Another year down!

Despite our ups and downs this year, and boy did we have alot! I want to say that through it all there have been great blessings.
When one door opens, another always opens.

My children have grown and despite our two months of "illness" have been healthy.
Brian is working...even though he hates his job.
The sword business has been a great financial help.
I am rocking in school.
I got a nephew this year, and a niece is due in April. (Maybe my birthday?) hmmm...
We moved out of the "ghetto!"
We have a new, used van.
Old friends have come back and stronger in my life, I love the Bunco Chixs!
My hubby and I are going through a great and wonderful transition in our marriage.
Therapy is awesome! LOL!

The list goes on and on. I am not one to really set New Year's Resolutions. But this year Brian and I have decided to make a "plan" for the next year. If we accomplish all that we want, then that would be awesome. We are being realistic though, habits are hard to break. The will is there.

We hope that for 2009, that all our family and friends have a safe, healthy and happy New Year.

Creepy Crude, Don't Bring Me Down!

Believe it or Not, we all have suffered numerous bouts with the "Crude" for the last three months. It start in October with Liam. Then it shifted to me. Then to Lavinia, then me again. Avin suffered, Liam again, Brian and me, and it is lingering in the very chapped and worn noses of my children. *Sigh* Despite my continuous efforts, doctor trips, chicken soup and saltines, this has been the worst our family has been in a long time. The problem is this, the "Crude" is never the same, Here is how it has manifested itself, beware!


1. Viral throat infection

2. Common cold

3. Bronchitis

4. Common cold

5. Strep Throat

6. Lingering cold

7. Flu Bug (Stomach kind)

8. Sinus infection

9. 24 fever, puke, body aches

10. The forever ever snot fest (I should buy stock in Kleenex!)



Now I have reflected much as to how this is all happening, and have a very proactive stance on the whole bit. I am a "Germaphobe" I clean, therefore I am!

This past Wednesday, I turned off the heat, opened windows for eight hours, bleached every possible surface, washed all bedding and changed the furnace filter. Yes, we are clean, maybe too clean if that is possible. However, the fact that the preschool, and elementary schools are not is most likely the issue here.

Now that Christmas break has arrived, the kids can maybe heal and the creeping crude there can die. And DIE it should! Last night when my beautiful babies walk in the door, but what to my "wondering ears should appear? The sudden sound of "splat" and puke hitting the floor. Thankfully, Lavinia did this only once and knock on wood all is well. Out came the bleach, masks and gloves, and here I am cleaning...again.

So for all of you out there, beware, the creepy crude is everywhere!

Kitty No Name

Hi! I want to introduce myself as the newest member in the Dreier party. However, I have not been named. I try and tell my new people that I have a name, but they just do not listen. I have given them many ideas, however they have not decided on one yet. I have been here now for almost a month. Before this I lived with a nice foster mom who took great care of me. My new Mom and Dad came in a pet store where I was sleeping in a cage with other cats who needed homes. Imagine my surprise when they picked me to be an early Christmas gift for my boy Avin. Last night, my family finally came up with three names I suggested to them. (Tsk and Hiss, it took them long enough!) Anyway, they still can not agree my name! So, I thought I would post it on their blog and my Mom's facebook page, a poll, to let my readers decide on my name.

So, could you please vote on it? I have included a picture of me and the three possible names.

The names that I could live with are:

1. Hobbs

2. Herbert (Herbie for short)

3. Chance

Thanks a bunch! High paw for the one who nails this down for me. I really need a name, "Kitty no name is getting really annoying!

How many more days?

We have all heard it said, we have even said it ourselves. How many more days until Christmas? So this year I thought I would beat my kids to it and make an Advent Calendar of sorts. I got this idea somewhere last year. Using matchboxes from the good ol' food storage shelf, scraps of left over Christmas paper, embellishments, voila! a calendar.

I decided to put magnets on the back of the boxes and use our magnet board from Ikea. Today, I put little messages in the boxes for the kids to do. They vary from singing carols, finding a "goodie". However, to help them truly understand the reason for Christmas, I wrote the verses from the scriptures of Christ's birth. I spilt the verses up so that from the 12th to the 25th, each day will be a verse of the story.

