Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Everly Ivy
Hey all...Heth is up at the hospital enjoying the spa-type treatment that she gets at our local hospital's birthing center. She deserves it, so I'm more than happy to hold down the fort while she's up there. I'm not really holding anything though since I have received a ton of help from family.
Anyway, I have instructions to report here that we have an addition to the Laundry family in the form of a new daughter...Everly Ivy.
Born: 08.24.2009 @ 3:58 a.m.
Weight: 7lbs 5oz
Length: 20"
Heth will most certainly post up the birth story and whatnot when she comes home. But hopefully this will tide you all over until then.
-Nate
Anyway, I have instructions to report here that we have an addition to the Laundry family in the form of a new daughter...Everly Ivy.
Born: 08.24.2009 @ 3:58 a.m.
Weight: 7lbs 5oz
Length: 20"
Heth will most certainly post up the birth story and whatnot when she comes home. But hopefully this will tide you all over until then.
-Nate
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Still Nothing
No baby yet. But it's still early, I'm not due until Monday. That means we are looking at Tuesday or Wednesday at the earliest.
We are down to the last Sunday at church. You know, the one where you don't want to go because everyone will be saying "You're still here?" But if you don't go everyone will think you are at the hospital, giving birth. Maybe my answer to the "You're still here?" and "You haven't had that baby yet?" should be a snarky "No, I had it three days ago but we left it at home. And I'm still really, really fat."
The last week makes me so grouchy.
On a more cheerful note, things I am looking forward too:
Still no names.
Still haven't packed my bag.
We are down to the last Sunday at church. You know, the one where you don't want to go because everyone will be saying "You're still here?" But if you don't go everyone will think you are at the hospital, giving birth. Maybe my answer to the "You're still here?" and "You haven't had that baby yet?" should be a snarky "No, I had it three days ago but we left it at home. And I'm still really, really fat."
The last week makes me so grouchy.
On a more cheerful note, things I am looking forward too:
- Nursing a newborn
- Wearing the baby in the Moby Wrap
- Being able to tie my own shoes
- Being able to roll over in bed in under 5 minutes
Still no names.
Still haven't packed my bag.
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Wedding
Wow.
I talked to my mom this afternoon, and we came to the conclusion that there are just no words even remotely adequate to describe the weekend. It went way too fast and we want to do it all over again at least three times so we can further enjoy it.
My little brother Gabe married a most beautiful, vibrant, giggly, amazing lady on Saturday. Watching the two of them together was pure joy. The ceremony was filled with elements of who they both are as people, including the most precious surprise song by the bride. I thought I was going to be able to keep it together until she started singing and then it was all over.
Either that or I was crying because of my feet. I bought my most favoritest shoes ever for the wedding. I tried to resist them in the store and it turns out they were irresistible. I had to have them. I went back for them. Standing on that stage, they were just painful enough to keep me distracted from the emotions of the ceremony. I kept my concentration, trying to discreetly shift my pregnant, front-heavy weight to prevent the balls of my feet from starting on fire. I questioned whether or not I would make it. But then Naomi sang and as I listened to those lyrics my feet faded into some distant place in the back of my mind.
Watching the two of them during their vows, while being prayed for by their parents, as they placed rings on each other's fingers was such a privilege. It is so clear that God brought them together and I'm so excited for their future together.
Here are some of my favorite moments from the weekend:
I talked to my mom this afternoon, and we came to the conclusion that there are just no words even remotely adequate to describe the weekend. It went way too fast and we want to do it all over again at least three times so we can further enjoy it.
My little brother Gabe married a most beautiful, vibrant, giggly, amazing lady on Saturday. Watching the two of them together was pure joy. The ceremony was filled with elements of who they both are as people, including the most precious surprise song by the bride. I thought I was going to be able to keep it together until she started singing and then it was all over.
Either that or I was crying because of my feet. I bought my most favoritest shoes ever for the wedding. I tried to resist them in the store and it turns out they were irresistible. I had to have them. I went back for them. Standing on that stage, they were just painful enough to keep me distracted from the emotions of the ceremony. I kept my concentration, trying to discreetly shift my pregnant, front-heavy weight to prevent the balls of my feet from starting on fire. I questioned whether or not I would make it. But then Naomi sang and as I listened to those lyrics my feet faded into some distant place in the back of my mind.
Watching the two of them during their vows, while being prayed for by their parents, as they placed rings on each other's fingers was such a privilege. It is so clear that God brought them together and I'm so excited for their future together.
Here are some of my favorite moments from the weekend:
Naomi, the night before the wedding, sooo excited to be getting married!
The whole family.
Nate and Heth, all dressed up.
Kissing on a bench.
Gabe and Naomi with the ringbearers and flower girl. Jack walked down the aisle, carrying Toby under his armpits. Austin refused, he already did it right twice in rehearsal, three times was too much to ask. Gemma had been waiting for that moment her whole life and glided down the aisle.
Naomi and Gemma.
The reception was outside under a tent. It rained off and on, but nothing could put a damper on the gorgeous day. But you should see Gemma's dress....
We love you Gabe and Naomi. Happy Marriage to you!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
More Than Just the Top Gun Love Theme Song
"Take My Breath Aaaaaaway." Brings back great memories doesn't it? Ahhh Goose, Iceman, and Tom Cruise in aviators. But that's not what this post is about.
