Back in the Mix

We have a lot of books!! A lot!! We had a playroom downstairs, but with so many kids coming and going and so many toys coming, but not going as fast as the kids leave we had too many toys to even have room to play in the playroom so it became closet for toys and tons of books. I would trade toys and books out every couple of weeks to be upstairs.

This past weekend, I bought 3 new floor to ceiling bookshelves. I am so pleased with how they turned out. The kids and I built them together and it was fun. I complained a little cause the instructions were all pictures and no words. I need words. I love words. But it was easy and by the time we built the last one, we were able to do in in about 15 minutes. Now all of our books, encyclopedias, magazines and puzzles are upstairs. Shelves are divided by age/grade level which makes it easy for the Little's to find books for them.

Ahh the Smell of Pencil Shavings In the Morning

We took school with us on vacation. We did school for about 4 days. So we (and by "we" I mean me) decided to ease back into school by doing a couple of hours today and then a couple tomorrow before jumping in, full force Monday morning. It was not too bad. 3rd and 7th grade had a lot of letter to write and return by snail mail and I had both Kindergartners today which is actually kinda fun. I wish I could keep my foster child home for school too as she seems so much more relaxed here.

I survived a week of jury duty reporting without having to go. I would not have minded going. It's just maintaining the holding pattern for the kids that is minimally annoying.

Today I am thankful for my washer and dryer as all of my sheets are clean.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Twenty-Four

I am thankful that I can start and practice holiday traditions with my children. We do not do traditional Turkey dinner for Thanksgiving, but usually do this. This year, we are not even doing our "traditional" meal, but something entirely different. I am also redoing my shelving tomorrow as our collection of books has grown to a huge amount of reading materials. We do like our books!

Twenty-Three

I am thankful that yesterday is over! My day was great, but my evening was a "...Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad [evening]. I priced tickets to Australia!

My Birthday!

Today is my birthday. I am thankful for another year. My mother says I tell fibs because now I am 3 years older than her. LOL!

Home Sweet Home

We made it in last night and while it was cold and we could not hear the sounds of the waves crashing upon the shore (LOL) it was good to make it home safely. It was so easy to go through Customs that I can't even describe it as "going through Customs". It has changed oh so for the better. Only catch was that we had an air mattress that I accidentally referred to as a blow-up mattress. Ooops. Got a double take and a "What?!?" on that one...my bad!

I am thankful that we made it home safe and with all of our luggage.
Several years ago our house was broken into while we were on vacation. Nothing was stolen. The police officer that responded to my neighbors call said that as he walked through the house looking for damage or the intruder, that he could not help but note all the stuff that was still in the home, several computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos and jewelry. We just felt blessed that nothing was stolen and that we only needed to replace our front door. Before we left this time, I left a note hanging in the archway that said, "Dear Thief, Please clean up when you are done stealing. Love and kisses, Us!"  I had talked to my dad while gone as he was checking the house for us and he mentioned as we ended the phone call that he had cleaned a little cause he had stolen a little. LOL!

Lots of unpacking and laundry today.

I picked up my little foster babies and aye-yi-yi   ~sigh~

I am not sure how much school we will do this week... I think I need a vacation. Ha!

It's Over

Time to say good-bye to the island life. It has been a GREAT vacation! I had the opportunity to meet Corey and her husband. I feel like I met a celebrity!

Next post....State side.

Peace

Night Swim

My kids love night swims! Every year we take pictures of them doing handstands under the water and then jumping into the deep end.

This was a face plant that made us all go, "Ywooooo!"

Too fun!

"Just A Tiny Bit"

James is my "bug guy". If a bug gets in the house, he's the guy to call to get it out. He is fearless and usually picks up the uninvited guest by the wing and toss them out.

Tonight I was alone watching T.V. when a moth flew into the screen...several times. The kids had just gone to bed, so I called out to see if James was still awake. He was not, but Jackson answered, "Yes Ma'am?" I was surprised that he was still awake and said, "I thought you were sleep, honey."  He staggered out to the living room, very obviously sleep and said, "I'm sleep just a tiny bit." Ha Ha! My little sleep walking, talking kiddo.

Eighteen

I am thankful that my 12 yr old offered to wash the dishes for me today without me even thinking of asking her.

Seventeen

Jackson has had 3-4 nights of not sleeping very soundly. He is a kid that really does much better with a rock solid routine. He is staying with my mom and she called to say that he was really struggling last night, thrashing in his sleep, sitting up and sleep talking. This morning he came to my unit to say, "Good Morning" and I ask how'd he sleep? He said with the biggest smile, "Good!!"

I am thankful for my 6 year old boy that wakes with a smile and a hug everyday no matter what.

Sixteen

I am thankful for left overs. Yummy rice and fruit for breakfast.

Fifteen

I am thankful for compliments. You never know just how much you need a warm fuzzy until you get one.

Running Theme

Doing "I'm thankful for..." post while on vacation in Nassau makes it interesting to think of something other than my current situation to be thankful for. I mean, I have so very much to be thankful for: health, family, housing, transportation... but today I am thankful for the ability to share time with friends from all around the world. Last night I had a great conversation with a man from Scotland that I have seen around for a few years, but never had the chance to converse with before now. We shared travel stories and recommendations. It was just a nice.

I am also thankful for the W's!

I am thankful for education, both mine and the ability to provide it for my children. I have actually started to think about getting my Ph.D.... not sure what has come over me as I did a really intense Masters program and thought for sure I was done with all that ed-u-macation stuff. Someday soon.

I am so very thankful for my good friend, "Auntie Moni"*. She is a genuine person. You can see that when you first meet her. She is one of those friends that is good for a middle of the night call and if you are having a tough parenting day, you can say how you really feel without judgment.... she gets it! She is invested in my children! That means a lot to me.

Thank you "Auntie" for your friendship and commitment to me and my children.

* My kids call her "Auntie" and I am "Auntie" to her kids.

I am thankful for naps with my children crowded all around me.


I missed a few days.... spotty Internet.

I am so very thankful for Ms. Kim who has been a dear friend in my mother's life. Ms Kim is a very sweet person who is giving, kind and thoughtful. Ms Kim has recently lost her sister and it is with a sad heart that we pray for peace and comfort for Ms Kim and her mother who remain to remember Susan. We are so very sorry for your loss and please know that we are praying for your family as you go through the task of laying Susan to rest.

Peace to you, Ms. Kim

Today I am shallowly thankful for the Internet as I did not have it for most of yesterday. LOL!

Yesterday I was thankful it was Thursday 'cause my brother took care of the kids for me for the day.

I am thankful for my parents who wanted a child and parented as such.

I am thankful for their pure joy!

Thankful November

Sheri, over at Ain't That Sheriffic, started thankful November. I really liked the idea and wanted to join in as I could. The plan is to list one thing you are thankful for each day in November. Join if you are so inclined...



I am thankful that today is my oldest child's 18th birthday.