Monday, Monday...

Every once in a while I will pop in here spout off a few words and then slink away for another year or so...though thinking I really should write more often but then LIFE.  I just did a glance thru and can't believe my kids have all had FOUR birthdays since I last gave them a birthday post...the last one was Gavin's 8th.  Whoops...those are always a nice little post.   I am mostly posting and hanging in the land of instagram these days.  All the social media man...it's too much to juggle.  Couple that with half a dozen kids....make that 8 Monday-Friday most hours of the day and yeah that's a no for here.   I watch 2 of the nephews during the week they are good babies but you know just extra...All the 3 and under crowd are currently snoozing and here I am.  Notebooks and planners in front of me...I am supposed to be jotting down some dates and planning some things for us to do for our remaining weeks of summer but that is easier to envision than to actually put to paper...literally.
5 of the kiddos are on a swim team that runs thru the rest of June it takes up a good chunk of our mornings...basically ALL of the morning and after that it's lunch and nap so right now that's about it.  Blah.
My Annie girl is 3 and a chatter box and a busy one on her own....goodness I could eat her up though.   We all could...the baby for sure and loved and loved.  That girly is a ball of love.  She tells us almost everyday how she loves her family...a month or so ago she told me she had "magic in her tummy for loving everyone" and I pretty much felt like I could just wash away all my worries about parenting these kids right.  I yell and yell and she still has all the magic for love right in her tummy....it will be alright.
I have been on a bit of a "fitness" journey...a make Rachel feel better trek of sorts.  I dunno....something had to give because here I sat getting unhealthier by the minute gaining weight almost monthly and feeling like shit both physically and mentally.  Finally I just got up and moved...no major date set no plan....just move and well eat more veggies.  It worked I lost some pounds and feel better but...BUT I have hit a wall with summer.  I am still doing decent with my foods and not curving back into old bad habits a little but honestly that's the beauty of it IT's OK!   But man working out is great and awful at the same time....why, why...I mean it's so good for our bodies but just not doing it is more fun ha!  I am not totally off the wagon here...I am still rocking my yoga and squeezing in a few workouts during the week too but not killing it all like I was.  And yes I feel better....mentally that is...I was hoping for a miraculous omg I feel amazing fix and it hasn't been that but I for sure feel better and as with so many things baby steps!  As I previously mentioned...I am a yeller and that yelling'ness has gotten worse over the last few years...my patience shortened and my ability to no lose my shit at mach speed vanished.   After so many many nights lying in bed beating myself up for it I finally said you know what...enough A) I am sick of being made to feel like I horrible parent for it....I yell and it sucks but I am trying sooooo move along and B) let's also be proactive to avoid it...eating better and working out may help and so I changed some things and  it does. So does planning a little better and also probably need to discipline my kids a little more because what causes me to yell?  Well they don't listen and yeah they should at least a little more than they do....but that's a work in progress too.   It's funny after 16+ years in the parenting biz...specifically the stay at home parent side of it, it's still a struggle and I for sure do not have it all figured out.  Not even a little...oh sure somethings but everyone has their struggles.  And also after 16+ years of it I think my brain is slowing melting away to squish and all the more reason to come here and use it some.  This jumbled around post of say whats?
So the kids huh...well Jakeb is 16 and not driving yet...he has his permit but here he has to have it for a year so he's a good 9 months away from officially being a driver...plus I dunno about all that just yet.  He's a responsible kid and one we have always joked is an old man careful and cautious and I don't doubt that in a car but he's still a kid.  Nerve wracking!  He's done well in high school and I can't even believe the kid is nearly grown and fast approaching the college days...my stomach does flip flops every time I really think about it and him leaving.  But that boy loves us and his siblings too much he fortunately (I think...I HOPE!) won't slam the door shut and rarely come back.  Sigh...can't believe it is so close.   Our Z-man kid is 14 and oh is he ever 14....14 was a hard age for Jakeb and it's proving to be a tough one for this kiddo too.   SO incredibly sweet one minute and I want to ring his neck the next....but he will still hold my hand in public and has no problem helping with a sibling or carrying a strangers bag or running to help anyone who needs it.  A whiz kid at school and we rarely have to keep things in check with his work.  Just when we think we are messing up so much with him he does something so awesome and I know we are ok, he's a fantastic sweet kind kiddo.  Gavin, G-babes I can't even believe that child is 12...one more year until we have 3 teenagers in the house, lawd help us all.  Though that one has mostly mellowed out in his old age ;) {mostly} gone are the days of wall kicking and screaming and throwing down to the floor fits with that child.  While he isn't as quick to jump in to help Tori and Nolan he certainly will do anything for Anna and is such a kind heart sweet kiddo. He too is helpful and the resident smarty pants of the house...had a great first year in middle school, has a great group of friends that he's had since Kindy really...which is so cool, I always wanted that and am so thrilled my kids are developing that.  I am loving watching this kid's personality emerge more and more...of course at 12 one would think but Gavin has always been more of a mystery to us a big personality we have always seen but one much harder to pin down and describe.  If that makes any sort of sense.   Tori-Dori Girl ....that girl...whew that one, she's 8!  Sweet as can be (mostly) but she definitely keeps us on our toes.  Let me just say from where she was when she walked in our door a little over 4 years ago to now...Ah-mazing.  That girl doesn't quit.  No really...she doesn't in all the things.  The gray hairs on my head I joke are from her...AND Anna.  She's doing all the things we wondered if she would...I have faith in her...SO much and maybe too much some times...as in I push her too hard.  Listening is a major struggle and she's getting there...But it's hard to see all the things I just know she can do. So she's reading and writing and doing all the school things....bike riding and swimming and jumping and running and monkey baring and tree climbing.  She silly and girly and messy and neat and a jumble of awesome.  My little Bear boy, Nolan....Mr Charismatic.  This kid has a face that wins them over a twinkle in his eye that just lights up his face and a sweet kind heart.   Loved by teachers and friends and goodness everyone...though his little mouth has been a little stinker one lately!  Child is 6 years old and I can't even believe it's been 6 year since that round face full of dark hair was born...and surprised us all.  He really is just a joy, happy and playful and silly.  He too is rocking it out at school and just doing so wonderful.  But boy is he BUSY.  He is the definition of busy boy thru and thru...throwing balls and jumping on the couch he is Zachary 2.0 ha!  He even has a hard time turning that energy off to sleep...falling asleep is rough and staying asleep too some nights.  He still is so so snuggly too...such a awesome kiddo.  And Anna...our 3 year old baby.  Spoiled is probably putting it mildly.  She's quite opinionated and loves things her way (duh, she's 3!) she has everyone in this house pretty wrapped..."But Anna said she wants it!" We are trying to undo some of that but it's hard haha!  She silly and playful and such a love.  She loves to sing and dance for us and make us all listen to her...."everybody in the family watch me!"  As I said she loves her family SO much...lists us all and grandparents and aunts/uncles/cousins.  She hates to say goodbye but panics if she doesn't get to tell someone bye.  She sings her ABC's and can count to 13ish.  Loves Paw Patrol and her real doggies, in fact dogs are her favorites.  She is one amazing girl for sure.
So there's a catch up on the kiddos....a quick one but a long one because 6 kids problems.  We are currently a 2 dog (Stella and Lucy) and 2 cat (Patches and Rhodey) family...Robert works from home these days and I manage the rest.

