Softball

With graduation earlier in the month, Bob had friends in town whom he'd not seen in a very long time. As part of all this - and the wedding of a friend - many decided to get together for a game of softball down at the school.
We took the opportunity to take the kids down to join in the fun. For me, it was watching and taking pictures - only a few of which are here. The kids enjoyed themselves - Beth and Jeremy staying in the out out out field and getting stray balls. Gabi playing - and doing fairly well for her age and experience. And Peter just thrilled to be with Daddy waiting for the ball to come their way.
Everyone was wonderful towards the children. They watched out for them, gave them extra "time", helped them with batting and such. They were great!
It was a wonderful time - though the three younger and I headed home just as the drizzle started. Gabi and Bob stayed until the end and then went down again the following week.

Baby Showers

Being in a new place - having left nearly every baby item we owned back in Maine so we could move with just one truck - and having new friends around and co-workers, we were blessed with two very kind baby showers.





The first was put on by Bob's co-workers! It was a diaper and wipes party and certainly left us with plenty of diapers to get started. We were very grateful for this - we likely won't need to buy diapers this summer at all - and maybe even further - with just the sizes and amounts they gave us.




The second one was mostly people from church with a few other friends I've made (I don't get out much, can you tell?). We a had specific list of things we needed - after all, I'd made some things for us, and Bob's sister had given us a bunch of clothes and another dear friend had offered us many items that are convenient, but not absolutely necessary - like a swing and car seat and such. Anyway, amazingly we got everything we needed. I only didn't get the nursing shawl, but I have some fabric in my trunk and that will be easy enough to make - it's a nice-ity, not a necessity anyway.

I just have to finish the diaper bag - all designed, just need to cut it out and sew it together. I've put it off to finish up summer jammies (since I do have several totes that can work in a pinch). So, I guess we're ready - everything is in it's "home" for now and the cradle is all washed and put together just waiting for the sweet bundle to lay in it. But we still have another 2-3 weeks to go!

Memorial Weekend

The Saturday before Memorial Day we took the family on a fishing trip - or rather we tried to. The places we tried to reach were still blocked by snow - though my dear husband went over and through some of the drifts as long as he thought he could. That was a little nerve wracking for Peter and me, but the rest of the kids just giggled away.









Anyway, I got a few pictures - everyone except Gabi - fishing. And some pictures of the fun in the snow that was there. One of the neat things about being here is that it can be wonderfully warm and there can be snow to play in - okay, not right in our yard, but not too far away either!









This fishing trip was also Peter's very first time fishing. He was so excited - so eager! He wasn't first, and was so patient. But the fishing was terrible in the that place and then we couldn't get to the other places we were trying to. We did stop by a river and Bob took Peter especially for the experience - it would never have done to go home without Peter at least dropping a hook in the water! He was so very happy!









Memorial Day was our annual planting day. I took just a couple of pictures and spent the day doing laundry and trying to stay off my feet. I felt tired and weak that day, so it was best that way. The garden is a "communal" one with Bob's folks over in their yard. Bob loves to garden, so does his mother. The kids do to. It's nice to be able to share the space and the food.

One More Down - about 2 left

Another week, another appointment scheduled. Things seem fine - I lost a pound, there absolutely no sign of swelling (let's hear it for morning appointments) - and the doctor asked who's been cooking! That would be Bob - home from school - making lunch and dinner everyday! It's been wonderful, and apparently the doctor thinks the diet is doing me some good. (Although he does like to tease here and there).

Bob's off to scout camp next week - I've got friends coming different days to help keep me busy and hopefully sane. And though we've had pre-labor contractions, we're looking at history and getting through the week shouldn't be a big deal (especially since we've prepared backups)!

Where Is He?

After going through all the baby shower gifts, Peter, rather grumpily and with his best scowl, said "And when's baby brother gonna get here!?!"

Oh well... patience has completely worn off. - Now, as long as the little guy doesn't make his grand entrance during Scout Camp week (before or after, but please not during)!

1st Day of Summer Vaca

It started with Bob meeting with the bishop.... then running off to an end of the year teacher's breakfast (glad it was him and not me). Then off to this classroom for one last day of classroom clean up and prep. It was wonderfully quiet this morning - and after a late movie night with Bob, it was a welcomed beginning to the summer routine.

When I next "awoke" it was to hear sweet and kind voices coming from the living room. My kiddos had gathered together to have scripture study. Gabi got the Family Book of Mormon Study guide book off the shelf, and they enjoyed scripture study. I got up and made them muffins.

After breakfast, I was tired again (go figure) so to bed I went while they watched a movie and played well together. I say they played well, but they were also noisy enough that I spoke to the boys at least once about inside voices. But still, the extra rest was nice, and it was wonderful not to hear them screaming at each other. Now they've headed out for some active time (it's been a cooler day today, or they would have been out earlier).

For a day without Bob and all four kids home, it's been amazingly relaxed - I guess that's the difference between the last few days leading up to summer vacation (when kids are non-stop crazy) and the actual start of vacation.

Doctor's Report

The latest from the doctor when (as we're leaving) Bob asks how everything looks.

