Out With the Old

Here it is, New Year's Eve, and the D family is having our own little party.  We got some tasty pizza, pop, Cheetos, and ice cream!  We are going to watch as much Lord of the Rings as we can!  I might even get M to play Equate with me and the boys.  But before we get started, I want to look back on our year here at Twin Firs...

We had a lot of fun with chickens, turkeys, and guineas.  We did a lot of great homeschool activities, both here at home and out with our friends (E's favorite memory is field trips).  We saw imaginations take flight, had tons of fun at the pond, and walked in the woods.  We watched babies grow up into toddlers, toddlers into little girls, and little kids into bigger ones.  We lost a loved one.  We made new friends.  We had Cub Scout adventures: blue and gold, Pinewood Derby, rockets, Camps Thunderbird and Sheppard (S's favorite memory), and camping with our pack .

We dealt with eagles, raccoons, and hawks.  Our siblings/cousins came out for a visit.  I learned how to kill and butcher our poultry! We worked (and are working) on home improvement tasks.  M and I celebrated our 10th anniversary and we added a new baby to our growing family!  IJ's favorite memory is getting The Pirate (who can jump and balance on window sills when a cat is on the other side, raise toilet lids with his nose for a drink, and is scared to death of screeching brakes in movies).

Wow.  We had one heck of a year!  But just like M said to IJ while out riding today....Life is just like a bike ride.  Sometimes you coast down the hills, sometimes you have to work hard to get back up.  Sometimes you pedal easy and sometimes you have to just get off your bike and rest awhile. 

Happy New Year!

Fort Nisqually

I am seriously suffering from cabin fever.  You know it's bad when a morning having your teeth cleaned sounds relaxing.  When the dental hygienist started sharpening her medieval torture devices, I laughed (she apologized).  Yep, I needed to get out of the house.

I took the four older kids back to 1850 for a rainy day without heat or flushing toilets.  Which doesn't sound too different from 2011, but at least we drove to get there! 

I think the kids are suffering too.  Most public school kids have only been out of school for 1 1/2 weeks.  They are just starting to enter crazy land.  We've been off for a month.  We are past crazy.  S was so excited when we got to Fort Nisqually.  "I've never seen a real barrel in my life! Are there real pirates inside?"

At the "sale shop," the shopkeeper encouraged me to buy some dress goods so I could get my girls out of boys trousers (he also embarrassed IJ about wearing shorts-the only shorts back then were underpants).   He also showed us many furs and taught us exactly how to treat and shape them to get the most money for them.  Then we headed out to the tower.  They kept good and busy pretending to defend the fort against invaders.  Since the park was empty, I just sat on the stairs and stared at the rain.  It was awesome.

Then it was out the kid's outpost to play games...the same games we have at home...

And then we headed into the "special exhibit" which was so uninteresting to kids that S was amazed at this light switch.  "I've never seen five light switches together at one time!"  I liked the old dress display.  IJ liked the hand made canoe-even though it was made in the 1930's by a college student and not by a Native American.

In the living quarters, F pretended to be Sleeping Beauty.  And in the "necessary," S pretended to...

...he didn't really know what a necessary was.  IJ did.

This was such a fun field trip.  It was the exact same field trip I took in 4th or 5th grade.  It was more fun today because no one else was there and my kids kept making me laugh.  "Look! Another barrel!"  Earlier this year, IJ and I read Diary of and Early American Boy.  Seeing the tools the book described was cool.  IJ remembered the names of many of them.  I'll have to take them back if they ever have a blacksmith day.

The Project Begins

Counting down the days...

Christmas Chaos

I have to say, this was not the most dazzling Christmas our family has had.  But we got through it, even without the ability to drain water, and the kids are happy.

My favorite part is always knitting or sewing something.  I knitted berets for the girls and their new dolls.  I sewed 'essential' sacks for the boys for hiking.  The essential sacks include the required things we are always scrambling for five minutes before we need to leave for a hike- flashlights, first aid kits, mosquito repellant, etc.  I also added an emergency blanket, a candle, and waterproof matches, just in case.

Both The Pirate and D discovered that candy is the best.  They both need to learn they should unwrap it first.  [Dogs don't get candy, so The Pirate actually gets to unlearn that candy is the best]

Flying airplanes off the roof

Story Time!

The best part of Christmas is always having the older girls come down and visit, although they only stayed one night this time.  They stayed through dinner, which was another home-grown turkey.  Hand-washing turkey grease dishes in a dish pan it NOT fun, not even when you have your favorite dishwashers lick everything first.

After the story, nap time!

Can you believe this dog?  Curled up on MY pillow?  He was sleeping on the red, fuzzy blanket, but I made him get off and I put the blanket on the couch.  The next time I turned around, he was curled up on the blanket again...on the couch!  He was obviously loved and adored at his old home...and a bit spoiled if he was actually allowed to sleep on the couch with memory foam pillows.  We think he had little girls, based on the way he loves sniffing in their long hair and how he goes after the Barbie dolls for chewing pleasure.

