5 words you NEVER want to hear from your kids.

"Mom, Look what I found"

THis blog was supposed to be about the last few days. So here is a short synopsis.
Thursday and Friday were both spent with me at the school. We were supposed to make about 500 cookies for the kids that were getting to go skating, Our principal had got 4 boxes of otis spunkmeir (sp) cookies and we had borrowed the ovens. They each cook 3 dozen cookies at a time, for 18 minutes. We had it down to the minute on how long it would take. And I knew exactly how many to put in each of the 8 tin pans that we had bought.

Then the time came and went and the pans were overflowing, with another box to go. Finally I called the 800 number on the box. She told me 105 cookies per box. Not the 150 that we were told. That was NOT good news, we had promised each kid 2 cookies! But then I heard her say 3oz cookies. Ours were 1.33 oz cookies, so I asked again. OH, there are 240 cookies in each of those boxes.

Luckily this lady was not offended by salty language. As a matter of fact she was laughing so hard she couldnt speak. a THOUSAND cookies, give or take 40. No wonder it was 3:00 before we were done! We only had about 5 dozen left at this point. So why stop now?

Then on Friday it was Carnation day. We wrapped, water pic'd, beribboned and delivered 200 carnations to the kids.

Matt had said weeks ago that he wanted his to go to Laney, this little girl is the daughter of my best friend from High School, and the reason we have Rayley. He has been in love with her off and on since he was 4.
Then she started 'going with' his friend, so he changed girls, then they broke up, Then he changed girls again, so's not to hurt his friends feelings, then he went back when Laney told him that they were 'going together' again. But, this didnt happen till Thursday. Come to find out, his teacher didnt even let him give her the carnation. She didnt give them their flowers till the bell was ringing, and they couldnt go and find their recipeients. He was broken hearted.


On Saturday we went and planted taters. We got most of them planted, but still had some to go. Uncle Gerald was going to see if a cousin wanted the taters, but his feilds are underwater. So he came up to the corn patch where BR was plowing and mentioned it. We ended up putting in 2 more rows. about 70 feet long.


The small tater feild its only 8 rows



The old and the new. This is BR and Uncle Gerald. BR stop working on my corn feild long enough to break up the tomatoe patch.


This is about half or 3/4 of my corn feild. save the last two rows. Those are in taters. and 80 days from now we will be diggin them up! WHOO-HOO!!


This is Brett driving the Mule in from the fields, Notice the death grip my grandfather has? I think he took the turn on 2 wheels.



Sunday we started to look at where we were going to put the coop. While we were measuring it we were trying to do a 10x10 pen. We measured 10 feet out, 10 feet down the hog fence, then 10 feet out, and 10 feet back to the first 10 feet out. Then we did the diagnal. one was 13.6 feet, the other 14.6. We did everything we could think of. It just wouldnt come together. we knew their was a formula. But couldnt come up with it.
The Pythagorean Theorem was kickin our butts. Finally we came in and fired up the trusty internet to get the formula. a2 + b2 = c2. And then we knew 14.1 feet was our answer. I will admit, I called my grandfather, the engineer for a little help. He got out his calculator and was able to help.

Once we got the places marked I fiqured that we should go ahead and dig those holes. So, I got the post hole diggers and started. Fiquring that BR wouldnt let me do it and take it from me. I was wrong. I managed to dig that entire hole. Does the word MO-RON ring a bell?

He did dig the others.

We did each one then set the post. While we were working on it, my darling kids came running up, They were carrying a jacket all balled up. And screaming "Guess what we found!?" "yeah mom!! Can we keep it?!!"

There was the moment of sheer terror. I felt my stomache drop, my palms began to sweat, and I stuttered "what is it?"

Out popped a crawfish. They had been down in the drain playin in the mud. And had- acording to them- chased that thing all over. Now, I much prefer my craw fish in a pot of boiling water, but dont freak out when I see one. I was just glad it wasnt another snake.


