Journey Through Motherhood

Dec. 5, 2008

A Nature Walk

Our backyard is dug up and very muddy because we're putting in drainage. I wont let the kids out to play in it because there are big trenches across the whole width of it(although my two sons would love to get out there and recreate a battle scene!), not to mention the dirt and the laundry nightmare that would follow!

(not a great picture, but you get the idea!)

So, they have been complaining that they need to get out and run. I don't blame them.
We haven't had very many walks since my baby was born(8 weeks already!!), but yesterday the sun was out and it was time!
It was a little colder than we expected and we hadn't dressed warm enough, but they got their willies out and everyone came home with rosy cheeks!

Here's a slideshow of some of my pictures:

For more Show & Tell visit Canadagirl

Dec. 1, 2008

Inventions

My son spent the morning making this:

It's a trip wire across the hallway rigged to an alarm.
What lies in his future...?

Dec. 1, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside my window...it is gray and foggy, Hubby put up the Christmas lights yesterday afternoon but he isn't finished because the new white lights didn't match the colour of the old white lights, and so he wants to buy different ones,

I am thinking...about what to do for the kids for Christmas, we don't need anymore toys!!

I am thankful for...how God provides what we need, when we need it!

From the learning rooms...I plan to get a good solid week of school in before December gets too busy,

From the kitchen...I plan to start my Christmas baking this week, but haven't quite decided on what, Chickadee wants to do gingerbread and there are a couple other things that I make every year, like peppermint bark and Almond Rocca bars

I am wearing...my pajamas, a green fleece pullover and slippers,

I am creating...I made a pair of earrings to match the necklace I made last week. Earrings are quick to make!

I am going...crazy...wan't to come along? (that was a frequent joke in our house when I was growing up, I always think of it when I read 'I am going...')

I am reading...Christmas baking magazines

I am hoping...to get a nap today, my two littlest ones need to be asleep at the same time for it to happen,

I am hearing...my baby, beside me, breathing and making baby noises in his sleep,

Around the house...I need to get some organizing done before Christmas hits,

One of my favorite things...seeing my kids eyes light up during this season,

A few plans for the rest of the week: to decorate the house for Christmas, bake, pick-up books at the library,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman
Photo courtesy of stock.xchng

Nov. 28, 2008

My First Necklace

I think I may have found a new hobby!
(I don't have too many hobbies, but I like this one because it's creative, doesn't take too long to complete and I can use it to make gifts for others.)
When Canadagirl came to visit last June, she brought her beading to show my dd. I was mesmerized by all of the beads and I was inspired by this new craft.
For today's Show & Tell, as promised, I'm sharing a photo of my first ever beaded necklace.

It's kind of hard to tell what the large round beads look like, so I took a close-up below. They are multi-coloured with little hearts and flowers in the glass. I found them at Michaels and knew I'd like them.

So, now I have a new addiction: beads!
And my daughter and I can share in this hobby together.

For more Show & Tell posts visit Canadagirl.
Have a lovely weekend and I've added some Christmas music in my sidebar for your listening pleasure!

Nov. 27, 2008

A Photo Walk

A few weeks ago, we went on a 'photo walk' organized by a mom from our support group. We met at a park where she gave a short talk on photography and then the kids were free to take pictures. With all of the Fall foliage, nature was the primary focus(no pun intended!). However, there were other subjects of interest too, like the garbage can lid that Chickadee captured that I thought looked like a face!

These aren't all of the pictures we took, just some favourites. The ones above were taken by me and Chickadee took the ones below. The picture of my son running with his backpack was taken by my other son. It looks better blown up because you can see the blurred effect evoking movement.

Thanks for stopping by and 'Happy Thanksgiving!' to all of my American friends.

Nov. 24, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside my window...it is overcast...I think, cold and dark, but there is a glimmer in the eastern sky,

I am thinking...about breakfast! My stomach just growled!

