The day that Kolbe died, I didn't pet him. We were busy- I don't remember exactly with what now; I think I went to the store in the morning, we converted George's crib to a bed that afternoon and then went to a parish dinner in the evening. I do remember sitting on the loveseat in the reading nook after I got home from the store and seeing him sitting next to the sandbox, rather gingerly, in the snow. The boys had gone into the woods, but he didn't seem to have the energy to follow them that day, so he sat in the snow, waiting for them. He was sitting so still that I asked Joe if he thought Kolbe was ok. A short time later, we saw him get up, so my worries were put to rest. By the time he came inside with the boys I was on to another something to keep me busy, so I didn't really notice him again. The last time I took note of him was when he was sitting in the snow, listening for our boys.
When I found him that evening, I immediately had a pang of guilt. When was the last time I had pet him? Talked to him? The night before? I had grown so used to having him around- to letting him out to potty, to getting him food and water, to him just being just part of life around here, that even though I cared for him, I didn't always notice him as a living, breathing part of our family.
In the nights that have followed, when my mind wonders to him and this fact, it has forced me to assess the rest of my family. I care for them, certainly. I cook meals, I wash laundry, I clean house, I get snacks, I wipe tushies, I help with homework, I nurse, I clothe. But in all that caring, I often forget about the day to day noticing. And even though my kids are young and Joe and I are certainly not old, none of us is guaranteed a tomorrow. Without being morbid, I forced myself to think of what it would be like if I lost one of them, with no notice. And how I would feel about my behavior towards them in those last days, weeks, months. I love them, I care for them but I would want them to know, without a doubt, that I cherish them. Truly. Joe, Isabelle, Isaac, Liam, Adelle and George are the six greatest gifts that God has given me and nothing on Earth is more important.
I would like to say that my behavior since this revelation has been without reproach. But I am a work in progress. I am still selfish, distracted and snappy at times. I am working on it. Being distracted is what I view as one of my bigger obstacles. I had actually decided to give up my Kindle for Lent even before all of this. It was too tempting- the internet with all of it's mindless distraction, just a few feet away at all times. It was almost always more exciting than just sitting and drinking coffee, or just doing homework or just playing cars.
I don't want my children or husband to think back on me, on our time together, to remember how I looked with my face glowing in the light of a screen. Mindless distraction isn't worth it. I want them to know that I am all in- I love them, I seek to know them better, I care for them and that I cherish them.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Monday, February 25, 2013
Journal: The groundhog must've mistaken
Out my window: 30 degrees and grey. It snowed another 5 inches last week, but it got up to 40 and was sunny yesterday so some of it melted. Maybe more snow tomorrow night? It was a super beautiful snow last week, so I can't complain too much. And it is better than being in Kansas currently.
Clothing myself in: Jeans, fair isle sweater, wool socks.
Around the house: Currently trying decide on a new mirror and light for our master bedroom. Both the hallway bathroom and ours did have a large medicine cabinet with 3 mirrors that opened. Well, Liam was trying to close the mirror in the hallway one day and there was something in the way and instead of moving it, he just kept pushing- and broke two of the mirrors. So we moved two from our bedroom into the hallway. And now we are going to replace it with a mirror and light. And maybe an inset cabinet on the side.
The toddler: Oh my. He is feeling better. His mood has improved considerably. Buuuuut, his sleeping has been off the charts awful. Getting up 2 or 3 times and then awake for the day around 4:30. Insanity. And his napping, with a couple of exceptions, has been abysmal, too. This too shall pass? Or is this the new normal? I don't know. It sucks, but what can you do? I can't make him sleep, as much as I wish I could. I am also trying to figure out why, which is not revealing any obvious answers. He does have one incisor left to cut. He has been talking up a storm. And we switched him to a bed instead of a crib. I guess any one of those things could be causing it, but not sure.
He won the battle of the kitchen. I tried to baby proof it, I did. But he was just too pesty. I couldn't make dinner without him messing with the stove knobs, I was afraid he would scale the stove and burn his hand, he would pull things off the cabinet, snatch stuff if people were coloring or eating at the table, steal stuff when I was trying to load the dishwasher. So we bought another gate and we gated off the reading nook/ kitchen/ dining area for now. I did the dishes the morning with minimal hassle (he stood at the gate for a bit and whined before going to play), I was able to let Adelle color without him taking and eating the crayons. It was a good solution, at least for now.
Words this week: thank you, cookie, if you say "one" he will say "two, three". Stand up. Hey, what's that? Georgie, boot, hat. It has been a crazy talking week around here.
Crafting: I am knitting myself a green shrug out of Blue Sky Alpacas worsted cotton in Pickle. I found a pattern on Ravelry that I liked, but didn't want to buy it and it seemed simple enough, so I am winging it. We will see how it goes. Want to wear it for Easter if it turns out ok.
In the kitchen: Stew, chili and grilled cheese with tomato soup for Friday.
Bringing me joy: I might have mentioned it before, but I love it when George falls asleep on Joe in Church. Nothing cuter than seeing my sweet hubby holding my sleeping toddler. A clean kitchen. Standing on the back deck in a sweater and jeans, feeling the warm sun on my face. Quiet Sunday afternoon.
Thinking about: How happy I am it is almost March.
Pictures to share: Shoveling on Saturday morning.
Clothing myself in: Jeans, fair isle sweater, wool socks.
Around the house: Currently trying decide on a new mirror and light for our master bedroom. Both the hallway bathroom and ours did have a large medicine cabinet with 3 mirrors that opened. Well, Liam was trying to close the mirror in the hallway one day and there was something in the way and instead of moving it, he just kept pushing- and broke two of the mirrors. So we moved two from our bedroom into the hallway. And now we are going to replace it with a mirror and light. And maybe an inset cabinet on the side.
The toddler: Oh my. He is feeling better. His mood has improved considerably. Buuuuut, his sleeping has been off the charts awful. Getting up 2 or 3 times and then awake for the day around 4:30. Insanity. And his napping, with a couple of exceptions, has been abysmal, too. This too shall pass? Or is this the new normal? I don't know. It sucks, but what can you do? I can't make him sleep, as much as I wish I could. I am also trying to figure out why, which is not revealing any obvious answers. He does have one incisor left to cut. He has been talking up a storm. And we switched him to a bed instead of a crib. I guess any one of those things could be causing it, but not sure.
