Just a bump in the road....

Literally!
Another crazy day in the life of being a Tomecko I suppose. My husband and I took 6 of the 7 kids with us to The Home Depot to get some flowers and look at sheds...yeah, crazy taking all of them, but it really wasn't too bad...that is, until we started on our journey home.
We all know how bumpy streets could get, but when you are in the back of a 12 passenger van going slower than the 35mph speed limit (because you know this bump all too well after hitting it a few times)...and all of a sudden, going over it threw the girls (wearing their shoulder belts) to the ceiling and shattered the side back window!
No one was hurt...just completely and utterly shaken up. The whole back window had that shattered weblike look to it...that is, until we continued driving on our way home...then all of the glass started falling out(mind you, the road was still as bumpy as ever).
As we pulled into our driveway, Tony and I just looked at each other and shook our heads...WHAT ELSE? What else could happen...eh...we really didnt want to know. I immediately called the insurance company from the driveway, only to be told that it was the 500 deductible but she connected me to a car window place...their best price? Four hundred and eighty-nine dollars. Ugh...we're getting out of debt, and this is not what we needed. The next day, while i was at the police dept. Making a police report about the stupid city's street, Tony talked to one of his friends who did windows...needless to say, we got it down to almost half of what it would cost.
As of today, we still haven't heard from the city (who said they would pay for it). And 2, they (the city) has since shaved the bump and fixed it after putting up a big sign following my police visit which included taking a police officer to the bump...where he saw with his own eyes how dangerous it was!
Well, we are out around $300, but at least I know no one else will either get hurt or have their vehicle damaged from THEIR road!

Father's Day 2012

It's Father's Day 2012 and so much has gone on these last few week that life has been in a sort of whirlwind. Between school ending for summer for the kids, and hubby getting extremely busy...seems like there isn't enough time in the day to sit and just relax!
On this Fathers day, I want to tell my daddy that he has been so important to me...all through growing up and even now. He is just the right mix of a laid back, calm dad...whom always wore great smelling cologne, to the hard working mailman that was proud to show his kids where he worked. He is so special to me and for this, I thank him and wish him the happiest Father's Day ever (with many more to come).
Secondly...to my wonderfully hard working, barely getting any sleep...yet very loving and caring hubby. I never met anyone who works 18-20 hours a day to get his business going strong, but still have time to help me with Kenny and the rest of the kids. Without him, I honestly don't know what I'd do. We are like chocolate to milk, socks to feet...soil to a garden! We balance each other out. You are my soul mate and my best friend....and one day, our dreams WILL come true!
So Happy Father's Day to the two most important men in my life. I love and admire you both with my heart and soul! To my daddy, thank you for giving me a great family growing up...with lots of sisters to talk too. To my hubby, thank you for giving me 8 beautiful babies, a crazy a$$ loud family that we would be bored to death if we didn't have.

The trilogy of life...

Another school year over and done with. A long needed break from waking up early, getting six kids up, dressed, fed and out the door. Homework assignments done and is a thing of the past...that is, at least for the next 2 months. Not only is it a break from the craziness of everything school, but it's a good break to chill, relax and enjoy the kids...they are growing up so fast!
We finally experienced the first of many graduations from middle school to high school. The emotions that I have been feeling range from "where has the time gone" shock, to my first born..."I remember his first day of school" sadness. Being such a small, close knit family type of school, the kids and parents are like extend family. watching them walk and get their certificates of graduation to ninth grade...well...it's just so surreal. Hearing all the different high schools being called out after their names...brought a tear to my eyes. Thinking of the futures that are in store for them...I wish only the best of life, good health, happy and exciting moments and strength to be the best that they can be.
It's another chapter starting and I am excited and scared to read the next page...I guess that comes with age, because being young means being worry and care free. It's time where these teens start experiencing the moments that will make up their future. First dates, what classes and extra curricular activities they will pick in high school. What new friends they will make...it's like a new start for them. My high school days were the best! I was no longer considered a "nerd". I met new and lifelong friends (thanks to Facebook for some reconnections). I knew what I wanted to do and be...yeah, it didn't quite turn out the way I planned (brother dying, meeting someone unplanned that stole my heart, head on car accident, and oh... lots and lots of kids), but at least I had a plan. I was going to be an artist, a painter, an interior designer...I was going places! Now I have new plans...I'm always planning, that's how I roll (lol). My life and the way it has played out, has taken me to new ideas and interests. I'm an advocate for prematurity and special needs, I love to cook and bake for people, and I plan on going back to school as soon as Kenny and Gina are in school full time. I will show my kids that it's not too late to finish college...and that college is very important.
My oldest son...I remember his first day of school and every day since. I have bags and boxes of random school and artwork he would bring home. Some unable to part with but I think it's because I don't want to part with the fact that he is no longer a small child that I can kiss his boo boo and everything would be alright. He is almost fifteen and has to experience life. Has to experience accomplishments, hurt, hard work, dignity, failure and responsibility...life. Everything that will make him a well rounded, wonderful and loving adult.
I guess I will hold my breath and turn the page of life. Oh how the anxiety is building. Teehee