Whittaker Woman

From Day ONE

Allow me to be vulnerable, intimate and share something that is so personal about me that only my best friends would know about. You may read this post and think it is lame and not a big deal, but to me it is my heart, my memories and a part of ME.

This is Saint Andrews Abbey.     Or as I would call it Valyermo.

It is a Catholic Abbey that, well... you can say I was Umm, well lets just say my parents met there and well, simply put I was made there. So... I have REALLY been brought up there. :) Oh this is not going down hill fast. Anyways I have a life time of memories and this is one of the harder things to leave when I left California. I mourned the fact that my kids will not have the memories that I do. I have had major events that make this place special. My parents met here, I had my first major boyfriend from here, Carlos has a tattoo of the Abbeys symbol on him and most importantly  my dad is buried here. And yet many of the little things here are just as sentimental.

The smell of the desert and the gravel,

The sound of the trees,

The constant sound of a sprinkler running, all these things bring joy to my heart.

The sad part of my visit here is because of a death of one of the Fathers here. Father Werner was one of the Monks who knew my dad (who passed away when I was 16) There are not many people that I know that were friends of my dad so it was sad to say good-bye to someone who  held that friendship.
The great part is that I was here to be a part of it.


I have not been to funeral here since my dads which is coming up on 14 years. I must say it was weird.

And beautiful all at the same time.

The kids had fun decorating Papa Bills Grave. Its silly but makes me smile.

This is Dominic he was one of my dads best friends, and also one of my moms. He is just someone who I have known my whole life and he just is a special relationship.

So there you go. A very personal side of me that only those closest know. Welcome to my world. My soul. H

Cousin Time

H

Fog, Hoodies, and Sand

Sohaila has been studying the continents and oceans in school. She has been asking non-stop about the PACIFIC Ocean. Mom when can we see the pacific ocean? Are we near the pacific ocean? Did you know that the pacific ocean has so many sharks? Did you know... On and on. So I finally decided to make it stop! It was freezing, windy and they could not have been happier!

 








I am just grinning from ear to ear while I post this. What a great day! Oh and tonight my tummy is full of Mexican food! Really does it get any better? H

Apparently I Missed the News

There is no gas in Georgia! None! When we were coming home from church on Sunday I saw a big line by our gas station, but I just thought an accident had happened and people were getting stuck behind the cars.  Then later that day when my gas light was on, I drove to the gas station as I was pulling in when I saw a line of cars. I thought it was strange, but the soccer fields were just getting out so I thought maybe their was a group all driving together. I don't know? Now that I look at my thought process I find myself quite clueless.
Anyways I did finally realize everyone was waiting for gas and figured I'd drive down the hill and find a gas station with no line.
And I did... drove by many gas stations with no lines, and that was because they were out of gas. By this time I was  beginning to see some black between the gauge and the E line. Not a good sign. Finally I pulled up to a gas station and that had cars which meant for the time they had gas. Good!
Oh but I did not realize that I would be waiting 40 minutes just to fill up. Good thing my kids were having fun...

Well maybe Seanna was not, but Losiah had candy and Sohaila had something to occupy her!

Nothing like sitting at the gas station with three kids... It puts mommy in a happy mood!

Finally after I got up to the pump the only gas left was Supreme! But after that ordeal you suck it up and pay it!

Looks like fun! H

The North Georgia State Fair

I am so glad I was able to bring so much JOY to my kids!

Cinderella Dressed in Yella, Went Upstairs To Kiss a Fella...

Home Alone

This is what happens when I leave the house with four kids. Oops, I mean three kids and my husband. :) H

Sunday... Blessed Sunday

I am a part of a group of women that single handily has to get our families put together before church.  This means everyone showered, dressed and fed. Usually there are tons of tears and many frustrated memories.  Sundays are the most stressful morning of the week, so why not add a little extra drama!
We only have one car so on Sundays everyone gets loaded up at 6am to drive Carlos to church. On the way home I was driving down our street and see a duck sitting in the middle of the road. I completely stopped and he did not move. I realized he was injured and decided to help the little guy. I mean why not. I have nothing to do, right?

