Today I recieved some terrible news. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are losing their third child. Kasey is about four months pregnant, and just found out that her baby "isn't going to make it." I'm not sure of the exact details yet, but would like to ask for prayers for them. I can't imagine the pain of losing your little one that far in, and I know they need His strength right now. Their other children are pretty young, too, so I'm not sure how they're going to take the loss. Please lift them all up in this time of mourning.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Day 111- Three weeks old
A haiku in honor of Jade's three week birthday:
Eyes of midnight blue
Staring into mine, small smile
Plays on tiny lips
What a fast three weeks it's been! Jade is doing so well. At her doctor's appointment last Thursday she weighed 8lb 13 oz., which is a weight gain of over a pound from when she left the hospital. She's so healthy and pink, and she's even sleeping two whole hours in a row for every three during the night. (yeah, that's actually an improvement for her. Jeremy thinks I'm getting a bit sleep-deprived, but I don't feel too bad. And I've got a new friend, Sam, the polka-dotted octopus. He talks to me, and sometimes sings. What's that Sam? Ha ha ha! You slay me!)
Anyway, I am so thankful to have this perfect little one, and that she has already fit in so well into our family. To think, only three years ago we thought we would always be a compact family of four. Now look at us! Six! And who knows if we're even done!
Christmas is now exactly one week away. I'm trying really hard not to freak out about that. After all, I love this holiday season. I need to continuously remind myself that all the little extras are just that, extras. If some of them don't get done this year, oh well. Much better to be nice mommy who doesn't get everything done then stressed out mommy who does. So if some of you don't get a card from us this year, well, um, sorry about that. Just read this:
As you can see, this form will work for many years to come, so if we ever forget to send you a card again, please return to this page and re-read. And have a happy holiday!!!
Eyes of midnight blue
Staring into mine, small smile
Plays on tiny lips
What a fast three weeks it's been! Jade is doing so well. At her doctor's appointment last Thursday she weighed 8lb 13 oz., which is a weight gain of over a pound from when she left the hospital. She's so healthy and pink, and she's even sleeping two whole hours in a row for every three during the night. (yeah, that's actually an improvement for her. Jeremy thinks I'm getting a bit sleep-deprived, but I don't feel too bad. And I've got a new friend, Sam, the polka-dotted octopus. He talks to me, and sometimes sings. What's that Sam? Ha ha ha! You slay me!)
Anyway, I am so thankful to have this perfect little one, and that she has already fit in so well into our family. To think, only three years ago we thought we would always be a compact family of four. Now look at us! Six! And who knows if we're even done!
Christmas is now exactly one week away. I'm trying really hard not to freak out about that. After all, I love this holiday season. I need to continuously remind myself that all the little extras are just that, extras. If some of them don't get done this year, oh well. Much better to be nice mommy who doesn't get everything done then stressed out mommy who does. So if some of you don't get a card from us this year, well, um, sorry about that. Just read this:
Merry Christmas, (insert your family's name here)!
We have had quite a busy (insert year). Our new baby (insert latest addition) is doing well! We hope you're all having a great holiday (down/up) there in (insert your state of residence). Love and Kisses to everyone! Love, Jess, Jeremy, Jacob, Joshua, Julia, Jade (add on any additional children we've had)
We have had quite a busy (insert year). Our new baby (insert latest addition) is doing well! We hope you're all having a great holiday (down/up) there in (insert your state of residence). Love and Kisses to everyone! Love, Jess, Jeremy, Jacob, Joshua, Julia, Jade (add on any additional children we've had)
As you can see, this form will work for many years to come, so if we ever forget to send you a card again, please return to this page and re-read. And have a happy holiday!!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Day 110
Ok, I'm still here...kinda busy....rather difficult to excuse the lack of housework if I blog...so this is about all you'll get for a while....Sorry!....Love you all....By the way, it totally SUCKS that the annoying twerp won survivor last night. This season was an almost complete waste of time for me. I say almost because I at least enjoyed the phone conversations with my Dad and the couch time with my boys. Still, I hope we never have another season like this one. Alright, must return to the list of things to get done today....
Friday, December 7, 2007
Day 100- Wow, 100 is, like, a big number.
Well, I have now been blogging for 100 days. Ok, to be honest, I've probably only actually blogged on about two thirds of those days, but still, time flies!
Jade is doing really well. She suddenly seems more fragile to me, though. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but for some reason she just seems more like a newborn now than she did when she first came home. Maybe it's an increase in anxiety as I grow closer to her. I'm not sure. All I know is that yesterday I found myself studying her intently and saying things to Jeremy like "Do you think her eyes are dilating differently?" and "Do you think her color is the same, because she looks paler to me." He responded with his typical mixture of feigned concern, reassurance that all looks fine to him, and subsequent rolling of his eyes when my back was turned. I'm pretty sure I heard some mumbling that sounded a bit like "crazy woman", too. Still, one should never completely dismiss the hunches and worries of a mom. While most of my concerns may be warrantless, every once in a while something is actually wrong. For example, Joshua gets a cough every winter, but last time he did, I just had a feeling it was something more, and I had the doctor look at him. Sure enough, pneumonia. And Julia simply does not tell us when she is hurting, but sometimes I can just tell that she isn't herself, and, yes, she ends up having a raging ear infection. I do think Jade is most likely completely fine, though. I'm just starting to worry more about her, which is probably a good sign of bonding. Be forewarned, oh ye who have not had children yet. When you do, you will worry about everything. And it never stops. Never.
Today Joshua is at a Homeschooler Christmas Co-op being held at our church. A bunch of homeschoolers decided to give the co-op thing a try, and for four weeks they are getting together on Friday mornings to teach the kids about music, science, literature, crafts, etc. all having to do with Christmas. This is Josh's second week, and last week he absolutely loved it. If we could do this all year round, I would totally do so. It really fulfills his desire to be with other kids in a safe, Christian environment. Of course, I am kind of cheating on this one, since technically all the moms are supposed to volunteer and help out. Since Jade was just born, I got a free pass this time, and my friend Laura is taking care of Josh there. She is a real blessing to me. So next time would require much greater effort on my part, and I might not be so keen on it after that. Still, for now, I have to say that I am just loving it, and so is Josh, who literally looks forward to Friday all week long.
Oh, this just in....
THE OTHERS ARE COMING
Yes, once again we are being blessed by the presence of Jeremy's folks, who come for the obligatory visit after each baby is born. With Julia, I can safely say it took every single ounce of willpower not to snatch my precious baby girl back out of that witc...um, woman's clutches, when she came to visit after her birth. She was my first daughter, after all, and such a pure and pristine treasure that I was afraid she would be muddied by the mal-content spirit of those people. I think I'll be a little better about Jade, but I'm not sure. I haven't let myself think about it too much, to be honest. It's probably healthier not to dwell on unpleasantries that can't be avoided, like taxes, and death, and visits from the in-laws.
As further proof that I do have reason to feel this way toward them, I offer up this evidence to the court: Jeremy's hospital phone call informing them of Jade's birth was instantly turned into a lecture by his mother on how he doesn't call often enough. Huh? What? Was that really the appropriate time to air that grievance? And of course, he was also lambasted for not instantly calling his brother, the same brother, you may recall, who never called Jeremy to let him know that they are having another baby. No, he still hasn't called us with that news. I'm guessing he never will. But of course that is also somehow Jeremy's fault. Apparently ours is the only phone that works properly, so calling is always our responsibility. Anyway....
So, this weekend should be about as fun as...well, I can't say going to the dentist, because I have a really great dentist who I would not want to insult...um (looking around for inspiration)...ah, as slowly flattening one's hand in a vice. Yeah.
Well, must be off now. TTFN!
Jade is doing really well. She suddenly seems more fragile to me, though. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but for some reason she just seems more like a newborn now than she did when she first came home. Maybe it's an increase in anxiety as I grow closer to her. I'm not sure. All I know is that yesterday I found myself studying her intently and saying things to Jeremy like "Do you think her eyes are dilating differently?" and "Do you think her color is the same, because she looks paler to me." He responded with his typical mixture of feigned concern, reassurance that all looks fine to him, and subsequent rolling of his eyes when my back was turned. I'm pretty sure I heard some mumbling that sounded a bit like "crazy woman", too. Still, one should never completely dismiss the hunches and worries of a mom. While most of my concerns may be warrantless, every once in a while something is actually wrong. For example, Joshua gets a cough every winter, but last time he did, I just had a feeling it was something more, and I had the doctor look at him. Sure enough, pneumonia. And Julia simply does not tell us when she is hurting, but sometimes I can just tell that she isn't herself, and, yes, she ends up having a raging ear infection. I do think Jade is most likely completely fine, though. I'm just starting to worry more about her, which is probably a good sign of bonding. Be forewarned, oh ye who have not had children yet. When you do, you will worry about everything. And it never stops. Never.
Today Joshua is at a Homeschooler Christmas Co-op being held at our church. A bunch of homeschoolers decided to give the co-op thing a try, and for four weeks they are getting together on Friday mornings to teach the kids about music, science, literature, crafts, etc. all having to do with Christmas. This is Josh's second week, and last week he absolutely loved it. If we could do this all year round, I would totally do so. It really fulfills his desire to be with other kids in a safe, Christian environment. Of course, I am kind of cheating on this one, since technically all the moms are supposed to volunteer and help out. Since Jade was just born, I got a free pass this time, and my friend Laura is taking care of Josh there. She is a real blessing to me. So next time would require much greater effort on my part, and I might not be so keen on it after that. Still, for now, I have to say that I am just loving it, and so is Josh, who literally looks forward to Friday all week long.
Oh, this just in....
THE OTHERS ARE COMING
Yes, once again we are being blessed by the presence of Jeremy's folks, who come for the obligatory visit after each baby is born. With Julia, I can safely say it took every single ounce of willpower not to snatch my precious baby girl back out of that witc...um, woman's clutches, when she came to visit after her birth. She was my first daughter, after all, and such a pure and pristine treasure that I was afraid she would be muddied by the mal-content spirit of those people. I think I'll be a little better about Jade, but I'm not sure. I haven't let myself think about it too much, to be honest. It's probably healthier not to dwell on unpleasantries that can't be avoided, like taxes, and death, and visits from the in-laws.
As further proof that I do have reason to feel this way toward them, I offer up this evidence to the court: Jeremy's hospital phone call informing them of Jade's birth was instantly turned into a lecture by his mother on how he doesn't call often enough. Huh? What? Was that really the appropriate time to air that grievance? And of course, he was also lambasted for not instantly calling his brother, the same brother, you may recall, who never called Jeremy to let him know that they are having another baby. No, he still hasn't called us with that news. I'm guessing he never will. But of course that is also somehow Jeremy's fault. Apparently ours is the only phone that works properly, so calling is always our responsibility. Anyway....
So, this weekend should be about as fun as...well, I can't say going to the dentist, because I have a really great dentist who I would not want to insult...um (looking around for inspiration)...ah, as slowly flattening one's hand in a vice. Yeah.
Well, must be off now. TTFN!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Day 97- (although I'm posting this so late that it may come up as day 98) 1 week old!
Jade is one week old! Happy Birthday baby girl! We love you!!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Day 96
Hello all! I don't have a lot of time today, but I will come back and regale you all with the full story of my labor and delivery etc. soon, I promise. For now, I just want to check in and say that I'm still here, I'm surviving the first day home alone with the three kiddos, and I am still super thankful and excited to have My little Jadey lady home. Let me tell you, one of the best parts is that I am no longer waddling!!!! I can walk up and down stairs with ease, get off the couch without groaning, and roll over in bed onto my stomach!!! Such freedom! I don't know what to do with myself! And Julia actually has a real lap to sit in! It's amazing what a difference expelling an eight pound baby from your body can make!
It's funny, because I think everyone was a bit surprised by how up and about I was at the hospital, but, seriously, that was the best I had felt in like two months. It's just so nice to have my body back. Don't get me wrong, I loved being pregnant for the first, say, thirty weeks or so, but the end is like the last five miles of a marathon. Yes, you know the finish line is closer than ever, but physically, it is grueling. But then it's done! Yay! And this sweet little one, with the softest sweetest smelling head in the world, is what I have to show for all my hard work. That is much better than any running trophy, believe me!
Anyway, it is now time to create a butterfly display with Joshua, so I must close for now. Thanks for your prayers and cares!!
It's funny, because I think everyone was a bit surprised by how up and about I was at the hospital, but, seriously, that was the best I had felt in like two months. It's just so nice to have my body back. Don't get me wrong, I loved being pregnant for the first, say, thirty weeks or so, but the end is like the last five miles of a marathon. Yes, you know the finish line is closer than ever, but physically, it is grueling. But then it's done! Yay! And this sweet little one, with the softest sweetest smelling head in the world, is what I have to show for all my hard work. That is much better than any running trophy, believe me!
Anyway, it is now time to create a butterfly display with Joshua, so I must close for now. Thanks for your prayers and cares!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Day 93- I'm home, and so is our newest addition! AT LAST!!!!!!
Wow, I'm home at last with my newest little one. This is our first full day home, although it was just the two of us for most of the day thanks to my mom (amazingly wonderful woman!!) who took Julia for the day and Laura(also incredibly wonderful!!) who took Joshua to a homeschooler co-op AND out to a pizza lunch afterwards. I am so blessed!!!! I don't really have more than a brief moment to blog right now, but I wanted to put a few pictures up (look to the right) and let everyone know that I am home and happy happy happy! Jade is doing soooo well. I will write more later!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Day 88: Yes, I do notice, though I don't say it nearly enough.
Another haiku, entitled Jeremy:
Stoic and solid
The Rock of our family
We lean upon you
Thank you for all of your sacrifices and hard work. I love you, my darling.
So, it's beginning to look like all the naysayers who thought I would be late are right. I mean, sure, I'm not technically late yet, but I don't feel like anything at all is happening or is even going to happen anytime soon. That's ok, though. I've come to accept this. God is teaching me patience. Certainly Jade will be worth the wait. I am still a bit whiney about the achiness, though, as my husband can attest.
We went over to my mom and dad's house again today. They were kind enough to invite us again, even though they just saw us on Thanksgiving. Somehow the weekend just isn't right without that trip home, though. What can I say, I've always been a needy kid.
Anyway, we did another family craft (you may recall the gorgeous gourds we did in October). This one was born out of frustration with some knobs that mom wanted for her kitchen from this extraordinarily expensive shop that turned out to have imported them from Thailand!!! They probably cost them like 5 cents apiece to make there, but they were charging twelve dollars. Per knob! Well I, pompously, was sure I could duplicate them for much much less money, so I went out and bought white knobs and paint. Well, I couldn't quite get them to look as good. Not even close, really. My attempts were actually laughably pathetic, although mom kindly claimed to like them. Painting is a hell of a lot harder than it looks! Still, it was fun trying, and the whole family, even Grandpa and daddy, got involved, each making at least one knob of their own design. Sadly, Grandma's kitchen will not achieve quite the level of class it would have with the expensive kind. It will have...um...personality, though. Lots of personality. And...um...originality. I'm quite sure no one else on earth will have cabinet knobs quite like hers.
