Two More Days ... Will I Make it!

Just 2 more days and vacation will be here. I can hardly wait. I am so excited, but also overwhelmed with what I still have left to do. How come the following things are always true before vacation ...

1. no matter how organized I try to be, I am always up until midnight the night before packing and getting last minute things done. (packing for 7 is a challenge)

2. my house is the messiest it has ever been and there is no way that I am going to get it cleaned so that I can come home to a clean home.

3. my laundry pile is growing, not getting smaller. (this happens most days, not just before a trip)

4. trying to get the kids to pick up and help mom out is like pulling teeth. They look at me like I am talking in a foreign language.

5. I would kill for the chance to nap, but who has time to nap...

6. I toss and turn at night, running through a list in my head of things that I cannot forget to do or bring on the trip.

7. my kids tell me that they don't feel good, what!!! this is not happening!!

8. I start having nightmares about the worst airplane flight ever.

9. I start practicing self control to deal with the stares and comments that we will get when people see that we are traveling with kids ... 5 kids... they must be crazy!!!

Clearly you are thinking that this lady desperately needs a vacation. Amen!! The stress before a trip is always worth it when we land and I get to see my family. The kids run up to grandma and papa and give them a big hug. The look on their faces when they see their grand kids. Priceless. I am so ready. Bring on the stress. I can handle it!! Here we come!!!

Simply Saturday

My good friend Becky has inspired me to write this post. Go check her out. She is an amazing mom with two beautiful twin boys who adore her.

As I was thinking about what to write for my Simply Saturday post, I was stuck. Being a mom of 5 kids, not much in my life is simple. Crazy, busy, overwhelming at times, yes, but rarely simple. As always, my kids have inspired me to see and enjoy the simple things in life. This morning, like many Saturday mornings, my kids came into our room to wake us up and request breakfast. Rolling over and trying to ignore 5 kids is a bit of a challenge, but we always seem to try it. Soon a tickle fight had begun and our room was filled with the laughter and squeals of all 5 of my kids. They all love this. Daddy is the best at tickling them. Mommy just tries to make sure no one gets hurt or falls off the bed.

It is the simple things in life that show our kids that we love them. Spending time with them on Saturday morning is one of those simple things. They want our time and attention. They want to play with Daddy because Daddy is home today. They want to be together as a family. This doesn't take money or hours of planning, it just takes our time. Thank you kids for reminding mom and dad that time spent together shows the love that we have as a family. May we always remember this. We love you all so much. So what are we doing together today?

My New Talent - Hair Surgeon

For all those moms out there reading this, I need your HELP!!! My sweet, little angel, Emma (3) has developed a horrible habit of twisting her hair. It started about a year ago and I thought that we had finally got it under control, but I was so wrong!! Her hair is beautiful! Soft and thin, but so pretty with natural highlights. Hair that you would love to have. I have told her often how blessed she is. But she is ruining it!!!! I have now added a new talent to my duties as mommy - "hair surgeon." I have to take a brush, comb, and scissors and go to work. I will be honest and say that 90% of the time, the hair wins. I get so frustrated, I just take the biggest knot and start chopping. My poor child is going to look like Edward Scissorhand's is her stylist. I have talked to my stylists and our pediatrician, and they both say that she will grow out of it. My question is when? Before she goes to school or before she is completely bald. If anyone has a suggestion, I would love to hear it. I will try anything at this point. I even suggested to my husband that I was considering the summer buzz cut, but he looked at me like I was crazy. It must of been a moment of weakness. My best solution so far is a haircut! But, I don't think I can go much shorter. Maybe, I will become a better surgeon. Time will tell!

Haircut after bath time!! Please be still, honey, mommy is working her magic and praying for a miracle!

Randomly Me

I have noticed that I mainly blog about my family, aka my kids. I am going to attempt to be creative and branch out today. Don't laugh. I will try not to bore you too bad. Here are a few random facts about me that you may not know...

i have the best husband in the world that i dearly love

i lived in Anchorage, Ak for 13 years, during my childhood

i love the color green, in any and every shade

i couldn't live with out chocolate... although my waistline could!

i love my 5 kids, even on the "bad days"

in elementary school, a friend and I, sled down the snow hill at school and hit the parked school bus and dented it. we had to go to see the school nurse. everyone saw us!!

i love jane austen - books, movies, anything

i love to scrapbook - even though i haven't since my son was born (he is 2) i need to get to work!

i hate to be alone - it is the worst!!

i don't like to drive, especially on the freeway! (i know, it is weird)

i love teaching

i love the TV series "Lost" and "Fringe" and so many more, but these are my favorites

i would love to workout with Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels just to see if i could do it

i listen to my mp3 player all the time

i have learned to love running

i have wonderful friends that i couldn't live without

i am doing Power 90x

i hate that my family lives so far away - i miss them daily

i am reading a great book on disciple called "Don't make me count to 3" it is excellent!!

i love Starbucks coffee

i hate, hate cleaning bathrooms!!!

i love to throw things away

i am addicted to Facebook

my new favorite hobby is blogging

i look forward to getting together with my girlfriends for "girls night"

i love the Lord and am blessed beyond my wildest dreams!

