Haylee-Bug

I wonder if Haylee will be 40 years old and I will still be calling her Haylee-bug. Probably, lol. Haylee is my helper. She is always asking me if there's anything I need help with. She's a lot like Colby with that. She has a giggle that will put a smile on anybodys face. If the baby is fussing, then she tries to get to him before I do. She has such a kind heart and is going to be a great mom someday.

One of the perks to helping without being asked is I am a lot more leanient on her. It is now way past bedtime, and all the squad is in bed. All but Haylee, lol. She is nestled up on the couch watching t.v.

And even though this is my sanity time, she gets to stay up late and just chill out.
This is one of my favorite times of the day. All my kiddos are tucked in bed, safe and warm. I get to play on my computer, watch t.v. (a whole movie if I want!!) or talk to my hubby uninterupted. The house is quiet and peacefull. So, now I'm going to turn off my computer, and go watch a movie with my daughter. Nighters!!!!

Dogs

Our dogs are awesome. They put up with a lot from the babies, but never ever bite. Even when stepped on, slobbered on, and had their ears pulled. To me, a dog is part of your family. They love unconditionally.
These are our dogs, Dazey and Jessie. Jessie is Dazey's puppy, and is only 17 months younger. They are short-legged Jack Russell's.

They have been dressed up in baby clothes on days when the kids just had to find something to do.
They have survived 8 kids and are still well behaved. We watch home movies of the kids, and the dogs are always in the background. They love my kids, and my kid love them.

I Am Thankfull

Today Scott and I was on our way out of an appointment we had when we noticed a homeless man on the street near our car. Scott nodded and said hello as we passed by. As I was putting the baby in the car, the man walked over to the car and asked us if we had 3 quarters he could have. I said sure, and opened the center console in my car where the change dispenser is, and there just happened to be 3 quarters in the stack. I handed them over and he said with a grin from ear to ear I just made his day. As we drove off I thought about it. 3 quarters made his day. How often do we all take for granted something as small as 3 quarters? He was filthy. As he reached for the change his hands were black with dirt. When he walked away his pants were ripped in the back and his bare skin was showing. Who knows what purpose 3 quarters had for him, but it was a very, very small price to pay to make someones day.

Tonight as I started cleaning up dinner, I started thinking about him again. I looked at this mess.....

and instead of dreading the dinner clean-up, I thought about how happy he would of been to get a home cooked meal. To sit in a comfortable chair with people around him that cared for him. To have clean hands and some money in his pocket. 26 minutes later, my kitchen was clean.

And I am thankful god showed me a different outlook today.

I have no name for this

I got 6 loads of laundry done today. Go me! But the bedding didn't get done so tomorrow I'll atempt it again. I have BBQ ribs cookin right now. The kids came home from school and let me know how yummy the house smells. I just need to go throw my potato salad together then dinner will be ready.

They all took turns telling me about their day in school. Caden had a fire safety day. He has informed me we need an escape plan. He is correct! I have talked to the kids about what to do if there's a fire, but its been a while since the last talk and Caden wasn't paying attention. Imagine that, huh? Haylee brought all her little scented hand sanitizers to school, and now the whole classroom asks her daily for some. I know she loves the attention, and its a good way to get her talking to other kids, so I don't mind the fact that we are gonna be paying more visits to bath and Body works. Shelby tells me all about the different kids in her class. Who's annoying, who cracks her up. Today a kid named Jack (he's Asian) wacked another kid in the back of the head and said, that's how we say Hi in Japan.

I love that they come home and tell me all about their days. Keeps us close to each other, and I hope it's something that never changes.

After chores and homework they all went out back to soak in the sun.

 Caden loves popcorn as an after school snack.

Haylee just chillin by the fence

So of course a few lil brothers had to do it too....

Yes, Chason is still in his jammas. I have learned not to sweat the small stuff......especially when we didn't have to go anywhere today.

 And here's Miss Rain doing her thing on the trampoline.

Pretty soon the weather will be changing, so we need to take advantage of these days!