The problem was, well there were multiple problems. I quickly learned that 3 kids 6 and under are no help when it comes to wild animals. I also learned that they do not teach you how to drive with a duck in your hand when you take drivers training. Luckily we were not far from home. Our little duck had a hurt leg and was a very good sport. He just sat in this towel with the best manners.
 I called a kazillion numbers before I finally found someone to help our little friend. I guess animals don't get hurt or found on Sundays, because everyone was closed.  I finally got everyone showered, dressed and fed and we were off to take Ducky to the doctor.  Oh, but my drama does not end there. You see my #2, my bean, my Seanna  gets car sick and sure enough I hear in her sweet little voice. " Mommy my throat hurts." AKA I am about to puke!  Are you kidding me. Luckily we are prepared and I grabed a bag.

All this drama before 9 am! Now that is a Sunday Morning! H

When will I accept the truth?

I am a mom. Some how most days I forget it. I guess it defines me so much that I don't even recognize the simple fact anymore.  It seems normal to me to be humming disney songs all day long. It seems normal to have someone want to be in the restroom with you no matter what you may be in there for. It seems normal to me to have 5 people sleeping in one bed.  I just don't think twice about these things.
Well, not today. September 2nd has been a day that I stare momhood in the face.  The alarm rang earlier than usual today. Or maybe it was just harder to get out of bed to start the day. None the less the day began. I walked one baby to the bus stop, which reminded me. Hey I am a mom.  I came home to my next baby saying her "throat hurt" translated means QUICK GRAB A BAG I AM ABOUT TO HURL! So I did 3 hours and 9 bags later she sits like this.

The bag did not make it to her once and so I am now washing the couch covers. Which reminded me that I am a mom! That should be enough reminders right?
Oh, but I have one child left, he woke up gave me the best morning hug, I fed him and not long after I smelt him. Nice and ripe. We went up stairs only to find out that I had another introduction to mommy-hood coming my way... a blow-out! So as I put his soiled PJ's in the wash with the cushions with puke, I just laughed and thought...Wow, I am a mom today! H

Summer Rain

I must say this week has been delightful. I have loved the rain we have had all week. There are leaves that are beginning to change and fall is in the air! I must say I love Georgia today!

   
What brings this kind of smile to your face? H

Watch Out For Big Sis!

You have to watch this sequence...
 
   
Losiah was getting picked up on by this sweet little girl, however Sohaila was not down with it! Look at her getting up in his business! Ha! H

He's two, part sixteen!

What does a hammer plus a boy on the naughty carpet equal?
+  =
Crying Sisters!

GET OUT LOSIAH

"Shoo, Shoo, Out! NO babies allowed... You are a baby... Get out!" -Sohaila

I guess it's starting. H

Family Night #14, PJ night

One of the great finds Jacinda and I found on our shopping day was Disney PJ's for 4 bucks! So what did we do? We made a family night out of them. We had the kids help decorate the table with their favorite bedtime story and one stuffed animal each. We than had them go put on old pj's and when they came back into the kitchen they found their new jammies on their seat.

  Jacinda and Seanna made homemade cinnamon rolls for dessert!    For dinner we attempted to make something that resembled a sleeping person. We made a bed out of rice, put a hot dog down to as the person and put some cheese over as a blanket. Then we looked at it and busted up laughing. We just could not serve our CHILDREN this...
It was just wrong. Funny but wrong. Family Night gone bad! So we improvised. 
Not bad if you ask me, and much more appropriate. We finished the night with a great movie cuddled up on the couch!       
It's been so long since we have had a family night linky. Here's the deal... Write a post on you blog about a family night or tradition you and your family do. Make sure you link to this post somewhere on yours and then enter your info here. Simple as that.

Calm Cool and Collective...Yeah Right!

They were fine with the thunder that clapped as they played outside, but as soon as the wind picked up they were done. The best part, was the fact that I watched it all. They were so cute. They frantically collected their toys and then their brother as they rushed inside. I loved watching it go down! H

You just can't have summer without the beach!

