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A Harsh Reality

Seriously, ladies and gentlemen, do I look obese? I must have a really skewed version of reality, because I know I'm overweight, but obese? At least that's what my new Wii Fit tells me. I was actually just on the cusp of obese, but obese nonetheless.

Starting today, I am on the Wii Fit workout regimen. I pledge to do 30 minutes 6 times a week. I set a goal to lose 20 pounds in 6 months. That's more than 10% of my body weight, yet sounds doable. Losing 20 lbs. still puts me in the overweight category, but at least I won't be obese anymore.

Labels can be so depressing sometimes. I don't want to focus on the negative labels, though. I'm also a Mom, a Wife, a Feminist, a Friend, a Neighbor, and an Idealist. Along with a new body, I hope to have a refreshed outlook on my life beyond my exterior.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past

Well, Christmas is over. The presents are opened. Copious amounts of junk food have been consumed. The snow has all melted. The magic had faded. . . or has it?

The kids are playing with their toys. Colby is helping them play with their toys. The house will be filled with the sounds of children on break from school. They have so many new toys and clothes that every day for at least two weeks will seem like a day of surprises. I also got some great gifts, which I will enjoy for the next year and far beyond.

I am reminded that another year has nearly come to an end. My babies continue to grow despite my objections. My husband will spend yet another period of time far away. I turn 30 in 2009. Christmas, with all its joys, is also a time of melancholy. The ghosts of every meltdown, harsh word, and screaming fit reappear. I always promise never to let it happen again, but, alas, I am weak. So, as I look back at 2008, I will remember both the joys and sorrows, the do-overs and the have-to-do-it-agains. I wish for nothing more than health, safety, and a reunification of our family.

The magic of Christmas will survive all year long, and let's hope that we all survive, too. Not just survive - thrive!

Christmas With the Siebrandts

Today we went to Seward for Christmas with the Siebrandts. We ate turducken, opened presents, and played in the snow. It was freezing cold, but the kids still wanted to go out for a little while. We played Guitar Hero, and I must say that my drumming is improving. The three oldest are staying in Seward until Tuesday, so Soren will be here with us getting a good spoilin'.

Sleigh Bells Ring, Are You Listening? Sorry - Can't Hear 'Em Over the Yelling

Carols are the stories of Christmas put in tidy words and happy sing-songs. We love to hear Sinatra, Elvis, Dean Martin, and Harry Connick Jr. sing the old holiday favorites. I don't think carols were meant to be the arsenal of sibling rivalry. Take for example Santa Claus is Coming to Town. My children have decided that, "Santa's making a list, he's checking it twice, and you won't be on it!!!!" is great for making your sister mad. I hear choruses of Jingle Bells from Evelyn so much that even Brody has to tell her that, "bells don't ring if you sing about them all the time." They can insert each other's names into songs to make them insulting, i.e. Bro-dog the Red Nosed Reindeer. This, of course, is met with the refrain of, "You're a mean one, Mr. Dade the Grinch." Not all that clever, but still insulting none the less.

So, as you enjoy carols this holiday season, be creative. Think of ways they can be used to either taunt or insult someone you don't like. Or maybe someone you do like but you just have a constant need to start a fight with.

Doo, Doo, Doo Lookin' Out My, er, Front Window

Okay, so my title is lame. We got lots of icy rain last night, so the kids didn't have school. It was supposed to be their last day before winter break, but I guess they got an extra day off from Santa. :)

I scraped and scooped half of the driveway this morning. The school called at 5:45 am to tell us that classes were cancelled, so I've been up since then. So has Soren. She spends most of her waking hours fussing if she's not being carried, like she's still 6 months old or something. I took the gate down from our front steps, so today is practice going down the steps day for her. So far, so good. I'm hoping to avoid any major falls or head injuries, but the gate is getting to be more dangerous than helpful. She climbs up onto it and shakes it until it starts to slide away from the wall.