It was a nice night, and I am very thankful that we have a place like that to go and just enjoy family. Sometimes our own house can feel like a nagging wife, constantly reminding us of what we need to get done. Often, we don't really relax here. Even if we force ourselves to stop and spend time with the kids, there is this little voice in the back of our heads pointing out that the hallway needs to be painted, or the floor needs to be vacuumed. At mom and dad's house, the voice is forced to retreat, since we know there is no way to get to all that stuff from out there. So, thank you, mom and dad, for allowing us to vacation with you once a week. You guys are blessings to us in a million ways.
Well, the Jade's birth picks are down to Mom, Jer, and Becky. I'm thinking that if we hit Wednesday and still no baby we should all pick new dates. I'll create a new chart and all. Also, the widget doesn't work beyond the due date, so don't be shocked if it just disappears on Tuesday. It doesn't mean anything, so don't freak! You'll all be the first to know when the big event occurs! (besides the nurses, and the doctor, and Jeremy, of course)
Ok, time to put together Joshua's school schedule for tomorrow. Goodnight, sleep well, and dream of large women. (who can tell me what movie that's from? Huh? Huh? Think about it...)
Stoic and solid
The Rock of our family
We lean upon you
Thank you for all of your sacrifices and hard work. I love you, my darling.
So, it's beginning to look like all the naysayers who thought I would be late are right. I mean, sure, I'm not technically late yet, but I don't feel like anything at all is happening or is even going to happen anytime soon. That's ok, though. I've come to accept this. God is teaching me patience. Certainly Jade will be worth the wait. I am still a bit whiney about the achiness, though, as my husband can attest.
We went over to my mom and dad's house again today. They were kind enough to invite us again, even though they just saw us on Thanksgiving. Somehow the weekend just isn't right without that trip home, though. What can I say, I've always been a needy kid.
Anyway, we did another family craft (you may recall the gorgeous gourds we did in October). This one was born out of frustration with some knobs that mom wanted for her kitchen from this extraordinarily expensive shop that turned out to have imported them from Thailand!!! They probably cost them like 5 cents apiece to make there, but they were charging twelve dollars. Per knob! Well I, pompously, was sure I could duplicate them for much much less money, so I went out and bought white knobs and paint. Well, I couldn't quite get them to look as good. Not even close, really. My attempts were actually laughably pathetic, although mom kindly claimed to like them. Painting is a hell of a lot harder than it looks! Still, it was fun trying, and the whole family, even Grandpa and daddy, got involved, each making at least one knob of their own design. Sadly, Grandma's kitchen will not achieve quite the level of class it would have with the expensive kind. It will have...um...personality, though. Lots of personality. And...um...originality. I'm quite sure no one else on earth will have cabinet knobs quite like hers.
It was a nice night, and I am very thankful that we have a place like that to go and just enjoy family. Sometimes our own house can feel like a nagging wife, constantly reminding us of what we need to get done. Often, we don't really relax here. Even if we force ourselves to stop and spend time with the kids, there is this little voice in the back of our heads pointing out that the hallway needs to be painted, or the floor needs to be vacuumed. At mom and dad's house, the voice is forced to retreat, since we know there is no way to get to all that stuff from out there. So, thank you, mom and dad, for allowing us to vacation with you once a week. You guys are blessings to us in a million ways.
Well, the Jade's birth picks are down to Mom, Jer, and Becky. I'm thinking that if we hit Wednesday and still no baby we should all pick new dates. I'll create a new chart and all. Also, the widget doesn't work beyond the due date, so don't be shocked if it just disappears on Tuesday. It doesn't mean anything, so don't freak! You'll all be the first to know when the big event occurs! (besides the nurses, and the doctor, and Jeremy, of course)
Ok, time to put together Joshua's school schedule for tomorrow. Goodnight, sleep well, and dream of large women. (who can tell me what movie that's from? Huh? Huh? Think about it...)
Friday, November 23, 2007
Day 86- It's just a fleshwound!
Right now I am attempting to purchase a new vacuum cleaner off of Sears.com, where I can get free shipping and ten dollars off the already sale price, but the site is not behaving very well. It keeps saying it's too busy and taking forever to load anything. The ten dollars off is only good until noon, so this is particularly annoying. I'm beginning to think they're purposefully messing with us to prevent us from getting the good deals they've advertised. -sigh- Shopping sucks.
My husband went out this morning for the early Black Friday shopping experience. He goes every year. It is a tradition for him to go to the Sears tool department first thing in the morning for their special tool deals. He doesn't really need any tools, mind you, nor does he actually buy very much, but the experience is what really matters. I am quite convinced that this is why most of the crazy people out there get up super early to shop on this day. After perusing the ads, I have to say that the deals just don't look that great to me. But still, thousands and thousands of people show up super early in the morning to wait in line outside of stores, in all kinds of weather, for the opportunity to spend their hard-earned cash. It is the thrill of battle, coupled with the highs of successfully getting the thing that everyone else wanted (which may or may not be true, but you certainly think they all did) but you actually got. And for a great deal!! (or so you tell yourself) It is modern warfare for the middle-classed set. What are you willing to sacrifice to win it all? A few hours sleep? Pishaw, easy! Being frozen solid? Hey, no pain no gain! Being jostled and rudely treated by a hundred other shoppers (not to mention the over-wrought salespeople)? Water off a duck's back, baby!
There was once a time that I myself was young and reckless enough to view this all as an exciting and enjoyable adventure. I must admit, though, that the past few years I have greeted my husband's rolling out of bed at 4:30 AM with a sigh of relief that A. I could beg off since somebody has to stay with the children and B. I get to have the whole bed to myself for a few hours. Then he shows up at 9 or so bearing gifts of donuts. Yeah, I guess I do like this morning after all.
Of course, this whole waiting for the Sears website thing is definitely marring the day for me. I am seriously considering giving up. I guess saving ten dollars isn't such a good deal if you have to replace a $400 computer after furiously tossing it out the window. Of course, then they would have won. And that, my friend, must not be allowed. I will vanquish my foes! I will survive, and, yes, I will emerge victorious! (raising sword in challenge, I shout the battle cry of true deal finders) RRRREEEEEEEEDMOOOOOOOOND!!!!!!!!
My husband went out this morning for the early Black Friday shopping experience. He goes every year. It is a tradition for him to go to the Sears tool department first thing in the morning for their special tool deals. He doesn't really need any tools, mind you, nor does he actually buy very much, but the experience is what really matters. I am quite convinced that this is why most of the crazy people out there get up super early to shop on this day. After perusing the ads, I have to say that the deals just don't look that great to me. But still, thousands and thousands of people show up super early in the morning to wait in line outside of stores, in all kinds of weather, for the opportunity to spend their hard-earned cash. It is the thrill of battle, coupled with the highs of successfully getting the thing that everyone else wanted (which may or may not be true, but you certainly think they all did) but you actually got. And for a great deal!! (or so you tell yourself) It is modern warfare for the middle-classed set. What are you willing to sacrifice to win it all? A few hours sleep? Pishaw, easy! Being frozen solid? Hey, no pain no gain! Being jostled and rudely treated by a hundred other shoppers (not to mention the over-wrought salespeople)? Water off a duck's back, baby!
There was once a time that I myself was young and reckless enough to view this all as an exciting and enjoyable adventure. I must admit, though, that the past few years I have greeted my husband's rolling out of bed at 4:30 AM with a sigh of relief that A. I could beg off since somebody has to stay with the children and B. I get to have the whole bed to myself for a few hours. Then he shows up at 9 or so bearing gifts of donuts. Yeah, I guess I do like this morning after all.
Of course, this whole waiting for the Sears website thing is definitely marring the day for me. I am seriously considering giving up. I guess saving ten dollars isn't such a good deal if you have to replace a $400 computer after furiously tossing it out the window. Of course, then they would have won. And that, my friend, must not be allowed. I will vanquish my foes! I will survive, and, yes, I will emerge victorious! (raising sword in challenge, I shout the battle cry of true deal finders) RRRREEEEEEEEDMOOOOOOOOND!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Day 84- I'm not a doctor
And now an original Haiku:
There are six days left.
My patience, thinner than Steph,
cracks beneath the wait.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Feelings of the day:
Impatience (as mentioned)
Gratitude for a Mom who continues to help and support me above and beyond the call of duty
Adoration of my three children
Impatience to meet the fourth
Annoyance with my own lack of patience
Regret for having wasted yesterday on depression
Love for my husband, who takes care of me
Gratitude to God for giving me blessings I didn't even know I wanted.
Impatience
Right, so that was the blog you've all been waiting for. I'm just not in the mood to talk right now. I'd rather curl up in a ball and hide while t-i-m-e-p-a-s-s-e-s-t-o-o-s-l-o-w-l-y.
Urgh.
PS- Go to this website: http://www.freerice.com/index.php
I love this game. How high can you get?
There are six days left.
My patience, thinner than Steph,
cracks beneath the wait.
Thank you. Thank you very much.
Feelings of the day:
Impatience (as mentioned)
Gratitude for a Mom who continues to help and support me above and beyond the call of duty
Adoration of my three children
Impatience to meet the fourth
Annoyance with my own lack of patience
Regret for having wasted yesterday on depression
Love for my husband, who takes care of me
Gratitude to God for giving me blessings I didn't even know I wanted.
Impatience
Right, so that was the blog you've all been waiting for. I'm just not in the mood to talk right now. I'd rather curl up in a ball and hide while t-i-m-e-p-a-s-s-e-s-t-o-o-s-l-o-w-l-y.
Urgh.
PS- Go to this website: http://www.freerice.com/index.php
I love this game. How high can you get?
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Day 80: Place Your Wager Now, Folks. Time's Almost Up!
Alrighty folks, here is the current official schedule of guesses as to when Jade will be born. I am missing some of you (STEPH!!!!!) so let me know what your guess is before it's too late!! You can also guess after this chart in December, if you're really cruel. I'll just add on to the chart.
In Other News...
Jeremy has a Knowing God desk calendar with daily bits of the book, and today's strikes me because it is basically what my wise sister was writing about the other day. She said that she had realized that it was ok to admit that her life was hard, because, in a way, life is meant to be difficult. Otherwise why would we look forward to Heaven so much? Anyway, today's quote is this:
Normal Christian living is not a bed of roses, a state of affairs in which everything in the garden is lovely all the time, and problems no longer exist - or, if they come, they have only to be taken to the throne of grace, and they will melt away at once. This is to suggest that the world, the flesh and the devil will give us no serious trouble once we are Christians; nor will our circumstances and personal relationships ever be a problem to ourselves. Such suggestions are troublesome, because they are false.
It seems as though most devout Born Again Christians try to claim that they have no problems or that the problems they have don't really bother them because they have "given them to God." Anyone who dares to admit that they are struggling with something are given the trite advice of "Oh, you need to give that to God and He will help you through it." While it is true that we should bring our needs and concerns to Him and that He can help us through them, this advice, especially when repeated for every concern, tends to belittle said concerns and make it seem as though the problem is really a lack of faith. However, when God tells us to bring our concerns to Him, He never claims that He will instantaneously fix them and that we will not have any more problems. While it is not healthy or good to spend our time worrying about things, especially things we have no control over, we are not lacking faith and sinning when we do so. This world is not a fun or pretty place much of the time. When we face that as a reality and understand that Christians are not ordered by God to be happy all the time, we allow ourselves to really understand the fallen nature of the place in which we dwell and fully look forward to a time when we are no longer stuck here. Jesus desires to weep with us, not scold us for weeping in the first place.
Maybe next time someone says, "gee, I'm really worried about .....", rather than just saying "Oh, give that to God and He'll help you through!", it might be more helpful to simply weep with the person and give them a good strong hug. I know that's what I prefer!
Madame Justice Strikes Again
I would like to give a shout out to my eldest sister today. She had her first solo trial on Friday, and I'm sure she rocked it. Of course, if you didn't rock it, Steph, it's still totally cool that you're putting yourself out there in the interest of justice and winning the battle of good vs. evil etc. I would gladly weep with you and give you a big hug (from afar)! Either way, I'm totally proud of you. Just think how proud that little babooski will be when she grows up and finds that her mom is a superhero!
One last headline for today:
Baby Girl Saved By Superfast Shot
My sweet little angel became suddenly overwhelmed with pain and misery yesterday, waking up from her nap crying uncontrollably at about 3:45. She was warm and feverish and reacting like the slightest touch was a knife blade. Since the doctor's office closes at, like, 4:30, and it was a Friday (no weekend hours at the dr.'s office!), I felt a bit like a kayaker who lost her paddle at the same moment she recognized that strange sound as an approaching waterfall. Bless them, every one, the wonderful folks at my doctor's office actually fit me in, and I was talking to her doctor within an hour. It turns out she has an ear-infection that was so bad, it had probably been bothering her for, like, a week or more without her giving us a peep of feedback about it. She's too tough for her own good, it seems (Redmond women...).
Anyway, the doctor was prescribing us the usual liquid medication when my husband, my hero!, brought up the fact that she is completely stubborn about not taking any medicine. The last time we tried to give her medicine for strep throat, she soundly rejected every attempt, from mixing it with applesauce to forcing it down her (she has an amazing gag reflex. Basically everything in the room becomes coated with pink, except her own throat). Thank God the office called with results that she didn't actually have strep and we could stop the daily torture rituals (I still have post-traumatic flashes from time to time). Well, I wasn't even thinking about this at yesterday's appointment, but Jeremy did, and our wonderful doctor actually took it seriously instead of giving us one of those "Oh, just try this...." that never ever works out but makes you feel like a complete failure and nincompoop. Rather, she asked a few questions and then asked, "Well, would you be willing for us to just give her a shot?" "That would be wonderful!!!" I practically shouted with excitement. I had heard about this before, and I knew it was just what we needed. Instead of struggling to get your stubborn little sweety to drink something she wants nothing to do with for ten days straight, the doctor gives her one (yes ONE!!!) shot, and then you're done!! No going and filling a prescription, no remembering to give it, no torture. Just one admittedly painful but quick shot, and, bammo! you're on your way to perfectly healthy ears again. It's supposed to work much quicker, too, and I can attest that she was acting like herself again within about two hours. It would normally take days for the medicine to really make an impact! I am now a firm believer in the power of medicinal shots. I know, I know, she'll probably grow up to have some kind of fear of needles, but, seriously, don't we all anyway?
Well, Jeremy just made a snide comment about writing a book, so I'll take that as my cue to close for today. May your Saturday be filled with peace and tranquility! Peace out!
| 18 | 19 Grandpa | 20 | 21 Jacob | 22 Jess | 23 Jess | 24 Steph |
| 25 Josh | 26 Grandma | 27 Jeremy | 28 Becky | 29 | 30 | 1 |
In Other News...