When was the last time you touched the sands of the beach?  H

A tangled love mess

For Hire

 

They did so well, I am actually sad to say there were no stories to tell except that they were perfect!

The Lincoln Moment

One grandchild is in the moment...

One grandchild is having her own moment...

What do you do in hotel rooms?

Use them! H

My Parenting Style

If you ever want to know my kind of parenting style it is summed up here in this picture. We have a four hour drive ahead of us and I let my three kids play in puddles! Life is to short to miss the fun! H

REAL Family

 
Don't let anyone tell you it's not real! H

Live Blogging

As the girls are jumping on top of each other Seanna screams "Ouch, Mom she just bit me!"
And then the eldest replied "NO I did not. Her skin just touched my teeth."

When the sun goes down, on our side of town

Every night like clockwork the Whittaker Team is outside huntin'. For fireflies that is. I know Ya'll in the south call them Lightnin' bugs, but they are fireflies to me.

 
Well the little bugs can only entertain you for so long...

How fun is this one. And if you look real close on the one  below you can see little yellow lines which is the little bugs flying. So magical!

A quick question...

I got this great question from Sarah over at Ordinary Days on this post, and I wanted to see what you guys thought. Sarah, who has three boys wanted to know what thought process I went through in deciding that I was comfortable with Seanna wearing make-up at her young age? Sarah was by no means being judgmental she was just a mom of boys coming to a mom with girls wondering how I came to that decision.  She continues to say that she was sure I gave it some thought and was just curious. So here I go with my parenting style and thought process on this...

Sarah, thanks for the question I by no means think you were judging me on this topic and even if you have a different stance on my way of parenting I still do not believe you are judging me. There are many ways to raise kids. I think majority of the parents out there are doing their best to bring thriving, loving and self sufficient kids into this adult world we live in. So my way may not be the best way it's just my way. Sometimes I fail, sometimes my decisions turn out right!

Ok so here is my opinion or thought process on this... First let me say that I never had a thought process.  But I can tell you how it came about. You see around 4:30pm everyday I will go upstairs and freshen up because Carlos is almost home and I want to look good for him. Seanna being the little me that she is would always be my shadow. One day she asked me mommy why are you putting on makeup. I responded with " to get pretty for daddy". Then the next day she again was my shadow and this time she asked "mommy can I get pretty for daddy too?" Come on! How can I resist that. She is 4 years old, wants to do everything her mommy is doing and on top of that is understanding the value of looking nice for the man in her life. It just so happens that her man is her daddy.

My girls are dreamers. They are playing make believe all day long. It is one constant play in our house and I do not want to stop that, just because "makeup is for adults" I have no problem with them playing with it. When we go to the mall and walk through Nordstrom's we always walk by the MAC counter and they ask for some blush and lip gloss. They float the rest of the time in the mall. How can I resist that.

Here is the final overall belief of mine...

They have pure motives behind using makeup. If they were wanting to put it on because they wanted to be sexual about it then I would be having a different parenting issue. Right now they are sweet innocent kids who just want to have a little sparkle.  They are not trying to be grownups, they simply are all girl!

Thanks for asking Sarah! Ok peeps, what is your rules, beliefs and thoughts? H

 

H Mart Makes me Happy!

H mart, I wonder what the H stands for? Heather? Hungry? Happy? Well, truth be told H mart made Heather hungry and then made her happy!
 
We went with the Cullins to a huge Asian market. So far the best one here in the ATL!

We had great Korean food, and were able to stock up on some of our favorites! Have I told you how wonderful it is to live with someone who cooks real Korean food?

Anyone need some Kimchee?

How about some salted jelly fish for 8 bucks? Anyone?

Maybe some fresh Talapia? I love this market! There is just nothing that takes me home
faster than experiencing a little culture. Oh I get so full when I spend time with other peeps that aren't white. Sorry East Cobb Peeps, I love you, but heavens a little color here and there just warms my soul! H

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochee ...

Uncle Eddie came for a visit and we went down to see some nature! I love that this is literally 2 minutes from my house!

