Poor blog...

I am not sure why, I haven't posted more regularly. Those of you that blog, know that it's typical to compose posts in your head that never make it to the computer.
Maybe for lack of direction, I will go ahead and do a highlighted version of the last couple of months.
January is generally a dark and cold month around these parts, but this has been such a mind winter, Amy and I were able to walk on the reg, and had very little snow or ice to deal with.
February was equally warm and we walked our little hearts out. And so far March hasn't been great. I am wanting to keep things going, but for some reason I am not feeling it. A change of routine is probably in store, but what... With Mr. Workin' not here half the mornings, it's hard to get away.

My 7 year old...

We had a rough start to the school year this year with the Wy-guy. I have always known he is quite bright and willing to work to learn. But at the beginning of first grade we weren't seeing either quality. He was getting in trouble for laughing and talking during class time. There were days when he was missing a good portion of his recess as a punishment for acting out. We talked to him and grounded him and at one point, I even spanked him. Nothing seemed to be getting the message across. Then, nearly as mysteriously as these naughty behaviors appeared...they vanished, leaving a typical seven boy's behavior in their place. Whew~what a relief.
His personality is bursting from his little self lately. And really, he's not little either, I think he is pushing 70ish lbs. It's fun to hear him exploring with sarcasm and his sense of humor. He has begun to appreciate the feeling of making others happy or laugh.
He makes me nearly burst with pride.
Thanks to Amy for capturing this goofy moment. :)

Happy New Year!

I haven't written in FOREVER! Perhaps a month by month recap of 2011 would make me feel for caught up, if that is even possible at thsi stage of the game. As it turns out, four kids is a lot.
January~ The great wait. I spent the whole month on my bed, thikning the baby was going to come at any moment.
February~ Coldest month in MT history, and the month we met our baby Mac!
March~ Another cold month. We had sleepless nights and countless snuggles via Mac! Wrestling tournament as a family to cheer on Wy-guy.
April~ I was crabby looking back on it, having a new baby was weighing on me. We had a fun Easter in Wyoming, but I was brabby then too.
May~ An awesome family vacation in Kuaui.
June~ It took a couple of weeks, but we settled into a fun summer routine.
July~ We had a summer fun and good family time.
August~ Swimming lessons! and a trip to Wyoming.
September~ Back to school and the routine of school days.
October~ Amy and I started walking! Football, and dance, and the Gala.
November~ Busy times! Mac growing and changing so fast.
December~ Feeling better about stuff. Nice Holiday season.

That is just the nitty gritty, of course.

Long Summer Afternoon MEME

Have you hung out with anyone today? Who? My chics. Wyeth, Ella, Fara, and Mac.
Are you hiding anything? Yes, a skinny girl.
What's your status on Facebook? Something about what a horrible teacher I would be.
What's your favorite kind of gum? Peppermint...
When's the last time you've had sex? No Comment.
What sites are you on? Blogger. FB.
If your kids searched your room, what's the worst thing they'd find? Gifts and sex toys.
Ever thought about suicide? Don't do it. No, not really.
What are you looking forward to? Seeing friends at a wedding next weekend.
Does the door to your room have a lock? Nope.
What type of skin do you have? ?? Um, I don't know.
Ever gotten beer poured all over yourself? Yes, when I worked at Eaton's a girl "spilled" her beer on me.
How many hours of sleep do you get at night? 7ish.
Who's the last person you had a sleepover with? My hubby count? If not...Sara.
What are you listening to? My Little Pony on the HUB.
Who's the last person you wanted to kiss? Mac.
Can you keep a secret? Not very well.
How many people do you trust? A handful.
When's the last time you went on a walk? Yesterday.
Who was your last phone call with? My mom.
Who have you all texted today? Yes, with another school mom about an event.
Do you miss anyone? Yes, my grandmother.
Do you smoke? Nope.
Have you ever had a breathalyzer test? Did you pass? Nope.
Is there anyone that you wish you were hanging out with right now? My hubby. Parenting is a two person job.
What do you hate the most? Not a hater.
Would you be pissed if someone labeled you a 'prep'? I don't really get into lables.
What's the most illegal thing you've ever done? Plead the 5th.
When's the last time you jumped on a trampoline? Hmmmm, probably about five years ago.
What are you gonna rate this survey? Silly.

Goofy girl!

Oh My Heck!

Summer vacation with my little people hasn't been awesome thus far. It's not like anything has really gone wrong, it's just that there has been mucho bickering and in-fighting, and I don't have the energy to re-direct, so I just end up crabby and snappy instead.
It isn't often I feel overwhelmed by the group of the kids. I feel like four is a good number and they are different people, that need different things at different times, so I can keep most balls in the air. However, I have to admit I am completely broken-down by whining or tattling. And appearantly I am feeding into it just enough to keep things border-line miserable.
Mr. Workin' feels like I am crabby too often, but I find he short and snappy after a few hours behind the parenting wheel as well.
Just a quick vent. This too shall pass. I am working at bringing in a little "mama-helper" help to get some breaks.
Just, pray for me. Pray for the kiddos. I will pray to be able to let myself be helped.

My Super Girly Five Year Old

Oh Ella...I am stunned that you are five! You have been here for FIVE years. We celebrated your birthday for two days this year. I was worried you would find the actual day a bit lack-luster, but Greatgrandma Barb saved the day with a package of LalaLoopsys in the mail.
The second day we had the big blow-out delicious birthday party for 20 of your closest friends. We have a family rule that you only have a birthday party every other year, and if you have a kid party, you don't get a birthday gift from mom and dad. It all just gets to be so much. You are indulged children to begin with. I am proud of how you handled all the attention and gifts...always kind and grateful. :) Your kindness shines through most at times like that.
I love you my sweet girl. I am so proud of what a kind and generous girl you are becoming.
25 Ella Facts @ Five Years
You like having short hair and ask to have it cut often.
You are eating so much more and so many things.
You are the least picky eater of the family.
Bread is your favorite part of any burger or sandwich.
You finally are asking for water instead of juice, although juice is preferred.
You are quick to apologize if you think it's needed, but if not cry easily.
You and Fara are the best of friends.
You like to have "hair-pretties".
You are the first up in the mornings, and like a snack first thing.
You weigh 31 pounds.
You and Fara play "mama and sweetie" with your baby dolls.
You are a show-off in front of Wy's friends.
Disney channel shows are your favorite.
You are a snuggle bug and Daddy is your favorite.
You are great at cleaning up, and know just where everything goes.
Being on the go with Mama is very important to you.
You hate to be told on and panic when you know you are in the wrong. You are often the rule keeper, but aren't above fibbing if you find yourself in a tight spot.
You must dress yourself, but still let me pick-out your clothes.
You like "potty talk" and for a girly girl, you are quick to use it.
You like kitties and dream of a time when you can have a real one.
You have been working on earning a bike for months (by not crying).
Crying is your weakness.
You have to potty during every meal (STILL, this has been true for YEARS!).
Your hair is thick and beautiful.
You will always be my sweet princess girl.

Happiest of Birthdays!