An 'Un'-alarming Start to the Day

The alarm went off. Not the one I set on my phone...the one in my head that told me, "It's light outside, why are you still in bed?" I bolted upright and stared at the clock in stark confusion. 6:38. I stared at the time in my reluctantly conscience state and tried to make sense of what that meant. My thought process went like this, "6:38.......six.....thirty-eight...6:38!!!!!! CRAP! We are supposed to be out the door at 6:30 to get Sam to school on time!"  I vaguely remembered, and still can't say for sure whether it was a dream or not, angrily pushing the snooze button on my phone as though wanting to stab a whole through the darn thing for waking me up! I'm guessing it wasn't a dream.

So I sprung from my bed, went from room to room jiggling one kid after another awake with urgency in my voice, "I overslept, we are supposed to be on the road...NOW!! Get up, get dressed, we have to GO!" I got myself dressed, ran a brush through my frizzy hair, brushed my teeth, threw on some mascara in an attempt to make myself look awake and poured my coffee.

The kids were out the door in record time without breakfast and grabbing random lunch food items as we head out the door. On the way to Sam's school, 35 minutes away, I made sure to tell everyone how awesome they were. Providentially, Samuel's teacher was late that day and he ended up waiting for her to arrive instead of vice versa. And by the grace of God, we still arrived at school with 2 minutes to spare. As I made my way down the ramp to my classroom a dozen sprightly 6-7 years bounded my way. I knew I would need another cup of coffee to handle their energy.

When I got home after a pretty good day, I had a text from my sons' teacher. It said, "I hope (so and so) can get some sleep. He was kinda cranky today. (not being bad, just CRANKY!)" I responded like this:

Yes, when I saw Cecelia at lunch time she was eating a bag of chips and a string cheese. Samuel didn't have lunch, I have no idea what the others ate and yet, not one of them complained. Most days, I am frustrated with my kids because I am practically dragging them out the door after innumerable reminders to get dressed, pack lunch, eat breakfast, brush teeth, grab homework etc., the list goes on and on. But sometimes they remind me that they can work as a team and when they do, they are fabulous!

I am Supermom!

My kids often ask me, "Mom, if you could have any super power what would it be?" They always give me certain boundaries, however, such as: I can't have the 'power to have all powers, and I can't have something boring like "the power to take a nap whenever I want" (which is one I'd really like!). I usually rack my brain and almost always tell them I'd like to be able to fly.

Lately though, I've been thinking to myself that I'd really like to have the power of Disney's Elastigirl from The Incredibles. Here are some of the ways it would come in handy for me:

• When I finally find a sweater that I like at the mall and realize all the sizes that are bigger than extra-small are hung dang near the ceiling, I wouldn't have to wander around to find someone who could come and use the special hanger-grabbing, ten-foot pole thingy.
• When I'm at Mass during the school day with eleven Kindergarten and First Graders I could do things like; pass the children two pews up from me a tissue, get them to the right page in their prayer books, wake them up, tell them it's time to kneel, warn them to get their fingers out of there noses...all without leaving my pew!
• When my kids get into a bickering match while I'm driving in heavy traffic I could stretch one arm all the way to the back of the van and slap each one along side the head before they even knew what hit them.  They'd be so shocked that they'd bond in a shared moment of creepiness and the bickering would come to an end....forever!

Those are just a few ways Elastigirl's power would help me. Yes, that is the power I want. It's just so much more practical than flying...at least during this stage of my life.

In all seriousness, I have a friend who frequently calls me Supermom (Leah H!!). I usually brush off her flattery because, most days, I feel anything but super. One thing she said to me, at least five years back, however, has stuck with me to this day. After calling me 'Supermom' and me scoffing at the title, she said, 

"No, really. You know why you are Supermom? Because you get FIVE little kids to bed every night and FIVE little kids out of the house in the morning! That's quite the feat."

She said it with such genuine sincerity that the thought has never left me. Yes, they are older now and, in some ways, things have gotten easier, but she was right, I AM Supermom, dagnammit!  Every mom knows that simply getting out of the house is an enormous task.  Now, Leah is about to have her third child and she, too, is a Supermom, as are all moms that take on the task of raising adults. That's right, adults. We are not raising these little humans to be children, but respectful, caring, responsible adults...and that is super.

