September 11th....

I remember it like it was yesterday.  I had just started working at Office Max as a Manager and I was heading into the Brookfield store to do some training.  I was listening to 94.5 and Riteman and Miller were on the air.  They came on with breaking news as I was sitting at the corner of Capital Dr. and 124th St .   A plane has apparently crashed into one of the towers of the World Trade Center.  I personally thought that some pilot must have had a heart attack and lost control of his plane.  I went into work and didn't think twice about it.  I didn't even say anything to anyone else about it because I really didn't think much of it.  Little did I know that within a matter of a half hour the world as I knew it would be changed forever.  Office Max was so slow that day.  We were allowed to watch a little bit on the break room T.V.  Around noon, the staff offered that if you wanted to leave you were allowed to go home.

Dan and I were living in Cedar Grove at the time.  It was just the 2 of us.  No kids...no nothing.  We lived right next door to a church and we went to a prayer service there in the evening.  It was unreal.  It was sad. It was tragic.

I can hardly believe we are remembering September 11th from 10 years ago.  Where has the time gone?  As we drove to church today, Dan and I talked to the kids about what happened 10 years ago.  I know we fully don't grasp the tragedy of that day as neither one of us knew anyone that was killed or injured.  However, we know there were many heroes that day that gave their life to try and save others.  We were able to explain to them that we don't know when our last day will be....but that is why we have faith.  That is why we trust God.  I am sure one day they will learn about it in school.  I am sure one day they will be able to better understand how horrific that day was.  For right now...all we can do is raise our kids to know God and teach them how much we love them and how much God loves them.

The world has changed in the last 10 years.  My life has changed in the past 10 years.  However, I will NEVER forget what happened that day.  I won't forget the number of lives that were lost.  I won't forget how the World stopped turning on that September day.

Confession....

I have a confession.  One that I am not proud of.  One that I wish I didn't feel the need to tell you.  Okay, are you ready?  I hope you don't look at me differently.....I hope you don't think I am a bad person...or a bad wife....or a bad mom.  Ready?  Okay this is taking a lot for me here!~

I...haven't....cleaned...our shower......in like........6 months!  

Phew, I said it.  

I bought some new Magic Eraser bathroom cleaner pad well over 2 months ago.  They have sat in our bathroom even since.  They have been calling my name.  "susan....use us....clean your shower with us....we will make it so easy for you...."

I broke down yesterday and did it!  I had high hopes of getting the whole upstairs cleaned.  I started with the shower and that is where I stopped as well.  

It was bad...It was really bad.  I threw away empty bottles, at least 5 razors, and perhaps a few old rubber bands.  Have you disowned me yet?  Do you never want to speak to me again? 

It didn't take that long.  The Mr. Clean magic erasers for the bathroom really work great!  With just one wipe, the scum and dirt was gone.  Seriously...and they are not even paying me to say this!  (but if they want too....awesome!)  

After I cleaned the shower Lanie crawled in and wanted to play.  Then Gavin came in.  They sat and played in the shower and I cleaned the rest of the bathroom.  

It looks so clean.  It look so sparkly.  Yeah for me.  Hopefully it won't be another 6 months.  I should be In the nesting phase soon so that should help!

Please don't judge me.  I don't have a cleaning lady.  I don't have a husband that cleans.  My kids help me some....but they don't get it "Mommy clean" as we call it here.  I wish we could afford for someone to clean our bathrooms and wipe up our floors once a week or even once a month.

How often do you clean your shower?  How often do you wipe up your floors?  Are your houses oh so sparkly?  If they are....please don't come over to my house.  I try....I really do.....it is a constant cycle with 6 kids.    Good news is...they don't care if it is clean or not...so I have started to not care!  Is that bad?

It's Finally Friday, Hey! Hey!

Where did the week go?  Sometimes I feel like I am in a tornado.  I am going to grace you with a few highlights from my week.  

1. My friend, Erin, took Gavin and Kenadie after preschool on Wednesday....until 6:30 at night!  Lanie took a 5 hour nap that day!  Yes, 5 hours.....do you think someone might need some quiet time once in a while?  