"She's doing fine. Just keep her off her feet more."

I had swelling on Monday and it wasn't completely gone at the appointment on Tuesday - but everything else looked great! So... down we stay - to help with swelling.... but I'll cheat as long as the swelling stays at bay - there are four kids around here, house work to tend (at least from time to time) and then there's the stir-craziness that just gets the better of me. Until I hear the words "BED REST" (which, at this point, I think it's safe to say we won't) I'm not going to put myself completely down. - When the swelling hits, well, let's just say it's movie time. And since school is out, that means Bob's around to help out - now... scout camp week, that's another story, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Some of the Latest Peter Sayings

When he takes a drink he tells me "I'm watering my teeth!"

Peanut Butter is always called Peter Butter (with him - yes, he knows the real name) - the other day he asked me:

"Do you know why Peter Butter is called Peter Butter?" - the answer "Because it's made of butter and Peter's eat it!"

Quick Pregnancy Update

So... my last appointment I was showing three of the four major signs for preeclampsia. I'm not a high risk person for this and never had any evidence of it before (earlier in this one or in any of my others). What I got from the doctor that visit was "BE CAREFUL" - I figured it was probably a good thing that I'd already begun to feel like it was time to slow down. But, that was dance recital week - a ton of stress for me - and so "slowing down" was interesting itself that week.

That Sunday, after dance recital was done, I hurt all over, I was exhausted, I felt really sick, bad headache, and I could feel the fluid settling into my knees and ankles all through church. It was not a good day. But, at the end, I received a Priesthood blessing (I LOVE the priesthood!) and then talked with Bob about it all. He really felt that these symptoms I had been having were a result of stress.

Things calmed way down over the next week and thankful, I'm happy to say, at my appointment yesterday I'm back to "normal" - no swelling, no weight gain, healthy, moving along, no "be careful" or restrictions! Hurray... that being said, I'm fully aware that I need to not over do it! Apparently I react strongly to stress - especially when pregnant.

This is also the only pregnancy of the five that I've had any signs of latent labor! This weekend I was beginning to wonder if we weren't just heading for the real thing - not in the "oh my goodness, it's time" kind of way, but more in the "I think this is going to continue non stop until active labor kicks in" - sleeping wasn't much fun due to the backache. Walking was uncomfortable, but manageable, the contractions I had were at worse uncomfortable, but nothing was painful. Anyway - that all seems, aside from the downward pressure, to have subsided for now.


Interesting family history piece - my great aunt had many kids - I'm thinking it was around 12 - and she never had any warning... just had the baby. BUT - she is the only one in the family that I know of who ever had that happen! - I like not having to have a lot of pain until active labor, but I do like going through active labor - it means I know what's happening!

The Nose Knows

On our way to our little fishing trip today, the kids were discussing direction and stuff like that. That's when I heard Jeremy say:

"My good sense of direction that my nose tells me..."

It was so funny - because there wasn't anything to "smell" along the way - but apparently that's how we get from one place to another!

Food Humor

We love lazy mornings - you know, the ones where the alarm doesn't have to go off, the kids either snuggle nicely with you or they go off and play happily. Lazy mornings - where we can take our time getting out of bed and not worrying about a time commitment....

Today was such a day... until....

Jeremy knocked on the door - he was hungry and ready for some breakfast.

Bob: "I'll get you some at 12:00"
Jeremy: "Nooooo! That would be lunch!"
Bob: "Oh. Then I'll get you some breakfast at 5:00."
Jeremy: "That's still lunch!"

Doubling Up

Peter started wearing "double underpants" yesterday. I'm not sure what his reasoning is, but since it keeps him from running around with a naked bottom, I'm just going with it. I'd rather wash an extra pair of underpants for each day than fight with him about modesty..... now, when to force the pants-on-in-the-house issue?

Popcorn

Sometimes I include popcorn with our dinner - a little crazy to most people I know, but it stems from when we use to have chicken noodle soup and popcorn on Sunday nights growing up. Just something we did. And since my kids love popcorn, and I love to regress from time to time, we have popcorn with various different foods.

Tonight was such a night.... so the kids were finishing up popcorn and Peter comes in to see me with his hands held tight together and little pieces of popcorn showing and says "Look! I made a popcorn ball!" I told him to be careful and not make a mess of the popcorn ball, which apparently meant shove all the little pieces into his mouth all at the same time!

(On a side note, I've decided popcorn requires every single person participating in the eating event to have their own bowl... sharing of the big bowl always results in yelling, pulling, "it's not fair"ing and whatever else can make one wonder why anyone would enjoy eating popcorn!)

Knitted Baby Cocoon (And Pattern)!

So I showed a picture of a yellow crocheted baby cocoon that I made up on a whim with the batch of baby projects I was doing. Well, I have yet to go back and figure out exactly what I want to do with the crochet pattern - it's in my head, but it's basic and I know I wanted to make some adjustments to it. But, I did, however, create a knit pattern. I think I really like this one - I even wrote it down.

