What a whirlwind of events...and now it's all calm.

Christmas was very nice. Christmas eve was the most stressful. I think it usually is for me. I stayed up pretty late the night before finishing things up. I spent the eve cooking, and trying to get things ready to go to my sister's house. Dan got off early and did some last minute shopping. By the time we were officially packing up to go, I was tired and stressed, which for me just comes out in tears. So through tears, I'm trying to find something to wear, while the others are getting coats on. By outfit number three, I was thoroughly convinced I look good in nothing, nothing fit right, my sisters always look cuter than me, and I just threw on the pair of jeans that were comfortable and I forgot about the idea of looking cute and stylish and put together. Merry Christmas, huh. I know, but it was the stress and lack of sleep that does that to me. And I knew it. A hug from Dan made it all better, and I was ready to go.

Christmas eve with the Langes was really nice. Lots of people. :) My poor brother caused a bit of drama, before leaving early. But other than that, the evening was perfect. When all the food and festivities were winding down, I couldn't believe it was only 8p! It felt much later. But that left time for the kids to play more, and us to visit with each other more.

I think we ended up leaving at around 9:30, tired. We came home and changed for midnight Mass. The kids got to watch Charlie Brown Christmas while laying on the couch. Sam was so cute. Dan got him dressed and he was laying on a pillow on the floor. After fifteen min. or so, he just rolled over and went to sleep.

We decided to go to midnight Mass at St. Adalbert's this year instead of Cincinnati. It was a tough decision. We thought it would be nice to not be so rushed, and be able to spend more time with my family, since Tom and Robin came.

I just remember how warm it was this year going to Mass! Last year our trip to Cincy was bitterly cold! We had three sleepyheads this year- they all fell asleep on the way to Mass. We woke Rose and Dominic up. The tiny 'church' looked quite lovely, and was full. They found us a pew in the front, with just enough room for us. Sam slept the whole time, and Rose and Dominic were asleep at least by the sermon...because I could actually hear all of it! How nice! The Mass, and music, and chapel were simple, but very beautiful. We were surprised it was so crowded.

We stopped at Speedway to a very chipper cashier to get some coffee. I loved getting home at 1:30, instead of 3. White Christmas (the movie) kept us company while we wrapped gifts. I so did not want to do that this year. But it wasn't too bad.

Christmas morning came quick! The kids came in our room to wake us. They were so excited. As we lay there a few more minutes, you could hear Rose reading the labels of who's present belonged to who. Dan told everyone to get dressed. Sorry, I just couldn't. :) My new jammies were way too comfy (thanks Jen!). Then we all said morning prayers together. Then my mom called. I felt so bad...the kids were just dying to open these gifts! We finally did get to it, and they had a great time. It surprised me how the gifts I thought would bring the most joy, didn't. But other ones did. Oh well. I was happy to see their joy, and not have any arguing or bickering. The rest of the day was a pretty leisure one. Dan and I dozed off for a bit in the afternoon. Then we were inspired to not be the last one's to the Peyton's for Christmas! Ha! It was a lot easier packing up for that, since most of the work was done the day before. Not being so stressed, I quickly found the clothes that fit well and are comfortable.

Christmas at Jesse and Anna's was so nice. We were not the last to arrive, and good thing. Jesse and Anna were really on the ball and the dinner was ready on time! The food was good, and the house was so nice. Anna's tree looked lovely, and the makeshift 'dining room' was very functional.

I had a blast watching the kids all try to wrestle Wesley to the ground after dinner. Ahh, family wrestling on Christmas.

As the evening wore on, I retired to the living room for a comfy chair. I guess the guys found some cards and had several invigorating rounds of poker...from the sound of it. It was a very nice evening.

I wish I had pictures of the kiddos, but I tend to always blog from the laptop, and I don't think we have the program on here for the pictures.

Well, Sam is awake, and competing for my attention. He's such a delightful little guy, though. I think we both had a good night's rest in our respective beds, so some one on one cuddle time is in order this morning. :)

Is it wrong if I'm too busy to blog?

I've spent the day sewing, and am glad to say Rose's dress is in one piece. Just hand sewing left on it. I want to whip up a couple vests for the boys tomorrow. I love that they are so easy to make. I even got some simple candies made with the kids tonight. Yeah! I keep fluctuating between satisfied and happy about all I want done before Christmas, and stressed that I'm not going to get it all done. (Usually it's just stressed all the time!)

Tom and Robin and co. flew in to Dayton tonight. We're going to be seeing them tomorrow. I forgot there are various things going on with them next week, so I may have to re-evaluate all I want to get done.

It was nice we got some snow today. Just enough to make things white, but it'll be gone soon. It was very wet snow. The kids loved it. I loved telling Sam to look out the window, then hearing him spread the joy to the others.

Our advent candles are still peacefully glowing, and we've been doing pretty well with our Jesse tree readings. The pile of wrapped playmobil manger pieces is dwindling, reminding me that Christmas is growing ever closer!

One week. Christmas is one week away. Am I as prepared as I had hoped? I don't know. I haven't checked my 'master list' in a while. I take each day one at a time, try to do some things and when I'm done I'm done. I don't feel (too) bad if I don't get all I wanted to get done. The way I feel, I know that it wasn't because I was slacking off or being lazy. It's just the way it is right now. That said, I still have a lot of things on my plate for today. I'm thrilled to have nothing, nothing on the calendar for today and tomorrow. Oh, I'll find ways to fill it, but most likely by staying home and finishing up on things. I'm so anxious to get to some baking and crafting, but it's that darn routine housework that keeps getting in the way!

I'm thrilled that Dan is also free of a schedule today and tomorrow. I'm so hoping he will get some things done he wants to do, including rest. It seems like our weeks are so busy, but not even from doing things related to Christmas preparation. The class he's taking at work couldn't have come at a more inconvenient time. Thankfully he finished up his two side jobs...for now. And he finished up work at the church last night. Whew!

Had a doc appointment yesterday. It's nice to hear him say, 'You're perfect.' The appointments are pretty routine and simple, and this being my fourth, I guess we've run out of things to talk about. So after all the logistics, he simply says 'you're perfect.' It didn't dawn on me till I was on the drive home, how nice that made me feel. (We gals that go to this doc are convinced he somehow knows just what to say to make you feel great during any stage of pregnancy. And so he did.) Perfect, despite all the aches and pains, a different one taking hold each day. Perfect, despite the fatigue-mental and physical. Perfect- my body is doing just as it should, and should I lose sight that there is a little person in that belly, just growing away- every kick can remind me that he is just perfect too.

Had a nice evening with the sisters and mama tonight. Just dinner out, with Rose tagging along. And reading this as I type. Anyway, I feel a little bad we skipped out on the Union Christmas party in favor of just going out to dinner. But it just didn't really work out for us this year. And there will be next year.

Took a nice relaxing, hot bath. My legs and hips were sore from so much running around! The warm water felt so nice. Too bad the bathroom had the ambiance of downtown Dayton...thanks to my potty training son. Seems like no matter how much lysol I use, it still reeks of pee. This too shall pass, and someday, when I clean my bathroom, it will still smell lovely a few hours later. Really.

I liked this reflection for advent.

I have to say how thrilled I am that Sam slept in his bed all night. I have never felt more rested, and ready for the day. It's so nice to wake up happy! Dan's been taking care of Sam's night needs more and more, which is nice. But I guess I'm such a light sleeper, that even if Sam wakes up and Dan gets him, I can't settle to sleep till they do. There's just no more I can say about uninterrupted sleep.

Which makes me so happy that I'm awake enough to blog! I got to bed at night, dozing off thinking of blog posts that will never be posted because I'm just too tired. I realize I'm in that last stretch of pregnancy, which, like the first, I was doing good to get one thing done each day. I'm doing better than getting just one thing done for now, and at this time of year, something's got to give...and it's been blogging.

We've been more laid back with school, which I love. But even in my relaxed mode, we still seem to accomplish quite a bit. Somehow it's getting done. I'm afraid to try to figure it out. :) We had a lovely ah-ha moment in schooling this week. Rose works out of a math workbook, which I'm sure there is a teacher's manual to. I just didn't know it until after we started. So sometimes I'm a little confused on how it presents new information. Like counting money. We've steadily been counting money for months, but it seems like it took a jump when it introduced quarters, then half dollars shortly after. She wasn't getting quarters as easily, and then we were presented with half dollars. Well, we ended up getting out our 'play' coins (great for learning!), and I went in this lovely half dollar/quarter/dollar lesson. Rose was getting it, and was so excited she hugged me when she got the right answers. Yeah! Schoolwork not only without tears, but with smiles!

Another part of schooling has been all the advent/Christmas books. Good ol' Tommie de Paola is providing much of our curriculum this month. I got a teacher's library card, and checked out some 30 books for the season.

