I wish I was, but I'm not!

OK, so I truly wish that I was one of those bloggers who blogged everyday, or at least every OTHER day. Not for people to read, necessarily, but for me to put my thoughts in order and sit down and process the everyday happenings of this life. I DEFINITELY have enough to blog about, TRUST ME ON THAT!
Today happens to be one of those days that I have a TON of stuff to do and it keeps on "raining shoes" here so I am making no headway with my to-do list. AND this stuff has to be done.
Yesterday, my 16 year old had knee surgery. He has a condition called multiple hereditary osteochondromas and he had a few extra bump strumming some tendons on his knee. Pretty painful. SO, we did that yesterday... also, Parent/Teacher conference with Kara (8 y/o). She is perfect and focussed and everything is good there.... thank God!

Today, my to-do list is loooooooooooooooooooooong. Mini Wedding cake due for tomorrow for an anniversary party, 60 cookies and 3 dozen boiled eggs for a lunch fundraiser for tomorrow...... drinks with my sister (MUCH needed).....
*ok.... so I started this post 20 hours ago.... it is NOW Saturday morning......ugh*
Today.... must inish the wedding cake, hit the grocery store and be at the church in 2 hours for a fundraiser. I must bring the Littles with me since Phil is at Safer Church training, his FAVORITE way to spend a Saturday (not really).
Hopefully I can treck over to the Bektash Temple or the feztival of trees with the kids.
Maybe Phil will get paid since it's been 5 weeks since his last paycheck....
Maybe I will do laundry....
Maybe I will sit back and watch a movie tonight..... (HAHAHAHAHAAAAAA.... right).

In case anyone is wondering, I <3 Phil. :)

Kellie

No swine flu here! A LONG LOST POST!!

SO yesterday Kaleigh called me from school (111 miles away) crying uncontrollably. It took a few minutes to get her calmed down enough for me to understand anything she was saying.



Hold the phone...... Let me back up a minute. Kaleigh called my cell. I heard it ring but I was cleaning the basement. I did not answer it. A few minutes later it rang again so I ran up the stairs to get the phone. I missed that call as well. It was the church. I was about to listen to the messages when the cell rang AGAIN. THIS time it's Kaleigh. While I was calming down Kaleigh, Robin calls (but I don't answer b/c I am calming down Kaleigh) Why is this part important? Well, they are all connected. Kaleigh called my cell; no answer. So she calls church. Carolyn tells her I am not there. Carolyn calls my cell and leaves a messge to call Kalegh. Carolyn ALSO calls Robin to see if she knows where I am. Robin calls me. I don't answer. Robin calls Phil. All the while I am talking to Kaleigh.

Back to the story.....



Kaleigh finally calms down enough to tell me that she has a sore throat and blacked out on her way to class. I calmly tell her she is going to be fine and she needs to go to the nurse. SO, she and her roommate go to the nurse.... where they are tested or H1N1. Kaleigh tells me it is a LONG swab that goes up your nasal passage and down to your throat.... sounds LOVELY. Her other college friends refuse to go to the nurse now because they do not want to be tested. WHo can blame them!



The nurse tests her and her roommate AND SENDS THEM BOTH HOME! So now I travel 6 hours in the car to spread the germs from Vermont to New Hampshire. The test results come back just as I am getting to SVC and it's negative or H1N1. Does she still need to come home? Yes. Don't get me wrong... we LOVE Kaleigh! Just not her germs. :)

Kellie

MUST check this out...SAVE MONEY!

http://bargainbecky.blogspot.com/

Run.... do NOT walk... to this website if you happen to live in the NH area. I have had repeated requests asking HOW I scored so much food last week and paid a fraction of the shelf price. I REALLY should have taken a pic of it all. Seriously, I paid about 15% of what it was all worth(which ws about $350worth, so I spent about $45), that is working the sales and the coupons and whatever other deals are going on! Of course, there are the people who say "coupons are never for anything I can use!". Here's how I clip coupons.... if I wouldn't mind getting the item for FREE, then I clip it. I make Food Pantry donations regularly of overflow items I have been able to score. Usually that is toothpaste(I had to PAY for toothpste couple of weeks ago for the first time in TWO YEARS and it almost killed me), toothbrushes, cereal and soup. Sometimes other stuff. Today it was diapers. Yes, folks. Diapers. I can't stand to think of the poor babies sitting in dirty diapers because their parents cannot afford them.

There is a good canned veggie deal at Shaw's this week with a printable coupon on the Shaw's website. http://www.shaws.com/ 5 cans for $3.00 and the coupon is $1 of 5 so 5 cans of veggies for $2. This is a great deal if you use canned veggies. I do not BUT that didn't stop me from buying 15 cans for the food pantry and printing of several coupons to share with others to do the same since our local food pantry is in dire need of canned veggies.

Another favorite money saving site for me is http://www.thegrocerygame.com/

Keep your eyes peeled or Thanksgiving deals! Turkeys have been at .48/lb. in years past so stock up if you have a freezer!

Kellie

I FOUND IT!

