Wow....a long time!

I can't believe it's been over 2 years since I have posted on my own blog. I have a New Year's resolution to do better. The kids are growing and changing so fast, I need to have archives of the crazy things they do. Not much to say today....it was a snow day and I have sick kids. The twins have URI's and have been fighting croup; Carleigh has what seems to be an ear infection and Cailyn is coughing her head off, too. *SIGH* The joys of winter.

I want to give thanks to the Lord, as always. He has carried us through so much the past couple of years and even though I don't always let Him know, I do appreciate it and love Him.

I want to pray for the people in Haiti as they are suffering in a way I hope to never know.

I also want to pray for several people who are dealing with issues from child loss, illness, pregnancy problems to economical issues. We must never lose our faith.

UMMMM....What?

Okay, yesterday I didn't get time to write. One of my twins was sick and I had to take her to the doctor. Of course, I knew it would be her ears, it is ALWAYS the ears. What I didn't expect was that not only did she have an ear infection in her left ear, but SWIMMERS ear in her right! What? Yep, it's true. No, she's not an Olympic hopeful, just a baby who loves to splash and play in the bath. So, we are on 2 different antibiotics. FUN, FUN! Not to be left out, the other twin decided to wake up from her nap very whiny and clingy. We already call her the "lap baby" because she would much rather be held and carried around than use her own tiny little legs. Yesterday, it was worse. If I put her down at all, she cried, screamed and fell to the floor with feelings so hurt one thought she would never recover. Being the easily-guilted Mom, I picked her back up each time. I know this reinforces her behavior, but sometimes it is just worth it to keep her from screaming. I know that discipline experts everywhere are shaking their heads in shame at me, but I doubt that they are SAHM's with 5 kids and a husband who works nights. They need to remember that Dr. James Dobson also says, "pick your battles". Well, this was one battle that a very tired, overworked Mom lost. But, I have to say that the hugs she gives while being held make losing very worthwhile.

Things that disgust me!

First, let me say that of course, there are TONS of things that disgust me....but, I am targeting one specific subject on this blog. Many are huge fans of Ebay, as we all know you can find anything you could ever want or need up for auction. (This includes the world's largest Doritos nugget). What I am referring to at this particular moment is how the "vultures" out there can prey upon parents' weak heart and desire to please our children at any cost. Last year for me was the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Cailyn HAD to have it for Christmas. Needless to say there wasn't a store within a 200 mile radius that had it or its add-on components in stock. So, I set out to buy one on EBay. Imagine my horror when I found the thing going for over $100 and the "extras" for close to $50 or more! We are talking about a cheap plastic Mickey-eared clubhouse for crying out loud!!!! Fortunately for me, I am a determined, yet bargain-hunting Mommy. I probably bid on over 100 auctions before I FINALLY found one at a semi-reasonable price. Yes, she got one, and a few of the figures that go with it. Yes, she was thrilled, and yes, it is a piece of junk! LOL! This year, it is a new hunt....the little bunny "Mimzy" from "The Last Mimzy" movie. If any of you have seen this, then you know it is the cutest stinkin' bunny ever. ALL of my kids want the bunny...even the babies stare longingly at the picture! Once again, I set out to EBay to see if such a bunny exsisted(of course it does). Unfortunately, said bunny was selling for $100+. IF I was ignorant enough(which I am not) to fall for this, that would be over $500 for a STUFFED ANIMAL!!! That is ROBBERY! I decided that I would find Mimzy some other way. Along my search, I did manage to find out how much this fluffy-tailed little monster retails for...$24.99. OMGOSH!!! People were actually PAYING more than 3 times what it SELLS for! Of course, that is, IF you are one of the lucky ones who can find it. If nothing else, my sheer obsession and stubborn attitude about this won this round. I found a website where I could pre-order the fluffy ball of fur. So, I did, and each one of my children will have their very own Mimzy under the tree this Christmas. I also decided to help out other "Mimzy" crazed parents by listing a "non" auction offering information to others wanting Mimzy for their children. I refused to give out my secret to those who only wanted them to sell. I had almost 100 hits and a ton of people contact me before some jerk (who I'm sure was selling) turned me in to EBay for violating the rules. I had NO idea that it was "illegal" to give out FREE information on Ebay, but it is. OH, well, at least I helped several parents fulfill their children's dreams of snuggling with Mimzy. I am so tired of being over-charged for something that is a child's TOY! If we can find a way to boycott these people, then maybe it will end. I am trying, one piece of fluff at a time. :)