The Queen Comes Out of Hiding

Yes, that's me. I'm back. I really do miss blogging, but it took a lot of time away from other things in my life. Mainly housekeeping, child rearing, exercise, spending face to face time with important people in my life, etc. I guess I need to find a happy medium. I am not the best time manager. We'll see how it all goes.

You may wonder what's been going on around here. I'll try to sum it up for you.

The King of my castle is busy, busy, busy. Always on the road, it seems. When he's home, he's on the phone with work...I guess I shouldn't complain. He has a large family to provide for, and it takes a lot of provision to keep us going. He doesn't get a lot of free time, but his new hobby is trying to create the perfect pie. You'd think I would like it, but I don't. You should see the scale when I step on it. He's sabotaging me.

I can't remember what I called this kid. Squire? He's 14. He is busy with school and activities. Track is happening now, and only 35 days left of school. He has big plans to take Driver's Ed this summer. (Lord, help me!) That way he'll be ready to drive when he turns 15 in September. He would like us to move to South Dakota so he could be driving now.

I'm pretty sure I called this one Scribe. He's 13 and up to the same stuff as his closest brother. It's frightening to me, but his voice is changing. I hear men in my house all the time now. He's a comedian and makes me roll my eyes and shake my head many times a day.

Jester. Not so much anymore. The laughter he brought to our home is no longer here. He decided to disown the family. This is one of the last times I saw him, which was on his 19th birthday in October. It's sad. It's hard. I'm trying to deal with the rejection, but not doing so well. Some days I cry. Other days I am just plain angry. Angry with him. Angry with my husband, because I so badly want to blame someone. Angry with me, because I didn't see it coming. I feel betrayed. I miss him.

Prince Charming. What can I say about him? He makes me smile every day. I look at him in awe and wonder. As a mother I can brag about his brilliance. He's four and is starting to read. Seriously. I haven't even taught him how. The other day he said to me, "Freak is like free. Free is F-R-E-E. I can spell freak. F-R-E-E-C." I was very impressed. Of course, I didn't correct him. He'll be home another year so he should have the correct spelling down before he starts Kindergarten in 2012.

My Jouster. Not so much a fighter with me anymore. (Whew!) Though we do compete from time to time. Here we are doing a push up contest (he beat me because he's only 20 and the sun was in my eyes, but I gave him a run for his money). He is making great strides at turning his life around. He still lives at home and is my right hand man when The King is away. He's working at Hardee's while he waits to start construction work the end of May. He's looking forward to making some real money so he can get a place of his own. I'm not so sure I want him to go, It is really nice having another adult around all the time. He has a girlfriend who has a one year old son. I adore that little guy. I love it when they come to visit so I can get my baby fix.

Maiden and Duchess. Two years apart and toothless together. Isn't that fun? I love my girls. One looks just like me, one acts just like me. So, I guess I have two Mini-Me's. I don't know if that's good or bad. I guess it depends on who you ask. They are doing well in school, and sadly for The King, love to spend time at the mall (which I have no problem with).

Well, that's it for today. I'll have to let you know in the next few days what I've been doing for myself. I am heading down a new path...

A Lesson in Life

I can think of one lesson in life that I learned quickly, and never attempted to try again. Maiden recently learned it too. Can you guess? It has something to do with winter, a tongue, and a metal pole.

I think I'm a mermom

My Maiden is a dreamer. She threw money in a wishing well a few months ago and made a wish. She's waiting for it to come true. The wish? That she could be a princess and we could live in a castle. The poor girl gets her fantasizer gene from me. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed make believe and pretend play, unless of course, a person gets so caught up in their fantasies they base their entire blog around a fairy tale.

Lately this little girl has been curious about mermaids and has asked me the following questions. "Mom, if I turn into a mermaid will I have a green tail? Mom, what do mermaids eat? Mom, if I am a mermaid would I call you mermom? Mom, don't you wish we were mermaids?"

