Papa, THIS is what your Great-Granddaughter was up to while we were on the phone today...there is actually a small bowl and three pieces of a nativity set camouflaged on the table as well.
Hillary, she needs to come to your house more often. (haha)
Saturday, December 31, 2011
For Papa Saylor
Papa, THIS is what your Great-Granddaughter was up to while we were on the phone today...there is actually a small bowl and three pieces of a nativity set camouflaged on the table as well.
Hillary, she needs to come to your house more often. (haha)
Friday, December 30, 2011
Little happenings
For the last few days, Melanie has been sleeping better. Two nights ago, we got an eight hour stretch out of her, and last night, she was only up twice. This coming from the child whose typical nocturnal activities involve screaming like her limbs are being hacked off two/three/seven times a night. It is a pleasant departure from the norm, let me tell you. Here's hoping that her new year's resolution is to continue the progress!
In other Melanie news, she stood up for the first time yesterday! A friend who was holding her didn't know she doesn't stand, and set her down on her feet. Apparently she wobbled, then stood up for about ten seconds! I looked over at the end and gasped because she was standing, which evidently threw her concentration because she then fell over. It is exciting/terrifying...exciting because it's always great to see your kids do new things. Terrifying because the next step is walking, God help us all.
Yesterday, Megan had to have a dental procedure done that removed the piece of skin holding her top lip to her gums. It was attaching between her front teeth instead of higher up on her gums (which is abnormal, but apparently hereditary because Marina and Melanie will have to have the same thing done). In any case, she has a wound in her upper lip now that we have to keep an eye on and treat with some Vitamin E every day. Holy crap. You would think that Dn. John and I were attempting to shove hot pokers in her eyes. It took both of us to pin her down while she screamed and flailed, and even then we weren't able to do a very good job of getting the medicine on it. I was having a hard time getting too mad at her though, because I have a random but very clear memory of being about her age, and having both my parents pinning me down on the living room floor to get pink eye medication in my eyelids, while I screamed and flailed like a banshee. Somewhere, my Mother is laughing at me as she reads this. Here's to you Mom. The universe has come full circle.
And, to be three for three, here is Marina's update. Her collarbone is healing quite nicely. She is no longer in pain, and we can pick her up under her arms again. Technically, we're supposed to keep her quiet/inside/still for another week or so. HA. That's one of those "How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?" kind of tasks. It now occurs to me that her name fits very nicely into the lyrics of that song..."How do you solve a problem like Marina? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? How do you keep a wave upon the sand?" The line I like the most? "She can throw a whirling dervish out of whirl!" Yep. That's my girl.
Dn. John and I are are doing quite well also, thank you. We get our car back from the shop today (it was hit by a snowplow in a parking lot a few weeks ago--while parked, I might add. No one was in it. Apparently, since it's a white vehicle, it camouflages well into the snow). I'm also planning on cleaning out the entryway closet today so we can bring in Dn. John's super-cool new tool chest that he got for Christmas and set it up tonight. It has been living in the shed since Black Friday, and it will be really nice to consolidate all his tools, since they are currently living in about six different places all over the house, and we can never find them when we need them. Yes, I will admit this is as much a gift for me as it is for him. Yay for organization!
In other Melanie news, she stood up for the first time yesterday! A friend who was holding her didn't know she doesn't stand, and set her down on her feet. Apparently she wobbled, then stood up for about ten seconds! I looked over at the end and gasped because she was standing, which evidently threw her concentration because she then fell over. It is exciting/terrifying...exciting because it's always great to see your kids do new things. Terrifying because the next step is walking, God help us all.
Yesterday, Megan had to have a dental procedure done that removed the piece of skin holding her top lip to her gums. It was attaching between her front teeth instead of higher up on her gums (which is abnormal, but apparently hereditary because Marina and Melanie will have to have the same thing done). In any case, she has a wound in her upper lip now that we have to keep an eye on and treat with some Vitamin E every day. Holy crap. You would think that Dn. John and I were attempting to shove hot pokers in her eyes. It took both of us to pin her down while she screamed and flailed, and even then we weren't able to do a very good job of getting the medicine on it. I was having a hard time getting too mad at her though, because I have a random but very clear memory of being about her age, and having both my parents pinning me down on the living room floor to get pink eye medication in my eyelids, while I screamed and flailed like a banshee. Somewhere, my Mother is laughing at me as she reads this. Here's to you Mom. The universe has come full circle.
And, to be three for three, here is Marina's update. Her collarbone is healing quite nicely. She is no longer in pain, and we can pick her up under her arms again. Technically, we're supposed to keep her quiet/inside/still for another week or so. HA. That's one of those "How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?" kind of tasks. It now occurs to me that her name fits very nicely into the lyrics of that song..."How do you solve a problem like Marina? How do you catch a cloud and pin it down? How do you keep a wave upon the sand?" The line I like the most? "She can throw a whirling dervish out of whirl!" Yep. That's my girl.
Dn. John and I are are doing quite well also, thank you. We get our car back from the shop today (it was hit by a snowplow in a parking lot a few weeks ago--while parked, I might add. No one was in it. Apparently, since it's a white vehicle, it camouflages well into the snow). I'm also planning on cleaning out the entryway closet today so we can bring in Dn. John's super-cool new tool chest that he got for Christmas and set it up tonight. It has been living in the shed since Black Friday, and it will be really nice to consolidate all his tools, since they are currently living in about six different places all over the house, and we can never find them when we need them. Yes, I will admit this is as much a gift for me as it is for him. Yay for organization!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Counting Chickens (or not)
So there I was, around 1 a.m., nursing Melanie. I was thinking to myself, "Self, congratulations. She's only going to be up once tonight. What an awesome parent I am."
This is a lesson on "Don't count your chickens until they're hatched." Enter an hour later, with Melanie standing up in her crib screaming for all she was worth, bouncing up and down staring at the door, waiting for one of us to come in. Dn. John took pity on me, and went to comfort her. Of course, as soon as he was done with said comforting, she started screaming again.
Ergh.
In other news, my Christmas shopping is so so so so close to being done. Just two more things. Only two! I'm so happy. Today's Target run should knock them out. Now, all I have to do (all, haha) is wrap everything. And make fudge. Lots and lots of yummy fudge. My folks are having all the grandkids out to the bakery to decorate sugar cookies on Sunday, so I'm off the hook for that this year *whew*. Up until now, my anxiety dreams have mostly involved coming home from church Christmas Eve and realizing that nothing is wrapped/baked/decorated, etc. Can you tell where my head is?
Well, I'm off to rescue Melanie, who is happily playing in the trash can.
This is a lesson on "Don't count your chickens until they're hatched." Enter an hour later, with Melanie standing up in her crib screaming for all she was worth, bouncing up and down staring at the door, waiting for one of us to come in. Dn. John took pity on me, and went to comfort her. Of course, as soon as he was done with said comforting, she started screaming again.
Ergh.
In other news, my Christmas shopping is so so so so close to being done. Just two more things. Only two! I'm so happy. Today's Target run should knock them out. Now, all I have to do (all, haha) is wrap everything. And make fudge. Lots and lots of yummy fudge. My folks are having all the grandkids out to the bakery to decorate sugar cookies on Sunday, so I'm off the hook for that this year *whew*. Up until now, my anxiety dreams have mostly involved coming home from church Christmas Eve and realizing that nothing is wrapped/baked/decorated, etc. Can you tell where my head is?
Well, I'm off to rescue Melanie, who is happily playing in the trash can.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Catch up!
Wow, it's been almost a month. Sorry everybody! Things have been crazy...
In the last month or so, I've...
...flown across the country and back for my sister-in-law's wedding. Gained a new brother, watched my adorable daughters be flower girls, and generally had a wonderful time with the Rogers.
...made over 30 dozen jars of jam. Yikes.
...sold lots of them at two different craft bazaars. Prepping for the third and final on Dec. 11, and possibly an Open House somewhere in there.
...got my butt kicked by Black Friday. Gave up and went home, then bought everything I wanted online. Will so be doing that again from now on.
...taken Marina to the ER for her third and fourth visits...both for the same thing--a window cling stuck up her nose. Took 8 hours and two ER docs, but we finally got the blasted thing out.
...been gifted with the spectacular news that I will be an Aunt again in August, to a new little Woelfel Baby joining the world. Woot!! So excited.
...started sleeping more, as Melanie *slowly* figures out how to not wake up a billion times a night. We're down to two or three. It's a good thing. By the end of the year, I'm hoping for just one wake up call. It would be glorious.
That's the highlights. There are some lowlights in there too...but we won't mention those. In any case, here's hoping that life has slowed down just enough for me to blog more, and make copious amounts of fudge for Christmas.
In the last month or so, I've...
...flown across the country and back for my sister-in-law's wedding. Gained a new brother, watched my adorable daughters be flower girls, and generally had a wonderful time with the Rogers.
...made over 30 dozen jars of jam. Yikes.
...sold lots of them at two different craft bazaars. Prepping for the third and final on Dec. 11, and possibly an Open House somewhere in there.
...got my butt kicked by Black Friday. Gave up and went home, then bought everything I wanted online. Will so be doing that again from now on.
...taken Marina to the ER for her third and fourth visits...both for the same thing--a window cling stuck up her nose. Took 8 hours and two ER docs, but we finally got the blasted thing out.
...been gifted with the spectacular news that I will be an Aunt again in August, to a new little Woelfel Baby joining the world. Woot!! So excited.
...started sleeping more, as Melanie *slowly* figures out how to not wake up a billion times a night. We're down to two or three. It's a good thing. By the end of the year, I'm hoping for just one wake up call. It would be glorious.
That's the highlights. There are some lowlights in there too...but we won't mention those. In any case, here's hoping that life has slowed down just enough for me to blog more, and make copious amounts of fudge for Christmas.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Stumbling Through Grief
Three a.m. phone calls rarely come with good news. The hardest ones to get, perhaps, are the ones you are expecting. Such was the case early Sunday morning, when the news came in the middle of the night that my Grandma Barb had died.
My Grandma had a hard life. She was born prematurely, and her mother kept her and her twin brother alive by feeding them with an eye dropper, as they were so tiny that they wouldn't nurse. She lost her first child (her only daughter) in the late stages of pregnancy, and endured a horrific delivery because of it. After my Dad and uncles were born, she divoced and remarried a man who was, at the best of times, not very nice, and at the worst of times, neglectful and abusive. It was only last May that my family learned the extent of her maltreatment, and in August were able to bring her to Alaska to live with my folks.
When Grandma got to Alaska a year ago, she had lost so much of the vitality that I remembered her having, although her sense of humor was intact. She loved to tease my Dad, and thoroughly enjoyed her great-grandchildren, who included my daughters and my sisters' sons. The news that I was expecting Melanie came as a great gift to her, as she had never been around any of her great-grandchildren as infants.
I carry my Grandma's name (her middle name is Lenore, too), and she is Megan's namesake. One of my favorite memories of her is making the phone call after Megan's birth to tell her that we named the baby after her.
Grandma's passing was not quick, and part of the grief I feel is that when the call finally came, I felt as much relief as sadness. It is hard for me to equate death with relief, although I know it came as one to her. Today, two days later, I still feel shock and a sort of heaviness in my heart as I sort through all the emotions running through brain. I was out of town when she died, and while I know that I truly could have done nothing, I still struggle with having been out of the family fold, so to speak, when they were all together with her.
I think it will be a continual struggle to adjust to life without her. In the end, as in all things, I know what I have to do, and that is turn over my fears and grief, as well as the welfare of her soul, to God's mercy and grace.
I love you Grandma, and I miss you.
May her soul dwell with the blessed, and may her memory be eternal.
My Grandma had a hard life. She was born prematurely, and her mother kept her and her twin brother alive by feeding them with an eye dropper, as they were so tiny that they wouldn't nurse. She lost her first child (her only daughter) in the late stages of pregnancy, and endured a horrific delivery because of it. After my Dad and uncles were born, she divoced and remarried a man who was, at the best of times, not very nice, and at the worst of times, neglectful and abusive. It was only last May that my family learned the extent of her maltreatment, and in August were able to bring her to Alaska to live with my folks.
When Grandma got to Alaska a year ago, she had lost so much of the vitality that I remembered her having, although her sense of humor was intact. She loved to tease my Dad, and thoroughly enjoyed her great-grandchildren, who included my daughters and my sisters' sons. The news that I was expecting Melanie came as a great gift to her, as she had never been around any of her great-grandchildren as infants.
I carry my Grandma's name (her middle name is Lenore, too), and she is Megan's namesake. One of my favorite memories of her is making the phone call after Megan's birth to tell her that we named the baby after her.
Grandma's passing was not quick, and part of the grief I feel is that when the call finally came, I felt as much relief as sadness. It is hard for me to equate death with relief, although I know it came as one to her. Today, two days later, I still feel shock and a sort of heaviness in my heart as I sort through all the emotions running through brain. I was out of town when she died, and while I know that I truly could have done nothing, I still struggle with having been out of the family fold, so to speak, when they were all together with her.
I think it will be a continual struggle to adjust to life without her. In the end, as in all things, I know what I have to do, and that is turn over my fears and grief, as well as the welfare of her soul, to God's mercy and grace.
I love you Grandma, and I miss you.
