Too Busy to Blog

I never thought I would be too busy to blog. I have so many words stored up for you all.
Bwhahahaah.( Evil laugh)
So many things have taken place since JUNE 2010. I am baffled at how fast time goes by when you are getting through life one day at a time.
I won't bore you all with the details since it has been a whole year and a half.
I will sum it up to say many wonderful blessings have come out a very heavy, life changing moments that go along with that.
The boys are all giants now. Why do they keep growing? If they must grow can they just do it a little slower?
We are now currently serving a Highschool freshman ( I use the FRESH MAN term loosly) a 6th grader ( he still lets me think I am smarter than he is ) a 4th grader (favorite saying "Yeah I know") our 2nd grader (still the cautious, organized, pleaser) and last our wee one is 3. Everyone will be turning another year older and wiser(haha) in the next few months.
I never had the fear of a teenager driver before the IDEA of having one of my own HIT HOME this year. He hasn't requested it until this month and now the plans are being made to get his permit.
I have been under some mystery health issues over the last year and am currently in the process of elimating the long line of things it IS NOT! This has taken my humor for a ride. I am not as quick with the wit and laughter. I hope that 2012 will bring this back. I have realized that I don't have a very large group of friends when I am not feeling my best, yet another reason to look forward to 2012. Change for the better.
Still at the top of my list is more knitting, journaling (so I don't forget the stuff that is going on around here while going through all this crud) and FAMILY, FRIENDS, FUN.
You don't realize how life stress can impact life until you start to come out of it a bit.
NO MORE FUN SUCKING ALLOWED. My only resolution this year is to enjoy things more and seek to have more fun.
Life is too short.
I am looking forward to blogging again. What have you all been up to? I hope that this year finds you all looking expectantly to what is to come...
Hugs,
Destiny

Glimpse of Summer

Funny how you look forward to something (like summer) and now only officially under 2 weeks into it we are not sure what to do with our selves.. hahahah. Gotta love the endless days and the fighting banter that reminds you vividly why school was such a good idea. Here are a few pictures of the brood!

Sandlot Style Ball! Seems to be the new summer favorite. So glad we don't have picky kids when it comes to places to hang out.

Strike a pose! hahah. Alex and those blasted freckles make me wanna kiss his face. He is always soooo serious. I hope he lightens up a bit this summer. He's only six.

Drum solo Master Landon at your service. He is available for your next summer BBQ.

Austyn is practicing to be the next action stunt double. For whom we are not quite sure. But he may just reach the sky if he doesn't stop growing soon. Little brother is becoming a grand escape artist. Or at least that is is the story we are given by who ever is in charge of watching him when they all go out at once.. I am very suspicious that he isn't being watched with a very close eye.

Basketball is just a little too distracting for a group of boys.

Happy summer folks. More updates soon. I hope to have a post of the fabulous, lyric composer in our home.

School's Out for Summer!

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

Our house full of boys have been off and running this year. We have been doing much of the same just one taxi driver at a time. So my free time has been limited to required work schedule and necessary bathroom maintenance for myself.
 You will be relieved to know that I get at least one shower a day! As for the necessary maintenance (shaving) that has been most often this season one leg at a time and not always on the same day. Does any other mother suffer from this? Please share. I feel I may be forming some sort of disorder.

 School is officially over at noon tomorrow! I have never looked forward to summer more than I have this year. In many waves this year I have struggled with what is motivating my parenting struggles. Most of it comes down to a lack of consistent time to regroup as a family and make sure we are all on the same page about where we are headed together on this crazy season of life. They are growing up so fast and the less control I have in their daily schedule the more I feel like we are on separate planets. I know this is a good thing for their growth as young men. But boy does it take it's toll on a mom.

 I have been so thankful that I HAVE to work at Knot Another Hat a few times a month to stay motivated and inspired to keep knitting. It has been a frenzy of knitting this last year. I did not take pictures like I should have. I am making notes in my knitting journal and keeping track of these finished projects I hope to be able to get pictures from the recipients of the gifts and post them. A few of these lovely creations are on display at the shop so be sure to stop in a take a look. "WIN" vest is my Olympics project that was finally finished up after a month of Chicken Pox and other forms of sickness.

 My little Alex has graduated from kindergarten. I am going to miss his teacher so much she has been so awesome. He LOVES TO READ! Yes, finally one of my boys can't stop reading. I almost cried the day he said mom can I stay up and finish this book...

Way to go buddy! You have had an exciting year of learning. I am so proud of you.

Keep up the good work. I know you will continue to wow our socks off. My mom is here visiting for a couple weeks and she helped me whip up 20 or so yarn lei's for this years graduation extravaganza. We had some big girls graduate high school this year too.

Not much more to report right now. This post has been long over due. I plan to post more often and then get stuck in busy-ness of life and don't seem to get it done. So for now I leave you with this update.

