White Fabric

I finally washed Gabi's fabric for her baptism dress. I'll confess I was nervous to do so because the one fabric cannot go through the dryer and I was a bit fearful as to what might happen in the washer. I'm happy to report, the washer did no harm! Anyway, because the fabric could not go in the dryer (and thus the dress will always have to be hung to dry) I hung up the fabric in the living room (freshly cleaned from yesterday) to dry over night while little hands couldn't ruin it.

Wanting to be sure I got it put away before hands got sticky and yucky from the days adventures, I headed out - and took a picture (last night the lighting was perfect to catch the beauty of the fabric as it glistened.. not so much this morning). Then I proceeded to gather up the fabric and fold it to put away until little hands were preoccupied and I knew I would have sufficient time to pin and cut.

As Peter watched me do this, he said "Is Gabi getting married? When's the wedding? Can we go?"

Too cute - that even at his young age glistening, pure white fabric means marriage!

Snip, Snip

Last weekend I finally "fixed" Gabi's bangs. She had been working on a project for school - laying down, bent over whatever it was she was cutting and caught a small chunk in the scissors. I had waited for a few weeks because it was short enough that it would have just looked awful... for that matter, even now that we've "evened it out" it doesn't look great. Her bangs are still rather short. But, since she'll be getting baptized next month, I wanted plenty of time for everything to grow out - to not look so "freshly cut".

Anyway, while I was at it, I trimmed the bottom of her hair - it'd been at least a year. And then moved on to Beth. I think I should have done what my mother always did for me - flip her over the table and just cut one fresh, straight line. Natural layers and maybe more luck with the curls. Beth wanted layers, so that's what we did - and though her hair is cute, we rarely see a curl any more. And even though I layered it with the longest layer on the bottom, shortest on the top, it's acting like it was cut the other way around. Yup - it has a slight curl under (if you can call it a curl). Very cute, but we miss her dancing curls. I'm hoping that within a couple of weeks (when the hair fully relaxes and realizes it doesn't have to hang like it's heavy) that the curls will start to pop up again. Water does help a little - but we'll just have to see.

The good news to the short hair cut (which she's not had in at least two years, maybe three) is that she can brush it herself - and she doesn't wake up with horrid rats nests that have to be ripped from her head! It looks healthier and more full. And it's still long enough to pull up (and her hair grows really fast) so dance recital should not be an issue.

I'll post pictures after I locate the camera (which seems to have found a new home) and after there have been a couple weeks to see what the hair will really do.

What We Do Matters

Back in November, the father of two boys (both classmates of my girls) was killed in an emergency helicopter flight accident after delivering a patient. Though I do not know this family - not really - the accident impacted our family as well as our children. Our hearts have pulled and hurt for them.

The younger boy made a connection with me when I volunteer - so much so that whenever he sees me he runs to me for a hug. He's so precious, so innocent to it all. And so hurt. His brother has likewise been hurt and even angry at times. His reaction was so strong and so confusing to Gabi that she asked me about it back in December.

It was a wonderful discussion that we had about how grief affects different people in different ways. That the important thing for us was to remember that they were hurting and continue to be the friend we were before the accident happened. Gabi has spent many a night and day sobbing for the hurt of this young boy - while at the same time reaching out to him and being his friend even during the times when he tried to shut everyone out.

Today was full of valentine parties at school. The girls were eager to look over all their precious valentines when they arrived home. Gabi pulled one out - a very special, way more than expected valentine. She was the only one in the class to receive one. It came from this same boy because he was grateful for her continued friendship through all he's been and continues to go through.

Gabi was not looking for reward or compensation. She was simply reaching out to a friend in need, refusing to turn her back on him. She was shining forth as a remarkable example of Christ-like Love - true Charity.

Our family is so blessed and so lucky to have her as part of it. Her example shines through and we are constantly learning from it. But what amazes me most of all is that this little boy noticed - and it made a difference. We are always watched - our examples are seen by all around us - and what we do really does make a difference in the lives of someone else.

Things To Do

Yesterday I took Lynne to the airport so she could visit Marie's family (and help out with the new baby). We're excited for her return so we can see lots of pictures, but truly hope she has a terrific time while she's there!

While in the area, she and I stopped in and found fabric for Gabi's baptism dress! Gabi had told us several things to look for, and in the end we found stuff that we were fairly certain Gabi would really love, but it wasn't exactly what she told us to look for. We went with it - and sure enough, Gabi loves it! She's so excited. I'll be cutting out the pattern between today and tomorrow and then she'll help me get it pinned to the fabric on Saturday. I'm not sure we'll get it cut Saturday - likely I'll wait and do that part once the girls are back to school this week. Gabi will get to help with some of the sewing - though it will be limited - since she's had experience already with sewing clothes and she wants to be involved!

But, the bulk of the day today will be spent trying to get the house back in order. It's gone rapidly down hill - at first it was because sick kids (even with just a cold) are cranky and mean and I was too tired because I spent my days dealing with that instead of slipping in a nap here and there.

Then, because that wasn't enough, I cut my finger last Friday night. I was cutting onions and apparently had my finger set just right to slice a small chunk off. Fun. Washed up and wrapped up - but knocked around numerous times - and it was throbbing by bed time - it kept me up most of that night. The next day it felt a little better - I figured it must have been positioning - but then the pain picked up again. With some Tylenol I got through a good chunk of the day (reading a book mostly) but finally gave up. After a shower, I unwrapped it to reveal a slight infection and then, on the completely opposite side of the finger, what appeared to be a second infection - or at least fluid gathering. I guess that should have made sense since that's where the pain was radiating from (at the worst points it was all through my hand and running up to my elbow).

Well, I had Bob rewrap the finger with some really good, heavy duty, antibacterial cream, took more Tylenol and laid down. When I woke up, the pain was contained to the finger. This was good - and we had it rewrapped another time the same way - the fluid pocket appeared to be going down, though we were only treating the actual cut on the finger.

Yesterday, I noticed what appeared to be a change in color at the "fluid pocket" tip of my finger at the top of the band-aid. I pulled it off, the sliced part was healed enough that there was no longer a flap of skin to worry about (just tender with direct pressure), but I definately had an infection at the "fluid pocket" - which no longer appeared to have fluid. It was a weird whitish - yellow at the tip, but there was a "blood stain" under the skin that extended most of the way to the first knuckle. Needless to say, the finger is still being wrapped, but the antibacterial cream is being focused at this other point - already the "blood stain" has subsided...

Who would have thought onions were so deadly?

Anyway, so the house is no where near ideal, and that's what I'm attempting today.... we'll see if I can put that finger in water for dishes - but even not, there is plenty else that has need to be completed!

It Would Seem...

that we're having another boy.... Peter may not have gotten his twins, but he did get his first choice of brother... the girls, on the other hand, don't think it's quite fair.

Safe Arrival

It's my understanding that our nephew made his grand arrival last night! Welcome Eli Scott Johnson - 8 lbs, 20 inches long, nurses say he's a red head.

Okay - so the details come from Bob who talked to (I believe) both his mother and his sister... but he's a guy and sometimes such details aren't as detailed so we'll forgive him if we're off a little.

Congrats, Marie and family! (Peter's excited that his cousin has red hair just like him)

To Make Me Smile

We've been pretty lucky to not be sick much or for very long this winter... especially when you consider we moved to a new location, which normally spells trouble for such things. But, this week we've had a cold moving through the family - rapidly, but it's still around since it didn't hit everyone all at once.

Last night the boys came down with all the wonderful symptoms - mostly just a crazy runny nose with runny eyes. Nothing that can't be survived easily, just symptoms that make you shake your head and yell "ARGHHH"!

This morning every time Peter's eye would fill with tears and start to spill over and he needed a tissue to dab at it, he'd yell to me "My eye has water in it! My eye has water in it!"

Though I know the feeling of runny eyes (by far worse than a runny nose in my book), I couldn't help but smile. The way he said it, and with such innocence, not frustration, was just way too cute!

Nature Lovers Unite

Talking in the wee hours of the night with Bob, I learned that Gabi and at least one other friend had started a Nature Club at school. He didn't really have any details, but said he hoped it wasn't (and wouldn't become) exclusive and have to be shut down.