Up until now, there have been certain things that have left me breathless. The list varies from person to person but mine included things such as:
Dude, I can't breathe any more. 38.5 weeks and we are in the home stretch. This weekend we head out of state for my little brother's wedding. (Shh, I haven't told my doctors.) The hope is that the baby stays put until we get back. But whether it's in our home town hospital or on the side of the interstate, I guarantee you that meeting this baby will take my breath away.
Up until now, there have been certain things that have left me breathless. The list varies from person to person but mine included things such as:
- A slow, vibrant sunset
- A baby's belly laugh
- A good, long, kiss from my husband
- Walking up the stairs
- Folding socks
- Unloading the dishwasher
- Making a sandwich
Dude, I can't breathe any more. 38.5 weeks and we are in the home stretch. This weekend we head out of state for my little brother's wedding. (Shh, I haven't told my doctors.) The hope is that the baby stays put until we get back. But whether it's in our home town hospital or on the side of the interstate, I guarantee you that meeting this baby will take my breath away.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Now To Sharpen All Those #2 Pencils
Write this year down in the record books, the Laundry Pile family school supplies are purchased and there are still 13 days until school starts. It's unbelievable, really. Backpacks are packed, names have been Sharpied on every last item, and we are ready to line up for that first bell.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Not Gonna Be From The Top Ten
I am 37 weeks, 3 days. Might be a good idea to think of some names huh?!
I joke that we have used all the names that we agree on. It's somewhat true. The last few kiddos, we have implemented a new plan, he thinks of a boy name, I think of a girl name. Since we don't find out the sex ahead of time, one of us is declared the "winner" in the delivery room and names the poor child.
For one of our kids, we made two lists, boy and girl, of possible names on a napkin at Applebees. We rated the names and did the math as to which one was the winner. Pretty scientific huh? That napkin is in their baby book. It's the only thing in their baby book. At least that one HAS a baby book.
With the first four or five kids, I made a nightly ritual of combing the 1001 baby name book. I would lay in bed and night and throw out random names at Nate, only to be shut down. We did that until the binding on the book split and it had to be thrown away.
This time, I'm getting text messages. "How about ********?" And I reply. "No way." I'm still hanging on to the two names, boy and girl, that he hasn't particularly liked from day one. One of these days we will agree.
One of these 18 days left.
I joke that we have used all the names that we agree on. It's somewhat true. The last few kiddos, we have implemented a new plan, he thinks of a boy name, I think of a girl name. Since we don't find out the sex ahead of time, one of us is declared the "winner" in the delivery room and names the poor child.
For one of our kids, we made two lists, boy and girl, of possible names on a napkin at Applebees. We rated the names and did the math as to which one was the winner. Pretty scientific huh? That napkin is in their baby book. It's the only thing in their baby book. At least that one HAS a baby book.
With the first four or five kids, I made a nightly ritual of combing the 1001 baby name book. I would lay in bed and night and throw out random names at Nate, only to be shut down. We did that until the binding on the book split and it had to be thrown away.
This time, I'm getting text messages. "How about ********?" And I reply. "No way." I'm still hanging on to the two names, boy and girl, that he hasn't particularly liked from day one. One of these days we will agree.
One of these 18 days left.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
The Pool
It's my annual I-love-the-pool post. I do it every summer.
The town pool is irresistible to me. On any even slightly warmish, slightly sunnyish day, it sings it's siren song and my resistance crumbles. We don our summer uniforms consisting of trunks and tankinis and we load up the van. When we arrive, we parade through the shower room and take our positions. Everyone at the pool has their "spot". Ever so often an unknowing pool newbie will plop their stuff down in our spot. An opportunity for me to practice grace and mercy. The bag of pool toys gets dumped out for the pool community to share, and the begging for snacks begins. Because that is why my children come to the pool. To eat.
My number one pool pet peeve:
When people bring expensive, special toys to the pool and then guard them with their lives. This is the baby pool filled with lots of little people who haven't learned to share yet. Let's not perpetuate the problem. Let's share or let's just leave it home. Your kid can use my kids' cheap , plastic watering can, I don't mind.
So the one problem I run into is nap time. Every year I either have a baby or a toddler at the pool, nap time is tricky. Should I lay them down early in order to get it out of the way before we go or should I tempt fate and maybe they will sleep at the pool giving me a rare opportunity to sit down and not chase them all over kingdom come? Tough call.
Yesterday I tempted fate and Toby became my favorite child of the day. A little shade, a little Plumb on the iPod, all wrapped up in mom's favorite pool cover up, and he was out. It was a good day at the pool.
The town pool is irresistible to me. On any even slightly warmish, slightly sunnyish day, it sings it's siren song and my resistance crumbles. We don our summer uniforms consisting of trunks and tankinis and we load up the van. When we arrive, we parade through the shower room and take our positions. Everyone at the pool has their "spot". Ever so often an unknowing pool newbie will plop their stuff down in our spot. An opportunity for me to practice grace and mercy. The bag of pool toys gets dumped out for the pool community to share, and the begging for snacks begins. Because that is why my children come to the pool. To eat.
My number one pool pet peeve:
When people bring expensive, special toys to the pool and then guard them with their lives. This is the baby pool filled with lots of little people who haven't learned to share yet. Let's not perpetuate the problem. Let's share or let's just leave it home. Your kid can use my kids' cheap , plastic watering can, I don't mind.
So the one problem I run into is nap time. Every year I either have a baby or a toddler at the pool, nap time is tricky. Should I lay them down early in order to get it out of the way before we go or should I tempt fate and maybe they will sleep at the pool giving me a rare opportunity to sit down and not chase them all over kingdom come? Tough call.
