Hot Chocolate

Our house is freezing this morning so we started with steaming cups of sweet hot chocolate. I actually measured the ingredients so I can give you an accurate recipe. (I rarely measure)

In a large saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips and 1 1/2 cups cream. Heat over medium heat until the chocolate chips melt. Stir continuously so the chocolate doesn't stick,but don't whip the cream. When you have a nice chocolate sauce, stir in 7 cups of milk and heat through. Yum.

A word of warning- once you make this, your family will never again accept envelopes full of chocolate powder.

Laughter

This summer Brian and I celebrated our 14th anniversary. As we enjoyed an over the top meal at Ruth's Chris,he asked "What had been the best events of the last 14 years and no usual answers like our kids arrival etc?" After a few minutes of discussion, we decided the boat and all the activities that go with it and Disney World were tops on our best moments list. I have pondered how we both saw light, fun moments as the highlights of our 14 years. And then I began to realize it is the lighter moments of everyday that keep us going. Brian pulled me into a hug this morning and whispered, "I just love to hear you laugh." Brian must love to hear me, because he works so hard to make sure we keep laughing. As I contemplate blessings this morning, laughter is at the top of my list.

I am thankful for the sounds of giggles outside my window. I am thankful for the millions of comments around our dinner table such as "take the spoon out of your hair" "Don't put your feet on the table" "Quit licking your glass." "Only grownups are allowed to throw food." I love the comments like "B, you do too have time to tie up J. Come down here and do it." "Shut the playroom door if you are going to play baseball in there."

I am thankful I have a husband that can laugh and even flirt with me while we clean up poop. After one of L's worst episodes ever, we were in rolling giggles as we soaked her in the tub and scrubbed poop off walls, carpet and furniture. J got sick at church and I made a run for the bathroom. Projectile vomit followed, but we got to the bathroom first! We cleaned up the mess together as Brian bragged, and gave high fives on how close we got to the toilet. After dinner Brian said "What's that gurgling noise?" Me "The pee running down your shoulder and dripping onto your shoes." It may sound gross and disgusting, and lets face it, it is, but as long as we are together we usual find ourselves laughing out loud.

We tell silly, ridiculous jokes all the time. We do crazy dances that embarrass and horrify B and H. In short, when it is just us, we crack ourselves up. Life is hard. Life is challenging. Life is dirty. People other than my inner circle make me crazy. But as long as we can keep the laughter going, I know we will get though and that God must have a sense of humor.

Magic Kingdom

 

We spent several portions of days at the Magic Kingdom.  We started the trip with supper at the Crystal Palace and then did another morning of rides.  We had hoped the Halloween Party would include lots of ride time,but it was probably the only disappointment of the week.  Too dark,and too many people.  J’s favorite rides- Buzz Lightyear and Pooh’s Blustery Day were here,and of course Tianna.  L loves Tianna.

 

L was constantly kicking off her shoes,and we decided not to deal with braces.  A cast member was constantly saying “Lost slippers?” so we finally gave up.  One of those L only perks!  The characters all did such a lovely job with all the kids.  I just love Disney!

Pumpkin Carving

 

All this year I have struggled with how big my kids are becoming.  I drove past a sign for MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) the other day and almost hyperventilated as I realized I was a few short months from having everyone in school all day,every day.  It was the moment I heard a little voice whisper “just one more…”  I know, we need another child like we need a hole in the head, but I’m just not ready to let them grow up.  Every once in awhile, I glance to my side and see these beautiful, tall!, girls in skinny jeans and boots.  Catch a scent of perfume and manicured nails around a starbuck’s latte and my heart just stops.  For heaven’s sake, put rocks on your head or something, but quit growing so fast!  Yet another sign- B directed the cleaning and degooping of the pumpkin and even managed her helper well. 

Country Halloween

 

Halloween in our little part of the world is always a huge event.  People are looking for our kids and often have special things prepared.  No xray scans or prepackaged candy only rules for us.  We are blessed to live in the land of homemade Halloween cookies, chilled drinks and ….. Mrs. Jean Downing’s chocolate cupcakes with chocolate icing.  I confiscate these almost immediately.

We had our first ever Trunk or Treat at church this year and a great time was had by all.  Even dogs!

Incredible

 

Had may be more Dash than Violet, but either way she is Incredible!  Mama also gets a little credit here for creating a costume that still fit Had’s shorts and athletic shorts plan.

Buying Cattle with Daddy

 

 

Epcot

 

Did you ever look at a picture and instantly realize you were watching the last moments of childhood slip away?

L was so excited for the princess breakfast.  Poor J is surrounded by so many girls, he also couldn’t wait. We got to Epcot very early,but it paid off as we strolled through the park almost alone and were among the first to be seated.  We were right by the door where the princesses entered.

