Its Friday!

I would like to say thanks to a dear friend in Chicago for giving me this award, now get your bum to California so we can go have coffee.

Where has this week gone?

Nikki came back from her mission's trip and she just fell in love with the people in Vegas. I get so much joy out of watching Nikki grow and when she learns things her face just lights up. I tell everyone that knows her to keep an eye on her because one of these days she is going to change the world.

Nikki and Ryan started school on Wednesday. Nikki is very happy to be back in regular high school, and as long as she is happy I am happy. Ryan is also loving life right now because he is back with his friends.

Next week Ryan will start to get homework, and that is when I have to put on my boxing gloves. I don't know why his teacher can't follow an IEP, but she can't. I am going to fight her all the way on this and I am even considering filing a complaint against her.

Amber starts college next week, and I am glad that she has decided to take some core classes. Amber is still looking for a job, but I am sure something will open up soon. This is Ambers last weekend before school starts so she went to the river with some friends. I guess it is one final good bye to summer.

You know that is sad. I feel like our summer is over now that the kids are back in school. I was thinking "man the children have not done anything this summer." I know I am wrong there. They have all been on some kind of trip, we have gone to the beach several times, all of the children have gone to concerts, bonfires, and the list goes on. At least I have reach a goal. I so wanted to spend more time with the children and I did just that.

So I got my hands on a camcorder and now that I have learned how to post videos I think I am going to go do more video blogging. I wanted to do a video blog today but no one is here to help me, so it will have to wait until next week.

My dear friend over at smaller footprint put up another challenge this week, and the challenge was to use or make your own cleaners. I wanted to make a video of all my cleaners and my kitchen, but it will have to wait. So, the easiest cleaner that I make is a multi purpose cleaner. I use 1 part vinegar and one part water. I just put it in a spray bottle and it works wonders! This is also good to keep in mind in case you run out of a cleaner you can make this up real quick.

Another cleaner that I make is my own dish washer soap. There are times when I run my dishwasher three or four times in one day, and buying that soap was getting very expensive. So here is how I make dishwasher soap:

1 1/2 cups of borax

1 1/2 cups of baking soda

1 cup salt

use 1/4 cup per load.

I make up two or three bathes at a time. I keep it in an old ice cream bucket. I have discovered that a scoop that you get from lemonade or Gatorade is about 1/4 cup, so I use that to measure out the soap. It works great.

Well I am done with all the marines quilts, so now I am working on making some little quilts. I am going to use them in gift baskets and to wrap around wine bottles. This is an opportunity to really show off my handi work. So I better go get a few things done around here, so I can get back to my sewing.

what I have been up to

My life

Over the last few weeks I have have an e mail conversation with a gal that takes me back to the dark days of my life. Days when I could not get out of bed and I thought that life just sucked. Then I was watching Oprah and she was talking about a gratitude journal, so I started one. Every night I would write three thing that I was grateful for. Years later I found that journal and as I flipped through it I found a day where all I could write was "the day is over". That seems like a life time ago.

On one of Rusty's deployments, I was feeling sad for myself. At that time I was friends with one of the Chaplin's on base. There in his office was a poster of a flower growing up. The flower was surrounded my cement and the caption said "bloom where you are planted." It was suggested to me that I read some books by John Maxwell. So I did, and so started my growth into a new person.

Yesterday, on facebook, I said that I was going to the beach to fly kites. A dear friend gave me the highest compliment and called me a hippy and said she was jealous. I take that as the highest compliment ever.

Yes, I am a hippy, and yes I love life. I often think back to that poster. "bloom where you are planted" O.K. so we are broke, but we do live in California, and the beach is free, so why not go play in the ocean, fly kites and just enjoy it.

But, my challenge to everyone in this world including my own children, is to live life to the fullest. Try new and exciting things. Go sit on the grass and listen to a jazz concert, pick up a local paper and see what is going on in your own community, and get involved. I have learned that life is about living and not waiting.

