Krazy Eights

Summer 2011: Trip back home

2012-02-04T20:54:00.000-08:00

When we went home for the summer, we took Luke and Scratch. I was heading home with the kids to welcome Recruit 1's baby boy to earth! We took our time driving the 1500+ miles. On the road trip out it was just Grammy, (my mother in law) Recruit 4 and Recruit 6. And of course the pups!

I stopped early enough thinking it would be an adventure to let the boys swim some before dinner and we could all get a good nights rest. What I didn't count on was LUKE freaking out in the hotel room. Our room's window faced the pool, so I opened the window. Now he could see his boys in the water. Um, yeah, anyone wondering if I had forgotten he's a full blooded, home grown LABRADOR. Water is one of his greatest joys. And his boys are just over a fence in water. Without him.

He tentatively put a paw out. I admonished him and slunk back into the room. See the dark head in the picture below? Old Scratch was wanting to check things out too.

There's Recruit 6 who was getting concerned about the dogs. I was just annoyed. Not only was Luke trying to get to the pool, he was being very vocal about it. Not a manly bark either but a yippy puppy bark.

Old Scratch couldn't get up in the window. His hips are bothering him. He did however manage a random old man dog bark. Just think of what James Earl Jones would sound like if he were a lab. That is who I think of when Scratch finally deems something bark worthy.

There's Recruit 6, who is the main reason I felt we needed some down time. 25 hours in a car with him isn't always conducive to good mental health.

But seriously, look at that face. He and his brother were both wonderful on the trip out there.

Recruit 4 finally couldn't stand how upset the lads were getting so he climbed through the window to comfort Luke.

Grams was hanging out by the pool the whole time while I ran between the window and the pool. I was glad to have her on the trip!

Recruit 6 thought it was safe to get back in the pool, that Luke understood he couldn't join him.

Yeah, Luke was right back up there ready to leap out. He's spotted other folks in the pool, he was quiet for about 2 minutes. So we ended pool time earlier than we meant to. Fortunately the time we did spend outside unwinding from a day of driving was just enough to have the desired effect. Recruit 6 was passed out which meant a restful evening for the rest of us!

Marine Corps Ball, Holidays, and Career

2011-12-28T08:17:00.000-08:00

So first of all MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I am quite pleased to say everyone was home for Christmas to include my wonderful Mother. She isn't in the picture because she was not feeling well and went to bed a little earlier. I only have a second to pop in but wanted to share our family, because they are fun! and wanted to share where I've been blogging lately:

I am now an official blogger for Military OneSource. I love writing and life has been crazy and not allowed me the time to write. So I am fixing to cheat. I want to post the "official" blogs I've been writing for military lifestyle on the Military OneSource Blog Brigade, and who knows... I might just find the inspiration and time to get back Krazy Eights!!!

Military Life

When Your Service Member is Home More Than Gone

Reflecting on the Marine Corps Ball

Some Holiday Posts

Where did your joy go?

When Kids Leave

Setting Expectations for your Teens During Holidays

Careers

Juggling Career and Family

Sweet Sixteen and never.... oh well, Sweet Sixteen...

2011-09-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today is my number 3 Recruits Sweet Sixteen birthday. She received her birthday in sections. Sunday we gave her a present. She, insisted, or maybe I insisted... I don't remember. Below you see her a whole year ago. She has had quite a year... But I think her birthday pictures from THIS year reflect who she is truly becoming....

Recruit 3 on her 15th birthday

Should I worry?

She had a friend over. Just one. It's a school night.

There are no words....

Actually, this child is quite a beauty when she isn't snarling her nose or shoving icing in her mouth...

This morning I wished Recruit 3 happy birthday... Via Facebook. We were leaving for seminary and she was MAKING ME LATE...
and as we were leaving she said, "you didn't wish me a happy birthday!" I looked at her and said, "yes I did, I did it on facebook"....
My how they don't like it when the tables are turned.

This child has always been the enigma. When ever I say
that, she always has to look up what enigma means. You'd think she'd remember. It's an enigma to her....

I want to wish Recruit 3 a wonderful and eventful and joyous
year 16 of her life! I'm so glad she is mine!

If the Marine could move her off his truck he would have... He had already left to head back to Marine Land with the boys. Football season was starting. Recruit 3 and I had the truck! I'm totally serious. It's a whole blog worthy entry I know...

All the sass in these purple boots are just but a small part of what's in the gal wearing them...

Hurricane Preparedness with Recruits

2011-03-17T19:10:00.000-07:00

Hurricane season often gives our family a chance to work together. Usually in the 11th hour getting ready for an impending hurricane. Or the potential for an impending hurricane. I took these last year and never took the time to post them. So, I'm sitting in the den listening to something about heavy artillery. Not by choice.

The guy just said the "the thing about heavy artillery is it's heavy..." Oh my gosh... I could have written that text... Anyway, back to hurricanes. I'm blocking out the Military Channel.

Let me walk you through my pictures. Here you see the Marine giving direction and guidance to the recruits. We have to make room in the garage for our fence. It's an awful vinyl fence that has to be taken down every hurricane. It's a pain. The reason, it's awful and vinyl and we live on a corner lot. The winds whip through here like... well like a HURRICANE!

Everyone works. The two little recruits had on their headlamps. They were ready for a power outage. At any moment. They blinded me several times. They blinded The Marine. I haven't seen their headlamps recently now that I think about it... Note to self, hurricane season is starting again, get new headlamps for recruits.

The Marine continues to guide and educate the Recruits. See the paint can in his hand. He's not holding it up for hurricane preparedness. Someone had spray painted the shelves on the other
side of the refrigerator and freezer you see in the garage there. Someone did it. No one admitted to being Someone.

What I think is hysterical, only because I was behind the camera and not helping, is the Marine asks, "WHO SPRAY PAINTED THE SHELVES". Then he is surprised No One speaks up. So now they all get the talk. I don't remember the details of the talk. But the talk usually follows the same format. 1. What the offense is; 2. what he is going to do to anyone caught committing said offense; 3. and finally what will happen to EVERYONE if it happens again, usually involving horrible and undesirable body part removal.

Recruit 2 working, you can see it's not exactly a pleasant climate out. Hurricane season is inconveniently during warm and humid weather.

Recruit 3 was helping too. I was still taking pictures. It was important for posterity.

At one point Recruit 6 is distracted. I wasn't sure what was going on, so I watched him. I thought maybe a ball or something had rolled under the bush.

He was still busy crawling around and had called Recruit 5 over. I stopped him for a picture.

Now I realize that they are actually looking AT something instead of FOR something.

Yay for mom and her headlamps. They came in really handing when checking out a bush in the dark when they were supposed to be helping prepare the yard and the house.

And what were they checking out? A disgusting Frog. They made me squat down there and take a picture of it!

Then we had to do a posed photo of them together. With their headlamps. I love hurricane preparedness. I love headlamps! I've got to go to the store...

This is a BAD DOG

2011-03-07T22:38:00.000-08:00

I couldn't find Luke. I kept calling him, then I looked out the back door. He was a very very naughty puppy.

But he looks so handsome and regal! He usually jumps up and runs to me when he sees me.

I'm thinking he was thinking if he just stayed really still I wouldn't see him.

He only moved enough to pull his head back a little but NEVER took his eyes off me. He really should have been barbecued for this.

To make matters worse, I could recognize the toilet paper, but I have no idea what else was torn up or where the back to that office chair came from.

Sigh... Boys and puppies. There's a lot of clean up involved...

HODGE PODGE

2011-03-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

I was looking for a picture to write about and none jumped at me today. So I decided to write about church with The Marine. He usually sits on the end with maybe ONE child between us. This leaves me with the others all to my left.

I end up missing half the talks because I am busy shoving boys off of me, snapping my fingers a the older ones, and saying SHHHHH a lot.

I have also been getting tapped a lot lately. Tap Tap Tap. In fact, this is not the first post I have written about being tapped. I really can't stand to be tapped. I even gave them options tonight at dinner instead of tapping me.

Today I was tapped by three of them almost simultaneously. Again the Marine looks at me as if I am the most intolerant woman on the planet when I exclaim in a stage whisper "STOP TAPPING ME".

In addition to being tapped out... LOL, sorry a little wrestling humor which I only know about because Recruit 6 was sitting on Recruit 5's back one day yelling "TAP OUT TAP OUT".

As I was saying. In addition to being tapped out, I was hot. Not like "ooh baby" hot, but like "oh my gosh I am going to pass out Peri-menopausal" hot. I know the Bishopric saw me fanning myself like crazy with my print out for my Sunday school lesson. I think they thought it was funny. I didn't see them smile, but the Marine was laughing at me and they are all in cahoots. I could feel it.

So what was the Marine's solution? He made me move to the end seat and put himself between me and the children.

I was moved. Not emotionally moved, but physically moved. By the Marine.

He says he was protecting me. I think he was isolating me and protecting them.

It was actually nice. The Marine had to lean over several times. AND Recruit 2 was drawing on Recruit 3's dress because she wouldn't circle the words he found looking over her shoulder at her word search. (It was a New Testament word search in case people are wondering why she was doing a word search in church).

The Marine gave Recruit 2 the eyebrow. Recruit 2 gave the Marine the "grin". I sat on the end and fanned myself trying to catch the Bishop's eye to tell him I was hot and going to pass out. The Bishop didn't see me.

The Marine did. nuts.

The Marine: "Who are you talking to???"

Kelli: "no one"

The Marine: "Yes you are."

Kelli: "nuh uh. I was singing the hymn..."

The Marine: "No you weren't you were mouthing to the Bishop you were going to pass out"

Kelli: "Well so, it doesn't matter he didn't see me anyway, and besides, I am going to pass out"

The Marine: some sort of disgusted grimace at my irreverance. Probably the lying too, but I'm not sure. I didn't bring it up again.

I did stop trying to send the Bishop a message though. Next time I'm just going to go punch the button for the controller and make it cold.

So then after sacrament I taught the 12-13 years olds for a friend of mine today. They weren't as bad as I expected. Recruit 4 is in there. He was just as bad as I expected. However he answered some of the questions and accurately.... He is an enigma.

Recruit 3 and I left before the third hour started. She got hit on the side of her face with the lacrosse ball yesterday and her jaw/ear area hasn't stopped hurting.

We got x-rays. She is just bruised/sore. But the x-ray tech, one we have never seen before amazingly enough had heard of Recruit 3, or rather the avulsion fracture she had to her occipital (occiput) bone on the back of her head in December from a fall during cheer practice doing the death dive stunt. She is famous. or rather her skull. The crack head.

I came home and took a fabulous nap. I need it. Nothing beats a Sunday nap....

Now I am ready for bed. 0500 comes early in this house and the week starts again!!!

P.S. I think the Marine was protecting me today. I've decided that's what I am going with.

Recruit 6 and Sacrament

2011-02-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday we attend Sacrament meeting. Every Sacrament meeting with the exception of Stake conference or General Conference which each occurs twice a year, we have the opportunity to receive the sacrament bread and water. This is not a new or unusual event in Recruit 6's life. In fact, it's as familiar to him as any other family activity, event, or tradition we have.

So it never fails to amaze me when one of my children need additional teaching about Sacrament and why we are there. It also never fails to be DURING SACRAMENT when we have these lessons.

Recruit 6 "When are we eating?"

Kelli: "What?"

Recruit 6: "I'm hungry"

Kelli: "shh, we are not eating, you get a piece of bread and little cup of water and your supposed to be thinking about Jesus right now."

Recruit 6 slumps back, picks up his church back pack, unzips it and pulls out a giant conch shell Elder "E" gave to him last Sunday before he left on his mission. He holds it up to his ear. I ignore this. Mostly because I was touched Elder E gave it to him and because I miss Elder E too. And if it would keep him still and quiet then super.

Recruit 6: "Mom, Mom, MOM, MOM"

Kelli: "STOP IT, shhhhh, WHAT?"

Recruit 6: "Mom, um... you can hear the ocean. Do you want to hear it?"

Kelli: "no thank you."

The sacrament prayer is given and the bread is being passed. Recruit 3 passes the tray to Recruit 6 who starts to grab with his left hand. We teach our children to take the sacrament and pass the tray with their Right hand. I correct him. This throws him off. Completely.

He drops the piece of bread he had picked up, became agitated and now didn't know what piece to take. So he fishes around.

Recruit 3 is trying not to laugh. I'm having a hot flash and getting irritated.

The Marine is in prayerful, peaceful contemplation next to me completely unaware, or ignoring us.

Recruit 6 locates the piece of bread he is actually going to take and passes the tray to me and I hopefully grabbed the first piece he had put back. I can't do anything about all the other pieces he hovered over. I apologize to those behind us today. Which is most of our side of the chapel. We are in the fourth row of chairs from the front. He took a bath a few days ago. His hands were fairly clean.

We pass the tray on and Recruit 6 leans over: "I need water".

I just look at him.

Recruit 6: more insistent, "I need to get water"

Kelli: "We are fixing to bless the water. Just hush"

Recruit 6: "Well can I have a big cup? Do we get the big cups?"

Kelli: "NO" (last Sunday they ran out of the regular little sacrament cups and we had to use bigger ones and he was annoyed because he was not one of the recipients of the bigger cups that day either.

The water is blessed and passed without incident. The first speaker begins their talk.

Recruit 6: "I need water, can I go get water?"

Kelli: "No"

Recruit 6 takes out his shells, his pens, his paper, zips his back pack, pokes me a couple of times, packs everything up zips his backpack back up, sits on me, gets off of me, sits on me, pokes me.

Recruit 6: "Mom, Mom, Mom"

I really was about to lose it. Meanwhile on my right side sits the Marine oblivious to it all, or ignoring us.

Kelli: poking Recruit 6 in the chest repeatedly. "Do you like that? STOP poking me... now what?"

He giggles and says noooooo. I didn't mean for him to giggle.

Recruit 6: "If you break something, it's still something"

Kelli: "True" I turn back to the speaker.

Recruit 6 goes on. "Like a dollar bill, if you crumple a dollar bill, it's still a dollar bill."

Kelli: "True" both times I acknowledge him and return my attention to the speaker.

Tap Tap Tap "MOM"

Kelli: about to completely lose it not to mention the hot flash setting in. "What?"

Recruit 6: "Can I go get some water?"

Kelli: "NOOOOO"

Recruit 6 with big green eyes gazing up at me somewhat mystified as to my response, "But why not? It's so good for my body?"

I turned away from him. Took a deep breath and turned back and explained he could go once Sacrament meeting was over. He could get a drink then before his class.

Meanwhile the Marine is annoyed at me for all the movement and my obvious growing irritation and impatience with our precious son. The darling.

Marine: "You need to relax and just let him do his thing"

Kelli: with a hiss "You are completely unaware of what is happening here, and I am hot and he has been touching me repeatedly and zip zip unzip unzip zip zip... I cannot take much more."

Marine: "That's because I am focusing on the talks" and said with a very pointed tone of voice at me. As if I am purposely playing around. Oh that smug old man. I wanted to poke poke poke him a few times. I refrained. I was starting to sweat. He gave me that "ha, your in menopause look". I wanted to poke him harder.

Meanwhile I have now raised his awareness of the zip unzip poke poke poke and he leans over, and tells Recruit 6 in a VERY MEAN, all Marine-y voice to put it up and set his backpack down. Recruit 6 is now completely wounded and begins to cry. The Marine steps in to assist me just as the closing song is being sung. I've already endured over an hour of this. NOW he helps?

And I have to get Recruit 6 quiet by the end of the last verse so no one hears his sobs during the closing prayer. We are not in a very big chapel.

I'm sitting at the other end of our row next Sunday.

Alone.

Too early

2011-02-26T04:01:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday morning and I'm up. I didn't need to be up as early I am, but Luke thought I needed to be. He jumped on the bed, sat on Recruit 6, who sometime in the night snuck into my "pocket", and then rolled over him, stretched out next to me, and started licking. Everything.

Me, Recruit 6, himself. And not in that order.

I finally got up to let him and Scratch out, but I had to stand at the door because a panel on our fence blew down yesterday. So I was assaulted by early morning February air.

I did attempt to crawl back into bed between the Marine and Recruit 6 (if someone didn't understand this blog that whole sentence is just wrong) and I laid there for thirty minutes really wanting to fall back asleep.

I couldn't, my mind was awake and the following thoughts, all at once were running through it at a high rate of speed.

"I need to get my taxes done"

"I need to fill out the FAFSA" (or whatever those initials are)

"I need to pee"

"I need to fill out the insurance claim forms from the cars being broken into"

"My house stinks"

"Recruit 6 stinks"

It was all too much. So I got up and checked out Facebook.

Sometimes that really stresses me out. Especially if there are any potentially contentious posts. I just click through them.

So now I have to really get moving. We have a full day of Lacrosse and I need to make a to do list for Recruit 1 and 4. They are taking care of the little boys today since the girls all have a Lacrosse game in another town. The joy would be to see if they actually look at my list.

My BF is bringing her camera with us to the girl's game. I get to touch it, so maybe I'll have some pictures of our adventures today to load up later! Sigh... one can dream...

In the meantime, I have to go awaken the Marine. That is always a dicey move.

I did scare him though early early this morning. I guess I startled him awake by snoring in his ear. At least this time he just informed me I had startled him instead of going all mean and nasty forcing me to use bad words.

So I grunted and turned over to snore in Recruit 6's ear. He likes it, he snuggled into my pocket and sighed deeply as only a 6 year old can. It made me jealous.

I having nothing of value to add to this post. I am just procrastinating to avoid what I know is next. The awakening of the beasties, to include husband and sons.

Wish me luck...

Thrilling Thursday

2011-02-24T19:56:00.000-08:00

So today is not even a day I can begin to describe. Suffice it to say it was busy, challenging and filled with many little "seriously???" moments. Two of which I'll share.

First one. and I have to provide some background:

I have always been gifted with words. Writing, speaking, yelling, screaming... whatever. Rarely do words fail me. It is possible however, I could maybe, sort of, out talk a few folks. I don't know.

I've also always been very sensitive, so when my mother-in-law and sister-in-law said one day they saw the perfect t-shirt for me, I was flattered. Until they described it. It was a stick figure

( I was very thin once upon a time) with a flip top head, mouth wide open and the caption on the shirt said, "HELP! I'm talking and can't shut up!" I was sad. I really was.

And I don't remember but probably told them so in 3000 words.

So. Lately, I've been having issues with my jaw popping and cracking and it has progressively gotten worse. I mean to the point I can't chew, open my mouth, yawn, snort, giggle, or grimace without a pop or a crack.

I finally made it to the orthodontist today.

I have to get a splint.

For my jaw.

What's worse. I had to call The Marine and tell him I had to get a splint.

For my jaw.

The comments and jokes and wisecracks have only just begun to roll in.

Event number two:

I was all ready to head to Recruit 2's first Lacrosse scrimmage tonight. I had blankets, extra jackets, and the video camera. As I pull to the end of our street, Recruit 2 calls. I answer with "What did you forget, I just left the house!"

Recruit 2 said "Mom! The jeep overheated and I'm broke down on the hwy" (in the median, not on the side). The Marine told him next time he breaks down and pulls into the median instead of off to the side he was going to just run over him instead of rescue him.

I was heading to the practice fields to get Recruits 5 and 6 from their Lacrosse practice when he called me, so I told Recruit 2 to call his Dad and call me back so I would know what to get.

The Marine called, gave me instructions and said he would meet me at the jeep. Now, I'm just frazzled already at this point with the events of the day, to include the fact my face will soon be splinted.

Add to that worry and it's getting dark and my Recruit and his friend (of the female persuasion) are in the middle of the highway with an overheating jeep. It was probably on fire! It was probably on Fire and the looky-lou drivers would lose control of their vehicles and crash into my children! OR they would be kidnapped and sold as child slaves to a third world country.

As my mind races, my foot drops heavier and heavier on the gas. I finally see the blinking hazard lights in the distant and zip over and pull in behind the jeep. As I do bright blue lights of a state trooper zip over and pull in behind me.

Seriously??? Because of the recent theft, I do not have my driver's license and I have no idea how fast I was driving. My heart was in my tennis shoes. Like under the insole. I was walking on my heart.

He doesn't get out of his vehicle. Which I thought was odd, so now I was actually worried about moving around too much. I didn't want him to think I was trying to escape.

Recruit 2 obviously didn't have the same fear because he started pulling out the water, and radiator green fluid I had brought. I walk back to troopers car, slowly, with my hands showing and empty. I've seen cop shows.

and he asks if we need help. Ah... It's the only time I've had a state trooper pull over behind me and not frown at me while whipping out a ticket pad.

