Busy, busy, busy...(can you name that quote? Hint: It's a Christmas movie)...
Next week marks the end of school for my oldest girls. Yay! Not looking forward to beginning school on July 31st, though! And the preschool Snugglebug attended is closing, so I'm already wondering where/if I'll send Laeah. I feel like the one Snugglebug went to didn't really benefit her, so I don't know if homeschooling will be the best option or what I'll do. I had planned on sending Laeah to school while I began homeschooling Lovely, but we'll see how everything works out.
Speaking of Laeah: it looks like she'll be getting tubes in her ears soon. She's had ear infection after ear infection, and she has terrible allergies. She's been on allergy medication for at least a month, probably longer. Knowing what I know now, I'm afraid Snugglebug probably had a lot of sinus infection as a toddler/child, but I just didn't recognize her signs. She's been getting terrible headaches lately, even throwing up after a major headache/migraine. We started her on allergy medication, but she continues to have headaches, so migraine medication might be necessary. I also need to institute local honey to see how that helps.
Speaking of food: I started Jules on organic brown rice cereal yesterday. I was exhausted with her waking up every two hours throughout the night, and she just didn't seem satisfied. I'm hoping to continue nursing, but as I've said before, I haven't exactly been successful in the past. I've made it almost twice as long as with Laeah, though, so for that I'm happy.
Anything else new? I'm too tired to realize it if there is...!
Crafts, Kids, Cooking, and Class.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Catch All
This has been my week of just being...or at least that's how I feel. My semester has come to an end, yet I still have several papers to grade and grades to input. I also have to sign the contract to teach next fall, which I have been putting off. It's just so hard to leave my babies.
Speaking of which, Laeah now cries when I enter my mom's house because she's afraid of being left. She clings to my legs. Her copying skills are outrageous, though--she was copying my sister yesterday when my sister blew her nose. Not the best thing to copy, but cute none the less. She says "trash" in the cutest voice with gusto, and: shoes, brush, cheese, book, ball, hi, hush, sister (and all her sisters' names), and then she just lets things slip out to make me turn my head and ask, "Did I just hear what I think I heard?"
Her little sister is determined to sit up. She hates tummy time and still refuses to roll over, but she looks like she's doing constant sit-ups. She hates being in the room by herself and wants touched/held by me constantly, which can be quite frustrating. Yet, I usually give in because I know this stage only lasts for so long. I bought a baby carrier through a co-op, but it hasn't arrived yet. I also bought two diapers months ago, which still haven't arrived and frankly, I'm getting frustrated with that buy. It seems people are becoming short with each other on it, and I don't need that in my life. I mostly stay on facebook so I can see pictures and keep up with other people, and to buy/sell in these groups. I'm starting to re-think the groups, though, which is sad.
In other news, Lovely did archery today with her daddy (who teaches it). She was timid at first, but she began really getting into it, and honestly, she's better than I am with a recurve bow. I told her she should practice more and see if there are any competitions in the future!
Now, I'm off to bed. Summer is at hand, and I feel I need to make a list of all the ways to enjoy it. We finally had to replace the water heater--all because we found a leak, which led to wood popping up off the floor--so that's checked off our to-do list. At least I had learned to take shorter showers with the other water heater :P
Speaking of which, Laeah now cries when I enter my mom's house because she's afraid of being left. She clings to my legs. Her copying skills are outrageous, though--she was copying my sister yesterday when my sister blew her nose. Not the best thing to copy, but cute none the less. She says "trash" in the cutest voice with gusto, and: shoes, brush, cheese, book, ball, hi, hush, sister (and all her sisters' names), and then she just lets things slip out to make me turn my head and ask, "Did I just hear what I think I heard?"
Her little sister is determined to sit up. She hates tummy time and still refuses to roll over, but she looks like she's doing constant sit-ups. She hates being in the room by herself and wants touched/held by me constantly, which can be quite frustrating. Yet, I usually give in because I know this stage only lasts for so long. I bought a baby carrier through a co-op, but it hasn't arrived yet. I also bought two diapers months ago, which still haven't arrived and frankly, I'm getting frustrated with that buy. It seems people are becoming short with each other on it, and I don't need that in my life. I mostly stay on facebook so I can see pictures and keep up with other people, and to buy/sell in these groups. I'm starting to re-think the groups, though, which is sad.
In other news, Lovely did archery today with her daddy (who teaches it). She was timid at first, but she began really getting into it, and honestly, she's better than I am with a recurve bow. I told her she should practice more and see if there are any competitions in the future!