I'm really laying low this season. I'm surprised how many things we are not going to! And I'm okay with that! Christmas parties, homeschool parties. All in favor of staying home and making Christmas goodies with the kids. And keeping my home in order (or at least trying to!) Or just napping! We did a painting craft the other day. The boys were done in about an hour. Rose kept painting right up till dinner...almost 3 hrs! I was impressed. She loved it.

We have another dusting of snow this morning. Looks pretty. Earlier this week, we saw the dusting of snow and unveiled the snow boots for the season, the hat/glove bag- the whole nine yards. It was a bit insane. By the time the kids got in the backyard, the snow had melted from the deck. But that didn't matter. I guess they found ice to play with. (Sigh). Sam later came in crying because he was so cold, and Dominic's hands were really cold. Rose seemed to find the right combination of winter outerwear to keep her warm and out longer. So an hour later, I was putting away all the boots and gloves and hats. We'll try it again, when it's not so frigid (high today is 20 something) and there's more snow.

Pregnancy is going okay. I feel very blessed this time around. I know a handful of people that have had very sad/difficult pregnancies and/or births. All the things that are typically so rare are happening to people I know. It really brings to mind how difficult pregnancy can be for some, and also how ultimately God is in control. My usual aches and pains are there, and I'm feeling and getting better at how to deal with them. I told Dan how if I could just go swimming, I would feel so much better! Sadly, I think I'm going to put it off till after Christmas. Time is a precious thing around here. For me to have the time (and energy) to swim seems just impossible right now.

I guess I'll end this post of scatterbrained thoughts. I can't believe the kids aren't up yet! Ah, peace and quiet. I'll take as much as I can get right now.

I'm not going to lie. I love my dear husband, but sometimes I wish he wasn't so phobic of cooking! It took me a while to really get used to being master chef for the family...or even just us two when we were first married. Although I knew this is the way it would be for me, long before we were married, the reality of that, and acceptance of it is totally different!

I must give Dan credit, though. He will grill, and cook the occasional fatted calf. Usually the meat or a special side dish around a holiday. I love to see him get excited and make a great glazed ham, or smoked brisket. And in true Dan fashion, when he does it perfect...to a T. And it is fabulous.

So it was quite nice over this long weekend, for a Saturday lunch, he decided to whip some goodies up in our Vita mix. First was an orange julius. All I can say is mmmmm. I like banana shakes, but I love homemade orange julius. It just hit the spot.

Then he proceeded to make potato soup. He's always talked of making it growing up. So it was neat to give it a try in our mixer. It wasn't bad at all! I was surprised it wasn't too bland for his taste, but turns out everyone liked it.

The days are flying by, and sure to fly faster now that Advent is here.

Thanksgiving came and went. Turns out on my side of the family, most of them were doing things with their in-laws, in hopes of spending more time with the Lange side during Christmas (Tommy coming to town and all). I was okay with that. I thought it might be better to have a smaller crowd at our place anyway. It left me relaxed during the week, knowing I didn't have to prepare a feast of food. Until the kitchen drain decided to leak.

Dan spent Thurs. morning redoing the kitchen plumbing. I just praised him, reminding him how much money we saved my not having to call a plumber on Thanksgiving day! So now I have nice new stainless drains and new plumbing.

Thanksgiving was pretty nice. I felt like I had a lot to do, but I think it had to do with not being able to get in my kitchen all morning! The 'few' things I had to do, kinda seemed like a lot after a while. I started feeling bad when Rose threw me the 'you never just play with us' bit.

Well, long story short, we got all the food finished and ate around 6. I was so happy to see my two brothers, sister, and mom and dad. I was a bit nervous, as my brother was a bit moody that night, and tensions can run high when that happens. He had a little disagreement with my husband, so I had the delicate role of trying to fix that misunderstanding. Learned a little about family dynamics. Ahh, never-ending family drama. But that 1/4 cup of white wine tasted so good that night, and left me feeling so happy to have my family there, drama and all.

I had a wonderful time making pumpkin chiffon pie with Rose on Wed. evening. Dan came and took the boys with him, so it was just Rose and I. I could focus on helping her make the whole pie without little boys interrupting. How nice. She read the recipe, used the measuring cups and spoons and made just about the whole pie. I was so proud of her. I think she had a good time, but was bummed when the boys came home...and we hadn't played together yet.

Thank goodness this was a four day weekend. We got to play games with Rose so I think we're good for a while. If she only knew how much I'd love to ditch all my housework to just play with her! Hey, sometimes I'll have to do just that.

And that brings us to Advent. This year has been the best for my Advent stuff. The house is cleaned up from Thanksgiving, so there was nothing to de-clutter when putting out my Advent 'decos'. I stored all my Advent stuff in the house this year, instead of with the Christmas stuff. It was so easy to just go in the closet and get out our Advent wreath and candles. I love singing 'O Come, O Come Emmanuel' I love the warm glow the purple candles emit, especially in the early morning and at night.

I feel like I've been doing well at a school routine, and am afraid to change for Advent. Yet, there are so many things to do during this liturgical season, I can't just keep doing school as we are. So that's going to be fun trying to figure that out.

And then there's the reason for the season: Christmas. I'm looking forward to Advent, so as to prepare for Christmas. I have a lot of the shopping done for people I need to shop for, and that's a good feeling. I don't feel like doing much else, or going overboard for Christmas. I feel like taking it easy, keeping it simple, sticking to traditions in our family. It's hard for me, because I really do like to do it all...hate to miss a thing. But this year, that's okay.

Too tired to really blog, but I am too tired to do anything else. Wishing Dan was home already.

I felt pretty accomplished tonight. A gal from the dance school, who is a senior at UD, had a recital tonight. I braved it and took the kids. I didn't know quite what to expect. Turns out, it was in a small auditorium, and she played solo for the first piece, and was accompanied by a piano for the next two. It made me pretty nervous to see that in the lineup! I brought books and crayons to entertain the kids. DD had trouble through the first piece, and kept talking too loud. They were all really good overall, though. Sam was really good too! I was surprised how quiet he kept! So I treated them to ice cream afterward. The kids were watching the cellist for the first fifteen minutes or so, and Rose remarked to me "She doesn't even need the notes!" I was so impressed. She played three pieces, taking about an hour, all from memory!! Wow!

Overall, I had a good, productive day. I woke up, unusually happy! Sad that it's unusual, but sometimes it's hard on a Sat., knowing Dan has to leave early and be gone all day. But I woke up to Dominic getting books of the shelf, and being unusually quiet. I dozed back off. Rose creeps in our bed, and lies next to me. We doze back off. Then Sam comes in. We're awake now. He got comfy between Dan and I. He smiled at me, and cupped my face in his soft little hands. It was so sweet. Ahh, what a wonderful way to wake up.

I got to make Dan breakfast. I love cinnamon swirl bread! It makes the easiest french toast!

Dan left and I started my chores: load of laundry here, kids folding towels there, all while trying to avoid my huge stack of dishes.

Rose got to go to a tea party with my mom. It was at the library. I took her a few years ago, and my sister told me about it this year. Ironically, I was so okay not going. She got to have a good time with Grandma, and I finished my dishes, while hanging out with my boys.

I even managed to give the boys haircuts before we went to the recital. Sadly, Sam cried the whole time. It goes a lot smoother when Dan is here.

Oh well, my day in review.

Baby is starting to kick differently. Move, rather than kick. I imagine him stretching, or rolling. It's quite a funny feeling!

My whole right side is just bugging me! My hip, my ribs, my shoulder. I need to stretch more than I do, and I'm really going to try to. I'm thrilled, though, that my side pain that has been so common with each pregnancy has a new diagnosis. It's always been assumed to be gall bladder pain, but I've been a bit doubtful. I didn't seem to have the common triggers of gall bladder pain, even if it was in the right spot. I ran it past my chiropractor. She figures I have some ribs out of alignment, and the muscles in between the ribs are tight. She worked on it a bit and it was great! I'm so excited to know what it is and to know what to do for it!

I could probably ramble on, but I guess I'll end for now. Get a little rest while waiting for my honey.

Amen sister

"Here’s a study I would like to see: The number of aging women who regret not having had enough “me time” versus the number of aging women who regret not having made more room in their lives for hair bows and superman capes."

http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/having_more_kids_means_more_happiness/

I want to write about our week before it slips away!  First week of Nov. is always a busy one. All Saint's Day, All Soul's day, our anniversary and my birthday.

All Saint's was overshadowed by a beautiful baptism of our nephew.  I was relieved, because for some reason, I just didn't have the energy to do saint costumes!

For All Soul's day, we went to noon Mass.  We were going to go to morning Mass at the cemetery, but it was so cold in the morning. Plus, I  thought Dan might want to go with us.  So we waited till he got home.  We ended up going to the small cemetery near our house, at Bergamo.  It's where the Marianist priests and brothers are buried.  It's so funny how the handful of people buried there are part of my memory, either because I knew them from Emmanuel as a child, or my Dad knew them. The priest that baptized me is buried there, so I like going there on all Soul's day.  We kept it simple and said some prayers, while looking through the gravestones. It wasn't as cold as in years past, thank goodness.  The kids liked walking through all the leaves.

