Our new, little house guest ...

Last night at 11:30pm, I walked into our kitchen to grab a water bottle and found this surprise waiting for me ...




Yes, I did what any normal person would do in this situation...
Scream like a little girl, "STEVE, STEVE HELP!!!!"
He tries to tell me that there is not much he can do without a mouse trap. I was not wanting to hear that, "just get it!" So at 11:30pm, Steve (my knight in shining armor) goes to Meijer to get a trap for this unwanted house guest. I did not want to be left at the house, alone with that thing, but the kids were asleep and I thought it would not be a good idea to leave them alone. A few minutes after Steve left, "our friend came back." (As you probably imagined, after my scream, the mouse scurried back behind the stove) I had to keep an eye on it, so I quietly went to retrieve my camera to get a closer look. (I couldn't get a good look, because I was hiding between the living room and the kitchen. I know, what a wimp!) I got pictures so that I could later positively ID the intruder. Steve comes home later with an arsenal of mouse killing products. I guess he doesn't like the thought of this thing in our house either. :)
Steve just laughed when I showed him the pictures. Why??

I guess I am not the only one who can't resist the urge for a late night chocolate snack.
Chocolate chip cookies, loved by all ....

No more twists...

Well, my career as a hair surgeon has come to a close. Praise God!! These last few months have been quite busy. My youngest daughter, Emma, twists her hair into horrible knots and I have been spending way too much time trying to comb through the mess. Everyone we talked to about it told us that she would just grow out of this bad habit. Well, no more waiting. Something

had to be done. My genius solution ... cute short haircut. She can't twist hair she doesn't have.

Her haircut is super cute and she can't twist it!

She told me the other day, "Mom, I can't twist it any more."

I just looked at her, smiled and said, "I know, honey. Isn't it wonderful!!!"

I can't help but smile when I look at her. What a doll. I love it! Why didn't I think about this sooner.

Family Christmas 2009

Our Christmas this year was wonderful as always. Due to our lack of snow in Michigan, it didn't quite feel like Christmas. We had rain ... lots and lots of rain. Now, a few days after Christmas we are getting some snow. Nice!!!

The kids didn't seem to mind. Christmas is always fun for them. This year Christmas morning went so fast. Our kids are getting older and they knew just what to do .. tear into the presents. With 5 kids, this leaves quite a mess, but it makes for a fun and exciting Christmas morning. Our day is spent at Papa and Grandma's house. Mommy makes her famous cinnamon rolls and we spend the day in our P.J's and diving into our new treasures. Lots of games, reading instructions, installing batteries, and making sure the kids are "sharing" and "playing nicely". (it can be exhausting :) We love every minute of it. Spending time with family is priceless. Next year, we are trying to convince grandpa and grandma to come visit from Idaho. It may take a year to convince them to travel across the country, but it will be so worth it.
Please enjoy these shots of our Christmas morning ...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. May we live our lives to bring glory to God, the reason we celebrate this special season.

Emma the Chatterbox ...

Look at those precious eyes! So sweet, so intense! That pretty much describes my little Emma. She does nothing half way. Her new love ... words... lots and lots of words. Now, I am sure this is not a new trait, but I believe that the intensity has been kicked up a notch. Yesterday, I actually told her to close her mouth and try not to talk. (It did not work) She just smiled at me and said, "Oh mom, you are so funny!" Here is a small sample of the things that she felt needed to be said.

Things that must be said, according to Emma McElroy, age 4.

"Mommy, you are the best hugger ever!" (a few seconds later) .."just kiddin, mom"

"Mom, mom, MOM!! I feel like I must be starving!!!"

"Mom, how many more days until Christmas? It is taking so forever!!"

"Mom, no more ponytails in my hair. I mean it!" (attitude adjustment needed)

"Mom, your hair looks like a boy!"

"Mom, look no twists." (a response to her constant twisting of her hair, a daily battle)

(in the car) "Mom, mom, MOM! Why is that human walking outside? Does she have a car? Doesn't she know that driving is faster than walking!"

I wonder where chatterbox gets it. (Somewhere right now, my mother is laughing)

Thankful for God's creativity!

When I look outside at the beautiful colors of fall, I smile and thank God for His creativity. The beauty of His creation is breathtaking! Thank you, Heavenly Father.