Now, I'm off to bed. Summer is at hand, and I feel I need to make a list of all the ways to enjoy it. We finally had to replace the water heater--all because we found a leak, which led to wood popping up off the floor--so that's checked off our to-do list. At least I had learned to take shorter showers with the other water heater :P
Dear Snugglebug
You are now a bright and shining eight year old with a gleam in your eye, unicorns and fairy dust under your feet, and a world of imagination no adult could comprehend. Your hair is always a mess (no matter how often we spray/brush it) and there is always dirt under your fingernails. Stains litter your clothes like you are wearing a permanent napkin. And yet, you are always smiling (unless your sister is bothering you or you are bothering your sister--you know which one I'm talking about!). I often slap my forehead in disbelief of what comes out of your mouth and what you think of next. Your mind is complicated, as evidenced by the plot of your current Young Authors' story, that involves the intrigues of magic, burglary, abduction, and the list goes on. Your handwriting is very nice when you want it to be, just like you know the answers to questions when you want to know them. Although frustrating, I admire how you miss most words on the spelling pretest and yet you get most of them correct when you take another test at home later that day (psst...I think you just don't want challenge words so you purposely get things wrong!). I don't understand how you can hate ice cream now, but to each their own. I just know that I love you, and you will forever be my baby.
Monday, March 17, 2014
Three Months
My Baby Is Three Months Old
Friday, March 7, 2014
Reflections
Hello. How are you at this 1 o'clock in the morning time?
I've been thinking a lot lately. Probably too much, which only leads to CB--Chaos of the Brain. I suffer from that a lot.
I attended a funeral today, which usually sets the stage for life reflection. For me, this is even more true as I cry at the drop of a hat since I've had Jules. Seriously, if I drop a hat, I'm sure I will burst into melodramatic tears.
Anyway, the funeral was for the mother of a childhood friend with whom I still keep in contact. You know how you "know" people, but you may not remember exactly how they look or how they sound if several years go by without seeing or hearing them? This lady's voice keeps singing through my mind, reminding me of the easy teenage years that at the time I couldn't wait to leave behind me.
Now, I'm wondering even more what kind of an example am I setting for my children. I constantly feel as if I'm failing, that there is so much more I'm supposed to do, yet I never get to do it. I'm not talking about big things--little things mostly. Taking more time to play with the girls. Not being in a rush all the time. Being able to stop yelling at the older ones to clean their room. And then I wonder if their room is messy because I never find time to keep mine very clean.
You see, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. She was always there. Period. Very rarely did she leave me with my father, and truth be told, if she did, he may have easily forgotten I was there and simply left the house (I'm being serious--not mean!), Anyway, I find myself continually over-extending myself. I have four children now, and they are my main priority. However, I teach two classes, which really doesn't take that much time, except it does. I do have to make time to write lesson plans, grade essays/assignments, drive to school, teach, drive back. And then I'm out of energy. I'm supposed to score new teacher qualification portfolios as well, but to be honest, I haven't had time. I got a phone call the other day asking if I want to interview to teach a high school English class 1.5 hrs/wk for a cottage (homeschool) school starting in the fall. I've spent the last few weeks gathering tax information, filling out W2s and W3s, updating Quickbooks--all for my husband's business. Honestly, I often feel like waving goodbye to it all. My dream was to marry, have children, and to write, but my writing dream is getting squashed under the pressure of mounting bills, and my husband and children aren't getting as much of me as I would like to give. So now the question: Am I just being lazy by wanting to just stay home, or am I being called to do so? Temptation or opportunity--it's so difficult to decipher.
I just want to make it to summer.
But then I remember school sign-ups for next year take place in May, and I'm still doing the homeschool debate dance. Would I have time? Would I have patience? What can I trade in order to allow my children to do that? Would they have friends? Would it really make a difference? Would I lose any more of my sanity?
I had Lovely tested at school this past week because her teacher is afraid she won't finish the IRead test in order to move on to 4th grade, and she's been recommended for intercession since 1st grade. Surprise, surprise. So far, she doesn't qualify for anything and she in fact has a 7th grade reading comprehension. Although I've adored some of her teachers, that really makes me wonder about the other ones. This year has not gone as I expected, but it's so difficult to make changes. It's scary--you know it is. Also, through school, they do get free flute lessons, art and music classes, choir, dress wacky days (today was funny hat day), some good field trips, and there's not that pressure that you so often feel when you're with just church people to be the best Christian possible. Don't get me wrong--I try to teach my children that they should always be the best Christians they can be, but everyone makes mistakes, and not everyone sees everything the same way, so judgements are frequently made that really shouldn't (IMO).
Ok. Done with the reflection. Time for bed. Goodnight.
I've been thinking a lot lately. Probably too much, which only leads to CB--Chaos of the Brain. I suffer from that a lot.