He won the battle of the kitchen. I tried to baby proof it, I did. But he was just too pesty. I couldn't make dinner without him messing with the stove knobs, I was afraid he would scale the stove and burn his hand, he would pull things off the cabinet, snatch stuff if people were coloring or eating at the table, steal stuff when I was trying to load the dishwasher. So we bought another gate and we gated off the reading nook/ kitchen/ dining area for now. I did the dishes the morning with minimal hassle (he stood at the gate for a bit and whined before going to play), I was able to let Adelle color without him taking and eating the crayons. It was a good solution, at least for now.
Words this week: thank you, cookie, if you say "one" he will say "two, three". Stand up. Hey, what's that? Georgie, boot, hat. It has been a crazy talking week around here.
Crafting: I am knitting myself a green shrug out of Blue Sky Alpacas worsted cotton in Pickle. I found a pattern on Ravelry that I liked, but didn't want to buy it and it seemed simple enough, so I am winging it. We will see how it goes. Want to wear it for Easter if it turns out ok.
In the kitchen: Stew, chili and grilled cheese with tomato soup for Friday.
Bringing me joy: I might have mentioned it before, but I love it when George falls asleep on Joe in Church. Nothing cuter than seeing my sweet hubby holding my sleeping toddler. A clean kitchen. Standing on the back deck in a sweater and jeans, feeling the warm sun on my face. Quiet Sunday afternoon.
Thinking about: How happy I am it is almost March.
Pictures to share: Shoveling on Saturday morning.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Journal: Spring, please
Out my window: 24 and cloudy-ish. I think it is supposed to snow some today and be cold this week. At the end of my 10 day forecast, however, are a couple of 41 degree days. Yes, I am ready for that.
I also noticed this weekend that it has been not getting dark as early in the evening, and is lightier in the morning. I am sure this has been gradual, but I just noticed all of a sudden. A sure sign that Spring is just around the corner.
Clothing myself in: Black yoga pants, red hoodie sweatshirt, blue and brown argyle socks.
Around the house: Joe sanded the drywall a bit this weekend.
The toddler: Oh, bless his little heart. His cold and cough turned into a rather nasty sinus infection and I ended up taking him to the doctor on Friday after a really terrible, no-good, sleepless night the night before. He is slowly improving, though he is still pretty crabby. Basically, if I am playing with him, he is whiny and wants to fling himself all over me. Not snuggle, just whine and throw himself in my direction. Or if I am not "playing" with him, he is getting into All The Things. I am just praying that as he continues to feel better I will get my happy (if not ornery) little Critter back.
The kiddos: Liam's handwriting book has a page where you print, "Love God, Hate Sin". In our house, hate is a non-polite word and so whenever the kids come across it, they always seem a little alarmed. As Liam was doing his handwriting that day he said, "Can I say that word?" and I told him as long as he was talking about sin, in this instance, sure, it was fine. Well, apparently he went with with because we were driving to the doctor the other day and he said, "Isaac and I were saying all the bad words we could think of about sin." My response was a neutral, "Oh, really?" and he said, "Yeah. Like: Hate sin. Or freakin' sin. Or stupid sin. Or dumb sin." I love my boys.
Crafting: Nope
In the kitchen: Joe is going to fry catfish on Friday. I am excited- he is a good cook.
Bringing me joy: Standing in the kitchen with Joe, laughing about something I don't remember but being struck (again) by how much joy our friendship brings me- I love the way he makes me laugh. George hugging me around the neck as I walk him back to bed after a night nursing; the other day when he finished nursing how he pulled away and made the sound that we make before we kiss, so I kissed him. And then he growled and laughed at me. My Issy snuggles, seeing Isaac's joy at getting to go to confession, Liam telling me he has part human heart, part animal heart and that is why he loves animals so much. Adelle whispering in my ear that when she grows up she is going to stay with me forever and that when she is big her tooth will "liggle" (wiggle) and fall out.
Thinking about: Grace.
Pictures to share: My big kids
I also noticed this weekend that it has been not getting dark as early in the evening, and is lightier in the morning. I am sure this has been gradual, but I just noticed all of a sudden. A sure sign that Spring is just around the corner.
Clothing myself in: Black yoga pants, red hoodie sweatshirt, blue and brown argyle socks.
Around the house: Joe sanded the drywall a bit this weekend.
The toddler: Oh, bless his little heart. His cold and cough turned into a rather nasty sinus infection and I ended up taking him to the doctor on Friday after a really terrible, no-good, sleepless night the night before. He is slowly improving, though he is still pretty crabby. Basically, if I am playing with him, he is whiny and wants to fling himself all over me. Not snuggle, just whine and throw himself in my direction. Or if I am not "playing" with him, he is getting into All The Things. I am just praying that as he continues to feel better I will get my happy (if not ornery) little Critter back.
The kiddos: Liam's handwriting book has a page where you print, "Love God, Hate Sin". In our house, hate is a non-polite word and so whenever the kids come across it, they always seem a little alarmed. As Liam was doing his handwriting that day he said, "Can I say that word?" and I told him as long as he was talking about sin, in this instance, sure, it was fine. Well, apparently he went with with because we were driving to the doctor the other day and he said, "Isaac and I were saying all the bad words we could think of about sin." My response was a neutral, "Oh, really?" and he said, "Yeah. Like: Hate sin. Or freakin' sin. Or stupid sin. Or dumb sin." I love my boys.
Crafting: Nope
In the kitchen: Joe is going to fry catfish on Friday. I am excited- he is a good cook.
Bringing me joy: Standing in the kitchen with Joe, laughing about something I don't remember but being struck (again) by how much joy our friendship brings me- I love the way he makes me laugh. George hugging me around the neck as I walk him back to bed after a night nursing; the other day when he finished nursing how he pulled away and made the sound that we make before we kiss, so I kissed him. And then he growled and laughed at me. My Issy snuggles, seeing Isaac's joy at getting to go to confession, Liam telling me he has part human heart, part animal heart and that is why he loves animals so much. Adelle whispering in my ear that when she grows up she is going to stay with me forever and that when she is big her tooth will "liggle" (wiggle) and fall out.
Thinking about: Grace.
Pictures to share: My big kids
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Journal: Valentine's Day
Out my window: 32 and snowing lightly. It got up into the high 30's yesterday- 38, I think. Felt downright balmy. Weird.
Clothing myself in: Pretty cowl neck pink long sleeved knit shirt, my nice jeans. Grey socks with pink and white snowflakes. I wanted to be fancy for Valentine's Day
Around the house: All adult laundry is done and ready to be put away. Gonna do that today. I really mean it.