Jitters

Scott started a new job today. He is gonna be working evenings for a few days, so today he was home till 3:30 p.m. It totally threw my day off! I only got 1 load of laundry done, and I had planned on washing sheets today, so tomorrow is going to be a laundry day from hell. I usually wash 3-4 loads everyday. So if I have to wash bedding of any kind, its an all day affair. I HATE getting behind on laundry. That's why it rarely happens.

Back to Scott's new job. Its a lot more money for us. And with all these kiddos, money kinda comes in handy. They also have great benefits, which is something we haven't had for a long time. And best of all......insurance on the day he starts! He was a little nervous when he left. New job jitters. On Saturday he'll be going to New Mexico for 2 weeks. Its a lot of changes for him. He is always trying to make a better life for me and the kids. I hope all goes well for him tonight. I will be thinking of him often!

Ranch anyone??

So today I got away with just the babies and Caden. Since Travis doesn't talk much Caden got my full attention. So he starts telling me his typical Caden stories. Who would win in a fight between grandpa and a crocodile? What is ear wax made of? Why don't cats like to jump on the trampoline? Stuff like that. Pretty soon he gets quiet so I knew he must of been thinking of a doosey of a question. When I hear, hey mom, I was ready.

If you need some Ranch, just let me know.

What? Ranch dressing? I glance back and sure enough he had produced a plastic cup of ranch from his pocket. He said he saved it from his lunch just in case anyone needed some. That kid.....oye......

Football Friday

I went to Colby's game today with only 3 of my kiddos with me. Was kinda strange to only have to answer questions coming from 1 kid. I am sure if both of the babies could, they woulda been asking a million questions too. It was really hot, but totally worth it. Colby's team won 28-0! Those boys (oh and 1 girl) were so fired up. Here they are before they took the field.

Football is one sport he loves to play. When he was first starting out, he would tell me his favorite thing was hearing the crack of his helmet and pads when he hit someone.

I am so glad he has something that holds his interest and keeps him out of trouble. We love going to the games and cheering him on. You meet other parents, and it gives us all something to look forward to. Oh, and there's the added bonus of me not having to cook. I declared Fridays no cook days. By the time the game is over and I have waited for him to come outta the locker room, its just too late to start dinner and have to clean up. So see......its a win-win situation!

Scenes from a car

This is what I hear.....mom mom mom mom mom mom...........

This is what I say....what? what? what? what? Cavin!!! What?

This is what he says to me......MOM! I am talking to me.  

Huh????

When Travis is sleepy, nothing can stop him from napping...............        

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!!!!

46 years ago you two found each other. Nobody thought you'd make it, but I think you have proved them wrong. You have had a lot of ups and downs, but the ups and downs are what makes life worth living. We all have obstacles in life, but when you can hit them head on together, you can conquer anything. I know it sounds cheesy, but you two really are meant for each other. The fact that you have been through 46 years of marriage and are still going strong says a lot. I am proud that you are my parents. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. 

Me and my dad

I was 13 here. This was one of our many camping trips.

   Check out my ma when she was younger! You know she had my dad eating outta her hand.................

This last one is my dad. I love this picture. It was taken when he was in the army. I can see so much of my dad in Colby.
I hope you guys had a fabulous day!

Travis

Cinnamon toast crunch. That's what Travis's hair smells like today. You too can have this wonderful scent in your hair too. All you gotta do is put your bowl of cereal on top of your head. I took a wet cloth to his head twice, but only a bath with some baby shampoo is gonna get rid of this smell.

He LOVES The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. He will fuss and get very loud in the car when it ends until I put it on again. Its quite funny, until about the 10th time it has been on. In a row. Over and over. I can now sing it word for word. As can any other person who happens to be riding in my car.

Every time we go anywhere in the car, he removes his socks and shoes. He likes to be barefoot, just like me, so I understand the need. But when you are out running several errands and have to put them back on him every time single you stop, it can drive ya nuts! Do you know how hard it is to get mad at something that you do too?

How could I get mad at this kid?

Today was a great day. The girls had been looking forward to it for a long time. We had our "fun day" which was the girls, myself (with Troy of course), and even grandma Carol going out and doing whatever we want. We started off at Old Navy, where the girls each picked out flip flops and shirts. I picked out some cute shirts for the babies (Christmas presents) and watched my mom try a bunch of different hats on Shelby. The chick-fil-a cow was there and we all took turns spinning the wheel to win prizes.

