Journal #8

Out my window:

Cloudy, windy, cold.  It was almost 60 degrees yesterday and today there is a 70% chance of snow.  Go figure.
 

Clothing myself:

Jeans, sneakers, black T-shirt.  (I REALLY need at least some new t-shirts or something, my wardrobe is really dragging me down lately.)

Around the house:

My house is feeling SERIOUSLY small.  Maybe I just have house envy as a lot of my friends have much more room!  In any case, I keep trying to thin the toys and get rid of any extra furniture, but it is still cramped.  I can hardly wait until Daddy gets the garage finished so we will have a big open space to run and be crazy.
 

The Baby:

A lot is happening for her right now.  She has been crawling a little backward for a while, but now she crawls forward (so daintily, I really enjoy it - she rocks a little, wiggles a little, and then moves her arms and legs (propelling herself forward), maybe two or three times and then lunges for what she wants and rolls over with it). 

I made her some bread - basically I made Focaccia bread, but left out the Italian seasoning and topping.  I called it the "bland bread" but we have all been munching on it.  She LOVES it.  I have also been making her these teething biscuits (well, kind-of this recipe - actually I just put in wheat flour and skip the other kinds of flour - but I cook it the same) and she likes those also, along with her Cheerios.  I have been giving her tastes of other food, but she really just wants a taste and that is enough for now.

Fell asleep enjoying the bread for the first time.

Her sleep schedule got off when I was quite sick for several days.  It was getting VERY difficult to get her to bed at night.  Finally, moving her bedtime earlier and a few minutes of crying (I'm not a big fan of the "cry it out" method, but she was nursed, she had a clean diaper, she  was tired, she needed to figure it out) for all of two nights and now she goes down like a champ.  I nurse her, I put her down, lightly asleep or awake but tired and maybe a squeak or two and then she is out.  She still wakes at least a couple times in the night, but we are moving in the right direction.

 

The Kids:

They have been really enjoying each other's company lately.  The olders want to rush through schoolwork so they have more time to play.

Also, they did pretty well at Daily Mass this morning.  We try to go once a week.
 

In the Kitchen:

I am plugging along.  Made some lasagna and some chicken noodle soup.  Tonight we have poor boy steaks.  I also did up some freezer food. 

We finally broke out the mini-donut maker that I got for Christmas.  The donuts were quite yummy for being whole-wheat and only maple syrup to sweeten!

They do not look that great, but this was our first run.  They actually tasted really good.  I liked the "plain" version better than the chocolate, but I think the kids liked both the same.

Crafting:

I am still working on the scarf for my mom.  Since I missed Christmas I have lost motivation and this is really on the back-burner right now.  But I have lots of ideas for other projects, so I really need to get on it, if for no other reason than to move on to other things.
 

Learning:

It feels like we are in the "home stretch" for the year.  I am pleased with how far the children have come and it is neat to be a part of it!  I still get concerned some days that we are not "covering enough" or some such.  I might break down and have them do a test that is sent in and graded, "just to be sure."  But before I do this I need to double-check we are keeping up with the local public school curriculum by grade (which they put on their website).  I tried to get to the curriculum earlier this year, but did not have a new enough version of whatever it was in (some fancy adobe reader or what-not).  Last time I was on the website it made me install the latest version, so if I ever make it back again I think I will be good to go :)  I really "feel" like my kids are average (or above) but I do not want to be "that family" that suddenly wakes up and has all of the kids a year or more behind.
 

Reading:

I am LOVING Christopher West's  new book, Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing.  This book has REALLY made me stop and think.  An excellent read and reflection.  I even read some to Gordie and explained what I thought of it and he agreed it was some good stuff!
 

Entertainment:

We watched the last episode of Warehouse 13 and now I am so sad because this was such a great show.  I'm not sure when the next season starts - hopefully soon!  Other than Castle we are quite lost as far as entertainment.  We have watched a few episodes of Dr Who (from the first season - on Netflix) but it is a bit odd.  We were really into Battlestar Galactica before, but we are on Season 3 now and it is DEPRESSING!!  We are only have way through the season.  Supposedly it gets better, but now, it is a STRUGGLE to get through the episodes.  I think maybe we need another hobby besides watching tv. . . suggestions?
 

