we're gypsies.

Yet again I have found myself packing. Perhaps I haven't mentioned we are moving again? We came across a great deal on a foreclosure and the company decided to buy it. So we will move into it, Jordan and Kayla into our current house and then in a year (give or take) we shall pass it on and perhaps be back on the hill if we can get around to it.

Jake will be home tomorrow night and then Saturday will be spent moving the big stuff which keeps accumulating. I'll move the little stuff over the Christmas break. Jake and Jeff are taking a load to Baltimore on Monday which means their chances are small for getting home for Christmas. Surprisingly I am not shocked or disappointed buy this. I haven't particularly felt the holiday spirit and am fine to postpone the whole thing until Jake gets home again. Obviously I did not discuss this with my kids but I think they will understand ...

Truly, I am so pleased that these men have been able to find loads as often and quickly as they have. I partake in the blessings that come from obedience -- perhaps not my own but that of those marvelous men working so diligently. I appreciate the sacrifice ... leaving your family knowing you have no idea when you'll be home again. Evann cries herself to sleep some nights asking when daddy will be home. "But I want him! I want Daddy." It's hard on everyone. But I am thankful for the work and their dedication. Roll on Daddy ...

On another note, 27 weeks pregnant. We know with some certainty that we have a boy brewing. Yeah, and you thought I had plenty of boys. I thought that too until I heard it was and then I quickly justified why I wanted a boy. Evann is our girlie. She wouldn't be Evann anymore if there was another girlie in the house. Besides, she'd be too old for them to be friends--when they would really need it. I'm very happy with another boy. We've thrown around Aaron Kelly but are not set yet. I will admit this is the longest it's taken us to find a name. Normally it is figured out before I even get pregnant or at least within the first month of knowing.

Well, I guess that's all I got. I hope all your merry souls have a wonderful holiday. Looking forward to seeing KaRa ...Be safe. Love you.

missing cat.

I really have nothing to say but I am tired of seeing that mop post so I had to at least blog on something ...

So with that note, our Kitty Kitty is missing. Yes, Kitty Kitty, such an original name. We found, stole rather, a stray kitty from Grandma Karma's yard and made her our own. The kids originally chose Kisses as her name but it never stuck. I didn't care for the name, and yes I know Kitty Kitty isn't any better; but it is what it is.

We bought her a purple flea collar and fed the crap out of her. In a matter of days Kitty Kitty was a fat, happy kitty. Although she was wild she tried her hardest to get inside. She was determined. All of a sudden, no kitty. I don't know what has become of her. Isaac loves that cat. I have not found her body on the side of the road but there is no sign of her. I hope someone took her to a new home and that she wasn't run over. And if that were the case, how cruel to do that to my kids.

I am sure we will find ourselves with another stray as we apparently are in a dumping ground type area. So far 3 dogs have been trying find new homes in my small neighborhood. One was lucky enough to get to Katie's but that ended in sorrow. Not for the stray but for Shadow. As the 2 dogs played, Shadow tried to cross the road but wasn't paying attention and was hit by a car. It was very disappointing.

I, or my kids, tend to do a lot of damage at Katie's home. One day I hope to be accident free... And this will conclude my post for tonight as it is past my bedtime causing me to be a wretch by morning. Good night. Lock your doors.

a recommendation.

If anyone is in need of a new mop..

I bought an O Cedar Pro Twist Mop the other day, actually about 2 months ago, based on its reviews. (I like to do my research ... sometimes.) Because I do not like change I continued to use my old mop until I couldn't stand to look at the sponge anymore. Now don't freak out. I throw away sponges like I throw away paper towels so really, it wasn't that bad but moving on.

I decided today to try my new mop, the Pro Twist. WOW! What a freakin' difference this mop made on my floor. It reached completely behind and around the toilet and cleaned the crud around where the toilet meets the floor. A mighty feat with 2 young boys. My bathroom floor is sparkling. (And Katie, I finally took your advice and got rid of that useless white thing.)

