Busy Mom of 5

My oldest daughter, Danyel, just had a birthday. She turned 17, I do not know where all the time goes.

On August 26, 17 years ago, I had the sweetest little girl. She was 6 weeks premature and only weighed 5 pounds 7 ounces. She was so small and fragile. I didn’t to even hold her til she was 3 days old. I was so scared for her. I had sugar diabetes while I was pregnant with her. This hurt her and caused her meconium plug to enlarger adn therefore she could not pass it.  She started throwing up her bowels and she got 3 ulcers from trying so hard. I coud tell at that very moment she was a fighter and would not be giving up easily. She was sent to a near by children’s hospital for 11 days. With many rectal temperture checks and a few light ran up we were able to help her pass the plug. Atthis point they has stopped feeding her a bottle and had supplimented with IV’s. She had to be taught to eat from a bottle. It took so long for her to even eat 2 ounces. They wanted her to eat every 2 housr and he literally took her that long to get the 2 ounces down. She lost weight and she was down to 4 pounds 8 ounces. After a lot of prayer and work with her she finally got the hang of it and gained weight. When she weighed 5 pounds they said we could take her home. When she was 2 weeks old we finally got to take our sweet little baby girl home for the first time. We were so happy and felt so blessed that we had a beautiful little Danyel home at last.

Danyel has proved to me that she is truly a strong person and as the years have passed by us she proves it daily. I know that God sent her to me for a reason. Without Danyel in my life I honestly do not think I could have made it to where I am today. I am no where as strong as she is and I have leaned on her so many times. As I look back at it all now I know that without her there is no way I could have done it without her being there. Sometimes she didn’t do anything but just be there for me. She didn’t even know that she was and still is such a big part of me getting through what ever the situation may have been. I draw strength from her as we go through life. I didn’t realize I was until right here right now as I write this. It’s funny how God allows us to do and see things and until years later we finally open our eyes and see how truly great God is to us. I haven’t done much in life to brag about or to get recognized for. But I do feel like God gave me each one of my children for one reason or another. And with Danyel it was so I could make it through this world with her by my side so I could use her strength. She has touched so many lives and she doesn’t even know it. She now is a senior in high school and already has plans to start college in the Spring semester. She wants to become a neonatal nurse and I could not think of anything else better that she can do. I feel all those sick babies that Danyel will work with will also draw from her strength and get better faster. I believe God has a great plan in store for Danyel and she will be something BIG one day.

Danyel,

I love you and although you don’t even know how much you have helped me through all you have, I just want to say THANK you. You are truely a blessing from God and I thank him everyday for you. I feel so blessed out of all the families God could have given you to, he choose this one family right here. You are special to each of us in our own way. You are the solid rock foundation of our family. I want you to know how proud I am of you and I know you are going some where in you life and as you already have you will continue to touch and be such a blessing to others. I hope you enjoyed your birthday with the family. Just like you wanted it to be. I love you Danyel, always and forever.

Love, MOM

How many of you just LOVE Breyers Ice Cream? Well it’s a BIG hit here at our house. You can NEVER be to old for ice cream. If you ever get tired of one flavor you have soooo many other tasty floavors to choose from. Here at our house, having such a big family and many creative ideas, we love to create ice cream sundaes. Breyers is in search of ice cream sundae recipes including 10 or fewer ingredients through September 13, 2010. Byerers is giving the winner  a chance to win $10,000, a trip to Chicago featuring a private cooking lesson with renowned pasty Chef Gale Gand and one year of FREE Breyers  ice cream. The sundae recipe entries will be judged on taste, creativity, use of Breyers ice cream and presentation. For more information and to enter just visit Breyers. Be sure to follow Breyers on facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: I am a part of a blgger promotion of behalf of Breyers. I may recieve products as a result of this post but I wanted to share with you about this great contest and its always great to hear about good ole ice cream by Breyers.

I have had major computer issues with in the last month and finally today I have my laptop fixed. Our family desktop computer crocked over I was sure I would be fine having my laptop, well 2 days later my laptop would not work. I was so upset. Not having the money to get either fixed I thought well I will use the DD laptop, only trouble with was she has done something to her internet options and I could not get on my WordPress account. I was so upset and just didn’t know what to do. I tried everyday to figure out what the problems were with her laptop and of course I never figured it out. So DH decided he would just send in my laptop and see what was the problem before we put more money into it. I already have over $600.00 in it with purchasing it and then programs I have bought. Well they called today and said it was fixed and it was the port. They had said it was very important that you always have your laptop sitting on a hard surface when charging it. The weight of the power cord is just to much for those small ports and ha also said it was one of the biggest problems he has seen in laptops. So I want to give each of you some advice before this happens to you and you have to pay out $130.00 to get it fixed. Please always have your laptop sitting on a hard surface of any kind while charging it. Even if you have to use it while it is charging be sure there is no weight or pressure of any kind being put on the plug-in port. It’s that simple and I have learned my lesson. I hope this helps some of you from any laptop port issues. Thanks for reading and enjoy your day.

