Journey Through Motherhood

Jul. 23, 2008

Pregnancy Update

Today is the 30 week mark in my pregnancy!
Easy math and that's 10 weeks left!! Although I'll probably be a little late, none of my babies have been early.

I still feel reasonably good. I do get tired quickly, especially if I've been on my feet too much. I feel them start to get tight and I know I have to sit down.
At my last check-up I had only gained about 20 pounds, but it's all in front of me! Bending over is a pain. When something is on the floor, I look at it and determine how badly I really need it, or I ask one of the kids to pass it to me!

The baby has become really active in the last couple of weeks. It must have had a growth spurt or something! It also chooses bedtime to practice some gymnastics!

I always have vivid dreams when I'm pregnant. Last week I dreamt I found an abandoned baby. Hubby thought that was weird and sad, but in my dream it was a good thing. It was cute, chubby little baby boy and I wanted to take him home and look after him. I never got to find out if I was aloud to or not.

I have so much to do in the next 10 weeks! It's hard to imagine that it will be October, I might just have a Thanksgiving baby!
I think God made the gestation period just long enough so that you're ready to give birth by the time it's up.
I'm definitely not ready, but I do so look forward to holding my newborn...oh and the new baby smell!

Well, for most of these pregnancy updates, I've been using a the lovely photo above, which is not my belly. I have just been playing around on photobucket and here are the results:

Jul. 21, 2008

Monday

I have noticed lately that most of my posts are themed and as much as I like doing them, I haven't been making ordinary, every day kinds of posts.

So here's what's going on in our house lately:

I finally watched "Amazing Grace" on the weekend. I'm probably the last person to see it! Anyhow, of course I thought it was a great movie. I had already read a biography of William Wiberforce, and so I was familiar with the story. I thought the acting was superb! Favourite part: When John Newton said "I know two things, I am a sinner and Jesus Christ is my Savior." And the bagpipes at the end gave me shivers.

I also watched "Anne of Green Gables" for the umpteenth time! And no matter how often I see it, I still cry, all of the way through it! This was the first time the kids had seen it though. I wanted my dd to read the book before watching it and she's working her way through the series right now.

The part that makes me cry the most: Not when Matthew dies, but when Matthew and Marilla are at the train station and Anne is leaving for college and Marilla says: "It was Providence, He knew we needed her." I'm choking up just thinking about it!

As far as this week goes, I have more homeschool book orders to make. I think I've decided on everything. One thing I am looking for is a calligraphy instruction book. Dd wants to learn calligraphy. I've looked at the Getty-Dubay italic books, but that's a whole penmanship curriculum and I just want a simple guidebook that she can work through. Any suggestions?

I'm always a little nervous when I'm ordering books. It has nothing to do with the books, it's spending the money! Of course it's always exciting when they come!

I organized a homeschool park day this week. I want everyone to stay connected over the Summer. The weather should be good, I just hope people can make it!

There is a local fair this weekend and the kids are entering different crafts. So they are busy getting those ready. I'll post pictures of them later.

And I hope to get some trees this week! That will be very exciting for me! I love trees!! On one side of our yard there is only a chain link fence between us and the neighbours. It doesn't offer much privacy. We are planting(well we're not doing the actual planting ourselves, a landscaper friend is doing it) a row of cedar hedging trees all along one side. It will also give me something green to look at!

I'm also approaching 30 weeks in my pregnancy! Where did the time go?
I'll give a pregnancy update later.

So, that's what is in my brain today. Thanks for stopping by and reading the monotonous details of my life!

And of course, I can't let this post go by without a picture:

Stay Awhile

Jul. 20, 2008

The Husband Tag

Well, I'm finally doing the 'Husband Tag' that Shani

tagged me with last week. This one seems to be on everyone's blog lately!

Blue About You

1. Who is your man?

Hubby

2. How long have you been together?

We'll be married 14 years this September!

3. How long dated?

8 months(don't tell Dr Laura, we didn't follow her 2 year rule!)

4. How old is your man?

2 years older than me!

5. Who eats more?

He does, unless it's chocolate!

