May. 23, 2008 - BLOGGING ELSEWHERE!

As you've noticed, I haven't been here for a very long time.  That's because I am now blogging HERE!  Come on over and see me!

Hey, Amy M!  It was good seeing you at convention!  I put this link here for you :)

 

 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Dec. 4, 2007 - Fun Christmas recipe

Last night for supper I made this recipe, and as I did so, I thought that it would be a fun recipe for a Christmas dinner--it's green!  This recipe came from a good friend who is a wonderful cook.

MASHED POTATO CASSEROLE

Cook and mash 8 large potatoes.

Add:  2/3 c. sour cream or plain yogurt

        2 tsp. salt

        1/4 tsp. pepper

        1 tsp. sugar

        1/2 c. butter

Add milk if needed to bring to proper consistency and beat until fluffy.

Add:  1/4 tsp. dill seed

       2 T. chives or onion, chopped

       2 cups cooked spinach, well drained and chopped

Place in greased casserole and top with 1 cup grated cheddar cheese.  Bake 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Note:  May be made a day or two ahead and refrigerated, or make a double recipe and freeze half to add to future oven meal.  Remember to chop the spinach and do not overcook.  Just put it into the oven until heated through.

YUM!  My children love this--can't even taste the spinach!  I hope that you enjoy it too!

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Nov. 26, 2007 - I love my man!

I love my man....let me count the ways!  Let's see......

1)  He loves me!  How could I not love him back?

2)  He is a hard worker.

3)  He provides for his family.

4)  He is generous.

5)  He supports me in homeschooling our children.

6)  He's a good-lookin' guy

7)  He loves to have fun.

8)  He is very smart

This is certainly not a complete list, but this evening........HE FIXED MY WASHING MACHINE!!!  It went ka-put on me today, mid-cycle.  Royce has fixed MANY things in our married life--anything from a vehicle to broken children's toys to the computer.  But this time, I figured we'd have to call the repairman.  NO INDEED!!  My man looks up the make of our machine on the internet, does a little research, and WOO-HOO!!  He pumps out the water, turns the machine over, disengages a few parts, and finds a safety pin stuck where it certainly should not have been (therefore, the washer did not want to spin and drain)  Saved us a bundle of $$, I'm sure!  And I got to be the grateful wife to help him.  I just love to watch him do things like this for me!

Thank you so much Honey!  I love ya!

 

 

 

 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 15, 2007 - Encouragement for mommies

I have lofty goals for my children. I expect them to grow up equipped with both wisdom and common sense, able to sense and avoid danger, ready to see a need and meet it, and eager to make a difference in the world. However, I have two adolescent boys who are not as enthusiastic about my goals and standards as I am. In fact, their ideas and mine seem to clash on a regular basis. This results not in me lowering my standards, but rather in plunging into despair because I’m sure I have failed as a mom.

A typical example of this is the recent event we now refer to as the Blackberry Episode. Wild blackberries are both a pest and a blessing in this part of the Willamette Valley. Uncontrolled, they take over any vacant area, smothering old machinery and small buildings and anything else in their way.

But late every summer, along fence rows and behind old barns, they produce a crop of delicious berries, nestled among millions of vicious thorns, free to anyone brave enough to pick them.

I have found this a good enterprise for Ben, age 14, and Steven, 12, who like to attempt courageous feats and go exploring in jeans and rubber boots. As August turned into September, I sent them out every few days. They always returned with an ice cream bucket or two of berries, which I turned into pies, cobblers and jars of pie filling for this winter. Their best picking spot was about half a mile away, across the neighbor’s fescue field, along the railroad tracks.

One day I realized the rain would be coming soon and the blackberry season was about to end, so after supper I sent the boys on one last expedition, letting them out of doing dishes as a bonus.

An hour or so later they came back, but with only part of a bucket of berries. Suspiciously, I demanded an explanation and Ben slowly complied. “Uh, well, you see, it’s like this. We picked a full bucket of berries, plus about a third, and then we climbed the fence back into the field and headed home and I was like, ‘Hey! Big wide-open field — let’s see if we can walk 200 steps with our eyes closed!’”

I thought, “No no no. Please, no.”