The toddler: Sick again :( In this round of passing things back and forth, he got a fever and cough. He was so warm last night, I was worried. He is still plenty ornery, though, even illness doesn't slow him down much. If he isn't better by tomorrow, I might take him to the doctor. Gah, I hate the whole "should I take the child to the doctor" dilemma. If there isn't anything they can do anyway, I prefer to let it pass on it's own and not risk giving him (and the siblings that have to go along) something worse that they pick up at the doctor's office. On the other hand, I always worry that I will miss something really bad. I had no idea that motherhood would be so anxiety-inducing.
In other news, he climbed out of his crib on Friday night. So we converted his crib to his toddler bed on Saturday. It has actually been going pretty well. We are back to nursing him or rocking him until he is drowsy and then laying him down, which is fine. Sniff- big boy.
Some words this week- around, around (when him and Adelle run in circle together), what's that, and stop (said very emphatically when a sibling does something he doesn't like).
The kiddos: Isaac made his First Reconciliation on Sunday. Beforehand, he told me that his soul was excited to be clean :)
They are all adjusting to Kolbe being gone. Liam is very expressive about it and the others are a little more quiet.
Crafting: Nope
The kitchen: Tried my hand at some homemade cream of mushroom soup yesterday and I thought it was good. I think I will try to make and a freeze a few batches- it was so easy. Made the Butternut squash and sausage dish and it was delicious. I used bowtie pasta and turkey sausage instead, with no complaints. Cataloging my meatless dishes for Lent.
Bringing me joy: Well, there has been much sorrow since Kolbe passed,but it is important to find joy even in sorrow so: I am so glad that he died in what appeared to be a peaceful way, in his safe place; for the chance to console our children and the way that they console each other; and for the way that my boys helped Joe outside on Sunday.
Joy for the grace of Reconciliation. Joy for a good start to Lent.
Thinking about: Lent. I gave up my Kindle Fire. I think this will be good- difficult, but fruitful. I am looking forward to this Lent.
Picture to share:
Clothing myself in: Pretty cowl neck pink long sleeved knit shirt, my nice jeans. Grey socks with pink and white snowflakes. I wanted to be fancy for Valentine's Day
Around the house: All adult laundry is done and ready to be put away. Gonna do that today. I really mean it.
The toddler: Sick again :( In this round of passing things back and forth, he got a fever and cough. He was so warm last night, I was worried. He is still plenty ornery, though, even illness doesn't slow him down much. If he isn't better by tomorrow, I might take him to the doctor. Gah, I hate the whole "should I take the child to the doctor" dilemma. If there isn't anything they can do anyway, I prefer to let it pass on it's own and not risk giving him (and the siblings that have to go along) something worse that they pick up at the doctor's office. On the other hand, I always worry that I will miss something really bad. I had no idea that motherhood would be so anxiety-inducing.
In other news, he climbed out of his crib on Friday night. So we converted his crib to his toddler bed on Saturday. It has actually been going pretty well. We are back to nursing him or rocking him until he is drowsy and then laying him down, which is fine. Sniff- big boy.
Some words this week- around, around (when him and Adelle run in circle together), what's that, and stop (said very emphatically when a sibling does something he doesn't like).
The kiddos: Isaac made his First Reconciliation on Sunday. Beforehand, he told me that his soul was excited to be clean :)
They are all adjusting to Kolbe being gone. Liam is very expressive about it and the others are a little more quiet.
Crafting: Nope
The kitchen: Tried my hand at some homemade cream of mushroom soup yesterday and I thought it was good. I think I will try to make and a freeze a few batches- it was so easy. Made the Butternut squash and sausage dish and it was delicious. I used bowtie pasta and turkey sausage instead, with no complaints. Cataloging my meatless dishes for Lent.
Bringing me joy: Well, there has been much sorrow since Kolbe passed,but it is important to find joy even in sorrow so: I am so glad that he died in what appeared to be a peaceful way, in his safe place; for the chance to console our children and the way that they console each other; and for the way that my boys helped Joe outside on Sunday.
Joy for the grace of Reconciliation. Joy for a good start to Lent.
Thinking about: Lent. I gave up my Kindle Fire. I think this will be good- difficult, but fruitful. I am looking forward to this Lent.
Picture to share:
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sad
Our Kolbe pup died on Saturday, so I am having a hard time thinking about much else right now.
I am not sure what I want to say, Joe already said it thoroughly and beautifully.
I will say this. I was not a dog person when we got him. We had cats growing up, but whenever I would ask about a dog, my mother would say no. Which I get, because chewing things up! and fur! and dog breath! But Joe loved dogs and it was important to him, so Kolbe joined our family less than a month after we got married.
He worked his way into my heart. He wasn't perfect, but he was always loving. And loyal. And gentle and patient. And he made even this dog- dubious person love him.
I really miss him. I mean,I knew that this day would come eventually and that I would be very sad. But I didn't realize how much he was a part of our family. I miss the way he would prance around in the evening after bedtime prayers, waiting to be fed. I miss the way he would sit in the middle of the narrow kitchen while I was trying to get dinner on the table, stubbornly making me step around him or ask him to move several times.
I miss the way he would be patiently waiting for me to open the girl's room at bedtime, ready to go sleep in there. The way he would lay his head on your lap to get you to pet him and if you ignored him, he would put a paw on your lap , because clearly, you didn't see him laying his head in your lap, or else you would have been petting him.
And about a gazillion other things.
So good-bye, my sweet pup. Thanks for teaching me how wonderful a dog can be.
I am not sure what I want to say, Joe already said it thoroughly and beautifully.
I will say this. I was not a dog person when we got him. We had cats growing up, but whenever I would ask about a dog, my mother would say no. Which I get, because chewing things up! and fur! and dog breath! But Joe loved dogs and it was important to him, so Kolbe joined our family less than a month after we got married.
He worked his way into my heart. He wasn't perfect, but he was always loving. And loyal. And gentle and patient. And he made even this dog- dubious person love him.
I really miss him. I mean,I knew that this day would come eventually and that I would be very sad. But I didn't realize how much he was a part of our family. I miss the way he would prance around in the evening after bedtime prayers, waiting to be fed. I miss the way he would sit in the middle of the narrow kitchen while I was trying to get dinner on the table, stubbornly making me step around him or ask him to move several times.
I miss the way he would be patiently waiting for me to open the girl's room at bedtime, ready to go sleep in there. The way he would lay his head on your lap to get you to pet him and if you ignored him, he would put a paw on your lap , because clearly, you didn't see him laying his head in your lap, or else you would have been petting him.
And about a gazillion other things.
