Like this really matters to anyone else. But this is what I'm living right now, hence this is what I have to blog about! ha!
We are currently on day #3 in the process. We ended day #1 with just about an even tie of successes on the potty and successes on the floor. Ahem. I was pretty pleased with the amount of successes for his very first day, AND I ended up with some freshly scrubbed floors, as well, so that was good.
Yesterday went VERY well considering Kev took both boys to breakfast and didn't have them home until 10:00, AND we went on a date in the evening. Usually, I do nothing but stay home for the first three days. However, we put a pull-up on him and he stayed completely dry in the morning, and he even peed on the potty for Grammy and Grampy at night. There were only two accidents during the whole day, AND he even pooped on the potty while I was half distracted talking on the phone! Not bad.
And today, as of naptime, he has had only two partial dribbles in his undies for accidents. He finished off dribble #2 on the potty, so I count that a half success! And, he is also understanding that when he has to go, to yell for me and we make it to the flush BEFORE he lets it become an ocean on our floor!
We are getting 'er DONE!
Jesse's Version......
I overheard Jesse singing these familiar tunes today...only with his own spin:
"Away in a Manger no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus stepped on His sweet head!"
Hmn.
And: "Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what your piggy toes are!"
Well, at least they rhyme!
"Away in a Manger no crib for a bed
the little Lord Jesus stepped on His sweet head!"
Hmn.
And: "Twinkle twinkle little star
How I wonder what your piggy toes are!"
Well, at least they rhyme!
Let the Good Times Roll!
Well, today is the day that I have decided to bite the bullet and begin potty training Jesse. I woke up feeling up for a challenge, so we shall begin. I waited until Kaden was 2 1/2 and found that age to be quite successful, so now that the wildness of the holidays is tapering down, I have decided that we may as well give 'er a roll while I have a few days in succession to be home.
Everyone has their own method and their own way of doing this. To be honest, this was the one event that absolutely paralyzed me when it was time to teach Kaden. I wondered how in the world I would be able to communicate to this child that when he knew his bladder was full, and instead of going in his diaper, he needed to empty it in the potty instead.
I talked to a lot of seasoned moms until I found the method that I thought would work for me and my personality. I much prefer taking several days to focus soley and completely on that one task until it is somewhat conquered rather than go for weeks and weeks. I don't have the patience for that method.
I also decided to start the training with him sitting as opposed to standing. That way, if number 2 takes place while number 1 is getting accomplished, it will ALWAYS land in the toilet - not the floor or the undies. Standing comes later....along with the aiming at the Cheerioes and all that.
So, this is what we do:
Step one: Talk it up BIG for a couple of days before. Make it almost as exciting as Christmas! Seriously.
Step two: Buy lots of salty snacks and yummy fruit juices. The saying goes: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink," right? True. True. But you CAN salt his food! So, we eat lots of salty snacks to encourage the desire to drink! Plus, all of the yummy juices give good incentive, as well.
Step Three: First thing in the morning, he goes right into big boy undies. No pull-ups, and none of those fancy schmancy things that supposedly feel cold when you start to pee. I tried those with Kaden, and they felt too much like diapers. Peeing in those didn't bother him.
Step Four: Buy lots of little treats and have them in FULL view all day! (More incentive.)
Step Five: Roll up all rugs and things that will get peed on, and lay down the rules that no sitting on the couches or beds are allowed while we play today! Bring up the plastic camp chairs instead.
Step Six: Pray for boatloads of patience and stamina to keep up the excitement.
Step Seven: Prepare for many an ocean along with the few successes!
Step Eight: Set up a nice little reading station for them in the bathroom during their "sitting spells."
Step Nine: Set the timer for twenty minutes. And every twenty minutes ALL. DAY. LONG. give 'er a try when the buzzer rings.
Step Ten: Reward any and all successes with M&M's or gummy bears.
Step Eleven: Look on the bright side - all mistakes will give you cause to scrub your floor, which will mean, by days end - your floors will be REALLY clean!
Here's where we are at today as of naptime.
Let's just say that my kitchen floor, the boys' bedroom floor, and a certain area at the foot of our couch in the living room is now sparkly clean! But, on the other hand, we have also had five successes thus far.
Five out of eight. Not bad.
Everyone has their own method and their own way of doing this. To be honest, this was the one event that absolutely paralyzed me when it was time to teach Kaden. I wondered how in the world I would be able to communicate to this child that when he knew his bladder was full, and instead of going in his diaper, he needed to empty it in the potty instead.
I talked to a lot of seasoned moms until I found the method that I thought would work for me and my personality. I much prefer taking several days to focus soley and completely on that one task until it is somewhat conquered rather than go for weeks and weeks. I don't have the patience for that method.
I also decided to start the training with him sitting as opposed to standing. That way, if number 2 takes place while number 1 is getting accomplished, it will ALWAYS land in the toilet - not the floor or the undies. Standing comes later....along with the aiming at the Cheerioes and all that.
So, this is what we do:
Step one: Talk it up BIG for a couple of days before. Make it almost as exciting as Christmas! Seriously.
Step two: Buy lots of salty snacks and yummy fruit juices. The saying goes: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink," right? True. True. But you CAN salt his food! So, we eat lots of salty snacks to encourage the desire to drink! Plus, all of the yummy juices give good incentive, as well.
Step Three: First thing in the morning, he goes right into big boy undies. No pull-ups, and none of those fancy schmancy things that supposedly feel cold when you start to pee. I tried those with Kaden, and they felt too much like diapers. Peeing in those didn't bother him.
Step Four: Buy lots of little treats and have them in FULL view all day! (More incentive.)
Step Five: Roll up all rugs and things that will get peed on, and lay down the rules that no sitting on the couches or beds are allowed while we play today! Bring up the plastic camp chairs instead.
Step Six: Pray for boatloads of patience and stamina to keep up the excitement.
Step Seven: Prepare for many an ocean along with the few successes!
Step Eight: Set up a nice little reading station for them in the bathroom during their "sitting spells."
Step Nine: Set the timer for twenty minutes. And every twenty minutes ALL. DAY. LONG. give 'er a try when the buzzer rings.
Step Ten: Reward any and all successes with M&M's or gummy bears.
Step Eleven: Look on the bright side - all mistakes will give you cause to scrub your floor, which will mean, by days end - your floors will be REALLY clean!
Here's where we are at today as of naptime.
Let's just say that my kitchen floor, the boys' bedroom floor, and a certain area at the foot of our couch in the living room is now sparkly clean! But, on the other hand, we have also had five successes thus far.
Five out of eight. Not bad.
Merry Days.....
Well, we are home from celebrating Christmas #2 with my family up in the County. It was a bit of a whirlwind visit - they usually are - with us getting up the evening before Christmas Eve day and leaving the afternoon after Christmas, but it was lovely nonetheless.
Mom spread out the gift giving by giving the kids little gifts all throughout the days rather than having them unwrap everything in one fell swoop on Christmas morning. I liked this way a lot better, and I think the kids were able to savor and enjoy each gift a little more, as well.
We just had a really great time visiting with whoever stopped by, watching Christmas movies, playing with our new toys, and the highlight for all of us was tying a sled on behind the four-wheeler and doing laps around our driveways. It was QUITE hilarious watching the kids taking tumbles from Daddy whipping around a corner a little too quickly! Good times! Can't wait till they get older and then we'll really be able to fly!
Neither of my brothers were here this Christmas. This was the very first Christmas that it was JUST our little family there. It felt kind of weird and much more quiet, but we still had a really great time. And the cool thing is that my brothers were actually able to celebrate together in Texas as they are both in the Border Patrol down there. So, family was able to be together all the way around - just not under the same roof.
And now we are settling back in at home. I'm slowly taking my trimmings down and getting reorganized. The kids want the tree up for a few more days, so it shall stay for a little longer. And this week we shall just be simple and still - savoring our new prizes and enjoying being in our cozy little home.
Here's hoping your Christmas was merry!
Mom spread out the gift giving by giving the kids little gifts all throughout the days rather than having them unwrap everything in one fell swoop on Christmas morning. I liked this way a lot better, and I think the kids were able to savor and enjoy each gift a little more, as well.
We just had a really great time visiting with whoever stopped by, watching Christmas movies, playing with our new toys, and the highlight for all of us was tying a sled on behind the four-wheeler and doing laps around our driveways. It was QUITE hilarious watching the kids taking tumbles from Daddy whipping around a corner a little too quickly! Good times! Can't wait till they get older and then we'll really be able to fly!
Neither of my brothers were here this Christmas. This was the very first Christmas that it was JUST our little family there. It felt kind of weird and much more quiet, but we still had a really great time. And the cool thing is that my brothers were actually able to celebrate together in Texas as they are both in the Border Patrol down there. So, family was able to be together all the way around - just not under the same roof.
And now we are settling back in at home. I'm slowly taking my trimmings down and getting reorganized. The kids want the tree up for a few more days, so it shall stay for a little longer. And this week we shall just be simple and still - savoring our new prizes and enjoying being in our cozy little home.
Here's hoping your Christmas was merry!
I Kept My Word......
I have always said that - as far as memory making things go - what I do for one of my kids I will do for the others. And I must say, that now that Number 3 is here, I understand why each successive child gets a skinnier baby book, fewer pics in the albums - let alone a picture ALONE all by themselves, and a far less strict Mommy when it comes to such things as - oh shall we say - no junk food the first year of life, no hot dogs or processed food. Period., no t.v. the first year of life....etc. etc. etc. - all of those things.
I don't think Kaden had a hot dog the first TWO years of his life. And I KNOW that he didn't have any junk food until a little cupcake on his first birthday. I am embarassed to admit to you today that - although neither boy gets them very often - if you ask them what their fave food is, it will be - hands down - hot dogs. Ah well. Can't win em all.
As far as little Rancey Pants goes, he is on a strict Mama's milk diet, but everything else might be a little slacking. He sure as heck isn't getting the amount of baths that his brothers did in a week. I like to console myself by saying he's a winter baby and the house is cold. But there are many other areas, as well, where I'm just a whole lot more chill about this time around. I still like a rhythm and routine - I am a schedule person - but it's a little more loose this time. If the boys wake him up from a nap, not a huge deal. I'm not impressed, but on the grand scale of life, it's no biggy. If he doesn't sleep through the night consistently for a couple more months, I don't care. And if he needs to eat before the three hour mark, not a huge deal.
I'm relaxing. A bit, anyway. :0) And I am thoroughly enjoying him. He doesn't scream like my others.......
My biggest stresser in this little guy's life thus far has been my lack of getting out a baby announcement for him. I could really give a flying flip this time around, nor do we have the time or money to do so, but I made a solemn vow to myself that I would be fair across the board.
So. It's done folks. It's definitely not top notch, it looks quite unprofessional, and I got his length wrong on the stats. But it's done. The hospital gave me a program that would give me some free announcements, so that's what we did. Both Kev and I are convinced the program was possessed, but we got 'er done.
Dear friends, please don't be offended if you do not receive one of these beauties. You are NOT missing out. We didn't get many done and they are mostly going out to immediate family, but at least he will have a little announcement to place on the front page of his very own - non-existent-at-the-moment - baby album.
I don't think Kaden had a hot dog the first TWO years of his life. And I KNOW that he didn't have any junk food until a little cupcake on his first birthday. I am embarassed to admit to you today that - although neither boy gets them very often - if you ask them what their fave food is, it will be - hands down - hot dogs. Ah well. Can't win em all.
As far as little Rancey Pants goes, he is on a strict Mama's milk diet, but everything else might be a little slacking. He sure as heck isn't getting the amount of baths that his brothers did in a week. I like to console myself by saying he's a winter baby and the house is cold. But there are many other areas, as well, where I'm just a whole lot more chill about this time around. I still like a rhythm and routine - I am a schedule person - but it's a little more loose this time. If the boys wake him up from a nap, not a huge deal. I'm not impressed, but on the grand scale of life, it's no biggy. If he doesn't sleep through the night consistently for a couple more months, I don't care. And if he needs to eat before the three hour mark, not a huge deal.
I'm relaxing. A bit, anyway. :0) And I am thoroughly enjoying him. He doesn't scream like my others.......
My biggest stresser in this little guy's life thus far has been my lack of getting out a baby announcement for him. I could really give a flying flip this time around, nor do we have the time or money to do so, but I made a solemn vow to myself that I would be fair across the board.