Welcome 2010

Hello All,
  We have been in the throws of growing children at Whitaker Central. We are fast approaching having 2 kids in the the double digits thankfully not both TEENAGERS but double digits bring on a whole new world. hahaha. The rest (except the little man) are in school all day.
  I hope all of you had a fabulous holiday and spent time enjoying family and friends, doing the things that make you feel wonderfully connected and ready for the New Year/Decade.
  In my attempt to bring in the New Year right. I have been going through one room at a time and getting rid of anything that does not bring me GREAT JOY. At times my husband has wondered if he and the kids will be the next to go.. I assured him that they all bring me great joy! (giggle).
  My 2009 has been filled with lots of trying moments that have led to trying circumstances. There have been many things that I won't be able to share with you here. But for those of you who have been there for us and come along side to support us with your friendship, prayers, extra hands, and encouragement. We are extremely greatful and want to thank you for all you done.
  During this I have discovered I have not been the BEST friend I could be to some of you and I apologize for that. But my being a better wife and mother this year has forced my focus to be a little more one sided for now. Please know that I so appreciate your friendship and hope you all understand that life has gotten in the way of my free time for now but I am getting back out there and hope to spend lots of time with you all this coming year. Forgive me if you feel displaced or ignored by us this last year.

  If I had sent out the standard Christmas Letter to all of you this Holiday Season it would have read something like this.....

 Dear Friends,
   Reflecting back on our year filled with bull and other non pleasant things. We have decided to postpone the holidays until I feel more like celebrating.
   Austyn is in full mode of teenger-dom. He is busy filling his day with things that revolve around him, planning what he will fill his never full belly and legs. I swear feeding a teenager will take another job. 
  He has been filling the remaining free time he enjoys each day doing odd jobs for bits of money to entertain himself and slave labor for us to keep the peace. The ever constant tapping of the ball bouncing off the bedroom wall is his calling card.
 Rick and I are going to enroll ourselves in a brand new language program this winter. The add reads..
---Parents do you want to understand your teen ?Join us in this fascinating 2-3 year program that will change your life. Do you find yourself asking them to speak up? Texting in code words and letters that you don't understand? Do you wonder what they said even when you can hear them? Join us in a loud/ music filled room once a week to explore this fascinating langauge designed to help you BOND with your teen.----
  I hope you know I am kidding but this is something we think will be coming soon. He is respectful and is growing at least a foot a week. We can't keep up with him. Eeeeeeek.
  We continue to discover we have average kids doing exceptionally well at being average. They challenge us daily with questions and non stop talking that make us long for the grunts and one word responses of their teenage brother.. ahhaha..
 The thing I discovered I miss most about homeschooling is the paitence I had with my kids. I am continually amazed at the lack of paitence I have with them when I only have a few hours with them each day.
 Austyn is in the 7th grade and skates by doing as little as he can but seems to be squeaking out a GPA that keeps him on the honor roll and the current sports line up and that makes everyone happy. He has discovered girls, or they have discovered him. I don't know exactly what order it happend but I am not looking forward to this venture..
 Makoa is in 4th grade and is being misunderstood. His rough and aggressive playground/sports actions makes most people view him that way. But he is a gentle spirit that cares about people and he see's and hear's WAY more than we care for him to take in.. hahaha. He continues to remind us that we are not treating eachother nicely or we need to make up.
 For Cole 2nd grade is bringing on a serious dislike of all things educational. He just wants to play. If anyone has a great carrer option for him that requires no schooling and he can make a good living please email me. At this point he has made HUGE progress in getting over his bad attitude about everything that doesn't go his way and we look forward to another year.
 Alex the ever present Lawyer of the bunch. He is a rapid fire kindergartener. Everything Mrs. Kingrey says and does is amazing and creative so he feels compelled to share his growing knowledge with us. I am shocked at all he is learning this year. It is fun to see him reading everything he sees. But I will be sending out a bulk email to every grocery store in America to remove the magazines from the check out lines. Having my 5 year old sound out words like BETTER SEX ALL YEAR, while you are loading you groceries is enough to send any mother into a red faced shock. What do you say?  Great job reading Alex. At those moments we have the slowest checker in the history of the store working, ANNND it is a stock up shopping trip with a two basket minimum.
 Landon, Landon, Landon. I can't really put all the things we are learning about him this year. It would bore everyone to tears and some would send you to the Personal Care isle for some Depends undergarments. His new best friend is the refridgerator. All the items in there make a huge mess and fantastic noises when you drop them on the ground in large quantities. Eggs,I have discovered crack with amazing ease in the hands of an almost 2 year old. The laughter that wells up in him when he get 10 plus on the ground at once is a priceless sound. Have you seen how much eggs cost these days?
 Anything we tell him not to do HE MUST DO. So I am working on a stratagie to tackle that. Nothing makes my heart happier than seeing my little guy walking around the house in underware and cowboy boots. That is his favorite outfit of all time.
 Hope your holiday is filled with the joy the season brings to your house. Happy New Year!
  Merry Christmas,
  Rick and Destiny and our Housefullofboys.