6. Who said "I love you" first?

He did, it took me a while, I don't think I truly understood the real meaning of love.

7. Who is taller?

He is, by 3 1/2 inches

8. Who sings better?

Probably me, but I think he has a good voice.

9. Who is smarter?

It depends on the subject!

10. Whose temper is worse?

Hmmm...

11. Who does the laundry?

Moi!

12. Who takes out the garbage?

Normally me, but right now He does because I'm pregnant!

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?

It depends which way you're facing, but I always have slept closer to the door.

14. Who pays the bills?

15. Who is better with computer?

I guess I am, but I still don't know very much!

16. Who mows the lawn?

He does

17. Who cooks dinner?

That role is constantly changing. Mostly me on weekdays and often he does if I'm out at ballet classes with dd. He also cooks when I've just had a baby or even for big dinners, like Christmas! He loves to cook and I really appreciate that quality in him!

18. Who drives when you are together?

He does, I've only driven with him as a passenger once!

19. Who pays when you go out?

He does

20. Who is most stubborn?

Hmmm...

21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong?

I think we've both gotten better at it over the years.

22. Whose parents do you see the most?

Mine

23. Who kissed whom first?

He kissed first.

24. Who asked who out?

That's a weird story. It was kind of mutual, but I had to prompt him to make the first move.

25. Who proposed?

He did, on one knee, at the beach!

26. Who is more sensitive?

We both are.

27. Who has more friends?

He knows more people than me, but I have a couple of really close friends.

28. Who has more siblings?

I do

29. Who wears the pants in the family?

He does.

30. How did you meet?

We actually met in my parent's kitchen. My stepdad introduced us, but it wasn't until he came to my church, that we truly 'met'.
One day, I should tell the story!

Well, that's my Hubby and me! It's good to think of all the fun, happy things in our relationship. Life can be hectic and stressful, we need each other to walk through it all together. That's how God wants it and I am thankfully blessed.

I'm not tagging anyone specific, but this is a fun tag to do, feel free to do it and be sure to let me know.

Then give your man a big kiss and thank God for him!

Jul. 18, 2008

God is Faithful!

For today's Show & Tell, I have a story to "tell" that doesn't have any pictures yet...I'll add some later today! You'll understand why if you keep reading. So, you'll have to wait for the "show" part!

First, my 'Tell':

This week, I have been madly looking through homeschool catalogues and deciding what I 'm going to order for next year.
You see, I got my reimbursement cheque and so I was free to spend it for next year.

I'll explain a little bit about how homeschooling works in our province:

As a homeschooler, in BC, you have two options:
1.You can 'register' your children or 'enrol' them at some type of school(independent, public, private, distance ed, etc)
If you 'register', you are considered a 'traditional homeschooler', in that you are completely free to choose your own curriculum and the government will not bother you.
(I'm very, very thankful for this freedom!)
Only certain schools will allow you to be registered with them, if you choose this option. The school I'm with gives me $150 per year, per child registered. That is what I spend on next years books.

2.If you 'enrol' your child, you can still homeschool, but the government looks at you as a public school student. You have to meet the outcomes that government sets for that grade, and you have to report to a teacher, who either comes to your home, or if you're far away, you send reports via email.
The catch is, that instead of $150 in spending money, you get $1000!! per child, per year!!
I don't have to tell you how much books cost, and so this is very tempting!
However you're not 'free' to do you're own thing and if it's not a Christian school you're with, you're not allowed to spend any of that money on Christian curriculum!

I have told you all of this to help explain my story.
As I began to add up all of the things I wanted to buy for next year, I realized that is was going to cost more than what my cheque was for. It almost tempted me to take up the government on their $1000!
It would nicely cover what I wanted to buy!
But,
God has really been impressing on my heart lately, that I only need to be accountable to Him for my homeschooling.
He knows my kids, He knows what they need.
If I am faithful to following what He wants, then He will provide!