Since I do not have a baby to show in the lovely cocoon - and likely won't have for at least another 6-7 weeks (if history is any indication) for this post you will see just a picture of the cocoon itself. But, for anyone interested, I've also included the pattern. (Seeing that free baby cocoon patterns are very, very, very rare and especially cute ones). Anyone may use it for personal use only, please be considerate and do not sell it or anything you make from it. But do enjoy it!


This is a summer style cocoon (made for hot weather and thus should not be considered warm enough for cooler and cold weather.... I will likely make adjustments to the pattern for the bulkier and warmer yarns later in the year). I also did this with simplicity in mind. No fancy stitches here.

I used Bernat Baby Jacquards 3.5 oz sken. It would appear that you should be able to get 2 of these cocoons from one sken. I also used size 11 (US) needles - single strand.

Finished size (newborn - 3 months): relaxed: 6"W X 16"L; Stretched 8"W X 19.5"L

Cast on 68 st.

St st for 2 rows
2x2 Rib for 2 rows

Pattern #1: 2x2 Rib across 1 row, 2x2 Rib across leaving (8,16,32) unworked, 2x2 Rib back across worked stitches, 2x2 Rib across all (including unworked stitiches). (Repeat this for the 8, 16 and 32 unworked stitches - only once for each number of stitches left)

Pattern #2: Follow beginning of Pattern #1 leaving 56 unworked and working back across. Now work back down just the 12 stitches one more time (continuing to leave the 56 unworked) and 2x2 Rib back across. Now 2x2 Rib across all stitches (including the 56 unworked).

Pattern #3: St st for 4 rows, 2x2 Rib for 10 rows (Repeat one more time)

St st for 4 rows.

Work Pattern #2.

Work Pattern #1 only unworked stitches follow this order (32, 16, 8).

2x2 Rib for 2 rows
St st for 2 rows
Loosely bind off.

Finishing: Wrap cocoon so the rib stripes go horizontally. This means the shorter end will line up with itself and the wider end will line up with itself. (Match up rib markings to ensure cocoon is wrapped evenly). Make sure the binded edge is underneath the beginning knit edge. Turn cocoon to wrong side. Gently roll beginning knit edge, right side to itself, about 1/4". Hold tightly to the binded edge. Starting 12 stitches (or 3 Rib sets) down from the top (the wide end) closely whip stitch together (don't pull stitches too tightly). This will give the appearance of the "ruffled" over lay on top on right side when done.

Turn cocoon right side out. Weave a piece of yarn carefully through the bottom edge of the cocoon all the way around. Gently tug the yarn to create a gather. Gather as much as you like - I choose to gather gently and then to carefully stitch the opening closed - tucking yarn ends inside and then tying off. You may also just gather, tuck in and tie off. It's important to gather from the right side so as to have the "bottom gathering ruffle" present.

You're done! Turn the top two points down - to keep away from baby's face - these can be stitched down, but would prohibit some of the stretch if you do.

Dance Recital 2010

This is the first year that our dance recital was also a play. At least the ballet part. Actually, for our girls, that's all they did this year. Their dance teacher does ballet, character and tap - that's all. No big deal when it's a matter of deciding on modesty for kids (or kids being kept to look like kids) and the alternative. But, because she's also a certified instructor for ballet, she's very strict about making sure the kids really understand and can execute the proper steps. This is also good - but it means that she won't just let the kids do a recital for each dance they are in. The Tap and Character doesn't happen until they are at a certain level with ballet (the classes are combined until then).

That being said, at Christmas time, they kids did get to "put on a show" in the studio for the parents with both tap and ballet. I did not get to enjoy this at the time because I didn't realize just when that was going to happen - and more than that, I had the boys that day. But they pretend to be on stage, there's an audience and they perform. It was neat and they loved it.

Back to this weekend, though - the play was Mother Goose. It was neat to see ballet in action - telling a story - not just a dance. Gabi was a kitten and Beth was a butterfly. After Mother Goose was completed, character and tap danced to Cabaret. It was a neat little recital - finished in an hour and half with intermission (that's really short for what we're use to).

I do have to admit, though, that with all the preforming arts that seem to happen around here, I'm disappointed that there is no preforming arts center - the girls' recital was held in the Veteran's hall (on a stage) and the audience was seated in folding chairs - where heads are easier to see than the stage. I've heard that there has been talk for years about building a real center, but as far as I'm aware, it's still just talk. Oh well... at least the girls had fun!

Crazy Hair Day

Last Friday was crazy hair day. Gabi really wanted a mohawk - but her hair is too long, she's trying to grow it out, and we had dance recital the next day. So instead, after her shower, we braided it, twisted many of the braids, and then that morning we did up several ponytails in a line like a mohawk. She was thrilled.



Bethie wanted to be a Lion! She often wakes up with with her hair looking like it's been through a teasing machine - and thus, like a lion. Even on crazy hair day, I couldn't bring myself to let her go completely with bedhead. So we also braided up hers, then I put it into three ponytails on either side, and then teased them. She loved that!





Hope you enjoy the crazy pictures - oh, and was I glad they didn't have to have their hair done nice for the dress rehearsal that afternoon!