2. I got to go out to breakfast with Amy and Erin this week....yummy!

3.  My Cricut broke....then I let it sit for a few days and it must have fixed itself!

4.  Gavin told me yesterday I was his "best Mom in his whole life."  (I am sure today that will change when I tell him he can't have a snack!)

5. I got a lot of medical dictation done this week.....put in a lot of hours!

6.  I started Christmas shopping.  I am going to be ahead of the game this year....I need to be!

7.  Baby boy has been moving around lots!  I LOVE to feel him move.  (we still haven't settled on a name...or I should say I haven't gotten to "official" okay yet!)

8.  I FINALLY was able to get a thank you out to the CEO of Hanna Andersson...which included some pictures of the kids!  

9.  I am loving that we decided to not enroll each of our kids in a different activity this fall.  We are spending more time together as a family!

10.  I stopped at a random garage sale today and picked up some awesome stuff at a cheap price!

Okay....and now some low points....

1. Lanie has between 4 and 6 teeth all trying to poke through at one time.  She is miserable.  You can see them all....just bulging in her gums...waiting to come through :(

2. Our 2 dumb cats keep peeing in our canvas laundry baskets with dirty clothes in....I do not need this in my life....the cats HAVE got to go..... :(

3.  I can't get my bed made every day...I don't even try anymore....way too many other more important things to be doing...but I wish I would do it :(

4.  Dan wants to go on a date....he wants me to plan it....can you say "romantic?"  I'll get right on that! (one day he will surprise me and plan something on his own....one day!)

5.  I haven't been the best at preparing meals this week...when I put a lot of work hours in..the house and home kinda goes to shambles.  

6.  I HATE stepping on cat litter....the cats need to go!

7.  I wasn't able to do devotions last night with the kids....I was at a meeting.

8.  The cats are putting holes in our screens....need I say more?

Okay, that is enough negativity now.  

Onto our Teacher Treat Friday!  I have this awesome idea for the teachers....I wanted to do it this week, but I just didn't have the time.  So, last minute (as in yesterday morning) I decided to make them Chocolate Covered Strawberries.  I cut out a "thank you" strawberry card on my Cricut and wrote " thank you "berry" much!" on the inside.  I made 16 plates to hand out.  I had no extras.  There are just way too many people to thank.  For some reason, they didn't turn out as nicely as I had hoped.  My chocolate wasn't melting right.  

 I wrapped them up and took them to school.  The girls really enjoy being able to hand them to their teachers.  Molly asked my why I was doing this for them.  I was able to explain to the kids that it is important in life to tell people that we are thankful for them.  Something so small can make someone feel so good!

I hope you have had a good week!  We have a marathon day of soccer tomorrow!  4 soccer games in a row!  I am sure there will be lots of pictures to post!  Look for another give away next week...it's that time again!

Highlights of a Great Week!

I haven't forgotten about you all!  I have just been crazy busy!  I haven't blogged in almost a week.  Let me catch you up!  (cause I know you have all dying to know what is going on in our lives! HA!)

We had a great Labor Day weekend.  Saturday I was actually able to get out of the house by 9:30 a.m. and head to Brookfield for the day.  I went with some great friends to Brookfield Square and then out to lunch at the Olive Garden!  With NO kids!  Just us 3 moms.  Talking...and shopping!  Then we battled our way through Sam's Club.  Suggestion:  Don't go to Sam's on  a Saturday afternoon.  Total Chaos!  

Saturday night , Dan and I rented the Lincoln Lawyer.  If you know me...you know I only like romantic comedies.  I am not a fan of action suspense.  Lincoln Lawyer is total action suspense.  Yup...I had nightmares Saturday night.  I am going to stick to my romantic comedies!  

Sunday morning we headed to church.  My sister, brother-in-law, nephew, and niece met us there.  Church is always easier with a few extra sets of hands.  After church we headed back to our house to spend the day with family!  

 Here is a sneaky shot of my friend, Erin.  She stopped over with a very sweet surprise for us!  When I was at Gymboree with her on Saturday I found an outfit for the baby that I really liked.  It wasn't on that good of a sale, so I didn't get it.  Erin had gotten it for me and dropped it off!  Thanks Erin!  He will look adorable in it....!

