Craptastic October

What made October so craptastic you ask? Well I shall tell you:

1. Tommy has a touch of the Houdini hands. He has somehow lost-

my cell phone, my wallet, and pretty much the contents of my everyday life.

2. Apparently I have a knack for self induced stress as I, after replacing everything somehow lost it all again. Crappy? Yes I know.

3. I had a little car accident. NOthing major but Derek now refers to my sweet ride as a smashed-up-looking-ghetto-car. Life is Saaweet :P

4. Got ripped off by the car place fixing my car. Why didn't I just go to my mechanic I trust! Why?! Stop the INSANITY!

5. We all got the flu simutaneously with records lost and cars getting smashed. That was a feverish, congested, mad chills kind of crappy I tell you!

6. I forgot to pick up my kids at school when I had no car and no stroller. I felt AWFUL--Worst Mother on the face of the planet kind of awful!

Oh on a not crappy at all side note Derek's sister Emma was married in the month of October --that was fabulous. However when I was renewing my TR, I was asked if the time frame from which I needed to renew it was for my OWN child's wedding?! Huh, what?! What rainbow did I just get barfed out of? I feel like I've been totally living in Bizzaro land. No ruby slippers to take me back to Kansas! Serenity NOW!

*OK after writing my little cry fest I just read this post from nienie and I realize I'm a tad bit whiny--sorry folks. Lesson learned--cry fest over I'm an adult and can handle my silly little frustrations.

nienie's awesome post!

Birthday Rundown

Friday was my Birthday. I should've known that special days have a tendency to start off rocky. So I should've seen the Friday morning breakdown coming. S was having trouble with homework which she failed to mention was still unfinished and then refused to go to school with out it done.

After tears, howling, and moaning I made the executive decision to save my sanity and Birthday and let the kids play hooky with me and do some fun B-day stuff. Rundown:
9 am-end of melt down/executive decision made
12 pm-finished chores and head out for the day
1 pm-Dad called to send B-day wishes thanks Dad:) We got to the mall, ate yummy mall food, rode the carousel, and let the kids play at the kiddie area (even though the mall Moms made disgusted faces at my "too old" kids playing in the kiddie area)--I just stared them down and let my kids play, my kids are harmless and very gentle with the toddlers, so I wasn't afraid. By the time I left the Mall Moms didn't seem to notice my gigantic kids playing on the plastic fruit.
3pm-head to Costco pick up dinner for kids and some pictures
cross the street to Trader Joes for my birthday pie (strawberry rhubarb-yum!) and B-day flowers.
4pm-get home and clean it up before Grandma, Auntie Emms and Auntie Hanners arrive.
5:30pm-the MOST fantastic dinner I've ever had at the Catonsville Gourmet.

where deliciousness is made mmmm....

7pm-home and take the kiddos and Grandma and Aunties to an outdoor interactive Sound of Music showing at the creepy, yet cool Patapsco Female Institute.
We won door prizes, had free movie treats, and got to see people dressed up in lederhosen and habits. It was fantastic, I forget how much I enjoy that movie.

10pm-talk to brother Carlito for an overdue Big Bro conversation.
then listened to Adri on voice mail sing me Happy B-day and Mom's B-day message!--Love ya!
So in the end, after all the drama this B-day was pretty darn good.

On Getting Things Done

*Sir Cries a lot getting into things he shouldn't

Some things in life can wait--dishes, home projects, cleaning the car.
Some things in life can not--holding and rocking a cranky son all day. Being there for my children when they come home from school. Chatting with Derek when he comes home from work. Cooking, cleaning the same messes over and over again, making school lunches and hearing chatty kids all day long.

Even with the tediousness of chatty, loud kids I still find myself wishing there were more hours in my day, week, year.

A little voice in my head keeps reminding me that those things will soon fade away and I will be left with me--the me I crave all the time.

They will grow and I will get old and laugh at this "over burdened" phase of life, sigh and wish to have it back again.



Conclusion? Enjoy it while it lasts.

Here Comes the Sun

Here is Derek's Little Sister Emma. Isn't she beautiful? And Aren't I lucky that she agreed to model some vintage dresses for me?




The sun was amazing. But then again Emma is like a tall glass of perfect sunshine, so I guess it was a match made in vintage/perfect light Heaven.

