Less than 22 hours until our c-section. It's so funny to actually go all the way to the planned date and time. Winslow thinks baby is transverse. I wouldn't be surprised, that's how it feels anyway. He must be all scrunched up in there. It's funny to watch my belly move all crazy these last few days. Winslow has been amazing at putting up with emotionally unstable me! I've needed the house clean and everything done all the time, just in case he decided to come early. Winslow has been working hard at keeping me sane and happy, foot rubs, taking kids to the library, putting up Christmas lights, and all the last minute honey do's. He rubs my tummy and talks to the baby and asks me how I feel. Um, I feel FAT. HA ha ha ha. One day this week he came home and I was totally freaking out. The new sweats I bought for after the baby are a little tight for the moment (of course they are! I'm nine months pregnant, they'll be fine afterward, but I was freaking out anyway) and my maternity pants I have grown out of. What will I wear for the next few days? I was thinking and saying and crying. Ha ha. My loving husband took it all in stride. (keep in mind I had some other sweat pants that fit, but they were in the dryer drying, I was just freaking out in the moment. )
Saturday I took time to snuggle with David in the rocking chair and then again later on the couch. It's mostly awkward with this large belly of mine, but he and I both enjoyed the moments. My baby has grown up so much.
I'm excited to leave pregnancy discomforts behind. I'm nervous about recovery from major surgery though. It's always rough for the first week or so. Since I don't have labor to stress over I have been stressing over nursing. Why? because I just need to stress over something I guess. It all works out I know, but in the mean time I keep worrying, will it all work out, will I remember how to take care of a baby.
Drinking lots of water the last few days so I can be hydrated. Not so sure about having a scheduled c-section. THey tell you not to drink or eat after midnight and my c-section isn't until noon. With my other c-sections, I ate and drank all the way up to a few hours ahead, since none of them happened at a scheduled time. Can I cheat and just drink in the morning? Maybe not, with David's c-section I got pretty nauseous during the procedure. Guess I better follow the rules.
So as long as baby doesn't make an early entrance this evening or tonight, we plan to go to Show Low in the morning, do a little shopping before we check in, and then HAVE A BABY!!!
The Plan is to name him Nathaniel. After the apostle Nathaneal from the New Testament. Winslow and I both loved the story of Nathaneal. We'll see after he comes out if his name fits.
Took the kids to the park a couple of days this week. The weather has been fantastic still. It was fun to watch my kids play pretend and enjoy the sunshine.
Rachel and David both have colds. Rachel has a cough and she wants to get better fast so she can touch the baby. I am so grateful I haven't caught any yuckies.
The kids are excited to have their Grandmas coming. Winslow's mom comes today and my mom will be here friday. We are SO SO SO grateful for their help!
Did I mention that last week I tried to burn the house down while we were at church. We came home to crazy smoke damage and then spent the week washing every surface of our home. All bedding, all clothes, all curtains, carpets, furniture, etc. Quite the ordeal!!!! So the house is ready, AGAIN, for baby.
Last night we got all dressed up in our jammies to go watch the annual light parade. Um...well, it must be next week. Because no one was out parked waiting for the light parade. So we drove around and looked at Christmas lights instead. The kiddos had a great time, and then we came home and made delicious hot chocolate. We are looking forward to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional Tonight. I LOVE CHRISTMAS TIME!!!!
We've been enjoying Elf on the Shelf again this year. So far he has been found on the Dryer, on the Advent Calendar, On the Piano with a BARBIE!, and in each of the kid's rooms. Something tells me he is going to do something EXTRA SPECIAL tonight.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
I love Fall
This fall has been so beautiful. We have had absolutely gorgeous weather. 50's in the day and in the 20's at night. I love it. We haven't had the crazy wind so typical of our area this year. So our fall colors stuck around for a long time. My fabulous friend Nancy has taken my children to the park so many days so I could have a break.
We've enjoyed some wonderful days at the St. John's park with our Home Schooling Friends. The kids have played kickball and relay races. I have loved being able to be a part of it all and NOT on bedrest.
I had a lot of fun putting together preschool and kindergarten home school curriculum for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I used up all my ink putting it all together! Plus putting together Christmas gifts for extended family.
I got to go see a movie with girlfriends last week and go out to dinner.
Abby and Rachel both had birthdays and we took them out for lunch. Rachel chose Arby's for her birthday meal and we made Pumpkin Shakes for desert. Abby chose a local Mexican restaurant and then had a mint chocolate chip blizzard.
I put together some freezer meals for after the baby and lots of yummy pumpkin bread for breakfasts.
I've had bursts of energy and days of complete exhaustion.
Made a cover for the baby's car seat. I was so nervous about doing this, but it worked out in the end.
Lots of trips to the doctors, Dentist appointments for all the family.
Jacob found a kitten in our woodpile and made it part of the family. Even Winslow thinks it's cute. And after some persuasion, our orange cat has decided it too likes the kitty.
I've been putting together Christmas so it could be all done before Baby's arrival. *and we finally have a name decided on. Halleluiah!
Thanksgiving Day was eventful. The turkey wasn't all the way dethawed so lunch turned into dinner. I did make rolls and pie ahead of time. We watched the Macy's parade and football. Had a whole bunch of contractions and then nothing.... Abby and Rachel helped make the green bean casserole and the mashed potatoes. And I was so glad to have a day of relaxing!!
Today we got to go visit with my brother Matt and his wife Alyssa and their kids. Can I just say I love my siblings and their spouses. I have the best family ever!
We are in the final countdown for baby. Dec. 3rd is our c section date. We'll see if baby decides to wait that long or not. I'm planning on him waiting. But everything is all ready to go just in case he decides to make an earlier entrance. The kids are excited. David thinks the baby's name should be Alcoa. What!!! 4 year olds always have the most interesting things to name babies. Thankfully I am actually feeling less uncomfortable. I am trying hard to stay away from Winslow's cough. Coughs and c sections don't go well together. He's no longer contagious, but he sounds terrible, poor guy. Praying the family stays well.
We've enjoyed some wonderful days at the St. John's park with our Home Schooling Friends. The kids have played kickball and relay races. I have loved being able to be a part of it all and NOT on bedrest.
I had a lot of fun putting together preschool and kindergarten home school curriculum for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I used up all my ink putting it all together! Plus putting together Christmas gifts for extended family.
I got to go see a movie with girlfriends last week and go out to dinner.
Abby and Rachel both had birthdays and we took them out for lunch. Rachel chose Arby's for her birthday meal and we made Pumpkin Shakes for desert. Abby chose a local Mexican restaurant and then had a mint chocolate chip blizzard.
I put together some freezer meals for after the baby and lots of yummy pumpkin bread for breakfasts.
I've had bursts of energy and days of complete exhaustion.
Made a cover for the baby's car seat. I was so nervous about doing this, but it worked out in the end.
Lots of trips to the doctors, Dentist appointments for all the family.
Jacob found a kitten in our woodpile and made it part of the family. Even Winslow thinks it's cute. And after some persuasion, our orange cat has decided it too likes the kitty.
I've been putting together Christmas so it could be all done before Baby's arrival. *and we finally have a name decided on. Halleluiah!
I tried to burn the house down by leaving a pot of beans BOILING ON HIGH while we were at church. Thankfully, I remember after sacrament meeting and not at the end of church. Raced home to find the entire house filled with smoke. Three days of cleaning everything in the house, including, but not limited to, ceilings, walls, light fixtures, light bulbs, furniture, carpets, bedding, curtains, clothes in every closet, cabinets, floors, and more, and we are finally getting most of the smell out. Every time I think we have gotten rid of the smell, we leave and come back and there it is. Hopefully people don't think we've taken up a new habit! The smoke damage was quite extensive. We have been incredibly blessed with friends who have come and spent hours helping clean, watching children, washing laundry, bringing in dinner and treats, and fixing my clothes washer when it started leaking!!! I admit there were a few times when I felt so overwhelmed by the task at hand. And Winslow was super sick through the whole ordeal and unable to really be of help (Fever, coughing, miserable Daddy, no fun!). I have been so blessed by all the helping hands.
Thanksgiving Day was eventful. The turkey wasn't all the way dethawed so lunch turned into dinner. I did make rolls and pie ahead of time. We watched the Macy's parade and football. Had a whole bunch of contractions and then nothing.... Abby and Rachel helped make the green bean casserole and the mashed potatoes. And I was so glad to have a day of relaxing!!
Today we got to go visit with my brother Matt and his wife Alyssa and their kids. Can I just say I love my siblings and their spouses. I have the best family ever!
We are in the final countdown for baby. Dec. 3rd is our c section date. We'll see if baby decides to wait that long or not. I'm planning on him waiting. But everything is all ready to go just in case he decides to make an earlier entrance. The kids are excited. David thinks the baby's name should be Alcoa. What!!! 4 year olds always have the most interesting things to name babies. Thankfully I am actually feeling less uncomfortable. I am trying hard to stay away from Winslow's cough. Coughs and c sections don't go well together. He's no longer contagious, but he sounds terrible, poor guy. Praying the family stays well.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Getting it all together, NOT!