Time is up....Anna girl is up and demanding her juice and yogurt and a show!

Testing.....1, 2, 3.....

Well....Hello there long lost blog land.  2 YEARS.  2 years it's been since I last typed even a Hello.  Whoops.  I am not even sure where to begin....or what happened...except 2 new people.
I think the last thing I was rambling on about was the new baby...who is now almost TWO.  Anna Gweneth made her debut March 19, 2015.  8lbs 10oz.  A little hair and a lot of wow, we have a newborn daughter.  The past 2 years with Anna have been a whirlwind in more ways than one.  In addition to Anna....we miraculously finalized an adoption that we really only held our breath for and didn't dare to mention beyond more than a whisper and certainly not in a typed forum to be forever written in to life.  We finalized our adoption of Victoria Claire last May...May 2, 2016...she has been with us for 3 years now and it's been a ride for sure.  A lot of hair and a lot of wow, we have a 6 year old daughter.  So we have daughters now....like 2 of them.  Mind blown.Daily.Still.
I don't even know if we have fully adjusted to being the parents of 6 kids.  I mean here we are the parents of 6 kids and every day they eat 3 meals and a few snacks and they bathe regularly and wear clean clothes and are involved in various activities and have decent grades and behavior (mostly..sometimes...)...so we are trucking along I suppose....some days I am not even sure how.  Ha!
So there's all that super quick summary of hey we gained 2 kids in the past 2 years....past all that I don't even know how to summarize the going ons of our past 2 years.   Do I?  I am not sure...I will have to mull that around a bit.  It certainly was a time worth mentioning...past the addition of 2 little ladies that is :)