Our Anniversary and my birthday were both so perfect in their own ways.  I planned on making a nice dinner for our anniversary, so I was focused on that.  I had kinda been a hormonal mess the last couple days, so I was glad I was glad that was passing, and I was busy making dinner special.  Dan came home with a dozen red roses, which was such a wonderful surprise.  It perfectly complimented our dinner. (Dan later said he was going to bring dinner home, but I said I was already making it. How sweet, though!)  I set out nice plates and glasses, and just really enjoyed a nice meal with the family.

Rose was funny when I told her it was our anniversary.  She immediately piped up and said, "So we're going to Uncle Dave and Aunt Jodie's tonight, right? Isn't that when you and dad go away, I mean, go somewhere by yourselves and we go somewhere, like Uncle Dave and Aunt Jodie's and have a sleepover?"  I told her, yes, sometimes we do that.  She was pretty insistent about going there that night!  Dan and I had a loose plan of possibly going overnight this weekend, but I dare not mention it to her, for fear it not happen and she'd be so disappointed.  I realized, though, whether we go anywhere or not, they need to go on their sleepover!

In contrast, my birthday was not an elegant, relaxing experience. Still, it was perfect in it's own way.  At breakfast, Rose said she wanted to throw me a party.  I told her she had to discuss it with dad, so we called him.  It was so cute to hear her conversation!  Not used to talking on the phone, she had to keep repeating herself, clearer each time.  " I was thinking we could have a bonfire.  The people can talk and we can go and swing."  I left them alone to their planning.  When she got off, she was saying something about meatballs or hamburgers.  I told her that if there is anything I am supposed to do, she needed to let me know, because I didn't know what was going on.  The day went on, and soon Dan was on his way home.  He called and asked what my plans were for the evening.  I told him I didn't know what was going on, and did nothing. (I guess Rose was supposed to tell me to thaw some ground beef).  He got home just in time for me to run out of the house to take Rose to dance class.  While gone, I called Dan and we discussed dinner, and I picked up some brats and sides while Rose was at class.  (Rose said she wanted to have something grilled).  

When we got home from dance, I was greeted by my sweet husband, and a basket of mums on the kitchen table.  I was in disbelief.  (I teased Dan the night before about the roses counting for my birthday too! I guess not!)  What a pleasant surprise!  

We went outside and started the grill and a bonfire- the first (and probably last) of this year.  It was wonderful.  The kids had such a great time throwing pine cones and needles in the fire. I loved it all...the warmth, the smell, the glowing embers.  We ate our dinner outside, but decided it was too chilly for  dessert out there too.  So we went in.  Rose helped me make rice crispy treats instead of a cake, so I started to put candles in them.  Then Dan goes to the freezer and pulls out a carvel cake!  Pleasant surprise #2!  So we moved the candles to the cake, and gobbled it up.  Yum. Yum.

We got the kids to bed, and the kids kept talking about my presents.  Rose was really sad she didn't get me a present.  I told her the bonfire and the making rice crispies with was the best present.  It wasn't cutting it.  She meant a wrapped present.  She said she wanted to go shopping that night and get me something.  I got a gift in the mail that I hadn't opened, so I went in their room with them all in bed, and opened my present.  I guess that satisfied them.  I forget, that to a kid, birthdays are ALL about presents!

I guess for me, it was wonderful to have so many thoughtful things on my birthday.  I usually don't make a big deal of it, and it doesn't bother me if the day passes with little fanfare.  But I had a lot of family call and email, which was nice. Truly, though, the best gift was Rose planning a 'party' with Dan. The bonfire was great, and Rose was so happy.  She kept coming in the house and asking what she could help with.  At first, she said she was sad that no one else was coming.  She said she wanted a lot of people to come. (Dan said he asked her who she wanted to come, and she didn't know).  Anyway, after making rice crispies together, while the boys were making a fire, she said to me something like, "It's okay if no one else comes."  She was just so happy, and that brought me much joy.  

No profound thoughts on being another year older. I guess there's too many things to look forward to in the coming months to worry about what age has to do with it.

Sam has been potty training for some time now. I'm thrilled to say he finally gets what he is supposed to do on the potty! We used the little potty for a while, but he would never let me put the little guard up, so pee would get everywhere. I went with it and just cleaned it up every time, thankful that he peed. Well, eventually I was just tired of that, so we just switched to the big potty instead. Works great. And today we had the best day so far. He's had less accidents, and he even once told me when he had to go potty! Hurray! Love those potty training milestones.

I thought Sam would be a breeze to potty train, since Dominic was. But add pregnancy, and homeschooling, and I think it's just that I don't have as much time to devote to it, and so we're doing it on a much more relaxed, drawn out schedule. Plus, it seems like we're always going somewhere. I fear it will be quite a while until I'm comfortable enough to take him out without wearing a diaper. Oh well. I'm happy we are where we are for now, and we'll take it one step at a time.

Sam is just so cute, though, the way he'll go to everyone in the house looking for praise after he's gone potty. Rose picks up on it and smiles and tells him something nice. DD is way less interested and just says 'good' or 'oh' to him. It's funny.

Turns out my 'mild' infection from the other day was really a kidney infection. I had unrelenting pain from 2:30p till I fell asleep around midnight. Thank God for antibiotics! I can't believe one little pill makes all that pain go away! I was happy I still managed to make dinner, and was even about to take Rose to her dance class. Thankfully Dan came home right in time to take her. I was doing all this, trying to push past the pain and ignore it. By 7p I was unable to do anything. Breathing hurt. What a glimpse into how much others endure (saints, people with chronic illnesses), and how blessed I am to be pain-free on a daily basis! Needless to say, I have no complaints about taking meds for the next week, and am so thankful to be able to function again.

Sore and tired, this will probably be a short post.

I walked the ghost and goblin 5k with my sisters last night. This is the second year we've done it. It was fun. I was glad I was able to do it at all. Earlier in the day, I came down with a mild infection which really wiped me out. But I took lots of supplements and water and felt much better by race time.

I drove my sisters nuts because I kept making mention of only walking and not running the race. I shared with them how difficult it was to register as a 'non-competitive walker'. So I kept saying that all night, kinda jokingly. I was actually looking forward to walking, but a nice leisure walk. This was not that. Even at our brisk pace, I moaned when we reached one mile. My sister asked if I was alright. "Oh, I'm fine. It's just that we're only at one mile. This walking takes so long!"

I make it sound like it was no fun, but I did enjoy walking with some great company. It was fun seeing all the different costumes. The rain was a bit annoying, but at least it wasn't freezing like last year. I thought my hip would feel better while walking, but after a bit it was aching.

And that brings me to now. Sore and tired. But glad I walked the race.

Did I mention how my garden did this year? yeah, I know. It was doing great, got sorely neglected, then became a feast for the local groundhog. Yeah, yeah. We know all that. But I didn't mention that despite all that, I had three pepper plants grow. And what's the most wonderful thing is they survived from all the way back in March, when I planted seeds! Yes! I grew peppers from seeds, and they actually produced peppers! (FYI: I've had no luck with peppers over the years). So that was a great joy to look out and see those little peppers getting bigger and bigger, amidst the weedy background, untouched by that wicked groundhog. One plant turned out to be hot (jalapeño) peppers.

I found out that our small peppers were hot peppers when DD came running in the house one day, crying his eyes out. He had been playing outside with the kids, and this was not a 'someone hurt me or took my toy' cry. He was seriously crying. He kept saying his eye hurt, and kept rubbing it. I told him to calm down and let me look in his eye. He couldn't stop fidgeting, and crying, and rubbing. I finally said to just look down and keep blinking, and whatever is in his eye will come out. He did it for a few seconds and kept crying. He said he needed ice or a cold rag and his eye was burning. Well now, I was really confused. After a couple minutes. He started saying his lip was burning and he needed a rag for his lip. Was this kid just really scatterbrained? I thought it was his eye? Suddenly, things started coming together. I asked what was on his hands, and what he was playing with, and what he was touching. I can't remember if detective Rose was there to make the unapparent, apparent by filling in the holes of Dominic's story. Either way, we went and washed hands and face, and explained to DD about hot peppers.

Ironically, when I actually used the peppers in a meal, Rose poo-poo'd it for being too spicy. DD just gobbled it up, gulping down milk after each bite!

Small successes:

did all the dishes. all. I had a whole sink just plastic containers! was really happy to get my kitchen cleaned up. Now I'm in the 'never gonna get behind on dishes again' phase.

Crossed a lot of things off my list yesterday. I think it was with help from the coffee. Why does that stuff have to be so good!