I am thankful for...the 20 young men from our church who came on Saturday and dug drainage ditches in our backyard,

From the learning rooms...lapbook on spiders, mini-unit on the Mongols, volcanoes and novel studies,

From the kitchen...For the week: leftover soup, chicken and rice casserole, spaghetti(thanks Hubby!!), Butter chicken, homemade pizza,

I am wearing...blue, flannel, snowman pajamas, slippers,

I am creating...I've made my first beaded necklace! I really enjoyed doing it too! I'll post a picture on Show & Tell Friday.

I am going...to Michael's to buy more beads! Canadagirl what have you started?!

I am reading...aloud to the kids: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor,

I am hoping...that the price of gas doesn't go up again!

I am hearing...my 6 week old Wee One making his baby noises, other than that the house is silent,

Around the house...there is a huge pile of laundry that needs folding, we will tackle it today during read aloud time,

One of my favorite things...bagpipes! I just love them! See my post below for a taste!

A few plans for the rest of the week: to catch up on the housework that has been patiently waiting for the last 6 weeks,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman

Nov. 22, 2008

Is there anyone else who gets goose bumps while watching this:

Nov. 21, 2008

New(Old) Books!

I haven't done a Show and Tell in a while, but I'm here today!
About a month ago, I received a lovely package in the mail.
I found these gems inside:

Well, to be honest, I knew what was inside!
I had ordered them off a used curriculum forum that I belong to.
I was especially excited to get Keeping a Nature Journal, An Edwardian Lady (the story of Edith Holden), and the old copies of the Elsie books.
I love old books and to have these Elsie ones is a treasure. I'm not even sure how old they are because there are no dates in them.
Chickadee has already read through the first 4 of the series.

For more Show and Tell visit Canadagirl
Thanks for stopping by here today!
Blessings!

Nov. 18, 2008

One Thousand Gifts...

#47. ten tiny fingers,
#48. ten tiny toes,
#49. new life in my arms,
#50. my Baby's sweet breath,
#51. droopy eyelids,

#52. six children, given to me, a blessing,
#53. a hot, home-cooked meal, that I didn't need to make,
#54. a jig in my kitchen, with Wee One,
#55. the big cedar tree outside my bedroom window...even though we live in a suburb, when I look out my window, I feel like I'm in a forest!

I was inspired to make this list at Holy Experience

Nov. 17, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside my window...it is dark and cloudy, Hubby has marked out the yard for some drainage ditches that will be dug next weekend,

I am thinking...about Christmas, we want to focus on more on 'giving' this year,

I am thankful for...friends, old...new...near...far

From the learning rooms...hoping to catch up on some subjects that have lacked the last few weeks, like History and Math.

From the kitchen...homemade baked macaroni and cheese,

I am wearing...brown pants, black 'fooler' sweater over a white blouse, slippers,

I am creating...my first attempt at beading, I went to Michael's yesterday and bought some beads for a necklace, I was inspired by Canadagirl last June when she stayed here.

I am going...to our homeschool support group meeting, looking forward to a night out with fellowship and encouragement,

I am reading...Hubby's latest issue of Fine Cooking magazine...there's an article on baking with dark chocolate!

I am hoping...that we don't get too much rain this year...our roof needs to last!

I am hearing...my son playing with a remote control toy, a CD of Bible verses put to music playing in the kitchen,

Around the house...carpets need vacuuming, sinks need scrubbing,

One of my favorite things...pomegranates, I even love their rosy colour!

A few plans for the rest of the week: to take time for myself, to be creative, to read stories to my kids,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Mmmm...won't you join me for a cup?
Cappuccino Al Bar by Federico Landi

Cappuccino Al Bar
For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman

Nov. 14, 2008

Recently Heard...

As we began our dinner the other night, gathered around the table, 9yr old Raven began our dinner conversation by saying this:

"I think I've finally figured out how to get people to Mars."

(My response was "What, with a big sling shot?!" which, of course evoked laughter.)

What followed was a discussion on space travel. What impressed me most about his statement, though, was that he had actually been thinking about how to get people to Mars! And that he'd 'finally figured it out'! Should I be amazed? Well, I am. I've never given a fleeting thought to space travel!