Jeremy has a Knowing God desk calendar with daily bits of the book, and today's strikes me because it is basically what my wise sister was writing about the other day. She said that she had realized that it was ok to admit that her life was hard, because, in a way, life is meant to be difficult. Otherwise why would we look forward to Heaven so much? Anyway, today's quote is this:
Normal Christian living is not a bed of roses, a state of affairs in which everything in the garden is lovely all the time, and problems no longer exist - or, if they come, they have only to be taken to the throne of grace, and they will melt away at once. This is to suggest that the world, the flesh and the devil will give us no serious trouble once we are Christians; nor will our circumstances and personal relationships ever be a problem to ourselves. Such suggestions are troublesome, because they are false.
It seems as though most devout Born Again Christians try to claim that they have no problems or that the problems they have don't really bother them because they have "given them to God." Anyone who dares to admit that they are struggling with something are given the trite advice of "Oh, you need to give that to God and He will help you through it." While it is true that we should bring our needs and concerns to Him and that He can help us through them, this advice, especially when repeated for every concern, tends to belittle said concerns and make it seem as though the problem is really a lack of faith. However, when God tells us to bring our concerns to Him, He never claims that He will instantaneously fix them and that we will not have any more problems. While it is not healthy or good to spend our time worrying about things, especially things we have no control over, we are not lacking faith and sinning when we do so. This world is not a fun or pretty place much of the time. When we face that as a reality and understand that Christians are not ordered by God to be happy all the time, we allow ourselves to really understand the fallen nature of the place in which we dwell and fully look forward to a time when we are no longer stuck here. Jesus desires to weep with us, not scold us for weeping in the first place.
Maybe next time someone says, "gee, I'm really worried about .....", rather than just saying "Oh, give that to God and He'll help you through!", it might be more helpful to simply weep with the person and give them a good strong hug. I know that's what I prefer!
Madame Justice Strikes Again
I would like to give a shout out to my eldest sister today. She had her first solo trial on Friday, and I'm sure she rocked it. Of course, if you didn't rock it, Steph, it's still totally cool that you're putting yourself out there in the interest of justice and winning the battle of good vs. evil etc. I would gladly weep with you and give you a big hug (from afar)! Either way, I'm totally proud of you. Just think how proud that little babooski will be when she grows up and finds that her mom is a superhero!
One last headline for today:
Baby Girl Saved By Superfast Shot
My sweet little angel became suddenly overwhelmed with pain and misery yesterday, waking up from her nap crying uncontrollably at about 3:45. She was warm and feverish and reacting like the slightest touch was a knife blade. Since the doctor's office closes at, like, 4:30, and it was a Friday (no weekend hours at the dr.'s office!), I felt a bit like a kayaker who lost her paddle at the same moment she recognized that strange sound as an approaching waterfall. Bless them, every one, the wonderful folks at my doctor's office actually fit me in, and I was talking to her doctor within an hour. It turns out she has an ear-infection that was so bad, it had probably been bothering her for, like, a week or more without her giving us a peep of feedback about it. She's too tough for her own good, it seems (Redmond women...).
Anyway, the doctor was prescribing us the usual liquid medication when my husband, my hero!, brought up the fact that she is completely stubborn about not taking any medicine. The last time we tried to give her medicine for strep throat, she soundly rejected every attempt, from mixing it with applesauce to forcing it down her (she has an amazing gag reflex. Basically everything in the room becomes coated with pink, except her own throat). Thank God the office called with results that she didn't actually have strep and we could stop the daily torture rituals (I still have post-traumatic flashes from time to time). Well, I wasn't even thinking about this at yesterday's appointment, but Jeremy did, and our wonderful doctor actually took it seriously instead of giving us one of those "Oh, just try this...." that never ever works out but makes you feel like a complete failure and nincompoop. Rather, she asked a few questions and then asked, "Well, would you be willing for us to just give her a shot?" "That would be wonderful!!!" I practically shouted with excitement. I had heard about this before, and I knew it was just what we needed. Instead of struggling to get your stubborn little sweety to drink something she wants nothing to do with for ten days straight, the doctor gives her one (yes ONE!!!) shot, and then you're done!! No going and filling a prescription, no remembering to give it, no torture. Just one admittedly painful but quick shot, and, bammo! you're on your way to perfectly healthy ears again. It's supposed to work much quicker, too, and I can attest that she was acting like herself again within about two hours. It would normally take days for the medicine to really make an impact! I am now a firm believer in the power of medicinal shots. I know, I know, she'll probably grow up to have some kind of fear of needles, but, seriously, don't we all anyway?
Well, Jeremy just made a snide comment about writing a book, so I'll take that as my cue to close for today. May your Saturday be filled with peace and tranquility! Peace out!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Day 79 Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!!!!!!!
Iiiii'm Dreaaaaamiiiiing of a whiiiiiiiiite Chriiiistmaaaaas (oooh wa ooooh)...
Yes!!!!!! It is the first real snow of the year!! The first sky white, grass white, everything white, go outside and become covered in white snow of the year!!!!!!! It's so beautiful. I wish you could all sit in my living room and stare out our big window at the absolute majesty of this. As I sit here holding my little girl, snuggled up in her blankie, oohing and aaahing at the falling snowflakes as we listen to Christmas music, it strikes me what an amazing and wonderful life I have. The season of loving, of giving, of holding your family close and thanking God for all of His many blessings is upon us once again. It's the most wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaar!!!
Yes!!!!!! It is the first real snow of the year!! The first sky white, grass white, everything white, go outside and become covered in white snow of the year!!!!!!! It's so beautiful. I wish you could all sit in my living room and stare out our big window at the absolute majesty of this. As I sit here holding my little girl, snuggled up in her blankie, oohing and aaahing at the falling snowflakes as we listen to Christmas music, it strikes me what an amazing and wonderful life I have. The season of loving, of giving, of holding your family close and thanking God for all of His many blessings is upon us once again. It's the most wonderful tiiiiiime of the yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaar!!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Day 77: Happy Births
I would like to begin today with a rousing rendition of the happy birthday song. Feel free to sing along, with whatever flavor you like best. I personally enjoy Jamaican style.
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Mooooooooooooooom
Happy birthday to you!!!!
Yes, my beloved and beautiful mother is turning...Oh wouldn't you just like to know! Suffice it to say she is still a young chickie, the hottest lady at the RV park, who does not in any way look like she could possibly have *gasp* TEN grandchildren! Oh, and that is her natural hair color. I unfortunately did not receive the blessing of those particular genes. I hope I have her aging-really-well genes!
I also would like to commemorate an upcoming birth. No, not of Jade this time, but of , um, yet-to-be-named-offspring-of-Steph-and-Sid. I have been sent her first sonogram pictures, which, I'm sorry Steph, came out really badly, but it is still sooooo exciting to see the little munchkin that I just have to post one of them!
Correct me if I'm wrong, Steph, but I think this is one of him/her swimming, with his/her head down and to the left. Awesome to see another Redmond spawn in the making. Keep the pictures coming! Oh, and feel free to send me some of you and your hubby, and your dog, and whatever else you'd like to share!
Nothing new here in hugely-preggers land. I tried really really hard to have this baby girl today in honor of mom's birthday, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Apparently, she's going to come when she's good and ready and not a moment sooner, thank you very much. Typical Redmond girl!!
One cute development on the Julia front is her new propensity towards pretending. She's very into pretending now, especially with little people, animals, and dolls. Yesterday she put her baby into the stroller, gave it her own pacifier, a blanket, and a book, put a hat on her own head, said "bye! C-you!" and was off on a walk around the house. Very very precious! She also insists on having her baby sit with her at the table and pretends to feed her. I'm hoping that all of this translates to her loving her new baby sister like she loves the dolls. We have bought her a new baby doll with clothes and things to give her when we bring Jade home, in hopes that she will take care of it when she sees me taking care of my baby, instead of trying to get me to stop and play with her instead. We'll see how it all turns out! Julia is such a joy to me, that I really hope this all is a happy experience for her instead of a hurtful one. After all, God is giving her a baby sister, a buddy of her own! I hope she loves her and enjoys her rather than resenting her.
Joshua now "can't wait for next year" when he gets to go to school, so I guess he's no longer on the fence as to whether he wants to go or not! I'm thinking this might mean he's a bit bored with what we're doing in school now. It's weird, though, because we're doing a subject he loves in history (cowboys) and we've been doing a lot more hands-on artsy stuff lately. Ah well, I'm not going to worry about it too much. I know he's going next year. My big choice is whether to put him in fourth or fifth grade, which is a subject that will stress me out for the next, oh, ten months or so, so I'm sure you'll hear more about it later.
Well, must go prepare lunch for my handsome boy. Hope your days are all going beautifully, especially yours birthday girl!! Love you!!
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Mooooooooooooooom
Happy birthday to you!!!!
Yes, my beloved and beautiful mother is turning...Oh wouldn't you just like to know! Suffice it to say she is still a young chickie, the hottest lady at the RV park, who does not in any way look like she could possibly have *gasp* TEN grandchildren! Oh, and that is her natural hair color. I unfortunately did not receive the blessing of those particular genes. I hope I have her aging-really-well genes!
I also would like to commemorate an upcoming birth. No, not of Jade this time, but of , um, yet-to-be-named-offspring-of-Steph-and-Sid. I have been sent her first sonogram pictures, which, I'm sorry Steph, came out really badly, but it is still sooooo exciting to see the little munchkin that I just have to post one of them!
Correct me if I'm wrong, Steph, but I think this is one of him/her swimming, with his/her head down and to the left. Awesome to see another Redmond spawn in the making. Keep the pictures coming! Oh, and feel free to send me some of you and your hubby, and your dog, and whatever else you'd like to share!Nothing new here in hugely-preggers land. I tried really really hard to have this baby girl today in honor of mom's birthday, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Apparently, she's going to come when she's good and ready and not a moment sooner, thank you very much. Typical Redmond girl!!
One cute development on the Julia front is her new propensity towards pretending. She's very into pretending now, especially with little people, animals, and dolls. Yesterday she put her baby into the stroller, gave it her own pacifier, a blanket, and a book, put a hat on her own head, said "bye! C-you!" and was off on a walk around the house. Very very precious! She also insists on having her baby sit with her at the table and pretends to feed her. I'm hoping that all of this translates to her loving her new baby sister like she loves the dolls. We have bought her a new baby doll with clothes and things to give her when we bring Jade home, in hopes that she will take care of it when she sees me taking care of my baby, instead of trying to get me to stop and play with her instead. We'll see how it all turns out! Julia is such a joy to me, that I really hope this all is a happy experience for her instead of a hurtful one. After all, God is giving her a baby sister, a buddy of her own! I hope she loves her and enjoys her rather than resenting her.
Joshua now "can't wait for next year" when he gets to go to school, so I guess he's no longer on the fence as to whether he wants to go or not! I'm thinking this might mean he's a bit bored with what we're doing in school now. It's weird, though, because we're doing a subject he loves in history (cowboys) and we've been doing a lot more hands-on artsy stuff lately. Ah well, I'm not going to worry about it too much. I know he's going next year. My big choice is whether to put him in fourth or fifth grade, which is a subject that will stress me out for the next, oh, ten months or so, so I'm sure you'll hear more about it later.
Well, must go prepare lunch for my handsome boy. Hope your days are all going beautifully, especially yours birthday girl!! Love you!!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Day 76- The Real Deal?
Well, according to my cute little widget, I now have two weeks until my newest baby is due to make her grand appearance. It's funny, but somehow even after nine months of waiting, those last few weeks are the hardest to get through. Every braxton hicks, every seemingly significant change makes me think that today's the day!! But then it's not. How disappointing. I was absolutely convinced that I was in labor Saturday. I had regular contractions all morning long and then *poof* in the afternoon, they stopped. Urgh. Then yesterday I woke up at 5 AM and simply had to clean the entire kitchen. Oh, must be the nesting instinct! But then, nothing. Urgh.
The real root of the problem is that I am thinking about it way too much. I understand this to be true, yet, somehow, I can't seem to stop myself! Just when I've finally gotten my mind on something else I'll have a contraction and there I am, obsessing again.
It's especially embarassing when someone else is involved. Saturday, as I mentioned, I really thought that I was in labor, so I told Jeremy. I even called mom to make sure she was going to be accessible "just in case." Then, when it all went away, I looked like a freak who doesn't know labor from indigestion. E M B A R A S S E D. Notice what A word lies within that word. That's what I felt like. I know that they would probable say that it was no big deal and that they didn't mind at all, but I just hate getting others all worked up over nothing. So, now I've decided that I'm not even going to mention my contractions until they are really intense and close together. I want to be completely sure it's the real deal.
You would think after having three babies already that I would be better able to identify real labor vs. false labor. I think it may be a psychosomatic thing. I want it so badly that I misinterpret what I'm really feeling as what I want to be feeling. Yes, and that's the other strange thing. I want to feel those hard, painful contractions. I want to go through that pain and stress. I need to. Fear and trepidation have transformed into obsessive desire. God has to be involved here, making us women long for something that humans normally try to avoid at all costs. I guess it's good, though. I mean, it's not like we can avoid the labor at this point, so we may as well look forward to it.
Hmmm....I can't think of anything else to talk about. I guess that's what happens when one topic takes up too much space in your brain. The rest of your thoughts fall out the back of your head. I suppose I could just sweep them up and put them back in, but I can't bend over very well with this rather large obstruction on my abdomen...
The real root of the problem is that I am thinking about it way too much. I understand this to be true, yet, somehow, I can't seem to stop myself! Just when I've finally gotten my mind on something else I'll have a contraction and there I am, obsessing again.
It's especially embarassing when someone else is involved. Saturday, as I mentioned, I really thought that I was in labor, so I told Jeremy. I even called mom to make sure she was going to be accessible "just in case." Then, when it all went away, I looked like a freak who doesn't know labor from indigestion. E M B A R A S S E D. Notice what A word lies within that word. That's what I felt like. I know that they would probable say that it was no big deal and that they didn't mind at all, but I just hate getting others all worked up over nothing. So, now I've decided that I'm not even going to mention my contractions until they are really intense and close together. I want to be completely sure it's the real deal.
You would think after having three babies already that I would be better able to identify real labor vs. false labor. I think it may be a psychosomatic thing. I want it so badly that I misinterpret what I'm really feeling as what I want to be feeling. Yes, and that's the other strange thing. I want to feel those hard, painful contractions. I want to go through that pain and stress. I need to. Fear and trepidation have transformed into obsessive desire. God has to be involved here, making us women long for something that humans normally try to avoid at all costs. I guess it's good, though. I mean, it's not like we can avoid the labor at this point, so we may as well look forward to it.
Hmmm....I can't think of anything else to talk about. I guess that's what happens when one topic takes up too much space in your brain. The rest of your thoughts fall out the back of your head. I suppose I could just sweep them up and put them back in, but I can't bend over very well with this rather large obstruction on my abdomen...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Day 74 -Thanks for the memories...