I am in love with this mop. I feel everyone should buy one. They have replacement heads but one head will last about 3-6 months. There is no bucket needed and your hands don't get dirty. It's so clean and effective. Really, try it!!

I am stepping off my soap box now.

last ride.

On the morning of June 24, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum left their families, homes and fellow Saints for the last time. Traveling on horseback, they paused on this bluff. Joseph looked admiringly at the unfinished temple and the city of Nauvoo and declared:

This is the loveliest place and the best people
under the heavens; little do they know
the trials that await them.

Joseph and Hyrum then continued on to Carthage, Illinois, where they faced legal charges and eventual death at the hands of a mob.

Jake, Jordan and Lysle visited Nauvoo recently. This is one of Jake's pictures that I find rather beautiful. I was moved when Jake showed it to me when he got home and again when Jordan spoke of it on Sunday. I thought I would share...

sweet dixie.

Dixie has become a fixture in Evann's world. All of them actually. But Evann has really forced herself onto this little creature. Dixie has become Evann's shadow--against her will I assume. We have ditched the glove and have resorted to just picking her up and having her tag along wherever the children go. She has only biten twice more and it was days apart so I think we might be ridding her of that habit. (Yeah!)

I think yesterday she was in her cage for only a handful of hours. Twice I saw that she was taken outside to roam the ... well, I can't speculate why she was taken outside. At any rate, she's been places. Not as many places as Evann would like ...

We had to go on some quick journey and I tell Evann put Dixie away, we have to go. I walk away and then sneak back to see what she does and as suspected she tries to hide Dixie in her purse ... cause Dixie wants to go too. No ma'am. There will be no loose rodents in my truck. She grabs her ball and starts to walk out the door. What are you doing dear? I'm going to put Dixie in her ball so she won't be out. Then she can go with us. Negative smarty pants. Put her in her cage. Today she tried to tuck her in her pants pocket. Silly girl. Get her out of there and put her in the cage. Oh, mom!

I think at times it will be hard for her to let go when the Schroeders come home (IF they come home) but then change my mind as she never refers to it as hers or that she wants it. I am holding on to that as I do not want to spring for one of these ... or maybe I do ... I hate commitments. No. Definitely, no pets ... right now ...

love 'em.

I am a fan of food. I realize this is not a shock to y'all but follow me anyway...

I am a real fan of artichokes. An obsessed fan. I don't breathe between bites (but manage to savor every morsel) and I cook a few at a time so I can have enough. They are, hands down, the greatest creation in food. When I was young my mom would have them for us often. My dear, sweet father would give up his so I could have it. I always thought my dad didn't like them and that it wasn't much of a sacrifice but recently (and I mean Christmas 2008) I learned that my dad really does like artichokes. Hm. In all these years it never crossed my mind that he was being a father--making a sacrifice so his child could find joy in her butter soaked heart. (Which I see now that line actually has 2 meanings. Go figure!) I realize this was a simple gesture but it made my day. 2 artichokes! How lucky was I??

As a newly married adult I took my husband to visit my sister Erin in Sacramento. We did as we always do when my family gets together--WE ATE! She bought 6 artichokes, I believe, and we cooked them all! Mind you this is 6 artichokes for 4 adults. Naturally, Erin & I would have to eat 2 of them. Well, Jake took one look and turned his nose up. He eventually tried a bite but vowed it would be his last. What's wrong with him??

We didn't skip a beat. We piled Jake's onto our community plate and our bowl (yes, a bowl) of melted butter and proceeded to sit on the floor of her living room bent over the communal plate and butter and devoured the treats in a matter of minutes. We had melted butter dripping down our arms and mouths. It was soooo good. I looked up at one point to see Jake staring the stare that only he can pull off. He was truly disgusted with the amount of butter I was drinking. C'mon, you've seen his look. His mouth is slightly open revealing dried out teeth with a look of astonishment. He has never been the same since that day. At least when it comes to eating these tasty morsels. He would prefer his kids not ingest that much butter but what can I say--they love 'em too.

