Dashing through December...

So at the end of each month I print out a calendar for the next month and write down everything coming up. Once I have it all down, I transfer it to the big eraseable calendar that hangs in our dining room. I am little behind this month since I haven't been feeling well but boy do we have lots on tap.

Tomorrow we have a park day with our homeschool group, Christmas parade and craft fair on Saturday and church on Sunday. Monday D & T's Dad comes into town to keep them for a few days. T turns 12 on the 6th (man, am I getting OLD) AND we have a field trip on Thursday.

Between field trips, rec days, holiday parties, parades, church, etc we are packed! And, I couldn't be happier. This is my favorite time of year and this year I get to do it like I always dreamed we could. Decorating, baking, wrapping presents... we get to do everything together. I am so blessed.

"Mommy, I LIKE going to school with you!"

LOL

Music to my ears today. Little D is doing pretty well, I think. He doesn't sit and do long periods of work but instead does 2 or 3 worksheets, plays for while, reads a few books, plays some more and then comes back for more workheets. I am already pulling 1st grade worksheets for him in Math and while I was planning on buying a boxed curriculum to start with him after Christmas, I now hesitate because I think a K set may be a waste of money. Guess I need to start researching again. Fun, fun...

On another note I heard a new tactic today for trying to "talk" me out of homeschooling. Mom told me that she was discussing me pulling D out this week with a friend of hers who said "Goodness, she has 12 more years to go!" Mom said "I didn't even THINK about it until she said it... that is a LONG time!" I chuckled a little and let her keep talking. Actually, as big D and I discussed tonight, I have about 18 more years of it since T is only a year old. But, hey, no need to mention that just yet.

But, truth be known, I have to give Mom some credit it was a nice try and actually not one I had heard before... A for effort. hehehehe

I am getting used to it and we are all getting better with our comebacks. After my Meme saw Dr Phil the other day she told us all about the girl who had her life ruined because she wasn't prom queen or cheerleader. D looked at me and said "Wow, good thing D probably won't want to be either of those things!"

Irritated...

The main reason my Mom didn't want me to bring Little D home to school was because she has been SOOOO worried about it taking away from the older boys who have been doing so well. Not to say it has been all sunshine and roses - in fact, I have still been having some of the same problems with my middle son that we had in school. He is famous for not finishing things or just writing aimlessly but we have been working on it. Well, I brought Little D home on Monday and have been working with him some. BUT, I have been really sick since Saturday and have napping anytime the baby does because I feel so awful. Usually, I check work every night and anything that isn't done, I reassign for the next day with a stern note and some game time taken away. Last night, I didn't check because I went to bed when they did. Today, when I ask T if he had finished everything he assured me he had - I even ask about two very long Math sheets I know he had to do and again, he told me yes, he had. Tonight, since I had a burst of energy, I sat down to check work. Well, T did about 10% of his work from yesterday and less than that today. No Math has been done for either day. I am livid. Various reasons of course, one because he flat out lied when I ask but also because he has taken complete advantage of my not feeling well. Of course, I can't tell my Mom because she defends him about everything and will tell me it is because D is home. I know for a fact that isn't it. This would have happened regardless. I did wake him up and tell him no games, no tv and no outside until next week. Tomorrow he and I will having a LONG talk and I will go back to checking each assignment as he finishes it each day. I hate having to do that but I don't know what else to do. Grrrrr.... off to take more meds and get some sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a LONG day!

Menu Plan Monday

This is from Organizing Junkie

Monday - Ham Fried Rice & Eggrolls (since I didn't make it last week)
Tuesday - Golden Chicken & Noodles (from Taste of Home)
Wednesday - Spaghetti Casserole
Thursday - Out to Eat
Friday - Peachy-Keen Chicken
Saturday - Meatloaf
Sunday - Chicken & Cornbread Stuffing Casserole

I did it...

I went and withdrew little D from school this morning. It finally took older D telling me on Saturday - YES, JUST DO IT! LOL

The office staff was nice and friendly until they ask where we were moving to and I said 'nowhere'. When they found out we would be homeschooling they became a little short and exchanged looks with pursed lips.

Oh, well, we are now a house full of homeschoolers. :o) I feel soooo much better now.

School... sometimes it makes me shake my head!