So good-bye, my sweet pup. Thanks for teaching me how wonderful a dog can be.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Journal: Alive, if not entirely awake
Out my window: 8 degrees and sunny. It snowed a lot on Wednesday last week (8? inches) and has snowed 1 or 2 inches a couple of other times since then. Yaaay! It is lovely, I am glad it finally is wintery. If it is going to be cold at least it should be snowy and pretty.
Clothing myself in: Grey long sleeved t-shirt, Fair Isle sweater over it. Green cargo pants.
Around the house: Joe worked on mudding this weekend. Sanding soon!
The toddler: Up since a little before 5 this morning. And that was after an 11, 1 and 2:30 wake-up. Teeeeth.
The kiddos: Delle had the fever, then Liam. Luckily, no other accompanying symptoms. Issy and Isaac had good report cards and conferences. Trying to decide what we will do with Liam next year for school.
Crafting: Started a baby hat. Need to finish it before she outgrows it or it gets to be Spring :P Got out the fabric for a baby blanket.
In the kitchen: Slim pickins. Store this week. Trying to come up with a brilliant menu that is healthy/easy/child friendly/inexpensive. Yeeeeeah.
Bringing me joy: George giving Joe kisses in Church, Mom's group, somewhat spontaneous date night with Joe, holding Isaac's hand as we talk about his day at school, Issy cuddled up next to me watching football, hanging out with my boys, Issy and Adelle's excitement about going to the Daddy/Daughter dance with Joe.
Thinking about: Lent. I tend to make grand plans, start off fine and then really just peter out. I need to find something doable, but you know, a sacrifice.
Picture to share: Play dough. Hours of entertainment.
Clothing myself in: Grey long sleeved t-shirt, Fair Isle sweater over it. Green cargo pants.
Around the house: Joe worked on mudding this weekend. Sanding soon!
The toddler: Up since a little before 5 this morning. And that was after an 11, 1 and 2:30 wake-up. Teeeeth.
The kiddos: Delle had the fever, then Liam. Luckily, no other accompanying symptoms. Issy and Isaac had good report cards and conferences. Trying to decide what we will do with Liam next year for school.
Crafting: Started a baby hat. Need to finish it before she outgrows it or it gets to be Spring :P Got out the fabric for a baby blanket.
In the kitchen: Slim pickins. Store this week. Trying to come up with a brilliant menu that is healthy/easy/child friendly/inexpensive. Yeeeeeah.
Bringing me joy: George giving Joe kisses in Church, Mom's group, somewhat spontaneous date night with Joe, holding Isaac's hand as we talk about his day at school, Issy cuddled up next to me watching football, hanging out with my boys, Issy and Adelle's excitement about going to the Daddy/Daughter dance with Joe.
Thinking about: Lent. I tend to make grand plans, start off fine and then really just peter out. I need to find something doable, but you know, a sacrifice.
Picture to share: Play dough. Hours of entertainment.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Journal: Goodbye January!
Out my window: Some fresh snow fell yesterday, but it is already at freezing and supposed to get up to 41 today, so I suppose some of it will melt. It was beautiful, though.
Clothing myself in: Brown Jackson Hole long sleeved T-shirt, tan sweater, tan trouser pants. Wool socks- my feet are cold!
Around the house: Well, Joe was sick several days last week and then busy trying to catch up on some work over the weekend, so not much forward progress, but he write a post and includes an up-to-date picture of the basement on his blog a few days ago.
The toddler: Random high fever a couple of days last week, not that you would be able to tell. Current pesty thing he likes to do: open drawers that are above his head, hang on the drawer with one hand and pull things out of it with the other. Like my garlic press, or cheese slicer (!) or pizza cutter (!!). Oh, this child. Current really cute thing: he likes to try to jump up and down like the big kids, only it ends up being more like a stationary gallop. Cuuuute.
The kiddos: It is Catholic School's Week, so my big ones were excited about that. Today was mix and match dress day/ wear your clothes backwards day. Coming up- pajama day, superhero or princess day, wacky hat day. Oh, and they also get report cards this week. Isaac had a little something last week, but he seems better now.
Crafting: I have a couple of people I need to make baby gifts for. Soon.
In the kitchen: Black bean burritos, pork and sweet potato stew, egg casserole. Going to bake brownies today so we can have a (slightly belated) Anniversary of Joe Accepting His Job party.
Bringing me joy: Joe feeling better, going bowling with some friends, the older three getting excited about making 100 Lego guys, Adelle's robot dance, giving George nomming kisses and having him squeal in happiness.
Thinking about: Confession: I still wildly miss Idaho. I miss mountains, I miss lots of snow, I miss our little Church there, I miss the yarn store, I miss mild summers, mountain streams, visits to Yellowstone, the non-plague level of bugs. Then I have guilt for missing it because I really love it here and I know this is where we are supposed to be right now. I love our parish, our new friends, our house, our woods, the fact that it is just a day's drive from Kansas. I need to accept the missing for what it is.
Picture to share: This fella gave us a scare on Saturday,. He was limping on his back paw and when we laid him down to look at it he was all shakey. We were concerned it was something serious- he is a pretty old doggie. Took him to the vet and it was just a sprained paw- he is fine now :) Silly boy.
Clothing myself in: Brown Jackson Hole long sleeved T-shirt, tan sweater, tan trouser pants. Wool socks- my feet are cold!
Around the house: Well, Joe was sick several days last week and then busy trying to catch up on some work over the weekend, so not much forward progress, but he write a post and includes an up-to-date picture of the basement on his blog a few days ago.
The toddler: Random high fever a couple of days last week, not that you would be able to tell. Current pesty thing he likes to do: open drawers that are above his head, hang on the drawer with one hand and pull things out of it with the other. Like my garlic press, or cheese slicer (!) or pizza cutter (!!). Oh, this child. Current really cute thing: he likes to try to jump up and down like the big kids, only it ends up being more like a stationary gallop. Cuuuute.
The kiddos: It is Catholic School's Week, so my big ones were excited about that. Today was mix and match dress day/ wear your clothes backwards day. Coming up- pajama day, superhero or princess day, wacky hat day. Oh, and they also get report cards this week. Isaac had a little something last week, but he seems better now.
Crafting: I have a couple of people I need to make baby gifts for. Soon.
In the kitchen: Black bean burritos, pork and sweet potato stew, egg casserole. Going to bake brownies today so we can have a (slightly belated) Anniversary of Joe Accepting His Job party.
Bringing me joy: Joe feeling better, going bowling with some friends, the older three getting excited about making 100 Lego guys, Adelle's robot dance, giving George nomming kisses and having him squeal in happiness.
