Daybook: Fall Arrives

This morning dawned cool and crisp.... lows in the 50's.  We've had the windows open every night, and the cool breezes are so welcomed by this body who has it's own internal heating element.  Poor DH!  Canadian though he is, I've been insisting on fans blowing and no covers.. all night long.  I haven't slept this well in months.


Outside My Window...

Cobalt blue skies and sun, and a brisk wind.  Now, brisk for us is 70 degrees.... so take it with a grain of salt, y'all.  I'm just thrilled to be able to watch my kids play soccer without melting!!

I Am Listening To...

Silence.  And the occasional door slam.   The little girls have a friend over, and my boys are oscillating between the basketball hoop, the hockey net and airsoft target practice.  It's as if they don't know what to do first!  Fall means outdoor play here, and the bikes and scooters and balls are in constant motion after 5 months of lying dormant.

I Am Wearing...

Maternity jean shorts and a white maternity tank top, silver hoop earrings, hair in a pony tail.  It's almost time to take Sports Fan to practice, and it will be warm sitting in the sun chatting with the other moms. Earlier today, I had on flared pants and a long-sleeved gray gap shirt. (maternity as well)  We have two wardrobes going these days.  But I don't mind a bit.


I Am So Grateful For...

Dear friends who celebrate this new birth with so much enthusiasm... as evidenced by the wondrous spread they put on for my baby shower yesterday.  It was exquisite.  And re-connecting with some of my local friends that I don't get to see very often (you know how busy we moms can get) warmed my heart. I am very blessed.

I Am Pondering...

Mostly school stuff.  I know, boring.  :P  But since I teach American History for our co-op, I am constantly searching through resources to come up with ways to bring history to life.  The kids are delightful and eager to learn and participate.  I am exhausted, but in a good way.


I Am Reading...

In Conversation With God.  I really want to participate in my bookclub this month, so I need to find Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day.  And I am always reading this.


I Am Thinking...

About this blog, this space.  I am out of practice in writing out these days.  My words tumble all mish-mash and nothing flows.  I've been distracted for far too long.  Can I find my way back?  Can I reclaim my voice?  How will it be... once Little Dude is on the scene?  I am hopeful that I will find the time and the words again.  This may be my last chance to capture these baby years...

I Am Creating.....

Order. And lists.  3 weeks and a bit until my world turns upside down and inside out.  I wish I could just focus on this new life that is coming, but practicality has to kick in here.  There are 5 other children to think of, my classes to cover and plan for the substitute, a meal and weekly plan for my parents to navigate, and many other considerations since I will be unavailable for quite some time.  C-sections are not my preferred modus operandi. Yet, much as I hate them, I need to face it and make accommodations.

On my iPod....

Lots of old western radio shows.  Which is why I don't seem to have an iPod anymore.... maybe I should say "On Action Man's iPod"...  ;P


Towards a Real Education...

Our homeschool co-op is AWESOME.  Coupled with our cd-rom based Math, we are cruising.  My kids love seeing their good friends, and I love that they have to answer to someone! else!  But, I still get to have them home all week.  And! I'm teaching again!  It's so fun.  I didn't realize how much I missed formal classroom teaching.  And being with these students is a real joy.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

We are in preparation mode.  I am slowly assimilating the kids into their new roles, as the need for me to step back and step down increases.  Laundry, dishes, vacuuming, cooking... all of these chores are doable by my older children, and I need to let go and let them help.  So far, they are responding... usually without too much complaining. I know it's good for them.  They need to understand and appreciate the hard work that is family life.  And hopefully, see the joy in it all as well.
:)

To Live the Liturgy...

Religion classes have spawned many interesting dinner discussions, and with All Saints Day around the corner, I expect we will delve even deeper into the mysteries of the faith.  It's wonderful to see even Little Love sharing her new-found knowledge with the family.

I Am Hoping and Praying...

