Murphy's Law Part 2

Okay, see what I do to myself, I spoke to soon. I should have known better then to say everyone was well and in the clear....... Sorry Drew and Mark :-) Oh well, life goes on.

Murphy's Law

Okay, you know how you think that you have made it through the winter without to many colds in the family. -Kelly is right again, the flu shots do work!!!- (Karl tells me that every year I make him get a flu shot he is sicker then when he doesn't get them. That is such a man thought, but I will save that for another day.)

Over the last few weeks we haven't been at church on Sundays between colds, swim, and snow (no comment from the Chicago friends). On Saturday I was feeling great, swim is done, the weather is nice, no one is sick. The clothes were washed and Sunday clothes were laid out, I even had everyone Sunday shoes matched and lined up. I even went and bought Katy a new skirt because in the last few weeks she has grown out of all her pants and skirts.

(Where did the time go, she went from little kids sizes to a womens size 6.)

So you can see I was ready for a quiet Sunday at church to recharge and relax. That was my first mistake -you know Murphy's Law. About 7:00 pm Saturday night Becca started throwing up. She told me her belly hurt, but since ALL my kids were healthy I told her to just relax and go potty.........

When she was "done" and I had washed the whole kitchen floor, I had her lay down in my bed-with a bowl this time. From that point on for the next six hours she vomited every 1/2 hour. (I am still amazed at the clockwork of her body). So needless to say, Karl was teaching a class on Sunday, so I knew that I would be staying home with the puking child (lucky me).

The next morning as I'm getting the rest of the family ready to go to Church. Steven said, "My stomach hurts." This time I was ready large mixing bowl in hand (my floors were clean, and isn't Sunday a day of rest.). Now anyone who know Steven knows that he goes to his own beat, but sick kids don't go to church, so now I had Steven, Becca, and Luke, who was in a grumpy mood.

We made it through the day, and I thought we were in the clear. (I refer you back to the title of this blog). Around 7:00 pm Sunday night Katy says, "Mom, my belly hurts." Of course, I blew it off. (You didn't think that I would have another bowl did you, Katy always complains about her something hurting.)

Around 7:30 she told me her belly hurt again, and being the "good" mother that I am, I rolled my eyes, snarled under my breath and gave her a bowl. Now I'm sure everyone can guess what came next.

It is now Tuesday, and everyone seems to be feeling better, but I have my bowl on hand just in case. I keep saying to myself - "At least you are all ready for next Sunday." But, with Murphy's Law I'm sure a meteorite will hit the house or something.

Swimming

Hallelujah, the kids swim season is FINALLY done. Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoy the kids swimming, but about the third week in Feburary I was ready for the season to wrap up. For those of you that don't know; Katy, Steven, and Becca are all on a swim team. The season starts the first week in October and ends the first week in March.

I am amazed at everything they learned to do this year. When the season started Becca didn't even like to put her face in the water without holding her nose, by the end of the season, she came in second in the league for her age group in the 25 yard Freestyle. Steven thinks he is half fish and if he grew gills I don't think he would ever come up for air. Katy is also one of the top swimmers in her age group, and is enjoying swimming all the time.

So how often did the kids swim? My kids did 4 days a week for 2 hours a day (1 hour for Steven and Becca), and sometimes a fifth time - if they wanted to swim. Plus 8 meets during the season and Championships.

Here they are swimming, don't worry they are all short 30 second videos:

This is Becca doing her 25 yard Freestyle at Championships. Katy was holding the camera, so I hope you took your "sea sick" pills. Becca is in the middle with the blue cap and pink goggles.

Steven swimming his 25 yard Freestyle.

Steven and Becca during practice.

Okay, this is the last video, Karl is just learning how to use the camera, he is taping Katy doing her 50 yard Freestyle.

Okay, so are you sick of seeing my kids swim yet. We are keeping busy here with many different things going on, and I am going to enjoy my break for two months before summer swim starts. Here are a few pictures of the kids:

Becca was "Swimmer of the Week" the last week of practice.

This is Katy with her new hampster Cookie.

Steven
Luke

And last but not least, a few pictures of my furry babies:

The Mom Song

Not much more to say then, Amen.

I'm Thankful For.....

