More than a weekend away, this little mini-vacation we’re taking as a family starting today is steeped in tradition.  A tradition that my husband has been participating in for … well … basically his whole life.  This tradition takes place the exact same weekend of every year, in the exact same town, to fish in the exact same lake. 

We will be staying in a rental that is larger than our home and as I mentioned earlier I am SUPER excited.  But more than that I am happy to finally be back, celebrating this wonderful tradition with all of my boys again.  You see, we have taken three years off. 

Three years ago we moved into this house after having lived with 4 sons in a 30 foot RV for 3 months … I was DONE with camping or even the remote idea of spending any time in a campground!   Then the following February 1st we had our Twinkies … 6 weeks early … 2 weeks in the NICU … major risk for RSV.  There was NO WAY I was taking those little ones that far away from home, but no way I wanted to be left alone for even a weekend either.  So we didn’t go.  Things weren’t a whole lot better the following year with the variety of ages, so here we are - seriously needing to redeem ourselves.

Traditions are something that I strongly encourage other families to make and keep!  We have been so blessed by the traditions we have and the wonderful security and passion our children have toward them.  You hear it often, but the years truly are fleeting.  I am amazed as watch our 12 year old young man now.  Thankful that we have instilled what we have in him, but wishing I could have done more.  A normal reaction I know, but I don’t want to wait until it’s too late to recover our lost traditions. 

So I’ll be away for the weekend, busy with our excited half-dozen sons as they get to go fishin’ - some for the very first time in their young lives.  This ought to be fun :)  Wish me luck … or better yet, pray hard for me!  And remember to take advantage of the little opportunities to create a tradition with your children.  We only have them for a few short years and we have to make the most of it!  Be blessed this weekend ladies

Gag Sensitive Reader Warning:  If you cannot stand to read about sick children and the life of a mom caring for them you will want to pass on this post today :) . 

Why is it that children only get ill (yup, I mean the vomiting type) in the middle of the night?  Can someone answer this for me.  And why is it that the things that are coming back up are the strangest, most random part of their last meal?  Gross, I know, but I have 6 children - each and every one of them has been sick many times in their lives and this is something I have been wondering for a long time as it is one of the few consistent things you can count on when a child becomes ill.

We had a sick-y last night our 4 year old, Sir Lion graced us with his poor little presence in the middle of the night after another child had decided they couldn’t stand sleeping alone in their bed.  His little tummy hurt and he had thrown up.  He could hardly talk about it, but we got him settled into Daddy’s chair and he seemed ok for the most part.  I think he got sick a total of two or three times through the night, so it wasn’t quite as bad as the last bout of stomack-ick we had around here with the Twinks. The poor Twinks are acting a little under the weather today too, so here we are, just hanging out. 

I’m supposed to be packing for a long-awaited weekend away.  Fishing weekend, an annual tradition in this household with only a few exceptions since my hubby was a little boy!  We haven’t gone since the twinks were born, so the kids are super excited!  But now I’m a little afraid that I’ll be spending most of the weekend in our rental with sick kiddos. 

Not that I’m complaining too much since the place we have rented for the weekend is larger than our house, with more bedrooms and BATHROOMS!  I’m really excited about the bathrooms part (sad, but true LOL).   It would almost be a great excuse to hang out there and catch up on a little reading and writing *sigh*. 

I have to admit although there is mess all around me today I love that Bug is resting with me and that Monkey wants to hold my hand.  I don’t love the fussing they are directing at me, but I love the cuddles.  They are so independent in that regard (heaven forbid they play independently though) that it is fun when they decide to snuggle up. 

Sir Lion seems to be his usual busy self this morning and the night of sickness seems almost like a distant dream (other than the mess in the sink I had to clean up this morning that sent me into a gagging fit).

But seriously . . . is it possible for them to get sick during the day instead of in the middle of the night?

That’s right, I relish obscurity!  Having words like unnoticeable & unexceptional attached to my humble little self isn’t completely horrible in my mind.  I’ve never loved standing out in a crowd, in fact I’ve spent a lot of time over the years simply trying to make sure I blend in. 

Hubby and I went out on a date last weekend and it was lovely.  Finding childcare for 6 children is definitely a challenge.  Our oldest feels he’s too old to be “sat”, but he’s waaaaaaaaaay too young to handle all his brothers.   So if we are ever presented with an opportunity where someone is willing to come in and watch them all, let me tell you, we take it and RUN!

We ran a few errands and went to a very nice dinner on the waterfront.  It was so nice to have time to ourselves without kiddos hanging on us, whining at us, yelling in our ear for attention or having to instruct them the whole time.  A nice, quiet, civil meal. 