For this Little One.  For the upcoming surgery.  Less understanding forums call it "birth by scalpel"... and while I cannot argue with the accuracy of the statement, I cry out against the implications.  That somehow I have chosen the easy, less natural way, and that I, and my baby, are lesser people for it.  If they only knew how much I abhor this surgery, how much I wish things could happen differently, and how I have been dreading it since that day when two pink lines announced the reality of this newest soul.  It's the bitter pill I must swallow, the dark cloud that has surrounded my thoughts constantly... the mountain of pain and fear and worry I must climb in order to see and hold my bundle of joy. Yes, I need lots of prayers... thank you!
:)

In The Garden....

I am sorry to say that our landscaping neighbors have moved, and I, and my black thumb, are completely on our own.  I do have an e-mail address, and a basic understanding of which flowers should be planted when.  I have been told to stay away from the big box stores, and, armed with this scant knowledge, I will be attempting to keep our front bed looking spiffy.  Right now, the stuff* out there looks great, and I hope it will last through the birth and recovery of Little Dude. (*yeah... don't even ask... have no clue what I planted)

From the Kitchen...

Not much.  Dinner, most nights.  I have a ton of carrots and the makings for carrot cake... we'll see if it gets accomplished.  My plans are for quick, easy meals, and lots of water and diluted juice for me.  I'm combating the last weeks of soreness and swollen ankles.  It's a race to the finish, and I feel like the tortoise in that famous fable.  But I know I will get there.  And that's a huge consolation!

One of my Favorite Things...

The lake in the fall.  I had planned to go last week.  We got everything and everyone loaded into the car, I turned the key, and... nothing.  Now that we have a new battery for the van and the promise of continued gorgeous weather, we will hopefully go this week.  A little respite is needed before this baby comes to rock our world.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...

This week will be fairly quiet. A hair appointment for me (aka... operation hide-the-grays)  soccer practices, and an orthodontist appointment for Action Man.  Next week is the doozy with my parents coming for a full-blown fun soccer weekend, dry runs with our crazy schedule, and dentist and doctor visits for me.  I have a feeling the next 3 weeks are going to fly.

A Picture Thought....

I and my beautiful, thoughtful friends who worked together to put on an amazing baby shower for me Sunday afternoon.
(p.s.  I'm the one with the belly....)

:P

Daybook: Anticipation

This week promises to be a busy one.  We have a birthday to celebrate today, some much anticipated out of town guests coming in tomorrow, our bathroom remodel is in the "detailed" work stages, our home school plans need to take shape quickly, as does the house, if we hope to make a trip to Colorado before the summer is gone.... not much time left over for pondering... or blogging, for that matter.

;)


Outside my Window...

Searing, scorching sun.  I'm not one to complain, even though we have had triple digit temps for well over a week!  I love the warmth on my skin... as long as I am immersed in water.  Which is most definitely where we'll be this afternoon if I can get my laundry list of things accomplished by lunch time.



I am Listening to....

A very eager 11 yr old waiting (patiently?) for his siblings and Dad to wake up so he can open his presents.  We do birthday presents in the morning before Dad heads off to work.  Then it's the birthday child's choice for dinner and dessert.  Should be a fun day.



I am Wearing...

Addidas sports skort, white tank, black croc sandals.  None of it maternity.... some of the maternity tops I've looked at have been simply too large, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I'll be needing them. 
Very. Soon.
;P


I am so Grateful for...

~Our tub!  It's been a month since I've been able to indulge in my nightly luxury.  DH cleaned it thoroughly yesterday so I could reinstate this ritual.  Boy... it felt great! (shall I show you how lovely it looks?  Sorry... the perfectionist in me wants to wait until the whole room is finished....)
~The internet.  The finding and connecting of like-minds is a wonderful thing.... making those connections IRL possible.  Very very good.



I am Pondering...

Charity in all circumstances.  Even when, and especially when, it may be true ignorance on the part of the other that necessitates that you be charitable.  Mass at our parish yesterday has spawned these thoughts.  And the sight of Our Lord in the form of a consecrated host under the sneaker of the teenager in front of me. (unbeknownst to the teenager..) Even though I acted quickly, it still pains me today.



I am Reading...