Bringing me joy:

New glasses!! 

These do not have front nose pads - the first day I got a headache as they were quite heavy, compared to my last pair - but now I am REALLY liking them as they are AMAZINGLY comfortable and practically impossible to get out of adjustment from being bumped.

*Snuggling with the kids to read books to them or have them read to me.

 

*Ice skating for my niece's birthday.  I LOVE ice skating.  If only it were closer.

 

*Visiting some long-distance friends.
 

Thinking about:

How much I love my husband, how grateful I am for our marriage, and how this all fits into/reveals God's amazing plan for us and the world in general.

Bible verses:

Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap.  For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth.  (Luke 21:34-35)
 

Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
 
Pictures to share:

 

Do you have a light?

Well, fortunately my patience knows no end.  I had THIS ENTIRE POST basically typed.  Was going to spell-check and call it good, when Miriam reached out her little paw (while nursing I might add) to tap the touch-pad.  She highlighted the whole post (easy to do as my touch-pad has a bit of an electric build-up right now) and before I knew it, I had typed over my past half hour of typing and linking.  Now, I am beginning again. . . thanks dear daughter. . .

I have often thought that the key to successful nursing is good lighting.  One of the main drawbacks to nursing (in my opinion) is feeling trapped or bored while nursing.  There is only so much baby contemplating to be done and then, you still love the child and all, but how long can I sit in this chair and stare at the wall?  So reading or knitting while nursing helps me stay calm and allows the baby to nurse as long as he or she desires - especially in the evenings or at night (assuming I do not bring baby back to my bed and that topic is another post in itself).

In order to feel really comfortable reading or knitting with baby I need good lighting.  Lighting that is bright enough to partake in these activities (both of which are bit light-intensive) but not so bright as to keep baby awake and staring at me.  In the perfect world (where money was not an option) I imagine I would have this "perfect lighting" installed in every room and could easily find it with the click of a nearby switch.  In my world, I have taken to trying several different lighting devices.  Here are my reviews so far.

1) The basic desk lamp.

My desk lamp does not look quite like that one linked above, but it is similar.  You get the idea.

Pros:
-Easy to turn on.
-Plugs in so no batteries to change.
-Easy to find (always in same place)

Cons:
-A bit too bright.
-Does not travel from room to room easily.
-Must be situated near plug-in.

2) The basic flashlight.

I did not buy the flashlight linked, but whatever flashlight was on sale at Home Depot, or possibly Wal-mart (cannot remember where now).  But I imagine any basic flashlight would be similar.

Pros:
-Easy to turn on.
-Moves easily from room to room.

Cons:
-Can be awkward to hold while reading or knitting.
-Frequently needs new batteries.
-Can be misplaced fairly easily.

3) The basic taplight.

I did not actually buy the taplight linked above.  I bought the "value" taplight that Wal-mart had  on sale.  But I imagine they would perform similarly.

Pros:
-Easy to turn on.
-Moves easily from room to room.

Cons:
-Too bright to use without rag over top, or smothered in blanket (probably not a good suggestion for fire safety).
-Breaks easily.

4) This fancy kid nightlight.

I saw this in one of those silly parenting magazines (that I no longer look at and put directly into recycling when they come) and it had good reviews, so when it showed up at our local Wal-mart, I immediately bought four of them.  Waste of money.  I tried to send them to bed with the kids with the timer on, but the kids found the buttons and shut the timer off and left the light just "on" so it was on all night (think lots of batteries wasted).  None of them lasted more than a week due to their inability to survive impact (being dropped).

Pros:
-Does not get hot.
-Not too bright.
-Has timer.
-Travels easy from room to room.

Cons:
-Buttons on bottom often difficult to find (except by children you wish would not find them).
-Not quite bright enough to read or knit.
-Easily broken (dropped once and it is done).

5) This lantern.

This is a LANTERN, not meant to be a little light.  I know.  It was an impulse buy at Christmas (almost a gift for someone else).  It works well as a lantern.