My life is also full of contrast. There are times when I do just pack up the children and go. Then there are times when I am just itching to get out of the house. There are times that I do go rock climbing and scare myself, then there are days when I sit and create works of art, by sewing a quilt.

My life is so not perfect and I do not hide that fact. We do have savings but not that much. Our bills are paid, and we have food, but we really have to save for the extras. That's o.k. being poor does not mean that we have to sit in the house and feel sorry for ourselves. It means that we just find cheap thing to do.

My children are learning this lesson as well. I am so glad that I raised them they way did.... broke. My children appreciate everything, and they know they have to work for what they want. I often take my children on my get up and go moments and they are just shocked at some of the places we end up. Chris is really starting to get this. He is now jumping in and joining us and he is longer saying oh poor me. To me that showes that Chris is growing and that he is learning while you may need money to get by, it does not make you happy. Happiness is found in the little moments of life.

I finally talked to Nikki yesterday and she had a great trip! Nikki did struggle with Vegas for a few day's but then she found her groove and is loving it. I have not heard all the details of her trip, but I know that she wants to go back to Vegas several more times this year.

My friend, Tim, is just so amazed at Nikki and he said that I did a great job raising her. Well thank you Tim. Tim said she is a whirl wind and that he is having a hard time keeping up with her. Tim also said that he had fun with her, since he has no children this has been an eye opener for him.

This was also sent in motion long before we ever knew it. It was just back in February that I got back in touch with Tim. Tim lives in Vegas and Nikki ended up in Vegas. Tim's house is only five blocks from the church where Nikki was working.

Today I am going to rally the troops. They have a house to clean. The boys want to go fly kites again, and One of my girlfriends and her little girl are going with us. I know that I wont always life near the ocean, so I am going to take every opportunity to go play on it while I can.

Life is good

eco friendly friday

Here it is another Friday, and another chance to suggest some small ways that we can all help. Reduce footprints ( on my side bar) suggest we all vegan one day a week.

Now for me this is not that hard, but for my husband it is. He loves his meat and he refuses to give it up. That is fine if you are like him, so let me suggest a few other things.

Since I am now having to cook more so that I can have left overs for Rusty and Chris's lunch I have had to get creative. Meat is expensive and I don't feel that they need more meat, so this week I have been just adding more vegi's to whatever I cook.

Last night I made chicken stew. I added an extra can of green bean's instead of adding extra meat. I have started packing Rusty more fruit. Rusty was complaining that he was getting hungry late in the afternoon. So I got grapes and apples and they now go in his lunch so he can snake while he drives.

By adding more fruit and vegi's I am able to stretch our food bill, eat less meat and I am able to get some more good whole foods into my family.

So if you are like me, and you have a strict meat other try cutting them back without them knowing it! I can go vegan and not miss the meat at all.

So what have I done this week to green up my home?

1. All that used plastic ware was sent into work with Chris and Rusty. I saved it from the landfill for a little while.

2. I freecycled a ton of stuff this week. At least that stuff will also be reused before it hits the land fills.

3. Rusty got Chris a job with him, so that they could car pool. We were wondering how we were going to work out the car issue once Chris got a job, now we don't have to wonder any more.

4. I am using old sheets as material for the quilt that I am working on.

5. A girlfriend asked me how to make laundry soap and a few other things, so she will now be making all of her own stuff!

We can change the world one person at a time.

Tell me, what you have done this week?

hanging out

This is a picture of me hanging out with some of my boys. Life is funny. I never wanted boys and now I have a house full of them, well for a while anyway.

I am done with all of the boys quilts, so that must mean one thing, they are all getting ready to leave. We have no set dates yet, but soon. It still sucks no matter how many times I do this.

I talked to Nikki on Monday. She is really struggling with this trip, so I called her other parents and talked to them for a bit. They said that they also talked to Nikki and got the impression that she was struggling. This trip is very different for Nikki. Yes it is here in the states, but there something like 500 people on this trip! Nikki does not have the security of her friends this year. I know that Nikki will be fine. This trip is really pushing her to get out of her box, and that is scary for all of us. One thing I do know for sure is that this trip will change her, as all of her trips do. I can't wait to hear all about this trip.