The Ministry of Motherhood, Severe Mercy (2nd go-round) and In Conversation with God. 
HELP!  I have book club tonight, where we pick for the year. Any suggestions or recommendations? 


I am Thinking...

Way. Too. Much.


 I am Creating...

An organized home.  Before we attempt one last trip to see my parents, there is a list of things I need to accomplish.  I would warn that blogging will be scarce these next few weeks, but who am I kidding.  Scarce and blogging have been synonymous around here for awhile.  That's ok!  I'm connecting where I need to connect, and accomplishing what needs to get accomplished.



On my iPod...

Looking at these, and getting excited.
In the meantime, Action Man has absconded the iPod and has discovered the wonderful world of old time radio shows like The Shadow and such.  Also, the inglorious music of Green Day.  Hmmmm.  Time for him to get himself a new mp3 player?


Towards a Real Education...

We are ditching the state-funded curriculum this year and joining our local, wonderful home school co-op.  The parent orientation meeting was last week.  The kids will be doing some amazing work together.  I am so very excited!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

De-clutter, organize, and clean.  De-clutter, organize, and clean.  De-clutter, organize, and clean. That's my mantra this week.


I am Hoping and Praying...

For Lil Sis.  Lots of excitement on the horizon. God has been doing some amazing things this past week.  It really defies all human explanation.  And is so inspiring for this sometimes-world-weary Mama.


Around the House...

That whole de-clutter and organize thing.  Plus a few projects to boost the look of the place, esp the home school room.  Master bathroom will be finished in a few weeks.  To say I am tired of having a shop vac and other various tools strewn throughout my bedroom would be an understatement.  I can't wait to have it all completed!! (And neither can DH, poor man.  He's been working like crazy, and just needs a break!)


From the Kitchen...

Birthday cake and tortilla soup for dinner for Sports Fan.  Never mind that it will be 105 today.  :P



One of my Favorite Things...

11 year old boys who still love Playmobil.



A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week...

Birthday dinner, book club, out of town dinner guests, and lots of house projects.
Perfect for these dog days of summer!


:)

Daybook: Road Trip Edition

We are heading out to the wilds of a Nutty Family Road Trip in a few days. Wednesday morning we will gather our bags and pillows, our toys and food, along with a hearty dose of courage, and embark on a 2 day trip to the California Coast.

In short, we are insane. (PLEASE pray for us!)

:P

I Am Listening To...

DH vacuuming out the car.  Nothing says "I Love you" like a clean car for a long road trip.



I Am So Grateful For...

Feeling "normal."  I can eat again, and coffee is back on the menu.  Granted, it must be diluted with ice and tons of cream and sugar, but it's there.  I am so happy.


I Am Pondering...

This: I tell you honestly what I’m reading or wearing or cooking or whatever. I don’t edit myself much, mostly because my daybook is where I gather my own thoughts. I sometimes pretty much forget you’re reading. But you are. And so are other people. Some of them write to tell me they disapprove of what I’m reading or wearing or cooking (or cleaning even). It is my challenge to learn to listen to those criticisms without having them rock my world.

It constantly amazes me how people have so much time to notice the perceived speck in another's eye, yet not the gigantic plank in their own. The exacting smallness of their hearts must truly be a burden to them.  I just wish they would keep that burden to themselves and not subject other's to the shriveled state of their souls.  It is not beautiful, it does not bring joy, nor does it speak charitable instruction. 


I Am Reading...

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.  I'm hosting bookclub tomorrow evening!  Egg rolls and strawberry pie are on the menu.  Wanna come?


I Am Thinking...

About our trip.  I'm so excited to get there and spend time with my family on the beach.  I am so not excited to spend two days in the car to get there.  Luckily, I'll be too busy the next few days to worry much.


I Am Creating...

Lists.  Many lists.  DH doesn't understand it.  "Just throw some clothes in a suitcase and off we go!"  Right.  And no one will have any underwear and all the chargers will be left at home.
:P


I Am Wearing...

Low-slung jeans (what am I going to do when I outgrow them??) and a t-shirt, white flip-flops and my curly hair back in a pony tail.  Not exactly Sunday attire, but I'll be working over a pot of hot oil today. 