I'll be selling my vintage dresses on Etsy (So keep your eyes on the lookout for Sitchbird). Each outfit is as gorgeous and timeless as is Emma and Sunshine.

Sun-soaked and Sand-blasted

Taking a camping vacation to Assateague Island was wonderful. We enjoyed camping just a short distance from the beach.

The girls all woke up early to watch the sun come up over the pounding waves.

T-boy enjoyed the beach and had so much sand covering him all the time that I gave in and let him roll in the sand to his hearts content.

The hurricanes provided for some pretty awesome waves. The likes of which I have never seen before. I thought the girls were going to get swept away. But of course they are part jelly-fish and kept popping up. Me on the other had miscalculated the waves and basically belly flopped on the scratchy sand.

The bathrooms in Ocean City are pretty lame. The ONE bathroom said "no changing allowed" of course I had the girls break the rules to change--L and X were totally fine with it, but S held to her guns and refused to break the "law", so she swam red-neck style a la t-shirt and cut off jeans.

We took a little cruise to Assateague and saw all the ships that pick up oysters and fish. The breeze on the boat was nice, T-boy and Daddy enjoyed themselves.

And we all came home a little crazied out from the sun and sand. I have video proof.

Dancing Revival

Dear Adri,

I am in a funk. Things to do, but no one to dance with whilst I do my daily duties.

Laundry isn't fun anymore (uh, when was it ever fun actually), vaccuming is a bore, and cooking--let's not speak of it. My kids have lost their desire to be my spazoid-clean-the-house dance partner. Why do they have to grow up and be so glum?. Why do I have to be so glum? where's Adri in her "Booty Queen" sweat pants when I need her?

I need Mr. Lagaan or Gauri to pump me up. The rain ain't coming and I am seriously in need of a down pour (of inspirational-to-do-power that is).

A birdy by the name of Mom said you were driving out to Mo. Lucky!

So if I plan a trip in September to the Az. Hillz are you still willing to show me around Jerome? I think I need to add a little water to my well, so to speak.

Luv ya!

Bucky

Sending Birthday Love! Happy Birthday Abel, Adriane, Mom, and Carl!

Here is a little tribute to all the family that have B-days in May. Love you guys.

Dear Carlito,
Did you know you are the BEST big brother in the whole wide world? I don't think you do, that's why I need to tell you. There are many fond memories of my life growing up with you, we are so close in age I don't remember a time with out you being there. Riding bikes at high speeds down our hill on Pleasant Street, going out trick or treating together, blowing things up on the 4th of July, swimming in our back yard pool, working at the store, driving to seminary (at awesomely top speeds I might add). I don't remember you ever being mean to me, only watchful and making sure I was ok. Your family is so lucky to have a husband/Dad like you. You are a One in a Million type of fellow. I wish we were able to live close to each other and celebrate special days like today together. I hope you have a TERRIFIC B-DAY! Thanks again bro. you're the BEST and I love you lots!

Dear Mumzie,
Just recently I have hit my limit on how much I think I can take on in life. I have almost buckled under the pressure and it stinks. Then I remember all the times that even though you had tremendous life pressure you still cooked and cleaned and took me to Ballet and violin schtuff. You sewed me dresses and encouraged me (and my granola girl self) to wear make up and be feminine. You even put together our elementary school year book a year or two (before there were home computers and PhotoShop!=crazy!) and taught me, Christina and Kim a dance routine to that Jet's song. How did you manage everything you did and still wake up looking happy and young and vibrant? Looks aside, you have climbed many mountains, many of which I have watched you do and I am greatful for your fortitude and endurance and your "keep on trucking" attitude. I need a little more of that determination I think.
Love you!


Dear Yo Adriane!
How has it been living in the glamorous Arizona Hillz? Why don't they make a show about that? I know I would watch that! Retro trailers, dirt roads, Smokey the Bear conferences--forget all those fashion mumbojumbo jobs--give me a real woman! And you my dear Adri are a real woman--I think since you were a little girl. You have always been an old soul (not to get confused with being old--you will always be young at heart). You are a listener, a get things done-er, and a no-nonsense gal. You are the only person I know who can move a whole house using a Geo Metro or was it the Neon? Thanks for coming out to help me with three of my four children and carrying my load at times. Thanks for listening to me being pathetic and annoying. Thanks for being a sweet little sister (who I feel like is WAY more mature than I am). You are one of a kind, who has lived a one of a kind life--and came out strong and able to tell about it I might add (need I remind you of the crazy dog from Ruskin?!). Love you always!

