Rough Life

This is what I do in my spare time! Actually it was L's idea - at least that is my story (-: My toes turned out well, but my red nails with EXTRA glitter are a bit much for my taste. lol.

Christmas Gift

Ok, here is my Christmas gift.... I am getting a bathroom in my basement YIPPEEEEEEEE! So glad that Ben and my Dad are so very handy! When the house was built the builder didn't rough the bathroom in so the guys had to cut through the concrete and find the pipes. They even let the kids help by filling the buckets with rocks at a quarter a bucket. Everyone did a great job! On a side note, we are so very thankful for our Carbon Monoxide detectors - scary - please put one in your house! Ben has been working on getting the walls up this week and we have the toilet, sink, shower, and tiles for the floor ready to go. Having a bathroom down there is going to be so handy! I know my Mom will appreciate it since the 'guest room' is down there. Maybe we will actually get around to finishing the whole basement this summer. She wouldn't know what to do with herself down there!
All poor Ben got for Christmas was a watch, tie, and a WHOLE lot of work (-:

Christmas 2009 part 2

We got together with Ben's brothers and their families the day after Christmas for a fun time. Lauren got a hair dresser set and loved that her big cousin Madison was willing to play Salon with her! Since she wants to be a hair dresser when she gets bigger I am sure this will get a lot of use! The boys got two big Star Wars things the year so have been well entertained. Also got a large, enclosed, indoor trampoline that has been great for that energy they are building over their winter break!
We are very blessed to have such great families on both sides!

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. We were lucky enough that Ben's off days fell so that we could enjoy Christmas with my parents this year in Indy. Santa remembered almost all the gifts (whoops) and ended up forgetting a gift for the ONE child that actually believes in him! Since we only give one gift from Ben and I and 3 from Santa (representing the 3 gifts from the Wisemen) it made a difference. Thankfully I was able to wrap one of his stocking stuffers so he never knew the difference. D's birthday is a few days after Christmas so I just threw it into that pile! I will post the Christmas gift I got this year in a minute (-:

Girls Night Out

Lauren, Aunt Kande, Madison and I took an evening for shopping, dinner and nails. Shopped at Justice for Madison's Christmas gifts then got the younger girls nails done. Madison and Lauren both got red and green for Christmas. Turned out really cute. Not sure what it is with the Wilsons, but out of all the places to eat that we had to choose from, the girls insisted we eat at Skyline! We all had a great time and will have to make this an annual event! Maybe next year I can talk them into upgrading the dinner!

Dance

Lauren had been taking tap and ballet at a little place down the road. She is enjoying it and looks forward to her class each week. This month they put on a 'recital' for a local nursing home. The kids hadn't been practicing this routine long, so am sure was funny to watch. Because it was a small area only one adult per child was allowed (main recital is in May) but we snuck Papaw in with Ben anyway!

Letter to Santa

Bj's 2nd grade class is learning to write letters. They had an assignment to write a letter to Santa. The basic form they were given was 1. Tell Santa about me, 2. Tell Santa about the presents, 3. Tell Santa why I deserve the presents, 4. Ask questions. Here is what he wrote:

Dear Santa,

I am getting almost all my work done at school. My pills are helping me and I am getting used to them now. I am funny.
There are many things I would like for Christmas. Will you please bring me a new puppy just like Jax? I hope I get a real bebee Gun. Please give me a cellphone. These are the things I really want.
This is why I deserve some presents. I got almost all my work done at school. I have been good almost all year. I have also been healthy almost all year. I hope to see some presents under the tree for me.
Is Rudolph your favorite reindeer and does he really lead your sleigh? How many reindeer do you have? What time do you give kids toys?
Merry Christmas

Love,
Bj

Adoption Update

Was told that the paperwork issue would be done and approved in two weeks. That was up LAST monday. Emailed social worker Monday to find out one of the supervisors that has to sign it is in the hospital. Praying for a speedy recovery and a fast signature!!!!