Not my sanity or missing marbles... my Blackberry! It seems to have fallen out of my purse and was hidden under the clutter in my van. I thought I had lost my Coupon Wallet, too! That would have certainly pushed me over the edge (of course, I am already over the edge so it wouldn't have made any difference).
SO yesterday, cleaned out my van (with vacuuming!) and found crackberry and coupons. Hooray! Had a phone call that I was NOT expecting and still reeling from. Went with my mom to Building 19 to meet up with my sister who had surgery this week. (she's fine). Got home, had to speak to my boys about said phone call. Cried a river (me, not them). Had the priest's daughter spend the night. Had 7 kids here for dinner. Counted my blessings as I poured myself a Kahlua and milk (out of wine!). Went to Shaw's and basically robbed them again(note: I did this trip earlier in the day WAY before I had Kahlua). I made $9 yesterday and $5 the day before shopping there. I'll go again today because if they are going to PAY me to buy the things I use anyway, I'm there.
Today is a new day. Need a new plan. This parenting gig is terribly exhausting......

Kellie

So you think you can sting me?!

SO here's the wasp/hornet drama (funny... I mistyped "hornet" and spelled "horney". teehee!):
Friday afternoon I noticed a wasp/hornet.... I actually opened the window and let him fly out (VERY St. Francis of me). Then... I saw two more..... squished those ones..... then I saw 2 more.... and more..... we're talking ten or so in an hour. THAT, my friend, is a problem. I sent Phil to the attic to investigate..... nothing up there. Bummer. He sent me to check the perimeter of the house. So I went outside... staring down every warped clapboard, rotted corner thinking "I am not going to be able to find anything! It's not like the wasp/hornets have a illuminated Weirs Beach sign to direct their friends!". Alas, THEY DO! IT WAS LIKE A WASP/HORNET FREEWAY IN AND OUT OF MY HOUSE!! It is right near the kitchen wall INSIDE the wall/eaves of the house. Awesome.

NOTE: are you wondering why I keep calling them "wasp/hornets"? The truth is, what is the difference? I THINK they are hornets but I really do not know the difference in species, if there is one.

So, I decide that I probably cannot take care of this problem on my own. I'm brave, I can replace plumbing, etc but I draw the line at the possibility of anaphylactic shock.
I call a local pest control guy first. He's nice enough and gives me a few tips but tells me not to play around and try to tap the walls or anything. That's asking or trouble. He also cannot get here until Tuesday. That is FIVE days away. SO I say "ok". Then I call Terminix figuring they are national company and maybe they can get here TODAY and take care of this. They tell me "sure.. we can treat the problem. Please remove the wall of where the nest is and we can treat."
Uh... WTF? "remove the WALL???"
"yes... we cannot destroy your property. Only YOU can destroy your property."
"but then won't I let the bugs IN THE HOUSE?"
"probably."
"why would I do that?"
"because we cannot destroy your property. Only you can."
"that makes no sense. You are Terminix! tell me how to proceed without tearing down the walls!"
"I don't know. Seems you'll have to do that to get to the nest."
"ok..... thank you... bubbye."
WTF???!!! "MRS. DENONCOURT! TEAR DOWN THESE WALLS!!!"
Yeah, right. I'll wait until Tuesday.
Here we are... Tuesday. The teens and I have spent the weekend killing wasps... I would say about 40 in all. Then yesterday, the wasps/hornets declared war.
I WAS STUNG!!!! In the web part between my pointer and thumb! OUCHHHHHHH! I can't tell you how much that hurt! From the tip of my pointer to the tip of my thumb; THROBBING PAIN FOR SEVERAL HOURS! My arm was itchy for a while but that went away. It is still sore and itchy but I have the use of my hand back, for the most part.
Mr. Pest Control showed up on time: 9:30am..... pumped some magic death dust into where I see the buggers camping out. Then he sprays the perimeter of the eaves. Tells me that he guarantees total death by tomorrow. This makes mama happy.

SO, off to work I go for a few hours. Followed by a FABULOUS shop at Shaw's where they paid me to take 8 boxes of cereal, 9 pkgs of refrigerated Pillsbury bake-ables and 1 bag of candy home. Yes friends... I made $5.00 shopping at Shaw's today. :) I'll do it again tomorrow!

Off to search for my Crackberry.... I misplaced it.... oops!

Kel

Just another Manic Monday.... whoaaaaa.....

I REALLY need to blog more often. I'll try to make that a new discipline or myself but no promises since I am up to my eyeballs in MY disciplines, and everyone else's.
Monday's are typically the day that I spend just cleaning the house and grocery shopping. The kids and friends usually take over the place during the weekend and I cannot ctch up so Monday, as soon as they are all gone, I go into overdrive. As you can see, it is already after 9a and I am STILL not moving much. Drank my coffee, bonded with my littlest, read the paper (of course, all this AFTER the other four left or school..... Had to make lunches and get them out the door!).... I promised myself I would start my cleaning as soon as I posted here. I hope I can keep the promise....
My littlest just brought me a baby doll that she said she "gave mohawk to all by hersel". The mowhawk consists of a pantyliner stuck to the baby's head from front to back. This is actually the motivation for me blogging since there is no one else at home to share with. :)
Life is going along just swimmingly. Last week I walked 6 miles to raise money for CWS/CROP to help eradicate poverty and hunger. Our team raised about $2,000. I even SPRINTED a few times! Go me! (of course I hurt after but I got a cookie!)
Benny got braces this past week. I still can't leave the teens alone at home. I probably won't EVER be able to do that. They just cannot make good decisions on their own!! Maybe someday I will reverse that statement, but for now, if they are grounded, I am grounded.
One more week of cheerleading for Kara. She hates cheerleading with every ounce of her being. It sucks because she is really good at that (and gymnastics and sports and and and.... she's built or athletics!). She said she is never trying anything new again. She is doing Brownies, Yoga and Nordic and THAT'S IT, FOREVER!! She is pretty focussed so she probably won't try anything ever again..... hmm.....
It snowed yesterday.... or as Phil and I call it "crapping". You know... that heavy part rain, part snow precipitation. It's crap. I ws at a football game at 7:30 am, 45 minutes away, with Kara cheering, but insisting that I do NOT watch her at all. We brought two of her friends.... they were not allowed to watch either so they watched a movie in the van (the nice, dry, warm van). Rain, wind, 39 degrees.... awesome. We went to leave.... battery is dead. Double awesome. Had to get a jump. Eventually we made it home...... made hot chocolate and rice Krispie treats (thanks, Sal for the free mallows!). Boys watched football and yelled all afternoon... I made dinner for 35 for Youth Group... had Taize Service..... short SPY board meeting and home by 8:30p. Long day.... so.... I guess I should really think about picking up after the mongrels. I think I'll just throw everything away. They probably won't even notice.....
Sausage Ratatouille for dinner tonight!