Jakeb is now fast approaching 15...wtf right?  Like he will be 15 in 2 weeks.  I mean how in the world?  I seriously still am in awe weekly that I even am an adult living like a grown up life...the fact I have a 15 year old is mind boggling.   Zachary turned 13 a month ago which means I now have TWO teenagers....TWO.  He's a rock star student lately too so A+ for him--literally.  Gavin is nearly 11 and also a pretty rockstar student as well :)    All 3 big kids basically...not even going to lie here... live to play video games which is a daily battle...especially for me.  Because I cannot.stand.it.  But of course I am "old" and what do I know....except I know.  No bueno.
And then there's little tiny Nolan boy...who will start kindergarten in the fall...because he is 5.  FIVE. He's the best little 5 year old kid I know, sweetest heart and oh my is he a character.  Loved by everyone that kid is...spend 10 minutes talking to him and you will see why.  Tori girl turns 7 in May and probably is the strongest one of us all.  She's something pretty amazing.  She has a gigantic heart and is such a hard working kiddo.  And the kid has ahMAzing hair...but beyond great hair she's come so far and I know will do wonderful things.  And Ms. Anna...the baby.  Is as you can imagine well loved (aka "spoiled" almost "rotten")  She is just basically adorable and that's all there is to it.  Her voice and all the things she tries to say basically slay us all day.  BUT lest we forget the kid is a stinker and a half....like cries a lot and is independent except don't tell her this but if she was truly independent she wouldn't need me to hold her like 27 hours a day (but don't tell anyone else I kinda like it...except when I don't).  And yet...lord have mercy she's cute.  Like really cute.
Aside from all those brief updates about how awesome the kids are...because after all this is the internet and whose going to be like hey let me tell you how my kids SUCK except those dripping with sarcasm because one day our kids will read these things and awkward...probably best not to call out all the flaws...
Currently 2 of the kiddos are sick and I am holding my breath that no one else falls ill with this weird flu like/strep like but not actually any of those things virus that has had Gavin down for the count for 5 days now and Nolan for 1.
So there you have it.  Hopefully not a quick hello as I duck out for another 2 years...I honestly need to pick this little outlet back up...for myself...for the kids one day but mostly right now for me.
Now fingers crossed that no one else falls ill...and we all get a decent nights sleep despite all the coughing I am continuously hearing upstairs.
Signing off until another day.

Trying...

Let's see it's been roughly or absolutely 4 months since I last posted anything in this deserted land of a blog.
An obvious decline in blogging abilities over the last year...Here we are into February...weeks away from welcoming a new baby into the house and I have barely said a word about it.
I mean really not a lot to say unless of course you are inside my brain and then you would be hearing lots of words about it...because while one would think after 5 kids I would be relaxed and ladeeda about another baby I am so NOT.  I am planning and replanning and slowly making myself nuts about when and how (duh) this baby is going to be born...basically I gave up on the how because there are basically 2 ways and let's hope it's the same way as the other 4!  The when is another story and at 35 weeks I am still 2 weeks away from "full term" but so very anxious to have this wee little babe that I can't hardly stand it.  Whew!  
My pregnancy really has been good...I am giant (literally) baby about it basically but in reality it's not been difficult.   Normal aches and pains and tiredness but nothing extraordinary about it.  My blood pressure is rising as time goes on but nothing too crazy--the doctors are keeping an eye on it and I am [obsessing] as well here at home.   I was induced with Nolan because of BP and at this point I expect the same....on one hand I would love a labor without being induced but on the other why the heck does it matter.  I have had 4 pitocin assisted labors and we know it works so let's just keep up with what we know, right?   And what I know is that the 2 times I went into labor it was LONG and stop/start/basically do nothing for a long time and giving a little push is apparently what is needed so push on...

ANYWAY....so the rest of the people in our house are all doing well.  We still have our 2 girlies...one is close to going home but not there quite yet.  She's ready and we are ready and it's a long process that is just hard!   Her situation is good so going home is good and will be a good thing that everyone is ok with :)

The big boys are doing fantastic...Jakeb is currently sick with a cold and has a sore mouth from the braces he just got this week but aside from current situations he is doing well.  Fast approaching 13 and fast approaching being an adult and it's a cool thing to see.   He's sprouting up and is sitting at 5'2" and is getting a man voice which is crazy, but also just neat.  I think I like toddlers and teens--though we haven't actually hit teens yet so ask me in a couple years!  But right now I am enjoying my almost teen because he's pretty darn cool and fun to chit chat with which is nice.  Don't get me wrong we have some fun arguments (not) but the good outweighs it for sure.

Zachary is involved in every after school activity he can be and is enjoying that...He is taking a break from baseball this spring to explore a few other options and he and Robert are going to take up tennis together.  We will see how that goes!   He is doing wonderful in 5th grade and it is crazy that I will have another middle schooler in just a few months.  He just turned 11 last week and enjoyed a birthday day with his friends at a "arcade" of sorts getting to play games and hanging out.