Towards a Real Education...

New plans for next year are on the horizon.  I know, what else is new?  Hush.  If you are a homeschooling mom, you are just as excited as I am!


Towards Rhythm and Beauty...

Slowly, we are reclaiming the house.  Some spaces will have to wait until after our trip.  It's the way it has to be.  And it's ok.  Really.



I'm Hoping and Praying...

For a safe trip.  Sorry, but I'm a bit worried.  I always do before we embark on these adventures.



In The Garden...

Tomatoes!  Lots of them sprouting out everywhere.  The yellow flowers give way to brown and then a glorious small green bud of fruit.  The fragrance of the plants is heavenly.


Around The House...

Laundry.  Tons of it.  For the next two days, I'll be working the machines.  The kids were told that on Tuesday they wear "dorky" clothes... aka NON-California trip clothes.  No last minute loads Tues night!


From The Kitchen...

Egg rolls for dinner tonight.  I always make a ton when I make them.  The amount of work involved is only compensated by the quantity produced.  Besides, it's been ages since we've had them.  And no, I do not mind cooking on Mother's Day.
:)


One Of My Favorite Things...

Lake trips.
We took our first of the season on Wednesday.  Sunny, high of 93.  The kids had a great time in the water.
One of the many many perks of homeschooling.
:)

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...

Soccer practice, Scouts, and packing. Tomorrow is a party for our homeschool co-op, and a play by the 3-5 graders.  Bookclub as well.  We'll be full speed ahead until we pile in the car at 5am Wed morning.
Then we can sit.
For 22 hours.
:P


A Few Picture Thoughts I Am Sharing...

Our girlie Tea Party last weekend.

It was such a lovely day!

:)

A Hot and Humid Daybook

Outside my window...

The clouds are rolling in. After weeks of endless sun and triple-digits, it looks like our reprieve will be in the clouds. Just enough to lower the temps, but the humidity will sky-rocket. <sigh> It's one or the other here in Texas, folks.


I am listening to...

The pre-dinner madness. Yes, I am blogging late. But I found myself here, inspired by Elizabeth, as usual. And I wanted to get some thoughts sorted out before the evening catches me up in her wings and deposits me via her tornadic winds into my bed tonight.


To live the liturgy...

We have been trying to get to mass more often during the week. One day at a time, I tell myself, or else I will simply give up. Also, night prayers need to be beefed up a bit.


To fit and happy...

Can't I skip this one? Ok. I can't. <double sigh> I really need to get on the bandwagon with this one. My lovely friend Lisa is letting me borrow her treadmill. So, my hopes of exercising in this Texas heat will then exponentially increase. Thank goodness for generous friends!


I am thankful for...

My husband, his job, and the freedoms we enjoy. I have never been so aware of my blessings as I am these days.


I am pondering...

The mysterious joy of having 5 children screaming at the top of their lungs in an after dinner romp in the homeschool-room-turned-playroom. Actually, I'm ignoring it and finishing this post. :)


I am wearing...

A summer top and jean shorts. One is a thrift store find, the other... just fun. I love shopping at thrift stores and supplementing with great sales elsewhere.


I am creating...

Color. And clean surfaces. That is my goal this summer. We are not selling our house, so lets get rid of the uniform paint job and make our mark already.


On my ipod...

Same old stuff. I need to get Lil Sis to put some stuff on for me when she has a moment to breathe. :)


Towards a real education...

Math is the operative word around here, much to the kids' dismay. We are all about Math facts this summer. Hoping that next year goes a bit more smoothly for us.


I am thinking...

Many things. And praying. About all of them. Lots going on here in that department at the Nut House.



In the garden...

Tomatoes! Lots and lots... in potentia, that is. We have been able to eat a few, and my- they are delish. I'm hopeful that we will be inundated shortly. Meanwhile... my lovely plot out front is barren. Completely empty. We are waiting for our generous neighbor to drop a flat of his work in our front yard. Wonder what we'll get?



I am reading...

