Day 149: Gravy!

Country Fried, baptized in gravy Can't wash off what the good Lord made ya no matter how far the highway goes an ol dirt road'll get you home. My Husband is turning my kid in to a Redneck! lol He likes tractors, dirt, trucks, & mud, and he likes his "Gravy" music.....Bubba Sparkxxx,  Colt Ford, & Danny Boone. It's like country-rap. It's got a good beat, but I just don't dig the "Gravy". However Frank & Kwin really dig it. Kwin is now on board with getting a Mud truck.....Alll Boy!!! We got chased inside today due to the mosquitoes, they are SO bad!! I tried listerine today, as seen on Pinterest. I tried the J&J baby oil cream lotion & that does not work. We're gonna rig up a trap with a 2-liter bottle, and use yeast, sugar & water. It puts off carbon dioxide, which attracts mosquitoes, and that is why they are drawn to us, because of the carbon dioxide we put out. We also went to Tractor Supply, Frank had to look for a pulley, and they had bunnies, and chicks there......I almost went home with a bunny, and a few chicks. LOL Frank said, NO!!!! I'll get a bunny.......Chelsea can do 4-H. :D I showed a rabbit in 4-H, was lots of fun! Maybe next year?!

                                                         Listening to the "Gravy"

Day 148: Selfies!!

Well I had nothing.....so Kwin & I did some selfies!!! He's a hoot to take pictures with, or of, because he has to see right after he hears the click. lol I hate selfies, I always look horrible, that is why I HATE my picture taken. Plus my face is horrible!!!! I'm broke out worse than the boys!! haha I hate when people post pics of me on FB. Why....because they don't airbrush. LOL I'm nice & make everyone look good. :P hahaha But I think I'm gonna have to get Kwin a camera for his birthday, or Christmas. He seems to like cameras & taking pics. I catch him with a disposable I need to get developed.

                                                 Cheesy Friday Fun!!

Day 147: At the Car Wash!!

Frank got a brilliant idea to wash the vehicles. We have a mosquito problem right now....so water attracts them. You an see why I was annoyed. But it sure was cute. :) Chelsea got to snuggle with Brownie today, she rarely lets anyone but me cuddle with her, so she was extra lovely today.

                                                             Car wash!!

                                                    Brownie Love

Day 146: Road Trip

Yesterday morning I got a call asking if we could take Grandpa over to see Grandma today. Frank's Grandma had back surgery a month ago, and they had to go in 2 or 3 different times, due to complications. She lost 23 pounds due to not being able to eat, and has been in a lot of pain. She says she is doing better today, and hopes to be home on Friday. She is in Charlevoix, and I have not been over that way in some time, I forgot how long of a drive it is. It's like an hour & a half. But you get a really nice view on the drive. Lots of valleys, and farm land, and then we got by the water. We went by Castle Farms, which is the place where American Wedding was taped, well for the Wedding party anyways. Went by EJIW, East Jordan Iron Works, where my Step-Dad works. They make man hole covers for sewers, and the drains, and what not. Check out the covers on the street, or the drains....I bet they came from EJIW. :) Kwin enjoyed his ride, he liked seeing the barns, and horses, and what not. Then he liked all the boats. I should try to make it over there again so I can take some pictures. it's a beautiful drive, and I'd love to get out to take some pictures. There is this old stone church we passed too. Just awesome!

                  Kwin enjoying the ride...he looks a little green, darn lighting!

                                               Castle Farms

                                                           EJIW

                                                            Farm land

Day 145: Quit bugging me!

Oh my!! The mosquitoes are horrible!! They just got bad the other night. You can't even go outside with out being attacked. So we tried to stay in today. Well that didn't go so well......Kwin wanted out!! He got bit up.....AGAIN! It's like knots on his head. So we are coaxing him in with Hobbykids. And we are waiting on Sam & Seth to stop over. She leaves tomorrow. :( I hate goodbyes!!!