4 weeks left until our scheduled c-section. In some ways I want this baby to wait until the scheduled date. The Biggest being that my mom can't come until then. In other ways, I hope he comes just a little early. The biggest being that I am just so darn UNCOMFORTABLE! How is it that I always forget how hard the last month is. Mentally, I just don't think I can do another minute some times. My skin is so so so itchy(love having dry skin and lovely stretch marks), my hips are so miserable, I can't breathe thru my nose (every night) and I get into my jammies as soon as possible every evening! And yet, it's worth it. Just uncomfortable. Right now I am trying to concentrate on Thanksgiving week. 2 weeks until the Monday of that week, when I will be 37 weeks. Then only 2 more weeks after that. We have been keeping busy and there is lots to do. I've been baking and stocking the freezer with breakfast and dinner items. Hoping to make things a little easier post c-section. We have a chunk of Christmas done. I still need to finish a few sewing projects this weekend. In between having Abby's friends over for her birthday. Last Saturday we had Rachel's friends over to make cupcakes. They had a good time and played an Xbox Dance game. Next weekend we are hoping to spend time with family.
I'm trying not to have an anxiety attack when I realize the things I haven't done yet. Most of them are Christmas, so really I need to relax.
I do have to say how THANKFUL I am to have stayed OFF of Bedrest this pregnancy. No drugs has been SO NICE. I tried hard to take it easy. I did have contractions on and off in the second trimester, but we were able to keep it to a minimum. I used a natural progesterone cream and that seems to have made a big difference. (This is also what I did when pregnant with Rachel...who we also had NO BEDREST with.) It has been so nice to be able to keep doing all the things that needed done on a daily basis.
I do have to say I am so tired, and despite the long to do lists I keep doing, Some days I would really like to just curl up and take a nap. No such luck. Some days I have to though. Any time I have to drive somewhere (more than a half hour) I am totally wiped out.
My two week menu is saving my life with meals though. If I didn't have it planned out, my family would totally be eating pb and j every night.
This baby is a mover and a shaker. He likes to roll, which makes me a little queasy! We are still working on a name. We both have names we love, I am hoping we can decide on one that we BOTH like. Good thing we still have some time.
I'm trying not to have an anxiety attack when I realize the things I haven't done yet. Most of them are Christmas, so really I need to relax.
I do have to say how THANKFUL I am to have stayed OFF of Bedrest this pregnancy. No drugs has been SO NICE. I tried hard to take it easy. I did have contractions on and off in the second trimester, but we were able to keep it to a minimum. I used a natural progesterone cream and that seems to have made a big difference. (This is also what I did when pregnant with Rachel...who we also had NO BEDREST with.) It has been so nice to be able to keep doing all the things that needed done on a daily basis.
I do have to say I am so tired, and despite the long to do lists I keep doing, Some days I would really like to just curl up and take a nap. No such luck. Some days I have to though. Any time I have to drive somewhere (more than a half hour) I am totally wiped out.
My two week menu is saving my life with meals though. If I didn't have it planned out, my family would totally be eating pb and j every night.
This baby is a mover and a shaker. He likes to roll, which makes me a little queasy! We are still working on a name. We both have names we love, I am hoping we can decide on one that we BOTH like. Good thing we still have some time.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Halloween
Can I just say that Halloween is not my favorite holiday. Mostly because of the yucky stuff. I like the fun dress up and trick or treating is not bad, but I don't do scary. So this year is a new tradition. We will be trick or treating at just a few houses of people we know, then we'll go to the high school choir fundraiser where they play games indoors in the warmth and light, and then come home to their own special bag of chocolate candy from mom and dad. Remember we don't live where there is a well lit subdivision to walk door to door to. I have enjoyed years past when we've had ward trunk or treats and people we know. And I love Fall weather! But scary stuff freaks me out!!! I'm a wimp sorry!
The weeks ahead are packed. Dr.'s appointments, 2birthdays, Thanksgiving, and a host of other activities. Hoping to stay busy, I am getting anxious and impatient for baby's arrival. Baby is still without a name. Winslow and I may just battle this to the bitter end.
My children have been super snippy with each other as of late. It is making me a little nervous for when the baby comes. I tend to have anxiety after I have babies, I like things quiet and calm. Hoping my older children will behave themselves!!!!
The weeks ahead are packed. Dr.'s appointments, 2birthdays, Thanksgiving, and a host of other activities. Hoping to stay busy, I am getting anxious and impatient for baby's arrival. Baby is still without a name. Winslow and I may just battle this to the bitter end.
My children have been super snippy with each other as of late. It is making me a little nervous for when the baby comes. I tend to have anxiety after I have babies, I like things quiet and calm. Hoping my older children will behave themselves!!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Of books and dishes
Jacob has been working hard the last few days. Not yet sure what has brought about the change, but I'll take it! He 's really been working on taking initiative. Earlier this week when I was so tired, he made sure his kitchen chores were done. And we had him babysit 2 nights this week. Both nights the house was clean and the kids were in bed. Last night the dishes were loaded and the big dishes washed. I asked Abby is she had done them, because Jacob has major texture issues when it comes to dishes. Nope, she said, she had a headache and went to bed, Jacob had totally done it all. way to go mister. Definitely tipping big for dishes done! I know he's a good kid, sometimes we just butt heads. It is so wonderful to be able to reward him for stepping up his game!
I took David, Rachel, and Abby to the library today. David picked out a book on Monster Trucks, Abby picked out Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland, and Rachel got an Amelia Bedelia book. I am excited for Abby to be reading such a fun classic book. she has really picked up speed in reading. She read Harry Potter #3 in 3 days, Old Yeller in one day! I think she takes after her mother.
Rachel really surprised me this week. I found a fun book report sheet on Pinterest and told Rachel she could start doing book reports. The next morning when we got our school work, she brought out a Magic Treehouse book and read the whole first chapter!
Davis is now adding up to 10 in his head!!! He is obsessed with adding. I put together more math games and some beginning phonics for him this weekend, because oping just to keep up with is kid. He's only 4!
We are studying Joseph in the Old Testament. Gonna have to find a copy of Jospeh and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I've been singing it in my head for days!
Winslow was a trooper and took me to 2 parties this weekend. Boy did I need the out time. Thanks Hun for going out of your comfort zone to indulge your social wife!!!!
Down to just over 6 weeks left until our c-section. easing baby clothes and putting everything together. Exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.
I took David, Rachel, and Abby to the library today. David picked out a book on Monster Trucks, Abby picked out Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland, and Rachel got an Amelia Bedelia book. I am excited for Abby to be reading such a fun classic book. she has really picked up speed in reading. She read Harry Potter #3 in 3 days, Old Yeller in one day! I think she takes after her mother.
Rachel really surprised me this week. I found a fun book report sheet on Pinterest and told Rachel she could start doing book reports. The next morning when we got our school work, she brought out a Magic Treehouse book and read the whole first chapter!
Davis is now adding up to 10 in his head!!! He is obsessed with adding. I put together more math games and some beginning phonics for him this weekend, because oping just to keep up with is kid. He's only 4!
We are studying Joseph in the Old Testament. Gonna have to find a copy of Jospeh and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I've been singing it in my head for days!
Winslow was a trooper and took me to 2 parties this weekend. Boy did I need the out time. Thanks Hun for going out of your comfort zone to indulge your social wife!!!!
Down to just over 6 weeks left until our c-section. easing baby clothes and putting everything together. Exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A little rest
So I got a small taste of bed rest today. I've been feeling a little under the weather the past few days. Nothing major, just not 100%. And today my body said enough. I took 3 naps, one in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, and laid in bed all afternoon and evening. Thankfully, I had put dinner in the crockpot before I crashed :). David was very cooperative and took a 3 hour nap this afternoon on my bed with me, thus facilitating my opportunity for some rest. Feeling tired still, but not exhausted like before. And the thought I had was, I am already past the point of bedrest for both of my boys, and I am so tickled to be still up and running, even if not at full capacity! Nice to be able to take it easy for a day, but I am so glad not to HAVE to be down.
I'm also grateful for new jammies. I know it's simple, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new jammies. They are so comfortable, "they are my p.j.'s" (NACHO LIBRE). And at the end of the day when I feel like I could crawl out of my skin, they are so comfy. Worth every penny!
We were in Phoenix over the weekend and I had to laugh when Rachel said "I never thought I would be cold HERE!" I was just so glad that we were there for the cool front and gone before the heat returned. It was just one day there, so it was a fast trip. Winslow had continuing education, so I got to spend a few hours with my sister Tamara and a few hours with my friend Aimee. So much fun. The kids had a great time. They were so sad to leave.
We have just 7 weeks left until our c section. I am getting anxious. Of Course! Pulled out baby clothes and gear to see what we needed. DIAPERS. Ha HA, I have one package already, hmm that will last a week. Wow babies go thru diapers fast! The kids are all excited. I love babies!
I'm also grateful for new jammies. I know it's simple, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new jammies. They are so comfortable, "they are my p.j.'s" (NACHO LIBRE). And at the end of the day when I feel like I could crawl out of my skin, they are so comfy. Worth every penny!
