First Round of Holiday Festivities Comes to an End and all Desserts have been removed....

Well, I'm just sitting here with Thanksgiving break coming to a peaceful end.  We packed a lot into the week and I was lucky to have Billy able to take the week off. We got some of Christmas put up, not as much as I would have liked, but when kids are out of jeans and socks, that just seemed to beat out Christmas ornaments.  :) So now as I sit on the couch and Billy gets everyone to say their prayers, the clothes are dry, and I can breathe...  Most of our afternoon was spent battling one of our 10 year olds with his book report.  He is always the one to battle, his ADHD is always a challenge, but he has had a sort of "I don't care" attitude creep up where it's all about finishing, not what you turn in... And poor Billy can't take it.  He was raised by a Marine.  He takes pride in everything he does.  This just doesn't make sense to him.  He is really struggling and I feel bad for him.... But I also told him to put his big girl pants on, because this child is 10.  We are far from done raising this child.  Boy, I hope he doesn't have a school project to work on over Christmas break.  Billy will need an intervention.  :) 

Tomorrow Kevin is getting his braces off and getting fitted for a retainer.  He is SO excited and I am for him.  I am amazed at how great his upper teeth look after 18 months.  Soon he will get the bottom teeth done, but we're going to enjoy the break as long as we can. (as will our checkbook!) 

Like my title for today told ya, we dumped any leftover desserts after dinner.  I have no will power when the cheesecake is waving at me from the fridge.  So Billy and I get back on track with food and exercise so I can be bad again for Christmas...  Makes sense, right?  So tomorrow I will be really hungry and I will be sure to post all about my tuna and rice cake lunch, but most important will be a beautiful pic of Kevin with metal-free teeth. :) Brace face no more....

EGAD:  R.I.P. Leslie Nielsen.......

Good Friends and Tamale Season has Begun!!!

Today we had a good stash of friends over for lunch.  We wanted to have people over for lunch to celebrate the shorties' birthdays (although belatedly) and start the holiday season with tamales!  Billy and I have really put an effort into finding friends that just simply are easy.  Both of our families in recent years have become living soap operas, any time together really is draining.  And really, in the end, I am usually upset by the end and we just decided together that it wasn't worth it.  Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but I have quickly come to the realization that it isn't good for me or my children to surround yourself with people that do not take your feelings into account or your children's.  So when we have these get togethers, we have our friends over instead.  SO we all got together and ate tamales, Spanish rice and finished with birthday cake. 12 kids running around, it was so NICE.  It really was a great way to start the Christmas holidays.  Now it's time to get the tree out and Christmas-fy the house.  My absolutely favorite time of year.  I leave you with cake covered pictures of my sweet short stacks...  I need to go watch "Elf" on tv, perfect.....

So much to be Thankful for and the Pink Bambis are the Turkey Bowl Champs 2010!

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones, good food, and good conversation.  This year we had my dad, good family friends, and we brought home two young soldiers from Fort Sam that are unable to get home for the holiday.  They have this great program in place where young kids in basic, get matched up with families for the day so they can relax and get some home cooking.  Billy's family had done this in the past when he was growing up and really wanted to start up with our family.  It was truly a blessing to take part.  Billy and the big kids picked them up this morning at 8 am, took them to breakfast and then home to hang out, watch tv, play the Wii with our kids and then sit down for a big meal.  They were young, just out of high school, two young ladies that were sweet and polite and I hope enjoyed their stay with us.  My kids had a ball and I hope understand that we are trying to show our thanks for the job that they are embarking on to protect our freedoms.  This will defintely be repeated next year.

Before we had our feast, the Annual Ryann Turkey Bowl had to be played. This is the 6th annual clash, the Pink Bambis came out victorious, and Olivia and Billy have bragging rights until next year.



I can't believe this tradition is already 6 years old. When Billy got it going, Olivia was 3! It was a riot.  They basically just ran around the yard.  But as time as passed, the boys practice plays in October and Billy and Olivia go out there to practice passing.  It should get really interesting when the short stacks get in the game!

So after the game, we sat down to eat gluten free and had a great time.  I am thankful that my family is happy and healthy, that Simon and Emi are making such progress with both physical and speech therapy.  I am thankful that Billy's business continues to thrive.  And I am thankful to have such a wonderful and beautiful life...

