No Rhyme or Reason...

What happens when you stay up until 3 am and then proceed to rise out of bed at 7am? Well, if you're me you end up with nothing to write about.


My brain seems to be slowing down a bit as my wee ones are sleeping peacefully in their beds. I was full of energy and running around all day today, I decided to sit down and write a post during naps today. Well, I've been sitting here for quite some time, and I ain't got nothin'! Oh, except writers block.


And contractions. They're kind of regular at the present. I think this means I need to go do something else, right? On that note, I'm going to leave you with some cute pictures (I know, you're welcome) while I go about cleaning and drinking water. That oughtta take care of these pesky little contractions.

Crafting

My crafting for the week, or should I say post-Christmas, has been lacking a little. I've made a few bows here and there and 2 bow holders (that I have yet to snap photos of but are hanging in the girls' bathroom), but the only other things I've done are this

and this.

The little dinosaur onezie is for a sweet friend of mine who just had her 4th baby the day after Christmas. He's a cutie and has lots of love from his big sister and brothers--not to mention, I believe his mommy is quite in love!

I was really wanting to make this little guy something, and as soon as I saw that polka-dot fabric I instantly saw a dinosaur. When I got him done, the shirt looked a little plain. So I threw in the tree for a little decoration.

And the tree (the one with heart on it seen below, not the one on the onezie)---well, what can I say? I went out and bought my first fake tree a few days ago. Target had two 4ft, pre-lit trees left after the new year and I purchased one of them. They were 75% off, so I got it well under $20.

Once I got it loaded in the van, I was in no mood to go home and pack it away. Yes, you could say I was a bit excited. So following after the mother of one of my friends, I decided to keep it up and decorate it for different holidays.

You'll see here, that we decorated our first Valentine's tree.

I found a few little things at Joann's to put on it, but I plan to decorate more with items my babes bring home from school. Having three in preschool helps me to keep my house rather...., hmmmm how should I put this.... decorated! So I hope that the tree will hold many of these treasures from my girls.

We'll see if I keep it up for other holidays. I think it will stay up for St. Patrick's Day because I do have one small tub of decorations. And most of it would look great hanging from my new tree! Did I mention that I love this idea because it keeps most of the holiday clutter off of my shelves, tables and mantles and on a tree instead. Still festive, but it doesn't feel like overkill!

I hope to get back into my crafting obsession as soon as I finish up grading. Classes end next Monday, and all of my grades have to be turned in by Thursday. Then, we let the crafting begin.

-I have a few little onezies in mind for my newest babe. The fabric is all picked out, I just need to design it.

-There will be bows to go with them, of course.

-I have one of four "XO"s cut out for the older girls' V-day shirts. They asked for them, so I obliged. It's kinda hard to resist these little faces, don't ya think?

And something that I don't plan on doing myself---

I'm on the hunt for somebody else to do a little quilting for me. I know exactly what I want for my baby's bedding, but I can't find it anywhere. Really, it's pretty simple. A bunch of bright green fabric and just a little black--that's all I want. I can find a sheet somewhere and I'm not really into bumpers, so those don't need to be part of the package. But I would love a skirt to go with the pretty quilt I have pictured. I wish I had that kind of talent!

I also have an entire nursery to put together. I've made a few items for each girl for their rooms, so I can't let this one go without. So I'm sure there will be a few little things I make for her room---I just don't know what they are yet!

Well, I guess I've sent all of these lofty ideas into the universe so I suppose I need to get off of here and get a little head-start to the crafting before the grading commences this weekend!

2010 in Review

Usually, on this day each year I find myself in tears around midnight. There's something about change that has never settled well with me. I don't like to see the old leave and the new come in. I don't really know why. There are lots of areas in life where I welcome the new with open arms (like welcoming a new baby), and there are many areas where I'm happy to say goodbye to the past (like your basic bad days). But saying goodbye to a whole year feels like closing an entire chapter of my life. And when my children are so young, it just reminds me that I'll never have these days back again. So, I guess that it's not the New Year that makes me so sad, it's the saying goodbye to the life we had.

It seems like the babies are constantly changing, and any little moment I can savor--well, I do. The closing of 2010 simply tells me that gone are the days when I'm the (pregnant) mom to a 1 year old, a 2/3 year old, a 3/4 year old and a 4/5 year old. 2010 was the last year that I'll be the mom with all my kids at home. And 2010 could be the last year that I discover the happy news of a new life growing.

