Being the wonderful mother that I am, I am making homemade baked macaroni and cheese when my littlest one comes running (and stumbling) into the kitchen, crying so hard he can't breathe and can't really see straight. Obviously concerned, I turn to him to comfort, calm and then discover what is wrong. As I do this, I put my hand on his should to steady him only to have him jerk away and start screaming again.
I look and see a large wet spot on his shoulder, but not bloody, so I'm puzzled as I ask him "does your should hurt?" He, still screaming, nods yes. So I unbutton the snaps near the neck and see he has blisters and ripped skin.
Under the circumstances (my nephew was just recently burned terribly) I freak out, yank the shirt off, scream for the kids, put Peter down on the floor, run to the bathroom telling my head to "think, think" as I grab a couple of wash clothes and tell the kids to get in the kitchen so I can figure out what happened and how Peter got burned.
With wash clothes wet with cool water and placed upon both Peter's shoulders, I learn that Jeremy "hit Peter with a clothes hanger". When questioned further, I find that Jeremy didn't hit Peter, but rather rolled over him in their game of whatever horsing-around adventure was taking place.
The verdict....
It's my fault.
The kids were outside earlier than usual yesterday, playing in the sun and in the water/mud. Since we weren't in the river or at the beach, I hadn't even considered the sunblock. I noticed Peter looked pink on the shoulders and had him come in. Well, over night he blistered. One popped when Jeremy rolled over him.
I'm definately not use to having a kid who burns easily. The others rarely burn at all - that's the native blood coming out - but Peter doesn't seem to have too much of that, but rather very fair skin, with the red hair that turns whitish-blond in the sunshine.
Mother of the year? I guess not. Pass the sunblock.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Busy, Sore and Grateful
So I still have more pictures to post.. but no time to download, sort and upload... yet.
I spend my days painting trim and packing boxes. All the while attending to the children (who are dong amazingly well, considering they aren't getting nearly enough attention). It's a lot of back and forth. Some where along the line I did something to my left ankle, so it hurts every few hours and I have to shift from standing to sitting. Thank goodness there is enough of need for both with the painting!
All in all though, I have the "easy job" - well, maybe not in terms of the kids, but certainly in terms of house projects... Bob has been finishing wooden trim, making cabinets, installing floor, and a toilet, sheet rocking, refinishing a floor, cleaning up the yard, going to the dump, and probably a ton more that I'm not mentioning... on top of that, he's still working at the restaurant and instead of his normal two nights a week, he's been doing three. And there is the occasional visit to the apartments... so he's really busy.
At the end of the day, we're both beat! And sore! But feeling pretty good with where we're at!
On the upside, we finally have a house under contract... 1 building down (or nearly) and 4 to go! we've had some good showings at another place, and we're scheduled for one here that sounds promising some time next week. We can certainly see the Lord's hand at work here!
We have great friends... Jim who is helping Bob on all the bigger projects, and him and Leah being willing to help us out with running the apartments until they sell after we're gone! Thanks a ton, guys!
We've bought plane tickets, we the truck scheduled... everything is really coming together! When it's all over, our family is going to need to do something special just to reconnect! (Let's hope the unpacking and settling in go faster!)
I spend my days painting trim and packing boxes. All the while attending to the children (who are dong amazingly well, considering they aren't getting nearly enough attention). It's a lot of back and forth. Some where along the line I did something to my left ankle, so it hurts every few hours and I have to shift from standing to sitting. Thank goodness there is enough of need for both with the painting!
All in all though, I have the "easy job" - well, maybe not in terms of the kids, but certainly in terms of house projects... Bob has been finishing wooden trim, making cabinets, installing floor, and a toilet, sheet rocking, refinishing a floor, cleaning up the yard, going to the dump, and probably a ton more that I'm not mentioning... on top of that, he's still working at the restaurant and instead of his normal two nights a week, he's been doing three. And there is the occasional visit to the apartments... so he's really busy.
At the end of the day, we're both beat! And sore! But feeling pretty good with where we're at!
On the upside, we finally have a house under contract... 1 building down (or nearly) and 4 to go! we've had some good showings at another place, and we're scheduled for one here that sounds promising some time next week. We can certainly see the Lord's hand at work here!
We have great friends... Jim who is helping Bob on all the bigger projects, and him and Leah being willing to help us out with running the apartments until they sell after we're gone! Thanks a ton, guys!
