My Wish...

... that all the little ones

(who have runny noses and nasty coughs)

 would wake up in the morning feeling GREAT!

Family...

It's been hot.

Very HOT...

We try to stay in the house during the worst part of the day.

However, kids need to run off their energy.

So, out they go...

Sometimes they run and sometimes they just play in the water.

I have noticed that on the hottest days, sometimes attitudes can get a little... testy.

She didn't share.

That's mine.

He won't...

She didn't...

Crying...

Fussing...

Arguing...

The funny thing about all of that

is that in the end

we are just

FAMILY.

Forever.

Keeping it Real...

I pulled up this picture...

To remind me that not all days are filled with

screaming

fighting

pushing

pinching

biting

kicking

fits

crying

(no, I'm not talking about me... mostly)

Some days are full of

smiles

hugs

kisses

helping

sharing

laughing

jumping

running

playing

The best part of all is that every day is full of...

LOVING

Sisters...

Sisters

Sisters

There were never such devoted sisters

Never had to have a chaperone "No, sir"

I'm there to keep my eye on her

Caring

Sharing

Every little thing that we are wearing

When a certain gentleman arrived from Rome

She wore the dress and I stayed home

All kinds of weather

We stick together

The same in the rain or sun

Two diff'rent faces

But in tight places

We think and we act as one

Those who've

Seen us

Know that not a thing could come between us

Many men have tried to split us up but no one can

Lord help the mister

Who comes between me and my sister

And Lord help the sister

Who comes between me and my man

This song is from one of my favorite movies of all times!

White Christmas

I love the whole movie. 

I love the relationship that the sisters have with each other. 

I don't have any sisters, so when I was growing up, this movie showed me what that relationship could be.

I may not have any sisters... but I do have daughters!

7 daughters...

1,2,3,4,5,6,7.......

So, they do know what it is like to have sisters.

What I have learned, is that this is such a special relationship.

I missed out!

They hang out together all of the time.

They play, talk, sing and whisper together.

They love each other!

Genuinely.

Wholeheartedly.

They've got each others backs!

They love and fight with equal intensity.

Don't you dare try to hurt one of the sisters...

They will not stand for that!

You will earn an enemy for life if you break a heart.

Sisters...

We tell our kids all of the time...

We won't always be here.

When we are gone...

You will always have your siblings to lean on.

Sadly, husbands may go...

but your sisters (and brother) will always be there.

You are so lucky!

love is simple...

Is there anything better than the love of your family? 

Especially siblings?

As a parent, I can tell you that the way my kids love each other is amazing. 

I was blessed with a great brother who still loves me despite all of my craziness...

We still talk several times a week.

I am sure that my mother felt the same way that I do when she saw us together.

It makes me so happy to not only see the little ones enjoying each others company, but the big ones love to hang out with the little guys.  They are generally good examples to the smaller kids and love being involved in their lives.

People are the ones who make love seem so complicated.

The reality is that love is very simple and very beautiful.

Mommy Guilt...

We dragged out the camera the other day and tried to get photos of all of the kids who still live in this house...

That is a lot harder than you think.

I thought we were only missing Miranda... who was at work... and when I went to look at them...

There was no Ari!

She was napping and I completely forgot!

Oh, No......

Mommy guilt!

So, now we have to find the time to get the last two kids photographed...

The First Hint...

At the first hint of warmer Spring temperatures

my children ditch their big bulky winter coats for hoodies and sweatshirsts.

As you can see from the yard across the street

it is still cold and the snow (on their side of the road) is still solidly bound to stick around for a bit.

My kids don't care.

The sun is out and it seems warmer...

I mean...

the temperature is at least 40 today!

Let the playing begin!

Glory, Hallelujah!

Let the playing begin!

I will guarantee you, though...

that some major doggy issues must be cleaned up out back before anyone can venture out there!

Yeah...

and I don't see them rushing out to take care of that job...

The Business of Living...

I know... I promised photos.

And then...

I went crazy for a day... literally... it was not good... tears and anger directed... at the state but sadly at my husband... who couldn't do anything to change their minds or "fix" things... and for that, I was mad.  I think I was truly scared and that came out in my own way.

I have apologized to all for letting myself be taken down that path.  I will say it again, however, I am sorry.

The very next day after court... and the almost certain reassurance that these babies would be ours forever... we are now being told, "No.  We think we will send them to this other place out of our state... to someone they don't know... who already had several other grandchildren in her home and isn't really capable of taking care of two little babies... but, Oh well."  People, this is literally the way the state workers are talking.

Why didn't I remember how messed up the system is.  They rarely "help" kids.  They talk with so many good intentions, but in the end it is a rare thing that they actually do the best thing for the children.  We had almost decided to stop doing foster care because of these issues... and then their promises began. 

Now, I am heartbroken.  My husband is heartbroken.  My children are heartbroken.