Rick didn't approve this letter but I wanted to post it anyway. We are looking forward to a better year in 2010.




 

A Test of the Emergency Broadcast System

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! WHAAAAAAAAAA!!!
This is a test, only a test of the emergency whining out loud system. If this becomes an actual emergency you will all be notified by my husband or other family member (because they will have knocked me out and hidden my body). Hahah. We all know it would be difficult to actually HIDE my body but I think that my husband may be putting a lock on the outside of our bedroom door to keep me in there for my whiny timeout.

It is once again Family Camp weekend. The faithful few blog lurkers know well my distaste for this event.I just can't get excited about it.  I promised I would not whine in front of the kids this year so HERE I GO!! (they are at school right now).

The packing and gathering of all the necessary items is never my favorite project. I am so tired from the night before of cleaning and washing load after load of laundry, I am just too tired to pack and get it all in the car with the tired, whiny kids the school sends home to me at the end of a long week of school. Hygiene is most important on a weekend like this because we are in a dorm style cabin with 5 boys and 1 man with me as the only girl. I don't want to have the scent o' smelly feet as my camp perfume.

Note: We really should have this camp in the summer or at the END of the school year. Then it doesn't seem like we are cramming all this activity into the first full week of school. Oh well. Wah, wah, wah. It was just so much more fun when I packed my own things as a teenager and went with my family then. The other end of it is just too much work.

Okay so now that we have that out of the way. I will leave you with the promise to TRY to ENJOY the experience. I just hope to have less mud, sand, dirt, soggy clothes, shoes, scraps, smelly treasures and mounds of clothes they can't wear the rest of the weekend because they have gone through the entire contents of the suitcase the first day (because they were wet mom)... 

I am taking my knitting no matter the protest from my spouse and am secretly charging the Zen so I can listen to audio books while I knit. (hahah. He said no books either.) and smuggling in the portable DVD player to watch movies. Yeah, I said it. I am going to watch movies and play with Landon in the cabin and hide out while the BIG boys explore the great outdoors.

I look forward to Sunday and my own bed. Whoo hoo.

No Cure for the Summer Time Blues

Here are the end of summer photos for all to enjoy. The top two pictures are the day of the broken leg discovery for Wee Whitaker. He was most tramatized by the rectal themometor than the actual splint.  I too would be a little SURPRISED by that if I was 18 months old.

He was not slowed down at all and brought many folks laughter when he hobbled around. Don't think he didn't get his share of "Aw, poor things too." Overall he was a trooper.

The boys got in some official swim lessons this summer and did beautifully. Alex has come such a long way the last couple of years, but this season he was swimming (on purpose) not just splashing around  half drowning. It was marvelous. The other kids now swim with a bit more "form" I am pretty sure the life guards never knew for sure if they were drowning or playing. But now they look like they know what they are doing. Whoo hoo! Landon absolutely loved every minute in the water and when his lessons ended he was more than a little upset. Can't wait to get them back in the water soon.

As you can see he is not afraid to pose for the camera. Thanks to Auntie Shari he is a professional CHEESER.
The sprinkler pictures don't do justice to the amount of laughter we all had watching Landon chase after the big boys with no hesitation or lack of coordination. Jumping into a fan of moving water is as easy as he makes it look. hahaha.

Last but not least my cousin's adorable daughter modeling her summer knit by Auntie DD. It was so fun to knit for her. She has been well trainded in the art of receiving gifts. I was well complimented all week long. She is a great little model too.

I will post the first day of school photos soon.

End of the Summer Knits Pictures

This summer has not been completely unproductive. I have unfortunately not taken photos of all the items knit up since school dismissed:(

My goal this coming year is to catalog and journal more diligently in several areas of life but top priority is to get my yarn stash and multi project piles under control and get some of my patterns written up and maybe sell them. Yeah!

Then maybe I will start that book I joke about all the time. Hahahha. Well I need to at least get these stories written down for scrapbook purposes. Time is going by so fast and I really need to get Alex's album started. He keeps asking if I remembered he was born. Did you take pictures mom? Well, yes I did and still do but can't seem to get them printed from the Land of Digital. Uggh.

Getting ready for school next week is proving more challenging every year. I am amazed at the amount of THINGS that are considered SUPPLIES these days. I don't remember ever having to buy post it notes, expo markers, and highlighters for kindergarten or fourth grade when I was in school.

Does anyone have fantastic sack lunch ideas? Our school has not been able to complete the cafeteria yet so that means days and days of mom made lunches. Last year sandwiches were making me gag. I can't imagine how bored the kids were. So if you have any suggestions post a comment, I would love to hear them.