Anniversary, Crazy Week, and Baby Update

This week is crazy! We have dance every day except Sunday - the recital being on Saturday night. The girls will be dancing twice on Saturday (since a dress rehearsal takes up the entire morning). I think it's a bit over done and that we'll all be so exhausted we'll not want to do anything for at least a week after, but we'll see.

To start it off, we had a very "low key" anniversary. 9 years as of this past Monday! Bob and I were talking and were just amazed at how fast that time has gone by. When looking at just the number (9 years) it would seem a long time and nearly impossibly to imagine, but then we look at our family and all that we've been through and done, and realize just how possible it is!

9 years ago we made the decision to unite our family for all eternity, and we've never regretted that decision! It was the start of our own eternal family, and therefore we celebrate it with our children. And as I mentioned, our week is crazy and started as such that day. So, no special dinner this time (well, not really) and though we did do Midnight Delight for dessert, it was not by candle light. We did, however, have a family movie night Friday night, and looking back (though not planned as an anniversary celebration) I am glad we took the time to do that. Something special before our crazy week took over.

In addition, I had another appointment yesterday and was told "BE CAREFUL" - I'm having a fair amount of swelling - it does go away in the morning, but it starts almost as soon as I'm up and on my feet again. Baby has shifted downward and my weight gain has jumped again. Blood pressure, however, is still low (good low, not too low). Anyway, I'm not fully on restriction, but I do need to slow down - I'm not surprised to hear that, though, since I'd begun to feel that I need to slow down and start to take it a little easier anyway.

I still have about 5 projects (sewing ones) that I'd like to finish before the baby comes. But I need to space them out more, since that particular position of sitting only makes the swelling worse. Time to put the feet up more often throughout the day - I can still do hand projects, so Gabi's sweater will certainly get finished... after that, we'll just have to wait and see.

I finished the boys curtains, but I'll post pictures after I get the girls' one done and the summer jammies... it might be a few weeks, because I need to space is out. And thankfully, after this week, life slows down to a more peaceful normal.

Two More Sweaters And A Little More

(So I've made several posts... that's what I get for keeping so busy and then waiting a month to download pictures.... keep reading if you're interested in all the stuff around here... mostly crafts as of late)

I finished both Jeremy's and Beth's sweaters... same pattern as Peter's... can you tell that Beth's head is smaller than the boys? Her hood is certainly big... for now. Since they are suppose to be Christmas presents (just that they know about them), I've begun to think they might need a gift early... say September... to help keep them warm during soccer season. We'll see. And Gabi is getting one too... just that I've put it off for next week - when we're on the go the whole week because of dance recital. It's a great on the go project.

The kids all picked out their own yarn.... I was skeptical at first because with crochet when you use that multi-colored yarn you end up with spots... more or less... and less striping effect. But they were insistent, and found I was actually liking Beth's. Jeremy's... well, I'm not found of the bright colors, but he's been in love with that yarn since before we moved. So, he's got his own version of a coat of many colors... and is very happy with it!

In addition, I went ahead and made up 12 burp cloths for my little boy. I will likely make 4-8 more before he comes. I'd rather have a few too many then find out he's a major spitter upper and needs more than we have.

Having been given flannel burp cloths in the past, I loved how cute they were. I even liked the concept of the contour for the shoulder (keeps it from falling off). However, it felt like the contour was a bit small, and the flannel burp cloths seems to get "drenched" all too fast. Just not as absorbent as the pre-folded cloth diapers. Enter research - I knew there must be able to make the flannel ones more absorbent and still be cheap! (Oh, and you can see I changed the traditional shaping - a bigger contour that fills my whole shoulder and instead of being perfectly rounded at the ends, I have choose to flat the actual ends withe the curves only on the sides. Makes for a bigger burp cloth and I like the look.

So - for anyone interested, here's what we did - made a pattern. Using pattern, cut two pieces of flannel and one piece of cotton batting (must be the cotton - it is like a fluffy sheet of fabric, doesn't pull apart, and is very absorbent - you can buy this by the yard; it comes in several widths, the bigger the width, the bigger your saves over all... ie the 45 wide was 5.97, the 90 wide was 6.97, and the 180 wide was 7.97 where I am... see what I mean about the savings). (Oh - and 1 yd of flannel made 4 cloths). Put right sides of fabric together, lay a piece of cotton batting on top. Stitch around the edge keeping a 2 inch opening for turning - I choose to keep it close, no more than 1/4 inch. Trim as necessary (if at all), then turn. Fold in opening, top stitch completely around. I choose a decorative, over-casting stitch for mine. You're done.

On to curtains... and helping another friend learn some sewing and make a few things for her own little one on the way. After curtains... well, I have a list... we'll see what comes next!

More Baby Gifts

So there was the baby shower that I made the blocks and ball for. Well, I had more of the same block fabric and so I made up 5 more for the same friend. In addition, I knitted a baby Kimono Wrap Sweater (she's having a girl).

Being over Achievement Days, I had the girls learn to use a sewing machine. It was good for them - they each were able to do at least part of the sewing by themselves since my machine has a speed control on it. Anyway, the projects they did were a receiving blanket and four burp cloths for this same friend mentioned above (a sister in our ward). We ran out of time, so I top stitched them at home.