For our Indian summer day yesterday, we went on a bike ride to the park. I thought last week when we went with Dan would be the last chance we'd get to ride for the year. This was the first time we all went to the park on bikes (Sam rode on the back of mine). As usual, Rose was waaay ahead, DD was lagging behind, and I was stuck in the middle. The ride home was the most difficult. I guess telling Rose she can't go so far ahead of me so I can't see her isn't a very reliable rule. I think she's off in la la land when biking (rightly so), and not thinking about how far away she is from us. Then I have this DD who is afraid to go down hills. So we had to stop and I had to creep down a hill with him, and somehow he still managed to fall over on flat ground. All the time I'm worrying about Rose. She eventually met us coming the other way, and I could see she was anxious, but at the same time relieved to see us. She later told me that she thought we left her, and that she was crying! I told her I was scared too and felt like crying! We modified the rule for her, and she rode with us the rest of the way. Surprisingly, DD goes much faster on the sidewalks. I'm much more relaxed on the bike path, but I guess he's the opposite. No hills on our sidewalks.

(As an aside, the bike path we rode on is fairly short, and not well traveled. I trusted Rose wouldn't deviate from the path, but with all the brush and a small creek nearby, my worries compound. The path also has lots of curves, so it's easy for Rose to be very close ahead, but I can't see her because she's around the turn. Guess I'll have to go biking with just her once!)

So I've been loving this mild weather, and am excited to have the outside in order for winter. I got some perennials from a friend of mine, and am really anxious to plant them. I'm a little afraid that after planting so many lovely plants and enjoying my gardens, I may not want to move! Maybe I can take them with me, right? Oh, I'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there. Anyway, I got some lavender! I'm so excited to have that. I got some familiar favorites, and some new ones to try. I felt bad for taking so much from my friend, but she was thrilled to give it (ah, the life a perennial gardener). It was funny cus when we got to talking, I discovered this friend and I moved into our houses the same year. I definitely have not gardened as much as she, nor do I have as much landscape as she. I kept thinking 'why I didn't do it? 'Oh, we were broke. Our first spring here, Dan was still a first year apprentice and I had just had Rose. But wait! Almost all the flowers I've used to landscape (ha! like I'm landscaping. Lets just call it gardening) I've gotten for free from others! Who knew! Oh, well. I guess the place will look nice and pretty when we go to sell, and I will enjoy all of it's beauty in the meantime.

Oh, small success #2:

Throughly weeded the veggie garden.

I'm so glad that I got all the weeds out! It doesn't look like a mini field now. I have one lone white geranium there. I kept thinking, if I had to pull these weeds out eventually, I should've just done it in the summer, and maybe salvaged some of my veggies. Oh yeah. the groundhog. Forget it.

So this year's garden ended kind of on a low note. (Well, I guess I could consider the complete weeding of it a high note). But despite that, it was really good to smell the earth while weeding, and already I'm formulating plans for next spring. I don't think we're going to renew our CSA share for next year, but getting it has helped me think of things I want to try to grow, or ways to grow things different (lettuce).

The kids have mild colds this week. I've been pretty much staying home from everything, but I want to in order to do all the things on my agenda. I found out some folks I know got the swine flu. I've never been the least bit worried. I happened to catch a bit of the news earlier this week. They couldn't stop talking about one little boy from the area that had died from this flu. Boy the media does a great job at creating a lot of excitement about this flu. I could feel myself getting pulled in! My relaxed attitude about the whole thing was now heightened to concern. How was I sure we wouldn't get this?! I'm not so worried still, because I know there's a lot of literature that would ease my mind, but I just haven't made the time to read it. I decided to really focus on getting vitamins in my kids, and eating healthy. And keep them away from others! Easy to do with their sniffles this week. Then when all is said and done, I thought, if we ever got it, it would just be the flu to us, we'd treat it like we'd always do, and hopefully it would pass. And ignorance is bliss. I wouldn't need to run to the doc and be tested to see what strain of flu it was. Just like all the ear infections or whooping cough my kids may or may not have had, but we just treated them at home like always, and they came and went.

Baby news: baby's kicking and moving. Nothing more exciting than that, I suppose. The kids did get to feel the baby kick this week. It was neat. It's hard to catch, because baby will really only kick a few times at any one time. But they felt it. It's kind of funny how, when I'm sitting next to one of the kids, their hand will eventually gravitate toward my belly, even if just for a moment.

This week pregnancy has been okay. My pelvis is a bit rickety. I feel like I have arthritis or something! But I don't have headaches (knock on wood). Even with a cup of coffee, no headache yesterday. I hate to chalk it up to stress, but I think that's what it is. I've been more relaxed, organized and focused this week, since I knew the rain was coming Friday. I wanted to be sure I got things done inside, so I could get things done outside, and I actually wasn't that worried about school. Not going anywhere probably helped too. And I've been in a better mood this week, too. Well, go figure. There was actually some sunshine this week. 100% more than last week. It

So I guess I'm posting things a week at a time now, making my blogs quite lengthy. :) I was up with Dan today (when am I not?) and I didn't want to go back to sleep. Okay, I really want to, but I also want to get a few things done early, so I can get outside and garden today. So this is a nice quiet activity that's not folding clothes or making dinner. But I still think I'm going to need a cup of coffee. mmmm.

And I think I'm just rambling on and on, trying to remember all the things in my head this week I thought I could post about. Also being a little reluctant to start my day's work!

We went to an Irish Dance competition today. I wanted to just take Rose, but ended up with the whole crew since Dan had to work. It was fun. A really nicely run feis. It inspired Rose a lot. Our main purpose in going was to get Rose some dance shoes. She fit in a size 9.5. The smallest size they make is 8. They're so fresh and new and cute. She just loves them. I wish there were some way I could've saved them for Christmas. She definitely didn't need them right now, but this was going to be our last chance to get them at a vendor where she could try them on. Otherwise, we would have to order them through the mail or wait till spring. I just think it would've made an awesome Christmas gift.

Anyway, it was nice at the competition to see so many dancers I knew. Old ones that I danced with that are now championship level. It is very entertaining to watch them dance. And little ones, a lot of them homeschoolers! Just really nice. It was also nice to just go to it, and be aware, that we were not competitors. I didn't have to stay all day, or volunteer to work, or have to be somewhere at a certain time, or worry about Rose and her, well, competing. Just a glimpse of what's to come I guess, but enjoying not being there for now.

How a two year old plays "I spy", with the help of a four and six year old:

The first round was a few days ago at the lunch table, and today it was in the van. Someone decided it was Sam's turn, or he spoke up and said so, and it went like this:

Rose: "Say I spy"

Sam: " 'py "

Rose: "With my little eye"

Sam: "eye"

Rose: "Something...what color is it Sam?"

Sam: "House. Bag. "

Rose: "No! A color Sam! Is it red? Is it blue?"

The other day, Sam settled on yellow, so the kids started guessing all the yellow things in the kitchen. Of course, Sam said 'no' to all of their guesses. Dominic started pointing at some yellow on the pictures on the frig. Sam would say no, and then nod his head yes. Rose was starting to pick up on it, so the next thing Dominic pointed to, Sam was nodding his head and Rose was shouting "yes! that's it! he said yes!! We got it! Good job Sam!"

Today was funny, because it's like the object of the game was to guess what color Sam was thinking of. They asked him color after color. I chuckled later that I didn't think the object of the game was to guess the color. They assured me that he said it was yellow, and it was a McDonald's sign. Ha!

The cutest thing, though, is seeing Sam's excitement at participating in this game. He knows it's a big deal and feels included and he's so happy to be a part of it. It's also really cute to see Rose and Dominic help him so much. I guess it's easy at this age- he can't argue back! He just knows he's having a good time.

Daybook: Oct. 7- feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

Outside my window:

dark. cold.

I am listening to:

the whir of the computer fans.

I am wearing:

soft ivory cotton jammies, with pink flowers on them.

To be fit and happy:

swimming! Finally went last week and can't wait to go again this week. Love it. It keeps me fit and makes me happy. :)

I am thankful for:

a good day today with school, and 'chores'.

I am pondering:

my busy day tomorrow!

I am reading:

Hands of Love. Great pregnancy book. Lots of great stories and pictures, which is just what I need right now.

From the kitchen:

two bags of frozen 'pizza pies' (calzones). The kids made 'their' pizza pie, and I just used up the rest of the ingredients and had some to freeze. Love that!

I'm also happy that I meal planned for this week and it's been going very smoothly, despite a busy, changing schedule.

I am creating:

a scarf for Rose. Found some bright yarn on clearance and just started knitting. I've been sooo tempted to pick it up in the middle of the morning, and I still might. It's very cathartic.

Towards a real education:

had a good day today, Praise be to God!!! I decided to stay home, and even skip Mass, which was really hard for me. But it paid off. We got through lessons with no tears, and both Rose and I were actually in a pretty good mood in the end!

Towards rhythm and beauty:

I think I'm trying too hard to have a rhythm and routine, and the stress gets to me. I've been a little more laid back the last couple days, and things have still turned out okay. Routine, with flexibility. Not my forte, but I'm learning.

