Ebeth's 4 and no more

Feeling a bit like I just conquered the world (after feeling beaten down all day that is).. I am sitting here. Why you ask? I shall share.... Oldest son (who should have been in bed), was doing his typical stalling tactic. I am never quite sure if he is looking for some "adult time" or trying to see what I am up to. As he appeared at the top of the steps for the 3rd time he told me how he is tired of being the last kid picked in PE. In that instant I was not quite sure how to respond. I started off typical mumblings of being sorry, someone has to be picked last, I am proud of you for still trying etc. He expanded to only one time at this school and 2 times at his previous was he not last. He even added it was because another kid was in the bathroom. Then he headed back to bed. I completed my before bed tasks and made my way back to his room feeling certain I got a D+ on my response. When I walked in I noticed the fumbling of bedding and asked him to hand over the electroni...

Movies that mean something to me in no particular order other than my random thoughts: Dirty Dancing: This movie is still one of my top fav movies. I honestly don't remember who I saw it with for the first time, I am pretty sure I was a teenager for sure. Either way I would wear heels and dance in my room to the music dreaming that it was me.  finale Pretty Woman: Another funny choice considering the plot of the movie... but still I always dreamed about the fairy tale night in shining armor so the end when he "rescues" her well it stayed with me. Course her answer to his question "What happens after he rescues her?" "She rescues him right back.", always felt pretty lame. click As Good As It Gets: This movie is NOT on many people's list I know. But it is a deep thinker and for some reason the love in the end gets to me. Independence Day: I know NOT a love story at all though the President and his wife stuff is pretty sweet, specific...

Little reminders that life is in the LITTLE stuff: #4 Randomly started singing, "In my church God always sends ... Boys and girls to be my friends." If that wasn't a reinforcement pushing the sing songy tunes for the 2 and 3's is totally worth it then I do not know what is. During devotion time littlest insists on reading her Bible. While telling us the story she said, "Monkeys eat bananas and squirrels eat cocunut." To which husband asked her where in the real Bible that verse can be found. #2 retorted, "Right Here!" pointing at a random scripture. While watching Toy Story 3 together (Daddy for the first time), we all snuggled. At the very end credits and all Joey says, "Those clouds are so FAKE!". LOL kid as if the entire movie is not fake! Then when I made my rounds to say goodnight daddy was snuggled in bed next to Michael. I tried to squeeze in and asked Michael if he and I (daddy) were like Mr. and Mrs. Potato head madly in l...

Tonight was a strange evening. All in all a good one, but it seemed so surreal too. For example being the last day of school before a week break the kids themselves were crazy, but the closer to dismissal I found myself  giddy. Truly why is it so darn exciting since the reality is I STILL have to work my church job (in fact extra hours on my normal "day" off Saturday) and also dispatch this coming week. On top of that I need to plan out the remainder of time till Christmas break AND put together an extension "binder" for a K student. Meanwhile aspire to spend quality time with my family/niece and nephew on 5 out of the 9 days till I head back. Yes folks there really shouldn't be a joyous feeling cause the work is the same. Alas, I suppose the majority of my days can be spent scheduling however I want and that is the true source of happiness. Back to the flashback part.... littlest and I were jamming to great music in the short ride from G-ma's house to our...

Oh the thoughts of children...how priceless they sure are! This evening for example is Fend for yourself Friday, sometimes Family fun Friday but usually a low key night. After the VERY busy week we have most of us just need the down time. I truly should be working on a big project for my church job but well I just am not. I truly have no day off this week since I work my dispatch job tomorrow night for 6 hours, Sunday the easiest of days a couple hours worked at church. ANYWAY, back to the best part of my post the silly/sweet children of mine. When we arrived home youngest son is overheard telling his sister "I am going to be in the bathroom for a LONG time so DON'T disturb me." Like father like son is all I had to say on that one while hubby laughed! Then a short time ago as the Cardinals game began sweet son proceeded to ask me 1000 questions about his trio block built tank, including wanting me to verbally guide him in building another one. How is it that the b...