                                                   Chilling with Dad

Day 144: In Loving Memory

Today was Scott's Memorial, and his Birthday. He would have been 32 years old. Today was a very hard day. It warms my heart though, to see how much Scott was loved, and cared for, and the out pour of generosity at this tough time, was amazing. Scott had so many who loved him, and he will be deeply missed. The kids were good too, Kwin got to a point where he couldn't sit still, and ended up at the bar with some girls. LOL Don't worry, their Mommy was supervising. lol After the memorial, Sam, Seth, & Scott's brother stopped out, and so did a few other friends, so we ended up BBQing. A few friends were so nice & brought everything to cook up. We sat around chatted, had a few drinks, and the kids did some sparklers. Thought it was a nice way to continue to celebrate Scott, and his day.  Scott meant so much to us, and it hurts so much not having him here with us. Happy Birthday, Scott!! I hope you smiled on us today. :) Rest in Peace, you are always in our hearts. xoxoxoxoxo


A poem from his memorial.

Don't think of him as gone away, His journey's just begun. Life holds many facets, this Earth is only one. Just think of him resting from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort. Where there are no days and years. Think how he must be wishing, that we could know today, How nothing but our sadness, can really pass away. And think of him as living, in the hearts of those he touched, for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.


                                                         RIP Scott XOXOXO

                                                   Love You, Sammy & Seth!!

Day 143: Day of Relaxing.

Well I feel good today, for how I was feeling last night! LOL I was just so tired today. We did nothing today. We just sat outside & enjoyed the sunshine. Got Kwin's pool cleaned up, and filled up. Could not believe the kids played in that ice cold water! Kwintyn touched my leg with his super cold hand, I jumped, and yelled. haha It was SO cold! We noticed some things hanging in the tree, we knew it must have been from the fireworks, but how they got in that specific tree, I don't know?! Fireworks were launching the other way, but some did go bonkers. Kyle fished them down with a long stick. There were 3 parachutes, 1 big blue one, and 2 small red ones......I say a sign! ;)  We had leftovers for dinner, went on a walk, had a small fire to make some more smore's, we had a lot of graham crackers, and marshmallows left. Got Kwin bathed, and now we are just relaxing some more, and are getting things ready for tomorrow, Scott's Memorial.

                                                 
                                                            Good Day, Sunshine!!

                                                       up in the tree

Day 142: Bonfire!!!

Our first bonfire/party of the year!!! I thought the night went well. There was just enough people, and there was plenty of food, and we even had fireworks!!! Kids played, & had smore's until it got dark, then they had movie night & a tent set up in the basement, and they had candy & snacks. Kwin didn't do so well, he wanted to be outside with the adults, soooo after much nonsense, we let him get upset, and cry till he got sleepy. The kid should have been tired!! He got up fairly early, and had no nap, and played outside ALL DAY! Got him down around midnight!! Finally after I got him sleeping, I could have a little fun, and have some drinks. I'm sure I made an ass out of myself, I always do, but it's in good fun. :D I hope Sam enjoyed herself, and was able to kinda relax for a bit, and just have some fun. We did all this for her, and we wish we could do more. Was very nice to see her friends & family come out to support her, and have some fun! Was a good evening, at a hard time. Good Food, Good Friends, Good Times.

                                        Frank & Seth roasting marshmallows

                                 Paper bags light a trail....pic a little blurry.

        The lights & mason jar lanterns on the trees at night, gave a warming atmosphere.

Day 141: Lighting the Way

Cleaned house, went shopping, picked up dinner, did some last touches around the bonfire area. Tomorrow I gotta make sure the house is still clean, get Kwin's bed stripped, and clean sheets, and bedding put on, prep food, go back to the store since we forgot things, get the kids movie night ready....I'm sure there's a bunch of other stuff I have to do for tomorrow night. We are having a bonfire in the early evening, and later in the evening we are having a party.  A friend mentioned having a bonfire when Sam got up here. It was suppose to be a low key thing, but that changed quickly. LOL I kinda freaked at first, but I'm good now. :) Just want to be a good friend, and I want Sam to relax for a night with friends I'm sure it will be a fun, and a very interesting night. The boys are watching Kwin & Chelsea. I am hoping that Kyle will set up his tent down stairs, and have a movie night with snacks & treats. I hope Kwintyn goes to bed at a decent time so I can relax & have a little fun in the evening. There will be rules, and that is to be safe. Absolutely NO DRIVING if you have a bit to much. I will not tolerate that at all! I think we have one person pitching a tent! I will take keys, and let's face it, you just don't want to deal with me. You just don't!!! I actually can be pretty mean, and the Hulk ain't got nothing on me. :D lol I will cut you. Hahaha Or maybe I'll throw ya a throat punch first! ;P haha

                         Lighting the Way, Mason jar lanterns we made & put on the tree.