We were in Phoenix over the weekend and I had to laugh when Rachel said "I never thought I would be cold HERE!" I was just so glad that we were there for the cool front and gone before the heat returned. It was just one day there, so it was a fast trip. Winslow had continuing education, so I got to spend a few hours with my sister Tamara and a few hours with my friend Aimee. So much fun. The kids had a great time. They were so sad to leave.
We have just 7 weeks left until our c section. I am getting anxious. Of Course! Pulled out baby clothes and gear to see what we needed. DIAPERS. Ha HA, I have one package already, hmm that will last a week. Wow babies go thru diapers fast! The kids are all excited. I love babies!
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
So it's been crazy
We have been leading a crazy life.
Let me hit the highlights.
Home school is in full swing-meaning I feel like I have a full time job!!! This year has brought challenges and new and exciting adventures,.
David is loving our Mommy preschool and I am hoping to get 2nd semester curriculum written before this baby is born!
Finally finished our Stake Humanitarian Aid project! What a success! Over 50 gowns and kimonos were made and donated for our Infant Loss Bereavement Project.
Jacob has finished football season, and we loved watching him catch 3 touchdown passes the last game of the season!
I am nesting so bad, which means so many projects. My friend Arina and I tackled my poor kitchen table and redid the top with some help from Winslow. It Looks SO MUCH BETTER! Then we tackled all the touch up paint spots around the house.
Mike and Kara came up and were a huge help digging out the back and moving my fence.
I have been crocheting up a storm to keep up with all the babies being born, makes me super anxious for our little one. And I've had quite a few sewing projects going on.
Our second ultrasound (we had to have a second for making sure baby was growing right so they could officially schedule the csection) revealed we are having a BOY!!!
David is ecstatic, so are the rest of us. Winslow and I are still working on a name.
Staying off bedrest so far and being so happy about that. But still taking things pretty easy physically to help.
David finished his Last Soccer game and made a goal :) Plus he got a medal, and his team won the sportsmanship award. He is hilarious when he plays soccer. He is so happy, and so determined to get the ball.
The girls are both taking Dance and I am teaching 2 days a week piano.
Fall has arrived and we are wearing sweaters in the morning and evenings and the trees are changing everywhere.
We had a fabulous General Conference weekend. The kids cut out pictures of the prophet and apostles and glued them on construction paper with conversation bubbles about their talk's topic.
I am moving into the super tired, and poor sleep phase. So I am either getting the world done, or wishing only for a nap. Ha Ha Ha.
We've begun a new system of only going to the grocery store once every two weeks. I was super stressed about trying it, but it has worked. We have eaten Awesome food, and saved $$$ on our grocery bill. I am also making all of our bread and yogurt and Breakfast foods from scratch.
We've canned Beans, Apples, and Chicken. I've been filling the freezer full of snacks and breakfast things. Hoping to have a stockpile on hand when the baby is born. I need to start planning and making a freezer meal every week between now and then, so I can be prepared.
Christmas and Birthday gifts are being made and stored away as well.
So if you've called and gotten no answer, this is probably why!!!! We are crazy over here! HA HA HA!
Let me hit the highlights.
Home school is in full swing-meaning I feel like I have a full time job!!! This year has brought challenges and new and exciting adventures,.
 |
| go away big green monster unit. So fun!!! |
David is loving our Mommy preschool and I am hoping to get 2nd semester curriculum written before this baby is born!
I am nesting so bad, which means so many projects. My friend Arina and I tackled my poor kitchen table and redid the top with some help from Winslow. It Looks SO MUCH BETTER! Then we tackled all the touch up paint spots around the house.
Mike and Kara came up and were a huge help digging out the back and moving my fence.
I have been crocheting up a storm to keep up with all the babies being born, makes me super anxious for our little one. And I've had quite a few sewing projects going on.
 |
| this is me at 31 weeks |
Our second ultrasound (we had to have a second for making sure baby was growing right so they could officially schedule the csection) revealed we are having a BOY!!!
David is ecstatic, so are the rest of us. Winslow and I are still working on a name.
Staying off bedrest so far and being so happy about that. But still taking things pretty easy physically to help.
David finished his Last Soccer game and made a goal :) Plus he got a medal, and his team won the sportsmanship award. He is hilarious when he plays soccer. He is so happy, and so determined to get the ball.
The girls are both taking Dance and I am teaching 2 days a week piano.
Fall has arrived and we are wearing sweaters in the morning and evenings and the trees are changing everywhere.
We've begun a new system of only going to the grocery store once every two weeks. I was super stressed about trying it, but it has worked. We have eaten Awesome food, and saved $$$ on our grocery bill. I am also making all of our bread and yogurt and Breakfast foods from scratch.
We've canned Beans, Apples, and Chicken. I've been filling the freezer full of snacks and breakfast things. Hoping to have a stockpile on hand when the baby is born. I need to start planning and making a freezer meal every week between now and then, so I can be prepared.
Christmas and Birthday gifts are being made and stored away as well.
So if you've called and gotten no answer, this is probably why!!!! We are crazy over here! HA HA HA!
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
precious moments in our crazy life
Life is crazy. Of course. Whose life isn't. We are having "home ec" this week. Canning, sewing, refinishing our kitchen table and more. So traditional school work has been set aside. Which is nice because the weather is GORGEOUS!!! 70 in the day and high 30's and night. PERFECT. The Red leaves of Fall are showing up all over town. We picked apples for Family Home Evening at the Coffelts. THe kids and the adults had a great time, and we have been making apple butter today. YUM! Tonight I will can it and the Apple Jelly. TASTY. Tomorrow, Arina is going to help me jump start my table redo. Awesome, because it is looking pretty sad. I will be glad for our routine again though.
This morning was precious. David loves to come snuggle in my bed with me in the mornings. He brought his stuffed puppy dog, climbed in bed and was ready to "feel the baby." One of my favorite things right now. (Rachel had already come in and had her turn! Once the baby was done moving and shaking it was time for morning prayers. David wanted to stay and listen. :) So as I was praying for each individual child, quiet promptings from David kept coming, "and me mom." "Don't forget David." Ha ha. He was so sweet. Hard to be the last one in line waiting for your turn for mention in the prayer. I loved it.
This morning was precious. David loves to come snuggle in my bed with me in the mornings. He brought his stuffed puppy dog, climbed in bed and was ready to "feel the baby." One of my favorite things right now. (Rachel had already come in and had her turn! Once the baby was done moving and shaking it was time for morning prayers. David wanted to stay and listen. :) So as I was praying for each individual child, quiet promptings from David kept coming, "and me mom." "Don't forget David." Ha ha. He was so sweet. Hard to be the last one in line waiting for your turn for mention in the prayer. I loved it.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Kicks
Baby's kicks are getting strong enough,the big kids can really feel them now. Always so fun. I am trying to soak up every minute of kicks and flops and movement I can. Feeling this could very well be my last pregnancy. What an amazing miracle life is! Only 14 more weeks to go. Trying so hard to stay vertical and off of bed rest.
David's soccer game was yesterday. I really need to find my camera! Winslow was awesome enough to jump in and ref. After the game David told him "Thanks for being my coach dad!." So much fun to go sit in the sunshine and watch my little man tear up the soccer field, high fiving and hugging his team members. We know most of the parents on the team so it's been a fun time watching together!
David's soccer game was yesterday. I really need to find my camera! Winslow was awesome enough to jump in and ref. After the game David told him "Thanks for being my coach dad!." So much fun to go sit in the sunshine and watch my little man tear up the soccer field, high fiving and hugging his team members. We know most of the parents on the team so it's been a fun time watching together!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Creative Juices
so I am definitely nesting. Ha ha, better get it done early I guess! The danger is that's what I was doing when I went on bedrest with David. (Painting the house!) SO I am trying to do things that aren't so strenuous on my body. (I don't necessarily think the act of painting did it all by itself, probably moving furniture and lugging paint cans contributed as well. Ha ha!) So what have I been up to? Well last night I made little boy ties and blankets and worked on a blessing gown. Today I have been crocheting a gown for infant loss. Our stake is doing a humanitarian aid project that I am super involved in.
I am so ready to get outside and finish the digging that has to be done before we can put the sub floor in. Love that we have some progress on the addition, going crazy that it's at such a standstill with the rain.
Jacob's football game was fun, even though we got rained on pretty much the whole time. Thank goodness I had ponchos for everyone. David was hilarious. He just sat there in his poncho drinking his juice box. Cutest thing ever.
I am so ready to get outside and finish the digging that has to be done before we can put the sub floor in. Love that we have some progress on the addition, going crazy that it's at such a standstill with the rain.
Jacob's football game was fun, even though we got rained on pretty much the whole time. Thank goodness I had ponchos for everyone. David was hilarious. He just sat there in his poncho drinking his juice box. Cutest thing ever.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
The pain, the purpose, and the pay days
So yesterday was painful. Mostly because hitting your head against a table over and over again as you try to keep your children focused is not productive. Ha ha. I can laugh a little now. And no I didn't actually smack my head against the table, but it might have worked better, than what I did do, which was not at all productive. My loving husband came home just long enough during his lunch hour to let the children know they needed to behave, and by almost dinner, I thought we might survive the day.