I was probably speeding and so I was more than happy to hear him ask if we were okay and what was going on. He was keeping us safe by sitting there with those seizure inducing lights flashing and not asking for my license, insurance and registration. It was a whole new experience for me!

I tell him what is happening and that the Marine will be there shortly. He said he would stay until we got out of the median. And he did. Blue lights flashing the whole time. I had to not look at them. I would have needed Kepra or some other anti seizure med...

The Marine arrived, took over and we discovered there was a nice size crack in the radiator. I told the Marine I would drive the jeep home and Recruit 2 could take the van and all the kids and they could all continue on their way and go to the game. I would be fine.

I knew how to pull over and pour more water in the radiator.

Yep, didn't work too well. I hadn't gone a full mile and I had to pull over. I pulled into a "fuel market" and opened the hood. Steam rose out of the jeep in a big cloud.

A helpful fellow offered me advice as I was filling the radiator up with water. He suggested I go in and ask for an egg. It would just "seal that baby right up". Or, "pepper will do the trick too, just dump a whole thing of pepper in there."

Why thank you kind stranger who must be high.

I am happy to report I did not do either. I did however call my insurance company and discovered I have towing coverage. Rock on, tow man cometh and take me home.

While waiting for the tow man, I called the Marine and told him my plan. He said if that's what I wanted to do, but sounded somewhat uneasy about having left me to handle this, at my insistence.

What he probably doesn't get is being alone outside a well lit, but somewhat sketchy, fuel market, all alone (yes I said it twice) was actually not a bad way to spend the evening. However I realized then I didn't want to ride with the tow man. What if he was a secret rapist? Or worse... I'm not sure what is worse, but what if?

So I called one of my BFs.

Kelli: "Hey BF, whatcha doin?"

BF: "Eating dinner"

Kelli: "Well how would you like to meet me at the ____ sketchy Fuel Market and wait with me while the tow man comes and picks up the jeep?"

BF: "Well alright, I'll be right there!"

And that was it! She left her dinner and came to hang out with me. As we pulled out of the parking lot of the sketchy fuel market, BF pointed down a side road and said, "see, right down there a month or two ago a man had the crap beat out of him and died."

Well BF, I am glad you waited till we were pulling out to share that tidbit with me! Otherwise I would have felt compelled to practice my Ninja moves outside your suburban like Recruit 6 does and quite frankly I was really just too tired for that.

I did get to go back to her house and eat her left over dinner though and the Marine joined us. Super nice! It was delish and the company was even better!

So now I am just finishing up a breakfast casserole to cook at 0500 tomorrow for my seminary class, winding down from the eventful day, and blogging all at the same time.

Recruit 4 and Scratch are snoring on the couch, the Marine just set the alarm on the house and retired for the evening. All the other Recruits are in their respective beds, I wasn't raped by a motorcycle gang at the sketchy fuel market, and Recruit 2 didn't break an ankle at his first scrimmage. Today is closed down and labeled a success!

I can only imagine what tomorrow will bring!

"I love to see the Temple... I'm going there some day...."

2011-02-22T18:34:00.000-08:00

In December, when Recruit 1 came out for Christmas, she came in time to attend the Temple on a youth Temple trip with our family. It was Recruit 4's first time to attend the Temple and it was our families first time to be in the Temple together with four of our six children. The Temple we attend is about two and a half to three hours from where we live, so it's always an adventure.

The Temple for Latter Day Saints is a holy and sacred place. It is a wonderful place to go, grow, and draw close to the Lord. As converts to the church the Marine and I look back in awe those 18 odd years ago when our family was young and small. To look at these pictures now fills me with joy and happiness.

It's appropriate that I post this tonight because the Marine and I finished up teaching the Temple Prep class for our ward. It has been wonderful to spend time with the Marine twice a week for three weeks teaching and preparing others to attend the Temple. Plus he's really cute and I love watching him teach...

The day we drove to the Temple was cold, and wet and yucky and gross. However you can tell I am tickled to be closed in with my wonderful family and making this trip. It would have been nice if the Son-in-law could have been with us, but he had not yet arrived in town. Something about a job, having to support Recruit 1, I don't know, something like that...

It was nice for the Recruits to spend time together. Craziness abounded and the close quarters brought out the best of everyone! I know these two miss each other. Gross children. What's a mom to do?

Recruit 3 plugged in, but was still participating in family fun. She is such a doll. Sometimes like a barbie, sometimes like a princess, and sometimes like Chuckie from that scary movie I've never seen. The previews freaked me out.

You can barely see Recruit 4 in the back seat too. He plugged in and ignored us. Pretty typical. He's 12.

We really had to contain him in his excitement for his first Temple trip... He seriously is just to excited for his own good.

You can tell everyone is happy to be together, all the beautiful smiles . And Recruit 4, wow, we had to really calm him down! Out of control that one.

If I remember right, we started talking to Recruit 2 about his future. He pretended to go to asleep.

And the Marine! I mean really, could he just be any jollier??? You can tell Recruit 4 takes after his father with all their out of control craziness!

Family self portrait! There's the real Marine. Recruit 4 is there, promise, we didn't throw him out on the highway. You just can't see him.

What a blessing and joy it was to have her home for this day. Wish we lived closer. sigh...

I don't remember, and I don't want to know what caused this look from Recruit 2. I'm sure it was gross.

Now this is a funny story. We are eating before going into the Temple and Recruit 1 had to call the Son-in-law because she spent money at the Book Store and needed to let him know BECAUSE (and this is insane and something we will NEVER have) every time she uses the check or credit card, he gets a text notification!!! NO WAY! The Marine would have had a heart attack if we had that set up. She was "discussing" her recent purchase outside the Wendy's with him while we all ate... and laughed at her.

Even after eating his joy is still contagious. Really, we need to calm him down. People were staring.

I don't remember, and I don't want to know what caused this expression either. I just wished he had shaved ALL the way. He's just excited he's growing facial hair that connects.

Outside the Temple. It's so beautiful and peaceful. I have no idea where Recruits 3 and 4 are. Probably already inside. It was COLD! By the way, we are not wearing white tights. Summer sun, o where art thou?

Just a little extra love. You can see Recruit 2 really loves this time with his sister and I.

On the way out. Recruit 4 AT LAST is showing an expression. Only problem is it involves his tongue. He has asked several times when we are going back. Never could have guessed that he had a great time!

Notice the choke hold? Prior to the camera snapping there were softly spoken words of love into his tiny man cub ears. At least I got one decent smile!

By the time we got out of the Temple the temp had dropped, there was snow/sleet coming down and we were all quite chilled. But wait, Recruit 4 is actively engaged in a family photo! It was such a beautiful day! It was also quite a pleasant and happy trip. Rare, and not something we can always say with this many siblings stuck in close quarters together. Such cute kids. I decided to keep them all for Christmas.

These last two pictures represents what is important to me. Of course I'm missing a few family members, but you get the point, and they were there in my heart.

P.S. Recruit 4 is not disabled. He is just being a toot and his new thing is to mess up every picture he can. I love these people!

What Does a Marine Family Do During the Holidays?

2011-02-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

We shoot each other. But of Course!

Yes, it's February and I'm writing about the 2010 holiday season.

As our family grows up and adds in-laws, and soon grandchildren. We thought it would be fun to add some traditions.

It doesn't have to always be the same tradition, but one that involves an activity of some kind to make memories and have family members work together. Or play together. And take pictures of course!

This year we had a Christmas Day Nerf War. The Marine and I were on opposite teams. We set up and played capture the flag. It was the Son-in-laws idea. On his mission he shared how he and other Elders (the title our missionary goes by, like Elder Smith, Elder Jones etc) would play capture the flag. He laid down the rules, some of which I followed. Some of which I guess I didn't hear clearly. There were certain areas of the building we didn't play in. So some areas were off limits.

Either way my team beat the Marine's team several times! I was giddy with victory! Only to get assaulted repeatedly by the Marine's team every chance they got. I was targeted. I know I was.

I grabbed their "flag" one time and ran around the building to the other side screaming "I got it, I got it" only to find out we were in a time out. The Marine was working on a jammed weapon. Everyone just looked at me and said "WE ARE NOT PLAYING RIGHT NOW". Both teams said this. I was sad.

I said, yeah but if we were I WON I WON!

Well no one told me. But it makes sense now why I wasn't challenged. And oh how I ran... it was thrilling!

There were claims several times of cheating. I explained AGAIN that I wasn't cheating... I just didn't quite understand the rules. The Son-in-law obviously had a communication issue with me and the Marine, well he's just mean and always accuses me of manipulating something or bending the rules, or making them up as I go. So. I'm the mother.

Muwahahahahaahahahahah

Let's just say my team kicked booty! And looked good doing it!

Check out my weapon. I know it's mine because as of the time this picture was taken, I was the only Mommy. Next year I will have to be Grandmother, or if MY mom is playing, well, I will have to be Grandmother 2 or something.

This picture was really for The Marine. I had just shot him. I think he enjoyed it. Not sure, but why wouldn't he. Although now looking at this picture I see somewhat of what might be considered a crazed look in my eye.

My girls. They were both on The Marine's team. I had the other boys. I think they were discussing strategy.

Or maybe they were plotting. Or discussing different ways to wear the latest Nerf accessory. You can see baby poking out a little! Let's all take a moment to sigh. Recruit One is so tiny that baby has no room! She is going to be a big round belly with arms and legs sticking out by July!

The Marine got a remote helicopter. It came with us too so he could have a safer place to fly it rather than my house! He now flies it in the house and when I am sitting in my chair working, he hovers over me and tries to land it on me. It's annoying. I pretend like I don't know he's dive bombing me. It is only hard to ignore when the hovering mini copter is blowing my hair.

Here you see it hovering around the Christmas tree in the foyer.

Here you see the Son-In-Law checking his weapon. He was on my team. I KNOW he was tickled to be on his Mother-in-law's team! I mean who wouldn't be?

Here is Recruit 4, he is totally excited. I just don't remember why. The problem with blogging two months later...

It was really a lot of fun and if NERF guns weren't so stinkin' expensive I'd say let's do it next year. I'm thinking we need a paint ball war next year. I bet the cost of buying all the Nerf guns would be the same as paint ball rental. The base has a paint ball field. I wonder what it would cost to rent it just for us. I think it would be a hoot to have The Marine family against another family from church. Good times, Good times... Recruit One will have have our new grand baby so I can sit out and bounce him while they all splatter each other.

OR...

OH I KNOW, I could start buying coveralls now, and get our team name put on the back and get the other family to buy different colored coveralls and put their team name on the back and... Oh I've got planning to do...

I've got to find another family for the shoot out.

This could be good.

My Birthday Review

2011-02-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

February 20th a hundred years ago a little baby girl was born to a young Airman and his wife in Madrid, Spain.

I'd like to say she was a beautiful baby, but she found a letter her mother had written to her grandmother that indicated this might not have been the case. However... later it came true after the newborn phase was through. I promise she became much cuter.

Okay, it was me!!!

Present number 1:

Yesterday I drove up and there was a box on my porch. I wondered what did I order now? I hadn't, it was a birthday box from my mother! I love boxes from my mother! I've hidden all the candy but Recruit 6 saw today where it was hidden. It's probably already gone. He is a candy fiend.

Today was my actual birthday, and of course The Marine is not here. It's okay though, I won't be here for his birthday this spring either. So there.

However, I think he cleaned the bathroom (present number 2) before he left as part of his birthday present to me and NOT his attempt to make me feel bad for not enjoying/performing house work. You can read about what ticks him off if you really want to know.

So, my birthday. This morning I woke up a few minutes before the alarm went off but laid there a few minutes, knowing that I would have to get up and iron all the white shirts. This is a job usually done by The Marine every Sunday morning. He's not here. I mentioned that. I know.

Present number 3:

I heard Recruit 2 come down the stairs and get the dogs from my room, shut my door and let them outside.

Hmmm. Very interesting.

That is not normal. He got up on his own, BEFORE my alarm went off, AND came down stairs AND let the dogs out. Nice... I mean you don't understand. That was truly effort on his part and I was really touched. He's a wonderful almost adult.

Present number 4:

So I jumped out of bed only to find Recruit 2 making breakfast! He was so sweet! I said why are you up? He said, "well I wanted to make you breakfast but you got out of bed." I told him I would gladly eat whatever he fixed, but I had to iron. He was so pleasant about it and didn't complain or anything.

Present number 5:

Wonderful sacrament meeting today! As Latter Day Saints, our Sunday main meeting is called a sacrament meeting. Today however we had a malfunction that required we partake of the Sacrament at the end of the meeting instead of at the beginning. So we heard the talks first.

The talks were all wonderful. One of my young women students from the seminary class I teach gave a wonderful talk and she looked beautiful up there. Then a friend of mine gave a talk and I just wanted to hug her. She had had a bad morning before church, had altercations with two teen daughters, and then had to come to church and speak about love! I just wanted to give her a giant hug. How many times have I been in her position? A lot. It's really awful to be screaming at your kids and then go to church and have to teach a lesson on kindness, patience, love, etc... Bless her for her honesty!

Present 6:

Recruit 4 is now old enough to pass Sacrament. It really is a gift to see him passing the bread and water so reverently and respectfully. He is a force to be reckoned with and I am grateful to have him as mine.

During Sacrament the bread and water are passed. Recruit 6 started stressing out when we didn't get to "eat". I need to talk to him! sigh...

Then he wanted a "big" cup. The extra cups they had to get because we were out of our regular little plastic cups were much bigger. He was feeling slighted he had gotten a 'little' cup. I spent a minute trying to explain to him and then finally said "be quiet or I'm taking you out!" (not taking him out like shooting him, but taking him out of the chapel, felt the need to clarify that...)

Present number 7:

Watching Recruit 2 hold a baby during the meeting. She is so calm and patient and loving. Wish she was that way with some of her own brothers. However I truly enjoy watching her with the babies. There is something so calm and peaceful the way she is when she is holding a baby. She will make a wonderful mother one day. (NOT TODAY)

Present number 8:

Sister E. brought me TAMALES!!!! I needed those! I have been wanting tamales since December. I didn't get any for Christmas. They were super yummy. We had them for lunch after church. I miss tamales.

Present number 9:

After church I walked in the house to discover the kitchen and den were clean and the clothes all put away! there was a note with several different Happy Birthday's written by cleaning Elves!!! That was fabulous!

Recruit 5 and 6 walked in behind me and both said OH BOY let's check out our room! Only to find that the elves failed to enter their dungeon. Recruit 2 laughed hysterically as the little boys ran to see if the 'elves' had visited their room. The Elves HAD NOT visited their room. It is still a dungeon.

Present number 11:

My "other" sons from church brought me some cookies! I have such love for the youth in my seminary class. I was really touched they brought me yummy treats.

Present number 12:

There was not nearly as much fighting today as there could be and have been before. They were all really trying. There were a few moments... but no blood or ER visits. Success!

I heard from my mom, my mom-in-law, and my sweet Recruit 1. Multiple birthday wishes via Facebook and friends at church. It was just wonderful!

Living so far away from my family has always been bittersweet. I miss them and I miss "home" but life in the Marine Corps has been good and has brought other "family" into my life I would have missed out on. I am happy and content.

Today was a good day.

Now if the Marine would just come home...

MY MARINE AND WHAT MAKES HIM TICKed off.

2011-02-19T13:58:00.001-08:00

Oh I have missed my blog. I just have not been able to find the time, or when I have the time I am beyond exhausted. So many big and small moments I've missed. Many small things I've posted on Facebook, mostly the funny things the kids say. The big moments have been Recruit One's wedding in December of 2009, the birth and death of my first Grandchild in August of 2010, and the wonderful news of a second, healthy baby boy due to arrive in July of 2011. All of which I am writing, but I just am not ready for it to be on a public blog. Maybe when I've finished and Recruit One is good with it I will share that story. It's beautiful and sad, but filled with love and a true testimony that God lives.

As a writer, I find myself writing in my head and in my heart all the time, but never quite capturing those moments on paper (or computer). I feel like I am not being true to a talent I've been given or to the need to capture moments for my children, and now grandchildren.

So, today, I try to begin again to do better.

Now this story isn't as tender or as touching as the one about my granddaughter, it's about him. That MAN/Marine I married. sigh.

My relationship with my husband, who I truly adore, has been described as volatile before. Not by me, but by a friend of ours. I like to call it feisty, fun, entertaining, energetic. He's always taken very good care of me and has been my knight in shining armour. We banter and quip, and on occasion have a humdinger of a disagreement, but always, always we have been tied to one another that is safe and loving and kind.

But I didn't like him very much last night.

Well really up until an hour ago I was highly irked (I think it's my hormones. Isn't it always?) In fact up until an hour ago I was thinking up all kinds of revenge-ish things to do.

Some of which were: never do his laundry again, always have both dogs and three of the kids in bed with me asleep when he came to bed so he would have to move everyone, drive off in his truck at random and odd moments, cook lots of deserts with nuts in them. He hates nuts. Eat peanut butter right before he wants to be romantic and NOT brush my teeth. He hates peanut butter.

Okay, so obviously I'm not talking sabotage. Just How to Annoy My Marine in six easy steps.

The Marine is on his way somewhere and will be back in a day or two. Let me just say first before I go any further how much I LOVE MY MARINE. I really do. Please refer back to this sentence in a little while.

We had a miscommunication last night. One that resulted in my waking from a dead sleep, him commenting on my snoring and how I just lay around and sleep all the time, and then me grabbing a pillow and storming out to climb onto the top bunk in Recruit 3's room where I promptly fell asleep. For one hour.

I then had to go to the bathroom. So without my glasses, in the dark and with a very shifty bed, I had to figure out how to climb back down, avoid all the 'stuff' on the floor to include a lacrosse stick I had injured myself on when I first arrived in her room.

I had to then again climb back up the shifty bed, toss and turn, then fall asleep, for another hour. However there was NO WAY I was going back where HE was.

He also cleaned our bathroom. And started laundry, which is what started his irritation. He has always helped with housework, but not always the bathroom and quite frankly I've been less than diligent. I'm just really really tired all the time and work and the kids and church come before the bathroom. Plus I hate cleaning it. So there, I've said it.

My point is, he might, perhaps, maybe had reason to be irritated, but still didn't need to be mean to me in the middle of the night, with me being startled awake. (I've since learned he had fallen asleep sitting up with the computer on his lap and my snoring startled HIM awake first). whatever.

So this morning I woke up, not well rested, avoided HIM, got the kids ready and took off for Lacrosse practice, Baseball sign ups, cleat shopping etc. The Marine stopped by the Lacrosse field to say goodbye since he was heading out of town and I had scurried everyone out of the house before he got up. on purpose. I KNOW<>.. I'm awful. I will tell my Bishop tomorrow....

He came to my window and kissed me goodbye.

I kissed him back.

There were people present.

He walked around to the passenger window and leaned in and said he knew it killed me to kiss him goodbye.

I said no. I didn't mind kissing him because if he died I would feel really bad if I hadn't kissed him.

He laughed.

I didn't.

He grinned.

I glared.

He drove off. I went cleat shopping.

Arriving several hours later we arrived home and I took my lunch to my room to sit down and watch a recorded show away from the kids. We'd spent the day together and I was needing a few minutes alone.

I couldn't locate the remote to my TV. I figured HE had hidden it as a parting shot.

Seriously, would he have stooped that low? YES, I think he would.

So I found the remote from the den TV and took it into the bedroom, pointed at the TV and clicked. The TV came on alright, but only to have a screen filled with the snow of death.

I knew immediately HE had done something to my cable in the bedroom as an extra parting shot. The poison on the tip of the spear so to speak. If losing the remote wasn't enough, it wouldn't matter when I found it. MARINES!! You really have to know who you are dealing with.

I checked the connections. My COMM Marine always says "did you check all the connections first?" whenever I call for help. (please say this in a mimicky whiney voice. I did) So I checked all the connections. No luck.

Cable worked everywhere else. Proof he was playing dirty. Really dirty.

I grabbed the phone and started to dial. I put it down. I didn't want to call him. He would know he'd gotten me. I could figure this out.

No I couldn't.

I picked up the phone.

I put it down.

I sighed heavily.

I grabbed it and dialed.

One ring, two rings, three rings. Oh this was going to annoy me if he didn't answer.

Marine: "Hello!" (Mr. Happy)

Kelli: "What. Did. You. Do. To. The. Cable. In. Our. Room.?" (Mrs. I will never be friendly to you again)

Marine: "What? Nothing." (Mr. Innocent)

Kelli: "Sure you didn't". and I hung up.