Well, I was going to order the Science 5 package from Sonlight for my two older kids to do together next year.
(We have not yet studied the human body and I felt it was time.)
I was very close to making my order, when I received an email from my local homeschool supply store.
You see, they have a 'used book' section, where homeschoolers can sell their used books on consignment(this is such a blessing!). Listed in their email was 6 of the books that I was about to pay full price for!
Hallelujah!
I am now, today, driving out there, to pick up these books for less than half of what I would have had to pay!
I can now use the money I saved to buy other books!
God is so faithful!!
He will provide!

Thanks for reading this long post, with no pictures, I had to share what God had done!
I will post pictures of my books later.
For more "Show & Tell" visit Canadagirl.

My Saga Continues:

Below are the promised pictures of my purchases today and I have a little more to add to my story!

While at the homeschool supply store today, I had finished my browsing(with very patient kids!) and I was about to pay when I was explaining the above story to the store owner.
She then told me that somebody else was also selling part of the Science 5 package that I was interested in, but this one included the Instructor's Guide!
So, I was also able to buy that and another book(used) for less than half price!!

God's faithfulness continues!!

Here are the Science books I bought today.
Now I only need to order a couple of books from Sonlight to make it complete!

Here are some other used gems that I picked up:

Canadagirl
had recommended Phonics Pathways to me and I found a used copy for $12.
And here are the new items that I was able to buy with the money I saved: (Yippee!)

I had been eyeing the "Go Fish For Art" game for a couple of years now. It's a card game that has famous artwork on the cards to get you familiar with them.
I also want to start my dd with Latin this year and as a family we're reading through the Ralph Moody series.

Well, thanks for stopping by and reading my loooong extended post.
I hope your visit has blessed you!

Jul. 16, 2008

The Purge is On!

This is what I donated to our local thrift store yesterday!
It feels sooo good to purge!

This is what I've bagged up to donate to our local Crisis Pregnancy Center. You may ask, "Why is she giving baby stuff away when she's having a baby?".
Well, after having 5, you realize what you need and what you can live without. Also, a friend had given me lots of her baby things, more than I'd ever need!

I'm sure I'll have more to get rid of by the end of the Summer, as there is more purging yet to be done!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit Less of Me More of Him.

Jul. 14, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...a lovely sunny day, blue skies, a tidy deck and yard with a new shed in the corner!

I am thinking...of what I need to order for the next school year, I finally got my reimbursement cheque so now I can go shopping! Yippee!
(I can explain how homeschooling works in our province in another post.)

I am thankful for...God's provision! I had recently commented to Hubby that we needed another dresser. With baby #6 on the way, dresser space is valuable!
Well, somebody we know has just offered us not one, but two dressers!!
God is so faithful!

From the kitchen...I'm continuing to follow a menu and it's going well. I have also bought the ingredients for "Cloud Parfaits" that I found on BChsMamaof3's
blog, so I might try that today!

I am wearing...grey, comfy PJ pants and a red maternity T-shirt,

I am creating...I need to take more time to be creative. It seems to be the last thing on my priority list and so I just never do it, but I feel the need for a creative outlet!

I am going...nowhere today! And no big plans for this week, just groceries and the library,

I am reading...The Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson, still...it's a thick book!

I am hoping...that weather stays sunny, but not too hot!

I am hearing...the whirr of the fan, my kids cleaning up Lego(at least it's supposed to be 'cleaning' and not 'playing'!)

Around the house...laundry and dishes await, it's pretty tidy due to last week's cleaning, but there are some projects on the go...like moving bedrooms.

One of my favorite things...climbing into bed with sheets that have been hung outside to dry and smelling the fresh air!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: make some homeschool book orders, continue on my organizing quest, get together with a friend, buy some fresh raspberries! Yum!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

"Sweet William", I wish I could share their fragrance!

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman.

Jul. 13, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #12

Breakfast under the Big Birch by Carl Larsson

Breakfast under the Big Birch

Life, love, and laughter
overflow from your heart,
and gladden your home
with joy in every part.