To live the liturgy:

It was a painful decision to not go to Mass today- our one day a week we go. With my stress over school, and Sam potty training, I decided we'd pass, and pray a rosary together on Our Lady's feast day. We did it at noon, and it went well. The kids hung in there all the way to the end. Horray!

Also made it to the library last night to pick up a few 'C' books to do with Dominic for next week. I don't want to let his schooling slide, but I'm learning that it doesn't take much for him in school. I just want to get to more of the fun stuff with him, and Rose.

I am hoping and praying:

for a friend who is due with a baby with Spina Bifida.

In the garden:

that last fourth of the veggie garden needs weeded. My pots need retired for the year, some need just thrown out.

On keeping home:

Tuesday I was dusting the house at 6:45am. I was thinking how wrong it was to dust a house at that hour, but it was quiet, and I had to do it to get my fall decorations put up. So I sleepily went through the motions, and got out my scarecrows and fake leaves. Also got out all my pear and pumpkin candles. The house has been smelling very nice this week.

One of my favorite things:

the way Sam talks. And when he wants something, how he'll cock his head and say 'pweese'.

Baby in the Belly:

Moving more. I'm starting to feel not just kicks, but movements I would describe as somersaults.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

make pear jam, work, school, Gem City Feis, swim, rest!

And just cus I'm me:

Deal of the Week:

I found a 'lot' of stuff on cheapcycle for, well, cheap. It's all spiderman stuff- most all new with tags! I think I'm going to have fun Christmas shopping this year if this keeps up!

Also, went to the Goodwill Outlet today. Just when you thought there wasn't anything cheaper than a thrift store, there's a thrift store outlet! Great for my shopping outlet! I only bought a few things. I even managed to find their maternity clothes in what short time I had. I will have to visit it again soon.

"Money is nice; no doubt about it, but passion, creativity, love and fortitude will take you to all the right places."

Daybook: it's autumn!!!

I'm kinda stealing an idea I saw on another blog I'm following. I like using the topics to share my ideas, rather than just journal them.

Outside my window:

it's dark, chilly, windy. We had rain all last week, now a couple cool blustery days and cool weather all week. Welcome fall!

I am listening to:

the kitchen faucet dripping. But the slow drip is on a stainless steel sink, which means the dishes are NOT in the sink. They're all clean tonight! Yeah!

I am wearing:

a grey 3/4 sleeve maternity top, with my jammie shorts. I had maternity jeans on earlier, but the smalls are too snug and the mediums are too big. So jammies are just right.

To be fit and happy:

Ha! I tried a pilates class last night. I really liked it, but not while I'm pregnant. Seems kinda backward to be focusing and strengthening your 'core', while there's a baby growing there. I was just a bit nervous about it, and even more so afterward. Maybe after baby is born I can take that up. I'm hoping to walk with my sis to prep for the 5K at the end of the month, and start swimming sometime before I have this baby!

I am thankful for:

my dear husband who got out the kids winter clothes and fall decorations for me, both of which were in the garage loft. I am thankful to have such a good husband.

I am pondering:

Hmmm...not much.

I am reading:

school lesson plans? picture books? I don't think those count, but I haven't been doing a lot of reading lately (aside from blogs). I got a slew of birth books out at the library, but skimmed/read them all in a couple weeks.

From the kitchen:

tonight seemed like a nice night for chili. Especially since I had some in the freezer. Easy meal since I wanted to get a head start on winter clothes this evening. Add some cornbread, and bratwurst. Yep. I realized the chili I had frozen wouldn't quite be enough for all of us, so I had some leftover brats I cooked. Yet another 'thrown together' meal, as Dan calls it. Ugh.

I am creating:

Hmm...made some counting manipulatives for the kids for math today. If you consider coloring pre-printed squares and laminating them creating. I am thinking of some crafts to do for the feasts coming up...St. Therese and the guardian angels.

Towards a real education:

Ah, there's the topic. Well, Tuesdays with school is a little odd. We have pray n play in the mornings, where we get together with a handful of moms and toddlers and we pray a rosary, then the kids play. Well, today's 'play' was to pick pears for a local priest who has pear trees at his rectory. I missed it due to a dentist appt., but my kids got to go with some of the moms. They had a really great time. When we returned, and after a brief nap, Rose managed to get through her math, slowly but surely. I was looking through some of her kiddie workbooks, and saw ones on math and counting that used these little squares to count. I printed off several pages of the squares, colored them, laminated them, and had the kids help cut them up. Yeah, their favorite thing in the world: cutting. So that was it. I didn't bother looking up reading or religion for the day. Oh well.

Towards rhythm and beauty:

Trying to find a rhythm! It seems like I haven't had two identical weeks to try to find a rhythm. I did manage to stay up today after Dan left, so I was happy that I wasn't falling back into my habit of going back to bed.

To live the liturgy:

Yikes! A lot this week! I'm regretting not doing more for today's archangel feast, but looking toward the feast of St. Therese and the guardian angels on Friday. We talked about the archangels today, but maybe I can incorporate something with them on Friday. We'll probably go to Mass on Thursday.

I am hoping and praying:

that my dear SIL is home from the hospital with her new bundle of joy!

In the garden:

Things look like they're dying. I long to have a beautiful mum garden in front to adorn Mama Mary. My veggies are done. I want to pick the last few tomatoes and call it a year. Last Sat. was a very low day for me, and I was so sad when I went outside and saw a groundhog gnawing on my pumpkin. I just cried, harder. I was so proud we grew a pumpkin and it lasted this long! It was finally turning a lovely, deep orange. I was contemplating picking it this week. So I'm done. I'm hoping this week Dan and I can get out there and uproot everything and really clean it out for next year. I did this last fall with much success, and it made for a happy planting time in the spring.

Around the house:

Stacks of library books, and clean laundry in baskets. But the floors remain free of toys, almost.

On keeping home:

Excited to have my fall decos out. I have quite a few, since I love this season. Eager to tidy up a bit to put up the decos without having it look too cluttered (if that's possible in this house!).

I am trying to find a rhythm and way to incorporate chore charts in the house. The kids are actually pretty good at chores. I just need to make them accountable.

One of my favorite things:

The day we had Monday: breezy, breezy, a blue, blue sky with not a cloud in sight, and bright, warm sunshine. Love it.

Baby in the belly:

moving more. Moved a lot after that pilates class! Once I could feel the movement with my hand on my belly. Dan put his hand there, but no such luck. Still not too frequent. I feel so big in the evening, but it may be also I am just more tired so it seems like I'm bigger. Getting more excited about the whole adventure, especially talking with and seeing SIL and new nephew.

A few plans for the rest of the week:

Get a good chunk of school done tomorrow. Mass on Thurs. Make pear jam out of the pears we picked, either Thurs. or Sat. Have fun with kids making crafty things for the feasts this week. Putting up fall decos. Take Rose to dance on Wed. evening. Clothes changeover, which, contrary to popular belief, I actually enjoy this. I like looking at all the cute 'new' clothes for the kids. Now scrubbing my tub- that's a different story. Somewhere work on the garden, and I would love to clean out the garage Sat.!

I could've stayed up late last night to blog, but I decided to stay awake again today. Easy decision since I was falling asleep on the couch last night. It's kinda what I'd like to do right now too. It's still dark. That's not so inviting to wake up to.

So the latest news in our world was our trip to Kentucky. A very spur of the moment deal last Friday.

See, Dan bought a truck...on eBay...from a guy in KY. And not just across the state line. Like really in KY. He talked about going to get it over the weekend. As he was looking at the map, I saw we were going to be driving right near Mammoth Cave. Hmmm...road trip!

The drive was about three plus hours, so we thought it would be better for the kids and all to leave Fri. and drive back Sat, rather that do it all in one day on Sat. Also adding the exciting, yet totally frivolous expense of a cheap hotel for Friday night. So that's what we did.

The drive down was uneventful, except we found out that our gps takes into account time changes when it predicts your arrival time. No way were we making that trip in two hours! There must be something wrong, we thought. The time changed the last hour we were on the road. Pretty cool.

The hotel was simple enough, yet exciting for the kids (and me!) Sleep escaped me, though. I was plagued by a Sam who had to sleep with us on this small bed, so I was constantly being kicked. It wasn't as bad as the horrific dreams, nightmares, rather, that I had. Really odd. But our lovely continental breakfast had Folgers waiting for me, and a bit of that woke me right up.

Then on to this truck. Sadly, being a woman that I am, I thought Dan should get it because it was a nice color. :) Really, I heard him talk about trucks all summer. I got used to hearing about this or that on a truck, realizing I am not the best to bounce ideas off of when it comes to trucks! But I totally respect that he would talk to me about it, knowing that I don't know technicalities, but that I have something to offer about it, as his wife. I try not to be a ditsy wife, and say, 'Oh what a nice color!' but sometimes, there's not much more to say! He did his research, he knew what machine he was buying, he's awesome at looking for the right price. As he told me all the pros and cons of this truck, I listened and agreed. Then I added, "And ya know, it really is a nice color."

