The Holstein Christmas....and the New Year

This has been a fun and crazy holiday season. I have always been really big on all the traditions that we used to have, this year not so much. And as Eddie and I were rushing around after Christmas Eve services I figured out why. When I started all of those crazy traditions, we were a very secluded family with no real friends and Church family. Now? We are so blessed that we were not even able to attend everything we were invited to. We have so many people that we love in our life now, I don't need to fill up our lives with the same old thing. We are filled up and I LOVE that.

We had several highlights, first in my mind was the Christmas Eve Service, we had a blast in Kids Kanyon but the best thing was having a special needs child curled up in my lap...what a feeling. And as I sat there I seen the love that Lena has for Tobey, and that is amazing to me. Seeing like a 100 kids excited about Jesus' Birthday was such a blessing. Then we attended the second service. Sam did awesome on his service, which I expected....seriously he is the best Pastor ever. The band did great, very moving. But then the icing on the cake....Eddie played Trombone!!! The guy plays like 13 instruments, and this was the first time I ever saw him play. I didn't think I could fall in love with the guy anymore, but I was wrong.

We headed home, and had Ramen noodles (so not my style...I was tired) and I made an overnight casserole while Eddie helped Santa set up gifts. We went overboard, like big time. But we have had some tough Christmases and I have been planning a big Christmas since the beginning of October. Eddie and I had wine out of Halloween cups (they had bats on them), and settled in for our long winter's nap. Notice they say nap, because kids don't sleep much that night. We were up 4 hours later, watching the kids tear the heck out of our house.

After gifts, I went back to bed and then made breakfast for Eddie's family. Had Christmas with them and then it was time to make the big Christmas Dinner (no one even really eats that dinner, they want to play).

We then vegged out the rest of the day, and played Minute To Win It with the kids. So pretty relaxing day. Nice.

I am actually in shock the kids vacation went so fast. They go back on Tuesday, too soon. We have had a lot of fun. They have been cracking me up. I honestly think that I may have the coolest kids. I know, everyone thinks their kids are the coolest....I do think I would win. Melody and Emily have started posing like "Tebow". They have no idea who he is, but they look adorable. Edwin came up to me yesterday and blew on me. I was a little surprised and asked him why he did it...he told me it was the Holy Spirit. Tobey has pooped several times on the toilet, he does great if he is only wearing a T-shirt and a smile...not real appropriate for real life, unless it is at Wal-Mart (whoa, did I just go there?). Olivia got sea monkeys, I am getting stressed out because they don't give you enough food. Do you order more, or just let them starve? What is their life expectancy? I didn't think about all of this when I bought the stupid things. Now, I have like 50 more mouths to feed. And then that is another thing. How big do they get, do you buy a tank for them? I should have thought about all of this, and got the guinea pig that I wanted. They don't need purified water and leave me with a fear of the unknown. Ok, enough of that. Alison and Lena have made a few appearances from their rooms, since Christmas. I got them DVD's and movies they can watch in their room....and that my friends, is how you deal with teenagers over the holiday's.

So, now we are heading New Year...we are going to have a junk food fest Saturday night and I got the kids party hats and horns. And then they can open their crackers. I did not get confetti this year...not regretting that decision one bit. We have talked to the kids about what their resolutions, but they also need to tell us how they plan on reaching their goals. I would like for them to write out a plan and show the steps....we'll see how that goes over. I think setting goals is so important for them to learn motivation. I don't want to raise kids that feel like they are entitled, and the world owes them something. I want them to see what hard work and taking chances can do for them. Eddie and I learned that the hard way....and that my friends is one of my goals, to raise upstanding human beings...not matter what you think may be against you.

We have had such an amazing year, some awesome...some sad. We went to Disney and that was a blast, we moved, Eddie got his promotion, I started a new job, the kids started going to amazing schools, Tobey said new words and we got some scary medical info on another kid, we got a Durango, and realized that car payments really are not fun. I turned 35 and did not die, Eddie threw me an amazing party. Lena went to her first date and dance, and I did not panic. Alison has a boyfriend, and I am panicking. Edwin has found God and seeing God through his eyes have been inspiring. Olivia has come out of her shell and we found out that she is an athlete, go figure. Tobey told me that he loved me, and I cried as hard as I did when I found our he was Autistic (I am tearing up now). Emily is going to big kid school and is being reigned a genius, and Melody went to pre-school and is loved be everyone there. I went to Chicago and renewed my faith in Christ (I evened raised my hand during worship!). I celebrated 15 years of marriage with the love of my life and still madly in love with the dude.