This reminds me of the saying: "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"
What is in our hearts will come out of our mouth. "...the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart..."
We as moms can set the tone in our homes.
Yes, I will admit that I have had days that I have been bothered by something that has nothing to do with my kids, and yet I've found myself 'barking' at them. Only to hear them, later that same day, use the same tone of voice with their siblings.
God always uses that to bring me to a change of heart and bring whatever is bothering me to Him.
Redeem the day , Lord.
"may the words of my mouth...be pleasing"
May my home be a place of warmth, full of love, laughter and joy!

...continuing Psalm 145:14-21

"The Lord upholds all those who fall
and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand
and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and loving toward all he has made.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.

He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;
he hears their cry and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.

My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever."

Reed Warbler in Song, Spring UK

May these words bless your soul today!
Have a blessed Sunday!

Jul. 11, 2008

New Stuff!

I think we all would agree that it's nice to have new things once in a while. Today for Show & Tell, I'm sharing a couple of new things from around the house.

The first is a lovely surprise from Hubby. He has always been good at spoiling me and a few years ago he figured out that my 'love language' (one of them) was 'gifts'.

So last weekend while at an outlet mall buying Chucks(shoes) for himself, he also bought me something new:
A French Rolling Pin!!

I was very excited because I have wanted(dreamed of, wished for) one of these for a while now.
I have to tell you, as I was posting this, Hubby walked by and thought it was strange for me to be posting a picture of it,
but I had to share what he had done for me!
I haven't used it yet. I guess I'll have to make some pastry....and berries are in season....mmm.

(I must also add that the picture didn't look like much, just a stick of wood and so I added the text. I think I also created an optical illusion. I don't know if it's just me, but the top edge of the picture looks crooked, but it's not. It's because the end of the rolling pin slopes.)

I babble...
and so I'll continue on with the next photo.

Recently, Hubby also built two picnic tables from a Home Depot kit, for our deck.
Now when we eat outside, our entire family can sit at a table!
Our old patio set had just a round table that sat 4 and so we often ended up eating on our laps.
Now we have room for company too!
Our plan is to get two matching market umbrellas for them. Maybe when all of the outdoor things go on sale at the end of the Summer we'll find something suitable.
It would be nice to get the kind that have tiny LED lights under them to create ambiance.

.
For more Show & Tell visit Canadagirl.

Added note: Some of you have been asking about French rolling pins.
Hopefully this link
will answer all of your questions.

Jul. 10, 2008

Weekly Recipe: Butterscotch Brickle Dessert

I hesitate whether or not to share this recipe.
It might create quite the stir, as the Iced Mochas did!
It's perfect for a Summer BBQ, and it's one of my non-sweet-toothed Hubby's favourites.
Here goes...

Butterscotch Brickle Dessert

2 cups flour
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup(8 oz) of butter or margarine, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 can butterscotch sauce(I use Hershey, 248ml)
1 pint vanilla ice-cream, slightly softened(This is how much the original recipe says. I usually buy a 4L bucket of ice-cream and use about a 1/3 of it, it depends how thick you want your filling.)