There were many celebrations going on in the restaurant we ate at and there was a hubbub all around us.  As we were waiting for our dessert I suddenly turned to my husband and said, “Obscurity really is highly underrated”.   He wore the same quizzical look you probably have on your face right now too . 

You see, after a whole entire lifetime spent trying to be relatively unnoticed in public I am now a spectacle anytime I go anywhere with even a portion of my children.  Even going out with just my three youngest can turn into a spectator sport.  I went against the norm by having 6 children - I understand that and don’t mind, but it does present a unique set of issues when going out in public. 

Just having 6 children inspires the “are they all yours” and “how do you feed them all” (like I’m going to pick one and say it’s their turn not to eat LOL) questions.  Add in the fact that they are all boys and then you get the “wow, you have your hands full”, “are they all boys?” and “were you trying for a girl?” comments and questions.  Then you get to top it all off with the fact that the youngest two are twins and that has a whole set of crazy questions all it’s own.

I do try to be nice, but to be honest with you sometimes the questions and comments can get down right rude not to mention the fact that (remember my love for obscurity here) it steps way over my comfort zone for appropriate conversation and stranger involvement.  It is very odd to have someone you have never seen before in your life, boldly approach you and ask “so, are you done yet?” - Just sayin’!

There’s another interesting side effect to knowing that you’ll stand out like a sore thumb in public - as a mom I intensely feel that they must always look and act perfect.  I have 6 boys ladies!  It’s extremely difficult to get every single one of them out the door with clothes that aren’t filthy by the time they get into the car that sits 6 feet from the front door, let alone have all of them sparkling with every hair in place.   Yet I feel the unnerving need to always present a certain image in public. 

Everyone wants a well-behaved, clean-cut clan, but when we only had three children it never occurred to me to go over each child 2 or 3 times before they met with approval.  A simple trip to the grocery store was exactly that . . . simple!  Throw on some shoes, hop in the car and get the groceries.  I honestly never thought twice about it.  But when you know that every eye in the store, museum or restaurant will be on you . . . whew!  It makes me sweat just thinking about it.

I would like to think it is all in my head - the judgement, the looks, the whispering and pointing.  But it isn’t, it is very real and I feel that I must present a good image for my family’s sake, other large families’ sakes and for the sake of Him who blessed us with all these boys. 

So enjoy your obscurity if you happen to have some and don’t take it for granted.  And if you ever see a harried mama with 6 boys in tow at the mall (Heaven help her), send a smile her way and continue on yours.  She’ll love the smile and adore you for leaving her to a teensy bit of mental obscurity in such a public place.

Today I’m going to shock a few of you by encouraging you to Fling housework aside from time to time this Spring and run away from your family for an evening.  When you are done gasping bear with me here and read on! 

There are times when I want to be able to stop everything and just enjoy my boys.  Sounds like it would be simple right?  So what’s my problem?  Why can’t I seem to overcome the mountains of laundry and dishes the trails of clothes throughout my tiny home and the close quarters that seem to be getting ever closer and simply spend a few minutes ENJOYING my precious sons?

I have decided that regardless of the amount of work there is to be done it is imperative, mandatory even that we schedule in time to spend enjoying our children.  It may be a little challenging with the vast age differences of my children and I don’t always feel like I’m spending time “with” them when they are playing outside since they’re off doing their own thing.  For me this means putting events and ideas on the calendar that the children and I can look forward to. 

More ideas will be coming your way soon, I have a few up my sleeve that I’m interested in giving a try and want your feedback on as well, but I’ll save that for another day.  In the meantime, I’ll schedule trips to the Y with my kids.  We have a GREAT new facility about 15 minutes from us and we just joined as the fees are reasonable, especially for a family our size!  Then there’s always nature adventures and more to explore even right here at home.  All that to say it doesn’t have to cost a lot to have a quality, memorable time with your kids, we just have to make sure it happens! 

On to the “running away” part (I know *gasp* again) . . . Spring Fever has arrived and it really affects adults too - especially moms of young children!  For me it isn’t limited to spring because so many of us are in this tiny home, but I know many many moms begin to feel a little clausterphobic and even overwhelmed especially in the Spring. 

As you begin gearing up for better weather, spring cleaning, spring and summer kids’ activities and more to schedule this is also the perfect time of year for you to plan an evening out with other moms.  An evening free of children, free of housework, free of cooking and cleaning or anything to do with all of that.  I’m assuming, of course, that you are still scheduling your monthly dates with your hubby and I’m NOT suggesting that this take the place of those as they are extremely important!

Most of us eat, sleep and breathe an unbelievable amount of daily duties as a mom and I’m here to tell you that it is ok to take a night “off”.  It isn’t because you need to pretend you aren’t a mom and it isn’t because you are tired of mothering.  Nor is it because you are not content in your life as a homemaker, errand runner, cook, maid, chauffer or parent!  Nope, it is simply a refresher.  Sometimes it is nice to spend a little quality time with a few friends who are dear to you, if you are anything like me it is extremely difficult to find time to do this, but when you do it is great conversation, with no stress and just plain relaxing.