Today I awoke to the sounds of booming thunder, and lightning. Knowing it is only a matter of time that the youngest of children would arrive next to me I started my day in prayer. Oddly enough I made it through my shower before that actually happened. Though it distracted me from my devotion time it was a sweet entrance. I, sitting in my chair in a dimly lit room about to read, am suddenly aware of little curly q girl scampering about. She readily climbs into my open arms and we rock/cuddle. These moments are so bitter sweet since it takes me back to baby rocking days. Wow, how time sure flies and they grow up. While still in my lap she recounts her morning for me, the way she was crying for big bro (Bubba to her) to let her sleep with him. Also, my favorite part, once they snuggled back in together she "hugged Jesus". Melt my heart right there! Youngest son and I have something special I cannot quite explain and yet I get distracted with everyday life and forget on a regul...

The car is the place to learn oh so much about my kids, the front seat being the best in the house. I really don't know why it works this way but without electronics they are like cups running over. #1 spilling his guts as we drove through bush wildlife like this: I think I am going to bring my wife and kids to live in the country just like we do. The city is dangerous and I want my kids to be athletic. I hope to have a boy because then I can get him involved in Tae Kwon Do and baseball. Did you know that Moses had a Father-in-law that the Bible talk about? I didn't ever get what it says about him, but interesting that he cared about this detail. (Truthfully it wasn't until recently that I understood Moses got divorced but that's beside the point). #2 coming from the far back seat (why she sat way back there when it was just us three I will never know), "I am going to name my daughter Cabrihana." Ok, where did you find that name? (keep in mind she is read...

Slime flu: Mommy did you know about the slime flu that killed tons of people? Me: Um... the swine flu? Mr. Tim (teacher at children's church), (spoke Joey): If one room at church was gonna blow up which room would it be? Tim: Bathroom, toilet, gas.... Mommy (said Joey): If a human had to fight a crocodile, who would win? Me thinking it was a trick question: Well if it was a trained person the human. Joey clearly not in a tricking mood: Well, if YOU had to fight a crocodile who would win? A blown up Mario is seen roadside from a local gaming store. ALL 4 children were infatuated by this more than life size fictitious creature. While eating dinner (sitting near next to the window), littlest points out how we can in fact see our van. #3 interjects loud enough for the entire restaurant to hear, "Look the Mario is MOVING its hand!!" Upon verifying such I notice it is fact a person in a Mario costume and the blow up is deflated. The kids do not seem to be aware of ...

In mom land 10 minutes of quiet goes a little something like this: On the only weeknight where this Momma of 4 and no more gets to come home after teaching kids all day.... it is no surprise I had a few expectations in mind. My day, while sprinkled with pleasant positive moments, also held many frustrating roll with the punches kind of challenges too. You see these days hubby enjoys (or is reduced to) taking care of the household tasks like cleaning and cooking coupled with a large amount of projects set aside for such a time as this. Meanwhile I have swapped roles and work 3 more than part time jobs. This is a mixed blessing because while letting go of my supermom cape has been difficult, having a relief sometimes has been required. My #3 seems to be taking it the worst and I am for certain working on rectifying that with other quality moments, yet day-to-day still leaves him a bit left out. This particular night was another one of those opportunities when I had to choose betw...

If there is one thing my kids will recall from their childhood it sure is my many attempts at making life special. Not only special but meaningful too. Some things last longer than others, and many days the effort feels useless but well at least I try. There were behavior systems in the form of baby food jars with smile and frown faces moving marbles back and forth (prepinterest so this was MY idea), sticker chart, clips and coins. There has also been special time for each child marked on the calendar with a gold star. There are chore sticks, assigned dishwasher days and  electronic privilege time. Contest for polite words, and behavior outside of the house, races to complete mundane tasks, game nights and family meals are just the beginning of all that I instill. I could continue on but you get the point. Each idea met a specific need at the time and most worked well until they too grew weary like the kids. While my latest concept was shown in a recent pinterest troll I do not ...