Along those lines any fabulous work from home ideas to generate some extra income would be great too!

I thought I would share with you how good Alex has become at communication this summer. We have been diligently working on a way to cut down on the amount of tattling and angry outburst going on around here. One thing we implemented was a talk to the person your upset with FIRST, resolve it if you can forgive each other and play on! Well, that hasn't exactly been working for A man. So he has come up with an opening phrase before pleading his case.

“Uh mom I have something to tell you. I'm not tattling I'm telling you the truth." It is hard to argue with him on that but it still isn't accomplishing our goal.


In my attempt to lead by example, I too have had an angry outburst here and there this summer (not a proud mommy moment, but I think all moms’ can extend a bit of grace and maybe even relate). The outburst part is not the example point. hehehe. After a more trying day with schedules and a lack of cooperation from the troops I felt myself getting upset. Fast forwarding through the less interesting events of the day. We still had not finished our chores for the day. I would love to say that I laughed and played with my boys and relished in the smell of dirty socks and shoes strewn about the house and ingnored the piles of unfolded laundry waiting to be put away. First we  needed to FIND the floor to walk into each room. Blah, blah, blah.... Enter my ANGRY OUTBURST. I will spare you the exact words used during this time, but immediately following my monologue was the silence of my kids, their stunned glazes and then laughter. My third born angel looks and me and says “Mom, your face got so red it looks like you have a sunburn.” I was not finding the humor in it. So I left the room to sign each one up for military school.


The “quiet time” that followed scared them more than my many words flying about in loud volumes. They cleaned ever square inch of their bedrooms and wanted to make my lunch, a snack, get me a drink, anything that would get a response. I just shook my head and continued on with my day (I was thinking the entire time what a horrible person I was to have been so mad), after all the chores had been done. I sat them all down and apologized for what I said and how I behaved and asked them to forgive me. Here is what happened.


“Mom, you don’t need to say sorry to us. You just need to be nice and stop being angry.” (ALEX)


So now mom is working on this and they are storing up more events in the “Therapy Vault” for a future day. Ughhhh.


Sorting through the mountain of school supplies is not exactly how I imagined spending our Labor Day weekend.  But I am working on not being ANGRY.. hahahaha.


Happy Back to School Week.

Gotta Say Goodbye to the Summer

Summer has come and gone. I can hardly believe that it is time for school to start again. I have shared with a few close, non-judging friends that I have been seriously thinking about homeschooling again this year. We have had the kids in a local private school the last couple of years and they have loved it. My mom heart feels we may need to bring them home for a bit and reevaluate how important their relationships with each other are. That is one of the major things I regret about our decision to quit homeschooling when we did. The brother connections and problem solving skills go out the window and peer groups and activities replace it. So we may have more interesting posts if they are home all day with me again. Right now the plan is to start the year at private school again and see how it goes, more to come in the schooling adventures of Troop Whitaker. As for summer we had so many little things I don't know if I can list them all in a way that keeps your attention. We set out on our summer break to keep things unplanned and therefore stress free. NOT!

Our first broken bone ever started out the summer with a bang. Boy number 4 had his cast on until the end of June so swimming and water play was a difficult activity. He did find a way to enjoy all the activities of a friend’s birthday party and was very clever in trying to keep his cast dry.

My cousin sent her two younger kids to spend some quality time with her parents. This gave the boys a great few weeks of cousin time. I remember summers with my cousins and how fun it was just to be together. They did so great and I played the role of camp director (aka Camp Auntie DD). Our first ever tye dye project (well my first attempt with the kids + cousins), playdough, water fights, sprinklers, park lunches and more.
Later I was informed we should have friends/family over all the time, I am way more fun when other people are watching.. I love their honestyJ

The rest of this summer has been a blur. Lots of growing, eating, more growing, fighting, complaining, laughing and misc outburst have taken place too! There is an entire blog post waiting to be written on the EATING portion of the summer.

I did take pictures but I can’t seem to add a photo to the blog. This is so annoying.

In other news we had our first broken leg and second broken bone in Whitaker history. Wee Whit got his leg stuck in the spindle back chair. It is a long story I will not retell here. Let me just say. If you think that something may be wrong with your child go with your gut. He is doing great and is not slowed down by his splint at all.

This summer has taught me a lot as a person too. I may find a way to share those thoughts as well.

Chow for now.

Summer What?

Adventures in Summer

Okay, well it has been way too long since my last post. I find that is becoming a regular opening line to this blog lately.

We are still alive. Since the last post we have had four bday's, 2 school programs, 1 doctors visit and our first broken bone. That is just a few of the big things anyway.

Austyn turned 13! Yikes, we are parents of a teenager. I am so glad he is our first. His personality and over all disposition is a joy. We are glad to have him as the "test dummy".