My little euro

He started off Korean, then was brought into a Mexican Californian family. We moved him to the south so he will grow up saying Ya'll. And now he is becoming my little euro!

Family Night #10 Wizard of Oz

Oh boy, it was one of those nights! It was 5:12pm and I was on Google trying to figure out what we were going to do for family night. I think it turned out well!
The girls are always excited to dress up...
 

Our table was set with all the characters, apples, and of course ruby slippers.

The kids had Munchkinland Munchies mini cookies and mini goldfish! Then the dinner was a rainbow and yellow brick road! And to drink it all down we had Wicked Witch Juice.
  

 

Then the kids followed the yellow brick road to the movie playing in the living room, where we ate heart cookies in honor the tin man! It was a quickly planned night but it turned out well.

 

OK. Your Turn. If you have had a family night... Share it on your blog then link back here!!! Then you can fill out the widget above!!! This is very simular to the blog carnival that Shannon has explained here. Email me for questions. Heather

You ask, I'll answer set 7

*What's for dinner?
Posted by: RickyG |

Rice.
Rice and chicken...NO
Rice and vegetables...NOPE
Rice casserole... NO, the Whittaker's had Brown Rice for dinner. Just Rice.
 
Why? Well our friend Brian and his family started to make a change in this world and The Whittaker Team is on board. Here is what caught my heart on Brian's blog,
" I don’t know how much you have read about the global food crisis that is currently happening, but the need is massive and the poor are suffering. A combination of natural disasters, rising oil prices, and a reduction in staple food items like rice are ravaging families who were already struggling to buy food for their family. Because of these factors inflation has kicked in and caused food prices to soar over the past few months. This rise in food prices triggered the recent outbreak of violence in Haiti and in Bangladesh the cost of a kilo of rice went from $.31 to $.56 in less than 3 months. Most of these families living in poverty earn less than $2 per day and most of them are skipping meals because of the increase in costs.
families affected by this crisis. I will write a weekly guide for each week with stories from these countries and their specific needs so we can end that weekly meal praying for those in that specific country."

Brian goes on to share how his family is going to make a difference...
"As a family we have committed to do something small that can make a big difference in the lives of families very much like us around the world. Here is our plan:

1) Take 10% of our food budget each week and give that money directly to the Compassion Food Crisis Fund. We have $300 budgeted for each week on all food/restaurant/vegetable co-op related items and we will give $30 each week to help these families.

2) Spend one meal a week eating rice and learning about the different countries and families affected by this crisis. I will write a weekly guide for each week with stories from these countries and their specific needs so we can end that weekly meal praying for those in that specific country."

And that is what we are doing. Now this is his families plan. Our budget is different than theirs, so we adjust. That is not the point. The point is to stop and take a stand. One meal a week for the sake of another humans life. Really its not a question for us.

So tonight we focused on Haiti. We looked at pictures of the country and how people live their lives. We talked about the lack of food and why, and finally while we ate, we prayed for them. Compassion has a link on their site that gives specific prayer requests! We are excited about it. I look forward to learning about the other countries in the weeks to come.  
Anyone willing to give up flavorful meal for a bowl of rice?

He's two part ten!

Losiah decided he wanted to play in Seanna's makeup. Not only her makeup, but he had to choose the oil based, creamy, blush-like stuff to spread all over himself.

More Bugs!

Ok, so you all know my bug issues here in Georgia. I am in shock at the amounts of creepy crawlies that live in this state, however we have been patiently awaiting one little guy since we got here and he arrived last night. Yep, Mr Firefly! We have been talking about them since the day we boarded the plane to come to Atlanta and last night he came for a visit. You should have seen this west coast family out in their PJ's and glass jars trying to capture the little guys. It was quite the scene! After many failed attempts Daddy Carlos captured one and we got it in our jar! Then our little guy decided to boycott our fun and refused to light up again. What happened? Why the sour attitude from Mr. Firefly? Any tips for a rookie firefly catching family?

We thought maybe he did not like his jar so we put him up in the grand hotel and still no luck!