Again, I suggest these be kept simple and fairly financially savvy.  Meeting at a coffee shop costs very little even if you all decide to go “window” shopping afterward.  Dinner is nice to, as long as everyone is conscientious about others’ financial needs!  Keep it simple. 

Here’s another fun one . . . something my friends and I have enjoyed a few times.  Put together a pampering party.  It’s a simple event where everyone can bring their own foot “spa” (can be a bowl or large container) and towel and you can all sit around, soaking your feet, doing your nails, eating snacks and enjoying some great music!  This only really works if someone has a home that is easily separated from the rest of their family area. 

I know this is a little unusual for a Mommy Reality or Life With Boys Monday, but I really wanted to give you something to think about as we get into the flurry of Spring. 

One of the most challenging parts of being a mom is getting Quiet Time - those few still moments in a day where things are relatively quiet and you can breathe deeply and take in a little of God’s Word!   Some moms rely on nap and rest-time for their few minutes alone, while many of us have a hard time not using that entire time for cleaning and other household duties, it is a great opportunity to try and squeeze in a little time for refreshment too.  

There were many years when my oldest three children were young that I didn’t make ANY time for this . . . none!  It wasn’t there, I couldn’t find it, how in the world did other moms get time each day?  I was running on empty and used to it.  It’s a common problem with the current price of gasoline to simply buy enough to get us from one place to the next.  That’s what I was doing with my Quiet Time.  Living from Sunday to Sunday, brief moment in Prayer throughout the day and quick verse in the Bible.  At some point your tank will be on E and you won’t know what to do. 

There are so many other benefits that we simply don’t see when we live on Empty.  I didn’t see that spending time each day in the Bible and in prayer would help me see that I need to come to him with everything - big and small.  That spending time with Him each day would allow me to see certain areas of my children’s lives more clearly.  To understand their needs and the direction I should go in my parenting and instruction.  To give me strength, courage, patience, wisdom and guidance through every decision and step. 

Sure, sometimes I’m desperately looking for answers and He seems so quiet.  But it is then that I learn to rely on Him more, to be patient and to LISTEN!  So often we are caught up in getting the answer and getting it now and that’s simply not how He operates.

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

Simple verse, but it says so much about the importance of simply listening to Him!

Ephesians 3:16-19

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being. So that Christ may dwell in your hearts in faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

I think that pretty much says it all .  Have a blessed day!

I’ve never really told all of you about THE GATE that separates the front half of our little house from the back half.  It is my link to sanity, survival even if you will!  Crazy???? Maybe, but my blessed parents brought it to my house just before the Twinkies became mobile.  As much as I love the function of the gate, there are others in this house that do not - namely, the twins.  They think it is torture, pure unadulterated TORTURE!  I mean think of all the crazy, naughty creative things they could do at that end of the house.

Most of the time they are semi-ok with it being there when I’m busy in the room, but if I leave for even a second (which is all the longer I DARE stay out - goodness knows what they can accomplish with 5 whole seconds on their own - eek) they hang on it, wailing, screaming . . . oh the DRAMA.  Even when Daddy’s home, if they know I’m making dinner and they’re hanging out with him . . . they should be happy right???? NOPE, they are screaming, fussing, throwing themselves on the floor in indignation. 

This gate is not a new feature in our home, it is not new to them at all, they are very familiar with the other side of the gate as well.  It keeps them out of the toilet and sink, off the kitchen counters and table and out of my laundry piles that they so gleefully love to toss about the room and mix together.  This is why they stay with me - at all times! 

If you are with them long enough and know them well, eventually you will realize that to some extent the real problem lies with this . . . they do not like any type of boundary and have as a rule tried to climb over, through, around, under and beside any type of line we have set in their path.  They are the BABIES . . . HELLO!  Who do I think I am blocking their path from anything *gasp*????  I truly and honestly believe that is what they think about many things in life!    

So if you ever pass my house and hear the aforementioned “Wailing and Gnasing of Teeth” please rest assured that it is only because I went to take care of a stinky diaper and it will stop in a few seconds.  Really it will . . . I promise!!! 

I don’t know if it’s because they are the last of all my boys, because they have so many big brothers or if it’s because they are twins, but I do not remember ever having funnier children than my Twinkies! 

They do the most peculiar things and the things they say have always been very amusing.  They talked much sooner than any of their siblings . . . BY FAR!  People were always shocked at what was coming out of their 15 month or 18 month old mouths ~ no not because it was terrible, but because it was strange to hear complete sentences with full words, clearly audible in a baby voice!  I know I had nothing to do with it though based on our history with the other boys and lack of talking . . . it’s just them or any number of the thoughts above.