I might fly one day. Across the seas to far off lands....

But for now, I will find my power in....naps.

"Dinner can wait, just give me ten minutes....please?"

A Boost From the Ghost of Christmas Present

Two days before the beginning of the third week of Advent I had the opportunity to go shopping for our Christmas tree. I wasn't sure if I wanted a pre-lit artificial tree with is re-use ability and convenience or a real one with it's fresh pine smell and nostalgic memories. After talking with my cousin, however, about the necessity to water, and the constant need to vacuum up the needles of a real tree, I chose to find one I can retrieve with great ease from my garage year after year.

Thanks to our neighbors giant fir tree that hangs over my driveway, I am already sweeping up pine needles several times a day, I didn't need any more. So a trip to a nearby Kmart brought us an unexpected delight. As the kids and I browsed through the Christmas trees that were on display at the store we agreed that one in particular was not only very nice looking, but it fit our budget and the slim style would fit our little home. I looked for the box with the coordinating tree number on it and to our dismay, they were sold out.

I asked the customer service worker if there were any stored in another area and she informed me that the one on display was the only one left. She did say, however, that they would sell me that one, without of the box. I hesitated because it was heavily decorated and I didn't want to wait around as they removed all the beautiful ornaments and ribbons. As I stood there, indecisive, hemming and hawing about what to do, the sales associate simply said, "You can have everything that is on the tree as well." I asked how much they would charge for that, but to my utmost surprise she said, "No extra charge." What?!!! How could this be?

And so, I watched as several employees wrapped the tree, ornaments and all, in Saran wrap and loaded it up to take it to the back of the store until I could get my dad to come and pick it up in his truck. I couldn't really believe what I just did....bought a tree fully decorated. All I would have to do is get it home, unwrap it, and plug it in!

Now, I have always enjoyed taking my time and meticulously deciding where each ornament should go to look perfectly asymmetrical, all the while listening to Christmas music and sipping hot cocoa. But the reality is this: once my kids got old enough to want to 'help', it became an event that brought something close to dread in my heart. The bickering, the broken ornaments, the bickering and the bickering were just something that could put a damper on the best intended plans. So, this was perfect!

I did put Christmas music on, and we gathered around to ceremoniously unwrap the tree. Each kid took a turn holding the plastic wrap and making one lap around the tree, then they passed it off to the next one until our first Christmas present was 'opened'. They were so excited and really felt like they were helping decorate. We straightened out a few branches, cleaned up one shattered bulb that fell off and plugged in it! Waaaaaa-laaaah!!

They even gave us the shiny red tree skirt. It was the most fun I'd had putting up our tree in years, and the kids enjoyed it too. I even had energy to put lights on the house outside and after it was all over, Sam told me, "Thanks for all the hard work you did to make our house Christmassy." That brought a smile to my face.

Then we watched 'The Christmas Story'. Is it just me or does that movie get funnier every year? I was literally laughing so hard I had tears and my kids were like, 'What's so funny, mom?'

I truly sympathized with Ralphy when he had his "Oh Fuuuuuuuuuudge" moment. When I was taking out the porch light to install an outlet adapter for the Christmas lights, in slow motion the light bulb dropped to the concrete stairs and out of my mouth came a very loud "S#!t!!" with Samuel standing right next to me. I'm not one to swear, especially in front of my kids, so I don't know why such a word would  instinctively escape without effort.  It must have been the fear that arose due to the fact that those newfangled energy saving light bulbs that you cant throw away and contain deadly amounts of mercury was falling out of my control to the hard ground below....ya, that must have been it.

Merry Christmas and Happy Decorating.

Gina.

A New Wardrobe and a New Perspective

Getting in an accident back in November of 2011 finally paid off.

I've been looking at my kids shoes lately, especially Ben's, and can't seem to wrap my mind around why his toes are sticking out of his sneakers! It's not like he doesn't get new shoes a couple times a year, and, seriously, who walks on the top of their toes?!!! I'm not talking about walking on tip toes, I'm talking about the part of the toe that actually grows hair!!! I couldn't take it anymore.

