I had big plans for bat houses. I was going to coax some bats into our area. It was a goal, and it was going to happen!
Bats are good. Bats are GREAT! Bats like mosquitoes on their plate.
Then a few nights ago Rocky came running toward me yelling, "Mom, isn't that a bat flying over the trees?" Could it be? Could it really be that easy?
Yes sir. We're no Congress Avenue Bridge, but every night around 8:15 pm you will start to see a few above our trees. They jut around just eating away.
WE HAVE BATS!
So, you can come on out to Hill Shade just after 8:00 pm, and either watch a handful of bats, or a family of seven jumping around, clapping and cheering them on. Either are somewhat entertaining.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
How Barfy-Girl played out
So, we had Miss "I'm Going To Make Myself Cachewy on Youey" earlier today. She finally asked to use the restroom. I, of course, went with her (these are our public restrooms at the park, and who knows what she might try). She was in shut-down mode, so you keep them close ... or at least in an area where they can do minimal damage.
I love sitting in the restroom with her. She's in a stall, and just sorta' stuck there, and I can just talk and talk and I don't have to see any faces she's making, or if her hands are over her ears, etc. I was going on and on, giving her all sorts of ideas on what she could do with excrement.
Well, SHE started to do the talking. She went into snotty mode. A lot of our traumatized kids do this. Nose in the air. Very holier-than-thou. Variations on the following: "I would NEVER eat my poo. That's disgusting! You're a bad mom and blame me for everything. Lots of kids wet on accident until they're very old. I only wet on accident" (at which point I said, "So, laying in the pee sheets and pee soaked p.j.'s night after night without telling anyone you had an accident ... THAT is an accident and THAT is not gross?" You could hear a pin drop. At which point I did actually declare, "BOO-YAH! GOTCHA!" I know, I know. Not my best moment, but we did pull out of it ...).
She flushes and takes plenty of time coming out. Crosses her arms almost immediately. I stand beside her and said, "Keep going, honey. You have a lot to say." More and more of the same. I started watching her across the room in the full length mirror. Asked her to do the same. She didn't want to. The whole mirror thing really throws off a lot of our kids. Breaks their focus because they see the silly and crazy in what they're doing.
I sat down on a bench and said, "Well, let me tell you what I see. I see a girl who is trying some of the same old stuff because her new little thing didn't work. I see a girl who is saying, 'Mom, I do not want to be a part of my family today. I do not want to play with my sisters and brothers. I do not want to play on the computer. It is more important to me to have pretend control than to enjoy life today. I would rather sleep in the tent, instead of on my nice bed, where I feel safe and close to you and Dad. I know I have tried this stuff for almost a year and a half, and I know I have never, ever, not one single time gotten my way when I tried it. I have run away, and you came to find me - and then you all had pizza without me. I have broken windows and you made me pay for it. I have thrown things, and you told me I should throw more things and harder. I have spit on you, and you rub it into your skin and beg for more." (her expression is changing through this and the REAL MAR is reemerging again) "I cuss at you and Dad and you both just start cussing right along with me. I scream and you sing love songs. I kick and you hug me. I scream about hating you and you keep loving me.'"
Totally softened face at this point, and eyes tearing up.
"Mar, you don't really have major RAD anymore, do you? Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you feel attached to me?"
"Yes."
"You're just still doing all the RAD stuff you've always done. It has never worked for you in your family. For some reason you thought you could do it again. Now, I know it is because of something big. Do you want to tell me where this all started?"
"Well, it was about not getting to go with everyone to feed the dogs the other night."
"Hmmm. That certainly made you upset, but it was a little thing. You do little bad things for the little things that make you mad. This all started with something big. Why don't you go sit down again and chill out. I'll come back in 20 minutes and see if you want to talk about the big thing."
And when I came back, she started to talk about being upset over something which happened AT Build-a-Bear during her birthday celebration.
"Hey, great job, honey. You are talking about something that happened during your birthday stuff. We both know that's still not the big thing."
Walked her through, "What was the big event in your life this week?" (birthday) "What was the crazy thing I did which you obviously did not like AT ALL?" (took us to Build-a-Bear a day early so I could not ruin my birthday) "So, you had a great birthday celebration, and you're ticked I didn't give you ample opportunity to try to screw it up?" (yes) "So, you're just ruining your regular every-days?" (*with an embarrassed smile* yeeeeees)
She rejoined the family. Had a few kinks during the day. We always do. There has never - ever - not been one single solitary day since I have been Mar's mom when she has not done something to be controlling or manipulative. Seriously - not one. So, that's par for the course.
Yet, there was no more pee or puke for the day, and she's sleeping inside with us.
The best part? As we were getting ready to head into town, she was walking to the van and we were being silly with each other, and ... I felt love for her. I hate that it can be such a big deal, but when you have a child constantly trying to make you hate them, you love them, but FEELING love is not an every day occurrence. I think you all get it and sorta' understand it, but it still just feels so very wrong to say out loud. Yet, it is our reality. It's so very far beyond those days when we want to put our kids out with the dogs because they're driving us crazy. For some of us, love truly is a choice on a daily basis. There is very little natural drive behind it. Our children are always working directly against such a thing.
So, when you have those moments, and you WANT to embrace your child and kiss them and be close to them, and it feels warm and it feels good .... oh, you thank God. You know it may not happen again the next day, but in that instant you were "Mom" and she was "my daughter" and it felt good and natural and normal.
And, yes, I'm totally crying right now.
I love sitting in the restroom with her. She's in a stall, and just sorta' stuck there, and I can just talk and talk and I don't have to see any faces she's making, or if her hands are over her ears, etc. I was going on and on, giving her all sorts of ideas on what she could do with excrement.
Well, SHE started to do the talking. She went into snotty mode. A lot of our traumatized kids do this. Nose in the air. Very holier-than-thou. Variations on the following: "I would NEVER eat my poo. That's disgusting! You're a bad mom and blame me for everything. Lots of kids wet on accident until they're very old. I only wet on accident" (at which point I said, "So, laying in the pee sheets and pee soaked p.j.'s night after night without telling anyone you had an accident ... THAT is an accident and THAT is not gross?" You could hear a pin drop. At which point I did actually declare, "BOO-YAH! GOTCHA!" I know, I know. Not my best moment, but we did pull out of it ...).
She flushes and takes plenty of time coming out. Crosses her arms almost immediately. I stand beside her and said, "Keep going, honey. You have a lot to say." More and more of the same. I started watching her across the room in the full length mirror. Asked her to do the same. She didn't want to. The whole mirror thing really throws off a lot of our kids. Breaks their focus because they see the silly and crazy in what they're doing.
I sat down on a bench and said, "Well, let me tell you what I see. I see a girl who is trying some of the same old stuff because her new little thing didn't work. I see a girl who is saying, 'Mom, I do not want to be a part of my family today. I do not want to play with my sisters and brothers. I do not want to play on the computer. It is more important to me to have pretend control than to enjoy life today. I would rather sleep in the tent, instead of on my nice bed, where I feel safe and close to you and Dad. I know I have tried this stuff for almost a year and a half, and I know I have never, ever, not one single time gotten my way when I tried it. I have run away, and you came to find me - and then you all had pizza without me. I have broken windows and you made me pay for it. I have thrown things, and you told me I should throw more things and harder. I have spit on you, and you rub it into your skin and beg for more." (her expression is changing through this and the REAL MAR is reemerging again) "I cuss at you and Dad and you both just start cussing right along with me. I scream and you sing love songs. I kick and you hug me. I scream about hating you and you keep loving me.'"
Totally softened face at this point, and eyes tearing up.
"Mar, you don't really have major RAD anymore, do you? Do you love me?"
"Yes."
"Do you feel attached to me?"
"Yes."
