GLOWing Reports

You know, just the other day Josh was complaining about the lack of crazy Jackson/Emmett stories on my blog. Amazingly he's right, things have been fairly calm. And of course, there's only so many times you can write about your walls being drawn on before it gets rather boring. But now he gets his wish.

I sent Jackson to bed tonight with a little glow stick Josh had brought home the night before. It was still glowing a nice purple color, and I didn't really see any harm in him having it in bed with him. It DOES look pretty cool in the dark.

Well, he ate it.

Okay, that's a bit dramatic. He didn't ACTUALLY eat it. But he did puncture it with his teeth allowing "glow juice" to spill out on himself, a little up a nostril, a bit in his mouth . . .

And he's sobbing, because apparently it burns. I'm calling Josh at work, and he misunderstands me thinking I meant Jackson bit into a light bulb. He tells me this is bad because light bulbs have mercury. I'm freaking out because I think Jackson ate mercury. After a few moments of pandemonium we get ourselves on the same page.

I goo.gle the ingredients in glow sticks, and supposedly they are non-toxic, but for your information they don't recommend digesting them, because apparently they could cause some irritation.

You think? For him and me both . . .

I gave Jackson a bath, scrubbed his teeth, etc. He's content, although still not asleep. And I sit here wondering yet again, whatever is wrong with that boy?

So, in the event you think it no big deal to let your kid take a glow stick to bed, remember this cautionary tale. ;oP

Fevers, Valances, and Art

I'm home tonight with my boys--a rare occurrence on a Wednesday evening. Jackson woke up from his nap today with a fever. He complained of a need to throw up--which he didn't--and also was rather concerned about throwing up on the new carpet at Cubbies. ;o) I decided it was probably better he remained home tonight, 'cause he's right, we wouldn't want to christen that new carpet already. ;o) He seems okay though, fever came down on its own, so we'll see what becomes of this. (Hopefully something minor . . .) Although I must admit to welcoming a quiet evening at home. Wednesday evenings have a tendency to do me in and I am thankful for a reprieve tonight. And Josh is even working it out that he will pick the girls up from church after he gets off of work, so I don't have to go back for them. Woohoo!

I sewed up some valances for my dining room, and while the picture is rather boring, I am rather excited that the whole window treatment cost me about $13 (and that's throwing in the Twix candy bar I got with the rods . . .). ;o) They are made out of a simple homespun fabric found at Hob.by Lob.by for 30% off, and the rods are those cheapy white metal ones, but since they're covered up entirely, I could really care less what they are. While they may not be an elite window covering, they fit my decorating style and add a bit of warmth to the dining room area. I found something similar online and they were asking $21.50 per valance, and I would have needed three for sure. That's some good savings. ;o) And these are very much made in a not-perfectionist style, I LEFT the SELVAGE edges--didn't even finish them off, and I measured and stitched quickly, causing some areas to not be straight. But once you get them all scrunched up there, you really can't tell. It's a very unfussy, quick project if you have some naked windows somewhere in your house.

Among other news Isabella drew a rather interesting picture of Adam and Eve in her Bible Notebook today. Let's just say everyone is anatomically correct. Every time I see it I burst out laughing again. Which is probably a terrible thing for a mother to admit, but it's true. I think Josh might be right, sometimes it IS the quiet ones you have to watch out for. ;o)

That about sums up today. And now to finish enjoying my quiet evening. ;o)

Happenings around the Home

Consider this a "public service announcement" ;o)

Here are two awesome pumpkin recipes, one for frosted pumpkin cupcakes, the other for the pumpkin donuts I made for Marissa's birthday last week. They are both delicious. I think I have made something with pumpkin in it nearly every week since discovering that pumpkin was back in the store. And right now, I kid you not, I have my pick of leftover pumpkin pie, the pumpkin cupcakes, and sweet/spicy pumpkin seeds to snack on. Life is good. And pumpkin is healthy for you right? (You'll all understand if this baby has a slight orange-ish tint. And weighs 12 lbs.) ;o)

Hob.by Lob.by has tons of fall decorations 50% off and Mich.aels has pretty much all their fall garlands 60% off and the "fall stems" 70%. So, if you haven't had a chance to decorate, there are some good sales right now. I got some pretty earth tone pip berry sprays for a mere $0.59 a piece. That's affordable decorating. ;o) Also, stay tuned, but my favorite craft fair is coming up--the one at St. Mar.k's--it usually is the first or second week in November. If you've never been to a craft fair, you must go. If you like primitives, you must go. They have other things too, but I especially love to see what other people make in the prim decor style and then see if I can replicate it. And speaking of primitives, this weekend I discovered a whole bunch of blogs dedicated to prim decorating and have had some fun following links to see how people make their own stuff, arrange it, etc. Like this or this.

