Strange and Wonderful All In One!

It's Monday and boy, let me tell you, my kids are SO ready for summer!!!  It was ridiculous how long it took for everyone to go off to the land of dreams.  My kids are usually  in bed early, compared to most folks.  Josh, 7 p.m., Zach, usually 7:30 is, Max and Jordan 8:30 p.m. latest  and then Sammy and Tyler are in by 9 p.m.  Of course there are exceptions but really this is something I am pretty anal about!  I know my boys need their sleep.  They play hard and so they need to be able to gather their fuel for the next day.

This morning was brutal getting them up.  How many weeks left?  Here's the thing, the remainder of the weeks are busy one!  Actually, they are VERY busy ones!!!  I think we have something every weekend.  Most of the things scheduled are for the school and a fundraiser of sorts.  Then there is graduation for my sweet Tyler!  Wow... that I am not ready for!  I won't go there today.  I need to focus.

I am home doing laundry, trying to get most of it done so that packing will be less of an ordeal. I am making a meal for a family that needs a break, of course my turns lands this week.  Hey, if you are going to be busy, why not be extra busy.  Actually, I didn't realize that this weekend was here so soon.  I thought that I had one week in between.  It's all good, though.

Thanks for all your comments and helpful suggestions regarding my cramps.  I found them very helpful and plan on looking into something effective before the next attack.

I had an interesting conversation with my mother-in-law last night.  It was just the two of us talking while I was getting supper together.  We ended up talking about funerals.  She was quite free with letting me know some of her wishes.  It was a weird conversation.  I am pretty sure this woman will bury us! lol


I really need to be off and get my mess in order... but before I go, here are some things the boys said to me these last few days.  I blog them to share because to me, they are funny.  I also blog them to remember down the road!


Josh:  "Mommy, you know when Jesus died, they put perfume on him.  How come?"
I respond with a mommy answer.
Josh: "Oh!  Did they put perfume on Michael Jackson too?"
This makes me wonder how his mind works!


Today because I was putter around, I put on jean cut offs and one of Sanj's tee-shirts.  I picked up the boys, gave them a snack and ran into the grocery store.  As I was walking to the van, apparently this was the conversation that was occurring in the van:


Max:  "Is that Daddy's tee-shirt Mommy is wearing?  (His brother agreed).  Max: "Well it will be kinda stretchy after Mommy wears it."  (Making reference to my boob-aciousness)!


Another one of my boys:  Mommy, do you want to know something weird?  My friends think you are cool!  That is so strange!"  

Have I mentioned how much I love my boys?  They are so funny and crazy and smelly and loud and strange and fascinating and rock my world!  How did I ever get to lucky?

Good... It's Good!

A perfect day... waking up without the rush of getting out the door (though I wonder again WHY can my kids not sleep in on the weekend)???  Reading my books and actually relaxing a bit.... then cooking up a storm for company coming...  (I was stressed as I was exposing them to Indian food for the first time... and felt the pressure!!!)... enjoyed the company...  now listening to my men all jamming it out with their dad.  Hey, it actually sounds like heaven here!

Sanj said to me, "Dear, our boys can play... I have more fun playing with them then I do on most praise teams!"

Note to my boys:  That is the ultimate compliment!

I love that this is the new evening relaxation mode.  So Backstreet Boys...  you have nothing over my boys!

In a bit, I am going to watch my movie, "It's Complicated" and then read some of my book.  It is that perfect reading weather, bit cloudy, breezy and cooler now.

Life is good.  I am so glad that I can feel the love.  There are many times when one of the boys are driving me nuts.  A few hours again, Josh was in his obnoxious form... I could have strangled him!  

Ah... I feel like it is as good as it gets... and there is still one more day to the weekend!  Wahoo!

Hope yours is a good one too! 

xoxo

What Is The Library?

Am I feeling better... better than yesterday.  Today at noon, we had a Spaghetti Lunch, again.  This time it was to raise money for breast cancer awareness and cure.  All the funds raised will go toward our Dragon Boat team.  I was feeling miserable.  My stomach was really bothering me... yet you know, if you continue to listen and do what you know God is telling you to do, He always comes through.  While I only knew of 2 people, other than myself that were coming to help, it turns out that He sent many more hands that made the work much quicker and easier.  :)

I did call my doctor, yesterday in the midst of my distress and tell her that  I can't not function like this anymore.  There is light at the end of the tunnel.  I know I need to address this now.  Sigh.