Today was much better. There were rewards for those who had good behavior (yes somedays there is a tangible reward, like Gummy Lifesavers, because if anyone needed a good life saver it was me! And I don't mean candy!) And it helped. Mostly because I could just let it go and realize, that I could openly reward the proper behavior and give an immediate incentive for others to change. So there was less chaos. Thank heavens. But the real reward is in the questions my children are asking. Jacob and Abby are reading with me thru the Old Testament. Today's lesson was on Adam and Eve and we read Genesis Chapter 3. We used our red marking pencils and I explained footnotes and how to use them in their scriptures. We talked about the 2nd and 3rd Articles of Faith
"We believe that man will be punished for his own sins and not for Adam's transgression."
"We believe that thru the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."
We discussed both the Atonement in the Garden of Eden and Christ's crucifixion on the cross and the role each plays in repentance and eternal life. My children asked wonderful questions and I felt like they were learning and truly studying the scriptures.
Then tonight as we were reading family scriptures in the Book of Mormon, David (4) asked "What does prosper mean?" when it was his turn to read. Oh! You're listening! YEAH! And Jacob asked about the meaning of "dwindle in unbelief." I was so pleased to hear my children asking questions and searching out answers. Then Rachel asked for a red marking pencil. "Mom I really like where it says 'Jesus Christ who shall come.' Can I mark that it my scriptures?" OF COURSE! She proceeded to read thru the rest of the page and marked a couple more lines she really liked. We have been trying to read slower (Jacob and Abby are both fantastic readers and they read quickly, Rachel is amazing for her age, but not yet lightning fast like her siblings.) Rachel has a great desire to read along as we read scriptures so we are trying to go more at her pace. What a blessing. We read only a page at a time, and sometimes less, but we end up having great discussions. Now don't be fooled their are nights of craziness in which every one is sent to bed with little accomplished other than a frustrated mother and father, but even that has it's purpose. We are building habits. We are establishing a foundation upon which they can build.
It's one of my greatest desires, that my children have a strong testimony for THEMSELVES! Not my testimony, not their friends, but their OWN. That when trials come "they may know to what source to look to...."
My children love to be read to. David knows, just as his siblings before that mom will read 3 books and then scriptures and then bed. Tonight he brought me the books out on the couch as opposed to his room, and all of my children crowded around to hear me read to them. Last night I was reading from President Monson's biography and Rachel and David both laid in my bed and asked to be read to. Jacob even came in for a while. And now he has stolen my book and is reading it. (He needs to read a biography for book club, and I am tickled that he has chosen to read President Monson's biography.)
I did take David into his room to read him scriptures and have him say prayers. Then he snuggled in his bed and asked if I would stay with him for a few minutes. Boy is that little boy hard to say no to. He has been so emotional lately. He cries every time I leave if he isn't coming with me. Breaks my heart. I am glad I will get some time to focus a little more just the two of us. I think he just needs some one on one time (which sadly hasn't been a lot the last few months. Sorry bud, we'll work on it!)
Abigail finished the Little House on the Prairie series today. She read the last 3 books in just a couple of weeks. Way to go ABBY! She loves to come and tell me what she has been reading.
Jacob is bruised and beaten, poor boy! But my is he handsome in his football uniform. He is so athletically talented. I am excited to watch him play this week.
Today was much better. There were rewards for those who had good behavior (yes somedays there is a tangible reward, like Gummy Lifesavers, because if anyone needed a good life saver it was me! And I don't mean candy!) And it helped. Mostly because I could just let it go and realize, that I could openly reward the proper behavior and give an immediate incentive for others to change. So there was less chaos. Thank heavens. But the real reward is in the questions my children are asking. Jacob and Abby are reading with me thru the Old Testament. Today's lesson was on Adam and Eve and we read Genesis Chapter 3. We used our red marking pencils and I explained footnotes and how to use them in their scriptures. We talked about the 2nd and 3rd Articles of Faith
"We believe that man will be punished for his own sins and not for Adam's transgression."
"We believe that thru the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel."
We discussed both the Atonement in the Garden of Eden and Christ's crucifixion on the cross and the role each plays in repentance and eternal life. My children asked wonderful questions and I felt like they were learning and truly studying the scriptures.
Then tonight as we were reading family scriptures in the Book of Mormon, David (4) asked "What does prosper mean?" when it was his turn to read. Oh! You're listening! YEAH! And Jacob asked about the meaning of "dwindle in unbelief." I was so pleased to hear my children asking questions and searching out answers. Then Rachel asked for a red marking pencil. "Mom I really like where it says 'Jesus Christ who shall come.' Can I mark that it my scriptures?" OF COURSE! She proceeded to read thru the rest of the page and marked a couple more lines she really liked. We have been trying to read slower (Jacob and Abby are both fantastic readers and they read quickly, Rachel is amazing for her age, but not yet lightning fast like her siblings.) Rachel has a great desire to read along as we read scriptures so we are trying to go more at her pace. What a blessing. We read only a page at a time, and sometimes less, but we end up having great discussions. Now don't be fooled their are nights of craziness in which every one is sent to bed with little accomplished other than a frustrated mother and father, but even that has it's purpose. We are building habits. We are establishing a foundation upon which they can build.
It's one of my greatest desires, that my children have a strong testimony for THEMSELVES! Not my testimony, not their friends, but their OWN. That when trials come "they may know to what source to look to...."
My children love to be read to. David knows, just as his siblings before that mom will read 3 books and then scriptures and then bed. Tonight he brought me the books out on the couch as opposed to his room, and all of my children crowded around to hear me read to them. Last night I was reading from President Monson's biography and Rachel and David both laid in my bed and asked to be read to. Jacob even came in for a while. And now he has stolen my book and is reading it. (He needs to read a biography for book club, and I am tickled that he has chosen to read President Monson's biography.)
I did take David into his room to read him scriptures and have him say prayers. Then he snuggled in his bed and asked if I would stay with him for a few minutes. Boy is that little boy hard to say no to. He has been so emotional lately. He cries every time I leave if he isn't coming with me. Breaks my heart. I am glad I will get some time to focus a little more just the two of us. I think he just needs some one on one time (which sadly hasn't been a lot the last few months. Sorry bud, we'll work on it!)
Abigail finished the Little House on the Prairie series today. She read the last 3 books in just a couple of weeks. Way to go ABBY! She loves to come and tell me what she has been reading.
Jacob is bruised and beaten, poor boy! But my is he handsome in his football uniform. He is so athletically talented. I am excited to watch him play this week.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
cookies
So, I read last night on the internet that my uterus is the size of a soccer ball now. I felt justified in now telling thoughtless commentators to try sticking a soccer ball in front of their stomach to see how they would look. Sorry, I'm kind of stuck on the rude comment issue.
We made super yummy chocolate chip cookies for desert tonight. I burnt the inside of my mouth eating them hot out of the oven. YUM> But never fear dinner was super good and healthy. Roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted zucchini from my garden with olive oil, basil, and garlic, Salad with tomatoes, celery, red pepper, red onion, and cucumbers. We are trying to up the veggie intake at our house. My children are in the process of learning that dinner is not instant. Mostly this is for Jacob, as Abby has long been my helper in the kitchen. Jacob was wondering why dinner wasn't ready "hours ago" since I had put it in the crockpot right after church. So then he got to participate in the dinner prep process. Rachel was so excited to peel potatoes. Glad someone was!
Church was wonderful today. The Riley's spoke and did a fabulous job. I love that we have talks from the most recent Conference Report. They spoke on Sacrifice by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Preperation by Elder Robert D. Hales. I loved how they presented their talks. I have read both of these over and over again, and I learned so many new things today. Our youth speaker spoke on Education a fabulous article I highly recommend you read. I have found this year as I have studied the conference talks (knowing they would be the subjects for our Sacrament Meeting talks ) that I have more fully enjoyed Sacrament meeting. It has been especially helpful because I often am wrestling with David or shushing my other children, and I don't feel so lost once I can return my attention to the talk being given. It has been a blessing indeed.
David has become quite the stinker in Primary. Which is frustrating, because until just a few weeks ago, this was never an issue. Winslow and I have been taking turns sitting with him. Mostly he just can't keep talking to his neighbor, so when he is asked to be quiet he gets grouchy and throws a fit. Turkey. I'm sure part of it is being 4 and part of it is we're having a new baby. I'm hoping we can nip it in the bud quickly. (as he stands here with his head turned to one side batting his eyes asking for a cookie...this boy is a professional.)
Abby is wearing skirts and high heels to church now. Mostly because she is now almost a size 8 in women's shoes. She is going to be tall, and gorgeous. Bring out the big guns.