We've bought plane tickets, we the truck scheduled... everything is really coming together! When it's all over, our family is going to need to do something special just to reconnect! (Let's hope the unpacking and settling in go faster!)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Excited to Move
I have never met a more excited child - when it comes to moving! All of our children have taken their own time in adjusting... except Peter. Here's some of what goes on with him:
When we were considering a move - without telling the kids where - I asked them where they would want to be if we moved. Peter: "Umm. Where you be." (good answer)
When the grandparents were here and we would be "going" some place every day - Peter: "We going to California" with a big smile on his face.
After his Day Out With Thomas - Peter "Now we go to California"
Going to church this morning - Peter "Good-bye house. We never come back."
After getting off the phone tonight he comes galloping in "Grammie's going California with me. We can go now" heading for the door "Wait. We need to pack something first. My Thomas book needs be packed. Then go to California."
As you can tell, he's forever talking about it - and when we tell him "not yet" or "not today" or "we still have a couple weeks left" he scowls, pouts and yes "no, we movin to California"
Well, at least one child should be well adjusted when we first get there!
When we were considering a move - without telling the kids where - I asked them where they would want to be if we moved. Peter: "Umm. Where you be." (good answer)
When the grandparents were here and we would be "going" some place every day - Peter: "We going to California" with a big smile on his face.
After his Day Out With Thomas - Peter "Now we go to California"
Going to church this morning - Peter "Good-bye house. We never come back."
After getting off the phone tonight he comes galloping in "Grammie's going California with me. We can go now" heading for the door "Wait. We need to pack something first. My Thomas book needs be packed. Then go to California."
As you can tell, he's forever talking about it - and when we tell him "not yet" or "not today" or "we still have a couple weeks left" he scowls, pouts and yes "no, we movin to California"
Well, at least one child should be well adjusted when we first get there!
MOVING SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!
MOVING SALE!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I'm not out on the lawn yet, but everything is easily accessable. So, for friends and friends of friends, please come by and take a look and see what you could use!
Some things are priced, others have not been yet - if you don't see a price, make us an offer. No reasonable offer will be refused - and likely some unreasonable ones too... :)
Seriously - come on up - take a look.... it has to go.
Our official last day here is the 16th - so anything not gone by the 15th is going somewhere else!
Call ahead to be sure we're here - though there is likely to be someone here nearly everyday! Please, no Sundays.
692-0270
Okay, I'm not out on the lawn yet, but everything is easily accessable. So, for friends and friends of friends, please come by and take a look and see what you could use!
Some things are priced, others have not been yet - if you don't see a price, make us an offer. No reasonable offer will be refused - and likely some unreasonable ones too... :)
Seriously - come on up - take a look.... it has to go.
Our official last day here is the 16th - so anything not gone by the 15th is going somewhere else!
Call ahead to be sure we're here - though there is likely to be someone here nearly everyday! Please, no Sundays.
692-0270
Friday, July 24, 2009
Moving On
"When God closes a door, somewhere He opens a window" - Maria, The Sound of Music
Okay, so this post has been a long time coming....
We're moving.
I had originally thought I'd just say that, but then, well, things happen. So, here's a little of why.
We've spent the first 8 years of our marriage living in this beautiful state. It's taken me nearly as long to realize all the things there are to do and see here - though I'll admit - I've probably not discovered them all. We've loved both our houses - we out grew the first one. This second one has it all - nearly! Space, an extra bedroom, a custom kitchen (that Bob did himself) a huge piece of land to run and play on, large garden lot and even a hill for sliding down. A great neighbor who lets anyone walk the trails in his woods - it's been really nice.
So what's the downside? Family. For all the numerous family we have (especially collectively) we have none even in the state. For us this has been really hard. We both love family - even with all the ups and downs - and over the years have really felt the lack that comes from not having family nearer.
But even more than the extended family, there's the immediate family. Though we live here - and even under on roof - the time we actually have together is very slim. See, Bob's a teacher (and no I won't go into the teachers are under paid debate because we truly see both sides of that), but as a teacher in this state he can't support a family. Not on that alone. We always figured that he'd need to find some extra work in the summer to make up the difference... what we hadn't counted on was him having to work an extra job all year long - and start his own cabinet business - and do rentals. Something has seriously been off balance for a very long time!
We've been diligently working towards a "one-job man" using the skills we possess - mostly that Bob possesses. I picked up childcare this past year, he's been making custom cabinets, we even started in on flipping houses. This last should have made things work - but on what time schedule? And though it might have eventually gotten us done to the "one job", we still would not have had family around.