After a delicious breakfast we parted ways just as the park was officially opening.  When it comes to Disney, I am a crazy planner.  I read all the books and websites,and we entered each park with a plan to help everyone get the most out of their day. Of course by Wednesday,it became clear the plan included everyone but Mama whom became a little resentful, but Brian has promised a return trip where I can see all the parades.  We will probably be ancient before then,but oh well.  I have to admit that by the end of the week I felt those whom instilled the fireworks fear should have been dragging J onto rides explaining over his screams that no fireworks were inside.  The same applies to the Halloween party where we got caught in the show and had to restrain J like a wild animal.  Other than these relatively small issues, the plans worked like a charm.

Big kids headed to rides and little kids and I searched for characters.  We kept our autograph books ready for any chance encounter.  J could smell a character 1/2 mile away.  For L, characters,shows and of course water were the trip.

We met back up to do Nemo and Turtle Talk with Crush.  Due to Disney magic of course, an animated version of Crush, the sea turtle, can interact with the audience.  L got to squealing VERY loud and high and Crush commented on the guest who could speak “whale.” 

For lunch we headed around “the world.”  The food and wine festival was going on, and Brian,Dawn and I would have happily just snacked away the afternoon,but….  After a little searching, Brian found a fabulous pizza place at the back of Italy.  He just smiled and said “It’s Eat Pray Love, we have to eat here”  Gotta love a man who pays attention to the reading habits of his women folk.  It was excellent.

Playing drums in the amazon.  B picked out several architectural features around epcot, allowing Mama to feel relieved that something of world geography was sinking in. 

Characters and gift shops caught us on our way out.  By this time L was completely toast.

 

But who can resist Stitch!

Old Key West

 

We did something different this time and rented someone else’s vacation club points to stay in a condo on Disney property.  It worked great for us.  A washer and the ability to cook are just mandatory for us.  That’s right, my crock pot made the trip!

Finally, L was getting to head to the swimming pool!

And what a great pool it was.  The water slide was a huge hit!

The sand play area was pretty good too.

L can balance on her back and swim from Mama to Daddy!

The view from our patio.

Disney World 2010- The trip down

 

Could you ever guess from this picture that our trip down to Orlando was nothing short of crazy??  In other words, just a normal day for the Celsor family!  We had very good intentions of leaving right from school,and we were close until Brian’s forgotten ankle brace meant a trip back to Holland and then on the road again.  L started signing “swim” before we crossed the Tennessee line,and J was sure Disney World was no further than Bowling Green.  They were delightful traveling companions.  J had stepped on a piece of glass earlier in the day and by the time we stopped for the night, it was obvious a piece was embedded in his foot and we had considerable bleeding.  Brian had researched our stop options and made a great choice. 

The next morning started with Advil for all and a great hot breakfast until we realized L was stinky.  Umm… so began a series of stops due to some kind of stomach bug, in a state that has not improved its public bathroom situation since that ill fated college spring break trip I try so hard to forget.  No changing facilities or even hot water most places.  Thank you Ray Croc and Truett Cathy.  Some days McDonalds and Chikfila are on my most wonderful things list.  Well, that and the pepto bismal we started popping like candy.

Summer Scenes

 

Gotta love girls softball- pony tails, silly socks, pink bats and cheerleader chants with words like scoot your bootie back all sung with plenty of twang  We had an awesome season.  There was plenty of controversy in the final 2 games,but Brian handled it well and we were blessed with great parents and girls.  I especially love the smile on Brian’s face despite his very swollen, purple black ankle from a fight with a calf!  My favorite moments of the season were when H wasn’t hitting and made a deal with her coach/Dad. “I promise to pay attention and hit the ball if you will let me hit left handed.” (She is a righty)  Much to her mother’s chagrin, deal made, ball hit.  And of course the night they just seemed sluggish and Brian yelled to the dugout to “talk it up.”  H always took the lead here and jumped right into some chant.  Her coach from travel ball had stopped by and laughed as he said “H is just such a great cheerleader.”  How he nailed it.  Sorry Dad.

Better late than never

Spring of 2010 brought us plenty of rain. The same storms that flooded Nashville got us as well. I had always assured the girls that we lived “on top of the world” and nothing but a Noah type flood could get us. Never underestimate ground water. The water and rains came fast and furious. Brian and Michael finally just started tearing fence down in hopes cattle could get themselves to higher ground. Our basement flooded as the saturated ground could take no more and the water came in around the drains. By morning the above bridge had water across it for a short time.

This is the view of the river from behind our house.

Of course the ramifications of flooding like this don’t end overnight. I did a horrible job with pictures, but the whole summer was influenced. Our dock at the lake was completely covered- even the stairs. You can only imagine how comical we all looked trying to get out to the boats. There were several canoe tippings and plenty of mosquitoes but on we went.

Fountain Run Airfield

You just never know what will happen at the CPC Field Day. From that small beginning where most attendees were from the local FFA and Sara and I did the desserts to 1200 steaks served and airplanes on site. Not sure what I think about a runway built by bush hog. I was also a little taken back when the pilot turned the plane by hand. I mean he got out, picked up tail and walked the plane around. It was wild. The kids and Brian had a great time. That's right, I kept both feet on the ground.