Take your ice-cream out of the freezer to soften, if you haven't already.
Combine melted butter or margarine with flour, oatmeal, brown sugar and pecans. Pat thin on a cookie sheet and bake for 15 minutes at 400F. Don't press too thin or bake too long as you don't want it to burn. When it's done and while it's still hot, crumble it up and spread half of it on the bottom of a 9x13 pan.
Drizzle half of the can of butterscotch sauce over crumbled mixture. Spread your desired amount of ice-cream over top(I usually drop big blobs of it and then spread it as it melts a little). Sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top of the ice-cream layer and then drizzle the remaining butterscotch sauce on top of that.
Freeze overnight(or if you make it early enough in the morning, it should be fine for an evening meal, you want the ice-cream to have time to solidify again), cut in squares and serve! Yummy!

~~~

Alright, so I haven't made this yet this Summer and so I have no photo of it to share, but I couldn't let the post get away without a picture so here is another dessert.

This is something I made from a Menus 4 Moms
menu. It's called Festive Flag Cake(although my berries weren't in a flag design) and you can find the recipe here.
It's absolutely delicious and I'm adding it to my recipe collection as another great BBQ dessert.

Please note:This is not what your Butterscotch Brickle Dessert will look like!

I take no responsibility for any addictions to these desserts!
But please do let me know if you try them!

Jul. 9, 2008

An Albino Bear

This is an Albino Brown Bear from our recent trip to the zoo.
I never thought I'd see an albino bear, but apparently they do exist!

The pictures were taken from a bus. They have a wildlife exhibit that you can take a bus through(think Jurassic Park, but on a much smaller scale!) and the animals roam free.

The reason we got such good pictures is because the albino's little(big!) friend was comfortably lounging in the middle of the road blocking the bus! All the driver could do was wait till she decided to move! Thus giving us a good look!

For more Wordless Wednesday visit Less of Me More of Him.

Jul. 7, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...it's a lovely, sunny morning, warm, but not too hot for housework!

I am thinking...of all that I need to get done around the house, sorting, organizing, etc.

I am thankful for...a God who knows all my needs, even before I ask them!

From the kitchen...I'm thinking of making a cake today. It was part of the Menus 4 Moms
menu from last week and I never got around to making it, but I still have the ingredients.

I am wearing...my pajamas!

I am creating...an organized home

I am going...to stay home today! We may go for a walk later, dd wants to go to the library.

I am reading...The Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson

I am hoping...to get together with friends we haven't seen for a while.

I am hearing...my kids in the kitchen, finishing their breakfast, my 4yr old is telling his older brother all about his Sunday School class yesterday.

Around the house...lots of things need attention! I need to make a list!

One of my favorite things...the quiet of the morning, before the family is awake, watching the sunrise,

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:to continue on my quest to get the house organized and sort through things to give away,
maybe I'll take the kids to the beach as reward for helping,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Rainbow

(This is not the beach mentioned above, I found it on Allposters. Although we have a nice local beach, it's not as tropical looking as this one. Isn't it lovely?)

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman

Jul. 6, 2008

Encouraging Sunday #11

Florida Jetty

A mother's love looks beyond the horizon of today
and sees the possibilities of tomorrow.

Quite honestly, this is actually often hard to do. When you're up to your elbows in runny noses, diapers and trying to settle a sibling conflict, the last thing you're thinking of, is 'tomorrow's possibilities'!
(Unless you're possibly considering a vacation!)
However, it is really important to remember that what we as moms are doing today, will impact the future.
Whenever I encounter a problem in our homeschooling, I always remind myself to look at the big picture.
If they're not getting a concept right now, it's OK, as long as they get it by the time they're 20!

Be encouraged in your mothering today!

Psalm 145:8-13

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.

All you have made will praise you, O Lord;
your saints will extol you.
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,
so that all men may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made."

Rainbow Over Loch Linnhe Western Highlands with Red Deer, Scotland

Jul. 4, 2008

One Great Cake!

I haven't done a Show & Tell in a while because I haven't been organized enough(and these things do take time!), but I'm up and so here we are!

In the theme of 'birthdays', I thought I'd share a little about a birthday I had a couple of years ago.
My Hubby told me that I was going to have a 'day off'. How wonderful is that?!
