Happy Birthday to my Madre! And Happy First Day of School to my kiddo's!!

Today, oh today...what a day I had today!

My days just seem to be getting better and better! Today is my mom's birthday. I've been blogging about it in my head for a couple days. I been trying to come up with some great and wonderful stuff to write about her. That in itself isn't an easy task. You see, is there someone in your life that you just can't seem to come up with the right words to describe them? Like, there just aren't words made special enough to use? That's how I feel about my mom. She is the single most wonderful person in my life. And God has blessed me with lots of wonderful people. But she, hands down, is the best.

Mom, you're such a (I've been stuck here for 3 minutes!!) what?? What are you?? You're wonderful. You're an inspiration. You are my rock. You're kind. You're giving. You're selfless. You're 'mart!!! You're a great cook. You're a wonderful wife. You're courageous and strong. You're beautiful. You're respected. But, most of all mom, you're all mine! It's the only reason I don't mind being an only child! I don't have to share you! I must have skipped that day in Kindergarten!

We all have tough times, I'm not going to say my life have been any harder than the next person's. But, I'll admit, my life isn't always a bouquet of roses. And when my day's are more like dandelions, then they are roses, it's my mom I go running to. I talk to my mom all the time. As in nearly every day. If for some strange and unknown reason my mom and dad aren't together, and dad tries to call mom and gets a busy signal....he calls me and tells me to get off the phone with my mom because he's trying to call her!! I think only one time he's called and it wasn't actually me one the phone with her.

If I have a problem? Call mom. If I have a question? Call mom. If I have some great news? Call mom. If I'm having a bad day? Call mom. If I can't find where they keep Lady Fingers in the grocery store? Call mom. Are you seeing a pattern here? 'Cuz I am. There's been plenty of nights that I've had to call in the middle of the night...some one's sick, and I don't know what to do. Someone got sick, needs to go to the hospital, she (and dad too, of course) comes over. Some one's being naughty and won't go to bed, she talks me off the "ledge". Someone got hurt, she gives me advise.

I can't even picture what my life would be without her. I'm usually a mushy gushy person, but I just can't even find the words to type out. There are tears strolling down my face right now, and I haven't even touched on what she means to me.

Mom, if it weren't for you, I don't know where I'd be in this world. I know you think I'm a daddy's girl, and I am, but you'll always hold that special place in my heart that no one can take away. (I'm bawling, and that wasn't even mushy!) You, and only you are the most special person in my life. Thank you for everything you do for me, Mr. Goose Poop, and our kids. They are so very lucky to have a Grandma like you. I hope you have (had now actually) a wonderful birthday. May God bless you and you're next year with bright days and cozy night. May you be filled with joy, love, laughter, and happiness. I love you mom, and Happy Birthday to you!!

Now that I'm officially a bawling mess....I was going to tell you all about my kids' first day of school today. But I can barely see they keyboard and screen right now thru my tears. So I'm going to leave that for tomorrow. I've got lots to tell, lots to be thankful for, and maybe even a few pictures to show.

Happy Birthday to my wonderful mom!

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

~1 Corinthians 13:4

I love Saturday mornings!

How can you have a bad morning when this is the scene in your living room right before bacon and eggs???

That's right...you can't! I love Saturday morning's like this!

And not only that, but Mr. Goose Poop took all the kids fishing, and my best friend and I get to go wedding shopping all day. Can't get much better than this!

I love Saturday's!!

Praise be to God! For He is good!

As many of you know, Mr. Goose Poop and I have been in a lenghty court battle regarding custody of Jacob and Carter. It has been a long and stressful road. But yesterday God answered our prayers.

The outcome wasn't completely in our favor, but was better than it could have been.

Back in January Mr. Goose Poop filed for custody of the boys. We've been in and out of court mediation's, thru lenghty court investigations, to the end of the world and back getting our case together. We for sure couldn't have done any of this without my wonderful mom. She's been burning the midnight oil many nights looking up anything and everything she could that would help our case. For the past few nights she and Mr. Goose Poop have sat up until midnight going over anything and making notes for court. She was, in all aspects, our "lawyer". And if it wasn't for her, this post would be singing a different tune today.