Looking over the last paragraph, I can not believe how blessed I really am. And I am nearly giddy for 2012...I think it will be another amazing year...it will have to be to top Disney!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The parties and Edwin.......

Wow, the big day is almost here! Can you believe it? The kids are counting down the days, and ready to open the gifts. Me? I am counting down the days I have to get everything done....ahhh, the life of a parent.

We had a busy weekend as I blogged about earlier...but with 7 kids things don't go as planned. I woke up on Saturday morning and the Tobey Jude's ear took a turn for the worse. So that important meeting I was supposed to go to did not happen. Come to find out the little dude had a staph infection in his ear, nasty stuff. He is however feeling much better now and has made several requests for pop-tarts. He also sang a song with me today, so I am not as concerned about his hearing as I was. We go to the Doctor again on Friday to find out what to do next.

I was abls to have the Precious Stones party on Saturday, it went really well. We had 2 new families and there is a picture of Melody looking at Santa that will melt your heart on my Facebook page. We did a much more low key event and it went over very well.

After that party I rushed back to Plymouth and picked up chicken for my sides party. We had about 15 minutes to set up, light candles and give the kids those all important talks. If you are a parent you know what I am talking about....Don't ask Grandpa why he is not married to Grandma, the list goes on and on. The highlights of the party was Edwin doing the prayer. I asked everyone not to snicker when he did it (that is very hard) and they did well. The prayer went something like this....

Mother loving (I am freaking out a little here and thinking this may have not been my best idea)
We are gathered here to talk about how Jesus died (not really Edwin....go on)
Love has been spoken (Building 429 quote)
Don't let Santa die (that is a given, but ok)
Thank you for the chickens (Yes, Martin's make a great fried chicken dinner)
Blessed Father (we are nearing the end....)
Amen (whew, the boy did it and I was the one who could not keep a straight face)

Edwin has been full of quotes lately....I told this one last night at a dinner so if you were there, sorry about the repeat...

Edwin upon seeing the snow "Wow, look at all the snowman blood!"

There is nothing boring about raising that boy. He cut his hair last Sunday because he said that wanted to be a new son for us. I am pretty much in love with the one he already is. His brain simply amazes me.

I think that is all I have for today......

Bring it!!!!!!

This weekend may quite possibly be one of the busiest holiday weekends ever. On Friday, after the marathon drop off of 5 kids at 4 schools, I have grocery shopping which is becoming an Olympic event in 2014 (for my size of family, it should be), and then a trip to the pharmacy for Tobey's bizillion meds and then about 10 errands. After that I pick up Melody and get some Christmas shopping done for my side of the family which I thought we weren't exchanging with. Pick up Edwin from school and take them to work so I can make treat bags for Precious Stones and wrap gifts. Then, I will head home to clean the house. Saturday I have a meeting for work, rush back to Plymouth to pick up the kids (Eddie is working overtime to help out with Christmas shopping) And head back to South Bend for Precious Stones party set up. Eddie will then meet us there during the party and take the little ones home to set up for my sides party. I will clean up at the Church and then pick up chicken ( I am NOT cooking) and cupcakes and have merry festivities. At 9 that night I will collapse from exhaustion and self medicate with a Coke and chocolate. And then Sunday? I can't even think that far ahead at the point! The crazy thing is though, I like being this busy! Isn't that the most insane thing you have ever heard? Maybe that is why I have 7 kids....

Yesterday we had a very rough day with Tobey Jude. He was hurting me and himself again. And it took everything in my power to control the boy. And don't you know it....that was the exact time that all the other kids needed my undivided attention for things like homework, zippers and requests for ice cream. I tried not to yell, but honestly Tobey is hitting me in the face, I can not dish you out ice cream and put sprinkles on it....sorry. On the bright side Tobey has attended school for 3 days in a row and even got to go on a field trip, which he had a blast!

Also yesterday was the anniversary of the day Eddie proposed to me. 16 years ago....I am feeling old. Anyway to celebrate we watched a gruesome show I can not get enough of and watched Tobey sleep....it was nice. After what I went through with him, I was so thankful top watch him sleep.

I think that is all I have for you today, I am off to make a bunch of lists for this weekend! Have a great one!

