Thanks Giving and B day

Just a quick update, thanksgiving was super. We had great company and food. The girls were a huge help cooking and cleaning up. I had a sandwich that night, my first one since March!
My birthday was horrible. One thing after another went wrong and I made some very poor choices. I am working now to get my life back in order, I think I just lost my way a little. For those who know what I am talking about, thank you for your support ! So I will probably update this blog later today or tomorrow. I am doing ok, so please don't worry. Hope everyone had a much better weekend than I did! After church we are getting out Christmas deocrations, a late start for me.
It is foggy out so I can pretend it is snow. :)

I did it!

So I was all set to try a new pumpkin pie dessert. I had debated between two of them and decided on a chocolate chip cheesecake pumpkin pie. Went to make it and not enough cream cheese. I SWORE I had bought two pkgs, but nope. Was feeling bad, Then I decided to make the other one. Pumpkin Ginger Meringue pie. What a lot of work. Turned out beautiful. Was digging in the fridge for something and .... yup. The stupid OTHER pkg of cream cheese. Oh well. Looks like the other one (pie) is in our future! My two apple are done and all is left is the bird and the trimmings. Can't wait!! My amazing husband took the kids out to dinner and to run errands, happy birthday to me!!! What a treat to cook and clean ( really, I said clean) without fighting, arguing, etc going on. But they have been gone a while, I am all done, and miss the little buggars!!
Well the girls and I have planned lots of treats and appetizers and so on to try so I am waiting in susupense to see what they bring home to cook. Have to give BIG shout out to Katey who , get this, DID THE DISHES ( and more big letters here) WITHOUT BEING ASKED yesterday. And no, she was not after something big. Just saw mommy freaking out and wanted to help. Emily took the kids to the park all afternoon when I was really sick ( long story, am fine now but my umm gyno health needs looking into) , and I can tell the big girls are really trying to be more helpful. Katey peeled dozens of apples, oh the joy to have help with that chore!! Emily keeping my other little "helpers" out of my hair during the day is a huge help too. So YAY girls.
Oh my little ones have tried to help. my pie crust is gonna taste great but look, well like I had help. Honestly if they just go to bed on time and sleep real good that is all the "help" i need.
Well, Happy Turkey Day to Everyone! I want to hear all your stories, baking failures, disasters, sucesses and hey, how did I do that? I hope everyone has a blessed day and I am so thankful to have you all to read and leave comments. (hint hint, JK!!) So eat lots, tell me your stories and good luck with holiday shopping!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM THE FRANCHUKS!!!!

A new look

I just figured out how to change the backgrounds. I am not going to do much with this turkey one because Friday I am going to CHRISTMAS decoration everywhere. So thanks Amy for having the link on your blog and hope we don't eventually pick the same ones, lol.
Well this will be a busy week of cleaning and baking with the kids running round. What WAS the school thinking giving them the WHOLE week off?? Not like we could travel because Nick doesnt' get off till wed. Oh well.
Gobble Gobble

Birthdays

I don't know why Sophie is first, Kateys b day was but oh well. Each had a good time on her special day. My poor asthmatic Sophie trying to blow on her one candle! She was princess for a day and had one friend from school over .

There were supposed to be more pics of Katey, not sure what happened. Here is my Fourteen year old!! She had a good time too with the fondue party. Now we get ready for Thanksgiving.

My first Tag

Ok I have never done one before, but I will try!
You post the rules and answer 8 "8" items. You let the person you are tagging know they have been tagged by leaving "tag" in their comment box. That means they now do it. :)
here goes...