May her soul dwell with the blessed, and may her memory be eternal.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Literature irritations
I started reading the Magic Tree House books to Megan today. My first and foremost opinion is that whoever is Mary Pope Osborne's editor at Random House is an idiot. You can't go an entire page without there being at least one sentence fragment.
Examples? "New books with shiny, bright covers." "A skinny beak." "High into the sky."
THESE ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES PEOPLE!!!
Speaking as a former teacher, as well as a concerned parent who would like her blossoming reader to read correct English (gasp!), I have to say that as cute as the stories are, and as much as the kids are enjoying them thus far, they give me a massive headache.
How hard would it have been to give the author an elementary lesson in comma and semicolon usage? When I was teaching, if one of my sixth graders had turned in something like that, there's no way I would have accepted it, especially not for publication on a national level!!
Okay. *deep breath* My rant is (mostly) over, at least on the blog post. I'm sure it will continue on a mental level for days.
Examples? "New books with shiny, bright covers." "A skinny beak." "High into the sky."
THESE ARE NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES PEOPLE!!!
Speaking as a former teacher, as well as a concerned parent who would like her blossoming reader to read correct English (gasp!), I have to say that as cute as the stories are, and as much as the kids are enjoying them thus far, they give me a massive headache.
How hard would it have been to give the author an elementary lesson in comma and semicolon usage? When I was teaching, if one of my sixth graders had turned in something like that, there's no way I would have accepted it, especially not for publication on a national level!!
Okay. *deep breath* My rant is (mostly) over, at least on the blog post. I'm sure it will continue on a mental level for days.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Quite possibly the greatest picture ever taken
Worlds cutest and most hilarious baby, right here folks.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Just for Grammy! (and Papa too)
My apologies Grandparents....I know you've been waiting for pictures for a long time. Here is the last couple months in a nutshell.
Marina squeezed herself into Melanie's pants.
Birthday presents!
Rainbow birthday cake
I'm three!
Holy giant zucchini!
I love the look of pure delight on her face.
Marina's first day of preschool.
Daddy coaching Melanie as she figured out how to roll over.
Marina squeezed herself into Melanie's pants.
Birthday presents!
Rainbow birthday cake
I'm three!
Holy giant zucchini!
I love the look of pure delight on her face.
Marina's first day of preschool.
Daddy coaching Melanie as she figured out how to roll over.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Weekend
We had a really delightful weekend this week. On Friday, our grown-up Godson graduated from college, and we were able to be there for the ceremony, as well as have a very fun dinner out afterwards with their family. Congratulations Corey! Many years. :)
Saturday dawned, and--wonder of wonders--I did not have any place to go to sell jam. It was the first Saturday I had been home in almost two months. Melanie celebrated by waking up almost every hour all night long, so Dn. John (bless him) let me sleep in very, very late. After I drug myself downstairs, we got the kids ready and went hiking at Thunderbird Falls. As soon as I can find my camera card reader, I'll put some pictures up. It was so much fun--a beautiful day, beautiful hike, capped off by seeing a bald eagle fly right by us while we were standing on an observation deck. I said, "Look! A bald eagle!" and Megan freaked out. "Where is the volcano???" She calmed down once informed that there were no volcanoes nearby, but it's always funny to hear what processes in the kids' brains when I say something.
Marina stood at the top of a hill that I was laboriously climbing, saying to me, "It's okay Mama. There's nothing to be afraid of. You can walk faster." Later, when I neglected to speed up to her standards, she came back and walked with me. "I will be slow with you Mama."
Afterward, we went to Pizza Hut, then came home and watched a movie. The kids were raving about the day at bedtime, so I'm glad they had fun. Sunday, we had a nice day at home. Dn. John and Megan did yardwork, getting everything outside ready for winter. I baked and played games on my cell phone. Megan came in when she finished and helped me bake an apple crisp. She made the topping almost completely by herself. It was really neat to give her directions and watch her measure and stir. She's growing up so fast! The crisp was a treat we shared with our friends Meghan and Michael, who came over in the evening to play cards. Michael and I got beaten quite badly, so I'm sensing a rematch sometime soon so we can vindicate ourselves.
Dn. John is home today. He's sleeping in after a 4 am moose road kill call. He went with our friend to load the moose up, then came home and went back to sleep. I'm doing my best to keep Melanie and Marina quiet (Megan's at school) so he can sleep as long as possible. It's tougher because Melanie is nursing a head cold and is fussy, but we seem to be doing okay. She is currently distracted playing with vacuum cleaner attachments.
In any case, we're definitely enjoying the reprieve of business, and getting some family time in. Next week, all the crazy picks up again, so the breather is a welcome one!
Saturday dawned, and--wonder of wonders--I did not have any place to go to sell jam. It was the first Saturday I had been home in almost two months. Melanie celebrated by waking up almost every hour all night long, so Dn. John (bless him) let me sleep in very, very late. After I drug myself downstairs, we got the kids ready and went hiking at Thunderbird Falls. As soon as I can find my camera card reader, I'll put some pictures up. It was so much fun--a beautiful day, beautiful hike, capped off by seeing a bald eagle fly right by us while we were standing on an observation deck. I said, "Look! A bald eagle!" and Megan freaked out. "Where is the volcano???" She calmed down once informed that there were no volcanoes nearby, but it's always funny to hear what processes in the kids' brains when I say something.
Marina stood at the top of a hill that I was laboriously climbing, saying to me, "It's okay Mama. There's nothing to be afraid of. You can walk faster." Later, when I neglected to speed up to her standards, she came back and walked with me. "I will be slow with you Mama."
Afterward, we went to Pizza Hut, then came home and watched a movie. The kids were raving about the day at bedtime, so I'm glad they had fun. Sunday, we had a nice day at home. Dn. John and Megan did yardwork, getting everything outside ready for winter. I baked and played games on my cell phone. Megan came in when she finished and helped me bake an apple crisp. She made the topping almost completely by herself. It was really neat to give her directions and watch her measure and stir. She's growing up so fast! The crisp was a treat we shared with our friends Meghan and Michael, who came over in the evening to play cards. Michael and I got beaten quite badly, so I'm sensing a rematch sometime soon so we can vindicate ourselves.
Dn. John is home today. He's sleeping in after a 4 am moose road kill call. He went with our friend to load the moose up, then came home and went back to sleep. I'm doing my best to keep Melanie and Marina quiet (Megan's at school) so he can sleep as long as possible. It's tougher because Melanie is nursing a head cold and is fussy, but we seem to be doing okay. She is currently distracted playing with vacuum cleaner attachments.
In any case, we're definitely enjoying the reprieve of business, and getting some family time in. Next week, all the crazy picks up again, so the breather is a welcome one!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Marina
For all of you non-Facebooking followers of mine, I wanted to update you on some ridiculous things that Marina has said lately...
First and foremost was the song she was singing this evening: "Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Mary had a little lamb until it fell off a cliff and died."
Yes, feel free to sit back and wonder where I am going wrong as a parent, because that's sure what I'm doing!!
This morning I asked her what she learned about in church school yesterday. She replied, "Trains. And broccoli." I was ready to write it off as just another Marina response until my brother-in-law (also a second child, mind you) wrote this: "The broccoli both reminds Marina of the green vestments for Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and the Cross because it looks like a little tree. She wants to board that train with the saints heading for the kingdom with the grace of the Holy Spirit through the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! You just have to think like a middle child, who is also a budding theologian."
In any case, budding theologian or no, I would advise all of you to not take Marina for walks on hilltops, especially not with any cute and cuddly animals.
And on the subject of my kids, right now Melanie is sitting on a puzzle, pounding at the wooden pieces and shrieking at it. But, from the right angle, it looks like she's actually putting it together. :) My children are brilliant.
First and foremost was the song she was singing this evening: "Mary had a little lamb, little lamb, little lamb. Mary had a little lamb until it fell off a cliff and died."
Yes, feel free to sit back and wonder where I am going wrong as a parent, because that's sure what I'm doing!!
This morning I asked her what she learned about in church school yesterday. She replied, "Trains. And broccoli." I was ready to write it off as just another Marina response until my brother-in-law (also a second child, mind you) wrote this: "The broccoli both reminds Marina of the green vestments for Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and the Cross because it looks like a little tree. She wants to board that train with the saints heading for the kingdom with the grace of the Holy Spirit through the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! You just have to think like a middle child, who is also a budding theologian."
In any case, budding theologian or no, I would advise all of you to not take Marina for walks on hilltops, especially not with any cute and cuddly animals.
And on the subject of my kids, right now Melanie is sitting on a puzzle, pounding at the wooden pieces and shrieking at it. But, from the right angle, it looks like she's actually putting it together. :) My children are brilliant.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Take a break
I've been cleaning like a crazy person for much of the day. It is time for a breather before tackling the next task! Melanie is sleeping, Megan and Marina are watching a movie, and I am quite pleased to just be sitting for a moment.
It's crazy how you can clean and clean and clean for an entire morning and early afternoon...to look around and realize exactly how much you have LEFT to do. Ugh. It's never ending. Doing laundry all day hasn't helped, but it's good to have that almost finished too. The goal is to have everything done today, because I have to be gone all day tomorrow to make jam. Then I can come home to a clean house, keep it that way for an evening (which is easy on Wednesdays, since it's Christian Ed night at church), then wake up Thursday morning and do something creative. I've got several sewing projects waiting in the wings, and I'm eager to get cracking on them.
I spent the weekend at the Make It Alaskan Festival at the Sullivan Arena selling jam and such. It was crazy! Three very, very long days, but good sales overall. The highlight was the two new wholesale customers that I gained on Sunday. Wholesale is always good, and one of them is the new specialty food shop at the airport! It has the potential to be very big, especially during tourist season. My mind is a little befuddled trying to figure out all the details...especially since I could now, potentially, make the business bigger than it is. I've been easing towards more professional packaging and the like, and it seems like now is time to take the plunge. Who would've thought that my little homegrown jam business would turn into such a big thing????
Also exciting is getting ready to head to South Carolina again soon. I looked at the calendar today, and we leave in less than a month! Boy, that snuck up. It seems that a phone call to my sister in law may be in order...gotta check on her and see if there's more wedding stuff I can help with.
Well, the kids' movie ended and now the phone is ringing. Back to it, I suppose!!
It's crazy how you can clean and clean and clean for an entire morning and early afternoon...to look around and realize exactly how much you have LEFT to do. Ugh. It's never ending. Doing laundry all day hasn't helped, but it's good to have that almost finished too. The goal is to have everything done today, because I have to be gone all day tomorrow to make jam. Then I can come home to a clean house, keep it that way for an evening (which is easy on Wednesdays, since it's Christian Ed night at church), then wake up Thursday morning and do something creative. I've got several sewing projects waiting in the wings, and I'm eager to get cracking on them.
I spent the weekend at the Make It Alaskan Festival at the Sullivan Arena selling jam and such. It was crazy! Three very, very long days, but good sales overall. The highlight was the two new wholesale customers that I gained on Sunday. Wholesale is always good, and one of them is the new specialty food shop at the airport! It has the potential to be very big, especially during tourist season. My mind is a little befuddled trying to figure out all the details...especially since I could now, potentially, make the business bigger than it is. I've been easing towards more professional packaging and the like, and it seems like now is time to take the plunge. Who would've thought that my little homegrown jam business would turn into such a big thing????
Also exciting is getting ready to head to South Carolina again soon. I looked at the calendar today, and we leave in less than a month! Boy, that snuck up. It seems that a phone call to my sister in law may be in order...gotta check on her and see if there's more wedding stuff I can help with.
Well, the kids' movie ended and now the phone is ringing. Back to it, I suppose!!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Look Out! It's a Rant.
I love being on Facebook. I love to turn it on, read something funny my friend's kid said, see some neat pictures, read a funny cartoon, comment on something here and there, then turn it off and go about my day.
What I don't love about Facebook is turning it on and seeing pictures of attroicites against children.
I am as pro life as they come. I despise abortion, think it is a horror, and pray for the day that it is illegal. But coming across pictures of aborted babies on a social forum is A) horrifying, and B) in such poor taste by the poster. I don't need a bloody photo to tell me that abortion is murder. Nobody who is pro-life does, and the people who are pro-choice aren't having their minds changed by them, if the last three decades is any indicator.
Nobody needs to see a video of a woman being raped to know that rape is a terrible thing. Gruesome pictures of a murder victim would never be allowed to remain. In the same vein, posting pictures of aborted babies in a public place is a bad, bad idea.
What if my children had been in the room? It makes my stomach churn just to think about it. I was so glad when the pro-life booth at the fair removed their photos of aborted babies. They were awful for ME to see, but there is no way on this earth I was going to let my chilren see something like that. And that's what is so dumb about this post I saw last night--the person who put it up should have known better. Oh my gosh, they should know better.
If more people in the world possessed common sense, what a wonderful thing that would be.
What I don't love about Facebook is turning it on and seeing pictures of attroicites against children.
I am as pro life as they come. I despise abortion, think it is a horror, and pray for the day that it is illegal. But coming across pictures of aborted babies on a social forum is A) horrifying, and B) in such poor taste by the poster. I don't need a bloody photo to tell me that abortion is murder. Nobody who is pro-life does, and the people who are pro-choice aren't having their minds changed by them, if the last three decades is any indicator.