They have arrived ... gifts that only a mother could love.

Are you curious? Filled with anticipation? What has arrived? What did she get? Brace yourself, because if you are not a mom this will mean nothing to you.

Last week my job as a mom got a lot easier ... my new washer and dryer arrived!!!! Yeah!!!!

These things are amazing compared to the machines that used to occupy this space. They are new, clean, bigger, and are equipped with modern technology. They do everything, but carry the clothes downstairs and put them in the wash. (Now, that would be wonderful) My favorite feature is the short dry time. Gone are the days of waiting 1hr. for dry clothes or drying the clothes for a "second" time. I find myself looking for dirty clothes so that I can use my new toys. I know what you are thinking, this feeling will go away. Yes, you are probably right, but right now I am enjoying my new problem - where do I put all these clean clothes!!

Look how clean and organized. It makes me smile!!!

Potty Training ... My current challenge!

Potty training with child number 5 is now underway. You would think with my previous experience in this department, I could do this with my eyes shut. Yeah, that's what I thought. I think the pure joy that raced through my heart when I thought of being diaper free has clouded my judgement. Or God thought that it would be helpful to give me a challenge to teach me a character trait that I am lacking or needing to polish. Either way, this is not the cake walk that I was hoping for.

I will be the first to admit that I have not been very consistent. I needed a few days where I could just hang out at the house and let him be in underwear. A few days ago, I got my wish. A sick kid has left me housebound, so I took my shot. The first day was a nightmare!! By 11:00am I had gone through 5 wet messes and one "other" mess that had resulted in a bath time. It was not pretty. By nap time, I was grabbing a pull-up and putting him to bed. The next attempt was much better. By 11:30am, I had no accidents and was bragging to dad when he came home from lunch. When I went to show him Tanner's big boy underwear, he was wet. Great!! One set back, no big deal. Thirty minutes later, I was getting on Tanner for spilling his drink on the floor. "What are you doing, son. Don't kick and splash the water all over the floor!" Upon closer examination, this was no water spill. He was playing in his own pee!! Unbelievable!! This child is not potty training material. Recall!!!!

Wiard's Orchard

I am a little late getting this post out, but better late than never.

Kallie and I had a wonderful time at Wiard's Orchard a few weeks ago. I love getting the chance to go with my kids on their field trips. It is always a special time to connect, spend quality time, and get mommy's undivided attention. (shout out to my friend Marla who made this field trip happen by watching Tanner)

Best Buds

Corn maze, a highlight of the trip

Mom and Kal with her pumpkin and apple. What a treat!

They looked thrilled that I am takin' another picture.

Kal, entertaining as always :)

I love this picture of Kal. Her eyes are intense!!


Kal and her friend Faith havin' fun on the bus!!

Kal and her teacher, Mrs. Haynes!

I Need Chocolate.. lots of Chocolate!

Where do I begin ... Today was just one of those days. Overwhelming would be an understatement. I will let you judge.

7:30am Wake up (if you can even call it that, more like roll out of bed and groan)
Running behind already. What a great start to my day. Have Dr. appointments set up for my kids this morning and this afternoon. (5 kids can't be seen at the same time, it is the policy)

8:10am Get kids and dad out the door, late and stressed. A few minutes to get ready before our 9:30am appointment.

8:55am Realize that my purse (w/ keys and wallet inside) is in my husband's van, driving into school. Call hubby and ask if he can bring it home. (yes, he can squeeze it in before his first class)

9:20am Arrive at our doctors and everyone in Southgate has an appointment today. "What, it is 9:20 in the morning!!"

9:30 - 10:15am Wait.. wait... wait... more waiting. (how backed up can you be?)

10:30am Trying to convince Hayden (10), Emma (4), and Tanner (3) that they probably won't have shots today. Just a physical. Eye test (so funny with Tanner, still a little shaky on shapes), pee in a cup (really?) Then the bomb dropped : 2 shots for all three kids, just to get them "up to date". Now the wailing starts, I start sweating. Who do I comfort first? Hayden (10) goes first: for those of you who don't know Hayden, this is a nightmare for him. He gets so nervous. He hates the doctors. He gets the shots and is fighting me and I am trying to hold him w/o scaring the others. He screams after the shot. Blood curdling!! It scared me!! I gave him the look and then turned my attention to Emma who is cowering behind the examination table. She tells me before the nurse gets in, "don't tell the nurse where I am.." (this is between sobs and wails) She gets poked and cries and then keeps crying all the way to the car and on the road to school, because her feelings are hurt. Tanner(3) did the best. He cried, but then stopped when the nurse pulled out the lollipop. Thank you Tanner, mommy loves you!!