This friend really wanted a sling - her sister loves hers (I can't blame her, I love mine too) - but slings are pretty expensive. I told her that if she wanted to, she could pick up the fabric and I'd make her one. We measured her, she found two really cute fabrics, and because she choose to have it reversible, I was able to make her two slings instead of one (need the same amount because of the length). So she'll always have one - even if one needs to be washed. I love the pouch sling and think she will too - and they are so simple to make that even with numerous (at least 5 major ones) interruptions from Peter and a phone call, I was able to make both slings in 2 1/2 hours. She's so excited -said she thinks that the item she's most looking forward to using!

Since her baby has not yet been born - though soon - I don't have any picture of her using it yet! She's promised me some - since I like to keep pictures of the things I make.... some day.... just maybe... I'll put them all together in a book! Ideally I'd love to make a scrapbook with the pictures and the patterns I used too. Wouldn't that be great for referencing!?!

In addition, I was looking at baby cocoons - I think many are really cute, and what I was most looking at was that they keep the baby swaddled without having to make the baby too hot (summer baby in the desert... sounds good to me). They can be made to be cooler or warmer, with larger gaps from stretching or smaller, up to the personal preference. But try finding a free pattern on-line. I found a couple that were just rectangles then sewed together, but that seemed an unnecessary extra step. So I made my own. This is my first, I still think it's cute (though the baby doll is certainly different than a real baby in it) - but I plan to continue to play around and discover a pattern that I can love all the time. This is just basic for now.

Bridal Shower Gifts

Here are the bridal shower gifts I made a few weeks back. I started by making a cute crocheted tote (mostly because I had wanted to try out the pattern for years - but knew it would make a great alternative to a gift bag).














Then I made two basket weave patterned knit wash cloths, two crocheted potholders, and one crocheted hot pad.














In addition, I made a batch of lotion; and Gabi and I made some bath salts.
















An extra special item was the crocheted and then ribbon wrapped hanger. When I was a Young Woman, I was given a special "wedding dress hanger" which was actually done up in puffy silk. This pattern was crocheted, but then Gabi wanted to add a ribbon. Normally this would be tied at the base of the hook to create a bow, but the ribbon she wanted to use was the left overs from her baptism dress. (The Lady getting married was Gabi's teacher for a while at church and they made quite a connection). So, we wrapped it instead. It's very cute.

My Mother's Day

Remember those Danishes I talked about making for Christmas... well... I finally got around to making them.... for Mother's Day! OH MY GOODNESS - SOOOOOOO YUMMY! They are "time consuming" - so have additional projects going on at the same time - but really easy to do otherwise. They make a lot - and everyone (really, everyone) loved them - we even sent over several to the in-laws! What could be better than waking up to fresh hot bakery food? (And even better, homemade!) Okay... so I'm biased, but still.... very good.

Anyway - my Mother's Day was wonderful and quite likely my best one yet! I decided on the Danishes - although Gabi had mentioned something about breakfast in bed (it would not have been bakery fresh and hot anything, though) - instead, she and Bob created a code and got up and picked flowers - fresh flowers! - for both me and for his mother. So as I came into the kitchen to finish up and bake the Danishes, I was greeted with beautiful daffodils - which had a pink rose added to it after church.

When the kids woke up, they dug out cards they had made without my knowledge (and had hidden) and took turns (youngest to oldest) giving them to me. Can I just say it's great to hear you're "the best mom in the world" and your "the best mom I've ever had" followed by numerous kisses and hugs!

My highlight, every year, is a card from Bob - sometimes it's store bought with a special hand written note... most of the time it's homemade with the sweetest letters. He tells me things that are important to hear throughout the year, but those letter always say things that remind me that I'm loved, I'm special and that encourage me to always find a way to be a little better - because when you know you're loved that much, you always want to somehow be a little better (or a lot)!

The primary age kids (my three oldest) brought home cute framed pictures of themselves with their testimonies beside them! Very sweet!

The Children's Fair

So it seems that the first Saturday of the month is the one that the community likes to use for fun and free things for the kids - that or the last Friday.... that hasn't typically worked out well for us. In fact, the Children's Fair would have fallen in that same category because it was the weekend of Bob's camp out (you know, the once a month deal because of being the Scout Master). However, we also needed to sign up the kids for Fall Soccer - yes, they do it that early. And seeing that there will be three playing, the discount was a nice thing.... that is, the discount you get if you sign up at the Children's Fair.

So..... Grandma came with us - taking the boys - and the girls and I headed straight to soccer sign ups and spent probably half our time there - three forms to fill out, walk through the line, pay the fee, and all that. The good news.... the Children's Fair is free to enter - and most of the activities are also free. Then there are simple fair treats that are like $.50 and things like that. So it's free and really cheap is the deal - designed for little kids... and it's a chance for the community to get out and "advertise".

Not a "Fair" with rides and things like that, but they did enjoy seeing the trucks, climbing the lookout tower, playing ring toss, painting, gathering freebies, and jumping in the bounce houses. Since Peter was having a hard time with not being directly with Mom (only to start), I promised to play hide and go seek - so I would find them, take pictures to prove later, and not say anything... till the end when we were found out. Then we finished up together and sent the boys home while the girls got their faces painted.

