Christmas in the Desert

I got my Christmas wish I ask for every year.
Growing up in the desert I always wanted snow, when I realized i wasn't going to get snow I started asking for rain and I got rain this year. Of course we are away from home and it is snowing there. I hear.... Go figure. The kids all were happy with their gifts.
Sasha got a mini claw machine, Laryssa a very girlie version of Monopoly, Zara some moon sand, Anastasia Sponge bob LIFE and Vadim got a truck. It was a great day but with too many people all of them family. "Fourty counted in all..... I caramba!

Over the Grapevine and Through the Desert

To Grandmother's house we go....... I pray the weather cooperates enough so we can get there. We are looking forward to getting there. I am not looking forward to the road trip. It will be worth the wait.

Why is it when I have so much to do to get ready I suddenly have the desire to bake. I haven't made anything from scratch (baking wise) in some time, other than cakes. I made banana bread with the kids and the blender went beserk and I got some banana on the ceiling. It was cool, but messy. The kids put together and destroyed a gingerbread house. They had fun doing it. The car is packed. Tomorrow we finish cleaning the house and Tuesday we are off. Please pray for our safe arrival.

Life Is Beautiful

We had our ultrasound today. The baby was a little shy of having it's picture taken. It kept covering its face with it's hands. Everything looks good.

Who knew, you can excericse too much!

I have been having a hey day with this diabetes diet. I am eating for the most part everything I am supposed to, my sugars are pretty good most of the time and I have been exericizing. I have lost ten pounds since the beginning of my pregnancy. My diatition and ob are thrilled, my husband isn't unhappy either. I was doing the treadmill and walking on Saturday and lo and behold it was too much. I had to lay in bed most of the rest of the day and it didn't feel very good at all. My belly and back were aching. So I guess i have to settle down and remember I am trying to keep my blood sugars down and not diet.

One Flu over the cuckoo's nest

We as a family are just recovering from a fun little case of the flu that swept thru our house like Sherman on Atlanta. I was truly checking the skies for the locust invasion. After a week of strep throat followed by the Halloween flu I was getting a little worn down. However, I can report I feel wonderful today. Lots of energy and feeling good. Almost went to the cuckoo's nest but missed it.

Blessing or Curse

I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes early in this pregancy. I really thought I would dodge this bullet, but alas I did not. I could look at this in many different ways but have decided to go with blessing. I am eating better than I ever have and walking once or twice a day. The Doctors have asked me to gain no more than ten pounds max. This was almost a challenge to me. I am doing pretty well there. I have lost five pounds this week. I feel strange and terribly excited about that. I feel like it is bad to lose weight when I am pregnant but at the same time it feels great. The diatician says I will have to have insulin at some point which sucks but I will do what is best for baby. The food is plenty but I have to work on eating it all. So all is well so far. I pray for strength during Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I may have to start running.

Relief

I had an ultrasound today. I cannot tell you how relieved I was to see my baby. I saw it's little nose, it sucked it's thumb and waved. I got to see the little tiny feet. I have been so worried and I don't know exactly why but it made me feel so much better seeing the little guy or girl. I will post the ultrasound photos just as soon as I figure out how.

There are Tears in the floor in Heaven

It has been a while since I last blogged it is with much sadness I post today. My dear friend lost her husband this weekend to a tragic accident. I didn't know Mike all that well but I know what he meant to his family and this speaks volumes. He was the love of his wife Laurens life. He was the Father her kids were lucky to find, a great partner and helpmate. It reminds me not that people shouldn't have guns but that God is in charge and it was his time even if we weren't ready for him to leave. It is the only way I can accept that someone so important can be gone from us so soon. In his memory I will do all that I can to help his wife and children get through the days ahead that will surely be so painful.

Olympic Spirit

We just returned from a short trip to Reno. I am not really certain why our kids love it but love it they do. I think it is because Dad enjoys things as much as they do. We were playing in the arcade our last night there and winning big in a claw machine where the prize was an enormous basket ball. We drew quite a crowd as we won four in one night. One lady came up the escalator just as we had won one and started cheering with the crowd and commented, "why am I cheering"?. Laryssa had earned one extra game and wanted to win an elmo for Vadim, she ended up winning a Rhino that a little boy and his Father had been trying and trying to win without success. The little boy was very sad but his Father had already sunk $40 dollars into it and was done. I suggested Laryssa give it to him, she hesitated for only a moment and ran over to him. The boys face lit up like a sunrise and his Father was stunned. They spoke very little English but were so grateful and thankful. I have never been so proud of Laryssa and it made the whole trip worth everything to me. My heart is still bursting with pride.