Here is a small glimpse into who i am. randomly me!

I need to get out!!!!

It has been one of those weeks at the McElroy house. Monday we spent the day bowling and taking the kids to McDonalds, a special treat due to a much needed break from school. Don't get me wrong, it was great spending time with the family, but at the end of the day, I was wiped out. I was looking forward to a relaxing Tuesday. The kids had another plan. Once again the unpredictable weather in Michigan has plagued our house with horrible colds. We just had this and it is back!!!! I feel like I am going crazy!! If I have to wipe another snotty nose or get another nose wiped on me, I will be at the breaking point. Plus, the wonderful disposition of my children, really add the icing on the cake. I just want winter to be over so I can send everyone outside to get some fresh air. It is now Sunday morning, and I have not left the house since Monday. I really need to get out and see some people. Adults! Anyone! I need a Starbucks and Target!! When Steve gets home from church, I will quickly escape. I love being a Mom!! (just thought I would throw that in) There has been some highlights this week. Let me share a few ....
.. i got to cuddle with my two year old who is always on the go and never has time to cuddle
.. i had a much needed heart to heart with my daughter kallie, i love you princess
.. amazing amounts of laundry got done, with my husbands help, bless you!
.. i got the house cleaned, even though i could clean it again
..a precious friend came over to visit and encourage me
.. i watched a couple of girly movies
.. i sang every song i could think of to Tanner to calm him down, he didn't even laugh at mom's lack of singing ability
.. i read many, i mean many, books to my sick kids
.. i received many hugs and kisses, snotty nose and all
.. my oldest son told me i looked pretty

I guess my week was not so bad after all...

Let's Go Blue!!!

When Hayden told Steve and I a few months ago that he was going to play b-ball, we were both pleasantly surprised. For those of you that know Hayden, sports is out of his comfort zone. He does not like competition!! He likes things to be done a certain way and he is not a fan of change. My husband and I try to encourage him to try new things and then make a decision whether or not he likes them. We don't want fear to stand in his way. For the first few days of practice, I was worried that he would hate it and change his mind, but he always came home with a smile on his face. He told me one day that Pastor Tom was his coach, but not today, today Mr. Jack was coaching. The day arrived for his first game and I asked him how he was feeling "fine, Mom," was his only reply. When he was put in the game for the first time, he made sure that the boy he was guarding never left his side (even on offense) and he stayed on the opposite side of the court that the ball was on. He finished the game and ran over to us and said, "I did a great job." We were so proud of him!! He was having fun with his friends and enjoying something new. What more could we ask for. Now jump ahead a few weeks into the season... Saturday's game was coached by Mr. Amos and Hayden was going to jump the ball at the start of the game. Steve and I were surprise, but good for him, he has to learn sometime. Kallie (7 year old sister and knower of all things) says, "what is he doing? He is going to mess up!" We both shot her "the look" and told her to cheer for her brother. He did great. His feet never left the floor, but he swung at the ball. We were in the stands cheering him on. He made a great catch and a great pass during the game, a little to his surprise, but what a game. The Wildcats won a close, hard fought battle. Let's go Blue!!! Hayden never ceases to amaze us. We are so proud of him for stepping out and trying something new. It was not easy for him, but he is brave and courageous. He is an encouragement to us to never let fear stop us from trying something new. Thank you son for who you are. We love every part of your unique and fun personality. We look forward to seeing what God has for your future. He has great things in store for you. We see it already. We love you. Dad and Mom

Mommy's Home!!

I had such a wonderful trip meeting Baby Owen, but I was missing my little ones.

I got home at midnight and I rushed upstairs to give my babies a hug and kiss. My boys didn't even move, but I whispered in their ears that mommy was home. Next, I headed downstairs to see my girls. Emma stirred and said, "mommy is home! I miss you. Don't go.." Rylee said, "mommy, I love you.." and Kallie gave a half, sleepy smile. That was good enough for me. It is good to get a break, but it is nice to be home. The next morning, when my kids were wide awake, they came tearing into our room like it was Christmas morning, "Mommy's Home." It is good to be missed. My many hugs and kisses were a clear sign of that. Thank you to my wonderful husband for letting mommy go. Taking care of 5 kids by yourself is a challenge. Thank you to Grandma and Papa that helped dad survive the week. Thank you Keri for being Tanner's second mommy. He was in good hands. Thank you Marla for your willingness to jump in when needed and providing my family with a meal. My friends are a special treasure. May God richly bless you for your love and care for our family. Thank you Uncle Chase for letting me come and share in this special blessing. You have a beautiful family and God is blessing you. You have encouraged me with your love for your wife and new baby. Keep up the good work! Enjoy every moment with Baby Owen. Time flies with our little ones. Every moment is a memory that we hold close to our hearts. Thank you heavenly Father for every moment that we have together.