Steven traversed his 200 steps safely, I was told, and opened his eyes to see that Ben had veered off north toward Substation Drive and a fence. He yelled, but Ben ignored him, figuring Steven had stepped in a hole or something. Shortly after, at step 181, Ben crashed into the fence and spilled his entire bucket of berries irretrievably into the dirt and straw. “Yeah.”

I am not often at a loss for words, but when I heard this woeful tale I opened my mouth to say something, then shut it, shook my head, then opened my mouth again, then shut it again.

The boys quickly leaped into the gap and said all the proper things such as, “We know it was really stupid; we’re sorry; we’ll never try that again; we’ll pick more berries tomorrow.”

My husband, Paul, then joined the conversation. “See, what you have to do is look around and make sure there’s no fence within 200 steps in any direction before you try that.”

My silent tongue let loose at this point in a shrill, “What? That’s not the point! The point is that you think about the cargo in your hands before you do something that stupid! And you don’t walk with your eyes shut with a bucket of blackberries in your hands, fence or no fence!”

Paul and the boys looked at me sympathetically, no doubt thinking, “Poor Mom, off on one of her rants again.”

As always, I read far too much into the incident. I was failing as a mom; there was no doubt about that. All these years and I hadn’t taught Ben and Steven a shred of common sense. If they lived to grow up they would no doubt someday try to walk 200 steps across a fescue field — or a busy highway — with their eyes closed, only with their first child in their arms rather than a bucket of berries.

Paul, in contrast, was calm and straightforward as always. “Well,” he told me, “that’s one of the disadvantages of having creative kids.” He did not say out loud, but implied, “And I recall you were the one that always wanted creative kids.”

My friend Arlene, when I called her, was far more consoling. “Your boys are nice,” she told me gently. “And they’re smart, and they really are going to grow up into good people.”

Parenting, I have decided, is much like a jaunt to the berry patch, best undertaken with courage and resolve and tall boots. You hope for a bucket of ripe berries in the end, but there are no guarantees. The thorns may be frustrating and sometimes even overwhelming, but the real challenge for me at this stage is to focus on the berries instead of the scratches I get in the process.

Despite the stupidity of the Blackberry Episode, I have to admit that overall, Arlene is right, and my boys are turning into nice people. For example, both Ben and Steven, for all their irritation at 8-year-old Jenny, will make her a peanut butter sandwich before they make their own. They take her swimming in the creek and exploring in ditches and woods. The other day, Steven actually emptied the kitchen garbage without being told. Ben gets himself up early to finish his homework. Both boys are kind to cats — one of the best indicators, in my experience, of a man’s character. And the day after the Blackberry Episode, they headed across the fescue field without being told and returned with a full bucket of berries.

Sometimes, I’ve found, you push aside a large leaf among a thousand irritating thorns and find an unusually generous cluster of berries. Such was a little conversation I overheard recently, proof that despite my exasperation with them, the boys are absorbing the most important message of all — how truly loved they really are. Paul was on the couch one morning, reading that week’s Sunday school lesson, a study from the book of Genesis about Isaac and Rebekah and how they each favored one of their twin sons, Jacob and Esau.

“Hey, Ben,” I heard Paul saying, “Who’s your mom’s favorite child?” And Ben promptly replied with the perfect but completely unscripted answer: “It’s a six-way tie for first place.”  As always, I read far too much into this, thinking tearfully, “OK, I can officially die happy now — I have succeeded as a mom after all.”

Parenting, like picking blackberries, is a journey into perilous territory. Sticky refrigerator doors and spilled buckets and senseless arguments poke and irritate. But eventually, biting into the sweet steaming goodness of a slice of blackberry pie, the scratches and scars become worthwhile and almost forgotten.

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Oct. 10, 2007 - It's about time!!

That's what you're thinking, right??!!  I know--it's been WAY TOO LONG since I posted.  So much has happened in our family and God has truly been blessing us these last several months.  I hardly know where to begin!

We are all healthy!  There have been some colds and stomach bugs, but all is well.  Health is such a blessing not to be taken for granted.

