Shoes will be the end of me

Two days ago I was headed down to the park with the kids. I was already running late (and it takes 25 minutes to get there), but then had the brilliant idea that since the weather is getting colder, I can pull out the new fall shoes I bought for the kids. So I got them, cut off the tags, got socks for everyone and proceeded to get everyone out the door. Well, I can tell you that the two most stressful times in my day are 1) Getting the kids bathed and dressed and 2) Getting the kids out the door. Car seats are bad enough, but having to actually put shoes and socks on five kids was just too much for me. It literally took me 15 minutes to get them on. When you're already running late, and extra few minutes is fine, but 15 is just not acceptable.

So what's the solution? Granted, two of the kids' shoes have to be tied, but the others just slip on. I guess I could have been more picky on the selection I chose, but I actually had it in the back of my mind that I would pick the easiest ones out there. I was deceived. The little pink camo. high tops that I bought for Paige looked easy, but are the worst. It has ties on it, but it also has zip ups on the sides. I wrongly assumed that once you tie them, you'll never have to re-tie them again. You can just zip them up. No, no. In order to get them over her foot, I have to untie them each time and start all over again.

By the time we got out the door, I was all sweaty, my freshly applied make-up was not so fresh anymore, and ended up at the park too late...to find no one there. We turned around and came home!

Cleaning, entertaining, and other random thoughts

I will try and make this quick and to the point. First of all, cleaning. As you know, I LOVE to clean. It is truly therapeutic for me. I love the finished results. So here are my thoughts on helpful or not so helpful cleaning tools. Anything with bleach is wonderful...especially for toilets. I love watching mildew "melt away" once it's sprayed with bleach. However, Scott has banned me from using it because our clothing bill went up. I am really bad about getting the bleach on me, as well as the toilet or sink. However, I bought some again because my family was sick and the thought of cleaning with bleach just excited me. I just finished cleaning my bathroom...and my black pants now have bleach spots on them. AAHHH!!!

One thing I thought I would try and liked at first, but now don't like, is the toilet wand. I am not sure the exact name, but it's basically a disposable attatchment that goes on the end of this wand. You clean the toilet and then throw it away. I tried it because my kids kept getting into the toilet brush and I just couldn't handle that anymore. But, I have found that my toilet bowl is never as clean as it used to be. Like I said, I just finished cleaning and it still looks dirty in spots. That is frustrating. I just figure that I will finish up using the ones I have and then when I move I will get all new toilet brushes...I can hardly wait. Oh, and the other thing I don't like about the wand is that it goes into the toilet water. Once you're done cleaning, the wand itself is wet and I always feel gross just throwing it on the floor...of course, there's no way I'm putting it in a drawer or something!

Just in case this one is not obvious to you, everyone in America needs to own a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Talk about miraculous cleaning! It cleans everything...from stainless steel to mildew in tiles to marker on the wall. If there's something you just can't seem to get clean, try this! For a couple bucks it's worth the shot! But, answer me this. I wasn't sure. Are the generic erasers just as good as the name brand? I haven't tried them yet.

Now on to the next subject. I came to a realization today. I have always been one to love to go out. I don't care if I have to cart all five kids with me. I want to be out of the house. Today I realized why. I am the person who loves to have fun. But when I am home, I am the cook, the maid, the butler...anything but fun for my kids. They want to play games, but I am busy doing things that need to get done (I'm not even talking about hobbies- just plain old laundry and dishes!). I cannot stand to be at home and sit and play when the house needs work. I just can't stand it. So I keep busy, but not having fun with the kids. So, in order to allow myself the freedom to have fun, we go out. Then I don't have things that need to be done. I can just relax and enjoy the kids. And once we get home, Daddy is the fun one and Mommy keeps on keeping on- trying to keep some order in this crazy house!