Nobody needs to see a video of a woman being raped to know that rape is a terrible thing. Gruesome pictures of a murder victim would never be allowed to remain. In the same vein, posting pictures of aborted babies in a public place is a bad, bad idea.
What if my children had been in the room? It makes my stomach churn just to think about it. I was so glad when the pro-life booth at the fair removed their photos of aborted babies. They were awful for ME to see, but there is no way on this earth I was going to let my chilren see something like that. And that's what is so dumb about this post I saw last night--the person who put it up should have known better. Oh my gosh, they should know better.
If more people in the world possessed common sense, what a wonderful thing that would be.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Recent Quips from the Kids
I'm doing a show right now at the Sullivan Arena...but Marina keeps calling it the "Solomon Marina."
Megan told me this morning, "Mom, when Melanie was in your tummy, I had no idea she was going to be THIS cute."
Also, Melanie has been watching hundreds of people wave at her all day for the last two days at the show...then yesterday, she started waving back!!! It was so stinking cute.
Megan told me this morning, "Mom, when Melanie was in your tummy, I had no idea she was going to be THIS cute."
Also, Melanie has been watching hundreds of people wave at her all day for the last two days at the show...then yesterday, she started waving back!!! It was so stinking cute.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Happy birthday Dn. John!
Happy birthday to my fantastically wonderful, supportive, handsome, and just all around awesome husband. I'm the luckiest girl in the world to be married to you.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Double Take
I was driving through town the other day, and the reader board at McDonald's read: World's Gayest Employees Work Here.
After nearly getting in a head-on collision, I realized that it said: World's GREATEST Employees Work Here. Whoops. That would've been fun to explain to a police officer.
Anastasia and I took the kids to the Imaginarium today. It still boggles my mind that between the two of us, we have six kids. SIX. Much of the day was spent in two parts--Stasia watched Megan, Luke, Hannah and Emma, while I ran after Marina like a mad person, Melanie hanging onto my hip for dear life. But we did have a good time. Afterwards, some ridiculous part of me decided it was a good idea to take all the girls to Old Navy. We found a cupcake costume for Megan for Halloween, and some new shirts for me. Despite the fun shopping, it was exhausting trying to keep up with Marina. Every time I turned around, she was gone. I've never been a big advocate of leashing your kids, but today was one of those days when I wished it didn't bother me so much.
I've been working on a dress for my sister-in-law's wedding. I put the finishing touches on it yesterday, then went to try it on. Epic fail. I'm a bit depressed about putting all that work into something that just doesn't look good, but I'm attempting to move on. Thankfully, I found an outfit in the back of my close that I haven't worn in about two years. I bought it for a Christmas part at Dn. John's work, then got pregnant with Melanie and never wore it again (for obvious reasons). It looks great, so I'll be wearing that now. I think my husband is beyond bemused that I was worried about wedding clothes seven weeks before the wedding, but at some point he just chalks it up to me being a (slightly crazy) girl and lets it go. :)
After nearly getting in a head-on collision, I realized that it said: World's GREATEST Employees Work Here. Whoops. That would've been fun to explain to a police officer.
Anastasia and I took the kids to the Imaginarium today. It still boggles my mind that between the two of us, we have six kids. SIX. Much of the day was spent in two parts--Stasia watched Megan, Luke, Hannah and Emma, while I ran after Marina like a mad person, Melanie hanging onto my hip for dear life. But we did have a good time. Afterwards, some ridiculous part of me decided it was a good idea to take all the girls to Old Navy. We found a cupcake costume for Megan for Halloween, and some new shirts for me. Despite the fun shopping, it was exhausting trying to keep up with Marina. Every time I turned around, she was gone. I've never been a big advocate of leashing your kids, but today was one of those days when I wished it didn't bother me so much.
I've been working on a dress for my sister-in-law's wedding. I put the finishing touches on it yesterday, then went to try it on. Epic fail. I'm a bit depressed about putting all that work into something that just doesn't look good, but I'm attempting to move on. Thankfully, I found an outfit in the back of my close that I haven't worn in about two years. I bought it for a Christmas part at Dn. John's work, then got pregnant with Melanie and never wore it again (for obvious reasons). It looks great, so I'll be wearing that now. I think my husband is beyond bemused that I was worried about wedding clothes seven weeks before the wedding, but at some point he just chalks it up to me being a (slightly crazy) girl and lets it go. :)
Monday, September 19, 2011
My Big Fat Update
So, I'm a little embarrassed that it's been this long since I've blogged. My friend Ellen commented today that I've gotten worse about it ever since I've had three kids. :) So yes, it's definitely the three kids, plus the jam, plus the house, plus this, that and the other...whew, we've been busy!
Melanie has changed so much in the last few weeks. She crawls like a crazy person now, and is into everything. I had to fish her out twice from behind one of our recliners today, and then she just turned around and climbed back behind it again. She's started pulling herself up on things, and--as a direct result--falling over a lot more. She has her very first little bruise right on her cheek from a close encounter with the coffee table last night. We've started all the solid foods (which she loves) and she can feed herself little puffy baby food. She can also feed herself trash, paper, kleenex, hair, small toys, rocks, and various other things that she finds on the floor...but we won't talk about that. Rest assured, I vacuum like it's a religion right now. We gave her her first "big girl" bath a few nights ago, and she flooded the kitchen splashing. The one thing she doesn't do well is sleep, unfortunately. If I could get her down to only waking up twice a night, I'd be so, so happy...
Marina adores preschool. She has made all kinds of new friends, and we had them all (ALL) over for her third birthday a couple weeks ago. I can't believe she's three, and I also think I was lame and missed doing her birthday pictures on the blog. (Sorry little girl! I try and get some belated ones posted soon.) This biggest change in her little life has been the removal of her pacifier. It's been a week and a half since we threw it away, and it's been touch and go...she has figured out how to fall asleep a little better (at least without an hour and a half of screaming), but she has a very hard time staying asleep. The one-two combo of Melanie waking up every three hours and Marina being up at least twice a night also is well on its way to breaking down Dn. John and my mental function. During the day, however, she remains her sunny and feisty little self, fearless and sweet, tomboy and princess, all at the same time. She is a "mommy" to everything, be it a stuffed animal, a doll, or our friends' puppies. She's also nicknamed the neighbor dogs "my sweeties" and runs off to play with them whenever she can.
Megan is also loving preschool. She's in Preschool 2 this year, which means it's three days a week, as opposed to two like Marina. She has also discovered a love of crafts, and will busy herself for the longest time drawing pictures, making mosaics and necklaces, and whatever else has lots of colors and creativity involved. She is maturing quickly into a helpful and kind little person. I really see her trying to remember how she should act, and trying to help the people around her. She has a spiritual eye, and sees God in everything. Some of the stuff she says to me is so holy and profound. I have "Out of the mouths of babes" moments daily.
Dn. John and I are the proud owners of a new van, with which we can now haul our little brood around in comfort. :) The selling point of this particular model (an 02 Chevy Astro) is that all of my jam will fit in the back, while also leaving room for the kids. This is a big deal since I am about to start my busy season with all the Christmas shows and bazaars. In fact, my first big show is in just two weeks.
I'm enjoying my second year of jam selling, especially since there is no morning sickness throwing a wrench into the mix. Melanie has been tagging along with me to most of the shows, and she's wonderful company, as well as a great lure. People might be able to resist jam, but nobody can resist a chubby, smiley baby.
In any case, all is well, and I will do my best to post some pictures soon. We've been having camera cord trouble, which is my relatively lame excuse for not having done it sooner.
Melanie has changed so much in the last few weeks. She crawls like a crazy person now, and is into everything. I had to fish her out twice from behind one of our recliners today, and then she just turned around and climbed back behind it again. She's started pulling herself up on things, and--as a direct result--falling over a lot more. She has her very first little bruise right on her cheek from a close encounter with the coffee table last night. We've started all the solid foods (which she loves) and she can feed herself little puffy baby food. She can also feed herself trash, paper, kleenex, hair, small toys, rocks, and various other things that she finds on the floor...but we won't talk about that. Rest assured, I vacuum like it's a religion right now. We gave her her first "big girl" bath a few nights ago, and she flooded the kitchen splashing. The one thing she doesn't do well is sleep, unfortunately. If I could get her down to only waking up twice a night, I'd be so, so happy...
Marina adores preschool. She has made all kinds of new friends, and we had them all (ALL) over for her third birthday a couple weeks ago. I can't believe she's three, and I also think I was lame and missed doing her birthday pictures on the blog. (Sorry little girl! I try and get some belated ones posted soon.) This biggest change in her little life has been the removal of her pacifier. It's been a week and a half since we threw it away, and it's been touch and go...she has figured out how to fall asleep a little better (at least without an hour and a half of screaming), but she has a very hard time staying asleep. The one-two combo of Melanie waking up every three hours and Marina being up at least twice a night also is well on its way to breaking down Dn. John and my mental function. During the day, however, she remains her sunny and feisty little self, fearless and sweet, tomboy and princess, all at the same time. She is a "mommy" to everything, be it a stuffed animal, a doll, or our friends' puppies. She's also nicknamed the neighbor dogs "my sweeties" and runs off to play with them whenever she can.
Megan is also loving preschool. She's in Preschool 2 this year, which means it's three days a week, as opposed to two like Marina. She has also discovered a love of crafts, and will busy herself for the longest time drawing pictures, making mosaics and necklaces, and whatever else has lots of colors and creativity involved. She is maturing quickly into a helpful and kind little person. I really see her trying to remember how she should act, and trying to help the people around her. She has a spiritual eye, and sees God in everything. Some of the stuff she says to me is so holy and profound. I have "Out of the mouths of babes" moments daily.
Dn. John and I are the proud owners of a new van, with which we can now haul our little brood around in comfort. :) The selling point of this particular model (an 02 Chevy Astro) is that all of my jam will fit in the back, while also leaving room for the kids. This is a big deal since I am about to start my busy season with all the Christmas shows and bazaars. In fact, my first big show is in just two weeks.
I'm enjoying my second year of jam selling, especially since there is no morning sickness throwing a wrench into the mix. Melanie has been tagging along with me to most of the shows, and she's wonderful company, as well as a great lure. People might be able to resist jam, but nobody can resist a chubby, smiley baby.
In any case, all is well, and I will do my best to post some pictures soon. We've been having camera cord trouble, which is my relatively lame excuse for not having done it sooner.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Sleep....
I know sleeplessness comes hand in and with having young kids...BUT COME ON ALREADY!!! I was up no less than 7 times last night, in an 8 hour time period. I feel a little sick this morning. We'll see if anything gets accomplished today, because I am fried.
Monday, August 22, 2011
My little girl is growing up
This morning, Megan asked to walk to preschool by herself. She's done this before, so I didn't see any problem with it. I walked her out to the street, and watched as she crossed. She ran down the Dunaway's driveway, then turned to look at me with a big grin on her face. She waved, blew a kiss, and trotted off to school.
It was then that I realized that my heart was breaking, just a little.
Wasn't it just five short years ago that she was still turning somersaults in my belly? Just five years since we held her in our arms for the first time? Just five years since we stared at her in her hospital bassinet, marveling at this tiny 7 pound 11 ounce miracle that God had so lovingly blessed us with?
If time had a tail, I would grab it, dig my heels in, and hang on for dear life. Because I know--I KNOW--that the next five years will go even faster. Then the five after that, and the five after that, and then she will be a grown woman, making her own way in the world. I feel so unprepared all of a sudden for the momentous task that God has entrusted to me--to raise this precious little girl in faith and love, so that when she is all grown up, she is equipped to make good decisions, to love those around her, and to live a life of Godliness.
Until now, it's really been a matter of food, clothes and love. Now I am beginning to feel the change as she grows old enough to need so much more, and I am a little afraid. Then I look at my other two daughters, and the fear turns into a slight terror.
Today, even though Megan is maturing and growing so fast I can almost physically see it, she is still my little girl. And when she gets home from school, I am going to scoop her up and hold her close. I know I can't stop time, or even slow it, so I am determined to make the most of these short days while she is still small.
May God grand me wisdom and strength for the awesome and wonderful task He has given me. May He send good and wonderful things into my daughters' lives, and protect them from all evil. With His help, may I raise my daughters to the Kingdom of Heaven.
It was then that I realized that my heart was breaking, just a little.
Wasn't it just five short years ago that she was still turning somersaults in my belly? Just five years since we held her in our arms for the first time? Just five years since we stared at her in her hospital bassinet, marveling at this tiny 7 pound 11 ounce miracle that God had so lovingly blessed us with?
If time had a tail, I would grab it, dig my heels in, and hang on for dear life. Because I know--I KNOW--that the next five years will go even faster. Then the five after that, and the five after that, and then she will be a grown woman, making her own way in the world. I feel so unprepared all of a sudden for the momentous task that God has entrusted to me--to raise this precious little girl in faith and love, so that when she is all grown up, she is equipped to make good decisions, to love those around her, and to live a life of Godliness.
Until now, it's really been a matter of food, clothes and love. Now I am beginning to feel the change as she grows old enough to need so much more, and I am a little afraid. Then I look at my other two daughters, and the fear turns into a slight terror.
Today, even though Megan is maturing and growing so fast I can almost physically see it, she is still my little girl. And when she gets home from school, I am going to scoop her up and hold her close. I know I can't stop time, or even slow it, so I am determined to make the most of these short days while she is still small.