Yesterday I tempted fate and Toby became my favorite child of the day. A little shade, a little Plumb on the iPod, all wrapped up in mom's favorite pool cover up, and he was out. It was a good day at the pool.
Friday, July 31, 2009
A Repost. Because I Need the Reminder
(This was originally posted on May 7th 2007)
Taming the Waddle: A How To.
The side to side sway of a pregnant woman in motion is endearing. That is as long as you aren't the actual pregnant woman. When you start logging more left-right miles than forward ones, you know you are officially waddling. I have put together this little How-To (or how-not-to) for the benefit of pregnant mothers everywhere.
The Why of the Waddle:
We can blame it on the hormones. Don't we blame everything on the hormones? Global warming? Must be the hormones. Crying over a stack of dirty dishes? Must be the hormones. Food going bad in the fridge? Hormones. But this one is legit. The hips are falling apart. Literally. Hormones cause all the ligaments in your hips to stretch and the cartilage to soften. A big ole baby has to pass through there, remember? And so, the way is prepared. But it leads to soreness in the hips and the classic waddle. Lovely.
Most of the time, around the house I just go with it. I sway and lumber around not caring how long it takes me to get across the room and definitely not caring how clumsy I appear. Oh my goodness, gracefulness went out the window many moons ago. But there are public situations where I would prefer to appear a bit more controlled. The side to side saunter isn't necessarily what I'm going for. So I try with all my might to appear to be a normal walking human being. Here is what I have come up with.
Concentration:
This is huge. Diverting your body from the natural way that it wants to cross the room is no small feat. This is going to take some serious focus. So gather your thoughts, pour every ounce of brain energy that you have into this. You may want to avoid conversing. This is no time to multi-task.
Eyes:
Now, following the theme of concentration, it might help you to focus your eyes on a specific point on the other side of the room near your destination. Lock on. Don't look to the left or the right. Again, we need to concentrate here.
Posture:
This is the time to practice everything your mother taught you. She didn't remind you to "stand up straight" for nothing. She had foresight. This is the moment to call upon that wisdom and put it into practice. So, tuck those hips back under yourself. Pull in whatever abs are holding on for dear life under that belly. Chest up, shoulders back. Whew! This is hard isn't it?!
Motion:
Ok, here we go. Now the most important thing is to keep those legs in line. They are going to want to turn out and go the path of least resistance, but we need to bring them under submission. At least until we get across the room. Take it slow, one foot in front of the other in a straight line. Keep the head up, keep the shoulders back. Avoid scowling. Seriously, you are going to want to scowl.
Once you have made it to your destination across the room, find a chair. That was a high impact workout, you deserve to sit down. Make sure you don't do too much too soon. You might want to work your way up from a few steps to a walk across the room. Eventually you may even be able to shop for an hour or so with out waddling. That is for the advanced student though, so don't push yourself.
I hope this was an informative tutorial. I am my own student, trying my best to glide across the room in this distorted body of mine. If you see me and I am walking, please don't try to talk to me. I'm concentrating.
Taming the Waddle: A How To.
The side to side sway of a pregnant woman in motion is endearing. That is as long as you aren't the actual pregnant woman. When you start logging more left-right miles than forward ones, you know you are officially waddling. I have put together this little How-To (or how-not-to) for the benefit of pregnant mothers everywhere.
The Why of the Waddle:
We can blame it on the hormones. Don't we blame everything on the hormones? Global warming? Must be the hormones. Crying over a stack of dirty dishes? Must be the hormones. Food going bad in the fridge? Hormones. But this one is legit. The hips are falling apart. Literally. Hormones cause all the ligaments in your hips to stretch and the cartilage to soften. A big ole baby has to pass through there, remember? And so, the way is prepared. But it leads to soreness in the hips and the classic waddle. Lovely.
Most of the time, around the house I just go with it. I sway and lumber around not caring how long it takes me to get across the room and definitely not caring how clumsy I appear. Oh my goodness, gracefulness went out the window many moons ago. But there are public situations where I would prefer to appear a bit more controlled. The side to side saunter isn't necessarily what I'm going for. So I try with all my might to appear to be a normal walking human being. Here is what I have come up with.
Concentration:
This is huge. Diverting your body from the natural way that it wants to cross the room is no small feat. This is going to take some serious focus. So gather your thoughts, pour every ounce of brain energy that you have into this. You may want to avoid conversing. This is no time to multi-task.
Eyes:
Now, following the theme of concentration, it might help you to focus your eyes on a specific point on the other side of the room near your destination. Lock on. Don't look to the left or the right. Again, we need to concentrate here.
Posture:
This is the time to practice everything your mother taught you. She didn't remind you to "stand up straight" for nothing. She had foresight. This is the moment to call upon that wisdom and put it into practice. So, tuck those hips back under yourself. Pull in whatever abs are holding on for dear life under that belly. Chest up, shoulders back. Whew! This is hard isn't it?!
Motion:
Ok, here we go. Now the most important thing is to keep those legs in line. They are going to want to turn out and go the path of least resistance, but we need to bring them under submission. At least until we get across the room. Take it slow, one foot in front of the other in a straight line. Keep the head up, keep the shoulders back. Avoid scowling. Seriously, you are going to want to scowl.
Once you have made it to your destination across the room, find a chair. That was a high impact workout, you deserve to sit down. Make sure you don't do too much too soon. You might want to work your way up from a few steps to a walk across the room. Eventually you may even be able to shop for an hour or so with out waddling. That is for the advanced student though, so don't push yourself.