Turkey Day and Black Friday

Thanksgiving for us is not really a top holiday for us. It is not that we are not grateful for what we have, but we do not need just a day to focus on our gratitude. This year we were going to go down to visit Brian's family in Tennessee. However the powers that be decided that we were to stay here in Ohio. Avin got strep throat and a viral infection, and then Brian's Grandma Dreier passed away. I did not cook a huge meal this year, and it was not the traditional fair. I am not a big one for cleaning and touching poultry, (Gag) so I made a boneless Turkey breast, an awesome rice dish, and green beans. A big thanks to Food Network and their magical recipes! To top it off, we had Pumpkin Cupcakes. Yummy. Despite my attempt to make a less than traditional meal, these recipes had real butter, heavy cream and sugar. So good, yet so bad. We all stayed in our pajamas, except for when I went out to search the city for a newspaper.
The Newspaper...what an adventure. Granted I did not go to find one until 11 am, but honestly it took five places to finally nail one down. People in Toledo love those ads! After the fourth place, I wondered if something was telling me that it was not worth the fuss. And what do you know? I found a paper, took it home, and found out that there was really nothing on sale that I wanted. HM... I have never went out in the wee hours of the morning, (isn't that a song?) to shop til I drop. I wondered how it would be and even talked to some friends about doing it together. But the reality is there will be more sales, people are nuts I hear out there, and I really already have my goodies bought. The only reason it is "Black Friday" for me is the fact by now the kids have exhausted all their options and are so bored that they are killing each other. The joys of being a stay at home Mom.

All Good things come to an end.

Coaches Hill and Blakeman with

Avin holding the Trophies.

As with all great and marvelous things there is an end. We however were excited for the end of Avin's soccer year. Mostly due to the fact that through the season they played exceptionally well. As a matter of fact, they ended up being undefeated and became their regions champs! Yea for Arlington Red! Fire, Fire, Fire! These kids played very well and really showed time work. The coaches, hats off. Truly what a coach should be, tough with love.

It seemed that we were at a soccer game every day. When school started for me, I did not get to see some of them. I was really bummed about that. Brian had to be the "soccer mom." Hats off to him, for being the kind of man that can multitask our family.

This experience has not only helped Avin become comfortable in his new school, but has brought out the other kids to want to play soccer like him. So, in the fall, Lavinia has decided to be a soccer player too. Just call me "Soccer Mom!"

Pumpkin Carving 101

Avin very determined to make his pumpkin the coolest. Even at the "ripe ol' age" of nine, he has not gotten over his uneasiness over the pumpkin "guts."

As with most families we carved our pumpkins for our Family Home evening night. Between soccer games, school, parties, and all the wonderful things that come with a family, our FHE nights are often changing. Regardless of how the week is going, we set aside a night for just our family to do something together. The world is fast becoming a horrible place and we have been counseled to spend time with our families. It is a must! The problems in the world I believe would be solved if family came first. One family at a time.

This was Liam's first year getting to "gut" the pumpkin. He was not to keen on it as most kids are not. Lavinia, gave step by step instructions to Brian as to how her pumpkin was going be. Avin of course drew a complicated design that caused poor Brian's hand to ache. But the best part was the kids ALL tried a pumpkin seed, and they all agreed that they are "delicious!" I am always amazed by this little people who occupy my heart and home.

HALLOWEEN!

The Witch is In! Me at our church's Trunk or Treat

Jack O' Lanterns 2008

Today is my favorite day of the whole year! So far I have had two phone calls from my friends wishing me a Happy Halloween. Just like I would have calls if it was my birthday. I start the spooky festivities early, enjoying them as they come. I have watched as many Halloween specials as possible and just bask in the happiness that this day brings to me. every year I stay up on October 30 so I can "welcome" the day. Call me a pagan but I cannot deny my love for this day. Unfortunately, this year I am suffering a really awful headache that just seems to not want to go away. Hopefully, by tonight it will have gone and I can enjoy the night of ghosties, and goblins.