We had a Fear Factor themed party for our new teen. It was an eye opener. Teen boys will do alot for bragging rights. Our lone girl Sam stepped up the girl power and did all the challenges and showed the boys how it was done! Go Sam. Makoa was the dark horse of the party. He put some of the big boys to shame with his brave face and choked down some of the nasty food concoctions. Rick was a brave soul and took the crew of boys camping for the night. I am so glad I got to stay in my comfy bed. Thanks honey! Austyn had a great time and thanks Lisa for letting us invade your house with all our goo and boys.

Landon turned 1 in March and we think that he will be a cake LOVER. This is his first reaction to dig in! He attempted to poke his finger in the middle but it did not deliver the same results. I have to hand it to him. We were very amused.

Not a very good shot of Alex's cast but he likes this picture alot. That is Liz one of our favorite babysitters. She is graduated now :( Alex thinks he will be ready to ask her dad if they can get married when he turns 6, we'll see how that works out. She may find a man her own age before he is brave enough to chat with Mr.T but if she isn't married before he graduates he has his eye on her.

I will update you all hopefully with pictures soon, our boys have been putting on daily performances for each other and it is pretty funny what they are coming up with.

My final input for this post was from Alex..

"Hey mom, what is does whitty mean? Is that like a short name for Whitaker?"

Cole says " NOoooooo Alex, it is a rapper name duh!"

Oh my gotta love them.

So.. Yeah..Okay

Well, I feel like I am just not as interesting without my children home with me all day.

Since we have the kids in school, not homeschooling at the moment, my days are just as busy, but much less time to have the I can't believe he did that moments to occur.

I was reflecting on all that has been accomplished since they are gone 8 plus hours a day. Sadly nothing more is getting done. We still have the same piles, chores and regular household maintenance going on.

Today I was excited to sit down and knit. Having a very active wee little man around the house has made all mommy time a CHALLENGE. He thinks he should sit on my lap and type too. All the while chattering in his baby-ese language no one but Alex understands. But some how he manages to express loudly his dislikes.

Back to the knitting. I had set my knitting bag on the back seat in the car. Not realizing that my baby was with in arms reach of my knitting treasures. Praise God for the project bag inventors.

I heard him gag a little as we pulled up to the house but he was fine. We have named him Choke-a-hontas. He eats everything then promptly shoves his fingers in his mouth and gags it back up. Laughing proudly at his accomplishment. He did however manage to get the one lone post it note that was marking and cataloging essential information for the baby Roo afghan I have been working on. Well note to self. Don't assume that he must have only torn up the post it. No, no, no.. As sad as loosing the information is for me right now ( I have to go back and re write the info in my NOTEBOOK... I know I was working my way there, I just hadn't made it that far yet)

to my utter shock, the before naptime diaper revealed, post it notes, when digested quickly following a mexican lunch have a strange thing in common with corn. It comes out the way it goes in... Tiny little neon green pieces of paper were staring back at me. Oooohhh my heck. Landon laughed the biggest belly laugh I have ever heard. I must have had the most entertaining expression on my face.

Anyway all that to say I have yet to knit a stitch today and would have taken a photo to share but upon further thought decided, somethings I know you can imagine.. hehehe.. Landon is sporting his new top down sweater I started and finished for him in a week. Very fast Knitting Pure and Simple Bulky Sweater.. The other is a rare shot of all the big boys standing still long enough to get a picture..

2009

Wow! I can't believe this year has gone by so quickly. We are in the middle of so many things at the Whitaker house right now. Some good and some, well, not so much. I hope that the not so good is just about behind us.

We enjoyed a nice quiet Christmas. Our crazy weather conditions here in the Gorge made traveling back and forth even in town a little sketchy. So we stayed home Grandparents came to our house. The kids got to play with the things they received and we chilled out. It was so refreshing to be home. To have less and to enjoy our kids.

The only draw back to our Christmas is the family addiction to the Wii. Fun as it is, we find ourselves drawn to the challenge of beating our last score. My fascination with it is wearing off. But I too was sucked in.

I am sad to report that with all the frenzy of the stormy weather. The limitations to shopping and lack of funds this holiday spurred on the obsessive holiday knitting, out of pure necessity. But not many pictures were taken before gifting. My goal is to get the items on the giftee and share away. But at last count December knitting included.......

(1) adult pair of mittens

(8) pairs of fingerless mitts

(5) Hang Ups ornaments (knotanotherhat.com)

(3) kid hats

(1) pair tot mittens

(2) adult hats

The sewing machine produced (8) stockings with hand embroidered names. I have to say that in spite of the shoulder pain it was a rewarding handmade Christmas.

I will leave you with a few pictures of the troops. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and enjoy a fullfilling and Happy New Year.

Holiday Reflections

Does anyone else ever get completely overwhelmed by the day to day? I have found lately that just trying to get the next thing done, can be almost paralyzing. Gggrrr...