The kids had a great time outside. I think maybe we'll attempt to scoop the other side of the driveway after nap. We've got to get some energy out before Smackdown comes on tonight. Yes, two fun-filled hours of wrestling. Check your local listings. . . or not.

Late addition: I shouldn't be sharing this story, but humor dictates that I must. I was having the kids do some exercises just to get some energy out. I asked Brody if they do any exercises in P.E. He said they do the "12 count burpee." Okay, show me. He begins, "One, two, three," while doing jumping jacks and toe touches. Then, all of the sudden he goes, "Oh crap, I think I pooped my pants!" Who says exercise is good for you? Sidenote: no poop in the pants. I think we should change the name to 12 count fartee.

Breakfast: the Most Important Meal of the Day

Here is a description of the breakfast table at our house on a school day: three kids with waffles or cereal in front of them talk nonstop about who has the stinkiest butt while a barely awake and coffee craving Mom says in her loudest whispering yell (??), "Be quiet and eat! Your sister is still asleep!" Quiet ensues for, let's say, 5 seconds before Brody's mouth is again spewing random insults and kindergarten knowledge.

Crap, I'm in the middle of a rant and Soren wakes up. Great. Well, I got a whole hour without her. Evelyn didn't stop talking to me long enough for me to hear a word of my DVR-ed ER episode, but I guess that's what Moms call a lunch break.

Update: I just finished mopping the kitchen floor. The floor is still damp. Jefferson just proceeded to barf under the kitchen table. This is the story of my life.

Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful . . .

We finally have some snow, and the kids took full advantage. Evelyn tasted snow from just about every place in the yard and driveway (hopefully none yellow or brown). The boys "shoveled" snow off the deck and chased each other around the yard. All in all, it was a good day. Here are some photos of the girls' fun, and Evie's rosy cheeks.

For some reason, Evie is convinced that Santa is going to be arrested and put in jail. She says that if he, "goes to jail, he'll never be able to come over again." I really need to turn off the Law & Order in the afternoons.

Winter Break Breakdown

This is the last week of school before Winter Break, and the kids couldn't be more excited. Mom, on the other hand, isn't exactly thrilled about 3 weeks of boys home from school. At least in the summertime they can ride their bikes and play outside. If our arctic weather has anything to do with it, I will have 3 weeks of nonstop noise and craziness inside.

In anticipation of winter vacation, I am officially asking any and all volunteers to take one or more children for a few days over break. My oldest three will pretty much go anywhere with anyone, especially if there are chips or ice cream sandwiches involved. My stepmom has already volunteered, thank goodness. She at least has a big enough house that if you dump all the kids in the basement you can't hear them from upstairs.

On a lighter note, Brody and Evelyn played America's Next Top Model last night. Evelyn was the model, and Brody was the designer.

Picture Day Revisited

We took a trip to the mall today to get the kids' photo taken yet again, this time with our nephew Ethan. They did a really great job, despite the fact that Soren has a fever. This was the third time they've made the trip to JC Penney for a photo shoot, and Soren pretty much looked the same in all the photos: pissed.

We're having a lot of issues with Dade's impulse control right now. He has none. Even when he takes his medication, he's still our most difficult child. He is certainly helpful around the house, but I often find myself unbelievably frustrated with his behavior and lack of control. I'm open to any suggestions. . .

Bath Night Again

I've found a simple solution to keep Soren occupied in the evenings when she is crabby: put her in the bathtub. First, she takes a bath with Evelyn. They play and make a mess and hopefully no one poops in the tub. Then, she takes a bath with Brody. He washes her and takes care of her. It gives me a chance to clean up supper, but I think Brody is on to my plan. He said, "Why do I have to have a bath every night?!" I told him that he stinks, that's why. Yet another lie I tell him to make my life easier. Like when I tell him the batteries are all gone or only Daddy can fix that so we'll have to wait til he's home.

Dade did his homework while he sat on the crapper today. Nice.