Gearing up for That Hideous Strength. I absolutely must start it tonight, and be very strict with finishing it up by next Monday. However, my numerous tumblers of this may prohibit me from doing anything other than taking a long tub and collapsing into bed early. :)


I am hoping and praying...

For many friends, real and virtual. It's been a tough go lately, hasn't it?


On keeping home...

Color and order. Am I being repititious? It's just to convince myself that it really must happen this month. Now or never, baby.


One of my favorite things...

Watching my oldest be the oldest. It's been a long hard road, but it's coming slowly. He and I are reaching an understanding and some good common ground. It does a Mama's heart good.


A few plans for the rest of the week...

Only a shower next Sunday. This is the calm before the storm. Next week will be nuts. N-U-T-S. So, we need to make some serious headway on house projects this week.


Picture thoughts...

Our camera needs batteries. So here are two from the archives (last summer, to be exact):































Indoor games and insanely curly hair. That's summer in Texas, y'all.

:)

Progress

Back here I wrote about my woes with gardening.

DH has gallantly taken over and, with no surprise to me, exceeded even his own expectations.









































We are hoping and praying (and sufficiently drenching) that these come to their full potential as huge, red, mouth-watering home grown tomatoes.

Any tips?

:)

Still Life

My life is anything but still. But here is a frozen-in-time snapshot.


Outside: Sunny and chilly. Well, it's 60. And tomorrow will be 70. But then it's back down to the 50's. I know, poor me.

Inside: Chaos reigns. Day #1 of homeschooling after Thanksgiving break and I feel like the guillotine master. My poor kids. Only 15 days to go until Christmas break!

What I am reading: Supposed to be reading Lying Awake by Mark Saltzman. Need to get my hands on it before my IRL bookclub meeting on the 8th!

What I am planning: A toy swap on Saturday morning here at the Nut House. A bunch of us moms decided that we should benefit from other's surplus and host a quasi-garage sale/give-away with coffee and treats. Shhh. Don't tell Little Boo. I also have a few parties to attend and much gift-buying to accomplish.

What I am craving: This. Every year. Especially the DQ version. And I may or may not be planning my Christmas shopping outing to include a round-about scenic route through the nearest DQ drive thru. DH doesn't get it, but there are those of you out there who do. Let's commiserate.

Projects: Sounds crazy, but I still want to paint the other wall in our front room and re-cover those cushions in the home school room. I know this has nothing to do with Advent or Christmas prep, but it needs to be done, and I need to be disciplined enough to accomplish it. At least I'll feel better knowing I reached a goal.

Towards a healthier me: The piece of pumpkin pie I just inhaled aside, I'm noticing a few lumps where no lumps should be, and the panting as I scale our stairs is not an attractive habit. I am contemplating my upcoming soccer season, and thinking that if I really do not want to totally humiliate myself, I have got to get my rear in gear. So, right now I'm in the thinking stages. With high hopes of lacing up my running shoes soon.

Living the Faith: Advent wreath, check. Advent lapbook? Hmmm. Still on order. Hope it comes soon. This is an area we always need to work on. I am hoping that this Advent we turn a corner.

What's your (not so) still life look like these days?

:)

Just When I Thought...

... we really were growing corn in our backyard:


















I was greeted by the sight of this beauty first thing in the morning:
















My landscaping neighbor told me what these were, but since I apparently can't even tell the difference between a pansy and a petunia,* the name of these beauties completely escapes my mind...
















But they sure are pretty!



*As revealed so eloquently when my knowledgable neighbor informed me that he had a flat of petunias to give me. And then asked, "You do know what a petunia is, don't you?" Whereupon I triumphantly pointed directly to his pansies. Yup, I'm a smart one!

:)

I Know, I Know...

There must be a story behind my whole-hearted agreement with Elizabeth Foss yesterday.



Really? Don't you know by now that whatever that woman writes is gospel in my book? Stop laughing, Elizabeth.



:)

Ok, no, really. There is a reason her post hit so close to home.