We woke up 1 hour before we were supposed to be at church. EEK! Thankfully I had planned a quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls from a can (you know the kind you whack against the counter to open) and eggs. And the girls had headed my strict instructions to shower last night (I was away at a baby shower.) We made it right before the opening song but after announcements. We sat in the 3rd row from the front. It's actually where we like to sit I just don't like having to walk to the front when the meeting is already under way. I like the front because my children and I have less distractions and you can really see the speakers. It's quieter at the front of the chapel. I feel less claustrophobic at the front. What I do miss in being able to notice if people are missing. Since I am in young womens and we have been in primary a lot with David during the first hour I don't get a good feel for who might be out sick or needs a loving reminder that we miss them. BECAUSE WE DO!!!!. Next week we will have to be to church early. It is Rex Hamblin's Farewell. What an amazing young man. I am so excited for him to serve a mission. So I guess I better set the alarm!~
Winslow and Jacob got to go to the temple yesterday morning. Yes that means we had 3 trips to Snowflake this week!~ And David had his first soccer game. SO FUN! He is quite the goalie.
We made super yummy chocolate chip cookies for desert tonight. I burnt the inside of my mouth eating them hot out of the oven. YUM> But never fear dinner was super good and healthy. Roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted zucchini from my garden with olive oil, basil, and garlic, Salad with tomatoes, celery, red pepper, red onion, and cucumbers. We are trying to up the veggie intake at our house. My children are in the process of learning that dinner is not instant. Mostly this is for Jacob, as Abby has long been my helper in the kitchen. Jacob was wondering why dinner wasn't ready "hours ago" since I had put it in the crockpot right after church. So then he got to participate in the dinner prep process. Rachel was so excited to peel potatoes. Glad someone was!
Church was wonderful today. The Riley's spoke and did a fabulous job. I love that we have talks from the most recent Conference Report. They spoke on Sacrifice by Elder Dallin H. Oaks and Preperation by Elder Robert D. Hales. I loved how they presented their talks. I have read both of these over and over again, and I learned so many new things today. Our youth speaker spoke on Education a fabulous article I highly recommend you read. I have found this year as I have studied the conference talks (knowing they would be the subjects for our Sacrament Meeting talks ) that I have more fully enjoyed Sacrament meeting. It has been especially helpful because I often am wrestling with David or shushing my other children, and I don't feel so lost once I can return my attention to the talk being given. It has been a blessing indeed.
David has become quite the stinker in Primary. Which is frustrating, because until just a few weeks ago, this was never an issue. Winslow and I have been taking turns sitting with him. Mostly he just can't keep talking to his neighbor, so when he is asked to be quiet he gets grouchy and throws a fit. Turkey. I'm sure part of it is being 4 and part of it is we're having a new baby. I'm hoping we can nip it in the bud quickly. (as he stands here with his head turned to one side batting his eyes asking for a cookie...this boy is a professional.)
Abby is wearing skirts and high heels to church now. Mostly because she is now almost a size 8 in women's shoes. She is going to be tall, and gorgeous. Bring out the big guns.
We woke up 1 hour before we were supposed to be at church. EEK! Thankfully I had planned a quick breakfast of cinnamon rolls from a can (you know the kind you whack against the counter to open) and eggs. And the girls had headed my strict instructions to shower last night (I was away at a baby shower.) We made it right before the opening song but after announcements. We sat in the 3rd row from the front. It's actually where we like to sit I just don't like having to walk to the front when the meeting is already under way. I like the front because my children and I have less distractions and you can really see the speakers. It's quieter at the front of the chapel. I feel less claustrophobic at the front. What I do miss in being able to notice if people are missing. Since I am in young womens and we have been in primary a lot with David during the first hour I don't get a good feel for who might be out sick or needs a loving reminder that we miss them. BECAUSE WE DO!!!!. Next week we will have to be to church early. It is Rex Hamblin's Farewell. What an amazing young man. I am so excited for him to serve a mission. So I guess I better set the alarm!~
Winslow and Jacob got to go to the temple yesterday morning. Yes that means we had 3 trips to Snowflake this week!~ And David had his first soccer game. SO FUN! He is quite the goalie.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Happy Days
Abby got to have her friend Anna over for a late night. Anna is such a good friend. She loves Abby and always includes Rachel in their play. I get such a kick out of hearing them play pretend in the girls room across the hall. Abigail was my big helper yesterday and tidied the house (with some bribery) while I was at the Dr.'s office. Thanks Abby!
Jacob had his first scrimmage Thursday afternoon. He was so excited. I had fun getting him dinner food to take with and some of his favorite snacks, powdered donuts, sunflower seeds, and gatorade. It's the little things that say I love you! We missed his scrimmage. Winslow and I had a temple date. We wouldn't have missed it for anything less. But they won! Hurray.
Rachel got to come with me to my dr.'s appointment again. I think she had a good time in the end. We went to lunch and to the quilt shop together. She likes my doctor's handlebar mustache, and that he gives her a sucker at the end. She's not big enough to ride her bike to her friend's houses yet (they all live far enough away mom still has to drive her for a few more years.) So she's bummed that Jacob and Abby have more opportunities to see their friends since they are big enough to go on their own. Today we will have her friends over so she can play.
David has his first soccer game today! He had pictures and practice yesterday and I missed it because of my appointment. Thank you Jodi for taking him. He was so sad that I wasn't going with him. He was so cute in his uniform and my heart broke not to take him. But my dr's apt had been scheduled for over a month and his pictures for only 4 days before hand. So I gave him lots of hugs and Jacob distracted him with playing Mini Ninjas. Ha ha. Little boys move so quickly from one emotion to the next.
I loved going to the temple with Winslow this week. Our family scripture study this last week dealt with a lot of principles that are taught in the temple. And I felt like I was learning so much. That this particular session had deaper meaning for me. I always come away from the temple realizing that there is a much bigger picture. I love going. Thanks sweetheart for taking me!
I loved hearing the baby's heartbeat and hearing that everything looked good on the ultrasound. I'm trying to take it easy as to avoid bedrest. Easy? you say. Ha ha, okay physically easy, well easier, ha ha. I really wish I was working out for my mental sanity and being able to watch baby P a little longer. But I tell myself that giving up some things now will allow me to not have to give up EVERYTHING later. Like the simplicity of getting up to get my own drink of water~ Yep it gets that bad. So stay inside your little oven baby.
I'm also trying to ignore all the comments of "you're gonna be huge" or all the surprised looks when I say that I have 4 months left to go. (we are 24 weeks along now.) Um no, I am not Jennifer Anniston with a fake belly bump that will magically disappear when the baby is born. I am 5 foot 2 inches and I have 7-8lb babies. Think about 8 lbs of butter and then put that up to my tummy. Yeah, it's gonna stretch a little! It hurts my feelings I will admit, and then I think of smart comebacks like "yes, I'll be huge but I will stay weigh less than you do." But, I'm not thoughtless or careless or mean, and I realize that those comments would hurt their feelings. Wish they would think a little longer before they make their comments to me. Oh well, that's my preggo soap box for the day. NEVER say anything but you look fabulous to a pregnant woman. We are emotional! Ha ha!
Thank you by the way to my sweet husband who tells me daily.
Keep it up Honey! It means more than you will ever know!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Memories old and New
So today is August 15th, at least for a few more minutes anyway. Today is my brother John's Birthday. Happy Birthday John, All day as we wrote the date on school papers, on my piano students assignment books, I thought...today is John's Birthday. I even said it out loud a couple of times. My children asked "how old would John be?" He would have been 35 today. "do you still have birthdays in Heaven?" Rachel asked. I don't know. Forever in my mind he will be 16 wearing his hat. I see him still at school on the 2nd floor over the open common area as he was just days before his passing. His smile, is still in my memory. I was totally depressed this afternoon, I couldn't figure it out. I felt like crying and couldn't put a finger on it. DUH! So I did cry when it really hit me why I just felt a little off. Sure do miss you John. I think of my other amazing brothers, and knowing it will be quite the reunion in Heaven.
One thing my family is pretty darn good at is saying I love you. Because you never know if it will be your last time. I've not been good about keeping my journal though...and I thought. That's silly. If I were to lose one of my children, I would want to remember ALL my days with them. So this is my goal. To remember. The good, the bad, and everything in between. The little and the big.
Jacob is doing football this year. He loves it. He is so sore. And he is so talented. And I am not just saying that as his mom. Others tell me all the time. So there. He looks so stinking cute in his football uniform. He has bruises all over from practice. And I am tickled that he is on defense and not the quarter back. I don't think I could handle the stress! He's adjusting to preteen hood and so are his mother and father. He is a good kid and he's just trying to figure out his life. Who am I? Can I talk with an adult on an adult level? What are my boundaries? How much am I loved? It's kind of like having a two year old again! We do love you Jacob. We want the very best for you. And we will work you hard, so that you can be a good man as you grow up. By the way you are so so so cute in your uniform, and yes, I will wash it for you before your scrimmage tomorrow.
Abby is my prima dona. Just like her mother. She wanted to be right there in the adult conversation today. Bless her heart. Thank you Jen for coming to visit me! Man I miss being neighbors!
Abby got to have Anna over to play today. She loves that. They play for hours. They play pretend, they play Barbies, they play anything and everything and they are always so good about involving Rachel. They are in love with the Animal Jam web game. Silly girls
Rachel wants desperately to have as many play dates as Abby does. She made the most amazing puppets today for the story of the Little Red Hen. I am so impressed with her artistic ability.