Dear Elder Abel,

I know you won't be able to read this for a couple of years but I'll write a tribute anyway. First off do you remember being a HORRIBLE little kid? Now I know you didn't mean to be horrible and granted I was a teenager and not a respector of little kids and their growing up, but you did pick my lock to my room at age 5 or 6 with a steak knife and when I tried to grab the knife from you, it did sort of slice my hand open and you did hit me quite a few times (at the age of 5 or 6 again) and well I guess I did yell at you and tell you to shut up too many times (so maybe those kid slaps were well deserved). However somehow you out grew all of the little kid-tormentor-ness and turned out to be a FINE young man. So fine that I think you may be the best Missionary out in the field-granted I am a little biased. However you are strong and diligent and have gone through more obstacles in life than I have gone through in a life time(I have one word for you MICE!). Yet you still made sure your little brothers were saying their prayers and going to church. You still taught them the fine art of listening to you (minus the slapping--see you are better than me still). And lastly you did let me eat an apple in your Jetta (because I had BAD morning sickness)--thank you again for that. My prayer is that the Lord blesses you continually and that you keep working hard to be the best you can be. Love you.

Now we all can't get together and have Cake and Spaghetti however I do have a little treat. If your B-day ever get's you down remember don't ever give up. To remember this principle here is a video that will CEMENT it in your mind forever!

muahahahaha!

Leah's Baptism

We had a beautiful baptism today. Precious little Leah has waited so long for today to come. It is almost two months since she turned 8, but Derek was not able to walk back then, so it all works out that we waited this long.

I wish I could say that all that extra time helped us to be even more prepared for today, but I was calling family last minute to tell them the time and place and asking them to speak and I even had to play piano --and no I don't play piano--it was piano minus the bass.

I was feeling like a pretty lousy parent last night whilst I tried to put together the program. I already knew I was being a complete cheese-ball and by calling people last minute for one of the most special events in my daughters life. Thankfully I came across someone's video they made for teaching the principle of baptism. The song was so pretty, it's called "When Heaven Looks Down on You". So at around midnight last night I decided magnify my "Mommy" calling a little and put a little more effort into my daughter's special day, ahem I stayed up till two trying to splice this video together. Derek put the finishing touches on it (because I completely useless with computers and didn't know our photos were on our external hard drive-so that is what that thing is...hmmm).

I think Leah felt special watching the video and I know the children in attendance enjoyed it as well as our family and friends. The true blessing for me was watching our life captured in pictures and realizing all of the simple pleasures my children and Derek and I have shared over the past years. I had a little remembrance of what was so important in my life and I have to admit I was teary eyed as I tried to put pictures to music. Here it is and we are so proud of our sweet little "perfect" girl.

Gift A Friend

One of the greatest gifts I have been given in life is having Flint as my brother. He is an amazing guy with an extraordinary countenance. His graduation was THE BEST high school graduation I have ever attended. There were six graduates and each one was so happy to be sitting in front of the crowd. The underclassmen chosen to speak gave such pure, heart warming speeches that it was like being surrounded by angels. I tried to give Flint many gifts while I was in KC, but I think the greatest gift given to him was that kiss and all the love our family and his friends poured down on him that day. ***On a side note--I didn't even realize Adri and I are totally matching with the black and white. I think us girls in the family are "wardrobe-color-challenged", don't you think Adri? (Black and white sums up my wardrobe, how about yours?)

Uncle Henry

Some where in the spirit realm my Uncle Henry is sporting this jovial, humor. Making other spirits laugh, no doubt. Uncle Henry recently died from complications due to his diabetes. I heard that even to the day before he died he was still crackin' jokes, "Uncle Henny" style.

Aunt Maria emailed me a lot of pictures and this one was included (thanks Maria!). I've never seen it before but it is the one picture that captures the essence of Uncle Henry. Though he was closing in on 50 when he died, this spirited-funny child was always a part of him, even through his really dark, troubling period in his life.