So the real point of my story is this. My kids love artichokes too. I have been buying one for each of them and 2 for me. (It's a habit and I do not like change.) We can be found huddled over a communal plate and bowl of butter eating faster than at any other time. We love 'em. Tonight, for the first time, I found myself giving up my artichokes to my kids. We were eating along and I could see they were nearing the end of their chokes. For a moment I hesitated--"what if they are going to try to eat mine?? No way, these are mine." But I quickly handed bite after bite to Ruben and Isaac. Throwing a few by way of Evann and Jacob. They were happy and I was actually happy to share with them. I do love 'em -- my kids, I mean. I must to give up something so scrumptious. It left me with a smile. I do love my kids.

hamster sitting.

The Schroeders have left for an extended vacation in California today. They packed their little--let's be honest--good sized family in their mini van and headed west. In their wake was left their cute little hamster, Dixie, whom we agreed to keep safe. The operative word is safe.

The kids were so excited to have this creature in their grasps. Although every single one of them was scared to death that she would bite through her metal cage and take a chunk out of them. Jacob carefully held her cage while we drove home; at one point he asked if she could bite him if he held the cage close to his body. "Honey, Dixie will only bite what you stick IN the cage." He is relived and they all loosen up.

We get home and almost immediately put her in her rolling ball thang and we watch her for a long time. Ruben wakes and sees a ball and goes for it. Gives it a little shake and drops it when he realizes something is moving inside. He is so curious and brave--he goes for it again and makes a move like he is going to hurl it across the room. I take Dixie and her ball from him and scold him for something he can't possibly understand but he gets it. He really doesn't want mommy to make that horrific noise again.

At this point each child wants to hold Dixie's ball with her inside so when they disobey direct orders to leave her alone, she gets put back in her cage and runs undisturbed on her wheel. Happily I might add.

I begin making dinner and I hear tears. Oh what is it now? Evann has blood on her finger...uh huh. You were messing with Dixie weren't you? Yes! And she bit me REALLY HARD!! I suppose you have learned your lesson then? Yes.

I thought so. But no. Tonight at about 11 pm she snuck out of bed and found her cage. She held it and at some point she dropped it. (It's perfectly fixed now, in case you wondered, Katie.) I walk to my room ready for bed and I hear stressful whimpering. Evann?? What are you doing?

She is bent over with Katie's glove on (the one given for handling said hamster who has a tendency to bite) holding this little rodent. I can see and hear her panic. Evann, what are you doing??

I couldn't get her! Why is she out? What did you do? I was holding her cage and it dropped. Oh Evann get in bed. You are not to touch this animal. Through tears she is sorry and is happy to be rid of the rodent. For tonight anyway...

I do promise to keep this rodent safe for my dear nieces and nephews. It will not die on my watch, manhandled by loving children maybe, but not death. Knock on wood. I will replace sweet hamster with perhaps a kinder, non-biting model if the unthinkable happens. ;) Enjoy your trip Schroeders!

i'll clarify.

I see I caused an up-rising with my "limited music selection" but I will assure all of you that this was not what I meant. I simply feel that at least one should be in your repertoire. I will again assure everyone that although I love all three, I could not possibly listen to them ONLY. C'mon. I love music too much for that.

Oh, and about the favoritism--I know it's there. I addressed it in an earlier post. And I would LOVE to spend more time describing Isaac but I can't. I'll be honest with you, it is beyond my mental capabilities. He is such an awesome character that I cannot do him justice. It would be a futile attempt. I would prefer a video clip and perhaps one day I will have one. For instance his eyes. They are incredibly suggestive. They sparkle mischievously. Again, something I cannot explain at this point in my blogging career.

Hm. Either I have a rat in an exterior wall or Ruben has broken through the fence and is banging it against the wall. I hear crying ... Rrruben. I must investigate ...

tid bits.

Where to begin?