The Story of Bear

 

My family has always had a special relationship with stuffed animals.  Many of you will remember Rusty or my bear.  So, of course as soon as  I knew about my children I was looking for that wonderful stuffed friend that would see them through childhood.  For B,I found a sherbert colored bear.  We took it to Russia in 1999.  B was literally terrified of it.  When we landed in Cincinnati, Aunt Becky presented her with Pug Dog.  I guess it was that this stuffed animal looked like a real animal, but Pug Dog has been around ever since.  He has been through all 13 surgeries, camp, school,vacations, and everywhere in between.

As soon as we knew about Had,the search was on again.  This time in the form of a creamy yellow,very soft bear.  We took Bear to Russia in 2001, where she patiently tolerated bag searches and gave smiles to stressed airport employees just a few months after 9/11.  Had loved her.  She was a constant companion from day 1.  Had is not quite as responsible as B and bear spent several nights lost in malls, or restaurants.  The longest time she was ever lost was when Had was in 3yo preschool.  We searched everywhere.  I had given up.  Had asked me to pray that God would bring back Bear.  I began to pray this carefully worded prayer about accepting whatever happened, when Had stopped me and took over.  “God, please help me find Bear.  Just put her under my pillow or someplace easy to see.  Amen”  I was worried to death about how we would deal with this loss.  Had however skipped off to school, confident God would answer.  When I picked her up that day,she was grinning ear to ear and said “guess what I have!!” and pulled out Bear.  I had to pull over I was crying so hard.  Had just laughed and said “Why are you crying?  I prayed didn’t I.”  Oh to have the faith of a child.

Bear’s story does not end there.  Last spring,in the midst of all the moving school trauma, Bear went missing.  Bear was getting in rougher and rougher shape and I told Had she couldn’t take her out anymore.  As usual, Had had her own plan and took Bear to school, where she was then left in the car. We couldn’t find her.  I was mad at being disobeyed.  Had was upset.  We looked everywhere and finally sent Had to bed.  The next morning I woke to find the backyard covered in white fluff.  The neighbor dog had ripped Bear to shreds.  I scooped it all up as I sobbed.  This was not repairable.  Hadley fell apart.  I went in at school to let the teacher know.  She looked at me somberly “the bear from Russia?”  I cried again.  Kids made Hadley cards.  It was like a funeral.  Ms. W brought Hadley her own 62yo bear to sleep with.  Meanwhile, I salvaged and hand washed every piece of Bear I could.  The face was 75% in tact.  The mission began.  We went through the fabric store touching every bolt and scrap looking for the right feel and color.  I hand made pattern pieces only to trash them and start again. The fabric was so fragile it required meticulous hand sewing.  Finally, I had a body somewhat in place.  The face and head were still defeating me. I was in over my head. Bring in Grandma who then took Bear to a friend that repairs antique dolls.  Months and hours and money later,Had got back her precious Bear.

I know, we are nuts, but sometimes in a very difficult world, we need a little security and comfort that only a stuffed friend can provide.  But just to be safe….  J and L don’t have such buddies.  They have each other and that is enough.

Status

Yeah, Yeah, I have to do a better job with this. I will soon have to lump this with my woefully unupdated scrapbook stuff. As usual busy doesn't seem to cover it.

Brian messed up his ankle this summer and with the countdown to Disney and all it's walking on, (Don't think L is offering him a ride) Brian bit the bullet and had surgery the first week of August. It's just hard to lose a set of hands in this house, but he is on the mend and promising me he will be careful between now and fall break. L loves that they have therapy together each week, and he has a brace too.

The transition to school has been awesome. After the angriest summer on record, H has thrived in her new setting. Bigger has meant more people to show off for. I'm not kidding. I don't think many people have not noticed her. No one will ever be Ms. W, but I think she got a fabulous teacher this year. There have been some interesting moments like her first scan tron test. We studied really hard for this test and were horrified when she announced she got a 76%. Further investigation revealed she never got a copy of the actual test and didn't realize she was supposed to get one. She answered as the teacher went over the questions to make sure everyone could read them. Only Had. Thankfully, all was figured out and the retest produced a much better result. She has also particularly enjoyed her debit card type lunch account that means too much ice cream, not enough broccoli.

J had a good start followed by trauma as it was announced his class would be cut. After lots of tears by Mama (not very productive) and lots of phone calls and meetings by Brian and some other dads (very productive), J and his classmates were found a space. A slightly different,more challenging place, but at least he is there. He has so far managed to catch every germ in the building, and you know J-- always willing to share.

L has the best teacher ever. Hindsight being what it is, I wish she and J were together. Mrs. R came through Big Red School at WKU, which should be the standard for all inclusive preschools. L was saying "teacher" within just a few days and can't wait to go each day. Her aide stayed with her, and is truly an angel. We even got a phrase this weekend "Boat with my Daddy."

B is gutting out one more year with me before the big move to middle school. We are still trying to help her find an activity. ANYTHING!! 12 is just hard. 12 with a beautiful, talented self assured sister, a very confident brother, and another sister that is holding the whole family hostage, is unbearable. I need to improve my prayer life.

So, there it is. The updated life and times. Stay tuned for Adventures at the Lake and Ode to Dollar General.