I hope this was an informative tutorial. I am my own student, trying my best to glide across the room in this distorted body of mine. If you see me and I am walking, please don't try to talk to me. I'm concentrating.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tub Talk
Three kids in the tub: Jack, Gemma, and Toby. I overhear the following conversation:
Jack: "Don't drink the water, people pee in it."
Gemma: "Like I did?"
Jack: "Like I'm doing right now."
Jack: "Don't drink the water, people pee in it."
Gemma: "Like I did?"
Jack: "Like I'm doing right now."
Thursday, July 23, 2009
A Short List
Things I love about summer that don't have anything to do with the pool:
- Fresh blueberries are finally affordable.
- So are cherries. So messy but so yummy.
- Bare feet not only inside but outside too.
- Spur of the moment marshmallow roasting on the deck.
- Eating way more than my fair share of marshmallows because I'm the mom.
- The hum of lawn mowers.
- Watching my flower beds change each year.
- The smell of chlorine (Sorry, I couldn't resist. I love the pool)
Monday, July 20, 2009
A Vacation Post
We got back from vacation almost two weeks ago and it's been a whirlwind ever since. I'm finally getting around to posting a few pics.
The first two days we were there, we were shivering. Minnesota weather is so unpredictable. Then the sun came out, the temperature rose, and we were able to do what we love most: veg out at the beach. And of course, on the way home, we stopped at Treasure City. Just like we always do.
Here are a few of my favorite pics.
The first two days we were there, we were shivering. Minnesota weather is so unpredictable. Then the sun came out, the temperature rose, and we were able to do what we love most: veg out at the beach. And of course, on the way home, we stopped at Treasure City. Just like we always do.
Here are a few of my favorite pics.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Checking in.
I promise I'm still alive. It's just that we got back from vacation and then it was Jack's birthday and now we are finishing up a week of Vacation Bible School.
Oh, and I'm 34 weeks pregnant.
I'm tired.
Oh, and I'm 34 weeks pregnant.
I'm tired.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
To My Newly Six Year Old
Dear Jack,
Before I say anything else, I have to apologize for cutting your bangs two days before your birthday. Not sure what I was thinking. They aren't straight, that's for sure. You look like you should be a member of the Beatles. Don't worry, I have an appointment for you to get it fixed tomorrow morning, but that's one day late for all the birthday pictures. Sorry.
You are an absolute joy. Six suits you. That smirk, the giggle, the witty comments. Not a day goes by that you don't totally crack me up. I hope you enjoyed your birthday. It started with donuts and ended with candy.
When we snuck away to Dairy Queen together this afternoon I couldn't help but chuckle. I was heading out of the driveway to drop Tyler off at baseball practice and on a whim I invited you to jump in the backseat, fully prepared to sneak some ice cream with you. It wasn't until we were almost there that I thought to take a look at what you were wearing. A glance in the rearview mirror confirmed what I suspected. You were wearing the shirt you slept in, a pair of shorts and no shoes. But you know what? It's your birthday so whatever. I let you pick anything you wanted off the menu and you chose the most expensive thing they offer and then ate just a few bites. We sat out on the picnic table and talked about what you wanted to buy with all you birthday money. So many options.
I know some day your voice will drop an octave and you won't skip the number 38 when you count to 100. You will probably eventually brush your teeth unprompted. For now I'm just trying to eat up every moment with you. Happy birthday buddy.
Mom
Before I say anything else, I have to apologize for cutting your bangs two days before your birthday. Not sure what I was thinking. They aren't straight, that's for sure. You look like you should be a member of the Beatles. Don't worry, I have an appointment for you to get it fixed tomorrow morning, but that's one day late for all the birthday pictures. Sorry.
You are an absolute joy. Six suits you. That smirk, the giggle, the witty comments. Not a day goes by that you don't totally crack me up. I hope you enjoyed your birthday. It started with donuts and ended with candy.
When we snuck away to Dairy Queen together this afternoon I couldn't help but chuckle. I was heading out of the driveway to drop Tyler off at baseball practice and on a whim I invited you to jump in the backseat, fully prepared to sneak some ice cream with you. It wasn't until we were almost there that I thought to take a look at what you were wearing. A glance in the rearview mirror confirmed what I suspected. You were wearing the shirt you slept in, a pair of shorts and no shoes. But you know what? It's your birthday so whatever. I let you pick anything you wanted off the menu and you chose the most expensive thing they offer and then ate just a few bites. We sat out on the picnic table and talked about what you wanted to buy with all you birthday money. So many options.
I know some day your voice will drop an octave and you won't skip the number 38 when you count to 100. You will probably eventually brush your teeth unprompted. For now I'm just trying to eat up every moment with you. Happy birthday buddy.
Mom
Sunday, June 28, 2009
I'll Be Sitting On The Beach With A Good Book
Today after church we head out for vacation at the lake.
Suitcases? Check
Jet skis? Check
Annual day-before-vacation emotional meltdown? Check
Am I the only mother who is overwhelmed by the amount of work it takes to get ready for relaxation? Every year I question the sanity of even going when the preparation stresses me out so much. There is always so much grumbling and crying and gnashing of teeth, and that's not the kids that's me. Bless Nate's heart, he has come to expect it and does an amazing job waiting it out and enduring the Heth until I finally come around and we roll out of the driveway, beach bound.
It's all worth it, laying on a floaty in the crystal clear water, soaking up the sun.
Adios! I'll be at the beach.