There is a habitat of "super worms" in my garage (think bigger meal worms). Josh thought it would be fun to raise them and watch their metamorphosis into beetles. I'm thinking watching caterpillars change to butterflies might be a bit more palatable. Having grown up on a farm, all I can think is maggots, really big maggots. If you need some of your own they can be purchased fairly cheaply at your nearest Pet.co.

I have a plan to de-missionize (this is a word of my own making, I'll explain more later) my bedroom set. It's going to require Josh's assistance and a bit of time, but in the end I think it will look pretty cool--and black. ;o) I also have a few dumpster finds to get started on. Would you believe I found a sturdy train table laying next to the trash last week? The top needs a bit of tlc, but it can easily be swapped out for a piece of smooth plywood cut to size. I've wanted to get them one, but usually we're looking somewhere in the $80-$100 range. And I found one for free! Yippee!

The due date is officially eight weeks away--and for your information--Christmas just a few days beyond that. I'm definitely feeling the time crunch. September and October have FLOWN by, and I'm pretty sure November will too. That seems to be the way it goes, the busier you are. I have quite a lot of stuff to get done in the next month. I finally bought one outfit for the little guy. (I discovered the Osh.kosh outlet has a whole bunch of "woodland" themed infant boy clothes . . . I love when I can extend the theme to everything). ;o) But I need to start stocking up in all departments, meal freezing, baby supplies, household supplies . . . I want to be prepared for my hermitage . . . or as someone more sweetly named it "baby-moon" you know kind of like a honeymoon only it involves staying at home and falling in love/getting to know your new little one.

Okay, I am done rambling for this morning. Hope everyone has a great start to the week! ;o)

Some Marissa Party Pics

We began with some pumpkin carving in the basement--believe it or not a first for our family! Followed by a soup supper--my mother-in-law's Chili, my mom's Chicken Enchilada, and my Baked Potato, cornbread, my sister's 7 Layer Salad, carmel apples, and apple cider. (Have I ever mentioned how much I love fall foods and flavors . . . ?) ;o)
Marissa opened her gifts, some roller blades, a book on woodworking, the first "Betsy-Tacy" book, a hula hoop, and a matching blue shirt, socks, and headband. An interesting combination of items for an interesting girl. :o) We then had pumpkin pie--at her request--with trick candles, unfortunately, the trick candles were ummm, "trickless." We lit them up again, waited the required amount of time, but still, no tricks.

And then we lit up the pumpkins. Jackson was in his glory, Emmett a bit frightened. The basement still has the delightful (?) smell of raw pumpkin lingering in the air.

A very fun evening. And now for a day of recovery. Thankfully the house is all clean (except for my room of course . . . the room where the door had to remain shut . . .) ;o) We officially are relishing in the 2-4-6-8 ages of our kids--it makes it so easy for Josh--and the last party of the year is complete. Now to get ready for this little fellow . . . Just somewhere in the vicinity of eight more weeks!

What "Scary" Means

I'm not sure what scary looks like to you when I use it describe to the state of affairs at home, but for me it looks something like the above picture. (The red paper would be a new roll of wrapping paper used to create a house, and then torn to shreds). It never fails to amaze me how a few days off-kilter creates possibly a few weeks of work. The good news, the downstairs looks much better. Josh still had some time off yesterday morning/early afternoon thanks to fall break, and while I did things like unearth my counters, wash three loads of dishes, etc. He did the big jobs--like steam clean the dining room carpet and dismantle the entire refrigerator and make it all sparkly again. Perhaps he is nesting too? ;o)

Among other news we are all well-slept this morning, Jackson setting the record for a nice 14 hours of sleep. After a huge fit late afternoon involving loud wailing, red face, sweating and even drooling--all because I didn't cut out the correct shape of train engine for him (!?!) I suggested kindly he go to bed. ;o) Amazingly he took my suggestion to heart and I was quite astonished to discover him asleep a few minutes later when I went to retrieve him for supper. So from 5 pm to 7 am he slept and slept and slept. I sent everyone else to bed at 7:30 and they slept until 7 this morning. Even I got in a nice 10 hours! So, we are feeling good today. ;o) Hopefully energized enough to tackle those upstairs bedrooms . . .