Today was little D's Thanksgiving program. He was a pilgrim!! I just couldn't get over the amount of kindergarten kids they have in the school. His teacher approached me again about if I was *really* taking him out of school and if so, it was going to be after Christmas, right? When I told her No, it would be after Thanksgiving she told me all the fun things they would be doing during the holidays. ~sigh~

On another note I got a letter from the school telling me that he has missed 3 days. The letter said after 3 more I would get another letter and at 10 days I would have attend some truancy class. Strange!

Want to see some pictures???

T enjoying Menu Plan on Monday - LOL




Mommy and Miss T











Worksheets Little D did on his own tonight. Exactly why we will be taking him out! His class won't get to this level until Spring of next year!!

Menu Plan Monday

This is from Organizing Junkie

Monday - Spaghetti with meatsauce, salad, garlic bread
Tuesday - Creamed Chicken & Rice (didn't get to this last week)
Wednesday - Hamburgers
Thursday - Thanksgiving!!!
Friday - Out to Eat
Saturday - Leftovers (maybe Ham Fried Rice - just saw this on someone else's and went YUMM - lol)
Sunday - Crockpot Pineapple Chicken*

I made porkchops like this last week, everyone was licking their plates so I am going to see how coverting it to chicken works. It is basically desired meat, can of diced pineapples (with juice), brown sugar and soy sauce.

I HATE BANKS!!!

A few months back I back I had some major problems with my bank. I spent 2 days on the phone with them and finally ended up with an apology from a supervisor and a straightening out of my account. At that time D begged me to go to his credit union and drop the bank. I told him no, I was going to stay because while it was a hassel at the time, they had fixed it. Well, my Dad who also had an account with them at the time changed banks because he said they were idgits - LOL! I guess I should have listened. I have spent all morning on the phone with the bank, once again. The same thing that happened last time has happened again. The girl, however, says that this time it is not their fault and is telling me something completely different than the supervisor told me last time. Grrrr.... I ask her if there had been a policy change from a few months ago and she told me no. When I recounted my experience last time she told me that obviously the supervisor apologized and fixed things just to be nice! HUH????

All of this is over 73 cents and the date posted on their online which apparently doesn't reflect when something is actually paid!!! I am livid. I guess I will be sheepishly asking D to take me over to his credit union next week. I hate having to start over with a new bank. :o(

The Clothing Fairy...

Today the kids and I stopped at the library to return and check out books. As we were leaving I saw T asking a lady politely to be excused as she was standing in front of the drop book for returned books. I noticed that after speaking to him and apologizing that she was sizing him up.

We went out to the car, the boys got in and I was hooking in the baby. Suddenly I hear "Excuse me, Miss?" I turn around and it is the same lady from inside pulled up behind me in a top of the line SUV. She apologizes for being so forward and says that something possessed her to stop me. She said that she was on her way to take some clothes her son had outgrown to the local private school for a sale. Apparently, T looked to be a little smaller than her son and she said that she would love to leave them with me if I would like them. She explained that they were all pressed and hung on hangers and again said she was sorry for approaching me. She kept saying that something was telling her to approach me.

I told her that I would be happy to have them if she was sure it was okay. She got out of her car, opened the back and pulled out a bunch of hangers. On them were two what appear to be almost brand new pairs of Gap jeans and 6 nicely pressed short sleeved shirts. I told her that I would be happy to take them and thanked her over and over. When I got in the car and took a closer look I realized that everything was perfectly sized and that the shirts were nice button down and golf type shirts from Polo, Hilfiger, etc. I was stunned. Having 4 kiddos, these aren't brands I buy. Shoot, who I am kidding, the stores I shop in don't even carry those brands - LOL! Just kidding! But, seriously, these are really nice clothes.

I had to smile as I told my Mom and D of my good fortune. I found it funny how she kept saying that something told her to stop me. Since we have become more active in the church, I have been looking to buy the boys some nicer shirts than the teen uniform of t-shirts they live in - LOL. While we can afford to buy new shirts (not these brands but new), I am happy that we now have some nice, gently used clothes and that the money I was planning on using for that can now roll into Christmas.

God does provide and sometimes where you least expect it.

Prayers All Around...

My post is an unusual one, I think. I would merely like to ask that you keep some very dear and special people to me in your thoughts and prayers. They each have their own battles and own hurts. Knowing they are in pain hurts me tremendously.