His solution, by the way, was solar power.

Nov. 12, 2008

Mom Help

Having just had a baby, what helps me to get through the day right now is a nap!
Ideally, what I'd like to do every afternnoon is make a cup of tea and sit down with a magazine(like Countyr Living).
Since that rarely happens, I'm lucky to even get a cup of tea made!
More often than that, I usually end up popping a piece of chocolate in my mouth as I pass through the kitchen, on my way to do the laundry!

As for verses, these are particularly meaningful to me:

"He tends his flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young."
Isaiah 40:11

"I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2

"Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young-
a place near your altar"
Psalm 84:3

A couple of other things I do to gain perspective in my day are:

I put on worship music and sing my heart out,
and/or
I give my kids a 'quiet reading time', usually after lunch for at least 1/2 an hour, if not more and I have a quiet time myself. I make myself read so that I'm not tempted to do housework.

For more of these posts visit The Homeschool Post

Nov. 10, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...dark, cold and wet...'tis November after all!

I am thinking...about how nice it will be to drop into bed tonight!

I am thankful for...my children

From the learning rooms...we're easing back into a routine, I'm still a little groggy in the mornings to get the kids up and going,

From the kitchen...I don't know yet, I have to menu plan tomorrow.

I am wearing...my pajamas, but I'm posting this on Sunday night, instead of Monday morning and so I'm all ready for bed, which is where I'm headed as soon as I post this!

I am creating...N/A-it just isn't happening!

I am going...to take my Wee One for his 1 month check-up. I can't believe he's 1 month old already!!

I am reading...Christmas themed magazines from the library

I am hoping...to get at least 5 hours of sleep(in a row!) tonight! He's done it a couple of times now!

I am hearing...Hubby watching the late news upstairs,

Around the house...there is so much that needs doing, but I just have to get the main things done, like dishes and laundry and let the rest go. I'll get around to it eventually!

One of my favorite things...the Autumn leaves that fall to the ground, 'leafing'(I couldn't resist!)
a vibrant carpet of colour,

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: whatever I can manage to fit into my day!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Climbing the walls...literally!

...9yr old boy, cooped up inside, on a rainy day,
(yes, that is piles of laundry in the background and on the stairs, but you're not supposed to notice that!

)

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman.

Nov. 6, 2008

Reason #207

A, Apples, B, Boat

There are many reasons why I love homeschooling, and every once in a while I get an 'ah-ha' moment. It's a moment of confirmation and I know we're doing OK.

The other morning I had one of those moments. I sat at the breakfast table listening to Chickadee and Raven quizzing each other on parts of the digestive system. I realized how much they were learning without much help from me. I was so glad. Not only are they excited about what they're studying, they're learning independently and remembering it in their everyday life.

That's one thing that happens in homeschooling. Learning becomes part of life, not something that only happens between 9am and 3pm and is then filed away in a box never to be opened again.
I have a new quote on my blog at the bottom right of my sidebar. It says "Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself." -John Dewey.
That is the way it should be!

By the way, my kids are doing the Science5 program from Sonlight and it's all about human biology. I'm learning lots too, like the fact that fresh urine contains no bacteria and they drink it in South America!!

I've also learned what causes diarrhea-and all of this at the dinner table no less!!

Stack of Old Hardcover Books

This year I made up a booklist containing 22 novels. Chickadee and Raven can pick any book from the list to read, in any order as long as they read them all. When they have finished a book, there is a list of activities that they then can also choose from. The activities include ideas like writing a postcard from the perspective of the main character or drawing a poster advertising the book etc. They have to do one of these for each of the books.
We started this on Monday and Chickadee is already on her 3rd book. I think I'll have to add to the booklist by Christmas!!

And last but not least:
You know you're a homeschool mom when:
You're sweeping the floor and notice something dark and gray, with eight legs in the corner. Instead of screaming and running for cover(a perfectly logical thing to do!), you catch it and then call your kids over to study it! Not only that, but you take a picture and put it on your blog!!!