Day 140: Bittersweet

Today was a bittersweet day, I guess to sum it up into words. I know I am late with this post, but it was a late night. Sam & Seth came home for the memorial, for Scott. It is so nice to see them, but it hurts at the same time. Kwintyn was so excited to see Seth, they played, and played, and played. He even went pee outside, after seeing Seth, whom is a big boy & wears undies, and uses the potty. So Kwintyn had to try, and he went!!! I was SO happy!! We have been trying to get hime to go for the longest time. Guess he just needed his buddy there. Hahaha!! I'm glad that the kids had a fun time, they just make you laugh, and say the funniest things! Bless them. Kwin's gonna be so sad when they have to leave. All the kids missed Seth, as the older kids even played in the sandbox with the boys. LOL That is like their second baby brother, they love him dearly, and will protect him just like a big brother or sister would. :)

                                             You are loved xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Day 139: Just Another Normal Day....

Nothing to exciting today. Was rainy & dreary out today, and a little chilly. We did make it outside for a bit after dinner. Kwin wanted to watch HobbyKidsTV, which is a Youtube channel, it's about toy reviews, that kind of stuff. He has been in to it since February. I have noticed since he has been watching it, he is more vocal when playing with his toys. Like he will say, "Oh no!!" There's a fire, Fire mater to the rescue!!" He will talk in other "characters" and I love how his imagination has just exploded!!!

Watch Youtube videos

Day 138: Do you wanna build a Snowman?!

Olaf came in the mail today. I ordered 2, from the Co-op I belong to. Chelsea & Kwintyn really liked their surprise. I didn't tell them I ordered them. I made a station of Pandora yesterday, it was a Disney station, and when I opened the package, a Frozen song was playing, I thought, How perfect!! And we just heard the "Do you wanna build a snowman song a few songs before that. Chelsea told me all she needs now is a Sven. Well they do have one on there, now.......I wasn't going to order one, but now.....hmmmmm. LOL This Co-op is making me go broke! I ordered some Frozen dresses & dolls for Chelsea, shirts for Kwin, and now they have a few other things that catch my eye. Oh boy! LOL Told Frank, I should start stocking away for birthdays & Christmas while I'm at it. So far all of the stuff I have gotten from this Co-op have been great items! It's quite addicting. :/

Olaf

Day 137: Teen Problems

I don't know why in hell I got up at seven something in the morning, Frank did too, he said it was cause of the dog, I....I just don't know. We did a lot today. lol We cleaned house, did some yard work, and hung christmas lights around a fews trees, hung out with Dave, and his Girlfriend, and daughter again, had dinner, and then went on a walk. Kwin took his tricycle, he looks so big on it this year!! Kwintyn was so tired that he fell asleep ion the couch, with Sarge, and Maggie. LOL He never falls asleep like that!! So he was tired! While we were outside, Kyle had asked if anyone wanted corn dogs, everyone says yes, and so he makes some. I come inside & find Kyle sitting on the floor, with his kindle. I said What are you doing?! He said "Waiting for the corn dogs to get done." OooooK!!! Frank joked when he saw the picture and said Oh, look! We have a lazy Susan, and a lazy Kyle. lol

            Teen Problems....waiting for your food to get done.

                                They see me rolling, they hatin'

Day 136: Spring Paradise

Did some grocery shopping, picked up Kam, and did some more cleaning outside. Trilliums are going to start popping up real soon! This is the first one I have seen that has bloomed. I just love trilliums!!! You know spring is here, in Michigan when you see the trilliums. But, it still can snow. LOL!!! Kwin & Chelsea really tested Frank & my patience today. Oiy! Just whiney, and not listening today.

Michigan's State Flower, Trillium

Day 135: Play Date!!