The Birds

Not too far from our house is a great place to feed birds. Primarily there are domestic ducks and a few wild ones. However at this time of the year the Canada Geese and the Mallard ducks seem to be the big residents. Despite my dislike of birds, I do enjoy Canada Geese. I think they are absolutely beautiful. This particular Saturday we picked up Devin from his Mom's house and went to lunch. Then we took our stale bread to the pond. When we arrived, there was another person with the same idea so the group of birds were already gathered feasting. The kids were excited and yet a little apprehensive. Much to my dismay with the beautiful ducks and geese, came the "sky rats." For those of you who do not know what I am referring to, a sky rat is a seagull. Obviously, I do not not hold a high regard for them.

As we proceeded to throw the bread and goodies to the birds, I bent over to toss some to a goose who caught my eye. At that time, I felt something hit my back end. I reached around with my hand, and "Squish!" I had received an aerial attack to my back. Apparently the seagulls sensed my dislike for them and retaliated. Yep, Seagull poop on my butt and hand! Devin of course got a big kick out of that, and took a picture of it:

See Exhibit A------------->

Luck for me I had tissue and hand wash with us. However, I could not wait to get home and scrub my hands. Avian Flu anyone? Once this happened, everyone with hoods put them up or as Liam did raised his shirt over his head. Avin stated "Bombs away!" Cute? He thinks so.

Watch out falling Poop!

Will this stop us from feeding our wildlife? Probably not, the kids loved it. But we knew it was time to go when the little ones started trying to catch the geese.

Our Fall fun!

As always, the past few weeks have been busy, busy, busy! We have been enjoying the wonders of fall! We went to our favorite pumpkin farm, Fleitz farms in Oregon, Ohio. This has become our family tradition. Lots of pumpkins and cool gourds to choose from. Goats and chickens to feed, and always a doughnut and cider to top off the day.

How big am I? A must every year! Notice Avin does not look very happy about doing this. But we made him dang it, it is tradition!

ABC's and 1, 2, 3's

If only school for adults could be as easy as learning your ABC's and 1,2, 3's! I am doing it again, yes I am back to being a "professional student." So, what am I going to do now when I grow up? I have enrolled in Medical Office Technology/Coding and billing. Basically, I will be able to run and manage a medical office, enter codes and billing. I thought about being a Medical Assistant, however, I am told I will make more money at doing this. Even though I have already have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education, I need to be able to have a job that will actually pay something. Honestly, I love office busy work. I love organizing, love working with the public and customer service. However, I hate retail. At the way our economy is going, it looks like we will have to work until we die. Luckily for me, I do not have to long to complete this degree. Most of my previous credits transferred. So I am looking at a little over a year, going full time. I wanted to get something else under my belt before the kids will all be in school, then I will have nothing to do! So far classes are good, just like riding a bike. But with all things it is just organizing and going with the flow of our family, and trusting in the Lord. So, with that said, it is now time for me to hit the books! Night!

Sick, Sick, and Sick!

Liam is a very sick little chicken! It started Saturday at the Powwow with a high fever, and has continued to this very moment. The fever is lower but now I have a very stuffy whining little boy. The new thing is somehow he has forgot how to wipe his own nose. If a little junk starts rolling out, (I know gross!) he starts whining and says "my nose!" This morning he told me that "My nose is broke, Mommy I can't Breed.) Sigh, I hate when kids are sick,especially mine. We have been to the doctor's twice this week. Monday he was fine except the fever, probably viral. FYI Hand Foot and Mouth is going around. However, his fever was still going strong yesterday, now we have a possible Strep throat. I sit here now, holding a hot, tired, crying 2 year old, waiting to get the test results back. Oops, gotta go wipe his nose, shall I join in the crying too?

Our new craft adventure

Sewing is starting to become an interest of mine. As with any thing I believe it takes practice. For me, I find it to be a challenge that I want to over come. My mom and I started to make Puzzle quilts. However, they are still not finished due to the move etc. Mom went out to Utah to visit our family friends the Yardley's. Sister Yardley is an accomplished seamstress and has given my mom some great ideas that we are now attempting. This is my mom's new creation. She made one for me and one for Katie. They are called "Jelly Roll bags." Now I am sure this is nothing new to some of you, but we are totally digging them. So far two of my friends want me to make them one. Stay tuned for my creations....

.

Apple Picking Time!