Nov. 3, 2008

Today's Daybook

Outside My Window...rain. rain, rain...

I am thinking...that 15 years ago today, Hubby and I had our first date!

I am thankful for...ten tiny fingers, ten tiny toes

From the learning rooms...I'm looking forward to getting back into our school routine after my 3 week 'maternity leave'.

From the kitchen...honestly, I don't know yet! Maybe chicken noodle soup from the freezer.

I am wearing...black stretchy('stretchy' is where it's at, I know better than to try on my pre-pregnancy pants!) sport pants, gray and white striped top, slippers,

I am creating...this one always gets me, I am not feeling very creative at all these days!

I am going...just to dd's ballet class today,

I am reading...the flyers! That's all I have time for!

I am hoping...our roof holds up through the rainy season. Yesterday there was rain inside dd's bedroom!

I am hearing...the radio on in the kitchen, kids finishing breakfast,

Around the house...everything needs doing!! I'll be lucky to get just the laundry and dishes done!

One of my favorite things...watching my baby sleep! So peaceful!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: take a shower, have a nap and if I can fit it in; go to the library,

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

(taken on a 'photo walk' last week)

For more of these posts visit The Simple Woman

Oct. 27, 2008

A Birth Story

You've heard the news, you've seen the photos, now here is the story:

This birth story actually begins the day before he was born(Tuesday, Oct 7, 08).
I was feeling really ready to have this baby! I was already a week overdue. I was emotional and having almost constant lower back pain. I went to see my doctor.
He told me that he would be away for the weekend(it was our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend) and if the baby came then, he wouldn't be available to deliver.
He also said that on the following day(Wednesday) there was one opening left at the maternity ward for an induction and if we wanted, we could book it.
We decided to go ahead and book it.
Being induced didn't bother me, like I said I was really ready!
So, he stretched my cerv*x and stripped the membranes and I went home and vacuumed my house from top to bottom!
I vacuumed under furniture and under couch cushions. I cleaned my kitchen, got caught up on laundry...etc.
You might say I was 'nesting', but I also knew that keeping myself active would help bring on contractions!
I also ate about 6 Reese's Peanut Butter cups!! (Just in case the rumor was true!)

Well, later that night, at about 2am I was awakened by contractions.
They were strong enough to keep me awake, but not strong enough that I thought I needed to go to the hospital. They came at about 10-15 minutes apart and I kept hoping they would stop because what I really wanted was a good night's sleep! (see here)
I had had contractions that had stopped with other babies, so I was expecting that these would too.
Well they didn't!
In fact, by about 5am they were getting more intense. I was having to breathe through them. I knew that Hubby would be awake at 6am because we had to be at the hospital by 7:30am anyway. We had babysitting for our kids already planned and I wanted to labour at home as much as possible.
When Hubby got up, he was surprised to see me in labour, and I was in a hurry to get to the hospital.
We called to let them know we were on our way and I was having contractions, but I don't think they realized how intense they were until they saw me. I couldn't walk from up to the ward, Hubby had to get me a wheelchair!
The nurses got me into a room quite quickly!

I was a little disappointed to find out that I was only 5cm dialated! I had wanted to be more than that, I just wanted to get to the 'pushing part'!
Anyhow, they got me all settled, hooked up the fetal monitor, an IV(because I'm a VBAC) etc.
My Dr came around 8:30am to break my water. I also asked for 'drugs'. I knew that the contractions were only going to intensify and I wanted to be prepared! They gave me a little phentalon(sp?) and only a little, because I had said that I was feeling light headed. It helped me relax in between contractions, which by now were beginning to feel like one looong contraction.
I was having back labour and the pain didn't go away in between.

Anyhow, I think they expected me to take a while to get fully dialated. Every time my Dr hinted that he might leave and come back, the contractions seemed to get stronger!
When I finally got that 'urge to push', I felt like I wasn't going to be able to do it. I even said that! But my Hubby was very encouraging and prayed with me.
It only took about 3-4 pushes and he was out. It was 9:58am.
They put him on my tummy and I was so releived it was over, excited to see my baby, and exhausted!
I hardly had enough energy to push for the placenta!