Thank Heaven for little boys

Thank heaven for little boys for without them how would Mommas get to indulge themselves by getting them a cool car bed. We asked him if he liked his bed and he yelled Yeah! as he poked his head out the rear window. We hope he will actually sleep in the bed but he is really enjoying playing with it and we are having fun watching him.

Happy Birthday Jane

Today is a milestone birthday for my big Sis. I won't mention witch birthday as it might annoy her. We went to the beach to day to be with her. It is her center, her happy place. This beach is one she and I came upon accidentaly one afternoon while looking for Hearts Desire. So today, since she is physically in the desert I thought I would try and bring her to the Ocean, which is where our hearts lie. She is a wonderful Sister. Beautiful, endlessly generous, lovely and kind. She loves me even when I am a complete ass (which sometimes is often) and I love her. We are neither of us perfect but our love is as great as the ocean. High Priest Vadim is blessing the Birthday message with a kelp whip, Zara looks for Mermaids or dreams of being a seal maiden and is looking for her seal skin on the waves, Sasha is thinking of sacraficing Vadim and the other picture looks like Magic at the end of the beach.

Fun at the River

We had a really fun Fourth of July Weekend and spent a lot of time on the Russian River and some time at the pool as well. We discovered that Vadim really loves Chips and Salsa and it is a good way to get him to drink fluids.

Why does Summer Fly By?

Why does it go so fast"? I look so forward to the summer months because the daily routine slows and I get to spend more time with the children. This summer just seems to be going too quickly. We have gone on a few little day trips with the kids but it seems like there is too much work going on and not enough play. I will have to try harder to relax and have more fun. We came home from the cabin so the kids could have some time with friends. They spent today at a friends pool. Hopefully we will go on a ferry ride and a movie this week and take Mom to San Francisco on Sunday. That will be fun.

The Fountain of Youth

It's funny when we are young we can't wait to grow up and when we are older we wish to be younger. I was pondering this while I walked my little Vadim up the stairs of our house this morning. I thought it was not too long ago I walked the very same way with his Grandmother. I carried him up the stairs when he was too little to walk. I carried her up and down the stairs when she could no longer do it herself. My little boy reminds me so much of her. He loves bananas, walks with his hands behind his back, he has a dirty little giggle and sometimes I have to spoon feed him. I am grateful for the gift of this child and his bright sunny smile. He helps me to remember the lovely things about his Grandma. So I'm learning be as patient with our old as you are with the young and they will most likely reward you with sunny smiles and unspoken gratitude.

Way to beat the heat

Trying to stay cool in unseasonable hot weather. I love the box above his head that says keep frozen. If only we could.

Lovin being in the dumps

I am proud to say I have eliminated two and a half little truck loads of stuff from my house and sent it happily to the dump. Especially an evil vacuum. I have donated a bunch of stuff for a rummage sale and given a bunch of stuff to the thrift store and green box. I am so proud of me and I love seeing my dining room so clean. I will be off to another room next week. Yipee for me!

Decade Day at School

A little fifties and a little sixties and a lot of fun

Happy Birthday Anastasia

Six years ago on this day at 8:51 we welcomed this little loved child. She has given so much love and joy to us. She was born on the fifth anniversary of her Grandfather Vadims passing and on the birthdy of my dear Brother Michael. We didn't know what to name our fourth daughter. We thought about Anastasia. I didn't like it that well but when we mentioned the name to our priest he said that was a fantastic name. Her name means resurection and rebirth and her birthday would always be at Easter time. I was sold. She is beautiful, funny, sensitive and caring. Her friends all love her and she them. She makes us smile and sigh.... oh to be six and so carefree. She is the reason for the name of this blog. I love you two, because your you, I love you three, you belong to me, I love you four... love you more, love you five, love you six, love you seven all the way to heaven, love you eight because your great, love you nine because your mine, love you ten lets do it again. Happy Birthday to my royal princess Anastasia.

Roses and Lemons

I love the smell of lemon pine sol on my clean kitchen floor and my Cecil bruner roses throughout the house. It smells like a slice of heaven

Marriage and Housework

Doing the daily house work is like marriage. You have to find a way to make it good every day even when you don't feel like it sometimes. I think it is easier with the marriage than the housework but that is just today.

I can do pictures...... Whoo Hoo

Ha, Ha, I have finally conquered adding images. And super cute images they are if I do say so myself and I do.

Having a ball

I'm ready to play. Hey and the best part Mommy finally got the picture to upload. Vadim is ready to play any kind of ball. He will have the computer mastered by two.

He is one of the loves of our life and makes all of us very happy.

Extreme Home makeover, Super Nanny, Peter Walsh

Help my home needs you!!!!