The other evening my sister and I took the kids to the apple orchard. Honestly, none of us have ever officially picked apples. I have been peach picking, strawberry picking, and cherry picking. We were there for about an hour and picked a half bushel of Jonathan apples. The kids had a great time, but for our crew an hour was definitely enough time.

Now my question is...

What do I do with all these apples?

Fall!

Happy Fall! It is now official! I counted down to 11:45 a.m to welcome the season. A little obsessive you say? Maybe, but it is worth it. I noticed a few dead leaves here and there today too. Okay, maybe it due to the lack of rain in July and August, but it looks promising! I finished some of my decorating, but I still have more things to get. Another thing that I love is the fact I can sleep well now. Despite having air conditioning, I sleep horribly during the summer. But when the weather cools down, I become like a Momma Bear and hunker down to sleep the whole fall and winter away. But unlike a real Momma bear, my cubs did not leave and are more than willing to wake me up.

Halloweenie Time!

Fall is the best season! If you have not gathered, I love it. But what excites me most about the season fall, is that my favorite holiday is fast approaching! Yes, Halloween. People may laugh or give me odd, side glances, or even do the "she is crazy" thing by their heads, but I love it, love it, love it! This year I cannot wait to decorate for fall and Halloween. I have a ton of stuff, however I had to pick up some new goodies this year. (Brian enjoys the use of the word "had", he says I did not have to have anything.) I also decided to make a few things to. However my biggest obsession is vintage Halloween stuff. I tried to download a cool template for our blog, but had no luck. I have bought some replica vintage Halloween things, but I ever scour the shelves of flea markets and antique places. Wish me luck for that awesome find!

New goodies! Mr. Owl, black leaves, vintage cool!

We as a family also starting talking about costumes. Here is where it gets tricky. I am a big advocate for making costumes. I am not the best seamstress in the world however I have a willing heart. Today I asked the kids what they wanted to be for Halloween. This is what they said:

Liam's Top "consistent" choices

1. A Weimaraner, like our dog Lily Boo

2. A DumpThhhrulchk (For those of you who have not yet mastered "Liamese" that is Dump Truck.)

3. An Owl

Lavinia:

1. A princess

2. A princess, again

3. And a I don't know! Hmmm...

Avin:

Here is the heartbreaking moment, and I quote "I think I just want to hand candy out." AHHH! No dressing up, just help hand out the candy. Who is this boy, and where is my son? I told him I brought him up better than that. Total sacrilege!

Yesterday I was having a conversation with my friend and fellow Halloween lover, Sonia. We sat and debated on how early is early to decorate for the scary night? Well, I guess I got my answer from Avin, not soon enough! I WILL bring back that ole' Halloween spirit in his heart if it is the last thing I do! Hee hee ha Haa! (My witchy cackle)

Maple Pecan Pork Chops with Garlic "Smashed" Potatoes

Fall is in the air! Last night's dinner was my first official fall dinner. I found this recipe in the Schwan's delivery book and could not wait to try it. It was incredible! Yummy goodness that believe it or not my whole family did NOT turn up their noses too. I am in love with this recipe, even though as most of you not hip on meat other than chicken and turkey. (Hey Lindsey, I even wore the apron you made for me!)

This recipe is worth sharing! Let me know how you liked it!

Maple Pecan Pork Chops

4 Boneless Pork Loin Chops

3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Cup of chopped onion

1/4 cup of Maple Syrup

2 Tablespoons Soy sauce

1/4 cup chopped Pecans

1 teaspoon sage

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in pan. Place Pork Loin chops in pan, cook 6 to 8 minutes each side. Add the onion. Cook for another 4 to 6 minutes or until onions are transparent. In a medium bowl, combine Maple syrup, sage, soy sauce, and then add chopped pecans. Pour this mixture into the pan over the pork chops and onions. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for another 6 to 8 minutes. Serve pork chops, dripping the rest of the mixture in the pan over the chops.

For the Garlic Smashed Potatoes:

Red Skin Potatoes, cubed into quarters

3 to 4 Garlic Cloves, minced

1/4 cup of Milk

Butter

Salt and Pepper, to taste

Parsley to taste

Preparation:

Place medium to large pot to boil. Clean and cube the potatoes, I left the skins on, we love it that way, plus it leaves more nutritional value. Boil until soft. Obviously you need to start boiling your potatoes before your cooking your chops. Add the cloves of garlic to the water and potatoes. We love garlic, so you can add as much as you like. Once your potatoes are soft, drain them. Try to keep as much of the garlic in with the potatoes. Add the salt, pepper, parsley, butter, milk. Use a wooden spoon and smash and stir the potato mixture. It should look lumpy, not whipped.