We have been having so much fun this summer with the kids. We started off by taking the kids to Lakewood Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC. We love to expereince the great outdoors at the beach. We purchased the from Kmart the,  Coleman Canyon Ranch 10 person tent. The tent to say the least, was such a great purchase. There was so much room 19 ft by 12 ft 7.5 ft center, and we where not crowded at all. There are 3 rooms in the tent with dividers to separate each room. The tent even comes with a LED light, now how sweet is that? This particular tent came with a small 4D energy pack with carry case. The pack works with Coleman CPX rechargeable battery pack system. The energy pack can also charge most cell phones, personal music players, and other USB compatible electronics. We had 3 queen mattresses, 1 twin Coleman cot, and 1 twin mattress with room to spare. It’s a super nice tent for any family size big or small. We love it and we are very pleased that we purchased this tent. 5 Stars

The fun just started with the sweet tent, the family loves the beach and as a parent, I love the many different things that Lakewood Campground has to offer.  The offer an affordable way for the whole family to have fun. You can purchase Family Value Fun Pass Package $15 + tax daily fee per campsite or villa that allows you to do a number of things unlimited:

• The HIPPO slide, the world’s largest inflatable water slide
• Water Wars, the inter-active water balloon sling shot game
• Mini-golf – 18 holes
• Kayaks and canoes – 1/2 hour
• Pedal boats – 1/2 hour
• Bicycle rentals – 1 hour - deposit required

So as you can see there are many activities that are included in the Family Value Fun Pass package. So if your kids get board easily there are many other activities to move on to. There is also a huge swimming pool with a super cool slide. The slide is nestled in between rocks so it looks like a huge mountain and the kids get to slide right down the center into the cold pool. There is also a indoor pool and hot tub if it was to rain. You have access to half a mile of white sandy beach just waiting for you to come play in. You can’t go wrong by staying at Lakewood. They are all super nice people and their campground is always clean and they are willing to help you with any problem you may have. All the bath houses are clean. Showers and toilets have always been sparkling clean. I feel very safe there and I have no problems leaving my campsite wondering if my items will be there when I return. Everyone around you set up on neighboring campsites have always been nice and friendly. Lakewood is an all around great place for your next family vacation. So if your thinking of an affordable vacation with lots to do, check out Lakewood Campground Resort. If you are in need for a great tent consider Coleman Canyon Rance 10 person tent from Kmart.

Here is a little something Amber put together for my dad. She was asked to write an essay about her hero and she wrote about my dad. I loved it so much and she wrote right from her heart and I feel that is the best kind of writing.  Enjoy…..
For My Grandpa
By: Amber Miller

You’re an amazing man. I’ve always believed that, and I still do to this day. I believe we underestimate people sometimes, but with you, you are the greatest man on Earth. Always willing to help in anyway you can. I look up to you and believe in you. You’re my hero Paw-Paw, and no matter what may happen, also know I love you with all my heart and soul. I don’t know what I’d do without you in my life. Wouldn’t be the same without you. I still remember all the times I used to stay the night with you and Nana over the summers. I’d be over there every chance I could, I loved spending time with you, and still do. I miss going fishing at the pond with you, having you teach me what I should and shouldn’t do. Teaching me how to be patient and wait for the bite to come to me. I still remember the time you were singing to me in the car and we laughed and had a great time, it was the first time I’d ever heard you sing. I’ll cherish all of those memories we’ve shared till the end of forever. I believe God placed you here to make a difference in my life, to shape and mold me into the person I am today. I couldn’t thank the good Lord enough for giving you to me. I am so blessed to have a grandpa like you. You’re so caring and loving, sweet and understanding. You make my life worth living. I’m so proud to call you my Paw-paw. Mom showed me some pictures from when I was little and me and you are sitting on a bench drinking Coca Cola from a straw, and when I was in pageants and you and Nana were there supporting me, and from way back in the good days on grandparents day in kindergarten you guys had came to eat with me. I remember how you used to sneak me candies when momma wasn’t looking, and give me ice cream when Nana had said no. All those little things I remember the most. And what makes them so special is that only you could do them. You and Nana are the one’s that mean the most to me, I’d be so lost without you guys. I love you Paw-Paw, forever.