David, yes he is a stinker. Love that boy. He is going thru a new stage of yelling and hurling and being a grouch. And then he will pucker up his lips and turn his head and give me puppy dog eyes and want to sleep in my bed. If it weren't for my belly I would let him. But there is definitely NO ROOM in our bed! He played on the xbox today, watched spiderman and his amazing friends, sang at the top of his lungs in the church bathroom, ripped open a scab on his knee after trying to run after daddy to say goodbye, gave me kisses, and made a puppet of his own out of white paper...he was so proud.
This little baby is a kicker. And I am grateful for every little kick. People ask what we are having, and we really don't know because they couldn't tell on the ultrasound. People ask me what I want. "I want a healthy baby." No really do you want a boy or a girl? And then I tell them very seriously with tears in my eyes. "Three of my friends have lost their babies in the last year. I want a healthy baby." And then they finally believe me. I guess I could be light hearted and say something not quite so heavy, but it's true, and I want them to know. I want a healthy baby. At one point earlier during the pregnancy I had been feeling the baby and then for about a week I didn't feel anything at all. I had Winslow give me a blessing. Later I had nightmares about losing our baby and when it looked like we might have to postpone our ultrasound due to scheduling issues, people suggested we wait so we could be sure to know gender. I'm not worried about gender. I wanted to see my baby. Friday I have a dr.'s apt and I'm always nervous. ALWAYS. It has been a big lesson in faith in the Lord's plan. Perspective was the word used in the blessing Winslow gave me. Perspective of the Lord's plan. Not mine. His. His perfect plan. I think of my sister in law and brother in law who found out with their first baby that his earth life would be but a brief moment, and how every kick inside the womb was treasured, loved, knowing it might be all the time they would have with him. I think of it EVERY time this baby moves. Love it, I tell myself. Love it, knowing that this is LIFE, this is a MIRACLE, a gift from GOD. To be like HIM, to create life, and enjoy the wonder of your creation. So baby, I am loving all your movement, loving the hiccups, loving the kicks. Now if we could do a little something about the itchy belly of death and my sciatic nerve!
Winslow has bought a motorcycle and he loves to ride it. I love to see him on it, because he loves it. He took it to the DMV today. Trying to get all the paper work done. He came home from work before hand to pick it up. He hugged me and kissed me. I loved it. He made rice to go with dinner tonight, because I asked. I was doing piano, I had a headache, and dinner was nowhere near started. Sorry babe! And then even after I got home late from meetings he let me talk and talk and talk. And he let me steal the laptop from him. I am still hot in this summer heat and I am bummed you moved the box fan to the front room, but in the words of Nacho Libre "I FORGIVE YOU!"
I got all fired up today about political and school stuff in our town. Sorry to my YW ladies. I get a little high on my soap box sometimes. Thanks for letting me vent. I also got some super fun ideas for young womens. We have amazing leaders and they have wonderful inspired things planned for the girls in our ward. I am so grateful to be apart of it.
I only have a few weeks left with little P man. Oh he has been such a joy in our family. Rachel ALWAYS picks him for special person during family home evening. He loves to be outside. He really is a great little baby. Well I guess he's a toddler now, but he's still the littlest at my house. I will miss him terribly. He munched his knee at one point today and he kept pointing to it. He gives the best faces and I must admit I love to see him pout. He is hilarious. I can never keep a straight face.
One thing my family is pretty darn good at is saying I love you. Because you never know if it will be your last time. I've not been good about keeping my journal though...and I thought. That's silly. If I were to lose one of my children, I would want to remember ALL my days with them. So this is my goal. To remember. The good, the bad, and everything in between. The little and the big.
Jacob is doing football this year. He loves it. He is so sore. And he is so talented. And I am not just saying that as his mom. Others tell me all the time. So there. He looks so stinking cute in his football uniform. He has bruises all over from practice. And I am tickled that he is on defense and not the quarter back. I don't think I could handle the stress! He's adjusting to preteen hood and so are his mother and father. He is a good kid and he's just trying to figure out his life. Who am I? Can I talk with an adult on an adult level? What are my boundaries? How much am I loved? It's kind of like having a two year old again! We do love you Jacob. We want the very best for you. And we will work you hard, so that you can be a good man as you grow up. By the way you are so so so cute in your uniform, and yes, I will wash it for you before your scrimmage tomorrow.
Abby is my prima dona. Just like her mother. She wanted to be right there in the adult conversation today. Bless her heart. Thank you Jen for coming to visit me! Man I miss being neighbors!
Abby got to have Anna over to play today. She loves that. They play for hours. They play pretend, they play Barbies, they play anything and everything and they are always so good about involving Rachel. They are in love with the Animal Jam web game. Silly girls
Rachel wants desperately to have as many play dates as Abby does. She made the most amazing puppets today for the story of the Little Red Hen. I am so impressed with her artistic ability.
David, yes he is a stinker. Love that boy. He is going thru a new stage of yelling and hurling and being a grouch. And then he will pucker up his lips and turn his head and give me puppy dog eyes and want to sleep in my bed. If it weren't for my belly I would let him. But there is definitely NO ROOM in our bed! He played on the xbox today, watched spiderman and his amazing friends, sang at the top of his lungs in the church bathroom, ripped open a scab on his knee after trying to run after daddy to say goodbye, gave me kisses, and made a puppet of his own out of white paper...he was so proud.
This little baby is a kicker. And I am grateful for every little kick. People ask what we are having, and we really don't know because they couldn't tell on the ultrasound. People ask me what I want. "I want a healthy baby." No really do you want a boy or a girl? And then I tell them very seriously with tears in my eyes. "Three of my friends have lost their babies in the last year. I want a healthy baby." And then they finally believe me. I guess I could be light hearted and say something not quite so heavy, but it's true, and I want them to know. I want a healthy baby. At one point earlier during the pregnancy I had been feeling the baby and then for about a week I didn't feel anything at all. I had Winslow give me a blessing. Later I had nightmares about losing our baby and when it looked like we might have to postpone our ultrasound due to scheduling issues, people suggested we wait so we could be sure to know gender. I'm not worried about gender. I wanted to see my baby. Friday I have a dr.'s apt and I'm always nervous. ALWAYS. It has been a big lesson in faith in the Lord's plan. Perspective was the word used in the blessing Winslow gave me. Perspective of the Lord's plan. Not mine. His. His perfect plan. I think of my sister in law and brother in law who found out with their first baby that his earth life would be but a brief moment, and how every kick inside the womb was treasured, loved, knowing it might be all the time they would have with him. I think of it EVERY time this baby moves. Love it, I tell myself. Love it, knowing that this is LIFE, this is a MIRACLE, a gift from GOD. To be like HIM, to create life, and enjoy the wonder of your creation. So baby, I am loving all your movement, loving the hiccups, loving the kicks. Now if we could do a little something about the itchy belly of death and my sciatic nerve!
Winslow has bought a motorcycle and he loves to ride it. I love to see him on it, because he loves it. He took it to the DMV today. Trying to get all the paper work done. He came home from work before hand to pick it up. He hugged me and kissed me. I loved it. He made rice to go with dinner tonight, because I asked. I was doing piano, I had a headache, and dinner was nowhere near started. Sorry babe! And then even after I got home late from meetings he let me talk and talk and talk. And he let me steal the laptop from him. I am still hot in this summer heat and I am bummed you moved the box fan to the front room, but in the words of Nacho Libre "I FORGIVE YOU!"
I got all fired up today about political and school stuff in our town. Sorry to my YW ladies. I get a little high on my soap box sometimes. Thanks for letting me vent. I also got some super fun ideas for young womens. We have amazing leaders and they have wonderful inspired things planned for the girls in our ward. I am so grateful to be apart of it.
I only have a few weeks left with little P man. Oh he has been such a joy in our family. Rachel ALWAYS picks him for special person during family home evening. He loves to be outside. He really is a great little baby. Well I guess he's a toddler now, but he's still the littlest at my house. I will miss him terribly. He munched his knee at one point today and he kept pointing to it. He gives the best faces and I must admit I love to see him pout. He is hilarious. I can never keep a straight face.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
And so it begins
So school has begun again. For most of you that means you might have a little time to yourself, and maybe even a moment to get the house in order. For me, it means a rigid daily routine and less time for myself, some frustration, some joy, some tears, some smiles, LOTS of time together.
Our day begins with me getting out of bed, for now that's about 6:30am, we'll see how late "school" starts once I am nursing a baby at night again! Kids are up at 7am and feeding animals, making beds, and getting breakfast. Everything gets cleaned up in the kitchen so that "school" can begin at 8am. (which for our kids is a half hour later than the public school, so this is nice. No running after the bus with hair flying, shoes in hand, and backpacks only half zipped up!)
This year we are using My Father's World Creation to Greek Curriculum. (I put a lot of our stuff together from different sources last year, but this year with the coming a new baby and my history of Preterm Labor, I needed a curriculum with less teacher prep.) There are lots of things we like and a few things we have omitted.