So. It's done folks. It's definitely not top notch, it looks quite unprofessional, and I got his length wrong on the stats. But it's done. The hospital gave me a program that would give me some free announcements, so that's what we did. Both Kev and I are convinced the program was possessed, but we got 'er done.
Dear friends, please don't be offended if you do not receive one of these beauties. You are NOT missing out. We didn't get many done and they are mostly going out to immediate family, but at least he will have a little announcement to place on the front page of his very own - non-existent-at-the-moment - baby album.
Our Little Celebration
We had our little family Christmas this week-end. And it was SO much fun! At about 6:30 in the morning, Jesse crawled into Kev's side of the bed and whispered: "Please, Daddy. We have Christmas now?"
We all went downstairs together and snuggled up on the floor while Kev read the Christmas story out of the kid's Bible. And then we just took our time unwrapping all morning. If the kids wanted to stop and play with anything, we let them; and we just waited until they were ready to move on. They didn't even get anything huge or overly amazing - but that's what's so much fun about this age! You can get some very fun things very cheaply!
Then we had a yummy breakfast of pancakes, their very own individual applesauces, strawberries and bananas, and "pink milk."
And we just stayed in our p.j.'s all morning and played. So much fun.
A Booker Christmas
It's been a busy week at the Booker household.
Sunday night we had our Christmas program at church, and both Kaden and Jesse had a part to play. They were so super adorable, and we were so proud of them. During every practice, Jesse was THE loudest bell ringer and belter of the songs, but when he got up on stage in the evening, he got a little gun shy looking out over the crowd. He didn't sing one word, but he rang his little bells, and he looked SO STINKIN' CUTE! And Kaden sang a couple of his songs with his class, as well. Such a difference from last year's program and this one. Last year, he cried during the practices, and he hid behind a friend during the evening program. This year, he marched right up on stage, caught our eyes first thing and gave us a silly grin, shoved his hands into his pockets, and sang every word! We were so proud!
I had my whole family here from Monday until yesterday. Dad came down to get his pacemaker replaced, so they stayed with us during that whole procedure. Hopefully, this new two-lead line to his heart will greatly improve his quality of life. That's what we're praying for, anyway. And then, my big bro Clay flew in from the Border Patrol Academy for a couple of days. I haven't seen him since super early on in my pregnancy, and I probably won't see him again until Ransom is over a year old, so those few hours were precious.
And NOW - onto our Booker family Christmas!!!
We always have our own little family celebration apart from the ones we do with the Grampy's and Grammy's. We really want to establish our own family traditions that the kids look forward to each year. And we like to draw it out - just doing simple things, but making it LAST.
So, last night we got pizza for supper and played Pin the Nose on the Snowman:
None of us were so great at it, but it was fun!
Then, we gave the boys a little Christmas movie and camped out on the floor together to watch it. This morning, Daddy made us a big breakfast, and then the boys opened one "together gift." It was a big wooden fire truck that they had to put together using screws and screwdrivers - things they love to do. They thought that was pretty rockin' and it took them all morning to do.
After that, we thought it would be fun to go to the dump and run out of gas and have Grampy come and rescue us. That wasn't really part of our plan for today, but you know, things happen.......
Tonight, we're going to do a fun Nativity story that's very interactive (a gift that Mom gave us for Christmas last year, and I LOVE IT. It's called "What God Wants for Christmas" - and has all these little boxes for them to open), and we're going to let them open matching dinosaur p.j.'s. Then, if I'm feeling brave and not feeling the need for much sleep tonight, we might all camp out in our bedroom together for the night. I'll let you know how that goes......
And tomorrow, we'll read the Christmas story, have another fun, big breakfast, do all the rest of our little gifts, and just lounge around in our p.j.s and play, play, play all day!
This is totally my most favorite Christmas celebration of them all. It's simple. It's fun. It's quality time. It's laid back. It's not excessive. And I love, love, love it.
Sunday night we had our Christmas program at church, and both Kaden and Jesse had a part to play. They were so super adorable, and we were so proud of them. During every practice, Jesse was THE loudest bell ringer and belter of the songs, but when he got up on stage in the evening, he got a little gun shy looking out over the crowd. He didn't sing one word, but he rang his little bells, and he looked SO STINKIN' CUTE! And Kaden sang a couple of his songs with his class, as well. Such a difference from last year's program and this one. Last year, he cried during the practices, and he hid behind a friend during the evening program. This year, he marched right up on stage, caught our eyes first thing and gave us a silly grin, shoved his hands into his pockets, and sang every word! We were so proud!
I had my whole family here from Monday until yesterday. Dad came down to get his pacemaker replaced, so they stayed with us during that whole procedure. Hopefully, this new two-lead line to his heart will greatly improve his quality of life. That's what we're praying for, anyway. And then, my big bro Clay flew in from the Border Patrol Academy for a couple of days. I haven't seen him since super early on in my pregnancy, and I probably won't see him again until Ransom is over a year old, so those few hours were precious.
And NOW - onto our Booker family Christmas!!!
We always have our own little family celebration apart from the ones we do with the Grampy's and Grammy's. We really want to establish our own family traditions that the kids look forward to each year. And we like to draw it out - just doing simple things, but making it LAST.
So, last night we got pizza for supper and played Pin the Nose on the Snowman:
None of us were so great at it, but it was fun!
Then, we gave the boys a little Christmas movie and camped out on the floor together to watch it. This morning, Daddy made us a big breakfast, and then the boys opened one "together gift." It was a big wooden fire truck that they had to put together using screws and screwdrivers - things they love to do. They thought that was pretty rockin' and it took them all morning to do.
After that, we thought it would be fun to go to the dump and run out of gas and have Grampy come and rescue us. That wasn't really part of our plan for today, but you know, things happen.......
Tonight, we're going to do a fun Nativity story that's very interactive (a gift that Mom gave us for Christmas last year, and I LOVE IT. It's called "What God Wants for Christmas" - and has all these little boxes for them to open), and we're going to let them open matching dinosaur p.j.'s. Then, if I'm feeling brave and not feeling the need for much sleep tonight, we might all camp out in our bedroom together for the night. I'll let you know how that goes......
And tomorrow, we'll read the Christmas story, have another fun, big breakfast, do all the rest of our little gifts, and just lounge around in our p.j.s and play, play, play all day!
This is totally my most favorite Christmas celebration of them all. It's simple. It's fun. It's quality time. It's laid back. It's not excessive. And I love, love, love it.
A Boy's World
These past couple of days, I have been looking at my home and my life through the eyes of someone who may not have any little boys underfoot in their lives. It's very loud. And chaotic at times. And almost always messy. And anything that I've tried to make "pretty" still manages to have some little boy flair to it.
For example, I glanced down at my centerpeice arrangement on my table - it's just a bowl of pinecones, dried oranges and pomegranates, and round twiggy balls - and right there, smack in the middle is a big plastic eyeball! Legos and k'nex peices have found their way into almost every nook and cranny of this place. Daily, I come across a half-eaten apple that's been left somewhere. And their teeny, super adorable nativity set that I would love to have be the ONLY thing that sits on their dresser - well, it's surrounded by about 20 plastic war jets, a huge k'nex helicopter, and two lego towers!
Everything they do is loud and intense - the laughter, the plane noises, the ideas of what might be fun....building a tower out of the couch cushions and flying onto them, or sudsing up their heads with hand lotion when they're supposed to be washing their hands for supper, or stripping naked and streaking through the house screaming like banshees before bathtime, or even their snuggles - they're rough and often end in a wrestling match!.... It's slightly nuts-o.
This morning over a cup of coffee (and the chaos that abounded) Jesse had come into our room twice to try and wake us to tell us that he was hungry....(he first brought up a bag of cheese and shoved it in my face followed by a carrot and the comment: "Mommy. I just HUNGRY!), Kev glanced over at me and commented: "Remember when it was just the two of us?"
I do. And I wouldn't change those five years for all the world.
But, nor would I change this chapter of my life either. It's FULL. Full of wildness and chaos, but also oh so full of LIFE, and LOVE, and childhood innocence, and play, and fun.
Last night in the car on the way home from some final Christmas shopping Kaden and I had a cute little conversation.
Me: Kaden, will you always love me - even when you grow up?
Kaden: Yup.
Me: But, will you still come home to visit me and have a cup of coffee - even when you're a grown man?
Kaden: Well, I'm probably still going to stay in the family.
Phew. He is so tender and sensitive. So wanting to please us and make us happy.
And Jesse - for all his clumsiness, and bull-in-a-china-shop-ishness, and the Many MANY messes that he makes for me to clean - he really just brings me so much joy. He LOVES me with this unconditional sweet abandon, that is just so precious and tender.
And sweet little Ransom...it's like he's always been here. He has just fit right in, and I am SAVORING him.
Life is FULL. Sometimes a little too full and we have to revamp schedules and priorities. But, despite the crazyness of it all - it really totally and completely rocks. I KNOW that I'll have a spotless house again someday with no toys to trip on, no rotten food to find, and no squabbles to referee. And I know I'll miss it. So, for now, I want to savor this adventure and drink it all in.
This chapter will be gone in the blink of an eye...........
For example, I glanced down at my centerpeice arrangement on my table - it's just a bowl of pinecones, dried oranges and pomegranates, and round twiggy balls - and right there, smack in the middle is a big plastic eyeball! Legos and k'nex peices have found their way into almost every nook and cranny of this place. Daily, I come across a half-eaten apple that's been left somewhere. And their teeny, super adorable nativity set that I would love to have be the ONLY thing that sits on their dresser - well, it's surrounded by about 20 plastic war jets, a huge k'nex helicopter, and two lego towers!
Everything they do is loud and intense - the laughter, the plane noises, the ideas of what might be fun....building a tower out of the couch cushions and flying onto them, or sudsing up their heads with hand lotion when they're supposed to be washing their hands for supper, or stripping naked and streaking through the house screaming like banshees before bathtime, or even their snuggles - they're rough and often end in a wrestling match!.... It's slightly nuts-o.
This morning over a cup of coffee (and the chaos that abounded) Jesse had come into our room twice to try and wake us to tell us that he was hungry....(he first brought up a bag of cheese and shoved it in my face followed by a carrot and the comment: "Mommy. I just HUNGRY!), Kev glanced over at me and commented: "Remember when it was just the two of us?"
I do. And I wouldn't change those five years for all the world.
But, nor would I change this chapter of my life either. It's FULL. Full of wildness and chaos, but also oh so full of LIFE, and LOVE, and childhood innocence, and play, and fun.
Last night in the car on the way home from some final Christmas shopping Kaden and I had a cute little conversation.
Me: Kaden, will you always love me - even when you grow up?
Kaden: Yup.
Me: But, will you still come home to visit me and have a cup of coffee - even when you're a grown man?
Kaden: Well, I'm probably still going to stay in the family.
Phew. He is so tender and sensitive. So wanting to please us and make us happy.
And Jesse - for all his clumsiness, and bull-in-a-china-shop-ishness, and the Many MANY messes that he makes for me to clean - he really just brings me so much joy. He LOVES me with this unconditional sweet abandon, that is just so precious and tender.
And sweet little Ransom...it's like he's always been here. He has just fit right in, and I am SAVORING him.
Life is FULL. Sometimes a little too full and we have to revamp schedules and priorities. But, despite the crazyness of it all - it really totally and completely rocks. I KNOW that I'll have a spotless house again someday with no toys to trip on, no rotten food to find, and no squabbles to referee. And I know I'll miss it. So, for now, I want to savor this adventure and drink it all in.
This chapter will be gone in the blink of an eye...........
Two-Year Old Theology
Jesse's breakfast prayer this morning:
Thank you God.
And Jesus.
Both happy.
Jesus fall down.
Daddy pick Jesus up.
Hmn?
Thank you God.
And Jesus.
Both happy.
Jesus fall down.
Daddy pick Jesus up.
Hmn?
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Whew! Life has felt a little nutty lately.
I so badly want to soak in and savor the season, but it seems to be flying by so quickly I can barely catch my breath. We went up for the week-end to attend a "Quint Family Christmas Party." That was something. It was fun, slightly uncouth and off-color - as we're all hoodlums, but really nice to see the extended family. We also went to a really nice Christmas concert and took the kids for a really fun four-wheeler ride, as there was no snow yet. That made for a crazy week-end, though, and it makes me feel behind going into this week.