I just wanted to say a big "thank you!!!" to mom and dad for having us over tonight. Dinner was awesome, the company was fabulous, and watching Amazing Race together was a lot of fun. You guys make our lives so much fuller! Hope we didn't leave the place too much of a disaster area. And you thought two dogs were messy! We love you guys!!!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Day 72- I personally love a good temper tantrum, especially when I'm the one giving it!
Sorry it has been so long since I updated. There have been several reasons, none of which really matter to the universe, so I will not bore you with the details. The lack of writing has provided me with way too much fodder for discussion, so I will either write a novel today, or skip most of it since I just don't feel like writing that much. Shall we find out together which it is?
Update # 1 = pregnancy. My update on my pregnancy is much more interesting than they have been previously. I had an appointment yesterday, at which my doctor revealed that I am 50% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated! While this doesn't really mean that much ( you can be one centimeter dilated for, like, a month) it still feels good to not be starting at zero. I also had another sonogram (yes, another one) which found Jade to be doing just fine at 6 lbs. 7 ounces. All of my other babies have been well over 7 pounds, so I'm taking this to mean she will definitely wait a few more weeks before being ready to emerge. Still, again, it's a great feeling to know how big and healthy she is, should she somehow come really early. Oh, and I will not be posting a new picture of her, since the technician, bless her heart for trying so hard, just could not get a good shot of her face. Apparently she's dropped down so low that her face is mushed into the side of my uterine wall at the very bottom. Now, doesn't that just sound comfortable? Actually, the doc was pretty surprised by that, since I guess once you've had a few babies, the next one doesn't drop until, like, right before birth. Becky, did your last couple drop like that?
Actually, if I didn't know better, it would appear that she is actually planning on coming any day now. Basically every sign my book gives for impending birth, from dropping, to aching hips from the increased pressure, to lots of other things you really don't want to hear about, have appeared in the past two days. I just read these signs today, and one of them even says you will emotionally begin acting like you do just before your period comes. I've never noticed that one before, but wouldn't you know that last night I found myself crying uncontrollably for like twenty minutes over a jibe my husband made at me. So, either I'm going to have this baby any minute now, or Jeremy stands to have a very difficult three weeks. Poor baby.
Since she doesn't have a blog, I also feel it is my privilege and responsibility to update you on Steph's pregnancy, too. Gosh I hope she doesn't mind!! Cause I'm doing it!!! She had a sonogram yesterday,TOO, which makes us, like, Sono-sisters! It was her very first (aaaawwwww! I remember Jacob's first...), and officially confirmed that she is, in fact, having a baby (as opposed to a frog or demonic creature of some sort). So, now you can stop taking the pregnancy tests, Steph! It turns out that she is now 11 weeks along, which puts her due date at, I think, the end of May. Spring baby!! Happy happy, joy joy!
Ok, so that's the pregnancy update. Moving on to...
UPDATE #2 = School
So Jacob is doing so well in his school that I am now horrified to have to admit that it was, in fact, the right decision to stop homeschooling him. I was really hoping it wasn't. There is nothing I would like more than to be able to bring him back home next year, with a "Well, we gave it a try!" and a shrug and a grin. But, he really seems to be flourishing, not just academically, but also in his passion for life and for learning. I know some homeschooling mom's are able to elicit a "Yes! School time!" response from their children all the time, but mine definitely lost that a couple of years ago. They began to seriously look forward to weekends and vacations, with that dreadful "Oh no, school tomorrow" attitude at bedtime every Sunday night. But now, with Jacob, that has definitely changed. In fact, this past Sunday night, he said "Great! Tomorrow's one of my favorite days!" "Oh, is there something particularly fun that your class does on Mondays?" I asked. "No," he cheerfully responded, "it's just that all school days are my favorite days now!" This of course gives me a taste of that heart-wrenching feeling that I'm sure to experience when my first born just can't wait to go off to college. Yes, I'm thrilled that he is so happy, but, man do I wish he missed being home at least a tiny bit!
I really can't say that Joshua is thrilled with school like that (he still gets pretty darn excited to have a random day off like yesterday), but I'm happy with his progress on several fronts this year. Probably the biggest is his maturity in being able to self-regulate. Last year I had to stand over him to get him to do his work, often dropping scolds and dark glances upon him when he dawdled and stared off into space. Now, I give him his assignments and off he goes, checking his own times to make sure he's on schedule and coming to me with any questions and concerns rather than just giving up or sitting like a useless lump with "I didn't know what to do so I didn't do anything" scrawled across the top. He's learning a lot, too, despite the fact that a lot of what he does is on his own now. I would have previously seen this as a failure on my part to spend the proper amount of time teaching him, but now I see it as a sign that he's learning how to learn on his own without someone pointing out all the important stuff to him. That's a really good thing to be able to do, especially as he gets older and more of it will rest upon his shoulders anyway. I am still doing some fun projects with him, of course, and, actually, have found that our crafting time is a fun time to allow Julia to experience the joys of gluing, taping, cutting, etc. as she does some fun little projects of her own. I took a picture of one example of this, which I will possibly add into this post later.... Ok, here it is.
The top one is Josh's chart on the phases of the moon and the bottom one is Julia's picture of the earth, created through her placement of lots of torn pieces of paper into a glue-filled circle. She has great artistic potential, don't you think?
Update #3 = Random Life lessons
Somehow all of my random life lessons involve wildlife lately. Here's a gem I experienced a couple of mornings ago.
First, a question: Are temper tantrums always bad? Ok, before I had kids, and even a little while after, I would have said an unequivocal "Yes!" Why, of course temper tantrums are bad! Children need to be taught to respect our every word and order and obey them to the T as soon as they are uttered! Well, ok, I do still believe that that is mostly true. But I have also come to find that God can work through even the seemingly naughty moments of our children.
Take, for example, the other morning. Julia was in a particularly rambunctious mood (resulting, among other things, in a floor full of cheerios and a chipped bowl. hmmmm....). The boys had just scurried out to the bus stop and I was attempting to put on Julia's sneakers so we could follow. Well, little Miss Chief decided it would be amusing to prevent me from this simple task by kicking her little footsies as quickly and as hard as she could. Kick, kick, wham! The shoe goes sailing through the air, hitting the floor with a small thud. Plop! Wait a minute. What the heck is that large dark object that just flew out of her shoe? Oh yes, it was a spider, black, hairy, roughly half the size of her foot, who had apparently decided that her shoe was the perfect place to spend a chilly night and was now sitting in shock staring back at me, probably thinking something like "Oh sh**". For my part, I looked like something you might find in a wax museum of Horror Film Moments. Unmoving, horrified expression on my face, I sat staring at that abomination as several increasingly worse scenarios of what might have happened scrolled behind my eyes. If she hadn't kicked that shoe out of my hand, if I had tried to put it on her with that, that thing still inside of it....
Well, eventually I did begin moving again, and Julia and I made it out to the bus stop on time, her with a different pair of shoes (I may never use those sneakers again) and me with a heart that still wasn't beating quite right. The spider, well, let's just say that he no longer had anything to worry about either. At all. Ever. No Francis-like mercy that day from me.
So, the moral of the story is, even a seemingly naughty moment, like a tantrum over shoes, can result in something good. Try to remember that the next time your floor is covered in cheerios and milk. I know I certainly will!
Ok, so that is enough updating for now. I have other things to talk about, but, seriously, aren't you weary of me yet? Yes, Becky, I will answer your tag. Just not right now. Thank you for thinking of me, though! Oh, and Laura, your letter to the homeschoolers was so refreshingly honest and hilarious that I just have to mention it. My favorite line: "Should I just punish them quickly and corporally when they piss and moan?" You slay me, woman! Man do I wish everyone was as honest and open as you!
Alrighty then! TTFN!
Update # 1 = pregnancy. My update on my pregnancy is much more interesting than they have been previously. I had an appointment yesterday, at which my doctor revealed that I am 50% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated! While this doesn't really mean that much ( you can be one centimeter dilated for, like, a month) it still feels good to not be starting at zero. I also had another sonogram (yes, another one) which found Jade to be doing just fine at 6 lbs. 7 ounces. All of my other babies have been well over 7 pounds, so I'm taking this to mean she will definitely wait a few more weeks before being ready to emerge. Still, again, it's a great feeling to know how big and healthy she is, should she somehow come really early. Oh, and I will not be posting a new picture of her, since the technician, bless her heart for trying so hard, just could not get a good shot of her face. Apparently she's dropped down so low that her face is mushed into the side of my uterine wall at the very bottom. Now, doesn't that just sound comfortable? Actually, the doc was pretty surprised by that, since I guess once you've had a few babies, the next one doesn't drop until, like, right before birth. Becky, did your last couple drop like that?
Actually, if I didn't know better, it would appear that she is actually planning on coming any day now. Basically every sign my book gives for impending birth, from dropping, to aching hips from the increased pressure, to lots of other things you really don't want to hear about, have appeared in the past two days. I just read these signs today, and one of them even says you will emotionally begin acting like you do just before your period comes. I've never noticed that one before, but wouldn't you know that last night I found myself crying uncontrollably for like twenty minutes over a jibe my husband made at me. So, either I'm going to have this baby any minute now, or Jeremy stands to have a very difficult three weeks. Poor baby.
Since she doesn't have a blog, I also feel it is my privilege and responsibility to update you on Steph's pregnancy, too. Gosh I hope she doesn't mind!! Cause I'm doing it!!! She had a sonogram yesterday,TOO, which makes us, like, Sono-sisters! It was her very first (aaaawwwww! I remember Jacob's first...), and officially confirmed that she is, in fact, having a baby (as opposed to a frog or demonic creature of some sort). So, now you can stop taking the pregnancy tests, Steph! It turns out that she is now 11 weeks along, which puts her due date at, I think, the end of May. Spring baby!! Happy happy, joy joy!
Ok, so that's the pregnancy update. Moving on to...
UPDATE #2 = School
So Jacob is doing so well in his school that I am now horrified to have to admit that it was, in fact, the right decision to stop homeschooling him. I was really hoping it wasn't. There is nothing I would like more than to be able to bring him back home next year, with a "Well, we gave it a try!" and a shrug and a grin. But, he really seems to be flourishing, not just academically, but also in his passion for life and for learning. I know some homeschooling mom's are able to elicit a "Yes! School time!" response from their children all the time, but mine definitely lost that a couple of years ago. They began to seriously look forward to weekends and vacations, with that dreadful "Oh no, school tomorrow" attitude at bedtime every Sunday night. But now, with Jacob, that has definitely changed. In fact, this past Sunday night, he said "Great! Tomorrow's one of my favorite days!" "Oh, is there something particularly fun that your class does on Mondays?" I asked. "No," he cheerfully responded, "it's just that all school days are my favorite days now!" This of course gives me a taste of that heart-wrenching feeling that I'm sure to experience when my first born just can't wait to go off to college. Yes, I'm thrilled that he is so happy, but, man do I wish he missed being home at least a tiny bit!
I really can't say that Joshua is thrilled with school like that (he still gets pretty darn excited to have a random day off like yesterday), but I'm happy with his progress on several fronts this year. Probably the biggest is his maturity in being able to self-regulate. Last year I had to stand over him to get him to do his work, often dropping scolds and dark glances upon him when he dawdled and stared off into space. Now, I give him his assignments and off he goes, checking his own times to make sure he's on schedule and coming to me with any questions and concerns rather than just giving up or sitting like a useless lump with "I didn't know what to do so I didn't do anything" scrawled across the top. He's learning a lot, too, despite the fact that a lot of what he does is on his own now. I would have previously seen this as a failure on my part to spend the proper amount of time teaching him, but now I see it as a sign that he's learning how to learn on his own without someone pointing out all the important stuff to him. That's a really good thing to be able to do, especially as he gets older and more of it will rest upon his shoulders anyway. I am still doing some fun projects with him, of course, and, actually, have found that our crafting time is a fun time to allow Julia to experience the joys of gluing, taping, cutting, etc. as she does some fun little projects of her own. I took a picture of one example of this, which I will possibly add into this post later.... Ok, here it is.
The top one is Josh's chart on the phases of the moon and the bottom one is Julia's picture of the earth, created through her placement of lots of torn pieces of paper into a glue-filled circle. She has great artistic potential, don't you think?
Update #3 = Random Life lessons
Somehow all of my random life lessons involve wildlife lately. Here's a gem I experienced a couple of mornings ago.
First, a question: Are temper tantrums always bad? Ok, before I had kids, and even a little while after, I would have said an unequivocal "Yes!" Why, of course temper tantrums are bad! Children need to be taught to respect our every word and order and obey them to the T as soon as they are uttered! Well, ok, I do still believe that that is mostly true. But I have also come to find that God can work through even the seemingly naughty moments of our children.
Take, for example, the other morning. Julia was in a particularly rambunctious mood (resulting, among other things, in a floor full of cheerios and a chipped bowl. hmmmm....). The boys had just scurried out to the bus stop and I was attempting to put on Julia's sneakers so we could follow. Well, little Miss Chief decided it would be amusing to prevent me from this simple task by kicking her little footsies as quickly and as hard as she could. Kick, kick, wham! The shoe goes sailing through the air, hitting the floor with a small thud. Plop! Wait a minute. What the heck is that large dark object that just flew out of her shoe? Oh yes, it was a spider, black, hairy, roughly half the size of her foot, who had apparently decided that her shoe was the perfect place to spend a chilly night and was now sitting in shock staring back at me, probably thinking something like "Oh sh**". For my part, I looked like something you might find in a wax museum of Horror Film Moments. Unmoving, horrified expression on my face, I sat staring at that abomination as several increasingly worse scenarios of what might have happened scrolled behind my eyes. If she hadn't kicked that shoe out of my hand, if I had tried to put it on her with that, that thing still inside of it....
Well, eventually I did begin moving again, and Julia and I made it out to the bus stop on time, her with a different pair of shoes (I may never use those sneakers again) and me with a heart that still wasn't beating quite right. The spider, well, let's just say that he no longer had anything to worry about either. At all. Ever. No Francis-like mercy that day from me.
So, the moral of the story is, even a seemingly naughty moment, like a tantrum over shoes, can result in something good. Try to remember that the next time your floor is covered in cheerios and milk. I know I certainly will!
Ok, so that is enough updating for now. I have other things to talk about, but, seriously, aren't you weary of me yet? Yes, Becky, I will answer your tag. Just not right now. Thank you for thinking of me, though! Oh, and Laura, your letter to the homeschoolers was so refreshingly honest and hilarious that I just have to mention it. My favorite line: "Should I just punish them quickly and corporally when they piss and moan?" You slay me, woman! Man do I wish everyone was as honest and open as you!
Alrighty then! TTFN!
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Day 69: Nausea and Children's Books. Boy, doesn't that title just make you want to read?