At 6 1/2 months old, Gloria is growing so fast!  Her chubby little legs are adorable, her big smile lights up our world.  Yesterday we discovered her first tooth and she seems to have noticed that something feels different in her mouth also.  I've started her on some solids.  After a failed attempt at applesauce (she got majorly constipated from it!), she is now eating carrots and prunes and still nursing, of course.  She weighs around 16-17 pounds now, sits up alone since 5 1/2 months and is trying hard to figure out how to scoot on her tummy.  She hasn't gotten anywhere yet, but it won't be long.

In other news.......God dropped a miracle in our lap in June.  Royce got a new job!  He wasn't looking for another job, but got a phone call, had the interview ON HIS BIRTHDAY, and was hired the same day!!  Incredible!  He was working VERY long hours (80 hours a week!) and was VERY stressed with his self-employment.  He loved the work, but it was becoming too stressful and no longer enjoyable or financially adequate for us.  So, he is now enjoying a new line of work, better hours, less stress, and we can pay the bills on time .  He does still have the stress and headache of his business until the lease runs out or we have a buyer, but he has re-hired some wonderful helpers to assist with that load.  So--the business is for sale--anyone interested?  We thank God and give HIM the glory for providing for our family in so many ways!

Last month we enjoyed a mini weekend vacation to Niagara Falls.  It was our first "vacation" since the business fire in '04.  We had a blast!  I was so ready to get away from here, I only wish we could've been gone a week instead of 3 days!

I'll sign off with some pics of our lives the last several months. 

 Connor turned SEVEN on May 4!!  We had a birthday party with all his little friends.

Brady turned NINE on May 31!  He loves John Deere--do you think it might have something to do with Grandpa and an uncle working for the company?

 Ok....this isn't the greatest picture of my handsome, but he had a birthday too--on June 6.  I couldn't ever give him a better gift than the Lord did that day, but here's one of the shirts he got from me--for his new job!

 

YES!  That's my baby Gloria, with ABRAHAM LINCOLN!  She is being held by a family friend, Alena.  Our family participated once again in our town's annual Civil War reenactment.  We reenact as civilians--an ordinary family of the 1860's.  Here's some more of that weekend....

This is Justin and his cousin, Evelyn.  They are the best of buddies!

I LOVE this picture of Gloria in her Civil War outfit.  What a little doll!

This is the group of family and friends that we re-enacted with this year.  Both of my brothers and their families are on here (the 2 families on the right hand side), and friends (on the left).  We are in the middle--my boys are all in green, Emily is in pink.  We had such fun, but it is hard to imagine wearing clothing like this all the time--the women wore about 7 layers, but I get away with only five.  LOL!

Cute, cute, cute!  What can I say?

I got to meet Amy!!!  Visit her blog here.  We met at a state park--and it poured down rain!!  We went to another park with a pavilion, enjoyed our picnic despite the weather, then returned to the state park so the kids could play in the creek.  We all enjoyed our time together and hope to do it again sometime.  Thanks, Amy, for a fun day!

Our sweet Emily turned TWELVE on September 13.  Wow!  She is such a sweetheart and blessing to our family. 

NIAGARA FALLS--God has created some awesome beauty!

So....that's the latest on our family.  Now that I have finally figured out a faster way to upload pics to my blog, hopefully I will post more often.

Blessings to you all!

 

 

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 3, 2007 - Sweet baby smiles

Our sweet baby girl.....so full of smiles!

I just love how her eyes squeeze shut with a big baby smile!

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

May. 2, 2007 - Tea Party

On my mom-in-law's birthday last week (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!), the women folk in Royce's family got together for some delicious victuals at sis-in-law's home.  Since I recently gave birth (), I got out of having to make anything to take along.  Not like anyone out there cares, but it was nice.  Anyway, we had a splendid time together and here are some pics of the elegant feast and  delicious eats that we enjoyed. 

This was a "teacup" made from a waffle bowl, sugar cookie "saucer" and filled with cheesecake pudding and fresh berries.......YUM!

This is what our table looked like--bread bowls with fantastic cheesy potato soup.  I ate my whole bowl, my entire teacup and saucer.......and THEN, we made banana splits! 

Here is another shot of our edible teacup.