There's Something About Soren

I've noticed a few things about Soren lately. Besides the fact that she's undeniably the most beautiful one-year-old on the planet, she's also quite quirky, perhaps my quirkiest child.

First of all, she always wants to wear the same pajamas, as you can probably tell from our photos. Maybe they're just cozy.

She loves to pull all Evie's clothes out of the drawers and carry them around. She particularly likes the short-sleeved shirts.

She loves shoes, and as you can tell from the photo above, she even wants to wear them over her favorite footie jammies.

Whenever I want to take her picture, she lays down on the ground and says, "Cheese!" Why she lays down first, I don't know. Please don't tell me she thinks this is her best angle.

She likes to get out fingernail clippers, sit down, and "clip" her nails. She will also file them if one is available.

She gives everyone the same evil "stink eye" whenever they look at her. Anyone who knows her knows what I mean.

There are so many more funny things she does, but I suppose I must put the boys to bed. It's a special night of WWE Raw, so I'm sure that they'll be thrilled when I tell them lights out. Two hours of wrestling is enough for one night, right?

The Hoss Family Comes for a Visit

My friend Jessica and her family came to visit this weekend. They drove all the way from LeMars, IA. We went out for a lovely dinner at Famous Dave's, played Wii, did a little shopping, and tore down the ugly border in our kitchen. The kids had so much fun, especially Evelyn and Jessica's daughter, Lydia. They are only a year apart, and they had the most glorious, girly time. Evie is used to playing more with boys than girls, so it was a nice change. They played ballerina and princess and babies. Jessica's son Nathan loved to play pots and pans in our play kitchen.

Colby is at the Children's Museum with the kids, giving me some alone time. He's been really great with the kids when he's home on the weekends. He'll be in Kansas City this week doing some training, so he'll be a little closer but still far away.

Yes, Dade has a Knife

After I picked the boys up from school today, we needed to make a quick trip to the grocery store. Upon seeing the Amigo's restaurant, Brody promptly asked if we could go out for supper. No, we can't. This was met with the following from Brody, "You never let us go out to eat. I don't care what we have, I'm not eating anything you make." This is quite typical Brody. Colby says he gets it from me, but I don't think even I am that stubborn. I told him that could be arranged - he either eats what I make or nothing at all. He decided to eat.

Anyway, we had the typical Friday night meal of kid-pleasing junk food: pigs in a blanket with fresh veggies on the side. Brody and Evelyn washed the broccoli and cauliflower. Dade chopped veggies and put the piggies in their blankets with the cheese. Evelyn did some dishes, while Soren stuck her broccoli stem in the soapy water and licked it. Yum. While we ate, Soren played her favorite new game: stand up in her highchair and climb onto the table. Evelyn did what she always does: dip everything into her water/milk cup before eating it. And of course, the boys talked about wrestling as Friday Night Smackdown would be on in only an hour. I photographed our family meal preparation, but Brody took the photo of me with the finished product.

Colby comes home tomorrow, and out friends from LeMars are coming to visit. It's so nice of them to make the trip. Their kids are actually good in the car long enough to travel.

Mess

I'm sure most parents have seen this played out in their homes: the kids pull every single toy out of the toy box and then play with none of them. That's what Soren and Evelyn have decided to do just now, only moments before nap time. I guess picking up toys is as good an excuse as any to delay nap. Even the kitten was in on this mess.

By the way, I don't always dress the girls in matching clothes, but sometimes I just can't resist.

Time for Bed but Wrestling's On

It's 8:00 pm on Tuesday, which means wrestling is on tv. Which means my sons are now jumping off fake turnbuckles and accidentally kicking each other in the groin. They are running through the house making fake punching sounds and arguing over who gets to be Rey Mysterio. And, no, Brody is not wearing pants. He is wearing underwear though, so that's good. I just heard furniture being whacked in the living room which means the boys just lost their wrestling privileges for the night.

