Another Employee In The House

Sixteen and a half years ago, I held my sweet newborn son, rubbed, counted his toes, and said he was never leaving my side, going to school, or getting a job. Well, I was only successful in one of those. Today Seth found out, after much persistence, that he got a job. I'm extremely happy and proud of him. As usual, I can't help but ask, "Where have the years gone?"


I look like a kid. And to think...I thought I knew it all back then. I sure had a lot to learn. Still do.


My handsome, 16 year old, Seth

What Do They All Have In Common?

What do you think all these creatures have in common? Think really hard about all the possibilities.









Yes, they are all adorable. I love the cute wildlife around our house. But, their common bond? They've all been killed by my son, Seth, at some point behind the wheel of either his truck or the lawn mower. None of them were intentional. He felt terrible when he did his first road-kill. I cannot even bring up the lawn mower incident. He does not want to talk about it. Then, when he hit the deer, he hated driving by it on the side of the road, which is only about a mile from our house. I am just thankful Seth was not hurt.

One thing he has not hit was this one creature:



This was taken yesterday in our front yard. It was strange seeing one in daylight. We had to hurry and bring Moxie in the house before she saw it. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened.

Cook, School, Clean, Repeat

Do you ever feel like you are on automatic? I feel my days are done subconsciously, like a robot carrying about the normal routines of the day. I am sure staying indoors most of the time during this cold weather plays a large part in these feelings.

So, today it is this...



...and this. Do you see the dust accumulation on my furniture? That is because I have not dusted since the last week of last year.



I believe the children are even getting a little stir-crazy. The temperatures are a bit cold for our area. Jack goes out with Eva and Ivy, but Joy stays inside. I know that if Joy went outside, she would end up getting mad because she was too cold and could not do anything about it. It has happened before. I know the routine.

So, for Joy, I put together a little of this...



...to make this.



It made for hours of fun, even with Jack and Jordan.



Maybe, just maybe, I will get in the shower before 6:00 pm today. I think I need a different plan, though. I need to get organized. Now, I sound like my mother when I say, "not enough hours in the day."

Movin' On

Jordan will be 21 years old this spring (yikes!). She started working when she was 14 years old and started taking classes at the local community college when she was 15 years old (You'd think she would have her Masters by now?). She's worked at a grocery store, a pharmacy, the mall, and a restaurant. After a few different course changes, Jordan will finish her Associates this spring. And after a few different job leads here and there, she found out yesterday that she got the job that she had been pursing since before Christmas! Even though it is a part-time, entry-level position at a law firm, it is a step in the right direction for her. Now it is time to strap on the boots and enter the hard-working world.

Happy New Year!

I've no profound words of wisdom, no resolutions for this year.  But, Happy New Year to all my friends and family who read my blog.  We did nothing exciting.  Staying up until midnight is usually the norm for the older ones in this family.  I'm not sure if I lasted or not.  We did head out early and took the children bowling.  It was a first for the younger 3.  Seth was feeling a bit yucky, so he did not participate although he graced us with his presence. 

Jack looked like a natural out there.  He had not been bowling in 1/2 a decade, but he had so much fun!

Ivy enjoyed it, although she lost control of the ball and manged to toss it in the opposite direction of the lanes.  She just was not strong enough.

Joy and Eva were just too cute out there.  Joy's enthusiasm was quite contagious, and Eva had fun walking around and looking at things like gumball machines.  

Don't you just love pictures of our backsides?  All I have to say about my performance....You know you are out of shape when you are sore after bowling 3 games using a 9 pound ball.  

Oh, here is one picture of Eva when she managed to sit down long enough.  Afterward, we headed to Chick-fil-A where Joy ate her usual dinner of waffle fries and lemonade.  I let the nutrition slide on certain outings.

Bumps

I had Eva sitting on the bathroom sink area fixing her hair.  She was just at chest level.  She points to my chest and says, "What are those?". 

I looked down at my chest and replied, "Those are fuzzies from the sweater.". 

She looks up at me with those big brown eyes, smiling.  "No, those bumps." 

Ahh.  "Well, Eva, those bumps are breasts.  You have them, too.  They just aren't very big yet.  If you have a baby one day, they will fill up with milk so you can nurse your baby."

Eva looked confused.  "Do they have lids?  They have to have lids."

I picked her up, put her down, "Go play."