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 23, 2007 - Babies :)

There's something special about being pregnant at the same time as a friend, sister or sis-in-law.  I had the privilege of being pregnant with our sweet darling at the same time as several of my friends and sister-in-laws!  What fun!  Below is a picture of 3 of us--my sister-in-law, Ruth and our mutual friend Aimee.  Ruth had her baby first (Christiana), then I had Gloria, and soon after, Aimee had baby Malachi.  We were all together the other day in Aimee's home to see her new baby.  Here we are!

And here are the babies close-up.  Aren't they all such cuties?!?  From left to right, in order of age, they are Christiana (who doesn't like the idea of a picture!), Gloria, and Malachi.

All 3 of us mommas used the same midwife and birthed our babies at home.  Our stories are all different and unique and all so special.  We are thankful for healthy babies and for the joy of sharing a common bond as friends.  Thank you Ruth and Aimee for sharing pregnancy with me!  Thanks also to my other sis-in-laws who recently delivered little cuties and for another who is yet to deliver :)  It's been a fun journey!  May we all continue to help and encourage each other as we raise our little ones for the Lord.  Blessings to all!

 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 14, 2007 - Please pray for the Nelsen family

I found this blog the other day and would like all of you to pray for this dear family!  Visit Leslie's blog to read about baby Eliana and her upcoming surgery on MONDAY, the 16th.

Thank you!

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 13, 2007 - Happy Birthday :)

Happy Birthday to me! 

One year old

Ok...today I turn 36 years old!  I don't feel that old (well, maybe I do sometimes!), but I want to thank the Lord for giving me a wonderful life!  He blessed me with loving, godly, wonderful parents who raised and trained me in the ways of the Lord.  I've been blessed with the man and love of my life who loves me and cares for me and who I don't know what I'd do without!  I've been blessed with 6 beautiful children who bring such joy to our home.  Thank you, Lord, for your many blessings!

Oh yeah--my children gave me breakfast in bed today!  A muffin, an egg sandwich, and.......prune juice.  It was quite delicious!  Thank you kiddos!

• 7 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 13, 2007 - More pictures!

More pictures of our little sweetheart! 

Justin is checking on the baby.......

Easter Sunday!  This is Gloria with her cousin Christiana who is 3 weeks older than her.  What sweethearts!

Our precious children!  From l. to r., Justin, Dawson (holding Gloria), Emily, Brady and Connor.

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 10, 2007 - Gloria's Birth Story