First, my DB who is going through a really rough time right now. I don't think he realizes how when an door closes a window opens. I don't think spiritually he knows where to *look*. He is in a lot of pain right now and I wish that I could make it go away. For now, he is shutting everyone out and dealing with it on his own. I pray for his safety and his sanity. As of now, I fear the destructive path he is on...

Second, a very dear friend of mine is going through a rough time. Turning to me in a time of crisis, for which I am very honored, I did my best to offer support and suggestions. I will praying with my friend tonight as I know they are needed. I am asking God to grant my friend the strength needed to handle whatever may happen. I love you, dear friend and want you to know that I am always here to lend a shoulder and an ear.

And lastly, I myself am in a bit of a quandry - stuck between two sides - two sets of people whom I love very dearly. I would never want to choose between one and the other. I know it isn't intentional on their parts but sometimes I feel as though they want me to make a choice. It isn't fair and it is very painful. Sometimes I don't think they realize how difficult it is for me. I cried my fair share of tears today. I have also prayed a lot and I am hoping that some guidance comes soon and that both sides of this issue can some to terms before it makes me go insane.

Thank you for any prayers and good thoughts you can offer. Life is a very funny, exciting and sometimes scary thing. Faith and Love are two of strongest forces I know .

Menu Plan Monday

This is from Organizing Junkie

Monday - BBQ Sausage
Tuesday - Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
Wednesday - Out to Eat
Thursday - Pork Roast
Friday - Meatballs
Saturday - Creamed Chicken & Rice
Sunday - Make Your Own Pizzas

Extra - Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

My November Goals...

What I want to do - not what will actually happen. ROTFL

1) Finish or get close to finishing the wedding piece for D's friends
2) Stitch bookmarks for boys stockings
3) Finish fishy flatfold for Little D's room
4) FINALLY start on Mom's camel for Christmas
5) Buy at least half of the presents needed for the kids
6) Purchase some more books for when I bring Little D home to homeschool
7) Clean up/rearrange living room for tree AND recliner I want to get D for Christmas
8) Make out holiday *baking plans* so boys can help out
9) Move T to crib for good (not just sometimes like now)
10) Rearrange pantry for holiday grocery shopping

I am sure there are more but that is all I can think of right now. ;o)

My son the author! hehehe

Some of you know the school deal with little D so I have been working with him at home until we take him out. Well, he has been writing his "vocabulary/sight" words for several weeks now. They are A, The, Said, My, That, Are, Is, etc. He is also reading short books. Beyond that he hasn't really written anything at school or here. So, last night he sitting on the couch next to me and he is writing his sight words for the millionth time. I tell him we should write some sentences. That intrigued him so he ask what I meant. I explained that he could write some sentences like The car is fast. Hmmm... he likes this idea. I also explain about the period and what it does. So he then writes some sentences: The cat is fat. That dog is bad. The car is red. My feet smell. (lol) He is so excited. We are excited and making a HUGE deal over it. So I tell him. Wow, you can write a story!!! You can tell his mind is reeling. His eyes get huge and his mouth drops open. He looks at me and Daddy and says "Ohhh, I can write a BOOK!" Gotta love a man with high expectations.

Daddy was VERY impressed because it took all of about 15 mins and he when little D left to tell the boys he turned to me and said "And all he does at school is take the test".

Here is a picture of the sheet he just brought me.


And here HE is in this Veteran's Day stuff!

Heyyyy... Baby!

I forgot what it was like when they start understanding and trying to talk. T is hysterical to all us! She will point to a baby doll and say "Baby" and we will say "Oh, that's a baby!' To which she always shakes her head and says "YES!" hehehehe And when you walk into a room she will say "HEYYYY" - it is sooo cute! Oh, and eye. When you ask her where her eye is she will touch her nose and laugh. When you say "NO, that's your NOSE!" She will then put her finger to her eye and say "Yes, EYE!"

Now she has also started cruising and trying to stand up in the middle of the room not holding on to anything. I think it won't be too long now before she starts walking. I told the boys they needed to look out when that happens! LOL

Between her antics and little D wanting sound out and read everything there is never a dull OR quiet moment around here. I LOVE IT!