About an hour later the phone rings. Meanwhile, I've gone to HULU.com. so I'm a little calmer. Had my TV fix.

Kelli: after looking at the caller ID, "HELLO!" (said very firmly and with clear disgruntlement)

Marine: "Hey is Wade there? Does he have a minute?"

small talk small talk blah blah of which I was commenting little.

then

Marine: "Well, I've been listening to scripture on tape and I'm listening to Alma (in the Book of Mormon) and it's where all the battles are and it's great!"

Kelli: "harrumph" or some other disgusted sound.

Marine continues: "and I realized, I needed to call you and I didn't want to battle with you. You are my eternal companion and I love you very much."

Kelli: now softening a little because 1. The Marine was being sweet, and 2. I don't want to be the one to be in trouble with Heavenly Father since now the Marine was being humble. darn it.

Marine Continues: "and to fix the cable you just need to switch the two cables around"

I KNEW IT! IT WAS HIM! the rat.

In fact, when I was checking those two were loose.... AND I TIGHTENED THEM BACK... Little did I know they were loose because he had switched them. Oh and the remote was back there too. dirty dirty rat.

Marine Continues:"and I am very sorry.... and so on... more mushy stuff" that I won't repeat because then he will be annoyed because after all he is The Marine...

Kelli: "well. okay. but you really hurt my feelings! And I don't lay around and sleep all day! And yeah, you hurt me deeply"

Marine: "Yes, and I've apologized, and I do love you."

I can't remember anymore than that because at that point the recruits kept breaking in and I had to yell at them a couple of times. They were ruining the moment.

He explained he was asleep when my loud snoring startled him awake and he was just snapping and I thought he was awake already because he was sitting up with the computer on his lap still, which many a time I've removed from his lap, and he was just being mean for no apparent reason.

I love the Marine. He ticks me off but he always makes it better. I tick him off and usually have to clean something to make it up to him. I might be frustrating to live with sometimes - possibly. Don't take that as any sort of admittance to anything.

Recently, I think, but I can't be sure, it might have been more than usual.

I sat on his side of the bed yesterday eating food. That ticks him off.

I hadn't cleaned the bathroom, (in a few... days?) and there was tons of laundry. We had to use monster hooded towels...

We've eaten a lot of pizza and McDonald's lately.

And other little things, for instance; I have a hard time keeping up with my check card. I'm always looking for it and often have had to go out to the Marine's unit and get his check card from him.

Well recently two of our vehicles were broken into in our driveway and some things were stolen to included my whole purse (story for another time) and my check card was in there. So I had his. We got into the van to go get my military ID (which was stolen too) and as The Marine was driving and talking he looked down and said, well now that your new check card has arrived can I take mine back out of this bowl down here?"

I died. I had meant to move it before he got home so I wouldn't get lectured but I forgot. It was in a bowl sitting under the center console thingy and the bowl was there from something we'd taken to church (it was clean).

The who thing struck me as funny and I started laughing. Like giddy stupid laughing that often leads to an asthma attack. He looked at me. He wanted to be irritated but I must have been ridiculous looking and a slight grin started to creep up. He shook his head and said, "you are a mess. An unorganized mess." (if any of my bosses read this he only means personally, not professionally.)

He took his card back, got me a new ID card, and then took me to the exchange and bought me a new wallet. He really is sweet.

Our marriage may have been described as volatile, but I wouldn't have it any other way. He is good for me and I know I am good for him. 22 years, six kids, and a whole lot of Marine Corps and I couldn't ask for a better husband and best friend. And look, he can kiss me in the snow AND hang on to his corn dog bite! He is the most wonderful man in the world!

Warning: Possible inappropriate content

2010-09-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

This story involves Recruit 6. Just a warning. Worried yet? This post could go anywhere ya know...

This is his second year to play football. He's kinda of well known around here. Sadly, not for his football skill. He is still one of the younger/smaller players. Maybe I should say he is NOTORIOUS, rather than well known.

Why? Well, too look at him you would think it's because of his angelic face and demeanor. Both of which are true... Most of the time.... It's more because of what he has refused to wear since he left diapers far behind. Underwear. He doesn't wear underwear.

Many a sun beam and primary teacher at church have found out the hard way. I forgot to warn them.

But today, that may have all changed. He came in from football practice tonight and as I took off his football pants, (with him lying on the kitchen floor as I tugged) I noticed BOXER shorts.

Me: Oh my gosh! you have on underwear!

Recruit 6: Yep. I think I'm going to start wearing them.

Me: Oh? why?

Recruit 6: Well, if my pants fall down, someone might see my business. And in the bathroom the other day, my pants came down and someone saw my business and I said HEY DON'T LOOK AT MY BUSINESS!

Me: {hiding my joy} Ah, well that sounds like a great idea.

SO for all you have been marred by the lack of underwear on our little man child, or worried he was going to run off and join a nudist colony, or worse, become promiscuous before 3rd grade, never fear! Life has a way of working out and society has a way of helping us all mainstream in our own time... darn it. I now will have more laundry to do.

New beginings, Loss, Birthdays, all in one post.

2010-09-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Now it's September. So much has happened in our lives since Christmas day. So much there is no way to ever catch up. I will post a few things for sure. Like Recruit 1's wedding on 30 December 2009, then the second reception on the east coast on 9 January.

Then in April we had to say goodbye to our beloved Bradford. He was 15 and a half year old Blond lab and had been my faithful companion through many deployments, moves, and new babies.

later that same month, Luke, an adorable blond lab, was born and we were able to get him on Memorial weekend. Both of these beautiful animals and faithful family members deserve their own posts.

August brought the unexpected and all to early delivery of Recruit one's first baby. She didn't make it and hello's and goodbye's were all done on the same day. The amazing thing was Heavenly Father's hand was over us in a way I had never experienced before.

While it was a sad time, the peace we were granted and the comfort was something not of our ability or of this earth. It could only be the love and blessings from a loving Father in Heaven who knew what His children needed and granted it, almost hourly.

I returned home to my other five children the day before school started and The Marine was gone on a trip. Hasn't been much time to catch our breath.

Today is labor day, 2010. I am tired. I feel old and too young all at the same time. I think about two worlds colliding, one is the past and one is the present, and it makes it seem more plausible to have life fold in on its self, except my fingers are getting stiffer as my joints ache a little more. The Marine snores a little louder and there's more to hold onto when I hug him. That's how I can tell it's the present and I am getting older!

Oh, and how could I forget to mention, I've been called as the seminary teacher. That should prove interesting. We've completed one week so far and Hurricane Earl messed up our first Friday Scripture Mastery Day, so I am already having to figure out catch up! I think I am going to LOVE this calling, however... Wow, it's early and recruits 5 and 6 have to go to the church building with us. So far it's not been too disruptive... so far.

So if I do one post a day, I'll catch up in a week. I've missed blogging, capturing those random moments and not so normal events my family seems to find themselves involved in.

Oh and TODAY is Recruit 3's birthday. I have yet to get her a present and she wants me to MAKE the cake and not buy it. ug. She is my only girl comrade in this male dominate house right now. I guess I'll drag my Labor Day relaxing tail to the store and buy a cake mix.

As I type this my 85 year old Grandmother and my Mother have embarked on a 3500 mile road trip. I'll be watching their progress like we watch hurricane Earl, Fiona, Gaston, etc.... Recruit 1, myself, my Aunt, and The Marine are all on standby if one of us needs to fly somewhere in the U.S. to drive them back home...

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!!

I am pledging now, to myself because that way only I shall be disappointed, to set aside time for my writing. I'm not sure when, but I am looking for some!!!

Christmas Day 2009

2010-08-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

So I am not even going to explain why it's 7 Aug 2010 and this is just being posted. It would take all the time I have to write in the next few minutes! So We'll just get right to it! Christmas morning (if there are stairs) always has the traditional wait until Dad is ready. It also offers me a picture moment of the first glimpse of Christmas morning with all it's sleepy eyes, bad hair, and wrinkled faces...

Then it's time to dive into the living room and see what Santa brought. Every recruit seems to know just where to go.

Stockings are emptied and we all ooh and awwww over everything. look at Recruit 6's puffy little eyes....

Recruit 4 and a rare smile. I think he is holding up toothpaste. I can't remember. After all it's AUGUST!!!

The almost husband at this time.... his first Christmas morning with us.

Recruit 1 got a DIVA apron from Santa. I have no idea why. She cooks less than I do!!!

I think Recruit 3 "borrowed" those sun glasses already and they are now broken.

The Marine has skills. That's all I can say about this! He loves his whip cream with a little hot chocoalate! Ug, it's a million degrees outside as I write this. Does not look as good as it did 7 months ago...

I have no idea.

Grammy and I Christmas morning watching the festivities!

Recruit 3 got a bunch of crazy jewelery and a jewelery box from the jolly old elf.

Love my girls

Passing out gifts!

Recruits 5 and 6 enjoying the Christmas craziness!

not sure the almost husband is faking the crazy look! The went ahead and got married so I'm thinking we didn't freak him out too bad!!!

Bradford, our beloved friend and family member. He was 15 years old. Later, on April 8 we had a very difficult decsion to make. I'll write about it more later, but he is with my Dad in heaven now. Waiting for us patiently like he always did when he was here on earth. We miss him.

We opened presents in "baby order". Recruit 6 was first, but still had to wait for everyone to go before he could get to his next one. With my mom's family we all opened at once and as a child that was fine. But as I grew up i wanted to watch family open what I had sweated over picking out for them. It's far more fun!

Recruit 4 between the two Grandmothers!

And she loves her hat. Silly girl!

Wet suit was the big gift for Recruit 2.

The Marine and Recruit 2 got a combined gift from Recruit 1.

A 3D archery target! They both have compound bows. Time has not permited them to play with it yet. That stinks!

Big J. We love him!

We had to take a break and eat breakfast!

And clean up!!!

I love this face! He got a DS. THANK GOODNESS!!!

He got a DS too. THANK GOODNESS AGAIN!!!

Days later we had a wedding and reception and another reception. He survived the Christmas test. AND he is still married to Recruit 1 AND they are expecting a baby in December!!! Their timing is rotten... however I am thrilled and that is why I am trying to catch up on the year so I can be ready when my first G-BABY pops out!!!

We had wet suits and X-men.

Then it was visit to my Grandmther's house. This is my youngest cousing. She just got married too in April. I have a blog for that too. one day.... I was getting a kitchen massage....

My Grandmother will be 85 this year! I love the clock and geese. Time flys... I need to do that somewhere in my house.

Recruit 2 and Grandmother.

Recruit 3

Recruit 4 and Grandmother

Christmas holds good memories for me. It is the main holiday that grounded me to my extended family all the years I grew up in a military home and all the years I've raised my family. This picture says a lot. My youngest standing in front of a window looking out on a backyard that has been part of my memories forever. Believe. I do believe. I believe all the family who no longer stand in this kitchen will one day stand together again. I believe in celebrating Christmas with joy and reverence and that it is my role now to create those memories and connections for my children and grandchildren. Merry Christmas, even if it's August. Any time of year is a good time to celebrate family and more importantly the birth and love of our Savior.

Christmas Eve 2009 Part II

2010-03-18T05:57:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am well aware it's March. I've been busy! and Krazy. I've named this blog well. Okay, back to the story at hand.

So my family has had a tradition for years. Early in the wee hours of Christmas Eve you must be careful to be the first person to "get someone's Christmas Eve Gift". I think once upon a time if you yelled it at someone before they yelled it at you, you received a gift. Someone thankfully removed the actual gift part from it, I think my Grandfather, and it just became a game of "I got you first".

The Marine and my mother are very serious about this game. To the point of 12:01 phone calls to disoriented sleepy family members. Waking people up just enough to get their Christmas Eve gift as they struggle from slumber. It's just wrong, but my husband has embraced my family's tradition and run with it.

Santa Clause decided to engage Elf #7 many years ago when I was little. I think he felt bad we didn't get a gift for all our hard work to one up one of our family members. So on Santa's way to some unknown part of the world he throws a bag of gifts out to us. Either during or after our Christmas Eve dinner. The kids run out, drag the bag in, and then pass out gifts.

It can be scary running out there in the dark if you're the oldest grandchild. I'm just say'n. Too many old embarrassing stories to tell about my formative years involving "THE DROP".

So my sister and her family, her daughter, son, and husband arrived for dinner. I have 0 pictures of her husband. He will pay for that. And since he doesn't read my blog I can plot openly about his payment....

Here you see Recruit 6 and his cousin. They are 11 weeks apart. Bear, the cuz, is going to be much bigger than Recruit 6, but he is a sweetheart. Recruit 6 evens the playing field by not being a sweetheart.

My sister's oldest. She is a feisty little thing. She will be quite the mover and shaker as she grows up. Recruit 1 will probably be a good advisor for her. They are soul sisters.

My sister. Hard to believe she is younger than me. I know Right? Okay, whatever, she points out my crows feet every time I come home.

Since my sister and her family were spending Christmas day with my bro-in-laws family they did their gift giving with Grandmother before dinner. Bear is quite pleased with his gift and it's not even unwrapped yet!

Grandmother, Big J, and Recruit 3 hanging out. Big J is my mom's boyfriend. Weird I know. He is super fabulous. I am so glad he is around since we aren't. Not sure why he has to hold the mug so close to his face to read it.

Recruit 2 looking bored.

Traditional picture of the table and room prior to us blowing it up with dinner. We had a second table by the tree. We don't all fit.

THE DROP THE DROP!!!! The youngest Grandchild runs out to wrangle Elf 7's bag in. He's been our Elf from the beginning. Very cool little dude.

Recruit 3 steps in to help. Oh what's that family members reading this post are asking? Where am I? WHERE DO YOU THINK I AM??? You scarred me for life. I'm IN THE HOUSE. Yes, I'm talking to you Aunt L and Uncle D. FOR LIFE!!!

Gratuitous picture. I think she's pretty.

Passing out of the booty. Crazy thing is, no matter who has joined us for dinner, there has always been a gift for them. Seriously is Elf 7 rockin' or what?

Scar face. He is in awe of his gift, or wondering if that's all he got. Oh my gosh he's cute!

OH MY GOODNESS. The brother in law is in the background. Yawning, yes, but he's there. We've captured his presence for posterity's sake. I still plan on plotting. It's what I do.

The almost Newlyweds. A ball thrower for the dog. Who ate it 10 minutes after this picture was taken.

The spicy cousin with her loot.

Big J got a magic 8 ball. That didn't work. Next year I'm sure Elf 7 will make up for that. I'll send a note.

The bag is empty. We set it out with the milk and cookies and Santa takes it back to the North Pole. Very big into recycling up at the pole.

Totally into zebra print this one. She's not my child.

Apparently Recruit 2 is digging her zebra stuff too. Or just torturing her. The latter I'm sure given the following wrestling match.

Notice how only a few look on. Sad statement this a normal occurrence.

He's going to gurat her with that scarf if she doesn't move away.

Spicy girl tries on her winter fashion accessories.

Big sis comes into help rescue her ear warmer headband thingymabob.

The three little guys got cute books with the main character stuffed animal. I was happy they were happy.

Gratuitous cute girl picture.

The kids. It was my almost son-in-laws first Christmas with us and I'm happy to report he survived and still married Recruit 1.

Now it's time for the passing out of Christmas pajamas. A more recent tradition I started awhile ago. It's getting expensive.... Recruit 1 is in charge of her new family's pj's. She said her pj's are going to kick our pj's butt's next year. She was born competitive. Good thing she was first.

Recruit 4 is still trying to make the magic 8 ball work. IT'S BROKEN, but go ahead.

Mad elf? Elf's gone bad? What's up with this face?

And more happiness.

I have to tell a funny story here. Sorry Bear, gotta do it. See all the envelopes on the tree? Well those were from my Grandmother. They have money in them. (duh) Anyway, my sis and her family got theirs. Bear must have thought he needed an extra one. My sister found a fifty dollar bill in his pocket, the kids only get twenty. IT WAS MINE!!! Muwahahhahahah. I'll get you in fifteen years my little nephew.... He was so cute. He really was. We'll all be watching you next year little man!

I thought Henery looked cute here.

Dish duty. It's me.

More clean up. blahck.

THE MAGIC 8 BALL IS BROKEN! Oh my gosh, like there's a secret to making it work. No one listens to me.

I love my family!!! See this is why I give out pj's. How cool is our Christmas Eve picture? Check out the one from last year.

And to all a goodnight.

Christmas Eve, 24 December 2009 Part I

2010-01-19T05:00:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve, as always, is my favorite time. When we were able to go home to my Mom and Dad's for Christmas every year, the Marine and some recruits would build us a manger out of old cedar logs. The kids would act out the traditional story of the night Christ was born.

When Mom moved, she brought with her the cedar logs. It's been six years since we spent a Christmas at home. Living so far away and with so many children it is hard to go back every Christmas. This was the first Christmas to be back home since my Dad passed away. It was also going to be Recruit 1's almost husband's first time to spend Christmas with us!

Usually our Christmas story is done on Christmas Eve. The weather was turning colder and unpredictable, so a few nights before we all wrapped up in blankets against the cold air and read the story from the book of Luke while sitting in the manger. Later the horse trampled the trees and knocked down our manger. Next time we're home hopefully the rest of the fencing will be up and the boogers can just stay on their side of the property!

So when Christmas Eve came around, we decided to stay in town at Mom's house and not venture out into the cold. It was a wonderful relaxed day. We puttered around in the kitchen and some of us took naps (The Marine), and I enjoyed having both my mom and The Marine's mom.

Dad was missed.

Everyone helped cook. Sort of. Here is Recruit 5 helping with the fruit. He is such a funny kid. I don't know if I've ever met someone so kind. However, much to my chagrin the world and hard charging brothers are influencing his kindness and I see the steel that I'm sure has always been there. I have been praying the Lord strengthens this dear son of mine and helps him influence some of his tougher siblings. Hmm. more musings about that some other time.

Recruit 1 and 3 and Grammy, who is always working in the kitchen, but doesn't like her picture, is The Marine's mom. It's our first time to ever have her with us for Christmas and we very much enjoyed her being part of our holiday! I hope she does it again! And I love having her in the kitchen!!!

Here you see Recruit 3 chopping strawberries. She is our strawberry expert. For some reason I always have her cut them. I think it's a tradition now. She won't like that, but what can she do? It's been proclaimed a tradition.

I think she is the punch girl here in the picture below. Oh and shhh, it's Grammy in the picture again.

Recruit 1 is almost not mine alone anymore... I have to give her over to her fella in a few days.

Recruit 1 made her first pies. I think the whole married thing has all of sudden made her much more domestic. The pies turned out very nice. We eat pumpkin pie for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack times. It was frightening when we heard the pumpkin might be in short supply. Maybe I'll plant some pumpkins for next year...

Others did other things. The Marine is sleeping upstairs but I didn't include his picture because he looked scruffy. Not very Marine like. When I went up and asked him if he was sleeping, he grunted and said he was " resting his eyes." He was sleeping.

Here are some other activities going on while we cooked and we had a few looky-lou bystanders while we creating the delectable concoctions. Check out his cheek. It's his battle scar from fighting the manger with cedar limbs placed on it. He lost the battle.

Little Red. He has an interesting adventure, but that is a few days down the road from Christmas Eve, so you'll have to wait. I promise I'll get there.

We had four dogs under our feet the whole time. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but Mom would probably tell you it WAS as bad as she predicted.

The good thing was we had as many boys as we did dogs. Yes I said good thing, however there were moments... Below you see Recruit 2 working with Prince Henery. That is the newest member of Recruit 1's pack. Recruit 1 was impressed that he learned to sit so quickly. Recruit 2 gave her a disgusted look. It took him about 30 minutes. Now Henery sits and sort of stays. He is only 9 months old. He is part of Little Red's adventure.

Hmm. First picture with Recruit 4 in it. Wonder where he's been. NOT in the kitchen where I could give him repeated orders. They learn to run and hide.

There were other events going on too while we slaved in the kitchen. This is one of those moments. Can I just say sometimes the dogs are better behaved than the boys?!

And the Recruits' cousin joins in to "wrestle" Recruit 2. What monkeys. You can see Recruit 6's head and body on top of Recruit 2 and you can see the cousin on the bottom underneath Recruit 2.

And someone must have de-tangled the bodies. Not sure who or what, but here you see all is well again, if not somewhat subdued. They are probably watching TV.

I just have to say right here what an incredible big brother Recruit 2 is. He gets annoyed, angry, and very bossy, but he loves his little brothers and I often find him sitting with them playing games or watching movies. Usually after he's tied them in a pretzel, but life's not perfect.

