2:13

This is Lori from Crazy Daisy.

I've hijacked Mrs. Troop's blog.

So you better read fast and leave a comment because I'm pretty sure she has forgotten that I have her password and she may just delete this once she gets home.

It's become obvious to me that she is only going to mention her recent 1/2 marathon in passing so I felt compelled to hack into her blog and let you know that she has been training very hard for it and she ran it in 2 hours and 13 minutes! Her goal was 2 hours and 10 minutes but there were apparently a ton of huge hills that they were not anticipating and I'm just sure she would have ran faster than her goal had there been no hils.

But 2 hours and 13 minutes totally rocks!

We are so proud of you!!!

Mr. Troop e-mailed my husband this post-1/2 marathon picture so I'm SO posting it.

You're my hero.

____________________________

Okay, so I just have to post one more pic because they were holding hands across the finish line.

I think I'm gonna cry.

How sweet is that!?!

(I promise I'm logging off your account now. I'm sure by now you are really wishing you had MY password.)

Posted by Lori from CrazyDaisy

Tired Tuesday

What day is it?

I think I forgot my name.

Or where I left one of the kids.

You know. . . the one with the big brown eyes.

Never mind.

Anyway, OH MY DEAR HEAVENS. . . how can it be that I haven't written one. single. thing. in three weeks?

I'm ashamed.

And embarrassed.

To be completely honest. . . I've been a bit overwhelmed. Wish I had done a better job of documenting the chaos. I've had some good material, for sure. There just hasn't been time.

To give you the quick run down:

The "Virus Epidemic of 2011" (in which all eight children and this mom got very sick) was followed shortly by the "Dual Snow Storm of 2011" (which gave us the majority of two weeks out of school). That was followed by the end of basketball season for two (Son #1 and Daughter #2), the Presidential Tea for Daughter (#5), various other school projects, reports, posters, etc. Followed by our "Getaway Weekend 2011" which wasn't very restful. To be completely honest.

Can anyone say "Spend a weekend without your children so you can drive 12 hours in 36 AND run a 1/2 marathon?"

Not.
Restful.

The kids sure had fun, though, without us! Ha! So grateful for my parents and our sweet sitter and her family who took them all in.

I guess there is some redemptive quality in the whole thing. We DID enjoy the time by ourselves (blessed QUIET) and meals out (YUM) and I am glad I didn't die.

It was a distinct possibility.

13.1 miles is a LONG way to run. (On a side note, if you regularly run FULL marathons, I don't want to hear about it, OK?)

Just don't tell the Coach that it about killed me. He barely broke a sweat. Let me just say he has some amazing qualities that are VERY difficult to live with. Bleck.

Anyway. . .

It is fortunate that the kids documented the snowstorm on my cell phone. That's a relief. Otherwise we might have forgotten. I do have pictures somewhere of the Presidential Tea. Preciousness. But only one picture of our 1/2 marathon adventures because we were . . . well. . . by ourselves. It's on the Coach's phone. But he has it with him.

So can we just start from scratch? Without feeling the need to go back and hash through the last month? Because I am seriously TIRED.

Let's just go on from here.

Maybe I can even pretend I didn't eat that amazingly delicious Red Robin Cheeseburger on Sunday afternoon.

Because I'm pretty sure if you weigh the calories burned running a half marathon and the Red Robin burger. . . the burger wins.

And that's about it. . .

Unless you want to hear about my blisters or sore hamstrings.

No?

Then we're all caught up, now.

Happy Tuesday!

Thankful Thursday

It IS Thursday, right?

I've lost track.

Because after TWO WEEKS of having multiple kids home (sometimes seven) sick, the days have all run together.

And right about the time that the kids were feeling better and could have started heading back to school?

A huge snowstorm hit.

Oh the irony.

Now, don't get me wrong - I LOVE snow days. Christmas Breaks, Spring Breaks, Fall Breaks, days OFF in general are lovely. For the snow days, the Coach is usually home. . . I cook, watch the kids play outside in the snow. . . watch movies and make HUGE batches of hot cocoa.