10:45am Going through the drive through at McDonald's to get hot fudge sundays and lunch. (Don't judge. It was my bribe)

11:00am Shoving food in my mouth so that I will make it to recess duty at 11:30am.

11:30 - 12:30 Recess duty at school. Usually goes fine, but today they have inflatables in the gym. So fun!! The kids love it, but it gets crazy, loud, and the kids forget every rule and how to listen.

12:45 - 1:30 Go over to dad's office at school because I don't have time to go home before I have to pick up the other 2 kids from school and take them to the doctors. (i know, what was i thinking!!)

1:50 Arrive at the doctors for our 2:00 appointment and we walk into a crowd of people. Standing room only. They are over 1 hour behind. Shoot me now!!!!

3:15 3:15, did you see that, 3:15 we get called back to the room. My kids could of finished their school day!! I was not happy! I was trying to be a good Christian. It was tough. We had a sweet nurse, so that helped.

3:15-4:00 Kal and Rylee are both healthy, look great. They love the doctors. Thank you, girls!! Kal needs a shot (great) We discuss the level of pain for this shot for 15 minutes, fret over the details (she has to have every detail, and asks every questions in the book) She gets the shot and doesn't make a sound. Her response, "that's it!! Are you sure?" I rolled my eyes and told her that mom knows some stuff. Listen and believe next time!!!

4:15 Back in the drive through for hot fudge sundays. Life must be fair and equal, right?? :)

4:30 Pull in the driveway. Home sweet home. Before I open the door, Steve calls (hubby) I need to pick up the other kids at school, he is running the clock for the Volleyball game.

4:30 - 6:00 At the gym getting the kids, watching the game, running on the treadmill, trying to de-stress and get a workout in.

6:30 Back home. Shower. Sit. A kid comes up ( I don't even know who) "Mom what is for dinner?" AHHHHHHHHHHHH I need Chocolate!!! Lots of Chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tanner is Three!!

My baby turned three last week! I guess now that he is 3 I can't call him a baby. He is getting so big and mom is having a hard time letting him grow up. He is Mr. Independent. Heaven forbid you tell him he can't do something because he is too little. Nothing seems to get in his way. (I am trying to use this to my advantage with potty training, but no such luck.) His smile can melt my heart. We love you, sweet Tanner. Happy Birthday, big boy!!!

New jacket. His grandparents keep him styling!

Cheesing for the camera! I have taught them well!

Tanner making his best Dino growl!

Ripping into the presents!!

My attempt at a Dino Cake. Tanner loved it!!

I Heart Faces - Photo Contest

Tanner's face says it all!! He was so excited to ride in the tube with Daddy! I am not sure who is having more fun, Dad or Tanner! Summer fun is priceless!

Go check out the other entries!! They will brighten your day!

What has happened to my girls?

Most moms would agree that the most stressful part of their day is getting the kids off to school. At my house mornings bring out the best in all of us. :) My kids wander around the house like they are stuck on a foreign planet. What are school clothes? What are shoes? How do we get dressed? Why do I have to comb my hair and brush my teeth? Really? Really? Most mornings, I feel as if I am teaching them all over again. I try to get a routine down and get as much as I can done the night before. (this does not always happen, shocker) So, last week, I wake up, ready to face the chaos and get the kids out the door on time. In the kitchen , I find Kallie (7) and Rylee (5) dressed (with shoes) and smiling at me. They were totally ready for school and had even brought up their book bags and made their own lunch. They made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut the sandwiches and placed them into baggies and put them in their lunch box. They also included: drink, fruit snack, chip, and a brownie. I was shocked!! I rubbed my eyes, convinced that I was dreaming and looked again. Yes!!! They are learning!!! I am an amazing mom!! I told them I was so proud of them and that they were going to get to pick out a treat at the snack bar at school. This was answered with squeals of delight!! Who knew that simple reward would be worth so much to them. They asked me if they could make lunches again tomorrow morning and I said, "you can make lunches every morning!"

