Keeping it Real and Not Always about Weight Loss Surgery

Sunday Michael and I were going to church at two different times.  I knew he told me that Rehm was going with him.  Charlotte and Ruby had babysat the night before.  When they arrived home at 1:00 am Charlotte said she would go whenever I was going and Ruby asked not to be woken up.  See where this is going? 

Sunday morning rolls around. Michael leaves before me.  I wake Charlotte.  We go to church.  As were are pulling in the parking lot, I get a call from Eliza.  She wants to know why I left her at home!!!!

Me:  Um...I thought you were with your Dad.

Eliza:  You didn't even check!

Me: ....

Eliza:  I really wanted to be at church today!

Me: I'm so sorry!  I'll send Rehm home to get you and bring you back.

Now, home and church are 20 minutes apart on a Sunday morning.  It was 9:00 at that point and youth programming starts at 9:30. Math is not in my favor.  I inform Rehm of the plan.  He is not happy.  His small group was going off site for a Christmas celebration and now he was going to be late to that.  So I managed to upset half of my kids but they all got where they needed to be and eventually Eliza got over being left.

Oh, it is also official that I have a new interim job at our church.  I am moving from Children and Family Ministry to Student Ministries (Youth- Middle and High School).  I will now be the Interim Student Ministries Assistant.  I keep joking that it is a step up from the Children's job as my title there was Interim Intern.  But it really is a joke as my role will be similar in many respects just with a different age group.  I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to continue to work at our church.  It is a great place and the staff is amazing.  I could not ask for better co-workers.

In other news, tonight everyone helped me make tamales.  This is the first year I've done the whole process on my own.  I usually go to a friend's house to roll tamales and she provides the red sauce and the masa mixture.  But we did it!  I made my own red sauce and all.  I think we made 9 dozen total.  We have beef, pork and bean this year.  That means we are ready for Christmas Eve.  And now my family has seen the whole process too.  Meaning this can be an ongoing tradition for the Maniacs!  That makes me happy.

And last but least, two days of pre-op diet down and not bad at all so far.  Yay!

The tamales should be cooled enough to be bagged and frozen now.  Peace out!

Jenn

Day 18 of 30 Days of Mayhem: Washington DC Thrice

Cool, wet, rainy.  This pretty much sums up the day.  The positives are that it did not storm, it was not hot, it was not as crowded as it could have been.

Today we took the Metro in to DC.  All of us were a bit gun shy after the near-fiasco in NYC.  But DC in general is pastoral compared to NYC.  Planning wise having DC right on the heels of NYC was not the best choice due to the amount of walking and site seeing we did/were planning for each city.  However, having them back to back was perfect as it made DC feel spacious and sparsely populated after a couple of days in NYC.  I was much more relaxed with the kids, crowds and city in DC thanks to the training/experience of NYC.  I'm babbling, but I don't feel like I'm adequately conveying what a blessing this was.  If we had just come to DC, we would have thought it crowded but we didn't because of our stop in NYC first.

The Metro was easy to use and everyone did great.  When we got to our stop, Michael told everyone it was time to get off the train.  All four of the the children stopped in their tracks and did not move.  He repeated that we needed to get off.  They did not move.  I said, "I'll go first" and stepped off the train, they all fell in line behind me.  None of them were going to step foot off of a train without a parent on the landing. NYC made an impression.

We walked out of the Metro station, got to the corner and encountered a parade.  We watched it for a bit and then headed for the Mall to scope out the crowds and a spot for the day.

Watching the parade

There were very few people set up on the mall so we picked a great spot and set up our stuff.  We brought a couple of chairs and several backpacks with all of our food, water and beach blanket.

When it was time to eat lunch we discovered the bacon, broccoli ranch pasta salad had been left in the fridge.  We made do with sandwich fixings and snacks.

I sat with our stuff while everyone came and went to different museums.  Parts of the day it drizzled, parts it misted, there were a few heavy rains - those were pretty miserable, and parts there was nothing falling from the sky.