Pros:
-Easy to turn on.
-Travels easily from room to room.

Cons:
-A bit too bright on brightest setting and dimmer setting too dim to read or knit.

6) These mini-flashlights.

I originally bought these for my kiddos and my nieces and nephews, thinking to save a few for myself, but when the package arrived, I horded them all.  Terrible, I know.

Pros:
-Small, easy to hold while reading or knitting, easy to slip in pocket.
-Travel easily from room to room.

Cons:
-Cheap little lights (some broken upon receiving)
-Some can be temperamental (difficult to turn on - as said above, cheap little lights)
-Only the white ones are bright enough to read or knit by.
-Easy to lose or not find in the middle of the night.

There you have it.  As of now I am currently using either a mini-flashlight or my regular flashlight to read or knit.  Sometimes I just sit in the dark and think or pray, but the second I PLAN to do that, it becomes exceedingly dull.  I look forward to any thoughts or suggestions you or your neighbor or anyone else might have!!

Let there be light!!  (Genesis 1:3)

Sick again. . . Inside Mary's mind

I am not feeling well today.  As I was laying here, not enduring my discomfort very well, I first came to the conclusion that this MUST be the fault of my doctor.  Her diagnoses are simply too painful (pregnancy/childbirth, infections, the flu) so I simply need to find another doctor that will diagnose me with less painful things like. . . a small scratch or mild bump on the head.  I really think I could handle those better.  Any doctor recommendations for me?

My second thought as I lie here, composing the "letting go" e-mail to my doctor in my head, I realized that what I really needed was simply for Gordie to take me out back and "put me down."  Unfortunately, before I got far down that train of thinking, I realized that he simply does not make enough money to properly replace me - not with the schooling of the olders, the "daycare" for the youngers, and of course the lactating for the baby, not to mention the cooking and the cleaning and keeping of the finances and such.  He would need to make about as much as the president and I do not see him taking that job anytime soon. . .

Thus, I am apparently stuck with my plight.  Prayers for me (and so none of the other kiddos get sick) can be left with Jesus and Mary and Joseph and any other saint that comes to mind - heck, any other deity would be fine - I am not picky at this point!!!

Thanks for listening to my ramblings.  I do hope they made you laugh - I think they may do so for me. . . one day when laughing does not cause coughing - ouch!  If you are nearby friend, please avoid my house for a bit as I REALLY do not wish this on anyone!

Fear not I will keep you posted as things improve. .  possibly even if they do not! (consider yourself warned!!)

Sincerely,
Mary Elizabeth
(Romans 5:5)

Journal #7

Outside my window:

Sunny.  Probably upper 40s.  Rather warm for January 8, but I'm not complaining.

 

Clothing myself:

Franciscan University Lady Barons Hoodie. . . ahhh, I miss playing college basketball!!!  Jeans, wool socks, t-shirt underneath.

Around the house:

I moved Rebekah's desk back up to the study (where it originally parked when we got it from my Mom) after its brief visit to her bedroom downstairs.  "The Study" is now living its name as most of our "studying" is done there.  It also houses a lot of more educational toys and games.  It is very nice to be able to spread out and put one child at the kitchen table and another in the study.
 

The Baby:

When visiting Gordie's parents this weekend, they watched the baby (and all the kids) for us so we could have an evening and night without them.  That was nice, but my suspicions that our baby does not sleep well were confirmed. 

 

Side note: I always get up with the baby, but normally I barely let myself out of my sleepy stupor - not even to look at the clock (that would require finding glasses - time wasted I figure) - I simply get the baby and nurse her while falling back asleep.

 

Apparently the baby woke up every two hours while we were gone.  The first time she was INSULTED that she should be offered a bottle.  The second time she took it as though she had been bottle-fed all along.  (I knew she could do it.)  But Gordie's folks were none too excited about her frequent waking.  In her defense she had a little cough and snotty nose, plus her first tooth just broke that morning.