Sunday, Sunday.... And there are never too many pies....

So I have been tossing the idea of adding to my desserts for Thanksgiving, and today I put it to my Facebook friends on which to add.  (I am so decisive on my own, aren't I??)  Between pecan pie and Bobby Flay's pumpkin bread pudding with vanilla creme, I figured I'd get my answer....   So I will be making both! :)  I thought I would get a resounding vote and since it wasn't, I felt that the way to go was both. So those close to me that will be sharing Thanksgiving at my house must come prepared with elastic waistbands and large to go containers.  Partially, I blame Pioneer Woman's blog, I really should steer clear of that site.  Everything looks delicious and she just makes me want to take a stab at her recipes.  So I made my decision and quickly informed Billy that I knew I was going overboard and he was to remain silent.  Thanksgiving is supposed to be excessive, right??  This is also our first Thanksgiving where we are inviting friends and two soldiers from Fort Sam to come and spend the day with us.  In the past we have kept it rather small (well as small as a family of 7 can make it) with just my parents, but since my mom is now in a nursing care facility and unable to travel, my dad will be the lone family member coming.  It's an adjustment, but I really think it will be a great one.  I want our kids to recognize the importance of being in a home that welcomes young soldiers that cannot get home for the holidays and also learn to make holidays that include people that you enjoy being around and so the holiday doesn't feel like a dreaded family drama.  Now it is all set to go provided I keep it all gluten free and don't accidentally poison myself.  Our friends are bringing the turkey, they're frying it and I am excited to try it.

And then before I can blink we will be knee deep in the holidays.  I love Christmas, I really do, but the one sad thing for me is that somehow during the season, I remember back to our first Christmas with kids, and look to today and see how quickly my babies are growing up into young adults. It goes by so fast and I know how much I will miss them.  But we will have tamale time,  Christmas lights on the Riverwalk, the short stacks will go see Santa Claus.... We will be busy... And I am done with all my Christmas shopping for the kids already. :D The crowds are too much for me and I don't like to rush.  So now I just have Billy's stuff and teacher gifts.  Go me....

So now begins the 2010 holiday season, I hope yours is a good one....

How Many Pies Are Too Many???

So I am in deep planning mode for Thanksgiving.  I had the whole menu set and then I started reading other people's blogs and now I want to make two more pies.  So how many pies are too many?? And do I experiment with pies that just sound yummy online and may not be so great....   Decisions, decisions...  Before I started my evening with The Pioneer Woman, along with others, I was set with a sugar free apple for my diabetic dad, cheesecake, and cupcakes for the kiddos.  (not big pumpkin pie eaters here)  Now there's a great looking pecan pie and a pumpkin creme pie that I could love.  Oh and a sweet potato bread pudding type gluten free dessert.  Oye...  Maybe I'll just pick one new one... And stop looking at other people's menus. :)

Well, the big kids are home for the next nine days.  The boys have a book report to work on, but besides that, it should be a pretty relaxing time.  I am lucky that the babysitter is coming at the beginning of the week, so I can take the older kids out and about.  Sometimes I feel bad that they miss out on stuff because we have to work around nap time, sometimes we have to get home earlier than planned because one of the short stacks has lost it and is screaming like a banshee.  So I'm not sure the kids will notice, but I will feel like they're getting some extra toddler-free mom time... Of course, we may have to stop at the store since I am adding to the Thanksgiving feast. :)

Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I think that new Jackie Warner dvd I bought may be doing something.  I mean I was unbelievably sore this week from a 30 minute workout, but the scale has dropped a few.  (always helpful right before Thanksgiving)  So begrudgingly I will keep it going, hard for me, I am just not an enthusiastic work out girl.  It's just not in my DNA.  I come from fluffy people, fluffy people that like food. It's a real effort to keep my weight down.  I better go, it's Saturday night, all five kiddos are in bed, must be time to have an adult conversation with the great guy....


EGAD:  People went out at midnight  to see the latest Harry Potter movie. I don't remember the last time I was awake at midnight. :)

The Worst Haircut EVER and the Great Guy Dusted Off His Cape...

