Twelve

Today Bubs turns 12, this is a huge day in his life.  I hope he knows how much he means to me and how much joy he has brought into our world.

In 12 years he has:

Moved 10 times

Been enrolled in 5 public schools

Been taken out of public school and brought home for schooling

Been part of several soccer  and wrestling teams

Taken gymnastics classes

Learned to play the guitar

Taught himself  to draw beautifully

Made us laugh until our sides ache

Made us cry because we love him dearly

Fallen down and pulled himself back up again

Developed a love for photography

Enjoyed dressing up for Halloween

Dreaded dressing up for Halloween

Made it to 1st class rank in scouts

Driven a tractor

Rode on a mechanical bull

had his first crush

Learned how to cook

There are so many, many more things I could list as he is one busy little man.

We are looking forward to this year and all the experiences  that will come his way.  As he grows so do we.

Happy to dress up for Halloween

Not so thrilled to dress up for Halloween

Photo moment captured by Bubs

Brotherly Love

Charts and more Charts

About 3 years ago I bought a book called Accountable Kids.  I read it and then made my own charts for the kids.  It WORKED!  My household chores became less and less as the kids were actually taking care of a lot of the little things on their own. 

Then we moved….. and sort of got out of the habit. 

Two weeks ago I pulled the book back out, found the charts I had made, and printed off new tags and tickets for the kids.  I had made the charts out of wooden picture frames that I painted in a different color for each kid.  We have 2 hooks at the top of the chart, one for chores to do and one where the completed chores get turned over and placed on.  At the bottom there are 3 hooks, one for tickets received, one for tickets used and one for book points.  They get 30 minutes of electronics time for each ticket (tv, computer, Wii etc….)  If they get all 3 tickets (morning, afternoon, evening chores each = 1 ticket) they get a punch on their book points card.  When that card is full they get a trip to the bookstore to buy a new book.    Here is a picture of  their charts.  Ignore the faucet.  The only place I have to put these right now is on the window ledge in the kitchen.  It is VERY important that these charts are in a place where they are visible to all.

 

Another chart we have been using is our Family Home Evening Chart (aka Family Night).  One day I was frustrated with the fact that we were not regularly having FHE and if we did no one knew what they were in charge of that night.  So I grabbed a plank of wood from the garage told Rodi to cut it about 16 inches long.  I then painted it blue.  When it dried I went to work with a paint pen (LOVE THESE THINGS) and some hooks.  Here is what the finished product looks like.  The lesson hook is really lesson/activity hook.  Oh and it does have a place on the wall but I painted in the kitchen and just haven’t gotten this hung back up.

 

 

Charts can be a fabulous thing when you use them.

Baby it’s cold outside….

Bubs has a cold weather campout tonight and cold it will be. I think it will drop down to about 16 degrees tonight. Laugh if you will I know there are much colder locations out there. Having grown up in Nebraska I know that 16 degrees can seem balmy at times. I even remember after a long winter one year thinking that 45 degrees felt like shorts weather. Okay I was in 6th grade but still, 45 degrees felt like a heat wave that winter.

Having moved away from that winter wonderland my body has gotten used to warmer weather and tonight I am sure I will have the wood stove going all night long to keep us toasty warm inside our house. Meanwhile my boys Rodi and Bubs will be freezing their noses off. Rodi will be standing watch on board the ship and Bubs will be sleeping under the stars, or at least trying to sleep.

Ahhh but I know I have nothing to complain about. Bubs is going to be out there with great cold weather gear and he will be having tons of fun with his fellow scouts.

Plus he will be lots warmer than our Zebu staying at my father-in-law’s here is the latest picture of Jasper and Whisper…..brrrrrrr!

Where did the sun go????

And I am ever thankful that if I were to step outside this morning my view would not look like the one my sister-in-law (also in Iowa) will be greeted by. Here is a picture of their house taken this week.

Just makes my back hurt thinking about all that work to clear the driveway....ouch!

The past month in review….

I am still here really, I am.

JJ and Nina began gymnastics last month.  They are doing great and JJ has already moved from level 1 to level 3.  Level 4 is when she can start competitions….. I am hoping she is in level 3 for a while.