The IEP's and the Tobey Jude

Yesterday we had both of the boys' IEP's. For those of you in the non-special needs sector that is Individual Education Plan. I used to dread these things, but they are so different in Plymouth.

We had Edwin's at 7:50 in the morning which is one of earliest meetings we have had. Edwin only attends school for 4 hours. And he has a breakfast, lunch and recess in there. He also has what they call sensory breaks. Somehow, he is keeping up with all the "normal" students and doing Honor roll work. So, we have decided to start having him stay an extra half hour a day for now, and he is going to eat lunch with the 4th grade class. Our hope is to have him in with the "normal' kids most of the time by the end of the year.

Tobey's was at 9, it went great! The see Tobey starting to recognize letters and numbers. And they are ready to put him on more of an academic plan. After he gets his letters and numbers down, he will learn money with the help of his Ipad. He can do so much on that thing and will probably be more technologically savvy than his Mom. And then they want to put him in a normal classroom for a little bit each day. Now, I never thought in a million years that Tobey would sit in a normal classroom...huge blessing.

So, since I am on the subject of a Tobey Jude. The little guy was fighting a bad cold for quite a while and he was having fevers every other day. We took him to the pediatrician a couple of times but it always seemed to fall on a "good day". The school was noticing that his blood oxygen level was getting low and his heart rate was abnormally high. And between us, the school and his Dr there was probably 50 phone calls. On Tuesday and Wednesday he was running high temps and we did that whole Tylenol and then Motrin trick. And then Friday night he was screaming his head off. But because the little dude doesn't talk much we had no idea it was pain. And then we noticed his ears were leaking and then today we found out that both of his ear drums burst and he has a severe bacterial infection in his ear canals. So, now the boy is drugged and blissfully sleeping with no pain. This is the part of Autism that just sucks, I can't tell the difference between screaming because of a tantrum or pain. I can ask him if he is in pain, but he can't tell me. At the Dr's today they were asking me questions about him and all I could say was I don't know. Very hard. So, he goes back next Friday and we will find out about putting in tubes and then we will discuss getting his hearing tested because they are worried about him losing some hearing. So, any prayers for him are appreciated. The whole hearing loss thing is terrifying to me with all the other communication issues.

That is about all here at Holsteinville.....I hope you have a good night!

Update from the Holstein's

Hello world. I am using Lena's laptop. First time on a Mac, not to bad. The keyboard is a lot easier to use.

So here is what is happening in our neck of the woods. As you know if you read this blog I am huge on traditions. I am not sure if it's because I never had them growing up or maybe it is because I feel like since we have a large family that maybe we are supposed to have this Norman Rockwell Christmas. So, this week while dealing with a very sick Tobey Jude I have held on to these traditions with a vengeance. Last night we were supposed to go to our Church's live nativity, but do to the Tobey we had to bow out. Normal people would probably just enjoy a night of nothingness....Me? I decided to move up our Christmas story night. You know that night that I have the kids eat with no utensils. Another tradition is Bernie the head elf brings coordinated pajamas for the kids on Christmas Eve, that is getting tougher every year. But, I am coming to the conclusion that I may be doing the traditions for my sake and not sure that the kids are getting much out of them. So, now that I am ready to call it quits on them, Eddie thought of a new year one for next year......we are going to start an ugly sweater contest, and wear them on Christmas Eve. It will never end!

As I said earlier Tobey Jude has been one sick little dude. It has not been a fun week. It has been rearranging every plan we have made and taking him to work with me. One cool thing is that I found out that Tobey Jude can speak sentences in his sleep. How crazy is that? Part of me thinks that it is so cool that he has the ability to do that. The other part doesn't understand how to get this when he is awake.

I did get one fun event in on Friday. I went to a cookie/ornament exchange with my friend Sarah. It was pretty cool and the kids enjoyed eating their cookie breakfast the next morning. I didn't even know that they had found the darn things let alone would eat that freaking many!

Our Precious Stones party is on Saturday, it is going to be a much more laid back event. More of a story time with Santa and one simple craft. There is enough things that over stimulate special needs around the holiday's. I have no plans to add to it.

Oh the tree, it has become a pain in my soul. It is not only crooked but only half of it is lit up thanks to the cat and it is already drying out. I have to sweep under the stupid thing daily and we forgot to trim off the lower branches. So there will be no actual gifts under the tree....just around it. Not very Norman Rockwell.

