Mommy of 14 in the land of Fruits and Nuts

I was just reading about the California Octuplets born this week and how their mother has 6 children already under the age of 7 and is single/never married. Her mother stated in an interview that her daughter has been obsessed with having children since she was a teenager. Okay - so we can establish the woman may have some issues.

But.....the responses to the articles I read by other readers were absolutely disgusting. I actually feel sick about the reaction that many of my fellow "Americans" had and then put into print. Some said she should have "killed" those babies before they were born! Some were simply condemning of her decision to even have another baby and others were outright ignorant. The feeling I got was a witch hunt was underway and it wouldn't stop until those babies and the other 6 were in state custody.

Do you honestly think that this woman is not overwhelmed? Of course she is. Does anyone offer to help her? No. Instead it's all about ME - none of this affects any of us. Why we think that once the media grabs ahold of a story that it automatically becomes a part of our lives, is ridiculous. We have no control or input, or influence over this situation, so why not just offer up your prayers for those kids and that woman that she can deal with her life, or find the resources to manage?

I have friends who had embryos frozen from doing IVF and they felt the same way as this woman - those are babies on ice. They deserved a chance to live and they couldn't destroy them or donate them - they were their children. Those babies are four year old twins today. This woman had the same ordeal. She respected life. She cherished it and chose to protect it - all we are doing is crucifying her for it.

I'm not condoning her lifestyle - it's not mine. I'm not saying that I don't find it hard to wrap my brain around wanting that many children, but people do. No one condemns the infamous Duggers in Arkansas or the beloved John and Kate plus 8. Why? Because they have a mommy and a Daddy? So, if the mysterious sperm donor would show up and stand by Mommy of 14's side, all would be well? Truth be told, most likely.

I have to believe there are reasons well beyond our means of understanding that this woman was blessed with so many children and others struggle to conceive but one baby. I have to believe that a greater plan is in store for her and all of us. It's called faith and it was so lacking in all the comments I read.

Pray for that family because condemning them is a waste of energy and benefits no one.

Stepping off my soap box now.....

25 things Parents Learn from Birth to Age 7

1 - Motrin is God's gift to teething
2 - Tylenol is okay too if you don't have Motrin.
3 - Cutting finger nails is harder than it looks
4 - Naked bums crawling around are the cutest until they pee on the carpet.
5 - Poop in the tub - happens.
6 - Binky's are wonderful and the kid won't go to Kindergarten with it!
7 - Potty Training is harder than it looks and it can all go bad on you before you blink!
8 - Spaghetti is not your friend when the kid is self-feeding.
9 - Mac n Cheese isn't either.
10 - Swappin' spit, sippee cups, food - child #1 - Never happen; child #3 and #4 - Yup, happens.
11 - Projectile vomitting is kind of amazing even if it is gross.
12 - Expect drool to happen a lot and especially when you're waiting for pictures at the studio and it dribbles all down their outfit where you can see it in every picture.
13 - Picture days are a must, but stress me out.
14- Don't wish for your kids to walk early - it only means they'll never stay put again.
15 - Even if your kid talks late - they will talk and then they'll never be quiet.
16 - When grounding your child, don't, under any circumstances, take away the TV on a weekend - they'll drive you so crazy that you'll give it back to save your sanity.
17 - Avoid purchasing the following toys - Playdoh, markers that aren't washable, crayons that aren't washable, and anything that makes noise but doesn't have an off/on switch or volume control.
18 - Never say your kid "will never" when it comes to junk food, soda and candy because some day, they will.
19 - Giving boo boos the proper attention may require the proper first aid products - Barbie, Power Rangers, and Scooby Doo bandaids, and non-stinging bactine.
20 - Brushing teeth is a chore - no matter what character toothbrush or toothpaste you buy, they still don't want to do it.
21 - Bribing only works until their 3, then they smarten up and it's all over.
22 - Blink and your kids go from newborns to 7 year olds in a flash - no kidding.
23 - Blink again and you have grandkids.
24- Do not use profuse amounts of colored icing on birthday cakes - besides coloring skin various shades of the rainbow, it makes diaper deposits also funny colors.
25 - No matter what bodily function your kid does, you still find it either humorous, cute, or are sympathetic to it.