When you cant find your kids, look up.



The crawfish in its new home- I am sure its thrilled.

Even Rayley was in on the action. I told them that they could put him in the empty fish tank that the crab used to be in.

We got everything set, and I came in and started crunching the numbers on getting the materials needed. I might not can do the pythagorean theorem off the top of my head, but I can fiqure out how to get a 10X5 wall, two 4X5 sides and all the chicken boxes out of 4 4X8 sheets of OSB.

And how to make the most out of the other lumber I needed.

Today I didnt really want to go to town, but we were out of milk. And a few other things. Plus, I may as well go ahead and get the lumber too. I didnt want to, but dang. Then while I was still on the fence about going in today, or waiting until tomorow when I go in for the 'coffee with the superentendant, a mystery shopping company called, a hardware store in town needed a shop done. and the bonus was 25.00! that sealed the deal. I decided to go in today. BUT the kids (who I kept out today since it was Presidents day) were down at the drain again! I called them up with the truck alarm. Matt came in first, and tried to hide at the door, then run past me.

I stopped him and told him I KNEW they were in mud, just to get dressed. We were going to town. I was going to get ready while Bow was asleep and NOT to wake him.
BRett was next. He had a little less mud. Matt was muddy plumb up to his thighs. and his boots were full of water. Brett was just muddy to the knees and his boots were soaking wet.

Then came in the princess. Hot pink pants, suede boots (that she is NOT allowed to wear to play in) and a T shirt. She was not only soaking wet, but mud was all the way to her hair!

Finally I got them dressed. Then it was time to hook up the trailer. Brett tries, and one day I will have to show him the proper way to back someone up to a trailer. Finally I decided I was close enough and just pushed the trailer the 4 inches to get it on the ball and off we went. 2 hours at the hardware store, part of which included mixing two cans of paint, cause the first one was HOT pink, then purple. FINALLY I got a somewhat barn red. Plus a trip to another for some boards that were half the price, and another to Tractor Supply, for my wire (half price from the hardware store... major shocker!)

Then we had to go grocery shopping. Oh, did I mention I had all 4 kids? Bow was SOOO good.

I was actually so wanting to get home, OH and it was raining and I had UNTREATED OSB on the trailer, I didnt even use coupons.

So, when we got home I grabbed up the tarp, threw it on the trailer, and we unloaded all the groceries. It wasnt much. I just got the bare essentials.

I came in and started supper. Fried Chicken, Fried Okra, mashed taters and corn on the cob. Not the kind of supper you want to cook when you have been in town for 7 hours with 4 kids. BUT, it was what I had ready to go.

While I was cooking the kids busted in the house, They had been outside playing while I cooked and Bow screamed at my feet.
"mom, we have a small problem"
"what?"
"Duke and Darla are out at the fence barking and after something"
"well I am frying okra, I cant do anything right now"
They went back out and I got to the point of being able to set the grease off the fire, so I walked out. I could hear Darla raising a fuss.
I asked where the dogs were.
"down by the highway"
our fence runs on the side of the highway, and the dogs can go through the fence. Duke isnt bad about getting on the road, he has done it once, and got ran over. I mean SMOOTH over. by a doulley and a tandem axel trailer. He was fine. I dont know how. But I saw it, waiting on the kids to get off the bus. It was so scary. I mean I have had this dog since before I had kids. Matter of fact, BR got him when I was told I could never have kids.

So, I started to freak out a little. If they are after something, they have no sense. Then BRett hollered that it was just Darla, Duke was with them.


I told them to go and fetch Darla. See what she was barking at, and bring her home.

About 10 minutes later, Matt busts in the door.
"We lost the trail of it, but look at this cool feather I found!"
"get that OUT of my house. I am cooking and its nasty!"
"its a buzzard feather and I wanta keep it"
"I KNOW what it is! GET IT OUT!!"

So, he sulked and then hid it in his room.