They had fun - it was good for them to do - the walking was 2 1/2 hours, so that wore on my body, but I seemed to have recovered quickly... And the three oldest are signed up for soccer and the youngest got a free (left over from last year, and way too big for him) soccer jersey (so he won't feel left out in the fall).

Bob's A Little Older

So.... Bob had a birthday.... normally this means Texas sheet cake with Hershey's perfectly chocolate frosting (more like a fudge) which we all love! But this time we had a bunch of Strawberries - which have been delicious and so enjoyable! He decided on Strawberry Shortcake with Sponge Cake (one way he'd not had it until a few weeks earlier).

As usual - or so it seems to be now - schedules made it hard to work with the actual birthday, but that was okay... we just enjoyed the shortcake with his folks a few days later. His actual birthday was spent doing service (something he really enjoys) for his grandmother (even better) and then at the Temple with his folks (per request of the Temple President). He missed out on opening day of fishing, but decided that was probably for the best, since he doesn't like to be around a lot of people when he fishes.

All in all, I think his birthday was good - at least we got to say Happy Birthday and enjoy a yummy dessert - can't go wrong there!

What Do You Do While You're Sleeping?

Last night I put the kids to bed early - they needed it! And I had a project I wanted to do while I had a clean floor and a clean table! Peter and Jeremy had a really hard time going to sleep - I think part of that is that they don't have curtains yet (we'll be fixing that problem today... that's today's sewing project). Anyway, to make it easier, I pulled Peter out and put him on the couch to try to go to sleep (with no one to talk to) so I could move him later.

However, Peter had other plans and continued to get up and down. He finally figured out he needed to stay on the couch, but then he kept trying to talk to me and was actually attempting a one sided conversation.

So I asked: "Peter, why can I hear you? You're suppose to be going to sleep."

To which I got this reply: "I AM asleep! I'm just Talk Sleeping!"

(I was glad to be in a separate room where I could laugh quietly without being seen! I just love the way he says things!)

Making Lists

Nesting instinct has shifted gears - instead of just the crazy need to be "doing" (you know, house work, baking, projects, whatever) it's turned into a kind of baby panic. I still have the desire to do projects, but I am finding that the panicy baby feeling is pushing the projects aside.... and here's why (I think):

When we moved, we gave away all the baby stuff (unless it was homemade).... so now I'm trying to compile a list of things we will need (so I can check of what we've already got or been given or made).... and, baby still is no closer to a name.... we need a list to work with there too (and yes, I've been through the baby book)!

If you can think of something for either list, leave me a comment... I don't want to be missing anything that should be on the list! Oh - and for anyone who doesn't know or forgot, baby is a boy.

My Job Chart - A New Way To Keep Track

We're trying something new - thanks to a friend. She found this site called My Job Chart - it's online (the biggest draw back thus far) but it's free, you sign up as the parent and your kids are signed up underneath you (added protection). You choose chores / jobs / assignments (whatever you want to call them) for each of your children. You assign a point value. You choose how often (every day, once a week, a certain day, morning or night or both). You also get to choose rewards and the number of points needed to "purchase" the reward.

We've chosen mostly "free" rewards - with a couple of things that will require some spending of money (like eating out and going to the movies at the theater). But because I can set the number of points, those things require a huge number of points - which means they really have to want it and save. (I'm also open to any suggestions to add options for my children)

What I like so far, besides the above, is that it's a system that keeps track for you (and yes, you can go back to a different day and fill in if you weren't at the computer by the end of the day). I like that the kids like it (so far) - they can each sign in for themselves and check off as well as see what is still needed. Because I also can get updates and I can check everyone all at once (and they know it) it helps teach them honesty and integrity. I also love that it teaches them to budget without having to have money in the hand. I know a lot of people really like the allowance system - and if it works for you, great. But we don't really have the finances to do that, the kids hear us talk about "is it in the budget" all the time, and I don't want them accumulating unnecessary junk that just adds to the overwhelming chaos of the house. This program lets them earn points, while establishing good behavior and habits, and they still have to budget them - it's just not money. When they are interested in a "reward" they check in with their store, and they can choose from what is listed as available (based on the total number of points they have).

At this stage, it's nice that the computer is doing the math for them. When they get older, we'll switch to a money based something - though I am not a fan of linking it with standard chores - I strongly believe that a family has certain responsibilities which must be met without financial reward. I believe such teaches children to understand the importance of stewardship and service. But they will need to know how to budget money, how to keep track of it all, and those things long before they are on their own. They already are careful with what they receive for gifts - always paying tithing first - and I think that's where they need to be at the ages they happen to be right now.

Anyway - if you're interested in trying it out for your own family - go to myjobchart.com and sign up. We've been doing it for about half a week - we've already made a few adjustments and made some rules about how frequently they can get on the computer to sign off the items they have done. (I'm not interested in my children being so linked to the computer that they forget there are other things to be doing). The house is staying in better condition - though it's still not perfect. Attitude is great until they get tired or hot or hungry, then the points don't seem to matter to them (but then again, nothing else usually does at that point either).