Extreme home makeover give me a house that has old windows but double paned so I don't have to hear the traffic. Take some of my neighbors huge back yard and give it to my family, my kids will play in it. I would like enough rooms so my kids can get away from eachother if they want to but not too much room so they aren't forced to be together sometimes. I want a house that has no mold, clutter and is pretty with flowers. A pool would be awesome but someone else has to clean it. A canopy bed for me that my kids won't think is a treehouse and decorated in country cute.



Supernanny help me get my kids cooperation to clean this lovely dream home and stop fighting and eat breakfast.



Peter, help me organize this disaster and I promise if you and your team come and put all my stuff on the front lawn. I will only put a small amount back on the little tarp you give me.



The baby is awake ......... back to reality. Gotta dream.....

Razing Arizona

We just returned from a quick visit to Arizona to visit Family and Friends. I hate the road trip and wish it was cheaper to fly with a family of seven. However, there are little gems that fall from our fingers on these trips. Night driving provides an opportunity for quite conversations with Victor when the kids are all sleeping. I wish I could read while moving in a car but it makes me sick, so disappointing. I love it when we all listen to music together. I really enjoy watching Victor head bang to the kids music the Jonas Brothers as well as having the kids enjoy the music we love. The kids now can spot Bob Seger, Bruce Springsteen and Jimmy Buffet to name a few. Laryssa knows Country music better than Victor now. I enjoyed the beautiful mountains and cloud formations on the trip home and the lovely blue of the Colorado river with the reds and greens and the surprise carpet of purple flowers on the roadside when all else was desert. I got to have a Mr. Misty float at Dairy Queen. I haven't had one in over 12 years.

We had a nice visit with the family, but it was too short. I had barely recovered from the ride over when it was time to drive home. We had some nice dinners and a quiet, relaxing Easter at Moms. We did a little shopping and I got to see some good friends. I wish I could do more for my mom but there wasn't much time. Victor got so much done and I love him so much for all of it.

As we crossed the Richmond San Rafael bridge I felt like I was on the ride Space Mountain at Disneyland. I wasn't nervouse because I couldn't see the water. Knowing it was there and I was home again with my Ocean and as I crawled in between my flannel sheets and under my duvet I squeeled with delight at being in my own bed.

Never Mock the Flu

It happened again. I made the mistake of commenting to someone we hadn't gotten the flu this winter. Silly, Silly girl. Last time I did that WHAM! the flu and again it happened. It was hideous. Five out of seven of us have gotten it and Victor and Laryssa are fighting it. It is quick and dirty. I felt a little sparky this morning and got a lot done, but felt wobby and weak by days end. Just another day in paradise.............................where's my wham burger and french cries?

Just when you think your right......... your not!

I have wondered and fantasized about how life would be with out my Mother in Law. I just knew everything would be suddenly perfect... it isn't. It is not bad or good it is different. It was my life for almost 11 years. I have lived with her, with the exception of the first five days of my daughters life, for all my Mothering years. I feel light some days without the heavy burden of caring for her and the struggles we had. I feel empty somedays and am surprised when she isn't in her room. Which is now a pre-teen haven complete with mess and ucky teen idol posters. We went to visit the cemetary for the first time Sunday and it was so strange. She wasn't there, she couldn't be there. I felt so conflicted and odd. When we leave the house I still think we are leaving her alone and I should have someone staying with her. I cannot change what is. I can only learn.

Costco

I love Costco but I hate putting everything away.

I hear music

I witnessed a miracle last night. Our entire family sat down in pj's and watched a movie together. We watched Finneans Rainbow with Fred Astair and Petula Clark. My husband even stayed awake for more than half of it and he doesn't watch musicals. We even let the kids eat ice cream in the living room! It was wonderful. I can't wait until next Saturday. I will make sure we have the red vines and milk duds.

Channeling Erma Bombeck

My morning could have been in a book written by the late, funny Erma Bombeck. A day that starts this awful should make a heck of a funny book. We got up to get ready for school. Our cleaning lady comes at 7 on Thursdays. She lets me know while I am dressing that the dog has poo pood all over the floor in the living room. I'm thinking why me why today? I get the kids ready, the ones that are not sick and get the others medicated and off I go to school to do the first drop off. I come home and sit in the car reading trying to avoid what I know is waiting for me in the living room. The kids that stayed home come to the car looking for me. I have to go in. It's still there waiting for me. I clean it up and manage delicate gagging rather than throwing up. Then I can't find the carpet cleaner. This can only happen to me. I figure out where Victor has hidden it and get to work. I hadn't cleaned it out last time I used it a week ago so it smelled precious. More delicate gagging. I have to get lunches for the kids at school and be there to volunteer in Kindergarten by 10. I clean it all up. Then the baby needs the same clean up as isle 13,dogpoop lane). He is only a little more cooperative. Vadim has a fever so I get to wrestle him to get the motrindown him. It takes two of us. I nurse him almost to sleep and then run for the school. I can relax now I will be safe ....... working with 20 five year olds. It was fun and relaxing and they were pretty well behaved. If it doesn't kill you It might make a great book.