Soren periodically comes in the den to make a mess or try to break something while I type. The phrase, "I'm gonna put you down while I finish this," is often followed by loud crying until I pick her back up. The girls both have a hacking cough, the same that Brody had last week. No snot or stuffy noses, though.

I spent the day rearranging things in the house and throwing away some junk. I have to do this while Colby's gone because he is a horrible pack rat. I guarantee he'll never even notice that I threw anything away.

Well, another day over. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for bed.

Is it over yet??

The holiday season has just begun, and I'm already filled with joy (sarcastic tone). I didn't want to put up a Christmas tree because we have a kitten and a baby. Tree + kitten/baby = trouble. Everyone threw a fit, so we went out and bought a $25 pre-lit white tree in lieu of the 7 1/2 footer we generally put up. The tree was not even out of the box and the cat started chewing on and laying in it. Not a good sign. So, the tree has been up for 3 days and is already trashed. I'm pretty sure Tiger lays in it when we're asleep.

Yesterday, we went to Seward for Thanksgiving, which was fun. When we got home around 7:00 pm, we noticed that the dogs were nowhere to be found. Luckily, Colby found them after a quick drive around the neighborhood.

Then, this evening our water heater gave out. My husband and father in law are at the hardware store buying a new one, and I'm hoping it will fit. I need hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and sanity. At least this happened today when I have someone home to help me out.

On a positive note, I did receive a coupon from a friend for free Kraft cheese (thanks, Stacy!). I'm thankful for the small things. . . . .

Stories I'm Not Supposed to Share

Okay, I promised Colby that I wouldn't blog this story, but I can't resist. So, you know those new commercials for Viagra where they sing "Viva Viagra!" to the tune of the old Elvis song? Well, Dade was singing "Viva Viagra!" over and over again driving me nuts. I finally said, "You shouldn't be singing about that when you don't even know what it is." Dade replies, "I know what it's for." "What?," I bravely inquire. Dade spells it out for me, "S-E-X." Nice. I asked him where he learned that. "From the commercials!," he stated matter of factly.

Another Dade doozy from this weekend: He's watching a car insurance commercial where 16-year-olds are getting their licenses. He asks, "Do you have to renew your license?" Yes. "Do you have to take the test?" Only if you get a ticket. "Well, then Brody will know that test really well." Why?? "Because he's going to get a lot of tickets."

Monkey

Soren finds ways to climb up anything and everything, which means she also finds ways to fall off anything and everything! She also just learned how to go down steps, so my life is now filled with yet another realm of horror. I think I spend half my day just pulling her down off of things. She is the poster child for "pick yourself up and try again."

Speak of the devil, Soren just took a header off Evelyn's bed. She can climb up all by herself. I heard a loud thud followed by crying, so I guess she figured a way down, too.

We had a nice visit at my dad's in Seward. The boys and Evie played in the pine trees. Soren went up and down the steps scaring just about everyone along the way.

I took the boys to get haircuts this morning. Brody was starting to look like a squirrel died on his head. Soren attracted a lot of attention at the salon, as she usually does wherever we go. She has that something that just draws people to her, even though she gives them a really dirty look when they talk to her. Maybe she'll be a movie star.

Of course Brody, ever the jolly fellow, was oh so excited to get his photo taken. I want Colby to see their haircuts. And, yes, my children do run around half naked most of the weekend. I'm pretty sure Evie has no pants on right now.

The boys are playing Wii, and the girls are down for nap. I think I'll make some cocoa and hope Soren sleeps long enough for me to drink it.

Friday Night

It's Friday night, and so far I've wiped three poopy butts (not my own), eaten my supper cold and standing up (again), answered the "Mommy!" call about a hundred times, and did some laundry. You're all jealous, aren't you? And I'm about to settle down to two full hours of WWE Smackdown. Whoo ho!! That's pretty much a typical Friday night around here.

