new

Zach and I bought our first mattress! I know its hard to believe that there are any firsts after being married 15 years. We always have slept on hand me downs. I never complained because I always slept just fine. After being pregnant with Matthew my body decided that it was not happy being pregnant for the 6th time! It threw some tantrums. One tantrum was on my hip. Every time I laid on my side for more than 10 minutes a sharp pain would develop in my hip area. Laying on my back or stomach was completely out of the question as it hurt also. Every night I would toss and turn from side to side. The only place that was comfortable to sleep was on the couch in our bedroom. It seriously is the most comfortable couch.

In a bribe sort of way Zach gave me money to buy a new mattress because he was truly concerned about my sleepless nights and mental health. Or not. He wanted my approval on a new car and so he was buying my approval. Which I fell for. So he got the car and I got what I thought was enough money to buy the best mattress EVER! That is until I walked around a mattress store and realized I needed to be at the Goodwill buying a used one. I had no idea some mattresses sell for $7,000! At that price the bed should make itself! 

Anyway, I did found a mattress that fit my budget and seemed to help with my problem areas, or at least what I could feel in the 5 minutes I laid on it. In my opinion, the mattress companies are scammers, they actually want more money for a 30 day guarantee in case you don't like it plus pick up fees. The mattress stores should open at night, around bed time, so I can really sleep on it. I didn't buy any guarantee. So I may be stuck with this thing for 15 years or until Zach wants to buy another new car.

2 days later the mattress was delivered and let me tell you, IT IS AMAZING! I haven't woken up from pain at all. Crying children, bathroom trips, and snotty noses are another story. I seriously feel like I am sinking into a cloud. Zach has been complaining his neck hurts now and blames the mattress. I tell him its his paper thin pillow and stomach sleeping. 

Excited to finish the master bedroom, which isn't done yet, I worked on a few bedroom projects. I have many projects to do in the bedroom still. I finally hung the chandelier. It was the ugly brass chandelier that was originally hanging in my foyer. I completely rewired it to a hanging swag then primed and painted it.   I recovered the headboard a couple of months ago with cheetah print fur. Yes, its fur. Grrr, baby, very Grrr.

I am a long ways from being done. I did hang an old mirror that I found at the Goodwill. I need something on the other side of the bed and I'm in the market for glass night stands. Its been fun putting this ecletic room together since its nothing like any other room in my house, its not my normal colors nor taste.

Here's the car that got me the mattress.

 Our new mattress and a glimpse of my cheetah headboard.

Not the best picture of the chandelier. I painted it the color "Hotel Vanilla".

the little car that went vroom...vroom

I was filling Easter eggs for the Easter Egg hunt when I realized Zach wasn't home yet, I remembered my phone was in the van. Zach called 9 times and sent 2 messages...One of the messages sounded desperate "Please answer the phone" along with this picture...

Yes, that is his car. It really didn't survive but Zach did and that's all that matters. On his way home Tuesday night a truck failed to yield and turned right into him. The car spins. The airbags explode. Zach walked out of the car a little dazed but well. We went to the Urgent Care Center to make sure he didn't have any underlying problems from the accident, he had a seat belt bruise. The doctor prescribed him some muscle relaxers and pain killers and told him to take a day of rest. While at the UCC, a friend watched the kids. The kids took total advantage of her and Cara ended up making colored sugar for Zach. (Let it be known Cara asked repeatedly to make colored sugar and both parents said NO) Not quite sure what he is going to do with the sugar. She ceased the perfect moment, I think.

There were Get Well notes all over the house which is super sweet. Cara wrote on all the mirrors love messages to her Dad.

Signed by kids who share our last name, in case we didn't know who they were, and face less beings.

Good bye little focus! We liked you for the 10 months we had you but your dead and we are replacing you. Oh, and Isaac named this post.

don't mess with me

Zach and I had a date night. He first swooned me over Chinese Food at PF Changs. Then took me shooting at TargetMaster, an indoor shooting range. I was really terrified. I was so terrified the bullet would backfire and kill me OR what if  someone in an adjoining lane decided to go crazy and shoot everyone in there! There isn't any protection from those people. Zach loaded a gun for me, showed me a few tricks of the trade, and I was standing there with a gun in my hand, shaking a little. It wasn't that difficult and after a few rounds I got the hang of it. Zach forgot to show me how to hold the gun and it cut my thumb. I was fine. That is what I told the lady, but she said I wasn't, guns are full of lead and I used my smarts to figure out I could get lead poisoning. I panicked...a little.