Being a mom who loves to add fuel to an overactive imagination creative mind, I decided to look into mermaids for her. First of all, I was surprised to find out that they are real. Did you know that? There plenty of websites out there that say so, and I believe everything I read on the internet. One woman has even personally interviewed mermaids. Here are some facts I am going to share with Maiden:

1. They love salads made with seaweed and other plants from the sea.

2. They love sushi because it is wrapped in Nori (dried seaweed).

3. They are prone to salty foods.

4. They like sweets too, especially things that have mer-ingue.

5. They give birth to their babies. They don't lay eggs like other fish.

6. They need their beauty sleep.

7. They love the beach.

8. They love to sing.

9. They love to swim.

10. They are a mixed breed.

After compiling my research, I am pretty sure I'm a mermaid. I'm even a mixed breed: Norwegian and Swedish. I am a Norwedish Mermaid. Finally. I know who I really am. I can't wait to tell Maiden. Then she can call me mermom and live in a whole new fantasy world for a while.

Mermaid photo credit

My Skaters

Saturday is my favorite day of the week now. (Even though it involves me being cold for an hour.) It's skating day for the girls. I love watching my girls out on the ice, improving their skills week after week.

They are oh, so cute! Duchess is a bit of a hot dog on the ice. If she falls, she gets right back up and continues on. She's always practicing moves that are beyond her skill level. Her goal is to pass the level she's in and move on. I have a hard time dragging her off the ice. Nothing will come between her and her practice time.

Maiden is a little more careful. She cries when she falls too hard and has to come to me on the sidelines for a few kisses and to dry her tears.Then she goes back out to continue on. She is more than ready to be done at the end of her lesson because her teeth are chattering uncontrollably. But she doesn't want to quit. She can't wait for the day she can do some spins.

Sitting in an ice cold arena is not my style. I really hate to be cold. But watching my girls and the excitement they have when they are out on the ice is worth it. (Thank goodness for long underwear!)

XC Girls

My middle boys have been running Cross Country (XC) this fall. Even though we homeschool, they are able to participate in school sports. It has been a great activity for both of them.

On Saturday they had a meet in Willmar. There was a special category at the end of the day for elementary aged kids. I thought it would be fun for the girls to run.

The morning of the race, the girls were very concerned about what they should wear. They wanted to look good, but still be comfortable. They didn't want to be too cold, yet they knew they'd get hot while running. They finally decided on these matching outfits--because all the teams wear matching clothes. Oh, and we had to fix their hair 'just so'.

Here they are before the race. I hope you can see Maiden's lips in this photo. When she heard the announcement that it was time for the Mighty Mites Race, she pulled her lipstick out of her purse and quickly applied it. Priorities, you know. A girl must always be prepared!

All the elementary aged kids ran together. The Willmar XC team ran along side the children in the 800 meter race. Here they are at the starting line.

Maiden toward the end of the race.

Duchess heading toward the finish line.

Everyone who finished the race received a participation ribbon. Duchess was a little disappointed that they were both given the same ribbon, since she finished far ahead of her sister. It really wasn't fair. She would have like to have been given a special award for her outstanding running skills.

On the way home Maiden complained of her legs hurting, but quickly forgot the pain when she realized her lipstick had worn off. Duchess was disappointed she got mud on her new running shoes and was trying to figure out how to get the stains out of them. I just sat back enjoying their conversation. After four boys, it is such a delight to be able to experience little girls. They are definitely different than boys!

My Children

Here is the most recent photo I have of all of my children. It was taken on Jouster's 19th birthday in July. I can't believe I have a 19 year old son. It makes it harder for people to believe I am only 29 years old when they see him by my side. There may come a day I will have to admit my real age.

Let me update you on what is going on with each of them.

Jouster: He is now 19 and swore he'd never step foot into a college. However, he is now a college student. He has worked out his schedule so he can be a full time student and still work his job at the hog farm 3 days per week. He still struggles from time to time with demons from his past but is really doing well. I am proud of the wonderful young man he has become.

Jester: We struggled with him over the summer. He left home two weeks ago and we haven't heard from him. He has stayed in contact with Jouster so we know he is safe. We will keep our distance and allow him the space he feels he needs from us. He is a senior in high school this year and will turn 18 in a few weeks. I am sad that our relationship has come to this point, but all I can do now is pray for him. The little kids miss him. Maiden said last night, "I hope he comes home so he can sit in his spot again." (Meaning at the dinner table.) It broke my heart.

Squire: Is in 7th grade this year and is taking his homeschool studies very seriously. He started playing piano again which makes me extremely happy! He is in cross country and is begging to join the Civil Air Patrol.