Mr. Gavin is mastering all things school and while I am not surprised in the least it is interesting to see how the 3 of them differ so much....Gavin is certainly still motivated to do well and things seem to come quite naturally to him.   He is loved by many at school and loves that for sure!  Teachers and friends can't quite seem to get enough of "sweet Gavin"...which is certainly a true statement--about half the time.  He is a different kid at home for sure...I would still describe him as sweet but mister Gavin can be quite the stinker when he wants to be!  He recently just got moved to his own room at home and that has been nice for him for sure...and he's starting Baseball soon which he is VERY excited for especially since Robert is coaching him.

And Nolan--sweet funny silly 3 year old Nolan!  He is at a very fun age one that I have decided is my favorite....the age I miss with the big boys the most.  Their little voices and funny sayings and Nolan is certainly not to be left out!   He is a character....loves to sing and dance and get attention.  Very stoked about his new role as big brother something that he discusses daily.   He is an opinionated little guy but manages to keep things pretty under control when things don't go his way--most of the time at least.  He still struggles with sleeping--in his bed--but at least isn't waking up all hours of the night as often as he was.   I can't believe he's 3 and his personality is just a fun one!

We recently had to put our old man Bailey to sleep which was super hard and no fun :(  Poor guy was in kidney failure and just not doing well....we miss him but are also glad to be down to a few less critters honestly....2 big dogs is a lot with an already very full house.  I am glad he is no longer hurting which is something he was struggling with over the last year or so.

So life goes on and we still are here and just waiting, waiting, waiting for Baby Anna to get here!

Tip Toe

Tippy Toeing back in here....It's now November and it's cold and also not...because we woke up to cold but as the sun warms up the day it will warm up quite nicely.

I guess the biggest thing I have to share is that we found out in July that we are expecting baby #5!  Right I know, I know...FIVE kids!  Wowza.   We also found out at the beginning and end of October that baby #5 is a GIRL.  So wow indeed.  I am cautiously excited because if you recall we were told Nolan was a girl for a few weeks until we had a better ultrasound that showed he was in fact a HE.  This time around we have had several now that say girl so I do believe it but also don't hardly believe that WE are having a girl.  Crazy!   Her name will be Anna.

We still have our 2 little girls--we think that one will likely go home sometime in December but not sure on the other.  They have been here 4 months and 8 months and for the most part all is going well....they are GOOD girls and we, other than just normally adjusting, have very little issues with them.

We just wrapped up Halloween and the kids had a good time...it was rainy but the little kids were just so darn cute that the rain was really no big deal.  

Now it's on to Thanksgiving!

School is going well for everyone.  Gavin was student of the Month for September and Zachary is involved in nearly every after school activity he can be.  They are both finished with baseball--well Zachary has one last game but then it's done for the winter.   Jakeb is still in swim, though begrudgingly so as he would prefer to quit and sit at home playing video games...but alas that's a NO.

They are all excited about the new baby and are enjoying the girls being here despite the bit of chaos it brings!

So that's the update for now...about all I have!


  

Night.

I am sitting here on a Saturday night at nearly 11pm in a hotel room not too far from our house....getting a much needed night away.  Mostly hoping for a full nights sleep something I haven't had in years.   Though at this point I imagine that won't happen but at least it will be quiet here and I can just be alone for a bit.  Alone longer than a quick trip to the store.   Sometimes alone is exactly what is needed.   It's funny how I can spend my days with little people and sometimes I crave some adult time but occasionally I just need ME time.  So for about 18 hours that's exactly what I am getting....and my husband Robert is super fantastic to be so crazy supportive and helpful for this to get to happen.  I am pretty sure I haven't been alone---all by myself in nearly 13 years, not that that is bad...because oh my gosh that's fantastic---I have people and my people and they are amazing.  

Will and a way?