I have missed writing so much.  I have so many things to write about... to catch up, if you will.  I hope to do so this weekend.

Last night, my doctor husband was asked to speak at a function at the library about hearing (well, blah blah... if you really want to know specifics, you can ask for a transcript of the evening's chat).  Despite the fact that my uterus was causing me major grief, I really felt I needed to go and support him.  All the boys were good to stay at home for the evening... except Josh.  He was so upset about me leaving him.  Normally I would leave anyway and know that he would get over it, but he has worked himself up to the point that it would have been stressful for his brothers to deal with him.  So, I, feeling very annoyed and angry at him, took him... in the pouring rain.  He was so good.  He behaved the whole hour and 20 minutes.

My husband is a wealth of knowledge and a nature public speaker... much to my jealousy.  He looked fabulous in his new suit and fashionable in his pink shirt (thanks to me).  Josh was so pleased to see him in a suit that he went up to Sanj and said, "Thank you for wearing your suit!"

Here is the thing, we were in the public library.  I am not sure why but we never really go there.  Actually, I can count the times we have been there on both my hands.  When the older boys were younger, I took them.  We took out books.  Yet, me, being the delinquent that I am, there were always late fees.  It became a little ridiculous.  At some point, I realized that I prefer Chapters (our bookstore) to the library.  I am a snob but I don't like the smell of old books.  How many dirty fingers have thumbed through it?  Sorry, I know.  Here is the other thing, I HATE when there is a book that I really want to read and the waiting list is longer than Sanj's toe nails! lol

You get the point, right?  We don't go to the library very often.  It didn't bother me until last night, when as we were leaving the library, Josh looks  into the gated, locked library and asks me, "Is this Chapters?"

Sad, isn't it?  I will make an effort to familiarize the boys with our local library.


Here is Sanj's comment back... I thought I would add it to the blog for your amusement! 


"A little insight for those of you confused by my wife's aversion to this literary Mecca. Reema worked at our University Library as an Undergraduate. Reema had to put books back on the shelf. Mostly as I recall, Reema spent most of her time checking out the studious male occupants in the Library through the empty book slots strategically located through the Library. So perhaps without this added incentive Reema may not find the Library as exciting as it once appeared."

Sanj (formerly studious male student and now husband)

A Good Day!

I had the weirdest day yesterday.  I was still motivated to keep at the laundry and purging of clothes.  I got so much done.  My day was not long enough, to be honest.  The younger two took longer than usually to fall asleep.  The older ones too way too long to settle.

Sammy was given a popsicle by my friend at school.  Then, on the way home, somehow they talked their dad into a slushie.  OK... my son + sugars+ dyes= a very long night.  Yet, he was working on really trying to control himself.  He kept saying, "Mommy, Jordan did this to me and I told him not to instead of punching him."  Yah!!!  Then as I was making supper, he comes and gives me this hug with his taller than me frame and said, "I love you," and dances with me. 

I love this kid.  He drives me bonkers.  Yet oh my goodness, I love him.

OK... can I brag about my boys this evening?  First of all, I am the worst parent at sticking to something.  So I prayed for help to be a better parent, to find a way to teach and motivate them.

Here's the plan... my boys are forever wanting things.  Right now, Sammy wants a belt buckle, Tyler wants a watch, Zachary wants a pair of shoes... these are things that they don't need.... yet really want.

I really want them to do their chores, without the nagging or whining.  I really want to instill in them the desire to serve.  I want them to understand that if there is something that they are about to step over... maybe it should be picked up instead.   I want them to understand that as a family, we all need to work together to keep the things we have in good shape... meaning the house, kitchen, laundry etc.

I want them to understand that they really have everything they need to live well and then some.

Here's what I came  up with... instead of using money or allowance, I decided to use points.  

It allows me to vary the points or jobs with the different ages.  When they reach their points needed, they can get their chosen item.  Points need vary according to the price of the item wanted.

Name:  _______________________________

Week:  _______________________________

Jobs To Do:

Make your bed (2)

Hang up towel and pyjamas (2)

BRUSH YOUR TEETH (5)

Put dirty clothes away (2)

Dog Duty

Hang up backpack and empty lunch (1)

Chores: 

-dog duty (3)

-empty dishwasher (2)

-laundry (2)

-bring in groceries (2)

-put groceries away (2)

- pick up dog poop (5)

-take out garbage (2)

-extra chores ____________________________________ (5)

Acts of Kindness:

Not hitting back... come tell (2)

Giving compliments (2)

Doing a good deed for your brother (6) _______________________________________________________

Total Points:

What I am working towards:

Of course this is a start.  I gave points for things they should do natural, make their bed, brush their teeth, etc.  Then there is the motivation to go beyond and make efforts with a brother that may get on their nerves.  This week, they each are to try to earn 20 points a day.