I would like to start out today by saying: What the heck?!?! How come everyone keeps voting that I'm going to be late??? That's just wrong.
Which leads into my topic of discussion, pregnancy. What, you mean I've already talked about that a lot? Well, I'm going to again, so deal with it. For some of us, there are some topics that you just can't say enough about. Like the weather. Or the price of gas (dad).
My pregnancy is going just fine right now, swimmingly, in fact, but there are certain others of us who are having serious problems with nausea. So, if anyone who reads this blog has any helpful suggestions on how to keep food down during pregnancy, please comment on it. For myself, I find that saltines work well, as do slices of fresh french bread with sharp cheddar cheese on top. My book says that warm liquids and sugary hard candy actually make it worse, suggesting very cold liquids instead, and little sugar. I basically feel that anything at all that sounds good, as long as it's not actually harmful (like alcohol or lunchmeat), would be the way to go. Also remember that you don't have to eat a lot at the beginning of the pregnancy, so don't worry if you can't keep a lot down. Just keep taking your vitamins and get whatever else down that you can. Especially liquids.
So, as I was saying, my pregnancy is going well. I feel extremely, well, different from what I've felt like for the past several months. I am still tired, and there is a rather obvious lump sticking out in front of me, but otherwise I don't feel all that pregnant. Many of my senses and hormones seem to be returning to normal, as is my appetite (very small, mostly just desiring easy foods, like genisoy bars). I'm thinking that this means that Jade has dropped, and that my body is getting ready to finish this race and return to its usual self. There are only three weeks or so left (that is, unless all the mean rotten people are right and I am late), so I suppose this makes sense.
Which leads to my final bit of pregnancy talk for the day: the date of Jade's birth. As requested by my mother, I am setting up a guessing game as to the exact date. I have already claimed the date of Thanksgiving and the day after (I get two, since I'm the mother!). So, pick your dates and leave them in my comment area. And if every one of you guesses that she won't come until December, so help me, I'm going to...
Oh! I almost forgot! I got tagged by my sister to put down some of my favorite children's books. For little ones, I really enjoy a book called "I Love You As Much," as well as "Hand Hand Fingers Thumb." "Wee Willy Winkie" and other nursery rhyme books, and simple prayer books, like "Good Morning Prayer" and "God Made Me" are nice, too. The Narnia books are fabulous, as they grow up. In fact, both of my boys became saved through conversations we had after reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". Beyond that, I'm going to have to think a bit more about what they have been reading the past few years that I really liked.
Ok well, I will be closing for now. Don't forget to vote! Or, if you're like my parents, shirk your duty by convincing yourself that your vote won't really matter anyway (tsk tsk).
Which leads into my topic of discussion, pregnancy. What, you mean I've already talked about that a lot? Well, I'm going to again, so deal with it. For some of us, there are some topics that you just can't say enough about. Like the weather. Or the price of gas (dad).
My pregnancy is going just fine right now, swimmingly, in fact, but there are certain others of us who are having serious problems with nausea. So, if anyone who reads this blog has any helpful suggestions on how to keep food down during pregnancy, please comment on it. For myself, I find that saltines work well, as do slices of fresh french bread with sharp cheddar cheese on top. My book says that warm liquids and sugary hard candy actually make it worse, suggesting very cold liquids instead, and little sugar. I basically feel that anything at all that sounds good, as long as it's not actually harmful (like alcohol or lunchmeat), would be the way to go. Also remember that you don't have to eat a lot at the beginning of the pregnancy, so don't worry if you can't keep a lot down. Just keep taking your vitamins and get whatever else down that you can. Especially liquids.
So, as I was saying, my pregnancy is going well. I feel extremely, well, different from what I've felt like for the past several months. I am still tired, and there is a rather obvious lump sticking out in front of me, but otherwise I don't feel all that pregnant. Many of my senses and hormones seem to be returning to normal, as is my appetite (very small, mostly just desiring easy foods, like genisoy bars). I'm thinking that this means that Jade has dropped, and that my body is getting ready to finish this race and return to its usual self. There are only three weeks or so left (that is, unless all the mean rotten people are right and I am late), so I suppose this makes sense.
Which leads to my final bit of pregnancy talk for the day: the date of Jade's birth. As requested by my mother, I am setting up a guessing game as to the exact date. I have already claimed the date of Thanksgiving and the day after (I get two, since I'm the mother!). So, pick your dates and leave them in my comment area. And if every one of you guesses that she won't come until December, so help me, I'm going to...
Oh! I almost forgot! I got tagged by my sister to put down some of my favorite children's books. For little ones, I really enjoy a book called "I Love You As Much," as well as "Hand Hand Fingers Thumb." "Wee Willy Winkie" and other nursery rhyme books, and simple prayer books, like "Good Morning Prayer" and "God Made Me" are nice, too. The Narnia books are fabulous, as they grow up. In fact, both of my boys became saved through conversations we had after reading "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe". Beyond that, I'm going to have to think a bit more about what they have been reading the past few years that I really liked.
Ok well, I will be closing for now. Don't forget to vote! Or, if you're like my parents, shirk your duty by convincing yourself that your vote won't really matter anyway (tsk tsk).
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Day 67:Time: An endangered species worth saving
Ahhh, what a beautiful day today was. As I was saying to my husband earlier, I feel like Daylight Savings day is like Christmas for adults. I mean, what could be better than the gift of time? A whole hour of time, just handed to us, for free! Nothing is better than time, especially extra time. Time to sleep, or read the paper, or get something done, or just look up at the clock and realize, wow, it's still early in the day! I would trade all of my christmas presents for more time. Seriously.
Of course, this only really applies to weekend time. Weekday time is quite long enough already, thank you very much. Especially that couple of hours just before Jeremy comes home. That time just d-r-a-a-a-a-g-s. I wish I could transfer an hour of time from my weekdays into my weekend, say, the hour between 4 and 5 o'clock. I would look up at the clock at 4, and the next minute, it would be 5 and he would be heading home to me. And then, on the weekend, I would look up at the clock at 4, and then an hour would pass, and the clock would still say 4! And not just because the clock needed batteries, either. It would actually be 4 still. Yeah, that would be nice.
So, today we enjoyed the gift of an extra hour of time, and tomorrow we can go back to complaining about how much we hate daylight savings time since it's so darn dark so early. Aren't we humans moody?
Speaking of moods, I would like to extend a huge dose of sympathetic sadness and concern to my sister whose husband has just left for a year-long stint in Iraq. That truly sucks, my dear, and I am hugging you really hard in my mind's eye right now.
All right, to bed with me. Sweet dreams to you all!
P.S. - I just have to add to mom: I have had this computer on for about 10 minutes now, and Julia just woke up crying. So there!!
Of course, this only really applies to weekend time. Weekday time is quite long enough already, thank you very much. Especially that couple of hours just before Jeremy comes home. That time just d-r-a-a-a-a-g-s. I wish I could transfer an hour of time from my weekdays into my weekend, say, the hour between 4 and 5 o'clock. I would look up at the clock at 4, and the next minute, it would be 5 and he would be heading home to me. And then, on the weekend, I would look up at the clock at 4, and then an hour would pass, and the clock would still say 4! And not just because the clock needed batteries, either. It would actually be 4 still. Yeah, that would be nice.
So, today we enjoyed the gift of an extra hour of time, and tomorrow we can go back to complaining about how much we hate daylight savings time since it's so darn dark so early. Aren't we humans moody?
Speaking of moods, I would like to extend a huge dose of sympathetic sadness and concern to my sister whose husband has just left for a year-long stint in Iraq. That truly sucks, my dear, and I am hugging you really hard in my mind's eye right now.
All right, to bed with me. Sweet dreams to you all!
P.S. - I just have to add to mom: I have had this computer on for about 10 minutes now, and Julia just woke up crying. So there!!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Day 66 continued
Tonight, my husband and I will be going on a date together! This is the first in a while, and most likely the last for a much longer while, since we have a new baby coming. Mom is wonderful to take all three kids overnight!!!!! But, I don't think she'll be ready to take on four for a long, long time. Actually, I very much doubt I will be willing to let Jade out of my sight for at least a year, since that's how it was with Julia. I have attachment issues, apparently. I suppose that's better than the alternative!
So, the problem is, we never know exactly where to go on our dates. We kind of have this rut we get into: movie, dinner at a restaurant, Barnes and Nobles for coffee and reading. It's very nice, but a bit boring and predictable. I can't help but feel like there must be something more interesting and exciting to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Still, even a somewhat predictable and boring date is so, so, amazingly, fantastically, tremendously wonderful to have that I am all a twitter with anticipation! I always feel like a college kid again when we go out just the two of us. It's like, no responsibilities, no pressure, no having to mother anyone or take care of anything. Just us, together, having a good, peaceful time. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. So nice. It always serves to remind me of just how blessed I am to have this perfect man as my husband, to be allowed to spend time with him, looking at me like that, smiling, talking, touching hands. Oh, I can't wait!!!!!!!
So, don't expect any blogging from me later today! I will be out, unavailable, busy, otherwise occupied, and absent. And if you happen to run into me somewhere, just ignore the goofy grins and coy glances at each other. I know it's sickening. Just pretend we're some silly google-eyed teenagers who don't know any better. That's what we'll be doing!
So, the problem is, we never know exactly where to go on our dates. We kind of have this rut we get into: movie, dinner at a restaurant, Barnes and Nobles for coffee and reading. It's very nice, but a bit boring and predictable. I can't help but feel like there must be something more interesting and exciting to do. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Still, even a somewhat predictable and boring date is so, so, amazingly, fantastically, tremendously wonderful to have that I am all a twitter with anticipation! I always feel like a college kid again when we go out just the two of us. It's like, no responsibilities, no pressure, no having to mother anyone or take care of anything. Just us, together, having a good, peaceful time. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. So nice. It always serves to remind me of just how blessed I am to have this perfect man as my husband, to be allowed to spend time with him, looking at me like that, smiling, talking, touching hands. Oh, I can't wait!!!!!!!
So, don't expect any blogging from me later today! I will be out, unavailable, busy, otherwise occupied, and absent. And if you happen to run into me somewhere, just ignore the goofy grins and coy glances at each other. I know it's sickening. Just pretend we're some silly google-eyed teenagers who don't know any better. That's what we'll be doing!
Day 66
Ok, so the riddle was: How do you spell blind pig with only two letters?
Give up?
Ok, I'll tell you the answer:
PG
See, it's a pig with no "I."
Yep.
I'd also like to say:
Happy Birthday Gray!!!! Love Ya!!
Give up?
Ok, I'll tell you the answer:
PG
See, it's a pig with no "I."
Yep.
I'd also like to say:
Happy Birthday Gray!!!! Love Ya!!
Friday, November 2, 2007
Day 65: Coulda used some Wheaties
What a morning! After getting up late (again) and accepting the fact that I wasn't going to get a shower until much later in the day, I hurried downstairs, my head swimming with food choices for Jacob's lunchbox, and arrived at the kitchen door just in time to hear a crash followed by the clear tinkling of many shards of glass hopping about my kitchen counter and floor. What should my eyes behold but the sight of one Jacob Mckinnis and one Joshua McKinnis both frozen in place, eyes wide at the horror surrounding them, clearly terrified to move a muscle. Apparently, the two of them had been getting out their breakfast stuff, when a brief tussle over the cupboard door resulted in glass bowl Armageddon. I think it was only two bowls that shattered, but by the amount of glass everywhere, you would have thought the entire cupboard had come crashing down. Well, to make a long story short, after shooing them both to safety, I spent the next half hour or so discovering bits and pieces in every corner of my kitchen, from inside the cupboard ( do not ask me how they managed to jump back in) to inside the microwave (which had sadly been left open) to under every single appliance, the table, the chairs, the carpet, etc. Lovely. Jeremy ended up having to take Jacob to school, since he clearly missed the bus, with orders to buy breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria, since neither of these meals were successfully prepared in my nuthouse today. I used to wonder why anyone would possibly need to buy breakfast in the school cafeterias in the mornings. Now I know oh so well.
Well, that mild emergency finally overcome, I moved on with my morning, getting Julia up, feeding Josh, etc. It was upon my rinsing of my dishes that I realized that the water was not going peacefully down the drain as it should be. In fact it was backed up to about mid-sink before this realization hit me. Great. Well, I had drain cleaner, so I poured some down. Nothing. Just really bleachy smelling water sitting in my sink. So it wasn't an organic mass. hmmm...Yes, you guessed it, glass had actually slipped down my drain and was now stuck, causing an immovable blockage. Well, after calling Jeremy and receiving the welcome news that I would have to deal with having no working kitchen sink until he was able to get home and "rip it all apart" (joy), I was struck with a bit of inspiration. Retrieving our wetdry vacuum from his garbage dump, I mean "workshop", I sucked all of the offending water and the glass pieces out of the sink and drain, successfully unblocking the blockage. Oh yeah. I am the woman.
So, all's well that ends well. Actually, the original event, the tussle between brothers over the stupid cupboard door (one of way too many arguments over stupid things lately) afforded me a priceless opportunity to discuss rather deeply with Joshua how he's been feeling towards Jacob lately and why those feeling have resulted in bratty brother behavior. It's pretty hard to go from being Jacob's best, and only, buddy to, well, a younger brother stuck at home who just wants Jacob's attention when he finally is home for a little while. I really think we had some breakthroughs, and I am hoping that he will be a lot more aware of what he is feeling and how to better address those feelings in the future. Joshua was particularly surprised to hear that I really do understand exactly what he's going through, since I was the youngest and definitely lost my playmates when they started growing up and getting friends of their own. "I guess kids don't really think their parents ever felt the same way," he said. Too true. I find that he is most open to my advice when I insert a little personal transparency.
Anyway, I have discovered via my sister's bog that this is national blog month, when all of us bloggers are supposed to post every single day. Can't...take...the pressure. I can pretty much assure all of you that, while my intentions will be good, I will most likely fail miserably. But now I can nag her about it if she misses even one day! Hear that, sis? Big brother, I mean, Little Sister is watching you!
Let's see, what else. Oh, I never really told about Halloween. Well, my pictures and comments really speak for themselves, so I don't know how much I really need to elaborate on any of it. I do want to say a huge "Thank you!" to mom and dad for coming to both Jacob's parade and trick or treating that night. It definitely would not have been the same without you guys! I also want to note that there has never been a sweeter angel than Julia was in that costume. Oh My Gosh. I wish you all could have seen her in person. I really didn't think she would keep those wings or the halo on, but after seeing our reactions, she got the idea that she looked pretty darn special, and she decided a little discomfort was worth it. Yeah, we women put up with a lot to look fabulous, don't we? And she totally acted the part, too. She was even walking around on her tiptoes like a beautiful little ballerina! It was priceless. If she keeps these looks and personality, we are so in trouble in the future. Her brothers will have to follow her around with billy clubs to keep all the boys away!