It was a rainy afternoon and the kids seemed cooped up with extra energy as they waited for their dad to pick them up for the weekend. They still had a couple of hours to wait so I decided to take them to Old Navy and try a little experiment. Yes, a certain amount of fear set in with the thought of taking five children clothes shopping all at once, but I was able to push that aside. I wanted to let each of them pick out their own clothes, whatever they wanted, because I realized I've never really allowed them to choose their own style.

When we entered the store, I think we all felt like we were in uncharted territory. This is just not something I do with them! Any clothes shopping gets done by me alone, when I can get away by myself, and then it only happens out of necessity since it's really not one my favorite things to do.
I had two rules that I refused to bend on, even if it contradicted my kids' choices: No clothes for the girls that would be too tight, too short, or too skimpy, and no shoes that had cartoon characters on them (the first rule is for modesty, the second is just a pet peeve of mine).

When we arrived at the children's clothing section, I set the boys loose and told them to go find some clothes that they liked. They looked at me like I was joking, like I would pull back the reins if they actually did that. Slowly they started wandering around but they couldn't even decide where to start. "How about some shorts?" I said trying to get them started. Benjamin immediately picked up what I considered the least desirable pair in the store. They were camouflage green and bright orange exercise-like shorts that felt like they were made of spandex. It took every ounce of willpower not to try to persuade him to find something else. He seemed quite satisfied though, so I said nothing. I told him to find a shirt to wear with the shorts. He couldn't decide so I suggested a green one that would tone down the loudness of the shorts, "But it's just plain green!" was his reply. "How about this one?" I said holding up a white shirt with bright green sleeves. He didn't look the least bit interested. Then he reminded me why I usually pick out their clothes, he picked up a black shirt with all the Angry Birds on it. The shirt didn't have a single color in it that matched his shorts, but it would look fine with jeans so I led him over to the jeans....he wanted black ones.

Hunter and Samuel took awhile picking out T-shirts, and I had to prompt them to look at jeans and shorts as well. Finally Samuel decided on some clothes quite similar to something I would actually pick out for him, and Hunter chose the same shirt and shorts. I told them to get some jeans as well. "Mom, how do you think skinny jeans would look on me?" Hunter said to me in all seriousness. I tried to dissuade him because skinny jeans are not my thing, and his legs are...how can I put this, SKINNY!! But he seemed to have his heart set on them, so I told him to try them on.

With the boys' satisfied with their choices, we headed over to the girls' department. I told the girls the same thing, "Go, find the clothes you want". Cecelia took that to heart and darted straight to the frilliest, ruffliest shirt I'd ever seen. The problem was she thought it was a dress because it was meant for older girls. I felt bad to tell her no, because she seemed to be eyeing the shirt the whole time the boys were shopping. It didn't dampen her mood though and she ran from rack to rack finding what she wanted and holding the item up to the front of herself, she'd ask, "Does this fit me?" It was fun watching her and she had all of us (and a few on-lookers) laughing. Isabelle was pretty laid back and easy going, which was a surprise to me. She immediately wanted a purple shirt with Spiderman on the front, but after that she actually wanted my help.

Finally it was time for the six of us to hit the fitting rooms. We found a handicap one that fit all of us at one time (I figured having to try on multiple outfits on five kids was a handicap). The clothes started flying in all directions as the old ones came off and the new ones went on. Hunter's "skinny" jeans didn't even fit him like skinny jeans and he was quite satisfied with them....so was I. Ben's crazy shorts hung down to his ankles and couldn't be cinched so they kept falling to the floor even though they were an extra small. (I smiled a secret inward happy smile over this while trying to act disappointed for him) Later he picked out a cute pair of colorful plaid shorts that although his choice, I was very happy about. Cecelia ended up choosing a black and white summer dress, a shirt with purple and gray paisleys in it and a skirt that just screams "CECELIA". It was like a silver tutu with ruffles that never end.

As we headed to the checkout line I realized Ben's shoe problem wasn't solved so we hurried back to the back of the store and he tried on a pair of gray canvas sneakers with the brightest orange laces I'd ever seen. He loved them, so we bought them too.