So this morning, as I'm preparing her breakfast, Gabi starts to tell me about the Nature Club. I don't know how many people are in it, though it's enough to play tag and hide and go seek. But not just any tag or any hide and go seek... their first order of business was to create their own versions in a true nature theme. It's Monkey Tag (and, no, I don't remember how to play that one) and then Lion Hide and Go Seek (where when the lion is done counting he / she just creeps up on the people never having hollered "ready or not" - when the lion tags someone, then the lion yells "NEW LION" and everyone scatters to hide again while the new lion counts).

She's hoping as it warms up that they can look for birds - she's excited to have at least one other member over to "play" while they explore the nature around them.

Seriously - what a great club - and so easy, since, at least for now, it's all kid ideas that don't cost money and just explore what God has given us all!

Now What?

At school, the girls are part of a reading program. It's one that I don't mind so much. It involves a reading log that keeps track of books read, time spent, and then signed by mom or dad. My children love to read - never have (as yet) had a problem with that. Each grade has a different "bench mark" to reach each month. Kindergarten is 6 hours each month, 2nd grade is 10 hours each month. As you can see, it goes up by 2 hours each grade.

The problem in the beginning for my children is that they've always read and never had to worry about recording time. So, often we'd find a girl reading and discover that they hadn't looked at the clock before starting and had no idea how long they were reading. Beth still struggles with this - though if we hear or see her starting to get into reading mode, we try to remind her to grab a clock and her reading log. Gabi has less problems with it - in part, I believe, because it's a personally assigned (by herself) challenge for her to meet (and well exceed) the goals. There are times, though, that I still find I'm reminding even her.

Well - a bench mark can be made for the month, or one can earn more than one in the month. Each bench mark takes the child's marking pin to a new location on the world map. Each month, as part of the experience, the children learn about a new place in the world.

Today, I signed the reading log which will bring Gabi completely around the world... yes, she's officially met every bench mark for the whole year! I'm not hugely surprised, but apparently this was her goal for herself all along! I mentioned to her that I thought her continuing to keep track of her reading would count toward the entire schools reading goal - now she has another reason to keep track of it all.

(The best part, she's reading and rereading books all around her - becoming less picky about what she reads. And, Bob and I've begun a list of "classics" we think she'll enjoy that we can look for at the library. She's thrilled!)

***As a side note, Jeremy is beginning to read the Magic Tree House series. He's not reading well enough to do it on his own yet, but he loves these stories and can read most of the words in them so far. Peter sits near and listens, so it's a great way to encourage Jeremy's reading fluency and decoding while spending some great time in the world of imagination with both boys.***

6 & 3

We now have a 6 year old and a 3 year old again!



Bethie was so excited to turn 6 - it's a year older, it's when she no longer has to ride in the booster seat in our state, it's when she should be able to start looking forward to loosing a tooth, it's a special thing in school, and she's just excited to be "more grown up"!

She loves Fancy Nancy and had told me a couple months ago that she really wanted to have a Fancny Nancy party. I wasn't really sure just how to theme it, but then I realized that Fancy Nancy is always having a Tea Party (that's how she does all her snacks)! And her favorite "tea" is really pink lemonade with cranberry juice mixed in (to make it hot pink) and raspberries floating on the top! How much more perfect... after all, some days Beth could be Fancy Nancy herself.

And since Fancy Nancy (and Bethie too) love butterflies, that's what we did for her cake. The hard part, I made the Texas Sheet cake she loves, but in taking it out of the pan and then cutting off all the edges, the cake is soooooo moist it wanted to crumble. Needless to say, it was not as easy to do as I'd hoped... and though I thought it would be much cuter, the girls all ooohed and aaahed over the whole thing... I guess that's all that matters!

Peter was just happy to know he could have cake! For the last couple of months he would say that he would be 3 in January. So funny. On his birthday, when I asked how old he was, he told me simply that he was 3. I guess he got that all figured out. I think 3 is officially no longer a baby - at least so it seems in my mind. And that's sad. I know we've got a new one coming a few months away, but it's always sad when "the baby" is no longer "the baby" (though I've told all my children they will always be my babies, even when they are too big to hold and snuggle).

Peter had a Thomas the Tank Engine party (again) - still young enough that it was just a play date with cake. But he loved it and was so excited to help make his own cake. Since I've made a 3-D Thomas cake before, and a circle with a picture before, it was time for something different (and easier). We got this idea from coolestcakes.com - take two rounds, cut one round in half and stake both halves on top to make a hillside. Then put in a tunnel, add some frosting tracks and set a toy Thomas on those tracks! So easy and so cute! The original one used chocolate rocks all around the sides of the bottom and to outline the tunnel. I did not want to spend the money on those, or the time to find them, and was going to make them myself. But then, since the center creams are made with crushed oreos, I decided that worked well... and allowed us to have "crumbled" rocks all around the cake! If I do say so myself, his cake turned out the best this year. It's always funny for me to see which of the two (his or Beth's) I prefer since I make them about the same time.



Everyone had fun, and amazingly, I think it was the calmest set of friend parties we've ever had!


The following night, we took the remainder of Peter's cake (it was easiest to "save the face") over to grandma and grandpa's house for a little family celebration. It was cute - six candles on top, three on bottom and both kids blowing at the same time. They had a wonderful time.

Finding Peace

After all the confusion and the mess of emotions that goes with it, I had Bob give me a blessing. Though it did not give me much for specifics, it did confirm that I'm well and my pregnancy is progressing well under the Lord's care. I'm very grateful for this. I'm also grateful for the redirect to focus on my children and spend more time with them.

So, aside from scheduling an ultrasound, I'm trying to be good about focusing on life and kids and not on the "abnormalities" of this pregnancy, especially knowing that all is well even if it seems so out of place and strange. I'm reconnecting with my kids, finding my patience with them, and remembering what it's like to be able to really take part and enjoy the games and activities I do with them. It's refreshing!

Now - back to getting a little rest and a good house routine and we'll be completely back on track!

A Gentle, Loving Reminder

I got this this morning. It could not have come at a better time and I hope it makes you smile and makes you remember why it's important to be the best examples we can be! Why we need to live our lives and not hide from them.



WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children
are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my
first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my
favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little
things can be the special things in life..

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always
talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a
meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care
of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have
to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you
handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
feel good, and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come
from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things
hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you
cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of
life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and
wanted to say,'Thanks for all the things I saw when
you thought I wasn't looking'
.

Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)
influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today? Just by
sending this to someone else, you will probably make
them at least think about their influence on others.
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Leave the rest to God.

What Do You Think?

Soooooo... I'm sure everyone is just dying to know what's going on around here... okay, so I know better.. but here's the update anyway.

Doctor's appointment was this afternoon. With all the oddities of my body this time, I have to admit that I wanted some explainable, and understandable answers. I think both categories are covered for my husband, but I'm a little skeptical on part of it.

Anyway... so far I'm measuring right where I should be. Doc actually looked around for a heartbeat (though it took awhile and I'll admit that made me nervous). One heartbeat, left side, at 164. So, seems there is one and that baby is healthy. I gained two pounds - seems healthy. So, apparently all is well there.

Then I told him about the big and little and the strong kicks and all that and wanted an explanation. Although he did say a couple of times that he didn't know, this is the information he did give.

1st - the uterus does not grow and contract like that during pregnancy.

2nd - Therefore, it could not have been baby movements at all - even though there was popping so you could see the movement too.

3rd - it must have been gas! (Seriously, that's an awful lot of gas with an awful lot of bloating - never in my life have I ever been so bloated)

4th - the popping (even seen) would be the pulsating of my artery which would be felt and seen due to the pressure of the gas around it (even in different locations).

So, this is the part that I struggle with... I'm not 100% convinced it was just gas and bloating.. although I have no problems with the one baby and uterus not being part of the equation.

Any doctors, nurses or others with professional medical background able to confirm this suggestion?

Oh, and we have paperwork for an ultrasound, though we have to set the appointment up ourselves, so I don't know when that will be yet.

I told Peter we were only having one baby - and he insists that I'm wrong. I told him we don't get to choose, and he asked why not. So I explained that Heavenly Father chooses how many babies we have at a time. He still insists it's twins... I guess I have my work cut out... silly little boy.