So would I go again? Yes. Was it fun? No. I want to "not miss". Aim. Shoot. Hit. Can't be hitting an ear when I aimed for the eye, can I? It's more of a challenge now.

I do enjoy dating my husband so anything we do ends up fun.

blogging totally sucks!

 

Thats my fyi today. So many things to write about. Sams pine wood derby. Cara aand Sams concert. Matthews hospital vacation. Miscellaneous pictures of very cute kids. And my Master bedroom redo updates. One day I'll get around to it but for your viewing pleasure.

Aren't these two just the most handsome?!?!

 

 

Sam's New Year's Resolutions

Sam brought home from school a New Year Resolution form.

This year I will be more patient with my family.
This year I will study my homework.
I will try harder to get along with my friends.
I will try to eat healthy foods, even carrots.
I will help keep my home clean by cleaning my stuff I use.
I will help out at school by helping people.
I will try harder to remember to be more organized. (actually spelled "orgniz")
I will try to read for 1 hour every day.
I will choose what I watch on TV more carefully, and only watch 30 minutes every week.
I will exercise more often, especially by running every day.
I will save some of my money to give to my college fund (again he spelled this " coullge fun")

Wow! He really did have some serious resolutions. I was just hoping for ones like..."I won't yell at my Mom." or " I will take the trash out every day."  I'm not complaining because he is saving his money to put himself through college which is all right in my book.

Christmas Eve Eve

Sunday was a fabulous day! We went to church normal schedule, today was the Christmas program in sacrament. It was beautiful. Zach sang the closing song, Silent night. He's becoming quite a popular request. He sounds wonderful! I love hearing him sing. Sam leaned over during the song and whispered, "Dad, really does sing good." Sweet boy.

After church we watched A Christmas Carol. The kids were so frightened. Sam covered his face with his blanket, Michael kept asking to turn it off, and Olivia was so close to me I felt like a canned sardine. Every time a ghost would pop out she flinched. So much for my feel good family Christmas movie.

Aunt Biz, Zach's sister, is in the Air Force stationed in Germany right now. She has always been over seas or too far to see on a regular basis however she always sends the children Christmas gifts wrapped with cute personal notes attached. This year I decided to let the kids open her gifts early so they have some time to actually enjoy and play with them. We have so much family in the area that all the gifts ending up being lumped into one big memory. No one really remembers who gave what.

After the movie, the kids opened their Aunt B gifts.

Cara got an art easel. She was very excited! Obviously.

Michael a Cloud B starry night turtle. (a cute hard shelled turtle that lights different colored stars on the ceiling)

 

Sam has a spy net video watch.

 

Matthew got Leapfrog ABC's.

Olivia received a FurReal dog. That dog is so darn cute. It spins when you walk by and leaps up and "yelps" when you pet it. Right now it is sleeping along side her.

Isaac asked for money from most everyone this year.

Don't forget about my Pottery Barn collection that I opened last week because I was too excited to wait! Those were for Zach and I.

I am looking forward Christmas in 2 days. I know, I know, I seemed a bit stressed a few posts ago but now that everything has calmed down, my shopping is done, and the parties are over, I can excitedly await for Santa.

Thank you Aunt B for everything! The kids are always excited to receive from you! We miss you and hope you have a Wonderful Christmas in Germany!

hello candy

I'm not a fan of Halloween. I really don't know why not. I mean who wouldn't totally enjoy dressing up in any costume you want and walking from door to door yelling Trick OR Treat and receiving candy. As I child I liked Halloween...I think. I remember being a cheerleader and a pick and black leopard, which was favorite costume. My mother let me walk out of the house in a hot pink and black leopard leotard (never realized those two words are a letter apart. Fun fact.) with fish net stockings and a homemade furry tail and ears. I must of been in 6th grade. Besides those two things I have no idea what I disguised myself as.