 

In other news, she has been saying "Ma, ma, ma" and referring to me.  She does the same for Gordie: "Da, da, da," with real purpose.  With the other kids I remember them saying the word Mom or Dad (or just Ma or Da) long before using the words to address us.  Miriam DEFINITELY is talking to us in particular - not just babbling these (although she does babble, too, I will note, but this is different).  And she has been doing this for about three weeks now.  I am most impressed!
 

The Kids:

While visiting Gordie's family we went to Mass at his hometown parish.  They were saying the Rosary when we came into the church.  Samuel and Rebekah both joined right in without being asked or prompted in any way.  Gordie was floored.  We do not usually pray the rosary before Mass at our regular church because we do not get there soon enough -hah.

I took Paul to the dentist today and he did great.  He is simply cuteness incarnate right now.  He comments on EVERYTHING and is so adorable about it!  He had his hygienist smiling from ear to ear.
 

In the Kitchen:

I am quite thankful for Christmas and I realize it is a time for celebrating, but I am sooooo ready for the all the sweets and treats to move on OUT of my kitchen. (and then perhaps for the extra 10lbs they put on my body to move off as well - grrr, I was doing so well before, too!!)  I'm back to basics again - sticking with what works.  I have taken to making my own bread (well, making the dough in the breadmaker and then baking it in the oven) and I prefer it hands down over anything store-bought.  And bread is a big deal to me as toast for breakfast is my favorite. I think I've eaten it every day for the past year at least (pending I was not sick - I probably skipped it on those days).

I'm still hoping to get Gordie more involved in the cooking.  It is difficult as he often gets off late (because he likes his job - not because he has to stay extra to make them happy), but Gordie is SUCH a GOOD cook, it seems shameful to not have him using his talent.  I think perhaps he needs more nagging more encouragement.
 

Crafting:

I am working on a scarf for my mom.  Yes, it was supposed to be for Christmas.  I am on the 5th repeat (of 18. . . /sigh).  On the bright side, I really enjoy it and am impressing myself being able to do the fancy cable pattern.
 

Learning:

I made up a graph of all the work I want each child to cover for the rest of the year.  I figure each time they complete a lesson (or page - or whatever I think constitutes a "chunk"), they color that box in on the graph.  I am a visual person, so this makes me happy and I hope it motivates them to "press on!"

 

 

 

 We just started "school" again today.  Rebekah is eagerly jumping into everything.  Samuel is grumbling and wanting to play with his toys.  Hopefully we can get "rolling" on a regular schedule this week so next week will be smoother.
 

Reading:

Christopher West just put out his new book, Fill These Hearts: God, Sex, and the Universal Longing, today.  I got it on Kindle and hope to give it a look or two if I can find time - perhaps while nursing the baby tonight.  I know, what a waste to buy a NEW book when I have five million VERY GOOD books on my shelf to read, but I like Chris West A LOT so I consider it a donation to a very good cause and even though this book probably says the same thing he says in his commentary on JP II's Theology of the Body (which I am also in the process of reading -haha) this book is shorter and perhaps he says it a different way.  And why do I feel I need to justify this purchase to  you anyhow?  :)
 

Entertainment:

Still on Warehouse 13.  It has gotten more action packed but remains humorous at some points and of course the characters interact well.  We tried watching some Eureka, but neither Gordie or I are much impressed with the half a dozen-or so  episodes we have seen so far.  I stumbled onto Downton Abbey on Amazon prime and found it mild but intriguing.  I survived the first season (usually putting it on while I fold clothes or when the hubby plays games).  Apparently the most recent season is even better as many of my friends are talking about it on facebook.  We shall see if I make it that far.
 

Bringing me joy:

*Snuggling the baby.

 

*Samuel telling me he would rather do school at home with me than go to the building.  (And yes, I told him I really wanted to know which he preferred - not that I would send him off to school purely on his opinion to go, but I do care what he thinks and am glad to know he would rather be home studying with the rest of us.)

*Walking my children to and from daily Mass. (Don't ask me why but this makes me so happy.  And they were pretty good today!!  Up until I had to drag Paul back to the pew after communion. /sigh)
 

Thinking about:

How I have trouble remembering what I was thinking about.  Seriously, does anyone else have this problem?  I will think a thought and not quite finish it, but suddenly it will be GONE.  Am I going crazy or just getting old?

