Dear Neighbors,
We've never been properly introduced. My name is Mandi and I live here with my gorgeous husband and 5 pretty adorable children. I've noticed you watching our home quite a bit so I thought I would give you names to go with faces.

Jonah is the oldest child, the one who is generally bellowing at his siblings because he simply doesn't have any other tone of voice. I know his hair is a bit much, but I am trying to let him express himself that way.

Molli is next with the long brown hair. She is the one who is bossing everyone around and always the leader. She has a very high pitched scream which I am certain you've been privileged enough to hear.

Then comes Emma, she has shorter dirty blond hair and is the fairly quiet one. She is typically found riding her bike quietly in circles around the house or talking to herself. Don't get me wrong, she can scream with the best of them...but you know that.

Sydney is the thin blond one. She is usually pestering someone, chasing Thomas, or running inside continuously to tattle on her siblings. She has a need to be included which generally leads to sibling fighting. You've witnessed that I am sure.

Thomas is my little guy. He adores being outside and is at very opportunity, sometimes without his mother's knowledge. But you know that as well as you came over last year to inform me that he was outside unattended. Remember how you threatened to call the police if you saw him out alone again? Good times.

I know you are frustrated with the way our yard is kept, or not kept I should say. I understand that you are available all day, every day to pick up every leaf or stick in your big yard. I sure wish I had that kind of time. I know when we have campfires or when we burn leaves, you are very nervous as we appear young and stupid. But my husband was a boy scout which you probably didn't know, so it's ok. I've also noticed you staring at our home at various times when you think you are unseen on your porch. I would stare too, this is a great house and a fabulous family! Who wouldn't want to spend hours watching the drama that is our life?? But if you are that curious, I'd be happy to sit down and have coffee with you both and give you our life stories. All you have to do is ask. :) I understand you might be a bit embarrassed as you did see me half naked last year when a certain spider crawled up my leg, but I assure you, it's fine. I'm a little crazy...but my guess is, you knew that too.

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and let you know that we watch you too :)

Love,
Your noisy, crazy, messy neighbors

Oh the rain..I love spring rain. I cannot believe how green everything is!!! Spring truly is a wonderful time!! We had some fantastic weather this weekend, I was complaining of being too hot!! And how did the Kurtz's stay cool??

Well my dad opened their pool on Easter weekend and when Molli came in and reported that the water was 60 degrees, my brother and dad bolted for the pool. We all followed, anxious to see Josh freeze his booty off by jumping in. However, the first one in the pool was SYDNEY!! She stripped off her dress and jumped right in!!! All of my kids, except Thomas, followed suit. And they did not merely jump in and jump out. No, they were SWIMMING!! Getting out and jumping in over and over. We finally had to pull the plug as I am sure hypothermia was not far behind! They had so much fun and I think they are all NUTS! But the McGlynn pool is officially open for the season!

Today I took Sydney to register her for kindergarten. There were many emotions to be had as I watched her doing her testing, all the while turning back to me and waving. Where did the last five years go? She has really matured this year. I'm so proud of her. So, in the fall, I will have four children in school full time. Wow. Whatever will I do???? Take lots of naps :) Or, as Matt says, our house will be really clean. Yeah right.

It's Saturday. For most people, it's the weekend. I wish it were so for us. Matt works on Saturdays so it really just feels like another week day. Grrr, but these days, I am so thankful that he has a job so not much complaining is done.

Today is Emma's friend birthday party. I'm sad for her as we invited 6 girls and only one is coming. She has managed to be very positive and excited regardless. Silly string and water balloons were purchased...why I'm not entirely sure. Probably my way of making it up to her :) I'm really glad I ordered a cake for 20 people! LOL

I washed all of our bedding and hung it out to dry on the line yesterday. It was so great! I LOVE the smell of linens off the line! Summer is on it's way.

Well back to spreading more Tinkerbell pixie dust around...gotta love girl parties!

Today the sun came out. And man, did it change my blahs!! I felt so great!