Random thoughts now...I wanted to add to my pizza blog after I posted it. I realized that I mainly talked to my Oregon friends in that one, but wanted to capture the attention of my Maryland friends. So here we go.
1. I forgot to write my all-time favorite pizza in the world. I mean this. SORRENTO's in Arbutus. This is, what, $5 for a jumbo and is the best ever! And, not only that, but you can get a coke in a foam cup with the best ice in the world too! (I have a crazy love for certain kinds of ice- round pellets are my favorite and then small chips.)
2. Dough Roller in Ocean City is just gross. It is over-priced and does not taste good.
3. Ledo's pizza, however, at OC is really great. I'm sure they are great in Severna Park and whereever else they are as well, but I haven't tried them a lot. I did get their Buffalo pizza at the beach and that was out of this world! Loved it!
Overall, I think I like a good, greasy pizza. Both Sorrento's and Ledo's have greasy pizza. MMM!

Riley's new thing is when you ask him where something is, he points wherever he chooses and says, "Right there." Oh I love him! He's trying to walk more all the time- about 7 steps just as I wrote that. I hope he gets it nailed down soon!

This one is getting too long, so I will end now. Bye!!!

Oh, how convenient

So today I ran up to Salem to see what clothes I could find for my kids at Once Upon a Child. Usually, I find them a bit overpriced, but when I am searching for something specific, I try there first because they have the biggest selection. (I love second-hand stores, especially if they are inexpensive and have a large variety of items.)

Just before I got to the store I received a phone call on my cell phone. It was my sister-in-law, Kristy. I was talking to her as I unloaded my kids, got two of them (who were sleeping) in the stroller, and headed into the store. I was sure to lock my car door because I was in Salem (I usually don't). I did my shopping (found exactly what I was looking for by the way) and went out to the car...to find it locked and to find my keys no where in sight.

Bummer! I looked in every window all around the van but didn't locate them inside. My only guess was that I had thrown them in the diaper bag, which I did not take inside, and that's why I didn't spot them. So I called Scott and he agreed to make the drive to rescue me.

But, how convenient that Once Upon a Child is only a mile away from Chuck E. Cheese's! Ha! We had to cross Lancaster (Drive, Road, which is it?), which made me a tad nervous (only because I have almost hit pedestrians on that road a time or two), but I figured it would be a fun adventure. Sure enough, it was a fun walk. We enjoyed it (besides the loud transit and school buses whizzing by) and were so proud of ourselves once we reached our beloved destination. That was our story for today!

Oh, and the keys were in the diaper bag afterall.

Pizza...mmmmm

So for those of you who know me well, you know that pizza is my favorite food. I should clarify. Pizza is my favorite "every day" type food. I would much prefer a great steak or piece of halibut or something at a great restaurant, but if you're like me and have a large family, you just can't fine dine as much as you'd like. Therefore, I consider pizza my favorite food.

I thought I'd just jot a few favorites down. I'd love to hear your comments and ideas of new places my family can try. Oh, and I guess I'll also write some of my least favorites. I'd love to hear your comments on these as well.

Fav's:
1. Papa's CHEESE pizza- I'm talking just cheese. It is so great. It is pretty garlicy, so be prepared for that taste. I think it is wonderful. Their crust is just crispy enough and the all over flavor is just good.
2. Last night I had, for the first time, Papa Murphy's Mediterranean pizza. Again, the garlic is strong, but obviously I love garlic! It has spinach, sun dried tomatoes, chicken, feta cheese, and I'm sure more, but not even sure what. I didn't look at it so much. I just devoured my two slices and wished I wasn't full so I could eat more. The taste was out of this world.
3. Chuck E Cheese's- I know, I know, two out of three now have been "kids places." Yes, I go there often, and Chuck's has a special place in my heart. Perhaps if I can figure out how to get a picture on my blog, I will write a special post about Chuck's and put a picture of me holding my "Employee of the month" plaque on it! :) Anyway, Chuck's pizza can be really great- fresh out of the oven...with bacon (bits, not canadian) and onion. Love it!
4. Pizza Amore right here in Albany is such a great place. You go in, and the aroma of a "real pizza parlor" hits you. Oh, I love that! And the pizza tastes as good as it smells. (I admit I've only been there once, but I have a fond memory so far.)
5. Pizza Hut- Yes, plain old Pizza Hut. Scott and I love the meat lover's. You cannot go wrong with their pan pizza crust. Oh, it's an oldie but a goodie!