And so it is. It's a smokey grey. It's a Dodge Ram 2500, crew cab, long bed, 4-wheel drive. I think that covers my technical knowledge. Here's what I do know, though: it's big. Really big. It's clean. It's LOUD. But most importantly, it makes my husband so happy. Which makes me so happy.

So I'll briefly digress before I go on about this strange happiness it brings to us.

We got the truck, and proceeded on to Mammoth Cave. I wanted to go on a tour, but the times didn't quite work out, so we went on a short hike to just see the entrance of a cave. Good choice, because that was enough for the kids. The little entrance was cold and dark, neither of which the kids appreciated much. So we walked on a trail for a bit to a nearby spring, then went back to our car. They had a picnic area, so we ate our picnic lunch there and then decided to head home.

About the happiness. It was kinda funny, how Dan drove the truck, paid the man, and we left. I was a bit giddy about the whole thing. I'm sure part of it was that I didn't really make this decision to buy this, I trusted Dan's wisdom and knowledge that this was a good purchase. I was happy to support him. He wasn't so trusting of himself. So for the rest of the day, he was, like nervous. Couldn't relax. Kept thinking of ways this would turn out wrong. I did my best to keep his spirits up. Then I chuckled and reminded him about when we got our van. We were the exact opposite! I, so mistrustful of dealerships, kept thinking of everything that could possibly go wrong with the deal, and said I couldn't be really comfortable in the van for at least a month. Dan was giddy.

But the long drive home was a good warming up for Dan. As I drove the van behind him, we talked and the kids slept. He was talking more about the pros with fewer cons to his purchase, and I agreed. I also pointed out, that it looked good. :) I like everything about it- the color, the size, the design. It's large, but not obnoxious or gaudy.

But as said, I like most of all, the happiness it brings to my husband. It is so nice to see him light up as he tells me all the things he likes about his truck. It's funny to hear him talk about how fun it is to drive. I feel like saying 'what, are you like 16?' Then, me thinks, it's kinda nice to be 16 again for a day. Heck, I feel like a silly schoolgirl when he starts the thing up. I just can't help giggling when I hear 'lug-a, lug-a, lug-a, lug-a' from that loud muffler. Don't know why.

And it makes me just love him so much more to be able to share in his happiness. It also makes me love him so much more to see him as the man of my dreams. It's neat when you're young and dating, or newlyweds, and you have so many hopes and dreams. And you talk and dream about them together. It's so neat to see those dreams fulfilled...whether it's having children, or planting a garden or getting a better position at work, or learning a new skill, or owning a truck. For me, it fits right in with my dream guy. I loved the man I married, but over the years, he's grown in his manhood, which makes me love him all the more. From his rugged work boots, to, well, his big truck, and everything in between that makes him him.

So maybe that's why I giggle when the engine is rumbling. Not only is it ridiculously loud, and I don't at all understand why anyone would want that, but Dan does. And he does want that. And it makes him happy. And I am thrilled to share in his happiness.

I am pleased with the first week of school. A few things to be ironed out, or just gotten used to, but overall, I think it went well.

I was looking forward to not having to be on a 'schedule' today, since we don't have to do school on Fridays. Maybe lounging in my jammies for a little bit, letting the kids do the same. I guess we'll get plenty of lounging time in, since Sam and Rose woke up with Dan and I. And they woke up happy. At least if they were grumpy, I could insist they go back to bed. But they're delightful. But it's so early!!! (Secretly, I wish I could do this every day, stay up after Dan leaves. I used to for a while. It's not so bad if I get to bed at a decent hour. Otherwise, it's hard to stay awake, and try to do anything without waking the kids up).

Guess I'll go brew a cup of tea and succumb to the beginning of this day...even though it's still dark out.

Small successes of today:

I made dinner!!! Like a real dinner, with lots of veggies and real meat. Yum. I was going to take a picture of my amazing veggie tray, but I couldn't find the camera. I'll tell you about it though. It was as plain and simple and colorful as any other veggie tray in the world. But I actually cut all the veggies, and we ate it with dinner! The kids loved it. I loved it.

And, I did my dirty dishes. Yeah, what an accomplishment! Crazy? I know. I am. But there's something about my happiness tank that is beyond full when my dishes are clean (better yet, put away) and the trash is taken out. I know tomorrow will be a good day if for no other reason. Oh, it's so sad I get such joy out of that, and such agony over dirty dishes.

I swept my kitchen floor and decided to go ahead and mop it. It hasn't been very long since I last mopped it, but it had that grimy feeling when you walk on it barefoot. I can't stand that. So I mopped it after the kids went to bed.

I did school with Rose and Dominic today, simultaneously. That took a lot out of me. I was trying to hard to stay upbeat and not succumb to the nasty cynicism that can overcome me...especially when my dear children (or child) starts to whine incessantly. Dominic was just slap happy. Urgh! Where's the middle ground! They're either giggling like hyenas, or mad and moody. But we got through it with...um, no tears- for me either! But many pauses, listening to three little ones argue their point to me, all at the same time, while I sat there thinking "how am I ever going to do this!!!!!" Then another deep sigh before I was back in the trenches, calming Rose's demands of DD, DD concretely insisting on one thing, and one thing only in his one track brain and trying to stop that, while lifting Sam on my lap and saying sweetly, "That is a neat toy!"

Okay, part of the wrinkles we'll have to work out this year is having two kids working in the same area. They each have a seat at the desk, but I can't sit with Dominic and write A's with him without Rose looking over his shoulder and commenting on what we're doing. She is just so distracted! And it's so annoying!!! I finally moved to another room with Dominic, and Rose did fine with her assignment.

I guess I was excited to work with Dominic and do some alphabet stuff. I felt like I should've done it last year, and didn't. I realize that I'm right where I need to be with him this year, and am just happy that we can work on it together.

Oh, and I am reading a lot more to the kids. I like that. It seems like I could never find time for it before. Now we just do it. I tell them to get a book and they all run for the bookcase.

So it's kinda funny how much I fit into one day, and looking back, it was a good day. We did a little of everything: school, work, and play. And somehow, I think, if I try to plan all that we got done, it would never get done. I like when things just work out for the better.

I am completely amazed. I've been searching a bunch of blogs today, mostly of the Catholic-homeschooling-motherhood flavor. I am so amazed how rich these women are. Rich in faith, and knowledge, experience and life! It's almost a bit overwhelming! It's just so cool to see how there are so many like minded women living out their life of faith, raising families, and just happen to be amateur journalists, too. What a bonus. It makes their blogs so nice to read.

I guess another nice thing about reading some of these blogs is that it seems like if there are any obstacles I'm trying to overcome, they've got the answer. Their prayers and quotes hit the nail on the head as far as pertaining to my life. And things I've only vaguely thought about, they've not only thought all the way through, but give you a whole plan on how to accomplish what it is you're seeking! Amazing! But as said, almost too much.

But for now, still amazing.

I'm very amazed what other women's faith has inspired them to do. I'm so happy they are there to help me grow on my path of faith and virtue and womanly wisdom.

Another sign we are moving on, growing up, ever changing: my two oldest are finally out of car seats!!!! At their annual check-up, the doc said we could move them to booster seats. Although they're still not 40lbs, they are where they need to be for height to be in a booster. Horray! Luck would have it that on the way home, I hit a few garage sales, and found a booster seat for Dominic! (I've had one for Rose for a while now). It was a great new novelty to put all three kids in the back row of the van on our trip. It's wonderful for me to only have to unbuckle one kid instead of three every time we go out!!! It is a much welcome change in our world.

Time is definitely flying by. The days are getting shorter, and cooler. My favorite season is right around the corner. The brisk, cool mornings still remind me of school. I remember the first fall I didn't attend school, and how awkward it felt. For us, though, school is in session- but in a different element for me. Rose will be in first grade and DD 'preschool'. I'm anxious and nervous and excited and hoping all goes well.

Our camping trip went very well. We discovered new reasons to like Hocking Hills. The campsite we had was the best it could be. It really worked out well, and everything we needed, restrooms, water, playground, were very close. The reason it wasn't simply the best, was that it was a bit small, but looking at all the sites there, they were all small.

The weather was wonderful. Very cool the first evening, and gradually warmed up a bit over the course of the weekend. The food was magnificent, as a collaborative effort. It was nice to spend time with family. That was first and foremost.

Hiking was the event of choice at HH, as they have lots of trails and really neat caves. The first hike was a bit trying. Lots of kids, dangerously steep trails, no guardrails. I think it was because I knew all this (and I know my son DD) that just made me really nervous the whole time. The hike to Ash cave was far different. It was rated for disabled persons, so the path was wide and flat. The kids could run up as much as they wanted!