"You're just still doing all the RAD stuff you've always done. It has never worked for you in your family. For some reason you thought you could do it again. Now, I know it is because of something big. Do you want to tell me where this all started?"
"Well, it was about not getting to go with everyone to feed the dogs the other night."
"Hmmm. That certainly made you upset, but it was a little thing. You do little bad things for the little things that make you mad. This all started with something big. Why don't you go sit down again and chill out. I'll come back in 20 minutes and see if you want to talk about the big thing."
And when I came back, she started to talk about being upset over something which happened AT Build-a-Bear during her birthday celebration.
"Hey, great job, honey. You are talking about something that happened during your birthday stuff. We both know that's still not the big thing."
Walked her through, "What was the big event in your life this week?" (birthday) "What was the crazy thing I did which you obviously did not like AT ALL?" (took us to Build-a-Bear a day early so I could not ruin my birthday) "So, you had a great birthday celebration, and you're ticked I didn't give you ample opportunity to try to screw it up?" (yes) "So, you're just ruining your regular every-days?" (*with an embarrassed smile* yeeeeees)
She rejoined the family. Had a few kinks during the day. We always do. There has never - ever - not been one single solitary day since I have been Mar's mom when she has not done something to be controlling or manipulative. Seriously - not one. So, that's par for the course.
Yet, there was no more pee or puke for the day, and she's sleeping inside with us.
The best part? As we were getting ready to head into town, she was walking to the van and we were being silly with each other, and ... I felt love for her. I hate that it can be such a big deal, but when you have a child constantly trying to make you hate them, you love them, but FEELING love is not an every day occurrence. I think you all get it and sorta' understand it, but it still just feels so very wrong to say out loud. Yet, it is our reality. It's so very far beyond those days when we want to put our kids out with the dogs because they're driving us crazy. For some of us, love truly is a choice on a daily basis. There is very little natural drive behind it. Our children are always working directly against such a thing.
So, when you have those moments, and you WANT to embrace your child and kiss them and be close to them, and it feels warm and it feels good .... oh, you thank God. You know it may not happen again the next day, but in that instant you were "Mom" and she was "my daughter" and it felt good and natural and normal.
And, yes, I'm totally crying right now.
Sorry, but we don't speak "pee" or "vomit" here
Poor Mar. She's trying really, really hard to make herself throw up this morning so she doesn't have to live with the consequences of her actions (and I'm feeling sorry for her because it takes a LOT of coughing to work up a gag - very exhausting work). Why? Why this time? Why this approach? Who the hey-diddle knows? I think she may very well be angry that we had her birthday early so she could not ruin it. That's when it started, so that's my guess.
Michael met me along the road to tell me of her new escapade ... she wasn't thrilled when I came dancing up to her doing the cha-cha and singing, "My RAD girl's trying to throw UP! My RAD girl's trying to throw UP!"
"Cool, Mar! That's a newer one for you! Maybe you'll start playing with your poo and eating it, too. Those are some other RAD tricks you haven't tried. FUN!"
Then I actually looked at the little glob of phlemy goo at her feet.
"Oh, darling. That's not even vomit. You just coughed til you got a good gag and ralphed up a little snot. It's only 10:00 am, and I don't see one speck of cereal in that. Come on, now. Hasn't anyone ever taught you how to do a really good one? You put your finger way down your throat and hold it there til you start gagging. Now, don't take it out too soon or you won't accomplish anything ..." (at this point she put her hands over her ears, so I just started pretend gagging myself as an illustration).
Took a picture, and thanked her for some weekend blog material.
Going to go beat my head against the cinder block office wall now without her knowing I'm doing so. *sigh*
Michael met me along the road to tell me of her new escapade ... she wasn't thrilled when I came dancing up to her doing the cha-cha and singing, "My RAD girl's trying to throw UP! My RAD girl's trying to throw UP!"
"Cool, Mar! That's a newer one for you! Maybe you'll start playing with your poo and eating it, too. Those are some other RAD tricks you haven't tried. FUN!"
Then I actually looked at the little glob of phlemy goo at her feet.
"Oh, darling. That's not even vomit. You just coughed til you got a good gag and ralphed up a little snot. It's only 10:00 am, and I don't see one speck of cereal in that. Come on, now. Hasn't anyone ever taught you how to do a really good one? You put your finger way down your throat and hold it there til you start gagging. Now, don't take it out too soon or you won't accomplish anything ..." (at this point she put her hands over her ears, so I just started pretend gagging myself as an illustration).
Took a picture, and thanked her for some weekend blog material.
Going to go beat my head against the cinder block office wall now without her knowing I'm doing so. *sigh*
Friday, August 28, 2009
Happy Friday
* Have one blurry contact. Driving me nuts.
* It's Friday, so the kids have TV/computer time. They LOVE the weekends. Poor Mar is just enjoying some quiet reading time. She felt the need to wet her pants the night of her birthday because she was not allowed to ride her bike with some of the other kids to go feed a neighbor's dogs. *sigh*
* Pray for a sweet, older man here at the park. I'll call him Picasso. He used to be an artist. He is in his 70's, has no one that ever checks in on him, and he is very, very not well. He needs help beyond what we can do for him, but we haven't quite yet nailed down what exactly will be best. He would be perfectly content to keep on living just like he has been. We simply cannot allow it. Again, pray for us and him. We still don't know what the answer is, but it does not involve kicking him out with nowhere to go. Hard, hard stuff.
* In-law's are coming in tonight (father-in-law is cooking STEAKS for dinner - he is the *insert cool teen saying here*). My mother-in-law will have me laughing within minutes. Michael's sister will also be crashing the party. She is the aunt whose children are all grown. So, the younger nieces and nephews LOOOOOOOOOVE this aunt because she does not wander around exhausted from mind-numbing parenting. Will be a great night.
* It's always entertaining to move into a new area where many people have lived for
* Speaking of ... we're too far out to get cable at the park. Trying to find out if we can swing dish service as an amenity. RVers like their TV. Ahhhh, living in the boonies ...
* My new swing cushions should be here tonight. I'm sure it seems weird I would be crazy enthusiastic about swing cushions, but I ordered them about two weeks ago. The old swing cushions went in the dumpster weeks ago. FYI: Target apparently lives by "slow and steady wins the race."
* We got rain last night. The roof I patched did not leak. Thank you. Thank you very much!
* Did I mention I get to eat steak tonight? I don't eat a lot of red meat, so when I splurge it should be on steak, by golly!
Have a super weekend.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sorry, honey, but there's a new man in my life
I have never intended to leave my husband. Yet, you never know where life will lead. Just yesterday it led me to this man:
His name is Brad, and he builds Tiny Texas Houses. He also lives entirely off the grid. Oh, yeah ... and I love him.
I'll just leave it at that. You can check out the link. You will love him, too. You will also love his tiny houses.
His shop is just 15 minutes from our place. He drug our family all over his workshop and let the kids look at every nook and cranny of his tiny houses and taught them about wood (real wood, and the types of trees we used to have before we cleared away all the land to show just how progressive we all are). It was beautiful.
And I will prostitute myself if I have to, just to have this man build us two Tiny Texas Houses which could be connected via a breezeway, making a totally healthy, natural and recycled Moers homestead.
Get your grubby green hands OFF him, Summer. He's all mine.
His name is Brad, and he builds Tiny Texas Houses. He also lives entirely off the grid. Oh, yeah ... and I love him.
I'll just leave it at that. You can check out the link. You will love him, too. You will also love his tiny houses.
His shop is just 15 minutes from our place. He drug our family all over his workshop and let the kids look at every nook and cranny of his tiny houses and taught them about wood (real wood, and the types of trees we used to have before we cleared away all the land to show just how progressive we all are). It was beautiful.
And I will prostitute myself if I have to, just to have this man build us two Tiny Texas Houses which could be connected via a breezeway, making a totally healthy, natural and recycled Moers homestead.