As a mom of 5 children, you would think that I would love to be away from them at some point and time. Well that is not the case here in our house. I love spending time with my children and love the great fun we have together. I am well aware that my time with them will soon be over with. They grow up so fast and leave the home in a blink of an eye. I will not be a good empty nester. We love to camp, swim, fish, go hiking, play games, have cookouts, picnics, watch movies, and the best thing of all pile up in mom and dad’s king size bed and snuggle together. Even my older daughters to. I sure know I am taking as much as I can get and doing as much as I can with them before they are all gone. I realize they will still be around when they do grow up and move out but it just won’t be the same as it is now. So don’t take your days with your children for granite. Give them as many hugs, as much love, and tons of kisses to those babies while you still can, because they do grow up in a blink of an eye. Plus all the fun family memories give them something to smile about when they are grown up.

With having such a big family and on a budget we checked for several months what we can afford to do and fun doing it. Well I found the perfect spot, Yogi-Bear’s Jellystone Camping Resort . We decided it would be a great place to take a family to have lots of fun and the kids will not get bored. There are many things that can be don’t at Yogi-Bear’s Camping resort, to name a few, putt-putt, arcade room, swimming, fishing, 300 foot water slide, and so much more. So as u can see there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy together. If you stay for a week all these activities are all included. So you just can’t go wrong by staying at Yogi-Bear’s Camping Resort. The owners and people who work there are so nice and they all are all about making you as happy and comfortable as possible. I heard one of the workers on the phone telling a visitor we treat our guest like family. And they really do. I decided to take the boys and my mother to Yogi-Bear’s Camping Resort this past Sunday just to relax by the pool and play on the slide. It was awesome. If you can’t make it for a week or even over night it is a great place to go and unwind and take a break from everyday life. You don’t have to worry about anything there. Just sit back and relax and take in the sweet sun and good mountain air. I am so thankful that we found this place and it WILL be a family place for us to go weather for a day or a week, you will find my family hanging out at Yogi-Bear’s Jellystone Camping Resort . Thank you Yogi-Bear’s Camping Resort for being such great people and treating your costumers so welcome. You have life long costumers in us. Happy Camping everyone!!!

We have a large family and a tight budget and are trying super hard to figure out what  can do as a family together. We really feel its something for families of our size to do is spend some type of vacation time together. Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions that would be helpful for a large family on a budget? Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions. Have a safe and happy vacation with your family this summer.

How do I do it is a question that I get asked over and over. I wanted to write a blog about that question. I am the mom to 5 wonderful children. I have also had the privilege to help raise 3 of dear hubby’s granddaughters. On top of that I have several girls that call me their 2nd mom. I would like to write about all these special people in my life then maybe that will answer that question.

Being a mom has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life. Better than any award or achievement that I could have ever accomplished. I sit and think to myself how blessed I am that God has allowed me and entrusted me with these 5 precious souls into my care. I think about how the heart of just one person can handle all the love I have for all 5 of my children. It’s sometimes so hard to phantom all the love that I feel, but not only love there is also the other feelings and emotions that go along of being a parent. As most moms, I have been down the road of heartache and sorrows. Not knowing how a bill will get paid or where the next meal will come from, but I have always seemed to make it. I’ve been a mom for over 19 years now and not once has my family went without.  Believe me there were times that all I could think of was to just give up, but I never once did. I just kept going and moving forward no matter how hard it was. I just kept thinking God didn’t allow me to have these children in my care to just give up on them. So that was my motivation. No matter how hard the situation or haw hard the circumstance I kept going. I have to say that my children have also been such and inspiration to me as well. They have taught me a thing or two along the way, and I am very proud to say that I have learned from them. It helps me to know that one day they will have children of their own and will be great parents themselves.

My dear hubby has 3 beautiful grand daughters. Olivia 6, Leah 5, and Breanna 4. They call me Ne-Ne and ohh how that swells my heart when I hear those cute little girls call me that. I feel so blessed to have been able to help their mother’s out by watching them and being able to be there when they needed me. I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like and I miss them very much. When I do see them I have them and my kids and go with my head held high. Feeling as blessed as I can to be allowed into their lives. Some will look at me and think what the heck is she thinking having all those kids. I look at it as a blessing and honor to be able to be a small part of their little life. It’s such a sweet experience to be a grand parent. I have to say I do love it.

As my children grow up they bring their friends over to our house and I have grown close to several of my daughter and sons friends. All these girls call me 2nd mom and they come to me about boys other girls, just life problems in general. I love being able to be here for each of them. I have watched all these girls grow up from middle school girls to young ladies. Each unique and special in their own way. I can go for weeks even moths without talking to them and still get a text or a message saying I miss you and I love you very much. Those few words have such an impact on my heart. I just love each of them and I am very proud of each of them as if they were my own. AA ES HH MS

So to answer the question How do I do it. I just do it, I don’t think about it. It just comes naturally for me. I try hard not to think about how I do it. If I did I may just break down. I know all I take on is more than the average person, but it is just right for me. God has allowed each of these special children to be in my life and no matter the outcome of each of them. I know that some how some where I have played a important part in their life and I would never take it back for all the money in the world. My reward is just seeing each of them turning into the people that they are and watching them grow into the great people that they are. I hope this helps you in some way and answers the question how do you do it.