After a little over 4 hours in court yesterday, and not to mention a soar butt, (Why do they have to make those benches so darn hard on your back side??) the judge gave us his final decision. It is ordered in court that Mr. Goose Poop and Ex are to still share joint legal custody. At first we were disappointed in his decision, but then he went on to explain. I won't bore you with details, but after the judge's little spiel, I can understand why we didn't. While the boys' mom certainly does some (in our eyes) questionable things, and isn't on the ball for the most part, she isn't detrimental to their well-being. I do honestly believe she is doing the best she can with what she has at the moment.

Now regarding physical custody, that we were granted. So we now have full physical custody of the boys. Their new schedule during the school year is visitation with their mother every other weekend and a few hours each Wednesday night (should she choose to exercise those hours). And the summer schedule is a week on - week off schedule. Meaning the boys will be with us from Friday to Friday, then with their mother from Friday to Friday. In no way shape or form were we trying to take those boys away from their mother. In fact, the schedule we proposed was the exact same schedule we have been following for a year now. Meaning she would still get all the time she has been getting with the boys, which was the first 3 weekends of the month. The judge just ordered her to have two weekends instead, but gave her a few hours each Wednesday evening also.

My heart goes out to their mother. By the end of court she was crying, as I would be. I also share custody of my kids with their father, and if I was in her position I can't even imagine how I'd feel. I'd be emotional and crying also. That I know for sure. As she sat their crying, as the judge wrapped up the hearing, all I could do was imagine giving her a hug and telling her that everything would be ok. That not much has changed, we're for the most part just following what we've been doing, Mr. Goose Poop and I were just given the credit where credit was due. That she would still see her children, and to re-assure her that it's not our intent to take the boys away from her. I didn't of course, hug her that is. That's probably the last thing she wanted. A hug from her ex-husband's new wife, who just won custody of her kids. But I do hope that God grants her peace and understanding in the judge's decision. Mr. Goose Poop and I both agree that if this is what she needs to help her become a better mom to those boys, then that's what we were looking for. If this helps her to get her things together, and stable herself out, there is no reason that we can't go back and re-evaluate the situation (much much!) later on down the road.

But for today, God answered our prayers. We're now the custodial parents. Yes, God is good indeed. A big thank you to all of you. For every one's prayers, for every one's support, and also for your friendships. If it weren't for the wonderful people we choose to surround ourselves with, this wouldn't have been possible.

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
~Matthew 7:7-8

Raise your hand if you have so many kids you needed not one...but TWO sets of triple bunks!!!

Ohh Ohh Ohh....pick me...pick me!!!!








Yup....We have so many kids, and so little space, we had to get ourselves two sets of triple bunk beds!!!


Now getting yourself even one set of triple bunk beds can prove to be changeling enough. And I needed two. I looked at a few furniture stores. Didn't find anything. Guess they aren't as common as I thought. So, of course, I go to where everyone goes when they're looking for something they can't find: Google!


Oh glorious Google. Type in "Triple Bunk Beds" Of course Google's heard of triple bunks before. Something like 233,487, 143 pages found faster than the speed of light. Yes, there's got to be something that'll work.


I clicked on the first site that popped up. OK, cool, these are neat, I can work with this, I bet shipping will break the bank but we need them, let's just scroll down, check out the price! I think something along the lines of "Yea, friggin' right" came out of my mouth. $1700 for ONE set. Absolutely not! Lets get to the next site, these people are out of their minds if they think I'm paying $1700 plus shipping for one dang set. Kiss my....anyway


Next site....These boneheads wanted $3000 for a set!! This went on for about 7 1/2 minutes before I realized the first two sites weren't the only scammers around!! Come to find out $1700 is the cheapest I could find them. Throw in $350 for shipping and we've got ourselves a grand total of what?!? $4100 smackers??? Pffffttt....