Ugh...  I get the nerve to cut my hair and spend time getting a haircut instead of running errands during babysitter time and what happens?!  The worst cut EVER.  I wanted it to fall slightly below  my shoulders.  I now have a bob.  And it's embarrassing how much you hair can affect your confidence level.  All afternoon I have felt like a mom-jean wearing schlub.  I called Billy and warned him that I was very upset and that he better watch his reaction when he came home.  What did he do?  Knocked it out of the park.  My knight in shining armor walks in and says, "I think you look so pretty, it even makes your face look thinner."  BAM, I am all good....  But now I wonder, before the haircut, did he think I had a fat face?!  What does all this mean???  Yes, I did do that to myself.  I am amazed at how quickly I can self sabotage a compliment.  It's a gift really....

Last Sunday my beautiful short stacks turned 2 years old.  Joy and sadness mixed together.  They have come such a long way, but to see the baby-ness all gone breaks my heart.  Before I can blink they will go from "mommy" to "mom" and stop reaching for my hand.  Sigh...  But the highlight of the day was after deciding to have lunch at McDonald's ( the party is next week), I had told Billy I just didn't think they were old enough for the play scape.  It's just these tunnels up in the air that eventually lead to a slide.  "No, Dana, they're fine, the big kids are going to stay with them."  So about 4-5 minutes into the adventure I hear Simon pitching a fit (amazing how in a roomful of loud kids, you can always pick out your dearest wailing) and then poor Kevin yelling down, "umm, I can't get Simon out."  I just turned to look at Billy, who was already removing his shoes and attaching his cape. (ahhh, it is so easy for him to get points with me)  So off he went, all 6'1" of him up into the McDonalds' play scape to save our youngest angel...  And no,   I don't have any pictures.  That darn tube doesn't have any clear Plexiglas type spaces for me to see through. (otherwise I would have started this post off with that shot!)

So that's the last few days in a nutshell.  Now we gear up for the Thanksgiving holidays,  Emi and Simon's party and the start of the Christmas rush.  I just hope I get all the food right, having new people at the Thanksgiving table is always a bit nerve wracking, especially when it's all gluten-free and you hope that no one can tell the difference...

EGAD: Another Hollywood marriage is ending?! No, that just can't be!

Smoke Em Out......

Olivia and I took the little ones for  haircuts today at one of those kid haircut places, you know cars for chairs, videos on, etc. So Olivia takes Emi to the waiting area and I haul Simon to the waiting car. And he LOSES it. I mean screaming like a maniac. This is far from his first haircut, but the place was really crowded and we usually go in on weekdays. So I am wrangling him into the car, like wrestling a greased pig and I notice this man with his maybe 4 year old get set up right next to us. And then, I kid you not, the guy looks over at my phenomenal parenting skills, picks his kid up and LEAVES THE PLACE. My child actually drove someone out of a place of business.... At first I felt really bad, but then I realized that I have been there many times with lots of kids screaming and crying and I never left. I asked our hair stylist if that's why he left and she said, "I think so, but don't worry about it, dads are weirder about stuff like that. Most moms tune it out." Hmm... Gotta wonder if he leaves restaurants or church when someone else's kid cries... So for the record, I did feel bad for a minute. And to redeem my sweet Simonster, he totally got it together and has a fabulous haircut for his 2nd birthday pictures we have scheduled for this week.

Speaking of the pictures I have scheduled.... I may move them. Emi has a HUGE scratch down her face thanks to her lovely, "I can clear a room with my charm" twin brother. I just don't know if it will look a ton better by Wednesday. Ugh... And you know I scheduled that appointment a month ago, at the perfect happy toddler time (yes, I am telling myself that such a time exists...) and now we have a facial laceration... Oye... Fingers crossed, but please, we all know I'm going to cancel or have a picture of Emi with a battle wound, which if you think about it, captures her true toddlerhood. :) I can see it now, wounded, but still in a fabulous tutu.

So tomorrow is Simon and Emi's second birthday. We're keeping it small, because we're going to do a bigger lunch/party during Thanksgiving break when more people are in town and available. So just the 7 of us out for lunch and cupcakes. No more babies here...

EGAD: Randy Quaid has just accused his more successful brother Dennis, of putting a hit out on him... Must be another Hollywood Star Whackers.... :D

How I love the TV and the crockpot is making me fat....