Next thing I know, while I am shoveling breaded okra into hot splattering grease, with a screaming kid under my feet and Rayley on a stool trying to 'oblsarve' and 'learn how to cook'; the door busts open and in comes Brett.

"I found what Darla was chasing!" He said, while holding a black blob.
I looked harder. It had a HUGE beak, and it was OPEN.
"GET THAT OUT OF MY HOUSE!"
"buutttt mom...."
"OUT! NOW!"

So he walked back out.

Then it dawned on me. the CAMERA!
so I ran to get it.
ran out the door and he was letting it go.
*disclaimer* there were some other words in there that I didnt repeat here.

I mean how often does your wonderful and loving son, the one you have borne, raised and have high hopes for, bring a freaking GROWN buzzard into your house?

a LIVE, GROWN, VERY PISSED buzzard?


When asked how in the hell one catches a buzzard, Brett answered "I just jumped on it"


When asked why did you catch it, cause I thought he had more sense than that I got "you never told me not to catch a buzzard"

As a logical and therorizing human, I just assumed that there were certain things you dont have to TELL someone. Apparently I was wrong.

I fiqured it was hurt, I mean no kid can catch a buzzard, but still. what kid would want to?


I dread what they come up with next. I really do.


*edited to add*

I got up to get something to eat and look at what I saw about 10 feet from my window.

So, being the idiot I am, I ran outside - barefoot- to get you some pics.
I couldnt get with in 20 feet of it. I have no CLUE how that idiot caught it.


And let me tell you, this thing is UGLY. and menacing. *shiver*

look at this beak. It could tear you LIMB from LIMB! he was carrying this thing against his chest. with its head by his head. He is lucky to have a NOSE!

I am telling you- this thing is evil! Look at the beak.

You lost WHAT?

I had to be at the school at 8 this morning, so as soon as the boys left I started getting ready. Rayley was getting to go to daycare, she LOVES daycare. LOL And Bow was going with me.

I went first and did a fast food shop. Got paid 20 bucks plus reimbursement. Not bad for 10 minutes. :)

I got to the school and we worked on the yearbook ALL day. seriously. we quit at 3. After that I decided I needed to go to walmart. But first I went and got my hair cut. I had all 4 kids, but I just NEEDED a hair cut. I cant help it. I just NEED a good hair cut to feel good. I think I might even do my nails. I havent done them in well over a year. I have had nails since I was 15. But I just quit doing it.

anyway, the kids were fairly good while I got my hair cut. I was impressed. And so were the other ladies. Brett and Matt took turns holding Bow, or reading to Rayley and they were very polite the whole time.
As we were leaving a woman that I recognized from around town but couldnt place was standing there. She said, "hey, its the Byerly Boys!" OH NO! now strangers are recognizing them! Is there a wanted poster I didnt know about??
She asked them how their grandma was, how old BOw was, and told Rayley that she was just a beautiful young lady. She also told me that there was no denying they were Byerlys! I agree'd. :)

After the hair cut I decided that we should go on and get a bill of groceries. When we arrived I put Bow in his sling and Rayley in the cart. The boys each got a pocket. Bow never even woke up and I didnt get his diaper bag. I just threw my wallet and checkbook in the buggy and my keys in one back pocket and cell phone in the other.

I got the list and in we went. I had to pick up a few things for BR and so we went to the furthest end of the store. Since Brett had his hand in the cell phone pocket he took it out and held it. Matt did the same with my keys. Rayley held the list, and kept "reading" it. According to her, all we needed was 3 differnt kinds of cookies, a barbie, some cereal, a new barbie movie, and shoes. The jingle jingle of the keys was getting on my nerve, and the constant swinging of my cell phone by the wrist band had me convinced that it would go flying across the store at any moment.