8 favorite tv shows
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Heros
3. My Name is Earl
4. Kath and Kim
5. the OLD er
6. the entire noggin channel cuz it keeps Zoe entertained
7. most stuff on Discovery or Discovery health
8. How its made
8 Things I did Yesterday
1. got my new bed
2. made decorations for Kateys birthday today
3. blew my nose all day long
4. made chicken alfredo for dinner from scratch
5. listened to all four kids FIGHT AND ARGUE GRRRRRRR
6. made up my new bed and counted the hours till I can sleep in it
7. watched Heros with Nick
8. Kept sleep mask on all night, yay!
8 Things I am Looking Forward To
1. getting Christmas shopping all done
2. Thanksgiving ( and Christmas)
3. Putting up all the Christmas decorations
4. Zoe going to school ( she wants to learn so bad)
5. All my children being sucessful
6. someday going on a cruise
7. someday getting us all to Disney
8. ANYONE coming to visit us!
8 Favorite Resturants (some are pre-vegetarian)
1. Chevys ( in MD)
2. Smithfields ( in NC)
3. The pubs ( In the UK)
4. Ruths Chris (MD)
5. Kings Fish House (CA)
6. Dinosaur BBQ ( Rochester NY)
7. Red Lobster (lame, I know! I like the biscuits!!)
8. PF Changs ( they have GREAT vegetarian dishes)
8 Things on my wish list
1. white teeth
2. a new van
3. a flat stomach
4. winning a prize that will pay off all my bills
5. a coach purse ( it IS a wish list!)
6. a diamond journey necklace
7. kids that get along and respect eachother and me
8. for family to visit!
8 Pet Peeves
1. people who merge in traffic without signaling
2. people who cut you off in traffic to STOP thirty seconds later
3. WHINING
4. kids who talk back/argue with me
5. husbands who talk back/contradict/ me
6. liars
7. People who are fake
8. When you wait in line forever to find out the lane closed/your prescription isn't in/they are all out, etc.
8 Things you would like to be remembered for
1. being generous
2. raising great kids into amazing women
3. making every house we ever have into a family home
4. Raising my kids to believe in God
5. being creative
6. my FABULOUS Halloweens!!
7. this is so hard right now!
8. Can't think of another thing
8 Things to Ask and Tag People About
1. Why do celebs have the right to complain about the war but don't have a CLUE what it is like for millitary and spouses
2. WHY is GOD NOT allowed in our schools and then people wonder at all the violence??
3. what have you found in your car
4. you know you are addicted to......
5. Why am I invisible when it comes to being in a crowd? ( eg I get run into, run over, bumpted, etc)
6. How come ordering groceries online and getting it delivered is so expensive? ( I am SO tempted to do this!!)
7. reasons why your child should have a job from age 16 on
8. How we can get "Homemaker" into a highly respected and recognized career ( instead of being in quotes, pay would be nice too!)
8 people i tag
1. Nicole
2. Amy
3. ummmm thats about it!! good luck!!

You know you have pre/teens if

Ok ( yes thanks Mo!!) I have read the hillarious cute mom list of You Know you are a mom if..
And here is my version of
You Know you Have a teen ( or pre teen) if:
1. You know who Hanna Montanna is, you have seen the show. You know who Miley is.
2. You remember watching Mileys DAD on video
3. you have seen all three HSM movies . ( and know what HSM stands for)
4. You text
5. U hv txtd ur kid 2 dnr
6. Whatever, and a eye roll is what shrugging your shoulders used to be. ( and your kids don't get smacked for it!)
7. They can type before then can write cursive.
8. They know what u tube is , know you have blocked it, but STILL gain acess to it!
9. They have a cell phone
10. YOU need them to have a cell phone
11. You have a texting plan cuz w out it , you pay like $40 a month! ( and would never hear from your child)
12. You think kids who have camera phones are "asking for it"
13. you secretly wish they could drive. ( so they could pick up a sibling from school/practice, get milk , butter etc.)
14. You do not know why your daughter spends HOURS in front of the mirror, even though you did the same thing at her age.
15. You say, I have a high schooler and a middle schooler and people look really scared
16. Music you used to dance to ( and some of us , ahem still do ocasionally) prompts "the talk"
17. You give "the talk" and get "I know" in response. (when your heart starts again you realize they meant they learned that in health in fifth grade)
18. You know about Twilight.
19. You READ twilight.
20. You are more flipping excited about the(twilight) movie than your teen!
21. You know what "sexting" is ( thanks Dr Phil) and are soooo glad you are cheap and your kid had a crappy phone w out a camera!
22. You LOCK your computer or laptop or racy tv channels when you are not home.
23. You cuss a blue streak and your kids don't even blink. In fact, they say well I have heard worse on the bus! ( BTW what does..........mean??)
24. You ask them to write a thank you note and they look confused and say, don't you ... ummm mean send an e card ? or e mail??
25. your child has a phone because YOU need her to.
26. Your clothes, make up, jewlery, and shoes go missing and end up ON YOUR CHILD>
27. You are secretly glad you are cool/thin/hip enough for your kid to want your stuff
28.You have a date with your hubby because she ( or they) can legally babysit
29. You check on them after they go to sleep to 1. make sure they are still there and 2. cuz you love them so much
30 . add your own!!

