And yes, we're missing a child in the picture below....

She's the photographer. I should have volunteered, and spared my horrid picture being posted :)

Tree hunting and other fun....

Pardon the lack of make-up and horrible ski jacket. I put aside personal appearance for the sake of finding the 'perfect tree'. We trudged through mud, and battled the cold, only to find that the perfect tree must have disappeared a few weeks earlier. Instead, the tree we wound up with looks just perfect, clothed in lots of lights, and tons of ornaments.

On a side note, I had Trey's progress report/meeting, and he is doing fantastic! That's all the Christmas present I need.

Yet another excuse....sorry

I've been too crazed to post anything worthwhile. So sorry.... My husband was stuck in a neighboring city for much of last week, due to flood-induced freeway closure, which meant I spent much of my time driving. I felt like a chauffeur (only without the pay). He finally FLEW home Friday mid-day, and we promptly did allergy shots, and basketball game. Followed by two soccer games Saturday, as well as a birthday party, and a sleep-over. Sunday (once we got rid of our 'add-on' child), we headed up to the local tree farm, picked out our tree, hauled it home (while staring out any possible window, hoping it wasn't going to fall off the car), made chocolate truffle bars and fudge for neighbors, cooked a leftover inspired meal, and my husband flew back up to 'neighboring city' for work tomorrow, and to pick up his car.

To add to the chaos, Trey (the youngest) lost a battery, his ear hook, and the headpiece to his implant......all at separate times today. All now found! He also managed to misplace his hearing aid (found under a couch cushion). I guess we're winning, right????

Reflections on a 5 year old.....

My son Jake turned 5 two days ago. I had great intentions of posting something about this momentous day, but somehow I ran out of hours. It's hard to believe that he is soon to be gone to 'Big Boy' school. There are times when he is such a 'big' boy, and other times when he is such a 'little' boy. He is a loving, compassionate little boy at school, who always goes out of his way to help his schoolmates. His teachers report that he is a great learner, great listener, and most importantly a great friend. However, at home he is the master tormentor. And, he's training his little brother to be the same. They thrive on chasing their sister's around, rifling through their belongings, embarrassing them in front of their friends, etc. But, I think that is what little brother's are supposed to do.

Jake was born w/ a mischievous glint in his eye, and this has only been sharpened with time, but it is also the thing about him that I wouldn't change. It will serve him well in life- He always looks at the world with constant amusement, and when life seems full of drudgery, Jake will shake things up and find things to laugh at. I wish I had a bit of that :)

The unfortunate thing for him is that with age, he seems to be losing more and more hearing. I called yesterday to get him into the Audiologist so we can do a 'tune up'. I shouldn't be surprised, as this is how it has been for the other kids (in fact, he's managed to hold on to the most hearing), but I had high hope that maybe he'd be a bit more stable in the hearing department. Again, doesn't seem to bother him- he just cranks the TV, radio and his voice up that much louder LOL. He'll be fine, but I only hope that if he eventually needs an implant, it happens sooner rather than later. It was much harder for my older daughter at age 7, than it was for the others. Anyway- back to the birthday :)

Jake is the child who will walk up to any other child and assume that they have been friends forever. Luckily for him he doesn't get to offended if the other child chooses to not play with him. He'll just find another 'victim' and befriend him. He has never stopped to consider that someone would not want his company.

Happy Belated Birthday Jake, I love you!

"Snowstorm" 2007 ......

Be prepared to squint hard to see any snow!

Too tired to post.....

but thought I'd spend a few minutes checking in. As I suspected, not a lot of snow (in fact, none that stuck), and the huge wind storm we were warned about, managed to avoid us entirely- all good news. My parents have been here this weekend, visiting from Texas, so we've been busy convincing them that non-stop rain is 'fun'. They're not buying it though, and I think they are anxiously awaiting their flight home tomorrow. Somehow being housebound with four really loud kids takes a toll on people who are just not used to it. Don't get me wrong. They have pictures they can look back on, to remember only the good moments, so they will actually want to come out again....Just maybe when outdoor activities are an option :)

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow....

We do not get a lot of snow here- mainly rain. However, we have the possibility of some snow today, and you would think it was Christmas morning. My children are beside themselves. We'll be lucky if we get any that sticks, and by tomorrow it is going to be warmer and windy, but for now all that matters is that the white stuff may be falling soon. We'll be right there in the thick of it, since Delaney has a soccer game this morning, but at least the other kids will get the full (COLD) snow experience. I will have to use my powers of persuasion on the kids, and NOT let them pack their sleds, since I don't think they'll run well on cold grass :)

Ironically, we once lived where snow was a plenty, and it was definitely not appreciated all that much. I guess maybe the grass IS always greener. But, for now, Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!