May God grand me wisdom and strength for the awesome and wonderful task He has given me. May He send good and wonderful things into my daughters' lives, and protect them from all evil. With His help, may I raise my daughters to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The artist
I just overheard this conversation.
Marina: Megan! Stop doing art.
Megan: I can't stop doing art. I am an artist. I will never stop doing the art that I am good at.
Marina: What is an artist?
Megan: It's a person who does art. I am an artist. I have to keep doing my art so I can get gooder. That's what artists do. They practice their art, and they get gooder and gooder and gooder and gooder. Then they die.
Marina: Oooohhh... (in awed voice)
Marina: Megan! Stop doing art.
Megan: I can't stop doing art. I am an artist. I will never stop doing the art that I am good at.
Marina: What is an artist?
Megan: It's a person who does art. I am an artist. I have to keep doing my art so I can get gooder. That's what artists do. They practice their art, and they get gooder and gooder and gooder and gooder. Then they die.
Marina: Oooohhh... (in awed voice)
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Part THREE!!
Lest I forget anyone... :)
Our good friend Father Thomas Frizelle was ordained to the Holy Priesthood this morning. Axios!!
Our good friend Father Thomas Frizelle was ordained to the Holy Priesthood this morning. Axios!!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Part Deux!
The Bishop is in town, and we have a weekend of ordinations and tonsurings! This evening, we saw our two good friends Breandan and Dan become Readers. We may not have said "Axios" in church tonight, but I'll say it here. Axios!!
God bless you guys.
God bless you guys.
Axios!
Our good friend Matthew Howell, who is also Megan's Godfather, was ordained a Deacon this morning by Bishop Joseph. May God Grant You Many Years Dn. Matthew, Anastasia, and kids!
We love you.
We love you.
Quick Fix
I have a fix for the country's budget problems. STOP SPENDING MONEY ON STUPID THINGS YOU DON'T NEED. It's the self same advice given to every family in debt. Live within your means, and pay off your bills before making any new purchases. It seems like every day I hear of some new government program building weird parking garages in towns of 200, or funding programs to help ten year olds learn about the science of toilets. Really?? Here's a novel idea: For five years, suspend all programs that will not cause a fallout of society, and use all that money to pay back China and all the other countries we owe exorbitant amounts of money to. We can eek by as a country for five year without obscene excess.
Okay, I'm done ranting. :)
Okay, I'm done ranting. :)
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thoughts on Les Mis
I love Les Miserables. The music is fantastic, the story is compelling, and when I was a teenager, I was convinced that I was a modern Eponine, since I was boy crazy and none of them ever returned the favor of my fleeting affection. I've been listening to the musical over the last couple days, and I picked up on something that I never realized before.
There is a song where Valjean is singing about the difficulty of his current situation. All the time I heard it growing up, I thought he was singing about the "never ending road to Calgary." It always befuddled me why, as a French National, he was singing about going to Canada. Today (yes, only today), I realized that he is saying the "never ending road to CALVARY." Holy smokes, that make so much more sense.
There is a song where Valjean is singing about the difficulty of his current situation. All the time I heard it growing up, I thought he was singing about the "never ending road to Calgary." It always befuddled me why, as a French National, he was singing about going to Canada. Today (yes, only today), I realized that he is saying the "never ending road to CALVARY." Holy smokes, that make so much more sense.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Rhubarb Cake
Sofia!! I'm sorry this took me so long. Enjoy.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
2 T. cinnamon
Cream sugar and butter. Add baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk. Stir in rhubarb. Transfer to 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups diced rhubarb
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 cup sugar
2 T. cinnamon
Cream sugar and butter. Add baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Alternate adding flour and buttermilk. Stir in rhubarb. Transfer to 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The Hunger Games
I've been reading "The Hunger Games" Trilogy, which is essentially a post-apocalyptic gladiator story. In any case, I fell asleep reading it last night, and when Dn. John came to bed awhile later, I had a horrific minute or so while struggling for wakefulness, in which I thought he was there to kill me. Thankfully, I did wake up enough to realize that he was, in fact, letting me live. What a great guy.
Friday, July 22, 2011
They're asleep!!
All three kids went to bed. At the same time. In their own beds.
HALLELUIAH. I have been waiting for this moment since Melanie was a week old. It is glorious.
Now if I could only find my husband, we might have an evening of relative peace and adult conversation. How novel...
I was at Friday Fling all day today in Palmer. It was 74 degrees, and I almost died, which is laughable since on Monday I was in 85 degree heat and it felt cool. I think I have officially reaclimated to Alaska. As I was packing up my booth at the end of the day, sweaty, hot, ratty haired and covered in baby barf, a lady walked up to me and asked if I would mind filming a five second spot for a new commercial that her station is filming. She wanted local business owners in it with their product. Thankfully, this is a local station only, and also one that I had never heard of. So, should you be in the Valley and watching Channel 103 (whatever that is), and you see me with a big grin on my shiny, sweaty face saying, "Because it's YOUR community!" (whatever that means), please call me. Also, if my shirt looks wet, it's not sweat. It's baby puke.
My life feels so very glamorous at this moment...
HALLELUIAH. I have been waiting for this moment since Melanie was a week old. It is glorious.
Now if I could only find my husband, we might have an evening of relative peace and adult conversation. How novel...
I was at Friday Fling all day today in Palmer. It was 74 degrees, and I almost died, which is laughable since on Monday I was in 85 degree heat and it felt cool. I think I have officially reaclimated to Alaska. As I was packing up my booth at the end of the day, sweaty, hot, ratty haired and covered in baby barf, a lady walked up to me and asked if I would mind filming a five second spot for a new commercial that her station is filming. She wanted local business owners in it with their product. Thankfully, this is a local station only, and also one that I had never heard of. So, should you be in the Valley and watching Channel 103 (whatever that is), and you see me with a big grin on my shiny, sweaty face saying, "Because it's YOUR community!" (whatever that means), please call me. Also, if my shirt looks wet, it's not sweat. It's baby puke.
My life feels so very glamorous at this moment...
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Home again, Home again
My kids are awesome.
We had a crazy long travel day yesterday, but they pulled through it like champs. Very few tears, even when they were so tired they couldn't see straight and there was no way to be comfortable on the plane. So many people told me I was crazy to fly to South Carolina on my own with three kids. All I can say is...I would totally do it again.
We came home to cloudy skies and 64 degree weather. Dn. John built and installed some new shelves for me, and he and a friend cut down a couple trees in the yard, so the yard looks completely different. It's awesome! I don't think I'll get to putting stuff on the new shelves today, since I need to unpack and do laundry. And grocery shop. Holy heck, finding breakfast is going to be a serious treasure hunt. What in the world did my husband eat while I was gone??
The big girls greeted their Dad with screams and hugs in the airport last night, and they are cuddled up reading stories this morning. I am so thankful he was able to take the day off. Now we have to decide if we're going fishing this weekend...or if he is going on his own. :) Either way, I am hoping for fish.
We had a crazy long travel day yesterday, but they pulled through it like champs. Very few tears, even when they were so tired they couldn't see straight and there was no way to be comfortable on the plane. So many people told me I was crazy to fly to South Carolina on my own with three kids. All I can say is...I would totally do it again.
We came home to cloudy skies and 64 degree weather. Dn. John built and installed some new shelves for me, and he and a friend cut down a couple trees in the yard, so the yard looks completely different. It's awesome! I don't think I'll get to putting stuff on the new shelves today, since I need to unpack and do laundry. And grocery shop. Holy heck, finding breakfast is going to be a serious treasure hunt. What in the world did my husband eat while I was gone??
The big girls greeted their Dad with screams and hugs in the airport last night, and they are cuddled up reading stories this morning. I am so thankful he was able to take the day off. Now we have to decide if we're going fishing this weekend...or if he is going on his own. :) Either way, I am hoping for fish.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Going home
On the road again! We are heading out in 45 minutes. Thanks South Carolina for the heat and extra grey hairs. Thanks Rogers family for a great week!
Tomorrow, I hope to be thanking my kids for their spectacular behavior on the plane. Please pray for traveling mercies for us.
Tomorrow, I hope to be thanking my kids for their spectacular behavior on the plane. Please pray for traveling mercies for us.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Early Morning Travail
There is an unspeakable horror that grips the heart of every parent when awoken at 7:15 by a two year old informing them that they can't find clean underwear, and their "foots are slippery."
After a night of coughing and fever, Marina woke up early and decided to venture downstairs by herself. After peeing a miniature Loch Ness on the living room floor, she came upstairs and woke me up. On the bright side, her cough seems to be dissipating and her fever is gone. I would feel more cheerful about this if it wasn't the second night we had been through it. If she goes through it again tonight, it's off to the doctor tomorrow.
What I am feeling cheerful about is the fact that I just heard the shower turn off, which means that either Grammy or Papa is almost done getting ready. I'm hoping this means they'll corral kids and I can go back to bed...
After a night of coughing and fever, Marina woke up early and decided to venture downstairs by herself. After peeing a miniature Loch Ness on the living room floor, she came upstairs and woke me up. On the bright side, her cough seems to be dissipating and her fever is gone. I would feel more cheerful about this if it wasn't the second night we had been through it. If she goes through it again tonight, it's off to the doctor tomorrow.
What I am feeling cheerful about is the fact that I just heard the shower turn off, which means that either Grammy or Papa is almost done getting ready. I'm hoping this means they'll corral kids and I can go back to bed...
Friday, July 15, 2011
Shirking my duties (and enjoying the silence)
I could lie and say that I'm letting the kids stay up late because they're truly enjoying reading bedtime stories with their Papa. Well, that wouldn't be a lie. That is (part of) why I'm not putting them to bed right now.
The other part is the fact that I'm hiding in the office, and I can't bring myself to disturb the current peace. Oh, and the fact that their pj's are in the dryer, and both big kids are wrapped up in towels after an evening swim, while Melanie is lounging in a diaper. We'll give it 50% Papa, 25% dryer, 25% lack of parental responsibility. That makes me sound better in the long run, right? :)
Saturday, Sunday, fly home Monday. Yeesh. Since when does time go so quickly?? I am torn. I don't want to leave, and I REALLY don't want to fly across the country alone again with the kids. Despite the fact that they were so well behaved on the way down, I feel that I am not quite recuperated from the first trip. However, I do miss my husband. A lot. And, as he is 5000 miles away and the only way to get to him is to fly across the country with our assortment of tiny, slightly crazy, people, I will take the plunge and fly home. I will be sad to leave my mother and father in law behind. They are resisting my efforts to get them to move to Alaska. But, I am nothing if not persistent (and loud, but that's beside the point). Someday.
The dryer has buzzed. The story is over. Parental responsibility calls...
Truthfully, parental responsibility is about to start screaming. And barfing. I'd appreciate your prayers for a decent night's sleep. Or a halfway decent night's sleep. Someone has been up all night each night that we've been here. It's starting to take it's toll. I swear I didn't have all these grey hairs when I got here...
Maybe we'll blame that one on the humidity. :)
The other part is the fact that I'm hiding in the office, and I can't bring myself to disturb the current peace. Oh, and the fact that their pj's are in the dryer, and both big kids are wrapped up in towels after an evening swim, while Melanie is lounging in a diaper. We'll give it 50% Papa, 25% dryer, 25% lack of parental responsibility. That makes me sound better in the long run, right? :)
Saturday, Sunday, fly home Monday. Yeesh. Since when does time go so quickly?? I am torn. I don't want to leave, and I REALLY don't want to fly across the country alone again with the kids. Despite the fact that they were so well behaved on the way down, I feel that I am not quite recuperated from the first trip. However, I do miss my husband. A lot. And, as he is 5000 miles away and the only way to get to him is to fly across the country with our assortment of tiny, slightly crazy, people, I will take the plunge and fly home. I will be sad to leave my mother and father in law behind. They are resisting my efforts to get them to move to Alaska. But, I am nothing if not persistent (and loud, but that's beside the point). Someday.
The dryer has buzzed. The story is over. Parental responsibility calls...
Truthfully, parental responsibility is about to start screaming. And barfing. I'd appreciate your prayers for a decent night's sleep. Or a halfway decent night's sleep. Someone has been up all night each night that we've been here. It's starting to take it's toll. I swear I didn't have all these grey hairs when I got here...
Maybe we'll blame that one on the humidity. :)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hot hot hot hot hot hot hot
Did I mention that it is hot out? Currently 5 pm and 102 degrees. Heat index says 115. Holy Baked Alaskan, Batman. The inventor of air conditioning should be cannonized.
We have had a wonderful visit with Aunt Sarah and her fiance, Uncle Jacob. They left today, and Marina was pretty upset that she was not invited to fly home with them. Considering that their plane has been delayed twice (for a total of five hours), I would venture a guess that they're thankful to not be having to entertain her. In any case, their wedding is in November, and we are so excited!! Megan and Marina will be flower girls, and Melanie is going to be "honorary" since she will not yet be walking.
We are having a great time in the South, despite the heat. The kids don't function in it well...we attempted to have an outdoor photo session at Hopeland Gardens yesterday. To say that it was an unmitigated disaster would be an understatement. We did get some funny pictures of Marina throwing a gigantic fit, though. We've spent a lot of time in the pool. I was going to take the kids over there in a few minutes, but the national weather service issued an excessive heat warning until 9 pm, so I think I would be better served to keep my Eskimo babies inside where it's cool.