"Daaaaaaaaaady!!!!!" Isn't that what all girls do? Go to daddy when they need something? Or is it just me?? I figured hey, he designed and built McKenzie's loft bed a few years back, how hard can a triple bunk be?!? McKenzie's is much more complicated. He wanted to behead me! That I could tell. But he loves the dickins out of me, so, though he may have bitched and moaned that I needed something else, he agreed to do it! Don't you just love dad's?!? I have hands down the best dad in the whole wide world.


So, dad drew up the plans for the triple bunks. And he and Mr. Goose Poop get started. I'm thinking it'll take 2 weeks, 3 tops. I mean, how hard can it be? I'm not looking for anything special. No cool designs or anything. A few cuts here, and couple of screws there, whall-ah, right? Wrong!! More than wrong! Way passed wrong!


My dad and Mr. Goose Poop worked their tails off working on this bed. It took weeks, as in about 8 weeks. Granted, they didn't work on it every day, but still. So the 8 weeks come and go, and their done. Yes, now it'll only be another couple days until the beds are finished. All I had to do was put a quick coat of stain on them and varnish them up. Quick?? Yea right! Nothing quick about it. It took me days to get just one coat of stain on those dang things. And we're not done yet! Varnish still has to go on...


Like a dummy I decided since the new beds were almost done, and the old ones needed to come out anyway, that I'd take them down a week early and sand, stain, and varnish the boy's floors too. Augh, what was I thinking? (That seems to be an over-used saying by me now-a-days doesn't it?) So I start that, and thank the Heavens above, my mom busted her behind varnishing as fast as her fingers allowed, while I stained and varnished my floors as fast as my fingers allowed.

Beds? Check! Floors? Check! Wanna see 'em? They turned out fab!


That will be Jacob on the top, Dylan in the middle, and Tyler on the bottom!

That will be Jonah on the top, Carter in the middle, and Christian on the bottom!

They're fabulous aren't they?!? The kids love them! My mom, dad, Mr. Goose Poop and I worked so very hard to get them done. And I am so happy with the way the turned out.

While they did in fact cost much much less than $4000, with all the time and effort these things took by the 4 of us, I can maybe see why they charge so much. And the ones I was looking at on-line were much more "spiffy" than these ones. Not that I would ever pay that much, 'cuz thank goodness I've got my daddy!

Everyone take cover....we're under attack!!

There we are, my mom and I, Friday night, minding our own business. Talking. Chatting. Having ourselves a cocktail. My dad and Mr. Goose Poop upstairs. Working. Mom and I are having some sort of intelligent conversation. The night air is cool. The breeze is awesome. The heat and humidity of the day slipping away. There is an occasional arm flying in the air, done by one of us, whooshing away a stray bug. Ahhhh, so nice. Relaxing even. It's been a long week. I really needed this.

We're in the middle of a conversation, and I hear it. Bzzzz....No biggie. Bugs aren't really my friends, but I can deal. More conversation. Bzzzz....swat! "Anyway, what was that Mom?" Bzzzz....ZZZZ...ZZZZ!! Crash! Boom! Bang! I jump up like the military just launched some high tech bomb down at my mom and I. "Holy Crap, mom!! What the heck was that?!?" I yelled. (Actually, I think it was more like "Holy Shit, mom!! What the hell was that?!?" But that's beside the point!!) Something landed in the corner of my deck.

I tip toe around the corner. Moving too fast may set off the bomb, you know!! I peek around the corner. Nothing. I step around the corner. Nothing. I slowly inch my way to the corner. Nothing. Now, I know I'm not loosing it here. I know I heard nothing short of a bomb headed downward, and a huge crash as it landed. I'm looking. Nothing. I start ever so softly tapping the grill cover. Nothing. I pound on the door. Nothing. I look up, then I see it. It sees me. I tried not to look it in the eyes. I jump a little. It moved. Moved!! Crap...it saw us!