Kwintyn & I had a play date today. I was looking forward to this play date, as we planned it a few weeks ago. My friend, Tammie, and I have not hung out in a long time, and I have missed that so very much. I met Tammie, when Kameron was in Pre-School!! Her son & Kam, went to school together & were the best buddies. So that was quite some time ago, like 7-ish years ago?! Back in 2010, we were pregnant together, for just a bit. I was like 15 weeks, and she was due. LOL Babies came, & we didn't hang out as much. Kwintyn had fun playing with her daughter today. I asked him on the ride home if he had fun, he said, No. But I know he was lying. He had fun!! Well we get home & he realizes he forgot his Izzy figurine over there. OOPS! But Kameron wanted stay the night at his friends, and they live right by Tammie, so we stopped & picked up Izzy, too. Keagan is at Brandon's tonight.....what's new?!?! LOL So it's just 3 kids home tonight. Kwin should sleep good tonight, too. He had a play date, no nap, and played outside.

I told Frank that we should have a play date more often, I really enjoyed my day. My heart felt so honored to be asked a question. This question just made my day, and I was awe struck, that I was asked this question!!! I didn't think I was this special, to have this question asked to ME!! It is a true honor & I was so grateful to know I was "this Special". Made my whole day!!! Love you, NeNe!!






               

Day 134: Happy Day, Happy Day for the Worm!

I didn't think to get a picture of the worm, that was saved from it's near death experience. Frank wanted to feed Myrtle a worm, so Keagan went outside, and found one, brought it in, and gave it to Frank. As he dangled the worm in front of Myrtle, and Kwin then understanding what was going to happen to the worm, the look on his face changed. He screamed, "No!!!!" "Not, Mama Worm!!!" He looked as if he was going to cry!! It's all because I told him to go put the worm back with it's Mama, when he found & picked up a worm. I was just trying to get him to put it down. Haha He know is The Worm Hunter, and will go on worm hunts, and then take them back to their home.

The picture I'm sharing today is how Kwin is when the vacuum gets turned on. "It's to loud!" But he still smiles. :) I just needed a picture for today. LOL He's also wearing undies today!!! Woot! Hopefully we are on to something?! I won't get too excited. ;)

                                                To Loud!!

Day 133: Lazy Kind of Day

Taking a cue from Brownie. Didn't really due much today, which was kinda nice. I think I needed a lazy day, today. Back to cleaning tomorrow!

                                                    Cat napping

Day 132: Can we fix it?!?!

Yes, we can!! We just need a new battery! Kwintyn HAD to play outside after dinner. It was sprinkling a little, but he didn't care. So out we went for a bit. He wants his truck fixed very badly. Frank usually puts his drill battery in, but say's he's not doing that anymore because it doesn't hard a charge much anymore. Well, it was you're Redneck idea! LOL Did work pretty good. Keagan spent the day home from school, he felt fine, but had some "tummy issues". Kwintyn thought that meant he had a play buddy for the day. Hahaha "Keagan, play with me!" I want a piggy back ride!" He did play with him, and take him out for a bit before it started raining, earlier. I spent the day cleaning, again. Keeps me busy, but I am SO tired, and sore!!

                                                 I need a battery!

Day 131: X Factor

Wah, wah, waahh!!! You fail!! I totally failed this day. I knew I had to get a picture, I said it many times through out the day. But I didn't get it. Oh well, it's not like this project is that exciting, or interesting. But I had to have something for this day. I was so tired yesterday, and spent the day keeping busy, cleaning. Was suppose to meet my MIL for drinks at Big Boy, but I canceled because I was so darn tired.

                              With a shape of an "L" on her forehead.......

Day 130: Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful Mom's I know!! I'm so blessed to be a Mom. I always wanted to be a Mom, so I think that was my destine in life. I never thought about life without kids, I have always wanted them. I have loved babies since I was little, I just knew I would be a Mom someday. That day came sooner than I had expected, but it sure was welcomed. I will always cherish the day that I became a Mom! I was blessed tremendously that day. I know a lot of people questioned my ability to parent, I mean after all I was a teen mom...what do I know?! Little did people know I studied child care in school, and that is what I wanted to do after school, was to work with small children. Sure I would have to learn things, just like the rest of the Mom's in t he world. I think I did a good job for what we had, and knew. We now have 5 amazing kids!!! I still can't believe we had so many, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my crazy, loud, insane, silly, beautiful, amazing family!! We are eccentric at times, but we have so much love underneath it all.