Get your grubby green hands OFF him, Summer. He's all mine.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The thoughts which would make me a bad party guest
I have to laugh through the trauma. Have to. Yet, I have moments when it really eats at my gut. I had one of those moments yesterday.
I was mowing. Today, one of my healing kids is celebrating their birthday. So, I was thinking about them and reflecting on their life (the parts I know intimately, and the parts I'll never know). Of course, I then started to think about her future. I would say I was "dreaming" about their future ... but here is where I become a Debbie Downer.
My child is attaching to me. They are experiencing healing. I have watched God do amazing things with them, because they have chosen to do the work. He has asked my child to step out on faith, instead of handing them an overnight miracle, and they has responded slowly.
Yet, we think and plan realistically for their future. These thoughts are ... well, I told you ... would get me kicked out of a party! Yet, they are the kinds of things we have to think and we have to face. Just saying it out loud. Helping some of you to not feel alone, and giving the rest of you a deep look into the dark corners of our hearts ... those of us parenting kids from the hard places.
What will puberty do to my child? Will they be strong enough to sustain all of the "normal" changes which can send a healing child into a nose-dive? When we romanticize being grandparents, we often wonder if we'll be parenting grandchildren. We know their desire for control (based on fear) could easily carry into relationships and sex. What about problems with authority (and people who will not understand, much less meet them where they are)? Will they ever keep a job for an extended period? How much will we help, and what will it feel like if we truly have to just let go and allow them to fall on her own, by her own choice.
Will we have guilt for not doing more for our kids?
I could go on (and on and on and on). It doesn't take away from the positive or the hope and it certainly can never change the good - the amazing good which manifests in our amazing, strong kids. I'm just writing it because I think it. We all do. It is a part of being realistic and preparing for multiple scenarios.
I also wanted to share it for those of you who love and care about a parent like me. I want you to realize how, even on the best of days, these thoughts never leave the back of our minds - ever. They keep us up some nights. They are a very bizarre part of our thought process. This is why sometimes we joke and sometimes we have verbal diarrhea about our child's issues. This is why we sometimes get extremely defensive. This is why we sometimes disassociate, because we just need a break from the thoughts and unanswered questions.
I do not worry about the future of my children. I don't. Worry does not change today, and my responsibility to provide a place of healing for them.
Really.
Yet, I think about it. I think about it all the time. I plan in areas where I can. I brainstorm in areas where I'm left scratching my head. I cry sometimes. I can't change the future. I can't be the conscience for them. I can't make their good choices. With all I CAN do for them, there are still so very many things I cannot do, and over which I have no control.
So, I think some more and get it out of my system for the day (or hour). I find myself being extremely thankful my children are all with me - I am their mom. I am blessed. The unknown is what it is.
Now, go surprise one of these parents in your life with their favorite latte. Who knows what sort of thoughts tucked them in last night.
I was mowing. Today, one of my healing kids is celebrating their birthday. So, I was thinking about them and reflecting on their life (the parts I know intimately, and the parts I'll never know). Of course, I then started to think about her future. I would say I was "dreaming" about their future ... but here is where I become a Debbie Downer.
My child is attaching to me. They are experiencing healing. I have watched God do amazing things with them, because they have chosen to do the work. He has asked my child to step out on faith, instead of handing them an overnight miracle, and they has responded slowly.
Yet, we think and plan realistically for their future. These thoughts are ... well, I told you ... would get me kicked out of a party! Yet, they are the kinds of things we have to think and we have to face. Just saying it out loud. Helping some of you to not feel alone, and giving the rest of you a deep look into the dark corners of our hearts ... those of us parenting kids from the hard places.
What will puberty do to my child? Will they be strong enough to sustain all of the "normal" changes which can send a healing child into a nose-dive? When we romanticize being grandparents, we often wonder if we'll be parenting grandchildren. We know their desire for control (based on fear) could easily carry into relationships and sex. What about problems with authority (and people who will not understand, much less meet them where they are)? Will they ever keep a job for an extended period? How much will we help, and what will it feel like if we truly have to just let go and allow them to fall on her own, by her own choice.
Will we have guilt for not doing more for our kids?
I could go on (and on and on and on). It doesn't take away from the positive or the hope and it certainly can never change the good - the amazing good which manifests in our amazing, strong kids. I'm just writing it because I think it. We all do. It is a part of being realistic and preparing for multiple scenarios.
I also wanted to share it for those of you who love and care about a parent like me. I want you to realize how, even on the best of days, these thoughts never leave the back of our minds - ever. They keep us up some nights. They are a very bizarre part of our thought process. This is why sometimes we joke and sometimes we have verbal diarrhea about our child's issues. This is why we sometimes get extremely defensive. This is why we sometimes disassociate, because we just need a break from the thoughts and unanswered questions.
I do not worry about the future of my children. I don't. Worry does not change today, and my responsibility to provide a place of healing for them.
Really.
Yet, I think about it. I think about it all the time. I plan in areas where I can. I brainstorm in areas where I'm left scratching my head. I cry sometimes. I can't change the future. I can't be the conscience for them. I can't make their good choices. With all I CAN do for them, there are still so very many things I cannot do, and over which I have no control.
So, I think some more and get it out of my system for the day (or hour). I find myself being extremely thankful my children are all with me - I am their mom. I am blessed. The unknown is what it is.
Now, go surprise one of these parents in your life with their favorite latte. Who knows what sort of thoughts tucked them in last night.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Getting kids to pick up the little things
We have a lot of little things which litter our park. I don't think anyone has ever bothered to pick them up ... just let the rain wash and the wind blow. Yet, I'm a little more proactive than that.
Daddy-O and I made an announcement: we'd be paying 1 cent for every cigarette butt. Each child has a paper with their name on it, where said butts can be placed for credit.
In just two days, we're out $4.37. Not too bad when you consider it equates to 437 fewer butts on the ground.
It also doesn't help how my kids reacted with sadness when I happily announced one of our monthlies has been trying to quit smoking.
OH, and then there was the trip into town today when Presh grabbed a cigarette butt out of the parking lot, having every intention of bringing it back home for credit. No m'am! The Office Depot has to pay for their own cleaning crew.
I do insist they wash their hands 48 times after doing this. I'm sure they don't. With the rate most of them put their hands in their mouths, they'll all have a nicotine addiction within the month. Don't act shocked when you come for a visit and all my kids are on the patch.
wfmw
Daddy-O and I made an announcement: we'd be paying 1 cent for every cigarette butt. Each child has a paper with their name on it, where said butts can be placed for credit.
In just two days, we're out $4.37. Not too bad when you consider it equates to 437 fewer butts on the ground.
It also doesn't help how my kids reacted with sadness when I happily announced one of our monthlies has been trying to quit smoking.
OH, and then there was the trip into town today when Presh grabbed a cigarette butt out of the parking lot, having every intention of bringing it back home for credit. No m'am! The Office Depot has to pay for their own cleaning crew.
I do insist they wash their hands 48 times after doing this. I'm sure they don't. With the rate most of them put their hands in their mouths, they'll all have a nicotine addiction within the month. Don't act shocked when you come for a visit and all my kids are on the patch.
wfmw
Sunday, August 23, 2009
In the Silence
In The Silence
Heat, like a blanket,
covers the slumbering meadow.
The lake lies motionless,
reflecting a perfect blue sky
and a barefoot woman,
walking on its bank.
Cautious steps she takes,
to protect the little beings
living in between the
soft blades of grass.
That woman is me.
So many years it took me,
to be able to enjoy
my own company.
In the silence,
alone,
I found something precious:
when the mind stops rushing
from experience to experience
and one starts to reflect upon one's self,
inner peace is born.
The presence of God is felt,
inside and outside
of this temporary home,
once given by Him.
Walks like these
are a way now,
of getting closer to Him
and be one with All.