So, because of feeling this way - I cancelled two appointments that I had this week that can just wait until the start of next year. And already I feel better. :0)
I've never had a newborn during the holiday season, either. So, that makes things a wee bit busier. It also makes me sloooow down and focus on the things that are really important. For that, I am thankful. And he is just a delicious little bundle of joy. He really is. I can almost say with confidence - not yet, because Kaden's screams came later in his infancy - but I can almost believe that he is going to be a fairly mellow baby. Or mellow-"er," at least. I'll take mellow-er. He still isn't a fantastic napper during the day, but he does awesome most nights. He usually only wakes up once in the night, and last night - for the first time - he gave me an eight hour stretch! Wow - didn't that feel like Heaven. I'm not holding my breath on that one, either. We'll see if it stays consistent.
Anyway, back to the title of my post.
We always head up North for Christmas day, so our little family celebrates our own Christmas with just us sometime before then. As of yesterday, our Christmas was 12 days away. Each of these days, heading to our countdown, I want to do something fun with the boys to get us in the Christmas spirit. Some things will be really simple, some more elaborate, but the whole point being just to have fun with the kids and make memories together.
Yesterday, being day 12, we went to a family's house and made wreaths with a whole whack of people. The boys had fun - which was my goal - but it was a little hairy for me. A lot of chaos, a lot of pitch, a fussy baby, a huge poo explosion - you know the drill. I was wiped for the rest of the day! But, we got a rockin' wreath that Kaden and I made together, so that's cool.
Today, Daddy took the boys to breakfast, and when they return we're going to make a gingerbread train together. I like to decorate them and have them sit out and be admired for a few days. But, I know how this is going to go down. We're going make it, admire it for .2 seconds, and then the begging to eat it will begin! That's okay, I guess.
So, we'll see what the rest of the days hold for us. Happy holiday season, friends!
I so badly want to soak in and savor the season, but it seems to be flying by so quickly I can barely catch my breath. We went up for the week-end to attend a "Quint Family Christmas Party." That was something. It was fun, slightly uncouth and off-color - as we're all hoodlums, but really nice to see the extended family. We also went to a really nice Christmas concert and took the kids for a really fun four-wheeler ride, as there was no snow yet. That made for a crazy week-end, though, and it makes me feel behind going into this week.
So, because of feeling this way - I cancelled two appointments that I had this week that can just wait until the start of next year. And already I feel better. :0)
I've never had a newborn during the holiday season, either. So, that makes things a wee bit busier. It also makes me sloooow down and focus on the things that are really important. For that, I am thankful. And he is just a delicious little bundle of joy. He really is. I can almost say with confidence - not yet, because Kaden's screams came later in his infancy - but I can almost believe that he is going to be a fairly mellow baby. Or mellow-"er," at least. I'll take mellow-er. He still isn't a fantastic napper during the day, but he does awesome most nights. He usually only wakes up once in the night, and last night - for the first time - he gave me an eight hour stretch! Wow - didn't that feel like Heaven. I'm not holding my breath on that one, either. We'll see if it stays consistent.
Anyway, back to the title of my post.
We always head up North for Christmas day, so our little family celebrates our own Christmas with just us sometime before then. As of yesterday, our Christmas was 12 days away. Each of these days, heading to our countdown, I want to do something fun with the boys to get us in the Christmas spirit. Some things will be really simple, some more elaborate, but the whole point being just to have fun with the kids and make memories together.
Yesterday, being day 12, we went to a family's house and made wreaths with a whole whack of people. The boys had fun - which was my goal - but it was a little hairy for me. A lot of chaos, a lot of pitch, a fussy baby, a huge poo explosion - you know the drill. I was wiped for the rest of the day! But, we got a rockin' wreath that Kaden and I made together, so that's cool.
Today, Daddy took the boys to breakfast, and when they return we're going to make a gingerbread train together. I like to decorate them and have them sit out and be admired for a few days. But, I know how this is going to go down. We're going make it, admire it for .2 seconds, and then the begging to eat it will begin! That's okay, I guess.
So, we'll see what the rest of the days hold for us. Happy holiday season, friends!
Well - despite the somewhat crazyness of our morning with Ransom crying more often than not, and Jesse taking a massive tumble down our entire flight of THIRTEEN stairs, the end of our day turned out to be quite nice! I declared this afternoon to be family naptime, and by the time this evening rolled around, the day was looking much brighter!
When Kev got home from work, we had a quick supper and then decorated our tree and our house for Christmas! Very fun. Here's a whack of pictures to document our evening. Jesse only broke two ornaments - I was planning for at least five - so we're golden!
Documentation. He's like a puppy.
We have just a wee little tree this year. She's super cute, and the boys did it ALL! I sat in the chair and fed Ransom the whole time! :0)
Kev put the Nativity set that his Mom gave him in the fireplace.
This is what it looks like up close. This spot also keeps little bull-in-a-china-shop-hands away from touching and holding!
Here's a few other little corners of our home:
Okay. I got this little "roaring fire" C.D. in the Target dollar aisle. People make fun of me - especially on our ginormous t.v. screen, but I tell you what - it is SO cozy! And these are my little Kaden, Jesse, & Ransom snowmen.
This is above my kitchen sink. The plant on the far right is a bog cranberry. A lady from my church gave it to me, and it is rockin'! We own some swampy land to the left of us, and in the spring, I'm going to try to plant it. We shall see......
This is just a little spot above the kid's craft cupboard.
Okay. I always forget to flip my pictures, but it's 10:00p.m., and I'm too lazy. Just turn your head sideways, and you'll get the idea! :0)
And our third child, who is often just as much work for me!
Until the "newness" wears off, she's being relegated to the basement at night, or else I just KNOW the tree will be on its side come morning.
I'll almost bet my life that it won't remain standing for 25 more days, anyway. We shall see..... Anyway. We're decorated. Let the festivities begin!
When Kev got home from work, we had a quick supper and then decorated our tree and our house for Christmas! Very fun. Here's a whack of pictures to document our evening. Jesse only broke two ornaments - I was planning for at least five - so we're golden!
Documentation. He's like a puppy.
We have just a wee little tree this year. She's super cute, and the boys did it ALL! I sat in the chair and fed Ransom the whole time! :0)
Kev put the Nativity set that his Mom gave him in the fireplace.
This is what it looks like up close. This spot also keeps little bull-in-a-china-shop-hands away from touching and holding!
Here's a few other little corners of our home:
Okay. I got this little "roaring fire" C.D. in the Target dollar aisle. People make fun of me - especially on our ginormous t.v. screen, but I tell you what - it is SO cozy! And these are my little Kaden, Jesse, & Ransom snowmen.
This is above my kitchen sink. The plant on the far right is a bog cranberry. A lady from my church gave it to me, and it is rockin'! We own some swampy land to the left of us, and in the spring, I'm going to try to plant it. We shall see......
This is just a little spot above the kid's craft cupboard.
Okay. I always forget to flip my pictures, but it's 10:00p.m., and I'm too lazy. Just turn your head sideways, and you'll get the idea! :0)
And our third child, who is often just as much work for me!
Until the "newness" wears off, she's being relegated to the basement at night, or else I just KNOW the tree will be on its side come morning.
I'll almost bet my life that it won't remain standing for 25 more days, anyway. We shall see..... Anyway. We're decorated. Let the festivities begin!
Thanksgiving
It has been a really nice holiday week-end, despite the yucky weather. We hosted Thanksgiving this year. Kind of last minute, but it was still really really fun to be able to host in MY OWN home! Kev's Mom and Bruce and Grammy came over; I also ran next door and spur of the moment invited our new neighbor who is a widower, but he was hosting a party for six, himself! Kinda cute.
The kids worked really hard on making some fun place cards
and yummy party favors. The favors were supposed to be candy turkeys, but I didn't have the right candy for the job, so we improvised. People were still able to tell that they at least semi resembled turkeys!
Then, yesterday we really spur of the moment decided to go to our most fave place - Piper Mountain and get our tree. We've got a couple of crazy weeks ahead of us - especially the week-ends - so we decided to at least get it and bring it back home. Now it's sitting in a bucket of water in our garage and ready for decorating whenever we are.
The most hilarious thing happend while we were getting our tree. It was cold and drizzly to begin with, so we kind of rushed in choosing our tree so that we could get back inside to the hot apple cider and homemade donuts. We were all standing around watching Daddy chop down the tree, and when the thing toppled over, it konked Jesse square in the head and COMPLETELY took him OUT! It was absolutely hysterical, and Kaden and I died laughing. I couldn't do anything about it, either, because I had Ransom in a Snugli and was holding an umbrella over us so that he wouldn't get wet. Jesse was SO unimpressed, and I really did feel badly, but I just had to document the whole thing. So, I got a snapshot of him crumpled on the ground and then one of him with Daddy comforting him! Priceless.
On our walk back to the barn he said: "I happy now. I cry when dat tree knock me down, but I a little bit happy now." So cute. Nothing that a yummy donut couldn't remedy!
And now today we're just chillaxing. Daddy's going for one last attempt at the big old buck, and I'm cooking up a bunch of food to use up all of our leftover turkey. Baths and a movie tonight before a full day at church tomorrow. And then we enter the next holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, all!
The kids worked really hard on making some fun place cards
and yummy party favors. The favors were supposed to be candy turkeys, but I didn't have the right candy for the job, so we improvised. People were still able to tell that they at least semi resembled turkeys!
Then, yesterday we really spur of the moment decided to go to our most fave place - Piper Mountain and get our tree. We've got a couple of crazy weeks ahead of us - especially the week-ends - so we decided to at least get it and bring it back home. Now it's sitting in a bucket of water in our garage and ready for decorating whenever we are.
The most hilarious thing happend while we were getting our tree. It was cold and drizzly to begin with, so we kind of rushed in choosing our tree so that we could get back inside to the hot apple cider and homemade donuts. We were all standing around watching Daddy chop down the tree, and when the thing toppled over, it konked Jesse square in the head and COMPLETELY took him OUT! It was absolutely hysterical, and Kaden and I died laughing. I couldn't do anything about it, either, because I had Ransom in a Snugli and was holding an umbrella over us so that he wouldn't get wet. Jesse was SO unimpressed, and I really did feel badly, but I just had to document the whole thing. So, I got a snapshot of him crumpled on the ground and then one of him with Daddy comforting him! Priceless.
On our walk back to the barn he said: "I happy now. I cry when dat tree knock me down, but I a little bit happy now." So cute. Nothing that a yummy donut couldn't remedy!
And now today we're just chillaxing. Daddy's going for one last attempt at the big old buck, and I'm cooking up a bunch of food to use up all of our leftover turkey. Baths and a movie tonight before a full day at church tomorrow. And then we enter the next holiday season!
Happy Thanksgiving weekend, all!
Marshmallow Pilgrim Hats
Thanksgiving Crafting - Day #2
Today's craft is super yummy, super cute, and - if your kid is like my Jesse - quite messy. But, if your kid is like my Kaden - the mess is kept to a delish minimum.
I forgot to say yesterday, that all of these ideas come from family fun magazine. You can get tons of fun ideas at www.familyfun.com. Or, just look on my sidebar and click onto a link that I have there.
Okay. Here goes:
Ingredients:
* 24 chocolate-striped shortbread cookies
* 12-oz. package of chocolate chips
* 24 marshmallows
* tube of yellow decorator's frosting - or just make your own and tint it yellow.
Instructions:
1. Set the chocolate-striped cookies stripes down on a wax paper-covered tray, spacing them well apart.
2. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler.
3. One at a time, stick a wooden toothpick into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow into the melted chocolate, and promptly center it atop a cookie.
4. Using a second toothpick to lightly hold down the marshmallow, carefully pull out the first toothpick.
5. Chill the hats until the chocolate sets, then pipe a yellow decorator's frosting buckle on the front of each hat.
Voila!
And share, share, share! And eat, eat, eat.......
A Week of Crafting
Thanksgiving is by and large one of my MOST favorite holidays. It isn't really commercialized too horribly, there are no gifts involved, and it really focuses on the simple and important things in life: remembering what we are thankful for, spending time with family and loved ones, and the biggy - FOOD! Ha!
But seriously, I really really love Thanksgiving.
So, in honor of this being Thanksgiving week, the kidlets and I are going to (try to) do one type of cooking or crafting project each day that revolves around Thanksgiving. And I'm going to share the ideas here because I think they're super cute - and I can't take any credit for them; they did not come from my own noggin' - and then maybe you can do some with your kidlets too!
