It's not Cancer!

I spent the summer just enjoying my family. My recent cancer scare made me take time to enjoy the moments I had with my kids. I was grateful all I experienced was a scare.  There are so many families who cancer is their scary reality.

I went to my doctor appointment only to have the doctor chew me out for not getting it checked sooner. The doctor even told me that it looked like cancer. (I didn't tell any of my family members this as it was scary to hear that.) I waited in silence for two more weeks. Then one morning I got the phone call.  My results were in and it was a non cancerous growth.  I admit, I cried.

After experiencing that scare I want to spend the summer with my kids. My oldest daughter is turning 18 in the Spring and entering her Senior year. My youngest enters kindergarten in the Fall of 2017. The cancer scare made me realize that time is passing far quicker than I want. I need to step away from everything and just enjoyed being a mom for some time.

In some ways this scare was draining but also a wake up call to do more things that fulfill us as a family.  It has made me more grateful for the moments when they are driving me crazy. When the toy boxes upended with toys spread everywhere or music blaring with a single song on repeat; I remind myself there is a mom somewhere that would give anything to have this moment again.  

30 Days of Thankful (Day 30)

My 30 days of Thankful

Day 30

I am thankful that it is the end of the month.. the end of the week... the end of the school quarter.
One more month to the end of this year as well!
Good bye November and hello to December. I can't wait til my birthday.  Even though nothing huge is planned, I am still looking forward to it. Shocking considering I'm thirty.. ::mumbles:: and some more this year.
I love that Christmas music is everywhere. My wonderful husband will even sing various holiday carols on demand.
Christmas is just around the corner.   With 5 kids that morning is always so fun and exciting. Paper flying everywhere.. screams and shouts of joy. All the new stuff to play with. They are going to lose it when they see what my parents got them for Christmas.  ::whispers::  It's a Nabi 2 for each kid. 

The pressure to hit our achievement goals in school lets off. With 37 % needed in all subject by today.  With 5 kids illness circles the house like carrion scavengers taking one family member down after another.  We sometimes fall behind on lessons, but our school is very understanding. (it's never more than a day or two)

30 Days of Thankful (Day 29)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 29

I'm thankful for quiet nights when all the kids are asleep. Curling up in bed and watching a Hallmark/Lifetime (The Ovary Networks) Christmas movie while drinking either cocoa or a glass of wine. the beverage all depends how the day went.. some days just earn a glass of wine.  I have my DVR set and ready to record the next two week's worth of Hallmark and Lifetime Holiday specials.  I will be treating myself on my birthday with a day or movies.Two more weeks til my birthday and counting!

30 Days of Thankful (Day 28)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 28

I am thankful that I am short enough that my husband needs to do most the holiday decorating.  What?! Let me be thankful for being short before my kids out grow me.  At 13 and 12 the older two are just inches away from being taller than me. That's what I get for mating with a man over 6 ft tall. Only 5% of men over 20 yrs old are taller than 6'2".
After once dating a very short man (stereotypically short with a Napoleon complex )  it was amazing to be with a confident tall man.  He made me feel petite.    One of many reasons he was so easy to fall in love with.

30 Days of Thankful (Day27)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 27

I am thankful for my parents.  They gave me a great example of how to make a marriage succeed throughout many years.  Growing up I was surrounded by friends trying to survive their parents' divorces.  I was the odd man out, my parents were still married to each other and it was their first marriage.  At times admitting that I was looked upon like a freak of nature.

That was why in my wedding vows I wanted the words. "What God has joined together, let no man put asunder."  We vowed before I wedding day that it would be forever.  That no matter what the issue we would work through it. On my wedding day both my husband and I forgot to tell the minister.  When the moment came and the minister said those words we both believed that the other had remembered to tell him.  

I learned from my parents that having a successful marriage didn't mean that you would never fight.  It meant that there were times you would fight but you had to fight fair.  Don't say things in anger that will injure your loved ones soul.  Hurtful words from someone you love injure far deeper than from an enemy.  I was once told by my Monster In Law that in a real true relationship there would never be fights. ::eyeroll::   If you never fight than neither of you care enough about the outcome to want to fight for it. Apathy is not welcome in a  healthy marriage.  (good thing I wiser than to take marriage advice from a two time bitter divorcee)

You must learn to communicate your needs and wants. Unless you are lucky enough to marry a mind reader.

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!! 41 years together!

30 Days of Thankful (Day 26)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 26

I am thankful for my sometimes annoying but always entertaining pets.  Mezmo the parrot  is always quick to laugh along with you or sympathize with a groan while you work out. Then Priscilla and Rutherford the bunnies are always eager for petting and will even give Eskimo kisses.  Beetle (the German Burrito) may not fully trust the little kids (and their pinchy hands) but he loves our oldest kids so much that he cried every night they were gone to Disneyland. Lacie the Pug loves everyone, including the toddlers who like to yell and chase.

30 Days of Thankful (Day 25)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 25

I am thankful for those days when I wake up 2 hours before everyone else.  I used to look at those days as my "I must be crazy" day.  Who in their right mind gets up earlier than they absolutely have to?  I now know.. Mom's that want to enjoy some silence do.