Earth truly is a paradise,
to all who are able to see.
by Maya
(photo taken by Rancho Chico, here at the the park last week)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Family meals look a little different
It was baked potato night. Mmmmmmm.
It has been great practice for manners and self-control. One wrong move and everyone's drink goes flying. We are a well-oiled machine ... most of the time.
It has been great practice for manners and self-control. One wrong move and everyone's drink goes flying. We are a well-oiled machine ... most of the time.
Friday, August 21, 2009
When a cat fight lands on your face
Feel free to click for a bigger image. Don't want to miss the precision slices. This occurred at 5:00 am. Have owned two cats for three years - total reign of the house day and night - yet this was a first.
Why, yes, as a matter of fact, I was very patient and kind and loving when I awoke to the clamber on my face.
And if you believe that ...
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Our cribs - as promised
Alrighty, here is the breakdown of the Moers Mansions.
First, allow me to introduce you to "The Big Brown Cow." It's circa pot-smokin' hippie movement. So, as you can guess, I'm quite fond of it and all its brownness. Four of our children call this cow home. Yes, I'm a wonderful mother and put the kids in the crappier camper. They're just going to trash it up anyway. I'm no dummy.
We've danced back and forth on where to cook and where to store. Right now, this is where we store most of our groceries. You are looking at Presh's bed - what used to be the table. Aren't RVs cool? They're like Transformers for adults!
Next we have Twitchy Mac's bed. Hers was a sofa. Not quite as cool, but it still adds a touch of flair. This is where everyone sits to watch a movie. The TV is not actually hooked up to anything, yet. However, it makes a great shelf on which to put the DVD player and computer speakers.
This is the boy's bed. They have this back room all to themselves. They were quite disturbed I was taking pictures. The girls are planning a Talent Show for this evening, and the box is part of their magic act entry. I hope I didn't give anything away.
Here we have the Brown Cow bathroom. In true RV fashion, there are a few broken items. The shower head is missing a piece, so it's sitting next to the sink (they always just use the park showers, anyway). It does, though, make for an excellent pretend microphone!
At the base of the shower is a missing panel. These are quite popular in the antiquated recreational vehicle world. Some find it fascinating. Some find it disgusting. I find it to be yet another thing on the "To Do" list ... which means you won't see this fixed until we actually build a house and its time to rent this puppy ... er ... COW!
Walking between the two "cows," you'll notice our playroom ...
And our "guaranteed not to overheat the breaker in the RV" cooking facility.
Last, but certainly not least, is "The Big White Cow" - A.K.A. the master suite.
Where the magic happens, baby! The master bedroom. Can you hear "Love Shack" playing in the background?
Notice the brilliant use of space. Laundry baskets do NOT function well in a simplified space. So, they sit at the table at night, on our bed during the day.
Mar's bed, which she pulls back up into sofa position during the day. She's super sweet that way. Even lets her parents sit on it when we're all eating inside.
The dining room and kitchen. You can fit an adult and a child in this walk space, but not two adults. Trust us. We've tried.
The master potty. Ya' know, if one of us catches a really nasty virus where it's shooting out both ends, we are SET. Got the sink right there. JACKPOT!
My very favorite place at the end of the day - the masterbath shower. It makes me smell and feel all clean and pretty again.
And sure, with our kids issues and the crazy behaviors and separation rules we have with siblings, this isn't ideal. Yet, I can't deny how utterly amazing it is that THIS is my backyard ...
And this is our front yard!
Yeah. We just take the crazy outside. Isn't it beautiful??
We've also learned how very little we actually need. The kids spent hours yesterday building roads and "traps" for ants. Hours. We all have a week's worth of clothing. We have THREE washers and dryers. Yes, they take quarters and we have to either scrounge some up or open up the money compartments to get a load going ... but still - THREE WASHERS AND DRYERS! With five kids, that's super amazing.
Anywho, there ya' go. The Moers Mansions. The Big Cows. Home Sweet Home.
Now, why haven't you come to visit yet?
First, allow me to introduce you to "The Big Brown Cow." It's circa pot-smokin' hippie movement. So, as you can guess, I'm quite fond of it and all its brownness. Four of our children call this cow home. Yes, I'm a wonderful mother and put the kids in the crappier camper. They're just going to trash it up anyway. I'm no dummy.
We've danced back and forth on where to cook and where to store. Right now, this is where we store most of our groceries. You are looking at Presh's bed - what used to be the table. Aren't RVs cool? They're like Transformers for adults!
Next we have Twitchy Mac's bed. Hers was a sofa. Not quite as cool, but it still adds a touch of flair. This is where everyone sits to watch a movie. The TV is not actually hooked up to anything, yet. However, it makes a great shelf on which to put the DVD player and computer speakers.
This is the boy's bed. They have this back room all to themselves. They were quite disturbed I was taking pictures. The girls are planning a Talent Show for this evening, and the box is part of their magic act entry. I hope I didn't give anything away.
Here we have the Brown Cow bathroom. In true RV fashion, there are a few broken items. The shower head is missing a piece, so it's sitting next to the sink (they always just use the park showers, anyway). It does, though, make for an excellent pretend microphone!
At the base of the shower is a missing panel. These are quite popular in the antiquated recreational vehicle world. Some find it fascinating. Some find it disgusting. I find it to be yet another thing on the "To Do" list ... which means you won't see this fixed until we actually build a house and its time to rent this puppy ... er ... COW!
Walking between the two "cows," you'll notice our playroom ...
And our "guaranteed not to overheat the breaker in the RV" cooking facility.
Last, but certainly not least, is "The Big White Cow" - A.K.A. the master suite.
Where the magic happens, baby! The master bed
Notice the brilliant use of space. Laundry baskets do NOT function well in a simplified space. So, they sit at the table at night, on our bed during the day.
Mar's bed, which she pulls back up into sofa position during the day. She's super sweet that way. Even lets her parents sit on it when we're all eating inside.
The dining room and kitchen. You can fit an adult and a child in this walk space, but not two adults. Trust us. We've tried.
The master potty. Ya' know, if one of us catches a really nasty virus where it's shooting out both ends, we are SET. Got the sink right there. JACKPOT!
My very favorite place at the end of the day - the master
And sure, with our kids issues and the crazy behaviors and separation rules we have with siblings, this isn't ideal. Yet, I can't deny how utterly amazing it is that THIS is my backyard ...
And this is our front yard!
Yeah. We just take the crazy outside. Isn't it beautiful??
We've also learned how very little we actually need. The kids spent hours yesterday building roads and "traps" for ants. Hours. We all have a week's worth of clothing. We have THREE washers and dryers. Yes, they take quarters and we have to either scrounge some up or open up the money compartments to get a load going ... but still - THREE WASHERS AND DRYERS! With five kids, that's super amazing.
Anywho, there ya' go. The Moers Mansions. The Big Cows. Home Sweet Home.
Now, why haven't you come to visit yet?
Christine's Quote of the Day
"While I'm layering, would you keep chopping up the cottage cheese with the tongs?"
When life kicks you in the groin
The big things make life hard. Yet, it's the constant little things which can make you want to poke your eye out with a stick.
Spending hours with your husband wrestling on a riding mower belt ... only to discover it's 2 inches too short.
Bug bites that wake you all night because you scratch in your sleep.
Spending a crazy amount of time with your whole family, clearing away brush and small trees along the highway. Needing to make your sign more visible. Took this long just to get permission to do so. Finally getting the lights installed, with the whole "dawn to dusk" timer. Making a massive spectacle of yourselves while half of south Texas watches and honks (hauling away the brush via a small trailer attached to the riding mower). Then, having everyone eat and shower, so you can go on a fun little drive in P.J.'s to see the results of your labor at night ... only to discover the newly installed lights weren't working.