Christmas Eve Day (nap)

I have finished up a lot of work I usually save for later...like the last minute later...hooray!  We are patiently awaiting the arrival of L and A, watching movies, battling Beyblades, and napping...

The sweet baby fell asleep in front of his favorite show.  I bet you can guess what it is...

Need another hint?

I love that look on Percy's face.  I felt like that a few times today.  Once, when F went into my room AGAIN and saw my candy cane stash.  Another time was when someone who shall remain nameless was wondering why I was sewing when I should have been washing dishes (by hand) or something.

Chewing on hand-knit sock is NOT ALLOWED!

Septic update- we are getting a whole new system in and have to severely limit the volume of water going down the drain.  M rigged hoses to both the clothes washer and the large bathtub so they can drain out the windows into the grass.  I wash dishes by hand in a tub and throw the water in the bushes.  Flushes are restricted.  Two weeks is about what we are looking at far as a time frame goes.

Barbie? Oh, go ahead.

The calm before the storm...

Christmas Adam Survivor

Here it is, midnight on Christmas 'Adam,' and IJ and I are the last remaining two awake.  We (the kids and I) are continuing our sleep over tradition...minus a few people.  Reading last year's post made me a little sad.  Grandad loved our old Christmas movies.  Reading the post from the year before was fun.  I still haven't finished D's stocking...

Best and Worst Wednesday-on Thursday

Once again, I am a day late with my best and worst Wednesday.  I downloaded the camera and found that every single picture was of The Pirate.  Even the video clips are of The Pirate snoring.

We can't even walk by this dog without giving him a snuggle

The best part about M starting his vacation yesterday and offering to watch all the kids for me?  I ran errands...alone!  The worst part?  It took me six hours! And all I did was go to the midwife, Costco, the grocery store, and Target.  And I picked up my local milk.  And stopped by the library.  And then I tried to go to the post office to buy stamps but they close at 430!  What a ridiculous time to close!

He Snores!

The best part about M being home for an extended period of time?  He gets busy on home improvement projects!  The worst part?  He started with digging up the septic tank...and we're looking at a potential major problem.  I guess I should be thankful we didn't put in a new fence first!

Soothing the Savage Beast-I won't tell who is who

The best part about having savings? Nothing goes on credit.  The worst part?  Having to say goodbye at Christmas when you dig up the septic tank.

Hug Me! Hug Me! Hug Me!

The best part about being M and starting your home improvement tasks before breakfast?  You are first in line to get your septic tank pumped for the day.  The worst part?  We don't know when they will be here, when they'll be finished, what the final diagnosis will be, or when we can start using the water again.  No water + five kids (one in cloth diapers) = not a fun day.

I wish I could tell his previous family what a great life The Pirate has

The best part about bringing The Pirate home a week before Christmas?  He has kept the kids from being all crazy with the anticipation of Christmas.  The worst part?  I haven't thought of one yet.

Confessions of a Drama Princess

Before I get started on today's hilarious post, I just have to share that this blog had its 10,000th view today.  I am so humbled.  I had no idea that when I started this blog for my Nana, I would have my writing read so often.  Y'all keep me going on those days where I feel too tired to blog...

Now, to the post.  I was given a box of hand-me-down toys to give to E and F for Christmas.  The box was hiding in my room with a blanket over it.  Unfortunately, M allowed F in the room when a corner of the box was uncovered and she spotted the pink plastic.  I told her to stay out of my room and leave the box alone.  I might as well have told her to stop breathing.

Today, as I was heading to my room to change a diaper, F darted across the hallway from my room to hers.  I said, "[F]?" and looked in my door.  Every single toy had been removed from the box and was lined up on my bed.  All I had to do was look at F and frown.  She was so guilt stricken, she immediately started howling.  The following video was taken a good ten minutes after the discovery.   And for the record, I never got mad.  I only frowned once!  F is so sensitive and a little dramatic...

The box of toys is now in the playroom being fully enjoyed by the girls.  I'm thankful that there is something new for them to do this week and a few less things for me to wrap!

Best and Worst Wednesday

I know, today is Thursday.  I was a little busy yesterday with two things: the new dog (henceforth called The Pirate) and wrestling.  This Best and Worst Wednesday will represent the percentage of my day spent in each category yesterday.

We knew that gate would come in handy!

The best thing about having two dogs inside? They keep each other occupied instead of needing me.  The worst part? Instead of just one dog following me around all day, there are two.  It brings new light to the saying, "dogging my footsteps."  Don't worry, Pathetic Doberman still keeps her spot at my feet wherever I sit.  The Pirate hasn't taken her favorite spot.  He has better things to do.