Here's a quick overview of our day
Prayer and Song
Scripture Memorization :this semester we are memorizing the Living Christ
(we also use our memorization to do copy work and dictation throughout the week)picture prompts, copy work, & dictation pages found HERE!
Bible Reading (we are studying the Old Testament this year... I was totally appalled to realize my 12 year old had no idea who Cain and Able were. Glad we are getting a good base of Old Testament this year!)
Greek Roots: This is my older kids Favorite part of our day. We study one root word per week. (of course you end up learning a whole bunch more as you recognize the patterns and roots from words you already know.) My Big Fat Greek Wedding keeps coming to mind "give me a word, any word, and I will show you how the root of that word is a greek word." So true. My kids love looking up new words with their root word. Next year we will study Latin roots.
History: Creation to Greek, currently we are in the creation which for us is a review, because we used creation last year for a science base, but we are looking forward to pyramids and lots of other fun stuff!
English: We use English Language Lessons, Abby also has Handwriting and she is practicing cursive. She begged me to do it last year, but I was just to crazy, so we are finally getting around to it this year. Jacob is also using All In One English. And today I made posters to put up so they will quit asking me and learn for themselves the distinction between Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives! found from one of my favorite first grade blogs HERE
Math: We are still using Math U See and I still LOVE IT!!! So simple to explain. simple to do. I love that my children can easily understand the concept being taught and that they review the previous concepts as well. Nothing fancy, but it really helps them learn.
Art: We are using GOD and the History of Art: So far we like it. I let you know later if it is awesome. We'll be using it for the next 4 years....so I HOPE SO!!!
Spelling: We are using Spelling Power, and I am really impressed. One this we do just a little different is that on Mondays we test on all the misspelled words from the previous week (just to make sure we really do know them!)
Reading: right now the kids are each reading books that interest them, In the next couple of weeks they will also have Assigned Reading.
Music: Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart are on the list for this year. Rachel will do Tchaikovsky. (which is her favorite by the way!)
Science: The current unit for Abby is on Dinosaurs (this is the book I omitted because I did not agree with the authors despite their having a Christian view. My view is just different from theirs. No Biggie I just need to get to the Library so Abby can get some different books.) Science has some fun stuff coming later as well. Jacob is using Apologia General Science this year. Love it!
We are able to get everything done before 12pm, I do snack at 10am while the children are still working on school work. Then the afternoons are free for play. Rachel is using the 1st grade curriculum from My Father's World with the addition of Math U See, Explode the Code 3 1/2, and Reading Books I picked up from the school (she is much farther ahead on her reading than the first grade program, but I thought it would be good review, plus it comes with fun science just for her.) We do her work while Jacob and Abby do English and Math. They are already familiar with the routine of both, so they can ask questions if they need to, but there is little need for instruction from me during that time.
David will start Preschool in September with the Mother's Co-op. I will teach one week (2 days) every six weeks. I've had lots of fun putting together the curriculum for this year. Lots of fun Montessori stuff. Check out my pinterest for ideas.
Jacob is doing football with the school, Abby and Rachel will do Dance, and David is in Soccer. I'm teaching piano 2x's a week and still working with the Young Women in Personal progress. SO Life is Pretty Darn Busy.
I have to say I am grateful for the opportunity to home school my kiddos. It is a LOT of WORK! But I love having the opportunity to teach my children the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I get to bear my testimony to them on a daily basis. I also love knowing exactly what my children are excelling at, and what they are struggling with. Believe it or not afternoons are pretty quiet around here between 1pm and 4pm. And I actually do get some me time before the afternoon revs up again.
Our day begins with me getting out of bed, for now that's about 6:30am, we'll see how late "school" starts once I am nursing a baby at night again! Kids are up at 7am and feeding animals, making beds, and getting breakfast. Everything gets cleaned up in the kitchen so that "school" can begin at 8am. (which for our kids is a half hour later than the public school, so this is nice. No running after the bus with hair flying, shoes in hand, and backpacks only half zipped up!)
This year we are using My Father's World Creation to Greek Curriculum. (I put a lot of our stuff together from different sources last year, but this year with the coming a new baby and my history of Preterm Labor, I needed a curriculum with less teacher prep.) There are lots of things we like and a few things we have omitted.
Here's a quick overview of our day
Prayer and Song
Scripture Memorization :this semester we are memorizing the Living Christ
(we also use our memorization to do copy work and dictation throughout the week)picture prompts, copy work, & dictation pages found HERE!
Bible Reading (we are studying the Old Testament this year... I was totally appalled to realize my 12 year old had no idea who Cain and Able were. Glad we are getting a good base of Old Testament this year!)
Greek Roots: This is my older kids Favorite part of our day. We study one root word per week. (of course you end up learning a whole bunch more as you recognize the patterns and roots from words you already know.) My Big Fat Greek Wedding keeps coming to mind "give me a word, any word, and I will show you how the root of that word is a greek word." So true. My kids love looking up new words with their root word. Next year we will study Latin roots.
History: Creation to Greek, currently we are in the creation which for us is a review, because we used creation last year for a science base, but we are looking forward to pyramids and lots of other fun stuff!
English: We use English Language Lessons, Abby also has Handwriting and she is practicing cursive. She begged me to do it last year, but I was just to crazy, so we are finally getting around to it this year. Jacob is also using All In One English. And today I made posters to put up so they will quit asking me and learn for themselves the distinction between Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives! found from one of my favorite first grade blogs HERE
Math: We are still using Math U See and I still LOVE IT!!! So simple to explain. simple to do. I love that my children can easily understand the concept being taught and that they review the previous concepts as well. Nothing fancy, but it really helps them learn.
Art: We are using GOD and the History of Art: So far we like it. I let you know later if it is awesome. We'll be using it for the next 4 years....so I HOPE SO!!!
Spelling: We are using Spelling Power, and I am really impressed. One this we do just a little different is that on Mondays we test on all the misspelled words from the previous week (just to make sure we really do know them!)
Reading: right now the kids are each reading books that interest them, In the next couple of weeks they will also have Assigned Reading.
Music: Vivaldi, Bach, and Mozart are on the list for this year. Rachel will do Tchaikovsky. (which is her favorite by the way!)
Science: The current unit for Abby is on Dinosaurs (this is the book I omitted because I did not agree with the authors despite their having a Christian view. My view is just different from theirs. No Biggie I just need to get to the Library so Abby can get some different books.) Science has some fun stuff coming later as well. Jacob is using Apologia General Science this year. Love it!
We are able to get everything done before 12pm, I do snack at 10am while the children are still working on school work. Then the afternoons are free for play. Rachel is using the 1st grade curriculum from My Father's World with the addition of Math U See, Explode the Code 3 1/2, and Reading Books I picked up from the school (she is much farther ahead on her reading than the first grade program, but I thought it would be good review, plus it comes with fun science just for her.) We do her work while Jacob and Abby do English and Math. They are already familiar with the routine of both, so they can ask questions if they need to, but there is little need for instruction from me during that time.
David will start Preschool in September with the Mother's Co-op. I will teach one week (2 days) every six weeks. I've had lots of fun putting together the curriculum for this year. Lots of fun Montessori stuff. Check out my pinterest for ideas.
Jacob is doing football with the school, Abby and Rachel will do Dance, and David is in Soccer. I'm teaching piano 2x's a week and still working with the Young Women in Personal progress. SO Life is Pretty Darn Busy.
I have to say I am grateful for the opportunity to home school my kiddos. It is a LOT of WORK! But I love having the opportunity to teach my children the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I get to bear my testimony to them on a daily basis. I also love knowing exactly what my children are excelling at, and what they are struggling with. Believe it or not afternoons are pretty quiet around here between 1pm and 4pm. And I actually do get some me time before the afternoon revs up again.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Hello Again
So, shortly after getting back from Time Out For Women, I got sick. Really sick. All of my kids were sick. We had the pukeys. And well, everyone got better, but me. LOL~ My sickness would last for the next 3 months. I have to say I was so very excited to find out we were expecting baby number 5. I had been feeling the desire to have another baby for a while. I couldn't help smiling for days. But of course I couldn't share my secret so soon. LOL! Well, my secret didn't stay secret for long. I was sick. Very sick. I have NEVER been so sick when pregnant. Poor Winslow and my children. Mommy was down for the count. The tv on made me ill, the oven, the fridge, pb and j sandwiches, soda, trash cans, you name it, it made me sick. A few weeks in I decided we needed to take drastic action. So I started taking Zofran for the sickies. It helped, but not nearly as much as I would have liked. So we grinned and bore it. Not really, I lived on the couch or my bed and my hubby did an amazing job of taking care of the rest. Abby told her friends I had cancer. Silly girl.
Thankfully, in the last few weeks I have begun to feel better. Food is no longer a chore, and although the queasiness has not completely passed it is so much better. I have amazing friends who made me dinner, cleaned my house, and helped me stay mentally sane. I am so grateful.