Blowing a fuse in the trailer while in the middle of cooking dinner (bought a hot plate and an electric skillet to save propane - and plugged them in at the same time - yes, I'm an idiot). You can cook just as well outside. That's the joy of living in an RV park. Lots of electrical outlets near picnic tables!
Trying to fix the light on the stove vent hood, and upon popping off the cover you inadvertently drop two dead dirt daubers and their nest into the pot of boiling pasta. Why yes, I DID fish them out and keep on boiling. Shut up. Money's tight, and so is time.
When my feet get just a tiny bit sweaty, my shoes start farting with every step.
I should be a reality show - just me.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
When friends rock your world
I joke a lot, I know, but there is no doubt the past two weeks have been tough. Balancing the whole new business venture with five kids who just had to do a 500-mile move and cats whose stomach's are a little stressed and issues with the seller and issues with the locals and the 400 degree weather and all of the many, many, many little details which have been let go for years out here ...
Then, within two days, WE were the ones who were blessed. We had people come and "feed" us emotionally. They laughed with us. They let us make fun of our situation. They were encouraging. THEY BROUGHT FOOD!
Friday, Cammie came in with her two kids. I've known Cam since college. I feel like I know her kids intimately, because we follow one another's blogs. It was so amazing to see them IRL. It was so good for all of our children to spend the day with another adoptive family - a family who is also a mix of culture. The things which make our family unique and unusual were just normal. Not to mention, Cammie wore her painting clothes, but was kind enough to NOT paint. Anytime you move, a little dose of a familiar face is so nourishing. Thank you, THANK YOU, Cammie, for just letting me talk your head off and for chuckling under breath with me during some of our more "colorful" experiences that day.
I think the biggest thing was how she responded when it was finally confirmed that yes, Mar had stolen her son's game cartridge. Mar called to apologize. Cammie did the PERFECT thing. She DID NOT SAY, "Oh, honey, that's okay." She just gave my daughter the opportunity to make it right, because it was not okay. Mar's reasoning was actually a little sweet - she did not want them to leave. She thought they would stay until they found the game. Still - way not okay.
Very funny aside: later that night as we're climbing into bed, Mar says, "Ya' know, I had a really good day today. I wasn't inappropriate with any of the kids, and I didn't annoy anyone or have to sit out. I just did the thing with the game. (Inside wanting to scream: "YOU MEAN THE EXPENSIVE GAME CARTRIDGE YOU STOLE AND THEN HID?!?!?") Of course, I was not seeing all the things she DID NOT do. She knew how hard it was to be strong. She knew how hard she had worked to not be a very annoying Chatty Kathy. I had to help her acknowledge all of that good (I did not see, because it did not happen) and then also the ways she "made it right" after taking the game.
Okay, and I've skipped one of my favorite parts: Cammie showed up with Krispy Kremes - LOTS of them. She also gave me a few little treats for my worn-out feet. Sounds like just a little something, but I still have not found all of my toiletries. I'm sure they're in storage. To have my feet feeling soft and smelling yummy was HEAVEN. It was just super great.
On the same day, my in-laws also stopped through. Super Amazing Mother-in-Law brought lunch (which included cold diet soda and watermelon, thank you very much), and a new batch of sugar cookies to replace the other batch Mar stole in a fury the week before.
Then, yesterday, there was a convergence of the RADalicious at Hill Shade RV Park. Two women I have never met, drove from their own respective towns, each at least an hour away, to come see us. Rancho Chico and My Sweet Chaos brought all of their broods. We had three moms, twelve kids, and Michael (who would pop in occasionally and made a great gopher).
And once again, we were so crazy blessed. They brought chicken with fixin's, they brought homemade cheesecake and ... are you ready for this? THEY BROUGHT ME PEI WEI!
It all started with a joke with one of the ladies - "What can I bring you?" "Well, I don't think Pei Wei will make the drive, but you could eat some and then breathe in my face when you get here."
Super Amazing New Friend #1 gets to talking to Super Amazing New Friend #2 (#1 actually remembered verbatim, my favorite items on their menu just from reading my blog!), and #2 lives close to a Pei Wei, and bought me my THREE FAVORITE ENTREES, keeping them hot in a cooler all the way here.
Yeah, what else is there to say? Now all of these women keep saying it was no big deal - the donuts, the Burt Bee's foot-loving-stuff, the goulash, the watermelon, the Diet Coke, the Pei Wei and the cheesecake - but it was huge. IT WAS ALL SO VERY HUGE. Even more so because they sat with me and talked and talked and talked (or maybe that was just me ... don't remember).
Oh, and we got our very first random phone call asking about the park - some guy found us via the internet!
An amazing weekend.
Then, within two days, WE were the ones who were blessed. We had people come and "feed" us emotionally. They laughed with us. They let us make fun of our situation. They were encouraging. THEY BROUGHT FOOD!
Friday, Cammie came in with her two kids. I've known Cam since college. I feel like I know her kids intimately, because we follow one another's blogs. It was so amazing to see them IRL. It was so good for all of our children to spend the day with another adoptive family - a family who is also a mix of culture. The things which make our family unique and unusual were just normal. Not to mention, Cammie wore her painting clothes, but was kind enough to NOT paint. Anytime you move, a little dose of a familiar face is so nourishing. Thank you, THANK YOU, Cammie, for just letting me talk your head off and for chuckling under breath with me during some of our more "colorful" experiences that day.
I think the biggest thing was how she responded when it was finally confirmed that yes, Mar had stolen her son's game cartridge. Mar called to apologize. Cammie did the PERFECT thing. She DID NOT SAY, "Oh, honey, that's okay." She just gave my daughter the opportunity to make it right, because it was not okay. Mar's reasoning was actually a little sweet - she did not want them to leave. She thought they would stay until they found the game. Still - way not okay.
Very funny aside: later that night as we're climbing into bed, Mar says, "Ya' know, I had a really good day today. I wasn't inappropriate with any of the kids, and I didn't annoy anyone or have to sit out. I just did the thing with the game. (Inside wanting to scream: "YOU MEAN THE EXPENSIVE GAME CARTRIDGE YOU STOLE AND THEN HID?!?!?") Of course, I was not seeing all the things she DID NOT do. She knew how hard it was to be strong. She knew how hard she had worked to not be a very annoying Chatty Kathy. I had to help her acknowledge all of that good (I did not see, because it did not happen) and then also the ways she "made it right" after taking the game.
Okay, and I've skipped one of my favorite parts: Cammie showed up with Krispy Kremes - LOTS of them. She also gave me a few little treats for my worn-out feet. Sounds like just a little something, but I still have not found all of my toiletries. I'm sure they're in storage. To have my feet feeling soft and smelling yummy was HEAVEN. It was just super great.
On the same day, my in-laws also stopped through. Super Amazing Mother-in-Law brought lunch (which included cold diet soda and watermelon, thank you very much), and a new batch of sugar cookies to replace the other batch Mar stole in a fury the week before.
Then, yesterday, there was a convergence of the RADalicious at Hill Shade RV Park. Two women I have never met, drove from their own respective towns, each at least an hour away, to come see us. Rancho Chico and My Sweet Chaos brought all of their broods. We had three moms, twelve kids, and Michael (who would pop in occasionally and made a great gopher).
And once again, we were so crazy blessed. They brought chicken with fixin's, they brought homemade cheesecake and ... are you ready for this? THEY BROUGHT ME PEI WEI!
It all started with a joke with one of the ladies - "What can I bring you?" "Well, I don't think Pei Wei will make the drive, but you could eat some and then breathe in my face when you get here."
Super Amazing New Friend #1 gets to talking to Super Amazing New Friend #2 (#1 actually remembered verbatim, my favorite items on their menu just from reading my blog!), and #2 lives close to a Pei Wei, and bought me my THREE FAVORITE ENTREES, keeping them hot in a cooler all the way here.