Peace,
Kellie

p.s. tomorrow.... the wasp exterminator.... we have a wasp nest in the kitchen wall... more on that saga tomorrow..... joy!

Wow.... time flies..

I have no blogged in a while! It's not because I haven't had anything to blog about, trust me! I have been completely overwhelmed by life and all of it's wonderful "wrenches". It won't go into them. Just know that the mere fact that I am here is amazing.
Since my last blog, my youngest son turned 13, my oldest daughter turned 18 and I turned 37! This is the week (all birthdays within 6 days of each other) is lovingly called "Birthday Hell Week". Mine is the last of the bunch and by then, I am done with cake, decor, singing, presents, etc.
What did I get this year? I asked or a table with 4 legs and got the "ok" to go and get it! See..... our dining table HAD 4 legs attached and now has three. This happened 4 months ago (On graduation day, no less!). We have had the table up against the wall with the unattached kickstand leg holding it up. DON'T LEAN TO HARD ON THE TABLE! Or breathe or that matter.... anyway, I had made my first trip to Ikea over the summer and found my future table. The closest Ikea to me is an hour 45 minutes away so I need to plan at LEAST a half day trip to get the table (and seating, of course!). Possibly this coming Friday, but I do not like to plan this ar in advance as I KNOW anything can happen within the next 6 days to mess it all up! I am SOOOOOOOOOO looking forward to my table!
What else did I get for my birthday? Cash.... which I am putting towards the seating for the table and possibly a new hanging lamp shade or OVER the table. I also got a Snuggie! My 6 year old insisted to my husband that I desperately needed one! Guess what?? It's pretty warm! :) The college kids are swooning.
What else is going on over here? Lots, but nothing I can really blog about. Life is crazy.... I am trusting that I am supposed to be exactly where I am and that there are NO ACCIDENTS OR COINCIDENCES. I am supposed to learn from this rough patches. I think I am, but I also feel my heart hardening a little bit. My mom assures me that the hardening will go away after the rough patch has passed....... I'm trusting that as well...

Kellie

The Witching Hour.....

I am bravely blogging at 4:00pm. This is the worst time of day at the house as all the kids are now home from school and have to remember how to live with each other again. Amazingly they forget that they are not "only children" every single day and come home and want things IMMEDIATELY!! Case in Point: my son called me from school and said "oh my god. I need you to pick me up at school right now and drive me to the store right now to get project making supplies...right now."
I said " what kind of project?"
the response being "God! you think I'm lying that I just want to do this for fun? I need posterboard and glue and markers and sharpies and construction paper, and and and and...". Whoa. Ok.
so I respond "you'll have to wait until your sister gets home before I leave the house."
"how long is THAT gonna take???"
"I have no idea."
So about 20 minutes later I leave the house to get the boy and hit Rite Aid. I say "we have plenty of construction paper, glue, markers, sharpies, etc. We only need posterboard."
"I don't want the one with the stupid 'ghost lines'. I want it blank"
Now, of course they are out of blank posterboard so I end up spending $4.49 on FOAMBOARD! which has ghostlines on one side but is blank on the other. He suggests that if its such a big deal we can go to another store.
No thank you!
Now it is occurring to me that the ghost lined posterboard also has a blank side? Crap.
The bright side... I didn't buy all new project supplies as is the usual case.
So, I get home and now there are lots of teenagers here, not that it is a bad thing. It's just a noisy thing.
"Mom, what's for dinner?" has already started ruminating through the house.
"baked pancakes and eggs! with fruit!" Easy, cheap and who doesn't love breakfast??
It will all be worth it in the end, right? Kaleigh called from college today and got a 100% on her first college english essay! Hooray! Proof is in the pudding...

Kellie

Time flies when school starts!