I am really really wanting to start posting on here regularly again.  I think it's helpful and somewhat cathartic---granted I rarely write about much that is more than what our days consist of but it is still nice to sit and think back on the day or week or even month.   It helps slow time just a tad.
Since I last wrote we have upped our numbers and are now sitting at an even 6 kiddos.  Two girls and 4 boys....ages 12, 10, 8, 4, 3, 2.   We are busy and they are loud.   Typically noise doesn't bother me too bad,  I can goes days without having to fuss at someone for being too loud but lately that's not happening.   The 3 little ones get running and squealing and screaming and lordy lordy my patience for loud is gone.  That said they are good...really good kiddos.  We rarely have issues and rarely have prolonged fits or screaming and crying--especially for reasons that aren't warranted.   They play fantastically well together and for the most part listen pretty darn well.  When we sit back and look at them and the day we know that these little girls couldn't get much easier especially all things considered with their little worlds.  
Miss T goes to school very early at o'dark thirty Mon-Fri and gets home at the same time Gavin and Zachary do.   So Mon-Fri from about 8-2:30 it's just Nolan and GG (Reminder..we can't name the kiddo's online...so you just have to guess) and that is a nice little break.
We spend most days at home but I am trying to be better about venturing out...I am not sure why the task of leaving with the little ones has seemed so daunting--I mean other than the obvious of taking out multiple little people.  If we recall back 8 or so years ago I had 3 little ones...4, 2, and infant and was quite busy out and about with them nearly daily.   I am having to remind myself that I managed with them and to get some pep in my step with all the home body-ness.   Baby steps :)
The kids have now been back to school for 2 full weeks and all seems to be going well.  Jakeb is in 7th (WHAT?!)  Zachary in 5th (again what?!) and Gavin in 3rd (cray cray!)  They all do very well in school and seem to keep up with their responsibilities on their own quite well--very happy and proud of them for that.   We did have a cold try to roll thru last week and maybe it was mild enough that they kicked it out on their own OR maybe the new essential oils that we have been using helped give it an extra kick out the door.   Jakeb's tend to linger a little longer but we threw together a little concoction and within a few days it was better And didn't get worse like it normally does!    The only one who has gotten worse is Miss T---I didn't put the oils on her as diligently because she just didn't complain as much and now she is much more congested and coughing than they ever were.   Coincidence?  Maybe...maybe not!  We have tried them for a few other things and I really do think they help!   So I am jumping on the essential oil fad/train and saying YES...go for it.  I am so not one to hop on a band wagon but this one is a good one.
Zachary and Gavin are signed up and ready for baseball to get started again and Jakeb just started back with swim after a few weeks of break.  So back into routines we go...they are all still doing piano and Zachary has decided to drop Scouts from his activities--he just had a hard time staying motivated for it.  So while I would love for him to continue if he isn't wanting to we just can't force it and honestly one less thing off our plate both financially and time wise is just fine.
Still can't believe summer is over...it always goes by so very quickly.  I feel like we had a decent one...nothing exciting but lots of playing and just hanging out at home.  We hit up a few movies and a few fun things but for the most part we spent our days here at home and with trips to the pool.  It was good.
Alrighty well hopefully I will check back in sooner rather than later...afterall tomorrow is Tuesday and that "12 on Tuesday" isn't all that challenging.
Enjoy your day!

Eight.

My 3rd 8 year old to grace my life....Mr. Gavin turned 8 a couple months ago and I have to keep reminding myself that he is 8.   At 8 he is going into 3rd grade and holy wow...THIRD GRADE!  That seems so huge and so big and not so little and tiny and little like I have to keep remembering Gavin isn't.   He is 8!
At 8 Gavin is well he's Gavin...he's a stinker and he's so sweet...he's our funny guy with off the wall comments like "biscuits are my jam!"  He still says things that make us turn and look at him and say "What did you just say? and how did you know to say that clever thing?"   So he's clever and witty and funny in this unassuming not really trying way.   Because when he does try it just doesn't work....he's a little brother that likes to bounce and jump and poke and prod and aggravate his big brothers and he's a big brother that likes to aggravate his little brother (and currently sister).   But he loves to play with them all day long...he wants to be with them and hang with them.    At 8 he is loving baseball and does amazing at school.   At 8 Gavin is still a snuggler but he often has to be asked...he still loves to jump, jump, jump!   He loves to make a little nest in his bed with pillows and blankets and burrows his little self down into it--every night.  His hair is still as blonde as ever and he can swim like a fish.   His temper is still rocking but he is much better now at keeping that in check...he still has somewhat eclectic eating habits and is not a fan of fruit.  At 8 Gavin is loving and kind and considerate and smart and happy and silly and playful and grumpy and an early riser and a wonderful amazing kiddo!  Happy 8th Birthday my blonde awesome little Gavy Gav!

Thirteen on Thursday.

1.  Just popping in really quick to say hi.  I have brought the ipad up here several nights now and never manage to actually get it turned on....I even charged up the keyboard that goes with it so I could type out a post....it's taken a week to make it happen.

2.  Nolan basically sleeps in our bed every night...as in he never sleeps in his bed.  Ever.  He is now scared of monsters and thanks to a geotrax show "The Ghost Train"   whoops!   Fun phase.  That said he naps in our bed and instead of 30-45 min naps he often takes 2 hours naps....so in our bed is just fine!