Yeah, what else is there to say? Now all of these women keep saying it was no big deal - the donuts, the Burt Bee's foot-loving-stuff, the goulash, the watermelon, the Diet Coke, the Pei Wei and the cheesecake - but it was huge. IT WAS ALL SO VERY HUGE. Even more so because they sat with me and talked and talked and talked (or maybe that was just me ... don't remember).
Oh, and we got our very first random phone call asking about the park - some guy found us via the internet!
An amazing weekend.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Christine's Quote of the Day
"Rocky, if I see you swing it like that again you are grounded from the machete for a MONTH."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
When the toll free number is dangling before you ...
So, it only took the telephone county cooperative's outsourced toll free number company 11 days to get us our 877-number. Ya' know ... that's all.
But we HAVE IT! Thank you, sweet Jesus.
We are set-up to receive credit cards. Will get our fun little swipey machine next week (meaning, sometime next week I will begin yelling, "That is NOT a TOY ... Michael!" heh. heh.). Right now we THINK we get to pay a little extra and enter everything manually ... ya' know ... for all our many ZERO overnight guests we are having. Really sweating the details of that one.
Now we can work on choosing an online reservation system. Fun.
We're wireless, and I can receive at least two bars in my trailer (which is at the very farthest corner of the park), but five full bars outside on our picnic table. Yip-friggin-EEEEEEEE! Have learned all about extenders and boosters over the last week.
My job interview went well, and Michael also has a few very good possibilities. We should both hear back this next week.
For all of you who have been asking about tent camping - YES, we allow it. $15 a night gives you use of all the facilities (ie: places to wash your dirty body, dirty clothes and dispose of bodily waste). Won't be putting that description on the website. That's just for you.
Will have a much needed weekend. Cammie, old friend from college, is coming in tomorrow with her kids. We'll just hang out and I'll pretend I've been here a year and everything is under control. She'll check out the place and review us all over the world-wide-web-a-loo. I will continue to love her forever. Then, on Sunday, Rancho Chico and My Sweet Chaos are crashing our pad with all their kids in tow. With all three families, we'll have 12 kids running around. Having both these visits back-to-back will be so great for my five. They're social monsters. For me, having a familiar face and two new friends who tackle RAD every day ... oh, it will be a TREAT. How cool is it to have someone you haven't seen in years, and two families you have never, ever met, make a trip like that? I'm flabbergasted.
In case you haven't figured it out, any of you are welcome to come for a day if you're not the camping/RV type. Just hang out with the family, give me a shoulder rub ... ya' know - whatever!
Okay, must jet off. We're loading up the wagon and going into town for lunch. It's our weekly treat.
But we HAVE IT! Thank you, sweet Jesus.
We are set-up to receive credit cards. Will get our fun little swipey machine next week (meaning, sometime next week I will begin yelling, "That is NOT a TOY ... Michael!" heh. heh.). Right now we THINK we get to pay a little extra and enter everything manually ... ya' know ... for all our many ZERO overnight guests we are having. Really sweating the details of that one.
Now we can work on choosing an online reservation system. Fun.
We're wireless, and I can receive at least two bars in my trailer (which is at the very farthest corner of the park), but five full bars outside on our picnic table. Yip-friggin-EEEEEEEE! Have learned all about extenders and boosters over the last week.
My job interview went well, and Michael also has a few very good possibilities. We should both hear back this next week.
For all of you who have been asking about tent camping - YES, we allow it. $15 a night gives you use of all the facilities (ie: places to wash your dirty body, dirty clothes and dispose of bodily waste). Won't be putting that description on the website. That's just for you.
Will have a much needed weekend. Cammie, old friend from college, is coming in tomorrow with her kids. We'll just hang out and I'll pretend I've been here a year and everything is under control. She'll check out the place and review us all over the world-wide-web-a-loo. I will continue to love her forever. Then, on Sunday, Rancho Chico and My Sweet Chaos are crashing our pad with all their kids in tow. With all three families, we'll have 12 kids running around. Having both these visits back-to-back will be so great for my five. They're social monsters. For me, having a familiar face and two new friends who tackle RAD every day ... oh, it will be a TREAT. How cool is it to have someone you haven't seen in years, and two families you have never, ever met, make a trip like that? I'm flabbergasted.
In case you haven't figured it out, any of you are welcome to come for a day if you're not the camping/RV type. Just hang out with the family, give me a shoulder rub ... ya' know - whatever!
Okay, must jet off. We're loading up the wagon and going into town for lunch. It's our weekly treat.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Jungle Love
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I could not do this without Michael. This is us getting settled into the trailer for the night. He is scratching bug bites and has no clue I'm taking pictures. It's the Gonzales Hilton, baby!
Couldn't survive those moments, like yesterday when he drove into town and locked his keys in the car ... tonight when I made the BEST Crack Dip (Mexican layered-type stuff) and promptly dumped it all over the floor of the RV trying to take it out to the picnic table ... we couldn't get through this stuff without each other.
One kid having a bad day over the weekend and screaming at me. Another having their bad time yesterday and today (and what we are pretty sure will also be TOMORROW!). Finding a stray dog chewing up one of the bags of cookies a child stole and hid yesterday (and admits to stealing but refuses to say WHERE they hid them, etc., etc.). Cussing the propane tanks which were pretty much rusted to the RV. Cussing the hot water heater pilot light (which, amazingly, lit right up when we finally found the owner's manual and followed the directions). One child punching me, stomping on Michael's foot tonight, yelling, calling us "jerks." Interviewing for jobs (for me - the first time in eight years). Still having no 800# for our business.
And, oh, we laugh. We laugh so hard. We pick on each other relentlessly. He is a really fun guy. I love just being around him. He makes it all super great.
Monday, August 10, 2009
A link to great thoughts on our healthcare system
I actually had time to read a few blogs while sitting on hold today. So, thanks again to Kristen for doing my thinking and writing for me.
Assuredly Uninsurable
It's just a little picture into the giant mess where many people land ... my family included.
Assuredly Uninsurable
It's just a little picture into the giant mess where many people land ... my family included.
Tyiping this FROM MY DESK!
Just popping in to say it took everything in me NOT to make love to the guy who hooked up our DSL today. :)
Sending hubby out to buy the biggest router known to man, so we'll have it wireless.
The kids worked their tails off all morning, doing lots of those little pain-in-the-butt things to dress-up the place. It's those four million tiny things that haunt you til you fall asleep at night. The "To Do" list grows every time I burp (which is always just after rehydrating). Thank you, Laura, for checking off "proofreading." Can't describe how frustrating it has been to have a site published which I cannot see or work on regularly.
If my criminal husband can ever get the whole driver's license thing cleared up, then we'll be able to accept credit card payments. Some things you can pray:
Prayer #1: Paying Customers
Prayer #2: Michael's Texas Driver's License debacle
Prayer #3: A big, giant router which will make all wireless guests very happy, no matter where they park their trailer
Prayer #3: Lighting and repainting of our highway signage (which currently has the benefit of a small rock on the side of the road - no lights, and neighboring trees on someone else's property completely block the eastbound side until you're approximately six inches from our turnoff - pray that these people return our call)
Prayer #4: Michael or I can find a parttime job. Not only will the additional income help, but we can't finance the whole house thing until one of us has brought in approximately two months worth of pay stubs ... ya' know, or we can be self-employed for TWO YEARS. I do have an interview tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:00 for a very fun thing I would love very much to do! Yeah ... say this prayer twelve times, please.
Some really super cool and amazing things that have happened or we have experienced?
#1 - As I mentioned above, we have signage issues and have to really jack up our advertising. Our Laundry Room is open to the public for the people who live out in this area. I put up the most pitiful sign down the road (looked like my 6-year-old made it). Yet, we have had one really great guy coming in to do laundry. We've become friends. He sent a guy named Ruben our way. Ruben paints signs. He is yet another great guy who is finding there isn't a lot of demand for signage in the middle of the recession. He wants to be working and he works hard. We need signage, and my handwriting sucks. We're a match made in heaven.