I'm thankful, however, to have a warm home, happy (if not really noisy) kids, and a paper trophy provided to me by Evelyn for winning "doing computer." Soren is happily standing on the preschool table pulling all of Colby's paperbacks off the shelf. Sorry, honey. The boys are wrestling each other. Evelyn is playing with her imaginary friends Gia and Lipa. I'm told that Gia "has old age" and needs to stay overnight with us tonight.

We're looking forward to a restful weekend and counting the days till Daddy comes home (4).

No, Soren!

You know that book called No, David! about the little boy who gets into endless amounts of trouble? I've rewritten it. It's called No, Soren!. It's a bestseller at my house.

Bang! You're Dead!

Tonight as I was loading the dishwasher after supper, Soren climbed up on the kitchen chair, as usual. This time, I turn to see her pointing a finger gun at me and making a bang bang sound. She's 13 months old and already play-shooting me.

Where are you Trading Spaces?

I woke up this morning with the overwhelming urge to paint. We've lived in this house for a year now and have yet to personalize most of the rooms. Of course, the kids' rooms are done. Meanwhile, I'm looking at a sunflower kitchen (yuck), a two-toned bedroom (double yuck), and a baby blue bathroom (yucko). Not to mention the horrible paint job in the living room and all the ceilings. And the dirty-colored den. And the beautiful teal border in the laundry room/bathroom. With Colby gone, painting is a fantasy. Every time I get unhappy, I get the insatiable urge to change my environment somehow. I feel like I can't be truly happy until the house has been wiped clean of the former owners.

So, if anyone reading this is willing to help a lonely housewife paint, let me know. I'd also like some wainscoting and trim. And crown molding. And new tile in the bathroom. That's all.

Sunday, 7:30 am

Coffee is brewing. Sun is shining. Birds are chirping. It's 7:30 am and, yes, I can actually hear the coffee brewing and the birds chirping. Only one of my children is awake.

Lessons

Things I've learned from the kids this week:
1. Some old people have to have canes because they didn't drink enough milk. That's also why they walk really slow.
2. Any day is Monday as long as Brody says so. Side note: he goes to his friend's house on Monday.
3. Toilet paper is deeelicious. So are kleenex, dog food, food from under the couch, toothpaste, and crayons. Things that are gross: shaving cream, pumpkin pudding (Brody), cinnamon apples(Brody and Dade).
4. We're all going to die.

Playing With Food

Today at lunch, Evelyn was playing with her spaghetti. She would pick up one noodle in each hand, and they would talk to each other. "Hi, I'm John McCain. How are you?" the first noodle said. "I'm fine, thank you," said the other noodle. I guess she was re-enacting McCain's first meeting with Sarah Palin.

What a Fine Mess

Currently in my daughters' room, every toy from the toy box and toy drawers is out on the floor. Every blanket is off the bed. The spare crib mattress is out and being used as a trampoline. It's not just a mess in there. It's a disaster. There's no way you could walk in there, unless you're looking to puncture your foot on a Barbie arm. However, I hear three giggling kids playing pirate ship, spaceship, and world explorers. Twenty minutes of being left alone is worth the 20 minutes it will take them to clean it up.

The girls and I went to Panera Bread today for lunch with my friend Sara who came to visit from Norfolk. Evelyn loves Panera, which is good because it's my favorite. We had tacos and tostadas for supper. Evie just wanted to eat a bowl of shredded cheese and nothing else, but I told her she should probably eat something with it.

Dade can actually play a song on his trumpet- jingle bells. Christmas is in the air! It's quite good up until the last note, which comes warbling out like it's the trumpet's dying declaration.

It was a good day.

Cocktail

My kids have a nice little play kitchen with pretend food and pots and pans. However, instead of being chefs, they have decided to turn the kitchen into a bar and be bartenders. Nice. They turn the kitchen around backwards, stand behind it, and serve each other food. I'm glad they're using their ingenuity, but for bartending??

The girls played in the garage this morning with the door closed. I left the door open in the van so they could play in it. Soon enough, both dogs, the cat, and the girls were all in the van together, with Mo behind the wheel. Hopefully, the dogs cleaned up all the dropped food.

