The Drive in....

Do you ever have one of those ideas that come to your mind like a lightening bolt and fantasize how perfect it will be? Well, here is mine...

The kids who simply LOVE their teachers were not to happy about school ending...I know that is a little weird, I believe that none of my kids are "normal". Anyway, after tears (no joke) I decided that as a mother I should try and make yesterday a happy one....so, I said let's got to the drive-in and see Shrek The Final Chapter. In my mind I envisioned the 3 older girls on a blanket in front of the car, eating bologna sandwiches (we are on a budget) and the rest of us all cozy in our car snacking away on homemade popcorn and enjoying the loving company of their siblings...am I really that naive?

So, here is what really happened. We spent 3 hours getting ready, cleaning out the car, packing blankets and toys and the extras things the boys need. I then popped popcorn, made sandwiches and packed extra clothes. We headed out of town and got ice and a cheap cooler. Within 5 minutes of getting the cooler it broke and their was ice and stuff all over the cargo area. We then went to visit family and Edwin and Tobey both had major meltdowns at the in-laws.Then we went to my Dad's and they played outside and got absolutely filthy. After cleaning up and trying to not have a nervous breakdown we headed to the Melody drive-in. After we paid, (no discount for having a daughter named Melody, haha) we found our spot and ate. We then set up a blanket and ate...still going good, but they got bored. Edwin then decided to talk to everybody! He can say some odd stuff so I then had to go around and explain to 4 other families that he has Autism. After explaining to 2 of them that no, he's not like Rainman I tried to keep him with me. Finally the movie started and the kids decided to declare war on the Suburban. Emily broke the outside driver mirror and Tobey broke a windshield wiper, Olivia dumped 3 batches of popcorn and Emily and Melody found the chocolate stash (the car seats suffered dearly), Edwin kept kicking the seated because he wanted to go home. Alison and Lena did great though. After suffering through Shrek and ducking from embarrassment everytime Emily kicked the horn we decided that 1 feature was enough, I am sure our neighbors felt the same way. So, we had the 50 mile drive back home and simply told the kids tom go to sleep and leave us alone! I had it in my mind to go back and see Toy Story 3, I will wait for the DVD.

So that was an outing with the Holstein's and right now I am not sure if we are allowed back in Starke county haha! Have a good one, we have to clean out our car!!

The Angels of the South Bend school system....

I want to talk about the teachers that I have had the honor of sharing my kids with. Last night I was sitting at the dining room table and making out cards for the teachers and bus drivers and realized what great teachers that they have been for my kids.

Tobey's teacher that I have wrote about before is simply one of the best people that I have ever known. She sees Tobey as I do, as a really cool little dude, not as the autistic boy. She knows when to push him ahead and when to pull back. She is probably Tobey's second favorite woman on Earth, I had better be number 1! And, even though I am relieved that the school year is coming to an end, I will really miss her I consider her a dear friend.

Olivia's teacher has the patience of a saint, has been really good for her. Olivia being the middle kid sometimes needs extra attention and I know how hard that is when you are needed by everyone at once. She has taught Olivia a love of reading and crafts, and I just love that she has a hobby or two now.

Edwin....have you ever heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Well, it takes a school to teach an Edwin. Because he is on route for a diploma, it is tons of work to get him there. His regular teacher took him on only knowing that his teacher at the beginning of the year would leave Edwin in a corner and didn't teach him anything...because of his diagnosis. I know how frustrated his teacher got (trust me there was a lot of phone calls). But he kept chugging along even though I do think that he may think a little harder about taking on another Edwin anytime soon. Edwin also has a special ed teacher who has been amazing, I get e-mails all the time saying how much she loves Edwin and how blessed that she is to get to work with him. How great is that ? Lastly, Edwin has an aid that helps him tremendously. This guy has been go great that on occasion if I can't get Edwin to do something I will use this guys name and it works like a charm. Probably bad parenting....don't you judge me!

Alison's teacher was one of the many that will not be returning due to budget cuts. Knowing how much Alison loves her she gave Alison her home address so they can stay in touch. She has handled the situation with true grace. And has been awesome with Alison.

Lena's first teacher was the first to see her potential and realize that she had a real brain and helped her reach her goal of skipping a grade. Her second teacher had the unbelievably hard task of helping her catch up everything right before ISTEP. She did it though and thank God that is over!

So that's my opinion on their teachers and how thankful I am for them and the bus drivers and a certain school nurse who has become one of my dearest friends. Did you think that I would forget you Lorinda? Love you all!!!!

Monday, Monday....