Don't like:
1. Pizza King in Albany. Their pizza is SO overpriced, probably because of the environment (kids play area and karaoke), and I did not care for it at all. There is nothing I hate more than leaving a restaurant disappointed in the food and knowing I just paid a year's worth of college education for it!
(OK, now that I think about it, Chuck's and Papa's Pizza are expensive too, but since it tastes so good it is worth it!)
2. Now this one is interesting. My mother-in-law just had their pizza and said it was one of her all time fav's. For us, we did not like it one bit. I think the name is Cirello's. It's on 9th St. in Corvallis next to (but across the street from) Rite Aid.
3. Galluci's in Lincoln City is really bad too. I have tried it numerous times and everytime I leave wishing I had not wasted my money.
4. Dominos is just as bad as the rest. It is not worth it, especially to pay extra for delivery! We avoid this one at all costs.

Indifferent choices:
1. Costco- it's fine. Not great, but not bad.
2. Little Caesars- sometimes it's good, but sometimes not. You can't depend on it, but for $5 it's sometimes worth it.
3. Homemade- honestly, can you ever make a homemade pizza that is better than your favorite restaurant pizza (especially if it costs the same!)? I am not sure about this option. I have not had much luck, even though I've tried a lot.

Well, for lack of time, I have to end this post. I'll look forward to reading your comments.

Marketing Stinks!

I have been meaning to write about this in my blog now for a while, but I am just now getting around to it...A few weeks ago, Scott invited Mark and Heather and their family over to watch the Beaver football game. As tempting as it was for Heather and me to sit and watch the whole thing with the guys, we decided to opt out and take a walk through Target. Fun, Fun!

The first thing we stopped to look at was deodorant. I wasn't planning to go to that aisle necessarily, but I was so glad we did! I remembered once I saw the display that I had been thinking earlier that I should look into a different type to use. I will admit, as much as this will gross many of you out, that Scott and I have been sharing (his) deodorant our entire married life, I think. It's the gel kind that winds up, so it's really not gross to me. But anyway, I always figured I'd use men's because naturally it would be the strongest...right???

I mentioned to Heather that what I've been using has been ok, but by the end of the day I don't feel quite as fresh as I think I should feel...especially after using a men's strength deodorant. We started investigating and looking at all the different brands. She finally came across one that she had heard about...with some sort of medicated power. It cost $7.94, but I picked it up and figured it was worth a shot. Really, what's more important? Money or freshness?

Then all of a sudden it hit me. When I am looking at medicine, (creams, ointments, etc.) I always compare labels. Usually the store brand has the same amount of the active ingredient, but costs less because it has the Target symbol on it and the packaging doesn't quite look as nice. So I figured I'd start reading labels on the deodorant to see what I found.

I started with the medicated stuff and it had 20% of the active ingredient. I looked at the men's stuff I had been using. It was at a 16%. Secret, and some other women's brands, had about a 17%. One of the highest ones I saw was 19%. I was ready to pick that one up and take it home with me when I saw the $.94 Suave brand. What did I find? To my amazement, that is the only other one with 20% of the active ingredient! Unbelievable! I almost spent $7.00 more for the same exact stuff...because of marketing! So, I smelled Suave's options and landed on the one that is sort of a coconut or shea nut type smell. It's good. And, more importantly, it WORKS! Not only do I act like a nut by the end of the day, I smell like one too! :)

So, I urge you to do the research for yourself and you will be amazed. Hope this helps!!!

Bumper Cars

My driving record is impeccable, if I do say so myself. However, after today, I will have to at least mention that I've been in an accident. Let's start from the beginning. I left my house around lunch time. I had just called Scott to ask if he could meet me at Target during his lunch break. I had a few things to get and didn't want to unload the whole gang just for those items. He is gracious about that and willingly helps out in that way, even though sitting in a hot parking lot during his lunch hour doesn't seem too exciting for him. Anyway, I had to quick run to the credit union and then I was going to make my way to Target.

As I was turning into the parking lot of Linn-Co, I felt a little bump. Here's me in my big old 15 passenger van and this little car hit the back of me. I hardly felt the nudge. It really did kind of feel like bumper cars. It took me a second to realize I had even been hit. I continued into the parking lot and called Scott for him to meet me there instead of Target. He didn't know why, but again, he's a good sport.