I realize that some of those things may excite or thrill others, but they don't really do that for me yet. Yes, being a mom to 4/5 kids who are not in school yet can be stressful, tiring, even mundane every once in a while. But it's not like I'd trade that in for all the fun, love, hugs and kisses I get on a daily basis. And yes of course being pregnant can be a giant pain, literally! But again, ask me if I'd change anything? NOPE!

So to help me savor this past year a little bit, here is a brief review of our 2010:

January-- Well, it's hard to remember this far back, but I remember:
-Snow
-Sickness
-Xmas decorations left up for a few weeks after Xmas
-Starting my new, online teaching job

February--
-My first ear infection in probably 20 years
-I got my iPhone
- Ha! My husband was still having to carry our dog to her crate at night.

March-
-Husband left town for a few days (these are always fun for me)
- We celebrated St. Pat's day at one of our fav local-ish restaurants
-We had awesome weather one day (think picnic at the zoo) and some snow the next. I remember being absolutely sick of the snow by this point.

April
-Boushka turned 1. We celebrated with family and friends at our house.
-I increased workouts and veggie intake! I was making a good start to weight loss (right before becoming pregnant)
-We got a family picture at Easter!
-Hubbs and I finished up our last Love and Logic class. We left feeling like awesome parents!

May
-After her 4th ear infection, Boushka and I ceased all nursing activity
-My pregnancy technically started
-The girls finished up with school
-We planned out our family trip to Colorado
-Finished up teaching my first online class

June-
-We painted our kitchen
- Vacationed in Colorado
-My sister came home for a long stay
-The night we came home from vacation (the day before Father's day), we found out about baby #5
-Soccer camp for 1
-Swimming lessons for 1 & 2

July
-We had a huge garage sale
-Said goodbye to my sis for a whole year :-(
-Morning sickness, UGH!
-Celebrated our 5th anniversary
-New furniture in the basement and bunk beds for big girls!
-Ballet for #1&2
-Hubbs and I celebrated our birthdays

August
-Found out we've received low doses of carbon monoxide poisoning for 2.5 years
- I measured 4 weeks ahead at my first OB check
-Peach started soccer on her first "real" team
-First sonogram (to check why I was measuring big)
-Matt melted my heart when he painted Brownie's toenails

Sept
-First day of school for older three--Bug's first day of school ever!!
-Peach turned 5
-Went to the Pow-wow
-Attended our Peach's first soccer game
- I lost my most favorite job of all time at our history museum
- I fell down the stairs and bumped my bump

October
-Found out we are having a girl (early sono due to my fall, baby was fine)
-Visited the pumpkin patch
-Celebrated Brownie's 4th birthday
-Celebrated Bug's 3rd birthday
-Went Trick or Treating in our old neighborhood

November
-We had yummy Thanksgiving feasts with our families
-Did all of our traditions associated with the holiday--Tree hunt/decorate, pie-making, etc
-I entered the third trimester--woohoo!
- We voted--didn't care much for most of the outcomes
-Finished the majority of my Xmas shopping early this year
-Also finished my cards earl(ier than normal, at least)

December
- By this point I've lost count of how many times I've had the puke bug recently
-Ooops, the whole family got the puke bug
- I really got into bow making and actually made several gifts for Xmas this year
- We toured several lights displays
- Saw our fair share of Santas
- Our three older girls participated in their yearly Christmas program at school
- Uncle John was home for Christmas
- Auntie didn't make it home for Xmas, but we had a nice 1 1/2 hour long chat with her on Xmas day
- Many magical Christmas celebrations with our families
- I failed at writing a brief note everyday for each girl
-Celebrated the end of the year!

Here's to making 2011 a year to remember. I pray it's full of good health, good news and good fortune. I know we'll be starting it off well when we welcome our newest sweet baby girl. May you feel incredibily blessed this year as well!

Happy New Year!

Christmas for my Sis!

Well, I certainly didn't stick with my one post per day routine. But to make up for it, I have tons of Christmas stuff to post!


First, I got a new camera for XMAS. It's awesome and I love it with all my heart. And you, few readers, will not have to endure (many) more iPhone pictures. From now on, you can view my brood in high quality pictures.


And after spending the last 3 hours editing these 600 or so photos, I plan to share a few here. Since I have a hard time deciding which ones to post (because there are so many cute ones now that I have a working camera), I'm going to share the photos I told my sis I would share. Remember, this is my sis who has been serving in World Race for the past six months. Yes, this means that she missed Christmas. And if you're a long-time reader (we're talking 6 months), you'll remember I mentioned that this was our first Christmas apart in all her life (I spent my first two Christmases as an only child)--and really for what counts of mine. Soooooo, I told her I would post some pictures from our mom's house to help her see what we did.