Thinking about: Confession: I still wildly miss Idaho. I miss mountains, I miss lots of snow, I miss our little Church there, I miss the yarn store, I miss mild summers, mountain streams, visits to Yellowstone, the non-plague level of bugs. Then I have guilt for missing it because I really love it here and I know this is where we are supposed to be right now. I love our parish, our new friends, our house, our woods, the fact that it is just a day's drive from Kansas. I need to accept the missing for what it is.
Picture to share: This fella gave us a scare on Saturday,. He was limping on his back paw and when we laid him down to look at it he was all shakey. We were concerned it was something serious- he is a pretty old doggie. Took him to the vet and it was just a sprained paw- he is fine now :) Silly boy.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Journal: Brrrrrrrrrr January
Out my window: Sunny but soooo cold. -5 degrees out. Not planning on going anywhere except pick up the littles from school today.
Clothing myself in: Pink yoga pants, brown long sleeve T-shirt, brown cardigan. It is laundry day.
Around the house: Joe finished drywalling around the duct. Mudding, lots of mudding in store.
The toddler: So many new words! Isaac, more, all done, boo, and my favorite- please. Only it sounds like "weeeeeze". So he crawls in my lap when he wants to nurse and says, "Boo, weeeeeeeze." I find toddlers to be a challenging stage (particularly this wild one) but I love it when they start to talk. He has also started to gesticulate- nodding when he says "uh huh", signing "more", putting his hands up when he says "all done" clasping his hands together when he says please. Love, love, love it.
The kiddos: Isaac is receiving the Sacrament of Penance in February, so we are doing our last preparation for it and making sure he is comfortable with everything. His First Communion is the first Sunday in May. Can't believe everything is coming up so soon!
Crafting: Nope, no crafting. I think about knitting, but it just hasn't happened.
In the kitchen: Need to come up with an easy, healthy, delicious, relatively cheap meal plan. Bah, that isn't too much to ask, is it? :P
Bringing me joy: Getting to go to confession with my Issy, Adelle's cute little braids, Joe playing Legos with Isaac and Liam, hearing George's voice, our family slideshow- it helps me put in perspective our blessings and how beautiful our year was.
Thinking about: The book The 'One Thing' Is Three by Fr. Michael Gaitley. Most of the time, I have a hard time getting into theology books, but this one is different- heavy concepts broken down in understandable language. It has also made me want to delve deeper into St Faustina and message of Divine Mercy.
Picture to share:
Clothing myself in: Pink yoga pants, brown long sleeve T-shirt, brown cardigan. It is laundry day.
Around the house: Joe finished drywalling around the duct. Mudding, lots of mudding in store.
The toddler: So many new words! Isaac, more, all done, boo, and my favorite- please. Only it sounds like "weeeeeze". So he crawls in my lap when he wants to nurse and says, "Boo, weeeeeeeze." I find toddlers to be a challenging stage (particularly this wild one) but I love it when they start to talk. He has also started to gesticulate- nodding when he says "uh huh", signing "more", putting his hands up when he says "all done" clasping his hands together when he says please. Love, love, love it.
The kiddos: Isaac is receiving the Sacrament of Penance in February, so we are doing our last preparation for it and making sure he is comfortable with everything. His First Communion is the first Sunday in May. Can't believe everything is coming up so soon!
Crafting: Nope, no crafting. I think about knitting, but it just hasn't happened.
In the kitchen: Need to come up with an easy, healthy, delicious, relatively cheap meal plan. Bah, that isn't too much to ask, is it? :P
Bringing me joy: Getting to go to confession with my Issy, Adelle's cute little braids, Joe playing Legos with Isaac and Liam, hearing George's voice, our family slideshow- it helps me put in perspective our blessings and how beautiful our year was.
Thinking about: The book The 'One Thing' Is Three by Fr. Michael Gaitley. Most of the time, I have a hard time getting into theology books, but this one is different- heavy concepts broken down in understandable language. It has also made me want to delve deeper into St Faustina and message of Divine Mercy.
Picture to share:
Monday, January 14, 2013
A Christmas show
Grammie bought the kids some wooden masks and brought them up at Thanksgiving. One cold day on Christmas break, we got to paint them.
Then they put on a show, featuring Liam as Snowball, Isaac as Frosty, Issy as Jenny the Elf and Delle as Lucy the Elf. George also had a mask that Liam painted for him, but he didn't participate in the show. Nor would he pose for a picture with it. Thanks, Grammie!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Evolving Breakfast Nook/ Office/ Now Reading Nook
This is one of my favorite areas of our house. It was built as a breakfast nook, with a more formal dining room on the other side of the kitchen, but I liked it so much, I wanted to try to squeeze our table in. It was possible, but not ideal. So we put the table into the formal dining area, which was a much better fit.
Since the formal dining area had been functioning as our "office" we put the computer in the nook area.
But George is who he is and he kept turning off the computer, so we moved it up on the desk, but then he could reach the printer and shoved a toy in it that caused a paper jam. He would get up on the desk and one time I found him squatting on the desk, a pencil in one hand and a pen in the other. Yet, we continued on. But then a morning a couple of weeks ago, he pulled the V key off, which was apparently the last straw because Joe promptly rearranged furniture and took the his computer downstairs into the guestroom/ office.
So now we have a reading nook. This is my favorite use of the space yet :)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Journal: Happy New Year!
Out my window: 28. Snow on the ground. It is supposed to get above freezing the next several days, which makes me crabby. I don't want my snow to melt!
Clothing myself in: Black Army sweatshirt. Navy blue sweatpants. You are all jealous of my fantastic wardrobe, I am sure.
Around the house: We finished the bathroom. Joe is plugging along on the basement- almost done drywalling around the duct- then onto mudding and sanding.
For Christmas Joe bought me a ceiling fan for the master bedroom to replace the one in this post. The new one is a gazillion time prettier. And quieter:
The toddler: So many teeth coming in! All four molars are through and I can now see one of his incisors. Let's just get this done, shall we? New word: hallelujah. It sounds like hal u yah. But cute, nonetheless. He also got his first big boy haircut and his been acting like more of a big boy ever since. Sniff.
The kiddos: The big guys are back to school this week after two weeks off. Issy seemed ready, Isaac wasn't too thrilled about having to learn again, ha! Back to homeschool, settling into winter days with my three smalls.
Crafting: For Christmas, Joe built Issy a bunk bed for her dolls. I had bought some fabric (that Issy picked out but didn't know what it was for) the day after Thanksgiving to make mattresses, pillows and blankets for them. Issy took this one:
In the kitchen: Italian sausage soup, chicken noodle soup, rotini and sausage.