Summer break is almost here, and I am so looking forward to sleeping in 'til 7:30!!! The kids have a lot planned in their mind, all the activities that they want to do. I am in hopes that we can accomplish at least half of them. Unfortunately, we have a ton of changes going on...so I will do my best. Eddie's promotion is a huge blessing, but they don't give you the money for doing nothing...you actually have to do more work and have more responsibilities! They didn't tell us that...haha.

The move is kinda weighing on me.The house that I was in hopes of didn't pan out. With the list of things that we need for not only the boys' needs but also the needs for a larger family we must expand our search. So we are checking out neighboring towns. I have no real desire to leave the area, but you gotta do what you gotta do. We will simply have to put more money towards our gas budget.

So, I have missed out on doing some movie reviews, and we seen some good ones lately. If you haven't noticed all my reviews are on DVD, we have not been to a theatre in years. We are in hopes of a drive-in this summer...we'll see. So, the first movie is The Lovely Bones. I really wanted to see this and I wanted to preview it for Lena to see if it was appropriate for her. It is a story about a young girl in the 70's that was murdered and she comes to Earth in spirit form to help catch her killer. Now, I know your thinking it is like every show on CBS on Friday and really sounds like a bummer. Ed and I had to make ourselves watch it because who wants to see a child killed. But, they did not "show" the murder really and their was a whole spiritual aspect to it. It was defiantly worth $20 bucks, as Eddie would say it's a buy not a rent.

We finally watched Avatar, I think that we were the last 2 people on Earth who hadn't seen it yet...so I will not bore you with a review. I liked it more that I thought I would considering I don't like sci-fi and I thought that the storyline simply sounded stupid. It took me a while to wrap my rational mind around those blue "people" and I am now depressed because our world is not as beautiful as theirs...haha.

So here is some news on the kids. Getting bored with "cheese touch" they have now started playing "pink belly" they don't hurt each other, as you would think the name insinuates, it is kinda a tickling, running, screaming game. I can look at it as my kids are very creative and I am nurturing that side of them...or I can realize that I probably need to buy some more family games...probably,the latter.

Last night after we settled the kids down Eddie and I watched this spooky show on the Travel channel about haunted homes and ghosts. When all of a sudden I heard this really odd noise from the fireplace. Now since our TV is mounted above the fireplace and we have surround sound we couldn't figure out if the noise was actually from the fireplace or the TV. And them out came 2 black birds flying out. Normally I don't get freaked out by this kind of stuff but currently watching Ghost Hunter's it was a little scary. I sat on the couch and screamed like a girl in hopes that one of our cats would kill them or somehow Eddie would catch both without any assistance. After about 2 minutes and coming to the realization that Eddie is not a professional bird catcher and my cats are worthless at times. I bravely put on an oven mitt and caught one screaming my head off the whole time. Eddie caught the other one and they both flew off to safety. My cats just sat there and we managed to wake up kids with the commotion.

Since Friday is the last day of school it is time for our annual Ice cream dinner. The kids just love this and will talk about it the whole year. I will manage to put some fruit in their sundaes so it won't be void of all nutrition. We try to have a couple of these odd dinner's a few times a year, just helps to break things up. On December 14th, every year we watch A Christmas Story and I make meatloaf, mashed potatoes and red cabbage(which always turns a weird purple blue color) and we eat with no utensils. Kids really love this stuff even though I am not sure I am teaching the best habits.

Well, that is all for today! Have a great one!

An Autism week....

If Edwin and Tobey are both having a bad day, we call it a 'tism day. We have now come to the conclusions that it is an Autism week. I am used to the quirks, and the "normal" things that make them who they are. But, both boys did something last night that was just absolutely chilling.

Eddie woke up at 2:oo am this morning to hear Tobey just laughing hysterically. There was nothing in sight to make him laugh, no music on, not even a toy in his hand. When Tobey does that it means that he has slipped back into his little "world" and is starting to slip again. I absolutely refuse to let him go back there, he stays here! I am praying that this again is just a med problem, but it is scary.

Edwin got very mad about Alison trying to help him wash his face and looked at me and said " I want to kill myself", I know in my heart that this is something that he has heard this somewhere, but as a parent you never want to hear those words come out of your child's mouth...whether they know what they are saying or not. So, I am waiting by the phone for the Dr. to call.

I know that I am dealing with a mental illness, most of the time I am trying to always look at the positive side of Autism, which there are some. Some days are just harder than others and I am hoping that today will be a good one.