A few Pics from the Big Day

We began with a birthday breakfast of frosted pumpkin donuts. And they were really good. ;o) Marissa and I each opened our presents, a cool rock tumbler for her (which will be running in our garage for the next TWO weeks!) and my first ipod-ish type of technology which I am really looking forward to using. Josh thought it would come in handy when I begin the attempt of reminding my body what it looks like sans growing baby. Perhaps it will make treadmill time more palatable? ;o)

Me at thirty, the belly at thirty-one (weeks). ;o)

We then headed for Omaha. We were planning on a picnic at Mah.oney State Park, but last minute decided to make for the zoo. We packed a picnic and spent a few hours there. Which, to be perfectly honest was about all the walking I could handle. The weather was BEAUTIFUL. I couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day. We made it through the rain forest--one of my main reasons for wanting to go there, since we are studying it right now for school. Marissa was delighted to see an arapaima fish, a really big fish we had learned about, and also informed Josh and I about the snorkeling techniques of tapirs. ;o) Oh, to have a brain that could still absorb and remember everything . . . I enjoyed the foliage, the sunshine, and the beautiful blue skies that graced the day.

We then came home, rested up a bit and used our Re.d Rob.in "birthday burger" coupons for supper. Next on the list, a bonfire at his parents and s'more roasting . . . Or so I thought . . .

I was completely shocked to discover a houseful of people at Josh's parents house waiting to surprise me! Unfortunately, I have no pictures to share--although I think there are some on my mother-in-law's camera. I am so incredibly humbled by the work that went into pulling this off and that so many people would even show up and make my day so special. What a lovely evening with lovely company. Thank you to everyone who sent me such sweet well-wishes. You all have truly made my 30th a day I will never forget. I am so very blessed.

And now, back to reality--the only thing that could have made yesterday better was if the cleaning and laundry fairies had showed up and gotten about their business. Alas, that was not the case. ;o) It's pretty scary here right now.

Yesterday was definitely a treasure of a day--thank you to everyone who shared a part, big or small.

Happy 8th Marissa Grace!!!

You were due October 20, 2001, and while I knew there was a possibility you could be born on my birthday I didn't really think that would happen. And when my contractions began the evening of October 17th I assumed you would be born sometime the next day, on the 18th. But nope, you decided to hold out, finally making an appearance at 10:13 pm, the evening of MY 22nd birthday, and well, now it was your birthday too. I had waited my whole life for that moment. My dream as far back as I can remember was to be a mommy. And you made that dream officially come true.

I adored you. You were beautiful, amazing, and of course the very smartest baby that EVER existed. ;o) (me and you--one month old)

I loved staying home with you. I loved being a mommy. You were my pal in everything I did, a constant companion. Around three months old I began to read you books. By the time you were eight months you were "un-booking" my shelves on a daily basis. At ten months you said your first word "doggie" and you haven't stopped talking since. ;o) I can still here that first word, I still remember that sound of your first giggle. Some things you just don't forget.

You were a thumb-sucker and loved to feel your special yellow blankie with your fingers. You named your blankie "blank" and for the longest time Daddy and I spoke in blanket code, there was "blank" and "green blank" and "big blank" and it seemed a perfectly normal way to speak.

Those times seem forever ago. I can't believe you're eight--I remember being eight myself--and it's crazy to think I have a daughter THAT old. But you are a joy to me. You're everything I ever hoped you'd be. You have a thirst for knowledge that amazes me and I love that I can have almost-adult conversations with you. I love seeing you up a tree or immersed in a book. I love your zest for life and adventure. I love that you don't fit a mold, one moment a poet, the next obsessed with recycling, the next a determined athlete, the next sewing . . . You just are you, with a million different interests and a need to know about everything. You are a huge help to me at home in so many little ways. We have our battles of course, but I hope you always know how incredible you are to me, how proud I am of you. Eight years with you has been a blessing indeed. Keep your heart for Jesus.