No much later my sister and her family joined us. I'll have to stop here because I need to shower and get moving with my day.

Let the Games Begin, And the Insanity

2009-12-23T19:05:00.000-08:00

23 December 2009

First let me apologize for no pictures. I will get them posted as soon as I get them from my mom and sister. My camera was not available for the Bridal luncheon today. I'll explain later on.

The day started early. I'm working every morning so I can have the rest of the day and evenings free to get Christmas together and any wedding issues.

Today Recruit 1 and her Beau needed to leave early to go get their marriage license. I was up at 0600 working and so was Recruit 6. He was up, and working. Working on me to give him an ice cream cone from the freezer.

I did not give in. He has had a terrible cough and fever. dairy products are not what he needs right now. Honestly otherwise, I would have let him have the ice cream. Don't tell The Marine. He hates it when I let them have ice cream for breakfast.

Seriously, it can't be worse than Captain Crunch or other sugar cereals.

Recruit 1 rolled out of bed at 0710, started to get dressed at 0719 and left the house to meet her fella at the county clerk's office to get their marriage license. You have to have it for 72 hours.

We received a call from her not long after she left. They were closed. They couldn't get in until Monday which would mess up the necessary 72 hour waiting period.

They hung up and I left to go pick up the grooms pants from the alterations lady, fretting the whole way. And why the heck were they closed today? I mean seriously!!!

Fortunately Sequin had a county clerk who was actually working and they were able to square everything away. Thank goodness!

So now it's time to dress for the Bride's maids luncheon. I was wearing black slacks and a white fancy top I had worn to the Marine Corps Ball.

The zipper broke. With me in the jacket. so my mother in law finally got it open all the way so I could get out of it. Thank goodness for her!

I quickly switched fashion gears, raided my mom's closet and jewelery box and away we went.

The luncheon was at a winery called Mandola's. It was beautiful and delicious. Mom did a great job pulling it together. Recruit 1 had both her Grandmothers and her Great Grandmother at her lunch today.

Leaving for the luncheon I forgot my camera. Recruit 1 called and I told her I didn't have it. She had just left the house so she turned around to go get it. I called Recruit 2 who was at home with Recruit 6, both of them not feeling well, and told him to start looking for the camera.

He didn't find it. Recruit 1 was supposed to be helping look for it. I just found out about thirty minutes ago she wasn't helping she was running around with a curling iron in her hand trying to fix her hair again.

I went into the room I'm staying in and looked about 2 seconds for the camera. Found it. Recruit 2 is not doing the well in the finding department lately.

Immediately after the lunch I took Recruit 6 to the doctors (the ER) since we are away from our regular medical facility.

He has pneumonia. I thought hit had been way to long for him to have this cough. He was a great trooper. We hung out together watching Sponge Bob and finally after three hours left the hospital.

We went to Walgreens to get his prescription. While there he had another coughing fit, so sever this time he started throwing up. On me. On the floor in front of the pharmacy and snot was coming out his nose.

Not a cool experience.

The pharmacy tech gave me some kleenex and I asked for a bag. I cleaned up the floor and myself and my little man. There was a woman in hospital scrubs waiting behind me and she came over and helped.

We started to leave and as we left the pharmacy area, Recruit 6 starts getting ornery. We had not yet visited the toy aisle. I told him I was not getting a toy and we needed to go, he was a walking viral infection.

He didn't get it and started getting upset. So we cruised through the toy aisle and I quickly escorted him out of the store. He was not happy he did not get "just a little toy".

After we arrived home, I held him a while and he fell asleep.

He woke up not long ago.

He just had a blessing, motrin, a bath and some Young Living oils on his feet and chest. Recruit 1 did all that and put him to bed on his pallet.

Oh and on a side note. The big scratch across his right cheek was the subject of much attention in the hospital. When I first came in the triage nurse asked what happened and I looked puzzled because I hadn't said anything yet. Then I realized she thought we were there for the face.

I laughed and said, oh that? No that's not what we're here for. Of course Recruit 6 was asked several different times by several different medical personnel about it. When we told them he was leaping from one bale of hay to another across a fairly wide expanse, more than one of them said oh yes I used to do that. Only in Texas.

It's been a good day. I have two wonderful men in my family who both hold the Priesthood and can provide blessings for my children and mother. I have two wonderful moms, mine and the Marine's.

It's been good a day.

Shopping Shopping and More Shopping

2009-12-22T20:12:00.000-08:00

21 Dec and 22 Dec 2009

The last two days just don't rate pictures. We were CRAZY shopping. I had left many things to be purchased here in Texas so we didn't have to haul them across the country.

The result? Lots of stores. It's actually wonderful. I am so excited and tired. South Austin has really grown since we lived here 13 years ago. One shopping complex has more stores, more options, more everything than the whole town we live in!

Recruit 3 and I had lunch today at a place called Mama Fu's. It's Asian cuisine. The guy taking our order at the counter started to tell me about some club we could sign up for. I stopped him and said we don't live here.

He asked where we are from and I said we are FROM here, we just don't live here right now. My husband is a Marine.

One of the Chefs grunted out a big "ERRRRR" and I yelled back "Oooh Rah!".

I asked him when he had gone through boot camp and he said in 87. I said are you a West Coast Marine or East Coast Marine? He said the best, West Coast but had done time at Camp Lejuene as well.

He spent 8 years in and got out as a sergeant. I love Marines. I love Texas Marines. It's a tight group. Even if you only get a bowl of chicken Teriyaki and some noodles and cross paths for a few minutes.

While Recruit 3 and I were smokin' in shopping mode The Marine and Recruit 1 drove over to Houston to pick up Grammy, The Marine's mom. Recruit 2 stayed back at The Grandmother's house with Recruit 6 who is running fevers, coughing, and generally not feeling well.

Recruits 4 and 5 are with my sister and the cousins for the night.

Oh one more cool thing about today. I was in Wal-Mart and I had passed an aisle and from the very back corner of my eye I saw a woman standing there and it caused me to do a double take. I thought I recognized her. I walked backwards, and sure enough it was her! I hadn't seen her in years, but have kept in touch and she and her family are coming to the wedding.

We stood and talked for about 20 minutes or so. She took a picture to show her husband because she said he wouldn't believe her! They are great folks and good friends and I really miss having them around.

I am exhausted and ready for bed. Tomorrow is my little daughter's brides' maid luncheon. I'll have pictures of that for sure.

Busy days!

2009-12-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

20 December 2009
My day started early. It was Sunday and we were going to church. I looked at all the bags. I mean bags in the literal sense. We sucked all our clothes down in those space bags. You know the kind you use the vaccum cleaner with?

It was brilliant. We then stuck them in various pieces of luggage, boxes etc and then put all that in heavy duty 55 gallon trash bags. It's a good thing too considering the hours of rain we drove through. Nothing was wet! So worth the effort.

Recruit 2 and 4 went to church with The Grandmother. Recruit 1 and her fella went to the singles ward. The Marine and I got everyone else dressed and left for an 11 o'clock sacrament meeting. The only fly in the ointment is there is no 11 o'clock sacrament service.

We left and went back home. Kind of disappointed. We tried.

The Marine and the boys went out and built our manger we always build. The cedar logs are the same ones used every year. Mom moved them from Monster Acres when she sold it and moved a couple of years ago.

Last night the horses got through the wire The Marine had put up around it. We have to fix the hay before Christmas Eve.

The Marine brought all the boys' bebe guns with him. They don't get to shoot them too often where we live. They were in boy-manchild heaven.

Recruit 1 and I came out to see what all had been done.

All the dogs were out there too. Bradford had to be put in the back of The Marine's truck. He was all over the place and we knew he would wear himself out. He was in dog heaven! He misses home too.

The intense concentration was funny. They all had a PME style (professional military education) class from The Marine on weapon safety etc.

Recruit 4 shows off his one handed shooting skill.

Annie Oakely! She got her own 22 last year for Christmas. This is The Grandmother's new 22.

While the kids did target practice the dogs ran and chased sticks and each other.

If you notice in the picture above Recruit 3 is intently concentraiting. Recruit 3 is doing what annoys me most. Texting. I was quite aways away when I took this. It's a good thing I wasn't relying on her to make sure he was safe. Oh WAIT! I was!!!

The Marine was supervising the whole time. Look how cute he is! I like him.

The girls in the go cart, with Little Red. They are so pretty! Especially when they aren't texting.

I feel very safe. I have my own fire team.

The Girls were kicking up dust, and I was shocked to see Recruit 1 letting Recruit 3 drive her around. I had to check to see if I had been somehow transported to another dimension!

One shooter. Two shooters.

THREE!

The cousins arrived!

My younger sister and her daughter Miss Priss. Her son is above. I miss not living close by.

The Grandmother. I was afraid she was bringing those to me. Nope, I was safe.

The betrothed. She is going to make a beautiful bride and he is going to have his hands full for all time and eternity!!!

Recruit 3 wanted to shoot the 22. Dad is giving her a quick lesson.

We like to call these next few pictures, Name That Butt. Let me assure you, I did not take these.

My turn to shoot. I love how my scarf stayed perfectly! I am sure I hit something. Not sure what.

Don't you just wonder what he's thinking? You think he's wondering what he's getting himself into? If he isn't he should be. I hope he doesn't think too hard. Oh and no take backs!

Now I get to shoot a little pistol. The Marine was not impressed with my skill.

I don't think I hit it.

Now Recruit 3 gives it a try. She looks pretty good.

Hmm. Not so sure she knows what she hit either.

Now it's Princess. She is going to show us all up.

Not. I don't think we are going to be called Charlie's Angels anytime soon....

Recruit 2 was not impressed with us either.

Show off.

So now that we have killed the targets it's time to set up the Christmas trees. All ten of them.

Everyone helps.

Except these two. My beautiful nephew and Recruit 6. I don't even ask anymore. He's just special.

Scratch is whooped. It's been a big day for the city dog.

Prince Henery is ready to play still. He leaps like a deer. He also pounces like Tiger from Winnie the Pooh. In fact I'm pretty sure he woke up Recruit 2 this morning that way.

Ah, there's the daughter I remember.

Oh my gosh this kid is cute. He was just so pleasant the whole trip and the entire day.

The Marine wrapped lights and we will eventually have three trees on each side and then the other four located else where. We gathered inside our Nativity and read from Luke. We also attempted to sing a few carols, which we wrapped up quickly since it was getting colder and colder. We were all wrapped in blankets, but it didn't help a whole lot.

Recruit 6 was leaping from one bale of hay to another, fell and face planted. He has a string burn across his right cheek. I wrapped him swaddling clothes and rocked him on the family swing. I told Recruit 1, "You didn't really think all your brothers would be scar/scab free for your wedding now did you?" This is the best part of being a mom. I am blessed!

Traveling across America

2009-12-20T19:09:00.000-08:00

18 December 2009

It’s 0330 in the morning and I’m sitting at a rest stop just outside Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

I’m in my van with Recruits, 3, 5, and 6 as well as our blonde 15 year old lab Bradford and our 3 year old little Cocka-poo Little Red. Parked next to my van is The Marine’s big grey truck with Recruits 2 and 4 and our black lab Scratch, (he’s 7, guess I should keep all things equal. Oh and it’s not really important how old the dogs are, I for some reason just felt it needed to be stated.)

The real question is why?

Why am I writing at this hour, why are we here, and why am I (and Little Red) awake?

Well it all started back on June 28 when Recruit 1 went to church that first fateful Sunday after she had graduated highschool, left us and flown to Texas to live with The Grandmother, start her new life as a grown up, and go to college.

That Sunday she met the man of her dreams and now here we are today, enroute to Texas to spend our first Christmas in 6 years at home and the first time we’ve been back for the holidays since my Father died. We are also going to attend Recruit 1’s sealing and wedding reception.

Then we all trek back, along with Recruit 1, her new husband, Grams (The Marine’s Mom) and Recruit 1’s new puppy, a lab mix named Henery, for her reception in our humble hamlet.

Oh and they bought a house, like yesterday. Well actually Thanksgiving.

Who does all that in almost EXACTLY 6 months?

Oh don’t bother to answer, my child does it. She is a startling combination of all traits feisty, bold, and beautiful of both her father and I. It’s frightening sometimes.

So I’ll recap our journey up to this point.

I woke up about 0630 and started the final stages of packing and cleaning. We were on the road at 1000. I was turning around at 1010 to go back to the house and retrieve my camera. The one we are using to take pictures with at the wedding….

We were back on the road about 1020. The Marine waited for us at gas station to catch up and then we were off.

About 45 minutes into our trip the first sprinkles hit the windshield. From there it only became heavier, foggier, and sloshier. I know Microsoft Word is underlining sloshier, but you drive behind The Marine and his truck and watch it slosh through water for hours. You’ll adopt sloshier as well.

It rained all the way through South Carolina with Columbia being the yukiest.

It began to lighten as we curved our way through Atlanta. Finally, as we entered Alabama the rain subsided and we had clear highway to mow down. Our goal was Birmingham, but the Marine and I both felt good and decided to make it to a rest stop outside Tuscaloosa (ROLL TIDE ROLL).

So that’s why I’m here. I tried to wake The Marine about 0300. I called him. I watched him startle and grab his phone. Then I heard a sleepy gravelly voice. Ug. I hate gravely. It is never a good sign.

The Marine: hullo.

Kelli: Hey, are you awake?

The Marine: (growl, snarl, something something) I was sleeping, (something) I’m awake now.

I couldn’t understand most of what he said, but I figured out what he meant.

Kelli: Wanta get on the road?

The Marine: No. I’m sleeping.

Kelli: Wanta see my hair?

It was pretty funny looking.

The Marine: No. I’m going to sleep.

And he did.

So I sat silent for a minute. Then realized I really needed to go to the bathroom. However as I looked over at the restrooms probably a football field away I had a newspaper headline flash through my mind. It happens all the time.

“Woman murdered at Alabama rest stop while peeing. Family of 6 sleeps peacefully only yards away.”

I sat there pondering my dilemma. I opened my computer. I really really had to potty. I put the computer down.

I woke up Recruit 3 and told her I was going to run to the bathroom and to stay awake to unlock the doors to let me back in. She mumbled okay.

I went to the bathroom. The cool thing is there is a security guard inside. The uncool thing is he saw my hair.

I wet it down a little and used the nozzle on the hand dyer to try and make it a little less scary. It was only funny when I thought The Marine would walk over and look at me not funny when strangers saw me.

Oh and I made it back just fine, no murder. However Recruit 3 wasn’t a very good sentry. I tapped on the window and she didn’t even look over at me, just reached up and unlocked the doors. Little Red was fabulous though. He had breathed all over the driver’s side window and was insanely wagging his whole body.

OH THE TRUCK STARTED!!!! I’d better save this before The Marine yells to move out. (it was another thirty minutes before headed out and The Marine was very nice, he didn't growl at all.)

19 December 2009

Well we finally pulled out of the rest stop outside Tuscaloosa at 0430. The roads were clear, dry and not too busy. When the sun came up we decided we needed to stop for breakfast. We stopped at a Waffle House in Brandon, Mississippi and took up two booths.

Then we hit the road again. We made several more stops of the day and then finally pulled into Mom’s driveway at around 7 ish that evening.

I set the camera on a 10 second delay and managed to snap this picture. If you look closely you can see Scratch behind Bradford and next to me. This was the two cars, three dogs, 5 kids and The Marine and I.

Recruit 3 helped out with the dogs while texting. That annoys me.

She is also so cheery. I mean I have to wear sunglasses around her she is so sun shiny and bright. 14 year olds. You have to love them.

Scratch was buddy's with Recruit 4. They rode with The Marine. It was a regular man mobile!

Recruit 6 worked on his ninja moves. Here he is at peace.

Little Red shoving his little body between the driver's seat and door jam in The Marine's truck.

The Marine was ready for me to stop taking pictures and get back in the car. He said let's go. several times. I finally stopped snapping.

We were glad to finally arrive. Now, on to Christmas! I'll post tomorrow our Sunday evening activity out at Mom's property. I'm just too pooped right now. I'm sitting in a comfy chair after a a wonderful Sunday afternoon/evening and I'm lucky to get Friday and Saturday blogged!

Krazy Konversations

2009-10-02T19:00:00.001-07:00

Recruit 5 and I were driving around today, just the two of us. We had taken Scratch, our black lab to get his stitches out. He had 7 Lumps removed and had five major incisions. He is all healed, but I thought I should give you the background that prompted the following discussion.

Recruit 5: "Mom, have you had a surgery?"

Kelli: "Yes about two years ago."

Recruit 5: "Oh, what kind of surgery?"

Kelli: "I had a hysterectomy."

*I have always thought it important to be honest, use proper anatomical names and try and give only as much info as they ask. It's caused a few embarrassing moments in the past. However, I believe in answering all their questions, even though I know the word uterus will come out of his mouth at the most embarrassing possible moment sometime in the future.

Recruit 5: "What is a hysterectomy?"

Kelli: "Well I had to have my uterus taken out."

Recruit 5: "What's a uterus?"

Kelli: {crap} "It's where babies grow before they are born. It keeps them safe and warm until they are ready to come out."

Recruit 5: "Oh, your stomach?"

Kelli: "No, it's right below your stomach, but mine is gone now. I didn't need it anymore. It looks like it's the mom's belly when she gets big as the baby gets bigger, but it's really her uterus getting bigger with the baby."

Recruit 5: "What's 4 + 2?"

Kelli: {oh thank goodness, we're moving on} "Six"

Recruit 5: "aha. 4 boys and 2 girls. 6 kids. No wonder."

They just keep getting smarter.

Things I Heard on Sunday

2009-09-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

2 minutes left before I needed to run out the door. I am in the bathroom. I'm yelling for people to get in the van.

I am hurriedly applying make up. Or attempting to.

The Marine is trying to slick down hair.

I hear:

The Marine: "DON'T WIPE YOUR NOSE ON YOUR BROTHER'S SHIRT!"

I don't bother to look. Whatever is there is going to church with us.

Later in our Sunday School class, Recruit 6, one of our students was sitting for quite awhile with his hand raised.

I finally had no choice but to call on him. We were discussing how we know our parent's love us and how we can let them know we love them.

Kelli: "Yes Recruit 6, what is it?"

Recruit 6 settles in his chair saying ummmm. Finally, "We have to keep the Gospel from attacking people's houses."

I sit still pondering this. Not sure what he possibly could have meant. I turn to The Marine who team teaches with me.

"Hey, did you hear that?"

The Marine glances up from the scriptures he's been searching and says, "I think it should attack people's houses." And he looks back down and begins reading.

Recruit 6 seemed fine with that answer and we moved on.

After church: I took a nap.

The Truck!

2009-09-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

So another Marine who is also a member of the big truck club and runs with the diesels, hooked me up! He drained the fuel filter on the bottom underneath the driver's seat and the message disappeared.

Now I had to buy new filters. The Marine wanted me to pick them up. ug. Not my thing, ya know. Auto parts stores.

So to counter the years of torture of being sent into these kinds of stores completely clueless, I walked in like I owned the place, and said with an authoritative voice, "I need the fuel filters for an o7 F250 Diesel."

The I stared him in the eyes.

I detest going into auto parts stores. Almost as much as hardware stores. It brings back memories of my dad sending me to McCoys and a sample of a part. Usually a tiny screw, pvc piece or some bizarre nut or bolt. "Go get me EXACTLY this, and I want 57 of them."

I would go and walk into the nut aisle. I would stand, mouth ajar, perhaps scratching my head, and stare at the THOUSANDS of nuts. or tiny screws. or some weird shaped elbow pvc connecting thingy. Seriously? How many nuts could there possibly be? Apparently a lot. And dutifully held my tiny sample up against each one.

So back to the filters. They looked something up, went in the back and brought out a box. I asked if they were the ones with micro fibers. Then it happened.

Carquest man stops working, as do the other five Carquest guys all standing around at computers looking important, and just stare. I got "the look".

If you're a woman, you know what I'm talking about. I intensely dislike "the look".

The look that says "huh?".

So I said, "never mind. I am just making sure this one goes underneath in the horizontal fuel module as well as the other one that goes on top?" HA! BITE ME CARQUEST GUY! TAKE THAT. (of course that last part in capital letters was all said in my head.)

In reality I just stood there, staring back, willing myself not to blink.

All the Carquest dudes simultaneously go back to looking important standing behind their computers and quoting part numbers.

*Side thought: Don't they get tired? Does Carquest not provide stools?

It's confirmed, he pulls out the filters for my inspection. I pick them up, handle them what I assume is appropriately, and shove them back in the box.