Up to this point we were having fun and everyone was behaving wonderfully. Then we entered the maze from hell that Old Navy makes you walk through in order to reach the checkout counters. The maze is lined with cheap trinkets and candy and gum and all sorts of things kids think they simply cannot live without. I was suddenly bombarded with an onslaught of whiny "Pleases, and why nots". I felt like I was shooting 'Thanks-a-lot' darts with my eyes at the workers. I made it through, however, without giving in, not even with Hunter's promises to 'pay me back'.

It felt good buying all my kids clothes to their liking. It was a rare treat, not only for them, but for me as well. I got a little insight into their personalities, and some of their likes and dislikes really surprised me.

I thank God that none of us were seriously hurt in the accident that occurred last fall on Isabelle's birthday....but in a strange way, I also thank God that it happened.

Lovin' life,

Gina.

Gone Fishin'

"The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad." –A.K. Best

No, actually, the fishing was bad; the catching was good....no that's not quite right either. Anyway I look at it, I admit to myself and to the world...I do not like fishing with kids.....five of them at least. Today was the annual Pack 64 Fishing Derby. Supposedly the pack chips in to have Mill pond filled with loads of fish so when the derby rolls around each kid is all but guaranteed to catch a fish or two. That was the case last year when Tina's family and mine brought back dozens of fish to gut and clean and...gag down eat.

As afternoon rolled around, I realized we would be short a few fishing poles, and hooks, lines, and sinkers... So I took the kids to Fred Meyers and we bought what we needed before heading to the pond. We were right on schedule to have our poles in the water by 7pm, which was important because the first one to catch a fish won a special trophy.

Little did I realize how little I knew about fishing! I had a box of hooks and bobbers and weights...and some poles; but I felt like a....well....a fish out of water! It's not that this was first time I had ever done this; this was, however, Samuel's fourth year of scouting, but usually my brother-in-law, Mike was at the pond before us and was ready to do everything help us get to the point where we were ready to cast the line. We arrived first this year and I really wanted to have the kids ready to go. So after numerous trips to the Port-o-Potty I held a bobber in one hand and the line in the other with out a clue as to how one went with the other. Luckily, the Ruliens showed up worms and all (you know, those little things called bait that I had forgotten to get).

Mike and my nephew, Donovan, then had the task of preparing poles for ten plus people. I made it a point to watch and learn this time so I wouldn't be so helpless next year. This is how the evening went from that point on: Mike and Donovan set out getting their family's poles ready as I bugged them trying to figure out how to attach the hook and bobber to Benjamin's pole, Donovan ever so graciously showed me how to tie the hook on. I did so, attached the worm and helped cast the line. (I wondered at myself, why does ripping a live wriggly worm in half with my fingernail not bother me? I figured changing thousands of poopy diapers over the years has desensitized me to all things gross) All the while, Samuel begged me to help him, and Hunter, who's line was ready to go from last year, kept needing my help with untangling his line from the prickly bushes that surrounded us. Without the slightest exaggeration, swarms of mosquitoes surrounded our heads like Pig Pen on Charlie Brown...only worse.

Cecelia whined first because I wasn't fast enough getting her pole ready and then because she didn't know what to do with it once it was in the water. I will insert here that Isabelle was more patient than I had ever seen her. She said not a word, but waited quietly for me to get to her. When everyone else was waiting for a bite, I finally got her all set up. Amidst the chaos, several worm-gut covered hooks penetrated my thumbs and did I mention I had quite the groupie of mosquitoes following me everywhere I went? Before everyone was fishing Samuel caught the smallest sunfish you had ever seen and we figured he'd win the prize for smallest fish....certainly by now, people had caught the first fish! About 15 minutes later Isabelle had a bite and I helped her reel in a small slimy catfish! Her excitement caught the attention of one of the organizers who came running in our direction with her camera. "Did I hear someone caught a fish?" We showed her the fish and told her Samuel had caught one earlier. She informed us that Samuel had been the first one to catch a fish then. I was surprised because I thought that since it had taken me so long to help these fishing skills deprived children that they had no hope of making the first catch.

My patience was waning, and I longed for my pajamas. Visions of the kids laughing and having memorable deep conversations while waiting with hopeful hearts for the 'catch of the day', and then taking all they learned from me and bonding with each other over their love for the sport were fading as fast as daylight. I am certain that there is no doubt in any of their minds that my distaste for fishing is as real as the empty hooks that kept getting caught by everything but fish.