Follow Me

Hey Friends! If you are reading this and not a "follower" to my blog - please subscribe. I like your comments and just knowing who's out there checking in on us. There is a link - I think it says "Follow this blog" on the left hand side, down a bit. I promise not to bug you again!

Dancing Purple PJs

I can tell when I haven't been "out" in a while. I realize that when I do get out of my "zoo" I'm like a caged animal pawing at the door of their pen to reach freedom. I also realize that A) I talk way toooooo much! B) My filter (between brain and mouth) deteriorates and C) The jingle jingle clunk clattter that I hear in my ears often times really is my brain rattling around in my head. So, when I go to Bunco every month, I am always so grateful later that those women are very accepting of who I am and can put up with whatever it is that I say or do (or wear! Lord knows, I'm a fashion statement of it's own making). I really love you guys for putting up with me.

I've also come to another realization - and this one, may or may not interest you. (Like any of this is riveting?! Ha ha!). I was dancing around the kitchen and singing this afternoon, (what? You don't do that? huh.), entertaining the lunch crowd in high chairs and propped on a stool at the island, when my three year old says, "You're the funnest Mommy I ever had, I just love you!". I thought to myself (first, like you've had another Mommy) and then, I thought, I live for this! I am happy. Not to brag....but I thought, I really am Happy. How many people can say that? Did I mention I was in my purple PJ's still, barefoot and dancing? And...isn't it scary that I can write that "out loud"?

So, if you need a pick me up and straight up Coca Cola doesn't cut it (or Mountain Dew- pick your poison) just imagine me in my purple PJ's dancing and singing around my kitchen to the tune of Oh Suzanna "Oh Hayden and William, don't you cry for me - I'm going to make you a cheesy rollup and some crackers, just say please." I could go on, but that should be enough to crack a smile on someone's face. It made my kids laugh and clap! Oh yeah, encore baby!

If we can't laugh, then what is the flippin' point!?

Sorry this post is so fragmented, but like I said, my brain kind of rattles around and when it sticks on a thought, it just does - no matter what the thought may be. So, I'll have another good think and maybe next time, I'll have something more to say - of a meaningful nature. Otherwise, try singing around your kitchen and dancing today - it's a surefire way of improving your day! Let me know how it goes!

No School Tomorrow

Just got the call....due to the continuing poor weather conditions, school will be cancelled tomorrow. Oh well, maybe tomorrow we can actually build a snowman with the snow that is coming down now. I think the kids would really enjoy that and the one thing I can say about the fresh air of a cold winter's day - it wears them out!

SNOW DAY

Do you remember when you were a kid praying that it would snow so you'd have a day off of school and could play outside? Yeah? ME TOO! What I don't remember is how much effort it took on my Mom's part to get us ready and out the door and then how we'd play for 30 minutes and come back in sopping wet, cold, tired, and did I mention, WET? Yep, I did.

So, this morning, the kids were begging from the moment they woke up at 7:30 am until I finally said, "OK" at 9:30 am to go out in the two inches of white powder that dusted our lawn. The older girls, gathered the snowsuits, boots, gloves, hats, and coats that were their's respectively and layered on the socks, sweatshirts, and jeans themselves. That only took like 30 minutes. Then I had to dress the twins because I couldn't let the older two play down the street on the hill without supervision. Of course, the twins aren't the best walkers, so I had to dig out the wagon first. Then I put on two snowsuits, two sets of snow boots, the layers underneath, the hats, the gloves, and the coats for them. They couldn't stand up when we were done, but they were warm dog gone it! Then I had to get myself changed and ready for snow - so another set of snow pants, and snow boots, hat, gloves and coat. Finally at 10:20 am, we were out the door and in the wagon. I also grabbed the camera, because what good is snow if not for pictures.