"Very good, thank you."

So I leave Carquest and book it over to Food Lion. The Marine calls me. I tell him I've procured his filters.

He asks if I have them with me.

um no. I'm in Food Lion.

When I get back to the truck, I call him back.

"Okay, I'm in the truck with the filters. What did you want to know?"

The Marine asked me something that I can't remember now, but I used my carquest voice and state quite knowledgeably that no, these filters did not have the something I can't remember now that he asked if they had.

He said "oh, okay, that's fine."

And that was it. I did it! I didn't get "the look" (you can even feel it over the phone, or a two way radio) you always get after you've tried to explain to an auto parts guy or a home building store guy what your father/husband cruelly made you go pick up and then go home just to get "the other look" from your husband or father when you brought home a screw or a nut or a filter that was a teenie weenie bit different than what they had requested! And here you had just spent two hours holding them all up and squinting. AND they are peeved you've been gone two hours.

It is a great day for women like me everywhere!

I am going to sit here now and enjoy the glow of the moment. Because tomorrow.... tomorrow he will try to put the filters in the truck. I'm leaving before he gets up to do that. I don't want to be around in the event I get "the look".

The Marine and vehicles

2009-09-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

One time when I had the first suburban we owned, I pulled in the driveway. Put it in park. Turned if off. Got out.

I couldn't get it to start after that. I went in and told The Marine.

He said, "WHAT DID YOU DO?"

It was the alternator. I sabotaged it. Purposefully, so I could experience his veins sticking out of his forehead.

One time the Marine was driving the little green Saturn I have since sold when he deployed, (for five hundred dollars) and it died on him in the middle of the main road in our town.

He called me. "Did you drive this car?"

Yes, last night at 0230 so I could sabotage it when you drove it the next day because I like to see the vein stick out on your forehead.

You get the picture.

This week I drove the beloved F250 Big Gray Truck. A message came on that said Water in Fuel. I drove it home, parked it, and haven't touched it since.

The Marine says today... "You know you were driving it when the message came on", and he began to laugh.

He likes to see the vein stick out on my forehead....

How to get a 16 year old boy out of your car!

2009-09-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

When our children begin high school, they also begin taking a church class called seminary. Where we live they have to attend early morning seminary. Or early morning cemetery as our fabulous seminary teacher calls it on occasion.

My high school children start their school day at 0630 every morning for four years. Add to that family scripture and prayer, our alarms start going off at 0530. Now think about most teenage boys... ug.

Recruit 2 and I have a unique relationship. We often talk about his future, his feelings, how he views the world.

Okay. I'm making that up. But we do have good talks and are pretty open, as open as a 16 year old will be with his mom.

So this morning I drive Recruit 2 at 0630 up to the church building to begin is day. I leave the other children briefly to drive him a block or so. I expect to pull up, shove him out and boogie back home. The Marine usually takes him and I can lay in bed an extra thirty minutes.

I'm annoyed I have lost my thirty minutes.

We get up there and the Bishops car is in the parking lot, empty. A white van waits in the parking lot. People are in it. Another student gets out and goes and stands by the church doors. The seminary teacher has not yet arrived.

Kelli: "Get out."

Recruit 2: "Mom, Sister Seminary teacher isn't here yet."

Kelli: "So, the Bishop is. Get out."

Recruit 2: "Mom, the building is locked."

Kelli: "The bishop's car is empty." The lights of the Marine's truck are shining straight into the car. Yes I'm driving his truck BECAUSE I CAN!!!! (he's in Quantico)

Recruit 2: "He's probably doing something important, I don't want to interrupt him."

Kelli: "RECRUIT 2, you nit. It's 0630, I have 4 kids alone at home. Get out."

Recruit 2: "MOM! Look, that boy is standing by the doors!"

Kelli: "He didn't try the doors, I watched. I bet they are unlocked. Where do you think the Bishop is? GET OUT!"

Recruit 2 doesn't move. So I try a new tactic.

Kelli: "So... Did you ever think your eternal companion is out there somewhere right now? She probably has guys totally trying to hook up with her. How does that make you feel? Do you pray that she is protected and has strength to stay pure? I mean really. Think about it. She could be anywhere having experiences and being prepared to meet you and marry in the Temple. I think you need to start praying for her, so she is protected and prepared and that you will have the spirit with you to know when you meet her. I mean she could even be on the other side of the world having lunch RIGHT NOW!"

I took a breath and he looked at me.

Recruit 2: "I'm not marrying Kenz!"

(her family just moved to Korea and honestly I wasn't even thinking of her. But HE did.... hmmmmm, anyway, I go on.)

Kelli: "Son, I'm not referring to her specifically, just the point that she, your future wife whomever it is, is out there, alive and breathing and having experiences... Hey wait, what are you doing? I had more to say!"

Recruit 2 rolls down the window and yells at the other student to see if the doors are unlocked.

They are.

(like I said)

He gets out, looks at me and says "later mom, love you." Slams the door and heads off.

Ha! Victory!

I am free!!!!

OH MY GOSH! SERIOUSLY??

2009-09-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

As I type this I am waiting for a police officer to arrive at my home. Don't worry. Everyone is safe. The picture below should explain.

If you are confused, let me point out the CAR KEYS in the cup holder. Disregard the straw wrappers and the empty Frutista Freeze cup. This picture is taken through the window of my van. My tightly locked up, sealed, closed, Fort Knox Kia Van.

It wouldn't be so bad but The Marine is in Quantico with the other set of keys. In his backpack. In his rental car. Well probably in his hotel room by now.

It really wouldn't be an issue. I have the truck and jeep to drive. The issue is two sets of shoulder pads and three football helmets. The Marine doesn't get back until FRIDAY... OH Wait, my policeman is here.

It's OPEN. THAT QUICK. I'll complain later, I have to get to football practice....

The Sock Basket Pushed Me Over The Edge

2009-09-16T06:56:00.001-07:00

Life caught up. After last weeks injuries, the long long weeks of The Marine's class that is driving him insane and Recruit 2 getting his foot run over by another student at the volleyball game last night with his car and having to go to the urgent care this morning and Recruit 4 having issues already with school and Recruit 1 not here and Recruit 3 being a morose 14 year old and Recruit 5 squalling like a banshee every afternoon and delaying his homework for HOURS, all the laundry and Recruit 6 non stop hopping, leaping, and Ninja-ing everything....

The overflowing sock basket pushed me over the edge.

I started trying to pick stuff up for the bug guy. I didn't have a lot of help.

I had to stop to find socks for Recruit 6. I picked up many but no matches. I found some matches but they were DIRTY.

OH MY GOSH are you KIDDING ME???? wait I need a few more symbols at the end of ARE YOU KIDDING ME???!!!!!!$%#@!!!!!

That's it. I'm done. I'm going to go get my toes done. And a Sonic drink.

Neglectful Blogger

2009-09-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

I really enjoy blogging, I just haven't had the time or brain power to do it lately. So I find myself more and more often doing "catch up" posts.

So the latest news with The Marine and Recruits are as follows:

The Marine is currently three classes away from graduating in December with a double Major. His class on computer language C# is kicking his rear end. I don't think I've ever seen him stressed like this.

It didn't help I left him for a week to go work a conference in Chicago, it's football season, and he started getting sick. I also asked him to drive 8.5 hours to Annapolis that Friday to meet me.

One of my co-workers and now friend was having a giant labor day weekend party and I really wanted everyone I work with to meet my family. Since I'm a virtual employee and telecommute, it's hard to make it to company picnics...

I had to justify driving that far for a party, so we also took Recruit 2 on a tour of The Naval Academy and sat through the admissions brief. I think he would do well there. We'll see. He is a junior this year.

So The Marine grumbled and growled all week at me over the phone. He made the trek though and we had the best weekend. It was worth it in the end. It's not often we go do stuff for fun.

Friday was a family day for the unit The Marine works for. He played softball on the Staff and Officers vs NCO and below. He pitched the entire game. He couldn't move yesterday when he woke up or today... He and I are getting old. I remember looking at the staff and officers years ago and thinking how old they looked.

I wonder how many of the junior Marines thought that about us on Friday... No need to answer that by the way... I don't really want to know.

Recruit 1 is getting married. I can't remember if I've posted this or not. So I'm helping with wedding plans long distance. I'll also be planning a reception here for her as well. I have yet to meet her husband to be, but all reports indicate he is perfect for her.

I'll get to meet him in October. First son to join the family that I am the LAST one to meet.

Recruit 2 is running cross country. He is looking more grown up every day. He has his permit to drive and next summer will have his license. I just got recruit 1 off our car insurance, so I get a little reprieve.

Recruit 3 is cheering for her middle school and just recently turned 14, while we were at the Naval Academy. She and I went shopping in the fabulous little downtown of Annapolis while The Marine and boys checked out the museum on The Yard (the Academy campus). We got her dress for the Bridesmaid luncheon in December.

Recruit 4, 5, and 6 are all playing football. Recruit 4 is still so much fun to watch on defense. He's the smallest on his team, but gets in there!

Recruit 5 is doing well. He split his forehead open one night last week. We had the choice of glue or stitches. Um... GLUE!

Recruit 6 the night before bit through his lip on his chin with his two front teeth and on the inside of his lower lip with his two bottom teeth. He fell down a slide on the play ground at Recruit 4's football practice. I had white shirts on both times, and both times there was a lot of blood. The Marine wonders why I keep buying white shirts...

I've been working long crazy hours and trying to catch up on the house. Things should be slowing down now that the big conference is over.

I have lots of pictures to post and things to write about. Like how some parents were all miffed about the schools showing President Obama's speech in the classroom. I wasn't worried. One of my boys fell asleep, one didn't pay attention and the 5th grader (recruit 4) thought it was boring.

I think they should show past speeches of previous Presidents now.... I'm just sayin'.

So I'll hopefully be posting a little more often. Especially as we make wedding plans and watch some awesome Pop Warner football games. They are just too funny... I have a cute cheerleader and my cross country boy. And I still like my gray haired aging Marine!

Life is very full and joyous right now.

A quote that made me cry

2009-08-12T16:40:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes when the kids are in bed and the house is quiet, I peek in their rooms and I see them sleeping and get really close so I can feel them breathing. Then I realize that their's is a love that can break your heart. In that long moment before they take their next breath, I think "I just can't wait to see who you become". ~Dawn

I borrowed this from Dawn off her facebook. Rarely do I read something that so exactly expresses how I feel about my incredible, beautiful, funny, challenging little men and women...

Might I add, "then I begin to find out and I stand all amazed..."

I'm wearing his clothes

2009-07-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Marine is about ready to demand I find and put away my clothes. I am wearing his pj bottoms and a shirt of mine I found in the laundry room basket and washed. Yesterday I wore one of his old t-shirts.

why?

Because the pictures of the dining room in the previous post from Wednesday reflect what my dining room looks like right now.

I haven't had time to put everything back, which includes all our clothes in bags.

The Marine was in Texas when I pulled everything out, so we are both wearing the clothes he had in Texas.

He's not amused.

Especially when he was looking for his pj bottoms.

I was sitting in the chair checking out tie websites for the wedding. I need to buy 10 ties. Oh, and I found a cool site www.thetiebar.com... but I digress...

The Marine: "ARE YOU WEARING MY PJAMMA BOTTOMS???"

Kelli: "No." I continue scrolling through ties not meeting his gaze.

The Marine: "Yes you are!" Standing about 5 feet from me staring at his p-jamma bottoms on my body.

Kelli: "No I'm not." I continue shopping.

I can't remember what happened next. I think I blocked it out, but he muttered some sort of threatening consequence if I didn't start wearing my own clothes again...

I have to go... I hear him coming back out of the office.

Recruit 1 is PCSing to a different Platoon in December...

2009-07-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Recruit 1 will be getting married in December of this year! I've been waiting to do a post when I had some pictures, but not living there it makes it hard for me to make demands and have them met.

I told her tonight I wanted to blog their 'how we met' story. She said OH MY GOSH...

I told her she could proof it before I posted. That calmed her down a bit.

We are very happy for her. The Marine met him when he was out visiting recently. He said he was a good kid. I've got to think up a good name for the soon to be new son in our family.

Most folks have mixed reactions when they hear the news. I understand, it seems sudden (no I will not be a Grandmother anytime soon). They want to be married in the Temple, and most LDS engagements are shorter rather than longer. I'm more than happy that they are both committed to a Temple Marriage.

When you've been as happy in your marriage as I have, you want that for all your kids.

The Marine and I are peacefully happy with the impending nuptials and The Marine gave his blessing while he was out there. He's a pretty good judge of character and he said this was a good thing.

I haven't met him yet!!!! Arggghh, it's just not fair!

It won't be until October when they come out for another friends wedding.

In the meantime, lots of chats about wedding plans etc.

Now if I could just get some pictures from SOMEBODY out there, it would make me very happy. HINT HINT

The More You Do the More You Have to Get Done!

2009-07-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

The Marine arrived home safely with most of the Recruits Sunday night. I had the bedroom painted and most things somewhat organized. I was ready for the new furniture. Here's the bed! I need different curtains, but I'm not sure what to get. Any ideas?

That is the state of Texas in the middle of my quilt. I love Texas....

This is the armoire for The Marine. The base is sitting on the floor in front of the closet part.

Here you can see it still sitting in our den. Why you ask? Because we can't get it around the corner into the bedroom. This beautiful piece of furniture WON'T FIT. I am very sad.

Here is all the stuff I took out of my bedroom that is in our dining room.

HELP .

In case you didn't get the full effect of what I still face here's another angle of the dining room.

In the meantime, as I have a melt down, Recruit 3 begins the arduous task of painting her room.

If you have been a Krazy Eight follower for long you will remember last year when another recruit worked on this very same room.

Now Recruit 3 is covering up all of Recruit 2's hard work.

She wasn't thrilled I was stalking her.

She asked me to leave.

I asked for a nice pose.

She said okay.

I'm so proud.

Stinkin' Little Red had to be banned from the room. He wanted to wallow on the walls. Thank goodness this baseboard had already dried....

Almost everyone is home, except Recruit 2. He stayed a little longer at The Grandmother's house. Soon all will be back in the nest, except Recruit 1.

She's building her nest else where now.

It's good to have them home!!!!!

Down to the Wire

2009-07-19T10:50:00.001-07:00

The Marine and Recruits are about 4 hours away. YIKES

Here's the status

All things have been swapped (for the most part) to all the appropriate rooms.

All carpet except upstairs has been clean.

My room is all painted, including the trim.

Supposedly cleaning my bathroom, but I'm doing this instead.

Dining room is STACKED with stuff as is my closet.

I have not touched the office. That will be an issue. However, I'm tired, alone, and I've got thing one and thing two interrupting me every two.five minutes... Thank goodness they are so cute.

Okay, back to scrubbing the tub. ew.

Making Progress

2009-07-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just have to keep trudging along. I often hear Dory from Finding Nemo singing inside my head when I start a task I feel is never ending or difficult.

"Keep on swimming, don't stop swimming" over and over again. See, if you know the tune you are now saying in your head, or possibly out loud if you have a lot of self confidence, "Keep on swimming, don't stop swimming."

It was a little like that yesterday and today as I steam cleaned what carpet I could get to. I still have the big den to do, but it is currently under siege by multiple family member's belongings.

Two of my girl friends from church showed up this morning and helped empty all my drawers in my bedroom out of a man's armoire, chest of drawers, two night stands and big dresser. Then we moved all the furniture out onto the driveway for GG pick up later in the day.

We probably could have gotten even more done had I not been in there "helping". Every time I opened a drawer I would yell "Oh My Gosh! Look at this, I have to tell you the story about this".

I should probably clean out my drawers more often. They said they liked my stories, but they are very nice and probably didn't know how to stop me. GG would have said "SHUT UP AND WORK".

In my defense of the excited exclamations however, let me explain.

When one is a military family member, one does not HAVE to remember to purge. It's an automatic occurrence at least every three years or sooner than that. Now I know there are some service members with jobs in the military that limit their duty station options, so they don't necessarily move as often as others.

I however have never lived anywhere this long. This October will be five years in the area and this past March will be four years in the house.

I'd better mark a calendar when we retire, it could get ugly.

Later in the afternoon the Big Football Guy stopped by at my request to help move a few other chests around to various kid's room. One was quite heavy, so I am thankful he has some muscle hidden under his girlish figure.

I am hoping to get started painting tomorrow afternoon. The Marine will be home Sunday night and I want to get as much done as possible.

However it may be difficult considering I keep getting interrupted when Recruit 5 runs in and says things like, "MOM! Recruit 6 has a sword. A REAL ONE!"

He found the sword set The Marine brought home from Okinawa. While they are real, they are not sharpened, but still sharp enough to cause damage, especially in the hands of Recruit 6, our weapons expert.

I happen to be on the phone with the company's CFO at the time. All I can say is how much I love working with a bunch of Marines. He is a recently retired Marine and patiently waited while I ran in and removed the weapon.

The hazard of being left with the two tiny guys and gutting your home and working all at the same time.

I am starting to miss The Marine, just a little bit. Plus I need my camera. These posts would be way more exciting with pictures, don't you think?

I've moved to Poopville

2009-07-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Our dogs are a big part of our family. With all the moving, separations, and other turmoil, they have been a constant. However they definitely make things more complicated and sometimes just down right frustrating. I like to think they are worth it though, at least during times like these I tell myself that over and over.

In the midst of the insanity of trying to work every day from noon to five, watch the two little guys by myself, turn my house inside out like a sock with toes, and get my bedroom furniture moved out AND paint my room all before The Marine and Recruits return this weekend... my dogs have all lost their mind... or something like that but the other end.

Bradford, our almost 15 year old Lab, is really the only one with an excuse. About 18 months ago he had an injury to his back and we thought we had lost him then. He is super dog. He should have a cape. He has come back from several injuries miraculously over the last 14 and a half years. We've had him longer than we've had most of the kids!

He has been my constant companion through most deployments and RECRUITING DUTY... A difficult duty to say the least. I love him.

This is Scratch. My sweet surfer dog. He's only a surfer because he is totally laid back and if he could talk he would say "Duuuuuude" all the time. Unfortunately, he has no excuse for the recent poop bombings. I know their his because Bradford can't climb the stairs any longer and the poop was GINORMOUS.

I think he is missing his boys, and with me rearranging everything it might be freaking him out. He's pooping and peeing upstairs where I am moving Recruit 2 and 4, HIS recruits. Plus I think the coconut oil I've started giving him for his skin might have created some of the problem.

Poor fella has a severe skin allergy to fleas and I think everything else. I finally bought these pills today that is supposed to start killing fleas within thirty minutes, but it doesn't keep killing them, only the ones currently on them. I'm just trying to get a handle on it.

I have the three lads on Front Line, but it's not enough. The house is sprayed once a month, but I haven't treated the yard, so that's the only thing I can think. Okay, writing this I realize someone reading this is going to say "duh, ya think?"

Little Red. (said like "Neuman" from Seinfeld) First, let me assure you he is not actually being gripped as hard it appears in this picture. He is an almost 2 or 3 year old cock-a-poo (I can't remember). It's a good thing he is so flippin' cute, otherwise The Marine would have made him 'disappear' a while ago.

This tiny dog wants to be the Alpha Male, even over The Marine. Each and every day when The Marine walks through the door, he hunches near me and growls at The Marine. No one else, ONLY The Marine. Not smart.

The Marine is highly annoyed with this tiny furry man-dog. This dog actually belongs to Recruit 1, however I think HE thinks I belong to him.

This little red mop has no excuse to be dropping presents either, except, I noticed out in the yard whenever one of the other dogs pee somewhere, he immediately runs over and pees right on top of it. I mean RUNS from like across the yard.

Right now I'm waiting for carpet to dry as I write this post. Yes, in the midst of toiling and shoveling my way through my children's.. uh... stuff... I've got to clean all my carpets.

However as I look down I have Little Red keeping my left foot warm, Bradford stretched out to my left near the wheels of my office chair, and Scratch hanging ten to the right. My soul delights in the genuine and unconditional love of these sweet boys.

They just need to stop pooping in MY HOUSE!

Okay, back to de-pooping my life... Thanks for listening...

Entering the second week alone/ The Marine and a Jack Hammer.

2009-07-13T05:01:00.001-07:00

I am going into the second week alone here at the house with just the two little boys. Now I know why Heavenly Father said mom's should stay home with their children and not work when they are young.

Without my big helpers to be extra eyes, ears, and hands I find myself somewhat overwhelmed with all that needs to be done.

While The Marine and other Recruits are gone I am supposed to be getting the house ready for their return with my new furniture. Part of that was to switch the kids rooms.

