Live Fee Or Die

Nope...it's not a typo. I really meant to spell Free as Fee. Why? Well, let's just say that the great state of New Hampshire doesn't seem to be living up to its state motto these days.

In the news today, was an announcement that anyone who needed to register their vehicles in the next four months had better hurry up and do it TODAY, as TOMORROW the new fees would be implemented. Hun? I didn't see that headline this morning on WMUR, and yet there it was this afternoon when I checked the news. Maybe I just missed it because I was just in to check the weather real quick. But, if you read the article, the information was only just posted...today.

For those of you, who like me, didn't know of this change coming so soon you can click on the WMUR link above for the news article...which by the way was a little blurb on the side of the screen. It seems to me they had far more "warnings" for the impending change over to digital television than they did for this little diddy!

Anyway, suffice it to say...this will be the last time you will see the VANOKDS license plate on our vehicle. Due to the new fees that our lovely state government has decided to place on everyone in the state, such things as a vanity plate have become a far to expensive way to show our state just how "free" we are. Not only did the fee go up for a vanity plate...$40 vs. the $25 initial cost...but you will now be charged the $40 ANNUALLY!! Ummm, last time I registered my car, I don't remember receiving a new plate with my stickers...hmmm.

Plus, in addition to your regular state and local fees for registering your vehicle, you will have a minimum $30 charge depending on the weight of your vehicle. All total, that's an extra $140 we have to come up with for our two vehicles. (Hubby's car has a vanity plate too.) Thank God my kids don't weigh much!! :)

I absolutely refuse to give my irresponsible state $40 of my husbands hard earned cash for the "privilege" of having a vanity plate every single year. I'd rather make them shell out their own money to make me a boring one. I strongly urge anyone out there who has a vanity plate, to consider doing the same. It's time to stand up and hold those responsible for the state our state is in...accountable!!

Sevin Stitches

A friend of mine has just opened a new Etsy shop. To celebrate she is giving away one of her Monk's Bags . Please follow the link below for your chance to enter the contest as well as to see some of the great things she is making!!

http://sevinstitches.blogspot.com/

He Did It!

Everyday it's a battle. Everyday, Mike and I try to figure out the best way to deal with the many issues that Ethan presents us with. One of the longest battles we've had is in potty training. We officially welcomed him into the world of underpants and toilet use in February of 2008! In general he uses the toilet pretty regularly. We have found that the reasons for his wet accidents are the usual...he's too preoccupied, doesn't want to stop doing what he's doing, or is just plain lazy! However, it's been a battle to get him fully trained in doing a BM without accidents. We are constantly faced with the questions "is it autism, sensory, or 6 1/2 yr. old behavior??" Then we try to come up with an answer and a solution. Needless to say we have tried everything! And in Ethan's defense he is still on a laxative, (he's been on one since he was 18 months old!), so if it's been a couple of days since his last BM, we'll "up" his meds. to encourage his body to go. This sometimes results in a "got there a little too late" accident which is obviously beyond his control.

Well, yesterday I had had it! It's enough that I still have four other children in diapers, (another post for another day) so it's not hard to imagine that I find myself losing my patience so much quicker when my oldest just can't seem to keep his underpants clean. So, I came up with yet another plan. Ethan wears a pull up to bed at night because he absolutely cannot stay dry that long yet. In the morning, he is supposed to come down, use the toilet and change out of his pull up into a pair of underpants. Last night I told him that from now on, when he comes downstairs he is to change from his overnight pull up into a new pull up for the day. He really didn't like that idea, but I told him that he would be allowed to put underpants on as soon as he did his "stinky" on the toilet.

He did it! He got down from the breakfast table this morning, declaring that he had to "go", and in he went. No accidents. He is now happily sporting his favorite underpants. So, we'll do it again tomorrow, and the day after that and the day after that. It's too early to determine whether it was autism, sensory or 6 1/2 yr. old behavior...but if I were to make a determination based on just today...I would tend towards the latter! :)

Rebekah or Emma...Who's Who??

It is incredible how much these two look alike...they could be sisters! In the top picture is Emma...I believe she was around 20 months old. We thought she had very little hair, and compared to others she most definitely did, but if you look closely her mom was able to put enough together to make her trademark "whalespout" hairdo.

Then we have Rebekah...who's tiny amount of hair can't even hold the tiniest barrette, never mind a "whalespout"! But their smiles are very similar as are most of their mannerisms. Mike and I are often amazed at how much she reminds of our niece.

Even Rebekah was confused by the picture saying, "look, look it's Bekah, I sitting". I then told her that it was actually Emma in the picture and she said, "it's Emma...wearing Bekah's clothes!" :)

They Are Getting Soooo Big!

It's hard to believe that these "little" guys are 10 months old today!! Yipes, where did all those sleepless nights go?? These two monkeys are both growing nicely as their 9 month check up revealed.