Smell My Finger

The girls and I went shopping today with Julie and Corrin. At Claire's, one of Evelyn's favorite stores, she found some scented fingernail polish. Now, we can paint our nails to smell like banana, strawberry, chocolate, and peanut butter. I have one chocolate and one peanut butter. Sort of. Very Lightly scented.

Brody has decided to name his farts after wrestling moves, i.e. whisper in the wind ("when you fart very, very quietly") and tombstone ("really loud and deadly"). I love having sons. All I have to do to be funny is burp their names or say fart, poop, or nuts.

A trip to New York?

I burned my English muffin this morning so now am eating English hockey puck.

Evelyn told me this morning that she wants to go to the "master of liberty" (statue of liberty) to "see John Mccain and Barack Obama." She watches too much Countdown with Keith Olberman with me after the boys go to bed at night! She's so smart, and I think she may be the first woman president if I can keep her interested in politics. Do I have high aspirations or what? How many three-year-olds would say that? Most probably just want to go to Chuck E. Cheese, right?

I'm still battling this cold, and I ran out of tissues at 10:30 pm last night. So, we had to stop at the IGA again, for the third day in a row, so I could get some tissues.

I woke up from a hazy sleep last night to a loud rattling noise. Since Colby is gone, every sound is a dangerous sound. My heart was racing, so I went to check it out. It was Tiger biting the bathtub faucet. That cat is nuts. I couldn't go back to sleep, so I got up and watched some CSI I recorded on the DVR. Did you know that consuming too much sulphur can turn your blood green?

Hope

I went to storytime at the library today with the girls and a Mom from Brody's class. We had a lovely time. Brody and Evelyn are nearly the same ages as her kids. I love watching all the little kids at storytime. I wore my, as Evelyn says, "the Rock" Obama shirt and was complemented.

I was berated today by a very good friend for supporting Obama. She sees my idealism and liberalism as something of which to be ashamed. She insinuated that I needed to pull my head out of my ass (her words). I got the idea that she, as a so-called realist, doesn't like the idea of hope. She has no faith in human nature. Certainly, hope alone doesn't fix an economy or break down racial barriers. Hope, however, has for generations coaxed along positive changes in our society. America was formed as the ideal society representing the majority and protecting the minority. America has had many shameful and bleak periods, but the hopes and dreams of its people have always brought us through. From the Statue of Liberty, to Martin Luther King, to the Great Society and beyond, America is, if not perfect, hopeful. The American spirit cannot be broken. Obama has inspired us to be hopeful once again. He has huge problems to deal with, I make no qualms. We can get through this. Yes we can.

I'm proud to be an American today.

Too Worried about Election to Blog, So Smileboxed Instead

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Dumpster Diving

The boys had a week off from school last week, so today was their first day back. The girls and I do typical girl things - wear pink, paint our nails, gossip, and clean. Dade was really helpful tonight. He actually watched Soren in the backyard for 20 minutes. He did all of his chores, his homework, and didn't complain while I watched Countdown with Keith Olberman! He also practiced his trumpet, which basically involves a single, loud tone for 15 minutes.

Brody washed Soren in the tub. He even got her out and wrapped her in a towel.

Our cat got out the back door today when Evelyn let Jefferson outside to go potty. She didn't even tell me, she just went outside and caught him herself.

Soren helped herself to a sucker stick out of the trashcan, so overall all the kids were really independent today. I swear that Soren is the biggest dumpster diver I've ever seen. She can add sucker stick to the yogurt, pancake, and hotdog she's already scored out of the trash in the past. She also chewed the eraser off of a pencil, but thankfully spit it out. Did I mention she loves dogfood and water from the dogs' bowl? I feed her, really I do.

Turning back the clocks has Soren's sleep schedule all goofy, so she was up at 5am and asleep at 7:30pm. I really don't like getting up before 7am, especially since the boys don't have school until 9am. Oh well. Who needs sleep? I'll just doze off tomorrow afternoon while Soren goes trashcan snacking.