Scribe: Not so serious about school. He's in 6th grade and hides from me a lot. We are working on him staying on task with getting his work done. He's also in piano again...much to his chagrin and is running cross country. He's a pretty good little runner.

Duchess: She has taken over the role of first born. She likes to "mother" the younger two around and keep them in line. She is a second grader this year and is still working on learning to read. She is now in charge of egg collecting and loves her new chore!

Maiden: My little Kindergartner. Her goal for this school year, "To finish Kindergarten." She only thinks she's doing school if she's working in workbooks. Me reading aloud to her is not considered school to her. She gets frustrated when I won't let her work ahead in her books. I need some of her enthusiasm to wear off on Scribe!

Prince Charming: My little boy is three--and--IS POTTY TRAINED!!!! He is my little snuggler and is never far from my side. The most common words out of his mouth are, "I want my mama," or "I need you mama." I love it. Hopefully his need for me follows him all the way through his teen years.

The Good Mother

I am a good mother. I love my children. I take good care of them. I photograph them so they will have fond memories of their childhood.

I follow them around and snap pictures of them when they play, and when they pretend to fall off their bikes.

I capture their faces when they are trying to fake they are in unbearable pain from such a devastating bicycle accident.

And then I get lucky...

It's not every day I have my camera in hand when an 'unfaked' biking accident takes place just seconds after a pretend one.

One just horrible enough to draw blood. But not too horrible to scar her for life. She will have no visual reminders on her knee of that fateful day.

If it weren't for her good mother, the memory of knee vs. gravel would quickly fade. Isn't she lucky? Ah, what fond memories of childhood my sweet girl will have, thanks to her good mother.

Flower Shop

Announcing the grand opening of "Maiden's Flower Shop"!

Putting up the grand opening sign.  

It was a very nice display of fresh cut weeds flowers.  

If you look closely under the flower shop owner's nose, you can see she carefully selected each flower.  Every dandelion was tested and is guaranteed to be 'scent'uous.

This vase of fresh cut dandelions was free.  My mom always told me some of the best things in life are free.

A closer look at the inventory.  Flower sales weren't what she thought they'd be so she added some chives and bananas.  Bananas were on sale: 2/$8.00.  (Inflation has hit Fairy Tale Land very hard.)   Maiden practiced her savvy sales skills on Jouster hoping he would buy the bananas.  He said, "No thanks, I think I'll just go to the kitchen and take one out of the fruit bowl for free."  She may need to take some lessons on how to close a deal.  

Needless to say, the grand opening of "Maiden's Flower Shop" netted $0.00 in sales.  (But not all was lost, I gained a dandelion free yard!)

Golden Birthday for the Girl Who Made My Bitter Waters Sweet

A little over five years ago, my mother died.  I was pregnant with our sixth child.   Talk about poor timing.  What was God thinking?  How could He take my mom then?  Couldn't He have waited to take her home AFTER my baby was born?  How could I deal with death when I should be excited and anticipating the birth of a child?  It did not make any sense to me.

The months leading to my little girl's birth had been a roller coaster.  I was making frequent trips back to South Dakota to visit my dying mother.  The baby was transverse and my doctor was concerned my water would break on one of my six hour road trips.  With a transverse baby, the concern is that if your water breaks, there is nothing blocking the birth canal and the umbilical cord can exit the birth canal, depriving the baby of blood and oxygen--causing brain damage.    Our doctor was familiar with the route and knew that hospitals were few and far between.  He wasn't thrilled I needed to travel, but didn't tell me not to.  He understood my need to be with my mom.  He advised me to get out of the car and walk around every hour, and continually stressed the importance that I would need to get to a hospital ASAP for a C-section if my water broke.  But God protected us from that concern.  The pregnancy continued on and I made it through the funeral and the weeks following. 

Then in God's perfect timing, exactly three weeks after mom died, our daughter entered the world.  It was the most bittersweet time in my life.  I had never known bittersweet until the moment I held that baby in my arms and looked her in the eyes.  She was the spitting image of my mother.  Everything about her reminded me of my mom.  Her squinty eyes, her cute little nose, even her feet, ankles and toes were exact replicas of my mother's.  I couldn't decide if I should cry tears of joy or weep tears of sorrow.