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JJ got her braces this past week.  What an experience this is going to be.  Poor thing has been eating scrambled eggs, soup, and mashed potatoes for the past 3 days as her teeth are SO sore.

Funny thing happened while JJ was getting her braces put on.  I was sitting in the room with her trying to hold her hand or foot (whatever I could hold and not be in the way) when I looked up and saw a familiar face.  I could not believe what I was seeing.  There she was kids in tow (much bigger than the last time I had seen them) and she had a new baby in her arms…. it was S. Tackett!!!!  I hadn’t seen her in 5 years.  We lived near them in Germany when our babies (Nina used to be one back then) were not even 18 months old yet.  Here we are in Virginia in an Orthodontist office of all places having a reunion!  Poor JJ had been left to deal with the pain as hugs and introductions to the newest addition of her family were made.  We exchanged information and then I headed back to my seat where I could keep a watchful eye on JJ.  She never really knew I was gone…at least I hope that is the story we are sticking to. *grin*

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Bubs finished off his wrestling season last Saturday.  He had 8 boys in his bracket and he finished 4th.  It wasn’t what he had hoped for since he had placed 1st in last years final matches.  It took some time to explain to him the differences this year, 1) he was a year older and in a new bracket where he is one of the younger kids not one of the older ones 2) he lost out on a lot of practice and match time this year due to his ankle injuries 3) THIS IS NOT THE OLYMPICS…. you did great, you had fun, and BONUS you placed 4th.

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Moe is doing good.  He accidentally did a front hand spring in the front room the other day.  He really didn’t mean to.  He was trying to do a very fast forward roll, threw his arms down and before he could ever get his head to the floor his legs went up and over and ta-da he was standing again.  It surprised even him.

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Rodi is on leave this week so we are taking our spring break from school.  We have something to do each and every day this week, something fun that is.  No school just time as a family to goof off, relax and enjoy being a family.

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I read something on another blog and it has really been stuck in my mind all day…… I just wish I could remember where I read it!!!!  If it seems to be something you have read as well please let me know so I can give them proper credit. I am probably not even quoting it exactly *sigh*

“Say yes more often so that when you say no they know you mean it”

This was referring to the raising of children, and I found it to be quite a powerful statement.  One to ponder anyway.

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Last but not least…. you MUST check out this blog! I was rolling in laughter as I read it today.

Well that didn’t help us much.

Two weeks ago I took Bubs to the dentist and yesterday Rodi and I took the other 3 kiddos.  I have been a slacker mom and they had not been to the dentist since April 2006.  YIKES!  I know BAD mom.

We have been riding them all pretty hard about their poor teeth brushing skills.  We have been warning them of cavities and other downfalls when you don’t brush properly.  By properly I do mean that the toothbrush should touch all teeth at least once and total time brushing should take longer than it took to get the toothpaste onto the toothbrush.  (High expectations I know)

I was ready for the lectures from the  Dentist and I so wanted to give the “remember what we talked about” speech.

Well no such luck.  All four came out of their appointments with A+ reports.  No cavities or problems of that nature.  Don’t get me wrong I am thrilled for them and for our wallet, but now my daily “did you brush good?”  speech is going to have less effect than ever.

In 2 weeks JJ goes in for her consult with the Orthodontist.  I am afraid our wallet is going to be hit hard with this new adventure in the land of dental world.

They want their own blog

Bubba and JJ want their own blog.  I am not completely opposed but I want it to be a blog with a purpose.  Maybe like a review of their HS day or book reviews. Maybe even just a post everyday for their writing prompt exercises?  I am not sure but I do know that I want it to be somewhat structured and VERY monitored. 

Are their any readers out there who know of other HS’ers with blogs?  What do they blog about?  Any ideas or words of advice?

Hi, remember me?

Okay I know I have been bad about keeping everyone up to date on what is going on in the land of Rodi.  I had to take a bit of a holiday break I guess.  I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as ours.  I really love being home (in our house) for Christmas.  I know, some love being at their parents house or with other family, but for me there is no better place than our house on Christmas morning.  I am fine with being places before or after, but on that morning I want to be here in my pj’s surrounded by my kids, watching them as they gaze in amazement at what is inside those mysterious packages.