#2 - Have a blog stalker who just emailed to offer some free services. I will be taking her up on those!
#3 - The first guy I mentioned above has had a paint and body shop in Gonzales for about 30 years. We knew we wanted to put a small sign on Hwy 183. His place is on Hwy 183. He is letting us put up a sign on his property FOR FREE! He also brought us two mammoth sized bags of ice cold watermelon yesterday. I'm not sure which is the bigger deal, but we are happily accepting both!
The former owners have done nothing to promote this place for years. It is just as cute as heck, and super shady (yea!). However, no one knows we're here. Today the kids were trained on the "Christine 7-Point Checklist" for the bathrooms. We have discussed over and over how even people who are camping want bathrooms that are clean. You can only do so much with a cement floor, but you can shine a toilet, wipe a sink and swat down even a hint of a spider web. One of my boys came up earlier and said, "Ya' know, it took a long time to clean the bathroom today, but it was fun because it smelled SO GOOD when we were done." That's my boy!!!
I really do have to get back to work, but I know so many of you are checking in on us regularly. You're super!
Sending hubby out to buy the biggest router known to man, so we'll have it wireless.
The kids worked their tails off all morning, doing lots of those little pain-in-the-butt things to dress-up the place. It's those four million tiny things that haunt you til you fall asleep at night. The "To Do" list grows every time I burp (which is always just after rehydrating). Thank you, Laura, for checking off "proofreading." Can't describe how frustrating it has been to have a site published which I cannot see or work on regularly.
If my criminal husband can ever get the whole driver's license thing cleared up, then we'll be able to accept credit card payments. Some things you can pray:
Prayer #1: Paying Customers
Prayer #2: Michael's Texas Driver's License debacle
Prayer #3: A big, giant router which will make all wireless guests very happy, no matter where they park their trailer
Prayer #3: Lighting and repainting of our highway signage (which currently has the benefit of a small rock on the side of the road - no lights, and neighboring trees on someone else's property completely block the eastbound side until you're approximately six inches from our turnoff - pray that these people return our call)
Prayer #4: Michael or I can find a parttime job. Not only will the additional income help, but we can't finance the whole house thing until one of us has brought in approximately two months worth of pay stubs ... ya' know, or we can be self-employed for TWO YEARS. I do have an interview tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1:00 for a very fun thing I would love very much to do! Yeah ... say this prayer twelve times, please.
Some really super cool and amazing things that have happened or we have experienced?
#1 - As I mentioned above, we have signage issues and have to really jack up our advertising. Our Laundry Room is open to the public for the people who live out in this area. I put up the most pitiful sign down the road (looked like my 6-year-old made it). Yet, we have had one really great guy coming in to do laundry. We've become friends. He sent a guy named Ruben our way. Ruben paints signs. He is yet another great guy who is finding there isn't a lot of demand for signage in the middle of the recession. He wants to be working and he works hard. We need signage, and my handwriting sucks. We're a match made in heaven.
#2 - Have a blog stalker who just emailed to offer some free services. I will be taking her up on those!
#3 - The first guy I mentioned above has had a paint and body shop in Gonzales for about 30 years. We knew we wanted to put a small sign on Hwy 183. His place is on Hwy 183. He is letting us put up a sign on his property FOR FREE! He also brought us two mammoth sized bags of ice cold watermelon yesterday. I'm not sure which is the bigger deal, but we are happily accepting both!
The former owners have done nothing to promote this place for years. It is just as cute as heck, and super shady (yea!). However, no one knows we're here. Today the kids were trained on the "Christine 7-Point Checklist" for the bathrooms. We have discussed over and over how even people who are camping want bathrooms that are clean. You can only do so much with a cement floor, but you can shine a toilet, wipe a sink and swat down even a hint of a spider web. One of my boys came up earlier and said, "Ya' know, it took a long time to clean the bathroom today, but it was fun because it smelled SO GOOD when we were done." That's my boy!!!
I really do have to get back to work, but I know so many of you are checking in on us regularly. You're super!
Friday, August 07, 2009
Home on the RV Park
It is amazing how sleeping seven people in a tiny RV, then in the tiny RV and the office floor, then a bigger RV … all makes two RVs feel like you’re in a MANSION!
We have four of our kids in one. Michael, Mar and I are in the other. We have a little accordion curtain to separate off our “bedroom.” If you are familiar with RVs, you know this is pretty much the equivalent to a thick pull shade. However, I do have a loud radio right next to Mar's head and a full supply of Benadryl, for nights we’re feeling amorous.
The kids’ trailer is the best place for cooking and cleaning up. There is much more room in the kitchen area. Yet, we are out of propane in that trailer. I know I have already noted how much we screw up and forget things. We have yet to leave a kid somewhere, but forgetting to take in the propane tanks to get filled is now a regular thing. So, I cook in one trailer right now and have every other kitchen item in the other trailer.
If I did not have 4 million other things to think about, I would already have this worked out. Perhaps when my “To Do” list is whittled down to the 2 million mark? We’ll see.
We have a great laundry room. The kids take their showers down at the park facilities, because they can spread out. While it is a lot of fun showering in an RV (unless, of course, you want to say … turn around!) they enjoy the wide open spaces of our restrooms. We also have a strict “no taking a dump in the RV” policy in our two trailers. When you have that many people in close proximity, and some children with behavioral issues, and seven people needing to relieve themselves regularly, you have to draw the line.
We also have a sink and toilet in the back room of our office. In those ways, we have a LOT of room. The toughest part is when you are in bed for the night, and you forget something and have about a 6” space to maneuver (and the 6” space is still full of the box labeled “night stand” and “Mom’s clothes”). Those are the moments you lose your NICE.
We really thought we might be able to swing a house in about two months. Now, we realize it will be at least four months. I would say the red tape is strangling us, but the reality is this:
We are currently living just like the average American.
Most Americans live in very small spaces. Most Americans have things breaking down constantly they either cannot afford to fix or don’t have the time (unless they don’t care about any R&R). We have been blessed beyond belief over our lifetimes. The truth is, we have absolutely everything we need. Everything. We are crazy rich.
Cramped, yes. Frustrated with things constantly, yes. However, every single need is met.
Can’t beat that.
Check out our bare bones web site: Hill Shade RV Park
Come visit me. Make me laugh. Laugh AT me. I'll put on the coffee, and I promise not to take a dump in your RV.
We have four of our kids in one. Michael, Mar and I are in the other. We have a little accordion curtain to separate off our “bedroom.” If you are familiar with RVs, you know this is pretty much the equivalent to a thick pull shade. However, I do have a loud radio right next to Mar's head and a full supply of Benadryl, for nights we’re feeling amorous.
The kids’ trailer is the best place for cooking and cleaning up. There is much more room in the kitchen area. Yet, we are out of propane in that trailer. I know I have already noted how much we screw up and forget things. We have yet to leave a kid somewhere, but forgetting to take in the propane tanks to get filled is now a regular thing. So, I cook in one trailer right now and have every other kitchen item in the other trailer.
If I did not have 4 million other things to think about, I would already have this worked out. Perhaps when my “To Do” list is whittled down to the 2 million mark? We’ll see.
We have a great laundry room. The kids take their showers down at the park facilities, because they can spread out. While it is a lot of fun showering in an RV (unless, of course, you want to say … turn around!) they enjoy the wide open spaces of our restrooms. We also have a strict “no taking a dump in the RV” policy in our two trailers. When you have that many people in close proximity, and some children with behavioral issues, and seven people needing to relieve themselves regularly, you have to draw the line.