Please help us! H

You ask, I'll answer set 6

 
Ahh, the family night questions! I know many of you ask me each week about them and so here I will give you our answers. I say ours because I tag team with my best friend Jacinda and we brainstorm together to get idea's. Check out her Family Night's here.

*Is there a book or website you get your party night ideas from or are you just making them up yourself? Posted by: nina bunk
No there is no book. Yes there is a website. We basically will find a theme, sometimes something ex. strawberry season, triggered an idea and so we will Google it and see what we can find. Other times we are surfing the web and see a great idea and it begins that way. So the WWW is absolutely a fabulous springboard to get ideas from!

Where do you get the inspiration for your creativity, such as for the family nights you have put together so awesomely? Posted by: Linny Best
Ok so here is what we Google, we usually start with Birthday Party sites because the themes are already there. I don't have a favorite I just click away. So say I am having a bowling night, I look for parties that had a "at home bowling night". I try to take what I can from them and add a little of my ideas to that. I try to pick out a couple of things that define that theme. Like our bowling shirts. The kids had these name stickers in their closet and they worked out perfect on the back of their shirts. Some nights the food goes along with the meal and sometimes it is just the dessert that goes with the theme. Again Google, Google, Google!

*We too have Friday Family Fun nights however, I am running out of ideas so I would love any ideas you are willing to share? Posted by: Sarah
Girl get on those birthday websites and you will have plenty. Or between Jacinda's and my posts you will have a few months worth at least!

*I know this may sound completely cheesy but I want to know how you make the family themed dinner night happen. I keep thinking I want to start it but can't even think about how???? I know, crazy but WOW, I love the idea! Posted by: Tamara Cosby
Ahh, this is a question I ask myself each week. I can say that each Thursday I wish I did not start this tradition. I feel to busy and most of the time don't want to do it. HOWEVER, time is what you make of it. If you think this is important to your kids than you will find the time. Even if it is something simple to start with, like having dessert before dinner one night a week try to start small and then you will get the hang of it. Really it does not take much time or money. Use what you have and have fun. Trust me you don't see the stress and chaos that happens before these blog entires!

*Where do you get the inspiration for your creativity, such as for the family nights you have put together so awesomely? Posted by: Linny Best
Ok so beyond Google other inspiration comes from the 99 cent store.  I also get inspiration from the toys the kids have such as our princess night. Seasons, Holidays, any event can be a theme. Take a small piece and then begin by Googling it. Just like last week Goldilocks and the three bears was inspired by a gift that Sohaila got for her birthday. It had three bears and we made a whole night of it. Once you start to think differently things will flow.

Whittaker Family Nights: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9,
Hale Family Nights:  #1, #2, #3 , #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12,

I get around, round, round, round, I get around!

Oh the stares I got today... No wedding ring, a hickey (well it's a bug bite but it sure looks like a hickey) and three kids that look completely different. Hmm?
I like to play the act of a non-racial, non-committal, promiscuous baby mama!
 

Living in the City

Yes there is smog, crime and theres the god awful traffic, but there are also things you just can't get anywhere else than in the city!
We took the Marta train down to Centennial Park today to play in the fountains. I have to admit I was not to sure of the plan at first, but much to my dismay...it ended up being a wonderful day!

 

I am a failure!

Ok, where did I go wrong? How can I have missed this critical lesson in child rearing? This is how the story goes, let me set the scene for you...
It was bath time so I started the water, Seanna gets in and Sohaila is going to the bathroom before she climbs in. I remembered I had to grab something down stairs so quickly jet down there and back up. As I round the corner to the bathroom I see Sohaila letting go of the shower curtain that is directly in front of the toilet. It was strange to me, just the way she did it made some flags go off in my head.
I walk up and see that the toilet is not flushed and there is no toilet paper in the bowl. Can you see the end of the story? Yep my 6 YEAR OLD could not find the roll of toilet paper so she grabbed the next best thing. The shower curtain. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!
That is all I could say. No other words came to me. I was in shock. Where did my parenting go wrong? How does my 6 year old reason with the fact that it is OK to us a curtain to wipe herself? I give up! H