Happiness

How do you measure happy? How can you tell if you are happy? Not in a sense of content and cared for but really and truly happy? I am plagued all the time by what ifs. What if I had not divorced my ExDH? Of course the obvious of not having Little D and Miss T but beyond that... what if I got back with him one day? Would it be better? Would I hate myself for leaving in the first place? I did almost go back one time but didn't and now have so much to show for my choice. What if I had kept my job and not decided to homeschool? The obvious of the boys still being in school, T being in daycare, me being unhappy with the job but beyond that... what if I never go back to work? Or, when I want to, what if I can't find a job? I think that somewhere in my mind I know that I worry too much. Ok, that isn't accurate, I guess. I mean, I KNOW I worry too much and much of the time it is about things that I have no control over. I need to stop second guessing and be content in my decisions, not look back and look forward and above all satified with who I am and what I have without doubt! I feel like I am happy with all of that but wonder if my constant what if problem clouds my happiness. Hmmmm... interesting thought.

I love D and my children with all of my heart. I love my family and my friends. I love my life and I love that I am able to stay with my kids and learn from them and with them. Love is happiness as far as I can tell. Can you be happy and have doubt? Well, I think that is inevitable. We are human afterall and not without fault. Maybe I am wrong... great, one more thing to worrying about. LOL

Thought I would try to join in this week!

I thought I would try this week and see if I can stick to it. LOL This is from Organizing Junkie

Monday (soccer night) - Spaghetti, Salad and Bread
Tuesday - Pancakes and Sausage
Wednesday - Chicken & Gravy with rice
Thurday (soccer night) - Hamburgers
Friday - Smoked Sausage & Potatoes
Saturday - Out to Eat or Pulled Pork Egg Rolls if I am feeling brave - LOL
Sunday - Fiesta Meatloaf (on Laura's menu and just looked Yummy)

Back to the grind and WAYYYY too much candy!

We went to Target tonight to pick up a few things. Leave it to us to go when they are marking the Halloween candy 75% off. We got a TON of candy for $11 - we are talking about a dozen plus bags. No clue what we will do with it all but D just kept loading more into the cart ~sigh~. He is horrible to shop with, I mean, last time I took him with me to Target we ended up with one of those Thanksgiving editions of the Jones Sodas. You know, the one that has flavors like Turkey & Dressing, Sweet Potato and Peas? Yuck!!! Not sure what he plans to do with it just yet.

Tomorrow we get back to somewhat normal. Two soccer games and ExDh is coming down for D's game. He hasn't seen him play. He is so excited about getting to come. He is an avid soccer player and is upset that he isn't around to help out, coach, etc. His best friend (D's godfather) was a player on the Austria soccer team years back and was one of the top ranked players over there. So, needless to say, soccer is a HUGE deal. We get along very well and it is always nice to see him. I don't think Daddy D sees it that way but oh well, the boys love that we get along and so do I!

My Mom just sent me an email titled "Natural Highs" and here is the list...
1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke.
24. Friends.
25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
26 Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).
28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
29. Playing with a new puppy.
30. Having someone play with your hair.
31. Sweet dreams.
32. Hot chocolate.
33. Road trips with friends.
34. Swinging on swings.
35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
36. Making chocolate chip cookies.
37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
38 Holding hands with someone you care about.
39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
41. Watching the sunrise.
42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
43. Knowing that somebody misses you.
44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
45. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

The last one made me smile. She was really unhappy when we first started homeschooling although she admits now that it is working for us. BUT, she doesn't agree that I should bring little D home this year - she thinks we should keep him in school until next year. I find it interesting that she sent me this with a note about #45... I guess even when she disagrees, she knows I will make the right decision. Gotta love her!!!

Watching her sleep...