I tell myself it's too much work with so many children. Not true, even when it was only Isaac I huffed and puffed and picked the easiest thing to throw on him. He was a pumpkin the first year and a lion the next. One year he was a ghost made out of a sheet. Pathetic, huh? This year my mom so graciously, and I am beyond thankful for, bought all the kids a Halloween costume. I told them if they don't find a costume in the dress up box, they need to make it themselves. I'm not buying or helping. Guess I'm not a helpful mother this time of year. Oma to the rescue.

These pictures are from the ward Trunk or Treating party.

Cara as a zombie waitress. Let it be known that she DID have fishnet stockings on but her father made her change them since the skirt was up to her rear.

 Zach with his rockin' 70's mullet or Joe Dirt or a hillbilly. He's been called a few names. And he will probably call me a few names for putting this picture on.

 Olivia is a cupcake (again). She got bunny ears, a bunny nose and a tail because she wanted to be a bunny dressed up as a cupcake but forwent that idea 5 minutes before leaving. Michael the mummy.

 Isaac as nothing. It was a hard Halloween for him. He didn't want to go with me the day the others picked out a costume. He then wanted to order the most expensive costume, at which I opposed. THEN he was suppose to get a homemade costume but it never happened. Intentions were good but that's it. From the looks of it his friends they didn't dress up either so he wasn't totally out of place.

 Matthew was a dragon. He screamed and ripped his costume off for the trunk or treating but kept it on, even with the dragon booties, on Halloween night. Matthew was SO adorable. By the third house he knew to pick the candy out of the bowl and put it in his bucket. He then tried to go into the houses. We will need to work on that for next year. He is squash bowling here at the ward Halloween party.

On Halloween night we had a few friends over for dinner and trick or treating. Cara changed her costume to a pretty waitress instead of a zombie. I personally think the zombie was better but whatever. Her friend Nicole was Cleopatra and my sister, Somer was herself.

Sam dressed as a Ninja and he looked awesome. I think he saw the other kids' costumes at the trunk or treating and decided his was stupid. He didn't wear it for Halloween and went door to door as himself. Of course, he opposed all pictures. I walked around with Michael and Olivia and eventually the neighbors who we met on another street. They were cute running from door to door discussing what candy was their favorite and what they were going to eat when they got home.

Candy Favorites:
Mom: Junior Mints/York Peppermint Patty
Dad: Swedish Fish and Twizzlers
Michael: Whoppers
Olivia:Whoppers
Isaac: Hersheys
Sam: Reeses PB Cups
Cara: Twix and Milky Way

this is not child labor

When Zach goes into work on Saturdays he usually takes a kid to help or just hang out.

This is big news

I mean really big news.

After years of dreaming, months (and months) of planning and negotiating, and lots of sleepless nights, Zach bought his own body shop business. I am so excited for him and for us! It is very scary! I know Zach worries more than I but I know everything will work out as its suppose to. It has been an amazing trip getting to the final day of ownership. I know this entire procedure was guided by a higher being. Thank you Heavenly Father! I know this was something in the works for years.

Zach was manager of a body shop when he interviewed a gentleman who mentioned a certain body shop was closing. Zach called the shop, spoke to the owner and offered to buy the business. It really was that simple. Everything after that was not so easy. So many family and friends have helped in ways that any repayment would never feel sufficient. I am so thankful to our friend, Mr. N, who helped tremendously and who will always have his vehicles fixed for free. My mother in law who always had good advice and a willing hand. If it wasn't for her we might not have been able to close this deal. I appreciate all the family members and friends who took hours out of their busy schedules to help clean and organize. Some men spent everyday helping Zach clean up. You really begin to know who likes you and who is willing to do whatever it takes to accomplish the job. He even had soon to be employees helping power wash, organize, and scrub all on their own will. I don't know who the owners are personally, only by name and that I had dreams about them but this entire operation would not have happened if it wasn't for them and their willingness to see another's dream come true. They have gone beyond anything expected. I can only hope they will blessed for their entire life!

Officially Monday Zach will be open for business and his first car is a mission car from the Spanish missionaries. I will definitely put a picture of that one up. The first customers! He changed the name to Wilmington collision center and it is located off Lea Blvd in Wilmington. I am so excited to see what is in store for our family and future. I know with out a doubt he will be successful.