Today is our last day with Uncle Phil and Auntie Kathryn. Uncle Phil is currently carrying Melanie around while she drools on his arm. They've had lots of fun with them too, and I can tell that they'll be disappointed to have all the aunts and uncles gone tomorrow. I need to remember to get all Aunt Kathryn's cool pictures before she goes, because I haven't taken a single one (Aunt Kathryn is a much better photographer than I am...so I've been letting her carry that one alone!). I knew the flash drive that I found in my purse on the plane would come in handy...
I'm hoping to see my friend Leah in Columbia sometime in the next couple of days, and we're hitting the Charleston beach on Friday. Saturday, I think we're taking the girls to see Winnie the Pooh. It's hard to believe that Tuesday is almost over already! Our time is flying.
We have had a wonderful visit with Aunt Sarah and her fiance, Uncle Jacob. They left today, and Marina was pretty upset that she was not invited to fly home with them. Considering that their plane has been delayed twice (for a total of five hours), I would venture a guess that they're thankful to not be having to entertain her. In any case, their wedding is in November, and we are so excited!! Megan and Marina will be flower girls, and Melanie is going to be "honorary" since she will not yet be walking.
We are having a great time in the South, despite the heat. The kids don't function in it well...we attempted to have an outdoor photo session at Hopeland Gardens yesterday. To say that it was an unmitigated disaster would be an understatement. We did get some funny pictures of Marina throwing a gigantic fit, though. We've spent a lot of time in the pool. I was going to take the kids over there in a few minutes, but the national weather service issued an excessive heat warning until 9 pm, so I think I would be better served to keep my Eskimo babies inside where it's cool.
Today is our last day with Uncle Phil and Auntie Kathryn. Uncle Phil is currently carrying Melanie around while she drools on his arm. They've had lots of fun with them too, and I can tell that they'll be disappointed to have all the aunts and uncles gone tomorrow. I need to remember to get all Aunt Kathryn's cool pictures before she goes, because I haven't taken a single one (Aunt Kathryn is a much better photographer than I am...so I've been letting her carry that one alone!). I knew the flash drive that I found in my purse on the plane would come in handy...
I'm hoping to see my friend Leah in Columbia sometime in the next couple of days, and we're hitting the Charleston beach on Friday. Saturday, I think we're taking the girls to see Winnie the Pooh. It's hard to believe that Tuesday is almost over already! Our time is flying.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Down South!
We made it safe, sound and relatively sane to South Carolina. Our flight left nearly three hours late, and we had to take a later plane from Philly to Charlotte, but we're here now, and HOT. It was 92 on the drive to Aiken. Marina, Melanie and I have all changed clothes into very summery and light things, but Megan is holding on strong to her Hello Kitty shirt and jeans. She's also staying inside where it's air conditioned. :)
The girls did really well on the planes. Melanie slept the entire time, waking only to nurse. She was also out for our whole layover in Philadelphia. Marina was sleeping so hard that she actually fell off her chair and onto the floor...where she just rolled over and kept sleeping. We are all pretty jet lagged, but the kids are so wound up that they're handling it well. I'm just moving slowly, and staring a lot, as I struggle to form sentences in my sleep deprived brain.
Melanie has now met her Aunt Kathryn for the first time, and is getting loved and squeezed by her and her Grandparents, who haven't seen her since she was a month old (she's a lot more squeezable now!). I'm enjoying some quiet down time after being "on" all day while the kids chase around the family and the cat (poor arthritic Buttons is not quite sure what to make of all this sudden commotion and interest).
Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jacob get her soon, and I will say hi to them and go to bed. :) We miss Daddy a lot, and wish he was here.
The girls did really well on the planes. Melanie slept the entire time, waking only to nurse. She was also out for our whole layover in Philadelphia. Marina was sleeping so hard that she actually fell off her chair and onto the floor...where she just rolled over and kept sleeping. We are all pretty jet lagged, but the kids are so wound up that they're handling it well. I'm just moving slowly, and staring a lot, as I struggle to form sentences in my sleep deprived brain.
Melanie has now met her Aunt Kathryn for the first time, and is getting loved and squeezed by her and her Grandparents, who haven't seen her since she was a month old (she's a lot more squeezable now!). I'm enjoying some quiet down time after being "on" all day while the kids chase around the family and the cat (poor arthritic Buttons is not quite sure what to make of all this sudden commotion and interest).
Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jacob get her soon, and I will say hi to them and go to bed. :) We miss Daddy a lot, and wish he was here.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
On the road!!
This is my last post from Alaska for the next 12 days! Despite reservation problems (shakes fist at US Airways), we are getting ready to load the car and hit the road. Megan is, for some reason that is completely beyond me, having a gigantic meltdown. Hopefully she gets her act together and we don't get kicked off the plane.
I'm sure my next post will include some kind of comment about the blazing heat. :)
Say a prayer for all of us!
I'm sure my next post will include some kind of comment about the blazing heat. :)
Say a prayer for all of us!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Bacon Jam update
We had the Knight and Labrecque families over for breakfast this morning. I made pancakes and eggs, and broke out the bacon jam.
It was a big fat hit. :)
As soon as I get back from SC, I'll be making it for sale.
It was a big fat hit. :)
As soon as I get back from SC, I'll be making it for sale.
Monday, July 4, 2011
T-3 days and counting...
Oh vacation, where art thou? :) I am so ready.
We had a BBQ at my little sister's house today. I stood over her shoulder and learned how to make steak. Up until now, this has been a pretty dismal area of my cooking repertoire. Jess, however, makes amazing steak. So she taught me. Now all I have to do is attempt it on my own at home. Since I won't have time for this until after we get back from SC, I have to manage to retain all this knowledge for two weeks before using it. I think I can manage...it is about steak after all. Important stuff.
Speaking of grilling, I read in a magazine today an awesome idea for making chicken kebabs. I can't wait to try it, too. I sense a bbq night at the Rogers coming soon...it's a good thing I have many hungry friends, since I'm going to need them to eat all this stuff I want to try!
I went to the store today, and got the last of the stuff I need for our trip. At least, I thought I did until I got home and realized I forgot something. *sigh* But other than a travel sized container of diaper cream, we are good to go! I've got a whole pile of stuff we've been saving for the airplane, and the kids are chomping at the bit to be able to get to their new toys. The coolest part about our carryons this time will be the downsizing factor. I read really fast, and this is a plus in every other area of my life, except airplane travel. I usually have to pack three or four books to read for a cross country trip (I don't sleep on planes, unfortunately). This tends to get heavy. Enter (da da da da!!) the KINDLE. Awesomeness in its entirety.
Also awesome--my grandma got me an iTouch for my birthday, so I'm loading it with TV and movies, so I don't have to pack our portable DVD player or movies. This cuts down on about 50% of my carry on space, and I am excited. The only downside is that I am technologically impaired, and have to get my 13 year old nephew to teach me how to use it. (I could ask my husband, I know, but that just makes me feel dumb. Asking a 13 year old is much, much better. Especially when my 11 year old nephew sat and snickered about me not knowing how to use it). I'm excited that iTunes rents movies, because now I can watch a couple chick flicks that I know Dn. John doesn't want to see.
Well, all three of my kids are asleep right now, and I am going to join them. It's been hairy these last few nights with Melanie (she's anti sleep at about 3 am these days), so I need some serious shut eye. Tomorrow morning, some of our friends from our St. James House days are going to be in town, and coming over for breakfast! I haven't seen them in about five years, so I am pretty excited.
We had a BBQ at my little sister's house today. I stood over her shoulder and learned how to make steak. Up until now, this has been a pretty dismal area of my cooking repertoire. Jess, however, makes amazing steak. So she taught me. Now all I have to do is attempt it on my own at home. Since I won't have time for this until after we get back from SC, I have to manage to retain all this knowledge for two weeks before using it. I think I can manage...it is about steak after all. Important stuff.
Speaking of grilling, I read in a magazine today an awesome idea for making chicken kebabs. I can't wait to try it, too. I sense a bbq night at the Rogers coming soon...it's a good thing I have many hungry friends, since I'm going to need them to eat all this stuff I want to try!
I went to the store today, and got the last of the stuff I need for our trip. At least, I thought I did until I got home and realized I forgot something. *sigh* But other than a travel sized container of diaper cream, we are good to go! I've got a whole pile of stuff we've been saving for the airplane, and the kids are chomping at the bit to be able to get to their new toys. The coolest part about our carryons this time will be the downsizing factor. I read really fast, and this is a plus in every other area of my life, except airplane travel. I usually have to pack three or four books to read for a cross country trip (I don't sleep on planes, unfortunately). This tends to get heavy. Enter (da da da da!!) the KINDLE. Awesomeness in its entirety.
Also awesome--my grandma got me an iTouch for my birthday, so I'm loading it with TV and movies, so I don't have to pack our portable DVD player or movies. This cuts down on about 50% of my carry on space, and I am excited. The only downside is that I am technologically impaired, and have to get my 13 year old nephew to teach me how to use it. (I could ask my husband, I know, but that just makes me feel dumb. Asking a 13 year old is much, much better. Especially when my 11 year old nephew sat and snickered about me not knowing how to use it). I'm excited that iTunes rents movies, because now I can watch a couple chick flicks that I know Dn. John doesn't want to see.
Well, all three of my kids are asleep right now, and I am going to join them. It's been hairy these last few nights with Melanie (she's anti sleep at about 3 am these days), so I need some serious shut eye. Tomorrow morning, some of our friends from our St. James House days are going to be in town, and coming over for breakfast! I haven't seen them in about five years, so I am pretty excited.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Vacation: T-7 days and counting.... It will be farewell rainy and cool Alaska, helloooooooooooo 100 degrees and humid South Carolina. If I don't come home, it's because I melted. :) However, along with all that heat comes Grandparents, two Aunts and two Uncles. Can't wait!!
Matthew and Anastasia made it home safely, which is awesome. We've spent a little bit of time every day since Tuesday at their house, trying to help them unpack. I'm far less useful than I would prefer to be, since when I come, I usually add to the chaos. Stasia and I were a little bit dumbfounded that between the two of us, we have six kids. Add that to their tiny house and mounds of boxes, and I tend to figure that I'm a bigger help if I stay home. I did manage to load the dishwasher for them today, so I suppose that's something. It's really great to have them home and across the street again.
Melanie rolled over for the fist time Monday night, and hasn't stopped since. It's crazy. Once she figured out what to do, she's been on a roll (hahahaha...ha...). I can't believe she's already four months old! When did that happen??
Today, I decided to be "fun" Mom, instead of "boring and healthy" Mom. :) I gave the kids shoestring licorice and fruit loops and they made edible necklaces. I'm pretty sure the half an hour in which that occupied them was worth all the sugar. While they were busy and happy, Melanie was sleeping, so I did something amazing. Wait for it....wait for it.... I READ A BOOK. It was intensely awesome. I intend to pack the makings for this treat on the airplane, in my "bag o' goodies" that I'm stockpiling.
Matthew and Anastasia made it home safely, which is awesome. We've spent a little bit of time every day since Tuesday at their house, trying to help them unpack. I'm far less useful than I would prefer to be, since when I come, I usually add to the chaos. Stasia and I were a little bit dumbfounded that between the two of us, we have six kids. Add that to their tiny house and mounds of boxes, and I tend to figure that I'm a bigger help if I stay home. I did manage to load the dishwasher for them today, so I suppose that's something. It's really great to have them home and across the street again.
Melanie rolled over for the fist time Monday night, and hasn't stopped since. It's crazy. Once she figured out what to do, she's been on a roll (hahahaha...ha...). I can't believe she's already four months old! When did that happen??
Today, I decided to be "fun" Mom, instead of "boring and healthy" Mom. :) I gave the kids shoestring licorice and fruit loops and they made edible necklaces. I'm pretty sure the half an hour in which that occupied them was worth all the sugar. While they were busy and happy, Melanie was sleeping, so I did something amazing. Wait for it....wait for it.... I READ A BOOK. It was intensely awesome. I intend to pack the makings for this treat on the airplane, in my "bag o' goodies" that I'm stockpiling.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
BACON JAM
Two words people: bacon jam. IT. IS. AWESOME. My kids won't stay out of it, and I caught Marina eating it by the spoonful earlier. I can already imagine it on toast, biscuits, in scrambled eggs, stuffed in a chicken breast, mixed with grated cheese and filling empenadas...mmmmm....
Also in today's awesome news: I officially only have one child in diapers. Woot!! I have to admit to part of me thinking that Marina would be starting Kindergarten still wearing Pull Ups, but she seems to have (mostly) gotten the hang of it.
Today was a great day. Two of my Godchildren were at St. John's camp, so their Mom and I got to spend a few hours together, which we never get to do. We had lunch, visited, and just caught up. Love it.
Also in today's awesome news: I officially only have one child in diapers. Woot!! I have to admit to part of me thinking that Marina would be starting Kindergarten still wearing Pull Ups, but she seems to have (mostly) gotten the hang of it.