Jacob lost another tooth. He wants to spend his $5 now but I am trying to talk him into saving for a better toy later. I do not think he is buying my logic. Few do. He's out of school in 1 month. They are already talking about Castaway Cove. I wish we lived closer. I'd love to go more than once a year. Well...really, who's stopping me? He has also started T-Ball this last week. It's coach pitch which means it's a big free-for-all. The parents are allowed to be on the field with their kids and maybe 4 didn't even have a glove. Should make for a very LONG game. Gladly he keeps track of the ball count. "Ssstttrrrike TWO! One more and you're OUT!" Easy honey. Encourage not discourage your teammates...

Evann took a header on her scooter last Sunday and had 2 stitches. Fortunately we were in the hospital parking lot when it happened--during our walk to the park. Daddy took out the stitches last night and found a pebble embedded in her skin. Nice. She's been good about taking care of them. She's actually developing into a wonderful little helper. Her mommy instincts are coming out. She tries to take care of any younger child that will allow her the oportunity. The unsuspecting children are typically having a good ol' time when Evann sees their lack of parental guidance and promptly remedies the situation. "Mom, here. Ruben wants you." No he doesn't he was happy eating in his seat; and now he's crying. Thank you for helping but he was fine, honey. She cocks her head to the side and gives me a crooked smile as if to say, "Whatever, he's your problem now." She starts Pre-K this fall. We're happy about it, she's happy about it. It's all good stuff.

Isaac and Ruben are the same as always. Although Ruben can walk, he does it on his own terms. It's a little more often than a week ago but not like a typical 16 month old. Isaac is always keeping tabs on Ruben. That's not the best idea since there is a tad bit of jealousy there on both sides. I enjoy it when Isaac asks me questions and then repeats my answer: "Mom, do we like french fries?" Yes we love french fries. "Oh, we DO like french fries."

Back to the random thoughts I promised in my title:
I really like Jason Mraz. A lot. And I really like Michael Buble. And I feel that if you have the time to listen to music it should be 1 of 3 people:
Jason Mraz, Michael Buble, or Stevie Ray Vaughan. Enough said on that. Well, not so much because I really like a song by Flo Rida (the name is so silly-I think he's actually from Florida, I saw something about his name somewhere) Anyway, he has a remix of Dead or Alive's, You Spin Me...It makes me happy. I REALLY enjoy it and I typically do not appreciate remakes or remixes but this one really makes me want to dance. Good good good.

Okay, I am tired. I feel a little like complaning about things but will opt out of that behavior for the night. Besides, my heartburn is forcing me to call it quits and find the Tums.

I am so wordy. Eh, oh well. Deal with it, I guess. Buenas noches!

i'm fortuitous?

I was explaining to Susan this afternoon that it seems that most of my life tragedies leave me sitting fatter than the one before. For instance, my most recent vehicle drama.

I hit a deer in the Excursion. It hit squarely in the middle of the front end. The headlights were not even damaged. I couldn't see or hear anything leaking so I drove on. Got home, no leaks, there were a few problems with the gauges and shifting but overall it was fine.

Well, not so much. I drove it to Vernon to drop it off at the body shop and the engine quit. There was smoke, the smell of burnt oil and antifreeze. Not a good sign. Turns out I didn't blow the engine, exactly. I melted everything onto it. I drove roughly 60 miles without water or oil. The gauges were not working so I didn't know there was a problem.

The insurance company is covering the engine but Ford estimated $16,000 to replace the engine and all it's components. Naturally, they totaled the vehicle. I am upset but see the blessing in this little tragedy, with help from Jake. We will be able to buy another Excursion, exactly like this one, Jake already put the deposit down and bought a ticket for Robert to pick it up in Indiana; and have extra money to put on the red truck we recently acquired to make its payments manageable.