The last time Cavin saw this cow he was yelling "Cows can't be dwessed! Cows gotta be naked!" He got a lot of laughs from all the workers at chick-fil-a. We all won something and then went next door to Michael's. Not my pick, but grandma had some awesome new yarn she was soo excited to go buy, and since she don't ask for much, we just had to oblige her.
Next was the mall. Grandma was worried someone might break into my car in search of her precious yarn, but I assured her it would be safe. So we grabbed some lunch. The Mexican food place is gone, so I settled for good ole chick-fil-a. Shelb had Chinese, Hay had pizza, and grandma Carol had Greek. So we had food from all around the world. After lunch we walked over to Aeropostale and got some cute clothes. I picked out a few new shirts for Colby while the girls tried on their clothes. Grandma of course, was checking out the purses.
Bath and body works was our next stop and we got some fun smelly stuff there. Kim will be happy to hear I got some lip gloss.......for me! Can you believe it?

Shelby wanted to go to Hot Topic next so I stayed just outside the front of the store so I could feed the baby. The girls got grandma to come with them by tempting her with hats to look at. She fell in love with the ugly doll hats they had.

She could easily make them, so I am hoping to get some soon......ahem.......mom

Shelby decided to buy some candy. Some very special candy. Candy that had one purpose. To cause my mothers intire face to suck back inside itself.
Yall ever heard of Warheads? If you haven't be afraid. Be very afraid. Or, watch someone else happily take it thinking its normal, juicy candy. Then, sit back and watch. Just make sure you don't have to use the bathroom first. Because if not then the 2nd time this act is done this time on lets say oh......grandpa, then you will surely wet your pants.

Sorry, dad, ma. But thanks for the good times...........

Date Night......kinda

Well we snuck off to a movie last night. Just me, Scott, and my sidekick lil Troy. It was Shelby's turn to babysit, so she was excited we finally went out so she could earn some money. I do not expect my older kids to babysit. I think they should be allowed to still be teens and have fun too. I also HATE it when people assume because I have a bunch of kids that I make my big kids take care of my little kids. I am the mom. That's my job. I used to have both Colby and Shelby babysit together and just split the money, but Shelby hated that, lol. So, the rules are--

1. The kids cannot be miserable while I am gone. If I come home and all I hear is how mean the babysitter was, its the last time they get to earn money.
2. House has to be clean. At least in the same order it was in when I left.
3. All children must still be alive when I get home.

That's it. Its not a lot.
So last night we get home and find black permanent marker all over my white walls. Shelby swears it had to of been Caden. I immediately think of Chase. This morning I check his hands and, well lets just say he was caught red...errr black handed.

Have you heard that hairspray will take marker off walls? Not true, although it will dull it. So now I gotta get a small can of paint at the store. Lovely.

1st day of preschool

Today Cavin and Chason had their very 1st day of preschool. They were both so excited to go! When I gave them their new backpacks you woulda thought I was giving them a million dollars, lol. I dropped them off and Cavin walked v e r y slowly with his teachers into the building, while Chason took off without even giving me a glance back.

I sat in the parking lot for a few minutes crying. Ok  more then a few more like 10. 15 at the most. After I called Scott and he calmed me down I decided to go clean out the car. I went home and tried to keep myself busy so I wouldn't think about my lil boys being gone, and soon it was time to pick them up. They were so excited and were both talking at once. Cavin played in a house and Chason was happy because they gave them a yummy snack. I think its so neat that they can have this first experience together. They go back Wednesday and hopefully by then I will be ok with it..........maybe.

Happy Happy Birthday Shelby!!!