Anyway, one thing we have always done around here from the time CJ was a little one is to use “Raggies” for runny little noses when they have a cold.  Kleenex just isn’t always handy, so they carry around a raggy to wipe the constantly leaking nosie.  Raggies are large burp cloths or cloth diapers and are either kept with me or if they are old enough (2 to 3 years) tied in a belt loop for easy access.  The second is a little easier to keep track of with our twosome. 

This week Baby Bug and Little Monkey have had some seriously icky noses and Monkey’s has been particularly sore, bleeding a smidge yesterday morning.  So first thing this morning I decided it was time to get out a couple of raggies and as I handed them each one they got all cuddly with them . . . “raggy - my raggy” LOL! 

The funny part was that this continued the rest of the morning!  Competing over who’s raggy was who’s (”my raggy”, “no my raggy”, “no it’s my raggy”) after a while I started feeling just a little crazy about the raggies and just had to laugh at them and their rediculous little Raggies. 

Have a great weekend!

Today began in a rather odd way for me as my oldest son (age 12) announced from the shower that he now has armpit hair.  (UGH!  Really? EEEEK!)  I was standing at the sink (remember, we only have one bathroom) putting in my contacts as he made that announcement. 

He promptly continued . . . “Ya wanna see it?” 

I’m thinking, UH, UMMM, UH ~ panicking a bit . . . I mean I don’t even have my contacts in yet for Heaven’s sake!  I don’t want to face that now too!  So I respond “You’ll have to show me after you’re done with your shower, your brother needs to get in there now.”  (Good save huh).

As I’m still recovering from that little moment, I walk into the kitchen where hubby is breaking into a box of Organic Toaster Pastries (LOL ~ something we NEVER have in this house by the way . . . seriously very odd). 

“Couldn’t resist them anymore huh?” I ask him with a grin. 

He replies and I quote, “The best part of Folger’s in your cup is what you dip in it.” (with an even bigger grin on his face as he happily dips his pastry in his coffee).  Now, the funny part about this conversation is that he isn’t usually home during the morning hubub so the entire event was out of the ordinary for sure.

Now here we are, many hours from the morning festivities mentioned above and I of course still have much activity going on all around me . . . namely my Dynamic Duo!  Here’s a look at what they have been up to just in the time I have been writing this post:

1. Begin in bedroom window playing, chatting, knowing full-well that mommy doesn’t want them there.
2. Both babies climb into Baby Bug’s crib and decide it’s a good time to bounce. 
3. Suddenly in a stroke of genius Little Monkey (oops, nope, it’s Baby Bug . . . why am I not surprised), decides that he should no longer be wearing a diaper.
4. A few minutes later they decide they should definitely move on to bigger and better things and will try out the top bunk.  (Yes I promptly removed them from bunk and put a fresh diaper on Bug ~ aren’t I fast!  :roll: )
5. I pull them both out of the room, close the door and wait.
6. Sure enough they head back to try and start all over . . . now if I could only find Baby Bug’s pants . . . . . .

So I will continue my ever vigilant watch for the next adventure to begin ~ hoping and praying that it will be something that does not involve jumping off, climing in, taking off or destroying anything (I can always hope!).

Oh, and for all those still wondering, yes, my son did show me his armpits and I’m sad to say that yes indeedy my little boy does have armpit hair (part of me is crying and another part of me strangely is saying “Ewww” LOL). 

I’m off now to brave the great outdoors with my three youngest children - wish me luck!

I simply cannot resist adding an ultra-delightful moment to your day!  I think you will find this video highly amusing.  I was practically rolling on the floor . . . . ok, not exactly rolling, but it is very funny! 

My hands are not beautiful any more . . . for many years now they have been working hard.  Cooking and cleaning and a mountain of laundry added a few wrinkles here and there.  Doing dishes, tickling boys and bathing babies claimed the perfect manicure years ago!

But for all the beauty that is no more, in it’s place are priceless memories, hugs, kisses, love, games, high-fives, sweet little notes, carefully prepared treats and other unforgettable events that my hands create for my family.

So, if I had a choice . . . I’d  choose the wrinkles, the less then glorious nails and general wear and tear in order to keep the ”marks” of motherhood that have been etched into every wrinkle and blemish I now wear on my hands! 

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It’s very easy to see all the changes that have happened to us physically, and overall in life as a negative thing.  Every once in a while it can truly make a difference if we stop for a moment and remember why those changes were made.

It’s amazing to realize that almost always the change was made for a great reason and that it isn’t something we would give up even if we could do it over again.  So, how about you?  What has changed in your life?