I also found out that Nikki had called Chris. I asked Chris to not take any of her calls, and I asked Nikkis other parents to please get in touch with someone out there and make sure that the cell phones are off. I don't mind Nikki calling Chris, but I feel he is the wrong person to call when you need support. Chris was never allowed to do anything without his parents watching him. So he has no idea what it is like to be in strange city and to be on a missions trip. This is nothing against Chris, it is what it is.

Speaking of Chris, he is doing great and he thrilled to have a job! That's right Rusty got him a job working with him. It is only part time, but hey it is a job and it pays $10 an hour, and he will be able to ride with Rusty to and from work. Chris said "the first thing I am going to save for is a camera. I want one like yours." For the record, I have a canon rebel. Expensive, yes, but it was given to us. Then he said "After boot camp I am going to go set up a phone and buy a lap top." I reminded him to make sure that he puts money aside so he can come home for the holidays. Right now life is good for Chris, and I can't wait for him to get a little taste of success.

Amber is still looking for a job. Rusty has talked to a few different people just trying to get her on someplace, and she is applying for jobs down on the base. Amber was a little bit angry that Rusty did not give her the job, but I explained to Amber that she really does not want to work there. It is hot back breaking work. I keep saying it and I will say it again, something will turn up. Right now Amber just wants a job and a few benefits.

I have been keeping my eyes and ears open for a job for myself as well. I am not looking for anything great. I would like to make $100 a week. Just something to give me some spending and saving money. More saving, since the coast of college keeps going up. We will see. I hope Amber gets a job before I do.

Next weekend there is this motor cross thing going on down at base, and Chris and Amber want to go. So I called my girlfriend, and she is going to bring the triplets up. I have a feeling we are going to be having a lot of people going, so one of the kids said well we can go to the beach after we are done there. True, we could, so I talked to my girlfriend and we are thinking pizza on the beach. That would be a cool dinner. It should be a good time.

I have been trying to drop a few pounds. I would love to drop 20 pounds by November, so that I can put on a little something to wear to the ball. I have either been walking every night or swimming. Either way I have increase my exercise level, and I have cut my calories, so we will see. If I don't drop the weight, that is fine as long as I look more toned. Note to self: start looking for the dress now. we all know what a cheap ass you are and we all know you won't buy anything new.

Since I am trying to drop a few pounds I decided that Rusty should too. Rusty really does not need to. He 6'2" and is 190 pounds. Not bad, but I have been adding more fruit and vegi's to his lunch. I have to find someway to stretch the left overs.

I would like to know how some people do it. I have four teens in the house and next to our house food is our biggest bill. Amber said "well look on the bright side you wont have to feed Chris, Nikki and Ryan lunch anymore." I had to correct her. Yes I will be feeding Chris lunch because even when he works, he still has to eat. So I will have to make more dinner and hope I can stretch it into two lunch's. Nikki and Ryan can eat at school, but if NIkki goes back to playing sports they food bill will take another hit. I just thank God for good deals on food.

My babies don't think they are babies anymore. They can now eat big kitty food as long as it is wetted down. they use the big kitty box, and they have learned to scale our bed so they can sleep in it. The little one with the eye problems is doing very well, and I just know she will be fine when she goes to her new home. So now they are just hanging out and growing.

Today I am going to try to get up to Nikki's room which is totally trashed and go through her stuff. I am such a bad mom. If I am forced to clean a room I will clean it with trash bags. So I am going to do some of that today. I know that she has stuff she does not wear, and stuff she has not seen in a very long time, so it is time for all of that stuff to find a new home, and will be every so happy to help it along.

I think I am going to go do some sewing. Everyone is still sleeping. I think I am the only person that is up at this horrible time of the morning. But on the bright side I can at least get some sewing done and not have to listen to everyone bitch about everything.

