Our beautiful huge TV of only a year is requiring some assistance. Apparently leaving it on constantly wears out the bulb. It's a rear projection flat screen and a week ago it started showing a message whenever we turned it on. Jared did some research and found the bulbs retail for $150 but fortunately he found one on ebay for $80.
Since the bulb can go out just light a light bulb we've been hesitant to use the TV. It's actually been really nice having it off. The kids are playing board games instead of Wii. They've learned UNO and Jared loves to play with them. Eli's adorable and squeals anytime he gets a specialty card. So much for a poker face.
Our book binge yesterday has been a true blessing and I've caught Brennan and Tanner both reading without my prompting. They've spent the bulk of their rainy days playing Bakugan's upstairs.
We still have our TV in our bedroom and it's been really nice snuggling up to Jared in the evenings with Anneliese while the kids head to bed to watch our favorite shows. Who knew a pricey light bulb could be such a blessing.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Edgumacation
I went to the GoodWill with my mom today and hit the jackpot.
The boys are gradually working into their summer and I wanted to make sure they kept up on their reading. Tanner seems to be having far more trouble reading then Brennan did. I love the idea of making weekly trips to the Library but honestly with five kids it's more than difficult to just go hang out there. The younger two make it very hard.
I took about 20 minutes and went through their entire children's section. The boys and I came home with nearly 40 books for only $18. I made sure that all of the books were the right reading level and all of them were of interest for the older two boys.
We have Star Wars, Spongebob, Lego, and even some great bible stories. I found a book called "Children of the World." It is full of information from geography to religion. The boys have spend the afternoon digging through the pile of books and are really excited.
They chose reading over Wii. It warms a home school mom's heart!
The boys are gradually working into their summer and I wanted to make sure they kept up on their reading. Tanner seems to be having far more trouble reading then Brennan did. I love the idea of making weekly trips to the Library but honestly with five kids it's more than difficult to just go hang out there. The younger two make it very hard.
I took about 20 minutes and went through their entire children's section. The boys and I came home with nearly 40 books for only $18. I made sure that all of the books were the right reading level and all of them were of interest for the older two boys.
We have Star Wars, Spongebob, Lego, and even some great bible stories. I found a book called "Children of the World." It is full of information from geography to religion. The boys have spend the afternoon digging through the pile of books and are really excited.
They chose reading over Wii. It warms a home school mom's heart!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Random Retreat Thoughts
-We got home from our retreat Saturday evening. It was a great couple days with great friends. I was super thankful for the chance to escape, I mean go to a retreat.
-Anneliese was quite the celebrity. I haven't ever been stopped so many times. Apparently little boys must not be as interesting. Everyone wanted to know her name, how old she was, and I even had one total stranger take her right out of my arms to snuggle her. I know she's the prettiest little girl on the planet with the sweetest disposition and all this did was prove I'm not just biased :)
-Jackina Stark was the guest speaker and she did an amazing job. She is really funny and quirky and just a pleasure to listen to. She's an author so her speeches were linguistic works of art. God has truly blessed her with an amazing gift.
-Jared and the boys did fantastic. This is the first time I've gone away since kids that he just really thrived. The boys were well behaved. They played games went to a friend's pet store and checked out the lizards. They were happy to see me when I got home but it was obvious they had a great time while I was away. It brings great peace to know they can survive without me at least for two and half days :)
-My house was clean when I got home. Jared and the kids did dishes and kept things picked up. Yay Daddy!
-Anneliese was quite the celebrity. I haven't ever been stopped so many times. Apparently little boys must not be as interesting. Everyone wanted to know her name, how old she was, and I even had one total stranger take her right out of my arms to snuggle her. I know she's the prettiest little girl on the planet with the sweetest disposition and all this did was prove I'm not just biased :)
-Jackina Stark was the guest speaker and she did an amazing job. She is really funny and quirky and just a pleasure to listen to. She's an author so her speeches were linguistic works of art. God has truly blessed her with an amazing gift.
-Jared and the boys did fantastic. This is the first time I've gone away since kids that he just really thrived. The boys were well behaved. They played games went to a friend's pet store and checked out the lizards. They were happy to see me when I got home but it was obvious they had a great time while I was away. It brings great peace to know they can survive without me at least for two and half days :)
-My house was clean when I got home. Jared and the kids did dishes and kept things picked up. Yay Daddy!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I Need Therepy
I just finished switching out the kids winter to summer clothes (finally). I feel the need to admit I have a serious issue. Apparently I have a great fear that my kids will not have enough clothing.
There are over 100 short sleeved shirts that fit my older 3 kids. There are easily 50 pairs of shorts that the older 3 also share.
Last summer we had a shortage of clothes big enough for Tanner. He wears a size larger than Brennan and Elijah. I started shopping garage sales and good will and apparently I lost count (or my mind, I'm not sure which).