At 10:50, Lydia was crying because she took her gloves off and her hands hurt after I told her to leave them on and she was freezing and ready to go inside - the babies were pretty cold too, and Quinn was just gearing up for her sledding extravaganza. So, Quinn went with the neighbors and the rest of us went inside to unload four snowsuits, 8 gloves, four hats, four coats, and four sets of winter boots into laundry baskets I'd already set out for just such a reason the night before.

Little did I appreciate the bread bags my Mom put on my feet under my red galoshes when I was six or seven and the layers of clothes she piled on me to just go outside and play in the snow. I appreciate it now, Mom, believe me!

After all of that, then there's the onslaught of hot chocolate, the pantry being raided all day long, and the endless drone of Nickelodeon, Disney channel and Boomerang shows from the living room where they veg out until dinner and the return of a daily schedule/ritual, baths and bedtime at the end of a very long day.

Let's hope there's school tomorrow. PLEASE......

Turn the phone on for Heaven's sake

The sermon in church this morning was one I kind of "GOT" - it stuck with me all day and I've been puzzling. The priest remarked that we are all "called" by God during the course of our lives. He likened it to having a cell phone. We all know who is calling on the cell phone and can choose to either answer or not answer at that moment. The same is true of God. He will call on us and whether we answer or use caller ID to ignore him is of our own choosing. I thought to myself, well if God is using cell phones now, He probably missed me because I never have my phone on and then he didn't leave a voice mail. Then I thought what the heck would I do if I picked up the phone and God said, "Hey, Adrienne, it's me God. Just wanted you to know I need to call you to do more of my work down there on earth."? I'd probably hang up and call him a nut job.

I do feel like I'm so busy that I miss God's call a lot. I know He called me to be a Mom and some days I do better at that than others. I know He called me to be a wife and I'm thankful for that. But, I know he has called me to do more and I've ignored it because I don't have time, I don't have the money, I don't trust or know the person in need. I guess I hope He doesn't just hang up on me and quit calling. I Suppose, I had better turn my cell phone on so I can be ready - chargin' up! Catch'n a signal, waiting for a ring, next time I'm going to answer - so watch out Lord, cause this time I'm not missing a thing!

I watched an interview with the Dugger family yesterday on TV and they had their newest clan member with them, Jordan (I think that's her name). Anyways, I just wanted to jump into the TV and strangle those people. As if I don't already have an inferiority complex about how I'm doing with my parenting of four kids, they have to be America's number one functional family with 18 kids and make it all look so easy. "We're debt free!" "Our kids take purity pledges!" "Our son got married without ever having kissed his wife until the wedding day!" (Like that is natural!). "We shop in thrift stores!" "We spend $3000 a month on groceries!" "We homeschool!" "We built our own (flippin') House!" "We wrote a book! (so everyone can be like us!). YEAH!

Okay, so I'm jealous! You guessed it! It's not normal to look so normal people, especially with a small town living in your house! I actually LIIIIIIKKKKEEEEE Jim Bob and Michelle. I think they look way too young for all the birthin' they've done and I look way too old. She must have a supernatural uterus to have held all them babies. Oh! and the kicker'? She had all those kids - au natural (no drugs involved!).

Oh well, in our house dysfunction is fun and it's normal, so I think I'll just bask in it's glory and when I see the Dugger's on TV next, I'll laugh because, reallllllly.......18 kids! There's some screws and nuts loose somewhere, f'er sure!

And out of the ashes rises a Phoenix

I watched, all morning, with complete rapture, the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama. I was enthralled with his speach and the multitude of people who were present, for what seemed like miles of humanity, on the mall of Washington, D.C.. I clapped, I cried, I was proud to see him sworn in as President. I could tell that people were moved by his spirit and that for many it was a life changing event to see an African American in a position of such esteem and power - the leader of the free world. But.....then it dawned on me. What would have been life changing for me would have been to have a woman standing there saying the same things.