Yesterday was my Emm'a's 7th birthday. I can hardly believe that she is that old. She is such a beautiful, funny girl and I am blessed to have been her mom these last 7 years! We had a great family party last night and I made a cake! I can't remember the last time I made a birthday cake! But it was yummy and we had a good time. She received another Webkinz which she was tickled about and her very own iPod shuffle. Pics to come! Now the countdown is on for her friend party which is Saturday. A house full of giggling 7 year old girls...oh boy!

Saturday is also Jonah's last boychoir concert. I love seeing him get all dressed up and singing. It's so awesome. It sounds like he will not be continuing with boychoir next year, but it's been a great experience for him.

Next week begins hard core potty training. I am ready to be done with diapers, something we haven't been without in 10 years :) I'm loading up the M&M jar and preparing the carpet cleaner for "oops". Anyone who has potty trained a boy recently, suggestions are welcome! I haven't had to potty train a boy in 8 years and I've forgotten, lol!

I've also joined the Twitter community, not sure why, but it seems cool. I do enjoy knowing what's going on in people's lives and this just makes that a little simpler. So if you are a Twitter-er, follow me and let me know so I can follow you as well!!

I have started many blogs since the last that I posted. My heart has just not been in it. And things seem to be slightly more busy here of late. Enough excuses :)

Things with my friend have leveled off for now. We have seen each other once and it was cordial, although we haven't spoken since. And when there is a friend with whom you used to speak at least once a day, and then there is nothing...that is tough. I'm not sure how to proceed, just kind of waiting and watching.

I feel so uncertain today. The only other "friend" I have is also moving. I feel that there are very few possibilities for friendships where we are, both at home and at church. Blah blah, blah...gotta snap outta this rut.

On a positive note, I sabotaged my husband into re-doing our bathroom. It turned out SO great and I love it!! Even Matt thinks it was a good idea! Score for me! Here are some pics.....









It really looks beautiful and I'm so glad we did it. More normal posts soon!!!

I can't sleep. I've tried. Yes, it is only 9:30, but I am usually fast asleep by now. But my heart is heavy and that does not allow for sleep. And, even though I have tried to avoid it, I find I must pour my heart out here, despite who may or may not see it. My fingers are ready to share my burden.

I have a friend. Revolutionary, right? But you see, I don't make friends easily. Oh, I am friendly and outgoing and I can strike up conversations easily enough. But, there are only two people who I can point to that I have allowed into my life, to see the messy side of who I am....behind the masks and the fakeness that I usually put up for most to see. And I am now terrified that I have lost my friend.

We have had quite the share of ups and downs, this friend and I. We've seen each other through some really rough crap. And, I think, we've always been able to tell each other how we feel. Or, if need be, to call each other out. That's who we are.

I felt the need to call into question something in her life. I don't know if I really should have said anything or not..but that is beside the point as it is already done. She is very angry with me, and hurt. I am sad and so very afraid that I may have lost her.

I am aware that there is a great possibility that she may move...this has been our reality for months now, delicately balancing on our increasingly different lives with the same old same old. We both feel the distance, I think.

I don't know what to do. I love her, so very much. I cannot imagine my life without her in it. She has become as close as a sister to me. And sisters fight. I just don't know how we will come back from this.

My heart is heavy tonight...and as I continue to type, the screen grows blurry through my tears. I don't know if she will see this or not. If so, I hope she sees my heart, that I care for her deeply and my life has been changed for good because I know her, to borrow from my beloved "Wicked". I miss her.

I am here, I know that you, my two readers, have been worried :) It has just taken me this long to get acclimated to being back home. I really didn't think it would be that bog of a deal...but clearly it was. I have been here every day, just not sharing. There just didn't seem anything great to write about after my spectacular journey. But I have missed the feeling of jotting down something....thus, here I am.

Wednesday was the third anniversary of my Grandpa's death. The day was laced with tears, moments that caught me by surprise, a laughter...a true testament to the man that he was. I spent most of my growing up years with him next door, an experience that I would never trade. I miss him every day. As I sat with the kids and we watched the video that we made for his funeral, I was reminded of how much he is still a part of who we are. My children, well all except Thomas, have memories of him which is so special to me. It was a good day.