The red truck is what this is really all about. I was worried about the payment but now I don't need to. It seems things like this always happens to us. Just when I let go of its importance I am blessed with a much better situation. I feel very lucky and then I feel it's not fair. Jake & I seem to win all the time when others do not. I am very blessed. My husband rocks my world. He is a phenomenal man. My kids, although sick and draining, are everything to me. I don't know how my life could be any better.

On another note, Garrett and Julie (soon to be sister) drove the red truck to us this last weekend. They stayed a few days. It was such a pleasure having them. They are a sweet couple that I enjoy listening to. They remind me of Jake and I with their banter. They are planning their August 1st wedding. We took pictures in Wichita Falls for their invitations. It was fun for me but my batteries died just as we were getting into it. I was really bummed but we did get a few that may work.

my kids.

I seem to talk a lot about Jacob. I suppose that's because he does the most right now. We took some pictures today to put on his "Wild About Me" board that is due tomorrow. I love photographing him. He likes it too. He likes to look handsome and would like to wear this particular outfit everyday. He is settling for Sundays.

Evann is my glamorous tomboy. She loves to wear skirts and hates having her hair done for very long. Today is the first time that she was interested in taking pictures. I think she did good in this one. I think her daddy will love it!





Isaac is my comedy relief, well, most days. This day is not any different. He started feeling sick earlier in the day. He had been stuffing his mouth with his fingers and complaining about pain. He couldn't show me where just that it hurt. He had asked for a band-aid but I said I'm sorry son, I cannot put a banda-id in your mouth, it won't stick. I let it go because what can I do without evidence of pain? I went to the back room for some reason and when I returned to the kitchen he met me with a band-aid stretched across his lips as you see pictured. I laughed at this and thought, if there's a will, there's a way. He spent the next 2 hours with that band-aid over his lips except for the time he (through a muffled voice) asked me how he could get a drink because he was really thirsty. I simply say, move the band-aid from your lips. He nodded and ran off. Peeled the band-aid off but promptly replaced it once he was done. When asked if it he felt better he gave a nod with such conviction it nearly toppled him over. He is a sweet, sweet boy. Oh man, can he cause a ruckus in this house. He is my biggest instigator and I wouldn't change anything about him.

Ruben may turn out to be my little piano player. He loves to pound away whenever I am practicing. Really, you can find him at any point of the day tapping away. I like that. He won't walk for whatever the reason. He is standing on his own but he calls it quits there. There is not much to say about him right now.

Jake is stuck in Newport News. We miss him when he's gone. His sacrifice does not go unnoticed. I truly appreciate the life he's given me and our kids. We have so much to be thankful for.

The kids have been unattended for 20 minutes now. DANGER DANGER DANGER! They are not too quite so the mess won't be flour coating the floor...let's see what surprise lies ahead... night night!

that's it?

It is half way through January and I finally took down Christmas yesterday. I sit here happy knowing the daunting task of taking down a half decorated tree and 3 snowflakes is over. Yes, you read that right. That's all it was. I hardly decorated at all which is why I think it was so easy this time to leave it up for so long. At any rate, it is over and my house needs real life in it. That's the sad part (for me) about Christmas being over--the colors are so pretty during the holidays and when it's over I've got brown, green, and cream. Yeah. So lively. I think a few live plants, maybe a ficus tree. Something. I need life. Maybe I need A life. I dunno, you be the judge.

Jacob did lose his tooth while in California. The tooth fairy left him $5. Not sure if it was excessive but whatever. He promptly spent his lot on hot wheels and then asked if we could do it again the next day. He's doing well in school. Not straight A's but close 5 A's and a B for the last 3 six week periods. I'm good with that. I think he's going to play baseball this spring. Let's hope my nerves can handle it. It's tough to teach him things about baseball when his dad is showing him stuff about football. I think he's getting confused.

The rest of the kids have been suffering with one illness after another. Today everyone seems healthy. There isn't much more to say at the moment. Ruben is killing me with his curiosity. He has to fiddle with everything in my personal space. It's freaking me out. SO that's it. I give in to the little one and will leave you all to your own devices.

Late.