Emotional

Yup -that's where I'm at. All pregnancies have some element of this crazy, no explanation, no rational thought emotional explosion - some more so than others. With Gabi I think it was more about not knowing what to expect and being sick all the time. With Beth it was straight emotions - I cried at EVERYTHING - happy or sad - with information or none - awake or mostly asleep. I was a nut case. I don't remember how bad it was with Jeremy. And with Peter - well, the whole pregnancy was a nightmare, so what was a little depression induced emotional break down!

This time, well, I was emotional in the beginning - probably propelled along by the fact we'd moved only a couple of months before, I was meeting a new doctor who is nothing like the doctors I've grown accustom to, a pregnancy that was completely and totally unlike any of my other four, and a sense of out-of-placement. Then it seemed that things more or less leveled out - that's not to say that I didn't still have the emotional break downs from time to time, but normally they had things to do with missing my mother and knowing she won't be around this time (she can't). Little things that I had already dealt with before and during the move, but which were suddenly big things again because I was pregnant.

The leveling out, I believe, came in part because I found a "place" - a routine. I took the boys to story hour every week - where I was running the sign up sheet and reminders while another mother was out having had her baby. I was volunteering at the school once a week. I had a calling - though it was only twice a month. Then I had a new calling added - so, church responsibility increased to three times a month. Nothing major, but enough to keep me aware that I was needed.

And now here I am... easily provoked, I guess you might say. Though I think, for the most part, only Bob has seen me cry this time around (the kids have caught tid-bits, but nothing really). And what makes it worse for me is that the things that set me off are things that I see playing a role - unexpected - in things within this pregnancy.... even though they are not set up to do that all.

Maybe it stems from insecurity. Maybe it stems from a childhood of such things plaguing the "important" things in my life. Maybe it's just because I'm eight months pregnant and there is no explanation for it. Whatever it is, I'm finding it harder and harder to keep my emotions in check and rely upon my mental faculties to logically work through whatever comes up. (Oh, wait, that might just be because pregnancy, especially third trimester, sucks out whatever brain power one has left)

Just An Update

Well - last appointment I only gained 2 pounds (that was two weeks ago) and this time I hadn't gained anything. While looking over my chart, I saw that my fundus measurement had gone down - I was measuring 3 weeks early, then measured 3 weeks late, and it's dropped again today. But don't get excited - it's not likely that this little guy is trying to tell us he's close to being on his way. In all my pregnancies the baby has dropped at least four times before deciding to arrive. And as we know, the weight gain can't be compared - it's all out of wack for me. Not only that, but this baby does come up high and then drop back down throughout the week.

Anyway - there's nothing exciting going on - though the nurse informed me that I need to be drinking a lot more water (and to think, I'm actually drinking more than is normal for me already)! Guess I'll be working on that!

Some Day.....

Peter got a dinosaur egg at the Children's Fair yesterday. It's plastic - it opens - and a little toy dinosaur is inside. Tonight he told me: "This dinosaur is my grandchild."

But that also reminds me of the last time Bob and I went to the Temple - Peter has trouble staying away from me right now and has to be certain the time will "be a short time". When we go to the Temple, it's all day (more or less) so it was "short" in a very relative form. He informed me when we picked him up that it "was NOT a short time" and then told me how he was growing up:

P: "I'm getting bigger to be an adult. Then I can do things."
M: "What will you do?"
P: "When I'm an adult I'll got to the Temple."
M: "Can I go to the Temple with you?"
P: "Yes. Of course."

10 Weeks - More or Less

We're in count down mode... or at least some of us are. It's not uncommon for Peter to ask if the Baby is coming this week. Or soon. Or even today. Well, when asked this question today, I told him we still have ten weeks (and of course, if he's like the rest, it will actually be a little longer, but 10 is a number Peter understands well). So, with each sibling he saw, he had to tell them that they baby was coming in 10 weeks.

Along with that, Peter has been telling us all along that when the baby comes, he'll be giving the baby the baby toys (since I do happen to have a small basket of some of our more favorites that came across the country with us). Today, Peter would run over and grab a toy, bring it over and set it on my belly. If I tried to move it off, he'd tell me he was giving it to the baby and that the baby was playing with it.

He's excited to have a baby brother and to play with the baby. Excited enough that he's forgetting he can't play "bust my buffers" with him. (Where Peter is a train, hands out in front in fist, and runs fast into (usually) Daddy) - so tonight, baby got "busted" a couple of times by Peter's "buffers". Ouch! Double Ouch! I had to try to explain that the baby can't play that game yet - and that he won't be able to play that game for a very long time even after he comes.

But he's very excited! And there's something inside me that keeps screaming "hurry up and get ready" - I feel mostly relaxed, but there are a few things that need to be done - like finding out if we brought the pump and the bottles. I finally ordered nursing stuff today - I hadn't even thought of it until now! And I have a whole list of baby items to make (in part because I have a crazy desire to be making things, and a larger part because they are needed or will be useful). I've never actually "nested" before - although Bob use to claim that I did (about a couple days before, or like with Beth, the night before) but that I just couldn't do any of it so he did. Maybe... but it's never felt like this.