He was the mastermind of one liners, snarky to unbeknownst passersby (his observations bordered on politically incorrect--but were usually dead on), and he ALWAYS cheated in chess (I don't care how many times he denied it, he cheated at Uno too). But I think I'd have another chess match with him any day of the week--and I'd still leave to get him an extra serving of potato salad, so he could move my pawns and take my Queen, because ultimately I loved that Big Guy.

Best Video I've Seen in a Long Time

I've had dreams where I'm at church and there's no water but everyone is swimming through hallways, and in the gym. This video reminds me of that. It's as beautiful as a dance. Love it.

Things I Never Posted Part III

I love Christmas time in Washington D.C. I was a little sad to not be so close to the temple this year (as we have moved to the Baltimore metro area). However Derek surprised my by signing us up to be Mary and Joseph at the DC Visitor Center. It was a fun experience, very spiritual. The story meant a whole lot more to me when I was on stage reenacting the nativity. On a side note, Derek had the weirdest fake beard and mustache combo. When our kids came to see us we heard them laughing hysterically blurting out loudly, "Look at Dad's fake beard---ah,hahaha!".

Random Things I Never Posted Part II

Sometimes I ask myself what planet did L come from? Not because I don't love her, but because she seriously thinks and operates on such a different plane. I think she takes after me in that respect. She's a daydreamer, a comedian, a little strange and totally loveable.

Note the song---it's probably the weirdest country song there is, hence we like it. Plus I've always wanted to play fiddle like that. Perhaps with that fancy, fast hand movement L will be a fiddle player too someday.

This was filmed secretly by L on a trip home after a day spent at the aquarium with her Daddy and sisters, about a week after I had Tommy. We recently just found it, sooo funny.

Random Things I Never Posted

See where Sophie is standing? Well that could've been me, except I was about to deliver Tommy, therefore I "realistically" couldn't go to Hawaii. Originally, the plan was that Mom and I were going to go. Then I got preggers so Mom was going to go with her friend Nive. Then I suggested taking Sophie in my place. Then Mom decided to take Denny and Luke and well long story short she ended up taking ALL the kids (except my older brother Carl and I, remember me iz/waz preggers).

Believe me the Hawaii trip was no easy production. There were kids flying in from Arizona, there were two day lay overs in Oakland, there were trips to Napa Valley, there were little kids sneaking away to Pounders (Sophie and Denny, with Adri) behind Mom's back (she didn't want the little kids to go there--waves too wild), there were eggs and omletes a plenty, there were $1 mangos, there were mega discount PCC tickets, there was getting lost trying to find Elizabeth's house a plenty, there were sea turtles and harpooning (fish, not the sea turtles), and family--oh the family that was to be introduced and reintroduced. So here is the proof, that the stories were true and that they were indeed in sunny Hawaii. Gee whiz I've never seen so much squinting in my life. Makes me squint too.

Now my kids (L and X) both are planning out their "Grandma" trips to sunny Hawaii. So big Hawaii production part deux is in the works, tentatively for early 2010. Right now the whole fam is supposed to go. We'll cross our fingers and save some mega $$ and see what materializes. Who knows I might be preggars---ha,ha,ha,ha,ha (nervous laughing), jk--i hope.

A Letter to My Sister

Dear Adriane,

Your Blog is hilarity in itself (you witty English major, you). There are some life gems I'd like to pass down to you in response to topics covered over there at YoAdriane.

Let me have a crack-a-lack at it.

1. For all your Primary woes refer to the movie Matilda. Laugh your head off, then go to lds.org for some real Primary advice.

2. P&P (BBC mini version) is the best. Too many people like the Kiera "skeletor" Knightley version. Please don't ever go to the dark side sis!

3. Youtube the new Northanger Abbey. You will thank me. It is grrreat!

4. You are an Anglophile, just admit it. Do you talk to yourself in an English accent? Do you secretly wish you could have a cottage, a garden, an awesomely witty tongue and a friend named Gandalf? Mmmhmm I knew it.

5. Dirty dishes. Hate them. Get a maid. Where does that take you in your analogy? Just a thought.

6. When you are day dreaming what presents to give people if you had a million dollars, get me new energy saver windows and a truck load of Lindt chocolates. Thanx

7. I have two words for your Retro Pad. "embrace it" Unless the carpets stink cause they're too old. If that's the case then buy an area rug.