I looked in the street and there was broken glass and some missing pieces of someone's car (I was hoping not mine!) and there were some people standing around. I could tell one family was hesitant to keep walking, but they did, and that was fine. One man stayed around.

I kept the van running, and as I opened the door to see the damage, I saw the person walking up to me. He had passed me and pulled into the next parking lot down. I was glad he stopped, not that I even thought he wouldn't.

When I saw who it was, I about died. It was someone I know...should I mention any names? Oh, what the heck, it was Paul Snead! Poor guy, he seemed pretty distraught. He was driving a little Jetta and it was pretty messed up. I didn't see it actually, but from the glass and stuff on the street, I knew it wasn't in great shape. He said it was beat up quite a bit. I asked him what happened and he said he had a lot on his mind and just wasn't paying attention. (I was afraid maybe I hadn't used my blinker or something.) He admitted it was his fault. And here's the sad thing. I thought he was just upset about the car, but the reason he was so upset was because earlier in the week he and Katie broke up. The wedding's off and he was obviously discouraged. I felt so bad!

At this point, our witness noticed that he wasn't needed anymore and let us know he was leaving. It was nice of him to at least stay that long.

We looked at my van and the bumper was just a little pushed in, scratched and that's about it. Later, after Scott got there, he and I noticed a piece was missing...I found it on the side of the road. It's just a plastic thing that can be fixed easily. Paul said he had to be away tonight until Tuesday for the Army but I could just call him and let him know if there was any damage he needed to pay for. I do think we should get the bumper fixed, but hopefully it won't be too much. And hopefully his car isn't too bad afterall. We'll see.

So that's my exciting tale for today. I'm thankful for my BIG BIG van on days like today!

My Paige Girl

Last year when I started homeschooling, it was just Max and me. I loved it. He is such a smart kid. (He is much like his dad!) Although his attitude wasn't always the best and he'd find excuses to complain (like "I'm hungry, I'm tired, etc.") it was a real pleasure teaching him. He had to learn things of course, but overall, he just got it.

This year I decided to start a bit early. I have both Max and Meredith in school, Max in 1st grade and Mer in kindergarten. The first day of school rolled around (last Monday) and Meredith came bouncing into my room waking me up telling me it was time for school. She was so excited, which just made me all the more anxious to get started. I mean, what more can you ask for from your student? She isn't Max and doesn't quite catch on as much as he does so easily, but she has the most awesome attitude. That's the best!

Well, Paige has been so eager to "do school" this year too. I bought her her own school box to put her pencils, crayons, glue stick in and every day last week she made sure I helped her in school too. I had to come up with my own ideas for her, which were running low after those first five days. That's when I decided, if I am going to sit and try and teach her every day, why not use an actual curriculum? So I ordered the kindergarten books for her to use, just like Mer is doing. Today was our first day. I had no idea what I was in for. Paige had the excitement of Meredith and the brains of Max all in one- we finished 10 lessons of Math this afternoon!!! Wow- homeschooling just keeps getting better and better for me!

I always believe that when you put your efforts into doing what you believe is best for your family, (whether it be fixing a healthy meal, cleaning the bathroom, homeschooling your children, or other sometimes mundane activities) God blesses you. I have been pleasantly surprised to see how He has helped me to stay committed to certain activities that I've chosen to do for the benefit of my family! I say that because I usually don't continue doing what I am doing if I don't love it. Unfortunately, I am not that kind of person, and I often give up when I am bored with something (although I hate to admit it). So I will give God the praise for blessing me because that is what keeps me going. Looking into my children's eyes and seeing their sweet little faces definitely gets me motivated to do what is best for them. I'm thankful that I can view homeschooling as a blessing. I do enjoy my time with each of them individually, and pray that it works out for us to keep at it for years to come.

I'm famous!

My awesome friend, Heather, has not only written about me on her blog, but has also included a picture. I feel honored! Check it out...(along with all of Heather's blog- her's is really fun and full of great links) www.becoming-becoming.blogspot.com and enjoy! (And, Heather, speaking of not smiling TOO big for pictures...next time I'll take your advice!)