This year I was in my pj’s but sadly this year I had an eye and sinus infection which made my mood less joyful.  Rodi took a picture of me (because he is kind that way *grin*).  It is so sad, me only able to stick my tongue out half way at him, I had no reserve energy left to really razz him.  My glasses are VERY crooked due to close inspections on a weekly basis by Moe.  Then there is the puffy very itchy and sore eye, lovely really, just lovely.

This has been a very crafty, handy sort of month for us.  As I was reading my friend Lammy’s blog I discovered this great blog that led me to this great blog, which led me to yet another fabulous blog where I discovered how to  make this crayon roll for Moe and new pajama bottoms for all the kids.  I only have a picture of the boys pj bottoms as the girls were in the wash when I was taking pictures today.  The pj’s were a HUGE hit Christmas morning.  Bubba even gave them top ranking in the gifts he received.  He has also proved that by wearing them every night since Christmas.  I finally snagged them to throw in the wash today.

 

   

Today was no less crafty or handy.  The boys were outside working magic with used lumber, while us gals were inside stitching up a storm on the ol’ sewing machine.

The boys project…. make a hay feeder for the cows so they (the cows) would stop making such a mess of things in the field.  You know they do the silliest things with those round bales of hay.  They dig their horns right into the center of the bale and start tossing hay everywhere.  Then they do their business (to put it kindly) on the scattered hay.  For some reason they don’t want to eat it after that *not that I blame them*.  Hopefully this will keep the wasted hay to a minimum.  The boys worked hard all day and just as dark began to fall upon us the feeder was ready to be put in the pasture with the cows.  YAY BOYS!  A job well done!  It was too dark for a finished project picture but I will get one on this week.  Oh and for a $$$ moment it only cost us around $2 to build as we used recycled wood from what the previous owner left behind the barn and in the loft.  Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

                                       Here was the only sad moment for me, they were taking apart my “bench”  Well okay so it was just some boards lying across two logs to make a make shift bench.  But it was my spot to put the marshmallows when we made s’mores.  *boo-hoo*

 

My dad would have been so happy to see his grandsons today out there working with their dad.  Both boys showed a bit of their grandpa today.  Bubba was sporting the torn up jean look and Moe had the tape measure fastened to his hip the entire day.  Both of those were looks Grandpa Jones sported daily.  Okay his jean weren’t quite as bad as Bub’s were today but that is only because Bubba made his worse while out working with Rodi today.

The girls projects….. make pj’s for Moe (he didn’t get his under the tree, my eye hurt too bad that night to finish and he was already getting the crayon roll so I knew he wouldn’t mind waiting a day or two), JJ wanted to make a pillow to match her pj’s, and we have a drafty door so we stitched up a “draft thingy” to put under the door.  I didn’t take a picture of that.  Sorry but it just isn’t that exciting.  I take that back, Nina was thrilled to be able to stuff that one.  JJ  did a great job on  her pillow.  Now I have a fear I am going to have to move on to more complex projects for her.  My control issues are really being tested these days *grin*.

 

We were all very thankful for the 70 degree weather we had (sorry I know I shouldn’t have gone there for some of you) today.  It allowed us to get many things done outside and allowed for Moe and Nina to play on the swing while others of us were doing things not as hands on for the younger ones.  I will tell those of you in snowy places….. my kids would trade you.  They really miss those snow filled Decembers and January’s in Germany.  I miss the look of it but not the feel of it * grin*

Oh and for those who are wondering …. Jolly the baby Zebu is doing wonderful.  She is getting more and more playful and is even a bit more friendly to us 2 legged creatures.

Hurry up already!

I don’t know about you but I am ready for 2008.  I am ready to get a fresh start on a new year.

Maybe it has something to do with my past week????

Last week in review:

Monday- JJ was SICK you know that is she going to live kind of sick, poor thing

Tuesday- JJ was still sick, and Moe had the whole infatuation with Icy Hot, I think this might also have been the night that Tonka escaped from the pasture as well.  But to be honest I can’t quite recall which night it was.

Wednesday- JJ was feeling better the school day morning went great.  After lunch Moe pushed Nina backwards causing her to fall and split her head on the entertainment center.  There was blood EVERYWHERE!  She soaked the back of her shirt and oh yeah, my carpet had a nice trail leading to the kitchen sink where we applied tons of pressure as we soiled many clean towels.  Thankfully no stitches were needed.  Sadly there was a visit to the ER though.