I attended a funeral today, which usually sets the stage for life reflection. For me, this is even more true as I cry at the drop of a hat since I've had Jules. Seriously, if I drop a hat, I'm sure I will burst into melodramatic tears.
Anyway, the funeral was for the mother of a childhood friend with whom I still keep in contact. You know how you "know" people, but you may not remember exactly how they look or how they sound if several years go by without seeing or hearing them? This lady's voice keeps singing through my mind, reminding me of the easy teenage years that at the time I couldn't wait to leave behind me.
Now, I'm wondering even more what kind of an example am I setting for my children. I constantly feel as if I'm failing, that there is so much more I'm supposed to do, yet I never get to do it. I'm not talking about big things--little things mostly. Taking more time to play with the girls. Not being in a rush all the time. Being able to stop yelling at the older ones to clean their room. And then I wonder if their room is messy because I never find time to keep mine very clean.
You see, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. She was always there. Period. Very rarely did she leave me with my father, and truth be told, if she did, he may have easily forgotten I was there and simply left the house (I'm being serious--not mean!), Anyway, I find myself continually over-extending myself. I have four children now, and they are my main priority. However, I teach two classes, which really doesn't take that much time, except it does. I do have to make time to write lesson plans, grade essays/assignments, drive to school, teach, drive back. And then I'm out of energy. I'm supposed to score new teacher qualification portfolios as well, but to be honest, I haven't had time. I got a phone call the other day asking if I want to interview to teach a high school English class 1.5 hrs/wk for a cottage (homeschool) school starting in the fall. I've spent the last few weeks gathering tax information, filling out W2s and W3s, updating Quickbooks--all for my husband's business. Honestly, I often feel like waving goodbye to it all. My dream was to marry, have children, and to write, but my writing dream is getting squashed under the pressure of mounting bills, and my husband and children aren't getting as much of me as I would like to give. So now the question: Am I just being lazy by wanting to just stay home, or am I being called to do so? Temptation or opportunity--it's so difficult to decipher.
I just want to make it to summer.
But then I remember school sign-ups for next year take place in May, and I'm still doing the homeschool debate dance. Would I have time? Would I have patience? What can I trade in order to allow my children to do that? Would they have friends? Would it really make a difference? Would I lose any more of my sanity?
I had Lovely tested at school this past week because her teacher is afraid she won't finish the IRead test in order to move on to 4th grade, and she's been recommended for intercession since 1st grade. Surprise, surprise. So far, she doesn't qualify for anything and she in fact has a 7th grade reading comprehension. Although I've adored some of her teachers, that really makes me wonder about the other ones. This year has not gone as I expected, but it's so difficult to make changes. It's scary--you know it is. Also, through school, they do get free flute lessons, art and music classes, choir, dress wacky days (today was funny hat day), some good field trips, and there's not that pressure that you so often feel when you're with just church people to be the best Christian possible. Don't get me wrong--I try to teach my children that they should always be the best Christians they can be, but everyone makes mistakes, and not everyone sees everything the same way, so judgements are frequently made that really shouldn't (IMO).
Ok. Done with the reflection. Time for bed. Goodnight.
Snow Days
Yet more white fluff...
Snugglebug spent the time roll, roll, rolling to form a very short snowgirl beside another short snowgirl. Have I mentioned I'm a bit snowman-challenged? I grew up in Arizona and very rarely drove to the snow in the mountains, so I never really learned to make a good snowman. Perhaps that should be on my bucket list?
Lovely spent the time creating the beginning of a snow fort that turned into a snow lounger where she and Laeah hung out.
Laeah's first time playing in the snow! I finally had some energy and Jules was sleeping, so I resisted all of the work I needed to get accomplished, and decided childhood memories were more important.
She walked right over and sat down, like this was her little snow chair. She late got up, walked over to the snow people, nibbled on their carrot noses, and licked their icy faces. Thankfully, I got some of this on video :)
Saturday, February 22, 2014
This and That
It's been a little while so some updates:
Laeah is in everything, and I mean everything! While you are removing things from one hand, she is in the process of collecting more no-no's in the second hand. She refuses to wear anything in her hair, and continually removes her hats, socks, and shoes. I'm convinced by summer, I may have a nudist. At least she'll be sporting a cute diaper...I hope. She has said the words "I love you," "buh-bye," and "candy" lately. After candy, S and I were sure she said, "I need that." lol
Jules is still growing like a weed. She's now 12 lbs, 12 oz, so she gained 9 oz in a two-week period. Yikes! I won't be able to carry her in her carseat soon, so I'm hoping spring comes quickly! I need to sell her 0-3 mos clothes now, but I had difficulty parting with her newborn clothes. Not sure why! I took her for shots yesterday, so she's a little grumpy today and has a slight fever.