Here are some before pictures we took a couple of months ago.

 This is the outside/front of the building

and this is the infamous office/waiting room. I have to speak my mind about this area because I have spent most of my time this week painting and decorating this space. The paint color doesn't look as bad as it really was from this picture. It was purple. No, it was blue. I think we decided it was plue or burple. It was awful color! The paint was a mess and I couldn't wait to get up in there. The desks were ugly. the chairs were ugly. There was a modge podge of furniture throughout and tables everywhere for no apparent reason. I don't have after pictures yet. But let me just say, "NO!! It's not yellow-its tan PEOPLE!!" (that is what I said to everyone all week!) No one quite grasped my vision.

I have to thank my friend, Christina and my sister, Chrissee for helping with Matthew this week as I painted. I could not have gotten it done without their help. I also have to apologize to my children for taking a nap everday after I picked them up from school. Painting makes one tired.

Well, thats it, that's the big news. Now wreck some cars so we can eat.

I lost my camera cord to transfer pictures to the computer so I got backed up on posts and pictures. After searching for weeks for the cord, Zach trying to find one at the store and eventually buying a USB memory card attachment, that didn't work, I found the cord in the same drawer that I looked 30 times. There is something fishy going on here. Is this a joke?

What's going on...
I am patiently waiting until August 27th when school starts again. I will clean my house all day on my first day of freedom then the next day I will dump toys on the floor, leave Wii remotes on the floor, and pee all over the bathroom. Oh, and spill my drinks. Just to reminisce.

I will be running my first 5K in 9 years on the 22nd of August. I am not prepared for this and have told Zach to just leave me behind. He said he won't BUT he will.

Matthew will be ONE on the 22nd of August. This is the birthday party invites that I ordered custom made from Etsy.

I am excited for his birthday and his party. I have been putting together all my ideas for decorations and types of cookies. Oh man, if I had an unlimited budget this would be so much MORE fun. I had this awesome idea to buy fortune cookies with labels that read "Happy Birthday Matthew". I know, SO COOL! They are too expensive. I want cookie jars for the table but unless I'm spending my budget on jars that too I will have to do without. I did splurge on a cookie cake mold because Matthew does need a cake to smear over his face. It's in the shape of an oreo.

I'm really excited that most everyone we invited has RSVP'd to come especially Zach's extended family who we don't see often. 

Here are some pictures I took while creek hopping at Valley Gardens.



I am 16 lbs lighter. I have been eating Paleo style for 9 weeks now. At 8 weeks I finally hit 16 lbs! I am super excited, obviously. I haven't been at this weight for over 2 years (closer to 3). Only 4 more pounds until I reward myself with a pedicure. Can one lose 4 lbs while running a 5K?

"I can build that."

We went to Tyler Arboretum this past weekend for their Festival of Trees. TA's big attraction is their 17 tree houses, most of them built in the woods. Its really amazing the creativity of some people. As we walked through, Zach and I are inspired to build mansions in our back yard. We comment how "we can build that". Pshh. As if we are actually architecturally gifted to construct such a thing that  wouldn't lean or bring down a tree. There is an enclosed butterfly house which houses Monarch butterflies. I want a butterfly house. I can build that.

There is a stage built around a tree house where the children can dress up in costume and act.

Sam found an almost dead Cicada and carried it around the entire time. You know that bug actually came back to life. He decided to bring it home and let it go at home.

 Olivia sitting in Papa Bears chair.

I WILL have a catepillar built from tree stumps in my back yard. I know I can build that!

 Zach, KING OF THE FORREST. Anything his highness wants...

 Isaac laying a egg.

Oh yea, Happy Anniversary, Honey

I was so caught up in all the events of this past week that I completely forgot Zach and my Anniversary. It was August 1. It wasn't until Thursday, the day after that I remembered.