Today was a great day. Two of my Godchildren were at St. John's camp, so their Mom and I got to spend a few hours together, which we never get to do. We had lunch, visited, and just caught up. Love it.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Confession
So. I own a jam business, and I have never used a pressure canner. It's slightly embarrassing to admit, but it is the truth. My friend in South Carolina has offered to give me hers, so I'll be bringing it home with me in a few weeks, just in time to start making BACON JAM. (That's right, I am so going to do this). I'm a little scared. I'd prefer to not blow up my kitchen, so I suppose some kind of tutorial is in order. If you are one of my "pressure canner talented" readers, please shoot me an email if you're willing to give me a crash course.
In the meantime, I don't want to wait weeks to make bacon jam, so I think I'm going to try a small batch tomorrow. If it is as awesome as I am expecting it to be, I'll have to borrow a pressure canner. I know several people who own them, so I don't think it'll be difficult to track down.
On another note:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE HOWELL!!! My Godson is 4 years old today. He's far away in California right now, but when he's home next week, he'll be getting a big fat hug (and quite possibly ice cream) from Aunt Christine, who has missed him so much!!! We love you Luke!
In the meantime, I don't want to wait weeks to make bacon jam, so I think I'm going to try a small batch tomorrow. If it is as awesome as I am expecting it to be, I'll have to borrow a pressure canner. I know several people who own them, so I don't think it'll be difficult to track down.
On another note:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKE HOWELL!!! My Godson is 4 years old today. He's far away in California right now, but when he's home next week, he'll be getting a big fat hug (and quite possibly ice cream) from Aunt Christine, who has missed him so much!!! We love you Luke!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
God bless Ellen Dyal
That's right Ellen!! You totally saved my bacon today. (Mmmm....bacon....)
I took my kids to the grocery store today. When I discovered that Freddy's Playland was closed, I was faced with the immediate prospect of shopping with all three kids. Marina was already fussy and cranky, and I was up past my ears with her. Then (cue angelic music) we ran into Ellen. She snapped Marina up and took her shopping in her cart. She bought Megan and Marina new baby dolls, as well as goldfish crackers. She also offered to babysit in a couple weeks while my sister is out of town, and took Marina to pick out something fantastic for them to eat for lunch that day. Megan was happy, Melanie slept, and Marina entertained Ellen with her craziness and hilarity. (She went nuclear with excitement when Ellen let her pick out a doll).
It. Was. Awesome.
Both older kids agreed that we should always go to the store when Mrs. Dyal is there, because it's way more fun than with Mom. They would also like to live with her now.
On the flip side, we got home and I realized that I forgot about eleven things, despite the fact that I took a list and was down one child. So, back to the store I go this evening after dinner, since I need said stuff to make jam tomorrow.
Melanie's tolerance for being set down is gone. Must run and comfort crying baby. Thanks again Ellen. :)
I took my kids to the grocery store today. When I discovered that Freddy's Playland was closed, I was faced with the immediate prospect of shopping with all three kids. Marina was already fussy and cranky, and I was up past my ears with her. Then (cue angelic music) we ran into Ellen. She snapped Marina up and took her shopping in her cart. She bought Megan and Marina new baby dolls, as well as goldfish crackers. She also offered to babysit in a couple weeks while my sister is out of town, and took Marina to pick out something fantastic for them to eat for lunch that day. Megan was happy, Melanie slept, and Marina entertained Ellen with her craziness and hilarity. (She went nuclear with excitement when Ellen let her pick out a doll).
It. Was. Awesome.
Both older kids agreed that we should always go to the store when Mrs. Dyal is there, because it's way more fun than with Mom. They would also like to live with her now.
On the flip side, we got home and I realized that I forgot about eleven things, despite the fact that I took a list and was down one child. So, back to the store I go this evening after dinner, since I need said stuff to make jam tomorrow.
Melanie's tolerance for being set down is gone. Must run and comfort crying baby. Thanks again Ellen. :)
Thursday, June 9, 2011
MATTHEW HOWELL!!! Read this.
BACON JAM.
Just the possibility has me salivating uncontrollably. My keyboard may short out.
Just the possibility has me salivating uncontrollably. My keyboard may short out.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Goals
I decided last night that Dn. John was coming home today to four things, so help me God:
1) A clean house
2) Peaceful children
3) Some sort of baked good
4) The smell of dinner already being cooked
Well, I forgot that we have Liturgy tonight, so dinner is automatically out. However, I am still holding out hope for the other three. To that end, I have been cleaning all morning, and am now taking a well deserved breather. Until about ten seconds ago, the kids have been cooperative and not fighting, but apparently they're taking a breather from that as well. It is so time for some Dora the Explorer while Mom puts away laundry.
In any case, we've got all the laundry folded and towels and such put away. The dishes are done, the table and island are cleared off. The bathroom is at least picked up. So, I still have to do all the floors (vacuuming, sweeping, mopping), plus pick up the entryway, clean the bathroom, put away laundry, and have the kids help me pick up the playroom and their room. If I can swing it, the upstairs really needs to be vacuumed as well. I feel tired.
I suppose this means I should stop blogging and get my rear in gear, especially if I'm going to pull off baking something as well. Back to the grind we go!
1) A clean house
2) Peaceful children
3) Some sort of baked good
4) The smell of dinner already being cooked
Well, I forgot that we have Liturgy tonight, so dinner is automatically out. However, I am still holding out hope for the other three. To that end, I have been cleaning all morning, and am now taking a well deserved breather. Until about ten seconds ago, the kids have been cooperative and not fighting, but apparently they're taking a breather from that as well. It is so time for some Dora the Explorer while Mom puts away laundry.
In any case, we've got all the laundry folded and towels and such put away. The dishes are done, the table and island are cleared off. The bathroom is at least picked up. So, I still have to do all the floors (vacuuming, sweeping, mopping), plus pick up the entryway, clean the bathroom, put away laundry, and have the kids help me pick up the playroom and their room. If I can swing it, the upstairs really needs to be vacuumed as well. I feel tired.
I suppose this means I should stop blogging and get my rear in gear, especially if I'm going to pull off baking something as well. Back to the grind we go!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Bacon
I am accumulating quite a list of recipes that involve wrapping things in bacon.
Pork in Pork in Sugar (a la Matthew Howell)--Little smokies wrapped in 1/4 piece of bacon, then copiously sprinkled with brown sugar and baked to perfection
Bacon wrapped pineapple--also involving brown sugar
Bacon wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates (had them at the Pascha feast...holy yum Batman!)
I feel like finding two or three other ideas, then having a bacon party. Perhaps this will take the place of my annual Pulled Pork dinner on Sts. Peter and Paul day this year. It still involves pork, right? :)
In other news, I think Marina is going to be a scientist. But not just any scientist--the mad scientist kind that has crazy hair and causes gigantic explosions in their lab while cackling maniacally.
Pork in Pork in Sugar (a la Matthew Howell)--Little smokies wrapped in 1/4 piece of bacon, then copiously sprinkled with brown sugar and baked to perfection
Bacon wrapped pineapple--also involving brown sugar
Bacon wrapped blue cheese stuffed dates (had them at the Pascha feast...holy yum Batman!)
I feel like finding two or three other ideas, then having a bacon party. Perhaps this will take the place of my annual Pulled Pork dinner on Sts. Peter and Paul day this year. It still involves pork, right? :)
In other news, I think Marina is going to be a scientist. But not just any scientist--the mad scientist kind that has crazy hair and causes gigantic explosions in their lab while cackling maniacally.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday mornings
I got inspired to coupon again recently, and completely rocked some great deals this weekend. Cheap Doritoes, contact solution, cereal, diapers, and yogurt, plus free pistachios anyone? Also got a coupon for a free gallon of milk and $5 a $5 diaper purchase. Loving it. Now I just have to keep up with the program and continue to pay very little to feed and diaper my family.
My first Friday Fling went well. It was a little slow, but the weather was awesome, and Melanie and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day outside in the sun. I'm hoping it picks up in the next few weeks so I can pay off my business credit card and start saving for preschool.
Speaking of preschool, it looks like both Megan and Marina will be going this fall! The kicker for Marina was potty training, but she's doing really well (knock on wood). We'll make our final decision closer to August, but she has a space reserved for now. Of course, on the flip side, that means I have to get a kid to school every morning from now on...I thought I had another year before that would be happening. Ah well.
Marina's potty training is being met with more successes than failures, so I'm really really REALLY happy about that. Oddly enough, she's quit peeing in her pullups at night too. I figure it's her body making up for the horror of potty training her over the last six months. Like all things, we have good days and bad days, but we're definitely on the up and up.
My first Friday Fling went well. It was a little slow, but the weather was awesome, and Melanie and I thoroughly enjoyed spending the day outside in the sun. I'm hoping it picks up in the next few weeks so I can pay off my business credit card and start saving for preschool.
Speaking of preschool, it looks like both Megan and Marina will be going this fall! The kicker for Marina was potty training, but she's doing really well (knock on wood). We'll make our final decision closer to August, but she has a space reserved for now. Of course, on the flip side, that means I have to get a kid to school every morning from now on...I thought I had another year before that would be happening. Ah well.
Marina's potty training is being met with more successes than failures, so I'm really really REALLY happy about that. Oddly enough, she's quit peeing in her pullups at night too. I figure it's her body making up for the horror of potty training her over the last six months. Like all things, we have good days and bad days, but we're definitely on the up and up.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Havoc
At the request of Megan's Godfather, here is a weekly recap of the havoc Marina has recently caused...
Not once, but TWICE in the last week, she has pulled the stopper out of the bathroom sink and scrubbed the inside of the pipe with our toothbrushes.
At our friends' house yesterday (we were there for a graduation party), she picked lettering off the cake so it read: "Congratulations ade, Class of 201."
On Thursday, she escaped from the preschool playground and was missing for about ten minutes. After following her "trail" (like the open jelly bean container on the floor of the school office), Dn. Tom and I found her in the upstairs school bathroom washing rocks.
At least three bathroom floods have been attributed to her.
Also at our friends' house yesterday, she got into their dog food and water bowls and had a grand time pouring them back and forth until soggy dog food littered the kitchen floor.
We're also in week two of potty training, so many many pairs of underwear and pants top the list of being destroyed.
Does my sanity get to make the list?? :)
Oh, and I almost forgot--last Sunday, Megan nearly lit my arm on fire while lighting a candle. I was standing there in one of those cartoon moments...the fire was there on my arm for a good 10 seconds before I realized I was in pain.
Not once, but TWICE in the last week, she has pulled the stopper out of the bathroom sink and scrubbed the inside of the pipe with our toothbrushes.
At our friends' house yesterday (we were there for a graduation party), she picked lettering off the cake so it read: "Congratulations ade, Class of 201."
On Thursday, she escaped from the preschool playground and was missing for about ten minutes. After following her "trail" (like the open jelly bean container on the floor of the school office), Dn. Tom and I found her in the upstairs school bathroom washing rocks.
At least three bathroom floods have been attributed to her.
Also at our friends' house yesterday, she got into their dog food and water bowls and had a grand time pouring them back and forth until soggy dog food littered the kitchen floor.
We're also in week two of potty training, so many many pairs of underwear and pants top the list of being destroyed.
Does my sanity get to make the list?? :)
Oh, and I almost forgot--last Sunday, Megan nearly lit my arm on fire while lighting a candle. I was standing there in one of those cartoon moments...the fire was there on my arm for a good 10 seconds before I realized I was in pain.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Do you have a case of the Mondays?
When you have a million things to do, it really only makes sense to put them all off and write a blog post, right?
My first jam show is on Friday, and it feels like I have 100 details to figure out before then. But once they're all taken care of, I will be ready to roll. It's a little crazy that my season is starting already, and it's going to be a busy, busy summer, but I'm sure I'll be glad I did it when I pay Megan's preschool fees in full this August. I got new labels designed and printed, and they look pretty darn awesome, if I do say so myself. The kids have been helping me label everything, and I only have two batches left to go. Of course, tomorrow I'll be making 10 dozen more, but then that's it. I'll then be caught up on my regular 16 flavors, but I'm planning on adding at least 3 more this summer, possibly 4. I'm submitting my paperwork this afternoon to have a booth at Bear Paw, and I'm also doing Colony Days, which is a three day festival in Palmer. Other than that, it's Friday Fling in Palmer every Friday, and Tuesday Market in Eagle River every Tuesday. Whew!!
I also need to get into the shed and get some bigger clothes out for Melanie and Marina. Melanie is busting out of her newborn stuff, and all of Marina's shirts are becoming belly shirts. That means extra laundry (on top of the usual potty-training piles I'm doing all the time now), so Dn. John will probably have to haul water when he gets home. Yeesh!
AND then on Wednesday, we're going to my oldest nephew's high school graduation. It does not seem possible that he is 18 and done with high school...nor that he is enrolled in college this fall. Yay Nate!! We're so proud of you.
My first jam show is on Friday, and it feels like I have 100 details to figure out before then. But once they're all taken care of, I will be ready to roll. It's a little crazy that my season is starting already, and it's going to be a busy, busy summer, but I'm sure I'll be glad I did it when I pay Megan's preschool fees in full this August. I got new labels designed and printed, and they look pretty darn awesome, if I do say so myself. The kids have been helping me label everything, and I only have two batches left to go. Of course, tomorrow I'll be making 10 dozen more, but then that's it. I'll then be caught up on my regular 16 flavors, but I'm planning on adding at least 3 more this summer, possibly 4. I'm submitting my paperwork this afternoon to have a booth at Bear Paw, and I'm also doing Colony Days, which is a three day festival in Palmer. Other than that, it's Friday Fling in Palmer every Friday, and Tuesday Market in Eagle River every Tuesday. Whew!!
