I am a recluse in troubled times. I guess I just don't want anyone to think of me as weak or uncertain of life's answers. Hence, I have not blogged in a while because everything has been spinning and seems to be trying to unhinge me.

Iz and I are still trying to figure out where we are. It seems we are not any closer to an answer than we were 3 months ago. I want a lasting commitment, he says if I want marriage, find someone else. This should be my sign, but I just have this feeling in the pit of my soul that leaving him is not the answer. But dang it, I want to be married! Why is it that everything else with us works so well, but the one thing that doesn't is HUGE. It's a daily struggle with me to not be a nag about this. I'm so afraid that one day I am going to wake up and say that's enough. I don't know why I am afraid, it's what everyone says I should do. It's just that I really do love him. I don't want to imagine life without him, but I guess sometimes you have to face reality. He would rather me find someone else than marry me himself, so...Ha! there ya go.

Two weeks ago, I ended up with a toothpick jammed into my big toe. My cheap butt thought I would wait it out and hope the piece that broke off inside would work it's way out. That was Saturday night. I also didn't want to pay for a trip to the emergency room. By Monday morning, I was in so much pain it was making me sick to my stomach. I called the doctor. As it turned out, it was so far in there, I had to have surgery at the hospital to get it out. They said it was right against my bone and would have caused an infection in the bone had I not removed it. So...5 stitches and $1500 later, I am toothpick free and my toe is starting to heal up. If I never see another toothpick in my life it won't be long enough!

Tyler punched a boy at school in the stomach on Friday in the locker room while I was out of town. Apparently, this boy had been teasing him for a while and Tyler had had enough. Needless to say, Tyler got 3 days ISS, the boys got 1 day after school detention for cussing. I am not in any way condoning Tyler's actions, but I can see where he was coming from. Kids can just be so cruel.

My cousin, Brandie, passed away last Wednesday from complications due to injuries sustained in a car accident the prior Sunday. Her funeral is in Llano on Friday. She was only 32 years old. She was unmarried and had no children. It really made me think about how quickly life can change. I want to live every day to the fullest. I truly want to be happy and ready to go when it is my time to be called.

We are still working on locations for a new store this next year. I will be a partner in this one. It is very exciting. I have learned so much in the past three years from the Fredericksburg store. I am confident in my ability to take on another one.

It is raining pretty hard here right now. We have limbs scattered all over the yard outside. One of the disadvantages to having so many trees around the house. I sure do love the shade they provide in the summer tho.

Well, I have some work to catch up on so that's all for now. Goodnight!

Been a while as my dad pointed out today. Guess I have been afraid of sounding too negative so I just decided not to post.

The boys have been rotating houses this summer. Iz's mom has been keeping one for a week periodically. This week is Tyler's turn. He was so excited to get to spend time with his "G". He and Cole went to camp for 5 days the last of June and seemed to have a good time. I think Tyler got more out of it than Cole, but Cole is having some attitude problems right now, so who knows, he may have enjoyed himself and just decided to say it wasn't that great to irritate me. Trapper played golf with Iz the other day and is really excited about it. He has his own set of clubs and keeps asking when they can go again. If the rain would slow down a bit, it might be a little easier to get out on the course. Tyler has been taking tennis lessons and seems to like them. I am hoping to get him a raquet for his birthday, but I am trying to hold out until I know he is serious about it.

I have booked a 4 day vacation in Corpus with my friend Michelle and all 7 of our kids for the second week in August. I'm wondering how crazy the two of us actually are. Hopefully this is a vacation that will actually happen. The week of July 27th thru August 4th I will be in Lufkin opening a new store if all goes as planned. It's so exciting having more stores to refer customers to. I love to see the layout of all the other stores and get new ideas for the Fredericksburg store.

We had to give back our cockatiels this weekend much to my chagrin. When we only had the two, things seemed okay, but then when we got the other three, it was too much. I really think that I am a bird lover, but it doesn't seem to work, noise level wise, with the four boys and a dog in the house. I'm sure Iz's mom will find a good home for them, but I sure am going to miss them. I do think Cheyenne is happy to be the queen around here again. She is less on edge than with the birds here.