This summer we have taken on the project of building onto our home. So far we have done a lot of digging! We dug out our footers by hand (over and over again until we got it right.) And the concrete was poured late last week. Now onto the block for our stem wall. So my back yard is completely unusable for kiddos. We are now using the front yard to house all our yard toys. Progress is coming, I can feel it.
This has been an emotional ride for me. Yesterday, I asked Winslow to give me a blessing. I was concerned with not having felt the baby move for almost a week. Normally this would not make me so worried, but in light of my loved ones who have recently suffered from the loss of their babies, I am especially freaked out this pregnancy. I am so grateful for the power of priesthood blessings. I cried this morning as I was laying on my bed with the laptop and felt kick after kick.
Of course, I am showing already and people have begun to reach out and touch my tummy. Some of them I don't mind. Others I do!
It's 4th of July week and we have the Saline's coming again this year. Hurray! But instead of getting my house ready and all the laundry done, I have been planning this coming year's preschool curriculum. What can I say, when the ideas start coming you have to run with it.
There. I have missed way too many things in my absence of writing. I will try to do better.
Thankfully, in the last few weeks I have begun to feel better. Food is no longer a chore, and although the queasiness has not completely passed it is so much better. I have amazing friends who made me dinner, cleaned my house, and helped me stay mentally sane. I am so grateful.
This summer we have taken on the project of building onto our home. So far we have done a lot of digging! We dug out our footers by hand (over and over again until we got it right.) And the concrete was poured late last week. Now onto the block for our stem wall. So my back yard is completely unusable for kiddos. We are now using the front yard to house all our yard toys. Progress is coming, I can feel it.
This has been an emotional ride for me. Yesterday, I asked Winslow to give me a blessing. I was concerned with not having felt the baby move for almost a week. Normally this would not make me so worried, but in light of my loved ones who have recently suffered from the loss of their babies, I am especially freaked out this pregnancy. I am so grateful for the power of priesthood blessings. I cried this morning as I was laying on my bed with the laptop and felt kick after kick.
Of course, I am showing already and people have begun to reach out and touch my tummy. Some of them I don't mind. Others I do!
It's 4th of July week and we have the Saline's coming again this year. Hurray! But instead of getting my house ready and all the laundry done, I have been planning this coming year's preschool curriculum. What can I say, when the ideas start coming you have to run with it.
There. I have missed way too many things in my absence of writing. I will try to do better.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Time out for Women
Wow! Every Woman needs a TIME OUT
(for women that is!)
Absolutely LOVED LOVED LOVED our girls weekend. We had AMAZING speakers.
Jenny Oaks Baker was INCREDIBLE!
Hilary Weeks was FABULOUS!
Can I tell you how much I love my Sisters in LAW!!!
(we missed you Mandy and Jenny!)
Friday, March 16, 2012
Word Games
To spice up literacy for Rachel we've been playing word games. This week we played Puppy Love Word Family Game from teachers pay teachers.
Low cost and lots of fun. It has a spinner for Each of the Short vowel sounds and cards to go with them. Lots of good uses for this game. I hope you check it out
Low cost and lots of fun. It has a spinner for Each of the Short vowel sounds and cards to go with them. Lots of good uses for this game. I hope you check it out
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Math Games
Roll and Add Dice Game
Here is my latest preschool game. We love the Dice Games. Really good for number recognition and adding skills. Even my 3 1/2 year old and my 6 year old love to play together.
Go here to download it for FREE
Some of our other favorite games are Sequence States and Capitols, Hi-Ho-Cherry-O, and Guess Who. What do you like to play?
Here is my latest preschool game. We love the Dice Games. Really good for number recognition and adding skills. Even my 3 1/2 year old and my 6 year old love to play together.
Go here to download it for FREE
Some of our other favorite games are Sequence States and Capitols, Hi-Ho-Cherry-O, and Guess Who. What do you like to play?
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Success
So a few months ago my sister Tami called and asked if I had a good Pot Roast recipe. I laughed! No, I told her, I am not good at making roasts. I have tried and tried and every recipe I use seems to come out dry. I have fond memories of Rochelle and Chris Castle inviting us over for Sunday Pot Roast when we were first married. She made an excellent roast. Winslow LOVES to have Roast so I kept trying. Today we had SUCCESS!
I decided I would try using the technique we use with the pulled pork for Cafe Rio. So I put a roast with 1 cup of water, 2Tbs beef bullion, 1 envelope dry onion soup mix, and 1 can cream of mushroom in the Crock pot LAST NIGHT. I cooked it on low ALL NIGHT. Then this morning I got up and shredded the meat (which is something I think defines a good roast, if you can't shred it, it's not what you're looking for.) left the meat in the juice added 1lb of baby carrots and left it on low until 1:30pm when we got home from church (and the other food was ready.) It was SO GOOD! My family was in Heaven. Abby and I made homemade mashed potatoes, threw together a salad, and busted out with the rolls I made last night (yes, from scratch.....although I was SORELY tempted to buy some Rhodes Rolls at the store this week.)
The second success we had today with food was home made Cream of Wheat. I admit, I was skeptical. But my kids eat pretty much anything. I was afraid it would be like flour paste. I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you Kara for giving me the courage to try it!
Here is the recipe.
2 cups red wheat coarsely ground (I used the coarsest setting on my wheat grinder mill...still looked like flour)
4 cups milk (you can use water, milk just makes it SOOO CREAMY!)
1 Tbs -2 Tbs Butter
1/4 cup sugar
Bring the milk almost to a boil
Add ground wheat, butter, and sugar.
Whisk and turn down heat to low.
I cooked mine about 5 minutes before serving it.
(keep in mind this in not the exact texture of the Cream of Wheat you buy in the store. It is smoother. I have some real issues with texture and breakfast, so I only gave myself a little. I was happy to find I really liked it!) I got the recipe here
The other thing I made recently from Scratch is PITA BREAD. SOOOO Yummy. I got the recipe from the Frugal Girl.
I used a baking stone from pampered chef to cook them on. Also don't roll them out to thin or they don't puff up. We filled them with chicken salad. YUM!!! See photos below!
I decided I would try using the technique we use with the pulled pork for Cafe Rio. So I put a roast with 1 cup of water, 2Tbs beef bullion, 1 envelope dry onion soup mix, and 1 can cream of mushroom in the Crock pot LAST NIGHT. I cooked it on low ALL NIGHT. Then this morning I got up and shredded the meat (which is something I think defines a good roast, if you can't shred it, it's not what you're looking for.) left the meat in the juice added 1lb of baby carrots and left it on low until 1:30pm when we got home from church (and the other food was ready.) It was SO GOOD! My family was in Heaven. Abby and I made homemade mashed potatoes, threw together a salad, and busted out with the rolls I made last night (yes, from scratch.....although I was SORELY tempted to buy some Rhodes Rolls at the store this week.)
The second success we had today with food was home made Cream of Wheat. I admit, I was skeptical. But my kids eat pretty much anything. I was afraid it would be like flour paste. I was pleasantly surprised. Thank you Kara for giving me the courage to try it!
Here is the recipe.
2 cups red wheat coarsely ground (I used the coarsest setting on my wheat grinder mill...still looked like flour)
4 cups milk (you can use water, milk just makes it SOOO CREAMY!)
1 Tbs -2 Tbs Butter
1/4 cup sugar
Bring the milk almost to a boil
Add ground wheat, butter, and sugar.
Whisk and turn down heat to low.
I cooked mine about 5 minutes before serving it.
(keep in mind this in not the exact texture of the Cream of Wheat you buy in the store. It is smoother. I have some real issues with texture and breakfast, so I only gave myself a little. I was happy to find I really liked it!) I got the recipe here
The other thing I made recently from Scratch is PITA BREAD. SOOOO Yummy. I got the recipe from the Frugal Girl.
I used a baking stone from pampered chef to cook them on. Also don't roll them out to thin or they don't puff up. We filled them with chicken salad. YUM!!! See photos below!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Dr. Seuss
So this past friday was Dr. Seuss's birthday. And of course the movie the LORAX came out. So at the beginning of the week I gave my children a challenge. It they each could memorize an Entire Dr. Seuss book before the end of March, we will take them to the THEATER to see the LORAX movie. They are doing pretty well!
This week I think I will make a Poster and some Trees, so they can put a tree on every time they memorize a certain # of pages.
Other things we have done this week are Dr. Seuss number spinners. (Rachel did tens and ones, Jacob and Abby used them for Multiplication facts.) Find it Here from TeachersPayTeachers for free. And Rachel and David used this awesome roll and cover free from HERE
We read If I Ran the Zoo and they each drew their own NEW animal to go in their Zoo. They had to tell what it's name was, where it lived, and what it ate!
I made new word blend cards for Rachel and put them on Mega Blocks. (with Dr. Seuss font of course!)
We are still working on the Revolutionary War for History.
And Science right now is WEATHER. So awesome. I am learning so many cool facts. Like how Hail is made. Do you know that Hail is ice that falls from the clouds but then gets pushed back into the clouds over and over. That's how there are different sizes of hail. The more times the ice falls and is pushed back up, the more layers of ice are formed. You can cut open hail and see the layers!
We made Rain. So fun. Science always grabs their attention!
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