So where do I begin? Its been 14 years. In those 14 years I (not "we") had  6 children. I gained 40 lbs..lost, gained, lost, same old story, moved 5 times, bought 3 houses, bought a lot full of vehicles, we've fought, loved, forgave, laughed, cried. We were poor and not so poor. We made mistakes...a lot of them. We had good years, bad years, and years we try to never remember. I look back in the past and feel very productive. There was and still is never a dull moment. Zach keeps me on my toes. He is always concocting new ideas. He knows what he wants in life and goes straight for it and since he's never wrong ;-) his ideas usually work out and he succeeds. Except for ANYTHING that has to do with fixing, buying or reselling a vehicle. Those are all unsuccessful stories.

I have learned a lot in these married years. Being married so young doesn't give time to grow as an individual. All my growth, spiritually, mentally, and physically, have been with Zach by my side. Sometimes there are moments when we grow apart only to come back together stronger or with a different out look. Marriage is hard. Raising children is harder. We work through our differences and though at times there are many differences I know I wouldn't have it any other way because it helps us grow stronger together.

I look forward to the future. I know there are great things ahead. I'm really hoping a beach house is one of those things. No, I'm not kidding. I don't expect much..a hut on the sand works for me.
Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband who only gets more handsome, with or without hair.

MudManX CONQUERED!!

Yea, baby! Zach participated in MudManX yesterday. I was his cheerleader and the team photographer. I did not participate in the race but had a blast watching.

updates gallore

To begin, my homemade dish washing detergent doesn't work. Totally besides the fact that I could potentially be poisoning my family (only on ugly days). Back to my trusted store bought brand.

And only the most important news EVER...no, not pregnant...Matthew walks. I am unimpressed by this accomplishment. In all reality I have seen this occur 5 other times so its no big deal. The other day Matthew was taking a few steps. Every time the children cheered, clapped, or got super excited yelling "good job!" I just sat there. Cara asks me why I wasn't excited? Oops. I didn't mean to LOOK like I could care less. I actually don't want a walker yet. This means he won't want to sit ever again! I do clap and praise when he walks I just don't do it every single time. Zach asked me if I blogged about him walking. No. Well, why NOT? It is only the most important thing ever! I'm thinking we all need a definition for important.

Matthew turned 11 months on the 22nd. He weighs 22 lbs which no puts him over his infant car seat weight. Besides the fact that he was about a foot too long for it. We bought him an upgraded child seat and he LOVES it. Now he knows where we are going and enjoys taking in all in. Each of the children argue every time about WHO is sitting next to him. I don't understand why. Its just a new seat. Same baby brother. He's almost one year. Unbelievable.

Michael passed the swim test at the pool. He can now jump off the diving board and go down the slide. This also permits him to swim in the deep end. Michael lost both his front teeth within 5 minutes. Amazing. I love the freckles dotting his sun kissed face and his smile. Adorable.

Olivia has turned into a monkey. She can flip, whip, and turn on just about anything. She swings across monkey bars back and forth effortlessly. Climbs to the top of playground equipment and hangs upside down. Zach sees a future Olympic gymnast so in September she will be taking lessons to perfect all those skills.

Sam has been in cub scout day camp for three days. They have done some pretty fun activities. Ashland Nature center, Blue Rocks Game, Bellevue park for fishing and BBQ, swimming, water rockets, sports, puzzles, and skits. He came home yesterday and told me how much he missed his family. So sweet!

Isaac was called as the Deacon Class President. He has grown up so much recently. There are definitely challenges as he gets older but it has been fun watching him grow. He cut his Beiber hair. His wave is back to remind me of what he looked like before he cared what he looked like. I loved his little wave (calick).

Zach is super busy all the time. He has been training to compete in the MudManX. A 5 mile obstacle filled race. I was repeatedly pressured into signing up but knew I was no where near the athletic ability needed to compete and finish such a race. It would be a disaster for me. Did I ever mention I was AFRAID to snowboard down a mountain and sat there until ski patrol picked me up on the ski mobile to drive me down? This race would have the same turn out just not on a ski mobile. Dirt bike perhaps? 4 wheeler? NOT for Zach though. He's amazing at anything he does. He had discipline and motivation.