Counting

Last night while the kids were playing and the adults were talking at grandma and grandpa's house, Peter was counting the pieces to a beautiful memory faces game (we have the same one here and it's a treasure). Grandma started it by suggesting he count the pieces while he put them away (since it was nearly time to go home). Peter counted right up to 29 without trouble then promptly said "20-100". It was cute.

As he continued, he wanted Grandma to count with him, so Grandma told him she needed him to teach her how. He showed her, and then she'd jump in with some random number. Peter picked up on the game rather quickly and started saying random numbers back it was something like this:

1, 2
15
16
27
3
29

until suddenly Peter (not taking his eyes off the pieces) got this glint in his eye and on his turn announced "Uncle Mike!"

Needless to say, we all busted up laughing!

Hercules

One of Peter's favorite games is to trip over chairs. Either so that the back forms a slide and then he "slides" down, or so that the back lays completely flat on the floor - becoming a train track. The latter is more common if he's doing it himself.

About a week ago he had two chairs laid out to be tracks in the kitchen. As this is not allowed (too many kids have gotten hurt by chairs being in positions other than upright), Bob stopped him and instructed him to put them back up.

Peter promptly (albeit unhappily) walked around, grab one chair with each hand and pushed them back up to their normal positions at the same time without so much as a gunt. (These are the dining room chairs).

Hercules? Maybe not, but man, strong for a little boy not yet 3!

Neptunes

The we the music from "Blue Moo" (a CD Aunt Marie gave the boys for Christmas) on the computer for them in iTunes. Peter loves this more than any game or even going online. Jeremy has decided it's also a "game" to be played. He's funny though, because when he asks if he can do it, he always asks to play "Neptunes".

A Strong Kick And Alot Of Water

It would seem my uterus is well above my naval. I had found it a few weeks earlier and measured myself, because the old school doc hadn't done it as part of his routine the last visit. And I've felt movement, but then for several weeks after, I didn't feel a thing. Just strange for me. (But apparently, fairly normal)

Anyway, about a week ago I started feeling very strong kicks... you know, the kind that are unmistakeably baby kicks. The strange part was that they were just below my rib cage and certainly well above my naval. Being 15 weeks, that's unusual. (On average, the uterus will be at the naval around 20 weeks, so normal, actually, that doctors can measure by finger widths above or below the naval and get an accurate idea of how far along a woman is)

At first it I thought "well, maybe there's something else that can pop like that" - it was the first time and I didn't feel it again for a couple days. But, it's consistent and every day. And it's definately baby!

My mother's explanation is that "at some point it (being the uterus) has to do that because it looses muscle tone" - and well, I suppose on some level that may be true. But with all four of my others, I always measured exactly. Okay... so everything else about this pregnancy is different, why wouldn't this be, right?

Anyway, so there's baby kicking really high, it actually hurts to try to bend, and I've also felt other movement (baby-like as well) very low down - but not as strong. Baby could be traveling around - if the baby moves fast, because the movements are within seconds of each other. I used to feel movement on the left side and on the right and never in the middle. Now it's high and low.

Regardless, my uterus is high - very high - so at the very least, there's an awful lot of water in there! (We see the doctor next week)

Unexpected Free Day

So power went out just before the kids walked out the door... the girls wanted to know if that meant there would be no school. I told them to head down and if there was an issue to just stay with Dad and then they'd know (so good to have him at the same school they are). Off they went.

The boys got settled into games and I went to lay back down (no nap yesterday and stayed up way too late). I didn't really get the luxury of sleeping since the boys always had one question or another. Shortly thereafter, Lynne came in. She was hanging out with the boys when I heard "singing" and thought for sure it was from outside. Then I thought I heard the door to the garage or beside it. Then I know I heard the kitchen door. Sure enough, I pulled myself out of bed and there was Bob standing in the living room talking to his mother.

So I ask "No school?" but don't really get much response and then in waltz the singing duo... the girls! Sure enough, no school. The power was out and there was (apparently) no generator so they got to come home! The best part, they don't have to make it up at all!!!!!!! (Know here as something like Emergency Days)

The kids had fun - we cleaned some, a couple played at grandma's, they did computer stuff when the power came back on, and the girls have been having so much fun making crafts. It's been peaceful...

Gabi's first question to me when she got home was "Can we home school today?" Isn't it great to have little ones who love to learn (and plenty of books and activities and supplies to teach them)!?!

BLAH

Well, it's been one of those days... sort of...

The beginning wasn't too bad, girls even got out the door on time without much trouble. Laundry was started, dishes were washing, boys were playing together nicely... all in all, that's a good thing. I decided to work on backing up more photos...

Remember I said we had something like 12000 photos (maybe that was on Facebook) any way, that was me reading the notes at the bottom which told how many items there were. What I found strange as that I got through two more DVDs (one with around 1600 items, and the other with around 1200 items) and counted up the remaining photos (and movies). Strangely, it was just over 1000... but the item list at the bottom still read over 6000. Baffling.

I discovered that, for some reason, when you delete photos from iPhoto, the event itself doesn't exactly delete and "elements" that are unseen remain and count as items. So, figuring that out and deleting out all those empty events cleared up a ton of space in both iPhoto and the computer!

That's about where the good ends... just before the girls were due to come home, the fire started to give us trouble (we've been struggling to get it to hold it's own ever since.. though the house had been up to 70 before that, so we weren't at all cold).. on top of that, the boys started fighting. One landed in time out for violence and immediately fell asleep. Girls came home and started complaining about having to put away their clothes. Since Beth may well loose her party altogether due to rotten attitude and disobedience, she's not allowed to have a bad attitude and she's got extra chores so that she can have a party.

Needless to say, there was less "noise" from her, but she was still taking her jolly good time... which we didn't have. She had two other chores to complete afterward, and we had dinner and then they had to get off to Grandparents so I be at Achievement Days and Bob be at Young Men. That turned things around.. but in all that, I still fought with attitude and back talking from the others about having to help. Needless to say, the house is not "clean and tidy" and I still have a mountain of clean laundry on my bed waiting for me.

I thought I'd help myself out a little and had the kids get in PJ's before going to grandparents so that when we got home it was just prayers and scriptures and off to bed... nope.. that was circle of loud and unnecessary noises with rather wound up kids. They are in bed now.. and silent (they know Mom has had it) and Dad is not yet back... Achievement Tuesdays are hard... seriously... what is it about Dad missing one night of prayers and scriptures because he's serving the Lord that makes the children think they can just break loose and forget there are rules?

An Interesting Start

Well, it's a holiday... Martin Luther King, Jr day... a holiday here for schools. But, alas, Bob is down at school working. See, he's not actually hired by the school district. His position runs through the county office. Therefore, he's required to work 183 days instead of 175. This means that, if he doesn't want to work in the summer time, he has to put in those days throughout the year. So... today is one of those days. (Although he's planning on finding a summer job that he can enjoy... anyone want to me by back up coach in case he's not around?... He's considering, with my permission - can you believe that - fighting fires for the summer... he loves it)

At first I was dreading the day, but the kids are actually fairly mellow right now. We've done two loads of sheets and blankets already, a load of dishes and even had a "special" breakfast. During the making of breakfast, I was trying to keep laundry going and get the fire going. Let's just say the fire has been less than cooperative today - though I think we may have finally gotten it going.

During all the time on my feet (much later in the morning than normal for me to eat) I felt the blood drain from my face, got weak, felt clammy and immediately found a chair. That didn't seem to help (and yes, I'd been "snacking" along the way so I wasn't totally empty). As things seemed to be getting worse in the chair, instead of better, and I was going to need to roll the balls (we were having Danish Pancake Balls), I had Gabi get a piece of paper and wrote down Bob's cell number. I told her if I passed out and didn't come to right away to call Daddy immediately. I don't know that I would have been quite as concerned (I'd dealt with this kind of thing before) but last night, most of the night, I'd had bad, sharp, stabbing like pains that were not familiar to me in the area of my uterus. Position seemed to help a little, so I went to bed last night. But knowing that had happened and now I was suddenly feeling so off, I figured the oldest child ought to be prepared to deal with the emergency (call Dad and get him home to deal with it).