We start Spring Break as of today. I was optimistic that we would be able to manage the week with the warmer weather...until I looked at the forecast and saw that we are expected to receive 6 inches of snow on Monday. So much for that plan. But we are penciling in other activities and I plan to make the most of every moment that the kids are home. Spring cleaning sounds good, and I can direct :)

We watched Marley and me last night as a family and ended up sobbing! My three biggest kids were crying! It was a wonderful movie, very touching and honest. I really enjoyed it. I also finally bit the bullet and rented Twilight. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. I did enjoy Robert Pattinson as Edward :)

Oh dear, the kid drama is beginning.....

Here's our adventure! It was the best week of my life!

We are home!!! We arrived home late last night and we are exhausted! I have mountains of laundry to do and tons of pics to share, but for now, I'm loving on my kids! Keep checking back, more to come!

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.....

I'M LEAVING ON A JET PLANE!!! Well in a few hours!!

Talk to you all on the flipside!

I'M GOING ON A CRUISE!!!!

Final countdown

The countdown is almost complete. We are almost completely packed, groceries have been purchased for the troops while we are away, the house is coming along nicely, and I am still sane! I'm not quite giddy excited, my guess is that will hit sometime tomorrow. For now, I'm keeping busy and staying focused. I think my little man can sense that we are leaving. He's been following me everywhere and has been asking to be held and snuggled. We've told him that Uncle Joshie and Aunt Berber are coming to stay and he seems excited about that. It's hard to tell exactly how much he gets.

A lot about this trip has surprised me. My latest surprise was about our flight. Now, remember, I haven't been on a plane in 9 years..since before 9/11....so there were many new things. My first discovery was that we had to pay for our luggage...HUH?!?!?! As if the price you are paying to fly isn't enough, pay $25 per suitcase! UGH. Then, last night, as I was viewing our reservation online, I noticed we didn't have assigned seats. Come to find out, you have to PAY if you want seats together!!! I am SOOO glad I found this as we would have gotten onto our flight and I wouldn't even have been able to sit with Matt!!! Ridiculous. But I am going to stop complaining now because in 38 hours, I'll be on my way to a dream vacation with my wonderful husband!!!!

I got an award!!! I've never gotten a blog award, so I am honored. My five little monkeys gave me this....



Apparently she thinks that I tell the truth here. What else could I do...this stuff is too crazy to make up!!! Here are the rules that came with the award: (I knew there was a catch!)

1. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.

2. Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog.

3. List at least 10 honest things about yourself.

Oh boy...here we go!

1. I want more children, not sure if that is biologically or not, but I'd love to have more!

2. I keep a small stash of candy bars in a secret place...shhhh.....

3. I am grossed out by bugs, even ants, it's silly....

4. I dream about Edward Cullen...a lot.

5. I am very guilty of" quick judging" people by their first appearance, it's awful.

6. I cannot for the life of me figure out my son's Transformers....it's just beyond me.

7. I hate seafood, all kinds, fish, shrimp, crab, lobster....UGH

8. I am a freak about traditions, they must be upheld to the letter.

9. I am good friends with several of my ex's....some are even married to my friends!

10. I am going on my first big trip ever in 4 days...you didn't think this list would be complete without ONE thing about the cruise, did you???


And now, the winners of the Honesty award are.....

Becky R, she has such an honest heart and pours it into each blog she writes
Mindy S, she has it all together and is brutally honest

Rhen, she is pregnant with #7 and I love her funny honesty!

Misty, her honesty is beautifully written and eloquent

Becky H, I love reading about her adventures!

MckMama, she is a beautiful example of honesty

Brittany, six kids and she isn't afraid to tell it like it is!!!

Congrats!!!

Guess what I just heard??!!?!?!?! THUNDER!!! I know it seems silly to be so excited about thunder, but it means that spring really will come eventually. It's also pouring rain, and I don't mean a gentle soaking rain, I mean a flash flood sort of rain. But anything is better than snow, so BRING IT ON!!