But they were being good. I heard all about their school day, heard all about Rayleys fun at daycare. Who was mean and who wasnt. What she got away with and why she needed to go back tomorrow.
As we went to get the milk, we passed the bathroom, Matts eyes lit up and he had to go. RIght then! FINE. go, but hurry. Then Rayley had to go. I needed to also, but I couldnt take the boys in with me, couldnt leave them out with the buggy, had Bow strapped to me like a 35 pound necklace and just really wanted to get done, get in the car and go home. I sent Matt in to the boys, Rayley in to the girls and stood outside. When Matt came out Brett went in. These kids JUST went like 10 minutes before. Seriously. And I cant let BRett and Matt go at the same time. They just cant be left alone like that..

Once they were ALL done we got back to shopping. Me totin that dead weight of a sleeping baby, Brett flipping open my cell phone and pretending to take pictures because he thinks it will annoy me, Matt jingiling my keys and Rayley telling me I forgot the chocolate milk on the list. ( I dont BUY chocolate milk). There are certain things I cant do with while wearing Bow, I cant bend over and pick things up, I cant get the case of water, and I cant reach above my head. (it makes taking Rayley out of the buggy very hard.)

The boys had to work together to get the case of water in the buggy. It was pretty impressive. And Rayley felt she had to direct them. It was just laughable.

The kids gave me meal ideas, I vetoed cereal for supper and made a few enemies when I switched from koolaide jammers to hugs juice. (cheaper and the tops dont break off as easy and spill in the backpack). But they did get BBQ sandwiches for supper tonight. So they were happy.

When we got outside we started loading the 247.00 worth of NOTHING in the truck and Matt opened the doors to the truck. We got it all loaded up and I got in. I got Bow buckeled in, Rayley in her seat and her seatbelt on, turned on Monsters Inc, made sure the boys were also secure and everyone had a snack. I tried to make sure everything was where it was supposed to be so I could find it when I needed it. wallet, checkbook, found the Dr Pepper I had bought. counted the kids, made sure the few light weight items were in the front seat with us.

I asked Matt for the keys. he had NO idea what I was talking about. I told him I needed the keys to the truck. He said I had them.
UHHH NO, I dont.
well since the truck was started I DID have them.
NO, I keep a key in the ignition at all times, I tote a key fob, ignition key and door key with me. That way I can lock the truck, but if I loose them I am not screwed. There is also a few stuck UNDER the truck for good measure. But my alarm fob, keys, and a keychain that I tote were NOT here.
He is still puzzled.

I really didnt want to unload all the kids to go in and see if the MO-ROn had laid them down somewhere. I tried to remember where we were when the jingiling stoped. But I was drawing a blank. So I called walmart, got put through to customer service and asked them if someone had turned in some keys. ( I LOVE cell phones!!)
"Customer Service"

yes, did someone turn in some keys? they had a black fob, 4 keys---- ( I dont know what else they go to. 2 for the truck, the others I have no clue)--
a what?
a FOB, the alarm thingy, 4 ke---
and an orange keychain?
yes, there is one. its 4 keys, a fob and-----
the key chain says "Keys I havent lost yet?"
yes, thats them.
Well I guess you have lost them.
GGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRR
NO I havent. I know RIGHT where they are.
I told her I was going to send in my son to get them.
How will I know its your kid? cant you just come in?
NO, I just put a 3 year old, 3 month old, 7 year old and 9 year old in the truck.
he will be the only one that comes in in the next 2 minutes and asks for the keys.
well.... maybe I should ask my manager..
HE can IDENTIFY the keys. and they will unlock MY truck.
OH he can?
YES. he can.
Oh, well then if you really think you cant do it, you can send him in.
Thank you.

I looked at Brett and asked him if he knew were coustomer service was?
"Isnt that the place where you take all the stuff you dont want, or thats broke, or doesnt fit?"
yep. but they dont take kids.

I walk him across the driveway, ( did I mention I got the CLOSEST spot? the very first one closest to the building?? WHOO-HOO!) and in he goes.
I told him to walk out and I would come over and pick him up. So he comes back out a few minutes later and I drove over to get him.