"Mom, give me something!" She looks at me! I don't have time to explain. This creature looks hungry. I think it skipped dinner. If I don't hurry, and keep my eye on it at all times, I may be a thing of the past. A glass! Yes! (Remember the cocktails we were having?!?) Mom's almost done with hers. I sprint, dump out what's left of her drink (sorry mom!) and ever so slowly, I capture him. Got him. Yea great, I've got him captured under a glass....up against my house! If I move the glass, he's bound to get us!

Local Mom and Daughter killed!

Eaten alive my monster-like creature!

Thanks, but no thanks! "Mom, give me something!" Again, she looks at me. Yes, I see something. For once I'm not mad that my kids didn't take care of all their crap. I see a mini notebook on the table. Hurry! I rip off the small back cardboard cover. Mom helps me slip the (too thin for my liking) cardboard between the glass and the house. Got him! I've never in my life seen a bug (if that's what you'd call this thing!) this friggin' big before! He's ginormous!! Bigger than ginormous.

We go inside to show my dad and Mr. Goose Poop what we've just saved the general population from. This thing was so big, it could have eaten our whole city in a day, maybe two! I'm proud of myself. I'm thinking I'm going to sell this thing to the museum. I'll get so much money, I'll finally get that BMW I've always wanted.

Local girl finds world's biggest bug!

She's now a bazillionair living life in the fast lane!

My dad and Mr. Goose Poop weren't as impressed as I thought! Or as impressed as I was! Actually, they've seen them before. Actually, they're all over the place. Actually, this is no "biggest bug ever found". Actually, nor did I save us all from being eaten alive by this creature. Thanks for bursting my bubble dad! Now I can't even think of the stupid name of the ginormous bug I found. Sakada maybe? I don't know. I'm told it's one of those bugs that lives up in trees and makes those outrageously loud screeching noises.

You tell me....is this the biggest bug in the history of bugs EVER???!!??

Scared ya, didn't it?? Now wouldn't you be proud if you captured this monster?? Look at the size of that thing!! It's eyeballs alone are bigger than my fist! It's under one of my drinking glasses, and look...it takes up at least half of it! Ick...

Well, I guess my fortune will have to come from something other than capturing the world's biggest bug! Guess this isn't it after all. Guess I didn't save us all from being eaten alive. But, if this isn't the world's biggest bug, I sure as heck don't want to see what the biggest one is. Because this bug, this bug I tell you, was GINORMOUS!!!

At any rate, we put him in a tupperware conatiner, because as you know....I'll tell this story to my kids and they will for sure believe me that I caught the world's largest bug. Take that dad!!

This is not right....it just can't be!!

How can I have a son that is big enough for a bike that would fit me???

How can I have a son that's old enough, and responsible enough for a gun?? That's right, a gun!!

Is this really true? Can this really be? Is this really happening? It is true. It really can be. And, yes, it is really happening!

Jonah turns 10 on Saturday. 10. 10 years old. Double digits. The year they gain an extra hour at bed time. The year we consider guns and pocket knifes if you're responsible enough. When the boys kept asking about getting a BB gun or a pocket knife, Mr. Goose Poop and I sat down and decided when you turn 10 is the year we'd take into consideration your maturity level and decide after that. It sounded like a good idea at the time. It was like a year and a half ago. Plenty of time, I thought, for me to warm up to the idea. Well, now it's here. I have a son who's 10, and who we decided was old enough for a BB gun. What was I thinking??? Or wasn't I??

Now, there are rules, of course, for the BB gun. It will always be put up, it's never shot in the city, only shot at a target with Styrofoam behind it, yadda yadda yadda. And most importantly, you have to take a crash course in gun safety taught by no other than Mr. Goose Poop.

I have all the faith in the world that he's responsible enough to have it, hence the reason he got it in the first place. It's just still not right. He can't be 10 years old yet. He just can't. Anyway, doesn't that make me old?? Having a 10 year old son? I told you I didn't want to turn 30...