Okay, so it has been a while since I wrote anything, but I have been thinking about writing so here I am... over the last few weeks I have been thinking about things that I am thankful for and things/people that have influenced who I am. How is that for "heavy" thinking. So I wanted to take some time and write some of those things down.

So in advance sorry if I forget someone or something, the kids use up most of my brainpower so sometimes it is hard to remember it all!

On Oprah sometimes they have a show about thanking those who have helped you, and I think some of the biggest influences on me have been from people who don't even realize it. So this is my "Oprah" show.

1. My 10th grade tennis coach, I can't even remember his name. (Sometimer's starts early when you have kids) I didn't even like him, but I learned about sportsmanship from him. I had just moved to York, I wasn't happy to be there, but I have never forgotten the lessons that he taught me, that I have passed on to my kids and taught to the kids that I have worked with over the years.

2. When I had my third son Luke and over time we came to learn and understand all of his disabilities I would spend a lot of time thinking back on watching Sandy and Lynn Sechrist (my friend Amy's parents) deal with their son Brent's illness and death. How to me they lived each day for each day and treasured their time with him. How when he died they cried, laughed, and still lived and enjoyed. Karl and I spent a lot of time talking as we slowly came to see all of the challenges ahead for Luke and we decided that that example would be how we would work and move ahead with Luke in his trials and struggles.

3. I was always older then my cousins (eight years older), so I was able to play "mom" with all my cousins. So that when I had my own kids - diapers, poop, spit up, and all that fun stuff was just routine. Scott was my first "toy" (I guess at this point I should apologize for pinching you so I could pick you up when you cried, but you seem to have gotten over that without any damage). After Scott came all these girl cousins. Imagine to my way of thinking a never ending supply of talking dolls, to dress, do their hair, and make up. I use to giggle watching my Uncle Dick thinking about his little girls being my age and "all grown up".

4. From my Grandma and Grandpa Bennett I learned about family. I do miss their house in Frederick and all the family holidays. Each Christmas and Easter I think back to pictures on the stair or outside wall. When I read my kids Babar and Father Christmas I think about my Grandma reading it to me, and my tree never looks right because Grandpa's train is not under it. I think one reason all the cousins still enjoy being together, even if we don't get to see each other often is because of those times.

5. My friend Ruth taught me that cows do fly and to always follow your heart, because it takes you to were you should be. Whenever I see a Far Side Cartoon with cows flying I always think back to our trip to Wyoming.

6. Amy and Kevin are still my "best friends" after all these years. Even though our lives are busy, when we are together the time apart melts away and I just want the fun times to continue. Though Kevin is the oldest, and seems to be falling apart faster then me or Amy.

7. My seminary teachers taught me to love the scriptures, even if when life is busy and they are making a good door stop next to my bed. I can always find peace when I read them.

8. Stacey and Paul are the two people who have moved far away that I want back. (I know your reading this Stacey) I miss you both, and wish you were here.

9. Mary Ellen and Eric Ferrin showed me whenever I was with them about love, and showing it to those around you and especially to your spouse. Whenever me kids go yuke or ewh when I kiss Karl I think back to the Ferrin's. She also taught me that you could cook a turkey whenever you want to not just on Thanksgiving. Okay, I know that sounds weird, but did you know you can cook a turkey whenever you want to, the thought had never crossed my mind until I was at the Ferrin's for dinner one night and they ate a turkey. Now I don't want to blow your mind, but you don't have to cook all the "trimmings" when you have turkey either.

10. When I married Karl he had two sisters and four brothers. Okay, so he still does, but coming from a small family and only brothers. I was thrilled to finally have "sisters". Karl and I have so enjoyed watching his brothers grow up, marry, and now have kids of their own and with that a whole new group of sisters came into this family and I love each and every one of you. Getting together is so much fun and never long enough.

Now you can see I'm feeling reflective right now and you probably stopped reading this part way through. I haven't mentioned my parents, step parents, or brother. I will save that for another day. I will just say that I love you all. I am blessed with family and friends that make life full and colorful. I wouldn't trade any of you. (I'm not going to proof this, hope there aren't to many mistakes, if there are I'll just blame the "sometimer's illness)

Love to all.

Happy New Year!!!! Where did the time go?!?

Well, another year has come and gone; boy was it fast. I don't know where the time went, and now everyone is taking down there lights and Christmas trees. Time is going to fast!!!! We had a wonderful Christmas and a great vacation. I hope everyone else did also. The kids are back in school so now I have time to sit down and write a quick note.