Suitcases? Check
Jet skis? Check
Annual day-before-vacation emotional meltdown? Check
Am I the only mother who is overwhelmed by the amount of work it takes to get ready for relaxation? Every year I question the sanity of even going when the preparation stresses me out so much. There is always so much grumbling and crying and gnashing of teeth, and that's not the kids that's me. Bless Nate's heart, he has come to expect it and does an amazing job waiting it out and enduring the Heth until I finally come around and we roll out of the driveway, beach bound.
It's all worth it, laying on a floaty in the crystal clear water, soaking up the sun.
Adios! I'll be at the beach.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
How To Be Pregnant In the Summer
With the temps and humidity both hitting the 90s, (ok, maybe not the humidity, but it feels like it) I have discovered the secret of how to not swell up like a balloon this summer. The belly is swelling like a balloon, but it's supposed to.
Yesterday we headed to the pool at one o'clock. I planted my behind on the prickly cement, feet dangling in the water, it was the stuff dreams are made of. At least my dreams. I only had to leave for about forty five minutes to go to my 31 week appointment just a few blocks away. I went in my suit. I'm sure the OB appreciated that.
And then it was back to the pool. We didn't pack up and leave until seven pm. It was one of those days where the stars aligned and no one was whining to go home. At least until supper time. Today we are all moving a little cautiously, what with the pink shoulders and noses. I love it.
Now THIS is summer.
Yesterday we headed to the pool at one o'clock. I planted my behind on the prickly cement, feet dangling in the water, it was the stuff dreams are made of. At least my dreams. I only had to leave for about forty five minutes to go to my 31 week appointment just a few blocks away. I went in my suit. I'm sure the OB appreciated that.
And then it was back to the pool. We didn't pack up and leave until seven pm. It was one of those days where the stars aligned and no one was whining to go home. At least until supper time. Today we are all moving a little cautiously, what with the pink shoulders and noses. I love it.
Now THIS is summer.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Mexico
Nate has been out of town for the last week. He was on a mission trip to Mexico. I didn't say anything about him being gone while he was gone, you know, axe murderers and everything.
It was a roller coaster of a week. We had a couple crazy incidents with kiddos, one involving a child who scaled the front of the entertainment center in pursuit of a DVD on the top. Of course, like I have always warned would happen, the whole thing came crashing down on top of the child, who is totally OK by the way. Stuff like that. Dear, dear friends of ours moved away quite suddenly this week. We miss them already.
But through it all I had such an amazing emotional strength and peace. A peace that can't be explained. Nate arrived at ten forty five last night and it is so, so good to have him home.
It was a roller coaster of a week. We had a couple crazy incidents with kiddos, one involving a child who scaled the front of the entertainment center in pursuit of a DVD on the top. Of course, like I have always warned would happen, the whole thing came crashing down on top of the child, who is totally OK by the way. Stuff like that. Dear, dear friends of ours moved away quite suddenly this week. We miss them already.
But through it all I had such an amazing emotional strength and peace. A peace that can't be explained. Nate arrived at ten forty five last night and it is so, so good to have him home.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Four: The Real Story
Don't let the sweet grin and cute little bob fool you. The previous post about my newly four year old is a snapshot of sugar and spice and all that is nice. That's not the truth. The truth is, the past few weeks have brought out a whole 'nother side of Gemma. A side that is the "terrible twos" multiplied by two...thousand.
We have entered a new phase of wildly swinging emotions, flailing-writhing temper tantrums, and lots of tears. Is four the new fourteen? Every day I have to make the weighty decision; do I try for the nap or not? Is it worth it? On most nap days she wakes up like a raging bear roused prematurely from hibernation. It's a gamble. Are those minutes of silence worth the aftermath?
Oh let this pass quickly. Please, for the love of all that is right and good, let's just skip straight to five.
We have entered a new phase of wildly swinging emotions, flailing-writhing temper tantrums, and lots of tears. Is four the new fourteen? Every day I have to make the weighty decision; do I try for the nap or not? Is it worth it? On most nap days she wakes up like a raging bear roused prematurely from hibernation. It's a gamble. Are those minutes of silence worth the aftermath?
Oh let this pass quickly. Please, for the love of all that is right and good, let's just skip straight to five.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
School's Out
Summer is upon us. The kids are out of school and spending the days climbing trees, riding bikes, making backyard forts, and toad hunting.
My poor, poor flower beds.
Recent casualties include:
On a happier note, I finally cleared off my kitchen table. (Don't count the days on that one) and we are finally eating indoors, all together again. Hallelujah.
My poor, poor flower beds.
Recent casualties include:
- My Bleeding Heart and surrounding ferns murdered by little boys looking for a soft place to "camp".
- A struggling little baby hosta, trying to find it's way in the cold hard world but living too close to the egress window, the potential home to small animals who have fallen into their prison
- Colombine, plucked for it's unique blossom shape, the perfect addition to a home grown backyard concoction of some kind.
On a happier note, I finally cleared off my kitchen table. (Don't count the days on that one) and we are finally eating indoors, all together again. Hallelujah.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Pray
“To pray, I think, does not mean to think about God in contrast to thinking about other things, or to spend time with God instead of spending time with other people. Rather, it means to think and live in the presence of God. As soon as we begin to divide our thoughts about God and thoughts about people and events, we remove God from our daily life and put him into a pious little niche where we can think pious thoughts and experience pious feelings. … Although it is important and even indispensable for the spiritual life to set apart time for God and God alone, prayer can only become unceasing prayer when all our thoughts —beautiful or ugly, high or low, proud or shameful, sorrowful or joyful —can be thought in the presence of God. … Thus, converting our unceasing thinking into unceasing prayer moves us from a self-centered monologue to a God-centered dialogue.”