Is it a waste?

Yesterday as I was waiting at a stoplight, I saw a large truck pulling a billboard around town supporting Jeff Fortenberry for Congress. Is it really necessary to waste gas and create emissions so that Mr. Fortenberry can campaign? Why not just rent a stationary billboard instead of having one driven around all over? In this time of high fuel prices and increased concerns about global warming, there's no way I'd vote for this guy. I don't know if any other candidates did this, and if they did - shame on them, too. It's worth mentioning that this guy is a Republican. Maybe he thinks global warming is fiction.

We spent the day outside enjoying the warm weather. Colby leaves for Ohio tomorrow for 12 days. We tried to pack as much fun as we could into this weekend to tide him over while he's gone. He gets his swinging bachelor pad with the black leather couch and bigscreen t.v. tomorrow. All he needs is a kegerator and he'd be in man heaven. Make that singke man heaven. Married men like to help their wives aound the house and all that. :)

The Big Eight Zero

Today we had lots of company as we celebrated Colby's grandfather's 80th birthday. He actually turns 80 on election day '08. How cool is that? We had a great time. We played football in the front yard, ate lots of yummy food (Connie's noodle salad and Nona's buns!), and played board games. It was very laid back and fun.

While talking to some of our visitors today, I noted that three of the under 30-year-olds in the family were not going to vote. This made me sad because the reasons why were, "I don't really like politics," and "It won't make a difference." Maybe it's just the political scientist in me, but what's up with that??? Why is this generation not taking the responsibility that we who live in a democracy have to participate in the system?? If our current situation doesn't inspire them to vote, what will?

I hope at least a few of the culprits read this blog and are guilted into voting. God forbid they should vote for John McCain, but I'd rather have them at least vote for something!

Happy Halloween!

The kids had a great time trick or treating with Daddy and Grandpa Dean! One whole block near us was a huge festival of Halloween decorations, food, and costumes. They had hot dogs, drinks, coffee, and candy! The kids got a huge pile of goodies which was dumped into the middle of the table and inspected. They'll be in diabetic shock for days.

Halloween is a great night to reflect on the sweetest things in life, things much sweeter than candy. Things like family, friends, and home. As we face kids dressed as demons this night, so do we face and overcome the monsters of day to day life. I love Halloween for all it' fun and fear, just as I relish all of life's joys and sorrows.

We have a family a lot like a Snickers bar - mostly sweet but filled with a few nuts! I hope you enjoy your family tonight and every night.

Halloween Eve

Today my husband spent 2 and a half hours carving jack o lanterns. Lucky we only do that once a year. I roasted pumpkin seeds. Yummy!! Tomorrow is the big day - Halloween. My kids can hardly contain themselves. Evelyn has been rehearsing her "Trick or Treat!" all week. Candy, candy, candy!!!

Homecoming

My husband has been gone for nearly a week, and he comes home today. We have so many plans for the weekend - carving pumpkins, shopping, trick or treating, having a birthday party for great grandpa, and just hanging out. When my kids got out of the bathtub this morning, I put Colby's lotion on them so I could be reminded of his masculine smell. They just thought it was cool to use Daddy's "smell gooder". I have 4 little pieces of him with me all the time, but when I fold his laundry or take out the recycling I'm reminded of all that is so far away. My best friend. My partner. The man my children run to like there's a magnetic force. I'm so glad he's coming home.

Hunger Strike

Before I forget the true purpose of this blog - the day to day escapades of my family- I should share the latest issue in the life of my forever suffering 5-year-old Brody Rhyse. It all started yesterday when Brody, starving like no other child in the history of time, decided he wanted a yogurt. He wanted a "mommy yogurt" not one of the kid-friendly gogurt tubes filled with sugar and cotton candy goodness. So, he sinks his spoon into the coconut and pineapple filled custard and assured me he would not only eat it all gone but love it. Half way through he was done, telling me he would save the rest for snack after supper. Fine, I told him, but he would not be offered anything else at snacktime.