8. Back to Primary--kids like to be caught doing something (it gives them attention even if it is negative). So instead of getting after the kids who are acting up reward the kids who are reverent (make the loud ones jealous). Let the good kids be "caught being reverent". S's primary in Utah used this tactic and it worked so well S still wants to implement it during our FHEs. You basically have a basket of goodies (candy/cheap toys). Print "Caught being reverent" on paper and hand them out during Primary to the quiet ones. Let them cash it in at the end--everyone with a ticket gets to pick out of the basket and let the incentive work it's magic. Besides this way lets you avoid using Trunchbowl tactics.

9. Never ask me for "how to get skinny advice" I have none! All I have to offer is how to gain weight and to please feed me chocolate.

10. We need to end up living close to one another. ***With our forces combined....... (Think wonder twins--I turn into the animal, you, the water substance ok?!) Let's strategize shall we?

Miss you!

Luvs ya,

Bucky

SPT: What attracted me 2 U?

I couldn't pass up this SPT. It is just so fitting. Derek may not even know this but what first attracted me to him was the Valentines Day before we started dating he just randomly saw me on campus and handed me a Valentine's card (the kind kids hand out in grade school). It was so random and sweet. It wasn't exclusive, he was handing them out to everyone, but I remember thinking that is one cool guy. And he is, I declare it here on my blog, Derek you R 2 COOL! Luv ya!

Has the Landslide Got You Down?

Okay so life has been pretty nutty lately. Por example:
1. Basement flooded (my fault) been working with insurance to repair--they'll fix it after we shell out $500 yeah for us!
2. Derek ruptured his Achilles tendon. This injury sucks! Not only for the poor person who no longer has a working tendon, but for the crazy wife trying to manage 4 crazy kids!!!
3. Tommy has an ear ache, which means goopy eye boogers, sleepless nights and diarrhea--poor kid.
4. Leah is sick (she has an ear infection too--boo hoo!)
5. Yesterday Sophs get's boiling water spilled on her arm and chest when she tries to pour Navajo tea for her auntie.

Sooooooo all that's going down when........

Derek's sister has a friend who just got home from his mission. He is such a sweet guy, still riding the mission high (so basically has the missionary perfection halo hanging over his head). He's Hawaiian so we play the name game--seeing if we know any of the same polynesians, blah, blah blah--I like the kid he's great.

Anywho, my dog Benji has the craziest diahrea mess in the poor return missionary's room. Thankfully none of his stuff is covered in poo, but it smells of poo in the room. Sooooo.....
I run down there and start cleaning up the nasty stuff (imagine dark black tar poo with chunks mixed in, it was nasty!!! I think my dog ate something rancid).

So I am nervous laughing trying to hide the fact that I am mortified! I also tend to talk too much when I'm nervous too. Well the nice kid is saying that I am really handling the situation well (gee whiz thanks). Then after I have finished scooping, washing and disinfecting I try to make a quick get away so I can go cry and whine in my room when the RM says, "Hey I know who you remind me of!"

I stop, turn around and am smiling thinking--thoughts like perhaps "really awesome sister missionary I know", "Sister Hinckley--jk I didn't think that, but thinking back it would have been awesome to hear that".

So he says to me, "Have you seen the movie, Other Side of Heaven?" and I says, "Why yes I have". I'm thinking who the heck is he going to say. Well he says I remind him of THIS Lady!!??



What??!!!
Ok I couldn't find a picture for the lady he said I look like. If you've seen the movie it is the Mother of the girl who tries to seduce Elder Groberg. THe MOTHER OF THE GIRL!!!! I just figured this picture was just as shocking.

I was like, "Whaaaaat!? If I didn't like the kid so much I would've been doing the evil eye and the cold shoulder. Instead I just laughed and asked, "Are you trying to insult me?" He said no that lady was great.
"Great?!" What????

Oh well, me and celebrity look a likes don't get along.
In High School some girl stared and me and said, "I know who you look like! Kathy Bates"



Yea for me. Gee next time I remind you of a celebrity crazy person, please keep it to your self. It will leave me with what sanity I have left. Thanks and Adios.