It was a little tough, for me, seeing what little hiking we did each day. I was set to hike from noon to four. Thankfully, pregnancy slowed me down this year, and I was okay after a much shorter hike. Next day was the same way. I was ready to go, but having the kids with us, we knew would be too much of a challenge. There's lots of steps on these trails. It was one of those moments for me, where I had to put aside my desires, and think of those with me, and what's best for all. I know Dan and I could have gone on for miles, and very much wanted to! But impatient me had to just slow down, and realize, that there will be a day. That time will come. It's not this year, and enjoy things as they are. And I did!! It really helps me to reframe things that way when I get really impulsive and want to go, go, go, do, do, do. It was really nice seeing the kids have a good time, and all being together, and showing them the amazing things that occur in nature. (I teased Dan, by the time our kids are old enough to go on longer hikes, we'll be all fizzled out and ready for the shortest ones!)

Sleeping in our 'palace' tent was fun. Our sleeping bags are sooo cozy. I have to admit, though, the mouse that we found that kept running under our tent at night was ridiculously annoying. Little inconveniences to an overall wonderful trip.

It's funny how I get things stuck in my head, and once past, I move on. Like our camping trip. It was a lot of prep work, and a long, fun weekend. But now that it's past, I'm a little glad, and it's done. I can look toward slowing down, staying home more, making my house more of a home and tending to the needs of my family- something that is difficult to do when things like a camping trip are planned. It's like summer is over, I'm not looking back, and ready for the next season.

One part of our new routine occurred tonight. I took Rose to her first official irish dance class. Yes, the poor girl has been begging me for years to go. I mentioned nothing until a couple hours before the class. She was so delighted. I was so nervous. I've been tossing this whole dance thing around for the last few years. I'm sure I should've had her in classes at three, much to her delight. But something in me just didn't want to do that! Was it spoiling her, starting her in something so young? Was it the commitment of me taking her somewhere, every week? Was it the cost? I think it was a combination of all things. Dan and I look back on our childhoods, where we were in no, and I mean no activities. I entered into sports in high school, and did it all on my own. The same was true with dance. I enjoyed it all so much. I think I'm holding myself back a bit, reluctant to be one of those moms that have their kid in tons of things at the earliest age. Part of me really wants to.

So we decided to take the plunge. I think the biggest fear about the dance area, is knowing what it is like. I was so enmeshed in the world of dance. It took up quite a bit of my life. And I loved it. But I was older, and didn't really care much about anyone or anything else. But I don't want that for my child. I don't foresee me driving all over the country for competitions and sacrificing every Sunday for extra practices and shelling out extra money for this or that. But part of me really wants to. I know we'll find a happy medium, but I'm a bit nervous at my practice of self restraint.

So as far as things went, it was so nice. I saw many familiar dance faces, that I will enjoy seeing each week. I was delighted to see familiar faces of some of the kids in Rose's class! It really put me at ease. And I peeked in and saw Rose on her toes and doing the jumps, and thought 'I'm glad we waited.' She is mature enough to follow along and be interested in what's going on, and not just wanting to 'dance' the whole time. I think she can really appreciate the class and get a lot out of it.

I had an idea to post last week, then, six days ago, then three days ago. Yeah, I'm finally getting around to it. Now I have to put them all together.

Last Sat. we went to a party at Dan's cousin's house. They live by a lake and own a boat. We had the joy of being taken on a boat ride- a first for my kids. It was so fun, and funny. They were all in life jackets. It was pretty cool out, especially with all the wind. The kids had a really good time and did better than I thought. They weren't scared at all, even when we were going really fast. It was funny to see them stumble around as they moved from the front to the back. It was cute toward the end when we were going really fast, Rose was kneeling in the front seat, holding on, her hair blowing in the wind. Dominic was in the front with me, his eyes barely open due to all the wind.

Sam just looked, and looked, and sat with Dan.

Then on Sunday, we headed to the Great Darke County fair. We left mid afternoon. We had jackets on then. It was unusually cool that day, and we had jackets on the whole time. What a far cry from those memories of sweltering hot fair days! So we were nice and cool. We looked at all the animals. The kids really loved the chicken barn this year. We just enjoyed walking around and eating anything that struck our fancy.

We went to the fair again on Wed. with my mom and dad. It was a lot warmer, but still not sweltering. We looked at some of the booths, but the highlight would have to have been the rides (thanks to my parents!). Sam rode the carousel for the first time, clinging to me the whole time, but not crying. DD and Rose liked it, and mom and dad were riding in the seats behind us. The kids rode a few other rides, and were having so much fun. I asked if they wanted to go on the dragon one (little roller coaster). Yes, yes, yes! as they ran toward it. I had to laugh. They had no idea what they were in for. They got in and I took pictures and everything. Then the ride started and went around three times. My kids were the only ones not holding their hands up. they were holding on to the bar for dear life. I could see the panic in DD's face, and Rose's clenched jaw. So the guy stopped the ride, let my kids off, and then started the ride again. I was really proud they went on it. Rose admitted it was a little scary, but okay. A little too fast. DD was grumpy about it, saying he didn't like that ride. I asked if the hill made their stomach turn upside down, DD said it made his whole self turn upside down. Hard to do much else in the fair after all that excitement. We got a bite, and the kids were wanting to play games. We made our way back for my kids 'last ride' before my parents headed home. Then we watched them spend their own money on a game. A game that was way too much money for the cheap toy they chose as a prize. But we let them do it, it hopes of someday teaching them that, basically, those games aren't worth it! Sorry, Dan and I are just too practical, and thrifty! We tried not to kill it for them and let them actually have fun playing the games and getting a prize. And they did. Rose's dart gun is still being fought over by all the kids.

I had an appt. Friday and things with baby are going fine. I'm waiting to feel movement, and noticing my belly grow a little more. Rose likes to pat my belly and smile and say something about how big it is getting. Sam points to my belly when I ask him where the baby is...after he points to his own belly, and DD's.

Making progress

I can't believe we rode our bikes all the way to the park today.

About a week ago, we drove to a auto shop around the corner, dropped the van off, and all took a bike ride home. Sam decided he didn't want to ride on the tricycle that had a convenient handle on the back for me to push. He walked the whole way home, while I pulled the trike. Rose zipped from block to block, waiting at each for us. And then DD. He has a 16" bike with training wheels. He's still a bit nervous about riding it, but I know he can. We went a about four blocks, walking the bikes across each intersection. Then it happened. DD came upon the end of the block sooner than he thought, had to swerve around Rose, and then braked hard. But he was starting down the ramp to the street. It was all too much for his little training wheels and he just fell. So he walked his bike after that. I kept coaxing him to get back on. He did at one point. He went so slow, though, and kept braking every few minutes, I had a hard time walking behind him. So he go off and walked again. I finally told him, that after we crossed the street (this is about eight blocks after the fall), he had to get back on the bike. He fought it. I insisted. We worked it out that I would hold on to the back of his bike (while pulling the trike). So we went about a half a block that way. He took off, and rode all the way home (about half of the distance of our trip).Yeah!

So today, I told Rose she had to ride her 'big' bike. She does fine without training wheels, but we recently got her a 16" bike. She fell once because she doesn't know how to handle the height with stopping. We practiced several times in the driveway, and I held on to her bike as she learned to stop and put her foot down before the bike fell over. So I thought we'd ride to the end of the long block. We made it all the way there, even with Sam riding in the tricycle. We did so well, we kept going to the bike path that takes you to the nearby park. It was great!

We're at that stage with Sam, where he says something like "eeld", "eeld". And you look him right in the eye and say "what????" "eeld", "eeld". I give up "kids, what is he saying?" Dominic says something totally off the wall. My dear Rose "shield, Mom. He's looking for his shield."

Oh! How did I make it through the other kids without Rose to interpret?

I like Sam's word for popcycle: "ickle"

Despite my complete and utter neglect of my dear garden, it keeps producing! Such an odd assortment of things, though. Like a bowl full of grape tomatoes, only two or three romas, a zucchini or two each week, and cucumbers...more than I would like. Not that we don't love cucumbers, but these are baby ones, meant for pickling. Normally, that would be great, if I felt like pickling them. I'm doing good getting laundry and dishes done- no energy left for the poor cucumbers. I feel soo bad about that. (Never grew a baby and a garden at the same time, so I'm learning).

I guess it wouldn't be so bad if the cucumbers were the right size. Almost all of them are too big, which taste bitter if you just slice and eat them, and can cause 'soggy' pickles if you pickle them. And I can't figure out for the life of me why they're so big! I'll go out there every few days and see if there's anything needing picked (there always is). The cucumbers are either itty bitty, or huge. I just can never seem to pick them at just the right size. I can understand when I'm really lazy and don't go out there for a week or so, but it just seems like these huge cucumbers were just and inch long when I was out there last! Oh, well. I still think I'm going to make soggy pickles anyway. At least I hope to find the energy to one of these days...soon.

I shredded and froze some zucchini today. I felt so accomplished!

I also made a decent dinner! Meat- from a recipe- lots of veggies. It was very yummy, and again I felt so accomplished.