Here ya go sis! I hope you enjoy!

I just took this picture today, but I wanted you to have a recent pic of all 4!

Brownie (and puppers in the background) doing one of her many poses!

Here's Brownie working diligently on her cookie decorating.

This is when Peach decided to play Santa.

My four sleepy children on Christmas morning.

Smiling (with chocolate on her face) while actually trying to open up her new Pillow Pet.

This is how Boushka says "please." It used to be just this hugging motion, but now she adds in the "peece!"


Matt opening something manly--can't remember what that is.

The top of mom's tree. I knew you'd want to see the bear on top (I believe he's still holding the paper star I cut out ohhhh, about 20 years ago).

Remember how I told you she asks for "chot-et" and "tooties," well, she got her wish granted on Christmas morning.

I just thought Brownie looked so grown up (which is funny for some reason) here while waiting on dinner to be served.

I wanted to show you that Boushka ate the mandarin orange salad in your honor!

Bug chillin' at mom's while playing with her newest and most favorite toy--her "pooter." She claims to have school work and email to check. She seriously wants to be exactly like Daddy!

I told you I'd get a belly shot in here. This is me and baby) at 31 weeks--Christmas morning.

Peach decorating cookies on Christmas Eve at mom's.

These are the new Santa boxes. Of course all 6 of us had one waiting on this bench. Not sure where yours and the new baby's will sit next year seeing as how these 6 take up the exact amount of space offered on the bench???? I'm sure we can make room :)

Boushka admiring one of mom's many animated Christmas toys. Bug would not stop playing the dogs (or was it reindeer) this year.

Bouska decorating, actually I believe she was just eating the cookies. But she looks good in her new KU shirt from Peach/Grandma.

Showing off her decorated tree.

Mom's house Christmas morning. The four Santa bags on the fireplace were not there on Christmas Eve, but they suddenly showed up Christmas morning after Santa came. I knew you'd appreciate this picture.

I'll try to get some more Christams posts up, but as you can see in my lack of posting for a week (when I was trying to make daily posts) my word is no good. So, here's to hoping I pop back in before 2011. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, sis!

Day 9: IWTR

Well, this was a pretty uneventful day. We, more specifically I, was completely lazy today. Well, at least the afternoon was totally lazy, but our morning was filled by baking and helping hands. All the girls decided a little play time in the kitchen with me was in order. And today I was excited to share this time with them--especially since I took on one girl at a time. WOW! That made a huge difference! Each little helper made one cookie/treat with me, except I still owe Peach a shot at the measuring, dumping and stirring experience.

Peach:

You are so excited to make gingerbread people. These are the cookies you want to make for Santa. I think you and I have a "hot" date (get it, "hot" like an oven, HA HA HA!) later this week. I can't wait! And thank you for being such a patient girl!

Brownie:

You enjoyed making mocha brownies with me. You helped me get all of the ingredients organized. You then helped me prepare the bowls, measuring spoons, and the baking dish. You loved to get in there and work with your hands. The brownies turned out divine. So divine in fact, that it slipped my mind to snap a picture of the finished product. Ooops! I guess I was taken aback by how yummy they looked to actually snap a photo.

Bug:

We jumped right in and made Hazelnut Blondies. Yes, they are delicious, and I'm sure your favorite part was licking the spoon I used to scoop out the Nutella. Had you known that was going to be waiting for you at the end of your baking time today, I'm not sure I could have kept your attention on the stirring. The smiles you shared as you happily licked that spoon clean simply made my day!

Boushka:

Yep, even you helped. You sat in your high chair while we made peanut butter rice and oat balls. You ate plenty of rice cereal and threw some on the floor. You also wanted to munch on a few of the treats once we were finished making them.

Baby girl in my belly:

What can I say, we had to try everything to make sure it was acceptable. It was clear that you enjoyed the treats because you would give a few kicks minutes after I sampled the treats.

Day 8:IWTR

The Santa Visit:

Peach:
You were a bit timid and shy to be around the Jolly Old Elf, but you did participate in the festivities. Most important, you ran around with sisters and cousins until you made yourself sick---literally. Apparently, today was your day to get sick :( You've fought it off for some time now, but it finally got you after circling our family for a week. Poor girl!

Brownie:
You jumped right up on Santa's lap. You were not the least bit shy. You enjoyed opening your present the most of all your sisters. You gave him a hug and smiled the whole time.