Ashes Ashes we all had fun!

Here are some pics of us at Knotts Berry farm, where we took the kids Sat in celebration of Katey and Sophies birthdays. We did have a good time but what you don't see in these pics are all the ASHES raining down from the sky. There was a massive fire quite close and there were huge ashes falling all over. I guess Californians are used to it cuz folks just pulled out hats and bandanas and kept waiting in line for the rides. So we did too! We don't have many pics because Nick had the camera most of the time ( i was on coasters with the older girls) and so I missed a lot of photo ops. Half the time I just plain forgot. Katey and I went on the GIANT swing thing that swings you like a mile high ( not sure the height but it was HIGH) and screamed our heads off. We had so much fun! (Ashes and all) . None of us feel like it is truly november. Before all the ashes blocked out the sun it was over 90 out. I ignored park rules and brought snacks and water in, good thing since Zoe was cranky the WHOLE time. We spent more on lunch then we did getting in. Oh well it counts as a "birthday dinner" for two kids, right?? There are no pics of me becuase I look fat. I know its vain but my week binge caught up with me. Also this is the first time NIck and I forgot to get one of the kids take a pic of us. It was hard because like I said Zoe was super crabby and whiny. We wanted to get home for dinner cuz lunch pretty much bankrupted us! (lol) Our new bed comes today, can't wait to try it. Yes the mask spent another lovely night under my pillow. Its getting clever and hiding better. :)
It is so weird to have to find shorts and tank tops, sunblock and the only white stuff from the sky was from a fire! Happy Fall?? **** Just an update, we now have a new bed and if you don't know me then I mean I want to SLEEP on it!! ( in case some of you had your mind in the gutter, shame shame!!) Seriously, If I get a GOOD night sleep I am gonna praise Sears to everyone. :)
Also, the picture of Nick and the girls on a ride, that thing went up soooooo high and then dropped to nearly the ground and then up and so on. I am truly suprised that the girls went through with it. I love my coasters, ( HATE spinning) but that drop... no way!! What a fun day though. Have to laugh at all the bruises we all have and I think my poor brain might have been banged/spun/ dropped a bit too much but oh well!! You can't beat the bonding with pre/teen time!! The above pic is funny cuz it is the first ride and they DID have fun. What crazy faces.
(oh , that is the LAST time you will ever see Katey in pigtails.) If I didn't send you a Kodak link and you want more pix just e mail me.

Hide and Seek

Ok so Zoe was at her little friend M's house and they were playing Hide N seek.
Z : Ok I count you go hide!
( she covers her eyes and peeks between her fingers as M "hides" behind a chair)
M ready!! giggle giggle
Z Ok!! (more giggling) she runs to the chair and "finds" him. Hillarious rolling on the floor laughing follows.
M My turn! ( counts to 10 ish) Zoe hide behind same chair.
Z ( giggle)
M found you!!! ha ha ha !! Your turn!!!! (This is all at top volume among hilarious laughter)
Z OK! 1, 2, 3 4, 6, 7, 8910! ( M is now is now in the curtains) runs back and forth and finds him.
M NOW ME!!!! same deal, same hiding place.
Becky Ok guys, hide somewhere else now!
Z and M , OK lets go you hide!! NO, you hide!! oK we HIDE you ( meaning me ) find!!
They hide and I find two giggling kids in the middle of the floor. I mean, they could have hidden in a million places and they curled up like turtles in the middle of the floor. Too funny and cute!!
I guess it goes with that little kid mentality "if you can't see me than I am invisible!!"
Of course thirty seconds later was, can we have a snack?? Juice?? ( This was kinda late)
Man, I LOVE this age! I wish ALL my problems could be solved with a good game of hide n seek and a snack!!