Ok, so posting every day is going to take some practice. There are just some days where it's too chaotic, too much homework, too many babies saying "up, up"... Then when they all go to bed, Billy and I head for the DVR. My unwind moment is the TV. I really just love watching tv. It probably doesn't sound great, but I watch it all, the news (I am a political junkie), most shows on Bravo, and my favorite sitcoms. That to me, late at night on the couch with my sweetie is total bliss. I'm easy like that. And it's Thursday, so tonight is The Office and Outsourced, and if we can fit it in, last night's Modern Family. Man, I wish the kids were in bed now. :)

I am making some progress on getting my butt in gear, the short ones and I did our 2 mile walk, the weather has been lovely for that. But I have also discovered the problem with the beloved crockpot. You can just grab a big spoon and fill your plate, calories be damned. But I just can't break free, I just toss everything in there during the morning nap and then it's ready for the whole crew at dinner. Ugh, what to do, what to do... My pants might make the decision for me...

My sweet short ones are turning two this weekend. I can't believe it. No more babies in this house. 2 years ago we got a phone call from CPS that would change our family dynamic forever. They brought in these 2 tiny little ones that we weren't sure we would be able to keep and we all fell in love immediately. It has been tough at times, there have been many different doctor appointments, Simon had to wear a helmet to reshape his head, and both of them have physical and speech therapy every week. But they are perfect and they are Ryanns. Olivia was born to be a big sister, she thrives in it. I was worried about the older boys accepting them and loving them and they quickly proved my concerns were ridiculous. They love them dearly. I am truly blessed and I just can't imagine this family any different, the noise, the busy-ness of it all. I may be really tired and occasionally snippy, but it really is a joy.

A Week later, I guess I have to stop checking the kids' Halloween Candy for poisons....

**Edited to say I wrote this last night on the 8th and forgot to post it. I do know my anniversary date. :)

Sigh.... The bathroom scale gained weight last week. Not me, but I still feel bad for the darn thing... I guess it's time to grab the preverbial bull by the horns and get to working out. You know, 2 1/2 weeks before Thanksgiving? Timing is everything... Fingers crossed that I just stay motivated, the fire is dim, let me tell ya....

Today is Billy and my 13th wedding anniversary. It's one of those moments that feels like so long ago, but at the same time, just yesterday. I can quickly name several twists and turns right from the start: his parents were mad at us at the wedding, a year later the flood hit, after that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and a year later we were adopting twin boys. He sure doesn't bore me. So I'm going to end this blog here and admire my lovely white roses that were delivered from my sweetie...

One of my favorite pics, the only copy and it has flood damage from the '98 Flood
 that hit Lake McQueeney. Makes it even more memorable....



The more posed, formal church shot. I wanted a BIG bouquet.
 Done and then some.



Ok, so babies don't get the whole, gain an hour of sleep thing...

Well, I was really hoping the shorties would try to embrace the extra hour of sleep, but of course, that never happened. So the three of us were up early watching Sesame Street while the smart ones slept in...

Since it's starting to really feel like Fall, (which in San Antonio comes late and doesn't always stick around) I am gearing up with endless lists of things to do this month. God help my soul. Part of me hopes I lose these lists, so I am spared the stress of worrying about getting it all done. Because in the end, it always does, and those few things that go by the wayside aren't missed.

First things first, I have to stop "sampling the kids Halloween candy for poisons". ;) The holiday season is always awful for my scale (not me of course, the SCALE), so I try to really watch my food before Thanksgiving and then again before Christmas. The shorties and I walk in  the mornings, but I really need to get a workout schedule that is doable with the 5 kids around. I know I should do it, that at 39 (gulp) I need to do it for my health and mental state, blah, blah, blah. But I HATE to exercise. Did I mention Billy runs religiously? Polar opposites. So, today I have every inclination to get moving. Tomorrow may be different, but let's hope it lasts longer than that. I'm hoping to find a new video that keeps me interested, or just devote myself to Billy Blanks again.....