I mentioned I had not had any protein yet this morning, and Peter immediately hopped up and said "Mommy, you can eat a cheese stick. Cheese has protein. I'll get you one." Ran over to the fridge, grabbed a cheese stick and gave it to me. The best part (aside from my wonderfully sweet and intelligent, not yet 3 year old) was that I only got through half the cheese stick when all my symptoms went away. I finished it, of course, and things have been fine since!

I guess baby's ready for more protein! (And not going to threaten to spit it back up)

Something Cute!

I have another friend starting up an Etsy site... the stuff looks really cute! Everyone should at least check it out...

What amazes me is that she's so busy - she has two little ones (one only about a month old), works part time (sometimes two jobs), does craft fairs, makes wreaths, and renovates her home. This all in her "spare time".

Her creations are beautiful!

AnnRose's Attic

Playing Around

Okay - so I'm messing with the blog again... I know what I want to do.. but well, that takes time and talent so it won't be right away. However, we'll see changes happening here and there and not always what I'd keep but being interrupted by kids and their needs (like right now while I get them put to bed) will cause things to look a little, well, strange for awhile... just bare with me... I'll get it figured out sooner or later.

Preparing For Baptism

This may seem strange to those of you of different faiths than ours, but this will be our first child to be baptized. It's also the first grandchild on both sides. A very exciting time in our lives. Gabi will turn 8 in March.

8 is "magical" around here - it's the birthday all our kids talk about. It's the age when we believe children become accountable before God. Those first 8 years are a gift to us parents as we prepare and teach our children about our Savior and His gospel. When a child reaches the age of 8, he or she has the choice to be baptized, like our savior, by immersion. This choice is not made lightly. The child is taught to understand that by being baptized he or she is agreeing to follow Christ. To do their very best to be a light and example to the world. To always remember Christ and be willing to testify of him. The child is also taught the importance of repentance, without which there is no way to be saved, for we all make mistakes. In order to make such a decision, the child needs to have developed his or her own testimony of our Savior, of his mission and of his gospel.

When a child has come to this decision and gets baptized, he or she is taking the first necessary step to being able to be united with his or her family for all eternity (not just here on earth). There will be other ordinances necessary as the child progresses from a child to an adult to ensure such wonderful blessings. But getting baptized is the first - it marks the path.

In preparation for this, Gabi has already read the Book of Mormon in it's entirety by herself once through. Since that time, she's been reading it again, focusing especially on the passages of scripture that talk about our Savior and faith. Her goal is to complete the Book of Mormon this way before she turns 8. These are goals she set for herself. Our family reads from the Book of Mormon every night. And she learns about the gospel from the Bible, the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Mormon. All scriptures which confirm the truth of each other - the gospel being the same in all.

Gabi has been thinking a lot about her baptism - who will baptize her, who will confirm her and who will take part in this wonderful program. The first two must be someone who holds the true Priesthood of God here on the earth. The others can be anyone. It's a special thing to know that the true Priesthood of God is here upon the earth and able to be used for such sacred ordinances.

She is very excited - she's planning it all - and she's even making a list of people dear to her that she wants to invite to this special event. We are all so excited and happy for her.

It you want to learn more about this special event or what we believe, please click here.

Spring?

I've been told that this happens, but it's not the norm. Aside from a 3 day crazy cold spell in December (which was still nothing like Maine) we've had really nice weather. Not always "warm" although by Maine standards it would be. Although with the "really nice" temps, we have had a lot of rain. I'm not complaining (though we certainly saw tons of that back in Maine this last summer) - this area really needs it... it's a huge blessing!

I had told the boys that if the weather continued to be "nice" that we'd start walking on those days. I probably can't go far - I've never been able to do much when pregnant as far as walking or hiking or any other "physical activity" without being put down for a three day stint (or more). But this pregnancy is different and I think, as long as I don't push it, I could probably get away with some walking on the level part of the street. It's worth a try!

Anyway... we've not really been able to take advantage of the nice weather because it's been raining... and sorry, but I'm not a rainy walking kind of girl. I like to be wet when I'm swimming, boating (sometimes), showering and the like. Otherwise, I like to be nice a dry. And when the sun has peeked out or the rain as let up for a little while, it's late enough in the day that I'm too tired and then I know it would be unwise.

Today is different... the sun is already out and the boys and I are planning a little walk. They want to take the stroller, but I'm going make them use up some energy (and not over do it for myself). It will be nice.. the fresh air will feel great and do wonders for us... and yes, I'll likely be down for a good long nap this afternoon... that's okay. I need this.

Now... if I could stabilize my iron.....

Where?

While eating breakfast, Peter asked me why I was eating. I told him because the baby likes what I'm eating. Since he was still a little puzzled, I told him the baby could taste what I ate after I'd eaten it.

He went back to eating his cereal and then said "Baby wants to be in my tummy."

Uncle Mike

That would be Bob's brother - crazy guy... or so we've always told the kids. They certainly had fun with him back in September (or was it late August)... oh well. Peter, apparently, has become obsessed with Uncle Mike. He talks about him ALL THE TIME!

A couple of days ago something was said and I mentioned "Uncle Mike" to which I was promptly informed that I "forgot his name"... "I did?" ... "Yeah, it's Crazy Uncle Mike!" Oh, right... forgot that CRAZY was actually part of his name! =)

Tonight was a discussion on birthdays (after all there are at least 8 in January for our family). Today was Crazy Uncle Mike's and cousin Annie's. At this mention, Peter piped up with "When Crazy Uncle Mike turns 3 and then I turn 3, Crazy Uncle Mike will be the same as me!"

Yeah.... no concept of what age means... but that's okay... he's very fond of CRAZY Uncle Mike!

Heading For A Masters

Bob begins his Master's program today... the next year and half (or so) will be a bit hectic... but really, what's a "second job" around here? No, really we're very excited for him to have this opportunity. He's doing it completely on-line, and the Lord has been blessing me to not be completely down this pregnancy. The kids are able to do more - and typically are more willing. We'll see just how demanding of his time this ends up being, but it's important and we're excited to get it started (and finished)! Let the next chapter begin! =)

Blog Changes & Blog Addresses

As you can see, we've had an adjustment to our blog. I have a wonderful friend who did this for us - she's from skittles and scraps. Anyway, although the the nice change, we lost our blog roll - much of which I had listed in Google Reader (but I stopped using that when I started the blog roll). I was able to import many of the old blog addresses.

So - if your blog is no longer listed or if it's got the wrong connection, please let me know what it is so I can add it again. I really love to keep up with everyone and I'd hate to miss you just because we don't know where to look!

Treat

I've been making more treats lately... don't know if that's good or bad, but the family is enjoying them. Today Jeremy and I decided to make muddy buddies... once they were finished and Peter finally decided it was worth trying he said:

"Jeremy I tried it and it's scrumptious! I really like bunny food!"

Chicken On The...

With the clean house - that has, for a few days anyway, remained as such with progress actually happening a little every day.... I've been cooking more dinners (which means Bob can stay at school later in the day and stay caught up on correcting and such)...

Last night I was trying to figure out what to fix (that's the hardest thing for me to do while pregnant...especially since all I've really wanted was pizza and I'm waiting for cheese to be brought home) - I figured we'd do rice and chicken with gravy. The chicken I pulled was legs (or as my niece refers to it: chicken on the bone). Suddenly I thought we'd do Grandma's pan fried chicken with rice on the side. I still thought I'd throw together a nice little gravy for the rice, but got side tracked making cornbread... Courtney's very yummy cornbread....after all, what's pan fried chicken without cornbread? Anyway... all went well, save the gravy which we decided to nix due to time.

As the dinner progressed, we kept telling the kids we were having pan fried chicken on the bone. Beth made a face (to which I reminded her that she likes chicken on the bone), Gabi got the one that was already pulled apart (since she really doesn't like it on the bone) and the boys kept asking how to eat it. Bob told them to hold it like corn on the cob and eat around the sides. Jeremy figured it out, but Peter wasn't too sure.

As the night progressed, Peter still wondered how to eat it - in part because he decided he didn't like the crispy outside (the best part, which he just wouldn't try). So I told him to pull that off and eat the rest.