As for me, well, I am still wondering where I stand in this crazy world. Yes, I am the mother of four wonderful, even when difficult, boys. I run a shop that is doing rather well despite the economy. I have a nice house and a nice car. I just really wish I could figure out who I am. Who we are. If we are really a we. Right now I am trying to get a grip on the boys and then I will try to get a grip on my life. I want to know eventually that I am finally worth a man's love. I want my past mistakes, or side roads, to not be the final factor in my future. I want to be "the one". I want to know that I have found "the one". It's so hard to live your life not having any inclination what direction the future is headed. I know I will always have four boys. I want to know I will always have a grouchy old man to share my every adventure with as well. Maybe I will come to peace with my life before too long, in the meantime, I guess I will take it one day at a time and enjoy it for what it is.

Well, tomorrow is the last day of school. We are leaving for the night to see Iz's little sister graduate and then back home so Iz can be at work Friday night. It will be a super quick trip, good thing his family only lives in Austin. Diana, Iz's mom, generously offered to take the boys on a weekly rotating schedule. Trapper is staying the week first. He is very excited. None of them ever get time by themselves with anyone, so this is a very special treat. Trap knows he will have to go to work with her some of the time, but I think he is excited about that as well.

Cole has his first All-Star tournament this Saturday in Comfort. It is a double elimination so he will play anywhere from 2-4 games. That just sounds exhausting to me...and like a very hot day at the ball park. I know he is very proud to get this honor, and I am very proud of him, but dang the time it takes up in our crazy schedule. The next Saturday is his tournament in Johnson City, where we will also be trading out Chris or Tyler for Trapper with Iz's mom.

Iz caught some monster catfish on Monday and so last night we had a wonderful meal of fried catfish, fried squash (from our garden) and green beans (also from our garden). I think having a meal solely from your own production has to be one of the greatest feelings on Earth. Everything tasted so fresh, the boys tried everything because they helped with it all, and we were all happy at the end of the night.

I am off to try to get some sleep. We are having a thunderstorm at the moment so the birds are anxious, the dog is hiding under the bed, and I imagine, with a good clap of thunder, one or more of the boys will come running in soon. The joys of a house full of life! Happy Wednesday!!!

New Happenings in Fbg

We have had a lot going on lately. Baseball season in finally winding down. The boys have really improved their skills this year. They are a little sad in is ending, but they are signed up for baseball, football and golf camps this summer.

The rain has done wonders for our garden!!!

We have little bell peppers and have green beans on the way.

The squash and cucumbers are blooming.

The tomato bushes are huge and starting to produce and the jalepenos are getting big.

I can't wait to enjoy all the fruit of our labor...if we can just get to it before the catepillars and birds do I will be ecstatic.

We have added to new members to our family.

Meet Peanut and Ella.

Ella was going to be Cinderella per Chris's request, but I talked him down a little.

Peanut has a beautiful head. He seems to be a little calmer than Ella.

I am really enjoying watching these two sweet cockatiels get adjusted to their new environment. Ella cuddles with Peanut at night. She pushes him as far to the edge as she can until he is against the side of the cage. It's just like us at night in bed. Haha! They aren't terribly noisy. They just like to be talked to every now and then. The boys really like them.

Another Week...

It seems like time is in fast forward!!! I can't seem to catch up with anything. The school year is almost over. Tyler is joining the world of "Middle School". Baseball season is only halfway through. Memorial Day is fast approaching, meaning the store will be crazy. All the laundry is done, but Tyler still "has no undies"!!! Soon, we will have to start picking and canning veggies. Megan will be here in no time. What am I gonna do with the boys ALL summer???!!! When am I gonna have time to visit everyone that wants us to visit? Does life ever slow down? I guess I will have plenty of time for "slow" when I'm dead. For now, I will race to the finish line, but it always seems just out of reach.