Last year we had the opportunity to move to CA to be nearer to family and to bring Bob to one job. Yes, seriously, one job. But we both suddenly felt uneasy and in praying about it, we learned the Lord needed us in Maine still. Not knowing the whys, we turned down the offer and returned to Maine - we have seen the impact it has made. We were in the right place at the right time to do the work of the Lord and close enough to assist with other family nearer to us (though still not here). We both had settled into this new mentality when we received a phone call that got us thinking and praying some more.
The result is that this time the Lord has prepared a way for us. That He has work for us to do in CA, and that Bob will be able to be down to one job. We know we won't be "swimming in the money", but it will be do-able! We're very excited to be able to have Bob around, near us, spending time together as a family, serving together! We're also excited to give our children the opportunity to strengthen relationships with grandparents out there.
It's bitter-sweet, especially for me (being an East Coast girl and all), but the peace, calm and comfort that has come as we've listened to the Spirit guide us has been wonderful. I know we're doing the right thing for our family at this time in our lives. I know that the Lord has work for us to do, but I also know that there are great blessings awaiting our family out there as well!
We will miss so many people - so many places - but we intend to visit whenever we're able.
I know the Lord loves us dearly! He's prepared us, taught us, and helped us become who we are. We have so much more to learn and do, but we look forward to it. Our faith has seen us through so many things - the love the Lord has for us has helped us to continue in what we've been called to do!
So the door was closed last year, but a window has been opened! And what is through that window is far greater than what was behind the door! The next chapter of our lives is about to begin!
Okay, so this post has been a long time coming....
We're moving.
I had originally thought I'd just say that, but then, well, things happen. So, here's a little of why.
We've spent the first 8 years of our marriage living in this beautiful state. It's taken me nearly as long to realize all the things there are to do and see here - though I'll admit - I've probably not discovered them all. We've loved both our houses - we out grew the first one. This second one has it all - nearly! Space, an extra bedroom, a custom kitchen (that Bob did himself) a huge piece of land to run and play on, large garden lot and even a hill for sliding down. A great neighbor who lets anyone walk the trails in his woods - it's been really nice.
So what's the downside? Family. For all the numerous family we have (especially collectively) we have none even in the state. For us this has been really hard. We both love family - even with all the ups and downs - and over the years have really felt the lack that comes from not having family nearer.
But even more than the extended family, there's the immediate family. Though we live here - and even under on roof - the time we actually have together is very slim. See, Bob's a teacher (and no I won't go into the teachers are under paid debate because we truly see both sides of that), but as a teacher in this state he can't support a family. Not on that alone. We always figured that he'd need to find some extra work in the summer to make up the difference... what we hadn't counted on was him having to work an extra job all year long - and start his own cabinet business - and do rentals. Something has seriously been off balance for a very long time!
We've been diligently working towards a "one-job man" using the skills we possess - mostly that Bob possesses. I picked up childcare this past year, he's been making custom cabinets, we even started in on flipping houses. This last should have made things work - but on what time schedule? And though it might have eventually gotten us done to the "one job", we still would not have had family around.
Last year we had the opportunity to move to CA to be nearer to family and to bring Bob to one job. Yes, seriously, one job. But we both suddenly felt uneasy and in praying about it, we learned the Lord needed us in Maine still. Not knowing the whys, we turned down the offer and returned to Maine - we have seen the impact it has made. We were in the right place at the right time to do the work of the Lord and close enough to assist with other family nearer to us (though still not here). We both had settled into this new mentality when we received a phone call that got us thinking and praying some more.
The result is that this time the Lord has prepared a way for us. That He has work for us to do in CA, and that Bob will be able to be down to one job. We know we won't be "swimming in the money", but it will be do-able! We're very excited to be able to have Bob around, near us, spending time together as a family, serving together! We're also excited to give our children the opportunity to strengthen relationships with grandparents out there.
It's bitter-sweet, especially for me (being an East Coast girl and all), but the peace, calm and comfort that has come as we've listened to the Spirit guide us has been wonderful. I know we're doing the right thing for our family at this time in our lives. I know that the Lord has work for us to do, but I also know that there are great blessings awaiting our family out there as well!
We will miss so many people - so many places - but we intend to visit whenever we're able.
I know the Lord loves us dearly! He's prepared us, taught us, and helped us become who we are. We have so much more to learn and do, but we look forward to it. Our faith has seen us through so many things - the love the Lord has for us has helped us to continue in what we've been called to do!
So the door was closed last year, but a window has been opened! And what is through that window is far greater than what was behind the door! The next chapter of our lives is about to begin!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Field Trips With Grandma
When the Nielsen grandparents were here a couple of weeks back now, the kids and I did a lot of traveling with Lynne. Some of those travels were field trips - a great way to gain a little more information for our "year round home schooling" - actually, the timing just worked out well, though we do take the year round approach. After all, learning happens all the time, any place!