Tomorrow I have the boys IEP's, I am hoping that they are ready to put Edwin in full day. I love the boy, but I have found the joy of having the kids in school. And even though it may make me sound like a bad person...I LOVE it!!!! I mean, really. It is the best thing ever this school thing. Years ago Eddie and I tried to homeschooling and to be honest we sucked at it. And if I could go back in time I would (pardon the french here) kick myself in the ass! Love, love school.

Eddie, being the great provider that he is will pretty much be living at his job this week. I told him that he may as well sleep there. I have the debit card for payday.

Well, I suppose I should give Lena back her laptop. See you all later!

Happy Holidays and Random Thoughts by Melissa

Hi, the Holiday season is among us and folks settle in because this will be a long blog.....Last night we put up our Christmas Tree. We decided to do a real tree because the fake ones have LEAD!!!! Why do they continue to make things with lead? Going on, Kroger had all there trees for $35.00 no matter the size so we got the biggest one they had. Eddie did not know how to use the deluxe stand, we had needles everywhere and the kids are nearing bedtime. I am still keeping my composure until I saw that every single ornament needed a freaking hook. I don't know how many ornaments that I hooked but it was enough for a 10 foot tree. The kids who all wanted to help decorate the tree were not very patient. But we finally got the silly thing done, and then realized that the tree is very crooked. I sent the kids to bed without having them perform my fantasy of singing around the tree Charlie Brown style and breathed a sigh of relief that we had no injuries. Then this morning I looked at the tree and noticed no lights, garland or ornaments on the bottom half of the tree. It was then I remembered that we have a very active kitten. So, we will decorate the tree yet again tonight. Maybe we will do the Charlie Brown thing.

The washer passed away last week after a short illness. Eddie did his best to bring her back, even though I told him it had a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate order). So, I am at work trying to catch up the laundry. Goodbye washer and your crazy ways.....

We have noticed as Tobey is getting older (he will be 7 next month) and bigger that his Autism quirks are more noticeable. Let me see if I can explain this right.... It is normal to see a 2 year old in a diaper amazed by a car and then throw a HUGE tantrum. It is NOT normal for a 6 year old to do that. It is normal for a 2 year old to not talk to the cashier, it is not normal for a 6 year old to not have a conversation. I have got Tobey programmed to say "Hi", when I prompt him to get us through for the quick little conversations. But that is all I got. I can't make him tell people what he wants for Christmas or how old he is. And I used to be able to pass him off as shy, especially when he made no eye contact. But when you have this adorable kid who looks right at you smiling and spinning the tires on his ever present matchbox car....you can't just say he's shy.

Another side note on Tobey Jude, his Aide at school said he looks like a young David Cassidy. He does actually, the scary thing is she thought I was old enough to have been a fan of David Cassidy....funny. Even though I am a fan of the Beatles so, maybe I shouldn't be offended. Going on.....

We had a great Thanksgiving, my dear friend CJ and her girls Mary Mae and Christine came over for dinner, we had so much fun. Of course, I made way too much food. But I think it may have been the best Thanksgiving we have ever had.

Lena and her boyfriend went out on a date last weekend. They went to see the Muppets. I really like this kid, he is the same boyfriend that she has had for a year. I used to think he was quiet, I was wrong he fits right in. I know I have mentioned it before but he loves the Beatles and cats. She has chosen well.

Last night I made out Christmas cards and came to the conclusion that the big box I got is not near enough for how many friends we have. We are beyond blessed to have so many friends that I need to get another box of cards today. I could have worse problems....

I am almost done shopping for the kids and Eddie. We have cut out all extended family exchanges this year. I think they were relieved when we told them. I know that 7 kids is a lot to buy for. It is also a huge weight off my shoulders and I am so enjoying just shopping for the kids. Their lists though are getting more extensive....Lena wants an Ipad which will never happen, Alison wants a stereo, Edwin wants the Operation board game, Olivia has changed her mind daily, Tobey I am assuming wants cars, Emily wants a Barbie house and Melody wants a baby. So besides Lena's request very easy this year. In our house we have a few traditions on Christmas Eve the kids get their pajamas from Bernie the head Elf. And then Mrs. Claus brings the kids underwear and socks, Please don't tell Lena that you heard that here. She will be mortified!

Well, I think that is all today...see you all on the flip side. What the heck does that even mean?Anyway....