Grocery insanity

Ok, we ALL know what the economy it like. I spent a CRAZY amount of money we don't have right now on groceries for Birthday week (Katey and Sophies two days apart next week) and Thanksgiving. I STILL need stuff, like a turkey. Plus even though I got an early start, the place was packed with RUDE people who shop like they drive. They are the only ones who matter and take up the whole aisle. While I am waiting paitently for old granny to move six people barrel around me without a single person saying excuse me. I was literally shopping when I realized I was in line that is how far back it was. ( I am used to that really) So I said FORGET it and just checked out. Thanksgiving is my fave holiday but I am in such a ....bad mood! I . thought. about. BUYING. a . pie.
Shame shame on me!! Baking is my pride and joy but this year I am overwhelemed.

Good news is we got a STELLAR deal on a new mattress set and fingers crossed that will aid into the Becky Sleep Better plan. That is all a need is a good night productive sleep. ( see how I am getting particular on this prayer/plea?) Anyway even though the mattress was super super cheap it took a big chunk of Nov. money. I am glad it is THE best b day present an insomniac could ask for. Had to laugh woke up with the mask in my HAND. At least I didn't throw it or bury it under the pillows like I usually do.

Sophie lost TWO teeth last night. She is now missing three on the bottom and sounds so cute. Tooth fairy ( rememebered for once) brought her madagascar ( the orgianal since we want to get the sequel soon) . She was thrilled. Good thing the tooth fairy had set it aside for a special prize!

Katey had her braced tightened and gets the bottoms put on dec 9. We can see a major difference in the top tooth that was way up in her gum coming down. YAY!!!
Will keep you updated on our fun surprise weekedn. (no not Disney, I wish!)

Favorite thing

Last night at the dinner table, Emily asked what everyone's favorite thing was. The answers were varied and I tried to say one of the first things that came to mind. (a good nights sleep! was the first thing I thought.) Nick, bless him pointed to me. Sophie said ( no surprise here) Elephants! Zoe said blanket! Then, just repeated what everyone else said. I think Emily said food and someone said God. Then we got into weather that is actually a thing and kinda veered off course. Nick said peace and I said when you are all sleeping. I DO love when they are all lying there peaceful and beautiful ( and YES , QUIET) . I just like to stand there looking at each one of them. Remembering when the older girls were tiny, wondering how much the little ones will change ( and will they change SLOWER please!) Not groaning about Katey's messy room or thinking of new things to yell about. Just loving my kids. Just sitting in the moment of quiet and watching them dream. In all honesty I have too many favorites to list, but checking in on them before I go to bed is definatley one of my favorite things.

Disney Ball

We had a WONDERFUL time at the ball. It was worth all the work. Food was pretty good but the music died halfway through the dancing. There were tons of photo ops so I am putting more on the Kodak sight. We are exhausted , got to bed around 1 am. We have been going to bed early all week so staying up so late has taken its toll! It was so worth it. We walked along the main drag which had a lego store, resturants, the house of blues and a HUGE two story build a bear workshop.
Can anyone spot Mickey on the carpet and in the first picture? ( Nope, not the statues)
Mickey ears were hidden in the decor all over the hotel. The Sheraton we stayed at was nice to and even though we got to bed late we all slept soundly. Of course we were all up at six like usual ( some of us, ahem, missing kiddos) . Now to watch movies with the kids all day, yay!! ( and rest my self from shaking it on the dance floor, when there WAS music!)
Oh yes, that is the LAST we shall see of the red dress. Good riddance. I am stuffing my face today, no joke.
Now it is time to get ready for "Birthday Week"
YAWN.