I am writing this blog, not to tell about this because it is only the first day.  I am writing to brag about my son.  Sammy, you know, the one that drives me bonkers?  The one I am forever wondering what did I ever do  to deserve this craziness that sends me to the edge of insanity and back?

Here is my son's evening... first he was overwhelmed by the thought of even earning 20 points.  Yet, he soon figured it out.  He brought in the groceries, put them away, was very kind to Zachary, who often drives him nuts.  He even cleaned the kitchen and swept the floor.  (Usually when Sammy cleans the kitchen, I am swearing, while I clean it up again).  WOW.  I was blown away.

I am so proud of him.  He earned way over 20 points and to top it off, he confessed to doing something.  I know that was very hard and it touched me that he apologized and said that he wanted to be good.

I love my boys.  I am so proud of the efforts that they made.  

Thank you, God, for the boys that You have given me.  How I love them!

Please help me be the kind of mom You want me to be.

I love you!

Shop Till We Drop (or Run Out of Cash)!

Retail Therapy!  Who said it was for girls?  I am raising a bunch of boys that just love it!  They had so much fun!  They didn't even try to get more stuff and stayed within the limits that I set before we went in.

I was also taken with the fact that each of them has a distinct style and taste.  They are so similar and yet so different.  I loved watching them match up stuff, scrunch their noses at something I may have pointed out and they didn't like or watch them pick out stuff that Sanj may like.  Actually, that part, I am on to them.  The older 3 can share some of their dad's stuff.  Poor Sanj, he is soon going to have a very empty wardrobe. 

I picked up a sweatshirt for myself... from the men's section (as the stuff in the ladies section at these stores seems to be for teenagers.  The mediums would fit my one thigh)!  I love comfort.  I love how the men's stuff isn't clingy and gut sucking!  Yet as I had it in my hand, the older boys eyes lit up.  "Who is that for?  Can I borrow it?" I was asked.  Suddenly I realized that  there really isn't much hope of it really being mine.  Back on the rack it went.

Funny though, the reaction I get when I wear their sweatshirts! 

I love shopping with the boys!

I was proud of their good attitudes and grateful hearts.

Then it was the hideous 2 hour ride home! 

I don't understand how there aren't more insane people out there that have to sit in rush hour traffic crawling at 20 km/hour.  Seriously!  It was tortuous!  

We stopped at Grandma's house for supper to break up the pain.

Yum.  A good ending to a good day.

Too Fast!

Spring Break is  going by at an alarming speed!  It was extra special that Sammy's arm wasn't broken!   It is probably badly sprained and will likely hurt when he plays hockey etc at bit till it heals.

This week was make extra special from a visit by my sweet Jessica.  She is the one time little girl I used to babysit and lived with their family while in university.  Their family became an extension of mine over the years.

She came to spend some of her Spring Break with us.  All week I have been torn between wanting to hang with the boys and yet wanting time with just Jess.  Last night we went and got pedicures and went out to dinner.  We were able to talk about all sorts of things.  All things are the same love, family, hurts, wanting, dreaming... and yet there is the change that comes with today such as constant need to text.

Here's the problem with the week... I have realized that I am getting old.  First of all, looking at all the pictures we took... there is a lot of grey hair on my head!  I really don't mind it but it was a little shocking to see that quite a few more had popped up since last time I noticed.  Then there is the fact that Jess and the boys were laughing at me due to the fact that I was out of the loop with the lingo that is out there now.  They were laughing at me!  Then there is the fact that Jess sleeps half the morning and then stays up most of the night.  Me... I need my bed by 11 p.m.  I just can't do it!  Josh is up every morning before 7 a.m.  Today he stood up on my bed to demonstrate how he wanted me to GET UP!  

We have had amazing weather this week.  65+ degrees!  We spent a day at the zoo (with half the kids on spring break)!  Yesterday the boys went to the ski hill and had fun skiing with a sweat shirt.