Life is good

there was a fork in the road......

My father use to use that quote all the time. "there was a fork in the road and I chose the one less traveled."

Some of the events that are unfolding in my life are because of the choices I have made, and some are not.

Right now I feel like I am being forced to take the road less traveled. I am trying to get all the children set for school, and let me tell you Amber and Nikki are going to break my bank.

I can't believe how expensive college is, and Amber is only going to a junior college. Now I chose to make Amber go to college. I chose to make her take a minimum of two classes a semester. In exchange I would let her live her for free. I never chose to be caught in the middle. According to the state we make to much money to qualify for any grants. Since when is poverty to much? So I am shouldering the burden. Notice I said I. I have been saving money like a mad women. I have a separate bank account where I place all the extra money that I make. This is what is paying for college.

My mom offered to help pay for Ambers books. I have chosen to not allow her to pay for shit. The last thing I need is blood money. Yes, that is my choice.

I have been looking around for a very part time job, just something a few hours a day, and no weekends. I have checked with the school district, the water company..... no luck. I can't go back to work full time because of Ryan. Every time I do get a full time job I get fired because I have to leave because Ryan is sick, or because no one is around to watch him. Not working is kinds being forced on me, but I need to do something.

I chose to let Nikki make some very hard decisions in her life. I am now paying the price for that. Now that she back in a regular school, I am paying for yearbooks and asb cards and....... I am about sucked dry.

It was my choice to not go and get a new court order, and have my ex pay for half of Amber and Nikki's stuff. I figure that we should just let sleeping dogs lie. That is my choice and now I am starting to question it. Not that he would ever pay it, but at least with the court order it would be tacked onto his bill.

Rusty and I chose to do everything on our own. We did this because we wanted our children to know who really loved them and supported them. It was Rusty and I, not their sperm donor.

I am done being down. I just one of Ambers books for free! That is a huge savings. I am actually getting some sewing done on my own quilt. I have plenty of food. I have money in savings to pay for all of this. I have a husband who loves me and who bust his ass everyday just so I can be a stay at home mom. My children are not pregnant or on drugs.

Life is good

the last two

Well here they are. These are the last two quilts that I needed to get done before the boy's leave.

These two walked around with their quilts like they were two years old, and I smiled.

The one thing I hear a lot is that they have never received such a nice gift. Well now the have.

Last night I took some scrap material and made the cutest little blanket. I think I am going to make more of them and wrap wine bottles in them and hand them out as Christmas gifts. I also have material on the table for a quilt for me! I have had two of the cut, but I have never had time to work on them, so maybe before the year is over I get both of them done.

Today is Nikki's first working day in Vegas. I was told that this was a rough trip, but I know my Nikki can handle it. Nikki went to Vegas a few day's early and she will be spending a few extra days there. I guy I have known all my life is showing her a good time. I am glad, because it is like a mini vacation for her.

Amber is back and is about to suck the life out of me. Amber said "I am not going to be able to pay my phone bill or my insurance this month." I told her that she has three months worth of bills in her savings account and that she needed to use that money. Amber went and applied at hooters for a job.

I took some of the boys down to Point Loma and we went rock climbing. It was fun, and I was happy to just get out of the house for a while. I have to admit that we saw a one legged man out there rock climbing and he was kicking our ass! The tide was really high so we all got soaked, so it must have been a good day.

I spoke with my mom yesterday and she really liked her Christmas gift, so I am so happy about that. I just had no idea what to get her, so I guess adopting a bear was a good move on my part.

I sent one of the kittens back to the shelter yesterday. He was big enough to go get fixed and find a new home. I still have three babies, and they are just growing like weeds! Now is the fun stage, because they are all weened and potty trained, and they are just now really learning how to play.

Last week I ordered a new carpet cleaner from overstock.com and it should be here today! I can't wait. My carpets look so bad, and I don't like that. So I will be spending the afternoon cleaning my carpets.

Well my day is calling me, so I better get to it.