Some days I use that time for yoga or meditation.  Most days I use it to read emails and check with my business.

I love that time of day when I can get myself fully dressed without interruption.  No one asking where their pants are or can i find them a certain pair of socks.

Sitting in front of our mismatched sock basket I feel like I am staring into the River Lethe.  Why am I here?  Was it socks for myself.. the baby...Is that my t-shirt.. I like this shirt.  Why was I at the sock basket again?  It could be an issue with my selective attention span.  I'll sit an read a book for hours if left alone.  (I read The Hunger Games Trilogy over Mother's Day) Leaving me to stare into that sock basket.. and I can barely focus long enough to find 2 pairs.

30 Days of Thankful (Day 24)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 23

I am thankful for long weekends spent together as a family.  Painting old coffee cans. Watching holiday movies cuddled up on the couch.  Baking holiday treats together and drinking hot cocoa.

Kissed by Chocolate                             

Our favorite treat is popcorn on the stove stop. Just a little oil and some popcorn kernels in a large pot with a lid. I use a glass lid because you can see it pop.  Then you let it heat up and keep the popcorn moving once the first kernel pops.
When it is done I prefer tossing the popcorn in melted chocolate. Just a little bit... only enough to lightly coat the popcorn like butter. Velata Fondue's Belgian chocolate is perfect for this.. it even has a pour spout on the chocolate pouch! You can order it from my Website.   My kids named the treat Kissed by Chocolate.
Instead of chocolate you can melt a little butter and add seasonings to it from spicy cayenne to cinnamon sugar.

Long weekends always rejuvenate me more because I feel like I had more time for family.  I didn't spend my entire weekend cooking and cleaning. I can't imagine trying to do half the things I do with my kids while having a full time job outside the home.  These long weekends make me thankful I am a Stay at Home Mom.      

30 Days of Thankful (Day 23)

My 30 days of Thankful

Day 23

I am thankful that neither my husband or I are Black Friday addicts.  We enjoy sleep much more than stuff.  After all the cooking Thanksgiving I don't think I could walk around a store or even stand in a line.

30 Days of Thankful (Day 22) Happy Thanksgiving!

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 22

I am thankful that I get to spend Thanksgiving with my family.  My husband does not have to work.  My kids have no schooling.  Everyone is healthy and home together.  There are many families that are separated during the holidays. From families going through deployments, hospitalizations and shared custody of children; there are many families that are not as lucky as I.  I am very grateful for the time I have with my family.  I know that one day each of my children will grow up and make their own families.  One day they will want to do their own Thanksgiving Dinner in their own home.  I hope they will be able to accept that they are growing up graciously and be willing to back away so they can spread their wings to soar.

30 Day of Thankful (Day 21)

My 30 days of Thankful

Day 21

I am thankful for my Culinary Arts training.  It makes preparation for big holiday meals less stressful.  Proper preparation can prevent you from panicking the day of.  Make any fillings the day before. Chop any vegetables. (minus onions as they absorb bacteria too fast once cut)  Plan when you need to get each dish in the oven.  Pre-steam veggies earlier in the day, then put in an ice bath to stop the cooking.  Finish them in the oven after the turkey comes out. (while the turkey rests before carving. At least 30 minutes)

30 Days of Thankful (Day20)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 20

I am thankful that teething is only a stage and will be over eventually.  Magnus goes from a sweet cuddly happy baby that is easy to go down to nap and morphs into a screaming biting rabid animal that doesn't sleep when teething.  I am grateful I have the experience to know that this is a very short lived time in our lives.  I just need to stay sane and breathe.    

30 Days of Thankful (Day19)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 19

I am thankful for my breastfeeding journey.  It was not an easy road.  Starting with abusive doctors and nurses in a NICU to tongue tie and thrush.  Today marks 14 months of breastfeeding Magnus.  He is a very chunky happy baby. Ok.. toddler.. but he's still my baby.  Breastfeeding is not easy but it is rewarding.

My best tip. Get a scale that measures ounces as well as pounds. Watch with pride as the ounces and pounds pile onto your little baby from the milk your body produces.  Don't give up find a support system.  Go to a lactation support group, visit a lacatation consultant. (some insurances even cover it)

30 Days of Thankful (Day 18)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 18

I am thankful for getting to sleep in until 8 AM.  With 5 kids that is unheard of.  Waking up at 8 AM (and not to screams or fighting) feels like you rode a unicorn out of your bedroom.  The rest of the day can be nothing but magical.  No work, no school just sleeping off staying up WAY too late with my husband.

30 Days of Thankful (Day17)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 18

I am thankful for my Scentsy customers.  I don't hunt you down and spam you with message to hit sales goals.  When in need of a scent they always ask my opinion based on my knowledge of their likes, previous purchases and the current catalog.  My customers understand that I am a mom first and a business woman second.  I'll take a phone call at any hour of the day or night but I can't guarantee it wont be interrupted by one of my kids who just had to show me their new interpretive dance.  Thank you for choosing me to be your Scensty Family Independent Consultant.  I aim for 100% satisfaction and I love to hear when you are thrilled with your products.  