I remember asking if he was a boy. Nobody announced it when he came out. I have to confess that we knew it was a boy, but I wanted to know for sure.
I also remember being very hungry!
I hadn't had anything to eat since dinner, the night before! Thankfully they had saved my breakfast tray and I had my handy-dandy trail mix!
I was so glad that I had gone into labour on my own. At least I was half way there by the time we got to the hospital! I also had no tearing or stitches and so I felt really quite good!

I had a student nurse in on my delivery. Actually she was in on just about everything! The Dr. and nurses were getting her to do almost everything to give her hands-on experience. It was her second day in the ward and my baby was her very first delivery! I totally didn't mind, in fact, I was excited for her!

I was so glad that my Dr. was able to be there. He was there for all of my other babies. He's a Christian and he always prays with us. He popped in later in the day, when our kids had come to visit, and prayed. It was a special time with all of our family there.

My 4yr old kindly pointed out that I still had a fat tummy! And he thought that 'the new baby looked like Yoda'! (He's never seen the movies, just pictures in books.)

One thing that I must share is that 6 years ago on October 8, I had a miscarriage. And this baby just happened to be born on the anniversary of that date! I said 'just happened', but I know that it was planned by God. Here I was, a week overdue and waiting to have this baby and God already knew what day he would be born on. A definite testament of Hope and His Faithfulness!

It has taken me a while to get this typed up and posted, needless to say, I'm a little busy right now! But all is going well. I consider myself real lucky if I get a nap and a shower in the same day!! Chickadee is a big help.
Hubby has been great too, cooking dinner and doing dishes.
He's always in awe of the birthing process and is amazed at what I endure to deliver a baby. He's been buying me treats like this

and this.

(I had commented on this cute moose in a flyer and Hubby came home from work one day with it!! A perfect red accent for my living room!)

Thanks for stopping by and reading this lengthy post.

Sometimes when I'm nursing, or burping my Wee One, I'll be around and read your blogs. I don't always comment though, because I don't like to type with one hand.

Blessings!

Oct. 15, 2008

One Week...

My Wee One is 1 week old today!
It doesn't feel like a whole week, only just a couple of days and yet it also seems like he's always been a part of our family!
Here are some pictures as promised:

Stay tuned for his Birth Story!
Coming soon...

Oct. 14, 2008

A wee bit busy...

It's amazing how one tiny, little 7lb human can consume almost all of one's time and energy...leaving everything else, like dishes, laundry and blogging, to fall by the wayside!
I will try and post a picture and his birth story later today, but in the meantime, all is going well. I feel great-except for lack of sleep!, but I love this newborn stage and so I'm soaking up every minute of it.

Some of you have asked about a name. I don't share my kids' real names on my blog, but he does have one. However, Hubby and I have had the hardest time deciding on a middle name. You can pray for that, because I think I need to be the one to bend in this area.

Well, Baby is sleeping and so I need to buzz around the house getting some housework done while I can. I'll try and get back here later today.
Thanks for all of your kind comments and well wishes!
Blessings!

Oct. 9, 2008

He's Here!!

It's a BOY!!
Announcing the long awaited arrival of our new baby boy!
He arrived yesterday, October 8th at 9:58 am and weighed 7lbs 10 oz.
Thank-you all for your prayers and well wishes!
My labour was reasonably short and swift and no stitches!
I will post more of the birth story and pictures later. We have only just got home from the hospital, but I wanted to share my happy news.

Oct. 8, 2008

Something's Happening...

It is 4:18am as I type this.
I'm having contractions that are strong enough to keep me from sleeping, but I don't think I need to go to the hospital yet.
I'm scheduled to be induced later this morning anyway.
I'm a little grumpy because I'd rather be sleeping!
Pray for me!
Something is finally happening...
Woo-hoo!