3.  Sadly we are down to only 4 more weeks of break....it has flown by but it's been good.  

4.  We made a trip to TN to get Zachary dropped off at a stay away camp there and I decided that while he was there we would spend the week there.  I tried to hit up a few of our old favorites but quickly ran out of time.  Definitely will make stops on the next trip up.  

5.  Zachary enjoyed camp but got rained on a lot...even with that he said he had a lot of fun.  

6.  We still have our girly T but baby boy went to a new adoptive family mid May...we were super excited for him and for them.   It seemed like so long that he was here and now also so long that he's been gone but it's not even been 2 months since he left.   Thinking back to our first 2 placements seems like a lifetime ago.

7.  Miss T is doing great.....has adjusted very well to here and to us.  She's been here almost 4 months now...her and Nolan are bff's and love to play and play.   He will miss his playmate when she leaves :(

8.  Jakeb is still swimming and enjoying it....hoping to be better about getting him to practice though!

9.  Gavin turned 8 and I MUST blog about that soon...in fact that is why I did this particular post.   

10.  Miss T also had a birthday but I don't know if I can blog about that too much...we shall see.

11.  *I* also had a birthday but it seems weird to blog about all the things and what not I do at 34....especially since I kinda do that every time I blog.  

12.  The boys finished out their school year like rock stars....awards for everyone and I am super proud of their academics.  

13.  We are enjoying the sunshine and the pool a lot this year :)  Happy Summer!

Twelve.

So Jakeb turned 12 almost 2 months ago....in fact 2 months ago tomorrow.   And in that 2 months life has just kept on going and I haven't gotten a chance to talk about my 12 year old here until now.   Here we go....Jakeb is 12.  Wow.  TWELVE!
It feels that every age now is a big one...12 the last one before 13 and his official teenage status is among us.  12 while he is now in middle school and doing that "big kid" thing.   Like having a phone and talking about girls...old enough that I don't panic if he walks down the road or walks from one end of the store to another without me.   He's 12 and at 12 he is responsible and honest and helpful and pretty darn fantastic.  He is doing fabulous in 6th grade...we had a rocky patch for a bit but he has rebounded back with vengeance and is doing amazing.  Making new friends and great grades...he is still doing swim with his swim team...he has done a handful of meets and enjoys them.  He isn't the fastest on the team but enjoys being in the water and enjoys the feeling after a good practice.   And practice is 1hr straight of swimming laps in the pool....it's a workout and it's awesome that he goes and gets that opportunity.  And that he likes how he feels afterward and he has a way to unwind.
At 12 he loves his brothers and is usually very willing to help when asked and even often when not.  He is happy and silly, smart and friendly...shy but confident.   At 12 we are watching him blossom into the adult person he will be... seeing bits and pieces of the man he is becoming and we are very proud him.   Jakeb is kind, tender hearted, compassionate, rule follower, though often destructive, sometimes grumpy, sometimes sassy, all the time loving, all the time the best 12 year old kiddo I know.  Happy 12th birthday Jakeb we are so proud of you and all that you are and I hope you always always remember that!

Twelve on Tuesday

1.  Technically I should be writing up about Jakeb turning 12 or Gavin turning 8…or maybe even about the foster kiddos we now have but it occurred to me just a bit ago that it's Tuesday and maybe MAYBE I could squeeze in 12 things before people wake up or get off the bus.

2.  I have maybe 9 minutes before the bus gets here with either our girlie T or Gavin and Zachary.

3.  Nolan is snoozing on the couch and baby boy is chilling with Robert for just a few minutes.

4.  School is ALMOST over and not a moment too soon.

5.  Also so is baseball….also not a moment too soon.

6.  Nolan just woke up…however he seems a little dazed and confused--typical for just waking up Nolan.

7.  Bus 1 just went by and time is almost up!

8.  Zachary is on the All Star baseball team so technically it's not almost over but regular season is!

9.  The weather here has been fabulous.

10.  Did I mention I have a 12 year old??  Crazy!

11.  Foster care kiddos are doing great but we are most definitely busy!

12.  16 more days of school!

Ten.

