Catching Up

I seem to do this...blog in spurts. I do a lot of blogging in my head and therefor don't always feel the need to type it all out, plus it's always late when I have time anyway. I can't say that there would have been may happy posts lately anyway, as I seem to be struggling. I can't quite put my finger on exactly why, but I have some theories. It's part normal, busy mom of 4 paired with issues of my head and heart that have me doing lots of thinking and praying. I feel like I am coming closer to some answers and that feels really good! Christmas was wonderful. It felt warm and comfortable. We spent the night at my parents house Christmas eve and I slept on the floor. I felt like a kid again, in a good way. I tucked my kids into bed with family and drifted off to sleep amidst the glow of the tree. The days since have been just as wonderful. Organizing, cleaning, coffee..lots of coffee and soaking in the joy of the Christmas season. I'm looking forward to a nice quiet new years eve with Carly and Thomas, champagne and dominoes!

NaBloPoMo 16

Our chalkboard is done, and I couldn't be happier. The kids are loving it and I am starting to accept that there will be chalk dust and white footprints on the floor. It is one of my favorite things about the house.

NaBloPoMo 11

My boys.



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NaBloPoMo 9

She's walking, like really walking. It's quite hard to believe since she went from crawling to standing to walking in just a few short days. I totally love it when my babies walk. I look forward to this moment. The beaming toothy grins all full of accomplishment are enough to make my heart burst. I am a proud mama tonight! (And excited for a 1/2 birthday celebration tomorrow. I've had a special request for "black" cookies for dessert, and I will deliver!)

Progress

We are finally making progress with some of our projects around here. Today the handy Bruce is here helping with this wall. It will eventually be a chalkboard, after a few coats of chalkboard paint. I have actually liked seeing it white after having it red for so long. I'll enjoy it while I can since in a few days it will be black.

NaBloPoMo 7

The kids had a fantastic time playing in the leaves at my parents house this afternoon. I however, did not have a fantastic time combing said leaves and pine needles out of Abbie's hair.

NaBloPoMo 6

Yesterday was Friday and I think that's a good enough reason for not blogging. Today was full. Full in a good way. There was no appointments, no schedules. No meal planning or menu. No people to see except the ones we wanted to. No places to go except the ones we wanted. In their proper order:

starbucks
farmers market (then home to drop off food)
linens & things to make a return
sonic for lunch (diet cherry limeade and foot long hot dogs..yum!)
homegoods
target (with my lovely parents)
home

The kids are all sleeping, finally. The couch and my knitting needles are calling my name.

NaBloPoMo 4

I just love this picture!

NaBloPoMo 3

This amazing quilt that resides on Adeleine's bed is one of my most precious earthly possessions. This quilt was hand sewn by my grandma when she was about 10 years old. She is currently 82, which makes this quilt a whopping 72 years old! It is in absolutely perfect condition! I have several other quilts that grandma made (as does most everyone in the family), but none are this unique or well-cared for.


That black star used to be a dress that belonged to my great-grandmother who died 65 years ago. It's totally trippy and amazing that she wore that so long ago. I obviously never met her, but I look at the squares often and wonder what else they were before they became stars. When she first gave it to me, my first reaction was to fold it and put it away. It was beautiful and special and I wanted nothing to happen to it. My grandma reminded me that "quilts were made to be used". She was right, what good would it do, to be folded in the closet. I reluctantly spread it on the girls bed, and we talked about how special this was to mommy and the family. That it was old and should be well cared for. I was so honored to be the receiver of such a wonderful piece of our family. So as I tuck my girls in, I am made aware of the love of my grandma and her mama for me and our family, and I can smile and rest knowing they are sleeping under their love as well.

NaBloPoMo 2

Today was election day, and all 6 of us marched down to our itty, bitty public library and excercised our right to vote. Not only did the adults make their voices heard, the kids had a great civics lesson. We talked about why we vote and Abbie wanted me to name every person I voted for. I was prepared for all the elderly people running our polling place to ask me why the kids weren't in school at 9:30am, but not a single question or comment. They were very helpful, and very complimentary of the kiddos behavior. I am a bit ashamed to admit that I essentially copied Bill's sample ballot. I have no time to read up on these things like he does, and we usually agree anyway. It took some convincing to get me to vote yes on prop 19 which would legalize marijuana in small amounts. I still kinda go back and forth about it, but can it really make the drug situation here any worse? (Maybe kids won't smoke pot anymore if they know their parents can, maybe parents will start giving it to their kids?) It didn't pass so I guess we'll never know!

NaBloPoMo 1

I was really excited to attempt NaBloPoMo this month. Here it is November 2nd, and I have already failed. Instead of feeling defeated, I will prevail! I'll just pretend I posted this yesterday.(It was Halloween, and she was sick, but oh so sweet! We had a good time reading books, playing ponies and taking pictures.)