The project that we did over the week-end was fingerprint Turkey cards. Very simple, only slightly messy (unless you're Jesse, and then you somehow manage to get the ink from head to toe!), minimal materials, and the craft takes mere minutes.
Here's what you need:
* card stock paper folded in half to make a card (duh)
* preferably a brown ink pad (I only had black, hence we have black turkeys)
* colored pencils or crayons
* fingers and thumbs willing to get inked!
Stamp your thumb for the body, your pointer finger for his head, and your pinky finger to make a fan of big ole tail feathers. Use colored pencils to draw in feet, his beak, eyes, and the gobbly thing that hangs down his neck (what's that called again?).
Easy sneezy, and super cute.
Then, make tons and tons to give to all the people you love!
Here's some pics of our masterpeices:
Kinda fun!
And they only have to remotely resemble turkeys!
These Past Few Days......
Let's see here....
It's been awhile since I've posted. Our little family of five is getting our groove on. We're finding our rhythm more and more, and so far Ransom is still pretty chill. I'm still holding my breath, and I'm giving him until Christmas to become a freak out child. If he's still like "this" by then, I will declare us to have our very first relaxed baby. That would be nice!
He had his five week check-up on Tuesday. He's in the 90% for length at 23 inches, and the 75% for weight - almost 13 1/2 pounds. He's growing fast!
On Monday, my dearest childhood friend, Amber came for a visit with her little ones. Almost every memory I have of my growing up years involves her in some way or another! It was pretty special to watch OUR little kids play together and make some of their own memories! And her little girl can hold her own with my Jesse, so that works out pretty well! :0)
Tonight marked another first for me: I went out for a few hours with a friend COMPLETELY CHILDLESS! Kevy offered to stay home with all three so that I could have a little break, and it was so much fun! We did some antiquing, caught up on life, and just had a really really nice evening together. It was glorious!
And now the week-end awaits......aaaahhhhh....it's all good!
It's been awhile since I've posted. Our little family of five is getting our groove on. We're finding our rhythm more and more, and so far Ransom is still pretty chill. I'm still holding my breath, and I'm giving him until Christmas to become a freak out child. If he's still like "this" by then, I will declare us to have our very first relaxed baby. That would be nice!
He had his five week check-up on Tuesday. He's in the 90% for length at 23 inches, and the 75% for weight - almost 13 1/2 pounds. He's growing fast!
On Monday, my dearest childhood friend, Amber came for a visit with her little ones. Almost every memory I have of my growing up years involves her in some way or another! It was pretty special to watch OUR little kids play together and make some of their own memories! And her little girl can hold her own with my Jesse, so that works out pretty well! :0)
Tonight marked another first for me: I went out for a few hours with a friend COMPLETELY CHILDLESS! Kevy offered to stay home with all three so that I could have a little break, and it was so much fun! We did some antiquing, caught up on life, and just had a really really nice evening together. It was glorious!
And now the week-end awaits......aaaahhhhh....it's all good!
A New Spin on Turkey
I found a funky way to cook a bird online and gave it a whirl the other day. It actually turned out pretty good, and I'm going to tweak it just a bit and try it again soon.
I bought a 20+ pound bird and brined it in one of our coolers for 6-8 hours with tons of ice, 2 cups of kosher salt, and a cup of brown suger.
Then, I rinsed it off; salted it inside and out; put some garlic, onion, and an apple inside the cavity; brushed the top with olive oil; and stuck it in the oven at 500 degrees (500!!!) for two hours.
Easy Sneezy. I guess the whole idea of the brining and super hot temps is to get you a really moist and juicy bird.
Next time I'm going to brine it all night long. But it was really yummy - the outside was brown and crispy, and the inside really was very juicey and flavorful.
The next day I made a honking soup and Kev smoked some in his smoker. And I still have some left over for quesadillas. Delish.
Just thought I'd share......
P.S. Turkey's on sale for 40 cents a pound at Wal-Mart!
I bought a 20+ pound bird and brined it in one of our coolers for 6-8 hours with tons of ice, 2 cups of kosher salt, and a cup of brown suger.
Then, I rinsed it off; salted it inside and out; put some garlic, onion, and an apple inside the cavity; brushed the top with olive oil; and stuck it in the oven at 500 degrees (500!!!) for two hours.
Easy Sneezy. I guess the whole idea of the brining and super hot temps is to get you a really moist and juicy bird.
Next time I'm going to brine it all night long. But it was really yummy - the outside was brown and crispy, and the inside really was very juicey and flavorful.
The next day I made a honking soup and Kev smoked some in his smoker. And I still have some left over for quesadillas. Delish.
Just thought I'd share......
P.S. Turkey's on sale for 40 cents a pound at Wal-Mart!
One of THOSE Days......
Today has been a somewhat "frazzle-y" day.
It all started when Jesse put the stopper in the bathroom sink and proceeded to fill it to overflowing. Kaden came running to tell us, and by the time we got there it had spilled out onto the floor, it was running into the living room - almost over to the fireplace, and it was leaking into our basement! Jesse looked at us with a sheepish laugh and said: "Dat funny?" Not so much.
I have also had to tell this child multiple times today to not sit on the kitten or his baby brother! Is this normal???
Ransom has hurled mass quantities of guck on me twice today, and he has also been having a rough day of sleep, so much crying has ensued. As I type, he is crying upstairs and Jesse is sitting on his bed for writing all over his body with markers after I specifically told him that markers were ONLY for paper.
Yeesh.
The other thing I'm trying to psych myself up for is Kev and Kaden bringing back a barn full of stuff that friends have stored for us since we sold our house four years ago. I HATE stuff. It stresses me to no end. And seriously, people....if we haven't used it for four years, do we REALLY need it? So, within moments, I am going to be bombarded with a boatload of cr*p.
Happy for you, though, Shannie - that you have your barn back. Sorry it took so long.....and thank you SO much for letting us store stuff up there. Bless you.
Anyhoo, I'm preparing for a super large cull/chuck/give away/heave ho/ prepare-for-the-world's-most-ginormous-yard-sale fest!!! Good times. Good times.
Okay. I'm off to tend to my boys. Thankful that tomorrow is family day. We're kicking it to Porland for a few hours to see what we can see.
Good night from the Funny Farm!
It all started when Jesse put the stopper in the bathroom sink and proceeded to fill it to overflowing. Kaden came running to tell us, and by the time we got there it had spilled out onto the floor, it was running into the living room - almost over to the fireplace, and it was leaking into our basement! Jesse looked at us with a sheepish laugh and said: "Dat funny?" Not so much.
I have also had to tell this child multiple times today to not sit on the kitten or his baby brother! Is this normal???
Ransom has hurled mass quantities of guck on me twice today, and he has also been having a rough day of sleep, so much crying has ensued. As I type, he is crying upstairs and Jesse is sitting on his bed for writing all over his body with markers after I specifically told him that markers were ONLY for paper.
Yeesh.
The other thing I'm trying to psych myself up for is Kev and Kaden bringing back a barn full of stuff that friends have stored for us since we sold our house four years ago. I HATE stuff. It stresses me to no end. And seriously, people....if we haven't used it for four years, do we REALLY need it? So, within moments, I am going to be bombarded with a boatload of cr*p.
Happy for you, though, Shannie - that you have your barn back. Sorry it took so long.....and thank you SO much for letting us store stuff up there. Bless you.
Anyhoo, I'm preparing for a super large cull/chuck/give away/heave ho/ prepare-for-the-world's-most-ginormous-yard-sale fest!!! Good times. Good times.
Okay. I'm off to tend to my boys. Thankful that tomorrow is family day. We're kicking it to Porland for a few hours to see what we can see.
Good night from the Funny Farm!
Sunday Firsts
Ransom has been to church for the past three Sundays, and so far - each Sunday has held a pretty big "first" for him. On the very first week we went - he was just a little over two weeks old, and his little belly button scabby fell off. His brothers say, "Now he's a REAL little boy!"
Last week, I pumped and gave him his very first bottle because the mornings were too crazy to get the boys ready and him fed in time to be there at 7:30. I knew it probably wasn't the wisest time to pick for his very first introducation, but after a mild freak out, he took it quite nicely. We have to practice our songs as soon as we get to church, so I can't really feed him on stage - even with a nursing cover. So, this option worked out quite well. I sat on a stool and practiced our songs for the service with him laying across my lap. Both boys thought that this was equally as cool as his belly button falling off and each wanted a turn "milking the baby!"
But by and far - the very best first in this little guy's life happened in church yesterday. We were all alone in the nursery while I was feeding him. After I burped him, I just put him really close to my face and was kissing him and talking to him; and he gave me his very first "no doubt about it" smile just for ME! Oh - melt my heart, I just about ate him right up! We've been wondering if he's been doing it for the past couple of days, but yesterday there was no doubt in my mind.
Mercy. The deliciousness of it all!
I wonder what's in store for next week. A poo explosion all over Mama? That could be exciting......
Last week, I pumped and gave him his very first bottle because the mornings were too crazy to get the boys ready and him fed in time to be there at 7:30. I knew it probably wasn't the wisest time to pick for his very first introducation, but after a mild freak out, he took it quite nicely. We have to practice our songs as soon as we get to church, so I can't really feed him on stage - even with a nursing cover. So, this option worked out quite well. I sat on a stool and practiced our songs for the service with him laying across my lap. Both boys thought that this was equally as cool as his belly button falling off and each wanted a turn "milking the baby!"
But by and far - the very best first in this little guy's life happened in church yesterday. We were all alone in the nursery while I was feeding him. After I burped him, I just put him really close to my face and was kissing him and talking to him; and he gave me his very first "no doubt about it" smile just for ME! Oh - melt my heart, I just about ate him right up! We've been wondering if he's been doing it for the past couple of days, but yesterday there was no doubt in my mind.
Mercy. The deliciousness of it all!
I wonder what's in store for next week. A poo explosion all over Mama? That could be exciting......
Baby Names.....
I knew when we named this little guy "Ransom" that there would be some comments. I almost chickened out and went with an ever faithful old standby, but just a couple of days before he was born Kev said: "We're naming him Ransom. We've liked that name for a long time, and we're not going to pick another name just because we're worried about what other people think!" That's the main reason why we've never told people our name choices before the kids are born. Because once our kids are here and we proudly declare the name, people keep their comments to themselves on whether they like it or not!
Anyway, I digress.
The whole point of this post is the nicknames that take place in this house. I have purposely (and hypocritcally so) given all three of my boys names that don't come with easy nicknames. I want my kids to be what I've named them. I'm the world's biggest hypocrite, though, in the fact that I have a nickname for everyone and their dog! (Sometimes several.....)
So, a few people have asked us "what are you going to call him?" To clear up any further questions, the answer is.........wait for it..........RANSOM.
I know. Crazy.
He will NOT be a "Randy" or a "Ran." He will be Ransom.
However.....
Behind the four walls of this house you may hear:
"RANCID" - During poo explosions
"Ransey" - From his big brother
(I wonder where he got those nicknaming skills?)
And occasionally, to get a reaction out of my teasing friends:
"Ransey-Dancey Doo."
Other than that, the rest of the world may call him Ransom.
Anyway, I digress.
The whole point of this post is the nicknames that take place in this house. I have purposely (and hypocritcally so) given all three of my boys names that don't come with easy nicknames. I want my kids to be what I've named them. I'm the world's biggest hypocrite, though, in the fact that I have a nickname for everyone and their dog! (Sometimes several.....)
So, a few people have asked us "what are you going to call him?" To clear up any further questions, the answer is.........wait for it..........RANSOM.
I know. Crazy.
He will NOT be a "Randy" or a "Ran." He will be Ransom.
However.....
Behind the four walls of this house you may hear:
"RANCID" - During poo explosions
"Ransey" - From his big brother
(I wonder where he got those nicknaming skills?)
And occasionally, to get a reaction out of my teasing friends:
"Ransey-Dancey Doo."
Other than that, the rest of the world may call him Ransom.
My New Favorite Funny Guy
Tim Hawkins is our new favorite Christian comedian, and he has SO many funny videos out there on YouTube. He is clean and silly and geeky, and we find him HILARIOUS! This is just one of our fave videos that he has out.
Here's to all you fellow parents:
Sometime when you have a few spare minutes, check out his Delilah spoof, and for you country fans, listen to "Cletus Take the Reel." Good times!