Bug:

When Santa came to the door, you ran and hid in the

bathroom and let out a scream like I've never heard you make. I jumped up to find where you were because when I heard you, I thought for sure you had just cut off a finger. But NOPE! You were simply terrified of Santa. Needless to say, it took a ton of coaxing to even get you this close.

Boushka:
You were not a fan of the man in red. You cried for 'MAMA' the whole time. You sat on Granny's lap for a minute, but you couldn't even finish opening your gift. You had to get up because you were just too upset. Maybe next year you'll be excited :-)

Baby girl in my belly:

What can I say, you were perfect... you had no idea what was going on. I finally felt rather healthy today, so we enjoyed the food and festivities.

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We were supposed to go and look at Christmas lights tonight, but because of sweet Peach's ill belly we decided to put it off. Tonight, we just stayed in (except I ran to the stores for 2 hours) and ate our pot roast while watching Christmas movies. Yes, it was calm and quiet, but I think we need a night like that--especially followed by a morning where we aren't rushing off anywhere.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a baking day with Grammy, but I don't know if we'll be able to make it. I went out and bought a ton of baking supplies, so I'm hoping they get used tomorrow--hopefully if not tomorrow then someday this week. We just need to get well!!!

The rest of this week is going to be spent making/finishing up a few gifts for friends and family
(more on these later-- I can't share until after the holidays), catching up on laundry (considering all of the puke in the house, I'm actually pretty well caught up), baking in my new oven, watching movies, wrapping, playing games, removing puke germs from the surfaces in my house, and hopefully lots of hot cocoa sipping and Christmas lights looking.

Wishing you all health!

Day 7: IWTR + Some Updates!

Peach:

You are excited to surprise us with the songs you'll be singing tomorrow at your Christmas program. I am excited to see you up there singing your heart out. This is your third year doing the Christmas program and your last. I can't believe it. I'm sure there will be a huge difference between your performance two years ago and your performance tomorrow. You've come out of your shell quite a bit, and I know it'll show tomorrow.

Brownie:

We got to see you sing today. You loved wearing your red dress, shoes, and bow with your white tights as much as you loved the singing. I of course stayed up later than planned last night just to make this bow, but since you and Peach have the same dress, she can wear it tomorrow too. Thank you for sharing what you've been working on!

Bug:

You lasted for about 10-15 minutes "on stage" at your program today. Since we were sitting in the front row, you saw us and cried to come sit with us. Of course, we welcomed you with open arms and you finished the program sitting with us. I'm still proud of you for getting up there and singing what you did. That takes guts for a little girl!

Boushka:

After having a good day yesterday, you woke up pale and feverish with red eyes. I called the doc and it turns out you have a viral stomach bug. The test for strep came back negative, so we are to just treat your symptoms. My poor gal. I swear I'd have you healthy and back to your sassy self if I could, but I have to admit that I've really enjoyed all of the extra cuddles and kisses you've been offering lately. So sweet!

Baby girl in my belly:
Today was another icky stomach day. I don't know if it's pregnancy related or virus related, but I'm DONE dealing with nausea. I HATE it! Hopefully this means that you'll have some immunity to all this junk when you make your entrance to the outside world.

**************************************

And now that I'm officially on Winter Break from teaching, I have a few minutes to update the rest of our life.

This week has offered a little more than I thought I could handle. In between holding my sick baby, grading papers, doing the extra loads of "puke" laundry, making and baking holiday teacher gifts, and attending Christmas programs I've been able to find some time to make more bows.

Making bows is my kind of craft. It's rather cheap (especially compared to buying them). Certainly cute. Creativity is welcomed. And my favorite part-- I can crank out a few in just one, short sitting--this is a plus for somebody who has an attention span that leaves a bit to be desired. It also comes in handy for somebody who tends to make four at a time.

See, I can't help it.

I have been known to find a few minutes and sneak away to my craft area just to make bows that match the outfits my girls will be wearing the next day. That's how the above bows came to be.

As I find time (in other words, when I'm not grading papers at night) I find time to applique some shirts as well.

Here is Peach's shirt and bow combo:

And Brownie's:

And Bug's:

And Boushka's:

Here they are in the shirts and bows.

I also have the fabric (with coordinating ribbon) for some of Baby Girl's future onzies (and hair bows). I'm also working on a few gifts for some dear friends/family. Since that's about all of the people who read this blog, you're probably getting something homemade from me this year. Just warning ya!