I need to remind myself to be thankful that the school year is almost over...no more calls from Chris's teacher. Tyler is joining middle school...at least he made it through Elementary alive. Baseball season is halfway through...thank goodness it's not just starting. Memorial Day...YAY!!! The store will be busy!!! Tyler has no undies...unlike the other boys, at least he cares that he has no clean ones and tells me so I can fix it. MMMMM...fresh veggies! I can't wait to see my wonderful sister and my fantastic niece and nephew. Maybe that will force me to take time off to visit everyone. I am thankful to be alive and have all these worries...it sure beats the alternative!!!

Well...that's all folks! Off to take care of the "undie" situation.

This is a picture I took this morning at St. Mary's Cemetery. It is not a wonderful one, but I stopped and took it with my cell phone it was so breath taking. I am going back in the morning to take more with my camera. God is so amazing!

It's been a while

Well, life has been crazy, so it's been a while since my last post. I am now in the next decade. I had a good birthday. We went to dinner and then out for a little bit. I was home by 10:30pm, but that was just fine with me.

The boys had opening day on Saturday, the 27th. That was an entire day spent at the baseball fields. Last night, they all had games back to back and across town from each other. We were gone from 5:30 to 9:45. Thank goodness we didn't have school today! The boys are really improving in all areas. I really think they are having fun out there, which is so important, and learning the game.

Today, I have to work, the boys will be at home, then we are heading to a friends to dye Easter eggs. I haven't even thought about Easter until today. Hopefully there will be some goodies left for me to fill their baskets with.

Any who...just wanted to catch ya up. Hope everyone has a great Easter!

So, the boys went back to school today!!! I had a hard time getting them all out of bed as, even though it is a week later, they still aren't used to the time change. It was nice being at work today not having to wonder whether the house would still be intact when I got home. Iz picked up Chris from school today and sends me a text telling me that Chris is telling everyone Iz is his "uncle-dad". Chris just asked me last week if Iz was his dad. I wasn't exactly sure how to explain it since we are not married, but he has been in Chris's life since he was one. I told Chris that Iz was kind of his step-dad. Of course, at five years old, I didn't really think just how confusing this would be to him. So, now Chris's friends know Iz as "uncle-dad". HAHA...the way their little minds work!

I had a team parent meeting tonight for baseball. Have I mentioned that Tyler roped me into this lovely job? I am thinking by the end of this season I may have no hair left, or as Iz pointed out today, the grey is increasing. What man in his right mind tells a woman that her grey hair is getting more obvious? Obviously one that knows he can get away with it ;) Anyway, I now have the tasks of sewing on patches to shirts, making concession stand, scorekeeper and announcer schedules, not to mention snack schedules. Iz's mom said she is making a banner, God bless her! I am supposed to help in the dug-out with batting order. This is definitely a crash course in 101 of Baseball!

We are still doing amazingly well at the store. We doubled our goal today again! The weather was beautiful so that may have had something to do with it. Whatever the case, I couldn't be happier with sales.

Tomorrow is gonna be crazy. Iz also told me today that a friend of his is a car salesman and has a few suburbans for me to take a look at. We are going to Kerrville in the morning to take a peek. I'm not getting my hopes up, but it sure would be nice to have a car that we weren't constantly having to fix something on. Then I have to be back by 3 to pick up my co-workers son, then Chris at 3:15. Cole has tutoring til 5, then he and Trapper have baseball practice at 5:30. Tyler has a scrimmage at 5:30 as well and I have to have a meeting with parents regarding everything from tonight's meeting. Then everyone is done at 7 and we will have to rush home to eat, take baths, finish homework and read and try to be in be by 8 which I'm sure will end up being 8:30. But you know what? I wouldn't give all this chaous(however you spell it) up for the world. I sure love these men in my life!

Well, it's 10:15 and I still have some laundry to do, so til next time...Adios!

Spring Break

We have had a record spring break at the store!!! I am fearful I may run out of merchandise for the weekend. I have more landing tomorrow thank goodness. I am so blessed to have an amazing crew to work with. They are really putting in the effort that is needed to make everything go as well as it is.