Rehm and Charlotte went to the Newseum with Cathi, Marc and Griffin.  Michael, Ruby and Eliza Claire went back to the American History Museum to explore more.  Griffin and Rehm walked to the Capitol and a few other places,

The kids joined in dancing with a group of strangers to YMCA, and the Cha-Cha Slide.  The are now ready to attend wedding receptions for the next 10 years.

Finally, it stopped raining and it was getting close to firework time.  About 15 minutes before the fireworks started, some low clouds rolled in and blocked the view of the top of the Washington Monument. Unfortunately, the clouds did not roll out.

The firework show happened.  We had perfect seats.  The low fireworks were gorgeous.  The high ones, made the clouds pretty colors...It was frustrating.  Having seen the DC fireworks on TV in years past, I knew what we were missing.  I kept thinking, I can't believe they are spending all this money on fireworks we can't see!  It was very anti-climatic, but better than sitting in the rain all day to have them cancelled.

We headed to the Metro station.  On the walk back to the Metro poor Eliza Claire cried and cried.  She is not a fan of fireworks due to the noise they make.  They scare her as she can not always anticipate when the noises will happen.  She had gotten prepared for a major firework show and endured the noise of it, without the reward of an awe inspiring display. All the anxiety and frustration came out over the course of the walk.

 It was crowded walking back to the Metro but not crazy.  The first train on our route was full but the second one we got on with no problem - with all of our kids.  And yes, they made a parent get on first and last with them sandwiched in between.

We got back to Jennifer and Bill's around 11:00, maybe 11:30.

Happy Independence Day!
Jenn

Easter

What a wonderful day of church, naps, family and good food.  I am blessed beyond measure.

 

 

No Sleep for the Weary and other Sunday Happenings

Ugh! I just left Charlotte's room. She had a horrible time falling asleep tonight. She was stressed over not being able to sleep which just makes it that much harder. She kept falling asleep, snoring or talking, then waking and swearing she had not been to sleep at all, yet. Ugh! Ugh! Ugh! We've got to find a better solution.

In the morning I have to decide whether to wake her at her regular time or let her sleep and then freak out when she wakes and realizes she is late for school.

This morning I left everyone the same message in their hearts. I hid them in their seats at the table knowing that everyone doesn't usually sit down to eat breakfast together on Sundays.



Ruby had breakfast first. She came back upstairs with a twinkle in her eye. She snuggled up to me and asked if she really was my favorite. I assured her that she was. She gave me the biggest smile and hug. It was adorable.

All went well until we came home from church and Charlotte found her heart. Everyone just happened to be in the kitchen, Charlotte read hers aloud, to herself. Immediately there were multiple exclamations about each person having that message. Eliza Claire declared that she found hers first so clearly she was the favorite. Ruby informed her that she had found hers before Eliza Claire and was therefore the favorite. I assured them all that they are all my favorites. Luckily, they all took it in good humor and today's message did not backfire.

Ruby's head is looking better today and is bandage free. Still a bit bruised but healing, I just realized that I forgot to put any Rawleighs on it before I sent her to bed. My Granny swore by this salve for everything, but especially bruises. Mom even reminded me today when I talked to her and I still didn't do it.



It was such a nice day that Ruby asked if we could eat dinner outside. She offered to clean and set the table. It was a lovely evening for dining outside. It's a good thing we got that end before the next arctic blast this week.



Eliza Claire has decided that since I am hiding surprises for her that she should hide surprises for me. Being seven she can not wait for me to find them. She always comes to give me a nudge in the right direction. Tonight, she left these treasures for me.



Her note says, "You're my star." She really knows how to make a mom feel special. Maybe, I'm her favorite!

Jenn - the favorite mom

Year in Review

I asked the kids to fill out theses work sheets for the start of the year. I was surprised that none of them complained about doing them.



Name:  Rehm
Age: 12
Favorite Color: Gold
Favorite Food:  Bacon Alfredo
Favorite Activity: Playing Minecraft
Favorite Book:  The Lord of the Ring Series
Greatest lesson learned:  That girls are not all crazy and it is possible to love one.
Hardest thing this year: 7th Grade
Favorite Memory:  The New Year's Eve party this year.
What I loved about 2013:  Johnny Football
Want to learn:  I don't know
Want to get better at: Shooting
Goals for 2014: Get A's in all subjects and stay first chair



Eliza Claire's got trampled, or rather slept on by the dog. So it is a bit harder to read. I love that she was practicing her cursive "M" on the top of the page.