So yesterday I experienced my first day of all the kids in school! Here's the breakdown: Sara is at pre-k, Kara is 3rd grade, Ben is 8th grade, Brian is 9th grade, Philip is 11th grade and Kaleigh is at COLLEGE!!!!!!!!. Do the math; I have a child in every school this year. That is alot of conferencing and fundraising.
We brought Kaleigh off to Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT last Saturday. It is SOOO beautiful up there! She is totally loving her college life. What's not to love? She has all the freedoms and none of the responsibilities! These are the happiest days of her life!
In case you were curious, yes that was me on channel 9 news last Sunday night and Monday morning. I happened to be at the Fishercats game where Dice-K Matsuzaka was pitching for the Sea Dogs on his rehab. Was THAT why I was there? Of course not! Our good friends, the Spring's, won tix and free dinner to that game and invited us so I was really there for the free food! DIce-K happened to also be pitching. He was horrible. That's all I will say. But the steak tips were pretty good! :)
We have a long 4-day weekend ahead of us. What to do.... The Hopkinton Fair is an option. I hate the fair. Too crowded and I hate midways. I actually enjoy the giant pumpkins and the smelly farm animals, though.
Time to make a grocery list and head off to Weight Watchers, where I will probably have gained weight again this week. Yay me.

Kellie

IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

Well, not really. It is for a few of them, but not all of them. Here's the crazy breakdown: Full day started today for Kara and Brian.... half-day for Ben...... no school for Sara, Philip or Kaleigh. Tomorrow, Full day for Kara, Ben, Brian and Philip...... Kaleigh goes to college on Saturday. Sara starts afternoon preschool next Wednesday SOOO, I am enjoying today however, Next Wednesday is truly my favorite day fo the year! :)
I have figured out that this year I will have at least one child in each school from preschool to college. That is sick and twisted and a LOT of fundraisers that I will have to deal with. Not to mention parent/teacher conferences. So please, do NOT ask me what cluster my kids are in, as I will always say "8-1" no matter what.
Today we realized that Kara has one pair of shoes that fit. Barefoot in the summer is one thing.... they frown upon that at school. So, one more shopping excursion and we should be good for a while. School shopping for and WITH 6 kids can be somewhat of a nightmare. I went to the mall with 5 of them on Monday. I giggled a bit because the only people at the mall were moms with 3 plus kids with them. The line at Burger King was very very long. I told the kids that we were getting 2 pairs of pants each and 4 shirts, MAX! They stuck with it. No one argued back. Hooray! Mission accomplished. I am sure They will all grow in the next 4-6 weeks and I'll have to shop again but this time, I will shop alone. ;)
Kellie

Day - O! Daaaaaay - O......

Forgive me, for it has been a week since my last blog. I was sick..... then the husband...... then one son..... then one daughter..... then BAM! THREE at once..... one little indian left who hasn't gotten the vicious sniffles. THEY ARE VICIOUS! Not sure what the deal was with this cold but it was killer and not much keeps me down. This knocked me down for two days straight, and I am still not completely better but you know the rule; "MOMS CANNOT BE SICK!" It simply is not allowed. I do not understand this rule. Don't get me wrong; I don't enjoy being sick but how come no one tucks me in or waits on me when I'm sick? I still hear "MOM! I'M BORED!! CAN I HAVE $20 TO WASTE?" "MOM! WHAT'S FOR BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER?" "MOM! I NEED SCHOOL CLOTHES! LOTS OF THEM! MAKE SURE THEY ARE FULL PRICE RETAIL AND NOT ON SALE!"
This makes me insane.
For the littlest indian, the 4 year old, she has been able to dodge the cold however, it was brought to my attention that she was exposed to the chicken pox. Yes.... her little friend has been vaccinated and caught them anyway. The two week incubation period brings us right into the first week of school, of course! We'll see but as my luck goes, we'll have the "birdy things".
I would like to also share something gross... this past weekend we went to Water Country. Us and everyone from Massachusetts, I believe. I have never seen it so crowded. There was a waiting line to get in the wave pool!! Anyway, Sara and I were partners so I took her on the kiddie stuff and the lazy river (my personal favorite... I could stay on that all day!). One of the kiddie pools has an octopus water slide in it. Sara was LOVING that! I saw one little girl (2 yrs old maybe) with her overzealous mom in an almost exploding diaper; not a swimmy one, a regular one. If you are a mom, you know what those things look like water logged. SO, I asked one of the lifeguards what the rules were on diapers in the pool? I was completely ignored. Not five minutes later did I notice poo near me in the water....more and more as I looked. The lifegaurd saying "please move away from this part of the pool". GROSS ME OOUUUUTTTT! How about "GET OUT OF THE POOL! GRAB A BRILLO AND SCRUB DOWN YOUR SKIN AND YOUR CHILDREN!" Bathe in the Purel!!! I wanted to vomit. I soon saw a couple of my teenagers who had been awarded entry into the wave pool. They said the water tasted like sweaty human! eww. and ewww. SO..... I am thinking there better be a whole lotta pool shock going into the water at Water Country or people all over New England are going to be suffering from cholera!
Alright... a good note. School begins next week! My kids are relatively healthy and safe. The dishes are done for the moment and dinner tonight is potluck at church so no dinner dishes at home! yay! It's the little things that keep me happy!

Kellie

WEDNESDAY'S CHILD FULL OF WOE! or WHOA?