Caleb (baby on the right), is weighing in at 17 lbs. 5.5 oz and 27 1/2" long while his brother, Eli (obviously...other baby), is weighing in at 17 lbs. 7 oz and 27" long. They both have their two lower central incisors...and they know how to use them. As a matter of fact Eli has been nicknamed "Zombie Baby" by his father, because every time Mike goes near him, Eli attaches himself to Mike's arm and begins to chomp! Those little teeth hurt!

Of the two, Caleb is much more adventurous, while Eli is content just staying put. Caleb has developed this breast stroke, land style to get around. I wonder if we put him in water if he would actually swim! Needless to say he gets faster every day...which has forced me to sweep even more than the 3 times a day I was already doing...as well as...you know...wash the floor...every now and then.

As for Eli, he just started to venture out into the kitchen. Up until now, he's been pretty content just sitting in their toy room watching, or playing with whatever is around him. He has a pretty controlled fall, so if he needs to he'll just kind of fall over, and then with a combination of rolling and pushing forward with his feet, can get to where he needs to go.

They continue to amaze us as they become more and more interactive with each other. And although they aren't holding hands as much as before, it seems to be that much sweeter now when they do.

Happy 4th Birthday Joshua!

Every year the 4th of July brings about cookouts, celebrations and time spent with family and friends. For the past 4 years we have been blessed to have another reason to celebrate. Our little guy, Joshua. He was born on this day, 4 years ago and has continued to be our spirited little firecracker ever since. His dependent independence his given us a glimmer into how strong he will be as he gets older...once he lets us out of his sight. His smile is a window into his soul which is pure and bright and wonderful. His hugs and kisses are a never ending sign of just how much he truly loves us with his whole being. And even though at times, he makes the worlds loudest and most obnoxious noises, his gentler, quieter voice when he says, "I love you too, Mommy", brings happy tears to my eyes.

Your Father and I wish you only the best Joshua, as you continue to light up our days with your very own special kind of fireworks!

We love you!

Happy Birthday!

FINALLY...GF, DF, SF Yogurt!!

Okay, so the title may or may not give it away...but it would have been too long to write it all out! For those of you who have read the blog...you know that time isn't always something I have!

So, here it is...the search is finally over. I've found a yogurt that accomplishes all I needed it to and more. Joshua used to be a BIG yogurt connoisseur...he would eat almost any flavor, and wouldn't stop at just a measly 6 oz container. Since he went gluten free and now (mostly) dairy free, it has been impossible to find a suitable replacement for him. We've tried everything out there...and I have to agree with him...most of them are pretty...yucky! Either too thick, or too watery...or the taste is just horrible!

Until now. We've been enjoying ice cream for the past year from this very same company, and I remember saying to Mike how great it would be if they could also do a milk and yogurt! Well, they now have both.

We recently discovered So Delicious not only has the best dairy free, gluten free ice cream, they have also come out with milk and yogurt...and it's all made using coconut milk!! So Delicious Yogurt, and So Delicious Coconut Milk. Plus, it's soy free too! You simply must try it. Whether you just recentely went dairy free, or have been for awhile now...I believe you will be pleasantly surprised at how truly delicious these products are.

9 Months Old And On The Move

My "little" guys are 9 months old today! Can you believe it?? Time is really flying by. We can't believe how much they've grown and changed. Their 9 month checkup is next Friday, so I will have updates on just how much they have grown in the last couple of months. We're thinking they will be the first of the Ouellette children to have hit 20 lbs by their first birthday!

They each have their own little personalities, and as you will see in the video below...are just a few days away from really living up to the name of "Double Trouble"! Enjoy...

Bunny-Bunny Love

Miss Rebekah absolutely LOVES this blanky/doll. Her godparents, Dennis and Cheryl gave it to her for her Baptism and it really hasn't left her side since. It used to be a lovely light pink with a white satiny border, and the bunny had nice soft white fur. When you hold it up, the bunny in the middle is actually holding on to the blanket, and there is a prayer around the border.

Now the string that attached the bunny's arm around the blanket, has long since been detached. The fur has been rubbed thin, and both the fur and the satiny border have become a worn gray color. The pink is more like white with a hint of pink, and even the tag has been worn down to tiny fibers. I can't say for sure, but I believe the words are still around the border.

The love that blanket has in it can't possibly be measured. It is my hope that long after she has abandoned her need for her bunny-bunny, there will still be something left of it to put away for her in a memory box to have when she is much older.

Smile Please

Elijah

Caleb

Rebekah

Joshua

Ethan

Joshua's new joke

josh: knock knock

me: who's there?

josh: cow in the water

me: cow in the water who?

josh: pig in the mud.

i must have laughed for a good minute - of course josh thought it was the best joke EVER!