I served these with green beans and topped off the decadence with big, chocolaty Brownies for dessert.

Tonight's dinner:

Hungrian Goulash

Corn Bread Muffins

Baked apple Crisp

The smell of apples is penetrating the room as I speak! Can you smell it too?

Pudding Is NOT Just For Dessert!

Pudding is an easy, cheap, fun dessert. You can do so much with it! But Bill Cosby never told us Jello puddin' could be used as an art form now did he?

When I was teaching Preschool, I had a ton of idea books, numerous copies of projects that met every need for children. One of the "art" projects was painting with pudding. I had filed that idea in the back of my mind until I watched an episode of Jon and Kate plus Eight. They had their children paint with pudding! Ah Ha! I thought to myself here is a great project to do with the kids since I have their toys were packed away. Since I had packed away most of the pots, I bought some Jello pudding cups,(yes I spent the money on the expensive stuff, not the store's off brand, but we were going to do this right!) Anyway, Lavinia and Liam had a blast.

Here are the instructions:

-Buy pudding in your child's favorite flavor. (I guarantee you will be dipping your finger in too!)

-Thick paper like construction paper.

-A place that can be easily cleaned. (Outdoors is great or the kitchen table)

-Have your bath items ready. Clear a straight pathway to the bathroom. Little hands love to touch other places on their way to the bath, even if you tell them, "Do not touch anything with your pudding hands!" They will do it just to see the cause and effect of how pudding looks on your couch, wall, piano etc.

*A tip: if you are outdoors, hose them down out there. If not, do not fill up the bathtub, first rinse down the children first to get the excess of them.

-Lay down your paper. Give each child a tablespoon of pudding on the paper. I added two tablespoons, one chocolate, one vanilla. Make sure your children's hands are washed, and let them use their hands to create.

-When done, lay the creations somewhere they can dry. Try not to let them lay flat, the moisture will cause the paper to stick to a table. You can hang them, or drape them over something. If you do lay them flat, put newspaper or more paper under them.

**Warning*** This activity is not for the faint of heart! If you hate messes, or are remotely Obsessive Compulsive, then this activity is not for you! : )

This is inevitable, fingers just cannot get the creamy goodness into the mouth fast enough!

Overcoming the plague of Boxes!

For those who are wondering, we are all moved in. Well,with the exception of my 150 pound concrete Fairy. Brian has been dreading moving her from our old garden.
The move went well, despite the extreme heat, lack of the bigger U-Haul truck, and some of our "crew" with physical limitations. But, we did it!
We pretty much have everything in order and unpacked. However, there is still some boxes here and there. Each day is a good day if I can unpack and pitch a box. Despite my effort to purge before we moved, I still look at things and think, "Why did I save this again?" I wonder why do we have so much stuff? If you think about it, our ancestors only had what they could carry on them. Look at the pioneers, they did not need a Uhaul with multiple trips back and forth. I told Brian I think it would be cool if we could just fill the bed of a pick up truck with our things and go. O.k. I am back to reality, life is good. We love our little cottage house and love being able to walk to my Mom and Keith's house. My sister lives a few blocks away and church is literally 5 minutes away. We have also realized how quiet it is here. The first few nights I could not sleep. There was no ghetto sounds, train whistles, or gunshots in the distance. Now we all sleep sound. Lavinia does not even get up at 1 a.m. any more. Life is good.

Moving, Ugh!

Brian and I decided to find another home for us. I am very excited for this move, I love the new house, the fact that I can purge the old and start fresh is a very calming for me. However, we have been in this home for six years and honestly I forgot what it was like to purge, pack, and move.
Let me explain:

1. I purge alot. I mean my friends tell me my house is "always so clean and organized." Well, most of the time it is. Despite the occasional Lego, socks, books and Dora items, I keep things together. I have the motto, "if you have not used it, or worn it in a year, GET RID OF IT!"