How we have 2 kiddo's that are now into the double digits blows my mind.  Zman turned 10 well over a month ago now and is happily trucking along into his preteens.   As preteens do he is rocking the boat a wee bit…finding his place as he grows.  
At 10 Zachary is quite the fun loving little boy he always has been…he still loves to be busy and activities are a must.  Whether it be cooking, a craft, a video game, a sport, a board game, or some much more thrill seeking activity--basically he is a doer.  We certainly don't do as much cooking or crafting as one might like to do…he would much prefer video gaming his days away.  A battle we fight daily.
10 year old Zachary is a kind hearted kiddo--he is playful and silly, quick witted, funny, handsome.  He does marvelous at school…in fact he is student of the month this month!   He is well liked and makes friends easily.  He is now involved in Science Olympiad, Chorus, Baseball, Piano, and scouts.   Science Olympiad is coming to an end but I know he has enjoyed it!  
Zachary is a fantastic kiddo--I love his heart and his spunk.   I am excited to watch him grow and mature into the awesome guy I know he will be.   At 10 he lost his appendix shortly after his 10th birthday!   He did wonderful with the surgery and is moving on into the "recovered" part of that journey.  
He loves his brothers madly despite their more frequent bickering I know he would walk thru fire for them if need be…he is a great helper with Nolan and the other little ones around.  He loves to read and is still rocking straight A's!   We have always said he is always up for a good time and just loves to have fun….I think this is one of the sides of him we love the most.   We have been butting heads a lot more lately--this makes my heart a little sad!  I know a big reason is that we are so very similar but it's hard to be battling so often.   I miss my little sweet boy following me around calling me "wah wah".   Zachary has a huge heart and I hope that stays with him always.  So very proud of the boy he is and will become.

Happy 10th Birthday Zman!   I am so very proud of you.

Still truckin'

I need to do the big 10 birthday post for my Zman....but I would really like to do a birthday "questionnaire" and post that along with it.   I have wanted to do 20 birthday questions on the kiddo's birthdays for years now and somehow it just hasn't happened.   I will make it happen this year darnit!   

Well our first placement went to family at the end of January.  We all handled it just fine and while we certainly think about and wonder how they are doing we know that they are where they need to be.  Nolan talks about "Vdog" the most....says he does things around the house or that something his V's or often asks where he is. He was with me when they left and saw them leave so he knows where he went.   I think he misses him but never seems upset or troubled by it...just more in conversation.   I am happy for that.  

We have a new little guy now---yes another boy!   Apparently boys are us...for now.   He's 3 weeks old and we have had him for almost 2 weeks now, so he's a bitty guy.   Definitely easier than our previous placement...but the lack of sleep is a bit rough.   He is not doing as awesome as I would have hoped in that department.   I am hoping that comes soon though.   We have no idea how long this will be, his situation is a bit messy so it may be a longer one.  Time will tell!

We have had some very welcomed warmer weather---we have also had some very welcomed snow!  Zman had yet another snow filled birthday and spent the day sledding with friends and home from school....in fact almost the entire week they were home this after missing several days ago  not too long ago for the same reason.  I was thrilled to see some snow this year!   Though the cold can mosey on out now and I am ready for sunshine and warmth.  

We are entering into baseball season and while it is busy busy I am excited for it to get started, we have such a good time watching them play and enjoying the time outside.  

I hate seeing this blog fall by the wayside....I really enjoying writing and reminiscing here.  

Nolan is at such a fun age...you know the age where nearly everything they do and say is just so darn cute?   yep that age...the age I miss the most with the big boys--in fact I dare say it is the only age I miss...their voices and watching them learn and discover, my most favorite for sure.   At the same time the big boys are entering super fun ages too...despite the sassy and the often crudeness...I really am enjoying being able to have real conversations with them.  Joking and laughing around on a new level and again watching them grow and mature into older kids.   They are great boys with huge hearts and I am very proud of them.   

Thursday 13.

1.  Nolan is sleeping next to me with his new "poda bearw" jammies on....his little foot is propped directly to the right of my screen as I type.  So his cute little polar bear face foot is smiling at me.   It's funny and also a little creepy.

2.  I rotated our mattress a 1/4 turn the other day...holy crap is it so much more comfy.  Who knew?

3.  I was just rereading some of my past blog posts...a few observations.  I am redundant and seem to post the same topics throughout a year at the same times of year.  Also I am a bit wishy washy on my feelings for well just about everything...of course this I know.  One day I love all things purple and the next I am very eh about purple.  And as we know I really should proof read...but ugh what a pain.   Ain't got time for that.

4.  I love a clean house.  It helps me function--try as I may to relax and let things slide I eventually lose my brain and demand it to be picked up.  And snap about hand prints and dirt and why in the world is the toilet so NASTY.    That being said I have relaxed A LOT.

5.  Rumor flying around is that our first 2 foster kiddos will be going to family next Friday....rumor also is don't hold your breath about rumors.  SO that's the plan we are told but until it happens....