12 years ago, I had my first baby girl. I always wanted a baby named Shelby, ever since I was little, and I was so happy to get her. She was born 4 weeks early, and even though we wanted her to stay put and grow big and healthy, my typical Shelby wouldn't let anyone tell her what to do. She had trouble breathing, and soon they whisked her away in what felt like seconds since they put her in my arms. They got my settled into my post partum room, and then I got the call from the NICU. She had to be placed on a ventalator. I remember going into the bathroom, shutting the door, and just falling to pieces. My baby was sick! I was so scared and felt like I had to of been at fault. The nurses heard me from out at the nurses desk. I didn't realilize I was almost screaming. My blood pressure shot up, and a bunch of nurses came in and tried to calm me down. They gave me something to help me sleep, and when I woke up my eyes were so swollen I could hardly see. I went straight to the NICU and was shocked at how many wires and tubes she had coming out of her. I felt like a horrible mother, and I hadn't even started with her yet. She had all the pokes from needles and had to go through so much pain, and I wasn't even there to hold her little hand. I didn't get to talk into her ear and whisper "mamas here".
When she was 3 days old I got to hold her again. She got stronger and went through every check list the doctors had. She had to learn to suck, swollow, and breath. She was the biggest baby in the NICU. There were these tiny 3 pound babies in there, and then Shelby at 7 lbs 12 oz. She looked so big to all the nurses, but so tiny to me. When she was 11 days old she got to come home. She had an alarm I had to have hooked up to her at all times to let me know if stopped breathing. Thankfully, the 2 times it went off was when Colby unplugged the cord. She grew and grew and just got stronger and smarter. She always had her blond hair in a hair bow. Her aunt Kimmie bought her hairbows every time she went to a store. She stuck to me like glue. When she first started talking every single sentence would end with huh mama. Huh mama. Huh mama.
Now, she's 12. I like to hang out with her. She's funny. She cracks me up. She likes dumb jokes, and can find humor in almost anything. She is so unique, and I love that. So today, on 9-10-11 she actually is 12. What a cool date huh? I have enjoyed watching her grow and change, but it's so bittersweet letting go of her childhood and watching her grow into a young woman. People tell me, don't be sad, you've got all these other younger kids still. They just don't get it. I only have 1 Shelby. I could have 50 kids, and there would still only be 1 Shelby.

Colbys first game

Today was his first football game of the season. He was a starter, and did awesome! They won 46-6, and the whole team was walking on air. He is such a funny kid. He's almost always got a smile on his face. His teachers all tell me he is pure entertainment. They all love him, he just needs to concentrate on his work more. Hard to work on papers when you are being social, lol.

Dinner was served and who doesn't like spaghetti? Not any of my kids I tell ya.........

Cavin loves it

After they were all covered in spaghetti sauce, it was straight to the bath. After I hosed em' all down and put them to bed, I kinda hovered in the doorway for a minute. It still amazes me to think they are all here. They are all healthy and truly great kids. And I am truly thankful for everyone of them.

Happy Birthday Dominic and Alexis!!

My nephew and neice are 16 years old today. They entered this world so small and frail, but now they are such strong individuals that its hard to remember how they once were. Dominic is a thinker. You can tell he has always got the wheels in his head spinning. He kinda sits back and takes things in. And Lexi has such a giving heart for someone so young. They are both gonna do great things in life, and I am loving watching them grow and see what kind of people they are gonna be.

owie

Today started off pretty normal. Woke up at 7:00 a.m., gave Colby a hug goodbye, then started to get ready to hop in the shower, when Colby came barging back in. Good thing he was quick is all I am gonna say. He forgot his practice jersey and ran back home to get it, which of course meant he missed the bus. Which in turn means I miss my shower. So, I try very carefully to not wake the baby while I put him in his car seat (yeah like that was gonna happen) and drive Colb up to school. After I fork out a hundred bucks for more school fees (free education my foot) I get back home just in time to do Haylees hair. Caden comes down to eat some cereal after I make him change twice into something that sorta matches, when I notice his hand. I had to look twice at it.

Turns out he got stung by a bee the night before, and true to being typical Caden, didn't say a word about it. Sometimes he's a lil too tough. So, benadryl to the rescue. I kept him home from school so I could make sure the swelling was going down. He wasn't happy. He wanted to go to school, lol. I know, weird.

He lounged around the house most of the day, and it wasn't until dinner time that he could finally bend his finger. Dinner was my moms famous chicken noodle soup. The kids were very happy to get some.