I also need to get into the shed and get some bigger clothes out for Melanie and Marina. Melanie is busting out of her newborn stuff, and all of Marina's shirts are becoming belly shirts. That means extra laundry (on top of the usual potty-training piles I'm doing all the time now), so Dn. John will probably have to haul water when he gets home. Yeesh!
AND then on Wednesday, we're going to my oldest nephew's high school graduation. It does not seem possible that he is 18 and done with high school...nor that he is enrolled in college this fall. Yay Nate!! We're so proud of you.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Two months!
Two months ago this instant, I was in the hospital waiting waiting waiting for my unborn baby to cooperate so I wouldn't have to have a c-section. Ah well. She didn't cooperate in that way, but she came out anyway, and here she is, two months old, and thankfully snoozing in her swing so I can get the house cleaned up.
Teeny tiny little Melanie Anne, I love you to bits and pieces and thank God every day for blessing us with you.
Teeny tiny little Melanie Anne, I love you to bits and pieces and thank God every day for blessing us with you.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Friday thoughts
The day I've been waiting for since Melanie was born FINALLY arrived yesterday--she smiles at people! She's been grinning at the wall and ceiling for a couple weeks already, but now I can get her to smile and coo just by making faces at her. I am not at all biased when I say that it is the cutest thing EVER. Seriously. Equally fun is listening to her Dad babble and talk to her, and her responding.
Last night, I told my husband that I thought I was getting the hang of this whole "parenting three" thing. Cue my night of crying baby and no sleep, and wide awake two year old at 6:30 am. Also cue said two year old eating a roll, then licking the bathroom mirror with her mouth full, thereby pasting bread crumbs onto the mirror and all over the floor. She then decided it was a good idea to wash her roll in the bathroom sink, leaving a pile of soggy and disgusting bread for me to find moments later. And, at this exact moment, she is attempting to climb into the dryer. It's my own fault. I will no longer assume that I am getting the hang of anything.
Megan is being incredibly helpful and non-sassy today, which is a pleasant and welcome change from recent weeks. I find that the more I keep my cool, the better behaved she is. Apparently shouting and threatening are NOT good parenting techniques. Who knew? Right now she's putting laundry away, and has not sassed or whined at me all morning. It is delightful.
Marina is attempting potty training for the third (and pray to God, final) time. She's doing moderately well, as long as I remind her. Waiting for her to tell me she has to pee (or do something more dastardly) is pretty hit or miss. So far today, we have had no accidents, and yesterday there were only two! She asked for her own star chart (like Megan's) and was also informed that if she can figure out the potty training, she can go to preschool this fall. I am hoping that some combination of these, along with copious amounts of chocolate (which I have in abundant supply this week), will inspire her to toilet greatness.
This afternoon, I am going smart phone shopping! I want to be able to accept credit cards for my jam at all my various shows and such, and there are cool apps that enable you to do that. It should be fun...and I'll have a new toy! Yippee. :)
Last night, I told my husband that I thought I was getting the hang of this whole "parenting three" thing. Cue my night of crying baby and no sleep, and wide awake two year old at 6:30 am. Also cue said two year old eating a roll, then licking the bathroom mirror with her mouth full, thereby pasting bread crumbs onto the mirror and all over the floor. She then decided it was a good idea to wash her roll in the bathroom sink, leaving a pile of soggy and disgusting bread for me to find moments later. And, at this exact moment, she is attempting to climb into the dryer. It's my own fault. I will no longer assume that I am getting the hang of anything.
Megan is being incredibly helpful and non-sassy today, which is a pleasant and welcome change from recent weeks. I find that the more I keep my cool, the better behaved she is. Apparently shouting and threatening are NOT good parenting techniques. Who knew? Right now she's putting laundry away, and has not sassed or whined at me all morning. It is delightful.
Marina is attempting potty training for the third (and pray to God, final) time. She's doing moderately well, as long as I remind her. Waiting for her to tell me she has to pee (or do something more dastardly) is pretty hit or miss. So far today, we have had no accidents, and yesterday there were only two! She asked for her own star chart (like Megan's) and was also informed that if she can figure out the potty training, she can go to preschool this fall. I am hoping that some combination of these, along with copious amounts of chocolate (which I have in abundant supply this week), will inspire her to toilet greatness.
This afternoon, I am going smart phone shopping! I want to be able to accept credit cards for my jam at all my various shows and such, and there are cool apps that enable you to do that. It should be fun...and I'll have a new toy! Yippee. :)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Holy Friday
There is something so humbling, amazing and awe-inspiring about prostrating in church as the cross is carried past you in procession. To me, the hymn sung during the procession sums up Holy Friday and all it's glory.
"Today is hung upon the Tree He who hung the land upon the waters. A crown of thorns crowns him who is King of the Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the heavens with clouds. He receives smiting, He who freed Adam in the Jordan. He is transfixed with nails, Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He is pierced with a spear, He Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Your passion O Christ. Show us also Your glorious Resurrection."
Of course, later I watched my husband make a prostration in front of the cross, only to have Marina jump on his back and try to ride him like a horse.
"Today is hung upon the Tree He who hung the land upon the waters. A crown of thorns crowns him who is King of the Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the heavens with clouds. He receives smiting, He who freed Adam in the Jordan. He is transfixed with nails, Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He is pierced with a spear, He Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Your passion O Christ. Show us also Your glorious Resurrection."
Of course, later I watched my husband make a prostration in front of the cross, only to have Marina jump on his back and try to ride him like a horse.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A day in the life with Marina
I woke up to find toothpaste on my hairbrush. I suspect that it was her.
Today at church, Marina...
...made a break for the alter and *almost* made it. Her dad chased after her, his riassa flowing behind him. He looked a little like Batman.
...was given a pewter cross, which she proceeded to lick all over and then rub on my face. She rubbed it on her Dad's face later, and I don't think he knew she was licking it first.
...fell in the toilet.
...was caught at coffee hour, eating spinach dip by the fist full. Five minutes later, she was drinking salsa from the bowl.
It is only 1:07. Today has the potential to be really interesting.
Today at church, Marina...
...made a break for the alter and *almost* made it. Her dad chased after her, his riassa flowing behind him. He looked a little like Batman.
...was given a pewter cross, which she proceeded to lick all over and then rub on my face. She rubbed it on her Dad's face later, and I don't think he knew she was licking it first.
...fell in the toilet.
...was caught at coffee hour, eating spinach dip by the fist full. Five minutes later, she was drinking salsa from the bowl.
It is only 1:07. Today has the potential to be really interesting.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Jam Awakening
It is that time of year again! I've been a full-fledged business owner for 12 whole months now, and I am entering my 2011 jam season. In the last 24 hours, I've spent a ridiculous amount of money buying supplies, and tomorrow I'm canning between 12 and 14 dozen jars of jam. (And that's just two flavors!!) My first show is May 13th, so I've gotta get this show on the road. I also ordered a professional banner with my logo on it, and am shopping for my own canopy. Oh yeah, and I need a table. I don't want to borrow the church's all summer again. This of course reminds me that the people I am supposed to have my first show with have not yet sent me the information I need. I should call them again...you would think the Palmer Chamber of Commerce would be more interested in receiving money from me and get on the horn about that paperwork. Ah well.
I have a friend in the process of opening her own graphic design business, and she redid my labels (for free!). They look amazing, and I'm really excited to start using them. Yay for greater professionalism! At some point in time, I will solve my jar problem, but for now I'm buying out Walmart every other week.
Melanie has been asleep now for well over an hour, and since it's 6:45 in the evening, I think I'm going to go wake her up so she won't pull another "awake until 11:15 because I took a long evening nap" like last night. It was uncool.
I have a friend in the process of opening her own graphic design business, and she redid my labels (for free!). They look amazing, and I'm really excited to start using them. Yay for greater professionalism! At some point in time, I will solve my jar problem, but for now I'm buying out Walmart every other week.
Melanie has been asleep now for well over an hour, and since it's 6:45 in the evening, I think I'm going to go wake her up so she won't pull another "awake until 11:15 because I took a long evening nap" like last night. It was uncool.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
On our new picture
A note on our new blog picture...
Circumstances have conspired against us, and we still do not have a decent family photo of all five of us. However, the ones we took at Melanie's baptism crack Dn. John and I up to no extent, so we decided to make it our "profile" shot. I think my favorite part, besides the look on Megan's face, is the fact the my husband is laughing so hard. Oh that and the fact that I look nice. (Ah, vanity...)
I am hoping that one day before my inlaws leave, the children will cooperate to the extent that Grammy can take a good shot of all of us.
Oh, and a cranky baby update...God bless the makers of gas drops. They didn't help Megan or Marina, but they seem to be the greatest thing ever for Melanie. I am still on a dairy free diet since the baby's pooping camouflage green and we can't figure out why. However, not having a super fussy bay is making our lives infinitely easier...and quieter. :)
Circumstances have conspired against us, and we still do not have a decent family photo of all five of us. However, the ones we took at Melanie's baptism crack Dn. John and I up to no extent, so we decided to make it our "profile" shot. I think my favorite part, besides the look on Megan's face, is the fact the my husband is laughing so hard. Oh that and the fact that I look nice. (Ah, vanity...)
I am hoping that one day before my inlaws leave, the children will cooperate to the extent that Grammy can take a good shot of all of us.
Oh, and a cranky baby update...God bless the makers of gas drops. They didn't help Megan or Marina, but they seem to be the greatest thing ever for Melanie. I am still on a dairy free diet since the baby's pooping camouflage green and we can't figure out why. However, not having a super fussy bay is making our lives infinitely easier...and quieter. :)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thoughts on life with my children
There are too many days when the only vegetable in my kids' diet is katsup.
I think I would greatly benefit if Marina came equipped with some kind of early warning system. It could start off softly when she's easing towards trouble, then upgrade to a "Defcon 1" tornado blast when she starts coloring on the walls or flooding the bathroom.
I've seen tons of medications that warn, "Makes you sleepy. Do not drive or attempt to operate heavy machinery while taking." Melanie comes with no such warning label, but she probably should.
I am continually amazed at my kids' ability to stand two feet from me and, somehow, be completely unable to hear a word that I am saying, unless those words happen to be "McDonalds" or "Jelly beans."
I feel really bad that Melanie's life as a third child involves so much crying.
Also amazing is Megan's constant attempts to get around the "no tattling" rule. Her latest trick is to stand six inches from me and sob, "Ouch Ouch!" Apparently this is how she feels Marina's dastardly deeds will be properly brought to my attention. Ignoring her just makes her louder.
I don't even want to describe the scene that met me in the dining room last night; suffice it to say, it involved both big kids, diarrhea and a squirt bottle. I'm sure your imagination will fill in the blanks.
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.
I think I would greatly benefit if Marina came equipped with some kind of early warning system. It could start off softly when she's easing towards trouble, then upgrade to a "Defcon 1" tornado blast when she starts coloring on the walls or flooding the bathroom.
I've seen tons of medications that warn, "Makes you sleepy. Do not drive or attempt to operate heavy machinery while taking." Melanie comes with no such warning label, but she probably should.
I am continually amazed at my kids' ability to stand two feet from me and, somehow, be completely unable to hear a word that I am saying, unless those words happen to be "McDonalds" or "Jelly beans."
I feel really bad that Melanie's life as a third child involves so much crying.
Also amazing is Megan's constant attempts to get around the "no tattling" rule. Her latest trick is to stand six inches from me and sob, "Ouch Ouch!" Apparently this is how she feels Marina's dastardly deeds will be properly brought to my attention. Ignoring her just makes her louder.
I don't even want to describe the scene that met me in the dining room last night; suffice it to say, it involved both big kids, diarrhea and a squirt bottle. I'm sure your imagination will fill in the blanks.
Motherhood is not for the faint of heart.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
In Memory
Last week, the 23 year old brother of one of my closest friends took his own life. He had struggled with alcoholism for some time, but the news that he committed suicide shook my friend, her family, and all around them to the core. Equally tragic is the fact that my friend lost her father 20 years ago--in the same way.
At Russell's funeral on Tuesday, I couldn't help but look at all the people surrounding me. I didn't know Russell; we spent some time together as small children, but I hadn't seen him in over 18 years. Most of the people attending his funeral would have said the same thing. We were there to support his mother and sisters, and also to grieve for the loss of someone so young. My guess would be that if all of us were in a room with Russell when he was alive, he wouldn't have recognized or known 75% of us. I couldn't help but wonder...if he could have looked into the future, and seen the grief of that group of people, so many of them strangers, would it have changed his mind?
I overheard someone say in passing, "What a waste." I can only assume they were referring to Russell's age, and the fact that he chose to take his own life. But I truly feel that "waste" is not the word to apply to the situation. Tragedy, yes. Horrible, yes. But waste? What Russell did was wrong; I am not disputing that. But I firmly believe that God can--and does--work amazing and wonderful things, even in the midst of tragedy, horror, and sin. We may never know the full repercussions of Russell's death, but I think it would be equally tragic for us to assume that none of them could possibly be good. As Fr. Marc said, God loves Russell. Nothing he did in life will ever change that.
