Ten kids and a Dog: October 2009

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Carving the pumpkins

And just for the record, all the pumpkins were carved by mommy, except for the owl, which Mark carved, all by himself.

Friday, October 30, 2009

A Yummy Surprise From a Wonderful Friend!!

What a wonderful surprise arrived today from a dear "cyber world" friend who has become a wonderful "real friend". What a wonderful lady, to think of me, half a country apart, as I struggle and get down with the busynessand life with ten kids who get sick, one after another, and bicker, alot, as the walls of "the little house" sometimes close in around us!

I don't really know how Cay knew that potato cheddar soup is about my favorite all time soups--(with a little broccoli and ham thrown in) but it certainly did the trick today.
The wonderful Fed-ex man arrived, I opened the package, grew very excited and immediately sent Becky to the store for broccoli!
I had the soup cooking by the time she returned, a short 15 minutes later. I threw the broccoli in, finished cooking, and then informed all the kids that I wasn't home and to be quiet---I then took the book I am reading and sat and savored that delicious soup and book for a good 20 minutes.
I did then have to return to the real "swine flu" world--but I was in sooo much of a better mood!

I didn't have the patience to make these treats today, but I believe they are on my "to do" list for tomorrow.
Especially the very interesting looking beer bread.

Thanks again, Cay!! You really made my day!!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Happy Birthday to the sweetest little 8 year old miracle in the house-in the midst of chaos!

What a day!!

It always seems that way on Gracie's birthday, and today was no exception.

The "day" started last night when I baked the cakes that Becky made into this lovely "Barbie" cake this morning.

8 years old!!
Also this morning I had to have Gracie to religion class at 9:50. That is early for us, I kind of gave up on getting any school work done today.

Candle glow
After religion class we hurried home to made a giant crockpot for mac and cheese for dinner, because things are going to get more complicated.

Becky is getting ready to cut the cake, which means Barbie needs to be extracted from the cake.

For Gracie's birthday lunch we had a big McDonald's treat---Becky headed out to get that.

When Becky got home, I realized that we hadn't figured out anything for Mark to be forthe All-Saints party at church this same evening.

He settled on Moses, but we needed grey hairspray coloring. (a stop at the store will be needed)

That's quite a bit of ice-cream, Kim!

After a quick lunch Mark needs to be at religion class--20 minutes from home---I also decide that we will leave early to stop at the store---we get in the car when I realize I haven't wrapped the presents yet---run into the house and wrap--quickly!

We head to the store and they have no hairspray paint, but I do remember that I need prizes for the All-Saints party at church--I grab these--quickly!

New books about the Rainbow Fairies.

Mark gets to religion. When it is over we head to Holy Cross for a boys and girls soccer game, the semi-final games for each team--Daddy is coach and 3 big kids play.

The school is full of the swine flu--try not to breathe much during this time.

Snow White---hip, hip hooray!!

Becky shows up with the Kim, Luke and Grace at the game--I really hope they don't breathe in any germs.

Snow White herself!!

Midway through the game Matt calls. He has been working 4 hours away in Buffalo, and will need to be picked up at the thruway in 20 minutes---I leave the game to get him.

Gracie thanking Grandparents for their birthday "well wishes"!

After picking up Matt, I stop at home and get mac and cheese to feed hungry hubby who hasn't eaten since this morning--12 hours ago. On the way home I tell Matt about the swine flu---he wants to be dropped off at his big brothers apartment which is germ free (he hopes) I don't really blame him!

Girls win their game.

Parents of seniors are honored between games--I smile as I stand next to my Danny and accept a rose, proud to be his mother, but also a feeling a little flushed from all the running.

Mark helping Grace put on her new St. Grace medal. What a wonderful big brother.

Boys soccer game starts--we are winnning --Dan is a great goalie.

I find children and make sure they have costumes for All-Saints party, candy, prizes and a dozen cookies ( I forgot that we made the cookies today)
Thankfully, Becky takes the kids to the party--I watch the rest of the boys game--WE WIN (both games)

Dan, I, Kim and Luke head for home---I feed these very hungry people. Daddy has to finish up at the game because he is the Athletic Director of the school.

We get ready for the arrival of the birthday girl. I expect her 45 minutes after bedtime.

They get home. Grace informs me that I forgot to give them any dinner--so she and Mark ate cookies. (Bless her little birthday heart) I hear about a great party and then we celebrate my little miracle girl!!

This celebration is shown in the above photos--the kids are even smiling!!

It is 2 1/2 hours past bedtimes, and the party is over! (10:30 pm)

I hope everyone sleeps in tomorrow!!!

Just a typical day around the "little house" with Ten Kids and a Dog.

We Have a Progresso Panko Giveaway Winner!

We have a winner for the Progresso Panko giveaway,

cpullmun said...
"I haven't used either one yet but I would use the Panko to make meatballs! I bet they would taste good!!Carla"

I used the Randon Number Generator and Carla's number came up!

I also need to thank My Blog Spark for the opportunity to giveaway these great products.

I also want to tell you about another opportunity and review coming soon, sponsored by CSN Bunk Beds.
This familyof companies offer much more than just bunk beds and funiture. They have toys, baby items, housewares, and much, much more --so make sure to check them out!!

“Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn.”
William Arthur Ward

Happy Birthday, Gracie!!!

After a year and a half we finally have another 8 year old in the house!!
Everyone needs and 8 year old in their homes!!

Happy Birthday, Grace!!

We love you very much!!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wordless Wednesday-October at the lake

A Bat Mobile

This is a quick and easy printable craft from Family Fun.

The bat on the inside of the light shade is for my dad---he has done this since I was little. I used one of the printables from Family Fun to make our lamps scary.

This mobile is simply a coat hanger with fiberfill as clouds, yarn and the printable bats.

Mark made this mobile for us....

great job, Mark!!

Ten kids and a Dog