Well.....where do I begin? God's plan is so perfect! Baby was due on March 22. I've never had the privilege of delivering early, so when the day came and went, it was no surprise. Soon I was a week overdue and getting "antsy". My to-do list was nearly depleted and what was left to do I had no desire to do! The Saturday after my due date I made 2 batches of bread, cleaned a blue streak and still had some energy left--which made me really think that I was on my way to a baby the next day (which was an absolutely beautiful Sunday!) It didn't happen. I began getting fearful that soon my baby would be too late to deliver at home. But we kept plugging along at our schoolwork and I kept keeping the house in good shape, just in case. Friday night, the 30th, Royce's family all got together for supper at his parents' home. But, before we left for that, my midwife came for a short checkup. She stripped my membranes and told me to set up an appointment for a sonogram on Monday or Tuesday to be sure baby was still thriving and in good shape. We went for supper--a delicious one of lasagna, garlic bread and salad. I had a couple of contractions, but nothing like I was hoping for. When we got home that night, I was feeling rather weepy. I cried to Royce that I would never have this baby, and I didn't want to go for a sonogram, and I didn't want to take castor oil!! I was feeling rather depressed, to say the least. We went to bed and I laid there and worried and kept hoping for contractions to start--which never happened. Saturday morning I got up before the children and was trying to have my devotions when I got a contraction--this was around 8 a.m. It felt different, but wasn't hard. Still, it was different enough that I decided that if it wasn't the real thing, I'd MAKE it real by going for a fast walk (or at least as fast as a 9 month pregnant woman can waddle! ) So off I went, walking around the buildings on our property. I made 3 big circles, and by the 3rd time around, it was too hard to walk through a contraction. Royce had already left for work (which is 1 1/2 hours away) so I called him around 9:30 or so and told him that I was pretty sure something was up and that I'd let him know. He assured me that as soon as I was sure, he'd leave for home. At 10:15 I decided that I better call Mary, my midwife. My contractions were averaging 5-7 minutes apart and she has nearly a 2 hour drive to get to our home. Mary said that she would call Amanda and have her come and check me to see how dilated I was and decide if I was truly in labor (I was 99% sure though!) Amanda is a local friend of mine who has been training for the last 3 years to be a midwife. She came over, and I was at 5 cm!! She contacted Mary, who was already on her way. At noon, I decided it was time for the children to go to my sis-in-law's house. Royce's brother lives directly behind us, within easy walking distance, so the children ran up to their house to stay until the birth was over. They were so excited to know that baby was finally on the way!  I called Royce back and told him THIS IS IT and he started wrapping business up as fast as he could. He had several customers at the time, so he tried to answer their questions as briefly and quickly as he could. He finally had to tell the last one that he had to close up the store because his wife was in labor :) Amanda hung around, and I showered. Mary arrived about 12:30 or 12:45. By this time, my contractions were getting harder. I hadn't had much for breakfast so I made myself some eggs and toast and ate them between contractions (they were soooo yummy!). My mom came sometime after that--I don't know what time it was--I wasn't paying much attention to time anymore. I was still laboring in the kitchen, leaning over kitchen chairs, the counter, etc., while Mary and Amanda calmly sat and talked at the table. Royce was still not home and I was starting to feel like I really needed him there with me. I called him and he was about 15 minutes away, close to the mall, and traffic was terrible! He was starting to feel somewhat desperate also, and told me later that he almost put his four-ways on to pass everybody on the shoulder. Finally, around 2:00, I was beginning to feel the urge to bear down--not real strong, but enough to make me want to move upstairs to our bedroom. As I walked through the living room, I was again calling Royce asking WHERE ARE YOU??!!?? HURRY UP!!! He was just a mile up the road, and just after we got to the bedroom, he walked in the door. WHAT A RELIEF! Thank you Jesus! At 2:17 p.m., GLORIA FAITH came into this world!! Oh what a delight!! Royce caught her, and at first glance thought we had another little boy! He even said "It looks like we have another boy!" Then I looked and thought to myself, "No, that's a GIRL!" at the same time that Royce took a second look and confirmed a GIRL!!! I could hardly believe it! I just laid there and half laughed and half cried (you know--that adrenaline/emotional rush of seeing your baby the first time), repeating over and over that we had a girl!

After Gloria nursed, we called the children home to see the new baby. It was around 4:30 and we wanted them to be there when Mary examined her, weighed her, etc. We didn't tell them on the phone what the baby was, so when they walked through the bedroom door, they still had no idea they had a baby sister. They were thrilled! That is, except Justin, who is 3. He stated, "Me want a boy baby!". But that didn't last long either. In a few hours, he was just fine with the idea of a baby sister. It took him a little time to warm up to her, but now he loves her dearly. Gloria weighed in at 8 lbs. 13 oz. and is 20 1/2 inches long--my next to smallest baby.

I still marvel at the fact that she is here with us now! God has been so good to us! Blessed be His name!

Gloria greatly protested at being born!  She cried hard for a little while and didn't quiet down until Amanda wrapped her tightly in some blankets.  See her Daddy's hand helping her into this world?

Give me my baby!  This is Grandma (my mom) handing me my precious bundle, all wrapped in towels and still not too happy about all of this!

Proud Daddy--so thankful that he made it in time!

The children's first glimpses of their new baby sister.  Brady is hiding behind Emily and you can barely see him, but he's there too!

Gloria being weighed and measured--still not super happy!

This is my wonderful midwife...Mary!  Thank you Mary!

Justin needed some "mommy time".  He just wasn't too sure about this new baby thing going on.

I'll post more pictures later in another entry.

• 4 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Apr. 1, 2007 - BABY HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!!

I am so excited to let you all know........BABY HAS ARRIVED!!!!!!