Steve Irwin

It was just this time last year (Labor Day) that I was sitting at the Oregon State Fair watching the horse show when my brother-in-law, Tim, told me the news. Steve Irwin had been killed! At first I wasn't surprised. I mean, with his line of work, something tragic was bound to happen one of these days. But, as time went on, I became more and more sad about Steve's death. I was and still am a huge fan of his work! I even talked about wanting to take the kids to the Australia Zoo to see him play with a crocodile live someday. It's just sad. And his wife and kids are so awesome, especially Bindy. She is great, and I know she'll definitely walk in her father's footsteps. She loves animals and has the perfet personality, just like her dad! Don't get me wrong, I am fascinated by this...from a distance! I cannot relate at all with this love of animals, especially dangerous ones, but I really do enjoy his shows. I am always on the edge of my seat when I watch them.

Well, I have to put this link on my page. If you have not seen this youtube yet, you'll just crack up. If you've already seen it, well, you'll crack up again! This is one of my favorite "forwards" that I've ever gotten. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...over and over again.

http://www.youtube.com/v/pa_7P5AbUww

East to west...and back again

Scott took me from the east cost and brought me out here to Oregon. I have really loved my time here, and have grown so much (both individually and as a wife). It has been a wonderful experience for me. But, the time has come, and Scott and I both feel it is best for us to move back east. We are excited about this idea, and it's been so wonderful to see God continuing to open doors in such surprising ways.

The one thing I hate about my life is that no matter where I go now, I am going to have to say goodbye to some awesome people. I have had to do this with my family for 8 years now, and each time rips my heart out. I hate goodbyes more than anything, and I find it ironic that I've had to be the one to go through it so much in my adult life. It's like the Wizard of Oz. My family watched that movie faithfully every year when it would come on TV. Was I scared of the flying monkeys or the witch? No! That stinking movie made me cry every time when Dorothy had to say goodbye to her friends in order get back to Kansas. I hated it then and I hate it now. So I am trying not to let myself think about the friends I have here in Oregon who I will have to say goodbye to. Of course, as I told Heather and Emily, I am NOT saying goodbye. I don't believe in that! I will slip out quietly and when I am in my new house, I will email everyone and let them now I arrived safely. There is no easy way to do it except that! Call me a coward, but honestly, who likes to sit and make it a big sad deal where you have to hug everyone and each of you tells the other that you love them...we already know this! So when I'm gone, you can write me an email or send me a card (with money in it please) and let me know how special I was to you! :)

Overall, I am thrilled to move! The thought of living close to my family again, now that we are all in the same stage of life, almost makes me want to jump out of my skin with excitement! I can't wait for my nieces and nephews to know their Aunt Amy better and to get some really good qualitiy time in with them. It's been too long already. I feel like I don't even know some of them...and some of my family haven't even met my little Riley yet. That's too bad (especially now that he's so close to walking- he took 6 steps on Friday!).

The one dream I have so far is spending a day every week over at Dedad's (my grandfather's) house. I can't wait to get back on my hands and knees and clean his kitchen floor like I used to do growing up. It's one of my favorite things in life (cleaning his floor, not my own!). I am so sad that my kids don't really know him and I am so anxious for them to spend time with him and watch him play his harmonica, or sing little ditties to them, or whatever else. I wish they could know him like I've known him. But, those weekly visits will be a start.

So, even though it will not be easy to leave my family and friends here in the west, the east is calling. I will take it as a gift from God and enjoy being with my family and friends back there again. What a blessing!

Mary Poppins...my idol

OK, so the movie Mary Poppins has been out forever, but the first time I've seen it was a few years back (since I've been married). It has since become one of my favorite movies- how do you go wrong with a musical starring Julie Andrews (the best voice ever)? I don't know about you, but I have five kids, and keeping the excitement and learning how train my kids in a creative way gets hard. If only I had the "power" to turn medicine into different colors for my kids as I pour it on their spoons!!!

I don't know much about blogs. I feel I will need much assistance, but be patient with me. I hope to get this thing up and running...with lots of flair soon! :) This idea of creating a blog was recommended to me by my good friend, Heather. I will probably get most of my blogging advice from her. I have lots of thoughts and entry ideas, but I will have to get to those later. I just thought I'd better explain "Amy Poppins" so everyone at least knows where that came from (and I will admit that Scott came up with this title for me).

That's all for now...