In my attempt to take better care of my emotional self. I set out to make a little time for me, something that was not directly benefiting anyone else. Hahaha. Is that even possible with 5 kids, a husband, and the current sports schedule? Well that is what I have been trying to find out.

It has become crystal clear to me that I don't know how to do that. Can you expect to much from yourself? Can you be so involved in doing the next thing that nothing is fulfilling anymore? My hobbies are important to my mental health so I am resolving to get with it and continue to make time for the things that I love to do.


Reflecting on a few things some people have "shared" recently about my kids (that connects with my parenting) made me really angry. I do not let my kids get away with much. They are good kids, with kind hearts, and lots and lots of energy. That is not bad, or disruptive. It is the nature of boys. Why do I let people get to me? Why do I care what they think?

Negative input from people have been a blow to my psyche and heart many times. In an effort to change their minds I have slowly changed. My kids are my life right now. Where is the grace that comes with being in the trenches of parenting together? It is a tough job for all of us. I don't expect nor would I want anyone else to do this job for me. No one will love my kids like I will or can. They are mine! So I am committing to thinking of my kids in a positive way as much as possible. Well I will end that soap box moment with a little insight a friend shared with me yesterday.

"They will remember that you LOVED them." Gulp. It sparked something in my core.

Wow I was really mad about that. Hehehha. Let's move on.

My pictures don't seem to be downloading to share with you all right now I will try again this afternoon. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving.

We enjoyed a relaxing afternoon here at our house. The kids had a very good time too. They ate played and watched a movie. Holiday's have not been that simple in a long time. Yeah!! I hope Christmas is as pleasant.

Speaking of Christmas, I decided not to knit anything for Christmas this year.... Nothing.. Not one item... WELL THAT IS A LOAD OF... YEAH RIGHT... This little statement has now produced two pairs of commissioned ankle socks, a girl hat, a pair of fingerless mitts (more to follow) and the ideas keep coming. Not that I will get all of them accomplished before the big day but I will write them down and get to them as soon as I can (crawling, active, baby not included, some restrictions apply).

Then there is the afghan, oh the treasured, heirloom afghan. I am going to get caught up on that as soon as I can too. I can't put it off any longer. I must finish.

Well I should close for now. My little man thinks it is lunch time already. Happy December!!

Photo Update

Landon the day before school started. He just loves boxes as playpens. He has truly completed our family. On the few days he is naughty (very few) he is a joy to everyone the rest of the time. I am waiting to see if he will show us a different side of himself as he grows. But I will take it!!

Wow!!

I can't begin to explain why I have not been writing. Most of it seems to be the kids again! Hmmm, funny how that always seems to get in the way of things that I feel are important.

I don't know if anyone still reads this or not but I purpose to be a better blogger this year. I missed it so much.

I have been knitting, just not really finishing much. I did a couple of scarves for Knot Another Hat. Realizing quickly that I would not be inspired to knit scarves for all my Christmas gifts (smirk,chuckle,laugh).

Okay so the boys are in school again this year. Most of them are loving it. I will refrain from any long ranting here. Just in case I have any school folks reading this. We have one challenge person in our midst and I have committed to praying for said person, because the alternative is not, well very nice. heheheh.

After a few months of discovering mean people in my life. I quickly decided, mean people suck. Really there is nothing I can say that would make that statement untrue.
So I am weeding out those that take to much out of me and take me away from the things that matter in my life. FAMILY, FRIENDS, KNITTING...ETC.

Alex has been so over the moon with his classroom and his new teachers and friends. He is so funny. The stories he is coming home with are challenging me as a parent to figure some things out.

The boys are all doing a round of soccer and Makoa can't wait to get a turn. Basketball and wrestling are just around the corner for him. Can I just say if any care dealer/manufacturer would like to donate a 10 passenger van or Suburban to this crazy, busy mom of 5 active boys we are glad to have you email us. heheheh. We are living in the car. Homework is just not as fun if you are elbowed by your bony knee, pointy arm brother, who can't sit still for anything. Not to mention the light are not made for homework/reading.

I will post photos after I drop off the kids tomorrow. Mr. Landon is getting so big. I can't believe he will be 8 months already. Time just seems to have taken a lofe of its own this year.

If anyone still reads this and is interested in the rantings of this busy mom. Shoot a little comment and I will share some stories with you soon.

Eyelicker

Okay, sadly this post is only about a month over due. I can't believe it takes me so long to blog these days. Wee little Whitaker seems to know when I sit down at the computer, he is hungry or poops just about every time. Heheheh..

So, on to the story. It isn't really as big of a deal now a month later, but the day it happened well, you tell me what you think.

I have been trying to find ways to discipline the troops in a more creative way. Our old stand by methods are just not working for the bigger boys. They require a bit more than "Because Mommy said so."

In honor of that, my boys were on a quest that morning to give me several opportunities to work on my creative correcting. Funny how that works. The day you decide to put some new plan into action they find new ways to wow and amaze us. I don't even have to say anything they just KNOW mom is up to something so they should be.