So here is a cute story about Edwin. Tuesday, Edwin was on the computer playing a game and he had his character flying. This surprised me because the rest of the kids that play this game have never made their character fly. I sat down next to him watching his fingers fly over the keys (he doesn't even have to look at them) and said "Edwin, how is he flying?". He looked down at the floor in embarrassment that I am related to him and said, " He is not a real person!!!". This kid must really think that I am an idiot, to be honest when it comes to computers compared to him....I am!

Emily has decided that one day is not enough time to devote to celebrating her, she reminds me daily that it was her birthday and that we should have cupcakes again. I am going to give her tomorrow to have one last hurrah and then I am cutting her off. I will not make anymore cupcakes though.

Well, that is all for today...I hope that you have a good one and thank God the weekend is almost here and I can have my husband home!

Counting down the days.....

I don't know about your kids but mine, are ready for the school year to end!!! I personally am so sick of getting up in the morning to their grumpy attitudes (Olivia is the worst). The backpacks which used to be pretty and had that new backpack smell are now looking like something that should be put out of it's misery. Tobey's has a strap that is being held together with a safety pin.

Everyday Edwin asks me how many days we have left, honestly I think that is the only thing that gets him moving...the thought of it coming to an end. Today they let him call me and I guess that he was crying, he is burned out. I told him that he only had a few hours left in the day and I guess that when I said that, he told his teacher "Bye" and was heading for the door!

Tobey is running into problems on his bus ride home. I guess that he is kicking and screaming the whole time. Which is not really like him, he is always great in the car. I think that may be his way of saying "I am sick of this".

So, I am officially ready for next Friday! The last day of getting up children! Surprisingly though on days that kids can sleep in, they are up at the crack of dawn! I don't think that we have slept in past 7:30 in a year.

In the fall though you mark my words, I will be first in line to get them ready for a new school year and get them OUT!!! Oh, the cycle is never ending!!!

Catching up, again....

Again I have to apologize for not blogging to much this week! As usual we have had a 100 things going at once. So here is the Holstein news....

I am officially married to a Supervisor! I now know what Michelle Obama feels like...haha! Eddie is now a salaried member of management, and I couldn't be prouder. Before he found God in his life, he would not hold down a job...what a difference. He works so hard and it was great to see him be recognized.

We have a 4 year old again, our little Emily. We are taking her to Toys r us on Friday to spend her birthday money and then The Chocolate Cafe' which is her favorite place on earth.

We had a packed weekend with trying to see both sides of the family, my side on Friday with fried chicken at the park, And on Saturday morning the in-laws came over, before the kids were up. We did find time to get a river walk in though...we have only lived here 2 years and never even gone, so that was fun. And of course we went to Church on Sunday, we stayed for both services...which Edwin was not in the mood for.

The boys both started doing some new things this week. When just one starts a new "quirk" it is doable but both is overwhelming! Edwin has been getting mad and telling me to leave his house, and the next minute he is playing with a kitten. The computer which is his 1 true love has not even worked to calm him down. Yesterday he hit me with a sock full of change, which was odd. I guess at school he has been falling asleep, so I don't know. I am guessing that it is a medication change, so we'll wait it out.

Tobey is getting more aggressive too. Both boys have been on this one medicine for 2 years, and come to find out it causes childhood diabetes, with a history on both sides...we are weaning them off. But it is not a fun ride!

The "teenager" is having a good week, we actually had one of those "Hallmark commercial" talks today before school. I am planning on doing some more one on one stuff with her this summer. One on one time with 7 kids is rare, we do "Kid of the Week" but she is kinda out growing the novelty of it.

I should probably explain "Kid of the Week", when you have a large family it is sometimes ok, ALWAYS hard to keep things even and trying to remember who's turn is next is impossible. So, "Kid of the Week" solves that dilemma. The "kid" gets to pick out the family movie, favorite cereal for the week, their picture or artwork goes on the computer desktop....you get the idea. But the true beauty is there is no arguments about who gets to go to the store with Dad or who can stay up late with us on Saturday!!!

The kids are getting excited about the move, me not so much. Don't get me wrong the house we are planning on is perfect for us and nicer than anything we thought we could get. But the WORK of moving all of us and the stress that it will place on the boys will not be fun. I will be relieved when the whole thing is over.

Well, that is all for today!! Have a good one.

Emily Frances.....

Today, I am going to tell you about Emily Frances. Since she will be 4 on Monday, I thought it is only appropriate to devote a blog to her. I remember when I found out I was having her and I was terrified, I literally had a hole in my stomach from some health problems with having Tobey Jude, and was told with a history of miscarriages and getting over gangrene that I probably wouldn't be able to carry her to term. The Dr.'s obviously didn't know how stubborn she is.