I spent the day shopping mostly, going to my favourite scrapbook store and stopping by a friend's house for tea.
I was told not to return to our house until dinner time.
When I did return, my kids showered me with homemade confetti and held a little surprise party for me.
What amazed me the most is that Hubby and the kids spent the day making me One Great Cake!
I just thought it was the coolest thing because they had created it together, for me.

This isn't the best picture because it doesn't show off all of those great gummy worms that they used to decorate it with!
I almost didn't want to eat it and wreck their wonderful creation!
Hubby had so much cake and frosting left over that he made this one too!

Well, we did eventually eat all of that cake, although it lasted us a while!
I think it impressed me so much because making and decorating cakes for their birthdays, is something I enjoy doing for them.

Visit Canadagirl
for more Show and Tell posts
and be sure to leave her a birthday wish!

Jul. 3, 2008

The List Goes On...

The more I post my 'list', the more it is consuming my thoughts.
The more I look around for His Blessings, the more I see them.
The more I am thankful, the more thankful I become.

#32. strawberries, oh such a delightful little gift from the Lord! A tasty little package, full of nutrients to nourish our body as well as the soul.

#33. the smell of the fresh air on my laundry that has been hung out to dry, no fabric softener can duplicate that!

#34. the cool wind and the rain it brings after the heat, Relief!

#35. Prayer.
Prayer is a gift.
I couldn't survive without it!
I used to feel guilty when I would be praying at night and fall asleep. I don't anymore.
It's the perfect place to fall asleep...at the feet of Jesus...'casting all your cares upon Him', in perfect rest.
Pouring out all of your burdens, only to fall into peaceful slumber!

"...for He grants sleep to those He loves." Psalm 127:2

For more One Thousand Gifts visit Holy Experience

Photograph of Sagebrush Fields North of Susanville on Highway 395, California by Phil Schermeister

Photograph of Sagebrush Fields North of Susanville on Highway 395, California
Psalm 145:1-7
"I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever.

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
One generation will commend your works to another;
they will tell of your mighty acts.
They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and I will meditate on your wonderful works.
They will tell of the power of your awesome works,
and I will proclaim your great deeds.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness
and joyfully sing of your righteousness."

(I want to post this whole Psalm, but I'm getting typer's cramp, I will post it in sections over the next few days!)

Have a Blessed Day remembering God's Goodness!

Morning Glory

Jul. 2, 2008

Weekly Recipe: Iced Mochas

Mmmm....I have just added this to my recipe box. I could probably have one of these every day...around 3pm in the afternoon, with my feet up and a magazine!

Iced Mochas

8-10 ice cubes, made from your favourite coffee
2 cups of chocolate milk

First you brew your coffee and make ice-cubes with it. It's probably a good idea to make your coffee stronger than you would drink it. Not only do these ice-cubes give you a fresh coffee aroma every time you open your freezer, but you can pop them out a store them in freezer bags for future use!

Then you put 8-10(depending on how strong you want the coffee flavour to be) ice coffee cubes in a blender with 2 cups of chocolate milk. Blend only until the ice-cubes are in fine chunks. I have an 'ice-crush' setting on my blender and so it only takes a few seconds.

Pour into your favourite glass, sit back and enjoy!
This makes enough for two, or if you make your coffee decaf(like I did) you can share it with your kids.
Let me know if you try this, or if you have any other variations to share!

Take time to enjoy something for yourself today!
It is Summer, after all!

Jul. 1, 2008

Dominion Day

"...God keep our land,
glorious and free,
Oh Canada
we stand on guard for thee..."

Happy Canada Day!

Jun. 30, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...warm and sunny, actually it's hot and sunny, yesterday was a scorcher, we have a thermometer that read 42C in our backyard!! (That's about 109F for those of you in the States.) Today is only supposed to be 31C (89F)! Bring on the popsicles!!

I am thinking...of something our pastor said yesterday...that "every moment is a 'holy moment' and so even when he is playing with his sons it is a 'holy moment'." He is fully present and enjoying being with them. A moment given by God, not to be missed. 'Spiritual life' not to be separated from 'daily life', but one in the same.

I am thankful for...ice-cream! I'm also thankful for the two picnic tables that Hubby built for our deck over the weekend, and the clothes line that he put up,... no more dryer!!

From the kitchen...iced mochas, with ice cubes made from coffee blended with chocolate milk, I haven't tried them yet, but I'll let you know how it turns out!

I'm also trying a menu from Menus 4 Moms.

Monday: Sloppy joe pizza, salad, yogurt&fruit