Well, that's about all I have to talk about right now. I hope that all of your adventures this day end well!
P.S. Aaaaahhh! Only 25 days left! Aaaaaahhhhh!
P.P.S. I have too many pictures. Should I get rid of the sports ones, apple picking, or Critz farms??
Well, that mild emergency finally overcome, I moved on with my morning, getting Julia up, feeding Josh, etc. It was upon my rinsing of my dishes that I realized that the water was not going peacefully down the drain as it should be. In fact it was backed up to about mid-sink before this realization hit me. Great. Well, I had drain cleaner, so I poured some down. Nothing. Just really bleachy smelling water sitting in my sink. So it wasn't an organic mass. hmmm...Yes, you guessed it, glass had actually slipped down my drain and was now stuck, causing an immovable blockage. Well, after calling Jeremy and receiving the welcome news that I would have to deal with having no working kitchen sink until he was able to get home and "rip it all apart" (joy), I was struck with a bit of inspiration. Retrieving our wetdry vacuum from his garbage dump, I mean "workshop", I sucked all of the offending water and the glass pieces out of the sink and drain, successfully unblocking the blockage. Oh yeah. I am the woman.
So, all's well that ends well. Actually, the original event, the tussle between brothers over the stupid cupboard door (one of way too many arguments over stupid things lately) afforded me a priceless opportunity to discuss rather deeply with Joshua how he's been feeling towards Jacob lately and why those feeling have resulted in bratty brother behavior. It's pretty hard to go from being Jacob's best, and only, buddy to, well, a younger brother stuck at home who just wants Jacob's attention when he finally is home for a little while. I really think we had some breakthroughs, and I am hoping that he will be a lot more aware of what he is feeling and how to better address those feelings in the future. Joshua was particularly surprised to hear that I really do understand exactly what he's going through, since I was the youngest and definitely lost my playmates when they started growing up and getting friends of their own. "I guess kids don't really think their parents ever felt the same way," he said. Too true. I find that he is most open to my advice when I insert a little personal transparency.
Anyway, I have discovered via my sister's bog that this is national blog month, when all of us bloggers are supposed to post every single day. Can't...take...the pressure. I can pretty much assure all of you that, while my intentions will be good, I will most likely fail miserably. But now I can nag her about it if she misses even one day! Hear that, sis? Big brother, I mean, Little Sister is watching you!
Let's see, what else. Oh, I never really told about Halloween. Well, my pictures and comments really speak for themselves, so I don't know how much I really need to elaborate on any of it. I do want to say a huge "Thank you!" to mom and dad for coming to both Jacob's parade and trick or treating that night. It definitely would not have been the same without you guys! I also want to note that there has never been a sweeter angel than Julia was in that costume. Oh My Gosh. I wish you all could have seen her in person. I really didn't think she would keep those wings or the halo on, but after seeing our reactions, she got the idea that she looked pretty darn special, and she decided a little discomfort was worth it. Yeah, we women put up with a lot to look fabulous, don't we? And she totally acted the part, too. She was even walking around on her tiptoes like a beautiful little ballerina! It was priceless. If she keeps these looks and personality, we are so in trouble in the future. Her brothers will have to follow her around with billy clubs to keep all the boys away!
Well, that's about all I have to talk about right now. I hope that all of your adventures this day end well!
P.S. Aaaaahhh! Only 25 days left! Aaaaaahhhhh!
P.P.S. I have too many pictures. Should I get rid of the sports ones, apple picking, or Critz farms??
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Day 64: Halloween stuff
Ok, I have uploaded most of my Halloween shots. They are below the Baby Jade stuff to your right ------------->
I'll write about it later, but that took sooooooo long to do, that Julia is now awake and I must get back to work!
I'll write about it later, but that took sooooooo long to do, that Julia is now awake and I must get back to work!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Day 62: Totally Out of Control
Last night I was having trouble sleeping, which happens from time to time. I was lying there thinking that something didn't seem quite right, but I couldnt' put my finger on what exactly. Then it hit me: I hadn't felt Jade move in a while. Now, usually my daughter is fairly quiet during the day, saving energy for the night time, when she invites several friends over for a kegger in my womb. Or at least, that's what it feels like. But last night she had been quiet all day, and was now quiet at night. If you've ever been pregnant, you probably know that the thought that your baby has not moved in a while is one which often fills you with this irrational dread that something has gone wrong. This leads to all sorts of other thoughts and pictures which go tearing through your mind, thoughts and pictures that I would rather not share because they are just too traumatizing. Anyway, I was lying there experiencing this terrifying moment, trying to tell myself that I was being silly and that she was just having a quiet day. Rationality has little place in a pregnancy, however, so this line of thought was having little effect. Enough, already, I had to try to wake her up, or I'd never be able to get to sleep. So, I began to rub my belly. Nothing on this side, nothing on that, oh wait! Is that little knobby spot a knee sticking out? Rub, rub, rub, and like a genie from a lamp, little Jade leapt awake, kicking that little leg out of my reach and rolling over, as if to say "Mom, do you mind? I was sleeping!!" Ah, much better. Now I was able to sink peacefully into my own sleep as my little one rolled and squirmed and confirmed that she was just fine afterall.
Cruel, aren't I? This sort of disruption for the sake of my own sanity will not end with her birth, either. All you mothers out there, admit it. Haven't you ever snuck over to your baby's cradle, and, upon not being able to make out any breathing or movement, nudged your little one to make sure she was alive? I certainly have. In fact, Julia is almost two, and I still do it! Many a sound sleep in this house has been interrupted by an irrationally panicked mom.
You can't really blame me, though. I mean, with all the talk of SIDS, how could I not fear for her sleeping safety? It is completely terrifying to imagine that my child could just die right there in my own house without anyone even knowing there was something wrong. *shudder*
The same fear is upon me throughout my pregnancy, too. What if something horrible happened right here, in my own womb, and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it?
Motherhood is about spending every waking moment trying to keep your children safe, happy, healthy, and growing properly, all the while knowing that you really have no control at all. God, it's all in your hands. I can remove every sharp object from my house, cover every hard corner, gate every stairwell, and follow my child around incessantly, but in the end, you are the only one who can protect her. You are all I have. I am so thankful that you care about me, about my children, about our piddly little lives that mean so much to us but are, in the greater perspective, tiny and insignificant and fleeting. Thank you for the small miracle that is within me. Please protect her. And thank you for offering me a knobby little knee to rub so I can know that all is well, even if I'm not the one keeping it that way.
Cruel, aren't I? This sort of disruption for the sake of my own sanity will not end with her birth, either. All you mothers out there, admit it. Haven't you ever snuck over to your baby's cradle, and, upon not being able to make out any breathing or movement, nudged your little one to make sure she was alive? I certainly have. In fact, Julia is almost two, and I still do it! Many a sound sleep in this house has been interrupted by an irrationally panicked mom.
You can't really blame me, though. I mean, with all the talk of SIDS, how could I not fear for her sleeping safety? It is completely terrifying to imagine that my child could just die right there in my own house without anyone even knowing there was something wrong. *shudder*
The same fear is upon me throughout my pregnancy, too. What if something horrible happened right here, in my own womb, and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it?
Motherhood is about spending every waking moment trying to keep your children safe, happy, healthy, and growing properly, all the while knowing that you really have no control at all. God, it's all in your hands. I can remove every sharp object from my house, cover every hard corner, gate every stairwell, and follow my child around incessantly, but in the end, you are the only one who can protect her. You are all I have. I am so thankful that you care about me, about my children, about our piddly little lives that mean so much to us but are, in the greater perspective, tiny and insignificant and fleeting. Thank you for the small miracle that is within me. Please protect her. And thank you for offering me a knobby little knee to rub so I can know that all is well, even if I'm not the one keeping it that way.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Day 60: costume update
Ok, so I have basically finished the costume, which consists of a green scaly shirt, a blue shimmery cape and belt, and a mask. This is not, however, the mask that I put in my last post. That one was kindly but soundly rejected by my eldest child. Apparently it was a bit too friendly. So, I made him a new one, this time using a drawing of what he had in mind, and it has been deamed "perfect". I personally like the other one better, but, hey, who am I to say? So, here is a picture of the new mask. 
He'll wear black or green pants and black or green gloves, depending on his mood, really. All in all, it's a fairly simple costume, but he seems happy, so I am as well. Phew! Check that one off my list!
He'll wear black or green pants and black or green gloves, depending on his mood, really. All in all, it's a fairly simple costume, but he seems happy, so I am as well. Phew! Check that one off my list!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Day 58-Was that a UFO? Or did someone just toss several yards of fabric out her window?
Well, I have to make a costume today. I suppose I don't really have to finish it today, since Halloween isn't until next Wednesday, but I know that if I don't finish it now when I'm thinking about it, it will turn into a panic project on Tuesday night. And I certainly don't want that. So, I am now formulating my plan of attack on this costume.
Joshua is being Harry Potter. His costume was purchased last year at the after-Halloween clearance sale at Target. Actually, it has already seen some use, as he wore it to the book seven release party at Barnes and Nobles. You can't beat getting a costume on clearance and then seeing it used twice in one year.
Julia has a costume, too, although I can't quite remember what it is at the moment. I bought hers last year too, and I know it's something cute and girly, like a fairy or something. I'll have to get it out of the back of her closet later and have a look.
So, it is Jacob that is my pain in the butt this year. He just couldn't find a costume he liked at the sale last year, so we put off making any sort of decision until this year. He has finally decided what he wants to be: an alien. Not a scary alien, though. Besides the fact that I don't allow them to be scary things, there are strict rules about not frightening the kindergarteners at his school's halloween parade. So I have purchased green scaley fabric, blue shimmery fabric, and green foam (for a mask) to make him a one of a kind friendly alien-type costume a nine-year-old can be proud of. Now I just have to figure out exactly how to do it.
I do not sew. Not really, anyway. I mean, I have sewn some small things in the past, all by hand, which takes a small eternity. I don't have a small eternity, and I don't really have the motivation, so I am thinking of using a combination of stitch witchery (iron on adhesive for fabrics) and safety pins. I do have one of those little sewing machines for small jobs, but I can't figure the darn thing out, so it sits in my closet meditating on the meaning of its thus-far useless existence. And no, I do not have any desire for a big sewing machine, because those things frighten me. I vaguely recall attempting to work with one back in my high school home economics class, but it could not have gone too well, since that turned into my first hand-sewn masterpiece. I think it was a fuzzy animal of some sort. Maybe a snake? Whatever it was, I distinctly recall finding bits of stuffing in my car for months afterwards as it slowly migrated through the poor animal's less-than-tight seams. And did I mention I can't figure out the small sewing machine? Yeah, the bigs ones would be even worse, I just know it. So, I stick to hand sewing or, um, safety pinning. Or, preferably, buying something somebody else sewed. The point of all of this is that I am hoping for some sort of miracle here because I have to make this costume, somehow, today. Prayers would be appreciated.
On an up note (for me anyway), my mom is returning today from her trip down south. She went to visit my sister for the week, which is really really great for all of them and really really sucky for me. I know, I know, I really can't complain since I get to see her all the time and my sisters, who live in Timbuktu, hardly ever see her. But, you see, that was their choice. I chose to stay in the frozen tundra of the north for the sheer sake of being near my parents. Anyway, I have been missing her terribly and can't wait to have her nearby again. Sorry Beck.
Survivor has finally gotten interesting! Suddenly the season of the idiots has taken a turn, and we have discovered some almost clever folks stepping up. Well, ok, one almost clever person: Pei Gei. The other apparently clever folks on the other team turned out to be idiots afterall as they 1. stupidly went after the hidden immunity idol in broad daylight in front of everyone and were subsequently caught, forcing them to include more people in their plot, and 2. pompously concocted a plan which went seriously awry, leaving then down a person and an idol, which James now happily owns. Still, it was fun seeing them all at least attempting to do some thinking for a while. Next week there is a merge, so more interesting developments will hopefully follow. This season may be salvageable, yet.
And that's all I really have to talk about today. If I am suddenly hit with an amazing and inspirational observation about the world, I will be sure to blog more later. But I wouldn't hold my breath. I imagine it's hard to be inspired when struggling to detach scaley green fabric that has somehow sewn itself to my pants...
****UPDATE******
It is now later in the day, and I thought you might like to see the mask portion of said costume, which I have just completed.
Well, what do you think? Alien enough? friendly enough? Impressive, right? Yeah, I thought so, too.
Joshua is being Harry Potter. His costume was purchased last year at the after-Halloween clearance sale at Target. Actually, it has already seen some use, as he wore it to the book seven release party at Barnes and Nobles. You can't beat getting a costume on clearance and then seeing it used twice in one year.
Julia has a costume, too, although I can't quite remember what it is at the moment. I bought hers last year too, and I know it's something cute and girly, like a fairy or something. I'll have to get it out of the back of her closet later and have a look.
So, it is Jacob that is my pain in the butt this year. He just couldn't find a costume he liked at the sale last year, so we put off making any sort of decision until this year. He has finally decided what he wants to be: an alien. Not a scary alien, though. Besides the fact that I don't allow them to be scary things, there are strict rules about not frightening the kindergarteners at his school's halloween parade. So I have purchased green scaley fabric, blue shimmery fabric, and green foam (for a mask) to make him a one of a kind friendly alien-type costume a nine-year-old can be proud of. Now I just have to figure out exactly how to do it.
I do not sew. Not really, anyway. I mean, I have sewn some small things in the past, all by hand, which takes a small eternity. I don't have a small eternity, and I don't really have the motivation, so I am thinking of using a combination of stitch witchery (iron on adhesive for fabrics) and safety pins. I do have one of those little sewing machines for small jobs, but I can't figure the darn thing out, so it sits in my closet meditating on the meaning of its thus-far useless existence. And no, I do not have any desire for a big sewing machine, because those things frighten me. I vaguely recall attempting to work with one back in my high school home economics class, but it could not have gone too well, since that turned into my first hand-sewn masterpiece. I think it was a fuzzy animal of some sort. Maybe a snake? Whatever it was, I distinctly recall finding bits of stuffing in my car for months afterwards as it slowly migrated through the poor animal's less-than-tight seams. And did I mention I can't figure out the small sewing machine? Yeah, the bigs ones would be even worse, I just know it. So, I stick to hand sewing or, um, safety pinning. Or, preferably, buying something somebody else sewed. The point of all of this is that I am hoping for some sort of miracle here because I have to make this costume, somehow, today. Prayers would be appreciated.
On an up note (for me anyway), my mom is returning today from her trip down south. She went to visit my sister for the week, which is really really great for all of them and really really sucky for me. I know, I know, I really can't complain since I get to see her all the time and my sisters, who live in Timbuktu, hardly ever see her. But, you see, that was their choice. I chose to stay in the frozen tundra of the north for the sheer sake of being near my parents. Anyway, I have been missing her terribly and can't wait to have her nearby again. Sorry Beck.