Sam is so cute lately!!! I'm finding that he's playing more and less clingy to me. He is talking more. He'll repeat a lot, and is putting two words together more and more. He does great at saying meal prayers with us (only about 25% of the words, but he follows with us saying them!). The same is true for other routine prayers, like tonight it was the Angel of God. We ended up saying it three times, and he said it with us each time. Yeah! So cute how he says all his words.

He's also really good at following directions. He's the first of all my kids to respond when I say something: 'get your shoes on.' Within minutes, he's bringing me his shoes, while the others aren't even aware I'm talking. 'Let's have lunch.' He'll go in the kitchen and sit at the table, waiting for me.

Yesterday we were cleaning up the living room, a job my kiddos are just not very good at. There were toys all over the floor. I told Sam he had to pick up the little people, since he got them out. He sat there and filled his whole box with people...all by himself! It was so cool! DD helped him cram the lid on, and once in place, he lugged this box, which was big for him, all the way down the hall to put it away. I wish I had a picture of that little kid, leaning and walking, carrying this big rubbermaid box by the handle, as he trudged down the hall. What a trooper. Need more like that one. Except the clingy, tantrum part. And the inherent messes he creates.

Hey, he's two. What can I say. I'll definitely take the good with the bad. The good is just sooo good. It far outweighs the tantrums and messes!

It's August. Then September, which means school. Lots of folks on DCHN are talking about planning for school and all. I feel like I should be too! I did go through all our books today, and cleaned off Rose's school desk. I feel like a nut, because I actually listed all the books we have on a few different google documents. I thought, if I do this now, it might might be easy to add any new books I do get to the list. Here's hoping it will help me stay organized.

I am excited, though about this year. I feel like I have a goal this time. I have most of the books and things for Rose, and lots of little workbooks for Dominic. Not sure what I'm going to do with Sam.

Too tired to blog, too tired to do anything! Ugh, can't shake this fatigue! I know I'm supposed to need more rest, but I guess I can't get used to being only half as productive as normal.

We went camping in IN this past weekend. Went to Pokagon State Park with some of the Langes. We had a great time. We got a late start Friday, so we didn't get there till about 9:30p, then we had to set up our 'mansion' tent. It is pretty big. I think we finished around midnight.

Saturday was fun. Breakfast was nice and fun to cook. We went hiking while some went horseback riding. We headed to the beach but the sky was really overcast. The kids swam for about 30 min. and were too cold to continue. We headed back to camp to make a great dinner, then after sending the kids to bed, sat around the fire till we were too sleepy.

Sunday was rushed. We went to Mass, others packed up, and we all met at the lodge for brunch. They had a wonderful buffet, that filled our bellies for the rest of the day! We packed up after breakfast, filled our water bottles at the spring in the park (that was so cold and yummy), and then hit the road.

That's the trip in a nutshell. I'll tell more details and pics later.

Then, upon coming home, I made the wonderful discovery of lice in my hair. Ugh. It is so annoying. I'm just thankful the kids don't have it.

And that's all I'm going to say about that.

And that's where I am now. Tired, amidst piles and piles of clean laundry, on a clean, vacuumed couch, in a vacuumed, once toy-free living room...tired.

I am proud that I managed to declutter and clean a bit of the kitchen today. I think I'm going to clean the whole house, really clean and declutter, one room at a time. I don't think I'm necessarily unclean, or have and unclean household, but this lice thing makes me want to clean everything, and keep it clean...forever.

Oh, but then I'm back to the tired thing. I can only do a few things a day before I'm exhausted. Darn. What a wicked combination.

We went to a graduation party recently. We sat down to eat, and DD was thirsty for some pop. We were trying to convince him to drink this lemon-lime berry drink. It was a kind of pop, can't remember the name. It was clear. We kept trying to tell him it tasted like fruit, that it was pop, and he just said ' no it's not! It's blank!' (I guess he considers pop to be 'cola' colored!)

Tonight, I was on the phone, and DD runs up to me and hugs me and says, "I love you. I don't hate you any. I love you very much."

Thanks deed! I feel the same!

Boy it's been a long time since I've blogged! We missed fourth of July, our trip to Amish country, all the craziness of everyday life!

We went to Dan's cousin's for July 4th. The incessant rain was annoying, and sure gave a chill to the air. The corn hole tournament in the garage was really fun. It was for couples and Dan and I made it to the semi-finals. As if outdoor corn hole wasn't challenging enough...move it in garage! The food was great and fireworks were cool. We just sat in their front lawn to watch them, wearing jackets and blankets.

It's been a weird July weather wise.

Then last weekend Dan and I went to Amish country with his brother and sis in law. We left early and came back late. The objective: a smoker grill, not made in china. It was met with success. We enjoyed touring the worther museum and gift shop (a museum of a local genius wood carver). My favorite part was eating at Der Dutchman. They had every food I was wanting on that chilly day...mashed potatoes, Amish noodles, chicken, gravy. Mmmm. The kids got to spend two nights with some aunts and uncles, and had a blast. We did take Sam, and it was quite nice to only have to run after one kid! He didn't like the truck ride so much, esp. on the way back. I thought he'd sleep the whole way, but he kept waking every so often and crying.

Our smoker grill is quite nice. We've used it three times. The burgers, brats and chicken were the juiciest I have ever tasted. We're still getting used to how to use it and all, but so far, we're satisfied.

I picked all the beets in the garden, and have them all peeled now, ready to can. They were a bit on the small side. I guess if I didn't thin them earlier, I am paying for it now with small beets. I'm going to pickle and can them tomorrow. I still have my bags of beans and if I don't do something quick, they're going to go bad! Then I have about four bags of cucumbers to deal with. I'm thinking pickles...probably dill. This garden stuff is exhausting!

Speaking of the garden, we now have an unwelcome guest. We've had a groundhog dig under our fence and get in the garden a couple times. He made a gash in my one and only pumpkin, and gnawed on the broccoli leaves. The broccoli is pretty much done, so I wasn't too annoyed. Then while we were away this weekend, I noticed he got in again, and this time devoured all the leaves on all my bean plants!! Urgh! Sadly, with all the other veggies backing up and needing attention, I wasn't too disappointed at the thought of being done with beans. I feel so pathetic. All that work into gardening, and when I should reap the harvest, I just let it go! I guess I have other things on my mind, too: school in the fall and cleaning, really cleaning inside and out before school starts. Just getting my life a little more organized. Trying to.

It feels like I haven't posted for weeks! Summer is flying by. Playdates at the park and pool, more park days, laundry to hang dry, garden to tend, anyone sick of the park yet???? I'm happy for the mild weather we have for the next couple days. Really nice break from the heat and humidity we've had lately.

Well, here's a recent photo of our garden. I love it. It's changed so much since those little plants were seedlings! I know it will be over crowded in the months to come, but oh well. We'll deal with that when we get there! I think my favorite part of the garden this year, other than the layout and all, is the companion planting. I love seeing a big bush of feathery dill growing right between my cucumber plants. And my little exotic nasturtium flowers and leaves competing with the huge squash leaves for sunlight, and completely holding there own, just blooming away! It's so pretty to see the flowers amidst the blooms on the squash and cukes.

There seems to be in my garden, and as with my life, a little corner that always seems to get a bit neglected. Ah, again this year it's been my snap peas. I had such high hopes for the wiry things! I planted probably five rows, and was going to have two trellises and just gobs of peas. Well, seems like I always lose some to the birds, and the one trellis ended getting put up later than I wanted, and they seemed a bit crowded, and I ran out of compost, so they really didn't get much of any, and I let the weeds practically take over. Poor things. Some of them look like they have plenty of life left, and just want to shoot to the sky and keep blooming, but the heat is getting to them, and I think they're about done. I feel like I've failed them a bit, weeds and all, but I guess I get that way. They were a fun spring plant, the first to give us their harvest, and now we're on to massive amounts of beans and beets. So much else to be done! Alas, they will dry and wither, and I will once again write in my garden journal: plant peas and a scarecrow! Trellis early!

It's fun having about seven different fresh veggies to choose from for dinner at night. We ate our first round of beets last night. (I don't have pic on computer yet). I like the interesting heirloom variety. One of the joys of gardening...trying new things. The kids didn't seem to mind. I think Dominic ate three helpings of beets, and Sam ate all his first thing. I have a bunch, but I'm so bad at thinning, and didn't do it, so I'm paying the price now. Lots of little beets. Urgh. Maybe I'll learn some day.

On to different things...I've still been running all this time. I run on Mon. nights, just an easy few miles. I've learned I can eat dinner and run later, right before the sun sets, when the weather is much cooler. I really enjoy that. It's just me and Michael. Michael Buble, that is. I find music helps me run so much easier on a long run. Then on Wed. I run with my group. I'm a little nervous about going back this week, knowing how intense it is going to be and all. I know I'll get through it though. For that, I just mentally change gears a bit, and remind myself I do get to purposely stop and catch my breath before doing the next set.

All for now.