Now I know how tired everyone gets of pictures, but well the kids are cute so I'm going to be the "MOM" and show some pictures from the holidays:

Katy watching one of the 15 movies I gave Karl for Christmas this year; yes, he had a wonderful time being lazy and watching all of them over the next week.

Drew and Mark waiting for Santa to arrive. I think Mark wanted to steal his cookies or keep a reindeer as a pet.

Becca, very tired after a long day of playing with all her new toys.

A "snowperson" came in from the cold to visit for a little while on Christmas Eve.

As I was thinking back on past Christmases I came to realize that Drew will be 18 next year and will be all "grown up" and that time is going to fast so I took a picture of of each of the kids to remember them by. I'm calling it the Rugrat Gallery:

Drew the cool elf

Mark the "Fifth Beatle" Luke my little angle with a teenage attitude, take him to Wal-Mart and he will be your best friend.

Katy my almost teenager. I would love to hear from anyone with earplugs for me and chocolate for her!

Steven, my cuddle bunny

Becca, the ruler of all things she can see or hear, at least according to her.

Now, I hope you didn't think that this blog would be over without me showing off my other babies. My best gift this year was Karl allowing us to get our kittens, they are well loved and put up with being carried around all the time. Wasn't that how the rulers in Egypt use to move about. So here are some cute kittens and the Grumpy Old Grandpa (Cody) for your viewing pleasure:Kiva and Tobin sleeping on Drew's lap while he is on the computer.

Kiva with his loyal man servant Drew.

Tobin and Becca taking a nap together.

The Dymond Clan went to Maryland from December 29th - January 2nd. Now when we go away to Grammie and Grandpa's we all go - I mean the people, cats, and hamster. Here are a few pictures of "the royal family" enjoying Grammie's House:

Tobin

CodyKiva

As you can see they are very comfortable moving around. One last little bit of Christmas for you. Luke loves to sing and one of his favorite songs to sing is the Twelve Days of Christmas. He loves to sing "Five Golden Rings" So here you go Luke and company singing, please excuse the bad back round voice, but someone has to keep them going.

Okay, so we aren't the Von Trapp Family, but as you can see they do like to sing. I hope everyone has a wonderful new year, and remembers to enjoy each day. Gotta run the kids are coming home. Boy time goes by fast!

What's up!!!

Okay, so as is my normal excuse I have been very, very busy, then this morning on the radio they said nine days till Christmas and I said to myself, "Oh Crap, I never did a post about Thanksgiving." As you know I do not consider it to late, till the next holiday has past. I guess that means I only have a few days at between Christmas and New Years.

We stayed home this year and had our family and friends come over. I was one of those shoppers out bright and early Thanksgiving Morning shopping at Kmart, but with games buy 1 get 1 free, what else could I do. Anyways, Mark wants Hungry, Hungry Hippos for Christmas. Yes, I must have dropped him on his head when he was a baby. How do I know that - What 15 year old wants Hungry, Hungry Hippos as a Christmas Gift.

Here is Karl carving our yummy turkey, a 26 lb. bird that gave up "the goose" to a good cause --our hungry tummies!

Here are some pictures from during the dinner, the table was full, but boy did we eat.

The next morning, I was one of "those crazy" shoppers hitting the stores at 4 am. This is the first year I let Katy go with me. We were up at 3 am and in line by 3:30.

We had a great time and shopped for nine hours. A long, but fun day.

Since then we have been busy with swim, and swim, and did I mention swim. Katy, Steven, and Becca are all swimming so we are at the pool 4 nights a week for 2 hours. In my spare time I am slowly getting ready for Christmas. (It is good that I have about 3 weeks left, I will need every minute, LOL).

Some of you have been asking to see pictures of our kittens who are now 7 months old and still love to get into everything, so here you go:

Tobin is the black kitten, Kiva is the tan kitten, and Cody is our 15 1/2 year old black and white cat. As you can see, we can't leave any food sitting out, because Kiva will find it and want to share. This time is was butter with Cody. Now if I could just train the kids never to leave anything out. Kiva even ate Chili a few weeks ago, what a "joy" that was for the next few days. Bean and Cats DO NOT mix.

Kiva loves boxes.