On my way into town we had to stop a couple of times to remind a couple boys who's names have been changed for their protection. Dex and Joel (hmm can you guess). How to behave in the car. Absolutely no throwing balls, jacks, or cards at anyone. We had to be reminded that yelling in the car is not okay and that our made up swear words would no longer be acceptable. Dex replies "You never told me that before
'' "Sorry mom". I am figuring out that boys need to be told what is expected they don't ever just KNOW that something is unacceptable. Go figure.

So we continued on to the store for a few more EPD (embarrassing public displays).
Just the usual things we all deal with when shopping with children. I am determined to make shopping for things necessary for our survival a pleasant experience. If I don't we may all starve to death.

After that was a quick stop to drop off a coffee drink to a friend at work. The boys were reminded that they didn't need to get out of the car for any reason I would be in and out. I could see them from the door and all that fun stuff. Well, another thing with boys is it doesn't matter how short the time frame is they find ways to AMAZE me. I was gone for maybe a minute at the most two. I open the door to my van and hear all of them in unison tell me "He licked Landon's eye." It took a me a few seconds to register what the heck they were talking about. I decided finger pointing can be used as a weapon when you have three brothers pointing at you all at once.

"WHY! WOULD YOU DO THAT!" I asked. Any mother would be curious I think. Really? Why would you think, Hmmm.. I should lick my poor, helpless, car seat bound, infant brother in his eye while mom is away. Sure, why not? Hello!!!!
" I don't know " was the response (note to self I don't know is not an answer). How do you take care of that? I was in shock that he would even think about that. I got into the car informed the troops to buckle up and I drove on in SILENCE. Our next stop was HAIRCUTS! Once we arrived my friend Maria noticed I was a little tense and says "What happened?" . Then the silence was broken. Sharing with her the events of the last few moments she look at the suspected individual and said. "Did it taste good?"
"NO"
"I think that is hilarious" she says. " I did that to my husband once just to annoy him" hahahhahha.. What? Seriously I would never think let's lick someone in the eye. What ever call me closed minded and sheltered. That is crazy. So I did what any good mother would do. I told him "Wait until your father gets home."

See not as big of a deal now that I think about it. My poor little Landon will have several more interesting boy moments before he understands his brothers I am sure. Well that is all for that story.

I have been knitting a few things and I do have pictures to share I just need to download again. I got a new diaper bag friendly camera and I am still learning how to use it.

Check out knotanotherhat.com for all the new yummy yarn choices and fun stuff they have been getting in. I am working a project for the shop right now using Alpaca with a Twist PUNCH.. Oh what yummy softness. The color choices are wonderful & bright.
I miss all my knitting pals a lot right now! Can't wait for a day off to go and hang out for the whole day.

Well more from my housefullofboys soon.

Summer Break?

Oh boy have we been in full swing since school has been out. I had a wonderful visit with my mom. She has not been to visit us in 7 yrs. I have gone to Hawaii a couple of times with Alex to see her. But there is just something comforting about seeing YOUR MOM in your own space.

My boys are home! Summer!! Summer Break!! Hahahahhaha. That is proving to be a bit of an oxymoron around here. I have not adjusted to all the troops being home as quickly as I had hoped. Funny how spending 8 hours a day away from your kids makes you forget the little things they do to make you laugh,cry and utterly frustrated.

For example.... Here we go the stuff I know you all sit around and wait to hear.

My #4 seems to have developed (rather successfully) the knack for getting in the LAST WORD(S). I was in a bit of a dilemma the other day and was not able to respond properly until I could finish feeding WEE LITTLE ONE.. So after a minute or FIVE of debating(arguing) with my 4 yr old (I am still the parent)(grrr).. I told him to go to his room and think about his attitude until I could take care of it.
*** " No mom, I don't think so. I am fine!"
"Go sit in your room please until I can talk to you about your attitude."
*** " I don't have an attitude mom. You have a problem with it not me." Alex says, with raised eyebrows and his signature hands on hips.
"Now don't say anything else please go to your room."
** "But, mom if you hear me.."
" I said go now with out saying anything else.."
As he is walking down the hall to his room, he mumbles...
" I told you once I don't need to think about it. I am good."

What is a mom to do? I was half irritated and half entertained by this display of LOVE from my child. It always amazes me to see how his vocabulary/reasoning is growing in his quest to annoy me. hehehehhahaha..
Ok so back to the RESOLUTION.

"Alex are you ready to listen to mom?"
"Yeah, do you feel better yet?" (ALEX)
"What do you mean do I feel better yet?"(ME)
"You're being bossy and we aren't suppose to boss people."(ALEX)

Again what do you say?

I have an eye licking story to share along with some update photos in the next post.. Bet you can't wait for that.. hehee..

Where Have All the Hours Gone?