Out of all 7 kids there has never been one like Emily. She is super smart and loves to call Melody "sissy", there are days that she loves Edwin to death and then yesterday she asked me if he could move out. She LOVES to help me in the kitchen, her favorite things to are stirring batter and putting salt and pepper on veggies. She names all her hairstyles...if it is in a bun...Tinkerbell, 2 ponytails up top....Abby Cadabby. Before she gave "sissy" a haircut she also told me how to do her hair. She has never given up on Tobey, she taught him how to play ring around the rosy, and she has never really looked at him like he is different or odd. When Tobey won't answer her, she just goes onto something else. For reasons beyond my comprehension, she really gets along with Edwin....that one stumps me. He generally would rather us just leave him alone, but Emily he loves! When Eddie gets home from work, she runs up to him and kisses him...but she refuses to talk to him on the phone.



I named her Emily Frances because I love the Wizard of Oz, and running out of girls names I thought it would be cool if my grand kids has an "Auntie Em". I got Frances from my beloved Grandmother, who was just as stubborn as Emily is!

I do have to admit though out of the whole crew, she may probably be my biggest challenge. I know what you are thinking...What?!? The boys have to have that title, not true! I have books on how to raise them, I have them figured out. But, Emily...oh Emily she throws something new at me daily! Her creativity, sense of humor, her joy and that amazing spirit are a thing to behold!
I absolutely adore this little surprise that God has given me, and I look forward to raising her, stubbornness and all. Now, in 9 years when she is a teen, I will probably have to be committed...until then I will enjoy the ride!!

Happy Birthday (in 4 days) my Emily Frances! I love you!!!!!!

Turning 34....

I have been dreading turning 34 for 22 years. My Mom died at 34, and it seems to me like I have been on this countdown to reach that age. I remember when she died, everyone kept saying how young she was. Me in my 12 year old mind had no idea what they were talking about...I mean gosh, she was in her mid-thirties! And now, that I am less than 2 months from that dreaded age, I realize just how young she really was. And I see how much that she missed out on with her kids and the grand kids that she never got to meet.

I think that I was setting myself up for failure, to reach this self profiling prophecy to not live past 34. I am not good about going to the Dr., I live on pop and stuff I shouldn't eat. I guess that I was trying to fit in as much as I could in 34 years, I think that is also why I has such a large family in such a short time.

So, I have made a decision that I am going on a diet and attempt to do some exercise. I may even make a Dr. appointment, even though I am deathly afraid of them. So, wish me luck!!!

All of the school age kids actually made it to school today!!! I am really going to miss my time with Emily and Melody only, they are such great little girls. Tobey and Edwin were both in great moods today so I am in hopes of an easy night with them.

We got some news from Tobey's Dr. that we are simply going to have to move, his lead is simply not going to go down no matter what we try to do to this house. There is just no way to make this house totally safe for him. So, we are going to try to move over the summer. I am really not looking forward to this, I have been happy here and the kids are settled for the first time in their life. I am also not looking forward to all the work that is involved with moving, and messing up the boys schedules. But, what are you going to do? You have to do what you can to make your kids safe.

Well, I hope everyone has a great one even though it is so messy out there!

Tobey's new word....

Eddie had a double header last night at the softball field, to show my wifely (is that a word?) the whole family went to the game. Before it started, I took Tobey Jude up and tried to get him to tell his Daddy "good luck", he said the first word but not the second. I simply decided that the "ck" may be a little to hard for him, and found a seat. Then as the game started a kid behind us said "you suck"to one of the players on the field. Tobey gave his smile that shows me something has clicked in that head of his, and started saying suck over and over again! Appalled I try to get Tobey off of that word, and I had no luck! He probably said it 20 times. He said it so many times that Emily made up a song about it, I give up!!!!! On a side note, Eddie's team has yet to win, but I did see him hit the ball twice (1 was in the wrong direction) and he made it to 3rd base, so I was proud!

It is rainy and cold out. I used to love this weather, but since I have had back problems...I dread it. I have officially become old, if my back hurts, it will rain....if my back and right leg hurt then it will be a thunder storm. If everything hurts than I am tired from chasing Tobey, haha. I think that I will light some candles and have a fun dinner tonight to make the best out of a rainy day.

I can't believe that school is almost out. We have decided to make the lids continue learning throughout the summer. They all have things that they need to work on, so 2 hours a day of making them think shouldn't kill them!

Well, the laundry is calling my name....enjoy the day!

Catching up.....

Sorry it has been so long since I blogged, sometimes stuff just happens and you simply can't find the time. But it is Monday again and the house is quiet. Tobey and Olivia have temperatures so they are sleeping in along with Emily and Melody who always sleep in on Monday.