He was gone a couple minutes and then came back saying "my chicken has a stick! I don't want to eat the stick" I told him he didn't have to, and showed him where more chicken was. When he finished he said "Can I throw away my stick? I don't want to eat my stick."

So - no more chicken on the bone... apparently, in our house, it's chicken on a stick!

Baby

Bob was talking to Peter this morning about how many kids were in our family...

P: "1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8"
B: "No... not 8... Gabi is"
P:"1"
B: "Bethie is"
P: "2"
B: "Jeremy is"
P: "4"
B: "no, not 4, 3"
P: "3"
B: "Peter is"
P: "4"
B: "and baby is"
P: "5"

Then the conversation was about when the baby will come - Peter couldn't seem to pull it up himself (we tell him "after Jeremy's birthday", as a reference point)

P: "When baby comes out he'll burst this bed"

Apparently that would be just one too many on the bed =)

Unpacked

It's amazing, but it's true... we've unpacked everything in the house... I think we might have one box of craft stuff in the garage still, but the craft cabinet needs some attention before we bring it in! The biggest accomplishment is that our bedroom is actually clean - as in no boxes stacked hap-hazardly around - things hanging out of them as we've attempted to find something but not unpacked it yet. That's where the "move in mess" landed this time, and it's great to have it done.

Bob's a great motivator - and good at finding homes when I struggle. We were able to get a lot done and the kids got their rooms cleaned as well... and can you believe it, all the dirty laundry was washed and put away! Now the real question... can we maintain such clean... I hope so, but I also know I've not got the energy that I had when we first got here. We'll see if we can keep the kids focused (they like knowing they have clothes, clean and where they can find them).

If nothing else, we'll keep things tip-top until Wednesday morning... I have Achievement Days at my house Tuesday night! And with any luck - and with small and few goals per day (and week) things should be looking good for a long, long time!

A Giant? Or Something Else? Tell Me!

Well many of you know we're expecting again... yes that's baby number five (if it's a giant). I suppose that's entirely possible given how big Peter was - certainly smaller by weight than I'd heard of others, even in my own family, but he was 22 1/2 inches long... that's really long for a baby.

Strangely, for those who know me, I've not been terribly sick this time around. Two of my previous pregnancies I was more or less sick the whole time. One I was violently ill for the first half and the other I threw-up 5 times and felt ill for at least half. This time I did "feel sick" almost immediately, and often thought I'd wake up sick. Nope... as long as I got to sleep when I started to feel crummy I was doing okay. I did start in on mints (a nausea coping mechanism) at 4 or 5 weeks..... much early than usual for me.

For the first two and half months I felt that I was eating all the time... not that I could eat the same thing in a row. No, that would have been too easy. But I was easily eating every hour and maybe even sooner when I was awake. I would wake up in the middle of the night with hunger pains and have to eat something at least once and often twice before morning. Not to mention eating before trying to get out of bed. And protein was difficult to eat... it seemed to upset my stomach, although that always got worse as the day progressed.

We thought we'd be cute and announce our pregnancy on Christmas Day... hey, I've always been able to hide it for that long and longer before (even with number four). But I realized I was showing by 5 weeks. I had the "right" shirts, though and wore button up sweaters and zip up sweat shirts (great for minimizing what can be seen when left open). By 6-7 weeks we decided we best let Bob's folks know because, well, they are just across the street and see us often. I knew it wouldn't be long before someone would be asking anyway. I was already starting to get a few questioning glances... apparently I was still hiding it well enough for them not to ask though (or they figured I was still new enough to the area that they would be kind). When I announced it at church, a girl beside me commented right off that I was showing.

It wasn't until a few weeks after telling Bob's folks that I stood up when we were visiting and my stomach was a little achy... I moved the sweater back a little to rub my belly and my mother-in-law exclaimed "You really are showing!" with surprise. Yup.. I wasn't making it up... I was just good at hiding it (to a point). After all, I had been out of my normal pants by 6 weeks, had only one pair of bigger pants and they were tight and uncomfortable. (Christmas remedied that... maternity clothes have been a huge blessing and comfort)

So... to add to our fun with the huge, uncomfortable belly (which also meant back pulling as early as 6 weeks - normally something that starts, mildly, in the late second trimester for me) is our little Peter. He loves to "hug a baby" - where he snuggles my belly and grins up to me. He would then say "I tink it's two babies". That was cute and I often would ask him just randomly if we were having one baby and his response has always been the same. Then he learned the word twins - and though we've stopped asking how many babies, he'll tell me "I tink it's tins. A brodder baby and nodder brodder" If it is twins, I do hope it's not two boys... the two I have, being 19 months apart are handful enough! Peter even said, yesterday, that then it would be "like Peter and Jeremy again"!

I figured I'd not say a whole lot until we knew for sure if it was one or twins or whatever.... but, seeing that I'm nearly 13 weeks and we still have no idea and the next chance to have a clue won't be until I'm 16 1/2 weeks... well, here we are! Apparently the doctor we see is rather old school. That doesn't actually bother me.. but I'm finding some interesting differences between his methods and what I went through with my others. Like, no inital ultrasound. Okay. And then at my last appointment being told that the doctor rarely hears a heartbeat at 12 weeks. When he "checked for one" he set the doppler in one place and listened for awhile but didn't move it around. The other doctor's I'd had always probed around until they found it. That's not this doctor's style. So we'll wait another 4 weeks.

In the meantime... I know someone is having twins... it may well not be me, but someone connected to me is having twins. I've known this since before I got pregnant. Since I won't know for sure about myself for another 4 weeks, if it's you, please tell me... then I won't have to wonder who it is any more! And if it's you, then I can try to prepare Peter for just one baby! Of course, I suppose you might not know yet either.. but when you find out, let me know! I've already asked everyone I know that's expecting!

Peter's Favorite Saying

"OK, My Friend!"

A Little Taste Of Our Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Christmas is, of course, always wonderful when you have your family around you - but this year we had our family and Bob's parents and his grandmother. Adding to the number of family really helped to make it more special.

Since we went over to Bob's folks for Christmas Eve dinner (which was really yummy, but no surprise there) the kids were able to watch some Christmas specials on TV and the adults were able to visit. It was great because the kids were actually kept up later than I thought they would be - it was after 10:30pm when they were finally tucked in and asleep! I was, of course, finishing up Christmas presents (fortunately it was not a lot) so though I wasn't feeling the best and knew I needed to be sleeping, I stuck with it and got them finished up.... oh, that is except on for one for a couple who were on vacation and not at their home anyway... I do feel bad that it's not complete, but that should be remedied tomorrow!

Anyway, with such a late night for the kiddos, we actually had to wake them up! We had thought we'd be going back over to Bob's folks around 8am Christmas morning... it was 7:15 when I woke up Bob (me being awake only because I had to eat something or be sick). We got the kids up and out to stockings around 7:30 or so... needless to say, we made it to Bob's folks at 8:30 after we'd opened what was under our tree (some presents were waiting at grandma and grandpa's).... oh, yeah... still in our PJs!

It was wonderful... the kids were very happy and excited with all their gifts. Bob and I also received wonderful gifts too... cards will be written this week as well.... After presents (having stopped half way through for breakfast) the kids spent a good time watching specials and playing games. I took a nap and everyone eventually found clothes before Christmas dinner!

As we were not really home "holiday-wise" until Saturday, we waited until then to open up the new games, puzzles and toys here at the house. We had received a TV (our old one didn't make the move) and DVD player (was dead before we made the move), we cuddled up with kiddos and watched a movie as a family in the living room (not in the dinning room on the computer) actually comfortable Saturday night! Yeah! It's nice to know we'll be able to do that more often. (Oh, and that if the boys are watching a movie I can still work on the computer!)

It was great... peaceful... different for us than years past, but so enjoyable!

Now... to get that online card done up so you all can see our family and read our letter.... this week... seems I have quite a list going already!

Santa

Santa has always come to fill stockings... but other than that, Santa hasn't been a huge thing around here. Well, last week, the girls had a wonderful little Christmas play / concert that we went to. And who was there at the end? None other than Santa giving out candy canes. All the kids went up and got one without any trouble.