At any rate, Happy Happy Birthday to my dear Jonah. I'm so glad God made you a part of my family. I can't imagine my life without you in it. Without your goofy humor. Without your witty remarks. Without your smarts. And yes, Jonah, even without your bad ass attitude sometimes!! It makes you who you are. Who God decided you'd be. And most of all, I can't imagine life without your hugs and kisses before bed every night. (Don't worry, I won't tell your friends you still kiss your mom good night!!) They make the hectic day seem ok. The world melt around me. Last night, when dad and I put you to bed, and you whispered in my ear that you got the best birthday gifts ever, thanked me, and told me you loved me, it made the whole hectic week around here disappear. Thank you, for that I feel truly blessed.

Happy birthday to my dear Jonah, happy birthday to my 10 year old gun owning, big kid bike riding, responsible, double digit son.

**barf**

.....Literally!!! This was the scene of my living room last night at 11:49pm.......

Notice all the barf buckets!!!

That's right, 4 barfing babies!! =(

Between the hours of 11:13pm and 11:49pm we had 4 barfing kids, some with more than 1 barfing episode. Ick...We had barf on mattresses, barf on jammies, barf on the basement floor, barf on the kitchen floor, barf on my kitchen rug, barf on the sleeping bags, barf down the side of my leg, barf on the stairs from the basement...it. was. everywhere.

Mr. Goose Poop and I cleaned them all up. Started a few loads of laundry. Got them their barf buckets. Got them cozy on the couch. And hopped back in bed. Ahhhh....

**blech** Up and at 'em! Every 15-25 minutes all. night. long. there was at least one child puking. As soon as we heard the gurgle in their little throats, we flung ourselves out of bed, bonking into the dresser, running into the doorways, bumping into each other, sprinting into the living room to find out which kid was giving up their dinner. Mr. Goose Poop would head right for the puker. Ready to scratch his back and hold his puke bucket. Me? I'd sprint into the kitchen to get the warm rag to wipe their little spitty mouths, and grab a sip of swishing water. We're a team, we are. I *think* the last barf was around 6:30 this morning. Poor little guys....

They all seem to be doing much better this morning. The "littles" are a little sluggish, but seem to be back to fairly normal. Hopefully it won't hit the big kids later today.

As for Mr. Goose Poop and I...we're beyond tired, but seem to have come through the barfing episodes unharmed. I'd like to say, though, after one of the barfs, Mr. Goose Poop and I hopped back in bed, hoping for at least 15 minutes of shut eye, he rolled over, kissed my arm and told me what an amazing wife and mom I am. And how much he loved and appreciated me. Hair sticking up, barf down my leg, blood shot eyes from lack of sleep, hands dang near bleeding from washing them so many times, 2:30 in the morning, he still reminded me that he loves me and appreciates me. What a guy...

Now....must find a corner to hide and sleep...

Why I love them...

Jonah - He's such a smart kid. When he puts his mind to it, he can learn anything quickly. He's a wiz in math. When you ask him to do something, he won't usually give you crap about it. He'll just get up and do it. He's a loving kid. Though he doesn't usually show it, especially to his brothers & sister, I know he truly appreciates what Mr. Goose Poop and I do for him. Often times, after he's gone to bed, he'll make an excuse to come downstairs. After we've shot that excuse down, he'll say to us how much he loves us, and how much he appreciates us. I know he's 9, he's at that age where he's starting to get embarrassed about showing his emotions. I think that's why he waits 'til every one's in bed to tell us how he really feels. It melts my heart. He's growing so fast, right before my very eyes. I looked at him the other day, and thought whoa, where'd this big kid come from. He's starting the 5th grade in a few short weeks. **sniff*sniff**

McKenzie - She's about as beautiful as they come. Some days I look at her, and am amazed at just how lovely she really is. She's compassionate, loving, and kind. She's always willing to help a "little" (that's what we call the younger ones in our house). She loves to help Tyler especially. She's going to make a wonderful mother some day, I can already see it. Many times, I'll walk into the kitchen, and she's in there rocking out cleaning. Then tells me she's doing it so I won't have to. She's growing into such a great girl. She has a heart the size of her head. If she knows some one's in need, she always asks if we can help them. She secretly keeps all her loved ones in her prayers at night.