Even Chason loved it

I ended up having to leave to go get Colby from practice, then had a couple errands with Scott to go run. The 2 youngest came with me because like Scott says, they are my sidekicks, lol. By the time I got home it was 9:00 and I had to hurry and get the lil ones in the bath while trying to get jammies on Cavin and Chase.  After I fed Troy and got him and Travis down for the night I went into the kitchen to make Scott's lunch for tomorrow. I was hoping to make it and get some down time on the couch and watch some of my dvr shows, but no. Because I was MIA after dinner the sink was overflowing with dishes. Besides, its always what I love to do at 10 o'clock at night.....It is now 11:20 p.m. and I am going to bed. After I peek on the kids of course. Oh, and let the dogs out. I might as well pick up the toys on the stairs on my way up too. Maybe tomorrow I'll get to catch up on my shows.

labor day at my house

I actually got to sleep in this morning. Troy didn't wake up till 6:30! It was heaven. It felt so nice to wake up rested. So, this mornings shout out goes to the T-man for lettin mama get some sleep.

Look, I'm awake!!

I went to Walmart and 6 of the kids came with me. Had to get a few things to get us by for the next few days. I wanted to get Shelby some C.D.s for her birthday, but I am just gonna bring her with me and let her pick them out. The kids were pretty good at the store, only once did one of them get rammed in the ankles with the cart. I bribed them at the checkouts with a candy. (Yeah, I'm that kind of mom) So, all in all a good trip.

In other news Haylee found a dragonfly in her bug hunt this morning. It was really pretty cool looking.

She was hoping to save it even though it it missing part of a wing.

But, shortly after she became so upset because Colby, being the typical brother he is, tried to stomp on it. After I had to intervene to prevent the murder of an innocent bug, he died anyway. She was not happy.

Poor Hay. After 10 minutes of being sad, she's back outside searching for her next bug. And Colby can't go to his friends house until he makes her happy as punishment for being so mean to her. I am thinking a joint bug search party is about to be underway...........

Sunday

Sometimes I go to the store and watch peoples heads bob up and down as they are counting my lil ducklings in a row behind me. The last time I was told we needed to get a t.v. I told the we have one but we only get the porn channels. Shut them right up.

Caden just asked me when they get to go back to school. I guess he's bored already, lol. They know better then to come right out and tell me they are bored. Thats when I put them to work.
Colbys got a new girlfriend this week. Shes 15 and in high school, so he's gettin high-5's from all his friends. Cracks me up. His last one lasted 3 whole months. It was his longest ever, so we'll see how long this one goes. Travis is into taking walks around the house. He holds any willing participants hand and walks all around the house, up and down. He'll do it all day. Chase pretends to take pictures of him on his walks. He picks up his play cell phone and tells him to say cheesey. Then he makes a cheeet sound and says....oohhh dats a good one. Good times........

real quick.......

I just went over Cadens math paper. It was simple addition. Right after problem 8 he writes.....I like my mom. Then he continues on with problem 9. Now how cute is that?? Man I love that kid...........

September is here!

Kids are in school mode now. Its great being back on a schedule. Shelby got the teacher she wanted. Shes got her little group of friends, and comes home everyday telling me all about the weird rituals of girls. "So and so isn't friends, so I can't sit with one of them or the other one will be mad" at least thats what they try to come across to Shelby. She is her own person, and is a lot like my dad in that aspect. NO-body tells her what to do.
Haylee wasnt too happy about the teacher she got. Shes kinda onery and lazy. She doesnt like explaining herself over and over again, but as a teacher how the heck can you avoid that? She has a new friend this year. It was an enemy from last year. The girl used to make fun of Haylee but this year Haylee has won her over. I get the sense that the girl has gotten a taste of her own medicene. I think thats good.
Caden comes home everyday with a new talltale for me. How the lunch lady gives him seconds of every type of food you can think of and only him, or how he got slid off the table bench by some bullies and they pushed him to the ground then threw food on him. He can say it all with a straight face. Thats whats scary!
Colby is hoping to start in his first football game this year. He sure has worked hard enough to deserve it. He has grown so tall and gotten so much thinner, he hardly looks like the same kid. When he's not doing football, he's talking or texting girls. So far he's working hard at keeping all his school work up and turned in on time. We'll see how that goes.