Again, anything can happen.  We have seen it all.  In the end they could stay or go.  We have been shocked over and over again at the states decisions.  For as much as the states claim greatness in all that they do to help... those of us working on the inside... sure see another side.

Okay, I have ranted enough.  Now, I will get down to the business of taking care of my family... and these babies.  We aren't sure where to go from here... but the possibility that we will be done working with the state is very real.  My kids don't need this emotional rollercoaster... and neither do my husband or I.

I will now get back to the business of living...

Thanks for listening.

Turned Loose...

The kids are begging to be turned loose outside.

However, when they get out there, they learn that just because the sun is shining does not mean it is warm!

So, Daddy has been taking them out to run around while we do school.

They go to the mall, air craft museum, train station.

You know, anywhere that little ones might have fun and work off some of their energy so they will take a long nap!

Grandma is SOOOOOO COOL!

I'm sure my kids are no different from yours...

They love getting anything in the mail.  You could hand them your junk mail and they would carry it around for a couple of days... so proud of  "their" mail.

A few days ago, they really did get a package... from Grandma.

Grandma and Bampa had been in Hawaii recently and, like always, they were thinking of the kiddos.

They sent the older (and medium) girls pens that said Hawaii on them.  The two little girls received bracelets.

Look at their proud little faces!

Our son, who had just climbed out of bed from his nap, loved his car!  He has barely been a foot away from it since.  He checked it out for awhile... he was just waking up, after all... and then proceeded to drive it around forever!

Even though he was still tired, he gave a sweet smile.

That is asking a lot for a sleepy boy!

Sleepy or not...

Do not try to take this car away from him!

When I asked the kids what they thought of Grandma thinking of them while they were on vacation...

The little girls said, "That is so sweet."

The little man, however, said...

"Grandma is SOOOOO COOL!"

Little Helpers...

I love when the little kids ask to help make dinner.

Lily wanted to grate the cheese for Daddy when he made us some tacos.

She did a great job!

It is up to mom, though, to make sure that little hands get washed before helping...

Dad's don't think of that kind of stuff!

Missing In Action...

If you've been wondering where we've been all week...

It was Vacation Bible School time!

The kids had a blast. They learned all about Rome and Paul...

and most of all...

about how much God loves each and every one of us!

They made necklaces, headbands, bracelets, abacus....

They did woodworking, wall building, learned about putting out fires in ancient Rome.

They got to see what it was like at the market place in Rome. They bought food and items with coins that they received at the beginning of each day. They met Paul and met members of the underground church in Rome.



They played Roman games.

They hung out with some animals (horse, pony, donkey, bunnies, peacock, pheasants, ducks, etc).

Chey and Miranda were helpers...

Chey was an actor who portrayed a member of the underground church. Some of the kids were very moved by the stories told each day... some cried and wanted to help the members of the church.

Miranda was a family leader. She led a group of children around the market place like they were a family in Roman times. They kids loved her!

On Sunday, we will be inviting the family members of the kids to attend and watch their kids perform some songs they learned this week. There will be a slideshow of the photos taken by... me... that will play during the service showing all of the things the kids got to be a part of.

After service we are having an icecream social so we can hang out with our church family.

God has blessed us... and the smiles on my kids faces and the feeling of being loved is all the proof we need.

Me, Me, Me...

I was chatting with an aquaintance the other day, who was asking how our summer was going.

I proceeded to tell them some of the activities we have been doing (hiking, picnicing, going to the beach, sprinklers, games outside, etc).

After listing several of our activities, this person told me she doesn't know how we do it. She can't stand going to the beach or camping or this or that...

I smiled and said that's too bad. I mean, I really felt sorry for her.

You see, I may not LOVE every activity that our family takes on. Everything that is done is not my favorite thing in the world. Sometimes, I smile and grit my teeth. Sometimes, I have to pray my way through an activity. Sometimes being an encourager to my kids and my husband is downright difficult. But, for our family, it is not about the individual needs, wants, desires, likes or dislikes. For our family, it is about creating those memories.... those laughable moments... those events that my children will recall long after I am gone from this earth.

Our society has created such a "me, me, me" complex. Everywhere you look it is about your this and your that. What happened to the days when we looked at someone who was hurting or in need or just needed a friend and we put ourselves aside and focussed on them?

I can think of nothing better than investing in my family.

My husband and my children are gifts and I want to spend every single moment that God gives me cherishing those gifts... even when that means that "I" don't always get "my" way.

These are the littles...

Yes, we categorize our children by

1. The big girls

2. The mediums

3. The littles

Ms. Ari is 2 years old.

She is the sweetest, most hugging little girl that will turn around and cross her arms and roll her eyes at you.

Yeah...

I really don't care for that particular behavior.

So...

Next!

Lily is 4.

She is so SMART!

I mean keep you on your toes... Oh My Ever Loving Living...

Yeah!

Really Smart!

This is Brysen...

He is 3.

We like to think of him as the joker.

He is the biggest crack up around.

To give you an example of his sense of humor...