SO just when you think you are at your wits end with your kids, they ALWAYS do something or say something that erases your negative thoughts.... or you get to watch them sleeping, when they always look so peaceful and innocent. This is how we get through it! I believe they are SUPPOSED to push us to our wits end. This is how we know how much we love them, because we keep them. :)
Speaking of parenting, I found myself watching an episode (and a half) of Malcolm in the Middle last night. I do not watch much TV and never watched this show when it was on primetime. Let me tell you, I was about in tears watching this show last night! I was laughing! The mom is psychotic, but realistically so! The tv show house is a wreck, like a real life house with a family of four boys! I definitely need to watch more episodes of this. It makes me feel good to know that there is at least one show that depicts real life!! (other than Seinfeld...)
Football starts today for the boys. They had to be there for 7:30am. They will be exhausted when they get home (not until 6:00pm) and then do it again tomorrow! and Friday! and all next week! :) THEN SCHOOL STARTS! HOORAY!
Check out the Frugal Feast recipe today! I'm making it for dinner tonight..... but with chicken. :)

Kellie

16 days!

SCHOOL STARTS IN 16 DAYS! My favorite commercial ever is the Staples one where the dad is dancing through the aisles to "it's the most wonderful time of the year!" while his kids just stand there. This is exactly how I feel! The summer has been LOOOOOOOOOOONG to say the least. We haven't gone on a family vacation this summer due to budget constraints and Kaleigh is off to college in 2 1/2 weeks. Are the kids on my nerves? Of course! 'Tis the season! Am I on their nerves? Of course! I told them that would happen at the beginning of the summer. I also told them that if they didn't go to camp, they would be bored. Guess what? I was right! and now they want to go to camp..... too late, people. Next year you are going no matter what!
On the upside, we have definitely bonded with out most recent family addition, Brian. We have seen everyone's good, bad and ugly side this summer.... more than once! We are all still here!
I am also on a "pitching" spree. I have pitched so many articles of clothing, stuffed animals and un-essentials from this house in the past week. Not exactly thrown out, since that actually costs me money to do now with the purple bags.... they have gone to assorted places like Goodwill, Salvation Army and Ch. II Thrift Shop. I spread it out because there is so much of it, it would be unfair to inundate ONE place with my chaos. I have MUCH more to sort through. I haven't even STARTED with the downstairs yet! Or my own bedroom! I really to rent that dumpster and throw everything out and start over. I will refurnish with Ikea. :) I just love it there.... if you haven't been, you gotta go. It's a full day's trip there and wear your sneakers!

I hear a 4 year old crying (fake crying)... better check it out.....

Kellie

Shaw's mega deal TODAY!

OK... so this one is too good for me to keep to myself but you have to act on it TODAY! This past week's sale (ending today) has a coupon in the flyer for FREE 2 LB BAG OF ONIONS, 2 LB BAG OF GREEN PEPPERS AND 6 PACK OF TORPEDO ROLLS WHEN YOU BUY A FAMILY PACK OF SHAW'S ITALIAN SAUSAGE. This is a good deal! I did it earlier this week. The sausage was about $6 for a package of the giant sausage, 8 in the package.
I went in today to do the deal again and the sausage is marked down half price! $2.95-ish for the giant package of sausage and still able to use the coupon for free other stuff! That feeds at least 6 people sausage grinders for under $3! Also, think of freezing it! I may go back and buy more..... :) pick out the change in your sofa or couch (unless you already did that to get milk this week!) and run, do not walk, to Shaw's. (I was at the Ft. Eddy Rd. Concord, NH one)
Other great deal was on Rice Krispies. using the coupon in the flyer for $5 off 5 boxes of Kellogg's that are 3/$8. STOCK UP! Rice Krispie treat heaven! :)

Happy Birthday, Phil! <3 Tomorrow..... DEPECHE MODE CONCERT! YEEEHAAAAA! :)

Kellie

IS SUMMER HERE? REALLY?

So FINALLY we have some heat for summertime! I will definitely admit that I am one of those who can't wait for summer and head to the beach.... that said... I hate heat over 86f and dewpoints over 60%. I also hate sand rash after a day at the beach and the endless discussion with the "littles" over why you can't wipe the sand off your feet WHILE you are still on the beach. And my favorite.... the boys with sand in their swim trunks and how by the end of the day, every boy and man is walking funny. Actually, I don't hate that. They do, though. I tell them that the answer is to wear a Speedo instead...... they'd rather have sand rash.
I believe that School vacation is half over! I am trying to look at the glass half over...err... full. My house definitely wreaks of kids who never leave and all their junk they have brought home is tossed about. I seriously need to rent a dumpster. It is out of control. I SO want to live the Simple Life! *sigh* A pipe dream, I'm afraid...
It's almost dinner time. I should decide on what is actually for dinner. Good deals at Shaw's this week. Lots of freebies and close to freebies to be had! I'll have to go there again tonight and probably hit CVS as well... definitely my favorite place to shop for good deals on things you need the most!
Enjoy the sun and the heat!


Kellie

My Laundry Theme Song.....

The Climb lyrics
Songwriters: Alexander, J; Mabe, J;

I can almost see it
That dream I am dreaming
But there's a voice inside my head saying
"You'll never reach it"

Every step I'm taking
Every move I make feels
Lost with no direction
My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying
Gotta keep my head held high

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb

The struggles I'm facing
The chances I'm taking
Sometimes might knock me down
But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it
But these are the moments that
I'm gonna remember most, yeah

Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong
Just keep pushing on'

Cause there's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be a uphill battle
Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

There's always gonna be another mountain
I'm always gonna wanna make it move
Always gonna be an uphill battle
Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side
It's the climb, yeah!