Bible verses:

So you also, when you have done all that you were ordered to do say, "We are worthless slaves; we have done only what we ought to have done!"  (Luke 17:10)

 

Those who try to make their life secure will lose it, but those who lose their life will keep it.  (Luke 17:35)
 

Pictures to share:

The kids all loved the Away in the Manger cookies we finally got around to making. . . on the 10th day of Christmas maybe? 

Samuel

 

Paul and Rebekah

We had some "dress-up" fun at our New Years' Day lunch.

 

Exercise Part 1 - General Overview

Exercise has been on my mind for a while now.  We recently rearranged my exercise room and I really wanted to share the pictures with the world.  I really want to encourage everyone to take time to exercise!!

The problem is that I cannot seem to get my thoughts in a good coherent order.  I have random-encouragement type of thoughts and then they drift into I-LOVE-CATHE-WORK-OUT-VIDEOS type of thoughts, and then back into reflective thoughts about my past work-out experiences and how I have changed and grown and what I have learned.  I guess I really have a lot to say about it, which is odd since I am really not all that old.

But before I get too much further, here is the lovely picture of my rearranged work-out space!!  It probably looks silly to you, but it makes me very happy.



Unfortunately I am TERRIBLE at before pictures.  I only think to take pictures after.  In any case, I post this to encourage others.  A lot of space is NICE, but not required.  This little corner of our utility room works quite well for me.  Note the computer and tv - I often put a DVD work-out video on the little tv and then stream a show or watch something else on the computer.  This way it is not so boring if I am doing a work-out I am fairly familiar with.  I think I get a better work-out when I do not do this, but if this is what I need to do to get it done, than I figure anything is better than nothing!

Moving on. . . here are some RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT EXERCISE in the order I thought of them. . .

1) Did you know exercise releases happy hormones in your brain? (as does cleaning - another of my favorite activities)

2) Without regular exercise I seriously go a little crazy!  (I notice I lack patience, have more aches and pains, and often have trouble focusing on what I need to do.)

3) Exercise does not have to be intimidating.  Start at your level and just keep building.  If you miss a day, try again the next.  If you need a break, take it.  But keep coming back.  It is worth it!

4) Exercise does not have to be done in a gym.  You can do A LOT of exercise in your own home with little or no equipment!!

5) Exercise can be FUN!!  It might not be at first.  It might not ALWAYS be.  But it CAN BE, so keep that in mind.  Attitude is everything.  (As my dear Cathe says.)

6) My personal preference for exercise is videos done by Cathe Friedrich.  Ninety-nine percent of the exercise videos I own are by her (in other words, I have one video by Leslie Sansone and one that I purchased by Jari Love, but was so disappointed in it that I promptly got rid of it and have been a faithful "Cathlete" ever since). 

Side note: I have purchased a few of Cathe's DVDs and been disappointed.  Not every video is for everyone.  And perhaps.  . . maybe. . . not every Cathe video is absolutely amazing (as you would expect from a  work-out goddess like Cathe :) so be sure to read reviews and such to get what you expect and think will work for you.

7) I do plan to review some of my favorite Cathe videos at some point soon and post about it here.  (I'm sure you are anxiously awaiting that :)  I also got her new set of videos (XTRAIN) for my birthday (that I ordered for myself, of course) and so far I am LOVING those.

Another kind-of side note: I have a lot of "runner" friends.  My favorite form of exercise will probably always be long-distance running.  There is NOTHING like the "runners' high."  Running is great for prayer, reflection, contemplation, and relaxation (well, mental relaxation anyhow).  Unfortunately I do not find myself able to run much for many reasons: my body cannot take the pounding much anymore (hard on feet, knees, back), we do not have great trails or any such to run on nearby, and it is difficult to schedule time for this with a large family and young baby.  But perhaps one day I will be one of those "silver-sneakers" ladies that you see out and about. Hey, my 90-year-old Grandma still walks four rounds at the Mall every morning!!

So the moral of the story?  Get your daily exercise!  You will be so glad you did.