Name: Eliza
Age:7
Favorite Color:  Red
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Activity:  Sports and reading
Favorite Book: Magic Tree House Series
Greatest lesson learned: Science:  Learning solids and Reading: The New Field
Hardest thing this year:  Writing: Stories
Favorite Memory:  Playing Softball
What I loved about 2013:  Staying with my family:  Mom, Dad, me, Ruby, Rehm, Charlotte
Want to learn:  Cursive
Want to get better at:  Being nice to Charlotte
Goals for 2014:  Reading at the end of grade reading level.

I was thrilled to see that Charlotte wrote in cursive. And her "looking forward to 2014" cracked me up and warmed my heart all at the same time.

Name: Charlotte
Age: ten years old
Favorite Color:  Neon Green
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Activity: Reading
Favorite Book: Harry Potter
Greatest lesson learned: How to Cook
Hardest thing this year: Taking care of my ears (she got her ears pierced for her birthday)
Favorite Memory:  Getting my ears pierced
What I loved about 2013:  Spending time with my family
Want to learn:  How to get along with Eliza
Want to get better at:  Get along with Eliza
Goals for 2014:  Get along with Eliza


I thought it was cute that Ruby made a place to write her name at the top of the page. I'm sure she did that before reading anything on the page. She worked diligently on hers and did not ask for help. It is hard to read but I was proud of her for doing it with a good attitude and independently.

Name:  Ruby
Age: 7
Favorite Color:  Neon Pink
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Activity: Art
Favorite Book: Tea for Ruby
Greatest lesson learned: Cursive
Hardest thing this year: Reading and Writing
Favorite Memory:  My Birthday!
What I loved about 2013: Miss Zuniga
Want to learn:  How to do a hand stand
Want to get better at:  Writing
Goals for 2014:  To not get my letters backwards



Jenn

A New Year

2013 is in the books. I'm really not sure where the year went. I did such a terrible job of blogging last year I can't even look back to see what kept us so busy. Here's to a better blogging year in 2014.

The maniacs are definitely getting older. We kept them out until 11:30 last night and they did great. No one had to nap today and they weren't tired, whiney messes. So lovely!

My parents are in town for a visit. Today my dad, Michael, Rehm, and Eliza Claire went to play golf. The rest of us ran some errands, went to the park and hung around the house. A great family day to start the year

Happy New Year,
Jenn

Happy Valentine's Day

In case you are not on my Christmas card mailing list, or if you received a empty envelop from our family, sorry Kellys,  this week, here is our Valentine's Day greetings to you.

No, I didn't get these out by Christmas.  Luckily several years ago I learned that Christmas cards didn't have to be Christmas cards.  In fact, I kind of like sending them on a different holiday when the card is one of a handful that arrive, instead of getting lost with all the others that arrive at Christmas. 

The picture was taken at Jo's Coffee on South Congress in Austin.  It seemed like a good spot for a Valentine's Day card.  It was very popular and there were several other people taking pictures there that day.

If you did not receive a card and would like to be on my holiday card mailing list (notice I didn't call it the Christmas card list) send me an email and I'll add you.

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.
Jenn

I Love You the Most

I promise this is the last post on the kids 14 Days of Valentine's.

Honestly, when I saw this idea I thought it was cute but too much work. I wasn't going to do it. Over lunch, at the end of January, my friend Dianne said she was going to do it and urged me to give it a go myself.

I'm so glad I listened to her! My kids have absolutely loved it. They are very excited each day to see what I write. If I'm behind on getting them done, they remind me. The girls love to compare each other's each day, which definitely keeps it challenging for me.

I'm traveling this week. One of the girls' biggest concerns about me being gone was who would do their valentines.

When I told Ruby it was going to be Daddy she was not very confident in his ability. She inquired if I had taught him how to do them. I assured her I had. Actually, I did them for him. All he has to do is tape them on their doors. I think he is up to that challenge. And, he has plenty of other things to keep him busy while I'm gone.