Jacob - He's such a comedian. He loves to play jokes on his brothers, and learn magic tricks. He's becoming a great reader, and has made strides since he started the 2nd grade. He'll also, like Jonah, do what ever you ask of him without much crap. He's often soft spoken, but loves to laugh. He's starting to get a taste of being a "big kid" around here, and you can just see the pride he has because of it. He loves basketball, and can't wait to play his first year of Football this fall. I can't wait either. I hate sports, but secretly can't wait to be a "soccer mom". He's definitely all boy. All about the bugs and anything with balls.

Dylan - He's about the cutest boy ever. I'm partial, though!! He's growing into such a great kid. He's compassionate and loveable. Often times when he knows he's done something wrong, or has hurt some one's feelings, he'll cry and tell us how sorry he is, and how bad he feels. I can really see how he tries to prove to Mr. Goose Poop and I, how big he's getting. He's a very emotional boy. He loves to play with his older brothers, and tries very hard to tag along with them. He truly looks up to Jacob and Jonah.

Carter - I've never met a more loveable, hugable kid than Carter. Whether he knows you or not, he's the first one to jump up on your lap and give you a hug and a kiss. He'd much rather sit and cuddle than do anything else. He tells you he loves you a million and one times a day. I'm so proud of the progress he's made. If you ask him a question, and he doesn't know the answer, it's as if you can literally see the wheels turning in his head. He tries so hard lately, and for that, I'm so very proud of him. He's a wonderful independent player. You can give him a toy car and an action figure and he'll play by himself for hours, literally. He's grown so much the past year. He works very hard, and tries even harder. And it doesn't hurt that he's as cute as a button!!

Christian - He's the best sharer of them all. He is always always trying to help someone. He's the kid that will literally give you his last piece of candy. He always wants to help, be it his siblings or his parents. He's the one I can count on to always be willing to help. It's hard to believe he's 5 already. Where does the time go? I have a feeling he will be our easiest teenager. Is there such a thing? And did I just jinx us?? I believe he'll be the one that things will come naturally too. In just a few short weeks, he'll be in school all day every day for the very first time. Here's another **sniff*sniff**

Tyler - He's such a brute!! No joke! And he's about as funny as they come. The facial expressions and actions that he does kills me every time. He looks up to Mr. Goose Poop so very much. He loves "working" with dad. He's always trying to get into his boots, and wear his hardhat around the house. Telling us he's going to daddy's work! Too funny. He tries like the dickin's to be one of the big kids. And it breaks his heart when we won't let him. He's a huge ball of energy. Doesn't stop running around until bed time, and sometimes after! He loves to act. And when you're looking at him, he tries his hardest to ignore you and go on about his business. It's adorable.


My son, do not forget my teachings, but keep My commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
~Proverbs 3:1-2

Wordless Wednesday....or not!!

You see, I was going to make every Wednesday "Wordless Wednesday". It's a great idea. I get to post some of my favorite pictures, without having to type anything. And you get to just enjoy some awesome pictures. But then I realized, I'm just too damn tired and lazy today to download them from my camera!! I don't even have the energy to pull out my USB cord, hook up my stinkin' camera, and download them to my computer. Augh...

I've been thinking about having a headache for 2 days now. It's like that annoying ache in your head, right before you know a whopper big one's coming. The thing is, the whopper big one hasn't come yet. It's just this annoyingly dull small throb in my temples. For. two. days. now. Add that to the fact that Mr. Goose Poop and I are so extremely exhausted we can barely function, and you've got yourself a bad looking day!!