My joy from this day came twice from Isabelle. First, when she caught her fish, she was beyond excited until I pulled it from the water and held it close to her. At that point every fiber of her being shuttered with fear. She squealed and screeched like the girly girl she tries so hard to hide from her brothers. Secondly, I couldn't help but hide my laughter when a wormed hook got stuck in her hair as she walked behind her cousin when he attempted to cast his line. I know that sounds cruel, but her reactions would have made one think she was being attacked by the swamp monster and it wasn't as if it hooked her skin! I hate to imagine what she would sound like if she actually were attacked by something! I had to tell her, "Isabelle, only use that voice when, A: a kid snatcher is trying to take you away, or B: you need help because you or someone you are with is in danger of dying (which means blood is gushing everywhere, not just on your cuticle)."

The final tally for the 2012 Fishing Derby was a total of 6 fish caught. That number included both scouts and tags (tag-a-long siblings or friends). I felt good knowing that my kids actually caught one-third of all the fish this year! It appears true as Herbert Hoover stated, "Fishing is a… discipline in the equality of men – for all men are equal before fish." (even men (kids) who lack a solid fishing background) And, I am unashamed to admit that it feels good to know that we won't have to do this again for another 12 months.

P.S. Congratulations to Samuel for catching the first fish (he would have gotten the trophy for smallest also, but they didn't want one person to get more than one trophy :)

Notice how my kids are the ones without  poles?  Those were down by the water with the price tags still on them.

Big brother, Hunter, gives Izzy a helping hand with her slimy, spiky Catfish.

Winners for: Biggest fish, Smallest fish, and First Fish Caught

Happy Fishing everyone!

Gina.

All Grown Up (that's me I'm talking about)

I found myself thinking today about the momentous time in a person's life when they come to the realization that, "I'm a grown up!" My daughters tell me all the time...'when I'm a grown up, I'm going to...." Kids seem to ponder this thought frequently. When I first moved out at 18 and didn't have to tell anyone where I was; I had the inkling that I was a grown up. When I went shopping for my own food for the first time...the thought crossed my mind then too. I don't remember having the thought when I got married, had children, or had to file my taxes as Head of Household. I did, however, have the thought today.

My eight year old had his first baseball game of the season and I invited one of his best friends to stay the night so she could come help cheer him on. I told them I would take them out to ice cream afterward to celebrate. His hitting was amazing, his feilding needs improvement (but what 8 year old's doesn't) and his attitude was inspiring. So, when the game was over, I gathered up six dirty kids and headed to the magical place of 31 marvelous flavors...it was 8:30 pm.

I'm not sure if every Baskin Robbins is the same, but the one we went to had very few seats, little room to sit and enjoy an ice cream cone and a LOT of odd people. In fact, the last time I went there, it was also later in the evening and there were some other people who appeared to be woven of the same cloth as tonight's visitors. Anyway, ordering whatever flavor ice cream six kids wanted (and myself) in a crowded area really brought me back to the few times my mother braved a  trip to the mouth watering "Neighborhood Ice Cream Store". Only, this time....I was on the receiving end. The receiving end of, "Can you lift me up to see?" "I want the pink one, no, the rainbow one.....no.....I want the bubble gum one" (times six) "Can I sample this one, and this one, and this one"...."I have to pee!" "There's no bathroom" "But I have to PEE!!"

I began to realize....WE were more the sideshow than the emos, or the man with the shorts that looked more like a tattoo than an article of clothing..I mean...I think he was wearing shorts, just kidding, he was. Oddly, amidst the chaos, instead of feeling stressed, I found myself thinking, "I'm a grown up!" I'm letting all these kids get an ice cream cone of their choice and I get to chose one for myself!" I know what you're thinking...what a weirdo! Well, I think it all goes back to when I was a little girl. One day, when I was craving ice cream and couldn't have any, I must have said to myself, "When I grow up, I'm gonna get whatever kind of ice cream I want....and buy some for my kids too!"

I dedicate this post to my kids, who help me feel grown up, while at the same time, remind me of the joys of childhood. I love you guys.

 .