Survivor has finally gotten interesting! Suddenly the season of the idiots has taken a turn, and we have discovered some almost clever folks stepping up. Well, ok, one almost clever person: Pei Gei. The other apparently clever folks on the other team turned out to be idiots afterall as they 1. stupidly went after the hidden immunity idol in broad daylight in front of everyone and were subsequently caught, forcing them to include more people in their plot, and 2. pompously concocted a plan which went seriously awry, leaving then down a person and an idol, which James now happily owns. Still, it was fun seeing them all at least attempting to do some thinking for a while. Next week there is a merge, so more interesting developments will hopefully follow. This season may be salvageable, yet.
And that's all I really have to talk about today. If I am suddenly hit with an amazing and inspirational observation about the world, I will be sure to blog more later. But I wouldn't hold my breath. I imagine it's hard to be inspired when struggling to detach scaley green fabric that has somehow sewn itself to my pants...
****UPDATE******
It is now later in the day, and I thought you might like to see the mask portion of said costume, which I have just completed.
Well, what do you think? Alien enough? friendly enough? Impressive, right? Yeah, I thought so, too.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Day 57: Obsess Much?
Today is Thursday, which is one of my favorite days of the week. It is absolutely Jacob's favorite, as there is Taco Bar for lunch and it is both library day and computer day for his class. I mean, come on, what could be better than that? I don't have such clear reasons for my enjoyment of this day, but I think it has to do with the fact that we've gotten over the hump of Wednesday and are smoothly sliding towards the weekend. (It also may have something to do with my TV shows on Thursday night, but that would just be sad, so I'm going to say it's, um, some other profound reason that I will come up with later.)
So what is on my mind this Thursday? Well, the baby certainly is. Have you noticed my little countdown to Jade widget over by my pictures? Besides being really nifty, it also serves as a reminder to me of just how little time is left before my newest little peanut joins our nuthouse. This is thrilling!!!!!!!!!! and also terrifying!!!!!!!!
I don't really need a little widget to remind me of this, however, as I have now entered what I fondly refer to as the Obsessive Stage of my pregnancy. As I see it, pregnancy can generally be broken down into these time periods: The shock/denial stage, quickly followed by the panic/excitement stage (with varying degrees of both, depending on your circumstances), which leads into the acceptance/ reading-as-much-as-you-can-about-what-the-heck-you're- supposed-to-be-eating-and-doing-now stage, which slowly evolves into the boredom/getting on with normal living stage, interrupted, of course, by various mini-panic stages, especially if you have any problems in your pregnancy, which finally leads to the all-important complete-obsession stage, which comes directly before the birth. It is at this point that your belly is so huge that you simply cannot forget about it, even if you tried, and every single person you come across, whether you know them or not, asks, "Oh! When are you due?"
I find this interesting, actually. I mean, I understand why friends and relatives might want to know my due date, but complete strangers? Why do they need to know? Were they planning on buying me a card and stashing it in their purse during my due week on the off chance that they may run into me again just after the baby is born? Or are they simply frightened that I am about to pop right in front of them, spraying them with amniotic fluid and who knows what else, and they feel the need to prepare their fight or flight instinct? I think it probably is some sort of morbid curiosity born out of misguided simpathy over my impending labor, like a guard asking some poor shlup on death row, "Hey, when's your funeral?" Or perhaps, my belly is just so, so HUGE that they feel they simply cannot help but make some sort of comment, but saying "Wow, you're gigantic!" probably wouldn't go over too well, so they ask an innocuous question instead. Whatever the reason, it always serves to remind me that, yes, very soon I will be entering once more into that realm of trauma known as Labor Land, therein seeking to vanquish the dragon of excruciating pain and emerge victoriously with my sweet little maiden of joy. Prepare, prepare, prepare!!! I must prepare for the journey, for the battle, and for the maiden herself!! And of course, once I am basically as prepared as one can get, it's like, alright, already, let's get this show on the road! The anticipation is killing me!! You can see how this could lead to some obsession.
So that's what's on my mind this Thursday. Of course, that's what was on my mind yesterday, and the day before, and probably tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that...did I mention I'm obsessed? This is why I like to look forward to my TV. I mean, if Survivor and Grey's Anatomy and CSI can't distract you at least momentarily from your own problems, what can?
So what is on my mind this Thursday? Well, the baby certainly is. Have you noticed my little countdown to Jade widget over by my pictures? Besides being really nifty, it also serves as a reminder to me of just how little time is left before my newest little peanut joins our nuthouse. This is thrilling!!!!!!!!!! and also terrifying!!!!!!!!
I don't really need a little widget to remind me of this, however, as I have now entered what I fondly refer to as the Obsessive Stage of my pregnancy. As I see it, pregnancy can generally be broken down into these time periods: The shock/denial stage, quickly followed by the panic/excitement stage (with varying degrees of both, depending on your circumstances), which leads into the acceptance/ reading-as-much-as-you-can-about-what-the-heck-you're- supposed-to-be-eating-and-doing-now stage, which slowly evolves into the boredom/getting on with normal living stage, interrupted, of course, by various mini-panic stages, especially if you have any problems in your pregnancy, which finally leads to the all-important complete-obsession stage, which comes directly before the birth. It is at this point that your belly is so huge that you simply cannot forget about it, even if you tried, and every single person you come across, whether you know them or not, asks, "Oh! When are you due?"
I find this interesting, actually. I mean, I understand why friends and relatives might want to know my due date, but complete strangers? Why do they need to know? Were they planning on buying me a card and stashing it in their purse during my due week on the off chance that they may run into me again just after the baby is born? Or are they simply frightened that I am about to pop right in front of them, spraying them with amniotic fluid and who knows what else, and they feel the need to prepare their fight or flight instinct? I think it probably is some sort of morbid curiosity born out of misguided simpathy over my impending labor, like a guard asking some poor shlup on death row, "Hey, when's your funeral?" Or perhaps, my belly is just so, so HUGE that they feel they simply cannot help but make some sort of comment, but saying "Wow, you're gigantic!" probably wouldn't go over too well, so they ask an innocuous question instead. Whatever the reason, it always serves to remind me that, yes, very soon I will be entering once more into that realm of trauma known as Labor Land, therein seeking to vanquish the dragon of excruciating pain and emerge victoriously with my sweet little maiden of joy. Prepare, prepare, prepare!!! I must prepare for the journey, for the battle, and for the maiden herself!! And of course, once I am basically as prepared as one can get, it's like, alright, already, let's get this show on the road! The anticipation is killing me!! You can see how this could lead to some obsession.
So that's what's on my mind this Thursday. Of course, that's what was on my mind yesterday, and the day before, and probably tomorrow and the day after that and the day after that...did I mention I'm obsessed? This is why I like to look forward to my TV. I mean, if Survivor and Grey's Anatomy and CSI can't distract you at least momentarily from your own problems, what can?
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Day 55: Baptism report
Hello all! Sorry it's been a few days since I've posted anything. I think today would be a nice day to tell you about the wonderful baptism experience my boys had on Saturday night. It was really everything we hoped it would be. The Saturday night service was intimate, but not too small, so it was not overly intimidating but it also felt like the church body was there to welcome them. There were a couple of songs, both of which were wonderful praise songs ("Open The Eyes of My Heart, Lord" was one of them. That is such a wonderful song, and the repetition made it easy for the boys to pick up, so they were really worshiping with the adults.). Then, after a brief introduction by Pastor Warren, it was their turn. Both boys stood together on stage, next to Warren and the musicians, and, I swear, they actually looked comfortable up there! I thought they would be terrified, but they were both smiling!
Jacob went first. Warren held the microphone for him and he read his testimony, which he wrote himself. Here's what he said:
At this point, there was a bit of a conundrum, as Warren was too wet to come out and hold the mike for Josh. I thought, "What's Josh going to do now? Will he be confused? Will I have to help him?" I should not have worried. Josh just went straight to the front of the stage, next to the guitar player, smiled, and got down to business. The guitar player helpfully held out a microphone, as Warren had done, to catch Josh's words, but Josh grabbed the mike right out of his hand! He held it in his left hand, pointed right at his mouth, with his paper in his right hand, and spoke without even the slightest tremor of nerves. You would think he had been speaking on stage for years! Here's what he said:
Joshua’s Story
Too cool! Then he traipsed over to the baptismal, entered the water, was asked the questions by Warren, and "splash!" he too was welcomed as a brother! The congregation clapped and cheered for both of them, and they were all smiles as they gathered their towels and scurried out to get changed. I know I was crying rather heartily at this point, and I believe there were more than a few other wet faces in the crowd.
I am so thankful to God that my boys are both saved. They are believers in Christ, they have the Holy Spirit in their hearts, and, whatever else happens in their lives, I know that someday they will be with Him in heaven. There is nothing more important than that fact, not school, not sports, not wives or grandchildren or successful careers, not anything at all. They are SAVED!!!!! My boys are baptized brothers in the church of Christ, and, what's more, they really understand what that means. I could have had them baptized a few years ago, since they were saved then, but I'm glad that I waited until now. They're still young, but they're old enough to understand the meaning of baptism and to remember this moment for the rest of their lives. I am so incredibly proud of them both, and just so, so thankful for this experience.
Afterwards, my parents joined us at a restaurant of the boys' choice (Pizzaria UNO. They just love the "make your own pizza" menu choice!) to celebrate. I know the entire night was a really special experience for them, just as I always hoped it would be. THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!
Jacob went first. Warren held the microphone for him and he read his testimony, which he wrote himself. Here's what he said:
Jacob’s Story
Back in 2003, when I was 5 years old, me and my mom had just finished reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Mom and I started talking about becoming a Christian and how the book is like that. A few days later, I decided that I wanted to become a Christian and ask Jesus to become my forever friend. I wanted to have the gift of eternal life and I wanted to become a part of Jesus’ family.
Knowing that Jesus died for my sins made me feel sad, and I felt that he was a kind and giving God to do that for me and everyone else. It’s like somebody is offering you a present. I didn’t want to be someone who would say “No thank you, I don’t want it.” So, I asked my mom to pray the special prayer with me, and I accepted Christ into my heart as my forever friend.
Jesus helps me to be kind to others and to do what God wants me to do, which is how to find true happiness. Without Jesus, no matter how much you get, you still want more, because nothing brings you true happiness except Jesus. Since I have Jesus, I can be truly happy with what I have and live a good life.
I try to be a good example for my friends by not calling people names, by being kind to my enemies and by not doing things that I know God doesn’t want me to do. Jesus gives me the strength to do what’s right even if everyone else is doing something bad. I am really glad that I became a Christian and that I can have eternal life and happiness. 
Isn't that great?!?! He read it really well, too, only getting a little mixed up towards the end (he had to restart a sentence and he accidentally said "by doing things that I know God doesn't want me to do" instead of "by NOT doing..." We all knew what he meant, though!). Then, it was time to get dunked! Warren and he got into the baptismal, which he later told me was actually "quite warm" and "much deeper" than he expected, and, after a few questions, Warren dunked him and welcomed him as a "brother!" I have to say, I was quite teary eyed at this point. Joshua watched from next to the baptismal, and when Jacob came back up, Josh jumped up and down and gave him a thumbs up. It was so cute!
Joshua’s Story
In 2003, my mom finished reading me a book called “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” She started talking to me about becoming a forever friend of Jesus. She asked us if we wanted to. I said yes and she told me how to do it. We prayed together and I accepted Jesus into my heart.
When Aslan died in the book, I was very sad. Then he came back to life, and I felt happy and excited. When my mom told me about Jesus dying for me, I felt the same way. I know he didn’t have to do it, that we deserved to go to Hell, But He did it anyway. It made me feel like God is good, that He really loves us. If Jesus loves me that much, I really want to be His friend.
Following Christ makes me kinder and happier, safe and protected, and I feel like I have a friend who is always with me who I can talk to anytime. If I hadn’t become saved, I would probably sin a lot more and feel sad, like something was missing in my life. As a Christian, I am content and thankful for what I have.
Too cool! Then he traipsed over to the baptismal, entered the water, was asked the questions by Warren, and "splash!" he too was welcomed as a brother! The congregation clapped and cheered for both of them, and they were all smiles as they gathered their towels and scurried out to get changed. I know I was crying rather heartily at this point, and I believe there were more than a few other wet faces in the crowd.
I am so thankful to God that my boys are both saved. They are believers in Christ, they have the Holy Spirit in their hearts, and, whatever else happens in their lives, I know that someday they will be with Him in heaven. There is nothing more important than that fact, not school, not sports, not wives or grandchildren or successful careers, not anything at all. They are SAVED!!!!! My boys are baptized brothers in the church of Christ, and, what's more, they really understand what that means. I could have had them baptized a few years ago, since they were saved then, but I'm glad that I waited until now. They're still young, but they're old enough to understand the meaning of baptism and to remember this moment for the rest of their lives. I am so incredibly proud of them both, and just so, so thankful for this experience.
Afterwards, my parents joined us at a restaurant of the boys' choice (Pizzaria UNO. They just love the "make your own pizza" menu choice!) to celebrate. I know the entire night was a really special experience for them, just as I always hoped it would be. THANK YOU GOD!!!!!!!!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Day 52- We love K-love
Hey, just a quick post today. I just wanted to point out that K-love is having a pledge drive right now. They're a Christian radio station that plays throughout the US, even in Alaska! The cool thing is that they have absolutely no commercials, which is why they need pledges to run on. Anyway, if you feel the calling to give, you can go to KLove.com or call 1-(800) 525-LOVE. If you feel like listening in, and you live in the Syracuse area, just tune to 101.7 or 101.3 fm. Anywhere else, you can probably find your station on the website. God Bless!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Day 51- Good News Travels...to everyone but us!
Well, today Jacob is home on his first official sick day. What started as a mild cough yesterday had grown to a full-blown cold, with coughing, sneezing, sniffling, very red eyes, etc.by this morning. In the interest of hurrying him along on the path to good health again, I decided to keep him home and basically tie him down to the bed. Tomorrow is his baptism, you see, and I'd really like for him to be healthy enough to enjoy it!
This leads, of course, to my observation that it is really so nice to have him home, even if he is emitting a constant stream of appalling noises and fluids. All three of my children are home with me again. Aaaahh. This is how it was meant to be. Joshua's extensive unit on the pioneers has convinced me that I was really meant to live out on the prairie with my family and no one else for miles around. Just me and them, living our lives, enjoying each other, farming and cooking and cleaning and basically doing the things I'm doing now minus the constant pressures of the world to compete with the Joneses, be they materialistic Joneses or perfect-spiritual-super-mommy ones. To be able to shout at the top of my voice, which is a fairly formidable decibel level, and not bother anyone. It would be particularly nice if my sisters and parents were there, too, perhaps a mile or two away, close enough to visit often but not too often, if you know what I mean. Jeremy's family could live back east. A letter once every other year or so would probably suffice for them.