Thursday- Things are looking up, but Moe is coughing again.

Friday- Moe is coughing and can’t stop, poor kid can hardly breathe.  In the afternoon on our way to the bank we drove past the hospital and Moe said “I go there”.  Well yes he has been there (a few times more than I would like to remember).  Rodi and I just thought it was one of those odd “Moe”ments.  Then that night at the dinner table Moe was coughing and crying and grabbing his throat.  Too late to go to the DR and of course it was Friday so no hope for an appointment in the morning either.  Urgent care is out of the question as our brilliant insurance requires a referral for that (I guess they don’t understand what urgent is).  They do however cover ER visits 100% we just have to suffer the wait in the chairs.  Turns out my sweet Moe has asthma and it is not the wheezing kind, no it is a coughing kind.  That coupled with an upper respiratory infection made for one sad sick little guy.

Saturday I spent in the kitchen as I made 56 cinnamon rolls for neighbors and families from Church.  That night we went to the Church Christmas party.

Sunday was a typical Sunday, 3 hours at Church followed by a quick clean up of the house to get ready for a late lunch early dinner.  We had our family night and then headed to my MIL’s with a can of soup as she was not feeling well.

I had hope that this week had to be better and up until lunch today it appeared that it would be.  What happened?????  Our Microwave up and died.  Yep and it smelled awful!  Darn thing is only a year old too.  Now if my washing machine is making funny noises.  If it goes I might just have to cry.  Have you ever tried to go without your microwave?  We did when we first moved here…..it only lasted a week or so.  You just never realize how many things you use the microwave for.  All I wanted it for this afternoon was to warm up left-overs for lunch. *sigh*

Tis the Season…..

to let go of my control issues and let the kids have some FUN.

Yesterday we made snowflakes to hang all over the house. Today we made and painted salt dough ornaments. We also made Christmas door hangers to put in various places.

Yesterday…… teeny tiny pieces of paper scraps, scissors, and imperfect cutting.

Today……. making dough, rolling dough, cutting dough, PAINTING dough, glue and oh we can’t forget the water needed to clean the paint brushes.

Let’s just say if I were seeing a therapist he would be quite happy with how I handled all my issues today.

Now when it comes time for the kids to actually hang these on the tree, I am going to have to dig deep to deal with my irrational control issues. The tree is for them right? They worked on these decorations and should be able to hang them on the tree right? So what if everything isn’t just so on the tree?

Okay now I just have to get myself to believe that. Well, at least practice what I preach. I really do believe all that, so I don’t know why I freak out every year over decorating the tree. Seriously I have issues. I am so lucky that Rodi is as kind and loving as he is. He has yet to buy me one of those lovely white jackets with all the fancy buckles on it. I guess I should wait and see, maybe it is his gift to me this year *grin*

Thankfully I had a plastic table cover to use, and wow was that a good thing!

Here are some pictures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life WITH Rodi

It is taking a bit of time but I think we are all getting adjusted to life with Rodi amongst us again. 

I think the one who is having the hardest time adjusting is Sunny.  Rodi seems to think Sunny is a bit too loud at times.  Sunny wasn’t here before Rodi set sail this summer so they are still trying to get acquainted with each other.  This may take some time I have a feeling.

Moe won’t leave Rodi’ s side and every time that Rodi has to go somewhere Moe runs to me and says  “Dad on Boat”  I think he is very fearful that he is going to disappear all over again.

I had to laugh last night as we were driving down the interstate on our way home and Moe sounded off with his favorite Moe-made noise…. a siren!  He is very good at this imitation and has the volume of an actual siren at times.  Rodi didn’t know what to do.  He was trying not to laugh but was upset at the same time that Moe wouldn’t be a bit quieter.    There we were Rodi was trying to talk on the phone Nina was upset and crying about something, a DVD was playing to keep the kids quiet (worked well can’t ya tell) and Moe was playing police man.  It really was fun to show Rodi a bit of what he had been missing.

Now we are heading into a new week and trying to prepare for JJ to turn 9 this coming Friday.  I told her she wasn’t allowed to have a birthday, she isn’t allowed to get older.  She didn’t think that was a great plan.  So I guess the cake will get made anyway.