Love you forever my Rissy girl.

Today is the very last day . . .

(me--about 1 1/2 years old)

. . . of my twenties!!!! It's here--a day I've been anticipating/preparing for since I turned 29 last fall. There's something about those birthdays that have a "0" at the end that that just make you think. It's a great time to remember where I've been, contemplate where I'm going, and hopefully measure the growth that has come about.
I remember 10 . . . I was in fourth grade attending a country school 2 miles from my home, taking piano lessons from a neighbor lady. I loved to read, I loved to write. My dog had recently had her first and only litter of puppies. I named one Sparkles. My mom threw me a surprise party. My world was very small, my life very simple.
I remember 20 . . . I was newly engaged and had life completely figured out. I was living with a room-mate. I had quit Neb.raska Wes.leyan and was taking some classes at SCC, working in a Montessori preschool, teaching a bit of Kinder.musik. Life was fun, exciting, and pretty much centered around me, me, me.

And now to be facing 30. I am truly amazed at what ten years has brought about in my life.

I have almost 9 1/2 years of marriage under my belt, four going on five children, I've seen times of prosperity and times of extreme need. I've faced a major health issue. My twenties have been very, very full.

And as a result I have learned so, so much. I think the very most important lesson for me has been to accept that God is still in control, and He is calling the shots. Not me. And there were times, especially during the 2nd half of my twenties where I seriously questioned how He was working in my life. Times I found myself very unhappy with His plan. You automatically assume your life situation--finances, home, vehicle, etc.-- is going to keep improving, and you never dream of having to actually go backwards and basically start again. But that happened. You don't expect to be 26 and deciding which coastline to head to, in hopes of picking the right doctor to cut your head open. But that happened too. Stuff happens, life happens. And many times I found myself fighting God on the inside, angry at my life. That attitude lost me a lot of time I could have been enjoying the simple and tender graces and joys each day afforded me. There is no waiting for "the next best thing." There is just simply "now" and choosing to live it--whatever "it" may be--to the best of my ability, bringing glory to God with this day. It is a constant lesson in contentment, knowing what God has given me right now, is the best of His plan for me. There have been hard times, but in retrospect I wouldn't take back a single one. I can see His hand now guiding and shaping, when I thought He was overlooking and ignoring. Those times of neediness, desperation, hurt, fear--those were the times that brought about a greater reliance and a greater awe at how God works. And that was a good place to be. I would much rather be aware of those daily miracles because of my great need for them, than to be oblivious because I have the world "by the tail."

And so tomorrow I face 30, a new decade, a new era. I can't help but wonder what's up ahead, where will I be in ten more years? I'll have a house full of teenagers and pre-teens!!! And while I should bemoan the fact I'm *gasp* AGING--even though I still feel like I just got out of high school--I am rejoicing at the person I see God shaping. I think there's a much wiser person sitting here at 30 than there was at age 20. That makes me very happy, and makes 30 a very sweet birthday indeed.

My Paintbrush and I

It all began with the hutch . . . which now is decorated in full autumn splendor. ;o) Oh, and see that little green birdhouse on top? That WAS black, but now is green. ;o)I had so much black paint left, and seeing as I was all set up for painting, I thought I might as well paint a few more things. Like my book shelf in the dining room (although, now I must paint that shelf on the wall to match--that's next on the list).

And this bench--it used to be part of a corner nook dinette in my kitchen in the first house we owned. Well, we no longer live there, and quite frankly we've kind of outgrown it. I had Josh take the two benches apart, this longer one, and also a shorter one (which I'm hoping to put to use in the girls' room). Now it is a free-standing bench and extra seating in the living room. The table became the "play-dough table" in the basement.

This little bookshelf originally came as a hand-me-down from Josh's grandma. About five years ago I painted it black, and then kind of this white-washed khaki color, and then a dark green, and now, I'm back to black. It's in the downstairs bathroom. Along with a plantation shutter my dad took out of this house he was remodeling and saved for me (which I spray-painted black) and a wall shelf that was white and is now black . . .