Bringing me joy: Spending days and days with Joe and not having to worry about him being "on call", seeing him working so hard on our basement, imagining the space it will become, hanging out at Home Depot with the family (never imagined that would bring me joy!), the chance to go skiing and have some time to myself.
Thinking about: Two years ago today. It is funny how this date really sticks with me. It was just such a game changer. All the other big things that have happened in our life together were either planned or we saw them coming. What a beautiful little surprise.
Pictures to share: Blizzard right before Christmas:
Clothing myself in: Black Army sweatshirt. Navy blue sweatpants. You are all jealous of my fantastic wardrobe, I am sure.
Around the house: We finished the bathroom. Joe is plugging along on the basement- almost done drywalling around the duct- then onto mudding and sanding.
For Christmas Joe bought me a ceiling fan for the master bedroom to replace the one in this post. The new one is a gazillion time prettier. And quieter:
The toddler: So many teeth coming in! All four molars are through and I can now see one of his incisors. Let's just get this done, shall we? New word: hallelujah. It sounds like hal u yah. But cute, nonetheless. He also got his first big boy haircut and his been acting like more of a big boy ever since. Sniff.
The kiddos: The big guys are back to school this week after two weeks off. Issy seemed ready, Isaac wasn't too thrilled about having to learn again, ha! Back to homeschool, settling into winter days with my three smalls.
Crafting: For Christmas, Joe built Issy a bunk bed for her dolls. I had bought some fabric (that Issy picked out but didn't know what it was for) the day after Thanksgiving to make mattresses, pillows and blankets for them. Issy took this one:
In the kitchen: Italian sausage soup, chicken noodle soup, rotini and sausage.
Bringing me joy: Spending days and days with Joe and not having to worry about him being "on call", seeing him working so hard on our basement, imagining the space it will become, hanging out at Home Depot with the family (never imagined that would bring me joy!), the chance to go skiing and have some time to myself.
Thinking about: Two years ago today. It is funny how this date really sticks with me. It was just such a game changer. All the other big things that have happened in our life together were either planned or we saw them coming. What a beautiful little surprise.
Pictures to share: Blizzard right before Christmas:
Christmas picture 2012:
The peg dolls were a hit with everyone, even the big guys!
Friday, January 4, 2013
What My BABY Wore Today 3
Linking up with Erika to show George's cuteness today:
Choo Choo Train Sweater: Carter's- a present from Grammie (edited to add: actually Osh Kosh B' gosh. In fairness, they are owned by the same company.)
Beatles T-shirt: Target awesomeness.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Master bathroom makeover
Joe's sister and brother-in-law came to visit mid- December and they were nice enough to help us (well, really demonstrate how to) rip out all the linoleum and tile in our bathroom and put down new tile. I love the way it turned out! Thanks so much, Gina and Dave!!
It is dark, but this was the best "Before" picture I had. The tub tile was fine, but not too exciting. It was the linoleum that was not-so-good. It had scroll-y things. And pink flowers.
Demo shot. We (Dave) had to replace the sheetrock because it was pretty weak in that spot.
She is a Master Tile Layer.
Ready to caulk.
I finished painting, we reinstalled the toilet, and sealed the grout.
Here it is, all finished!
Detailed in the corner:
Pretty glass tile:
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Skiing!
Hi all :)
Joe has been off work since the 22nd, so we have been decking the halls, wrapping presents, making bierocks, playing games, watching movies, playing in the snow, going on a date and generally just enjoying the break. I might update on some of those things later, but Joe has already documented a bit of that on his blog, Wonderfield, so you can mosey on over there if you would like.
So. Waaaay back for Christmas of 2008, Mom and Dad Marney bought me some cross country skis. I found my happy place. Alta, Wyoming. Teton Canyon. It was a great way to work out, have some peaceful time, enjoy winter. The next winter, we found ourselves back in Kansas, which is decidedly not cross-country skiing friendly, since skiing requires, you know, snow. So they collected dust for the next three winters.
See the dust?
I took them for a spin out at the wildlife refuge and it was just as great as I remembered.
Snow makes winter good.
Joe has been off work since the 22nd, so we have been decking the halls, wrapping presents, making bierocks, playing games, watching movies, playing in the snow, going on a date and generally just enjoying the break. I might update on some of those things later, but Joe has already documented a bit of that on his blog, Wonderfield, so you can mosey on over there if you would like.
So. Waaaay back for Christmas of 2008, Mom and Dad Marney bought me some cross country skis. I found my happy place. Alta, Wyoming. Teton Canyon. It was a great way to work out, have some peaceful time, enjoy winter. The next winter, we found ourselves back in Kansas, which is decidedly not cross-country skiing friendly, since skiing requires, you know, snow. So they collected dust for the next three winters.
See the dust?
I took them for a spin out at the wildlife refuge and it was just as great as I remembered.
Snow makes winter good.
Friday, December 21, 2012
What My Baby Wore Today 2
For my 500th post (!) I am linking up with Erika's What My Baby Wore Today:
Here the little Critter is sporting an Old Navy knit long sleeve T-shirt and corduroy pants combo that his Grammie and Grandpa bought his brother Liam for Christmas in 2007:
He is trying to see things on the cabinet and figure out how to get to them.
Problem solved! Just scale the cabinet!!
Monday, December 17, 2012
Journal: Need to get my littles better
Out my window: 24 degrees. Overcast. Unfortunately (at least unfortunately for us snow lovers) it got warm at the end of the week last week and most of the snow melted. It actually got up to 40 and rained on Saturday. I live in Wisconsin- it isn't supposed to rain in December, it is supposed to snow! Luckily (at least luckily for us snow lovers :) my forecast says it is supposed to snow Thursday. I hope so- I really want a white Christmas.
Clothing myself in: Black sweatpants, blue long-sleeved shirt. On a side note, I must share my excitement- I got a new outfit this weekend. I got a pair of jeans (that fits!) and a shirt that is not at all my normal "mom" uniform. The best part is, it was relatively cheap. When we were moving last winter, i actually went through a big pile of birthday cards and divided them up into whose they were (it is my one thing that I kind of hoard- old cards and letters). And I came across a birthday card of mine from 2006 that had a $20 gift card to Maurice's. So I got to spend it- finally.