"well mom, guess you can throw away this keychain now, cause its a lie" NO, its NOT a lie. I didnt loose them. MATT did.

Matt STILL swears he doesnt know how the keys became lost. he had them right there in his pocket.
5 minutes ago he swore he had never touched them!

we got home and got it all unloaded. They piled it RIGHT in the doorway. you couldnt even shut the door. they even put the water ON the porch in front of the threshold and you couldnt shut the screen door!
I made them tote the bags into the kitchen.
"but thats twice the work!"
Not if you do it right the first time!
I asked them to put up the groceries while I nursed Bow. I told them where to put the meat, and to make sure they shut the freezer door. They swore they had. And yes they put the ham in the fridge not the freezer.
They swore they were done. I walked by BR's chair and there sat the 18 chicken legs, 2 pounds of pork chops and 5 pound ham.
Just for that I made them look for that 3rd gallon of milk I had bought.
They never did find it. I guess I forgot to buy it.. durn.


Tomorrow Brett starts Baseball practice at 7. I still have to buy him some cleats and a bat. And I plan on finding someone and asking why its so expensive to play ball.. Our feilds look like crap! And the sponser donates enough money to buy the uniforms.

carnations and kids

I woke up the kids at 15 till 6 this morning. Made sure they were dressed and Brett had his blanket and MP3 player all ready for school. Then I gave them their valentines cards and told them that I was going to go and get ready, they had about 20 minutes. ( it was more like 40).

I came back dressed and ready at 6:20. Matt had 6 cards done, mostly to girls. Brett had 9. Matt was goofing off and Brett had forgotten 1/2 his classmates names. I ended up having to fill out half of Matts and prompting Brett for a few more.

ONE simple task. I left them STRICT instructions and motivation to do this. I was in the other room for 20 minutes. I came back and they were each goofing off. One by making airplanes out of his other valentines, the other by looking for fish in the tank that hasnt had fish in it for months. I still had to cut up and tape 50 suckers to their cards.

Once they were gone I went out and started the truck, it was COLD this morning. Frost everywhere!, Got the baby ready, all dressed and cute. Picked him up and started out. He dirty'd his diaper. So I UNDRESSED the baby, changed him, and then left the house. I was looking forward to a fun day of talking to real adults, joking with the other moms and going to Matts school for his party at 2:30.

WHen I got to the school there were carnations everywhere and the only other person there was frantic. Come to find out the 5 that was supposed to help us had other plans. We were all alone in a room with 300 carnations and a ticking clock.


We had to cut each stem, fill the water pick thing, stick the flower in it, wrap the flowers and tie a pretty bow, Then we had to tie a personalized card on each one.

I decided then and there I should have worn MY pajama's to school too. This was going to be a LONG day.
We worked, and worked. I had left the house with one Dr Pepper and no food. I still had that same Dr Pepper and no food when I left. THe principal was nice enough to send down a few ladies at around 1:30 to help us. And one of the aides had came in around 11:00. And she was the biggest help of all. SHe picked up Bow and held him all day! This child is going to be so spoilt! LOL Every once in a while someone would stick their head in to tell me they had the baby. Every time I go up there its a fun game of musical baby. I dont mind at all. I am always willing to let someone else do the dirty work for a while, Bow LOVES it. he is the center of attention, never gets put down and flirts all day. The only ones that mind are the ones loosing him to the next player.

By the time we got the help all we had left was tying on the cards. and delivering. We finished at 2:45.
By then it was too late to get to Matts party across town so I just stuck around to bring Brett home.

The kids seemed to love PJ day. And were in high spirits. And laden with chocolate. I told Brett on the way out of the school to NOT eat it all.
We went and got Matt at my mother in laws daycare and he was toting an equaly overladen bag of candy. Not what I wanted to see.
And my dear mother in law was nice enough to have a bag for Rayley since she had missed out on valentines day parties! Oh yea, lets feel sorry for her. Cause Lord knows that chocolate doesnt make kids hyper and its so good for them.. Does noone remember the thousands I have already spent on these kids mouths because they had the misfortune to be born with my teeth?