Here's to all you fellow parents:
Sometime when you have a few spare minutes, check out his Delilah spoof, and for you country fans, listen to "Cletus Take the Reel." Good times!
Happy First Day of Hunting Season!
That expression gets a little more excitement around our house than "Happy Halloween!" :0) We're hoping Daddy gets the big ole "tirty pointer" today. Our freezer is bare, and we want some jerky!
Not that I am even horrifically (Is that a word? Is that even spelled right? My brain is TIRED!) against this whole "Holiday".
Gasp - I really did say that, AND I do love Jesus. :0)
Granted, now that I'm older, it's not really my fave, and I'm happy when it's gone by, but I actually have some really fun and very happy memories of trick or treating with my friends and cousins back in the day. We'd spend DAYS dreaming up what we were going to wear - and we didn't spend the big bucks on costumes. We just raided our closets, and our parents closets, and Mom's make-up, and whatever else we could find and we went CRAZY! And it was so harmless back then. Even our pastor took his kids - everyone in our neighborhood took their families, and the parents dressed up, too! It was just silly and fun. A completely harmless, fun, family event.
Now I know that times they have a changed and that it's "Satan's Holiday" and all. But, I am still not diametrically opposed to it, I don't look down my nose at other people who go, and I definitly don't even begin to judge them or think their walk with God MUST be suffering. But, that's just me. I'm kind of simple that way.
HOWEVER.
Unless my boys beg to dress up and do it some year and unless we all go together and go only to friend's and families homes, we probably won't be going trick or treating. But, if they beg to go some year, we might. That was kind of a hypocritical statement, eh? Maybe that sounds kind of wishy-washy. I'm just not going to choose to die on that mountain with my kids.
Probably the biggest reasons why we would not go is that I know a lot of people who do have major reservations with celebrating this day, and I don't love offending others or being a stumbling block in any way. Also, on a far less "spiritual" note, I don't want to be divvying out candy for years and having the boys be on sugar highs every day until they're ten, I'm kind of lazy and don't really feel like going out in the cold, I'd much rather do some sort of Harvest-y type party and have fun that way, and we can make the day fun in other ways - especially while my kids are really young and don't know the difference anyway.
So, today the boys and I watched a fun movie, we made a funky homemade paste and made fall (and dinosaur!) ornaments to hang in our windows, we ate our own candy, and we're making some fun yummy dessert to have when Daddy gets home with our big buck! Good times!
And we'll see what discussion ensues if we have some little gremlins show up at our doorstep begging for treats this evening! :0)
Not that I am even horrifically (Is that a word? Is that even spelled right? My brain is TIRED!) against this whole "Holiday".
Gasp - I really did say that, AND I do love Jesus. :0)
Granted, now that I'm older, it's not really my fave, and I'm happy when it's gone by, but I actually have some really fun and very happy memories of trick or treating with my friends and cousins back in the day. We'd spend DAYS dreaming up what we were going to wear - and we didn't spend the big bucks on costumes. We just raided our closets, and our parents closets, and Mom's make-up, and whatever else we could find and we went CRAZY! And it was so harmless back then. Even our pastor took his kids - everyone in our neighborhood took their families, and the parents dressed up, too! It was just silly and fun. A completely harmless, fun, family event.
Now I know that times they have a changed and that it's "Satan's Holiday" and all. But, I am still not diametrically opposed to it, I don't look down my nose at other people who go, and I definitly don't even begin to judge them or think their walk with God MUST be suffering. But, that's just me. I'm kind of simple that way.
HOWEVER.
Unless my boys beg to dress up and do it some year and unless we all go together and go only to friend's and families homes, we probably won't be going trick or treating. But, if they beg to go some year, we might. That was kind of a hypocritical statement, eh? Maybe that sounds kind of wishy-washy. I'm just not going to choose to die on that mountain with my kids.
Probably the biggest reasons why we would not go is that I know a lot of people who do have major reservations with celebrating this day, and I don't love offending others or being a stumbling block in any way. Also, on a far less "spiritual" note, I don't want to be divvying out candy for years and having the boys be on sugar highs every day until they're ten, I'm kind of lazy and don't really feel like going out in the cold, I'd much rather do some sort of Harvest-y type party and have fun that way, and we can make the day fun in other ways - especially while my kids are really young and don't know the difference anyway.
So, today the boys and I watched a fun movie, we made a funky homemade paste and made fall (and dinosaur!) ornaments to hang in our windows, we ate our own candy, and we're making some fun yummy dessert to have when Daddy gets home with our big buck! Good times!
And we'll see what discussion ensues if we have some little gremlins show up at our doorstep begging for treats this evening! :0)
Grammies Are GRAND!
This past week-end Mom called me and informed me that she was "craving that baby!" I told her to hop in the car and get her body down here to see this little bundle of scrumptiousness. So she did.
And it has been a lovely week.
She has let me sleep in every day, I've taken naps with Ransom in the afternoons, she's made some meals, she's done some laundry, she made cut-out cookies with the kidlets, she's read them stories, and tonight she watched the two older rugrats while my Honey and I went on a date with the papoose. And he obliged us by napping the entire time that we were out and about.
It has been glorious! There is no-one who I am more comfortable with in my home. The boys love her, she totally "mothers" me and takes care of me, she dotes on my kids, and I fear that she has royally spoiled our new baby!
It's been a rough week.
And it has been a lovely week.
She has let me sleep in every day, I've taken naps with Ransom in the afternoons, she's made some meals, she's done some laundry, she made cut-out cookies with the kidlets, she's read them stories, and tonight she watched the two older rugrats while my Honey and I went on a date with the papoose. And he obliged us by napping the entire time that we were out and about.
It has been glorious! There is no-one who I am more comfortable with in my home. The boys love her, she totally "mothers" me and takes care of me, she dotes on my kids, and I fear that she has royally spoiled our new baby!
It's been a rough week.
Our New Digs!
Okay. Here's a whack of pictures of our little nest that we are absolutely in love with. And can I just say AGAIN how thankful we are for the friends and family who helped to get it ready for us!
Here's some pics of the kitchen: We kept the original color; we'll give it a fresh coat (some day), but for now I find it very sunny and happy, and I'm quite content with it.
Here's our little computer/work station tucked into a little corner of the kitchen. There's a little bit of yummy-ness hiding in that corner, as well!
Here's our living room. The original color was a very earthy/minty green. We chose a very very light capuccino color that kind of matches my furniture and the fireplace.
Here's the big boys' bedroom. We'll eventually do bunk beds and get rid of the pack and play. That's for another paycheck.
Originally, I had the head of Kaden's bed decorated like this:
(Whoops! Sorry about the sideways pic. Too lazy to fix it.)
Kev said that it didn't look "boyish" enough, so he took over and decorated it like this:
Guess which way the boy's liked better?
Here's our bedroom:
With a little crafty nook for me:
And, finally.....wait for it....wait for it.....
My pride and joy!
Drum roll please.........
I give you...........the NURSERY!!!
AHEM.......This room will also wait for another day, another paycheck, and a healthy dose of sanity to prime over those rockin' walls!
So, that's it! We are so very thankful and oh so happy with our new little abode. I've calculated that we've moved five times in ten years. It's so nice to finally feel a little settled from our somewhat nomadic life.
Granted........if the Lord says to move, away we shall go! However, for the here and now, it is so so very nice!
Here's some pics of the kitchen: We kept the original color; we'll give it a fresh coat (some day), but for now I find it very sunny and happy, and I'm quite content with it.
Here's our little computer/work station tucked into a little corner of the kitchen. There's a little bit of yummy-ness hiding in that corner, as well!
Here's our living room. The original color was a very earthy/minty green. We chose a very very light capuccino color that kind of matches my furniture and the fireplace.
Here's the big boys' bedroom. We'll eventually do bunk beds and get rid of the pack and play. That's for another paycheck.
Originally, I had the head of Kaden's bed decorated like this:
(Whoops! Sorry about the sideways pic. Too lazy to fix it.)
Kev said that it didn't look "boyish" enough, so he took over and decorated it like this:
Guess which way the boy's liked better?
Here's our bedroom:
With a little crafty nook for me:
And, finally.....wait for it....wait for it.....
My pride and joy!
Drum roll please.........
I give you...........the NURSERY!!!
AHEM.......This room will also wait for another day, another paycheck, and a healthy dose of sanity to prime over those rockin' walls!
So, that's it! We are so very thankful and oh so happy with our new little abode. I've calculated that we've moved five times in ten years. It's so nice to finally feel a little settled from our somewhat nomadic life.
Granted........if the Lord says to move, away we shall go! However, for the here and now, it is so so very nice!
And We Are LIVE!!!
The computer guy came today to set up our internet for us. He wasn't able to get it working, so when Uncle Shawn came over tonight to snuggle the baby, he immediately found the problem and got us up and running in no time! Very exciting. I now have contact with the outside world. It's a beautiful thing.
So - in a couple of days I'll try to get some pics of our house up along with a few more updates on life. For now, all three boysies are sleeping, so I am off to hit the hay, as well. Sleep is a precious thing these days!
We're doing well. Sanity is still in tact. A kajillion books are getting read during feeding sessions, lots of cereal and toast is getting eaten for meals other than just breakfast, Ransom is still alive with two wild older brothers, and we are happy! Life is slightly nuts-o, but it's GOOD.
So - in a couple of days I'll try to get some pics of our house up along with a few more updates on life. For now, all three boysies are sleeping, so I am off to hit the hay, as well. Sleep is a precious thing these days!
We're doing well. Sanity is still in tact. A kajillion books are getting read during feeding sessions, lots of cereal and toast is getting eaten for meals other than just breakfast, Ransom is still alive with two wild older brothers, and we are happy! Life is slightly nuts-o, but it's GOOD.
Tidbits
We have no internet access in our new house yet, so I'm finding it hard to keep in touch with the outside world - not that I would have much time to do it anyway, but that's besides the point. But tonight is AWANA and Kaden & Jesse are happy in their respective classrooms and Daddy is leading worship, so Ransom and I have snuck away to Kev's office to catch a little snuggle time and some quick internet access.
Thanks to the help of so many wonderful friends and family, I can honestly say that except for the nursery, my home is set up and in order and just the way I love it. We are SO happy in this new little place, and we feel so very blessed.
All of my brood is back together now. Mom & Dad had taken the boys up with them for a few days while we got the house in order. So, we are now all finding our new norm together in our new home - with our new little addition. Ransom is still pretty "chill" and relaxed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he stays this way! Each day certainly brings with it a large element of CRAZY - be it Jesse knocking over our gallon fish tank onto their bedroom floor yesterday, or all of us trying to bake a pie for Daddy's birthday today amidst the usual interruptions of the baby needing to eat, Kaden needing help on the potty, and Jesse trying to eat the raw eggs! Whew!
But it's good. It's so good.
Yesterday, we celebrated Daddy's birthday by going bird hunting on an old dirt road. The boys got to sit up front with their orange hats on eating snacks and treats, and I sat in the backseat and nursed Ransom! It was so much fun. Absolutely nothing was accomplished hunting-wise, but we all had a good time together.
Tomorrow is my first day "on my own." I'm looking forward to it with no big plans of getting much accomplished. I have a stack of books that I took out from the library to read during feeding sessions, and we're just going to chill out together and be as low key as possible. No big plans to conquer Rome tomorrow. If I can keep us all alive, I'll be proud!
Thanks to the help of so many wonderful friends and family, I can honestly say that except for the nursery, my home is set up and in order and just the way I love it. We are SO happy in this new little place, and we feel so very blessed.
All of my brood is back together now. Mom & Dad had taken the boys up with them for a few days while we got the house in order. So, we are now all finding our new norm together in our new home - with our new little addition. Ransom is still pretty "chill" and relaxed. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he stays this way! Each day certainly brings with it a large element of CRAZY - be it Jesse knocking over our gallon fish tank onto their bedroom floor yesterday, or all of us trying to bake a pie for Daddy's birthday today amidst the usual interruptions of the baby needing to eat, Kaden needing help on the potty, and Jesse trying to eat the raw eggs! Whew!
But it's good. It's so good.
Yesterday, we celebrated Daddy's birthday by going bird hunting on an old dirt road. The boys got to sit up front with their orange hats on eating snacks and treats, and I sat in the backseat and nursed Ransom! It was so much fun. Absolutely nothing was accomplished hunting-wise, but we all had a good time together.