The boys were with their dad until Wednesday. That was so helpful. Colton stayed the night at Mom's tonight and Tyler went to the restaurant for a while to work with Iz. Man they are growing up so fast. Tyler actually grilled our dinner while he was there and it turned out really good. Maybe he will take up cooking too. He was really excited to spend time with Iz in a grown up setting. Tomorrow they will all be with their grandparents for a day of fun. I think they may have lost it though. They are taking the boys to Trade Days with them, yes, all four boys!!! I know they will behave, but I don't know if I would try that ;)

I hope this weekend turns out nice. I would like to take the boys fishing on Sunday since it is the last day of spring break. Hopefully we won't be too exhausted from work to go. Chris got in trouble last week at school for locking bathroom stalls and then crawling out under them. When I asked him why he would do that, he told me, "Mom, I don't want to be here. I want to be fishing with Izzy." How do you get mad at that!? Guess he really needs his fishing time.

Well, I better get some sleep so I can be ready to tackle the crowds again tomorrow.

Woohoo!!! The restaurant is open!

After a full weekend of hard work on Iz's part getting everything ready, the restaurant is open for business. He sent me a text saying he had his first customer. I am so excited and happy for him. I went by earlier today and he is in his zone. There is nothing like having your own space to cook in. It's nice too because he cooked lunch for me and he didn't even mind. I definitely think this is a good thing.

I have four days of baseball practice this week. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon going thru all the baseball stuff and organizing everything, putting names on everything, and making sure each boys had his bag with all the equipment they need. Iz's mom has been so great in stocking the boys with bats, batting helmets, gloves, and cleats. She even brought Chris baseball pants and a shirt so that he can feel like part of the team. We even have four teeball bats to use for him. Tyler is very excited about the catchers helmet and chest pads that she brought. I think we have enough equipment for the whole team if we needed to supply them. I don't think I could have afforded everything without her.

Texas spring breaks started today. The weather was awful here this morning, but cleared up this afternoon. Now, it is starting to look like rain again. Only in Texas! This is really affecting the foot traffic at the store. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and 78F though so maybe we will be busier. Next week is our BIG week. I can't wait. I love to have a store full of people. I rearranged again this weekend. It just doesn't stop around there.

My 30th birthday is in 3 weeks. I don't know why it seems like a big stepping stone, I never thought I would care, but I do. I am not quite where I thought I would be at 30. I feel like I need to re-evaluate my life and see what I need to do to get things moving. I know that I still have over half my life to live, but I really thought I'd be a little further along. Oh well, I will get there. I have the drive, I just need more time I guess.

I didn't have a lot to say, just wanted to catch up on my blog. Until next time....

I think I've lost it...

Trapper and Cole's practice went very well on Tuesday! They seem to have a great coach and very good assistant coaches. My high school math teacher is an assistant coach. That's so crazy! But they definitely enjoyed themselves and actually got along really well.

Today I had a conference with Tyler's teachers this morning and Colton's teacher this afternoon. My boys are normal!!! I was so happy to hear that they are not the only one's goofing off. Does this mean I will get more lax on them? No, but at least I can breath a sigh of relief to know that it's not something I have done wrong.

Tyler had baseball practice tonight. This is his coaches first year, but he really seems to have a good spirit and I think we will have supportive assistant coaches. I knew I had no time to be a team mom, so I promised myself I would not take that role. Then, he asked for a volunteer and no one wanted to do it. I am now team mom!!! What happened to the word "NO"? Iz laughed because he knew I said I was not doing that this year. Oh well, I will make it a fun part of my schedule.

I found out last night that Chris is indeed old enough to play t-ball. I just don't think I can handle anymore right now and I have already told him that he would get to play next year. I hope that doesn't make me a bad parent, but I just have a lot on my plate at the moment.

The restaurant has it's health inspection tomorrow. I think Iz is a little nervous. He has been cleaning things up there all day and has gone back tonight to clean some more. I know he will be so relieved to get this initial setup over with.