GLORIA FAITH was born on SATURDAY, MARCH 31 at 2:17 p.m.  She weighs 8 lbs. 13 oz. and is 20 1/2 inches long.  We praise the Lord for a wonderful, safe home delivery and a healthy baby!!

More details and pics to come......

• 5 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 29, 2007 - Still no baby.....

....but hopefully soon!  I know everyone is probably getting almost as impatient as I am!  There is still no arrival of Baby Martin.  I am feeling great too!  My midwife's assistant checked me the other day and I was actually starting to dilate and thin out a little bit.  Better news than I expected!  I've only ever done that with one of my other babies.  Usually I'm one of those "fingertip" people until I start labor, so hopefully my 2-3 cm will get me going soon.  Everything is ready and waiting.  I look at the bassinet and just can't wait to have a baby in it.  I look at my baby clothes and the tiny little hat that I knitted (of which I am quite proud!! ) and I just can hardly wait to dress my baby!  When I go to bed at night I lie there and hope that I'll be awakened by contractions in a few hours, but each morning I wake up feeling just fine.  I really do have a lot to be thankful for--no backache, no hip pain--just tired of being big.  So, you can all pray that contractions will kick in very soon (like TONIGHT!!) and that we will have a safe, easy delivery of a healthy baby.  And no, we still haven't settled on a boy name.........yikes.  Royce thinks we're having a girl and I think we're having a boy.

I am quite pleased with the way that I've been able to keep after the house in preparation for the birth. Every night I am sure to have the kitchen in tip-top shape and the rest of the house looking uncluttered.  It's quite nice even if I do wake up still pregnant!

Maybe my next post will deliver some news and a picture......Thanks for checking in on us and keep praying!

 

 

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 22, 2007 - Due date and sick son

Well, today was the "big day".  That is, my due date.  No baby has arrived yet, but for now that's okay, because I'm dealing with a very sick little boy instead!   Connor started with a fever and croupy sounding cough on Tuesday evening.  He slept all night, which surprised me, but yesterday he got a lot worse.  Last night was miserable.  He kept waking up, gasping for air.  We almost took him to the ER, but tried everything natural and/or homeopathic that we could do instead.  I'd take him into the bathroom, turn the shower on as hot as it can get and sit and steam for 5 or 10 minutes.  Then, I'd open the window and he'd stick his head out and breathe in the colder air.  That seemed to work pretty well.  I also rubbed the herb Lobelia on his chest and back, along with Unkers salve, which is similar to Vicks.  Got very little sleep....Today he seemed a little better, but is still running his fever.  His breathing seems better until he starts to cough, and he's also complaining about his throat.  I pray that he sleeps better tonight!  I think we'll be seeing the doc tomorrow if he's not much improved.  I've got to get him well before this baby arrives!  It doesn't make sense, except that maybe God just wants me to trust Him more.  We were so blessed to not be sick all winter long.....and now, WHEN I'M SUPPOSED TO BE HAVING A BABY, I have a child who is sicker than any of us have been in a long time!  God knows what is best, so I guess I shouldn't be frettin' about it.  We are praying that none of the other children get what Connor has.

So...what do you suppose my pregnancy counter will say tomorrow?  Will it keep counting past 40 weeks?  Oh, the mystery.....

 

• 2 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 16, 2007 - One week to go.....

......and hoping that it's less than that!!  Today a BIG "nor'easter" blew in bringing us lots of snow.  My children were rather disappointed after having almost 3 days of mid-70's weather this week.  Now there is several inches of snow on the ground.  They decided yesterday that they didn't want anymore snow UNLESS the storm made me go into labor.  I guess they really have no choice in the matter, and here I sit, blogging.  No labor.  I was really trying to hope that maybe the old thinking would hold true--that storms bring babies.  Maybe tomorrow?

• 3 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 16, 2007 - Xanga friends

This is simply a note to all my family and friends who have xanga blogs.  Unlike xanga, you do not need an account with Homeschoolblogger in order to post comments.  If you'd like to post a comment on my blog, you can do so without having your own account set up.  Just thought that maybe some of you did not know that little piece of info.  I love reading all of your blogs, so keep blogging over there on xanga!