If you're interested in seeing those adventures, just go on over to Fly Away Home or click on the various links below!
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Children's Discovery Museum
Burnt Island Living History
Maine State Aquarium
If you're interested in seeing those adventures, just go on over to Fly Away Home or click on the various links below!
Narrow Gauge Railroad
Children's Discovery Museum
Burnt Island Living History
Maine State Aquarium
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
The Best of Friends Are Always Found Within Our Own Families - Or Adopted Into Them
"Families - where magic is born and love is unending!" ~T L Nielsen
I know I have tons still to catch up on - that's what happens when "vacation" all comes together and you don't have any time to record it (save the pictures you took along the way)!
I just have to say
"I LOVE FAMILY"
This weekend I took the kids to Vermont for an unusual and rather special occasion: My aunt (who is only a couple of years older than I am, and whom I was always close to) had come back for a visit with her husband and their seven kids! I had not seen Carolyn and Bill in 15 years - so this was a very special moment for all of us.
Though that was special enough - we also managed to have other family members gather together to visit and to have Zane (my nephew) blessed (Bob came down to do the honors - down and back in a day because that's all the time he had).
What I loved most was that my children, from the very beginning, mixed right in with Carolyn's - family really is family after all. Such bonds of friendship formed over these last few days can't be topped - fast friends were made by all!
Gabi and Rosa spent every possible moment together (they are the same age) and you would have thought they'd been born together they way they acted.
Bethie interacted with many, but mostly played with Josie (who is 5 years older).
Fiona is, by far, the cutest (tallest) 3 year old I've seen!
(okay I'm going to spell her name wrong, I can just feel it, so Turinetti family, please forgive me) Ona has the cutest glasses and though she's very aware of anything that might set her apart from others, she has a beautiful and catching smile!
Peter and Jeremy loved to play with (and be doted on) by Manny and David - Manny seemed to really jump to the role and had all the kids laughing and playing hard!
And a kindred spirit - yes, I even told her she needs to take the time to read Anne of Green Gables- Sabina... so sweet, gentle, and so willing to help! Quick to make friends of anyone - determined to know when they'd see us again, and "threating" to email me... I would guess, with Sabina, that's no threat, but a promise! I surely look forward to it!
Watching our young families interact together, I felt, briefly, transported back in time - you know, like in the movies when all the family kin get together and the kids just run and laugh and play and enjoy each other all day... it was like that. It made me "home sick" as my heart aches for such everyday encounters.
We are so grateful for the fun we had - and especially for eternal bonds that mean these friendships are the strongest ever because they are strengthened by the bonds of eternal families!
Thanks, Bill and Carolyn, for making such a huge sacrifice to come up to Vermont! It was a wonderful weekend - you will all surely be missed... no more 15 year gaps between our visits!
I know I have tons still to catch up on - that's what happens when "vacation" all comes together and you don't have any time to record it (save the pictures you took along the way)!
I just have to say
"I LOVE FAMILY"
This weekend I took the kids to Vermont for an unusual and rather special occasion: My aunt (who is only a couple of years older than I am, and whom I was always close to) had come back for a visit with her husband and their seven kids! I had not seen Carolyn and Bill in 15 years - so this was a very special moment for all of us.
Though that was special enough - we also managed to have other family members gather together to visit and to have Zane (my nephew) blessed (Bob came down to do the honors - down and back in a day because that's all the time he had).
What I loved most was that my children, from the very beginning, mixed right in with Carolyn's - family really is family after all. Such bonds of friendship formed over these last few days can't be topped - fast friends were made by all!
Gabi and Rosa spent every possible moment together (they are the same age) and you would have thought they'd been born together they way they acted.
Bethie interacted with many, but mostly played with Josie (who is 5 years older).
Fiona is, by far, the cutest (tallest) 3 year old I've seen!
(okay I'm going to spell her name wrong, I can just feel it, so Turinetti family, please forgive me) Ona has the cutest glasses and though she's very aware of anything that might set her apart from others, she has a beautiful and catching smile!
Peter and Jeremy loved to play with (and be doted on) by Manny and David - Manny seemed to really jump to the role and had all the kids laughing and playing hard!
And a kindred spirit - yes, I even told her she needs to take the time to read Anne of Green Gables- Sabina... so sweet, gentle, and so willing to help! Quick to make friends of anyone - determined to know when they'd see us again, and "threating" to email me... I would guess, with Sabina, that's no threat, but a promise! I surely look forward to it!