This year the kiddos began a new journey at the school. This year friends my children are privileges enough to attend the school I teach which is in fact a private school. I once could have been quoted saying that I could never afford for my kids to go private but well I didn't account for teaching at one either. I guess never say never is the ultimate rule for sure! Needless to say endless school supply shopping, uniform buying, math kit, PE dress out clothes, recorder, binder kit, planners and more we have come to the very first day. My true school lover pops out of bed in an atypical event. #2 is thrilled to start this journey helped by knowing a fellow cheer friend, previous dance class friend, and two others. #1 well he wasn't jumping for joy but since he had a former Tae Kwon Do buddy it seemed doable for him. Littlest was praying she somehow could start school a week early and prepared her lunch anyway. But #3 he floated between all emotions not really sticking to any p...

It seems this past weekend has a theme...Don't Give Up. It's funny how stubborn a person can be because this is not the first time God has spoken to me clearly, no not the Booming narrator voice but in print, or radio broadcast, conversation and more. You see it is no surprise I am a woman of many tasks. Often I question my need to appear capable, really if I would just be less able then I would be more happy. SURE because that is how it all breaks down. NOT! Anyway, this weekend is the beginning of the marathon school year. Last Thursday my oldest daughter, Aunt and I headed to Columbia MO for her 2 nd pageant. Assuming none of you are pageant moms let me tell you that it is a lot of hurry then wait kind of moments. It was by far not so stressful as it was long, well other than just before dear daughter would go on stage praying she did her best. Funny how you can feel like there is a bubble in time because I simply could not focus on anything else in my life including th...

You know when the faucet is turned on just a trickle it drips downward until there is a little puddle. Once the puddle forms it begins to splash a bit around the sides of the sink. Then after awhile that puddle becomes more than a puddle. Over time it certainly will spill out but it does take a very long time. Well, that was my day today. Never was there anything earth shattering to make you go "Oh wow that is awful." No, instead it was one small frustration after another that accumulated into a pretty big puddle spilling over to those around me and even my two daughters too. Man I could kick myself for not remembering that basic notion. Life spills onto everyone around you and you chose every moment of every day whether or not you will be light or dark. *Sigh* First we must start with the fact that my van (the only vehicle that holds my whole family together breaks leaving me stranded with the crew on the side of the hwy in 100 degree weather). This being said also means I ...

Bedtime is the true ONLY time a day when we come together as a family for one cause. No matter what happens in the day there are at least 4 to 6 nights a week we read devotions together and pray together. It is also the near only time that I spend a few minutes completely alone with each child. My youngest sweet firecracker has a laughing game we play. It is random when it happens or she requests it but I love that it is like a medicine to the soul. How do you play it you ask? Well... we laugh. But not just a ha ha ha tight lipped laugh. Oh no, we will call "CHEATING" loudly on whomever does it. You simply must laugh open mouthed and from deep in your abdomen. This is the kind that once you start it infects the whole room, sometimes even house and you can't stop at all. But in the game we make as serious a face as possible, well her serious faces are so darn funny that I break the rules and laugh too soon. Yet we pause mid laughter to take in the silence... to wait for th...

 Bedtime is the true ONLY time of day when we come together as a family for one cause.  Obviously not at bedtime But a cute pic of the 4 and no more. No matter what happens in the day, there are at least 4 to 6 nights a week we read devotions together and pray together. It is also the only time that I spend a few minutes completely alone with each child. My youngest sweet firecracker has a laughing game we play. It is random when it happens, or she requests it, but I love that it is like a medicine to the soul. How do you play it, you ask? Well... we laugh. But not just a ha ha ha tight-lipped laugh. Oh no, we will call "CHEATING" loudly on whoever does it. You simply must laugh, open-mouthed and from deep in your abdomen. This is the kind that once you start, it infects the whole room, sometimes even the house, and you can't stop at all. But in the game, we make as serious a face as possible. Well, her serious faces are so darn funny that I break the rules and laugh too ...

Mr. I am now 12 and refuse to "play" with my family kicked in this year. Yep, plan A and B didn't work out so we ended up at Zachary's park for plan C. We ate, splashed in the water, played follow the leader through the water, and experimented with a bouncy ball and the water spouts. It was a super fun day of just being together. Big man was mad at me for not allowing him to be home at the time of his birth (1:21), nor sit in the car stating it was the closest thing to home. I love the way his mind thinks even if I do not understand it all the time. Beyond that he managed to be blessed by family and friends giving him enough money to buy a Kindle Fire. PLUS an awesome friend got him the wall track he wanted, then a surprise gift by a friend of G left him with a Wii game too. He is pretty thrilled with all that. Timing being everything another present came in the mail. He doesn't yet get the complexity of this gift but I sure do. It happens to be inserts special...