(apparently it's all in the delivery)

.mike

Ethan's Question...and Answer

Me: Finish up your snack because we're going to do some schoolwork next.

Ethan: Why do I need to do schoolwork?

Me: So you can finish up Kindergarten and go on to the 1st Grade.

Ethan: Do I have to go to school then?

Me: No. We will still be doing school at home.

PAUSE

Ethan: Mommy, why do you homeschool me?

...and before I could get my answer out...

Ethan: It's because Joshua would miss me, isn't it?

I Strongly Dislike Rainy Days

Why would some one dislike rainy days so much as to use the words "strongly dislike" in the sentence? Well, there are a couple of reasons.

The first reason has to do with the wording. We have encountered an over use of the word "hate" in our house and I've had enough. It's one of those things where I never realized how much I said that word, until I started to hear it coming out of Ethan's mouth. And when I hear him say the word "hate" I feel myself cringe at the sound of it. I'm not sure why. Is it really any better than the words "strongly dislike" or "loathe"? No, I guess not. I think it's more about what it really represents. It's like saying "shut up" instead of "be quiet". They both mean the same thing no matter what tone they are said in...but some how "shut up" seems much more powerful and mean. Which is where I stand with the word "hate". It just sounds mean. See how many times a day you throw that word around. Mike and I have been caught several times now by the "hate" police...namely Ethan...with an "Exxxcuuuuuse me? We don't say that word!" from him. He's much better at enforcing the rules rather than following them...aren't they all? :)

As for the dislike of the rainy day...is it me or do all children go bonkers on rainy days??? Oh my goodness. Couple that with various sensory issues, serious lack of space in ever shrinking house, and two very cranky, noisy babies...and I'm afraid I'm going to crack! It has been so crazy here, that not only did they lose their quiet time movie of choice...Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, but they also lost ALL of the toys in their playroom!! Mostly because they decided to have a "pick a corner and lets see how many toys we can chuck at each other until someone cries" game. Good times...and for the record it was about 10 legos and Rebekah was the one who went down. AHHHHHHHH!!!

So, how is it I got this much "free" time to type the post? Well, Bekah is sleeping off the "lego war", Josh has taken up his nap time post at the table, Ethan has been banished to the couch until I deem quiet time is officially over, and the babies are yelling at me from their respective bumper jumpers! Yup, it's a "beautiful day in this neighborhood...won't you be my neighbor?" :)

Ya, ya I know...

Okay, so I haven't posted in a little while. So here are my excu...er, reasons. :)

1. We've had a nasty little virus in the main computer where all of my pix are stored. Mike has had to clean out the entire computer and start over to get rid of it. All though this is something he can do in several hours, it has taken him about a month to do it. (Insert here the story of the shoemakers kids...blah, blah, blah.)

2. Fortunately we not only recently backed up all of our pictures prior to the nasty virus taking over, we also had a secondary machine set up for the kids, that we have been able to use. Unfortunately, the back up drive I mentioned earlier lives at Mike's work, so I am unable to access it and put up some absolutely adorable pix.

3. Because the computer hasn't been working well, I have well over 150 pictures sitting on my cameras memory card just waiting to be downloaded. I don't even remember half of what's on there!

4. Any free time I am able to sneak away with has been used to check emails...maybe reply, check out the latest in the news...which seems to be depressing lately, or go onto Facebook and live vicariously through my alter ego on Mafia Wars where I am know as Big Mama.

5. This last excus...er, reason...just encompasses the rest of my life which revolves around 5, wonderful, loving, incredibly active children. I have never been soooo busy in my life!! My house is more than just messy, I have to sniff clothes to determine whether the basket on my bedroom floor is full of clean clothes or dirty, and no matter how hard I try I can't for the life of me keep my dishes in the cabinets. Somehow they either live in the sink or the dishwasher, sometimes on the table! I am continuously amazed at how quickly a picked up room becomes disheveled, and how many times a day I can step on the same toy that I could swear I had just put away 5 minutes ago. I am tired of the sound of my own voice saying things like; "Joshua get off your sisters head", and "Rebekah you can't lay ON the babies", or "Ethan, is it ever a good idea to drive your tucks onto or into anyone??". But at the end of the day, we can all still hug and kiss, and say our "good nights" and "I love yous", knowing that we get to start all over again tomorrow. It's at that moment, when everyone is in bed...not necessarily asleep mind you...that I get those few moments to get everything done before I can actually relax before bed.

So, sorry for the lack of posting. I won't promise that I'll be better now...cause that will just be impossible for me to keep. Just know that, if you keep checking up on us here, eventually you will see some updates!

What Are These...My Arms??