The following night, we were invited over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to see a special visitor. Santa was there, waiting for us at the front door. It was funny to hear the kids:

"It's Santa!"
"No, It's grandpa!"

Of course, grandpa came into the living room a little while later and Santa was still there! Wow! That was something for the little ones! Santa had brought each kid an ornament and two candy canes (the ones that are like candy sticks). Peter had fallen asleep before we went over and we had to wake him up. So although he was very excited the first night to go and see Santa, he wasn't sure what to make of the second one. Eventually, with the help of the train controls, Peter warmed up.

At the end of the night on our way back home, Peter turned to me and said "There was two Santas!" Yes, yes there was!

Christmas Carols

When Peter was born he gave me a great gift. He was easy in so many ways, but not in going to sleep. That is until I realized he would only go to sleep if he was sung to. Not just any songs, but the Hymns. It was perfect for me - Bob's schedule was crazy, I was in many ways a single mom (with the benefit of a husband) with three very young kids and a new baby. I was so tired all the time and rarely picked up my scriptures or Ensign or anything that might fill me spiritually because I was sleeping whenever I possibly could between the baby and the demands of life with kids.

That half hour every day of singing the Hymns to little Peter filled me and kept me going. It was a time for me to feel the love my Savior has for me and recharge and get ready for the next round of chaos.

Well, this year I've had a special treat. Peter has always enjoyed music - usually he's very specific about what people can sing - and he loves to dance, to sing, to listen. As I've been spending more time in the chair, he'll come cuddle up and sing Christmas Carols with me. He smiles, tells me the song or agrees to one I suggest when he can't think of another. His focus seems to be on Santa right now, though his favorite carol is "The Little Drummer Boy". He'll join me several times a day, snuggling and singing.

I especially love when he lays across my lap and looks up at me while we're singing. That's when those precious baby memories gather round - another special gift my Peter has given me!

The Magic Wand

It never fails that one kids or another (usually the boys) will find something that becomes a magic wand. The typical game includes making things and people "vanish" which (though it's all imaginary) causes quite a stir and much frustration from the unexpecting party. Well, there has always been the usual Abracadabra and such, but this is what the boys have been saying lately:

AbracaDoodle!

The Rest Of The Story

The tree went up Saturday night - though without lights. Sunday afternoon, the lights went up and the kids decorated. Normally Bob puts on the lights and then adds the glass balls. This year he let the kids decorate until they were finished - I lifted a couple up to get to some higher branches because they thought ornaments needed to be up there too! =)

The tree turned out nice - though no glass balls this year. We have mostly homemade ornaments, so the tree has that simple, homemade sweetness to it. It goes along great with our "homemade Christmas" this year. Yes, everything is homemade - okay, everything we are giving! =)

I'd put up some pictures, but really, I need to finish cleaning out iPhoto - I was working on it a month or so ago and never got it finished. Since our computer is many years old (we've had it for a good 5 or 6) and it belonged to someone else for a few years before that, I figure I best not overload it. It's old, after all, and since it's still working, I'd like to keep it that way. I do want to get some nice snow pictures up on the side of the blog, and I might do that directly from the camera just for the season, but please forgive the time it takes to post other pictures!

O Christmas Tree - part one

Bob went out with his Dad and a family friend to a get a tree today! Hurray - success! That means there wasn't so much snow that a tree was impossible! Kids are very excited - they were hoping to put it up tonight, but since little ones seem to think getting into PJs can take over an hour they lost out. Besides, Bob had to go pick up a tree stand (we left ours back in Maine).

So, two Christmas stories, prayers and scriptures later - Bob is putting together our tree stand, trimming the tree to fit the house - I think he's going to get the tree in and up with the lights on. That means it'll be all ready for the kids to start decorating as soon as they return from church tomorrow! The boys made ornaments this week in preparation for the "big event".

What a great holiday!

Bringing Out The Worst

The kids spent the evening at Grandma and Grandpa's house since Bob and I both had meetings at the church. I returned before the end of the Go-Fish game so was able to listen in on the excitement.

As the kids went around taking their turns, Bethie turns to Jeremy knowing that he has everything she needs to have another complete match (she's already ahead of everyone). She asks for it and then announces (through a smile and a giggle) "I'm evil!!!!!!!!!"

Adjusting Traditions

Christmas is coming - around the corner really, and this year we're looking at changing some traditions. After all, we're near family now and so some adjustments make sense. I have to admit there is part of me which screams "no way... this is how we've always done it with our own little family so this is the way we'll always do it" and yet another part is finding a growing sense of excitement in trying to think up other "new" things to start.

So - I think we've decided the Midnight gift opening ritual (which the youngest always seem to sleep through anyway) is going to have to be set aside. The kids seem fine with it... the only problem (though the kids don't see it as a problem yet) is that the kids will not be able to open gifts until a "reasonable hour" when family has a chance to gather (sometime after 7am).... I know, I think it's asking too much, but we'll see.

One of the "exciting new" things for me is coming up with something yummy for first thing in the morning. We never really worried about it - made snowman pancakes as the kids came to the table (we just might have to continue with that too). Bob, of course suggested cinnamon rolls, which everyone loves. Simple enough to have together the night before and then pop in the oven that morning. But when he said that, I thought of Danish pastries... I love those. I've never made them, but I've always wanted to learn. So, I've just found a recipe with great reviews that I'm going to try out sometime this next week. And if all works out well, I'll be making homemade apple and cheese danishes (not mixed, two different kinds). Maybe a lemon one? I'm excited. We'll have a little "bakery" of sorts... I might have to make up some doughnuts for the boys... we'll see.

Now... to keep them entertained from 3 until the gift opening time..... (maybe we'll be lucky and it will be 6am).... maybe some special Christmas games ... yes, there are stockings, but really, how long will those last? Any ideas?

Tummy Needs a Nap

Peter decided he was full before he had emptied his bowl of cereal yesterday. This was our conversation:

P: My tummy's full. It needs a nap.
M: Oh.. don't you think you could eat a couple more bites so your tummy stays good and full?
P: No, my tummy is full. It needs a nap.
M: Does your whole body need to take a nap, or just your tummy while you play?
P: Just my tummy needs to take a nap while I play.

1 of 13

We just found out today that Gabi was one of 13 winners of an art contest. The art will be used to create a calendar for next year for the community! She's very excited - as are we! There will even be a special awards night for her and the other lucky 12.

Congrats, Gabi! You did a wonderful job!

And The Cat Trumps

When cleaning up the books and magazines in the livingroom a few days back, I picked up one of the Book of Mormons that was given to the kids by their old bishop. Wondering whose was not in the bedroom, I opened it to find that it was Peter's. Since he was working with me, I said to him:

"Peter! Look what I found!"

He eagerly grabbed it and started turning to the pictures (his favorite part) and said very excitedly

"My Book of Norman! You found my Book of Norman!"

At first I wasn't sure I'd heard him right, but then later, when he was suppose to have taken it to his room but didn't, he came out and told me again that he had his Book of Norman. Laughing (because Norman is the cat he plays with at grandma's several times a week), I corrected him. He repeated Mormon, and then proceeded to tell me he was putting away his Book of Norman.

Famous?

Okay, maybe not quite, but Beth made the paper this week! A week ago, on Veteran's Day, the girls were part of a salute to veterans concert. They prepared for weeks, loved all the "America songs" they learned, and I must admit that I loved the concert. Being kids and all, I wasn't sure just how much I'd understand in the back row while I tried to record and take pictures.

It was wonderful, though. The Veterans who came only added to the beauty of the program. When the theme song from their particular branch of the military was sung or played, they would stand in salute. Just amazing. And to hear certain heartfelt songs about our country and about the people who fight for it, well, I must admit I got teary eyed a few times. None more so, though, than when they concluded with "God Bless America".

Anyway, only one picture from their particular school made the paper, and Beth, being right up front wearing a red shirt and her blue with white stars jumper was apparently patriotic enough to land center! The downside - well, it doesn't seem they post pictures on the Newspaper website, so I can't link you there to enjoy it. But Beth is especially excited today!

Update

I'm not doing so well with keeping up with the blog... I have several pictures and events to post about, but it will have to come here and there. It seems we're all pretty busy in our own ways - in our own worlds!