I have to say I have heard from MANY people recently about this book. But each time they explain it in hushed tones glancing from side to side to verify who is listening. I was then led to wonder how it is that they could then justify reading the books if they had to do this? I mean I can honestly say I fully get that simply reading non sexual love stories or movies on a regular basis without a Godly focus gives me a sense of frustration in my own marriage. How can my husband live up to a fairy tale status when life is messy, difficult and full of selflessness? That in turn has to reflect on the same concept when discussing a book where it it is erotic fiction!! But hey this is just the start on my ramblings. While surfing FB today a local Pastor's wife shared this and I think she says it more eloquently than I could. Feel free to read and decide for yourself ....... 50 shades of grey blog post

1, 2, 3 mishaps for you. 4, 5, 6 keep together my wits. 7, 8, 9 it will all be fine. 10 at least until it happens again! The day began much like any other day, wake up at 6am see that its too dark to run, jump in shower before the little girl I take to school arrives. Prepare myself for work, along with 4 other kids and feed all 5 breakfast. Then we attempt to get out the door by 7:40 but considering I wake up many just before or at 7 am this is often a few minutes off. Loose my cool and yell a bit at the lack of organization and responsibilty/time management. #3 spilt his orange juice all over the counter, and at the very last second #4 dumped the entire container of liquid cheese inside the fridge. Eggs for breakfast included a missed cracking step along with littlest helper and makeup all over the sink. The yelling to get to the car was the minor of my choices to yell about!But I did regret loosing it and apologized sometime during the drive after lecturing ...

In the last few months I can safely say I have been noticing some changes in my little girl. I guess I can't call her so little in light of the topic of transition. Gone are the days when she calls me momma, and needs me to help her cut her food or get dressed. Yet there are so many little things she does still do. She will curl up in my lap and hold my hand. She looks to me for advice (mostly), giggles and snuggles, wrestles with Daddy, and believes in Santa/tooth fairy etc. I guess this is how it is with preteen life. Kids this age very much are still young but teetering ever so carefully to the beyond. I struggle remembering that she is only 9 at times especially in the summer when she hangs out with 10/near 11 year old niece and 11/near 12 year old son. Well that and she just seems to move through phases at the same time as her brother. He a bit behind and her a bit ahead. Naive and all I love my sweet, beautiful, athletic All American girl. I know its kinda dark but you ...

Today is a Father's day to remember. This morning #2 carrying #4 arrive in my room bright and early at 6am. Apparently littlest who had spent the night for the 5th day in a row in her brother's room fell out of his bed. The sweet big sis she is came to rescue her from big brother who try as he might is less than nurturing. She deposited her to my car with as few words as possible then promptly headed back to her room to sleep.  Good for her bad for me. Being a day for dad's I took one for the team and headed to shower with my sidekick. Once everyone was up we made "rollups" (cinnamon rolls), bacon and coffee. We even saved one of each for G next door, delivering it not so smoothly before church. After church were to head for a cozy brunch at Brother and SIL house. But instead of a pleasant uneventful ride hubby informed me we had to detour to pick up other Brother, SIL and nephew who had hit a deer. There is one thing that is for sure with the Colbert clan, and t...

Someday I know I will regret (considering part of me does now) being aggravated because ALL of my children love and need me so much these days. A lot of the time they don't seem to need me together but well it does randomly happen that it is all at once. Sadly, these times are coupled with a lot of responsibility/activity on my part and I have less to give. The devil he is a smart one. As I reflect on a not so great evening I am lead to think about Moses, Joseph and Job. These men endured far more challenging lifestyles with hardly any of the comforts I have so well. Sure, they groaned and complained etc but they stayed so steadfast and true to their cause, God above all things. How is it that a little lack of sleep, and demands of work/activities has stripped me from all that I stand for in a moment of weakness? Ok, maybe not ALL that I stand for but still how is it I failed in such a public way? Sundays are usually a little work and a little rest. It feels like when church is...