Thanks for reading hope you enjoyed it.

I have one of the sweetest little boys out there. I know every mom feels that way about her children but I really feel blessed that God choose me to raise my sweet baby boy. I’ll start from the beginning. In 1999 I was on birth control pills. I already had 4 wonderful children, 2 boys and 2 girls the youngest was 10 months old. Pretty balanced family I thought. Well in November 1999, I woke up feeling sick to my stomach and I knew immediately that I was pregnant. Two weeks later it was confirmed I was indeed pregnant. At first I was like OMG how are we going to do it, we already have 4 kids. I was so depressed for several days. Then I was like well you know God gave me this baby and he is entrusting me and my husband with this special baby. So from that day forward I had a new outlook on it. My concerns then went to the birth control pills I had taken, will that affect him in any way. I started those worrying thought from that moment on. During my pregnancy I was so sick I was on many medications. I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. I had preterm labor on four different occasions. I had strep A and B and that was a call for many medicines while I was in the hospital. I had to be on bed rest for the last month. I swelled up so horribly bad with him. I kept thinking for his to be my 5^th pregnancy I was experiencing a totally different one with him. Finally the day came and I had him 7LBS 10 OZS 22 inches long. I was scared he would be affected by all the medicines that had been passed through his little body. All looked good at first and they sent us home all happy and smiles. By the time he was 3 weeks old he had started being croupy and I took him to the doctor and he said it’s nothing don’t worry about it. Well I wasn’t happy about all that but what else do you do. He did get better just to get sick again. His tear ducts were stopped up, ear infections came and went, and his croup kept returning. By the time he was ten months old he had already had 24 ear infections and the croup 8 times. I went to another doctor to find out he needed tubes in his ears tear duct unstopped and had asthma. I was devastated to hear all the news the doctor told us but we took one step at a time and had surgeries and got his asthma under control. I was scared about his learning abilities at his point. He was on so much medicine by the time he was 2. The doctors continued to tell me he was fine and he would grow up with no issues. I could tell as he was getting older that he was delayed in learning, speaking, and he was having a hard time walking. The doctors still kept saying he is fine some kids just develop later than others. Well he started school and it was obvious that he was not keeping up and something was wrong with him. I changed doctors and battled with the school system for 4 years to get Tanner the help he needed. He was sent to a psychiatrist and they diagnosed him with a learning disability and adolescent anxiety, he also has O.S.D., and A.D.D. He is on 9 different medicines. I feel so guilty; I feel that Tanner’s problems stem back from all the medicines I was on. I do not know this for sure but I still think about it in the back of my mind. To look at Tanner you would never even know anything was wrong with him. But as a parent I knew from the beginning that something just wasn’t right with him. God has blessed me by giving Tanner to me. He is so close to me and still loves to sleep with me and cuddles with me. I love all of that. He is now in the fourth grade and after fighting the school system all these years I finally have Tanner’s curriculum set with Tanner’s ability. He made B honor role last nine weeks for the first time ever. He still struggles but we make learning as fun as possible for him. He has had 2 really great teachers the last two years and they have helped me push for a curriculum so Tanner can achieve good grades. It has been a long process but we finally reached it. Tanner is such a blessing he has a hug for everyone he comes in contact with he always has something nice to say to everyone. He tries to help anyone he can. He loves to help others as much as he can. He still struggles with some things. He is not a leader he always wants to follow behind, but that’s okay with me as long as he is participating I am happy and so is he. He stars therapy in April for his O.C.D. (he feels that certain things will hurt him he is scared of a lot of things such as, thunder storms, airplanes, hitting his head on the floor ect.) and his anxiety. He thinks that he will die all the time over the silliest little things. I can’t even begin to think where he comes up with the things he does but somehow he thinks of the craziest things. He is now on medicine and it has helped him so much but I want him to learn how to deal with these issues. I don’t want him to have to be on medicines his whole life. He is so smart on computers. That is his strong point. He can figure out just about any kind of puzzle or code to many many games. I tell him all the time how proud I am of him and he just beams me that sweet smile he has and my heart melts. I know God has a purpose here on this Earth for Tanner, I am not sure what but I know it is something and he will be great at whatever it is. I know he has been a blessing to so many already just in his little life. I know there are other families out there that have their special little ones, and you know exactly where I am coming from. I thank God for bringing those few people who have helped and supported me with Tanner’s educational needs. Thank you so much, you know who you are. If any of you reading has their special needs child and would like to share with me please do so , I’d love to hear your story. You can comment or e-mail me at busymomof_5@yahoo.com. Thank you for reading and God bless each of you.

My sweet Tanner