Today, I say bye to my sweet Jess.  I am so thankful for the relationships/friendships that have lasted the test of time.  I am so glad that this friendship is one that my children are blessed with.  I am said to see her go.  I am so touched that she came and spent time with my brood and the flies that are infesting us now that spring is upon us.

I LOVE YOU, JESS!

The boys and I are off to their favourite mall in Toronto.  Lord, have mercy.   It will be a day full of "Can I have this?"  It will be a day of choices and happy faces.  I am sure there will be tears too.  It is going to be a good day and we will come home tired but happy.  Nothing like retail therapy! :)

Life On Other Planets...

Yup!  This is my first born snuggling with his mommy!  What a sweet moment!

It's the first morning of March Break... it is 6:05 a.m.  and I am awake.  What is wrong with this picture?  Sleeping is one of my favorite things to do and yet I am awake!

I love breaks from school.  I love hanging with the boys and relaxing.  It, of course comes with the bonus of loudness, fighting and teasing but I love the bits in there that remind me why I love being a mom.

We don't have big plans this break.  But all the little plans add up to a  nice break.  Today we  are going swimming at the Y and then having lunch at friends.  This evening we are going to celebrate Zachary's birthday (that was in January).  We are going to the new Lazer Tag place in town.  My boys are so excited, the big ones and the little ones!  We are just going with a couple of families and a couple of friends.  Then we will be going out to supper.

A bit of this and a bit of that and then it will be over.  I hope to finish a few books over the  break too.  Our yard needs a tidy up of all the things that were hiding in the snow.  It really does look like spring is here.  I can't believe it.  Usually there is always a dump of snow around now.

I feel like the boys are growing up too fast.  Yesterday while at school, a friend commented that Sammy was taller than me now.  What!  How did that happen?  Sammy was, of course, thrilled!  He said, "I feel taller!"  Cute!  He is a mix of sweet and sour still.  But how I love to be with him, if only to get bits of that sweetness a few times a day!  I love that kid!

I have warned him not to have kids, ever, though.  You know what they say, "Payback is a  Beep!"  I have a feeling the Good Lord is gonna bless him with a dozen moody girls!  lol  Actually, LOL... that would be so sweet!

I love watching the results of teaching for years.  I love getting to a door and the boys automatically hold it open, even Josh.  I love seeing the bits of gentlemen-ness in them come out.  Someday, some ladies are going to be so lucky.  I hope their parents are working hard on them too! :)

Sometimes I just stare at them.  I love looking at my boys knowing that somehow, through that incredible miracle, they are a bit of me.  I see myself in them.  It is a scary thing too, of course.  Sammy... is a  bit too much me.  That is why we fight and love so hard.  I love holding the boys hand, while they are in the front seat as I drive.  All of them oblige.  Sammy is too big to do so now.  Yesterday, I agreed to pick him up from school and take him to lunch.  I reached for his hand.  He scrunched up his nose..."No."  I said, "How about one minute?"  He gives me his wonderful Sammy smile/pout and said, "30 seconds."  It was the best 30 seconds of my day,  holding my little yet not so little anymore son's hand as he watched his clock and counted down.

Tyler, my big man with a bigger heart is growing up, being the teenager that he is.  Yet that heart of his is ready to apologize within minutes of being a turd.  I love that about him.  I love that he comes and lays down with me every morning.  He is such a wonderful boy.  I just love him!

Jordan... this child of mine is stuck right in the middle as is Max.  He is not a demanding child.  He loves drawing and playing his guitar.  He is a very thoughtful child.  He is always willing to do the errand no one else wants to.  He is also quite the gentleman. He is the one that gets out of the car and comes to help me put the groceries into the car.  I love this kid of mine.  He is his own person.

Ah, then there is my Max.  He isn't as quiet as he once was.  Nope.  I kinda miss having that quiet child. He is the child that has to say something to every situation whether it involves him or not.  He loves is addicted to the computer.  He loves hanging out at recess and being everyone's "bestie."  Max is growing up.  He is becoming a boy with his own thoughts and never ending opinions.  I love this kid!

Zach is my 8 year old with the desire to be 14.  He never lets being one of the youngest keep him from trying stuff.  He has a love for expensive clothes.  Where did he get this from??? (His Dad)!  He is not your typical kid that wants toys.  He wants clothes... preferably from Abercrombie.  He is so independent it is almost annoying.  He sets the bar so high that often his older brothers fall short!  Zach is one of my boys that I love watching live life.  He lives it to the fullest.  He is such a treat!  I love him to death!