Tuesday: Waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit
Wednesday: Taco crescent bake, salad, Spanish rice
Thursday: Chicken and mushrooms in wine, angel hair pasta, a vegetable(it says asparagus, but nobody in our family likes asparagus!)
Friday: Grilled burgers, veggies, macaroni and cheese, and cake
We might have to do some tweaking in the recipes to fit our family and it might be too hot to turn the oven on, but at least I have a plan!

I am wearing...beige maternity shorts, navy blue sleeveless maternity T-shirt, and I'm barefoot, thankful that I've had a haircut recently and it's off the back of my neck!

I am creating...honestly, I'm not feeling very creative today, although if I really thought about it, I'm sure I'll create something!

I am going...unfortunately I need groceries, I really don't want to go out in this heat! Maybe I'll wait until tonight when it's cooler.

I am reading...The Heart of Wisdom by Robin Sampson

I am hoping...that the temperatures drop a little!

I am hearing...the hum of my computer, my boys listening to a Narnia CD, one son is quizzing the other on Narnia facts.

Around the house...laundry needs to be put away, a dishwasher waits to be unloaded, the kitchen floor needs a good sweep,

One of my favorite things...a tall glass of iced tea

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: to stay cool, to buy some strawberries from a local farm(they are late this year because of our wet Spring, but the sun has made them extra sweet!), to go to a park with a new friend,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

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Jun. 29, 2008

One Thousand Gifts

#26. feeling a chubby little hand grab on to mine, looking for security as we walk along,

#27. watching my children, running free in a field of green,

#28. a gentle breeze to take the edge off the afternoon heat,

#29. purple sky at twilight...

#30. purple sky just before dawn...

#31. a refreshing slice of cold watermelon on a hot day,

Thank-you Lord!

Jun. 26, 2008

Pregnancy Update

My calendar tells me I'm 26 weeks. In 4 more weeks I'll be 30 weeks and once you hit the 30 week mark, 40 weeks doesn't sound so far away(even though October does sound far away!).

I went for my glucose test and because I haven't heard anything back yet, I'm assuming that I don't have gestational diabetes. Which is good because my craving continues to be ice-cream, especially the soft serve kind, but I'll settle for milkshakes too, anything cold and creamy!

I tend to have fairly easy pregnancies(I'm not bragging, I sympathize with those who don't.), but one thing I do get is leg cramps!! If I feel one coming on, I try to relax to keep it at bay.
I can tell when I've been on my feet to much and I have to sit with them up at the end of the day.

The baby calendar on my sidebar says that the baby knows my voice.(I will never forget one particular moment, right after my second baby was born. He was breech and so I needed a C-section. Although I couldn't hold him immediately after being born, they brought him up to my head for a little snuggle. He had been crying since they had pulled him out and has soon as he heard my voice, he stopped!! He knew my voice!) I told my kids that the baby can hear low voices better than high pitch ones and so when they talk to it, they always speak in a low voice. One thing this baby will be used to, is noise!

I've been having some interesting comments from my 4 year old. Like "Does the doctor open up your tummy and the baby just crawls out?"(I gave a gentle explanation of how I have to push the baby out, but the doctor is there to help.) and "You have a big, huge, fat tummy!"(What do I say to that? Ummm, 'Thank-you'?)

Over all, I can't complain. I actually enjoy being pregnant.
Nothing is as precious as those first few moments though, right after birth, seeing your new baby for the first time...
that makes me anxious for it to be all over.

Jun. 25, 2008

Weekly Recipe:Rhubarb Struesal Muffins and Iced Mocha

Mmmm...I love rhubarb!
Here's a muffin recipe that even the 'non-rhubarb lovers' in our family like. Hopefully it's not too hot in your part of the world to have the oven on. Unfortunately this recipe only calls for 1 cup of diced rhubarb, which I worked out to be about 1 stalk(depending on size), so it doesn't help you use it up quickly(if that's your case). The original recipe says that it makes 12 muffins, but I like my muffins BIG and so I never get that many.

For the muffins

1/2 cup sour cream(I use lite sour cream)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 1/3 cups flour
1 cup diced rhubarb
2/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

Topping

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsps melted butter

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Combine sour cream, oil and egg. In separate bowl mix together flour, brown sugar, baking soda and salt. Stir in rhubarb. Add wet ingredients and mix until moistened. Pour into muffin cups.
Combine ingredients for topping and spoon onto the top of each unbaked muffin.
Bake for 25-30 min.
Enjoy!

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