Watching our young families interact together, I felt, briefly, transported back in time - you know, like in the movies when all the family kin get together and the kids just run and laugh and play and enjoy each other all day... it was like that. It made me "home sick" as my heart aches for such everyday encounters.
We are so grateful for the fun we had - and especially for eternal bonds that mean these friendships are the strongest ever because they are strengthened by the bonds of eternal families!
Thanks, Bill and Carolyn, for making such a huge sacrifice to come up to Vermont! It was a wonderful weekend - you will all surely be missed... no more 15 year gaps between our visits!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Sunday Pictures
Tradition has it that we take pictures on Sunday during the visit. It was really windy - which was interesting in itself - you know, hair blowing all over and all. But add to that Jeremy's true fear of the wind and, well, you can probably imagine. Anyway... here are a few that we were able to get.
All the kids - ready for church!
The girls - in beautiful dresses that Grandma Nielsen made special for them! So very nice! - They're on the barn swing... certainly a favorite place to be!
Our boys - trying to get pictures before the wind took over again... this rock is in our backyard and is a favorite place for the boys to "hang out" and climb.
Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen with the kiddos!
Our family - the very most recent family photo...
All the kids - ready for church!
The girls - in beautiful dresses that Grandma Nielsen made special for them! So very nice! - They're on the barn swing... certainly a favorite place to be!
Our boys - trying to get pictures before the wind took over again... this rock is in our backyard and is a favorite place for the boys to "hang out" and climb.
Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen with the kiddos!
Our family - the very most recent family photo...
Friday, July 3, 2009
The In-Laws Are Coming...
That means they're on the plane and Bob will shortly be picking them up. It also means that I can finally blog about our crazy adventures over the last couple of weeks. Pictures will come later as I couldn't bring myself to taken them right off since I knew it would be harder to not to blog about them... and we wanted it to be a surprise for Bud and Lynne!
Well, after many years of waiting... okay, three..... we now have a kitchen floor. The best part... I helped put it in! It's been so long since I've been that involved in those kinds of projects that it felt great - though I was truly sore for several days after. I loved that the kids played happily in the other room and in about a half a day we had almost the entire floor in (just a little cutting in and under appliances left). Bob finished up all of that (except under the dishwasher, he'll do that this week).
The other major change is that the kids' bedrooms are now actually closed off from each other - Bob put in closets for both the girls and the boys (now all four bedrooms have closets). The kids were able to help with that, and I did get pictures, but they're still on the camera!
Bob also spent a good deal of time repainting the house... a lighter color... at least all the trim is lighter now!
He also changed a bunch of lights... and this week will move the placement of bedroom lights (why would anyone put them up against the wall instead of in the middle when they're ceiling lights?)
He's worked some on the long cabinet for the upstairs hallway (though it's not in yet) as well as the doors for the kitchen. They will all go up this week too!
And while Dad is here, the stairs will be finished off!
Yes, we'll finally have a completed house (except for the outside, but that can wait).
It's been busy around here... we've also spent a good deal of time weeding out and getting things ready to pass on (By the way, anyone know of someone going to have a baby girl? I have newborn through 12 month to give away)
Pictures will come soon.. .maybe more stories too... but now you know why the house has been inside out, upside down and backwards for the last two weeks!
Well, after many years of waiting... okay, three..... we now have a kitchen floor. The best part... I helped put it in! It's been so long since I've been that involved in those kinds of projects that it felt great - though I was truly sore for several days after. I loved that the kids played happily in the other room and in about a half a day we had almost the entire floor in (just a little cutting in and under appliances left). Bob finished up all of that (except under the dishwasher, he'll do that this week).
The other major change is that the kids' bedrooms are now actually closed off from each other - Bob put in closets for both the girls and the boys (now all four bedrooms have closets). The kids were able to help with that, and I did get pictures, but they're still on the camera!
Bob also spent a good deal of time repainting the house... a lighter color... at least all the trim is lighter now!
He also changed a bunch of lights... and this week will move the placement of bedroom lights (why would anyone put them up against the wall instead of in the middle when they're ceiling lights?)
He's worked some on the long cabinet for the upstairs hallway (though it's not in yet) as well as the doors for the kitchen. They will all go up this week too!
And while Dad is here, the stairs will be finished off!
Yes, we'll finally have a completed house (except for the outside, but that can wait).
It's been busy around here... we've also spent a good deal of time weeding out and getting things ready to pass on (By the way, anyone know of someone going to have a baby girl? I have newborn through 12 month to give away)
Pictures will come soon.. .maybe more stories too... but now you know why the house has been inside out, upside down and backwards for the last two weeks!
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