My December

Hello my friends! Did you wonder what happened to me? I am sure your daily thoughts were consumed with "I wonder what Michelle has been up to since her last blog post on December 4, 2009." Am I right?

It's time we get caught up, don't you think? Let me fill you in:

The King turned 46 years old. Can you believe I am married to such an old guy? That is a homemade banana cream pie he is proudly displaying. (I admit it's not totally homemade. The crust was purchased. But the pudding--from scratch!)

The Royal Family spent many a night partaking in a game or two or three or six of Farkle. We are addicted.

We did our fair share of shopping. Duchess and Maiden are my personal shopping assistants. I don't know how I ever shopped before girls. They have quite the opinions when it comes to purchasing gifts!

Plus, we did a little baking...this isn't really baking, but it was something Duchess could do. These pretzel rods were originally intended to be given to the neighbors as part of a Christmas treat package...but they didn't make it that long.

I guess this is the appropriate time to say, "It's the thought that counts." Next year we'll make more, or deliver them before they are devoured.

We did a little decorating...

And found that a star makes a cute hair accessory.

I wrapped a lot of gifts.

The King read Bartholomew's Passage to the Royal Offspring.

Ever dream of doing this as a child? I always wanted to. This was the favorite spot to lay when being read to in the evenings.

Finally. Gift opening time arrived. It was great fun to watch Prince Charming with his gifts. Every one he opened he said, "Thank you." Such good manners that boy has. Our ever grateful Duchess said, "This was my best Christmas ever." (She says that every year after Christmas.)

Can you believe that Santa came to our house one day? During daylight hours. In a gray t-shirt and jeans. He had the three youngest children sit on his lap and had a little chat with them. They were all happy to hear they were on the nice list. Poor Santa, I don't think he was feeling the greatest that day. His taped on cotton balls mustache and beard kept falling off.

I had all my children under the same roof one night before Christmas and was able to snap a photo for our Christmas card. If you remember, Jester moved out in September. He has not had much to do with our family since. It's not been easy for me as a mom. I thought I still had another year with him since he's still only a senior in High School. Maiden has shed a lot of tears over her big brother. She was really close to him and his leaving affected her the hardest.

This is Jester and his girlfriend. I am very hopeful that we are on the road to restoring our relationship with them. As of now, things are looking better. They were here on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. I am thankful that he has made an effort to be somewhat involved with his siblings again.

On New Year's Eve we had a large group of people over. After doing a head count, I determined there were 52 people in this old house my castle. It was a fun night. Lots of little ones running around, lots of food, lots of good conversation.

Which reminds me, I saw the blue moon that night. Did you? If not, don't worry. You can see it again in 19 years. I actually left my guests to walk out past the tree cover to check it out. It didn't look very blue to me. It looked like any other old full moon but now I can say I saw it.

I rang in the New Year doing one of my most favorite things ever, holding a baby. I honestly believe the most satisfying times in my life have been when I was able to rock a crying babe to sleep. There is no better feeling in the world. Isn't she sweet? I could have rocked her all night, but her mama thought it was best to take her home. Oh well, I got my baby fix.

Onto the next big question. What's my New Year's resolution? I usually don't make any because I feel guilty when I don't follow through. But this year I made some private ones in my mind and haven't spoken them aloud to anyone. You heard it here first folks. I want to blog more often, make sure we get school done every day, catch up in my journal (and stay caught up) and exercise more often. So far the blogging thing is working for me.

Until next time,

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.

What's Been Happening Around Here

A lot has happened in the past month. I'll fill you in.... (Warning...VERY LONG POST!)
The Haircut

Before. I was getting pretty shaggy and felt a little frumpy.

It's not good to feel frumpy when you are about to turn 40. Thus, a rash decision to get rid of the hair:After.

Prince Charming was scared of me the night I came home with my new look. He wouldn't even let me hold him. He was so frightened of me, he went to bed that night without nursing. I wanted to cry. He was fine the next morning. I wish I could say the same for myself. I had haircutting remorse when I looked in the mirror the next day. (I'm over it now.)

Quilting Weekend

My friend Rapunzel and I spent a weekend sewing at her house. We are part of a block of the month club at our local quilt shop. Neither one of us had started the project this year and it needs to be done by the first weekend in June. If we bring in our completed blocks, we will get the border fabrics for the quilt. If it's not complete, no fabric.