Hello All.. I have had an extremely busy time with our new wee one. He required a little more feeding attention in the beginning. We are so greatful he seems to have turned the corner and is gaining well just Breastfeeding now. What a job it is to feed your little one. I will never assume that breastfeeding or any other NORMAL/NATURAL baby care method will just happen. Every baby is different as is each need for that baby.

I have been knitting a bit and sewing too. Also I have repainted and sewn new curtains for the living room. It was a real life home make over... It was not as quick as the 24 hours shows but I think 3 days from start to finish with 2 people and a nursing newborn isn't too shaby.

My mom is visiting us this week. Her first visit in 7 years. We have been catching up on my sewing PILE/projects. I promised she could eat and sleep when we were done.. Not a moment sooner. Hahahha.. I can be such a slave driver. Just kidding we are feeding her and she likes to craft like I do. So that has been a fun time.

We just spent the last 24 hours visiting with family at my great Aunt's celebration of life memorial service. She was nearly 80 yrs old and had such a zest for life. She was strong and determined. She was such an example in that respect. Her knitted christmas stockings she had done for each grandchild were displayed at her services. What a legacy... I am so glad that she instilled in me a desire to learn to knit. Thanks Aunt Hazel. You will be greatly missed.

I will follow up with the KAH baby shower for Mr.Landon when my mom returns to Hawaii. Until then... Happy MONDAY

Photo Session!

 

 

 

 

Ok so I can't see what picture is what so I will list as many Thank You's as I can. It has come to my attention that Landon is blessed with lots of talented Aunties. He has quite a hand knit/handmade gift collection going already.

The quilted blanket is curtosey of Auntie Cheryl (aka Dreamtime Blankies) I will post more info as her new business takes off. This is lined with satin and has the ohhh soooooooo soft minky squares in it too. I love it! It will be hard to share. hehehee.

The little blue giraffe was a test knit for Nichole at knotanotherhat.com. I discovered that I am not the best test knitter. I sort of forget half way through the project that I am testing a pattern and start to do my own thing. I have to say that this pattern went pretty quickly considering it was completely made up as she went. Love the finsihed product. This will be one of the stuffed he MUST TREASURE FOREVER. The pattern is carried at knot another hat.

Then the ultimate baby blanket. The Knot Another Hat Aunties whipped up this surprise for Wee Whitaker. I can't express what this meant to me. I have discovered so many things about friendship over the past 2 years. One of them being Knitters are among the most giving people I have come to know. These ladies have become more and more like family over the last couple of years. This blanket is a testimony to that. Thanks Sarah, Nichole, Jill, Yvonne, Clair, Stacy, Shannon. I hope I did not forget anyone. You truly surprised me. I had know idea.

Landon is also sporting a pair of the smallest socks I have ever seen. Knit up courtsey of Sarah. Because my Wee little man has the longest little feet I have seen on a baby they will not fit him for long. So he is wearing them every chance he gets until he out grows them. hehehee.. Thanks Sarah.

The top picture is a bad picture of the dishcloth pattern blanket from Auntie Wendy. I love the color combo in this blanket it is just so happy.
Also from auntie Wendy was the yarn to make this little newborn hat. Of all the hats we knit up before he arrived none were small enough to fit him so I started and finished this in one sleepless evening. Love the Cascade Pima Tencel yarn it is so soft knit up.

Well that is all for today. I will get some photos of my sock busting obession that has taken root this month. I do believe at last count as of Feb 29th-Today I have completed 3 ankelets pairs, 2 pairs of pedicure socks , 1 pair of regular socks, 3 pairs of kid socks and have 1 pair of socks for me in process and a replacement pair 1/2 done for Cole. His original pair felted a bit in the wash and no longer fit.

Wee Whitaker

 

Hello Blog Land! I am back for now. Hhehehe.. We would like to introduce our Wee Whitaker..
Landon Cooper Po'okela Whitaker joined our crew on March 19th. He weighed in at 7 lbs 11.6oz, 20 inches long.

It looks like we are to remain AHOUSEFULLOFBOYS!

I have to say he has been a very laid back baby for the most part. If we can adjust a few things during the day for him. Mommy might actually get some sleep at night.

The boys have been loving on him as much as they can. Visitors have limited some of the holding time for them, but they are looking forward to him eating better and being awake a bit more so they can hold him and play with him.

After a brief update from people at their school it seems our trip to the hospital was well narrated. I consider myself a pretty open person. I just am not sure how comfortable I am with the fact that 3 kids went yelling down the halls "SHE BROKE WATER" "NOW WE ARE JUST WAITING". One of the 5th grade moms shared her daughters play by play of my labor progress. Oh boy do I love my boys. They just have to tell it like it is.

I have more pictures to share I just have to transfer them to the blog. So I hope to have a little photo session later tonight or tomorrow after the kiddos are off to school.

That is all for now.