 Don't mind Lanie's crazy hair.  She had just woken up from a nap and she pulls her pony tail holders out!  Here is my sister, Dawn, and Lanie.  Lanie is warming up to more people every day!

 Here is Uncle Hugh.... or my brother-in-law!  They were giving me a hard time as usual...so now they get their picture on my blog.  Hugh came out to watch the baseball game that was taking place.

 Gavin and his best buddy, Christian, were playing baseball together.  Gavin calls my nephew, Christchy.  Anyways, Christian is a very good baseball player so he was giving Gavin some pointers.  Gavin was being, well, Gavin.  When Christian didn't aim the ball just right at Gavin....Gavin would yell at Christian and tell him it was all his fault that he missed the ball.  Again....Gavin is NEVER at fault here!

 Auntie Dawn took Lanie over to the swings and pushed her.  Lanie LOVES to swing.  Lanie doesn't always get the chance to swing.  Can you tell from her big smile how much she loves to have the attention?

 I think she could swing all day.  This brings back memories of when Sadie was a baby.  My brother and sister-in-law bought us this swing set when Sadie was just a baby and Molly was a little over a year.  I can remember pushing them in this same swing.  Ok...change subject before tears come!

 And then there is my awesome brother, Brian.  He drove ALL the way from Mequon to spend the day with us.  As soon as he got here, the girls left.  My sister and sister-in-law and I headed to Johnson Creek to spend some time together.  I think Brian felt left out.  This is what the guys do when they are over.  They sit and goof off on the couch while the ladies shop or make them food.  Dan called to inform me while we were shopping that the men were getting hungry.  Of course, we left right away and headed home to take care of them and prepare them their dinner!  They are so lucky to have us!  We love having them all over and wish they would drive ALL the way out by us more often!  The kids play so nicely together and it is great to spend time with them all!

Monday, Labor Day, we stayed at home.  I worked all day and the kids played outside the whole day.  It was a nice day.  Dan even got some "game" time in too!  We had no where to be....no one to clean for....and just a great day to relax!

The kids each made a home outside...here is Molly and Gavin's home.  It took them the whole day to set up their towns....and then they had to clean them up!

Soccer is in full swing and we have gotten used to the school routine.  We have even been making it to school super early!  (And I am even getting a shower in EVERY morning!)  I am trying to learn how to balance working, 6 kids, the house hold duties, meals, volunteering, sports, being a wife, and taking time for myself as well-not an easy thing to do....but I am trying and having fun while doing it!

Friday Fun and pictures of Baby Boy...and it's only noon!

Ok, this picture was from yesterday, but I thought I would share.  Gavin doesn't have school on Thursdays so his clothes were not laid out the night before.  This is what he picked out to wear to take his sisters to school in!  The orange pants are fleece lined too.  It was 98 degrees here yesterday.  I did make him put a shirt on, but he still chose to wear the tie.  Then he proceeded to ask me for a snack every 2 minutes from 8:30 until 11:15.  I am not kidding.  He had 2 bowls of cereal, 1 banana, 1 yogurt, 1 cereal bar, 3 kid size bowls of dry cheerios...all before 11:00 a.m.  He sure does keep me on my toes!  

 I decided to set a couple of goals for myself this school year.  I shared some with you...some I didn't.  One of my goals is to do something special for the teachers every Friday of the school year.  Let's face it, teachers are with our kids more during the day than we are.  We have teacher appreciation week...but I wanted to make them feel appreciated for more than 1 week!  So I had this grand idea to make today "Fast Food Friday."

 I made everything....the french fry holders, the food holders, the burgers, and the fries.  The cookies are made out of vanilla wafers, mint cookies, and icing.  I actually did a demonstration speech on how to make these when I was in college.  I got and A, of course!  So, I couldn't just give them burgers, so why not make fries?  The fries are made out of sugar cookie dough.  I won't lie...they were messy to make and they took a bit longer than I had wanted.