Keep on moving, keep climbing
Keep the faith, baby
It's all about, it's all about the climb
Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRINCESS SARA!

Her royal highness, Sara Catherine-Lynne is now 4 years old! We had a princess/dress-up party yesterday to beat the bands! Complete with a castle cake! I'll post pictures once I find my USB cord (which for some reason aways disappears! I blame the teenagers...).

Today also seems to be the start of allergy season for me. I am not sure what pollen is in the air today that WASN'T there yesterday but it is killing me! I hope there's a sale on Zyrtec somewhere...

Today will be a lovely day of laundry, as I was far too busy this weekend to do ANY. Now, to miss a day of doing laundry means it takes 3 days to catch up. I am not quite sure why the math works out that way but it does. I also have to hit the stores for some freebie deals and some close to freebie deals going on. I aso believe there is a Football meeting tonight that parents need to be at. I hate those meetings.... just send me an email! Alas, I will be a supportive parent to my two football playing teenagers. :)

I heard the *beep* from the washer. Time to move laundry... and lots of it.... Mount Washmore.... Miley Cyrus sings about "the Climb"; I seriously believe that song is about my laundry....

Kel

*sigh* it's summer....

My brain is swirling with the nonsense that engulfing my life. I know, I know.... I have very little to complain about. I have a roof over my head, we can afford to feed the family, we have six awesome kids, tons of friends and family whom we adore and are grateful for every minute of every day. So... what in God's name is my problem?!
The small stuff..... I sweat small stuff. The house has fungus growing on the roof, the carpet upstairs is original to the house (30 years ago!), I have 6 kids so all my furnishings are disposable, there are very few shows, movies or things to do that will make all the kids, ages 4-17, happy at the same time, 6 kids, 36 different directions, there is ALWAYS mount washmore waiting for me and it is never conquered and now one of my best friends in the world has me waking up at 5:00am everyday to WALK!
I love you Robin.... I will adjust to the 2 hours less sleep I am getting. It's great excercise, great company, and we get to start our days by getting all of our brain clutter out of our brains!
It's good.
Laundry? No resolution to that other than the kids need less clothing. Right now, everyone has clean underwear.
Good enough.
Finding stuff to make the kids all happy? They need to self-soothe and entertain themselves sometimes. I can't be totally responsible. Right now, they are all home, PLUS two of the grilfriends are here as well. They seem content and they know the rules... NO GROSS PDAs (public displays of affection)... among other rules however, they still like it here? weird...
This is good.
The house is not a castle by castle standards. It, too, is disposable. When we asked our recent family addition why he would want to be at THIS house, it's a wreck.... his answer.... "because you guys love me."
This is very, very, very good and makes everything else we are doing, not doing, failures and triumphs well worth doing.
:)
See you bright early, Robin!

Kellie

to swear or not to swear.....that is the question.

Yes... I relaize that this is the second post of today but I feel like it's been a week since this morning, seriously. I would love to get into details but I can't on account of there are legal proceedings that need to take place. NOTHING BAD... NO JAIL TIME INVOLVED IN THIS ONE!! Just a situation that needs to be under a little more control before I divulge the insanity which is, my life. What I have been thinking about it how badly I need to scream and let it out on some days. Usually the screams need to be a cuss word. Why? I have no idea. HOWEVER, there has been a study done to help prove that swearing actually relieves pain!
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=why-do-we-swear
Phil forwarded this to me. He is hoping that our 16 year old son, Philip, doesn't find this article.
So... swear away, parental units! It will ease the pain!

Kel

Whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!

So, after I blogged yesterday, I went to find my keys to take Kara (8 y/o) to an appointment and could not find my keys! They were locked IN THE VAN! Phil had his keys with him in Burlington, MA, where he works. SOOOOO, I was stranded home with my six kids PLUS my nephew (15 y/o boy!). I was able to catch my mother inlaw before she left the house to take me and the littles to Kara's appointment. THANK YOU, MEME! Then, it was home...... *sigh*
Don't get me wrong; I like being stuck home sometimes. It forces me to catch up on cleaning and all the mundane stuff that I really hate doing and try to put off. SO, I got home...... the trash guys and recycling guys came. If you live in Concord, you know that we now have a Pay As You Throw trash/recycling...errr... thing here. I thought I did pretty good but the BestWay trash guys didn't think so (again! week 2...ugh). They took my recycling, no problem. My trash can had a big sticker on it saying my trash wasn't separated, which they are right. I tossed my full purple bags in the can, and then cleaned out my car and threw that on top of the purple bags in the can. Result? They didn't any trash! The worst part? The bottom bag was leftover from LAST weeks's trash and was all gross and maggoty! SOOOO, I had to rebag the car trash and double bag the maggoty one because it was smelling up the neighborhood. Lots of fun..... since I was playing with the trash anyway, I rinsed out the empty cans and let them air dry. Then, it was off to one of the many dumps on my property; Philip's room (he's 16).
I went armed with a recycling box and a trash bag and a hamper. Surprisingly, lots of recyclables and not much trash... lots of laundry though.... not sure all of it was actually dirty but his room was starting to get "funky" so it had to be done.
After all that fun, I took the littles to the city pool. That was nice! The girls had fun, and I actually read a magazine! hooray!
Softball game last night..... we lost... but we had so much fun. I just love to play. We play on a interdenominational church league in the area. My 15 and 16 year old boys play and my husband and I play. My boys are always shocked at the fact that I usually know what I am doing when it comes to sports. :)

OK.... now I have to plan today... work in the morning.... lunch with Grandma Kathryn.... something, something and something else....