My husband stood at my side with his arm around my shoulders.  My doctor stood on the other side, holding my hand.  All three of us were admiring this creation of God.  It was as though the world had stopped for a moment.  The birthing room was silent.  No one was moving about.  I whispered, "I wish I could call my mom and tell her."  My doctor replied, "I am sure she knows."  He patted my hand and then said,  "Congratulations mom, she's beautiful."  Bittersweet.  That's the only word I can use to describe that moment in time.

We named our daughter Mara Grace.  Mara means bitter.  In the book of Ruth, after Naomi's husband and sons had died, Naomi, along with her daughter-in-law Ruth, left Moab to return to Bethlehem.  Upon her arrival, Naomi told her people to call her Mara...because her life had been made very bitter.  

Mara is also mentioned in the book of Exodus, but spelled differently, and this is the real reason for going with that name.  Don't ask me why we chose to spell her name Mara instead of Marah, those months after mom's death are still just a blur in my mind.   I think we took a vote of all our family members and hospital visitors and 'Mara' won out.  

The Israelites had left the captivity of Egypt and had traveled in the desert for three days without finding water.  Then in Exodus 15:23-25: When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah.)  So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"  Then Moses cried out to the Lord and the Lord showed him a piece of wood.  He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet.

You see, I was bitter.  I was angry that God had taken my mother from me.  Then just three short weeks later, he blessed me beyond measure.  With a child who, every day of her life thus far, has reminded me of my mom.  Not a day goes by that I don't look at her and see my mom.  For that I am so very thankful.  God knows what He's doing.  He is SO good and gives us what we need.  Don't ever doubt that. 

Happy Golden Birthday Maiden.  Mara Grace.  It is by God's grace through your birth, beloved child, that my bitter waters were made sweet.  Thank you, Lord.  She is a true blessing from you!

  

Something Stinks

Me:  "Oh, do you have a bloody nose?"

Maiden:  "No."

Me:  "Then why do you have napkins stuck in your nose?"

Maiden:  "Cuz Prince Charming stinks."

And another day...helping a napping Daddy avoid the stench of yet another dirty diaper.

Do you think maybe it's time for Prince Charming to be potty trained?  Yeah, that's what I thought.  

My Red (I mean White) Carpet Walk...Royal Family Style

One morning after telling Maiden I was planning to take a bath, I went to the bathroom and found this:

Maiden was standing outside the bathroom with a grin on her face.  I asked why she had spread paper towels on the floor.  She answered, "Those aren't paper towels.  It's a carpet for you to walk on, like princesses do."

Since it was morning, and I was in my pajamas, I decided not to scare you with the photos of me walking on the red white carpet leading to my royal bath.  I'll share the girls instead.   Maiden made sure I wore sunglasses for my royal walk. I'm sure it was to protect my eyes from the camera flashes of the paparazzi.

Duchess is a natural when it comes to walking the red white carpet.  Look at her strike a pose.  The best part of my carpet walk is that it served a dual purpose.  Once the paparazzi was gone and my royal bath was complete, I was able to use the carpet to clean the bathroom.  In royal style, of course. 

Mom's Sick Day by Guest Blogger Duchess

Last week Mama had a horrible cold.  All she did for one whole day was lay on the sofa and sleep.  Maiden and I took really good care of her.  We brought her water when she asked, and more tissues when she needed to blow her nose (which was a lot).  When she was sleeping very soundly, we took a lot of pictures of her.  

That piece of striped fabric on her forehead is a sample of what she'd like to use for living room curtains.  Maiden wet it down and used it as a cold compress for Mama's feverish forehead. 

Here she is from another angle.  Every time she turned her head or rolled over we would take another shot.  Mom said I couldn't put them all on the blog because it would be too boring. The other poses she wouldn't let me post are the zoomed in shots of the redness around her nose and the up the nose shots.  I think she's a little prideful for not wanting those posted on the internet.  Mama thinks our viewing audience will appreciate her pride just this once.

Mom was having a hard time breathing through her nose so her mouth was hanging open.  We didn't like how the pictures turned out with her open mouth, so we put the fabric over it.  Then Maiden decided to brush Mama's hair.  I didn't think it was a good idea, but Maiden never listens to me.  She dug the brush into Mom's scalp which made her wake up.  Maiden always ruins our fun.  That's when Mama saw we were using her camera, and made us put it away.  That was the end of our fun for the day and why I don't have more pictures to show you.  I hope you liked my post.

Have a good day!

Duchess