-Henri Nouwen
Disclaimer: I am not endorsing Henri Nouwen or his teachings. I don't know enough about him to make that call. I just know that when I read this quote it really resonated with me, especailly the part in bold. (Emphasis mine) I know that for me personally, it's true that the majority of my thought life is a "self centered monologue" and my deisre is that it becomes a God-centered dialogue.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
"Break Resistant" Is Not The Same As Shatter Proof
Tonight's mess makes the top five Laundry Pile Family messes of all time. Maybe the top three.
Others in the top five include :
Tonight we were eating supper on the deck. While that sounds summery, nostalgic, and very Norman Rockwell of us, the reality is that I have too many stacks of to-be-sorted papers on the kitchen table to actually eat there. So we ate our BLT's outside. One plate ended up balancing on the deck railing and eventually made the inevitable plunge down, down, down into the sandbox. Which would have been fine except for the fact that our artsy-fartsy sandbox is edged in boulders. Of course the plate landed directly on one of the boulders and proceeded to shatter into a million pieces, most of them microscopic. I almost cried.
The glass was as widespread as ten feet away from the original break all the way into the grass. I hand picked every single visible piece and then I skimmed off the top layer of sand. The sandbox is now off limits to all children until the sand can be replaced.
Tomorrow is the last day of school. Nothing says summer vacation like a sandbox full of shards of glass. Good dang times.
Others in the top five include :
- Jack Vs. The Carpet.
- An incident that was pre-blogging days involving our oldest child (then two-ish), an entire jug of liquid laundry detergent, and the bedroom carpet of our rented apartment.
- Anything involving barf.
- Anything involving Desitin
Tonight we were eating supper on the deck. While that sounds summery, nostalgic, and very Norman Rockwell of us, the reality is that I have too many stacks of to-be-sorted papers on the kitchen table to actually eat there. So we ate our BLT's outside. One plate ended up balancing on the deck railing and eventually made the inevitable plunge down, down, down into the sandbox. Which would have been fine except for the fact that our artsy-fartsy sandbox is edged in boulders. Of course the plate landed directly on one of the boulders and proceeded to shatter into a million pieces, most of them microscopic. I almost cried.
The glass was as widespread as ten feet away from the original break all the way into the grass. I hand picked every single visible piece and then I skimmed off the top layer of sand. The sandbox is now off limits to all children until the sand can be replaced.
Tomorrow is the last day of school. Nothing says summer vacation like a sandbox full of shards of glass. Good dang times.
Monday, June 01, 2009
I Know He Will Never Be Terrible
Toby turned two on Saturday. We celebrated by going out to eat as a family. Since little Mr. Man hasn't had the greatest track record at restaurants lately, we decided to go somewhere that would be appropriate for a squirmy two year old. Burger King Playland.
We drove to the nearby Bigger Town and hit a BK that we had never been to before. We ventured into the unknown and explored strange new worlds, we sought out new life and new civilizations, we went where no man has gone before. We came out with an obscene number of little cheap Star Trek toys that say "Beam me up." when you hit the button. Imagine how fun the ride home was. They have all been confiscated.
Here we have birthday boy appropriately celebrating with two toddler sized burgers.
We drove to the nearby Bigger Town and hit a BK that we had never been to before. We ventured into the unknown and explored strange new worlds, we sought out new life and new civilizations, we went where no man has gone before. We came out with an obscene number of little cheap Star Trek toys that say "Beam me up." when you hit the button. Imagine how fun the ride home was. They have all been confiscated.
Here we have birthday boy appropriately celebrating with two toddler sized burgers.
Happy Birthday Toby.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Flowers
Let me share some of my early summer flowers with you.
My soon-to-be sister in law took this photo of some Lily of the Valley. I just love the shallow depth of field in this photo, it looks almost lacy.
Iris buds remind me of lipsticks twisted all the way up. Either that or ballet slippers. I'm weird like that.
Along that same association theme, this fuchsia plant makes me think of a Barbie I had when I was a kid. She was some kind of a fancy formal Barbie who had a ruffly salsa type dress that could be wrapped around her body in all different ways to create different looks. It was the same colors as this fuchsia. Again, weird. I know.
I had a lot of fun playing with the depth of field and these daisy buds. I'm so excited for them to bloom, this plant is loaded this year.
Remember our sand box project a couple years ago? The plants are really filling in. It's going to look great when they are all blooming. The kids keep moving the rocks around. I give up. It's their sand box, let them rearrange.
I took this one last night in the early evening when the sun was filtering through the trees in our backyard. It was one of those serene moments where everything is lovely, and you just want to lay back in the grass, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Food and Fun and Food
The internet has undoubtedly expanded my recipe choices. Thanks Al Gore! I hit my family with something new, yet again. This one went over a little better, for the most part. There is just something about a salad for supper in the summer time. Light, fresh, and yummy, it always hits the spot on a hot day. As soon as I saw this one, I knew I had to try it. Spicy Honey Chicken Salad. Mmmm.
The avocados were not a favorite with some of the kids, but they loved mango. Everyone was asking for more chicken, it was fantastic.
We got together with friends for some Memorial Day grilling and I knew I wanted to make that chicken, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I also took a Pioneer Woman recipe. She hasn't let me down yet. Everything on her site is amazing. The Fluffy New Potatoes went over well. They were just the right size to pop in your mouth. Not necessarily a good thing.