But, some things I don't want to forget:

Last week, after the Bishop had help confirm someone at church, he had walked back up on the stand and Peter got so excited and pointed then said "Look, Mama, that's MY Bishop!"

We're spending more and more time playing games! It's better than TV, better than movies and of course it's better because Bob is around more! Jeremy's favorite game is Checkers - another favorite (which Peter is getting the hang of) is Guess Who!

Wood heat is still wonderful! - Though we have an insert instead of the actual stove, it's still nice.

This morning Peter told me: "I'm Petor! There's a different Petor. It's not like me."

There will be some "school blogs" on our school site too. Again... late, but at least you'll have an idea of what is happening. Due to the particular's of our children and the structure of schooling in their age groups, we're developing a home school plan which is a supplement to the schooling. They really are doing well there, but there really is only so far they can go with certain things under the circumstances (mostly with the kindergarten). I don't mind, and I think it will mostly be on the "vacation" times - which is when they would be wanting to do it anyway!

Soccer

So this is old news.. .but I wanted to share it anyway!

Soccer is done differently out this way... in large part because there are many more people and lots of kids who are interested in playing. So there is an actual league which include levels based on age. Arriving when we did, we nearly didn't end up with any players this year. But since they needed one more coach, they asked Bob if he would do it. So, though the girls would not normally have been on the same team, they allowed Beth to "bump up" so he could coach them both!

It was a fun season for them - started in August and ended around the end of October (maybe a week before). So kind of long for what we're use to as well. They had practices in the first few weeks and then it was just games (which were typically two or three a week). They had a lot of fun and the parents were very impressed with Bob's style (focusing both on "fun" as well as teaching skills).

As this was Beth's first year ever playing on a team, I must admit that I was pretty impressed. In the beginning it was pretty obvious that she didn't have experience. Later on, she'd improved, though being so little and all, it was still obvious that she was not as experienced as the older kids on the team. All in all, though, I am very happy with how she played. How she was so enthusiastic. Her favorite thing to do was to giggle with excitement while she was running after or kicking the ball. Her favorite position ended up being goalie - and though she was little and not as experienced, she could hold her own against several of the other teams. She also had incredible defense to protect her! While in goal, she would often dance around and laugh - occassionally laying down because the ball seemed to be staying at the other end of the field.

For Gabi, she improved a lot. Though she's played before, she'd never played on a league like this and the dynamics are certainly different. She made three goals over the season - for which she was very happy - and was the team enthusiast always cheering for any member of the team when they got the ball, kicked the ball, made a goal, etc. She loved making new friends and playing with them. Sometimes she'd be talking with another player or singing songs with them while she was waiting for a chance at the ball. Though having improved tremendously, going after the ball is still not her strong point. She'd go for it until it looks like someone else (even from the other team) has it. Then often she'll pull back and wait to intercept after it's been kicked. But, considering age, I don't think that's so bad!

Anyway, it was a fun season and the boys and I went to most of the games. It was hard on Jeremy because he really just wanted to play (so warm ups were fun because he could be included). On one of the fields, there was a tree that many children (waiting for a playing sibling) would climb. Around it were lots of rocks that they also thought were fun to throw it the "ditch" where the tree was. Jeremy and Peter took part in this.

Peter was really only interested in the naps or the snacks. He'd often fall asleep on the way to the game and stay that way as I carried him up. So he'd either sleep on me or on a blanket we'd managed to get spread out. Peter would like to play, but it's not the problem it was for Jeremy (at least not yet) and that's good, because he's got at least another year to wait through before his turn comes up!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween! We do hope it was fun for everyone! We had a lot of fun - it was a nice mellow day, which seem abnormal for us for Halloween, but it was really nice. The weather was great - 67 degrees when we started out! I must admit I was thankful for that since the girls outfits would have been hard to "bulk up"!

Unlike other years, I didn't make all the costumes! Okay, so that's not entirely a first, but I generally make them all or most of them. This year three were store bought (two this year and one from a couple years ago) and the other, well I used a lot of safety pins. Spanish Princess on a budget! =)

Bob and the kids made jack-o-lanterns right after an early dinner. Then the boys played outside while I got the girls together (mostly Gabi) and then we got them into costume. They were, of course, very excited to go "trick-or-treating" and Gabi insisted it be a family affair... so it was. Peter, being Thomas, said "peep, peep" and "clickity clack" all along the way! It was fun, but everyone was happy to be home!





Thomas The Tank Engine! (yes, his smoke stack is missing, we just couldn't figure out where tha ended up!)



Princess Elizabeth - Or is she the Glenda, the Good Witch?



Jeremy the firefighter! He was so excited!


Spanish Princess - Not bad for a put it together yourself!

It's All About The Apple Cake

I was making dinner tonight and Peter wanted to help. The stockpot was hot and he couldn't see in it even standing on a chair, so I figured it wasn't really safe for him. That's when he told me that when he grew up he'd be a mommy....

I asked him if he was really going to be a mommy or if he was going to be a daddy... he said "Daddy" and then told me all the things that mommies cook and the things that daddies cook... ending with "And mommies make apple cake. I'm going to be a mommy when I get bigger"

Don't worry about gender, it's all about the apple cake!

License

I guess that's that last thing I needed to do before being officially a citizen of this state. My marriage certificate came amazingly fast - I had no idea that mail could go across the country and back in less than one week... I'd say that's a blessing!

Anyway, it arrived a couple days ago, this morning I went in - and blessings once again, I received someone else to deal with - someone who was actually nice. The test was, as tests go, filled with many questions that didn't have enough information to be certain which answer to give. Blessed again, I was some how able to come up with the answers they were seeking. Needless to say, I have officially passed (I feel like high school all over again) and my new ID / License will be in within the next two weeks.

I think that's all for the headaches of moving. I think everything else is just part of life!

Jack-O-Lanterns

We don't carve them until a day or two before - or if it's last year, the day of - halloween. The kids do get to draw on them before. Peter wanted to tell me (again) about his....

"Mama, you see my junky ladder?"

Blessings

So with all the ups and downs of moving, I've been thinking a lot about why we moved and what has come of that.... I realized, it's time to do a little blessing add-up - so forgive me, for a minute, while I indulge myself in some of the good things in my life.

I'm incredibly grateful for the many blessings I have - blessings that I treasure and blessings I can share. So, in no particular order, here are some that come readily to mind!

The Gospel - for it's guidance and direction, the knowledge of where I came from and why I'm here, the sealing of families together for eternity, they understanding and acceptance of Christ as my Savior

My husband - concerned, dedicated, loving, kind, strong, sweet, understanding, worthy to hold the priesthood, devoted, an amazing father, wonderful provider, forgiving, patient, generous, loving, all around incredible man. (And, yes, I am well aware that I've just embarrassed him, but I do hope he'll forgive me. After all, he truly is one of my greatest blessings)

My children - full of mischief, love, curiosity, joy, laughter, forgiveness, patience, they keep life so very interesting and full!

My mother - in all her struggles always taking time to listen, loving, generous, sweet, helpful, compassionate, enduring, for giving me this gift of life, for raising me in the gospel when all else was against it, for believing in me, understanding, accepting.

My father - for showing me what life means (second chances are special and to be cherished), for teaching through example things he would never have been able to teach me otherwise, for being someone my children can look to as an example of love and gospel endurance.

My in-laws - for patience, unconditional love, helping in more ways than can be counted, for raising my husband to be the man he is, for sharing the sacred bonds of the gospel with us

My friends - for support, encouragement, listening, guiding, teaching, helping, loving

T.S. - love, understanding, acceptance, family, example, teaching, for making me laugh at everything (especially when it seems there is nothing to laugh about)

A.J. - for never changing, still and always dear friends

J.G. - laughter, support

K.S. - Compassion, assistance, love

B.H. - generous, loving, understanding, supportive, concerned

G.E. - straight from the heart, an answer to prayer

Library - where I can volunteer and take my children and keep them reading! And where I can find a book to comfort myself from time to time.

School - where my girls are actually having fun, have friends, are being taught in a broad-spectrum so they can stay with their classes and still be challenged, and where I can also volunteer.