Remember my crazy reorganization around the house - yeah, I don't think that was spring cleaning. I didn't finish the one room only because I was hurting too much. And I've had to be doing things - mostly with my hands, which is why I finally figured out how to really knit. I've done the one sweater, have completed most of two more (need to buy more yarn) and have another ready to start. I also have a list of baby projects to do (I may have mentioned that more than once) and last week I spent making all sorts of gifts for a bridal shower. I feel antsy - and it's really weird.

Even with all that, I have not turned into a crazy scrub the house to pieces freak - at least not yet... I do find that I get more irritated with clutter and mess. And I'm more likely to clean up the kitchen completely several times a week instead of once or twice (I have trouble with the dish soap bothering my skin, so I tend to put it off). I'm avoiding floors not because I don't want them done, but because every time I do them I'm hurting - something about hips at this stage. But I do tend to make the kids do a lot more "tidying up" - the everything in it's home once a week deal that I'm typically okay with isn't usually okay any more (though with sick kids this week I've been more lax - they've had to tidy up, but I haven't made them fully complete it all - bedtime has been way more important).

Nesting has it's advantages, but it's also wearisome - this strange, antsy feeling that never seems to go away often wakes me up at night.... not to mention that aching body, which is nothing compared to my other pregnancies. I'm enjoying getting some things done, and do hope that I feel I'm calm and ready for the change in pace and lifestyle once again when the baby comes - if he's anything like the others, I won't be getting a full night sleep until he's well over a year. And I'll have to watch him like a hawk until he's about two and half... but that's okay, because he'll be part of our family, sweet and cuddly, and we're all looking forward to that!

Sunday Morning Time Buster

We don't have church until 11am this year. It's nice in a lot of ways - like we can sleep in, or even if we don't, we have time to let the kids come jump in our bed and play games (okay, so that's mostly the Daddy and kid tickle and trap game). It's really nice.

But since Bob had had a really long day the day before (he'd gotten called to meet with the Temple President), I got up with the kids and pulled the door shut most of the way. Out in the living room I was present a bit of a concert - after all, both girls are taking piano lessons from grandma (thanks so much for helping to keep the music in our house alive!) and both boys want to be. Everyone takes turns on the piano - well, it was Peter yesterday morning.

When Peter plays, it's not really music, though generally he's really good about playing gently and sweetly so it's still enjoyable. The best part, he sings along - and yesterday had us all singing along. He would name a song, start playing the piano and we'd sing. As soon as the song was done, he'd climb down and come sit beside me saying "Now it's time for a family prayer" and as soon as he'd say a prayer, then he'd say "Now it's time for more Sacrament Meeting" - which meant more music and more singing.

It was a wonderful way to start our Sunday - mini "Sacrament Meetings" just for us!

Doctor Nap

The boys were playing a game with their dinosaurs that involved the dinosaurs needing to go to the doctor. I guess Peter was trying to convince Jeremy that they needed to see a new doctors because this is what I heard.

"Don't worry. They won't get kidnapped. And they won't get doctor-napped either."

Judge or Boss

We've been reading about the reign of the judges in the Book of Mormon - why judges and not kings has been discussed.

I told Peter he needed to go potty so he and Jeremy could paint. His comment, coupled with tears and a very grumpy face, was:

"You're not the judge of me!"

Baby Update

Once again we had another appointment... supposed to be 28 weeks and 4 days when we went in... ultrasound paperwork was pulled out and it looks like we're going with the 29 weeks and 2 days instead. That's five days sooner, which really isn't saying a whole lot (aside from that puts us at July 4th and being a boy where both my other boys came three days later, that means Grandma gets an even better chance at having this one born on her birthday). I'm measuring about 3 1/3 weeks early, but that doesn't mean a whole lot either since ALL my kids are big! (And long!)

Following the big baby theory, I'm sticking to the July 9th date and so I won't be changing my baby ticker on the side line. But we'll see. I have contractions daily - which is new from my other four pregnancies (but what isn't with this one?).

Baby's heart rate was 164 the first time we heard it... at the ultrasound it was 157 (I think or around there) but all the other appointments he's been at 160. Yesterday his heart rate was 140... I know that as babies get bigger the heart rate goes down, but I've never had such a large gap that I know of. I'm not concerned, though, because 140 is still in the normal range and knowing the baby was "resting", it doesn't surprise me to have it be lower.

Other than that, there's nothing to tell.. we're moving along, the doctor has requested I start going in every two weeks instead of every four. Seems a little early for what I remember with others, but I suppose given that measurements are large and I have had typically fast labors (aside from Peter) with one only being 2 hours, it's better to be on top of things than behind them!

I'm still in major project mode, but I've been feeling suddenly run down and tired again - but I've spent most of today feeling sick, so I think I may have picked up a bug. I have plenty to keep me busy (and Gabi suggested that I should write out more of my stories because that would help pass the time - so sweet of her). And still no names. Nothing to consider yet....