The Plan:
Move Recruit 2 from bedroom C to upstairs, Recruit 6 from bedroom C to bedroom A, Recruit 3 from upstairs to bedroom C, and Recruit 4 from bedroom A to upstairs, leaving Recruit 5 to maintain residence in Bedroom A.

I also have to empty my stuff to move all the bedroom furniture to GG's house, leaving my room empty to paint before the return of the troops.

I also thought I could paint Bedroom C and the upstairs. Not going to happen.

My children, the sweet darlings, left me with a mess beyond description and the only little helpers were the tiny men. I've resorted to having them pick one object up, come to me for direction on what room it goes to.

They dutifully deliver it to that room, stand in the door way and toss it six inches into the room on the floor.

Then at some point I enter that room, yell for them, lovingly of course, and have them move it at least another foot in and to the left or right so I can walk in there.

Meanwhile at my mom's The Marine and Recruit 2 are putting in cross fencing. There's about 6 inches or less of top soil before they hit bedrock. She lives in the hill country and dynamite should be used. Folks don't have basements out there.

I just got a phone call from The Marine:

Recruit 2: "Mom, Dad wants to talk to you."

The Marine: "Hey, listen to this!"

(it's 0700 their time)

I hear the distinct sound of a jack hammer. In fact, my teeth start to rattle just hearing the vibration over the phone. It continues. I'm thinking, OKAY, I get it!

Finally it mercifully stops.

The Marine: "Hey"

Kelli: "So, your up early playing with your jack hammer"

The Marine: "Yep, I've already done five holes!"

The conversation went south from there, I'll spare you. He is still a Marine.

The first day they used the jack hammer, on Saturday, the drill bit got stuck. They had to take a couple of hours to fix that. The Marine said using the 90 pound jack hammer was the hardest work he's ever done. That's saying a lot since he works like a draft horse.

Their hands were swollen, they were exhausted and he didn't think he would be able to move the next morning. Thank goodness it was Sunday the next day. (Day of rest from daily labors, church etc.)

The Marine told me if I had to use the jack hammer I would be in bed for a month. No duh. That's why I would have been shopping at all the outlet malls once they turned that bad boy on.

All the while I am being counseled by my husband, "I'm not going to be in any mood or condition to fix whatever mess you and the boys have created when I get home."

So I am going to look around and try and wrap my head around where to start next. The garbage can keeps coming to mind...

Daily Conversation with Recruit 6

2009-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Recruit 6, please go pick up your toys and wash your face.

Yes, you have too and no, I am not taking you to Walmart to buy a toy.

No you may not play with knives instead.

Recruit 6 knocked a tooth out of Recruit 5's mouth the other day. It was a baby tooth and proabably already somewhat loose, although I wasn't aware of it. They were doing their "cool" moves and the little fella landed a solid punch to his brother's mouth.

Typical day in my world...

Potpourri

2009-07-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

My mind is sprinting in a hundred different directions. The Marine has my camera on their trip and so I can't even take pictures right now and I need to clean.

I've got rooms to rearrange and paint now that Recruit 1 is gone and I just can't get motivated.

I'm sure it has something to do with the mountain of clothes in each room. And the fact I couldn't sleep last night. I'm exhausted.

I'll have to borrow GG's camera.

I've also started working out diligently again. It's VERY painful. So much so I have a whole new blog devoted to documenting the torment and pain. I don't want to be old and crotchety and not able to run with my Grand kids.

I don't have any Grand kids yet, so I am not too late. Although I feel a little crotchety. Is that a word?

What else am I thinking about?
I love love love having Island Girl living nearby. Her recruit is the one on the trip with The Marine. Our girls are the same grade in school but almost a year apart. They have become conjoined. Our fears may yet be realized of pulling them out of jail together one day.

Although I think we need to be more worried about my Recruit 6 and her Recruit 4. They were heading off to kick some butt on July 4th.

The target?

These two boys much older and bigger than them who were throwing them around and being bullies. They didn't come to tattle but to gather sticks and pine cones to go back to war. Thank goodness we saw them in time. I have pictures but just am too tired to post them. Check out Island Girls blog, she has a few up.

I am amazed at how years can go buy and I still love my friends. They are members of my family and I am grateful I've been given the opportunity to have them as such. The military often pulls us far away from biological family members, creating distance and sometimes parallel lives.

I miss my El Paso girls. They are sisters too and I wish we were closer to make those secret sonic runs away from the kids. Only way we could talk about all of them without being overheard or interrupted. The Island girl and I kept going to the "store" the other night because we were in the middle of juicy stories and the kids wanted back in the womb for some reason.

Even The Marine kept coming in and finding us.

It can be lonely for those military families who never adapt and open their hearts up to non transitional ties and definitions of "family".

And wait, there's more I'm thinking about.

I also am worried about the fleas. I can't seem to get rid of them off the dogs. Frontline is not working this time. (told you this is hodge podge). Little Red is scratching under my feet and I feel bad for him. Scratch is looking bad too, he's allergic to them. I'm going to go buy super flea killing shampoo tomorrow and stuff for the yard. I don't like using chemicals, but my furry guys are miserable. Death to fleas.

And yet I still have room for other stuff.

Okay, I owe Lacrosse Camp pics, July 4th, and something else, I can't remember what. Right now, I need to go see what Recruits 5 and 6 are doing. Couple of days ago doing his "cool" ninja moves, Recruit 6 knocked a tooth out of Recruit 5's head.

Thank goodness it was a baby tooth already starting to loosen. I'd better make sure the ninja is under control.

The Marine is two hours from his destination. All seem to have survived the two day drive.

I'm alone with the two little Recruits. Wish me luck.

Dapper Dan!

2009-07-04T05:15:00.000-07:00

So Recruit 5 was asked to be the ring bearer in a wedding for one of Recruit 1's friends. He was very excited when he tried on his tux the night before. He said, "Mom, I've never had a bow tie before!"

I thought that was so funny because he wears a regular tie every Sunday. Perhaps I should invest in some bow ties for him. Maybe getting dressed for church wouldn't be so difficult!

Who knew I could grow such fabulous ears? And the missing teeth! Be still my heart! I just think this jr GQ is such a cutie!

As is my sr GQ man. He left early to get him to the wedding for pictures.

This struck me as weird, my tux clad tiny man strapping into his car seat.

A beautiful bride. Her dress was gorgeous. They had a beautiful wedding and I wish Recruit 1 could have been there.

The groom. I've never seen him so serious. He rarely takes a picture without making a face. Scared? Serious? Disturbed? He was talking with his Dad, who also was the Pastor that married them.

Steady, step, step, step, Don't look at anyone, focus on the spot you need to make it to... He was very diligent.

Leaving with the Flower girl, GG's daughter. You can tell who was enjoying the moment.

My favorite picture of the bride. Now this is the darling girl I know!

More pictures? The wedding was done and he had started stripping. Nope, get it back on son. Oh and let me take a few pictures...

His six year old tolerance meter was pegged out. He's not happy with me and getting more annoyed by the second.

If looks could wound I'd be bleeding... I'm not saying 'kill' because that makes me sad to think he wanted me dead, but I think he would have taken limping at the very least.

GG and I all dressed up!

At the reception and finally some water!

Now he's smiling!

The best part of the night for Recruit 5? The chocolate fountain. I need to remember this. It's all he'll need at any fancy party we ever throw for him!

The Marine

2009-07-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Marine is doing the dishes right now.

I love him.

The Marine, A Ford, and a Tow Truck

2009-07-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

So I had to call a tow truck twice this week to haul away the big shiny gray truck The Marine bought right after Christmas.

It was dying on us and then just quit running.

We thought it was fixed, but again last night it did it again. So this morning I called and had it towed to the dealership.

The Marine was sweating it. Diesels can get pricey to repair.

There's a big trip coming up. I'm deploying The Marine and some recruits to my mom's house 1500 miles away to take Recruit 1 her stuff and pick up some way cool furniture for me! My Mom over bought and I get to help her out~

I love it when Mom over buys. Thank goodness she has fabulous taste!

So we were freaking out the trip was in jeopardy.

The tow guy showed up and as I handed him the keys he said, "That's a good looking truck".

I frowned and said, "sure is, 'specially when it's not BEING TOWED".

So I hand over the keys, give Big Gray a dirty look and go back in the house to get dressed.

I called The Marine to tell him IT was being dragged away.

He was so sad on the phone. He told me how great I was being and he was sorry we were having so many problems. I told him everything was okay and then it slipped out. I didn't mean to say it out loud. It just slipped out before I could stop it.

I said, "CHEVY". nuts. He asked what I said. I said, "oops, was that out loud?" We've always owned Chevrolet or GMC vehicles with the occasional Toyota or currently my Kia van.

So I felt bad for kicking him while he was down and secretly I love the truck. It's big and shiny and manly. I feel like I can kick some butt driving it around.

I look like a 12 year old driving it. It's a height thing. I'm not bitter, I just raise the seat up all the way so I look taller with a tiny head. Anyway, I digress...

I felt bad for twisting the knife in his back, so while I was out I bought a singing get well card for the truck and a king size TWIX candy bar for The Marine. I left them on The Marine's desk while he was in a meeting. The card sang Stand By Me. I wrote I would walk by The Marine if it came down to it.

Late this afternoon the call came in. It was the fuel pump which was just replaced right after Memorial day weekend. Parts and Service were covered. Our big shiny truck was healed and for FREE!!! Well, minus some worry and sweat.

The trip is on, The Marine got a TWIX bar and a card he can play whenever he wants to feel mushy about me standing by him, and I get my furniture AND he is taking all but two of the recruits with him! WOOHOOO party!!!!

Tonight life is good!

Quiet

2009-06-30T05:10:00.000-07:00

Recruit 1 is gone, Recruit 3 and my adopted daughter who is also a Recruit but from another platoon (ok, that's silly but it's true, another Marine family) are both at a friends house spending the night. Three girls gone cuts way down on the noise. Recruit 4 is also gone.

Left while we were picking The Marine's truck up from the shop. Again.

Recruit 2 is a teenage boy and still comatose at 0800 in the morning as is our other house guest, another Recruit from still yet a different platoon. He's a teenage boy too, so dead to the world.

And my two little fellas are amazingly still asleep, as I would be if the dogs didn't wake me up to let them out.

Quiet. I hear the refrigerator running.

Hmmm. I think I like it.

I was able to read all my email uninterrupted.

Now that's done. Still quiet.

too early to call anyone.

Yep, pretty sure there was a reason God blessed me with all these kids. He knew I needed someone to talk to and The Marine just didn't have it in him to do all by himself.

Only problem is they are all gone or sound asleep and not even my need for chatter is great enough to wake up boys before they're ready, unless of course I have garbage that needs to go out.

Oh, I know! The Marine is at work. I'll call him. He probably misses me anyway, he's been gone about an hour and a half already...

13 June 2009 Recruit 1 Graduates!

2009-06-25T16:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, a little baby girl was born to a young Marine and his lovely wife. Then she grew up, turned 18 and got up one hot morning in June to curl her hair and get ready to graduate!

Family came to watch the big event and join in the fun!

Grandmothers, and cousins and Aunts. And me, taking pictures and making my #1 Recruit pose the entire day. She did request I stop taking pictures so she could finish getting dressed...

The Grandmother was quite willing to pose for me though! She looked extra cute that day!

We filled the stands. Here you see Recruit 2, Grammy: The Marine's mom, my sister and my mom, The Grandmother. Friends whose daughter was graduating too and who is best friends with Recruit 1 are sitting behind us. We had a combined cook out for the girls afterwards.

And there she goes! Across the stage to freedom, adulthood, and her future! The possibilities before her and the other 249 of them are endless! The possibility for heatstroke being first on the agenda.

Even thought it was very hot, of course we all stayed to take extra pictures while we slowly melted away.

Check out my cool bandage on my leg. Wasn't really the look I had originally planned. A souvenir from my Vegas trip. What happened in Vegas came home with me!

There we go. Nothing like reflective stands to really bake you.

Recruit 1 posing on the stage with Grammy.

My sister came out with her two little ones as well. First time she's been to visit since we moved way out yonder. I hope she comes back... Recruit 6 wasn't very nice to her little fella, who by the way, is BIGGER than Recruit 6. Doesn't seem to stop my tiny terrorist.

Awwww, just melts your heart. The Marine giving his first born a big juicy. How sweet. Brought a tear to my... Oh wait, never mind, as usual...

I knew it was too sappy for my crew. He is symbolically tossing her out on her diploma...

Hold on Recruit 1, it may not be so symbolic!! I'd like to see him try this in two years with Recruit 2.

This is as close to the stage as we could get him. Plus it was very very hot (did I mention that?) He was sluggish.

Leaving the football field. I tried to run ahead. It's not easy in heels on real football grass.

Gratuitous mom picture. She's just fun! We walked back out to our vehicles. Recruit 1 had decorated the jeep and my van.

The Grandmother asked if she could ride back home with Recruit 1. So I left assuming they were right behind me. Everyone else arrived back at home to change for the party and they still hadn't arrived. And time passed. I went out to the van to load stuff wondering where they were.
Suddenly, screaming around the corner, top down with country tunes blaring from the radio and The Grandmother's Pony tail flying were these two. Should I be worried turning them loose together?

Then it was off to the BBQ at our friends house. They were totally fabulous opening their home up, especially because you just never know who will show up! Great food, good folks and both our daughters are on their way off our grocery bill!

Another picture just because I can and she's mine! I'm so tickled with what I grew! I made her and her bestie put their caps and gowns back on for pictures at the house. Right when we were done, The Brown Mom also known as guard goddess or guard guru, and The Marine grab Recruit One just as she strips off her gown.

No way was I going to be part of this. Recruit One screamed repeatedly and it sounded like someone was cutting body parts off. If you have never had the opportunity to here this child scream, then you just don't know what you're missing, and your lucky.

While I wasn't willing to help toss her in the pool, fully clothes, I was certainly willing to photograph the whole event!

Still screaming...

aaaaannnnnd... she plugs her nose. Check out the faces below.

Big splash. But not too big, I can hear Recruit 1 now "Thanks Mom."

white shirt... oops...

The bestie didn't have her robe off yet and The Marine held on while she struggled to get away or at least ditch her graduation attire...

The Marine lost his grip momentarily but Recruit 1 came in from behind. The bestie was trying to bring The Marine with them.

He didn't go in, but her high heel sandals did.

As well as Recruit 1. She sacrificed herself to make sure she wasn't the only one wet and fully clothed.

And then they go for revenge on The Marine.

He fought them off as best he could.

But in the end just gave up.

Notice a theme here of The Marine trying to throw out Recruit 1! Don't worry honey, I'll make sure you have a key to house. Even when he changes the locks. He doesn't mean it.

Then it was on to GG. She needed to feel the love, the very wet soggy love, as well.

And she just took it. No way to fight in the kitchen.

So my amazing, feisty, typically teenage but extraordinary young woman graduated. Yesterday she flew away, moving out to start learning about life far away from The Marine and I and the other Recruits. I didn't fall apart, although I did manage a tear or two as The Marine drove us away from the airport. The last time I saw her, she was peeking around other passengers to look back at us as she got ready to go through security.

I would have been more sad but by the time we got home we had several squabbles to settle, an "incident" to discuss with someone (can't remember who or what) and stuff to clean. Life goes on and leaves little time to wallow. I have found I can worry and think about my oldest chick even while I am cleaning up the nose blow out or breaking up sword fights from the younger chicks still roosting at home.

Multi-tasking.

The key to surviving your children moving on. Well, that and texting.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again...

2009-06-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a work trip to South Carolina. It's always interesting when I leave to take note of who contacts me and what they decide is important to share with me while I am on the road.

This time I left my mom and sister and her two kids at home with The Marine and all the recruits. They had come out for Recruit 1's graduation, (pictures will be posted soon). I was sad to leave, but glad my kids were able to spend a little more time with them.

One of the days I was gone my oldest called. I took a quick break to see what was up. Everyone else had gone to the beach and she had stayed home. She's been sticking close lately.

Recruit 1: "Mom, wanta hear something?"

I was in middle of working and figured it was a joke, or worse an incident of one of the little recruits about to be recounted to me in horrible detail. Recruit 6 had been awful to our cute little cousin.

Kelli: with dread, "oh, okay, sure, but real quick."

Recruit 1: "Hold on, I'm going to set the phone down on the piano."

Seriously? I'M WORKING....

I waited for the horrible details to be described to me of whatever my little angles had said, done, broken, etc.

Then I heard her start playing the piano. A real song. With BOTH hands. She has taken lessons on and off but I've always wanted the kids to start learning to play the hymns and they never really did.

This was definitely a hymn. I listened and all my attention was now riveted on what I was hearing.

I KNEW this song. I could actually recognize it. Then it hit me what hymn she was playing.

God Be With You Till We Meet Again

The moment was not lost on me. She was leaving in a little over a week to begin a life where I would no longer be involved on a daily basis. She was flying to be over 1500 miles away from me. 25 hours to drive.

This part of having children is about really turning to Heavenly Father and digging into your faith. It takes courage. You need a lot of courage when your children get to where you have to turn them over to themselves. (I learned that from a dear sister here.)

She's been taught, I tried my best. Did she listen? I have wondering and worrying over that.

I don't want to have to dig in and have courage. I hate having courage. It means to have courage I have to face and endure something I fear or am anxious or uncertain about. Then I have to have faith to overcome my fear. I really have crazy talks with myself, be glad only a small portion is blogged...

I teared up and misted a little in the hallway outside that hotel ballroom as I listened to the halting rendition.

The last notes sounded on the piano and I said, "Wow! When did you learn that?"

Recruit 1: "This morning when everyone went to the beach. I just wanted to stay home and I sat down and just learned it."

I didn't want to give into the boohoo I knew was coming. I had to go be the perky conference lady. Doesn't look good if you boohoo before you go in and try to be perky.

I wiped a tear off and said, "Why did you pick that song?"

It's a hymn that was sung in a few wards to our family on our last Sunday before we would have to leave for a new duty station. I always dreaded it. I don't like to cry. I am super woman in case you didn't know. Super woman doesn't cry. She grins and flashes a confident thumbs up. I always cried. My thumb always wavered as I left my friends every three years to go find new ones in another place.

Recruit 1: "I don't know, it was just the one I chose."

I was pulling myself together and needed to get back to work.

Kelli: "Well I am so proud of you. All alone and you sit down to learn a hymn instead of doing drugs! You are such a good girl!"

Recruit 1: "Well thank you... no, no drugs..."

She did listen! I am grateful for the ways in which the Lord let's me know to dig in and lean on him and that all is well, all is well....

Day One of Weekend down

2009-06-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Everyone is finally here. We had a great dinner, (Thank you Mom-in-law, I'm so glad she was here.) Then the Marine and I took the some of the recruits and the the cousins to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. It was wonderful.

It was so rewarding to see this particular young man receive such an esteemed award and join the ranks of a special group of men.

Hopefully Recruit 2 will be having his before the year is out.

The Marine has been a bit sticky lately. Like a prickly cactus. I think the moon has been orbiting in the house of jujube. Or whatever, his bio rhythms are out of whack. I think he is stressed about his big girl swooping out of our coop later this month. It's really sweet if you can get past all the grunting, growling and general Grinch type demeanor.

Tomorrow is the big day for Recruit 1. She made it. Whew!

Update on my lost peeps.

2009-06-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well, they spent the night in the Atlanta Airport. Couldn't rent a car, My sister and the little dude got stuck on a tram for twenty minutes in an obscure part of the airport, their gate changed again.

They will be ripe and tired by the time they get here. CRAZY! Glad I only had to make the recruits keep wiping the toilet down.....

Today is my Mom's birthday. Gotta get some cupcakes!!!

Recruit 1 had her practice for graduation tomorrow and she is lunching with her senior buds.

Picked up my Mom-in-law and I'm glad she's here. I need help!!!

The Graduation weekend adventure continues!!!

Visitors at my house

2009-06-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

These little people were supposed to get to my house tonight. Their mom (my sister) and my mom (their Grandmother) are coming too. They are coming in for Recruit One's graduation.

Mom just called and they are in the Atlanta airport and their flight just got canceled.

I know it's got to be terrible for them at the Atlanta airport with two little folks, but what about me??? I've got to keep the house clean ALL NIGHT LONG NOW!!!

Okay, so my plight is not near as stressful. But sometimes it's worse than herding cats.

Anyway, back to my Mom. I asked her what she was doing. She said eating pizza. I said oh.

What can you do? Eat pizza and wait for a plane to show up I guess... Gotta love it!