A view - that calms my heart and soul every time I see it

A steady job (for Bob) - that allows him to be down to one job!

Computer - that hasn't crashed, allows me to connect with distant friends and relatives, allows me to get much work done and pay the bills

Food - so we can eat, stay healthy and thus enjoy life

A ward family - truly, who so willing step in and help out even when they don't know me yet or at least not well

Being able to walk, run, jump, laugh, cry, shout, and anything else the body can do. I'm blessed to know be troubled with any major issues yet

A home - to live in, raise my children in, feel the Spirit in, keep us safe, warm and cool, dry

Van - to get us around

Toys for the kids, tools for Bob, craft things for me - we can all stay busy (we've been a bit too busy to enjoy all of that recently, but we've still got it)

Many "niceities" - which make life more comfortable

Phone - I'd be nearly lost without it as I don't have the time to write much any more! I love being able to keep in touch that way, even if it isn't often.

Friendly Neighbors - don't complain about the noisy kids (even when I do)

And I could get even more particular than that, but these things remind me of so much that I've been given. Especially when I see so much around me where such things are not all there. I've had so much to be grateful for, and never more so than now!

DMV - A WOMAN'S HEADACHE

I've noticed that over the last month or so I've been crazy emotional.... go figure, after all a lot has changed and happened. It's not like it happens ALL the time, though it does happen at strange times - not all strange times, but at times when I'd normally be able to hold myself together, get through whatever it is, and then be angry and mad and whatever.....

So... today.... off to go get my license, finally. This has been an interesting ordeal anyway - as in they want you to have an appointment but then the system for setting up appointments was down. On top of that, everything you need to know is, well, normal... unless you live somewhere where there is no such thing as a "light rail vehicle" for which the question (on a "practice test") didn't even have an answer listed in the book. I do hope common sense will provide the right answer should I get questions like that.

Anyway... a woman.... well, lets just say there's strong discrimination... I mean really.... okay, okay, let me back up....

I called to find out if the marriage certificate we had would be accepted... it had, after all, been on the wall in a frame since we got married. It was the one handed to us with the original signatures when we were married. It was the same one used to get my name changed with social security. Anyway, it did not have a raised seal - thus the reason for my call. I was assured by the person I was talking to that although they prefer the raised seal, it would not be necessary because my name had been changed with SS and I had my card and that was who they did the check with. I would not let her off the phone until I had this verified 5 times.

Okay... no big deal... I set up an appointment (the soonest is two weeks away) and think I'm okay. Bob had just walked in and apparently in this "small town" (that's all relative, right?) you don't have to wait for long periods of time... in fact, you don't take a number, just a row of seats. So I went in today thinking I'd get my license and take care of registering the van.

WRONG!!!!!!!!

Nope, apparently because they cannot verify that I was married (no raised seal on the document - and we never have had one with a raised seal) I am "possibly not who I claim to be" - never mind that I have both my new and old SS card and that can be verified (something they are suppose to do anyway), as well as several credit cards, and (more importantly) my old out-of-state license (which has a special marking so they can tell it's authentic). All these with my current name, which I've had for about 8 1/2 years! Nope, apparently no one else is smart enough to verify a person's identity except for the DMV of the state we're currently in. (At least that's the way it came across). And I was told that they needed the certified copy of the marriage certificate because it verifies a name change - WRONG - it simply states that my husband (his full name) and myself (my full maiden name, not my new name) were married!!!!!! The only official change - that would be recorded - for my name is with SS!

So, regardless of what I was told - and they lady didn't want to hear about that - I was not allowed to get my license. Fine. The only problem... I need one to register the van (which is in both names, not just Bob's) and that has to been done within 10 days of Bob having received his license.... well, let's just say the "certified copy of our marriage certificate" will take longer than that for me to receive.

Oh - but there's good news!!!!!! She'd be happy to go ahead and register the van using my ME license...... hummmmmmmmmm.... okay, I'm not going to argue.. but seriously, what the heck! My ME license proves I'm who I am to register the van, but not to take a test and get a driver's license in this state!!!!!!!!!!!! WHAT!?!?!?!?!?!? SERIOUSLY, WHO MAKES THESE RULES!?!?!?!?!?

Anyway - so there I am, frustrated at the situation and I immediately feel my eyes trying to whell up! What's wrong with me???? As I'm trying hard to pull myself together and deal with the rest of the issue.

So... marriage license..... it would have cost me $40 to go through the state we were married in, but I looked again directly at the town and cut the cost in half. So $20 instead... that's better.. the kicker.... no one takes a credit card any more so I have to mail them a check before they can turn around and mail it back.... let's say at least two week.

Guess, for all the emotional and irritating headache it was a good thing to walk in today... otherwise I would have gone in for an appointment and not been able to go through and it would have been a month from now instead of two weeks. As it is, I'm hoping the mail hasn't started to slow down (as it often does from now through Christmas)!

WHY DID WE MOVE AGAIN!?!?!?!?!?!? (I know, we weren't thinking about the DMV)

Back On Track

Potty Training Blues... well, maybe not. Peter was interested before we moved.. he even did well. But we weren't helpful and we were, well, not involved because of the packing and moving. I didn't really worry or encourage! We got here and it was time to start in again.

Problem - Peter could do it, but he knew he could also just go in his pull up.

Solution - No more pull ups. Just "undy pants".

Today - he got it... told me every single time (and even some times when he thought maybe and tried and nothing happened). Not a single accident - and that includes two bowl movements! He's back on track - let's hear it for cloth!

Our Newest Songs

Moving presents a challenge to children in many ways - but none so much as being in school when you're expected to know your address and phone number and you haven't had a moment to hear it let alone learn it! We, of course, ran into this problem being that we got here in just enough time to start the kids in school - our focus was not on address and phone number memorization, but rather on unpacking... uuuummmm, I wonder if our priorities were mixed up?

Needless to say we had a very upset Gabi when the class was apparently quizzed as to their phone numbers - she was, of course, the only kid in her class who didn't know hers. Ouch!!!!!! Talk about bad parenting... oh, wait, that's right, we'd only had a phone number for a few weeks and she'd never needed it and well, where was my head?!

Our very next FHE became a learn your phone number and address one. Important information... though apparently with a lot of stress. So we made it fun. We put together two songs - one for the address and one for the phone number. They are to the tunes of "I've Been Working On The Railroad" and "Pop Goes The Weasel". All the kids helped to create the songs, though they were fun and silly, and we spent that night singing them... as well as the following days. Everyone (yes, even Peter) knows both phone number and address because of the songs!

But, because it's so much fun, they go around singing those made up songs around the house and in the van just for fun! I guess reinforcement isn't a bad thing... so much for lousy parenting, I think I rank top notch for that one (even if I do say so myself)! (Okay... so it's really just catch up, I had to do something "fast")

Apples

One of the many blessings of living near Bob's parents is the apples they share with us. They have three trees - all of which produce tons of apples. Since I bake a lot of things with applesauce (okay maybe only a few things, but all the time) this is great! We've been able to pick way more apples than I would have ever thought about picking up somewhere else. And I've enjoyed making the applesauce as well as apple butter.

Since half my kitchen is filled with apples, I'll not only make more applesauce and apple butter, but I think we'll try making apple fruit leather - if we really like it, we'll probably make more.

In addition to the apples, I have pumpkins to process and we have beats to pull up and then process. So though we left behind our own garden and we don't have nearly the variety of foods to "put away" this year, we certainly have our work before us. And we're happy and excited about it - maybe not so much about the work ahead, but about having the food stored and ready for winter use!

Oh... and did I mention we're suppose to be getting a storm... I almost have to laugh because back in Maine a storm meant snow (or severe thunder and lighting). Because of our location, we're not likely to get snow (though the mountains should see plenty of it). We are, however, suppose to get 2-6 inches of rain (which might not sound like much, but for here, that's a lot). I understand because of how fast the rain will come that things around here might be a bit scary out there - especially when you add the 40-65 mph winds we're suppose to get (better than the 125 mph projected for the mountains).

Anyway, this is our first "storm" since we've moved - so this should be interesting. It's suppose to be chilly, but that's okay... we'll be processing apples and drinking hot cocoa - I think we'll stay fairly warm.... I hope!