 How can you not love the end product, though?  The kids helped hand them out to all the teachers.  Some ate them right away...some wanted to save them.  I didn't tell them that I am going to do something for them every Friday....I just will.  Maybe they will catch on, maybe they won't.  I hope they don't expect something this fancy every Friday, though.  Next week it could be a bag of candy!


After we delivered our fast food, Dan came with me and Lanie to my ultrasound appointment.  We walked into the hospital with just Lanie.  I can't tell you what a weird feeling that is...to only have one.  It was quiet, it was easy, it felt a little empty.  I was glad we didn't have all the kids with us, but we still missed them.  And do not fear....I have to go for an ultrasound every Friday starting next month....the kids have off of school 3 or 4 Fridays in a row.....I know on those Fridays I will have to look back and remember that I missed them today!

Here are some pictures of .........baby boy.  I almost typed his name...but I still am waiting for the official "yes" from Dan.  Oh, and we won't tell you anyways!

                                                    Here is a profile view of baby #7!

 This one is kinda scary, but here is a shot of his face from straight one...and a hand making a fist,  I think!

                                                This shot is of his hands up over his head!

 Okay, this might be hard to see, but this is a 4-D shot of him!  You can see his face a little bit.  His eyes are closed and you can see his nose.  I about cried when I saw this!  What a precious miracle he is already!

 Here is another shot with his hands over his head.  Can you see his eyes and nose?  You can see his fingers!

Then he got sick of us and put his hand straight across his face.  He was done.  He wanted to to sleep and stop being poked at.  He wanted to practice his breathing and work on growing.

I am measuring 2 week ahead.  He weighs 1 pound 12 ounces.  I am so in love already!  Kinda made me think about having #8.  Don't tell Dan!  Oh, that reminds me.  I met a mom yesterday that just had her 8th baby.  Two of her girls are on our kids soccer teams.  It was nice to talk to her.  It was nice to compare lives with her.  Her oldest is 15, though.  My oldest is 8.  I met another Mom at the pool this summer that had 6.  Again, very nice and normal.  We don't have to ask each other "how do you do it" or "are you done yet?"  We kinda just know!

Things are Lookin' Up!

The first day of school was awesome!  Everyone LOVED their teachers and everyone was excited to go back again today!  You can't ask for much more.  It was a good day!

When the kids came home from school they got busy doing their after school duties so they could play.  Soccer practices have started as well so we are back into doing practices 2-3  times a week.  Molly is on a 3 & 4 grade team this year and Abbie and Sadie on our a team together for 1 and 2 grade.  Kenadie is even going to play this year on a pre k-4 team.  The girls have an awesome coach that works them hard and teaches them tons.  They have practice 2 times a week for 1 1/2 hours each practice.  It's a long practice, but it is great exercise for them.  I know it doesn't seem like exercise to them, but they love playing and it is good for them too!

Ok, anyways, the kids asked if they could play outside after school.  It was drizzling just a little and they wanted to play in the rain.  Without really paying attention, I told them they could and off they went.  Then I saw this.....  

 I didn't mind that the girls kept on their school clothes....but come on Gavin!  Boxer briefs and nothing else?  I couldn't help but laugh when I saw this.  Only Gavin can pull this look off!

How can you not laugh when you see this?  He makes my heart smile!  

 As I was taking pictures of Gavin in his boxer briefs...Lanie escaped.  She crawled right out the patio door onto the deck.  I LOVE this picture of her reaching up to Sadie.  Lanie LOVES  her siblings.  She doesn't know any different than getting attention from someone at all times.  This is why I LOVE having a big family.  It warms my heart to see the kids interact with her.  Lanie missed the older girls when they were at school yesterday.

 She just wanted to be with them.  She could hear them playing outside so she crawled to the door and stood herself up.  Then she started yelling for them.  Then when no one came, she started to cry.  Of course, Sadie ran right over to talk to her.  I can't tell you how much Lanie looks up to them.

 Then this ran by.  Sorry for the fuzzy picture, but I was taking through the screen.  I didn't want to open the door and have Lanie escape again.  I asked Gavin to smile....and this is what I got.  