6.  We are ready--I will be anxious and sad the day they leave.  Anxious because these 2 babies we have had and cared for for over a month will be leaving and we likely won't see them again and will they be ok?   Sad for all the same reasons...BUT ready for some normalcy.   We signed up for this knowing this is the plan and this is how it goes.

7.  Jakeb is still loving swim...he had a meet this weekend at Auburn.   Little crazy but I just love watching him do his thing.  He isn't the fastest but he is loving it and that is awesome.

8.  Did I mention that all three had straight A's?   Yep...they did.  Rock stars.

9.  Robert is rocking in the new job world....adjusting and learnin the ins and outs of the new company.   He is so very close to finishing up his masters.  Super proud of him.

10.  I have a rockin' head ache this evening....

11.  Also it's COLD.  Like for real cold cold....Not my favorite, not even a little.

12.  I always get so antsy this time of year....to travel to move to something....if you have read here long I think I blog about that antsy'ness before.  I like to stay predictable.

13.  Going to snuggle with my warm little bear.   

Stay warm folks!

What day is it?

Right so....six kids?  No joke.   I feel like for the past month all I have done is talked about how HARD this is.   How we are doing it but holy cow...barely.  Tonight everyone was in bed by 8:30 and the house is so very picked up so that tomorrow we can ALL be dressed and out the door by 7:30 and then 8:30 so I can drop the 3 big ones off at school and then 2 little ones with a visit with their mom and while we are all gone the house will be being cleaned.   So tonight I feel like BAM!   Though Nolan techincally is leaning on my arm while I type this and is watching "rocket" aka Little Einsteins...because while Gavin was at his art class and we drove around aimlessly for an hour he took an extra nap.  But we are in bed....and I keep telling him shhh because um this is my time brotha.   

Here's the thing....we knew this would be an adventure and what not but holy head spinner.   I don't know if there is a time of year that is better to take 2 extra little ones into an already busy house but I would wager a guess that 5 days before a Christmas you aren't ready for as is isn't the best time.  But here we sit 3 weeks into the new year and I am wondering how we got here.   It's worked out and we are basically no worse for the wear...learning things about ourselves and yet feeling so much stronger as a marital/parental team.  Wasn't expecting that but how about that...I will certainly take it.  

The boys are taking this all in stride....2 little ones trashing your stuff isn't awesome.   But they are helping and we are trying to keep them out of their spaces and things.   I think we are all feeling a little shell shocked but are slowly coming back to.  

Having said all that...we are so GLAD to be at this point finally.   Foster parents....we have 2 foster sons.   And wow that's weird to say.   I like taking all 6 of these boys out and watching people A) count them and B) try to figure out the math and of course how it works because they don't exactly "match" The baby is the easiest baby I have ever met....I mean sleeps all night and takes long naps and is the smiliest little one.   2 year old....adorable...but BUSY.   Like Nolan busy...but louder and bigger and even busier.  

Despite my complaining and woe is me and sounding a little bit like I am questioning our decision and people asking if we will do this again...the answer is yes for sure.  I know and knew lt would be challlenging especially at first...granted you really just don't know HOW challenging until it's there.   But it's good challenging...most of the time.  

Wowza.

So hi there….nearly 2 months of no posting.  WHOOPS!   We have had a busy handful of weeks….We were finally approved as Foster Parents the first part of December.   Had 2 calls the following week but because we were heading out of town the following weekend we had to say no.   Then 3 weeks ago on a Wednesday we got a call for 2 little boys….2 and 3 months.   And here we are with 6 little boys running around the house.   They spent Christmas and New Year with us and we are slowly settling in with our new normal.   Which basically consists of us chasing 2 year olds all.day.long.   Changing lots of diapers and wiping up a lot of spit up.   So it's all good but it's no joke busy.
I actually started typing this post 2 days ago and got 4 sentences done and Nolan woke up…because getting them all down for naps take forever and just as soon as the last one falls asleep…one wakes.  SO busy yes.  
The big boys are adjusting and really just are doing their thing…we are trying very hard to not have them get lost in the shuffle.   Video gaming is happening a lot and regular showers are falling by the wayside…but it's been winter break so that may have happened some anyway.   Nolan struggled a bit at first but is adjusting to 2 new people in the house demanding our attention.  
The baby is easy peasy…sleeps thru the night most nights and is happy and smiley and is just fine to hang out "playing" with toys and smiling at shadows.
So that's a brief update…I am hoping I can update more soon…We had a great Christmas.   The boys were thoroughly thrilled with the day.  New Year was pretty uneventful and we just hung out at home with the kiddos…which is basically what we do every year.  
And with that very brief update I will have to catch up more later….