Tomorrow is my first day "on my own." I'm looking forward to it with no big plans of getting much accomplished. I have a stack of books that I took out from the library to read during feeding sessions, and we're just going to chill out together and be as low key as possible. No big plans to conquer Rome tomorrow. If I can keep us all alive, I'll be proud!
A Quick Update
Daddy, Ransom, and I are sitting in Starbucks having a little coffee date after a rainy day of rest and house organizing/painting etc. We have no internet connection yet, so this gave us a little chance to catch up on the ouside world of life.
Mom and Dad took the boys up home with them for a couple of days so that we could get their bedroom painted, organized, and completely set up for when they come home to us. The house is coming along nicely. It's feeling more and more like "mine" every hour it seems.
This morning, Kevy brought me up breakfast in bed, and the baby and I just visited and snuggled until late morning. It was so nice and cozy. I told him that for the next couple of days we'll be able to do this in peace and quiet, but within a matter of days life is going to get a wee bit crazier with two bigger brothers who are going to want to snuggle with him as well!
It has been a week-end full of blessings and new life. We are so thankful and happy. God has been so great to us, and we are so very thankful for all of our loved ones who have surrounded us with love, help, and support.
Mom and Dad took the boys up home with them for a couple of days so that we could get their bedroom painted, organized, and completely set up for when they come home to us. The house is coming along nicely. It's feeling more and more like "mine" every hour it seems.
This morning, Kevy brought me up breakfast in bed, and the baby and I just visited and snuggled until late morning. It was so nice and cozy. I told him that for the next couple of days we'll be able to do this in peace and quiet, but within a matter of days life is going to get a wee bit crazier with two bigger brothers who are going to want to snuggle with him as well!
It has been a week-end full of blessings and new life. We are so thankful and happy. God has been so great to us, and we are so very thankful for all of our loved ones who have surrounded us with love, help, and support.
news! News! NEWS!!!
Well......
Meet our sweet Ransom Malachi!!!
What a little gift he is! We are so thankful for this blessing.
We got ourselves a house yesterday and a BABY today!!! We are efficient!! HA!
We closed on our house at 11:30 yesterday, moved our entire apartment over, got our bedroom and the kitchen completely set up, chose paint colors for the boys' rooms and the living room, and then we CRASHED. Hard.
When I hit the hay last night, I looked over at Kev and said: "If the baby comes tonight, I am completely happy with what we've gotten accomplished today." We had some rockin' friends and family SLAVING for us - working to fight against the clock like crazy - and I will be forever thankful for their gifts of service to us.
From about Midnight until 4:00, I was uncomfortable and contracting. I took a shower and got myself ready, and then I went back to bed for a couple of hours. Everything was very sporatic, so I was unsure of what to do. By 7:00 this morning, the contractions had started up again, and Kev wanted to just get out here since the hospital is an hour away. I wasn't impressed with the idea of leaving so soon, but he promised that if I was still really sporatic by the time we got to the town, we could wait things out at the coffee shop down the road.
So, we dropped the boys and their carseats off at Grampy & Grammy's house, drove the hour it takes to get here, and by the time I was in my room I was 9 centimenters and ready to go!
Baby Ransom Malachi was born at 10:24a.m. weighing in at 7lbs.15oz. with quite a bit of dark hair on his yummy little head! Malachi means "God's Messenger," and Ransom means "Deliverance and Hope." He's super cute and super mellow. So far....
We are praising the Lord for His abundant mercy and gifts to our little family! It has been an exciting weekend. Come and see us!
The Verdict Is IN!!!
Well, folks, the people have spoken and it looks like we are going to close on our house on Friday at 11:00. We are still not holding our breath, but all of the hoops have been jumped through, we've stood on our heads, given our life stories, and practically signed our souls away, and now we have finally been told that Friday is the lucky day!
Just a wee bit closer to my due date than I would have chosen, but what do you do?!
Sooooo, in typical Booker fashion, now that we know, it is really VERY hard for us to just wait and sit on our hands. Despite much "encouragement" from concerned loved ones, we are probably not just going to twiddle our thumbs for the next few weeks and first continue waiting for the baby, and then adjust to the baby, and then sloooowly over time putter away at moving and painting. That's not really how we work. We are packing and we are moving forward until said kidlet arrives. And then we'll pack and move some more!
So, now it's a race to see which happens first. If there is no baby by Friday at 11:00, then we are trucking as many loads as we can over to our new place and we are going to start setting up shop. If there IS a baby by Friday, then we'll play that one by ear. Probably as soon as we get home, Kev will start trucking things over while I crash on the couch with my babe and give orders!
Either way - it's happening.....
Let's guess.....which will come first????
I have my hunches.........
Just a wee bit closer to my due date than I would have chosen, but what do you do?!
Sooooo, in typical Booker fashion, now that we know, it is really VERY hard for us to just wait and sit on our hands. Despite much "encouragement" from concerned loved ones, we are probably not just going to twiddle our thumbs for the next few weeks and first continue waiting for the baby, and then adjust to the baby, and then sloooowly over time putter away at moving and painting. That's not really how we work. We are packing and we are moving forward until said kidlet arrives. And then we'll pack and move some more!
So, now it's a race to see which happens first. If there is no baby by Friday at 11:00, then we are trucking as many loads as we can over to our new place and we are going to start setting up shop. If there IS a baby by Friday, then we'll play that one by ear. Probably as soon as we get home, Kev will start trucking things over while I crash on the couch with my babe and give orders!
Either way - it's happening.....
Let's guess.....which will come first????
I have my hunches.........
An Ode to the People in My Life...
...And the comments they've made during this pregnancy!
Oh there are SO many - I am dedicating an entire page in my scrapbook to all of them. I have been keeping a running list, but I seem to have misplaced it. So, this will be my reminder...
* Well, just today Jesse called me: "My Baby Chicken Precious Big Mama!"
* Kaden told Daddy a few weeks ago: "I love Mommy because she's so fat!"
* Kev has said: "I like it when you're pregnant. It makes me feel small."
* And when wearing a purple shirt the other day he called me, "Barney."
* On the 4th of July, Dad told the family: "If you're looking for the watermelon, Amy swallowed it!"
* When he saw a picture of me in my bathing suit Dad said: "Oh! Who's the whale?"
* My father-in-law said the other day: "You look like you got too close to an air pump!"
*And he also said: "If you get any bigger there's not a shirt out there that's going to fit you!"
* When my Pastor found out I still had 8 weeks to go awhile back, he said: "Eight weeks? Ooohhh, Amy!"
* A lady in my church, who shall remain nameless, EVERY time she sees me she says: "Whoa! You're HUGE!"
* Last Sunday during the meet and greet time, one of the deacons shook my hand and said: "You're looking especially large today! And that's a compliment!"
* After the funeral, someone in my family said: "Oh! So, you're getting a house? It looks like you're HAVING a house!"
* A fellow teacher at my school commented when I walked past him: "I'm a trained EMT. I could do if it I had too (meaning, deliver my baby), but I don't want to!"
* A little old man passed me in the school halls the other day and asked if I was having twins. I assured him it was only one. He said: "Oh! My wife was pregnant with twins and she was wearing a white shirt one day and I said, 'You look just like a Maytag washing machine!'"
*My cousin Jodi called me to try and get me to play in the alumni soccer game. Her message went like this: "Amy, our team is short handed, and you could probably pass as TWO players!"
And the list goes on and on and on! Those are just some of the classics!
Good thing I have thick skin. It's actually quite a big joke to me, and that's why I'm dedicating a WHOLE page of this little boy's scrapbook to these precious little remarks.
Good times!
Oh there are SO many - I am dedicating an entire page in my scrapbook to all of them. I have been keeping a running list, but I seem to have misplaced it. So, this will be my reminder...
* Well, just today Jesse called me: "My Baby Chicken Precious Big Mama!"
* Kaden told Daddy a few weeks ago: "I love Mommy because she's so fat!"
* Kev has said: "I like it when you're pregnant. It makes me feel small."
* And when wearing a purple shirt the other day he called me, "Barney."
* On the 4th of July, Dad told the family: "If you're looking for the watermelon, Amy swallowed it!"
* When he saw a picture of me in my bathing suit Dad said: "Oh! Who's the whale?"
* My father-in-law said the other day: "You look like you got too close to an air pump!"
*And he also said: "If you get any bigger there's not a shirt out there that's going to fit you!"
* When my Pastor found out I still had 8 weeks to go awhile back, he said: "Eight weeks? Ooohhh, Amy!"
* A lady in my church, who shall remain nameless, EVERY time she sees me she says: "Whoa! You're HUGE!"
* Last Sunday during the meet and greet time, one of the deacons shook my hand and said: "You're looking especially large today! And that's a compliment!"
* After the funeral, someone in my family said: "Oh! So, you're getting a house? It looks like you're HAVING a house!"
* A fellow teacher at my school commented when I walked past him: "I'm a trained EMT. I could do if it I had too (meaning, deliver my baby), but I don't want to!"
* A little old man passed me in the school halls the other day and asked if I was having twins. I assured him it was only one. He said: "Oh! My wife was pregnant with twins and she was wearing a white shirt one day and I said, 'You look just like a Maytag washing machine!'"
*My cousin Jodi called me to try and get me to play in the alumni soccer game. Her message went like this: "Amy, our team is short handed, and you could probably pass as TWO players!"
And the list goes on and on and on! Those are just some of the classics!
Good thing I have thick skin. It's actually quite a big joke to me, and that's why I'm dedicating a WHOLE page of this little boy's scrapbook to these precious little remarks.
Good times!
HOME
We got back home last night around 7:00. We are unpacked, settled, and slightly exhausted - but baby is still INSIDE, and for that I am thankful. I think that each one of us is fighting some sort of a cold - but we made it! Thank you for the thoughts and prayers during my Nana's funeral.
It really was a beautiful ceremony where Nana was honored and where the Gospel went forth in a pretty powerful way. My family - for the most part - is a pretty rough bunch, and most of them cried throughout the entire funeral. The pastor who gave the message grew up with my Dad and all of my uncles and was just as wild as the worst of them were all through highschool and college. So, I think that he was just the man to give the message. It was very humble, but very forthright and bold - and spoken in love.
Kind of an exhausting week-end, but a special one, as well. I love watching my
Father in action. He's the patriarch of the family, everyone loves and respects him, and he's often the comic relief when need be, as well. I could tell that he was pleased that we made the effort, and we had some fun times together too - driving along some old dirt roads and belting out the country, trying to antagonize Mom, and just being together.
We took the boys to the visiting hours. This was a first experience for Kaden, so we processed this through together. Jesse didn't have a sweet clue and came into the room belting: "MEOOOW!! MEEEEEYOOOOW!" at the top of his lungs!! That was awesome. But, it was nice for the family to see my little ones and for them to spend some time with my family, as well.
We are praying that the seeds that were planted at the funeral take root, and that as a result of Nana's passing more of her family will come to know Christ. I love my family, and I am praying that what was heard will not soon be forgotten.
Thank you again for your prayers.
It really was a beautiful ceremony where Nana was honored and where the Gospel went forth in a pretty powerful way. My family - for the most part - is a pretty rough bunch, and most of them cried throughout the entire funeral. The pastor who gave the message grew up with my Dad and all of my uncles and was just as wild as the worst of them were all through highschool and college. So, I think that he was just the man to give the message. It was very humble, but very forthright and bold - and spoken in love.
Kind of an exhausting week-end, but a special one, as well. I love watching my
Father in action. He's the patriarch of the family, everyone loves and respects him, and he's often the comic relief when need be, as well. I could tell that he was pleased that we made the effort, and we had some fun times together too - driving along some old dirt roads and belting out the country, trying to antagonize Mom, and just being together.
We took the boys to the visiting hours. This was a first experience for Kaden, so we processed this through together. Jesse didn't have a sweet clue and came into the room belting: "MEOOOW!! MEEEEEYOOOOW!" at the top of his lungs!! That was awesome. But, it was nice for the family to see my little ones and for them to spend some time with my family, as well.
We are praying that the seeds that were planted at the funeral take root, and that as a result of Nana's passing more of her family will come to know Christ. I love my family, and I am praying that what was heard will not soon be forgotten.
Thank you again for your prayers.
A Vapor
My sweet Nana passed away yesterday afternoon.
This was not completely unexpected; although, she deteriorated quite rapidly since her cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago.