A for sure good thing? Playing the paper game with a fifteen crazy friends. Hilarious.
The avocados were not a favorite with some of the kids, but they loved mango. Everyone was asking for more chicken, it was fantastic.
We got together with friends for some Memorial Day grilling and I knew I wanted to make that chicken, I couldn't get it out of my mind. I also took a Pioneer Woman recipe. She hasn't let me down yet. Everything on her site is amazing. The Fluffy New Potatoes went over well. They were just the right size to pop in your mouth. Not necessarily a good thing.
A for sure good thing? Playing the paper game with a fifteen crazy friends. Hilarious.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Because Casual Is The New Dressy
When our seven year old laid eyes on this photo of me and Nate circa 1993ish, he erupted into laughter. Nate probed as to the reason, what could possibly be so hilarious? He started with the obvious, "Is it because dad is a lot skinnier in this picture?" No. "The ridiculous glasses?" No. "Then what?"
"DAD! You have your shirt stuffed into your pants!"
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Breathe Deeply
On either side of my front steps grows a little patch of lily of the valley. Despite being trampled by small feet that cut across, right through the green leaves to the steps, it continues to grow. Every April and May up shoot little stems adorned with neat rows of dangling, delicate white bells. They are so dainty and so sweet to look at, but even more appealing is the aroma. I'm not sure how such a powerful fragrance can come from such a small flower. I cut a couple of stems, stuck them in a little jar, and put them in the window sill over the kitchen sink.
As I stand there on the sticky kitchen floor amongst the piles of dirty dishes, cluttery counters, and stacks of unsorted papers, it's tempting to become overwhelmed. And then the whining starts inside my head. "Will the work ever end? Why isn't anyone helping me? I'm pregnant, I should be sitting down with my feet up, reading a book and sipping on ice water. How am I raising such inconsiderate slobs?" It just gets ridiculous. Each thought feeding the next, the stench of my discontent creating a dark cloud of grumbling around me.
As I turn my head, a tendril of lily of the valley aroma finds it's way to my face. I breathe deeply. Such a sweet smell. A breath of fresh air in the middle of my mess. A reminder of the tender love of my God. Along with millions and billions of other species of plants, He decided to create these delicate, intricate, fragrant flowers. Why? He didn't have to. I am overcome with awe of His attention to detail and His mind blowing creativity. I turn my attention to the small beauties and suddenly the work doesn't seem so difficult. Suddenly I don't feel so alone and so overwhelmed.
I feel loved.
As I stand there on the sticky kitchen floor amongst the piles of dirty dishes, cluttery counters, and stacks of unsorted papers, it's tempting to become overwhelmed. And then the whining starts inside my head. "Will the work ever end? Why isn't anyone helping me? I'm pregnant, I should be sitting down with my feet up, reading a book and sipping on ice water. How am I raising such inconsiderate slobs?" It just gets ridiculous. Each thought feeding the next, the stench of my discontent creating a dark cloud of grumbling around me.
As I turn my head, a tendril of lily of the valley aroma finds it's way to my face. I breathe deeply. Such a sweet smell. A breath of fresh air in the middle of my mess. A reminder of the tender love of my God. Along with millions and billions of other species of plants, He decided to create these delicate, intricate, fragrant flowers. Why? He didn't have to. I am overcome with awe of His attention to detail and His mind blowing creativity. I turn my attention to the small beauties and suddenly the work doesn't seem so difficult. Suddenly I don't feel so alone and so overwhelmed.
I feel loved.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day Weekend
It was a lovely weekend.
Saturday morning was one of my favorite races of all time. Run Like A Mother. I think this is the 4th time I have done this race, the second time I've been pregnant. I was happy that my hips gave me the day off from aching and allowed me to run the whole thing. I finished the 4 miles in 36:56, and completely enjoyed my post race bagel and coffee. Doing this race with friends makes it even better. We had way too much fun.
Saturday night we went out with friends. Dinner, a movie, and coffee. It was perfect. Who cries in a Star Trek movie? The pregnant lady, that's who. Ten minutes in and I was a mess.
Nate did good, he bought me a maxi dress for Mother's Day. Bring on the comfort. After church, we spent the afternoon at my parent's house. We feasted on grilled chicken with coconut cake for dessert. Some people took naps and some people went mushroom hunting. I'll let you figure out which option I chose. This is the bounty that was found.
The kids were great. I was lavished with home made cards and cheerful help all day long. One child even gave me the gift of actually wearing their glasses that they have worn a total of two times since getting them a year ago. Isn't that nice?
Saturday morning was one of my favorite races of all time. Run Like A Mother. I think this is the 4th time I have done this race, the second time I've been pregnant. I was happy that my hips gave me the day off from aching and allowed me to run the whole thing. I finished the 4 miles in 36:56, and completely enjoyed my post race bagel and coffee. Doing this race with friends makes it even better. We had way too much fun.
Saturday night we went out with friends. Dinner, a movie, and coffee. It was perfect. Who cries in a Star Trek movie? The pregnant lady, that's who. Ten minutes in and I was a mess.
Nate did good, he bought me a maxi dress for Mother's Day. Bring on the comfort. After church, we spent the afternoon at my parent's house. We feasted on grilled chicken with coconut cake for dessert. Some people took naps and some people went mushroom hunting. I'll let you figure out which option I chose. This is the bounty that was found.