This was a very old sewing cabinet, also from Josh's grandma. It has water damage, it's pretty beat up, and there were spider webs in it that I guarantee were older than me. I'm not completely finished with this area yet, but it's going to be our nature corner. Some black paint and new handles make the desk much more appealing. Sometime I'll come back to this--when I get the area completely set up--and show you a before picture. While it's not perfect (there are still some paint touch-ups here and there, and cracked places I just can't do much for) it is MUCH better now. Definitely good enough for the kids to use to display dead bugs and such. ;o)

And this shutter . . . It was originally the lower section of a louvered closet door I found for free on the side of the road. I have a "thing" for shutters (and old window frames) when it comes to decorating. It was really long though. Josh sawed off the smaller section for me. I painted the long part, yes, you know, black. I'm planning on hanging it horizontally over that bench I showed you. Then I'm going to clothespin black and white pictures in the slats at various angles, creating some sort of picture collage. The green sign I made last night, which I'm going to hang over the shutter display. Make sense? Yeah, I'll post pictures whenever I finish this. ;o)

So, there you have it, how I've spent my evenings over the last week. It probably looks like a lot of work, but honestly, I enjoy having some creative outlet to look forward to in the evenings. About a year ago I *almost* completely cut out my tv watching (not that I have anything against you if you do watch tv) but it really has opened up a lot of time for me to do the stuff I want to do. I was amazed to discover that life did go on if I didn't catch the latest episode of whatever show. Shocking, huh? ;o) Now, the rest of my house . . . it's an utter disaster, but at least I have some new-looking furniture to enjoy! AND believe it or not almost half a gallon of paint left!! Hmmmm . . . . What's left to paint?

A Wee Bit of Reality

I must admit to feeling like this woman lately. (If I'm being truly honest, I'm feeling like this woman from the moment I wake up until the moment I go to bed). Heading into this fall, I knew it would be coming, and yet here I find myself feeling those overwhelmed feelings I had so hoped to avoid. It's a combination of things, activity overload, an Emmett who remembered how much fun drawing on walls was (and decided to make up for lost time), spilt milk on my stairs and coffee table, a nearly full bottle of El.mer's glue emptied onto the carpet, toothpaste plastered all over a bathroom, wet sheets, attitude/discipline issues, keeping up with the daily stuff like laundry, dishes and school . . . You get the picture, it's just, you know, LIFE-- a bunch of little things, that by themselves really aren't big deals (and really even added up it's not like this huge catastrophe), but lately it just seems enough to spiral me into a perpetual state of grumpiness and weariness. And not to have myself a pity party, I'd like to think that all of us have times where things start to pile on top of us, but my question is, when those times come, what helps you feel competent again?

Because what really sounds good to me right now is a vacation BY MYSELF with a bottomless bank account at my disposal. I think that would perk me right up. ;o) Of course, this is unfortunately not an option. Neither is a maid.

Not to be a big ol' raincloud for anybody, but just trying to "keep it real." Sooo, how to fill a cup that is perpetually drained (and perhaps cracked too?) :oP Ideas?

A Hutch Makeover

Here is a small-ish hutch I found on Craigs.list this summer--I believe the guy was asking $40 or $45 for it, but Josh got it for me for $30. It was actually in perfect condition and made of solid wood. There were sliding glass doors over the shelves, but Josh took them out for me. I sat with it in my house for awhile trying to decide what I wanted to do with it, in the end opting for the black paint treatment. So, I spent my Saturday afternoon with a gallon of Be.hr's "Black Suede" flat enamel with the primer mixed in. It was a $30 gallon of paint, but I'm very happy with how it went on and covered. (And there is a TON left even after painting a small bookshelf and a bench too!!!)

Two coats of black and a hardware switch and I'm loving it. It will be a great little display piece and fits well next to this little wall between my kitchen and bathroom. I had originally hoped for it to go in the living room, but it looked too small in there. (If you blow the picture up it looks like I didn't paint well on the lower cupboard doors, but there are some panels of "wicker-ish" stuff, that in real life do actually look like they're painted--really they do!);o) Now, you painters out there, is it necessary to do some sort of sealant over this, or am I good to go?

For my Dad--

Your tractor is SOOOO not this cool. ;o)

(idea courtesy of Jackson)

Brrrr . . .