The First and The Last

2009-06-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Today marks a momentous one time only occasion in my life. I have an official graduate of high school and an official graduate of preschool. AND THAT IS ALL OF THEM. The last one begins his educational adventure.

My first is moving on and my last is stepping in to take his rightful place in the public school system. My prayers go with both of them!

Recruit 1 will have a post after her graduation ceremony on Saturday, but this one is dedicated to Recruit 6 to document the beginning of his journey into elementary education. I'm just too tired to get teary eyed, but I feel it. I surely do.

I was unfortunately away on a trip when he graduated. It's odd, the tables being turned and I am the one having to get second hand reports and pictures of events in my children's lives. Usually I am giving detailed descriptions to the Marine. I do a great job by the way... Lots of details.

Instead he is reporting to me while I am away on a business trip. His reports are much shorter and WAY less descriptive, but he manages to do all that needs to be done. Not an easy task. I know.

In fact, it's been interesting to see a little glimpse the other side of coin so to speak. I am usually frazzled at home, trying to be in too many places at once, dealing with the angst of childhood and teenagers as well as deal with their emotions about their Dad being gone. I just assumed I had the rougher deal.

I now know how it feels to not be there when a great event happens, or you hang up after talking to a little one and look around knowing they are all together and your there by yourself, all alone, no one to snuggle or talk to.

Okay who am I kidding? I go away for 4 or 5 days, stay in 5 star hotels and just have to knock on my co-workers door and demand to be snuggled.

So they wouldn't snuggle me, but they would give me a hug if I whined outside their door long enough.

Point is, I'm not in miserable conditions, danger, maybe, just not miserable conditions. I WAS in Vegas recently and still need to tell you about the burn on my leg, the French guy and a Harley...

I just think it's been interesting to glimpse a tiny bit of what it's like to be the one gone. The Marine does a fabulous job a week at a time and he has benefited seeing what it's like to be the keeper of all things important.

I'm sure he would do fine over longer periods of time, but I hope to never test that. I describe things much better after all.

More importantly how blessed I am to have a man who is such an active and involved Dad. Leaving for little bursts here and there gives my kids an opportunity to be with their Dad in a way that wouldn't be possible if I were standing right there. You know, my powerful and forceful nature and all...

I still don't like missing these moments. My future walks mightily in a cap and gown ready to take on Kindergarten while my other future prepares to face the world.

I'm not sure which one worries me more...

I just hope these two and all the ones in between learn that if you work hard, do what is right, and stay close to your family, there's usually good things that come your way. Like CAKE!

Marine and Mouse are reunited

2009-06-04T19:55:00.000-07:00

I'm home.

The Marine has HIS mouse back.

He doesn't know or care where my mouse is. I'm using my finger on the tiny pad to point and click. It stinks.

Good night.

I took the MOUSE

2009-06-04T03:50:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in the Las Vegas airport at 0350 waiting for the airline to open up so I can check in for my 0600 flight home. Why?

Because I have some twisted idea that by getting little to no sleep after 3 days in Vegas and flying 7 hours I am some how going to be in any shape to help The Marine as soon as I land in the tiny little village we live in.

It really is a village after all I just saw the past three and a half days.

If I had just stopped trying to pretend like I can do everything I would have been able to sleep in a little longer, but not arrive until 2330 at night, missing the crabby 6 hours I've insured my family will experience once I land.

I am planning now NOT to be crabby. I think the only way to guarantee this is a muscle relaxer, applying whichever oils calm the nervous system and an early bed time.

So that's where I am while writing this post.

When I left home The Marine packed up my computer for me. I apparently had HIS wireless mouse on my laptop. I know it was his mouse because that morning I went into the office and took it off his computer.

THE NEXT day, while in VEGAS on a TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY with the company I work for I received a voice mail from the Marine.

Marine: "Kelli, call me as soon as you get this, couple of things going on here."

Let me interrupt my narrative here by letting you know if you are familiar with Myers-Briggs you need to know my Marine is an ESTJ and I am an ENFP. If you are not familiar with it just know we are complete polar opposites and I break or lose stuff... Alot, and it's usually his.

So I get the voice mail while I am in a limo with the CEO, a member of the content team I'm on, who knows me and two women I've never met until the night before from other projects in our company.

I call my Marine and quietly speak into the phone.

Kelli: "What's up?"

Marine: "Hey, they are delivering J's jeep and I need to get a cashiers check"

Kelli: "Okay, go get it, what's next?"

Marine: "Why did you take my mouse?!"

Seriously? I paused glancing up at MY BOSS PEOPLE.

Kelli: "Um, what?" I knew full well I had it. "I thought it was mine."

Marine: "Where's yours? Why would you go get mine?"

Kelli: "I'm in a limo on a scavenger hunt, I'll call you later."

Click.

We really were on a scavenger hunt in Vegas, in a limo, and we were determined we were going to win. We didn't. However it was crazy fun. Except the burn on my leg.

Back in the Lobby of the Bellagio, (sorry I had to just casually throw it out, my Boss Lady is COOL!) we wrap up the exercise and I step off to call back the Marine whom I've stolen the mouse from AND hung up on him.

Kelli: "Hey, seriously, I couldn't find mine, saw yours and thought it was, they look just alike and besides YOU packed up the computer, didn't you see it?"

The Marine: I can't remember what he said, but it required the following response.

Kelli: "You're right, and I'm sorry, I have to go I burned my leg on the French guy's Harley."

The Marine: mouse forgotten, "WHAT? What were you doing on a Harley and how did you burn your leg??"

Kelli: "I've got to go, I'll call you in thirty minutes and explain everything... Love ya, bye!"

Click.

True story.

I called him back and filled him in, but I have to go now, the Kiosk opened to check in and now it looks like the entire population of a small village has lined up while I was writing this.

VIVA LAS VEGAS BABY!!!!!

Planting with the Marine

2009-05-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

The Marine ripped out the front flower beds... About a year ago. He has just about finished replacing them, and I have to say he's done a nice job. I am actually very pleased. The only tough part has been agreeing where to place the shrubs/flowers.

He says I keep putting them in a military formation. Um HELLO!!! I've never not been around the military, but the fact is, he just visualizes in military formations. It was actually a nice lay out.

But I went across the street and drug my neighbor into the fray. With her neutrality we came up with something lovely. I'll take pictures later. Right now I'm annoyed.

In fact I am supposed to be outside with him right now arranging plants in the last bed to be planted. I arranged them how I wanted them and he said it was ok.... but....

I rearranged them.

He made no comment.

I glared at him. He missed the glare.

I waited.

He finally said, "Is this how you want them?"

Are you kidding me???

I said "yes that's why I stuck them this way. I asked you if you liked this and you never said anything."

The marine: "I was thinking."

I finally said something short and terse and came in.

I walked back out a few minutes later and he was beginning to put up the new outside fixtures he bought for outside the garage.

I watched.

I finally said "Do you think you are going to need help with these?"

The Marine: "um, probably."

Me: "I''ll send someone out."

And I came inside and sent out Recruit 4.

Uh oh, the electricity in this room just went off. He either is trying to spook me out or just shut breakers off in the garage to replace the fixtures.

I'm going to bed. It's dark.

Recruit Six: Preschool comes to an end...

2009-05-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that in a few short months my youngest little man will enter public school as the last Kindergartner in our family.

He has spent the last year in pre-school and only had a "few" incidents. Here he is at the Mother's Day tea they held.

He will be "graduating" from pre-school next week. He only knocked out one little boy's tooth the whole school year. We were so relieved. Thank goodness the little boy liked going to the dentist and the dentist repaired it at no charge.

We had a talk about using our WORDS to express ourselves. He seemed to do better after that.

He is a funny boy. There have been so many funny things he's said and done and I've missed capturing a lot of them.

Recruit 6 was very disgruntled when all the primary children had to go up on the stand and sing mother's day songs. He frowned the entire time in the very front of all the children and occasionally would look up from under his eyes, glare at the congregation and then look back down again.

Mom: What do you want to be when you grow up.

Recruit 6: A ninja turtle

The Marine: Which one?

Recruit 6: Leonardo.

Mom: What does your dad do for a job?

Recruit 6: um, Marine, he shoots people... um, I don't know, just shoots people.

(runs out of the room)

Mom: Come back, I want to ask more questions...

Recruit 6: NOOOO I don't want to do it!!

My Mother told me too...

2009-05-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

I received an email from my Mom today who said she missed my blog posts.
So, I'm blogging. My mom told me to.

I have been so busy and there's been so much to share, yet I just haven't had the time or energy to blog. My crazy middle of the night blogs thank goodness are fewer since I started taking melatonin. However I miss the 0215 inspiration that used to strike!

The big news around here lately is we are getting ready for Recruit 1's graduation from high school and her move several states away to go to school and live with my Mother.

We know she is really ready for the big world out there and to make big girl decisions on her own. And far away where we aren't watching her every move. That is painful!

She and her bestest buddy will be going there separate ways, but I'm sure she'll be fine. This was taken the night of their final stage show at the spring band concert. I promise these are costumes and not an indication of their career choice...

I have no doubt this first born child of mine will go forward and do great things! However, the world may not be ready for her!

Update on the positive position I am taking

2009-04-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

So The Marine returns home before heading out to Recruit 4's baseball game. I hug him and tell him I think he is a great dad and husband.

He just says: "I am, aren't I?"

I wanted to smack him.

I didn't.

My quest to strengthen our relationship by acknowledging how much he does and is appreciated may not work here. Alternative directions may have to be taken.

I might actually have to cook dinner sometime, or worse... do laundry. I'll keep you posted.

Trying new things

2009-04-21T04:29:00.000-07:00

So I am trying to be a more positive spouse. My Mom bought me this great book by John Bytheway (his real name) when I was home visiting her last week. It's a quick read and I zipped through it on the plane on the way home.

There are no new grand revelations in the book. Just reminders of how criticism only hurts our relationships etc.

I've always told The Marine positive things about him, but perhaps there is always a "but" on the other end, so I decided I would try and only comment on the positive.

I arrived home and told him how much I appreciated his taking over the house and kids while I was gone and what a great job I thought he had done, which was true, he did a great job. He thanked me and gave me a hug.

I told him later I appreciated his support in my job. He paused, thanked me and gave me a hug.

Yesterday, I called him at work and asked him where the trash stickers were and then told him that I really just wanted to tell him I loved him and appreciated who he was. He got very quiet.

Then he asked me, "What are you fixing to tell me?"

I replied, "Nothing, I just wanted to tell you I loved you."

The Marine: "What did you do?"

Kelli: "NOTHING, I just wanted to say how much I appreciated all that you do"

The Marine with an odd laugh, "Okay, but you should just tell me what happened."

Good grief, I can't win! Although, in writing this, it seems to me I may have found a new kind of torture...

Quick catch up on my ever tilting planet

2009-04-20T04:35:00.001-07:00

I have been MIA from my blog as of late. Life just has a way of sneaking up and grabbing you around the waist and whisking you off onto the dance floor and not letting you go until you completely fall down from exhaustion.

So April finds me squeezing in a quick post. I've just returned from a workshop and was able to visit with my Mom. It always makes me a little sad to leave. I wish we could move back and live near her. However the Marine Corps is still in charge of where we live. Maybe in a year or two.

The Marine never blew up, but instead did a marvelous job running the house while I was gone. he always does though. He also started getting the office straightened out. An awful task I've been putting off for a while.

Recruit one is moving ever closer to graduation. She has been worked hard the last couple of weeks helping with the little boys and the house. I think she is about done playing mommy.

Recruit two spent spring break at my Mom's house working. He had a great time digging holes for the posts for a barn, driving the tractor, and he only flipped the go cart over once and dinged himself in the head with a stake driver! It was a somewhat injury free vacation, except for the pinky he almost ripped off when the go cart flipped over.

Recruit three made the cheer squad at her middle school again. She still surprises me with the whole cheer thing.

Recruit 4 is being a pill in school, but things at home seem better. I'll be glad when the school year ends for him.

Recruit 5 and 6 are well and just as funny as always.

It's still Lacrosse season and baseball season has started. That means we are headed in a hundred different directions. Plus my mom and sister and her kids are coming for the graduation in June. I have to start cleaning my house yesterday! I'm not kidding.

The Marine would like to just load up most of the garage contents and take them to the dump. That's not the way I would like to clean, so I'm sure we will have words soon.

Otherwise life has been busy and has been good. The recruits are all in school and The Marine at work! I'm going to contemplate a shower or perhaps just crawl back in bed, just for a minute though... I promise.

No Storm as of Yet!

2009-03-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

So I've left for Norfolk and returned home since I last blogged. While I was away, The Marine as usual, did a fabulous job of being the house mouse.

It's really annoying.

Comforting to know I can leave for several days, but annoying that he doesn't suffer like I do.

Just once it would be nice to see him disheveled and curled up on the front porch twitching, waiting for me to ride in and rescue him. Not that I've ever been curled up on the front porch twitching. I usually have the presence of mind to hide inside the house and twitch.

Of course I've never left him for months on end either. I'm sure there would be a different ending to THAT story.

In the meantime...

The storm I fear on the horizon seems to be hovering in the distance with no indication it's going to move in. However it's not dissipated as of yet either. It could go either way at this point. I should probably clean something up and see if it makes it go away...

This morning there was a little lightning and thunder. The Marine irritated me and I irritated him and he threw not one, but TWO pitchers of cold water on me while I was taking a shower.

One 2 Gallon pitcher of glacier water came over the top of the shower curtain and the second pitcher he threw back the curtain and just blatantly doused me. Then giggled like a school girl.

I can't reveal here what we were fighting about. Mainly because it's almost 10:00 at night and I'm really tired and can't remember.

All I know is I would normally be planning vengeance but he has no boundaries when it comes to "game on" and I'm just too tired. Oh wait, I think I called into question his gender or something and that's what got me the second pitcher.

I just don't remember why I deserved the first pitcher.

I do know that yelling at your spouse while you are in the shower behind a shower curtain and with your eyes closed it a bad idea. very bad.

I'm sure I didn't deserve it though. Not that much anyway. I stopped yelling.

Although I do reserve the right to get him at an unknown day and hour. I just have to make sure I can run like the wind and hide for 72 hours. I'm thinking since he never reads the blog I should maybe take action swiftly. He won't be expecting it. Don't anyone tell him.

It requires me getting out of bed earlier than I feel comfortable with. I'll have to ponder this. Don't know if it will be worth it. He's trained to take someone down by their pinky. I know.

We must be beyond that honeymoon phase of the reunion. That's okay by me. I don't mind having him around all the time. He makes life more interesting, and dare I say a little exhilarating?? Try a cold pitcher of water at 0630, you WILL be exhilarated! At least that's what I'm calling it.

This is me thinking about pay back. Don't I look exhilarated??? MUWaaaHaaaHaaaa!

There's a storm a-comin'!

2009-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have just not had the time to sit down and keep up with blogging. So consequently I have all these blogs swimming around in my head waiting to spill out in clever and witty posts.

I'll just let you know up front, this really won't be clever or witty, but I'm at least posting! I figured it would be best to just catch up.

The Marine returned home earlier in the week. As usual I am always more than thrilled to have him home. The first twenty four hours are the best. Everyone is happy and I'm relieved to have help with parenting, the house, and our crazy schedule.

The next twenty four hours are good, but the glow is fading. The Marine has had plenty of time to notice what's broken, dirty, or turned upside down and at this point he is straining to not point it out. He did well. I could hardly tell he was straining. In fact, the only reason I know is because we have been hanging out together for longer than we were single.

The third twenty four hours, or day three, was still pleasant. However a slight current began to run beneath the surface. The Marine was no longer able to restrain himself, however his comments were very kind and supportive, except that one time, otherwise he's been really tolerant and understanding. However I began preparing myself.

Day four we had a tiff. I don't remember what it was about. It wasn't even blog worthy. However, it shows he's begining to crack under the pressure. I have to say though, The Marine has yet to visibly freak out due to the condition he found the office in. I'm actually impressed. He looked in and saw the chaos and I quickly yelled, I HAD TO DO TAXES. Which, by the way, is actually the truth.

This explanantion explained very clearly why it looks like someone dumped all our files into the middle of the room.

I'll fix it. I promise.

In spite of the evidence of the storm I know is brewing ( Thor I like to call him -I mean It), I wouldn't trade having the old grey haired fella being home for all the calm, balmy days in the world.

Besides I like a good storm every now and then, but don't tell him that, I haven't finished battening down the hatches. It's all about preparation...

My Birthday!

2009-03-08T18:04:00.000-07:00

I had a birthday in February. I am now officially older than I was before my birthday! Great. The Marine was still gone, but my kids and friends and through me a "surprise party". I knew something was up because Recruit 6 told me I had a birthday cake but it was at the Guard Guru's house.

He also said I had a BIIIIGGGGG Mickey Mouse card. HA! I didn't reveal this to anyone. He did pretty good. Recruit 1 had taken him shopping on Thursday and it was Friday afternoon before he began to sing like a bird.

I drove up to GG's house (Recruit 1 was going to do it at my house... THANK YOU GG!)

There was a crowd of merry makers making merry with various tools of merriment and holding a banner with "Happy Old Day" written across it, a woman with flippy hair and a botox needle...

The flippy hair girls is in the lower right left hand corner. She was well drawn. That's all I'll say.

You can see Recruit 2 making a face, M&M in front of him along with GG, little bit, The coffee shop lady and the Math teacher. Okay see if you can figure out whose who.

The Math teacher's body, Stilts his son, J&M, M&M's brother, and another boy.

They were blowing horns. Oh and here is another character in our life, The assistant GG, she just married her own Marine and is leaving us soon. Loser. I don't know why she would want to leave us for love. We are like family! Just different colors. A lot of different colors. We are a flippin' rainbow of love here!!!!!

And always there is FOOD. GG is Filipino and Irish. She has kept my children alive when The Marine leaves. Recruit 4 asked if we were going over there this past weekend and I said yes. He responded with oh thank goodness, FOOD! I should be ashamed in there somewhere, but I'm not.

The Marine was on the phone and Recruit 1 handed it to me as I walked up to the merry making revelers. He was sad he couldn't be there. He likes to eat too... Check out the tiny head of Recruit 5, 6 is behind me. They were a little confused as we walked up and everyone started hollering.

I got presents! But I had to wear this hat. And, I've only included two pics of present time because everyone of them my mouth was open or contorted. It's like they ONLY took pictures when I looked silly. Or I was so excited and didn't stop oohing and awing...

See, not pretty. Many more like this. ug.

Recruit 1. She really is a pretty girl and somewhat normal. Just not here.

The Coffee Shop lady and The Office Lady. I like them both very much. The Office Lady even gave me a whole bag of broccoli and was kind enough to include Benadryl since I'm allergic to broccoli! Gosh. Friends.

GG and her plate. We must EAT!!! And at HER HOUSE. She is my HERO!!!

M&M's mama. I love her! She is the best! M&M and Recruit 1 are best friends. They share a single brain cell between the two of them and often end up fighting with it. We have remained unsullied by the hormonal ragings of our teeny-boppers. Her husband is friends with the Marine. HE's the one that defiled my van with F250 signs. I am still plotting. I've just been busy.

Yummo!

The offspring of various friends. The Picture lady is in the back. She used to be a coffee shop lady, but now she is the picture lady.

My big girl! She is leaving me soon. sniff.

The coffee shop lady and I. We're are stars!

GG's going to be mad this one is up. Don't anyone tell her. She NEVER reads the blog.

so if she's mad I can just refer her to this picture of myself. It's just weird and creepy. Those are the coffee shop lady's hands on my face. She was showing me what I would look like with a face lift. Here it's more of a face pull.

I am slow in getting this up. But I felt loved and I had great friends there. Not all who are in the pictures. The Sailor just left for a deployment. She's married to the Math teacher, so I hope if she can read this she knows she's missed! It was a fun night and it helped make getting a little older a lot more fun.

The Marine Called

2009-03-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

He read my post from yesterday. He said he was on his way home.

I didn't laugh.

I am cold.

2009-03-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

I once told The Marine I couldn't do laundry until it was at least 40 degrees outside. Our washer and dryer at the time were outside on a carport in the closet/storage area. It was a CAR PORT people, meaning just a cover, no walls. It was 23 degrees out. No one should do laundry when it's 23 degrees out.

Not much has changed. It's just too cold to do anything. It's going to feel like 14 degrees tonight even though it will be 24 degrees.

I am posting this as a warning to anyone who may stop by. I'm not cleaning until we hit 40 degrees and by that I mean it has to FEEL like 40 degrees too, it can't just BE 40 degrees (or the Marine calls and says he's on his way home, whichever comes first).