A couple of days ago I decided to basically tell each child they were my favorite. That day they received the following:

Ruby: I love you the most

Eliza Claire: I love you the best

Charlotte: I love you the highest

Rehm: I love you the greatest

That night Ruby asked, "Do you really love me the most?"

I replied, "Yes! I love you the most. And, I love Eliza Claire the best. And, I love Charlotte the highest. And, I love Rehm the greatest."

"But, you love me the most, Mommy?" She insisted.

"Yes, Ruby, I most certainly do!"


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Priorities

It's been a long and full day. Many things did not get done that should have.

After coming home around 9:45 from a meeting, I should have made time for laundry,


And dishes, I won't show you but it's as bad as the laundry.

Instead, I did today's Valentines,


And worked on Eliza Claire's sleepover bag, it's almost done.



Yes, the house is a mess, but my kids feel loved and important. The other stuff can wait.

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Now for a Nicer Parenting Moment

Thanks to Pinterest I have been posting hearts with messages on each child's door this month. Actually, I have to post Rehm's in his room as it embarrasses him to have them on his door.



They all love it, but the girls are actually vocal about it. They love to check and see if they've gotten new messages and what everyone's say.

In fact, they love it so much they have started leaving hearts for us on our door.



Now, I have to admit, it is really hard to come up with 14 things per child that are special and not going to make anyone feel left out. Does that make me a bad mom? It should be easy to come up with 14 things I love about each kid, right? But it is so hard. Would it be easier if I had fewer children? I don't know but it makes me feel like I'm doing it wrong.


Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Taking Christmas Card Photos in January

It seems that I'm a bit behind.  I normally shoot our Christmas card photo over Thanksgiving.  This year I was in NC visiting my parents and the rest of the family was in TX.  Thus, the photo shoot did not happen.  By the time I got home from my trip, I decided that the cards would just have to wait until after the holidays.  This is not the first time I have taken this approach so I knew it would all be OK. 

This afternoon we headed out to the perfect place to take our pictures.  One of my subjects was acting like the tween he is and was not cooperating.  Apparently he is much to cool for family photographs.  My wonderful husband lost all patience with him and for a few minutes I thought we were not going to get decent picture.  Of course, this was about the time that I realized I didn't have the white balance set appropriately on my camera and needed to completely re-shoot.

Doesn't he look positively thrilled?

In the end, everyone cooperated.  No one was physically harmed. And, only a few people gave us dirty looks. 

We celebrated a mostly successful photo shoot with a yummy dinner of Tex-Mex.

Yes, I realize I was a bit vague on the details.  You'll just have to wait until you see the card. 

Jenn

Honey: The Faceless Dog

All three girls received American Girl dogs for Christmas. Sometime last night Pearl found Charlotte's dog, Honey, and ate her face off. Charlotte is traumatized but a new Honey has been ordered and will arrive shortly. I offered to try to make and sew on a new face for Honey. Charlotte didn't like the idea of having a Frankenhoney.



Ruby's dog Sugar

Jenn- Posted from my iPhone

Happy Easter!

The pre-church photos of the kids.  We successfully made it to the eight o'clock service this morning.  This was quite an accomplishment given all of the Easter finery.  

The closest I got to a really good picture of all four Maniacs

Ruby did not like that her dress was shorter than Eliza Claire's.  But when you have such great hand-me-downs to wear, you wear the size you've got.

Eliza Claire can not smile for a photograph to save her life.  I love the three different expressions here.

Charlotte feeling very special in her Easter dress

 

My favorite picture of the day.  I think this completely captures Miss Ruby.

The best Eliza Claire smile of the day.  I love how it shows off her missing teeth.

 

Rehm is to the point he gets annoyed by the picture taking.  I'm just glad he finally found the pants I bought him a month ago that actually fit.  He kept wearing the smaller pants and I kept asking where the new ones were and getting no response.  Finally! Pants that fit!

Looking serious.

Trying to get a good group shot.

Still trying...

Uh, oh, this is getting worse not better.

The End!