Speed

As I pulled in the driveway after a lunch date with friends, I glanced in my rear view mirror and saw that 3/4 of them were asleep. The tricky part would be keeping them asleep. I figured I had a good chance since they played hard at the playground. 1, 2, 3 tucked in...I was successful! As I locked the front door after carrying the last one in I muttered a quiet "yes!" This NEVER happens. I actually has some time to do what I wanted to do. Abbie went to the kitchen to find a snack and I did a quick pick up of the living room and kitchen.
Abbie: "mama, can we do something just you and I?"
Oh no, this wasn't in my plans! I wanted to fold laundry, do breakfast dishes, start dinner, sit down and knit, check email. I had such grand plans for this sacred time. I had a dilemma!
me: "Would you like to help me fold laundry?" (This usually works.)
Abbie: "No, I want to do something funner. Can we sew my cape?" (We didn't have that much time.)
me: "No Bee, We don't have that much time, the kids will be waking up soon. Would like to help me cook dinner, we're having soup??" (This usually works too!)
Abbie: "No, let's play a game."
At this point all I can think about is how I want to tell her to go to her room and read her book. Go color me a picture or find something quiet to do so I can finally fold that laundry, or for once start dinner without little people all over me in the kitchen.
me: "What game do you want to play?"
We go into her room to find a game. I remember that I recently taught her to play speed and it is a relatively quick game. Maybe we can play a few games and still have some time to myself.
me: "Do you want to play speed?"
Abbie: "yeah"
We get the deck of cards and head into the living room. We play 3 lovely games of speed. I am starting to feel really good about my decision to spend this time with her, and not doing chores. As we are wrapping up our last game, I suggested she go take a bath. At that very same moment, I hear Eleanor cooing from her bed. I realized that anytime I wanted for myself was just a dream now. I kept myself from feeling resentful to these precious girls who wanted nothing but my love and attention. It is true what they say, there will always be chores, but these little people will not always be here. As I get ready to go to bed tonight, I know I made a wonderful decision. My eldest and I don't get a lot of alone time, and I am so so happy I decided to spend it with her.

Tidbits

- it's 9:14pm but it feels like 11:14pm. I am tired and it's been a long week
- I have quite a few DIY home improvement projects on the brain. They're all really good ones and fun, but I can't really stop thinking about them. There will be lots of craigslist this week.
- Sundays are becoming my favorite days. Mass, Denny's, visit with the 'rents.
- Hoping to resolve some stomach issues with Jameson this week. New meds, labs and ultrasound this week.
- Excited to go apple-picking with our homeschool friends
- Officially became a school, our name.....Ash More. I love it and the meaning.
- Soccer season is over and I decided I am most definitely NOT a soccer mom. I think baseball may be my sport. Jameson on the other hand loves it!
- Thrilled to be Carly's confirmation sponsor. I'm so happy for her!!

- A new Dyson rocked my world this week. This is the second Dyson I have owned and I LOVE them!! This one is even better than my last one...James Dyson you're my hero!
- All our laundry and sheets are clean, folded and put away. It feels really good to start the week with empty hampers.
- Google reader has changed my life! All the blogs I read (there are lots) in one spot! I wish I had know about this long ago, it saves me so much time and I can get them all from my iphone too!
- Looking forward to a full week. Hopefully this cool weather will stick around, it finally feels like autumn.

Road trip to Sacramento

We had a great trip to Sacramento a few weeks ago, to visit Bill's family and see his Grandma for her birthday. The car ride up there (which had me most worried) turned out great thanks to 4 new Wee Sing cd's (I love these soo much, they remind me so much of my own childhood) and lots of snacks. We were able to walk around downtown, visit the Cathedral, tour the Capitol building and enjoy lunch on the lawn there. Our hotel was amazing, with great views. The trip was going swimmingly until Saturday night when Adeleine somehow (still unknown) got bit by Bill's uncle's dog. I am quite sure she did nothing to provoke him, so I was not too happy. A trip to urgent care the next morning confirmed that stitches were needed. After tears and promising her anything she wanted (she settled on soda-her first ever!) we dried our tears, got a balloon and hit the road. We finally arrived home at 2am, Sunday and everyone (yes, all six of us) piled in our bed and went to sleep. That short little trip messed me up for a week and am just now getting back to normal, but it was so worth all the late nights getting packed and late night driving. Sleep is overrated anyway.

On My Toes

Oh, these little people keep me on my toes!! I feel kinda bad for saying it but, I am sure glad this week is over! We started back to school this week, and we have a new student! Yes, Jameson is joining us at the table and will be learning all about letters, numbers, history, science and reading. The new schedule that comes from this is wiping me out. The entire morning is feeding them and schooling them, then feeding them again. When lunch is over and quiet time begins Eleanor is usually waking up, so goodbye mommy time. It will all be fine as soon as I snap out of our summer fog and realize how lucky I am to be doing this with them!


As busy as our week has been, I have really enjoyed them this week, maybe even a little more than usual. We visited a really neat local park (for like an hour since it was so blazing hot!), made Nora some baby food (whenever that tooth makes an appearance, we will be ready to spoon feed her the organic goodness we all so lovingly helped make). We spent some time with Grandma too, but the most exciting is what happens tomorrow...Jameson has his first soccer game. He is all ready with cleats, shin guards, uniform and ball. I'm so excited for him! I am glad this busy week is over and ready to relax a bit with my honey.