My Happiness Project: The Little Things

Nine days into my Happiness Project I can honestly say I am a happier person. Let me review my goals:

1. Get more sleep. I can't say that I have been successful at this one yet. I have been going to bed an average of 1 hour earlier than before, but I have been about hour off of my goal of a 10pm bedtime. However, because I have been going to bed one hour earlier than my previous average I think this is an accomplishment in itself. I still have a hard time getting up with my alarm though and 'snooze' is still my friend.
2. Exercise better. I am happy to report I am making headway with this goal. I am still not as consistent as I want to be, but as of right now, every muscle in my body is sore to the core. I have been using the strength exercises of kettle bell with the play cardio of a rebounder (fancy lingo for mini trampoline).
3. Organize. This has been and always will be an ongoing task. I have discovered the joy of keeping a day planner. I have my phone numbers, bills, appointments, menus, and grocery lists all in one place. I have dropped off three huge bags off at the Goodwill, and have one in my room that I keep for whenever I come across something that I don't use, don't like or have to pick up too many times. When this fills up....away it goes!
4. Tackle a nagging task. I have been taking care of those nagging tasks (for me usually phone calls I dread making) as soon as I have the opportunity to do so. This, alone, has given me the biggest boost. In doing so, I have received two $150 refunds having to do with health insurance, I have an important appointment scheduled that I've been trying to get for 6 months, and I have a guy coming to fix our furnace.

All this, plus the fact that God has been smiling on the Pacific Northwest for the past week giving us the most unbelievably beautiful weather anyone can remember, along with the 'little things' are making me incredibly content and joyful.

These are some of the 'little things' that have given me happiness this week:

• I was rushing to get the girls and myself out the door this morning when I realized it was an hour earlier than I thought it was! Therefore, we were completely ready to go with an hour to relax!
• Sunny days in Washington are more beautiful than anywhere in the country. Because of all the rain, the air is clear and crisp and the sunshine is sparkling.
• After they went to bed Sunday night, two of my boys were arguing over who loved me more :)
• My furnace is fixed and since we've been huddling by space heaters for so long I feel like we are living in the lap of luxury.
• I had a great conversation with the old guy who picked me up to bring me to the auto shop to get my van back.
• I got my van back.
• A day after mentioning to my sister that I wanted to get some bunk beds for the girls' room, a friend sent me this text, "Do you know anyone who wants bunk beds?"

That last one was a major 'little thing'.

I have also learned that when you surrender yourself to God's will, he works in marvelous ways. That, I believe, is another key to happiness. Surrender.

Happy days to all,

Gina

Babies make me happy!

Slowin' down...

Our neighbors house got broken into last Saturday. It happened between 3:30 and 5:30 pm, which means it was barely dark out yet. Even creepier, all the kids and I were here at home each attending to our own lazy happenings. I was napping on the couch when my neighbor knocked on the door asking to use my phone. "Did you happen to see or hear anything?" she asked. The truth is, the frequent traffic back and forth on our coul de sac has failed to attract my attention anymore as it is such a "normal" way of life around here.

The real truth though, is that I am not as attentive as I'd like to be. I feel like lately I've been going through life with tunnel vision, not observing the details that make life so interesting. I wake up, get dressed, make sure everyone is ready on time for where they have to go, work, eat, sleep and start all over. Some of "details" are often hurdles and I find myself simply relieved when I am over them.

One of the most rewarding aspects of motherhood is being able to experience the way our children observe the world around them. They tend to notice all the details, especially the ones you don't want them to.  They notice when we pay more attention to the computer than to them, they notice negative inflections in our voices and when we roll our eyes at yet another mention of what they want for their birthday (even when the birthday isn't for six more months.) But they also notice the Christmas tree in the upstairs window way down the street, and every time the air-filled, attention grabbing thingy at the local car dealership changes (" Look! Now its Uncle Sam! Look! Now its an eagle! Look! Now its a gigantic ape!).

I can lock my doors and trust in God that my house won't get broken into, and yet I couldn't stop it if it happened. But I refuse from this point on to allow my busy life to rob me of the ability to notice the wonderful details that make life memorable. My goal is to notice something positive every day: about my kids, my neighbor (in a general "everyone other than me" kind of way) and the world around me. If we stop to appreciate the good, I believe whole-heartedly that it truly is  "A Wonderful Life".

Blessed Advent to all,

Gina.