However. . .

After nursing all eight kids through what appears to have been the longest version of the flu known to man (Daughter #5 missed TWO FULL WEEKS of school). . .

I'm over it.

Before the storm even hit, we'd sucked every bit of FUN out of being all at home together for days on end.

Every. Bit. Of. Fun.

So now. . . on snowday #3, the Coach and I resorted to turning the children into slave labor. The house is clean, the laundry done, folded, and put away, the kitchen clean. . . they even vacuumed under the furniture and organized the toys.

And it's 1:00.

In the afternoon.

They've played outside some. But not for long when the temps are hovering near 0. Ugh. They've watched enough Netflix to kill every brain cell that they have left (and I won't pretend that that is very many). We've even exhausted all of the movies at Blockbuster that we don't either own, have on instant play Netflix, or aren't allowed in our house.

I refuse to cook or bake ONE. MORE. THING. Tomorrow's weigh in will be sad, indeed. Very sad.

But I will still choose to be thankful. There's still lots on my list, today.

1. Healthy kids. The virus seems to be vanquished. And let's just say the kids are back to normal (good and bad)!

2. Healthy Coach. He hasn't come down with it, yet. Thank you, Lord. And pass the IgG.

3. I'm hanging in there. Thought I was going down HARD, yesterday, but three doses of Sambucol later, I'm certain I'll survive.

4. Treadmill. I haven't used it, yesterday or today, but I will. When I feel better. And considering the 18 inches of snow outside, it's a good option to have.

5. Clean House. The Coach is an amazing motivator. Somehow when he says, "Get Busy!" they do. My "could you help me for a bit?" doesn't get much of a response. Ha!

6. My Mom's 4-wheel drive vehicle. Which has enabled the Coach to make his meetings in spite of the weather. And a trip to Walgreens is definitely in our future, today. Even if it's not big enough for everyone to go.

7. A refrigerator and freezer full of food. We could be stuck inside another week or two and have plenty to eat! (not that I'm suggesting that I WANT to be stuck inside another week or two)

8. Diet Dr. Pepper. I had been trying to stay away from it, but these last three weeks it's kept me moving when I didn't think I could.

9. The memories. Sometimes it's hard to get along when you are locked in the house with eight kids. Ok. It's impossible! But I know that the kids will remember this. They'll remember the snow, the flu, the lying on the floor watching movies. And they'll laugh. I hope. Even at the all-out mega-fights that have been raging.

10. Rescheduled hair appointment, chiropractor, dentist appointments, etc. It will be busy making up for the last few weeks, but we'll get it done.

11. Facebook, e-mail, blogs, and texting. It's completely possible to stay in touch with everyone without leaving your house. That's good and bad.

12. The most patient, loving, forgiving, kind, thoughtful, husband in the world. It's true. The kids have been crabby, I've been crabby, and as the kids have gotten better they've needed his loving but firm hand to scrape them off the ceiling and find something creative to do. I was out of creativity. He's stepped in and kept us all working hard and doing right. A big task.

SO. . . for now I'm going to assume that we will have school, tomorrow. In spite of the fact that the roads really aren't any different than they have been. Ha! A girl can HOPE, can't she??

The big boys are playing outside in the snow with cousins. . .

The girls are playing Rumikub with the Coach. . .

And I'm thinking this would be a great time to clean the kitchen fridge and freezer. Because they are GROSS!

Happy Thursday to you all, wherever you are. . . in the snowstorms of the Oklahoma plains or Chicago lakes. . . or in Florida where the temps are in the 60's. Just don't text me to tell me how beautiful your weather is, OK?

What are YOU thankful for, today?

Just a Glimpse

Still have sick kids this morning. Five, to be more accurate. But things do seem to be improving. Somewhat. Besides that one was up all night with the vomit monster (you didn't want to know that, did you? Sorry!).

