May 12, 2009

A Broken Promise


A few weeks ago I did something I never do. I made a "cross my heart hope to die, stick a needle in my eye" promise to my kids. That means serious business in this household. Lately, we have not been able to do much as a family so Greg and I promised all of the little darlings that we would take them to see the new Wolverine movie on the weekend. In the meantime, news trickled in that the movie was in no way appropriate for children. So, now I was stuck. I mean... I crossed my heart. I don't want a needle in my eye. What to do?

Being overwrought with parent guilt I wracked my brain for things to do as a family. Trying to get eight people in anywhere will break most people's banks, so I began thinking of things to do at home and decided to surprise them with an at home special day.

When Saturday morning rolled around Greg and I cooked a large breakfast for the kiddos. Bacon, sausage, eggs, biscuits, gravy (my mouth is watering just remembering it). This is a definite treat in this house considering that for one breakfast we went through 3 dozen eggs, 2 lbs of bacon, 3 lbs of sausage, 20 biscuits and 3 pks of gravy. Not to mention a gallon of orange juice.

After breakfast, Greg took the kiddos to our neighborhood park to ride bikes (their absolutely favorite thing to do). When they got back, they were greeted by a new slip and slide ($5.00 at WalMart!) and a kiddie pool for the baby. Somehow, slip and slidi ng (is that a term?) turned into waterhose trampoline jumping, but, whatever, they were having fun.

They paused only moments to eat their lunch and then were back at it. This time with the oldest chasing all the littles around with the hose. (Some had to pause to take a nap...)

He actually fell asleep on the trampoline! Isn't that too much?!


Anyway, my kids often see me prepare fun things to eat whenever we go to someone's house, but they are never treated to the fare. I thought that all the little snacky stuff would make a fun dinner, so we had a dinner consisting of buffalo wings, mozzerella sticks, potato skins, queso, andchips and salsa. The kids also got Dr. Pepper (gasp, I know, that NEVER happens around here).

All the children commented on how it was the most fun ever. Even the 14 year old- and she doesn't think anything is fun. And it cost a heck of a lot less than going to a movie!

May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day, Granny

This is my Granny...


When most people think of their grandparents they recall weekend visits to far off places, sweet old ladies who gave them candy and lots of hugs and kisses, or someone who may or may not have been a small portion of their life. I, however, was never afforded those memories, and for that I have no regrets.



When I was 5 years old, I went to live (with my 3 yr old and 1 yr old sisters) with my Granny and my Pawpaw. I was probably the happiest 5 year old on the planet. My Granny was the best thing since sliced bread. Over the next 13 years my grandmother raised my sisters and I and molded us into who we are today. My memories of my grandmother include nightly dinners around the table, twice a week church services, huge family get togethers, late night conversations over everything from boys to God, first cars, first loves, mended broken hearts, and laughing until no one in the room could catch their breath. My grandmother often states that she feels bad that she never got a chance to be a "grandmother" to us. Well I say she got a chance to be so much more to us. I'm glad I never had a "normal" grandmother.
I love you, Granny!




May 9, 2009

I Think Sardines Have More Room

We're still at my sisters. I had really hoped that we would be able to move out sooner but it looks like it's going to be June 1st. I love being here with my sister but sometimes it does feel like sardines have more room to move than we do. When my older two were staying with Courtney (my other fabulous sister) and Greg was in the dorms training it wasn't that bad. Now, everyone is Home Sweet Home. Kids really need space and that is something that is sorely lacking. And privacy. But, I love my sister for letting us stay here and you will never here me complain.

We have been praying for the perfect house for us. We have found a fabulous 1900 sq foot home, halfway between Greg's work and my family, with 4 bedrooms, and on 3 acres of land (with 2 acres of wooded area- with a creek). Please keep us in your prayers when you can. This really would be the answer to our prayers! For those who need a little visual motivation, here's a picture of the house:




Thank you all!!