As we were getting ready for the cruise, a few friends suggested that we go tanning to get a nice base tan so we didn't burn in the bright, Caribbean sun. I have always felt that "fake baking" was silly and I saw no need. But, I certainly didn't want to be a lobster on our trip. So off to the tanning beds I went. I was very uncertain. My friends all told me to tan nude. Now, if you know me at all, you know that I am SOOOO self conscious about myself and the thought of being naked, laying in a bed was almost enough to make me leave! But I braved it and in I went. I must say that the warm lights and the way it made me feel were wonderful. I'm still not big on the naked thing, but I'm getting better each time. It has made my skin VERY itchy...anybody have any insight on this? We did switch tanning lotions and that has seemed to help. With any luck, I will have a healthy glow by the time we leave in.......

6 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's 55 degrees outside. It's even, dare I say it, a bit muggy! I can feel storms in the air, so can Bo bo, he's pacing as we speak. And you'd think that I would be thrilled about the warmer air and the possibility of thunderstorms...but I'm not.

We leave a week from tomorrow. It still feels like an eternity away, but I am despairing because my family is sick!!! Well not all of them. Emma was home two days, Thomas is hacking and Matt is sicker than a dog. He even broke down and went to the Dr. yesterday which is HUGE! Alas, it just viral but it seems to be a long one! I am drinking green tea at the speed of light, speaking of which hang on while I grab another mug.....ok thanks. I have every window open and am bleaching everything I can find. I am determined to NOT GET SICK. I refuse to allow any virus to keep me from enjoying this glorious vacation. So there.

As I must return to my virus eradication, I'll leave you with some pics of the girls all ready for Crazy Hair Day at school!

Five...

My baby girl is 5. I don't know how exactly this happened, since I haven't aged at all :) She was my quick mover, running by 9 months and climbing like a spider by 10 months. So literally it feels like she has been a toddler FOREVER. But, as of 11:30 tonight, she will be a non toddler.

She is our funny, beautiful, silly Boo and I just adore her. And this birthday was note worthy because it is our first NON DORA birthday in 5 years!!! We graduated to High School Musical this year! So a happy birthday to my boo, I love you more than words can say!

With the cruise a mere 11 days away, it's a good bet that I will not be speaking of anything else. Well, with the exception of Sydney's birthday which is Wednesday. 11 days away feels like an eternity, but I know that it will be here before I know it. Preparations are in full swing. We dialog with the kids every day about what is expected of them when we are gone and what it will be like. Sydney is so excited to have Aunt Berber (her real name is Amber, but the kids nicknamed her Berber because Aunt Amber was quite a mouthful) here that she keeps asking me, "Mom how much longer till you leave??" I can feel the love.

So this whole process has brought up some interesting things. Matt and I have never been away from the kids for more than a few nights and we have never flown or left the country since they've been born. As we were sitting around my mom's dining room table on Saturday night, she casually asked about our will. I blinked and said, "A will? What will?" It never occurred to me that something could happen on this glorious vacation that I have been waiting ten years to take trip that would make a will necessary. That really caused some major discussion between Matt and I. Who would we want to inherit our children? A quick call to a lawyer friend made us aware that if no written instructions are left, the state removes the children. I burst into tears at the thought of my children trying to process losing both parents and then being split up and put with strangers. Now, I know that God is in control and that, if He decides it's time for Matt and I to come home, than He will take care of my children. I also know that my huge family would sweep in and love and care for our children. But we really had to pray and decide who to ask to be guardians. My parents aren't getting younger and they do have a 12 year old child with CP to contend with already so it seemed unfair to ask them to take guardianship of our kids. After much discussion and prayer, we asked my brother and his wife (the ones staying with the kids) if they would consider taking on that responsibility. They accepted. I have peace now that, in the event of a tragedy, our children will be safe.

Ok, back to the lighthearted side of things....

I LEAVE IN 11 DAYS!!!

Shoes

Shoes...I love them. I could spent LOTS of money on them, well let me correct that. I cannot stand to pay more than $25 on a pair of shoes, but if I had lots of money, I would own thousands of pairs of shoes. Especially high heels, I adore them.