Tomorrow I have vowed not to go to work or get involved in anything outside the house. I have got to get things clean and back to normal. If these floors don't get cleaned, I am going to scream!

Spring break is in two weeks. I still have no clue what I am going to do with the boys. I have to work as this is the kick off to our tourism season. I just know the boys are going to be bored out of their minds, but what do I do?

Well, I am going to go finish up the laundry for the night and find something to read. Y'all have a good night!

And baseball practice is off...Cole and Trapper have their first practice tomorrow, Tyler has his on Wednesday. I went to the sporting goods store this weekend to pick up some final items needed for them. Ummmm...someone should have warned me I'd be having to pick out cups for my sweet angels. I didn't even know where to begin, much less know how I am going to tell them how to wear them. Hopefully this is something Iz can help with.

It was so cold and rainy all day today. The store was slow because of it and that left me with a lot of time to think about the changes we need to make to increase sales. I just keep rearranging things. But it is fun and my local customers enjoy coming in to see what I have done each week.

Iz's kitchen is just about ready to open. They are the official residents as of today. They had a small issue with the stove before they could pass inspection, but I think they have gotten that taken care of. I'm so excited for him. I know this is the first step in his dream. Hopefully this will open doors for him to see what his full potential really is.

The boys went to their dad's this weekend and have come back with the same disrespect they do every time. I don't know how to get them to use inside voices. They talk so loud and we have wood floors, so it echoes. It just seems like no matter what I say, the minute I walk out of the room, they are laughing at me and screaming again. I know boys like to wrestle and that there are four of them, but am I asking too much for them to keep it down when they are inside? Yes, it has been cold and rainy, but come on guys!!! I can't take it anymore! Then, all Christopher has talked about this afternoon is some game they played this weekend where they stole cars, killed cops, and stabbed old men. This is not what I want them playing, but what do I do? He obviously doesn't care that I have rules against these types of games. Parenting is just so hard! I know I am at the easy stage too which leaves me little hope for the next 13 years.

I really want to start going to church too, but I am having a really hard time choosing one. I went to a Baptist church as a child, joined a Lutheran church in high school and have been visiting non-denominational churches lately. I want something that offers a good youth program for the boys and I like the new contemporary music. I think the only church Iz will go to is one of the Lutheran churches here, which does have a good youth program, I just hope I fit in there. I guess you can't have it all though.

Obviously, I am just rambling tonight, but I have so much on my mind. I can't seem to calm the storm going on in my head. I am trying to figure out if I should invest more money in bonds or just hang on to it. I want so badly to plan for our future, but I just don't know the best answer to make it all happen. It's hard to plan for something you just aren't sure about. I mean, I can't imagine life with anyone but Iz, I can see us growing old together. I have never felt this way before. Everyone says when you find the one, you just know it. I can't explain it, but I just know it. I never felt this way about Mark, never envisioned us being old together, I just figured that's how life was. You picked someone and tried to make it work. But that's not it. I don't have to try to make it work with Iz, it just does. Yes, we have lots of stress, but we just deal with it. The only crazy thing is, he doesn't want to get married, ever. That sure makes for and unsure future. It's not really the paper I care about, more the commitment it symbolizes and the reality of family that comes with it. It's the pride that it brings having the same last name, knowing I have a husband, not a boyfriend. Maybe I'm still old fashioned. When I divorced Mark, I thought I never wanted to get married again. I didn't want the same thing to happen to me ever again. I wanted to be so independent. Now, I see that it was because I was with the wrong person. I know I will be with Iz forever, married or not, there is just a sense of security that he would never leave in a marriage. I really believe he has the same values as me. I think that's why he doesn't want to be married. He doesn't know for sure that we will grow old together. Maybe one day he will be as sure as I am, until then, I will live with things as they are.

Anyway, I reckon I better get some household chores done and start the boys on their baths. Hopefully this "let go" will help me sleep tonight. I could use it.