I just love that I can customize what I want and pay a cheaper price than what I'd find at a boutique. Plus, I just think it's fun!

And the teacher gifts I talked about above--they turned out cute. We made some fudge, white chocolate dipped mint oreos with sprinkles,and chocolate chip pumpkin bread (our fav)--and I didn't get any pictures before I packed them into the book bags the other day. We also found an awesome recipe for homemade potpourri here (an awesome blog, by the way). And I got a picture of it!

Here's how it looks packaged for a gift.

And here's how it looks sitting on your stove.

I just wish you could smell it!

Day 6: IWTR

Peach:

Another Charlie Brown episode was on tonight. Upon discovering this, you ran downstairs to check it out. But since it was already half over by the time you started watching it, you proceeded to ask several questions. Hmmm... I don't know where you got this from?

Brownie:

When I tucked you in and did letters on your back, I just had to giggle when you said the following: "I wite (like) it when you put the dot on my 'i' hard." You say the craziest things that catch me totally off guard. I love it!

Bug:

Your bangs are starting to look a little more like you know. They have taken me some time to get used to, but I'm still trying to get used to the unevenness that is your hair right now! I'm hoping your chop job will start to blend in more soon!

Boushka:

Little gal spent nearly the entire day asleep. I know it is much needed and we were lucky enough that you could do that today. But once you woke up, you were all over the place--nearly back to normal. I'm so happy my girl is back!!

Baby girl in my belly:

Whenever I sit down at night to grade papers, you wake up. I'm thinking you need to put yourself on a sleep schedule now, so that when you are here in my arms you'll stay on that sleep schedule.

Peach:

Every time somebody mentions presents or gifts, you always chime in and say that there is another, more true, meaning to Christmas. You then continue to explain that Jesus gave us all a gift and that we should be thankful for that. Because of this, mama has a new idea for a Christmas present this year-- and I'm actually snagging it from a friend of mine. I'm going to wrap up a baby Jesus (from a nativity set, or maybe I'll just make several since I don't have enough nativity scenes) for each of you girls and put it under the tree. We'll explain how you are receiving the greatest gift of all. Though I'm sure you'll be explaining this to all the sisters!

Brownie:

I love it when you go around the house singing Frosty the Snowman. Amazingly, you have most of the words correct--though these words are only a snippet of the whole song. It always puts a smile in my heart! You are so cheery and bright to be around--and this singing only brings this out more!

Bug:

You have been doing so well with your meals lately. You've always been in the top 2 for eaters among the kiddos, but you are really surprising me lately. Recently, you've eaten several helpings of tortilla soup, pasta with Gorgonzola cheese, chicken fried steak, sweet potatoes, green beans, salad (plain, with no dressing), and several other foods. I'm quite impressed with your tastes! I'm happy to see that you can appreciate foods other than fried_______, mac 'n cheese, chips, and sweets.

Boushka:

My poor baby, you are still ill. You slept with us again. Lucky for us all, you slept most of the night and it has been 24 hours since you were ill. And lucky for me, you cuddled so sweetly with me throughout the night. I was awakened by your sweet arm going around my neck and patting me on the back several times. And my favorite was when you woke me up by kissing me several times over and over. Ohhh, how mama loves it!

Baby girl in my belly:

Still movin' and still groovin'! So glad we haven't caught the bug that big sis (looks so weird to refer to Boushka as "big sis") suffered/is suffering through. We've had our fair share of the puke bug--I'm praying for freedom from that darn bug for the remainder of the time you reside in my belly!

Day 4:IWTR

Peach:

You truly enjoyed the light show at TBC. You sat on my lap and we watched and listened together to the sounds of the season. Thank you for the memories.

Brownie:

You had fun at Red Lobster with sissies and Grandma. You even brought your "place mat" home so you can work on numbers with Daddy. You also brought home Mac 'n Cheese and fries.

Bug:

I've recently discovered that you have to have a book with you in bed. I knew that you had one most of the time, but tonight you made it clear that you HAD to have one in bed with you!

Boushka:

Poor thing. We discovered "sick" in your bed this morning. You didn't get sick all day until bed time. It was obvious that you didn't feel well, but you went several hours without getting sick. Then all night you were uncomfortable and threw up a few more times and again after breakfast time. You were down most of the day with only a few minutes where you seemed normal. Then, all of a sudden you were happy and the light came back into your eyes. Shortly thereafter, at bed time, you got sick again. Needless to say, you are spending the night in bed with us again tonight. Poor girl :(

Baby girl in my belly:

Contractions--just a few--but they're there.