Do I even need to go on about my Josh?  He is such a gift from God to me.  He loves me unconditionally.  Even when he gets mad at me and says, "I hate you"  (yes... the effects of having older siblings), he loves me as he is wanting to hate me! lol  I love this kid.  I love his love.  I am always hoping that I can love him back just as he needs.  He is a baby that never seems to grow up and yet he is a big boy in ways that are frightening!  Josh is my baby.  He will always be my baby.  I love him.  It's so simple.

This is why I love breaks.  I love being able to be with my boys.  I can't imagine it any other way.  They are like  creatures from another planet... one that is made up of boys and brothers.  It is a noisy space that is usually discombobulated, noisy, messy, noisy, physical and did I say noisy?  I am like the scientist that is allowed there... to observe, play referee, wipe soggy noses (that is what Josh calls it), try to teach new tricks, figure out what works and what doesn't.  I am one of the few people that is allowed in this place.

And yet, there are people that don't believe that there is life on other planets.  Hum... they haven't been to my "house."  I love the break that allows me to be keeper of the zoo full-time!

Happy March Break!

Ice, Friends, A Long Weekend...

I had a great weekend once with my men.  Saturday afternoon after hockey,  we had friends over.  They were on the rink all day.  Literally!  Zach (my 7 year old) had to be at hockey at 9 a.m.  then he and his buddies were on the ice from 2-7 p.m. with maybe a half an  hour for supper.  Crazy, eh?

*** Just a side bar about Zach's hockey game... he played goalie that morning.  Wow.  I hope none of my boys ever want to play that position.  Take about stress!!!

They had such a good time.  Sanj and the dad of the kiddies had a  great game with the older boys.  On the ice, age is obviously not taken into account. lol

Tyler had a friend over from his younger days.  It was so neat to see these two just pick up where they left off.  I could hear them laughing making prank calls about ordering Chinese food.

So, it was a good weekend.  It is topped off with no school today!  The house is quiet.  Everyone is off doing their thing.  

Last night it rained and rained.  So no rink for a bit but it was perfect sleeping weather.

Josh does not understand the meaning of sleeping in.  As soon as he sees a hint of daylight he is up, "Mommy, it isn't night time anymore!"

I have been thinking so much about all the babes out there... not just in Haiti but around the world.  I asked Sanj if we win the lotto (I found a ticket on the ground the other day... ) could we adopt 6 little boys?

He said he would divorce me.  lol

So I am pretty sure I can adopt 2!!!   I love this man!

Me...

It's supper time... Tyler has a couple of friends over for supper and then they will head off to Youth Group.  Sanj is on his way home... he is picking up take out for me for supper from one of our favourite Indian restaurants.  Jordan is away with is class till Friday.


Our house feels different with one gone.  Sammy is off somewhere napping.  It is what he does a lot.  Josh is walking around with his wet pants because he couldn't bother getting up and going to the bathroom.


I wanted to clarify something, since I have been asked a few times about it.  Please know when I write about my sweet, wonderful, dearly loved husband, it is with his full consent.  It is usually in jest and fun.  He usually laughs and supports my blogs.


I also want to say that I am fine even when I am venting about the woes of my children or life in general... I am just writing and sharing my journey.  It is what I do.  I really hope that I am not coming off as whining.  That would be bad.  I am blogging life as I live it.  I love all your comments and thoughts and prayers.  The good Lord knows I need all the help I can get.


That said, I had a day that was spent with ladies.  Friends.   Girl friends.  One of my friends told me to lean on my girl friends.  I realize that this is  probably where I do lack.  One of the things I really struggle with as a mom of all boys is related to interests.


Here's what I mean... I have already said many a time, I am not athletic.  It is not  an interest or passion.  Yet I have 6 (soon to be 7) males that love the sports.  As I go to games, I see these moms there, they never miss a game.  They don't want to miss a game.  They bring all their kids, not matter what hour, to the games.  They love it.


Me, if the truth be told, I really don't love it.  I barely like it.  I do love watching the boys play on occasion.  I love the tournaments.  I love the finals.  It's like the NHL or NFL... I hate the games all season.  But I will pick a team at playoff and cheer them on.  I can handle it in bits.


At the boys hockey games, I do love watching them play.  They are really good players in their various areas.  I really don't care to watch the whole game... kids I really don't know... and I usually take a book.  I have my system. I know who to sit by.  I know which parent coaches the kids through the glass and doesn't seem to realize they can't hear.   So I know when my kid is on, I'll hear them coaching them.