My Mother's Day was.....ok. I heard some news last night about a online friend of mine, she lost one of her twin boys. They were born 3wks ago, at 24wks. That broke my heart. Today I found out some personal news that wasn't good. That broke my heart. My brand new camera was giving me issues, looked up the problem.....camera malfunction, contact your local Nikon Dealer. That pissed me off. Things did get a little better when we just sat outside, and nature soothed me as I did what was therapeutic to me, take pictures. I had a little chipmunk come right up to me. He was a pleasure to watch. Chelsea decided to name HER, Brittany. lol Kyle wants to kill it & mount it. And Kwin said he wanted to pet it. We told him, No, it could bite. He then says he wants to hug it. hahaha He gave us many laughs today. He tells us he wants a cow. Then says he wants to be a Farmer, and needs a horse, but it will run off, and he will have to go find it. Later on he stomped on a bug with his foot, he stomped a few times. Then said "What happened?!" Frank & I both bursted out laughing. Guess it was just one of those, You had to be there moments. :) My kids can always make me happy, and bring a laugh, and smile upon my face. They are what makes me Mom.

           Mother's Day Adventures and my cards that Chelsea, & Kam made me!

Day 129: Sandbox!!

Frank had some sand bags in his car he was using as extra weight in his car trunk for the winter. Since he no longer needed it, he filled Kwin's sandbox up. He played in it almost all day!! We're gonna have to get some new sand toys, and buckets. All the other stuff is broken. But he had fun playing with his truck, and making pizza's with what he had. :) We also went on a nature walk. Loving this time of the year!

                                                   Playing in the sand!!

Day 128: The Great Outdoors

Kyle has a friend over tonight. He set up his tent & I guess they are sleeping outside tonight. If it were me, I wouldn't. It's suppose to rain, guess he'll find out the hard way. Hope it doesn't leak! While outside, and as I was taking a picture of the tent, I saw this little bug out on a limb. Was a fast moving little thing, too! Kwin had another good appointment with DeAnna. He almost didn't go in by himself today, so she kept the door open. I know I was questioning this play therapy before, but I do see some improvements. It is helping with his separation anxiety he had, too. Guess next month we will see if things have been working when he goes to see the Dr. Last few times at the Dr's were a nightmare, so hopefully this next time he will do good.

                                                      Kyle's tent

                                   Say Hello to my little friend!

                 Couldn't decide on a quote for this picture, so I did both. :)

Day 127: Nature Walk

Was a beautiful day today considering the morning. Frank, Kyle, Kameron, and myself woke up to a loud storm. It was hailing, and it was so loud. It was quite warm today, too. I worked outside in the yard today, doing things that Frank should have done.....but what's new?! I'm always picking up everyone else's crap. After dinner, we went on a walk. Kwin wanted to climb a mountain. Ok, so it was a hill. But I'm sure it looked more like a mountain to him. We went on a long walk instead. That hill is exhausting to climb, and I wasn't having it today. LOL

                                         Pics from our walk

Day 126: Oh Yeah...Happy Valentines Day, Mom!!

Kameron gave me a gift today. I was slightly confused as to why. Thought maybe it was a Mother's Day gift, but nope!! It was a Valentines Day gift. I said, Valentines Day was like *stops & thinks for a  second* it was almost 3 months ago!!! Kameron say's "We got it when we were at Grandma's." I ask, Did you hide it in your room? He answers "Yeah." I say, and you just found it, huh?! LOL!!!!!! Yeah, you see WHY I said to CLEAN YOUR ROOM?!?!?! Hahahaha Eh, it's the thought that counts, right?   LOL!!! I sure feel loved today! Kameron told me he was going to just wait till Mother's Day to give it to me, but he didn't. I told him, you should have at this point. Hahahaha Sad to say they get this from me. I have the best intentions on getting you a gift......but I forgot to give it to you on the day I was suppose to. :D

                                          Happy Valentines Day to Me!!

Day 125: Fire it up, Daddy!