I told the boys all the way home not to eat alot of candy. They would regret it.
They played 'matching' cards all the way home. They were trying to see who got the best ones, which ones matched, and trading for ones they liked. Candy was the same way.
The really good stuff was eaten, the icky stuff traded and the decent stuff put back for later. What wasnt traded was offered to me. I am picky about my candy and turned it all down.

Once we got home they went out to play and I came in to a very messy house. I cleaned up a little. Till I realized I was picking up more of their crap than mine. I called them in and made them pick up their own. By now Rayley was home and glad to see 'her boys'.

I got Bow to sleep and was so hungry I couldnt stand it any more. So I laid him down, got up and started making SOS. it was not 5 minutes before all the kids were in the livin room bouncing off the walls. I told them if they woke back up the baby they would have to hold him till I got done.

Brett didnt belive me. He ended up bouncing on the couch. So when Bow woke up screaming I made him take him. Bow didnt like this at all. Poor thing was so tired. All the while he was screaming, Brett was whining and they were all complaining about what I was making.
Lifes hard. I'm hungry SOS is quick and easy. But come to find out- damn if there is NO bread to put it on. I dont know why it is so hard for these people to tell me when they use all the bread. I am not going back into town to buy bread. I didnt even stop today and buy tea or Dr Pepper. I was too tired.

Since I hadnt eaten since supper last night I was about to starve to death. but with poor Bow crying, I couldnt eat yet. I made the kids plates and took Bow from Brett. He was happy to release him. But noone wanted to eat. I explained to them that since I was hungry, and wasnt getting to eat, they better enjoy it. Matt did. Brett on the other hand had a stomache ache..
Gee, I wonder why?
Rayley decided that the boys would look better wearing her food. She kept threatning to throw it at them. ( I think she did a few times while I was out of the room, but I couldnt ever find evidence. Mo-ron dog was in there.)


Once I kicked them all out of the kitchen they came in here and sat down to watch some TV with me. Brett still with a tummy ache. (HE HE HE HE HE..)
It was less than 30 minutes and both boys just got up and went to bed. I ended up having to go and look for them. They were tired. And Brett felt like he was going to puke. It wasnt even 8. Maybe that extra 15 minutes in the morning really is a good idea!! Even Rayley asked me if she could go to bed! HELL YES!

Once they went to bed, I found the candy I had taken away from them. WHOO-HOO!

So I sat down to eat their loot and check my email. BR called and we were only able to talk for a few minutes. He appologized for not getting me something. I told him I was in no way upset. I had seen all the flowers I needed to see for a LONG time, plus last time he got me roses I ended up having to write the check to pay the bill, and got a baby..

Plus, I have all the kids chocolate!

Bow hasnt woken up since 7:30 and its been so nice and quiet here. I think other than my middle son being mad for me not making it to his party, all in all, the day is a good one.

well its a good one except I have horrible indigestion from all the chocolate. My back hurts, and I am too tired to think. I havent even tried to work on my website. I know I didnt become tech savvy overnight. I think this might be a lost cause.

But I have to close with the email my dear dad sent me today. Ahhh the love is in the air.

Just thought I would let you know....I just heard from my florist that the delivery truck with YOUR Valentine's Day Roses has crashed and burned. I really was looking forward to hearing from you as to how much you really loved them and what a great person I was for being so thoughtful and remembering you on this lovely day.

Life will not be the same without them but I'm sure you can visualize just how beautiful they were before being trapped in the raging inferno.

Please don't hold it against me for someone elses ineptness. They were sent with Love so at least you still have that. Love you T


yep, I can feel the love. and the indegestion. Luckily, I can also feel the heating pad.