The next morning:

I hear the girls in the kitchen and I thought I would go see if they needed any help. I crawl out of bed and walk into the kitchen. The girls are dressed and all ready for school. I smile and ask if they need any help. They request a few items from the cabinet and as I reach for the door, my eyes happen to glance at the clock on the stove, 5:30am. What!!! It is 5:30 in the morning and my daughters are ready to get in the car and drive to school. I turn around and tell the girls that they have 2 1/2 hours until they have to leave for school! You have to go back downstairs and get into bed and rest. All I got was blank stares. "Go try to rest and I will get you up in a little while." I was glad to hop back into bed, but I am pretty sure that they did not get back to sleep. They were wide awake by this time. School will be a challenge today. I will be getting calls from the teachers asking when I get these kids to bed. We need to work on telling time!!

Red October Race

WE DID IT!!! The weather was not great, but it could of been much worse. It was in the mid 50's and the rain was mild. It was a little refreshing as we were running. As always, we had a great time. Spending time with my friends is well worth the training and the questionable weather. We arrived around 8:45 to get Lauren, Marla, and Nikki ready for the one mile race. It rained the hardest when they were running. Poor girls!! We were prepared with our ponchos. Nikki ran the 5k after her one mile race with her daughter. Go girl!! The 10k started at 9:50, so we had time to hit the port-a-potties and pray for a break in the rain. I felt great during the race. No gross blisters to show you this time, sorry! I was surprised how good I felt. The race went by quickly and I crossed the finish line at 1:02:50!! I beat my last time by almost 8 minutes!! I was so happy!! My goal is to improve my time. My daughter, Kallie does not agree with this strategy. She asked me where I placed, and when I told her that I placed 9th out of 12 in my age bracket, she said," mom, you did awful!" I need to time you when you run." Apparently, the top three should be my goal. She wants me to bring home a trophy next time. :) Maybe someday!! FYI - the top time in my age group was 49:50. I was not even close!!

I look a little too happy!!

Potty break?

At the stating line!

Pre-race pics!!

Confessions of an amateur runner ...

Tomorrow is race day. Oakwood Red October Run is my second attempt at a 1ok race and I was hoping to improve my time. Last race, the weather was so hot, it was tough to run without getting heat stroke. This race I will be facing cold weather and rain. I just can't win. There is a chance that the rain will start later, so start praying. I am looking forward to it, I think. My friends and I always seem to make the best of it. :) I will post all about our adventure tomorrow. Until then, keep thinking happy thoughts.

Our God Hears our Prayers ...

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of emotions. I found out yesterday afternoon that our dear friend's daughter Hannah (6) was critically ill and in the pediatric ICU fighting for her life. My heart just broke for our friends and their dear family. Prayers, phone calls, e-mails, and facebook, kept us updated as we waited and watched for the hand of God to heal this little angel. As a mother of 5 little ones, my heart was broken. This family needed a touch from God. They needed His peace and comfort. Being out of state, you feel helpless, but praise God that prayers can be heard wherever we are. I prayed multiple times during the day and let as many Christian friends and family know so that they could lift her up in prayer. I called my parents that evening (in Idaho) and caught them at dinner with another couple from their church. My parents told me that they would pass it on to their church and that after they got off the phone, the four of them would pray at dinner for this little girl. Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the blessings of the body of Christ. Our hearts our linked together and they immediately took the time to pray. God has answered our prayers and Hannah is doing much better. The doctors are hoping to she will be able to leave the ICU soon. Praise God!!! Thank you, Lord for hearing our cries. Your healing power is real and we are once again reminded how awesome our God is. My heart rejoices tonight and I am blessed by the prayers of God's people. Amen!!!

Hayden Turns Ten

My oldest son, Hayden is 10 today. How did this happen? It seems like yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital. I remember feeling so happy and so scared at the same time. Somehow, we made it through, and now our son is in double digits.

He was so excited. It is always a party with 4 brothers and sisters.

A perfect cake from Sam's Club. Mommy wanted to make him a cake, but he said," No, we have to pick out a cake at Sam's." Ok!

"Yes!! I am ten!" (Hayden's response to turning ten. :)