Today he decided that everyone was a...

buttcycle.

Yes, you read it right...

Not a popcycle.

Not a bicycle.

Buttcycle.

I am sure that those of you who have raised a few boys will probably tell me that this is common among those that are part of the boys club.

Remember, however, that our subscription to this club is only 3 years old.

I am very familiar with the girls club. I know all of the rules and can read all of the signs.

This club is a whole new world to me.

It's a good thing I find butt jokes funny, I guess.

So... for those of you who have been a part of this club for years,

Nice to meet you...... you buttcycles.

Slide Show...

Togetherness...

As I see it, a large family lacks several things that the common man thinks are a necessity.

Some of those items would be a bedroom all to yourself, spending as much time (uninterrupted) in the bathroom, a couch to lay down on without having a sibling lay beside you-on you-around you, copious amounts of alone time, going to the dentist or doctor without having the "team" tag along, not knowing how to change a diaper or care for an infant until you have one of your own, and toys-computer games-and gadgets coming out of your ears.

To that common man, (or the nosy ladies in the grocery line, or the people who believe it is their job to inform us how we are doing it all wrong and should be ashamed of ourselves for having this many children and possibly wanting more), it seems a shame that we would deprive our offspring of these basic necessities. How dare we force our children to live piled on top of each other (without a television in their very own bedroom)...

What these people miss is that my kids, and most children that I have met from large families, are learning lessons that our world seems to have forgotten. They are learning how to truly share. They know how to be compassionate, loving, helpful. They must figure out how to get along with others. They are go getters that will not only care for their own families someday, but for anyone else that may need their help. They are cognizant of people who need a helping hand. They have learned that the world is not about "fairness". Through this, they are learning to be joyful in the good and the bad times. They learn that the world does NOT revolve around them.

Somewhere in the midst of all of this (what some people would surely choose to see as chaos) their parents are learning as well.

We are learning to truly love, not buy our children's affections. We are learning that time spent with one another is priceless (the cost can never be replaced by things). We are learning that ultimately God is our judge and no other opinions matter. We are called, as His children, to live to a higher standard than the standard the world has set. We have learned that God is concerned with every single aspect of our lives and he longs to spend time with His children just as we long to spend time with ours. He does not "buy" His children with gifts either.

He wants us.

Our time.

Our talents.

Our hearts.

Within it all...

Sometimes, when I take the time to slow down from the everyday household needs, I am amazed at the lovely human beings that we are raising.

I look at how they are becoming compassionate, loving, helpful young people.

They have so much to offer this world. What more can a parent really ask for?

We are so blessed to have so much love in this house.

I am so blessed to have been given this wonderful oportunity to be a mother.

I would have missed out on so much otherwise.


All of the laughs, jokes, fights, teasing, playtime, sad times, love, joy...

I mean, I could go on forever.

If you are a parent you know what I mean.

You really can't remember what it was like before these amazing blessings entered your life.


These days, we are working as a whole at not raising our voices to yell.

We are, naturally, a loud bunch.

You have to be in a large family.

One thing that I never want, however, is to be a yelling bunch.

That is the easy road.

I don't want the easy road.

I want the right and loving road.

I want my children to look back and remember that their parents were loving, caring people who took the time to show them the right way to treat each other... not just tell them.

I want to know that their personalities can shine,

Their imagination can create,

and while this happens they know they can always come to us and find people who will treat them fairly and with compassion.

And within it all there is Love.

30 Hour Famine...

Miranda participated in 30 Hour Famine last weekend.

This is the second time we have let our kids participate in this fundraiser.

It has been a success both times.

The kids raise money for homeless people (sometimes here, sometimes abroad) who are homeless or who don't have enough to eat.

This time our church took the kids out to homeless shelters around the area and they worked there and interacted with the people. This helped them to understand that there are all types of people who are homeless.

Miranda was very moved by the fact that there were children in the homeless shelter.

She has talked several times about how she played with the little kids and tried to encourage them to play games and have a little fun.

She knew that some homeless people were kids, but it was different for her to see it with her own eyes.

That is the kind of experience I am proud to have my kids be a part of.

I am not one of those people who hands out money to people on the street.

Adults have choices. (please don't send me messages telling me how I am wrong, I will agree to disagree with you on this topic)

I am, however, someone who is all over helping kids.

Above: Miranda hugging her sisters before leaving for the event.

The love that we have in our family is meant to be shared.

That's the amazing thing about real love.

You never run out...

Highschool Musical 3...

Guess what we did tonight?

Yep, we went to the opening night of Highschool Musical 3... with 6 out of the 8 kids.

(The other two were at work and the 30 hour famine.)

Mark received free tickets for the full night of movie, popcorn, soda, t-shirt, prizes... etc. We had a blast.

Okay, I didn't think it was going to be any fun... especially after the last HSM.

This one was pretty good, though.

At least for a cheesy teeny bopper musical.

But...

since I do love musicals... I enjoyed it!