Less is BEST!

DH and I had a date night on Wednesday evening.  My In-Laws came in from out of the country and wanted to babysit.  They can't wait to get rid of us parents so that they can all have fun!  I try not to imagine how my children look swinging from the fans or jumping on the furniture.  I would truly not enjoy myself if I do that...

 We were excited to go and see a movie that was in the theaters and we chose the Pirates movie for just that reason.  I must say I was so disappointed!  I think that the 1st movie was the best.  The 2nd was okay and the 3rd pales in comparison.  It was way to long and a bit confusing. Special effects were great though.  My eldest DD had seen it with friends and raved about how great it was.  Her girlfriends mom, on the other had, told me it was boring and lacking in Johnny Depp screen time.  I enjoyed the evening out with DH, my ceiling fans and furniture are still in tact, and when and if another Pirates movie comes out....I would still probably go to see it.  It wasn't the worst movie I have ever seen...

Less is BEST!

Thanks so much for your reply!  All is not lost then....

I have to admit I was concerned when he was first diagnosed and just a bit frustrated.  The poor kid has been through so much in such a short time and has been on so much medication.  The Prozac I refused...so sorry he talks to much...not willing to medicate him to make him be quiet...he is pretty much the happiest kid I know.  Besides he always tells me I am the best and most beautful mother he always wanted!  I certainly don't want him to stop saying sweet things like that!

At any rate, he will be checked in another week or so to see how the dose of medication is working.  It will be about 6 weeks or so since we started.  All things considered, I am happy with his progress, energy level and recent weight loss.  He has always been a big boy, and after all the steriods, and the 2nd round of chemo he gained weight and was having a hard time getting around.  He has a new spring in his step, can run up the stairs, and has no problems getting down on the floor to love on our dog.  Change is good...

:0)

Less is BEST!

So far I am finding that my eldest DD is very trust worthy.  Should my impression change, or should she start behaving differently I might indeed have to do some checking into it.  For now, if I have a question about something, I just ask.  She is always really been open about answering, even some of the more embarrasing questions.  I am trying to have an open minded philosophy.  Do I feel it is wrong to snoop?  Hard to say...teens should have their own personal space,  learn to grow, and also be respectful.  I truly hope I am never put in a situation where I would need to snoop, but I certainly won't let the "wool" be pulled over my eyes, so to speak.

Less is BEST!

I totally agree!  I hadn't been on for awhile and was deciding if I was going to continue with my account.  No real reason to leave, just wasn't sure what I was going to do. I live an ordinary life.  Nothing exciting, but everything about it I love!  I just didn't think I would have anything that anyone would want to read.  I too would like to say "Thanks".  I have put a few thoughts out there and the responses have been positive.  Leave?  What was I thinking?!  Clearly I should stick to drinking my coffee....

 :0)

MT is a wonderful place with tons of caring people!  The little bit of drama hasn't hurt either.

Less is BEST!

It has been several years since I nursed, but I thought I got some of my nursing shirts from Walmart.  I am not sure if they carry that kind of stuff anymore.  Target now has maternity clothes, so they might have nursing stuff as well.  I don't know where in AZ you are located, but the Outlets in Anthem used to have a Motherhood Maternity store that had TONS of discounted clothes.  I have purchased a few things from E-bay, but we don't have pay-pal so I find it a huge pain.  Do you have any second hand Mom/Baby stores close to you?

Just a thought...

:0)

Less is BEST!

Great idea Jan! 

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I must admit traveling seems like it would be extremely frustrating nowadays.  I realize everything is done for our protection, although I can't imagine that a plastic baggie is going to save me from being blown up. I am EXTREMELY scared to fly.  I haven't done it in something like...8 years and I have no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.

As if I wasn't scared enough, and already required meds to fly in the first place (they don't help by the way...I was screaming on the inside and my skin felt like it was crawling...everyone else thought I was nice and calm though), 9-11 happened and I just can't bring myself to get on a plane for any reason.  I wanted to go and see my girlfriend who had just moved to Hawaii.  Food, shelter, and entertainment provided.  I was even supposed to bring my new baby at the time (2002).  I couldn't do it. Now, my Grams' health is declining and as much as I would love to see her again, I just can't do it.  I feel terrible about it.