Turning over a new leaf

I am determined to make the best of the new year. With renewed spirit and energy. I am slowly decluttering my nest. I try and get rid of at least one bag of crap a day. I still need to do better with the kids lunches, but I am even learning better ways to do this. I feel as if I am making better decisions. I am a recycling maniac and have taken our trash down to one small garbage can.

We got Martha's room repainted and it looks incredible. It is a bright and happy blue. We hope to have the two older girls moved in by Valentines day. They are very excited. Then we will move on to re-doing the little girls room and move Vadim in there with them. I am hoping the kitties will take this as a sign of good faith and stop leaving little packages beneath the bed.

I am just about to have my 43rd birthday. It is a bit wierd as my Mother was just about my age when she had me. I wish I felt I had more time. I would really think of having a number six. Alas, I am enjoying my little mess maker Vadim far too much to share him with someone new. I don't feel my age most days only when I fall down.

Just another day in paradise

Vacation

Hi there, Happy New year. We just returned from an after Christmas vacation. We needed a little down time after Grandma's funeral. We chose Las Vegas with a swing through Los Angeles to visit USC, hit a couple of Missions and go home. The girls and Victor wanted to experience Circus Circus Vegas style and I not so secretly wanted to go to the Coca Cola store and get a CSI T-shirt.

Our adventure was off with a bang the day after Christmas. We headed out at 8:30 am and everything was going well. Regular stops for bathroom, food and gas with minimal fighting in the back seats of our nine passenger Suburban. All was well as we stopped in Bakersfield to get a Cherry Lime Coke from Sonic. Momma Bear hadn't had one of these in a very long time. It was fabulous!

This is where things took a turn. Highway 58 was closed due to poor visibility and high winds. We were not deterred. We had LUCY our GPS (shortened from Lucinda meaning light bearer)! We re set it to go through LA and checked our hotel reservations. Onward Ho! Stuck in mega traffic most of the rest of the day we arrived in Vegas at about 11:30. We had arranged for two rooms with an adjoining door. We were led to two rooms on different floors. This was not going to work for us. With some yelling we received a better room but had to help get it ready. I helped make the beds and put the kids to bed, then put Victor to bed and then lay down with Vadim. Just as I was drifting off they brought up the crib. It was 3:30 am Lights out!

Next day Circus Circus buffet was a big hit and we were off. We went shopping and bought the girls new clothes as a belated Christmas gift and then headed to the Rain forest Cafe for dinner. This for me was the highlight. It was very kid friendly and great food. After dinner we headed to the Coca Cola store and had lots of fun looking at everything.

We headed back to Circus Circus and hit the game arcade. I had some strange need to win one of those large basketballs, but after many attempts could not get one. The girls won a pink guitar. The man at the game was so sweet. He kept giving Zara all these chances, but it was Laryssa who got the dart in the star and won the neon pink guitar. It was midnight and we went to bed. Victor got up early while we all slept and won $200 Yippee! We had some god awful Krispe Cream doughnuts and headed off to the Adventure dome also in Circus Circus. I was determined to get over my fear of roller coasters and go on one. I did and it wasn't bad as long as I kept my eyes closed and screamed a lot. It was very liberating. Victor one me the basketball and we had had enough of Vegas.

Can anyone say MORE TRAFFIC! It took forever to get to LA and we finally settled into a lovely suite with a loft in Long beach. We had pizza,fire and a movie and Sasha was the only one who stayed awake for the entire movie. We forged on the next morning and headed for USC to go souvenir shopping. It was a little overwhelming but we walked away with a few cheerleader outfits, several pom poms and well you name it we bought it. We were able to hear the band practice and peek at the football practice for a second. It was a lot of fun.

We were now homeward bound planning to stop at Sasha's Mission from last year and then Laryssa's from this year. Sasha's mission was Santa Barbara. It was beautiful, we got there just as evening Mass was ending and they had a lovely Nativity scene in the front with live animals. Laryssa's mission was very nice too but it was too dark to really get to appreciate it but we had fun running around anyway. We arrived home at 11:30 pm. Grateful to have arrived safely after seeing a bad accident on the PCH. We realized it was fun to get away but there is no place like home.