Wow, that was a really long paragraph considering I really only wearing black sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved shirt :)
Around the house: The short story is that we retiled the master bathroom. But the long story would be titled: When You Give a Mouse Some Floor Tile. A few months back, Joe bought some cheap ceramic tile at Lowe's. Enough to redo our bathroom floor, which had early 90's-style linoleum. His sister Gina has tiled a bunch of things in their house and she does beautiful work, so we were going to ask her to help us with the floor when she visited. Somehow, as house projects sometimes do, just the floor became also redoing the tile up the front and around the big bathtub since it was also 90's-style fabulous. And since I had her expertise, she choose a coordinating paint color. I still need to paint, re-grout a spot on the floor that got messed up, seal the grout and we need to re-install the toilet. I can't wait to share a post about it when it is all done!
Also, when we started decorating for Christmas, we realized there was no good place to hang our stockings. Joe's dad loves a good project, so Joe emailed him an idea. He sent it with Gina and Dave and it is so lovely. Thanks, Dad Marney!
The toddler: Sick. He has had a runny nose and goopy eyes for about a week now. Also, other bottom molar is making his gums really swollen. So we went from 1 nightwaking back to like 3 or 4. And he is kind of unpleasant during the day. But really cute. New word: Uppy and a sound that imitates a toy gun we have.
The kiddos: Most of them are also sick. Except Isabelle.
Crafting: Need to work on sewing part of Issy's Christmas gift.
In the kitchen: Jambalaya, Chili, Homemade Pizza.
Bringing me joy: Hanging out with family, a beautiful bathroom, how kind and caring my children are, seeing Issy and Isaac in their Christmas program.
Thinking about: Mostly I am just worried about my babies being sick. I hate this part of parenting- the worrying. If you could keep them in your prayers, I would appreciate it.
Pictures to share: She was helping me make dinner. And eating raw green onions.
Clothing myself in: Black sweatpants, blue long-sleeved shirt. On a side note, I must share my excitement- I got a new outfit this weekend. I got a pair of jeans (that fits!) and a shirt that is not at all my normal "mom" uniform. The best part is, it was relatively cheap. When we were moving last winter, i actually went through a big pile of birthday cards and divided them up into whose they were (it is my one thing that I kind of hoard- old cards and letters). And I came across a birthday card of mine from 2006 that had a $20 gift card to Maurice's. So I got to spend it- finally.
Wow, that was a really long paragraph considering I really only wearing black sweatpants and a blue long-sleeved shirt :)
Around the house: The short story is that we retiled the master bathroom. But the long story would be titled: When You Give a Mouse Some Floor Tile. A few months back, Joe bought some cheap ceramic tile at Lowe's. Enough to redo our bathroom floor, which had early 90's-style linoleum. His sister Gina has tiled a bunch of things in their house and she does beautiful work, so we were going to ask her to help us with the floor when she visited. Somehow, as house projects sometimes do, just the floor became also redoing the tile up the front and around the big bathtub since it was also 90's-style fabulous. And since I had her expertise, she choose a coordinating paint color. I still need to paint, re-grout a spot on the floor that got messed up, seal the grout and we need to re-install the toilet. I can't wait to share a post about it when it is all done!
Also, when we started decorating for Christmas, we realized there was no good place to hang our stockings. Joe's dad loves a good project, so Joe emailed him an idea. He sent it with Gina and Dave and it is so lovely. Thanks, Dad Marney!
The toddler: Sick. He has had a runny nose and goopy eyes for about a week now. Also, other bottom molar is making his gums really swollen. So we went from 1 nightwaking back to like 3 or 4. And he is kind of unpleasant during the day. But really cute. New word: Uppy and a sound that imitates a toy gun we have.The kiddos: Most of them are also sick. Except Isabelle.
Crafting: Need to work on sewing part of Issy's Christmas gift.
In the kitchen: Jambalaya, Chili, Homemade Pizza.
Bringing me joy: Hanging out with family, a beautiful bathroom, how kind and caring my children are, seeing Issy and Isaac in their Christmas program.
Thinking about: Mostly I am just worried about my babies being sick. I hate this part of parenting- the worrying. If you could keep them in your prayers, I would appreciate it.
Pictures to share: She was helping me make dinner. And eating raw green onions.
Issy was Tanga the kangaroo in their "Christmas Down Under" program. Isaac was St. Joseph.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Journal: There we go
Out my window: A picture is worth a thousand words. I took this off the back deck a few minutes ago:
Clothing myself in: Grey fleece pants that I got the Christmas before Issy was born (wow, I have had them almost ten years!) brown Jackson Hole long sleeved T-shirt and a red and black plaid fleece button down that was my Mom's.
Around the house: Joe's sister Patty and her family visited for a couple of days this last week and his sister Gina and her family are visiting this week, so we are trying to respiff up the house between visitors. My brother-in-law Paul worked on our basement on Friday to keep busy while Joe was at work and really made some good progress. We love our family- thanks again, Paul!
The toddler: Runny nose :-/ He has been in remarkably good health for several months (other than the brief bout with stomach flu) so I suppose it had to happen eventually. Nose + teething + normal George orneriness = "fun" times with the Critter.
His new word this week was nana for banana and he really started waving a lot. He has also gotten worse with his biting. And pinching. And hitting. And throwing toys. Yeah, I have "that" kid.
The kiddos: Delle had a slight fever last night and Isaac had a cough this morning. Tis the season, I suppose. The kids had a fun time with their cousins and are looking forward to more fun this week.
Crafting: I found out last week that a good friend was having her third little one and upon hearing the news, I promptly went and picked out some yarn for a hat for a little guy next winter. And then I will knit a little girl hat for next winter for just in case :)
In the kitchen: Enchiladas, bierock casserole, black bean burritos.
Bringing me joy: Snow! I love snow- the cool, crisp whiteness, playing with my littles, the coming into a warm house, drinking hot cocoa, and a refreshing nap while it snows outside. Awesome.
Thinking about: I told Joe yesterday when we were outside in the woods, playing with our five beauties in this magnificent place, that is ours, "Just when I think Wisconsin couldn't get any more beautiful or I could love it here more, I do". We also got to go to Joe's work Christmas party on Friday night. I am just so grateful- for his job, for him, for our children, our house and land. Life isn't perfect, but it is perfect for us.
Picture to share:
Out the front door:
Around the house: Joe's sister Patty and her family visited for a couple of days this last week and his sister Gina and her family are visiting this week, so we are trying to respiff up the house between visitors. My brother-in-law Paul worked on our basement on Friday to keep busy while Joe was at work and really made some good progress. We love our family- thanks again, Paul!
The toddler: Runny nose :-/ He has been in remarkably good health for several months (other than the brief bout with stomach flu) so I suppose it had to happen eventually. Nose + teething + normal George orneriness = "fun" times with the Critter.