Frank got the "tractor" up & running today, which made Kwintyn very excited!! He looooves his tractors. :) We had company over tonight......hence why I am late posting. Our friend, Dave, and his Girlfriend & her daughter stopped over. Her daughter will be 3, in a few weeks. Kwin played so nice with her, and had a fun time. It was nice seeing him play with someone his own age, again. So happy he made a new friend, and me too! I had just met Dave's girlfriend for the first time, too.

                                     1st tractor ride of the season.

Day 124: Always Remember To Take Your Vitamins!

Kwintyn's pretty good at reminding me to give me his vitamin. You ask him how many he gets, and he will say "Two!" We had a hard time when we bought our first bottle of gummy bear vitamins, he wanted to eat more than two! I don't blame him, they are good! I have had the adult tummies, and well......I might have eaten 1 too, many. It's just not a good idea....gummy vitamins. Hahaha! So I can see how easily a child would want to consume the whole bottle. We went outside & went on a nature walk before Frank got home. Found some pretty flowers. :) We get into town to do some shopping, and realize I forgot my list!!! So, so much for shopping. I can't shop with out my list, I cannot. I tried. So, back to the store tomorrow. Blah!!! I need more vitamins in my life. ;)

                                       Take a picture of my vitamin!

Day 123: Just keep cleaning.

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.......Oiy! What a day! I got the whole basement cleaned.....again. The boys just need to clean their room, because I am not! I still have a lot to do in the basement. I wanted to focus on it & make it a play room a while back, and do some things I saw off of Pinterest. But well, things are not cheap, and I procrastinate, and the kids are always leaving a mess. I am HOPING it stays the way it is, so I can paint, and add some charm to it. But for now it will do.  Frank took the kids outside today, and picked up the yard a bit. He sold his Bronco today!! He got less than the asking price, but he just wanted it gone because he's done dealing with it. He got ripped off when he bought it, the guy said things were fixed & they were not. Guy was a mechanic, and he did look the truck over before buying & test drove it. Started having issues shortly after he got it on the road. We were thinking of just keeping it & putting money in to it when we could, and give it to the boys. But Frank was just done & wanted it gone. So I said alright, alright, alright. :D

The picture I used today is a picture of a CLEAN playroom! I want to sand, & paint the table, book shelves, paint the walls & add some fun art work, cute little baskets for crayons, ect, ect. I already have a cute little wall decor that hangs your childs art work. Just want to paint before we get that up.

Day 122: TGIS 5K Run

Kameron wanted to run another 5K. I jokingly asked him if he if was going to get frostbite this time. :P His response...."Shut Up!!!" "My friend already asked me that." Hahaha! Today we told Kwintyn we were going to watch Kam run, and he asked me if Kameron would get frostbite. LOL!!!!! Oh goodness! Poor, Kam! lol This run was about supporting the High School Cross Country Team, so all benefits went to that. Plus his running club coaches had encouraged them to do so, as well. There was a lot of kids this time, and the age divisions were different. This time Kam ranked with is own age group, he came in 2nd. He got a time of 22....something. I need to start writing his times down!! Today Kam battled the rain, instead the snow, so the elements don't slow him down. I tell ya, this kid is gonna be a superb runner if he sticks with this, I mean he already is, but I'm talking when he gets a little older. My little, Forrest Gump. ;P

                       Run, Kameron, Ruuuuuuunnnnnn!!!!

                                2nd place winner in 13yr age category

Day 121: Keeping the mind busy.....

It hard keeping your mind busy when you feel so much grief. Between playing with Kwin, and cleaning, I tried to keep my mind busy today, but I just kept thinking of Sam, & Scott, & Seth. Kwin thought of Seth, too, and wants to play with him. He asked over & over today if he he could play with his friend, Seth. He has missed his buddy for a long time now. I always say children are smarter than you think, and that made my mind just think of other things. I just need to keep busy.....

Day 120: Hello, Charlie

Kwintyn wanted to play with Charlie today. Charlie was Grandma Simms bird, that Frank use to play with when he was little. This little bird repeats everything you say. It kept Kwintyn occupied today, and he loved playing with him.

                                       Hello, Charlie! Smile for the camera!