I don't know about the rest of you, but I love dressing my kids in their summer clothes on these first few warm days. By summer clothes I mean short sleeved shirts and shorts. It's like watching a baby when he first notices his fingers and toes. They look at their arms and legs in awe...and then try to pull everything down!

Mad Boy

We recently purchased a backup drive to save all of the pictures from our hard drive should something ever happen to our computer. We found this picture from Rebekah's Baptism. Josh had slept through it, and at the end wasn't happy to be awakened. I believe we have Cheryl to thank for this picture! It makes us laugh every time we look at it. It's just so Joshua!

Baby Cereal...Not Just for Babies

We have found this awesome baby cereal for the twins that is one of the only cereals I've found claiming it has not only probiotics but is free of gluten as well. After the amount of antibiotics my little guys have had to be on, I figured it would be a great addition to their diet in keeping their intestines healthy. It is called Happy Bellies and so far the twins love it. I originally found it at Natural Choice Market in Hooksett, but later found that the Babies R Us in Nashua carries it as well, (for $2 less). Because I have twins, we have been going through cereal like it's water, so I've been cutting it with Earth's Best Organic Whole Grain Rice Cereal. They don't seem to notice.

So, why did I say it's not just for babies? Well, Ethan and Joshua had their 3 month check up with Dr. Hofley and had their yearly blood work updated. All the results came back normal except they both showed iron deficiency's as well as Vitamin A deficiency for Josh. So, I met with Ethan's pediatric nutritionist, Trish Murray, and we discussed the many ways we can try sneaking iron into Ethan's diet. He has some oral sensory issues, as well as visual sensory issues that make it impossible to add anything new into his foods. However, he has been showing a great deal of interest in the twins baby food. Trish suggested we take a Tbsp. of the Happy Bellies cereal and mix it with our whole raw milk and have him eat that once a day. So far it's worked. He's not all that thrilled about it after the first 2-3 bites, but thankfully a Tbsp. only gives you about 4-5 bites!

In any case, for those of you who are looking to either supplement some iron in, or find a good healthy, probitotic enriched, gluten free cereal for your babes...I highly recommend Happy Bellies.

Red Envelope Update

I had been wondering whether or not the Red Envelope Project had made headlines anywhere, when a friend of mine sent me a link saying it indeed had. Thanks Cheryl!

As it stands right now, the White House has received over 2.25 million red envelopes, with most of those being received just after the 31st. You can read the article here at World Net Daily.

I can only hope it's something that will help to change our Presidents heart!

Night Time Diapering

As some of you know, we've been using cloth diapers for almost a year now. It was a decision we made prior to our knowledge that we were expecting twins. We figured that with Josh and Bekah still in diapers, and number 4 on the way, it would save us a lot of money in the long run by making the switch. Needless to say, we were even happier about our decision when we found out about the twins.

Since the diapers we use, bumGenius come in several colors, we decided it would work out great for the twins since we "color coded" them blue and green. The diapers come in blue, green, yellow, white and pink, (or whatever fancier names they use). Bekah uses pink and white, naturally. In any case, the diapers have worked well in helping others figure out who is who.

At night, it's a little trickier. In the dark, the blue and green look alike...especially when we are tired. It has happened, a few times, that we've changed the twins during the night, only to find in the morning that we mixed it up. Well, Mike took it one step further. Not only did he put the wrong color, Elijah's green diapers, on Caleb...he put Elijah's green dirty diaper on Caleb...wipe and all! Now that's tired!

Red Envelope Day March 31st

Do you have your Red Envelope ready?

Focus On The Family as well as many local Catholic communities plan on participating in this event to help show how we feel about some of the decisions our President has made recently with regards to abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

You can follow the link above or read on for more information on how you can participate.

RED ENVELOPE DAY

When: March 31, 2009

Get a red envelope. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW

Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to be a part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception.

We will mail the envelopes out March 31st, 2009. Put it in the mail, and send it. Then forward this event to every one of your friends who you think would send one too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.It may seem that those who believe abortion is wrong are in a minority. It may seem like we have no voice and it's shameful to even bring it up. Let us show our President and the world that the voices of those of us who do not believe abortion is acceptable are not silent and must be heard. Together we can change the heart of The President and save the lives of millions of children.

Thank you.

Barack Obama spoke at a Planned Parenthood Action Fund event, uttering the now infamous line, "Well, the first thing I'd do as president is, sign the Freedom of Choice Act. [Applause.] That's the first thing that I'd do." An empty red envelope will send a message to President Barack Obama that there is moral outrage in this country over this issue [The Freedom of Choice Act, which will essentially "undo" every law currently in place to limit abortion in the U.S. (i.e., parental consent laws, parental notification,waiting periods, prohibition of transporting a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion, etc.)]. It will be quiet, but clear. Please read more about The Freedom of Choice Act here:

http://www.lifenews.com/nat4359.html