Speaking of Jeremy's family, we have just learned that his brother and sister-in-law are pregnant with their third child. This is nice news. What is particularly interesting, though, is how we found out about it. We weren't the first tier of people told, nor were we the second. In fact, we found out more or less by accident after most everyone else knew. The sister-in-law created a cute poem announcement and sent it out via e-mail to basically everyone but us. Interesting. We only found out when Jeremy's mother accidentally included his e-mail address when sending a letter about something else entirely out to all of her sisters, in which she fondly mentioned the joy of having a new baby to love, but clearly not in reference to our pregnancy. When questioned by Jeremy as to the meaning of said statement, she outright denied having sent him the email (he later forwarded it back to her to prove that she had in fact done so. I mean, how the heck would he have known about it if she hadn't sent it to him? I'm sorry, but she's not the brightest bulb in the box sometimes.). Now realizing that we knew something was up, she begrudgingly forwarded the sister-in-law's poem to us. Wow, I am incredibly touched. Here he is Jeremy's own brother, and the schmuck doesn't even bother to call him with the news before his darling wife tells everyone else in the family. Don't even get me started on her. The woman has not said more than two words to me since I married Jeremy. Far be it for her to actually include me in a mass e-mailed announcement or anything. Much, much better that we find out this way. You really couldn't get more insulting.
What really kills me is the knowledge that Jeremy's mother would severely tear into him should he not tell his brother first thing about such news. But Eric? Nooooo, he'll get off without a scratch. You have never witnessed favoritism like these people exhibit. And for what??? Jeremy is a successful engineer supporting a family of six, while his brother got them to take out personal loans so that he could finish college and go on to work at...Walmart! Not as a manager or anything, either! Now he's basically living off of the teaching salary of his wife, who would vastly prefer to just stay home and raise her children, and running off every weekend to go hunting, leaving her alone with the two, soon to be three, little ones. And Jeremy's parents treat him like some kind of king! It's a sad sad state of affairs. These people make me so mad!
Anyway, I remember promising to include something positive in each post, so today's positive thing is...It's Friday! Yay!!! I love weekends! My husband will be home for two whole days and my world will be full and complete. And, as I mentioned, this weekend my boys are getting baptized!!! I am so proud and thrilled for them. I'm sure I will tell you all about it in next week's posts, so stay tuned for details!
Alright, I need to go check on my little sick babooski. TTFN!
This leads, of course, to my observation that it is really so nice to have him home, even if he is emitting a constant stream of appalling noises and fluids. All three of my children are home with me again. Aaaahh. This is how it was meant to be. Joshua's extensive unit on the pioneers has convinced me that I was really meant to live out on the prairie with my family and no one else for miles around. Just me and them, living our lives, enjoying each other, farming and cooking and cleaning and basically doing the things I'm doing now minus the constant pressures of the world to compete with the Joneses, be they materialistic Joneses or perfect-spiritual-super-mommy ones. To be able to shout at the top of my voice, which is a fairly formidable decibel level, and not bother anyone. It would be particularly nice if my sisters and parents were there, too, perhaps a mile or two away, close enough to visit often but not too often, if you know what I mean. Jeremy's family could live back east. A letter once every other year or so would probably suffice for them.
Speaking of Jeremy's family, we have just learned that his brother and sister-in-law are pregnant with their third child. This is nice news. What is particularly interesting, though, is how we found out about it. We weren't the first tier of people told, nor were we the second. In fact, we found out more or less by accident after most everyone else knew. The sister-in-law created a cute poem announcement and sent it out via e-mail to basically everyone but us. Interesting. We only found out when Jeremy's mother accidentally included his e-mail address when sending a letter about something else entirely out to all of her sisters, in which she fondly mentioned the joy of having a new baby to love, but clearly not in reference to our pregnancy. When questioned by Jeremy as to the meaning of said statement, she outright denied having sent him the email (he later forwarded it back to her to prove that she had in fact done so. I mean, how the heck would he have known about it if she hadn't sent it to him? I'm sorry, but she's not the brightest bulb in the box sometimes.). Now realizing that we knew something was up, she begrudgingly forwarded the sister-in-law's poem to us. Wow, I am incredibly touched. Here he is Jeremy's own brother, and the schmuck doesn't even bother to call him with the news before his darling wife tells everyone else in the family. Don't even get me started on her. The woman has not said more than two words to me since I married Jeremy. Far be it for her to actually include me in a mass e-mailed announcement or anything. Much, much better that we find out this way. You really couldn't get more insulting.
What really kills me is the knowledge that Jeremy's mother would severely tear into him should he not tell his brother first thing about such news. But Eric? Nooooo, he'll get off without a scratch. You have never witnessed favoritism like these people exhibit. And for what??? Jeremy is a successful engineer supporting a family of six, while his brother got them to take out personal loans so that he could finish college and go on to work at...Walmart! Not as a manager or anything, either! Now he's basically living off of the teaching salary of his wife, who would vastly prefer to just stay home and raise her children, and running off every weekend to go hunting, leaving her alone with the two, soon to be three, little ones. And Jeremy's parents treat him like some kind of king! It's a sad sad state of affairs. These people make me so mad!
Anyway, I remember promising to include something positive in each post, so today's positive thing is...It's Friday! Yay!!! I love weekends! My husband will be home for two whole days and my world will be full and complete. And, as I mentioned, this weekend my boys are getting baptized!!! I am so proud and thrilled for them. I'm sure I will tell you all about it in next week's posts, so stay tuned for details!
Alright, I need to go check on my little sick babooski. TTFN!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Day 50 - Time Flies!
Wow! It's been fifty days since I started this blog! Boy, it really doesn't feel like it was that long ago. Time certainly does fly!
Which is why I am currently desperately trying to do the myriad of things one needs to do to prepare for a baby before it hits Thanksgiving and I find myself dragging my contraction-ridden body across the floor, clutching a crumpled list in one hand and a laundry basket in the other and moaning "so much to do....so much to dooooo." I am lucky to be starting off from a pretty prepared point, since the nursery is already done and I already have most of the baby accessories one needs thanks to Julia. Still, it's amazing how many little things you have to get done before a baby arrives. I have just finished washing all of her clothes and linens in special baby soap and organizing them into the drawers of her little dresser. Already I find myself struggling with too much stuff and too little space. I mean, baby blankets alone take up two drawers! Still, I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of once again getting out the little bitty onesies and teeny tiny little socks (Oh, to nibble on those little baby piggies again!). I really thought when I put them away that I was done with baby clothes for good. It is a deeply satisfying experience to anticipate another sweet little one wearing each adorable outfit. And they're the pink ones! I'm getting out the pink ones again! I mean, I love my boys with all of my heart, but I have to say there is just nothing like little girl outfits. This is why women in the olden days used to dress their baby boys in ruffly white dresses, too. Try to get away with that today, though, and you'll get a vastly different reaction. Probably something about having "issues." I do think I will need a few new little outfits, though. I mean, every little girl needs a few individual pieces in her wardrobe! And then there's the all-important coming home from the hospital outfit. She has to have something special for that!
Today I am going to visit my Grandmother, or Ella-The-Great as my boys call her. I know you all think you have wonderful grandmas, but my grandma is THE grandma. She is pure grandma, through and through. She simply exudes grandmaism. She even smells like a grandma, with that sweet, somewhat baby powder scent that transports you back to a time when you felt completely safe and loved. You have never met a sweeter woman in your life. She's over 90 now, but she's still going strong, and I pray that my girls get to experience a relationship with her like my boys have.
So, I have to cut this blog a little short so we can get going. Perhaps I'll write a little more later. But only if you're really lucky!
Which is why I am currently desperately trying to do the myriad of things one needs to do to prepare for a baby before it hits Thanksgiving and I find myself dragging my contraction-ridden body across the floor, clutching a crumpled list in one hand and a laundry basket in the other and moaning "so much to do....so much to dooooo." I am lucky to be starting off from a pretty prepared point, since the nursery is already done and I already have most of the baby accessories one needs thanks to Julia. Still, it's amazing how many little things you have to get done before a baby arrives. I have just finished washing all of her clothes and linens in special baby soap and organizing them into the drawers of her little dresser. Already I find myself struggling with too much stuff and too little space. I mean, baby blankets alone take up two drawers! Still, I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of once again getting out the little bitty onesies and teeny tiny little socks (Oh, to nibble on those little baby piggies again!). I really thought when I put them away that I was done with baby clothes for good. It is a deeply satisfying experience to anticipate another sweet little one wearing each adorable outfit. And they're the pink ones! I'm getting out the pink ones again! I mean, I love my boys with all of my heart, but I have to say there is just nothing like little girl outfits. This is why women in the olden days used to dress their baby boys in ruffly white dresses, too. Try to get away with that today, though, and you'll get a vastly different reaction. Probably something about having "issues." I do think I will need a few new little outfits, though. I mean, every little girl needs a few individual pieces in her wardrobe! And then there's the all-important coming home from the hospital outfit. She has to have something special for that!
Today I am going to visit my Grandmother, or Ella-The-Great as my boys call her. I know you all think you have wonderful grandmas, but my grandma is THE grandma. She is pure grandma, through and through. She simply exudes grandmaism. She even smells like a grandma, with that sweet, somewhat baby powder scent that transports you back to a time when you felt completely safe and loved. You have never met a sweeter woman in your life. She's over 90 now, but she's still going strong, and I pray that my girls get to experience a relationship with her like my boys have.
So, I have to cut this blog a little short so we can get going. Perhaps I'll write a little more later. But only if you're really lucky!
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Day 49- Morning Has Broken....Me
Ok, I know I have a tendency to be negative about things, and I apologize to those of you who don't like negativity (which begs the question: What the heck are you doing reading this blog???) , but I guess inner Jess is sometimes a rather cynical place. I do try to put something mushy and positive in from time to time (note: see happy happy joy joy. I mean, if that's not the most positively sickening thing you've ever read then...well, you must be reading my sister's blog too. :} ). Really, my life is so amazingly wonderful that I should not have one negative thing to say ever. I mean, seriously, I love my life. As I've noted before, I have the best job ever, plus a husband who is so good to me, and a family that supports me, and kids who are simply amazing, and, I could go on and on and on... So, in the interest of showing my gratitude for a truly blessed life, I am going to try to write at least one positive thing in every blog. If, like me, you tend to say "Gack!" whenever you read too much positive crap (particularly if you tune in first thing in the morning when, let's face it, sunshiney people make you want to get out your shotgun), you can skip down to the * sign, where I will once again commence my usual cynical angst-filled diatribes.
So, today's positive point is about the incredibly wonderful news I received just the other day from my sister Steph. This is the sister, you may recall, who I think is "very cool" due to her heroic efforts to make this world a better place by putting away all the nasty, villainous, bad guys in New Mexico. Well, she has found another way to make this world a better place, and that is by bringing forth her own little mini-me to continue her valiant efforts when she retires. That's right, she's having...(drumroll please)... a BABY!!!!! I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to announce that now, right Steph? If not, everyone will be instructed to forget what they just read or face the little blinky light used by the Men In Black (oh yeah, I have some serious connections. Don't test me!). I am so excited for her, and I know she will be a wonderful mother. I haven't met Sidney yet, but it sounds like he'll be a great father, too. So, CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE AND SID!!!!!!!!! I will be praying for a healthy and happy pregnancy leading to a healthy and happy child!
* Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled negative diatribe. Today's topic is mornings. I don't know why exactly, but morning is by far the worst time of day for me. I do not get up easily. Basically, from the moment the alarm goes off, my body and mind enter into an epic battle over whether it's really so important to get up or if it wouldn't be better to stay in bed for, say, another five minutes. Make that ten. Perhaps an hour or two? Which is the point where my mind usually puts a foot down and says "enough already!" forcing my body to get up or risk a spontaneous lobotomy. This battle gets decidedly more difficult to win as A) my pregnant belly gets bigger and thus harder to heave off of the mattress and B) the mornings get darker and more gloomy thanks to the onset of Autumn. This morning, I was so late getting up that, when I finally did open the bedroom door, I overheard my husband giving instructions to Jacob on how to get himself ready and to the bus stop on time if I didn't make it. Very sad. And then, of course, there is the morbidly depressing thought that he probably would prefer to get himself to the bus stop rather than be accompanied by an anti-social zombie who manages little more than a grunt of acknowledgment when addressed by all the other chipper morning-loving super-mommies already waiting there. Waiter, can I have what they're having? Because somehow my coffee is not working so well anymore. Perhaps a shot of adrenaline? Anyone know where I can get a lifetime's supply?
Usually I feel better by, say, 9:00 or so. Which is better, I suppose, than my college days, when I didn't start feeling like a human until, say, dinner time. Aahhh college. Now that was the life....
So, today's positive point is about the incredibly wonderful news I received just the other day from my sister Steph. This is the sister, you may recall, who I think is "very cool" due to her heroic efforts to make this world a better place by putting away all the nasty, villainous, bad guys in New Mexico. Well, she has found another way to make this world a better place, and that is by bringing forth her own little mini-me to continue her valiant efforts when she retires. That's right, she's having...(drumroll please)... a BABY!!!!! I'm pretty sure I'm allowed to announce that now, right Steph? If not, everyone will be instructed to forget what they just read or face the little blinky light used by the Men In Black (oh yeah, I have some serious connections. Don't test me!). I am so excited for her, and I know she will be a wonderful mother. I haven't met Sidney yet, but it sounds like he'll be a great father, too. So, CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE AND SID!!!!!!!!! I will be praying for a healthy and happy pregnancy leading to a healthy and happy child!
* Ok, now back to your regularly scheduled negative diatribe. Today's topic is mornings. I don't know why exactly, but morning is by far the worst time of day for me. I do not get up easily. Basically, from the moment the alarm goes off, my body and mind enter into an epic battle over whether it's really so important to get up or if it wouldn't be better to stay in bed for, say, another five minutes. Make that ten. Perhaps an hour or two? Which is the point where my mind usually puts a foot down and says "enough already!" forcing my body to get up or risk a spontaneous lobotomy. This battle gets decidedly more difficult to win as A) my pregnant belly gets bigger and thus harder to heave off of the mattress and B) the mornings get darker and more gloomy thanks to the onset of Autumn. This morning, I was so late getting up that, when I finally did open the bedroom door, I overheard my husband giving instructions to Jacob on how to get himself ready and to the bus stop on time if I didn't make it. Very sad. And then, of course, there is the morbidly depressing thought that he probably would prefer to get himself to the bus stop rather than be accompanied by an anti-social zombie who manages little more than a grunt of acknowledgment when addressed by all the other chipper morning-loving super-mommies already waiting there. Waiter, can I have what they're having? Because somehow my coffee is not working so well anymore. Perhaps a shot of adrenaline? Anyone know where I can get a lifetime's supply?
Usually I feel better by, say, 9:00 or so. Which is better, I suppose, than my college days, when I didn't start feeling like a human until, say, dinner time. Aahhh college. Now that was the life....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)