One more returned to school, today. And one is spending her first school day at home. So they are trading places. However, now that ALL eight kids have gotten sick - it can only get better. Right? (please say yes)

In the meantime, a couple of pictures of our Friday night homecoming. Daughter (#7) was the Kindergaren representative . . .

and Daughter (#2) was the 8th grade nominee.

We had a fun time finding dresses, shoes, jewelry. A sweet friend did Daughter's (#2) hair and makeup while I curled Daughter's (#7). I was so grateful for the help after a week of sick kids. No wait. Two weeks of sick kids. It's all running together!

That's all for now. By the time I run the home cafe, administer medications and provide company, comfort and entertainment. . . my day is full!

Happy Monday!

If you want to see other homecoming pictures from years past, you can find them here:

Son (#1) and Daughter (#6) in 2009

Daughter (#5) in 2008

I wasn't blogging back when Daughter (#2), Son (#3) and Son (#4) were in Kindergarten. Maybe I'll get around to posting all of those someday.

Tomorrow is Coming!

Sitting here with my Diet D.P. and some Sunchips (the cheesy kind, as my kids would say) - one of my favorite treats - even if I usually have to use some weekly pointsplus to enjoy them.

The two big boys (Son #3 made it back to school, yesterday - hooray!) are watching Pirates of the Caribbean in the playroom. The little girls (and Little Man) are watching Little House in the Prairie in the Living Room.

And it's quiet.

Sort of.

The windows are open. The delightful breeze is blowing through our previously stuffy house. Candles are lit. The dishwasher and dryer are humming. And there's plenty of coughing, too.

As much as I desire to live in the present moment of life. . . to enjoy where I AM. . . to be grateful for TODAY (because it is such a gift - I know that). . .

I have to admit I'll be relieved when tomorrow comes.

I'm sad that we haven't enjoyed this FUN week of school with all of the homecoming activities, dress up days, etc. Two of the kids are missing field trips, today. I hate that for them.

However, the fact that Daughter (#2) is WELL is such as answer to prayer. All of our prayers. . . and yours. . . and so many others. She's excited to be in homecoming, tonight. I'm excited for her. My heart is full of gratefulness for my sweet friend who is helping with her hair and makeup, too, this afternoon. It will be so much fun!

Daughter (#7) is still puny, but well enough to go walk in and out, I think. Praying she won't feel miserable and can enjoy being a "princess" for a few moments. Bless her heart.




So tomorrow? When the school week, homecoming events, and my 12 mile run are all over with (Lord willing and the run doesn't do me in!)?

I'll breathe a sigh of relief.

Because even though I'm trying to enjoy right NOW. I can't wait for some things to be over.

And when the kids are all finally better (let's pray that it's SOON!). . .

I'll breathe another sigh of relief.

I know there's always something to work on. . something looming. . . something on the horizon. My to do list will never go away. The piles won't either. The projects will keep coming (but OH how I love that my big kids are responsible and do most things on their own!). The house will need cleaned, again. And again. The laundry will need to be done over and over. And I'm choosing to be grateful that this particular virus hasn't affected the kids' appetites - even if I'm tired of being the resident short-order cook (fruit smoothie, anyone?).

God gives the grace and strength for each day.

But I know it will ALL be easier to handle once we get the troops feeling well, again.

Happy Friday!

Thanks eversomuch for your prayers.
(And can I just say how much I love the music on Pirates of the Caribbean?)

Tired Tuesday

Happy Tuesday.

I'm not really THAT tired, I'll be honest. Not in the sense of "lacking sleep", anyway.

That's one of the many blessings of the kids getting older. More consistent sleep.

I AM tired of sick kids. Not tired of the KIDS, mind you (well. . . ), but the fevers, the fatigue, the head-aches, the coughing. Bless their hearts.

And I WILL be tired of all the make-up homework that will start flooding my house as soon as they all make it back to school (they WILL make it back to school, right?).

But mostly? I'm thankful. . .


For Netflix movies and 99 cent Blockbuster kids movies.

For free Chick-fil-A chicken biscuits this morning (I let Son #3 have mine, though). And the drive-through with a van full of pajama clad, blanket wrapped kids.