We also have a sink and toilet in the back room of our office. In those ways, we have a LOT of room. The toughest part is when you are in bed for the night, and you forget something and have about a 6” space to maneuver (and the 6” space is still full of the box labeled “night stand” and “Mom’s clothes”). Those are the moments you lose your NICE.
We really thought we might be able to swing a house in about two months. Now, we realize it will be at least four months. I would say the red tape is strangling us, but the reality is this:
We are currently living just like the average American.
Most Americans live in very small spaces. Most Americans have things breaking down constantly they either cannot afford to fix or don’t have the time (unless they don’t care about any R&R). We have been blessed beyond belief over our lifetimes. The truth is, we have absolutely everything we need. Everything. We are crazy rich.
Cramped, yes. Frustrated with things constantly, yes. However, every single need is met.
Can’t beat that.
Check out our bare bones web site: Hill Shade RV Park
Come visit me. Make me laugh. Laugh AT me. I'll put on the coffee, and I promise not to take a dump in your RV.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
If it can go wrong …
Today there is a new rule: Mom and Dad smooch each other every time they screw up or something goes wrong. We figure our lips will be bleeding within the hour.
Picture, if you will, a middle aged couple dragging their five kids into town. We arrived at the bank, only to discover we forgot some vital paperwork (well, AND the money to deposit) to begin our new business account. We drove the ten minutes back home and then ten minutes back into town. Everyone smiled, laughed and joked about our funny snafu (ya’ know, if you live in the land of “Whatever!”).
We also discovered we needed copies of other papers from our attorney. While husband was on the phone with the attorney’s office, the account rep let me know we must have our new drivers’ licenses. Or some form of photo ID with our new address.
We headed over to the Public Safety office. Went to the wrong building entirely (hard to do in a small town, I know, but this was when I chose to implement my new smooching policy!). Then, drove past the correct building and had to turn around.
Met super sweet lady who handles the drivers’ licenses. She attends the Cowboy Church in town. Had fun discussions about my parents and their church. Would be able to do the “short form” because we have had Texas license in the recent past (PRAISE GOD! Something will be easy in our lives this week! WOW!). Well, that was until she made a face at the computer.
The back story: Michael had a ticket in Texas several years ago when we were still here. He called and took care of it. It was noted that is was taken care of. However, someone was THEN supposed to change it in “the big computer” in Austin. This did not happen. A court date was set. Michael’s old Texas license was revoked in the system, and flagged as “failing to appear” for his hearing.
All of this was just floating around out there three years ago. We’re clueless … until today. And it can take at least 72 hours for the person who KNOWS he paid this ticket to get it all cleared up on “the big computer” in Austin, so our office here will see he can transfer back over to his Texas license.
Until we get his Texas license renewed, we cannot open our business account. We cannot accept credit card payments.
But, alas, we are smooching like crazy.
Two or three days ago we were supposed to have DSL “in 2-3 days.” Now, it will be Monday at the earliest. The joys of living outside of town. People aren’t just already in the area to get things set up.
We are grabbing lunch at a local Mexican food place which boasts “Free Wireless Internet.” I’ve still yet to be able to connect. Our waitress says you just have to wait awhile. My computer keeps telling me I need a security key. She says I don’t … just wait. I think I will wait until we get to the library and THEN I can post this.
Maybe they don’t really have wireless, but this was their plan all along. People eventually stop eating and leave, and you just keep saying, “You have to wait a little while.” Genius.
See ya’ tomorrow, when I’ll talk about our crib.
Picture, if you will, a middle aged couple dragging their five kids into town. We arrived at the bank, only to discover we forgot some vital paperwork (well, AND the money to deposit) to begin our new business account. We drove the ten minutes back home and then ten minutes back into town. Everyone smiled, laughed and joked about our funny snafu (ya’ know, if you live in the land of “Whatever!”).
We also discovered we needed copies of other papers from our attorney. While husband was on the phone with the attorney’s office, the account rep let me know we must have our new drivers’ licenses. Or some form of photo ID with our new address.
We headed over to the Public Safety office. Went to the wrong building entirely (hard to do in a small town, I know, but this was when I chose to implement my new smooching policy!). Then, drove past the correct building and had to turn around.
Met super sweet lady who handles the drivers’ licenses. She attends the Cowboy Church in town. Had fun discussions about my parents and their church. Would be able to do the “short form” because we have had Texas license in the recent past (PRAISE GOD! Something will be easy in our lives this week! WOW!). Well, that was until she made a face at the computer.
The back story: Michael had a ticket in Texas several years ago when we were still here. He called and took care of it. It was noted that is was taken care of. However, someone was THEN supposed to change it in “the big computer” in Austin. This did not happen. A court date was set. Michael’s old Texas license was revoked in the system, and flagged as “failing to appear” for his hearing.
All of this was just floating around out there three years ago. We’re clueless … until today. And it can take at least 72 hours for the person who KNOWS he paid this ticket to get it all cleared up on “the big computer” in Austin, so our office here will see he can transfer back over to his Texas license.
Until we get his Texas license renewed, we cannot open our business account. We cannot accept credit card payments.
But, alas, we are smooching like crazy.
Two or three days ago we were supposed to have DSL “in 2-3 days.” Now, it will be Monday at the earliest. The joys of living outside of town. People aren’t just already in the area to get things set up.
We are grabbing lunch at a local Mexican food place which boasts “Free Wireless Internet.” I’ve still yet to be able to connect. Our waitress says you just have to wait awhile. My computer keeps telling me I need a security key. She says I don’t … just wait. I think I will wait until we get to the library and THEN I can post this.
Maybe they don’t really have wireless, but this was their plan all along. People eventually stop eating and leave, and you just keep saying, “You have to wait a little while.” Genius.
See ya’ tomorrow, when I’ll talk about our crib.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Saturday, August 01, 2009
We are here, and we're breathing
We signed our lives away yesterday. The RV park is ours.
We'll be changing the name, seeing how there is an RV park with an identical name just 20 miles away. Won't have the LLC done until early next week. THEN, we can get our tax ID number and THEN we can set up our bank account and get our wireless going, etc., etc. I'm currently at the library. The ladies here were kind enough to tell me I can also connect just sitting in the parking lot anytime after hours. Ya' know ... me and the guys looking at porn. Good times.
In the meantime, it is like we are camping. Actually, the first night things were not ready as we had requested when we arrived, and our family of seven and two cats slept in one RV which comfortably accommodates THREE adults. It was ... um ... lovely. We could have spread out into the office, but we figured it was safer for everyone emotionally to be under the same, very, very tiny roof that first night. We stuck the dudes in the office last night.
Lots of kinks to work out to get our two RVs cleared and set-up where we are needing them to be. We are working with some super nice people at the park, and doing our best to all work together for the good over everyone.
I finally had my meltdown on the way down, out in front of a Taco Bell just south of Austin. I had that very pretty cry face going. It was lovely.
Then, because God adores me and knows how hard it is to move ... just five minutes from my new home, we passed a new favorite person who sells ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY SINGLE DAY! He is this old dude (who is African American, but the gray hair and lighter skin caused a great debate among my children - ha!), and his stuff is YUM! Had a cantaloupe and watermelon for breakfast. Was going to have biscuits til I realized the gas wasn't hooked up in the RV. Just NOW realized (as I'm typing this) that I left a bowl full of uncooked biscuit batter sitting in the office. Wonder how long it will take Michael to find it. Hmmmm.
Speaking of Michael, we have almost divorced only about twice through this whole process. I would call that a miraculous sucess.
Okay, I have a buttload of work to do, now that I'm a real, live small business owner. I got the good end of the stick today. Yesterday my job involved cleaning out lots and lots of critter poo from a not-well-maintained office. Ahhhh, the joys of a turn-around business. Today, I'm in the air conditioning with a laptop. Tit for tat.
Miss you guys like crazy. Don't do anything interesting out there in bloggy land without me.
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