Background Change

Due to several complaints that the last background made the text too difficult to read I have changed it! Was sad to find that my prior pick was the only Christian background available. I am so lucky to have so many family and friends that put their love of Christ first. It scares me how few people can say that about the those who they share their lives with. I hope to see more people in mainstream society remembering the real reason for this season.
If anyone knows of another website that allows you to use their backgrounds free, please let me know. I would like to put the Christ back into my CHRISTmas background.

Adoption Update

Well, our worker came out last week for a home visit. Found out that there was an error on some of the paperwork that she turned in. So, now she has to fix all that and get it approved AGAIN by both of her supervisors. We LOVE our social worker and feel very lucky to have her, but AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone makes mistakes, everyone makes mistakes.... We had hoped to finalize by Halloween and now it doesn't even look like we will finalize by the end of the year. It is very sad. L needs this closure. She has asked multiple times when she will be adopted. She has yet to tell Ben or I that she loves us, but know that she is 'attached'. I honestly think that she is holding back until the adoption is complete. My heart just breaks for her.

Thanksgiving 2009

Had Braden's 6th birthday this month. My kids are growing so fast! L's birthday will be next - a few days before Christmas. D's will be quickly following her a few days after Jesus' birthday. Makes for a crazy couple months, but wouldn't change my life for anything!
Spent a wonderful Thanksgiving in Indy this year. Thursday was with my side at my parent's home and then after the craziness of Black Friday got together with my Mom's side of the family for even more games, food and fun. We had our traditional pizza dinner and LOTS of cookies, pies, and card games. The younger children have so much fun whenever we get together with all of the cousins. Of the little ones, my 7 year old was the oldest, then there were two 6 year olds, three 5 year olds, one 3 year old, two 2 year olds, one 1 year old and two under 1. Another 2 year old and two more under 1 were not able to join us this year. It always amazes me that anytime they get together we don't have any fighting among them (other than some battles between my own)! I did see some agression among the adults over a game of spoons, though. lol.
I wish we lived closer so that I could be with my family more often, but I always enjoy the time that we do get.

Happy Halloween!

Still waiting on the adoption to be finalized. Was hoping that would be completed by now. Will post as soon as we find out something...


Here are our Halloween pictures! We have had a busy week. Trick or Trunk at church Wednesday, and a fall festival today. We won the prize for the "Best Family Theme" today. Got a gift card to the movies. More trick or treating tonight. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are continueing our tradition and coming over to join us. Their new little one will be Yoda to help complete our theme. Ben has to work tonight so will miss out! I am sure he will be plenty busy with all of the teens and preteens that will be on the loose tonight.

My family finally seems on the mend. Ben and I had strep and then just as Ben was getting better, he and Braden came down with the stomach flu that one of the daycare kids brought us. Thought we were in the clear and then Lauren and one of the babies I watch caught it. The baby passed it on to her parents who are both down today. The Mom actually had to go to the hospital to get rehydrated since she is pregnant. This bug is crazy! I have cleaned the surfaces off my house yet it just kept spreading. We went through two cans of Lysol, 2 containers of Clorox wipes, plus my regular cleaners! I have never had anything like it.

I currently have one child that goes to Kindergarten with my two, an 18 month old, 11 month old, Drew (half day), and twins that are only here for 15 minutes to wait for the bus with Drew. After Christmas break the 11 month old will be a big sister so will also have the newborn. I really hope we don't get that bug back again!!!!!!!!! I love that I only watch teacher's children but teachers are exposed to all these germs over and over! I think I should have a decontamination room added to my house that they have to go through everyday before they come in...

Lauren's Happenings

Lauren has been BEGGING to be put in gymnastics since she came to us. Everytime she saw something to do with gymnastics it is all we would hear about for days. We finally agreed and put her in gymnastics. After ONE lesson she has decided she is done. WHAT??????? I have made her finish this month since it is paid for. Thought she might change her mind, but hasn't. Next month she will start dance and see how that goes. Dance is less expensive so can't say I am sorry (-:
Here is a picture of her on her first day. She cracks me up.