His new word this week was nana for banana and he really started waving a lot. He has also gotten worse with his biting. And pinching. And hitting. And throwing toys. Yeah, I have "that" kid.
The kiddos: Delle had a slight fever last night and Isaac had a cough this morning. Tis the season, I suppose. The kids had a fun time with their cousins and are looking forward to more fun this week.
Crafting: I found out last week that a good friend was having her third little one and upon hearing the news, I promptly went and picked out some yarn for a hat for a little guy next winter. And then I will knit a little girl hat for next winter for just in case :)
In the kitchen: Enchiladas, bierock casserole, black bean burritos.
Bringing me joy: Snow! I love snow- the cool, crisp whiteness, playing with my littles, the coming into a warm house, drinking hot cocoa, and a refreshing nap while it snows outside. Awesome.
Thinking about: I told Joe yesterday when we were outside in the woods, playing with our five beauties in this magnificent place, that is ours, "Just when I think Wisconsin couldn't get any more beautiful or I could love it here more, I do". We also got to go to Joe's work Christmas party on Friday night. I am just so grateful- for his job, for him, for our children, our house and land. Life isn't perfect, but it is perfect for us.
Picture to share:
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Journal: December
Out my window: 39. Supposed to get up to 50 today. The internet tells me that the average high this time of year is 29. Weirdness. As I mentioned last week, I want snow. Please.
Clothing myself in: Black yoga pants, blue stripey shirt with a green sweater over it.
Around the house: We cleaned and then decked the halls this last weekend. I miss having a fireplace, there is nowhere to hang the stockings. And I also just miss having a fire. In the list of home improvements, I want a wood burning stove. We have perfectly good central heating and air, I just love the feeling of a nice, warm fire. This isn't really necessary right now and not terribly practical since then we would have to figure out how to keep George away from it. It would be good to also have a non-electricity dependent heat source, as a backup. Someday.
Thebaby toddler: The second bottom molar is bulging and he is back to waking up pretty early. Bummer. I do have hope that we will go back to normal wakeups after this one is through. Hopefully. His new trick is getting up on the desk chair and pounding on the keys. Charming. If a butt isn't in it, I have had to lock the chair in the laundry room. The Advent wreath will not be residing on our table during non-dinner time so that he doesn't destroy it. Whenever we let him loose in the mornings, we go through a checklist of things that must be shut, put away, put up or otherwise out of reach of George. And we still must be ever vigilant since he always is discovering new things. This feels ridiculous at times, but I know it won't always be like this.
He has started to hug while patting me on the back, which I always love and think is adorable. He has also been taking an interest in actually playing with toys, particularly cars/trains and things that roll.
The kiddos: Delle has been less ornery/more whiny again. I have been working on that with her. The kids had school off on Friday and it was nice to have them around. I think we might end up sending Liam next year. He is doing really well here, but I think he would like more kid interaction. He has grown so much in knowledge and maturity the last 3 months.
Crafting: Fixed the neckline on the sweater, as it was too loose. I think I am going to do 3/4 length sleeves. Need to decide on decreases. I have been working on the diaper cover I started knitting George last January? February? even though we are not currently cloth diapering. Oh, did I mention we aren't currently cloth diapering? I made the decision sometime this fall after a particularly harrowing diaper change. He just would not lay still. He would scream and flail and try to escape and as much as I love cloth diapering (cheap! cute! environment friendly! cheap!) it just wasn't worth the distress that every diaper change would cause both him and me. It made me think of this:
Which brings us to: parent the child you have, not the child you wish you had. Perhaps we can get back to cloth diapering at some point. Or better yet, maybe he could potty train early :D
Anyways, I have been working on the diaper cover. I might gift/sell it at some point.
In the kitchen: Chicken Noodle soup, Beef stew. After 26 dozen cookies last week, I am good on cookie baking for a while.
Bringing me joy: Fresh, cool piney air, George's back pat hugs, Delle singing Jingle Bells, cinnamon scented potpourri, golden hashbrowns made by my favorite guy, painting my girl's toesies, Isaac putting on his "work shirt" and boots every Saturday.
Thinking about: The things I need to do that I have been putting off and that keep me awake at night. Does anyone else do this or is it just me? Like stuff that is just a moderately big deal, but not huge and not particularly difficult. Sometimes, I irritate myself with my procrastination.
Picture to share: My cookie making buddy doing some schoolwork while I baked.
Clothing myself in: Black yoga pants, blue stripey shirt with a green sweater over it.
Around the house: We cleaned and then decked the halls this last weekend. I miss having a fireplace, there is nowhere to hang the stockings. And I also just miss having a fire. In the list of home improvements, I want a wood burning stove. We have perfectly good central heating and air, I just love the feeling of a nice, warm fire. This isn't really necessary right now and not terribly practical since then we would have to figure out how to keep George away from it. It would be good to also have a non-electricity dependent heat source, as a backup. Someday.
The
He has started to hug while patting me on the back, which I always love and think is adorable. He has also been taking an interest in actually playing with toys, particularly cars/trains and things that roll.
The kiddos: Delle has been less ornery/more whiny again. I have been working on that with her. The kids had school off on Friday and it was nice to have them around. I think we might end up sending Liam next year. He is doing really well here, but I think he would like more kid interaction. He has grown so much in knowledge and maturity the last 3 months.
Crafting: Fixed the neckline on the sweater, as it was too loose. I think I am going to do 3/4 length sleeves. Need to decide on decreases. I have been working on the diaper cover I started knitting George last January? February? even though we are not currently cloth diapering. Oh, did I mention we aren't currently cloth diapering? I made the decision sometime this fall after a particularly harrowing diaper change. He just would not lay still. He would scream and flail and try to escape and as much as I love cloth diapering (cheap! cute! environment friendly! cheap!) it just wasn't worth the distress that every diaper change would cause both him and me. It made me think of this:
Anyways, I have been working on the diaper cover. I might gift/sell it at some point.
In the kitchen: Chicken Noodle soup, Beef stew. After 26 dozen cookies last week, I am good on cookie baking for a while.
Bringing me joy: Fresh, cool piney air, George's back pat hugs, Delle singing Jingle Bells, cinnamon scented potpourri, golden hashbrowns made by my favorite guy, painting my girl's toesies, Isaac putting on his "work shirt" and boots every Saturday.
Thinking about: The things I need to do that I have been putting off and that keep me awake at night. Does anyone else do this or is it just me? Like stuff that is just a moderately big deal, but not huge and not particularly difficult. Sometimes, I irritate myself with my procrastination.
Picture to share: My cookie making buddy doing some schoolwork while I baked.
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