African American men got the right to vote 50 years before women did in this country. The 15th Amendment gave men of all races voting priveleges in 1870. Women didn't secure the same right until 1920 (19th Amendment). So, am I to wait another 50 years before I see a female in the highest office in the land? What is more disappointing is that the females who are put up for powerful positions are people that aren't right for the job - no wonder they lose.

Aside from this, though, he had a powerful message. It made me feel like the country is a phoenix who will rise from the ashes into a more glorious machine of prosperity and well-being. I also heard him reach out to the American People and say this is the time to make a difference. Change cannot begin only in Washington, it has to begin in our homes, in our thought processes, in our behaviors. We have to become more active in our communities, take more responsibility for our neighbors when they struggle, help each other overcome the hard times and all of us will grow. We cannot live on debt any longer. A new "industrial" revolution is waiting for us to grasp onto, launching us out of the doldrums and forward into a better way of life. But how?

Tomorrow, we will all continue on the paths our lives have taken, the wheels in Washington will slowly crank again bundled in red tape and political rhetoric, how do we inject a depressed country with new life? Well, I think it's more than a four year project, but starting somewhere is better than not starting at all. I think, begin at home and see where you get. Maybe I should run for office? Hmmmm.

Six Year Old Tyrants

I am so tired of hearing my six year old daughter tell me that girls at school are commenting on what she wears and how she looks. It makes me want to scream and run up to the school so I can tear those ignorant little you know what's hair out. Yes, I know - a very mature reaction on my part (not). She has just informed me that two of these lovely children told her she needed a make over and that her clothes were ugly. How am I supposed to build a confident, well rounded, self assured woman out of this kid with brainwashing like that going on everyday at school? Her self esteem is getting riddled with holes from these parasitic pests that just latch on to any shred of insecurity and then they eat at you until you're completely broken. I can't win, can I?

I've tried to buy her clothes that are more "trendy" and hope that she'll "fit in", but that didn't work (I'm becoming a huge fan of uniforms by the way).

I've tried to talk to her, reinforce what is most important - "it's not how you look, it's how you act - who you are is not made up of your clothes, it's what's in your heart" - What does a six year old hear, "blah, blah, blah".

I've tried the "you're beautiful! I don't know where these girls are coming from!" and she says, "you have to say that, you're my mother!" - she's right, but I do believe it!

I've tried to ignore it, hoping it's a phase, a quickly, fleeting, passing phase - to no avail.

I've tried advising my daughter to ignore the girls and she can't. She's so young! Why does this have to be something she deals with now. It's not fair (yes, I'm whining and I don't care!).

I haven't tried calling their parents.

I haven't tried contacting the teacher.

I haven't tried talking to the kids themselves.

Going to war takes a plan, I don't have one (yet), but I am definitely in the trenches already and the shells are coming in like crazy. I wish I could just say a prayer and duck for cover, but in this case, I have to charge the damn front line and I'm not really sure if my heart can take it. But I know I have to save my kid and that's all that matters! CHAAAAAARRRRRRGE!

Double Trouble and it isn't the twins

So, we all have them, boobs, that is (even Men, have Man Boobs! ha ha). They really don't serve much of a function for me except to annoy me - which is not to say that I'm not grateful to have them, because I'd like to keep what God gave me if that's alright with Him, but this week my mammaries gave me a fright. Thought there was something foreign going on in one of the "girls" and so I went to the doctor to have it checked out. They didn't find anything, which is great, but still just the possibility of there being something wrong sent me into a complete spiral of worry and yes, I'll say it, a little panic.



I feel like someone is saying, this was just a warning - take better care of yourself, sister! Not an easy task when I have four kids jockeying for my attention and sleep is a commodity I get very little of. But...I'm going to try.