I don't want to have a bad day. Summer's almost over, school's about to begin and there is still lots of stuff I want to do with the kids. I really really want to get them to Frederick Meijer Gardens yet. And I also wanted to surprise them with an afternoon of bowling. I'd love to get to my sister, Morgan's, house to hang out with her and my nieces and nephew for the day. More beach days are never a bad deal. I wanted to have a big picnic in the park with the kids. But today, I can't even think about any of those things. When I think about it, I tell myself..."Well, there's always next summer!" But in my heart, I really want to do it this summer. That leaves me like....20 days or so!

I'm going to go try to stay awake, and find something for the kids to keep themselves occupied with today. Playdough...coloring...video games...reading...I don't know, but something that will keep them...zzzz....zzzz....zzzz

I guess I'll take 30!

Well, I just wrote out a whole entire post about being 30 and what cool gifts I got from Mr. Goose Poop. Then realized, I can't actually say what my gifts are quite yet. It's a 2 part gift, and one part hasn't been given to the other participant yet. And that participant might actually read this, so I'll have to let you know how spoiled I got at a later date.

The jist of it is, I gave being 30 a try for a week. And I guess it's not as bad as I thought. I guess I'll take it, but only if I have too!! I still feel old...just sayin'!

The Goose Poop household had a fabulous weekend. We went to Mr. Goose Poop's parent's cottage for the weekend. Both of his sister's and their families met us there. We all brought our campers and set up shop in their front yard. We celebrated all the birthday's in the family from April, May, June, and July. Such a blast. We had such a fun time being with family.

My poor inlaws! Here, obviously, they live just the two of them on this nice peaceful cottage up in Newaygo. Usually they wake up on Saturday morning, it's quiet, it's peaceful, it's glorious. They look outside and see the sun come up, the calm of the water, the fishermen out on the lake. They have their coffee (in the quiet), they read a little I'm guessing (in the quiet), they get some chores done around the cottage (in the quiet), they spend time together (in the quiet). Well, not this weekend let me tell you! It's was anything but quiet, that's for sure. There were 15 extra kids, and 6 extra adults at their place all weekend. That's an extra 21 people, making 23 people including them!!

I love the cottage. It's such a peaceful and fun place. I love how when we are making dinner, Brian turns the music up real loud, blasting music thru the cottage and the outside speakers. It just makes you want to dance around! I love how he just wants to put a drink in your hand. I think one of the greatest moments I had all weekend was Saturday night. The men folk were watching the kids in the water, the music was cranked (even if it was Mexican, and I had no clue what they were singing about!), Brian had just made Morgan and I a drink, we were trying to solve the case of the missing hard boiled eggs, Morgan and I were in the kitchen making dinner, Angie was cookin' up the dogs, you could hear the laughter from the kids playing in the water, and were were all together. There, all in one place. Enjoying each other. Yup, I'm sure that was my favorite moment of the weekend!

They were troopers about it, though. It's got to be hard to have 21 people invading your space for a weekend. And not only that, 15 of them are kids. 15 kids getting into everything, 15 kids asking Nonnie for a drink, 15 kids asking Poppie if he has a fishing pole they can use, 15 kids wanting on Nonnie's lap, 15 kids asking Poppie to take them on a boat ride, 15 kids needing breakfast, lunch and dinner. I think Nonnie and Poppie loved every minute of it to be honest! Though I'm sure they probably collapsed with a cup of coffee in hand once we left last night! I know, I needed a vacation from our vacation!!

My 2 sisters and I got the serving of 15 kids down to a science! After the weekend was over, the three of us decided that having 2 wives would be the world's best gift!! Haa haa...

And the 3 of us started a new birthday tradition. It's the greatest thing...thanks Morgan for the idea! What is it you ask? Well...ask me about it, I'll say that!

Overall, a great weekend again with family. I forgot my camera...bummer, I was so mad at myself. I almost asked Mr. Goose Poop to drive the hour home to go get it for me. I decided not to. So I have no pictures of the weekend. But my sister, Morgan, was a picture taking fool (I mean that in the nicest way possible Morgan!), so I'm sure I can get some from her.

Next weekend, it's my dad's side of the family for the weekend. I can hardly wait. Corunna might possibly be one of my most favorite places on earth.