Tobin is our talker and our snuggler. He also likes to get into everything.

It took several months, but all the fur balls are friends and will eat together and "play" with each other. Though when Tobin tries to play with Cody, he just looks at him with an expression that says, "You have got to be kidding, and walks away." Kiva is also the Great White Hunter, he found this deer on the tree the crazy humans put in the house just for him to play with!

I hope everyone is having a great time getting ready for Christmas, we are enjoying the season, and all the Christmas movies and music. Have a wonderful holiday. Love to all.

LOOK AT ME I'M 40!!!

This is my cake this year. I asked Karl for Ice Cream Sandwiches, so he got creative and also picked up Cherry Garcia to make the zero, we lite the candles twice to get the pictures. Luke loved blowing out the candles!!

Okay, so I know I'm strange, yesterday I turned 40, and yes, I just consider it a number on a page. Until this morning.......when I was getting breakfast for myself after the kids were gone. I was putting leftovers from last nights birthday dinner on my plate when I said to myself (If you didn't know already, I talk to myself), "In ten years when I turn 50 I'm going to Ruth Chris Steakhouse for dinner."

Then it dawned on me, I'll be 50 in ten years. Now I know it is only a number and some of you are close to or over that number, but it knocked a pause into me today. I thought back to when I was kid and how old 50 was. So then I started thinking back on some of the stupid things I have learned over the years, so here they are:

1. Don't play with yellow snow
2. And on the same mind frame - Everyone poops
3. Little Brothers are still happy they are younger then you and love to tease you about it.
4. Movie popcorn needs to smothered in butter or its just not as good.
5. ET invented Reese Pieces and a Reese Peanut Butter Sundae at Friendly's is still yummy.
6. Watching snow fall takes all the worries of life away.
7. I still like to watch movies multiple times (yes, I saw Twilight twice this weekend).
8. Your kids always think you are a little crazy.
9. Chocolate is good hot, cold, solid, or liquid.
10. Dark chocolate is better.
11. The dishes do not disappear overnight no matter how much you pray for it to happen.
12. Kids will always get clothes dirty and use the towel only once, then ball it up in a corner to let the mold grow before you find it.
13. Families are Forever, no matter how much during certain times of the month you want your husband to take the kids, leave you the check book and go away on an extended visit somewhere else.
14. Smiles are contagious.
15. So are hugs.
16. Your teenage son might not want you to kiss him, but a shoulder rub or pat gives them the same message.
17. A good book is a good way to pass a day or a weekend or a week.
18. They always want dinner.
19. You need a vacation from your vacation.

And most important........

20. 40 is just a number, just like the rest of the numbers, they come and go, its all how you act.

I hope you enjoyed my top 20 list. Gotta run, Thanksgiving is this week, plus some snow tomorrow. Gotta go make sure I have milk, bread, and eggs. You know 2 inches of snow means it might be awhile before I can leave the house. (Yeah, right, I need to find that person and get them some snow tires.)

Love to all.

Halloween Pictures, okay okay okay, I know I'm late but....

Okay, so this month has been as crazy as last month. I keep saying that I need to add pictures from Halloween to my blog, now it is mid November, Thanksgiving is two weeks away. So here you go. I was lucky this year and went away for the weekend leaving after the kids went to school, on Halloween, so I asked Karl to take some pictures. Well, I'm not sure who is tryng to teach who, but I'll keep working on him. So here you go the Dymond Kids Halloween 2008:
Drew went with me to my mother's but here he is a week before all dressed up


Mark was the first one to dress up that, looks ready to fight evil doesn't he!?!

The costume was really Luke's, his Grandpa Pitcavage bought it for him, he wore it for about two weeks straight.

Katy wanted to go as a girl from the 50's, she was really cute. She called herself the "Good Sandy" from the Grease movie.

Steven of course went as Ainken Skywalker, but this one is from the Clone Wars Movie.

Becca went as a pink puppy, some people thought she was a rabbit so she would show them her tail and say, "Rabbits don't have these tails."

And now for the evening picture, yes only one. (Though I will give him credit for sending one to my phone) We need to work on the picture concept with him. So you can see the kids had fun trick or treating with their friends, and Karl survived through the surgarred up kids for the weekend. Since it is not Thanksgiving yet, Happy Halloween to everyone.