My boy

(I'm trying this blogging from my iPhone thing)



My boy and I are hanging out in the car while Abbie has her violin lesson and the little girls are asleep. He loves to change the cd's and we talk about baseball and when he grows up he wants to build a railroad. I told him he never had to grow up and get bigger, he insisted he does.


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Tuesday

We made our weekly trek to the park to meet our friends. Today's weather made it perfect for splashing in the wading pool, and mamas chatting while nursing babes under the shade of the big trees. I think we were all refreshed by a day with great friends.

Sunday Best

It was just an ordinary Sunday, getting dressed up for church and visiting family.

Flyin Solo

I'm almost done with my first ever week of solo parenting. Whew! I have a new appreciation for single parents and Bill. I guess I never really knew how much he really does. As predicted, I didn't sleep much (I think my earliest bedtime all week was 11:30pm). I find it ackward and strange to go to bed with out him, so I just preoccupy myself with mind-numbing tv to forget. (I did get catch-up on a few shows). We filled our week with two trips to Ikea, visits with Aunt Carly and our first experience at Sonic. I was less than thrilled, but the kids enjoyed the car hops with roller skates. I think skates have been added to the Christmas lists.


I'm very much looking forward to Bill's return tonight. I realized while he was gone how unique our love can be these days. The respect and kindness we have for eachother is becoming rarer and rarer, as marriage has become disposable. I suppose if you don't think you can leave, at some point you have to decide to be kind or be miserable. I feel so blessed to love him so deeply and feel his love for me and our family every minute of everyday. We make an awesome team! Welcome home Billy!

Big shoes to fill

I'm playing both roles while he's on a business trip this week, his longest ever. I wore his birks to take the trash out and they made me smile.

July 24

Quick re-cap of the week:

-We started off rocky when Eleanor got a few shots Monday. I always feel sick about it. I don't feel any option I have is good enough and our selective/delayed schedule is barely good enough for Bill, our pediatrician and myself. I felt lousy and guilty, even though she did great.-I finally finished Adeleine's waldorf doll. It was intended to be a birthday present, but better late than never, right? She won't name her, which kinda bothers me. If she doesn't pick one soon, Abbie will do it for her. So far we have "Sparkle", "Diamond", and "Jason Jack", all curtesy of Abbie. I was very glad to fininsh it. I plan to make Abbie one for Christmas. Then everyone will have their own, and maybe we can get rid of the cheap plastic dolls made in China. Now I can move along to some Christmas knitting too!

-Miss Nora Jane has been spending some time in the highchair while I'm in the kitchen. No food for her yet, but she enjoys the commotion that we call dinnertime. She's really starting to feel like part of the family.


-Dinner with the family tonight was a trip "up the hill" as my Grandma would say, to our local mountains for dinner. The food wasn't great, the restaurant was super outdated and smelled funny, but the animal heads on the wall made up for it. Bison, deer, moose, elk and a "cantaloupe". Jameson was talking about antelope but kept saying cantaloupe and we all had to hold back the laughs. I have learned to enjoy the precious, fleeting moments when Carly is home. It doesn't really matter where we spend them...even stinky restaurants!

Meet John

John is the very beloved pet of Jameson. After many months of snake talk around our house, we decided to indeed get a baby cornsnake. We read books before we would commit to anything, making sure that we knew what we were getting into. I am hoping that he will be pretty low maintenance, the only difficulties being remembering to lock the cage door and watching him eat day-old mice. EEK! Jameson is over the moon about him, and in a weird way, he feels older and more mature to me. I do have creepy visions of him becoming the grown-up reptile enthusiast that I saw in the reptile store, with the snake tattoos all over his arms. For now, he's still my little boy with his first very own pet.

My Evens

A few firsts

Just as spring arrived and the weather turned simply beautiful, wouldn't you know that we would be plagued with sickness. Abbie was first with a high fever, headache, Jameson followed a few days later, Adeleine got lucky and escaped with a nose that still has not stopped running, Eleanor got congested, and Bill and I got the worst of it, ironic isn't it! After waking up with a scratchy throat, I proceeded to go to gymnastics and ballet and came home with chills, headache, and bodyaches. My fever reached 103.5! It was during this time when we experienced a first. While all 5 of us (minus Bill since he was not yet home from work) were bundled on the couch watching the Sound of Music that for the first time since having 4 children they were all crying at once. I don't even remember now why, although I am sure that each one had a different reason. Within a few minutes I had everyone calm and quiet and we were back to the von Trapps. It was quite a scene, one that I hope doesn't repeat itself anytime soon.

And today...a beautiful sound was heard at our house! Eleanor laughed for the first time. All the kids were so excited. It truly is the most beautiful sound. I am so blessed to have another little voice in this house, and I can't wait to hear more from her.

9:59 am

Beds made, dishes still to be done, baby sleeping and the Sound of Music being acted out for me (So Long, Farewell). I want to remember this.