So, October's been rather chilly. And today is one of those days that all I can think about is lighting candles, sipping tea, and eating soup. Unfortunately, soup isn't on the menu today. However, cranberry pork chops is (and mashed potatoes . . . yum!), and this recipe is probably in my top five of favorites. It cooks up in a crock pot, the pork chops are always tender-fall-apart, the gravy delicious.
I don't really have a whole lot of interesting things to report. I've been messing around with little corner in my kitchen, enjoying my gourd bounty from the pumpkin patch, savoring a new Yan.kee candle called "Frosted Pumpkin." They had a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, which really is the only way to acquire these candles. ($25 for the large size!!! Eeek!) So, I'm set for the fall, and I also have "Mulling Spices" for when the Christmas season gets closer. My favorite past-time currently is sitting. I've been trying to work that into the day a bit more. ;o) That doesn't really agree with the job of household management though. Consequently, I've got some messes . . . But I need to adjust my expectations at this point. I think the days of bopping from one task to the next may be over for awhile. Instead my goals must be broken up with periods of recovery. I have to accept that. While these next ten weeks in many ways can't go by quickly enough, at the same time I need to get all I can out of them because they WILL go too fast. I'm in list-making mode, beginning the task of planning out winter book lists, crafts, fun ways to make Christmas special, Christmas presents . . . And then there's the baby stuff! I'm more than determined to be ultra-organized as we combine the busiest time of the year with the busiest time in a family. And I must say, the cold weather of today, IS rather inspiring. ;o) But enough "talking" (and sitting), off for the "doing."

At the Pumpkin Patch

We spent late Saturday afternoon checking out a new pumpkin patch called Blo.om Wh.ere. You're Plant.ed Fa.rm. My friend Anna and her posse joined us for some haybale jumping, cornbox digging, trail walking and of course, pumpkin picking. (Unfortunately mixed in was also an Isabella face-plant off a haybale, an Emmett potty accident, and a Jackson car-sickness episode just one mile away from home . . .) However, it was still a beautiful fall afternoon and I especially enjoyed the wide variety of gourds and specialty pumpkins they had. I wish I had an acre to devote solely to growing fun stuff for fall--another one of those secret little dreams of mine. ;o)

Oh, and if you click on the fun little collage you can see it a whole lot bigger, therefore not needing to bring out the magnifying glass . . .;o)

"My" Month

~a break in the sky today~

October's Bright Blue Weather

by Helen Hunt Jackson

O sun and skies and clouds of June

And flowers of June together,

Ye cannot rival for one hour

October's bright blue weather;

When loud the bumblebee makes haste,

Belated, thriftless vagrant,

And goldenrod is dying fast,

And lanes with grapes are fragrant;

When gentians roll their fringes tight,

To save them for the morning,

And chestnuts fall from satin burs

Without a sound of warning;

When on the ground red apples lie

In piles like jewels shining,

And redder still on old stone walls

Are leaves of woodbine twining;

When all the lovely wayside things

Their white-winged seeds are sowing,

And in the fields, still green and fair,

Late aftermaths are growing;

When springs run low, and on the brooks

In idle, golden freighting,

Bright leaves sink noiseless in the hush

Of woods, for winter waiting;

When comrades seek sweet country haunt

By twos and twos together,

And count like misers hour by hour

October's bright blue weather.

O sun and skies and flowers of June,

Count all your boast together,

Love loveth best of all the year

October's bright blue weather.

I'm not sure if it's because my birthday falls in this month, but October is my favorite month of all. Each day is just a joy to discover what changed, the foliage colors, the pine cones and acorns falling, the corn drying . . . It gives me a bit of a thrill. Each year it's like experiencing it all over again for the first time. The full harvest moon is this Sunday--the 4th--my favorite full moon. ;o) (I edited, originally when I looked it up I thought it said on Saturday, but maybe I was looking at the wrong year)And here's a little bit of trivia I'm sure you were aching to know, but the full harvest moon is the full moon that falls closest to the fall equinox. Usually it winds up being in September, and we won't have another one in October until 2017!!! So enjoy. ;o) (And yes, every full moon has a name, September's was the "full corn moon" but you'll have to goo.gle it if you want to know more.)

So happy October . . . pumpkins, hot cider, cozy blankets, combine rides, and lots and lots of soup . . . sheer bliss.