Am I Wise or Just Tired?

With each addition to the family my parenting changed. As more children vied for my attention I had to figure out how to make things work. I still had a house to run (cooking, cleaning, running errands) plus make some “me” time.

So I started giving more responsibility to the older children. And as each child got older I gave responsibility to the younger ones as well. All of my children except for Buddy to their own laundry. Chip, Busy Bee and JoJo each take turns doing dishes. The kids vacuum, mop, dust and make their own breakfast (usually cereal or toast although a few like to make scrambled eggs) and they make their own lunches on the weekends or when there is no school.

So I’m sure you’re probably thinking….what do I do??? Well I cook dinner, do the food shopping, clean the bathroom and do laundry. I also pick up the slack when the kids fall behind on their chores (although I do try to make sure they get them done)

I’m not crazy mean. If the kids have plans with friends or spend the night out I do their chores when they are gone. I drive them to school events and to the mall to hang out with friends. I bake cookies, muffins and cupcakes for snacks.

I know I’m not doing the wrong thing by making the kids help out. But sometimes I do feel guilty. My mom never made me do chores. She did everything. She even packed my school lunch up til the day I graduated high school. But I think the big difference between me and my mom is that she didn’t have any hobbies. TV wasn’t like it is now so she didn’t have her shows to watch like I do.

I’m sure some people think that I should do everything because I don’t work. But if I didn’t teach my children to help out all those years ago I wouldn’t have been able to care for my babies.

So am I wise or just tired???

Hey I’m Still Here

So yeah it’s been a minute since I posted!!! Buddy is now 7!! Time sure does fly!!! So a quick update on my kiddos: Goober is now 24 (almost 25!!!) He’s working full time and has a serious girlfriend for about 2 years ❤ He Self taught himself to play guitar and this kid (young man) can rock!!!!

Ry-Guy is 23 and working as a chef in a very upscale restaurant locally. This kid knows his stuff and he cooks for us when he can. He works crazy hours and has missed many family events from his work schedule 😦

Chip is now 16!! He’s a sophomore in high school. Where does the time go?? He’s had an interest in music and has been writing songs for a few years now.

Busy-Bee (my only daughter) is now a freshman in high school. She recently “came out” to me and I’m so proud of her!!! We kinda always knew but we were waiting to see where it lead. Since she came out she’s really blossemed 😊

JoJo is now in middle school!! He’s in school by himself 😦 He’s doing what all his friends do: play Xbox and talk on the phone 😂

Gus is now in 4th grade. He’s still as sweet as ever!! Goober taught him to play guitar and this kid rocks!! He’s playing Nirvana (his favorite band).

And finally Buddy!!! He’s now 7!! He’s in 1st grade. He’s so smart!! He’s now currently obsessed with the planets. He can tell you how many moons each planet has and which is the biggest or smallest. Before this obsession he was really into frogs and toads. I love his thirst for knowledge!!!

So that’s what has been going on with my kiddos. Now for me 😁😁 I have lost about 30lbs since 2017. I put on weight after starting menopause. I found out after Buddy that I was in menopause (which is why we only have 7 😂) Initially I was very upset. It wasn’t what I thought would happen. But slowly I accepted it. Then the pounds started adding up. I finally looked at what I was doing and decided I needed to make a change. I cut out soda and switched to stevia in my coffee. I also do intermittent fasting a few times a week plus I joined a gym about a year ago.

So yeah things have changed and I’m happy with where it’s gone. All 7 kids still living at home and I wouldn’t want it any other way!!

Where Am I?

Well I feel like I’m in another world! I can’t believe I let so much time go by without blogging.
Let me introduced Buddy! Baby number 7 has been interesting.  This child broke the mold! He climbs on tables, escapes out the doors, sneaks out of bed and does whatever else he can to test my limits. At just 2 he is out of the crib. This makes me sad. I was hoping to keep him in as long as possible 😦

But as you can see I can still sneak in a snuggle.
I started cloth diapering this guy at just 4 months. I wish I had used cloth with all of my children. I love it!! The diapers are just adorable and much easier than expected. We still baby wear and I am a strong believer in extended rear facing. I hope to get certified as a car seat tech one day. So many people just do not install and/or buckle their children in properly. 

I have so much more to write about but will end it here……..

Until next time 🙂

Its Been Too Long……….

Well It’s been a while since I posted. A few things to update on……

Baby # 7 is another boy!!! So that makes it 6 boys and only 1 girl for us!

I am waiting to get a new van…..a 12-15 passenger van! I was in a car accident on Sept 10th and the insurance company deemed my minivan as a “total loss” – This was not how in envisioned us getting a new van but this is how it’s happening 🙂

School has started and I am enjoying my quiet days with just Jo-Jo and Gus at home. I decided to hold off on kindergarten for Jo-Jo. He just isn’t ready and honestly neither am I lol!

So now I’m just trying to relax and take it easy before our new bundle of joy arrives

Yay!!

I had my NT scan last week. I have to admit I was a bit nervous. Well the blood test results came back fine. I am so relieved!!