All of her kids were with her when she died, and Dad was able to pray with her and thank her for being such a good mother before she passed away. Mom said that he cried two different times, and that made me so sad! I've never seen Dad cry before.
I feel like I need to be with my family, and my midwife has given me the green light, so we're packing up and heading for the County this evening. The visiting hours are tomorrow night, and the funeral will be on Sunday. Since I'm just a week out from my due date, I'm going to bring everything that I might need - just in case.
Both of my brothers are trying to fly in from Texas, so it will be nice for everyone to be together. I would LOVE to not have my baby this week-end in an environment that I don't even know, but sometimes that's just how life goes. I am learning to REALLY roll with life these days...
We just may be bringing three little Booker boys back home with us!
Thank you for your love and prayers...
This was not completely unexpected; although, she deteriorated quite rapidly since her cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago.
All of her kids were with her when she died, and Dad was able to pray with her and thank her for being such a good mother before she passed away. Mom said that he cried two different times, and that made me so sad! I've never seen Dad cry before.
I feel like I need to be with my family, and my midwife has given me the green light, so we're packing up and heading for the County this evening. The visiting hours are tomorrow night, and the funeral will be on Sunday. Since I'm just a week out from my due date, I'm going to bring everything that I might need - just in case.
Both of my brothers are trying to fly in from Texas, so it will be nice for everyone to be together. I would LOVE to not have my baby this week-end in an environment that I don't even know, but sometimes that's just how life goes. I am learning to REALLY roll with life these days...
We just may be bringing three little Booker boys back home with us!
Thank you for your love and prayers...
While We're Waiting
Well.....
The house is completely up in the air.
My Grandmother is on her deathbed, and there may be a funeral any day.
And I am GREAT with child.
It's too much to wrap my pee brain around right now.
Soooooooo, my little loves and I took a break from life today and we kicked it to the great outdoors. We took a picnic to the local apple orchard, got some pumpkins and gourds to decorate the apartment with, cooked a pumpkin to make a pie, and got a boatload of winterberries on our way home to put in all of my sap buckets.
It was a MUCH needed and super fun break.
And tonight, Grampy & Grammy are going to come over, and Kevy and I are going to have ourselves a wee little date where we can just focus on each other for awhile, try and forget about the stresses of life, and maybe - just maybe - solidify our little boy's name!
Aaaaaahhhh. A needed and much appreciated day.
The house is completely up in the air.
My Grandmother is on her deathbed, and there may be a funeral any day.
And I am GREAT with child.
It's too much to wrap my pee brain around right now.
Soooooooo, my little loves and I took a break from life today and we kicked it to the great outdoors. We took a picnic to the local apple orchard, got some pumpkins and gourds to decorate the apartment with, cooked a pumpkin to make a pie, and got a boatload of winterberries on our way home to put in all of my sap buckets.
It was a MUCH needed and super fun break.
And tonight, Grampy & Grammy are going to come over, and Kevy and I are going to have ourselves a wee little date where we can just focus on each other for awhile, try and forget about the stresses of life, and maybe - just maybe - solidify our little boy's name!
Aaaaaahhhh. A needed and much appreciated day.
A Cup of Sanity
Daddy & Kaden are out to breakfast together, Jesse is looking at books in his crib because he seems to have taken large doses of impy pills this morning and needs to just chill out, and I am having a cup of coffee to start my day.
A few moments of sanity before I feel that chaos may rule supreme on this rainy day....
My church gave me a bee-you-ti-ful baby shower on Saturday! I was so blown away that I was even getting a shower - for my 3rd child - and him being my 3rd boy, no less! But, the awesome lady who was the brains behind the operation told me that every baby deserves a party! So sweet! There were no silly games or things like that, and really no agenda. It was just a lovely - quite elegant - brunch in a very relaxed atmosphere, and she had me go from table to table to unwrap each woman's gift that she had brought with her. It was kind of a neat idea; I was able to personally visit for a few minutes with each woman there. It was a really fun, special morning. And wee one now has some brand new things of his very own that will not have been loved on and used by his two older brothers. :0)
I had my 38 week appointment yesterday, and amazingly, my health is still right on! I am just so thankful and pleased. The only downside is that my labor this time around potentially may be of "normal" length as my body isn't sick. Hmmmmm, I'm kind of fond of the under 4 hours from start to finish variety. But, I'd much rather be healthy, I guess. I'm going into it with no expectations.
We're finally hearing more details about the house. It looks like possibly/potentially/maybe/but who really and truly knows - we might/but might not be able to close on our house at the tail end of this week......maybe.........
Neither of us are holding our breath - at all - but at least things look like they are moving. I like movement. This puts me even closer to my due date, but we're just rolling with it. Whatever will be will be. We're taking things one day at a time.
I think I just need ONE more pot - I mean cup - of coffee before the day takes off....
A few moments of sanity before I feel that chaos may rule supreme on this rainy day....
My church gave me a bee-you-ti-ful baby shower on Saturday! I was so blown away that I was even getting a shower - for my 3rd child - and him being my 3rd boy, no less! But, the awesome lady who was the brains behind the operation told me that every baby deserves a party! So sweet! There were no silly games or things like that, and really no agenda. It was just a lovely - quite elegant - brunch in a very relaxed atmosphere, and she had me go from table to table to unwrap each woman's gift that she had brought with her. It was kind of a neat idea; I was able to personally visit for a few minutes with each woman there. It was a really fun, special morning. And wee one now has some brand new things of his very own that will not have been loved on and used by his two older brothers. :0)
I had my 38 week appointment yesterday, and amazingly, my health is still right on! I am just so thankful and pleased. The only downside is that my labor this time around potentially may be of "normal" length as my body isn't sick. Hmmmmm, I'm kind of fond of the under 4 hours from start to finish variety. But, I'd much rather be healthy, I guess. I'm going into it with no expectations.
We're finally hearing more details about the house. It looks like possibly/potentially/maybe/but who really and truly knows - we might/but might not be able to close on our house at the tail end of this week......maybe.........
Neither of us are holding our breath - at all - but at least things look like they are moving. I like movement. This puts me even closer to my due date, but we're just rolling with it. Whatever will be will be. We're taking things one day at a time.
I think I just need ONE more pot - I mean cup - of coffee before the day takes off....
Trusting...
It's Midnight.
Kaden just came into our bathroom to go pee and COMPLETELY overshot the toilet in his delirium. So, after cleaning up a small pond on the floor, settling him back into bed, and tripping over the kitten who's telling me that her food bowl is empty.....I'm finding myself wide awake!
Tomorrow I'll be 38 weeks.....Kaden was born at this stage of the game the first time. I'm feeling ready. In fact, just last night I thought I was in labor. I've been having some pretty good practice contractions for quite some time now, but I was thinking that last night might be "it." An overactive imagination, I guess.
Over the week-end, we have found out that we will not be closing on the house on Wednesday. Kind of a bummer, but it's something so big and so out of our hands - all we can do is trust and wait. I don't even really understand all of the details of all of the "why's," but I'm just trying to trust and wait. For now, packing is on hold - I'm not going to unpack what I've already done - but I'm just going to rearrange my whole thought process and kind of plan that I might be bringing the baby back here as opposed to our house.....maybe....I don't know...depending on our new closing date....if there is one...:0)
Our perspective is pretty good for the most part. We know the Lord is in control. We know that life doesn't end when a new baby comes. And we know that if and when we move, the chaos will quickly become organized and order will resume. So, for right now, until we hear anything new about the house, we're just focusing on our family and getting ready for our new little addition. In some ways, it's actually simplifying life for me a bit as there is no point in packing and such at least for the moment.
This extra time will allow me to focus on my more imminent needs, like solidifying a name for our poor little one. That's a bigger stress for me right now....
Any suggestions?
Kaden just came into our bathroom to go pee and COMPLETELY overshot the toilet in his delirium. So, after cleaning up a small pond on the floor, settling him back into bed, and tripping over the kitten who's telling me that her food bowl is empty.....I'm finding myself wide awake!
Tomorrow I'll be 38 weeks.....Kaden was born at this stage of the game the first time. I'm feeling ready. In fact, just last night I thought I was in labor. I've been having some pretty good practice contractions for quite some time now, but I was thinking that last night might be "it." An overactive imagination, I guess.
Over the week-end, we have found out that we will not be closing on the house on Wednesday. Kind of a bummer, but it's something so big and so out of our hands - all we can do is trust and wait. I don't even really understand all of the details of all of the "why's," but I'm just trying to trust and wait. For now, packing is on hold - I'm not going to unpack what I've already done - but I'm just going to rearrange my whole thought process and kind of plan that I might be bringing the baby back here as opposed to our house.....maybe....I don't know...depending on our new closing date....if there is one...:0)
Our perspective is pretty good for the most part. We know the Lord is in control. We know that life doesn't end when a new baby comes. And we know that if and when we move, the chaos will quickly become organized and order will resume. So, for right now, until we hear anything new about the house, we're just focusing on our family and getting ready for our new little addition. In some ways, it's actually simplifying life for me a bit as there is no point in packing and such at least for the moment.
This extra time will allow me to focus on my more imminent needs, like solidifying a name for our poor little one. That's a bigger stress for me right now....
Any suggestions?
Winding Down.....
As the days creep ever closer to my due date, I am trying to be in the moment, trying to savor, desperate to remember all of the movements, the thoughts, the mini conversations between myself and this little one....
I don't want to forget, because what if this is my last? What if our family is complete after this third birth? You never know. We've always said that we'll take one baby at a time, we'll wait on the Lord, we'll do nothing permanent until we're sure.
But, if this is it - I don't want my last days to be looked back on remembering that I was running right on screech right up until he arrived. I don't want to "fit" my labor and delivery into the "perfect schedule" of what would work best with this whole house and the chaos of moving.
I just want to be in the moment - and savor everything.
This post is an awesome reminder to me to do just that. I love this woman. I love the way she writes, the way she mothers, and the way she walks with Jesus.
I don't want to forget, because what if this is my last? What if our family is complete after this third birth? You never know. We've always said that we'll take one baby at a time, we'll wait on the Lord, we'll do nothing permanent until we're sure.
But, if this is it - I don't want my last days to be looked back on remembering that I was running right on screech right up until he arrived. I don't want to "fit" my labor and delivery into the "perfect schedule" of what would work best with this whole house and the chaos of moving.
I just want to be in the moment - and savor everything.
This post is an awesome reminder to me to do just that. I love this woman. I love the way she writes, the way she mothers, and the way she walks with Jesus.
Homeward Stretch!
We are back home from a wonderful week of seeing family and friends, some really encouraging support raising, and lots of 4-wheeling, being outside, and chilling with people that we love.
I've entered the stage of lots of "lasts." That was my last time up home before the baby comes, tomorrow will be my last day of work, I'm through the last week where my midwife would like to keep baby inside - now he is free and clear to come whenever!; and I'm trying to do lots of last minute packing, cleaning, and little special things with my boys.
Just this past week we finally purchased a car seat - now we'll be allowed to bring him home from the hospital! Just a couple of nights ago, I also finally packed my overnight bag and a diaper bag for the baby. And, I picked up a couple of gifts for the boys from their baby brother. Sooooo - we're golden. Major stuff taken care of.
And now for the rest of our life......
The plan right now is for us to close on our house next Wednesday - one week away. The bank is confused with our unique situation and the fact that we are support raising, so many things are still up in the air. However, we are just moving forward - trusting AND packing - as though all will go through. There's really nothing else we can do until we know for sure.
I had my midwife appointment yesterday, and all is still great with my health. By now, during my pregnancy with Kaden, my body was breaking down big time; and by now with Jesse - little signs were starting to show. I'm still not totally in the clear, but I only need to be on my left side for an hour a day, so I can still clean and organize like a wild woman for a good amount of my days!
So, that's the update on our life for now. I'm really not feeling overly stressed - just kind of taking one day at a time. Whenever baby comes, he comes - and what doesn't get done, doesn't get done. It's as simple as that!
A daily prayer for me:
"Lord, help me to slow and see the sacred in the chaos."
I've entered the stage of lots of "lasts." That was my last time up home before the baby comes, tomorrow will be my last day of work, I'm through the last week where my midwife would like to keep baby inside - now he is free and clear to come whenever!; and I'm trying to do lots of last minute packing, cleaning, and little special things with my boys.
