We haven't gone too far from home this week. #4 was sick for a day or so and didn't go far from the sick bucket. I suffered with the sore throat. But we managed to go to the beach Thursday. Just the break we needed to lift our spirits!





#1 Made this crab yesterday. I suggested they make some crafts while I- tried to clean the carpet with the big ole carpet cleaning contraption and this was the only result to be found. Pretty creative given there was no instruction and the little one was trying to throw everything in site!

Here's a cute video-hope you enjoy the humor in the Grocery Store Wars:)

This week in pictures

The plumber was here all week, most of it anyway I think it took him about 18hours to install the tub. But the tub is in and is a huge monster. We picked out a big soaking tub-which is great when you want a soak. I found out this morning that when you are half awake you don't remember that the side is a little higher and you need to pick your feet up a little more to climb in LOL! Whack!

I received a free sample of Teeccino in the mail this week. I've been wanting to try it so last night I finally pulled the coffee pot out and started brewing. I found out that the new carafe we picked up does not work with our coffee maker. Big mess, but we were able to salvage exactly a cup of my drink and James thinks he can fix the coffee maker. The drink was lovely! I do want to try some more. You can pick up a sample from the website and try it yourself. I chose the Vanilla Nut flavor, as soon as I opened the package I knew I was going to like it, the smell was heavenly. Here are the ingredients: Roasted carob, barley, chicory root, dates, almonds, figs, natural vanilla extract and other flavors. To borrow a term, Yum-O!

update on computer woes

James found out that the problem with the laptop is a 'known problem' with the HP that we have and it is still under warranty so all shipping and fixing will be covered for us. Hurray!

Laptop woes

I must not be having computer luck this year. First my tower decided to go on the fritz. Now my laptop doesn't want to be online. It only gives the dial up option(which isn't an option since we have no land line) and refuses to go wireless. James has labored over it and fixed it a couple times but after I turn it off and back on the next day it does the same thing.

Yesterday was our first day of school for the year. I have pictures but I have to remember how to upload them on James computer so you will be without today. Everyone was so excited, as they came up stairs they said in their happy voices 'we get to do school today'. The day went well, although #3 aka dark circles under his eyes was a little weepy during our 'PE' time. His afternoon nap helped alter his mood:)

For those that have asked, it looks like we'll be heading back to Connecticut. So far the kids are really excited about the move. Shari, when you think about it maybe you could email the subwives link. I'm sure I could think of many questions to ask, such as how much has in changed in 5 years? I lost the link when my computer crashed.

LOL the older boys just woke and came upstairs and #3 says. 'Mom, #1 says today is the second day of school' I say yes. He says 'Yippee!!!!!'
Smiles and happiness in the morning. How blessed I am:)

news

James came home today with a nice little(heavy)award. He is Sailor of the Quarter. Woo Hoo and Congratulations honey!


House news:
you may be getting these updates for the near future. We have found out that we won't be living here much longer so all of those half started projects have to get finished pronto!
I talked to 5 plumbers, had 3 come out and hired one. He starts on Monday, with what should be a 2 day project of installing our new tub. This little project was started months ago with James tearing out the old tub and surround and the end is finally in sight! Although much more $$$ than we had planned. I decided that we need to make sure that the boys especially are 'learned' in all kinds of house hold repair as they grow up so they can do it their selves and not shell out their hard earned money. Of course time is a factor too for us to hire someone but hey the more the children (and us) learn they better off they'll be.

Just an FYI. Make sure to hide the sugar. I didn't put it away today and the little guy decided to pull it off the counter and decorate the floor. I'm sure that made the ants happy, me not so much. Btw, the ants are back in cycle *sigh*

As far as our move goes we might be leaving as early as December(Mom and Dad as soon as this is fact I will call as it may change your plans?) Exciting and nerve racking........
Prayers for the whole moving process are welcome. Especially for the sale of our home.

Homemade baking Powder

Did you know there was such a thing;)I find it hard to find baking powder without AL in it and found this recipe. credit goes to Edna Lewis. It works great, I just made my second batch of it today.

To make 1/2 cup baking powder, sift 1/4 cup cream of tartar, 2 tbsp. baking soda, and 1 tbsp. corn starch together 3 times. Transfer to a clean, tight-sealing jar. Store at room temperature, away from sunlight, for up to 6 weeks.

recap

Check out this Cross Nursing video. I think it was a pretty good segment, I haven't nursed any but my own but I can say the thought did cross my mind a time or two. I don't think it is such a strange idea,especially if you are comfortable with nursing, what better way to comfort and nourish a child.
And this article on Freebirthing. I read a lot of the comments and really just held my hands in the air saying you people are so uneducated. Yes, childbirth is a risk. It is a risk in the hospital as well as at home. No being in the hospital doesn't make everything ok. Being in the hospital can even put you more at risk. Even here in the good USA- the death rates of the mom and baby are among the highest in the industrialized world. IMO thanks to induction and C-sections and the fear of being sued.


ok, lets get back to the children, shall we?

Quickly(because I'm tired ok) pictures are from a beach picnic. It was too windy for Frisbee so we ended up playing different jumping games.

Our oldest turned 8 last Friday! We went bowling(his request and no pictures) daddy was able to join us(was suppose to work late so very exciting!) But should have done it a different day, kids had fun but parents-not so much. Too much no napping crazy whining for us.
Saturday the children and I went to the Zoo, took a friend and her son with us. This would be the tree pictures.
#1 got his cake on Saturday-not much to look at but yummy! Black Magic cake. The first icing I made and had to dump as it was too runny. Second batch was ok, but not enough. But the cake made up for the icing!!