Kel

I call THIS a "diet" because....

... it makes me want to PUKE!

That was probably the funniest thing I heard yesterday from my sister, Sally. Not that puking is funny, or dieting for that matter. Brian and his girlfriend were all wrapped up in each other, sitting on laps, etc and Sally said "I call that a "diet"... because you are making me want to PUKE!" High-fives were in order for that one.

Ok, backing up the bus..... LONG day yesterday with the teenagers but they and I survived. Went to the Weirs.... swam in the lake (I didn't). I think "ice out" happened Friday! That water was FREEZING! I can only imagine what the ocean feels like if the lake is still that cold. We did go-karts, batting cages, ice cream, fried dough and mini golf. The teens in my car watched a horror film on the way to and from the Weirs.... it at least kept them down to a dull roar, although the movie was loud.

Brian's girlfriend DID manage to crash her go-kart AND get pooped on by a bird. Both of which I took pictures of. :)

That was during the day... by 6:45p we were back at home and family was awaiting to wish Brian "happy birthday". We had pizza and cake and sat around the fire pit.

Other than the usualy teenage nonsense that goes along with having teenagers, it was a great day. The weather was gorgeous!

Back to a normal Monday.... appointment at 9 for Kara....summer school for the boys(2 of them)... then lots of laundry and princess party planning as we have Sara turning four next weekend! Parties abound on Noyes Street!

We are getting spoiled by the sun! Now I gotta sort my recycling......

kel

Happy Birthday, Mancub!

Today Brian turns 15! This is his first birthday with the Denoncourt's! :) He wants to spend the day at the Weirs with a few friends and then tonight we will have family over for pizza and ice cream cake. (I digress for a minute here.... I am a pro cake decorator. Not one of my kids order regular cake for their birthday... Sara excluded. She actually doesn't EAT cake, just ice cream but she wants a princess castle cake this year, which I will not make out of ice cream.)
He, PJ and Phil went to the Sox v Royals. GREAT game to be at! Sox annialated the Royals. :)
I must start packing enough sandwiches and snacks for 12 (10 teens, 2 adults) which really means about 450 sandwiches and 125 bags of chips and 2 salads.
Good news! CVS is offering a photo book FREE after ECBs this week! I will make a photo book of Brian's birthday for Brian. I think he'll like that. :)
Hmmm.... Just heard Ben..... he hasn't been to sleep yet... and we leave to the beach in a few hours.... Hope he doesn't burn when he falls asleep on the sand today. And he better hope none of the teens bring a Sharpie! He'll be in big trouble then....
Yesterday was a party day... All good.... no time for planning or anything except partying and enjoying friends. :)
Alright, off to make the sandwiches..... enjoy the sun... again!!

Kellie

Busy day ahead...

So, in order for me to actually function, I need to make lists. If things are not written down, they do not exist and therefore do not happen. For instance, my kids will tell you that I have missed early release from school pick-up times on several occasions. We also have a SERIOUSLY delayed tooth fairy. I am not sure she has ever made it here on the first night a tooth is under a pillow. Both of these instances are small things, which is why they probably do not get put on any list, hence, they are forgotten and do not happen!
I have not made today's list yet but it will consist of, Brownie Pool Party 10-12, Birthday shopping with Brian and Meme 11-1, Livie's party 2-4, Boys off to Red Sox game 3:30-late, Randy's party 6-?, decorate Randy's cake before Randy's party, make lots of sandwiches for tomorrow (Brian's Beach Birthday), and hit the store for tomorrow's party supplies(beach party 11-6, family party 6-?). Now, I will have made this "to-do" list but now, as you can see, I have to also make a grocery list. I will have to put "make grocery list" on my "to-do" list or that, too, will not be done. It seems funny, and it is, but it's my reality!
So, I am off to do my lists...... I hope I don't forget anything, or anybody. One or both is very possible these days....

Kellie

The Sun came out??

I didn't think it was possible that my skin could be whiter than it was this winter but here I am; a blinding shade of ghost-white.... close to that burning white flame from welding that you shouldn't look directly at because it will burn your retinas. The sun will be out again for a second day in a row and I might actually be able to enjoy it this afternoon!
My mom is taking Brian birthday shopping today. I will be tagging along as the two of them are still getting to know each other. I am sure it will go fine. :)
Anyway, That's today's babble..... enjoy the sun! It looks to be a pretty decent weekend weatherwise! :)

Kel

news flash!

OK... so yes, I am blogging TWICE in the same day but only to share with you an article that I do live by. My dear husband, Phil, forwarded it to me and it is PERFECTION. It's only fair that I share it with you (the one person who will actually read this blog!)
http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2009/07/everything-i-know-about-parenting-i-learned-from-mythbusters/

Print this one out! Make several copies and wallpaper your living room with it. I am sure Adam won't mind. ;)

Kellie

Happy Thursday!