 I love him to pieces.  I am ready and happy to take on the challenge of another little boy!  If this little boy in my tummy grows up to be anything like his big brother....I am going to be doing a lot of laughing!

 Gavin got to go to school today.  This morning was a good morning.  Everyone woke up and did what they needed to do.  I even took a shower!  No yelling, no crying, no complaining, and happy hearts all around!  We even left a little early!

 Gavin was so happy to be going back to school!  He was a little concerned that Kenadie wouldn't be in his class with him...but he was just fine.  He walked in, put his backpack away, put his name tag away, and went to play.  I will admit....I am a little sad this morning.  I am at home...with Lanie sleeping.  I miss Gavin asking me for a snack every 2 minutes.....I miss him wanting to give me a kiss.

 Here they all are as we headed into school.  I know people feel that when I dress the kids the same they don't have their own style or personality.  When it comes to school...they are on their own.  They can pick out their own outfits and do their hair how they want.  ( I do have to approve that it matches, though!)

Molly and Sadie were so cute today.  They each picked out their outfits together.  Then they put on their big sister/little sister necklaces.  I am so glad they are best sister friends.  I am glad they each have someone to talk to at night.  I am so glad they read together.  Molly has been reading a devotion book to Sadie at night.

Things are better here.  Things are MUCH better here!  Even though we had a rough week, we have moved on.  My kids make me extremely proud.  They make me smile.   They make me want to be a better mom.  So I am trying.  I am going to try and volunteer more at their school this year.  I am starting a Mom's Bible study at their school!  I am doing a devotion with them every night.  I know it's not  a big change...but it's something!  The laundry can wait....the cleaning can wait....

I am happy....I am very happy!  I am even going to lunch today with a great friend....with only 3 kids!  Hopefully when I pick Gavin up from school today, he won't just be in his boxer briefs!

The 1st Day of School Has Come! It's about time.....!

I won't deny it....I was counting down the days.  Don't judge me.  Until you come live a summer in my shoes, you won't know what it is like!  I love each and every one of my kids beyond words.  I want what is best for them.  I want them to be safe.  I want them to be happy.  I want them to be challenged.  I think sending them to school does that for them. We have talked about homeschooling before....it just isn't for us.  

So off they go!  I will admit, this morning didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked.  Gavin had a HUGE breakdown this morning.  Ready for this....his legs were too tired to walk down the stairs and get his clothes on.  His poor legs...that he just rested for the past 10-11 hours.  Yup, I guess getting out of his bed and walking 10 feet to the stair really wore those legs out!  So, he screamed for a good 20 minutes.  Then Lanie knew something was up.  She knew her world was going to change today.  She wasn't happy. Her Molly, Sadie, and Abbie were leaving her.  She spent most of the morning crying as well.  Then Kenadie lost it.  Her socks didn't feel "right" in her shoes.  <insert freak out here>

 Sadie got up and did her thing.  She did her chores and was ready to go.  No freak out from Sads!

 Abbie was all set to go too!  We could tell she was a bit nervous for 1st grade....but she was excited too!

 Molly was up and ready early!  She was happy to go back to school and be a big 3rd grader now.  Oh my, where did the last 9 years go?  I can't still remember so clearly her 1st day of Pre-K 3.

 Here is Kenadie, sucking it up, for a school picture.  Can you tell how uncomfortable she is?  She did manage to pull it together after we got in the van!

 The four girls ready for school.  Kenadie is still crying and Gavin is running around angry because his school doesn't start until tomorrow!

 We were right on time.  Not the 15 minutes early I wanted to be....but we weren't late....we were there at the last second possible!

I told you Kenadie pulled it together.  She went right into playing and was so excited.  When I picked her up, she told me that school was actually a lot of fun.  When I asked her why...she said, "Because Gavin wasn't there....it was actually more fun without him."  Oh my....

I should have left 5 minutes ago to go pick them up ....I better get going.  Gavin, Lanie, and Kenadie are all napping and I have to go wake them up.  Oh how I have missed the 1:00 nap time at our house!  I have actually been able to work in quiet for the past hour!  Ok...really I better go......