A boy's best friend- if only IJ were strong enough to walk him!

The best part about reading Old Yeller and having M for a dad?  Your wishes come true as soon as you pine for your very own dog!  The worst part?  Your mom starts mumbling that she should have given you Cujo to read instead.  Hey, they are both books about dogs with rabies!

Santa better watch it- The Pirate likes to nibble his hat!

The best part about D loving Thomas as much as his older brothers did?  He quietly plays as long as Thomas is on TV.  The worst part?  We watch the same DVD, nonstop, all day long.  Peace has its price when there are new dogs to watch.  We are accident free for over 40 hours!

One of our Cub Scouts-they move so fast!

The best part about IJ and S on a wrestling team?  They spend six hours a week in an environment that is safer than my living room with people who can teach them moves that won't break their necks.  I think.  I've seen three bloody mouths just this week (on other kids, not mine).  The worst part?  They have to wear outfits (singlets) that look like girl's bathing suits (IJ's words, not mine).  They went to their first match last night, but because our team is the largest in the area and we wrestled the smallest team in the area, IJ and S watched.  In their singlets.  Talk about adding insult to injury!  But I learned how to time matches-how did the coaches know I planned to spend match time knitting and talking to other parents instead of watching?

Pathetic Doberman Goes to the Humane Society

Today we took The Pathetic Doberman to the Humane Society.

"Load up, Dog!"

I bet you thought we got rid of her, didn't you?  But remember what I said in the last blog post?  M can't get a new dog in the spring?  He found a loop hole.  No new dog in the spring means new dog now or never.  So we took Pathetic Doberman in to meet her new brother.

M hasn't been this happy in YEARS.  Six, to be exact.

Our new boy is mellow, easy going, responds well to commands, isn't interested in stuffed animals, and good with the kids (so far).  He isn't obnoxiously excited, doesn't jump or lick too much, or scared.  When E commanded him to sit, he sat.  He comes when the boys call.  He is about 8 months old, neutered, vaccinated, micro chipped, and has a 30 day guarantee.  He has passed all my requirements (so far).  He and Pathetic Doberman get along (so far).  He wants to play with her, but she isn't sure if she should play too or just run and hide.

Plus, he's CUTE!  Look at that cute little black eyebrow!  And that cute black nose!  I hope he works out for us.

"I have a secret to tell you!"

"I know you wanted to get a new dog in the spring, but..."

Number Eight: Coming July 2012

World's Strongest Dad

A long time ago...

The Three Boys

The Fearsome Foursome

He can hold them all!

Cub Scout Craft

I am spending the day helping M plan his Cub Scout meeting tonight.  Which, of course, takes way longer than the actual meeting itself because I have to think, be interrupted, try to homeschool, finish scout homework, etc...

Tonight's craft is going to be making ornaments.  They are pretty cute!  All you need is:

Dark colored ornaments, white craft paint, foam brush, Sharpies!

Paint the child's hand with the white paint.  Have them hold the ornament so that the palm of the hand is on the bottom and the fingers extend upwards.  Let the paint dry and add snowman details with the Sharpies!

Thank you IJ for being my guinea pig!

Write the child's name on the ornament along with the year and enjoy!  Warning: babies don't do this craft very well...D first ball broke.  Of course, he has broken eight ornaments so far this year.  The sooner the gate is up, the better.

Getting Ready for Christmas

We now have a tree... which always starts with Candy Cane Cocoa and Christmas music.

Cocoa is Good!

And so is Whipped Cream!

Santa and Elf Hats Required!

We can't decorate until D naps...

He didn't nap long enough...

The tree will have a gate by next weekend...

E Loses a Tooth

The game was simple: stack up all the couch cushions and fall off onto the floor.  Sometimes you can fall on your sibling, but they never get hurt because the cushions fall on them first.  But then something went wrong...

...S held the cushions while E tried to fall on him.  She fell sideways and hit the couch with her face.  She started to cry.  Unsympathetic me said, "Hey, you chose to play a dangerous game.  Don't come crying to me when you get hurt!"

"My tooth fell out!  Wah!"

E lost her first tooth!  And S knocked it out!  It was too funny.  I couldn't help it.  I laughed and laughed and laughed.  I only laughed because a few nights ago she was really worried that her tooth would fall out while she was sleeping and she would swallow it.  Just like IJ did.  I reassured her it would be a long time before her tooth was loose enough to fall out.

"Smile!"

Her tooth has one long root piece still attached, so the tooth did come out a bit early.  But now she doesn't have to worry about swallowing her tooth.  And she gets to have her first Tooth Fairy ceremony.

"That's better!"

And in other news...the Cooper's Hawk came back, tried three times to get a chicken, but only succeeded in getting chased by the cat and barked at by the dog.  Watching for predators is a full time job!