Back to Reality

Well, I ended up not going to Vegas and instead spending that time in Tyler helping open a new store. It was nice to have that change of pace. It snowed while I was there. Bill and Katie live out on Lake Tyler and the snow covered the trees and ground. I woke up Friday morning and walked out on the porch to see a red-tailed fox running through the snow. It was like a dream.

Yestereday we put the first seeds in the ground for bell peppers. Iz said they should be planted at dark. It was definitely dark when the last one went in. The boys helped break up the dirt and brought firewood up to the house. I know they like to work when we are out there with them. It's nice spending that time together as a family.

Today, we had baseball try-outs. Trapper and Colton's were this morning. Trapper did alright. I don't think he was quite sure what to do seeing as this was his first year. Cole did well. He really has a good arm. Tyler's were this afternoon. He knocked the socks off those coaches! He hit every ball perfectly, threw like a pro and really poured his soul into it. I was so proud of him. He really wants to make All Stars.

I know I was gone for a week, but i really haven't had a day off in what seems like forever. I missed the boys so much and have enjoyed being home with them. It just seems like I have gone non-stop since coming home. I am ready for a "me day". Maybe next Sunday if the boys go with their dad, I can have just a day to myself to do something relaxing.

Well, just wanted to catch up on the blog. Gotta get ready for dinner plans with the boys.

My mind is racing!!!

This weekend we went to Austin to make a trip to Cabelas. That place always gets us in trouble. The boys came along this time and really enjoyed the aquarium, stuffed animal exhibits and shooting range. Iz is now the proud owner of a smoker. He is just itching to try it out, but hasn't had time yet. We picked up a couple of odds and ends, bigger scale, some sort of bagging/taping machine and ordered a foot pedal for the grinder. Now I need to figure out when we should start getting the large amount of deer we get from a friend that clears land this time of year. Last year we processed about 30 deer in a 4 week period. Talk about tired. I think Iz has it down to a science now though.

Two more days until I leave the guys for a whole week. I am getting so anxious. Mom's keeping the boys Thursday and Friday, I have a house keeper coming Friday, then Iz's mom comes Sunday and I will be home on Wednesday. Hopefully that is enough help to keep the house from falling apart. The boys do their own laundry so that should help as well. I am working on a schedule now of who picks up who when and where, who's scheduled to take the boys on what days, everyone's numbers, Iz's schedule, and where everything is in my house for those who are helping out. I don't guess I really realized how much I would have to arrange with me being gone. It's hard work taking care of 4 children. Or maybe I just think it's hard work and they will all laugh at me when I leave at how hard I make it.

I have been working on a training manual for the new store in Lindale. I think I am almost finished. I just want to be prepared when I get there. I love retail and ordering new merchandise, working with customers, and all that goes along with it, but putting together training material has reminded me of my passion for teaching. It always gave me such pleasure to travel and train other CSA's in how to make good sales. This is different because I am teaching a new software program, but it is along the same lines. I'm glad I am having the opportunity to take a small break to do this as well. I'm sure I will be ready to get back to my normal duties though by the time I get home.

Meat Grinding

Today we made the rounds at a couple of antique shops. We found some great community cookbooks and an assortment of odds and ends. Then we came home to grind meat. This is Chris's favorite thing to do.

First came the cutting....

Then a warm up shot...(Chris had orange juice)

Then the grinding...

And finally the celebration dance.

I think Iz really enjoys this bonding time and Chris thinks he is pretty big stuff getting to help in the "butcher shop". All in all it was a very productive day. Now I have to get all these heathens to bed before I pull my hair out!

Woohoooo!!!!

Today started off so cold and rainy. It seemed like it was going to be a miserable day. As I was heading to work, Iz called me. Super S Foods, a long time landmark to Fredericksburg, is closing he said. All perishable food was 50% off. This included produce, milk, oj, butter, cheeses, meats, frozen food, beer and wine. We got $700 in groceries for $350! Talk about a great way to make my day better. On the flip side, I have to reorganize my fridge and deep freezers tomorrow so I can actually see what all we have. I am just hoping that before they close on Saturday, they will put non-perishable items at 50% off too. These four boys are starting to eat me out of house and home. I feel like it would almost be cheaper to buy a cow sometimes!