 

 

• 0 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 13, 2007 - Fun, warm and sunny day! Spring is on the way!

WOW!!  What an absolutely beautiful day!!  It hit the middle 70's today and really gave the kids spring fever.  They wanted to know if they could go barefooted, but I insisted that the ground was still too cold and that sandals would have to do.  We took the day off of schoolwork also--a perfect day to do that with the weather being so nice. 

 This morning I hosted a Ladies' Fellowship get together.  Another girl from church and I were interested in getting the women from church together to learn to know one another better, so we decided to try this.  We had all ages present today, which was great!  Their children were welcome to come also and we served a light lunch, drank tea and coffee, and just sat around and relaxed and talked.  I hope that they all enjoyed it.....it seemed like they did.  It was just nice to have an informal time together and get to know each other better.  The next time we do it, we'll have it in the evening so that the women who have other jobs through the day can enjoy a time of fellowship also.

This afternoon I planted seeds!!  Last year a friend taught me a new way to "get in the garden" without really doing so.  I planted lettuce, pumpkins, gourds, cucumbers, and lots of flowers.  I still need to get my zucchini, spinach, tomatoes and broccoli.  To see how in the world I did this all in the middle of March, go to this website.  It is so much fun and it helps take care of that sickness called Spring Fever!  It worked for me last year very well, and I wanted to do it again this year before baby arrives.

Well, I slept last night!  How could I not after sleeping only 3 hours the night before?  I am so thankful!  Today, Mary, my midwife, came and informed me that my baby is in the "perfect position" to be born.  And she is guessing a lower weight than my other babies were--while at the same time reminding me that it is indeed a GUESS    I am getting so excited......my "to do" list is actually dwindling, my baby clothes are washed (at least the ones I could find------my "either or" stash is missing!! GASP!!  I actually had to go buy some onesies and yellow sleepers!), my homebirth supplies are ready and waiting.  Now all we need is for this little person to make an appearance.

Thank you Lord, for a beautiful day.  Thank you for friends to share it with, for children who basked in the beauty of it, for dirt and seeds to work with in the warmth of it.  And thank you for this little one that You are blessing us with.

 

 

 

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 12, 2007 - Any suggestions?

Ok....I'm getting desperate.  We're down to the wire now, and we have NO NAME for a baby BOY!!!  We always have trouble finding a name that we like for a little boy.....you know--one that no one else that we know already has.....one that is nice sounding, but not too weird or difficult to say......And with a last name like we have (not to be mentioned on here), all the names are already taken!!!!!!!  Girl names are another story--never a problem.  We only have one daughter.  But after 4 boys, we are stumped.  We'd kind of like a name that means "God is faithful", or something to do with faith.  I've tried a google search to no avail so far.  SO........IF YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION, COMMENT AWAY!  Thank you!  By the way--we do not know if this baby is a boy or girl, so we have to be prepared!

In other news......last night I couldn't sleep.  At least not until 4:30 this morning!  I was having some very light contractions, which is unusual for me at this stage of the game, and they must have got my mind just a-racing and hoping and thinking that MAYBE, this time around I won't go overdue.  I wasn't really worried about anything, but everytime I felt another coming on, my brain would smile and think "LET THIS BE REAL!!  Let's have our baby a week early!"  Finally, I fell asleep at 4:30 a.m. and woke again at 7:30.  Drug myself out of bed a little before 8 and on to another day of school and laundry.  You can be sure I got my nap in today and that helped me feel a little better, but now it's time to hit the sack again.  And hopefully, I sleep tonight  Good night!

 

• 6 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Mar. 7, 2007 - I HAVE A NEW NIECE!!

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!  My dear sis-in-law has had her baby, a week late.  This is very unusual for her, because all the others were early.  We were sure this one would be a little boy after 4 girls, but........IT'S A GIRL!!!  Christiana Sue arrived this afternoon, safe and sound.  PTL!!  And CONGRATS TO JEFF AND RUTH!!  Visit here for more details!!

Know what that means???!!!???  Our baby is NEXT!!!!  yippee!!  2 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!!!

• 1 Comments • Post A Comment! • Permanent Link

Page 1 of 4
Last Page | Next Page