His death has touched our family in ways I wouldn't have predicted. We are saddened for the young man that we never knew, but even more, we grieve for and with his family, whom we do know, and know very well. Dn. John was asked to be a pallbearer, and I can't help but wonder at the strength it took for my husband to serve in that position for a man he'd never met, but grieved for anyway. In the end, as I witnessed him comforting our friends after the funeral, I came to the conclusion that God wanted him as a pallbearer so that he could be on the "front lines" so to speak, and no more than a footstep away from our friends when they needed him most.
Today was Russell's burial. His family was granted special permission to bury him in the National Cemetery on Fr. Richardson, where his father lies. As the funeral procession drove through the base, we witnessed an extraordinary thing: every soldier, upon seeing the hearse, pulled their vehicle--be it a police car, a civilian vehicle, or--in one case--two camouflage Hummers--to the side of the road, got out, stood to attention, and saluted. Having never been a part of a military funeral, I had no idea as to the protocol involved. Seeing all these men standing and honoring Russell, despite the fact that they had no idea who he was, moved me to tears. God bless them for the honor and support, however small, that they gave to Russell, his mother, and his sisters.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Russell's family. The grief that I witness is two fold...one for the loss of a beloved son and brother, and secondly remembering the time 20 years ago that they went through this same process for a father and husband. I can't pretend to know how raw that grief is, nor how incredibly difficult it must be to endure the same horror twice in a lifetime. Please pray for them, and pray for us as well, to be able to offer the friendship and support that they need during these most difficult days.
Memory Eternal Russell. May your soul dwell with the blessed.
At Russell's funeral on Tuesday, I couldn't help but look at all the people surrounding me. I didn't know Russell; we spent some time together as small children, but I hadn't seen him in over 18 years. Most of the people attending his funeral would have said the same thing. We were there to support his mother and sisters, and also to grieve for the loss of someone so young. My guess would be that if all of us were in a room with Russell when he was alive, he wouldn't have recognized or known 75% of us. I couldn't help but wonder...if he could have looked into the future, and seen the grief of that group of people, so many of them strangers, would it have changed his mind?
I overheard someone say in passing, "What a waste." I can only assume they were referring to Russell's age, and the fact that he chose to take his own life. But I truly feel that "waste" is not the word to apply to the situation. Tragedy, yes. Horrible, yes. But waste? What Russell did was wrong; I am not disputing that. But I firmly believe that God can--and does--work amazing and wonderful things, even in the midst of tragedy, horror, and sin. We may never know the full repercussions of Russell's death, but I think it would be equally tragic for us to assume that none of them could possibly be good. As Fr. Marc said, God loves Russell. Nothing he did in life will ever change that.
His death has touched our family in ways I wouldn't have predicted. We are saddened for the young man that we never knew, but even more, we grieve for and with his family, whom we do know, and know very well. Dn. John was asked to be a pallbearer, and I can't help but wonder at the strength it took for my husband to serve in that position for a man he'd never met, but grieved for anyway. In the end, as I witnessed him comforting our friends after the funeral, I came to the conclusion that God wanted him as a pallbearer so that he could be on the "front lines" so to speak, and no more than a footstep away from our friends when they needed him most.
Today was Russell's burial. His family was granted special permission to bury him in the National Cemetery on Fr. Richardson, where his father lies. As the funeral procession drove through the base, we witnessed an extraordinary thing: every soldier, upon seeing the hearse, pulled their vehicle--be it a police car, a civilian vehicle, or--in one case--two camouflage Hummers--to the side of the road, got out, stood to attention, and saluted. Having never been a part of a military funeral, I had no idea as to the protocol involved. Seeing all these men standing and honoring Russell, despite the fact that they had no idea who he was, moved me to tears. God bless them for the honor and support, however small, that they gave to Russell, his mother, and his sisters.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with Russell's family. The grief that I witness is two fold...one for the loss of a beloved son and brother, and secondly remembering the time 20 years ago that they went through this same process for a father and husband. I can't pretend to know how raw that grief is, nor how incredibly difficult it must be to endure the same horror twice in a lifetime. Please pray for them, and pray for us as well, to be able to offer the friendship and support that they need during these most difficult days.
Memory Eternal Russell. May your soul dwell with the blessed.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
She sleeps!
MELANIE IS SLEEPING BY HERSELF. Throw a parade! Break out the champagne! I've been working with her today to try and teach her that my lap is not the only place she can sleep...and it's going decently well. Megan is happy to rock her when she fusses, and this has given me a chance to clean up, make bread, and do some other random tasks. I also haven't taken any pain medication today, and while I'm moving a little slowly, I feel pretty good. It's one of those "back in the land of the living" moments...despite the fact that the land of the living includes very little sleep and two arguing children. But we're only looking at the positives, right? :)
I have reached a critical juncture in bread making, in that it has yeast and is rising right now, so if Melanie flips out and I forget about it, my bread has the potential to explode all over the kitchen. Here's hoping the peace continues.
Megan ever so kindly asked me yesterday, "If the baby is already born, why is your tummy still so big?" When I told her it just takes time to shrink back down, I was informed I should do some exercise. While she's probably right, that exercise will not be happening for at least another month. By then, I'll hopefully have the doctor's okay, and there will be less ice on the road so we can go for lots and lots of walks. The muni finished a bike path last summer that goes right past our street and into Eagle River. My friend Kari and I have big plans to take our kids for lots of long walks this summer into town...if for no other reason than we can. Round trip from here to the store is four miles, so we'll get in some good exercise, conversation, and lots of sun.
I have reached a critical juncture in bread making, in that it has yeast and is rising right now, so if Melanie flips out and I forget about it, my bread has the potential to explode all over the kitchen. Here's hoping the peace continues.
Megan ever so kindly asked me yesterday, "If the baby is already born, why is your tummy still so big?" When I told her it just takes time to shrink back down, I was informed I should do some exercise. While she's probably right, that exercise will not be happening for at least another month. By then, I'll hopefully have the doctor's okay, and there will be less ice on the road so we can go for lots and lots of walks. The muni finished a bike path last summer that goes right past our street and into Eagle River. My friend Kari and I have big plans to take our kids for lots of long walks this summer into town...if for no other reason than we can. Round trip from here to the store is four miles, so we'll get in some good exercise, conversation, and lots of sun.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Busy
I may never have time to blog again. Every time I log on, somebody starts to cry. Catch you later!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Day 1 on my own
I was home alone with my kids today. All three of them. I have to admit that I've been nervous about this day for many months...and it was not as bad as I thought. Granted, it's hard to have a bad day when you sit in a recliner and watch movies all afternoon, but still. When Dn. John left for work this morning, all three girls were crying, and his wife was five seconds away from joining in. However, we plowed through.
My sister came by for about an hour and a half and did a bunch of cleaning for me, which was awesome. Right now, hubby and big girls are at Liturgy, and baby girl just woke up demanding my attention.
I do have time to tell you this though--Marina attempted to nurse Melanie earlier. It was hilarious, and ended in a very interesting conversation about exactly WHY she couldn't do that.
My sister came by for about an hour and a half and did a bunch of cleaning for me, which was awesome. Right now, hubby and big girls are at Liturgy, and baby girl just woke up demanding my attention.
I do have time to tell you this though--Marina attempted to nurse Melanie earlier. It was hilarious, and ended in a very interesting conversation about exactly WHY she couldn't do that.
Friday, March 4, 2011
All about Melanie
I am blogging from my hospital room, my newborn daughter fast asleep in my lap. Thanks to my sister, I've got a laptop for the weekend, and I really wanted to write about Melanie. So here is a synopsis of the last three days. :)
THE BIRTH
Ah, her birth. It was interesting. I had early labor all day on Tuesday, starting at about ten in the morning. The doctor sent me to the hospital to get checked out late that afternoon, just to see what was going on. We got hooked up to a monitor around 5:15 pm, and the nurses monitored baby and contractions until 7:30. In that time, my contractions went from 13 minutes to 3 minutes apart, tripled in intensity, and I dilated to a two. It was decided that yes, I was in labor, so I got to stay. Around midnight, the contractions were more than I cared to deal with, so I got an epidural. Unfortunately, the epidural stopped my labor completely in its tracks, and I didn't have another contraction for about three hours. With the help of some pitocin, contractions started again, and at 4 am, I was dilated to a 4. Melanie's head was really high, so they kept cranking the pitocin, trying to bring her head down so she could be born. It didn't happen. By 3:30 that afternoon (after well over 24 hours of labor, no sleep, and no food since 4 pm the previous day), she was still at a -3 station, I hadn't dilated past 4, and her head was starting to drift to the side. It was at this point in time that a c-section became reality. I was disappointed, but so completely fried from labor that it wasn't a difficult decision, especially since Melanie was having some heart problems and my blood pressure was dipping dangerously low. They got me in the OR, gave me a spinal (my epidural had long since worn off), and delivered our baby girl at 4:28 pm. The crazy thing was that they got her head out, and were suctioning out her nose, when Melanie started to wiggle, and actually delivered her own shoulders. The two doctors were laughing in disbelief as they watched. She weighed in at 7 pounds, 6 ounces, and 20.75 inches long, the lightest but tallest of our three daughters.
HER PERSONALITY
Melanie is already her own little person. :) She sleeps really well, eats like a champ, and has the lung function of an elephant. I woke up at 2 am this morning to a baby crying, and was in absolutely no doubt that it was my daughter being brought to my room. She is also pretty gassy, and burps and farts enough to put a college linebacker to shame. She squeaks and grunts all the time in her sleep, and when she wakes up goes from 0 to 60 in about two seconds. She continues to be as active as she was in utero, stretching and kicking to beat the band. I glanced down at her while she was nursing earlier, and she had one eye open, and was completely glaring at me, frowning while she ate. It was hilarious.
HER NAME
We picked out the name Melanie simply because we love it. We never purposefully picked out a third "M" name, and in fact fought it for awhile before deciding that we just didn't care. :) Anne has two origins--one is simply because--again--we love the name; the second is after her Great-grandmother (my Mom's Mom) MaryAnn. Her patron saint is St. Anna, the mother of the Theotokos.
HER BIG SISTERS
Adore her. Possibly to pieces. :) When Marina finally made the connection that Melanie is the baby that was in my tummy, she completely claimed her. She spent time touching her head, and kissing her, saying over and over, "I love Melanie. She's so cute!" Megan is the consummate little mama. She does a great job holding her, and is eager to help bring diapers, pick out clothes, and just be around when Melanie is doing stuff. Marina is having some separation anxiety, and that's been hard on both of us. When she visits, she snuggles and clings to me for quite a long time. She called me this morning when she woke up, asking to come see me, and yesterday asked, "Can we take Mommy home?" It about broke my heart. I'm looking forward to getting home tomorrow, and having more than visiting hours with my family.
HER DADDY
Is completely sold. :) It took him less than three seconds in the OR to fall in love with his new daughter, and he's also doing an amazing job with the older girls while I'm gone. Megan got some mild food poisoning, and Marina's been dealing with more horrifying gastro-intestinal issues, so he was up all night the night before last with one kid barfing and one having explosive diarrhea. This was after two days of almost no sleep, and being at my beck and call during labor and delivery.
I have to be honest--I've never been more thankful for my husband than in the past few days. Labor was extraordinarily difficult, and he was my rock. During the c-section, I was incredibly scared, and I never would have made it through without him.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Cauliflower Pie
Don't be turned off by the title; it is so, so good. I got the recipe originally from my sister at the Monastery, but I have modified it a little (mainly by doubling the feta and adding the onions). We had it for dinner last night, and even my kids ate a little. :)
1 head cauliflower
1 onion, sliced in half, then into thin rings
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, if you like)
2 Tbsp. butter
Break up the cauliflower into bite sized pieces and lightly steam (it will finish cooking later). Melt the butter in a frying pan. When butter stops foaming, add onions. Cook until brown and caramelized (about 15 minutes). Grease a small baking dish. Layer the cauliflower, then feta, then caramelized onions. (If not during Lent, I would also add a bunch of crumbled bacon)
Bechemel Sauce
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup hot milk
1 egg
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Melt the butter. Add flour, and cook for one minute. Add hot milk, whisking until smooth and thick. Add the egg and whisk until incorporated (you have to work quickly, or the egg will scramble). Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Spread the sauce over the top of the veggies and cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
If you like saucier food, you can double the Bechemel. That is what the recipe originally calls for, but it was too much sauce for my family.
1 head cauliflower
1 onion, sliced in half, then into thin rings
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (or more, if you like)
2 Tbsp. butter
Break up the cauliflower into bite sized pieces and lightly steam (it will finish cooking later). Melt the butter in a frying pan. When butter stops foaming, add onions. Cook until brown and caramelized (about 15 minutes). Grease a small baking dish. Layer the cauliflower, then feta, then caramelized onions. (If not during Lent, I would also add a bunch of crumbled bacon)
Bechemel Sauce
2 Tbsp. butter
2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup hot milk
1 egg
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste
Melt the butter. Add flour, and cook for one minute. Add hot milk, whisking until smooth and thick. Add the egg and whisk until incorporated (you have to work quickly, or the egg will scramble). Add nutmeg, salt and pepper.
Spread the sauce over the top of the veggies and cheese. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.
If you like saucier food, you can double the Bechemel. That is what the recipe originally calls for, but it was too much sauce for my family.
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