Bj Happenings

Bj has started soccer again this year. Braden didn't want to play because he was afraid he would get 'muddy'. Lauren didn't play soccer because after a year of her asking we finally agreed to put her in gymnastics - more about that on the next post. Poor Drew is still not old enough but will be in the Spring.
Anyway, Bj is having a great time. Not the most competitive child, but still enjoying it. He has decided this year that he wants to be goalie -- NOT MY BABY!!!!!!!! He does his best and I try to keep my mouth shut. Any position would be fine with me, just not that one! Hoping it will wear off. He only plays goalie for a quarter or two per game. The coach is pretty good about rotating the kids around.
Last school year and the begining of this one, Bj had trouble getting his work done at school. He was the student of the week a couple weeks ago. One of the things he got to do was bring something to school to 'teach' the children about. He wanted to take his Grandma's Go Chair! So... we got a little behavior chart and he had to earn it by getting his school work done. He did (barely) and had a GREAT time. Grandpa and Grandma and Go Chair went to the class and then had lunch with Bj. Still talks about it. Since then he has rarely brought any school work home. Guess it is true that Grandparents can fix anything!

First Day of School

Here are some first day of school pics. I always take the kids shopping for a back to school outfit plus another shirt or two (if they are cheap enough!). Bj and Braden decided to pick matching StarWars shirts. I was suprised when they even came down in matching shorts!
These pictures are actually my second round. My first pictures got lost during the downloading. I am still very sick over that. Thankfully I did that right after Bj go on the bus so was able to take more before the others went to Kindergarten and when they all got home. Sad, sad day...
Drew's preschool didn't start until after Labor Day so he had to stay home with me. I do love this picture of him waving to the Kindergarten bus!

Renovations

This is what we did to our house this summer. My Dad helped with the floors. Some of the kids were better helpers then others. Someday when the next owner of this house pulls the tiles up there will be a colorful floor to great them! Didn't know that children could be so entertained by coloring on the floor!

Shedding Wheels

Here is a new trick that Lauren and Braden learned during our stay at Grandpa and Grandma's.

Cousins

Here is our newest cousin, Scarlett, big sister Lilli and my kiddos.

Summer Fun

I have so much to catch up on! Summer went flying by. In July we stayed at my parent's house for 2 weeks while Ben took the Bar Exam (will get the results back in October). We had a great time and went to Conners Praire a couple times. That is a great place to take the kids. A lot of 'hands on' things for them to do, hot air balloon ride, and plenty of walking to wear them out. Also went to the zoo, parks/creeks, cousin's houses, and swimming. I can't remember if we ended up making it to the Children's Museum or not. Had lots of fun things to fit in! Not sure Mom and Dad's house will ever be the same...

Family Pics

New Little Family Member

My niece, Scarlett Corinne Mohler was born last Saturday. She is the cutest little thing. Can't wait to get some pictures up on the blog of her. I forgot my camera when I went to see her last weekend (BOO)! Am leaving tomorrow with the kids to Indy for two weeks. We are invading my parent's home so that Ben can study for the Bar Exam. Hope to post pics soon.

Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Had court last week. The biological parent's of L & D had their parental rights terminated. We are officially the adoptive placement for them! The bio family does have 30 days to appeal. We are hoping they won't as it will add another year onto the adoption process. At this point (if no appeal) we hope to finalize the adoption in October. Thanks to all for the many, many, prayers!

-- I am waiting to hear from my social worker if I can now post their cute little faces on my blog...

Last Day of School Party!

I am not a big birthday party kinda girl, so decided we would start a new tradition and throw a Last Day of School party. I put on the invitation that rain canceled so I am not a COMPLETE nut. Only hitch was that it started to rain right as children were getting off the bus. Several children did not come because of that, but those who knew me called and had them come on over since we seemed to be on the very edge of the storm system. Between those children and the one's that got off the bus with my children we had about 20 in attendance. We ate our ice cream sundae's while it rained. Weather cleared up just after we had finished up so went outside for slip-n-slide races, water balloon fights, a cheese maze, and a water game. Had a blast. Could not have pulled it off without my Mother and Sister-in-law, Elicia who also got to come watch L & D's preschool programs that day. I have to say Drew was the CUTEST plum (from the book The Hungry Caterpillar) ever! Lauren's group did a cute little song.