30 Days of Thankful (Day 16)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 16

I am thankful for my son Maxx.  He never fails to make me laugh with antics every day.  It always makes up for those moments when his daring feats are sure to add another streak of grey in my hair.  He was a smiley happy baby from the start.  Curious by nature he can climb like a monkey up into our pantry to reach things on the top shelf that I struggle to reach myself.
He is 4 months shy of turning 3 and is well on his way to being fully potty trained.   He will take himself to the bathroom without being asked more times than not.  We just have to work on him being fully clothed again with potty training.  I'll take the success of him being a nudist over having to change one more stinky diaper.

Maxx fell in love with the Nabi 2 that my parents brought over and has shown a great aptitude for learning.  In fact he learned how to add extras on to his games before I caught on to the charges on our card and blocked his Internet access. He will sit for hours and play with the virtual puzzles.

Even though he is quick to tell you "I hate you!" when you make him made.  He is just as quick to give you a hug and tell you. "I'm sorry, thank you or I love you!"

30 Days of Thankful (Day15)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 15

I am Thankful for the support of my husband in my decision to cloth diaper.  Even though it took until we had baby #5 to finally make the switch it's better late than never.  We have now been cloth diapering for a full year.   I thank cloth diapers for Maxx being interested in potty training so much earlier than the mothering horror stories let on about boys.  He is almost fully potty trained. Just need to get him over needing to be naked non stop.. Naked = no accidents.. throw a pair of pants on him and it's a soggy mess.  One small victory at a time.

Cloth diapering does take a little more work. More of the dreaded laundry to do.  The bonuses far out weigh the negatives.  No more midnight runs to the store.  Just start your diaper laundry sooner.  Sure there have been a few times I didn't realize we were out of diapers until it was too late.  ::panic::  My boys were more than happy to run around naked (thank you easily cleaned tile floors)

The huge break on our pocket book has been the biggest blessing.  That one winning point is what had my husband wishing we had done this sooner.  Gone are the days of spending $60-$80 a month on diaper.  I invested that in my entire stash. (Thank you for a local cloth diaper co-op getting me great deals on diapers)

Yes, it is messy to deal with poo, but with diaper sprayers and a good diaper pail set up it can be made a lot easier.  Did you know that you are supposed to dump the poo from a disposable diaper too?  Read your packaging.. that was a surprise to me.

30 Days of Thankful (Day14)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 14

I am thankful for youngest daughter, Nadia.  She is often the odd man out because her older sisters are 6+ years older and younger brother is 4+ years younger.  Even though she may not be included in every game she finds some way to include others. Like when she lets her brothers help her dress up a barbie doll even though they may be more interested in chewing on her feet and hiding the shoes to torment their big sister.  Nadia is always quick to hug and forgive.  Maxx's new favorite thing to tell her is "I hate you", when he does not get his way.  She just laughs it off and tells him, "Well, I love you brother!".
Being the middle child in our big boisterous household cannot be easy.  She takes everything in stride and does not let herself get lost in the mix of day to day bustle.

She was my first easy going happy baby.  A true blessing because I ended up suffering from Postpartum Depression.  My marriage had suffered because my husband did not understand why there was such a difference with this post baby recovery from the others.  Her smiling happy face is what helped me face my day.  She would wake early and with a bright smile on her face.  It helped me to see the world through her eyes and in a more positive perspective.

30 Days of Thankful (Day 13)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 13

I am thankful that when my husband's scooter broke down this weekend it was not the entire clutch burning out like he sourly thought. Instead of this much more expensive repair, I am grateful that it was only the drive belt.  It is our sole transportation for him to and from work. (other than bicycles)  Yes, you read that right.. We do NOT own a car.  It is one of the luxuries we gave up so that I could be a stay at home mom to our kids full time.

It has not been easy.  There has been a few incidences where my family has given us a ride in emergencies.  Like Nadia's head injury thanks to her two older rougher big sisters.  I could have called an ambulance and thanks to our awesome insurance gotten her a free ride to the hospital but it was not that kind of emergency.

There are also less drastic situations like when my family celebrates Thanksgiving out at my sister's house out in the middle of no where.  I would gladly stay home and cook but in the past they bullied until I let someone drive us all out there.  This year we are staying home.  ::excited::

30 Days of Thankful (Day12)

My 30 Days of Thankful

Day 12
(a day late thanks to spending it enjoying my husband for another full day)

I am thankful for my husband's job.  Although no glamorous, it makes is so he is able to spend holidays with us and be paid for them no less.  He may dreadfully count the minutes until he has to work but it provides us with insurance for our very large accident prone tribe of  disaster prone little people.
He has done some of the crappiest jobs I could imagine to provide for us.  From being a fry cook at McDonald's to stacking bricks at a Tennessee brick factory in humidity/temperatures so high and conditions so unsafe that OSHA inspectors practically had their own parking spot.