I love when they score a goal.  I feel their delight.  I feel their frustration when they miss.  I feel the game for them.  Do I love it?  Um, honestly, no.  Sigh.  I wish I could love sports.  I really do.  


Take golf, I find putting and hitting a ball into a hole that one can't even see, pointless.  Yet, I love driving  the cart and putting on the cute outfits.  I love that the boys have a passion for a sport that will serve them well in the real world, someday.


So, I struggle with being thrilled that my boys love hockey, golf, basketball, etc yet feeling guilty that I am not one of those moms that can really be called a true hockey mom.  For me, there really is such a thing as TOO MUCH HOCKEY.


I feel bad for not sharing the passion that they do.  I can only handle it in small dosages.


So, I realize that so often, living with 7 males, as much as I love and adore them, I lose myself.  Would I pick Indiana Jones?  No, I'd rather watch Pretty Woman again.  Would I like a meal of ribs and steak?  No, I would prefer a wrap.  Do I want to wrestle till someone is hurt? No, I'd rather cuddle.  Yup, I said it, cuddle!  


I love doing many things that they will never have a interest in.   I am thankful that they like to shop, especially when it is all about them.  I have some that like scrap-booking, when we find that time to do so.  I have some that love to cuddle and watch a movie.


I guess what I am saying is sometimes the girlie me gets lost.  I forget about her.  I guess that is where the advice of hanging on to my girlfriends comes up...  I need to make time to allow that girl in me to breath... with out the smell of hockey equipment suffocating me.


So on this note... I am off to work on plans for a Women's Retreat with the ladies at our school.  (March 26-28th... mark your calenders)!

The Baby Syndrome

I am in Sanj's office... did a bit of work, trying to ignore the craziness that happens when he is not here.  I was sitting at lunch with a friend and had the realization that my babes are growing up.  (Insert here a panic attack).

Tyler is finishing his last year at Rhema and then off to the big world of high school.  How will be sweet child do?  Fine, of course.  Yet there will be all the moments of unknowns that he will have to get through.  His class has really come together and seems to be enjoying each other very much.  While I wouldn't say he has a very close buddy, he does have a lot of good friends.  I enjoyed watching Sammy and Tyler sitting side by side going over the class schedule.  Again, it is those moments... you know?

Jordan is off with his class to a winter campsight.  Each of my boys have really enjoyed this trip.  They do lots of winter activities and this allows them to bond as a class.  Next year, Jordan will be in grade 7.  (Insert panic here).  Somehow while they are in grade 5 and under it seems to be all under control.  Yet then after that it seems to go by real fast.

Max... he still seems like a younger one, yet when I watched him fight it out on the ice for the puck or defend his team's net, he didn't seem so little anymore.  He has a speech to do in the coming weeks.  His topic is about "Have you ever been left behind?"  Poor baby!  He knows about this topic a little too well!  I suppose it is a good thing he can  laugh at it. 

Zachary.. this sweet child gets so tired of being called everyone else's name except his own.  He is the kind of kid that does not miss a beat.  Sanj was looking for his keys.  Zach said, "Look in your coat pocket."  Sanj... "Where's my coat?"  Zach..."On the hand chair in the hall."

Sure enough, it was there.  We laughed.  "Zach, how did  you know?"
Zach just replied, "I saw him put it in there.
 
The next day, we were getting into the car and I reminded the boys that they had guitar.
"Where's my book, mom, do you know?" asked Jordan.
"In Daddy's office." I replied.
"Where in Daddy's office," Jordan asked.
I was about to get annoyed and give him a sarcastic answer when Zachary answers without missing a beat... "It's on his bookshelf."

We started laughing.  He just is that observant, I suppose.  He is constantly struggling with being big and yet being little.  It is a battle he deals with minute by minute.

Then there is Josh... (insert a sigh and  hopeless eye rolling).  He is four and a half.  He is finally at that point where he is officially a spoiled brat.

I suppose it comes with the territory of being the youngest.  He is so full of confidence.  He is full of life being all about him.  He KNOWS that life is about him. 

I am not sure what to do with this.  I keep pointing out to the boys that you can't just give in to his whining ... because he has learned that if he cries then Sammy will give him his cell phone.
If he teases Tyler enough, that Tyler will let him watch his show.  If you bugs Jordan enough, then he will give him his toys.  If he hangs on to Max, that Max will finally give up the computer and let him do his games.