I've been in project ADD. I have a few details (lights, doors, ceiling touch ups) to finish in the basement. Instead of finishing those I moved on to finishing the dining room. I always planned on adding metallic to the top half of the room but with 12' ceilings I procrastinated in getting that scaffolding back out. Plus, the room "looked" done. I decided I needed to just finish it and be done AND that's what I did. I can say the dining room is DONE. Isaac wanted to earn $ so I told him to rip down all the 80's wallpaper in the main bathroom. He worked on it for 3 days and now it needs my attention. Well, worth my 20$. Oh, did I mention the foyer floor that I never finished? My plan is to finish all projects before school starts...which is in 1 month!

I exclaimed this to the children. "School starts in 1 month! Aren't you excited!!?" They are not. WHAT have I done? Brainwashed them? They are suppose to be excited because I am. I need to start making a list of all the things I want to do on that first day of freedom.

I'm still going strong with my Paleo eating. Its been 7 weeks and I'm stuck at 13 lbs. I have been here for 4 weeks. I'm a bit discouraged I must say. I can see progress fitness wise. My favorite machine at the Y is the stair climber (not to be compared with the stepper-HUGE difference). It has rotating stairs and is heck of a workout. I have worked my way to running consistently for 6 minutes. I only can laugh while writing this because it seems so minimal BUT its an accomplishment for me. One day I will run a 5K without stopping. That's my goal.

So there it is.

it's official

I now am the Mother of a 7th grader...a 5th grader...a 3rd grader...a 1st grader...and a Kindergartner. Yes sir-ree...ALL 5 kids will be in school ALL day.
Some memories of this school year:

Isaac had 17 girlfriends (or so I was told)
Michael learned to read
Sam got suspended 3 times
Olivia made 115 Art projects
Cara ran her first 5K

The 4 younger kids had the privilege to be the first students in their brand new school. The first GREEN school in Delaware. I was just excited to not have large sweat drops coating my face while in the copier room due to now having air conditioning. It's a lovely school.

For dinner on the last day of school we always have ice-cream sundaes. It has been our traditional since Isaac was in 1st grade.

So how did the first day of Summer Vacation go? Not TOO bad. I would hardly call this Summer though. The temperatures this month have been below 80 degrees. The kids wake up wondering if they should wear jeans and a long sleeve shirt or shorts. AND definitely too cold to put on bathing suits to swim at the pool. Why did we buy a pool membership? I should of bought ski passes instead.
I only had one request. ONE! I do NOT want ANYONE to wake me up before 8 am. Didn't happen. Matthew woke up at 6:15 and wouldn't stay content in his crib. By 6:45 ALL 6 kids were nagging me, bickering, complaining and at 7:30 they were out back playing baseball. (Sorry, neighbors).

my relationship with muffulettas

One year ago Zach and I took a trip to New Orleans. It was a quarterly business trip for Zach but I tagged along. We went down 3 days before he needed to be "working" and stayed at a bed and breakfast. The house was beautiful, the host was fantastic, and the food was delicious. The bed and breakfast was north of the French Quarters so we needed to take the public trolley into the Quarters anytime we wanted to sight see or get a bite to eat. Also, the hotel that we were staying out during the business part of the trip was along the bay and walking distance to the French Quarters. Maybe another time I will post the "Nawlens" pictures and details of our trip.


Today I am reminiscing of the Muffuletta sandwich. Mmmm. I had one everyday. The sandwich is served on a round loaf of Italian bread and then piled high with Provolone cheese, Genoa salami and Cappicola ham, and then topped with olive salad – chopped, green olives, pimientos, celery, garlic, onions, capers, oregano, parsley, olive oil, & red-wine vinegar. It's perfectly salty. The sandwich is HUGE! I suppose they are to be shared. No, I didn't eat the whole thing every day! I miss it..might be the only reason I would ever go back to that city. I was remembering my favorite sandwich because yesterday Zach brought me home a Panini (half) from Shoprite. I opened it up today and took my first bite. I was back in New Orleans again except not really. It was suppose to be an Italian Panini but  tasted like my Muffulettas only on a thin bread. Of course, I messaged him and told him how DELICIOUS it was and how it reminded me of Muffulettas. He replied with, "I know. That's why I saved it for you." He is great! He is so sweet! Not only did I get to remember what a fabulous time I had with him one year ago, it also made me think what a great husband he is. Two great thoughts all because of a sandwich.

My favorite Muffuletta sandwich (no, they don't all taste the same) was from the Napoleon House in the French Quarters.