We cut the first night and sewed the next day. We ate a lot of fun snacks, watched some HGTV, and listened to some great Christian radio. Rapunzel was a little disappointed in my sewing/quilting skills. I admit, I was a tad rusty. The last time I used my machine had been with her at her cabin...14 months prior. My poor Bernina was feeling a little neglected. It was fun to sew again. I won't wait 14 months again!

Maiden is 4

May 5th Maiden turned four years old. She is such a joy in our lives.
Since she has a Cinco De Mayo birthday, we have no choice but to eat at our favorite Mexican restaurant. Yummy!
And then back home for some cake and gifts. The girl in the background that is not part of my family is Jester's "Good Friend and Running Partner". She hangs out at our house quite a bit. If I didn't know better, I would think she's his girlfriend.

I am 40!

I turned 40 on Mother's Day this year. The King made my day very relaxing. I didn't have to do any cooking, cleaning, or diaper changing. What a fine day! It would have been perfect if Jouster had been with me as well. I did see him the day before and for that I was very thankful.
Surprise!!!

Two days before my birthday, some very special people in my life nearly gave me a heart attack by having a surprise party for me. You shouldn't do that to people my age.

I hope they have all repented for their sins. Those planning the event (all proclaimed Christians) were secretive and deceitful in the days leading up to the big party. I can't believe I was oblivious to all the planning that went on behind my back. I did get a tiny bit suspicious just minutes before the surprise when we pulled into the driveway of our friends house so The King could 'pick up a book' on our way to go out and eat. "Why don't you just come in and say hi with me for a few minutes?" I thought, "Hmm...what's going on?" But when I looked up and down the street, I saw no vehicles. "Good the coast is clear, no surprises for me." I hate surprises. The King is on the far left of the photo. Doesn't he look proud of himself? And me? I am taking my "You guys are in big trouble mothering stance." The King knows I hate surprises. I think that's why he's got such a big smile on his face.

Now they are all singing, and I am about to cry. You all did this for me?

I am so blessed with great friends and family. Even if they are deceitful and can't be trusted.

See the lady in the blue shirt at the right of the photo? She was the most tricky. She called me the day of the party to throw me off. We had tried to plan a double date with her and her hubby for that evening, but things weren't working out. She told me on the phone, "I'm getting the kids bathed, we're thinking about leaving today (a day early) for my in-laws. I feel bad that we didn't get to do anything for your birthday." (She was going to be gone for the whole weekend for Mother's Day.) Oh, she is one smooth talking lady.

Even my Sister in Love and King's Twin had rehearsed what their children were to say to me on the phone 'just in case' I called their house when they were gone.

See why I'm concerned about them repenting?

Here I am (the short one) with the Ladies who planned it all. Thank you. It was a great evening and definitely made turning 40 a little less painful.

Colorado

I flew to Colorado for a week to help my sister with my nephew's graduation. I was in Windsor and flew home a day before the big tornado. I had just had a conversation with my niece on Monday about how "Colorado doesn't get tornadoes". I guess I was wrong. My sister's yard furniture was destroyed and were still without electricity the last time I spoke to her.

Weavermom: We will have to get together on my next trip out there!

Jouster

Jouster has been having a hard time in treatment. He tried to get kicked out of the program (by running away a second time) so he could come home. The King went to the facility and talked with those in charge and with Jouster. They said he could stay. He was very disappointed. He thought for sure he wouldn't be allowed to stay.

For now, he is staying and has committed to finish High School there. I am praying that the amount of time it takes him to finish school is close to the amount of time he has left in the program.

That's all for now.

Blessings,

A Wedding

This is my sister and her new husband. Aren't they a cute couple? They got married yesterday. I couldn't make it to the wedding. It's really not my fault I couldn't go. They told us two weeks ago that they were going to tie the knot. I just could not coordinate a flight plan to work for everyone involved.

I am so excited about the gift idea I had. A ten year Journal. It's one of my favorite possessions. I only got it this year, but already it has been a treasure to our family. My sister-in-law has had this journal for quite a few years now, and I know her family feels the same way. I thought it would be a great thing to give newlyweds so they could start documenting their life together from the very beginning.

On a side note, I told her a few months ago that I couldn't be in her wedding. Mainly because I am still fat from having babies (and she's skinny), but also because there's a slight possibility I may be bad luck. I have been a bridesmaid in five weddings. Four have ended in divorce. I am glad I was not able to be a bridesmaid in my own wedding!

Congratulations Lil' Sis. I wish I could have been there with you. I love you!