I have always found myself in a certain season of chaos after one of my children is born. And really, who doesn't? I actually enjoy that "down-time" or "babymoon" if you prefer. Life swirls around me, and all I have to do is drink 3 gallons of water a day and nurse my baby. It's lovely.

Well, now my baby is 3 and a half... do ya think that maybe the Babymoon can stop?

Sure, I think. BUT we are moving, or we just moved in, or we have the stomach flu, or this internet discussion needs my amazing intellectual input, or my big toe hurts.... get the picture?

I could come up with a million excuses as to why I just cannot seem to get my act together. And trust me, I do. Moving into our beautiful new house has definitely been an incentive for me. But in the beginning, I went a little overboard and promptly got burned out. Remember that sparkling clean kitchen counter?

Hahahahahahahaha.

I really wish I could post a picture (software is not installed after DH's rebuild) because, in this case especially, that picture would be worth a thousand of my words. Right now, toys, dishes and cereal boxes abound. The left side of the counters hold a fruit bowl, the girls' tea set, two coffee pots (priorities, people) and newspapers. The right side overflows with toys from our plane trip, waiting to be brought upstairs. The stairs. I could do an entire post on those stairs and all of the stuff piled (in the basket... thanks mom! ) at the bottom.

In short, our habits and our house need an overhaul.

I have known this for awhile, and have actually been trying to establish some sort of a cleaning routine for myself and the kids. It has been a 2 month process of fits and starts and not a lot of habit-forming. The kids believe that this is just another one of Mama's phases-and-she'll-grow-out-of-it. Little do they know.

Everything Elizabeth wrote rings true for me and is something I have reflected on time and again as I strive to maintain a balance of order and freedom in my home. I tried (in my bumbling way) to write about it here. But I love how she juxtaposes the two homes and her reasoning for keeping her home tidy is spot on. She convicts me with her husband's assessment of the messy home, and although I am happy with the friendship and equality I share with my husband, I understand that my role is much different and extremely vital to the peace and happiness of our home. Luckily, I am the type of person that can appreciate this importance and rise to the occasion. I know many moms who truly struggle with "housework" and cannot seem to rise out of the drudgery. I enjoy making our home beautiful. For company, and for ourselves.

And this means that I do not let myself get away with just the main areas of the house being tidy. Bedrooms and bathrooms as well (admittedly my downfall) should be kept clean and clutter-free. As Flylady says, "nothing says 'I Love You' like plenty of toilet paper!" I'd like to add that a well-ordered home also says "I Love You".... as long as (as Lisa pointed out in her comment below) there is plenty of fun, one-on-one, totally lived-in-homey quality time with those cute inhabitants as well.

:)

Yes.

What she said.

:)

Making It Ours... Part I

I am being very optimistic in labeling this post as a Part I. We are not on a mission to completely remodel our new house. So, don't worry, this will not become a drywall and spackle blog. However, as the queen of my new domain, I need to make it my own. I see potential for beauty everywhere I turn, and I need to fix it!

And so, here it begins.... with the "formal living room" which is now the "front room" and has become in my mind the "library/reading room".....

The before:
















Is shaping up nicely towards the completed picture in my head:


































Around the corner to the left is where the large bookcases are located. I hope to add a bunch of floor pillows and an area rug to the mix. I'm trying to create a quiet (ha!) comfy place for the kids (and me!) to curl up with a good book.

Tune in next time to see our brassy gold bathroom that screams
I. AM. 90's!

:)

So Long... Farewell!

I will be *choke*gasp* internet-less for the next week.

(swooning)

It will probably be the most productive week I've had in 2 and 1/2 years.

:)


And so, I leave you with a few last pictures of our (soon-to-be) former Nut House:






































































We are all set to go!

:)

Is This Thing On?

Hope you all have been enjoying Family, Friends, Faith, and having a royally Fun time!

We have.

Pictures soon.

:)

Shhhhh... Don't Look Now, But...

I think we may have one tomato this summer!
















YAY!

Happy Day

DH is almost finished with our master bathroom...

Go read his post and see the pictures.

VERY awesome to have two working commodes in the house!

:)