The kids were great. I was lavished with home made cards and cheerful help all day long. One child even gave me the gift of actually wearing their glasses that they have worn a total of two times since getting them a year ago. Isn't that nice?
Happy Mother's Day
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Overdue
A recent stop at the public library became an instance in which my character flaws were revealed. It seems I have passed more to my kids than just my freckles. I decided to pay my overdue fines and thought, what the heck, I'll just clear the whole family and we can all start with a fresh slate. So she started totaling. And totaling. And totaling. I walked away, hanging my head after writing a $25 check.
Of course I want my children to be responsible for their own overdue fees. The problem is, we don't always check out stuff under our own cards. Sometimes I send a kid in after some movies or a book for me and I have them use their own card. Or vice versa. You can never be sure if the fees incurred were the result of your own procrastination or someone else's.
From here on out, it's every man for himself. You keep it too long, you pay out of your own piggy bank. Either that or it look like our family will end up single handedly funding our public library. I like books. I just don't like them THAT much.
Of course I want my children to be responsible for their own overdue fees. The problem is, we don't always check out stuff under our own cards. Sometimes I send a kid in after some movies or a book for me and I have them use their own card. Or vice versa. You can never be sure if the fees incurred were the result of your own procrastination or someone else's.
From here on out, it's every man for himself. You keep it too long, you pay out of your own piggy bank. Either that or it look like our family will end up single handedly funding our public library. I like books. I just don't like them THAT much.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Heth Does Yoga
I've kind of always avoided yoga, figuring it was kind of googly-woogly and a little too mystical for my taste. I really had no interest in "going into myself and finding unification of body, mind, and soul". I only have two eyes, thankyouverymuch, so I have no idea what you are talking about asking me to focus on my third one. But the stretching, athletic, toning aspects of yoga have always been appealing. When I went looking for a prenatal yoga DVD that would stretch out some of these achy pregnant joints, I sought out my friend Sara's advice. That would be my very pregnant friend Sara who I knew wouldn't fail me. Of course she didn't. I was thrilled when she recommend a DVD that was very basic and tasteful, focusing on just the poses and no chanting or whatever else. It's been awesome and I completely enjoy it. Running is starting to have to taper down, my hip joints are beginning to feel the strain, so they love me after being coaxed into all sorts of contortions that stretch and soothe them. But I have a feeling my experience isn't as relaxing as it's intended to be.
Take this morning for example. Now why I chose to pop the DVD in right smack dab in the middle of the morning school rush, I don't know. The school kids are old enough to get themselves ready with an occasional "encouragement" from me. Something along the lines of "Do you have your shoes on, have you brushed your teeth, do you know where your backpack is? No? Then why are you laying on the couch?" That kind of encouragement.
If you need a picture in your mind, picture this. Me, in the center of the living room, twisted into some sort of a living sculpture with one leg in the air. Toddlers running circles around me as if I am the eye and they are the hurricane. Teenager, sighing and asking for lunch money. The elementary crew, busy looking for their shoes. Not a picture of relaxation, but that's my own fault. My timing wasn't great.
So by the time I yelled goodbye from a very awkward "downward dog" and was left with just the three littles, the session was coming to a close. The workout ends with shavasana which is basically laying flat on your back, and breathing deeply, and relaxing. For those of us who are in the second or third trimester, laying flat on the back isn't a good idea, so I was laying on my side. It was hopeless. The instructor is soothingly trying to coax me into "allowing a gentle wave of relaxation to flow from the top of my head to the tips of my toes". The only wave I feel is the one of total anxiety washing over me as Toby and Gemma hurdle me like Thoroughbred's. I am a human obstacle for my little purple rain-booted two year old. I don't trust the stability of that miniature body running in Barney boots. I can foresee a collision. When Toby resorted to straddling me and bouncing on my fragile belly, I decided that this isn't what the instructor had in mind and I scrapped the "relaxation" and turned on cartoons.
Yoga can be hazardous to your health if done in the presence of small children.
Take this morning for example. Now why I chose to pop the DVD in right smack dab in the middle of the morning school rush, I don't know. The school kids are old enough to get themselves ready with an occasional "encouragement" from me. Something along the lines of "Do you have your shoes on, have you brushed your teeth, do you know where your backpack is? No? Then why are you laying on the couch?" That kind of encouragement.
If you need a picture in your mind, picture this. Me, in the center of the living room, twisted into some sort of a living sculpture with one leg in the air. Toddlers running circles around me as if I am the eye and they are the hurricane. Teenager, sighing and asking for lunch money. The elementary crew, busy looking for their shoes. Not a picture of relaxation, but that's my own fault. My timing wasn't great.
So by the time I yelled goodbye from a very awkward "downward dog" and was left with just the three littles, the session was coming to a close. The workout ends with shavasana which is basically laying flat on your back, and breathing deeply, and relaxing. For those of us who are in the second or third trimester, laying flat on the back isn't a good idea, so I was laying on my side. It was hopeless. The instructor is soothingly trying to coax me into "allowing a gentle wave of relaxation to flow from the top of my head to the tips of my toes". The only wave I feel is the one of total anxiety washing over me as Toby and Gemma hurdle me like Thoroughbred's. I am a human obstacle for my little purple rain-booted two year old. I don't trust the stability of that miniature body running in Barney boots. I can foresee a collision. When Toby resorted to straddling me and bouncing on my fragile belly, I decided that this isn't what the instructor had in mind and I scrapped the "relaxation" and turned on cartoons.
Yoga can be hazardous to your health if done in the presence of small children.
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