It's Weight Watchers weigh-in day for me and my awesome Thursday morning crew. I thought I had been good this week but my at-home scale says otherwise. We'll see.... the WW scale is the truth teller. :)
Boy #2 (Brian) spent a second night with his friend at their lakehouse. He called and left me a phone message and said he had alot of fun stories to tell me.... in addition to calling me "mom". More on that at another time... perhaps a blog devoted to it. Brian moved in with us this past January. That's all I will say for now. :) I do love and adore that boy....
Girl # 2 (Kara) had her friend spend the night last night. I DETEST sleepovers but we have them here often. The rule is only one extra kid can sleep here on any given night.
Boys #1 and #3 are off to summer school today again.... doing well.... thank God!
Girl #1 is leaving to look around Boston with her bff for the day. Stay safe and make good choices, captain!
Ok, which one am I missing... OH.... Girl #3, aka, Princess Sara, who will be 4 next week. LOVED the Hannah Montant movie yesterday. I actually think the boys even enjoyed it a little. I admit, I cried! I am PMS, however so that explains THAT.
Ok... I'm off to weigh-in. WIsh me luck!

Kel

3 minutes to spare...

SO i have to pick up one child in 3 minutes. Here's the blog:
boy #3 grounded for staying up late when he has a bedtime now due to summer school.
Boy #1 not grounded but will be cleaning the basement since he stayed up as well, just not as late...
Boy #2 is with a friend, who he gets in trouble with and today is no exception. Prank call to me and to his stepfather. Mine was harmeless, the other was not.
Girl #1 the bf is here so I cannot leave them alone for 5 seconds. I am not old enough to be a grammy.
girl #2 woke up at 9:30 and we be seeing the Hannah Montana movie at the $3.50 theater this afternoon. All grounded people will be coming with. :)
Girl #3 needs to be picked up where she will cry because she cannot play with Wyatt and Thea 24/7/365.
Husband #1 did a budget spreadsheet where I refused to look at it. He made coffee to travel with today other than DD coffee.

Just another day in paradise...... with more rain forecasted! oh yay!

Kel

another fun day!

It's raining again! Thank God! The mushrooms in my yard were starting to shrivel!

So, I was awaken by the city street pavers this morning pounding on my front door. I need to pull my car in the driveway further because the asphalt eater was on its way! Have you ever have your road chewed up and paved? Well, it's nothing short of a 3.5 Earthquake only louder and for hours on end. Lots of fun.

Nothing too major to blog about today. The boys were great. Church softball ACTUALLY played last night with no rain-out and the Blackflies won! Yay team! Nice homer, Brian! (from what I hear) I wasn't able to make it to the game. Kara had a party and then I forgot that Melissa Thone was pitching me some Cutco knives. I tried to just give her a check for HER and not buy knives but she wouldn't go that way so I bought two knives. I will be displaying them under glass in my home when they arrive.

I am in the midst of planning birthdays; Brian this Sunday and Sara on the 20th. Not to mention the several birthday parties between now and then and cakes to be made! I just had a request for Dolphin cake.... i'll research that......

I am at work at the moment... leaving soon. told the kiddos to pick up the basement. We'll see if 3 hours was enough time for them to get off the couch and move....

and yes, Phil..... I bought you some Splenda. I had a coupon. :)

Kel

OK..... so I forgot I had a blog! Not to mention, there are six kids PLUS running amuck at any given time in my life. Forgive me, for I have sinned... it has been 2 months since my last blog.

I can't back track. Everyday, is an adventure, which is why I should blog an entry EVERYDAY. Short-term memory loss.... and I don't want to ever forget these fabulous days of teenager-hood! (*cough*).

I have survived (barely!) the first two weeks of summer vacation! yay me! More importantly, the lovely children have survived!

Two are off to summer school, two are off to weight training for football, one is at a physical for college, and four are still asleep. Hold up.....that's nine kids! oh wait, my dear Fru-Gal, Robin, has lent me two of hers..... and one of the boys off to summer school is ALSO weight training. ok, clearly I need more caffeine this morning.
The list for the day is longer than usual. Hectic weekend bumped my routine. I must be honest; my routine is only routine for about 36 hours at MOST and then several wrenches get thrown into it and "shoes" keep falling..... often people wait for "the other shoe to drop", alas, it rains shoes at my house. Gotta roll with it; when life gives you shoes, make sure they at least are cute. :)

Purple trashbags today, Softball tonight, work tomorrow, next three weekends are all birthday weekends.... no rest for the weary.

Keep the frugal feast coming, Suz and Robin! I need them!

MamaOnTheLoose

It's about TIME!

I have been really meaning to start "journalling" my dailies and it hasn't happened and then it hit me; I can start blogging! Same thing, right? kinda...
Anyway, let me intro myself: I am Kellie Denoncourt. I am 36 years old. I live in NH. I have six children. Four of them are biological and two are special gifts from God. I love all six more than anything! I also have a great husband, Phil. He is very straight forward and grounded and keeps my irrational brain at bay.
I am hoping to be able to get my thoughts and daily nonsense out here on the blog. If no one reads this, great. If someone reads it, great. I just kow that if I do not write these crazy things down, I will never remember them and I want to remember them. I also believe it's therapeutic to get things down on paper..err.... virtual paper?
So anyway, this is the intro. Questions are welcome. No nonsense to really speak of so far today. All six were able to get off to school without consquence! (hooray!) That is an event in itself. It is "Julia Day" today for Brian (14 y/0). This is Brians "gf" who will be hanging out here after school today. He made his bed, even! I hope he doesn't think she will actually see that made bed... time to start laundry and pick up the downstairs!

More Later...
Kellie