Just this past week we finally purchased a car seat - now we'll be allowed to bring him home from the hospital! Just a couple of nights ago, I also finally packed my overnight bag and a diaper bag for the baby. And, I picked up a couple of gifts for the boys from their baby brother. Sooooo - we're golden. Major stuff taken care of.
And now for the rest of our life......
The plan right now is for us to close on our house next Wednesday - one week away. The bank is confused with our unique situation and the fact that we are support raising, so many things are still up in the air. However, we are just moving forward - trusting AND packing - as though all will go through. There's really nothing else we can do until we know for sure.
I had my midwife appointment yesterday, and all is still great with my health. By now, during my pregnancy with Kaden, my body was breaking down big time; and by now with Jesse - little signs were starting to show. I'm still not totally in the clear, but I only need to be on my left side for an hour a day, so I can still clean and organize like a wild woman for a good amount of my days!
So, that's the update on our life for now. I'm really not feeling overly stressed - just kind of taking one day at a time. Whenever baby comes, he comes - and what doesn't get done, doesn't get done. It's as simple as that!
A daily prayer for me:
"Lord, help me to slow and see the sacred in the chaos."
And We're OFF!!!
After a night of:
*Packing for a week in the County
*Cleaning cat poop & pee out of the kid's tent b/c she couldn't get to her litter box
*Scrubbing two huge stains that I found on our 2 carpets
*Finding an exploded jar of applesauce in my freezer
*Cleaning under my kitchen sink & scrubbing my kitchen floor b/c our faucet had a massive leak that went EVERYWHERE
*AND hubby buying us Chinese food after the kid's went to bed.....Ahem, we earned it!
We are off - like a herd of turtles - for a week in the County!
I am packing nothing babywise - I've never had a baby before week 38, and we're only in week 37, so I'm crossing my fingers.
I do have a plan, however. My childhood best friend's mom is a labor and delivery nurse and she lives at the end of our dirt road, and my Dad is an EMT. So, should any labor take place, I'm moseying myself right up to her little house and promptly demanding that she & Dad take over!
That could send Kev to an early grave......
The countdown begins!
*Packing for a week in the County
*Cleaning cat poop & pee out of the kid's tent b/c she couldn't get to her litter box
*Scrubbing two huge stains that I found on our 2 carpets
*Finding an exploded jar of applesauce in my freezer
*Cleaning under my kitchen sink & scrubbing my kitchen floor b/c our faucet had a massive leak that went EVERYWHERE
*AND hubby buying us Chinese food after the kid's went to bed.....Ahem, we earned it!
We are off - like a herd of turtles - for a week in the County!
I am packing nothing babywise - I've never had a baby before week 38, and we're only in week 37, so I'm crossing my fingers.
I do have a plan, however. My childhood best friend's mom is a labor and delivery nurse and she lives at the end of our dirt road, and my Dad is an EMT. So, should any labor take place, I'm moseying myself right up to her little house and promptly demanding that she & Dad take over!
That could send Kev to an early grave......
The countdown begins!
Nesting Weirdness
I'm always slightly psycho when it comes time for my babies to be born.
I'm an organizer/culler/chucker fanatic anyway - I really really love things organized, and I really really hate clutter, and I get a weird satisfaction out of throwing things away, and I love getting junk out of my house, so this whole moving thing is fairly conducive to what I tend to do around this time, anyway.
I wish I had a few more weeks of cushion before the baby comes, and I wish I wasn't quite so huge because I lose my breathe and get light headed quite often from all of the bending and lifting and getting up and down all the time, and I'm already placed on one hour a day of bed rest which will only increase with each appointment - but it's all good. We're rolling with it......sometimes, quite literally.
ANYWAY - where was I going with this whole post, in the first place?.......Oh yes, my weirdness.....
Usually, along with all of my organizing, I'm stocking up on meals and foody items for my little family as well - cooking chickens, making bread dough, mixing up casseroles etc. - all to freeze and have for easy meals when chaos abounds.
This time, however, my mind is so not even there!
I think it's the time of year. Or maybe it's my 3rd child, and I'm just more relaxed about it. But, instead of filling my freezer with substantial meals etc., I have been filling it with all sorts of jams, applesauce, and just this past week-end I tried my hand at apple butter. I'll post the recipe soon. It's delish. There is now no room for meals - there are only jars!
I do totally think it's the time of year. There is so much goodness to be had and to not miss out on. So, although my men will have nothing to fill their bellies with during supper hours of nuttyness - I am super excited that I have not missed out on any of the summer and fall bounty of the fruit and apples that we've had.
Meals are so overrated, anyway. What's wrong with a good bowl of popcorn?
I'm an organizer/culler/chucker fanatic anyway - I really really love things organized, and I really really hate clutter, and I get a weird satisfaction out of throwing things away, and I love getting junk out of my house, so this whole moving thing is fairly conducive to what I tend to do around this time, anyway.
I wish I had a few more weeks of cushion before the baby comes, and I wish I wasn't quite so huge because I lose my breathe and get light headed quite often from all of the bending and lifting and getting up and down all the time, and I'm already placed on one hour a day of bed rest which will only increase with each appointment - but it's all good. We're rolling with it......sometimes, quite literally.
ANYWAY - where was I going with this whole post, in the first place?.......Oh yes, my weirdness.....
Usually, along with all of my organizing, I'm stocking up on meals and foody items for my little family as well - cooking chickens, making bread dough, mixing up casseroles etc. - all to freeze and have for easy meals when chaos abounds.
This time, however, my mind is so not even there!
I think it's the time of year. Or maybe it's my 3rd child, and I'm just more relaxed about it. But, instead of filling my freezer with substantial meals etc., I have been filling it with all sorts of jams, applesauce, and just this past week-end I tried my hand at apple butter. I'll post the recipe soon. It's delish. There is now no room for meals - there are only jars!
I do totally think it's the time of year. There is so much goodness to be had and to not miss out on. So, although my men will have nothing to fill their bellies with during supper hours of nuttyness - I am super excited that I have not missed out on any of the summer and fall bounty of the fruit and apples that we've had.
Meals are so overrated, anyway. What's wrong with a good bowl of popcorn?
Jehovah Jireh...(or is it Jirah?)
We have probably only been yard saling about three times this summer, and each time, the Lord has led us to specific sales where I have been able to clothe my wee ones for this next year. It is SO hard to find little boy clothing, let alone little boy clothing that isn't half destroyed with holes and stains! Knowing that baby #3 is also a manchild, I can't afford to purchase clothing that is already worn down when I have three boys that need to wear it, as well.
Today, we totally and completely hit the jackpot!
For about $25.oo, BEHOLD:
This is what this stash contains:
for Kaden:
4 pair of jeans
1 pair of dress pants
2 dress shirts
1 tank top
7 long sleeved shirts
1 hoody sweatshirt
ski pants
an L.L. Bean winter jacket with matching hat
2 pair of winter gloves
for Jesse:
1 t-shirt
2 dress shirts
1 hoody sweatshirt
1 pair of jeans
3 pair of dress pants
1 fall jacket still with the tags on it
ski pants
winter jacket
AND - We also scored these fun treasures:
a really nice backpack (Kev kinda has a thing for bags & backpacks)
tons of really fun books for the kids
a few kidlet movies
and 2 Nalgene bottles
I am just so so thrilled and excited about all of these new treasures! Between these buys and my previous purchases, my boys really are just about set for this whole next year barring just a few hodge podge items.
And finally:
Here I am in all of my glory at 36 weeks. The comments I am hearing lately all sound about like this: "WOW! Could your stomach get ANY bigger?"
Just wait and see, my friends. Just wait and see.
Bless your little hearts..........
Today, we totally and completely hit the jackpot!
For about $25.oo, BEHOLD:
This is what this stash contains:
for Kaden:
4 pair of jeans
1 pair of dress pants
2 dress shirts
1 tank top
7 long sleeved shirts
1 hoody sweatshirt
ski pants
an L.L. Bean winter jacket with matching hat
2 pair of winter gloves
for Jesse:
1 t-shirt
2 dress shirts
1 hoody sweatshirt
1 pair of jeans
3 pair of dress pants
1 fall jacket still with the tags on it
ski pants
winter jacket
AND - We also scored these fun treasures:
a really nice backpack (Kev kinda has a thing for bags & backpacks)
tons of really fun books for the kids
a few kidlet movies
and 2 Nalgene bottles
I am just so so thrilled and excited about all of these new treasures! Between these buys and my previous purchases, my boys really are just about set for this whole next year barring just a few hodge podge items.
And finally:
Here I am in all of my glory at 36 weeks. The comments I am hearing lately all sound about like this: "WOW! Could your stomach get ANY bigger?"
Just wait and see, my friends. Just wait and see.
Bless your little hearts..........
35 Weeks & Counting.....
We're on the homeward stretch now. I may be totally wrong, but I feel in my bones that I'm not going to last until October 11. My body feels ready. We shall see.
I'd like baby to stay inside at least until a week before due date because of the whole house situation. I would really love to be moved in, painted, and settled - but we'll roll with whatever happens.
I'm planning what I can with full knowledge that all may need to be thrown to the wind! But pretending that I really can plan my whole life out, here goes:
* Putter and organize for the rest of this week.
* Go up to the County all next week to see family & do a little support raising.
* The following week do some hard core packing, culling, & organizing.
* Saturday the 26th, my church is giving me a baby shower!
* Mom will take the kids back with her for a few days after that.
* The final week of September - Pack up everything on Sun., Mon., & Tues.
* Close on our house Wednesday the 30th.
* Move everything over there that day. Start painting.
* Paint on October 1st & 2nd (Thurs. & Fri.)
* Unpack and settle in on the 3rd & 4th (Sat. & Sun.)
* My boys will come back to me sometime on the week-end.
And then - baby is free and clear to come anytime after that!
How's that for a plan?
Kinda' like trying to nail jello to a tree.........
I'd like baby to stay inside at least until a week before due date because of the whole house situation. I would really love to be moved in, painted, and settled - but we'll roll with whatever happens.
I'm planning what I can with full knowledge that all may need to be thrown to the wind! But pretending that I really can plan my whole life out, here goes:
* Putter and organize for the rest of this week.
* Go up to the County all next week to see family & do a little support raising.
* The following week do some hard core packing, culling, & organizing.
* Saturday the 26th, my church is giving me a baby shower!
* Mom will take the kids back with her for a few days after that.
* The final week of September - Pack up everything on Sun., Mon., & Tues.
* Close on our house Wednesday the 30th.
* Move everything over there that day. Start painting.
* Paint on October 1st & 2nd (Thurs. & Fri.)
* Unpack and settle in on the 3rd & 4th (Sat. & Sun.)
* My boys will come back to me sometime on the week-end.
And then - baby is free and clear to come anytime after that!
How's that for a plan?
Kinda' like trying to nail jello to a tree.........
Summer's Last Hurrah
We wanted to do one last big thing this summer with the boys before baby #3 comes and before the crazyness of our house gets underway, so this week-end we kicked it for three nights and three days to Rangeley. We've hardly done a thing with Kev's mom and Bruce all summer, so we all went together to Bruce's little island camp where we spent half of our Honeymoon 10 years ago. I think that the last time we went there was when Kaden was only six weeks old, so it was so SO nice to get back!
We decided last minute to leave when I got out of work on Wednesday, instead of losing about three hours on Thursday to driving, so we didn't arrive until around 9:30 Wednesday night. The moon was full and gorgeous, and the boys were absolutely mesmerized as we boated over to the island.
Where we are at this stage in our lives, this really is the most perfect little vacation getaway. It's far enough away that we feel like we really have taken a break from life, there is no electricity, it's quiet and beautiful, it's cheap - just gas and groceries, and it's really a little kid's paradise.
For three days, all we did was chill; eat; visit; and play and swim in the water and catch crayfish, minnows, and chubs - which the boys put in buckets and held to their heart's content...with many a pinch from the crayfish, but it didn't seem to hinder them any!
We also had fires and made pudgy pies, went for boat rides, and just really vegged together as a family in the beauty of God's creation all around us.
Here's a pic of this little room that we all shared together:
It was super cute and cozy, and we would all go to bed together at the same time and talk and tell stories. Really, the only things that the island contains are the little A-frame camp where Pat & Bruce slept, an A-frame boathouse where we slept in the upper loft, and an A-frame outhouse! It's pretty tiny, but oh - what a haven it is!
It was lovely.