My Mother's Day weekend was fantastic!!! Eddie gave me the whole weekend...not just the day! On Friday, I had a "meeting" at Church to discuss the support group. I am so revved up for this....simply can't wait. At lunch I met up with Amy O. to discuss the group, we had ham and cheese at the Chocolate Cafe', we mainly talked about family stuff! I think that there was some discussion of the group in there. Friday night after Eddie made dinner, we finally watched Avatar. I know.... we were probably the last 2 people in America to see this movie, but it was really good. Saturday I went to the Mall with CJ, Kristine and Lena, had a good time! Eddie made breakfast for dinner, which the kids think is crazy. I got all my presents from the family....Lena made me a card, Alison card and coupons, Edwin gave me a card and dandelions, Olivia made me a picture, Tobey made me the worlds largest broach, and Emily and Melody gave me kisses! Eddie got me a pajamagram, with everything for a night off. I then gave up sleep to watch Betty White on SNL, which was awesome!!!!!! On Sunday, we went to Church and they had a Roman Guard in front of a Chocolate fountain so only the Mom's got the goodies...really cute! We then surprised the kids and took them to the Zoo, we have a membership so it cost practically nothing, except for the fried chicken that we ate in the park. Eddie stepped it up this year, I literally did no cooking or housework all weekend! It was great, but now I have to figure out Father's Day!!!

Emily Frances is turning 4 a week from today, a little sad. I just love this age, I will miss it. She is such a great little kid, she wants a Tinkerbell cake. I LOVE Tinkerbell, so I will give her what she wants. I think that she wants a dollhouse, so now I have got to find one that I can afford...hahaha.

Well, that is all for today....I hear sick kids! Have a good one!

Strike!

Last year we took the kids to several Silverhawks games and they did great, this year if it involves a bat....we are striking out. We bought these tickets from a friend at Church for a fundraiser that she was doing and for some reason I had it in my mind that the game was last Friday, she didn't give me the wrong date, I just didn't pay attention. So, we met my Dad in Plymouth to pick up a baseball glove for Edwin that has been in the family for years, came home got everyone dressed in baseball looking attire, went to Meijer's and bought a wagon which we assembled in the parking lot and headed to the game. We got there late... big shock! And there was no more handicap parking, they let us park in the press area which was awesome of them and free! We then went to the counter... somewhat in shame (Melody ripped our tickets) only to be told that the game date for the tickets is at the end of next month! I almost cried! Then being the awesome people that they are at the Silver hawks... they told us to just go in. We found our seats, put Edwin in an area to himself(crowd issues) and I sat with Tobey in the handicap seating to give him wiggle room. Eddie than went to the concession and got snacks, we sat down to watch the game (finally). And then Emily and Melody decided that they were not in the mood for baseball, Olivia wanted to play at the other end of the park, Lena is asking when we are leaving, Alison is talking to every stranger in the place, Edwin is breaking down due to crowding and Tobey is slamming his head into the bleachers! So after a 35 minute excursion... we accept defeat and go home! I simply had Lena make the crew pb&j and sent the kids to their rooms! We were simply done!

So yesterday, Eddie had his softball game. I had the crew ready to leave as soon as he got off of work. Unfortunately, the car decided to die! We finally made it, only to realize that I forgot the bag of jackets.... so we suffered through it, I am not sure if Eddie's team had a home run, but I do know that the game ended early due to some kind of mercy rule. So, it was not the week for baseball!

Church went great on Sunday and had tons of people telling us that our story affected them and that they still love us which was a great feeling. I was so scared ( with no reason) that they wouldn't love us anymore if they really knew us. Our Church is honestly the only support that we have. Even though the kids live close to their Grandparents, they hardly see them. So, before Living Stones.... we were really on our own up here. So glad that God put me in that Church, I don't know what I would do without them.

Last night we had a little party for the kids, just cupcakes and a craft. It was nice but I kept them up to late.... so today they are cranky!

Here is a quick update on some people that I mentioned in my blog, that are still in need of prayers....
The young guy that got burned in the mobile meth explosion is expected to make it, but has a long road ahead of him, both with medical and legally. They are leaving him in a coma for several more weeks and he has a ton of surgeries in store for him. I can't imagine what the family is feeling.

Little Jonah (the cute little guy adopted by Angela and Roger) is expected to be in the hospital for a little while due to some feeding issues. This family also has foster children at home and I am sure they are overwhelmed with the Mom staying out of state to be with little Jonah. I know with their spirit and God's help they will get through it!

So, have a great day everybody! Holstein OUT!!!! Still liking that one!