I'm Wearing Your Pajammas and Driving Your Truck AT THE SAME TIME

2009-03-01T19:32:00.000-08:00

So usually about now when The Marine is gone (we are six weeks into it) I start to lose it. It's inevitable, and for those of you unfamiliar with the cycle of insanity that happens when Marines leave their families, it's normal, I promise.

Six kids, a job, a house, and the supernatural pile of laundry oozing out of the laundry room is enough to make anyone lose there mind. The dogs all need their nails clipped and their bodies washed, the house stinks and I need a new refrigerator. It's dying.

Today was just the day.

After several incidents with several children I decided it was all The Marine's fault. So I put on his Christmas PJ's and drove his truck. It didn't feel vindictive enough, so I called him. A lot. From inside his truck.

I even held the phone out the window near the engine as we idled outside Taco Bell. If he had been here I'm sure I would have never been driven to driving in his night clothes.

Certainly not in his truck in anyway...

He told me to go home immediately and park the truck.

I laughed maniacally and screamed NEVER!!! Then, hung up and gunned the engine. I meant to gun the engine and then hang up but I got confused between my cell phone and the gas pedal.

One fiesta chicken bowl and a Dr. Pepper later, as well as the crushed dreams of several children, and an attempt to pry into the "personal life" of my oldest child, I'm feeling much better.

Don't worry, the children weren't too crushed and really the only dream I crushed was when Recruit 6 bounced into my room wanting to know if I had any "weapons" he could use. I said NO. He eyed my roll of brown wrapping paper left over from Christmas and grabbed it. I said put it back and he tried to negotiate with me while twirling it in a crazy num-chuck fashion around his body. I won, he was crushed.

If there is snow or ice in this town tomorrow and "they" all stay home with me, I promise you, I'm staying in the Jammie's, firing up the diesel and turning the seat warmers on.

I'll be sure to call.

Dear Marine... I miss you.

2009-02-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

Dear Marine,
Life is marching merrily along and you are no where near. I wanted to just fill you in on your life back here in family land. Today anyway.

Recruit 1: Sprained the heck (or broke) her finger tonight at Guard rehearsal. It's her right pointer finger. It's swollen, changing colors and crooked. She said it was fine. GG said she had a fabulous last two runs. She so does not take after me. I would be curled up asking for soup and Popsicles.

Recruit 2: Went to Lacrosse practice and wore Recruit 4's football socks, you know the ones that stretch to his knees? Then he walked around Wal-Mart like that. He is very secure in his coolness because it was truly tested tonight by his ensemble. He had on his basketball shorts, Lacrosse sweat shirt and running shoes. Not pretty.

Recruit 3: Had a huge fight with Recruit 1 about thirty minutes ago. It all started when Recruit 1 came out of the shower complaining that Recruit 3 had used up all the hot water. Recruit 2 swore he didn't use any hot water at all, even though he took a shower first...

Then I heard something about "don't touch my crack" but it turned out to be "don't touch my crap" which actually, even though that was not nice, I was somewhat relieved the other version was disturbing. Then it became "I'm going to chuck your butt down the stairs". No one came rolling down the stairs so I'm assuming it's over. I don't hear anything.

Recruit 4: We had a 'meeting' at school with him, myself, his teacher, his music teacher and the principal. I explained to all of them he was a brilliant child and we needed to all just love him for who he is. Can't we all just get a long?? I think they heard me...

Recruit 5: He is passed out in your chair as I type. I scratched him across his cheek. The one with the scar. I felt terrible. It's been there for three days now. On the up side he looks even more like a pirate... arrrrgg me hearties! I'm going to just leave him in the chair. I can't lift him up to the second bunk. He's too big.

Recruit 6: He is leaping about the room. I'm not kidding. LEAPING. He is a cross between a frogger character and spider man with a Jackie Chan influence. He is really killing me here.
The following is typed as he spoke to me.

Recruit 6: "Do you know about Jackie Chan had this white costume with a sword and he had it in his pocket and when they were in a battle they had like 16 people like that many (hold up all your hands) and the guy on the horse pulled out his sword and Jackie Chan blocked it with his shoes, but with his feet kinda but it didn't hurt because he didn't have his shoes with him because he doesn't wear shoes. He has this big flame on his head, he always has a flame head, oh wait oh wait he doesn't have a flame head, so he pulls out this sword but he doesn't have a sword, but when he trains he makes a sword. and Jackie Chan almost meets when he has a blue costume on, a blue and white and he had this crazy thing on his head, it was that seat there was a spider under his neck, yeah his neck... that was really scary....."

OH MY GOSH SAVE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, I've stopped typing and he is still going. Now he's talking about a tiny guy with a big head. No one else is up. What do I do? I"m so confused. I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

COME HOME. I don't speak Jackie Chan or Four Year old wild boy very well.

Last thing I thought was funny today, and yes this is all true and it all happened today.

Recruit 5 and 6 were watching American Idol. That guy with black hair was singing. Recruit 6 said "he screams like a girl"

Recruit 5 with no expression and no inflection in his voice: "You're a girl"

Recruit 6 not missing a beat: "His hair looks cool"

Recruit 5: snickers

These kids are fabulous! What the heck would I have to write about if it weren't for them? Going to go take Melatonin now and hopefully be rested to face tomorrow...

Love Kelli

Seven Cherry Vanilla Dr. Peppers Please.

2009-02-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

So I left my children. I do that sometimes. Just grabbed my stuff and said bye. The sad part is, they never seem concerned. In fact, no one even begged to go with me tonight.

I ran away to Sonic. Recruit 3 told me they were getting closed down because of roaches. But on further questioning she was unable to identify her source. Since I really wanted a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper I decided to look at what their rating was before accepting my drink.

I drove The Marine's truck. Because I can.

I moved the pedals all the way up and the seat back further than I would normally be able to reach and up as high as it would go. To someone driving by I bet I looked like I was a really tall girl.

I digress. Oh and you have to know the truck is a diesel. It's loud.

So I pull up to the lit menu and yell into the speaker. The lady tells me she can't hear me.

I turn off the truck and start over with my order.

Kelli: "I would like seven Cherry Vanilla Dr. Peppers please."

Sonic: "Seven?"

Kelli: "Yes, seven."

Sonic: "Vanilla Dr Peppers?"

Kelli: "no, CHERRY Vanilla Dr. Peppers, Seven"

no answer

no answer

Sonic: "That will be fourteen dollars"

Kelli: "Thank you"

I wasn't going to get the kids anything but I felt bad that no one challenged me as I ran away from them. Somehow I have to hook them back in, but not a lot. I don't want them clamoring to run away with me, just mildy requesting it.

So I called home and Recruit 1 answered. I told her to send someone outside to the truck as I sat idling in the driveway playing air drums with two sonic straws.

Standing Outside the Fire by Garth Brooks was playing. Very motivating.

She sent herself out. I had alluded to the fact I had presents. She was pleased. I was worried they would deem my offerings below par. But as she neared the truck Recruit 4 was hot on her heals and grinning.

Then 3 sauntered out and 5 skipping behind her. They each claimed their medium Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper happily and smartly about faced, leaving me to Garth and my drumming.
Then 6 ran up and stretching on tippy toes, claimed his drink. Turning to go he hesitated looking back at me.

He wrinkled up his brow and asked "ya got food in there?"

Recruit 2 had yet to appear. I was alone and had already finished my drinking, eyeing his. I called the house. Is he coming out?

Suddenly Recruit 2 shirtless, in pj bottoms and limping runs to the truck. "No one told me!" he said as he claimed the last drink. He was quite pleased with the drink selection.

I made friends.

Oh, and I saw no roaches and their score was a 96.5, not the best, and the fact that I have no idea what is rated doesn't matter. Sonic lives!

Valentine's Day Surprise

2009-02-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

So Friday the 13th, (that's kind of creepy to type by the way), ANYWAY... Friday the 13th I was working diligently in my office in my house. The Marine had called to say he would be working until around 1600 (4 pm). I said OK.

It didn't matter to me, he was 5 hours away and wouldn't be home for five more weeks or so. I didn't care what time he got off work.

So about 1500 that afternoon (3 pm) I'm working and reading an email and The Marine calls. I had ignored him earlier so I figured I should pay attention to him. I told him to stop talking so I could pay attention.

He had been asking me what I was doing. I had said 'nothing' because I was actually WORKING and was trying to absorb a work related email.

He said "Nothing?"

I said, getting annoyed, "No, I'm actually working, let me stop reading this and pay attention to you, now what?"

He said, "so, you're doing nothing"

I was about to get tweaked and retort some snippy little comment but I was stopped short.

THIS MAN WALKED INTO MY OFFICE GRINNING.

It was The Marine.

I wish I could report that I screamed with joy, but I did not.

It was more of a loud "OHOHOH". Not real lady like, or attractive.

The Marine grinned.

I jumped up and smacked him a couple of times. Thinking back I wonder if he would have come home had he known I would greet him with some ancient tribal yell and a smack down. I did hug him after I collected myself from my almost hysterical reaction to having an unexpected MAN appear in my office.

I was actually very happy to see him. He even bought me a beautiful bouquet of roses. It was a combined Valentine's Day/Birthday Bouquet. My birthday is tomorrow. ug.

So The Marine had to leave and return to duty and that's why I was blogging at 0130 in the morning and couldn't sleep. I did sleep last night. I was so tired, but knew it was going to be another bad night, so I went to the store and bought some melatonin and Benadryl.

I think I woke up once, but at least I didn't patrol the perimeter of the house again.

When I was at the pharmacy I discussed my situation with the pharmacist. He looked thirteen.

Kelli: "Hey there. I need to know what I can take to knock me out for at least six hours, what do you think about melatonin and Benadryl?"

pre-school pharmacist: Um... well....

Kelli: "Look, I've been up for two days, my husband is gone and I'm out of Ambien. Plus I think it doesn't really let me sleep, it just makes me LOOK like I'm a sleep, I'm really really tired, I want to be unconscious."

pre-school pharmacist: yeah... well

And then we discussed Benadryl, the side effects, you can get a tolerance, don't do it for more than one or two nights, go back to your doctor and discussed other sleep aids, some random questions I through in there to see if he really knew what he was talking about or had just come to work with his dad.

I should tell you I looked really really bad. I had no make-up, a gaunt look, flat hair and I forgot to put on real shoes, so I was wearing house shoes. Recruit 3 was with me. She was laughing a lot but from a few feet away.

Disclaimer: I in no way promote melatonin or Benadryl or a mixture thereof. Go see your doctor.

So I slept but I'm still super tired and I still hate laundry and housework. Sorry, just felt right to throw that in.

I do however have these beautiful mixed color bouquet of roses that have opened up and remind me of all the great diversity in our lives. The Marine might say in my personality, but I prefer to think of my family as a colorful bouquet of roses with just a few thorns to keep me honest...

I just love him.

The Middle of The Night

2009-02-17T22:35:00.000-08:00

I'm up and it's the middle of the night. I've been fairly busy the last several days and so haven't had time to play with my blog or do laundry, so here I am doing both.

One of the hardest things for me when The Marine is gone is sleeping. Noises suddenly take on a new meaning, hence sleeping with a bat. I seem to have a lot of posts about not sleeping or posts written when I should be sleeping.

I don't like the MIDDLE of the night. Early on is fine, and the wee hours right before the alarm goes off you know it's almost over. The middle is the middle. I don't like it.

A black expanse of nothingness stretching on either side of me.

The hump, the black hole. The bend in the night that won't seem to end. The minutes crawl by in the middle.

And the middle of the night makes any deployment or separation seem that much longer, or harder, or more miserable.

It makes anxieties that more angst-y.

It really drives me nuts. I almost want to go wake some recruits up, except they all have school and I don't need grumpy recruits. That's one of the few things I dread more than the middle of the night; grumpy recruits at 0600.

The noise of the dryer is keeping me company. I've already checked on all the recruits, made sure they were breathing and covered, and peered out all the windows, TWICE.

The little red dog "woke" me not long ago and I just gave up and got out of bed. Besides I had to look out the windows. I can't do that from bed.

I've already told him twice to hold it! NO WAY am I opening the doors to let him out. He usually sleeps up in the big room with the girls and the door is shut so I KNOW he can hold it.

We had a surprise visit over Valentine's weekend from The Marine, so I'm sort of back to square one with getting used to the MIDDLE of the night with out him again. It was a great weekend and I was sad to see him leave today. And of course I'm even sadder to be awake. Right now. In the middle.

It probably doesn't help I'm out of Ambien. At least then I am unaware of the middle of the night. And I apparently am quite entertaining about thirty minutes after taking it. So the kids don't get to ask me random questions and I don't sleep. Giving up dark secrets from my past is totally worth not having to deal with the middle of the night. Besides I apparently don't make a lot of sense anyway.

The little red dog is finally sleeping again under my feet. I guess he gave up and decided I was telling him the truth when I said "forget the outdoors tiny".

I'm going to go wander around some more and look at sleeping children. It's 0200, the middle ends around 0345 by my calculations... Not much more to go.

Unexepected Half Days

2009-02-13T03:15:00.000-08:00

There is nothing I love more than my children. Let that be clear. However, there is nothing that throws me off more than my children having a 'half' day at school and I not know about it until 0600 the morning of.

16 minutes ago in random conversation I find out they will all be home by noon.

ACK!

This is not the good. The leisurely afternoon I had planned of lying around watching my shows and planning how to torture and thwart them from having fun like ALL THE OTHER KIDS IN THE WORLD when they get home has now been thrown off.

I'll have to move up the lying around and torture and thwart planning to as soon as they walk out the door. Oh and I'll have to squeeze in my daily exercise in every room of the house of nimbly throwing their stuff everywhere. I wouldn't want them to think I missed a day of that. They all put everything away so nicely the night before. They said I just didn't check it while it was clean.

I might even try extra hard today and shove some stuff randomly behind dressers and under beds. Here's the secret if you really want to entertain your children. The stuff you throw and shove, make it from ANOTHER KID'S ROOM. yep, that's what get's 'em. Muwahahahahahha!

I bet I could really impress them and take just a few minutes to run into their bathroom and utilize their facility, not flush it, and then rub some dirt around the inside of their tub. They will be speechless when I tell them they have to scrub the tub and toilet. Just speechless. Even though they already did that yest... I mean last we-month!

I really don't want them to be bored when they get home. After all they usually leave me hours to insure they have chores to do when they get home which keeps them from watching cartoon network and playing outside with strange children I've never seen before in my life. I really am awful. I wouldn't let Recruit 4 go to some one's house I didn't know and go inside and play video games that he couldn't name. It's really not fair.

I admit, they often have unkind things to say about me and they scream and fight with each other. Today it's going to happen several hours earlier than normal. They really try hard to give me a good show everyday. We've actually been responsible for new potty words. I sure hope they're not disappointed when they get home! I know they just want me to be the best Mom I can be, they really love it when they lose privileges. I can tell by the way the bounce up and down and their heads spin a little.

The little darlings are giving me incredible opportunities to practice staying calm, firm, and kind even in the face of the most hideous transformation from my beautiful angel baby to a hideous mythical character of the most stinky and grotesque proportions.

With The Marine gone I get extra practice, and really, I can feel myself growing. Like when you were little and your bones and muscles were growing and stretching and these shooting pains shot up through your entire body like hot pokers getting shoved up your legs into your lower back!!!

Well child rearing really is nothing like that. Not at all.

And The Marine really helps calm me down when we talk. He often says things like, "they don't do that when I'm home." mmmm, I feel so much better.

And actually in spite of the fact it has been a little more difficult recently with a few of the Recruits. There are also sweet wonderful moments where I can see them maturing and making better choices. I'll write a post about those moments later. I can't seem to find the words right now...

Well I guess I'll go crawl back into bed. I need to rest up for the early release this afternoon. I wouldn't want to disappoint any of them!

My Tech Guy

2009-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

I have this tech guy who takes care of my computer. He gets really annoyed with me, but for the most part I am harmless and he only usually has to do routine maintenance on my work computer.

I'm having a little problem, right now with my computer. One I can't figure out. It's starting to become a bigger problem. It's starting to really stress me.

I can feel my face breaking out.

I called my tech guy but currently he is pretty much unavailable. He actually has this OTHER job. He tried to trouble shoot over the phone on one of his breaks.

It didn't solve my problem.

When I have big computer problems I can leave him alone with my computer and he ends up doing some sort of tech guy stuff and it works again. He works right in my house. When he fixes it he explains what was wrong and how he fixed it.

I pretend to listen. I say thank you.

He says he'll send a bill.

I tell him cool, I'll send him what he can pretend is money.

I should have listened.

I miss my tech guy.

Sleeping With A Bat

2009-02-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

I have stayed up too late finishing a book. It was the second in the Fable Haven series so it was a little scary with magical creatures and deception.

I am now so tired that I can't go to sleep and the house is super quiet. I just finished checking the perimeter of the house. I looked out all the windows to see if I saw any shadows moving around. I check the windows to see if they were locked.

I remembered I have a bat in the closet GG gave me. I'm going to get the bat. It's a metal or aluminum one and I bet I could really swat someone if I had too.

All the dogs are passed out snoring. Losers. They are not to be relied on. I hear noises and they barely twitch. If The Marine were home I either wouldn't hear the noises or I'd wake him up to go check them.

Well no, I wouldn't wake him up unless it was a big noise. He gets too grumpy.

I took an Ambien. It should kick in soon. I am hoping the little red dog will alert me to danger. Except I make him stay up in the girl's room because he barks at me in the middle of the night from under my bed. NOW THAT freaks me out.

I miss The Marine. I do have Recruit 6 passed out in here next to me. I've been watching his karate moves lately. Some of which I took pictures of to post. I may be covered. And our favorite City Police Officer, OT , is on patrol tonight, so I should be good.

Okay, Ambien working. Wish me luck I get computer shut down and I make it under the covers before I can't stay awake...

Hmm, think I'll end this post now..... feeling a little better. house is secure...I'm sure. I have my bat....

What do I do alone in a hotel room at 0630? I write rhyme-y stuff!

2009-02-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

I am on a trip away from my family, ever wonder what happens to me mentally?

I have no one to order, command or get dressed. I am left to do what ever I feel is best.

So I took my time dressing without anyone around. My mind was wide open, and this is what I found.

As I dressed for the day I sat down to put on my face. There was this lit make-up mirror in this fancy place.

Without little beasties there was little distraction, these were my thoughts as I went to into action:

"Mirror Mirror on the stand become old and wrinkled I see I am.
Youth is fading, maps appear. Highways from ear to ear.

If I am honest and truth be told, I really didn't feel like I was old,
I just felt like me, until I looked at you, lighting and reflecting a different view."

The mirror thought for a moment reflecting back my gaze, then slowly spoke as if from a haze,

"Old and wrinkled yes, but don't forget strong. You've endured the world but carried on.
Love, laughter, grief and sorrow, you've lived IN your life, not just dreamed of tomorrows.

Eyes crinkle with laughter, brows furrow with heartbreak, each line reflecting this life where you've placed a stake.

Husband and children are part of your story. Sacrifice and commitment reap eternal glory.
Lines and wrinkles come with age, what's not sun damage is wisdom making you sage.

Put on your make up and for your day prepare!

But remember this truth while you fix your hair;
Only you can prevent transgression, sin and despair.

You have a choice how you move through change.
Stay here in the mirror like many do, or realize it's only a small part of you.

What I show you is an outer shell. One you need to take care of, nurture, keep well.
But to focus on me as the brunt of your being, well that's just silly and precious time stealing."

Thoughtfully I finished my hair, mascaraed my lashes, lipsticked my lips and of my youth saw flashes. When I was done I sat back and looked at the mirror on the stand, my past already gone, my future at hand.

The words rang true, and it's what I always believed, but sometimes it's hard with the mirror's bright light circling me.

I checked my lipstick one last time, unplugged the mirror, I was running out of time. I'd had my moment of "do I need Botox?" that was enough of those silly thoughts.

I grabbed my cute brown shoes and thrust my feet in. Flung on my scarf and was ready to begin.

I paused for a moment to say my prayers. "Father thank you for a face that has the opportunity to age. That means I'm still here turning the page. Please bless me today I'll do what is right, uplift others and fight the good fight.

Until you say it's time to come home, let the mirror show all the love that has been sown. I'll check to make sure I've stayed with in the lines, no lipstick on teeth, no dirt or grime.

I'll go do good things, I'll try to reflect in my eyes, the love of the Savior, I'll try to be wise.

I just have one small request if I could, when The Marine looks at me, can you make me look good?"