As snacktime approached, he began asking for the usual popcorn, pretzals, and ice cream. I reminded him of his solemn vow to finish the yogurt. "I am not eating that," he replied. "I'm not hungry." Not hungry??? Riiiight.

This morning when he woke up, he asked for his traditional bowl of cereal or frozen waffle for breakfast. I again reminded him of his friend pina colada yogurt. "I'm not eating anything ever again," he said. Fine.

As I type this, Brody creeps into the den asking, "Is it lunchtime yet??" "You can have your yogurt," I reply. "I thought you forgot about that," he says as he huffs and puffs out of the room.

Am I a horrible parent for trying to teach him the value of food, something Americans don't appreciate? Is it wrong to stick to my guns? I'm sure I'll eventually cave, but why should I?? He said he would eat it and that he would like it. How far must I go to prove to him that I was, indeed and as usual, right???

Wait. . . UPDATE: HE JUST FINISHED THE YOGURT!!!!! SUCCESS!!!

The Simple Life

Is it just me or is the simple life not so simple?? Every family craves security, tranquility, and happiness. We just all go about finding it in different ways.

In this election, the McCain camp seems to direct its attention to rural America - the so-called real Americans- asserting that city folk are somehow not real Americans?! So, what makes rural values so appealing? Is it because we here in the prairie are viewed as having the "simple life"? An outsider looking in may see us clinging to our religion and our guns (thanks, Barack), and I don't totally disagree. My father who neither hunts nor shoots for recreation is convinced that if he votes for Obama his guns will be stripped from him for use in the New Wave Obama Communist Overthrow. So many people around me also vote based strictly on who is pro-life, anti-stem cell, and anti-gay. Yes, in many ways we do cling to our religious beliefs. Unfortunately, we cling to the wrong ones.

Years of religious school should have taught me about Jesus' love and acceptance and tolerance for everyone. They didn't. I had to find that part of the Bible on my own. Yes, we will all face our God's judgement (whichever god it may be). Can we in good conscience face that God knowing that instead of helping fix the problems facing the least of our brethren, WE judged them? We pointed our fingers and said, "No, what I have is not for you. You didn't work hard enough. You didn't pray hard enough. You are not good enough to deserve my help." If we here in the "heartland" are really proud to cling to our guns and our religion, let's use them for the common good. Arm yourselves in the fight for social justice. No handouts. No freebees. Social justice requires work from both the givers and the receivers. We can give to those in need, but those receivers have an obligation to make a difference with what they are given.

We can all have a piece of the simple life. Happiness. Security. Faith. And most of all HOPE. I hope that we can all continue to love our neighbors as ourselves even through this rough time. We should all continue to work hard, pray hard, and expect to be given only what we deserve.

First Day

Okay, well, I've never blogged before, so here goes. I'm home with my children all day and dying for adult interaction. I hope that my family enjoys catching up on the day to day adventures (or as I like to call them-vescapades). My sons are home from school today, and I can hear them downstairs banging around. I'm just hoping they have no broken bones and still have both eyes. My daughters are both asleep at the same time!!!

I hope anyone reading this is ready to get out and vote. I come from a very conservative part of the country, but I am voting for Obama. I still can't figure out why anyone could vote for McCain with Sarah Palin on the ticket. I am a feminist, and I appreciate the fact that we have come so far as to have a woman nominated for VP. But Palin?? I have yet to be convinced that she has the intelligence, will, and savvy to be VP. And if McCain dies?? I hold Sarah Palin to a higher standard because she is supposed to be a trailblazer, the picture of the modern and successful woman who can have a family and a career. So far, her shortcomings are far greater then her strengths. I'm sure she's a great mom, a great lady, and an okay politician. But VP?? No.

Hang in there while I get the hang of this blogging thing.