All this rain should be great for the wild flowers. That would be a nice change from the last two years and hopefully bring in the much needed tourists our little town runs on. If you know of a good place to go away to, I would love to hear it. After living here, it's hard to find a place we can go that compares. It's like you want this to be your vacation spot, but it's our home. Maybe we just need to look at something totally different. Iz would rather go fishing anyway. Well, I'm off to bed to dream about the 6 gallons of Blue Bell I bought on sale today :)

Free Time

The boys went to their dad's Saturday. It was so nice to have some alone time with Iz. I think we forget that we need that time to just be a couple every now and then. Saturday night, a group of girls went to Crossroads. WOW!!! What a nice place. The band was fantastic! It was wonderful not to have smoke filling the air. It was just good, clean, fun. I am leaving for Tyler to set up a new store and then Vegas for market next week. I'm not sure who is more anxious, me or Iz. I will be gone a week and he will be in charge of the boys. It's not that he isn't normally a take charge person, but a whole week away, he may want to leave us all by the time I get home. I'm just lucky that he is willing to do this for me. It will be a great experience for when I own the store. And maybe the boys will appreciate me a little more when I get home. Iz is definitely stricter than I am ;) I have today off, so I guess I will clean the house, take care of laundry, and make a really good dinner. Now to decide what that will be...

Pot Stickers

I made pot stickers from scratch tonight! Well, kind of. I did buy the wonton wrappers at a chinese market a couple of weeks ago. They turned out really good and were surprisingly easy. I made a pork filling with cabbage, green onions, garlic and mushroom. You just put a scant teaspoon in the middle of the wrapper, wet the edges, fold it over and seal. Then you fry them in a tiny bit of vegetable oil until one side is golden, flip, add 1/2 cup water, cover and steam until all the water is absorbed. I have wanted to make these for years, but really thought it was above my skill level. I would have taken pictures, but the men in this house were eating them as fast as I was pulling them out. I'm gonna have to start branching out.
We also bought seeds to start in the house. I am so glad Iz knows what the heck he's doing when it comes to growing things! Last year was so rewarding having all of our vegetable fresh and from our own hard work. This year we have an even bigger area for a garden and we got the right cucumbers so I can make pickles! Now, if I can just be patient and not plant everything too early like the first round last year ;)
Megan and Mark are going home to Hawaii tomorrow. Dang those kids have gotten so big and so incredibly cute! I really miss not having them here. But, I know they will be back in May so I will have to spoil them again then.
Guess I better go coral the boys to get the room and bathroom clean. Til next time!!!

First entry

Well, this is my first entry and I have to say, it's kind of exciting! Today was a great day at work. We received lots of new merchandise and sales were fantastic! I got home, made dinner, took Iz dinner at work, then came home to try to relax for a minute before starting on dishes and laundry. I had only sat down for less than 5 minutes when I remembered the boys' had baseball sign ups today. I scrambled to find the older 3s' birth certificates and hurry to sign ups before they ended. Oh my goodness!!!! I have to get 3 children to practice throughout the week, still make dinner, do laundry, work, not forget to pick them up from practice and go to games on Saturdays. How am I going to split myself up? I can't be in 100 places at once! Two was nothing, three is very scary. Next year there will be all four of them in sports! What was I thinking!!! Four boys!!! Did I not know what was causing these babies to keep popping out!??? Then I stop. Everyone has had baths, they are reading to each other and writing in their reading folders. I look at each one of them and how unique they are. I can't imagine life any other way. I am so very lucky to have four children to make me smile and laugh, to cuddle with, to make me want to pull my hair out at times, to complete me. I have an amazing man in my life who must be as crazy as I am because he sticks with me through all the chaos. My crazy life is so wonderully amazing!!!