We ran out of hangers. I'm going to have to go through all of them and take out the multiples (I like to dress the kids alike at times) and everything that's not in great shape. This is ridiculous! No wonder I feel the laundry is never ending. It's NOT!! And it's my fault. Wow...
Ha! I just had a thought. Just think when Graham is the only one in that size. He'll be able to go all summer without wearing a single thing twice. It's time to reorganize.
There are over 100 short sleeved shirts that fit my older 3 kids. There are easily 50 pairs of shorts that the older 3 also share.
Last summer we had a shortage of clothes big enough for Tanner. He wears a size larger than Brennan and Elijah. I started shopping garage sales and good will and apparently I lost count (or my mind, I'm not sure which).
We ran out of hangers. I'm going to have to go through all of them and take out the multiples (I like to dress the kids alike at times) and everything that's not in great shape. This is ridiculous! No wonder I feel the laundry is never ending. It's NOT!! And it's my fault. Wow...
Ha! I just had a thought. Just think when Graham is the only one in that size. He'll be able to go all summer without wearing a single thing twice. It's time to reorganize.
Falling Behind
Boy howdy I'm struggling to keep all the plates spinning. I know it will get better but right now things are just falling behind.
The other day I had an angry husband when he realized there were not any clean underwear. Well there were clean underwear just not dry underwear. All his (and most everyone else's) whites were sitting in the washer. Not exactly convenient.
This morning he was frustrated when the only clean towel had a small toothpaste mark in the shape of a mouth on it. Apparently it was the victim of last nights tooth brushing regime.
The laundry is my nemesis. It just takes too long and by the time I get one load started 13 other things grab me and I forget to get back to it.
It's not just laundry though. I find I eat lunch later and later everyday. By the time I get everyone else taken care of it can easily be 2 or 3 before I have time to eat. The boys are usually a little nibbly by then and request bites. They are completely perplexed why I absolutely refuse to share with a crazed look in my eye.
Tomorrow I leave for 2 days for a woman's retreat at OCC. It's definitely a needed break. I just hope while I'm gone I can recoup and come back refreshed and ready to jump back in.
The other day I had an angry husband when he realized there were not any clean underwear. Well there were clean underwear just not dry underwear. All his (and most everyone else's) whites were sitting in the washer. Not exactly convenient.
This morning he was frustrated when the only clean towel had a small toothpaste mark in the shape of a mouth on it. Apparently it was the victim of last nights tooth brushing regime.
The laundry is my nemesis. It just takes too long and by the time I get one load started 13 other things grab me and I forget to get back to it.
It's not just laundry though. I find I eat lunch later and later everyday. By the time I get everyone else taken care of it can easily be 2 or 3 before I have time to eat. The boys are usually a little nibbly by then and request bites. They are completely perplexed why I absolutely refuse to share with a crazed look in my eye.
Tomorrow I leave for 2 days for a woman's retreat at OCC. It's definitely a needed break. I just hope while I'm gone I can recoup and come back refreshed and ready to jump back in.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Random
-Work last night went well. I took Brennan along just in case Anneliese needed snuggled while I was working. She actually did really well and Brennan was extremely well behaved and very respectful.
-While changing Anneliese's diaper I noticed she has a hernia around her belly button. If you push on it softly you can feel a squishing as the intestine goes back. I was extremely concerned and almost in tears until I did a quick internet search. Apparently it's common (1 in 6) and should close up on its own. If it doesn't by the time she's 3 surgery may be recommended. We're going in to the doctor just in case but I feel much relived by what I read.
-We have had the same Char-Boil grill for 9 years. It was a birthday gift from my in-laws when we moved to Lansing. Today it got a make over. I went to Wal-Mart and bought all new parts for the inside. I wanted to buy a new grill (a minimum of $120) but instead it's up and running like new with a little elbow grease and $37. That grill was a mess. I cleaned it all out and have a chicken breast on it as I type. YUMM!
-I was really pleased with the response I got from my Weight Watchers members. I was super self-conscience to go in at my current weight. They were very accepting and even seemed excited at the idea of us losing together.
-While changing Anneliese's diaper I noticed she has a hernia around her belly button. If you push on it softly you can feel a squishing as the intestine goes back. I was extremely concerned and almost in tears until I did a quick internet search. Apparently it's common (1 in 6) and should close up on its own. If it doesn't by the time she's 3 surgery may be recommended. We're going in to the doctor just in case but I feel much relived by what I read.
-We have had the same Char-Boil grill for 9 years. It was a birthday gift from my in-laws when we moved to Lansing. Today it got a make over. I went to Wal-Mart and bought all new parts for the inside. I wanted to buy a new grill (a minimum of $120) but instead it's up and running like new with a little elbow grease and $37. That grill was a mess. I cleaned it all out and have a chicken breast on it as I type. YUMM!
-I was really pleased with the response I got from my Weight Watchers members. I was super self-conscience to go in at my current weight. They were very accepting and even seemed excited at the idea of us losing together.
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