Josh knows that Mommy and Daddy are tired and don't have the energy to fight the tantrum and so he gets his way.

Sad.  As I watched Josh work his magic... I realized that he is good!  We have been taken.  I have been suckered!

How do I stop it?  Can it be stopped?  My youngest brother got away with SO MUCH then I would ever have thought to.

The youngest... Is that a syndrome?  Yikes!

I have never had a youngest because there was always a baby on the way.   That is over. I have a child that is the youngest of our tribe.  He is a hard one.  How did I get taken?

Wait, if you want to see taken... you have to just watch Josh with Sanj.  Oh Boy!  Talk about sucker!!!  Boy that boy can see his daddy anything!  I watch Josh convince Sanj that he needed candy for breakfast! lol  Yup!  He is that good!

This takes me back to my panic attack... my boys are growing up.  I feel like I just figured out a stage and then bam!  They are off to another one that I am not familiar with.  You'd think that as Sammy hits the stage, I'd be prepared for Tyler as he takes off where Sammy leaves.  Yet they are so different!  It is as if I am starting from scratch.  Tyler has a totally new take on it.

I miss them all in diapers, dumping out toy bins and spitting up.

Most people say, "that went fast."  I wouldn't say it went fast but it was good.

Now the new part of teenagers, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating,  sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping, girls, moods, eating, sleeping.

I take comfort in believing that God would not put on my shoulders things that I could not handle.  I have lived through hard and harder of times.  So He has faith that I can survive and raise beautiful boys.  6 of them!

Just A Bunch of Stuff...

I have so much to say... and as my day goes along I think of things that I want to blog about yet I either forget or by the time I have time to write, it seems kind of petty especially with the events of the world.

Yet I miss writing when I don't.  So I will apologize for the little things that make up my day yet they make me who I am.

I have been dealing with my boys and their girl friends.  I am learning how hard it is to be a bystander...

knowing in some things that they must find their way.  One of my babes is friends with many a girl.

Yet, I think he has feelings for a friend (or two) in particular.  Every time they make plans to hang out, she cancels.  This has happened more than a few times.  Friday night, he was to go over to her house... (that is another whole blog)...  and her parents apparently knew and were cool with it.  Then all of a sudden, she couldn't because she was going to her grandparents house.  This is about the 4th time she has cancelled or "stood him up."  My mom bear claws are coming out.  If she can't or doesn't want to ... tell him.  I am all about honestly.  It is better to be hurt by the truth then  being hurt twice as much with dishonesty.

My son insists this is a friendship.  They have hockey in common.  He is in town watching one of her games.  Zachary went with him.  I love that he let Zachary go.  Anyway, I am feeling unsure of how to deal with my babes getting hurt.  I can't put a bandaid on this one, can I?  Yet he seems fine.  Maybe I just know how I would feel.

Sanj is off for 3 days and 2 nights to Toronto for classes.  Sigh.  It is funny because despite the fact that I will have to find a way to get Sammy to classes on time (meaning we have to leave at least a half an hour before the boys normally do), besides knowing I have hockey, guitar and haircuts these days on my own with all of them...  just knowing I am on my own makes me a little more organized.

Weird?  I guess when there are two of you, the expectation is there for help and there is an assumption that it will be easier.  Yet, when it is not easier, that is when annoyance sets in.  Do you know what I mean?

It is all these pressures that I put on myself... such as a yummy, healthy, hot home cooked meal... when Sanj comes home.  When he is gone, I have no trouble just whipping something up... and supper is done.

Friday night (it is always Friday nights), Sanj was behaving badly.  I said, "Do you want a divorce?"  Because I will give you one!"  His reply was "No, then I'd have to have the kids every other weekend."

lol  I love this crazy husband of mine.  He drives me nuts, yes.

 Yet, I am sure I drive him even nuttier.

I am hoping to get some writing time in this week.  I am not sure what to write.  I have  a book pretty much outlined that I wrote years ago.  I would have to do a lot of tweaking and revamping but the shell is done.  Is it what I want to write about now?  I am not sure.  It would be a book about life with my dad. It would be the story of living and surviving.  I want this book to shout out to parents that are living with abuse thinking it is best to keep the family together.  I want it to be a book that gives the child's perspective of life in fear.

The other book idea is one of putting my blog into some form of a book.

Do you have thoughts on this?

I am stalling from getting the dishes done, laundry put away and supper.

Hope your week is a good one.