Helped me find Him when I feared that He had left. You are an amazing man.

Some would think that 9 years would make love fade or dim somewhat. Yet, I love you more completely this day than that day 9 years ago. My love has deepened, aged and grown with every passing moment. I love you dear husband....here's to the rest of our lives.

Things I am loving right now:

- My mom's pool, what a blessing!

- The last Harry Potter book, I don't want it to end!

- Hawaiian Tropic's Lime Coolada lotion, it's amazing!!!!!

- Thomas learning to crawl

- Not having to mow our huge yard because it's all dried up!

- Watching my arms get muscular, who knew I'd have muscles???

- Finding tons of people I knew on Facebook, and I barely go there!

- Friends to share things with

- My window air conditioners, who knew they'd be so effective

- Papa Murphy's Cinnamon wheels, a dieters nightmare (and delight!)

- my new wonderful house which I just adore!

Ah yes, the long awaited post...I know, you were all holding your breath for it!

Two unbelievable things have happened to me in the last week....

1. I, Mandi Kurtz, went garage saleing. Now, don't get me wrong...you can find AWESOME things at garage sales. It's just not something I have ever done before. The thought of taking my children from place to place, in and out fo the car, hearing them cry hysterically when they can't have every toy that is for sale....yeah. Just didn't sound appealing. But. for whatever reason, we went this past Saturday. I headed out with my girfriend, Mindy (the garage sale guru I call her) and we garage saled. THe kids had each earned $2 doing some chores the day before so they were equipped and ready to spend. They found lots of treasures (junk in my estimation) but they were THRILLED! We came home from lunch and Matt came home from work and we headed out AGAIN! Can you believe it???!!! By that time, it was around 3 PM and most people were closing up shop. We saw something though as we were driving by the last one....something I had secretly hoped we'd find. So Matt hopped out and ran up to see how much it was....and $20 and 2 minutes later he was loading it into our van. Which leads me to the next extraordinary thing...

2. I am a bike rider. I know, another thing you'd never think about me. I hadn't ridden a bike in over 10 years, but our friends let me use a bike that they had lying around. We were still unable to go as a family as Sydney and, obviously, Thomas are not bike riders yet. So that's what we found at the last garage sale...a bike trailer!!! $20 for a bike trailer that was used one time...it was practically new...they paid $145 for it!!!! We took our first trip, just me and Emma, with Syd and Thomas in the trailer. Thomas loved it! And it wasn't as hard to pull as I thought it would be. we're planning our first family bike trip to the park tomorrow which should be so fun. I'll take some pics and post them.

So a new week full of new things and exciting new horizons!