And then there is Christmas shopping. Now lucky for me, my mom instilled a great tradition of the gift closet. I tend to pick things up on clearance and put them away. Great for last minute party invites and when I get really desperate in 105 degree summer heat and the kids are bored. So I went through the closet and outside of my house, I have maybe 3 kid gifts to get and something for my dad and best friend. Not too bad. But I must say, and I know it's awful, but quite a few gifts I give I would like to stop doing. Family that doesn't act like family, who don't acknowledge my fabulous 5 kids on their birthdays or Christmas, in my mind, I'm not sure why I must acknowledge their children. I know, I know, childish and spiteful. It doesn't mean I act on it. But please, are you going to tell me my older kids don't notice?! They see and help me wrap gifts and then nothing comes their way. And if money is an issue, here's a thought, call them. ECards work too. All free, you losers. Ok I'm done... For now. I'm sure we'll revisit this charming topic when my parents start checking with me to make sure I took care of so-and-so. And I will roll my eyes and smile and say, "of course I did, I got them the cutest....."

Ahhh, I hear a shortie waking up from an awesomely (not a real word, I know) long nap. I figure they wanted to make it up to me since we got up at 5:45 (new time anyway). All is forgiven, my little squirts. Who needs extra sleep anyway?

EGAD: Really, why do total strangers always touch little kids? It's flu season and I have people grabbing my shorties' hands and cheeks. Ugh....

I forgot everything!!!

So just as I figured, yesterday I rushed to put up a post since I had been derelict in my blogging duties. So today while I was painting Olivia's accent wall, (a hot, beautifully obnoxious and girly pink) I was remembering all the little things I left out. So here is my catch up post, and I have quickly learned in my short blogging lifespan, that you MUST post regularly. :)

Wednesday, the great guy and I scheduled (SOOO romantic!) our early anniversary lunch. Our anniversary is this Monday, but the babysitter went on vacation and we had to grab what chance we had at alone time outside. :) We went to Chuy's (again, we kill in the romance dept). Let me tell you, I LOVE Chuys. I have never been poisoned there, I feel safe when I order that I'm not going to make everyone get their meals bagged up to go so I can be sick all night at home. We didn't need to be fancy, just alone. It was really nice. We talked about the kids, that is never going to not happen, but it's one of our favorite subjects. :) Bellies full, we went our separate ways, but I thought it was a great date. When the short stacks are older and there is more time, we will have a real date. Monday it will be 13 years. Long years of ups and downs, tons of speed bumps, but I really wouldn't want to be here with anyone else.

We got a letter from the local military installation that we will be one of the familes that hosts 2 soldiers for Thanksgiving this year. Billy has wanted to do this for years, his family took in soldiers far from home often. But now of course, I worry. You don't want to bring these poor kids that can't get home for the holiday and have crappy food. And I'm a Celiac, so I do gluten free Thanksgiving. Ugh... So I worry... But I think it will be great for the kids. and I'll be sure to have awesome desserts, I mean great pie and cheesecake should make up for any possible food mishaps, I would think...

One of my older kids has ADHD. He is medicated and usually does well, but lately has really slid off the rails. School is awful, home is awful, carrots don't work and sticks are useless. We went to see our wonderful and awesome behavioral pediatrician and he is tweeking the meds and really just gave us the pep talk we truly needed for this journey. So many other families deal with such harder issues and I hate to complain when it's ADHD, but I really have had a tough time with my son. You want him to be successful in school, in social situations, etc. And it is gut wrenching to see him lonely and in trouble all the time. So, fingers crossed that these small changes will lead to positive results. He's got a heart of gold, the ADHD just gets in the way of others seeing it.

I'm going to get off of this laptop and catch up with the Ryann's movie night. Beetlejuice, such a classic....

Dusting off the blog.....

I feel like I haven't posted in way too long. Things around here are just busy, busy. Halloween was  great, I was worried that Simon and Emi wouldn't want to wear their costumes or walk to trick or treat. I was pleasantly surprised and I think all 5 kiddos had a ball....



Candy Corn Fairy, Kitty, Zombie Doctor, Puppy, and an Ice Ninja



"I'm going with the big kids..."



"I just take this candy?"

No injuries, everybody had a bag of loot and babies in bed by 8pm. The older kids were hard to wake up the next morning, but  I'm pretty sure it was worth it. Then I spent two days with a feverish little one. His fever would get as high as 104, but only at night with no other symptoms. So now we're nearing the end of the week and everyone appears healthy and relatively happy. No big plans for the weekend, I hope to get Olivia's room redo finished and the wall quote for Emi and Simon's room up. My little ones will be two years old in 10 days, I don't have any more babies in the house. :( I better plan a birthday dinner soon, between that and Thanksgiving, things are going to be hopping around here.....