Forgive me while I drift a bit... I am sitting here and a few feet away from me my precious baby girl is sound asleep. Her little feet crossed at the ankles - her perfect little toes peeking out from the ends of her princess pjs. She is so beautiful, I almost want to cry. I have done so much in my life that I am not proud of and so many more things that I would never want anyone to know about and it makes me wonder... what in this world did I do to deserve this precious little angel? This perfect little one from God. Was she sent to save me? What she sent to remind me what things are most important? She is never far from me. I just can't bear it. Even at night, I sleep as close to her as I can. It is so strange. I don't remember being like this before she came along. I love my children and they are the most important people in my life. I had my boys and they were wonderful and perfect and I could not have ask for anything more. Sometimes, I think, I took for granted that they were around. I didn't realize the special gift I had been given. I didn't think I could love any more than I did when I looked at my three boys. But, he knew, somehow he realized that we were not complete, I was not complete. She came at a most unexpected time and I could not be any more thankful. I smile as I look at her, the sweet little face of pure joy. I don't know what I would be without her. She is making me a better Mother. I better person. She will look to me as an example of how to be a woman. For that reason, I must be sure to be the best person I can. I imagine that in 10 years she will probably not think as much of me as she does now. But I know that that will pass. I doubt she will long to be wrapped in my arms, sit outside the bathroom door whimpering and follow me down the hall wanting attention as she does now. At one time I would have thought that a little annoying... I would have relished the thought of having a few me moments. But they are no longer needed... I don't need any moments that are me - I only need moments that are 'we' - me and my kiddos. I wish she could stay this way for longer than just a year. She is a wonder to me. She brings out the very best in all of us. She brings a smile to her Daddy's face that is reserved only for her. She lights up when her two oldest brothers come into a room and they light up as well. They argue over who get to hold her next. My youngest acts a fool for her and she rewards him with a fit of giggles. There is no jealousy. There are no complaints. Oh, I know there will be as she gets older but right now, we all enjoy her so much. When I married D and had little D, there was something not quite right. It was us and them as far as my older boys were concerned but now we are all Us... and she is a big part of that. She is stirring now and in a bit I will go and cover her up again. Brush her hair out of her face and run my fingers over her tiny little toes. During the night I will wake up several times just to check on her. Tomorrow morning she will wake me with her cries and I will smile. When she throws cereal on the floor, unbobbins all my thread and says "Uhhh - ohhhh" as she pulls dvds out of the entertainment center, I will smile. She brings out the best in all of us and she doesn't even know it. She is truly a blessing for our family. Wonderful, beautiful, perfect... I love her so much. Thank you for believing in me and trusting me and blessing me. I am the luckiest person in the world and it only took one little beautiful face to make me see it. And her face makes me appreciate it all... the tough times, the trying time, my life, my loves and most of all being a Mom to the most intelligent, beautiful, precious children in the world. Thanks for the reminder - I will cherish it always.

Book Worm

I used to be an avid reader. My oldest son is following me. We went to library yesterday and he checked out book 4 in the Pendragon series. He started it the second we left yesterday and finished it today. He is always anxious to write his book reports and told me tonight that he could hardly wait until Monday. LOL

While we were there getting some books on the Middle Ages, I walked through the adult section to find the cross stitch books. Well, on a table I saw a section set up which included the book "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Monk Kidd. I had seen the previews for the movie that starred Kim Basinger but never actually watched it. So, I decided to check it out figuring that if I found the time I would read it but if not I would return it in 2 weeks just like so many other books. LOL

Today when I took the boys to park day I stuck the book in the diaper bag at the last moment. We got to the park at 1:00 pm and I started it shortly after. Needless to say, I finished it about an hour ago. Aside from driving, cooking dinner and two diaper changes, I did not put it down. I read straight through and was bawling like a baby at the end. I haven't read a book straight through in forever. WOW! It is an AWESOME book. I love the writing style. She doesn't dumb things down - she uses words and phrases and topics that intelligent women will relate to!!! THANK YOU!

Next week we are going back so that D can get book 5 and I will be checking out her first book "The Secret Life of Bees". I will let you know how it is! LOL

The list spreads like wildfire...

Never fails. The same thing happens every time. Someone posts on the first day of the month "Hoffman's is up!" Usually, I am good. I don't kill myself to get there. I take my time, usually waiting until the second or third day before I wander over to take a look. (snicker inserted here) Whether it is the first or the third day, it's always the same. I scan the list. In my mind I think "Nahhh... nothing this month, for sure!" Then I go back, looking this time specifically for the ones I know might have something I HAVE to have... I click and I look. I make notes, I ALWAYS make notes. Never fails. After that, I go back to the beginning of the list, this time clicking all, even ones I KNOW won't have anything that appeals to me and most of the time (notice I said most) they don't have anything I am dying for - that, is a good thing. Has there ever been a month where there is nothing I want or need or have to have? No, not one that I can recall. There is always ONE at least ONE.

This month? Well, I went over at the first posting. This time I was certain there would be none. Scan, click, back to the top, click, click, click, click. Annnddddd, there it is. One I HAVE to have. ~sigh~ Off to my crazy list... oh well, there is always next month. I have hope. ;o)