There must be something wrong with me...I can make light of most things, and I know in my heart that it is so much safer now to travel...so many new rules...

Less is BEST!

I used to love having DH grill chicken and steaks for dinner.  Why?  because DH was doing the cooking!!! Who wouldn't love having someone else prepare the meal?!  Anyways, DH's shift changed, and now he doesn't get home until 7 p.m., so the RMOMROX clan of kiddos has been done with dinner for almost 3 hours...long story, but for medical reasons for eldest DS we have to eat early. I tried twice to use our grill.  It is a really beautiful one that we got at Sam's Club when we used to have a membership there.  I wish DH would clean it.  First time, when I cooked fish it was done on the outside, but raw on the inside....YUCK!  That was the last time I have ever cooked fish.  Second time, while starting that beautiful grill I burned my hands and lost a few strands of bangs and an eyebrow hair or two.  BTW...don't lean over the grill when using the starter to check and see if it has lit...so TOTALLY unsafe.

 So, never again have I used the grill.  So sad really, it is such a nice grill....

I tend to cook most things on the stove.  We are also on the Time Saver Plan with electricity as well as the Equalizer Plan...the things we do to keep our energy costs down...so using the oven is out of the question during the week.

Less is BEST!

As always, I enjoyed Gossip Girl's Hollywood recap.  I thought the video was extremely funny!  I remember watching He-Man as a kid, so I couldn't help but laugh at that one.  And the photo of a very pregnant Salma...Wow!  To look that good while expecting a little one!  She looks beautiful!

I can't wait for the next installment....

Less is BEST!

I have also heard that Aveeno is great.  My MIL has a HUGE dry skin problem and she is always raves about how well Aveeno works.  I was surprised to find that the Baby Aveeno is actually cheaper than the regular Aveeno.  It would certainly be worth trying.

 Hope her skin clears up.

Less is BEST!

Less is BEST!

I also have 4 children. They range in age from 4-15 years old. I try and plan activities that my children and I can do at home. (My eldest DS's disability keeps us from going out to public places to often.)    Everyone has different interests, so that certainly makes it interesting.  We have a movie day, we are going to start going to the library  at my children's school (their AR program starts this next week), we go swimming a couple times a week,(we have a pool in our backyard), and the kids all LOVE to draw so we do crafts.  We don't do all the activites on one day, but we do one activity each day.  I also reserve at least one day a week for running errands, and unfortunately for the kiddos, they all have to come.  I try and make it fun and generally there is no complaining.  Snacks, games boys, and good tunes for them to sing along makes the ride around town enjoyable.

 I think that I am pretty fortunate that my kids are all self entertainers.  They all play well together for the most part, and luckily my house is big enough that if they decide to argue, they can all be seperated so that I can retain my sanity.

Some fun things that we like to do....

*Library...  Reading Program

*Movies... I let each child have a turn to pick the movie.  Eldest DD is very good about picking something everyone can watch.

*Public Pool...I have enrolled them in classes before, but now all but eldest DS can swim, and he is to big for classes.  Our public pool had a great open swim time and it was so much fun.

*Pottery Painting...unfortunately ours went out of business, but they had magnets for just a couple dollars each to paint.  Last year we went every other week to paint, and then on the off week, we went to pick up our projects.  They have all enjoyed seeing their magnets on the fridge, even I painted with them every week!

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer with your kids!

Less is BEST!

DH just took me out to dinner and a movie last week.  His parents were visiting from out of the country, and they like to come and visit the children and want us to leave.  You know grandparents...they let the kiddos take over the house! LOL!  Anyway we had a great time.  Before that, we hadn't been out since I think January for our Anniversary...

 It is so hard to find anyone to watch our children, and eldest DS has some restrictions, so I am cautious to let just anyone watch him.  Eldest DD is a huge help and knows the routine and medications, so if the Grandparents come over I don't have to worry to much.

Dating....I remember those months well.....

Less is BEST!