I got a very fancy dress for our "formal" night aboard the cruise. I really didn't want a black dress, but the one I loved turned out to be black. So I thought it would be great to find some really fantastic red shoes to spice it up a bit. Yesterday, my loving husband and I (and Thomas) set out to the mall yesterday to find the perfect shoes. After 5 stores, I was starting to despair that I'd never find THE shoes that were meant for this dress. We tried one last stop and I found these...


Please forgive my lack of painted toe nails :) They are definitely NOT something I would have chosen for any other occasion, but I cannot wait to see how they look with my dress. The best part? They were on clearance from $75 to $15!!! Matt was so happy about that part that he let me get ANOTHER pair! I was one happy lady!

Matt and I were "pre packing" yesterday which really means we were trying to figure out exactly how many things we could take without going over the 50 pound bag rule. And of course, I had to choose shoes. How can I narrow it down? If it were up to me, I'd wear at least two pairs of shoes a day, every day we are on the cruise! There were some tense moments as I really had to get serious and choose only three pairs...3!!!! *sniff sniff* But I managed to get down to three...unless we have a smidgen of room and then I am totally stuffing two more pairs in!

FOR TODAY February 24th…

Outside My Window… It is sunny, but breezy. It's supposed to hit 40 tomorrow..WOO HOO!

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I am thinking… that I should be doing something productive...but this is more fun :)

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I am thankful for… coffee days, I look forward to them so much

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From the kitchen… NADA, we are going out for Chinese tonight!

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I am wearing… my gray yoga pants, a comfy blue shirt...

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I am creating… lists. Lists, lists, and wait, more lists :) Things to pack, things to get done before we go, lists for my brother and sister-in-law regarding the kids....

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I am going… to start tanning next week......never done it before...

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I am reading… nothing right now, all my books are packed and waiting to be read poolside.

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I am hoping… that the next two and a half weeks go by quickly!

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I am hearing… NOTHING! Sydney is at school and Thomas is napping..it's GLORIOUSLY quiet!

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Around the house… I'm starting to get things organized for when we are away, cleaning room by room.

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One of my favorite things… is my quiet afternoons, most of the time I get lots done. But then there is the occasional day where I do NOTHING...it's awesome!

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A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Tomorrow is Matt's day off so we are "practice" packing to see how much we can fit into one suitcase while keeping it under 50 pounds :) Saturday we are moving my brother and his wife into a new apartment, praying it doesn't snow!

Here is picture thought I am sharing…

I didn't notice until I put this picture on here that, not only is this a picture of Sydney, but she had written her name ON THE WALL, IN PEN! You can see it just to the left of her face...stinker.

I have been a lazy blogger lately. Just sort of seems like everyone is hitting that wall of BLAH. Time moves on though...

Matt, Molli and Emma attended the Snow Fairy Ball which is the local Daddy/Daughter dance. This was Emma's first year as she had to stay home last year due to this event. She was on her best behavior this year, because she knew what would happen. A HUGE thanks to my girlfriend Mindy who discovered the girl's dresses at Meijer for a mere $1.50 a piece! We had so much getting them all dolled up and ready. Here's a peek...







They really had blast, Emma's response when asked about the night was priceless...she let out a big sigh, closed her eyes and said, "It was magical." LOL, she cracks me up!


There are less than 20 days till the cruise and to say I am weary of waiting would be an understatement. It feels farther away now than it did in December! But I know it will be here and gone before I know it. We are taking the laptop so I will try and blog while away. But for now, I'll just keep waiting....

Another round of snow this past weekend has me wondering if spring will EVER come. Of course, I know it will...it would just be nice if it was SOON!

Jonah had his first spring Boychoir concert yesterday, I'll get some pics of that up soon.
Ok, well off to find something productive to do :)

Yesterday got away from me...I was so caught up in the day. My oldest hit double digits yesterday. Holy cow. How did this happen? How did I not see this coming? He is my beautiful boy....always was, always will be. I'll never forget that moment ten years ago when the nurse handed me my first child....words can never describe the love, worry, fear, and joy that washed over me at that moment. So here's to another year with my ever changing boy...