2. Packing... this is where I am at the moment. I loathe packing. I hate having to use boxes, of course I am using recycled boxes from UHaul, (Here the $ falling out of my purse?) My sister has brought a ton of boxes from work too, but I still need more. Maybe I did not purge enough? Inevitably I have a fight with packing tape. I always have it fold on me, stick to me or run out in the middle of a tape line. Not to mention when it sticks to my nails it takes off my "Mani."
But shall we not forget the hardest part of all, the children! They get into everything I am packing, pulling things out, grabbing scissors, and then when they are finished with that chaos, they turn on each other like a pack of wild dogs. So, like the prepared Mom/teacher I am, I have a bag of tricks. I have things for them to do while I pack. But alas, they only stay at the activity for an average 15 minutes and it is back on! Ugh!
So I take what I can get, packing whan and what I can.

3. Move...well that has yet to happen, we'll let you know how that goes. All I know is Brian just started a new job, I start school on the 25th, Avin starts the 26th, and I have to move by the 31. I am trying to optimistic...(Sigh)

Sleepy, Sleepy Boy

Yesterday Brian was sitting in front of the entertainment center going through and listening to some old music he found. Liam crawled up on Bri's lap and just cuddled down. He had his "Ninny" and "Woobie, Blank, Blank" with him. I heard Liam ask Brian to cover him up and tickle his arm. Next thing we knew he fell asleep despite Creed and Stryper playing loudly right next to him.
I could not believe it. This really brought us back to the "old days" when he was just a little baby and we could hold him all the time. Now he is a Rip Roarin' 2 1/2 year old always on the go! Brian and I took a "heart picture" to remember this always.
And yes, despite all that we do, Liam's hair always stands up like a bird. He has been like that since birth. Poor baby!

Devin Rocks!

Our sweaty Drummer Boy!



Devin on the Drums


"Tyler Do not Drop me!"



A Motley Crew!

The hard work paid off! Last nights show was a crowd pleaser despite the fact that alot of the crowd were friends and family! Of course they band is a "work in progress" and my garage and our ears will never be the same. I love that Devin is so dedicated. Honestly watching him last night made our hearts swell with love. He is such a beautiful talented son. Brian was watching him and leaned into me and said "you know our son is a very talented drummer." It was I think his first realization that Devin can make it in anything he wants to do.

Yes, it is the elusive teenage son.

Devin Thomas Justice-Dreier the most amazing kid I know! I have been blessed to have him in my life and be able to call him "my son." He has been a wonderful addition to my family and we know he has great and wonderful things ahead of him. So what has he been up too? Alot! Keep reading!

I was looking through my past blogs when I realized that there is nothing much about Devin on here. How can we be "Dreierpartyofsix" and not have him on here? As you see by the title of this blog, he is the ever elusive son. What can I say he is17 and heading into his senior year in high school. The BIG finish! It does not help that Devin hates, I mean hates getting his photo taken and will at all cost avoid it. Sigh! He must get that from Brian.
So here is to the most talented, loving seventeen year old boy you will ever meet. He is the keeper of the peace, the big brother, and the son with much to offer.

Devin has inherited his talent for music from Brian and Grandpa Morgan. There is a very strong genetic trait for being able to pick up an instrument and "get" the music. Devin started with playing music when he was ten years old. He sat on the PowWow drum with Dad and the guys. He decided in sixth, seventh and eighth grade to play the flute in band. Not a traditional instrument for a guy, but we do not believe in "gender stereotypes." Sophomore year he joined the drum line. He is definitely a born drummer. You do not see Devin without him tapping his fingers to the beat he is creating in his head. He got his own drum set for Christmas almost two years ago.

Almost a year ago, Devin picked up the guitar and Bass. He just sits down and plays around and plays, and plays! Now he is in a band, and has played in a public venue for an all age show. Practice happens in our garage, so do not be surprised if you hear hard core death alternative metal when you stop by. With school starting soon Devin will be very busy with Band, his band, school and getting ready for life. Hopefully he is still planning on serving a mission too.

Here are the guys! Devin, Tyler, Mike and T. J. who make up "13th Hour" This Saturday is their second show at a local all age show place. I cannot wait to see their hard work pay off!