I went to the much anticipated Kid Stuff Sale last week and saw several people whom I hadn't seen in quite a while, which was very nice! I find I'm either working, changing diapers, doing laundry, nursing, sleeping, or thinking about sleep 99% of my day, so it's nice to see adults once in a while. I know my littles won't be little for long, so I do treasure them, which is probably why my house looks like a cyclone continually moves from room to room.
I'm a bit sad right now because I missed the Maple Sugar Festival today, in 60 degree weather. S and I decided the mud would just be too deep to haul around four kids, two of which would need a stroller. I have a Moby to carry Jules, but she hates it. I think she likes to stretch too much and it just doesn't allow her to do so. I read others like Tulas and Kinderpacks, but after I saw the prices on those puppies, I believe I'll just live without them! If I was planning on having more kids, that would be one thing, but I don't need to spend $150+ for the last two. And then I think about people who only have one and spend that much...hmm...and then I put doubts in my mind. Okay. If I were to find one at a sale for a great price, then I might invest. Chances aren't high, however. I plan on attending the Little Treasures sale in a couple weeks, but I doubt I'll see anything that nice there.
Lastly, I finally bit the bullet and ordered 12 more diapers. Once all of them arrive, I should have a total of 29 diapers for two children. I'm hoping that's enough, and I'm hoping I have the self-control not to buy more! haha I don't think I'm a fanatic like some, but the cute patterns are hard to resist. Did you know they make ruffles that attach to diapers? And diapers that look like Tigger's head--you can't even tell it's a diaper! I of course can't afford these diapers, but they are fun to look at! Actually, I'm secretly hoping by investing in diapers, Laeah will potty-train earlier than the other two and faster, leaving me with too many diapers for one child--you know, in irony. We'll see. Snugglebug took one week to train. Lovely took about 4 years. I'm praying the last two are not like the first!
Laeah is in everything, and I mean everything! While you are removing things from one hand, she is in the process of collecting more no-no's in the second hand. She refuses to wear anything in her hair, and continually removes her hats, socks, and shoes. I'm convinced by summer, I may have a nudist. At least she'll be sporting a cute diaper...I hope. She has said the words "I love you," "buh-bye," and "candy" lately. After candy, S and I were sure she said, "I need that." lol
Jules is still growing like a weed. She's now 12 lbs, 12 oz, so she gained 9 oz in a two-week period. Yikes! I won't be able to carry her in her carseat soon, so I'm hoping spring comes quickly! I need to sell her 0-3 mos clothes now, but I had difficulty parting with her newborn clothes. Not sure why! I took her for shots yesterday, so she's a little grumpy today and has a slight fever.
I went to the much anticipated Kid Stuff Sale last week and saw several people whom I hadn't seen in quite a while, which was very nice! I find I'm either working, changing diapers, doing laundry, nursing, sleeping, or thinking about sleep 99% of my day, so it's nice to see adults once in a while. I know my littles won't be little for long, so I do treasure them, which is probably why my house looks like a cyclone continually moves from room to room.
I'm a bit sad right now because I missed the Maple Sugar Festival today, in 60 degree weather. S and I decided the mud would just be too deep to haul around four kids, two of which would need a stroller. I have a Moby to carry Jules, but she hates it. I think she likes to stretch too much and it just doesn't allow her to do so. I read others like Tulas and Kinderpacks, but after I saw the prices on those puppies, I believe I'll just live without them! If I was planning on having more kids, that would be one thing, but I don't need to spend $150+ for the last two. And then I think about people who only have one and spend that much...hmm...and then I put doubts in my mind. Okay. If I were to find one at a sale for a great price, then I might invest. Chances aren't high, however. I plan on attending the Little Treasures sale in a couple weeks, but I doubt I'll see anything that nice there.
Lastly, I finally bit the bullet and ordered 12 more diapers. Once all of them arrive, I should have a total of 29 diapers for two children. I'm hoping that's enough, and I'm hoping I have the self-control not to buy more! haha I don't think I'm a fanatic like some, but the cute patterns are hard to resist. Did you know they make ruffles that attach to diapers? And diapers that look like Tigger's head--you can't even tell it's a diaper! I of course can't afford these diapers, but they are fun to look at! Actually, I'm secretly hoping by investing in diapers, Laeah will potty-train earlier than the other two and faster, leaving me with too many diapers for one child--you know, in irony. We'll see. Snugglebug took one week to train. Lovely took about 4 years. I'm praying the last two are not like the first!
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