Sit back and watch

Hayden is 18 months old and as amazed as I've always been by her, today I watched her play and was just fascinated by how much she is able to do. She put her baby to bed, fed her baby, took her for a walk, and cuddled her when I said she was crying. Then she sat at the kiddy table and had a tea party with some stuffed animals, put on dress up jewelry, brushed her hair and read a book. Multitasking already! That's my girl. It's completely awesome to watch your kids explore and just play. Sometimes, you just have to stop and smell the roses and/or watch your kids be kids. Now, they aren't always so well behaved, like right now, Hayden is waking up her sleeping brother - gotta go!

One of those days

Today was one of those days that you just want to get to the end of it as fast as possible and put it behind you. I have a lot on my mind anyways concerning an issue that I will talk about at a later post (no, I'm not prego), but then there was the green crayon incident. I always wear things with pockets. Pockets keep my massive wad of kleenexes at hand for any nasty drippage, they are where I stash the little pieces of barbie shoes and polly pocket accessories that the twins have managed to snag and put in their mouths, and they are where I put that fateful green crayon bit that William was chewing on the other day. I forgot about that green crayon bit until I opened the dryer and there splashed across my entire wardrobe were green dots of wax permanently embedded in my shirts, pants, unmentionables, and socks. It was like that crayon massacred my clothes - but instead of them bleeding red, they were bleeding alien green.

On the up side of my day, William took his first 5 steps across the living room tonight. That alone was enough to wipe that green crayon gloom away. I was so proud of him!

Mom, I look weird!

This morning at 7:00 am, the showdown began. The three year old gunslinger pulled her favorite pair of striped tights from the underwear drawer and declared, "I'm wearing a dress and tights!". Down the hallway, the worthy opponent, MOM, drawled back, "You can wear that there dress, but the tights have to go!". What ensued was not pretty. In the end, after a poptart and milk, the three year old conceded defeat and said, "I'll wear the leggin's, but I'll look weird!". Mom compromised and said the tights can go on after preschool - and they did!

What the heck! Why am I Fighting with a toddler about her clothes! I know I should have picked my battle better this morning but tights are hard to manipulate at potty time in school and for crying out loud - they totally didn't match - not that coordinating an outfit ever stopped dear Lydia from being a fashion icon! She's definitely going to be interesting to watch as she grows up!

Penguin walk

We went to the zoo on Sunday to walk with the penguins. It was really fun. The little birds just roam around the crowd and my kids were within inches of them at eye level. It was pretty neat. I wonder what the darn penguins thought of us. One tried to escape through the crowd and a keeper had to chase him back to the penguin house. I was a little nervous about my three year old being so close because she was literally eye level with some of the bigger ones and their beaks were so long, I thought - that thing could poke an eye out! So, I was kind of guarding her a little bit, but she got as much as she wanted of viewing them anyways. We also saw the baby giraffe (3 weeks old) and the baby (now toddlers) tigers. It was a good trip.

New Recipe I'm going to make

A friend made this for the potluck on Thursday and I loved it!

Chicken Spaghetti

Make spaghetti for four (about 8 oz)
3-4 chicken breast cooked and chopped
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom
1 can rotel
1 lb. Velveeta cubed

Mix all of the above ingredients and bake 30 minutes at 350*. Stir ½ way
through.

First Timer

Friends of mine have recently started to Blog and as entertaining as I find their posts, I wonder how exciting mine will be to anyone who bothers to read them. I have three girls and one boy under the age of 6. My eldest daughter will be 7 in February, My middle daughter is three and my twins are 18 months (boy and a girl).

Just to re-cap my week...Monday through Friday I picked up stuff on the floor, put away stuff, wiped about 200 hands clean and noses that were running like mad, vacuumed, dusted, vacuumed again, entertained about 26 women for a Potluck Thursday, and cleaned bathrooms. It was a banner week.