This and That

This picture was taken last week when I was taking Parker and Molly to the Orthodontist to start their treatment. They both got spacers and we will begin to add metal to their mouths this week. Parker will be getting bottom braces and a appliance for the top. Molly a headgear for night time use and braces to follow soon. Which reminds me I need to buy them  a new bottle of ibuprofen!

Here is the scene from yesterday. Collin and Hudson love when I am willing to pull them in the wagon on my walk. We did 3 miles which included the big hill. It was about 2 o'clock and very hot out but we all had a good time and I got in some exercise. I am sure the passersby thought I was crazy but it sure beat them being cooped up inside and fighting.

Lastly Hudson who will be 2 in just a week and a half has a new trick. He likes to remove his clothes and diaper in his bed. We finally decided to try taping his sleeper. This works like a charm! We call it his sticker and he totally buys it . He can't unzip therefore he can't remove any clothing while in his crib. This is something they don't teach you in parenting books. But leave it to child number 6 to throw me this curve ball.

Dinner on a dime

Okay maybe its dinner on a handful of dimes but that doesn't sound as cute, does it. We have had two really tasty but cheap dinners lately. Six kids home all the time equals lots of food consumed day in day out.  I am trying to get creative and a bit more thrifty lately with ways to fill their bellies.

Last night we had grilled chicken legs. We can't possibly eat meat cheaper than $3.70 for a whole package which is enough to feed the crew and have leftovers. Brian marinated them in a recipe from his grilling cookbook and they were so good.

Excuse the iphone pics it's what I had handy.

Tonight dinner was breakfast. Waffles, eggs and bacon all of which cost about $6.oo for the whole meal. Gotta love that. If you ever find yourself cooking for a large group you can't go cheaper for a filling meal.

Chef Collin

I snapped these pictures with my iphone last night. Collin is reading a Better Homes and Gardens Junior Cookbook as his bedtime book. My son loves to help cook almost as much as he likes to eat. This book shows pictures of the different tools you need to make each recipe. He likes to try name each gadget, which is impressive because there are alot of them. I promised him we would make one of his favorite recipes again soon. Be on the look out for Collin's potato skins this week.

Life is never boring

Let me be honest here. So far this summer has not been one for the record books. Well, unless your keeping records of fussing and fighting. I do try to make the best of the time off of school. I try to have some adventures here and there but there is always someone not happy with the plan.
There are times when things happen that I treasure and I wish I could press a pause button just to savor the moment.

Like seeing two siblings snuggled up on the couch watching tv in peace.
The smallest little brother call out his sisters name the first time he sees them for the day.
Watching as the kids look up at the starry sky and listen to the sounds of the night.
Kids hanging out on the front porch with money in hand waiting for the ice cream truck.

I am working hard to find the good in each day, some day that's easier than others. As the saying goes "This too shall pass". Oh I pray it's soon!

What we've been doing

The summer is in full swing and somedays go by so fast I am scared I will look up to find it to be time to head back to school. We have been spending time in the water because it is another HOT Alabama summer.      

With everyone being home the laundry pile grows by the minute. This was only 2 days worth of clothes,swimsuits and towels. Just as soon as I think we have caught up it's looks like this again.

We have been tending to our container garden alot because of theheat it needs lots of water. We have picked some banana peppers so far. We have lots of tomatoes and cucumbers growing. And I am finding having fresh herbs so nice to have at my disposal. We spent Father's Day with these great Dads having a cook out and swim party. My brother was there too and also an awesome Daddy but I can't seem to find a picture of him in on my laptop. It was a fun day and I feel blessed to have these guys in my life. They are all hard workers and great examples for the children. We love and are thankful for them and for all they do for their families.

There are more pictures to add but I have fought with this thing long enough for today. If I don't get back to life here we might need yellow caution tape to surround the house and declare it a disater area. I will catch up again soon.

She's got skills

I must admit I was blown away when Macy showed me this picture she took of my neice. Macy has taken up a love for photography and she likes to try different things. I think she captured so much in this photo and I am proud of her.

Life in fast forwarded

Since school let out time has just flown by. What days we are at home are spent doing just enough
chores to get us by so we can leave out again.

So far the girls and I have squeezed in a weekend  beach trip. Our first annual girls trip , we had alot of fun riding down to Florida together. We met up with the Mitchell family and had a good time despite the rain showers. We managed to get a few hours on the beach and the girls enjoyed the zipline and ropes course at the Baytowne Wharf.

I returned home on Monday which was Memorial Day, repacked and left on Tuesday with Brian for New York City. We spent 4 days in NYC. We had a jammed packed schedule which works well for us.  We saw a good concert, I had my hair and makeup done at a salon, we attended an awesome 40th birthday party, spent time shopping 42nd Street, visited Central Park , ate some awesome healthy food, rode the subway and walked a million miles. It was a nice getaway and just the right length of time. 

Yesterday we celebrated our 15th anniversary. Amazing that it's been 15 years. We have grown and changed so much since then. Kids and life change you but it can be for the better. We have confidence in each other and we have alot more common interest now than ever before. I have grown to love college football and he has grown to like to cook. He has gotten alot better at shopping too, and buying gifts for me. It's been a crazy 15 years and I look forward to see what the future holds for us. The best is yet to come!

Logan is in the midst of weight training for football. He is moaning  and groaning about his sore muscles. It's pretty funny because Brian and I know too well how it feels to start a new workout. I know it will get easier for him in time and encouraging him to give it his all.

Macy just finished up a week of cheer camp. Their squad did well, learned alot and had alot of fun. She is co head cheerleader and with that come extra responsiblity and stress. Macy is a leader by nature and I know she will shine.

Everyone else is doing well. Hudson is doing this trick where he takes his diaper off in his bed. So he is forcing us to consider potty training. While I am not looking forward to spending my life in the bathroom being officially done with diapers would be AWESOME!

I will try to post more often it's just a matter of finding a spare moment.