Cry Baby

Yesm I am ok. Starting a new hormone therapy to "get a balance" on my severe mood swings. Well the mood hit me hard. I was s truggling putting up bunk beds in Sophie and Zoes room. If it could go wrong, it did. If it could cause me bodily harm, get stuck, miss a piece, fall on me, fall apart, make a mess or be a source of rage, It did. I had a huge tantrum and ended up crying for four hours. One of those crazy girlie moods where even when NICE stuff makes you cry. I did settle down had some hot chocolate and went to bed. Must have needed to get all that stuff out because I slept very well for the first time in months. Good thing, I need to exercise and clean the house AND finish cleaning the little ones room. As least I won't be doing this through a haze of incoherent tears!! Honestly, I think it was stress too I am not truly sad about anything in particular. I feel so much better today. It was just one of those days....

Diet day 3

Diet? What diet? Oh, you mean the becky is suddenly starving and must eat whatever carbs/fat/sugar she can find diet? Then in that case, I am doing great!! I GIVE UP!! I don't know if it is that winter thing where I store up fat like a bear (even though it doesn't really get cold here) or anxiety or the stupid pill I am on but I seem to be GAINING rather than losing. I am still exercising so I will give myself credit for that. My gut may stick out but I have killer arms!!! Just when I want to throw in the towel and chug a glass of wine I think... calories. If I am going to waste calories I would rather have chocolate. THAT in itself is strange because for the longest time chocolate tasted like crap to me. Well let me tell you , I am making up for it now!
On the bright side, I am really looking forward to this ball. It is exciting to be in Disney and have an evening to ourselves. Fingers crossed no one gets sick before friday! I am doing my own hair so wish me luck. :)
Just a reminder , the official Marine Corps Birthday is 10 Nov. So Happy Birthday to All Marines!!

Diet Week

Day 1
I ate a mini snickers for breakfast. Obviously my stomach is better. A few others were really sick. Not sure if it was a virus or I poisoned everyone!! The three of us that were sick didn't eat or drink the same things so its a mystery.
So as you can see by my breakfast the "ball diet" is not going well!! I swear I am eating broth the rest of the week! All the Halloween decorations are down and they seemed to have multiplied. I need another storage bin for it. Oh dear, will have to check out the clearance sections when I am at Walmart/target wherever for the bins. :)
Well, wish me luck on the "diet' , I have a back up dress just in case. :()
Just a note, I DID clean the stove, what a chore!! Came off ok w the oven cleaner. What a way to get you to clean your stove though, have basically a bag full of grease explode. UGH!
fun times :) ( and I, the vegetarian didn't get to EAT any of it! Oh well. )

Fun night

Our Halloween was a blast. The kids all looked great and had fun trick or treating. It seems not a lot of people were handing out candy. Our fog machine was a big hit. It would go on and off at random intervals and scared even some of the bigger kids. Cracks me up how everyone was afraid of the fog. I am posting more pics on the kodak site. i did not have a great night once our guests left. I was in the bathroom with a HORRENDOUS belly ache every hour. Kept my mask on when I was in bed though. Not sure WHAT caused it what a miserable time. I am so overtired now I can't sleep. So I took down most of the decortaions, swept, vaccuumed and did the dishes! All that is left is to scrub down the little ones and take down the
outside decortaions. I am sending nick to the store and it looks like the only diet I'll be on is the BRAT one! I wanted
to fit in that dress but not like this. I need my sleep. Gonna have some tea and space out in front of the tv w the kids
(they all have candy hangovers and this is the "free day" to hang out and eat candy. Then whatever is left gets
disposed of) and wait for my brain to catch up with my exhausted body!! Hope everyones Night was better,
even though it was a great party. ( Oh did I mention the pulled pork exploding in the oven cuz no one cut a hole
in the oven bag and it was POURING smoke?? Oven cleaner is on the grocery list too!)