For a dishwasher that's been running non-stop.

For clean laundry (and the washer and dryer that make it possible).

For Clorox cleaning wipes, Lysol, Glade plug-ins and candles.

For a sweet daddy who brings Starbucks on my 8th day of having kids home sick.

For a husband who walks in the door at night and rolls up his sleeves and HELPS.

For a vacuum.

For five pallets on the playroom floor for five sick kids.

For Tylenol Jr. meltaways (or the generic version thereof).

For Gatorade.

For Sam's size versions of hot chocolate mix and Chai tea mix.

For an amazing, generous, kind doctor who answers my e-mails and phone calls.

For IgG (which seems to have kept the Coach and I healthy - so far). Trying not to regret the fact that I hadn't been giving it to all of the kids, too.

For precious teachers who call, e-mail and Facebook to check on my kids.

For Amish Friendship Bread. Makes the whole house smell yummy.

For homemade chicken noodle soup in the crockpot.

For a Grandmother who is willing to take a HEALTHY Little Man (who is driving his sick siblings crazy) to Bible Study so we can have a break from his endless energy.

For a dresses and shoes for Friday's homecoming for Daughter (#2) and Daughter (#7). Would appreciate prayers for our family that we will all be well so we can go!

For only one more long run left in our training for the Austin Marathon. Tapering here we come!

For the fact that I can still walk after all the running we've been doing. Ha! 24 miles last week!

For great teenagers. I've missed being at their games, lately.

For the Coach's Nook. And that he leaves it at home during the day.

For sunshine.

For Windex.

For laughter.



Yes. . . I know it's not Thursday. But I'm thankful.

(Deep Breath)

It's quiet here, this morning, at the troops. Little Man slept right through the kids chaos this morning getting ready for and leaving for school. THAT doesn't happen often.

I'm blessed to have this quiet in my day. I know this. I'm not trying to homeschool while running a household and attempting to maintain some remnant of sanity. I only did that when I had six children seven and under! HA!

Wait. . . it might be too late to hold onto that sanity part.

One of my favorite hymns is "It is Well With my Soul". The Coach and I were married at Christmas and our wedding was full of Christmas music - "Joyful Joyful we Adore Thee", was the processional. But the one song that we wanted that wasn't Christmas music was "It is Well With my Soul."

"Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is WELL. . . it is WELL, with my soul."


Sometimes I'm lacking that peace on the outside. I may appear to have my act together or know where I'm headed, but truthfully, I'm drowning in the to-do list, the school calendar, the sports schedules, and the simple everyday LIFE of this busy, warm, laughter-filled house.

Being a mom is a dream come true for me. I love my job and I thank the Lord that I am able to do it.

Well. . . I am sort of able to do it. Some days I'm not sure that I've done the right things and left the right things undone. It's a constant struggle.

But even with all of the outward chaos, I have peace in my SOUL. I may not know what the future holds. How it's all going to work out. How we are going to pay for it, forheavenssake. I may not know how that costume will work out, or if I can find shoes for that homecoming dress. I may not know what I am fixing for dinner for 10, tonight, or if I'll be able to get those errands done today or next week. I may not know if that dentist appointment is going to take 10 minutes or 100. Or whether or not I'll be able to make it to all of the basketball games, or if I will chose to stay home with the younger children so we can have a normal bedtime in the evenings.

I DO NOT know how to make it all work. I used to think that if I just kept things organized, we could handle the busy schedule and the long list. That was when my kids were little. Now I'm fairly sure there isn't enough organization in the world.

But I know WHO holds it all.

So instead of wigging out and losing my mind and hyperventilating. . .

I'm going to trust Him. I'm going to tell Him. And I'm going to listen. I'm going to spend time in His Word, asking Him to show me what really matters, today.

And then I'm going to keep folding the laundry and washing the dishes and making the phone calls and paying the bills and . . .

Be grateful for this full, blessed life.

Oh! Look who is coming out of the bedroom with his blanket trailing behind!



Happy Monday!